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The Trades Made With Fate
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"You get what you pay for."
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Beneath the ground, she sensed the heartbeat in the Remnant's core. Pulsing in powerful rhythm. A low resonation underneath the skin. The pounding in her own chest synchronized with it.
It reached out like tree roots, seeking the surface. A way into the light of day. She felt it thread through the air, weaving like weightless strings. They sang, they hummed, they connected like emotion. So surreal and intangible, but at the same time, ever-present.
Her right hand lifted, and they gathered to her touch.
Yang opened her eyes and the imagery faded. The scene before her, replaced by a heavily vegetated area beside a nearby stream. Vibrant green filled her vision. The land was overgrown with nature left unchecked. A small pocket world untouched by civilization.
She felt a warm tingle at the end of her right limb, where Aura coursed and collected.
With some reluctance, she attached her prosthetic to it. The familiar sensation of machine joining with flesh jolted her nerves, waking up her pain receptors.
Yang operated her metallic fingers, and they answered her will. Though, something was amiss. Her movements lacked a certain dexterity to them. A sluggishness that gave her pause.
She pumped her fist and a cartridge ejected from her forearm. Yang caught it and examined the amount of Dust it held.
The contents indicated it was full.
Yang reloaded it and made Ember Celica's engines fire briefly.
It drained her Aura like something greedy. The warmth in her limb evaporated with an immediate chill.
That's not good.
Yang ejected the Dust cartridge again to look at it.
Full.
No decrease in the amount whatsoever.
With a heavy sigh, she disconnected her prosthetic and set it aside.
Crap.
The Dust isn't burning…
Seriously, it's just one thing after another.
Yang gave an annoyed pout. Her good hand started picking at the grass to vent her frustrations.
"Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I did kinda screw those two over," she said to herself aloud. "It would be weirder if there wasn't a price tag attached. The question is, how am I going to deal with this…"
She turned ideas around in her head for a while, but came up with nothing.
"Well! I'll burn that bridge when I come to it."
"Something we need to worry about?" Raven approached. "For someone who survived their Semblance Trial, you look oddly displeased."
"I'm reflecting on the consequences of my actions. Apparently, purposely failing the trial comes with a price!"
"Oh, look. Purposely obscure speech does run in the family." Her mother joined her side and started examining her prosthetic. "You told us you weren't suffering the negative effects of the Reaper's Semblance, anymore. No bloodlust, no deathly urges or visions?"
"Not a one. It's not the Semblance that's the problem. It's what it cost me…"
"And what exactly did it cost you?"
Yang flipped a shard of Bane in her hand absentmindedly, and then swiftly crunched it between her teeth.
…
No effect.
"A REALLY big handicap," Yang said with disdain.
Raven stared at her wide-eyed. "That's going to be a problem."
"No. Kidding."
"But the life-seeing, or whatever you're going to call your Semblance ability?"
"I don't know all there is to it yet. But if you're wondering if I'm still a force to be reckoned with, I'm sure I can still land a fist where it hurts."
"As long as you're not completely defenseless."
"Yeah. Welp! That's the music," Yang said, while stretching her back. "Just another tradeoff to work around."
"No need to tell me about bad tradeoffs. But really, that's a problem."
"I lost my right arm. Compared to that, any other handicap will be a piece of cake walk."
Raven gave a tired groaned.
The two inhaled deep, taking in the natural air around them. Only the sounds of the forest's inhabitants filled silence for a while.
"The scenery is nice and everything, but did you have to come all the way out here?" Raven asked. "You couldn't do your mediation near the house?"
"I dunno. Life feels more abundant here than anywhere else, and the resonance is good."
"More things about your mysterious new Semblance?"
"I wonder~"
"Hmph."
Even now, Raven couldn't shake off the strange feeling she received from under Yang's gaze. She put her hand over her daughter's eyes in a playful manner, and the younger girl laughed. Yang may have revealed imperfections in her new power, but there was no denying the threat that lied there.
"Did you finish saying goodbye to your father?"
"Yup. Ready to go."
Raven released Yang's head, and quickly cut open a portal.
A moment later, they both appeared near the entrance to Haven Academy. Just to the side of a building, where they would not be seen.
"That'll never get boring," Yang said, as she stepped into the clear. "Wonder if I'll ever get to do something like that someday."
"Maybe if you sign a desperate deal with a conniving bitch of a Witch, you might. I wouldn't recommend it, though."
Raven's mention of Salem made Yang think of her. The Witch was a sworn enemy of her mother, but in some ways, herself. She was referred to as the one responsible for Cinder, and also Adam. The real puppeteer behind everything. The big bad behind every big bad.
