Beacon Academy Dorms

Jaune: That's insane...

Jaune and the other members of team JNPR were resting in the common room when Ruby and her team joined them and filled them in on the current situation.

Ruby: I know right!? How can they think that Y/N isn't human!? That's stupid right!?

Pyrrha: Well, there's that, but there's also that whole thing with the Grimm...

Yang: Yeah, supposedly Y/N has some energy or something in him that attracts Grimm.

Weiss: That occurs after an enormous explosion of said energy.

Ren: So, everything in the immediate vicinity of Y/N is vaporized or something, and then Grimm come in? That sounds pretty dangerous...

Ruby: What are you talking about!? Y/N has been with us for over a semester! I don't remember there being any explosions!.... Directly caused by him...

Ren nodded in agreement.

Ren: True.

Nora: Is this explosion thing Y/N's Semblance?

Blake: I don't think so... or at least there isn't definitive proof that it is his Semblance.

Pyrrha: So--to make things clear--Y/N has some kind of crazy combat training, an unstable, unknown energy in him that may or may not be connected to his Semblance that attracts Grimm in a huge area, and that very energy can cause an explosion that completely annihilates everything in close proximity to Y/N? Is that everything?

Weiss: Just about... yeah.

Pyrrha closed her eyes and thought for a moment before opening them again.

Pyrrha: Maybe... it isn't such a bad thing that Atlas took Y/N.

Ruby was both shocked and angered by Pyrrha's input.

Ruby: How can you say that!? Just last week he was here baking us breakfast!

Jaune: I agree with Ruby!

Jaune got up and stood next to Ruby.

Jaune: After everything we've been through with Y/N, how can you be okay with him just being taken away!?

Pyrrha: I know it's unfair--I like Y/N as well--but we can't just ignore the potential danger he possesses while he's here.

Ren: It is a little disconcerting spending time with someone that could potentially explode, destroying everything close to them...

Nora: And that's not including the Grimm that will come swarming.

Ruby: It's not fair! Y/N didn't do anything wrong!

Weiss: Then what should we do Ruby!?...

Weiss, equally frustrated by the day's recent events, argued against her leader.

Weiss: This is the Atlesian Military we're talking about. They're not a group of criminals or Grimm, they're a full fledged army.

Ruby: But-

Weiss: Ruby, Atlas has access to the most cutting edge technology that the rest of Remnant could only dream about. I miss Y/N too, but I'm a bit hesitant on starting an inter-kingdom incident.

Ruby wanted to say something in response but couldn't find the right words.

Weiss: Where would you even hide Y/N if you got him back? Under your bed?

Ruby: W-well... I mean... we'd trade off...

Weiss shrugged.

Weiss: That's a terrible idea...

Jaune: We're in Vale, not Atlas! What right does Atlas have taking a student from Beacon!?

Yang: Ironwood told the Vale Council how dangerous Y/N was and his energy or whatever...

Jaune: Argh!!!

Jaune grunted in increased irritation.

Nora: What did Ozpin say?

Blake: He said he'd "talk" to Ironwood about it.

Yang: That's a good thing, right?

Weiss: I doubt that, once General Ironwood sets his mind on something, it's impossible to convince him otherwise.

Nora: Oh...

Weiss sighed and sat down on an empty chair. The mood of the room fell as they continued their conversation. All of them were unsure of what to do about Y/N.

Ren: When is Atlas taking Y/N, or have they already done so?

Weiss: Atlas is moving Y/N tomorrow morning, to get him out of the way of the Vytal Festival.

Blake: How did you find that out?

Weiss looked away.

Weiss: My sister let me know... *sigh* out of pity...

Ren: That's pretty soon huh.

Yang: I guess they were serious when they said they were taking Y/N...

Ruby: Then I guess we'd better hurry.

Everyone looked at Ruby confused.

Yang: What?

Ruby: To get Y/N! What else!?

Weiss: Now, wait just a minute Ruby, didn't you hear what we just talked about?

Ruby: Yeah, but I'm not leaving Y/N.

Pyrrha: Ruby, this is way bigger than us and Ozpin won't be able to get you out if you're caught.

Ruby: But...

Yang: Ruby...

Yang put a hand on Ruby's shoulder.

Yang: I think maybe we should at least think this through before we do something as crazy as that...

Ruby looked at her sister and then shoved her hand away. After a brief moment, Ruby ran for the door.

Ruby: Y/N isn't some monster! He's a kid just like all of us, how can you guys be okay with letting him go!?

Yang: Ruby wait!

Ruby didn't bother listening and ran out of the room.

Jaune: Ruby!

By the time everyone got to the door, Ruby had already dashed away, leaving nothing but a trail of petals.

_____

_____

Atlesian Battleship

Back on one of Atlas' Battleships, Ironwood intently observed the latest readings from Y/N. Each monitor showed various reports on their prisoner and the strange energy that emanates from him.

