"Talking"

"Radio talk"

"Sentinel/Computer"

"thinking, weapons names, and flashbacks"

Disclaimer: I do not own either Beast wars or RWBY

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Chapter 26

Trials of Leadership

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Vale, Patch, Axalon

When the Beast Wars began Ruby wasn't sure what was going to happen. But the one thing she didn't expect was two headmasters of the four main huntsman school joining them. At first Ruby felt that with their help they would gain a huge advantage in the Beast Wars.

When they started their meeting everyone, but Willow was there. But when they started to bring team CFVY, Ozpin, Ironwood, Qrow and Glynda up to speed that Optimus, Skyshooter and Ruby noticed it.

Ozpin was strangely quite throughout it. At first, they though it was because he was taking in everything, but out of everyone he spoke the least. If he wasn't drinking some coffee, he brought some with him, they might have forgotten he was there.

But while Ozpin was quite Ironwood was the opposite. He questioned every move they made and more then once said they should launch an all-out assault.

The only ones who acted like Ruby thought were Qrow who stood in the back of the command area drinking from his flask. And Glynda who was more worried about teams RWBY and CFVY well being and their studies.

"We should inform the world about this." Said Ironwood as she slammed his right hand down on the command table.

"Oh sure." Said Rattrap as he was getting tried of this guy. "Let's tell everyone that there are alien robots that can transform into animals and such. That will go over real well." He told Ironwood sarcastically as Ironwood glared at him.

"He's right." Said Optimus as the Maximals looked at him funny. "I know. I never though I would say those words either."

"HEY!" Cried out Rattrap as none of the Maximals paid him any attention.

"This must happen a lot." Said Coco as she whispered to Fox who nodded in agreement.

"But right now, keeping the Beast wars a secret is our advantage." Said Optimus.

"But how?" Asked Ironwood wanting to know why.

"Because it keeps Megatron from making too large of moves." Said Optimus as Skyshooter took over.

"If he makes too much noise people will look into him, meaning they might find him and the other Predacons. If that happens Megatron might forgo keeping in the shadows and attack targets in public." Explained Skyshooter as that was one scenario.

"But if he does people would panic and would then have to deal with the Grimm." Qrow threw in as he's seen the tactic used by bandits before.

"Yes, or it will cause people to join together for a common cause." Countered Skyshooter as people reactions were always hard to predict.

"Then we'll send my fleet down and attack them." Suggested Ironwood.

"And how will you deal with the Vacuo council then?" Asked Ruby as Ironwood looked at her. "If you don't explain why your fleet is going down there, they might think you're declaring war or something. And if you explain things to them and if they believe you there's always the chance someone might leak something to the White Fang, who will then tell Megatron and he'll be ready for us."

Hearing that Ironwood was annoyed and impressed by Ruby's reasoning.

"Then we'll send a bomb through your ground bridge and blow them up." Suggested Ironwood as he was getting annoyed.

"We can't." Said Rhinox as he explained. "The Pred's ship has a scrambler that prevent us from locking onto their base within a 20-mile radius. And even if that wasn't the case, we can't risk it."

Hearing that confused Coco. "Why can't we?" She asked Rhinox confused.

"Because we would blow ourselves up and who know how many people." Said Rhinox as he brought up a map showing the Axalon and Darksyde and with blue lines under both bases.

"Both our base sit on top of the same energon vain. If we try to blow up the Predacon ship, we'll blow ourselves up." Explained Rhinox as this shocked some people.

"I remember reading about this." Said Winter as she left out how Ruby was transported to the Darksyde for this information. "Mother has already selected an area in Vale to start mining the energon and then plans to turn the tunnel into a public transit for Vale and Vacuo. She just needs approval from the Vale and Vacuo councils first."

"But isn't it several miles down?" Asked Yang as this wasn't her area of expertise.

"Yes, but do you honestly think Megatron would leave energon alone when it's right below him?" Asked Dinobot as he wouldn't be surprised that Megatron had a mine going for it.

"Then it's a low yield bomb." Said Ironwood as Dinobot had enough.

"What right do you have to give us orders?" Asked Dinobot as he slammed his hands down on the table.

"I am the general of Atlas as well as the headmaster of Atlas academy." Said Ironwood as he stared down Dinobot as he added. "And what about you?"

"Me?" Asked Dinobot as he knew where this was going.