Even so, it was difficult to feel any sort of enmity towards someone she never met. There were times when Yang tried to picture her, but it would never take. Perhaps against her mother's wishes, she would speak with the Witch one day, and find out for herself.
Whether she's worth killing or not…
…
"How did you know not to take the deal?" Raven interrupted her thoughts.
"Huh?"
"You said during your trial, two paths were presented to you—two identities, two futures. And you made a completely different decision. You know life would've been easier if you picked one. So, how?"
Yang stuck her tongue out and put a finger to her chin in thought.
"I don't know, actually. I thought both deals sounded like scams so…I decided to pick a fight instead."
"…"
"If I'm being honest, I didn't give it much thought. I mean, the options sounded so crappy, I didn't think they were worth considering."
"…"
"That…wasn't the answer you were looking for."
"Pft!"
"Hm?"
"Pft—hahaha!"
"Mom?"
"A scam…Hahaha!" Raven laughed again, arching her head back. "That's right. Only an idiot would agree to something that was clearly a scam." She wiped a tear from her eye. "Well, it still cost you in the end. No regrets, I imagine?"
"Nope. Wouldn't have wanted it to go down any other way."
Her mother smiled.
"A decision made without regret has to be the right one. I wish I could've realized something so simple when I was your age. But I'm glad you don't have to repeat the same mistakes." Raven breathed a contented sigh and recovered from her brief fit. "You're growing up. It might be time for you to grow up from your little band of misfits too."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"Youknowwhat I mean."
"...I like being part of Team ENMY. It wasn't anything I expected. Things are weird right now. I don't know."
"From what I know, you're already on your way out. You tagged along with them to meet me, and here we are. I also have some info to pass regarding a way to revive Cinder. It's going to take them off-continent. Are you going to follow?"
"I…" Yang paused. "I don't know."
"Even though it was me you came for? They aren't the friends you think they are, Yang. Deep down, you understand that."
"…That, might be right."
"This is the same thing. Don't make a decision you're going to regret. That's all I can say."
Yang replied with a short nod.
"I won't. Just need to give it some more thought."
"Alright." Raven turned slightly, and cut open a fresh portal. "Yang," she stressed. "I might need you for something soon. Be sure to answer your scroll when I call."
"You got it."
"I'm serious. What might happen next is very important."
"Alright," Yang answered seriously.
"And Yang?"
"Yeah, mom?"
"I'm proud of you."
"…"
Struck speechless, Yang struggled to assemble some form of response. Fortunately, her mother filled in the blanks.
"Answer your scroll."
The girl sighed, "Yeah, yeah."
And with the last of their parting words exchanged, Raven disappeared through the portal.
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X
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As soon as Mercury entered the doorway of Team ENMY's room, a black envelope was thrown at him by Emerald.
"We move out in five," she said.
"So, they finally found them?"
"Yeah. Moment of truth."
He took out the papers inside the envelope and read them.
"Exact coordinates this time. It's still east of the Windpath. How are we supposed to get there?"
"That's what I'm working on right now," Emerald answered, while holding her scroll to her ear. "Inna. I need those clearance codes you used to sneak out an airship a while back. What do I need them for? I need them to sneak out an airship. Why else?"
In one corner of the room, Mercury spotted Neo writing a letter and placing it under her pillow. It would be easily found if someone were to toss the place looking for clues.
"What about Yang?" he asked. "She might try to find us, if we suddenly take off."
"I'm already giving her a call," Emerald replied, after hanging up on Inna.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Who else is going to do it? She'll never buy it coming from you. You're a terrible actor."
"Hey! I fooled everyone when I faked my leg being shot."
"Cause all you had to do was get shot, and yell, 'My leg! My leg!' Plus, your feelings make you compromised."
"I don't have feelings."
"Whatever. Stow it and pack your gear. We're traveling light." Emerald leapt from her seat, and started out the door. "Yang. Some stuff's come up. We won't be back for a couple nights. Caught a lead on Cinder, and we're following it…"
Emerald's voice trailed off as she moved down the dorm halls.
"We're really leaving, huh?" Mercury muttered.
Neo glanced at him and nodded. She took the sketchpad she drew her life story into, and place that too under her pillow. It was difficult to part with, but she always intended to give it to Yang. Something she always put off, because she was constantly adding more drawings to it. Including some rather indecent doodles sketched in secret.
Mercury packed the necessities for travel and the supplies needed for the fight. As far as sentimental objects went, he had none. Save for a pair of keys to a motorcycle he built with Yang.
He stared at them for a while, before leaving them under his pillow.
Emerald returned.
"We've got our airship, our clearance, and blondie's out of the equation. I'm not forgetting anything, am I?"
