Chapter Fourteen: Not So Little Secrets

The passage stretched endlessly in front of America and Penny, lit only by the buzzing lamps on the walls. The two had stopped running long ago, though Penny offered to carry the tiring nation through the twisting halls. America politely declined, ignoring his aching feet. He had not realized how long the tunnels were and regretted losing his bag sometime during the chase. His food, water, and other items were gone, leaving him only with his weapon, the bag with France, Romano, and Australia's weapons, his ring, and the clothes on his back. But he did not want to stop, not even for a breather.

Ironwood must be pursuing them by now with whatever soldiers he could gather. America could only hope Penny was truly on his side now and was not leading him to another trap. Or waiting for him to collapse so she could hand him over to the General. She claimed they were headed towards the exit in the slums, far from the capitol building of Atlas, and thus the trip was much longer than previously calculated.

"We turn left at the next divergent path." Penny informed him.

"Got it." He said. He looked down a dimly-lit hall to their right. "It's like a maze in here. Where do all these other paths lead?"

"The slums, the capitol building, the Schnee Mansion, the Research and Development facility—"

America hummed, only half-listening. "What about the Academy?" he asked idly.

"…Affirmative." She said. "There is an abandoned mineshaft that is no longer a mineshaft that leads to the Academy."

America balked, nearly tripping over his own feet. "There is?"

"Of course." Penny stated, oblivious to his alarm. "They are well-guarded, unlike the tunnels we are currently traversing through."

America relaxed slightly. "That's good."

He had to admit he was glad Atlas wasn't arrogant enough to leave a passage into her Academy— or possibly the underground vault that held the Relic of Creation— unprotected. A niggling theory prodded at his mind and he acknowledged it with a grimace. The passages were meant for fleeing the city. If Atlas had to leave, she would want to take the Relic with her. Which likely meant there was a path directly into the Vault.

Hopefully Atlas isn't dumb enough to only leave a couple soldiers standing guard… And here I thought an elevator was not secure enough. America trusted Ozpin had a few more tricks in Beacon's Vault than a simple button to get to it. Right, Vale?

Silence answered him.

America kept his expression bland, ignoring his increased heartbeat. Vale? Are you okay in there?

"Oh, now you want to talk to me." Amber snarled.

America scowled.

"Is something wrong?" Penny asked.

"No." America said shortly. What's with the attitude? he directed at Vale.

"Oh, nothing." Vale said snappishly.

America put his hands in his pockets as he walked, frowning down at his shoes. Are you mad at me?

"No."

You are. What did I do?

"You didn't listen to me." Vale hissed.

You wanted me to essentially commit suicide rather than try to escape. America thought bluntly.

"We were almost captured!"

Using the ring wouldn't have changed that. And we weren't captured. We got out.

Vale's wordless anger washed over him like heated waves, but he felt something else lingering underneath the surface.

…What did I do? He asked again, softer this time.

Vale huffed, her annoyance prodding at his mind. "You're acting foolishly naïve. 'Penny' cannot be trusted. She sold us out and nearly got us dragged to Atlas."

She realized she messed up and saved us, America reminded her.

"She still tricked us."

She didn't know any better.

"We would be in a cell right now because of her!"

But we aren't because she helped—

"She betrayed us!"

America winced, rubbing at his forehead. Oh. So… that's what's wrong. He directed his next thoughts at Vale. Penny isn't Mistral, Amber. She didn't lead us into a trap to hurt us.

Stony silence met his declaration.

America sighed mentally. Look, I'll stay on my guard, okay? If she tries something I'll knock her out and run.

"That's not good enough." Vale growled.

Then what would you have me do? America asked tiredly.

"Ditch her."

We can't get out of here alone. With our luck we'd stumble into the Transformation Institute.

"Don't you want to find it?"

Not when I'm tired and hungry. We need to get our bearings before we explore the mines.

"We might not have time to 'get our bearings'. Ironwood will have soldiers looking for you."

America winced.

"Are you—?"

"I'm fine, Penny. You wouldn't happen to have supplies to make me a disguise, would you?"

"Negative." Penny stated.

"Well, it was worth a shot." America sighed. He absently brushed a lock of hair away from his eyes, briefly cupping a hand over the left one.

"…I'm sorry." Vale whispered.

The abrupt change from furious to somber startled America but he pushed past it to respond. What for?

"…All of this." Vale said after a pause.

I told you it isn't—

"I'm useless!" Vale choked. "When you were struggling I couldn't do a damn thing to help you. I'm nothing more than a voice in your head. I can't fight, I can't keep an eye out for unseen dangers, I can't even transfer my knowledge to you. Yet you suffer my burdens. You feel my pain."