"You say you changed sides, but how do we know this to be true? For all we know you could be a sleeper agent, just waiting to be activated." Accused Ironwood as Dinobot eyes turned green.

"James!" Said Glynda shocked he would say such a thing.

"I am an honorable warrior! To do such a thing would be cowardly." Said Dinobot as he added. "And what about you? You act like such a big shot when you have fought in no wars, no grand battles. Where does this arrogance come from?"

Hearing that Ironwood stood up as Dinobot did the same as the two glared at each other. The others didn't know what to say or do as both men sized each other up.

"Enough!" Yelled Ruby as she stood up. "Both of you calm down now!" She ordered them as she glared at them.

Dinobot relaxed slightly, while Ironwood was a bit taken back by Ruby's tone.

"General, you can't expect every tactic in your arsenal to work on the Predacons." Said Ruby her eyes glowed slightly as she accessed the Matrix.

"That is why I suggest a challenge. You fight one of the Maximals here. If you win, we will go with one of your plans, but if the Maximal wins you follow our lead." Proposed Ruby as Ironwood thought it over.

"Are you sure this is the best course?" Asked Tigatron in worry.

"No." Said Optimus as he looked at Ironwood. "But this might be the best way to settle things peacefully."

"I agree." Said Ironwood as he heard Optimus and agreed with him.

"Are you sure James?" Asked Ozpin as he looked at his old friend with some worry.

"I am. If students can handle these Transformers, then I should have no problems." Said Ironwood a bit cocky as the students and Maximals glared at him.

"Ok then." Said Ruby as she turned to face Dinobot. "Dinobot would you do the pleasures?" Asked Ruby as Dinobot grinned.

Soon everyone was outside as Dinobot and James faced off while everyone stood to the side.

"The first person to give up or can no longer fight losses." Said Ruby as she gave the two the rules as they both nodded. "Begin!"

Dinobot brought out his sword and shield as he did some poses with them. At the same time James drew a pair of revolvers.

Seeing this made Cheetor chuckle. "Hey, doesn't this seem familiar?" He asked Ruby as she chuckled too.

"Yeah, it's almost like when we first meet Dinobot." Said Ruby as she remembered that day.

"What are you two talking about?" Asked Velvet confused.

"See that broken ledge over there?" Asked Ruby as she pointed to a ledge. Velvet looked over and nodded.

"Well that's where we first meet Dinobot. He appeared before us and challenged Optimus for leadership of the Maximals." Said Ruby as that felt like a life time ago.

"Who won?" Asked Qrow as he looked at battle sight.

"Obviously Optimus you drunk." Said Winter since he was still leader.

"Actually, no one." Said Cheetor surprising everyone. "The Preds crashed the party and destroyed the bridge that was there."

As interesting as that was everyone saw Ironwood raise one of his guns.

"Lets just get this over with." He told Dinobot and fired.

The first bullet hit Dinobot's shield as Dinobot carefully walked forward. Seeing this Ironwood fired two more shots, but this time at Dinobot sword. The shots hit Dinobot's hand causing him to let go of it. Seeing that his sword was gone Dinobot move his shield in front of him as he moved forward.

Ironwood grinned as he used his other gun and fired a gravity dust bullet at it Dinobot's shield. Dinobot watched as shield floated upwards leaving him vulnerable to Ironwood. Ironwood then emptied the chamber of his first gun into Dinbot's chest. Dinobot fell back as the last bullet hit him as a few sparks came out of his chest.

Seeing this made his friends worry as Ironwood walked over to him.

"If this is the best the Predacons can do, we have nothing to fear." Ironwood said as he thought Dinobot would have put up more of a fight.

"There is one thing you should know General." Said Dinobot weakly.

"And what's that?" Asked Ironwood curious.

"Not all of our weapons are external." Dinobot told him as he fired his eye lasers at Ironwood chest.

Luckily for Ironwood his aura took the blow for him, but he was so surprised by it, it knocked him off his feet.

Dinobot grinned as he grabbed Ironwood's legs and lifted him up. Dinobot then started to spin around in place as Ironwood cried out.

On the side lines Qrow was laughing so hard he was about to fall over. "Please tell me someone recording this?" He asked the others as Rattrap gave him a thumbs up as Qrow grinned.

Around a minute Optimus spoke up. "He's had enough Dinobot. Let him go." Optimus told Dinobot who grinned. He then let go of Ironwood mid-turn as Ironwood went flying through the air as he then collided with the front of the Axalon.

