Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
- If you try anything else, Mantle is over. You have one hour to answer. I hope you will be worthy of the title I have given you.
It was a big trouble, not caused by Salem or the Grimms, but by the decision of one cruel man who let fear rule over him. Salem's army was defeated and her people scattered across Atlas, but the greatest threat to the kingdom was none other than its ruler, General Ironwood.
The General would have been willing to drop a massive, city-destroying bomb on Mantle to force Penny into submission.
Fear reigned in both cities, Atlas, who thought it terrible that their safety would be assured by the death of thousands of innocent people, but were too afraid to confront the general.
And the people of Mantle are completely panicked, it wasn't enough that he pushed them for months with the embargo, then left them behind after the Grimm attack, turned off the electricity and heating, but now he's threatening to destroy the entire town. The people, but even the Happy Huntress, were powerless against the general, they couldn't leave the Crater, as the remnants of Salem's army and the unlivable cold climate of Solitas would kill everyone before night fell.
The situation at the academy was also very tense, with arrests and executions increasing since Ironwood declared martial law. However, in the last few minutes, several soldiers and officers met this fate for daring to oppose the destruction of Mantle.
The general had to assemble an execuzion squad, who had carried out thirty-six executions in the last five minutes. The only crime these soldiers had was to speak out against the general.
All the soldiers, even high-ranking officers, tensed and saluted when the general passed in front of them, as he was on his way to another execution.
- Sir, are you sure we have to do this? - Winter was no longer sure that the general was sane.
- They have betrayed us and threaten the kingdom, Winter! - The general tolerated neither objections nor resistance.
They arrived at the training ground, where the future Hunters and Huntresses train and practice every day in order to become stronger, thus better able to protect the people they are sworn to protect.
Since the General announced that he was going to drop the bomb on Mantle, there had been a rapid increase in defiance and disobedience among the soldiers and some of the Hunters causing the General to turn the place into an execution site.
A group of armed soldiers and robots awaited the general, guarding a group of unarmed, handcuffed soldiers and Hunters awaiting execution.
- The order must be carried out, - The general instructed the platoon commander. - no excuses! Did you understand?
- Yes, sir! - The male officer answered without hesitation and saluted, then signaled to the soldiers to line up.
- How can they do that? - Marrow and the Ace Ops, who watched how the soldiers were lined up, most of whom they knew, since they had recently fought at the front and risked their lives to buy them time.
- They betrayed us. - Harriet showed no remorse at all.
- I don't like it either, but this is the order. - Elm, on the other hand, showed more regret.
- Instilling fear is a basic method to get people to obey. - Vine was still trying to think rationally.
- Attention! - The general spoke up to make a speech after the last prisoner had been lined up. - These men and women are one by one Salem's spies, working to destroy our kingdom! The only thing they deserve is to shoot them dead immediately! Execute!
They could clearly see horror and indignation on the faces of the prisoners, but even among the executing soldiers there was more incomprehension and sorrow, as they didn't understand why they had to execute their own comrades.
- Spies my *ss, - Marrow simply couldn't accept it and would have preferred to intervene. - they simply refused the general's crazy order.
- Shut up or they'll put you there too. - Harriet hushed him.
- Marrow, - The general looked at the faunus man before he could issue the order, hearing his comment. - you have never hidden how much you despise my methods.
- General, - Marrow noticed among the prisoners a FNKI team, with whom they fought. - that young Hunter team fought with us at the front.
- They were only following Salem's orders. - Ironwood's mind was swallowed by fear and paranoia and he expected the worst of anyone. - No excuses!
- You can't save them, Marrow. - He could see the regret in Winter.
- Now I want to make sure that you are truly loyal to me and worthy of your uniform. - The general took out his pistol and pointed it at Marrow to take it.
- What are your orders, sir? - Marrow knew in advance what his superior expected of him, but he didn't take the pistol.
- You also take part in the execution. - The general explained as if it were so simple.
- General, I take responsibility for the FNKI team, - Marrow tried to protect the young ones. - we trained with them and they fought on our side.
- Stand attention when you talk to me! - The general ordered. - Take the gun! - Marrow didn't say anything, he just looked at his superior with contempt. - Do you want to refuse an order?
- General, - Marrow with a heavy heart, but took the pistol. - at least the kids...
- We are not in a Vacuoan market! - Irownood didn't tolerate resistance. - I'm fed up with the fact that nobody here understands what's at stake! - He grabbed the collar of Marrow's uniform and pulled him close to whisper in his ear. - If you dare to miss him, you will be next.
Marrow couldn't help but hope for something as he passed Winter.
- You are the officer, do something. - Unfortunately, Marrow's words fell on deaf ears for Winter, who was as helpless as he was.
- Winter, - The general also sensed Winter's doubt. - do you want to issue the order? - Winter was so terrified that she got speechless when the general offered her the opportunity. - Don't let me disappoint you again. - Finally, he released her and went to the execution squad, among whom Marrow had already joined. - Aim! - The soldiers raised their guns. Marrow was forced to target Flynt, who could see the fear and anger in the boy's eyes as he and his team simply admired him and the Ace Ops. They were their role models and now one of them is about to execute him for daring to do what is right, while they, like machines, just obey the orders of a crazy, paranoid man. - Fire!
