Chapter XXVI: First Contact
Dawn's Early Light
The morning mist clung to the ancient amphitheater ruins like a shroud, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere as the sun's first rays pierced through the Emerald Forest canopy. Tarro and Rhubar stood in the center of the circular stone structure, their postures alert but non-threatening as they waited for their mysterious visitors.
"Remember," Tarro murmured, his voice barely carrying in the still air, "we're here to gather information first, establish peaceful contact second."
Rhubar nodded, his experienced warrior's instincts cataloging every shadow and possible ambush point around the ruins. "And if peaceful contact proves impossible?"
"Then we buy time for the others to retreat," Tarro replied grimly. "Nova's safety takes priority over everything else."
Hidden among the trees at carefully calculated positions, the combined teams of Beacon's finest watched and waited. Nova crouched behind a fallen log with Ruby at his side, every fiber of his being wanting to be down there with the adults who were risking themselves for his sake.
"I should be the one meeting them," he whispered, his golden tail lashing with frustrated energy.
Ruby placed a calming hand on his arm, her silver eyes reflecting the morning light. "Your parents know what they're doing. Trust them."
Nearby, Yang and Turuk had taken position on opposite sides of a large tree, their newly awakened Saiyan senses allowing them to detect energy signatures that would have been invisible to them just days before.
"Two contacts approaching from the northeast," Yang reported quietly into her comm device, her golden tail wrapped tightly around her waist in concentration.
"Confirmed," Turuk's voice came back. "Power levels are... significant. Much higher than Turles and his crew."
In the ruins below, Tarro's enhanced hearing picked up the approach long before normal senses would have detected anything. Two figures emerged from the forest with the fluid grace of predators, their movements economical and purposeful.
Commander Zephyr cut an imposing figure in the morning light, his silver-streaked hair catching the sun as his crimson cape fluttered behind him. Beside him, Lieutenant Frost moved with the silent efficiency of a trained scout, her ice-blue hair pulled back severely and her pale eyes missing nothing of their surroundings.
The two groups studied each other across the ancient stones, the weight of potential conflict heavy in the air between them.
"I am Commander Zephyr of the Saiyan Imperial Guard," the silver-haired warrior announced, his voice carrying easily across the ruins. "I seek audience with the warriors of Beacon Academy."
Tarro stepped forward slightly, his own military bearing evident as he replied. "I am Professor Tarro Koizumi of Beacon Academy, and this is Rhubar Belladonna. We received word of your... arrival last night."
"Belladonna?" Frost's sharp eyes focused on Rhubar with new interest. "That's not a Saiyan name."
"No," Rhubar agreed simply, offering no further explanation.
Commander Zephyr studied both Saiyans with the calculating gaze of a seasoned military leader. "You're both full-blooded Saiyans, yet you serve an academy on this backwater world. Curious."
"We've found purpose here," Tarro replied diplomatically. "The question is, what brings the Imperial Guard to Remnant? Last I heard, the Empire considered worlds like this beneath their notice."
Frost and Zephyr exchanged a meaningful glance before the Commander spoke again. "Recent... developments have changed the Empire's perspective on this system. We've detected energy signatures that suggest the presence of warriors worthy of our attention."
In the forest, Nova's hands clenched into fists. Even without being able to hear the conversation clearly, he could sense the underlying threat in the Imperial Guard's posture.
"They're fishing," Blake observed quietly from her position, her enhanced faunus hearing allowing her to catch more of the dialogue than her human teammates. "They know something but not everything."
Weiss, crouched nearby with her rapier ready, whispered back, "The question is, how much do we reveal?"
Back in the ruins, Tarro was walking a careful diplomatic line. "Beacon Academy trains huntsmen and huntresses - warriors who protect this world from the creatures of Grimm. If the Empire has need of such skills, perhaps we can discuss mutually beneficial arrangements."
"The creatures of Grimm," Zephyr repeated thoughtfully. "Yes, we detected their unusual energy signatures during our approach. Fascinating organisms - pure malevolence given form. No wonder this world has produced warriors of note."
"Warriors like whom?" Rhubar asked pointedly.
Frost's cold smile held no warmth. "Three days ago, our long-range sensors detected a power signature that exceeded anything in our current databases. A Super Saiyan transformation of unprecedented strength and duration."
The words hung in the air like a blade poised to fall.
