Original concept by Korra
Written by MechaG11

Part One: The World of Remnant Arc
-Chapter 10: Injustice

If it weren't for the dire threat of asphyxiation squeezing firmly around his throat, Jaune would have only thought of his helplessness in this moment. He couldn't stop Adam from disarming him in movements that could only be perceived as a blur. He couldn't distract Adam from attacking Blake and Yang. Now he couldn't stop Adam's death-grip from choking the very life from him. No matter how much he grabbed at his attacker's arm or fought back, Jaune would only fail to free himself. He tries one more time to pry Adam's hand from his throat, but to no avail. Adam simply takes pity on him and lets go, allowing Jaune to fall to the floor. Adam, with his back turned to Jaune, stood ready to draw his sword against the oncoming hero, The Flash. Jaune gasped for air before turning sharply to his attacker, only to see the harsh red light that enveloped everything around them. Crimson fades as the trees and soil before them lay in ruin. The hero they came to know as The Flash: Mere dust blowing away in the wind.

Just like Blake and Yang in that shared moment, Jaune could only freeze after what they've just witnessed. He sees Adam turn to him, realizing he was next. He grasps for his weapon, anything, only to feel soil and grass filling his hands. Fear crept over Jaune, making his head dart back and forth looking for his sword or shield. Neither weapon was in reach, nor even near enough for him to try and re-possess without Adam stopping him immediately. Adam angles his sword, ready to stab Jaune with it. This was it. He was going to die. He couldn't save himself. He couldn't save Blake, Yang, or The Flash. If he was simply not there to fight in the first place it would have made no difference. Flash would be dead, and eventually so would Blake and Yang. He couldn't change anything, and now he'll never live long enough to ever do so.

Jaune dared not face his death, the shame and fear he felt overwhelmed him. All he could do now is scream. A pained yell rang right as Jaune brought his arms up over his face in defense, but the voice wasn't his own. Jaune couldn't see it, but he felt a gust of wind suddenly brush over and past him. Everything went quiet, but then came a thud and fading breath. When Jaune uncovered his face he no longer saw Adam, but instead a powerful caped figure standing before him. He had only heard the stories that Ruby told him about Superman: Incredible strength and speed, strong stature, a hero right out of a comic book or cartoon. Only ever seeing the man a couple times in the same room, but never once met or even witnessed the hero in action.

Superman seemed to be panting in some kind of heated agitation. He turned his head and made eye contact with Jaune, now realizing how he must appear to the others. Suddenly the man's composure changes, his brow unfurled and easing out of his aggression. Superman turns to Jaune so that he could reach down and help the boy up, taking extra care not to use the hand stained in Adam's blood. Jaune took his savior's hand and rose until he was standing alongside the man, face to face. "He won't be hurting anyone again." said Superman. There it was: The reassurance. It was something Superman gave to Ruby in a dark time, now bestowed upon Jaune in his lowest moment.

Jaune nodded. "T-thank you, sir." he said. Superman nodded in response and turned away. Jaune's life, his world as he knew it, came near moments away from ending prematurely at the hands of Adam. Yet here stood this man- no. Someone greater, wresting everything from the brink of destruction. He was even capable of putting Jaune's worries to rest with a single sentence. Perhaps it was the confidence, or maybe his honesty. Either way, Jaune understood it all now. This was the hero that won over the people of Remnant by making the impossible possible, because he could. Superman was hope, and Jaune believed that now.

Adam's body lay bloodied on the floor, the hand-sized hole in his torso still freshly inflicted. Blake could only stare in disbelief with one hand over her mouth. Making sense of this was simply impossible, unthinkable. With no thoughts or words to give in the moment, Blake did the only thing she could do: She released a single, terrified, scream. The girl stumbled back a bit and then stumbled to the floor, still sitting up. Yang snapped to her partner's side, her hand on Blake's shoulder. Blake couldn't hold back the tears escaping from her eyes. Her feelings about Adam were more than complicated. She wanted to hate him. She wanted to say he deserved the gruesome end he received, but on some level deep inside she also cared. She couldn't pretend that the time where she bonded with him didn't happen. It hurt to see him like this, even when she knew he needed to pay for his crimes against innocents…or more importantly herself and Yang. No one would fault her for wanting to hurt him back, but this? Seeing the way Adam was gored, his body this damp with his own blood…she doubted that she could condemn anyone to a fate as this.

Blake's eyes wandered to Adam's killer. Superman stood several meters away touching the dust on the floor below, observing the scorched ground where The Flash last ran. Yang, Jaune, and herself…Superman had protected them all against Adam. In any other instance she would thank him for saving their lives, but she couldn't. She was too confused, in grief, and too angry. Blake simply came to her feet, and shouted at him. "Why?! Why did you have to kill him?!"

Yang was caught off guard by Blake's sudden outburst. "Blake-?"

Blake continued without noticing Yang, her focus solely on Superman. "You have...all this power. People talk about you like you have no limits, that you have amazing abilities that dwarf even us Huntsman. If any of that is true-" She points at him in an accusing manner."…then you could have stopped him without killing him!"

Superman snaps at her. "My friend is dead!" He then points to Adam's body. "All because of this murderer! If I hadn't stopped him, you would be too."

Yang pulls Blake to face her. "What's gotten into you?!"

"Me?" Blake replied, sounding slightly defensive.

"Yes!" Yang answers. "You and I knew that this could've happened today, and it did."

Blake quickly gestures to Adam's body. "Not like this."

Yang points at Blake accusatorily. "Last night you told me that if Adam threatened our lives, you were prepared to kill him. That we would do what was necessary." She withdraws her hand, still focused on Blake. "Unless you're going to tell me that was all a lie."

"I was prepared, Yang!" Blake rebutted. She gestures to the corpse once more "But look at this. Look at him! This isn't how we're supposed to exact justice!"

Yang crosses her arms and looks Blake dead in the eyes. "Well maybe it should be."

Blake gasped in shock. "Do you even hear yourself?" she questioned Yang.

"Do you?!" Yang shouted. "Are you just going to forget all the people he's killed? Everything that he did to you?" Yang raises her robotic arm. "What he did to me?!"

That last remark hit Blake particularly hard. She closed her eyes, trying hold back any further tears and frustration she had. She lifted her head and spoke. "No. I haven't forgotten." she answered more levelly. She turns and takes a few steps away from the group. "But we can do better than this, Yang. I left the White Fang to stop killing people. If this is how you think we should do things, then…maybe I was wrong about you." Blake thought about the tournament. She thought about Yang shooting out Mercury's leg, and Yang's promise that she wasn't just excusing her violent outbursts. Blake wanted to be there for Yang, her friend, but she was stirring with doubt all over again. She looks down solemnly before leaping away into the forest without a word.