Boom
Dozens of guns went off and the prisoners collapsed like rag dolls. The soldiers' rifles were smoking and for a while they didn't move as the general signaled them to hold their guns up. He walked all the way between them to see if each one had a smoking barrel and whoever he nodded to could lower the weapon.
He reached the end of the line where Marrow was still holding up the pistol he had received from the general and Ironwood noted with satisfaction that the barrel of the pistol was smoking. He held out his hand to indicate that he wanted his pistol back, which Marrow returned with his head down, disappointed in himself.
Marrow, even if he was forced to participate in the execution, will be haunted for the rest of his life by the face of Flynt, who's as disappointed in him as he's in himself. They came out of the training room into the corridor to collect their thoughts.
- He has to be stopped. - He whispered to himself after they left the execution site together with the Ace Ops.
- What? - Harriet turned towards him irritated.
- We can't let the general drop the bomb. - Marrow said louder this time.
- He won't do it. - Elm hoped.
- So what? - Marrow was not so optimistic. - Is he bluffing? With an entire city? Did he give the impression that he's just bluffing?!
- Maybe that will bring those kids to their senses. - Vine was still trying to look at things logically.
- Who cares? - Harriet was completely uninterested by the execution of the prisoners and didn't care about Mantle either.
Suddenly, the general came again, with Winter at his side.
- Good, you're here. - This time, Ironwood just walked along the corridor and stopped in front of them, while the Ace Ops just stood guard. - I need a squad of robots to drop the bomb.
- But sir, why? - Winter was once again terrified by the general's order.
- I think I made it clear in the broadcast. - Ironwood said as if it was so obvious. - If they give me a reason, I'll take Mantle out of the map. Just like traitors. This is how we save Atlas. - The general just turned around and started down the corridor.
- That's it! - Marrow finally broke out, something he had kept inside him for so long and which Flynt's death had awakened into him. - Youe execute your loyal soldiers?! Drop a bomb on a city full of innocents?! Is this how you want to save Atlas?! You do Salem's work for her?!
- You again? - The general stopped, but didn't turn around. - I gave you a second chance, Marrow. Do not hope for a third one.
- I believed in you! - Marrow has already understood that he and his teammates are no longer hunters, but soldiers who only blindly follow the orders of their blind leader. - I thought we could work for a good cause! But now you're throwing everything away.
- If you don't shut up, I'll shut up for you! - Harriet grabbed him by the shoulder to order him.
- If that's what gets the kids to cooperate, then it's worth it. - Vine tried to make sense of the general's tactics.
- I don't like it either, - Elm didn't want innocent blood on their hands either. - but the top priority...
- Do you even believe what you say?! - Marrow looked again at the general, who in the meantime turned around and then turned back to his team. - Do you believe in him at all?! I used to wear this uniform and rank proudly. - He remembered well how proud he was when he became the first faunus in the Atlas Ace Ops, but that pride went to the grave with Flynt's death. - But I already know what they really are. - He looked angrily at the general, who used his status and superiority in rank to force him to commit atrocities that he couldn't even imagine. - Handcuffs and a collar.
Marrow no longer intended to be a part of either the Ace Ops or the Atlas army, so he angrily started walking in the other direction of the corridor, only to stop when he heard a click.
- Do you want handcuffs and a collar?! - Winter beat him in the face and sent him to the floor. She took his weapon and handcuffed him. - Fine. - She stood the man up and began to pull him behind her. - I'll throw this traitor in a cell where he belongs.
The general said nothing, just nodded in satisfaction, holding the secured pistol he had put away after Winter had dragged Marrow into an elevator. He continued down the hall until the rest of the Super Team stood out of his way.
It was an incredible bit lacking of shooting Marrow at there.
The situation in the Schnee family's mansion was desperate, as most of the team was exhausted or seriously injured. Yang, Penny, Nora, and Lance were the injured, Ren was upstairs to see Nora, Blake stayed with Yang and Jaune treated the injured with his Semblance.
The remaining fighting team members were Ruby, Weiss, Neo, Oscar and Emerald and they gathered in the dining room to discuss how to proceed.
- Okay, - Weiss clarified the situation. - Ironwood wants Penny or he'll destroy Mantle. How do we stop him? - She looked at Ruby curiously.
- The problem is that Uncle Qrow and Robyn are still in captivity. - Ruby reminded them.
Neo indicated that she wanted to say something, so she typed on her Scroll.
"The security robots are monitoring the Crater and the inhabitants of Mantle who are trapped like this."
- And we don't have much time, a few hours at most, until Salem comes back. - Oscar added.
- Then it's an impossible situation. - Ruby wondered what they could be.
- See? - Emerald, who until now only stood in the corner and listened to the others, just shrugged her shoulders. - If Ms. Hero who usually has an answer to everything doesn't even know the answer, so does ours?
- Oh, shut up! - Weiss silenced.
"If you don't have a plan, why did you speak?" Neo wrote again in her Scroll, which Emerald only read with annoyance.