"Don't suppose you're going to leave Yang anything."
"No. Why? Did you guys?"
Mercury and Neo only stared at her.
"Of course, you did. Well, I haven't got squat to use as a parting gift and letters aren't really my thing. So, I'm just gonna do her my professional courtesy, and bamf without a trace. Now, get your asses in gear."
As they filed out, Mercury looked back at the dorm one last time.
It was unlike him, he knew. This room was always meant to be just another temporary living space. Just like Yang was always supposed to be just a temporary eyesore.
They formed a team and took her on because they had to. Extra baggage he and Emerald had to carry around. Actual attachments were never part of the deal.
…
He wondered if the next time they met, it would go down the same way Yang fought with Weiss and Blake. Former teammates battling it out in a messy affair. Except in their case, it would probably be to the death.
…
It wasn't long…but it was nice.
Nicer than I ever thought it would be.
"See ya, blondie."
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X
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It was midafternoon, when Qrow and Team RNJR finished their most recent trek.
The group stepped onto the border-end of the Windpath. A place in which, all the gusts and gales gathered into tornadoes snaking their way into the sky. They looked like the trunks of giant trees, with thunderous, dark clouds as treetops.
The points of the vertical drafts centered on numerous mountain peaks. Where, lied safe harbor for the travelers. The only eyes of the storm that were permanently fixed.
The group ventured to one mountain in particular. The tumultuous winds grew so fierce as they neared their destination, they were forced to tie themselves together. Their weapons stabbed into the earth to keep themselves anchored.
It took herculean effort, but in the end, the effort paid off.
At the center of the wind funnel, loomed a tower of dark green marble. Constructed in the style of a pagoda, it made for a strangely solid sight in contrast with its stormy surroundings. Almost like the building itself was the source of tamed atmosphere.
"Let's get in," Qrow beckoned. His tone filled with an eagerness for answers.
The group entered the premises and shut the heavy doors behind them. Finding themselves in what seemed to be a wide lobby, they could barely see anything beyond the darkness. Until a green light spawned from Qrow's waist, and illuminated the chamber.
Mechanisms throughout the Tower activated in the same moment, and they could hear the gears of clocks cranking. When the Huntsman looked for the trigger, he saw that it was Ozpin's cane that acted as key.
Before the party, a lattice hologram was woven into existence in the form of Beacon's late Headmaster. His appearance a perfect mimic of how they remembered him. Postured with both hands behind his back, straight and prompt.
"Oz?" Qrow couldn't help but blurt.
"Yes. Good work on making your way here, Qrow. There isn't much time. I suspect Salem will learn of this location soon if she hasn't already. Follow me."
As the ephemeral body turned to lead them deeper into the Tower, Qrow yelled,
"Wait a second! I want answers! Like what the hell is this place? And where the hell have you been?"
"Qrow. Time is of the essence."
"Yeah? Well, tough! You gonna tell me I've been carrying you around this entire time, and you just never said a word?"
"I wasn't in a capacity to do so in the open. Besides, I've hardly been mute throughout your journeys, have I?"
"So, I wasn't just going crazy."
"No, you certainly were not. Now, we must proceed to the top floor. Once the synchronization process is initiated, we can take the time for explanations, but we must begin as soon as possible."
"Oz…!"
"Qrow. I apologize, but I need you to trust me—Just once more."
"Damn it! Fine!"
The hologram of Qrow zapped to the end of the chamber and operated the elevator. Qrow and party followed without another word, and reached the top of the Tower in the next few minutes.
Once the elevator doors opened, they entered the office that greatly resembled the one Ozpin possessed back at Beacon.
As soon as Qrow crossed the threshold, he was overcome with an invasive consciousness. It dropped him to his knees and caused him to brace his head.
"Qrow!" Jaune shouted.
"Do not fight it, Qrow," said Ozpin. "It may be your natural inclination to resist, but I assure you, this is a necessary measure."
"What…are you doing to me?!" Qrow grunted in pain.
"Naming you my successor. It has fallen onto you to act as guardian of Remnant. Nothing so different from what you have been doing your entire career as a Huntsman."
"Why me? Why can't you—"
"My life as 'Ozpin' has expired. It is time for another to carry on my fate. Another to lead the fight against the Witch—and the one chosen is you."
"I don't understand…!"
"Relax, and we shall speak. But for now, you must remain in this room until the synchronization process is complete." The hologram turned to address the others in the room. "Ruby Rose. Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you must stand guard over Qrow until everything is finished. The process will take two days. Please, stay vigilant."
Jaune and Ren each took Qrow by an arm and helped him into the desk chair.
