A/N: I don't own any other the characters associated with the RWBY series. All of it is owned by Rooster Teeth. I know I'm going to use this statement several times in this volume.


Setting: Atlesian High Council Room

The Atlesian High Council were a group of elite individuals who controlled everything in the kingdom of Atlas. They governed the economics, academy, and the military just to name a few and the ones on the council were the leaders of each division. Each of them held a seat and each seat had a vote to decide on any matter concerning the status of the kingdom. Some members of the council were in control of more than one division, allowing them to have more than vote on the council. Right now, the members of the council were dealing with mundane issues that come up every week and as always, they kept the status quo of Atlas.

After dealing with some ordinary matters, the council had one special business to attend to. Approaching the center of the room was someone who wished to speak to the council in person, Ebony Vantablack. One of the members, General Ironwood, began to speak on behalf of the council. "Now then, Miss Ebony Vantablack, let's begin."

"Of course," the charming Vantablack said as she observed each member, analyzing all of them.

"Ordinarily, the council wouldn't meet with someone about leaving Atlas. In fact, anyone else would've been arrested just for entering Atlas the way you did, but as a member of the Vantablack family as well as your other family members informing us on what happened in Vacuo, we gave you some leeway on that and for having this meeting," Ironwood informed her.

"And I'm grateful for that. My late aunt Carabosse told me to always go to the council when it came to matters regarding the state of Remnant and she was right. And it's for the sake of Remnant that I seek an audience with all of you."

"What do you mean, young Vantablack?" a middle-aged councilwoman asked.

"I spoke with my family about what I could do for them and they agreed diplomacy should be my role. That's why I ask for your permission to leave Atlas as a diplomat."

"A diplomat?" another member of the council, Jacques Schnee, said with obvious disdain.

Ebony shifted her gaze from Ironwood to Jacques. She already knew she wouldn't like him but figured she could use him to get her way in this meeting.

"Why would a diplomat be necessary? None of the kingdoms are at war thanks to the closing of borders and I doubt one will ever come to Atlas's doorstep," Jacques spoke like an obnoxious know-it-all.

"Actually, you're wrong," Ebony corrected with a degree of certainty that Jacques didn't like.

"The closing of borders has actually put many of the people on edge and it has put your kingdom in the spotlight, making seem like Atlas was in the wrong. The fall of Beacon was a tragedy with no clear culprit. The one thing people outside the event are aware of was that Atlesian drones were attacking and killing innocent people. Many have drawn their own conclusions about what happened."

"The people know that we weren't responsible for our drones being taken over," Ironwood countered.

"On whose word? Atlas has remained silent and secluded after the fall of Beacon. Not to mention that the closing of borders was issued by Atlas, making the kingdom even more suspicious to the other kingdoms. As if you were preparing for war," Ebony explained to the council who were unnerved by her claims.

"You accuse us of starting war?" another council member asked with slight anger in his voice.

"I know Atlas isn't trying to instigate a war, but that's what is being perceived by others and I want to rectify that as a diplomat. Allow me to travel to other kingdoms and confirm that Atlas has no desire to battle," Ebony asked while bowing in respect to the council.

The council began muttering among themselves about their next course of action. Ironwood mulled over Ebony's words because there was some truth to what she said. She was right about several things, including the fact Atlas made no real efforts to show they weren't part of the fall of Beacon. They didn't even try to help or even show they were affected by the tragedy.

"You may have a point, Miss Vantablack," Ironwood spoke honestly. "We really haven't done much to show how Atlas has been affected by this tragedy and perhaps a more peaceful solution is the best way to go about it."

"You can't be serious about this?" Jacques said in disbelief.

"I am. Atlas has to show that we stand with everyone during this state of panic."

"I agree," Ebony chimed in then looked at Jacques. She activated Charm to plant the seeds of her scheme. "And who knows, this display by Atlas could sway the other kingdoms to be more lenient with the closing of borders. Maybe even trade routes could be reopened again as a sign of faith."

Ebony's words and her semblance struck a chord with Jacques Schnee. He thought about how her suggestion could benefit him instead of the people. A peaceful alternative is the perfect disguise for his greedy plan to get the Schnee Dust Company back on top.

