Embers Volume Two: Wildfire
Chapter One: Lynch Pin
Five hours ago…
Anger
Envy
Disgust
Hatred
Now more than ever, these emotions were twisting and spurning in the deepest recesses of Rizu's heart. They black-clad student dragged his flesh hand along the chilly walls of Beacon Academy, using them and the sounds around him as a guide. Mere moments ago, he had been summoned to the ballroom to make selections of music for the approaching Winter Formal. In his heart of hearts he didn't want to go anymore, but unfortunately he was already committed to it. As his mind wandered, his thoughts were fixed on one person: Ella. Memories of that night where he shared his feelings of negativity with her flooded his mind, specifically the moment when he touched her. Just the thought of feeling the gentle, silky contours of her face brought a slight redness to his cheeks. Why did he have such conflict about her? It's not like she cared about him in a strong way. At least, she never showed him. Besides, she had Roland. Rizu shook his head of these thoughts as he approached the ballroom door. With a deep breath, he was able to put some of his anger aside in order to get his work done and be civil. When he was finally calmed, he pushed the grand doors open to reveal an even grander ballroom.
The echo from opening the door resounded throughout the vast chamber, every reverberation bouncing and reflecting off the many stoic walls and lucid windows. With this, Rizu was able to make out every shape and structure. From the pillars to the turntable to the dance floor, he could 'see' it all. As much as he didn't care much for the school and what it stood for, he did have to admit that the architecture was impressive. If he had his sight he would most likely take a liking to these buildings much more than the ones in Atlas. The extracurricular activities committee had spent all week setting up and preparing for the dance. Every pillar was adorned with gold and silver balloons, complimented by similarly-colored streamers draping from the second floor walkways of the ballroom. The turntable the school provided was relatively outdated by Rizu's standards, sitting on top of the stage towards the back of the chamber and only accompanied by two large, black speakers. The only thing left now, was to select music. As Rizu moved towards the middle of the dance floor, he became slightly disturbed by the lack of sound.
"Hello? Anyone here?" he called out.
"Unfortunately, it's just you and I in here Mr. Fall. I hope the equipment we have provided will be enough" a familiar voice replied.
Rizu's brow furrowed, realizing the voice's identity, "Oh. It's you. Where's the student committee I was supposed to meet Professor Ozpin?"
The headmaster of Beacon Academy stood behind the turntable, looking directly at his pupil's hateful expression. With a modest smile on his face, the silver-haired man descended the small set of stairs from the stage to the dance floor. As he approached the student, Ozpin could practically feel the deep-seeded animosity emanating from him. Just what was it about him that angered this student so deeply? Rizu's body stiffened like pine as he heard Ozpin approach him, the blood in his veins boiling and the gears in his left arm whirring and grinding.
"You can relax Mr. Fall. Nobody here is going to attack or anything", the professor assured.
The blind blader scoffed, "Yeah well, I'm not about to take chances. I was told I would be meeting with the students in charge. So I will ask again. Where are they?"
Ozpin let a chuckle escape his usually stoic form, "You know you have a lot of nerve to speak to an elder like that. Are you brave? Stupid? Or do you truly hate me that much?"
"I'm not your biggest fan I can assure you of that. If I'm not here to select the music for the dance like I was specifically pulled from class to do, then I'll be on my way"
"I sent them away. I needed to talk to you in private"
"Well then, I'm sorry to disappoint you sir, but I truly couldn't care less about what you have to say to me. If you're quite through wasting my time, I'll be going"
As Rizu turned to leave the ballroom, Ozpin stood and let out a frustrated sigh before taking steps toward the student. Why did he always have to be so difficult? For somebody with excellent hearing and awareness, any kind of wise or meaningful information fell on deaf ears in Ozpin's view. The professor wondered much like anyone who had ever met Rizu: did he hate for a reason? Or did he hate for the sake of hating. Whatever the reason, Ozpin needed him to listen.
"I need your help", Ozpin called to the boy.
