Hi everyone! I am back with a new chapter! Sorry for not posting for a while, but as I said, I will be uploading slow for this story due to RWBY Volume 8. But as I said, I will do my best to upload and focus on this story, I know you guys love it. I am thankful that you guys are still with me after all this time, eager to see what happens next, so thank you all for being there for me during this pandemic.

But with that out of the way, let us begin!

Chapter 71

"PFFFFFFFFFFFFT! HAHAHAHA!"

Everyone turned to Grif as he was having a laughing fit. He then said "This…this is Abby Dora?! There's no way! This little girl looks like she is the leader of a kindergarten class! Hahaha!"

As a tick mark appeared on Abby's forehead, Taiyang looked at Grif in horror as he shook his head and whispered "Grif, shut up!"

Before he could, Abby was already in front of him as she raised her right leg and kicked Griff right across his face and sent him flying towards a wall, where he was stuck inside the wall. Abby then shouted "Call me little again, and I will make your life a living hell!"

As Arthur, Grif and Riku were shocked by the speed and strength of Abby, Taiyang leaned in towards them and whispered "She…is sensitive about her…appearance. She has really short tempered."

Abby's dog ears twitched as she turned towards him and asked in a demanding way "What did you say?!"

"N-Nothing!" Taiyang said in fear, "Nothing at all!"

Abby narrowed her eyes at him and said "You better."

She then made her way to her desk as Helga removed Grif from the wall. Once she was behind her desk, Abby sat on her chair…as she was slightly shorter than the desk itself. Irritated, Abby pressed the handle as he was picked up so that she was on the desk level and said "So, what do you want to talk about if you are all the way out here?"

Taiyang coughed a bit to clear his throat and said "Yeah, well, it's kinda complicated. But, um…"

He motioned at Holly and Helga and said "You sure you want to excuse them?"

Abby raised an eyebrow and said "I could say the same to those dropouts."

As she motioned Team AVGR, she then motioned at Holly and Helga and said "Besides, they know about the Maidens and the Relics, I trust Holly with the information, and Helga…well…I trust her too, just that she is mute."

As Helga grunted, Abby said "Yeah. And I assume these students know of them as well?"

Arthur stepped forward, nodded and said "That is right, ma'am. We learned about them by…a different approach."

"Oh?" Abby said as she crossed her arms, "Tell me how."

"We'll get around that soon," Taiyang said, "But let us ask you, what do you know about the attack on Beacon and Vale?"

Abby thought about it and replied "I know that Grimm was loose on the city, the White Fang attacked and Atlas unleashed their killer robots on the people."

"Do…you believe that?" Riku asked carefully.

Abby huffed and said "That what? Ironwood would do something like that? Pffft, like that guy has the balls to do something drastic."

Taiyang and Team AVGR gulped nervously as Abby asked "But you…you all know something, do you?"

They all nodded as Taiyang replied "It was all orchestrated…by Salem."

Hearing Salem's name, Abby gripped her armchair and said "So…it was her. Was she there?"

They all shook their heads as Victor said "No ma'am. But…her prized girl was there. A chick name Elsa Winters…she's…she's the Winter Maiden."

"What?!" Abby shouted in fury as Holly and Helga flinched a bit, "Salem has the Winter Maiden on her side?! How the hell did that happen?!"

"We don't know," Arthur replied, "From the information we gathered, she intended to frame Atlas during the Vytal Festival and make them look like the bad guys. And it worked."

Riku then said "We also know that Elsa has a grudge against Atlas. In fact, most of the people who joined her cause are victims of Atlas and the SDC."

Abby grunted in frustration as she said "I swear, it's always Atlas and the Schnee Dust Company involved with major problems all over the world."

"Um," Grif said, "The good thing is that we took out a lot of her followers."

"Oh yeah?" Abby said, "Any plans to stopping the big woman herself?"

They all stood quiet as Abby sighed as she rubbed her eyes and said "Things…have been hard on our end. Since the Vytal Festival, the people panicked and brought the Grimm to my kingdom. We tried our hardest to drive them off, but we lost a few good Huntsmen in the crisis. We are barely holding our own…for now."

"So…" Arthur said, "You are defenseless?"

Abby huffed and said "I wouldn't say defenseless…we are just having problems, that's all."

She then sighed as she rubbed her eyes and said "At least things won't get any worse."

Once again, Taiyang and Team AVGR stood quiet as Arthur said "I'm afraid…things are going to get…a lot worse from here on out."

Holly, Helga and Abby gave them confused looks as Abby asked in a demanding way "What do you mean things will get worse from here on out?"

Taiyang rubbed his neck as he said "Well, please bear in mind to keep an open mind about what we are about to tell you."

Abby leaned in and asked "Tell me, Tai."

Taiyang took a deep breath and said "You see, my daughters and their teammates told us about…critical information…"

"And where did they get them?" Abby asked.