America winced as Grimm tore through Beacon's grounds—

She chuckled hollowly. "See? I only know you're in pain because you grimaced. All I do is hurt you."

No, America denied. You kept me from going crazy in that cell. You help keep me focused in battle. Without you, I wouldn't have fought that soldier. Who knows what he would have done to me if you didn't snap me out of it. You aren't useless.

"Emotional support is a bit of a downgrade." Vale said weakly.

Maybe, but that doesn't mean you should stop fighting, America insisted. We still have a job to do.

"What's that?"

Saving Vale, Earth, and Remnant of course. Cause we're the heroes!

He felt something comparable to a smile from her. "Except Atlas. Screw Atlas."

America laughed. Glad we're in agreement there.

"Yeah." Vale murmured, almost to herself. "Screw Atlas. Screw Atlas and O—" She paused. "…I need to think."

America sensed she wasn't avoiding him so her decision did not upset him. Okay. Take your time.

She retreated, presence vanishing.

"The exit is this way." Penny said abruptly.

America followed her to a vertical mineshaft and peered down into the darkness below before craning his neck upward. As far as he could tell, there was no lift to get them out.

"That's not very convenient." He commented.

"The elevator was removed." Penny informed him.

America frowned. "But isn't this supposed to be for evacuations? People would rush down here blindly and have nowhere to go."

Penny said nothing, staring at him unblinkingly.

America's stomach twisted but he ignored that possible revelation. "How are we getting up?"

"There is a rope." Penny said, pointing. "I have other means if you prefer, but they are louder and could bring the enemy to us."

America eyed the thin rope with distaste. "We'll use this. If it breaks, stick your swords in the wall or something."

"This is unsafe." Penny stated. "But staying here increases the unsafe nature of our situation by forty-seven percent."

America nodded and stepped up to the rope, grasping it and giving it an experimental tug. It did not snap in his hands, though it felt noticeably stringy. He put his full weight on it and did not fall to the floor.

So far, so good.

America carefully swung out into the mineshaft, planting his feet on the wall. The rope still held. He began to climb, grimacing as the rope scraped at his fingers. Every step made him hold his breath, every creak made him tense, and sweat trickled down his forehead, not from exertion but just plain old stress.

If he fell, he'd live of course but he'd be deeper down and a soldier could stumble across his healing body. He'd hate having spent all this effort to escape only to get captured because he couldn't stand on broken legs. America pulled himself upward, inch by inch, and soon saw the top of the mineshaft. His hand landed on the edge of the tunnel and he clambered to safety, exhaling shakily.

I think I don't like heights.

"I'm up." He called softly down the shaft.

"Acknowledged." Penny's voice called back, echoing.

America winced and glanced around. The tunnel remained empty. He heard Penny's shoes hit the side of the shaft and peered down, holding his breath as she ascended. Miraculously, the rope held and she landed beside him with no issue.

America wiped at his brow. "That went better than I thought it would."

"The integrity of the rope has decreased by a further twenty-five percent." Penny noted, studying it.

"Then we'll have to find our own rope for when we come back." America decided.

"We are returning in the foreseeable future?" Penny asked.

"Yes." America stated. "We have to try to find the Institute. If Ironwood is telling the truth, it's down here somewhere."

"Noted." Penny stated. Her dull eyes locked with America's blue and green. "Based on the data within my databanks, heterochromia is a rare and easily identifiable trait."

America grimaced. "I know. I need to cover one of my eyes."

Penny grabbed the black-and-green collar around her neck, tearing it off. Before America could stop her, she ripped it into a strip and handed it to him. "This should suffice."

"Penny, you ruined it." America said, distressed.

"The clothing accessory can be replaced in multiple stores within Atlas." Penny stated. "Alfred F. Jones cannot be replaced. Hiding one of your eyes will decrease your identifiability by thirteen percent."

America hesitated, and slowly covered up his green eye. He paused, then took off the makeshift eyepatch, moving it to his blue eye instead. Penny stared at him, so he felt the need to explain. "This should catch a couple strangers off guard if Atlas describes me as blue-eyed."

"That is a viable tactic." Penny decided. "However, we will need to remain out of sight as much as possible. We are fugitives, and Atlas is the enemy."

America grimaced. "Yeah. I guess we can't walk up to the Academy or something and say 'Hi'."

"That course of action is not advisable." Penny said stiffly.

"That was a joke, Penny."

"I do not compute."

America sighed. "Don't worry about it."

"I do not 'worry'."

America let it go. "Ready to head into enemy territory?"

