*Author's Note: Sweet Mother of God that Volume 5! So far I'm loving it but I need MORE! I need the whole Volume released so I can try to connect it with this story. Anyway I'm trying to keep the gap between chapters short but life demands priorities. I just really wish college was free you know or the reality of having a minimum wage job and being able to pay for tuition and maintain a daily living as my father did before me...screw inflation. Enough of boring politics and hopefully you enjoy the chapter. Leave a review and see you all next time. P.S. Sorry for the long note.*
CHAPTER 24
Zenon got up from his bed with a splitting headache although ironically he felt a void in his mind. A strange feeling as if something was missing within his memories yet within said memories he felt a slight warmth. A warmth as if two arms embraced him telling him that everything would be alright. Uneasiness was all Zenon could feel, since his whole life coldness was the only thing that accompanied him. It has been that way until Anorra came into the picture…
"Dammit, dammit, dammit." Zenon said over and over with rapid succession
In his constant state of brooding Zenon has completely forgotten about Anorra. Realizing that he hasn't really been putting much effort into the relationship Zenon released a scream of frustration
"Dammit! Goddammit! Get your act together Zenon! Anorra doesn't have to deal with your depressive attitude! What you're going to do is pick up that scroll, call her, and have a damn good time got it?!"
For reasons unknown Zenon was not fazed by the fact that he was talking and relatively shouting at himself. Picking up the scroll Zenon called Anorra and after a few rings she answered
"Good morning Zenon!" Anorra answered with a joyful tone
Zenon's heart began to beat loudly, his blood rushing, while his face heated up. In his mind Zenon said
By the gods I love this woman. SO WHY THE HELL DO I KEEP FORGETTING TO CALL HER?!
"Good morning Anorra! Hey listen are you busy?"
"No I'm not busy why do y-" she was cut off by Zenon
"Excellent come over to Beacon as fast as you can ok?"
"Um ok I'll be t-"
"Alright see you at the entrance. Send me a message when you are already at the airship ok? Bye!"
Just like that Zenon ended the call with a prideful smile for a job well done. On the other hand Anorra was confused but found it all very amusing, not wanting to keep Zenon waiting she headed off.
Knowing that it would take some time for Anorra to arrive Zenon began to plan on what they will do. The main reason he told her to come over is because he knew that the festival has arrived so it would be a perfect time to spent time with Anorra. Wanting to spend the entire day with her Zenon concluded that he will pass on Ozpin's suggestion of entering the tournament.
Actually he should tell Ozpin right now that he won't participate. Sending the message to the headmaster Zenon exited his room on route to the cafeteria; it was time for breakfast.
After a few hours Zenon received two messages: one from Ozpin saying that he respected Zenon's decision on not entering the tournament, while the other was from Anorra saying that she was leaving the airship heading towards the entrance of Beacon. Making his way to the entrance Zenon waited until he saw Anorra a short distance away. Not wanting to wait a second longer Zenon ran towards her, in the meantime Anorra saw him and waved him hello with a warm smile. Catching up to her Zenon bear hugged Anorra as he laughed
"How is my beautiful maiden on this fine day?"
"As joyful as the birds that sing every morning."
Instantly Anorra notice something peculiar about Zenon by that she means the shackles
"Zenon what are you wearing?"
"These things? Hahaha well you remember about my corruption and all that good stuff? Well this is a temporary solution. They act as restraints. What do you think?"
"You look like a dog on a leash."
Zenon became baffled and saddened but Anorra quickly added
"But who's a good boy?"
Anorra poked his nose and Zenon blushed with embarrassment
"D-don't say things like that. Enough of this let's go"
Zenon took Anorra's hand as they walked towards an airship that would take them to the fair grounds. Both Zenon and Anorra ever never been in a festival, also have never been surrounded by so many people in one area. Both were very nervous as Anorra held on tightly to Zenon's right arm. Zenon trying to be the bold one said
"H-have you ever been to a festival Anorra?"
"I uh can't say that I have."
"Excellent neither have I that means we can share a new experience together. Let's go see what makes this festival so popular."
At first it was awkward for them to interact with their immediate environment but they quickly adapted. The Fair Grounds offered much indeed but what made the moment eventful was both of them having genuine time together with not a single care in the world. After much sightseeing Zenon's stomach released the sound of a growling animal. Anorra couldn't help but laugh
"Are you hungry Zenon?"
"Yea yea laugh it up but I am hungry. Aren't you?"
