Ron’s Journey Through Remnant

[Jaune]: (exasperated) Could it get any worse?

[Ron/Gaster/Adrian/Maple]: (in unison) DON'T MAKE IT WORSE!

As if on cue, another Nevermore and a Death Stalker emerged from the gaping hole in the ground, adding to the overwhelming threat.

[Yang]: (panicked) We are going to die!

[Ruby]: (determined) No, our mission is to grab an artifact and make it back to the cliff. There's no point in fighting those things!

[Jaune]: (relieved) Running and living—now that's an idea I can get behind!

Ruby and the rest quickly grabbed their artifacts, preparing to make a break for them. But before they could move, they were swiftly lifted into the air, each one picked up by one of Gaster's Blasters or his floating hands.

[Ron]: (commanding) Hold on, people!

Ron and Adrian shared a Blaster, following closely behind Gaster, who was now using his wings to fly. They maneuvered swiftly through the air, weaving between the ruins as the Nevermore loomed above them, its shadow casting a dark omen over the group.

As they approached a safer distance, the team split into three groups around the ruins to avoid the attacks from the Grimm.

[Ron]: (shouting) We'll take on the Imp! You guys handle the others!

The team executed the plan without hesitation, each group bracing for the inevitable clash with their respective Grimm. Gaster, Ron, and Adrian circled the monstrous Imp-Ursa fusion, ready to face the nightmarish creature head-on, while the rest prepared to confront the Nevermore and Death Stalker. The air was thick with tension as they steeled themselves for the fight of their lives, knowing that survival depended on their ability to work together and stay focused.

The battle unfolded with an intensity that rivaled the most harrowing moments any of them had ever faced.

[Ron]: (firmly) Gaster, target the upper half of that monstrosity. Maple, shows that Grimm who the real demon queen is. Adrian, support Gaster—I want that thing armless before I take my shot.

Maple nodded with fierce determination. She leaped from the Blaster and let out a terrifying scream.

[Maple]: (roaring) Atrocity!

In an instant, Maple transformed into her demon form, towering over the battlefield as a massive, six-armed creature. Her body was a fearsome mix of black and red, her skin tough as armor, and her face devoid of eyes, replaced by a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth. With a primal roar, she charged at the Ursa half of the fusion, her powerful arms tearing into its thick hide.

As the Imp raised its spindly arms to strike Maple, a sudden orange flash zipped across the battlefield. Gaster, riding one of his Blasters in reverse, fired rapid shots to propel himself faster. The blaster shots seared through the air, forcing the Imp to stagger back. Just as the Grimm turned to confront him, a swift streak of light cut through the shadows—Adrian, moving with blinding speed, delivered a precise sword strike that severed one of the Imp's arms.

The Imp howled in fury, its sudden turn catching Gaster off guard. The Grimm's remaining arm lashed out with terrifying force, striking Gaster and sending him hurtling into the forest below. His Blaster shattered from the impact, disintegrating into a burst of energy. The ground quaked as the Imp slammed its fist down, throwing Maple off balance. Seizing the moment, the Ursa half of the fusion Grimm lunged at Maple, pinning her beneath its massive weight.

Undeterred by the escalating chaos, Adrian pressed his attack. With a powerful swing, he tore off the Imp's remaining arm, but before he could recover, the Grimm's head whipped around with surprising speed. The blow connected with bone-crushing force, sending Adrian crashing to the ground.

The situation was dire. The team was on the verge of being overwhelmed, the monstrous Grimm proving to be a formidable foe. Just as it seemed like hope was slipping away, a blur of red shot through the battlefield. In an instant, a glowing red line cleaved through the Imp-Ursa fusion, slicing it cleanly in half.

It was Ron.

His hood was down, revealing his fiery red hair and piercing red eyes. His two fox-like ears twitched as he assessed the situation, his gaze sharp and focused. The air around him seemed to shimmer with an aura of power, his presence commanding attention.

[Picture]

The two halves of the Grimm fell apart, disintegrating into black mist as Ron landed gracefully, his weapon still glowing with the energy of his strike. The battlefield fell silent for a moment, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded. But then, the silence was broken by a soft drip-drip of blood. Ron's body, which had seemed so composed, suddenly began bleeding from multiple wounds. He stood still, his expression calm, but the strain was evident in his eyes as he surveyed his team.

Maple, though bruised and battered, had escaped with only minor injuries. Adrian, having shielded himself in time, had suffered broken ribs and bones but was still conscious and alert. Yet, Gaster was nowhere to be seen.

[Ruby]: (panicked) Ron!

Ruby's voice cut through the tension as she and the rest of the team came running, having finished their own battle. They skidded to a stop beside Ron, their eyes wide with worry.

[Yang]: (worried) What happened? Where's Gaster?

