Chapter XX: Mountain Glenn, Promises, & the Breach part II
The CCT Investigation - Train Chase Continuation
The Convergence
The three teams reached the main terminal area almost simultaneously, their coordinated assault having successfully breached the White Fang's outer defenses. The sight that greeted them was both impressive and terrifying—a fully operational military installation built within the bones of Mountain Glenn's abandoned subway system.
"Ruby!" Yang shouted as Team RWBY burst through the western entrance, her golden hair streaming behind her as she took in the massive underground complex.
Across the terminal, Team SSGS emerged from the northern tunnels with Sarai in the lead, her flame-colored eyes immediately assessing the tactical situation. The Zenkai brothers flanked her, their Saiyan instincts responding to the obvious threat level of the assembled White Fang forces.
From the eastern approach, Team KABFL appeared with Khanna coordinating their advance. Aiko's enhanced senses were already tracking multiple threat signatures, while the Caldern siblings and Kitsune sisters prepared for what was clearly going to be a significant engagement.
Team OHFZ completed the convergence from the central tunnels, with Odyn's tactical training immediately recognizing the defensive advantages the White Fang had established. The underground facility was a maze of platforms, rail lines, and multi-level structures that could easily become a killing ground if not approached carefully.
Dr. Oobleck appeared behind them, his usual rapid-fire energy replaced by focused intensity as he surveyed the scene. "Magnificent! And terrifying! The scope of this operation exceeds anything we anticipated!"
The Standoff
Ruby found herself at the center of what was rapidly becoming a tense standoff. Roman Torchwick had positioned himself near the main train, using her as a human shield while White Fang soldiers took defensive positions throughout the terminal. The mysterious woman in the red dress remained in the shadows, watching the proceedings with calculating eyes.
"Well, well," Roman called out, his cane pointed casually at Ruby's head. "It looks like the cavalry has arrived. Though I have to say, bringing three full teams seems a bit excessive for one little girl."
Yang's eyes flashed dangerously red. "Let her go, Torchwick!"
"Oh, I don't think so, Blondie," Roman replied with theatrical flair. "You see, Little Red here has seen far too much of our operation. Can't have her running back to Ozpin with all our secrets."
Odyn stepped forward, his diplomatic training allowing him to maintain composure even in the face of such provocation. "This doesn't have to escalate. Release Ruby, and we can discuss terms."
Roman laughed. "Terms? Oh, Your Highness, you really don't understand what's happening here, do you? This isn't a negotiation. This is a demonstration."
Behind him, the woman in the red dress moved slightly, and Ruby caught a glimpse of her face in the light. The resemblance to Cinder Fall was uncanny, but there were subtle differences—a sharper jawline, eyes that held a different kind of malice, and an aura of power that felt distinctly different from what Ruby remembered of Cinder.
"You're not Cinder Fall," Ruby said suddenly, her silver eyes narrowing as she studied the woman.
The woman smiled, a cold expression that didn't reach her eyes. "Perceptive. Though the resemblance is quite striking, isn't it? Let's just say that appearance can be... malleable, when one has the right abilities."
The Train Gambit
Roman checked an ornate pocket watch, his expression shifting to one of businesslike efficiency. "As much as I've enjoyed this little reunion, we have a schedule to keep. The good people of Vale are expecting a show, and we wouldn't want to disappoint them."
With a gesture from Roman, White Fang soldiers began moving toward the massive train that dominated the central platform. Ruby could see that it was loaded with enough explosives to level several city blocks, and the realization of what they were planning hit her like a physical blow.
"You're going to drive this into Vale," she said, horror evident in her voice. "The tunnel system connects directly to the city's underground infrastructure."
"Smart girl," Roman confirmed. "One train, strategically placed, and Vale's precious underground will become a crater. The surface will follow shortly after."
The woman in red stepped closer to the train. "Chaos has a way of revealing the weakness in seemingly strong foundations. Vale believes itself protected by its natural barriers and technological advantages. Tonight, we demonstrate how fragile that security really is."
Weiss's mind was already working through the tactical implications. "If that train reaches the main tunnel system, the explosion will compromise the structural integrity of half the city's underground infrastructure. The surface collapse could kill thousands."
Zero's analytical capabilities were processing multiple scenarios. "Given the amount of explosive material and the tunnel configuration, the blast could potentially trigger secondary collapses throughout the southeastern district."
Sarai's flame-colored eyes reflected her growing anger. "We can't let them reach the main tunnels."
Roman gestured grandly toward the assembled Huntsmen and Huntresses. "And that, my dear students, is exactly the choice I'm giving you. Try to stop us, and Little Red here takes a very unpleasant tumble onto the tracks. Let us go, and Vale gets a lesson in humility it won't soon forget."
The Escape
Yang took a step forward, her fists clenching as her Semblance began to activate. "I'm going to—"
"Tsk, tsk," Roman interrupted, pressing his cane more firmly against Ruby's temple. "I wouldn't recommend anything hasty, Blondie. The thing about being a master thief is that you learn to think several moves ahead."
