Amity Colosseum

Earlier the Same Day

BOOM

Explosions rocked the entire arena as the battle grew in intensity.

BOOM

With every explosion, however, the crowd cheered louder and louder.

Ruby: Woooo!!! Come on, Yang!!!

Blake: Yeah! Get him!

Sitting in the first row of the audience were the remaining three members of team RWBY who were cheering on their teammate currently in the match.

Weiss: Uhh... yes. Give him what... for?

Ruby instantly shot next to her heiress teammate with a big smile.

Ruby: You have to shout, Weiss! Like this!!

Ruby took in a deep breath.

Ruby: AIM FOR THE CROTCH!!!

Ruby's yell was so loud that even the unending explosions weren't enough to drown them out. In fact, the whole crowd went silent and stared at the young huntress-in-training.

Ruby: Err... I mean... get him... Yang!

Weiss facepalmed as Ruby sank down in her seat.

In the arena, however, Ruby's shout was barely audible to Yang who was in the fight of her life.

Yang: Arrrrgh!! Hold still!!

Mercury chuckled.

Mercury: You know, I expected more from you... but I bet you hear that all the time.

If Mercury's taunts were a spark, Yang's mind was a puddle of gasoline. Or an ocean of gasoline. Long story short, it was working.

Yang bellowed in anger as she used her gauntlets to launch herself at her silver haired opponent.

With a smirk on his face, Mercury jumped in the air as Yang's fiery fist approached him. Using his incredible agility, Mercury managed to put his foot on Yang's fast approaching fist.

The two fighters locked glares for a split-second before an explosion between Yang's fist and Mercury's boot suddenly forced the two apart.

The difference in skill was evident when Mercury launched several rounds from his weaponized boots as he was launched in the air. Yang staggered before being sent tumbling back from the hail of rounds flying at her.

Yang: Arrrgh!!!

Yang was quick to climb to her feet despite the punishment she recieved. However...

Port: Oh! What a show of brute combat!

Oobleck: Indeed! This particular duel has been anything but uneventful! Both combatants have been displaying true marks of Huntsmen!

Port: Huntsman or not, that was a devastating blow Ms. Xiao-Long just took!

Yang glanced at the big screen that displayed Aura levels.

Oobleck: Quite right. Miss Xiao-Long just lost over one-third of her Aura in that barrage, while her opponent took barely a fraction of the damage.

Mercury gracefully landed on the other end of the arena with barely any sweat on his head.

Mercury: You know, I think all the meat that should've gone to your head went to your chest.

Yang: What's that supposed to mean!?

Mercury sighed before chuckling again.

Mercury: Well, at least you're pretty.

Yang growled again before charging at Mercury again.

_____

_____

City of Vale

Bar Patron #1: Yeah! Kick her ass!

Bar Patron #2: Kick her ass!? I thought you said you bet everything on the blonde!?

Bar Patron #1: Pff. Of course I did! I bet it all on her losing!

Bar Patron #2: What!? I thought we agreed we'd bet on the same thing!

Bar Patron #1: Think of it this way, no matter who loses we win!

Bar Patron #2: Oh yeah...

The two men watched the monitor as they sat at the bar of the now crowded pub they picked to watch the tournament from.

Bar Patron #2: Wait... that's not how bet's wo-

Bar Patron #3: Next rounds are on me!

The whole bar cheered as the waiters and waitresses started bringing out more rounds of beverages from the kitchen and bar.

Bar Patron #1: What did you say?

Bar Patron #2: I said, that's not ho-

Crowd: Oooohhhh!!!!

Port: What an vicious uppercut delivered by Ms. Xiao-Long!!

The bar cheered again as the fight unfolded on the pub's monitors overhead.

Bar Patron #1: What?

Bar Patron #2: I said-

Bar Patron #4: Woooooo!!!! Vytal Tournament!!!

Bar Patron #1: What?

Bar Patron #2: I-

Bar Patron #4: Woooooo!!!!

Bar Patron #2: Do you mind?!

It was at this point that the man addressed the woman who was literally yelling in between them.

Bar Patron #4:Oh. Sorry! I just really like interrupting dumb questions!

