#like please he’s vale he’s got an offensive position

[warsmith-38]

How I would do RWBY pt.8

Season eight.

Salem knows Cinder is coming back home.

Is patiently waiting for her to arrive with Myrmidon at her side.

Cinder shows up, hoping for mercy.

Salem suddenly has an inconvenient gap in her vocabulary when Cinder says that word.

Reminds Cinder that not only did she tell them her plan, she told them how to destroy said plan.

Cinder makes her excuses, “I had to. I didn’t have a choice. We can make another plan,” et cetera.

Salem decides to give Cinder one last chance after fucking up a plan that was older than she was.

Defeat Myrmidon and she can have her old position of number two again.

Myrmidon kicks the absolute shit out of her.

Cinder keeps making little mistakes, blames her new (metal) arm, and Myrmidon exploits every opening.

Myrmidon is sadistically playing with Cinder at this point.

Cinder pops smoke and runs the fuck away.

Myrmidon is stopped from chasing her, being told that Cinder’s execution can wait.

They must finish preparing Plan B.

She does in fact owe this latest plan to Cinder in a roundabout fashion.

The dramatics in Atlas have made Salem remember a little detail that has helped her in the past.

Nothing unites quite like a war.

The free peoples of the world either need a single enemy to face together or they need a factory reset apocalypse to recover from.

Either or, Salem isn’t picky.

The people will be all the stronger no matter which problem they have to overcome.

Ozpin getting directly involved is a snag, but she’s worked around him before.

Regardless of outcome she’ll go dormant for a few generations until most people forget she existed and then it’s back to work.

Her first target is Vacuo.

She would have preferred Vale, but she’s willing to compromise.

Grimm begin to swarm into Vacuo territory.

They had their own version of The Maginot Line, for all the good it does them.

Myrmidon is leading the charge and is the one that tears a big ass hole in their defenses.

Ozpin realizes that Salem has decided ‘fuck it’ on the whole illuminati conflict thing they’ve been doing.

Open warfare it is.

Ozpin has RWBY, JN(P)R, and SSSN sent to Vacuo to see if they can help while he calls the banners with the rest of his council.

RWBY, SSSN, and JN(P)R link up with the Vacuo Defense Force.

Meet the grimm assault with an assault of their own.

Fierce fighting pushes the grimm back to The Maginot Line.

Victory is at hand.

Everyone has a moment or two for a breather and conversations.

Then the second wave of grimm arrive.

They’re not acting like grimm usually do.

They’re using actual military tactics.

Feigning retreats, denying strategic points, and attacking weak spots you wouldn’t think would be weak.

The Black Myrmidon is directing them.

RWBY and JN(P)R have a go at her.

Myrmidon is giving a good fight, but it’s still eight on one.

Penny starts convulsing then starts attacking RWBY and JNR while saying she’s not in control.

Yang’s arm stops doing what she wants it to.

Suddenly nobody can land a hit.

Reminds people of old sparring matches.

Ren dumps his pistols and goes full kung-fu badass on Myrmidon.

Knocks off her helmet.

It’s Pyrrha. (Audience was meant to know because obvious. It’s more about the in story reveal)

She may be fucked up with grimm taint and looking like a mini-Salem, but it’s very much the Pyrrha they knew and mourned.

Everyone is stunned.

Grimm are starting to lose more ground.

Pyrrha sounds the retreat.

Grimm pull back and Grimm Blitzkrieg has been halted.

RWBY and JN(P)R are reeling from events.

Nora is inconsolable and even Ren is failing to hold it back.

Jaune is just quiet.

Penny is trying to help her new teammates as best as she can, but they’re only so much that she can do.

Ask Ozpin + The Council and EMN via video call if they knew anything about this. They didn’t.

Qrow theorizes that Tyrian was a prototype of what was done to Pyrrha.

A dead huntress revived and controlled via grimm corruption that emulates an aura.

Not only still capable as she was in life, still being able to use her semblance, and still as intelligent, but also being powered up by Salem herself.

The Council shudders to imagine an entire army of that.

To take their mind off of the thing, RWBY go scouting to see if they can find any sort of intel.

On mission they find a beaten and almost dead Cinder.

Ruby says there’s nothing to see here.

WBY say that she could have intel they could use.

Ruby says there’s nothing. To. See. Here.

WBY pick up Cinder and take her back to base.

Ruby wants it on record that this was munity from WBY.

Cinder regains consciousness and is genuinely shocked that they helped her.

Finally realizes that Salem does not give the faintest shit about her anymore if she ever really did.

Doesn’t really vibe with Ozpin, but wants to fuck over Salem as much as she can now.

Ozpin says he does not trust her, but does trust her desire for revenge.

Sends EMN, who are firmly on Ozpin’s side now (if only for self-preservation), as reinforcements and to try to help keep Cinder compliant.

Cinder tells Ruby not to worry.

After Salem is dealt with they can sort things out between them.

Cinder provides as much strategic and tactical advice as she can.

