RWBYA/Part 3

### Chapter 1

*[The scene opened on a bright day in the streets of Vacuo. Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Qrow each bore new outfits, and most of them having new hairstyles, as well.]*

Nora: Wait a minute! We're missing someone!

Ren: We do seem to be missing a certain transforming friend of ours.

Alan *(voice)*: You mean formerly transforming.

*[The lot of them heard heavy footsteps approaching. Looking around, Jaune patted Ren's shoulder, getting the attention of others to see Alan rounding a corner, with a much different attire. He was wearing a grey, button-up shirt that had the top two buttons undone. The bottom of the shirt dangled freely above the black pants he wore, which had several gold buckles along the legs. Alan still bore his cowboy boots, but they were cleaned up and shined, with golden spurs attached to the back. Overtop his shirt was a long, black overcoat, the cuffs of which were rolled up to reveal a red interior. The buttons of the overcoat matched his buckles and spurs, and the collar was upturned. On his left hand, he wore a black, fingerless glove with red details. The back of the coat had the circular, red hourglass of the Simplicitrix embroidered on it. A dark grey sash was wrapped over his right shoulder down to below his left arm, which held Raijin His dyed green hair was done up in a ponytail and his beard brushed down to its maximum length.]*

Blake: Where'd you get the money for that?

*[Alan turned to Weiss.]*

Alan: ...You're rich, right?

Wiess: You didn't.

Alan: Sorry, not sorry.

*[Weiss sighed as she held the bridge of her nose.]*

Weiss: Fine, whatever.

Ruby: Shall we?

*[The teams began their way towards Shade Academy.]*

*[Blue flames were shot everywhere. Salem passed through them with ease as she created two Grimm roots and shot them at Negative Heatblast, who put up a fire shield, burning them. He then pressed the Negative Simplicitrix, creating a cyan flash. Salem cocked her eyebrow, noticing some pink particles within the cyan flash just before it revealed Negative Jetray. Calmly, Salem clenched her fist, and Negative Jetray was abruptly crushed in a Grimm fly trap.]*

Salem: How long did you think you'd have me fooled? You can come out now.

*[From behind a nearby hill flew the real Negative Jetray as he landed. Following him were Emerald and Neo, the two of them holding hands with their respective auras meshing until they let go. Salem's eyes narrowed.]*

Salem: I see Cinder was too much of a coward to defect in person.

*[Emerald clenched her fist at this remark.]*

Salem: What exactly has she been filling your head with, Richard? Promises of glory and power? Well, that second one is rather laughable. After all, you're the most powerful person on Remnant now. Second to me, of course.

Negative Jetray: This has nothing to do with what she promised me.

*[Negative Jetray hit his Simplicitrix and became human.]*

Richard: It's about choice. I was being told what my destiny was long before I even got powers. Well... *[lifts up Simplicitrix]* Those powers, that is. I've been longing to find a way to decide for myself what my *real* destiny would be. Finding this universe was just the first step. Unfortunately, for you, you've just escalated my plans.

Salem: And how did I do that?

*[Richard coldly turned and looked at the remains of Alan's Simplicitrix.]*

Richard: You eliminated one of my hurdles. *[turns to Salem]* And now... You're all that's left.

*[Richard readied his Simplicitrix, inciting little to no reaction from Salem.]*

Salem: I already destroyed one of those. What makes you think I won't destroy another?

Richard: The difference between my brother's bravado and my confidence is bravado gets people killed on accident, while confidence... Does it on purpose.

*[Richard pressed the Simplicitrix core down on a humanoid hologram. His entire body was torn apart by cyan energy, save for his skeleton, the bones of which grew much larger and separated, as well as gained a metallic coating. Silver metal surrounded his forearms, as well as covered his feet in the shape of boots. Silver and black metal formed around his torso as well, with glass around his stomach, and a Simplicitrix-shaped piece of glass on his chest. The Simplicitrix formed on his back and created a cyan shine. He floated above the ground, staring Salem down. He spoke in a calm, robotic voice.]*

Negative Atomix: I'll be frank, Salem. I find your existence... Highly overrated.

*[Negative Atomix flew at Salem, generating a wave of cyan energy as he crashed into the ground near her, creating a large flash of light.]*

*[The heroes arrived before Shade Academy, a large and dark grey building in the center of Vacuo which was built like an ancient Aztec pyramid. Alan turned to look at Jaune, specifically his hair which was now spiked up.]*

Jaune: What?

Alan: *[points to Jaune's hair]* No. *[reaches up and ruffles Jaune's hair until it is messy again]* Yes.

Jaune: Hey! I worked on that all morning!

Alan: We all make mistakes. I just fixed yours.

*[Jaune gave Alan an annoyed look as they walked into Shade Academy. Not long after entering, they were approached by a dark-skinned woman with black hair. She wore a pale blue and white dress, and had bright red boots. From her hair protruded a pair of dog ears.]*

Rosanna: I was wondering if I'd ever see you again, you old scarecrow.

Qrow: Rosanna, it's been too long. *[turns to group]* Everyone, this is Rosanna Africa. Headmistress of Shade Academy.

Rosanna: I never took you for the chauffer type. This looks like some sort of disjointed field trip.

Qrow: If only it were that innocent.

*[Qrow motioned to Oscar and Winter who had the Relics. Rosanna tensed up.]*

Rosanna: Oh. I see. So, you're taking the fight to her, then?

Qrow: We don't have much of a choice. She already knows how much progress we've made, and we've got another enemy to deal with. Oz hasn't been around to tell us what to do, and, well... We lost our only other trump card.

*[Qrow turned his head. Rosanna followed his gaze to see Alan, who looked away before clenching his right wrist. Rosanna nodded then turned to Coco and Sun.]*

Rosanna: Go get Radiant. She'll know what it's about.

*[The two of them nodded and headed off down a hallway. Rosanna turned to Winter, studying her outfit.]*

Rosanna: Atlas Military, I take it?

Winter: Yes, ma'am.

Rosanna: Good. You'll want to discuss a means of transportation out of Vacuo. Having three of the four relics so close to one another is going to be extremely dangerous.

Winter: Of course.

*[Winter headed back outside of the Academy, and Rosanna turned back to Qrow.]*

Rosanna: I'll lead you to the Vault. We'll meet with Radiant there.

Qrow: Got it. *[turns to the group]* Don't get into trouble.

*[As Qrow and Rosanna walked off, the group turned to Alan in response to the comment. Alan, still looking down, realized he was being looked at and looked up at everyone else.]*

Alan: *[agitated]* What the fuck are you looking at me for?!

*[Alan pushed himself out of the group and off to the side, not looking back at them.]*

*[The scene cut to a vault similar to that of the one in Atlas. However, the tree had vibrant green leaves, and there were bright yellow orbs floating around. The door to the vault had already been opened, the inside being a deep forest with the summer sun shining through the leaves. Coming out of the vault was a tan-skinned woman with blonde hair and green eyes. She wore a yellow dress that had a sun pattern on it, and was holding a golden sword with blue accents to it. On the hilt of the blade was III in glowing blue characters, which caught Qrow's eye.]*

Radiant: The Relic of Destruction.

Qrow: I take it Oz didn't have much interest in using this.

Rosanna: Destroying things was never his way. All three uses are still there. He didn't even say what the deity's name was for it.

Qrow: I have a feeling that we'll be able to figure it out if we need it.

*[Radiant wrapped a sash around the handle of the Relic and then put it over her head and shoulder, resting it on her back.]*

Radiant: Where are we headed?

Qrow: Three of four relics will have to do. We're headed to the Crucible.

*[The heroes were seen together on a seafaring Atlesian ship. Jaune was amplifying Ren's aura to keep the Grimm at bay, though this seemed to have been going on for a while as the two had to stop for a moment to recharge. Alan stood at the bow of the ship, staring off into the distance. Far into the distance was a warped sky and ocean, becoming dark maroon and black surrounding the continent which housed the Crucible. There was a white flash and Alan found himself falling from Salem again. The memory of Ruby's Silver Eyes flash snapped him back to reality as he was about to fall over the railing of the boat. He was grabbed by the collar of his jacket by Yang who pulled him back, trying to lighten the mood with a smile.]*

Yang: We don't need you going overboard while you don't have powers.

Alan: Y-Yeah. Right.

*[Yang became concerned.]*

Yang: It's her again, isn't it?

*[Alan nodded.]*

Alan: I have faced four-armed Nazis, a sadistic and psychic dog-lion thing, a team of villains made specifically to kill me, and even someone who is equally matched to me in damn near every way. But this? This is uncharted territory. Hell, I don't even know what I'm more afraid of. Facing Salem again or... Facing my friends, if I get back home.

*[Yang thought for a moment before putting her hand on Alan's shoulder.]*

Yang: Y'know. Friends are family.

*[Yang turned to see the rest of her team standing elsewhere on the boat. Weiss with Winter, Ruby and Nora teasing Neptune about his aquaphobia, and Blake gazing off into the ocean.]*

Yang: You'll have your disagreements and fights but at the end of the day, if they're true to you and vice versa, they'll be there in the end.

*[Yang shifted her focus to Blake specifically.]*

Yang: Even if what they did *really* pissed you off.

*[Alan nodded, understanding what she meant. He then noticed her gaze towards Blake then looked back towards the Crucible.]*

Alan: So. You're into Faunus, then.

*[Yang blushed and turned to Alan, flustered.]*

Yang: W-What? No!

Alan: Oh, so you're a racist?

Yang: That's not what I said! I just... Blake's my friend. We're not... Y'know-

Alan: Not *yet*.

Yang: What are you getting at?

Alan: It's so obvious, come on.

Yang: Do you *want* me to throw you overboard?

Alan: You already did that on the airship.

Yang: That's because you grabbed my-

Alan: Pride did, not me.

Yang: Well, Pride's not here, is he?!

Alan: ...No. No he's not.

*[Yang's face dropped when she realized what Alan meant.]*

Yang: I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean-

Alan: It's fine. He was kind of a cunt, anyway. But... He was the only thing aside from Richard connecting me back to my world.

*[Yang followed Alan's gaze back to the Crucible continent as they neared it. Suddenly, the boat rocked.]*

Alan: Nope, don't like that.

Neptune: I'm... I'm just gonna...

*[The blue haired young man ran into the indoors portion of the ship, causing the others to roll their eyes. From water on one side of the ship shot out large, bone-like spikes, along with a black tail lined with smaller spikes before returning into the sea. The ship was bumped again and this time Alan was thrown over the railing and into the sea.]*

Yang: Goddamnit, not again!

Weiss: What happened?

Yang: Alan fell off!

Blake: First the train, now the boat?!

*[Under the water, Alan felt himself descending deeper and deeper. He turned to see a large, dark mass coming towards him, with glowing red eyes. Panicking, Alan put his hand out towards the mass, and to his surprise, the beast stopped just short of him.]*

*[Back on deck, everyone was searching the nearby water around to boat to see if Alan had resurfaced. Landing from flight in crow form, Qrow changed back to his human self.]*

Qrow: Any luck?

Coco: None so far.

*[Suddenly, from the nearby water, the gigantic Grimm sprung up from the depths. It appeared similar to a dinosaur with giant bone spikes coming off of its back, and the top of its head/jaw looking like a skull. On the snout stood Alan.]*

Alan: WHAT'S UP, FUCKERS?!

Qrow: What the f-

*[The Grimm gently lowered its head to where Alan could talk with the others.]*

Yang: How in the hell are you doing that?

Alan: I have no idea!

*[Alan jumped off the Grimm and onto the boat.]*

Alan: Actually, that's not true. I have a theory. I think all this time exposed to your world has given me an... Aura, I think you call it. And with that Aura, a Semblance.

*[Alan motioned to the Grimm.]*

Weiss: You control Grimm, now?

Alan: I think it's a bit more than Grimm.

*[Alan put his hand out towards Weiss but nothing happened. He then motioned for Jaune who came over and used his aura amplification on Alan. Trying again, a wave of energy came out of Alan's hands over Weiss, causing her to start default dancing against her will.]*

Weiss: Hey!

Alan: Just as I thought.

*[Alan and Jaune both stopped.]*

Alan: I control animals in general. Grimm, regular animals, humans, Faunus... This... This might just give us the edge we need over Salem. *[smiles]* This is really my first... *Semblance* of hope in a while.

Yang: Ayyy.

Ruby: Speaking of Salem...

*[Ruby's comment turned everyone's attention back to the Crucible.]*

Alan: GrimmZilla and I will go on ahead. At the very least, all the animal Grimm will be at risk of my control.

*[Alan climbed back onto GrimmZilla's snout and the two headed off faster than the boat. Neptune nervously peaked out the door of the boat.]*

Neptune: ...Is it gone?

*[Lightning flashed, lighting up the sky behind the Crucible. GrimmZilla burst up out of the water, using one of her arms to bash through the back window of the palace before lowering herself for Alan to jump in.]*

Alan: Alright, motherfuckers, let's get...

*[Alan looked around, realizing no one was in the main court of the palace.]*

Alan: That's odd, I was expecting a larger crowd. *[turns to GrimmZilla]* Hey, big girl. Go sniffing around, see if you can find anybody.

*[GrimmZilla made a grunt in response before leaving the window to walk around the building. Alan then continued his way through the Crucible. The others had since landed and were approaching the Crucible as GrimmZilla rounded to the front. The group stopped then looked down to the ground a bit mortified, just before Alan walked out the front of the castle.]*

Alan: That was no tun. There's no one here.

*[Alan noticed everyone's more grim mood.]*

Alan: What?

*[His gaze followed theirs and his face dropped. Laying on the ground was the deceased body of Hazel, with a large hole through his chest.]*

Sun: Was this your brother?

Alan: No. This was me.

*[Teams SSSN and CFVY looked up in surprise. Alan had a brief, slo-mo flashback of Heatblast shooting the beam of fire at Hazel, which was shown to throw him back as well as go through him.]*

Alan: I told you, Blake. Not feeling pain is a stupid power. Because then you end up like me. You don't know when to quit.