The lady blushed in embarrassment and slowly backed away.

Bar Patron #1: What an interesting woman.

Bar Patron #2: Really? She interrupts dumb ques-

Bar Patron #4: Yes I do!!!

The woman returned with a big smile on her face while the other two frowned.

_____

Having decided that the pub was too loud, the two friends made their way outside and onto the street with their free drinks in hand.

Though the street outside was fairly crowded from all the tourists and festival attendees, it was significantly quieter than the bar.

Bar Patron #2: Okay, what did you want to say?

The first friend sighed.

Bar Patron #1: I was going to ask you-

Atlesian Knight: Halt.

Bar Patron #1: Seriously!?

The man turned to face the Atlesian security bot, frustrated at being interrupted yet again.

Bar Patron #1: Come on! Can't a guy ask a question without being interu-

Atlesian Knight: You are in violation of the law.

If the man was angry before, he was fuming now.

Bar Patron #1: What did I even do!?

Atlesian Knight: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in public.

The man blinked and gave his friend a confused look.

Bar Patron #1: What's this stupid bucket of bolts talking about?

Bar Patron #2: No idea.

The man looked at the security bot.

Bar Patron #1: There's no law like that in Vale.

The man's friend took a sip from his drink.

Bar Patron #2: Maybe the thing is busted or something.

Atlesian Knight: Altas law dictates that no alcoholic beverages are to be visible in public.

The first man sighed.

Bar Patron #1: For the last time! This isn't At-

The man couldn't finish his statement before Atlesian Knight roughly grabbed him by the arm.

Bar Patron #1: H-hey! Let go!

Atlesian Knight: Violation of said law is a mandatory jail time of three days.

This time, the man's friend stepped in by grabbing the robot's arm.

Bar Patron #2: Hey! Let my friend go!

The security robot turned its visor toward the other man and suddenly threw the man in its arm at his friend.

Bar Patron #1: Arrgh!!

Bar Patron #2: Aaaggghh!!

The altercation drew the attention of other pedestrians along the street.

Atlesian Knight: Attempted assault on Atlesian property has been recorded and documented.

As the knight stated this, other knights emerged from the alley nearby.

Atlesian Knight: You are to be taken into custody immediately.

As the two men looked on in horror at the group of Atlesian Knights marching toward them, the visors of the knights intermittently flashed red.

_____

_____

Amity Colosseum VIP Booth

Watching from one of the few VIP booth seats available in the flying arena, sat Beacon Academy's headmaster, Ozpin.

Despite the great view of the fight down below, the headmaster's attention was elsewhere. His mind was racked with unanswered questions and concerns.

All of the world's eyes were on Vale today. The Vytal Festival Tournament was among the most viewed and attended events since the creation of the academies, and yet strangely, everything was quiet.

The most recent move from Salem and her faction was the attempted re-kidnapping of Y/N a few days ago, but Qrow stated that they were viciously run off. As for Vale itself, the White Fang were gone, crime was at an all time low with the capture of Roman Torchwick, and security in the city was at an all time high with the support from Ironwood's army.

Yet Ozpin couldn't shake the feeling something was amiss.

Ozpin was brought out of his thoughts when the door to the booth opened, revealing Ironwood in his uniform. The general wordlessly sat down in the open seat next to Ozpin and gazed down and the intense match below. Though, his attention was mostly on the man next to him.

Ironwood: Well, the Vytal Festival seems to be running smoothly.

Ironwood was the first to break the silence.

Ozpin: Indeed it is. In fact, I think this year's Vytal Festival will be the most successful to date.

There was another moment of brief--albeit awkward--silence between the two headmasters before Ironwood sighed.

Ironwood: I guess I should get right to the point then, I want you to hand over custody of Y/N immediately. It is safer for everyone on Remnant that we take him into our custody.

Ozpin: Recent events would prove otherwise.

Ironwood clenched his fist but tried his best to remain composed.

Ironwood: The attack on my ship only proves that he should be taken somewhere secure. I will have him personally transported on my personal flagshi-

Ozpin: We can both agree that we want what's best for the people of Remnant.