Seeing this everyone cringed as he slipped down and landed on the ground with a thud. Winter and Glynda then rushed over to make sure he was ok.

"Is he ok?" Asked Ruby as she hoped Dinobot didn't hurt him too badly.

"His aura took most of the blow." Said Glynda as she was glad he wasn't too hurt. "But he'll be sore when he wakes up." She added.

Hearing that made the others feel better, but Dinobot who had a proud look on his face.

"Ok." Said Optimus as he gained control of the meeting. "If there nothing else, I call this meeting finished."

No one said anything. Blake wanted to speak up and tell everyone the truth about her but choose not to. There was already enough drama today and her telling everyone the truth would just make things crazier.

"Oh, and team CFVY could you stay a bit longer?" Asked Optimus as said team looked at him funny.

"Why?" Asked Coco curious.

"We just need to get a base scan for you." Explained Optimus.

"Why do you need to scan us?" Asked Velvet a little nervous.

"It's in case you get hurt during a mission we can use the CR chamber to heal you." Rhinox told her as he left out one thing as he looked at Fox.

As everyone went their separate ways Ruby rubbed her scalp as she had a headache.

"Are you ok Ruby?" Asked Wiess as she saw her rubbing her head.

"Yeah just a headache." Said Ruby as they went back to Beacon.

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Vale, Beacon

The next day at Beacon team RWBY was getting ready for the day, expect Ruby who was still in bed.

"Come on sis, time to get up." Said Yang as she walked over to her sister bunk.

"I'm not feeling so great Warpath." Said Ruby as her face was red.

Hearing Ruby call her Warpath, Yang put her hand on Ruby's forehead and felt it was burning up.

"Ruby you're burning!" Said Yang as she was surprised by this.

"I'm fine Warpath." Said Ruby as she tried to get up.

"Oh no you're not." Said Wiess as she walked over and pushed Ruby down. "You're staying here and getting better."

"I'm fine Tracks." Said Ruby making Wiess and Yang more worried.

"Ruby, you're calling us old Autobots." Said Yang as she wondered what was going on with the Matrix.

"What are you saying Warpath?" Asked Ruby as she didn't realize what she was saying.

"Leave this to me." Said Blake as she walked over.

"Optimus." Started Blake as Ruby looked at her. "Your systems aren't working right, right now. Lay down and once Rachet comes back from his mission he'll look you over."

"Ok Mirage." Said Ruby as she laid down and closed her eyes.

Seeing this both Weiss and Yang looked at Blake dumbfounded. Blake at them and grinned.

"You just need to know how to talk to people." She told them as they got ready and headed to class while informing the staff that Ruby was sick and letting the Maximals know that something might be going on with the Matrix.

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Ruby's mind

Ruby opened her eyes and blinked. Somehow, she was no longer in her room, but a white void. The last time this happened she talked to Optimus Prime about the Matrix, so she wondered what it was this time?

Ruby then heard a truck engine as she looked forward and saw a red semi-truck driving her way. The truck then transformed, and Optimus Prime stood before her.

"Optimus what's going on?" Asked Ruby as she was confused.

"Do you remembered when I told you one day, I was going to test you to see if you are ready for the Matrix?" Asked Optimus as Ruby's eye went wide at what he was saying.

"You mean…" Trailed off Ruby as she couldn't believe it.

"That is right. You are ready." Said Optimus as he watched as Ruby had make battle plans, gained new allies, and dealt with difficult situations.

"What do I have to do?" Asked Ruby as she hoped she was ready.

"I will give you three tests. You must pass each one in order to gain the Matrix." Said Optimus in a serious tone.

"What are the tests?" Asked Ruby as she ddin't want to know what failing meant.

"Knowledge and strength." Said Optimus.

"That's only two." Pointed out Ruby. "What's the third one?"

"You will learn it when it happens." Said Optimus making Ruby worried.

Optimus then looked to the side making Ruby do the same as she gasped. For standing there was two Weiss's.

"What?" Said Ruby confused.

"Your first test is knowledge." Said Optimus bring Ruby out of her thoughts. "One Wiess is the one you know, the other a fake. In order to pass this test, you must find the real one, only using the knowledge you know about her."

Ruby turned to Optimus to say something only to see he was gone.

"Well we're waiting." Said both Weiss's at the same time making Ruby gulp a little.