"Perhaps you're right, Ironwood. This young lady has made some valid points. We should discuss this further amongst ourselves before we make any decisions," Jacques suggested.

"I'll be damned if I let this Vantablack brat get whatever she wants," Jacques thought, preferring to use Ebony's suggestion to get his way rather than help her. Ebony's Charm may have affected him, but his greed and narcissism still directed his actions.

"Agreed. Ebony Vantablack, your words have reached the council and we'll deliberate the next course of action. We will contact you once we've reached a verdict," Ironwood informed Ebony.

She held a small smile on her face as she bowed to the council in respect. "Very well. I'll wait for your decision."

Ebony walked out of the council room with a look of satisfaction. Outside the room was a hallway where Blood was waiting for her. He stood next to the wall where he patiently waited for his liege to finish her meeting and he glanced at her when she emerged from the council. Deep down, Blood was glad Ebony's meeting was finished. The people of Atlas weren't fond of faunus and Blood became aware of the looks he receives and the overheard comments they make. He was a proud faunus but didn't like being around bigotry and Atlas was the world capital of bigotry.

"Are you finished, my liege?" Blood asked.

Ebony placed a finger on Blood's chin and tilted his head slightly upward with a teasing expression. He didn't know why she did this since he was taller than her, but figured she just liked playing with him.

"Don't worry, Ash. I know you don't like Atlas very much, but we have to stay here for a little while longer," she said in an oddly caring voice.

Her concern confused Blood for a moment then he continued to ask, "The council hasn't decided yet?"

"They will make me a diplomat. That's a guarntee. I just have to nudge a few people in the right direction. And after I receive the green light to go, there are other matters that I must attend to."

"Like what?"

"It's a surprise, Ash. But by the end of this adventure, there will be a new addition to my retinue and who knows, maybe a familiar face will be joining our voyage," Ebony said mysteriously.

Blood was confused by what she said. He had a pretty good idea who Ebony wants as a new retainer, but that second part was out of the blue. There weren't many people in Atlas that he knew or any other people Ebony has interacted with. He didn't know the true motives of his enigmatic liege. The two just left the council building to return to their hotel. Ebony could only smile at how things were beginning to shift in her favor.

Setting: Underland Manor

Marigold walked through a corridor with a foul look on his face. He was in a rather unpleasant mood this afternoon. The Underland that usually had a smile on his face all day was feeling rather sour these past few days in particular. No matter what new clothes he made or new hat he tried on, it wasn't enough to get him out of his funk. Not even brewing and drinking tea helped him. Marigold was unhappy and he knew what the source of his unhappiness was. It was Violet.

As if to rub salt in his wound, Marigold turned the corner and saw another one of his hired hitman fall in defeat and Violet standing victorious. The man seemed to be hired by Bluebell because Marigold doesn't remembering hiring this person, but the bruises on his body and the blow dart in his hand meant it was another failed assassination attempt. This wouldn't bother Marigold as much, but the fact that Violet was smiling ticked him off. Violet took a breath then acknowledged that Marigold was here. She had the gall to smirk at him and it made him even more upset.

"Hey, Marigold," she said in a friendly tone.

"Alyssa," he said with an aggravated tone. "I'm surprised to see you wandering about without Zinnia around."

"She's dealing with another one of your hired goons close by. You guys keep sending small fry to deal with me. It's actually a good workout. Hope you're having as much fun with this petty feud than I am," she said in a mocking tone.

Marigold realized it was Violet's happiness that was pissing him off. The better she felt, the unhappier he was. He thrived on the fact that she was miserable here and she didn't want to be a part of the battle for succession, but ever since her incident at dinner with the suitor, Violet has been in a better mood since that day and Marigold didn't really know why.

"The game's not over yet, cousin. No one knows how anything will end."

"I don't care either way. It's not like I plan to be here to participate. Anyone of you guys can be the successor. Like I said, I don't plan on being the new mad queen."

"Okay, I really hate her right now…let's see if I can ruin her day," Marigold thought deviously.

"Are you sure about that, Aylssa?" Marigold asked with a wicked sneer.

"What?" Violet wasn't sure what he meant by that.