Ozpin interrupted the general before glancing at him.

Ozpin: But our methods of doing so are vastly different.

Ironwood: And what is wrong with my 'methods'?

Ironwood's ire grew at the obvious criticism.

Ironwood: The Vytal Festival has never been safer! Without their ringleader, the White Fang and other criminal elements have been pacified! The world feels safer when they can see their protectors with their own eyes!

Ozpin: The same can be said for our enemies.

Ironwood scoffed.

Ironwood: I see. So you want to continue your cloak and dagger method? Keep the people of the world in the dark.

Ozpin: Some say:  "ignorance in bliss".

Ironwood: More like, naive. You know, it's only a matter of time before the world finds out about Salem.

Ozpin took his eyes off the match and turned to Ironwood.

Ozpin: James, you know we can't reveal that sort of information. The panic and fear it would cause...

Ironwood: Which is why they need something tangible to look to for leadership, stability, and most importantly, hope.

Ozpin: So you plan on becoming the de-facto ruler of all of Remnant? Force Atlesian ideals on all the kingdoms? I don't have to remind you how that ended last time.

Ironwood: Another war will not happen, Atlas is not like the Mantle of old. And may I remind you that the communication towers in each kingdom were an idea from Atlas? Today, the kingdoms no longer live in isolation from one another, even smaller settlements have the ability to talk to one another.

Ozpin: And that is a great achievement, but It is one thing to provide people with communication, it is another thing entirely to tell them what to do.

Ironwood: I only want what is best for the people.

Ozpin: Remember, general, the path to evil is paved with good intentions.

Ironwood: I-

Port: And we have a winner!!!

The conversation between Ironwood and Ozpin was cut short when the match below came to a climatic end.

_____

The crowd roared in applause at the victor of the semi-final match of the tournament.

Port: Mercury Black of Mistral Academy shall be moving on to the finals!

The giant screen displayed Mercury's picture as the winner of the match, although it was a close one to be sure.

Forced to one knee, Yang slammed her clenched fist on the ground at her loss at the hands of her opponent.

Yang: ...fuck...

Yang cursed under her breath at Professor Port's announcement. Not wanting to stay any longer, the blonde huntress-in-training started to walk off the stage.

Mercury: Yeah, you better get the hell out of here!

Yang had to resist every fiber of her being to not turn around.

Mercury: In fact, why don't you stop being a huntress all together?

Yang instantly stopped walking.

Mercury: Yeah, a girl like you is better off being a dancer at a club or something.

Yang's eyes beamed a bright red and her hair slowly started to glow.

Yang: Shut. Up.

Yang slowly turned her head to glare at the taunting teen.

Mercury: Oh, did I hit a nerve?

Mercury smirked, uncaring that Yang's temper was flaring with each second.

Mercury: You should learn your place. The world needs real Huntsmen, not bimbo trash like yo-

Mercury couldn't finish his sentence before Yang's fiery fist collided with the silver-haired teen's face, sending him crashing and tumbling all the way across the arena.

Yang: Screw you!

Yang shouted at the top of her lungs.

Yang: And your stupid haircut!

It would not be until one of the referees of the Colosseum ran out onto the arena that she realized that Mercury wasn't moving.

Yang's eyes and hair returned to their normal color as she slowly started to notice her surroundings.

The entire arena was shocked silent.

Yang turned to the large screen to see that the camera was focused squarely on her. Moments later, a squad of Atlas soldiers accompanied by Atlesian Knights, surrounded her, rifles raised.

Atlas Soldier: Hands up!

Yang: W-what is this!?

Atlas Soldier: Don't move! You're under arrest for assaulting a student!

Yang was still slightly angry at the comments Mercury made, but was mostly confused at the soldier's response.

Yang: What are you talking about!? He'd been insulting me all match long! And now he just said-

Atlas Soldier: All everyone here saw was you attacking the student who was trying to shake your hand!

Yang was taken aback.

Yang: Shake my hand!? What are you...?

Yang turned toward the large screen as it replayed what had happened. Mercury celebrated, sure, but approached Yang to shake her hand. In response she angrily turned away and after a moment turned on her heel and punched the teen in the face.

