.
No Lords, No Kings, Nor Queens
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Blades fall
Lives taken
In the name of the many
Who only wished for peace.
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(Narrated by Blake Belladonna)
In the world of Remnant, since the dawn of recorded age, Human and Faunus have struggled to find suitable places of prosper.
Lands both safe and plentiful were hard to come by. And where they were found, they were hastily populated, leaving others to seek homes elsewhere. A recurring problem that persists to this very day.
Even now, people strive desperately for the right to claim a place that is theirs. Whether it took fighting the Grimm, adapting to the elements, or in some cases, competing with other settlers, mankind sought their place in the world—often times, by paying a cost too heavy to bear.
Still, people are anything, if not resilient.
In all of Remnant, no example of survivability through sheer strength holds truer than the Kingdom of Vacuo.
Its lands consisting mostly of plains and desert. Greenery and wildlife exist in small pockets, like hidden jewels. The climate is harsh and hot, with rain sparse all year round.
But the greatest adversary to any living soul there—are the Grimm.
Adapted to live under the continent's harsh conditions, the creatures of Grimm are far more tenacious in Vacuo than anywhere else. Their population ranks in the highest numbers, owed to their freer reign of the region. With time, their species grew varied and evolved with frightening degree.
No, Vacuo is far from ideal. But eventually, people found ways to populate the continent. If anything, a testament to the soul of the survivor. So much so, that an idiom developed among the citizens of this nation.
Only the Strongest Survive Vacuo.
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X
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"WE'RE NEVER GONNA SURVIVE THIS!"
"Behind you, Neptune!"
As the hyena-like Grimm was about snap its teeth around Neptune's head, the young man ducked just in time to miss the creatures gnashing maw. Instead, the monster's fangs met with something it did not expect.
Yatsuhashi's blade slipped between the gap of the hyena's mouth, and gutted its body from cheek to tail. The two halves plopped into the dirt with the sound of slopping flesh.
Another Grimm from the pack dashed up and tried its own bite. Too close to swing his weapon, Yatsuhashi brought his arm bracer up just as the teeth clamped down. The creature snarled and frothed, saliva dripping over the reinforced steel.
"Got him!"
Neptune jumped in to repay his debt by stabbing his lance into the hyena gnawing at Yatsuhashi's arm.
"Hey! If you two are done playing with the doggies over there, we could use some help! You know! With the ACTUAL bounty!" someone shouted.
Not too far from Neptune and Yatsuhashi, were Sun and Fox. The pair were busy fighting their own Grimm threat in a giant-sized mantis called a Preyer.
With forelegs shaped like sickles, the insect darted its limbs with devastating speed. Fox only able to respond because of his exceptionally acute blind-sense. Sun on the other hand, was forced to conjure duplicates to take the hits meant for him.
"WHERE'S BLAKE?!"
"Calm down, Sun…You're embarrassing us."
A Goliath-type Grimm was trampling its way towards the group, when it suddenly tripped into the dirt. Its tusks dug into the ground as it dragged to a stop before them. They could see a figure appear above the elephant's evaporating corpse. Her black desert cowl whipping in the wind.
""YOU'RE ALIVE!"" Sun and Neptune yelled.
"Of course, I am. Now reform positions and protect the transports," Blake ordered.
The five disengaged from their foes and drew back, heading towards the caravan where the others were fighting.
Originally, Blake, Sun, Neptune, Yatsuhashi, and Fox had taken a Grimm Extermination mission for the Preyer mantis. The creature had been attacking settlements and hunters for the last few weeks. When the group found it, it was in the middle of wreaking havoc on a traveling caravan—which was also being raided by a pack of hyena Grimm called Jesters—whiletrespassing on the grazing territory of a Goliath herd.
It was a triple threat of three different groups of Grimm. The silver lining being, the creatures were just as hostile towards each other as anyone else.
Amidst the chaos, the caravan's soldiers, along with Blake's team, protected the transports. A supply unit so large, held life or death essentials for whatever settlement they were ferrying to. As such, Blake and the others knew they could not abandon the cargo.
On their approach, a Faunus soldier came to meet them. "Thank you fo—Humans?"
