3rd Person POV

Now that communications are back up, Jaune is once again trying his scroll to call for help.

Jaune: *using scroll* Hello? If anyone can hear this, we are stranded and our Aura is running low. We have two children with us. Anyone, please respond...

Slag: Forget it, Jaune. No one's coming. *shivers*

Yang: How are you feeling, buddy?

Slag: Cold.

Yang: *sigh* Me too.

Suddenly, the sounds of engines are heard in the distance and getting closer.

Ren: Hear that?

Jaune: Yeah... sounds like...

The group look up and see a single Manta approaching the group's position. Initially skeptical, Yang, Jaune and Ren draw their weapons in a defensive manner. The Manta lands and the side hatch opens to reveal Winter Schnee.

Yang: Winter?

Winter: Are you gonna stand out there in the cold staring, or get on?

The group looks at each other a little confused.

Jaune: You're... not here to arrest us?

Winter: I'm trying to help the world's best chance at survival. Now quit gawking and get on!

Slash: Okay.

Slash is the first to get on because she was shivering cold. Jaune, Ren and Yang all nod to each other, sheath their weapons and board the Manta.

Slag: Hmph! You ain't getting me onto that-!

Slag is suddenly grabbed by the collar by Yang and forced onto the Manta. Winter then closes the side hatch and takes off back towards Atlas.

Ren: So, if you're not arresting us...

Yang: Why are you helping us?

Winter: ... I... should've sided with my sister from the start, but my duty to General Ironwood blinded me. Before we regroup with your friends, we need to break some prisoners out.

Slag: Prison break? Cool!

Yang: What do you mean?

Winter remained silent as she piloted the Manta past Atlas air defenses and towards to Atlas Academy.

Back at the Schnee Manor, Weiss is waiting anxiously for Swoop, Maria, Pietro and Brains' return. Sludge, Snarl and Slam are patrolling the grounds in their human forms so the group doesn't get ambushed. Blake is sitting with Ruby, who is sitting next to Grimlock's bed. Grimlock is getting worse, the coughing fits are getting more intense and he's starting to lose control of himself, but right now is trying to rest. Pyrrha sits next to Nora, who is still unconscious.

A knock is heard at the front door to the manor, Weiss eagerly opens it up, only to reveal Snarl.

Snarl: This guy said he knows you?

Weiss looks behind her son and sees a familiar older gentleman.

Weiss: Klein!

Klein: Hello, Ms. Schnee.

Weiss eagerly hugs Klein, he returned the hug and she stayed like this for several seconds before pulling away and asking...

Weiss: What are you doing here?

Klein: I was told some friends of yours need medical attention.

Weiss: But who-

Whitley: I asked for him to come.

Weiss turned around, surprised to see her brother standing at the top of the central staircase. Weiss grew a smile on her face.

Whitley: We are, family, after all.

Weiss: ... *relieved sigh* Indeed, we are.

Weiss quickly leads Klein to her room where Nora and Grimlock ate on seperate beds, Klein immediately takes off his bowler hat and gets to work.

A whoosh is heard outside, and Sludge sees Penny land on the front lawn.

Penny: Salutations!

Sludge: Penny!

Sludge runs up and almost tackles Penny in a hug.

Sludge: Sludge happy to see, robo-girl!

Penny: I missed you too, Sludge.

The two seperate and Penny kneels down.

Penny: How's everyone?

Sludge gains a saddened frown and looks down.

Sludge: Grimlock still sick. Grimlock's Aura won't recharge.

Penny: You and I both know that Grimlock is stronger than all of us, he'll make it. We just need to be stronger for him until he pulls through.

Sludge sniffles before nodding and trying to regain his carefree expression. Penny headed inside and went straight to Weiss' room and sat next to Ruby.

In the dungeon, Qrow is once again staring at the pin Clover gave him. Meanwhile, in the background, Robyn is telling another story.

Robyn: So, this nutjob just waltz's into the mess hall and, for one reason or another, he was completely naked and I could tell he was either drunk or high, either way--

Suddenly, a loud thud is heard from beyond the walls of the room. Everyone remains silent, until another thud is heard, but closer, and it shakes the room causing the lights to flicker.

Jacques: *scared* What was that?!

A much louder thud is heard, the doom shakes violently enough to knock Robyn onto her rear.

Watts: Clearly, this is not a friendly visit.

Suddenly, the wall, and some of the ceiling cave in as it's knocked over, creating a big cloud of dust.

Qrow puts the pin in his jacket pocket and stood up to see Yang, Jaune and Ren run into the room.

Yang: *sees Qrow* Qrow!

Qrow: Yang?

Yang approaches Qrow's cell and starts fiddling with the security panel.

Qrow: Not that it isn't great to see you, but what are you doing here?