"I am I just hide it better than you."
"You can be very cruel sometimes either way let's get something to eat. Got any preference?"
"I saw a ramen stand a while back, let's try there."
"Ok ramen it is."
Having walked for a few minutes they saw the ramen stand but Zenon instantly wanted to turn around because he saw team RWBY and JNPR. Anorra could feel Zenon's heart racing knowing that both him and the group have bad history.
"It's ok Zenon we don't have to eat here we can find something else, it is the Fair Ground so there's lot of other options."
Her words slightly infuriated Zenon
"You know what no. You want ramen and by the gods you'll get ramen. I'll be damned if I let an awkward situation keep you from eating."
"You're making a big deal out of it. We can simply wait until they leave."
"It's the principle that matters Anorra. We have the right just as much as they do to eat whenever and wherever we want. I won't let some upset kids get in my way."
With determination Zenon pressed forward. Upon his face Zenon had a forced yet convincing smile as he approached the group. That instant Zenon remembered what he told Ruby about not crossing paths with the group ever again. It was too late to back out because the group turned their heads as Anorra and Zenon made their presence known. Both of them sat to the right of team RWBY as Zenon spoke rather joyfully
"How's it going guys? Grabbing a bite to eat huh?"
No response and Zenon began clenching his fists underneath the table so the others couldn't see. All the stares had a sharp anger in them but Ruby was slightly different; instead of having a deadly gaze it was more of a "what are you doing?" kind of gaze. Zenon merely shrugged at her stare. Anorra feeling the tension intervened
"It's been a while how's everyone doing?"
Much to Zenon's relief the group didn't extend their resentment towards Anorra and they conversed with her as one does with a friend. Thanks to Anorra any hostile atmosphere that was present due to Zenon's presence quickly dissipated. To ensure that the fragile peace was unhindered Zenon remained completely quiet as he ate.
The conversations lasted for a few minutes without issues until Nora had to ask that one specific question
"I have to know are you two like together-together?"
Zenon began to choke as he looked up as he stared at Ren sitting in front of him on the other side of the ramen stand, with an expression of: "why is she asking that?" Ren only shrugged as he signaled Zenon telling him that Anorra was staring at him. Zenon quickly turned as he saw Anorra facing him. Sometimes Zenon found it unnerving not being able to fully see Anorra's facial expression.
To Zenon he didn't care about telling people his personal life, but Anorra viewed it as if Zenon was too embarrassed to acknowledge Anorra publicly. With a sigh Zenon faced the others
"Well to answer your question Nora we are together-together and have been for quite some time."
Nora began to giggle out of excitement while Ren was shaking head with amusement. Pyrrha and Jaune were congratulating the couple as did team RWBY but Zenon could feel the disdain in their eyes.
To avoid any snarky comment from said team Zenon decided to cut the meeting short.
"Anyway sorry to cut this conversation short but we must be on our way. For those of you that will fight: good luck, if you already fought and won: congratulations, if you lost: there's always next year."
Zenon and Anorra said their goodbyes as they left both teams behind. Since everything played out smoothly team RWBY and JNPR maintained a positive attitude the rest of the day.
As they walked they heard the intercoms indicating that team JNPR should report to the battle grounds. Anorra hearing this asked Zenon if they should watch the match. Today was meant to be about Zenon and Anorra being together so with that in mind Zenon refused to spend wasted time watching people fight.
Just as the sun must rise every day so too must it set. The sky became a bright orange slowly drifting towards a dark blue. At the entrance of Beacon Zenon and Anorra were having their last conversation before Anorra had to leave. In the meantime Zenon played with the idea of asking Anorra to stay for good that way they could see each other every day.
"Anorra I've been wondering why don't you stay at Beacon?"
"I would love to but you know I can't do that."
"Why not?" Zenon pouted like a small child
"We all have a place we are meant to be: you belong here as for me I belong at the hut out of the reach of civilization."
Not at all pleased Zenon remained silent
"You know that is how it must be. Don't worry in time we will be together and nothing will separate us."
"I long for that day." Zenon said with a laugh
Little did they realize that there faces were inching closer as the conversation dragged on. Only centimeters away from each other Zenon remembered that he never kissed Anorra and believed that this was the best moment. Just a few seconds away from kissing the love of his life Zenon heard a voice getting louder and louder, the voice sounded like Ruby. His mind kicked into overdrive and sparked a memory of an event Zenon has buried: the day he accidently kissed Ruby. Zenon's eyes shot open and before him stood Ruby in Anorra's place.