Ironwood: What have you found out?

Ironwood addressed the officers and scientists currently working to analyze the newest reports from Y/N. After some deliberation, a scientist holding a data pad answered.

Atlas Scientist: Sir. Since his containment, the energy within him has remained at a nominal level.

Ironwood: Is there a chance that it will spike up again? Explode?

Atlas Scientist: We do not believe so.

Ironwood: You do not "believe" so?

Ironwood glared at the scientist.

Ironwood: That is not reassuring.

Atlas Scientist: L-let me clarify!

The scientist tapped on his data and the monitors changed to show the unknown energy levels as well as Y/N's Aura levels. Both readings displayed the levels of both the unknown energy and his Aura were both very similar.

Atlas Scientist: We have determined that the unknown energy that we've detected is directly connected to his Aura.

Ironwood: So... it is his Semblance.

Ironwood glared at the video feed of Y/N in his cell.

Atlas Scientist: We don't think so...

Ironwood turned to face the scientist.

Ironwood: Explain.

Atlas Scientist: O-of course! While the strange energy is directly related to it, it's origin is not from his Aura. The energy seems to be...

The scientist hesitated as he tried to figure out the correct words.

Atlas Scientist: ...part of his soul.

Ironwood: Part of his soul? So then it is his Semblance.

Atlas Scientist: N-no, not quite. From the scans we took, he does in fact have a Semblence, but the energy seems to have... affected it.

Ironwood: So the energy isn't his Semblance, but may have changed it?

Atlas Scientist: That's what we believe. Here look at this.

The scientist tapped his data pad again and a different screen popped up showing Y/N's faint Aura around his body.

Atlas Scientist: Watch his Aura carefully sir.

Ironwood narrowed his eyes at Y/N's Aura, trying to find what he was supposed to see.

Ironwood: I don't-

That's when Ironwood saw it. Y/N's Aura flickered, like it was pulled in different directions.

Ironwood: What's wrong with his Aura?

Atlas Scientist: Technically, nothing. Its origin is unknown, but the energy has been affecting the subject's own Aura, altering it. We'd need to do more research back at Atlas proper.

Ironwood: Hm... very well...

Ironwood took note of what he learned and walked out of the research wing of the ship and made his way to the holding cells.

Once Ironwood exited the elevator to the holding cells he was greeted by Winter and a large group of soldiers by her side.

Winter saluted.

Winter: Sir! Everything is ready to transport the prisoner.

The troops behind Winter saluted right after.

Atlas Soldiers: Sir!

Ironwood: Good. Open the cell.

Winter: Yes sir.

Winter nodded to the guards and the metal door leading to Y/N's cell opened.

Ironwood: Has there been any issues since I left?

Winter: None. He's become rather quiet actually...

Ironwood: Thank you.

Ironwood stepped into the cell and looked at Y/N, still in his restraints. What was strange to Ironwood was the fact that Y/N was staring off into space.

Ironwood: Y/N...

Y/N didn't seem to respond, so Ironwood continued.

Ironwood: ...seeing as how that's your name, I'll call you that. I'm here to tell you that you'll be transferred to a state-of-the-art facility at Atlas where we will be able to fully grasp and understand the energy that you have inside you.

Once again, Y/N didn't respond causing Ironwood to sigh.

Ironwood: Look, Y/N, I understand if you're scared. And... maybe it wasn't intentional when Trist was-

(Y/N): There was a blacksmith's shop at Trist...

Y/N suddenly spoke, interrupting Ironwood as he talked.

Ironwood: Excuse me?

(Y/N): At Trist, there was a blacksmith's shop run by an older Faunas...

Ironwood pulled out his Scroll and quickly pulled up the casualty count for the town of Trist.

(Y/N): ...his name was-

Ironwood: Emilio Crane.

Y/N shifted his eyes to Ironwood.

(Y/N): Is he-

Ironwood: Dead.

There was complete silence in the cell as Y/N put his head back. Once again Ironwood felt a pang of doubt when he saw Y/N act this way. The genuine sadness Y/N seemed to show.

Winter: Sir?

Ironwood was brought out of his own head when Winter asked for him. After glancing back, Ironwood cleared his throat and addressed Y/N in a serious tone once again.

Ironwood: Back to the subject of your transportation...

Ironwood gestured behind him and a scientist pushing a small wheeled table into the cell, on the table was a syringe filled with a liquid. The Atlas scientist picked up the syringe and approached Y/N.

Ironwood: ...after some preliminary scans we've determined that the energy inside you is directly related to your Aura...

The scientist took Y/N's restrained arm and injected the liquid into him, Ironwood continued.

Ironwood: So, to ensure your safe transport to Atlas you will be sedated for the entirety of the flight.

Y/N felt the slight sting of the injection but didn't really pay attention to it, instead his thoughts were on Emilio and the residents of Trist. It wasn't long, however, until Y/N felt his eyes get heavy and then close.

