Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 41: The Road to Atlas
The morning at the Cotta-Arc household was serene, the smell of fresh pancakes and coffee filling the air as everyone gathered around the breakfast table. The peaceful clinking of forks and quiet conversation felt like a brief respite from the chaos they had faced so far.
A sharp, firm knock at the door shattered the calm.
Everyone paused, glancing toward the door. Terra, standing at the kitchen counter, wiped her hands on a towel, exchanging a curious look with Saphron. "I'll get it," Terra said, heading toward the door. She opened it cautiously, her eyebrows raising as she looked up at the tall, stern figure standing on the doorstep.
The woman in the doorway was dressed in a crisp white Atlas military uniform, her expression sharp and unreadable. Pale hair framed her face, and her posture was rigid, exuding an air of formality and authority.
"Can I help you?" Terra asked, clearly puzzled. She had no idea who this person was.
"Good morning. I am a Specialist Winter Schnee of the Atlas military." Winter's voice was cold but polite. "I'm here on official business. May I come in?"
Terra blinked, thrown off by the formal introduction. "Uh, sure. Come in."
As Winter stepped inside, her presence commanded the room, her boots clicking softly against the floor. She scanned the faces at the table, her gaze briefly lingering on Shirou, before settling on Weiss. The moment their eyes met, Weiss's face lit up in surprise.
"Winter?" Weiss stood up abruptly, nearly knocking over her chair. The others turned to look, recognizing the name. Ruby, Yang, and Blake exchanged glances, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and concern.
Winter's icy gaze softened ever so slightly as she acknowledged her younger sister. "Good morning, Weiss," she said, her tone just a touch warmer. She gave a curt nod to the rest of the group. "Good morning to all of you."
"Winter, what are you doing here?" Weiss asked, her voice betraying her surprise.
"I've been sent by General Ironwood," Winter replied, straightening her posture even more. "We received Qrow's letter. The general has requested that I personally escort you and your team to Atlas. The situation is delicate, and we must ensure your safe passage."
Ruby's eyes brightened. "Wait, we're going to Atlas already? That's awesome!"
Winter gave Ruby a small nod but then glanced at Shirou, her expression becoming even more serious. "However, there's one caveat. General Ironwood has ordered that Shirou Emiya not accompany you. He is not authorized to enter Atlas."
The air in the room shifted dramatically. The friendly, casual atmosphere that had enveloped breakfast was replaced with palpable tension.
Weiss stared at Winter, stunned. "What? Shirou can't come?"
Ruby's eyes widened in disbelief. "That's ridiculous! He's part of our team now!"
Shirou remained silent, his face impassive, but there was a flash of confusion in his eyes as he processed Winter's words. He wasn't surprised by skepticism, but the order to leave him behind felt like a blow.
Blake's fists tightened, her voice quiet but intense. "Shirou has been fighting with us, helping us. He's saved lives—he saved us."
Winter's expression didn't change, though her eyes flickered with a trace of empathy. "I'm sure he has, but General Ironwood is taking precautions. Shirou's background is unknown to us. We cannot risk bringing someone we don't fully trust into Atlas."
Weiss stepped forward, frustration breaking through her usually composed demeanor. "Winter, this isn't right! Shirou risked just as much as the rest of us. He belongs with us."
Yang, who had been silent until now, took a step forward, her eyes locked on Winter. "I get Ironwood's cautious—so are you, Winter. But you haven't been with us long enough to know what Shirou's done for us."
Her tone was firm but measured, clearly acknowledging that Winter was following orders, just like Ironwood. There was no hostility in Yang's words, but the message was clear: Shirou had proven himself to them in ways Winter and Ironwood couldn't see from a distance.
The group, all standing now, looked to Winter for a response, their unity clear. Terra, still standing by the door, looked back and forth between them, unsure of the deeper context but sensing the tension. She glanced at Saphron, who gave her a quiet nod, urging her to stay silent for now.
Winter hesitated, her military training urging her to uphold Ironwood's orders, but seeing the fierce loyalty and passion in the room made her pause. This wasn't just about following commands—there was something deeper happening here.
Blake's voice, though quieter than the others, was filled with conviction. "Shirou has been through so much. You don't know what he's endured. We wouldn't have made it this far without him."