Yang could feel herself getting heated, betrayed by her friend once more. The girl ran forward a short distance to shout in Blake's general direction. "If you're just going to run again, then I guess I was wrong about you too!" She couldn't take it. She was being abandoned again! When emotions she thought were buried began mounting once more, Yang releases the sum of her frustrations in one shout: "You promised!" Those pained words echoed into the trees ahead, and Blake could only grit her teeth knowing full well what she just inflicted on Yang. The pain, the sadness, the disappointment…Blake could feel it all in those words. She was shedding tears once more, and on the opposite end of the forest: Yang was too.

Yang, Jaune, and Superman sat in an awkward silence. Yang occasionally made an audible sniffle, trying to stay composed and not to let herself sob in front of everyone. Jaune knew the timing would be wrong, but right now the mission came first. "We- uh…we should report this to General Ironwood." The other two didn't respond. Jaune saw Yang still dwelling in her moment, and Superman went back to gaze at the dust where Flash was. Jaune couldn't tell if the man was studying the space or simply mourning. He turns to Yang. "Yang, are you going to be okay?"

Yang took a breath. "Not…now Jaune." she answered. Her hands were balled into fists firmly, seemingly out of stress or anxiety.

Jaune looked down solemnly, understanding that she needed time. "I'm sorry." He turns his head to face Superman. "Both of you..." he quickly added. Out of respect for the both of them, he let them be. Taking it upon himself to report the confirmation of Adam's death, Jaune opened a communication with his scroll to deliver the good news…

Ilia couldn't manage the persistent shouting and confused youths all around her. The White Fang had just lost, hard, and with Adam nowhere in sight it was up to her to guide them until they could find out what happened. They've never encountered this many huntsmen before, let alone ever face these powerful new heroes championed by this "Remnant Regime". There was no denying it: They were outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and greatly outclassed.

"Where is Adam?!" is the question echoed by the soldiers around her, and one she constantly kept asking herself. Was he just delayed while trying to regroup? Did his diversion fail? Did they capture or kill him? She dared even question if he abandoned them all. No, she refused to think that was possible under normal circumstances. Yet, this situation wasn't normal at all. She saw what happened to all the White Fang soldiers slaughtered at the Academy grounds. If there was ever a time to run, then…

Something caught notice of the more alert Faunus present with the group, prompting several Faunus ears noticeably moving to track a distance noise. Faint shushes could be heard before everyone fell silent, some drawing their weapons in preparation of what was coming. Everyone braced for what might happen, Ilia even drawing her own weapon just in case. A moment passes before Blake jumped into sight. Those armed with firearms raised their weapons at the girl. She raises her arms bearing no hostile intent, trying to avoid being fired upon. "Wait!" she exclaims. Ilia recognized her, but is immediately suspect of Blake's intentions.

Ilia steps forward, several White Fang soldiers moving aside to allow her through. She points her sword at Blake "You…You're with them. Give me one reason why we shouldn't blast you right here, traitor."

Blake's ears lower, but she begins to explain herself. "…I saw what happened at the Academy. How many were killed. After running into Adam, I came here because I didn't want the same to happen to all of you."

Ilia drops her aggressive posture slightly. "Where is Adam?" she asked.

It was time for Blake to verbally acknowledge the truth she knew for the first time since the events that occurred nearly an hour earlier. "Adam is dead." she confesses. White Fang soldiers gasp, exchange glances, and whisper among themselves at the sound of this news. Ilia knew this was a potential outcome, but was still as shocked as the others after hearing the truth.

"How?" "Where will we go?" "What're we going to do?" All questions posed by the soldiers around them.

Blake lowers her arms, now confident that she won't be attacked. It was time to start reasoning with them. "The Regime is still out there looking for you. We need to leave before they have the chance to do to you what they did to the others. If you go with me, I have a plan that can get us out safely."

"You're not 'one of us.'" refuted Ilia, still skeptical of Blake. "We can take care of ourselves."

Blake shook her head. "No, fleeing to the other hideouts won't work. I also don't think the underworld mobs will help you either. They'll sell you out the second the Regime comes to their doorstep."

Ilia lowers her sword, considering what options are left by this point. "So what, are you saying we should run to Vacuo now?"

"No…" Blake responded. "It would be the first place they'd look. They'll be watching for us there if we tried."

Ilia was confused, wondering what possibilities were left. "Then where else is there to go?"

"Beacon." Blake answered.

Ilia had to mentally double-take upon hearing that. "What?! That's the heart of enemy territory! You must be insane to think we'd try that!"

"That's why I think it'll work." Blake argued. "It's the least expected place we'd go."

"So we get to Beacon…then what?" Ilia queried.

"Look, I know it's not the most ideal plan…" Blake admitted. "But Beacon Academy is staffed with huntsmen, and their acting headmaster can be reasoned with. I think she'll help us." The White Fang youths still seemed uncertain, but Blake needed to convince them if she wanted to assure their safety. "You don't have Adam and Sienna to look out for you anymore. I know you might not trust the Academy, but right now those huntsmen professors are the only ones in the world capable of protecting you against the Regime. So please…"

The White Fang members exchange glances, contemplating the plan. Ilia was nervous about the whole thing, but she was coming up short on ideas by this point. She wasn't a leader like Adam or Sienna, and there were little options by this point. She sighs, and then walks towards Blake. "Okay…I'll do it. What's the first step, then?" she asks. Once everyone witnessed Ilia accept Blake's proposition, the rest gradually became willing to follow. After all of that's happened Blake managed to miraculously convince them to accept her help. Now she just has to get them out alive.

"This isn't good…" Ironwood uttered. He and Winter stood before a door in the Haven's underground vault, the entrance wide open to reveal the desert-like chamber inside. The General didn't need to step inside to see that the relic was completely missing from its pedestal. They had won the day, by technicality at least. Adam Taurus was dead, and they managed to disarm the explosives that threatened to destroy the school. However things were a lot worse than he could have predicted. Headmaster Lionhart was found dead in his office, the work of an assailant by the looks of it. Mistral's protectors have apparently been systematically hunted down the past few months to weaken its defenses. He had just heard news of the untimely death of The Flash during the battle the Regime just fought. Now the Relic of Knowledge was missing, undoubtedly in the hands of Salem's forces. There were too many factors to think over, too many responses he had to plan for, and too much to repair to make up for the damage that has already been done.

Winter looked over to Ironwood curiously. "What's our next move, sir?"