[Adrian]: (gritting his teeth) He got hit… hard. He flew into the forest, but we haven't seen him since. we need to find him fast before a Grimm does

[Ruby]: we will help

The team spread out through the forest, urgency driving their every step. The underbrush rustled as they moved swiftly, calling out for Gaster, their voices tinged with worry. After ten tense minutes of searching, Ruby's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of something out of place.

[Ruby]: (pointing) Over there!

The others rushed to where Ruby was pointing, and their hearts sank at the sight before them. Gaster was impaled on a large tree branch, his body limp but still unnervingly animated. His hands, despite the grievous injury, were busy scribbling notes on a piece of paper as if nothing had happened.

[Yang]: (in disbelief) Is he… taking notes?

[Weiss]: (stunned) How is that even possible? He should be—

[Ron]: Gaster, can you stop taking notes and free yourself? You're bleeding all over the forest!

Gaster, his face pale from pain, looked at Ron with a strained expression.

[Gaster]: (grimacing) I would have done that, but my body isn't moving, and that Imp's punch has depleted my aura. Can you get me down? I feel like ants are eating my legs.

Ron nodded, his face set in determination. He carefully approached the tree, using his weapon to cut through the branch without further injuring Gaster. The team watched anxiously as Ron worked, knowing that every second counted.

As the branch was severed, Gaster's body slumped down, and Ruby and Yang quickly moved to support him, helping to ease him to the ground. Maple stood guard, her eyes scanning the forest for any signs of approaching Grimm.

[Yang]: (gritting her teeth) We need to get him back to Beacon immediately. He's in bad shape.

[Gaster]: (weakly) No need... just leave me with Ron for a second.

After a brief discussion, the team reluctantly agreed and left, trusting Ron to handle the situation.

[Gaster]: (struggling) Having a body is such a pain. You can do it now, Ron.

Ron nodded and drew his sword, a serious expression on his face. With a swift motion, he struck Gaster's head, ending his life. Moments later, Ron activated {True Resurrection}. A brilliant light enveloped Gaster's body, and within seconds, his wounds were healed, and his body was restored to full health.

As the light faded, Gaster's eyes opened, and he looked around, feeling revitalized. The area was silent except for the distant sounds of the forest.

[Ruby]: (shocked) WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Ron turned to face the team, who had returned upon hearing the commotion. Jaune, overwhelmed by the scene, had fainted, collapsing nearby.

Ron began to sing the Hydra Song erasing the memories of the events that had just transpired from everyone's minds, except for his team, Maple and Adrian.

[Ruby]: (wide-eyed) Gaster, how are you healed so fast?

Gaster, fully restored and seemingly unaffected by his previous injuries, smiled enigmatically. He looked around at the confused faces of his teammates, who had no recollection of the intense moments before.

[Gaster]: (casually) It's a long story. Let's just say I'm fine now.

Maple and Adrian exchanged knowing glances, fully aware of the real events that had taken place. The rest of the team, their memories of the recent ordeal wiped clean, focused on their next steps.

[Yang]: (trying to regain composure) Well, it's good to see everyone's okay. We should head back to Beacon and debrief.

With their memories altered and the urgency of the situation now managed, the team gathered themselves and began the journey back to Beacon.

[Half an hour later]

At Beacon Hall, Ron just finished bandaging everyone's wounds and they were looking at Ozpin who was forming teams.

[Ozpin]: Jaune Arc, Li Ren, Pyrrha Nikos, Nora Valkyrie, The four of you retrieve the white Rook pieces from this day forward you will work together as team JNPR led by Jaune Arc.

Everyone started clapping and Jaune was confused but after some time they left the stage and Ruby and her friends were up.

[Ozpin]: Now Blake Belladonna, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, and Yang Xiao Long. The four of you retrieve the white knight pieces from this day forward you will work together as team RWBY led by Ruby Rose.

Everyone started clapping again and Ying ran and hugged Ruby had a look of disbelief but they got down from the stage now was their turn.

[Ozpin]: And finally Gaster Windings, Ron Zero, Adrian Caffeinated, And Maple Kijin The four of you retrieve the black Queen pieces from this day forward you will work together as team GRAM led by Gaster Windings.

As the announcement for Team GRAM concluded, the hall erupted in applause. Maple, feeling a bit shy, stood behind Ron, Gaster, and Adrian, who were all casually sipping their coffee. The clapping and cheering created an energetic atmosphere, signaling the start of a new chapter for the newly formed teams.

[Ozpin]: (with a knowing smile) This will be an interesting year indeed.

As the team forming ended Team GRAM went to their dorms to rest and end the day, since tomorrow their new life will begin.

But unknown to them Ron has awakened something in the forest that should have been dead, and in one of Vale's bars, a red shadow was looking at a poster and smiling.

[Chapter end]