Ironwood overlooks the City of Atlas from his office. Manta airships fly by. Someone is heard clearing their throat.

Atlas Commander: Sir, we have confirmation that Doctor Watts has escaped military headquarters with the assistance of Cinder Fall. We do have Jacques Schnee in custody--

Ironwood: I don't give a damn about Jacques Schnee. What about the other two?

The pair of Atlas officers stand at attention with nervous looks on their faces. Sweat drips down the side of the commander's face as she addresses the remaining prisoners statuses.

Atlas Commander: Sir, Branwen and Hill have... evaded capture.

As she says this, Atlas soldiers are shown scouring the wreckage of Cinder's break-in to retrieve Watts. A soldier lifts up some debris revealing a crow, which flies into the air before transforming into Qrow, who tackles the soldier to the ground.

Atlas Commander: (voiceover) But we are monitoring every exit, so they must still be inside the compound.

Another soldier lifts up some debris, revealing Robyn. She lifts her head up as the soldier points his gun at her.

Atlas Soldier: Hands up! We're moving you to another--

As he says this, Qrow chokes out a nearby soldier before bringing up his fist to punch the soldier holding Robyn at gunpoint.

Back in the office, Ironwood angrily slams his left fist on his desk.

Ironwood: Damn it! (He huffs angrily before composing himself) Search everywhere for them. Do not return to this office until you have Qrow Branwen in custody.

Atlas Commander: Of course, sir.

The pair of officers salute before leaving. Ironwood turns around to look outside the large window again. He sighs as he brings his fingers up to his ear to talk into his comlink.

Ironwood: What's the status of our--

Suddenly, a series of bright flashes occur outside his window, before a massive explosion is seen engulfing Monstra. The explosion shines so bright as the light is seen engulfing Ironwood's office.

Down on the battlefield, Winter Schnee leads the charge as the Ace Operatives carry the bomb that was to blow up Monstra before they are knocked back from the explosion.

At the Schnee Manor, Weiss Schnee enters her room carrying a plate of bread, soup and a drink, but she drops it in shock upon seeing the bright explosion occurring outside her window. Nora Valkyrie and Klein Sieben also watch the explosion from the bedside.

The explosion further reaches into the City of Atlas, knocking back and obliterating some Lancers. The entire scene is engulfed in a bright light.

In the explosion's aftermath, Monstra is seen starting to dissipate. The morning sun shines through the particles of the slain Grimm. Through the dust, Neopolitan can be seen happily skipping away from the Grimm with the Relic of Knowledge in her possession.

Elsewhere, Winter gets up to witness the quiet battlefield.

Winter: Is everyone all right?

Vine: No injuries here.

Elm: What?!

Marrow: They... They were still inside.

Ironwood: (over comms) Target destroyed. Good work. But no time to celebrate. Return to the Academy at once. We've got a new problem.

Marrow: But... that wasn't us.

Winter: Then we can tell him in person. Load it back up, we're leaving.

On the roof of a skyscraper in Atlas, Cinder, and Watts stare at the disintegrating carcass of Monstra.

Watts: Did... Did anyone respond?

Cinder: (glances at her Scroll) No.

Watts: Well, she'll come back. In the interim, we need a plan.

Cinder: Plan? The plan hasn't changed. (She walks a short distance away) I'm going to rip the Maiden power out of Penny Polendina because you're going to bring her to me.

Watts: I beg your pardon?

Cinder: You said in your message that you have control over Penny.

Watts: I said I had Penny under control, not that I could telekinetically force her to do whatever I want.

Cinder turns around, looking irritated.

Cinder: What?

Watts: I implanted a virus in her, you dimwit. She's on a set path now. At least, she should be. As much as I hate to admit it, there seems to be some part of her capable of resisting. Regardless, it's only a matter of time before her mechanical body succumbs to the virus. She'll open the Vault, then she'll destroy herself and our little Penny problem will be do--

Cinder's Shadow Hand lashes forward, grabs Watts by the collar and pulls him toward her.

Cinder: What do you mean, she'll destroy herself? How am I supposed to take her power if she's dead?!