*[Alan walked over Hazel's body and brushed passed the others.]*

Yang: We'll keep an eye on him.

*[Yang and Blake began following after Alan. They noticed he had stopped walking and was looking at the ground. When they reached him, they gasped realizing he was looking at the remains of the Simplicitrix. He kneeled down and began to pick up the pieces.]*

Alan: We gotta get all the pieces.

Blake: Alan, we can't rebuild this.

Yang: This is way beyond us.

Alan: No, but if I can find some other way back home, I can rebuild it there. Or have help at least. Someone can do it. It'll be fixed. I'll be me again. It'll all be okay.

*[Blake put her hand on his shoulder and got down with him.]*

Blake: Alan. It's gone.

Alan: N-No. *[looks her in the eyes]* It can't be. I need it. I'm not me without it.

*[Just as Blake was about to speak, probably some bullshit speech about how he doesn't actually need the thing, they were interrupted by a bright red light. The light was revealed to be a circular portal, from which Clockwork, Yang, and Blake stepped out. Alan stood up and looked on in surprise.]*

Alan: What the hell? How did you-

Clockwork: Bootstrap paradox, mate. Don't think about it too much.

*[The portal behind Clockwork closed and a new one opened near those in the present. He swiped his hand to the right, effectively forcing them through the portal. After going through the portal, the three found themselves in the past at Beacon Academy, hidden in the brush away from any important buildings. The academy was much more lively, students walking around all over, and the main tower was in tact with no sign of a wyvern Grimm anywhere. Yang and Blake stood very confused, while Alan's face seemed to light up.]*

Yang: What just happened?

Alan: We travelled in time!

*[Hiding, the three turned to see a younger version of Team RWBY walking by, dressed in their Beacon uniforms, consisting of a black overcoat and plaid red skirts, though Ruby had her hood-cape on it as well. Blake had longer hair and a bow covering her cat ears, while Yang's arm was normal.]*

Alan: And from what I can tell, this is the past.

Yang: *Definitely* the past.

Alan: Why would he send us here, though? Is there someone from the past that can help us that isn't in the future?

*[Blake and Yang looked at each other, a bit concerned.]*

Yang: Your watch, is it metal?

Alan: Yeah, why?

Blake: We know who he - you - sent us here for. Pyrrha.

*[Alan cocked an eyebrow.]*

Alan: So, I do get to meet the remaining Team JNPR member, after all.

Blake: What do you mean? She doesn't know who you are.

Alan: Exactly. She doesn't know me and neither does anyone else. They all know you two. They'd see you and wonder why you look different. It'd just make a mess of things.

*[Yang looked down at her robotic arm.]*

Yang: He has a point.

Blake: He doesn't even know who to look for.

Alan: I have a basic idea. There was the statue of her.

Blake: Would you recognize her without her armor?

Alan: That question sounded a bit more kinky than you intended, I imagine.

Blake: Is that always how your mind works?

Yang: I can help with finding her.

*[Alan and Blake turned after having their conversation cut short. Yang lifted her robotic arm and placed two fingers onto the side of Alan's classes, then pulled away. A hologram pulled up from Yang's hand showing what Alan could see.]*

Alan: Ohhhh, clever.

Yang: We'll be able to talk with you as well and tell you who you're looking for.

Alan: Got it.

*[Alan walked out of their hiding spot and began walking with a large group of people. While walking with them he suddenly heard a loud commotion in one of the buildings.]*

Yang: Wait. Where's that noise coming from?

*[Alan turned to face the building, which was brick and had a grey concrete entrance. The door had a "Cafeteria" sign above it.]*

Blake: Yep. That's the right place.

*[He trailed behind the group for a moment before breaking off to go check the building. Creeping along the side of the building, he peaked into one of the windows. Inside, there was a giant mess of food and eating utensils. On one side of the room he saw Team RWBY, and on the other was Team JNPR, with their msising team member: Pyrrha Nikos. The two teams were having a food fight with one another, trashing the entire cafeteria.]*

Alan: I take it I'm going for the bright red haired one?

*[For a moment there was silence on the other end.]*

Yang: ...Yeah.

Alan: Got it.

Blake: You might wanna duck.

Alan: Why?

*[Alan's eyes widened and he ducked just as some cans of food came flying out the window right where his head would've been.]*

Alan: *(slightly shaken, not stirred)* Oh. That's why. Thanks.

*[Alan waited outside the building in hiding for quite some time, until the fight was over and the aftermath was cleaned up. He peered and round the corner and saw Pyrrha was the last to leave.]*

Alan: That's oddly plot convenient but alright.

*[Making sure no one else was within earshot or eye shot, Alan began to walk after Pyrrha,]*

Alan: *(whispering)* So.... How do I get her attention and explain this?

Yang *(voice)*: You mean to tell us you didn't think that part through?

Alan: *(slightly louder whispering)* I was getting around to it.

Blake *(voice)*: You had all that time during us fighting and the fight being cleaned up to think about it!

Alan: *(probably not whispering)* I was kinda thinking more about how much food you were wasting.

Yang *(voice)*: Wait wait wait. We're trying to get your powerful watch fixed...

Blake *(voice)*: And you're thinking about us wasting food?!

Alan: *(you couldn't call this whispering even if you wanted to)* I'm hungry!

*[At this point, all three of them were so distracted by the conversation that none of them realized Alan was about to bump into Pyrrha until he did. She was already facing him, and she had a confused look on her face.]*

Alan: Oh. Hi.

Pyrrha: Hello. Who are you?

Alan: Uhhh. Alan.

Pyrrha: Uh-huh. And who were you talking to?

Yang *(voice)*: Not Blake and Yang, not Blake and Yang! You are not talking to Blake and Yang!

Alan: ...Not Blake and Yang.

*[The scene quickly switched over to Blake and Yang who  were wide eyed at the absolute dumbass comment Alan just made. Blake facepalmed and Yang just looked off into space.]*

Yang: That's... Not what I meant...

*[The scene cut back to Alan and Pyrrha. Pyrrha's look of confusion changed to a smile as she let out a small giggle.]*

Pyrrha: Oh, I see! You're friends with them, aren't you?

Alan: Yeah, I guess you could say that.

Blake *(voice)*: Maybe you should reconsider the definition of "friend..."

Pyrrha: Where are they now? I haven't seen them since our, er... Food war earlier.

Alan: Oh, that was a food *war*, not a food *fight*. Right. Okay. Uh. Right this way.

*[Alan began leading Pyrrha to where Blake and Yang were.]*

Yang *(voice)*: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

Pyrrha: How were you talking with them, anyway?

Alan: Glasses.

*[He tapped the side of his glasses to emphasize his point, disconnecting him from the other two.]*

Yang: Damnit!

Blake: Does he know what he's doing?

Yang: I don't think so! *[begins pushing through the bushes around them]* They didn't seem that close, maybe we can get a ways away a bit before-

Alan: Hi.

*[Blake and Yang screamed as Alan's face appeared behind a bush Yang pushed away. She went to punch him out of being scared but he managed to grab her fist.]*

Alan: Huh. I guess I *do* have some skill as a human. Semblance aside, of course.

*[Yang sighed and pulled away from him, letting him and Pyrrha walk into the hiding spot. Pyrrha once again gained a look of confusion as she saw the new outfits of her friends as well as Blake's hair, and became even more confused when she saw Yang's arm.]*

Pyrrha: What's going on here?

Blake: See what you've done? Now we have to explain the whole time travel thing! Aren't there rules about this?

Alan: Relax, Belladonna. If any time issues were to occur because of this, they would've already happened. But since that's not the case, this is obviously what my future self did in order to fix this.

Pyrrha: I am very confused.

Alan: *[turning to Pyrrha]* We're from the future. Well, they are. *Well*, we all are but I'm from the future in a different universe. Anyway. At our point - their point - in time, certain... Events happen that keep us from being able to contact you. We came to the past cause we need your help.

*[After a moment of silence, Pyrrha laughed a bit.]*

Pyrrha: Surely, you're joking?

Alan: Not really, no.

Pyrrha: You expect me to believe time travel?

Alan: Okay, sure. You live in a world where every weapon is also a gun, a good chunk of the population has animal body parts, there's magic dust, you all have some sort of soul power, and bony creatures of hell walk around... But *time travel* is impossible? ...I think y'all need to re-evaluate.

Pyrrha: Okay, let's say for a moment you *are* from the future. What keeps you from contacting me there?

*[The other three looked at each other for a moment.]*

Yang: Can... Can we tell her?

Alan: I wouldn't. I'm not sure how much we're changing just by being here, if anything at all, seeing as how this could just be circle theory we're operating on. We tell her, we risk changing the future and taking ages to get back to our point in time, in the right timeline specifically.

Pyrrha: This is all very confusing.

Alan: I know, I know. Time travel always is.

Yang: Pyrrha. You know us, and you trust us. We need you to help us.

Pyrrha: What exactly is it you need help with? It must be important if you had to travel back in time... Entertaining that idea, of course.

*[Alan reached into his pocket and pulled out the remains of the Simplicitrix.]*

Alan: I'm not sure how you're going to do it but we need you to reassemble this. Obviously it somehow works because my future self had it fixed. If you could find a way to fix the remnants of it, it'll have some semblance of what it once was.

*[Blake and Yang looked blankly at him.]*

Yang: Did you do that on purpose?

Alan: Do what on purpose?

*[Pyrrha looked at the remains, visibly confused.]*

Pyrrha: What exactly is it supposed to be?

Alan: A watch. These two asked about if it was metal, so I assume you have some metal-related power?

Pyrrha: Polarity to be exact.

Alan: Then you should be able to reassmble them into a watch formation on my right wrist.

Pyrrha: And you're sure it'll work?

Alan: If it didn't work we wouldn't be able to be here right now. It'll just be like a... very interesting puzzle.

Pyrrha: Right... Okay...

*[Pyrrha nodded, and used her powers to make all the pieces float. Alan positioned his right arm out for her to reassemble the watch. The trio waited patiently as she managed to get all the pieces into their proper places. Once they were all placed back, a red flash occurred, showing the Simplicitrix to be seamless in appearance. Alan lifted his arm into the air in excitement.]*

Alan: FUCK YEAH!

*[The three looked at him, concerned and confused. Alan then looked around outside the bushes to be sure he did not draw unwanted attention.]*

Alan: Oh. Sorry.

*[Alan activated the Simplicitrix, then looked at Pyrrha.]*

Alan: Thank you, Pyrrha.

Pyrrha: Of course.

*[Alan pressed down on the core, changing into Clockwork. Yang and Blake both hugged Pyrrha tightly, tears in their eyes, trying not to let her see them.]*

Yang: We're gonna give our enemies hell.

Pyrrha: I'd expect no less.

*[Clockwork opened a portal, then turned back to Pyrrha.]*

Clockwork: Oh, and just to be safe. If you remember this whole thing, don't mention it. Just gotta keep the whole time thing in tact.

*[Still very clearly confused about the whole ordeal, Pyrrha simply nodded in response. The trio then left and the scene changed back to the present.]*

*[Blake put her hand on Alan's shoulder and got down with him.]*

Blake: Alan. It's gone.

Alan: N-No. *[looks her in the eyes]* It can't be. I need it. I'm not me without it.

*[Just as Blake was about to speak, probably some bullshit speech about how he doesn't actually need the thing, they were interrupted by a bright red light. The light was revealed to be a circular portal, from which Clockwork, Yang, and Blake stepped out. Alan stood up and looked on in surprise.]*

Alan: What the hell? How did you-

Clockwork: Bootstrap paradox, mate. Don't think about it too much.

*[The portal behind Clockwork closed and a new one opened near those in the present. He swiped his hand to the right, effectively forcing them through the portal.]*

Clockwork: I'm not one for breaking promises. *[turns to Yang]* So let's go give them hell.

*[A rustling noise was heard. The three looked up to see a mass of rose petals in front of them as they changed back into Ruby.]*

Ruby: Guys, we saw some weird lights and heard some weird noises and- *[gasps loudly, eyes widen]* Clockwork?!

Clockwork: Made a comeback, baby. Not like *Firefly*, though.

Ruby: But, but, but, how-

Clockwork: Long timey wimey story, go get the others. I can find out what happened here.

*[Ruby nodded then sped back off. After a few moments, everyone had gathered around Clockwork. The cog on his head lit up and spun around, causing everything to have a red tint as he speedily created holograms of the past until he got to Negative Atomix. He then played it, seeing the fight between them only to speed it up.]*

Clockwork: Meh. Typical fight scene stuff. Not interesting.

*[Clockwork stopped once he got to a point where Salem was down then let it play out. Negative Atomix had Salem surrounded in atomic energy and floating before him. Emerald and Neo approached.]*

Emerald: What do we do now?

Negative Atomix: We bring her to Cinder. She and Mercury should have found the Vault of the Fall Maiden by now, and if not then it's nothing we can't help with.

Tyrian: NO!

*[Everyone looked to see Tyrian and Arthur getting back up and closing in. Tyran had a dark mark on his torso where he was kicked by Heatblast, and Arthur held half of his face which was burnt badly.]*

Arthur: That is not going to happen.

Tyrian: LET GO OF OUR LADY!

*[Negative Atomix simply cocked his head to the side, constricting the two in atomic energy as well.]*

Emerald: Now you'll have to answer to *our* lady.

Negative Atomix: No. Cinder will get Salem. But *I* will decide what happens to these two.

*[Negative Atomix waved his hand, and the atomic energy surrounding the three was convered into metal casings for them. They floated close behind him as he turned to the other two.]*

Negative Atomix: Back to Beacon we go.

*[The temporal hologram dissipated, and Clockwork transformed into a disgruntled Alan.]*

Velvet: What is it?

Alan: Part of me is ready to go kick some bad guy ass... The other part of me is miffed that cunt was able to subdue Salem and I... lost.

Winter: You can't let your emotions get in the way of something like this.

Alan: Speak for yourself, GLaDOS. That whole soldier mentality only goes so far before it becomes bullshit. I've had several fights where the final blow was powered by emotion and let me tell you, that Salem fight wasn't one of them.

