RWBY: Ironwood's Redo

Part 9: A New Fairytale Begins

A certain type of silence has fallen around James Ironwood.

He was once a noble and persistent leader.

He is now a shell of his former self.

Even with new found perseverance, James can't help but crumble to his knees again.

The Ever After looms ahead, it's strange fauna and unique appearance draws out ones curiosity, but...

James Ironwood has all but given up. There's no room for curiosity now.

He didn't take his new role seriously.

He threw away his chances at winning against her

He cost people their lives.

He stood by and let other people handle his problems.

He was so tied up in the idea of Remnant existing, that all his efforts became futile.

He cast away the idea of Cyrus Vine.

"Once again, he's just a failure".

"... You're back? Why won't you leave me alone?..."

James' head slowly rises to face the forest before him.

His eyes slowly scan the treeline, hoping to find something.

What exactly?

"Who knows? He certainly doesn't. Or do you, General?".

"Please... I know you're trying help me, but... Just stop... I know I failed, I know I was an idiot... Please stop...".

"Oh poor General Ironwood! So distraught that he begs to us! How comical".

The voice in his head suddenly sounds more serious. It takes on a more business like tone as it continues to speak.

"Instead of groveling and sniffing like a child, why don't you go do something? You are so pathetic! Brought to your knees by the thought of your reinvention! Oh, how we wish to fix you ourselves..."

"... What? Reinvention? If you're still who I remember talking to... Why are you doing this to me?".

James's voice quivers slightly as tears well in his eyes again. He keeps scanning the treeline, trying to prevent himself from crying once more.

The voice does not speak anymore. It leaves him in total silence. The sounds of the forest slowly filter into his ears again, making him more keenly aware of the gravity of the situation.

With all his willpower, James pushes himself to his feet. The sand on which he knelt making a soft crunching noise as he plants his boots into it.

He wearily scans the trees again, this time, he contemplates moving forward.

A small gust of wind glides past him, he turns back towards the ocean and sees the sunset. It's brilliant orange light cast over the landscape.

It reflects off the crystal clear water and nearly blinds Ironwood.

The shadows of the forest are exemplified by the bright light.

Slowly, Ironwood turns away from the beautiful display and very hesitantly approaches the edge of the forest.

It's colorful display and calming nature seem to pull at him.

Another gust of wind hits his back, pushing him ever so closer to his destiny.

As he enters the forests of the Ever After, the same thoughts as before cloud his mind. What are you? Where did you come from? What pushes you to be who you are?

Ironwood sighs out raggedly, the weight of all these questions with no answers weigh on his conscience.

Even as he investigates this small area of the Ever After, he still feels like he is trapped in some sort loop...

Wait a minute... He is?

A yell of frustration breaks the quiet around him. He ends up scaring a vaguely bird-like creature, with a large beak and long legs. It scurries off as he bangs his head against an oddly shaped tree in frustration. His doubts rising again as insecurity bubbles inside him.

He slowly slides down the side of the tree and sits on the ground. Tears stream freely from his eyes as another reality check hits him.

As he silently cries, he hears a faint whisper. He can hardly make it out, but eventually, he understands.

Even with tears in his eyes, another wave of dedication hits him. As the whisper echoes in his mind, he slowly rises once more. He takes a deep breath and steadies his emotions.

Another whisper, seemingly brought by the wind, enters his mind.

"And with this, a new Fairytale begins."

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More to come soon, trust me.

Goodnight.