Rizu froze in his tracks, "You need my help? You're Professor Ozpin. What in the hell could you possibly need from me?"
The headmaster took a seat on a nearby chair, "Because you are among the few whom I can trust Rizu"
The teenager furrowed his brow, "You have my attention"
Ozpin sighed, as if a weight was lifted off of him, "Many years ago we entered a time of peace. As much as we would like to keep that peace, the world seems to throw itself into further turmoil. To put this simply, I believe I have set you and your comrades on a dangerous path. Namely, I believe that Miss Blaze is in grave peril'
A deep, vexing wrath had begun to boil inside of Rizu, "What have you done?!"
"It was not my intent to put you four in danger. I have merely been informed that-"
"Stop beating around the bush Ozpin! Tell me right now what the hell is going on!"
"Ella Blaze is a target. In fact, you are all targeted. Like I said, this was not my intention. Sending you on that mission to Vale was a grave…miscalculation"
Rizu's empty eyes widened, "You mean…the group who sent the fake message? The ones who were trying to frame the White Fang? They're after me and my friends?!"
As Ozpin nodded grimly, Rizu shook his head in disgust. Even with all of his resources, the headmaster of the most prestigious school in Vale if not the world of Remnant itself couldn't keep a few kids out of trouble. This had just lowered Rizu's opinion of Huntsmen and Huntresses alike as well as Ozpin himself. Most people in the world, especially children, look up to Huntsmen and Huntresses. Many, in fact, aspire to become like them. In Rizu's furious eyes however, Huntsmen were nothing but self-gratifying, over-zealous, glorified police. They all go on and risk their lives, and for what? Glory? Just the thought of it all made his fists tighten and his teeth grit. Feeling his wrath starting to swell, Rizu just took a deep breath and started to calm down since he would rather avoid being suspended or expelled for any violent outbursts.
"So then Ozpin…what is it you exactly you need my help with?" the student asked through his teeth.
Ozpin looked up at him, "I have solid intelligence that this group will attack you four at the dance tonight. The only other solid detail is that they plan to capture Ella. I know not what for, but they need her alive"
Rizu grunted, "Why come to me? Why not Zane? He's the leader of Team ZERO"
"Because what I'm asking you to do is something I cannot ask the rest of your team. Only you can put an end to this conflict before it gives birth something far more tragic"
"What are you asking me to do?"
Ozpin's gaze averted for a moment before focusing back on his student.
"The intruders. I need you to kill them"
Rizu Fall felt his blood run cold as those words left Ozpin's lips. He was being asked to murder them? As much as he wasn't proud of it, he was no stranger to killing. He had killed entire companies of Atlas soldiers and prototype droids with Sirena at his side. Back then, his only reason for killing was for survival. When he was arrested by the military the first time, many families of the soldiers who were felled by his blade protested and rioted for his execution. As much as it might have been just for him to die, Rizu was thankful for the second chance. Unfortunately, his actions have cursed him to the lifestyle he detested.
"You want me to kill again? Do you realize what I have been through because of that? The life I am condemned to because of my actions?!" Rizu barked harshly.
"Yes. Believe me when I say that I didn't want it to come to this. If I had other options I would choose them, but I can't" Ozpin responded, sounding defeated.
Rizu growled, "What about the faculty? Why not call the local Huntsmen and Huntresses? Why can't they handle this?"
The headmaster shook his head, "This enemy faction has wormed their way into my ranks. Some of their spies are here at Beacon already. I cannot risk alerting them that I am aware of their plot. If they find out, they could change course and we wouldn't have a chance at retaliation"
"Well what about right now? Wouldn't this conversation arouse some suspicion?"
"I doubt it. Seeing as how they have targeted you, their overconfidence will lead them to believe that you can't defend against them. We have to make them believe that they have the advantage"
"I see. So that's why you haven't done anything about the spies?"