The Atlas scientist checked Y/N vitals before turning to the general.

Atlas Scientist: He's ready for transport sir.

Ironwood: Good, transfer him to the ship.

Winter: Yes sir.

Winter ordered the soldiers with her to begin to transport the now unconscious Y/N out of his cell and to the other ship for transport.

Ironwood walked out of the cell and stepped to the side to watch the soldiers push Y/N's restraining device down the hall.

As Winter and her men pushed Y/N down the cell block, one inmate commented on Y/N's departure.

Torchwick: Have a pleasant flight, kid.

Torchwick chuckled inside his cell as Y/N was pushed by. While Winter and her soldiers ignored Torchwick's comment, Ironwood didn't and made a mental note of it.

_____

_____

The Following Day

Beacon Academy

Despite the disaster that nearly transpired the other day, the Vytal Festival was in full swing. With the protection of Atlas--under the direct control of General Ironwood--the Kingdom of Vale started the early celebrations for the festival. During this time much of Atlas' forces were busy organizing and guarding the festivities around Vale.

One young teen took it upon herself to take advantage of the reduced security around Beacon Academy's landing pads.

Ruby: Thank goodness the Vytal Festival is still on, it makes sneaking around a lot easier... right Zwei?

Zwei: *bark*!!!

Ruby carefully peeked around a large container to the landing pad itself. Looking around Ruby sighted her target. Currently landed, a dropship sat idle on the landing pad.

Ruby: Yes! A dropship!

Ruby's smile turned into a frown when she saw an Atlas guard casually patrolling the landing site.

Ruby: Hmm... how do I....?

Ruby tried to think of a way to dispatch the guard quietly and without him seeing who she was.

Zwei: *bark*

Ruby looked at her canine companion with a smile.

Ruby: That might work.

Atlas Guard: *sigh* Why did I get stationed here? Everyone else gets free gifts from the citizens from the festival and here I am guarding an empty landing pad... *sigh*

As the guard complained to himself his attention was immediately drawn to a noise behind him.

Atlas Guard: What the!? Who's there!?

The guard lifted his rifle in the direction of the metal crates. Steadily walking closer, the guard jumped around the corner, ready to fire.

Atlas Guard: Freeze! Oh. uh...

Zwei: *bark* *bark*!!!

The only intruder the guard found was a small dog sitting behind some metal containers.

Atlas Guard: *sigh* Gave me a heart attack little doggie.

Zwei: *bark*!!!

Zwei began to playfully run around in a circle.

Atlas Guard: Awww....

Zwei: *whine*

Zwei stopped running around in circles and sat on his hind legs.

Atlas Guard: Oh... my... god....

Zwei: *whine*

Zwei's eyes seemed to grow bigger as he began to beg.

Atlas Guard: That is the most adorable thing I've ever seen. I've gotta take a picture.

The guard fumbled for his Scroll and pulled it out of his pocket.

Atlas Guard: This'll make everyone jeal-

SMACK

Ruby whacked the guard in the head with the flat side of her scythe causing him to fall to the floor unconscious.

Ruby: Good work Zwei!

Zwei: *bark*!!

Ruby: Hehe! Works every time! Let's go Zwei!

Zwei: *bark* *bark*!!!

Ruby and Zwei ran to the dropship and climbed into the cockpit.

Ruby: Now, let's see... how do I?

As Ruby tried to figure out the controls of the ship another guard came in from the front entrance.

Atlas Guard #2: Hey Frank, I'm here with- what the!?

Ruby: Uh oh...

The guard found his unconscious comrade and readied his rifle and approached the dropship.

Atlas Guard #2: Step out of the ship now!

Ruby quickly grabbed her weapon.

Atlas Guard #2: Did you hear me!? I said-

Ruby didn't notice the guard suddenly stop his shouting, so when she jumped out of the drop ship ready for a fight she was surprised by what she saw.

Yang: Hey sis!

Ruby: Guys!?

The second guard--now seeing stars--lay at the feet of Ruby's sister. Behind her was Weiss, Blake, and team JNPR.

Ruby ran to her friends.

Ruby: You guys came!? But I thought-

Weiss: Despite my misgivings about this, you're still our teammate Ruby.

Blake: And teams stick together.

Ruby: But I thought you said this was too crazy?

Yang: Well... yeah, it is still crazy but...

Everyone smiled together.

Yang: ...then again, we aren't that sane either.

Ruby smiled as she found herself with her friends again.

Ruby: Thanks you guys.

Qrow: Yeah, let's hurry this up.

Ruby: Wah! Uncle Qrow!

All the students present were caught completely off guard when the Huntsman--seemingly out of nowhere--casually walked by them and toward the dropship.

Yang: Uncle Qrow? What are you doing here?

Jaune: And how did you...