"Hey!" Neptune took offense. "We humans are saving your butts! What was that code thing again…?"
"Respect is Earned," Sun answered. "And Strength in Numbers."
"Right! That!"
After his initial mistrust, the Faunus soldier's demeanor changed. "Yes. Respect is Earned. Strength in Numbers," he echoed. "Thank you for your help. I know how this may sound, but we can't move the caravan if the front isn't cleared."
"Understood," Blake answered. "Sun, Neptune, Yatsuhashi, clear the Jesters from the lead vehicles, so the transport can start moving again. The Goliaths are down, but more are coming. If we leave their territory, they'll stop their aggression."
"What about the Preyer?!" Sun asked.
"Fox and I will handle it."
"By yourselves? ARE YOU CRAZY?! IT'S A B-CLASS GRIMM!"
"Go!"
Blake and Fox rushed out.
"ARRRGGHHH! You heard her! Let's get this payload moving!"
As the Preyer made its way towards the caravan, it was deflected by two assailants.
"Fox, distract it. If I can take out one of its legs, I can set it off-balance."
The boy nodded and unleashed a flurry of slashes from the front. In return, the Grimm used its raptor-like claws to parry the strikes. The exchanging of blades traded faster than the naked eye could perceive.
Meanwhile, Blake flanked around the Preyer with stealthy step. Once she found a good angle, she prepared her attack. The slash would have to be instantaneous. Because of the mantis' anatomy, it could see near 360 degrees around itself. She needed to operate without the creature's notice and faster than it could react.
At that time, Fox took a heavy jab that made his Aura stutter. The mantis noticed and charged. With its focus completely on the prey before it, the Grimm provided Blake the exact moment she had been waiting for.
Drawing from the sheathe for maximized effect, Blake's silhouette blurred from her crouched position and flickered to a spot across the Preyer's back. A stream of purple light cut through one of the Grimm's legs, causing it to lash out in pain. Unfortunately, one of the creature's haphazard swings caught Fox, knocking him unconscious.
"Fox!" Blake's figure blinked beside him.
He seemed only unconscious. But now it would mean Blake fighting alone. She thought momentarily of retreating with her comrade, but quickly erased the notion.
I can win.
I have to advance.
I can't keep falling behind.
Blake turned to face the Preyer, which had stabilized, albeit a bit off-tilt. She observed the Grimm's scythe-like arms. A soft smile crept over her lips.
When the mantis launched a flurrying combo, Blake found herself able to strafe between the blows. Her shadows phased in and out of existence, causing four or five of her to appear at once. Perhaps, due to the speed and shape of the Grimm's "weapons" reminding her so much of a certain former teammate's, she was able to track its trajectory with ease.
"Whew…"
Blake paced her breath as her Aura manifested in her body. A dark violet glow played about her, before her cowl split into nine separate portions.
The fledgling shadows surrounded the Preyer, and then attacked in concert. A prism of purple thorns, trailing after Blake's swords, formed around the mantis' head.
The Grimm's skull shred to pieces and its carcass fell limp.
Feeling a bit lightheaded, Blake dropped to one knee. She checked on Fox's injuries again to make sure he was in no serious danger.
The sound of the caravan moving caught her attention.
She then, pulled Fox over her shoulder and flick jumped to the roof of the last retreating vehicle.
.
X
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After their harrowing fight and escorting the caravan to their destination, the group of five made their way back to the capital city of Vacuo.
The city was large in its own right, but not as grand or complex as the other Kingdom capitals of Mistral, Vale, or Atlas. Most of its buildings were simple and practical. The stone was rough, and only the main streets were paved. Advanced technology was a rare presence. The ones that did exist could be considered outdated. But any demerits the city faced in comparison to its rivals, could be made up in its vitality.
There was a liveliness in Vacuo scarce places could match. A fire stoked within its people. The men, women, and children shouted and conversed without reserve. They argued and they sung. They worked by the sweat of their brow with a sense of fulfillment on their faces. The air smelled of different herbs and foods cooked. Nothing of the city could be considered docile or tame.
The people of Vacuo lived every moment of their lives.
