The scene shows the chaos on the battlefield. As the Atlesian Military prepares to fight the scores of Grimm emerging from Monstra's body, Dean, Týra, and the others managed to get aboard the whale, but at the price of the van being destroyed.
Yang: well, that was harrowing.
Mimir: at least we're alive.
Jaune: We're not in the clear yet. We still have to search this whole thing and find Oscar and Ember before the Ace Ops blow us to pieces.
Jeanne: not to mention we might be expecting some company.
Yang: how are we supposed to find them? It's going to be like finding a needle in a... giant... whale. Why did we think this was a good idea?
Dean: because we're crazy idiots who care for our family. Regardless, you have a point. Any ideas on where to start?
Ren: I... I might be able to help. I can sense spikes of people's emotions, I think. It happened on Winter's ship. If I focus my Aura, I can keep it up.
Yang: okay, that's new.
Vergil: a sign of your semblance evolving.
Nero: well, it's worth a shot.
Ren touches his temples with his fingertips, focusing.
Ren: I can sort of tell where they are, but not who. They're more of less in the same area though. Further in. I can lead.
They then began making their way down to find their friends. Elsewhere in Monstra, Oscar lies on his side on the ground.
Oscar: she brushed off her bumps and bruises, for nothing hurt worse than the loneliness in her chest.
Ozpin: I recognize that. The Girl Who Fell Through The World?
Oscar chuckles, turning to lie on his back.
Oscar: I shouldn't be surprised you're so familiar with fairy tales.
Ozpin: I've lived through my share of them. How are you holding up?
Oscar: I thought the idea of falling through Remnant into a new world was exciting. I never understood why she was so sad when she finally made it back home. But now it makes more sense.
Oscar stretches out toward the light emanating from beyond a membrane on the ceiling, and studies his gloved hand.
Ozpin: she wasn't the same girl anymore.
Oscar: yeah.
Ozpin: I think this plan to divide might have run its course. It's time we start thinking about a way out. Not having our cane certainly limits the options, so...
With effort, Oscar curls into a fetal position.
Oscar: no, I don't like what happens when we use magic. Every time we use it, I can feel us merging faster. I'm not ready for that.
Ozpin: I don't blame you. Honestly, I think you're doing just fine on your own.
The door opens and Hazel enters. Oscar pushes himself into a supine position just before Hazel grabs him by the collar and hauls him up. A short while later, Hazel enters the room where the Relic of Knowledge is being kept, and crudely drops Oscar along the path.
Oscar: Why did you bring me here?
Hazel takes a moment to examine the Lamp on its pedestal before he responds. As he speaks, he circles the Lamp, eyeing it suspiciously.
Hazel: I've been thinking about what you said. If it's a lie and I took that lie to Salem, the punishment would fall on my head before yours. If what you said is true and I used the password myself, well, I don't know what happens when this thing activates. (Turns to look at Oscar) so let's see if you're bluffing.
Oscar: you want me to summon her?
Hazel: either way, it'll tell me what I need to know.
???: what are you doing?
They turn to see Emerald entering with a concern expression. Hazel grunts noncommittally, joining her behind Oscar.
Hazel: let's find out.
Oscar slowly gets up, holding his side. He takes a deep breath.
Oscar: Jinn.
Cyan mist unfurls from the Lamp. A nearby bubble of Grimm Liquid bursts and its droplets freeze in place. Hazel holds a protective arm out in front of Emerald, who takes a step back. Both look on in awe. Jinn materializes and stretches, settling into a relaxed position.
Jinn: why, hello again, old man. Did you have a question for me?
Oscar chuckles, waving hello to Jinn. He turns to look at Hazel.
Hazel: actually, I think all my questions are answered now.
Jinn looks on bemusedly.
Oscar: what are you going to do?
Hazel momentarily closes his eyes, likely in remembrance of his sister.
Hazel: what Gretchen would have done. And that starts with getting you away from here. Both of you.
He turns to Emerald, who can only blink in concern. Oscar approaches Hazel.