Yang's eyes widened in shock and horror at what she was seeing.

Yang: That's- that's not what...

Atlas Soldier: You're coming with us!

_____

Beacon Academy Dorms

Thirty Minutes Later...

After the events of the last match, Yang was escorted off of the floating arena. Fortunately, since she was a student of Beacon and not Atlas, Ozpin was able to convince Ironwood to take Yang back to her dorm room and place her under house arrest.

Yang: I'm telling you the truth!

Ironwood: Video footage and millions of viewers say otherwise.

Weiss: But Yang would never do that! She's got a temper--sure--but she's not spiteful!

Ruby: Yeah!

Two Atlesian Knights stood guard outside of team RWBY's room while Ironwood spoke to the four inside. Despite the students' testimony, Ironwood's expression remained stone serious.

Ironwood: You all seem like good students, and the staff here know full well that you would never lash out the way you did, under regular circumstances...

The four girls, particularly Yang, glanced up at the general as he continued.

Ironwood: But I believe, and hope to believe, that this is a result of stress and adrenaline. When you're out fighting, your judgement could become clouded in an instant. Sometimes you see and or hear things that simply aren't there. Even after the fight has finished.

Yang: I swear I-

Ironwood: That's enough!

Ironwood's glare was enough to silence Yang before she could continue further.

Ironwood: The sad truth is that the world saw you attack an innocent student, and has already drawn their conclusions. And it is my duty to inform you...

Ironwood sighed, knowing what the news would do to the four hopeful students before him.

Ironwood: ...you are now under investigation for expulsion.

Yang's eyes widened in terror at Ironwood's announcement.

Ruby: Woah! Expulsion!? That's not fair!!

Weiss: And we're a team of four! Expelling one of us would- would- well, you may as well expel all of us!

Blake remained strangely silent, however, as the discussion continued. 

Yang was frozen with shock, unable to truly comprehend what may be happening to her.  

Ironwood: For now, Ms. Xiao Long, you are to remain here, until the festival is over. After which your punishment will be decided.

The general wanted to speak more, but felt as though he'd said enough and left the room, leaving the members of team RWBY to themselves.

Walking back down the hallway, toward the front entrance, Ironwood sighed mentally. He never truly liked delivering bad news, least of all news that would shatter the spirits of students. 

He knew well that team RWBY and all the students of Beacon Academy were not the type of students to callously attack a person without just cause. But his hands on the matter were tied.

Ironwood: I need to make it back to the arena, make announcements to keep everyone calm...

Ironwood knew that he'd need to make an announcement to the crowd and the rest of Remnant as a whole, after what had happened on air.

Stepping back outside onto Beacon Academy's courtyard, the general glanced around to see that the festival was still proceeding as usual. Students and citizens were happily mingling as if what occurred in the arena hadn't happened, which is why Ironwood grimaced when he saw one of his officers running towards him among the crowd.

Atlas Officer: General Ironwood! Sir!

Ironwood put his hands behind his back and straightened himself out.

Ironwood: What's wrong?

The officer stopped for a moment to catch his breath and saluted.

Atlas Officer: Sir. There seems to be something wrong with the communications network.

Ironwood: Wrong how?

Atlas Officer: Logistics is reporting dead zones in the communications grid. Transmissions are unexpectedly dropping if they can get through at all. It's actually the reason why I had to come in person.

Ironwood glanced around, noticing the people around him on their Scrolls not seeming to have any issue with their calls.

Ironwood: It doesn't appear to be the Communications Tower itself, perhaps it's something on our end. We'll need to do a full reset of the transmission relays on our ships.

Atlas Officer: Yes sir. There's another thing, sir. We're getting reports that Atlesian Knights are assaulting civilians in Vale sir.

Ironwood: Do we have confirmation on these reports?

Atlas Officer: Reports are...

The officer scratched at his neck.

Atlas Officer: ...conflicting to say the least. The Knights are reporting 'all-clear', but manned squads are saying they're malfunctioning with what transmissions are actually making it through.