Tarro kept his expression carefully neutral. "Super Saiyan transformations are legendary, Commander. Surely your sensors were mistaken."
"Our equipment doesn't make mistakes," Zephyr replied firmly. "The question is whether the warrior in question represents an opportunity or a threat to Imperial interests."
"And what would constitute a threat, in your estimation?" Rhubar asked, his tone deceptively casual while his warrior's instincts screamed warnings.
"A Super Saiyan who has rejected Saiyan heritage and culture," Frost answered coldly. "One who has formed bonds with inferior species rather than embracing their destiny as a conqueror."
The insult to Remnant's people was deliberate, designed to provoke a reaction that would reveal information. Tarro felt his power level spike briefly before bringing it under control.
"I see," he said with dangerous quiet. "And what would constitute an opportunity?"
"A warrior willing to serve the Empire's interests," Zephyr replied. "One who understands that Saiyan power is meant to dominate, not protect."
Hidden in the forest, Nova's aura began to fluctuate with barely contained rage. The Imperial Guard's casual dismissal of Remnant's people as "inferior species" struck at everything he held dear.
Ruby placed both hands on his shoulders, her touch helping to ground him. "Stay calm," she whispered urgently. "Don't give them what they're looking for."
"They're talking about my friends like they're nothing," Nova hissed back, his golden tail bristling with anger.
"Which is exactly why we need to be smart about this," Ruby replied firmly. "Let your parents handle the talking."
In the ruins, Tarro was reaching a decision point. The Imperial Guard's attitude made their intentions clear - they saw Remnant and its people as either resources to be exploited or obstacles to be removed.
"I'm afraid Beacon Academy and the Imperial Guard have fundamentally different philosophies," he said finally. "Our warriors fight to protect, not to conquer."
"How disappointing," Frost murmured, though she didn't seem surprised. "And the Super Saiyan we detected? Do they share this... protective philosophy?"
"If such a warrior existed," Rhubar replied carefully, "they would be a product of this world's values. Remnant shapes those who defend it."
Commander Zephyr nodded slowly, filing away the information. "I see. Then we find ourselves at an impasse. The Empire cannot allow a legendary Super Saiyan to remain beyond Imperial authority, especially one contaminated by alien ideologies."
"Contaminated?" Tarro's voice carried a dangerous edge. "Choosing to protect innocents is contamination?"
"Choosing weakness over strength is contamination," Zephyr replied coldly. "But perhaps the warrior in question simply needs proper guidance to understand their true destiny."
The threat was now explicit. Frost's hand moved almost imperceptibly closer to her sidearm, while Zephyr's power level began to rise ever so slightly.
"And if they refuse this guidance?" Rhubar asked, though his own battle-ready stance suggested he already knew the answer.
"Then they will be dealt with appropriately," Zephyr stated with finality. "The Empire has no use for Saiyans who have forgotten their place in the natural order."
High above in the trees, team JNPR had taken position to provide overwatch. Jaune's enhanced senses, developed through months of training with his Saiyan classmates, caught the shift in energy below.
"The temperature's dropping fast," he reported quietly. "Whatever they're discussing, negotiations are breaking down."
Pyrrha, her champion's instincts honed by countless battles, readied her shield. "Should we move to support Professor Koizumi and Mr. Belladonna?"
"Not yet," Ren advised, his calm analytical mind processing the tactical situation. "But be ready."
"I'm always ready!" Nora whispered excitedly, hefting Magnhild. "Just give me a target to smash!"
In the ruins, the standoff was reaching a critical point. Both sides had revealed their positions, and neither was willing to back down.
"I think we understand each other now," Tarro said finally. "Beacon Academy will not surrender any of its students or faculty to Imperial authority. If the Empire wishes to pursue this matter further, you know where to find us."
"Indeed we do," Frost agreed with predatory satisfaction. "And when we return, we'll be prepared for your... protective philosophy."
Commander Zephyr stepped back slightly, his cape billowing in the morning breeze. "This world has three days to produce the legendary Super Saiyan voluntarily. After that, we begin systematic searches."
"Systematic searches of what?" Rhubar demanded.
"Population centers," Zephyr replied matter-of-factly. "The Empire has efficient methods for identifying Saiyans among alien populations."
The threat to Remnant's civilians was the final straw. Nova's power level spiked dramatically as golden energy began to spiral around him, his transformation triggered by pure protective rage.
