Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 42: Arrival at Atlas Academy
As the airship descended into Atlas Academy's airspace, the faint hum of the engines shifted to a low whine, signaling that they were preparing to land. Everyone inside the ship felt the shift in gravity as they came closer to the pristine landing platforms of the floating city. The tension among the group was palpable as they braced for their arrival. Atlas wasn't just another stop in their journey—this was the heart of their next challenge. They'd barely had time to breathe since Argus, and now they were plunging headfirst into what could be an even greater test.
When the ship's doors finally opened, the crisp air of Atlas rushed in, colder than the already frigid atmosphere of the surface. Snow gently swirled in the breeze, as if welcoming them in its own silent way.
And standing at the edge of the landing pad, waiting for them with an eager smile, was none other than Penny Polendina.
"Sal-u-tations!" Penny called out, waving energetically as her voice echoed through the cold, open air.
Ruby's heart stopped in her chest. The bright green eyes, the unmistakable red hair styled in perfect coils, the cheery voice that had always carried a note of innocence—there was no doubt in Ruby's mind. It was Penny.
"Penny?" Ruby gasped, taking an involuntary step forward. Her voice wavered with disbelief, her eyes wide as though seeing a ghost. Her team mirrored her shock, their jaws slack, eyes fixed on the sight before them.
The last time they had seen Penny was during the chaos of the Vytal Festival. The memory was still raw—Penny had been torn apart, her body destroyed by her own swords after being caught in an ambush orchestrated by Cinder Fall. The pain of losing their friend had lingered like a wound that never quite healed. And yet, here she was, standing before them, very much alive.
Penny, noticing Ruby's stunned expression, tilted her head, her smile faltering just a little. "It's me, Ruby! I'm back!" she said with her usual enthusiasm. Before Ruby could find the words, Penny launched forward and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Penny!" Ruby whispered, her arms wrapping around her friend in pure instinct, her chest tight with emotion. She still couldn't believe what was happening.
Weiss stepped forward, her hands trembling. "How…how is this possible?" Her voice was quiet, nearly drowned out by the wind whipping around them.
"I got better!" Penny exclaimed cheerfully, finally pulling away from Ruby to grin at the rest of the team. "My father rebuilt me! I'm fully operational again—with some extra upgrades!" She spread her arms wide, her metal joints whirring slightly. There was a proud sparkle in her eyes, but it was the same Penny they had always known and loved.
Yang, who had been quiet up until now, clenched her fists, the disbelief in her gaze quickly giving way to joy. "Penny!" she shouted before running up and joining the embrace. "You're really back!"
Nora, never one to hold back her emotions, let out a delighted squeal before jumping into the mix. "Penny! You're alive! You're even shinier than before!" Her voice was filled with the unbridled glee of someone who had just been reunited with an old friend.
Jaune, Ren, and Qrow stood back for a moment, watching the emotional reunion with equally stunned expressions. Jaune's brow furrowed as he tried to wrap his head around what he was seeing. "But…you were…gone," he murmured, looking at Ren for confirmation.
Ren nodded quietly, his expression soft. "She was. But it seems she's returned to us," he said, his tone gentle, though his eyes reflected the same astonishment.
Penny, still beaming, turned to the others, her voice full of joy. "I've missed all of you! And I'm so happy to see you're all safe! My systems were so sad when I found out what happened at Beacon and—"
Her words trailed off when her gaze landed on Weiss, who had yet to move from her spot. For a moment, the world seemed to pause as Weiss and Penny locked eyes. Weiss, who had grown up in Atlas, knew more than most about the advanced technology and the miracles that Atlas could accomplish. But even she couldn't fully process what she was seeing.
Weiss's lips parted, but no sound came out at first. She had always admired Penny, had even considered her a friend. But after seeing her destroyed…this moment felt too good to be true.
Penny stepped toward Weiss, her eyes softening with concern. "Weiss? Are you okay?"
The moment Penny reached out to her, Weiss broke. She lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Penny's metal frame. "I'm so glad you're back," Weiss whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I…I didn't think we'd ever see you again."
Penny's smile widened as she hugged Weiss back just as tightly. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere this time!"
Ruby wiped her eyes, her voice shaking as she laughed. "We lost you once, Penny. We're not letting that happen again."
The group hugged her once more, their collective joy filling the cold Atlas air. It was a rare moment of peace, of reunion, a chance to feel hope after all the darkness they had faced.
As Penny finally stepped back from the group hug, Jaune chuckled softly. "You really do have a way of surprising us, Penny."
"I aim to please!" Penny replied with a bright grin, her voice filled with pride. She then turned slightly, her movements graceful despite her metal frame. "And I have so much to show you all! Atlas has changed a lot since you've last been here!"