Jaune was completely confused on how the scruff Huntsman so easily walked by them without anyone noticing.

Qrow took a drink from his flask and stepped onto the drop ship.

Qrow: To answer both of those questions: Huntsman business.

Ruby: Wait, so you're here to break Y/N out too!?

Ruby dashed to her uncle.

Qrow: Wouldn't you like to know?

Qrow gently picked Ruby up and placed her down outside of the dropship.

Qrow: This is a solo mission, sorry kid.

Jaune: What!? But we want to break Y/N out too!

Jaune and the rest of students ran up to the drop-ship, not wanting to be left out.

Qrow: I didn't say I was going to break Y/N out.

Weiss: It's pretty obvious that's what you're doing...

Jaune: And having more people would make things easier, wouldn't it?

Qrow: No, it makes things more difficult. More people means more ways for us to get caught.

Ruby: So you are going to rescue Y/N!

Qrow: Ugh...

Qrow shrugged.

Qrow: That doesn't doesn't change the fact that this is a solo mission.

Ruby: But-!

Qrow: No "buts", I'm doing this one alone.

When Qrow looked back to her younger niece, seeing her doing her "puppy eye" thing again.

Qrow: Oh no, not this time. That won't work on me again.

Yang slid next to her sister and joined her in making the saddest begging face she could muster.

Qrow: N-nope. Not working, this is still a one Huntsman mission.

Ruby slowly brought up her arms revealing Zwei, also making the begging face.

Qrow: ...damnit...

Qrow sighed in shame.

Qrow: ...just you four.

Ruby and Yang: Yes!

Zwei: *bark*!!

Weiss: More "Huntsman Will of Steel" huh?

Qrow: Ugh....

Nora: Hey! What about us?!

Qrow and team RWBY looked back at the members of team JNPR who seemed to have been left out of the recent "negotiations".

Qrow: Sneaking four students onto an Atlesian Battleship is already a difficult task, eight is just not going to happen.

Yang smirked.

Yang: Our uncle the Huntsman.

Nora crossed her arms and began to pout.

Nora: Nepotism! Phooey!

Ren: It's alright Nora, taking eight students was a bit of a stretch to begin with.

Pyrrha: Will you guys be alright?

Ruby: Yeah, we'll be fine!

Blake: Yeah, when has anything ever gone wrong when we're involved?

Blake's obvious sarcasm made Yang shrug.

Nora: It's still not fair! Why do they always get to have all the fun?

Yang: Hey, don't be like that. Tell you what, you can take care of Zwei for us!

Yang tossed Zwei over to Nora, who caught him.

Zwei: *bark* *bark*!!!

Nora: He's adorable!

Nora had stars in her eyes as she began to cuddle the small dog.

Jaune: Just be careful you guys.

Qrow: We'll try...

With that, Qrow and team RWBY boarded the ship and lifted off the platform. The members of team JNPR waved as they left for their rescue mission.

Jaune worriedly watched on as the dropship disappeared from sight.

Pyrrha: Don't worry, they'll be fine.

Pyrrha put a hand on Jaune's shoulder.

Jaune: I hope so...

Pyrrha gave Jaune a reassuring nod before turning around.

Jaune: Alright, seeing as how we're not going on the rescue mission we may as well try and enjoy the Vytal Festi- where is Nora?

After Jaune turned around with Pyrrha, he noticed that Nora was gone. Ren, who was just standing next to her, was equally confused on her whereabouts.

Ren: Where did she?...

Nora: Let's go rob a pet store for their treats!!!

Zwei: *happy bark*!!!!!!

Nora was already halfway back to the academy by the time the rest of her team noticed where she went.

Jaune: Oh no...

_____

_____

Beacon Academy Front Court

Overlooking the whole courtyard, Ironwood stood quietly, watching the festivities from up high.

Ozpin: General.

Ironwood turned back to see Ozpin joining him on the balcony.

Ironwood: Ozpin.

The two headmasters stood side by side and watched the festivities together.

Ironwood: I hope that what I did hasn't jeopardized our friendship.

Ozpin: What you did was pretty rude...

Ironwood glanced at Ozpin.

Ozpin: ...but our friendship is still intact.

Ironwood slightly let out a breath and returned to looking over the festival.

Ozpin: So, what are your thoughts on Y/N?

Ironwood: The strange energy seems to be directly connected to his Aura, or at least directly affecting it. At Atlas we'll be able to-

Ozpin: I didn't ask what you found out about him, I asked what your thoughts were.

Ironwood: He's...

Ironwood hesitated.

Ironwood: *sigh* ...not what I expected.

Ozpin: What did you expect?

Ironwood: I... Fine, you're right. He is just a kid, but that doesn't mean the energy inside him isn't any less dangerous.

Ozpin: I never said it wasn't. I simply wish we could handle this a different way.

Ironwood: A 'different way'? What 'way' were you planning on using? Just letting a potential living bomb just merrily roam around the academy and city?