"Alright, you have me onboard for this craziness. Time to explain yourself, Oz. You said we have a couple days. Get talking," Qrow spat, as he took a gracious swig from his flask.
"Very well, but we will convene privately, as we have been. These are matters fit for your ears only."
The Huntsman nodded and closed his eyes.
Right when the hologram was about to disappear, Jaune called out.
"Hold on!"
"Mr. Arc?"
"We came on this trip to find more about what happened to Pyrrha. Qrow promised us that. I don't know what you're doing to him, but we need to know about Pyrrha."
"I am aware of the deal you've made. What happened to Miss Nikos was a tragedy—"
"Save it! You don't really care! I just want what I was promised!" he shouted with fury. The only thing keeping him from further lashing out was Ren and Nora grasping his arms.
"…And you will have it," Ozpin answered. "The true identities of the ones who masterminded the events of Beacon and the fate that befell Miss Nikos. But for now, I must ask you to assist Qrow in completing this task."
"I can't trust anything you say."
"While that may hold some truth, protecting Qrow will ultimately work in your favor."
"Oh, yeah? And how do you figure that?"
"The attackers, who will try to interrupt the process. They are likely to be cohorts of the ones you seek, if not the culprits themselves."
"How do I know you're not lying to get us to stay?"
"…You do not. I am sorry."
"…"
"I sometimes wonder if I made the correct decision in letting you stay at Beacon, despite your forged documents. Yes, I was aware and admitted you into my school regardless. But I saw a potential in you, the spirit of a protector, and a fine Huntsman you could one day become. I can only hope I was not mistaken. Miss Nikos certainly shared the same thoughts."
"You…!"
"Again," Ozpin removed his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. "Allow me to apologize for what happened to Miss Nikos. It is and was my deepest regret. I would have gladly given my life in trade of returning her to you. But I can only succeed in joining her, and informing Ms. Nikos you all still carry her spirit with you."
Jaune went quiet for a moment.
"Just hurry up," he barely whispered.
"You have my deepest gratitude, Mr. Arc."
The hologram blinked out of existence. Qrow nestled more comfortably into his seat. And then there was nothing left to them, but to wait.
Jaune walked over to Ruby, who was gazing out the window.
"Hey, you okay? You haven't said much since…Ruby?!"
He turned the girl by her shoulders, and saw her staring blankly into his face. The silver in her eyes glinted eerily. Her normally cheerful visage was devoid of life, similar to a doll's.
"RUBY!"
Ruby blinked.
"Huh, yeah? What is it, Jaune?"
"Hey! Are you okay? What happened?"
"I don't know. Did something happen?"
Jaune continued to stare at her confoundedly.
"You just completely blanked out. It's happened before, but this time was different."
"Really?"
Perhaps, even more than Ruby's sudden trance state, was her complete lack of concern that disturbed Jaune.
"Did you hear all that between Qrow and Ozpin?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"And you don't have a problem with it?"
"I knew this was going to happen for a while. Ozpin filled me in on the way here."
"What?!"
"What."
"How come you never said anything?!" Jaune was now almost shaking violently.
"Huh. I wonder, why I didn't. I should have…"
As Ruby was entering her trance state again, her head whipped in the direction of something outside.
She broke away from Jaune and moved towards the window. Upon opening the latch, violent gales blew inside and sent Jaune, Ren, and Nora reeling back a few steps.
Undeterred by the torrent, Ruby pressed her rifle stock to her shoulder and aimed down the scope of Crescent Rose.
*Bang!*
A single shot went into the windwall that encircled the Tower.
No one except a few, would know the target of Ruby's aim.
A small Nevermore with a hole pierced straight through its eye socket, plummeted to the earth.
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X
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Salem staggered back, clutching her eye in immense pain. The black veins on her skin rippled at the violent reaction.
After some time passed and allowing the pain to subside somewhat, the Witch steadied herself and made for one of the palace's more secretive sections.
She laid her hand on a sectioned wall, prompting a purple sigil to respond to her touch. It faded upon unlocking.
The long hall she entered, was lined with shelves upon shelves. Occupying every row sat balance scales. Ornate in design and forged with dark brass finishes. Each bore a string of letters at their base. Some tipped to one side, while others in even balance. They teetered and swayed as Salem walked past.
The Witch stopped at a collection of scales she set aside specifically at a desk.
Their bases read:
Blake Belladonna
Adam Taurus
Raven Branwen
Jupiter Black
Masa Arum
With a sharp motion, Salem dropped a series of varying chips in all their scales. Previously, hanging down to one side, they oscillated with the newly added weight.
The world turns,
And you can't stop it,
You arrogant old fool.