F3: Welcome to chapter 9 of my RWBY story. We left off with Harriet arriving at the base and helped clear up any misunderstandings. And great news RWBY is now owned by Viz Media. OC characters will be credited to the author(s). With that said Let's Dive In.
Volume 6-9: The Past Comes Back (Part 1)
Star saw Ruby and company going with the general to the airship to go see Blake as everyone else remained on the base to wait for them. They were currently waiting for them in the lounge area of the base.
"Phew… honestly, I'm glad were out of those cells. It was getting way to cramped for me." Star said.
"I agree. And the cost was very uncomfortable too. I mean seriously they could at least invest in something more comfortable." Iona said.
"That's the military for you. They really don't care for comfort if they get results." Pepper huffed, leaning against the wall with a disgruntled look on her face.
Everyone else looked in her direction but Jaune had a look of worry.
"Um… are you okay Pepper? You don't seem to be thrilled?" Jaune asked.
Pepper, however, simply ignored him as she had other thoughts on her mind, more importantly about the general.
"Besides I don't think if my ears deceived me but I heard her saw her last name was Arc. Just like your name Jaune." May said.
"Yeah, you're right. Could she be the one Saphron marry?" Jaune questioned.
"Either way it's good to have her on our side." Velvet said as Neo nodded.
Oscar, however, didn't seem to agree with that statement or more like Ozpin.
"Perhaps but should still be wary." Ozpin said which got everyone's attention.
"Ozpin. Finally decide to join us huh." Cardin replied still not too pleased about what they found out back at Adams house.
However, Winter was just as confused as she had no clue what was happening.
"Um… I thought that was Oscar Pine you're talking to. Ozpin is dead isn't he." She replied.
Everyone in the room gave a rather nervous look as Star spoke "Well you see… while it is true that his body is dead… his soul isn't." Star replied which still confused her.
"Basically, his soul reincarnated into another body hence Oscar as his new host so to speak." Nora answered.
"As Mrs. Valkyrie has stated she is indeed correct. This body maybe Oscars my soul rests in his body. If you need further proof that it is me. I believe you visit the Vytal Festival to see your sister did you not." Ozpin answered which surprised Winter.
"How do you know that?" Winter questioned.
"As I told you. This maybe Oscars body but my soul remains along with my memories." Ozpin replied.
"I see… that does explain a few things." Winter replied.
"Gee what else is new. Besides why do you say we should be wary of the general. She helped us." Cardin said.
"Maybe so but she still doesn't know about Salem and her forces. We need to remain cautious." Ozpin replied.
"The last time we were cautious about anything we almost lost Haven." Star stated firmly as Neo nodded in agreement.
"I say we give her a chance and we can explain why we need to get the relic to Atlas. To protect it and keep it safe from Salem." Iona added.
Pepper, however, grunted at this, not exactly sure if she wanted Harriet's help, something that Adam seemed to notice especially her posture of this whole situation.
"Well regardless I believe I should be heading back to the house. The twins are probably worried about me." Winter said.
"We might stop by later for a visit so be expecting us okay." Star added as Winter nodded before making her departure leaving the lounge area.
"Honestly, I'm with her. I'll be glad to be out of this place. Sis is probably worried sick." Jaune replied.
"As soon as Ruby and the others come back then we can leave this place. Besides I'm sure mom is worried about me too." Iona added.
"I don't think you ever told us who your mother was?" Velvet asked.
"Oh, that would be Sienna Khan. She used to be the high leader of the White Fang after Blakes dad stepped down." Adam answered, which surprised most of the group.
"You're kidding right." Cardin added completely surprised by the fact he just learned.
"Well… she's more like my adoptive mother after my parents died. We moved here to Argus after that." Iona explained.
"I guess you guys couldn't stay in Menagerie very long could you." Adam added.
Iona nodded "Yeah… too many painful memories going back there." She answered.
Just then the door opened revealing Harriet as she walked in, meeting the other as Pepper pushing herself off the wall.
"Sorry if I couldn't greet you all properly. Ruby and the others are visiting Blake and making sure she's alright." Harriet replied.