As if responding to some predetermined signal, explosions erupted throughout the terminal. Not the massive detonations that would bring down the facility, but carefully placed charges designed to create chaos and confusion. Smoke filled the air, emergency lighting flickered, and the sound of collapsing debris made communication nearly impossible.
In the chaos, Roman and the mysterious woman moved with practiced efficiency. Ruby felt herself being dragged toward the train as White Fang soldiers provided covering fire. The assembled rescue teams were forced to take cover as debris rained down from the ceiling.
"Teams, maintain formation!" Oobleck shouted over the noise. "Don't let them separate us!"
But the damage was done. By the time the smoke began to clear, Roman, Ruby, and the mysterious woman were aboard the train, which was already beginning to move along the tracks toward the tunnel system that would take them directly into Vale's underground infrastructure.
"Ruby!" Yang screamed, breaking cover despite the ongoing chaos.
The train was picking up speed, its massive bulk moving with surprising acceleration along the restored tracks. Ruby could see her friends through the smoke and debris, their faces filled with determination and fear in equal measure.
The Chase Begins
"We can't let that train reach the city!" Odyn shouted, his tactical training immediately recognizing the catastrophic implications of their failure.
Sarai was already moving, her enhanced elven speed allowing her to reach the platform edge before the train had completely cleared the terminal. "The tunnel system has maintenance catwalks. If we can reach them before the train gets too far ahead..."
Khanna's Branwen instincts were calculating pursuit options. "The track configuration suggests multiple switch points before they reach the main tunnel. If we can reach those switches..."
"No time for complicated plans," Yang declared, her eyes blazing red as her Semblance reached full activation. "We follow that train and stop it, whatever it takes."
Blake was already deploying Gambol Shroud, using its ribbon form to swing toward the train. "Multiple approach vectors. Some of us follow the tracks, others use the maintenance systems."
The pursuit that followed was unlike anything any of them had experienced. The underground tunnel system became a three-dimensional battlefield as the various teams used their unique abilities to maintain pace with the speeding train.
Team RWBY led the direct pursuit, with Yang using her Semblance-enhanced strength to leap between maintenance platforms while Blake swung from support beam to support beam. Weiss used her glyphs to create temporary platforms and speed boosts, while Dr. Oobleck's enhanced speed allowed him to keep pace on foot.
Team OHFZ took a parallel route through service tunnels, with Odyn's tactical coordination allowing them to anticipate the train's path and position themselves for intercept attempts. Hailfire's vanguard training proved invaluable in navigating the complex underground maze, while Roy and Zero provided both navigation and tactical analysis.
Teams KABFL and SSGS split their efforts, with some members following the direct pursuit while others worked to reach the tunnel switches that might allow them to redirect or stop the train. Aiko's enhanced senses proved crucial in tracking the train's progress through the labyrinthine tunnel system, while the Saiyan abilities of the Zenkai brothers and Reinhardt sisters provided the raw power needed to keep up with the chase.
Aboard the Train
Inside the lead car, Ruby found herself face-to-face with Roman and the mysterious woman as the train hurtled through the underground tunnels toward Vale. The car was filled with White Fang soldiers and enough explosive material to level several city blocks.
"You know," Roman said conversationally as he checked his pocket watch again, "I have to admire your friends' dedication. Most people would have given up by now."
The woman in red was studying something on a scroll, her expression focused and calculating. "The pursuit is actually advantageous. When the train reaches its destination, the presence of Huntsmen will ensure maximum chaos and media coverage."
Ruby's mind was racing, trying to find some way to stop what was happening. "You're not just trying to destroy part of Vale. You want to discredit the Huntsmen, make people lose faith in their protectors."
"Very good," the woman acknowledged. "Chaos serves many purposes. Destruction is merely the most obvious."
Outside the train, Ruby could hear the sounds of her friends' pursuit—weapons fire, the distinctive crack of Yang's gauntlets, the whistle of Blake's weapon through the air. They were risking everything to stop this catastrophe, and the realization filled her with both pride and terror.
"They won't give up," she said with quiet conviction.
Roman's expression grew more serious. "I'm counting on it. The more spectacular their failure, the greater the impact on Vale's faith in its protectors."
The Running Battle
The chase through the tunnel system became a running battle as the rescue teams found ways to reach the moving train. Yang was the first to make contact, using a combination of her Semblance and a series of maintenance platforms to leap onto one of the rear cars.
"Ruby!" she shouted as she landed, immediately engaging the White Fang soldiers who moved to intercept her.
Blake followed moments later, using Gambol Shroud to swing from car to car with feline grace. Her stealth training allowed her to avoid some of the defensive fire while she worked her way toward the front of the train.
Odyn reached the train from above, having used the upper maintenance levels to position himself for a boarding attempt. His tactical training was immediately evident as he assessed the train's defenses and began coordinating the assault.
