A/N: Ladies and gentleman, it is time! After seven chapters following the former huntsmen and huntresses that make up teams RWBY and JNPR, we return to Remnant to see what has become of their homeworld and how these events will affect our heroes on Earth. So, without further ado, let us begin.

Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit fan-based homage. Transformers and GI Joe are owned by Hasbro. RWBY is owned by Viz Media and created by the late Monty Oum. Please support the official release.

When Two Corvids Meet

June 12th, 2015 AD

Four months after the exile.

Anima

7:15 am

She stared at the monument. A single stone slab with a carving of a corvid etched into the stone with the names of the tribe etched into its walls. It was a simple monument to her tribe. The one that had raised her. The very tribe that gave her a purpose and made her their leader. The very one that, to her shame, was massacred to the last. Only two were left now. Herself and another. She called him and wondered if he would come after what happened.

She didn't expect him to. After what happened, how could she? It was necessary for the tribe's survival but when the dust settled, everything was ash and dust. Men, women, children, it didn't matter to them. They just wanted an easier conquest. She gave them that and they took advantage of that.

She had worn what she always wore. Her midnight black hair flew down the back of her neck and torso tied near the top by a red bandana and a series of black and red necklaces hung around her neck. She wore a black and red kimono top with a red sash and tasset around her waist to hold her weapon, Omen, on her side. She had a pair of red, outward protruding gauntlets on her forearms and black fingerless gloves on her hands. She also wore a black skirt and short pants that went down just past the knee and a pair of black and red boots. She stood and looked on at the memorial to her family; to their family. That is assuming he still considered them family.

"Was it worth it?" she heard a voice. She turned to see the man she was hoping would come but she wasn't happy, nor was she angry. If anything, Raven felt empty. Seeing her brother brought back so many memories. So much she wanted to say. Yet she looked on in silence toward her brother.

His weapon, Harbinger, hung on his back. A gray coat over a white undershirt with a pendant of a cross around his neck as a red tattered cape hung from his back with dark red pants and black boots. She hated to admit it, but she missed Qrow. His red eyes were still pale but vibrant and his unkempt stubble still annoyed her despite its color complementing his graying jet black hair.

"Well?" Qrow asked. Raven looked back to her brother. Tired but defiant, she looked at him.

"I did what I had to for the tribe." Raven said

"And look where that got you?" her brother replied. "Was a stone slab to a band of thieves and murderers worth the cost of a kingdom and your family?" Raven glared at her brother. It seemed he didn't see them for what they were.

"They were our family.-" Raven tried to retort but Qrow cut her off.

"No, they weren't. Your family is gone. It died the day you sold him out to the space squids and their pets and any trace of it vanished when Yang and Ruby left Remnant all those months ago! They weren't your family and you traded that to lead a gang of low life street thugs that only care about which town they'd steal their next meal from!" Qrow shot back. Raven was about to reach for Omen but paused mid-way when she realized what she was about to do. She kept calm but her mind was panicking. Why? Why had she tried to reach for her weapon? Was it fear? Anger? She felt that Qrow had insulted their tribe by calling them street thugs. Yet she couldn't deny the tribe only cared about itself. After all, it was how they lived. It was how all things lived. The weak died and the strong lived. Those were the rules. Those were always the rules.

"I didn't have a choice. As chieftain I had a duty to protect the tribe." Raven began "It isn't pretty, we aren't able to settle in one spot because to do so would breed weakness. As long as we kept moving, we would stay strong and sometimes being strong means making sacrifices. And yes, I wish things were different and I tried to save him but he wouldn't listen to reason. I knew the Quintessons were stronger and I desperately wanted him to survive." She paused for a moment as angry tear began to fall from her eyes.

"But dammit, he wouldn't listen and those five faced bastards made him pay for it! Despite everything I did to save him he chose to continue fighting even when he knew how much stronger we both were!" Raven turned back to the monument and stepped towards it. She place her hand on the memorial she built. It was one of the few things left from the tribe.

"Then the Quintessons did what they do best, turn on their allies. You weren't the first and you certainly weren't the last." Qrow remarked. He remembered a certain white haired prick back in Atlas who probably would be good company.

"But that doesn't answer my question." Qrow reminded. Raven turned back to her brother. Her tears dried with only the stains on her face to show any sign they were there in the face of her defiant gaze.

"Being?" She asked. Qrow glared at his sister.

"Was it worth it?"

His words cut deep. Deeper than she thought they would. She turned back to the monument. She wanted to say it wasn't; wanted to say she was foolish for taking the deal. Despite her pain, she couldn't. The idea of surviving their wrath and growing stronger was necessary and yet, after everything that happened, she managed to find others; others who would soon abandon her or perish at the Quintessons' tentacles. Even still, her tribe still survived. So long as one member survived, so did the tribe. So was it worth it? Raven closed her eyes, took a breath, and looked back at her brother.

"It will be." she replied.

Qrow wasn't happy with that response. He had hoped that she didn't think it was. He hoped that some small part of her would admit that she was wrong but what else could he expect. Qrow sighed and turned to leave.

"Then I suggest you keep away from the rest of us. If you want to continue the legacy of a band of dead bandits, be my guest. But if you change your mind, you'll know where to find me." Qrow began to walk without sparing his sister a second glance. "Though I doubt you will." he muttered before disappearing.

Raven glared in the direction her brother left in. He had no right to turn his back on who he was. He would never have survived if he didn't prove he was strong. Much less, abandon their task. He was just as much a part of the tribe as she was when they left for Beacon to learn the huntsmen's secrets. They needed the edge and yet despite everything, even after being told of the darkest part of Remnant's true history and despite it being an impossible battle, he chose the weak minded kingdoms over the strong will of the tribe. But she wouldn't. She wouldn't abandon her heritage and leave it to fade away.

No, she would rebuild, restart the tribe. All she needed was someone to train. All she needed to start was to pass her knowledge and experience on to someone else, show them her ways and the tribe would grow again. But it couldn't grow, not here, not yet. She had to make her next move, and fast.

Fortunately, with the help of some second hand rumors and corroborations, Raven knew where to go.