Flinching Zenon quickly back paddled just a couple of feet. Anorra noticing that Zenon backed away asked in a hurt tone.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Turning his head to the voice of Ruby he saw the red hooded girl running after Weiss. Hearing Anorra's voice Zenon quickly hugged her
"No Anorra you did nothing wrong! Don't ever say that ok? It was all my fault I um I just felt that our first kiss should be special so I refrained from kissing you until the moment is perfect. I am so sorry I made you feel bad."
Lies, lies and more lies was all Zenon fed her. What else could he do? How can Zenon tell Anorra that the reason he didn't kiss her was because in that split second he imagined kissing Ruby? As they hugged Zenon saw Ruby from a distance and really wished that she had died that night.
Having begged for forgiveness numerous times Zenon still felt terrible for the way he acted even though Anorra forgave the first time saying that she understood. Suddenly a small commission occurred not too far from the entrance. A tall white haired woman with military attire began to discuss with a rather strange man with a tattered red cape. Intrigued by the commotion he got closer with Anorra following behind. It would appear that everyone was interested because a decent audience surrounded the two strangers. Soon they fought and boy was it magnificent, better than any fight Zenon has watched to date.
The sad part was it was cut short by good ol' General Ironwood. The biggest buzz kill since ever. It was interesting that it even brought the attention of Ozpin and if Ozpin is involved than it must be good.
Thanks to Glynda who accompanied Ozpin the courtyard was fixed and the crowd was dispersed. Taking the opportunity Anorra told Zenon that it was time for her to go. With one last hug Zenon bid his farewell to her and Anorra left towards the nearest airship. Zenon planned on returning to his room to reflect on his thoughts from moments earlier until he heard Ruby scream out
"UNCLE QROW!"
Turning to the location of the sound Zenon noticed Ruby hugging the stranger's arm.
"A family of misfits if you ask me." Zenon said as he walked away
As they were talking Ozpin interrupted
"Qrow. A word please."
Ozpin began to walk away as the guy named Qrow was walking towards him. At the same time Ozpin noticed Zenon and called him.
"Mr. Zenon how have you been?"
"Never better Ozpin, never better." Zenon stated as he turned to face Ozpin
"I see. Tell me what your plans are for the night?"
"Besides being in my room and contemplating life...nothing. Why?"
"Come with us to my office we have things to discuss."
"I don't know headmaster it seems whatever you guys are going to talk about is completely secretive. I'm pretty sure I don't have part on whatever it is."
"Just come with me."
"Alright, alright."
Night quickly arrived as Ozpin, Glynda, Qrow and Zenon were in the elevator heading towards Opzin's office. When the doors opened James and the woman from before were waiting and the arguments began as the woman asked
"What were you thinking?"
Then James added
"If you were one of my man I would have you shot."
Qrow in return gave the best response
"If I was one of your man I'd shoot myself."
Besides Ozpin and Glynda no one knew that Zenon was there not even Qrow despite him being in the same elevator until Zenon laughed
"Nice one Qrow."
Apparently no one else found it funny so Zenon decided to remain quiet and sat at the end of the room allowing the adults to talk. Surprisingly James didn't question Zenon's presence, seems like he had other more important matters to deal with.
Zenon distracted himself with the shackles as he stared at them. While he did he felt like there was a small empty space in his mind, like he suddenly forgot something. It wasn't important but it bugged him. Zenon threw those thoughts aside considering that he has no memories of a previous life, so not being able to remember anything was considered natural to him.
Zenon heard Qrow saying that their enemies are here. James responded with
"We know."
It would seem that Qrow was offended.
"Oh, oh you know?! Well thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed."
Zenon snickered at both statements of James and Qrow. The conversation continued on until Qrow asked: why was the woman that fought him here? James told Winter to leave.
"Oh so that's her name. Could explain why her attitude is so cold." Zenon laughed silently as he slapped his knee. Patting himself on the back for the nice joke.
Suddenly Qrow's gaze fell on Zenon asking the same question: why is he here? Zenon quickly answered
"Because I was asked to be here by Ozpin. But please don't let my great presence interrupt you."
Qrow grumbled as he began to have a little speech regarding who they were and what they really did to keep the world safe from the evils people don't know about. Qrow started accusing James that it was stupid to bring his army. On the contrary James believed that he was doing right thing.
Zenon spoke to himself
"The danger of points of views. Everybody believes they are doing the right thing."