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Vale, Patch, Axalon

Meanwhile back in the real world, both Optimus Primal and Skyshooter were in Optimus's office discussing their new allies.

"Something is going on here." Said Skyshooter as he thought about the meeting yesterday.

"In what sense?" Asked Optimus as he too felt the same way.

"They're hiding something from us." Skyshooter told him as Optimus nodded.

"I agree. But let's give them some time first." Suggested Optimus as this was all new to them.

"I understand what your saying Optimus, but will they tell us the truth?" Skyshooter asked him as Optimus sighed.

"Remember how we kept quite about our theory on how the Grimm having some sort of leader?" Asked Optimus as Skyshooter nodded.

"We didn't tell them because we weren't sure. Maybe they're doing the same thing." Suggested Optimus as he wanted to give them some time first.

"I understand, but I am worried about Ironwood though." Said Skyshooter as something about that man rubbed him the wrong way.

"I agree." Said Optimus. "Even though Dinobot won their match I'm worried he'll try something with the Predacons."

"I agree." Said Skyshooter as he got an idea. "Maybe we should hack into his computer systems. Just for a while and see what he does."

Optimus frowned at that line of thought, but he could see why though. If Ironwood did try something, they could try to talk him out of it.

"We'll talk it over with Ruby and Rhinox later." Said Optimus as this was a big and dangerous move.

"Where is Rhinox anyway?" Asked Skyshooter as he hadn't seen him in a while.

"In Atlas, helping Willow with a new employee." Said Optimus as this confused Skyshooter.

"What do you mean?" Asked Skyshooter confused.

"Willow recently hired someone new for her energon team, Chip Chase if I remember correctly. He's very smart for a human and Willow asked him to look over his work. If he's right it could be ground breaking." Said Optimus as Skyshooter nodded as they went over a few other things.

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Ruby's mind

Ruby was really getting frustrated. She was no closer to figuring out which Weiss was real than when she started.

She tried checking their heights, but they were the same. She then had them both use their semblances, but they both were able to the exact same things.

Ruby sat on the ground as she looked at the two Weiss's before her as both glared at her.

"Can't you tell I'm the real one." One Weiss said to Ruby.

"No, I'm the real one you fake." Said the other Weiss as Ruby groaned.

'What do I do?' Ruby asked herself as she thought about what she knew of Weiss as she then got an idea.

"Why do you want to become a huntress?" Ruby asked them hoping this could be it.

"To bring honor to the Schnee name." One Weiss said.

"To try to fix the damage my father cause to the Schnee name and make it better." Said the other Weiss.

Hearing that Ruby grinned as she stood up.

"You're the fake." Said Ruby as she pointed to the Weiss that spoke first. "The real Weiss, while she cares for her family name, hates what her father has done to it."

No sooner had Ruby said that both Weiss vanished leaving her alone.

"Well done." Said Optimus as he appeared out of nowhere, startling Ruby.

"Knowing more about your friends and enemies can help you understand them better." Said Optimus as Ruby passed the first test.

Then the world around them changed as they stood a platform with a circle inside it.

"Your next test is one of strength. You must get your opponent outside the ring." Said Optimus as Ruby saw it was simple enough.

"Who's my opponent?" Asked Ruby as she stretched.

No sooner had she asked Yatsuhashi appeared before her.

"I am." He told Ruby as she got a sinking feeling.

"Begin." Said Optimus as he vanished leaving the two alone. Ruby looked forward as Yatsuhashi cracked his knuckles.

"Oh boy." Was all she could say.

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Vale, Beacon

Fox sat alone outside as his mind was going a million miles per hour. The reason being was what Optimus and Rhinox told him after he and his teammates finished their scans the other day.

"So, this is where you went to." Said Coco as she and the rest of team CFVY followed her.

"Hey." Was all Fox said he continued to think.

"Fox what's wrong?" Asked Velvet as they could see something was wrong.

Fox sat their as he figured he could use another opinion on his problem.

"After the scan yesterday, Optimus and Rhinox pulled me away to talk to me." Started Fox.

"What did they have to say?" Asked Yatsuhashi as he did wonder what they had to say.

"They offered me eyes." Said Fox shocking the others.

"Wait what?!" Asked Coco as her sunglasses fell a bit.

"They said they can do a surgery to remove my eyes and give me artificial ones." Explained Fox as his team couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"So, you'll have eyes like them?" Asked Velvet as her head was turning.