Her intel wins a few engagements and saves quite a few lives.

Despite this, Jaune says that he refuses to directly work with Cinder. Nora and Ren both mirror that statement.

They say that they’ll work with her intel, but can’t be held responsible for what might happen if they are left in the same room as her.

To them, the current situation with Pyrrha is actively Cinder’s fault.

It would have been less egregious if Pyrrha was just dead and not some insane zombie.

Penny volunteers to operate as the middlebot.

Ruby is on Jaune’s side and her clout helps keep Jaune at the strategist’s table.

The Myrmidon is spotted at a forward position without a large garrison.

JN(P)R take it on themselves to go to her despite everyone saying it’s bait.

JN(P)R fight through cursory amount of grimm and get to Myrmidon.

Conversation is mired with combat.

Nora says that Ozpin might be able to help her.

Pyrrha says that Ozpin ‘helping’ her is the reason she died.

Penny says that her team still love her and miss her.

Pyrrha says that they replaced her with a robot the first chance they got.

Ren tries to appeal to her sense of logic and morality that Salem is an evil shithead.

Pyrrha says that Ozpin is no better and would rather work with the one that brought her back to life and didn’t lead her to an early grave.

Gets to the point where N(P)R is down and Jaune is the only one standing.

Their duel is hard fought, but brief.

Jaune tells Pyrrha that he knows that even with Salem’s ‘enhancements’ she still won’t kill him.

If she does, then Pyrrha Nikos is still dead no matter what magic Salem does.

Pyrrha says that that’s one of Jaune’s worst plans ever.

He tells her to shut up and do it if she can actually do it.

Pyrrha is having troubles not talking and is clearly delaying herself.

Jaune is shouting ‘do it!’ Rorschach style.

Pyrrha doesn’t. Still gives Jaune a concussion to try and take him out of the strategic fight.

Jaune, when scolded for doing something so stupid, says that he now knows there’s still enough of Pyrrha in there that he believes he can plan around her style.

Now begins the wait for the next offensive.

Cinder has moment with EMN, trying to continue as was, giving them orders and such.

EMN call her a shit and say that they ain’t got to do shit she says. Neo flips her off double deuce style.

Cinder has moment realizing just how hated she is by everyone.

Gets sad, then angry, then sad again.

Ruby and Jaune have a moment talking about their time as team leaders.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown type of thing.

The assault happens in the middle of the night.

Salem herself is leading the charge, riding a huge-ass T-rex looking grimm.

Gives a great big ultimatum to the defenders.

Surrender and join her crusade or die.

RWBY get on the loudspeaker.

Call her a bitch.

Salem does not appreciate their humor and signals the assault.

Myrmidon directing the grimm was bad enough but Salem is terrifyingly worse.

Myrmidon was connected to a sort of grimm hivemind, but Salem directly controls said hivemind.

Salem hits them like a truck on steroids.

The defenders formed a strategy, sure, but that strategy was for Myrmidon.

This was preparing for a linebacker to hit you then getting hit by, y’know, a truck on steroids.

The defensive line is swarmed, ripped apart, and overrun with little effort.

RWBY is separated by the horde.

The fighting is desperate and vicious.

Plenty of jobbers are killed or taken away behind enemy lines.

Then it stops.

The grimm just stop moving for a moment and then they retreat.

Salem then tells everyone that she did this to prove that she could kill all of them whenever she wants.

Does kowtowing sound a little more appealing now?

All the people that were just taken are released to further the point that Salem can do as she pleases.

She gives them all forty-eight hours before her next assault.

She also says that she won’t be taking prisoners that time.

Everyone has a collective moment of ‘wow, we are fucked’.

Cinder has an epiphany and takes it on herself to force a conversation with Jaune.

Jaune is about to try (and fail) to tear her head off when she says that she might have the solution to their problem.

Fuck the grimm, fuck mitigating loss, they need to snipe Salem herself with everything they have.

They can’t permanently kill her, no, but dropping her should send a sort of mental shock to the grimm and stun them for a good amount of time and make them vulnerable.

Vulnerable enough that the large amount of experienced hunters and defense troops will have the breathing space to kill as many as possible before they even get back to their default state.

It’s not much but having a window of working space before Salem gets back up is better than nothing.

Jaune asks her how the fuck are they going to manage to even touch Salem to begin with.

Cinder says to leave that to team CEMN.

He tells her to tell him or else he’s going to call in Ruby.

The plan is to exploit Salem’s fear of Ozpin using Emerald’s hallucinations and Neo’s illusions.

Salem is rarely scared, but when she is she is panicky and rather cowardly.

Cinder has only seen it once when Salem believed that Ozpin had somehow snuck into her sanctum.

They just need her to panic for a moment and then hit her with the biggest single hit they can muster.

Jaune says it’s a longshot and with the remaining forty hours they have he’ll be thinking of a better one.

But, y’know, needs must.

The next day Jaune, having failed to think of another plan, tells everyone of Cinder’s idea.

They do not care for it.