Fitting, given how much it took simply tolive.
…
"Alright. I gotta go see my parents and let them know I'm still alive. Catch you guys later!" Sun bid farewell to the rest of the group.
"Not going with him?" Blake asked Neptune.
"Nah. I mean sure, Sun's folks are cool and everything, but his mom keeps trying to shove food down my throat 'cause she thinks I'm too skinny. And his dad keeps trying to make me work out with him 'cause he thinks I need to bulk up. It can get a little much."
"That's good. It shows they care."
"If you say so."
"I know so. Out of your team, you were the only one to transfer over with Sun. His parents see that." Blake let out a small laugh. "You even sailed on a boat for him."
"Guh…Let's not talk about that anymore, okay? It's so uncool."
"Really? I think it's sweet."
"Yeah? Well, I'm sure his parents are sweet on you. Now that I think about it, you don't really come over to his place for dinner."
"Haha," Blake chuckled bitterly. "I'm not exactly welcome at the Wukong household."
"What? Why is that?"
"Because I'm part of the White Fang."
"Oh…I, uh."
"Don't worry about it—it's nothing I'm unfamiliar with. By the way, how are you getting used to things here?"
"Getting there. Still wish people didn't give me the stink eye all the time just for being human. Is this what it's like to be a Faunus in the other Kingdoms?"
"Not really. The people here have a long-standing grudge against humanity, but they don't discriminate—at least most don't. If I had to say, they're more wary than hateful. There are humans, who live here and are widely accepted, after all."
"Yeah. I notice Fox and Yatsu don't get any dirty looks."
"They grew up here, and the people can tell. You…just need more time to prove yourself."
"It's the lack of scars and abs, isn't it? Seriously." Neptune started pointing out the people walking by. "Scars. Abs. Scars AND abs. Everybody here has abs! Why is everyone just…jacked?I mean, I thought Sun was joking when he said he was the norm, but…"
"This is Vacuo. If you aren't strong and you aren't tested, you die."
"So, I should take up Sun's dad's offer?"
Blake shrugged. "It couldn't hurt."
"And I can't help but notice you guys don't sweat. Like, it's a million degrees out here, and you're still wearing black…"
"Because of our Faunus heritage, a lot of us can regulate our body temperature. Just another edge that makes us more adaptable here, I guess."
"No wonder so few humans are around."
"Survival of the Fittest," Blake shrugged.
"Oh, right. The Code. That needs getting used to too."
"Still having trouble remembering them?"
Neptune started counting them off his fingers. "Survival of the Fittest. Strength in Numbers. Respect is Earned. Honor Rewards and Service. And—uh..."
"Eye for an Eye."
"Right. The Code of Vacuo. The rules that aren't rules. Still can't wrap my head around the idea that there aren't actual laws around here, and there's no punishment against breaking the Code."
"It's just how it is. The people here have experienced the law used unfairly against them for centuries. It may seem uncivilized to have no official rules or law enforcement, but that just means it depends on the decency of people."
"That's where the Code comes in?"
"Yes. The Code is more of a guide that emphasizes survivability and the moral good of others."
"Even Eye for an Eye?"
"Vacuo has its share of problems, but…"
"But, what?"
"Can you honestly say it's worse here than anywhere else?"
Neptune had to think on it for a second. "In place of society's rules, it depends on the people's moral consciousness… It'd be nice if it keeps working."
"It has for the last five years. Here's hoping it lasts another five more."
"Now, if only you guys could do something about all the insane Grimm outside the walls."
"Then more people would be willing to live here and the Faunus would have a real home."
"If only."
"If only."
The four reached a large intersection and stopped.
"You guys can go ahead back to Shade and turn in the bounty," Blake told them.
"You're not coming with us?"
"I…need to see the White Fang about something. I'll catch up with all of you later."
Before hearing their response, Blake left the group, making her own way in the other direction.
For some time, she walked the streets alone—Well, not completely alone. Figures hidden and unhidden trailed her footsteps, keeping a close eye on her. More of them gathered by the second, as Blake reached her destination.
The Hanging Gardens.