"How is Blake by the way?" Velvet asked.
"The doctors managed to give her aura a boost and healed some of the electrical burns she had… however her left eye is permanently damaged and she's now blind in that eye." Harriet answered.
Adam grunted at this but at least his former teammate was alive and well.
"Now then which one of you Jaune?" Harriet asked.
Jaune raised his hand nervously, not sure what she might do.
"So… you're Jaune Arc." Harriet said as she walked up to him examining him carefully before giving him a soft smile.
"Yep. Saphron described you perfectly. Glad to meet Jaune." Harriet said as she extended her hand as he took it and shook it.
"You know Saph?" Jaune asked.
"Well, I should. She's, my wife." Harriet said which surprised most of them including Jaune.
"Really? So, she's the one she mentioned back home." Jaune said.
"Yep. My full name is Harriet Bree-Arc. I took her maiden after I married her. And now I'm a general in the military." Harriet replied.
"Wow… but what happen to Ironwood. I thought he was the general." Adam said.
"Unfortunately, James Ironwood is no longer in command of the military after an incident during a trial. That's all I can say." Harriet stated.
"I see." Oscar said but then there was a pause for a moment as they were trying to figure out what to ask Harriet.
"Is there something bothering you guys? You seemed awfully tense about something?" Harriet questioned.
"Actually… we were wondering if you can take us with you to Atlas." May finally said.
Harriet raised an eyebrow at that as she spoke again.
"Why do you need to go to Atlas?" Harriet asked before she noticed the relic that was at Mays side.
"I'm guessing that must be the reason. That relic." Harriet said which got Ozpins attention.
"How do you know that's a relic Mrs. Arc?" Ozpin questioned curiously.
Harriet turned to Oscar but she figured out by the way he was acting it must've been Ozpin who was speaking to her.
"Let me guess. This is Ozpin I'm speaking to right." Harriet spoke which surprised Ozpin.
"If you're wondering how I know I found a book that was left behind by Ironwood and it had information about Ozpin, the relics, the maidens, and even Salem." Harriet replied.
"I suppose that does save the time for explanations." Ozpin stated as he approached Harriet.
"I assume that we can trust you with what is going on then." Ozpin said.
"I only know of this information from the book Ironwood kept in the office but I suppose having some more intel wouldn't hurt but yes." Harriet added.
"For now why don't we wait general. As you can tell it has been rather rough on everyone today." Ozpin replied.
"Of course. Plus we are waiting for the others to return as well. Until then." Harriet replied as she left the lounge leaving everyone to their devices but Pepper only clinched her fist angrily watching the general leave.
"She doesn't even care." Pepper muttered. Star and Adam heard her mutter this as Star was worried what her teammate was going to do.
=RWBY=
On the airship Ruby and company entered the medical wing of the airship as they saw Blake inside the room sitting up as she was getting checked over by the nurses their but Ruby immediately noticed the bandage wrap around Blake's left eye along with other bandages around her arms and waist.
"Hey Blake." Ruby called out getting her attention.
"Ruby. Are you alright. They didn't hurt you did they." Blake said.
Ruby chuckled "I should be asking you that. I mean you're the one with the electrical burns and your eye." Ruby replied.
This made Blake flinch slightly reaching up to touch the bandage on her left eye.
"They told me they couldn't save my eye. That I'll be blind in this eye." Blake said softly.
"You can blame that short stack of a commander. Honestly, she deserves what's coming to her for hurting you." Yang said.
"I wholeheartedly agree. She overstepped her bounds in more than one way and abused her military power." Weiss stated just as upset with the situation.
"Cordovin has a habit of thinking that she's superior to everyone else but she doesn't realize what she's even doing to those around her. I wouldn't be surprised if the general decides to arrest her and have her court martialed." Raven added.
"Speaking from experience mom?" Yang asked.
"Let's just say this isn't the first time dealing with that little imp. When we were heading to Atlas on our mission that little imp tried to impede us from getting there saying that we had no legitimate reason to go there. It took calling Ironwood himself to inform her that we were called for that mission." Raven explained.
