TheCarlosInferno: It's good to be back :D I hope you enjoy my plans for this volume.
bookwrym321: YESS! XD
deathwing17: lol sorry, I will do my best but I doubt it'll be as fast as before...not that I won't try ;)
Gzilla54: You aren't wrong, this Volume was arguably the trickiest to plan for. I totally agree with your stance on Ruby's hand to hand, her belief to having killed Horatio was my big focus on why she doesn't outright ask about her eyes...she's still terrified of what she is capable of. Way ahead of you on the month downtime segment, they won't be just sitting around, I promise you that ;) Awww, your words mean so much, I appreciate all constructive criticism and you hit a lot of good points. I hope to not disappoint :D
spencermalley935: A Happy Merry Christmas to you in that case :) It really is lol, and having so many ideas for this story and my others without more hours in the day XD There will be plenty more to come, I was hoping to start off on a good foot and am glad I succeeded for you.
william bragg 165: Exactly, there is a reason Ember and Cinder are careful of what they discuss within her keep... And thank you very much, that means a lot :) I will do my best to keep up without burning myself out lol
Constipated Genius: Lots of questions, a good start to a volume ;) It's good to see you again as well, hope you've been doing good!
C0rrupted1: I'm holding off on the new volume as well, gonna binge it all at the end lol. A little touch of Horatio's mother for the future, and you're right I think Salem getting Emerald to admit Cinder's fault was the most she interacted with both of them. And no worries on not having read my other story, never any rush and only if you enjoy it :)
Amelia: It's good to hear from you again! Hope all has been well. I noticed that too in canon, Cinder acted meek and hesitant anytime she was around Salem. Before she was essentially alone, but not here ;) And thank you for appreciating that little nod :D
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark: Lol Great to hear! Precisely, she still has a ways to go but isn't alone this time. Hmmm, Olivia's eyes looking familiar? What an interesting observation...
Ethos The ET: Great to hear! It's good to be back and I hope to not disappoint.
A Plexx: Welcome aboard! It's always a pleasure to meet another Cinder Fall fan.
Batomys2731: Back and at it lol, I hope you've been doing well! :D Aww, thank you. It means so much that you are still enjoying it after all this time. I hope you've been faring as well on your Cinder story, I always get excited hearing updates :D More is on the way, I hope you like it.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Darkness reigned as far as the eye could see, the realm that had once been solely for the domain of Salem now stretched across the world with no end. At its center, an extravagant palace dwarfing all others that came before resided, home to the Empress of Remnant.
Amidst the grand halls she glided towards a throne completely secure in her dominance. There were a few scattered rebels pushing against her but they would soon be brought to heel in time. With a smile of superiority, Cinder Fall took her place upon her seat of power.
She had grown quite tall and voluptuous in the years since her ascension having acquired Salem's power amplified by her own and that of the four maidens. She wore a gown fit for a ruler remaining deep red as was her preference yet adorned with gold designs and accessories that made her more akin to a goddess than a ruler of men, Grimm and faunus. Having restored her eye and arm with the power of the relics, she no longer had to selectively cover her body and could dress however she pleased. With her curly long hair she could style it as extravagantly as was possible.
All that I have sought, she sighed, basking in the silence of that place. With all of her servants gone it could have been mistaken for a tomb.
"Good morning!" A small voice rose up from the silence. A little girl no older than five rushed towards the throne with wild abandon fearing nothing, as well she shouldn't.
All I have sought and more…
"And a good morning to you Ella," Cinder greeted her daughter; surely her brother the future Guardian was playing elsewhere. "What has you so elated?"
"A missive arrived, daddy has crushed the last of the resistance to the south, he's bringing home presents!"
Cinder smiled more warmly than any save those closest to her would ever see. Her thoughts drifted to those of her husband, the Emperor ruling by her side and general of her armies. She could already picture the black of his armor and smile that would accompany his return. She would be sure to show her appreciation for his continued efforts, Ella would be glad to see her father as the campaign had been longer than planned.
"Mother," the little girl looked up at her with shimmering amber eyes matching her mother's, yet the lighter curly brown hair and smile surely came from her father. "How did you and daddy meet?"
"That is an old story my dear," she motioned for the little girl to take a seat on her lap. She swiftly hopped up as her mother wrapped a new left arm around her. "You won't believe it, but he once wished to be a huntsman back when they were still around; we met in Vale long before it burned. I'll never forget the day I stepped off the boat and saw him; he was an artist even then and started his first piece of me."
Ella looked up at her with such wonder, completely unaffected by the darker connotations of her mother's rise to power. Many of the family portraits and other frescos dotting the hall and palace were done by his hand.
"He was a mere pawn to me then as all were at the time."
"Like Auntie Emerald?"