Once, the palace of Vacuo's government, now turned home base of the White Fang. It was a grand structure, built with floors upon floors of green terraces. The walls and supporting pillars were constructed in stone, as well as metal. A strange sight on first appearance, but possessing of a certain charm to its design.
As Blake entered the premises, she was flanked by members of the White Fang.
Unlike the ones seen outside the Kingdom, these members did not wear Grimm masks. It was advocated that they only do so when warring with humans as a fear tactic. But since they were not on hostile terms with the humans of Vacuo, many of the White Fang never wore their masks. Also, the ones present were much older into adulthood, whereas the ones outside the Kingdom were mostly youths.
As they walked, the members showed no open animosity towards Blake, at least on the surface. Distrust, and even malice, made the air thick with tension. But the young Faunus pressed on with impressive composure.
Eventually, she arrived at the highest floor of the Hanging Gardens, which used to serve as the throne room. A vast hall of vibrant trees normally seen in forests lined its walls. Each stone pillar was wrapped in elegant vines and leaves. Shallow waters circulated between the tiles on the floors. It was like an oasis brought indoors.
And sitting on a throne twisted in wood was Temujin—Leader of the White Fang.
.
X
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(Months Ago)
"To understand Vacuo, you have to kow its history and how it ties with the Faunus people…and your people."
"Alright. I'm listening, Blake."
"Are you sure about this, Weiss? I know it's a sensitive subject."
"I'm sure. If this is going to work, I need to know the truth—not what's been written or perpetuated by Atlas. Not the lies my father or our Kingdom has taught us. We need both sides of the story."
"…Alright. Unfortunately, this means I have to share some things about myself as well."
"Oh, yes. How terrible that must be for you."
*Sigh*
The Kingdom of Vacuo.
It's said that its earliest founding came from the first frontiersmen set out from Mistral. Other than that, not much else is known. What is known; however, is that the time leading up to the previous century, Faunus were used as heavy labor.
Because of the physical advantages afforded to us by our heritage, our people were "employed" by the Kingdom's ruling body, who—of course—were human. Despite the difficulties of the environment, the nation was established, if for one reason only.
The largest concentration of Dust laid beneath the grounds of Vacuo. Although, newly discovered veins in Atlas may someday prove otherwise. At that point in time, Vacuo was host to the largest source of Dust(and Bane) in all of Remnant. It was thought that this was another contributing factor to the Grimm's overwhelming presence.
In any case, living in Vacuo proved incredibly difficult. The Faunus were barely surviving. Much less contend with the environment and the Grimm, they were also forced to work in terrible conditions for pitiful compensation.
So, they did what anyone would.
They asked for what they deserved. The Faunus people wanted fair pay, better treatment, and representation in the governing body. They wanted to be treated like equals, instead of slaves.
Something that should have been freely given.
But as you would expect, our ancestors were ignored and suppressed instead.
And when they wouldn't blindly submit, the rulers of Vacuo used violence, which only fanned the flames. Uprisings and revolts spread across the country. Few humans lived there, and fewer still would have the actual power to stop the rebellion. It only seemed a matter of time before the Faunus took over Vacuo for themselves.
The Kingdom faced pressure from the other nations to refine more Dust, because mining had halted.
That was when the human rulers of Vacuo reached out for help…
And the First Crusade happened.
…
Details of the event have been covered up or burned from the history books for obvious reason. Our people were almost wiped out under the might of the other three Kingdoms. The rebellion of the Faunus was extinguished…
Until the next time.
And then, there was the Second Crusade.
Not much is known about that time either. All that is known, is that it occurred during the First Great War.
In the next sixty years, Vacuo would rebuild and expand.
Besides a few cities, most of its citizens lived in nomadic tribes, which some still do now. The people that lived outside the Kingdom had to migrate constantly to avoid roaming herds of Grimm and settle in temporary oases. They also had to mine Dust in cycled locations, and return to the capital in scheduled intervals.
It was a difficult life. One that claimed many lives frequently and mercilessly…
…
My parents included.
I was three, when I lost them.
But that isn't relevant now.
What is relevant, is who raised me afterwards.
His name was Shepherd and he was the founder of the original White Fang.
