*High five*
Top of the morning to you guys, this is Mugen no Tenma, and welcome back to the Game of Wizard!
...
I apologize for putting off an update for so long. This month, I was so busy... eh, not really. I just got distracted and sidetracked all the times. Also, I find it very hard to put any motivation to make this chapter, and this chapter's progress was slow... therefore the delay. I don't know why. Honestly, even though a new volume of RWBY will be coming soon this year, I don't have as much hype as I did last year. I was mostly disappointed by V.5...
I love RWBY to bits. I love the universe, the lore, the characters, everything in it. I really do. But as I looked at the current season, I just felt... that show is not the masterpiece I watched a long ago. I felt that the show that captivated my attention years ago has died, and something worse had replaced it. I just felt sad, watching the show that sparked my inspiration suddenly came down to this. Do you feel the same?
I could forgive V.4. I knew they were still affected by the loss of Monty at that time, and I gave them a free pass that time. But, as V.5 came to be, it was even worse than that. I've watched a video, where they said that they were purposefully made the fighting sequences bad. The animators could make something better, but it was bad because the writers told them to make them bad. It's almost as if Volume 1-3 characters were brought down to 'normal human' levels from the monstrosities we saw back then. It's almost like a whole new world, a whole new universe.
Adam was used to tank a laser beam to the face. Now? He's been bitchslapped by his ex-girlfriend by a very weak punch to the head and fell down like a bitch. AND he RAN AWAY. I've heard some commentaries about how 'he's insane, now he's weaker' reason for that, and I call that bullshit.
Seriously?
*sigh* I just want to share my thoughts with you guys. If I said something that offended you, I apologize. This was a rant of a disappointed man.
Anyway...
Have a good read, everyone.
Chapter 21
Soul Crushing Regret
-Mistral, Four Years Ago-
That place was used to be a forest. Full of life and the sound of its creatures, a perfect example of nature. However, now it was no black shadows were creeping and hurdling together. Uncountable pair of yellowish-red eyes were glowing in hate and bloodlust towards their prey.
Meanwhile, surrounded by the spiral of black shadows, three figures stood by in the middle. Well, one of them was shaking in fear, due to his inexperience of dealing with enemies of this magnitude. The two others, however, standing ready to fight them off with their respective weapon in their grasp.
This was nothing for them. The horde around them were just the young ones, the easiest ones to deal with. However, the further the horde goes, the older ones are also waiting and bidding their time. What confuses them was that they seemed to come out of nowhere before they tried to ambush them.
As professional Huntresses, they would have to investigate whatever caused this peculiar event and stop it before it was too late. However, with their youngest sibling with them, they don't want to risk doing something that would jeopardize his well-being. He is their top priority and nothing else could change that.
"We have to break through." One of them said, her long, braided blonde hair fluttering in the air. "We can't fight freely with him here. I'll clear the way and then you take him away somewhere else!"
The other one, a taller woman with golden blonde hair tied up in an ornate bun, simply nodded as she kept the cowering figure from being attacked by one of the shadows around them. He was just here to go to a picnic with his sisters, why it had to go wrong somewhere in the road? He didn't ask for this...
"Don't worry, Jaune. You'll be fine." The first figure said to him, casting a side glance to him. "Big Sister will protect you. Always." She smiled.
"And me as well." The second figure added, wrapping her arm around the boy. "No harm is going to get you while we're here. I promise."
As the boy meekly nodded, the first figure made her decision, unsheathing her silver sword from her sides with a flourish, and began to walk forward, towards the seemingly endless horde of black abominations. Meanwhile, the second figure stays in her place,pulling the boy closer with one hand and gripping an ornate-looking dagger with the other.
"Awaken, my phantasm."
The first figure whispered to her sword as if it was something sentient.
"Defend my brethren, my blade! God is here with me!"
Then, she began to chant as she lifted her sword over her head, stepping forward with one feet.
"Luminosite Eternelle!"
Blinding white light shines upon them, repelling the black beasts of anonymity from their immediate vicinity and shielding them from harm.
However, in the distance, a dark presence was observing them carefully. If it had any eyes, it would say that it was watching them, but now it was just a huge puddle of blackened mud. Its physical form had already broken by its own creator, now it was just a mere shadow of its former self. It scoffed.
It wants to return to its former form and wreak havoc in this pointless world. It needs to do it, that was its purpose. But it was patient... It had already waited for more than one thousand years, so what's five or six more? Its plans are already in motion, and this one particular event was just another stepping stone to restore itself...
I'll make the world reap what it sow, and plunge it into eternal darkness. I am...
Then, it began to slowly worm its way towards the blinding light. Just a little more...
I am All the World's Evil.
-Arc Residence, Present Time-
She had to restrain the urge to yell at the slurring voice that she was having a conversation with.
"... he's been away for a while. It's over, uh... six hours now? Dunno what he's doing right now."
Her yellow eyes were twitching in annoyance and frustration. How could he talk about her brother's safety like that? This is not a trivial matter! For her, it was a top-priority question that had to be taken seriously! But this man is so non-chalantly talking about this matter...
"... I see. If you see my brother, please tell him to return home. My sister are quite worried for him."
"Huh, yeah, yeah, I guess I'll do that."
After hearing a non-comittal grunt from the other end of her scroll, Verte Arc closed the connection. That old crow always gets on her nerves... she sighed. Noire and Claire won't stand a chance to keep calm against his attitude, but she was different from them. Even though she isn't the oldest around, she has to be the one who keeps the composure between the siblings.
Noire was indifferent to most things, but always gets heated up whenever Jaune is involved in any way. Claire is the personification of a wrathful lightning, lashing out on her own whims. Blanche was pure... as pure as a white lily, with all her innocence and naivety.
Bleurie was... she could say, a bit too childish for her age and so stubborn that nobody could change her way of thinking. Rose was... well, she was never the healthiest one, but her loyalty to her siblings would always ensure that everybody takes care of her. Rouge was a bit self-centered and dramatic, but she was far from uncaring for the others. Then... there's herself.
She personally would consider herself a woman of art and culture. Conducting herself everyday with composure and imperturbability, she is the one who would be called 'cool big sis' who takes care of everything. Even though technically Noire is the oldest...
"Sister, I brought the news from Signal Academy—"
She opened her brother's room, only to find her older sister walking back and forth, fuming anxiously. There are faint wisps of black flame around her hands as Noire Arc fidgeted around, gritting her teeth and snarling. Verte just sighed at this. To think that she's the older one between them...
"Sister, what is wrong this time?" She asked.
As if just realized that her younger sister was there, Noire jumped in surprise, then turned to her. After some silence, she just continued walking back and forth, causing Verte to raise her eyebrows.
