Two Months Later
Two months had gone by since Sterling Schnee and Weiss had last been together, Sharing heartfelt conversations, engaging in playful activities, and strengthening their bond as siblings. As Sterling stood by the designated area for his departure, A summoned H-47 Chinook helicopter awaited him. He paused for a moment, Taking in the tranquil surroundings before turning to say goodbye to his sister.
With a determined glint in his eye, Sterling activated his Transformtrix, transforming into his chosen form—Iana.
"Weiss." He called out gently. Weiss turned her attention to Iana, Her expression curious. "Yes?"
"Please take care of Mom while you're here, And I'll see you at Beacon Academy, okay?" He offered her a warm smile filled with reassurance. Weiss nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, Sir!" She replied playfully, Raising her hand in a mock salute, Her spirit unyielded despite the impending separation.
Iana (Sterling) chuckled softly at her playful antics, Appreciating her lightheartedness. As he turned to face the helicopter, He spotted 2B, the pilot, seated at the controls, While A2 occupied the Co-pilot's seat. In the cargo hold, His comrades—P2, A4, 5B, 7E, And 10H—Were seated, various expressions on their faces ranging from excitement to calmness. "Take us up, 2B!" He commanded, A hint of eagerness in his voice.
As the Chinook lifted off the ground, Iana (Sterling) took a moment to glance back at Weiss one last time. He waved at her, His face lit up with a bright, sunny smile that spoke of warmth and fondness.
'I love you, sis, so be safe…' Echoed softly in his mind. 'I love you, big bro; just be careful!' Echoed gently in Weiss's mind as Sterling settled into his seat, Allowing the helicopter's vibrations to soothe him.
———
Five Hours Later
Entering the City of Argus Air Space
The flight felt smooth & exhilarating, The vast expanse below revealing the distant silhouette of Argus. "This is Argus Base to Unknown rider, Please identify yourself." crackled over the radio. Iana (Sterling) responded quickly, His tone confident. "This is Azure 0-1 with eight souls on board, Coming in for a landing. How copy?"
The voice from Argus Base responded without delay. "Argus Base to Azure 0-1, A-firm. Land at VTOL Landing Zone Three."
"Azure 0-1 to Argus Base, Understood. ETA seven minutes, Out." He confirmed, Flashing a determined smile as he made the necessary adjustments to the controls.
In preparation for landing, Iana (Sterling) decided it was prudent to revert back to his normal form, allowing for a smoother interaction with those awaiting their arrival.
———
Eight Minutes Later
Just After Landing
With a loud hiss, A2 opened the H-47 Chinook's cargo hold wide loading ramp. "2B, A2, P2, 5B, And 10H stay on board. A4 and 7E, you'll be with me. Understood?" He instructed firmly. The response from A4 & 7E came in chorus. "Yes, Sir!"
Sterling beamed at their enthusiasm. "Come on, Then." He said, Leading the way down the ramp to the bustling scene before him. As they emerged, They were greeted by Caroline Cordovin & her two Nubuck Guards, both eyeing them with a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Hello, Ma'am." Sterling greeted, Hoping to project an air of confidence.
Caroline looked him up and down with a serious expression. "Well then, Young man? What brings you here & where are you headed? I need this for my report."
With a respectful nod, Sterling replied. "Yes, Ma'am. We are here to rest for a short while, And then we'll head to the City of Mistral, Somewhere near Pine Farm."
"I see... And what about the unknown aircraft?" She asked, Narrowing her gaze.
With a smile, He took pride in his work. "That aircraft is called an H-47 Chinook. I designed & built it myself." Sterling lied cooly.
Caroline blinked, Taken aback. "Wha—really!?"
"Yes!" Sterling replied enthusiastically, His pride evident.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Caroline huffed a sigh. "Alright… You can proceed, Young man."
"Thank you, Ma'am." He said gratefully, Watching as Caroline & her Nubuck Guards turned to leave for the Argus Tower Base.
With a wave of excitement, Sterling, A4, & 7E stepped into the vibrant City of Argus. The streets were bustling with people & the air was filled with the scent of street food and the sound of chatter. "So, Girls. How do you like it?" He asked, Curious about their impression.
A4 looked around, Taking in the scenery. "It's fine, I like it… It's cold & calm…" She replied thoughtfully.
"It's cold, But that's okay. Because it's beautiful too." Chimed in 7E, Her eyes sparkling as they wandered the cobbled streets.
"Alright, You girls enjoy your time together. Go explore, But be back at the H-47 Chinook by either 5:45 P.M. Or 6:55 P.M." A4 & 7E nodded vigorously. "Yes, Sir!"
Sterling chuckled at their enthusiasm & waved them off gently before continuing his own exploration of Argus.