Unlike, what it is now, the organization originally embodied a pacifist ideology at its conception. Shepherd preached nonviolence. He sought equality for our people through peaceful protest and negotiation.
I idolized him. I think all of us did.
And after four years of relentless campaign, it looked like Shepherd stood on the verge of making real change.
…
…
I'll never forget that day.
When I was seven years old, agents from the other Kingdoms started the Third Crusade.
The first attack came during a major peace talk involving the higher ups of Vacuo's government, parties involved in Dust trade, and of course, the White Fang. Shepherd, along with a number of pro-peace representatives were killed at the summit.
The Crusaders thought after dealing such a blow to the Faunus rebellion, any remaining resistances would quickly fold…
How wrong they were.
In place of Shepherd, his twin sister rose to take his place as leader of the White Fang—that leader was Temujin.
Unlike her brother, she believed strength was the answer. That we would have to shed blood for our right to live and survive.
Temujin was a charismatic leader and a ruthless general. She united the White Fang, the nomadic tribes, and any willing citizens, and organized them into a revolutionary army. A force for the Faunus people and the survival of our race.
Her tactics combined unorthodox warfare with our people's physical advantages. She used Vacuo's environments against incoming Crusader armies. Temujin deployed covert cells outside the continent to sabotage and assassinate key targets on the enemy side.
From a young age, Adam, myself, and many other orphans volunteered ourselves for such work.
We took missions in Mistral, then in Vale, while Temujin and the others fought on the forefronts of Vacuo. We vowed on Shepherd's grave that we would win our people's rights, no matter what the cost.
…
And after six years of war, the revolutionary army overthrew the government and routed the invading forces.
The Third Crusade ended.
The Faunus of Vacuo were no longer oppressed.
Corruption in the government was obliterated.
The Kingdom underwent a number of dramatic changes. For one thing, the revolutionary army became Vacuo's official military, though many soldiers chose civilian life afterwards.
And in a strange twist of fate, Temujin, leader of the White Fang, became the Crownless Queen of the Kingdom.
In the years that followed, people were told to govern themselves. Temujin never officially took on the role of ruler, nor did she want it. Actually, she did everything in her power to refuse any sort of appointment. She barely functioned any further as leader of the White Fang after that.
Temujin did however, "decree" one thing.
A Code.
They weren't laws, or punishable by any means. They were meant to serve as guiding principles, followed at one's discretion.
Survival of the Fittest - Survival being the ultimate imperative.
Strength in Numbers - Working together, functioning as one, towards a united purpose increased survivability.
Respect is Earned - Any person must prove their worth, as any person should show recognition in return.
Honor Rewards and Service – The encouragement of deserved pay for service rendered.
Eye for an Eye – Instead of a warning to the victim, it was more meant for the perpetrator of a crime. That they should know if they were to wrong someone, there would be consequences for what came after. Taking another's eye meant your own was forfeit.
The Code wasn't perfect, but it was enough.
The citizens of Vacuo lived free, and for the most part, never took it for granted. Possibly due to the simple matter of trying to stay alive day-to-day, they were too preoccupied and reliant on each other to think about deviating from the moral good.
As time passed, individuals in the White Fang voiced concerns over the oppression of Faunus in other Kingdoms. Most of which, belonged to the younger generation.
I regret to say now that Adam and I were some of the loudest among them.
But Temujin refused the idea.
That was the moment the White Fang began to split into different factions. Many of our organization's members traveled to the other Kingdoms. Others, who were eternally loyal to Temujin, remained in Vacuo.
To this day, she remains the "leader" of the White Fang, which makes her the unofficial ruler of Vacuo in a sense. Though, she does nothing resembling a regent. Even as the group continues to disintegrate or divide itself between Adam and Raven, who either of them can be named successors, Temujin refuses to take action.
Which brings us to present day.
…
…
"Are you sure this Temujin is the one we should be speaking to? From what you've just told me, she doesn't seem to care what happens at this point—not about the war, not about the other Faunus. Nothing."
