Original concept by Korra
Written by MechaG11

Part One: The World of Remnant Arc
-Chapter 7: Rekindling

The White Fang Lieutenant oversaw his troops loading large quantities of stolen dust cargo into several airships. They moved with haste, still careful not to disturb the contents inside. Should things go well, it would take less than half an hour to load what remained onto the transports on time with their schedule. His group will set off to rendezvous with Adam Taurus once the cargo and personnel finished boarding. He and Adam will rally their forces and finally initiate the next step of their plan. The Lieutenant catches a soldier running out of the corner of his eye. Approaching him was a lower White Fang soldier. "Sir!" the boy saluted. Following him were a handful of younger looking White Fang recruits.

The Lieutenant peered at the boy. "I haven't seen your face before. Hmm, you must be with the new blood from east side."

"Yes sir, that's us." The boy nervously said. His squeamish demeanor practically broadcasted his inexperience. The White Fang has always been accepting of new recruits, but even so the newcomers were prone to making mistakes. Moving this many troops out of Vale was going to be risky, even if done without the new blood, but they had to move quickly if they were to convene with Adam on time.

The Lieutenant looked the boy in the face. "Were you followed?"

The boy swallowed, and then straightened up in an attempt to look composed. "U-uh… No sir."

"Wouldn't count on his word, chief." quipped the Flash, casually sitting against a wall behind the Lieutenant.

To the shock of the Lieutenant, it was one of the famed Atlesian "heroes" he kept hearing about. There were rumors that they had extraordinary powers beyond that of a typical huntsman and more, but he couldn't fathom how this man went unnoticed by so many of his men. Not to mention that the hero managed to slip under his nose as well. He had no time to ponder this issue. He just knew he had to stop the man in red. "Intruder!" the Lieutenant shouted as he pointed towards the human.

White Fang troops clamored to catch the Flash, but he zipped away too fast for the eye to see. Streaks of lightning were woven throughout the air as he expertly avoided each attempt to restrain him. Guns, blades, and claws weren't fast enough to tag the speedster. The Lieutenant finally grabbed his chainsaw and angrily readied the weapon. He swung at his elusive target, cutting only the air. The brute felt a sudden tug against the back of his vest. He was swung hard across the room and crashed into a table. His opponent was not only fast, but deceivingly strong for his smaller size. The Lieutenant cleared the debris off of him, sitting in a daze. He scanned the room once his vision became clear again. Unconscious soldiers were scattered all over the hideout, and he was pretty sure one even had a wedgie. He attempts to stand up, but is decked in the face before he can even get off the ground. The Flash dusts off his hands now that the White Fang Lieutenant lay unconscious at his feet.

A couple seconds later, a nearby door crashes open. "Let's kick some butt!" shouted Ruby as she burst into the room with her scythe at the ready. She was immediately followed by Weiss Schnee and Yellow Lantern, all looking ready for battle. One quick look of the area made Ruby droop her arms. "Aww man." she complained.

"Looks like we got to the party a little late." remarked Weiss.

The Flash shrugged. "More like I got here a little early. Sorry about that."

"You know, it's okay to hold back just a little. Makes you look like less of a show off." Yellow Lantern added. The Flash ignored him, seeming too busy with a scroll he swiped from the Lieutenant seconds ago. He rapidly flips through pages and presses buttons, seemingly scanning through all the information onscreen. His hand blurs as the blue glow of the scroll lights up his face. "Hmph, speaking of showing off…" Yellow Lantern muttered.

Weiss spotted the White Fang Lieutenant lying on the ground. She remembered how he had beaten her in their last encounter, but was relieved to see he was out of commission this time. "Hmm, looks like that's one less problem we have to deal with." Ruby poked at the Lieutenant, causing him to groan in response. Weiss sighed. "Ruby, have you ever heard of the phrase 'don't poke the bear?'" she asked.

"Uh, I've fought bears. Thank you very much." Ruby retorted.

Weiss rolled her eyes. "Not any like this one you haven't."

"Did we really have to bring the kids?" asked Yellow Lantern. "It's not like they're registered yet."

