No, I'm not dead.
Sorry for the late update. This chapter was much trickier to do than I realized.
Also, chapters will be coming in a little more slowly now. I have an idea for a story, and I want to work on that too.
In any case, it's a double-chapter update to make up for the long pause.
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. It is the intellectual property of the late Monty Oum, and his team and friends at Rooster Teeth.
Chapter 40 – Intermission
It was morning in the Archive. Amber had been given a strange mannequin for her soul to inhabit. It was a creepy thing, not unlike the Atlesian knights back home in Remnant. However, the moment Amber entered the mannequin, it transformed into a perfect replica of her old body. As the features became more defined, it formed a simple pant and T-shirt to give her some modesty.
With Amber's body and clothes taken care of, Archie proceeded to explain how the former Fall Maiden was in the archive. The explanation stunned everyone in the room.
"…And that's what I believe happened," said Archie.
"What you believe happened?" gasped Amber.
"The soul is an incredibly complex thing. Even I only know so much about the nature of the soul," said Archie.
"So… I am a fragment… Not even really me?" asked Amber.
"By my guess, yes. Your maiden powers are tied to your soul. Had Miss Fall successfully taken your gift in its entirety, you would be dead, and not here," said Archie.
"…Wow. That's a lot to take in… And I thought being in a multiverse library about a blonde kid I've never met was unreal," said Amber.
"Oh? It seems you know the situation then. Saves me an explanation," said Archie.
"Yeah, well what she heard, I heard," said Amber, as she pointed to Cinder.
"Speaking of hearing…" growled Cinder, "How come I heard her voice in my head? Do you have an explanation for that?"
"That grimm in your body," said Archie, "It enabled you to rob Amber of her power, but it also served as a kind of suppressor. My guess is that since the magic of the maiden's is derived from the God of Light, the grimm fought with the conflicting magical energies, and a foreign soul. With the grimm gone, Amber's fragment was free to interact with you."
"God of Light?" someone from the audience muttered, which triggered a bunch of ignored whispers.
"Joy…" said Cinder, who then turned thoughtful, "You mentioned a 'suppressor?' Suppressor of what?"
"If I were to guess? You," said Archie.
"Me?" questioned Cinder.
"The power of the maiden is mighty indeed. Do you really think she would let you move around with such power freely?" asked Archie.
Cinder growled.
"Soo… Confirming the powers from that one potential future we saw is interesting and all, but is anyone going to clue us in as to what all the cloak and dagger is?" asked Velvet.
"Yeah, it seems like there's a topic you've all been dancing around," said Sun.
"Quite," said Weiss, "Your 'subtle' jabs aren't as subtle as you think."
"You've noticed then," said Ozpin.
"Yeah, we have," confirmed Ruby.
"Think you can clue us in, Archie?" asked Pyrrha.
"I won't… Ozpin mentioned that he would in the last volume when you learned Headmaster Lionheart was aiding Miss Fall. All of this will be his tale to tell," said Archie.
"Before I do," began Ozpin as he turned to Ruby, "Tell me, Miss Rose, what have you put together?"
"Well, we figured that since you, and Cinder were going at it, that you knew she was a criminal," began Ruby.
The villains snorted.
"However, as time went on, we realized it was something deeper," continued Ruby, who sent the trio a quick glare.
"I started to wonder if there were factions involved," said Weiss.
"Oh?" asked Ozpin.
"Yeah," said Blake, "Weiss, and I whispered the idea to one another, and we came into agreement. The two of you acted like some of the competing factions within the White Fang."
"Or within my family's company," said Weiss.
"Also, Raven gave some hints as well," said Yang.
Raven looked at her daughter, intrigued.
"Raven's been making jabs at Professor Ozpin, and Uncle Qrow since she got here. However when Cinder showed up, and we saw the previous universe, she really stepped it up. She made cracks at how the wizard version of you was hiding things from their companions from Salem. Almost as if you do it too…" said Yang.
"And tell me, what does all of this information tell you?" asked Ozpin.
"…That there is a Salem, and that Cinder works for her," said Ruby.
"Quite," said Ozpin.
"I was beginning to wonder as well," said Ren, "It stood to reason that if there were alternate versions of ourselves, then perhaps there was an alternative Salem."
"Makes sense," nodded Coco.
"Yeah," said Sun.
"So, who is Salem in our universe?" asked Nora, "A mafia don after magical girls hell bent on world domination?"
"An apt description," said Ozpin somberly, "Alas, if it only it were so simple."
"What do you mean? That's what you told me… More or less," said Amber.
"What you told her…? You poor girl," snorted Raven.
"Raven…" warned Qrow.
"Pfft… As if keeping quiet is an option at this point. It's funny. I was wondering when someone would spill the beans. I'm surprised no one did until now," said Raven.
"I was waiting for the right time to ruin him," said Cinder who pointed to Ozpin, "If he wants to do it himself, he is free to."
"How would what Professor is about to say ruin him?" asked Penny.
"Because there are things I have hidden… from even my closest allies," said Ozpin.
Ironwood, Glynda, and Qrow tensed a little. Amber narrowed her eyes a little, but held her tongue.
"First thing is first. Just as you mentioned, there is a Salem in our universe as well," said Ozpin.
Ruby, Winter, Tai, Ilia, the Belladonnas, and all the students nodded.
"However, just as in in the world we witnessed, Salem is a powerful being with almost divine powers," said Ozpin.
That got a gasp out of everyone, except for Ozpin's team, Cinder and Raven.
"Whoa, for real?" asked Ilia.
"Is she really just like what we saw?" asked Winter, stunned.