"I felt it, Verte. Something is wrong with Jaune. My sense can feel it. I knew it. I knew it, Verte." She mumbled, putting one hand on her head and clutching it as if having a severe headache. "There is just something wrong. I felt the disturbance in his Aura! Something is wrong! WRONG!"
She began to stomp around erratically, black flames were flickering wildly around her body. Odd veins were popping on various parts of her face, but the most notable were the ones on her cheeks. If she keeps going like this, she'll accidently burn their brother's room without realizing until it's too late. And when she comes to her senses later on, she would deeply regret it.
That wouldn't do. So Verte has to stop it.
"Calm down, Sister."
"How can I CALM DOWN?!" Noire growled. "You don't know what I felt! It's TORTURING ME!"
Noire's hands were clenching on her sides, her body shaking uncontrollably. Verte just sighed. Her sister and her short temper... as to not trigger her sister's ire further, she kept silent and said nothing.
Don't get her wrong. She was quite worried for her brother too. They have tried calling his scroll too, but no response. This has been going on for the past few hours. Verte wonders what was their brother was doing right now... but it was certainly not a danger for his life or anything like that.
Which is why Noire was slightly on edge now. If there wasn't a danger, then the strange fluctuation in Jaune's Aura was caused by something else. She has an inkling of what it is, and she was sure Noire was aware of it as well. However, neither of them want to acknowledge it as a possibility. No way.
There's no way their sweet little brother would be having—
"Where do you think you are going, Sister?"
Noire just walked past Verte, stomping around with black flames still sizzling on her hands. Veins still running on her cheeks, along with occasional twitchs of her finger, are obvious signs that the oldest child of Arc family weren't... thinking straight, to put it mildly.
Verte couldn't see her sister's eyes from where she stood, but she had the feeling that she doesn't need to.
"... I can't take this anymore. I'm going out. I'm going to find him." Noire said, clenching her hands. "And IF I see any bitch around him, I'm going to BURN her to ashes and cinders. No questions."
Noire was completely serious, no doubt about it. This was the point where Verte had to put her foot down... it has to stop now.
Before she could walk further, Verte gently put her hand on Noire's shoulder, calming her down and holding her from going to an aimless venture. She saw anger and jealousy in her yellow eyes, but at least she's still listening to reason. Verte could understand those feelings, but she had more control.
Thanks to the strange... incident four years ago, they both have a new ability that proven itself useful. Noire can detect any fluctuations in Jaune's Aura, no matter how far they are apart, and Verte can detect Jaune's location from his Aura... with a near-perfect accuracy. Why it should be Jaune, though?
That... would be a story for another day.
"Please leave this to me, Sister." Verte smiled. "I knew his current location. It would be beneficial for both of us to let me handle this one on my own. Trust me, Sister."
"Why I can't go with you, Verte?" Noire huffed, breathing the air through her teeth . "I'm sure I can help handling that bitch, whoever that is." Black flames are crackling on her hands... and her fingers were twitching uncontrollably, again.
"I am quite certain that whoever this bitchyou are referring to, she is already long gone by now." Verte shook her head, stepping ahead to block Noire's way. "Rest assured, Sister... I'll make sure that Jaune comes back to us in one piece. You will have to simply stay here and wait."
"But—"
"Someone have to welcome our sisters when they get home. They should be here anytime soon." Verte smiled again, patting her sister's shoulder with every affection she could muster. "That is your role as the big sister. Right, Noire?"
Well. If there's anything she could do for Noire right now, it would be maintaining her role as the big lady of this family. As for herself, she would be her supporter from the shadows, where nobody would see her. That is her role, and that is all.
Noire's eyes softened. The dark feelings are still there, but now it has slightly subsided...
"Alright. I'll leave it to you, Verte."
She smiled.
"Please bring him back home safely."
With a firm nod, Verte took off.
-Few moments later, back with Jaune-
At first, it was only darkness around me, but then everything changed in an instant.
I saw a memory that isn't mine, but displayed in my sight as if I was the owner of that memory.
I was wearing a mask, and I saw everything around me from the eye visors of the mask.
My hand reached for my sword in my waist, and in one swift move, slashing the air. Darkness, laced with crimson around the edges, appeared in front of me. Putting the sword back to its sheath, I stepped into the darkness without hesitation, as if already knew what's in the other side of it.
In an instant, I stepped out of the darkness, and into a room. It was large room on the presumably second floor of a house with an angled roof sloping away from the doorway. A bed is pushed against the wall opposite the doorway, decorated with yellow pillow cases and a throw blanket. Between the beds is a bedside table topped by a lamp.
The bed has a set of drawers and a wooden desk with shelving built above it, containing a few books, with a single chair. And on that bed, someone was sleeping, safe and sound. Feeling a relief that isn't mine, I stepped closer to the bed without a sound, and stopped on the side of the bed.
I looked at her.
I fully recognize the person who was sleeping on the bed. I recognize that bright face, and that blonde hair. I slowly began to reach towards her face, my hand almost in contact with her cheek...
She groaned softly, causing me to pull my hand back, as to not wake her, but she didn't actually wake up.
My hand reached down to her again, but this time I moved at a snail's pace, tentatively reaching for the sleeping blonde. This time, she didn't even stir. I stroked the blonde's cheek in loving, caring way before I reached up and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Congratulations on being accepted on Signal, Yang." I spoke with a voice that isn't mine, whispering softly to her. "I don't approve of you destroying the test's punching device, but I should expect that from you. You are Tai's daughter, after all. Always brash." I let out a soft chuckle.
I took off my mask.
"I'm proud of you, dear. You've become strong."
I leaned closer to her and placed a small, light kiss on her forehead before stepping back.
Then, putting my mask back, I unsheathed my sword again and slashed the air, creating the crimson laced darkness before me. As I sheathed my sword back and walked through the portal, I delivered some last parting words to the blonde sleeping on the bed.
"Once again, I'm very proud of the woman you've become, Yang..."
I spared one last look at her.
"My beautiful little Sun Dragon."
The portal closed off, and darkness engulfed me.
...
I opened my eyes, very slowly.
I was lying on the floor, wiping the sweats off my face and my everything. Everything around me smells strange. There's an odd scent in the room...
How did I end up like this, please don't ask. That doesn't really matter. What truly matters is... what was that dream? The dream was so vivid that I was almost convinced that it was my own memory which I saw, but it's clearly not. I knew it was Raven's memories from the moment she spoke.
That blonde girl I saw in that memory is undoubtedly Yang. No argument there.
But why did I see that? I mean, you don't normally see someone else's memories. How can I possibly do that? I don't even have my true Semblance unlocked yet, so that could possibly be my potential Semblance. Maybe. What else do I have? I just had The Gamer from Veritas and then there's...
Nous Anima.
Yeah, I think that might be the case. Nous Anima was a power that depends on the bond that the user made with another person's soul. Getting to know others is the key of strengthening the Nous Anima... the power of understanding other's soul to make them and myself stronger, at least that's what I knew.