"It will be worth it. Don't you worry. Our tribe doesn't end here, not yet. If nothing else, this is where we start over, where the tribe will be reborn. Just you wait." Raven spoke in a hushed voice to the monument. She rubbed her hand against the smoothly carved stone as if to comfort the fallen. She had hope for the tribe's future. This wouldn't be the end.

Then, slowly, Raven let go and began to walk away. She stopped by a tree and picked up a white and red Grimm mask and placed it on top of her head.

"We will rise again." she declared to herself before jumping into the air. As she approached the tree tops her body shrank and feathers grew from her body. Her mask and mouth became a beak and her arms turned into wings. By the time she soared passed the tree tops, she transformed into her raven form and began to fly.

The journey would take days, maybe weeks but it would be worth it. So she flew south west towards the ocean, towards Sanus, toward the ruins of the kingdom in the desert.

She flew toward Vacuo.

Break-In

July 2nd, 2015 AD

Four-and-a-half months after the exile

Quintesson Prison

10:26 pm

Getting in was easy. It was always easy. Keeping things quiet was always the challenge. In the past year, he had familiarized himself with infiltrations and hit and run tactics. It wasn't often that he would lead one of these missions himself but with what they needed on this mission, Ozpin felt it necessary to take the lead. Especially considering who he had with him.

Glynda and Ironwood stood against the wall with their weapons drawn and ready to act. Oz peaked around the hall and only saw the automatic turrets. He hoped that was all there was. He tilted his head and the three turned and made their way down the hall. Ironwood shot lightning dust at the turrets disabling them allowing Glynda to crush them with her semblance to ensure they didn't reactivate.

Ironwood raised his black and white pistols, down the two hallways.

"Clear." Ironwood told his friends before lowering his weapons. Ironwood turned to Ozpin. "Which way, Oz?" he asked the former headmaster.

"Right. The Quintessons like to keep valuable prisoners close to their courtrooms." Oz answered.

The three then proceeded down the right hallway following Ozpin's lead. At the end of each turn was another pair of turrets. Each one the trio dispatched with ease. It quickly got to a point where it felt repetitive but they wouldn't let the mundanity of the pattern distract them from their goal. They needed to locate the prisoner and Ozpin knew where he was.

The trio turned again, this time to the left and found themselves down a long hall of large reinforced doors on both sides of the hall. At the end was the sight of the Quintessons courtrooms. But that did not matter. They needed to find him. The sooner they did, the sooner and quicker they would escape.

Ozpin looked at the giant cell doors to his left. He could sense powerful aura behind every door but most belonged to massive creatures. So he kept sensing. Glynda did the same as she sensed the ones on her right. It was something she was quite proficient at even before the fall. Yet, like Ozpin, she was having trouble sensing their objective. The many large creatures with incredible aura made it difficult. They made the process overwhelming at times and it mentally felt exhausting.

James kept his guard up with Due Process drawn and his body turning one hundred-eighty degrees ever so often to ensure they weren't followed. Mettle tended to be a headache of a semblance but he had to admit it was perfect for this. It helped him focus.

Glynda and Oz continued to walk beside the doors for some time. Then, as she placed her hand on one of the doors. Her hand felt like it had touched pack ice and recoiled her hand as she quitely grunted in pain before shaking it off. Her reaction garnered Ozpin and James's attention.

"Glynda? Is everything alright." Ozpin asked. She turned to him and back to the door. That's when she noticed the appearance of the metal door in front of her. Patches of frost dotted the alien steel and condensation seemed to fall down like a calm waterfall in spring. If only it looked more like one. Regardless, she closed her eyes and sensed the aura of a faunus inside the cell. As she did, she sensed something else. She sensed a latent power that he had; a power that he shouldn't naturally have. She turned to Ozpin quickly.

"I found him." She said. Ozpin turned his attention to Ironwood and motioned him to follow him. Soon the three of them stood before the semi-frozen door.

"Unless either of you have fire dust woven into your gloves I wouldn't touch the door." Glynda remarked.

"Then allow us to open it for you." another voice spoke up. Ironwood, Glynda, and Ozpin all immediately turned toward the voice. Right in front of them, stood a Quintesson Judge with her face of wrath. Flanked by a pair of Allicons and Sharkticons on her left and right.

"You have been quite the thorn in our side organics. Your rebellion, even after your defeat, has caused us one too many setbacks in our preparations for this world. Worse still is that your sentencing has yet to be carried out." the Judge said to the three.

"A sentence handed down through an unjust regime." Ozpin replied. The Judge chuckled and turned her head to her face of wit.

"Or perhaps your kind has yet to understand our definition of 'justice'" she said. Glynda unfolded the Disciplinarian and raised riding crop toward the Judge's main body just below the face plates and the Quintesson Judge began to choke. She briefly lifted the Judge into the air before sending it hurling into the wall next to the entrance of the courtroom. Glass shattered and as the Judge slid down, a glowing red button was visible. Immediately all of the cells swung open.

Everyone paused as a dread in the air began to sink in. That's when the creatures began to emerge from their cells. Some looked at each other while others turned to Ozpin, Glynda, and Ironwood. But a select few turned their attention to the Quintessons.

Then hell broke loose as the hall turned into a ferocious battle ground. Claws snapped on metal carapaces. Jaws chomped and claws tore on alien flesh. The Judge recovered quickly as the Allicons began to shoot at the creatures. She grabbed a small pistol and cannon and began to shoot everything in front of her and her forces.

"EXECUTE THEM!" The Judge exclaimed briefly through her face of death. The Allicons began to open fire on the creatures while the Sharkticons charged and began to charge into the battle. Their first targets, The three humans who dared trespass on their facility. Ozpin, Ironwood, and Glynda quickly ducked out of the way as the Sharkticons leapt onto an empty metal floor. Instinctually, The Sharkticons ran toward whatever beasts were near them and began to maul and devour them. Ozpin couldn't help but feel some semblance of pity for the alien fauna. He briefly wondered how long they were trapped in those cells. A thought process that shots by the Allicons quickly snapped quiet. Ozpin turned his attention to the two giant green and purple giants. Then he eyed the door he and his compatriots were at earlier. That was where they needed to be. He was in there and as far as he could tell, that cell was the only one that didn't have anyone leave. He could sense the other Creatures begin to fall to the Sharkticons and it was only a matter of time before that horde came after the three of them. They needed to move.

