RWBY: MRRN
Volume 5, Chapter 11: Levels of Distrust
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. All rights go to Rooster Teeth.
Edit: I didn't feel too great with the part of Jaune leaving, so I decided to take down the chapter and rewrite it.
"I don't get it!" Sun barked as he slammed his coconut drink on the table, sitting with Blake and Akela. "Why are they so unwilling to help us? How can they just sit by and do nothing while the White Fang gets ready to attack?"
"It's not that simple, Sun," Akela responded. "Many of the Faunus that weren't born on this island came here because they're tired of the prejudice. They don't want to survive, they want to live."
"What's that supposed to mean?" the Monkey asked, rather confused.
"In the Kingdoms, especially Mistral and Atlas, we're subjected to discrimination, racism and prejudice," Akela answered. "They have to constantly look over their shoulder just to make sure racist people aren't following them so they can kill them. Many of them live in fear of even going down the street and being shot just because of who they are. Here…no racism, no prejudice. None of that."
"I see your point," Sun acknowledged.
"But the problem is that Adam's choices will affect everyone here, whether they like it or not," Blake stated. "If Adam has his way and Haven falls, things will only get worse for the Faunus. If we think the Wild Hunt is bad, it'll definitely get worse."
"What happened to Adam?" Sun asked. "Why does he think violence is the only option?"
"Adam's family were Dust miners in Atlas, working for the SDC," Blake explained. "However, when Jacques Schnee took over, their lives became much harder."
"Because he's racist against Faunus, right?" Sun asked.
"Because he's a glory-seeking bastard who doesn't care about anyone but himself," Akela responded with contempt in his voice. "I don't think even his own family is safe from his selfishness."
"They're not," Blake spoke. "One of my teammates at Beacon was Weiss Schnee, his second daughter."
"You were teamed up with a Schnee?" Akela almost gasped.
"Yes…and she was just as much a victim of her father's selfishness. But as I was saying, Jacques's leadership over the SDC made it much more profitable, but it came at the cost of those beneath him: the Dust miners barely made enough money to support themselves and Adam's family was among them." Blake paused for a moment, remembering the gruesome scar on his face, the one that everyone saw at the rally.
"His parents tried starting a petition to get higher wages for the workers. Jacques Schnee found out and sought to silence them, so he had Adam and his family kidnapped…and killed his parents right in front of him before branding his face with an iron."
"You mean the same-?"
"Yes."
"Oh, man," Sun replied with sympathy. "That's messed up. Was he like that from the start?"
"No," Akela answered. "Adam was very passionate about helping the Faunus, but tended to look more to Sienna than Ghira due to his pacifistic methods." He groaned at the mention of Ghira's nonviolent leadership.
"You almost sound like you don't like it either," Sun pointed out to the Wolf Faunus.
"I don't believe in seeking out violence, but Ghira tried to avoid it at all costs, even when it was obvious we needed to fight back," Akela answered. "This caused Bhaal and Ghira to butt heads several times during his years in the White Fang."
Blake was silent as she considered Akela's words about Ghira's leadership. He always spoke of the need for peace, that equality cannot be achieved through violence and hatred.
One thing she had learned during her years at Beacon was that if a Faunus simply stood and did nothing, the prejudice wouldn't stop. She came to believe that they needed to defend themselves from those who sought to harm them.
She hated herself for that, for not doing what she had preached so passionately about. She hid herself out of fear of being judged and discriminated when she should've stood out for her people. She cowered away from conflict, even when others needed her. If she was going to do right by the Faunus, she had to change.
"Maybe you're right, Akela," she admitted.
"What?" he asked, confused.
"We do need to defend ourselves, but we shouldn't seek out violence," she agreed.
"Blake," Sun addressed since he was sure she'd defend her father.
"Back at Beacon, I was a hypocrite and a coward. I wanted equality for the Faunus, but I was too scared to do what was right. When I tried stopping the White Fang once, I was reckless and it got people killed. I sought out violence…and many innocent people paid the price."
"What are you talking about?" Akela questioned, not sure of what his childhood friend was speaking of.
"The Paladin Incident," Blake explained. "We thought we were ready..." She sighed in regret of her choices.
"I need to do what's right, for all Faunus," Blake stated.
"As a wise man once said," Akela responded. "If you want peace, prepare for war."
-0-
"The plan was a complete success," Fennec informed Adam as they spoke with his holographic projection. "The citizens of Kuo-Kuana have been turned against Ghira. None of them will help him."
"Good," Adam replied. "We mustn't let him interfere. Did he say anything about sending a messenger?"
"No, High Leader," Corsac answered. "However, we sent Brother Yuma to find one and deal with him if Ghira indeed sent a messenger."