So, in short, getting physically intimate with someone else and seeing their memories are some of the many ways to get stronger? That is a weird-ass power, if you ask me.
Thankfully nobody asked me. And—
I blinked as I realized the situation I've gotten myself into. That's right, Raven and I just... fucked. Literally. What have I gotten myself into—
Your closeness with Raven Branwen has been greatly increased!
Your Charm and Charisma has been greatly increased!
You have obtained 10 Status Points!
You have obtained a new skill! [Kissing] skill was created!
You have obtained a new skill! [Carnal Overdrive] skill was created!
You have obtained a new skill! [Fornicaras] skill was created!
By proving that you are a real man, you have acquired the new title [Not A Virgin Anymore]!
Achievement [Becoming An Adult] has been reached! All Status Increased by 5! HP and MP has been increased by 500!
'What the fuck are these?' I mentally muttered, looking at those blue screens with disgust.
Deep in my mind, a very familiar chuckle echoed. I know very well whom it belonged to...
'These are your rewards for your hard work.' Veritas's voice echoed inside my mind. 'Great job. I really enjoyed watching that. Living creatures with soul are so interesting!'
'You're trolling me all this time, aren't you?'
'No, no, no... something that one did to other individual could only be called 'trolling' if the other party was put on disadvantage or humiliation. You clearly enjoyed it, so that doesn't count as trolling.'
... damn, that logic is so sound I don't know what to say!
'Seriously?Veritas, why are you torturing me like this?'I facepalmed. 'I don't know what I should do after this! Please give me some time to think for myself!'
'You don't have to think anything about it, Jaune.' Veritas spoke calmly, his voice filled with approval. 'The most important thing is you have proven yourself as a MAN. You're not just a BOY anymore. Just roll with it and everything will be perfectly fine.'
'How so?'
I sat up on the floor. I failed to see how that would help me with my current condition... you know what condition that I'm having now? A soul-crushing regret.
'You'll figure it yourself real soon. You're a big man now, I don't have to spoonfeed you everytime.' Veritas said sagely. 'Anyway, Jaune... I'm sure you had so much fun. Feel refreshed? Relieved?'
'... uh...'
I don't know about this! I mean, it was really good experience and all, but I don't know how to put it...
'Come on, don't be shy to your old buddy Veritas.'
I felt my sins crawling on my back. I felt immense guilt. I mean, really. What am I going to say to Yang regarding everything that just happened betweeen me and her mother? Damn, I will never see her the same again after this... well, I definitely won't tell her about this, ever.
I'm still feeling very uncomfortable with this... not that I'm saying I didn't enjoy the experience, not at all, I just don't know how to behave after doing... everything that I've done with Raven. But if I have to give my honest opinion, I will say that I—
'Uh... yes?'
Yes, I had so much fun. Too much fun for me to count, actually. How long it was? Four hours? Five? I honestly can't tell.
'See? I didn't troll you this time, Jaune.' Veritas said, sounding very complacent now. 'You should be grateful to me for my help. I do have your best interests in heart, so please trust me from now on.'
I stood up. Almost automatically, I put my clothes back on.
'Okay, Veritas, Now I trust you, buddy.'
'That's more like it!'
I still don't know why and how he so easily disabled my [Gamer's Mind]... but since it led to some pleasant events, I couldn't say that it was necessarily bad. It was perfectly good, to be honest. Well, I'm going to say it outright, with all my pride, without any shame... now, here goes nothing!
I HAVE MADE IT WITH A WOMAN! INFORM THE MEN! WOHOOOOOO!
I said it loudly in my head as I struck a triumphant pose, putting one of my hand on my face and the other on my side, striking a fabulous pose. This is the greatest achievement of my life so far! ... I'm still feeling guilty for some reason, though.
"Hmm, you seem happy."
Hearing that voice, I turned around.
"Well, what am I saying? You obviously are happy right now. You should be."
Yes, she's still here. Raven was sitting on the chair she sat one before, wine glass on hand and her robes hanging over her body loosely and concealing everything that are too provocative. She's technically still not wearing anything... well, not that I haven't seen anything on that body anyway.
I sharpened my senses, subtly activating Nous Anima and reaching out to her emotions. That instant, I felt an inferno, a whirling firestorm of emotions concealed inside herself... well, I couldn't recognize every single one of them, but they are definitely pleasant emotions. I could tell that she's satisfied with everything we did before. Somehow, I felt better about myself. And...
I almost forgot that I was Hei Lang right now. I lost control and restraint for few hours... I don't know why and how, but Veritas just turned [Gamer's Mind] off as Raven and I did some... stuffs... that I won't explain in details. Now, it's currently being active again, but there's no telling when Veritas would turn it off again. That's a dick move on his part, why would he even do that in the first place?
He was helpful, but he's still a troll. I might trust him to some extent, but that's it. Now that I'm back to sanity and clarity... I should go back to my Hei Lang persona. Cool, calm, and full of composure. After this, I vow not to get myself carried away again like I did before... that was really embarassing.
I cleared my throat and looked straight at her. She just stared back with amusement very apparent in her crimson eyes. Almost felt like I was staring at her daughter... what truly missing is the smirk she always gives me, the shit-eating grin that I was very familiar with.
... damn, I'm still feeling guilty. I don't think what I've done is right on moral side... but there's no point regretting it now. What's already done is done. Besides, Raven looks happy, and I'm happy, so no harm done, I guess.
"I am." I simply answered. "Aren't you?"
"Well, that was great." She casually commented. "You did an impressive job for your first time, Hei Lang. You are strong. And know that I favor strong men." She smirked, almost look like a certain blonde girl whom I was familiar with when she did that. Teasing and seductive.
Man, she's really taking this in stride, isn't she? Then again, she is an experienced woman, and surely had this kind of thing with... someone else. I just really can't keep up with her, I'm still just a boy...
"You think I'm strong?" I asked.
"Now? Certainly." Raven said simply. "When we first met in the bookstore, I thought you're just a man full of lies, which is the kind of man I truly despise. But you recently proven me wrong. You somehow managed to survive the impossible odds against Cang Long... true, he completely outmatched you on every aspect... but you persevered. You survived. That's the only proof I need."
"How do you know that?" I raised my eyebrows. "That could've been a mere stroke of luck."
"Don't you believe in luck, Hei Lang? Being lucky and favored by the wheels of fate is another form of strength. That's what my brother always says." Raven sighed. "As for your question... I have my sources. I have eyes around here, and the event that you took part in, involving the White Fang and the Schnee Dust Corporation... obviously, attracted a lot of attention. You would be really stupid to not notice something that big. People are talking about you now."