Ozpin charged at the Allicons who redirected their spears at the former Beacon headmaster but Ozpin was too fast and quickly closed the gap between them and jumped to strike one Allicon in the face before using Long Memory to slash at one of its optics. He then dashed past them only to be faced with the Judge.

Glynda swung Disciplinarian and struck a metal scorpion in the face before turning her attention to a horde of Sharkticons. She brought out both of her hands and slowly brought them together. As she did, the Sharkticons were forced around each other and slowly, dents in steel, cracks in glass, and even bent metal teeth began to appear. Some Sharkticons tried to transform into their robot forms to escape and while a few were lucky to get into robot mode, most weren't so lucky and were crushed half way through. Now nothing more than a ball of crushed metal, Glynda used Telekinesis to throw the ball at one Allicon, crushing it under the weight of the sphere. The other simply turned toward Glynda's direction who was walking towards it and smacked a way two more Sharkticons that tried to jump her from behind with Disciplinarian. The Allicon transformed into its beast mode and charged at Glynda.

Ironwood carefully timed each shot with his targets. With each one, A group of Sharkticons and alien creatures were frozen, buried, crushed, burnt and/or shocked to death. One Sharkticon transformed into its robot mode and grabbed the general. It Brought him to its mouth and prepared to bite off his head only for its mouth to burn with bullets of fire dust. The Sharkticon grabbed its throat in pain before collapsing. Its optics growing dull and movements slower. More Sharkticons turned to pounce on Ironwood but the general simply turned and shot each one with a bullet of fire dust causing them all to suffer the same excruciating end as their comrade. Ironwood then turned his attention to Ozpin and Glynda and began to race to aide his friends and allies. More Sharkticons continued to try and get in the general's way only to either be roasted inside out or blown apart by carefully placed shots. When he was nearing Glynda, Ironwood pulled out a strange cannon-like device. Firing a shot from the black pistol of his weapon. Ironwood flung himself toward the Allicon before putting both halves of Due Process into the cannon and aimed it at the head of the one-eyed Allicon that still remained in robot form. He fired a single shot and the Quintesson guard quickly found itself headless and began to fall to the ground. Ironwood turned his attention to the other Allicon that was fighting Glynda. He fired from the side of the beasts head and like an arrow, the beam shot through the Allicon's head. The open wound on both side of the monster's massive head caused the Allicon to go limp and fall lifeless. Ironwood landed beside Glynda. Ironwood turned to look at Glynda.

"You're welcome." Ironwood answered. The general then ran to aide Ozpin while Glynda paused for a moment before joining him.

"At least let me say thanks first." Glynda muttered jokingly. The pair soon began to join Ozpin in his fight against the Judge. Her tentacles would either attempt to impale or swat the headmaster but he would simply dodge, parry, or deflect many of the Judge's attacks and exploit any weakness to aim for the faces. Currently, the Judge was missing three faces. Her face of wit was missing its upper left side, her face of wisdom had its jaw sliced off, and her face of death was completely shattered. The Judge sent four of her tentacles at Ozpin who once again evaded her techno-organic grasp and once again charged to attack her face of wrath. However, that was when he felt something grab his neck and squeeze. Four more tentacles then went for his wrists and ankles and began to pull as she let go of his neck.

"The Alpha Q would have loved to do this himself if he had the chance. But it seems that a slow, pointless death is more fitting for you. So don't worry, I will make you suffer." The Judge said with sadistic glee. She began to pull on Oz's limbs. His aura had been partially drained from the battle and it wasn't long before it started to kick in. He could feel it ebbing away and growing weaker by the second.

Then he felt his aura begin to surge. It was about to break. If this was how it ends, he hoped that his next incarnation would do better than he did. The Judge grinned as she watched his aura begin to engulf him and then it shattered. She began to pull harder and couldn't wait until she heard the snapping of tendons. Ozpin was already in pain and his reactions only added to the force the Judge would apply. Just as Ozpin's suit began to tear and the headmaster started to scream in pain. A shot rang out and froze the Judge's face of wrath. Blinded by the ice, the Quintesson dropped Ozpin. Glynda quickly caught him with her semblance and lowered him to the ground.

"Ozpin!" Glynda called as she rushed to his side. She tried to put his arm around her shoulder but Ozpin winced in pain and quickly sat down. "Can you at least stand?" the former combat instructor asked. Ozpin breathed deeply. His joints felt sore and his muscles felt like they were about to snap. He was out of the fight.

"In a moment. For a moment I need to rest." Ozpin answered. Glynda sighed. She was at least glad that he was alive. They couldn't handle any more martyrs.

The Judge continued to scream in pain and sank its main body to the ground. Its tentacles were now bound in ice. It was able to crack the ice enough so it's optics could see the humans.

"You wretched insects!" bellowed the Judge. "I swear to you on the order of the Alpha Q, you all will be fresh meat for the Sharkticons and we will hang your weapons alongside what remains of you-." she didn't get the chance to respond as Ironwood shot the Judge straight in the face. The Judge let out a final bellow of pain before falling limp with a gaping hole in its body. A hole that went straight through even the wall of the cell. Ironwood turned to Glynda and Ozpin.

"Well, that covers our escape." Ozpin remarked. The former headmaster slowly rose to his feet and began to walk. Ironwood walked to Ozpin and handed him the Long Memory.

"You dropped this." Ironwood remarked. Ozpin let out a soft laugh at the general's words. "Guess I'll need to be more careful." Ozpin replied. Ironwood quietly snorted and smiled at his friend's banter. The three then walked into the cell.

As they approached the cell, the air rapidly became colder and snowflakes appeared to float in mid-air. Once inside they turned their attention to an armored figure on their right chained to the wall of the cell. His body was covered head to toe in blue gray armor and brown, tattered cloak hung on his back. His breathing was steady, calm even. The figure looked up and eyed the trio through the cracked blue visor of his helmet.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." he told Ozpin before turning his attention to his compatriots. "Glynda, James, always a pleasure. Though I take it this is more than just a simple rescue."

Glynda then used her semblance to break the shackles on the figures wrist and ankles and fell to his knees from exhaustion.