"At least it'll be away from the public eye," Adam stated. "However, we cannot expect Ghira to just sit and do nothing. He'll undoubtedly find a way to recruit Faunus for Haven's defense."
"What are your instructions?" Fennec asked. "Should we attack?"
"No," Adam refused. "Attacking Ghira will risk alienating the Menagerie populace and turning them against us. We need a plan to keep Ghira out of the way indirectly."
"Why not use the Grimm?" Corsac suggested. "Perhaps luring them to Menagerie could keep Ghira and Bhaal too busy to recruit Faunus to their cause; they'd have to focus their efforts on keeping Kuo-Kuana safe."
"It'd have to be done discreetly," the White Fang High Leader pointed out. "If we're exposed as the source of the Grimm, Menagerie will turn against us."
"Do you agree with our plan?" Fennec asked. Adam was silent for a moment, contemplating this high-risk, yet high-reward plan. If the Albains' plan succeeded, Ghira and Bhaal would be kept occupied long enough to be out of the way of the White Fang's assault on Haven.
However, if they were caught, Menagerie would go back to supporting Ghira. Their efforts would be for nothing and they'd alienate any supporters in Kuo-Kuana.
"You do this and do not let anyone find out," Adam demanded. "If anyone suspects you, stay low and stop until I say otherwise."
"As you wish," Fennec acknowledged. "If you don't mind me asking, what do you plan to do?"
"Sienna was right," Adam admitted. "Our brethren are suffering in Mistral in retaliation for the Fall of Beacon. The Wild Hunt is slaughtering our people…and I plan to stop it. I will take several White Fang down to Mistral and kill them."
"Are you sure that's a wise decision?" Corsac asked. "If you're captured or killed, High Leader-"
"The Faunus of Mistral need to know that the High Leader of the White Fang will fight on their behalf," Adam interrupted. "I've made up my mind. Now inform our followers of the plan…and no mistakes." His projection disappeared, then the two Albain brothers smiled.
"Fool," Corsac disregarded. "If this plan does fail, High Leader Taurus will take the blame. After all, we are following his orders." Fennec chuckled.
"Indeed, brother." Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Corsac invited; in walked the chameleon Faunus Ilia Amitola.
"Sister Ilia," Fennec greeted. "Thank you for coming." She bowed her head in reply.
"What do you need from me?" she asked. "We know the operation is a success."
"Indeed," Corsac responded. "She has been buried with honor. The other branches have been given the story that was agreed upon."
"But Ghira knows of our plan," Ilia reminded. "If I hadn't been reckless-"
"Don't be hard on yourself," Fennec interrupted. "This worked in our favor. This gave us the perfect opportunity to turn the Menagerie populace against the Belladonnas. However, I'm afraid it may not be enough."
"What do you mean?" Ilia asked, confused.
"Blake and her friends have been witnessed trying to gather signatures to defend Haven," Corsac informed. "We're not sure of how many they've managed to recruit, but we still have a month left before our assault. Anything can happen."
"What should we do?" Ilia asked. "Is High Leader Taurus wanting us to attack them?"
"No," Fennec answered. "Any direct attacks on the Belladonnas will alienate our supporters in Menagerie and they could see Ghira as a martyr. We have a different plan."
"We lure Grimm to Menagerie," Corsac informed. Ilia's eyes widened in surprise at this information.
"Lure Grimm?" she asked, unsure of this plan.
"Yes," Corsac repeated. "By luring Grimm to Kuo-Kuana, Ghira and Bhaal will be too busy defending the island to recruit supporters of Haven's defense. We must simply keep it up until our victory is complete."
"This is a risky plan," Ilia replied. "If we're caught…"
"High Leader Taurus understands the consequences should we exposed," Fennec responded. "If anyone starts to suspect us, we lay low and cease activities until otherwise."
"I understand," Ilia replied. "Is it true? About the Wild Hunt?"
"Unfortunately, it is," Corsac replied solemnly. "However, High Leader Taurus plans to go to Mistral and kill them. He is aware of the consequences should he be caught or killed, but no measly human can kill him."
"As long as it helps our people," Ilia agreed.
"Thank you for your maturity in this situation," Fennec replied. "You may leave." Ilia nodded her head and exited the room, leaving the two Albain brothers by themselves.
"This may work after all," Fennec commented.
"Of course it will," Corsac assured. "Once High Leader Taurus is out of the way…the new High Leaders will take command."
-0-
Yang and Weiss sat on a couch in the house where Qrow, Team RNJR, and Oscar had been staying. They heard everything, some of which they had already heard from Raven.
"So…these Maidens, Salem…it's all true?" Weiss asked with a somewhat timid tone.
"Indeed, it is," Ozpin stated.
"One thing you left out," Yang brought up. "What did you do to Pyrrha?"