Weiss responded "Hey, maybe we're not official, but huntresses-in-training can still partake in real missions. We just need chaperones like you to supervise us."

Wonder Woman sheathed her sword. "It's not like we haven't taken on younger protégés before in our line of work." she reminded Hal.

"Fair enough. I don't know how you and Barry put up with that." replied Hal. In his Green Lantern days Hal had never really had a sidekick before. The closest thing to protégés he'd had were Kyle Rayner, John Stewart, and maybe even Guy Gardner. The three of them still felt more like younger peers in the corps than they did sidekicks. Yellow Lantern peered over to Flash, whom was still poring over the digital documents. "Hey, you find anything useful on that yet?"

The Flash didn't respond, still absorbed with his search. He suddenly stopped and eyed one of the documents closely, his face full of concern. He looked to the girls "Ruby, Weiss…you recall someplace called Haven?"

Ruby and Weiss exchange glances. Weiss is the first to answer. "It's one of the four major Huntsman academies. Why?"

The Flash looks up at the group, his face appearing urgent. "We need to get this information to General Ironwood, now."

"Suspended?!" Yang exclaimed. "Is this about tournament? Or my arm?!" she questioned.

"Your actions at the tournament were serious, but were determined to not necessitate suspension at the time." Glynda pushed her glasses up. "Your current disability is also of no issue at all. However…" The acting headmaster draws out her scroll and seems to open a digital document of some sort. "I spoke with your father about your continued attendance here. Of the things he told me there was one issue of note. I understand the staff who tended to you during your time in the hospital suspected some form of serious mental trauma. You have yet to undergo a psychological evaluation as they recommended."

Yang looked away. She didn't want to admit that she had been avoiding the subject for weeks now. She was too afraid to confirm the truth to any official capacity, even if she knew it herself deep down. "So if I get evaluated, will you take me back in?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple." Glynda said. It was a difficult subject to discuss with someone as young as Yang, but it was an unfortunate reality all Huntsmen had to face at some point in their careers. Sometimes they'd suffer it firsthand, or exposed when it happens to those around them. Still, she had to be straight with Yang. "It may take some time to properly diagnose you. Even if it was correct, treatment could take months, even years depending on the severity. Until we can ascertain your ability to function in a school environment, without impairment of your academic capabilities or endangering the safety of yourself and others, your suspension cannot be lifted. I'm sorry, Miss Xiao Long…"

"I-" Yang started to say before pausing. She hung her head low and sighed. She lifted hear head and looked to Glynda. "I understand. Thank you for your time, Miss Goodwitch." Glynda could faintly hear how disgruntled Yang's voice was. The girl stood up and moved to leave the room for some fresh air.

Glynda dreaded that she had to do that, even if it was necessary. In the moment the headmaster looked a bit despondent. "Miss Xiao Long-" she said, reaching out at the last second. The door had already closed before she could finish. The headmaster sighed, and decided it was best for Yang to take this time to be alone for now.

Yang roamed the hallways at Beacon, now rebuilt just enough to be mostly usable. She stopped by a soda dispenser, hoping a sweet fizzy drink would help her cool off and feel mildly better. She was getting used to handling her wallet with one arm, even if it presented her with difficulties still. Change was always a pain to pull out when she needed it. Getting her soda was easy enough though thanks to only needing bills.

Off to the side she noticed some students chatting. Upon further listening, she caught wind of what they were muttering. "Is that the blonde girl from the tournament?" "The one who shot that boy in the leg?" "She's missing her arm." "Hmph, after what she did, she probably deserved it." People were talking about her again. There goes any chance of feeling better and cooling off. She eyed the punk who said the particularly cruel comment about her arm. She thought about how she could probably take him, but stopped pondering it knowing she'd only be proving his point. She decided it was best to let it go, and left with her drink.

She made her way past Glynda's office again, but then heard the door open behind her. A familiar male voice spoke in a friendly manner. "It was good seeing you, Glynda. Remember, my offer is still open to you if you change your mind." He closes the door. Yang turns around, met by the sight of General Ironwood. He notices her, looking surprised. "Oh, Miss Xiao Long."

"Bad luck trying to score a date?" Yang jokes.

