Risk

***Risk*** is the seventeenth episode of *The RWBYA Adventures*.

## Plot

Ironwood *(voice)*: If anyone tries anything other than what I’ve ordered, Mantle is gone. You have one hour to respond. I hope you live up to the title I gave you.

*[The last words of Ironwood's broadcast were ringing through Alan's mind as he floated in the subconscious of Alien X. His expression was nothing but shock and terror.]*

Alan: He... He's really gone off the deep end...

Bellicus: What an *excellent* display of militant power. Using it against the people he was sworn to protect. *[drops a smug smile]* How pathetic of him.

Serena: It's a shame, really. If he would use those emotions for actual good, he might actually be considered a hero.

*[Alan solemnly placed his face in his hands, entirely unsure of what to do.]*

*[Ironwood and Winter walked down a corridor. Two guards emerged from one of the side paths and, upon noticing Ironwood, saluted them while doing their best not to look Ironwood in the eye. Their reaction was noticed by Winter, who chose not to comment. Somewhere else in the base, the Ace-Ops were seen talking with each other.]*

Elm: Of course he’s not going to do it.

Marrow: So what, he’s bluffing? With the whole city?

Vine: It may finally push the kids to see reason.

Harriet: Who cares?

*[A door opened behind them to allow Ironwood and Winter access to the room. The Ace-Ops lined up and stood at attention.]*

Ironwood: Good, you’re here. I need a squad of drones in standby to drop the payload.

Winter: *[surprised]* Sir, what for?

Ironwood: I believe I was clear in the broadcast. If they give me a reason, I’m gonna remove Mantle from the equation.

*[The Ace-Ops look in shock as he continued.]*

Ironwood: This is how we save Atlas.

*[Ironwood began to walk away from the group.]*

Marrow: You call *this* saving Atlas? Doing Salem’s job for her?!

*[Ironwood stopped but doesn't not turn around. Marrow walked towards him, distraught.]*

Marrow: I *believed* in you! I thought we could work towards something better. But now you’re throwing it all away.

*[Harriet grabbed him by the shoulder and moved him in order to stand between Marrow and Ironwood.]*

Harriet: If you don’t shut your mouth, I’m going to do it for you.

Vine: If this is what gets the children to cooperate, then it’s worth it.

Elm: I don’t like this either, but the top priority is-

Marrow: *[interrupting Elm and walking passed Harriet]* Do you even believe what you’re saying anymore? '[turns to the Ace-Ops] *Do* any *of you believe in* anything*? I used to wear this rank with pride. Now I see it for what it really is... A collar.*

*[Marrow walked passed the the Ace-Ops and away from Ironwood, His eyes widened and he stopped when he heard a gun cock before he was punched in the face by Winter. Ironwood pulled back his gun as Winter restrains Marrow, placing his weapon Fetch on her back.]*

Winter: You want a collar? Fine.

*[Winter picked up and holds on to Marrow, as the Ace-Ops looked on in shock.]*

Winter: I’ll throw this traitor in the brig. Where he belongs.

*[Ironwood nodded and allowed Winter to take Marrow away while he holstered his gun. He walks passed the rest of the Ace-Ops, who got out of his way and stood at attention. Notably, Elm's expression had become one of incredible doubt.]*

*[At the Schnee Manor, Team RWBY, Emerald, Oscar, and both Alan clones were in the dining room. Weiss was pacing around the room, Emerald was leaning against a wall, and Oscar was looking through the window. Alan 3 stood at the far end of the room. Everyone else was sitting at the table.]*

Yang: *[sighed]* Okay, Ironwood wants Penny, otherwise Mantle is done for. So, how do we stop him?

Blake: Qrow and Robyn are still in his custody, and May said that the Atlas security drones are watching the Crater, so they’re trapped, too.

Oscar: And Salem isn’t going to stay gone for much longer.

Ruby: So then... It’s impossible.

Emerald: See? If Miss Hero with all the answers doesn’t have an answer, then we have ours.

Weiss: Shut up.

Yang: *[approaching Emerald, her anger increasing]* Okay, then why don’t you just leave?!

*[Emerald backed away in fear, and Oscar turned back to the group.]*

Oscar: Can we please just give each other a chance? Emerald’s not with Salem anymore, and Ozpin is back.

*[Ruby lowered her head to the table and grumbled into it while everyone else went quiet.]*

Oscar: All of this doubt and worry and distrust, it isn’t getting us anywhere.

Ruby: Then nothing has changed! *[slams her hands on the table]* We’re in the exact same spot we were yesterday. Arguing what to do while the Kingdom waits to die.