Yang: What's it look like, bird brain?

Qrow: Heh, walked into that one.

Yang: *growls* Slag!

Slag's new Dinobot form pokes his head inside the room and looks at Yang. Jacques was terrified by Slag's new form and let a scream of terror, Watts was completely unfazed.

Yang: Break this cell open.

Watts: That is hard-light Dust, it cannot be-

Slag breaks through the barrier with and effortless swing of his massive head.

Qrow: Where did Slag get that kind of power?

Yang: Escape now, talk later. Slag, get Robyn too, please?

Slag then does the same thing to Robyn's cell barrier, Jaune then hands the duo their weapons. Slag starts smashing a path through the academy halls.

In his office, Ironwood recieves an alert on his computer. The Ace Ops watch as he brings up security footage and shows the prison break in progress.

Ironwood: How did they even know where to look?

Harriet: Ace Ops, let's take these fools down.

Vine: Hold on. Look.

The Ace Ops looks back at the screen to see Slag and Slash's new Dinobot forms destroying the androids that get in the way and intimidating the other soldiers with their mere presence.

Marrow: We couldn't take on a weakened Dinobot, we really can't take on two fully powered ones.

Harriet: We can't just let them-

Ironwood: We don't have a choice! We already have Salem to deal with, we can't worry about the Dinobots now.

Back in the corridor, Slag is still smashing back down the corridor towards the airship the group arrived in. Just as they reach the airship Slag holds back to make sure no one follows, Yang then turns to her uncle.

Yang: Get in!

Qrow is reluctant to go, this confuses Yang.

Yang: Come on, we gotta go.

Qrow: No, someone needs to take down Ironwood.

Jaune: Winter said she'd handle him, and that we just need to get you two out of here.

Robyn: Let's go.

Qrow: The Ace Ops will be there, Winter won't stand a chance. I'm sorry.

Before anyone can protest, Qrow draws his sword and heads towards the elevators. Robyn looks at the mix of worry and confusion on the groups faces.

Robyn: He's hurting... Go, get to your friends. I'll keep an eye on him.

Yang: ... *sigh* Fine. Go. Just... come back alive.

Robyn nods before following Qrow, Slag transforms back into his human form and boards the Manta with the rest of Yang's group.

Robyn has caught up to Qrow in a hallway, he peeks around a corner and sees two soldiers getting off the elevator. After making sure they're gone Qrow and Robyn approach the elevator and Qrow is about to press the up button, but is stopped by Robyn putting her hand on his wrist.

Robyn: Are you sure you're alright in the head?

Qrow: What's that supposed to mean?

Robyn: Are you doing this for everyone or yourself?

Qrow: I am going straight up to the Academy and I am ending this.

Robyn: Or we fail and more people get killed.

Qrow: He deserves this!

Robyn covers Qrow's mouth and pushes him against the wall, she then turns and looks around to make sure no one heard them.

Robyn: *sigh* I get it. You're hurting. You've been hurting for a long time, but let's stop pretending that what you're doing is for anyone but yourself.

Qrow loses his scowl and regrows his saddened expression.

Robyn: Clover was a lot of things, but to be honest, I think you're the better Huntsman. Not because you walked away, but because you were the one fighting for what's right. Don't tell me that's changed.

Qrow takes a big sigh and thibks for a moment before chickling slightly.

Qrow: No, I guess I haven't changed.

Robyn: Good, now let's bring Ironwood to justice the right way.

Qrow nods before hitting the button on the elevator.

Back at the Schnee Manor, Nora is now on the road to recovery thanks to Klein, Grimlock though is not faring as well and Ruby can't seem to stop the tears from falling.

Ruby: Please, Grimlock. Please be okay. I need you. *sniffles*

Outside on the grounds, Snarl, Sludge and Slam are on patrol again, when they hear the sound of something from around the corner of the Manor and see a familiar sight that sets them on edge.

Snarl: A Space Bridge?

Slam: *questioning grunt* ?

The kids transform into their robot forms and draw their guns, thankfully, it wasn't a threat as three familiar Bots came walking through.

Sludge: *happy* Ratchet!

Before Ratchet could get a word in Sludge pulls the old Bot into a big hug.

Sludge: Sludge so happy to see you!

Ratchet: *strained speech* Y-Yes. It's good to... see you too... Sludge.

Snarl: Wheeljack? Bumblebee? What are you doing here?

Wheeljack: Doc said you needed help, so here we are.

The door to the manor opens and Penny is the first to walk out and see the friendly faces.

Penny: Salutations, Autobots!

Weiss, Blake and Pyrrha come out next and are very happy to see the Autobots.

Blake: Ratchet! Bumblebee! Wheeljack!