"Thanks." he told Glynda. Ozpin walked up to the figure and held out his hand to help him up. The figure grabbed the hand of the former headmaster and he rose to his feet.

"I wish the circumstances were better for your rescue but you are right. We need your help with a mission." Ozpin said. The figure smirked under his helmet. "Figures, you always did call me to clean up your mess." he remarked earning a glare from both Glynda and Ironwood. Ozpin put his hand to his brow in annoyance.

"I understand your distrust of me but please, try to at least hear me out." the former headmaster replied. The figure crossed his arms. It wasn't the first time he had "heard him out" but...

"I usually do." the figure replied.

"Alright then, just follow us and we'll explain what we can." Ozpin informed. He then turned to the tunnel that Ironwood had made with Due Process and began to walk through.

"For now, I believe our egress must be quick before the Quintessons send more of their forces down on top of us." Ozpin said. With that, Ironwood, Glynda, and the armored figure followed Ozpin as the four quickly made their way through the man-made tunnel and out of the facility.

To Smuggle a Maiden

July 27, 2015 AD

Four months after the exile

Vacuan Desert

2:14 pm

She sat at the small camp she and her little group had made. The fire she had lit two hours ago was already dimming. Yet, she couldn't sleep. How could she? They were still in their territory. Most of the planet was their territory now. Her group would occasionally see metal structures pop up in the desert from time to time but that was the extent of it this far out. The story was drastically different the closer you got to what was once Vacuo.

She looked past the fire and to the sleeping bags of the rest of her band of renegades. She eyed the sleeping Emerald and Mercury. The pair had become much closer since the fall. Had things gone differently she wouldn't have allowed them to get attached. Attachments could interfere with a mission. But not this time. This was about survival. After what she saw, what happened to her mistress, the mission no longer mattered. It was pointless. The only consolation was that she was the Fall Maiden. Yet, even this she had grown to somewhat resent. What once seemed like the power she constantly craved to achieve now served as nothing but a cruel reminder of how easily she was deceived. She promised her power, power beyond that anyone could ever hope to gain and yet, in the face of new horrors, it made her feel… powerless; helpless. Just like she was all those years ago under Madame and her cruelty.

In some ways she began to envy Emerald and Mercury. It made her wonder what life would have been like if she hadn't joined Salem. Would she have become a huntress? Would she have started her own business? What about leading her own tribe like Raven did? Raven, that was a name she had grown to become intrigued and irked by. She shifted her gaze to the sleeping former chieftain of the Branwen tribe. The two of them had butted heads more times than she cared to count on this journey but it was almost over. Once they left Remnant behind, things would be different. Raven may want to leave for reasons different from her own but then again, everyone here had their own reason for leaving. The only thing they had in common was the search for a fresh start.

Though Cinder was familiar and had worked with most of them, a couple joined up shortly after they set out. Having heard of their journey through second hand rumors. It was small group for sure but one that consisted of some powerful and intelligent individuals. Still, it was not meant to last. Once they got off world and settled on a different planet, they would at last be free. Free to live their own lives. Free to do as they pleased. Free to be who they wanted to be.

Cinder turned back to the dimming camp fire and with her power, created a small rain cloud and doused the flame. Cinder then turned and made her way to her own sleeping bag. She sought to get comfortable. It was the last time she would be using it. After tonight, they would arrive at their destination and begin the final journey to their freedom. Yet as she closed her eyes and let her black hair cover both eyes, Cinder couldn't help but wonder: once this was over, would this new freedom even be worth it?

July 28th, 2015 AD

Vacuan Desert

Candle Town

9:51 am

They had arrived. At last, everyone had made it. Truth be told, getting here was easy. For her, the hardest part came next. She loathed what came next. After everything that happened during the fall, the last thing she wanted to do was deal with him again. And yet, she had no choice; none of them did.

Cinder looked back to her motley crew. Raven had her Grimm mask on but she could tell the former chieftain was growing impatient. Mercury and Emerald were no worse for wear. Mercury had retained his gray and black jacket but had ditched his rerebraces and vambraces months ago and had since adopted a single spaulder and bracer on his right arm and shoulder and a pair of greaves over his legs from the lower thigh to his ankles. He had a pair of gray wings added to the boots of Talaria as well as steel toes to better protect his feet.

Emerald wasn't much different either, having only adopted a short sleeved white top over her olive top that still carried her diamond emblem on its back and a bronze colored plate over stomach and torso. She kept the white shorts and brown legwear while swapping out her heels for a pair of olive green shoes and added bronze colored padding on her knees and shins.

Both of them physically looked exhausted but appeared ready for whatever came next. She then turned to Watts and Hazel with the former simply mentally noting the cities defenses on the walls while the latter just looked out into the sands to ensure that they weren't followed.

Watts had changed a bit but his gray coat and maroon and yellow suit had seen better days and Hazel was in a similar spot but having instead torn the sleeves off of his green coat that exposed the torn short sleeves of his black shirt and even exposed some of the scars on his arms for all to see.

It amazed her that this small group had managed to get here without going at each other's throats but that concern was no longer an issue. Now that they were here, the last leg of their journey could finally start. What everyone did after this was up to them. After they left, it was every man and woman for themselves. She sighed before turning to the oddly casual wooden door and knocked.

A few seconds passed and a pair of brown and pink eyes belonging to a head with long locks of pinks, brown, and white hair looked out to see an annoyed Cinder. The slit closed and footsteps were heard walking away. She then heard the faint sound of a familiar voice and soon footsteps coming towards the door. The slit on the door opened.

"This had better be good.-" the voice started to say but paused when his green eyes met the amber ones of Cinder. The man smirked.

"Well, nice to see you again, gorgeous." He said. The slit closed, a set of keys rattled, and the door opened. It had been a while since they had seen each other and he wasn't all that different from when they had last met. His orange hair slightly grayed on his sideburns and he had since grown a goatee. Roman still wore the same black pants, gloves and under shirt to match his shoes. He kept his white jacket even though time had caused its color to fade. His black bowler hat and its feather and red band were probably the only things that remained the same. His gray scarf was still worn around his neck but now he had it accompanied with a red neck tie that he tied under the collar of his undershirt.