That makes sense. So far, I always saved by being lucky and helped by someone or something. Is that my true strength? Or maybe it's my true Semblance? Being lucky? I don't know, maybe I should ask someone more experienced. That bit about Qrow intrigues me... maybe I should ask him about luck?
"And don't forget the fact that you encountered my former student and survived. Even better, you've beaten him to a pulp." Raven added, snapping me back to reality. "He was the only student that I've ever taught, but I made sure that I taught him everything I know. Turns out he's not strong enough..."
"... sorry." I said, putting a bit of remorse in my voice.
"Heh, what are you saying?" Raven scoffed. "Don't be. You just did what you had to do to survive."
Silence. I didn't respond. However, Raven doesn't seem to mind at all. All she does is staring at me with approval-filled eyes... which makes me feel really uncomfortable. Women usually doesn't look at me like that... normally, they would give me a funny look, as if I'm just some sort of joke.
"You know, Hei Lang... I usually hold the women who fall for the allure of men as weak." Raven said, sipping her glass slowly. "Likewise, I normally see men who claimed other women without a second thought as despicable. However, this time... I'll allow you and myself to deny that mindset of mine."
"If... you say so..." I said reluctantly.
In another words... she actually got carried away doing all that with me? Hell, I'm not complaining, but could you please use simpler words to talk with this pure, innocent boy? And this just occured to me, but... everything we did, is that really okay for her? I mean, it's just...
"I have a question." I started, clearing my voice. "If you don't mind me asking, Raven..."
"Ask away." Raven just replied non-chalantly. "What is it?"
Honestly, this is bugging me since I regained my sense of clarity...
"Why me?"
Obviously, I know I'm kinda handsome, even so in my Hei Lang form. I just kinda confused at how she chose me to do... err, stuffs with her instead of her former husband, Professor Xiao Long. And she is Yang's mother. No matter how I felt so flattered that she chose to do this with me, this is seriously bothering me. I don't know why... it just feels wrong.
"Don't you have your... former husband for this... sort of thing?"
A part of me just considering that I drop it before something bad happens... but I can't let this pass on without knowing what the reason she chose me. If I didn't get the answer, it would bother me so much that I can't think of anything else. I'm a curious and selfish person, yeah, but I can't help it.
Raven fell silent. I turned away as she stood up and began to put her clothes back on.
"Look, Hei Lang..." Raven said as I turned to her. "I needed someone who can fill a need in me that can no longer by... Yang's father." She looks like she's trying so badly not to mention his name. "It's... personal business with them, and I'd rather not create any dissension and drama upon my return. Not that I have any intention to go back anyway. And, as you are already aware..."
She stepped closer to me, slowly. I didn't move an inch. Is she... limping?
"I have urges that need tending to. In case you didn't aware, Hei Lang... I'm a woman." She let out a small smile that makes her really look like Yang. "And also...a virile Huntress still in her prime that has been deprived of a certain natural necessities for far too long, for so many years..." She went on.
She stepped even closer to me, still slowly. I raised my eyebrows. Yep, she couldn't walk straight...
"I have selected you specifically... to satisfy those urges. You should feel honored..."
She was standing really close to me now. But this time I didn't really feel as awkward as I did before... there's a sultry look in her crimson eyes and a growing emotion I felt from her. It feels so... intimate.
"And one more reason... I want a powerful child from you."
At this moment, every calmness and composure in my head just broke down like a collapsing dam.
W—W—WHATWAZZAT?!
I unconsciously jumped away from her like a frightened puppy. Which, considering what creature I am right now, it maybe not too far off... I'm not even thinking about how this would affect the image of Hei Lang, as my bravado and fake composure is already long gone. At least to Raven anyway...
But where the hell is [Gamer's Mind] when you need it? Veritaaaas?! He didn't answer! He turned it off again! How am I supposed to keep my composure around this woman without your help?! Damn, he must be laughing his ass off right now...
Stay cool, stay cool, stay cool, stay cool, stay cool, stay cool—I CAN'T! OOOH! I'M SO NERVOUS!
"Ah, no need to worry... today's a safe day." Raven said so casually. "This time, I'm just testing you... and you just passed my test. Next time, though... you need to be prepared."
OH! MY! GOD! HOLY SHIIIT!
Raven made a move towards me once again. However, I don't really feel like running away...
"I just don't get it..." I muttered, while trying not to look away from her. "... why did you choose me, of all people?"
Raven stopped. Her gaze grows somber, and I could only look at her in confusion.
"Do you remember how I established a 'connection' with you?" She asked.
What? What does she mean by that? I remember that, but...
"Yes, I do..." I nodded hesitantly. "... what of it?"
Raven sighed. She suddenly looks apprehensive, contrast with her aggresive attitude before this.
"Now that we already exchanged our Aura, I can—"
Someone suddenly interrupted Raven's words.
"Excuse me, Madam."
We both turned to the voice. It was the girl with short brown hair that I saw downstairs before. So she's one of Raven's tribe members, huh...
The Unchosen Spring
LV45
Lee Connors
"Yes, Vernal?" Raven turned to her. "Is there something wrong?"
Vernal? Fake name? For what? Spring in her title... well, this idea of mine might be a stretch, but she could be a decoy for the true Spring Maiden... And Vernal is also a word that means the season of spring. The Unchosen Spring, huh... yeah, definitely a decoy of some sort.
"I apologize for interrupting your... time, but some of our men has spotted a Huntress patrolling the streets." The girl spoke up quite formally. "As per your orders, we didn't approach her and keep our distance. It seems unlikely that she would come to this bar, but just in case..."
A Huntress? Who could it be...? I hope whoever it is wasn't someone I know... like, my parents' friend or acquaintance. Or worse, one of my own family... I don't know how effective my disguise is, but I have the sinking feeling that they would easily see through it. I really don't want that to happen.
"I understand. Good job, Vernal." Raven nodded curtly. "Tell everyone to pull back and gather at rendezvous point. I'll see you all there. You're dismissed."
"Yes, Ma'am." The girl spared a brief glance to me, before bowing slightly to Raven, and walked back down. Raven went back and retrieved her mask...
After that, silence ensues for a moment. Raven seems like she want to say something...
"I guess... we can continue this... some other time." She said, briefly biting her bottom lip. "I might request another meeting with you very soon..."
"Sure." I answered without thinking. "Why not?"
Raven chuckled, stepping closer to me... and closer... and closer... I can clearly see her crimson eyes. Those eyes are so beautiful... I could look at them forever—no, Jaune, don't space out. Focus.
"Eager, aren't we?" She purred in my ears, lifting my chin with one hand. "Don't worry. We'll finish what we started next time. And one warning before we part ways..." She gently lets go of my chin and pulled away, to my disappointment.
She turned around, made a really quick draw of her sword that I can't even follow, conjuring a mass of red-lined darkness before us. Then she turned back at me, mask at hand.