Winter's steely expression faltered ever so slightly. She looked at Shirou again, considering the weight of Blake's words. Finally, she sighed, a small crack in her usually unwavering composure.
"I will speak to General Ironwood," Winter conceded, her voice softening just a bit. "For now, Shirou can come. But once we reach Atlas, the decision will be out of my hands. Ironwood will have the final say."
The room exhaled collectively, the tension dissipating as relief spread across their faces.
Weiss smiled gratefully at her sister. "Thank you, Winter. I know this wasn't easy."
Winter gave a brief nod, her expression still serious but softened. "We leave as soon as possible. Make your preparations."
With that, Winter turned to leave the room, her rigid military composure returning as she stepped outside to make arrangements with her platoon.
As Winter stepped outside to make her arrangements, the group inside breathed a collective sigh of relief. The tension in the room had been thick, but now it was replaced with a sense of victory—small, but important. Shirou could join them, for now at least. They knew the road to Atlas would be fraught with more challenges, but for the moment, they had bought themselves time.
Weiss, her shoulders visibly relaxing, walked over to Shirou, who still appeared contemplative. "I'm glad you're coming with us, Shirou. I know Winter can be difficult, but... she's just doing her duty."
Shirou nodded, though there was a trace of hesitation in his eyes. "I understand. She's protecting her home, her people. It's not easy to trust someone you don't know."
Ruby, still buzzing with energy from the exchange, grinned at him. "And now you're officially part of the team! I mean, you always were, but now Winter sees it too."
Yang, arms crossed, added with a more grounded tone, "We're not leaving anyone behind. That's just how we roll."
Shirou's lips curved into a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Thanks. But we still need to be careful. Ironwood is no fool. If Winter convinced him to let me into Atlas, it won't come without strings."
Weiss glanced out the window where Winter was speaking with her platoon, her expression softening as she watched her sister's determined posture. "She won't leave you hanging, Shirou. If Winter promised to speak to General Ironwood, she'll do everything in her power to advocate for you."
Blake stepped closer, her voice steady and reassuring. "Winter knows more about you now—she saw how we defended you. I think she understands that you're not just some stranger tagging along."
As the group reflected on the conversation, they noticed a shift in the air. Winter's concession wasn't just a matter of military orders or personal advocacy—it was a recognition of the bond they had formed. The team's solidarity, their shared experiences and trials, had made it clear to Winter that Shirou wasn't an outsider. He was one of them.
The door opened, and Winter re-entered the room, her composed demeanor back in full force. Her voice was crisp as ever, but there was an undeniable undercurrent of understanding that hadn't been there before. "We will leave within the hour. My platoon is preparing the airship, and we'll need to be ready to depart."
Weiss approached her sister, a mixture of gratitude and lingering frustration in her expression. "Thank you, Winter. I know this wasn't easy for you."
Winter nodded curtly, her eyes meeting Weiss's. "You're my sister. Of course I'll do what I can. But this decision—bringing Shirou to Atlas—still carries risks. General Ironwood will expect answers."
Shirou, finally stepping forward, his voice calm but resolute, spoke up. "I'll answer whatever questions the general has. I'm not here to cause trouble."
Winter's icy gaze settled on him, assessing. "I hope you understand that General Ironwood is not a man easily swayed by sentiment. He values strength, loyalty, and clear intentions. If you can prove yourself to him, he may be convinced to let you stay. But don't expect an easy path."
Shirou nodded, his eyes unwavering. "I don't expect anything easy. But I'll prove that I'm here to help."
Ruby, standing beside Shirou, gave Winter a determined look. "We'll all prove it. Together."
As the group prepared to leave Argus, Winter led them from the Cotta-Arc household toward the airfield, where her military transport was waiting. The crisp morning air bit at their skin, and the towering shadow of Atlas in the distance served as a reminder of their destination. Winter marched ahead with military precision, her posture rigid and eyes focused, while the others followed closely behind, their minds swirling with anticipation and a touch of unease.
When they reached the outskirts of Argus, they were met by a small squadron of Nubuck Guards, the regional military forces under the direct command of Caroline Cordovin, the commanding officer of Argus' defense systems. Clad in their distinctive uniforms, they stood at attention, saluting as Winter approached.