Winter: If you don't control your emotions, they'll control you.

Alan: You're not wrong but you're not right. What you do is suppressing emotions so you can follow orders. Controlling emotions and using them to help you fight is something different, especially if you're emotionally invested in a fight, and that might be why I lost. I wasn't emotionally invested in this fight, but now I am. Now, come on. We've got bad guys to kill.

*[Alan started walking off but the others looked confused and concerned among one another.]*

Sun: "Kill?"

*[Alan stopped in his tracks.]*

Alan: N-No, bad guys to fight.

Weiss: You just said kill.

Alan: No. I... I said fight. I'm sure of it. W-We're gonna *fight* them. Not kill. We're not bad guys, we don't do that. Fight, fight them good. No kill.

*[Alan cleared his throat then snapped his fingers. Loud footsteps approached.]*

Alan: Come on, girl. *[to the others]* Lead the way.

*[GrimmZilla came forward and kneeled down, allowing Alan to climb up on her. Once he was on her head, she let out a loud roar. The heroes were then seen on the ship again as they boated away from the Crucible headed towards Vale. GrimmZilla swam alongside the boat with Alan on her head, many aquatic Grimm splashing up out of the water with calm dispositions given Alan's Semblance.]*

### Chapter 2

*[GrimmZilla's loud footsteps were heard as she walked behind the group, the kingdom of Vale on the horizon. Qrow flew up from the trees and onto GrimmZilla's snout next to Alan then became human again, giving him a better scope of the kingdom. The kingdom seemed to be overrun with Grimm, with only a few huntsmen and huntresses fighting them off. He turned to the east, seeing the silhouette of Beacon in the distance.]*

Qrow: I think it'll be better if we take the scenic route.

*[Qrow changed back into a crow to fly down and relay this to the others.]*

Alan: Scenic route? Huh. This really is *RWBY*, isn't it?

*[GrimmZilla turned east to follow with the group. As they got closer, she knelt down to allow Alan off.]*

Alan: Alright, girl. You stay here, and I'll call you if things go south. You're our secret weapon, girl.

*[Alan patted her on the snout before running to catch up with the rest of the group. Coming out of the forest, they found themselves at Beacon, completely run down and barren, not even Grimm nearby. All but Alan and Oscar seemed uneasy, having not been to the academy since its destruction. Rather than uneasy, Alan was on edge, unsure of where their adversaries were.]*

Jaune: Guys?

*[Everyone turned to the blonde who was looking up at the tower. He pointed up to where his eyes were looking.]*

Jaune: What happened to the wyvern Grimm?

*[There was indeed a signifcant lack of a petrified, dragon Grimm. Their newfound concern was cut short by a sudden crash in front of them. When the smoke cleared, they saw the shiny golden figure of Negative Puncherbot before them.]*

Alan: Fuck.

*[Negative Puncherbot got up from the small crater he was in, walking forward. He noticed the Simplicitrix on Alan's wrist.]*

Negative Puncherbot: Of course you'd go the extra mile to defy all odds just to get your power back.

Alan: What, you want me to let time be fucked up by not going along with it?

Negative Puncherbot: Doing something just because the universe makes you feel obligated to. You disappoint me.

Alan: I wasn't exactly looking for your approval.

*[Alan hit the Simplicitrix. His body became covered in brown fur, with a pink, fleshy tail coming out of his lower back. Bony growths formed on his torso and hands, before a rodentoid skull formed over his face. His hair changed into a large conglomerate of pink spikes.]*

Spiker: You guys go on ahead. I'll take care of Cunterbot over here.

*[The others nodded then ran off past Negative Puncherbot.]*

Spiker: Y'know, you really are a generic villain. You told me your plan and even got me wrapped up in it before it was a sure success, *and* you just let a bunch of heroes run passed you. A real villain isn't gonna make *those* mistakes.

*[Rather than responding, Negative Puncherbot launched himself at Spiker, creating a small crater where Spiker jumped from to dodge the attack. Spiker jumped up and landed on Negative Puncherbot's back, wrapping and constricting his tail around his neck. When simply pulling the tail off did nothing, Negative Puncherbot charged up an electrical blast through his body that shocked Spiker and caused him to fall off. Negative Puncherbot turned and went to hit at him, only for Spiker to shoot spikes up at him, which effectively did nothing but bounce right off. Groaning, Spiker jumped to his feet and slashed at Negative Puncherbot, leaving small scratch marks on his chest. Negative Puncherbot simply looked at him before clanging his wrists together, sending Spiker flying back. Standing up, Spiker reached to his left shoulder, pressing the Simplicitrix.]*

*[Inside the teams were having their own troubles, as the entirety of the inside of Beacon appeared to be fixed, and filled with students.]*

Sun: This.. Can't be real, right?

Blake: No, it isn't.

Ruby: It's Emerald and Neo.

*[Just as Ruby said that, the illusion disappeared, once again showing Emerald and Neo using their semblances in tandem. Neo jumped towards the group, prompring a similar response from Yang. Yang readied her robotic arm, and Neo opened her umbrella. The two clashed and sent each other flying back. Emerald pulled out a pair of revolves, which she connected to each other with a long chain. The barrels of the guns then changed shape, having sickles protruding from them. She threw the weapon, attempting to wrap Blake up in it, only for the attacked Blake ti dissipate, revealing itself to be a shadow version of herself. The real Blake grabbed up Emerald's weapon and threw it back, also attempting to wrap up Emerald, though Emerald was able to easily catch it. Jaune went to enter the fight only to be kicked back by Mercury. Mercury continued kicking at Jaune, firing off bullets from his boots, causing Jaune to have to shield himself. During this fight, the others attempted to get around, only for the area to be surrounded in an assortment of swords made of the nearby minerals. Tyrian and Arthur entered the fight scene, the both of them having cyan eyes.]*

Winter: Not too loyal, are they?

Mercury: They are, just took a bit of brainwashing from a crab.

Nora: That's annoying.

Mercury: Annoying? No.

Emerald: Pretentious?

Mercury: Yeah, that's more like it.

*[Arthur brought up more stone swords and began slashing them at Winter, who pulled out her own sabers to fight back. Tyrian jumped behind Qrow who quickly pulled out his blade, combating against Tyrian's wrist blades and mechanical scorpion tail. Suddenly, crashing through the wall of beacon and through some of the swords was Alan, now in the form of a large beast made of red rock. Yellow-orange magma poured from his eyes and mouth, and he seemed to have a volcano growing from his back which housed the Simplicitrix. Negative Puncherbot slowly followed through the hole made by him. Lavalamp looked up and charged up a stream of lava which he shot at Negative Puncherbot, who swiftly dodged the attack. Lavalamp then heated up his hands and charged Negative Puncherbot, causing the latter to jump over him and kick him. He clanged his fists together again, knocking away Lavalamp before using a steam attack on him. Lavalamp groaned as he spun around, landing a hot punch into Negative Puncherbot's chest and flinging him back. Negative Puncherbot got up, seeing Lavalamp charging towards him. Readying his fist, Negative Puncherbot hit Lavalamp with a concussion punch right into his forehead, causing his head to crack, some lava pouring out. Weakily, Lavalamp chnaged into Four Arms to attempt to combat Negative Puncherbot's strength, which proved to be to no avail as the latter just knocked him the fuck away. A red flash consumed Four Arms as he changed into Lodestar, using his magnetism to throw Negative Puncherbot back out of the building before changing back, holding his head.]*

Oscar: Are you alright over there?

Alan: I... think so. I'm not used to getting this tired while doing this.

*[Alan, struggling, made his way out of Beacon to find where his brother went.]*

Alan: Where'd you go you little shit?

Negative Way Big: "Little" isn't the word I'd use.

*[Loud footsteps approached as Negative Way Big appeared.]*

Alan: For fuck's sake, this song and dance again? *[sighs]* No, this time she join's the fight.

Negative Way Big: *[cocks eye]*"She?"

*[Alan closed his eyes. Negative Way Big was thrown to the side as GrimmZilla bashed into him. She whacked him with her tail and roared at him. Negative Way Big put his wrists together and attempted to generate a cosmic beam, only for him to be interrupted by another tail whack, turning to see Mongilla coming in to bite his jugular. GrimmZilla went for his head fin, only for Negative Way Big to punch her away by hitting her throat. Mongilla scowled and growled at Negative Way Big before charging up his toxic beam and blasting it directly at his face. Before the two could fight more, the sound of a Grimm roaring was heard. Mongilla turned and saw the wyvern Grimm flying towards him. Mongilla simply charged up his toxic beam and blasted the wyvern, destroying it instantly, which was enough of a distraction for Negative Way Big to punch him to the ground.]*

Negative Way Big: I'm not going to let you get in the way again.

*[Negative Way Big stepped towards the tower.]*

Negative Way Big: I'm going to make this quite simple for everyone.

*[Negative Way Big pressed the Simplicitrix, and four spikes came out. He screamed out in pain as a wave of cyan energy went over his body. His color scheme changed from a yellow and white to a green and silver. Extra armor formed over most of his body. His elbow blades changed from one on each arm to three, and two horns grew from his head, one on either side of his fin. His hands glowed a vibrant cyan with a starry pattern flowing through them. He was far larger than both his original self and Mongilla.]*

Negative Ultimate Way Big: You're not going to be here, unless I want you here.

*[Negative Ultimate Way Big clapped his hands together. The entire area was filled with cyan cosmic energy as almost all of the* RWBY *heroes were thrown out of the academy, along with GrimmZilla and Mongilla being thrown away. After moving them a good distance, Negative Ultimate Way Big created a cosmic force field around the academy, transforming back as he scowled at the heroes before walking inside. Mongilla transformed back to Alan and rushed to the other heroes. Ruby rose-sped up to him.]*

Ruby: We're missing three! Winter, Radiant, and Oscar!

*[Alan turned back to the academy.]*

Alan: He wanted them there, then.

*[Alan sighed with grief, clenching his fists before looking back to GrimmZilla then to the teams then to Ruby.]*

Alan: We need to get out of here. It isn't safe here.

*[Ruby nodded and went to the groups to try to help gather them up. Alan went back to GrimmZilla and climbed up on her as she followed the group away from Beacon, and back into the forests away from Vale.]*

*[The group made their way to a clearing in the woods. GrimmZilla knelt down for Alan to get onto the ground. Weiss fell to her knees, tears coming out of her face as Ruby knelt down to comfort her. Alan stood away from the group once again. Sun turned to Qrow.]*

Sun: What do Cinder and Richard want with those three?

Qrow: For one, each of them have a relic. If she finds the vault at Beacon, she'll have all four. Radiant and Winter are also Maidens... And there's only one way to get the power of a Maiden...

*[Qrow turned to Weiss, whose eyes trembled when realizing the implication of Cinder killing Winter. There was a blinding red light as the heroes turned to see Alan had changed into Rath. He let out a loud roar of anger as he uprooted a tree and threw it, using it to knock down several more trees. The commotion caused a large, bird-like Grimm to fly into the sky and head towards them. Rath picked up a nearby boulder and proceeded to angrily yeet it at the Grimm, killing it instantly.]*

Rath: I HAD HIM! I FUCKING HAD HIM! I HAD HIM AND I FUCKING LOST AGAIN!

*[Rath threw his fist into the ground as Yang approached.]*

Yang: Alan-

Rath: *[growls]* LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, YANG XIAO LONG! I-

*[Before he could continue, Rath found himself several feet from where he was, and laying on the ground. Groaning, he lifted his head to see what happened. Dust cleared away, showing Yang, breathing heavily in a stance one would have immediately after hitting someone. Her hair was alight and her eyes a vibrant red.]*

Yang: NO! YOU'RE GOING TO LET *ME* TELL *YOU* SOMETHING! WE ALL LOST! ONE OF US MORE THAN THE OTHERS! *[motions to Weiss]* THIS IS JUST WASTING TIME! SO EITHER HELP US WITH A NEW PLAN OF ATTACK, OR SHUT UP! BECAUSE THIS LITTLE PITY PARTY OF YOURS ISN'T FUCKING HELPING ANYTHING!

*[Rath groaned. He lifted his hand weakily, only for it to fall onto the Simplicitrix, transforming him back. Yang's hair and eyes returned to normal as her expression changed from anger to confusion. Alan walked forward, causing some of them to take a step back from him. He threw his arms up.]*

Alan: What?!

*[Suddenly, Alan followed suit, his own eyes widening. Slowly and reluctantly, his eyes shifted over to his right hand. While his arm was in the proper shape, it was still covered in Rath's yellow and white fur, with his metallic claw sticking out. His arm began shaking and his breathing increased.]*

Velvet: I don't take it that's normal...?

Alan: N-No.... Not at alll.

*[The Rath arm abruptly changed back to normal, but then his left arm burst into red flames and then became covered in black rock, changing into Heatblast's arm. Just as quickly as it showed up, it disappeared, only to be replaced with Stinkfly's wings coming out of his back, which then swiftly retracted.]*

Alan: What the fu-

*[Alan interrupted himself with the roar of Wildmutt as his teeth changed. His teeth transformed back but then the mace-ended tail of Humungousaur grew out of his lower back, making him fall to the ground. The tail shot back into him, knocking him forward as his lower body changed into that of Ripjaws. Alan's lower body then changed back, giving him a few minutes of respite and the chance to stand, before both of his lower arms changed again. They became rounder and were made of a blue metal, with his three-fingered hands being black. The blue metal had containers of water in them. The others watched on as his Overflow arms shot water onto the ground, forcing Alan into the air before changing back to normal. Fear came over Alan's face as he found himself falling to the ground. He fell onto his back, and then his arms fell to the ground, activating the Simplicitrix and transforming him.]*

*[Alan found himself in the form of a tall alien. This alien's body was made of a black, rubbery substance, and there was an area of red on his chest and torso. Silver bolts lined his arms and thighs, as well as a matching silver band showing up on his upper arm. He had a pair of antennae which ended in silver plugs, and a tail to match. He slowly opened his single eye, to reveal it glowing red with a cat-like iris in the center. This alien was Feedback.]*

Coco: What was that about?