Everyone is skeptical of Cinder’s intentions (even EMN).

Cinder reminds them all that Salem wants to kill her more than most of the people present.

Even if she lets the rest of them live, ha ha, Salem is probably going to take the time to brutally execute her just to make a point.

That or Myrmidon will.

Her intention is doing the thing most likely to keep herself alive, despite the risk.

Ruby is about to threaten her until Ozpin (via video call) tells them to go through with it.

It’s basically all they have and they can’t spend their remaining time bitching about without a plan.

With great reluctance, they begin to work out a proper strategy.

One hour remains.

Weiss and Ruby have brief conversation.

Weiss commends Ruby on her maturity of being able to deal with Cinder in a non-violent manner.

Cinder has moment with EMN telling them not to take unnecessary risks.

The plan relies on them more than it does her and if they fail/die then she does too.

She also, believe it or not, cares enough about them to not want to see them die.

Salem arrives early.

She didn’t lie about the time of her attack, she just allotted about half an hour for a speech.

She gets interrupted.

By Ozpin.

Ozpin says that it’s time to settle things.

Salem wigs out a little and shies back from the front.

This behavior is mirrored by the grimm.

Defense forces strike out.

Salem is trying to organize and fight but her terror of Ozpin is keeping her on the ropes.

Eventually gets annoyed enough to try and send grimm to attack Ozpin.

Can’t land a hit.

Gets angry enough to try and attack Ozpin directly.

Lands a hit.

The illusion breaks away, revealing Neo and Emerald.

She gets attacked by Cinder and Mercury as a distraction.

Ruby has Salem in the scope of her rifle (have we all just forgotten the sniper part of Ruby’s weapon?).

Ruby has a specialized incendiary round that she can infuse with her white fire in the chamber.

She designed and fabricated it herself.

Takes the shot.

It gets blocked by Myrmidon’s thrown shield.

Myrmidon begins fighting CEMN.

Salem realizes just what has happened.

She’s impressed. Incredibly mad, but impressed.

She orders a halt to the combat.

Says that they deserve a token chance for their effort.

She will take one of the defenders for a one-on-one duel.

She’ll even hold back on her more overpowered abilities to make it more sporting.

If they win she will end her assault (and probably go somewhere else instead or just come back later).

If they lose she will continue her swarm into Vacuo.

Ruby volunteers.

WBY say that taking more than two seconds to make the decision might be a good idea.

Ruby volunteers.

JNPR, CEMN, SSSN, and the rest all agree with WBY that-

Ruby. Volunteers.

Salem has Ruby swarmed with bat/bug/whatever type grim and carries her into occupied territory.

Deep enough that they shouldn’t be easily interrupted.

Salem tells her that what she did to Summer was nothing personal, and now with the grimm nuke failed, there isn’t any reason for Salem to be against her personally.

The Cabal could use a few more capable members.

She reiterates her points on Ozpin.

He just wants to dominate the world ‘for its own good’.

Can’t have wars if you no longer have the mental ability to think for yourself.

Offer freedoms that Ozpin could nor would never give.

Tells her that she recognizes Ruby’s personality type.

She’s in love with combat.

Ruby admits that fighting makes her happy, that kicking ass gets her engines running.

Salem offers her war eternal, the chance to be fighting and winning for all time.

Ruby, once again, calls her a bitch.

Says that fighting is pointless without a good reason, like peace, to give it a purpose.

Also says that after they’ve all finally beaten her, Ozpin’s next.

Salem thought that the offer wouldn’t work but had to try.

Salem boss fight.

Salem is able to form myriad magic weapons out of thin air and change her fighting style at random.

Ruby fights as hard as she’s ever fought before.

Salem is, to her word, holding back a good amount.

It’s not helping that much.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.

Myrmidon and the grimm were left to just awkwardly stand around the battlefield.

JN(P)R tries to approach her but she (conveniently) approaches CEMN.

She was told not to continue attacking the defensive line, not the bitch that killed her.

JN(P)R is now conflicted.

They could go and help an ally fight an enemy.

The problem is that that ally is Cinder and that enemy is Pyrrha.

Myrmidon has her hands full until she starts using her semblance.

Magnetism vs a team where two members have metal limbs, you do the math.

Cinder tells her to leave the rest of them alone. It’s her she wants.

Myrmidon says that since they got involved, they die too.

This is what prompts JN(P)R to action, saying it’s more about helping EMN than C.

Myrmidon grows enraged, turning her attention to JN(P)R in earnest.

In fact, everyone is so engaged that they don’t notice a dropship flying past them overhead.

Ruby is growing tired while Salem has quite literally godlike endurance.

Salem commends her for lasting far longer than she imagined.

She hasn’t been this worked up in ages.

But all good things must come to an end.

Tells her to say hello to Summer for her.

Right as she’s about to deal the final blow she gets cut off with a dropship ramming (crashing) into her.

WBY file out and scold Ruby for agreeing to try and solo a fucking demi-goddess.