"I know her, Weiss. She raised me with Shepherd and after he died. Even if she acts aloof, we shouldn't take it as just that. She cares. I just—don't know what her intentions are right now…"
"Well. I trust your judgment. Either way, even if Vacuo advocates its neutrality and excuses itself from the war by saying it has no governing body…It's Temujin's word, then?"
"Yes. As it stands, Temujin is the voice of Vacuo. What action she takes is the reflection of the Kingdom as a whole. She could be the deciding factor in this war."
And if so, Temujin is the one we need.
.
X
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In the Hanging Gardens' top floor, an old woman sat on her throne. Her hands and chin rested on her cane. Her left leg was missing and her right eye had a black patch to hide the empty socket underneath.
The wolf ears on her head were frayed and damaged. Her hair was a dark grey mane that draped down her back, more like fur than hair. Her skin was cracked and scarred from old age and countless battles. Rather than a wolf, the woman resembled a wily old fox lording over a forest.
Temujin continued to hold Blake in her stare for a moment, before giving a small huff.
"Welcome back, Blake. The mission went well?"
"It did. We were able to save the caravan."
"Good, good. Those supplies were vital to a new expansion."
"How...did you know the Preyer was going to attack the caravan?"
"Oh, I have a nose for these things. Or maybe, it's because I think that's what I would have done."
"Right. Uh…"
"Hm?"
"The prisoner," Blake tried to change the subject.
"You want to see him. Make sure we haven't eaten him up? Hehehe!"
"Yes. If I could please."
"Right. To think, there would be a day I'd see you put your life on the line for a human. Odd thing."
The surrounding members of the White Fang grew tense at the words.
Last week, they had captured a man from Vale sneaking into the city. When he was presented before Temujin as a spy, Blake immediately leapt to his defense, vouching for him with her own life. An act that did not bode well with her comrades.
Murmurs spread among the audience. Words of "traitor" and "conspirator" and the like, began making its rounds.
The voices were instantly pierced silent by a sudden crack of Temujin's cane.
"If anyone wishes to express their concerns over Blake's fidelity to our people, please—come forth. I'll make sure to commit it to memory, before I carve out your tongue." She looked about the room with a challenging glare. "No? No one? Make no mistake, Blake has always done what she thought was right by our people and would never knowingly endanger us. Of that I have never doubted."
"Thank you, Temujin."
"You were raised by Shepherd. I know you wouldn't dishonor his memory—not on purpose anyway."
"Right…"
In the eyes of many here, Blake didn't earn mistrust just shielding a potential spy. There was also the fact that she was one of the main advocators for Adam Taurus in the past. The man who explicitly defied Temujin and currently works to take over the White Fang.
"Leave us."
Under their leader's words, everyone except Blake filtered out of the hall.
Once, they were all gone, Temujin's expression laxed.
"Honestly, these idiots. Why they listen to every bark of a crippled old woman is beyond me! At least your generation has some spine. You're also just as foolish, but at least you stand up for yourselves."
"You don't exactly encourage defiance sitting on a throne, at the top of a palace."
"I just happen to like living here, and this chair is rather comfy. Are you going to start listening to me just because I sit on a fancy chair, in my fancy house?"
"Depends on what you have to say."
"Hmph!" Temujin cracked a toothy grin. "You're starting to remind me of my brother—especially these days. I remember when you used to be a shivering little kitten under the angry gazes of your peers, always hiding in Adam's shadow. Now, look at you— hardly even a blink. Did something at Beacon knock your teeth out, so you could grow some sharper fangs, I wonder?"
"More like a few people."
"Hoh! Well, you'll have to bring them here, then."
"…When I can, I'd very much like to introduce you."
"I look forward to the day—But enough pleasantries. There's something on your mind, I can smell it. Something that doesn't have to do with the prisoner, I imagine."
"No, he can wait. I need to speak to you about the war and the White Fang."
Temujin let out a long and tired sigh. "You and everyone else, Little Blake. When are you all going to get it through your thick skulls that I'm retired? Bah! Go and ask your questions. I'm listening—but only because you're my favorite."
Blake took a deep breath. She had rehearsed the words and waited for an opportune time such as this. She also managed to get Temujin in a good mood, which was an important plus.
