Original concept by Korra
Written by MechaG11
Part One: The World of Remnant Arc
-Chapter 4: Ups and Downs
The sun shines brightly upon Vale. The Flash zips around as Yellow Lantern gathers various building materials. In cooperation with all of the available construction crews in the city, they begin to reassemble what was once destroyed the night before. Watching from up high was General Ironwood, gazing through a massive window to view the clean-up and reconstruction effort. Rescue crews and even his own soldiers work around the clock searching for survivors and re-uniting families.
Behind him, a door opens. Security allows Superman into the room. Ironwood asks that Kal sit down at a large desk, prepared by his assistants ahead of time. Superman seats himself, security closes the door from the outside, and the window next to Ironwood electronically dims itself so that none can see in or out of it. Daylight is shut out before it is replaced with the room's interior lighting.
Ironwood addresses him "Thank you for coming, Kal. I'd like to say that we of Atlas and Vale are very thankful for everything you've done for us in the past twenty-four hours. For that you have my deepest gratitude."
"But you have questions?" asked Superman.
"Precisely." replied Ironwood. "If you don't mind starting with the basics: who you are, where you're from, and your motives."
Superman leans forward before speaking. He anticipated that he would be questioned, and had already prepared an explanation for his team's presence here.
He starts "It may be difficult to understand, but my team and I are not from this universe. We aren't from this, dimension, to be more specific." Kal continued to explain the origin of his friends and his own identity as a Kryptonian Alien. He told Ironwood about planet Earth.
Ironwood paused to think, and then spoke. "So Multiverse theory is real? I'd have thought something like that would only reside in the works of science fiction. It would explain your abilities though. No human or faunus has ever had powers of your team's caliber."
Well…except one.
The General continued "Then may I ask: How and why did you get here?"
Superman was quick to reply: "An accident. In a battle against terrorists on my world a special machine in our possession was destroyed. Causing a portal to the multiverse to open and swallow us. The portal appearing and taking us here was unprecedented."
While it was true that an explosion did spur an accident, he was omitting his intent to travel to another world. He deemed such circumstances were best for Ironwood to not be aware of. In this moment he only needed Ironwood to be on his side.
Superman adds "As for our intent, General, back on our world we were simply heroes. We help everyone, and protect them from criminals around the world. Criminals like the terrorists we fought just before arriving here."
Ironwood chuckled. "Is that so? It's almost as if you've come straight out of fantasy. Heroes battling evil not as a militant force, but a group of warriors for social justice."
Superman couldn't help but silently acknowledge the irony in what the General said.
"You know we too face our own brand of terrorists in this world." stated Ironwood. "Peaceful protesters turned violent radicals. Stealing military weapons and bombing occupied trains. We at Atlas don't like to admit it, but our efforts to stop them have been well…" Ironwood stops. "Apologies, I didn't mean to veer off topic."
"No need to apologize." said Superman. He stood up "I know everything I've explained was a bit hard to believe. I hope you can find it in you to trust my word."
Ironwood smirks "It borders on absurd for sure, but right now I can find no other explanation. You don't strike me as the type to lie, Kal. You and your friends are more extraordinary than any huntsman I've ever witnessed. To tell the truth we could use someone like you among us." Ironwood extends his hand to Kal. "I hope we can continue working together."
Superman shook Ironwood's hand without hesitation. "Likewise." he said, solidifying their newly formed camaraderie.
Ironwood states "Considering your circumstance, you must understand we cannot allow the truth of your identities and nature of your arrival here to be known to the public. I'll have to conceive a cover story to better explain your presence here."
Kal understood. Alternate dimensions, aliens, magical amazons and the like would be hard to explain to the public. Kal and his team will most likely have to present themselves with false backgrounds, but his team of former Leaguers are no strangers to secret identities.
Ironwood heads for the door "There are matters I need to attend to. You may do as you like, and if you need assistance my men are under orders to accommodate you for any basic needs."
"Actually, there is something we could discuss." replied Superman.
Ironwood paused and turned around, curious to what Kal could possibly need.
Kal shot Ironwood a serious look. "Next time we meet, perhaps you can tell me more about those terrorists."
The General seemed surprised at the request, but then nodded. Despite so few words spoken he immediately understood Kal's intention behind that question. Once Vale had recovered, the two would have much work to do. The Battle of Beacon would only be the first of many victories that follow, and there's no better place to start than dealing with the White Fang.