Weiss: You actually came.

Bumblebee: Of course we did, your situation sounded pretty dire.

Weiss: It is, the only positive we've had so far, is that Amity Tower is finally online and global communications are restored.

Ratchet: That is all well and good, but where's Grimlock?

Weiss: We'll bring him down here to the lobby for you.

Weiss and Penny run back inside, while Ratchet pulls out some of his tools.

Wheeljack: So the big G isn't doing so hot.

Snarl: He keeps coughing up blood, he's starting to lose control of himself and his nightmares are back, we have no idea what's causing it.

Just then though, engines are heard and the Bots look up and see a lone ship approaching, but it isn't military issue.

Snarl: *to Bumblebee* This isn't you guys?

Bumblebbe: No. Everyone else is on Cybertron.

Sludge: Cons?

Slam: *concerned grunt*

Snarl: We'll handle this. You three stay inside with the others.

Ratchet: Are you sure?

Sludge: Dinobots strongest there is!

The Bots didn't argue any further and managed to squeeze inside the manor.

The ship, meanwhile, opens up it's bottom and five aircraft fly out fast towards the trio.

Snarl: I've got this one.

The jets transform into their robot forms, all of whom are still smaller than the three Dinobots.

Slam: *overconfidant grunt*

Sludge: Yeah! These punks are scrap.

Decepticon: You'll find we're a match for anyone.

Snarl opens fire and the five Decepticons at first split up, one takes on Slam, another on Snarl and the final three face off against Sludge.

Snarl fires his blaster at the 'Con, who manages to didge the first three shots before firing it's own blaster and hitting Snarl in the chest. The 'Con ran up and punched Snarl in the face, the blow didn't even faze him, so he drew his spiked mace. Snarl swung left, the 'Con defended, but Snarl came back right and broke through it's defense, he then jabbed it in the gut with the head of his mace, sending the 'Con rolling across the ground.

Slam used his Semblance to hold his ground against the barrage of rockets sent his way. Concealed by the cloud of smoke, Slam charged forward and shoulder rushed the Deception he was facing. Slam grunted loudly as he went on to punch the 'Con several times before shoving it across the ground towards it's teammate.

Sludge, meanwhile, yelled before raising his fists and slammed them on the ground, the resulting earthquake forced the three 'Cons to fly up to avoid it. The Decepticons all shot rockets at Sludge, to which he responded by clapping his hands together so hard that the shockwave disrupted and made the rockets explode, spreading the blast back to the Decepticons.

The three Decepticons landed on the ground next to their teammates with a thud as the Dinobots looked on confidantly.

Snarl: You're gonna need more bad guys cause this is insulting.

Slam: *mocking grunt*

Sludge: Dinobots stronger, so Dinobots win.

One of the Decepticons actually starts laughing, this naturally confuses the Dinobots.

Decepticon: You really think you're strongest? Then try this on for size. Bruticus! Transform!

The five Decepticon pile onto each other as they transform in a much larger Decepticon that even towers over Sludge.

Sludge though, isn't easily intimidated and yells before rushing at the Combiner Decepticon and throws a punch with his right fist. Bruticus simply let it hit and then shrugged it off like it didn't hurt, Bruticus then executed an uppercut so powerful that it sent Sludge a mile into the sky.

Inside the Manor, the rest of the group can only watch, and when Sludge was sent flying...

Blake: Sludge!

Weiss: Isn't there anything we can do?

Bumblebee: What do you think we can do against that 'Con?

Weiss: Well, I can't sit here and do nothing!

Snarl: *from outside* *groans*

Back outside, Snarl rushed in and swung his mace, Bruticus leaned his body right to avoid it then threw a right cross at Snarl's face, then a left then another right, sending Snarl flying back towards the manor and breaking his Aura.

Weiss: Snarl!

Bruticus then looked around for Slam, but couldn't see him, Slam had managed to flank Bruticus and jumped onto his back. Slam starts wailing on Bruticus with his armored fists, Bruticus endured enough to slam his back, and Slam, into the stone fence lining the estate and this causes Slam to fall off. He recovers onto his knees, he looks up just in time to see Bruticus pick up a stone and throw it at him, Slam rolled to the right to dodge, but Bruticus grabbed more boulders and threw them one by one. Slam sidestepped right and started charging at Bruticus, a boulder hit him in the head, but Slam powered through it and continued charging. He then dodge rolled forward to avoid another boulder but when this landed him in front of Bruticus, the Decepticon had the largest boulder above his head and slammed down onto Slam, driving him into the ground. Slam was hit again by the same boulder which finally caused it to break apart, Bruticus then proceeded to punch Slam over and over until his Aura broke and he was seemingly knocked out.

Ratchet: Slam!

