Welcome to Haven
"All that effort, all that time, amounting to nothing. The beast remains sealed."
"And the child thinks this a victory. After all this time, she still thinks like a mortal."
"We must take action! If we don't, we'll lose our window."
"Patience, my brethren, you sound like distressed mortals. Mistral may yet yield success."
"You would have us put our faith in the child? And the ability of her servants?"
"Of course not, I would have you put faith in the inability of their enemies."
"I suppose if there is one thing history has shown again and again, it's how nature points out the folly of man." (props if you get that)
"What of the mortals?"
"The vermin are irrelevant; they have always ever been irrelevant."
"And if this turns out a failure as Vale did?"
"Then we will take matters into our own hands."
"You would have us dip our fingers into the affairs of the lesser beings?"
"If the need be. But relax, no need to fret yet. Both our time, and their's, is coming soon…"
(in Mistral)
Jaune wasn't sure what to expect as he, his friends, his teacher, and… Qrow (he was his partner's uncle, so what did that make him to Jaune?) started making their way through the city. But seeing Mistral made Jaune realize how…. normal Vale was in comparison. Most of the city seemed to be built on a mountain reaching up to it's peak, where Haven and the Emperor's residence was, and which was where they were going. As they were ascending, it wasn't lost on anyone how the buildings got progressively nicer as one went up the mountain.
"What's with all the different kinds of houses?" Ruby asked.
"Most of the nobility live further up the mountain," Ren explained, "The common folk leave closer to the ground."
"It appears status is represented by how high on the mountains you are," Shade said, glancing up, "I suppose if nothing else they are honest about their stratification."
"Yeah," Jaune snorted, "Cause being honest about something automatically makes it better." The group then caught an elevator to take them up to the Academy. As they ascended, said stratification got progressively more apparent; the colors got progressively drabber as one went down the hill, compared to the bright colors of the aristocracy's residence.
Eventually, they reached the top, where they were presented with Haven Academy. It was slightly different than Beacon, being a bit more spread out than Beacon, and done in Mistrali style. Behind the Academy was an even taller structure, almost as tall as Amity Tower. It certainly looked like a royal residence.
"I take it that's the palace?" Shade said as they started walking through the Academy grounds.
"Yep," Qrow said, glaring at it, before sighing, "And Jiao is quite the son of a…"
"Please do not take my name in vain," Shade interrupted, glancing at Qrow. Qrow grumbled, as he reached into his coat to get his flask.
"Is he really that bad?" Ruby asked.
"He's the Emperor, what do you expect?" RNJR exchanged looks; based on what Qrow had told them, they certainly weren't excited to meet with this Emperor. Qrow took a breath as he tried to take a swig from his last, though found it was empty, to his annoyance.
"Can you maybe perform a miracle and get me more?" he asked Shade.
"Uncle Qrow," Ruby said, looking at him, "Just don't." Qrow grumbled to himself as put the flask away.
"We're lucky in one respect: Jiao is in on the same thing I told you about."
"He is?" Jaune asked, surprised to learn that. It seemed like something that one would want to keep as secret as possible.
"The Lord of Vacuo, Ironwood, and the sitting members of Vale High Council know too," Qrow continued, "It's almost something of a state secret." Eventually they made it to what was apparently the main building, which Qrow lead them into.
"Where is everybody?" Nora asked.
"I know school's out of session right now, but I thought there'd at least be a few people here," Jaune commented. Qrow glanced around, narrowing his eyes.
"This isn't right," he said, "Stay on guard." With that he hurried ahead, up to a pair of large double doors, while his charges followed. Shade just calmly strolled behind him, clearly not bothered by any of this.
"Get ready," Qrow said, as he put one hand on Harbinger. The students did the same, while Shade just idly leaned on the wall. As the group got ready, Qrow then put his free hand on the door. Right then, a figure burst out of the door. Everyone let out to cry, as he fell forward, only to get stopped in midair by Shade's telekinesis. Once he did, everyone got a good look at him.