At the forefront of the group, standing with her hands on her hips and an expression of thinly veiled irritation, was Cordovin herself. The older woman was as commanding as ever, her small stature doing nothing to diminish her formidable presence. She regarded Winter with a critical eye before casting her gaze over the others, her lips curling into a smirk.
"So, you're finally leaving my city, are you?" Cordovin said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "About time. I assume you've come to your senses and will let me handle things from here, Winter Schnee."
Winter's eyes narrowed slightly, but her tone remained respectful. "We're heading to Atlas under orders from General Ironwood, Caroline. The situation is under control."
Cordovin snorted, her eyes flicking over to Team RWBY and their companions with disdain. "Hmph. Well, I suppose it's for the best. I have enough trouble on my hands without having to babysit your guests. I trust they won't cause any more disruptions?"
Maria Calavera, who had been quiet for most of the morning, stepped forward, her mischievous grin widening as she tilted her head toward Cordovin. "Oh, don't worry, Caroline. We wouldn't dream of causing trouble—especially under such stellar leadership."
Cordovin's eye twitched, clearly irritated by Maria's sarcasm, but she kept her composure. "You better hope you don't. I've got my eyes on all of you. Now get out of here before I change my mind about letting you leave."
The Nubuck Guards stood silently, their expressions stoic as Cordovin turned on her heel and marched away, barking orders at her soldiers. The tension in the air didn't dissipate until she was out of sight.
As soon as she was gone, Yang smirked and glanced at Maria. "You really like pushing her buttons, don't you?"
Maria chuckled, adjusting her goggles. "Oh, I've been doing it for years, sweetheart. She's just too easy."
Winter sighed, clearly not amused by the exchange. "Let's keep the focus on our mission. We don't have time for distractions."
With that, Winter motioned for them to continue toward the airship. As they reached the landing pad, they were greeted by the sight of the Atlesian military airship—a sleek, imposing craft, its engines idling with a soft hum. The Atlesian soldiers that accompanied Winter were already preparing for departure, their movements swift and professional.
Weiss, standing beside her sister, glanced back at the group. "I hope you're all ready. Once we leave Argus, it's a straight shot to Atlas."
Jaune gave a small nod, his face serious. "Ready as we'll ever be."
The airship door opened with a hiss, revealing the interior. Winter stepped inside first, gesturing for the others to follow. One by one, they boarded the vessel, the air filled with a sense of cautious anticipation. The stakes had never been higher, and they all knew the journey to Atlas would be fraught with challenges. Little did they know, the first of those challenges would come much sooner than expected.
The airship hummed steadily as it glided through the sky, carrying Team RWBY, Shirou, Winter, and the others toward Atlas. The view outside the windows was a breathtaking expanse of clouds and blue skies, with the shimmering outline of Atlas looming faintly in the distance like a floating fortress.
The tension from earlier had eased, and the group settled into their seats, watching the landscape below pass by. Ruby, seated next to Weiss, was practically vibrating with excitement, while Jaune, Nora, and Ren sat across from them, talking quietly. Shirou sat near the front of the cabin, gazing out at the horizon, deep in thought.
Winter, standing near the cockpit with her arms crossed, remained vigilant, eyes scanning the skies. She had fallen back into her military discipline, her mind focused on the mission. This was a critical journey for all of them, and despite her earlier concession, she wasn't about to let her guard down.
As the airship neared the coast of Argus, the mood inside remained calm, though there was an underlying current of anticipation. They were headed toward Atlas—toward the heart of the conflict, and while they had won a victory in securing Shirou's passage, the battle for trust was far from over.
Suddenly, a harsh beeping noise pierced the silence, and the lights inside the airship flickered red. The pilot's voice crackled over the intercom.
"We've got something on the radar! It's big—really big!"
Everyone snapped to attention, their eyes widening as they rushed to the windows. A massive shadow appeared beneath the clouds, followed by an ear-splitting roar that made the entire airship tremble.
"Grimm!" Winter barked, her voice sharp and commanding. "Prepare for battle positions!"
The creature that emerged from the clouds was enormous, far larger than any Grimm they had encountered so far. It was a Leviathan, a serpentine Grimm with massive jaws and rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its body undulated as it slithered through the air, its glowing red eyes locked onto the airship. The monster let out another earth-shaking roar, sending shivers down everyone's spines.