One point led to another but everybody agreed that bringing in an army was a bad move. Defeated James asked what Ozpin's idea was. Ozpin responded with the most cryptic line Zenon has ever heard
"I suggest we find our guardian."
The hell is a guardian? Zenon thought. Seeing that the conversation was getting nowhere Zenon cleared his throat loudly asking
"Why am I here Ozpin?"
It would appear that Qrow finally decided to show some interest at Zenon and asked
"Who are you kid?"
"Zenon. I know both your nieces Ruby and Yang."
"Oh do you?"
"Yes I am their friend. Well former friend."
"Former?"
"Long story. Anyway Ozpin you still haven't answered my question?"
Ozpin looked at the rest of the group indicating that he was going to let Zenon in on the secret. Everyone was displeased but Ozpin wasn't asking for their permission
"Of course. Tell me Zenon what is your favorite fairy tale?"
"Fairy tale?"
"Yes fairy tales from your childhood. Surely your parents might have told you some of them."
It was the first time that Zenon ever wondered about his childhood. In fact he never bothered to think about the concept of a family. He existed which means that he must have had parents, he must have had a family some point in his life.
"Sorry but I can't recall any fairy tales. It has been a long time since I bothered to think about them."
"Do you at least know about the fairy tale regarding the seasons? The four Maidens?"
"I read a little about it in the library something about four maidens having special powers or something like that."
"Well let me just tell you that the fairy tale is real."
"Real?"
"Yes."
"Ok but what does that have to do with anything?" Zenon asked a little skeptical
"A while back a maiden was attacked and nearly killed. Most of her powers were taken which left her incapacitated, near the brink of death. We are trying to find a 'replacement' for her. Someone able to take her place."
Oddly enough Zenon's left hand began to twitch. With his right he grabbed his left hand trying to control it.
"Wait, wait. Back up. Absorbed? Absorbed how?"
"We don't know. What we do know is that we need a new maiden to take her place and her powers."
"Where is this maiden?"
"She is somewhere safe."
"Yea but where?"
"Sorry Zenon but for your safety I won't tell you where."
"Come on Ozpin you told me this much don't leave me hanging."
"I am sorry but I will not tell you such information."
Ozpin noticed Zenon's left eye having a small red dot glowing at the center. At the same time Zenon's head twitched in pain from the small electrical surge coming from the shackle. That made Zenon return to his normal state; as normal as possible.
"Understandable. So who will take the maidens place?"
"We have an idea but we are still not decisive."
"Right. So why tell me this secret?"
"I tell you this because you are the only other person that has faced our enemies."
Zenon was confused. He didn't know what enemies Ozpin was talking about but surely Zenon has never encountered anything worth telling.
"Not true. Whatever Qrow spoke off is completely different from what I saw the White Fang doing. Maybe they are connected but Qrow's Intel is in a whole different league. Besides I haven't contacted the White Fang since the train incident. I had someone I worked for but he went silent."
"Who was he Zenon?"
"Well I have nothing to lose if I tell you. His name is Roman Torchwick."
Ozpin and James looked at each other
"You guys know him?" Zenon asked confused
James answered
"We have him under our custody."
Zenon was genuinely surprised that the great Roman has been captured especially being held captive by Ironwood.
"What?! How?"
Ozpin told Zenon how they captured him after the train incident.
"Can I speak to him?"
James quickly replied
"We can't allow you to do that."
"Why the hell not?"
"He is my prisoner and only I can see him, at least until he tells me everything I need to know."
"Are you stupid? You actually think he will tell you anything? Trust me you won't get him to talk. Allow me to talk to him and I might get some information."
"No."
Zenon and James began to have a stare down. Zenon desperately wanted to punch this self-righteous general square in the face. With a sigh Zenon stated
"Whatever. Roman isn't even the leader of this whole White Fang operation. Someone else is pulling the strings but I don't know who it is."
To everyone's surprise Qrow spoke out.
"Are you sure?"
Zenon felt insulted
"Of course I'm sure. I worked for the White Fang for almost a year but they tend to keep their secrets very well hidden."
"How can we be sure that you aren't holding back information?"
With a smile on his face Zenon commented
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm just have to trust me."
As Zenon returned to talk with both Ozpin and the general, Qrow stared at Zenon. He couldn't put his finger on it but something didn't feel right about him. Qrow remembered about how Zenon mentioned how he was friends with Ruby, maybe Ruby could tell him more about this Zenon kid.