Taiyang stood quiet before he said "They got the information…when they came from the future."

The whole room went dead quiet before Holly said "From…the future? H-How is…"

"I know it sounds crazy," Victor said, "But it's the truth."

"No…" Abby said in a serious tone, "Tai here isn't the type to easily lie, he's terrible at lying."

As Taiyang rolled his eyes, Abby asked "If what you say is true, how did they accomplish this?"

Riku replied "They created a time machine by using the Staff of Creation."

Abby huffed and said "The Staff? We all know that the staff can be used for one purpose at a time. And it's being used to…"

She suddenly stopped as her eyes widened and said "Something happened to Atlas in the future, didn't it?"

They all nodded as Abby leaned forward and asked "Tell me what you know."

And so, they begin to tell her about the events at Haven and how Leo betrayed them all. Then they told her about Atlas and what will happen there as they ended by telling her about Ironwood's plan but failed when Atlas fell on top of Mantle, killing everyone. And…they also told them about how Salem is immortal and cannot be killed.

After they told her everything, Abby slammed her right fist onto the table and shouted in rage "Damn it! DAMN IT!"

Everyone flinched a bit as Abby continued to shout "I knew Leo was a damn coward, but for him to side with Salem?! And Ironwood's plan to abandon all of us?! THOSE IDIOTS!"

As Abby slowed down her breathing and calmed down a bit, Taiyang said "Right now, my daughters and her friends from the future are making their way here, I mean, future Vacuo to get the sword."

While Abby thought about it, Holly asked "But will it help?"

"If not," Riku said, "They can always use the Staff to make something to kill Salem."

Both Helga and Holly looked at them in shock as Holly asked "Is that even possible? I thought she can't be killed."

Arthur replied "Jinn told Ozpin he can't destroy her. For all we know, there wasn't a way to kill Salem yet. Or if he thought of a way to use the Staff to make something to kill her since he barely figured out how to properly use them."

"And of course," Holly said, "You can't use the staff right now because that is what's powering Atlas."

Still in thought, Abby finally said "This doesn't make sense."

Victor then said "I know this is all crazy, ma'am. But believe us when…"

"No," Abby said, "You five don't strike me as the type to lie. So far, I can believe you are all telling the truth. But…"

She then looked at them and asked "Why would Salem attack Atlas after Haven?"

They were confused when Grif said "Because…that is what we were told."

"Think about it," Abby said, "With Leo's help, they could have taken over Haven and Mistral, retrieved the relic and left the kingdom to the Grimm. And their next target? Atlas, a well-fortified kingdom that has the largest military army, advance technology, and top of the line Huntsmen."

"Okay?" Taiyang asked, "So what?"

"SO," Abby said, "Why would Salem go for Atlas, when Vacuo barely has Huntsmen protecting it?"

Once she said that, everyone thought about it as Holly said "She's right! If Salem wanted, with time and carefully planning, she could take down Vacuo!"

Arthur thought about some more and said "That's right. It would be risky for Salem to attack Atlas, knowing it will be hard. But if she were to go after Vacuo, she might not have a problem. And even if Ironwood in the future finished the Amity Communication, there will be no one to come to their aid since they will be the last kingdom standing!"

"However," Abby said, "She went to Atlas instead. Why?"

Everyone thought about it as Grif said "Well, the reason she attacked Atlas was…because the Staff and the Lamp were there! Maybe that's why the plan changed!"

"That could be it," Arthur said, "Since the Lamp was being moved to Atlas, it would be reasonable for Salem to change her plans to attack Atlas to get both the Lamp and the Staff."

"Well," Victor said, "They did half the job."

Abby leaned on her chair as she looked at Taiyang and asked "If all of this is true, then why are you all here instead of at Haven beating Leo up?"

Taiyang said "Who says we are doing this by ourselves? Qrow is taking a group to confront Leo, but not so much to let him on that we know about him. And Summer, well, Summer is taking our kids to find the Spring Maiden."

"The Spring Maiden?" Abby asked in shock, "I thought we were told that she was long gone."

Taiyang shook his head and said "No, that is what Summer wanted us to know. The truth is, she knew who the Spring Maiden was and is going to take her to Haven to get the Lamp."

Abby chuckled a bit and said "Damn, I didn't know Summer had it in her. Keeping secrets from Ozpin, who had a lot of secrets. I am actually proud of her."

She then realized something and asked "Wait…get the Lamp? For what?"

Taiyang replied "We know that in the future, Salem is going to attack Atlas within a year. But since things are…kinda different in this time, we have to follow the events from the other future to make sure things go exactly the same."

Abby then said "If that's the case, then you want Salem to go to Atlas?"

"Yeah," Victor said, "Unlike the future, the Fall Maiden is on our side and, when they get the Crown from the vault, they will make their way to Atlas."