"Yes… She is much like the being we witnessed. She is terrifying; an unstoppable force the likes of which the world at large has never seen," said Ozpin, who then turned his gaze to Cinder, "Enough to frighten even those I believed I could trust."
"Lionheart simply sees how hopeless the struggle is against her. He's only doing the logical thing," said Cinder.
"How did Headmaster Lionheart know about her?" asked Sun.
"Ozpin, naturally," said Raven.
Everyone looked to her.
"All headmasters know about Salem, as well as select individuals or teams of students. Our team included," said Raven.
"So… Mom knew?" asked Ruby, stunned.
"Summer knew?" asked Tai.
Raven looked to Tai, almost sadly.
"She knew," confirmed Raven, "We were the best team of our generation in Beacon. As such, we were given the party line about how we could make a difference. Everyone but Tai, anyway."
"What?! Why not dad?" asked Yang, confused.
"Yes, Professor. Why not me?" asked Tai.
"Because you weren't trusted," said Raven.
Ozpin flinched a little.
"Wait… Summer mentioned top secret missions from Ozpin," gasped Tai, "So that's what it was all about. Salem…"
"It was…" said Raven before she eyed her former husband, "It was also the key reason why I left?"
Tai and Yang went pale when she heard her mother's words.
"I realized something on those missions. For every victory, there was a setback, or two. We weren't getting anywhere. As such, I came to one of two conclusions. Either we have shitty intelligence and Salem's weakness is yet to be discovered, or Salem cannot die. Salem has been around for time beyond counting, according to you Ozpin," said Raven as she rounded over to the headmaster, "Surely, you must know a weakness at this point."
All eyes fell on Ozpin.
"…No, it is as you said, Raven. Salem cannot die," said Ozpin.
Everyone, even Raven, seemed taken aback. While not shocked she was correct, she was surprised Ozpin admitted it. In front of his own people, no less.
"…She cannot die?" asked Glynda, dumbstruck.
"No… I have slain her several times before in the past. However, she revives herself not long after death, as strong as she was before the battle. I have died several times in those instances as well," said Ozpin.
"You… died?" asked Nora.
"Multiple times?" added Pyrrha, in shock.
"How? And… how old are you?" asked Ghira.
"Millennia beyond counting," answered Ozpin.
"Looking pretty good for a thousand year old geezer," said Mercury to himself.
"Shit… The maiden was a tough nut to crack, but this is bigger than we thought," muttered Emerald.
Amber glared at the three people who ambushed her, but the two of them ignored her. They were much more focused on the very thoughtful looking Cinder.
Cinder was struck by the information as well, since she thought along the same lines as Raven when it came to Salem's strength. She had hoped to gain the powers of the maidens with Salem's help. However, once she had all four seasons at her command, she would use the powers for her own ambitions, even if it meant dealing with Salem herself to be able to do so. News of the suppressor, and Salem's immortality however, threw a wrench into her calculations.
"How did she gain immortality?" asked Ironwood.
"Or you, for that matter?" asked Blake.
"To know that, you must know my tale, as well as a time long before the Remnant we all know," said Ozpin, "Let me see if I can remember the story."
Ozpin waited until all attention is on him, and he took a breath.
"Once, long ago there was a warrior of great renown. His name was Ozma, and he stood before a lonely tower that sheltered a lonely girl. The girl's name… was Salem."
xXxXx
"What am I doing here?" asked Jaune to himself.
Bzzt… Bzzt… Bzzt…
Jaune picked up his scroll.
It was Pyrrha for the third time in ten minutes. He put the scroll down, and decided to wait for a few more minutes. He just needed some alone time.
Bzzt… Bzzt… Bzzt…
"Yeesh, Nora really wants those waffles," said Jaune as he checked his scroll.
His face went pale.
This time, it wasn't Pyrrha, or a hungry Nora calling him.
It was worse. One of several people in his life who could not be denied.
He pressed the button.
"Hey, Saffron," said Jaune.
Saffron, his oldest sister had the brightest smile, and her eyes were practically sparkling.
Jaune was scared.
"Hi, Baby-Bro…" said Saffron in too sweet a voice.
"Hey, sis. How's Terra, and Adrian?" asked Jaune.
Distract his sister with her hot wife, and adorable kid; the classic distraction play.
"Terra's fine. It's our anniversary today, and so she's coming home early. No screen time for Adrian though. He's with a sitter right now," said Saffron.
"You need a sitter for tonight? Doesn't Terra normally cook at home for the two of you?" asked Jaune.
"Normally, but she got a bonus today. So we're going to a Dupree's later," said Saffron.
"The steakhouse? Must be some bonus if you're splurging it all there," said Jaune.
"Oh, it is. By the way, I saw you on the news," said Saffron.
Jaune coughed a little.
"Y-You did?" gasped Jaune.
"Of course. Did you really think distracting me with Terra was going to work?" asked Saffron coyly.
"Eh-heh…" said Jaune nervously.
"Anyway, Adrian and I saw you go to town on that ursa. You should have seen Adrian. He was laughing, and clapping, and I told him 'That's your uncle, Jaune.' He then started to cheer, and laugh," said Saffron.
"He's a one year old. It's not like he's gonna knows what's going on," said Jaune, flattered, and a little flushed.
"Don't put yourself down, little bro. You should be proud you managed to actually hold your own. It's a stark contrast compared to how you handled yourself in dad's lessons," said Saffron.
Jaune thought back on one of the few times his dad wasn't busy dealing with his sisters' drama. The lessons went poorly, most of which ended with him freaking out over something. Compared to that, perhaps he had improved significantly.
"Speaking of the old man, I sent him a link to the news story where you appeared," said Saffron.
"Y-You did? W-What did he say," gulped Jaune.
Saffron's eyes softened, and her smile seemed a little warmer.