"Nova, no!" Ruby hissed, throwing herself against him to try to contain the energy surge.
But it was too late. The legendary Super Saiyan's power signature blazed across the forest like a beacon, impossible to miss or mistake.
In the ruins, both Imperial Guards spun toward the energy source with predatory focus.
"Found you," Frost breathed with savage satisfaction.
The time for negotiation was over.
Power Beyond Calculation
The Hunt Begins
The forest erupted into chaos as Nova's golden aura blazed to life, his transformation into Super Saiyan triggered by pure protective fury. Ancient trees bent away from the pressure of his power, their leaves stripped away by the hurricane-force winds generated by his ki.
"Ruby, get back!" Nova roared, his voice distorted by the legendary transformation as golden energy crackled around his form.
But Ruby Rose was no longer the same girl who had first arrived at Beacon. Her own Saiyan blood sang in response to Nova's power, her silver eyes blazing as she moved to stand beside him rather than retreat.
"No," she said firmly, her own aura beginning to manifest - a unique fusion of silver light and golden ki that had never been seen before. "We face this together, remember?"
In the ruins below, Commander Zephyr and Lieutenant Frost stared in stunned silence as the energy readings on their scouters climbed far beyond their expectations.
"Impossible," Frost breathed, her usual composure cracking. "The power level is off the charts - it's still climbing!"
Zephyr's tactical mind raced as he processed the implications. "That's not just any Super Saiyan. That power signature... it's the legendary warrior from the ancient texts."
"Sir," Frost's voice was tight with barely controlled alarm, "there's something else. The human girl beside him - she's generating Saiyan energy signatures too."
"What?" Zephyr's attention snapped to Ruby, whose unique aura was now clearly visible even to non-Saiyan eyes. "That's impossible. Humans can't-"
"She's not human anymore," Tarro interrupted, his own power level rising as he prepared for combat. "The legendary Super Saiyan's blood runs in her veins now. They're bonded on a level your Empire has never encountered."
Rhubar stepped forward, his warrior's instincts taking over. "You wanted to meet Remnant's protectors. Allow me to make introductions."
The sound of multiple fighters dropping from the trees filled the air as teams RWBY, JNPR, and NDTSA revealed their positions. Yang's golden aura flared to life as she landed beside her sister, while Turuk's own transformation followed moments later.
"Bloody hell," Blaze's voice crackled through the Imperial Guard's communication system from his hidden position. "Commander, there are multiple Super Saiyans down there!"
"Impossible," Zephyr muttered, but the evidence was blazing before his eyes. Three golden auras now illuminated the forest, with Ruby's unique silver-gold energy creating a fourth point of devastating power.
Nova stepped forward, his legendary power making the very air shimmer around him. When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of absolute determination.
"You want to threaten my world? My friends? My family?" Golden lightning crackled around his clenched fists. "Then you'll have to go through me first."
Sage's voice came through the comm from his observation post, his strategic mind already calculating odds. "Commander, we need to abort. The tactical situation has changed completely."
"What do you mean?" Zephyr demanded, even as he began backing away from the overwhelming display of power.
"Sir, I'm reading four distinct Super Saiyan-level power sources, plus multiple support fighters with enhanced capabilities," Sage reported rapidly "Tactical assessment: we're severely outmatched. Recommend immediate withdrawal to orbit and orbital bombardment protocol."
Zephyr's jaw clenched as he processed the intelligence. Years of Imperial military training warred with the evidence before his eyes. The Empire had conquered dozens of worlds, subjugated countless warrior races, yet none had presented a threat profile like this.
"Negative on orbital bombardment," he finally responded, his tactical mind shifting strategies. "These power levels... the Emperor needs to see this data personally. We're looking at a potential game-changer for the entire Imperial Fleet."
Below them, Nova's golden aura continued to intensify, each pulse of energy sending shockwaves through the forest. Ruby stepped closer to him, her unique silver-gold ki harmonizing with his legendary power in a way that defied every known law of Saiyan biology.
"You feel that, don't you?" Ruby asked softly, her voice carrying clearly despite the hurricane of energy surrounding them. "It's like our power is... singing together."
Nova nodded, his enhanced senses picking up the resonance between their energies. "It's the bond we formed during the ritual. Your silver eyes, my Saiyan blood - they're creating something entirely new."