Ironwood chuckles "Not today I'm afraid. I'm here on official business. Actually, I've been wanting to talk to you about just that." He gestures for her to walk with him. She was certainly surprised, but he definitely piqued her interest. They convened elsewhere on school grounds. Yang sat opposite of Ironwood at a small table, still drinking her soda. She was eager to hear out what the General needed to discuss with her.

The General began speaking. "I see you're getting by despite your disability. Nothing really keeps you down, does it?" If only that were true, Yang thought to herself. "Still, I imagine you're not entirely content with your current situation. Not that it's hard to guess, but there was once a time when I knew I wasn't content with my losses." he says, gesturing with his robotic arm. "I figured I could help."

Was he about to suggest what she thinks he is? A prosthetic arm? She spoke up "Wait, are you saying-?"

"Consider it a courtesy." he answered with his hand up before she could finish. "Your father was more than appreciative of this when I contacted him."

She was shocked, but relieved. After everything that happened in the past half hour this was the best news she heard all day. Sure, it wasn't her original arm, but a prosthetic would be as close as can be to restoring some part of her life to some level of how she used to be. "I- I don't know how to thank you, General."

"Think nothing of it." he replied. "I could tell deep down Ozpin saw a bright future for Team RWBY. I'd hate to see that future hindered in any way. With this in mind I'm gladly looking forward to witnessing your continued career as a Huntress."

Yang looked down. "That's one person." an uttered thought that she unconsciously slipped out of her mouth.

The statement caught Ironwood off guard. "Is something wrong?"

Yang hesitated, but figured there was no harm to confessing the truth of her situation. "People…don't trust me. They think I'm dangerous. Like I'm some kind of loose-cannon."

Ironwood deduced that this was about her match at the Tournament against Mercury. "I see…" He rubbed his chin, stating "What people see of you, whether it be your actions…or an accident, may linger over you for some time. I know firsthand that it grates on you when they simply don't understand your position or point of view. However, you cannot let their perception of you define who you are. Only you have control over that." He points to her center. "Think about how you see yourself on the inside. It's up to you to demonstrate that image outwardly through your actions."

"Wow…" Yang said. "That was…actually pretty inspiring."

Ironwood chuckled. "I've had more than enough practice." He gestures to his head, saying "Don't forget I'm a headmaster of my own academy too you know."

Yang laughs. "You're right. You're right." She looks to her left hand. "I guess I'll just have to show 'em. I'll make sure they see the real me!"

The General chimed in. "Actually, I might be able to help you with just that."

"More help?" He's already done a great kindness for her today. Whatever else would he do? "You know, people are gonna stop calling you 'General' and start calling you Generous Ironwood!" she joked, admittedly grading herself at a two out of five on her internal pun scale. He was seemingly unaffected by the joke.

Ironwood leaned back and crossed his arms. "I have a good feeling you'll accept this offer. You see, I've already gained some support from Ruby and Weiss on this matter."

Wait, Ruby and Weiss? Yang certainly didn't expect to hear their names mentioned now. How were they involved? Now she just had to know about Ironwood's proposition. "Alright, I'm listening…"

A bead of sweat traveled down Emerald's face. The girl readied her weapons, still panting from her last few practice maneuvers. She charges and then flips forward, unleashing the chained mode on her weapon by swinging it outwardly. The attack was executed in such a way that an opponent would find it hard to see coming. Landing on the floor, she aimed her gun as if firing at her opponent, then leapt away. Her feet met with the wall she was aiming for, allowing her to rebound off of it into another direction. The next step was to land and assume another stance. She met the floor and rolled forward, but as she attempted to stand back up she just barely lost her footing. A thud was made when she fell onto the floor. She sat up, panting, feeling frustrated with herself. Her rigorous routine had been wearing her body down for the past few hours.

"Refining your technique I see." mentioned Hazel. The man sat leaning against the wall at the room's entrance with his arms crossed. Emerald spun around feeling surprised, unaware that he had been watching. "I presume you're taking after your, well…mentor if you can call her that. You vary your attacks instead of relying on any one single weapon or skill in your arsenal."