Ironwood shrugged, he did not need more problems on his plate right now.

Ironwood: You said it yourself, transmissions have been spotty as of late, send technicians to each Knight squad and have them run diagnostics on them.

Atlas Officer: Yes sir, we'll send the team out immediately.

Ironwood: Alright, dismissed.

The officer saluted before heading back toward the shuttles.

Today had started out... stressful for Ironwood, he'd hope that after the announcement that things would finally start to settle down.

_____

Vale Outer Wall

Vale Guard: Vale, can you hear me!?

The guard shouted desperately into the radio, his uniform was caked in blood--some of which wasn't his own.

Vale Guard: Is anyone receiving me? Hello!? He-!?

The guard was abruptly pulled away from the radio when he heard loud banding originating from behind the large metal doors to the radio room he was in.

Still shaking, the guard reached for his rifle and trained it on the door. His heart raced as the banging got louder and louder, until...

CRASH

The door roughly and loudly swung open.

Vale Guard: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

Atlas Soldier: AAAAHHHHHH!!!

The two guards squeezed the trigger for their respective guns and a hail of bullets flew from the barrels of their weapons and into the radio room.

BLAM
BLAM
BLAM
BLAM

Vale Guard AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Atlas Soldier: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

Bullets flew in every direction as the two men's panic continued..

BLAM

BLAM

CLICK

CLICK

Somehow neither of them managed to hit the other after expending the rest of their ammo, even so the two terrified men kept screaming.

Vale Guard: AAAAAAHHHH!!!!

Atlas Soldier: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!

CLICK

CLICK

CLICK

Vale Guard: Aaaaaaahhh....

Atlas Soldier: Aaaaaahhh...

Eventually, the two guards stopped screaming and stared at their rifles. A moment later they both calmly strapped their rifles to their backs and pulled out combat knives.

Vale Guard: AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

Atlas Soldier: AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

The two men summarily started screaming again, this time while frantically waving their knives. Mind you, they weren't getting closer to each other, so they were effectively cutting nothing but air.

Not long after, another set of footsteps were heard approaching the radio room. After a brief delay, an armor clad woman entered the room.

Vale Huntress: Hey, did you get the radio wo-

Vale Guard: AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

Atlas Soldier: AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

The two men then turned to the Huntress and began to scream at her instead.

The Huntress just frowned.

Vale Huntress: Stop it!

The Huntress shouted at the top of her lungs, causing the soldiers to stop simultaneously.

Vale Guard and Atlas Soldier: ._.

Vale Huntress: Did you get on the horn with Vale? With anyone?

Vale Guard: No! Nobody is picking up!

Vale Huntress: What do you mean 'nobody is picking up'!? We're up to our eyeballs in Grimm and you're saying no one is picking up!?

Vale Guard: I don't know what else to tell you!

The Huntress glanced out the boarded window.

Vale Huntress: Of all the times to not pick up...

Gazing out into the ruined wall that once secured Vale and the swarm of Grimm marching into the city.

_____

Amity Colosseum

After the tragic end to the previous match, most of the audience were talking amongst themselves, unsure as to what to make of what had happened.

Vale Citizen: Does Beacon really allow students like her to enroll?

Atlas Student: If she were from our school, she'd already be expelled.

Haven Student: You think that Mercury guy will be okay?

People were concerned and anxious, which was generating a huge amount of negativity. Understanding this, Ironwood approached the podium in hopes of calming everyone down.

Ironwood: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?

The crowd went silent as Ironwood made his announcement. The huge screen behind flickered to life and displayed a close up of the general as he began to speak.

Ironwood: After the events of the previous match, the student in question has been detained for further questioning and investigation. And-

Vale Citizen: They're letting her stay!?

Atlas Student: Figures. That Ozpin guy probably stonewalled the general. She'll probably get away with a slap on the wrist at most.

Ironwood could tell the crowd didn't like what he'd said, but he had to continue.

Ironwood: Ladies and Gentlemen, please, we did not come here to discuss crime and punishment, we came here to-

Cinder: To control.

Ironwood's speech was interrupted by a familiar voice on the intercom. Moments later, his image on the large screen changed to the symbol of a queen chess piece.