"Yeah, I remember that. I'm surprise she didn't recognize us. Maybe her age is making her lose her memory." Summer chuckled at this.
Blake slowly got up from the medical bed as Ruby was standing on her right now making sure that she was okay. Blake took a step forward and immediately felt dizziness as she stumbled forward Ruby catching her from falling.
"This is going to take some time to get used to." Blake admitted.
"Yeah. Your equilibrium has been thrown off. So, it'll take some getting used to walking with just one eye." Raven said.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'm right here so you don't have to worry." Ruby smiled embracing her girlfriend as Blake returned the embrace.
"Oh yeah. You'll want these back." Ruby said as she pulled out Gambol Shroud and Blakes scroll.
"I've held on to them after Harriet got us released." She added as Blake took Gambol Shroud in her hands and her scroll.
"Thanks for holding on to them." She said placing Gambol Shroud on the metal attachment on her hip before putting away her scroll.
"No problem. Now any chance we can get out of here?" Blake asked as the others chuckled before the six of them left the medical wing of the airship and left the airship behind but Ruby still stayed by Blakes side to help guide her.
Meanwhile, after visiting everyone Harriet was now in the commander's office as Cordovin was in front of the desk with Harriet sitting behind it and she had a look of someone that was looking to kill.
"Commander Caroline Cordovin. I'm sure you understand why you are here aren't you?" Harriet asked, her hands folded in one another but Cordovin didn't say anything but stood there silently.
"You are here in regard to the excessive force you used to capture a supposed criminal along with innocent people as well." Harriet replied holding a glare at her.
"From my understanding your soldier's weapons were loaded, correct? You also barged into an innocent woman's home with said loaded guns and even pointed their weapons at the woman who also had an three year old boy in her arms. Am I not correct commander." Harriet stated firmly.
"G-General. I understand how this situation may look but I have reasonable suspicion that Blake Belladonna was working with the White Fang. I was simply wanting to arrest the terrorist but the others tried to stop me so they were arrested as well for aiding and abetting a criminal." Cordovin said.
However, Harriet wasn't fooled so easily as she her scroll and brought up an article.
"Really now. This is an article stating after the attack on Haven Academy. It states that all members of the White Fang had been apprehended when Haven was attacked. Thanks to testimony only one person has yet to be capture and her name is Ilia Amitola who remains at large." Harriet said before putting away the article.
"The way that I see it commander you arrested only to bolster your own ego which is very bad for the military considering Atlas's fragile strain the populace after the events of Beacon. Especially our relationship with the faunus community. You even go as far as to torture someone else to get this so-called information out of them when they really had nothing to share. Do know just how many rights you have violated." Harriet growled.
"G-General I was only doing this for the safety of Argus and its civilians. You can't sorely put the blame on me for this." Cordovin replied.
"Oh really. How about I list off what you've done? Unlawful arrest, unlawful detainment, unlawful use of force, torture to cause permanent damage and many other charges that I'm missing." Harriet listed off.
"I know that this looks bad and-." Cordovin said but Harriet stopped her.
"Bad is an understatement. This is beyond bad of what you've done. And not to mention all the other reports my team had discovered as well." Harriet replied.
"Reports! About what!?" Cordovin asked surprised.
"Oh let's see. Creating new policies without following proper procedures and enforcing them like they've been that way. You of all people should know that's not how it works. Have you no regard for the rules of the procedure." Harriet glared.
"I…" Cordovin was at a loss for word unsure what to say next as she stood there.
"And that is just one of the many other reports I've received about you. This will not be tolerated in the slightest. In fact, I'm going to handle this situation right now." Harriet said and then Team PRRS entered the room standing behind her.
"What's going on? What are you doing?" Cordovin asked as Harriet stood up from her seat, her arms folded behind her.
"Commander Caroline Cordovin of the 4th Atlas Armored Division. You are hereby placed under arrest and will return to Atlas to face trial by court martial. You have the right to remain silent as anything you say can be used against you in the court of law." Harriet said firmly before gesturing to Lacy to cuff her as she placed Cordovins arms behind her back before cuffing her.
