Welcome back everyone! I am pleased to announce this story will become Volumes 4 and 5 encompassing the Haven Arc. This tale is still on hiatus while awaiting Volume 6, however due to popular demand I will release chapters not affected by later events slowly over time. Please bear in mind this will be few and far between until after Volume 6 concludes. RWBY Hero: Chibi will be posted today as well and I hope you find it a pleasant jaunt through comedic silliness. For this story, if you have been following since the beginning, be sure to read the author's note at the bottom for a pleasant surprise once you are done.
For those of you just joining us, the first part of the tale of Team HERO can be found in my accompanying work: RWBY Heroes: Beacon Days. I suggest reading it first before this one.
Beacon has fallen, the huntsman and huntresses divided as they recover from the ordeal. Far from the realms of humanity, one such former huntsman remains…divided between his own hopes and dreams…and those of the world.
If there was an embodiment of evil, this place was surely as close as possible to attaining that status. It was the realm where Salem, the mistress of those who made war on Remnant resided. The entire terrain was a barren, rocky wasteland; even the sky was an unnatural magenta and blood red hue. Similarly colored purple crystals dotted the landscape seeming to have erupted violently from the ground long ago.
Grimm stalked the land…so many they appeared to be a black flood from afar and their numbers only grew.
All of this could be seen by Mercury and Emerald from the relative safety of the room in which they now stood. It was clearly a meeting hall, an immense table constructed of the same material as the crystals outside was the only furniture save the chairs scattered around it. Ominous crystals, each with a single candle atop acted as the room's only illumination.
With a snap of her finger Cinder beckoned the two back to her side, they swiftly complied with Emerald ensuring she was standing closer.
She had changed a great deal since her encounter with Ruby Rose. Much of her long flowing hair had been burned away in the same battle which also claimed her left eye and arm. She now wore a flowing dress in her favorite shade of red split at the hip on her right side to reveal black pantyhose-covered long legs. Only her right shoulder remained bare, a small keyhole opening revealed her tattoo; the opening was made specifically to reveal only that and nothing else of her back. She had intended to leave it out…but had been asked to do otherwise. Strapped to her right thigh was her usual charm of blue feathers now clasped together by a familiar black rhombus-shaped crystal, the only surviving remnant of her first gift.
A wide sleeve covered the entirety of her new left arm and hand with gold trim dancing along the length and across the rest of the dress. Her right arm was bare but had an elbow-length black glove covering it held up with a gold band near the shoulder. Her left eye was covered by a black mask, obscuring the damage that had been done; only a pair of scars protruding from it hinted at what lay beneath.
"Yes, yes, do try to keep your….posse in check," muttered the man sitting across from her, his voice dripping with smug contempt.
Mercury scowled, taking a step forward he was only stopped by Emerald before he had planned to put his foot through the man's head.
The new man was dressed like a gentleman sporting a long trench coat, fingerless gloves and a complete suit including tie. Aside from his well-kept hair his greatest feature would have to be his impressive mustache failing to hide the sneer creeping across his face.
"Do you hear that?" he asked towards the other two sitting at the table. "Silence, I've half a mind to thank the little girl that bested you."
"If I were you," the man sitting on the same side of the table as Cinder started. He was wearing a white sleeveless vest with matching pants. His brown hair was tied into a single long braid. He was not so much sitting in his chair as he was perched atop it like a gargoyle. "I would hunt her down, find her and…well…she took YOUR eye didn't she?
Cinder gritted her teeth and scowled as he proceeded to burst into hysterical laughter, clearly unable to control himself. She struggled to speak; barely succeeding in letting out a few whispered groans, the battle against Ruby had cost her much.
Before she could make a second attempt an absolute silence fell on the room as the barest of creeks signaled that someone was opening the main doors. Everyone present got to their feet instantly as they flew open.
She seemed to not be walking into the room but rather gliding. Her dress was shadows and darkness made manifest, pale moonlight skin contrasting completely against it. Across her arms and face were blood red veins so dark they bordered on black. Her hair was nearly indistinguishable in color from her skin and was split into six offshoot braids wrapped in black fabric. Where her eyes should have been white they were instead jet black, her iris' as red as Cinder's dress, like blood.
This was Salem whom all in the room idolized or feared, she did not even look at any of them as she entered, stopping at the head of the table facing the window.