Ironwood thought for a moment, narrowing down what issues needed his immediate attention. He turned to give her orders. "Mistral will need more protection now than ever. I'll need you, Wonder Woman, Yellow Lantern, and the Huntsmen to remain here so that we can assure its protection."

"What will you do then, General?" Winter asked.

"I'll be returning to Beacon." he answered. "I have something I need to discuss with Glynda and Qrow now that the Relic is missing. In the meantime, find out what you can about what happened here. Lionheart's murder is still recent. The sooner we can find a lead to track his assailant, the better. Gather what information you can but refrain from direct contact with the enemy if possible. I'd rather we know what we're dealing with before striking."

Winter nods. "I won't take any unnecessary risks unless we are forced to act." She then sighs. "We've already leapt into our own string of unexpected losses today…"

Ironwood begins to leave the chamber. "I can always depend on you, Winter. Please, keep everyone safe…yourself included." He steps onto the elevator and faces her direction. "That's an order." he adds as he begins to ascend.

Winter smirks at that last comment. "Safe travels, sir."

The General rises to the main entrance of the Academy, stepping out and moving to exit the building. Outside his forces are still initiating clean up. With the headmaster and most other Mistral huntsmen dead, the Regime might as well utilize parts of the building as base to operate from. It will make for the best deployment zone if military or huntsmen aid is needed in the region. He attempts to relocate the Heroes, asking around until he finally narrows down their location.

Ironwood catches Wonder Woman speaking to Ruby and Weiss as he approaches. "Do no dwell on the negatives. You've all done well today for your first…well, official operation. Perhaps Kal El and I shall consider your request for direct tutelage."

Ruby perks up, exchanging glances with Weiss. "Really!?" the two enthusiastically respond.

Ironwood spoke up. "After all that you've faced today, with a bit more training your team will be on the fast track into becoming fully licensed Huntresses." Everyone turns to Ironwood upon hearing his voice. "Professor Ozpin always believed in Team RWBY. I think now I'm starting to see why."

"Uh, it should have been obvious." Ruby quipped as she held up her own arm and Weiss' to look like they're flexing their muscles. "Team RWBY kicks butt." Ruby grins while Weiss rolls her eyes with a smirk.

"Indeed." Ironwood chuckled. He shifted from his levity as Superman approached him, spotting both Jaune and a somber looking Yang behind him.

"General." Superman addressed. "Did you need something?' It appears Kal was more intuitive than Ironwood gave him credit for.

"I'm afraid so." The General answered. "I need to make an emergency trip to Beacon. I'd like you to accompany me there." Before anymore could be said, Ironwood received an emergency transmission on his scroll. "What's the situation?" Ironwood asked as he opened the transmission.

"Sir, we just found out one of our airships was stolen some time ago. Two of our own were found unconscious where it last was. Don't know who's responsible yet." answered an Atlesian infantryman.

"Patch me through to that ship's communications. With my clearance they're going to hear me whether they like it or not." Ironwood waits as his communication is relayed to the stolen ship. A video communication forcibly opens, revealing White Fang troops occupying the airship. The occupants are surprised to see the General himself onscreen from the front panel. Quickly stepping in front of the camera is Blake Belladonna, to the surprise of her friends. "Ms. Belladonna." Ironwood addressed her. "What exactly do you think you're doing with those fugitives aboard one of our airships?"

"I've apprehended them, General." Blake informs him. "They'll be held in custody once I take them to Beacon."

Ironwood's eyes narrow, unaffected by her attempted ruse. "You're not a good liar, Ms. Belladonna. I'm sure you're aware of the consequences if you continue your current course of action."

"That's the thing, General: I'm not lying." she counters. "These Faunus will be taken to Beacon for their crimes. If you believe in what is right, allow me to do this."

Ironwood couldn't sense any hint of deceit in her voice. She may have the motive to do so, but appeared to be speaking sincerely at least to him. "We'll discuss this further once I arrive there. Be there as you say, or you might regret it." he threatens as he ends the transmission. The General turns to everyone else. "We'll be monitoring their travel path to see if she's telling the truth. Superman, Team RWBY, Arc: I want you all to accompany me to Beacon. If she won't listen to me, perhaps she'll listen to her friends."

Yang was silent, frustrated before but now even more so after seeing what Blake just did. Weiss notices Yang's expression, and then turns to answer the General. "We can try."

Ruby, appearing concerned, looks up at Ironwood. "What's going to happen to Blake?" she asks.

Ironwood didn't want to concern the girl, but the situation wasn't looking good for her friend. Blake went against orders, stole an aircraft, assaulted Regime personnel, and was harboring fugitives. He answers the girl truthfully. "At best she'll be punished and reprimanded for her actions…but the worst will depend on what she ultimately decides to do."

"If she decides to be a criminal again, right…" Yang correctly assumes by his meaning, still sounding disgruntled. "Let's just go now while we can still catch up." Ruby and Weiss look to Yang, Ruby appearing a bit saddened as she looks to the floor. None of them quite expected Blake to do this, but they've been surprised by her before. Ruby was at least still confident that Blake means well, but she and Weiss were ultimately disappointed that she acted yet again without her team's help.

Superman speaks up. "I could always intercept them before they get there." he suggests.

"She didn't seem to be lying from what I could tell." Ironwood responded. "If she proves otherwise, you're free to pursue with haste. For now we'll continue on our current course." The General calls for the last remaining airship and prepares himself for the trip. The others follow his example while Wonder Woman prepares to assist the Haven clean-up effort with Yellow Lantern.

Ruby turns and looks up to the sky, wearing a face of uncertainty. "Blake…I hope you know what you're doing." she utters.

"What is that girl doing..?" Glynda uttered, slightly shaking her head. Two days after the Battle of Haven and nearly an hour after Blake made contact through her scroll with Beacon Academy, Glynda and Qrow stood next to each other. Both wait in Beacon's front landing area waiting for the oncoming airship. The craft is tailed by two smaller fighters demanding that it land. The acting headmaster pulls out her scroll and attempts to communicate with the pursuing aircraft. "Call your men off. They're in our airspace now."

"Ma'am, that craft is harboring escaped fugitives from Mistral." the pilot explained.

Qrow leans in to make himself visible on the scroll. "Hey, fly-boy, the lady told you to buzz off. We Hunstmen can handle this just fine." With nothing to say, the Atlesian pilots break off and discontinue their pursuit. Qrow and Glynda watch as the rogue airship touches down. Approaching from behind the two adults was a boy in his early teens, meekly walking towards the scene. Qrow takes notice and turns his head to him. "Oscar, why don't you stay inside. The two of us have this covered."