"He was proud of how you handled yourself," said Saffron.
Clack…
"…"
"…Hello? Jaune?" asked Saffron.
Jaune picked up his scroll.
"He… He was?" asked Jaune.
"Yes… He was," said Saffron excitedly.
"What did he say?" asked Jaune, "Can you give me specifics?"
"Well, he said your form was a little awkward, and you used too many small attacks," began Saffron.
Jaune's head fell a little.
"…However, what mattered was that you brought the ursa down, and lived to tell the tale. He was so happy with how much you've grown. Whatever you're doing at Beacon is working, and he's glad you're able to pursue your dream," said Saffron.
"Wow… Such a huge contrast compared to the last time I got in contact with mom and dad," said Jaune.
"To be fair, you did get into a prestigious school for warriors with no training. They were worried," said Saffron.
"Yeah, I know," said Jaune.
"How did you get in, by the way?" asked Saffron.
"Um… confidence?" asked Jaune.
"…Confidence," repeated Saffron with a flat look.
"S-So dad was impressed. Maybe I should call in a bit. Let them know I'm fine, and all," laughed off Jaune.
Saffron rolled her eyes, and scoffed.
"…Well, you're alive, that's all that matters. As for mom and dad, yes, you should," said Saffron in approval. She looked elsewhere, and giggled, "Well, Terra's going to be home soon, and I need a man's opinion."
"Um… What?" Jaune blinked.
Jaune saw that Saffron had set her scroll down, and walked away.
He wanted to cover his eyes, but he was just too shocked to do so.
Saffron was wearing blue lingerie. More specifically, a lacey bustier with a flounced skirt, matching lace panties, and thigh-high stockings.
"Ack… Saff, I'm your brother. You can't just show me stuff like this," said Jaune as he finally shielded his eyes.
"Come on! I can't ask our other sisters, they'll tease me. And I sure as hell am not asking our parents," said Saffron with a huffy voice.
"So it's okay to ask me? You know this sort of thing stays on the CCT cloud network, right?" asked Jaune.
"Terra's a CCT technician. She tweaked our scrolls a bit, so that's not happening on ours, or even your scroll. Anyway, you and Terra have similar tastes. You're perfect for asking," teased Saffron.
"What tastes are those?" asked Jaune.
"Delicate ladies with rocking hair, and elegant demeanors," said Saffron.
"I wouldn't call your noogies, delicate," mumbled Jaune.
"Hm? What's that? You want a knuckle sandwich?" asked Saffron.
"N-No… I said I'll help," chuckled Jaune nervously.
Aura, or not, there was no way he'd cross his sister. He looked calmly at his sister…
"You look… good."
"Just good?" asked Saffron.
"You're my big sister. 'Good' is the best you're getting out of me," said Jaune with a flat face.
"Fine… I'll take that as 'You are the most beautiful maiden in all the land, and Terra's damn lucky.' Is that a correct translation?" asked Saffron.
"Sure, whatever," said Jaune.
"Well, I've got to get some things ready for after dinner. Thanks baby bro, and be sure to call mom, and dad. They miss you," said Saffron.
"I will. Now hang up, and put some clothes on," said Jaune.
Saffron laughed as she hung up the phone.
Jaune sighed out…
"Dad was impressed, eh?" asked Jaune.
…
"…"
Jaune went to his contact list.
xXxXx
Everyone was silent after Ozpin finished his tale.
"…I don't know what to say," said Ruby suddenly.
What could they say in response to what Ozpin had revealed?
"All of humanity was wiped out once before?" asked Yang.
"Yes, and faunus weren't in existence until my first resurrection," said Ozpin.
Or was it Ozma now?
"That's…" choked Blake.
"This… Surely you jest…" said Weiss in response.
Ozpin casually looked at Weiss, but Weiss merely shrunk in the sight of her headmaster. His eyes seemed so much older, and more calculating. For the students it felt as though some mighty being looked at them in the same way one might study an ant. Suddenly, the eyes softened, and a melancholy expression settled upon his face.
"I wish I was jesting, Miss Schnee. I truly do," said Ozpin.
"If Salem was cursed with immortality by the gods, how were you planning to stop her?" asked Glynda with a shaky voice.
"…I have no plan," said Ozpin.
"Wait, what?" asked Sun, horrified.
"After years of searching, I used the Relic of Knowledge to see if there was a way to stop her. To see if there was a weakness I could exploit. However, the response from the relic was that I could not stop her," admitted Ozpin.
Archie sighed after hearing that.
"So your plan was to delay the inevitable?" asked Ironwood, shocked.
"I remember my battles with Salem. I killed her many times, and she got back up, fully healed and more furious each time. For centuries, no, for millennia I believed there was some weakness, a secret I was missing. Alas, after all that searching, there was none," said Ozpin.
There was a quiet in the room, and the news settled in.
"And here I thought watching another version of myself dying was a lot to take in," muttered Ilia as she took a seat.
Pyrrha nodded in agreement.
"They were together, and now they're mortal enemies… Talk about a break up," muttered Mercury.
'We're in the middle of war, and we technically work for Salem,' thought Emerald to herself.
"If Salem can't be killed, how can we even fight her?" asked Pyrrha.
"You can't," said Raven.
All eyes were on her.
"What's the point trying to slay the unkillable? All you'll do is waste your life," said Raven.
"There has to be a way to stop her," said Tai.
Raven snorted.
"Summer thought the exact same thing, look where that got her," said Raven.
Ruby gasped, and Yang growled.
"How dare you say that," growled Tai.
"I worked with her and Qrow at Ozpin's order. I have every right to say it," growled Raven.
"And then you left her; left all of us!" accused Tai.