"... beware of the group that call itself [The Serpent's Hand]. They are very dangerous."
And with that warning, she put her mask back on, stepped into the portal and vanished from my sight.
I sighed at the silence that follows after.
'Well, that was a thing!' Veritas suddenly chimed in inside my head. 'All's well that ends well!'
I sighed even louder.
'Ah, we should get out of here quick.' Veritas added. 'Who knows, the Huntress might be dangerous to meet... we don't want to run into another trouble for today, do we?'
I raised my eyebrows at that, but didn't protest. I really have no energy and willpower to argue with Veritas right now. Because, you know, Raven really... sucked me dry. Literally and metaphorically. Thank god I increased my Vitality and gained those bonus to help with that, otherwise I'd faint like a wimp on the floor. I guess I have to thank Veritas for that, at least...
I took my mask from the table, put it back on, and walked down back to the first floor. As I arrived there, I immediately felt so many eyes on me. Everyone in the bar was looking at me with various expression on their face. I felt their stare, silently judging me for some reason. Why are they—
'Well... five hours, Jaune.' Veritas spoke again, reminding me of what I've done. 'You and the lady had been at it for a while, and you two are not exactly so silent about your business...I daresay that everyone in the bar can hear you both during your... ah, activities. Both of you are really excited.'
I mentally facepalmed. I totally forgot that the room we're in wasn't soundproof... oh my god, so that is why Raven stationed her underlings on the first floor... to prevent anyone from disturbing us while we were... busy. I can feel anger, jealousy, indifference, and amusement from those glares...
'Why didn't you warn me?' I asked Veritas, trying so hard not to flinch at the pressure.
'Eh, I don't want to ruin the mood. I'm just here to watch.' Veritas answered casually. 'And I doubt you can keep it down either. She's really a wild woman... if you know what I mean. Eh? Eh?'
I blushed. Thank god I have the mask on my face, or everybody would see my flustered face.
'I just want to get this over with...' I let my shoulders slump. 'I just want to report to Qrow...'
'In that case, you can just teleport to Signal Academy.' Veritas said simply.
'How can I even do that?'
Veritas didn't respond. Instead, a blue screen popped up before my face.
I am thou, thou art I... Thou hast acquired a new understanding.
It shall become the wings of bravery that releaseth thy bounds of fear.
With the birth of this bond, you have obtained the pathway of shadows that shall lead to freedom and strength.
... really? Just like that? That's so cheap!
[Nous Anima: The Gates of Skye] has been unlocked for half of its power!
... so, now I can teleport to other places as easily as breathing? Because I did unspeakable things with Raven, just like that? Nous Anima is a power that is so bullshit that it isn't funny anymore... but I'm sure I'm not gonna complain about it. It was really convenient, so why not use it to my advantages?
Wordlessly, I turned back and began walking up to the second floor, while maintaining the neutral expression on my face. As I arrived there, I pulled out the silver blade, [Clarent] from my inventory and looked at it for a second. Now that I think about it, the sword really looks like my sister's sword...
Well, I should ask Claire to show her sword to me when she gets home. As for now, I just swung the sword around absentmindedly, while wondering how to activate Raven's power. I don't know how, so I just accesssed the [Soul Link] menu in the Status Screen, and clicked on Raven's name.
[Nous Anima: The Gates of Skye] has been activated!
Skill: [The Void Portal] is now in effect!
Just like when I activated Noire's power before this, I felt a foreign emotion assaulting my heart and soul. And what I felt was fear... a fear so strong that forces me to stay still in my place, as if afraid to take any further movement. At least, before another emotion suppressed it...
What is this emotion? Just like something I felt from Noire's power, I felt something else that even more powerful than the first emotion. It was warm and reassuring, as if convincing me that the fear itself was nothing to be afraid of. The fear didn't bind me anymore, thanks to that warm feeling.
What could possibly Noire and Raven had in common? Their emotions are so similar...
Okay, I can think about deep and complicated things later. Now I have to go before something else happens.
I thought about where to go before I actually do anything with the power. The most relevant location for me to be right now is Signal Academy, since Qrow was waiting for me to return there. Therefore, I will go there in an instant, Qrow's office. I took a deep breath before dramatically swinging the sword in a diagonal arc.
Darkness spread before my eyes, outlined by my white Aura. The pool of darkness then began to swirl around like a whirlpool, as if inviting me to enter it at my own leisure. However, the longer it lingers, the more my Aura reserve drains. Unless I have insanely high amount of Aura, I should not waste any time while utilizing this power. Next time, I have to use it sparingly.
Alright, time to go, then!
After taking a deep breath one more time, I stepped into the portal, the darkness inside it engulfing myself for just a brief amount of time... and then I walked out, so slowly and calmly as to make a very dramatic entrance—
However, before I could register my surroundings, a burst of nasty-smelling water came onto my face.
Unknowingly to him, few minutes after Jaune Arc... as known as Hei Lang, left the bar via Raven's portal power, someone came to the bar. She walked to the counter calmly, uncaring and indifferent to the attention she had gathered for herself.
Everyone's eyes are fixed on her, as she was an individual with exceptional beauty and elegance. Long, silky platinum blonde hair, bright yellow eyes, and a fully mature figure. The type of a woman that any man would long for. However...
There is an air of imminent danger around her person that makes people who wanted to approach her rethinks their decision. They feel like they don't have what it takes to be worth of the woman's time, and her cold stare makes their skin crawl. They decided to just marvel at her voluptuous figure.
She looked around, as if looking for someone or something, but then she just sighed.
"I ask of you..."
She then pulled out a picture from her pocket and asked the bartender, while pointing at the picture.
"Have you seen this young man?"
"Say, kid, did you bang my sister?"
I REALLY did not expect that question after I told him everything about my 'meeting' before it all went to hell. Nor do I want to hear it.
Qrow asked me that nonchalantly as I wiped my face with a clean cloth. I acted as if I didn't hear that question and kept on wiping my face until it completely dried. Why did he spit his drink to my face... well, granted, it was partially my fault for suddenly teleporting in front of his face without warning.
I deadpanned, looking at him with disgust before nodding my head slowly. I made sure that he saw my expression clearly by removing my mask and putting it on the desk, but he was unfazed. Amused, even. This man is really getting on my nerves, and that is really something. I'm normally a chill guy.
"Whoa, that was a thing for sure." He chuckled, giving me a half-smirk. "I didn't really expect that to happen in your first meeting, but I'm glad that happened."
Why would he glad that Raven and I did unspeakable things in a public bar? Normally, someone would be embarassed or angry when they heard that one of their relative or family getting too intimate with someone they barely knew. This really doesn't make any sense.
I knew Qrow was a weird man since I learned of his habits of drinking a lot of alcohol in front of his students, in his class... but not that weird.
"Does it really matter, sir?"
