RWBY: MRRN
Volume 4, Chapter 1: Schemes and Recovery
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. All rights go to Rooster Teeth.
Author's Notes: This a continuation of Volume 3. If you haven't read it yet, I strongly suggested you do. For those who have read it, I added some more to Chapter 23, so make sure to reread if you'd like.
Everyone sat at Salem's table, waiting for the Grimm Queen to arrive. In contrast to the five that were usually filled, all six other seats besides Salem's were used.
Their newest member: Nachtfel, Commander of the Iron Knights and one of those responsible for the Fall of Beacon, the tragedy that had left the Four Kingdoms divided and unsure of who to trust. Everyone had their hate pointed at Atlas due to Emerald and Mercury's footage of the Atlesian Knights attacking innocent civilians.
Even though he had agreed to be a part of their circle, everything he had been told was a bit much for him, even after all these months. The Four Relics that lay in the Huntsmen Academies, the everlasting war between Salem and Ozpin, or Ozma as she would call him, though she refrained from saying why, her mastery of the Grimm…even now, he was still trying to process everything that had happened.
But none of that mattered anymore. She had made a promise to help him ensure the complete annihilation of all Huntsmen and put an end to them once and for all.
By now, his Knights were all over the place, causing trouble along with the Grimm. The Grimm attacks, along with the attacks of his Knights, were leaving the Huntsmen thin and overwhelmed.
Everything was going to according to plan.
Nachtfel often looked over to Valkoin, the same man who had brought him to their circle. He was struck as a rather mysterious and arrogant, yet cautious man whose mastery of wires and Semblance made him a very dangerous man.
A snap of Cinder's fingers broke him out of his thoughts, but it wasn't meant for him; instead, she was demanding Mercury and Emerald to come to her side at the table. Emerald bumped Mercury aside to stand closer to Cinder since she served as her voice.
Ever since the Fall of Beacon, Cinder had been left in a mutilated and weakened state. Her left eye was covered with glass due to the horrendous scarring, her left arm was completed covered by a long sleeve and she had been unable to talk other than whispers and loud breaths.
"Yes, keep your posse in check," Dr. Watts insulted.
"Come now, Dr. Watts," Valkoin responded. "There's no need to be condescending towards your allies."
"Well, forgive me," Dr. Watts replied. "I'm not fond of failure." Nachtfel raised an eyebrow.
"And what do you mean 'failure'?" he questioned. "We destroyed Beacon, we took the Maiden's power, the Relic of Choice is within our grasp, and Ozpin is dead…how did we fail?"
"Because of the Silver Eyed girl," Dr. Watts explained.
"Silver Eyes," Nachtfel repeated. "What's so important about these Silver Eyes?"
"Because they're one of the greatest threats to our Goddess," Tyrian answered. "Therefore, she's made it a priority to hunt them down…and what a joy it was." The Scorpion Faunus then burst into one of his usual fits of maniacal laughter, nerving everyone present.
"You're insane," Nachtfel spoke, receiving a creepy smile from Tyrian.
"Maybe I am," he admitted. "But aren't we all?"
"Don't test me, Tyrian," the demon warrior threatened. "I'll cut off that tail of yours-"
"Associates, please," Valkoin interrupted, standing from his seat. "Let's not kill each other before Salem has arrived." The Scorpion Faunus then glared over at the wire user.
"How dare you address our Goddess so informally!" he barked. "You will respect her or I-"
Just then, the doors to the room opened, making everyone stand up as they welcomed Salem's presence. She walked calmly by all of them, approaching the candles in the back of the room behind her chair. She stood for a moment before she finally spoke.
"Watts," she addressed and then turned around. "Why must you harass Cinder as such?" She then gestured for everyone to sit down in their seats as she slowly approached her own.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Dr. Watts apologized. "As you know, I'm not fond of failure."
"Then I see no reason why you must be cruel towards young Cinder," she spoke, making Nachtfel smirk. "She has become our Fall Maiden, her efforts helped to destroy Beacon, and best of all, she has killed dear…Ozma." She grinned evilly as the thought of this 'Ozma' being killed, much to Nachtfel's confusion. However, getting an answer out of her was near impossible, especially with Tyrian around.
"So what failure are you referring to?" Salem requested to know.
"The Silver Eyes, madam," Dr. Watts answered.