"I brought her back to you!" snapped Raven.
Tai stood there as though he had been struck, and both Yang and Ruby had a hard time swallowing.
"Salem's agents had set up a trap, for Ozpin's agent; for Summer. I felt her distress through my semblance. I grabbed her before they could deliver the final blow, and went back to Patch! How else would you have been able to bury her? Ozpin would have left her to rot in some forest in the middle of nowhere. Another 'unfortunate casualty' in his stupid lover's quarrel!" roared Raven.
Raven panted, breathless after her confession.
"…Rae, your eyes ," said Qrow.
Raven blinked, and realized that she had activated something.
"You have… the power of the Spring Maiden?" gasped Ozpin.
The aura around Raven's eyes dissipated.
"…Pft. Well, shit. I guess today's a day for secrets," cursed Raven.
"Why? How…?" asked Ozpin.
"She ran off from Lionheart when the burden of the Maiden was too much for her. She knew me by reputation, and asked me to train her and take her on. I figured a Maiden would come in handy in case you, or Salem, came looking for me. She couldn't handle the training, though, and then she became a liability," said Raven.
"You didn't," said Qrow, with dread.
"…It was a matter of survival. I did what I needed to do to keep the tribe safe," said Raven, who then sent a snarl to Ozpin, "That poor girl. If she only knew how pointless the struggle was, then maybe she wouldn't have taken an offer from a wizard."
Raven then got up, and walked away.
As soon as Raven vanished into the hallway, a choked sob broke the silence. They turned to see Amber, a mix of fury and sorrow upon her face.
"So all this time…" growled Amber as tears flowed, "I sacrificed everything. My boyfriend, my life, my future... to be a maiden. You told me I would make a difference. That I would keep the world safe."
"You did," said Ozpin in reassurance.
"I didn't!" snapped Amber.
Immediately an aura around her eyes flared, and the room began to heat up. Cinder gasped, and clenched the part of her chest where heart was as an unbearable strain twisted within her. Emerald, and Mercury went to her side to support her, and the pain was alleviated slightly.
"It didn't make any difference…" she pointed to Raven's direction, "That woman… she said my sister, the Spring Maiden, was crushed by the burden. I was too, but I kept myself going because you said it was for a good cause. But now? It's cost me half my soul, and possibly my life."
She then pointed to Ozpin.
"Salem's unkillable, and I'm half dead while my team and loved ones have all moved on," scoffed Amber, "Make a difference? Use my talents for good? I could have done that without the damn powers you gave me. I should have never taken your fucking offer!"
With that, Amber stormed out of the room. Ozpin hung his head, and ran a hand through it. Tai Yang then walked over to Ozpin.
"Why?" asked Tai.
Ozpin looked up.
"Why wasn't I told? Out of the entire team, why was not let in on this?" asked Tai.
Everyone looked at Ozpin again.
"…You were the most emotional of Team STRQ. You were the kind of man who would abandon the mission to save a teammate. Everyone else was able to put the mission first, and more importantly, they could keep secrets," said Ozpin.
Tai grabbed the old man by the collar, and pulled him up.
"Don't bullshit me, Ozpin!" roared Tai.
"Whoa, Dad!" yelped Yang who grabbed Tai's shoulder.
"Let go, Yang!" shouted Tai Yang.
"I left it up to your team to let you know, but only on the condition that you could be trusted with the information."
Tai Yang's eye twitched, he wound up a fist, but Ruby grabbed her father's arm.
"DAD!" shouted Ruby.
Tai Yang wheeled around, and saw Ruby. Almost immediately, the anger disappeared as he saw Ruby's frightened face. He lowered his arms, and let Ozpin go. Ozpin stood still, a blank expression on his face. Meanwhile, Tai just turned around, and went to the corridor that led to their amenities. Once he was out of sight, Glynda placed a hand on Ozpin's shoulder.
"Do you have something to say as well, Glynda?" asked Ozpin.
"I have many things I'd like to say… Though I'm fairly certain Tai, and Amber took the words out of my mouth. Besides, I doubt it will change anything," sighed Glynda, "What's done is done. Nothing can alter the events of years gone by."
"You're taking this unusually well," said Ozpin with a hollow laugh.
Glynda squeezed Ozpin's shoulder hard, and he winced.
"I am not," growled Glynda, "However, part of me did suspect you hid things from even myself. At the time, I told myself that you had your reasons. I just didn't think it was as severe as what you revealed to everyone."
"Yes…" said Ozpin sadly, "I can't kill her. And the people of Remnant… I could not let the gods return before they were ready. They have grown so much, and their potential to keep growing is exponential. For all of that progress to be snuffed out a second time is too cruel a thought to bear."
"To you humans, perhaps," said Archie.
Everyone turned to Archie.
"It isn't uncommon for gods to snuff out their creations, especially young gods and goddesses, out of frustration," said Archie.
"How can you say that so casually?" asked Velvet.
"I try not to be casual about it. In truth, it can be frustrating. Jaune lived through some of those discarded universes, even at the point of the universe's ending. Feeling the physical pain, and emotional despair is difficult in those instances is very traumatizing. I felt all of it…" said Archie.
"Yikes. That must have been painful," said Coco.
"Very. I'd be out of commission for cycles. However, after the first couple centuries of working here, I got used to it," sighed Archie, "Those two gods of Light and Dark are still very young in relation to the cosmic scale. Their pettiness is quite well known to us. In their defense, however, the fact they sent you back at some point shows that they are learning."
"Learning?" asked Blake.
"The first universe was crafted by the Supreme One himself. All other gods and goddesses have tried to emulate his example, but most don't and feel they fall short of the mark. They erase their works in some fashion in a misguided attempt to deal with the shame. Some however learn that their creations are young and still learning, and that they need guidance. Especially when they sin against their creators," said Archie.