Ruby apologizes but points at the dropship that Salem just threw past them.

Salem amends the fight conditions to welcome the new challengers.

RWBY vs Salem.

First real fight against the main antagonist.

Challenging fight, magic bullshit, brutal close combat, the whole nine yards.

Sways both ways until RWBY gains the upper hand.

Culminates in a big team hit that finishes the fight.

Salem congratulates them and begins pulling the grimm back from Vacuo.

She says that this is not over and reminds them that, no, she was not fighting as hard as she could have.

They eked out a win by the skin of their teeth mostly because of Salem’s survival of the fittest/fight smarter not harder type ideology was being pandered too.

Salem is then swept away in a swarm of bat/bug/bird/whatever grimm.

Myrmidon abruptly pulls away from the fight along with the grimm, giving JN(P)R one last glance.

Ozpin finally shows up in person, tardy to the party.

Gets reports from everyone that Salem has turned the Grimmland’s southern coast into a deathtrap.

If they’re going to get at her through Vacuo they’ll need a lot to dislodge her.

Ozpin tells them that he never said they were going to get her through Vacuo.

Season eight done.

[homogrimoire-archive]

The Remnant Branches

CH. 6 - The Woe of the Wretched

Part 1: The Iron Will Renewed

The first part of James' adventure into the world of NieR. At a mountain of junk, he befriends a young teen and helps him out. In return, he is given The Iron Will. The apt weapon is restored to its former glory with the help of a father who travels with a talking book.

AO3 Link

At first, Ironwood declined the invitation to join in on a mission to another world. As exciting as it sounded, he knew he had work to do in his own world. Besides, it was nothing truly urgent, and Qrow and Gynda were already going. They would see the mission through well enough. He knew that.

However, since the invitation, the council and his home kingdom had been frustrating him to seemingly no end. They all severely underestimated him. Though few even saw the full extent of the damage of his accident, many still viewed him as too weak to be the leader he must be. At every opportunity, someone was ready to question him.

He may have been seriously hurt, but it hadn’t stopped him for long, relatively speaking. He was back in his office taking care of paperwork as soon as the doctors let him. Hell, he had been filing through papers on his hospital bed as soon as he could think straight. Ironwood was not one to be held back so easily.

What bothered him the most was not his people doubting him, he would show them just how strong their leader was in time, but the tabloids. He was used to their slander and outlandish conspiracies, but hearing that they were saying that he was still mourning over Watts , and that that was the cause of his accident, infuriated him.

Anyone who knew either of them knew they absolutely hated each other ever since they broke up all those years ago in their academy days. Had it not been for their positions and professionalism, they would have been screaming back and forth at each other. Back then, it would have escalated into a fight, an absolute riot to any of the other students fortunate enough to see it. Who wouldn’t have wanted to see the top two students, who were also bitter exes, duke it out?

Despite all this, some people actually believed the tabloid, and it was only a matter of time before he snapped. It happened at a council meeting, away from the press, thankfully. A council member had dared to suggest he still needed time to recover, and implying that his accident and Watts’ death had taken a toll on him. On the outside, he kept his cool. On the inside, he was cussing this man out.

“You know what? You’re right. I do need some time off.” he said calmly and slowly as he got up from his seat.  “You all know the protocol for when I use my vacation days. I’ll have Winter update you on my whereabouts.” he said curtly. With long strides, each step echoing through the room, he exited through the doors, quietly closing them behind him.

“Is everything alright sir?” Winter asked, surprised he was out so soon.

“Everything is just fine .” he replied, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ugh, arrange a flight to Vale Academy please.”

“Of course General.” she saluted and turned down a hall. Once she was gone, he brought out his scroll and messaged Ozpin.

Does your offer still stand?

Yes, but if I were you, I’d hurry. Magic is a fickle thing.

I can assure you, I’ll hurry.

-

“So why the change of heart, General Ironwood?” Ozpin asks once they settle into his office.

“Please, just call me James, or even Ironwood. We can drop the formalities here. But,” he began, first taking a swig from his flask, “I’m sure you can understand that running a kingdom involves a lot of stress.”

“Rest assured, I do James. But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?” he questioned. It was always difficult, near impossible, to get anything past the man.

“There’s always something more, but it isn’t anything that won’t come to pass.” It was a lot to unpack, so Ironwood just decided to throw away the whole suitcase. It was just much easier that way. “So, a mission to another world?” James was thankful Oz didn’t press any further.

“Yes, a world where the sun doesn’t set, or rise, where beasts of shadows that aren't grimm exist. Overall, it’s less advanced than our world.” Oz explained.

“Overall?”

“There exists technology that rivals, and even surpasses our advancements, but, it is rare, or has decayed. I believe it is what remains of a society that mysteriously vanished somehow. I wonder if… No. That’s irrelevant. Anyways,” Oz said with a dismissive wave, “if the portal is still open, I want you to see if you can find some of it.”