Ozpin: One where it doesn't dehumanize him.

Ironwood: Look, I understand that you don't agree with my methods, but this way the least number of people are in danger.

Ozpin: I hope so General... I hope so...

_____
_____

A Little While Later

Airspace Outside of Vale

The drop-ship continued to fly in the direction the Atlas convoy flew without any problems.

Qrow sat in the cockpit and guided the ship along the path the convoy flew. In the back, the members of team RWBY discussed with each other on their plan to rescue Y/N.

Ruby: Alright team, time to work out how we're going to rescue Y/N!

Weiss: Wait, you didn't have a plan to begin with?

Ruby: Well, I mean... I was kinda playing by ear...

Weiss: This whole thing is doomed.

Yang: Well, what do we know about the convoy?

Blake: There is one Atlesian Battleship supported by two frigates.

Yang: Okay, three ships, doesn't seem too bad.

Weiss: This isn't a walk in the park. Those two frigates are armed with enough anti-aircraft batteries to shoot down this tiny little drop-ship like it was a fly, and that's not including the Battleship itself!

Blake: She's right, the main battleship will be filled with Atlas soldiers as well as state-of-the-art security systems. Just getting in will be difficult enough.

Weiss: Even if we manage to get to Y/N, the convoy will call for support and the rest of the ships from Vale will coming running.

Ruby: Okay, so we have a couple hurdles to jump, but we have to figure something out.

Ruby looked to her uncle in the cockpit.

Ruby: What do you think we should do Uncle Qrow?

Qrow: I dunno, I had a plan of my own but that didn't involved four extras.

Yang smirked at her uncle's comment.

Weiss: Well, we need some kind of plan.

The group thought together but failed to come up with anything.

Ruby: I'll call Jaune and the others, maybe they'll have some ideas.

Ruby pulled out her Scroll and dialed the members of team JNPR.

The Scroll rang for a few moments until Jaune picked up.

Jaune: (on Scroll) Uh... Hello? *static*

Ruby: Jaune! Great! We kinda need some advice on-

Jaune: (on Scroll) *static* What? H-hold on Ruby...

From Ruby's point of view it sounded like Jaune was shouting something but the static didn't let her hear.

Jaune: (on Scroll) *static* Ruby? Hello?

Ruby: Yes! Jaune hello!

The static kept getting louder and louder, making it difficult to continue the call.

Jaune: (on Scroll): I don't... *static* ...hear me, but... *static* ...ora and.... *static*

Ruby: W-what? Jaune can you hear me?

Ruby brought the Scroll closer to her.

Ruby: Hello?

BOOM

Suddenly, the four girls heard an explosion sound coming from the other end of the call.

Ruby: Jaune!?

Yang: Hey, what's happening over there?

Nora: (on Scroll) *static* Viva la... *static* ...be free my doggie friends!.... *static*

Blake: Was that Nora?

The four girls continued to listen carefully to the Scroll.

Jaune: (on Scroll): *static* Nora! That's a dog show!... *static*

Zwei: (on Scroll) *bark* *bark*!!!

Jaune: (on Scroll): You're not... *static* ...elping!

The call went dead as the signal was lost.

Weiss: I don't know what's going on over there, and I don't want to know.

Everyone: Agreed.

Ruby: But why did the call drop?

Ruby looked at her Scroll curiously.

Qrow: It's because we're outside of Vale's communications range.

Yang: Wait, if we're outside of communications range doesn't that mean the convoy is too? Doesn't that solve the reinforcements problem that we have?

Qrow: Not quite...

Qrow glanced behind him.

Qrow: The Battleship has its own smaller transmitter which allows it to maintain contact over a longer distance. It also generates a smaller local network that the crew can use.

Yang: Oh...

Blake: Wait, if the convoy generates its own local network can't we track them that way?

Qrow: Now you're getting it. I may know which way the fleet left Vale, but their specific flight path is unknown. By looking for that local network we'll be able to pinpoint their exact location.

Ruby: At least we have some good news.

Qrow: Although...

Qrow kept tapping the console to look for the Atlesian network.

Qrow: ...I can't seem to find it.

Blake: You can't find it?

The four girls entered the cockpit and looked over Qrow's shoulder.

Blake: That's weird, it's not there.

Qrow: My thoughts exactly, we've been flying for a little while now and there's still no signal.

Weiss: Why don't you try Atlas' radio frequency.

Qrow looked back at the heiress, lost.

Qrow: Radio frequency?

Weiss: Yeah, that's what I said.

Weiss leaned over and input Atlas' radio frequency into the console. After a moment the console displayed the location of the fleet.

Ruby: Hey, there it is.

Qrow: Huh... wonder why I didn't think of that.

Weiss: Don't strain yourself "Veteran Huntsman"

Qrow shrugged.

Qrow: Yeah... your her sister alright...