- Look, - Oscar tried to come up with something. - something can be done for sure. Ozpin's back and maybe he can help. - He looked at the girls, but Neo and Emerald looked at him in disbelief and Weiss looked at him suspiciously, but Ruby just pressed her head on the dining table in bewilderment. - All this doubt, worry and mistrust leads nowhere.
- THEN NOTHING IS CHANGED! - Ruby snapped and hit the table. - We are exactly where we were yesterday! We argue about what to do while the kingdom is waiting to die! Several members of the team were injured, Roman was kidnapped and we can only guess who will destroy Atlas first, Salem or Ironwood!
Ruby was completely distraught and stormed out of the dining room.
Jaune's return was good news for the wounded, as he was able to start healing them with his Semblance, so they would soon be able to fight again.
Of course, his teammate, Nora, was the first to take his turn, as her whole body was covered with dark orange vein-like scars, the majority of which were bandaged. Jaune did his best, for at least ten minutes he amped the aura of the girl who was surrounded by a pink light, she regained consciousness and her aura was doing a better job of healing.
- I... - Ren, who was sitting next to her, was horrified at first when he saw the condition his girlfriend was in, but after Jaune treated her and she got better, he was relieved. Unfortunately, he wasn't a man of words, so he was unable to express what he really felt. - I'm glad you're well. - Nora's face didn't even flinch, as she knew Ren wasn't going to continue.
- I'm sorry. - Jaune huffed after he stopped reinforcing. - No matter how much I amp you, the scars won't go away.
- Don't apologize. - Nora just sat up indifferently and looked to the side offended. - I got hurt because I was doing what I always do. - She held her scarred arm in front of him. - Just another stupid move from Nora.
- That's... - Ren was unable to listen to the girl's self-flagellation and jumped up. - not true!
- How would you know? - Nora turned offended towards the boy, who pushed her and his team away. - We were supposed to be a team, but that didn't matter to you! When things went wrong, you pushed us away! You push away people around you so you don't have to feel painful things! - After she finished, she laid back on the bed panting tiredly and turned away from Ren.
- You're right. - Ren answered in acknowledgment. - I have to apologize to both of you. When we lost the Lamp and things got tough, - He remembered well how hard he tried to become better and stronger, which caused him to alienate his most important friends, so he sat back on the bed in shame. - I said terrible things. Since... - He tried to find the right words. - I was angry with myself. For not being as good as the Ace Ops, for what happened at Robyn's rally, and for losing the Lamp. I thought if I just focused on working harder, getting stronger, then we... - He looked up at his teammates, Jaune just looked at him in shock as Nora's face changed from angry to sad. - I won't fail. But the biggest failure as a teammate and… - He looked at Nora, the girl he'd been with for so long, yet they weren't really a couple. - as a couple.
The girl looked up at the boy, who finally began to write around everything that she had been trying to suggest to him for so long. Finally, he began to understand her feelings for him.
- Uhm... - Jaune noticed that he was right in the middle of a romantic scene and he could only be a distraction here. - Well then... - He stood up nervously. - it's all in the past, buddy! - He walked awkwardly towards the exit. - I, um... I'm going to go see if Klein needs any help with Yang, Lance, or Penny! - He quickly slipped out the door to leave the couple in love alone.
- Ren, I wish... - After Jaune left, Nora was able to talk to the boy much more freely, although it wasn't easy either. - I mean... why didn't you say anything? Maybe we failed as a team, but we also achieved success.
- I was the one who held us back! - Ren clarified. - Not Jaune, not you, but me.
- Well, you're wrong about that. - Nora sadly shrugged her shoulders. - I just tell stupid jokes and smash things with a hammer.
- What?! - Ren quickly stood up and went closer to the girl. - That's not true! - Nora sighed doubtfully and closed her eyes. - You put everything into what you do! You support and help everyone around you without worrying about getting hurt. And that's what I like... - His words suddenly stopped when he noticed that he was holding the girl's hand, whose eyes popped out in shock. - That's why... - Ren didn't care what happened next, he didn't care about logic or reason, he had to say it. - that's why I love you.
Unfortunately, the response from her wasn't what he had hoped for. Nora had always wanted Ren to say those words to her, but now she didn't know if he would be able to reciprocate the way he felt.
- When my mother ran away from the Grimm and left me, you found me. - Nora explained and smiled. - We became Ren and Nora. - She liked the way their couple was called, but she remembered something that spoiled her joy. - But on this mission I realized that I have no idea who "only Nora" is. And if I ever want to find out, - She nervously rubbed one thumb over the other hand. - then I have to do it alone. - The fact that she couldn't reciprocate the feelings of the boy, whom she practically forced into the relationship, brought tears to her eyes. - Because I've always loved you, Lie Ren, and that pretty head on your shoulder seems to be doing much better. - The boy smiled at her praise, but was also saddened by what she said. - But I still need to fix mine before I can be the girlfriend you need. - The girl also broke down, which made her tremble and cross her arms and turn away so that the boy wouldn't see her crying. - Is that... okay?