“Alright. Sounds easy enough, but I’m guessing it won’t be. Hardly anything is ever easy. Should we get going?”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t advise wearing white on this trip.” Ozpin told him

“Of course. White is a hard color to keep clean.”

“That, and you would severely stand out.”

-

James looked in the mirror as he stood in his boxers. He was bothered at what he saw. He saw a man of half metal, and half flesh. But that was not what bothered him. It never did. It was still his body, no matter what it was made of. It would serve the same purpose as the flesh that came before it, and perform better in some aspects at that. To James, the robotics and flesh that was his body, were both just mediums that ultimately fulfilled the same functions, both different means to the same end. There wasn’t any reason to get worked up about that, even if others sure thought otherwise.

What bothered him was something that always bothered him. What he saw was someone on the verge of being a machine, certainly not because he was a cyborg, but because a core of humanity was so foreign to him. Atlas was a shining example of society as a well oiled machine. However, its people used love to keep themselves from fully assimilating to machinery, used love to keep themselves human. Even the scum of society loved.

But Ironwood, Ironwood did not think he loved. He had never felt it, after all, even if he would have liked to. No one is perfect, so he’ll consider it one of his flaws. A human is supposed to love, after all. But, a human is also supposed to hate. He wasn’t sure he could hate either. Could that be considered a flaw? Yes, there are many things he disliked, but hated? Like how the grimm hated humanity? No. Hate and Love are one in the same, but also opposite of each other. This, he could tell you.

He could also tell you that love can be felt for more than just another person. It could be felt for a pet, a hobby, a plant, and even a concept. But, he could not understand those kinds of love anymore than he could any other type of love. He had a keen interest in astronomy, but it did not fall into the territory of love. At least, he didn’t think so.

He could also tell you that just once in his life, he wanted to feel love, to give it and receive it, and know that he is human, not a machine fulfilling a mere purpose as needed. But, he would never tell anyone that. At the very least he believed he was human, and that belief was good enough for him. It had to be good enough, so, it was.

He finished changing into the simple clothes Ozpin left for him. Of course, they weren’t tailored, of course, but fit as well as untailored clothing could. James was sure the sturdy but breathable clothing would do just fine. It’s not like Oz would give him clothing inappropriate for the mission. Then again, they both almost settled on a vacation button up and some shorts.

With that, he went to Oz who was waiting for him at the hangar for the last of the briefing. There, he learned that his best chance to find the advanced tech was at a place known as the Junk Heap.

“And if worst comes to worst James, there’s a nice beach side town to relax at nearby. I know you will do as you will, but take it easy, for yourself.”

“Naturally.” James responded. He was happy that someone seemed to understand him, even just a little. “Well, thanks Oz.” He waved awkwardly as he stepped onto the carrier.

“Thank you too James. Stay safe out there.” Ozpin nodded. And so, the carrier took off. James had hoped he wouldn’t need a weapon. He had yet to get a replacement. But, still he felt a twinge of excitement.

-

Ironwood went from the dilapidated ruin to being launched face first into a rusty chain link fence. He was grateful he had his tetanus shot earlier that year. He bounced back and wiped himself off. Peering through the fence, he wondered how a mountainous heap of junk could be the home to incredible technological advancements, but didn’t doubt Ozpin, at least when it came to stuff like this.

“Oh, hello.” said a child, somewhere in his early to mid teens, from the other side of the gate. “Sorry about that. I was just about to open it.” he said with a light laugh. “Name’s Jakob.”

He held out his hand for the general to shake.

“Ironwood.” he replied, giving a firm shake in return. The teen’s hand was surprisingly rough.

“Well, if you’re here for iron, you’ve come to the right place. I’m afraid you won’t find much wood here, though.” Jakob joked. Ironwood did laugh a little.

“I’m alright with that. I’ve just come to learn about the machines here.”

“No offense, but not like that you are! They’re dangerous, and you need a weapon.” Jakob exclaimed. “Here,” he motioned with his arm, “follow me.” James obliged, willing to humor him. In the small home, James waited at a counter while the teen went off to get something.

“Here.” Jakob grunted as he laid a weapon on the counter. ��It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.” It was what remained of a once powerful sword. Once he picked it up, he found it to be rather light. “Bought it from some fancy lady, but never really used it as much as I thought I would.”

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to put it to good use.” Inspecting it, the weapon was colored a red hue, but not a red like copper, or rust. He couldn’t quite place his finger on it. “You seem like you know this place well, Jakob. Any tips?”

“Concussive maintenance is the best way to deal with anything, especially machines, at least that’s what the big dude that stops by once and a while says. He’s always with a floating book. It looks creepy, so I never ask him about it.” he said, visibly shaken at having to remember the creepy, floating book. Ironwood chalked it up to a kid’s imagination. Ozpin didn’t mention any floating books to him, and it was such an outlandish thing. “But if I were you, I’d stick to the first floor for now. The deeper you go, the more dangerous the machines get.”

“And more complex, I assume.”

“The way they act and the power they hold, I think they would be. Here, take this map. It should help you around.”