Yang moved to flank their position, her own golden transformation casting dancing shadows through the debris-filled air. "Well, whatever it is, these Imperial jerks picked the wrong day to mess with our family."
"Yang's right," Turuk added, his newly mastered Super Saiyan form radiating controlled power. "We've trained for situations like this. Time to put our teamwork to the test."
Commander Zephyr raised his hand, signaling his squad to hold position rather than attack. His strategic mind was rapidly recalculating their entire mission parameters. Three confirmed Super Saiyans plus one unknown hybrid - this wasn't a conquest scenario anymore. This was first contact with a civilization that could potentially challenge the Empire itself.
"Attention, Remnant warriors," Zephyr called out, his voice amplified by his armor's communication systems. "I am Commander Zephyr of the Imperial Guard. We came here seeking the legendary Super Saiyan, not to wage war against an entire planet of enhanced fighters."
"Then you found what you were looking for," Nova replied, his transformed voice carrying an otherworldly resonance. "But if you think I'm going to quietly surrender to be some trophy for your Emperor, you're gravely mistaken."
Lieutenant Frost stepped forward, her scientific curiosity overriding her military caution. "The energy readings from the hybrid female - they're unlike anything in our databases. How is a human generating Saiyan ki signatures?"
"She's not human anymore," Tarro interjected, his own power level rising as battle instincts took over. "The ritual that bonded them transcended species barriers. What you're seeing is evolution in action."
Rhubar's scarred face split into a warrior's grin as he surveyed the tactical situation. "Commander, respectfully, you're asking the wrong questions. The real question is: are you prepared to face warriors who fight not for conquest or glory, but for love and protection of their home?"
The Imperial soldiers' scouters continued their frantic beeping as they attempted to calculate power levels that kept climbing beyond their maximum readings. Blaze's voice crackled through the communication system from his concealed position: "Commander, these readings can't be accurate. The legendary Super Saiyan alone is registering power levels that should be physically impossible."
"All readings are confirmed accurate," Sage reported grimly. "Sir, recommendation stands: strategic withdrawal. We need reinforcements - significant reinforcements."
But Nova had heard enough. The golden lightning around his form intensified as he stepped forward, each footfall causing the ground to tremble with barely contained power.
"You want to study us? Catalog our abilities for your Empire?" His silver eyes, now blazing with golden energy, fixed on Zephyr with unwavering intensity. "Then let me give you a demonstration you'll never forget."
Ruby moved in perfect synchronization with him, her unique aura flaring as she extended her hand. When their fingers intertwined, the resulting explosion of combined energy sent shockwaves rippling outward that could be felt for miles.
"Our power isn't just additive," Ruby explained, her voice carrying a new confidence born of understanding her transformed nature. "It's exponential. The silver eyes weren't meant to just destroy Grimm - they were meant to protect life itself. Combined with Saiyan ki..."
"It creates something beyond your Emperor's comprehension," Nova finished, their combined aura now forming complex geometric patterns in the air around them.
Yang and Turuk exchanged glances before moving to create a defensive formation around their teammates. The years of training together showed as they instinctively positioned themselves to maximize their combined fighting effectiveness.
"Blake, Weiss, you in position?" Yang called out, her enhanced hearing picking up movement in the surrounding forest.
"Ready," came Blake's reply from the shadows, her ninja training allowing her to remain undetected even by Saiyan senses.
"Ice Dust charges are prepared," Weiss confirmed, her strategic mind already calculating flight patterns and escape routes for their opponents.
Teams JNPR and the remaining members of NDTSA completed their encirclement, creating a multi-layered tactical formation that would have impressed even Saiyan military commanders.
Commander Zephyr realized with growing alarm that they weren't just facing powerful individuals - they were confronting a coordinated military force that had been training together for years. Every movement, every positioning choice spoke of deep tactical knowledge and unshakeable trust between teammates.
"This changes everything," he muttered to himself, his hand moving instinctively toward his communication device. "The Empire needs to know that Remnant isn't just protected by legendary warriors - it's defended by an organized resistance that fights with power levels we've never encountered."
Nova's voice cut through the tension like a blade of pure energy: "So what's it going to be, Commander? Do you withdraw peacefully, or do we demonstrate exactly why threatening our world was the worst mistake your Empire ever made?"
The Choice Made
The forest held its breath as Commander Zephyr weighed Nova's ultimatum. The tactical display in his visor painted a grim picture - four Super Saiyan-level power sources, coordinated support teams, and terrain advantages all favoring the defenders. His military training screamed retreat, but his pride as an Imperial officer demanded he test these warriors' resolve.