"All I'm saying is you seem much more comfortable here. I remember how defiant you were when you first returned home. That fire in your eyes, like a wild animal that desired to be free. But now, it seems you've become quite tame."

"…" Violet's cheery demeanor vanished. She didn't like what he was implying.

"I mean, uncle hasn't reprimanded you in anyway after your dinner fiasco, has he? He probably assumes you'll have your little tantrum and just stay in his castle like the good little princess you are. If you think about, you have become quite docile recently. It's like you finally found your place in this family," Marigold said with false fondness and Violet didn't like what he was stating.

"That's not true and you know it," Violet told her cousin with an aggressive tone. "I have not found my place with you crazy people," she said then walked to where Zinnia was supposed to be.

"Crazy? And you're not?" Violet halted her movement when Marigold said that. "You have the same blood as the rest of us running through your veins, so that crazy is in you too."

"…" Violet stayed silent and still as Marigold continued.

"You're right about our family being crazy. There's no way around that, but a mad man like me can tell crazy when he sees it. And I think- I know you have some crazy too. You try to hide it, but it's there, especially when you fight. Even during dinner when you threw that loser through the window, there was the slightest bit of pleasure in that insane stunt. I know you're crazy too, deep down you are."

Marigold began to walk away from a silent Violet who looked back to see him leave.

"No matter what you say or do, you're just like the rest of us. If we actually tried, you and I might get along. Till next time, Alyssa," Marigold said as he waved goodbye and left.

Violet glared at him as he left and lingered a while longer. "Tch. Why did he have to show up?" she said feeling worse about herself.

"Alyssa," Zinnia called from the end of the hall. "Are we going to the courtyard or not? What's wrong with you?" she asked once she noticed the grimace expression on her younger cousin's face.

"It's nothing. Let's just go already," Violet answered, walking to her destination while leaving Zinnia behind.

Violet's day was ruined in just a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, a smile crept on Marigold's face as he walked to manor's kitchen. He knew his words had an impact on Violet and it made him feel much better. As if feeding off her negativity like a Grimm, Marigold found pleasure in Violet's misery, doubt, and self-loathing.

"Today's a good day," he said whimsically.

Setting: Zorin

The settlement of Zorin has been bustling for the past three days now that Argent has been hospitalized, soon to be imprisoned, and dethroned as the town's kingpin. Instead of being hoarded in their homes, the citizens were more willing to walk around freely. Argent's men wouldn't terrorize them or extort them anymore and they were free to rule themselves. Whether that was good or bad remained to be seen, but they were enjoying themselves for the time being. Even the unsung heroes of Zorin were relishing the change.

After a few days of needed recovery, Silver was up and moving. His aura healed his wounds, he was over his worthless father, and was currently at the only weaponsmith in Zorin. The day his friends told him they were able to stay till he recuperated, Silver asked Zelts if he could take Fenrir and find someone that could modify his weapons. Zelts was more than happy to help, finding a weaponsmith and paying the lady a nice price for the improvements on Fenrir. His guns/escrima sticks were in the weaponsmith's hands until she called to let them know that they were ready and they were. Silver was walking to the weaponsmith's workshop to retrieve his weapons.

Silver strolled through the settlement in a rather good mood. He lifted his hand to feel his spiky black hair that matched his spiky silver streak and instead of feeling embarrassed, he felt pride in its natural spiky style.

"New hairstyle, upgraded weapons, dad beaten with an inch of his life, everything's going my way," he thought happily.

He arrived at the workshop where he was met by the weaponsmith.

"You must be Silver. Zelts said you'd come to pick up your weapons," she greeted with a handshake.

"Yeah. How's my girl? She hasn't changed too much on me, has she?" Silver said in a pseudo-worried tone.

"Heheh…Your 'girl' isn't just fine, she's better than ever. Have a look."

The weaponsmith presented Silver Fenrir in its dual handguns form and Silver could see his guns did look slightly different. It was reinforced with some kind of metal alloy that made the guns a look more high-tech, sleeker, and probably more powerful. The guns changed in appearance. The barrel, slide, extractor, and hammer were still their silver color, but the frame, trigger, and grip were black. He also noticed on the grip had an intricate design of his crossbones symbol on the grips of each gun.