Ironwood: What the!?

Ironwood turned around and stared at the large screen behind him, equally as confused as the audience.

Cinder: This was not an accident. This is what happens when you hand over your trust, your safety, your children, to men who claim to be our guardians, but are, in reality...

The screen flickered and changed, showing Atlesian Knights attacking the citizens of Vale. The screen displayed citizens running for their lives as the machines Atlas brought to protect them started indiscriminately attacking them.

Ironwood's eyes widened in shock at the screen.

Cinder: they're nothing more than tyrants...

The screen changed again to display Atlesian Paladins marching down a main street, and shooting everything and everyone around them.

The crowd gasped, some screamed at the carnage unfolding before their eyes. As unrest and panic started to rise from the audience, Cinder continued.

Cinder: Atlas brought their army here in force, but to what end? Are we not in a time of peace? Ask yourselves this, why would Ironwood order his army to occupy another kingdom in a time of never before seen harmony?

Ironwood quickly pulled his Scroll out and attempted to call the Communication Tower, but somehow there was no signal.

Cinder: However, blame cannot solely be placed on Atlas; how has Ozpin and Beacon Academy seen this unprecedented invasion by Atlas? Simple...

The screen changed to replay Yang's sudden attack on Mercury.

Cinder: They've known long before the festival ever started. Ozpin had been training his students to be, not Huntsman, but weapons of war.

The screen zoomed in on Yang's fiery eyes and enraged face as Cinder spoke.

Cinder: True Huntsmen and Huntresses conduct themselves with honor and mercy, and yet I've seen none.

The screen changed to static before returning to the queen symbol.

Cinder: Our Kingdoms are on the brink of war, yet we, the citizens, are left in the dark. So I ask you: When the first shots are fired... who do you think you can trust?

_____

_____

Patch

The drive to the nearby town in Tai's truck was--while bumpy--a relatively short one. Eventually the truck came around a bend and a small town came into view.

Tai: And here we are! The humble town of Lightwich, a place where someone can live in Vale without actually living in Vale.

Y/N gazed out the truck window at the small town. It wasn't as small as Koinu or Trist but was nowhere near as large as Vale itself.

(Y/N): No walls?

Tai: Nah. Patch is on an island, so most Grimm can't make it here, and the few Grimm that can are always hunted down by the students and teachers at Signal Academy.

Tai puffed out his chest.

Tai: You're welcome!

(Y/N): Wait, you're a teacher?

Tai: Yep! I help teach and train future generations of Huntsmen and Huntresses!

Tai had a huge grin on his face at this point.

(Y/N): Those poor kids...

Tai: Hey, what's that supposed to mean!?

(Y/N): If you gave Yang her sense of humor, I can only imagine what your students are going through.

Tai frowned.

Tai: Hey, everyone laughs at my jokes!

_____

Signal Academy Graduation Ceremony

A Few Years Ago

The young graduate limped toward her parents before collapsing into their arms.

Student's Mother: Honey, what's wrong!?

Signal Student: *cough* ...Too... *cough* ...many... *cough* ...puns... bleeee.... *definitely dies*

Student's Mother: Noooooooo!!!!

At the back of the graduation hall Tai slowly was slowly backing away.

_____

Tai: I mean... lots of people laugh at my jokes...

(Y/N): Suuure...

Y/N glanced at Zwei who was shaking his head. Turning his sight back toward the village, a question came to Y/N's mind.

(Y/N): So Vale was willing to build an academy here but not a bridge?

Tai: Well, people here like their isolation from the hustle and bustle of the larger city. Also, the supplies that would have been set to build the bridge were redirected to Mountain Glenn...

(Y/N): Oh.

Tai: Yeah... Vale isn't too keen on any major expansions as of late.

Off on the horizon, Y/N could just barely make out Vale itself. The town of Lightwich was definitely isolated from the city.

The truck entered the town which allowed Y/N to see more of the home that Ruby and Yang grew up in. A clinic, town hall, general store, the town, both an air and sea dock for supplies, and lumber mill; this place certainly seemed like the kind of place a person would go for some peace and quiet.