"Watts," she began, finally turning to face them. "Do you find this malignance necessary?" As she finished only then did she motion her approval for them to be seated.
"I apologize ma'am, I'm not particularly fond of failure."
"Then I see no reason for your cruelty towards young Cinder," Salem's voice was calm and could be misunderstood as kind. In actuality all in the room knew a single wrong word could end in their demise. "She's become our Fall Maiden, destroyed Beacon Tower, secured the loyalty of the Guardian for the first time in our entire history, and most importantly…killed dear Ozpin."
She gave a motherly smile to Cinder as she finished the last part.
"So I'm curious," she snapped her head back in Watts' direction. "To what…'failures' are you referring?"
"Well, she failed to kill the false Maiden, and then there's the girl with the silver eyes."
"Yes," the fourth member of their council finally spoke up. He was a giant of a man with arms like tree trunks. "We've dealt with her kind before, how is it a novice was able to best one of us?"
"My thoughts exactly," Watts continued. "Even without her new powers it should have been effortless."
"It is BECAUSE of that power," Salem explained. "The false Maiden is of no further concern to us, but make no mistake Cinder; you hold the key to our victory. However, your newfound strength brings with it a crippling weakness. This is why you will remain by my side during your treatment as well as…additional assurances to keep you from harm."
Cinder raised her eyebrow, clearly uncertain to what Salem was implying.
"I have a gift for you." Salem raised a hand and snapped her fingers; heavy footfalls could be heard from the hallway. Everyone in the room turned as the newcomer entered.
He wore heavy plate armor from head to toe; it was thick but still form fitting and did plenty to exhume an aura of dread from him despite his relatively average size. The armor was a pure black coloration with gold patterns going up the arms and down the back. The shoulders were curved and quite thick, upon them and the breastplate was an insignia of two burnt red high-heeled slippers pressed together into the shape of a heart, the same mark that adorned Cinder's back. Over his shoulders was slung a deep red cloak that swayed behind him.
He bore a helmet in a similar fashion to the old knights of Vale though the eye slit was instead replaced with a Nevermore-winged faceplate. Currently, he kept it shut tight, denying any glimpse of his face.
"Thank you for coming…Ember," Salem addressed him politely. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cinder start to rise from her seat in surprise…catching herself at the last moment and easing back down. "We have been far too long in inviting you to our councils. Please, step forward."
The armored knight approached Salem, immediately falling to one knee before her. "You do me honor," his deep voice echoed, amplified by the helmet.
Watts had to restrain himself from rolling his eyes for fear of immediate reprisal.
"You are the Guardian of this generation," Salem announced. "And behind you sits our Fall Maiden. As is your duty do you swear to protect her from all danger for as long as you are bid?"
The knight crossed his right hand balled tightly into a fist over his heart.
"Even was it not my duty, I would protect the Lady Cinder from all harm until my dying breath…of this I swear."
Watts had to restrain himself again.
"Then she is doubly blessed to have you by her side."
Salem glanced at Cinder; she was watching the young man kneeling on the ground with a proud smile upon her face. Clearly, she was pleased with his selfless proclamation though Salem was sure she saw the hint of a blush.
He had a greater impact on her than I believed, to think you still harbored such emotions little one…
"Then rise," she concluded. "Take your place among us. I hereby dub you, her Guardian…her Knight of Cinders."
Ember rose to his feet, with wide powerful strides he walked past the open seats at the table, taking his place at Cinder's right side, Emerald and Mercury standing to her left.
"Dr. Watts," Salem commanded. "You are to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral."
"Very good."
"Tyrian," this time she referred to the man hunched over his seat. "You are to continue your search for the Spring Maiden."
"Gladly," he sneered, rubbing his hands together, he was practically giddy.
"Do restrain yourself." Salem cautioned, fully aware of Ember's lineage. "If the Spring Maiden is still indeed the Lady Magnolia I want no harm to befall her."
Tyrian frowned but nodded obediently.
"And Hazel," she looked at the burly man to her right. "I'm sending you to the leader of the White Fang. Adam Taurus has arranged a meeting. The boy continues to prove loyal. Ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same."
"As you wish."