"I want to know what you're planning to do with the White Fang. Adam and Raven are fighting for Mistral and earning the Faunus rights in the Kingdom. I know there are plans to start an uprising in Atlas. This war presents our people with an opportunity for equality we've never dreamed of. But it all depends on what actions you take, Temujin. Who you choose to side with, who you choose to go against. You can decide who wins this war. So, I want to ask. How is the Kingdom of Vacuo going to move? Who will you fight?"
"…Fight?" Temujin folded her remaining leg under her. "Blake, do I look like I'm in any condition to fight anyone?"
"You know what I mean. You're still the leader of the White Fang, to the members here and the ones overseas. Even if the citizens despise us, Vacuo's military will follow you in whatever campaign you take. Do you really plan on doing nothing?"
"And if I do?"
"Then, you're going to hand over power to Raven? I can't imagine you naming Adam as your successor."
"Naming anyone a successor sounds ridiculous."
"Then, how is Vacuo going to enter the war?"
"It is not."
Blake had to stop herself from smiling. Hearing Temujin refuse to enter the war was what she was aiming for. Goading her was a way to make the woman open up and discern her intentions.
"Then, how about I tell you a way to avoid your problems altogether?"
Temujin drummed her fingers on her cane for a time.
"I'm listening."
"You can forge an alliance with Atlas."
"Atlas…Now that's an idea I haven't heard yet. Why would I get in bed with Atlas? If anything, they're the last people I'd entrust with the fate of our people."
"When I studied at Beacon, one of my teammates was Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. We became close friends and I trust her with my life. She's sympathetic to our people and our cause. She also holds a position at the top echelons of her Kingdom."
"Hoh…Another change from your time at Beacon, hm?"
"I know what you might be thinking. She's a Schnee, but I promise you she's worth trusting! If you, who represent the intent of Vacuo and the Faunus population, enter an alliance with her, you could push her to the top. It would put an end to the war in a single move.
Mistral's parliament is motivated in favor of Faunus rights. A large portion of their army is composed of the White Fang. They would lose all support for war if you win equality in Atlas. Striking an alliance with Mistral afterwards would take next to nothing. And Vale won't risk a fight against three united Kingdoms."
"That is an interesting proposal…but I have doubts about this Weiss Schnee."
Blake swallowed and prepared herself for what she would say next.
"Her mother—was Olea Schnee. She was the representative ambassador of the Schnee Dust Company eleven years ago. At the summit hearing, she was with Shepherd trying to broker a peace between our people…And died during the Third Crusade."
"Ah…I thought the name sounded familiar. But remind me, Blake. Didn't Shepherd die because Olea Schnee lowered our guard? She created an opening for the Crusaders to drive the dagger through, did she not?"
"Lies. All of it. On Atlas's side, they were taught the White Fang was responsible for the failed summit, and that they purposely caused her death."
"Huh."
"We can redo history as it was supposed to have been, Temujin! We can accomplish what Shepherd always wanted! Peace without bloodshed! Equality through unity!"
"And all I would need to do is support this Weiss Schnee. What would it take to do that? Give her rights to some of our Dust mines perhaps?"
"If you did, Weiss would make sure to give more than fair wages to any workers. It wouldn't be the same as it was in the past. She also promises to share Atlas technology. I've received blue prints and concept designs to present to you in good faith. Once the embargo on trading is lifted, Weiss will send whole shipments of it, free of charge."
Blake stepped forward, pulled up emails on her scroll, and showed it to Temujin.
"Hm hm. These new vehicle models would make the supply runs much smoother."
"We would also be able to construct our own airships."
"Indeed, we would."
"So, you'll sign a treaty?"
Temujin graciously handed back the scroll to Blake. A warm smile on her face, like a grandmother's.
"Hahaha! No. An alliance with Atlas is impossible."
Blake stared at her for a moment. Her brow wrinkled and her jaw tightened.
"Why not?" she asked.
"Because, Blake," Temujin leaned back in her chair. "No one has the authority to sign an alliance agreement."
"You do."
"I do not rule Vacuo. Vacuo rules itself.
There are no lords, no kings, nor queens here.
So, no one can make a representative decision.
That includes myself…"