"Well, it's my sister you banged, so yeah, it's pretty big deal." Qrow leaned against his chair, sipping his flask calmly."Especially when you last for few hours with her and came out intact. Great woman she was, huh? Must be pretty rough for a virgin."
I opened my mouth, closed it, opened it again, before finally closed it and fell silent. I felt a blush slowly creeping on my face as I realized that I've got nothing to say to that remark. Qrow's smug grin simply grew wider in response to that, and eventually he bursts out laughing at my expense.
"HAHAHAHA! THIS IS SO RICH! MY SISTER DID IT WITH A VIRGIN!"
I stood there in silence, letting him laugh his ass off. I can feel my eye twitch in growing irritation as he clutched his stomach and keep laughing for a good minute. I don't know what's so funny and I don't know what he finds so amusing about me and Raven that made him feel so obliged to laugh.
I facepalmed myself in a mix of annoyance and embarassment. It takes quite a while until he stopped laughing and then clears his throat. He chuckled a bit as he looked at me, his crimson eyes still filled with amusement. I let out a deep sigh in response to that.
Damn, what is so funny about me?! And I'm not a virgin anymore!
"Heh, sorry kid, I kinda needed that laugh." He grinned. "It's just so hard to imagine my older sister showing her weak side in front of someone. She's normally acting all tough and stern around people, so when she broke out of her shell it's quite something to behold. You know what I mean?"
Well... yeah, I agree with that.
I simply nodded.
"Well, kid... in all seriousness, I'm glad that you, of all people, can reach out to her." Qrow hummed, adapting more serious look on his face. "I mean, it's probably impossible to make her return to our side, but it would be nice if she mellowed out a bit... to think more about her family here, I mean."
I raised a hand to interrupt him.
"Sir, about that..." I raised my hand.
I told him about the my vision of Raven's memory earlier. At first, he just raised his eyebrows, then frowned, and finally he went wide-eyed in pure disbelief and shock. I'm confused... Is it really THAT surprising to see a mother visiting her daughter to check if she's alright?
Granted, I knew that the term of 'normal mother' can't be applied to Raven Branwen, but she is still a mother to the core, right? I mean, even if she abandoned her family for a tribe she doesn't even have any familial relationship with, she still cares about them. I saw her memories myself, so I can't be wrong. I know it to be true.
"I can't believe it." He shook his head. "She actually visited her?"
"Is that so surprising?" I asked.
"Well,kid, here's the thing about her." Qrow scratched the back of his head. "I'm sure you knew this already, but she has a different view of the world than people normally do. In her eyes—"
"The strong survives, the weak perishes. That's just how the world truly is."
I said that simply as if it was an undeniable fact, my voice unfaltered and stern. Qrow looked at me like he's seen a ghost, his eyes widened and his mouth gaped. He slowly pointed at me with a shaky hand, prompting me to raise my eyebrows.
"... what's wrong?"
"You. You talk just like her..." Qrow shook his head again. "And for a moment, your eyes are just like hers. Is that supposed to be one of your powers?"
That really happened? My eyes changed colors? But how... I didn't even realize it. It probably has something to do with Nous Anima again, I don't really know. If it was true and it just came out of nowhere... I have to learn how to control the power on my own soon. Maybe Veritas could help.
'Later, partner. You need a peaceful and silent environment to train your power.'
I didn't know that he was listening to my thoughts... but okay.
'Yeah, I'll keep that in mind.'
"Yeah, it is." I nodded. "Nous Anima can show you the memories of the people its user has bonded with via dream, and copying their Semblance, movements, manner of speaking, attitudes, everything."
Qrow stared at me without blinking for a few seconds, before he's back to his carefree attitude.
"Your power is bullshit. I thought Raven possessed you somehow... that scared the shit out of me." Qrow sighed and reached for his flask. "I knew what you can do with that power... I just got weirded out is all. Aside from the story my old friend told me, there's not much known about Grimmbane. Hell, there's only three individuals that is known as 'Grimmbane' in Remnant, four if we include you."
Wait. I didn't know that. Really?
"Who are those people?" I asked, curious.
"The first one is, obviously, the original Grimmbane himself, Xerzo Noir who WAS truly revered by the people as the Messiah and Balancer of Remnant... for millenias." Qrow held up one finger.
Well, that is new. So there IS something known about the original Grimmbane. I guess I'm just being dumb for not knowing that... or maybe this is another thing normal people don't actually know about. Damn Qrow and his shady group of people... just how many things they kept in the shadows of lies and secrets? I could ask him now, but chances are he's not going to answer me and gets suspicious. I can't have that.
I'll just act like I'm just going to obey their words to keep this a secret for now... I'm currently in dire need of information, so I'll play along with their mind games for a while. I'm NOT going to keep any of those important informations from the people who actually need it. No matter what they say.
'Good thinking, partner. I really like how you think more independently now. Keep this mindset up and you won't be anyone's puppet, ever.' Veritas chimed in again.
'... thanks, I guess?'
I scratched my cheek in slight embarassment at how blatantly Veritas complimented me. But before I could hear Veritas' reply, Qrow's voice snapped me back to reality.
"The second is... a nameless hero whose name doesn't exist in the recorded history of Remnant, but had been seen using the same power as Grimmbane." Qrow held up another finger. "However, he has a title for us to identify him. People in his time called him... The Wrought Iron Hero."
A nameless hero? Wait... that sounds familiar. Is he the same one whose skill I've already learned? The unknown hero of Mantle who lost his name, his memories, and his ideals at the end of his battles? There's absolutely nothing in the description of the skill book that could give me a slightest hint that he's another Grimmbane. I guess I should look up for more information later.
"The third is... of course, Cang Long, whom you had met before. The one you stole the power from."
I frowned at that. Yeah, he just reminded me that this awesome and useful power I wielded was stolen from its rightful owner. Half of the power he used to kill the people he deemed evil... now it's inside me, inside my soul. I felt really sick to remember that. His way of doing things... it's just so wrong.
Eventually, I have to convince him to change his way, or beat the seven shades of shit out of him until he admits defeat. Yeah, I'll be sure to do that after I get stronger.
"Anyway, kid..." Qrow rubbed the back of his head, leaning comfortably against his chair. "I guess we're done for now. Good job. Now you'll have to meet someone else... she should be here soon."
Who is it...? Oh wait, I remember. Winter. I kinda forgot about her since I was distracted by the whole thing with Raven and everything else. Actually, she is the only reason I've come back here... to talk with her about the 'big business' that Qrow said before. Also I want to confirm something with her.
It was important...
I don't have to wait too long, as someone knocked the door before I could sit on another chair in the room. Qrow gestured to me to go open the door myself, so I walked up to the door and opened it as someone on the other side of the door knocked it again, allowing me to see whoever it is.
"Hello there, Miss Schnee." I greeted.