But before Penny could get carried away with her excitement, Winter Schnee, standing a few feet behind her, cleared her throat softly. "There will be time for that later," Winter said, her tone formal but not unkind. "For now, we should get you all to see General Ironwood. He's been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
At Winter's words, the gravity of the situation returned, and the group nodded in agreement. This joyful reunion was just the first step—they still had work to do. But for now, the warmth of seeing Penny alive again brought them a sense of hope they hadn't felt in a long time.
Penny bounced in place, clearly excited as she prepared to escort them to General Ironwood's office. "Follow me, everyone! I'll take you right to him!"
The group moved through the grand halls of Atlas Academy, following Penny and Winter's lead. The imposing architecture of the academy loomed over them—tall, metallic walls and high ceilings, all designed with the precision and sharpness typical of the kingdom. It felt sterile, immaculate, yet somehow cold. Every step echoed in the vast corridors, the weight of their journey trailing behind them.
Weiss walked slightly ahead, her expression unreadable as she absorbed her surroundings. This was home, yet it wasn't the same Atlas she had left behind. Things felt…different. The same grandeur was there, the same pristine environment, but the air was charged with tension and a sense of underlying danger. Even the familiar uniformed soldiers patrolling the halls carried an edge of wariness in their eyes.
Shirou, walking alongside Blake, surveyed the space with a quiet intensity. He had never seen a place quite like Atlas—its technological prowess was far beyond what even the advanced machinery of Remnant's other kingdoms could boast. But despite the gleaming surfaces and impressive infrastructure, there was something unsettling about how controlled everything felt.
As they approached General Ironwood's office, Penny's usual exuberance softened, and she gave a small nod to Winter before stepping back to let her take the lead. The door before them was sleek and imposing, reinforced with multiple layers of security measures—an unmistakable sign of Atlas' heightened alertness.
Winter stepped forward and pressed her hand to the scanner. "This way," she said, her voice cool and composed. The doors slid open with a smooth hiss, revealing the office of General James Ironwood.
Inside, the room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Atlas floating above the snowy landscape below. The design was sleek and militaristic—no unnecessary decorations, just the essentials. A large desk dominated the room, with multiple monitors displaying strategic maps, news reports, and vital military information. The faint hum of holographic screens added to the sense of urgency in the room.
Standing in front of the desk, arms crossed and posture rigid, was General Ironwood himself. He was dressed in his usual uniform, his expression a mixture of relief and sternness as he laid eyes on the group. Behind him stood the Ace Ops—Atlas' elite team of Huntsmen, their uniforms pristine, their expressions stoic. Harriet, Elm, Vine, Marrow, and Clover observed the newcomers with curiosity and silent respect.
Ironwood stepped forward, his blue eyes softened by a rare warmth that contrasted with his otherwise commanding presence. "Ruby. Weiss. Qrow. Everyone," he greeted, his deep voice calm but carrying an undertone of concern. "It's good to see you all in one piece."
Ruby, standing at the forefront, gave him a small, tired smile. "General Ironwood…we're glad to be here."
Ironwood's gaze scanned the group, lingering on each face as if ensuring they were truly there. His eyes lingered briefly on Weiss, a silent nod of acknowledgment passing between them. But when he reached Qrow, the smallest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.
"I received your letter," Ironwood said, his tone growing more personal. "I can only imagine the challenges you all faced to get here."
"You could say that," Qrow replied, his voice raspy but laced with a hint of relief. He shifted his flask in his hand, looking as though he could finally relax—if only for a moment.
Ironwood let out a deep sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "You've all done more than I could have hoped. Traveling across Anima, facing what you did…you have my respect. You didn't just survive. You protected people along the way."
His eyes flicked to Jaune, Nora, and Ren, acknowledging their efforts with a firm nod. "You've proven yourselves time and again. And I want you to know that Atlas is behind you. You're safe here."
For the first time in what felt like ages, the group felt a small wave of relief. Despite all that had happened, all the battles they'd fought, there was comfort in knowing they were standing in a place with resources, power, and allies.
Ironwood's gaze shifted again, this time settling on Shirou. His brow furrowed slightly, as if assessing the unfamiliar face among them. His eyes flicked briefly to Winter, then back to Shirou, clearly noting his presence but withholding judgment—for now.
The silence that followed lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken questions. Sensing the unspoken tension, Winter stepped forward. "General," she began, "before we discuss any further details, I believe it would be wise to let them rest. They've been through a great deal, and after the hardships of their journey, they deserve the time to recover."
