Four Hearts of One Journey:Beginnings

by Owriush

It's been quite a few months since team RWBY was formed and for this team. They have become well known for overcoming the impossible, but will they be able to overcome their newest challenge ahead. Join Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna and Yang Xiao Long along with many new allies. As they become the chosen Keyblade wielders to fight off a growing darkness.

8. Chapter 8

What's up readers!

Alright got this chapter done, fixed up at least with most of the grammar I believe and added in a few new pieces of dialogue to replace the old versions. Not much can be said since other then this world will introduce at least one feature I'm having occur in some of these worlds . That said for those who read this chapter on my previous version of this story. It will for the most part be the same-ish aside from changes in the dialogue and some interactions considering the new lore introduced in this version of the story.

Other then that I just picked this movie because it's underrated if you asked me. That said I can't remember if I said this before but some of these worlds after this one really seem like they wouldn't work in the stories context. ETC. But I've been known at least from what friends of mine have claimed. That I tend to have an odd knack for making things that shouldn't work, work. Personally I don't know about that honestly. But I appreciate the words.

Anyways enjoy this chapter and I can't wait to show the rest to come!

I do not in any way own the legal property rights to RWBY and all other franchise included within this story. RWBY in spirit will always belong to Rooter Teeth and Monty Oum. Whatever future a waits for the series we'll just have to wait and see more on. Kingdom Hearts belongs to Disney/ Square Enix. All other franchise belongs to respective companies.

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[The ocean is a place of unknowns, a place where those who dare venture will find treasures beyond their wildest imagination...]

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Four Hearts of One Journey Beginnings

Ch.7

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The Lost Empire… [Section.1]

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Images, so many images and none made sense…

It was the sight of a beautiful city that stretched and stretched for miles. Lush green grass, trees and interestingly designs homes littered the land itself. Oddly it seemed very utopian.

The appearance of the natives who called this land home all wore colorful and varying clothing. All of them too sharing the same light-brown skin tone and white hair; though their eye color differed like their colorful clothing too.

But what was most eye-catching was the sight of the advanced technology. What was used to grow the crops, used to light the land at night and the flying fish shaped vehicles along with so many other wonderments. It was again truly like a utopian paradise.

Though those pretty, wonderous images changed in a flash. With the sight of a large blue explosion suddenly far upon the ocean that surrounded this land. Those flying vehicles darting back to the city as a large wave of ocean water began to engulf the land behind.

The sounds of bells echoing, people running and screaming in fear. Then all of sudden once again, a bright light shinned from the sky. Before the light became brighter and brighter. Until it was nothing but a blinding white. Though the sounds of the ocean washing over something still echoed and then finally silence.

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In the waking world, Ruby eyes suddenly opened as she slowly sat back up in her bed. Rubbing her eyes as she was in her pajamas that had been synthetically made by a feature in the ship that could with the right resources make nearly anything from it. She and the girls at least making their pajamas from back home to test it out and they were an exact match aside being bran spanking new. Still Ruby took a moment or so to fully wake up as that dream of that land was… odd to her. It seemed so real.

But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard her wife waking up next to her. Looking to her left she saw Weiss yawn a bit as she sat up for a moment. Before just falling back down on the bed as she seemed still pretty tried. Ruby chuckled some at how cute her wife was in the morning.

"Hehe. Stay in bed love. I'll just be in the shower." Ruby whispered as she leaned in and kissed Weiss on the cheek as the snow white girl grumbled a 'Love you too…' as she pulled the sheets over her body

After that Ruby got up and entered the bathroom. Brushing her teeth, using the ahem bathroom itself and then taking a shower. Though as she was inside the shower enjoying the warm water against her skin. That and wishing Weiss was in her with her. Couldn't help but think back on that odd dream she had. She never told anyone this but when she and the girls had that shared dreamed a year ago by this point. She actually at least her knowledge continued to have very odd dreams of worlds that seemed so… out there.

They never were long or too details but each one she had when it did come showed worlds that she now wondered if she and the team would visit. It could be a possibility considering their situation and maybe it could also be thanks to the keyblades. Who, Ruby knew she certainly didn't.

Still those thoughts aside she finished up cleaning and drying herself off as she then dressed into her usual attire that was now thankfully clean as a whistle as they used the ships washing machine. Before it was delivered to them the last the night before. So as she was fully dry, clean, dressed and ready for the day. Ruby then made her way out as she saw Weiss now sitting in bed watching some of the odd commercials that played. This one being about some product they had in stock called Sugar Bombs.

"Hello Weissy. Awake now?" Ruby asked as she gave Weiss a kiss on the cheek as she chuckled

"Hehe. Yes I am now, and you smell very nice. Glad we were able to make that sweet strawberry shampoo you like." Weiss mused as she herself really liked Ruby smelling like strawberries "Anyways have a good night sleep. Can't say we didn't need it."

"Yeah can't argue with that and we were dead asleep once we laid on the bed. Anyways I'm actually pretty excited for today. First world jump and our first duties as Keyblade wielders!" Ruby exclaimed with some nervousness and yet pride "Anyways I'm just gonna wait here till you're good and ready, okay?"

"Okay. Just don't back asleep okay dear?" Weiss teased as Ruby nodded back and gave Weiss a kiss on the lips. One Weiss returned happily before she got up, got her clothing and made her way over unto the bathroom

Once the door closed Ruby decided to just watch whatever was playing. After a few odder and even a bit dark if not ironically happy commercials played. Especially the dubbed 'Vault' and violent movie commercials. She finally heard the door open. Looking back she saw Weiss coming out and gave her a smile waiting by the door to their room. Ruby turned the tv off and with that the couple made their way out for some breakfast.

As the two walked down past a few of the other rooms yet explored. Talking and just enjoying each other's company. They finally made it to the main living area of the ship. Seeing that everyone else was already awake and already eating breakfast. Blake and Yang sitting next to each other. Blake eating a bit of fruit and Yang having Bacon along with waffles. Both having a glass of orange juice too.

Next to Blake was Guin who was eating just a few apples and just a glass of water. How he ate through his mask was anyone's guess. Meanwhile next to Yang was Dante who had a bowl of oatmeal, some water and a pear. Across from them was Donald and Goofy who both wear eating something called Fancy Lad Snack cakes, with cups of coffee. Ikail next to Donald meanwhile was eating… something they assumed was from her world and had what looked like a glass of blue colored milk. As Ruby and Weiss saw this, suddenly a rather surprising feature to the ship greeted them.

"Ah hello mums did you have a well rested night?" A robot called Denis and was a Mister Handy greeted. His every so proper tone already growing on the girls as they had been surprised when he just popped out from his charge station in the ship

"We did Denis. Thank you and I hope that someone here helped you with breakfast." Weiss replied back as she at least took a seat next to Goofy while Ruby decided to look in the fridge before taking a seat next to Weiss

"Of course mum. Miss Ikail and Mister Goofy helped. The others offered but three was good enough. Now enjoy the meal." Denis said as Weiss already was taking a few pieces of toast, a bowl of watermelon and poured a cup of sweetened tea. Though Denis did notice Ruby take something out of the fridge and carangid "Oh dear Miss Ruby found it…"

"Found what?" Weiss asked as she and the others looked seeing Ruby holding in her hand a glass bottle that had the name 'Nuka Cola' on it and she cringed too along with the rest. Since she had found the bottle in the fridge after Ruby was the first to fall asleep. Then showed it to the others, along with telling Denis to NOT let Ruby drink all of it at once at least. Why everyone was worried is because the sugar in the drink was WAY above what should even be digested. Mix that with someone like Ruby and that would not end well "Denis make note for us. Hide the sugary drink in secret compartment. Make a second note too. Make secret compartment."

"Of course mum." Denis said as he decided to just leave his new masters to their own devices as he cleans up around the ship since his scanners already could tell it built up a lot of dust

"So… can I drink this. Please this sugar count will bring me to a sugar filled enlightenment!" Ruby pleaded as everyone looked to one another. Before Yang decided to take control

"Sure why not Ruby." Yang said kindly

"YAY!" Ruby cheered, before a small cup slid right up to her "Huh. What's this?"

"Your cup and the only one you'll have for today. Understood?" Yang kindly answered, yet with a tone that was stern too

"B-But-" Ruby tried to argue as she wanted the whole drink. Wanted it so BAD for a sugar fanatic like her

"No buts. That is way too much for you little sis and if you try to drink more then allowed, you're grounded and you know I'll do it too. I've done it before." Yang argued back in a slightly sterner tone yet smiled too as Ruby pouted a bit

"Hm…. fine." Ruby whined a little as she knew that Yang had grounded her before a few times and Ruby knew that Yang meant it every time she did it. Then Dante awkwardly took the bottle as he opened and the poured some for her again awkwardly before putting it back in the fridge. As Ruby took a sip her mood flipped back to chipper again as she found the taste very good "Hmmmm. So Yummy!"

"Personally I had a bit of a bottle myself last night and shared it with everyone else here. Most of us found it a little TOO sweet. Even by soda standards." Blake exclaimed as shed swore that drink was just made to get the masses from wherever this drink came from; to become addicts for it

"Oh yeah." Donald said first

"Ditto and I'm a pie eating girl so that's saying a lot." Yang said next as she felt her stomach still a bit upset from how sweet and tangy the drink had been for her

"I felt as if my chest was about to explode from a sip alone." Dante mused as he'd never been a sweets kind of guy; but even for him he could tell the drink was way too much for any normal person to drink alone

"Well if it makes your feel better Ruby. Ikail, I and Goofy didn't mind it one bit. Then again I never had sweets before so I was surprised I liked it." Guin exclaimed as he made a note to try more sweets later on

"Totally. Makes up for this ship not being that Gummie Ship we were supposed to get I guess. One that sounds still so good…" Ikail remarked as she really did one day want to find a ship made of candy and just eat the whole thing

"Yup. Oh but Ruby I'm sure you'll like the Sugar Bombs then. It's a cereal and isn't nearly as sweet as the Nuka Cola. I'm sure you'll like it." Goofy said as he pointed to a cabinet to Ruby's right

Ruby just nodded thank you before getting the box of Sugar Bombs out, the poured them in a bowl before pouring the in the milk. Then returning to the table to eat alongside everyone else. Which went for a while longer as it was just the team getting use to one another. Or at least the three newest members sharing a bit about each other and the girls doing the same back.

Be it with Ikail explaining quite a bit about herself. From her early days, how she meet one of her dubbed 'little' sisters Vevet, and some the adventures she went on during those earlier days of her own personal journey. To say the least, her world seemed interesting considering it was a space varying one with hundreds upon hundreds of alien life in it. Which made sense to why she was more use to all this space travel. But she decided to let someone else have a turn and would tell more on herself later.

To Guin who though said he didn't have much of the way of 'exciting' stories. But he did mention that he had been, before ending up in the company of everyone here. But had been traveling with a recently forced exiled set of twins. Who happened to a princess and prince, both good at heart. That and he'd also found himself in the company of a traveling swordsmen who acted like a scoundrel more than anything. Alongside a young ape girl, who'd taken a liking to everyone. He didn't say much more than that, since there wasn't much else he at least thought was worth telling. But the girls appreciated it either way, Guin then had elbowed Dante to take his turn. Since it was only proper to do so, considering.

Then to Dante who also didn't seem to find most of his life worth telling. Had explained he was a Templar or Holy warrior for the religion he believed in. He also said only a while ago, he'd been at war with those who would make home of holy ground. Only to escape death nearly and then make his way home. Which ended up with him going to a realm of demons to find and rescue of the soul of a woman he loved. As it seemed she'd been killed mere minutes before he arrived home. He didn't say much more and the girls respected him enough already, so they let it be.

Or to Donald and Goofy who went after. Explained to the three newest members of the team that they were their kings personal bodyguards. That and they had family who also worked closely with the king at times.

Then when it came to the girls. Ruby and Yang explained first that they were half-sisters who shared the same father, but different mothers. Though Ruby's mother was the one Yang considered her real mother. Meanwhile Blake explained a bit of her life alongside Weiss doing the same, before dropping the bomb to their newest teammates that they were in fact blood related cousins.

But when it came to a bit about their world and what they were training for. They had allowed Weiss to explain the basics of their everyday lives. From just living the best they could in a world were literal monsters of darkness called Grimm continuously sought out the deaths of all not part of their species. To their world having humans and another species called Faunas who were human looking enough, but with some extra animal features and even abilities.

Finally it came to the girls each taking a turn of so explaining about their goal of becoming fully fledged Huntresses, people who specialized in fighting the Grimm every day. After all was explained Ruby was the one to finish off as half an hour later had passed. The crew of nine were in the cockpit now. Ruby finishing up her tale of how she even got herself placed into Beacon before all this oddness happened a year ago by now.

"And that's how I was allowed to attend Beacon Academy. Not much more to say after aside from some other fun times during the school year before well… all this." Ruby finished explaining as Donald and Goofy were driving today. The two just getting done with the last minute checkups to the systems

"Have to say you're a brave one kiddo." Ikail mused as she found Ruby's tale rather impressive for someone her age

"Agreed. It was good of you to help out even when you didn't need to. Besides considering what we saw when I let you swing around my weapon yesterday and I believe this Ozpin fellow was correct in letting you attend. Age difference aside." Dante exclaimed as he wondered what other tales the girls could tell them later on "The same goes for you three too. Your own tales were rather interesting too."

"Well don't say that you three didn't have any interesting stories either. I mean we got a holy warrior." Yang replied back pointing at Dante

"A space wizard with interesting abilities." Weiss mused as she pointed at Ikail who shrugged with a smirk

"And not to mention a strong man wearing a Leopards mask." Blake added in as she gave Guin a sympathetic smile "Sorry to hear about your loss of memory though."

"It's of no issue. I appreciate it in an odd way as it's given me a new lease on my life from whatever I had been before." Guin exclaimed as he crossed his arm and did a simple nod before eyeing Donald and Goofy "Not to mention these two also. A Captain of the Guard for his king and the same Kings Grand Wizard is nothing to scoff at."

"Aw shucks Guin that's nice of ya to say." Donald quickly replied back before going back to helping Goofy with the last minuet check over before launching off

"And that makes you four ladies our young and strong leaders." Ikail remarked with a kind smile "It seems that we were all a match up destine to be."

"I guess we are." Blake said as Weiss and Yang nodded agreement while Ruby did a thumb's up before deciding to change the subject now

"Anyways compliments to each other aside. I have to ask before we arrive at our first destination. But what's up with the gate ahead of us?" Ruby asked as that had been the elephant in the room when they all arrived up inside the cockpit

Which had been the large very noticeable and out of place gateway that was in between then, and the world their first world they were going to. Honestly aside from girls the others didn't seem quite as puzzled by it and more intrigued than anything. Still back to the girls they were more weirded out by the fact there was a literal gate way in the middle of space leading to dust knows where so they can get to the world on the other side.

"Ah right the gates. Can't say honestly, all me and Goofy know is that the King did a bit of studying on them before he vanished. Said that they were apparently some kind of defense against unwanted intruders." Donald explained as honestly he still was confused on what the gates were exactly supposed to be or how they even came into existence in the first place

"So then you saying you have no idea really then?" Ikail summarized as Donald and Goofy were about to retort to that. But sighed and slumped a bit at how spot on Ikail's guess was

"Aw don't worry guys. I'm sure we'll figure out as we go, sides first hand experiences are the best. Least that's what dad always told me and Ruby." Yang reassured

"Anyways maybe we should get going." Blake suggested as everyone else nodded in agreement there as they had stalled enough for the world hop

"Right then lets get to it. Hang on folks this is probably gonna be crazy!" Donald stated as he started the ship as it moved closer and closer to the gateway that opened seconds later. Showing no a swirling vortex of various colors

"Ah… is it weird to say I'm a little nervous now of all times?" Weiss asked as she did not feel very comfortable going through unknown portal… honestly that was pretty reasonable

"No…." Ikail, Goofy, Dante and Ruby replied back as they felt similar to Weiss and again honestly it was normal reaction considering

"Aw shucks don't worry. I'm sure it will be just fine. Like a going a fast rollercoaster." Goofy exclaimed with a reassuring smile

"Rollercoaster?" Dante and Guin muttered as they at least didn't even know what that was

"If by any guess… you'll learn soon enough." Weiss muttered as she sighed "Well people let's get to it then… yay."

"Oh Weissy. I'm sure it will be fine like Goofy said." Ruby reassured her wife and the others in suit as she smiled widely "You know what I'm sure myself too that everything will be a-okay. Yep one hundred percent-"

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"OH MY SWEET DUST ARE THOSE BAT HEARTLESS?!"

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"WHY IS EVERYTHING GOING SO FAST. THIS IS TOO FAST!"

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"IS THAT PIRATE SHIP. HOW, WHY THAT MAKES NO SENSE WITH THE THEME HERE?!"

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"Ugh… gonna… oh dear heavenly lord give me strength… ugh…."

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"GOOFY KEEP FIRING!"

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"I AM, I AM!"

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"SWEET COOKIES I WAS WRONG. SO VERY WRONG THIS IS ACTUALLY TERRFIYING!"

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"Getting…. dizzy…. this is… a first…"

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"AHHHHH!"

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AHHHH, AHHHHHH!"

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"WHEN WILL THIS END….AHHHHHHH!"

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Yeah…

Okay so maybe it hadn't been as fun… non traumatic… terrifying… just plain crazy or fun. Honestly even if had seemed like it would be fun at first glance at least to Ruby. She was now fully on the idea that whoever made these gates was a pure full blown sadist. Still, she rubbed her eyes a few times now that she could after the insanity to see everyone with various different reactions.

Be it from Ikail shaking a bit as she was taking a in few VERY deep breaths, Dante doing what Ruby assumed was one of his prayers. Guin just still as a statue yet the slight tremble in his fingers made it obvious he had been shaken. Or to Donald and Goofy. Both of them taking rather comedic if not overdramatic deep breaths.

Then she looked to see her sister and Blake both hugging each other shaking some and trying to keep calm. Blakes cat ears twitching every few seconds. While Yang was holding Blake more in a protective manner despite her own shock from the insane world gate. While Weiss was clinging onto her arm in a manner that said she wanted to just hold her close. Ruby meanwhile though had been shocked herself. Probably hadn't been as shocked aside from a few things since at least when it came to the speed of the ship during that gate trip. It was just a bit faster then what she was use to when it came to her semblance. Still at least everyone okay, psychically at least.

"So…. that was….fun…. why was that a thing?" Ruby said as everyone else kind of wondered the same thing

"Honestly… no idea. Might want to make a note in Dex bout this." Donald answered as he took a few deep breaths "We all good for the most part?"

"Ugh… as good as we can be… never thought I'd be flying in the sky and beyond or dealing with whatever that gate just was…" Dante chimed in as he was glad he kept his breakfast in at least

"Are all the other gates going to be the same then?" Goofy pondered which caused a slight down everyone's backs at that prospect

"Please no…" Weiss, Blake and Ikail groaned in a rather similar fashion

"Well at least we'll get use to it right?" Yang suggested as the others gave her just deadpanned stares "Yeah I know… it won't be fun either way."

"At least you tried Yang. Good on you." Guin complimented as he gave Yang a thumbs up which she appreciate

"Just for a note next time. Donald, Goofy maybe you should ask the engineers of this ship to somehow send us more stiff seat beats. At least when we're going through the gates. I almost fly out of my seat once or twice." Blake said as she was calmer now thankfully and glad she didn't have cat claws or Yang would have had some deep cuts on her right now from how tight she held onto her girlfriend during the whole insane trip

"Yes that would be appreciated." Dante exclaimed as he also had done his best to stay in his seat while keeping his food inside

"Ditto." Weiss added in

"That's is a must." Guin finished with as he crossed his arms. Not having almost fell out of his seat, but was more worried that if he ever did it would probably end up in a few broken bones or two well with everyone else considering he was pretty much would end being a ball of pure muscle and metal crashing into everyone else if that happened. So again the extra stiff seatbelts as they were called were a MUST

"We'll keep that in mind. Oh and look here, ladies and gentlemen. First world below!" Donald said as he pointed downwards to his left. Everyone else moving over to the left of the cockpits window to see what this new world was below

As they did taking a moment or so to spot it. They saw finally saw the world below and everyone in awe one way or another. But for the girls especially considering that in a way this was something out of a sci- comic book come to life. The world itself was large, round with lots blue for the ocean and white clouds. Masses of land could be seen as well. Most noticeably though was that their moon wasn't broken. All in all the girls at least wondered if this world was like theirs in some ways.

"Wow it's so pretty." Ruby stated with childlike awe

"That's for sure little sister. This is something I never thought would happen in my life." Blake replied as it had been a bit of childhood dream to one day explore space as the first ever or part of group of the first explorers. But considering the constant Grimm issue she never thought it could be achieved until now

"Oh yeah and to think. This is just gonna be the first a bunch of worlds. Can't wait!" Yang cheered. Since this was gonna be quite fun despite the stakes at play. That said she might as well have some fun with it all the same

"Agreed. I'll admit I'm excited myself." Weiss quipped excited too for what was to come. Looking to her right she saw Dante, Guin and Ikail looking down too. But she knew Ikail was use to this unlike the boys "Dante, Guin. I know you two are new to this still too. Thoughts?"

