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Stage, Lights, Curtain Call
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What lies most at the end of a tragic play?
Sorrow
Or
Applause?
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The train swayed gently side to side, like a mother caressing her child.
Despite the speed it was traveling, the locomotive raced along its tracks with a soothing ease.
In one of the car's compartments, eight students from Haven rested. Team ENMY sitting on one side, while Inna's FIRE Team occupying the other. Each biding their time in their own little ways before arriving at their destination.
Emerald immersed herself in reading the orders from Military High Command. Mercury was scarfing down energy bar after energy bar, which were provided free of charge. Neo occupied her time penciling something in her sketchpad. While Yang, repeatedly flicked a card in and out of existence between the fingers of her right hand.
After mastering her prosthetic to fold a paper crane, she began training her mechanical arm to do things her original flesh could not. The effort to regain her old control was over. Now, Yang endeavored to surpass it.
It was only recently that Emerald gave her some instruction in sleight of hand. An exercise that was proving rather fruitful, if not entertaining.
Yang made the playing card reappear again, as if pulling it out of thin air with a satisfying snap.
"Fancy trick," Inna commented across from her.
A stem of wheat bobbed up and down between the girl's lips. Inna's hat wore a bit lower from napping earlier. Something the rest of FIRE Team was doing, as they all had their hats covering their faces.
"I got somethin' fer ya." Inna pulled a playing card from her breast pocket and spun it to Yang.
She caught it and flipped it over curiously.
It was the five-of-hearts. A bit smooth and worn around the edges. The material felt warm to the touch. Other than that, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"What's this?" Yang asked.
"My callin' card," Inna grinned. "You find yerself in some trouble—you call."
The blonde girl shrugged, snapped her fingers, and the card was gone.
As soon as word spread of Atlas forces amassing on the ocean line, the whole Kingdom of Mistral rose to action. What few airships they owned, their fastest vehicles, trains rescheduled to suit the top priority operation—all of them were deployed to bring the Kingdom's full force to bear. And the place they gathered was the northern harbor of Mistral, from which they would disembark for the Dracul Isles.
More and more troops arrived at the docks by the hour. Any and all seafaring vessels were prepped and reinforced for battle readiness. Some of them being retrofitted completely.
A hectic scene for sure, but one that communicated a united front. They knew what lay beyond the horizon—for so long now. From the civilian working their earnest, despite not being able to fight in the war directly, to the soldiers rechecking their gear for the umpteenth time, a harmony existed in these people. A voice, a word, a purpose moving them for hearth and home.
Mistral does not fall.
Mistral was the first.
And it will be the last.
Our Kingdom is Eternal.
And a wind moved through them, violently towards the protection of their friends and family. Like ships riding at full sail, or heroes marching with the sun at their backs. The warrior's resolve in them burned, eager and willing.
This was the atmosphere that greeted Team ENMY and FIRE Team, as they stepped off the train. The morning sun shone bright, forcing them to shield their eyes.
Alongside the eight, were a number of students from Haven Academy. The military accepted soldiers from the school, but they were by no means forcibly drafted into the war effort. Almost all of the students enrolled in Haven's Strategic Class answered the call. Many children of various noble houses joined in hopes of bringing honor and merit to their family names.
Separating from the rest, Emerald her team to their designated sortie. Inna leading her group in the same direction.
In the middle of the chaos, the eight arrived before a slightly disquieting scene. Everyone working at their assigned dock wore Grimm masks.
Some spared the newcomers a glance before continuing their tasks. Others held their attention just a little longer. It seemed Team ENMY and FIRE Team were going to reinforce a regiment composed of the White Fang.
Standing at the center of a group of Faunus, Emerald spotted the military officer they were ordered to report to. A woman clad in maroon samurai armor.
"Mom," Yang called out.
Raven shifted her attention in their direction.
"It's Commander, actually," she corrected with a mixed reluctance.
Yang took notice of the ones gathered. Seeing more members of the White Fang sent a cold prickle down her back and a slight tinge at the point of her knuckles. Perhaps sensing the young woman's hostility, the soldiers went on edge. Hands hovered over their weapons, ready to draw at a moment's notice.
"Everyone, at ease," Raven waved them down.
Watching the Faunus move their hands away at her mother's command, the message drove home to Yang that Raven was indeed "the one in charge".