Ruby gasped, her hands instinctively reaching for Crescent Rose. "That thing's going to tear us apart!"
"It's heading for Argus!" Blake said, her voice tense, watching as the Leviathan veered slightly toward the city.
Winter narrowed her eyes. "If Grimm gets to Argus, it will be a disaster. We need to stop it now."
But before anyone could suggest a plan, the Leviathan swerved back toward the airship, its massive maw opening as it prepared to attack. The pilot swerved hard, trying to avoid the creature, but the Leviathan was fast—far faster than they had anticipated.
"Hold on!" the pilot yelled as the airship shook violently.
Yang gripped the seat in front of her, her eyes wide. "What do we do? That thing is going to crush us!"
Shirou's gaze remained fixed on the approaching Leviathan, his mind racing. He had faced monsters before—creatures from legends and myths—but this Grimm was something different. It was larger than anything he'd seen in Remnant so far, and its presence alone seemed to suffocate the air around them.
"We need to lure it away from the city," Shirou said, his voice calm but firm. "If we don't, it's going to cause mass destruction."
Winter, her eyes narrowed, glanced at him. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Shirou's expression hardened as he formulated a plan. "We use bait. The Relic—Grimm are drawn to it. If we can lure it far enough away from Argus, I'll take it down from a distance."
Ruby looked at him, a mixture of concern and determination in her eyes. "You're sure you can do that?"
Shirou gave her a small nod. "I have a sword that can do the job. We just need to get the Grimm far enough away to make the shot without risking the city."
Weiss stepped forward, her expression resolute. "I can help with that. I can summon a Nevermore to lead it away."
Ruby immediately caught onto the plan, her face lighting up. "We can ride it! I can help guide the Nevermore while you get ready, Shirou!"
Winter was visibly hesitant, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of such a risky plan. But as she looked at the team—at her sister and their friends—it was clear that there wasn't much of a choice. If they didn't act, Argus would be devastated.
"Fine," Winter said, her voice taut. "We'll follow Shirou's plan. But this needs to be quick and precise. We don't have much time."
The Leviathan roared again, its huge form looming ever closer, casting a shadow over the airship.
Weiss wasted no time. She raised her hand, her glyphs appearing in the air as she focused her semblance. A massive Nevermore, one of her most powerful summons, took shape from the shimmering glyphs, its wings spreading wide as it hovered near the airship.
"Ruby, come on!" Weiss called, climbing onto the Nevermore's back. Ruby grinned and quickly followed, transforming Crescent Rose into its scythe form as she hopped on behind Weiss.
With a powerful beat of its wings, the Nevermore launched into the air, soaring toward the Leviathan. The massive Grimm immediately turned its attention to the summoned bird, its red eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
The tension in the air was palpable as Weiss and Ruby rode Weiss's giant summoned Nevermore, soaring through the sky to draw the massive Leviathan Grimm away from Argus. The dark, stormy clouds whipped around them as the Leviathan pursued with terrifying speed, its gaping maw snapping with hunger. Every beat of the Nevermore's wings sent them further away from the city, but the Grimm was relentless, its monstrous form carving through the air like a living storm.
"Keep moving, Weiss! It's gaining on us!" Ruby called out, clutching tightly to Crescent Rose as they darted through the air, dodging the Leviathan's massive tail swipes. Each attempt the creature made to catch them caused powerful gusts of wind that shook the Nevermore, making their flight even more treacherous.
Weiss gritted her teeth, focusing on maintaining her control over the summon. "I'm doing my best! We just need to keep it distracted a little longer!"
Back aboard the airship, the team gathered at the open side door, watching the intense chase unfold. The Leviathan's immense size made it a daunting target, but its speed was even more alarming. They could see it gradually gaining ground on Weiss and Ruby, the distance shrinking with every passing second.
Shirou stood at the door, his eyes trained on the Grimm, already mentally preparing the shot. His bow was traced and ready, but he needed the perfect position to ensure the shot's success. The airship's altitude was too high, and the movement too unstable for the precision he required.
"Winter!" Shirou shouted over the roar of the engines and wind. "We need to land the airship—now! I can't fire from up here."