"Professor Lionheart?" Ruby asked. Shade lowered his hand, causing the man in a suit to fall face first to the floor; he had a literal mane of hair that merged with a large beard on his chin, and they noticed a lion tail coming out of his back, marking him as a Faunus. Once he had regained his bearings, he looked up to see who it was.
"Gods damn it, Qrow!" Leonardo Lionheart griped, "You nearly scared me half to death!"
"Sure, I scared you," Qrow grumbled, as he let go of Harbinger, dragging his hand across his face, "Why the hell weren't you at the front?" Leo stared at him for a time, before pulling out his watch.
"Oh yes, I suppose I should've been there," he said. Shade rolled his eyes at that.
"A novel excuse if ever there was one," he said. Leo then came to his feet, and dusted himself off.
"Please come in," he said, gesturing, and as they did so, he looked at Qrow's companions, "I take it these are the students you mentioned?"
"Yes we are, Ruby Rose."
"Nora Valkyrie."
"Jaune Arc."
"Lie Ren."
"Pleased to meet you all," Leo said with a smile and a nod, "I could always count on Ozpin training the best." He then looked towards Shade.
"And you are?"
"And I am Dr. Shade," Shade answered, "I am a personal teacher to the four you see before you."
"Well, a pleasure," Leo said, as he took a seat at his desk, "I'm afraid I can't introduce you to my own students, they are all away on class break and…"
"Wait a minute!" Qrow said, as he leaned forward on the desk, "Say that again."
"Well, it's that time of year, and it is common practice…."
"If they're all gone, who's guarding the Relic?"
"Qrow!" Leo said, gesturing to the others, "Not in front of the others."
"The kids already know," Qrow said, "As for Shade…. he's…. well informed."
"We shall leave it at that," Shade said plainly, though there was a slight twinge in his voice. RNJR noticed it, but Qrow didn't seem to. But Leo didn't pursue the topic there, as Shade told him.
"Even for you, Qrow, this is reckless," Leo said as he folded his arms.
"Then what does that make leaving the Relic unguarded, or not checking in with Oz anymore?" Qrow hissed.
"What was there to report?" Leo answered, "Everything was going as it was supposed to before Beacon fell. Then the tower came down, and everything fell to chaos. Vale wasn't the only country to suffer that day. Everyone saw that poor girl being torn to pieces, Atlesian androids gunning down people, and that was when it all blank. I shouldn't have had to tell you what happened then." He was right, they didn't. At least at Beacon, RNJR and their comrades had managed to be there to help as dragons, but here….
"Then how are we supposed to protect the Relic?" Qrow demanded, "How are we supposed to keep Haven safe?"
"Perhaps you are asking the wrong questions," Shade suddenly said as he stepped forward, "Instead of asking 'how', try asking 'what'. What needs to be done at this point? Now, the Relic may be unguarded, but it is still locked away, so it is essentially safe at this point. Now the question becomes, who has the key?"
"Well that would be the Spring Maiden," Qrow said.
"The Spring Maiden?" Jaune asked.
"The Relics are each locked inside a chamber that can only be opened by a specific Maiden," Qrow explained, "Winter for the relic of Creation, Summer for Destruction, Fall for Choice and Spring for Knowledge."
"So just call the Spring Maiden, and have her here," Nora said, like it was obvious, which it seemed to be.
"I have a suspicion it is not that simple," Shade said.
"And you'd be correct. The issue there is that the Spring Maiden disappeared over a decade ago," Leo continued, "She could be anywhere."
"I…," Qrow stopped, as if unsure he even wanted to continue, "I actually may have an idea." At that, Leo's eyes lit up.
"Are you serious? You mean you've finally found her?"
"It's not good news," Qrow said, looking away, "Last I heard, she had fallen in with the Branwen tribe." Leo's eyes then darkened at that.
"Raven," he murmured. That got RNJR's attention, recognizing that as the name of Yang's mother.
"I have a sense of where they've made camp," Qrow continued.
"Well then," Leo said, as he stood up and smiled, "I must say Qrow, you are quite good at finding people that don't want to be found. Now, just give me a couple weeks, and I'll have a search party sent."
"A couple weeks?" Qrow demanded, narrowing his eyes, "You're kidding right?"