Both stared at the other with an estranged air. If they were normal mother and daughter, this would likely be a moment to embrace. But, of course, Yang and Raven's relationship was far from normal.
The older woman titled her head to a corner of the docks, ushering her daughter to join her in private. They then, separated from their groups and walked to the edge of the harbor.
"Commander, huh?" Yang couldn't help but question.
*Sigh* "A title taken out of necessity. The only reason being I'm the only one Parliament trusts to lead this joint task force with Mistral's military."
"They couldn't trust Adam?"
"For obvious reasons."
"He around?"
Raven gave Yang a measuring look.
"No. Planning something?"
"Not really."
"You two can be such a handful. So much animosity. A bit of it, more than justified. And there's that whole thing with Blake—yes, I know about your Faunus ex-teammate, who used to be in the White Fang. But I need you both alive."
"I don't think you do."
"You know, you're both a lot alike."
Yang cocked her head violently.
"Do. Not. Say that."
"Why? Because it's true?"
"I've been meaning to say this for a while now, but you're pretty casual about the guy who cut off your daughter's arm. Even if he was your student."
"You faced Adam with low Aura, while tapped out on Dust, and every element of advantage on his side. Don't be spoiled. You're lucky your arm is allyou lost. He's never an opponent you want to make light of. Remember that."
The young woman clicked her teeth with annoyance.
"Yang."
"Yeah?"
Raven took a moment to gather the thoughts she wanted to convey. Her words, being chosen carefully to reflect their weight.
"…Today's a day that will test you in ways you never imagined. You'll likely regret everything you've done by the time this day's over."
"Alright. Why are you telling me this?"
"Because this is the last chance you'll get to back out before it's too late—before you get in too deep. Because from now on, it's all on you. No one you can blame, no circumstance or excuse will justify the actions you are about to take."
"You're offering me to leave again."
"I'm tellingyou to leave again." Raven held Yang in a fierce stare, probing for any signs of wavering. "You are becoming a liability. You're getting good, don't get me wrong, but you're breakable. I won't fault you for going back to Tai. No love lost."
Yang soaked it in for a second.
"Liar. You'd totally hate it if I went back now."
"Only because I'd have to admit Tai was right."
"It's okay, mom. I'm not running away from this. If I break, I break. It just means I wasn't enough."
Raven breathed a deep sigh.
"That's easy to say now. I've seen tougher things than you crack under all that weight."
"Yeah, but it's the only way I know. Maybe it'll be harder to say when the day is over, but…"
Yang lapsed into silence, and Raven started sorting her thoughts again. A flash image of a young earnest man, brought down by the cruelties of the world. And then, a more recent memory came to mind, causing Raven to give a small huff.
"I didn't know what to think when you first showed up with your…'team'. It made me second guess how much of you was your father and how much of you in there was me."
"And the verdict?"
"At the time, I wished there was less of me. But in this moment, I hope there's more." A hint of sadness lingered in the latter. "On another subject…"
"Hm?"
"I had the same thought the last time I saw you, but…" Raven revealed a strange expression Yang had never seen before. A look of concern oddly enough. "…That midget's grown quite attached to you."
"Uh!" Yang spotted Neo out of the corner of her eye. "Yeah! I guess, we got kind of close being on the same team and all. We're actually partners!"
"I recall a time where she stood over your unconscious body with an oversized ice pick. If I hadn't stepped in, she would have killed you."
"Ahaha…" Yang chuckled uncomfortably. "Well…It's probably the opposite now. Neo's helped me out a ton. I don't know if I could've gotten this far without her."
"Hmmmm…." Raven leaned in with an air of skepticism.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just wonder what your father would have to say."
"About…what?"
"Your 'partner'," Raven worded with a snide look.
Yang swallowed her spit and awkwardly laughed again. Her brain panicked, as she minded Neo. In contrast, Raven lost herself in thought observing her daughter.
I don't know if it's cowardice or belief that stops me from telling her the truth…
This fight will break her, no matter how she survives it.
Because at the end of this battle, she'll realize…
She'll never be the hero of her story again.
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X
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While Raven and Yang had their mother-daughter conversation, Emerald and Mercury found some space of their own. Together, they faced towards the horizon. The Dracul Isles peeking just within sight.
"Done stuffing your face?" Emerald asked.
"Only 'cause they started complaining something about emergency rations."
"For someone who isn't whole, you sure know how to put it away."