"No." Oscar protested. "He said he wanted to be here for this." Qrow simply shrugged without questioning the teen and turned back to face the airship. The doors to the ship open with only one occupant exiting the vehicle. Blake makes her way to the three, nervous fully aware of the difficult conversation that was about to be had. She stops in front of Glynda.

Glynda starts. "Blake…" she sighs. It was uncommon for Glynda to address her students by their first name, but she allowed her more formal mannerisms to slip given the situation. "Do you realize what kind of position you've just put us in?"

"I know, and I'm sorry." Blake apologizes, her ears lowering behind her bow. "It's just…I didn't know what else to do."

Glynda sighs once more before speaking. "Okay. If they'll come willingly like you said, then we'll help you."

Blake perks up. "Thank you." she said, relieved. She turns and gestures to some of the heads poking out of the airship to signal an all-clear. One by one, White Fang members begins to vacate the vehicle.

Qrow steps up to meet them. "Okay, listen up. I understand you've all had a long trip with not a lot of stops. Everyone here's gonna follow me inside the building. We'll provide food and shelter for the time being, but no funny business. Officially speaking, you're our prisoners as of this moment. There's no going anywhere unless we give you the OK, got it?" The White Fang members exchange glances and then nod, still unsure of how to feel about the situation. Qrow turns around and starts walking, his hands tucked into his pockets and posture slightly hunched. "Oscar, you should come too. We're gonna need a few extra hands." he added. The teen scrambles for a second, running and eventually catching up with Qrow to help out.

"You saved these people." Blake explains to Glynda.

Glynda shakes her head in disagreement. "Don't be so certain. You brought them here as prisoners, remember? They'll be processed just like any other criminal. Many of them have killed, and I'm sure you're aware of the punishments for their crimes."

Blake holds her head, her ears lowering while her mind wrestled with conflicting thoughts. "I know, I just think- …You didn't see what the Regime did back at Haven." The girl sighs, and then continues after relaxing her hand from her head. "Maybe this will be more merciful."

Glynda turns to peer at the White Fang members entering the school, looking uncertain. "Well…I hope you're right."

Three hours after Blake touches down on Beacon with the prisoners, Ironwood and his team finally begin to approach the Academy. Aboard his craft are Superman, Jaune Arc, Team RWBY, and a handful of his soldiers. Flanking his ship are two other personnel craft with two squads of Regime soldiers. Their ships all land, releasing their occupants onto the stone floor of Beacon's outside landing area. Glynda stood near the entrance of Beacon, backed by Qrow, several other Hunstman professors, and more curiously what appeared to be a student. Ironwood turned to his team. "Kal and I will go on ahead. The rest of you stay here until you're needed. Knowing Glynda, it won't need to come to that." Some of the students exchange glances but nod in response. Ruby wasn't the thrilled about being sidelined, but trusted that the adults could sort this matter out better than her team could.

Ironwood made his approach, prompting Glynda to make hers as well. The two eventually came face to face, the pair joined by Superman and a student as well. Glynda spoke first "Are the troops really necessary, James?" She practically skipped a greeting altogether.

"They're just a precaution." the General assured. "You are keeping dangerous company you know."

"Please refrain from trying to be cute about this." Glynda half-sighed at him. "We know why you're here James, but if you understand the situation then you'd know why this all isn't necessary."

"I'm afraid it's not that simple." Ironwood said while lightly shaking his head. "There is still much you must know, Qrow as well."

"Present company included?" Glynda queried, eyeing Superman to the side.

"Yes, but perhaps Icould ask you the same." Ironwood countered, gesturing to the younger man standing next to her. The boy had black hair, hazel eyes, and freckles. He certainly wasn't a Beacon student Ironwood had seen before, and he was certainly younger than Ruby. He was definitely too young to attend an academy like this unless he was a special case. Why Glynda had brought this random student here was beyond the General.

The boy stepped forward. "Um, hello. I'm Oscar. We…haven't met yet." Ironwood raised an eyebrow at him, just waiting in silence. Oscar could feel him staring and decided to move on to what he actually needed to say. "Maybe I should just show you this." Oscar reaches behind his back and draws forth a rod or handle of sorts. Ironwood squinted before he suddenly recognized the object. The boy points it downwards and allows the end of it to extend, forming a cane. He closes his eyes for a moment, taking on a new posture by resting his hands on the top of the cane's pommel.

Ironwood slowly began to understand the situation. "You…Ozpin?" the General asked. Superman raises his brow, curious that the General would address this young boy as the fallen headmaster of Beacon.

Oscar opened his eyes. "It's been some time, James." he spoke. His tone was slightly deeper and didn't lack of confidence as was heard before.

"Apologies for not realizing sooner." said Ironwood, honestly. Superman was still a bit puzzled standing next to the General. While the hero didn't fully understand what was happening with this boy, he figured perhaps it was something similar to magics or powers on his own planet. Either way in this moment he would just have to take it at face value that this boy is indeed Professor Ozpin.

Ozpin shakes his head. "Countless others have been in your position making the same mistake. In fairness I didn't make it too obvious. I would hardly blame you." he said with a slight smirk. "Now tell me, James, what was so dire that you had to travel all the way here for?"

Ironwood's brow furls as he closes his eyes. He then looks to Ozpin and Glynda, ready to inform them of the unfortunate recent events. "Leo is dead, and it appears Haven's huntsmen were systematically wiped out over the past few months."

"Leo…" Ozpin uttered, somberly. "I think we have little doubt as to who was responsible for this tragedy."

"Tragedy?" Ironwood repeated. "This wasn't some random event. It was slaughter, Ozpin. The deliberate work of our enemy, and why I need those escapees that were brought to you in spite of my authority."

"Authority?" Glynda notes. "Should I remind you of who leads our circle, who decided to include you in the first place?"

"He wasn't there, Glynda." Ironwood countered, his voice grew more agitated. "I've been having the make all the decisions since he was gone. Picking up where he left off, ensuring that the people feel safe, preparing for the enemy's next move, and apparently…covering for his failures."

Ozpin took that statement with no resistance. In the great span of his existence, he grew to understand how his oversights and failures amounted to every dire consequence he faces in his war against Salem. He makes mistakes like any other person, but time has made each one weigh heavier upon him.

"That was out of line, James." Glynda nearly snapped at him. "You're hardly being fair to him, especially when know what we've had to face."

"Is he though?" questioned Superman, stepping forward. "Under Ozpin's supervision Haven was apparently infiltrated for some time now, slowly rendered defenseless. The White Fang was free to grow and operate under your nose within your own borders. Most importantly Beacon almost fell if not for our intervention."