"Weiss, can you create a platform ahead of the train?" he called out over the noise of combat and rushing air.
"Working on it!" Weiss replied, her glyphs already forming in the tunnel ahead. The confined space made her usual large-scale attacks impractical, but she could still create barriers and platforms to slow the train's progress.
The Saiyan members of the rescue teams brought raw power that the White Fang's defenses weren't prepared to handle. Shallot and Giblet's abilities allowed them to keep pace with the train through sheer speed and strength, while Scarlett's tactical experience helped coordinate their efforts with the other teams.
Aiko's wolf-Faunus senses were crucial in tracking the train's path through the complex tunnel system, allowing the teams to anticipate turns and switches that could be used to their advantage. Her Saiyan heritage provided the physical capabilities needed to maintain the pursuit, while her tactical instincts helped identify weak points in the train's defenses.
The Final Gambit
As the train approached the final stretch of tunnel before entering Vale's main underground infrastructure, Roman made one last check of his preparations. The explosive charges were armed, the detonation sequence was programmed, and the train was at maximum speed.
"Two minutes to impact," he announced to the car. "Time to abandon ship."
The mysterious woman activated something on her scroll, and Ruby could see escape pods being deployed from the rear of the train. Roman and most of the White Fang soldiers would escape before the final explosion, leaving only the automated train to complete its destructive mission.
"You're just going to leave?" Ruby asked, though she wasn't entirely surprised.
"My dear Little Red," Roman said with mock sympathy, "I'm a thief, not a martyr. The train will do its job whether I'm aboard or not."
As the escape pods deployed, the pursuing Huntsmen found themselves facing a terrible choice: pursue the escaping villains or focus all their efforts on stopping the train before it could complete its mission.
Yang's voice cut through the chaos, filled with absolute determination: "Save Ruby! Stop the train! We don't leave anyone behind!"
The final phase of the chase had begun, and the fate of Vale hung in the balance.
The Impossible Choice
As the escape pods jettisoned from the rear of the train, carrying Roman Torchwick and the mysterious woman to safety, the assembled Huntsmen and Huntresses faced a decision that would haunt them regardless of the outcome. The train continued its relentless advance toward Vale's underground infrastructure, while Ruby remained trapped aboard the lead car.
"We can't catch them all!" Odyn shouted over the roar of the train and the ongoing combat. His tactical mind was processing the mathematics of the situation, and every calculation pointed to the same grim conclusion.
Yang's eyes blazed with desperate fury as she fought her way through White Fang soldiers toward the front of the train. "I'm not leaving her!"
"Yang, look!" Blake called out, pointing ahead through the tunnel. In the distance, the final barrier separating the abandoned Mountain Glenn system from Vale's active infrastructure was visible—a massive concrete and steel wall that had been built to permanently seal off the contaminated tunnels.
Khanna's Branwen tactical instincts were calculating time and distance. "At this speed, we have maybe ninety seconds before impact."
Dr. Oobleck, still keeping pace with the train through sheer determination and enhanced speed, made the decision that none of them wanted to face. "Teams! Priority Alpha—rescue Ruby Rose! All other objectives are secondary!"
Sarai's flame-colored eyes reflected the same anguish they all felt. "The city..."
"Will have to endure what we cannot prevent," Zero said with analytical honesty that cut through the emotional chaos. "But we save who we can save."
The Final Assault
Every member of the combined rescue force threw themselves into the desperate attempt to reach Ruby before the train completed its destructive mission. Yang abandoned all defensive considerations, her Semblance burning at maximum intensity as she tore through the White Fang defenders with single-minded fury.
Odyn and Roy coordinated their approach with princely precision, their enhanced elven abilities allowing them to navigate the swaying train cars while providing covering fire for their teammates. Hailfire used her vanguard training to identify structural weak points in the train that could provide access to the heavily defended front car.
The Saiyan members of the rescue teams brought overwhelming force to bear against the train's defenders. Shallot and Giblet moved with superhuman speed through the cars, while Aiko's combination of wolf-Faunus senses and Saiyan strength made her a devastating force in the confined space.
Scarlett Reinhardt's tactical experience proved crucial as she coordinated the multi-team assault, while the Kitsune sisters' Majin abilities provided both offensive strikes and defensive screens that protected their teammates from the White Fang's increasingly desperate resistance.
Blake reached the lead car first, her stealth training allowing her to slip past the remaining guards. She found Ruby bound but conscious in the front section of the car, surrounded by enough explosive material to level several city blocks.
"Blake!" Ruby's relief was evident even through her fear.
"We're getting you out of here," Blake replied, immediately working to free Ruby's restraints. But as she did, her sharp eyes caught sight of the detonation timer mounted near the explosives.
Thirty seconds to impact. Twenty-five. Twenty.
The Barrier Approaches
Through the front window of the train, the final barrier loomed larger with each passing moment. The massive concrete and steel wall had been built to withstand significant structural stress, but it was never designed to stop a fully-loaded train traveling at maximum speed.