"So does that mean that both gods gave mankind another chance?" asked Ren.
"In Remnant, mankind was made by both gods: Light and Darkness. Without those two halves, there is no humanity at all," said Archie.
"Light and Dark, creation and destruction… Such an apt description in describing human and faunus nature," said Winter.
"Faunus…?" questioned Kali, "But we weren't around when humanity first arrived."
"Perhaps, but who else but a god, or goddess could create sentient, organic life?" responded Winter.
"That's comforting to think… Still, my head is swimming with what we've learned," said Ghira.
"Yes… Speaking of which, Winter," began Ironwood, and his lieutenant turned to face him, "I'm sorry for withholding this information from you. After all your years of service, I should let you in. However, Ozpin called the shots on who knew, and he was very suspicious of your father."
"I understand. Between my father, and military high command, I'm used to having unsavory details hidden from me," said Winter.
"Seriously? You learn the truth just like that, and all is forgiven?" scoffed Cinder, incredulous.
"Who said anything about forgiveness? I am upset, especially by the lack of trust. However, as I said, I understand the reasoning," clarified Winter.
Ironwood winced, and tried to think of a way to make it up to Winter.
"Well isn't that hunky-dory," said Emerald.
"Oh, I haven't forgiven anyone," snorted Qrow, "I wanted to punch Oz for leading me on for all these years."
Ozpin winced a little.
"But, Tai and Amber pretty much took the wind out of my sails. Besides, like Glynda said, what's done is done. Although, that doesn't mean I'm still on board," said Qrow.
"Qrow?" asked Glynda, worried.
"Not now… I need a drink. To think on where I'm gonna stand from here on out," muttered Qrow.
"You think alcohol will help?" asked Glynda disapprovingly, "If anything, it'll make you feel worse."
"Maybe for you. But I'm an expert in thinking drunk," scoffed Qrow.
Qrow walked off, and Ironwood looked to Glynda, and the two nodded to one another.
"It must have been hard, keeping this all in," said Ironwood.
"…Unbearably so. Being the only one to know the whole truth was maddening," said Ozpin.
"I don't suppose you've considered marriage counseling," said Coco.
"I doubt any marriage counselor would go near where Salem lives," said Ozpin hollowly.
"Just trying to lighten the mood," whispered Coco.
"I don't think now is an appropriate time for jokes," said Velvet, who still shuddered at the truth.
"Yeah," said Sun, "Time, and place."
All the while, Penny, who quietly processed the information revealed, came to an idea.
xXxXx
Terra was on the trolley when she got a text from Saffron.
"Hmm…" she hummed as she opened her scroll.
"Where are you, hon?" texted Saffron
Terra's thumbs got to work.
"I'm on the final trolly home," Terra texted, and sent.
"…"
Bing.
"Good to know ;)…" was Saffron's response.
Before Terra could respond…
Bing.
Terra eyes widened, and her face went scarlet, as she tried to hide the new text from the other passengers.
"BTW, Adrian is at the sitter's already…" read the text.
Accompanying the text was Saffron in a pinup pose, with the straps of her lingerie off of her shoulders as she blew a kiss. Terra pinched the bridge of her nose.
"That blonde… I know I tweaked the scrolls, but this is unacceptable," muttered Terra in both exasperation, and excitement.
Saffron needed to be reminded that this was her work scroll.
…Terra's eyes darted back, to make sure no one was looking. She then licked her lips as she snuck another peek at the image of her hot wife.
"…Yes, reminded," giggled Terra.
xXxXx
'Me, and my wandering feet,' thought Tai.
"Well, dear, fancy seeing you here," said Raven with her armor off outside the bath house of the Archive that Archie had set up, "Bold of you, I must say."
"For what?"
"Cornering me alone near the bathroom when I'm only in my skirt and top… What would Yang say?" said Raven with sly smile.
Tai blushed, but cleared his throat.
"Oh, now you're acting like a concerned mother?" asked Tai darkly.
"I have concerns about our daughter. Perhaps they don't measure up to your standards, but I do think about her well-being," scoffed Raven.
"How so?" asked Tai.
"Whether or not she's soft as a result of your raising her."
"Of course you'd think that?" asked Tai, "Since I'm here though, maybe you could answer something for me."
"…It's about Summer, isn't it?" asked Raven.
"…" Tai did not answer.
"You're so obvious. Don't you think you've learned enough secrets for one day, Tai?" sighed Raven.
As Raven opened the door to the baths, Tai reached out, and grasped her wrist.
"Please! Raven… I've been in the dark all these years, and I've just now learned that someone I thought I could trust, that I could trust my children to, didn't trust me. I need to know why?" asked Tai.
"I'm pretty sure Ozpin said," said Raven.
"As if I can trust an answer from that man right now," muttered Tai.
Raven looked cooly in response.
"Honestly, Tai. This is why Ozpin never told you the whole story. Why Summer, Qrow, and I never told you," said Raven.
"What?"
"When you get emotional, you get volatile, quick to anger. You act rashly, and without thinking about the consequences. As a result, you do, and say stupid things," said Raven.
"I…"
"You were better at reining it in when we were in our second year, and when we were… together. However, even then, the moment something got under your skin, you'd lose it. That kind of mentality in the fight against Salem would get you killed. We decided, for your own safety, not to let you in on the full story," said Raven.
"So it came down to looking after poor old Tai? Making sure he didn't do anything to get the team in detention, or expelled?" asked Tai, bitterly.
"We did it to keep you alive... Yang's exactly like you; taking things too personally," scoffed Raven
"How do you know how Yang gets? You were never around," growled Tai.
