As Sam Belladonna, Kali Belladonna, and Blake Belladonna lead the Faunus militia toward Haven Academy, Sienna moves up to Sam's head.
Sienna: Hey Sam?
Sam's eye turned to Sienna as he kept his focus on the road.
Sam: What is it, Sienna?
Sienna: Do you- (sighs) Do you think that I failed as a leader?
Sam: Where is this coming from?
Sienna: Adam committed so many horrible acts, and I could not see what I allowed to fester within him. I lost the throne because I wasn't worthy to lead the White Fang.
Sam nudged his head to Sienna.
Sam: Sienna, do you know why I had you take over in the first place?
Sienna looked at Sam with a sense of uncertainty.
Sam: It is because you are strong in both combat and inspiration. While I may not agree with some of your methods from before, but you are here now and you are willing to help save Haven so it doesn't become another Beacon.
Sienna: If I knew that Adam was going to attack Beacon, I wish I could have tried harder to stop it.
Sam: So do all that live to see such times, but that isn't for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world besides the will of evil. You were meant to lead the White Fang, in which case you were also meant to learn from your mistakes. And that is an encouraging thought.
Sienna looked back at the Faunus who looked scared but they were ready for what was to come next. She then began to take what Sam said to mind as she understood what her leadership had caused the Faunus. She also now understood how she could make amends and maybe try to find a better path for the Faunus and Humans.
Haven
As the three members of team RWBY enter Haven Academy, Hazel Reinart and Adam Taurus appear with White Fang soldiers that had backpacks with them.
Adam: (to Hazel) Go do what you and your people need to do. We'll set the charges.
Hazel nods and heads for the Academy.
Adam: Set the charges.
Moments later, the White Fang soldiers are seen setting the charges all throughout the CCT Tower.
Adam: Once the charges are set, move back to perimeter watch. Tonight, Haven falls.
Adam: (thoughts) How did it come to this? Why am I still going too far? What would Blake think of me?... Who am I kidding? You know exactly what she'd think of you.
After setting the charges, the White Fang gathered next to Adam as they waited for Hazel and his people but were suddenly shocked to see Hazel himself burst through the building he entered and crashed onto the ground.
White Fang Soldier: What's going on in there?
Hazel: None of your concern.
Adam and his followers stare in amazement as they watch Hazel get back up. He then takes out a pair of red Dust crystals and stabs them into his arms. He lets out another roar as Ruby watches from inside the building. She then looks back to her friends and allies, all of them looking tired and worn out from the battle they've endured.
Adam: (thoughts) Seems that Hazel is having trouble with the students. Gotta stay focused. (out loud) Stay focused! Our friends are almost done here. Has anyone heard from the rear guard?
White Fang Soldier: Nothing yet.
Adam: Go see to them. Find out what's-
Blake: Adam!
Adam and the other White Fang members look up to see Blake Belladonna standing on a roof, looking down at them.
Adam: (thoughts) She's here. (out loud) Blake?
Blake: It's over, Adam. It's time to put an end to this.
Adam: You should know better, Blake. It isn't over until our people are avenged. But, if you want (grips his sword and starts to unsheathe it), you and I could end this.
Blake: I'm not here to fight you, Adam.
Adam: Then why are you-
Blake: I'm here to stop you, and to take back my people.
Adam: (laughs) Oh, you are? That's some big talk coming from you.
Blake jumps down from the roof and lands a few feet away from Adam.
Adam: Big talk from someone who runs when things get tough.
Blake: I'm done running. We are done running.
The sound of large, rapid footsteps can be heard as Sam bursts through the forest in his eight-foot-tall Godzilla Hybrid form and growls. Other members appear from the forest and surround the White Fang. Adam looks to see Sienna leading the Faunus militia.
Blake: As I said, it's over, Adam.
White Fang Soldier: L-Lindsy?
Lindsy: Please, stop this.
Blake: The humans did hurt us. They did hurt us and those who didn't just stood by and watched, but not all of them. Not all of them caused us pain or stood by. But we were willing to hurt them. Even the ones who were innocent. No more.
Adam: Indeed, no more. Whether they knew it or not, they have to pay. This isn't something that we can just turn a blind eye to. Not after everything they have done. The ones they have killed.
Blake: And what will killing them back do but make them hate us more. With us killing them, we prove that we are just as bad as they are. There is always another-
Adam: NO! No, we can't. You and your family were always soft and because of you, many more continue to suffer. All the while when we could have put an end to it.