"Only that I could have never imagined being above the heavens themselves. I am a bit scared to be honest Weiss. But am at awe too." Dante answered keeping his gaze below on the world before him

"Hm. Good metaphor Dante. But to answer your question Weiss, I'm as calm as can be for someone who has never experienced something like this. Some may have freaked out as such. But I've always allowed myself to just accept what I see. It doesn't help anyone or yourself if you lose it." Guin explained before realizing he went off on another tangent. Clearing his throat he answered again "Ahem. It's nice Weiss. Very nice."

"Hehe. Was that hard to do Guin?" Yang teased, as she and the girls chuckled some as Guin rubbed the back of his mask

"Alright enough teasing. For now at least girls. We should get prepped for the trip down there. Speaking of…Donald how are we exactly going to… you know?" Ikail asked as she wondered if they were just gonna fly down there and land somewhere hidden or if the ship had some other means of transportation

"Easy actually. This ship has installed a state of the art world teleporter. It's gonna lead us down and then were good. But we should warn ya all. Sometimes worlds have…rules." Donald explained much to the confusion of the others, mainly the girls

"Rules. Like for real?" Ruby questioned as that sounded stupid. Like really stupid and kind of weird too since it meant these worlds were in a way sentient

"Dat's right Ruby. It's to help keep the world border!" Goofy answered

"ORDER!" Donald corrected before he sighed having been doing that already five times with his somewhat dimwitted friend. Before explaining more to his new allies "Anyways yeah. Worlds have rules, we also have a rule to keep the order safe. Meaning no mentioning about other words or meddling. Questions?"

"Not really a question, more of a statement guys. But you know we're probably gonna break that rule WAY too quickly. No offense, but I don't think most of us are in the whole non-meddling camp. I mean you two should know by now. But like we meddle a lot…you get what I mean." Yang stated as pretty much everyone else aside from Donald and Goofy nodded I agreement. Yang smirked "See."

"Ugh…we'll cross that bridge when we get to it than kay?" Donald mused as he had a feeling that was the case, Goofy next to him laughed some too. But letting it be for now he hovered his finger over the transporter "Aside that. We ready?"

"Hm, girls, Guin, Dante, Ikail?" Ruby asked. Looking to her teammates and new teammates who all took a moment. Then nodded a few seconds later. Which got a smile from Ruby at how happy she was to see everyone was on the same page. Ruby then looked back to Donald with a big smile "Yeppers Donald. So do the thing!"

"Right, get ready everyone. This is the first time using this so let's see if it works!" Donald yelled, as he moved his finger right onto the button

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"WAIT WHAT?!"

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That was pretty everyone's more than justifiable reaction after hearing that. But it was too late as their bodies were covered by a glowing light. Then they vanished from their seats and into their first of many new worlds…

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The Cold and darkness…

It was all that Ruby felt. The cold because she felt the air brushing against her face and darkness because she realized her eyes were closed.

Slowly opening them she saw a cloudy sky above her and as she felt under her body. She felt grass. Blinking a few times she slowly got back up while the cool air helped wake her up some more as she let out a groan. Before she saw a puddle next to her on what she assumed was a sidewalk. Taking a look she went wide eyed when she saw in the reflection. Why because she was in a totally different attire and she looked a little different too.

Ruby first took noticed that her hair was long like her big sisters. Next she saw she was now wearing what looked to be a white blouse with a red jacket and skirt. She also to her dread, saw on her feet was a pair of black heels with white socks underneath. She also wore some black eyeliner and red lipstick. Oddly though she could feel her keyblade in her hands. Expect now it was a freaking red and black toned parasol.

Getting up slowly though already having a slightly hard time since she was one to wear heels usually. She caught her footing. Rubbing her forehead for a moment she also saw ahead she was in a city park of all places.

"Okay… okay. This is fine…fine… where is everyone. Oh I hope we didn't get separated." Ruby muttered as that just came to mind of a possibility and she was kind of scared. Thankfully she heard groans from behind. Realizing it must have been the others. She quickly looked back, only to see the others also had changed a bit "Oh my..."

Oh my indeed. For the only other one to wearing something similar to Ruby was Ikail. Whose outfit was a warm black with some red and grey mixed in. She also wore a hat on her head and her hair was medium length. That and she sported a pair of black leather gloves on her hands. She like Ruby also carried a parasol instead of her cool lightsaber.

Then came the rest. Starting with her wife Weiss who now wore a pair of old wore blue jeans that had a rope tied around the waist like a belt. Next she wore an old ragged brown shirt and a green jacket over it that looked military in a sense. Next was an old pair of brown work boots and a weather black cap. Finally her hair went from the long ponytail to a short cut just slightly above her ears. Making her look more like a young boy then a girl. Even though she still kept that angelic face of hers. Though like Ruby, Weiss keyblade was different too. As now it a large pipe wrench of all things.

Blake who was waking up next to Weiss wore a skirt that was black in color and a grey long-sleeved button up shirt. That along with a pair of short heeled shoes, while her hair was tied in a bun. And a pair of glasses with some thicker black eyeliner. Blake now gave off a teacher vibe of all things. That and the fact she carried what looked like cane, which Ruby assumed was her keyblades odd new form. Strangest of all was that her cat ears were gone making Blake pretty much human.

After those two came Yang. Who was on the more tomboyish side of the attire. From her worn brown overalls, to the wore black work boots and greasy long sleeve grey shirt with the cuffs rolled up. She also sported a pair of welding googles on her head too along with a pair of black welding gloves. Finally her hair like Blakes was still long. Yet tied up into a more manageable style which was a welder's bun. In her hands was her keyblade in its new form of a sledgehammer.

Now came the boy's side of things. Guin himself wearing what looked to be an old wore pair of blue pants held up by a black belt with black dress shoes. A tucked in white long sleeve undershirt and a red tie. Finally, his head was now human. With his face in this world at least showing to be a man of maybe thirty years of age. With dark brown eyes, a chin beard and somewhat medium length unkept black hair. He looked like an exotic foreign dignitary if one were to look at it that way or a suave salesman's that made women swoon with every word he said. Ruby also caught a glimpse of a holster and what looked to be a pistol in it. What kind of gun it could be was unknown to Ruby though.

Next to Guin was Dante who wore a similar outfit. Except he wore a brown paperboy cap over his short dark hair, a jacket and had a vest that held on each side what Ruby could guess were two pistols that were holstered. His attire being more sage green in color also with his dress shoes being black and his under shirt white with a grey tie. Actually if one were to look at it Guin and Dante could be mistaken as brothers.

Finally were the last two members of their team who changed the most. For now Donald was a normal looking duck aside from the slightly more human like eyes and the blue lines across his neck. Next to him was Goofy who was now a big old blood hound. Droopy face and all. Though he also had slightly more human like eyes and had green rings around his tail wrists and ankles. He also wore around his neck a leather collar with a tag that said 'Goofy' on it.

All in all Ruby was surprised by the sight of her teammates. Having no idea they too would be changed in such ways. Especially Donald and Goofy. Still she simply watched as they all sat back up. Groaning and taking a moment or so to wake up more.

"Ugh… what happened. Where-" Weiss began to say before she opened her eyes to see her wife Ruby who looked very different. Cute to be exact, very cute and Weiss couldn't help but try and keep her sudden arousal down at how cute her wife looked "R-Ruby what happened to you?!"

"Well ah…" Ruby tried to explain but she didn't really know the best words to say anything. Thankfully it seemed her big sister had that taken care of

"What happened to my little sister. Well what the heck happened to you sister. You look so not prim and proper!" Yang yelled as Weiss looked over herself and began to freaking out just a little. Yang couldn't help but chuckle "Hehe. Well it's not that bad Weiss. But I gotta say I really am rocking this attire of mine. I'm looking smoking hot!"

"Only you Yang. Only you." Blake chimed in having taken notice of her own changes already and just went with it since freaking out wouldn't help at all. Like her cousin Weiss was slightly doing and while Ruby tried her best to calm her down. Blake looked to the others who were looking over each other "Have to say. You all look nice too."

"Hm, well thanks Blake. I'll admit I'm not fond of some of my attire. Mainly the heels." Ikail remarked as she was trying already to get use to her new foot wear

"I KNOW RIGHT!" Ruby for a moment screamed. As she overheard Ikail before going back to calming her partner down

"That said. I can personally adjust to this." Ikail stated as she didn't mind the rest of her outfit much since she did like stuff like this from time to time. Looking to Donald and Goofy she held in a chuckle "Though…hm… though I have to say. You two are the most changed. Can you understand us still or…?"

Doanld for his own answer flew right towards Ikail and started to peck her head a bit. Quacking angrily like he wasn't in the mood for teasing now. Ikail could only swipe at Donald as he pecked at her. Thankfully Guin was able to get a hold on him and pull him away.

"Whoa chill Donald. Ikail was just saying is all, no need to get angry." Yang scolded as Donald grumpily let Guin continue to hold him down. Thankfully by this point Weiss seemed to have been calmed down enough as she and Ruby joined back in. Yang looking to Weiss "So you cool now Weiss. Was a little worried you'd pass out."

"HA,HA. Funny. Well excuse me for not wanting to look like a vagrant. I mean seriously why do I look like this when half of you look like you're from noble families?" Weiss stated a bit irked that she ended up looking like a hobo when she wanted to be the one to wear the nice pretty dresses

"I don't know Weiss. It's not that bad, it looks… good enough." Dante said to help cheer up the girl as he patted her shoulder while everyone else nodded in agreement

"Well thanks Dante I may not think so. But it's nice to know that you all think it's look good." Weiss responded back as she felt a bit better now. Looking to Goofy and Doanld, she knelt down to Goofy and petted him a little "Hm well now that were here. I guess we'll need to figure out where the…what was the word again. Keyhole?"

"Arf!" Goofy barked as his was saying 'Yes'

"Quack, quack!" Donald quacked as this was for the time his only ways of also saying 'Yes'

"Ah thank you boys. But where do we start to go and find this keyhole?" Weiss pondered as she hoped they'd find some clues with their keyblade even in their current changed states of being

"Hm. Maybe we could visit the library or ah…" Ruby suggested. Though realized she actually had no idea how this even would start "Ah… maybe ask around?"

"So you want us to ask around about keyholes. Just random strangers little sister?" Blake questioned as she gave her younger leader a moment or so to realize her phrasing. Once she did Blake chuckled some. Then patted the top of Ruby's head "There, there. It was good suggestion Ruby. But I do think the library idea wouldn't be a bad start. Question is where's the library?"

"Um Blake. I think we won't have to look TOO far." Dante answered pointing to his right at the large building that literally had a sign that said 'Public Library' in bold black lettering

"Huh. That…that is convenient. A little too much if ask me, but beggars can't be choosers I guess." Blake exclaimed as she slumped a little, much to the confusion of at least Ikail, Guin and Dante

"Oh ah don't worry. Blake just wanted to go into detective mode after all the crime novels she'd been reading lately." Yang answered as the three just nodded understanding a bit more at least

"Stupid convenient library…" Blake grumbled as she and the rest of the group headed to the library before them

Once inside and with a bit of help from Guin. Who unintentionally swooned the head librarian, who also happened to be an older woman. They were allowed inside with their dubbed 'Pets' being Donald and Goofy. The two companions turned pets thankful for that since neither wanted to wait outside.

It didn't take too long for everyone to start looking around the book sections. See if there were any books, be it fiction or even non-fiction on Keyholes or gates; or something that people were debating on. Honestly anything would be better than nothing regarding the information, even if it was only small tidbits. Though there were a few times the girls, being Ruby and Yang. Were caught lazing about seeming bored or reading a cute children's book. The children's book being more on Ruby's part as at one point she ended up reading a few to a couple of element school kids who seemed to like listening to her do so.

But either way everyone helped out with their search for clues. Though sadly so far there had been no real luck on finding anything of the sorts. Especially now since they were in the twentieth to last section to check out the books. Ikail having taken Dante to look over another section for a second look over. While Guin was taking a seat, keeping an eye on Donald and Goofy. That and again unintentionally getting a lot of the women's and even some men's attention in the library itself.

Still at the moment for the girls well…

"The dictionary of folklore. The Wolfman… no, no. No. UGH!" Yang semi yelled since she didn't want to push it if libraries worked the same as they did on Remnant. Grumbling as she bonked her head against the book shelf itself for a moment. Before looking back up and sighing "Jeez. Girls I hate to be a downer here. But I don't think we're gonna find anything. Like at all."

"Come on Yang no frownies. I'm sure we can find something. So no giving up, got it missy!" Ruby cutely pouted as Yang chuckled a bit before ruffling her little sisters hair "Hm…Yang."

"Oh Ruby by this point you should expect it." Weiss mused. Finding the moment cute as she and Blake looked through the books still "Though I hate to say it. But maybe your right Yang. I can't find anything that might be of help to us sadly."

"Well then I guess- OOF!' Blake began to say moving out of the section before bumping into someone. Nearly tripping only for Yang to have quickly noticed and grabbed her by the arm keeping her on her feet

"You okay babe?" Yang asked as Ruby and Weiss moved up to make sure Blake was okay too

"I am, thanks. But I must have bumped into-" Blake started once more to say only to be cut off seconds later by a groan

"Ugh…my head." A man said with a groan. One on the younger side as the girls looked seeing a man on the ground with a bunch of now scattered books around him

"Oh my dust I am so sorry!" Blake panicked as she moved over and helped the man up alongside Ruby

"Yeah it was an accident mister. Blake didn't mean too, but are you okay?" Ruby added in as she and Blake got the man up to his feet. The girls getting a much better look at the man as he dusted himself off

The man looked young, maybe around twenty or twenty three at least. Though he could be just an older guy who had the luck of looking younger. Anyways he was cleaned shaved with a thin face and well he looked like a twig in general. Still aside from that he wore a white shirt with a red bow tie, a green vest, blue pants, brown shoes and a brown jacket. He also sported a pair of wide round glasses. He sort of gave off an academic look more than anything.

"I'm fine. Honest I just didn't expect to bump into…" The man began to say adjusting his glasses seeing some of the most oddest looking teen girls he'd ever met in his life. Which honestly wasn't a lot in his case. But still these girls took the cake in the unique department "Teen girls. Huh, sorry for asking this. But are you new here. I know most of the faces in this part of town. So that's why I ask."

"Oh ah yeah I guess we are." Ruby answered before she realized she forgot to introduce herself "Sorry forgot to say my name. I'm Ruby and this is my family. My besties Blake. The girl who you bumped into."

"Nice to meet you sir and sorry again about bumping into you." Blake apologized once more. But was relieved when saw the man give her a smile and a wave that said 'It's fine, no hard feelings.'

"After her is my awesome big sister Yang!" Ruby said with a hug to Yang as Yang hugged her back for a few moments

"Nice to meet ya dude." Yang stated with a wave as the man waved back

"And finally this here is my hehe.. my wife Weiss. My other bestie in the whole wide world and the love of my life!" Ruby cheered as Weiss blushed at the praise as she gave Ruby a quick peck on the cheek

"Hehe. Thank you Ruby. Still it's nice to meet you also sir." Weiss kindly said with a curtesy as despite the fact she wasn't wearing a skirt in her current attire. It was a force of habit by this point in her life

"Well nice to meet you all too. But ah, not trying to be rude here. But just be careful Ruby, Weiss. Personally I can't judge much with your relationship. But other around here aren't as… tolerant as I am. Just trying giving a heads up for the future is all." The man kindly warned as Ruby and Weiss, alongside Blake and Yang took the warning to heart

"No. No thank you for the warning, we appreciate it honest." Weiss reassured as she was glad the man was nice enough to warn them for the future while they stayed here

"Totally. Thank you so much for the tip Mister… heh I just forgot we didn't get your name." Ruby thanked before realizing they had yet to learn the mans name

"Heh that was my bad. I'm Milo, Milo Thatch and again it's nice to meet you girls." Milo kindly replied back

"Well then it's good to meet you Milo!" Ruby gleefully exclaimed before she noticed one of the books that Milo must have been holding titled 'The Tales of Atlantis'. Picking it up she was curious on it as she read the title out loud "The Tales of Atlantis, huh."

"What's Atlantis?" Weiss, Blake and Yang asked curious too yet also confused on what the name even meant

"You girls don't know what Atlantis?" Milo questioned as that was odd for him at least as Ruby handed him the book back "You know, the lost city of Atlantis."

The girls did not respond at all. In fact the looked even more confused as Ruby shrugged at least as a way to tell Milo they had no idea what he was going on about. Which really surprised the man at the fact it seem they actually didn't know or at least heard of Atlantis.

"You know the city lost under the sea, the city of mysteries. Any of that ringing a bell?" Milo questioned once more. Though girls again didn't show any indication of knowing what he was talking about "Really, nothing?"

"Sorry Milo. But we've never heard of this Atlantis. Why are you so interested though in it?" Weiss questioned more curious now than anything

"Oh ah, well many reasons. Like for the fact…" Milo started to say. But realized these four probably didn't want to hear his ramblings like mostly everyone else "You know what I don't want to bore you. You'll probably get annoyed real soon if I go on and on about Atlantis."

"No, no we're actually really curious Milo. Right girls?" Ruby reassured. Looking back at the others who all happily nodded in agreement. The looking back to Milo moments later "See, we're interested."

"Really?" Milo replied back, surprised by that. But he could tell these four were being fully honest with him that they were curious "Well if you want to listen I can give you girls a run down on what I know and ah. Not to toot my own horn here. But you are in the presence of the local Atlantis expert."

"Heh alright mister expert. Let's find a table and you can dazzle us with your knowledge." Yang teased as Milo smiled a bit as he was happy that it seemed he meet fellow academics

With that the girls and Milo went to go find a table to learn about Atlantis. Thought without realizing, the girls and their friends had meet the very man who would lead the to the Keyhole they were looking for. Only the journey there would be anything but easy.

---

It had been two weeks…

Two full and fun weeks since the faithful meeting between team RWBY and Milo. Milo having been introduced to Ikail, Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy the very same first day after letting Milo happily tell then what he knew on Atlantis. They like the girls had quickly gotten along with Milo. All of them to being told of Atlantis as they were curious as well of the place. To say only the group had been very lucky today and that luck kept on.

But soon the group realized the library was about to close. So as they began to make their out and had promised Milo they'd see him again. Milo then asked if of all things; but if they'd like to stay at his place. Having come to the conclusion that since they were new in the area. They probably didn't have anywhere to go. Though it was more of gut feeling to be honest. Still the group though surprised by that offer. Had accepted it as they could tell Milo really was offering just because he was that good of a guy.

So here. Two weeks later and the group found themselves walking alongside Milo to his work place, the local museum. Where he was going to be doing a mock practice presentation down in the boiler room he worked at. Oh yes Milo had also explained a bit about himself too.

Still from what had been explained it seemed Milo had been taken in by his grandfather after his parents sadly past when he was but a young boy. But it also seemed Milo had a good life before his grandfather passed. That and had gained quite the thirst for adventure from all the stories his grandfather told him of his own exploits.

Though the girls were quite surprised when they learned that despite how young Milo seemed. He was in fact actually thirty two years old. Again quite the surprise considering he seemed much younger than that, but it was kind of sad too. Since they'd learned that Milo had been so enamored in his endeavors and studies that he'd never really had any sort of close friendships or relationships. He was in every way alone. But the girls and the others decided to be his first group of real friends. Hence why today they were gonna help the man with his mock presentation before he actually brought up the request to his superiors to do so.

"Hey thanks again for doing this for me guys." Milo said enjoying the nice walk to the museum more today since he was with company for once

"It's no problem Milo. You've done much for us so this is of no consequence." Ikail kindly replied

"Oh well I don't think I've done that much honestly." Milo bashfully stated rubbing the back of his head "I just let you stay at my place is all."

"Don't sell yourself short Milo. You did something most wouldn't have done for people he only knew for near a day." Dante chimed in as he wanted to reassure the young man that his actions weren't something to just brush off

"That and the fact you live in a small apartment. Along with sharing your food with us, believe me when I say you're a step above most Milo." Guin added in as Milo reminded him of the kindness the royal twins showed back in his world. Especially the sister Rinda who was as angelic as they came

"Arf!" Goofy barked while Donald simply nodded in agreement with that statement

"They're right you know Milo. You really went above and beyond for us. We're glad that we met someone as good hearted as you." Weiss exclaimed with a kind smile

"Totally. So better not act like it ain't nothing cause it is. Got it Milo!" Yang cheered. Giving the guy a punch on his right arm lightly

"Hehe. Ow… well I'm glad your all so grateful. I guess you could say I'm grateful back with you guys then." Milo stated as he rubbed his arm a bit from Yang's friendly punch

"What for Milo?" Blake asked curious on why they had done to make him feel grateful towards them

"Well… for being my friends." Milo answered with a small smile as the others were surprised for a moment. But were happy and appreciated that Milo considered them friends

"D'aw, no need to thank us for that Milo. We're glad you can be our friend as well!" Ruby happily stated as she gave Milo a big hug for a moment before letting go "Now then. Let's get to your office and start with your presentation practice!"

"Sounds like a plan." Milo replied as he and the rest continued their way to the museum

I didn't take too long after that to get to the museum and for Milo to sneak everyone inside, and down to his officer. Which was actually larger then what most would think a boiler room was. After they all got situated, Milo then started to get the seats ready. The others in the group waiting on the side as he did so.

