While the whole food fight was over, Mia was walking through the halls. She looked at her scroll it was a message from Ozpin.
Mia: Why would he want to see me? Huh?
Mia looked at the window and saw 2 bullheads fly pass.
Mia: Oh. It looks like James loves to bring his toys wherever he goes.
Mia presses the elevator top floor button.
Ozpin and Glynda can be seen through the window into Ozpin's office.
Glynda: Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work wherever he travels.
Ozpin: Well, running an academy and a military makes him a busy man. But yes, those are a bit of an eyesore. (A chirping beep sounds repeatedly. Ozpin turns to see a hollow-message "Access Requested" on his desk.) Come in.
The doors as they slide open to reveal Ironwood as Ozpin approaches to greet him.
Ironwood: (cordially) Ozpin!
Ozpin stands at attention.
Ozpin: Hello, General.
Ironwood: Please, drop the formalities. It's been too long. And Glynda! It has certainly been too long since we last met.
Glynda: Oh, James! (Gives a personable wave and then drops all pleasantries.) I'll be outside. (She walks away.)
Ironwood: Well, she hasn't changed a bit.
They heard a ding coming from the elevator and it automatically opened and revealed Mia.
Mia: James? Never thought you'd be here.
Ironwood: Mia, it is so good to see you, too. How are your kids?
Mia: They are great, but that's not all, my son, Rex has finally got himself a girlfriend.
Ironwood: That's good to hear. Why are you here?
Mia: I got here because Ozpin called me and told me that it is urgent.
Ozpin: It certainly is. (As he turns to his desk...) So, what in the world has brought you all the way down from Atlas? Headmasters don't typically travel with their students, for the Vytal Festival.
Ironwood: Well, you know how much I love Vale this time of year. Besides, with you hosting, I thought that this might be a good opportunity for us to catch up.
Ozpin: I can certainly appreciate the quality time between friends, however, a small fleet outside my window has me concerned.
Ironwood: Well, concern is what brought them here.
Ozpin: I understand that travel between kingdoms has become increasingly difficult.
Ironwood: Oz, you and I both know why I brought those men.
Mia: You're not the only one, James.
Ozpin: (Takes a drink and sets down his mug.) We are in a time of peace. Shows of power like this are just going to give off the wrong impression.
Ironwood: But if what Qrow said is true...
Ozpin: If what Qrow said is true, then we will handle it tactfully. It's the Vytal Festival. A time to celebrate unity and peace. So I suggest that you not scare people by transporting hundreds of soldiers halfway across the continent.
Ironwood: I'm just being cautious.
Mia: Cautious to bring your toys here in Vale? Me too.
Ozpin: As am I. Which is why we will continue to train the best Huntsmen and Huntresses we can.
Ironwood: Believe me, I am. But ask yourself this:
Ironwood: Do you honestly believe your children can win a war? (He continues on his way to the exit.)
Ozpin: I hope they never have to.
Mia: Oz, I'm in the same boat as you. I know my kids can win a war someday in the future.
Ozpin: I hope you're right.
Mia: (Take her leave)
(In the Beacon Library)
Ruby: (offscreen) Hmmmmm.... All right... All right!
Ruby: (Points at Yang.) Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!
Yang: (Thrusting her elbow down as she balls her fist.) Bring it on!
Ruby: I deploy the Atlesian Air Fleet! (Slaps her card down on the table. Yang feigns a look of shock.) Looks like I get to fly right over your Ursai and attack your walls directly! (Makes noises like airplanes flying and bombing as she makes a bird with her hands.)
Yang: (Feigning indignance as she points at Ruby.) You fiend!
Ruby: And since Atlas is part of Mantle, my repair time is only one turn. (Ruby peaks her head up. She gives a look of surprise as, offscreen, Yang can be heard laughing arrogantly.)
Yang: Pretty sneaky, sis, but you just activated my trap card!
Ruby: Whaaat?!
Yang: Giant Nevermore! (She slams the card down on the table.) If I roll a seven or higher, fatal feathers will slice your fleet in two!
Ruby: (Ruby points at Yang.) But, if you roll a six or lower, the Nevermore will turn on your own forces!