Yang burst into the front car just as Blake finished freeing Ruby, her golden hair whipping in the wind that rushed through the broken windows. "Ruby!"
"Yang!" Ruby threw herself into her sister's arms, but the reunion was cut short by the reality of their situation.
"Fifteen seconds!" Blake shouted, reading the timer.
Weiss appeared in the doorway, her tactical mind already analyzing their options. "Everyone, brace for impact! I'm going to try to shield us!"
The other team members who had managed to reach the front section of the train—Odyn, Roy, Sarai, and several others—immediately understood what she was attempting. It was a desperate gambit, but it was their only chance of survival.
"Ten seconds!"
Weiss raised Myrtenaster, her Semblance activating with desperate intensity. Ice began forming around the front car, creating a protective shell that she hoped would be enough to preserve their lives when the inevitable collision occurred.
"Five! Four! Three!"
Ruby grabbed Yang's hand, while Blake pressed close to both of them. Around the car, the assembled Huntsmen and Huntresses braced themselves for an impact that would change everything.
"Two! One!"
The Crash
The collision was unlike anything any of them had experienced. The train hit the barrier wall at full speed, and for a moment, physics seemed suspended as thousands of tons of metal and stone met in violent opposition. The barrier held for perhaps half a second before the train's momentum overcame the structural integrity of the decades-old concrete and steel.
Weiss's ice shield absorbed much of the initial impact, but the forces involved were beyond what any single person could fully contain. The protective shell cracked and shattered as the train car tumbled through the breach in the barrier, carrying its passengers into Vale's underground infrastructure like a meteor of twisted metal and explosive material.
The explosion, when it came, was everything Roman Torchwick had promised and more. The carefully placed charges detonated in sequence, each blast amplifying the next until the entire tunnel system shook with the force of the explosion. Emergency lighting failed throughout the southeastern district as power lines were severed. Water mains burst, sending torrents of water through the underground passages. Gas lines ruptured, adding the danger of secondary explosions to the already catastrophic situation.
But the most terrifying consequence of the explosion was something none of them had anticipated. The blast had torn open barriers that had been sealed for decades—barriers that had contained not just the abandoned Mountain Glenn tunnels, but something far worse.
The Emergence
Ruby was the first to regain consciousness, her head ringing from the impact and her body aching from injuries she couldn't immediately assess. Around her, the wreckage of the train car was embedded in what appeared to be a partially collapsed section of Vale's underground infrastructure. Emergency lighting flickered sporadically, casting eerie shadows on the twisted metal and broken concrete.
"Yang?" she called out weakly, then louder when there was no immediate response. "Yang!"
A groan from nearby revealed her sister's location, half-buried under a piece of the train car's roof. Ruby crawled over to her, relief flooding through her when she confirmed that Yang was alive, though clearly injured.
"Everyone sound off!" came Odyn's voice from somewhere in the darkness. One by one, the members of the rescue teams confirmed they were alive, though several reported injuries ranging from minor cuts to potentially serious trauma.
Blake helped Weiss to her feet, the white-haired heiress swaying slightly from exhaustion. The ice shield had saved their lives, but creating it had drained her Aura significantly.
"Status report," Weiss said, falling back on formal procedures to maintain focus despite their dire circumstances.
"We're alive," Roy replied, helping his brother extract himself from a tangle of metal debris. "But we're definitely not where we started."
Zero's analytical mind was already processing their situation. "The explosion breached multiple tunnel systems. We're in Vale's main underground infrastructure, approximately two kilometers from the surface."
Sarai, despite a cut on her forehead that was bleeding steadily, was examining their surroundings with her enhanced elven senses. "There's something wrong here. The air currents, the sounds... this isn't just structural damage."
That's when they heard it—a sound that sent ice through the veins of every person present. It was the distinctive howl of a Beowolf, but amplified and distorted by the underground environment. And it wasn't alone.
"Oh no," Dr. Oobleck breathed, his usual rapid-fire delivery replaced by horrified understanding. "The explosion didn't just breach the barrier to Vale's tunnels. It opened the deep caverns—the ones that were sealed when Mountain Glenn fell."
Through the smoke and debris, shapes began to emerge. Grimm—dozens of them, then hundreds. Creatures that had been trapped in the deep caverns for decades, growing larger and more dangerous in the darkness. Beowolves the size of small buildings, Ursa Major that dwarfed anything they had seen before, and other creatures that defied easy classification.
"They're heading for the surface," Blake realized with growing horror.
The Swarm Rises
The Grimm that poured from the breach moved with the desperate hunger of creatures that had been denied prey for decades. They surged through Vale's underground tunnels with terrifying purpose, following the scent of human emotion and the promise of destruction that waited above.
Ruby struggled to her feet, Crescent Rose somehow still functional despite the crash. "We have to warn the city. We have to—"
Her words were cut off as a massive Beowolf emerged from the smoke directly in front of them, its red eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence. This creature was easily three times the size of any Grimm they had faced before, its black fur scarred by decades of underground existence.