"I burn a lot of calories. And I want to make up for all the food I didn'teat because somebody said we were supposed to be saving on cash."
"And we still do. Our funds aren't nearly as fat as I'd like."
"Why do we need the lien, anyway? We're not 'sponsored' anymore, but it's not like we're strapped. What, you planning on running off somewhere with Cinder to an island you bought?"
"The thought crossed my mind." Emerald delighted in the fantasy a little. "Remember how we were before Cinder got us into Haven?"
"You mean the camping? Yeah, I remember."
"We couldn't cook so Cinder cooked for us."
"Yeah. Too bad you never picked up that talent."
"Shut up. You never learned how to do something as simple as your own damn laundry. Who doesn't learn to get bloodstains out, by now?"
"Cinder was good at that too. Still wonder if there was anything she wasn't good at."
"She hated it when we complimented her on chores. Never got around to asking why. Maybe, I will when we get her back." Emerald's mood grew more somber. "I wonder how she would lead this team."
"Better…but not much better," Mercury sniffed. The salty air pricked his nostrils.
"Think you have me all figured out, do you?" a soulful voice came.
Mercury wheeled about and there, he saw Cinder standing at his elbow. Her dress and the way she carried herself was exactly like he remembered. The same glowing yellow eye followed him, like he could never escape its sight.
"Gah! Don't…don't do that."
"Hahaha!" Emerald laughed as Cinder's image faded from her. She went quiet for a time. "…What do you think she would say, if she saw me now?"
"That you were the only one for the job."
"That a compliment?"
"No. You were literally the only one. I mean, blondie or me? Or Neo? Could you imagine?"
Emerald let out a small laugh. "Yeah…Guess, I was the obvious choice between you idiots."
"Yup. Like it or not, the leader of Team ENMY is the wise and masterful thief, Emerald," he announced sarcastically, before performing an extravagant bow. "May she forever steal, and keep our pockets and stomachs full."
Emerald scoffed and crossed her arms.
As her mind wandered back to older times, she knew she had to force herself into the present. Nostalgia could wait. So, she would give one final thought, before shutting that part of her away for the coming moments.
"…I miss her," she uttered with a soft tone.
"Yeah…" Mercury answered with the same longing. "Me too."
Emerald tossed him an energy bar before unwrapping her own.
"Alright, Merc. Suck it up. Don't get all sappy on me before we have to pull a job."
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X
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As the armies finished assembling, Raven explained the battle's layout.
A massive Atlas air fleet was making its way to the Dracul Isles. Their objective being, to destroy the Vlad Grimm's nests, which acted as natural barricades for Mistral. Upon doing this, Atlas would be able to establish supply lines and gain a strong foothold in Mistral territory. It was no exaggeration to say the coming battle would be pivotal to the larger outcome of the war. Which was why Atlas dedicated a significant portion of their warships to taking the Isles.
On their side, Mistral would be launching a three-pronged counter-offensive. The right and middle forces rostered the Kingdom's main military, Huntsman and Huntresses, and soldiers from noble families. The remaining left flank would comprise the White Fang and some choice Haven students.
Upon arriving at the Isles, Mistral forces were to attack Atlas, while trying to prevent the destruction of the Vlad Grimm. A difficult task to be sure, and one that had its own risks. In addition to fighting the Atlas army, Mistral troops would need to contend with the Grimm as well. The super-sized mosquitos possessed virtually no intelligence, and would attack both sides indiscriminately.
And if that wasn't enough, the stage of the battle was not very large. Mistral would not be able to unload as many of their soldiers as they'd like. Most of the army would be acting as reserves, standing by on the harbor instead.
With such poor conditions, the operation wouldn't have passed, had not the Prime Minister himself pushed for it with all his authority. Granted, the situation was unorthodox and Atlas would be concentrated on the Grimm more than the Mistral troops. But one glance at the powers in play, and anyone would agree that the Mistral's side of things seemed heavily disadvantaged.
Still, the leader of Parliament held the belief that the forces gathered would be enough to win them the day. And so, the operation proceeded regardless.
Because the Dracul Isles didn't lie far from the coast, only small speed-faring vessels were deployed.
In one such pod-shaped skipper, Team ENMY and FIRE Team sat with a White Fang squadron and Raven. Their ride carved through the waves, bucking up and down. Going airborne for a few seconds at a time.
After the mission brief ended, Raven handed a small pouch to Yang the size of her thumb.