"Who are these Silver Eyes?" Nachtfel asked. "What's so important about them?"
"The Silver Eyed Warriors are the most effective weapons against us, especially my Grimm," Salem explained. "We've been hunting them for years. Despite our best efforts, some still remain in hiding."
"But how was a novice able to best one of us?" Hazel questioned.
"My point exactly," Dr. Watts spoke. "Even if Cinder was new at using the full Maiden's power-"
"It is because of HOW she acquired the Maiden's power," Salem reminded. She turned her attention to Cinder.
"Make no mistake, young Cinder," she spoke. "You hold the key to our victory and your efforts, along with Nachtfel's and Dr. Watts, have already paved the way for it. Sadly, your newfound strength and how you acquired makes you vulnerable…which is why you shall remain by my side until I believe you are well enough."
Cinder looked down with a frustrated expression. Ever since the Fall of Beacon, she had wanted revenge against Pyrrha Nikos and Ruby Rose for what they did to her; Pyrrha for slashing her face and Ruby for mutilating her body. She hated not being able to go after them, but the damage was too severe for her; she needed time to heal.
"Dr. Watts, you will take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral," Salem commanded.
"Very good," he replied.
"Tyrian, I want you to continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden," Salem ordered. "We'll need her if we're to acquire the Relic of Knowledge."
"Gladly," Tyrian chuckled.
"Hazel, I'm sending you to the leader of the White Fang," the Grimm Queen ordered. "Adam Taurus has arranged the meeting. He's continuing to prove loyal. I want you to ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same."
"As you wish," Hazel complied.
"Nachtfel, what news from your Knights?" the Grimm Queen requested. The demon took out his scroll, placed it on the table and projected a map of Remnant.
"The Huntsmen's numbers in Mistral are dwindling by the day, thanks to our informant," he reported. "My Knights have had no problem in hunting them down. By the time we launch our attack on Haven, there will be no Huntsmen to stand in our way."
"What about in Vale?" Valkoin asked.
"Our situation there is not as favorable," Nachtfel admitted. "The Huntsmen are holding; even with the Huntsmen Accords hacked, they're still not falling as easily as in Mistral."
"Because Mistral has far more territory than any other Kingdom," Valkoin explained. "That makes it much harder to protect. Their defenses are stretched thin, which makes your job of killing the Huntsmen easier."
"My Knights in Atlas and Vacuo are ready to launch an attack at any time," Nachtfel concluded.
"I won't launch an attack on the other Academies," Salem stated. "We cannot until we have the Maidens."
"Because the Maidens are the keys to the Relics," Nachtfel remembered.
"Nachtfel, I want you to move any available troops you have outside of Vale to Atlas and Mantle," Salem requested. "After Haven is destroyed, we will have need of your Knights. The White Fang won't be able to help us there, so it'll be up to them."
"My Knights will be ready," Nachtfel assured. "Atlas has thought themselves invincible for too long; they will soon feel our wrath." He sat down and put his scroll in his pocket.
"Valkoin, I want you to go to Vale," Salem instructed. "One of Ozma's lieutenants still remain there."
"Glynda Goodwitch," the wire user deduced.
"She is currently spearheading a force to retake Beacon, which is making our job of finding the Relic much harder," Salem explained. "Until Cinder has recovered, we cannot send her there."
"So you plan to send Cinder once she's recovered?" Nachtfel asked.
"Not yet," Salem denied. "When we're going up against the Maidens, we may need her help. Once we have all the Maidens, then I'll send Cinder to find the Relic."
"Then what do you wish for me to do?" Valkoin asked.
"I want you to kill Glynda Goodwitch, Valkoin," Salem instructed. "If you're able to kill Glaucus, then so be it. But for now, your target is Goodwitch. If she dies, then the Council will most likely abandon the effort to retake Beacon, which means we won't have to worry about any more interference for a time."
"I understand," Valkoin assured with a sadistic smile. "Goodwitch will die." Salem looked over to Cinder as she whispered into Emerald's ear.
"Speak, child," the Grimm Queen invited.
"She wants to know…what about the girls?" she asked.
"What about them?" Dr. Watts scoffed. "This is Cinder's problem, not ours. We have bigger threats to worry about." Cinder slammed her fist on the table and gave a death glare to Dr. Watts, who simply smirked in return.