“Thanks.” James said, making his way to the door out.

“Oh, wait!” he said, grabbing James’ attention. “While you’re down there, do you think you could gather these things for me? It'd be a HUGE help.” He held out a list, with a small picture of the item next to its name.

“Sure. I don’t see why not.”

“Thanks mister. Good luck!” he waved as Ironwood left the small home.

Upon entering the heap, he saw that it was held up by rusted iron. However, it soon gave way to yellowed artificial lighting and mass-produced, but sturdy tiling. There, he encountered his first machine.

It was rather large and bulky, but obviously old. Its industrial yellow paint was especially worn down at its edges. Despite its apparent age, it seemed to be running smoothly. A rotating sensor on top of it seemed to have sensed him up, and the red alarms on it came to life as it charged towards him.

And despite its rather large size, it didn’t seem dangerous, until the fangs of electricity cackled out in front of it. Quickly, James dodged it and maneuvered behind it, slashing at its backside. However, that only dented it, chipping off the paint where he hit, revealing the metallic texture beneath. It turned surprisingly quick, and charged its taser, aiming at him with accuracy that surprised James. The machine seemed so rudimentary, like it should be inaccurate and inefficient, and yet, it wasn’t.

It charged towards him again, and this time, James only barely managed to dodge. He could feel the buzz static of the electricity in the surrounding air, and knew this thing could do some serious damage, especially to him.

Now knowing its reaction time, he quickly moved in and began to rapidly slash at it. He knew it was done for when he heard a whirring sound, and the machine began to act erratically. In an explosion of light, it sent scrap, oil, and other machine parts flying. James had shielded himself, only getting some oil on him.

He began to look at the scattered remains of the machine. If he were being honest with himself, he couldn’t get a grasp on what components went where, or how they worked. There was also no telling if something got destroyed in the small explosion.

However, he did find some of the things Jakob was looking for, and he also understood how the machines acted a little better. That would be useful for when he had to fight them again. And fight them again he did. He ran into about a dozen more by the time he reached the locked elevator.

The next step would be to go deeper, and hopefully find some blueprints or the like somewhere. Based on some of the piping and the appearance of what he could see of the building, it appeared to be a factory. If that were so, he figured that there must be a computer somewhere with information on how the machines were being built. In individual aspects, these automatons were inferior to Atlesian robots, but taken as a whole, these automatons were superior. Sometimes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This was such an instance, and James was determined to find out why.

As he walked back, he mentally took notes of his surroundings. Old, but still running somehow. He wondered just how long it had been running without human supervision, cause Jakob certainly wasn’t running the place.

Whatever it was, it was a miracle, considering none of the fresh machines that popped out of those tubes were defective, which meant the assembly process made no mistakes, or had a very good quality control system. How new materials were obtained were a complete mystery to him.

James also began to wonder more about Jakob. The kid was all alone here in this dangerous world. He could sympathize with that. Parentlessness was a life all too common in Remnant. It was one of many things he could hope to change

When he finally returned to the small home, he knocked on the door, but no one answered. So, he let himself in, muttering a hello as he entered. But, no one replied. He looked around, and saw nothing so he went past the counter to look around some more. He stumbled upon a room with a bed in it.

There was Jakob, lying down with another young boy beside him, probably a younger brother, maybe around seven or nine. He wondered why they were asleep when the sun was still up, but remembered that there was no day/night cycle in this world. The Kingdom of Day, a kingdom cast into eternal light, and The Kingdom of Night, a kingdom bathed in immortal darkness, according to Ozpin.

Tired as well, he quietly set the scrap down and grabbed a nearby chair. He felt bad for intruding, but he was too tired, and didn't really have another place to find some sleep. He hoped they wouldn’t mind. The chair was made of scrap, like most other things in the home, but at least the thing had a thin cushion on it. He slumped down, and got as comfortable as he could.

With half a metal body, comfort was less of an issue for him, even if it did have the latest sensory system. What mattered was that there was no menial paperwork, no sudden calls, and the calming hum of the Scrap Heap as it toiled at making machines. It was funny how he got some of the best sleep he had in a good while there in a cramped room on a chair made of scrap, in a world where the sun never set, and never rose.

-

Ironwood awoke to someone pounding on the door.

“See, I told you they would be asleep.” scolded a male voice. He sounded like he belonged at some stuffy party in high class Atlas, not here, surrounded by scrap and grime.

“Well forgive me for thinking otherwise, Weiss.” said another male voice. His voice was gruff, obviously belonging to an older man.

“How many times do I have to tell you? It is GRIMOIRE Weiss! Grimoire! Weiss! My name is to not be shortened.” corrected the voice. Ironwood could understand the sentiment. Weiss huh? Like Winter’s sister. Gently, he shook Jakob awake. He murmured as he rose up.

“I think you got some customers.” Jakob quickly shot up, and his little brother quickly followed in suit. Ironwood also made his way over, but was in no rush. He found it odd that he heard only one of the strangers enter.

