I do not own RWBY, which is the property of Viz Media, or Destiny 2, which is owned by Bungie. All characters, locations, and lore from these franchises belong to their respective creators. This fanfiction is purely for entertainment purposes and not for profit.

Chapter 15: Tower III

The Tower's upper plaza buzzed with familiar energy—Guardians chatting in low tones, weapon vendors displaying their wares, and ships arriving with soft hums of propulsion. The wind carried the scent of ozone and freshly fired ammo, a reminder of the battles fought and the peace they protected.

Yang, Blake, and Weiss stood together, the weight of their journey momentarily lifting as they gazed out at the Last City's skyline. The warmth of the Traveler's Light shone above, a beacon of hope and power.

"Alright, ladies," Yang said, her golden eyes glinting with excitement. "We've earned this. Let's see what the Tower's got for us."

Each of them held two shimmering purple engrams, the prismatic cubes pulsing with latent energy. As they approached the Cryptarch's stand, the old Awoken nodded knowingly.

"I sense great potential in those," he said. "Let's see what fate has woven for you."

Yang went first, stepping up to the decoding station. The first engram in her hand glowed brighter before dissolving into a cascade of light and data. When the radiance subsided, a weapon rested on the pedestal.

A massive shotgun gleamed under the Tower's lights, its frame a mix of black and steel plating. The inscription read "Last Man Standing"

Yang's eyes widened, a grin splitting her face. "Oh, yes. This baby's gonna hit like a Solar storm."

The Cryptarch's voice was dry with humor. "A weapon that perfectly suits your… explosive tendencies."

She held out her second engram, and the familiar flare of light erupted once more. When it faded, a heavy machine gun appeared—its matte frame rugged and imposing. The inscription read "Retrofit Escapade"

Yang's grin widened. "Heavy firepower? Now that's what I'm talking about."

Next was Blake. She stepped forward, her first engram pulsing rhythmically in her palm. With a deep breath, she placed it on the decoding station. The light flared, and when it faded, a rocket launcher lay before her. Its sleek, dark frame seemed to absorb the light around it. The inscription read "Bad Omens"

Blake picked it up, feeling the cold precision of the weapon. She smirked softly. "Silent, deadly, and sharp. Just the way I like it."

The Cryptarch inclined his head. "A weapon forged for those who strike from the shadows."

She placed her second engram on the pedestal. The light burst forth and resolved into a sleek submachine gun, its frame glowing with dark Void energy. The name etched on its side was "Funnelweb"

Blake's eyes narrowed with approval. "Fast and lethal. Perfect"

Finally, Weiss approached the station, her first engram pulsing a steady, icy blue. As she placed it on the pedestal, the light exploded into a dazzling flurry of frost-like motes. When the glow faded, a grenade launcher lay in its place. The polished silver barrel shimmered with traces of Arc energy. The inscription read "Interference VI."

Weiss's eyes sparkled as she lifted the weapon. "Precision, beauty, and power. Perfect."

The Cryptarch smiled faintly. "A weapon for those who never miss their mark."

She placed her second engram on the stand. This time, the light formed a heavy linear fusion rifle with an icy blue glow. The inscription read "Tarantula."

Weiss nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "I'll make every shot count."

Yang, Blake, and Weiss regrouped, each now armed with weapons that felt like extensions of their very souls.

Yang pumped her shotgun confidently. "Alright, who's ready to see what these beauties can do?"

Blake smiled, her fingers brushing the grip of her rocket launcher. "Let's go find out."

Weiss adjusted the strap of her grenade launcher and nodded. "Together."

As the three of them descended the Tower's steps, the future seemed a little brighter, their purpose a little clearer. They had faced darkness and emerged stronger. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they were ready.

Guardians, together—armed, dangerous, and unstoppable.

"Now that you're properly armed, head to the Gunsmith. Banshee-44 might have some upgrades that suit your… particular talents."

Before they could take another step, a cheerful voice interrupted them.

"Salutations!"

The trio turned, startled by the sudden greeting. A figure with vibrant orange hair and bright green eyes stood before them, a radiant smile on her face. She wore a shimmering set of wings, the Wings of Sacred Dawn, that glowed with ethereal light.