With his Semblance, Ren saw the pink leaves flying around Nora, which meant that her love for him never wavered, he felt the same for her as before, only doubting himself if he would be able to be a worthy match. Exactly as he has been.
- It's perfectly fine. - Ren caressed her face, straightened her orange hair and wiped the tears from her eyes. He leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her lips, then in an unexpected moment he poked her nose, the way she had done the first day in Beacon. - Boop.
Jaune was relieved when he was out of the picture as his two best friends and teammates were having an intimate conversation with each other. He made his way to another room in the mansion, where to the best of his knowledge, Yang was very badly injured when she was brought back.
- The Healer's here, let me see the injured! - Jaune tried to stay positive, but he paled quite a bit when he saw that the two girls were hugging each other in the bed. Blake sat on the edge of the bed, gently and comfortingly stroking Yang's back and hair, who's still shaking from the fears of the past.
- Jaune? - Blake turned her head away from her girlfriend to look at the boy, who again felt embarrassed for walking into a second love scene.
- Uhm... - Jaune turned to leave, blushing. - I can come back later...
- Wait, - Blake stood up to stop him. - stay! Yang needs your amp.
- Oh, fine. - Relieved, Jaune went closer to the wounded girl and held out one of his hands. - Are you okay? - He asked, as Yang started to extend her trembling hand, but stopped.
- It's okay, - Yang. Blake assured her. - you know Jaune will help.
- Thank you. - Whispered Yang, before she took the boy's hand with her human hand, then a yellow light appeared around her and her wounds began to heal.
- I can heal your wounds, - Jaune felt that Yang's injuries on her body didn't even come close to the wounds inflicted by her souls. - but I can't deal with emotional trauma.
- Don't worry. - Blake sat back next to Yang, whose purple bruise around her eye was starting to disappear. - Everything will be fine in time.
- Nothing is fine. - Yang shook his head. - The same thing happened when I fought Adam last time! Defeated and… - She felt the absence of her ring finger as Jaune took her hand. - another part of me has gone. - Her heart began to beat at a crazy pace, sweat began to flow from her and her whole body trembled. - And if Neo hadn't shown up in time...
- Hey! - Blake was next to her, holding her robot hand and putting her own hand on her shoulder to calm her down. - I'm here. I didn't run away now. And I never will.
- I... - Yang's cuts also started to heal, although the scars remained. - I appreciate it.
- I wish we could have done something with Ren. - Jaune felt a little guilty about Yang's injuries.
- You and Ren were quite exhausted and could barely handle Mandy. - Yang didn't blame any of them at all. - If I hadn't hold Adam, you probably wouldn't have survived.
- Yeah, - Blake, who wasn't there, was proud of her girlfriend, who acted very bravely. - because it's you. A brave protector who always thinks of others first, even when you are afraid.
- Oh, - Yang Blake's words made her blush a little and calm down. - I... I'm glad you were never scared of me, even when you didn't like me that much.
- Around then... - Blake remembered the old days, when she always closed herself off from others and was quick to judge people. - I was confused about people.
- But you never gave them up. - Yang added after the bruises on her body were also fixed. - Not even though they hurt you. - She pulled her hand out of Jaune's to hug Blake. - You never gave up, no matter how hard it was.
- Uhm... - It dawned on Jaune again that he was once again involved in a romantic scene where he was once again the third wheel. - I think Yang will be fine from now on! - He turned quickly and rushed towards the exit. - I look at Lance and Penny! If you need anything, just let me know! - He reached the exit. - Two out of two.
He left the room, leaving the two girls alone, who were confessing things to each other that they had never done before, and with his departure, they became much braver.
- Blake... - Yang blushed completely and was afraid to say what she was thinking. - I... - She felt as if she was standing on the edge of a cliff, from which she was about to jump, but she couldn't see what was in front of her because it was covered in fog and she was afraid that she would fall.
- Just... - Blake, who's face was also flaming red, tried to encourage her, since she was clearly thinking the same thing as her. - say it, Yang.
- I... - Yang took a deep breath and felt the flood after her. - I think I love you.
- I love you too! - Blake snapped at her, smiling.
Yang looked wide-eyed into the yellow eyes of the faunus girl, who was lost in her purple eyes and jumped into her arms. They embraced each other as they had done so many times before and shared a passionate kiss, the first since they had truly professed their love.
Jaune just shook his head awkwardly and then walked over to the room where Penny and Lance were and prayed that at least the two of them weren't romancing. Not sure he could handle a third awkward romantic moment.
- Jaune? - He suddenly heard his girlfriend's worried voice behind him.
- Weiss? - Jaune didn't know what to say when he met her worried gaze.
- I was worried about you. - The girl curled her fingers in front of her and looked at the floor, then raised her light blue gaze to look into the boy's deep blue eyes. - Especially for you.
- We couldn't leave Oscar behind. - Jaune answered. - Your sister Winter captured us, but let us go into that Grimm whale and get him out.
- I see... - Weiss just stepped closer to the boy and then hugged him with such strength as if she never wanted to let him go. - I'm so glad you're not dead. - She whispered in his ear, and then her tears started to flow.