"Oh, but I am. Between my semblance, and a gift Ozpin gave my brother, and I, I had my ways. Do you truly think I wouldn't have a connection to my own daughter?" asked Raven, who snorted, "Summer went on about how semblances made us special. For Qrow, and myself, it was the ultimate joke from the gods. Qrow, a happy-go-lucky brat with the worst luck imaginable. And me, a nomadic bandit tethered to others."
"Tethered…? You make it sound so terrible. Was it truly so bad?" asked Tai.
"…No, it wasn't," said Raven.
Tai looked at Raven in shock.
"Those days… were not unpleasant. Believe it, or not, Tai, I did care for you. Why else would I give myself to you? How else was I able to open a portal to Patch to spirit Summer to safety? That being said, I know myself, and I knew I wasn't ready for a settled life. That I probably would never be. I also knew we'd get into fights regarding how Yang should be raised. While you getting together was Summer was not something I anticipated, Yang was in better hands," said Raven before she went in the bathhouse.
Tai slumped against the wall, and sighed.
"Dad?" said a voice.
Tai turned around, and saw…
"Yang?"
"I followed you here. I don't think Ruby, and I ever saw you that mad," said Yang.
"Where do you think you got your temper from?" snorted Tai.
"Wait, Raven was right?" asked Yang.
"Heard all that, did you?" asked Tai, "Yeah… She usually is. Your mother… well, both of your mothers, were the smart ones of the team. Raven though was very objective, saw things and situations for what they were. She could always make the tough call, even if the rest of us, especially Summer, didn't like it."
"I bet there were fights between the two of them," asked Yang.
"There were a few, but unless it was an extreme circumstance, Summer more or less welcomed Raven's suggestions and advice," said Tai.
"Why?" asked Yang, "If Raven thought, and did differently, then-"
"Summer was open minded," said Tai suddenly, "Perspective, and personality-wise, she and Raven were almost polar opposites. However, as crude as Raven may have put things, Summer saw the value of having someone push against her. After all, Qrow and I followed Summer's orders without question; we always believed Summer was right. Raven though was always butting heads with her. I remember this one time when Raven told Summer that sometimes the most idealistic answer isn't the best solution."
"How'd that turn out?" asked Yang, curious.
She knew he was veering onto a story, but she could understand her dad's need to not think about the heavy truths they had just learned at the moment. Besides, it wasn't often her dad talked about his school days, for obvious reasons.
"We went with Summer's plan, and we failed the mission badly. Afterward, Summer usually turned to Raven for advice, especially with tough calls. She would reconcile the plans to balance things out, and as a result, our performance improved from that point on. Eventually, we got to be the best team."
"Just like what Uncle Qrow said," said Yang.
"Yeah… Though, I wonder now. I wasn't told about the stuff Ozpin said to us. Even Summer didn't trust me," said Tai sadly.
"Don't say that," urged Yang.
Tai looked at his daughter.
"Mom loved and trusted you, dad. As much as you loved, and trusted her," said Yang.
"Then why did she hide the truth from me?" asked Tai.
"Would you have believed that there was a war between Ozpin, and his immortal, pissed off ex-wife? I mean… I'm still reeling from hearing Ozpin's story," said Yang.
Tai blinked a little, and chuckled.
"Well… When you put it that way," said Ta.
"Besides, Ozpin told us now," said Yang.
"Under duress," said Tai.
"I didn't say everything's cool, but even so, he told us now," said Yang.
"…I suppose. That doesn't mean I trust him, though," said Tai, "Ozpin will have to be more forthcoming with anything regarding Salem from now on if I'm going to start trusting him again."
"I think he knows that," said Yang, "Speaking of trust, though… Do you really trust Raven's version of events? About her rescuing Summer, I mean?"
"Honestly? I do," said Tai.
Yang cocked an eyebrow.
"Don't get me wrong, Raven can lie very well, especially with lies of omission. However, I know her well enough. And when it comes to Summer, well, it was one of those relationships where they were like oil and water, but respected one another. Raven wouldn't easily lie about a person she wholeheartedly respects, and those people could be counted on one hand," said Tai.
"She ditched you, me, and Uncle Qrow," pointed out Yang.
"And we had Summer's body to bury," said Tai.
Yang went quiet, as the memory of her dad crying that fateful night returned to her.
"I guess… Ugh, why does she have to be so complicated?" balked Yang.
"I thought that myself ever since I met her. I still don't have an answer, and neither does your uncle," sighed Tai.
"Well… whatever. Anyway, there's another reason I came here," said Yang.
"What is it?" asked Tai.
"Apparently, Penny just thought of something, and insisted I get you, and Raven," said Yang.
"Good luck with you mom. She's in the bath right now, and then she'll have to do her hair. Just like someone else I know."
"…Shit, we'll be here for half an hour. At least," said Yang as she paled at the thought.
"Now you'll know how me, and Ruby feel when you get to the shower first," said Tai.
xXxXx
Terra opened the door to her townhouse, and saw something that cocked her eyebrow in amusement.
"Flower petals… scented candles… the lights off…" said Terra before she smiled, "So corny."
There was an obvious trail of petals and candles leading to the upstairs bedroom.
"Terra… Is that you?" said a voice.
"Oh, it's me," said Terra flirtatiously.
"C-Can you help me with something…?" responded Saffron meekly.
Terra rolled her eyes, as she put her bag down, and she hung her coat.
"Let me guess…" began Terra in a sing-song voice as she went up the stairs excitedly, "You need help taking off your lingerie?"
Terra opened the door, and blinked owlishly.
The bed was wet, and red with a strong alcohol smell emanating. There was also a ruined tray of food.