"Hm, you know never thought we'd be in one world for so long. Donald, Goofy is that normal. I mean if you know of course." Ruby asked as she decided to make small talk as they waited for Milo to get done getting ready. Goofy and Donald simply shrugged as Ruby sighed "Hm… well that sucks. Still I'm getting a little worried why we haven't seen any heartless yet."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it Ruby. I'm sadly sure we'll find one or two in this world." Dante exclaimed

"Sadly I guess so. But what do we do if one does show up when Milo's around. He's gonna want questions." Ruby asked before looking to mainly Donald "And no quacking about world order Donald. Like was said on the ship. That rule is probably gonna be broken one way or another."

"Quack." Donald replied back with an exasperated sigh

"We know Donald. We know, but Ruby does have a point. One way or another that no meddling rule is going to be broken. But considering what will probably be going on in our later travels. Meddling and sneaking around isn't going to cut it." Guin quipped crossing his arms "But we'll get to that when it happens. For now it seems Milo is right about done with his set up."

"Hey, hey I'm ready now. Sorry for the wait!" Milo happily said as everyone looked to see just as Guin stated his prediction. Milo was indeed done with his set up as he laid out chairs for everyone, his projector, notes and his chalk board "Come on take a seat and I'll get the mock presentation ready."

"Wow. Nice guess Guin." Yang stated as she and the rest moved over to their seats

Each one of them taking a seat. Then once they were all ready and comfy. Milo turned off the lights before turning on the projector light to simulate a head light. As the light was spotted on him, he cleared his throat before addressing his mock audience.

"Good afternoon gentlemen. First off I'd like to thank this board for taking the time to hear my proposal. Now you've all heard of the legend of Atlantis, a continent somewhere near the mid-Atlantic that was home to an advanced civilization. Possing technology far beyond our own." Milo started off as the girls and others acted the part of stuff older men from what they assumed were the board. Milo himself picking up a long pointer as tapped a map behind him with a bust of a man next to it "That according to our friend Plato here. Was suddenly struck by some cataclysmic event that sank it below the sea."

Milo then took a moment as he'd tapped a fish bowl to add some pizazz to his speech. Before taking out some big slides. The first one with the word Atlantis written on it in fancy lettering.

"Now some of you may be asking 'Why Atlantis. It's just a myth isn't it. Pure fantasy'." Milo mused before smirking some "Well that is where you'd be wrong. Before the Egyptians built the pyramids. Atlantis had electricity, advanced medicine, even the power of flight. Impossible you say well no. No, not for them."

As Milo explained he then pulled the slides to first show the pyramids, then another to show a carving of what looked like an ancient generator, followed by the looks of carving of a man holding a ball of light. Before finally showing what looked to be an ancient human in some sort of sky craft. Each one also to play into the pizzazz Milo was hoping would work for the real board as it was for his friends right now. Pulling to the next set of large slides in his hands moments after.

"Numerous ancient cultures all over the world agree that Atlantis possessed a power source of some kind. More powerful than steam, then… then coal. More powerful than our modern internal combustion engines." Milo explained on showing more slides. Each with similar images for various cultures of people praising a light of sort "Gentlemen. I propose that we find Atlantis, find that power source and bring it back to the surface!"

Milo the flipped to the last slide in his hands showing a ripped page of sorts from an old book. One that describing another book of sorts. A book that as the group had learned was very important in finding the lost city of Atlantis.

"Now this is a page from an illuminated text that describes a book called the Shepard's Journal. Said to have been ah… ah firsthand account of Atlantis and its exact whereabouts. Now based on a century's old translations of Norse text. Historians had believed the journal resides in Ireland." Milo explained moving to the side of the podium he was using. Before picking up a rather heavy old shield by the looks of it "BUT, comparing the text… to the runes of this… Viking shield. I found t-that one of the letters had been mistranslated. So by changing this letter and inserting the correct one. We find the that the Shepard's Journal, the key to Atlantis. Lies not in I-Ireland gentlemen. But in Iceland."

Milo during this though despite having trouble keeping up the heavy shield with his thinner arms. Had been able to keep his composure and wipe off the 'R' in the word Ireland that was written on the chalk board next to him. Then switched it to a 'C' making it Iceland.

"Okay now wait for dramatic effect Milo." Yang muttered as the girls at least nodded in silent agreement as they'd told him to do that for his presentation

"Pause for effect…" Milo whispered himself. Tapping the shield as he kept his smile under control at how excited he was this mock presentation was going so far. Placing down the shield now as he fixed his cuffs with an award winning smile he'd been practicing "Gentlemen, I'll take your questions now."

Once Milo said that the group looked to one another to see who'd act as the first of Milo's bosses to ask questions for the mock presentation. Ruby deciding to do so as she cleared her throat loudly so Milo could get the que. But just then the phone in Milo's office behind the chalk board rung.

"Oh ah… would you gentlemen please excuse me for moment." Milo said before he jumped and grabbed the top of the chalk board as he flung down allowing him access to the phone behind "Cartography and linguistics. Milo Thatch speaking!"

"So, how do think Milo's doing so far ladies?" Guin asked the girls as he himself already found Milo doing rather well aside from a few stutters here and there

"Well I think he's doing fine. But he should keep that confidence he had during the second of half. He was little nervous I could tell." Weiss answered

"Can't blame the guy. From what he explained his bosses don't seem the most friendly or supportive of Milo." Yang cut in as Milo's bosses sounded rather dismissive of their friend

"I think it's more because of his theories and dedication to as much as I hate to say it. But from their view, to a simple fairy tale." Blake explained with a sad smile "Though I think it's real personally, mainly due to Milo's enthusiasm. It's hard not to believe."

"I agree Blake. Force knows my own world could use more people with enthusiasm like he shows." Ikail quipped

"Still. Hope they at least give him a chance, I believe he deserves it if you ask me." Ruby exclaimed kindly as the others nodded in agreement

"I'm sure they will Ruby." Dante reassured his younger friend. Though he shared a look with Ikail, Guin, Donald and Goofy as they like him had more doubt on that sadly. Since again from what Milo said during their stay with him also. His superiors didn't seem much the type to have a quick change of heart

"Thanks Dante!" Ruby happily quipped before the lights turned back on as the saw Milo back on his own feet and with part of the map that was on the chalk board on his vest "Hey Milo, um. You know you have-"

"A moment Ruby I need to just…" Milo replied back as he cut Ruby off before walking up to and passed them. Then stopping at the boiler behind them. After doing a series of hits, the large boil seemed to get louder and heat up. Milo them moved back to the phone as he group could overheard him this time "That better, yeah…yeah. Alright."

Once Milo hung up the phone he smiled once more as to address the mock audience before him. Moving back down the board flipped to the other side of it. Showing the map that had been drawn and the missing middle section that was currently plastered on Milo's vest.

"Now as you can see by this um… map." Milo began to say before noticing the board itself and then his vest. He also heard as snicker or two. Most likely Ikail and Yang since by this point he'd come to know them as more of the pranksters of his friends group. Moving himself where the missing part of the drawn map was he continued "That, ahem. That I've drawn. I plotted a course that will take myself and a crew to Iceland to retrieve he journal."

But as Milo was about to speak more the clock in his office. Which was a nicely made wooden clock that also had small little wooden blue bird on a plank pop out. The blue bird making a 'Coo Koo, Coo Koo' sound indicating to the man that it was time.

"Milo I think you're gonna have to put the mock presentation to an end. Your real one is gonna have to start now." Ikail stated as Milo nodded before dusting himself off

"Right, right. I can do this, it's time." Milo muttered loudly. More for his own self reassurance as the others had gotten up and move next to him

"Don't worry lad. Just keep calm and do what you did with us. You'll be just fine." Dante helped reassured as Milo appreciated it despite his own doubts and having a feeling that his bosses would sadly just ignore him

"Dante's right Milo. Just keep calm and you'll do great. But do you want us to come as moral support or wait for you outside?" Blake asked as either was fine for her and the others

"Hm. Though it would be nice to have you as moral support. I gotta do this myself, but I'll see you all soon outside okay?" Milo answered

"Sounds good, good luck Milo!" Ruby replied back as she and the rest made their way up and out. Leaving Milo alone now to get himself as prepped as he needed

Once outside and thankfully not caught by the museum security. Which was surprising considering how different the all looked despite being more changed to fit in. Still as they made their way outside, they then waited by the gate entrance of the museum.

They kept on waiting. Waiting, waiting and again waiting. Hoping everything went well. The answer they got came to them seconds later when it felt like it was nearing a half an hour in the form of a car passing by them. Milo falling to the ground like he'd in a panicked hurry leaped onto it beforehand. Much to the surprise of the others.

"Milo what-" Weiss started to ask. Before Milo cut in or in this case cut in when he yelled at the car driving away

"I'LL QUIT!" Milo screamed at the top of his lungs waving a paper that at least the girls assumed were resignation papers

It seemed to work too as the group heard the car driving away suddenly stop, the tires screeching loudly for a moment. Before the car backed up all the way next to Milo. Two small curtains on the passenger side opening showing a husky older man with a hat, glasses and wearing a coat. He looked down at Milo sternly. While Milo continued on.

"I mean it sir. If you refuse to fund my proposal-" Milo started to say catching his breath a bit before the older man cut him

"You'll what, flush your career down the toilet just like your grandfather!" The older man mocked. Even making 'Coo Koo' hand motion and a stupid face at the mention of Milo's grandfather before he became serious once more "You have a lot of potential Milo. Don't throw it all the way chasing fairy tales."

"Um excuse me sir. But I think you might be being a little too rough here with our friend." Weiss sternly cut in as she and the girls walked up next to Milo. Ruby and Blake helping the man up from the ground while Yang stood next to Weiss arms crossed

Ikail, Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy meanwhile were cringing a bit. As they could already see this was only going to make it worse. Since the older man, they guessed was one of Milo's superiors and by looks alone seemed like a stubborn old mule.

"Oh is that so and I am to assume you ladies also believe in Mr. Thatch's 'Studies'?" The older man mocked still. Which made the girls felt a bit more irked by that then they thought they would

"As a matter fact SIR, yeah we do. Milo has done extensive research and you'd be stupid if you didn't at least TRY and give a chance. Which we've heard you have but barely gave him any time of day or respect." Yang argued narrowing her eyes a little as no matter who it was. Be it non-native or native of this world or any worlds in the future, Yang would always be protective of her friends

"I agree. You're all just being rude to him by this point." Ruby added in as she sternly glare at the older man too. Though it looked more childlike then anything considering her more softer features

"Seriously. Just give him a chance. He isn't wrong, there is an Atlantis. So again, just give it a chance!" Blake finished off angrily as she just finished dusting Milo's coat off

"Well I guess crazy isn't just geared towards just adults, but brats too. Mouthy brats. You think a few scathing words are going to change my mind on funding a wild goose chase. By a man who's just as equally crazy like that fool grandfather of his?" The older man angrily insulted as the girls got even angrier at those words alone. But Milo cut in before anyone could act in their anger

"Hey you can insult me all you want. But leave my friends and my grandfather out of this!" Milo snapped back for a moment. The girls and even his boss were a bit surprised by the sudden change of tone. Taking a moment more to calm down Milo then sighed, his face changing from anger to a bit of desperation "Please… sir, I can prove Atlantis exists."

"You and your little friends want to go on an expedition. Here." The older man angrily stated. As he took out five silver coins and threw them right in Milo's chest as they fell to the ground "Take a take a trolley to the platomic and jump in. Maybe the water will cool off you heads. James!"

With that the older man closed the curtains to his window and called his drives name as the car speed off. A puddle underneath the right set of wheels splashed a bunch of water on Milo and the girls. Shocked mostly by this, Yang at least was angry enough to grab the coins as she moved where the car had been and faced the fleeing vehicle.

"Oh… Oh yeah. Well you can take these coins and choke on it you…you… JERK!" Yang screamed. Before chucking the coins away like in some vain to attack the old rude man. But with no luck of course as Yang just angrily glared ahead. The let out sigh and looked back. Seeing the rest move up and noticed the defeated look on Milos face "Milo… I'm so sorry."

"It's fine Yang… it's fine." Milo replied back. Though it was clear it wasn't as he looked at his now soggy thesis paper "Someday huh?"

"It was, but if it makes you feel better. We all believe you. Turley we do." Dante exclaimed as the others nodded, quacked or barked in agreement

"Hm. Thanks guys, you really are great friends." Milo muttered as he felt quite happy he'd meet such kind people as these

"That's what friends are for Milo. Come on let's get back home. We can help you figure out something. Promise." Ikail suggested as the others nodded in agreement

Milo once more couldn't help but be glad to have good friends like these. Without saying much more, they all made their way home.

And it didn't too long despite the dreary weather. But it helped that everyone was keeping one another occupied. With small conversations and jokes. Which for Milo especially, helped a lot with his rather down mood. By the time they all had made it back to Milo's apartment, the girls and Milo were dry fully along with feeling hungry for some dinner. As they entered the apartment and closed the door Milo was the one to speak.

"Well let's get comfy and I can whip up some more spam supreme!" Milo chimed happily as he tried to turn the lamp on. Only it didn't "Huh…"

"What's wrong?" Yang asked as she and the rest noticed the lamp wasn't working too

"It's just I swore I changed the lightbulbs." Milo answered pulling the cord to the lamp a few more times with the same outcome

"That's weird. Hm maybe it's just a bad blub. I can go and find another light-" Ruby began to say before suddenly lighting appeared outside and lite up the room showing that they were not alone

In fact there was a peach skinned woman standing in front of the window. Her back turned to them as she wore a black dress , black heels, black gloves and her blonde hair under a black cap. She also had in her hands a smoke pipe. Turning around showing her brown eyes and beauty mark on the left side of her cheek. She was gorgeous that was for sure and her amused smirk added to it oddly. Then she spoke.

"Well hello there Mi-" The woman with a rather soothing voice began to say. Before she was suddenly cut off by Ruby

'AH ROBBER!" Ruby screamed as she'd grabbed a book. Then threw in right into the face of the woman as she kept her footing. But now was covering her nose as she grumbled angrily. Everyone looked to Ruby who sheepishly smiled "Hehe…sorry… late reaction."

"Yeah. Maybe work on that Ruby." Guin exclaimed as Ruby sighed but nodded in agreement

"Still, are you okay miss…?" Ikail asked the woman, who seemed a bit calmer now. Though glared a little towards Ruby

"And why are you here?" Blake added in as she was a bit wary of the woman already

"Helga. Just Helga." Helga answered as she could feel her nose was sore. But thankfully wasn't bleeding. Taking a deep breath she got her cool back before she spoke on "For why I'm here, my employer wants to speak with Mr. Thatch. But I'm sure if you lot want to tag along. He wouldn't mind."

"And just who would that employer be?" Weiss asked now as Helga simply smirked

For some reason that smirk didn't really make anyone in the group feel comfortable around her. In fact it made them feel much more wary now than anything of the woman before them. Still they did wonder what this employer of hers wanted with them…

---

Okay… okay…

That was the only word that the girls, Dante, Guin, Ikail, Donald and Goofy could think of. As they had NO idea what was even going on anymore.

They had all come along with Helga. Drove all the way to a large mansion which belonged to Helga's boss. Then were lead inside before going into an elevator leading downwards. Helga giving them instructions and such on how to talk to her boss.

Once outside the elevator as it closed behind them. They ended up in a large personal room of sorts. Books, papers, tables, seats, a large fire place, painting and all could be seen. The group walking slowly closer to the fire place. Before they noticed a painting of Milo's grandfather and another old man.

Then came the sudden introduction of Helgas boss. Mr. Whitmore. An odd old fellow who'd been doing yoga as he spoke to them. Mainly Milo who'd walked up closer while the rest had stayed back. Closing their eyes when they saw the old man do a handstand and the robe he wore feel down. They didn't see it but they had a feeling Mr. Whitmore hadn't been wearing an undergarments. But once they opened their eyes they saw Mr. Whitmore on his backside again as he stretched his legs to the side. Before pointing at a desk with what looked like a package.

"It's for you." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed still cracking his bones which made the girls at least cringe a bit as none of them cared for the sounds. Still they stayed quiet seeing this was more of a Milo thing right now. Milo himself walked to a wrapped gift as he picked it up and inspected it surprised at who this was from

"It's... it's from my grandfather." Milo said as he wondered what his grandfather had left him after his death. That and he wondered why Mr. Whitmore had been given it since he hadn't know of the man until today

"He brought that package to me years ago. He said if anything were to happen to him (Crack) I should give it to you (Crack) when you were ready (Crack) whatever that means." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed as he stood back up and did some arm stretches. Meanwhile Milo opened the package and was shocked at what he saw

"Is that…"Ruby muttered as even where she and the others stood. They could see a very familiar design that Milo had showed them over the past two weeks they'd stayed with him

"It can't be. It's the Shepherd's Journal!" Milo shouted in utter shock while Mr. Whitmore had moved over near him. Taking a sip of water from a cup he left on a table. Milo meanwhile took his glasses off for a moment to make sure he was seeing this right, before he faced the older man in utter disbelief "Mr. Whitmore this journal is the key... to finding the lost continent of Atlantis!"

"Atlantis. Ha, ha, ha!" Mr. Whitmore joked moving past Milo and to what looked like a dressing stand to go behind "I wasn't born yesterday son."

"No, no, no. Look... look at this. Coordinates. Clues. It's all right here." Milo tried to explain as he put his glasses back on and looking over the until now fabled book

"Yeah, looks like gibberish to me." Mr. Whitmore remarked as he started to change behind the stand

"That's because it's been written in a dialect... that no longer exists." Milo countered. Calming down from the initial shock

"So it's useless." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed

"No, no, just difficult. I've spent my whole life studying dead languages. It's not gibberish to me." Milo explained on looking back at the book as he read a page from it

"Ah it's probably a fake." Mr. Whitmore teased. Moving back out from behind the dressing stand. Now he wore a nice white fancy suit with a red tie, black shoes and a cane that hung over his right forearm. Milo himself slowly closing the book turning his attention back to the old man

"Mr. Whitmore, my grandfather would have known if this were a fake. I would know. I will stake everything I own. Everything that I believe in... that this is the genuine Shepherd's Journal." Milo sated as the group still keeping their silence could hear his tone break a little as it seemed Milo was doing his best to not get upset by the older man's words

"All right, all right." Mr. Whitmore replied before moving over to a table with two seats on each side and that had the glow from a large aquarium shine down from their left. Milo without thinking followed in suit. The others following behind as they stayed next to Milo "So what do you want to do with it?"

"Well, I'll... I'll...I'll get funding. I mean I'll..." Milo tried to answer before Mr. Whitmore cut in

"The museum...never believe you." Mr. Whitmore countered. The group cringing a bit as from today's experience they could tell that the older man had a point

"I'll show them, I will make them believe!" Milo argued

"Like you did today?" Mr. Whitmore remarked though it was kind of surprising he even knew about that

"Yes. Well no. How did you... forget about them okay. Never mind!" Milo in a slightly confused moment argued on still "I will find Atlantis on my own. I mean it, even if I have to rent a rowboat!"

"Congratulations Milo. This is exactly what I wanted to hear but forget the rowboat son." Mr. Whitmore said with smirk. Before pressing a button on the left of the table. Showing now miniature models of what looked like large sub and smaller ones that popped up. Much to Milo and the groups surprise "We'll travel in style. It's all been arranged, the whole ball of wax."

"Um excuse me sir. Mr. Whitmore, pardon to cut in. But…oh wait forgot. We're-" Weiss cut in as she at least couldn't keep quiet any longer on this. But surprisingly Mr. Whitmore cut her off

"Friends of Milo here. I know your Weiss. Then Ruby is the one in red, Blake the one in black, Yang the one in yellow. Ikail is the older woman, Guin the taller of the two men then Dante the shorter one." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed calmly as the group was quite surprised he seemed to know of them. Though the girls giggled a little when the heard Dante grumble that he 'Wasn't THAT short'. Mr. Whitmore meanwhile the looked down at the last two to of their group with a smile "And last but not least your duck Donald and your dog Goofy."

"Arf, arf!" Goofy happily barked when he felt Mr. Whitmore giving him a scratch on the back of the ear. While Donald raised an eyebrow wondering just how much animalistic they were in these current forms

"Huh, that's surprising. How'd you…" Ikail asked but trailed off as she was bewildered at how this old man even knew of them

"That aside, Miss Weiss. Your question?" Mr. Whitmore said like it wasn't odd at all he knew of them and shifted the conversation back to Weiss "Miss Weiss?"

"Oh ah…sorry. Sorry, right." Weiss replied back taking a moment to just let it be that it seemed this old man knew of them. She wanted to ask how, but she'd let it be "Right I was just gonna ask. But why, not that I think us or Milo aren't excited. But that sub alone must have cost a fortune. So again…why?

"Fair enough. Well you see for years Milo's granddad bent my ear with stories about that old book. I didn't buy it for a minute. So one day finally I got fed up and made a bet with the old coot. I said, "Thatch, if you ever actually find that so-called journal. Not only will I finance the expedition. But I'll kiss you full on the mouth!" Ahem…" Mr. Whitmore explained moving over to a desk as he took a framed photo off of it. Before showing it to everyone who saw the man himself, along with Milos Grandfather who had the book in his hands. Both spitting away from one another as it seemed Mr. Whitmore was a… man of his word "Imagine my embarrassment when he found the darn thing."