- Hey, - Jaune returned the hug gently and began to gently caress the back of the girl who was crying because of him. - no problem. I'm here and I'm fine.
Cinder's break into the academy prison came in handy for Robyn and Qrow, as she damaged the structure of the cells and disabled the energy shields. Although their weapons weren't at hand, this didn't mean that they were helpless.
Although Cinder was already far away with Watts on her back, leaving the damaged prison behind with several places on fire, more Atlas soldiers arrived to secure the site and recapture the prisoners.
Fortunately, Qrow used his bird form again, swooping down on one of the soldiers behind whose back he wrapped his arms around his neck and began to squeeze until he passed out from lack of air.
- Stand up! - Another soldier pointing his gun at Robyn, who was lying on the ground and regaining consciousness. - We will transfer another...
Suddenly, Qrow attacked him in the back and knocked him down with the rifle butt he had obtained from his companion.
- Hey, - Qrow held out his hand to help Robyn up. - are you ok?
- Of course. - Robyn was still semi-comatose when she accepted his help. - I just haven't met a person who can turn into a bird.
- Well, - Qrow just scratched the back of his head and looked to the side awkwardly. - I don't show it to many people, - He found himself talking much more in his embarrassment than he was used to. - and basically, I don't like being told off and...
- Calm down, - Robyn just smiled and put her hand on his hip. - I'll keep your secret. - She bent down to pick up the downed soldier's pistol. - Now, let's deal with how we get out of here.
- Well... - Qrow looked at the hole Cinder had blasted, from which he had a good view of Atlas. - I could fly away, but I wouldn't leave you here.
- How chivalrous. - Robyn walked towards the security door, which was clearly locked.
- One of them might have permission. - Qrow searched the soldiers and found a card on one of them which he touched to the door terminal before the door opened.
In front of the two Hunters was a set of stairs, which they ran up, but they heard the alarm go off, which clearly indicated their escape. When they reached the stairs, they turned right and found themselves in a large but empty computer room. They sensed that they weren't alone, but it was the only way to the weapon storage, where they could retrieve the Harbinger and Robyn's crossbow.
- Stop! - A group of Atlas soldiers and robots hit them with all kinds of rifles, handguns and whatnot.
Both Hunters ducked behind a desk and Qrow was the first to open fire.
- Hey! - Robyn immediately grabbed him and pulled him back behind the desk.
- What are you doing?! - Qrow didn't understand why she stopped him.
- We are hunters and we have no right to take their lives! - Robyn reminded him that the soldiers only follow orders.
- I don't care! - Qrow didn't even want to hear about pardoning the soldiers. - They're in our way, so I'll kill them until I reach the general!
- That girl in the red cloak, - Robyn remembered Ruby well. - is your daughter?
- She's... - Qrow thought about everything he and Summer taught Ruby and what they raised her to do and he didn't even think about how she would look at him if the blood of innocents stuck to his hands. - my niece.
- Oh, - Robyn looked to the side a little. - whatever, she looks up to you quite a bit. What an example you are setting for her. Hunters and Huntresses must protect people, even if they make the wrong decision.
Robyn said something again that reminded Qrow of Summer again and realized that if she was here, she would say the same thing.
- So what do you suggest? - Qrow finally gave in and waited for Robyn to show up.
- Hm. - Robyn looked around the office to map out the place. The place was full of desks for them to hide behind and behind which they could hide here and there. The soldiers were at the end of the place and were holding them under fire, but the ceiling was full of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. - Can you turn back into a bird?
- Yeah? - Qrow wondered what kind of tactics Robyn had come up with.
Robyn emerged from cover and shot down two robots, shooting them straight in the head as the soldiers and other robots returned fire. She hid behind the desks, took a new position, and by the time the soldiers reached her old place, she had a cold place. It was like playing a game of amoeba.
She ducked again and shot three more robots from a completely different location and ducked back before her opponents could fire.
This went on for a while, until Robyn shot down all the robots and obtained a grenade from one of the downed robots, which she activated and threw.
Boom
The many desks, papers and computer devices flew high in the air and the soldiers didn't even know where to turn their heads when Qrow appeared, who had been hiding in the form of a bird until now, waiting for the signal that Robyn gave.
Using the power of surprise, Qrow knocked down the first soldier with his bare hands, pinned the second one, and Robyn hit the third one with a monitor.
- We just wasted our time. - Qrow didn't feel very satisfied that they got through without killing anyone.
They made their way to another room full of cabinets and a large computer. There was a soldier and a robot in the room and they were quickly neutralized, the robot was shot dead and the soldier knocked out before he could sound the alarm.
The soldier also had another card that allowed Qrow to open the lockers.
- Do the cameras in the hallway go all the time? - Qrow asked when he found Harbinger in one of the closets.
Robyn didn't answer, she just looked at the computer monitor in shock and shock as she heard Ironwood's ultimatum.
- He's really... - She could barely find words, since she didn't even see a spark of regret or hesitation in the general's eyes. - gonna do. - Added to this was the fact that she managed to get into the system, where the robots have put the bomb on a plane and are just waiting for the command to drop it on Mantle.
