As the group watched Salem's Army approach, Ryder clenched his fists, this was it, this was the day it all ended. The day Salem would fall. At least, that's what Ryder was hoping for. Despite everything, he isn't too sure if he is strong enough to face Salem. But he must try, he must keep going, he must beat her. If he doesn't Humanity is doomed. The weight of it all is beginning to settle on his shoulders. He calms himself down as much as he can before he hears someone within the group talk.
"Okay, what now?" Nora asked.
"We fight." Ryder said, before turning around to face everyone. "If we lose, Atlas will fall and with it possibly Remnant."
"So what's the plan?" Yang asked.
"First, we need to ground her forces. Prevent her from reaching Atlas. Once she's on the ground we focus all our efforts in dwindling her numbers before making our assault against Salem herself." Ryder explains.
"How do you plan to ground that gigantic whale?" Marrow asked, pointing to the Grimm whale that was flying.
Ryder looked at Kairos.
"I have an idea, but it requires a team effort." Ryder said.
Kairos nods, understanding what he was trying to say. Ryder then returns his gaze to the others.
"Once me and Kairos take down the whale, i need everyone to press forward and begin our assault." Ryder instructs. "General, how much of the Military can we spare?"
"Enough for this plan. I hope." Ironwood said.
"Get the military in position to provide any support we need." Ryder instructed.
Ironwood nods before looking at Winter.
"Head to the Winter Maiden, keep her safe." Ironwood ordered.
"Will do sir." Winter said.
Then both Winter and Ironwood rushed off to do their separate tasks.
"Clover, the Ace Ops can do good by helping to continue the evacuations." Ryder said.
"Count on it." Clover said. "Let's go team!"
Clover and the Ace Ops hurry away to help with the evacuations down in Mantle.
"Penny and I will help out the Ace Ops in any way I can." Robyn said before running after the Ace Ops.
"See you all in the battle!" Penny said before rocketing off.
Ryder then focused on his friends and Qrow.
"Everyone, ready to join me on the battlefield?" Ryder asked.
They all prepared their weapons.
"We're with you, Ryder." Jaune said.
Ryder nods with a smile. He then looked at Kairos.
"Let's do it." Ryder said.
Ryder then rockets into the sky and Kairos followed him into the sky. Team RWBY, JNPR and Qrow rushed off to find a transport to join the two. Oscar stayed put as he watched Ryder and Kairos off. He then heard a voice.
"He's certainly grown." Ozpin said within Oscar's mind.
"I guess you trained him well." Oscar said.
"No. His growth is all his doing." Ozpin said.
"How come you came back?" Oscar asked.
"I don't really have an answer." Ozpin admits. "But at least Ryder was capable of taking charge when it mattered. Which I'm thankful for."
"Yeah. Me too." Oscar said.
"Best keep the Relic of Knowledge safe." Ozpin said.
"Right." Oscar said before rushing back towards Atlas Academy.
Ryder and Kairos flew towards the giant flying Grimm whale and both of them charged up attacks. Kairos created a ball of violet energy while Ryder created a ball of magical energy. Once they got close enough, they both launched beams of their respective energies at the Grimm whale. The violet and orange colors mix into one beam of energy. The beam raced through the air and went right for the giant whale. Salem saw this as did Frost and Summer. Salem brought up her hands and created a large magical barrier. The barrier was huge and once the combined beam of Kairos and Ryder hit it, a large shockwave erupted from the impact as the beam pushed against the barrier.
Salem at first didn't seem like she needed to try but then she noticed how the barrier cracked under the pressure of the beam. Slightly impressed, she puts forth more effort. As she did this, she gave a telepathic command to the Grimm whale beneath her feet. The giant whale began to descend towards the ground. This causes Ryder and Kairos to stop firing the beam of energy.
"What's it doing?" Kairos asked.
"it's descending..." Ryder said before looking at Mantle. "Towards Mantle!"
"But why? What she wants is up in Atlas?" Kairos asked in confusion.
"I'm not sure. But we need to stick to the plan." Ryder said.
On the giant whale, Salem drops the barrier and turns to Frost.
"You know what to do Frost." Salem said.
Frost nods before he lets his magic flow before rocketing into the sky. Ryder and Kairos were about to make their way to Mantle, but Ryder sensed an Aura signature rapidly approaching them. So, he turned to it and Kairos noticed.
"What is it?" Kairos asked.
Ryder was about to answer before 2 spears made of Ice flew past him. Frost created four more spears of ice and launched them at the two. Ryder dodged them while Kairos created a sword with his Semblance and deflected the spears. Frost then coats his right fist in ice as he dove for Ryder specifically. Kairos pushed Ryder out of the way and countered by coating his own fist in his violet-colored energy. Both clashed by throwing a punch that collided with the other creating a shockwave. Kairos and Frost glared at each other. Frost pushed away from Kairos dodging a punch from Ryder. Frost floated backwards before stopping.
"Who the hell are you?" Kairos asked with clenched fists.
"You can call me, Frost" Frost introduced. "Salem considers him a thorn, so I'm going to deal with it."
Frost had pointed to Ryder when he spoke. Kairos put an arm out in front of Ryder before moving forward.
"No. Your fight is with me." Kairos said.
"Kairos-"
"Go to mantle and help the others. I'll handle him." Kairos said, not breaking his eyes away from Frost in case he attacks.
Ryder hesitated but nods before he quickly turns and blasts off towards Mantle.
"You're making a foolish mistake." Frost said.
"Maybe." Kairos said, agreeing. "But where's the fun in being careful?"
Frost scoffed before he forms ice around his fists and feet. Kairos lets a violet-colored aura outline his body. Let the Battle for Atlas begin!