Author's Note:

Rejoice ! another chapter has been finished a little late due to IRL stuff got in the way as well Bishop currently taking a break

So this can be seen as the the start of our version of Volume 10 since Volume 9 is technically complete

As always PMs are open and etc and hopefully next chapter is to your enjoyment as this is made

Some questions for you the reader to determine the future of this story:

1. What do you want to see/your idea

2. Salem wanting Akira dead

3. Mercury joining ?

4. Oscar-Ozpin talking with Akira

Till next chapter, Apzeta

The engine hums steadily as the Bullhead cuts through the sky. Inside, the atmosphere is tense but strangely synchronized.

The new logo of Zaia Enterprise adorns the sleek interior—clean, cold, efficient.

Akira sits toward the rear, a calm, calculating presence.

Across from him, Amethyst and Onyx are already at work, syncing data from the Progrisekeys and the Thousand Jacker and finalizing other tasks.

Adam leans casually against the bulkhead, arms crossed.

Ruby sits near the window, staring out blankly, silent since boarding taking a moment to rest from everything.

In front, Neo lies unconscious, restrained by the Trilobite Magia—silent sentries watching her closely.

Akira (glancing down at the wallet chains binding the relics to his side and back)

Akira: "Tch. No point carrying dead weight like this anymore."

With practiced ease, he unclips both relics — the Relic of Knowledge and the Relic of Creation — from his chains.

A heavy clink echoes as they touch the metal floor.

Akira: "Amethyst."

Amethyst (grins, standing immediately): "On it, boss."

She approaches, her synthetic fingers surprisingly gentle as she picks up the relics.

Her optical sensors flash red as she scans the items.

Amethyst (playful):"Still breathing, huh? Let's get you two comfortable."

She crosses over to a pair of reinforced briefcases sitting near the cargo hold, opens them, and carefully places each relic inside — foam molds absorbing their weight.

Amethyst (mock gasp): "Wow, no alarms… no gods striking me down… disappointing."

Akira (smirks, fixing his chains, reattaching them to his belt): "They're just tools now. Relics or not — nothing else about them anymore."

Adam finally pushes off the wall, his cybernetic eye whirring slightly.

Adam (calm, but firm): "While you were gone… we kept things moving."

Onyx (chimes in with a smirk): "You'd be proud, Akira. The SDC's dead. Long live Zaia Enterprise."

Onyx tosses a scroll to Akira, who catches it mid-air.

A flick of the wrist — holographic blueprints project upward: The towering headquarters, sharp edges and automated defenses.

Onyx (grinning): "Our headquarters. Fully self-sustaining. Underground vault for the Ark and more."

Akira eyes the projection, nodding once, approving.

Akira (quiet): "Good work… You did more than I expected."

Adam scoffs — but it's more of a smirk.

Adam (mocking): "What, you think we'd sit on our asses while you took a vacation in a fairy tale?"

Akira snorts, leaning back.

Akira (low): "Felt like hell, not a fairy tale."

Silence hangs for a moment until Amethyst turns, eyeing Ruby, who's still distant, watching the endless desert.

Amethyst (teasing): "Hey, Little Red — mind if I pick your brain?"

Ruby blinks, torn from her thoughts, startled by the direct address.

Ruby: "Sorry What was the question ?"

Amethyst (grins): "The Relic of Knowledge — the Lamp. What do you know about it?"

Ruby stiffens but answers, voice quiet.

Ruby: "It… It has a password. 'Jinn.' The spirit inside… answers three questions every hundred years."

She hesitates, glancing briefly at the sealed briefcase.

Ruby (softer): "But… as far as I know… all three questions are used up."

Amethyst tilts her head, eyes narrowing in thought. A soft red glow pulses from her earpieces as she begins absorbing and uploading the information.

Amethyst (grinning): "Huh. That's useful. Uploading to the Ark now… and… done."

She taps her earpiece once and turns away, satisfied.

Meanwhile, Neo stirs — only for the Trilobite Magia to tighten her restraints.

Trilobite Magia Unit (static voice): "Subject stabilized. No significant aura output. Continuing observation."

Akira (without looking back): "Keep her restrained. I want her examined… and monitored. Neo's unpredictable."

Adam (cold): "Should've killed her."

Akira (shrugs): "Maybe. But right now she could be new asset."

Ruby shifts slightly at that but stays silent. Amethyst glances at her — smirking but with a hint of curiosity.

Amethyst (light, but probing): "You good, Red? Still thinking about your old team?"

Ruby flinches but doesn't answer. After a beat, she whispers:

Ruby (bitter): "They made their choice… and I made mine."

Akira finally looks at her — a hint of approval in his face.

Akira (quiet, almost to himself): "Good."

The Bullhead hums steadily toward the horizon — toward Zaia Enterprise's future. The fractured past left behind in the sands of Vacuo.

