Chapter 3
POV: Omniscient
The Belladonna Manor was peaceful… But then again, Sun exists. At least this time, he wasn't alone-
Slam
Ghira: Unbelievable!
Sun: Complete garbage!
Kali just walked in silently. A nice change after the doors slammed op-
Ghira: We can't let them get away with this!
Sun: We can't let them get away this this!
Ehem. Kali stood there silently, probably almost not even noticed amongst their rage.
Kali: Well, at least you two finally agree on something.
They realized how ridiculous they seemed, getting upset over nothing. After all they weren't exactly arguing with anyone. They didn't even notice Blake walk back in.
Blake: Guys. Everything's going to be okay. We just can't give up.
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Lionhardt nervously walked into a circular room, adjacent to his office, with Watts right behind him. He hesitated, as he saw a grimm. It had a sphere as a head, with some sort of otherworldly glow emanating from inside. The rest of its body had a similar appearance to a jellyfish. The only difference, is that the end of its "tentacles" for a lack of a better word, had metallic spikes.
Watts: You first.
Leo felt a rough shove to his back, as he was pushed closer.
Lionhardt: Your grace, are you there?
Inside the grimm, an image of Salem appeared.
Salem: Hello, Leonardo. Do you have something to report?
Lionhardt: Of course ma'am. I would not waste your time, if not-
Watts: I'm still fascinated with this creature. Cinder dear, are we coming through? Can you see us clearly? Well, as clearly as you can...
He tapped the side, as if tapping a fishbowl. Then, Cinder's face appeared next to Salem's.
Cinder: Shut up.
Watts: Oh. You've gotten your voice back. Joy.
Salem: Report. Now.
Lionhardt: You see, we now know the location of Spring.
Salem: Is that so? Well done. Dr. Watts, if I had known your ability to expedite the process, I would have sent you long ago.
Watts: As much as I would like to take the credit for this recent advance, I have to say that it was not in fact me. I guess you could say… A little birdie told me.
Salem: Explain.
Lionhardt: You see… Qrow survived Tyrion's poison. He got here just in time, and he even brought those children with him. He believes Spring has taken residence in his sister's tribe.
Salem: And do you know of the tribe's location?
Lionhardt: Yes ma'am. But you have to hurry! I have no doubt that he will- Ack!
Suddenly, one of the tentacles wrapped around his neck. Eventually, the force managed to drag him to his knees.
Salem: Leonardo, do you remember the time we first met? How cowardly you were… I remember your fear. Since that day, you've been extraordinarily brave. I'll remember everything you do, so you should remember what I can do.
Then, he was released. Immediately, he dropped onto his hands and knees, gasping for air.
Salem: Cinder, you and your team will meet with Dr. Watts and together confront Raven. If she is not willing to work with us… Kill her. Once you have secured spring, escort her to the relic and contact Hazel. The white fang was promised the destruction of Haven… and I don't go back on promises.
Watts: Understood.
Salem: One more thing, Arthur. You will, of course, meet up with Cinder. But before then… Tyrion is in need of a new tail.
Watts: What happened to the old one?
There was a bit of silence. He could make a guess.
Watts: Don't tell me. The girl?
He just received a nod of confirmation from Cinder.
Watts: Looks like Qrow was right. Those kids aren't exactly pushovers... Anyways, it will be done.
Salem: Good.
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Yang arrived at a gas station. She needed to refuel her motorcycle, yes, but she also had barely had any water all day. After parking her motorcycle, she walked in. The building had the feel of a bar, rather than a place to just grab a few refreshments. She sat down the middle of the bar, and waited for the bartender. She didn't have to wait for long. After a few seconds, he walked over to her.
Bartender: Aren't you a little young to be drinking?
Yang: I'll just take water. Thanks.
The bartender moved off to get the water, and Yang was once more left to her lonesome. Well, there was one other person. It was a young man three seats away, who seemed to have taken an interest in Yang.
?: Are you telling me YOU're too young to drink?!
He also seemed to be a bit drunk.
?: You look like a regular huntress!
He moved closer. He was now only two seats over.
?: And a beauty at that!
He moved closer again. Now, there was only one seat in between them.
Yang: I'm good, thanks.
?: I'm serious. Not to bulky, not too lean, but…
Yang: Just right? Like I said, I'm good.
A hint of anger moved into her voice, but the man didn't notice it. He moved closer one last time. Finally he was sitting right next to Yang. That was the first mistake.
?: And your hair…
That was the last straw. He saw her eyes go red only for second, because the next, he was flying out the door. Yang saw one of his teeth hit the wall. That was exactly when the bartender got back. He set a bottle of water on the bar in front of Yang.
Bartender: This one's on the house. He's been driving me crazy…
As Yang reached for the bottle, left handed, her hand began to shake. She reached over with her other hand and grabbed herself by the wrist to calm it down. She let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. She picked up the bottle, and used her mechanical arm to flick off the top. As soon as she started drinking, the bartender started talking. She silenced him with a finger. She finished the bottle, not even taking a breath in the middle.
Yang: Thanks.
Bartender: So, what brings around these parts.
Yang: I'm… uh, looking for someone.
Bartender: Well, the only noteworthy person around here is… Ra-
Yang: Raven Branwen. Thanks again.
She got up to leave, when the bartender stopped her.
Bartender: Now Missey, you don't want to get wrapped up with bandits! They're a world of trouble!
Yang: So I hear.
She walked outside, and put on her sunglasses. Before she turned on her motorcycle, she heard a groan from the man she had punched out the door.
?: Hey, Girlie!
Yang: *Sigh* This isn't over? Seriously?!
?: I heard you were looking for someone.