(Y/N): You raised Ruby and Yang here?

Tai: Oh yeah, they liked it when they were much younger, but eventually got a little stir crazy as they got older. Took the first chance they got to attend Beacon.

Tai sighed to himself.

Tai: Some sooner than others...

Tai steered the truck to an open parking space and turned off the engine.

Tai: Alright, read-?

When Tai turned his head, Y/N was wearing a bushy white mustache on his face.

Tai: ...

(Y/N): ...what?

Tai: What is that on your face?

(Y/N): One of Prof. Port's brand mustaches. The disguise variant!

Tai blinked.

(Y/N): Guaranteed to hide your identity or your money back!

Tai: You actually bought those?

(Y/N): I'd like to remind you that I have a bounty the size of the moon on my head at the moment, and I'd like to not be seen.

Tai: So you're going to wear a mustache that only an older man could possibly grow?

(Y/N): ...Yes.

Tai: And you were complaining about my jokes?

(Y/N): This isn't a joke! I am trying to conceal my identity from bounty hunters and the law! Not trying to verbally murder someone through their funny bone!

Tai sighed.

Tai: No one is going to recognize you here, even without the mustache. People here like their peace and quiet.

(Y/N): You never know...

Tai: Right. Let's go.

The two boys exited the car with Zwei in tow.

Tai: There's a tavern around the corner, we should be able to watch the fights from there.

(Y/N): Alright.

Zwei: *bark*!!

As the two started walking down the sidewalk, two other individuals turned the corner and began to approach them.

Noticing the two in front of them approaching, Tai instinctively got between them and Y/N.

(Y/N): Who are they?

Tai: No clue, they're not from here.

The two approaching were both lightly armored, but one was significantly larger than the other. They both appeared to be dressed formally with a tie but it was the smaller of the two that had a full suit on, while the other did not have a suit jacket.

Larger Man: Can't we watch the tournament? It only happens every two years.

Smaller Man: I understand you desire to view the tournament, but alas, we are on the job! And no one is superior at bounty hunting like you and I!

Larger Man: Oh...

The smaller man glanced behind him and grinned at his partner.

Smaller Man: Worry not, I set the T.V. back on our ship to record the whole event!

The larger man smiled.

Larger Man: Really? Aw, thanks!

Smaller Man: It is of no consequence my friend! Now, on to business!

The smaller man turned his head toward Tai and Y/N.

Mr. Big: Good day gentlemen! My name is Mr. Big and the large, well-muscled, chap behind me is Mr. Small.

Mr. Small waved his hand.

Mr. Small: Hello!

Mr. Big: And yes, the naming convention is part of our brand!

Tai: U-uuh sure. What... can we do for you two?

Mr. Big: Of course, right to business!

Mr. Big pulled out a piece of paper and showed it to Tai and Y/N.

Mr. Big: We are on the hunt for this dastardly individual who is wanted for who knows how many devious acts of evil! We are here today to ask you fine gentlemen if you have perhaps seen this man?

The picture was Y/N's face. No doubt about it.

Tai: U-uhhh....

Tai was sweating at this point. He hadn't brought any weapons with him as he genuinely thought no one would be looking for Y/N on the island.

Mr. Big: Something wrong?

Tai: O-of course not! I was just-

(Y/N): Nope. Never seen this individual in my life!

The two men stared at the mustached teen; Tai in horrified silence and Mr. Big with a quirked eyebrow.

Y/N blinked.

(Y/N): Something wrong?

Tai's horrified eyes widened as he slowly turned to look at Mr. Big whose eyes were darting between the picture and Y/N.

Mr. Big: Hmmmm....

Mr. Big's eyes narrowed for a moment before he relaxed.

Mr. Big: Nope! None at all! Neither of you look like the nefarious criminal in the photo and it seems unlikely you actually know of his whereabouts!

Mr. Big bowed slightly.

Mr. Big: I humbly thank you for your time! Come my friend, we've more people to ask!

While Mr. Big was questioning Tai and Y/N, Mr. Small was rubbing Zwei's belly.