Ozpin told Zenon
"It's rather late. Why don't you return to your room?"
"Alright Ozpin. I'll keep you informed if the White Fang contact me but I doubt it."
Zenon exited Ozpin's office. He eventually made into his room and decided to do a bit of reading before he went to sleep. Besides all the commotion school was still in session and Zenon was falling behind. While reading Zenon felt a sudden force descend upon him and compelled him to seek out Cinder.
His shackles should have prevented any negative force to take over but the strange force was not taking over only giving him suggestions. To be tempted is not to fall; to fall is to sin. Like an obedient servant Zenon rose from his bed, exiting his room.
It wasn't hard trying to find Cinder, Zenon could sense traces of aura from Mercury and Emerald from when he fought them all that time ago. Heading towards the general direction he stood around the corner when he noticed both of them exiting a room. By process of elimination he figured that Cinder was in that room. Waiting a few more seconds making sure Mercury or Emerald wouldn't return in front of the door Zenon stood before the door.
He slowly reached for the door handle when unbeknownst to Zenon both the shackles on his wrist deactivated. Cinder heard the sound of her door being opened noticing that a stranger has entered her room. Before being able to act Zenon spoke to her as he closed the door
"Good evening Cinder."
Trying to move Cinder realized that her body wasn't responding and that her mouth refused to open meaning she couldn't speak. As if an invisible force was restraining her. Seeing that Cinder wasn't reacting to his presence Zenon laughed
"Excellent the process is going as planned. You might be wondering who I am. Since I am not in uniform there is no way you could remember me but you know me as Pax. Roman's former partner, currently under your command."
Suddenly Zenon felt a sharp sting in his brain as he continued to speak
"My alias is of little importance to you but I am told that my real name might jog some old memories."
Another sharp pain within his mind
"My real name is Zenon."
Cinder's eyes widened. That name echoed in her mind over and over returning her to a distant memory. Instantly her eyes were filled with hatred. In the meantime Zenon continued
"Why my name has meaning to you I personally have no idea. I was simply told to tell you and now I have. Now towards other business."
As this point Zenon got up close and personal to where Cinder was sitting. He leaned over and placed his face close to Cinder's face. Cinder noticed that his left eye began to glow red. As both their eyes connected Zenon began to caress her face as he spoke
"It involves the future."
Backing away Zenon roamed the small room
"It makes perfect sense now Cinder. You seek the power of the fall maiden don't you?"
Cinder was rarely caught off guard but realizing that Zenon knew her intentions placed her slightly on edge. She believed that he was bluffing
"Ozpin gave me some of the details about the maiden but it was you who proved my theory right about you looking for her. Just now actually. You might be quite attractive in a twisted way but I didn't caress your cheek because I desired it. Don't flatter yourself Cinder I wouldn't flirt with you, if I wanted you I'll simply take you."
Cinder was confused and was getting rather angry at Zenon's pretentious attitude. Visibly licking his lips and eyeing her up and down Zenon continued
"Under different circumstances I wouldn't mind making you mine, but that is beside the point. I saw your memories Cinder. I saw you trying to take the maiden's power but she was too much for you to handle even with Mercury and Emerald helping you. So you were only able to take a portion."
Zenon for the first time saw Cinder at a lose of words although ironically she couldn't speak.
"Since I know you aren't stupid let me cut to the chase. You know Ozpin has something to do with the maiden. I know you know that Pyrrha is somehow involved in all this. Also I know that if it comes down to it you might need to kill her. You are planning on killing one of my friends and I am fine with it. I'll let you do whatever you see fit, the real reason I came to see you is to tell you that I am here to help but I'll do it on my own terms."
After he finished speaking Zenon headed towards the door until he stopped as he almost forgot an important detail
"Silly me how could I forget. I'm going to block your memory of this moment. Don't worry you'll get it back real soon. Hopefully by then I might understand why my name has any meaning to you. Its nothing personal just business."
Cinder would forget her interaction with Zenon the moment he closed the door when he left. Also as Cinder lost the memory Zenon too forget what happened in that room. The last thing he remembered was entering Cinder's room and then nothing.
Normally Zenon would question his sudden lose of memory no matter how small, even though he would convince himself later on that it was nothing. This time it was different: he didn't convince himself but an outside force told him to forget. A soothing feeling deep inside told him to forget convincing him that his focused should be on more important matters. Obedient to the soothing voice Zenon silenced his suspicion.