Bruticus: Now, to destroy the humans.

At this point Sludge had crash landed back on the ground.

Sludge managed to come to from his fall and shook his head to fight back the dizziness, he then heard Weiss muffled voice from inside the Manor.

Blake: Be stronger!

Sludge looked at Bruticus slowly stomping towards the Manor and got back to his feet and stood in the way.

Bruticus: You know you can't win, you may as well give up and save yourself.

Sludge: A strong man stand up for himself. A stronger man stand up for others.

Bruticus threw a punch but Sludge managed to catch and stop it with his own hand, he then front kicked Bruticus in the chest, sending him tumbling backwards.

Everyone then watched in amazement as Sludge yelled and his mechanical parts change and morph into larger, more armored and more powerful parts.

Ratchet: *in awe* By the All Spark!

Sludge finally reveals his full height and he now towers over Bruticus.

The Decepticon threw a right punch, Sludge once again caught it, Sludge threw his left fist and Bruticus managed to catch it, and the two wrestled to gain the upper hand.

Snarl had managed to come to and looks around as his hearing returns and he hears the sound of fighting and see Sludge's new form grappled with Bruticus. He then hears a muffled voice from inside the house and looks to see Weiss yelling at him.

Weiss: Show him who you really are!

Snarl managed to pull himself together and wobbily got to his feet, he dug deep inside himself to release his true strength, which finally manifested by his nano-machines to change his robot appaerance into a new, larger form.

Slam too, finally came to to hear a faint voice in his communicater.

Nora: Slam... Slam...

Slam's sense refocused and he heard his mother's voice more clearly.

Slam: *weakened grunt*

Nora: Thank goodness. Get up, your brothers need you.

Slam: *grunt*

Nora: I do not want to hear that kind of talk, especially from the likes of my son. We both know you triumphed over worse.

Various flashbacks come to Slam's mind as he remembers some of the times he really got beaten down hard. Like the time he got one-hit KO'ed by Predaking, or the time got hit by that old ladies mech and fell into the ocean, or the time Slam took the hit that was intended for Slash while he and they were still locked up as Shockwave's lab rats. The view the returns to the present.

Slam: *grunts*

Nora: You know as well as I do, there's a reason you take the mission.

Slam: *two consecutive grunta*

Nora: Family. Which is why you need to pull yourself together and take this 'Con back to the scrapheap.

Slam growls as he's filled with renewed vigor and gets up, he too digs deeper and his nano machines change his robot appearance as well.

Sludge holds back Bruticus, until Snarl grabs Bruticus' right arm and pulls him off Sludge. Bruticus tries to punch Snarl, but Slam manages to catch his left arm pulls it back.

Slam: *grunts* !

Sludge nods before transforming into his new Dinobot mode,-

-being much larger than his robot form he starts to rear up, but before he can slam back down, Bruticus breaks apart and scatters. Snarl recovers from his stumbling backwards by transforming into his new Dinobot form.

Slam does the same as soon as he regains his footing.

The group inside the Manor are cheering the whole time as Snarl skewers two of the 'Cons with his tail spikes. Slam strikes one into flattened scrap with his tail club. And Sludge simply kicks the last two with his left foot, completely breaking the 'Cons into broken, powerless parts.

The three boys roar as a sign of victory. However, while they may have triumphed over the might of Bruticus, this is merely a respite from the coming conflict.

Outside in the tundra, the river of Grimm liquid starts violently shaking the ground, frightening peopl in Mantle and the Mantle crater, attracting the Grimm.

The Grimm river forms a geyser the shoots up high enough to hit the City of Atlas. The geyser continues until it forces its way through the city's Hard-Light shield. Centinals spawn from the liquid. Winter watches wide-eyed from a broadcast on her scroll as she rides an elevator. Everyone at the Manor too watches via scroll broadcast. The Centinals begin burrowing into the earth, while a military airship tries to shoot them. The Grimm manage to make their way through the ground and dislodge two of the shields pylons, causing them to fall to the ground beneath Atlas. With the two pylons destroyed, the entire shield fails.

Inside Monstra, Salem smiles, and her eyes glow.

Salem: It's time.

Monstra flies over to the City of Atlas and crash lands on one of its farms. The whale opens it's mouth, and Grimm Liquid comes flooding out. A variety of Grimm spawn, including Manticores, Teryxes, Megoliaths, Borbatusks, Apathy, Ursai, Beowolves and winged Beringals.

(A/N): Cut! Great take everyone! Take fifteen and we'll get back to it.

Whew... Oh man, it has begun, the invasion of Atlas, whatever our heroes have planned they better execute it soon, or else.

Hope you guys enjoyed, have a great rest of your day/night and I'll see y'all next time. PEACE OUT!!!