Cinder raised her hand, signaling she wished to speak. Emerald started to lean down but Ember beat her to it. She slowly and quietly whispered in his ear as best she could.
How elated the boy must be to hear her…melodious voice again in any form. Salem chuckled internally. His rage at the injuries she had sustained when he first arrived all those months ago was quite…intoxicating.
"She wishes to know," Ember started, standing back up to his full height. "What are our plans in regard to Ruby?"
"What about her?" Watts scoffed. "Seems to me she is Cinder's problem…not ours."
"Clearly your intelligence has been greatly over exaggerated, or at least your common sense," Ember turned towards Watts. "Your…our Goddess just announced how Cinder is the key to victory, yet you see no problem in letting a girl with her greatest weakness roam free. Perhaps we should have brought in Dr. Merlot."
Tyrian stifled another cackling laugh.
Watts scowled at Ember's faceplate; he did not like being talked down to. Neither saw a smile briefly flutter across Cinder's face.
"That is enough," Salem boomed, interrupting the two. They both relaxed and abandoned their verbal sparring with a polite bow. "Tyrian…"
"Yes my lady?"
"Spring can wait…find the girl that did this to Cinder…"
Tyrian's face lit up like the sun as he merrily clapped his hands together."
"Find her…and bring her to me."
Tyrian's smile immediately deflated once more, a look of sheer disappointment taking its place as he slumped down into his seat. He glumly nodded his understanding of her commands.
"And Ember," she turned to Cinder's side. "Before you fully take up your position as Guardian you will accompany Tyrian to acquire the girl. I imagine she would make quite the gift for your Maiden…no?"
Ember paled at the request beneath his helmet, hesitantly he turned to Cinder who replied with a single head nod, he had known her long enough to tell she was boiling inside. Were it not for Salem's presence half the room would likely be aflame.
There are always alternatives.
"I…trust milady's protection in her own hands as well as your Grace's presence until I return," he announced, bowing low once more towards Salem.
"Then collect your provisions and be off. I expect your departure within the hour…I hear Mistral is lovely this time of year. Beacon has fallen…and before this year is done Haven will be next. Doctor…I will speak with you."
All present at the table stood to take their leave save for Watts. Tyrian had started laughing maniacally as he was wont to do, no doubt picturing the carnage and mayhem he would unleash seeking the girl with the Silver Eyes. He could not kill her…but Salem had not said a word about her companions.
Ember caught up with Cinder, Emerald and Mercury in a corridor not far from the meeting room.
"May I speak with Cinder…privately," he requested. Cinder nodded to her disciples, giving them leave to depart, leading Ember to a nearby terrace overlooking the grounds for added privacy. The shattered moon was shining bright in the sky above.
"I will bring her here…for you," he assured her, removing his identity-obscuring helmet and laying it aside. "But please, I BEG of you to spare her, consider it while I am away. After that is finished I will stand by your side against any who would dare to try and harm you again…we will find a way just like we promised."
Cinder stared past him looking down slightly, not making eye contact. It infuriated him; she had been this way since she recovered…a shadow of her former self. Her previous vigor and confidence was gone to be replaced by a sullen cold with frustrated rage bubbling beneath; she had never known such a defeat. The Cinder he had truly met at the fall of Beacon would never have let Watts speak to her in such a manner. He reached out to take her hand.
She snapped it back before he could reach as she had done many times since her recovery, hiding it beneath her wide left sleeve. At the same time, she subtly pressed down the patch of hair she had styled to obscure the left half of her face and the mask beneath. Was she ashamed of the replacement arm Salem and Merlot had worked on? It made sense to hide it from her enemies to be used as a secret weapon…but from her allies…from him? Did she think it was hideous? He supposed it did not matter.
Ember was through acquiescing; he hadn't earned the feelings Cinder harbored for him because he was meek.
With unexpected speed he stepped closer, hands wrapping gently around her face. Cinder somewhat pulled back but not with much effort, her right hand raised to push him away…yet hesitated. Her Maiden powers flared and anger burned on her face for a heartbeat before receding at the concerned, determined, loving look he was giving her. He had seen her since the battle months ago beneath the bandages, her arm, her eye...the entire left side of her body and the reason she had modified her dress to cover it. He had told her many times, but now he needed to show her that such…physical changes did not matter to him; they didn't change how he felt.