"I took the liberty to re-craft your guns to something more advanced. They have all the capabilities as their previous model and more. They can hold more ammunition and can fire rounds with much more power. The alloy used is found in Atlas and it's very durable, making not only the guns, but the escrima sticks. Their blunt force packs a real punch now. And any improvement to Fenrir's dual handgun form transfers to its sniper form," the weaponsmith explained with pride to a bright-eyed Silver.

"Is everything to your liking?" she asked.

Silver took Fenrir and pointed his guns around to get a feel for them. He transitioned them to escrima sticks and started striking air several times before changing them back to guns. He put Fenrir in their holsters with a satisfied look on his face.

"Perfect. Fenrir 2.0. I'm still gonna call you Fenrir. Thanks for the upgrade," he told the weaponsmith. "Zelts already paid you, right?"

"Actually," the weaponsmith gave Silver the Lien Zelts gave her and said, "you keep it. Consider this as thanks for getting rid of Argent."

Silver was surprised she knew about that or that Zelts told her. "How'd you-"

"A friend of yours has been parading around Zorin claiming to have been the one to take down Argent. People have been treating her like royalty because of it. A pretty, young lady, I think," the weaponsmith answered.

"Azura," Silver thought, seeing the young warrior being proud of what she did.

"And here are some extra dust infused bullets for the road," the weaponsmith said while handing Silver a pouch full of ammunition.

"You sure about this? I mean, I'm all for free stuff and all, but after what you did for Fenrir, I feel like I owe you."

"I'm positive! You guys were like Huntsmen, saving Zorin from someone like Argent. This is me showing my appreciation. Good luck to you guys," the weaponsmith said with a smile.

"Thanks. Same to you guys in Zorin. Hope you guys are better off without my dad in charge," Silver said as he walked out of the workshop.

The weaponsmith smiled at him until she heard the dad part and wasn't sure she heard him right. "What was that last part?"

"Nothing!" Silver said before speed walking away.

Just outside Zorin's borders were the rest of the team was located. It was where they needed to be so they could practice without damaging the town. Running through the snow was Remus and Tigress without their weapons. They were uncoordinatedly moving in on their opponent-Zelts-and attacking him from different sides. With only one half of Heart of Gold, Zelts had to think on his feet and find a way to defend against both the both of them. He expected the first to strike to be Remus, so he made sure to keep a close eye on the fast Cobalt. Remus dashed in for a palm strike and Zelts brought up his shield to defend, but right before they made contact, Remus used Checkpoint to teleport out of Zelts's range. His semblance caught Zelts off guard and the faint blue smoke from the teleporting got in Zelts's eye. Using Checkpoint as a feint and a smokescreen, Remus left Zelts wide open for Tigress to swoop in and kick the back of one of Zelt's legs, forcing him down on one knee.

"That was pretty smart," Zelts complimented while hiding his embarrassment of getting hit.

"And you have to be faster at adapting to fighting with half your weapon. You were getting the hang of it back on the ship, now you just need practice. Figure out a way to counter surprises in battle," Lily instructed as she watched Zelts get back up. "Again."

Remus and Tigress charged for Zelts and he had to find a way to defend against the both of them at the same time. He looked to Tigress then Remus and thought of Remus's aggressive style of fighting. He had an idea and held a firm grip on his wingblade. Zelts spun around intensely to create a circular wall of green wind around himself. The force of this small windstorm was strong enough that neither Remus or Tigress could get through and Zelts didn't let it end there. With a swing of his wingblade, Zelts released the gale surrounding him, blasting it at his surroundings and repelling Remus and Tigress away from him, successfully blocking against the both of them.

"Sometimes the best defense is a good offense," Zelts said with a smile. "I learned that from watching you, Remus."

"Really?" Remus responded. He didn't really think about the lack of guarding in his fighting.

"Better," Lily praised before activating Gemini.

The Tigress Twins ran toward Zelts right after the wind dissipated and lunged for him in a two-pronged assault, but Zelts raised his wingblade in one hand to defend against the black twin then swiftly pivoted around to parry against the orange twin's fist. The Tigress Twins came together to form Tigress again and she was impressed with faster response time.