Winter Schnee froze for a split second, her hand still raised in mid-air before she quickly put it down. It seems that, judging from the scowl on her face, she was expecting someone else to answer the door. Most likely Qrow... it wouldn't be surprising if someone with such an upbringing and background as her dislike Qrow's behaviour in general.
"Hei Lang." She greeted me back with a formal smile. "It is good to see you again."
I noticed her straightening herself and putting her hands behind her back, as well as someone behind her that I didn't notice before. A young man, few years younger than me, his hair as white as hers. Wearing white dress shirt, blue vest and trousers. His right arm was covered in a strange blue fabric. I looked above his head...
The Dream, Fades Before Dawn
LV 33
Whitley Schnee
So this is the youngest child of the Schnee family, I suppose? Winter and Weiss' brother? He doesn't look as 'cold' as his sisters are... which is a nice change of pace. I would like to see a 'warm' Schnee.
"Likewise. And I see you bringing your little brother here." I smiled at her, before turning to the white haired young man. "... Whitley, is it? I've heard about you. It is good to finally meet you in person."
In response, the white-haired young man bowed slightly at me, his right hand on his chest.
"It is an honor to be recognized by someone as great as you as well, Hei Lang." He said amicably. "I am truly grateful that you saved my sisters' life back at the White Castle, I owe you."
"Think nothing of it." I shook my head, while still smiling. "Saving people in trouble is just common sense, anyone would do that in a heartbeat. It was nothing special."
"That is not true, Hei Lang." Winter chimed in. "Not everyone would help anyone in grave danger without a second thought. And as far as our history with the Faunus goes, you were the only one who had willingly helped us. Any other Faunus would've turned their tail and ran... or worse, making it all worse for us. You, meanwhile, did otherwise. What is that, if not special?"
Okay, this is a bit... embarassing, to say the least. Winter was looking at me with approval and respect both in her expression and eyes, while Whitley doing the same, only with much less restraint. He just looks like someone who's ready to worship me if I told him to. Of course, I had no intention to do that.
Regardless of whether I was a Faunus or a human, I would help Weiss. Even if I don't have another identity as Hei Lang or even if I don't have the power of The Gamer and Veritas at my beck and call, I would still help her, no matter what or who I'm against. I don't think helping people is special.
"Still, it was nothing worth mentioning." I let out a small chuckle. "I am just an ally of justice, simple as that. If it was still in my ability, I would do anything to help anyone. It doesn't matter if they were Faunus or human... I'll help them if they need to be helped."
Winter quirked an amused eyebrow.
"Oh, but the situation with Cang Long says otherwise." She said, slightly smiling. "Weiss told me that you were outmatched by Cang Long in every single aspect. You had the perfect chance to escape with your life while he was aiming for Weiss' life... yet you didn't use that chance. Instead, you simply let yourself beaten to half-death just to save her. You never turned your back to her."
She knows!?
So Weiss told her that? They talked to each other about the events at the White Castle? Of course they did, they are family after all! If I was in Weiss' position, my family would ask me about everything that happened there! Ooh, I'm so stupid for not realizing that! Where's all my Intelligence gone to?
"Normally, I would say that was a foolish move... but that is my sister you saved. I couldn't be more grateful to you than I am right now. So, in behalf of the Schnee Dust Company..." She trailed off, then shook her head. "... no. As Weiss' sister... I thank you, Hei Lang. I will do anything to repay that debt. Name your price, and we'll set."
Um, do anything...? That's a bit... excessive, isn't it? And she said it with such a straight face...
"There's no need for that, Miss Schnee." I said, waving my hands to politely refuse her offer. "Thank you for your kind offer, but...I saved her not because I want to be rewarded. I saved her because I saw her in trouble... as I said, it's only natural to help. So... you don't have to feel indebted to me."
Gosh, this is getting uncomfortable for me... I mean, I knew it was also a bodyguard's job for me, but I could just ran away and never look back after Cang Long destroyed that tower... if I did run away that night, nobody would have blamed me. I could have died if I try to save Weiss from Cang Long.
Yet, I did it anyway. It was my choice to save her.
So, I don't think I deserved to be rewarded anymore than I already had... I mean, they already gave me a full case of Dust crystals and a lots of money. That is simply my payment for the job, keeping Weiss safe and sound... I don't expect anything else from that. I just don't deserve anymore rewards.
"Why not?" Winter tilted her head quizically. "You deserved that, don't you think?"
"I don't think—"
Before I could finish my sentence, a slurring voice interrupted from behind me.
"Do anything to repay your debts, huh? That's kinky, Ice Queen."
Just as I turned around, Qrow was there with his hands in his pocket, grinning smugly at Winter. As for the white-haired woman herself... the scowl that she wore on her face before was back in full force. Beside her, Whitley was grimacing and looking at me as if asking for help. Is this bad?
"I'm not sure what you think you're implying, Qrow, but I heard enough. Be quiet." Winter said sharply. "I didn't come here to talk with you, nor I want to see your unruly face."
"Hey, I just literally said one sentence." Qrow shrugged, taking another sip of his flask... loudly. "Do you hate me that much, Ice Queen?"
I saw Winter's eye twitched in annoyance.
"I see absolutely no reason to take a liking to someone like you." She spoke sharply again, but her voice was cracking a bit. "You are a despicable individual."
"Oooh, you're giving me such a cold shoulder, Ice Queen." Qrow smirked, completely unaffected by Winter's words. "Why don't we... break the ice? Eh? Eh?"
"I thought I told you to be quiet, rapscallion." She growled. "Not another word."
"Oooh, now you're giving me a nickname! A new record!"
Yep, this is gonna suck a lot. I don't know why Qrow keeps provoking her, what with his mocking voice and terrible puns. As if I hadn't enough problems for today... alright, I'm not going to stand and let anything bad happen, not while I'm stuck here with them. I WILL put a stop to this stupid quarrel.
"I told you to be—"
Winter walked past me and towards him, hand on her sword... While Qrow was just standing there, looked suspiciously like he was expecting a conflict anyway. I don't know what the hell he wants by trying to get a rise out of her. Maybe he finds it amusing... but for me, it's just another headache.
"Alright, that's enough."
I put one hand on Winter's shoulder and made a shooing gesture to Qrow with the other hand. For a few seconds, neither Qrow or Winter spoke. I put a bit more pressure on her as she was about to walk further towards Qrow, preventing her from trying anything dangerous. His shoulder was tense as hell.
"Miss Schnee. I believe it is more important to talk about the business you've been sent here for rather than falling for his childish provocation, don't you think so?" I spoke softly, half whispering to her ear. "Don't talk to him anymore, he's just trying to get a rise out of you...no, you might as well ignore him completely for the rest of your time here."