"Umm… Did you spill red wine on the bed, babe?" asked Terra.
"I was going to air the red for tonight after dinner, but… well, cork-troubles," said Saffron sheepishly.
"Dry cork?" asked Terra.
"Dry cork, a stuck corkscrew, and a slip of my hands," said Saffron as she raised her wine stained arms, "Do you think you could get some paper towels?"
Terra smiled.
"Now why would I do that?" asked, no, purred Terra.
"Um… Terra?" gulped Saffron.
Terra stalked over to her wife, and grasped a hand around Saffron's wrist.
"I have a better way to clean you up…" whispered Terra, as she licked her lips.
"B-But our reservation…?" protested Saffron half-heartedly.
"Oh, so only you get to be the naughty girl?" scolded Terra playfully
Terra smiled at the sight of her wife shuddering as she brought Saffron's wine stained hands to her mouth, and licked.
"We'll make the reservation, babe. But first, I need to punish you for messing up the bed, and sending naughty pictures."
xXxXx
Raven blinked in stunned surprise. It wasn't often that something, or someone, could make her speechless. However, she was now very pleased that she decided to indulge Yang's insistence to have herself and Tai follow her back to the others after her bath.
"What did you just say?" asked Ozpin.
"I said I may have an idea of how to best Salem, and thwart her nefarious plans for our world," said Penny.
The sight of Ozpin – cool and collected at all times, Ozpin, acting like a fish out of water was certainly worth it.
"Well, this isn't what I was expectin' to h-hear," slurred Qrow, drunk.
'How much did he drink?' wondered Raven, before she shrugged, "Alright then, let's hear it."
"Mr. Ozpin," began Penny, "The relic's construct dictated that you could not destroy Salem, correct?"
"…Yes, that is correct," said Ozpin in an interested voice.
"That was what she literally said? Word for word?" pressed Penny.
"Yes, word for word," said Ozpin.
"In that case, the solution is simple," said Penny, "If you cannot defeat Miss Salem, then someone else can."
Ozpin's eyes widened.
Ruby, and her team looked uncertain.
Coco, and Velvet looked at each other.
Pyrrha, and the rest of JNPR blinked.
Ilia, Winter, the Belladonnas, Tai Yang, Ironwood, and Glynda's jaws dropped.
"Isn't that a little…" began Sun, trying to find the word.
"Simple?" supplied Qrow.
"Stupid," scoffed Cinder.
"Obvious?" said Amber.
"You can't be serious," said Ozpin.
Penny's head tilted in thought.
"Is something wrong with what I stated?" asked Penny.
"No…" said Ghira, "It's just…"
"It's too… too simple," said Ozpin.
"Not conniving, or complicated enough for you?" asked Raven with a smirk.
Ozpin growled. However, the more he thought about it, Ozpin really felt like hitting himself. Jinn… Jinn was a jinn: a spirit that was as unpredictable as they were powerful. While she might have been bound by the God of Light to answer his questions, that didn't mean she had to be clear with the answer.
"How do I destroy Salem?" asked Ozpin, from so long ago.
"You can't," was Jinn's answer.
He had been so stunned by the answer that he didn't think to wonder if there was any nuance to it.
Ozpin slapped his own forehead.
"…Stupid. I feel so stupid," mumbled Ozpin.
"How ironic. You fell for your own MO, while the most innocent person here might have found a loophole" laughed Raven.
Archie laughed, which drew a number of stares.
"Now you're getting there," said Archie.
"Did you know about this, Archie? About Jinn's answer?" asked Glynda.
"Of course I knew. You've seen potential futures, haven't you? Well, I've seen more. Jaune often learns the truth of Salem through Ruby."
"Me?" asked Ruby in shock.
"In several futures, you often ask Jinn the question that concerns Salem, or Ozpin's nature. The truth is always shocking, and in certain circumstances, heartbreaking. Given the emotional roller coasters some of these universes can be, I withheld the information. As my guests, it is my goal to make sure I don't intentionally traumatize you with the viewings, or revealing information that is not mine to give," said Archie.
The audience seemed satisfied by the answer, as well as worried. Would they see those universes as well?
"Ozpin, now that you know the nature of Jinn's answer, and now that they know, perhaps more minds working together can find the answer you seek."
"Assuming they're willing to help," said Ozpin.
"I'll help," said Penny.
Ozpin looked at the automaton turned human.
"Penny?" asked Ironwood.
"I was created to protect humanity! Besides, I want to learn more about the world I was built to protect. I can't do that if the world is destroyed," said Penny.
"That's right," said Pyrrha, "We're huntsmen, and huntresses in training. Now that we know there's such a threat out there, we can't just avoid it."
"Yeah! This is way too big for us to just forget about," agreed Sun.
Coco, Velvet, and Winter nodded in agreement.
"I'll help too!" added Ruby.
"Ruby?" asked Tai.
"Mom fought to help Ozpin. I want to finish what she started," said Ruby.
"Kid… You have no idea what you're getting into," said Qrow.
"Did you when the topic first came up?" replied Yang.
Qrow, and Raven looked away, the former rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"No, it's too dangerous," added Tai.
"So are you going to help?" asked Yang, "I mean, Uncle Qrow's already nodding off, and it's only 10 in the morning. Raven went AWOL, and I can kind of understand why?"
"It's not that simple," said Qrow.
"It's foolish, is what it is," said Raven in agreement.
"And ignoring the problem is somehow going to help?" asked Weiss.
"It's better than joining a sinking ship," said Raven.
"Then perhaps it's best to plug the holes," said Ozpin.
Everyone turned to the headmaster.
"Everyone, or rather, everyone who's followed me in my fight… I'm sorry," said Ozpin.