"Qrow, the Grimm have been emboldened by what happened in Beacon," Leo explained, "The simple fact of the matter, is that we can't spare anymore personnel."
"Damn it," Qrow grumbled, rubbing his forehead, "You have to arrange a meeting with Jiao. I need to…"
"The Emperor is dead." The air turned dead still at that.
"Say what?"
"I don't blame you for not knowing, what with broad communication essentially being non-existent at this point," Leo said, as he hung his head solemnly, as went back to his chair, "But he died four months ago."
"Who… who rules Mistral now?" Qrow managed to push out. Jiao Hanzhi had ruled Mistral for as long as Qrow as alive, and now he was dead? It didn't seem real.
"His granddaughter," Leo answered, "Princess Lin, though its now 'Empress' of course."
"Was he…"
"It wasn't foul play if that's what you're worried about," Leo said, holding up his hands," The palace doctors did the investigation, and found it was simply age and stress that claimed him."
"Well… I guess in this world that ain't a half-bad way to go," Qrow said slowly, rubbing his forehead, "Look, if that's the case, then I need you to arrange a meeting with the Chancellor."
"The Chancellor?" Jaune asked.
"The Emperor's second," Qrow answered, "He's in on the whole Salem business too."
"I can do my best, but I can't make any promises right now," Leo responded, "With Lin still underage, he's been running a lot of Mistral now, and can't spare much time."
"I don't care what you have to do!" Qrow suddenly snapped, "Just get it done!"
"You think I'm not trying!" Leo snapped back, standing up, "I have other things to worry about! Other lives I have to protect!"
"Uncle Qrow," Ruby said softly, as she stepped forward. But before she could do anything, a telekinetic burst kicked up some dust between Qrow and Leo.
"Enough, all of you," Shade said sternly, lowering his hand, "This fashion of speaking will not accomplish anything. Professor Lionheart, arrange that meeting as requested. If nothing else, it may push this endeavor in the correct direction. In the mean time, we will be here, to help guard the relic."
"Are you sure you'll be enough?" Leo asked. At that, Qrow actually chuckled.
"Trust me, these kids are probably more valuable than any huntsmen," he said, "And Shade he…. he can do a lot too."
"An understatement if ever there was one."Despite themselves, Ruby and Nora both giggled slightly at that.
"Well," Leo relented, as he sat down, "I can make a few calls, but I can't promise when it'll be. I'll do my best, though."
"That is all we ask," Shade said, and though Qrow didn't look entirely satisfied, he wasn't inclined to argue with Shade. With that, the group departed.
"Thank you, Professor Lionheart," Ruby said softly.
"Just doing my job, Ms. Rose," Leo answered, with a smile. With that, the door closed, and and he, leaned on his desk, in an attempt to sooth his racing heart.
"A decent enough performance, Leonardo," Arthur's voice suddenly spoke up from the display on the desk, "But I suppose it's fortunate that you became a teacher, rather than an actor." Leo just kept his head down, as he stared at his desk in shame.
(somewhere else in Mistral…)
Arthur then hung up on Leonardo, and made another call.
"Talos," he said.
"What?" Talos' steely voice answered.
"Apparently the Spring Maiden is indeed somewhere on Anima, and she's traveling with one Raven Branwen," Arthur explained.
"Copy, I will relay that information to Hazel," Talos answered.
"Are you in position yet?"
"I am," Talos answered, "When the time comes, I will be ready."
"See to it that you are," Arthur said, taking another sip of his coffee, "I would hate for you to be responsible for any failure."
"Do not waste time with your threats, especially not with me." With that, the connection cut out. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I'll never understand things like it," he grumbled to himself, as he swirled his cup.
(somewhere else on Anima)
Sienna considered herself a reasonable Faunus. Her strategy to deal with the humans was relatively straightforward: bring down any institution that unfairly used Faunus labor, or was somehow complicit in Faunus discrimination. If the humans kept discriminating, then the attacks would continue, if they stopped, the attacks would stop. It really was that simple. No need for all out war or anything of the sort. Of course, Adam seemed to have a different outlook on things.