"No, they would be just like yours. They said they had no data if the human brain could handle the functions their eyes had." Explained Fox as this was a lot for him.

"Why would they offer that?" Asked Yatsuhashi as the Maximals didn't want people to become depended on them.

"I asked the same thing. The said it's so I have a better chance on the battlefield." Said Fox as it was true, when they were first attacked, he couldn't do anything since the Predacons were flying about to fast.

"So, will you do it?" Asked Coco as she looked at her teammate with a serious face.

"I'm worried." Admitted Fox. "What if they break or go offline. I'll be blind again."

Hearing that no one knew what to say. They couldn't even begin to think on how Fox feels about this as none of them have been in his position before.

"I think you should do it." Said Velvet as they others looked at her.

"I mean I've heard of people getting gear that can help them see, but that's only if they could see before hand. I don't think you'll ever get this chance again." Velvet told them.

"I agree." Said Yatsuhashi as he nodded.

"I'm with them." Added Coco.

Fox thought about it and he wouldn't lie it would be great to actually see his team. And he saw more advantages then disadvantages.

"I need to talk to them more before I do this. But I am leaning towards doing it." Said Fox as this made his team smile as he dissevered this.

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Ruby's mind

Ruby charged at Yatsuhashi as he just stood there. Ruby then tackled his midsection but did nothing to him. If anyone was walking this, they would have laughed at the sight of Ruby pushing with all her might as Yatsuhashi just stood there.

"Are you done?" Asked Yatsuhashi as he looked down at Ruby.

Hearing that Ruby groaned as she let go and walked away him. She looked at her opponent and frowned. She tried everything she could think of to get him out of the ring, but nothing worked on him.

'I don't have the physical strength to win.' Thought Ruby with a frown as she thought of something. 'Maybe it's not physical strength I need.'

With that in mind Ruby thought about her other options. Mental strength wouldn't work here, so what other strengths were there?

'Wait.' Thought Ruby as that couldn't be it, could it.

Shrugging Ruby decided to try it. "Yatsuhashi, I order you to step out of the ring." Ordered Ruby as she doubted that would work.

But to her shock Yatsuhashi nodded and stepped out of the ring.

The world then went back to being all white as Ruby didn't understand. She looked to her side and saw Optimus there.

"How'd did I pass?" Asked Ruby not understanding the meaning of the test.

"Something it takes strength to give an order when others think you are wrong." Said Optimus as this has happened to him in the past.

"What do you mean?" Asked Ruby as she hadn't had that problem yet.

"Sometimes you will have to do something the others disagree with and have to pull rank. Or when they believe they're right while you're wrong." Said Optimus as he then added. "But with that last one you must be sure you're right or else the others will question your leadership skills."

"I see." Was all Ruby said as she took it in. Will there be a time where she has to order the others to do something they think is wrong while she knows it's right?

"What the last test?" Asked Ruby as she was curious what it was.

"I cannot tell you." Said Optimus making Ruby worried. "This is something you'll have to figure out on your own."

And with that everything changed for Ruby.

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Vale, Patch, Beacon

While Ruby was starting her final test in Ozpin's office a meeting was going on between Ironwood, Ozpin, Glynda, Qrow and Winter.

"We can't stand around and do nothing." Said Ironwood as Qrow drank from his flask.

"Qrow why are you drinking so much?" Asked Glynda as she watched him drink.

"It's a new drinking game. Every time Jimmy here complains about the Beast Wars, I take a drink." Explained Qrow with a grin as Ironwood frowned at him.

"Then you might actually run out of alcohol for once." Joked Ozpin as Ironwood frown deepened.

"Sir if I may." Started Winter as Ironwood spoke up.

"Why should I listen to you Winter?" Asked Ironwood. "You lied to me about this war."

Hearing that hurt Winter as she never meant to lie to him. "Sir even if I went to you after I found out, without proof would you have believed me?" She asked him as Ironwood stopped for a moment.

She was right without any form of proof Ironwood would have never believed her. So, with that in mind Ironwood gave Winter the go ahead.

"May I?" Asked Winter as she gestured to Ozpin's hologram controls.

"Go right ahead." Said Ozpin as Winter walked over and used her scroll to bring up a projection of the Darksyde.