Watts: You know, it's impressive that you haven't realized this yet, but I don't work for you!

Cinder extends her arm again, hanging Watts off the edge of the roof.

Watts: Please. You can't just threaten me like everyone else.

Cinder: You think you're so clever, don't you, Arthur? (She begins walking toward him)

Watts: Salem sent you to bring me back-

Cinder: Salem isn't here right now, but I think we can still come up with a plan while she's pulling herself together. First, I'm going to watch you plummet to an unremarkable end. And then I'm going to burn a path directly to the Vault where I will wait to tear that magical puppet to pieces. And take... what is mine.

Cinder conjures a flame in her free hand, smiling confidently, but her smile quickly fades as Watts starts laughing.

Watts: Oh, of course, you are! Because that's just what you do, isn't it?

Watts willingly lets go of Cinder's Shadow Hand, as if he is allowing Cinder to drop him.

Watts: And how has that worked out for you? You stormed into Fria's room, thinking you can take on Ironwood's top fighter and war machine. But you couldn't. And that machine became the Winter Maiden! Oh, and let's not forget your deal with Raven Branwen. Get all your enemies in one place so you'd have a shot at revenge. If only someone could have warned you against such a miserable idea. Oh wait, I did! But you pushed ahead and you lost it, when all you had to do was your job!

Cinder's expression becomes increasingly angry; her Maiden powers form a vortex of orange energy around her.

Watts: You think you're entitled to everything just because you've suffered, but suffering isn't enough! You can't just be strong, you have to be smart! You can't just be deserving, you have to be worthy! But all you have ever been is a bloody migraine!

Cinder screams in rage, but instead of dropping Watts, she drags him back, releases him and walks away, breathing heavily. She sits on the edge of the roof, a tear in her eye. Behind her, Watts exhales heavily.

Oscar runs through what remains of Monstra, tears threatening to stream down his face. He keeps running around, looking for something, anything, that would tell him that Maul was still alive.

Ozpin: Oscar...

OscaR: Shut up! Y-You don't know!

Ozpin: Oscar... look to your left.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Oscar's eyes widened, as the sun glinted off a metallic object. He made his way over, slowly, the tears beginning to form.

Once he got close enough, Oscar fell to his knees. Picking up the object, the tears now fully flowing.

Oscar held half of Maul's lightsaber, the only thing that survived. He kneeled over, holding the saber to his chest full-on crying now.

Yang: Oscar! Where are you?! Osca- there you are! What's-?

Yang sees Oscar kneeling over and crying, it took her a moment to realize why.

Yang: Hey! Hey... It'll be alright, The Being can bring him back, right?

Oscar: (voice shaky) H-He can't...

Yang: ...What?

Oscar: He-He said, that he can only bring back a person once... Maul's gone... (sobs)

Yang's eyes widening out of realization and hugs Oscar, who shakily hugs Yang back.

Yang was eventually able to help Oscar stand, leading him back to the group. They began planning their next move.

Jaune: Where's Maul...?

Yang shook her head, Jaune's eyes trailing down to Oscar, who continued to stare at the saber. His, and Ren's eyes widening out of realization.

Ren: So... what's our next move?

Emerald: We should probably get out of here...

The four turn to look at the former supporters of Salem, their eyes narrowing.

Yang: How can we trust you?

The Being: Because... I trust them.

The four flinch as The Being appears behind the two ex-Salem supporters. Placing his hands on their shoulders, their eyes glowed blue again.

The Being: There... they will never return to Salem's side.

Ren: Uh... I'm sorry about your jellyfish...

The Being: Hm? Oh, him. Do not worry, he was just a newborn. He was just born for this very purpose.

The Being removes his hands from Emerald and Mercury's shoulders. Their eyes turning back to normal.

Yang: *sigh* how are we gonna find everyone else?

The Being: I can take care of that...

Blake sat on the steps in the Schnee manor, biting the nail of her thumb nervously. Yang still hadn't responded to her calls, and she was growing worried for her partner.

Trying again, she pressed the call button and held the scroll to her ear.