"Pff!" Yang almost laughed but kept it in as she didn't want to be rude. That and the elbow to the sides she got from Blake and Wiess made blonde cringed from the sudden jabs

"I have to admit. You're a man of your word, that's a rare thing." Guin remarked as the others nodded in agreement. While Mr. Whitmore moved away and placed the photo back on the desk he'd taken it from

" Yes I am. Milo's grandfather might be gone. God rest his soul, but as you all saw. Preston Whitmore is a man who keeps his word. You hear that Thatch?!" Mr. Whitmore yelled pointing his cane towards the framed painting of him and Milo's grandfather. Like he could hear him, even after he passed away and was all the way up in heaven "I'm going to the afterlife with a clear conscience by thunder!"

After that Mr. Whitmore let out a small halfhearted chuckle. Looking down at the ground for a moment before. Everyone else just kept quiet as they felt a little sad seeing the old man become so somber all of sudden. Mr. Whitmore then looked back up at the painting of him and his old best friend with a sad smile.

"Your grandpa Milo he… he was a great man. You probably don't realize how great. The stories he told you as a lad, the tales you told your friends here. They don't do him justice no matter how amazing they are." Mr. Whitmore somberly explained before he clenched the head of his cane a little in anger"Those… those darn buffoons at the museum dragged him down. Made a laughingstock out of him. He died a broken man. So you ask why Miss Weiss, well it's simple really. If I could bring back just one shred of proof... that'd be enough for me. That would be enough for Milo's grandfather too, my best friend. Ah Thatch."

Everyone stayed quiet still, none of them really knowing what to say after hearing that. But the girls wondered if this would be how they'd feel once they got around Mr. Whitmore's age. But after a few moments. Mr. Whitmore did a change to mood suddenly.

"Well what are we standing around for. We got work to do!" Mr. Whitmore exclaimed, though his little expedition did bring up some more questions

"But Mr. Whitmore you know you're gonna need a crew. Like a really big one." Ruby chimed in first

"Taken care of!" Mr. Whitmore happily answered like it was nothing

"But what about engineers and geologists?" Blake asked next as she was getting a little unnerved already at just how prepped this old man was

"Ha girly I already got that covered!" Mr. Whitmore responded back, throwing a file on the table as a few documents with picture hung out. Milo picked up the papers and looked some of those documents. The others looking over his shoulders "Best of the best. Like Gaetan Moliere, geology and excavation. The man has a nose for dirt."

The picture accompanied by the document was of a short round man wearing a helmet with custom goggles, stubble and wore a heavy coat from what could be barley see. Oddly enough he looked kind of like a mole from his picture alone. Now they wondered if he acted like that.

"Or Vincenzo Santorini, demolitions. Busted him out of a Turkish prison. Wasn't easy I'll tell ya." Mr. Whitmore explained on as Milo had moved to the document that had said man's documents and mug shot

He seemed like a more thin, tall man with short black hair up to the ends of the top of his scalp. That and he had a black mustache, a bored gaze and wore what looked to be a metal chest plate over his black sweater.

"And even Audrey Ramirez. Don't let her age fool you. She knows more about engines than you or I will ever know." Mr. Whitmore finished off as the group now looked upon this girls documents and photo

The photo showed a young girl with black hair and wearing a cap on her head. She also was seen wearing a white tank top under a pair of dirty smudge stained overalls. She looked near the same ages of Weiss, Blake and Yang and maybe a year older then Ruby. At least that was their guess.

"They're the same crew that brought the Journal back." Mr. Whitmore explained before he waited for the rather obvious question from someone in this group

"Where would that be?" Dante asked now as Mr. Whitmore smiled before answering

"Iceland." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed. Then he noticed seeing Milo and the girls go wide eyed

"I knew it! I knew it!" Milo cheered first in utter glee that his hunch was right

"Sweet, that extra night of studying did help after all. Well for once… still can't believe I'm saying this. But, YAY STUDYING!" Yang cheered excited too as this was a needed event after earlier today

"YAY!" Weiss and Ruby cheered alongside Yang, while Blake watched with a smile

"Never…never have I been more proud to hear such words." Blake muttered sniffling a little at the fact her friends aside from her cousin Weiss. Finally learned the value of a good nights of studying

"Is she crying?" Dante questioned at the rather odd thing to be happily tearing up about

"Just let her have this Dante, just let her have this." Ikail replied back amused a little at the scene before them

"Yes, yes as exciting as that is. Now, well now we need is an expert in gibberish. So it's decision time. You can build on the foundation your grandfather left you... or you can go back to your boiler room." Mr. Whitmore explained happy to see such enthusiasm of the younger folks. Milo himself taking a moment for it finally caught up with him

"This… this is for real." Milo muttered as it was final sinking in to him what was about to happen

"Now you're catching on." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed. Very happy at how eager his best friends grandson was and how much he was like him

"All right. OK. But I-l-I'll have to quit my job." Milo began to say out. Muttering a mental list now to keep himself calm

"It's done. You resigned this afternoon. Don't like to leave loose ends." Mr. Whitmore exclaimed and rather too calmly at that

"But what about his apartment. Won't he have to give them a notice?" Guin asked this time as he wondered just how prepped this man had been for them

"Taken care of." Mr. Whitmore happily answered

"But what about clothes?" Dante asked next. Adding into the sudden test of this man's already legit god like skills of being freaking prepped

"Packed." Mr. Whitmore once more answered with little to no hesitation

"Quack, quack (His books)? " Donlad quacked as there was no way the old man-

"In storage." Mr. Whitmore calmly answered. The group in disbelief that this man understood Donald so easily

"My cat?" Milo asked finally before suddenly he and the others hear a meow. Then saw the cute white cat Milo had crawl up behind his back on over his shoulder. Milo simply petted his cat as he kept his gaze on the old man "My gosh."

"Holy… just, wow. This guy. He's good, real good." Yang exclaimed as she and the others were surprised at how prepped Mr. Whitmore was

"Seriously…" Ikail muttered. As she always did have a high regard for those who were prepped and ready

The others didn't even say much at how surprised they were of well all of this. Though they felt happy for Milo. The kind young man who offered them a home while in this world. Now to see that all his hard work was paying off, they all agreed that Milo earned this. Mr. Whitmore meanwhile stood back up from his seat. Cane in both hands before making his way over to Milo.

"You're grandad had a saying, 'Our lives are remembered by the gifts we leave our children.'." Mr. Whitmore recited stopping an inch or so near Milo before handing him the Shepard's Journal. Milo taking in in his hands as he and everyone else looked down at the relic "This was his gift to you Milo. Atlantis is waiting, what do you say?"

As Milo and the group looked back up they saw Mr. Whitmore with a smile holding up Milos coat, taking a moment or so to let it sink in. Milo smiled as he placed the book down before springing up from his seat and taking his coat.

"I'm you're man Mr. Whitmore!" Milo cheered before remembered the other with him and looked back to him "Oh right I almost forgot you all. Ah look, maybe I can make a call or two to a friend about-"

But before he could finish Ruby cut him off as they had all already decided to go with the young man. Besides he was their friend and they wouldn't feel right about leaving him alone on this sort of quest. That and the fact that they had a suspicion the Keyhole they've been looking for was in this lost mystical land Atlantis. So it was a win-win either way for them.

"Ah, Ah. None of that Milo, you won't need to do that. Because we're coming with you." Ruby stated kindly and Milo about to argue a bit, only for the rest of team RWBY to cut in too

"That said too. Again you offered us a home when you didn't need to do so and helped us learn more about the going on's of this part of the world. All because you wanted too." Weiss said next as Milo had been for these past two weeks the kindest man to them even when they were but complete strangers

"Don't forgot too that you shared your food with us when you knew you didn't have much. All because you wanted to be a good host and keep us happy." Blake chimed in as yet again Milo had earned their friendship and loyalty with his display of kindness

"And come on dude, you've been hyping up this Atlantis for the past two weeks. No way we're missing it. That and because like the girls said. You've been an awesome dude to us. So it's a given there." Yang exclaimed kindly with a thumbs up to reinforce her statement

"We just follow the girls lead. If they're going, we'll be right behind them. That and you're our friend also. So it would be rude to leave you alone now of all times." Guin exclaimed as Ikail and Dante nodded in absolute agreement. Goofy who had Milos cat on his back now gently barked while Donlad quacked in their form of agreement. Though Guin looked to their other host "If Mr. Whitmore agrees with this of course."

"Oh yeah. Please Mr. Whitmore, we promise to help out in any way we can to keep the mission safe and sounds. Please with extra sugar, a cherry and chocolate on top of a sundae!" Ruby pleaded, with the biggest 'PLEASE!' smile and look she could muster. Weiss almost squealed at how darn adorable her wife could be, but kept herself calm enough not too

"Hehe. No need for begging little lady. I was already counting on you and your friends coming along too. You're all good in my book." Mr. Whitmore remarked amused by Ruby's antics that remind him of his own brilliant grandkids. Looking to Milo he couldn't help but smile more "Have to say Mr. Thatch, you have quite the loyal group of friends here."

"Yeah, I do. I really do." Milo exclaimed as he looked to the others who looked to him with small smiles. Once again the young man couldn't help but feel blessed with the good friends he made within these last two weeks. But he felt Mr. Whitmore give him a pat on the back and he looked back to the old man

"Anyways. You all get some rest, because soon you're all heading to Atlantis!" Mr. Whitmore cheered as Milo finally let it sink in that this was actually happening

"Y-Yeah we are!" Milo yelled in utter glee putting his jacket on backwards by accident from the new boost of pure excitement "I-I-I'm so excited. I can't even hold it in!"

Oh yes, Milo who despite having his coat backwards seeming kind of silly now. Seemed also so proud in a cheerful manner that was dignifying . The group themselves could see it too, see the dignified, proud and brave eager young adventure before them. Nothing could ever possibly ruin this im-

.

.

"BLARG!"

.

.

Ehhhh… okay. Maybe, just maybe the sight of Milo now with his coat on right. But throwing up over the side of a ship, could possible muddle the proud image of what had been seen not just a day ago by team RWBY and their friends.

"You ah… you good there dude?" Yang asked as she patted Milo's back

"Also do I see carrots… how, we didn't have carrots?" Dante remarked as he looked down at where Milo had barfed since he felt a little sea sick too. Only to see carrots and for some reason he got real queasy after that "BLEH, OH…OH BLEH!"

"Ew…" Ruby and Weiss muttered. Meanwhile Blake patted Dantes back since she was closest to the man aside from Ikail who cringed a little

"Arf!" Goofy barked. With Donald on his back as even they in a way, cringed from the sound of the barfing

"Got that right Goofy. At least now we know who's got a weak stomachs in our crew." Weiss exclaimed petting the top of Goofy's head. Though she was so glad she hadn't had much to eat before boarding the rather old boat leading them to wherever

"Well either way, hopefully we get there soon. I don't think I can stomach anymore barfing even if I'm not looking at it." Ikail stated as she was even starting to feel a little queasy

"Quack, quack!" Donald quacked in his own was of agreement with Ikail

"Well excuse me and Milo if we're easy to get sick on a boat." Danta grumbled as he took a few deep breaths

"Big baby." Ikail teased while Dante grumbled some more. Ruby and Blake chuckled at the sight of the somewhat brother and sister like relationship the two seemed to be developing

"Behave children. Please." Guin stated and a bit sternly as he groaned. Feeling like this was gonna be a normal thing from now on and he didn't know how to feel about that. But oh well not like he could stop whatever dynamic this little team of theirs was gonna have eventually

"Yes Guin." Dante and Ikail replied back. Dante more respectfully to his friend while Ikail stuck her tongue out for a moment at Guin, who simply ignored his more woman-child tempered companion

"Hey is it me or is Guin already kind of like the group dad?" Ruby whispered to the girls, Donald and Goofy

"I'd say more like the older brother while Goofy is more like the group dad. If don't mind me saying Goofy?" Blake replied back as she looked to Goofy with a kind smile. As despite his now more dog like appearance, he was still the same friend she'd know so far

"Arf, ruff!" Goofy barked, seeming happy and fine with comparison as he wagged his Tali

"Then what about Donald maybe the grumpy pet?" Yang joked poking at Donald's face a little as she found it fun already to mess with the duck man now just duck "Ain't that right Donald. Yes it is you dear little duck. Hehe, who's a -"

By the tenth poke Donald had enough and despite the lack of teeth. His bill was enough to hurt Yang's index finger a little as she pulled back with a grunt of pain.

"Ow, the heck Donald I was joking!" Yang scolded as she gave the duck the stink eye and got a little more fussy when she saw what she swore was a smug as heck smirk on the ducks bill "Little…"

"You were kind of asking for that big sis." Ruby remarked as she felt that Yang did it to herself since she should have remembered Donalds short temper. Even in duck form now, that temper was not any less present

"ANYWAYS. If I had to say something about Donald here. He's more like that uncle who though has a bad temper. Also has a kind heart." Blake exclaimed as she patted the top of Donalds head now. This seemed to make Donald feel better happy with his own comparison

"Yeah no kidding." Yang grumbled but chuckled some as she gave Donald a smile of her own "Sorry about well you know."

"Quack!" Donald quacked. Moving his right wing towards her and somehow made his feathers do a thumbs up. Yang and the girls were bit surprised by that, but let it be since it wasn't that bad of an issue

"Well glad to see we're all getting along again." Ruby said. Then focused on Milo who was finally standing back up straight and rubbing his forehead "Milo you doing okay now. Feeling better?"

"Yeah… yeah I am. Thanks for asking and how about you girls. You doing fine or…" Milo asked back as he did feel much better after throwing up

"Were fine Milo. But thanks for asking." Weiss replied back

"Trust us here dude. You're friends with some pretty tough gals!" Yang remarked flexing for a moment Milo chuckled a bit at the usual oddness he'd gotten use to with this group

"Attention. All hands to the launch bay." An older woman said over the speakers all of sudden, though her tone was a bit uninterested and scratchy "And to whoever took the 'L' from the Motor Pool sign. Haha, we are all amused."

"Pff!" Yang snickered. If only to keep herself from laughing out loud at the juvenile joke

"Of course you would find it funny Yang…" Weiss muttered as she sighed a little at her sister in laws immature sense of humor

"Well that's Yang for you." Blake chimed in in defense of her partner. Even though she wasn't a fan of such humor either

"And you can't ever deny a good potty humor joke. Ha!" Ikail cut in as she also had laughed out loud too

"I don't get it?" Ruby stated. Confused on why exactly the Motor Pool without a L was…wait. Oh dust that was funny "Oh I get it now. Hahaha!"

"I blame Yang for this, she's corrupted my wife already…" Weiss muttered as Blake smirked a little as she overheard

"Totally not overprotective." Blake muttered herself as a small humorous jab at her cousin

"What was that?" Weiss whispered as she gave her cousin the stink eye

"Nothing." Blake answered back. Weiss would have pressed a bit more, but then she saw Milo and the others making their way off now. Blake quickly followed behind, while Weiss grumbled some

After that the group as whole walked down to the launch bay. Passing by various men and women doing just what was needed to do for this expedition. Be it hauling in crates of food and barrels of liquids. To craning in what was assumed would be the vehicles for the expedition. Buy they stopped when Milo and them saw a rather familiar woman in a more militaristic attire. At least from the back since it was the long blonde braid of hers. Milo the one to get a little closer to her.

"Excuse me, me and my friends need to report in." Milo stated as the woman he addressed turned around

"Yes Mr. Thatch-" Helga said a bit smugly as she smirked at Milo who flinched back. While the others had moved up closer and was cut off

"Hey it's you again! Ruby kindly said with a wave hello and hoping Helga wasn't too angry still about the book to the face

Helga though still irked a bit at Ruby. Would have at least waved back to be nice to the young girl. But before she could. Acar from behind being lowered had standing out of the side an older man who looked like someone you'd have found working the mines and lived in woods. The man not seeming happy much.

"Blondie, I got a bone to pick with you." The old man exclaimed sternly as Helga sighed

"A moment…" Helga groaned before moving closer to the old man and crossed her arms before addressing him "What is it this time Cookie?"

"You'd done filled up my wagon with the non-essentials. Look at this I mean cinnamon, oregano, CI-lantro. What in the cock a doodle is CI-lantro!" Cookie yelled as he threw out a few can's and jars to his left. Then he saw a head of lettuce and picked it up confused "What is this?"

"Lettuce?" Weiss exclaimed rather loudly as now she was dreading what her stomach was gonna be enduring if this man was supposed to be their cook or at least one of them

"LETTUCE. Ugh, lettuce?" Cookie argued looking at the head of lettuce like a diseased animal

"Yeah lettuce. You know one of the main basic food groups?!" Weiss yet again argued as now she was truly scared for her stomach

"'Weiss maybe not argue with the old man who's probably going to make our food…" Dante whispered. Having a feeling it would be a waste of time to argue with the old man, that and he could just spit in their food if they ticked him off enough. Even if he didn't seem the type to do that it wasn't worth the risk

"Ah hogwash kid. I got your four basic food groups. Beans, bacon, whisky and lard!" Cookie exclaimed in a matter of fact tone as he counted with his right hand

"I feel like I'm having a heart attack just hearing that…" Yang muttered. As she loved junk food here and there. But what Cookie just listed off was near something that could cause an early death if anything

But before anyone else could add in or argue, suddenly the alarms went off and most of the group flinched just for a moment at the sudden loud noise. Blake herself happy for once to not have her cat ears considering if she did, she would have been in so much pain right now. Helga meanwhile pushed the lettuce head back against Cookie.

"Alright people. Pack it up, find your stations and move out!" Helga ordered before making her way off

After that the group did so. A little confused at first as where to exactly go, until they saw the actual submarine Mr. Whitmore had showed them a while back model wise. Though they did take notice of a large number of uniformed men and women going the same direction which helped too. So the group followed behind and stopped once the uniformed men stopped. Confused on what was next, the girls and Milo were at least surprised when the floor below them began to descend downwards. Once it was there on the ground level everyone started moving again. Though Ikail, Dante and Guin looked back at them as they moved ahead.

"Girls, Milo. The boys and I are gonna get situated. We'll meet up later in the ship okay?" Ikail kindly explained as Dante and Guin already were making their way off. Donald and Goofy behind them

"Sure thing Ikail. See ya all soon!" Ruby replied as Ikail nodded back before following behind the others. Alone now with only Milo, Ruby decided to keep everyone's mind off of the slight nervousness she knew they all were feeling still as they slowly continued walking to the ship "Sooo… how is everyone. Did we all get a good night's rest and a good meal before. By we, I mean you Milo."

"Hey I'm not that bad Ruby." Milo replied though the girls gave him a look that screamed 'Oh really?'

"Milo remind us. How many times did me and the girls especially made sure you didn't go TOO far with your studying?" Weiss remarked

"Well ah I mean-" Milo began to say but was cut off by Yang

"OH and don't forget when you ended up buried under a pile of books because you were too tired from the day before." Yang chimed in sternly for once. That day had been a bit of a worrying time since by then Milo had become a good friend to them all

"And don't forget when you almost got hit by car after you got super excited on a lead to the Shepard's journal before we meet Mr. Whitmore?" Blake now inquired sternly too as she swore the man needed to focus more around him before he got himself killed

"Point being Milo. We know your capable, but we've been able to make sure you at least take care of yourself. So yeah." Ruby snarked amused a little as Milo grumbled a little "Come on Milo. You know we're right."

"Yeah. Yeah. I know Ruby, I know. Thanks." Milo said as he knew the girls had a point. But just then he felt his back get bumped from someone pushing a few crates of something

"Hey there that was rude who-whoever you are!" Ruby yelled as the person who had been pushing the boxes looked to the right of his cargo at the group

The man was one of the people from the profiles. The one called Vinny Santorini who was the explosives expert. The man himself deciding to just reply back to Ruby when he took notice of her, though he did raise a brow seeing four young teen girls here. Sure there was Audry but she was capable, these for to the man at least did not seem like that. Especially the man with them.

"Hey kids you looking for the pony rides. They're back there." Vinny with a deep slightly accented tone stated and rather rudely too as began passing by group

"Rude much!" Weiss yelled, though if the man heard or not he didn't show it. But as he passed by, Weiss noticed something in the shape of an red and black stick with a string connected to it. Curious she picked it up "Huh what's this?"

"Hm. Oh maybe it belongs to mister rude man?" Ruby suggested as Milo decided to take what Weiss had and give it back to the man

"Um excuse me. You dropped your…" Milo began to say before he finally noticed that it was actually a sick of dynamite "D-D-D…Dynamite?!"

"Dyna-what now?" Yang questioned as she and the girls were a bit confused on what that even was. Vinny meanwhile took the stick of dynamite from Milo

"Explosive missy." Vinny answered as the girls went wide eyed noticing now that whatever else was in the boxes were also probably explosives too. Then they remembered this man was supposed to the crews explosive expert do it made sense if not worrying too

"Ah…wow, overkill much?" Yang stated though Vinny just shrugged

"Seriously that's like a LOT of explosive!" Ruby screamed as she felt a little unsafe

"Ah….what else do you got in there anyways?" Milo asked. Mainly to break the slight awkwardness that had built up

"Oh eh, gun powder. Nitroglycerin, note pad, fuses, wicks, glue and ah… paper clips. Big ones. You know just eh… office supplies." Vinny stated before just making his way ahead once more

"Right… office supplies." Blake muttered feeling also not so very safe anymore being in the submarine considering that it had explosives housed in it "Wonder what else the subs gonna have stored inside."