"Commander," Lieutenant Frost's voice was tight with barely controlled tension. "Energy readings are still climbing. Whatever they're doing, it's building toward something massive."
Zephyr's eyes narrowed as he studied the formation before him. These weren't mindless berserkers drunk on power - they moved with precision, communicated with subtle gestures, and maintained perfect tactical positioning despite their overwhelming energy output. This was a disciplined military force that happened to wield legendary power.
"Tarro," Zephyr called out, his voice carrying across the energy-charged battlefield. "You trained these warriors. Is this representative of Remnant's military capabilities?"
The older Saiyan's weathered face split into a proud smile. "Commander, what you see before you represents barely a fraction of this world's defenders. These are still students - imagine what their instructors are capable of."
A chill ran down Zephyr's spine. Students. These reality-bending power levels belonged to students.
"Sir," Sage's voice crackled through the comm from his overwatch position. "Long-range scans are picking up additional energy signatures converging on our location. Whatever decision we make, we need to make it now."
Nova took another step forward, the ground beneath his feet turning to glass from the heat of his aura. "I'm not known for my patience, Commander. Your Empire threatened my friends, my world, my family. That makes this personal."
"Nova," Ruby's voice carried a note of warning as she sensed his power spiking dangerously. "Remember what we practiced. Control."
The legendary Super Saiyan's golden lightning subsided slightly as he drew on their bond to maintain focus. "You're right. But the choice is still his to make."
Yang cracked her knuckles, her own golden aura flaring with anticipation. "Though if he chooses wrong, things are going to get very explosive, very quickly."
Commander Zephyr's tactical computer finished its analysis, and the results were sobering. Estimated casualties for a direct engagement: 78% probability of total squad loss. Probability of mission success: less than 3%. The numbers didn't lie - this was a no-win scenario.
But there was another factor his computer couldn't calculate: the political ramifications of retreat. The Empire didn't negotiate with conquered worlds. It didn't back down from inferior forces. Yet the evidence before his eyes suggested these forces were anything but inferior.
"Commander Zephyr," a new voice cut through the tension. Professor Ozpin emerged from the tree line, his cane clicking against the forest floor as he approached. Behind him came Glynda Goodwitch, her crop held ready, and James Ironwood, his mechanical hand resting on his sidearm.
"The adults have arrived," Weiss murmured, relief evident in her voice.
Ozpin's ancient eyes took in the scene with practiced calm - the transformed warriors, the energy readings that made the air itself shimmer, and the Imperial forces caught between retreat and certain destruction.
"Commander," Ozpin said pleasantly, as if discussing the weather rather than a potential interplanetary incident. "I believe we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. Perhaps we should discuss this situation more... civilly?"
"And who might you be?" Zephyr demanded, though his scouter was already providing disturbing readings about the newcomer's power level.
"Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon Academy. These are my students you've been threatening." The temperature around Ozpin seemed to drop several degrees. "I take the safety of my students very seriously."
Ironwood stepped forward, his military bearing evident despite his civilian clothes. "General James Ironwood, Atlas Military. I'm curious about your Empire's intentions toward our world, Commander."
"We came seeking the legendary Super Saiyan," Zephyr replied carefully, his training recognizing fellow military professionals. "Intelligence suggested he might pose a threat to Imperial interests."
"The only threat here," Glynda interjected sharply, her crop pointing directly at the Imperial commander, "is to those who would harm our students."
Nova's power level spiked again as his protective instincts responded to the implied threat in Zephyr's words. "Threat to your Empire? I've never even left this planet!"
"Until now," Ruby added quietly, her silver-gold aura pulsing with dangerous intent. "But if your Empire insists on bringing the fight here..."
"Then we'll bring the fight to them," Yang finished, her golden flames dancing around her fists.
The implied threat hung in the air like a sword of Damocles. Commander Zephyr realized with dawning horror that he wasn't just facing powerful defenders - he was facing warriors who could potentially take the fight directly to the Empire itself.
"Sir," Sage's urgent voice cut through the standoff. "Multiple high-speed contacts approaching from the north. Estimated arrival: two minutes."
"Friendly or hostile?" Zephyr demanded.
"Unknown, but the energy signatures..." Sage's voice carried disbelief. "Sir, they're even stronger than the ones we're already facing."