"I can't see what's so difficult about what I'm saying," Sienna said, "We will not attack Haven Academy."
"High Leader, if you would please…," Adam began.
"You have no right to ask for anything!" Sienna snapped, "Do you realize the scale of your mistake?"
"I did what was necessary."
"Are you being serious?" Sienna growled, leaning forward, "Let me give you a clear list of reasons why you're completely and utterly wrong. First of all, the fall of the tower has meant global communication has taken a nosedive, meaning communication across our branches has slowed to a crawl. Second, you've painted a target on the backs of virtually all White Fang personnel on Remnant. Third, you gave justification for every kingdom to make things even worse for the Faunus. Is any of that clear enough for you?" Adam just calmly listened to his chastisement.
"I have someone I think you'd like to meet," he then said once Sienna was done. He then gestured to the door, and with that, the door opened, as one Tyrian Callows entered the room. As he did, he grinned ear to ear at the tigress.
"Tyrian Callows, Your Grace," Tyrian said, with a mock bow, showing a scorpion tail in the process. Sienna glared at the newcomer, immediately distrusting him.
"Care to explain, Adam?" she said, glancing at her subordinate.
"This man represents a very powerful individual," Adam said, "We worked with his allies to bring down Beacon."
"My mistress is the most powerful person in the world," Tyrian said, as he stood at the foot of the pedestal, his arms spread, "If what you want is to bring humanity low, she can help you do it. You can have the whole human race groveling at your feet." Sienna wasn't going to lie, that wasn't a wholly unpleasant image in her head, but she had to be rational at this point.
"Why should I trust you?" she demanded, "I don't know you."
"No you don't," Tyrian answered smoothly, "But think about it, you have a golden chance to have everything you ever wanted handed to you on a silver platter. I suggest taking advantage of it."
"I don't think either of you know what I want," Sienna answered, "What I want is for the humans to fear us. To know harming us will have consequences. What I don't want is a war with the humans that we can't win."
"You're wrong," Adam said plainly, "We can win, and we will win."
"What're you getting at, Taurus?" Sienna hissed.
"Let's be honest with ourselves, we're better than Humans, we are the superior race. The Spirits made us to rule Remnant, not them," Adam said as he slowly ascended the steps of the pedestal, "For all this time, we have been the humans' slaves, when they should be our slaves." Sienna narrowed her eyes at that. She'd fully admit that she wasn't one to shed tears when something happened to a human, and that she may have taken some degree of satisfaction bringing them low. That didn't mean she just wanted to invert the power dynamic; at any rate Adam was also forgetting a certain fact that humans still outnumbered the Faunus three to one.
"That's enough," she said, holding up her hand, "I won't here anymore of this today. You may go." However, Adam just kept his place on the steps, staring up at her.
"Did you mishear me?" Sienna asked, glaring at him, "Or do you need my guards to escort you out?" Again, Adam remained still
"Unfortunately, revolution always has casualties," he said. With that, he looked straight at Sienna. A shiver went down the tigress' spine.
"Adam, what're you…"
"It's time we have new leadership," Adam said, as he drew Wilt, "Leadership that actually takes the appropriate action." Immediately realizing what was going on, Sienna leapt to her feet, pulling out Cerberus Whip, which she lashed at Adam, who easily blocked it. Sienna then moved to leap at Adam, only to suddenly find herself having to dodge a strike from a spear. To her horror, she saw who was carrying said spear.
"What are…." She couldn't answer, as she had to dodge another spear.
"By the Spirits, what are you doing?!" she demanded.
"Oh, my dear Sienna," Adam said dangerously, "You overestimate your position. While you've been sitting comfortably on your throne, I've been out acting, bringing progress to the cause. I may as well already be the High Leader." Sienna could only stare in horror, as all the men and women she had long trusted pointed their weapons at her. She then looked to glower at Adam.
"You think I'm going to swear my fealty to you?" Sienna demanded.