Cinder released a short laugh, "Even her, once upon a time. He saw more in me then…the only one who didn't view me as a monster. And in time, I saw more within him too."
"That is so romantic, is that why you had him kill all his friends?"
Cinder's heart jumped slightly at her daughter's sudden question, eyes wide and mouth open in shock. She had never told Ella that part of the story.
"I…what?"
"Why did you have daddy burn his home to the ground just for you? He did such terrible things to keep you safe. He did it all despite reducing everything he cared about except you to ash…right mother?"
Cinder shot up with a gasp, panting heavily and drenched in sweat. It took her a moment to realize she was back in her room at Salem's keep.
A dream…only a dream, she thought, recalling all of what she had just witnessed. It had shown her everything she desired and everything she didn't know she desired. Yet all she could taste in her mouth was the bitterness of ash.
Cinder reached to the other side of her mattress, only then realizing that she was alone in the bed, a crumpled still-warm indentation betraying that someone had been there until not too long ago.
Of course, Cinder realized as she wrapped herself back in the thin red sheets. It must be morning, where else would he be?
Menagerie…
"Thank you all for assembling here." Ghira Belladonna started to speak loud and clear, obscuring his uncertainty at how his plea would be received.
Since the recent attack, resulting in Esmerelda and Odette staying in their home as well as Sun's injury of which he still recovered from, the Chieftain of Menagerie had called an assembly of as many of the island's inhabitants as would attend. Dozens were gathered around their home with hundreds more listening in the distance. Kali stood supportively by his side as always with Blake and Sun nearby, the monkey faunus sporting a bandage from the wound his aura had yet to fully heal. Blake's father had sent his fastest messenger to Mistral as a warning but that would be a weeks-long travel at the earliest before they arrived.
"I wanted to take time to address some of the rumors that have been circulating around our island. I believe that it is important for the people of this territory to understand the truth. No matter how you feel about the human race, I think we can all agree that the event now known as the Fall of Beacon was a tragedy. A tragedy that will set both man and Faunus-kind back…."
"I should be out there," Esmerelda vented her frustration to her grandmother sitting back listening to Ghira.
"Let Ghira do his thing," Odette remarked. "Not many would have forgiven your reasons for coming to the island so lightly. He wanted a chance to get his people to understand what the White Fang has become, let him reach out to them. If things go south, you can do your investigating further."
"But this was my home," the auburn-haired huntress squeezed her fist tighter. She may have been forced to flee young, but she still felt a connection to that island. "You raised me here regardless of what I am."
"What you ARE is my granddaughter," she cupped Esmerelda's face in her hands. "I fought back in the day against humans who called us animals so I'll be DAMNED if I let my own kind do the same to you!"
"Nana…" She smiled as Ghira continued his speech naming Adam Taurus as partially responsible for the attack on Beacon and how his actions set back what he had hoped to accomplish as High Leader of the White Fang by years. Finally, he produced the scroll Blake and Sun had retrieved detailing Adam's plans for the future.
"Adam Taurus plans to overthrow the leader of the White Fang, Sienna Khan, and take over the reins himself! His radical plans do not stop there; the documents on this scroll proclaim his next target to be Haven Academy and its attached CCT Tower before the fall semester roughly two months from today."
"Nana, why didn't you ever trust the Belladonna's?" Esmerelda found herself asking at last. "They seem like good people, I am sure they wouldn't have done anything."
"Remember I was a paranoid old bird," she tried to lighten the mood with a ruffle of her old wings, leaving out the immense sense of fear of something befalling her granddaughter. "Besides it was more who he associated with. Between Sienna's more extreme methods and Kali's ties before she went the straight and narrow..."
"Mrs. Belladonna? You're joking!"
"Never," she grinned smugly at her granddaughter. "She may look like the perfect innocent housewife but she has claws that would put her husband's to shame."
"To mend the divide between our people, we must head to Haven," Ghira concluded his speech with a rousing voice and arms thrown out. "And defend it at all costs!"
The crowds of assorted faunus started cheering, the Chieftain's charisma not having diminished since stepping down as High leader. The cries of approval and agreement rose like a wave before dying down, leaving the masses silent awaiting his next words.
"Before we continue, I would like to call my daughter Blake forward to share her story. Not only as a former member of the White Fang, but also as a survivor of the Fall of Beacon." He stepped aside, allowing Blake to take the podium with a nervous nod.
"TRAITORS, COWARDS!" One of the many spectators cast off their cloak revealing a young woman in a black short-sleeved jumpsuit and White Fang mask.
"Ilia," Sun muttered, recognizing Blake's former chameleon-faunus friend and partner in the White Fang who had attacked them the previous night while Esmerelda fought with Trifa. He gripped his shoulder at the memory of her attack.
"After all the humans have done to us over the years, you want US to help them?"