"We were all deceived." Ozpin replied. "Need I remind you that it was Ironwood's security system that was hacked, your army of androids and mechs that fired upon civilians?"

Ironwood turned to Ozpin. "Weren't you the one who hinged our success on your so-called guardian? You failed to stop Cinder Fall. Now Amber and Nikos are dead!"

"Stop this, James!" Glynda demanded, trying to halt this.

"No." Ironwood denied her. "After everything that happened, we at Atlas managed to pull together. I salvaged our situation, gathered everyone that was left, and on that night we saved Beacon from destruction."

At that moment Ironwood received a transmission in his earpiece. He turns away and leans in to listen to it. Glynda peered at him, seeming annoyed that he was taking a call instead of being attentive to those in front of him. An Atlesian trooper reported in. "General, there've been no prisoner transfers to the local detention facilities, nor any public spaces being used to contain the White Fang prisoners. We have a few men searching inside the Academy as well but nothing on their end."

Ironwood turns to Ozpin, beginning to look frustrated."You're hiding them? You intend to obstruct me?"

Ozpin tried to assure the General, hoping to de-escalate the situation. "We are on the same side. There's no need to forcefully apprehend what is no threat."

"Can we really believe that?" Superman interjected. "After all that has happened how can we have any confidence that they'll stay that way under your watch? Atlas has accomplished much for the world in your absence. Perhaps it's time for new leadership. General Ironwood's leadership."

"…he's right." Ironwood uttered, sounding calmer than before but quietly resolved.

"General..?" Ozpin said, off-put why the General's change in tone.

The General stood sternly, facing both Ozpin and Glynda. "The world doesn't need merely a single person to act as its guardian. It needs us, a united force to battle the injustices wrought by our enemies. Everyone who died at Haven, the Hunstmen, civilians, our heroes trying to defend them…the fallen deserve justice. That means delivering to us the very culprits who're responsible."

"This is a dangerous path, James." Ozpin stated.

Ironwood shook his head. "I don't wish to be enemies, Ozpin, but it's time you allowed us to change things for the better. Help us, or stay out of our way."

Ozpin sighs. "Ironwood see to reason. You know I can't do that."

Ironwood briefly closes his eyes, saddened knowing what had to be done. "Then…I'm sorry." he says solemnly. With one gesture the General signals for his troops to move in on the academy. The squads of Atlesian soldiers waiting in the back begin to approach. Team RWBY and Jaune exchange glances, hesitantly following suit with the infantrymen. Ironwood opens up a communication to relay his orders. "Beacon Academy is harboring the White Fang fugitives responsible for the attack on Haven, and refuses to surrender them to us. Search the Academy grounds and find the fugitives. If any of the faculty or students attempts to obstruct you: Arrest them."

"Glynda!" Ozpin shouts, signaling for her to stop them. Before Ozpin is able to act against them, Superman blows in his direction. He is suddenly overtaken by ice rapidly forming over his body, now unable to move. Glynda draws her riding crop and strikes the ice around his body, causing it to shatter and free him in one blow. She twirls and then uses her telekinesis to launch the ice fragments into a concentrated attack on Superman. The Man of Steel protects himself from the surge of ice shards, and then bursts forward with his arms to deflect the remaining projectiles.

Ironwood steps forward, drawing one of his pistols. "We didn't have to be enemies." Ironwood stated. "Know that you chose this."

Ozpin draws forth his cane in a fighting stance, ready to battle his former ally and friend. "You became a force committing to march upon us. You left us no such choice." he replies.

Inside the Academy Ren and Nora watch through a window from one of the upper floors, shocked at what is even unfolding before them. Across from them a Faunus student is pinned to the ground by an Atlesian soldier attempting to arrest him, backed by another armed soldier warning the other students not to interfere. Ren and Nora see this, but are unsure of what to do in the situation. That student had nothing to do with what was going on, but they couldn't help but be weary of the deeper consequences that might stem from interfering with Atlesian troops. Suddenly one of the soldiers is struck unconscious from behind by the butt end of a weapon, prompting his partner to retaliate. Before he could properly act, he is kicked into a nearby wall hard enough to knock him out. Standing in defense the student was Professor Port with his weapon over his shoulder, and Qrow.

Qrow turns to the pair across from him. "You kids should get out of here while you can. Things are about to get ugly here if you haven't noticed."

"Warn the other students if you find them." Port adds. "Leave the fighting to us Professors!" he says with his free thumb pointed at himself. Ren and Nora exchange glances, nod that Port, and then run to exit the premises. Port looks to Qrow. "I'll head this way. Watch yourself out there." he says before moving to secure the grounds.

"Same to you." Qrow replies. He looks downwards in contemplation and then gazes towards the window overlooking the front area of the Academy. "Damn it, James…" he cursed quietly. "What're you doing?" Seeing how the situation is escalating, he makes a call on his scroll. Far underground, in Beacon's secret vault, Blake answers Qrow's call. While Blake and the others were certainly curious of the vault's existence, it was the only place secure enough to house and hide them all. At least as long as they didn't get too curious and explore the other areas within it. Qrow begins talking as soon as she hits 'answer' on his screen. "I've got bad news, kid, seems like the General's not giving up on seizing your White Fang pals. It's only a matter of time before they find their way to the vault. I suggest you all vacate while the Professors and I cover your escape."

"Where would we go?" Blake asked.

Qrow sighs. "I don't know, but anywhere's better than here. Lay low once you're out, and I'll try to find you when I'm outta this mess."

Blake nods. "Everyone, we need to evacuate!" she shouts to the remaining White Fang members. Blake takes the first elevator ride with a batch of Faunus. When the elevator arrives on the first floor, the door opens up and reveals a pair of Atlesian soldiers. Blake steps in front of the group to defend them against the soldiers. The armed men take aim, exclaiming at her group before the two are unexpectedly taken out by two of Blake's friends. One was wielding an impressively large hammer and the other with two bladed guns. "Nora, Ren!" Blake exclaims, surprised by their sudden assistance.

"We got you!" Nora exclaims cutely with a smile. Ren simply nods at them. The two wait and scan the nearby hallways in case of any other soldiers approach. Blake directs the White Fang to one of the exits. When reaching the outside they are met with unconscious Atlas soldiers, courtesy of Professor Oobleck zipping around the area with his staff in hand. The group makes their escape.

When the elevator comes up once more, Ilia exits it with another group of White Fang members. Blake sees her and explains "You guys go ahead. I'm staying with the others to cover for you."

Ilia walks up to Blake. "Don't think I'm just gonna sit back while you all fight."