*[Yang laid her hand on Ruby shoulder to try and comfort her. Ruby shrugged the hand off and ran out of the room. Yang hesitated for a second, then ran after her. The room went quiet for a moment, only to be broken by the sound of the wall breaking. The others jumped in surprise, with Alan 3 having hit his hand against said wall.]*

Alan 3: ...I was right. I was right, and nobody listened to me... I knew not to trust him...

Weiss: ...Alan.

Alan 2: *[standing to look at Alan 3]* What do you suggest we do then, me?

*[Alan 3 went quiet for a few moments.]*

Alan 3: ...I don't know. I don't know because our biggest trump card is stuck in Atlas Academy, arguing and waiting the same as we are now. *[slowly turns to face his clone]* We should have NEVER used Alien X. It was a mistake to put our faith in that useless hunk of space dust.

Alan 2: *[trying to calm himself down]* Hey! We took a risk using Alien X, but-

Alan 3: A risk that *EVERYONE ELSE* is paying for now! And for what? For Alien X to do *nothing*?! Alien X **never** works. And we were stupid to think now would be any different.

*[Alan 2's face fell, as his attempts failed. The rest of the room turned somber once again.]*

*[Winter pushed Marrow roughly into an Atlas elevator. Marrow rubbed his unbound wrists tenderly as Winter crossed her arms grimly.]*

Marrow: So, you're not arresting me?

Winter: No. Ironwood's got to be stopped.

Marrow: *[angrily gets closer to her]* Then why did you hit me?!

*[Winter pushed him back and jabbed a finger in his chest.]*

Winter: Because you were about to get killed if I didn't do something.

*[Marrow grunted, turning away with his arms crossed. Winter took out her Scroll, and Marrow snuck a glance at her.]*

Marrow: What are you doing?

Winter: *[sighs]* What I should've done ages ago, getting in touch with my sister. We're going to need help.

*[The elevator door opened. Qrow and Robyn stood on the other side, their weapons raised. Both parties look surprised.]*

Robyn: Huh?

Winter: *[slowly smiles]* Speaking of help...

*[Back in the dining room, the loud crash of breaking glass got everyone's attention, followed by the shouting elsewhere in the manor.]*

Jaune *(voice)*: HURRY!

*[Everyone glances at each other before running out of the room. Outside the manor, Penny was seen laying on the ground. She got up, her eyes red.]*

Penny: I can no longer be delayed.

*[She began to walk away. Ruby used her Semblance to get in front of her, and grabbed her by the arms.]*

Ruby: Penny, please!

Penny: *[twitches uncontrollably]* I...I must...open the Vault. *[her eyes flashed between red and green]* I... I do not want...Ah!

*[Emerald emerged from the entrance and looked on in shock as Oscar ran passed her.]*

Penny: Ruby, stop me!

Ruby: Penny!

*[Ruby wrapped her arms around Penny's waist, and Penny's eyes settled on red.]*

Penny: I must open the Vault and self-terminate.

*[Penny took flight with Ruby still holding off. Penny was stopped from her flight by Gambol Shroud wrapping around her right arm. Ren took the moment to grab Penny’s other hand with the hooks from StormFlower. Blake, Yang, Nora, and Oscar grabbed the chords, and together they dragged Penny to the ground, onto a Glyph made by Weiss.]*

Weiss: I’ve got her!

Nora: What do we do?!

*[Penny’s eyes flared, as she summoned a tempest around her. The wind caused Weiss to recoil, canceling the Glyph. Penny tried to lift herself up with the summoned wind. Her ascent is halted by the two Alan's jumping into the action, one becoming Gravattack, and the other Lodestar, each attempting to hold her down. However, the Maiden power made this particularly more difficult than usual.]*

Penny: I must open the Vault! *[her eyes again alternate from red to green]* And self-terminate~

*[Emerald joined in, using the chain sickles from Thief’s Respite top grab Penny by the shoulders.]*

Emerald: Do something!

*[Jaune let go of Gambol Shroud and headed towards Weiss. He powered her up with his Semblance, allowing Weiss to make a stronger Glyph, grounding Penny once more.]*

Ruby: Penny please! Tell me how to help you.

*[Penny narrowed both her now green eyes.]*

Penny: *[uncharacteristically somber]* ...Kill me.

Ruby’s eyes widen in shock

Penny: Kill me. And I can make sure the power goes to you.

*[Ruby went silent as everyone else looked in in horror.]*

Penny: Please... Please! *[eyes twitch red]* I cannot fight it!

Nora: Yes you can! It’s just a part of you, remember? If you were only a machine, you never could have fought back for this long.