- Not if we stop him. - Qrow walked over to Robyn and handed her her crossbow.
Robyn had a bad taste in her mouth, but she took her weapon and knew that without a fight or bloodshed, they wouldn't be able to draw much longer.
Once they got their weapons back, they had an easier time disposing of the soldiers without killing them. Robyn switched her explosive arrows to stun and Qrow hit with Harbinger's blunt end, both of them were painful, but no one was killed or permanently injured.
Fortunately, they didn't have to kill anyone by the time they reached the main elevator, which could take them to any floor of the academy. Either to the exit or somewhere else.
- Wait! - Robyn caught his hand before he could press the call button. - Maybe there is another way. - He saw in Qrow's eyes the anger and hatred that he clearly felt for a certain person and she was afraid that this anger would lead him in the wrong direction.
- Well, I'm f*cking telling you there isn't! - Qrow was willing to spare the soldiers, since they were only following the orders of a madman, but he didn't want to hear about Ironwood being spared.
- It's not just about you, - Robyn insisted. - but about everyone!
- I'll do it all for Atlas, if you hadn't figured out! - Qrow was still determined.
- And how? - Robyn couldn't find any logic in what he said.
- I'm going up, - He pointed upwards. - straight to the academy headmaster's office and I'll kill that bastard!
- But how?! - Robyn emphasized her previous question. - The general is surrounded by guards! At least 30-40 soldiers and robots, Hunters and even the Ace Ops are there! You wouldn't be able to touch the door handle of the office before they killed you! Use your mind!
- BUT HE DESERVES IT! - Qrow's thread broke and he cried out before Robyn quickly covered his mouth and pushed him against the wall to silence him. Fortunately, there was no one around.
- Listen, - Robyn sighed in relief. - I get it. - When she turned to Qrow, in addition to all the anger, she saw the pain and sadness in the man's eyes, which was already there when she first saw her on the tundra. - You're hurt. You've been hurt quite a long time. - Although she felt sorry for Qrow, she couldn't let his pain get in the way of making the right decision. - But let's not pretend that what you are preparing for is something other than yourself.
Qrow knew deep down that what Robyn said was true, but the anger and pain of losing Clover was still too deep and he just couldn't let it go. He couldn't accept that the man who got killed his best friend, who would sacrifice the lives of thousands of innocent people to cowardly save his own skin, was here, it would take a few button presses to try and finish him off, just let him go.
- Clover was many things. - Robyn understood exactly what Qrow was going through right now. - You respected him, but I must say that you are the better Hunter. - She said that as honestly as possible and Qrow already understood. Robyn sees in him, the same something that Summer has seen for so long. Something he hadn't bothered to look for in a long time. - Not only because you are the one who survived, but because you are the one who fights for what you think is right.
Qrow relaxed and lowered his head, as he was forced to realize that there was no way the two of them would be able to get as close as Ironwood.
- Please don't say, - Robyn stepped closer to the man and stroked his shaven face. - that this has changed. - Qrow looked up into the woman's purple eyes, which weren't stern, not demanding, but concerned as she stared into his pale red and sorrowful eyes.
During the conversation, they didn't even notice that someone had just arrived with the elevator. Since there was no time to hide, they prepared their weapons and aimed at the elevator, but when they saw who was inside, their words stopped.
In the great hall of the Schnee mansion, where there was a great mess, since the Hound had recently been defeated and killed, not even the ruins of the fallen knight's statue had been removed. Unfortunately, when Ruby saw the human skeleton arm again under the rubble, all that was left of the terrible Grimm that nearly killed Penny and all of them, she remembered what was deep within the Grimm.
A Silver Eyed man who was caught by Salem and who knows what she did to him to make him like this. He remembered someone who had the same eyes as him and that person and her absence caused such pain in her heart that she had to sit down at the bottom of the stairs.
Ruby didn't even notice when Neo approached the wreckage and saw the skeletal hand sticking out, she was walking so quietly.
Neo was told by the others that the Hound had attacked the mansion and wanted to take Penny, but Ruby was able to finish it off with her Silver Eyes.
She thought it's unimaginable, as she, Roman and the others could barely handle the beast, which Ruby was able to kill in the blink of an eye. Roman mentioned in a message that Ruby has some special ability that can destroy any powerful Grimm.
It's unbelievable to Neo that such a power could exist, but during her time with Salem she realized that there were many things that neither she nor Roman had any idea about. Ruby's eyes can be like that too.
- Did they tell you what really happened? - Ruby breathed to Neo, who stared curiously at the sad girl. - He had the same eyes as me... - Ruby had the words on the tip of her tongue, but when it was her turn to say them, her heart broke. - and... like my mother.
Neo, unable to speak, typed on her Scroll.
"Roman told me about the power of your eyes and also about the loss of your mother."
- Yes. - Ruby replied. - She had the same eyes. - She looked at the debris again and still couldn't forget the face of the man she saw in the Hound's body. - And something like that could have happened to her.
"Were you close to your mother?", Neo typed, remembering her own mother who had lied to her and emotionally manipulated her for a lifetime.