"Ilia, you should go." Blake protested. "The White Fang needs someone like you to lead them."

Ilia shakes her head. "Blake, after all this, I doubt there's even going to be a White Fang. I think you know that as much as I do." Blake looks to her, surprised by that confession. "Besides, I'm not really the leader type." she says, drawing her weapon. Ilia smiles at Blake, slyly communicating that she could rely on her. Blake stares for a moment before smiling back to signify her understanding.

"Let's just get everyone out of here safe then." Blake said while raising her sword. The pair turns towards one of the halls, faced with another oncoming set of Atlesian troops. Together they leap towards the enemy and defend the escapees with a series of swift attacks.

Ruby, Weiss, Yang, and Jaune approached the scene, surprised to see former allies fighting amongst each other. Glynda and a younger but skilled teen battle General Ironwood and Superman in front of them. Together they were ready to face the likes of Grimm or the White Fang, but not anyone like their former professors. Superman blows a strong gust a wind with his breath alone, putting some distance between the combatants. Ruby's gaze darts around, appearing confused and concerned. "We-we're arresting Headmaster Goodwitch?!"

Ironwood turns around suddenly. "Don't worry about them. Our troops need backup inside of the Academy. Find those escapees!" The General turns back towards the fight and fires a few shots at the teen. The boy adeptly deflects projectiles and then evades the rest.

Weiss places her hand on Ruby's shoulder and looks her in the eyes. "We'll find out what's going on after this is all over. Let's just do what he asks for now." Ruby still appears unsure, but stows it and nods. The group runs to Beacon to assist the rest of the Atlesian troopers.

While Ironwood could handle Ozpin without much issue, it was Glynda's oppressive use of her semblance that kept him and Superman at bay for much of the battle. The two of them are pushed back, bracing against the force of her gravity dust and telekinesis. Ironwood sharply turns to Superman. "Superman, we need her out of the picture until I can handle the boy!"

Superman nods in acknowledgement. He rises into the sky and begins to twirl his body with his arms facing forward. Glynda and Ozpin brace for whatever might come next, but are then surprised to see his sudden descent straight into the ground and burrowing underneath. The two are almost caught off guard by Ironwood's cover fire. Ozpin and Glynda dash away in opposite directions, intentionally separating to divide the General's attention. Ironwood stops shooting, and then starts to run towards Ozpin. Glynda begins to feel the ground rumble beneath her feet. Ozpin calls out to her but is unable to stop Superman from bursting out the ground behind her. Before she could retaliate, Superman grabs hold of her cape. "Let's see one of those 'landing strategies' I've heard so much about." he says snarkly before twisting and casting her far off into the sky. Glynda didn't anticipate this, but at least tries to level herself and find some way to slow her descent. Superman figured she'd survive this, but it definitely bought the General time considering how long it would take for her to even reach the ground.

Superman hears a flapping for a moment behind him, similar to that of a bird. It was an inconsequential sound in this fight, at least until he caught the unexpected swoosh sound of fabric and the sudden sword slash that struck at his back. The attack's impact slightly pushes him forward, his cape bearing a noticeable tear where he was struck. He turns around to find Qrow Branwen wielding his sword to face off against the Man of Steel. Superman brushes himself off to shed the soil from his burrowing stunt. "Nice trick, but you won't be pulling that off again."

"I don't know…I think there might be a window for one more." Qrow cheekily replies.

Superman just briefly shrugs, "Thanks for the suggestion." and then dashes toward him. Qrow retaliates with a sword swing, but misses as he notices Superman swiftly ducking the attack. Qrow couldn't help but notice that Superman dashed towards him slightly off center to his right, not attempting a direct attack. What was he trying to-? Qrow felt a sudden grasp around his right ankle and a tug. With one powerful swing Superman pulled Qrow off of his feet and cast him towards the Academy in one clean throw. Qrow shouted as he flew the whole way to the building and crashed through one of its windows.

The Hunstman thought quickly and transformed once he was through the glass, eventually halting his fall by flying in his bird form. He reverts back to a human before any wandering student or Regime soldier could see him. He rubs the back of his shoulder after taking that hit through with the window. "Okay, so he's fast." Qrow grumbles to himself while panting.

"Another one of your tricks?" Superman questioned, floating through the broken window. "Rumor has it you have a bad luck semblance. Didn't hear anything about turning into a bird." While others were not able to perceive Qrow's transformation where they were, Supermans' superior sight allowed him to witness it shortly after beginning to pursue him.

"Crap..." thought Qrow.

"Perhaps the General hasn't been telling me everything there is to know." Superman wondered.

Qrow raised his sword, still panting a bit. "Yeah, Jimmy's like that sometimes." he quipped.

Ruby, Weiss, Yang, and Jaune rush across Beacon grounds. Ruby spots fleeing figures some ways away, still taking a few seconds to recognize the uniforms they were clad with. She points at them. "Weiss, slow them down!" Weiss turns her gaze slightly and locates her targets. The heiress leaps into the air while Magnhild's chamber spins unto the required dust cartridge. With a swing of her rapier she casts a sheet of ice to blanket the floor just ahead of the fleeing White Fang. Two White Fang members lose their footing on the ice, causing them to slide and fall before they can advance any further.

"We've got 'em, let's head in!" Yang says, signaling for the others to rush with her to apprehend their targets. Before they could get any closer, a bladed object attached to a ribbon strikes the floor mere meters in front of them. The group stops and observes Blake pulling herself onto the scene. She lands and retrieves her weapon from the ground. The Faunus girl stares them down, seeming slightly off now that she stood before her friends. She is joined shortly after by Nora, Ren, and Ilia.

Yang formed a slight scowl. "So you've fallen in with them?" she accuses her former partner while gesturing her head towards Ilia.

Feeling singled out, Ilia gives Yang a brief squinting glare for that remark. "We're just trying to survive." she defends.

Yang rolls her eyes. "Is that what you told yourself when you planted bombs in Mistral?"

Weiss steps forward to address Blake. "What were you thinking bringing them here?" she questioned.

Blake explains herself. "I was trying to bring the White Fang to justice. The humane way."

Yang huffed. "That's a funny way to saying 'you're protecting them.' How could you seriously choose them over us after everything they did?!"

"Yang." Ruby sternly spoke to halt her older sister. Yang, despite still being a bit aggravated, chooses to respect Ruby's implied request and says nothing more. She averts her gaze for a moment, withdrawing her anger, before resuming her attentiveness of the current conversation. Ruby continues and addresses Blake herself: "Blake, I know what happened at Haven was…" Ruby sighs, acknowledging the less than ideal turnout of the situation there. "I know it scared you, but we can't just ignore the White Fang's crimes and all the people they've hurt. The Regime needs to take them in."