Professor Ozpin smiled, and something in that expression made every Imperial warrior's blood run cold. "Ah, right on time. Commander, I believe you're about to meet the rest of our faculty."
In the distance, the sound of approaching aircraft mixed with the distinctive energy signatures of additional transformed warriors. Whatever choice Commander Zephyr made in the next few seconds would determine not just the fate of his squad, but potentially the future relationship between two civilizations.
Nova's voice cut through the mounting tension like a blade: "Last chance, Commander. Make your choice."
Commander Zephyr closed his eyes for a moment, his tactical computer running final calculations. When he opened them again, his shoulders sagged almost imperceptibly - the weight of inevitable defeat settling upon them.
"Stand down," he ordered quietly into his comm. "All units, disengage and return to extraction point."
"Sir?" Lieutenant Frost's voice carried disbelief. "Are you certain?"
"That's an order, Lieutenant." Zephyr's voice carried the authority of command despite the bitter taste of retreat. He looked directly at Nova, meeting the legendary warrior's blazing gaze without flinching. "We withdraw."
A collective exhale seemed to ripple through the forest as tension that had been building to explosive levels suddenly began to dissipate. Nova's golden aura flickered but remained active, his instincts still on high alert.
"A wise choice," Professor Ozpin said approvingly, though his grip on his cane remained firm.
But Zephyr wasn't finished. He stepped forward, his military bearing intact despite the circumstances. "However, I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't warn you, legendary warrior."
Nova's eyes narrowed. "What kind of warning?"
"My squad represents the Empire's... diplomatic approach," Zephyr said grimly. "We came to assess and potentially negotiate. But there are others within the Imperial hierarchy who won't be so accommodating. Lord Malice, General Vex, the Shadow Brigade - they don't negotiate, they don't retreat, and they certainly don't accept defeat gracefully."
Ruby stepped closer to Nova, her silver-gold aura pulsing with protective energy. "Are you threatening us?"
"I'm stating a fact," Zephyr replied flatly. "Word of what happened here today will reach the Emperor within the week. When it does, Remnant will become a priority target. Not for conquest - for elimination."
Yang's fists ignited with golden fire. "Let them come. We'll be ready."
"Will you?" Zephyr challenged, his tactical mind painting scenarios. "Can you be everywhere at once? Protect every city, every settlement? The Empire has resources you can't imagine - orbital bombardment platforms, reality-warping weapons, warriors bred specifically to hunt Super Saiyans."
"Commander," General Ironwood interjected, his military experience recognizing the genuine warning beneath the threat. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
Zephyr's expression was grim. "I'm suggesting that displaying this level of power has painted a target on your entire world. The Empire views anything it can't control as a potential threat to be eliminated."
Tarro moved forward, his weathered face serious. "The boy is right, Nova. I've seen what the Empire does to worlds that resist too effectively. They don't just conquer - they make examples."
"Then what would you have us do?" Nova demanded, his power flickering with renewed anger. "Hide? Pretend to be weak while your Empire threatens innocent people?"
"I would have you be prepared," Zephyr said simply. "Train harder. Get stronger. Because what's coming next won't be a diplomatic mission with scouters and stunners. It will be a death sentence with planetary annihilation as the backup plan."
The Imperial commander activated a device on his wrist, and a shimmering portal began to form behind him. His remaining squad members emerged from their positions, moving with the disciplined efficiency of professional soldiers accepting an unwelcome but necessary retreat.
"How long do we have?" Professor Ozpin asked, his ancient mind already calculating defensive preparations.
"Months, maybe a year if you're lucky," Zephyr replied as he backed toward the portal. "The Empire moves slowly when it comes to major operations, but when it moves, entire star systems fall."
Lieutenant Frost paused at the portal's edge. "For what it's worth, you fought with honor today. I've never seen power levels like yours outside of legend."
"And I hope I never have to see them used in actual combat," Zephyr added grimly. "Because if that day comes, it will mean the Empire has decided your world is worth destroying to eliminate the threat you represent."
Nova's golden aura flared one final time. "Then they'll discover that some things are worth fighting for, no matter the odds."
Commander Zephyr nodded slowly, a gesture of professional respect between warriors. "I believe they will. The question is whether Remnant will survive the lesson."