"Eat this in case of emergency."
"Aw, mom. Did you pack me lunch?"
"Don't get cute. This is serious. A last resort, if you're left with nothing else."
"Alright, alright." Yang stuffed the thing in her pocket, and had a thought. "After this, I want to talk."
"I'll be busy afterwards."
"I don't care. You want me to work for you? I need something in return. I want to know—" Yang paused, but pushed herself to say the rest. "…I want to know why you weren't around—why you left."
"…"
"It's one of the reasons I'm doing this after all. If you ask me, it's a small price to pay."
Raven pondered it for a moment, then answered, "…Fair enough."
"SO!" Emerald's voice cut between them. "I'm guessing you're the one I can thank for this?" she accused. Her finger pointed at Team ENMY's position on the map, which was at the forefront of the formation.
"Something you aren't satisfied with?" Raven asked.
"I don't like being the tip of the spear—it's usually the first part that gets broken. Couldn't you give this role to one of those glory-loving nobles?"
"Technically, you're a tip of the trident. Three fronts, remember?"Raven smirked. "I need a solid team to head the charge. Call it the price of being reliable."
"Unlike your daughter, my price isn't so cheap."
Reading the underlying meaning, Raven replied, "…Bring me some results, and I'll tell you how to get Cinder back. Full disclosure."
Once their agreement had been struck, Yang made a random observation.
"You know, I saw every student of the Strategic Class with us, except for Bean. Anyone know where he is?"
Inna was the only one to answer, "D'unno. I'm expectin' the little man to find his way to the battlefield sooner or later. No question."
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X
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In the lab belonging to Henry Stein, Bean's convulsions stopped abruptly.
His body dropped like a rock into the chair, and went limp. The bindings on his limbs were loosened, but not broken. Health monitor signals went steady, indicating the boy was stabilizing. Even with Bean's violent spasms, the plugs and wires attached to him held firmly secure.
In the workshop, where the only thing audible were the machines and the boy's semi-labored breathing, a door opening cut the silence.
The individual who entered the lab was Prime Minister Argent. The current leader of Parliament and Head of House Argent Claw.
He was a tall looming man with a height closing on seven feet. His hair, long with different brightnesses of white, with a neat beard to match. He wore a black military trench coat, silver emblems and decorations sown into his vestment. The Prime Minister was an older gentleman, but possessing of a boundless energy. All in all, an imposing figure.
"I expect things are going well, doctor?" Argent's voice growled deep by nature.
"B-Bean is functioning at green."
"Good. We cannot afford to have our forces divided. It is on you and Bean to win this battle for us. Make it so our army doesn't fight on hopes and dreams alone."
"Bean is establishing connection. Mmmeasuring at 60% synchronization."
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X
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From the bridge of his vessel, a pensive man scanned the skies.
Airships flew in even formations among the clouds. Their numbers were impressive, but excessive by the man's measure.
The higher-ups wanted to make a show of force. To have the world witness the terrifying might of Atlas.
Last year, General Ironwood would have applauded the idea. Now, however, he was not so sure.
He voiced his disagreements and was shocked at how easily they all shunned him. How little power and influence he actually had when he wasn't nodding along to their words. It was sobering.
And now, he was leading an army to cast the gauntlet at Mistral's feet. A battle that would claim thousands of lives—thousands of young lives.
But the leaders of Atlas had spoken—or should he say, their richest. And not being able to bear it if someone less qualified led the command, Ironwood accepted the orders with a heavy heart.
He wondered what Ozpin would say if he could see him now. Another chastisement, perhaps? A well-earned one by his account.
The only thing that gave him some peace of mind, was that he could believe he was fighting for the right reasons.
Their true enemy had their clutches around Mistral. Salem controlled the Kingdom and Ironwood knew that much for sure. Her subordinates hailed from Haven Academy. The ones responsible for the fates befalling Beacon and Ozpin.
In this alone, he took solace…
But only this alone.
"Sir," the young woman by his side saluted. "We are on immediate approach to the target destination. Awaiting your command."
His jaw stiffened and his spine stood straighter.
"All Atlas forces, full thrust for entry!" He spoke to his ship's helmsmen. "Take us in."
Ironwood pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. The hands were converging at the top point, only a few ticks away.
*Tick*
*Tick*
*Tick*…
…
And at 12 o'clock, when the sun hung highest in the sky,
The Second Great War began.