James, Glynda, Qrow, and Amber looked at Ozpin in surprise.
"Even you, Raven," said Ozpin.
Raven's jaw fell.
"I… I didn't say the full story because I was afraid. Afraid that if you learned the full truth, you would never help me. It wouldn't have been the first time I was abandoned," said Ozpin.
"Were there others who learned the truth afterward?" asked Weiss.
"There were," confirmed Ozpin, "Their reactions were… predictable."
"That's probably an understatement," said Mercury.
"Quite. At first I told the whole truth, but who wants to face an enemy that cannot be bested in strength of arms? Afterwards, I became more selective with the information," admitted Ozpin.
"How do we know you're telling us the full story now?" asked Blake.
Ozpin looked at Blake with a knowing smile. Blake flinched a little, finding an irony in her skepticism, but Ozpin didn't point it out.
"I suppose that is up to all of you to believe if what I say now is the full truth. I can insist, but your trust in me is currently rattled," said Ozpin.
Amber approached Ozpin.
"I just want to know one thing," said Amber.
"…What is it?" asked Ozpin.
Amber looked Ozpin in the eye.
"What was I to you?" asked Amber.
"Pardon?" asked Ozpin, surprised by the question.
"Was I just some means to an end? A key to be kept hidden from Salem?" asked Amber.
"…You were someone I could trust with the task I gave you, as well as someone who would use the powers wisely," said Ozpin.
"And now? Now that I'm half-dead?" asked Amber.
"Someone I must keep safe, and protect until a worthy successor comes along," said Ozpin.
"…So now that I am no longer of use, you'll just pick a successor?" asked Amber, a little hurt.
"I'm sorry, but yes," said Ozpin.
There was a collective gasp. Even Cinder seemed stunned by the blunt answer from Ozpin.
"Shit… Oz, hic, you could have said you did everything in your power to save her before laying it on like that," said Qrow.
"She wants the full truth, Qrow. I have no intention of lying to her now, especially when she has lost so much as a result of her task. That applies to all of you who followed me. Take it as a show of my sincerity," said Ozpin.
Ironwood, and Glynda looked at one another, Qrow took another swig, and Raven cocked an eyebrow. Amber looked sad, but her body and posture relaxed.
"I see…" said Amber calmly, "Thanks for you honesty, I suppose."
Amber walked toward Raven, and she sat down next to her. Raven's brow twitched.
"You couldn't pick anywhere else to sit?" asked Raven, a little annoyed.
"I feel comfortable around you, sister," said Amber calmly.
Raven coughed at the title. Qrow nearly spat out his drink. Tai, and Yang's jaws dropped at the same time.
"S-Sister?!" balked Raven.
"You are a Maiden as well, aren't you?" asked Amber, "Maybe it's your possession of the powers, and the fact I don't know you that makes me feel comfortable around you."
Raven muttered several curses.
"…Fine. Just keep the noise level down, and don't call me 'sister.' That'll just tick me off," said Raven.
Amber nodded.
"Now is there anything else you need before we continue?" asked Archie.
"Maybe another couple of minutes to process?" asked Kali.
"Five minutes, then?" suggested Archie.
CLAK!
The door swung open, and everyone turned.
They all blushed at the sight.
Two beautiful women entered the room. One was a blonde in blue lingerie, and the other was a tan brunette in tight jeans, red glasses, and a light blue dress shirt. Both though were making out, and digging their hands into one another's hair. The girl with dark skin kneaded the blonde's breast.
"Ooh, Terra!" the blonde moaned in ecstasy.
Everyone, especially Ilia and the boys, blushed, and felt blood trickle down their noses.
"…This is real, right?" asked Sun, both in fear and excitement.
Suddenly the girls stopped, and looked in their direction.
"Um… Babe, is this our bathroom?" asked the blonde.
The dark skinned woman blinked took off her glasses, and put them back on.
"What the fuck?!" gasped the girl, as she and the blonde separated.
"It ain't real anymore, that's for sure," said Qrow, disappointed.
The boys, and Ilia let out a whine in disappointment.
"Of all the people Lord Aeon could bring in, and during such an intimate moment. The current incarnation of Lord Aeon is truly unpredictable," shuddered Archie.
The girl with tan skin pulled out a bottle of mace from her back pocket.
"Who the fuck are you people?! What are you doing in our house?!"
A/N:
A lot of ground to cover. I would have done more, but we'd have a two-chapter intermission… Maybe not the worst idea, but it wasn't something I was willing to do. I just hope it doesn't feel rushed, or forced in some areas.
Anyways, Terra and Saffron are in now. I debated throwing in Roman, and Neo, but I think I'm at the limit to how many reactions I can write effectively. This may be the full cast.
It might seem strange that the RWBY, and the other students are gung ho about helping Ozpin after learning the truth. However, my reasoning for this is that is because they never went through the Fall of Beacon. They didn't lose Pyrrha, they didn't suffer from a team breakup, and they didn't feel that sense of powerlessness in the aftermath of it all. As such, I felt that they wouldn't have gone through all the angst in Volumes 4, 5, and 6 when they learned about Salem.
Hopefully this makes sense, and I can make the revelation work with the rest of the story.
Miscellaneous Notes:
The scene with Jaune in this chapter is the same scene from the start of the story. As I stated in Chapter 1, time in the Archive flows differently.
Jinn's name is actually a reference to jinn spirits in Arabian folklore. There are many stories that describe them as mischievous spirits, or fallen angels. Think on that the next time you watch Aladdin.
In regards to Tai knowing or not, I'm not entirely sure. I'm sure the other three knew, but I don't think Tai ever learned the truth, or rather the full truth, about the missions, that Summer, Qrow, and Raven took, as implied by the show.