Onyx (chuckling): "Welcome to the family, Red… Things only get interesting from here."

Ruby says nothing — just staring into the endless sky…

[ Small Time Skip ]

The Bullhead slows, engines whining as sand and dust swirl violently beneath it. The hatch lowers with a mechanical hiss.

Adam (arms crossed, smirking): "We're here."

Akira (calmly): "Move out."

One by one, MetsubouJinrai steps out into the unforgiving desert — the sun blazing overhead. The wind howls. Sand stretches endlessly.

Amethyst adjusts her jacket, shading her optics.

Onyx cracks his knuckles.

Adam keeps his cold gaze on the horizon.

Ruby steps down last, blinking against the harsh light but… there's no hesitation. She stands with them.

Akira pulls out the scroll — the blueprints project again, the vast structure casting a ghostly shape above the sand.

Akira (quiet, but firm): "Time to build our future."

Adam kneels, opening the briefcase. Inside, the Relic of Creation — the Staff — gleams softly. He lifts it carefully, glancing at Akira.

Adam: "Ready?"

Akira: "Do it."

Adam plunges the Staff into the ground. A low hum echoes. A ripple of energy surges outward — and then:

Ambrosius manifests — his towering, radiant blue form materializing with a wild grin and flamboyant stretch.

Ambrosius: "Ah! Free again! Mmm… Oh?" (eyes widen, locking onto Ruby)

"Well, well, you again. Hello Red. Didn't expect you back so soon."

Ruby stiffens, awkward.

Ruby (dryly): "Yeah… it's me."

Ambrosius twirls mid-air, eyes scanning the group. He hovers close to Amethyst and Onyx, curious.

Ambrosius: "And who are these new faces? Such interesting… craftsmanship."

Amethyst (grinning): "Name's Amethyst. I'm what happens when ambition meets unlimited resources.

And Assistant to Akira"

Onyx (chuckles): "Onyx. Same deal but more of a Royal Guard."

Ambrosius circles back, locking eyes with Akira. His smile widens.

Ambrosius (teasing): "And you… still breathing, huh? Didn't think anything short of a god could kill you."

Akira smirks faintly.

Akira: "Wouldn't let them. You're looking for the 'machine'… Ark, right?"

Ambrosius leans in, intrigued.

Ambrosius: "Mhm. Big… angry thing. Shiny. Had taste. Where is he?"

Akira: "Gone… for now. But it was my creation. Ark, the androids… everything so far with help for the Ark-Driver

Ambrosius freezes, then bursts out laughing — loud, wild, genuine.

Ambrosius: "OH! A fellow creator! Why didn't you say so? You're my kind of mortal."

(He leans down, eyes glowing)

"The Ark-Driver — exquisite work. Truly! I could feel the craftsmanship bleeding off it. A little rough… but brilliant."

Akira produces the blueprint hologram — large, intricate, precise.

Akira: "Then let me show you something better. Our new headquarters. Zaia Enterprise."

Ambrosius stops mid-air, eyes wide, jaw dropping.

Ambrosius (awed): "Oh… oh. You came prepared.

Details, precision… even the auxiliary power grids."

(He spins)

"YES. This is what I live for!"

Ambrosius clasps his hands, eyes glowing brighter.

Ambrosius: "Consider it done!"

He sweeps his hand toward the horizon. A flash of light — wind surges violently. The desert trembles.

From the ground, metal and glass erupt — twisting, forming, merging.

Towers rise, walls stretch skyward. The factory forms in seconds: sleek, armored, with the Zaia logo proudly displayed.

A golden shimmer surrounds Akira for a moment — the healing bracelet on his wrist shatters, fragments scattering like dust.

Ambrosius (grinning): "A gift, courtesy of me. That little trinket? No longer needed."

Akira flexes his hand, feeling the vanish. He exhales slowly — the first time anyone's seen him relax.

Akira: "…Good."

The group stares in awe. Even Adam looks impressed.

Onyx: "I… damn. I could get used to this."

Amethyst whistles. "Now that's craftsmanship."

Ambrosius (floating lazily): "Enjoy it. But remember — one job at a time. Next time you need me, just whistle… properly."

With that, Ambrosius fades, leaving the Zaia Enterprise Headquarters gleaming under the sun.

Akira gestures forward.

Akira: "Come on. We've earned this."

They enter — the interior is just as stunning. Polished floors, high-tech consoles, synthetic assistants already running diagnostics.

Akira stands in the center, the true king of his domain.

Akira: "Tonight, we celebrate. For our future… and our newest member."

His eyes land on Ruby.

Akira: "Welcome to Zaia Enterprise, Ruby. You made the right choice."

Ruby looks stunned — then… slowly… she smiles.