Five days pass after the Battle of Beacon. A crowd bustles in the city. Those who've gathered arrived to witness the press conference held by General Ironwood. He eagerly presented the saviors of Vale, insisting on labeling the four as "Heroes" instead of Huntsmen. He introduced them with their flashy nicknames: Superman, Wonder Woman, Yellow Lantern, and The Flash. He then disclosed the identity of the villain who orchestrated the tragic event: Cinder Fall, who was declared deceased after being dispatched by Superman. The CCT was fortunately repaired, thanks to the efforts by the heroes and the Valian-Atlas construction effort. Now the world would know what truly happened. At least, the truth as Ironwood told it.
Present at the same press conference was Weiss Schnee, cautiously wading through the crowd. She lingered hoping that she could once again see Diana, the hero she had met that night of the battle. Among the crowd were the heroes who were greeting the droves of people up close and answering questions for occasional press. She took a great risk coming here knowing her father's men were still on the hunt for her. Disguised in a hooded coat she borrowed from Nora, she hoped to avoid a possible confrontation with the press or the SDC. Her coat did well to make her look normal, though it was a bit too flowery and colorful for Weiss' taste.
For a while she remained undetected, looking for the opportunity to approach Diana. Her anonymity was compromised after hearing a familiar bark. Weiss jumped, feeling understandably startled. She turns to the side and looks downwards. At her ankles stood Zwei, Ruby's pet dog, who had already recognized her. Weiss supposed it was animal instinct. The canine barked and playfully scratched at her, most likely begging to be pet just like she did for him at Beacon.
"Tch! Zwei, pipe down! Stop that!" complained Weiss.
"Zwei?! Oh! There you are!" called a familiar voice.
Ruby had been searching through the crowd for Zwei. She came running as soon as she spotted her pet and moved to grab him.
She lifted him up and apologized to Weiss. "Sorry about that. He can be a bit of a handful." The two girls' eyes met. "Weiss?" she asked with a tinge of excitement.
Ruby rudely pulled down Weiss' hood so that she could more clearly see her friend's face.
"H-hey!" shouted Weiss.
"It is you!" exclaimed Ruby as she leapt to give her "BFF" a hug.
Weiss stiffened from the sudden embrace, squished by both Ruby and Zwei. Now within close proximity, Zwei happily licked Weiss' face, to her minor dismay. It took a moment to finally be released from the suffocating hug.
Ruby squealed, gleefully. "It's so nice to see youuu! So why are you out here and…wearing Nora's coat?"
"Why indeed." uttered yet another familiar voice.
Weiss' heart sank upon hearing those words. The voice resembled that of an older male, and one she knew all too well. It was a stern but chilling tone she had come to know ever since she was a child. Slowly turning around, she came to realize her worst fear: It was her father, Jacques Schnee. He stared down at her, disapprovingly.
She addressed him "F-father."
Ruby's eyes widened upon hearing that, and looked up at the man standing before them. Suddenly, various people recognized the President of the Schnee Dust Company and flocked to him. Some took pictures, and others were curious to know why he was present there. Used to this kind of publicity, he quickly greeted them before turning his attention back to Weiss.
Jacques closed his eyes and sighed through his nose in a subtly irritated manner. He and his men spent days searching for the heiress during and after the Battle of Beacon. He disciplined himself to be composed in the midst of the public, even if such a public consisted of the noisy Valian rabble. For the sake of his image he showed very little signs of anger and never went as far as having an outburst.
Jacques sighed. "Please remove that dreadful coat. It is unbecoming of you, and I can't address you seriously when adorned with something so…flamboyant."
Ruby disapproved of his comment and scowled, but then noticed Weiss quietly removing the coat. The Heiress looked embarrassed, and was eerily compelled to silently obey. Ruby was surprised by her best friend's sudden change in demeanor. Weiss was the last person she expected to see bend to another's will like this. Handing the coat to Ruby, Weiss adjusted her own posture to appear more proper.
Jacques, with his request fulfilled, properly addresses Weiss. "You must understand what you've put us through. Your mother has been worried sick. You are to meander here no longer." He turns away with his hands behind his back. "Say goodbye to your… friend."