Ironwood nodded, understanding the need for rest. But there was still something unresolved in his mind. "Agreed," he said. "But we will need to talk in depth tomorrow—there's much to catch up on. I need to know exactly what we're up against with Salem, and how we can prepare Atlas for what's coming."
Ruby, feeling the weight of the question, nodded solemnly. "We'll be ready," she promised. "Tomorrow, we can tell you everything."
Ironwood, looking satisfied, gave a firm nod. "I'll have my staff prepare quarters for you all. You're guests of Atlas now."
There was a brief moment of silence, but it wasn't awkward—it was filled with mutual respect. This was the calm before the storm, and they all knew it. Atlas was their new battlefield, and the challenges that lay ahead would be like nothing they had faced before.
Just as Ironwood was about to dismiss them, Clover Ebi, leader of the Ace Ops, stepped forward, his face splitting into a friendly grin. "Hey, don't worry about tomorrow. You've made it this far. That's an accomplishment on its own. Rest up. We've got your back now."
Nora, her fatigue evident, gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks. I think we'll need it."
With that, Ironwood nodded once more, signaling the end of the meeting. "Penny, please escort our guests to their quarters. We'll reconvene in the morning."
Penny, ever the eager guide, perked up immediately. "Of course, General! I'll make sure they're all settled in!"
As the group began to file out of the office, Ironwood lingered behind, watching them go with a thoughtful expression. Once the door closed behind them, he turned to Winter, his demeanor shifting to something more serious.
"Winter," Ironwood began, his voice low and measured, "we need to talk."
Winter straightened, sensing the shift in his tone. "Yes, sir?"
Ironwood's eyes narrowed slightly. "Shirou Emiya. I understand why you brought Qrow, the others, and Oscar. But Shirou?" He paused, his brow furrowing. "What is his place here? Why did you bring him into Atlas?"
After their meeting with General Ironwood, the tension from the office still lingered as they followed Penny into the heart of Atlas Academy. The cold, militaristic precision of the academy's design was unmistakable, but Penny's presence provided a comforting contrast. Her bubbly enthusiasm seemed to cut through the sterility, offering a sense of warmth as she led the group with excited energy.
"Welcome to Atlas Academy!" Penny chirped, clapping her hands together as she gestured to the sprawling halls in front of them. "It's the most advanced Huntsman Academy in all of Remnant! You're going to love it here—I just know it!"
Penny began by pointing out the main features of the academy's central area: tall, gleaming silver walls adorned with Atlas insignias, and vast windows that allowed a perfect view of the floating city above the clouds. The academy was vast, with its clean, linear design giving it a sense of grandeur and formality. The floors sparkled with an almost unnatural sheen, and everything was perfectly placed. Even the lights overhead were set at precise intervals, casting a cool, clinical glow over everything.
"We are currently in the primary wing," Penny continued, her voice filled with pride. "This is where most of the core classes are held, including combat training, strategy, and mission briefing rooms!"
Ruby couldn't help but stare up at the ceiling. Everything in Atlas Academy screamed "state-of-the-art." It made Beacon feel rustic by comparison. "Wow," she muttered. "This place is…huge."
"Atlas doesn't mess around," Yang said, her voice carrying a note of appreciation. "It's like being inside one big machine."
Weiss walked quietly, her hands clasped in front of her. Despite knowing this place inside out, having grown up in the kingdom, she felt a strange distance from it all. It had been a long time since she'd walked these halls, and though the academy hadn't changed, she certainly had.
"This way!" Penny called out, already bouncing ahead of the group, eager to show them more.
They followed Penny through a series of corridors, passing other students in white and blue uniforms. The students, clearly elite Atlas trainees, walked with purpose, their expressions focused and determined. Some of them glanced at the newcomers with curious eyes, but quickly averted their gaze, clearly aware that this group was no ordinary set of visitors.
As they rounded the corner, Penny pointed to a vast chamber lined with reinforced glass walls. Inside, a group of Huntsman trainees were sparring with dummies in full combat gear. The sound of clashing swords and the hum of activated Aura filled the air. Penny's face lit up as she gestured to the space.
"This is the main combat training hall! Atlas prides itself on making sure every Huntsman and Huntress is prepared for battle at the highest level. The simulations here are more advanced than anywhere else in Remnant. General Ironwood insists that we be ready for anything!"
The group paused for a moment, watching the trainees in action. The fluidity of their movements, the precision of their strikes—everything was honed to perfection. It was clear that Atlas took their training seriously. There was no room for error.
"Not bad," Ren remarked quietly. "Their technique is very disciplined."
Jaune, meanwhile, watched with a slightly overwhelmed expression. "They're so…focused."