"As you can see the Darksyde is surrounded by guard towers on all side. They have anti-Maximal scanners and non-Faunus scanners as well. They have dozens of auto turrets placed all over the perimeter. All in all, we need one or two advantages if we wish to launch a successful attack." Said Winter to everyone studied the map.

"How did they fortify themselves so well?" Asked Ironwood as he looked at the map.

"Their first move was to enlist the help of the White Fang. From there they used their number advantage to build their defences." Explained Winter as she never like the White Fang to begin with.

"What did the Maximals do when they crashed then?" Asked Qrow curious.

"They decided to get the lay of the land, find energon, and learn more about the Grimm." Said Winter as she felt that was the right course.

"A good move." Agreed Ozpin as that was smart.

Everyone looked at Ironwood expecting him to say something, but he was still studying the map.

"Sir?" Spoke up Winter concerned as this wasn't like Ironwood.

"How did we let this happen?" Ironwood mostly asked himself as Ozpin sighed.

"James there was no way of any of us knowing about this." Said Ozpin sure they had clues, but they would have never guessed this.

"We should have realized something was wrong when the White Fang attacked all those bases at once." Argued Ironwood.

"And what would you have done then?" Asked Qrow with a serious turn. "You said it yourself they hit you so fast you didn't even know where they came from and left just as fast."

"James." Said Ozpin in a worried tone. "We know next to nothing about the Predacons. We need to wait and learn more about them before we do anything."

Hearing that seemed to have the opposite effect on Ironwood. "That's what you always say Ozpin. Wait and see. We need to act now before they can do anything!" Said Ironwood as he glared at Ozpin.

"That's what you always say Jimmy. Throw lives away and for what? So, you can be the hero?" Asked Qrow with a serious look on his face. The glared at each other so much that the others thought they might start a physically fight.

"Sir." Said Winter. "I agree with them."

"You do?" Said both Ironwood and Qrow at the same time, surprised she said that.

"Yes." Said Winter as it left a bad taste in her mouth agreeing with Qrow of all people. "This isn't something we can rush into. We need a plan that can ensure that we get Megatron and Adam in the same go. Otherwise the one we don't get will rally the other forces to their cause."

Hearing that Ironwood understood what Winter was saying. "I see so right now those two are 'helping' each other but if the moment is right, they'll attack each other." Said Ironwood as he was getting a better picture now.

"Then getting those two are the top priorities right now." Said Glynda as she realized something.

"What about teams RWBY and CFVY?" Asked Glynda with some worry in her tone. "What if they attacked here?"

Hearing that no one said anything as they as she was right, as none of them knew about how both Ruby and Weiss were kidnapped on school grounds some time ago.

"I don't have a solution, but I may have a way to help." Said Ozpin as everyone looked at him.

"It's a new program I've been working on called the 'older sidling'. With this we have a first-year team room with a second- or third-year team. It's my hope that the first year's students will go to the second- or third-years student for help and guidance." Explained Ozpin as he hoped that this would help students who didn't feel comfortable with talking with teachers about their problems.

"Nice thinking Ozpin." Praised Qrow as this might work out. "If those two teams room up, they can cover each other when they head out and such."

Glynda looked at him like he was crazy. "You still want them to go out in this war?!" She asked him not believing what he said.

"Glynda we are already at war." Said Qrow with a straight face as he looked at Winter. "A war with the Grimm."

"He's right." Said Ironwood surprisingly. "They know the risks and know they can die fighting the Grimm. And this isn't any different."

Winter then looked at the time. "I'm afraid I have to leave. I have a meeting with the Ace Ops in an hour." Said Winter as it was a meeting she couldn't miss.

"I understand." Said Ironwood as he an important mission for them. "I want a dossier of all the information you have on the Predacons and their allies ready by the time I get back."

"Sir." Said Winter as she saluted and left the room.

Seeing this Qrow got a serious look on his face.

"Now that she's gone, we have a big problem." Qrow told them confusing the others.

"What do you mean Qrow?" Asked Ozpin curiously.

"Last night Ruby told me about three humans the Predacons have." Stared Qrow as the other wondered where this was going.

"Apparently their leader has this bomb attached to her neck. When the Maximals found out about this they tried to find out who she was. The only thing is they found nothing on her. It was like she didn't exist. But when the Pred's got Rhinox and reprogrammed him into a Predacon he told them this, and somehow she got a history along with her lackies." Explained Qrow as this was confusing.