Feedback: If I had to guess? *[groans while getting up]* Probably a combination of me not getting up all the pieces of the Simplicitrix, and it being put together by someone who didn't really know what they were doing... And all the heavy fighting with Richard didn't help either, I imagine.

*[Feedback went to touch the Simplicitrix, but hesitated. Instead, he closed his eye, and mentally transformed back without hitting it. Ruby focused her attention on him.]*

Ruby: What's the plan?

Alan: What are you asking me for? The only thing I really know is fight the guy with my powers and that obviously doesn't work. You're one of the team leaders, aren't you? This is your call.

*[Ruby nodded, then turned to Jaune, Coco, and Sun.]*

Sun: I'll take my team back to keep an eye on Beacon, and let you know if anything happens.

Coco: You saw how dangerous that place can be, it's gonna take two teams just to be safe.

*[Jaune looked over at Weiss.]*

Jaune: We need to get Weiss somewhere safe where she can calm down.

Ruby: My dad lives over in Patch, that might be the best place for her since Vale is covered in Grimm.

*[Ruby turned to Yang.]*

Ruby: Yang. *[sighs]* This might be a lost cause but...

Yang: You've got to be kidding.

Ruby: We just lost the other two Maidens, and all the Relics. I don't know if you can convince her, but right now, Raven's our only shot. *[looks at Alan]* Or is at least our main one.

Yang: Even if I wanted to do that, she's all the way over in Mistral. It'd take us forever to get there.

Ruby: *[looks down at the Simplicitrix]* No, it won't.

Alan: Are you serious? You saw what just happened. This thing is starting to fuck with my human form now.

*[Just as Alan said this, Diamondhead's spikes jutted out from his back, causing him to become annoyed.]*

Ruby: You were doing fine while you were calm. If you can relax some, you should be fine.

Alan: *[sighs, looks over at Ren]* Care to give me a head start on that?

*[Ren walked over and used his Semblance to calm Alan's emotions, causing the Diamondhead spikes to retract. Coming out of Ren's trance, Alan turned to Blake and Yang.]*

Alan: So, are we flying? Cause if so, you're gonna have to tell me directions.

Yang: I *was* hopeing we'd use Bumblebee but I think we lost track of her back in Argus.

*[Alan looked down at the Simplicitrix before hesitantly activating it and scrolling to Clockwork's hologram.]*

Alan: You guys wait here. This might be a little overkill, but I'm gonna do some Quantum Leaping real quick.

Blake: Do you even know what you're looking for?

Alan: ...No.

Yang: The big crate in the back car of the train we were on. That has my motorcycle in it.

Alan: Got it. Be right back, then.

*[Alan changed into Clockwork, then his entire body was consumed in a blinding, red light. When the light subsided, Clockwork found himself in the past, facing the*RWBY*heroes from when he first met them.]*

Past Ruby: The planet you're on is Remnant.

*[Despite being Clockwork now, none of the others seemed to realize Alan was different.]*

Clockwork: Remnant. Right. Okay. Just... Give me a minute.

*[Clockwork turned, using his past self's confusion as an excuse to gather himself. Getting his bearings straight, Clockwork then stopped time, allowing him to walk over to the back car of the train. He opened the side door of the car, and proceeded to pull the crate out, dragging it until he was standing where he was before stopping time. Time slowly started to speed up again as Clockwork and the crate were swallowed up by the red light again, subsiding as they returned to the present. Clockwork changed back to Alan before stumbling back.]*

Nora: You alright, there?

Alan: Yeah, just... Altering your personal past twice in one day, even if minimal, isn't a thing you get used to.

Qrow: It looked like you just turned into Clockwork and started freaking out.

Alan: Oh, that was my past self. I used Clockwork to leap into my past self's place to get Bumblebee, meaning he had to go somewhere, logically he ended up here. Why he looked like Clockwork, I have no idea, but damn it's convenient. Anyway. *[slaps crate]* Bumblebee, motorcycle, I'm going Upgrade to make her faster, yeah?

Yang: *[opens the crate]* Sounds about right. We'll be back in a bit.

*[Alan turned to GrimmZilla.]*

Alan: You go with CFVY and SSSN. And be good, play nice. Unless you see Richard. Then you can bite his cock off.

*[GrimmZilla roared in response. Yang and Blake climbed up on Bumblebee just before Alan turned into Upgrade to merge with the bike. The three of them sped off away to find Raven while the others headed to Patch and Beacon.]*

*[In the depths of Beacon Academy, Negative Snare-Oh walked the corridors, using his bandages to bind and carry Oscar, Winter, and Radiant. When he reached his destination, he kept them bound but detached them from his body, throwing them at the feet of Cinder. She smiled at them then looked up at Negative Snare-Oh.]*

Cinder: What of the others?

Negative Snare-Oh: Not here.

Cinder: Does that mean not dead?

*[Negative Snare-Oh remained silent, knowing she wouldn't appreciate his answer. Her smile turned to a scowl]*

Cinder: You were supposed to kill them!

*[Negative Snare-Oh then used some of his binds on Cinder, keeping her from attacking him or utilizing any dust. His chest opened slightly, a cyan light showing through the bandages.]*

Negative Snare-Oh: We are *partners*, Cinder. You are *not* my leader. We both decide how this goes. And if you want to back out on that arrangement now, then I will surely oblige... With *me* in control, of course.

*[Seeing that Negative Snare-Oh was continuing to slowly open his chest, Cinder conceded and stopped struggling. Negative Snare-Oh retracted his bandages and closed his chest, changing back to his human self.]*

Cinder: *Why* keep them alive, then?

Richard: I have my own plans that require both me and my brother to be alive. Should I have killed any of the others, I don't think he would've just let me go. *[looks down at the three he took]* I think I'm pushing the limit just by having these three. *[looks back up at Cinder]* How goes your end of the plan?

Cinder: Well, you're right on time, actually.

*[Richard and Cinder turned to face a machine which had several screens in the center, with a human sized pod on either side. Large tubes were connected to the pods and hung against the wall. The pod on the left contained Salem, whose body was trapped in some alien material.]*

Cinder: The machine needs a bit of a boost, if you catch my drift.

*[Richard nodded and transformed into Negative Brainstorm. He began to work at the screens as Cinder entered the pod on the right.]*

### Chapter 3

*[The scene opened on a peaceful shoreline, the water calm as it met with the land just a bit before a thick forest. Suddenly, the peace was disturbed by something shooting up out of the water like a comet. As it landed, it was revealed to be Upgraded Bumblebee with a dome over the top that retracted, revealing Blake and Yang.]*

Yang: You seem to know your way through that ocean.

Upgrade: Everything's faster the second time around.

*[Coming to a clearing, the motorcycle slowed to a halt. Upgrade detached from it and was swarmed with red light as he became Alan again, following Blake and Yang's lead. Walking throught he clearing, they found themselves at a bandit campsite. There were several small wildfires going, obviously not for the same purpose as campfires, and the dead bodies of several bandits laying around. Water suddenly spilled over the fires, the two huntresses turning to see Alan as a rotund, blue, robotic alien with water canisters. Reverting to human, Alan shared in Yang and Blake's confusion.]*

Alan: What the hell happened here?

Yang: There's no way Raven's here, she wouldn't have let this happen.

Alan: And you're sure this is her specific bandit camp?

*[Blake looked down at a torn tapestry. It was blood red, and had a grey logo on it. The logo appeared like a large and small gear within a raven's wing.]*

Blake: Yeah. This is definitely hers.

*[The sound of ripping flesh could be heard from not so far away. As the three approached the sound, a streak of blood splattered across the ground from around a corner, and a thud was heard.]*

Voice: You're absolutely right, Yang.

*[Blake and Yang gasped, recognizing the voice, their hearts sinking and eyes filling with fear. From around the corner came a man weaing a black and grey leather tunic jacket and black pants. He also had a maroon belt that held a long sword and a black drape that had red floral designs. On the back of his jacket was a symbol that looked like a red, wilting rose. His hair was an auburn-red that was spiked backwards, and he had small, black horns sticking out of his hair. Covering his eyes was a white visor with red markings, and four small, dark holes that allowed him to see.]*

Adam: Raven isn't here. I was really hoping to talk with her face to face, but I suppose killing her subordinates for betrayal of my associates back at Haven would be a good enough message to leave.

*[Adam smiled when he saw the looks of Yang and Blake.]*

Adam: Hello, Blake. Yang. *[to Alan]* Associate.

Alan: Who the fuck is this?

Blake: Adam.

Alan: That answers a lot.

Blake: Leader of the White Fang.

Adam: *Former* leader. You made sure of that, after all.

Blake: *[ignoring Adam, answering Alan's unasked question]* Faunus terrorists.

Alan: Ah, yes, terrorism, because the one, true way to remove negative connotation is to make the connotation even *more* negative. Very helpful.

Adam: What rock have you been living under to need an explanation of who the White Fang are?

Alan: A multiversal rock.

Adam: It's not so much removing our negative connotation but getting back at those that gave us it in the first place.

Alan: Like I said, *very* helpful.

*[Quite reasonably, Adam was getting more infuriated the longer Alan talked.]*

Adam: And what would you know, human?! I don't need some inferior trying to give me a moral pep talk!

Alan: Reverse racism is still racism. And trust me... You've never met a human like me.

Adam: I'd like to test that theory.

*[Adam put his hand to his sword. Alan reached to his back and pulled out Raijin, spinning it around some and worrying Blake.]*

Blake: Alan, this is the absolute *worst* time to be choosing the trident instead of an alien.

Alan: Come on. Bullhorns over here can't be that ba-

*[Alan was suddenly cut off when he was hit in the chest by the hilt of Adam's sword. Alan stumbled back as Adam rushed to grab the sword, taking hold of it and slashing at Alan who just barely was able to block with Raijin. The two began attempting and failing at hitting the other, effectively just sparring as opposed to any actual damage being done. Breaking this cycle, Adam slashed his sword near the pronged end of Raijin, using it as a lever to pull it away from Alan.]*

Adam: I've fought against hunters and huntresses, Grimm, and Atlesian soldiers and automatons.

*[Adam kicked Alan's chest, knocking him to the ground.]*

Adam: Either you're extremely out of practice, or you're nothing. You're proving even easier than Yang's arm.

*[Angered by this comment, Yang attempted to rush Adam, who simply fired his sword hilt first towards her, knocking her back, almost hitting Blake who dodged with the use of her Semblance. Adam watched Yang tumble across the ground past Blake.]*

Adam: You could have caught her.

Blake: She would rather me keep fighting you.

Yang: *[from afar]* That's true!

Adam: "Keep?" Blake, the only one of you that hasn't fought me yet... Is you. In fact...

*[Adam slashed his sword at Blake, going right through her. Her body then dissipated into blake smoke and the scene panned around to show Blake standing away from him.]*

Adam: ...You weren't even really there. Evasion. Your substitute for facing issues head on.

Blake: I don't have to prove anything to you!

*[Adam coldly looked over at Yang.]*

Adam: You know. You took what was mine back at Haven. *[looks at Alan]* Now, I'm going to take what's yours.

*[Adam made his way towards Alan, unsheathing his sword as he did. Putting it out in front of him, he went to ram it through Alan, but found himself stopped prematurely, realizing the sword had instead gone through Blake's lower, right side as she stood there, looking at Adam defiantly but obviously in pain. Surprised to some extent, Adam simply pulled the blade from his incorrect target, causing her to fall to the ground, bleeding.]*

Adam: There was a time you would have done that for me. *[to Yang and Alan]* She'll leave the both of you in time, too.

*[Adam continued his way to Alan, who was staring over at Blake. Alan quickly grabbed Raijin and spun it around, attempting to knock Adam's feet out from under him. Adam, however, dodged this, jumping up and then kicking Alan's face, causing his glasses to shatter and the shards going into Alan's left eye. As Adam pulled his foot away, Alan put his hand up over his damaged eye, screaming in pain as blood trickled down his face.]*

Adam: Pathetic.

*[Adam turned to the other two, only to turn back when hearing an odd noise where Alan was. Before he could even acknowlege what was going on, he found himself being yeeted away by the massive arm of Humungousaur, landing and rolling across the ground. Humungousaur looked down at his hand, seeing blood on his hand.]*

Humungousaur: *[voice shaking]* Why? Why is it still hurting? I'm supposed to heal each time...

*[Adam got back up, a look of surprise on his face.]*

Adam: An interesting development.

Humungousaur: Shut the fuck up.

*[Humungousaur went to tap the Simplicitrix, only for Adam's sword to go flying into his hand, causing him to scream out again.]*

Humungousaur: FUCK!

*[Before Humungousaur could do much of anything else, Adam rushed him, pulling the sword out then putting it back into the sheath before kicking off of Humungousaur to get some distance. Red light encompassed Humungousaur as he became Alan, his left hand covered in its own blood and the blood of his eye. Adam then rushed him again, pulling the sword from its sheath, attempting to slash Alan, only for it to come in contact with Raijin at the last second, catching Adam off guard. Alan didn't need to block him for long, however, as he was suddenly blown back by Yang blasting him with fire as she charged at him; Alan fell to the ground again. Struggling and in pain, Alan crawled over towards Blake.]*

Alan: Come on, Blake. We- *[coughs]* We gotta kick his ass.

*[Alan lightly tapped the Simplicitrix. His skin turned to a scaley brown as large black spikes shot up out of his back.]*

Ouroborosaurus: Perfect.

*[Ouroborosaurus put his hand down to Blake's wound where it was staining her outfit. Though it pained him to lose some energy, he managed to heal up the wound and get her back up.]*

Ouroborosaurus: Go help Yang, I'll join you in a minute.

*[Blake nodded as Ouroborosaurus stayed on the ground, attempting to build up more energy to heal himself. Yang was throwing fiery hot punches at Adam, though each one was successfully blocked by his halfway-sheathed sword. Adam was caught off guard by a black rope wrapping around the sheath of the sword, pulling the gun half of the weapon away which landing at Blake's feet as she retracted Gambol Shroud. Adam looked past her to see Ouroborosaurus.]*

Adam: This one's just full of surprises.