The room suddenly became much more silent, as if Yang had ordered Ozpin's death. With the way Jaune and Nora were glaring at him, they'd certainly support it.
"One of the Maidens, Amber, was attacked by Cinder and her allies," Ozpin started. "Qrow was able to save her, but half of her power was stolen. We kept her beneath Beacon in Atlesian technology to keep her safe and alive, but we feared that Salem was closing in on us."
"What does that have to do with Pyrrha?" Yang questioned.
"That bastard tried to force Pyrrha to take those powers!" Jaune barked before being stopped by Ren.
"What?" Weiss questioned.
"We asked Ms. Nikos to take the Maiden's powers in the hopes of keeping them safe. However, she refused and…"
"How could you do this?" Yang snarled. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Yang, that's enough," Qrow spoke.
"Enough?" Yang questioned with a shocked look. "How can you honestly take his side after what he did to Pyrrha? He had no right to do that."
"I made a desperate choice in a desperate situation," Ozpin responded. "I don't expect any of you to approve of what I did, but I-"
"Don't you dare justify this!" Nora barked. "What right do you have to play with people's lives!?"
The room became silent again. Ozpin looked down in regret of the fact that he had forced Pyrrha to take the Maiden powers out of desperation.
"I was desperate," he admitted.
"If you had the chance to do it again, would you?" Weiss asked. Ozpin exhaled before replying 'No."
"How are we supposed to trust that?" Jaune questioned. "You promised Pyrrha a choice-"
"Stop it," Qrow demanded. "Look, Oz made a huge mistake and he must make up for it, but he's our best chance of beating Salem."
"We didn't come here to get involved in your war," Jaune stated. "We came here for Ruby, for Pyrrha, for all of those who died at Beacon."
"Then I won't force you to stay," Ozpin replied. "If any of you wish to leave, then I won't stop you. There's no shame in leaving." Jaune stood up and glared down at the boy who was the host of the Beacon Headmaster.
"Why should we trust you at all?" Jaune asked.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Qrow challenged. "Pyrrha is alive. Grow up and get over yourself."
"Get over myself?" Jaune questioned. "You don't-" Qrow then grabbed him by the collar of his jacket.
"Maybe when you're not too busy being an asshole, you can look around and take in the bigger picture. Haven is in danger and all you're doing is being a complete jackass to everyone, acting as if Pyrrha had died."
"Let go of me," Jaune demanded.
"Is that what Pyrrha taught you?" Qrow questioned. "To be a jerkass and punch people because you don't like them? You barely pull your own weight, just like what happened with that scorpion guy."
"You think I don't know that?" Jaune questioned.
"No, you don't!" Qrow stated. "Ozpin did something wrong, but he also sacrificed himself to save you. Who are you to get on anyone when you're so damn useless!?"
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby shouted, stopping her uncle's verbal onslaught. Qrow and Jaune looked at each other for a few moments before the scythe user let him go.
"Pull your head out of your ass already." Jaune frowned and shook his head before heading upstairs.
"Jaune!" Nora called out, but was stopped by Ren.
"Leave him be," he insisted gently, so Nora reluctantly sat back down.
"And the rest of you?" Qrow asked.
"You didn't have to say that to him," Weiss told the scythe user.
"Honestly, he did," Ruby agreed. "Ever since Ozpin's come back…Jaune hasn't been himself; he needs to stop being like this." She then looked to her uncle.
"I'm staying," she answered. "It's clear Salem will stop at nothing to destroy humanity. If we don't stand in her way…no one will."
"And she has a particular interest in you, Ms. Rose," Ozpin brought up.
"Because of my Silver Eyes?" Ruby asked. "That's why she wants me dead?"
"He didn't say dead, squirt," Qrow corrected. "If she wanted you dead, Tyrian would've tried to kill you instead of abduct you. I think Salem wants you alive."
"Well…" Yang spoke. "If Ruby's staying, then so will I. I came this far to find you." She then turned her attention to Ozpin.
"But if we're going to risk our lives, then no more lies, no more half-truths, no more keeping us in the dark. If there's something we need to know, you'll tell us…everything." Ozpin looked at Qrow, who gestured for him to give his word with the amount of tension in the group.
"Understood," he assured. "I actually have a question myself, Ms. Xiao Long. You said Raven was the one who sent you, correct?"
"Yes," Yang confirmed. "That was before the attack."
"Attack?" Qrow asked. "What are you talking about?"
"Cinder," Weiss explained. "She arrived at the camp, demanding the Spring Maiden…or Vernal as she's called. When she found out about us, Raven transported us to Qrow."
"So Raven did have the Spring Maiden," Ozpin realized.
"But did she find out about the camp's location?" Ren asked. "The only person we shared it with was-"
"Leonardo Lionheart," Ruby stated.