"Affirmative." Penny stated. She blinked, fingers quivering. "I am… combat… ready."

America stared at her. His lips twitched, and he smiled, a bright, beaming grin. Penny blinked, brow furrowing slightly, and America could only grin more. He did not offer and explanation, and Penny did not ask.

Together, they walked into the slums of the City of Atlas.

XXXXXXX

Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.

England looked up from the Scroll he was reading, a scowl still pulling at his lips. He sent one final glare at the rubbish Atlas called 'news' and set it aside, getting off his bed and going to the door. He opened it, scowl still in place, and blinked, lowering his gaze. Ruby stood there, fidgeting as she rocked on her heels.

"Hi." She whispered.

"Hello." England greeted her. "Are you aware what time it is?"

Ruby glanced at the clock and nibbled at her lip. "Yeah. Um. We're having a sleepover. You want to come?"

That question was nowhere on the list of things he thought she might want to ask him. England's first instinct was to say no, he had no time for such childish things, but the look in Ruby's eye stopped him. It was obvious the girl had been crying recently, and England saw no need to bring back her tears.

"Very well." He said gruffly.

Ruby smiled and grabbed his hand. England felt her trembling so he did not comment, letting her drag him to another room as his mind whirled. Why was she upset? Had something happened? Was she afraid to tell him openly? Something was certainly wrong. Ruby was young but she would not approach him for something as childish as a sleepover, at this hour, in this place. England debated going back to retrieve his staff but dismissed the thought. If there was an attack, he'd fight well enough without it.

They entered the girls' room. To his surprise, everyone was there, with the noticeable exception of Qrow, Oscar, and— by extension— Ozpin. Ruby released England's hand and hurried to Canada's side. She sat behind him and curled up against his back, almost like she was hiding from the rest of them. England caught Yang's eye and they exchanged concerned glances.

Blake cleared her throat. "Um… not to be weird but why are all of you here?"

"Ruby insisted." Russia said, and Italy nodded in agreement.

"I noticed." Yang mentioned, scanning the room. "Listen, Ruby, there's something I'd like to—"

"I know about Mom." Ruby whispered. "I overheard."

Yang froze, eyes turning a pale, listless blue. England looked from Ruby to Canada, who stared back at him, violet eyes dull with unhappiness.

Before England could ask, Ruby laughed, the sound choked and watery. "Thanks for trying to tell me. I'm glad you were planning to."

"Of course I was." Yang said firmly. "No secrets, remember?"

"Yeah." Ruby huddled behind Canada's back, and England could see her trembling. "That's why we need to tell everyone."

Yang's face grew pained. "Ruby—"

"You don't have to tell us anything." Weiss interrupted firmly.

"Yes I do." Ruby stated. "Because it has to do with your safety. If I don't tell you, you could die."

Her voice audibly shook as she uttered the words, and that silenced any protests Weiss had. She stared at her partner apprehensively. An ominous chill went up England's spine.

"Yang." Ruby whispered. "Tell them about Silver Eyes, please."

"Are you sure…?" Ruby peered past the safety of Canada's shoulders before returning to her hiding spot. Yang took a deep breath. "Okay."

She told them what she had learned. About Silver Eyes, about Summer Rose, about Ozpin and the secrets he held. Every word made England feel colder as he comprehended what this all meant, and the chill dug deeper when he also realized what it implied. When she was done, the stunned silence stretched on and on, and Ruby seemed to shrink in on herself, perhaps from sorrow or misplaced blame.

"I can't believe this." Pyrrha said faintly.

"Ozpin knew what happened to your mom this whole time?" Weiss demanded.

"And he also knew the risks of using Silver Eyes yet did not inform you." Japan murmured.

"We should have known." Jaune snarled. "He only tells us things when it's convenient."

Pyrrha hushed him softly and he calmed down, though his jaw remained clenched with rage. Ruby pulled up the hood of her cloak, staying behind Canada.

"Ruby." Russia said suddenly. "None of us will shun you because of the side effects of your power."

Ruby flinched. "I could hurt you if I activate them by accident." She said tremulously. "Ozpin said Silver Eyes can disintegrate people." Her eye widened and she lurched to her feet. "I need to leave. If I activate it by accident I could kill you I need to go—"

Weiss rose and stopped her partner before she could flee. "You won't hurt us, Ruby. You won't just start…" She cringed. "…rampaging because you get a little upset. And now that we know of the danger, we can defend against it."

"England, do you have any spells that might help?" Canada asked.