*[Adam charged Blake, who dodged with her Semblance. Unfortunately, this is exactly what Adam was counting on, as it gave him a perfect opportunity to strike Ouroborosaurus, though he stopped just as he reached him.]*

Adam: What is this?

Ouroborosaurus: Pacifying aura. Keeps things safe near me so I can build up energy for healing.

*[Ouroborosaurus showed that his left hand and left eye had healed in the small amount of time he was out of the fight.]*

Ouroborosaurus: And... It makes prey easier to catch.

*[Ouroborosaurus slashed at Adam, knocking him to the ground. He then stepped on Adam's back to step over him, some bones audibly breaking, before becoming his human self again.]*

Alan: Told you guys. Not that tough. I didn't even really need to fi-

*[Alan was suddenly interrupted, Blake and Yang gasping, and looking on in shock and horror. Adam's sword was going through Alan's forehead. Adam then swiftly pulled the sword back out and spun around, slicing off Alan's head, causing his body to collapse while his head flew off to the side.]*

Adam: Try to heal when you can't turn into one of your reptiles!

*[Adam turned to the two huntresses, noticing Yang's robotic arm shaking.]*

Adam: And no prosthetic will help, either.

*[Hearing this set off Yang, whose hair lit up and eyes turned red. With Yang running at Adam, fully ablaze, he attempted to block her, but her punch finally shattered his sword and landed on him, knocking him away.]*

Yang: You've caused so much pain and suffering for so many people who didn't even deserve it!

Blake: You say it's all for the better of the Faunus, but it's just making things worse! It just fills your bloodlust, and it ends here!

Adam: You talk of me hurting others, but do you have any idea how much *you've* hurt *me*, Blake?

*[Blake stood her ground and seemed unphased by this comment.]*

Blake: I haven't hurt you at all, because you never cared to begin with.

*[Uno Reverse Card style, Adam was the one hurt this go around.]*

Adam: If that's what you choose to believe...

*[Adam rushed Blake and Yang before jumping over them. Landing on the other side, he grabbed up the gun-sheath of his gun and turned back to them. Just as Adam was about to clash with the two, he was thrown to the side. He looked back, and saw Alan standing back up, head reattached to his body.]*

Alan: We ain't done, bitch.

*[Groaning, Adam aimed his gun-sheath at Alan, firing off several bullets into him. The bullet wounds all healed relatively quickly.]*

Alan: Not sure if I like that.

*[Alan then summoned blue fireballs in each hand.]*

Alan: But I *do* like that!

*[Alan threw the fire at Adam, who swiftly dodged only to get caught up in a water blast that sent him back. Alan then shot at Adam at high speeds before running around him, creating a vortex that lifted him into the air. When the vortex stopped, Adam began falling. Alan ran at Adam, kicking at his face, knocking off his mask as he flew back. Beneath his mask a scar in the form of "SDC." His left eye was heavily damaged by the scar, being primarily red. His normal eye was blue. As Alan slowly went to continue his assault on Adam, a raven flew into the scene.]*

*[In a mass of feathers, the raven became human. As a human, she appeared like Yang, though had black hair and red eyes. She wore a shallow cut, black and red dress with black shorts beneath it. She wore long black gloves that had red armor on them, as well as black, mid-thigh high leggings, and heels. On her belt was a mass of what appeared to be either feathers or fur, as well as her sheathed sword. She looked to Yang in a cold but confused state.]*

Raven: Yang?

*[Before much of any conversing could be done, they were interrupted by the loud sound of Alan using sonic screams on Adam. Alan then looked up to see Raven.]*

Alan: You must be Raven. Alan.

Raven: ...Charmed.

Alan: Likewise.

*[Alan then stretched his hair down low to dig into the ground. A few moments later, Alan came bursting out of the ground from underneath Adam, grabbing him as he was propelled into the air by red energy coming out of a blue and cyan jetpack that looked like wings. Once high into the air, Alan let go, letting Adam seem weightless for a moment before he was thrown into the ground by force. When Adam hit the ground, he created a small crater, and a red mesh pattern flashed over his body, indicating his Aura had run out. Slamming into the ground nearby was a large, magenta ball of armor, which then retracted to show Alan in a cannonball position just before he stood up. He once again started for Adam.]*

Yang: Alan, I think that's enough.

*[Alan didn't really give a shit what Yang thought in that moment, continuing for the terrorist.]*

Blake: Alan, you can stop now!

*[Still giving absolute zero fucks by the time he reached the fucker, Alan kicked at Adam's body on the ground.]*

Alan: Get up. Come on. Get up, you fuck.

*[Alan reached down and picked up Adam, then violently threw him against a tree. A loud snap was heard as Adam's head flung back and hit the tree.]*

Alan: I said GET UP! FIGHT BACK!

*[To ensure Adam didn't move, Alan put his hand out and shot a Diamondhead crystal, sticking him to the tree. Despite how obvious it was Adam didn't react to this, Alan didn't seem to notice whatsoever, and he activated super speed again, transforming both of his arms into Rath arms as he did. Letting out one of Rath's roars as he came to a stop, Alan began to violently slash his claws into Adam's flesh before plunging one hand into his stomach and the other into his chest.]*

Alan: *[mocking Adam's earlier comment]*Pathetic.

Blake/Yang: ALAN!

*[Finally, Alan snapped out of his blind rage. Alan looked down and watched as he returned to normal, his once Appoplexian arms becoming human while still covered in Adam's blood. His eyes widened and quivered, realizing what he had done.]*

Chloe *(voice)*: I *really* don't like how calm you are at the idea of killing him.

Alexis *(voice)*: And what are*you*? Aren't you supposed to be the hero?

Chloe *(voice)*: I thought I knew you.

*[The voices of Alan's friends echoed in his mind before he was snapped out of it again.]*

Blake: Alan!

*[Alan shook before looking at the other three. Blake and Yang were both concerned for his mental well-being as well as absolutely mortified by the absolute murder that just happened. Raven, however, was not nearly as moritifed or concerned.]*

Yang: Alan...? Are you alright now?

*[Yang went to put a hand on Alan's shoulder, but he sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind him, only increasing their concern. Raven looked around, seeing the corpses of her subordinates.]*

Raven: I take it this was, Adam.

Yang: *[angered, turning to face Raven]* *That's* what you're concerned with?!

Raven: You have your loyalties, and I have mine. As I recall, they don't particularly align.

Blake: They did once.

Yang: Back when you wanted to help.

Raven: I *did* help. But Ozpin refused to accept what came of my help. So much so, he refused to tell anyone that Salem is unkillable.

Yang: How do you know about that?

Raven: Yang, who do you think told Ozpin to ask Jinn the most obvious question? I needed to know what I was up against, and when I found out it was futile, I left. No reason to waste time and energy on such a pointless mission.

Blake: ...You may want to reconsider that.

Raven: And why exactly would I do that?

Blake: Because now you're the only chance this world has.

*[Raven's stern expression remained despite how fucking heavy a sentence like that should be.]*

Raven: I don't have any obligation to do anything. I don't owe this world a damn thing.

Yang: That's not true! You have that responsibility as the Spring Maiden!

Raven: Is that so? In that case, why don't you take the power from me and thus the responsibility?

Yang: Because I'm not *you*.

*[Raven's expression finally softened, realizing how much disapproval Yang had for her.]*

Yang: I don't *want* to ask for your help, but with the other Maidens either taken or evil, and Alan god knows where, I don't have much of a choice. And neither do you.

*[Raven pondered for a moment then sighed.]*

*[The scene was the living room of a large cabin. The room had an ovular carpet, a green couch, and a large TV. The stairway to the upper level could be seen from the room. Qrow, Nora, and Ruby currently sat on the couch of the room. Footsteps were heard coming down the steps as Weiss, Ren, and Jaune came down in sort of an Aura conga line, Jaune using his Semblance to amplify Ren's as he used his to calm Weiss. Ruby stood up, taking Weiss by the hands as the other two stopped their Semblances.]*

Ruby: How are you feeling?

Weiss: As good as I can be, I guess. It doesn't last long when Ren stops, but Jaune helps it stay a bit longer than it would with just Ren.

Ruby: We'll save her. And everyone else. I promise.

*[Weiss put on a small smile as she hugged Ruby. A strange, tinny, whirring sound was heard. There was a bright flash of red outside the house. Running out, they saw a black and red portal closing, with Yang and Blake on Bumblebee, and Raven right behind them. Another man walked out of the house. He was blonde with blue eyes, having about as much stubble as Qrow. He wore a brown vest over a tan, short sleeve dress shirt, a red bandana around his left arm, brown cargo pants, and black shoes. The right sleeve of the shirt was torn off and replaced with a metal shoulder pad, and he had a bracer and fingerless glove, which were matching brown in color, on his right arm and hand. He seemed surprise at the sight of Raven, who subdued her emotion about the situation.]*

Raven: Hello, Taiyang.

Taiyang: Raven...

*[After a moment of silence, the tension was finally broken.]*

Qrow: This is awkward.

*[Blake and Yang dismounted Bumblebee, the sight of Blake's outfit being stained in blood catching the others off guard.]*

Ruby: What happened out there?!

Weiss: And where's Alan?

*[Blake and Yang shared worried glances.]*

Blake: We... ran into a bit of trouble.

### Chapter 4

*[A sonic boom was heard as a streak of light came to a halt after approaching Beacon, revealing it to be Alan, looking around confused. His hands were no longer covered in Adam's blood, though there was some subtle staining of it on the cuffs of his outfit.]*

Alan: Why did he take the force field down?

*[Alan looked up at the top of the tower, seeing an intense storm striking cyan lightning down at it. The clouds were changing between different but equally deep hues.]*

Alan: That's ominous.

*[A hand was placed on Alan's shoulder and he spun around, ready to attack, but then lowered his guard when he saw it was Sun.]*

Sun: Alan, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with Blake and Yang?

*[Alan suddenly got flashbacks to the sight of Adam's blood on his arms. He stumbled back from Sun a few steps.]*

Sun: Alan?

*[Alan simply turned and zoomed away from Sun, heading towards the tower. Sun pulled out his scroll (a sort of high tech phone, I have no idea if I described this in any previous part), calling Ruby.]*

Sun: Ruby! I've got sight of Alan! ...Sort of. He's at Beacon, you bring your guys, and I'll get my team and CVFY ready!

*[Sun hung up and ran back to join the two teams. Using his speed, Alan sped his way up the side of the tower of Beacon, jumping up and landing on the ruins at the top. Mercury, Neo, and Emerald turned back to him, surprised to see him. Richard stayed looking as well, as well as who appeared to be Salem.]*

Alan: So, what, did Salem kill Cinder and make you all join her side?

*[Alan's tone changed when the figure turned around. Rather than Salem, the figure was Cinder, who had taken the Grimm-like aesthetic that Salem had on her.]*

Alan: Nope, don't like that.

Cinder: Kill him.

Richard: Cinder, I already told you I-

Cinder: *You're* not the one with power now, are you? I have the most power here, so that means you listen to me. If you don't, then your plans will be even more stillborn than just losing him.

*[Richard hesitated then turned to Alan, though he didn't make eye contact.]*

Richard: For once in my life... I really don't mean for it to be this way.

*[Alan somehow became even more confused, reasonably so, as Richard moved his hand to his Simplicitrix. His entire body seemed to disintegrate, becoming an amorphous, green blob. He grew in size, nearly the size of Humungousaur. Large globs grew from his back, as well as a glob in the form of a tail coming from his lower back. Darker green blobs appeared in his hands and head, the latter of which gained two cyan eyes. The Negative Simplicitrix flashed onto his head.]*

Negative Acid Reflex: Just make this easy.

Alan: Why in the actual ass would I do that?

Negative Acid Reflex: *[sighing]* Defiant as always.

*[Negative Acid Reflex stretched out his arms, changing his hands into clubs as he slammed them against Alan. At first, he appeared surprised that Alan had not immediately transformed, that is, until he suddenly pulled his arms back, yelling in pain. The clubs had been singed by Alan, who was generating Heatblast's fire all around his body.]*

Negative Acid Reflex: What are you doing?

Alan: Not making it easy.

*[Negative Acid Reflex's body was consumed with cyan light as he changed into Negative Water Hazard, who proceeded to shoot blasts of water at Alan. Alan then dodged the attacks before spitting out a red substance, which hit Negative Water Hazard and prevented him from using his attacks.]*

Alan: Seem famiilar?

*[Alan then shot out an icy beam from his mouth that froze Negative Water Hazard solid. Alan went to head for the other villains, only for the ice to be melted by Richard switching to Negative Heatblast. Negative Heatblast went to throw a punch at Alan, only for the latter to catch it, unphased by the heat of the fire. Alan then landed a punch to Negative Heatblast's gut, sending him flying back. Switching gears, Richard switched to Negative Arctiguana and froze Alan with an ice blast, seemingly getting back at him, only for Alan to phase out of the ice with intangibility. Visibly annoyed, the Polar Manzardill switched over to the Ekoplektoid form. Negative Alanomany ran at Alan, which lead to the latter kicking him away. This hit, and the subsequent rolling, caused Negative Alanomany to split into denser duplications, the weight of which caused part of the top of the tower to crumble beneath the clones, sending them tumbling down into the building. Alan turned his attention to the other villains.]*

Alan: Let's get this over with.

*[Alan reached around and pulled out Raijin, spinning it around and collecting water from the atmosphere which he used to knock down Cinder's underlings. Angered, Mercury got back up and rushed Alan, attempting to kick at him only for his kicks to be blocked by Raijin. Alan then pushed Mercury back and pointed the pronged end of Raijin at him, causing Mercury to smirk.]*

Mercury: You won't do it.

*[Mercury taunted Alan by pressing himself against the prongs of Raijin.]*

Mercury: After all, heroes don't kill.

*[Alan's grip on Raijin tightened.]*

Alan: You're right. They don't.