Weiss's breath caught in her throat. "Penny?"

Penny's eyes sparkled with joy. "It's wonderful to see you all here!"

Yang blinked, momentarily speechless. "Wait… Penny's a Guardian?"

Blake's expression softened, a smile tugging at her lips. "It seems like she is."

Penny nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed! The Light has given me a second chance, and I'm here to help."

Weiss's eyes shimmered with emotion. "We thought we lost you…"

Penny's smile was gentle. "But you didn't. And now we can face whatever comes next—together."

Lord Shaxx observed the exchange, his imposing figure standing tall beside them. Seeing the clear bond between the young Warlock and the trio, he let out a hearty laugh.

"Well, it seems you're in good hands! Penny, these Guardians are your responsibility now. Show them what it means to wield the Light."

Penny saluted playfully. "Of course, Lord Shaxx! I won't let you down."

Shaxx's booming voice softened slightly. "I know you won't. Now, go on—all of you. The Gunsmith awaits."

Yang grinned, her confidence returning. "Well then, let's go see what the Gunsmith has for us. Welcome back, Penny."

Penny beamed. "Thank you, friends!"

With renewed determination, they headed toward the Gunsmith, the future shining a little brighter with their reunion.

The group approached Banshee-44, the seasoned Gunsmith, who gave them a quick once-over as they laid out their weapons. He picked up each piece with practiced hands, inspecting them carefully.

"Hmm," Banshee muttered, his eyes narrowing as he checked the chambers, scopes, and barrels. After a moment, he nodded with approval. "Your gear's in top shape. You're good to go."

Yang pumped her fist. "Awesome. Thanks, Banshee!"

Blake nodded. "Appreciate it."

Weiss offered a polite smile. "Thank you for your time."

As they turned to leave, Weiss caught Penny's hand. "Come with me for a moment."

Weiss led Penny up a flight of stairs to a quiet upper landing near the Gunsmith's station. Yang and Blake exchanged glances before following.

Once they were alone, Weiss looked Penny in the eyes, her voice soft but curious. "How long have you been a Guardian, Penny?"

Penny's smile faded into a thoughtful expression. "Twenty years."

Yang's eyes widened with relief. "Only twenty years? Thank the Light! I thought you were going to say hundreds like Adam."

Blake let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "Yeah, that's a relief. We're all still figuring things out, but at least you're not centuries ahead of us."

Penny chuckled softly. "Time works differently for Guardians. But yes, it's been twenty years since I was brought back by the Light."

Penny tilted her head slightly, her eyes curious. "Speaking of which… who's Adam?"

Yang's expression darkened slightly. "Adam's another Guardian, but he's been around for centuries, maybe even longer. He's… complicated."

Blake nodded, her voice calm but firm. "We've crossed paths with him before. He's trying to change, but it's hard to forget the things he's done."

Weiss sighed. "He helped us recently, and he seems different. But his past is… difficult."

Penny's eyes softened with understanding. "I see. It sounds like he has a long road ahead of him."

Blake gave a small smile. "Yeah. But for now, we'll focus on what's in front of us."

Weiss squeezed Penny's hand. "I'm glad you're here, Penny."

Penny smiled warmly. "Me too."

Weiss hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is there anyone else we know from Remnant who's a Guardian?"

Penny nodded, her eyes lighting up. "Yes! Pyrrha was risen a few years ago. She's a Guardian now, too."

Yang's eyes widened in surprise. "Pyrrha? Really?"

Penny nodded. "She's currently out on patrol on Titan. She's been helping keep the Moon's methane seas safe from the Fallen."

Weiss smiled, relief flooding her expression. "It's good to know she's out there, still fighting the good fight."

Blake nodded. "We'll have to find her when she gets back."

Penny's smile was bright and confident. "I'm sure she'll be just as glad to see you."

Yang grinned. "Well, with you and Pyrrha on our side, we're going to be unstoppable."

The four of them stood together, the bond of friendship and shared purpose unbreakable.

Guardians, together—ready for whatever came next.