Ruby: She’s right… She’s right! Jaune! Boost her Aura!

*[Jaune ran from Weiss and began using his Semblance on Penny. Her eyes continued to flash, but it started to slow down and eventually disappeared. Penny sits still, shocked, but eventually gave Jaune a nod. The danger, having seemingly passed, caused Ruby to hug Penny in relief. Everyone saw Oscar and Emerald approach her in relief, with Nora giving Penny another hug. The two Alan's approached as well, becoming their human selves again.]*

Jaune: Did... I stop the virus?

*[Penny looked at her hands, contemplating Jaune’s words.]*

Penny: No. It’s still there.

Ruby: But you’ve got an Aura, Penny, a soul. That’s who you are, our friend, not a machine.

*[The group enjoyed a moment of silence, being happy that they didn’t lose Penny.]*

Emerald: I think you’re wrong, by the way.

*[They all turned around to look at Emerald, who was sitting on the ground with her legs crossed.]*

Emerald: I highly doubt you’re in the same place you started. I-I mean, yeah, y-you guys have been getting your asses kicked, some of that my fault, but like, you’re at war. You’re gonna take hits.

*[Emerald looks away, trying to figure out what she was trying to say.]*

Emerald: Look, I’m just going to be super pissed if you all finally decided to give up the moment I switch sides.

Oscar: *[smiles]* Switched sides, huh?

*[Emerald opened her mouth to reply, but is unable to retort.]*

Yang: *[teasingly]* Aww.

*[The group began to giggle at Emerald's look of embarrassment.]*

Emerald: Or like, whatever.

*[Oscar offered Emerald a hand, which she accepted, and lifted her up.]*

Oscar: If you all wouldn’t mind, I really think Ozpin would like to say something.

*[Almost everyone silently looked at Ruby. The two Alan's, however, glanced at one another.]*

Ruby: Go ahead.

*[Oscar's eyes briefly flashed gold, and Ozpin walked forward.]*

Ozpin: I was recently reminded of an old fairy tale. A young girl flees the consequences of a choice, to a magical place. But, having never learned from her initial failure, she only succeeds in spreading it. I failed all of you. I should have trusted you with the truth and should never have run the day you discovered it.

Yang: It was rough, but…

Blake: I think after everything that’s happened here, we understand. Trust is..

Weiss: Trust is a risk.

Alan 3: *[once again lamenting about Alien X]* Understatement of the century.

Ozpin: And I hope it’s a risk you can take on me again.

*[Ruby silently nodded her head at Ozpin. Penny frowned, clutching her chest in pain.]*

Penny: I can still feel it fighting me.

Jaune: I can’t just keep amping her forever.

Ren: And we can’t keep Ironwood waiting.

*[Penny clutched her head in pain.]*

Nora: Guys, she has to go to the Vault.

*[Everyone looked down in thought, except for Ruby who looked around at everyone.]*

Ruby: That’s... actually a risk we haven’t considered.

Jaune: We've been so worried about keeping the Vault closed that we never considered using what's inside.

Ozpin: The Staff of Creation.

Ruby: Maybe we could use it to save Penny, *and* get everyone in Atlas and Mantle back to safety.

*[Willow, Whitley, and Klein were seen standing in the manor's entrance as Weiss's Scroll beeped. Her face lit up upon seeing it.]*

Weiss: Well, you'll never guess who I just heard from.

*[The group reconvened in the Manor's dining room. Jaune had a hand on Penny's shoulder and was staving off the virus by boosting her Aura.]*

Weiss: So we've got people trapped in Atlas and Mantle that we can't evacuate unless we use the Staff which is located inside the Vault. If we open the Vault, Penny terminates. If Ironwood gets wind of any of this, he blows up Mantle.

Oscar: There's something else to consider. Once the Staff creates anything else, the city drops. Atlas has enough natural Gravity Dust to keep it from plummeting immediately, but, well, nobody's going to want to be around when it touches down.

Jaune: *[stops using his Semblance to save his Aura]* Okay, then let's use the Staff to teleport everyone to safety. Maybe even to another Kingdom.

Oscar: We can't just wave it like a magic wand and make our problems go away.

Yang: What about Blamurai? *[turns to the Alan clones]* You two said that you had used him opened a portal to Vacuo to get rid of a Megoliath down in Mantle. Could we do that again?

Alan 3: It's not exactly that simple.

Alan 2: We don't really understand the way Blamurai works.

Alan 3: And even if we did, the way we opened that portal took a lot of energy, and trying to do it across the entire Kingdom would take too much time.