"Never dropping your guard even in the light of victory. Perfect," lily said impressed with Zelts.

Clapping in the distance was Silver as he finally reached the others. Their training session ended and Zelts went over to greet his friend.

"You're back. How's Fenrir?"

"Better than ever! I can take on what anyone throws my way. Oh. And I didn't have to pay anything," Silver returned the Lien to a surprised Zelts. "Apparently Azura has been bragging about us, namely her, taking down my dad, so the upgrade was a form of thanks."

"Good for us," Zelts said as he put the Lien away.

"Speaking of Azura, where is she? I would've thought a Cobalt like her would be dying for some kind of fight," Silver asked.

"She was training a little bit, but she left a while ago to get one of the vehicles we were promised," Lily answered. "We plan on leaving first thing tomorrow."

"Hm. And this place started to grow on me… Oh well," Silver said then noticed Remus was staring at the land beyond Zorin.

Lily walked up to him and his staring didn't break when she stood beside him. She had a good idea what he was one his mind. "Thinking about Violet?"

Remus nodded then said, "Uh-huh, but also about that Grimm. Do you think we'll come across it again?"

"…Hard to say," Lily admitted. "This place is big and the chance of seeing the same Grimm again is pretty slim. Is it bothering you?" she asked with concern.

"Not really. I just want another shot at taking it down. I lost and I learned, and I want to prove that if we run into it again," Remus said with fierce determination.

Lily was glad he said if instead of when. It meant he had his head cleared and wasn't looking for a fight. It made her think the ride to their next destination will be much smoother than before. Remus's looking at the scenery was interrupted by feeling his scroll vibrate in his pocket. He pulled out and saw that he received a text.

He read the text then turned to Lily with a happy face and said, "Azura's got the vehicle and she's on her way here."

The four of them remained where they were, waiting for Azura to arrive with whatever vehicle she could borrow from the town. Silver wondered if she got some kind of big, slow vehicle that could carry all of them. He kept those thoughts in his head so he could keep any thoughts about his father at bay. Zelts was concerned with the terrain and whether they could reach the kingdom or the next town. Lily had a map of Atlas and she knew how far the kingdom was from Zorin. She was more aware that they wouldn't reach the kingdom in one go because it's too far north and heavily defended. Remus didn't think much about what kind of vehicle she got. He only hoped it could get them closer to Violet.

The sound of an engine could be heard from behind the group. They turned around to see Azura riding on a red snowmobile with another snowmobile hooked onto the back of the first. Each one had three seats so everyone had a place to sit and the one in the back had a cargo hold attached to it for any extra items. They were the perfect vehicles for travelling around Atlas.

Azura drove up to everyone and stopped in front of Lily and Zelts. She looked at them with a grin the said, "Are you guys ready? Cause I'm ready to shred through some snow."

"Hehehe…I guess that means you'll be taking the wheel when we leave," Lily said amusingly. "Anyone want to drive the-"

"Call it!" Silver shouted as he ran to the unoccupied snowmobile. He unhooked it from Azura's snowmobile and started the engine. "Nice!"

"This works for you?" Lily asked Zelts since they would leave after his say.

"If they want to drive, they can drive. You ride with the boys and I'll watch Azura's back. Good with you?" Zelts asked Lily who nodded in response.

"You guys ready to set out tomorrow?" Zelts shouted to the others to confirm they were prepared to get back on the road.

Setting: Atlas Kingdom

Jacques Schnee just left the high council building and was about to make his way to his car and back home. After a long day of listening to the needs of the people, he was exasperated. Not because of work, but because he didn't care for the needs of other people and his role on the council meant he had to deal with their needs on a daily basis. He found them annoying but necessary to buy his dust and keep him rich so the trade was good in his opinion. Jacques waited for his driver to come with his car in front of the council building and was met by a familiar face.

"Why, hello there, councilman," Ebony said, standing against the council building's front doors.

Jacques rolled his eyes and kept his eyes on the road before the building, refusing to face the young Vantablack. Ebony had the smallest smile on her face because of his pompous attitude was amusing to her.

"Vantablack, I thought you went home after your meeting," he said.