Weiss nodded in agreement. "Atlas trains its Huntsmen differently. Discipline, control, and precision are valued above everything else. These students aren't just learning how to fight—they're learning how to be soldiers."
Penny, noticing the group's expressions, added with a reassuring smile, "But don't worry! Everyone here is very nice, even if they seem serious. Once you get to know them, I'm sure you'll all get along just fine!"
She led them onward, and soon they reached the tech labs—a part of the academy that was unlike anything the others had seen before. Inside the labs, holographic interfaces flickered over workbenches, while advanced machinery hummed softly. Engineers in white coats moved about, conducting experiments on various weapons and gadgets. It was a display of Atlas' technological supremacy, where innovation met the art of war.
"This is the R wing," Penny explained proudly. "This is where they create and upgrade most of the technology used by Atlas Huntsmen. Everything from weapons, armor, and even—" she paused for dramatic effect, then grinned—"robotic soldiers like me!"
Yang's eyes widened at the sight of all the technology. "Okay, this is cool," she said, clearly impressed. "Imagine getting to test out all this stuff."
"Atlas really does have it all," Ruby added, her eyes shining. "I bet we could learn so much here."
Even Blake, usually reserved in these moments, couldn't help but be intrigued. She admired the sleek weaponry on display and the advanced machines designed to give Atlas Huntsmen an edge in battle. It made her think about how different her own training had been back in Menagerie—focused more on survival than technological advantage.
After passing through the tech labs, Penny guided them toward one of the largest auditoriums they had ever seen. It was massive, with rows upon rows of seats surrounding a circular arena in the center.
"This is the Atlas Arena!" Penny announced with a flourish. "It's where we hold academy-wide events and large-scale mission briefings."
After a while, the group's fatigue started to catch up with them. Ruby, who had been trying her best to stay focused, finally let out a long yawn. The others weren't faring much better—after everything they had been through, exhaustion weighed heavily on their shoulders.
Penny, ever perceptive, noticed their tired expressions. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, her voice full of concern. "You must all be so tired! I've been talking too much, haven't I? I'm sorry!"
Ruby shook her head, still yawning. "No, it's fine, Penny. This has been great. But…yeah, we're pretty tired."
Penny gave them an apologetic smile. "Then let's get you to your dorms! You need rest after everything you've been through."
She quickly changed direction, leading them toward the dormitories. The halls here were quieter, and the atmosphere felt more peaceful compared to the bustling parts of the academy they had just passed. Each dorm room was designed with the same sleek efficiency as the rest of the academy, but there was a surprising warmth to them—a small sense of home amid the cold, military structure.
When they arrived at their dorm assignments, Penny handed out keycards with a grin. "Here you go! These will give you access to your rooms. If you need anything, I'm always here to help!"
Ruby took her keycard gratefully. "Thanks, Penny. We really appreciate it."
One by one, the group began to separate, heading into their assigned rooms. Blake lingered for a moment near Shirou, her amber eyes soft as she met his gaze. There was an unspoken understanding between them—a quiet acknowledgment of how much they'd been through together.
"Good night, Shirou," Blake said softly, her voice carrying a gentleness that contrasted with the cold metal of the academy around them.
"Good night, Blake," Shirou replied with a small smile, his own exhaustion evident. They exchanged a final glance before heading into their respective rooms, both retreating into the solitude they craved.
But for Shirou, sleep wouldn't come easily. As he lay in his bed, staring up at the cold ceiling of his new surroundings, the familiar darkness of his mind began to creep in. The thoughts he had been pushing down for so long—the weight of his past, the lives he had failed to save, the path of the "mind of steel"—all resurfaced with crushing intensity.
Winter met his gaze steadily, unflinching. "Shirou's skills are…unorthodox, but valuable. The others refused to leave him behind. And from what I've observed, his tactical mind and abilities could be an asset to Atlas."
Ironwood's jaw tightened, still unconvinced. "You're telling me a Huntsman I've never heard of—one whose abilities I haven't seen—was worth risking our operations here?"
Winter didn't back down, her tone firm. "Yes. Shirou has proven himself. I don't fully understand the nature of his skills, but I've seen what he's capable of. It would be a mistake to underestimate him."
Ironwood considered her words, his mind calculating. "I trust your judgment, Winter. But understand this—we're about to face a war unlike any other. Atlas is the key to standing against Salem, and I need to know that every person under this roof is someone I can rely on."
Winter nodded. "You can trust him. And you can trust me."
Ironwood remained silent for a moment longer, his sharp gaze piercing. Then he nodded, turning back to the view outside. "We'll see. For now, let them rest. We'll deal with everything else in the morning."