The room was once again silent. Had Lionheart deliberately betrayed them to Salem? Had he given away the camp's location, along with the Spring Maiden? Either way, Leo was definitely a key factor in Salem managing to locate Raven.
"I stopped the download before it could be completed," Qrow brought up.
"Do you truly believe Lionheart gave Salem the camp's location?" Ozpin questioned.
"It's the only thing that makes sense," Ren responded.
"First, he should've known that Cinder and her allies weren't Haven students since they most likely never went there, but said nothing. He's leaving Haven completely defenseless; you even said that he's disobeying specific instructions he left you."
"We need to be certain," Ozpin replied. "Salem may undoubtedly have spies in Mistral, but I won't rule out the possibility."
"Let's hope not," Qrow responded. "If it is, he could give away all information about every Huntsman in the Kingdom."
"And Salem does want Ruby alive," Weiss added. "During Raven and Cinder's talk, one of the people with her…Valkoin, I think, said Ruby was wanted alive."
"That solidifies that fact," Ozpin replied. "This is certainly unexpected. The Silver Eyes…they're a danger to her. This doesn't make sense."
"Why are my Silver Eyes so important?" Ruby asked.
"I'll explain it another time," Ozpin responded. "For now, we must find Raven and the Spring Maiden before Cinder does. If they get to her first, the Relic of Knowledge will be within their grasp."
"I'll head out," Qrow offered. "I can get there fast and I know plenty of Raven's hiding spots."
"Be careful out there," Ruby told him. Qrow nodded his head, grabbed Harbinger and walked out the door before turning into a bird and flying off.
"Please, Leo," Ozpin whispered. "You are one of my most trusted friends. Please don't let this be true."
-0-
"You saw it?" Nachtfel asked two Faunus Lieutenants, Cloak and Dagger, who were in an abandoned house overlooking most of Mistral.
"Yes," Dagger confirmed. "That boy has Ozpin's cane. We saw him in the Market."
"Well done," he complimented. "I don't care if you kill the whole group or not, but the main priority is getting that cane and bringing it to me."
"Yes, sir," Dagger replied, moving her hair of the way as he examined the photos of Ozpin's cane in front of her. "Is Silvio Steel dead?"
"I didn't finish him off, so he may still be alive," Nachtfel admitted. "However, even if he is, he won't have enough time to bring all of his forces back to Haven in time to defend it."
"What about the Wild Hunt?" Cloak asked more timidly. "They're still….well…"
"I know," Nachtfel responded. "Adam Taurus has arrived in Mistral; he plans to deal with them before the attack on Haven, so they won't be a problem to you two for long. Now, do you suspect how many militia may be present at Haven?"
"For an estimated guess, three hundred at the least and six hundred at the most," Dagger answered. "And they're properly trained. They may put up more of a fight than we expect."
"Then I'll get reinforcements," Nachtfel responded. "An additional five hundred Knights await in the north. I'll inform them to get to Haven."
"But the White Fang…they'll help us, right?" Cloak asked again in her timid tone, making her sister put her hand on her shoulder.
"We must keep the militia and any other enemies busy while the White Fang destroys Haven. They've managed to identify several areas underground beneath the Academy; if explosives are set and then detonated in those areas, the Academy will collapse on itself."
"That's good to hear," Dagger responded. "Is there anything else you need to tell us?"
"No. Inform me as soon as you get Ozpin's cane."
"Yes, commander." She then hung up her scroll and placed it in her pocket before going to sit with her sister.
"You okay?" she asked as she rubbed her sister's lynx ears.
"I just want it to stop," Cloak said softly. "The prejudice towards our people…I want it to stop."
"And it will," Dagger assured. "Once we've achieved our goal, the Huntsmen, the SDC, and anyone who opposes us will be wiped from existence. Then, we'll make a better world with Nachtfel in charge."
"Good," Cloak replied before hugging her sister.
"Now, get some sleep," Dagger told her. "We'll find out where they're staying tomorrow and devise a plan to get the cane…and hopefully kill them." Cloak nodded her head before going to one of the two bunks in the room and falling asleep.
Dagger went over to the window and overlooked the sleeping city of Mistral. This kingdom had never been kind to her or her sister simply because of who they were. They were part of a species that was hated for as long as humanity had remembered.
Because of this, they almost joined the White Fang…but Nachtfel found them first, offering them a world without corruption, without prejudice by destroying the sources of these horrors. She thought he'd be an evil man with no regard for the lives of his men; instead, he led them as a true leader and never considered himself above them other than being their commander. She admired the dark warrior for taking a stand where many were too scared to do so.
"I made a promise to keep my sister safe…and I will keep that promise, no matter what," Dagger whispered.
Author's Notes: The characters Cloak and Dagger were made by Darth Stigma, who's been helping me a lot with this series. All credit goes to him for them.