Sam reverts to his human form and stands in between Blake and Adam. Sam then extends his arms to his sides and has a stern look.
Sam: If you really think that all humans should die, Adam, then start with me.
Adam hesitated, his memories flashing back to a time when Sam was the only human who had shown him kindness, who had offered him guidance and friendship within the White Fang. Sam had been his mentor, his confidant, and his protector.
Blake watched the tension between the two men with a mixture of hope and trepidation. She knew her father's history with Adam, and she hoped that it could somehow still make a difference.
The courtyard fell silent, the other students and onlookers recognizing the gravity of the moment. Adam clenched his fists, his mask hiding the turmoil in his eyes. He had been consumed by anger and hatred, but Sam's unexpected gesture stirred something deep within him—a glimmer of doubt, a fleeting memory of a time when he had not been completely consumed by darkness.
Adam: Sam, I... I can't.
Sam nodded solemnly, his arms still outstretched, a symbol of his unwavering belief in redemption.
Sam: Then there's still hope for you, Adam. Hatred will only destroy you in the end. Remember who you were and who you can be.
With those words, Sam slowly lowered his arms, and Blake stepped back beside him. The tension in the courtyard began to ease, and the White Fang soldiers exchanged whispers and glances, sensing a moment of profound significance.
Adam, torn between his past and his present, turned and walked away, disappearing into the forest. As the Mistral police arrive, Hazel is suddenly impaled by a white, glowing stinger. He is then pulled back inside the building and sits up to see that Weiss is back on her feet with a summoned Queen Lancer flying above her. As she prepares to fight again, she gasps as she notices someone entering the building. Yang and Ruby look back as well and gasp when they see Blake, her eyes widening as she sees all of her teammates in the same place.
Blake: Yang?
Yang stares back at her in disbelief, before her sister snaps her out of her trance.
Ruby: Yang! Go! (pointing in the direction of the vault entrance)
Yang runs forward. Emerald and Mercury try to stop her.
Emerald: No!
Emerald tries to stop Yang, but fails to and falls to the ground. Mercury grabs her prosthetic arm. Yang's eyes briefly turn red before turning back to normal. She detaches her arm and continues forward, causing Mercury to lose his balance for a bit. She jumps down the hole leading to the vault. Emerald and Mercury attempt to give chase, but they are stopped by an ice wall that suddenly appears in front of them. They turn around and see Weiss with her Queen Lancer summon as she prepares to fight the both of them. Jaune watches from his position and smiles. Ruby then turns back around to look at Blake, and both nod at each other as the cat Faunus goes back outside.
Blake looks to see that the remaining White Fang members have surrendered and runs to her father.
Blake: Everything okay here?
Sam: Considering how easily they laid down their arms after Adam walked away, I'd say that everything is under control.
Sam's attention is then drawn to Haven's Great Hall where he sees Blake's old friends and allies fighting off their enemies.
Sam: I think there are a few people who could use your help.
Blake: Wanna come with?
Sam: Why not? I've been waiting to meet your friends.
Sam and Blake nod as they head over to the Great Hall. Back inside the Great Hall, Hazel Rainart launches fireballs from his fists with his fire-Dust enhanced arms at Weiss Schnee's summoned Queen Lancer. The Lancer dodges out of the way of the blasts as Weiss fires at Hazel with her Glyphs. Meanwhile, the remaining members of Team JNPR defend themselves from Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai's shots.
Jaune: (moving over to block some gunfire) You guys okay?
Lie Ren coughs while Nora Valkyrie groans in exhaustion.
Ren: Surviving...
Nora: I don't know how that big guy is still standing. He recharges his Aura faster than I've ever seen!
Oscar Pine watches Qrow Branwen fly in with his bird form, before transforming back into his usual self.
Qrow: (grunting in pain) He's sheer willpower.
A blast lands near Oscar who quickly takes cover behind a nearby column.
Ozpin: We just need to get him to his limit!
The Queen Lancer summon is then shown firing projectiles at Leonardo Lionheart, who defends himself with Stalwart. He then knocks the summon away with a flame torrent coming from his weapon. Hazel uses the opportunity to launch a combined fire and lightning attack which causes the Lancer summon to dissipate. Weiss stares in shock as her summon disappears. Suddenly, Blake jumps in and kicks Hazel to the ground before jumping next to Weiss and Ruby Rose.