"What?!" Abby shouted, "You are taking the Crown to Atlas too?! Are you all insane?! That would mean Salem will get 3 relics instead…"

She then realized what their intentions are and asked "You're here to get the Sword, aren't you?"

"Abby," Taiyang said, trying to be resonable, "We wouldn't have come here if it wasn't that important. But if we get the Sword to Atlas when Salem brings in her forces, then we can wipe them out before they even attack Atlas."

Abby rubbed her eyes and said "You realize the risks you are taking here. If all 4 relics are there, then Salem will indeed have a chance to get them all in one place. And Ironwood…what will he say about this? How do we know he won't pull the same stunt as the future one?"

Arthur then said "We have to make sure he doesn't."

"And what?" Abby asked in a demanding way, "What's your plan to stop Salem? Can't use the Staff for it."

"We don't know yet," Taiyang said, "Hopefully, when the others get the Lamp, they might have a clear answer."

Abby huffed and said "Well that's reassuring."

"Hey!" Grif said, "At least we are doing something to stop her!"

As Abby glared at him, Grif quickly hid behind Arthur to protect him as Abby sighed and said "For that, you have SOME respect. But I can't easily hand over the relic, since it is my duty to protect it."

"But what about the Summer Maiden?" Riku asked, "Where is she?"

"She is safe," Abby replied.

Taiyang then said "No offense, Abby, but the Maidens are in danger. If you are keeping the Summer Maiden somewhere safe, it's best for you to move her somewhere else."

Abby shook her head and said "I can't."

"Why not?" Arthur asked, "Is…she lost?"

"No…" Abby said before she sighed, "Fine. Since you trust me with the truth…"

She then looked at Holly and she nodded at the Headmistress. Holly then took a deep breath and closed her eyes and, when she opened them, yellow fire flared out of her eyes. Everyone was in shock as Riku said "Holly…is the Summer Maiden?"

When the flares disappeared from her eyes, Holly nodded and said "That is correct. When the last Summer Maiden died, I inherited her powers and have been under Professor Dora's watchful eye."

"So…" Victor said, "You're not going to help us?"

Abby thought about it and said "I can't simply hand over a powerful weapon to you guys. It's my duty to protect it…unless…"

"Unless?" Arthur asked, "Unless what?"

Abby replied "Unless you all prove yourselves."

"How?" Grif asked.

"Oh no…" Taiyang quietly said.

Abby sat up and said "If you want the take to relic from me, then you will have to fight me for it."

That single sentence silenced the whole room as Riku said "You want us…to fight you?"

Abby nodded and said "If you beat me in combat, then I will let you take the Sword from the vault."

"That…doesn't sound too bad," Victor said.

"Except she is one of the most powerful fighters in Vacuo," Taiyang said, "Just because she's…different, doesn't mean she can't handle herself. There is a reason she is the Headmistress."

"Damn straight," Abby said, "And seeing how easily I can beat you all fools, I will give you one week to prepare yourselves."

"A week?" Grif asked.

Abby nodded and replied "That is all the time I am giving you. Take it or leave it."

Everyone thought about it as Arthur replied "I suppose we don't have a choice in the matter."

They all nodded at Taiyang said "Fine, we accept your challenge."

"Very well," Abby said, "You are free to use the training grounds if you like. Just know that you have a week to prepare."

"We know ma'am," Arthur said as he gently bowed, "Thank you for the offer."

Abby rolled her eyes and said "Don't thank me yet. Now, if that is all, then you are all free to leave. I'll see you all in a week."

Taiyang and Team AVGR bowed as they all left the room one by one. Once they were gone, Holly looked at Abby and said "Ma'am, are you sure it is wise for them to take the Sword to Atlas? Even after everything they told us?"

Abby leaned back on her chair and said "If what they say is true, then Salem will bring an army of Grimm to Atlas and thousands of lives will be lost. Now, I don't care for those racist pricks up in Atlas, but the people struggling in Mantle, they don't deserve that faith. If we can prevent that from happening, then we have a chance to spare their lives."

As Helga grunted, Holly nodded and said "Helga is right, why can't you simply give them the Sword?"

Abby laughed and said "You really think I am going to hand them the Sword that easily? If they want the relic, they have to earn that right."

Holly rolled her eyes and said "Of course, ma'am."

"Still," Abby said, "At least I can have a piece of mind that Vacuo remains standing despite everything. But…for how long?"

"That was Abby Dora?!" Grif asked, "She is a midget!"

Taiyang replied "It's not her fault that she was born with a disease that prevents her from growing up."

"You mean Dwarfism?" Victor asked.

"Not Dwarfism," Riku said, "She just can't grow up, been stuck as a child ever since."

"That must suck," Arthur said, "Being stuck as a child, it must have been hard for her."