"Of course not," Adam answered, "It's quite a story, 'the High Leader of the White Fang assassinated by a human Black Ops group'." As it dawned on Sienna Adam's real plan, she moved to press the attack, she let out a cry, as one of the guards thrust her spear into her leg. When she looked up, she saw Adam on top of her. She only had just enough time to avoid a fatal strike as the blade came down on her; but it still left a deep gash across her torso. Falling to her knee, holding her wound, she then felt Adam's blade against her neck.
"Thank you, Sienna Khan, for all you did for the Faunus," Adam said coldly, "I will see to it that you are remembered as a true hero." Sienna's hand snapped up to grab the blade.
"You won't have this day," was all the tigress said. With that, the now former High Leader of the White Fang, activated her Semblance, and she disappeared in a flash of orange light.
Tyrian who had been watching the whole thing, was silent. The only reason he hadn't done anything was because Salem told him not to kill Sienna, and he would not dare to disobey the will of his goddess. He had a brief look of surprise, before he let out a slight cackle.
"Oh Adam, my good man," he said, putting his hands on his hips, "Truly you should've told me about this plan of your's."
"No need," Adam answered, "She won't make it far with wounds like that."
"You still should've told me."
"Why?"
"Because I could've gotten it done far quicker than you," Tyrian said, as he put his hands behind his back, and walked away, snickering slightly. As he watched him do so, Adam took a seat on the throne, glaring slightly, as he spun Wilt through his fingers. He didn't care, he'd gotten what he wanted; now he just had to get what he deserved….
(in Mistral)
With his flask empty, Qrow was in great need of a strong drink. Fortunately, he wasn't picky when it came to his bars, as he quickly found one, and ordered the strongest thing they had. He just wanted a quiet night of drinking, but his Semblance kicked back up again, and things weren't so good.
"Excuse me," a soft voice said. Qrow, barely hearing it, glanced over his shoulder to see a small boy, maybe slightly younger than Ruby.
"Looking a little young to be here," Qrow commented, looking the boy up and down. The kid was silent for a time, as his eyes trailed away.
"Yeah! I'm getting to it!" he suddenly hissed. Qrow arched his eyebrow at that.
"I'm here for my cane," he finally said. There was a smashing sound, as Qrow dropped his glass. His eyes widened, before his faced slowly broke into a smile.
"Good to see ya' again Oz."
Note: This chapter ended up being a lot longer than I thought it'd be.
Yes, Sienna is alive in this version. Note how she's less concerned with all the innocent people Adam killed, and more with how his actions are threatening the White Fang. I'm not going to go easy on her. I considered having Tyrian attack her, but I figured it would be OOC for him to try and do something Salem explicitly told him not to do.
Most of this chapter was devoted to setting up events to happen. Seeing as there isn't much to differentiate in canon for Weiss and Yang's story, and Pyrrha can only do so much in what's essentially just a really long flight, I focused on RNJR and Sienna.
Sidetone, I seriously think that they initially didn't conceive Leo as a Faunus, seeing as he isn't seen with his tail for most of the Volume into the last few episodes, during which its like it was always there. Maybe it was a hindsight thing.
Be sure to review.
Going into a mini-rant here, but this is something that has personally been stewing in me for a while: Jaune, and his chances for a happy ending and love. Now I get it, he's still a supporting character, and maybe I'm blowing it out of proportion, but I really like Jaune as a character, mostly because I really relate to him. Before I joined the military, I was the same kind of awkward screw up who wasn't good at anything while being surrounded by people who seemed so good at everything. To that end, I want him to have his own happy ending, and to find a person he can find love in now that Pyrrha's gone. Ren and Nora are supporting characters, and they found love (I know it's with each other, but it counts). I don't care who it is, Ruby, Weiss, or even a character we haven't even met yet. But I don't think RT will give him that love; maybe because they think Pyrrha was the only one for him, or maybe they just aren't interested in doing so; they had a chance to maybe give Jaune another chance with Weiss in Episode 6, which they didn't do, and then another chance to Episode 7, which they again didn't do (that's so minor its not really worth a "spoiler warning). For all we know, Jaune might not even survive the series. Again, I know Jaune technically counts as a supporting character, but he's gone through too much to be denied happiness.