The former crime boss twirled the black and red cane of Melodic Cudgel for a moment as he leaned against the door and let out a quiet laugh.

"You look like hammered shit." Roman remarked. Cinder scoffed.

"In this day and age, it's the best we can do." The Fall Maiden retorted. She then briefly looked at the walls of Roman's town.

"I see you've been busy these past few months. Planning to run your future empire from here?" Roman smirked as he pulled out a cigar and lowered his head to light it before returning his attention back to Cinder.

"Hardly, you think I would want to run future operations out of this dump? I'd rather take my chances somewhere else that has less robo squids that want to turn me into a prized fighting dog for their games or worse. Cyber-Shark chow." Roman answered. The criminal tapped his cigar causing ash to fall off. "Besides, life's too short to waste on a dying world. So might as well build somewhere else. Speaking of, I'm gonna go out on a limb here for a moment and guess that's why you're here, right? Looking to start fresh?" His question didn't get a response from Cinder who lowered her head and put her hand on her brow in annoyance. He knew the answer but he didn't want to give her the pride the satisfaction of not bending the knee.

Cinder looked at the orange haired criminal.

"Yes, yes that is exactly why we're here." Cinder tried to say politely despite her annoyance. Roman pulled out his cigar from his mouth.

"That is..?" Roman asked. His smug grin taunting an already irritated Cinder. He wanted to relish this moment. Cinder glared at the criminal who once feared her. She wanted nothing more than to wring his neck but one look at the parasol, Hush, wielded by his companion Neo who largely wore black tight pants and ankle boots while she sat with her weapon resting on the shoulder of her brown and pink trench coat that covered her body. To Cinder's annoyance, she knew it would be more trouble than it was worth. They could easily destroy them but they were tired and she wouldn't finish the job if it dragged out for too long.

It's just one sentence. Just say it and it's done. But then you'll show weakness. Do you really want to lose what little power over him you have? She thought to herself. Roman just stared as he ate up Cinder's internal conflict. He wanted to see her vulnerable. He wanted her to break that façade of hers and submit. She wanted another option but there was none.

I can't believe I'm doing this. Cinder thought and looked Roman in the eyes.

"It's because, Roman, we need your he… we need your hel… you he…" Cinder began unable to finish from her disgust. Roman put a hand to his ear and leaned towards Cinder.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I… I think my hearing is going. Could you uh… oh I don't know, say it more clearly? Also, please say it slowly. I just need to be sure I hear this right." Roman remarked. Trying to hold in his laughter. He just couldn't resist this moment. Cinder cursed under her breath and spoke.

"We… need… your… hee… heheehh… your help." Cinder struggled before bending over and gasping for air before facing Roman again with a sigh

"We need your help." Cinder spoke clearly.

The look on Roman's face was priceless. He looked like he had won the lottery and found out that he wouldn't pay taxes and/or fees on his winnings. He just stood still and just took it in. Much to Cinder's annoyance.

"Are we done here?" Cinder asked with irritation in her voice. Roman just held up one finger.

"In a moment. I just… oh man I really got to savor this moment. I mean, when will you ever find a time where your former boss who had you scared shitless begging for help because she's desperate?" Roman replied. Cinder growled and her eyes began to glow but Roman just stood there and smoked his cigar. He then breathed out a puff of smoke and savored the moment a few seconds more.

The criminal mastermind then dropped his cigar and dropped the bud on the ground and extinguished it with his cane.

"Alright Cinderella, welcome to Candle Town." Roman said before stepping back and holding the door for Cinder and her compatriots. When Cinder entered. She quickly found herself in an open area. The walls near the back were stacked with crates of dust and between two piles was a steel throne of swords that stood in front of a massive archway that allowed light to illuminate the town..

On one of the crates near the wall sat a woman with tan skin twirling a sai in her hand. She had auburn hair with a silver streak, tanned skin, and gold colored eyes. She wore goggles on her head with a blue long sleeved shirt with chain mail armor. A tattoo could be seen on her right side going from her stomach to her left thigh. She also wore a tattered red scarf and shorts with a black belt and thigh high boots. In her shoulder was a silver shoulder cape with a red edge that had the emblem of an open snake's mouth sewn into the fabric. The huntress turned her attention to Cinder and gave a look that was as much of surprise as it was intrigue.

"Well if it isn't the Fall Maiden herself." The woman called out to Cinder. The Fall Maiden turned her attention to the woman who got down from the crate. They walked toward each other as a feeling of tension began to fall on everyone watching. Cinder and the woman were soon face to face and began to stare each other down.

Emerald grabbed for the handle of Thief's Respite, ready to pull one of the pair of weapons out at a moment's notice while Mercury readied Talaria. Watts drew his revolver while Hazel pulled out a pair of dust crystals.

The air became thick as all eyes fell on the pair.

The woman smiled at Cinder and gave a quick laugh. Cinder grinned and gave a quick laugh of her own before the two embraced each other. The moment caused everyone to relax.

"It's been too long Cindy. And while I hate to admit it, Roman is right. You look terrible." the woman remarked. Cinder just smirked.

"And like I told Roman before, Carmine, this is the best I can look these days." the Fall Maiden replied. True to her word, the past few months were grueling and Cinder looked fatigued and her weathered attire reflected it. Whilst she kept her ear ring and anklet, gone was the red and yellow dress she wore in Vale. Now replaced by a dark red, sleeveless jacket with a dust laced yellow trim over a black and red top. Her glass heels she swapped for black desert shoes with a gold trim and form fitting shorts with a similar black and gold design. A pair of dark gold and red bracers on both her arms with a pair of matching fingerless gloves with black armored bracelets.

The woman, Carmine didn't reply immediately and instead took the moment to look Cinder up and down.

"Be that as it may," Carmine began, "I do like the get up. Maybe after a wash it will look a whole lot better." Cinder smirked

"Believe me, that is the first thing I'm doing when I get the chance." she replied.

"Ahem!" the annoyed voice of Roman called out. Cinder and Carmine then turned to Torchwick as he began eyeing the whole group.