"That's enough," Salem demanded. "Ms. Nikos is not our concern at the moment. If she returns to combat, then you can do as you please with her, Cinder." The Fall Maiden smiled sadistically at Salem's proclamation. She was already thinking of the numerous brutal ways she could kill the Invincible Girl.
"Tyrian," Salem addressed. "Spring can wait for now. Find the girl who did this to Cinder." The Scorpion Faunus cheered excitedly as he clapped.
"And bring her to me…alive," Salem ordered. Tyrian's excited scowl changed to one of disappointment, but Cinder's…Cinder's was pure outrage.
This red hooded girl had used her powers to maim her body beyond repair when she deserved to retain her beauty. She didn't just want to kill Pyrrha Nikos, she wanted to kill both of them. However, she was in no position to argue with the Grimm Queen, so she remained silent.
"Arthur Watts, Tyrian Callows, Cinder Fall, Hazel Rainart, Aaron Nox Caelo…Valkoin Viisaus," Salem addressed everyone. "Our road to victory is long and arduous. It will not be easy, but I assure you; once we have accomplished our goal, you shall all have what you were promised. Beacon has fallen…and Haven will be next. You all have your assignments…now go."
-0-
Nasser slammed his chained knives into another Beowulf before swinging one of them to kill a Raptor. He then launched himself forward to severely damage a Death Stalker's armor, which was finished off by Coco's minigun.
"Keep fighting!" Goodwitch called as she took out two Grimm with her Dust abilities. "We're close to taking this ground!"
The efforts to retake Beacon had been coming slowly. The force, led by Goodwitch, had to deal with waves upon waves of Grimm of all kinds, taking a heavy toll on them. As of right now, they had lost 10% of their force, including students and professional Huntsmen. While the Council had agreed to lend aid, they warned that they'd force Goodwitch to abandon her efforts if their losses became too high.
Yatsu leapt forward and unleashed his sword upon the ground, creating a crater that destroyed dozens of Grimm. It was followed by him swiftly taking out several Ursae and then a Beowulf.
After the dust cleared, three more students were dead, but they managed to retake more ground that led to Beacon. Sadly, they wouldn't have much time to rest as Glynda knew they needed to prepare defenses.
"Those who are injured, get yourself tended to," she ordered. "Everyone else, start making defenses. Barricade, traps…anything that can be used against the Grimm."
"Give them a moment for Gods' sake!" one of the professional Huntsmen pleaded. "They need time to catch their breath."
"By nightfall, the Grimm may come back," Goodwitch spoke. "We must secure this ground or we risk losing it. You have five minutes to rest, then get to work." Everyone then sat down to catch their breath after intense fight with numerous Grimm.
"How many did we lose this time?" Nasser asked as he lit a cigarette and sat next to the worn out members of CFVY.
His appearance had altered in the months since the Fall of Beacon. His jet black hair had grown longer, but was shaved along the sides and was no longer in a ponytail. He was started to grow a jaw beard, which was a bit unkempt considering the days he had been helping Goodwitch on her mission to retake Beacon. His new attire included a black leather jacket that reached his thighs, a green button-up shirt and black jeans with a belt to hold his holsters.
"We lost three more students today," Yatsu answered as he cleaned his blade.
"Great," Nasser groaned. "If we keep losing more of our forces, then all of this will be for nothing. We'll have to pull back."
"We can't give up now," Fox insisted. "We've come too far."
"That doesn't mean victory is assured, Fox," Coco responded.
Everyone saw the angry scowl on Coco's face as she took a sip of some water. Ever since her fight with Robin, she hadn't seen him and she had become much more serious than before the Fall of Beacon.
"How are your teammates, Nasser?" Fox asked.
"They're doing the best they can," the knife user responded. "Math's arm is still very shaky, so he hasn't been training. Ruo's still on Patch, looking after Yang and Robin…" He looked over to Coco, wondering if she was paying attention.
"Robin's still down in the dumps about losing his eyes."
"Well, he can stay that way," Coco spoke with contempt. "If he wants to stay focused on himself when all of Vale is suffering from this, then he's not worth my attention."
"Coco," Yatsu addressed. "We cannot act like that; it'll attract Grimm. I know you're mad about Robin-"
"Who said I was mad?" the fashionista interrupted. "I don't care about him anymore."