"I did. I was just on a stroll and we just happened to bump into each other. Crazy, right?" Ebony said and Jacques groaned. Ebony wanted to get to the real reason she came down here to meet him.

"While I have you, let me just say that I'm sorry about the trade embargo Atlas established with the closing of borders. That must've done some serious damage to your company."

Jacques was quiet and his anger began to bubble.

"Oh. Sorry. I mean it's still doing some serious damage to your company," she said to provoke him then activated Charm when she spoke again.

"It's a vexing problem, but one that could be resolved with the right amount on influence. A charitable donation, an exhibition, or maybe even a presentation about how Atlas has been affected by the Fall of Beacon might cause the other kingdoms to reconsider some of the bans, even the trade embargo. And if not them, then maybe the other councilmen will initiate the removal of the embargo."

Jacques stood there soaking in everything Ebony said. Because of her semblance influencing his mind with her words, he's beginning to take her suggestion of a charity event to further his company and think of it as his own idea. And the best part to Jacques was the fact he has a daughter with a lovely singing voice.

"If I play this right, things will go my way," Jacques thought with a sinister motive.

"A charitable performance does sound like a good idea," he said.

"That's a sound idea you just came up with," Ebony said, using Charm to influence Jacques into believing he thought of this instead of her.

"Yes, it is one of my better ideas. Now then, why are you still here?" Jacques said with irritation in his voice.

Ebony only chuckled before taking her leave. The seeds were planted and her plan was in motion. "Have a good day, councilman Schnee. I hope we meet again," she said with a smile Jacques couldn't see because he refused to face her during their entire conversation.

"Oh, and I'm aware of the type of retainer you have with you. The faunus with wings," Jacques addressed and Ebony didn't like where this was headed. "Be sure to keep him on tight leash."

"I hate this old man," Ebony thought be kept her cool.

She walked away from the council building and toward the hotel she and Blood were staying in. Ebony was happy that Jacques Schnee turned out to be the easy puppet she always anticipated him to be. No matter how it happens, he'll bring forth some form of charity or event to help her get closer to the other council members and influence them individually. Another step in her plan was complete. The next step was to take Blood out and look shop around Atlas for some formal clothing.

Setting: Underland Manor

Sitting in her room much earlier than she anticipated was Violet. Her brief meeting with Marigold let out all the good air in her day. She didn't even have the motivation to train in her other room. She just sat on her bed and looked out her caged window to see the sunset. It wasn't what she wanted to do with her day, but she really didn't want to deal with anyone else in her family bothering her, let alone face Marigold again. She figured she'd punch him in the face if he said anything else and then the castle guard would and make the situation worse.

Violet held onto her scroll to occasionally glance at it and see if the Delta signal would go off again. She didn't want Remus to be in any kind of danger, but it was her only way of knowing where in Atlas he was located. It served as a type of relief for her to know if he and the others were any closer to the kingdom. However, there was no signal. The screen on her scroll remained blank. It didn't make her feel better though she found comfort in knowing Remus was okay.

"When will they make it to Atlas? Will they make it to Atlas? And if they do, what happens next?" Violet thought with concern.

She was aware of her team coming to get her but hadn't really thought about after they come. Tarax wouldn't let go of his last pawn to power go without a fight. Not only was her father an obstacle but figuring out how they'd get out of Atlas was another problem. Unlike Vacuo, this kingdom takes its closed borders policy seriously.

"…We'll figure it out once we're together, we always do. For now, I just gotta endure this till they get here," she thought optimistically. "One step at a time,"

Violet remained in her room while thinking of her teammates. Thinking about them and back to their better days helped her feel much better about today. She chose to spend the remainder of the evening relaxing on her bed where it was peaceful. Galanthus knocked on her locked door, informing her that it was family dinner time and her presence was required by her father, but Violet told him she wasn't coming and remained in her room. The rabbit faunus stayed at her door for several minutes, requesting that she come to dinner and he only stopped when he realized he was going to be late fulfilling his other duties. Violet was glad he was gone, preferring to remain defiant against her family. If it made them miserable, then that makes her happy. Maybe she and Marigold had something in common.