"Where did their history come from?" Asked Ozpin with a serious tone.

"Mistral." Said Qrow as he used his scroll to bring up their histories. But what stood out for them all was they were students at Haven academy.

"I think Lionheart been compromised." Said Qrow in a grave tone.

No one wanted to say anything, but it was next to impossible to add people into the student roaster. There are firewalls and other security measures to prevent that. The only way past it is if the headmaster themselves added them.

"I don't believe it." Said Ironwood as he respected Lionheart a great deal.

"That's not all." Said Qrow. "I believe they're the one who attacked Amber."

Hearing that was a shock to say the least. As they all had different reactions.

"Are you sure Qrow?" Asked Glynda as in Qrow report he said he didn't get a good look at them and when he did one of them used some sort of illusion type semblance to blur their faces.

"Not a hundred percent, but their hair colours and heights match what I was able to see." Said Qrow as if he was right that meant one thing.

"Salem knows about the Beast Wars." Said Ozpin in a grave tone. This was something he didn't want, but there was nothing he could do about it as much as he wished he could.

No one said anything as they weren't sure what their next move should be. If they go and tell the Maximals about Salem would they believe them? And if they did how would they explain it to the students? For the first time in a while no one knew what course of action to take.

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Ruby's mind

Ruby was confused when she looked around her. She was now on the Axalon with her team and team CFVY manning the stations. Time seemed to be stopped and Ruby then noticed the warning lights were on and that everyone was panicking.

That's when everything started, and the alarms blared to life and everyone was trying to talk over each other.

"Report!" Yelled Ruby over everyone.

"The main reactor is leaking!" Reported Blake.

"If it keeps up like this the Axalon will blow up!" Said Coco in panic.

Ruby looked at the screen before as she saw a planet near them.

"What about that planet near us?" She asked them hoping they could abandon ship and head there.

"We can't!" Said Velvet as she explained. "If the Axalon explodes radiation will rain down on that world and kill all life."

Hearing that was grim. Ruby thought of their options as something came to her.

"What about the emergency shut down?" Ruby asked them hoping it was still working.

"It's not responding." Said Fox as the commands weren't working.

"What about the manual shut down?" Ruby asked them hoping it was still an option.

"It still working, but…" Trailed off Weiss with a look of fear and worry on her face.

"But what?" Asked Ruby as they didn't have much time.

"The rooms super heated right now and in a few minutes will have radiation in it." Explained Weiss as she then added. "Who ever goes in won't be coming out."

Hearing that no one said anything as Ruby felt like all their eyes were on her. She knew little options right now as she knew she had to make a choice now or they'll all die. But there was only one true option and she couldn't do it.

Ruby shut her eyes tightly as she felt tears starting to form. She knew what she had to do or else everyone would die. But to do so meant she would loss someone dear to her.

Ruby then opened her eyes and saw the looks of fear on everyone's faces as they were sacred too. She also saw they were looking to her for their lives. Seeing this Ruby took a deep breath before speaking.

"Yang I need you to use the manual shut down." Said Ruby as she hated herself for saying it.

"What!?" Yelled Yang as she couldn't believe what she heard.

"I know Yang, but if we don't do anything everyone will die. And we don't even know if that nearby world is inhabited or not. I know what the chances are and if I could handle that heat I would do it, but you're the only one who can Yang. I'll use my semblance to get you there and get you as much time as I can, but I can't force you." Said Ruby as she let terrible for doing this.

After what felt like forever Yang spoke up. "I'll do it." She told Ruby as Ruby got ready to rush her over.

But then the world changed as everything turned white again. Seeing this Ruby fell to her knees and cried. She then felt a comforting hand on her right shoulder and saw Optimus there. She then turned around and cried into his chest and Optimus stood there.

After a few minutes of crying Ruby stopped and stepped away from Optimus as she sniffled a bit.

"Why?" Asked Ruby. "Why did you make me go through that?"

"Because it may happen in the future." Said Optimus in a solemn tone as he lost track of how many he lost comrades that way.

"I choose to sacrifice my own sister." Said Ruby as she felt the tears starting to form again.

"It is something that is never easy Ruby, and truthfully I hope it never will." Said Optimus as this confused Ruby.

"What do you mean by that?" Ruby asked him.

"Every life is precious, even in war. While it is unavoidable that you'll loss someone, you must cherish their lives and do everything in your power to keep them alive. If you get use to the idea of losing people, then you have no right to be a leader." Said Optimus with determination in his voice.