"You know that's not true," Nasser insisted. "Robin's being a bit of a dick right now, but-"
"But nothing," Coco shut him down before inspecting her weapon for damage."
Nasser definitely couldn't disagree with Coco on how Robin was acting, but he understood that the Fall of Beacon had taken a toll on all of his teammates. Robin was still coping with the loss of his eyes, Math's arm instability made it impossible for him to continue his training as a Huntsman and Ruo was trying his best to be there for Yang, even when she was being inhospitable towards him.
"Just give him time," Nasser insisted. Coco glared over at Nasser one last time before returning to examining her weapon.
"Alright, everyone able, prepare to secure this ground," Glynda instructed. Everyone got up to prepare defenses to keep their newly acquired territory safe from the Grimm.
Every day for the past six months, Nasser kept losing some hope in their mission retake Beacon. Their force was numbered, but the Grimm were limitless; they couldn't keep this up forever.
The loss of morale was felt among the group and several of them had already considered leaving, but Goodwitch almost always convinced them to stay, either with words or by promising money. Several of them even advised abandoning the mission to retake Beacon, but Glynda would hear none of it.
"Professor Goodwitch," Octavia, whose team had volunteered to stay and help reclaim Beacon, said. "We've been fighting Grimm all day. We need more than five minutes to catch our breath."
"No," Glynda refused. "The longer we wait, the harder it'll be to retake Beacon."
"What is so important?" Nasser questioned. "Beacon is overrun. What is so important that we have to risk-"
"As long as the Grimm continue to multiply, Vale is in danger," Goodwitch responded. "Now all of you be quiet and get to work." Octavia tried to speak, but Glynda sent her off to help secure their ground.
"That woman's losing her mind," Fox whispered to Coco. "What is so important about Beacon that we have to retake it? Besides, the Grimm aren't even moving onto Vale."
"Well, we certainly don't want Grimm-infested territory on our doorstep," Yatsu replied. "But I agree. Professor Goodwitch is becoming rather erratic. She won't hear any counsel if it's not about retaking Beacon."
"It's like she's looking for something," Nasser wondered. "But what?"
-0-
Math's arm hadn't shown any improvement in healing, irritating him between words. As long as it remained unstable, he couldn't continue his training to be a Huntsman.
He got out of bed and went to wash his face off in the bathroom. He looked in the mirror to see his unkempt brown hair, having grown slightly longer in the months following the Fall of Beacon, and his growing beard that was covering half his face.
"Morning," Pyrrha greeted. Math looked to the entrance to see his beloved in her pajamas wearing a smile. He smiled back as he walked to her and kissed her.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"I did," she spoke. The two of them headed to the kitchen, but as they did, Math saw Pyrrha limping again.
"It's your heel, isn't it?" he asked.
"Unfortunately," she answered. "It hasn't fully healed yet. I don't know if it ever will."
"Hopefully, we will," Math insisted, looking at his arm, still in the sling. "How's your chest?"
"I'm doing well," Pyrrha replied. "It's mostly my heel that's needing attention." She looked around, making sure that Corcra and Safirlas were not around.
"Math, there's something I want to tell you."
"What is it?" Math asked.
"Remember those months ago when…?" She blushed as she remembered the night where they were both of age and finally consummated their love.
"Yeah," the swordsman responded. "Is everything okay? Are you…?"
"No, no," Pyrrha quickly answered. "I'm not pregnant. I…I want to do it again with you when we can."
Math's face turned red at what Pyrrha just said. She wanted to do it again, which he certainly wouldn't turn down. That night was arguably the best in his life so far; the joy of knowing she had given herself to him made him happy beyond words.
"Pyrrha, I'd love to," he responded before his expression became serious. "But we'd need to be cautious. My mom and sister wouldn't react well if they found out we…"
"Then they don't have to," Pyrrha replied. "This is about us two, not them. We're adults now."
"Yeah…I know," Math responded. "Let's get breakfast going."
"That sounds lovely," she agreed before kissing him.
The two of them went to the fridge to find two cans of cinnamon rolls. They broke the seals and then placed them on pans to put in the oven at 400°F for fifteen minutes.
"Morning," Corcra greeted as she was followed by their dog, Siocled.
"Morning, mom," Math replied.
"Morning, Ms. Kendrick," Pyrrha greeted.
"What'd you put in the oven?" she asked.
"Cinnamon rolls," Math responded. "The water hasn't boiled yet."