Weiss couldn't help but notice the complete lack of concern for her safety, but she wasn't surprised by that fact. She pauses and faces the floor, hesitant to speak her mind about leaving.
Ruby tugs at Weiss' sleeve, quietly asking "Weiss?"
Finally mustering the courage, she speaks up. "I- I don't want to leave."
Jacques faces his daughter, his expression unfazed. "I'm sorry, but that was not a request, daughter. We are leaving, and that's final. If you're not going to say goodbye then you can come along now."
He takes Weiss' hand, and attempts to lead her away.
"Halt!" commanded a voice.
The crowd parted so that a woman could step through. It was none other than Diana, the Wonder Woman herself. Under normal circumstances Jacques would have dismissed anyone interfering with his personal affairs. Upon recognizing Wonder Woman however, one of the new saviors of Vale, he decided to hold his tongue. He would respectfully hear her out for the moment.
Diana approaches the pair and gestures to Weiss. "This girl is one of the many young warriors who bravely faced the hordes of Grimm during the Battle of Beacon. She has every right to stand here today. I, firsthand, witnessed her tenacity and unflinching resolve to protect her friends in the face of danger."
Weiss had no words. She felt awestruck from receiving such explicit praise from her new hero, even if everything she was saying was simply stating glorified facts. Still, she appreciated the light in which Diana was depicting her in.
Diana placed her hand on Weiss' shoulder. "I am honored to have fought alongside you. You should be commended for your valiant effort, as should all the brave youth who fought on behalf of Vale." She turns to the rest of the crowd. "Do you not agree?!"
Everything from applause, whistles, cheers, and hurrahs sounded from the crowd around them. Weiss and Diana stared down Jacques. The SDC President considered his position, taking in the atmosphere around him. The crowd was on Diana's side, and the cameras were on them. As much as he'd hated being denied, he decided it was best that he abandon his original course of action.
"You're right." replied Jacques. He moves towards Weiss and puts his hands on her shoulders. "It was wrong of me to not take this time to recognize your efforts."
Words of such encouragement from her father were a rare sight, but Weiss knew they lacked any sense of sincerity. It was obvious to her that he was only acting to save face.
Jacques lets her go and gestures to his daughter. "Ladies and gentlemen: My daughter, and Hero of Vale, Weiss Schnee!"
The crowd released a resounding cheer. Several flashes from surrounding cameras illuminated the three. Jacques smiled and waved while Weiss faked a convincing smile. Diana placed her hand on Weiss' arm and nodded for reassurance. Seeing Diana acknowledge her, Weiss grinned and nodded back. Wonder Woman swept in right as her father threatened her day, once again saving her. She didn't have to fake a smile for something amazing as that.
A dash of red swept across the scene followed by an excitable squeal, scattering rose petals in all directions. Ruby, arms open, dashed to Weiss and hugged her once more. Her appearance caught the crowd, Jacques, and even Wonder Woman off guard. Weiss dreaded the initial hug, but worried more about the various press photos that would be released of this later. Now everyone was going to know they were best friends.
"Oh my gosh!" Ruby exclaimed. "You didn't tell me you knew Wonder Woman!"
Weiss loudly replies "It hasn't even been a minute since we met up, how could I have?!"
"And to think I already met Superman! This is so cool! We are so cool!" cheered Ruby.
The following day would see newspapers released with photos of Jacques, Weiss, and Wonder Woman together being celebrated at the press conference, and a picture of Ruby excitedly cheering while hanging onto Weiss. The very thing the Heiress dreaded the day before became reality. She flushes red upon viewing the photo, trying hard not to imagine the other hundreds of copies being read right this moment.
Blake found herself in the Valian Hospital, but not as a patient. Her stab wound was partially treated by the medics after the Battle of Beacon. Not much had to be done since her Aura reliably allowed her to recover from the wound. It had healed up and scarred overnight. She was lucky Adam didn't cause more serious damage, but she understood that was clearly not his intent. The same couldn't be said about the patient waiting in the room ahead.
Anxiety crept over Blake the entire way through the hospital. She was visiting Yang: Her assigned partner at Beacon, near-best friend, and first victim of Adam's crusade against her loved ones. Her mind was drawing blanks, pondering what she would say to Yang. Not to mention the dread she felt imagining what her friend would think of her. Yang didn't deserve to get caught up in this, and yet somehow she became the one to pay for it. Her life had been irreversibly changed, and Blake could only blame herself for what happened.