Still cradling her face he pulled the Fall Maiden closer, removing her obsidian-glass mask with the utmost care and laying it beside his discarded helm. Risking annihilation itself, he brushed her hair aside to place a tender kiss upon the left half of her face despite the scarred and mangled tissue found there. Cinder froze solid, her remaining eye open in shock from the boldness of his actions, the fires of her Maiden abilities spiked with her heartbeat. Every instinct in her body honed from years of Salem's tutelage commanded her to push him back…she ignored them. After a purposefully drawn out moment, Ember broke the kiss and stepped back, opening his eyes to lock onto hers again.
"We will become stronger…so strong that no one will be able to challenge us, not Ozpin, not the Grimm or Huntsman, not even S-."
Before he could finish, Cinder wrapped her arms around him, pulling Ember into a strong passionate kiss. He reciprocated gladly, lifting her slightly off the ground as he held her close, the vigor betraying their mutual need for it. Ember ran his fingers through her hair, savoring the sensation on his hands again. The moment was perfect; he almost didn't feel Cinder drop something small and light into one of his pouches.
Mercury and Emerald, who had been watching for when they finished, immediately spun on their heels, suddenly becoming fascinated with the unique architecture of the building.
After a self-contained eternity of holding the embrace they parted, he stared into her remaining beautiful amber eye, neither wanting to let go.
"Thank…you," Cinder croaked out, barely loud enough for her knight to hear. But he was the only one who needed to. He would miss her on the long journey through Mistral with Tyrian, if only they had more than an hour...
Emerald, Mercury…sorry but you'll have to keep her safe a little longer until I return.
Back in the Throne Room…
"What are your thoughts on the boy?"
"Despite your training, he does not believe in our cause," Watts analyzed. "Much like her little gang his loyalty is second-hand through our Fall Maiden."
"That is nothing new," Salem dismissed. "Hazel is the same through his hatred of Ozpin is he not?"
"Too true ma'am, however his muse is dead, no chance of her giving him fresh ideas."
"The line of Guardians has been a thorn in my side protecting the Maidens for generations," Salem explained, glancing out the window across her domain. "To have one so willingly join us was…unprecedented."
"He truly believes he loves her," Watts sighed in disgust; he could not stand such ridiculous notions. "More likely it is nothing more than the attraction of his Guardian powers to those of the Maiden essence within Cinder."
Salem smiled somewhat as if she found his discomfort with the topic amusing. "Not a romantic doctor?"
Watts scowled slightly at that comment. "Not in the slightest ma'am. I know how most men think. True our Guardian Knight is more 'noble' than most, but that just makes it all the easier to make him ours. In the off chance he does decide to go against us that suit of armor I designed for him is more than enough insurance."
"Oh?" Salem sounded intrigued, it was the first he had mentioned it to her. "Go on."
"The metal is from a meteor that fell centuries ago, it is quite heavy, even Hazel would move like a snail while wearing it. I still do not understand how the boy can move so expertly in it, another mystery of the Guardian no doubt."
"No doubt."
"You see, the armor when worn in its entirety is a closed circuit, at the touch of a button I can lock up every joint it has completely. Unless he has secrets that we have not yet gleamed even he should not be able to move. If the lad turns against us, his armor will become his tomb."
Salem's smile widened. "Excellent, then let us hope such thoughts do not enter his mind. Young Cinder is quite…fond of the boy, I would hate for anything to befall him. If all works in our favor, we can even control the next line of Guardians for generations to come. It is far more reliable than the Maiden selection process."
"Understood," Watts cringed internally. He was well aware of what an asset the Guardian could be to their cause now and down the line, but the thought of Cinder as a mother still unnerved him.
Salem leaned back in her chair. Between the fall of Beacon and the death of Ozpin, it would be some time before she had to think of him again, there was no one left who could stop them.
The pursuit begins; Tyrian and Ember begin their hunt for Ruby at the behest of both their Goddesses. Will the young huntress be able to stay ahead of them? As always Read and Review…but most of all Enjoy! :D
For those following my stories, a commission was recently completed of a scene from this very chapter. To find it, simply search "A Fallen Knight's Devotion" By AzaryaS on DeviantArt, I am also making it the cover art for this story. How well she captured the idea for the scene cannot be praised enough