"Now we're all here. I believe it is time we made our way to the dock. The ship just landed and I don't want to keep our ride waiting. From what he's told me we've got fifty minutes before our window closes for the next month and I don't want to take the risk of those squid heads busting in and hauling me off to their prisons. So, if you have anything you need to do before we go, make it quick or you're stuck here. So don't come crying to me if you miss the flight because I won't be here." Roman told the group. He then turned and headed to the throne.

Walking to its left he grabbed one of the swords and pulled. The throne slid to the side and the pathway became clear as Roman and Neo walked through it. The next half hour was spent by the group preparing for the journey ahead. Cinder and Raven managed to get washed up and ready in a third of that time partially due to their powers as maidens. Cinder took the liberty of washing whilst still dressed. When she was done, not a spec of water or residue was on her person.

Mercury and Hazel took a moment to stock up on dust while Watts and Emerald simply waited for the rest to finish. Once they were finished, the group went down the arch way Roman and Neo went and found themselves before a massive starship and three massive robots. The first was all white with a pair of horns on his head. The second was white, black, and red with a mask over his mouth. Both of whom were working on the ship, The third, who was talking to Roman, stuck out like a sore thumb.

He was predominantly blue and cyan with black metal plating on his shoulders and head as well as splashes of red sprinkled throughout. However, what stood out most about him aside from his size was the giant missile that rested on his shoulder.

"I can assure that where we're going, you guys will be safe." the giant robot said.

"You see, that's the thing. Considering your name, how can I know you won't turn on me? I mean, from what I've seen, it wouldn't hurt if we went into business together down the line." Roman replied. The giant laughed.

"Hmm, pass. Besides, as long as you pay well I'll get you to where you need to be." the giant replied.

"Then what's with the pit stop?" Roman questioned.

"The ship needs fuel. Besides, you and your buddies stepping on Thrull is a bad idea so just stay on the ship and y'all will be fine." the giant replied. He then spotted Cinder and her group. Roman turned to see them approaching too and quickly composed himself.

"Well, glad to see you all made it. Just that eager to leave?" Roman joked.

"Some of us more than others." Mercury replied eyeing Cinder for a brief moment

"Well, we're just about to finish up. Just hop aboard and we'll be on our way in a few with all eight of you." the giant said.

"Alrighty then, we'll see you on board and the- I'm sorry what?" Roman said as he realized what the giant robot said.

"You heard me." the giant replied. Roman's eye twitched.

"The deal was seven. I don't remember telling you that we would bring eight." he stated. The giant chuckled.

"Well, that's one of the reasons they call me Doubledealer." the giant replied.

Roman tried to argue with the robot but given what was needed he didn't have much of a choice. He sighed. Cinder looked oddly perplexed. Why eight. Did someone drop in before them. It seemed to be the most likely option. Yet, not many people were left and many of those that were left were tribal now. Still, if they had to bring another, so be it. It didn't matter as long as she got away from Remnant. Got away from her. As she pondered, she noticed a familiar figure stepping out of the ship.

"Fine, fine, just… screw it. Who are you bringing?" Roman asked. The robot, Doubledealer simply pointed to the figure Cinder saw earlier.

"Him." Doubledealer replied.

Cinder's eyes went wide in surprise. The figure wore gunmetal and ice blue armor with metal gauntlets on both arms and armored boots with firing mechanisms built in, a brown tattered cloak, and a gray helmet with a blue visor. On his back rested an alien rifle with parts for what looked like a sword mixed in with the frame.

"Hello, it's good to see you." the figure said. Roman looked at the armored huntsman.

"You have got to be kidding me." Torchwick muttered under his breath. Cinder meanwhile sighed before walking up to him. Her amber eyes met his visor. She gave him an incredulous look that seemed to blend a semblance of intrigue and something else that caused Cinder to smile as she put a hand on her hip.

"It's good to see you too, Alan."

Chained by Chaos

January 15, 2014 AD

Nine months before the invasion

Evernight Castle

3:00 am

She wished for death. Oh how she longed for it; yearned for it so she could be free. Free from my torture and my pets. Had she done as she was told I might have freed her. She had long since abandoned her mission and in so doing incited my wrath.

I started with her abdomen and tore her flesh as fabric was torn from her side. She screamed in pain as she grasped her side that immediately began to heal. She looked at me. Shocked at how quickly I struck her.

I gave her no pause as I shattered her knee to the point that I inverted her leg as bone began to protrude from her flesh. It too began to heal. Yet I was not done. Fear and panic was evident on her face as she stared into my eyes.

"Please, I did everything you asked. I was so close to dividing this world. I was about to succeed." she begged. Success? Success?! Is eight decades of hiding in the shadows after allowing my brother's champion to build a more united front for this world when you should have orchestrated coups against kings, sowed chaos while Ozpin tried to rebuild Remnant, and let them celebrate their unity success?!

No, success would have been dragging the planet's inhabitants into distrust and perpetual war as you nearly had once before. Success would be making the kingdoms forget why they fight and reduce them to scattered towns and tribes that saw their neighbors as enemies and that survival was all that mattered. Success would be Remnant in irreparable chaos as its inhabitants in a panicked frenzy scrounged the planet for whatever resources they found.

That is success, Salem. You held such promise to me. Yet now I must send others to do what you couldn't. You were too cautious. You stayed too close to the shadows. You only needed to create fear. Fear creates anger; anger creates hate; and hate leads to chaos. Chaos that fuels my hunger!

I then plunged my hands into her core. She coughed a black sanguine fluid and began to choke. I waited until it healed as much as it could. I wanted her pain to last. She looked at me as her fear-filled eyes pleaded for me to not pull out my hand. I must admit that I felt a bit of satisfaction when I pulled her by her ribs. Her body erupted as the tide of fluid painted the walls, floors, and the chains that bound what remained of her skin.

I let go and let her skinless hide go. It was fascinating to see her organs rearrange and shuffle themselves back into position. Seeing her heart beat and her lungs expand and contract with each breath was oddly satisfying. Her muscles and blood vessels began to regrow and reconnect. Her organs once again being concealed by fluids, tendons, and muscle. Then I watched as her skin and cartilage regenerated. Her haggard breaths becoming calmer and deeper.

She thought she had seen the worst of my wrath. No, I have so much more in store for her.