Winter, who had been overseeing the situation from the cockpit, narrowed her eyes but immediately understood the gravity of the request. There was no room for error. "Pilot, prepare for an emergency landing!" she ordered through her headset. "We're setting down near the valley!"
The airship began its descent, engines rumbling as it angled downward, heading toward a stretch of open terrain in the valley far below. The others braced themselves as the airship shook, rapidly dropping altitude. The ground loomed closer and closer as the pilot expertly maneuvered through the rough winds created by the Leviathan's passage.
"We're almost there!" Jaune said, gripping the side of the door to steady himself. He glanced at Shirou, who stood firm, his focus unbroken. "Just hold on a little longer!"
As the airship made contact with the ground, the landing gear hit the rough terrain with a loud thud, but the ship remained stable. The engines hummed, keeping the airship in place, while the team prepared to execute their plan. They didn't have much time—the Leviathan was getting closer with every second.
Shirou stepped out onto the landing ramp, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on the sky. Ruby and Weiss were still leading the Grimm further away from Argus, but they were nearing the range he needed. With the Leviathan's full attention on them, it was the perfect time to strike.
Shirou took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he reached deep within himself. His magic circuits activated, and mana surged through his body, flowing into his hands as he called forth the legendary sword he needed.
Hrunting.
The cursed blade appeared in his hand, glowing with a dark crimson hue. Shirou didn't waste any time. With a focused exhale, he reshaped the sword into a projectile—an arrow of immense power, capable of tracking and striking any target, no matter the distance or speed.
As the arrow solidified, Ruby's voice crackled through the communicator. "We're in position, Shirou! Take the shot!"
Shirou glanced upward, his sharp eyes locking onto the Leviathan. Ruby and Weiss had led it far enough away from Argus, and now the massive creature was isolated against the backdrop of the sky. The swirling clouds and the monstrous form of the Grimm created an ominous sight, but Shirou's aim was steady, his focus unwavering.
"Everyone clear!" Shirou called out as he nocked Hrunting to his bow, pulling the string back. His entire body tensed as he channeled the mana needed to empower the shot, the air around him crackling with energy. The wind howled, but it couldn't break his concentration.
Ruby and Weiss, riding the Nevermore, dove away from the Leviathan, clearing its path just in time. They looked back, watching with wide eyes as Shirou prepared to unleash his attack.
Shirou spoke "Seek Hound of the Red Plains."
In one fluid motion, Shirou released the arrow. "Hrunting!"
The crimson arrow shot forth from the bow with a deafening crack, tearing through the air at an impossible speed—Mach 10. A shockwave rippled outward as the arrow raced across the sky, leaving a glowing red trail in its wake. The force of its launch shook the very ground beneath their feet.
The Leviathan didn't even have time to react. The arrow struck the Grimm's side with incredible force, piercing through its thick, scaly hide. For a brief moment, the Leviathan let out a bone-shattering roar, its body writhing in agony as red energy pulsed through its form.
Then, with a resounding explosion, the Leviathan was obliterated.
The sky lit up with a brilliant flash of red and black as the cursed energy of Hrunting detonated within the creature, tearing its massive form apart from the inside. The shockwave from the explosion sent waves of wind cascading across the valley, but the airship held steady.
For a few heartbeats, everything was still. The Leviathan's body disintegrated into ash, its remains carried away by the wind, leaving nothing behind but the faint smell of smoke and the echo of its final, anguished roar.
As the last remnants of the Leviathan Grimm dissipated into the air, silence hung heavy in the sky. The aftermath of the battle left everyone in awe. Shirou, standing at the edge of the airship's landing ramp, quietly observed the empty horizon, where the massive beast had been only moments before. The destruction it could have wrought on Argus, had they failed, was unthinkable.
Ruby was the first to break the silence, her voice still tinged with excitement as she hurried over to Shirou. "That was amazing! You shot it from so far away, and—BOOM! That Grimm didn't stand a chance!"
Weiss approached more slowly, but there was a genuine warmth in her smile. "I have to admit, I wasn't sure it would work, but you pulled it off. The plan... and that arrow... it was brilliant."
The rest of the team joined them, each of them processing the intense battle in their own way. Nora, ever energetic, couldn't contain herself, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "Shirou! That shot was insane! You should do that all the time!" She mimed pulling back a bowstring, imagining the immense explosion.