Yang: That's just a chance I'm willing to take.
Briana: This is what I call a sibling rivalry.
Elena: Yeah, but we're not like this.
Rin: Apparently, you do.
Briana: Oh, yeah? Name one.
Team JNPR are shown as Yang and Ruby banter on about the game. Ren and Pyrrha are studying, and Nora's snot bubble inflates and deflates as she sleeps.
Ruby: (offscreen) Nooooo!!! My fearless soldiers!
Yang: (offscreen) Eh, most of them were probably androids.
Ruby: (offscreen) Goodbye my friends, you will be avenged.
Yang: (offscreen) Not until I draw my rewards! Which are double this round thanks to the Mistral Trade Route!
Ruby: (offscreen) Bah!
Nora: (snores and talks in her sleep) Oh. Have pancakes.
Yang: (offscreen) Oh, and what's this? The Smugglers of Wind Path?
Pyrrha clears her throat and then confiscates a comic book Jaune is reading, trading it for a textbook.
Ruby: (offscreen) Bah! Bah, I say!
Yang: (offscreen) I say, it looks like I'm taking two cards in my hand!
As Pyrrha reads Jaune's comic, a Nevermore player piece is tossed over Jaune's shoulder. Another piece bounces off of his head.
Ruby: (offscreen) Have you no heart? (Ruby collapses on the table, groaning.) Nooo! Rex, Yang's being mean to me!
Rex: (Rubs her head) It's alright. She can't you now.
Rin: (Took a picture on her scroll) 🥰 Aw! You two look so adorable!
Rex: Sis, delete that!
Rin: 😜 Sorry!
Yang: Well, Weiss, it's your turn.
Weiss: I have... absolutely no idea what's going on.
Yang: Look, it's easy! You're playing as Vacuo which means that all Vacuo-based cards come with a bonus.
Weiss: That sounds dumb.
Yang: (Yang starts looking through Weiss' cards.) See, you've got Sandstorm, Desert Scavenge... Oh, oh! (She pulls up a card to show Weiss.) Resourceful Raider! See, now you can take Ruby's discarded Air Fleet
Ruby: (crying) Nooo!
Yang: and put it in your hand!
Weiss: Okay.
Yang: And since Vacuo warriors have an endurance against Natural-based hazards, you can use Sandstorm to disable my ground forces and simultaneously infiltrate my kingdom! Just know that I will not forget this declaration of war.
Weiss: And that means...
Ruby: You're just three moves away from conquering Remnant!
Weiss: (She stands and a thunder clap accompanies Weiss' overjoyed psychotic laughter.) Y-yes! Fear the almighty power of my forces! Cower as they pillage your homes and weep as they take your children from your very arms!
Briana: (Whispers) What the hell?
Yang: (offscreen) Trap card... (Yang's arm appears holding the card.)
Weiss: Huh?
Yang: (Yang shuffles the pieces on the board, Weiss' pieces disappearing in a puff of smoke.) Your armies have been destroyed.
Weiss: (She slumps in her chair, cries and whines.) I hate this game of emotions we play!
Ruby hops into Weiss' lap.
Ruby: Stay strong, Weiss! We'll make it through this together!
Weiss: Shut up! (Hugs Ruby.) Don't touch me!
Luke: Drama~!
Rex: I know, right?
Yang: (Putting her arms up behind her head.) Alright Blake, you're up!
Blake: Oh, um, sorry, what am I doing?
Yang: You're playing as Vale, trying to conquer the Kingdoms of Remnant!
Blake: Right.
Jaune: (Approaching the table.) Hey! Can I play?
Ruby: Sorry Jaune, we've already got 4 people.
Weiss: Besides, this game requires a certain level of tactical cunning that I seriously doubt that you possess.
Yang: Uhh, you attacked your own naval fleet 2 turns ago. (Weiss makes an annoyed sound.)
Jaune: Bring it on, Ice Queen! I'll have you know that I have been told that I am a natural born leader!
Weiss: By who? Your mother?
Rin, Luke, and Briana: Ooohhhhh!!!