Taiyang nodded and said "She had a lot of work ahead of her, but now she is the Headmistress of Shade and one of the strongest fighters. Pretty good for someone like her."

"And why didn't you tell us about her condition?!" Grif shouted.

"I warned you not to do anything!" Taiyang shouted back, "And I told you to let me to do all the talking!"

"Okay, enough," Arthur said, "The point is that we MAY have a chance to get the Sword, but only if we work together to beat her."

"Good luck with that," Taiyang said.

Riku then asked "What do you know about her fighting style?"

Taiyang replied "Her attacks mostly involve her kicks. Her weapons are boots that have different Dust in them. And don't let her size fool you, she made be small, but she packs a hell of a kick."

"That's it?" Grif said, "I mean, I know how hard she kicks, but that can't be it."

"It's not," Taiyang said, "Her real strength is her Sembalance: she can cause some sort of visual distortion, making her opponent think what they want them to think. That's how she can easily beat her opponents."

"By making them lose their focus and going in for the attack," Arthur said, "That does sound like problematic fighter."

"Then we have a lot of work to do," Riku said.

As everyone nodded, a voice cried "Well, look who it is!"

Hearing the voice, they all turned and saw Coco and Velvet walking up to them. Arthur smiled as he said "Coco! Velvet!"

When the two members of Team CFVY walked up to them, Velvet said "I am glad to see other students from Beacon. You here to attend Shade?"

"Not really," Grif said, "We just came from speaking with Professor Abby Dora."

"No way," Coco said, "You met her? Which one screwed up and laughed at her?"

"Grif," everyone said as they pointed at Grif.

As Grif grumbled, Coco laughed as she said "Yeah, Cardin went through hell when he called her as small, useless Faunus."

"Cardin is here?" Grif asked.

Velvet nodded and replied "His team came her after Beacon fell. When they saw Professor Dora, they immediately started to make fun of her…she showed them their place."

"Where are they now?" Riku asked.

"Cleaning every toilet in Shade," Coco said, "And believe me, it's not an easy job…I suddenly miss the bathrooms in Beacon."

Velvet gagged and said "Me too."

"But," Victor said, "We would like a tour around this place. And since you girls are the only ones we know, maybe you can help us."

"Sure thing," Coco said.

Arthur turned to Taiyang and asked "You wanna join?"

Taiyang shook his head and said "That is fine. I am going to head back to Victor's home and talk to the folks more."

Victor nodded and said "Tell then, I will be home later."

Once they all agreed, they all made their way to their destination, and hopefully find a way to beat Abby Dora in combat.

In a secret hideout where the scum hangout, the place was filled with wanted criminals, assassins and bandits. As the place was filled with the smell of cheap booze, everyone was having a great time. A waitress was trying to serve beer as she was grabbed and pulled to a drunken bandit. She slapped his face and tried to run from him, the bandit pushed her and knocked her to the ground. As everyone around her laughed as she tried to crawl away while the bandit tried to get her. The waitress felt the bandit about to grab her when she saw a foot in front of her while the whole place went silent. She looked up and saw Sephiroth standing in front of her.

As she moved out of the way, Sephiroth looked around and said "So…there is where I can find…people for hire."

"What do you want?" the bandit asked.

Sephiroth replied "I am looking for people who will be willing to work. The job is…complicated, but I need willing bodies for when the time comes."

"Piss off!" the bandit said, "Showing up like you—"

Slice!

The head from the bandit was cleaned off as it fell to the ground while the body dropped to the floor. Everyone backed away as they took out their weapons while Sephiroth stood there with his long sword out with a smirk on his face and said "You can try."

Before a few of them were about to attack him, Sephiroth vanished then reappeared near the door of the bar as the bodies from the attackers were sliced into pieces and fell to the floor. As everyone gasped in shock, Sephiroth sheathed his sword and said "I will be back in a few days, if anyone wishes to take the job, you will meet me then."

With that, Sephiroth left the bar and everyone was in distress from the sheer skill and speed of Sephiroth. As everyone panicked, the waitress was about to get up when she saw a black feather on the ground. She carefully picked it up and admired it for a bit before it slowly vanished before her eyes.

Uh oh! Looks like Sephiroth has made his appearance in Vacuo! What does he plan to do there? You guys try to figure it out!

Also, I did plan to have Taiyang and the others tell Abby about the potential future because, let's be honest, they don't want the same mistake as what Future RWBY did in the original timeline. Plus, would give Abby a bit of a reason to 'give' them the Sword of Destruction to help Atlas and Mantle out for when Salem's army arrive. But that leaves me with a bit of a conflict: Should I let Blackheart and the others tell Ironwood about the future? Like tell them the whole truth or certain details so that they can get his trust? Because if so, how paranoid would he get?

But anyways, thank you all for reading this chapter and I will see you all soon. Until then, please stay safe and review!

(re-uploaded chapter)