Blake: Based on the location, the fleet will be on the other side of that mountain range ahead.

Qrow guided the ship toward the mountains.

Qrow: Wonder what they're saying.

Qrow, noticing that the frequency was in use, tapped the console to allow them to hear what was being said.

Radio: *static*..tlas... *static* ...tance... *static*

The message, whatever it was, was far too scrambled for anyone to understand.

Weiss: What are they saying?

Qrow: Not sure...

Blake: It should become clearer as we get closer.

The ship increased its altitude as they began to fly over the mountain range.

Radio: *static* Atlas... *static* ...requesting... *static* ...anyone... *static* ...ttack... *static*

Qrow: It's getting there...

Qrow looked down at the console and tried to clear the message.

Ruby: Uncle Qrow...

Radio: *static* Atlesian fleet... *static* ...questing assistance... *static* ...der attack... *static*

Qrow: Almost there...

Yang lightly slapped her uncle on the shoulder.

Yang: Uncle Qrow, look up.

Qrow: Fine, what is..... It....

Looking up, Qrow's eyes widened as he finally found the convoy they were looking for. As the group looked on, the message finally cleared.

Radio: I repeat: This is the Atlesian fleet enroute back to Atlas, we are requesting assistance from any vessel nearby. We are under attack and our ship is heavily damaged, we've lost our escorts and Grimm are swarming us!

The dropship continued to fly forward as its passengers looked on in complete shock.

Only the battleship was still in the air from the original three. Far below on the ground were the smoldering wreckages of the other two frigates that were escorting it. The battleship itself had an enormous column of smoke bursting from its center. To make matters worse, the visibly crippled ship was currently being swarmed by flying Grimm.

Weiss: W-what happened?

Qrow: Nothing good.

Ruby: We have to help.

Qrow glanced back at Ruby, who had a determined look in her eyes.

Qrow smirked.

Qrow: You got it.

The dropship accelerated toward the damaged ship.

Ruby: Guys, we need to cover the ship's approach.

Ruby brought her teammates back to the center of the dropship and opened the doors.

The four girls pulled their weapons out as the ship got closer to the attacking swarm of Grimm.

Eventually the griffon like Grimm noticed the approaching vessel and a few of them broke off to attack.

Yang: Here they come!

With a loud screech the Grimm began to attack RWBY's dropship.

Ruby: Here we go!

The Huntresses-in-training began to open fire on the Grimm that tried to kill them.

Blake: Yang! Your left!

Yang: I see it!

The ship cut through the swarming Grimm and rapidly approached the hanger of the battleship. As they got closer, Qrow noticed that there were still Atlas soldiers fighting back.

Qrow: Here we go.

Qrow started to pull back so that the ship would slow down, but nothing happened.

Qrow: Uh...

Qrow started rapidly pulling back on the yoke, distressed about their current speed.

Qrow: Hey! Can any of you girls back there see the flaps? I can't slow down.

Blake leaned out of the ship and looked at the wings, after a moment she came back in.

Blake: What wings?

Ruby, Weiss, and Yang: 0_o

Qrow: This is going to be a rough landing!

Atlas soldiers jumped out of the way as the speeding dropship skid across the hanger.

Qrow: Aaaaahhhhh!!!!

RWBY: Aaaaaahhh!!!!

Qrow: Everyone out!

Qrow quickly got up from his seat and joined the four girls in jumping out of the crashing ship.

Qrow: Umph!!

Ruby: Ow!

Blake: Argh!!

Weiss: Wah!

Yang: Yaahoo!!!

Only Yang seemed to enjoy jumping out of the crashing ship.

BOOM

The crashing ship collided into another and exploded into a fireball, causing Atlas personnel to rush in to extinguish the inferno.

Qrow: Definitely not my best landing...

Yang: Heh. Probably won't be your worst.

Qrow: Ugh....

The group stumbled to their feet and looked around them. The crew of the ship were frantically doing everything they could to keep Grimm out of the hanger and allow their own aircraft to launch. None of the them, however, paid attention to the five outsiders.

Weiss: What do we do now?

The four girls looked at each other and then at Qrow.

Qrow: Hmm...

Qrow looked around and then grabbed someone that looked like an officer.

Qrow: What's going on here!?

Atlas Officer: W-who are you!?

Qrow: We're Huntsmen from Vale, what happened here?

Qrow released the officer and let him stand upright.

Atlas Officer: W-we don't know! Everything was fine and then, about two hours ago, our communications suddenly went down! Moments later the battleship's automated defense batteries targeted our own escorts!

Weiss: What!?

Blake: Why would their own defenses target allies!?

Atlas Officer: After our escorts were destroyed a bomb exploded, causing devastating damage to the structure of the ship!

Qrow: And then the Grimm showed up, right?

Atlas Officer: Y-yeah...

Yang: Jeez, from bad to worse.

Ruby: What should we do?