*[Mercury chuckled, thinking he got into Alan's head. This was quite short lived, however, as a fleshy sound was heard just before blood trickled out of Mercury's mouth. Emerald and Neo were caught off guard by the sight of Alan having plunged the prongs of Raijin into Mercury's torso.]*

Alan: But I'm. Not. A hero.

*[Alan pulled Raijin away, Mercury falling to the ground and stumbling away from Alan.]*

Alan: Though I can be merciful.

*[Alan pressed the button on the far end of Raijin, causing the spiked ends of its prongs to pen up as the head began spinning, firing off several bullets into Mercury, putting him out of his misery before Alan stopped.]*

Alan: ...Sometimes.

*[Alan looked up, seeing Emerald in quite a bit of stress from this event. She looked back at Alan, angered, though before she could do much of anything, she suddenly was met with a Diamondhead crystal in the forehead before collapsing.]*

Alan: How's that for an emerald?

*[Alan then turned, though didn't see the final of the three.]*

Alan: Oh for fuck's sake.

*[Alan felt a tapping on his shoulder. Believing it to be Neo or Richard, he spun around, Rath claw ready before he stopped, retracting his claw and becoming troubled when he saw Alexis standing behind him.]*

Alan: I... I... I think you underestimated how much I want to fight her, sometimes.

*[Alexis seemed surprised as Alan charged up his arms with red electricity before punching at her, though each throw was swiftly dodged. Annoyed, Alan simply shot the electricity at her, creating a cloud of smoke. A silhouette jumped from the smoke to behind Alan. He turned to fight but became even more off guard when he saw Chloe there. Taking advantage of this, Chloe punched him, knocking him to the ground before looking down at him smugly. Groaning, Alan closed his eyes, and Wildmutt's gills appeared on his neck. Using the Vulpimancer's sense of smell, Alan was unable to detect the smell of Chloe or Alexis, making it easier for him to jump up and grab "Chloe" by the neck before holding her over the edge of the tower. His eyes opened, showing a vibrant green. Struggling, "Chloe's" body was covered in pink fractals before it changed, revealing her to be Neo.]*

Alan: How in the FUCK do you know about them?!

*[A wooshing sound was heard behind Alan as Negative Jetray flew up from within the tower and landed behind him.]*

Negative Jetray: That would be my doing. I had hoped her illusion powers would render you powerless against your own friends, but I see that hasn't worked.

*[Alan sighed and took his glassed off, putting them in his jacket pocket before turning back to Neo. Thanos-Gamora style, he threw her off the edge. Initially, she activated her umbrella, allowing for a safe landing, but this was cut short when she was blown up by a radioactive green blast from Alan's eyes. A cyan flash was seen behind Alan, who turned to face Richard, only to be met with the fist of Negative Four Arms as he punched Alan off the tower as well.]*

*[Teams CFVY and SSSN, as well as GrimmZilla, were making their way towards Beacon. One of Velvet's ears twitched as she looked up.]*

Velvet: Is that Alan?

*[The others turned to Velvet before following her gaze. Indeed, it was Alan, falling from the sky just before hitting the ground and rolling, leaving a trail of blood and many of his bones breaking. The teams winced at the sight.]*

Coco: I think "was" is more applicable.

Alan: *[vocie gurgling blood]* I heard that.

*[Without actually transforming into Goop, Alan's entire body changed to be like his, using this to shapeshift back to normal and fix his wounds before removing the Goop aspect of his body.]*

Sun: What happened up there?

Alan: Cinder took Salem's power. RIchard's still up there with her. I um... *[coughs]* took care of her lackeys.

Velvet: What exactly do you mean "took care of?"

*[A green light shown from above as Neo's umbrella slowly came down with a green fire on it. The others turned back to Alan, obviously disapprovingly, with Alan not making eye contact.]*

Sun: Seriously?!

Alan: They had it coming.

Neptune: Dude, what is your problem?!

Alan: ...I don't even know how to begin answering that question.

*[Suddenly, a familiar whirring noise was heard. The group turned to see one of Raven's portals open behind them. Revving was heard and Bumblebee with Bmblb drove out, followed by Ruby speeding out and Weiss sliding on her Glyphs, and Ren and Nora following as well.]*

Neptune: How did you guys do that?

Ruby: Raven's Semblance plus Jaune's aura amping. They went with Qrow and my dad to go get more backup just in case we need it.

Blake: Alan?

*[Alan looked up, seeing the two he ran off from earlier, mainly eyeing Blake as she got closer. Before he could turn to Yang, he found himself face-to-robot-fist with her as she punched him away.]*

Yang: Asshole! You can't just run off from us like that! We were worried!

Alan: ...Sorry.

*[As Alan struggled to his feet, the lot of them heard soft footsteps approaching. Looking towards Beacon, they saw a young woman coming towards them, stumbling a bit and visibly confused. She had blonde hair, pale skin, and blue-green eyes. She wore a white dress with several blue details. Seeing she was struggling, Sun clasped his hands together, generating two yellow, hard-light clones of himself to run over and help her, disappearing after bringing her cloesr to the group.]*

Ruby: Are you okay?

Woman: I... I think so... Ruby...

Ruby: *[reasonably confused]* You know me?

Woman: Yes, I... I believe I know all of you.

*[The woman panned her eyes around the group before getting to Alan, her eyes going down to the Simplicitrix.]*

Woman: It's... It's back...

*[Alan looked down at the Simplicitrix as well.]*

Weiss: What do you mean, "it's back?"

Woman: The watch... He has it again. Even after I... After it was-

Alan: *[flatly]* Destroyed.

*[Alan and the woman locked eyes. The woman's soft expression changed to fear when she saw Alan's eyes fill with rage and hate.]*

Alan: I know how she knows about us. And about this. *[lifts up right arm to show Simplicitrix]* That's... Salem.

*[Everyone looked surprised before taking a step back from her.]*

Salem: No, I- Well, yes, but-

Alan: Cinder taking your power just turned you back to what you were before. It didn't kill you like I imagine she intended.

*[Way Big's light blue armor constructs from his elbows and wrists formed onto Alan's arms as he crossed them at the wrist in an X-formation.]*

Alan: I guess I'll have to oblige.

Yang: Alan, no!

*[Alan prepared to let out a cosmic beam, but it didn't work. Nothing happened. Alan looked at his wrists confused as he continued trying to fire the beam.]*

Alan: Why isn't it working?

*[Seemingly against his will, Alan's arms pulled away from each other as he tried to get them back in place. Realization washed over him.]*

Alan: Oh. Oh, no. You have to let me do it. You have to let me get rid of her.

*[Regaining control of his arms, Alan attempted to land a punch on Salem, only for his fist to come back around and punch him in the face instead, knocking him to the ground.]*

Alan: FUCK YOU! YOU DON'T FUCKING CONTROL ME, YOU GHOST FUCK!

*[Alan got back up and went for Salem again, but stopped, once again against his will. His anger acculminated in tears running down his face.]*

Alan: Please... I need to do this...

*[Everyone was caught off guard by Alan screaming, his arms losing their Way Big bits as he held his head.]*

Alan: WHY DID YOU HAVE TO COME BACK NOW?!

*[Continuing his screams, Alan's typically white and brown eyes became a vibrant purple with small, black pupils. Black markings formed around his eyes and his screaming dissipated, replaced with the calm demeanor but confused voice of Pride.]*

Pride: What in the *hell* happened while I was out?

Ruby: Pride?

Pride: The one and only. *[sees Salem]* Oh. You're the one who caused all this trouble, huh? I recognize you from Ozpin's memories.

Weiss: What happened to Alan?

Pride: That's what I'd like to know. One minute, I'm in the endless labyrinth that is Alan's mind, the next, I'm waking up from a dormant sleep I don't recall getting into myself. Oh, and not to mention Alan utilizing alien powers *without* transforming.

Yang: Salem destroyed the Simplicitrix.

*[Pride, reasonably, pulled up the wrist which housed the Simplicitrix.]*

Pride: What the fuck is this then?

Blake: We got it rebuilt but... Not exactly right.

*[The fingers on Pride's right hand changed to look like Chromastone's before changing back.]*

Pride: ...I see. *[turns to Salem]* So why aren't you spooky anymore?

Salem: Richard augmented Oz's machine. Instead of transferring Maiden power, it transferred mine. Of course, my curse kept me from being killed in the process. When Cinder and Richard, along with their three, left, Arthur and Tryian let me go while keeping an eye on the others.

Weiss: *[eyes light up]* So the others are alive?

Salem: ...The two women are.

*[This resulted in a mix of shocked and disheartened reactions.]*

Ruby: O-Oscar's...?

Salem: Cinder deemed Oz the one threat against her now. Disposing of him means he would have to regenerate again and that... takes time.

*[With the others becoming sorrowful over the loss of Oscar, Pride looked up at the top of the tower.]*

Pride: We need to put an end to this.

Neptune: Alan just tried that and it didn't work out well.

Pride: I'm sure Alan and I are really the only ones who can impact that part of the fight in any meaningful way.

*[Pride gasped suddenly, taking a few steps away before looking at Salem.]*

Pride: You need to go. He's on his way back and I can only hold him off for so long.

Salem: But he won'tbe able to kill me.

Pride: No, but he'll be too distracted trying to. He has a different fight to win. You're in the way.

*[Salem looked around before making a run for it. Before she could make too much progress, she was cut off by Ruby.]*

Ruby: Don't go too far. When this is all finished, you still have to answer for everything you've done.

*[For once, a look of guilt appeared over Salem's face as Ruby shot back to the others, then she continued on her way. Pride doubled over as Alan came back, though the two began flipping between who had control.]*

Alan: WHERE IS SHE?!

Pride: Gone.

Alan: I HAVE TO FINISH IT! SHE HAS TO PAY!

Pride: She will.

Alan: NO! NO, NO, NO! I HAVE TO BE THE ONE TO DO IT! THAT'S MY KILL!

Pride: You really think you'll be able to kill her?

Alan: I HAVE TO!

Pride: If you truly believe that, it's no wonder Chloe's going to leave.

*[With that, Pride reliquished control, leaving Alan to process this statement before falling to his knees, holding the sides of his head as he began crying. The whirring of Raven's portals was heard again. The heroes looked back and up to see many large portals opening up and Atlas airships flying out of them. A smaller portal opened and Penny flew out of it and landed near Ruby. Inside the main ship, Jaune was seen amplifying Raven's aura, alongside Ironwood, Qrow, and Taiyang.]*

Ironwood: Sorry we're late. Had to make a quick pitstop.

*[The scene panned over to show Rosanna next to Ironwood. She put her hand on his shoulder and clicked her heals, teleporting the two of them down to the ground level. Raven opened a portal near them and walked out with the other three. One ship opened up and Clover Ebi jumped out of it and landed, followed by the other four members of the Ace Ops. Another ship opened and Team FNKI jumped out. Alan finally calmed down long enough to stand up and realize how many people were around to help.]*

Ironwood: *[looking up at the storm]* What's the situation?

Alan: Fucked, I think would be the most fitting answer.

*[Screeching was heard from behind them. Everyone turned to see Grimm running out of the forest towards them. The turned again and saw more swarming Beacon as well. Several of the Huntsmen and Huntresses pulled out their weapons and began firing at the oncoming creatures, along with Penny flying up to combat those in the air. Velvet looked down at the Simplicitrix. She pulled out her camera and snapped a picture of the watch. Alan and Coco looked at her, the latter in confusion and the second in curiosity.]*

Coco: That's what you're gonna use it on?

Velvet: Seems fitting enough.

Alan: Use *what* on?

Coco: *[smirking]* You'll see.

*[Velvet returned the camera to her back and began walking towards the creatures of Grimm. She put her arm out and her camera generated a hard light copy of the Simplicitrix, causing Alan to cock an eyebrow. With bear and wolf-like Grimm nearing, Velvet hit her Simplicitrix, and a hard light copy of Four Arms generated around her, the Simplicitrix symbol forming on her chest rather than the Four Arms. She put out her arms then brought them together to create a sonic clap that vaporized the Grimm. She looked up and saw a giant, raven-like Grimm approaching. Hitting her Simplicitrix, Velvet's Four Arms changed into Lodestar. She brought a bunch of nearby scrap metal together and launched it at the creature, impaling it from all sides and angles, killing it.]*

Alan: ...I wasn't expecting competition.

*[Velvet's Lodestar shifted to Fasttrack as she ran back over.]*

Velvet: I can see why you enjoy this so much.

Alan: *[rolls eyes]* We need to get in there and save the other two.

Weiss: No, *we* need to. *You* need to go back up to the top and stop Cinder and Richard.

Alan: But what if you guys need me down there?

Weiss: You don't have to be involved with *everything*, you know. Enough of us will be able to fight Watts and Tyrian. But *you're* the only one that can handle *them*.

*[Weiss motioned up to the top of the tower. Alan sighed and nodded.]*

Alan: See you on the other side, ice queen.

Weiss: Right back at you, wall breaker.

*[Alan smirked before turning to Beacon's tower. He brought his hands up then hit his fists together in front of his chest, lighting up red fire around them. His hair then became alight with the same power, his eyes glowing red before flying up into the air towards the top of the tower. Most everyone awkwardly turned to Yang. Noticing this, she gave a sly shrug and smirk.]*

Yang: He learned from the best.

*[Teams RWBY and JNR, along with Qrow, Taiyang, and Raven, headed for inside Beacon. Alan reached the side of the tower, creating an icy plaform up the side before using it to slide upwards to the top, propelling himself upward in a mass of blue petals. The petals disappeared as he overshot the top just a bit. Richard turned, sighing when he saw his brother. Without being told, Richard became Negative Diamondhead and shot a crystal at Alan, only for him to become a shadowy mist to let it pass through him. Alan shot himself at Negative Diamondhead with Jetray's speed, taking him off the tower and into the air. Struggling to escape his grip, Negative Diamondhead switched to Negative Cannonbolt and thwacking Alan in the head, causing the two of them to start falling, Negative Cannonbolt switching to his sphere form before they both crashed into one of the buildings.]*

*[The crash into the building seemed to activate some sound equipment, as this song started playing. Alan slowly healed what wounds he got in the crash before standing, instinctively nodding his head to the music. He turned to see Negative Cannonbolt coming out of the smoke and rubble in his Ultimate form, having tan skin and yellow-gold spiked armor.]*

Alan: You wanna dance? Let's dance!