Mr. Small: Okay... bye doggie!

Zwei: *bark* *bark*!!!

Zwei barked happily and wagged his tail and the large and imposing man.

Just as quickly as they had appeared the two bounty hunters left further down the street.

Tai watched in shock as the two men disappeared down the street and turned his head back toward the corner, intentionally ignoring Y/N.

Tai: I am not going to give you the satisfaction...

(Y/N): I have a very wide smile on my face right now you just can't see because of the mustache.

Tai: Not giving you the satisfaction!

The two continued on their way and rounded to corner only to be greeted by a large crowd of people congregated outside.

(Y/N): Great, it's packed.

Tai: Welp, we don't have much of a choice.

As the two drew closer to the tavern the voices of the crowd became clearer.

Patron #1: What's happening now!?

Patron #2: No idea.

Patron #3: This can't be happening...

Patron #4: Is Vale going to be destroyed!?

These conversations weren't the ones Tai was used to hearing during the Vytal Tournament, which made him curious.

Tai: Hey, what's going on?

Patron #2: You don't know?

Tai: No, my T.V. broke so I haven't seen the tournament all day.

Patron #3: We think Vale is under attack or something.

Tai: What!?

Tai was shocked to say the least at this news.

Tai: What happened?!

Patron #1: The day started out with this duel between this blonde girl from Beacon and silver haired boy from Mistral, and everything was fine and dandy.

Tai: A blonde girl from Beacon!?

Tai's worry was rising.

Patron: #4: Until the girl attacked the other student after losing!

Tai: She what!?

Patron #4: Yeah! They arrested her on the spot and took her away!

Tai couldn't believe, no, didn't want to believe what he was hearing.

Patron #1: That's not even the worse part! A short while later the general from Atlas was making an announcement right before the screen changed and showed Atlas attacking Vale!

(Y/N): Maybe it's just part of the show?

Tai quickly reached into his pocket for his Scroll and tapped on Yang's picture. But nothing happened. No signal. Then he tried Ruby's. The same result.

Tai: I can't reach them...

Tai's face paled as he began to process what was happening. The dirty-blonde father pulled his head from his phone and turned to Y/N.

Tai: Kid, we need to-

When he looked to where he last saw Y/N, he wasn't there.

Tai: Kid!? Hey, kid!

Tai was frantically looking around for Y/N and it wasn't until he ran out of the crowd that he saw him toward the docks looking over the horizon toward Vale.

Tai quickly ran over to where Y/N was.

Tai: What are you doing over here!? We need to-

(Y/N):Yep. Vale is on fire. I can just make out the smoke clouds...

Tai: What do we do!? What do I do!?

As Tai began to panic, Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): -_- I can jump it...

Tai looked at Y/N in confusion.

Tai: What? Jump what?

(Y/N): The ocean.

Tai blinked.

Tai: What are you talking about?

(Y/N): I'm going to jump. From here. To Vale.

Tai blinked again.

Tai: Okay kid, I know you're supposed to be really strong an all, but-

(Y/N): Yeah, yeah, I know... I'll be right back I promise.

Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): Is it really too much to ask for a peaceful lifestyle? -_-

Y/N took a few steps back and assumed a runner's position.

Tai: Kid, I don't know what your thinking, but we need a realistic solu-

Tai didn't finish his sentence before he witnessed something that should be utterly impossible.

_____

_____

Author: 

Surprising news everyone!

Some absolute madmen have decided to utilize their artistic talent to make an illustrated version of "From Another World"! 

@CoronaNinjaXD and his friends have decided to take on the herculean task of drawing this very story! 

These artists, while talented themselves, can't do everything themselves and are asking for anyone other equally talented artists for help in the creation of this adaptation! If you have skill in drawing, sketching, redrawing, etc. then they can use your help!

Of course, this would be an entirely unpaid task, so if you have any spare time, are bored, or just want to keep your artistic talent in shape please go to CoronaNinjaXD on Wattpad for more info and any questions!

(He should actually be part of the 'conversations' on my profile)

I'd also like to thank everyone for taking the time to read and enjoy my stories! I hope you have a great day and rest of your week!