Qrow thought for a moment before coming up with a plan.

Qrow: Alright, Blake, you head to the communications room, see if you can figure out what's wrong with it.

Atlas Officer: How could she know what to do?

Blake grabbed the officer.

Blake: I saw a video online. Now take me to the communications room.

After the officer and Blake ran off, Qrow pointed to Yang and Weiss.

Qrow: Firecracker...

Yang smiled.

Qrow: ...Ice Queen...

Weiss: Hey!

Qrow: ...you two help secure the hanger, we need to help Atlas get as many ships in the air.

Yang: Got it!

Weiss: Hmph!

Qrow then looked at Ruby.

Ruby: What's my job?

Qrow: You, go make sure Y/N is alright, this whole thing likely has something to do with him.

Ruby eyes lit up.

Ruby: No problem!

Ruby activated her Semblance and dashed away.

Qrow: Good, now I'll-

Ruby suddenly dashed back.

Ruby: Uh... which way do I go?

Qrow sighed before grabbing another officer.

Atlas Officer #2: Wha!? Who are-!?

Qrow: Huntsmen from Vale, take her...

Qrow pointed to Ruby.

Qrow: ...to where the prisoner is being held.

Atlas Officer #2: O-okay...

Qrow sighed again as the officer led Ruby away.

Qrow: Now where was I?

Qrow glanced around.

Qrow: Right.

Qrow made his way to the bridge of the battleship.

The elevator opened, revealing the bridge of the ship. Qrow stepped out of the elevator and marched in.

Qrow: Alright, who's in charge he-

Qrow stopped mid-sentence when he realized who was in command.

Qrow: Oh god, not you...

Turning around, Winter returned Qrow's distressed expression with a glare.

Winter: Qrow! What are you doing on my bridge?

Qrow: Answering your distress call, obviously.

Qrow shrugged as he walked past the astute specialist.

Qrow: And it looks like you need it...

Outside, a desperate battle was taking place between the ship and its few aircraft it managed to launch against a huge swarm of Grimm.

Winter narrowed her eyes.

Winter: You responded rather quickly...

Qrow rolled his eyes.

Qrow: Hasn't anyone ever told you not to look a gift horse in the mouth? What's the situation?

Winter grunted and stood along side Qrow.

Winter: As you can see...

Winter gestured to the officers and crewmen on the bridge, all of whom were desperately trying to keep the ship operational.

Winter: ...it could be better.

Qrow: How's the defense grid?

Winter: Disabled. Whatever virus that invaded our system rendered the batteries inoperable after it took control. We've been trying to contact the rest of the fleet but communications are down.

Qrow: Sabotage?

Winter: What do you think?

_____
_____

Battleship Brig

The officer led Ruby through the military vessel and right to the holding cells. The two stopped when they reached a reinforced metal door with a hand-scanner.

Atlas Officer #2: The cells are on the other side of this door.

The officer placed his hand on the scanner and the door began to open.

Atlas Officer #2: I don't think you have anything to worry about, just because the ship is under attack doesn't mean we'd leave this place unguard- *gasp*!

When the door opened the two find that all of the guards inside were on the floor dead.

Atlas Officer #2: W-what happened in here!?

Ruby: Go tell the captain what's happened.

Atlas Officer #2: But the communications system is still down!

Ruby pulled out her Crescent Rose.

Ruby: Then go on foot!

Atlas Officer #2: Uh... Right! I'll be back with reinforcements!

Ruby slowly entered the brig of the ship as the officer ran off in a hurry. Looking around her, Ruby noted how the guards looked like they were in a battle before they died. Bullet holes, scorch-marks, and bent metal were all over the walls, floor, and ceiling.

Ruby carefully walked past the dead guards and kept her attention straight ahead. The guards were--after all--guarding a single prisoner.

Turning around one more corner Ruby found the cell Y/N was in as well as the people responsible for the attack.

Three figures, all wearing black and masks turned to face the lone Huntress.

Ruby readied her rifle.

Ruby: I don't know who you are, but step away from Y/N.

Ruby recognized one of the figures as the same one that she ran into back during the Ball, causing her to tense slightly.

The three figures looked at each other and then to the one that Ruby recognized. The third figure nodded and the other two began to approach Ruby.

Ruby: Don't move!

Ruby had her finger on the trigger.

The figure on the left stopped and put their hands up, but the other kept walking.

Ruby: H-hey! I said stop!

The approaching figure ignored Ruby's warnings and continued on their way.

Ruby: You asked for it!

Ruby fired three shots at figure, but instead of landing on target the figure seemed to disappear, resulting in the bullets slamming into wall.

Ruby: Huh?

For a moment, Ruby scanned around for the missing person.

Ruby: Where did he-!?

Ruby's attention was suddenly brought behind her when she felt someone tap on her shoulder. Glancing behind her, Ruby saw the figure she just saw in front of her.