Yang: Blake?

Blake: (standing up) Yang! You're alright! I-We were so worried! Where are you guys?!

Yang: Uh, Blake?

Blake turned, realizing that the voice wasn't coming from her scroll. Her face showing joy when she saw her partner.

Blake: Guys! They're back!

Pyrrha, Weiss, and Ruby emerged, joy apparent on their faces as well.

Jaune caught Pyrrha in a hug, Pyrrha kissing his forehead lightly. Oscar watched their reunion with a smile on his face, before looking down at the lightsaber in his hand and walking out of the room.

Weiss: Um, where's Maul?

An uneasy glance was shared between Yang's team, Emerald speaking up.

Emerald: Maul... didn't make it.

Ruby and her team stared at Emerald and Mercury, narrowing their eyes out of anger.

Weiss: And you two did?

Blake drew her gambol shroud but stopped when The Being stepped forward.

The Being: Do not blame them, they betrayed Salem. Helping Oscar escape in the process.

Blake: Why did you betray Salem?

Mercury: Look, just because we hate the world doesn't mean we want it gone.

Team RWBY glanced at each other again, and Blake sheathed her blade again.

Oscar sat down near a window, setting the lightsaber down. Before leaning back, and closing his eyes.

Ahsoka: Oscar?

Oscar looked up, seeing Ahsoka walk up to him, she was heavily bandaged on the chest. Where her ribs had been broken.

Oscar: Oh... hi.

Ahsoka took a seat across from Oscar, sighing as she watched Oscar hold his knees to his chest.

Ahsoka: When...When a force-wielder dies, especially a powerful one... a ripple is sent through the force. Those who focus... can feel it.

Ahsoka places a hand on his shoulder out of comfort.

Ahsoka: I...I'm sorry for your loss.

Oscar began sniffling, before hugging Ahsoka. She looked surprised, before hugging him back.

Oscar: I-I just can't believe he's gone...

Oscar sniffled, Ahsoka patting his back comfortingly.

Oscar: He...He helped me get away from my owners... When I was still their property. When I was "gifted" with Ozpin's soul... It was a lot to take in. He helped me, trained me to use my "memories." At Haven, he fought off Hazel, even he died fighting alongside him...

Oscar: I-I never had a father... But Maul filled that empty place... and now he's gone...

Oscar continued to cry into Ahsoka, who held him sadly.

CCT Voice: This is an emergency CCT broadcast.

All CCT's and Scrolls across Atlas show the SDC freighters being shot down by Atlesian Mantas.

Yang: What's going on?

Weiss: Those ships, they were going to save people! Why would--

The broadcast changes to show Ironwood standing in the center of a dark room, under a spotlight.

Ironwood: I have always promised to defend this Kingdom. Its technology, its future, from those who would see it destroyed. Our enemy is crippled, but one individual still denies Atlas its salvation. The Protector of Mantle.

As Ironwood continues, Ruby, Blake, and Yang became displeased as everyone watches.

Ironwood: Penny, wherever you and your friends are, I need you all to listen. I know how much Mantle means to you, so I'm going to give you a choice. You can bring yourself to Atlas Academy and do your duty, help me save as much of Atlas as I can, and Mantle will be left to fend for itself. Or... you can all watch as I destroy it.

Weiss gasps in shock at Ironwood's ultimatum.

Ironwood: I have one bomb. That's all it will take.

Elsewhere in Atlas, Watts and Cinder watch Ironwood's ultimatum before they look at each other.

In the tundra near Monstra's body, Vader watches with a clenched fist, before shattering his scroll.

Ironwood: If there is no Mantle then there is no reason for you not to work with me. Neither of us wants it to come to that, but one of us is willing to do it. If anyone tries anything other than what I've ordered, Mantle... is gone. You have one hour to respond.

In Weiss's bedroom, Nora, now recovered but worried, watches Ironwood's ultimatum to Penny before she looks at Penny who is still unconscious.

Ironwood: I hope you live up to the title I gave you.