Emerald stands, rudely exclaiming "I don't remember anyone asking for your tutoring."

Hazel ignores her comment. "Tell me, what are you going to do with this?"

"Huh? What do you mean by that? Shouldn't it be obvious?" Emerald replied.

"This training you're undergoing. Say you do improve, become stronger, more skilled…what will you do with that?" Hazel elaborated.

Emerald looked away from him. She initially thought she had an idea, but once asked the question she felt uncertain. "I-I don't know."

"Hmph." Hazel huffed. "I guess you're just blowing off steam then. If you were to ask me though, I'd say what you're doing is more akin to sharpening a knife before use."

She knew Hazel was right. Salem may have been outraged at the loss of Cinder, but not distraught like Emerald was now. She didn't lose a tool to be exploited for her own ambitions. She lost the one person she loved. Here she was grieving when the world had the audacity to celebrate the coming of a new hero who killed her mentor. All Emerald wanted to do more than anything else was to kill Superman. She sighed. "I…guess I did know."

"Then act with certainty." replied Hazel. "No hesitation, no inhibitions. Your anger is a tool, one that can be sharpened like a razor." Emerald was surprised to hear such helpful advice. "It can serve you well. Although, if my guess about your quarry is right, you'll probably die trying."

Gee, that last comment was reassuring. Still, the man managed to read Emerald like a book. Was he that perceptive, or was she just that obvious? He spoke as if he knew what she was going through. Perhaps he lost someone before as well. Could that have been why he was helping her? She put her weapons away. "Thanks…I guess. I never figured you'd care enough to help me."

"Hmph." Hazel huffed again. "Don't mistake my words for kindness. Seeing you pathetically wallow here was becoming an eyesore." The man stood from the wall, unfolding his arms. "What you do now is up to you. Continue being a nuisance, or even get yourself killed out there for all I care. It's not my business." He turned away and exited the room.

How charming, still he was right. It was time for her to stop wallowing in her own misery. Her fantasies of revenge needed to be realized. Only then would her mind be at ease. If she had to mourn Cinder's death, she'd make the whole world mourn Superman's. The following day she set out on her quest. She wore a familiar red cloth like a scarf around her neck, readying for the journey ahead. She snuck aboard a spare airship, and traveled towards the mainlands. From this point onward she was on her own. Starting today she lived to make Remnant see the day where Superman falls.

Screens all over the world broadcast the same image, a special televised announcement from General Ironwood. He stands at a podium with a single color background, strangely with no Atlesian banner behind him. Formally addressing the public, he wasted no time beginning to speak once he was on air.

"Good evening. As most of you already know we have been making astounding progress in the restoration of Vale. The combined efforts of so many compassionate individuals not only saved this kingdom, but forged something greater by working together. What we've made together will stand as a pinnacle of what humanity as a whole is capable of achieving.

However, this is why I must ask for your help. When there are those who wish to create, others seek to tear down what has been built. Monsters, fear-mongers…terrorists, that only wish to dismantle the very foundations that keep us together. Some still remain at large. Too long have we lived separated as people by the borders of the four kingdoms, alone to face the challenges at our doorsteps. Today, I wish to break those barriers.

After some consultation with Superman I have decided to establish a Regime. Not one consisting only of Atlas' finest, but an international organization consisting of members from all kingdoms."

The screen cuts to a wider shot, encompassing a large area to Ironwood's side. Standing in the room were Superman and the heroes, as well as a mix of Valian and Atlesian military volunteers.

"We extend our hand to each and every one of you, regardless of which kingdom you hail from, people of any race, and occupation. Huntsmen, soldiers, doctors, engineers, scientists…we all have a role to play. I urge you to join us in this fight. I urge you to save us, to unite us. No longer will we live, afraid of what tomorrow brings. The perils of Remnant will inevitably meet us once again, and when it does I hope to find you standing alongside us to face it. The world, united against evil. Please, stand with us."

Ironwood steps away from his podium and takes his place in front of his assembled volunteers. He stands alongside the heroes as various occupants in the room salute. The camera lingers on one final shot of the group. Today the world, and those who sought to bring harm to it, would witness the birth of the Regime.

End of Chapter 7