As he strolled through the streets, Mingling with the locals, his gaze suddenly landed on an unmistakable figure—Pyrrha Nikos. Intrigued, He approached her, a friendly smile on his face.
"Hello, You are Pyrrha Nikos, Yes?" He asked, Feigning unfamiliarity.
"Oh! Yes, That is me. Nice to meet you, umm…" She hesitated, Waiting for his introduction.
"I am Sterling Schnee; It's a pleasure to meet you," He replied smoothly, Extending his hand.
Pyrrha too extends her & Sterling gives her forehand an gentle kiss. "Oh my! An honor to meet you too!" Pyrrha blushes a new shade of red. "By the way, Did you happen to see that unknown aircraft that landed about 21 minutes ago?" Pyrrha askes.
Sterling couldn't help but chuckle softly, Raising his hand in mock amusement. "That was me." Her eyes widened in surprise, Reflecting the astonishment of those nearby "Really!?"
He laughed softly again, Enjoying the attention his aircraft had garnered. "Yup! It's called a H-47 Chinook." Pyrrha shook her head in disbelief. "Whaa… unbelievable!"
The two continued their casual conversation, Exploring more of Argus together, sharing stories & laughter until the clock neared 6:20 P.M.
"I should get back to the H-47 Chinook; It's around 6:16 P.M. now," Sterling mentioned, Glancing at the time.
"Oh, Okay… Umm… Will you be back tomorrow?" Pyrrha inquired, Her voice tinged with curiosity & maybe more.
"Yeah! I'll be here for two more days. If you want, You can come with us me & some friends, When we leave." He offered, A playful grin on his face, Pyrrha's cheeks flushed slightly. "I-I'll think about it."
"Great! I'll see you later, Pyrrha." He said, Starting to walk away towards the helicopter, waving over his shoulder with that same warm smile.
'Sterling, you are an interesting individual.' Pyrrha mused to herself but couldn't help but wave back as he departed.
As Sterling reached the H-47 Chinook, A4 & 7E were just returning, And the three of them entered through the cargo hold's wide loading ramp. "How were your adventures?" Sterling asked, Genuinely interested.
A4 & 7E exchanged glances, Enthusiasm shining in their eyes. "We had fun, I think?" A4 replied with a grin.
The other members of the crew—2B, A2, P2, 5B, And 10H—chimed in with varying degrees of enthusiasm. "It was fine./It was okay./Mediocre…"
Sterling couldn't help but laugh softly at their varied responses. "You are all so adorable." He said, His laughter a gentle sound that brought a few soft blushes to the girls' faces.
Meanwhile, P2 turned away, Muttering under her breath. "Idiot…" Sterling smiled as he confidently approached the controls of the H-47 Chinook helicopter, His footsteps echoing slightly within the spacious cockpit. With a firm grasp, He closed the wide loading ramp of the cargo hold, sealing the aircraft.
Later that night, A surreal stillness enveloped the surroundings as Zinthara Helios, The radiant Goddess of Humanity & Reincarnation, materialized before him.
Time itself seemed to freeze in her presence, Creating an ethereal atmosphere. She regarded Sterling with a warm, Inviting smile that radiated wisdom and kindness. "Hello, Sterling. How are you this evening?"
Taken aback yet composed, Sterling managed a surprised smile. "I am doing great, Miss Zinthara! How about you?"
Zinthara's smile deepened, Her eyes sparkling with a celestial light. "I am doing well, Thank you, Young Sterling. However, I find myself in need of your assistance…" Her tone shifted slightly, A hint of gravity underlining her request.
Surprised but resolute, Sterling straightened his posture. "How can I help you, Miss Zinthara?"
With a gentle nod, She continued. "I will be sending you into two different remnants of reality & two timelines from your old world that are facing imminent danger. I believe you possess the strength & courage necessary to save them."
Sterling's expression flickered with shock at the magnitude of her words, But his determination shone through. "Well, I had a feeling this moment might come… Can you tell me more about what's going on?"
Zinthara nodded gracefully, Her demeanor serious. "The first timeline I need you to address is what I call The Complete Fall of Beacon. The second is during the Entrance Test at Beacon Academy. Additionally, I need your presence during the Korean War & the ongoing conflict in Ukraine."
With a mix of playfulness & seriousness, Sterling raised his hand in a mock salute, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Right! Will you be sending me detailed instructions regarding what you just outlined?"
"Yes, I will provide you with everything you'll need." Zinthara responded quickly, Her tone reassuring.
Sterling nodded, A resolute expression forming on his face. "I'll be back, sis." The weight of the task loomed before him, But he felt a surge of purpose, ready to step into the unknown to make a difference.