Ozpin nodded, glad that he and Rizu were finally starting to talk civilly, "That's correct"
Something about this didn't seem right about this situation. Even if Rizu was the only one capable of killing, why wouldn't he just warn the Team as a whole instead of just him? He didn't know exactly what was wrong, but it made his stomach churn. He didn't want to let himself be used as a living death machine just because Ozpin couldn't get his hands dirty. Maybe I can use this to my advantage, Rizu thought.
"I'll help you Ozpin. However you have to do something for me in return", he said flatly.
Ozpin's eyes narrowed, "The lives of you and your friends isn't enough? Don't you think that's a bit selfish?"
"Saving the lives of my team is one thing. Being asked to kill these intruders is something completely different", Rizu warned.
"…fair enough. What is it you want?" Ozpin asked, giving in.
Rizu sighed before replying, "I want you to tell me who my parents are"
Ozpin's eyes widened, "That's not-"
"-in your power? I beg to differ. You're going to find out. Unless you would prefer I let these maniacs of yours run rampant"
Unable to see a way out of his conditions, Ozpin simply nodded half-heartedly and responded with a 'mhm'. Seeing as how he believed negotiations to be finished, Ozpin stood up and turned to leave. Rizu stayed still as the headmaster walked past him and towards the door, the clacking of his cane reverberating throughout the massive chamber. The obnoxious noise was one of the few reasons he wished he didn't have such sensitive hearing. As the headmaster opened one of the colossal doors, Rizu looked back towards him.
"Hey Professor. As it happens, this equipment is not to my liking" Rizu called out.
The Huntsman looked back at the pupil, "Oh? What exactly will you need?"
Rizu grinned, "Just a few things"
Present…
As the chandelier descended, everything seemed to slow down. Ella, Zane and Rizu huddled closely as the collective screams of the students, faculty and Grimm Knights alike echoed violently around the ballroom. With the chandelier falling ever closer towards him and his friends, Rizu reached into his coat pocket, finding a device with a glowing crimson switch. After a swift flip of it, feedback could be heard coming from the numerous speakers scattered around the room. Mere seconds separated Team ZERO from their demise. The time was now for action to be taken.
"Sirena! Now!" Rizu barked.
After knocking the cloaked Faunus over the turntable, the sea-green clad siren held up the mic to her lips, inhaled deeply, and let loose a spine-tingling, blood chilling scream. As the chandelier continued to fall, the resounding scream shattered the glass construct, along with every window into miniscule, harmless shards. With the speakers blown, the sound fizzled out into white noise. The whole crowd, human and Faunus alike were reeling in pain from the ear-splitting sound. Among the crowd of pained groans and whines, Lancelot staggered to his feet. A furious growl emanated from the masked Faunus and from his hip, he drew a handgun, aiming it straight at Orion.
"I have had quite enough of this childish resistance! Grimm Knights! Take the girl and leave no surv-OOF!" the extremist was knocked off the stage by a swift kick to the back.
Sirena dusted her dress off as she watched the villain crumble, "Don't just sit there idiots! Get up!"
Zane coughed a little as he collected himself, "Think this is a good time to try out the rocket-propelled locker prototype?"
"Just do it!" Ella snapped, generating infernal blasts using the dust she had sown into her gown.
Zane nodded cockily as she pulled out his scroll and typed a few commands into it. The leader's eyes widened as he heard an attacker charging at him from behind, yelling something about rotten humans or something. Mere seconds before he could hit the wealthy teen, a cumbersome steel locker burst through the roof and landed roughly on top of him. Shrugging, Zane opened the locker and retrieved Umbra and Aurora, although leaving them sheathed to charge. With the two Grimm Knights holding Orion aimed their own guns at him, ready to fire. As their fingers began to put pressure on the trigger, the one on the left suddenly had a radiant whip lashed around his throat, yanking him back. Within mere moments, the other Knight was sent flying by a fierce fist. Ella and Zane looked back towards the chamber doors, seeing a familiar pair. Wasting no time, Areana and Eos tended to their unconscious friend. Orion was covered from head to toe in scars and bruises. Although he was alive, he would be in no condition to walk let alone fight. The sisters nodded to one another, words being unnecessary. With her herculean strength, Areana lifted the wounded Faunus onto her shoulders and bolted towards the school infirmary. The remainder of Team ZERO and ARES looked around, seeing several Grimm Knights flooding in through the shattered windows and balcony doors.