*[Negative Ultimate Cannonbolt scowled before entering sphere form and launching himself at Alan, who effortlessly dodged. NU Cannonbolt reversed to try hitting Alan again, who used Lodestar to lift him off the ground and spin him around like a basketball before tossing him away. Alan spun around, doing dances while evading NU Cannonbolt's attempts to hit him.]*

Alan: *This* is how you do a dance off to save the universe.

*[Alan was so caught up in the dancing that he didn't realize there was a cyan flash of light. A green gas filled the room and Alan finally took notice by sniffing. Confused, he turned to see Negative Swampfire generating methane before snapping his fingers. The entire building exploded, Negative Big Chill flying out to escape it. Alan, using Cannonbolt's sphere form to protect him, was shot out of the building by the explosion, only to be caught in mid-air. Alan retracted the shell and saw he was caught by Velvet's Jetray.]*

Alan: Thanks for the save.

*[The two of them heard blasting and turned to see Penny fighting Grimm. A lightbulb appeared above Alan's head.]*

Alan: Take me to Penny!

*[Velvet nodded and sped over to her. Penny turned to see them just as they arrived.]*

Alan: Hey, Penny. How's about an Upgrade?

*[Penny looked at Alan confused as he transformed into Upgrade. He jumped from Velvet and merged with Penny. Her attire was replaced with what could be described as an Upgrade jumpsuit. Her hair became energy as a helmet formed over her head and a transparent red mask formed in front of her face. The Simplicitrix took the place of the power button on her necktie. Penny grinned as she felt her power rise.]*

Penny: Now *this* is combat ready!

*[Velvet turned to see Grimm almost overwhelming some of the Huntsmen/Huntresses and Atlesian Soldiers. She sped towards them while changing from Jetray to Rabbiture, firing off a portal beneath the Grimm and then one onto a building near Pennygrade, causing the Grimm to fall out towards them. Pennygrade put out their arms and fired off large lasers that killed the beasts.]*

Upgrade: Let's go fuck up some baddies!

*[Pennygrade nodded and flew towards Beacon's tower while Velvet switched to NRG to kill more Grimm. Negative Big Chill was seen reaching the top of the tower, only to be blasted from behind and falling to Cinder's feet before transforming back. turning to see Pennygrade. Pennygrade concentrated, and a compartment on their back opened up with several energy blades growing out of it. The blades fired off beams of energy that destroyed the top of the tower. A Grimm flew by and almost hit Pennygrade, causing them to speedily dodge out of the way but without having disabled the lasers yet, causing more of the tower to be destroyed before retracting the weapon.]*

Upgrade: ...Were our friends out of there yet?

Penny: ...I don't think so.

*[Worried, Pennygrade shot towards the tower of the school.]*

*[Qrow was seen using his sword to block Tyrian's attempt at slashing him with his tail while Yang used her fire to combat Arthur's swords. Ruby used her Semblance to get Radiant, Winter, and Oscar out of Negative Snare-Oh's binds.]*

Weiss: Are you okay?

Winter: Just had my pride knocked back into place for not being able to get us out... Or save your friend.

Ruby: Where are the Relics?

Radiant: Cinder didn't seem to realize that the Relics would give her the true power she desired. She destroyed them.

Raven: Well, we have three Maidens now. And if your friend with the watch is still capable, that's four trump cards even without the Relics.

*[A loud explosion was heard from up above the group. Tyrian began to laugh, starting out low and slow, gradually becoming hysterical and loud.]*

Tyrian: She may not be our Lady, but it seems Cinder is doing some serious damage up there, regardless!

Arthur: Hush your mouth, fool! That little harlot threw away everything when she coerced with the boy with the cyan watch. She betrayed everything we worked for!

*[Crumbling was heard as pieces of the ceiling began falling. Everyone then turned to face down the corridor after the sound of a sonic boom, a bright red light rapidly approaching them. Stopping above them, it was revealed to be Pennygrade, as their hands stretched out to hold the ceiling in place.]*

Penny: Go, now!

*[The heroes nodded and headed on their way out. Arthur and Tyrian attempted to follow, but were grabbed and thrown back into the room by two Upgrade tendrils.]*

Penny: What are you doing?! They're going to die if we just leave!

Alan: They're villains, what's the point in keeping them alive?

*[Penny was angered by this, and sent an electric pulse through her body, causing Upgrade to scream in pain as he detached from her and fell to the ground, becoming Alan again while he looked up at her. She was generating energy to keep the ceiling up.]*

Penny: I'm not going to just let people die if I can help it! Evil or good!

*[Alan let out a loud, exasperated groan. He stretched his arms up and placed them under the ceiling.]*

Alan: Fine, you go then. *[to Arthur and Tyrian]* And you two go before I change my mind!

*[Arthur and Tyrian wasted no time getting out, though they did struggle some from their earlier fighting. Penny went to fly out but turned back to Alan.]*

Penny: Are you going to be okay?

Alan: *[confidently]* Yeah, I'll be fine!

*[Penny nodded and continued her way out, chasing down Arthur and Tyrian.]*

Alan: *[no more confidence]* ...I think.

*[Penny caught up to Salem's lackeys and knocked them to the ground. She then turned back when she heard a loud crumbling noise, seeing the entire room where Alan was had caved in, causing her to gasp.]*

Arthur: The fool actually went and sacrificed himself.

Tyrian: *[while laughing hysterically]* Oh, and *I'm* the crazy one!

Arthur: You *are*.

*[Penny put energy cuffs around their wrists as she stood above them.]*

Penny: And now, you're under arrest!

Tyrian: *[mockingly]* Aw, she got us.

Arthur: *[annoyed]* Please shut up.

*[Up above the surface, there was a cyan flash in the sky just before something crashed into the ground. The smoke cleared, revealing it to be Negative Puncherbot, landing on his right foot, left knee, and left fist. Hearing a noise behind him, he turned to see Cinder having landed safely behind him.]*

Cinder: *[annoyed]* I gave you a *very* simple command.

Negative Puncherbot: Obviously you've not beeing paying attention, otherise you'd know it isn't that simple. Even if it was-

Cinder: Oh, yes, it'd be interfering with *your* plans. Oh, wait, that's right. They aren't even yours. It doesn't matter which plan you go with, it's not *yours* either way.

Negative Puncherbot: ...No. They aren't my plans. But between you and the Sin Aliens... I still get a choice in which one I follow.

Cinder: In that case.... What do you choose? *[puts a finger up to cut Negative Puncherbot off before he can answer]* Choose *carefully*.

*[Negative Puncherbot remained silent for a moment before getting into a fighting stance. Cinder sighed.]*

Cinder: You're a fool. It's true that you and your brother are quite powerful. But the *true* power is mine.

Negative Puncherbot: Then let's see you shut your goddamn mouth and use it.

*[Cinder screamed in rage, a red fiery light showing from her eyes as she charged Negative Puncherbot. Negative Puncherbot landed a successful uppercut to her, sending her flying into the air. He put his fists to the ground and used their compression power to launch himself up after her, landing several more punches to her before grabbing her and throwing her back down to the ground. Looking back up, Cinder saw that Negative Puncherbot was falling after her, and she put her hand out. A loud cawing sounded, and Negative Puncherbot turned to see a large, bird-like Grimm fly at him and eat him. The Grimm was then burned from the inside out by a bright blue flame just befor Negative Heatblast shot himself at Cinder. When he landed, there was a large, fiery explosion, catching the attention of many Grimm, hunters/huntresses, and soldiers. Groaning and in the midst of a feiry forest carnage, Cinder got up to see Richard had switched to Negative Rath.]*

Cinder: The one you go for is the one that puts anger over strategy?

Negative Rath: AS IF YOU'RE ONE TO TALK!

*[Cinder covered her eyes to block them from a bright cyan light, scowling when she looked to see he had become Negative Ultimate Rath.]*

Negative Ultimate Rath: LET ME TELL YAH FIVE THINGS, CINDER FALL, CURRENT FALL MAIDEN AND OWNER OF SALEM'S POWER! ONE! THIS WHOLE PLAN OF YOURS WAS BULLSHIT LOOKING BACK ON IT!

*[Negative Ultimate Rath dug his right hand's claws into the ground, throwing a chunk of dirt into Cinder's face before using his other hand to thrash at her, knocking her into a tree.]*

Negative Ultimate Rath: TWO! YOU'RE A FAILURE! YOU FAILED AT BEACON! *[kicks Cinder]* YOU FAILED AT HAVEN! *[bashes her face]* AND YOU'RE FAILING NOW!

*[Negative Ultimate Rath went to land another punch, only for Cinder to grab it and fly up into the air with him. Despite this, he kept yelling at her.]*

Negative Ultimate Rath: THREE! YOU'RE IN DENIAL ABOUT YOURSELF!

Cinder: SHUT UP!

*[Cinder attempted to throw Negative Ultimate Rath, but he grabbed her head and slung her down to the ground, following close after and landing a few feet away.]*

Negative Utlimate Rath: FOUR! YOU THINK HAVING POWER MAKES YOU POWERFUL, BUT YOU JUST DON'T GET IT! AND FIVE!

*[In pain, Cinder looked up to see Richard assumed his human form again.]*

Richard: ...There was no *us*.

*[Cinder's face dropped as her pain became both physical and emotional.]*

Richard: Anything I said to you before this venture to your world was me using you as a catalyst to get what I want. When it became clear you had no intention of letting me have what I want, my own destiny forged outside of the universe's plans for me... Well. I suppose that just solidified how little I feel for you.

Cinder: But we... We were...

Richard: Nothing more than business partners, I'm afraid. Besides, an Incubus can tell when their partner is sterile.

*[Cinder screamed in distress and went to charge Richard, but the two were distracted by the sound of digging and drilling, turning to see Alan, who had dug himself out from under Beacon with the use of an Armodrillo arm. Cinder's look changed from anger to an evil smirk. She waved her hand, and a Grimm vine appeared out of the ground, swatting Richard away. Alan watched Richard tumble, confused, but primarily distracted from the vine that slowly wrapped around his neck before qucikly constricting. Gasping for air, Alan fell to his knees. One arm changed to Humungousaur while the other to Rath, attempting to pull the vine from his neck. Two more arms came out of his body, one Armodrillo and the other Kickin Hawk, in an attempt to break the vine, which proved to be of no avail. Cinder's smile widened as she saw the white of Alan's eyes go red with blood. The bones in Alan's neck snapped from the vine just before it let go, causing him to collapse.]*

Cinder: What was that about it not bring so simple?

*[Cinder turned to Richard, confused when she saw he wasn't where she had swatted him to, angering her. She was suddenly blasted away by a powerful water attack, followed by Negative Overflow approaching Alan on his extra spider crab legs.]*

Negative Overflow: If you're dead, I'm going to kill you.

*[Negative Overflow became Richard and kneeled down, placing his fingers to Alan's neck, not feeling a pulse.]*

Richard: No. No, no. There's no way *that* killed you.

*[The longer RIchard felt no pulse, the more panic set in. His breath quickened and his eyes quivered.]*

Richard: You can't be dead...

*[RIchard was caught off guard by the mass of purple and black tentacles abruptly wrapping around his neck in an attempt to choke him while lifting him into the air. Richard saw the tentacles were protruding from Alan's chest, just before his body was covered in the pale purple Econurite skin of Pride.]*

Pride: He's not in right now. But I could take a message for you.

*[Richard's eyes filled with realization.]*

Richard: *[gasping for air]*P-Pride?

Pride: You know me?

Richard: G-Gluttony...

*[Pride dropped Richard and stared him down.]*

Pride: So. *[retracts tentacles]* You're the one.

Richard: *[groaning while getting up]* Unfortunately.

Pride: Why risk your life coming here, then? That wasn't part of the plan.

Richard: I wanted something more than just what the universe had planned. When I first came in contact with Cinder's faction, the deal was I would be able to forge my own path in this universe, alongside the plans in our universe, so long as I helped her. And to ensure her end of the bargain was held up, I... may have sweet talked her with talks of intimacy, including a few nights of it being physical.

Pride: Absolutely disgusting.

Richard: Many things in life come from disgusting necessities.

Cinder: WHAT?!

*[Pride and Richard turned to see Cinder had approached them again, a fiery orange light shining from her anger-filled eyes.]*

Richard: Surely you knew? All the escapades you told me about, you failed. Your only victory was gaining the power of the Fall Maiden. All this? *[motions around to the Grimm invasion surrounding them]* This only happened because of *me*. This is my victory. In no reality would I associate myself in such a way with such a royal failure unless I knew I could manipulate the siutation to my advantage.

*[Screaming in rage, Cinder attempted to slash at Richard, only for her arm to be caught by one of Pride's tentacles.]*

Pride: Sorry. The grown ups are talking.

*[Pride wrapped more of his tentacles around Cinder and made the two of them intangible before dragging her down through the ground before emerging a few moments later, looking at Richard.]*

Richard: ...There's no way around what's coming, is there?

Pride: I'm afraid not. How much did Gluttony know, aside from me?

Richard: He knew I had already obtained Envy and Lust, and had me heal a dying Greed. He also said he had the slight scent of Wrath, but nothing on Sloth.

Pride: *[nods]* Ectonurite, Splixson, Gastulence, Citrakayah, Gourmand.

Richard: How did you-

Pride: To some extent, all of us have some idea of what's to come. For me, it's knowing where it's going to happen, and what species are involved. From what you've said, it seems Gluttony's thing is being able to sniff out the individuals of the species.

Richard: So you know what species Wrath and Sloth are?

Pride: Indeed.

*[Pride tapped the Simplicitrix, causing the holograms of Rath and Cannonbolt to appear.]*

Pride: Appoplexian and Arburian Pelarota. The first one should've been quite obvious, given what Alan calls that transformation.

Richard: *[staring at the holograms as they fade away]* I really, truly... do not want to be involved in this.