Jaune: A-and Pyrrha!
Pyrrha: (waving) Hello again!
Rex: (waving back) Hi!
Elena: Hey, Pyrrha.
Jaune: (Begging with both hands folded together.) Come on, let me play your hand for a turn!
Weiss: I'm not trusting you with the good citizens of Vacuo!
Jaune: Why not? You've trusted me with way more important stuff before. I mean, you told us all that Blake is secretly a Fa-
Pyrrha: (She darts over and slaps a hand over Jaune's mouth.) Fun-loving person, whom we all admire and respect. (Jaune laughs nervously.)
Luke: Yeah, right, Sis?
Everyone looks nervously at Blake who looks obviously annoyed that her secret is out.
Rex: (Whispers) Talk about a grumpy house cat.
Jaune: Right. That. Ladies, enjoy your battle. (Bows as Pyrrha walks away. Footsteps can be heard offscreen.)
Sun: (offscreen) 'Sup losers.
Sun appears holding his fingers in a "peace" sign.
Ruby: Hey Sun!
Rex: Sup, dude!
Sun: Ruby, Rex, Yang, Blake, Luke... Ice Queen.
Weiss: Why does everyone keep calling me that?
Briana: Because you have a cold personality.
Sun: I never got a chance to formally introduce you to my old friend.
Neptune: Uhh, aren't libraries for reading?
Ren: (throwing his arms up.) Thank you!
Nora: (popping her head up.) Pancakes!
Sun: Shut up. Don't be a nerd.
Neptune: Geh, geh, geh, geh! "Intellectual", okay? Thank you. (waving) I'm Neptune.
Weiss: So Neptune, where are you from?
Neptune: Haven. (Approaches Weiss.) And I don't believe I've caught your name, snow angel.
Weiss: Um, I'm Weiss.
Jaune: Are you kidding me!?
Rex: (Whispers to Rin) Neptune 1, Jaune 0.
Rin: (Whispers to Rex) I know, I've already written it down.
Neptune: Pleasure to meet you.
Sun: (to Blake) I never took you as the board game playing type.
Blake: (As she speaks, she shoves Sun aside and leaves the room.) Right, well, I think I'm done playing actually. I'll see you guys later.
Luke: I'm gonna go check on her. (Leaves out)
Nora: (shrugs) Women.
Elena: You're a woman, too, Nora.
(In Team RWBY's dorm)
Blake as she sits with her knees folded to her chest on her bed. Voices can be heard echoing in her head.
Blake: Brothers of the White Fang, why are you aiding this scum?
Roman: The White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture together.
The sounds of battle including slashes, grunts, gunfire, and Torchwick's laughter.
The door opened and revealed her brother.
Luke: Hey. You're still think of White Fang?
Blake: What makes you say that?
Luke: I can tell with that look on your face. Do you remember what Ozpin said?
(At the interviewing office)
Ozpin: Well, this has certainly been an eventful evening.
Blake: Hmph.
Ozpin: I'm sure that after a night of thwarting attempted robbery, you probably just want to go home and take a nap. But, I was hoping that maybe we could have a chance to talk.
Blake: Of course.
Luke: Sure.
Ozpin: Wonderful. As you two know, in order to enroll at my academy, students must first pass a rigorous entrance exam. Most applicants spend years of preparation training at one of the many combat schools around the world. You are one of the few that did not. And you passed the exam with flying colors.
Luke: We were raised outside the kingdoms. If you can't fight, you can't survive.
Ozpin: Well, you and your sister have most certainly survived, Luke. I admire your drive. And I am proud to run a school that accepts individuals from all walks of life. Rich, poor, Human... (Sips his coffee.) Faunus...
(Blake glares at him.)
Ozpin: Why do you wear that bow, Blake? Why hide who you are?
Blake: You may be willing to accept the Faunus, Professor Ozpin, but your species is not.
Ozpin: True, but we are continuing to take strides to lessen the divide.
Blake: With all due respect, you need to start taking some larger strides. Until then, I'd rather avoid any unnecessary attention. I want people to see me for who I am, not what I am.
Ozpin: And what are you?