Don't worry Salem, I will make sure you feel every second of this. It is what you deserve for your eons of failure. After centuries of near successes and small victories. I have had enough. The Alpha Q will ensure this world is prepared for when I arrive. This is nothing compared to what's coming.

But your failure shall haunt you for eternity. You were supposed to be my herald solely for Remnant. However, after this world is gone, I will make sure you continue as my herald. Long after Remnant is gone, you shall join the rest and will wish you had died with the rest of this planet until there is nothing left.

For in the end, you will be consumed.

All will be consumed.

Until then, I must ensure that Alpha Q succeeds where you failed. It was my mistake to leave you to your own devices. It is a mistake I do not intend to repeat. Bringing my back to you.

"What do you want?" Salem asked as much in dread as in remorse. Her pain was delicious as I stared at her black and blood red eyes. Those eyes that resembled my pets. Eyes that would serve a new purpose. I smirked. It would seem I have found her use. I brought my thumbs to her eyes. They widened in panic as she realized what I was about to do.

You will do nicely for my purposes. Do not worry. Once the pain subsides your mind will rest. Your body, however, will not. It has its uses despite… some adjustments I must make. For my machinations to succeed as I see fit, your form shall do just nicely.

She began to grab at my arms and hands, futilely trying to pry her head free of my grasp. I enjoy letting my prey squirm. She should be honored. To be chosen as my host for this world's final days is no easy feat. Though I never had to physically alter a host body before, the circumstances around this one are just as unique as they are vital. Her submersion into the pools from which my pets spawned made her the most perfect candidate. Her body was nearly every bit as chaotic as I. I could practically taste the chaos. Oh yes, Salem would do nicely.

I wasted little time and plunged my thumbs into the orbs. Her wails of pain were delicious. I began to pull and watched as a large tear of skin, muscle, and bone began to form. It then started to grow, and grow, and grow. As the tear grew, the easier it became to pull her apart. It wasn't long after that her body erupted in black ooze. Had I yet obtained a body, it would have bathed it in a shower of black blood. Instead it showered the floor in front of me. Some strands of hair even fell off and landed in chunks on the floor. Her clothing split in a similarly violent state. How her apparel re-sowed itself back together still perplexes me. Though it is amusing.

I noticed the two halves slowly moving back together. Leaving a trail of black blood as it did. Just as intended. I grabbed each half by the throat and looked at them with their crushed eyes bleeding profusely. It was time to work. I felt my essence flowing into the body as I brought the two halves back together and before going in through the mouth. I thought I sensed one final delicious scent of panic from Salem at what was about to take place.

Salem gasped and looked around. She hoped what she saw was a hallucination. She began to calm and compose herself. She recalled the past few minutes of pain and agony. She looked at her leg, felt her fully repaired dress, her face. She could still see. Good, she sighed and was about to walk out of the room.

That's when she fell to the ground in unspeakable pain and began to violently convulse. First it was her hands, then her arms, then her chest and stomach. From there her world was a blurr. Salem began to choke and cough. Amidst the pain and shaking she coughed up something. It was a glowing purple substance. Her face paled and all illusions of what had transpired being imaginary were dashed. Her convulsion became more violent. Foam briefly drooling from her mouth as she had lost all sight of her surroundings. Her ears began ringing as ancient and evil laughter engulfed every sound. She found herself tossed into the air by an unseen force and let out a scream so loud that one could hear her. The only idea of sound came from the shattering of the windows of her castle as glass shards flew around. Then she stopped and fell to the floor. Her body lay still and her eyes closed. The doors opened to evernight as a Tyrian led the group inside. When he saw Salem on the floor, he panicked.

"Mistress!" the scorpion Faunus cried as he ran in a mad dash to his queen. Cinder, Watts, and Hazel ran inside in just as much shock as disbelief. He picked her up by the head and back. They all stared down at their master's limp form.

"Your grace, are you alright?" Tyrian asked in a tone of concern and worry.

Salem jolted up and let out a masculine roar. Every window and glass pane shattered instantly in the room. Tyrian, Hazel, Watts, and Cinder jolted back and covered their heads as a result. When the glass stopped shattering, they turned their attention back to Salem, now on her feet with eyes closed and an elegant smile on her face. He walked to one of the destroyed windows in silence. Something was off. Tyrian took a few steps forward while Salem looked at his hand as it crackled with purple energy.

"Mistress, are you alright?" he asked again.

Salem turned around and faced them.

Salem was very much the same physically. There was only one key difference. Instead of a pair of eyes with a red iris and black sclera, his eyes briefly glowed a sickly, twisted mix of purple and green before returning to their normal black and red. As Salem looked at the four. The chaos bringer smiled. Then he spoke with her voice.

"Very much so. In fact…" Salem gave a sinister grin as he looked at Tyrian.

"I've never felt more alive."

A/N: And scene! Boy I bet you didn't expect that last bit did you? But before we get into each story, I hope you enjoyed this first installment in the Tales of Remnant specials. It is one two specials that will primarily be shown between season but will chronologically take place at different points in time ranging from before season 1 to between future seasons and will largely focus on events during the Fall of Remnant and on a couple of occasions, focus on characters like Cinder and her group whom I will refer to as the renegades. The other special is called Days in Exile and will largely follow slice of life oneshots that take place during the story proper between and will also be part of the interludes. Currently I have one for each team planned with some acting as holiday specials that may appear between breaks. So keep your eyes peeled for any that pop up during the season like this one as well as future Tales of Remnant specials.

Speaking of Tales of Remnant specials let's break this down.

Two Corvids literally only took me two days to write and I am so hyped about that. The fact that the first part was finished that quickly astounds me to no end and I can't even begin to describe how fun it was to write that. Also, if you think what I think you're thinking about the fate of a certain someone, I had a lot of time wrestling with this one but I think in the end it would be a lot more impactful if I went ahead and broke some hearts with this one. As much I love the guy, he had to go and trust me, you are all going to see it when we get there.

Break-In was a very hard one to do as I went through several ideas for this one. Though ultimately, what I came up with was pretty solid and gave me ideas for the future but those won't be for awhile. Overall I'm proud of what I came up with for this one.