"So you decided to come after all?" Ella asked the golden goddess.
Eos wore a more stalwart expression than normal, "Well the challengers Areana spoke of weren't much of a challenge. Areana pummeled them. Once we heard Sirena's scream, we came running"
As she replied, three Grimm Knights charged at the Nikos sister from both sides. She merely huffed as she fully extended her whip, lashing it around the ankle of the attacker on her right before promptly yanking on the handle to fling him into his partner, crashing them both into a pillar. As she saw the Knights terrorizing the much more inexperienced students, she calmly took graceful yet determined strides towards the terrorists, all the while charging her whip with lightning energy. Before one of the attackers could lay a finger on one of the students, a resonating crack was heard as his wrist became wrapped in Eos' whip, subsequently sending currents of lightning energy into his body. As the grunt collapsed, Eos began to step towards the other surrounding Knights, only to be stopped by a venomous bark.
"Stop!" the blind musician hissed, drawing his blade, Treble.
Ella ceased firing off her attacks, "Huh?"
The blind swordsman took heavy steps towards the fallen Faunus, tapping his blade to make sure he knew where his steps took him. The masked crusader was still convulsing violently on the floor from Eos' attack. To keep him steady, he slammed his boot into his chest, applying pressure to try and stop his constant jittering. His heart raced as he could feel the Faunus' masked gaze bore into him. Rizu took his blade and extended it to his right, his heart rate climbing. Ella, Zane and even Eos' eyes became wide with trepidation as they knew what was to come. This isn't like him. Ella thought. Sirena on the other hand had just caught a glimpse of what was happening, having been too distracted with fending off Grimm Knights using their own weapons. Along with the others she knew what was to come, but her eyes stayed fiercely focused on her own issues. Rizu's hand trembled as he tried to steel himself of his next action. With everything he had done, it was doubtful that sparing the lives of a few terrorists would redeem him. Once he remembered what was at stake if any of them lived, there was no more room for hesitation. With the same stoic expression he always wore, he swiped his blade downwards swiftly.
Although he cursed his condition, this was one of the few moments where he was grateful for his blindness. He didn't have to witness the horrified faces of his friends and peers. He didn't have to see the tiny droplets of blood dripping off of his sword. However, he would have to suffer the guttural, gurgling sounds of his victim's death. The Faunus wriggled under Rizu's boot, a crimson river gushing from the incision on his throat. As painful as it was to hear and see for the people around him, it didn't take long for whatever life remained to fade into the abyss.
Rizu stepped off of the dying knight, "I'm… I'm sorry"
As those words dissipated into thin air, all motion in the chamber stopped. From the Grimm Knights to the students, everything and everyone had stopped dead in their tracks as they witnessed everything. Lancelot finally stood, shooting his handgun into the air. As the Grimm Knights looked to their commanding officer, a quiet rage brewed within.
"Attention to all Grimm Knights, fall back and retreat!" he commanded as he took a small pellet from his belt.
Subsequently, the rest of the Grimm Knights mimicked their leader. In a single, simultaneous movement, the Grimm Knights slammed their pellets into the floor, creating a thick smoke that easily filled the entire ballroom. The students coughed heavily from the dense, yet strangely harmless gas. Once the smoke had evaporated several minutes later, the extremists were nowhere to be found. Even though the students had successfully 'won', they knew what was to come with the enemy's escape.
This was war.
Alright! There we go! The starter to the exciting second volume of Embers. What did you think? Read and review! Thanks for being patient with me. As you can probably tell, this volume is going to be a lot more dramatic and a lot more violent. Brace yourselves, for the Grimm War has begun...