He supposed it would be cramped with two of them in there, guessed the other must have been waiting outside, and thought nothing more of it. That was, until he saw the floating book. He could see firsthand that it did in fact look creepy. Its face only stared back, conveying no emotion but bored judgement. Aside from its alien-looking face, he found the book beautiful with its ornate metalwork and dark leather.

“How are you floating?” James asked in awe.

“Magic, of course!” he answered, looking James up and down, making him feel as if he offended the book.

“Yes, or course. How else would a book float.” he said sheepishly. Normally, he would stand his ground and remain firm. However, dealing with a floating book was very different than dealing with some pompous politician. And it seemed as if he struck a chord with the book, as it moved wildly and angrily as it yelled at him.

“BOOK!? I am no mere book you foolish mortal. I, the great Grimoire Weiss! I am an arcane text of incomparable magic! I—”

“Calm down Weiss,” said the man as he pulled Weiss back, “He meant no harm by it.” He had longish white hair that parted down the middle. What Ironwood found interesting about the man was that he wore no shirt. The only things protecting his torso were the leather straps that connected to a shoulder piece and some leather covering the lower half of his abdomen. His uncovered shoulder displayed a faded tattoo. Its design didn’t seem to be anything in particular.

“Hmph.” he said as he turned his back to them, as if annoyed by them.

“Wellll,” Jakob interjected, “what brings you here today anyways Nier?” Nier put the hulking weapon he was carrying onto the counter. A nice looking broadsword with a lion motif and a chain wrapped around an area above the handle and below the blade. Although, its edge seemed like it could use a sharpening, and it also needed a polish.

“Ahh, The Beastlord. I’m guessing you’re looking to upgrade it?”

“Yup.”

“Let me see here...” Jakob drawled out as he inspected it. “Okay, I’ll need three pieces of gold ore, a thing of amber, and two simple machines. That should bring out its full potential.” Ironwood wondered if the teen would really be able to improve upon the weapon. But, he knew the man wouldn’t have came if he didn’t trust the kid

“And let me guess, I’ve got to go deep down to get the simple machines huh?” Nier asked, to which Jakob replied by nodding his head. With a sigh, Nier made his way out.

-

After being gifted a memory alloy by Nier to upgrade the broken weapon, James could say he was impressed by the teen’s skill. If he were in Atlas, he would be a prodigy in making weaponry. Unlike when he first brought out the weapon, he was having some difficulty carrying it. He had to drag it around. From over the counter, James picked it up with his robotic hand. The prosthetic was able to pick it up easily, but it took more strength than anticipated.

-

This is the largest sword in the world, too heavy for any mere mortal to lift. It is believed that till now, no warrior has been able to wield it.

It was ordered forged by the warlord Vahk the Pitiless. Made from the melted armor of his vanquished enemies, the sword announced Vahk's might and grandeur to the world.

The sword grew heavier and heavier each time it took a life, and it gradually became more and more difficult to wield. At last, even its mighty owner could no longer swing it.

One morning, Vahk the Pitiless was found dead. Beside him, dripping with flesh and dyed scarlet with blood, lay the sword. Who had managed to raise the mighty weapon against him?

And so, The Iron Will is reborn! His will is returned! His strength has returned!

And now, he will seek eternal strife and endless blood once more!

He will seek the empirical in the theoretical, and the dream within reality once more!

If only this interloper knew what there is to know.

[thebluelemontree]

Harry the Heir is such an arrogant douche! But some people say that since he apologized to Alayne at the feast, he's not that bad and their romance is definitely a possibility. Some even go as far as to say that Sansa will fall in love with him and this story gives them Mr Darcy/Elizabeth vibes. What is your opinion on their possible relationship? BTW I don't think Darcy had bastards all over Derbyshire)))

Elizabeth is not tasked with seducing Darcy nor ever intended him to be a love interest.  Darcy was genuinely regretful at learning how his attitudes and behaviors affected other people and set to changing himself.  Not to win Elizabeth over either, but to be a better person and to try to correct his mistakes.  Harry... no.  He’s in his heir position by sheer dumb luck and he acts like Robert Arryn is already dead in the ground.  I don’t think Darcy would be able to identify with who Harry actually is at all.  

Harry apologized because Anya Waynwood made him as she also insisted that he dance with Alayne.  She stands to collect a fat dowry from this.  She’s not forcing Harry to accept the betrothal per se, but she is making him be “nice” and interact with Alayne.  At least enough times so Alayne can presumably seduce him as I’m sure Littlefinger assured her would happen.  It’s such a grudgingly given apology that almost seems like it pains him to sink so low to apologize to a bastard.  I don’t see how it can be read as genuine.  And he only does it after she refuses to dance with him, which I’m sure he was expecting her to just light up and be grateful for his asking.  Not even a please forgive me.

And there he stood, Harry the Heir himself; tall, handsome, scowling. "Lady Alayne. May I partner you in this dance?"

She considered for a moment. "No. I don't think so."