Before Ruby could react the figure kicked Ruby in the back, sending her flying to the person that stopped.

Ruby: Agh!!!

The second figure ran up the wall and grabbed Ruby as she flew. Using her own momentum, the assailant swung Ruby into an unused cell.

Ruby slammed into back wall of the cell and fell to the floor, her body hurting and her head spinning.

Ruby: Oh... what happ-

KER-CHUNK

Ruby looked up to see the cell door slam shut, trapping her inside.

_____

_____

Communications Room

In the darkened communication room, Blake tinkered away on one of the consoles.

Comms Officer: I don't get why she's here...

Comms Officer #2: What could she find that we-

Suddenly, the lights came back on and the monitors in the communications room flickered back to life.

Blake: There we go.

Blake dusted her hands off.

The two comms Officers were speechless.

Comms Officer: How did yo-

Blake: Video on the net!

Qrow: (on intercom) Nice work kid, getting the comms back will let us call for help, finally.

Blake smiled in satisfaction as the Atlas crew members cheered.

Ruby: Guys!

Ruby shouted into her Scroll, finally able to connected to her uncle and teammates.

Qrow: How are things down there kiddo? Blake got the comms working again and-

Ruby: There's no time! Someone is taking Y/N!

Qrow: What!? Where are you!?

Ruby: I'm in a cell! But don't worry about me! There were three people taking Y/N! I think they're headed toward the hanger!

_____

_____

Battleship Hanger

Yang: They're what!?

Yang landed deftly on the ground after uppercutting an attacking Grimm.

Weiss: She said they're headed this way!

Weiss landed next to her teammate, finishing her own battle.

Yang: Wait, there they are!

Yang pointed to the other side of the hanger to see three people loading Y/N into an Atlas dropship.

Yang: Weiss!

Weiss: I got you!

Weiss summoned a line of glyphs leading right toward Y/N.

Yang: Raaaah!!!!

Yang dashed forward and with the help of the glyphs on the ground she gained tremendous speed.

Noticing the approaching danger, one of the figures rushed out. As Yang's fist flew forward, the figure jumped in the air and slammed their feet into Yang's arm and chest. The quick hit by the figure sent Yang flying into the wall to the right of the drop-ship.

BOOM

Yang crashed into the wall causing a small explosion.

Yang: Ugh...

The figure turned their attention back toward the line of glyphs as Weiss rushed toward them.

Weiss glared as she rushed the person that deflected Yang's attack.

The figure barely dodged Weiss' attempt to impale him and countered with a series of kicks.

Weiss barely managed to block the kicks and had to jump back to create space.

As Weiss glared at the figure, Yang burst from the hole in the wall she made, her eyes crimson red.

Yang: Oh, you're going to regret that.

Yang and Weiss dashed at the lone figure together, but before they could get close enough a huge pillar of fire erupted from the ground in front of them.

Yang: Woah!

Weiss: What!?

The two Huntresses jumped back from the pillars of fire before they ran into it.

Weiss: Where did that come from!?

Yang: Dunno!

When the fire disappeared, the Atlas drop-ship was taking off.

Yang: Oh no you don't!

Yang used her gauntlets to propel herself into the air and onto the drop ship, which was strangely ignored by the swarming Grimm. She could see Y/N inside when a Grimm suddenly swiped at her in the sky.

Yang: Gah!

Yang barely managed to block the strike from the Grimm, but her attention was on the ship flying away.

Yang: No!

Yang aggressively grabbed the Grimm out of the sky and suplexed it into the deck, shaking the ship.

BOOM

As the dust cleared, Yang stepped out of the small crater she made and looked upward.

Weiss: Are you okay?

Weiss looked at Yang, concerned.

Yang sighed, her eyes returning back to normal.

Yang: Could be better...

Ruby: Guys!

Weiss: Ruby! Blake!

Weiss and Yang turned around to see the other two members of their team.

Yang: How did you get out?

Ruby pointed to Blake.

Ruby: Blake told me how.

Weiss: Wait, how do-

Blake: The net!... A video on the net...

Weiss: Huh, you watch a lot of "videos" huh?

Blake slightly sweated.

Blake: Uh... yeah...

Ruby looked around.

Ruby: Yang, where's Y/N?

Yang sighed and pointed toward the escaping drop-ship.

Yang: I'm sorry...

As Qrow, Winter, and the rest of the guards ran up to them, the four members of team RWBY watched as the drop-ship disappeared from sight.

_____
_____

Drop-ship

Aboard the escaping drop-ship, the three kidnappers removed their masks.

Mercury: Told you, easy.

Emerald rolled her eyes.

Emerald: Sure. You struggled there at the end, when you were fighting the heiress.

Mercury: Shut up! I was not!

In the back of the dropship, their leader largely ignored her subordinates bickering. Her attention on the prize she just obtained.

Cinder smiled as she stood over Y/N as he slept.