Jaune laughed, though he was still wide-eyed. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like that. That was... well, honestly, I don't even know how to describe it."
Ren, as usual, was more reserved but gave a nod of approval. "It was impressive, and the timing was perfect."
Shirou, though tired from the use of his magecraft, offered a small, humble smile. "It was a team effort. If Ruby and Weiss hadn't lured it away, I wouldn't have had the chance."
Blake, standing slightly off to the side, watched him closely. She said little, but there was a subtle, proud gleam in her eyes. She understood the toll that kind of power could take on someone, and how much focus it required. She knew, more than anyone in that moment, how much Shirou had endured to be standing here, helping them fight.
Shirou's breathing was controlled, but Blake noticed the tension in his posture, the slight tremor in his hands. Using Hrunting wasn't just a simple act of drawing a bow—it was a projection of his soul, a conjuration of a legendary weapon with all its inherent power. She stepped a little closer, a silent offer of support.
Meanwhile, Winter Schnee had been watching everything with her usual disciplined calm, but even she couldn't ignore the significance of what had just happened. She approached slowly, her mind racing with thoughts about Shirou. His abilities were... extraordinary, to say the least. She had seen skilled huntsmen and huntresses, even veterans of the Atlas military, but nothing quite like him. The way he traced the weapon and unleashed such a precise and destructive force spoke of deep, ancient power, the kind she didn't fully understand.
"Impressive," Winter said, her tone measured as she came to stand by the others. "That level of precision and power isn't something just anyone can achieve."
Shirou looked at her, his expression neutral, but he could tell she was assessing him. He wasn't sure what to make of her scrutiny, but he gave her a polite nod. "Thank you."
As the group gathered themselves, preparing to board the airship again, Jaune took the opportunity to ask the question that had been on his mind since watching Shirou's display of power. "Shirou, your swords... how do they work? I've seen you use them in different ways, and that arrow—" he gestured toward the sky where Hrunting had obliterated the Grimm—"it was unlike anything I've seen before."
The others, too, turned to Shirou with curious expressions, eager to understand more about their mysterious companion's powers.
Shirou paused, considering how best to explain. "My swords aren't just physical weapons," he began. "They're projections of legendary blades, each with its own history and abilities. Their effectiveness comes from the strength of the legend behind them and the mana I use to reinforce them."
Weiss raised an eyebrow. "So they're... more than just replicas? You're recreating the very essence of the sword?"
"Exactly," Shirou confirmed. "Each sword carries with it the legacy of the heroes or myths they're tied to. Hrunting, for example, is a blade from an ancient legend. It was said to always find its target, no matter how far away. By turning it into an arrow, I can tap into that power."
Winter's sharp eyes narrowed as she listened closely. She was a woman of logic and discipline, and while she didn't fully understand the intricacies of magic or projections, she knew enough to recognize that Shirou's abilities were unique—and potentially dangerous. She made mental notes, both as a soldier and as Weiss's sister. Whatever Shirou was, whatever he could do, it was clear he wasn't just another huntsman.
Ruby, always quick to connect the dots, chimed in with a smile. "So it's like... you're pulling from history and myth to fight with us. That's pretty cool."
Shirou gave a faint smile at her enthusiasm. "Something like that."
As they all returned to the airship, there was a shared sense of relief. The threat to Argus was over, at least for now, and they had accomplished something extraordinary together. Yet, the weight of what lay ahead still loomed. Atlas was their destination, and the challenges there would be unlike any they'd faced before.
Once everyone was back on board, the airship rose steadily into the sky. The wind whistled outside as they climbed higher and higher, the gleaming city of Atlas drawing nearer with each passing minute.
Despite the sense of triumph, there was a quiet atmosphere inside the cabin. The group sat scattered across the seating area, each of them lost in thought. Jaune, Ren, and Nora chatted quietly among themselves, reflecting on the battle. Blake sat near Shirou, not speaking but offering a silent presence of comfort.
Weiss, on the other hand, found herself glancing at Winter from time to time. There was still tension between them, unresolved emotions about their father, Ironwood, and the future awaiting them in Atlas. Weiss knew that returning home wasn't going to be easy, and she suspected that Winter felt the same. But at least, for now, they had each other—and their friends.