Setting: Dining Hall

Sitting at the head of the table was Tarax L. Underland. He sat there with a look of disdain on his face. His expression wasn't just because of Violet not obeying his order to come to dinner, but because of the riffraff that did attend dinner.

All the other Underlands were at the table and they were causing a ruckus. Dahlia was snatching all the food around her and barking at anyone who tried to take it away from her. Bluebell was getting high off whatever he was smoking in his hookah instead of eating anything. The twins weren't on the guarding job right now, so they were acting more childish than when they're on duty, throwing food at each other, knowing the servants will clean up their mess. Marigold sat in his seat with his legs up and his feet on the table, watching this madness with an amused look as he drank tea. Aster was the only one acting like a normal person, eating the food on her plate like a true noble. Zinnia wasn't present at dinner because she didn't stay in the manor with her family, preferring to stay in the kingdom where she had her own apartment.

Normally, when Tarax issues a family dinner, none of the other Underlands come. It has happened so much and so consistently that it's seen as tradition. The king always eats alone. However, the other family members came this time because Marigold was aware of Tarax wanting to a one-on-one discussion with his daughter and he wanted to mess it up so he told the others to join. Not only was his plan working, but Violet not attending only made this that much sweeter for the mad Underland. Someone else's misery was always a treat for him.

"I must say, uncle, I'm surprised dear Alyssa isn't here," Marigold taunted.

"…" Tarax remained silent, slowly getting more and more irritated.

"Well, it's not like this is anything new," Bluebell added. "She has always enjoyed defying uncle."

"Very true cousin, very true. She's just like us when it comes to you, uncle. Let's face it, no one really wants to listen to an old man who thinks he knows everything. Especially one that's got one foot in the grave and losing power with each passing day. Such a pitiful life. It's probably why she still doesn't listen to a thing you say," Marigold said to hurt Tarax's pride.

"I mean, you probably don't know this, but Violet has begun storing weapons in one of her rooms to train. I wonder what she's training for

"You should learn to hold your tongue before you lose it, Marigold. My power may be waning, but it's still there and I can do much with it," Tarax threatened, but Marigold laughed at his attempt to inflict fear.

He also had no idea Violet was keeping weapons in her reach or why Zinnia would allow this. Tarax knew Zinnia has no desire to disobey him or undermine his rule so he thinks maybe a misunderstanding may have occurred. He needed to discuss this further with his niece.

"Ahahahaha! Oh, please, uncle. If you could do that then you would've done it a long time ago. Right now, you're just a ghost wandering around watching the rest of us live and I plan to keep you living just long enough to see me take the throne."

"…" Tarax had nothing to say. There was nothing for him to say because Marigold was right, but it didn't mean this elderly Underland was done scheming. He still had plans.

"Maybe you should do as uncle says, Marigold," Bluebell said before huffing from his hookah. "You think pretty highly of yourself if you're already claiming the throne for yourself."

"Yeah. We all want to rule," Dahlia said.

"Eh, not us. We-" Linnaeus started.
"-like being the bosses of the castle guard," Linnaea finished.

"Okay. They don't want to rule, but the rest of us do, and we'll fight it out once Alyssa is gone," Dahlia said with a grin.

"Agreed," Marigold said then raised his tea cup as a toast.

"Although we are all rivals, competing to be the next head of the family, I must say, there are no other members of the family I'd rather have as my adversaries. Coming together tonight, making fun of uncle, is a sign that we see each other as equals and once Alyssa is dealt with, the battle for the throne will begin again. Until then, cheers."

The other Underlands raised their cups and said cheers except for Tarax, who got up from his seat and left. They all noticed this and Marigold got up from his seat. He walked to the head of the table and sat where his uncle was previously sitting as a symbolic sign that he planned to be the next head of the Underland family. This move wasn't lost on the others. Bluebell, Dahlia, and Aster looked at Marigold at the same time and had the same thought in their minds.

"The next one is me,"


This chapter shows where everyone in this story is presently.

Ebony's talk with the council and her conversation with Jacques Schnee instigated him to discuss matters with Ironwood and to hold the Schnee Dust Company charity concert, showing Ebony had some influence in the RWBY series and when volume six is taking place.