- She was my hero. - Ruby just gripped the marble banister of the stairs. - And Yang's too. She was what we both wanted to become. She was kind, understanding, brave and always knew what's right. But one day… - Ruby took a deep breath to ease her pain. - she just didn't come back. We don't know what happened to her.
"You're lucky you had a nice mom at least."
- Did your mother leave you, like Roman's? - Ruby found it a little sad that neither Roman nor Neo had a mother.
"Not exactly. She was strict, lied and emotionally manipulated me. But what hurt the most was that my parents were ashamed of me and locked me in my room all my childhood."
- This is terrible. - For Ruby, it was unimaginable that a mother could treat her daughter like this. - Where is she now?
"She's dead and so is my father. I killed them.", Neo's mouth trembled a little and turned to the side as she thought of her parents. It didn't matter how much they shamed her, how much they manipulated her or tried to control her or put her in danger, they were still her parents and she loved them.
- It's... - Ruby was at a loss for words.
"It's their own fault. Greed was their undoing, even though I had a hand in their deaths."
- Do you regret it? - Ruby saw in Neo that she was also tormented by the pain caused by the loss of her parents and she just nodded. - When I saw his eyes... - She looked back at the debris. - I knew. Salem hunted Silver Eyed people like Maria. She wanted me alive too and now I know why. - Tears started to flow from her eyes. - When she met mom and the other Silver Eyed people, she realized she could create something new horror. - She wiped away the tears and gathered herself. - We must not lie to ourselves! I wasted our time trying to lift the Amity, thinking that help would come, but it didn't and the Amity fell. - Ruby lowered her head and didn't even notice that Neo was standing towards her and holding her Scroll in front of her.
"Roman sacrificed himself so I could escape and save the others. If he hadn't, Salem would have caught me, your sister would have been burned alive and who knows what would have happened to the others.", Ruby raised her head and saw that Neo also cried when she thought of Roman. "Just like you, Roman was an optimist and had a plan. You are similar to Roman in one way.", Ruby couldn't believe what she was reading. "Like him, you always hope, no matter how slim your odds are. And that's exactly what makes you such a good leader."
- That's exactly what Roman said, - Ruby shook her head. - but you see how well it worked.
"Everyone makes mistakes. No one knows what's right and anyone who claims to know is actually lying.", Ruby heard these exact words from Roman, whom she considered her mentor. "If you give up because of one failure, it's all over."
- Why do you say that? - Ruby couldn't believe that Neo was the one trying to encourage her the most.
"Roman believed in you. He said he would bet everything for your victory. And I believe him. Pull yourself together, Little Red, because the world needs you."
Feeling a little better, Ruby stood up and hugged Neo, who felt a little uncomfortable about it.
A crash of glass interrupted the intimate moment and they saw Jaune running down the stairs.
- Quick! - The boy ran to the exit of the mansion, then the two girls followed him.
Outside in front of the mansion's entrance was Penny, who was increasingly being taken over by the virus.
- I can't delay any longer. - Penny went robotically and switched on the rocket boots.
- Penny, stop! - Ruby reached out in front of her with her Semblance and grabbed her.
- I... - Penny briefly broke out from the effects of the virus again, but it took a lot of effort and her eyes changed from red to green again. - I have to... open the Vault! - She took her head in her hands, but in vain, the virus increasingly took control of her. - I... don't... want...
- Penny! - Lance, who was healed thanks to Jaune, ran out of the mansion to help the robot girl.
- Ruby... Lance... - Penny couldn't fight any longer. - stop me!
- Penny! - Ruby hugged Penny and Lance also tried to hold her down.
- I have to open the Vault, - Penny's eyes finally turned red and the virus took control of her again. - and self destruct myself. - She turned her rocket boots back on.
- No! - Lance and Ruby grabbed her with as much force as they could handle, but in vain, Penny flew up into the air with both of them.
- I'm here! - Blake threw Gumbo Shroud after them, the end of which she hooked into Penny's wrist so that it wouldn't fly away, then they were dragged along with Neo and Yang.
- I'll catch you! - Ren wrapped the blades of his submachine gun around Penny's other wrist, then Oscar and Nora were held together.
- I grab her! - Weiss summoned a black gravity rune under Penny, pinning her to the ground.
- But what should we do?! - Nora was at a loss.
Unfortunately, they couldn't hold it for long, because Penny's red eyes started to blaze green and she summoned a huge windstorm that pushed the others aside, but they didn't let go.
- I must open the Vault and self destruct myself! - In Penny, the virus grew bigger and bigger and was already able to command the power of the Maiden and rise into the air
Emerald hooked the two chained pickaxes on both of her shoulders to help the others keep the robot girl on the ground.
- Somebody do something! - Emerald shouted.
Jaune immediately went to his girlfriend, who he hugged and amped Weiss with his Semblance, with which he was able to force her to the ground again.
- Penny, please! - Ruby continued to shake the girl.
- Don't let a stupid program control you! - Lance also tried to encourage her.
- Just tell us how we can help! - Ruby hugged Penny.