"By storming Beacon?" Blake replies. "Ruby I know you want to do the right thing, but how General Ironwood has decided to carry this out is wrong."

"The Regime is asking you to fight us…" Ren adds looking down, speaking with a hint of gravity to his tone.

Jaune shakes his head. "Guys, we just want this to end as quickly as possible." he spoke, trying to sound diplomatic in tone. "We have the General's orders, but if you work with us here there won't be any need to fight each other."

Blake closed her eyes and took a deep breath, summoning the resolve for what needed to be said. "Ironwood is already attacking Beacon. He's chosen to make us enemies that you were ordered to stop. It's up to you to follow through on that, or do the right thing and help us."

"Fine." Yang answered. "If you'd rather protect those murderers by fighting your own friends, that's your choice." She arms her gauntlets and bashes her fists together before assuming her combat stance. "Let's make this quick!" she staunchly suggests to the others on her team. "This mission is long overdue to be over."

Blake, Ilia, and Yang all seem decided on their choice to fight. The others exchange glances, appearing more uncertain. Nora hesitantly takes up Magnhild. "A-are we really doing this?" she timidly asks.

Blake and Yang stare each other down, both unwavering in their choices. Blake answers: "Yeah, I guess we are." Everyone sits still for a moment, not a word uttered by anyone present. Opposing gazes meet one another between each side. Blake tightens her grip around her swords. Weiss widens her stance, bracing herself for what might happen next. Ren patiently waits for the first move. Another pause…then Yang suddenly blasts forward. The silence is broken, and friend fights against friend.

Qrow found himself in a pinch. No matter what avenue of attack he posed against Superman, the Man of Steel's invulnerability proved too resilient to his attempted assault. The more he fought Superman, the more he came to realize how incredibly inhuman he was. His invulnerability didn't have a limit like a typical huntsmen's aura would, and the myriad of other powers he possessed just seemed entirely unfair to him. Still, he figured that there would at least be some kind of weakness the man had. Even so, he worried he might not have enough time to discover what they were before he found himself out cold.

Qrow makes for another swing of his sword only for it to be batted away. Superman had parried the attack with just his arm, leaving Qrow only more frustrated and baffled. "Seriously? What kind of a guy does that?!" he thought to himself. He was vulnerable once again, and felt himself getting grabbed by the throat and hoisted up. The Man of Steel bashes Qrow against the wall to daze him, cracking the surface and knocking some dusty debris from it.

"Why don't you rest for a bit?" said Superman, slightly tightened his hold to help Qrow pass out more quickly. The Hunstman couldn't free himself from the iron grip secured around his neck, let alone think after being concussed like he was just now. He dropped his sword amidst his struggle, feeling that his body was going to give out any second now. Qrow was out of options. He could do nothing…but luckily, he didn't have to.

Superman detected a swish through the air, an object being pitched towards his self from the opposite of where he was facing. Something small, almost like a baseball in size, was zeroing in on him. He turns, reacting instantly with his free hand and catching the nearing projectile. No harm came to him when the object was safely caught, and he decided to take a look at it. While it may have taken him less than a second to recognize the object in hand, by then it was too late. A bright red flash of intense light bathed the room for a brief second, warming the very area around them in that time. Its effect was so strong that he was forced to release Qrow, freeing the Huntsman to breathe again.

What he saw was something he recognized from his past: A Red Solar Grenade, a thrown weapon capable of emitting intense solar radiation from the power of a red sun. It was a weapon capable of temporarily suppressing Superman's powers, and a rather expensive weapon at that. Superman's senses became fogged after that surprise attack, barely allowing him to hear and see the oncoming kick heading his way. He sluggishly counters, deflecting the attack and causing his assailant to leap back a few meters away. Superman's vision clears, allowing him to perceive the rising black visage of his old caped nemesis. "Impossible…" he uttered, for standing before him was none other than Batman.

What Qrow found surprising while coming to was the boldness of this stranger's assault on Superman. Qrow struggled in this fight against Superman while still armed with his sword, but this other caped man comes in challenging the guy with just his fists. The crazy part: It was working. The man who once seemed indomitable was now staggering to mere punches and kicks. Either this guy in black was extremely strong, or Superman was finally vulnerable. There was only one way to find out. Qrow picks up his sword, not caring who this complete stranger was. All that mattered was taking down Superman right here and now! The Man of Steel staggers backwards from another punch, leaving him open to a strike from behind. Qrow takes his chance and swings. The sword cut against Superman's back, forcing a cry of pain from him. With one look Qrow could tell there wasn't just a torn cape and hurt feelings like last time, there was physical damage! There was a chance to do something and win this fight!

Together Qrow and Batman attacked Superman from both sides, not giving him a second of rest by pummeling and cutting him repeatedly. In his weakened state he could only block and parry around half of the attacks, but he was taking more hits than he would prefer by this point. Soon enough he had one knee to the ground, panting in exhaustion. His two opponents stood there, hoping to urge Superman to surrender. "Your plans for this world are finished." Batman declared. Qrow was a bit puzzled by the stranger's meaning by this, but he was right. Superman was finished.

Catching his breath, Superman replied. "Oh, I think they're just getting started my old friend…" Mustering what power he could tap into, Superman lunges at Batman. He's met with a counter punch to the face, but he was prepared to take a hit for this and proceeds to grapple Batman. He swings with his whole body and hurls his captive towards Qrow. The huntsman dodges, crying out while dashing forward to cut Superman down. The Man of Steel catches the sword in hand with both of his palms, twisting around and causing Qrow to fly past him without a weapon. Superman takes the sword in hand, and casts it towards Qrow…

Outside the Academy, the conflict outside pits friend against friend. Former classmates use their training intended for monsters and villains…to fight one another. All would soon be interrupted when glass breaks in the distance, arresting the notice of the young Huntsmen and Huntresses. Yang, still busy battling Blake, batters away Gambol Shroud's ribbon attack. She only stops once she hears the impact that pierces the ground. The others follow suit to bear witness to the scene nearby. Yang turns only for a moment to see it herself, trying to focus on what it was. Things finally came into view for her, only to afflict her with a grim sight: Qrow's sword, Harbinger, bloodied. The weapon imbedded not only in the ground, but with its owner impaled straight through the chest. Her uncle Qrow laid silent, eyes open, and motionless. "Q-Qrow…?" Yang uttered, her voice becoming uneasy.

"QROW!" shouted Ruby. She drops her weapon and starts towards him before zooming even closer with a Petal Burst.