"Okay," Corcra replied. "Math, can you take Siocled out back? I need to call the local Huntsmen."
"Has there been any luck in finding Nachtfel?" he asked his mom.
"None," Corcra answered. "We've been looking all over the city for him. At this point, we're thinking he's no longer in Vale at all."
"Great," Math groaned. "So he's off to commit atrocities and then blame the Huntsmen for it?"
"He'll be found, son," Corcra assured. "He will face justice for what he's done. He can't stay hidden forever. Now please take Siocled out."
"Okay," Math responded. He took picked up one of Siocled's many balls and walked outside with her. He then threw it across the yard and watched as she raced after it.
"How've you been, Pyrrha?" Corcra asked her son's girlfriend.
"I've been well for the most part," she replied as she poured herself some coffee.
"Have you received any letters from your family?" Corcra asked.
"I received a letter from them a week ago," Pyrrha answered. "They know that I'm safe…and they wanted me to thank you for your hospitality. They deeply appreciate it."
"I'm happy to help my son's girlfriend," she replied as she poured her own. "Where in Mistral do they live?"
"Argus," Pyrrha answered. "It's a northern city in the kingdom that serves as the primary trading post between Anima and Solitas. It's where I trained before I came to Beacon. I had considered going to Haven…but I never would've met Math."
"You know he really loves you, right?" his mother asked. Pyrrha blushed a little, knowing full well how deeply they cared for each other.
"As do I," she responded. "He means a lot to me."
"He told me quite a bit about you," Corcra informed. "You really didn't have any friends back in Argus?"
"Not unless you count fans," she answered.
"He also told me he told you about his Asperger's," she brought up. "I don't think he would've done that. It shows how much he trusts you."
"I'm so sorry your son had to go through that," Pyrrha apologized. "No one deserves to be hated for something they couldn't help. I think those who judge and harass others for things beyond their control are despicable."
"So do I," Corcra agreed. Footsteps signaled the coming of Safirlas, who looked tired and depressed as ever.
"Morning," Corcra called out to her daughter, but received no reply as usual as she walked to the bathroom. She sighed in frustration at her daughter's condition.
"Are you okay, Ms. Kendrick?" Pyrrha asked.
"I just wish Safirlas had gone back to Haven," she responded. "I know she lost her teammates and that takes a very heavy toll on a person…but now all she's doing is sitting here at the house, doing practically nothing. It's been six months already and I'm getting tired of her just…" She groaned.
"I know she's suffering, but she's thrown away her chance to be a Huntress, something she's wanted for years." Safirlas then walked out of the bathroom and entered the kitchen to pour herself some coffee. Just then, Math came back inside with Siocled.
"Hey, sis," he greeted. "Sleep well?"
"Fine," she grunted. She didn't say another word as she took her coffee to her room, despite knowing of her mom's rules of no food in the bedrooms. Math groaned in frustration.
"It's been six months already," he stated. "When is she going to stop acting like this? She's not the one struggling with an injury."
"No, Math, but she did lose her entire team," Corcra sternly reminded her son. "I don't like her behavior either, but losing your entire team can take a heavy toll on you."
"I know," Math spoke.
"Well, maybe they'd still be alive if not for you," Safirlas blamed as she stopped in the hallway, much to Math's shock.
"What did you just say?" he demanded to know.
"It's your fault!" she shouted. "If you hadn't led that rescue mission, my team would still be alive!"
"Not another word!" Corcra silenced them. "We have a guest with us, remember?" The brother and sister glared at each other, wanting to have a shouting match.
"Safirlas, I know you miss them, but Math is not responsible for their deaths," Corcra stated. "They knew the risks of being Huntsmen and they accepted them. The Iron Knights took them from you, not your brother, so don't you dare pin the blame on him just because you're angry. Do you understand?" Safirlas tried to walk away, but Corcra wouldn't tolerate as she blocked her daughter's path.
"Do you understand?" she sternly questioned.
"Yes," Safirlas grunted, then walked past her mother to her room.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, Pyrrha," Math apologized. "What did she-?"
"Don't worry about it," Corcra stated as the timer for the cinnamon rolls went off. "Now let's have some breakfast. I'll go and see if Safirlas wants any cinnamon rolls." She walked off to her daughter's room while Math and Pyrrha took out the cinnamon rolls.