Winter didn't respond, but her shoulder slumped, no longer tense. That means... she at least listened to me. I looked at Qrow with disgust. He was grinning smugly as if he was pleased by himself... What the hell are you thinking, you drunken old man?
"Leave us, Qrow." I said, trying to give a commanding tone to my voice. "I don't think it's good for Miss Schnee to have you here."
"Why? This is my office..." he shrugged. "You can talk or screw each other somewhere else if you want..."
"What does THAT supposed to mean?!" Winter hollered.
I suppressed an urge to facepalm... or to plant my palm on his face. From all time to be annoying and petulant like an immature child, why should he choose this moment? I can't see Winter's face from where I'm standing, but I can sense her anger, slowly seething. She must be glaring daggers at him.
"Qrow. Let me say this once again." I spoke with the same commanding tone. "Leave us. Now."
Qrow just stared at me, unimpressed. I simply stared back without flinching.
"Fine, fine." He waved off. "If you want some quality time together... just keep it down, okay? You don't want to wake everyone around the campus." He smirked. "I mean, you just did it with my—"
"Qrow." I warned.
He would never let me live it down, won't he? That one time with Raven was special! I mean, I don't even know how to refuse her advance, and even if I knew, I don't think I can refuse. However, that doesn't mean I would do the same with any woman and girl around me. I'm not that low, you know?
What does he think I am, a shameless manwhore?
"Yeah, yeah, shutting up now. My bad." He made a zipping gesture around his mouth. "I'm leaving I guess, see ya later kiddo."
He winked at Winter as he made his way past me and the white-haired woman... and didn't even spare a glance at Whitley, as if nobody was there. I let out a deep sigh. Sometimes, I really wonder who is the adult and who is the kid here. Nobody said another word until the door closed behind Qrow.
"... why did you associate yourself with such an unpleasant individual, Hei Lang?"
That is literally the first sentence Winter said after Qrow left the room.
"Sometimes, we can't exactly be picky about who's we working with." I answered, while gesturing her and Whitley to take a seat. "He got something I need and he required my services, so we came to an agreement to work together for mutual benefit. No more, no less."
That's a load of shit. I became Qrow's informant as Hei Lang just because I need to cover my bullshit story to Raven. And speaking of bullshit... why didn't I get level-up notifications of my [Bullshitting] skill anymore? Ah, maybe Veritas decided to give me a break this time. Good for me, I guess.
Following my gesture, Winter sat elegantly on the chair and Whitley follows suit, quietly taking a seat beside her on another chair. Winter didn't say another word until I sat myself on Qrow's chair and made myself comfortable. It reeks thickly of alcohol...
"I cannot imagine working together with him. He's insufferable." She said, still scowling. "Personally, I think of him as an untrustworthy indidual. Unruly, brutish and vulgar... and not to mention that he's always drunk for no reason. What is it that you seek by associating yourself with him, Hei Lang?"
Wow. She really doesn't like him.
"Truthfully, I am not a fan of his personality either." I replied, this time honestly. "But... let's just say that I need certain information that only he and his little group of people knew about. In return, I am to be his messenger, passing information to a certain individual. That is all I can tell you... for now."
There, I said the truth. Now that I knew Qrow had some secret knowledge that he and his unknown group only knows about, I've made it my objective to absorb every single detail of information that they knew. Grimmbane, The Four Maidens, The Relics... I'll get to know them eventually, the price being Qrow's lapdog... that's not bad.
"I see. Forgive me for my curiosity, Hei Lang." Winter slightly bowed her head in apology. "Honestly, I'm surprised that you would even tell me that much. I thought you were more of a... secretive person."
She doesn't know that I AM a secretive person. Well, nobody does except Qrow, currently.
"Because I see no harm in answering your question... to some extent. Curiosity is the essence of any living being, after all." I answered smoothly, before leaning forward. "But enough about that, Miss Schnee... we could spend all night talking about ourselves, but we're here to talk business, right?"
Winter looks a bit flustered, but she quickly smoothen her expression. I wonder what was that about...
"Yes, that's right." She nodded, slowly reaching for her pocket. "The General had given me the seal of approval to request your help. This request came from Atlas, an official mission request that equals the mission rank A. If that term is unfamiliar with you, it means it was a mission that only full-fledged Huntsman and Atlas Specialists can apply for... and it's a top secret mission."
Yikes. I have to do that kind of mission? Talk about an overestimation. I'm not even a Huntsman yet.
"Hmm, you think I'm qualified enough for that?" I asked, putting my hand under my chin. "You see, I'm not even a Huntsman, at least not officially. I don't even have a transcript... for all you know, I could be a fraud, faking all my accomplishments without anyone knowing. No offense, but why exactly do you Atlas folks think so highly of me?"
Yeah, that's been bothering me too. I'm still nothing compared to actual Huntsmans and Huntresses like Qrow, my parents and my sisters... they could've asked someone else, someone more capable. Why did they choose me for this? Granted, I've managed to thwart an assault of White Fang before, but that was just
"You managed to hold your own against Cang Long. Now, I know what are you thinking," Winter added, as I opened my mouth to interrupt. "He purposefully held back so that he can toy with you, that is true from what I heard from Weiss. But he's been unstoppable before this... Our Specialists had been dispatched to deal with him, but... they were no match for him. You, in the other hand..."
She paused and looked at me right in the eyes. Those slate blue eyes, they look exactly like Weiss', cold and strong. Her stare makes me want to relent to the request without too much asking, but...
"You managed to show everyone that Cang Long can be stopped. Whatever power is in your disposal that managed to take him down that night, you bring us a new hope." She smiles very briefly. "And in this mission, you're not exactly on your own. Some of our Specialists, that had been defeated by Cang Long before, had volunteered to help you with this mission. Especially that ginger... They will join you and aid you in any way possible... if you accept our request."
This is a really dangerous mission, right? Honestly, I really don't want to chicken out of this, but I ought to decide wisely. Luck managed to get me out of dangerous situations before, but what if it isn't enough this time? I don't want to die in vain, die while trying to do something beyond my capabilities. What if Cang Long shows up again? I don't think he's going to hold back like before.
"Do you accept our request, Hei Lang?" Winter asked.
Her expression was stoic and calm, but I can sense expectation from her. Beside her, Whitley was doing the same... they really expected me to accept their request! I think... I should accept the mission. Nothing ventured, nothing gained... so yeah, here I go again, risking my life. However, before that...
"I will do it on one condition." I said, lifting one finger. "If you can fulfill it, I will do whatever you want me to do with the mission."
A silence for a few seconds. Winter stared at me unblinkingly as time passed, and I didn't blink either.
"What is it?" She finally asked.
"I want you to tell me the truth... the full truth..."
I paused, just to make a dramatic effect.
"... about the Altebrucke incident."
At that, Winter's eyes widened.
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Jackseptice-I mean, Mugen no Tenma, out.