To Smuggle a Maiden I have had on my mind since chapter three. While I do feel that this might be a little lazy, I do hope that the way it is presented helps it make sense in the context of the situation. Also, Doubledealer deserves more love in media. I mean, outside of the IDW spotlights, the original Marvel comics, and the WfC trilogy where does he play a major role? I really wanted to include him in this one and the adventures he and Cinders band of renegades helps to better bridge the gap with how they will get to Earth later on. Plus, with Cinder now facing a new reality without Salem, I wanted to see how her story will play out, especially with a character like Alan onboard. Also, I hope I nailed Roman for this. If there is any way I messed up in his characterization, please call me on it and tell me how I can improve. If not then I'll take it that I nailed it. Hopefully, the latter is the case.

And finally, we reach Bound by Chaos. Boy oh boy I had so much fun writing this one. This one probably threw a lot of you for a loop. I designed it to be the shortes of the bunch with focus being from the perspective of the narrator. Some reviewers were wondering how Salem would react to the Quintesson take over when the question was first brought up and I think I kind of answered that in the most twisted way possible. Since the very beginning, I had envisioned Salem as being at the mercy of someone far more evil and destructive than her. What's more is that he was the very first character you meet in this series. I won't say his name but I don't think you need much to figure out who it is that's torturing Salem. Worse yet, it seems like he's trying to take over her body which is even more terrifying. I don't know why but I just have a lot of fun subjecting her to so much pain and anguish. Maybe it's because she's the big bad of RWBY over all or it could be that I just want to see how far I can take her curse of immortality before it goes to the extreme. Regardless, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter because I really had fun writing this when I did and I can't wait to show you all what happens in future installments.

That pretty much wraps up the first Tales of Remnant special and be sure to keep an eye out for more as the story progresses because they will pop up in the interlude's between season to provide universe building and context to certain characters and their actions.

And so with that, let's hit the reviews.

Misfit Fox: Oh I think you will enjoy what I have in store. Like I said in previous chapter, a major source of inspiration was the Energon Universe so a lot of the characters that appear in this story will probably have appeared in Skybound's EU as well so keep a look out at what's happening. Also, because I started writing this a little over a year ago, somethings between those two continuities might not add up. Still, that's why it isn't the only source of inspiration and I hope I will get to bring more of those elements to the story as we progress.

Random65: Yeah, I'm sad about Reactivate being cancelled too. However, I think you'll find that some elements from Reactivate might find their way here into this story.

Some1call4MR-E: Thanks for the list, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them and report them.

Jack: Pretty much what happened with Salem is the reason why Cinder and the renegades are fleeing the planet. Though Emerald, Mercury, Roman, and Neo don't know that yet and I want it to stay that way for a little bit.

Hulk: Don't worry Arslan is still alive and I will be doing a Days in Exile special for her and her team. Considering her team is largely stationed in Japan but also bounce around the Asian continent, it will make for an interesting story.

Deathwing: That is guaranteed for Emerald. Say what you will about its execution in Volume 8 but much like Vol. 4 Cinder, the potential for Emerald switching sides was their and in my opinion was rightfully explored. I think what they did with her Volume 6 onwards is something I wish they did somewhat with Cinder after Volume 4. Speaking of Cinder, I hope you like the direction I have for her as well with this one because I wrote her to be a little shaken from what happened at Evernight. I envisioned her as going from a villain to something of an anti-hero because while I don't see her becoming a full goody two shoes, I could see Cinder Fall becoming something similar to Vegeta from Dragon Ball but with a twist that makes her unique to this story.

KaijuEmperor: I think you have given me by far the best review so far and I am so glad I save yours for last because boy do I have a story for you for each of these. To start, the Megatron and Adam similarities thing is an idea that mainly came from Spark to Spark, Dust to Dust. Cyclone, CodyArthurFett, and ScipioSmith wrote a bit where Jazz questions Prime's hope of possibly changing Adam for the better and he openly refers to Adam as a "Mini-Megatron" and the idea kind of served as the backbone for the bit in the Storage Bay. So credit where credit is due, they explored that first and while I don't fully agree with the direction they went with Adam in certain places, I can't help but enjoy what they did. Definitely recommend checking their story out if you get the chance.

Speaking of Adam, I have a much different approach for him when it comes to how he'll be portrayed. I'm going to say it right now, I am doing a special oneshot for him that explains what happened to him in between chapters 1 and 2 because it explains how he met the dreadnoks and slowly begins to trust humans. Speaking of, and a mild spoiler, if you are thinking of wearing a furry costume in front of Adam Taurus. Please don't just... just, just don't. It's better for your overall health that you don't just please don't do it.

Then there is Destro, honestly I was surprised that he came off as cocky and the fact you pointed that out was amazing. The crazy thing is, Destro first appears in a cameo all the way back at the beginning of the Sector 7 Arc when he is talking to Zartan. Plus his partnership with Adam will come into play during this season as well as the next because not only will the information he provide the scottish arms dealer be invaluable but it might also earn him the attention of Destro's benefactors (you'll jussst have to wait and sssee).

Lastly there is Penny. Ooh poor Penny. This idea came from a picture drawn by edCOM02 and it served as the basis not only for who was going to be the first subject of Shockwave's experiments but also the Decepticons plans for the exiles and any other inhabitants from Remnant overall. Considering what the story suggests about both aura and dust, it wouldn't be much of a strech to see what they might plan to do with them and yeah, the next time you see Penny... well let's just say she will be a very different android when all is said and done.

Now, as I said last chapter, this marks the beginning of a new writing plan for both my stories I will be taking the time to upload the next few chapters for TLoR Pt. 1 to finish that arc and then I will be back here again to write the next arc. And next time it's a two parter that follows the aftermath of the Sector 7 Arc as old characters return and new one arrive and our heroes begin their search to not only bring back home their teammates, but to bring Adam and the Dreadnoks to Justice. But before I go, I want to give you all a little something. I started working on it a few days ago and the goal is to finish it for Valentines Day so stay tuned for the next two days. This next chapter largely consists of an idea I had for the last chapter that got scrapped for time constraints and also the fact that I couldn't fit it anywhere meaningfully in the story so I decided it will be it's own thing. So see you in a couple of days for the next chapter.

Home Between Worlds: A Valentine's Day Special

Until then, live life to the fullest and God bless you.