As the airship broke through the final layers of clouds, the full majesty of Atlas revealed itself. It wasn't just a city—it was a fortress, floating high above the frozen tundra below. The gleaming spires of its skyscrapers pierced the sky, their chrome exteriors reflecting the sunlight in dazzling bursts. Great metallic bridges connected towering buildings, and massive warships circled the perimeter, vigilant sentinels on endless patrol.
"Wow…" Ruby whispered, her silver eyes wide in awe. "It's beautiful."
Weiss, standing next to her, felt a mix of pride and dread. She had grown up in this city, but the memories it held were far from comforting. "It's… something," she said softly, unable to fully voice the conflicting emotions swirling inside her.
The rest of the group gathered at the windows, their eyes fixed on the spectacle before them. Even Shirou, though he had seen many extraordinary things in his lifetime, was impressed by the scale and grandeur of the floating city. Its architecture defied logic, a marvel of dust-powered technology and military engineering. It loomed above the world, isolated and impregnable.
"It feels like a fortress," Blake muttered, her amber eyes narrowing as she took in the imposing military presence. Every tower bristled with weaponry, and swarms of Atlesian airships buzzed around the city like a swarm of bees protecting their hive.
"Atlas is always prepared for war," Winter remarked from behind them, her tone matter-of-fact. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, her posture rigid, but her eyes revealed a deep familiarity with this sight. "With the fall of Beacon and the growing threat of Salem's forces, General Ironwood has fortified the city even more. We cannot afford to be unprepared."
Weiss glanced over at her sister, frowning. "But at what cost? This isn't the Atlas I remember. It feels more like a stronghold than a home."
Winter didn't respond immediately. Instead, she gazed out at the city, her expression unreadable. "We do what we must to protect what's left of the world. Atlas cannot fall."
As the group flew closer, the sprawling design of the city became clearer. Towers of glass and steel rose in perfect symmetry, connected by sleek, dust-powered monorails. The city's surface gleamed under the sun, but beneath the beauty, the heavy militarization was impossible to ignore. Patrols of Atlesian Knights, rows of robotic soldiers, moved in coordinated formations across every platform. Massive mechs stood ready at key points, casting long shadows over the city streets below.
"It's more militarized than I thought it'd be," Ren observed quietly. His sharp eyes took in every detail, from the positions of the soldiers to the way the people on the streets hurried along, heads down, as if weighed by an unseen pressure.
"Yeah, it's like they're preparing for something," Jaune added, his voice a mix of awe and concern. "Something big."
"They are," Winter confirmed, her gaze steady. "Atlas is Salem's next target. General Ironwood is making sure we're ready for her when she comes."
Weiss couldn't shake the unease growing in her chest. She had always believed in the strength and security of her home, but now… there was something different. The air felt heavier, as though the weight of war was pressing down on everyone here.
"There's so much tension," Blake noted, her voice low. "Even the people… they're scared."
"Of course they're scared," Winter replied. "The fall of Beacon shook the world. The loss of Vale showed that no kingdom is invincible. They know what's coming."
Far below, in the snow-covered wilderness, a figure moved swiftly through the icy landscape. Adam Taurus's red cloak billowed behind him, the fabric stained and torn from weeks of travel. His once-proud stance was hunched with anger, his mind a whirlpool of rage and betrayal. His hand clenched around the hilt of his sword, every step fueled by his desire for vengeance.
They had taken everything from him. Blake, the White Fang, even his own followers had turned against him. But he was not defeated. Not yet.
The wind howled through the frozen trees, but Adam moved with purpose, his eyes burning with hatred.
"Adam Taurus…"
The voice came from the shadows, smooth and calm. Adam stopped, his muscles tensing as he scanned the snow-covered forest.
From the darkness, a figure emerged—a man cloaked in black, his face obscured by the hood of his robe. He stepped forward with an unsettling grace, his smile dark and knowing.
"Who are you?" Adam demanded, his hand instinctively reaching for his blade.
The man chuckled softly. "A humble servant of the Lord."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
The man's smile widened, his eyes glinting with malice. "It is not what I want, Adam Taurus. It is what you want."
Adam's grip tightened around his weapon, the anger inside him boiling over. "I want revenge."