Yang, despite her injuries, immediately moved to place herself between the Grimm and her sister. "Ruby, get back!"
But the Beowolf wasn't alone. More creatures emerged from the surrounding tunnels—Ursa, Creeps, and things that none of them could readily identify. The explosion had not only freed the ancient Grimm, it had created a breach that connected directly to Vale's surface through the city's infrastructure systems.
"They're using the tunnel network," Hailfire observed with tactical precision even as she prepared for combat. "Every subway tunnel, every utility passage—it's all connected."
Khanna's Branwen instincts were screaming warnings as she assessed the situation. "This isn't random. They're organized, purposeful. Something is directing them."
Above them, carried through the ventilation systems and emergency passages, came the sounds that confirmed their worst fears. Screams. Explosions. The distinctive crash of buildings being destroyed. The Grimm had reached the surface, and Vale was under attack.
Dr. Oobleck's expression was grim as he surveyed the swarm of ancient Grimm still pouring from the breach. "This is what Roman Torchwick intended all along. Not just the destruction of the tunnels, but the release of creatures that Vale thought were safely contained."
Weiss, still recovering from her exhausting use of her Semblance, forced herself to stand straight. "Then we stop them. Whatever it takes, we stop them before they can do more damage to the city."
"Look around you," Zero said with analytical honesty that cut through their determination. "We're injured, exhausted, and facing hundreds of ancient Grimm in a confined space with limited escape routes. This isn't a battle we can win through conventional means."
Yang's eyes flashed red as her Semblance began to activate despite her injuries. "Then we find unconventional means. We don't give up, and we don't abandon Vale."
As if responding to her words, the ground beneath them shook with another explosion from somewhere above. The Grimm assault on Vale's surface was intensifying, and every moment they spent trapped underground was another moment the city's defenders had to face the ancient creatures without backup.
Ruby looked at her assembled friends and allies—battered, bloodied, but unbroken. "We get to the surface. We help defend the city. And we make sure this never happens again."
The most dangerous phase of their mission was about to begin.
The Call for Help
In the dormitories of Beacon Academy, Jaune Arc was jolted awake by the insistent buzzing of his scroll. The room was dark, his teammates still sleeping peacefully in their beds, unaware of the catastrophe unfolding beneath Vale's streets.
Groggily, Jaune fumbled for his scroll, squinting at the bright screen. The caller ID made his heart skip—Ruby Rose. But why would she be calling at this hour? Team RWBY was supposed to be on their mission, probably sleeping in some camp by now.
"Ruby?" he answered, his voice rough with sleep.
The connection was terrible, filled with static and what sounded like explosions in the background. Through the interference, he could barely make out Ruby's voice: "Jaune... need help... Grimm everywhere... Vale is..."
The line went dead.
Jaune stared at his scroll, his mind racing. Something was wrong—very wrong. He tried calling back, but the call wouldn't connect. Whatever was happening, it was serious enough that communications were being disrupted.
"Jaune?" Pyrrha's voice came from the next bed, soft but alert. "Is everything alright?"
"I... I'm not sure," Jaune replied, his worry evident. "Ruby called, but the connection was awful. Something about Grimm, and Vale..."
Nora was instantly awake, her usual boundless energy evident even in the pre-dawn darkness. "Did she sound scared? Ruby doesn't usually sound scared!"
Ren sat up more quietly, his analytical nature immediately engaged. "What exactly did she say?"
"I couldn't make it out clearly," Jaune admitted, frustration evident in his voice. "But it sounded like she was in trouble. Big trouble."
The Emergency
The team had little time to speculate further. As they prepared for their originally scheduled mission—a routine patrol in the forests near Beacon—the emergency sirens began to wail. First from Vale, their piercing cry carrying across the water, then from Beacon itself as the Academy's own alarm system activated.
Professor Goodwitch's voice echoed through the dormitory halls via the public address system: "All available teams report to the landing platforms immediately. This is not a drill."
Team JNPR looked at each other with a mixture of determination and concern. Their routine patrol mission was clearly being set aside for something far more serious.
"Change of plans," Jaune said, his leadership instincts overriding his usual self-doubt. "We're going to Vale."
As they rushed to the landing platforms, they could see other teams receiving similar emergency briefings. The faculty moved with grim efficiency, and the usually bustling Academy had taken on the atmosphere of a military installation preparing for war.
Their Bullhead lifted off within minutes, joining a small fleet of aircraft heading toward the city. From the air, they could see smoke rising from Vale's southeastern district, and in the distance, flashes of light that could only be weapons fire or explosions.
"There," Pyrrha pointed toward the smoke. "That's where they need us."
Hidden Watchers
Unknown to the responding Huntsmen, they were not the only ones watching the unfolding crisis with interest. On a rooftop overlooking Vale, three figures observed the chaos with calculating eyes.