"Hopefully sweet treats. I really want some chocolate chip cookies." Ruby remarked getting a quick laugh out of the girls and Milo. But just then they heard a whistle. The group looked to see Mr. Whitmore and an older gentlemen in uniform next to him

"Milo, girls where ya been. I'd like you all to meet someone!" Mr. Whitmore said happily as the group of five moved up to the older man and his guest. Once there Mr. Whitmore introduced the other man "I'd like you all to meet Commander Rourke. He lead the Iceland team that brough the journal back."

Said man was tall, muscular despite looking at or even a bit pass the age of fifty. With slightly wrinkled peach skin, brown eyes, a clean saved face and greying short hair. He also wore military greens and all in all the man was quite the imposing presence. Said man holding hand out to Milo who took it as both of them shook hands.

"Milo Thatch. Pleasure to meet the grandson of old Thadeus, see you got that journal. Nice pictures. But I prefer a good western myself." Rourke stated. Letting a short hefty chuckle at his little joke before he turned his attention to the girls "And you four must be part of Milo's team. Weren't there supposed to be more of you. Two more men, a dog, duck and a woman?"

"Oh they went ahead to find get situated. But it's very nice to meet you Mr. Rourke!" Ruby happily cheered as she shook his hand next, followed by the others who did the same. Though Ruby noticed Blake at least seemed a bit more hesitant. She'd ask about that later though. Looking over to the submarine now though, Ruby couldn't help but feel even more excited "Have to say Mr. Whitmore. So much cooler than the model!"

"Seriously, when you settle a bet Mr. Whitmore. You really settle a bet." Milo added in as he like the rest were in awe of the submarine before them

"Well your grandfather always believed you couldn't put a price on the purist of knowledge." Mr. Whitmore explained

"Wise words if I say." Blake exclaimed as she wished she have met the man. He really did seem like a good old fellow hunter of knowledge like she was whenever she could find the time

"Well ah, believe me. This will be small change compared to what were gonna learn on this trip." Milo proclaimed as he was getting more and more excited by the second

"Yes. This should be enriching for all of us." Rourke simply stated

Though once again Ruby at least took notice that Blake narrowed her eyes just a little at the older man. Also she seemed to be on guard too, then she notice Yang see it as well alongside Weiss. All three of them giving each other looks that they were just as confused by Blakes slight hostilities. But all deciding to leave it for later. Before any of them noticed though. They saw Milo and Rourke already going up the ramp into the submarine. But as they were about to follow, Mr. Whitmore stopped them.

"Ladies, mind if I have your ear for a moment?" Mr. Whitmore asked kindly. The girls took a moment looking to one another, before back at the older man and nodded that it was fine. With a smile Mr. Whitmore cleared his throat "Good. Good, now ladies I know we haven't know each other long. Barley even, but I can tell you and your friend are a good lot. So I'm simply just asking. But make sure to keep an eye on Milo. He's like Thatch in every way god rest that man's soul. Still keep an eye on him for me and his grandpappy will ya?"

"Don't worry Mr. Whitmore. Milo has been nothing but a friend and family to us. We'll keep an eye on him. That's a Ruby Rose!" Ruby said first with a big smile

"Weiss Schnee!" Weiss said next. With a prideful smirk as she crossed her arms

"Blake Belladona!" Blake cheered. Smirking too as she placed her hands on her sides

"And Yang Xiao Long promise dude!" Yang finished off with a big grin and thumbs up to old man

"Hehe. We'll I believe you girls definitely now. Ha!" Mr. Whitmore exclaimed and smiled back at the four. Then went into a more somber gaze and softer smile "Hm… you know if I was a bit younger. What I wouldn't give to see your home world. Must be a fun place."

"Huh?" Ruby said as she and the girls were a bit shocked at what they swore they just heard from the old man "U-Um, Mr. Whitmore what did you say?"

'Launch will commence in fifth teen minuets." The same older woman said over the loudspeakers. The girls looking back at the ramp before looking back at Mr. Whitmore just kept smiling at them

"You ladies better get going and stay safe." Mr. Whitmore happily suggested as the girls took a moment. Then decided that it was best to just do as the old man suggested

"Right. We will then. Thanks again for all this Mr. Whitmore and don't worry we'll keep an eye on Milo!" Ruby stated before she and the girls quickly began making their way up and then into the submarine as the doors were closing behind

"I know you will girls. Besides, you already are fighter ain't ya key gals?" Mr. Whitmore muttered to himself. Before he looked up at the roof in way that it seemed he was looking pass that to somewhere else "Thaddeus my friend. Your grandson sure made some interesting out of this world friends of his own."

With that Mr. Whitmore made his way off, back to his car to get back home and rest. Hearing the sounds of the submarine being prepped for launch. He was content knowing fully well that one way or another. This whole expedition would end with a happy note. That he knew for a fact.

---

So far, so good...

At least if asked the non-natives their opinion. As it had been about a day of rest and getting acquainted with their fellow allies on the sub for team RWBY and their friends. Meeting some of the quirkier of the team that brought back the Shepard's Journal and a few who's profiles they'd already seen beforehand.

Be it for them all to meet the resident French dirt lover and slight pervert Gaten Mole or just Mole, who really was a shorter man then what the profile picture of him had shown. To then learning that he and Vinny happened to be good friends. Even if the man seemed to get annoyed by him at times.

Or to meet the resident doctor Joshua Sweets who also just went by Sweets. Despite the tall, muscular dark skinned man's rather intimidating appearance at first glance. Like his nickname stated, he was rather nice. If not a bit of talker at times, but nice none the less.

To also meeting the last two more notable members. Being that of the communications officer and also woman named Wilhelmina or by her last name Packer. Who also seemed WAY to 'Meh' about this whole trip at times and who had been the one on the comms earlier on.

To finally meeting the only other teen in the ship and who the group had learned of prior profile wise. The head mechanic Audrey Ramirez who seemed nice enough if not a bit lippy at times.

All in all everyone aside from Milo who'd been busy with the Shepard's journal for the whole day before. Seemed nice enough, though Blake whenever they'd bump into Rourke yesterday when navigating the submarine. The girls at least always took notice at how continually Blake seemed uneasy near him. That and the even noticed Donald, and Goofy a bit hesitant to let the man even near them. But again they let it be for a better time to ask one or all three of them on why that was.

That said currently Milo was leading the girls, Dante, Guin, Ikail, Doanld and Goofy to the deck where everyone else was. Since they'd agreed to help him out with the presentation for his findings on Atlantis to the others of the crew. The ground team that had been with Rourke that found the Shepard's journal to be exact.

As they entered into the main hub of the submarine taking a good look around as the group followed behind Milo. They eventfully climbed up some stairs. Once at the top, Rourke who'd taken notice of them first said his greetings.

"Welcome to the bridge folks." Rourke stated as group looked around some more since they hadn't been to the bridge until now. It was quite spacious. Rourke meanwhile turned his attention to those here for the orientation. Being that of mainly just now Audrey, Vinny and Helga "Okay everybody. I'd like you to give Mr. Thatch and his team your undivided attention."

Everyone then looked to Milo, who despite having prepped himself for such a presentation. Couldn't help but freeze like a deer in headlights. Thankfully Ikail and Yang were there to quickly elbow his sides, Milo flinching for a moment from the sudden contact.

"Psshh. Milo that's your que." Ikail whispered

"Oh... ah right thanks Ikail." Milo whispered back before moving over to the board for his projector to show his findings. Doing his best, he cleared his throat before addressing all the eyes on him now "Good afternoon. C-Can everyone hear me okay?"

No response was given instead the onlookers just stared at him, blankly and unimpressed. Milo pulled the neck of his collar at how nervous he was feeling again. On the sidelines the group couldn't help but cringed a little.

"Oh he's breaking already." Weiss exclaimed as she was worried if Milo would pass out

"Quack…" Donald added in as he faced palmed with his wing

"Indeed Donald. Indeed." Weiss said with a sigh. Knowing Milo was probably already seen as an odd one to most of the crew like they were

"Ladies, I'd suggested that maybe you should help him out. The boy needs it." Dante suggested kindly as the girls looked to one another before nodding. Moving closer to Milo quickly Blake cut in

"ANYWAYS, hehe. Milo here was just about to say. But why don't we look at some slides for your learning entertainment!" Blake said in rather forced cheerful tone. Smiling as she said through her teeth "Right Milo?"

"Oh ah…" Milo began to say as Weiss flicked his forehead. Which seemed to help him get back on track as he turned on the projected and picked up a slide he had made for this briefing "Yes. Yes my friend Blake is correct. Now then as you'll see with this first slide. It depicts an ancient creature so frightening that sailors died from the mere sight of it!"

As Milo was about to put the slide in. Weiss went wide eyed as she realized which slide that was and totally forgot they had accidently numbered in '1' by mistake. That and now she had a moral obligation as Milos friend to NOT have him make a fool of himself.

"Milo wa…." Weiss began to say. But she stopped when she saw Milo had already done so and behold. The slide was now in full view of Milo in his swim wear with a rather childish floaty, water wings, goofy googles, flippers and a fishing pole where his cat was playing with the end. All in all, Milo looked like a dufus "Oh sweet dust no…"

"Ah right that one. I thought the girls got rid of it. Huh now that I think on it more, I still don't know why we took it in the first place." Guin exclaimed as he remembered that fun beach day. Despite Milo looking silly for the most part

"Cause it was funny?" Ikail suggested as Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy rolled their eyes at the obvious statement from their teams funny woman

Meanwhile a few chuckles from the crowd and even a sarcastic 'Hubba, Hubba.' Echoed in the rather now awkward and embarrassing briefing. The girls were trying to help Milo find the right slide. That and Ruby took out the current slide, then proceeded to thrown it against the ground. Before viciously stomping on it until it was dust. Then she looked back at the others with a big smile and a thumbs up.

"The goofy slide is no more. HAHA!" Ruby cheered with total, non-shame filled glee at how odd she just behaved in from a bunch of strangers

"I don't know where my little sister gets that from." Yang muttered. Face palming for a moment alongside the others on the side line, Blake, Weiss and even Milo

"Man these folks are such weirdos and geeks huh?" Audery remarked, Mostly as a joke than anything else. Vinny next to her snorted in agreement so far with the young engineer

"ANYWAYS. Now with the correct slide. As you'll see before you, it is an illustration of a beast called the Levithan. Who guards the entrance to Atlantis." Weiss cut in before more small talk or comments could be made. The new correct slide showing a drawing of a giant crab like creature attacking a boat and the strange lettering that came with it too

"Beware, ohhhh, scary!" Yang added in. Like she thought this needed special effects of all things

"For the love of…ugh. Yang the effects are NOT needed." Weiss grumbled at her in laws oddness at times

"Hey what can I say sister. The audience loves a good few sound effects!" Yang remarked before looking at the image of the large lobster "Hm you know, boil it then put some butter on the beast and that would be feast I'd love be a part of."

"With something like that I'd personally have some white wine I think." Vinny off handily remarked

"ANYWAYS for a third time… Milo." Ruby cut in before yet again anyone could interrupt as Milo gave Ruby a silent thank you nod before continuing

"Right so, this things is described in the book of Joe. That says 'Out of his mouth go burning light sparks of fire shall shoot out.' But more likely it's a carving or a sculpture to frighten off the superstitious." Milo exclaimed as that's honestly what he believed to be the facts

"So we finding this master piece then what?" Rourke asked before Mole cut in

"WHEN DO WE DIG?" Mole asked excited beyond belief as despite barley knowing the man. The group really did wonder where Moles whole shtick about digging came from

"Actually Mole we won't have to dig at least then." Ruby chimed in. Then gave Blake a nod before Blake took a marker and started to draw on the board, while Milo explained on

"You see as my friend Blake is showing. The path of Atlantis will take us too…' Milo began explain on but as he was with the help of the girls. Ikail, Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy watched on from the side lines

"So getting more excited boys?" Ikail questioned curiously as she personally was. She'd always loved going on adventures in her home world and learning of new places or lost history, that and fighting a decent battle once every while

"I'll admit I am, never would I have thought I'd been going underwater to find a lost city or the fact humans made something like were in to safely do something like this in the first place." Dante answered first as he still found this whole submarine thing awe inspiring

"Ruff!" Goofy barked happily

"Heh, I'll agree to that Goofy. I'll agree to that." Dante responded back. A quick pet on the top of Goofy's head as the hound wagged his tail

"Quack, quack!" Donald quacked on his own excitement here

"As am. I always did wonder what under the sea looked like or how deep it was. But now I know and it is something. That's for sure Ikail." Guin chimed in as Ikail hearing the answered smiled that they like the girls and Milo. We're enjoying themselves so far like she was

"Well good to know then. Hey how about after this we go get some grub to…." Ikail was saying before she stopped all of sudden from a feeling that crawled down her spin

A uneasy feeling, similar to what she felt when she would almost get shot or stabbed and the force would tell her of the danger. Only this time she knew she didn't have the force, but still something was screaming at her. That they were in sudden and very real danger. The others with her took notice of Ikail's sudden change in demeanor.

"Ikail, Ikail are you there?" Dante asked as he waved his hand over Ikail's face a few times. But with no response still "If this is a joke I don't think it's funny."

"Dante. I don't think she's making a joke." Guin exclaimed as Donald flew on top of kail's head at the same time, before gently tapping the woman's forehead with his beak to also no avail

"Not good." Dante muttered as Goofy whined a little

Though as this occurred Milo who was still doing his presentation along with those who were listening if out of just boredom. Didn't take notice of the girls suddenly tensing up too as they looked to Ikail. Having felt the same sudden feeling of danger. Even if they were confused on the why, they didn't say a word as they walked over back to the others. Who took notice of them aside from Ikail.

"Girls you okay?" Dante asked

"We…I don't know, but never mind us. What's wrong with Ikail guys?" Ruby questioned as she and the girls wondered if Ikail was being effect by whatever they had just felt

"We don't know. But it must be something bad." Guin answered before they all began to hear Goofy whine more and Donald flying back onto him as he balled up

"Donald, Goofy. What's wrong boys?" Weiss asked worried for their two friends turned animals

But just then they felt the submarine jerk a little as it descended downwards. The girls at least feeling more dread all of sudden. Before they, the rest of the subs crew here right now, Guin, Dante, Goofy and Donald at least since Ikail was still out of it. But before they saw what was a large graveyard of ships of various shapes and designs. Some made of wood, others metal. It only added to the uneasy feeling the girls felt.

"Look at that…" Helga said in shock herself as the girls overheard her

"They're ships from every era." Milo chimed in. The girls also overhearing him as they stared at the graveyard of ships before them

As they all just stared, Ruby swore much to her increasing panic. But she swore from the far distance she saw a big black blob move away. It was so quick that she couldn't be sure, but the only reasons she knew it wasn't part of her imagination. Was that she also swore she heard a faint sounds like a low grumble. It didn't help when Packer. Who was on the radio still, picked up something.

"Commander. I think you should hear this." Packer said as the girls looked to see the woman for once seemed a little uneasy if barely. Rourke himself seeming a bit bored as Milo was reading more from the book. Packer saying 'Commander' a few more times before getting the man's attention

"Yes Mrs. Packer, what is it?" Rourke replied back

"I'm picking up something on the hydrophone I think you should hear." Packer explained though as she did. Aside from Ikail and the rest. The girls felt their hearts start to beat faster and faster for some reason, that sense of dread rising by the second

"Put it on speakers." Rourke ordered as Packer did so

As she did, the girls knew for a fact that their sudden uneasiness was justified. As a sound came over the speakers, a sound that no matter who you were, how powerful you were or how brave you were. You did NOT want to hear in the ocean.

.

"GRRRRRRRR-RRRRRRR-RRRRRR…."

.

While the ungodly sound continued, those in the current area listening. It was the girls first who felt their hearts drop quickly. It was a sound that reminded them of the Grimm or at least stories they heard. Stories of Grimm who hid in the deepest depths of the sea. Monsters that killed and devoured without reason or rhyme. It was the sound of death.

The girls felt their hand shake a bit and looking to the others. They saw each of them though calm seemed more tense. Guin and Dante narrowed their eyes, while Donald and Goofy curled up a bit more in fear. Ikail meanwhile felt her hands were shaking as she let out a shuttering breath. All the while Helga and Rourke had moved over to Packer; and were arguing a little at what this noise was.

"What is that?" Dante whispered though no one answered him as they wondered too

"Hey does anyone else notice it's getting louder?" Milo pointed out now. Before that sudden realization kicked in for the group at least

It was just then as Milo pointed out the haunting noise stopped. That tense silence was all that was left. Everyone wondering if they'd hear it again or if whatever made the noise decided to leave them alone. After a few moments and it seemed all was well enough for most of the crew to calm down.

"Well… guess it was nothing. Helmsmen-" Rourke began to say before everyone heard Ikail yelp as she grabbed the railing behind her "What is she doing?"

"Um well… Ikail are you okay?" Ruby tried to say. But decided to just get the answers from Ikail herself

"Hold onto to something now!" Ikail screamed out of nowhere. Much to everyone confusion on where that even came from

"Ikail what are you-" Ruby began to ask again. Only to be cut off when suddenly something hit the ship as it shook violently and the alarms began to screech. Ruby, the girls and the others almost falling over but able to keep a steady stance "W-What was that?"

"I d-don't know Ruby. But whatever it was it was big." Yang answered her little sister as she was starting to panic just a little

"I might be best if we stay here for now. It probably the safest place here." Weiss exclaimed. She and the rest of the team though now noticed a large shadowy figure pass by them for just a moment "Okay…okay. Now I'm kind of doing my best to not freak out here!"

"It will be fine Weiss. Promise." Ikail quickly reassured her and in turn everyone else too before she looked to where Rourke, Helga and Milo were "Anytime now folks. We're getting creamed here!"

"Alright." Rourke muttered before he looked back to Helga "Tell Cookie to take out of the butter and bring out the bibs. I want this this lobster served up on a silver platter!"

"Ruff?" Goofy barked a bit confused by that strange analogy just now

"Yeah no kidding. Kind of a weird analogy if you ask me." Blake replied back. Guin and Ruby who overheard nodded in agreement while Helga relayed the orders to the crewmen

"Load the torpedo bay, sub pod groups battle stations!" Helga ordered already knowing what her boss meant by his odd analogy

"THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS!?" Ruby screamed as that was really odd way to just order everyone to get to the battle stations

"Again rest my case wei- AHHH!" Blake began to say once more. But fell against the rails like a few of others when they felt another hard hit by whatever was out there. Yang helping her back up moments later "Thanks hun."

"Anytime babe." Yang remarked sweetly. But before she could say more suddenly another hit happened. But this time it sounded like something grabbed onto them. Then seemed to be able to turned the whole submarine upside as they all began to slid down the floor to the window "NOT GOOD, NOT GOOD!"

"Grab the railings quick!" Dante ordered as everyone could see the railings below them

So they did. Dante, Yang, Ikail and Weiss landing first before they caught the others. Dante catching Donald and Goofy, while Yang was barely able to get a grip on Guin's arm. While Weiss was able to catch Ruby by the arms and Ikail was able to catch Blake barely by her right hand. Everyone pulling the other up while the others climbed up as best as they could. Once safe enough the girls, Donald and Goofy at least couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

"Whew. That was close…wait where's-" Ruby began to say before she and the others looked back up seeing the rest of the natives able to have hung onto something. Expect Milo who had his hand barley gripped on the edge of some railing up above "MILO!"

"Hang on Milo, just hang on!" Blake screamed

"I'm HANGING alright!" Milo yelled back though Blake, Weiss and Ruby at least took notice that he was making a slightly sarcastic pun of all things

"REALLY A PUN. OF ALL TIMES!" Weiss scolded. Mainly from the fact Milo pulled a freaking Yang on them of all times

"WELL DON'T SAY SILLY THINGS GIRLS!" Milo argued back before he looked to Yang "HOW WAS MY PUN ANYWAYS!"

"YANGTASTIC!" Yang joked back as she gave Milo a double thumbs up

"SERISOULY?!" Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Guin, Dante and Ikail screamed. While Donald and Goofy slumped a bit that of all times this was happening

But then before the odd moment of slightly irritating filled amusement could go on. Another loud bang echoed and shook the ship yet again. Just enough too this time to cause Milo's grip to loosen for a moment. Before he lost his grip completely and began to fall down.

"AHHHH!" Milo screamed as he saw the window below and was scared at the possibility he'd break right through it at this speed

"MILO!" Team RWBY screamed in shock at seeing their friend falling down

"Girls grab him!" Ikail ordered as they were the closest to Milo at the moment

Without a second of so more of hesitation. The girls knew what they had to do, thankfully in an odd way as the girls looked back quickly. They saw he was right near them. A second or so later as Milo was starting to pass by them. The girls grabbed him by his sweater which slight tore from the force.

"Hold on Milo, we got ya!" Ruby yelled as she and the girls began to lift Milo up "Come on girls. Put more muscle into it!"

"Almost there!" Weiss yelled now too. As she and the girls saw Milo grab onto the railing. Pulling himself up as the girls helped. Once he was up and safe. they all let out a sigh of relief "Whew, that was close Milo. I'm just glad we were able to save you."