Everything was happening so fast. She could almost not comprehend it, and borderline almost refused to. "He's…" Yang takes one step forward, tears forming from the bottom of her eyes. "Uncle Qrow!" she shouts before beginning to sprint to him.

"Wait, Yang!" Blake shouted. Despite fighting each other mere seconds ago, Blake couldn't help but feel concern for Yang. In that moment she was urged to support and be there for her just like she vowed to do weeks ago, today's differences in choice be damned. She runs and reaches out with one hand to grasp Yang's arm, tugging at her old partner. It was an innocent act of help, one that Blake would never conceivably foresee as a mistake until after this moment.

Yang's storm of emotions compelled her to pray, fear, hope, dread, move, act…she had to reach her uncle at all costs. Her irrational state of mind hopes maybe there was some way to save him right then and there. She just needed to reach him, but she was held back for only a moment. Frustrated that she was stopped, feeling that she was being denied her familial right to see her uncle, Yang could only erupt into a momentary fury. She shouted with the most aggravated voice she's ever spoken in: "Let me go!" Twisting around without knowing and caring who it was that tried to stop her, Yang struck with Ember Celica...

Yang's eyes go red, her hair ablaze. The girl's rage boils so strongly in that moment that her semblance empowers her fist with enough strength to shatter Blake's aura. The combustion of Ember Celica's fire dust scorches across Blake's eye, shooting it out and burning the flesh surrounding it. Blake falls to the floor and releases a blood curdling scream as she holds her eye due to the intense pain. The red in Yang's eyes fade, as does the embers that once ignited within her hair. Anger and fury swiftly turns to shock and guilt.

Weiss covers her mouth, in complete disbelief of what Yang did. Nora, Ren, and Jaune were at a loss for words aside from maybe a gasp or two. Yang frantically reaches out, stepping forward to help Blake. "Blake, I-!" she says, but is quickly stopped by Ilia rushing to Blake's defense. Ruby was oblivious to what just happened, currently in tears cradling Qrow's head and mumbling a series of whimpering pleas to her dead uncle.

Before anything else could happen, another figure bursts forth from the same window. Batman hits the floor before recovering into a stand. From atop within the window Superman steps forward, appearing weakened. "MURDERER!" he shouts, deceptively casting the blame upon his enemy. With that done he succumbs to his injuries and falls to his knees to feign exhaustion, only partly an act. Hearing this, Ruby breaks away from her dread and turns to see Superman staring down this dark clad stranger. Her attention was now fixed on him, her anger taking hold of her in one rare instance. The girl dashes in a Petal Burst to attack Batman, swinging wildly to stop who she thought was responsible for killing her uncle. Batman dodges her swings, due in part to Ruby's inexperience with close quarters fighting and her unbalanced emotional state.

She leaps at him, leaving her open to getting grabbed by the legs. Batman swiftly draws handcuffs from his utility belt and binds them around her ankles. Now that the trap was secured, he swings and redirects her to the side. Ruby was on the ground crying, grunting, and helpless to free herself. She was unable to pursue her uncle's killer, barely able to uselessly crawl towards him. "N-no!" she cries out as Batman walks away from her.

Batman peers over the horizon, spotting the Regime's reinforcements as they fly towards the Academy in Atlesian airships. As much as he wished he could end the conflict here, he knew that the battle was lost. He had no choice but to retreat for now. Reaching into his utility belt once more, he produces a smoke bomb and cracks it against the floor. The thick sheet of smoke consumed the grounds around them, allowing for his escape.

The cloud enveloped the students, forcing some of them to cough if they were unlucky enough to breathe it in as it came. Ren took this opportunity to locate Blake, Ilia, and Nora within the smoke. "We need to get out of here!" he shouted. With Ilia's help, they hoisted Blake onto Ren's back. The four of them fled the grounds with haste. Jaune and Weiss were unable to locate and pursue them. Yang meanwhile was too heavily affected by everything that just happened to respond quickly. By the time the smoke cleared her team only found her sitting on the floor, panicking and sobbing to herself. Not too far away, Ruby pathetically crawls towards Qrow. With one last reach she pulls herself forward slightly before giving up. Her hands were balling up tight, her face in the floor as she sobbed. Everything went so wrong so quickly. Fighting as they did, their efforts resulted in a Regime victory against the Academy. Despite this, no such triumph occupied the hearts of these young adults. They fought, and were left with nothing.

When Ozpin caught sight of the Atlesian ships as Batman did, he similarly knew this battle was hopeless. He had little time left to plan his escape, and far less time to stay in control of Oscar's body. That was when the caped stranger unleashed the cloud of smoke over the grounds. Now he saw his chance. Ironwood fired several more shots at Ozpin to only have them deflected. Glynda, finally making her way back shouts to Ozpin. She dashes forward taking his body in arm, and then telekinetically pushes a portion of the smokescreen onto Ironwood. The General flinches as the gust of smoke blows towards him with enough force to push him slightly. By the time the smoke cleared and reinforcements arrived, they were gone.

It was only the General and his troops now. Within less than half an hour later the Regime was finally able to secure the grounds, arresting students, Professor Port, Oobleck, and some of the other Professors that resisted. Some of the White Fang's numbers were detained, but many still remain unaccounted for. Now Ozpin, Glynda, Blake Belladonna, and a handful of other students were to be added to the list of criminals as well.

Superman approached Ironwood with some difficulty. "I'm sorry. I couldn't…stop him." he uttered with some difficulty to appear weak. The General took notice of Superman's less than healthy appearance. It was not only the first time he ever saw Superman appear weak, but also bear actual injuries after a battle.

Ironwood placed his hand on Superman's shoulder and leans in. "Who did this to you?" he questioned.

Superman answers: "The criminal from my world…the one who killed Qrow…he calls himself: Batman." Ironwood slowly stands upright again, pointing to some of his soldiers. "Get this man some medal aid!" he orders. Regime soldiers quickly rushed to Superman's side, escorting him to one of the airships. For Ironwood it was strange to see Superman walking this much, as opposed to flying low as he normally does. It made the hero appear more human than the General once believed…and so did those injuries.

When the ship was away, Ironwood called over another soldier. "Get me a forensics team. I need to know what happened inside that school." The soldier complied and moved hastily to fulfill his task. Ironwood gazed at a team extracting Qrow's body from the scene, and then looked at the school and the damage it sustained. For Superman himself to leave a battle injured was thought impossible to the people Remnant, even to Ironwood himself. Today Superman bled, and now the General wanted to know how.

End of Chapter 10
The End of the World of Remnant Arc