Alan 2: As for our other portal aliens... Rabbiture requires either having the location he's portaling to in sight, or being a place he's been to before.

Alan 3: And Portaler needs to have at least a good idea of what the location looks like. Vacuo doesn't fit either qualification.

Oscar: In which case, we're back to the Staff. And we haven't even told you about... *Him*.

Yang: Who?

*[Oscar's eyes glowed as control of his body was switched to Ozpin.]*

Ozpin: The spirit in the Staff. Like Jinn, but, well, he's a character. He can build you anything, but only if you can explain to him how. Like any craftsman, he'll need blueprints. Some sort of reference. It'll help if we have real world examples to show him.

Whitley: I've already gone through the city layouts for the SDC evacuation. Maybe I can help?

*[Ozpin, Weiss, and Ruby smiled at Whitley, who turned and put on an annoyed frown when he noticed the two Alan clones giving him teasing smirks like annoying older brothers. Ozpin dropped his gaze and frowned.]*

Ozpin: There's still James and his bomb to consider.

Weiss: Oh, I've got a plan for that.

*[She caught Emerald's eye, who perks up in surprise The scene pulled back from the group. A blue mist filled the room, and no one seemed to notice it. They also didn't notice the three figures at the opposite end of the table: Cinder, Watts, and Neo.]*

Cinder: *[keeping her eyes on the heroes, talking to Watts]* You tore this kingdom apart with nothing but your intellect. How about we finish what you started?

*[Watts smirked with a slight chuckle.]*

## Major Events

* The group comes up with a plan to save Atlas and Mantle, from both Ironwood and Salem.
* Winter and Marrow defect from Ironwood, teaming up with Qrow and Robyn, and getting in contact with the main heroes.
* Thanks to Jinn, and unbeknownst to the main heroes, Cinder, Watts, and Neo learn of their plan to evacuate everyone to Vacuo. Through this, Cinder also learns of Emerald switching sides.

## Characters

* Alan Nomaly
* Ruby Rose
* Weiss Schnee
* Blake Belladonna
* Yang Xiao Long
* Jaune Arc
* Nora Valkyrie
* Lie Ren
* Oscar Pine
* Professor Ozpin
* Emerald Sustrai
* Bellicus *(cameo)*
* Serena *(cameo)*
* Winter Schnee
* Marrow Amin
* Qrow Branwen *(cameo)*
* Robyn Hill *(cameo)*

### Villains

* General Ironwood
* Cinder Fall *(cameo)*
* Arthur Watts *(cameo)*
* Neopolitan *(cameo)*

### Ironwood's Group

* Harriet Bree
* Vine Zeki
* Elm Ederne

## Aliens Used

* Alien X *(continued from previous appearance)*
* Gravattack
* Lodestar

## Trivia

* Alien X was going to somehow be integrated into Ironwood's ultimatum speech, but there wasn't a way to make it fit naturally.
* For the sake of simplicity, bits of *Creation* were added into this episode. To compensate, *Creation* will have content from the episode *Worthy*. Technically, some of *Worthy* was added to this episode, as well.

## Credit Scene

*[Cinder, Neo, and Watts exited a hall littered with subdued guards and stepped into a bustling Central Command area. The Lamp swung by Neopolitan's hip as she raised her umbrella. Watts held a gun likely taken from one of the soldiers. The clerks and workers slowly started to notice their presence, but the door closed behind them as Cinder conjured a flame in her palm. The floor erupted into a chaos of screams and running employees... Then silence. The scene cut to the end of the bloodbath: the red glow of emergency lights; flaming workstations; motionless clerks, some having failed to even leave their chairs before being killed.]*

Cinder: You have everything you need?

Watts: Oh, believe me, this is everything I've ever wanted.

*[Cinder watched Watts operate his workstation as Neopolitan cracked her umbrella against a still-groaning employee's temple, a look of unrestrained glee on her face. After a while, Cinder headed for the exit with Neopolitan, but paused on her way out.]*

Cinder: You deserve this, Arthur. We'll be back.

*[Watts paused typing to nod at her, and Cinder took her leave with Neo. With a few more keystrokes, a confused Jaune's face appeared on the screen as his group's banter becomes audible.]*

Ren: You're live.

Emerald: Everyone can hear you.

Jaune: Oh! *[clears throat]* Citizens of Atlas, Mantle, what we have to tell you is very important.

*[Watts picked up a bloodstained green apple from beside the corpse next to him, rubbed off the blood onto his outfit, and bit where the blood splatter was.]*

Jaune: Atlas is falling, but-

*[Watts leisurely hit a button on his keyboard, bringing down kingdom-wide communications with a smirk.]*