- Kill me. - Penny's eyes turned green again and she gave the answer that scared everyone. - Kill me and I can ensure that the Maiden's power comes to you, Ruby. - Ruby and everyone else looked at the robot girl in shock, who would rather die free than submit to a virus that would force her to harm others. - Please. Please! - Penny yelled more and more desperately and her eyes were fighting again between red and green. - I can't fight it!
- Yes you can! - Ruby squeezed her tighter and tighter.
- Just a part of you, remember?! - Nora reminded them of their previous conversation. - If you were just a machine, you wouldn't even be able to fight it!
- You have a soul, Penny! - Lance also reminded Penny of her human side.
- You are right! - Ruby had an idea. - Jaune, boost your aura!
Without a word, Jaune released Weiss to rush to Penny, he placed his hand on her and the white light was already flowing into the robot girl, causing a green light to surround her body.
Penny opened her green eyes and was relieved to note how much easier she was able to repel the virus.
- Any success? - Lance also calmed down when he saw how much better Penny felt after Jaune's amp.
- I think so. - Penny also sighed in relief, then Ruby hugged her, followed by Lance, Jaune and everyone else rushed to hug the robot girl.
- Then... - Jaune hoped. - did I stop the virus?
- No. - Penny, although she was glad to be able to control herself again, she felt that it wasn't over yet. - It's still there.
- But you have an aura, Penny, - Ruby reminded her of an old conversation they had back in Beacon. - and a soul. That's why you are our friend and not just a machine. - Ruby hugged her again, followed by Nora and Lance.
- I think you are wrong. - Suddenly, Emerald spoke up, who was just a little further away, sitting cross-legged and putting her chain picks away. - I highly doubt that you are where you've started. - The others looked at her a little pointedly and she continued awkwardly. - I mean, yes, your *ss got kicked around quite a bit, you got a few injuries, lost people and... partly my fault, but now you're at war. There will be more losses and injuries. - She took a deep breath and said what had been weighing on her heart for some time. - Look, I'll be super pissed if you decide to give up now, when I'm switching side!
- Switching side? - Oscar laughed and looked at the girl, who was already sitting on pins and needles waiting for the answer.
- Aw. - Everyone just giggled at Emerald's reaction as her doubts were swept away.
- Or... - Emerald blushed awkwardly and looked to the side. - something similar. - Oscar approached her and held out his hand, indicating that she was accepted and welcome among their ranks, which she accepted.
- If you don't mind, - Oscar continued as he turned to the team. - I think Ozpin wants to say something.
- Go on. - Ruby nodded towards him, and Oscar's eyes flashed yellow, indicating that Ozpin had taken control of him.
- I recently remembered an old tale. - Ozpin walked leaning on his cane and began to say his story sadly. - About a young girl who fled from the consequences of her decision to a magical place. But because she never learned from her initial mistake, she failed to achieve anything but spread it. - He stopped, leaned on his cane with both hands, then sighed in frustration as he looked at the faces of the young people who once believed in him and put all their trust in him. - I let you all down. - He started drumming nervously on the stick with one of his fingers, which was a sign that he was now speaking completely honestly and was afraid of what the team's reaction would be. - I should have entrusted the truth to you and I shouldn't have run away the day you found out.
- That was tough, but... - Yang raised her left, human hand, which was missing one finger, in understanding.
- I think after everything that happened here, we understand. - Blake wasn't angry either. - Trust is...
- Trust is risk. - Weiss also understood what Ozpin had done and together with her team, she now understood the dangers of trust.
Until now, they didn't realize how lucky they are to be able to trust RWBY, JNR, the LLMM teams and the others.
- Then I hope, - Ozpin looked at them pleadingly. - that you will be willing to take that risk with me again.
No one said anything as they all thought that Ozpin had made a mistake in not trusting them with the truth and even more so in running away. However, they considered Roman, Neo and Emerald switching sides and came to the conclusion that Ozpin deserves a second chance as well.
- I can still feel it, - Penny clutched her chest painfully. - how it fights me.
- I can't boost her forever. - Jaune shook his head in frustration.
- And we can't keep Ironwood waiting long either. - Ren reminded the others of the general's ultimatum.
- Guys, - Nora put her hand on Penny's shoulder, who was suffering more and more, and saw that she was getting worse. - she has to go to the Vault.
- But then... - Lance and the others looked on sadly, knowing that there was no other way to save Penny.
- That... - Ruby had another idea. - is a risk that we haven't even thought about.
- What are you talking about? - Lance shook his head in confusion.
With the army weakened enough by Salem's horde of Grimm, it wasn't too difficult for Adam and Mandy to sneak into the city where the residents were still in shelters. Cinder gave them the rendezvous point where they would meet and where they were already waiting.
Watts was hacking a damaged robot's communicator, which he used to eavesdrop on a conversation between Ironwood and the renegade Hunters, in which Ruby was talking to the general.
- She'll do it. - Ruby's voice could be heard over the communicator.
- Penny come alone and unarmed. - Ironwood commanded.
- Are you here? - Cinder noticed the two faunus out of the corner of her eye.
- Then, - Mandy took the Lamp from her belt and handed it to Cinder. - do you have a plan?
- It depends, - Cinder just took it confidently. - what's the password?
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