Ruby caught sight of Blake first, her silver eyes lighting up with joy.
Ruby: Blake! You're here!
Weiss nodded in agreement.
Weiss: We missed you, Blake!
Blake's heart soared as she reunited with Ruby and Weiss.
Blake: I missed you both too, but there's someone else I'd like you to meet.
As the battle raged on, Blake's words were cut short as a loud thud resonated through the hall. Sam had landed in front of the trio. His steely demeanor was a testament to his formidable strength.
Sam turned to face Ruby and Weiss, his eyes filled with respect.
Sam: It's a pleasure to finally meet Blake's friends. We have a common enemy tonight, and I'm grateful to have you by my daughter's side.
Ruby and Weiss exchanged surprised glances but nodded in acknowledgment. In this moment of crisis, alliances were forged, and the strength of their bond would be tested against formidable foes.
With renewed determination, Blake, Ruby, Weiss, and Sam readied themselves for battle. Across the Great Hall, Hazel, Lionheart, Emerald, and Mercury advanced, their eyes fixed on their prey.
Blake draws Gambol Shroud, while Ruby holds up Crescent Rose.
Weiss: Alright. (holding Myrtenaster defensively) Well, what's the plan, Ruby?
Ruby nods as Lionheart tries to aim Stalwart from his perch, but Ruby shoots at his shoulder. His Aura flickers before Lionheart runs out of the room through the doors behind him in fear.
Sam: Well, that one down.
Mercury: (watching Lionheart run away) You've gotta be kidding me...
Hazel lets out a fearsome roar, while Emerald and Mercury silently watch him. Sam lets out a powerful battle cry back at Hazel as he charges at him. Ruby calls out their team attack.
Ruby: Checkmate!
Blake and Weiss run forward, followed closely behind by their leader as Sam charges at Hazel.
The Great Hall of Haven Academy was transformed into a chaotic battleground. Sam Belladonna faced off against Hazel Reinhart, a hulking figure with immense strength and a fearless demeanor. Their battle was a clash of titans, the air crackling with tension.
Sam engaged Hazel in a ferocious duel. Each strike was met with a counterstrike, the two warriors displaying remarkable agility and precision. The combatants seemed evenly matched, their fists clashing with a deafening resonance.
Sam: You should know, Hazel, is this this what your sister would've done?
Hazel: What the hell do you know about my sister?
Sam: I know more than what you could ever imagine.
Meanwhile, Blake, Ruby, and Weiss fought together against the agile duo of Emerald and Mercury. Blake's agile movements and shadow clones, Ruby's scythe-sword swings, and Weiss's precise glyphs created a deadly dance that kept their opponents on their toes.
Emerald attempted to use her illusions to disorient the heroes, but Ruby's silver eyes pierced through the deceit, and Weiss's glyphs provided a barrier against the illusions. They fought with determination, their teamwork allowing them to gain the upper hand.
Back in the center of the Great Hall, Sam and Hazel's battle raged on. Sam's experience and skill were apparent as he expertly parried Hazel's powerful blows.
Sam: And here I thought you would be a challenge.
Hazel: Your confidence will be your downfall.
Sam: If you say so, Darth Vader.
Hazel: Wait, what?
Suddenly, Sam's eyes glow red as he delivers a powerful headbutt at Hazel.
Hazel staggered backward, surprised by the strength and agility of his opponent. Before he could recover, Sam seized the opportunity, launching a powerful kick that sent Hazel crashing to the ground. The impact sent shockwaves through the hall, and Hazel lay defeated.
Hazel: Impossible.
At the same moment, Ruby and Weiss coordinated their efforts. Ruby used her semblance to close the distance in an instant, while Weiss summoned a barrage of ice shards that immobilized Emerald and Mercury. The two villains fell to the ground, defeated and unable to continue the fight.
The Great Hall fell into an eerie silence as the battle came to an abrupt halt. Sam stood over Hazel, the victor, while Blake, Ruby, and Weiss surrounded the fallen Emerald and Mercury. Victory belonged to the heroes, and they shared a moment of respite, knowing that they had successfully defended Haven Academy against Salem's minions.
Ruby: That's enough! Just give up.
Mercury snarls and yells in frustration, slamming his fist into the ground.