"Same here. But what-" Milo began to say. Then he stopped when he and other others saw a bright red glow below them. Looking down the saw the beasts eye, except it wasn't what they expected much to their surprise "Jiminy Christmas!"

"That's not a beast or any kind of living creature!" Weiss screamed in shock at what was actually them

"It's a machine. A creepy scary machine lobster!" Ruby state in a panic as she now had a much more justifiable fear of the sea. But just then the machine beast seemed to let go of them as the submarine began to turn back flat. The group noticing the sub pods had launched and were now attacking the beast as it started to fight them off "Were those the sub pods?"

"Gott that right missy!" Rourke answered as the group saw him, Helga and others of the crew getting back up on their feet. Rourke looked back to some of the crew men and gave them a quick order to book it, before addressing the gunners "Fire torpedoes!"

What happened next for the girls, Milo and the others .Was seeing he subs gunners firing Torpedo's at the beast; while the sub pods acted out hit and run tactics. A few of the sub pods sadly got hit by the beasts giant claws as it swung a them. The torpedoes being shot also seeming to little to no damage as well.

But as the smoke cleared from after another barrage of torpedoes hit it in the face. The beast's mouth began to glow a bright blue energy. Before it shot out a laser beam. Shooting a hole through lord knows where on the submarine.

"Lasers now, hacks. I call hacks!" Yang complained as she finding this whole machine lobster too ridiculous

"Yes Yang. Yelling about the giant beast is gonna help." Dante mused a little as Yang gave him a raised eyebrow "What I've been learning from Weiss and Blake here how to be more sarcastic."

"We're not that sarcastic Dante." Weiss chastised crossing her arms as Blake huffed in agreement with her cousin. Before she and Blake seemed to think it over. Weiss looking to Blake now who seemed unsure too "A-Are we cousin?"

"Ladies maybe focus on the fact a giant metal beast is trying to kill us." Guin exclaimed a bit sternly for once as another hit happened against the submarine "At this rate they'll be nothing left of the sub!"

"Sorry Guin…" Weiss and Blake muttered before Rourke cut in. Having just gotten off the comms with someone

"Alright people, pack it up and lets move!" Rourke yelled to everyone

"Move, move where?" Milo questioned as a few sailors passed him, while without hesitation. The group passing by him now too, as Guin was the one to drag him along with them

It wasn't too long before the group made their way through hallway after hallway. Each one either filled with the sounds of screaming crewmen, explosions, flooding or mix of all. That coupled with the constant shaking after each attack and the group had a bit of a hard time keeping up. On the way people like Sweets, Audery and most of the other crew they knew by name joined them. Though it seemed Vinny and Mole had gone into one of the sub pods attacking the beast.

Thankfully the group ended up at one of the escape shuttles. Which they saw Helga and Rourke enter. Helga yelling at them to get a move on as they all went in. Before taking a seat and buckling up. After that it was just a matter of waiting and hoping that their sub would make it out in time.

And thankfully it did if barely as the non-natives of this world and the worlds natives heard the loud 'BOOM' that echoed a few moments later. Which to their best and most obvious guess. Meant that the submarine was no more. Though now it lead them to their…current predicament.

"TOO FAST, GOING TO FAST!" Weiss screamed as she was clinging onto her seat as their escape sub was doing all sorts of maneuvers "AHHHHH!"

"MY EARS. MY EARS!" Ikail screamed as she had no idea Weiss was this loud when she screamed. Audery next to her was cringing too from the sheer volume

"Let's just this over with soon!" Yang shouted as she was holding Donald who was doing his best to keep steady in Yang's arms

"QUACK. QQUUACCKK!" Donald quacked in utter terror at the situation at hand. Until he looked to see Ruby who was laughing of all things "QUACK?!"

"HEHEHE, this is fun. Sure duper fun. HAHAHA!" Ruby cheered as she couldn't help but enjoy this part of their escape so far. It was like a roller coaster, a death defying roller coast. But was fun no doubt. Still she waved her arms up in the air she kept on cheering

"Is she…usually like this?" Sweets asked Milo and Guin who were sitting next to them. The doc himself as calm as can be considering

"Eh…." Milo tried to answer. But he didn't want to sound rude since Ruby was odd in many ways

"As long as we've known her. Yes, yes very much." Guin bluntly answered as Milo looked at him while the man simply shrugged

"Huh. Well least she's having a better response them those two on the other side." Sweets stated pointing to Packer and Cookie who were on strapped in the seats on the other side. Packer seeming bored as she read a newspaper while Cookie was actually sleeping

"I will never get those two." Dante muttered while holding Goofy in his arms as the dog man turned dog shook a bit from nervousness

"None of us honestly will." Sweet muttered as the others around him just nodded in silent agreement. Even Goofy with a low nervous filled bark

"You know the fact everyone's having such varied response during this life or death situation is a bit unsettling. And… I think I'm starting to really question our sanity. Oh dust are we already losing it?" Blake muttered as despite her own fear of what was going on, that and the fact they were being chased down by a mecha lobster bent of their deaths. She couldn't help but wonder how they all already became so odd

But that line of thinking was cut short when she and the rest felt their escape sub slam against some rocks. Looking ahead to the cockpit where Helga and Rourke were. Most were shocked to see they were now in a rather narrow tunnel. All the while seeing bolts of energy shot past them barley missing. Thankfully once the group saw their sub go upwards. They saw what must have been the end of the road for them sea wise. A few seconds after and the sub had made contact with the surface once more. Rourke and Helga getting up first and making their way to the ladder to inspect. Most of the others followed in suit. But the girls and Milo stayed back for the moment to calm themselves a little.

"Whew, I'm glad that's over with. I mean it was like kind of fun. But again I'm glad that's over with." Ruby mused as she gave the others a smile "So enjoy the ride?"

"Do you really need to ask dear?" Weiss replied a bit sternly and unamused at her wife's attempt a joke right now

"D'aw Weiss. Come on, you gotta admit it was a little fun?" Ruby teased a little as Weiss huffed. Ruby giggling a little at how cute her Weissy looked when she pouted "Still is everyone else here okay too?"

"More or less little sis. More or less." Yang answered as the others nodded in agreement. Though Yang looked to Milo "So Milo. Please tell us that book of yours doesn't have anything else deadly waiting for us?"

"Eh…would it help that it won't be AS bad?" Milo chimed awkwardly as the girls groaned. Milo chuckled just a little. Then he looked to Blake and decided that he might as well ask her a question he'd been curious about ever since he noticed "Hey Blake can I ask something?"

"Huh. Oh sure what is it?" Blake asked as she was wondering what Milo wanted to ask of her

"I was just wondering because I noticed a while ago. But you don't seem to like Commander Rourke much. Why is that?" Milo asked as the girls were glad someone finally asked since they'd been wondering too

"OH. I didn't know any of you noticed it." Blake stated feeling a little embarrassed now since it seemed she wasn't as subtle as she'd thought. But knowing Milo and girls wanted answered. She sighed "Well if you must know. Honestly I can't explain it, other than he has a look of a man I once knew. A man who I know wasn't a good man, so call me paranoid. But I don't really buy the whole nice military commander shtick he's been showing."

"Blake. No offense, but aren't you being a little paranoid?" Milo questioned with a raised eyebrow as sure Rourke seemed a bit rough around the edges, but he was nice enough so far

"Maybe. But better to be paranoid even a little then get caught off guard." Blake explained

"Well either way. We'll be a little wary okay Blakey?" Yang reassured as Blake nodded in appreciation "Good. Now let's get out of this sub. I need some fresh air."

"I just hope we didn't lose too many people. I heard the explosions so…" Weiss said as she frowned some. Yang, Blake and Ruby did too while Milo let it be not knowing what to say

With that the five started their way up to the ladder that lead out of the sub. Each one excited for the trip ahead, but also hoping that once they were outside. They would learn they hadn't lost TOO many of the crew. Because honestly, they didn't want to hear any more bad news today. It was simple as that.

.

Sadly, that wasn't the case…

.

The groups wish of having no more bad news burdened onto them had not fulfilled. They and everyone else be them native or non-native. Stood at the edge of the water that brushed against a flight of old stone stairs. The remaining cars, supplies, drill and such needed for the expedition loaded off around them.

But currently everyone stayed silent. Saddened looks on their faces as Sweets moved near the very edge of the stairs. A helmet in hand upside down with a single lite candle inside it. Putting the helmet in the water, Sweets pushed it off as it floated away with candle ever so burning.

"Seven hours ago we started this expedition with two hundred of the finest men and women I've ever known. We're all that's left." Rourke said in solemn tone. Everyone around letting that finally sink in at how low in man power they were now as Rourke kept on "I won't sugarcoat it folks. We have a crisis at hands. But we've been up this particular creak before. Paddle or no paddle I see no reason to change that policy now. From here on in everyone pulls double duty. Everyone drives, everyone works."

As Rourke said this. Everyone else either comforted one another with a hug or an arm around the shoulders. The group themselves keeping quiet for now as they stood alongside Milo. Guin patting the top of Ruby's head as the young girl sniffled a little. Even if she didn't know any of those dead now, she still felt their lost and it hurt. Blake, Yang, Ikail and Dante kept a strong face at the news as they knew it would only get more complicated from here.

Donald and Goofy also seemed to exhibit the same feeling of sadness. But in their animal forms it was hard to tell. Weiss was the only other one who was making sure Ruby was calming down as she held her big hearted wives hand as tightly as she could. Milo sighed himself as he knew this would happened after learning of his friends the weeks before. Knowing that Ruby was the most gentle soul of the group.

During all this as Rourke was making his speech to at least help the moral of his crew. He began to walkup the flight of stairs before he stopped and faced back to everyone. But his focus was now mainly on Milo and the group.

"Looks all our chances for survival rest with you Mr. Thatch. You, your team and that little books of yours." Rourke stated as all eyes moved to the group of ten now

At that moment they all felt the uneasy responsibility now placed upon them. Knowing that now everyone's lives were in their hands. Some of the crew seemed okay with that, others not as much by the uncertain looks on their faces.

"No pressure." Yang whispered as she had felt the need to say something about that. Even if it was but a whisper to herself. Didn't help when she and the others overheard Packer say 'We're all gonna die.'. Didn't help one bit with the good old moral that's was for sure

"Alright people. I want this convoy moving five minutes ago!" Rourke then ordered as everyone began to do just that

Once that all started the group went their separate ways to help some of the others. Well Ikail, Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy did so. The girls decided to stay Milo. Mainly on the fact that despite knowing the man could take care of himself. That and he had a good shoulder on his head. They also knew their friend could get easily distracted. Actually kind of like their current predicament, where the girls were deadpanned staring at Milo who was honking the horn of a truck. Well mainly Weiss as her left eye twitched a bit.

"Milo…seriously?" Weiss questioned a little irritated as she swore it was dealing with a child at times when I came to the man's curiosity

"What. You girls know I've always wanted to honk one of these things." Milo exclaimed as he honked the horn some more

"We do, but personally I didn't think you'd be so… so… THIS about it!" Weiss argued before she let out a sigh as Milo shrugged and continued honking the horn. Weiss left eye twitched just a bit faster now from that "Seriously…"

"Oh chill Weiss. Let the guy live out his dream." Yang remarked as she gave Milo a thumbs up

"Of course you would be okay with this sis." Weiss muttered rolling her eyes at her in law enabling this

"You're just jealous I'm the fun one between us sister." Yang teased as Weiss growled a little now

"T-That's preposterous!" Weiss argued as she could be fun when she wanted to of course

"Sorry cousin. But got to back up my girl here. You're kind of the no fun one of us." Blake chimed in snickering a little. If only to have something to help her tune out the excessive honking Milo was doing still

"You too Blake. My own family, how could you!" Weiss replied with a little whimpering as Blake shrugged with a smirk. Feeling even more irked now she focused back on her wife "Grrr… RUBY!"

"Ah…y-yeah Weiss?" Ruby asked as she had not wanted to be involved with this argument. But the scary, if rather oddly attractive stern gaze from Weiss. Coupled with her arms crossed and her cheeks puffed out a little as she pouted almost gave Ruby a heart attack from sheer tsundere cuteness "W-What can I help you with?"

"Ruby. My love… my dear. You think I'm fun right?" Weiss asked rather sweetly as she held one of Ruby's hands in both of her own "Right dear?"

"Well I mean ah…you are kind of…I mean ah…." Ruby tried to say. As if she was being honest, she hated to agree. But her wife wasn't what you'd call the life of the party as the old saying goes. Averting her gaze some more if only to help her answer properly without feeling nervous "I mean um…"

"Ruby Schnee. Am…I…fun?" Weiss asked a bit more sternly. Tightening her grip on Ruby's hand some

"Ow… ow Weiss." Ruby whined a little as she was in a bad mixture of flustered and scared out of her mind with her wife

Honestly as painful as this was though. She really did find Weiss when she was like this at times rather cute and sexy if she may be honest too. That and a lot of dirty thoughts came to mind with Weiss usually being the dominate one in these thoughts at least. But Ruby knew she could have her alone time with Weiss later as now she had to try and avert an ever present obstacle when it came to married couples. Don't get the wife angry and Ruby really didn't want to, yet she couldn't lie too. Oh dust was she gonna be sleeping outside their tent tonight… Ruby hoped someone would come in her time of need right now.

Thankfully it seemed Ruby had an angel watching over her. As before she could give Weiss an answer or hit Milo for making that constant honking noise. It seemed Rourke had taken notice and grabbed the metal end of the horn. Then pulling the horn off the hinge holding it up, leaving Milo only with the rubber part of the annoying sound maker.

But before Rourke could say a thing, Ruby grabbed both pieces all of sudden. Before throwing the metal horn part on the ground. Stomping it violently for a few seconds, then picked it up. Before chucking both the now crumpled horn and rubber part to the side where a distant thump and honk echoed. Rork, Milo and the girls turned their attention to Ruby. Who seemed flustered as her cheeks were red, though they became redder when she noticed the stares.

"Eh… ahem, hehe. Sorry I just got a little annoyed. Hehe. Don't mind me." Ruby explained sweetly as she donned on an innocent smile

"A little?" Blake and Weiss muttered. While Yang was doing her best not to laugh. Ruby just slunk back in between Weiss and Yang as Rourke let it be before focusing on Milo

"Anyways. Mr. Thatch are you sure your checked out on this class of vehicle?" Rourke asked as Milo could only go 'Um…' Much to Rourke's annoyance and making the girls face palm a little, Rourke giving the young man deadpanned stare "Do you know how to drive a truck?"

"What of course I know how to drive one. I mean it's really simple. You got your break and your steery thing." Milo explained climbing into the driver's seat as he fiddled a little with the cars controls. Though it was pretty obvious Milo had no idea what he was saying. Rourke was very unamused as Milo got a little offended at that "Okay so it was a bumper car at coney Island. But it's the same basic principle."

"Where did that come from. It most certainly isn't Milo!" Weiss cut in as she was not comfortable now with Milo being the driver

"And you know how to drive Weiss?" Milo snarked back just a little

"Well of course not, but don't try to shift this on me. I'm just saying a bumper car and a truck are pretty different if you ask me." Weiss answered crossing her arms again

"Okay look Milo all were saying is that it's totally fine if you don't know how to drive a truck okay?" Ruby cut in trying to play peacemaker all of sudden while Blake and Yang kept quite

Rourke himself sighed in annoyance before just making his way off. Having a bad feeling already that this wasn't going to start of well.

And he was right. As the obvious bold faced lie from Milo was proven false quickly. For the man did NOT at all know how to drive a truck. The most glaring evidence of this was the fact Milo was currently leading the remainder of the crew. In their own trucks from the front. Well more of trying to at least.

"Milo… please…stop!" Yang screamed as she and the girls were holding onto whatever they could in the back as the truck was going then stopping in place wildly

"I got this girls!" Milo answered back. Doing what he could to move the crazy contraption this truck was. That and ignoring the angry shouts from the others of the crew in the other vehicles behind him

"Milo just admit you don't know how to drive!" Weiss scolded as she was glad Ruby was holding onto her with a tight grip to keep her secure and safe. Weiss though did enjoy being in her wife's arms. But again Milo's driving was making it hard to fully enjoy the moment

"NEVER!" Milo argued as he was being more stubborn then he usually was. But ever since meeting the girls, they may have had helped him be a bit more assertive at times

"MILO!" Team RWBY screamed at once as Milo just kept driving like a half whit

In one of the other cars, Ikail, Dante, Guin along with even Donald and Goofy. Couldn't help but sigh a little at the situation at hand. But would let it be and see how it played out for the moment. Still they realized that though the girls all had showed they could be quite serious when needed. They were also just as weird. A side of them none of the others had expected to see from their four young keyblade wielders.

But honestly that wasn't really wasn't a bad thing. Actually it was quite refreshing for once.

---

Oh how the trip had been even up until now…

That was what team RWBY, Dante, Ikail, Guin, Donald and Goofy felt as they embarked alongside Milo on this journey to find Atlantis.

For starters Milo ended up being made to stop. Before being forced to just sit back and let Mole in his drill machine pull the truck by rope. Milo had not been happy about that and was a bit gloomy as he played with the wheel while being pulled. The girls though helping Milo feel better then, also had been SO happy to just be pulled along and not suffer Milo's horrid driving no longer.

Then as the trip went on. Be it from the going through tunnels after tunnels, or avoiding the rather dangerous wild life in the tunnels. To passing through of all things frozen terrain, to getting lost in directions and to simply trying to get the rest of the crew to like them enough. Which so far seemed to be in the neutral zone, that and the fact some of the guys played a few mean pranks on Milo mostly. Well it wasn't too hard to say this trip, while fun. Was for Milo, the girls and the others of their group a bit alienating too sadly.

Still the girls at least were happy that the heartless had yet to arrive. Like seriously, they were a bit surprised and Donald simply nodded in confirmation when asked if this was normal again; that well… again it was indeed not normal. But considering the expedition so far that honestly might have been more of a blessing then anything.

Eventually after all the madness the past few days of just trying their best to help Milo lead everyone to the location of Atlantis, without any more loss of life. They eventually ended up making camp at one end of a bridge leading to what was supposedly the entrance to Atlantis itself. A giant natural light the indicator. Which at first causes some complaints that it would keep everyone awake. Only for the light to dim down as they all made camp for the night. Now they found themselves waiting for dinner made tonight by the resident hillbilly Cookie.

"COME AND GET IT!" Cookie yelled as he rung the dinner bell. The girls, Dante, Guin, Ikail, Donald and Goofy sitting around next to Milo as the saw Cookie giving the others their portions first

"Okay…gonna be honest. I can already tell but that does not look like food in the slightest." Weiss exclaimed

"Agreed, more like slop mixed with Bantha Poo Doo." Ikail chimed in as she cringed a little at the slop

"Bantha Poo Doo, is that…?" Ruby asked as she wondered if those words meant what she was thinking

"Yes Ruby. Yes that what it means." Ikail answered as Ruby made a 'Bleh' sound

"Really Ruby?" Blake questioned. Sometimes she wished her future in law would act a bit more mature for her age

"Quack, quack!" Donald quacked as he also was in agreement with Blake

"Oh lay off you two. My baby sis is just fine the way she is, all small and adorable!" Yang exclaimed in glee as she always loved dotting on her baby sister. Some of the others sighed at that, knowing Yang probably had a hand at enabling Ruby to keep acting as childish as she liked if only for Yang to gush over

"You probably had a hand in that huh?" Dante remarked as Yang stuck her tongue out at the older man who rolled his eyes "That's proof enough."

"Heh. Guess it is." Guin said. Then looked over to Milo was still reading the Shepard's Journal "Milo are you still reading that book. You must have read it over a dozen times by now."

"Oh ah yeah sorry. Just been trying to make sure on something… hey why do I smell food?" Milo asked confused as he'd been so enamored in his book that he hadn't taken notice of much else

"Milo you must have been really sucked into that book to not hear the dinner bell dude." Yang exclaimed as Milo sheepishly chuckled

"For real. Not that we don't get it, but maybe fix that little habit. Wouldn't want ya to get hurt just because you went all geek on us buddy." Ruby suggested as a slight tease. But also one of concern as by this point Milo was pretty much like her and the girls older brother "Don't take it the wrong way either. We all just care us all."

"Yep!" Weiss, Blake and Yang at least said in agreement. While the others nodded, quacked and barked in agreement

"Well I appreciate it guys. I do, but don't worry I'm not THAT easily distracted." Milo reassured as the others raised an eyebrow at that. Remembering a few times when Milo may have almost crashed into a pole or even got hit by a car. Milo remembering those small little oppies too, sheepishly chuckled once more "Heh… heh. Ah, okay maybe MOST of the time."

"Better." The group as a whole, bluntly responded back though couldn't help but chuckled some

"Anyways, who's cooking tonight?" Milo redirected as he saw his friends frown some "Oh, wait don't tell me it's-"

"And here we are, last stop of the night. Now get ready for some good old grub!" Cookie cut in, cheerfully as he already just starting pouring his slop into everyone's trays. Finally getting to Milo and the girls last "Specially you five, you're thin as twigs so let's put some meat on em bones!"