-Timeskip-

Ironwood and Winter are walking down a corridor. Two guards emerge from one of the side paths and, upon noticing Ironwood, salutes them while doing their best not to look Ironwood in the eye. Their reaction is noticed by Winter, who chose not to comment.

Somewhere else in the base, the Ace-Ops are 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 opens behind them to allow Ironwood and Winter access to the room. The Ace-Ops line up and stand at attention.

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

Winter's eyes widen in surprise.

Winter: 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 continues.

Ironwood: This is how we save Atlas.

Ironwood begins to walk away from the group.

Marrow: You call this saving Atlas? Doing Salem's job for her?

Ironwood stops but does not turn around. Marrow walks 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 grabs him by the shoulder and moves 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 walks past Harriet to get closer to Ironwood.

Marrow: 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 walks past the Ace-Ops and away from Ironwood, His eyes widen when he hears a gun cock before he is punched in the face by Winter.

Ironwood pulls back his gun as Winter restrains Marrow.

Winter: You want a collar? Fine.

Winter picks up and holds on to Marrow. As the Ace-Ops look on in shock.

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

Ironwood nods and allows Winter to take Marrow away while he holsters his gun. He walks past the rest of the Ace-Ops, who get out of his way and stand at attention.

Jaune attempts to heal Nora Valkyrie's scars with his Semblance. Lie Ren is sitting on the edge of the bed.

Ren: I'm... glad you're alright.

Nora does not respond. Eventually, Jaune stops using his Semblance with a sigh.

Jaune: Ah, sorry. No matter how much I boost you, they won't go away.

Nora: (Getting up into a sitting position) Don't apologize. I got hurt doing what I always do, just another ditsy move from Nora.

Ren: (standing up) Th-that's not true.

Nora: How would you know? We were supposed to be a team, but that didn't matter to you. When things went wrong you pushed us away. You shove people out so you don't have to feel things that are hard!

Nora gasps for breath before attempting to calm herself down. Ren looks away before replying.

Ren: You're right. I should be apologizing, to both of you. W-when we lost Oscar and things got difficult, I said terrible things. (Sits back on the bead) I've been so...angry, at myself. For not being as good as the Ace Ops, for what happened at Robyn's rally, for losing the lamp. I thought if I just focused on working harder, getting stronger, that we...I, wouldn't fail. But, my biggest failure was as a teammate and as a partner.

Jaune looks between Ren and Nora several times before getting up in a rush.

Jaune: Ah ha! Ha ha! Uh...All water under the bridge, buddy! Ha ha! I'm uh...Gonna go see if Klein needs any help with Penny.

Jaune exits the room in a rush and shuts the door loudly.

Nora: Ren, I just wish, I mean, why didn't you say anything? So we failed as a team, but we succeed as a team too.

Ren: I was the one holding us back. Not Jaune, not you. Me.

Nora: Well, you're wrong. All I do is make dumb jokes and smash things with a hammer.

Ren: (moving closer to Nora) What? That's not true.

Nora sighs while leaning her head back and closing her eyes.

Ren: You put everything you have into what you do. You support everyone around you, you help without worrying about how it might hurt. And that's what I love about...

Nora's eyes open in shock.

Ren: That's why I... I love you.

Nora takes a deep breath and looks away from Ren. Neither of them says anything for a while.

Nora: When my mom ran from the Grimm and left me behind, you found me. We became Ren and Nora. But I realized on this mission apart, I don't know who "Just Nora" is. And if I'm ever going to find out, then I have to do it alone. (Looks at Ren) Because I've always loved you, Lie Ren and that pretty head on your shoulders seems like it's doing a lot better.

Ren chuckles at the last remark.

Nora: But I still got to get mine sorted out before I can be the partner you need. Is that...okay?

Ren looks at her with his Semblance. He sees white petals slowly falling off her, and gives her a small smile, and brushes her cheek as she starts to cry.

Ren: It's definitely okay.

Ren removes his hand from her cheek and taps her nose.

Ren: Boop.

Nora gives a small giggle, and the two rest their foreheads together.

Qrow and Robyn are in a locker room, looking for their weapons. Qrow finds his sword and pulls it out.