Ruby (softly): "…Thanks. I… I think I did."

Amethyst smirks, sliding beside her, looping an arm around Ruby's shoulders.

Amethyst: "Alright, Red. Enough brooding. You look like you walked out of a funeral."

Ruby: "…That's not far off."

Amethyst (grinning): "Exactly why we're fixing that. Come on — makeover time. You're way too good for that style."

Ruby (blinks): "Wait — what?"

Amethyst (playful grin widening): "You're one of us now. Gotta look the part. I'm thinking… black, red, and chrome. Something sharp."

Onyx (laughs): "Better listen, Red. She won't stop until you're on a catwalk."

Ruby… hesitates — then actually laughs, the sound foreign but genuine.

Ruby (smiling): "…Alright. Show me what you've got."

Amethyst pumps a fist.

Amethyst: "Damn right! Welcome to your new team, Ruby."

Akira watches — silent… but a faint smirk pulls at his lips.

Akira (thinking): Good… she's adapting faster than I thought.

[ Zaia Enterprise – Fabrication Wing ]

The doors slide open with a hiss as Amethyst leads Ruby down a long, metallic hallway. Neon blue lights hum along the walls.

Ruby eyes her surroundings — it's sterile, cold, but efficient.

Ruby (nervous chuckle): "So… what exactly is this place?"

Amethyst (grinning): "One of our lesser 3D print labs. We mass-produce gear, weapons, armor… even clothes. You're overdue for a new look, Red."

They stop before a massive pod-like machine — sleek black metal with glowing red trims. Mechanical arms hang above, and steam hisses from vents.

Ruby steps back instinctively.

Ruby: "Wait, you're not—"

Amethyst (grinning wide): "In you go."

With surprising strength, Amethyst pushes Ruby inside the chamber.

Ruby stumbles, spinning around just in time to see Amethyst tap her earpiece. Her eyes glow crimson.

Amethyst (commanding): "Initiate sequence — template Ruby Rose, override standard protocol."

The machine roars to life. Ruby gasps as clamps snap into place, holding her steady. Her old outfit dissolves instantly — vaporized in a flash of red light.

Ruby (shouting): "W-WAIT! My—!"

Amethyst smirks. Smoke floods the chamber as robotic arms weave together new fabrics, metals, and composites with surgical precision.

Amethyst (joyful): "No going back now, Red. You're ours."

Seconds later, the doors slide open. Ruby steps out — hair slightly damp from the process, but eyes wide.

Her black hair now has crimson streaks — subtle, but striking.

Her new outfit gleams in the low light:

The dark red cape drapes over her shoulder, hood resting against her back. The black bracers with brown buckles gleam, and the Zaia and MetsubouJinrai pins rest perfectly in place.

Ruby (in awe, touching the pins): "…I… Is this really me?"

Amethyst (grins, arms crossed): "Damn right. Look at you… You're dangerous now."

Ruby tugs at the dark tie, glancing at the steel-toe boots.

Ruby (softly): "I look… like I truly belong."

Amethyst (nods): "Because you do."

[ Zaia Enterprise — Lounge ]

Jazz music plays low — smooth saxophones echo through the polished, dimly lit room. Onyx pours whiskey with precision, handing a glass to Akira and Adam.

Onyx (grinning): "Gentlemen. We drink to victory… and to new beginnings."

Adam (sipping): "Finally feels like we're getting somewhere."

Akira (relaxed): "This is only the start."

He stares at his scroll — the blueprints for Peridot's reconstruction flashing.

Akira: "I'll rebuild her… Stronger. Faster. Her backup data's intact on the Dodo Zetsumerisekey."

Adam: "That AI you created in the Ever After, I almost want to see what kind of chaos is capable of."

Onyx (laughs): "Same here."

Akira takes a slow sip.

Akira (calm): "Once Peridot's back… we move. The world won't stop us."

[ Vacuo — Main City ]

Jaune, Yang, Weiss, and Blake move through the bustling streets, their expressions grim.

Refugees fill every corner. The weight of the ruined kingdoms hangs heavy.

Yang (clenching fists): "We're wasting time… Ruby's out there… with them."

Wiess (bitter): "She chose them, Yang."

They stop — eyes locking onto a wall covered in graffiti.

The MetsubouJinrai logo is scrawled large, candles flickering below it. In bold letters:

"Saviors of World — Never Forget."

Jaune (staring): "…What the hell…?"

Blake (shaking her head): "People… they're worshipping them."

Weiss (furious): "This is insane."

They push forward — only to stop again. Massive television screens flicker to life above the square.

A news anchor appears — exhausted.

Anchor: "…And in Other news — the once Schnee Dust Company has been officially acquired by an unknown buyer."

Weiss (eyes wide): "What…?"