Oscar: I'm going to need something before I go.
Jinn: so just to be clear, none of you have a question for me?
Oscar: no, but we'll be bringing you with us.
Hazel and Emerald trade uneasy looks.
Hazel: the moment we move that thing, this place goes on high alert. Better to get you out first.
Oscar: then we should at least get Ember.
Emerald: we can't. She's with Salem.
Hazel: I'll get the kid and come back for the lamp. It's not like she knows the password anyway.
They then exit. Meanwhile, the group keeps moving through the corridors, trying to find their friends and avoid conflicts. After a while, Jaune had to stop boosting Ren's aura to keep his energy up, so he went ahead with Nero and Bayonetta to make sure the way was clear.
Dean: out of curiosity, uncle, does this remind you of hell?
Vergil: no. That was worse.
Jeanne: indeed. It was even worse when you're a disembodied soul who was slowly fading from existence.
Yang: well, at least some of us being friends again takes the sting out of impending doom.
Ren: it's okay to be afraid, you know. You don't always have to hide it with a joke.
Yang: glad I'm not the only one who's scared.
Týra: fear can be both a weapon and a burden when in battle. If you don't let it hold you back, then you'll be alright.
Nico: besides, all we have to do is find your friends and we can skedaddle.
Dean: and what if we have to fight the big bad witch herself?
Vergil: then you'll sit it out.
Mimir: that might not be an option, lad. She's powerful, and we'll need to deal with her should the time come.
Dean: yeah.
Vergil: you're not fighting your mother, and that's final.
He was about to argue more, but then the others come to them at full sprinting, and they try to hide from a passing seer. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long, and they're forced to fight enemies from both here and in Limbo. The ones in Limbo were Dean, Nero, Týra, and Vergil.
Dean: (from Limbo) you guys keep looking. We'll find a way out.
Jaune: okay. Good luck.
They then left, and began to try and find their way out. As they went and fought enemies, they soon ran into a familiar face.
Dean: Kasumi?
Kasumi: (saw them) Dean? What are you doing here?
Dean: we're looking for our friends. But, why are you here?
???: now this is quite the reunion.
They look to see the source of the voice, and see it was Merlot. At the sight of the man, Kasumi immediately growled.
Kasumi: you bastard!
Merlot: now now dear. Is that any way to greet your dear grandpa?
Everyone but Kasumi: grandpa?
Kasumi: you stopped being my grandpa when you killed my parents and Sumire.
Merlot: still holding onto that? They were mere sacrifices for the higher calling.
Nero: and here I thought our family was fucked up.
Dean: that really is turning into a common theme for us.
Merlot: well, as much as I would love to talk more, dear granddaughter, I have other business to tend to. Feel free to enjoy my creations.
At that, mutated Grimm appear and the scientist took his leave. Deciding to do a close combat fight, Kasumi equips Gilgamesh while Dean gears up with Balrog. Everyone fights, and as they do, Dean and Kasumi were going back to back while fighting each other with their weapons and guns.
Kasumi: he can't have gotten far! I'll find him!
Dean: not in the time limit.
Kasumi: what limit?
Dean: the Atlas Military is prepping a bomb, and once it's in here, everything will be blasted to next Sunday. I get this is personal, but you can't risk your life like this!
Kasumi: you don't get it!
Dean: (starts trading blows with her while shooting) then help me understand, woman!
Kasumi: (shoots and fights back) he was obsessed with becoming a god. So much so, he killed his own son, along with his daughter in law and grandchild! (Locks fists in with Dean) he's the most vile kind of man! (Breaks lock) and that scumbag, is my grandfather.
Dean: well, we're more in alike then we thought. I have a dysfunctional family, too.
Kasumi: (glares while pointing Cain) and what would you know about family?! You're a demon!
Dean: (glares back) so what? Because I am one automatically means we're enemies?! Come on, Kasumi, we've known each other since we were kids! Besides, you're an Angel, so how are you different when it comes to family?
