RWBY: Ironwood's Redo

Part 2: How did we get here?

After his nap, and after Winter practically dragged him out of his office, Ironwood lazily makes his way towards the elevators just down the hall from his office. As he approaches, he passes the Ace-Ops chitchatting about going down to Mantle. This conversation, however, peaks his interest as he remembers the first episode of Vol. 7. So, doing the only logical option, he decides to join the conversation, much to the confused dismay of Winter. Who had just exited his office.

Marrow: There's this little shop, near the outskirts of Mantle, that has all these cool charms that I really-

Marrow's jaw snaps shut as Ironwood awkwardly enters the group. He looks at Marrow with a smirk, while the rest of the Ace-Ops (including Winter) look at him with mixed emotions.

Ironwood: You know Marrow, I heard about a group of Huntsmen and Huntresses coming in from Argus on an Atlas Airship.

Marrow looks at him confused, and peaks over his shoulder at Harriet, who just shrugs. Ironwood continues speaking to Marrow like a Grandfather dpeaks to his Grandson.

Ironwood: Their leader has a red cloak, black hair and... Silver Eyes.

He says the last part mostly to himself, but loud enough for Marrow, Elm and Vine to hear. Which brought them even more confusion about the General's out of character shenanigans.

Ironwood: Another is... Well, she's Winter's sister-

Winter: What!? Weiss is on her way here, and I wasn't informed!?

The Ace-Ops shuffle back as Winter shouts at Ironwood. The General chuckled at Winter, and slowly turned to her. Winter immediately shrank back and began trying to apologize to Ironwood. It took less than 5 seconds of her speaking before Ironwood silenced by gently placing his hand on her shoulder. The Ace-ops again back away, sensing imminent distaster. Ironwood looked down at Winter with a kind smile and turned again to the Ace-Ops.

Ironwood: Clover, I have a new assignment for you. Go down to Mantle, and await the Huntsmen team I just described. Capture them and bring them here immediately.

Clover nods and the rest of the Ace-Ops snap out of whatever they were thinking about and take on more determined expressions, hoping to be as far away from the General when he reprimanded Winter. Just as they turn away, Ironwood recalls one important detail.

Ironwood: They will also have a Lamp like item with them. Take care to not damage it.

The Ace-Ops continue to the elevators and Ironwood shifts his attention back to Winter. Who, at this point, had gone back to her militarized demeanor. She now stands with her hands behind her back, chin up, and chest puffed out. Ironwood looks down at her before letting of her shoulder and motioning for her to follow him into the elevator.

 

                         [Time skip]

Ironwood and Winter are now found sitting at a conference table with Councilwoman Camilla and Councilman Sleet. They are speaking about possibly lifting the Dust Embargo due to it's effects on Mantle and Atlas's  economy. Ironwood, mostly tuning out what they are saying, begins to truly realize what happened to him.

I still can't believe it... How did I even get here? And why am I Ironwood? Did what I say actually happen? Or is this just some weird dream.

Deciding to test his theory, Ironwood slowly moves his left hand down, and pinches his leg. Upon feeling the pinch, he starts thinking about things to do in this new world. Untill...

Sleet: James? I hope you have not been "out of focus" this entire time? We are speaking about important economic matters, and we need the input of the one man who controls it.

Ironwood turns to Sleet with an almost unnoticeable smirk. Sleet cocks his eyebrow and waits for his answer. While Camilla writes something Sleet said a few moments before.

Ironwood: I assure you Sleet, I am paying attention, and i do believe that i have just made my decision on the matter.

Camilla stops writing and Sleet looks at him with hopeful eyes, while Winter winces. Already hearing her Father's gloating.

Ironwood: Tomorrow morning, i will lift the Embargo. I will also be redirecting some of Matle's construction supplies to a new project.

Both of the other Council members give an inward sigh of relief, they then realize what else he said and quickly begin questioning it. However, before they can say much Winter stands up and clears her throat getting their attention.

Winter: The General already briefed me on his plan, and asked me to explain it to you both.

Winter takes a deep breath, while Ironwood and the other two watch her.

Winter: General Ironwood plans to convert Amity Colosseum into a CCT tower, if Amity is launched into the atmosphere, it can keep global communication even if more towers are destroyed. This project also hopes to draw out our biggest enemy-

Ironwood: Salem.

Ironwood interrupts Winter and draws the attention of the very suprised council members.

Ironwood: Salem is an ancient evil that has pulled the strings of every massive calamity since the Fall Of Beacon. She has pawns everywhere, and uses her influence to divide Mankind. Her next target is Atlas. She has the intent to steal the power source that keeps the ciry afloat. The Staff Of Creation. An ancient relic from Remnant's past created by the gods to guide Mankind in all their pursuits. There are 3 more relics, each hidden under the Huntsmen academies. Shade, Beacon, Atlas, and Haven. Each hides and protects them. Salem's plan is simple, unite the four relics and summon the God's. One of Light, and one of Darkness. They judge this world and deem it unfit to continue it's pitiful existence, so it will be erased. That is her goal, and we must stop her. I know that Remnant has stood divided for so long, but together, under one flag, we can win. We can hold back the evil that threatens to destroy us. But we need to let the rest of the world know. That is why Amity Communicatons Tower is so important. If no one knows what is happening, that Atlas is under attack... We will all be erased. Together, we will stand. Divided? We will fall.