Color rose to his cheeks. "I was unforgiveably rude to you in the yard. You must forgive me." 

Still she’s had enough experience with difficult people to know that sometimes a harsh exterior can hide a suffering soul beneath the surface.  She wants to know the real Harry and look at him with a critical eye.  So she is willing to dig a little deeper, mildly tolerating his rudeness to ask him directly about his bastards.  It seems as though he accepts his natural children well enough, even though he was callous in his treatment of Cissy after her birth.  For a moment, things look like they might be “different with Saffron.”  Sansa could certainly understand if Harry was in love with her and he was being pressured to marry another which would explain his rudeness.  Yet, he’s awful quick to agree to send Saffron away for the mere suggestion of some “spice” with Alayne.  Not that different with Saffron, is it?  

I think it’s clear that Harry’s head is easily turned and what she can expect from him as a husband.  He is not the worst guy ever.  He’s shallow, arrogant, and seems to follow his dick around.  Sansa has seen too much real cruelty to be easily shaken by his behavior.Of all his faults, at least he’s not a liar.  He’s pretty bluntly honest, in fact.  The nicest thing she can come up with to say about Harry is that he has nice teeth and dimples; however, as far as Sansa knows this marriage might be her only chance to go home, which is the only thing she’s ever really wanted.  This scene, I think, goes to show how far Sansa has come in her evaluation of a love interest way more than it points to an actual love interest.  This is not 11/12 year old Sansa that would have shrunk down, cried and blushed, and blamed herself for a handsome knight not liking her.  Nor is she tongue-tied. easily rankled, or naively misunderstanding innuendo (heck she’s making innuendo now!) This is older Sansa learning how to deftly handle and flirt with someone who is overly harsh and bluntly honest to the point of being offensive.  Sound familiar?  ;)

I would say Harry represents a fairly typical type of husband that many wives accept as normal.  The question is can Sansa, who has always dreamed of a mutual love in her marriage, abandon that dream to settle for Harry so she can maybe one day go home and finally be safe?  I don’t think she’ll have to end up making that choice after all, because shit is setup to go down fast and hard in the Vale probably by her second chapter.

George is using a lot of misdirection in the Vale arc and I believe Harry is a red herring.  While we’re all looking toward the Young Falcon and all those untouched, shining knights of the Vale (ahem, knights of summer) to be the answer to our prayers, we’re forgetting all the other hidden players ready to twist the plot.  

Lyn Corbray who is LF’s friend pretending to be his foe but who really is a foe.  What if he found out who Alayne is?  He desperately could use the ransom and it would be a nice little F.U. to LF at the same time.

Ser Shadrich and his team who’ve know who Alayne really is and have been living under LF’s nose for months waiting to strike.

Myranda Royce who also knows who Alayne really is.  We don’t know yet how she’s going to affect things.

Lothor Brune who has a crush on Mya Stone might be set to switch sides if Sansa plays match-maker.

The Mountain Clans who have been armed with steel by Tyrion.  They got a hard on to take the Vale back and are still occasionally brought up as a threat that has never been dealt with.

Yohn Royce is back in Runestone with his forces biding his time for his opportunity to bring LF down. He also has ships, a port, and his own grain stores.

Possibly a catastrophic avalanche from the Giant’s Lance with the Gates of the Moon right in it’s path.

Just focusing on Harry, remember he “earned” his knighthood in a tourney that was rigged for him to win so Yohn could exert influence over the heir against LF.  You think this tourney isn’t rigged for Harry to win by Littlefinger for the same reasons? I think we’re being told this is not the horse we or Sansa should bet on.  We also have the competitor that Alayne will actually give her favor to that just might shake up that tourney outcome judging by tourneys past.  Harry bears some similarities to Ser Hugh of the Vale that was killed by a giant’s lance in the hands of the Mountain at the last tourney Sansa attended. 

They both are arrogant, newly made knights.  

They both sport the Arryn colors and symbols though they aren’t Arryns.  

Both seem to be knighted before they were truly ready, for reasons that have nothing to do with their abilities.  Hugh, squire to Jon Arryn, was knighted by Robert I for Jon’s memory.  Harry for political jockeying.

They are hidden forces in play that they are woefully ill-prepared for and they are charging headlong into.  This doesn’t look good.

I don’t think Harry is long for this world.  And his potential demise fits into the greater themes of Littlefinger’s legacy as Lord Protector in the Vale.  Corruption, bribery, and excess that the majority of lords have been seduced by does not make me feel confident about those knights and grain stores being put to good use.  It’s all lies and Arbor gold built on a foundation of rot.  I see massive waste and snuffed out potential as a very George-esque consequence for this decadent folly on the cusp of winter.  The tourney feast and games feel very Masque of the Red Death with the world falling apart outside and these nobles sequestering themselves in a decadent, glittering daydream.  The Red Death still gets in and pwns everyone. Yeah... :/  I think Sansa’s Vale arc will resolve in an epic, tragic smash by any number of George’s planted wild cards.