Pride: No one ever does. Not last time, not the next.

Richard: *[looking back at Pride]* What exactly does that mean? This has happened before?

*[Pride went to answer, but grunted as he doubled over.]*

Pride: ...The other guy's coming back. *[groans]* When you find them... I'll find you.

*[Pride's head split open to reveal Alan's, just before he let out a sonic scream, which seemed to be comrpised of flames, blasting Richard away. With the rest of Pride retracting into his body, Alan headed for Richard, but stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw that Cinder had come out from under the ground, seemingly unharmed.]*

Cinder: That's quite a lot of power you've got. I think I'll be taking that.

*[Cinder smirked, and Alan just looked back at her, causing the smirk to disappear. She pulled him closer.]*

Cinder: You don't... I almost killed you but... I have all this power and yet... Why? Why don't you fear me?!

*[Alan cracked his neck.]*

Alan: You want power? Fine. Take it.

*[Alan grabbed her arm and yanked it off of him before plunging its claws into him, much to Cinder's surprise. Suddenly, he started to switch between alien forms. Heatblast, Golem-Eye, Whampire, Swampfire, Blitzwulf, Wildvine, Snare-Oh, Upgrade, Chromastone, Mad Hatter, Ouroborosaurus. A humanoid, donkey-like alien. Astrodactyl. A human-like alien with dark pits for eyes and large wings. Humungousaur. NRG. Alanomany. Blamurai. As Alan switched between forms, it began to overwhelm Cinder as he forced her to absorb the energy of his transformations. Gutrot. Fasttrack. Mole-Stache. Terraspin. A robotic alien with flames coming from its head. A humanoid alien that had tendrils for fingers and all around its head. Finally, Alan transformed into a dark, rotund mass, with red mechanisms for arms and legs, and a tiny head that sported two eyes. This alien's contact with Cinder's arm caused a massive explosion. Alan was fine, but Cinder was thrown back, the left half of her body singed, and the remaining half clinging onto life. Alan transformed back and walked towards Cinder, her remaining eye filled with fear.]*

Alan: Power means nothing if you can't use it properly. That's what separates us, Cinder. Your old boss used the powers you have now to destroy my watch. You? You didn't do shit. Look what I did to you, with your powers compounded with Salem's. That's why I don't fear you, but you fear me.

*[Some of the locks of Alan's hair changed into Feedback's antennae before plugging into what was left of Cinder.]*

Alan: Let's get rid of this.

*[Alan began absorbing the power of both Cinder and the Fall Maiden from Cinder, screaming in agony as he did. His arms then changed into Feedback's as well before shooting off the energy into the air from his fingers, causing it to explode and dissipate. When the power stopped flowing, Alan changed back to his non-Conductoid self, seeing Cinder's life fade from her eyes. Most of the Grimm commanded by Cinder disappeared into dust, even without being killed by anyone, and any that didn't ran away, confusing those fighting them. Alan breathed heavily, but then had his attention caught by the sound of slow clapping behind him. Turning around, Alan saw Richard behind him, smiling and clapping.]*

RIchard: Genuinely, well done. I think you've done everyone a favor with that. Now then, how's abou-

*[Richard cut off, a cyan mesh pattern flashing over him and blood starting to trickle out of his mouth. Looking down, his eyes shook in fear, seeing Blamurai's sword going through his chest. It was then violently pulled out, sent back to Alan all Mjolnir style. Richard collapsed to his knees, holding his wound. He looked at his Simplicitrix and went to activate it, only for Alan to grab him by the wrist and lift him by it.]*

Alan: It's your turn.

*[Alan clenched his fist, and the familiar sound of metal breaking followed. Richard's eyes widened when Alan opened his fist, realizing his Simplicitrix was destroyed, the pieces falling to the ground. Alan then kicked Richard in his stab wound, causing the latter to fall over, blood pouring onto the ground.]*

Alan: I would say it's not personal. That I'm just doing this because the Agent said it was a fixed point. But I'd be lying.

*[Alan made his way away, slow and stumbling. He managed to get to the center walkway towards Beacon, where Ruby turned to see him.]*

Ruby: ALAN!

*[Alan looked up to see the energetic girl approach him with her Semblance, followed by the other three members of her team.]*

Blake: Are you alright?

Yang: What happened?

*[Alan stared at them, blank and silent.]*

Weiss: ...Alan?

Alan: ...It's done. They're gone. I can rest now.

*[Having used all the energy in his fight with Cinder and Richard, Alan collapsed from exhaustion.]*

### Chapter 5

*[Warm sunlight shown through a window into a bedroom, shining on Alan's face as he lay in the bed. He slowly opened his eyes, just before closing them again when he saw the sun was beaming right into them. Groaning, Alan rolled out of the bed before looking around to get his bearings straight. On a nearby dresser, he saw his jacket folded and laying there, along with a picture of a younger Ruby and Yang. Continuing to glance across the room, he saw Raijin leaning against the wall in the corner. Alan heard chattering from outisde. Walking to the window, he looked out and down, seeing Teams RWBY and JNR, along with Qrow and Taiyang, the lot of them sitting at a picnic table and eating.]*

Alan: This really couldn't have just all been a dream, huh?

*[Alan threw his jacket on and strapped Raijin to his back. As he headed to the door, he noticed his cowboy boots on the floor near it, and slipped them on before heading out. A few moments later, Alan stepped out the front door and onto the porch. Ruby noticed him and sped over to him.]*

Ruby: You're finally awake!

Alan: Not all of us are as fast as you. How long was I out?

Ruby: About a day, give or take a few hours.

Alan: That explains why I'm fucking starving, then.

*[Alan walked over and joined the others at the table, grabbing a sandwich and wolfing it down. Yang laughed.]*

Yang: Is that the appetite of you, or one of your aliens?

Alan: God, I fucking hope it's me. This is *not* an appetite I want on a regular basis.

*[Alan finished up the sandwich and grabbed another, feasting on it with the same voracity. As he did, a vehicle pulled up, and out of it stepped Coco, Velvet, Sun, and Neptune.]*

Coco: Good to see the Savior of Remnant is up an at it again.

*[Everyone turned to Alan who looked around before relizing.]*

Alan: OH. Me. Right. Yeah. Let's not call me that.

Coco: I was being facetious. Most of the Grimm-fighting work was done by the rest of us anyway.

Alan: Yeah, well, half of them died when I got rid of the Salem power.

Weiss: Hey, now, it's not a competetion.

Alan: No, but if it was, I won.

Coco: In your dreams, watch boy.

Alan: Speaking of Grimm, where is-

*[Yang pointed across the way. Alan turned and sighed with relief when he saw GrimmZilla snoozing away beside the garage.]*

Alan: Thank god. I was worried she was one of the ones who got Thanos snapped.

Ruby: *What* snapped?

*[Alan simply lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers to display what he meant. Red electricity suddenly appeared around the Simplicitrix, and ir broke apart again, falling off his wrist and onto the table. Reasonably, the others became worried.]*

Blake: That's... Not good, is it?

*[Alan pondered for a minute. He stood and turned, before running around the house at super speed before stopping back at the picnic table.]*

Ruby: You still have your powers?

Weiss: Does that mean you don't have to rebuild the watch again?

*[Just as Alan was about to answer, his left arm changed into a mass of green, spotted tentacles. Groaning, Alan concentrated and reverted his arm back to normal.]*

Alan: Nope. Gotta rebuild it.

Yang: Will you be able to do that without Pyrrha?

Alan: Given I have the powers of my aliens now, I should be... Do you guys have any sort of materials I could work with?

Ruby: Are you kidding? I built Crescent Rose and Yang built Bumblebee, everything you'd probably need is in the garage.

Alan: *[muttering]* That's not the only Bumblebee she built.

*[Alan sped over to the garage and opened it before looking through all the available materials. He then ran back to the picnic table with a bunch of scrap metal, screws, and some spray paint. Using Lodestar's magnetism, in tandem with Brainstorm's intelligence and a bit of Upgrade's technopathy, Alan took apart, rearranged, and rebuilt the materials before him into a gauntlet around his right hand and wrist, the wrist portion seemingly having a handle-like creation on its outer side. He then used the spray paint to paint it primarily black with some extra red details. Finally, Alan placed in the remaining piece: the Simplicitrix's core. Doing this sent a red energy wave through his body, the core spinning around and cycling through several holograms before adjusting and calming down.]*

Nora: ...Did it work?

*[Alan looked down at the newly built Simplicitrix. He then lifted his left arm.]*

Alan: Chromastone! *[nothing]* Whampire! *[nothing]* Mad Hatter! *[nothing]* Mongilla!

*[Still, nothing happened. Alan then clenched his right hand inside the gauntlet, and the Simplicitrix's core glowed.]*

Alan: Blamurai!

*[Alan's left arm then changed into that of Blamurai's, and reverted to his human arm when his right hand opened back up.]*

Alan: Indeed, it did work. *[turns to Velvet]* Hey, you wanna update that picture so you're not using a broken copy?

Velvet: Sure!

*[Velvet hopped up, no rabbit pun intended, and snapped a picture of the new Simplicitrix. Alan turned to the others.]*

Alan: So what happened to Salem?

Qrow: She didn't get far before being apprehended by the military. She's gonna be spending quite some time in a cell in Atlas. Same goes for Watts and Tyrian.

Alan: *[nods]* I would've preferred something a bit different but... that's not my place to decide. But, then again, neither is what I'm about to do.

Weiss: What does that mean?

*[Alan turned and shot a red light ouf his left hand. The light hit the wall and became a large, red oval.]*

Alan: I'll be right back.

*[Alan sped around the table and off into the distance through the woods. A few moments later, the oval opened up and Alan stepped out of it.]*

Alan: Jaune, Nora, Ren. Come with.

*[Confused the three of them followed Alan through the portal, and found themsleves at the top of Beacon Academy.]*

Ren: I thought the tower was destroyed during the battle?

Alan: It *was*. I just used a bit of Clockwork to restore it, and quickly check that this was the right place.

Nora: Right place for what?

Jaune: Yeah, why'd you bring us here?

Alan: Well, the truth is... *[lifts right hand to show Simplicitrix gauntlet]* I am Iron Man.

*[Alan snapped his fingers, causing a blinding light. Alan stepped out of the portal.]*

Alan: Ladies and gentelmen, boys and girls, Faunus of all ages, I present to you the complete, reunited... Team JNPR!

*[The others gasped as they saw Jaune, Nora, and Ren coming through the portal, followed by a revived Pyrrha Nikos.]*

Pyrrha: Hello, again!

*[Most of the others seemed to swarm the team, elated to see Pyrrha back, Alan stepping to the side to avoid the rabble.]*

Alan: *[muttering to himself]* Oh, sure, swarm *her*, it's not like *I* brought her back or anything.

*[Yang embraced Pyrrha for a moment.]*

Yang: Thanks, again, for rebuilding the Simplicitrix.

Pyrrha: ...Doing what?

Alan: Oh, yeah, timey wimey stuff, she doesn't remember helping us. Time has a way of making things work... Sometimes.

Pyrrha: *[looking at Alan, puzzled]* ...Do I know you?

Alan: Depends on your definition of "know." I'm Alan.

*[Alan put out his hand which Pyrrha then took in her own.]*

Pyrrha: Plea-

*[Pyrrha was cut off almost as soon as she shook hands with Alan, her memory returning from having fixed the Simplicitrix.]*

Pyrrha: I... I think I- *[looks down at the Simplicitrix, becomes extremely confused]* I certainly don't remember building it like *that*.

Alan: Yeah... kinda had to improvize after it broke... Again.

Pyrrha; You broke it a *second* time?

Alan: Not on purpose!

Ruby: *[to Alan]* How'd you do it?

Alan: I have an alien who can manipulate souls. *[creates a Snare-Oh bandage from his back that reaches over and grabs a sandwich]* But it, evidently, takes a bit more out of me than the regular transformations. I don't intend on doing it all that often. Not sure your gods would be too happy about it anyway, but whatever.

*[Finishing the sandwich, Alan spawned Blamurai's sword in his hand and then blasted it with one of Clockwork's time rays from his other hand, creating a portal back home. He took a deep breath before looking back at the others.]*

Alan: So. Uh. Yeah. I should. Be... Going now.

Weiss: You can't seriously be using *that* as a goodbye.

Alan: What, do you want me to duplicate myself and hug all of you?

*[Weiss cocked an eyebrow and Alan stared back at her for a moment.]*

Alan: ...FINE.

*[Alan clenched his fist and duplicated himself to properly say bye to the others as the original self hugged Weiss.]*

Alan: By no means does this make Ice Wall canon.

Weiss: What?

Alan: Nothing, nothing.

*[Alan's duplicates jumped back into the original. GrimmZilla approached and whined at Alan.]*

Alan: Sorry, girl, you wouldn't exactly fit in my world. *[GrimmZilla whines again]* No, I can't. *[she keeps whining]* Agh, fine, I'll come back when I can find a way for it to work, alright?

*[GrimmZilla huffed at Alan before heading back to her sleeping spot.]*

Yang: Maybe we'll see you again at some point?

Blake: Hopefully not something world ending, next time.

Alan: Yeah, no, that's typically how things like this happen.

Ruby: Is everything gonna go okay with your friends?

Alan: ...Yeah. No. I don't know. Maybe. *[takes a deep breath]* Okay. Here I go. Going now. Just gonna... Hop on through. Head back home. Go and talk to m- HEY!

*[In the midst of his stalling, Alan found himself being flung up by one of Weiss' glyphs as she waved at him before throwing him through the portal.]*

*[A portal opened up right down the road from Alan's house as he fell out, yelling as he landed. The portal closed and he stood up, looking at his house as his anxiety rose. He gulped before slowly walking towards the house. He reached for the doorknob which started turning, causing him to freeze. The door opened and his four friends stepped out, Mason and Devin wearing their ID masks. They were talking a lot about nothing in particular as they headed for the car and drove off. The scene panned over to the side of the house, where Alan appeared out of nowhere. He sighed and sped off from the house.]*