"Alright let's go shorty." Lacy said as Team PRRS escorted the commander out of the room.
Harriet let out a sigh as she followed them and inform Ruby and the others that they could leave the base.
=RWBY=
Ruby and the others had returned to the lounge of the base but they could tell that everyone was getting rather antsy from being there as some were being rather impatient.
"C'mon already. Can we leave this place already. How long is this going to take?" Nora asked, tapping her foot.
"It takes time Nora. This is the general we're talking about. It's going to take a while." Jaune said calming his teammate.
Adam walked over to Blake to check over the injury to her eye.
"What's the verdict on your injury?" Adam questioned.
Blake looked down a moment before staring at him "The other burn marks were healed by aura boosters but my eye was irreparable. They couldn't save it." Blake said which made Adams hand clinch into a fist.
"That little. She had no right to do that to you." Adam replied angrily.
"I know that you're angry Adam but… there's nothing more we can do. Right now, I'm just glad that it's over." Blake replied.
"Honestly I have to agree with Adam." Weiss piped in as she stood next to Blake.
"She had no right to do that to you just because you're a faunus. She even called me a caged animal because I'm a faunus now. This action only proves just how some people can be ignorant to those around them." Weiss stated firmly.
Across the room Iona and the rest of her team were talking.
"So… do you think we're heading to Atlas after all this? I mean Ozpin did say we need to head their next." Iona said.
"Yeah but… I can't help but feel like he's still hiding something from us." Star added with a thoughtful look on her face, her tail twitching slightly.
"Another reason not to trust all what Ozpin says. Why don't we ask that relic?" Pepper stated.
"That would only waste another question. Jinn can only answer three questions every five hundred years. We've used one so that means only two questions are left and we might need them for something important down the line." Star replied.
"Guess we'll just have to figure things out on our own till we feel that the right time ask is right." Star said as Pepper grunted at this knowing that her leader was right.
The door then opened revealing Harriet as she walked in.
"Ah good everyone's here. Miss Blake, how are you feeling?" Harriet asked first.
"Honestly, tired from all that has happened. The doctors treated my burns but my eye couldn't be saved." Blake explained. However, Harriet had a sadden look after hearing that.
"I see. I'm deeply sorry for has happened here today and actions like this will not be tolerated under my watch." Harriet said. Pepper, however, clenched her hands into a fist.
"What do you mean?" Adam questioned the general.
"As of right now Commander Cordovin has been placed under arrest and will be taken back to Atlas to stand trial by court martial. With all the evidence that was gathered and with testimony she'll most likely be stripped of her rank, dishonorably discharged and spend the rest of her life behind bars for her actions." Harriet explained which shocked everyone.
"Whoa… but then who'll be in charge of the base?" Summer questioned.
"I've already informed Marshal Bradly about this situation and he'll be sending another commander here to take her place. Someone who is not incompetent like Cordovin. I would also like to extend my apologies to you, Miss Belladonna. For the experience you had to go through." Harriet replied.
"I appreciate it general." Blake said with a nod.
"Now I know you're all wanting to get out of this cramped base so you're all free to leave as you so please." Harriet said.
"Finally, it was getting rather cramped in here. C'mon everyone let's head out." Nora said as everyone started to file out of the lounge. However, just before Pepper could leave Harriet stopped her.
"Mrs. Orion. May I have a word with you for a moment? I promise I'll make it quick." Harriet asked as Pepper looked at her teammates before nodding to them as they walk on leaving only the two of them behind.
"Okay so what do you want to talk about?" Pepper asked folding her arms across her bust.
Harriet took a deep breath before letting it out slowly and then she spoke.
"I… am so sorry about your father." Harriet breathed out as Pepper clinched her fist harder her nails threatened to break skin.
"Oh, so now you're sorry. Try twelve years too late for that. You murdered my father in cold blood just to set an example for all those that were in the mines. Heard you got a promotion after that for supposedly 'stopping a potential rebellion'. Those that think they are high and mighty just make things harder for those beneath you. You probably got your position now from doing something like that. Am I wrong General." Pepper growled.