Blake: I don't understand what you're asking.
Ozpin: How did you two know the White Fang would be at the shipyard tonight?
Luke: We didn't.
Blake: I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.
Ozpin: You wouldn't have been the first. But what happened tonight was not an isolated incident. I may be your headmaster, but I am also a Huntsman, and it is my sworn duty to protect this world from the forces that conspire against it. Luke, Blake, are you sure there is nothing else you would like to tell me?
Luke: Positive.
Blake: I'm sure.
Ozpin: Very well. Thank you for your time, Mr and Ms. Belladonna. If you ever need to talk to me. Please, don't hesitate to ask.
Team RWBY are shown entering their dorm room.
Rex: I told you already, I didn't cheat! I won fair and square.
Yang: Ugh, we should have never let him play!
Ruby: You're just mad cuz' Rex beat you! See, if you had just attacked when I told you none of this would have happened.
As they enter, Blake approaches the door to leave.
Weiss: Stop. Lately you've been quiet, antisocial and moody!
Yang: Uh, have you met Blake?
Weiss: Which I get is kind of your thing, but you've been doing it more than usual! Which quite frankly, is unacceptable! You made a promise to me, to all of us, that you would let us know if something was wrong! So, Blake Belladonna, what is wrong!? (She points her finger at Blake again.)
Rex: 😑 Weiss, you're gonna hurt yourself. Get down.
She quickly puts the chair away and returns to stand near the girls.
Blake: I just, I don't understand how everyone can be so calm.
Ruby: (approaching Blake) You're still thinking about Torchwick?
Blake: Torchwick, the White Fang, all of it! Something big is happening and no one is doing anything about it!
Yang: Ozpin told us not to worry. Between the police and the Huntsmen, I'm sure they can handle it.
Blake: Well I'm not! They don't know the White Fang like I do!
Luke: Come on, Sis, you're worried over nothing!
Weiss: Okay, between blowing up nightclubs, stopping thieves, and fighting for freedom, I'm sure the three of you think that you're all ready to go out and apprehend these ne'er-do-wells!
Ruby: (offscreen) Uh, who?
Rex: (offscreen) Bad guys, Ruby.
Weiss: But let me once again be the voice of reason. We're students! We're not ready to handle this sort of situation!
Ruby: Well yeah, but...
Weiss: We're not ready!
Blake: And we may never be ready! Our enemies aren't just going to sit around and wait for graduation day. They're out there, somewhere, planning their next move, and none of us know what it is, but it's coming! Whether we're ready or not!
Rex: (Sighs) We may not be ready, but we're still students. But hey, don't overthink this through.
Ruby: Okay, all in favor of becoming the youngest Huntresses to single-handedly taking down a corrupt organization conspiring against the Kingdom of Vale... say aye.
Yang: Yes! I love it when you're feisty!
Weiss: Well, I suppose it could be fun.
Ruby: None of you said aye!
Rex: Aye.
Luke: Aye.
Blake: Alright then, we're in this together!
Ruby: (gesturing) Let's hatch a plan!
Yang: ("Double-guns" at Ruby.) Yeah!
Ruby: (gasps as she freaks out)
Rex: What?
Ruby: I left my board game at the library!
Weiss: (Places her hand to her head.) We're doomed.
Rex: Don't worry, Rubes, be back in a flash! (Kisses her cheek and ran out the door and slam into someone) Ah! Damn it! Sorry. Are you okay?
Emerald: I'm fine. Just watch where you're going.
Rex: Sure, don't know my own speed. My name's Rex. You guys are new here?
Cinder: Visiting from Haven, actually.
Rex stares for a moment and Cinder stares back.
Rex: You look familiar. Have we met?
Cinder: Not in the slightest.
Rex: Ok! You're here for the festival, right? But exchange students have their own dormitory.
Mercury: I guess we just got turned around.
Rex: You guys don't mind me getting the map? I could show you guys around the academy. (Mercury and Emerald walk past him.)
Cinder: (offscreen) Thanks. Maybe we'll see you around.
Rex: I hope. Oh, uh, and welcome to Beacon! Don't get lost!
END OF PART 18