Anchor: "…Now rebranded as Zaia Enterprise… the buyout finalized after stockholders sold everything to the buyer.

Wiess snarls.

Anchor: "Speculation rises as the buyer is connected to the controversial group MetsubouJinrai dot net — presumed leader identify as Akira Kuruzu."

Jaune (jaw clenched): "…No way."

Anchor: "While declared terrorists by the fallen Kingdom of Atlas… many refugees are hailing them as heroes. Reports confirm they secured and evacuated nearly of Mantle's population before the collapse."

Blake (whispering): "They… saved them?"

Anchor: "With the loss of Vale, Mistral, and Atlas… Vacuo faces a refugee crisis.

Meanwhile… Zaia Enterprise broadcasts a message of rebuilding — promising a new era."

Weiss (shaking): "They… they bought the company."

Jaune (quiet, breaking): "…We lost didn't we."

The screen fades out — leaving the team frozen, helpless in the growing crowd.

Blake (angry): "No… Not yet. We get her back."

Weiss (cold): "If she wants to come back."

Yang: "She will… I know Ruby."

Jaune looks down — unsure. But in his chest… the doubt festers.

Jaune (thinking): "Do we really deserve a second chance…?"

[ Zaia Enterprise — Interrogation Lounge ]

Dim lighting. The metallic room is clean, sterile.

Neopolitan sits restrained — a sleek, custom-made straightjacket laced with mechanical locks. Her eyes burn with silent fury, body tense but still.

Across from her, Akira sits casually at a table. Two cups of tea steam between them. His demeanor? Calm. Ironic. Calculated.

Akira (smirking faintly):

"You know... I don't think we've ever actually talked, Neo. Funny… considering how alike we are."

Neopolitan glares, her jaw clenched tight. No illusion. No escape. Not now.

Akira slides a porcelain cup toward her, the steam wafting lazily.

Akira (mockingly polite):

"Tea? I figured after everything… we could use a civil conversation."

Neo doesn't move. Her eyes flick from the cup to him. He chuckles darkly.

Akira (leaning back):

"You're here because I decided you'd live. You breathe… because of me. Because the Ark saw use in you."

Neo flinches slightly — remembering All-Zero.

Akira's eyes narrow, his tone lowering.

Akira: "I know all about your little… vendetta. Roman Torchwick. Your 'partner.' Your… what? Lover? Family? Guess it doesn't matter now."

Neo's fists clench against the restraints.

Akira (quietly): "And you blame her… Ruby Rose. Right?"

A slight twitch — the only answer he gets. Akira grins coldly.

Akira: "You're so caught up in revenge you can't see straight. I'll be blunt — you're wrong. Roman died because of blunder… and because of Cinder Fall."

Neo's head snaps toward him, shocked.

Akira: "Yeah. Cinder. Your so-called 'partner.'

The one who used you. Who sent you into that wasteland chasing ghosts. Hate to break it to you — but it wasn't Ruby who caused your breakdown…"

He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table.

Akira (flatly): "It was Cinder."

Neo stares, processing. Her body trembles — rage or realization, hard to tell.

Akira (chuckling):

"You wanna know where she is? Dead. I killed her. Burned her to ash before we fell into the Ever After.

Fitting, don't you think? All that power… all that fire… and in the end, she died screaming in flames."

Neo's mouth parts — silent shock. Eyes wide. A shudder runs through her restrained frame.

Akira (coldly amused): "Scared, huh? You should be. If I can kill Cinder Fall, what makes you think you stand a chance?"

Silence. The only sound is the faint hiss of the air vents.

Akira watches her, then — strangely gentle — speaks again.

Akira:" But that's not why you're still breathing. No… See, I think you're useful, Neo. You've got… potential."

He gestures around.

Akira: "Zaia Enterprise. I'm offering you… a job."

Neo blinks, stunned.

Akira: "A new chapter, Neo. Work for me. Forget that pass. Forget that traitorous bitch. You're better than that."

His voice lowers, sincere.

Akira: "You want a voice? I can give you one. Synthetic, but real — doesn't matter. You want money? Done. You want a home? Welcome to Zaia."

Neo shakes, swallowing hard. Akira leans back, folding his arms.

Akira: "Think about it. You're chasing ghosts while the world's already moved on. Stick with me… and maybe — just maybe — you stop surviving… and start living."

Neo's gaze lowers. For the first time… not defiant. Just… uncertain.

Akira stands, sliding his chair back with a screech.

Akira (final): "I'll leave you to think on it, Neo. I'm not asking twice."

He turns, walking toward the door. Stops.

Akira (without looking back): "And for what it's worth… Roman wouldn't want you dying for revenge."

The door hisses open. Akira steps out — leaving

Neo alone.

The tea grows cold.

Neo stares at it… eyes glassy. For the first time, truly… lost.