Harriet, however, didn't say a word as she stood their taking Peppers tirade without flinching but she knew it had some effect on her as she finally spoke.
"Back in the mines… twelve years ago… I couldn't pull the trigger. No, I would never pull that trigger on your father. Believe me, if I could turn back the clock and throw the weapon away and face the ramifications of the actions. Even now after twelve years I hold that as a mistake that I made. Thinking that I should've spoken up but… I was too afraid." Harriet said looking away slightly.
"You. Afraid? I don't believe you." Pepper added.
"And you don't have to believe me. I wouldn't believe me either. They even buried your father in the mines without a marker. It honestly made me sick. Tossing him aside like some lump of garbage." Harriet replied.
Pepper was going to say something but Harriet raised a hand to stop her.
"Please let me finish. I understand that if you resent me in some way and I wouldn't fault you for that. To you, I took someone away from you, someone that you looked up to, someone that's so dear to you that it burns a hole in your very core. I know that this doesn't change anything but I am deeply sorry for the damages I've caused." Harriet finished as she bowed her head.
Pepper was at a loss for words as she wasn't sure what to say to her but then she remembered something that her father said to her in Sumire when she was younger.
"Never let anger be your friend." She said, getting her attention.
"Huh?" Harriet questioned.
"It was something my father used to say to me when I get into fights with some of the kids back home. Never let anger be your friend. While I am angry at you… there is nothing I can do to change what happened. Besides…" Pepper said touching the necklace on her neck.
"I… at least found some closure with him." She added.
"Yeah… I understand." Harriet commented.
"I won't take up more of your time. I'm sure your friends are waiting for you." Harriet replied.
With a nod Pepper left, leaving the general behind while she was left with her own thoughts but her first manner of business was to handle the major issue that was Cordovin and she plans on bringing her up on all charges once they return to Atlas.
=RWBY=
After Pepper reunited with her team everyone left the base behind as Iona was checking her scroll seeing the number of missing calls from her mom as she looked at them nervously.
"Oh man she's probably worried sick. I'll give her a call." Iona said as she dialed her mother's number and almost immediately her mother answered.
"Hey mom sorry if I-." Iona started but Sienna spoke up.
"What happened to you!? You had me worried when you didn't answer my calls. I thought something horrible happened to you." Sienna said sounding worried.
"Sorry mom. But I'm okay now. We're all okay." Iona assured as she heard her sigh in relief
"Well, that does ease my mind. I'm glad that you're okay. I have dinner cooking right now so make sure to not be out so late." Sienna replied.
"I won't. See you soon." Iona said as she hung up.
"I'm guessing you're going home?" Star asked.
"Yeah. After the day that we've had some good dinner would be nice." Iona said.
"Agreed. We'll see you tomorrow. Then we'll figure out what to do from there." Pepper said as Iona gave her teammates a wave before heading for home.
Weiss had walked up to Jaune for a moment as he was deep in thought.
"Jaune." She spoke, getting his attention.
"Oh, uh hey Weiss. Something you need?" Jaune asked.
She shook her head "No, me and Adam were planning on heading to Winters place for tonight. But… there is somewhere I wanted to show you." Weiss replied sounding almost somber in her voice.
"Where's that?" Jaune questioned.
"It's in the park. Maybe bring Nora along too. Something that you both need to see." Weiss replied.
"Okay. I'll do just that." Jaune added as he went to go find Nora.
Everyone else eventually separated as Blake went with the rest of her team back to the hotel along with the others too finding their own room, agreeing to meet up tomorrow so they could get to Atlas.
Hours passed as night fell onto Argus with Jaune and Nora following her toward the park.
"So… what is that you wanted to show us Weiss?" Nora questioned.
"Yeah, I'm rather curious myself." Jaune said as they were approaching the park.
Weiss though didn't say a word until they arrive at the park entrance as they came to the arch.
"So, what is…" Nora started but immediately saw what was in front of them as none of them said a word as Jaune and Nora looked on. It was the statue of Pyrrha standing directly in the center of the park, her shield held in front of her legs.