Emerald Sustrai lowered her binoculars, her expression mixing satisfaction with concern. "The plan's working, but it's ahead of schedule. Way ahead of schedule."
Mercury Black stretched casually, his mechanical legs gleaming in the morning light. "Ahead of schedule is still working. What's the problem?"
The third figure, Cinder Fall, stood silently for a moment, her amber eyes reflecting the fires burning in the distance. Her elegant dress and composed demeanor seemed almost surreal given the destruction visible below.
"The problem," Cinder said finally, her voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed, "is that deviation from the plan introduces variables we hadn't accounted for. But you're right—it's still working."
Emerald shifted nervously. "So what do we do? The White Fang operation was supposed to happen during the Vytal Festival, when security would be stretched thin and maximum chaos could be achieved."
"We adapt," Cinder replied simply. "Sometimes opportunity presents itself earlier than expected. The wise learn to capitalize on such moments."
Mercury grinned, his casual demeanor unchanged despite the gravity of the situation. "So we're going to help fight the Grimm? That seems... counterproductive."
"We're going to be seen fighting the Grimm," Cinder corrected. "There's a difference. When this crisis is resolved, we need to be viewed as heroes who helped save the city. Trust, once earned, provides access that no amount of stealth can achieve."
Battle in the Streets
Team RWBY had fought their way to the surface through a combination of determination, teamwork, and sheer stubbornness. The ancient Grimm that had been released from the deep caverns were unlike anything they had faced in their training—larger, more aggressive, and possessed of a cunning that spoke of decades spent in darkness, growing stronger on trapped emotions and desperation.
The streets of Vale's southeastern district had become a war zone. Citizens fled in panic while emergency services struggled to coordinate evacuation efforts. The Grimm poured from several breach points where the explosion had compromised the underground infrastructure, spreading through the city with terrifying efficiency.
Ruby moved with deadly precision, Crescent Rose cutting through Creeps and Beowolves as she worked to protect a group of trapped civilians. But the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming, and she found herself being pushed back despite her best efforts.
Yang fought with her usual aggressive style, but the confined urban environment limited her mobility. When she attempted one of her trademark leap attacks against a particularly large Ursa, the creature's counterattack sent her crashing into the side of a building with enough force to crack the stonework.
"Yang!" Ruby cried out, but she couldn't reach her sister—a massive King Taijitu had emerged from one of the breach points, its twin heads weaving hypnotically as it prepared to strike.
The serpentine Grimm was easily the largest creature Ruby had faced, its black and white scales gleaming with malevolent intelligence. She raised Crescent Rose, but the creature's reach and speed made it a difficult opponent for a lone fighter.
That's when Magnhild came crashing down on the King Taijitu's white head with devastating force.
"Did someone call for a hammer?" Nora Valkyrie asked cheerfully, her usual exuberance undimmed by the crisis around them.
Team JNPR had arrived just in time, dropping from their Bullhead directly into the combat zone. Jaune immediately took charge of coordinating their formation, while Pyrrha's precise strikes and Ren's speed created a deadly combination against the scattered Grimm.
"Ruby! Are you alright?" Jaune called out as he engaged a group of Beowolves with Crocea Mors.
"Better now that you're here!" Ruby replied, her relief evident. "How did you know where to find us?"
"Your call this morning," Jaune explained, ducking under a Beowolf's claws. "We figured you might need backup."
The arrival of Team JNPR had shifted the tactical balance, but they were still outnumbered and facing creatures that were larger and more dangerous than typical Grimm. When a bulky Ursa charged directly at Jaune, his initial instinct was fear—the creature was easily twice the size of the Ursa Major he had faced during their training.
But as the creature approached, Jaune's memory flashed back to that earlier victory. He had faced his fear then, and he could do it again. Drawing on lessons learned from months of training with Pyrrha, he timed his strike perfectly, Crocea Mors finding the weak point in the creature's armor.
The Ursa collapsed backward, dead before it hit the ground.
Pyrrha, fighting nearby, caught sight of Jaune's victory and felt a surge of pride for her partner. The uncertain boy who had arrived at Beacon was becoming a true Huntsman.
Unexpected Allies
As the battle intensified, unexpected allies began to arrive. Sun Wukong and Neptune Vasilias appeared, introducing themselves with characteristic flair.
"Junior detectives, reporting for duty!" Sun announced as he swung into combat using his weapon's staff form.
"Though technically, I think this is above our pay grade," Neptune added, his weapon shifting to its trident configuration as he engaged a group of Creeps.
The tide began to turn when General Ironwood's fleet appeared overhead. Atlesian aircraft provided close air support, their sophisticated weapons systems cutting through the Grimm ranks with clinical efficiency.
From his command ship, Ironwood coordinated the assault with military precision. "All units, concentrate fire on the largest targets. Clear evacuation routes for civilian population."
Ruby found herself momentarily safe as Atlesian gunships eliminated the King Taijitu that had been threatening her, but the respite was brief. More Grimm continued to pour from the underground breaches, including creatures that defied easy classification—things that had evolved in the darkness for decades, becoming something beyond the typical Grimm categories.