Ruby's eye snapped to him, wide and desperately hopeful, and England felt his heart melt. He hid it behind his normal huffiness. "I can look. I brought my book with me this time so I have access to—"

Ruby disappeared in a blur of rose petals, reappearing with her arms around him. England jumped but did not pull away as she trembled against him. He waved his arms slightly, uncertain what to do with them, and settled for patting her head awkwardly, looking helplessly at Yang. The blonde-haired girl shrugged.

"So that is why we had this little get-together." Russia commented. "But what do we do now that we know Ozpin is a liar?"

"He's not a liar." Weiss defended the Professor instinctively. She hesitated, averting her gaze. "He's… just not telling us the truth."

"Sounds like a liar through omission then." Russia said pleasantly.

Sun's shoulders slumped and he stared at his hands pensively.

"Call it what you want but Ozpin didn't tell us important information again." Jaune bent his knees and grasped at his hair, leaning his forehead on his kneecaps. "What else is he keeping from us that we should know?"

"I cannot say." Japan said. "But I fear that since we do not know the proper questions to ask, we will continue to be blindsided."

Without warning, Ruby's face crumpled. She sought out her sister and tears gathered in her eye. "He knew why mom died this whole time."

Yang rushed to her side and embraced her, allowing her sister to sob into her shoulder. Knowing it was not his place to interfere in their grief, England grimaced and forced himself to look away.

"What do we do then?" Russia repeated.

"We can't just up and leave." Weiss said. "We still need to find Alfred and the others and protect the Relic."

"But our leader is an untrustworthy twat." Nora growled.

"It's may not be that he's untrustworthy, it's that he keeps everything a secret until he thinks we should know." Ren pointed out. "While I understand why, that decision has caused more problems than prevented them."

Sun's tail drooped and his lips thinned.

"Ve~ Maybe we should think about what this changes instead of why he did it?" Italy offered.

"Good idea." Weiss decided. "So now we know that Silver Eyes are potentially dangerous, Salem might know about Ruby and target her—"

"Why do you say that?" Yang asked sharply.

Weiss frowned at her, flipping her hair behind her shoulder like it was irritating her. "Ozpin himself said Salem drew Summer Rose out. Ruby could become a target if Salem knows about her Silver Eyes now."

"Salem won't get her." Canada growled, ice crackling over his shoulders.

"Agreed." Nora snarled with equal vehemence.

That made Ruby smile. It was small and rather timid, but it was there.

"So to summarize, we need to be careful about Silver Eyes, keep an eye out for Salem's forces, and try to see if Ozpin is holding any more essential information too close to the chest." Weiss said. She sighed tiredly, rubbing at her forehead. "That sounds easy."

There were nods of agreement from everyone except Sun, who stared at his knees with a frown. A thoughtful silence fell over the group as they pondered what they had just learned and what it could mean for their futures.

Nora broke the quiet. "So… are we actually doing a sleepover now?"

Ruby turned pink. "I wasn't sure how else to make everyone come here without asking questions." She mumbled.

"A sleepover sounds fun!" Italy said excitedly. "We can play games and tell stories and make snacks."

"We probably should keep quiet to not wake up Uncle Qrow and Oscar." Ruby mentioned.

"I feel bad for not involving Oscar in any of this." Pyrrha confessed.

"He has Ozpin in his brain. We can't involve him without Ozpin learning we're… upset." Jaune reminded her.

The champion nodded solemnly. "You're right. I hate having to keep it secret, but I suppose it is for the best. Our superiors have the world's best interest at heart but I cannot say they hold our interests at the same level of esteem—"

"I'm Vacuo."

It became so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

The nations and teenagers slowly turned to stare at Sun. The monkey Faunus sat with his back ramrod straight, skin almost as pale as his shirt and tail quivering nervously behind him.

"…What?" Blake said blankly.

Sun swallowed and lifted his chin, meeting their eyes steadily. "I said… I'm Vacuo." Stunned silence met his declaration and he smiled apprehensively. "…Surprise?"

XXXXXXX

"Bastard."

Zzzzzz.

"White-haired bastard."

Zzzzzzzzzzz.

"Wake up or I'll shock you."

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz—

Bzzt!

Prussia woke with a yelp, jolting upright in bed. Red eyes glared at him, glowing in the darkness and he scowled, clicking on the light and revealing Tony.

"That was very unawesome of you."

"You weren't waking up." Tony grunted unsympathetically. "One of your fellow idiots is in the hologram room."

Prussia looked to the time and back at the alien, brow furrowed. "At this hour?"

"Yes." Tony said. "Now go get them before they hurt themselves."

"Why do I have to do it?" Prussia complained. "You should wake West."

Tony stared at him distastefully.

Prussia's eyes narrowed. "You woke me on purpose to spite me." He realized.