Jaune and Nora approached the statue completely taken by the form of their former teammate. They got closer to the statue seeing the plaque that was on the statue as Jaune knelt to read it.
'In Honor of Pyrrha Nikos. One of the many students who fought valiantly at the Fall of Beacon.'. That was all the plaque said as Nora could barely hold back the tears forming in her eyes. Jaune as well fighting back the tears.
Weiss, who was waiting for them wiped away a tear from her eyes. She then heard footsteps coming behind her as she looked to see who it was.
"Pardon me a moment." A woman's voice said.
"Oh, sorry ma'am I-." Weiss paused, seeing the woman's red hair with flowers in her hands as she approach the statue.
Nora and Jaune heard the footsteps from behind them seeing a woman with red hair and green eyes.
"Are… you here to pay respects?" The woman asks.
"It's… more than that. She… was a dear friend of ours back at Beacon. She meant the world to us." Jaune said as the woman laid the flowers down at the statue's feet.
"Um… but may we ask who you are?" Nora asked.
The woman turned to face Nora as she gave her a gentle yet almost familiar smile to them.
"Where are my manners? I'm Athena Nikos… Pyrrha's mother." Athena introduced herself, which surprised all three of them as Weiss walked up next to them.
"Your… her mom." Nora said, surprised.
"Yes. And I know who you are. My daughter wrote letters about all of you. Especially about you Jaune." She said before approaching him and embracing him which caught him by surprise.
"I'm so happy that my daughter was surrounded by great people that were her friends. Thank you to you all." Athena said releasing Jaune.
However, Jaune didn't feel that way as he stared back at the statue guilt sitting in his stomach.
"Pyrrha should be here with us. Not a day goes by when I think I could've done something to stop her." Jaune said, his hand clinching into a fist. Weiss saw this and placed her metal hand on his shoulder as the mother spoke.
"I think… she knew the risks involved at what she was doing. She understood that she had a responsibility… to try. I don't think she would regret her choice, because a huntress would understand that there really wasn't a choice to make. And a huntress is what she always wanted to be." Athena said.
"She may not have graduated as a huntress but… she will be remembered as one." Nora added hold a hand to her heart.
"Agreed. But she knows that we shouldn't be morning her loss. She would want us to keep moving forward despite the hardship. Her time here may have been short… but she left an impact on all of us." Weiss spoke looking up at the Pyrrha statue.
Athena wiped away a tear in her eye as she placed the flowers on the front of the statue before folding her hands together in a silent prayer. Jaune, Nora, and Weiss decided to join her as they too silently prayed together with Athena.
After a moment passed Athena let out a breath before she turned to the others.
"Thank you. I must be going now. Take care of yourselves." Athena said as she walked past them, most likely returning home.
"You as well Mrs. Nikos. Be safe." Weiss said as Nora waved at the woman as she turned the corner vanishing from sight.
"You know I only wonder how she's doing? Having to bury her daughter. That… must've been the most painful thing for her to do." Nora replied.
Jaune then turned to Weiss. "Hey Weiss." He said, getting her attention.
"Yes?" She spoke but was then engulfed in an embrace with the taller boy hugging her.
"Thank you. For showing us this." Jaune said as Weiss returned the gesture a soft smile sitting on her face.
"You're welcome." Weiss said as she released the embrace.
"I'm going to head off to Winters. Adam is probably waiting on me." Weiss said as Nora gave her a knowing look.
"Oh… thinking of having some fun tonight~." Nora said with a teasing grin as Weiss blushed.
"N-No! I am a lady you know!" Weiss shouted a blush prominent on her face which made Jaune laugh slightly as the three separated heading toward their destinations for tonight.
In the shadows Ilia was watching Blake and most of the others were heading inside the hotel but she noticed how she was hanging around that Ruby girl which gave her an idea. If she can't go to Blake then she'll make Blake come to her and Ruby was going to be the ticket as she put her plan into action.
F3: And that is Part 1 completed. Harriet and Pepper has settled their past grievances and Jaune got to meet Pyrrha's mother. Let's keep this up. Please make sure to comment and don't forget to follow and/or favorite. With that said this is Firesuer3 and I'm Out.