The Tale Of X-49: A RWBY Story

Chapter Fifty Eight - Revelation

After their failure to get into the Argus Military Base, everyone heads back to Saphron's home. After that, Ruby tells Jaune and the rest of Team JNPR the truth about what they know. Upon learning this, Jaune becomes enraged as he punches a wall.

Jaune: Everything we did was for nothing!

Blake: That's not true.

Nora: Really? Cuz it sure does sound like it.

Blake: I, um...

Ren: If Salem can't be killed, then how are we supposed to win this?

Everyone became silent as Oscar attempts to calm the situation down.

Oscar: Look, none of this is great, we know. But we're not the bad guys here.

Jaune: Are we sure about that?

Oscar: What?

Jaune: He's in your head, isn't he? Did you already know about this?

Weiss: He didn't know any of it!

In a moment of raw anger, Jaune grabs Oscar and shoves him against the wall.

Jaune: How much longer can we even trust him?! How do we even know it's really him?! What if we have been talking to that liar this whole time?!

It was at this moment that X-49 stepped in and pulled Jaune off.

X-49: Settle down, Jaune! You don't want this!

Jaune: What the hell do you think you're doing?!

X-49: I know you're angry, Jaune. You have every right to be. But getting angry and attacking Oscar isn't going to do anything about it.

Ruby: Listen, Jaune. We can't afford to break apart like this! Not now!

Jaune: How can I?! Because of Ozpin, Pyrrha died! If he didn't get her involved, she'd still be alive! And now we learn that Salem can't be killed!

X-49: What happened to Pyrrha was a tragedy.

Jaune: What if something happened to Ruby or Yang?! Would you still be fine with following Ozpin?!

X-49: I wouldn't throw in the towel. It doesn't change that fact that Salem is out there. If we're going to beat her, then we can't break apart!

Ren: But Salem can't be killed. How do you expect to kill her?

X-49: We'll find a way. But as it stands, none of us can take on Salem alone! If you leave now, then Pyrrha will have died in vain.

It was at this point that rage took hold of Jaune. He got up and lashed out at X-49. As Jaune threw a punch at X-49's face, the force of the punch did nothing to X-49 but knock his hat off. As for Jaune, punching X-49 in the face nearly broke Jaune's hand as he dropped to his knees, screaming in pain. X-49 attempts to reach out to Jaune, but Jaune refuses. The room fell silent. Jaune then got up and glanced over to Oscar. A feeling of guilt came over him. He then walked upstairs where slamming was heard.

Yang: Is he...gonna be okay?

Nora: I don't know!

Ren: I think it would be best if we had some time to ourselves.

With that, Nora and Ren walked out of the room.

Blake: Maybe we could all use some space.

After that incident, X-49 stepped outside to get some air. As X-49 laments on all that has happened, he glanced over to Lulu.

X-49: Lulu....sweet thing. 

As X-49 pets Lulu, he spots Ruby trying to call Qrow to no avail.

X-49: Kiddo, are you all right?

Ruby: I don't know. I don't know anything... What do I tell Jaune and his team when we don't even have a plan? Qrow's out drinking, Ozpin hasn't come back and even if he did, I don't know if I could trust him. And there's always Jinn, but... we only have one more question we can ask her. I feel like I'm letting everyone down...

X-49: You are doing the best you can with what you've been given. I have been in that position before.

Ruby: Maria took me in to teach me about her eyes, but....but I don't know if I can do it. Sometimes I envy you, X-9. Being a robot must be easy. 

X-49: Maybe if I didn't have that chip in me, you'd be right. I might be nuts and bolts, but I have feelings same as you. 

Ruby: What...what would you do if what happened to Pyrrha happened to me and Yang?

As Ruby asked that question, X-49 paused. He had no idea how he'd react if anything happened to Ruby. After a moment, X-49 spoke. 

X-49: As long as I'm around, nothing will happen to you and Yang. That's a promise. 

Ruby took a moment to process her adopted brother's words. X-49 ruffled Ruby's hair.

X-49: You've come a long way from being that sweet little girl reading fairy tales and dreaming of heroes.

Ruby: Yeah...so stupid....

X-49: Don't sell yourself short, Kiddo. You're every bit the hero you always wanted to be. Things will be worse before it gets better. That's just life. But as long as you keep going, then maybe you can make all this madness and death mean something.

Ruby: Do you really think so, X-9?

X-49: I know so, Ruby. As for your Uncle Qrow, well you let me worry about that. I know a few ways to get that dusty old crow back on his feet. After all, I'm can be very convincing.

X-49 offered a comforting smile to Ruby. As Ruby found her spirit, X-49 ruffled her hair once more. Soon enough, X-49 and Ruby went back inside where Yang, Weiss and Blake along with Jaune, Ren and Nora were waiting.

Ruby: Oh, hey guys.

Jaune: What's going on?

Blake: It's Oscar. He's missing.

With that, everyone began the search for Oscar. For now, the rift that has been reopened has been sealed.