Emerald: It's not over! Cinder will come back, she'll have the Relic, and she'll stop all of you! She won't let us down.
The platform leading to the vault is heard coming back up. Everyone stares as Yang comes back up with the Relic of Knowledge in her hand. Emerald looks in surprise as Cinder didn't come back up. All of Yang's friends look up to her and smile.
Ruby: Yang...
Hazel gets up while tears stream from Emerald's eyes. Yang smiles back down to her friends and shares a brief glance with Blake, who looks down for a bit before looking back up to her. Emerald falls to her knees and begins to sob. Mercury and Hazel slowly back away.
Mercury: Emerald, get up, we need to go.
Emerald shakes her head and remains stationary.
Mercury: Emerald!
Emerald looks around as her breathing gets frantic. She holds her head and lets out a loud scream, activating her Semblance. Suddenly, the room turns dark as black smoke rises from the ground nearby. From it, a giant effigy of Salem, limbs bent and deformed, towers above everyone in the room. The giant Salem opens her eyes, and lets out an ear-piercing scream as it swoops down over everyone. The screen goes black for a moment. Afterwards, everything returns to normal, Ruby shakes in fear as she comes to terms with what she had just witnessed. Everyone in the room is still present, with the exception of Emerald, Mercury and Hazel, who have disappeared.
Blake: Wha- what was that?
Ozpin: An illusion. But an accurate one. That... was Salem.
Blake sighs in relief now that the battle is over, before she hears the sounds of Kali, Sienna,and Sun run into the great hall. The Belladonnas share a hug together while Sun looks on.
Kali: The police rounded up the remaining White Fang members. Haven is safe.
Sam: And Adam?
Sienna: We couldn't find him.
They all look down.
Ilia: It's okay. (walking into the building) Because of you, Sam, he might find a new path for himself. But with everything else, the White Fang will be left divided.
Sam: If only I was a better leader, none of this would have happened.
Kali: Then maybe they can have a new leader.
Sam nods in acknowledgment. Sun peeks behind Sam and notices his old friends from Beacon, waving to them. He then wraps his tail around Blake to turn her around and have her see her old friends too. She slowly walks towards them nervously while Sun and her parents smile.
Sam: Nice one, kid.
Sun turns to Sam and gives him a thumbs-up.
Suddenly, Ruby groans and falls to her knees. Weiss catches her.
Weiss: Are you okay?
Ruby: (sighing) I feel like I should be asking you guys.
They both look up to see Blake approaching them. Yang walks over and drops to her sister's side.
Ruby: So Blake, what're you doing here?
Blake: I... I was gonna ask you three the same thing.
Ruby, Weiss, and Yang share glances with each other.
Ruby: That's... a looooong story.
Blake: Well... I'm not going anywhere.
Ruby: That's all that matters. (giggling) That we're all here together. Right?
Ruby looks to Yang as she says that. Blake briefly looks away with a sorrowful expression on her face. Yang looks up at her and smiles.
Yang: Yeah.
Blake looks back over to them and smiles. Weiss offers a hand out to her, and the cat Faunus eagerly joins in to Team RWBY's first group hug after a long time of being apart. The four girls embrace each other while their friends look on smiling. Qrow, still holding the Relic, then approaches a panting Oscar, who is kneeling on the ground.
Qrow: I don't know how, but we did it, Oz. You okay?
Oscar: I'm alright.
Qrow: Kid?
Oscar: He's resting. Too much energy fighting.
Qrow: Hey, don't strain yourself!
Oscar: No! He had... a message... (taking a few more pants) We must... get the Lamp to... Atlas.
Oscar groans and falls, but Qrow catches him. He lays the exhausted farm boy on the ground and looks over as Team RWBY finishes their embrace. Qrow then stands back up and looks to the Relic he holds in his hand. The lamp is seen glowing brightly as the indistinct whispers are heard again. Qrow sighs as Sam approaches him.
Qrow: I can't thank you all enough for coming to help us.
Sam: Just glad to see that I wasn't too late.
Sam looks at the Relic and breathes out of his nose.
Sam: Qrow Branwen, my wife, and I would like to have a word with you and Ozpin.
Qrow: Sure, let's meet up and... Wait, you know about Ozpin?
Sam: I know a lot, and trust me when I tell you that you all will be better off in the future when my wife and I travel with you.
Qrow looks surprised as the screen cuts to black.