Seeing his point, Kasumi's gaze soon drops to the ground, and Dean notices its now a look of sadness. However, before any of them could respond, a loud rumbling is felt, and soon followed by a massive screech that can be heard in the whole whale.
Bayonetta: well, someone sounds cranky.
Týra: it must be Salem. Let's hurry. Dean, we might want to bring backup.
Getting her message, he shoots a quick text to his teammates, and they hurry to find their friends (Kasumi included). They find them in one of the open-air landing bays where Oscar and Emerald were with them. However, before they could make it down, the platform they were on breaks, causing them to fall. They managed to balance their landing, but resulted in all but Dean being captured by shadow Grimm hands and immobilized by sigils.
Dean: what the?
???: I knew you'd show up.
Looking to the source of the voice, Dean sees its Salem approaching him, with Ember in her arms. Seeing him, she immediately reaches out for him.
Ember: Dean! Týra!
Dean: (gives a small smile to her) hi, Ember.
Salem: it's about time you arrived. (Smiles) I've been expecting you, my boy.
Dean: well, you took my friends, so of course I'd be here.
Salem: (looks around) it's a shame your brother isn't here. Still, I want to still build a relationship with you.
Dean: okay. How about one where you let us all go, call off your armada, and we all go on our separate ways to have joy instead of anarchy?
Salem: you definitely get that from your father. I prefer one with you joining me.
Dean: sorry?
Salem: we don't have to be enemies, Dean. I gave you and Vali power through your amulets, and because of them, you're more powerful then ever. I can offer you much more. We can fixed this ruined world.
Dean: I wouldn't call it ruined. I mean, yeah, we do have issues. But, that doesn't mean it's all terrible. There's good people in the world, and they're helping us make it better—
Salem: no! There's no "good people." Because as I've lived in this world, I came to learn exactly what it's like. And do you know what I've learned about the humans and Faunus here? They've fought each other. They've killed each other. And they've all starved because of it. In a way, they're a bigger threat to themselves as they are to each other.
Dean: and this your solution? Destroy the world? Sorry, but I'm not getting involved in any of that. Especially after everything you've done.
Salem: (sighs) still believing on which side is right, I see.
Dean: it's not even that!!
Salem was now surprised by the way Dean yell at her. It was clear that wasn't from Dante, but showed a little bit on what he took from her.
Dean: you killed people! So many people! You killed my friends! You killed your daughters! You stabbed me, and my brother! And after all of that, you think I can just help you kill this world?!
Týra: he's right. (Salem looks to her) this path you walk... Revenge... You'll find no peace in it... I know.
Salem: (bemused) I wonder who I'm talking to. You, or Kratos?
Her expression then becomes serious as she looks back at Dean. Deciding enough was enough, she creates an orb of magic in her hand, and holds it dangerously close to Ember. Dean sees this and pulls Oathkeeper and Oblivion out.
Salem: ah ah ah. You won't shoot for the child's sake. Since you won't be joining me, I'll give you a counter offer— the password for the lamp, in exchange for the life of the Dragon Faunus.
Dean: (glares) what? You didn't try the magic word 'please'?
Salem: enough of your stupidity, boy. The password. Now!
As if to motivate him more, the arms surrounding his friends start to tighten on them, causing them to hiss in pain. Ember sees this, and doesn't like it. Looking back up t Salem, she glares, then bites Salem's hand. The woman is surprised by the action, that it causes her to drop Ember, and Dean using Trickster to catch her, and then jumps back away to gain distance.
Dean: (starts checking Ember) hey, you okay? You alright? Did she hurt you?
Ember: (just hugs him)
Salem: (shakes her hand) I'll admit, that was a cheap move. But, none of you are escaping from this!
She was about to fire a blast of magic, when a summon sword stops her, and bullets fire on the arms holding Týra, freeing her. Everyone looks in the direction where they came from, and saw Nikki and Vali on another platform.
Salem: what?!
They jump down as Týra gets up, and frees the others.
Dean: about time you guys showed up.