"Oh ah thanks Cookie, y-yeah thanks." Ruby said with a forced smile as she already was feeling like she'd be having a horrible stomach ache if she ate this

"Yeah really. Super thankfully dude." Yang added in next smiling the best she could as she swore she felt an unnatural heat wave coming from said food

"We will... eat all of this yummy food." Weiss remarked, smiling as best she could as well. That and trying not to throw up by the smell of the food alone, it was hard to do though

"Yep…y-yummy…" Blake muttered. Now cursing her stronger sense of smell as she swore she could smell three different types of pork. She didn't even know pigs came in that many varieties, but there it was and it was horrible

"Yep, greasy and…good looking Cookie." Milo said last as he was already knowing he was gonna be extra-long using the wilds outside tonight

"Shucks thanks. You know what, ya'll can have the rest!" Cookie said in glee. Oblivious to the obvious forcefulness of the fives words as he poured the rest of the pot on their trays. Milo, Weiss and Ruby at least flinging off some that got on their hands as Cookie started make his way off "Like I said you lot are so skinny. If we push you sideways you'd look a zipper. Anyways, enjoy!"

With that as Cookie made his way off. Milo and the girls looked at their food, as each of them cringed just a bit. Then they looked to the rest seeing much to their dismay that despite their own reservations of eating Cookies slop. They were still eating this slop anyways. Guin, Dante and Goofy seeming totally fine now with the slop. While Ikail and Donald seemed to enjoy it as just fuel for them to keep going, and not the actual taste itself.

"Hey would you-" Milo began to ask to see if any of the girls wanted his portion

"No." Blake, Ruby and Yang bluntly answered already knowing what Milo was trying to do

"If we four have to suffer, you're gonna suffer with is Milo. Suffer all the way." Weiss bluntly added in as if she and the girls had to eat the slop. Then deal with the consequences later on. So did Milo, so… did… Milo

"Ugh…you girls are evil sometimes you know that?" Milo grumbled as he didn't miss the slightly smug evil grins his friend sported. But before he or the girls could even start eating, suddenly someone they hadn't expected spoke to them

"Hey Milo!" Audery yelled as Milo the others looked to their right. Seeing Audrey sitting around a fire with Sweets, Mole, Vinny and Packer. All of them also holding their own trays of slop "Why don't you and your friends come take a seat with us?"

"Really, you don't mind?" Milo asked as he and everyone else on his side got up. Tray's and all, then made their way over

"Nah park it here." Audrey reassured kindly while Milo and the others quickly made themselves comfy, well most of them

"This is great, it's an honor to be included-" Milo began to say as he took his seat. Only for a sudden and loud fart noise to echo

But before anyone could make a comment or witty remark about gas. The true culprit was found in the form of a laughing Mole as the others noticed it was actually a fart bag placed under Milo just before he took a seat. Milo rolled his eyes as he just decided to read his book. Some of the others laughed just a little. While Moles own group, well…

"Mole!" Audrey, Vinny, Sweets and even Packer scolded as Mole laughed still

"Hehe. Hehe… ah forgive me. I could not resist." Mole apologized. Though still had a amused grin on his face as the everyone just went back to either eating or chatting. But as they did, Audrey at least took notice of Milo still reading as he took a bite of the slop

"Hey Milo don't you ever put down that book?" Audrey asked as Milo took a moment to turn his attention to her

"Yeah, you must have read that book over a dozen times already." Sweet added in. Taking a bite of his own slops seconds later

"Thank you. We've been telling him that since he got the thing!" Yang shouted a bit frustrated. Before she sighed and rubbed her temples "And it's more like two dozen times."

"We kept count after he read it the first dozen times. Kind of like a game." Ikail exclaimed smirking a little as she pat the top of Milos head "We even gave ourself prizes after each dozen."

"Yeah if Milo reads to three dozen. I get a whole batch of cookies!" Ruby cheered in glee before she looked to Milo "So you better read more Milo, they are cookies are on the line!"

"Heh, well I get right on that then Ruby." Milo half amused replied back. Then turned attention back to the rest "Still I know I've been. It's just the passage I'm reading doesn't make any sense. It says the Shepeard is leading up to something called the 'Heart Of Atlantis'. It could be the power source the legend refers too. But then when I turn the page it just, well it just cuts off. Almost like there's a missing page."

"Kid relax, we don't paid overtime." Vinny said

"We get paid?" Ruby muttered to others of her group

"I thought we didn't. Wait is that why I couldn't buy Donald or Goofy here any snacks on the sub?" Guin muttered himself. While Donald and Goofy whined a little remembering the tasty treats they saw back on the sub, and the fact they were denied them for some reason

"Wait we had to pay for stuff back on the sub?" Weiss muttered next as that was just weird

"Eh…I think it may have been more of a scam then anything." Dante answered back as Weiss sighed realizing that must have been the case sadly. Meanwhile Milo was still talking with others

"Yeah I know. I just get carried away sometimes. But hey that's what this is all about right. I mean discovery, teamwork, adventure!" Milo excitedly said as at least for him that's what he was looking for on this expedition

"Totally Milo. The chance to find a lost civilization is super exciting!" Ruby was the first to say, with a big wide smile

"That and to learn more on what they were like. I mean think of all the wonderful books they have!" Blake chimed in next as the literature was more of her thing

"Don't forget the technological secret it could hold. That's something to look forward too!" Weiss cheered herself. Since she was much more interested in the techno aspect of this trip

"And let's not forget the best part. The animals there that could make for good, mouthwatering food!" Yang added in last as she was mainly just thinking with her stomach

The girls gave Yang deadpanned stares while Guin smiled, Ikail laughed some, Donald quacked and Goofy barked. Dante smiled himself but had a better idea on what everyone outside their group was looking for here.

"Though I can see how you all would see this as. I have a feeling our friends here have a different gain from this expedition." Dante exclaimed looking at the others from outside their group "Would I be correct?"

"Yep, for the money." Audrey replied back first with a shrug

"Money." Vinny said now. Taking another bite of his slop, shuttering just a bit as he never got use to Cookies cooking

"Money for sure." Sweets stated with a thumbs up and seemed the most nicest about it

"Money and more money." Packer grunted and taking a few spoonful's of slop. Already knowing later tonight would be…well normal for a woman her age

"Le money! " Mole gleefully said last and was already planning on all the nice digging equipment he would buy with the money from this expedition alone. That and taking a bunch of bites of his slop, seeming to be the only one who liked it

"See what I mean?" Dante quipped as the girls and Milo sheepishly smiled back. Though Dante flinched a little when Ikail gave him a playful pinch on the cheek

"Heh, guess we set ourselves up for that one. Huh gals?" Milo asked rubbing the back of his neck as it was a little sore again. At the same times Sweet had gotten up to stretch his legs as he walked behind Milo noticing this

"What's the matter, something wrong with your neck?" Sweets asked curiously

"Oh yeah I must have hurt it when… ah, AH!" Milo began to explained as he notice Sweets suddenly put his hands under his jaw. Then lifted his head up some, before pulling fast to the right then left, a loud crack heard each time before Sweets let go

"Better?" Sweets questioned while Milo rubbed the back of his neck and noticed he felt much better now

"Yeah, where did learn how to do that?" Milo asked. As he realized that outside his own group, he and his friend hadn't learn much about anyone else here

"Actually if you don't mind me saying. I just realized we've been around each other quite a bit and yet none of us know much about you all. Oh can we share stories, can we learn about each other. Can we, can we. It will be buddy time!" Ruby cheered as she happily clapped her hands

"Ruby calm down. I'm sure they will if they feel like it." Weiss slightly scolded her wife as she was trying her best to not gush at the cuteness of Ruby once again. Taking a deep breath, she turned attention back to the others "Sorry about Ruby here. She means well, very well. But she can be a bit untactful at times."

"Hm... Weiss." Ruby pouted some as Blake, Yang, Donald and Ikail chuckled at least

"Eh no problem, kind of nice to have someone like her around here." Audrey chimed in as the rest of her own ground just shrugged in silent agreement

"Anyways. To answer you Milo, been a medicine man my whole life." Sweet explained though aside from Milo none of the others knew what that even meant

"Get out here." Milo replied back surprised by that as the man didn't seem the type to have that kind of background

"Born and raised with em." Sweet stated before pulling out of his shirts pocket a photo of a man and woman. Then man looking strikingly similar to sweets aside from the Mustache and hair. While the woman looked more like sweets when it came to the face, mainly the head shape. Both seemed happy, especially the baby sweets being carried on the woman's back "My father was an army medic. He settled down the Kansas territory after he met my mother."

"No kidding." Milo mused before Sweets cut in once more

"Nope, I got a sheep's skin from old I.U and a bear skin from old Iron cloud." Sweets exclaimed pulling out a handmade neckless. Which had a blue token on it, a feather and a bear's claw or at least the front of it. Then he put it back in under his shirt and continued "Half way through medical school I was drafted. One day I'm studying gross anatomy in the classroom. Next I'm sowing up rough riders on San Wan Hill."

"Second course!" Cookie suddenly said from everyone's left, with a pot full again of his slop. The whole group of natives and non-natives of this world quickly, and incoherently reassured the man they were good. Cookie seemed to buy it as he placed the pot back and began his way off "Ah don't worry. It will just keep a going and a going!"

Once Cookie was gone the group waited for a moment or so. Just to make sure Cookie was gone. Then when the close was clear. They all gave each other a quick nod, before Packer made a quick comment about how she was 'Glad to have lost her sense of taste years ago'. Before she and everyone else dumped their food. A small explosion of whatever occurred and was indication enough for the girls; and Milo that they were glad they didn't eat the slop. While Dante, Guin, Ikail, Donald and Goofy sighed. Already knowing tonight wasn't going to be a fun one once the food went through its course.

After that a little while later. Everyone was setting up tents and having an easy time doing so. It was already settled that Dante and Guin would share one. Ikail, Donald and Goofy another. Blake and Yang the second to last one. While Ruby and Weiss would share the last one. Everyone was happy enough with the arrangements. Still as they were setting up their tents with the others of the natives side. They all took notice of Vinny now with just his gloves, shirt, socks and boxers. Walk up to Milo who's tent well….

"Aren't you gonna set up your tent?" Vinny asked. As to him and everyone else around, Milo's tent was kind of crappy looking. It drooped around the middle and was barley holding up

"I…I did." Milo answered as he thought it looked good enough. Vinny seemed to disagree as he shoved the sleeping bag he had in his arms into Milos arms. Before helping fix the tent. Milo couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed "Heh. Sorry, I guess I'm a little rusty. I haven't done this since I was little kid with my grandfather."

"You know I never got to meet your grandfather. What was he like?" Audrey asked curiously as she was finishing up her tent. While Vinny was done with Milo's tent, Milo thanking the man

"Where do you start. He was like a father to me really, my parents died when I was younger and he took me in." Milo explained as he went inside his tent and began unfolding his sleeping back before laying on it

"That and what Milo told us. He was quite the adventure, going on many trips to unknown lands before Milo was even born." Ikail chimed in kindly as she laying on her sleeping bag while Donald and Goofy next to her were just resting

"Best not to forget too that apparently before his name was ruined by the museum. He was a well-respected man." Guin added in. Though Milo frowned just a little "Ah no offense."

"None taken." Milo replied as he knew Guin meant no ill by it

"To be honest I would have like to meet the guy too. Sounds like a really kind man." Yang exclaimed laying on her back as she spoke. While Blake was on her stomach on her own mat

"Agree. It sad that he passed so long ago, but I'm sure he would have been someone fun to speak with. He sounded like Ruby here in a way. In Ruby's case a teen girl with a childlike wonder, while Milo's grandfather was an old man who still held onto to that childlike whimsy." Weiss exclaimed as she was on her stomach also alongside Ruby. Wiess giving the girl a sweet smile "And no Ruby I was saying that's a good thing. I'm envious somewhat, wish I could have that at times."

"Well never say never. I'm sure you could if you're tired." Audery reassured as she liking this group already. Though she noticed Milo chuckling some. She smiled at that "What, something funny?"

"Heh. Was just thinking… one time when I was eight. Me and my grandfather were hiking along the stream, and I saw something in shiny in the water. It was genuine arrow head." Milo explained as everyone was one way or another, listening to Milo's story "Well you'd think I'd found a lost civilization the way grandpa carried on about it. It wasn't till I was older that I realized the arrowhead was just some compressed shell mixed zinc pyrite and fractioned into an isoelastic triangle."

"Hehe, that is so cute." Mole chimed in in his pj's as he was seeming to find a spot to rest at or dig at, or maybe both

"It is a cute story I'll admit too. Your grandfather sounded like a truly good man." Dante stated, as the others nodded in agreement. Though Dante looked to Audrey as he was still curious on something "Audrey if you don't mind me saying and this is not to be offensive. More on my just being curious. But how did one so young as you get to be the head engineer of the submarine before it… you know."

"Hm… well if you gotta know. I took this job when my dad retired, but the funny thing was. He'd always wanted son. One to run his machine shop and the other to be middle weight boxing champion." Audrey explained as she punched her sleeping bag a few times as a way of visualization. But smiled "But he got my sister and me instead."

"Huh, sounds like an interesting upbringing." Weiss said as she found that rather cute in a way. That the man still loved his daughter, despite the fact he'd wanted sons. She'd wish her father was even a fraction of that kind of a loving parent

"So ah what happened to your sister?" Milo asked as he also found that a rather interesting story

"She's twenty four and with a shot at the title next month." Audery answered and getting comfier on her mat "Anyways, I'm saving up so my papi can open another shop."

"That's sweet." Ruby said as she smiled at that. Then looked to see Packer with her hair curled up and with some green stuff on her face, while wearing a pair slippers, a robe and carrying a pillow to her tent "Did you forget your pajamas Packer?"

"I sleep in the nude sweetheart." Packer in her usual tone answered passing by her and the rest. As Ruby, the girls, Dante, Guin, Ikail, Milo, Donald and Goofy all had a shocked/ horrified look

"Oh ew…" Yang muttered before she and the rest were thrown extra pairs of eye covers from Sweets

"You all are gonna want to wear those. Packer sleepwalks." Sweets stated smirking a little in amusement as he watched Milo and his group go wide eyed at that sudden realization

"Thanks for that Sweets…" Weiss muttered. Though hoped they were just pulling a prank, but sadly it didn't feel like that. Sighing she looked around seeing everyone else getting ready for bed. Then saw Mole dig a hole finally, rather fast and seemingly getting comfy within seconds "Hey guys what's Moles story anyhow?"

"Believe me Weiss, you and friend don't want to know. Audrey you told me and now I'm gonna tell you lot. You don't want to know." Sweets warned though the girls at least chuckled some

"And what about you Vinny?" Blake asked now. She and the rest looking to see Vinny already laying down with his eye cover

"Well as far as me goes. I just like blowing up stuff girly." Vinny answered before Sweets moved over to him and lifted up his eye cover

"Come on Vinny, tell em the truth." Sweets stated and let go of the eye cover as Vinny grumbled for a moment. He then took his eye cover off as he looked back at Blake and the rest

"My family owned a flower show. We'd sell roses, carination, baby's breath. You name it." Vinny started off as Milo and the girls mainly smiled some. Already feeling more comfortable around these new people as they learned about them. Vinny continuing with his own backstory "One day I'm making about three dozen corsages for this prom. You know the one they put on the wrist and everybody. They come, where is it, when is it. Does it match my dress… it's a nightmare."

"Sounds like it dude, can't imagine doing that the rest of my life." Yang stated as most of the others agreed in a way

"Hm, well anyways. I guess there was this leak next door of gas of what and BOOM. No more Chinese laundry. Blew me right through the front door." Vinny explained getting up on his elbows as stomach as he continued his story. Pulling out a match now as he lite it with ease and stared at it "It was like a sign from God. I found myself in that boom."

With that Vinny rested his head in his hands as the match went out. Like it added dramatic effect or something. Though the girls and the team were happy to learn some more about these world natives. But before they could say they wanted to hit the hay or just get ready to rest. Audrey was the one to keep em up just a little longer. Not that they would have minded.

"Hey speaking of. Milo what about your friends, what's their story?" Audrey asked curiously as if anything. The most unknown of their group had to be Milo and now in turn his own friends. That and their more unique looks. She'd never seen some of the hair colors or even eye colors a few of them sported

"Oh it's not much Audrey. Me and the girls have been friends for a while before this. Well me and Yang more since were half-sisters." Ruby answered first

"So same father, different mothers or the other way around?" Sweets questioned as he'd never thought Ruby and Yang were related despite the slight similarities with their facial features

"The ladder. But my birth mom wasn't…well she left when I was really young. It was just me, my dad and our Uncle Qrow for a while. But then dad meet Ruby's birth mom, who happens to be who I consider my real mom. So yeah, after they meet my mom and dad ended up getting married. Our grandpa on my mom's side joined the family too. Then nine months later and Ruby was born." Yang answered this time. Before she pulled Ruby into a loving big sister huge "My adorable baby sister Ruby who will never grow up!"

"Yang, please stop…" Ruby embarrassingly pleaded. Hearing a few snickers from the others which only made her pout a bit

"You two really are close. Like me and my sis." Audrey stated happy to see a sibling relationship similar to the one she had with her own sister. Even if she was more in the position of Ruby when it came to being the little sister

"How about the rest of ya?" Vinny cut in to bring the conversation back to the main point

"Well for me, I left on not so great terms with my folks sadly for personal reasons. I can't say much more." Blake replied back as she gave everyone a small apologetic nod. But then pull Weiss into a one arm hug as she smiled "But would you believe me when I say me and Weiss are cousins."

"Get out of here. No way." Sweet mused as he and the others his crew focused a bit more of the two. Before they noticed their facial features actually were strikingly similar. Despite the fact Weiss had more of a European look to her and Blake more of Eastern appearance "Well how about that. You two must have some interesting family dinners."

"Actually me and Blake only learned a year ago. But our families or at least most of them aside from one being my father get along well. Oh and believe it or not. But I'm an heiress actually." Weiss answered. Though sighed when she saw the native friends of hers go wide eyed, even Mole who popped his head back up from his hole

"Y-You are, like zee silly rich-rich madam?" Mole asked as Weiss yet again sighed

"That is correct Mole and let's just say my reason are I…I needed to get away. Mainly from you can guess, my father who was rather…ahem. Unhappy when I decided to do so. But I don't really care by this point, my fa… that man isn't someone I'd want to be around ever again. Home or not. Besides the family I've gained this past year is the family I'm more than happy with knowing." Weiss answered at first a bit uneasily. Though to the natives at least along with Ikail, Dante and Guin. It seemed to make sense why and it was probably because of how her father was. Though Weiss finished off with a more prideful tone as she really did mean that this past year was when her true family came to be "Anyways that's me. I don't think many here could relate and for that I'm grateful that you never do."

"Actually, Weiss in a manner of speaking. That's something I can relate to. I wasn't rich myself but I came from just a humble home. One that was just a bit nicer. My mother sadly passed when was about ten, father… well father wasn't very kind to me even at his best moments. Made sure I remembered too." Dante answered before he just for a moment rubbed his left shoulder as he started into the fire. Before he came back to and simple smiled which was a bit unnerving considering the implications of his words just now "If I could say anything decent about my father, he at least was nice enough to keep me at home and not just throw on the streets after mother died. To be alone in that house, with all that gold of his. Gold that he loved above all else. A fact he made sure me and mother knew constantly... especially mother before she passed."

Dante then again looked at the fire. Just stared and stared at it as he did his best to not snap in another fit of rage. Especially when one certain memory came to mind. A memory that was filled with only screams and the sounds of beatings between his bastard of a father, and his angle of a mother. How much she begged for Dante to not interfere if only to avoid being harmed also and to simple hide. How much he would hear his mother begged for mercy when his father was in a VERY bad mood at times and expected her to 'comfort' him weather she wanted to or not. Not to mention the memories of the bruises his mother would have the next day and the tear stains that seemed all but natural on her angelic face.

But much worse was the memories brought up a feeling Dante despised with all his heart. The feeling of helplessness. Helpless of being unable to stand up to his father and killed the bastard back then. To not be able to save his mother from his father's wrath, the very woman who gave him her all back then and took the full brunt of his father's rage every time. That damn feeling of helplessness even still plagued him now. He wished he could talk to his mother again and let out all his woes to her. He missed her dearly.

Meanwhile everyone else was stunned quiet. None of them having wanted to bring up bad memories for Dante. Not that he probably blamed them since they didn't know. But it was still pretty unnerving at how calmly Dante had just talked about his rather... ahem, not so happy childhood.

"Well, ah… I think we should all just get to bed. Right?" Milo suddenly said as he gave everyone the best 'Please go with it' smile. Getting the message everyone else just did that. Though as Milo was about to also, he noticed Dante still in his daze and the girls next to him "Girls?"

"It's okay Milo. We can handle him so just get to bed." Ruby in rather motherly tone answered as Milo did just that. Once Milo was in bed, the girls waited for a bit. Before they gave each other a nod and Ruby then gently patting the Dantes left shoulder as he stirred out of his daze

"Huh, what?" Dante muttered before he noticed no one aside from the girls were around. Confused he turned his attention to the them "Where is everyone?"

"They went to bed Dante. But ah… are… are you okay?" Ruby replied back as Dante raised an eyebrow. Then he realized what this was about and sighed knowing he did it again. Though Dantes suddenly sigh only worried the girls more "Dante.."

"I'm fine. Honest, probably shouldn't have said that much. I apologize for that." Dante apologized. Only to receive a punch in the arm from Blake of all people, much to his surprise "W-What was that for?"