The Cavalry Arrives
The arrival of Team CFVY marked another turning point in the battle. Coco Adel's minigun-wielding handbag made short work of the smaller Grimm, while Velvet Scarlatina's camera weapon allowed her to replicate the fighting styles of their absent teammates. Yatsuhashi Daichi and Fox Alistair provided close combat support that helped contain the larger creatures.
But it was the arrival of the Beacon faculty that truly shifted the momentum. Professor Port charged into battle with his blunderbuss, his enthusiasm for combat undimmed by the unprecedented nature of their enemies. Dr. Oobleck moved with his characteristic speed, providing tactical coordination while engaging targets of opportunity.
Professor Goodwitch's arrival was perhaps the most significant. Her telekinetic Semblance allowed her to coordinate multiple combat fronts simultaneously while working to contain the structural damage that threatened to spread the crisis beyond the immediate area.
Most surprisingly, an Atlesian Paladin emerged from one of the breach points—not under White Fang control, but with Zwei perched on top, somehow having commandeered the mech for the forces of good.
"Is that... Ruby's dog?" Jaune asked in disbelief.
"Piloting a giant robot," Nora confirmed with obvious admiration. "I love that dog."
Roman Torchwick's capture came almost as an afterthought. Bruised and battered from his escape pod's rough landing, he was easily apprehended by Professor Port while trying to flee through Vale's industrial district.
The final stroke was Professor Goodwitch's sealing of the breach points. Using her Semblance on an unprecedented scale, she manipulated the debris and rubble to close the gaps that allowed the Grimm access to the surface, effectively cutting off their reinforcements.
The Aftermath
With the immediate crisis contained, Vale began the slow process of assessing the damage and beginning recovery efforts. The southeastern district had suffered significant destruction, but the rapid response from Beacon and Atlas had prevented a city-wide catastrophe.
In the emergency command center that had been established in Vale's city hall, Professor Ozpin faced a video conference with the Council of Vale. The political implications of the attack were already becoming apparent.
"Professor Ozpin," the lead councilman began, his tone carrying clear disapproval, "this attack represents a catastrophic failure of Vale's security systems. The fact that such an extensive underground operation could exist without detection raises serious questions about your leadership."
Ozpin remained calm despite the criticism. "The threat was unprecedented in both scope and nature. The White Fang operation used abandoned infrastructure that had been sealed for decades."
"Sealed inadequately, apparently," another council member interjected. "The citizens of Vale deserve better protection than what your current security arrangements have provided."
The conclusion was foregone. "General Ironwood will assume responsibility for security during the upcoming Vytal Festival. His proven ability to coordinate rapid response efforts makes him the logical choice for this expanded role."
Ozpin accepted the decision with his characteristic composure, though those who knew him well could see the concern in his eyes. The balance of power was shifting, and not necessarily in directions that served his larger plans.
Quiet Moments
As evening fell over Vale, Team RWBY found themselves sitting on a rooftop overlooking the city, watching the sunset paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples. The crisis was over, but the weight of what they had experienced—and what it might mean for the future—hung heavy in the air.
"So," Weiss said finally, breaking the contemplative silence, "what do we do now?"
Ruby considered the question seriously. The events of the past twenty-four hours had changed everything—their understanding of the threats they faced, the political landscape of Vale, and their own roles as Huntresses in training.
"We go to bed," Yang said with a tired smile. "Tomorrow, we figure out what comes next."
Blake nodded agreement. "One crisis at a time. That's all any of us can handle."
It was a pragmatic answer, but it felt right. They had saved lives, prevented a greater catastrophe, and proven themselves as Huntresses. For now, that was enough.
Interrogation
In an Atlesian detention facility, General Ironwood sat across from Roman Torchwick in a sterile interrogation room. Roman lounged in his chair with affected casualness, despite the restraints and the serious nature of his situation.
"You know, General, this whole 'good cop, bad cop' routine works better with two people," Roman said conversationally.
Ironwood's expression remained stoic. "I'm not here to play games, Torchwick. People died today because of your operation. The least you can do is explain why."
"People die every day," Roman replied with a shrug. "At least today they died for a reason."
"What reason? What was the point of all this destruction?"
Roman smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You really think I'm the one calling the shots here? I'm just the face of the operation, General. The real power is still out there, still planning, still working toward goals you can't even imagine."
Despite Ironwood's persistent questioning, Roman revealed nothing of substance about his employers or their larger plans. He seemed almost amused by the interrogation, as if he knew something that Ironwood didn't.
Recovery and Reflection
Back at Beacon Academy, the three teams that had participated in the underground rescue operation were undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing. The scale of what they had encountered—and survived—was still sinking in for many of them.
Team OHRZ gathered in the medical wing, where Odyn's dark blue hair was being checked for concussion symptoms while his fiery orange eyes remained alert and focused. Despite his dark elven heritage giving him enhanced resilience, the train crash had tested even his limits.