With that ominous warning hanging in the air, the Imperial forces stepped through the portal, leaving behind only the lingering energy signatures of their retreat and the sobering reality of what was to come.
As the portal sealed shut, the forest fell into an uneasy quiet. The transformed warriors began powering down, their golden auras flickering out one by one as the immediate threat passed. But before anyone could fully relax, Tarro stepped forward, his expression more grave than anyone had ever seen it.
"There's something else," the old Saiyan warrior said heavily, his weathered hands clenched behind his back. "Something Commander Zephyr doesn't know about, but something far more dangerous than any Imperial fleet."
Professor Ozpin's grip tightened on his cane. "What do you mean?"
"The Gods," Tarro said simply, and the temperature in the forest seemed to drop ten degrees. "Word of today's events won't just reach the Empire. The display of power we just witnessed... it will echo across the cosmos. And that means it will eventually reach the attention of Lord Beerus."
Nova's newly returned silver eyes widened. "Who's Lord Beerus?"
"The God of Destruction," Tarro replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "One of the most powerful beings in existence. He maintains universal balance by destroying planets and civilizations that grow too powerful or too stagnant."
Ruby grabbed Nova's arm instinctively. "Destroying planets?"
"Without a second thought," Tarro confirmed grimly. "I've seen entire solar systems reduced to cosmic dust because something caught his interest in the wrong way. And Nova... your power level, your legendary transformation, the unique bond you share with Ruby - that's exactly the kind of anomaly that draws his attention."
Yang's fists clenched, small sparks of energy still dancing around them. "So what, we're supposed to just hide?"
"No," Tarro shook his head. "Hiding won't work. If he decides to visit Remnant - and he will - then our only hope is to ensure he leaves in a good mood."
"How do we do that?" Weiss asked, her tactical mind already working through scenarios.
Tarro's expression grew even more serious. "First and most importantly: show him absolute respect. He may look like a purple cat, but never, EVER call him that. The last being who made that mistake... well, let's just say their entire galaxy doesn't exist anymore."
Blake, who had been silent until now, stepped out of the shadows. "You're talking about a being who destroys worlds for fun?"
"Not for fun," Tarro corrected. "For balance. But his definition of balance can be... arbitrary. He once destroyed a planet because he didn't like their cuisine. Another time, he spared a world because their local delicacy reminded him of his favorite Earth food."
General Ironwood's mechanical hand whirred as it clenched into a fist. "Are you saying our planet's fate could depend on whether this 'God' likes our food?"
"Among other things, yes," Tarro nodded gravely. "But there's a silver lining - he might be interested in training Nova. The legendary Super Saiyan power, especially one bonded with unique abilities like Ruby's silver eyes, could intrigue him enough to see potential rather than threat."
"And if he doesn't?" Nova asked quietly.
"Then Remnant ceases to exist," Tarro said bluntly. "No dramatic battles, no last-minute saves. He simply says 'Hakai' and everything we know and love becomes cosmic dust."
Professor Ozpin's ancient mind raced through possibilities. "How long do we have?"
"Hard to say. Could be weeks, could be months, could be years. Gods operate on different timescales than mortals," Tarro explained. "But what's certain is that we need to prepare not just for his arrival, but for what he might encounter when he gets here."
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked, though something in Tarro's tone made her stomach clench with dread.
"Salem," Tarro said grimly. "Cinder and her faction. If Lord Beerus encounters them while he's here, if they try to attack him or interfere with his business..." He shook his head. "Salem thinks she's immortal, but there are forces in this universe that make her curse seem like a minor inconvenience. And Lord Beerus is one of them."
The implications hung in the air like a sword of Damocles. Not only did they have to worry about Imperial retaliation, but now a being capable of erasing their entire world from existence might be coming to visit.
"So let me get this straight," Yang said slowly. "We've got to prepare for an Imperial invasion AND make sure a cosmic god doesn't get annoyed enough to delete our planet?"
"That's about the size of it," Tarro confirmed. "And pray that Salem and her forces don't do anything stupid when he arrives. Because unlike the Empire, there's no negotiating with a God of Destruction who's made up his mind."
Nova looked around at his friends, his family, his world that he'd sworn to protect. The legendary power flowing through his veins suddenly felt both infinitely precious and terrifyingly dangerous.
"Then we'd better start preparing," he said firmly. "For everything."
To be continued in Chapter 27: The Vytal Tournament; The Arrival of Lord Beerus!