"Because you're saying stupid things." Blake bluntly answered. Dante flinched a little from how blunt that was

"Seriously. Why would you think it's a bad thing to share stuff like that. Sure you don't have to say everything, but were here to listen. Besides were friends right. Friends do that for each other." Ruby added in. Though Dante was rather surprised the girls already considered him a friend considering the age gape between them. He just thought they'd find it odd is all

"And you're thinking that you thought it be 'Weird' for us to have a friend who's older than us right?" Yang remarked smirking a little

"How-" Dante began to ask. But Yang cut him off

"Easy, it's kind of a cliché if you ask me. But for real we don't care if your like older than us. We're friends with two of our teachers back home before we ended up here. So don't worry about it." Yang exclaimed happily

"Yang's right you know. Just because you're old enough to be our older brother at least. Doesn't mean we don't think of you as a friend. Actually, me and the girls think of you; and the rest as family by this point." Weiss explained as Dante was yet again surprised by that. Along with the fact Ruby, Blake and Yang didn't hesitate to nod in agreement

"Huh… thanks girls. You know, my mother would have loved to have known you four. Her, my beloved Beatrice and her brother Francesco." Dante answered kindly but before the girls could response back. He gave them the best reassuring smile "I should head off to bed now. Like you four should too and don't worry much about me. Those memoires I spoke of happened long ago and I've passed by them. I'm fine, like always. Well night girls."

With that Dante made his way over to his tent and then entered it seeing a slumbering Guin. Closing the tent flap moments after. Meanwhile the girls stood near the fire in silence. Looking to one another a bit worried still, as despite Dante reassuring them he was alright well…

They couldn't help but wonder why they didn't believe him.

---

It had been a decent night…

Well aside from the lack of sleep for one Weiss Schnee. Not because of anything that had occurred this past day or so in the few weeks she and the others had been here. No that wasn't it, she expected some insanity one way or another when it came to these new worlds. Still none of that was the reason she wasn't getting much rest.

No it was instead she was thinking and thinking on why on this world was there no heartless yet. She found it very odd and concerning by this point. There should have been some kind of sign of the little monsters by no. But no, nothing of the sorts and that again had her worried. Worried because she wondered if they were waiting for the right time to strike or less likely this world was just a fluke. But the ladder seem more possible.

"Weiss?" Ruby suddenly asked in a hushed tone as Weiss frozen that train of thought. Turning her head to the left seeing her wife yawning a little as she opened her eyes "What time is it?"

"Ah… um, I think five in the morning Ruby. But go back to-" Weiss began to answer. But she was cut off by Milo outside of their tent and who was being very loud at them moment

"FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!" Milo screamed in a panic as the sounds of his screams echoed. Much to Weiss slight anger towards her friend considering how early it was

"Milo I swear, friend or not. It's too early in the morning for this!" Weiss grumpily stated. Ruby worried Milo might get a gut punch from Weiss. Weiss meanwhile ripped open the front of the tent with a grumpy glare "MILO I SWEAR… wait what?"

"Huh. Dear what's wrong, wha-" Ruby asked as she moved next to Weiss and popped her head out. Only to see what was going on "Oh…oh…"

Oh indeed. For you see the camp that was once quite, cool and dark. Was now warm, bright and on fire. Like literally on fire. Everyone running around trying to put out the fire spreading or running to the trucks driving off before the fires reached them. Heck Weiss and Ruby saw Mole already moving the drill away. The odd thing was the sight of fireflies everywhere.

"H-How did this happen?" Weiss asked as she was already going back inside to put her boots on

"Maybe the fireflies outside. Like literal fireflies?" Ruby suggested as she was putting her shoes back on too. Once she and Weiss did both came out of their tent and looked around now seeing everyone running away either alongside, up to or into the back of the trucks "Well guess that's our que to run Wiess!"

"Agreed." Weiss replied back as she and Ruby saw from the right corner of their eyes Milo making a run for it too

The couple quickly followed as they caught up with Milo a few seconds later while also ignoring the loud 'BOOMS' from behind. Which they sadly realized were the trucks and the people who didn't make it. But as the three ran and ran, Weiss and Ruby making sure Milo was keeping up since he wasn't the most fit between them three. They saw the closet trucks flaps open up. Showing the rest of their own team already in the back and Audery in with them. Audery and Guin the ones holding their arms out to them.

"Milo, girls run. Come on you can do it!" Audery yelled as Milo, Weiss and Ruby forced themselves a bit more to barley catch up to the truck as a few more explosions occurred

"Jump!" Guin yelled and without a second more to wait. Milo, Ruby and Weiss followed through. Leaping to the back of the truck as Audery caught Milo. While Guin easily caught Weiss and Ruby

After that they pulled the three in. Yang, Blake and Goofy helping a little. It would have been a moment for a quick celebration. But before any of them could speak a loud crash could be heard seconds later. The bridge that they were on suddenly falling downwards from behind as everyone in the truck and those with them followed behind.

It went black after that. For the girls of team RWBY at least. But they slowly began to stir awake after a few moments. First Yang, then Blake, then Weiss and finally Ruby. All slowly opening their eyes as they saw the rocky roof above.

"Ugh… girls. You okay?" Ruby asked. While slowly sitting up as she didn't feel anything broken or even cuts on her

"Fine…fine myself. But my neck is a bit stiff." Blake answered as she rubbed the back her neck. Then looked to Yang next to her. Sitting up already while her cousin was standing up slowly "Weiss, Yang?"

"I'm fine. Just a little…a little shaken is all." Yang answered as she was muttering to herself a bit while rubbing her eyes

"Same. Same, just…what happened?" Weiss stated as she helped Ruby back up on her feet, while Blake and Yang got back up on their own

"My guess Weiss. Probably a truck blew up on the bridge we were on. I just… OH CRAP MILO!" Yang screamed going wide eyed. Ruby, Weiss and Blake realizing they were missing someone they knew they saw fall with them too "Girls we gotta find him!"

"Then lets spread out, I'm sure we can-" Ruby began to say before she was cut off when she and the girls heard a groan from their left. Looking the saw Milo laying against a slab of rock, barely conscious as he groaned. Seeing this the four booked it right up to him as they knelt down around their friend "Milo. Milo are you okay?"

"Chill baby sis. I think he's alive, aside from the slight gash on the right side of his collar bone." Yang explained. As Milo did in fact looked alright enough, but with just a slight deep gash that was more superficial then anything

"That's good at least. But let's see if we can get him up and going. Then we'll look for-" Blake started to say. But like a useful tool to move the story along. She was cut off and interrupted when she and the girls saw a dozen or so spear tips pointed right at them

Getting a good look it was a group of about six or so, the leader of this group seeming to be the only female here. But as the girls got a better look they saw the males and female before them shared a similar slightly dark skin tone, white hair, blue garments, spears obliviously and wore wooden colored masks of various colors; with glowing blue eyes. The female speaking some kind of gibberish as she slightly thrusted the end of her spear near the group of five. It was then Milo began to wake up.

"Ugh… girls-" Milo began to say. Seeing Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang around him. But as he opened his eyes and his vision came back. He also saw their little guests

Freaking out just a little the girls tried their best to calm their friend down while not moving much or in a way that would seem threatening. But, as they tried. They felt the female of the group push them aside and move a little closer to Milo. Who flinched a little when he tired moving his right arm near where his gash was and winced in pain. Before the girls could ask or questioned this person, they saw the woman lift up her mask. Showing a lovely young lady with pretty blue eyes, black eyebrows compared to her white hair, a golden earing on her right ear lobe and the left side of her hair tied in a sort of braid that hung.

She and Milo stared at each other as the girls kept quiet, before seeing the woman tug on her neckless with a blue crystal on the end. Taking a moment she moved her hand a pressed it slight against Milo's wound as the crystal glowed. Seconds later much to Milo and the girls surprise. As the woman moved her hand away, leaving a glowing hand print that vanished seconds later. The wound Milo had was gone and fully healed.

"Whoa…" Team RWBY muttered astounded by what they just witnessed while Milo was awestruck by both the crystals power and the woman herself who smiled back

But just then a loud echo could be heard from everyone's left side. The woman pulled her mask back down before she and her fellows made a run for it. Without a second thought Milo yelled at them to wait, but they didn't and the young man got up before running after them. Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang looked to one another sighing a little at their friends need to do this often. Like sadly they did at point. But they couldn't leave Milo alone so they got up and ran to catch up to him. All at the same time the loud bang turned into a boom as some rock wall crumbled from Mole's drilling machine. The light shining from the vehicle and barley near the girls or Milo.

Who by this point were just running after the group of strangers. Climbing over rocks, leaping on separate platforms near vines growing on them. Leaping and climbing for a few more moments. Before they reached the top where a large but narrow hole could be seen. Milo screaming as he and the girls ran to the edge of a cliff. Milo screaming 'Who are you?!' when they exited the hole. It wasn't until that was said, that Milo and team RWBY realized where they were now.

Though if by chance Mole's drill finally caught up and broke through the wall as it stopped seconds later. Others from the trucks or on foot passing by. Though Milo and the girls didn't even take notice as they were now in awe. Ikail, Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy along with Sweets were the first to catch up. Moments later like the girls and Milo, they were in utter awe the moment they laid eyes upon what they saw. Vinny, Audrey, Mole, Rork, Helga, Cookie and even Packer also were in utter awe too once they caught up.

For what everyone saw was a large water fall with a wall of cloud in front. But what the water fall had above was a large piece of land. With a city, but not just any city. THE city they had been all looking for. For they had now finally found, the Lost City of Atlantis. Even from a distance it was already a sight to behold.

"Sweet mother of Jefferson Davis!" Cookie shouted in his own shock of what he was seeing

"More like sweet mother of HOLY CRAP!" Yang chimed in rubbing hers eyes to make sure this was actually real

"Not the way I'd put it Yang, but…" Weiss replied back. Her mouth a gaped in shock

"But it's pretty accurate." Dante muttered doing a small prayer at the awe inspiring sight before him and felt like he needed to pray

"Arf!" Goofy barked in agreement with Dante as Doanld was just wide eyed as he sat upon Goofy's head

"It's beautiful." Audrey said. Feeling at the moment, like a little girl again when she read books on places like these when she found the time to do so

"Now that is more on what I would say." Weiss remarked

"Still… Milo you did it. You helped find Atlantis!" Ruby cheered in glee as she was giddy in awe and joy

"Totally. This is…is amazing!" Blake cheered too. Already feeling the academic part of her screaming to learn all she could possible do with new this re-discovered civilization

"Gotta agree with the ladies here. You really came through." Sweet said patting Milo on the back as way to congratulate the young man

But just then it seemed the very same group that had meet Milo and the girls. Popped out from the walls behind them, landing as the held their spear like weapons at them. Pointed and ready to use if needed. The group as a whole backed away just a bit but also near the edge of the cliff side they were standing at.

"Oh crap…" Yang uttered while some of the others got tense

"Holy cats, who are these guys?" Rourke asked. Seeming nervous a little as he moved his hand slightly towards the pistol he kept holstered alongside Helga

"They got be Atlantia's!" Milo deduced rather quickly. But considering where they were it made sense at least

"What that's impossible." Helga argued as they was no way in her mind that people could still be alive down here of all places

"I've seen this before in the Dekoda. They can smell fear just be looking at you, so keep quite." Cookie rambled on about. Though the girls at least raised an eyebrow at where that kind of advice even came from in the first place

"Neesha igapretnio. Nebsa nagento, dasblumena." The same woman before said in what the girls and the others assumed was Atlantian

"I believe she's speaking to you Milo." Ikail stated as she gave him a pat on the shoulder "Lucky you lover boy. Hehe."

"Thanks Ikail…" Milo muttered. Blushing slightly at the statement. Didn't help that the woman behind the mask had been breathtaking to say the least

"Lebesa, nak turoa neto. Basash julebenta!" The woman yet again spoke in her native tounge, Milo slowly being pushed towards her by the girls as they gave him a thumbs up. Milo smiling back a little as his nerves were calmer, so he continued himself a bit closer to her as he did his best to remember his own studies into this language

"Leb asenic da duewre toup. Resa deu penika." Milo began to say back slowly. The words coming back to him as the woman seemed surprised and once more removed her mask showing her true face

"Prowinsimda megawin mack neu glembin doa capracki?" The woman asked in more curious tone this time. Her eyebrow raised as she took a slightly closer steep to Milo, who himself was starting to have a really hard time remembering those old Atlantian lessons now

"Kag ah… ah…" Milo began to say. The words coming to him seconds later as he smiled a bit more before he addressed the woman "Wegane pried!"

"Cagane, wega…wega nos predos esanin?" The woman seemed to be inquiring. At least to those witnessing outside the conversation

"Inason nitche vitor." Milo answered much calmer now then he had been starting off this once in a life time conversation

"Deses linga romia?!" The woman exclaimed and was surprised more as she crossed her arms, wondering what the intriguing man would say next

"Parlez-vous francais?" Milo asked in French this time. Even smirking a little as the woman smiled back

"Oui monsieur!" The woman answered back in French. That and she seemed quite impressed with Milo already

"They speak my language. Pardon mademoiselle!" Mole stated in glee that it seemed his lovely language was spoken by people such as these ones. The woman seemed happy enough to comply as she knelt down a little to hear what the man had to say "Ah, voulez-vous…"

"Oh not good." Blake stated as she and the girls knew well enough by now that Mole while nice; was infamously a prevented one as well. Sighing she didn't have to look to other part of her own group at least. As by now that had a sort of mental link in a way that just tipped them off "So how long do you think it will take before he gets a punch to the face?"

"I'd say real soon. Like five words in." Guin answered first

"Six max for me Blake." Dante answered next, shaking his head at the inevitable outcome

"Six too. But hey maybe he'll last-" Ruby began to say before everyone noticed the wide eyed look the woman made. Before it turned to slight anger as she landed a pretty solid right hook into Moles face. Mole for his part just let out a grunt of pain as he fell on his back

"And strike three he's out!" Yang shouted as she was quite impressed at the right hook the woman just landed there

"Oh, I like her!" Sweets joyfully stated. Even clapping his hands at the mere sight of someone finally punching Mole in the face

"Bout sometime some hit him. I'm just sorry it wasn't me." Audrey chimed in smiling despite what she said at the sight of Mole being punched as well

After that, the others of the woman's group took their own masks off as they began to introduce themselves to those part of the exploration group. Each speaking one or two different languages here and there.

"How'd they know all these different languages?" Audrey asked after a minute or so of the Atlantean's and the exploration crew conversing

"They probably stem from a common dialect that dates back centuries ago, which eventually branched out into the languages we know as of today." Guin explained as Audrey, Milo and the girls who'd heard him just stared at the man "What. I listen to Milo's lessons and read his theories."

"Huh… well I think Guin is right. Their language must be based on a root dialect. Just like the tower of Babel." Milo explained himself off of what Guin said, smiling at what was already being learned. The girls smiled too happy to see Milo so enthusiastic already

"Well maybe english is in there somewhere." Rourke suddenly stated. Grabbing Milo's shoulder from the right before rather rudely pushing him to the side "We are explorers from the surface world. We come in peace."

Though the girls, Ikail, Dante, Guin, Donald and Goofy at least gave the man the stink eye seeing how rudely he shoved Milo aside. Milo himself a little irked at that too, but their slight anger was quickly forgotten when the woman spoke to them once more. This time in English.

"Welcome to the city of Atlantis!" The woman happily said. Her fellows smiling too as despite how they looked like fierce warriors. They seemed also rather welcoming, which was nice. The woman still seeming rather excited herself then grabbed Milo by the arm dragging him "Come you and your friends must speak with my father now!"

Without missing a beat the girls and their group followed. Hearing Rourke giving commands for the others to follow too in their own trucks. Soon team RWBY at least found themselves sitting in the back of the truck that Milo, Rourke and Helga were in. The four just enjoying the ride the best they could while the rest of their team were in another truck following behind them.

"So. Hasn't this been a crazy first world so far?" Yang mused quietly to the girls. Just to make small talk if only to help get her mind off the fact they were in a truck, going over an old wooden bridge that dangled over a large pool of lava

"It has been hasn't it. Never would I have thought we'd end up finding a lost civilization." Weiss replied back. Finding this rather surreal still, despite the fact it was currently happening

"I'm just glad they're haven't been any signs of heartless." Ruby stated with a relieved smile before she sighed "Still, I wonder where the keyhole to this world is and… well if we can even use our keyblades for it since they're well…you know."

"You mean transformed into a bunch of everyday items for us to use Ruby?" Blake questioned looking at the cane that was her keyblade for a moment

"YEP. That's what I mean Blake. I just hope if we do find heartless, these can actually do some damage." Ruby exclaimed before pouting some "Hm… I'm still grumpy about our old weapons though."

"I get ya baby sis. I mean like UGH, that stupid giant Grimm broke three years worth of cookie sales money!" Yang angrily pouted herself

"Yang sold cookies, wait don't tell me. Was she a Vale Scout?" Weiss questioned as she felt a sudden strong urge to laugh from that new bit of info about her in law

"Yeah big sis was. Had every badge too." Ruby answered as she patted her big sisters shoulder

"Darn right I did Ruby. I was an excellent Vale Scout!" Yang proclaimed with pride. Then took noticed Weiss doing her best not to laugh still "You could at least be nice about a part of my life achievements Weiss."

"Pff. Sorry…sorry, just kind of hard to picture you in a Vale Scout uniform selling cookies." Weiss answered as she couldn't hold it in anymore and began laughing "HAHA, I'm sorry. I'm sorry sis!"

"Jeez thanks. What a great sister in law you are." Yang grumpily pouted all the while Ruby smiled at the scene before her. Glad that her big sister and Weiss were getting more time to bond. But then Ruby noticed Blake had been quiet and seemed out of it "Hey Blake, you okay?"

"Huh?" Blake asked before noticed her girlfriend was grumpy for some reason and her cousin seeming to be recovering from a laughing fit "What did I miss?"

"Weiss here is laughing at my Vale Scout career Blakey. She's being mean!" Yang answered like a grade schooler as Weiss simply stuck her tounge out for a moment; Yang doing the same

"Hehe. I can see that, but I'll ask later about your Vale Scout career." Blake mused before looking back to Ruby "Sorry did you want to say something Ruby?"

"It's fine and yeah I did. Only wanted to ask if you were okay, I mean you seemed out of it just now." Ruby answered

"Oh I did. Sorry about that then I was just a bit tired is all. That and a little worried." Blake explained. Though by this point Weiss and Yang had forgotten their little family squabble and had been listening in

"Worried about what?" Weiss inquired

"Just the motives of the others. The one's outside our own group. I mean I trust Milo of course. That along with Audery, Sweets, Packer, Cookie, Vinny and even Mole. It mainly just Helga and Rourke I don't trust much. Mainly Rourke and I already explained why before remember girls." Blake explained as the girls did remember

"Why though babe. Look I know get that Rourke at least doesn't seem the polities at times. But he's a military man from what I can tell. Grandpa knew plenty of war vets who had similar personalities. They didn't mean anything by it. Not that me or the girls here are doubting you" Yang explained as she at least didn't pick up anything off about the man or his right hand woman Helga at least

"Agreed. Again weren't not saying they don't give of a bit of a shady vibe I'll admit myself. But they haven't really shown any behavior we should be worried about either." Weiss added in as she was more half-half-ish on those two at least

"Still babe. Maybe you're just being a little too over cautions right now. No offense." Yang explained on as she gave Blake a comforting smile "Look. I'm sure thing's will go smoothly enough from here on. Unless heartless start showing up of course. But since that hasn't happened yet, again I'm sure everything will be fine."

"But if something shady does come up. Me and the others have your back sis-sis!" Ruby chimed in with a thumbs up while Weiss nodded in agreement

"Hm. Thanks girls, I guess I should relax a bit. Let's just enjoy the ride and each other's company." Blake suggested as Ruby, Weiss and Yang were for that; and started to converse with one another

But as the three did. Blake somehow even without her cat ears caught a quiet conversation between Helga and Rourke. While she also heard Milo comparing things upside with things down here already. But that was just Milo being Milo, Blake knew that much. But she felt rather unsettled from what she heard between Helga and Rourke. Primarily from what Rourke said.

"Commander… there was not supposed to be people down here. This changes everything." Helga in a hushed tone said. Seeming a little conflicted at least from what Blake could tell

"This changes nothing." Rourke answered back in a stern but hushed tone

As Blake heard those very two sentences. She felt an uneasy gut feeling. A feeling that screamed to her something horrible was going to happen. She just hoped for once she was wrong and it was just her bad habit of paranoia acting up. Keeping quiet she just watched Ruby, Weiss and Yang happily talk amongst each other.

.

.

.

But hoping yet again that she was wrong, dear dust please let her be wrong…

---

So here we are at the end of the first part of the first world.

Anyways not much to say here aside from one thing you may have taken notice of. The lack of Heartless and that's the point. I won't say exactly why that's the case, but I will say the Heartless are there in the world. Just not how you'd expect.

I won't go any further into it and again there isn't really much to say on this end notes. Since well this was more of a fixing of this chapter from the previous story. So again sorry there isn't much more to be said here.

But I do hope you enjoy what I'll have up next soon-ish. Until then I wish you all the best days ahead! : )