She found her way to the room and paused at the door. In her hand she held store-bought flowers and a "Get Well" card. She gripped them tightly due to her anxiousness. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then knocked. It took a second, but then Yang's voice called from the other side to invite her in. Blake slowly opened the door and nervously entered. She finally laid eyes upon her friend, and in that moment they made eye-contact. Yang's expression shifted after realizing who it was, but Blake wasn't sure if the change in expression was good or bad. At this point Yang herself might not even know. She could an air of unease, but wasn't sure if it was just fear getting the best of her.
"Hello, Yang." Blake said timidly.
Yang sat for a moment as if she wasn't sure what to say, and then replied. "Hi."
She didn't sound angry, to Blake's relief. Next to Yang's bed was a desk occupied by a set of flowers in vases, which were also grouped with "Get Well" letters. One was most likely from Nora and the rest of team JNPR judging by the overabundance of flowers present in one set, while the other was addressed from Yang's father as well as Ruby. It was nice to know Yang still had so many people that cared for her. Blake thought to put her gifts with the rest of them.
"I brought you these flowers! I- uh, guess you can already see that…" Blake explained, trying to sound somewhat positive. She started toward the desk with the vases to add her own gifts to the collection. "They were pretty tricky to find with so many of the shops closed down." She made her way partially around Yang's bed in order to access the desk. Upon placing her set of flowers she turns to Yang. "Took me some searching, but I found-"
Blake froze. Her ears lowered noticeably through the bow. She wasn't able to see it when she first came in, but when getting around the bed she finally caught a good look at it. Protruding out from Yang's sleeve, bandaged, was what remained of her right arm. Blake's eyes began to well up in tears, her guilt finally manifesting upon seeing what had become of her friend. Adam's promise repeats in her mind, and then she takes a step back.
"I-…I shouldn't be here." she uttered while almost stepping back.
Yang's expression shifted again, but this time it was as if she had finally realized something.
"What did you say?" she questioned.
Blake struggled to get the words out. "I have no right to be here! This happened because of me!"
Yang's voice grew stern. "That's why you tried to run away?! Why Ruby and Weiss had to stop you?"
One, if not both of the other girls, likely explained the situation to Yang before this conversation. Blake may not have had the courage to tell that story if it was left to her to do so.
Yang briefly shakes her head. "Blake I don't blame you for what happened."
Blake, distressed, replied "I can barely live with the fact this happened to you! Adam hurt you to get to me. Why would I stay knowing my friends will be hurt?!"
"Because that's what friends do for each other!" Yang fired back.
Blake's eyes widened. For a moment she stood frozen after what was just said.
Yang explained "You get hurt, you take a hit, sometimes even die for a friend, Blake. You live with it. You bear it all because, well, they're worth it. When I heard what you almost did that night I started to question if you were."
Tears slowly began to run down Yang's face.
"If Ruby and Weiss weren't there to stop you that night I'd be sitting here, alone, wondering why I lost an arm for a friend who was so quick to abandon me when I needed…" She didn't finish her sentence.
Blake spoke up. "Yang, I'm….I'm just so afraid."
Yang replied, appearing more visibly upset. "And you didn't think I wouldn't be?" She turned away and grew quieter. "With my arm being gone…it's hard to think about going forward. Sometimes I overhear the nurses talk about me behind my back. People still think of me as the Huntress-in-training who shot a boy's leg out. Ozpin still hasn't been found, and Penny and Pyrrha…are dead. I just…don't know what to do."
Blake, sensing Yang's need, runs over to hold her. The blonde seemingly doesn't react to embrace.
Yang utters "I take the hits, I have to be strong for everyone, but I'm not invincible…"
She leans in and uses Blake's shoulder to cry on, clinging to her friend as she does.
"I'll make one thing certain…" promised Blake. "I'm not leaving you. You won't have to go forward alone."
Yang felt like she was glowing inside. Blake managed to say the exact words she needed to hear, and she felt more secure because of it. Her hold on Blake grew snugger, and in that moment she could feel how warm Blake was. It was so simple an act, yet immediately comforting. She could rest a bit easier knowing she wouldn't be alone now. By the end of the day everything felt a little less heavy.
End of Chapter Four