"Is that why you had me do that? To get ready for the day when it might happen?" Asked Ruby as she hoped that didn't happen anytime soon.

"Yes, and you passed." Said Optimus as he added. "You looked at every other option first and when you were left with one choice you didn't jump to it. That is what a true leader does."

Optimus's chest then opened up and a shining light came out of it. He reached in and pulled out something as the light faded.

Ruby then saw a gold sphere with the middle being hollow as it was filled with what looked like blue crystals as a metal oval surrounded the sphere. And on the sides of the oval Ruby could see holes big enough for fingers to fit through.

"Ruby Rose you have passed my trails and I find you worthy to be the next holder of the Matrix of leadership." Said Optimus as he held it out towards Ruby.

"Thank you." Was all Ruby could say as she reached out and held the Matrix in her hands.

"I wish you luck Ruby Rose Prime." Said Optimus as a bright light surrounded them.

00000000

Vale, Beacon

Blake, Wiess and Yang where heading back to their dorm as they had just finished their classes for the day. But they weren't alone as team CFVY was with them as they talked about things in general.

But once they neared team's RWBY room a bright light shown through the door. Seeing this worried everyone as they rushed over and opened the door.

What saw them surprised them as Ruby stood there but was different. She was now taller, and her hair had grown a great deal. And around her neck was a necklace version of Matrix. But above all else she looked a year or two older now.

"Ruby?" Asked Yang as she looed at her sister and how she changed.

"Yes Yang." Said Ruby as she looked at her new body.

"Are you ok?" Yang asked her as the two teams entered the room.

"I'm Prime." Said Ruby with a grin.

"But you look so different now." Said Velvet as Ruby pajamas were now a little tight on her.

"That is because I am now Ruby Rose Prime. Frist organic Prime." Announced Ruby as she was proud of it. The others were shocked to hear that.

"You're a Prime." Said Weiss in shock.

Ruby didn't say anything as she held her necklace in her hands and focused her aura on it and brought out the Matrix before them as it's light bathed them.

"But how are you older now?" Asked Weiss as she couldn't take her eyes off her.

"With the full power of the Matrix at my disposal my body changed to fit it's power." Explained Ruby as she felt so much more powerful.

No one could say anything as they looked at Ruby with awe.

"Now then I need to do two things. Frist, I need to make sure that the Matrix hasn't accidentally caused any problems for me." Stared Ruby as that was reasonable.

"And the other?" Asked Coco wondering what it was.

"Actually, I need your help on this. I need a new wardrobe." Said Ruby with a blush as she doubted any of her clothes would fit her now.

Hearing that cause the others to laugh as Ruby soon joined them. For a prime has joined the Beast Wars and who know what that could entail for the Predacons and Salem.

And now Ruby is Ruby Rose Prime, first organic Prime. Now I bet some of you are wondering why she's older now? To be honest if the Matrix turned Hot Rod into Rodumis why can't it make someone older? Also if Ruby losses the Matrix she'll go back to normal, until her body reaches that age naturally.

Now a few things about the Matrix. Frist while Ruby is not using it, it's in it necklace mode. While Ruby wears it, it won't fall off or be pulled/ripped off. Think of it as part of her unless she wants to take it off. And she can pass it off to someone else who she feels is worthy to her and if she somehow dies without passing it off (don't worry that won't happen) it can be passed on still.

Next I know I came off hard on Ironwood on this chapter, but in my eyes that man is too used to getting his way. And for those who disagree with me allow me to tell you why I think that.

In season two he took control of security for the Vytal festival from Ozpin because he felt he handled the situation wrong with the train, but in my opinion that would have happened either way. And because of that he brought in his mechs and they got hack causing even more harm during the battle of Beacon.

In season seven he gained back some respect, but when the finally happened he made Ruby's fraction wanted criminals because they disagreed with him about what to do and didn't even listen to them. And because of that they lost the lantern to Cinder and Neo. And the biggest thing was he shot Oscar, who was unarmed at the time, as he was trying to talk some sense into him.

I know the circumstances were dire at the time, but anyone who shots another person with no good reason other then they were disagreeing you is a villain in my book.

But I will be honest with you all I will be making sure none of that happens in this story.

So if any of you have questions about the Matrix or want to argue with me about Ironwood feel free to PM me. Until next time.