Nikki: sorry we're late. Had to deal with a deranged pet first.
Karasu: but when we saw the message, we came as fast as possible.
Vali: plus, you didn't think we'd let you have this rematch without us, did you?
Týra: what's the plan, boss?
Dean: easy—hold her off long enough for the others to get out.
Yang: guys, you can't—
Before they could intervene, a field goes to block them off, separating the team from them. However, Dean managed to get Ember out of there before the field completes.
Ember: (tries to get in) no!
Dean: it's okay, Ember. We'll be alright.
Salem: if it's a fight you all want so badly, then so be it.
Team DVNT glares at her, and all summon their weapons and get into stances.
Dean: round two.
(Cue Papermoon from Soul Eater)
Using her magic, Salem conjures two swords, and the four fight. Right off the bat, it was different from their last encounter. Back then, the team wasn't prepared to face an opponent like her, so it caught them off guard. However, that was almost two years ago. Since then, they've fought Valkyries, various Grimm, demons, dragur, fallen, and other chaotic forces from various realms. All of that was leading up for them fighting this woman again.
Salem: I've seen you've gotten stronger.
Nikki: we've dealt with a lot of shite since we last saw you.
Salem: it won't be enough to defeat me!
She fires her magic at them, causing them to jump away. Through out this battle, they didn't hold anything back. The team used every weapon, style, semblance, transformations, and other forms of combat to not only keep their guard up, but to try and damage this woman. For a brief while, this fight was chaotic as now both sides were pretty equal.
Salem: why do you four keep persisting? You can't kill me!
Vali: doesn't mean we won't stop trying!
For a while, they dealt plenty of injuries to one another, but because of their physiology, they were healed pretty quick. But, as Dean and Týra were locking blades with Salem, they suddenly jumped back as a boulder was thrown between them. Looking to the source, they see Hazel standing there, with multiple dust crystals in his body.
Týra: decided to join the fight?
Hazel: I'm doing what my sister would've wanted me to do. (Glares at Salem) stopping you.
Salem: (angered) I'm beginning to see too many treacherous flies!
Nikki: (sarcastic) I wonder why?
With Hazel in the fight, things took a turn for the team's favor as they battled. After a little more fighting, they stood back from one another, as Salem notices Oscar was approaching them as the others escaped. She then glides across the floor toward him at an alarming speed. However, Hazel stops her, closing his arms around her waist and lifting her off the ground. A sigil appears at his feet, causing Shadow Hands to wrap around his ankles and his throat. DVNT rushes to help, but Hazel stops them when he pulls off his last trick. In one last act of defiance, Hazel parts his lips to reveal a Fire Dust crystal, which he then crushes between his teeth. Both he and Salem are engulfed in flames. The latter starts screaming in rage. The hands around Hazel's neck tighten, and he painstakingly cranes his neck to lock eyes with Oscar.
Hazel: do it!
Dean: dude, let go!
Nikki: you'll die if you do this!
Hazel: forget about me! Do it now!
Oscar readies his now glowing cane as Hazel gasps, his eyes becoming unfocused. The boy depresses the lever on his weapon, causing its length to shimmer gold. A sphere of crackling green magic forms around him, and the immediate area is filled with bright yellow light. As it does, an aura bursts off of the team, but the light engulfs them before revealing what happened.
(End music)
Author's note: another round is in!
I've been wanting to do this for a while, and with the way how the volumes are playing out, I'm hoping to do a third fight later on.
Emerald and Hazel switched sides. I'll admit, I didn't hate them nearly as much as Cinder, Mercury, and Tyrian. So, I was a bit bummed to see Hazel die, but I'm glad it was for the right reasons. And, I'm hoping Emerald will stand up against Cinder later on as to show she's not relying on her anymore and will walk her own path.
Kasumi reveals the truth. I don't know Merlot's age, so I put him in the grandparent category instead of parent.
The end's coming closer. I'm really excited to get there, as I have an idea for the future of this little series that I can't wait to explore.
Next chapter: is the Tin Man in control?