"Status report," he said, his princely training making him immediately think in terms of unit cohesion and capability.
Hailfire, her auburn hair disheveled but her vanguard training keeping her sharp, responded first. "Minor injuries, nothing that will impact operational readiness. Though I have to say, that ice shield of Weiss's saved all our lives."
Roy, despite sharing his brother's enhanced elven constitution, showed signs of the strain they had all endured. "We need to debrief with the other teams. What we faced down there... those weren't normal Grimm."
Zero's analytical mind was already processing the implications. "The age and size of those creatures suggests they had been growing in isolation for decades. The underground ecosystem must have sustained them through some unknown means."
Team KABFL was dealing with their own aftermath in an adjacent medical bay. Khanna, operating under her formal identity as Seraphina in the Academy records, was coordinating with medical staff while her Branwen tactical instincts processed the larger strategic implications of the day's events.
Aiko Reinhardt's half-Saiyan, half-wolf Faunus nature had given her enhanced recovery capabilities, but even she showed signs of exhaustion. Her wolf ears were drooped, and her tail hung low as she processed the emotional weight of what they had witnessed.
"The civilian casualties could have been so much worse," she said, her enhanced senses still detecting the lingering scents of fear and panic from the city below.
Baron Caldern, despite being Hailfire's younger brother, had proven himself during the crisis. "The coordination between all our teams was impressive. We functioned as a unified force despite never having trained together at that scale."
Flare Kitsune's Majin heritage had provided unique capabilities during the underground battle, while her adopted sister Lazuli's Android 21-based abilities had proven invaluable in both combat and rescue operations.
Team SSGS completed the triad of rescue teams, with Sarai—sister to the elven princes—showing the same tactical acumen that ran in their royal bloodline. Her flame-colored eyes, rimmed with silver, reflected both exhaustion and satisfaction at the successful mission outcome.
Shallot and Giblet, the Saiyan brothers, had pushed their abilities to new levels during the crisis. Their raw power had been crucial in dealing with the larger ancient Grimm that had emerged from the deep caverns.
Scarlett Reinhardt, Aiko's sister, bore the more traditional Saiyan appearance aside from her distinctive red hair, eyes, and tail. Her combat experience had been crucial in coordinating the multi-team assault through the underground tunnels.
"The question now," Sarai observed with her characteristic strategic thinking, "is what this means for the upcoming Vytal Festival. If threats of this magnitude can emerge with minimal warning..."
"Then we need to be prepared for anything," Shallot concluded, his Saiyan instincts still alert despite their exhaustion.
New Alliances
On a rooftop overlooking the recovering city, four figures met in the darkness. Cinder Fall stood at the edge, her elegant silhouette unmistakable even in shadow. Emerald and Mercury flanked her, while a fourth figure emerged from the deeper shadows.
"The White Fang's trust was... difficult to earn," Cinder said without turning around. "Today's operation may have cost us some of that credibility."
"A lot of our people were left in those tunnels," Mercury observed. "The Faunus aren't going to be happy about that."
"The White Fang won't listen to us now," Emerald agreed. "Not after what happened to their people."
"The White Fang won't listen to you," a new voice said from the shadows. "But they'll listen to me."
Adam Taurus stepped into the light, his distinctive red hair and bull horns unmistakable. His mask caught the moonlight as he approached the group, his presence immediately shifting the dynamic of their gathering.
"Adam," Cinder acknowledged. "I was wondering when you would make your appearance."
"The time for subtlety is over," Adam replied, his voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to command. "After today, the White Fang needs leadership that understands both their anger and their potential."
Mercury grinned. "So the gang's all here. What's the plan now?"
Cinder finally turned from her observation of the city. "Now we prepare for the next phase. Today was merely the opening move."
A Mother's Return
Later that night, Yang Xiao Long made her way through Beacon's courtyard, her footsteps echoing in the quiet air. The events of the day had left her emotionally drained, but sleep seemed impossible. Too many questions remained unanswered, too many fears unaddressed.
She was surprised to find someone waiting for her in the moonlight—a woman in dark clothing, her face hidden by a distinctive mask. But as Yang approached, the woman reached up and removed the mask, revealing features that were unmistakably familiar.
The woman looked like an older, darker version of Yang herself—the same basic bone structure, but with black hair instead of blonde, red eyes instead of lilac, and an aura of dangerous competence that Yang had never possessed.
"Hello, Yang," Raven Branwen said quietly.
Yang's breath caught. After years of questions, years of wondering, her mother stood before her as if she had simply materiized from shadow and moonlight.
"We have a lot to talk about," Raven continued, her voice carrying complex emotions that Yang couldn't immediately parse.
The screen faded to black, leaving the reunion suspended in that moment of recognition and the promise of answers that had been decades in the coming.
To be continued in Chapter 21: Vytal Tournament & a wedding's preparation