"Go stop the idiot." The alien said. He turned away and walked out.

"I will have my vengeance, little grey man." Prussia muttered.

He got out of bed, grabbing Rapunzel off the nightstand before stumbling down the hall. The light of the moon shone through the windows of the mansion, illuminating his path, and he grumbled as loudly as he dared as he padded his way carefully past the other guest rooms. Tony had been unawesome and woken him, but Prussia knew better than to try to wake anyone else. Hungary was scary when angered. Not that the awesome Prussia feared her. He feared no one.

…Except maybe Hungary when she was angry.

Prussia headed to the hologram room, steps quickening as the distance between himself and the bedrooms increased. He heard the faint clatter of battle and grinned, breaking into a run. It seemed someone was training. The hour was odd, but their passion for battle must be strong. Perhaps they would want to spar. Grinning, Prussia checked the screen by the door to see who was inside. He immediately yanked it open and ran in with a shout.

"End simulation!"

"Simulation terminated." The robotic voice reported.

Austria fell from the Griffon's talons, landing in a heap on the floor. The burning city landscape around him vanished and he got onto his hands and knees, breathing heavily. Prussia knelt at his side, noting the paleness of his face and the sweatiness of his skin. Any bluster and bravado vanished as he scanned his friend for injury, still in disbelief that he was there.

"Austria?" he greeted dumbly.

"Prussia." He said, breathy voice far removed from his usual regal tone. "What are you doing here?"

"Tony informed me someone was training in secret. That was you?" Prussia asked, stunned.

Austria scowled and shoved him away. "Do not sound so surprised. We both know I need it."

Prussia paused, watching as Austria stood and retrieved his gun from where he dropped it. He finally noticed the dark shadows under the nation's eyes and the disheveled state of his hair. He had a sneaking suspicion it was not from his recent fight.

"How long have you been doing this?" he asked.

Austria's shoulders stiffened. "A couple nights. I know I need to improve. My shooting skills are tolerable but my close-range combat is abysmal."

Prussia's frown deepened. "That is true, but you never cared to learn before. You are not a fighter—"

"I am part of this Taskforce." Austria snapped. "I refuse to drag it down because I am incompetent."

He began reloading the rifle, hands trembling. His normally-deft fingers missed and he cursed softly. Prussia strode over to him and silently adjusted the barrel, putting the bullets in properly. The chamber shut with a click.

"Thank you." Austria said briskly.

He made to move but Prussia held onto the gun, staring intently at him. "Why are you doing this?"

Austria refused to look at him, glaring at an empty part of the floor. "I told you—"

"Why are you forcing yourself to become something you are not?" Prussia continued.

Austria's jaw clamped shut.

"While I admire your determination to improve your skills in combat, you do not need to be a fighter." Prussia said carefully. "You do not need to be in the Taskforce."

Austria's violet eyes hardened. "Yes, I do." He snapped, yanking the rifle out of Prussia's grip. "I saw the list. At least three portals opened in my country."

Prussia was beginning to understand what was happening. "That is true, but the Taskforce—"

"Three portals could mean hundreds of Grimm in my borders." Austria pushed on as if he had not spoken.

Prussia observed him without speaking, watching as he lifted the rifle and looked down the scope. He lowered it, gaze growing distant.

"There were portals in Hungary as well." He whispered. "And so many other countries. We all saw those monsters when they attacked the conference building. It was like a scene from one of America's childish horror movies. The Grimm may be waiting for something now, but they will attack. And I— I cannot sit by and wait for rescue if that happens." His shoulders slumped. "I know I am not a fighter. I know I am not the most motivated nation. But I need to be a part of this."

Silence fell, broken only by the distant whispers of running machines.

Eventually, Prussia nodded. "Okay. But if you want to improve, let me teach you."

Although his violet eyes remained dull with misery, Austria jerked his head in agreement. It showed just how serious he was about this. For some reason, it made Prussia's heart ache. Austria was not meant to be a fighter.

And yet here he was.

Prussia forced a grin and clapped his hands together. "Okay, rookie! First up, target practice. I know you know how to shoot but let's not get mauled by the computer-generated demon-birds just yet."

Austria rolled his eyes, but his posture relaxed. "Fine." Almost too softly for Prussia to hear, he spoke. "Thank you."

Prussia acknowledged his gratitude with a smile and typed his request into the room, transforming it into a firing range. He stood beside Austria and adjusted his aim.

"Now, let's work on your shooting and reloading speed…"

XXXXXXX

A/N: I decided to update today just cause. XD See you Friday! (Unless I decide to update again... I have no self-control, as you all know.)

Thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, etc!