"Young lady," Ghira tried to calm her knowing full well of her family's fate. "I know you are angry and frustrated, but cooperation and real progress takes time…"
"Where was OUR help when kingdoms hunted faunus simply for being who they are? Where was their help when the dust companies treated us like slaves? Where was MY help when my parents died in a dust mine? WHERE? And then you actually have the nerve to work with a human on OUR island!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd, the assorted people glancing to one another confused over her meaning. Ghira's awkward expression told them everything, even if he had tried to lie about it he wasn't the best at it. Questions started to rise demanding the truth, recollections of a fight at the docks at a human's presence recalled by many.
"It is true that there is a human on the island, but she is not an outsider. This young woman…"
"I grew up here just like you."
Esmerelda walked up to the stage to stand beside Blake, Odette glancing left and right having missed her approach. Scowls instantly befell her as the crowd noticed her lack of faunus features easily visible by her clothes, jeers following soon after.
"What are you doing here?"
"Can't you leave us be?"
"The Belladonnas knew?"
Remarks flew back and forth over the following tense seconds, Ghira's attempts to calm the crowd falling on deaf ears. When it was clear that they would not stop until she was gone, Esmerelda pulled the microphone to her lips and yelled as loudly as she could.
"MY NAME IS ESMERELDA MUSTRA!"
A pin drop, that is what could have been heard it became so silent at the proclamation of her name. Few did not know of Odette among the community, being one of the oldest residents. Her lineage was only confirmed as her grandmother took the stage. Despite leaning on her cane, the eyes staring out at the crowd burned with the intense gaze they had come to expect.
"Who else would like to say something about my Derek's daughter?" Even Ilia remained silent. Clearing her throat, Esmerelda continued.
"I was raised here among you, lived here and called Menagerie my home. I didn't know most of you half as well as I would have liked, and the reason for that was the fear. My grandmother," she turned to acknowledge Odette with a heartwarming smile, "feared for my safety merely for being born as I was. Humans aren't perfect, far from it, but that same nature is evident in everyone."
"Adam is making things right," Ilia interrupted, the guards being unable to reach her due to the crowd. Sun had mysteriously vanished during the commotion. "He will give us the freedom we deserve!"
"Adam only wants to do to the humans what they did to the faunus," Blake shouted her down. "He doesn't want equality, he wants all the power."
"If the humans won't accept equality, then maybe that is what is needed. I call upon any TRUE faunus to join the White Fang, we can…"
Ilia heard the footsteps, spinning at the last moment to dodge Sun's outstretched hand. The monkey-faunus had snuck through the crowd carefully in hopes of apprehending her. Had he been at his best he may have succeeded, alas his injury slowed his movements and his heavier breathing was easy to hear. Once a good distance, she disappeared into the vast crowd beyond, other White Fang operatives covering her escape. Sun rushed forward, the dense bodies causing him to lose her. She was gone.
Shutters fired, flashes went off and the reporters moved in closer focusing on Blake and Esmerelda standing side by side in an awkward situation. The two looked to one another concerned over what had just happened. Ilia's words seemed to have gotten through as many started leaving with dark expressions on their faces. For what it was worth, many still remained and they decided not to waste it.
"Many humans died at Beacon," Esmerelda sighed as she motioned for Blake to remain onstage. "But many faunus did as well, both our people were there fighting together and we want everyone to know what happened that night…"
Overseas…
"Everybody get ready!" Cameron called back to his passengers. "We are approaching the transmission's location!"
Their ship was speeding through the air, the aging engine pushed well past its limits. It did not help matters that the gravity dust in Lake Matsu's floating isles was wreaking havoc with their systems. Despite the dangers posed they did not slow down, the voice of pure terror echoing in their minds from the distress call. The radio had been left on their signal but had cut out until they drew nearer to the source.
"PERCY!" The voice cried out again. "Try and stay with us, you are veering off course!"
Weiss leaned forward, the pair finally catching sight of their goal. A pair of cargo airships were off in the distance, antiquated wooden models even worse than the one Cameron had procured. The first was relatively intact however the second, referred to as Percy, was on fire listing towards the left from a damaged wing. The source of their distress was clear as day against the evening sun.
Dozens of hornet-like Grimm were buzzing around the ships, stingers firing like grappling hooks towards the beleaguered ships. The presence of blood and bodies on deck gave away their valiant defense that had fought as best they could. As stated over the radio, no defenders remained. Whatever huntsmen they had hired were long gone.
"Lancers," Cameron sighed with a punch of frustration before grabbing the radio. "Why'd it have to be Lancers!? This is the Farthing out of Solitas, we heard your distress call, do you read me?"
"Hello? Thank the gods! They are all over us!"
"Are your engines fully operational?" Cameron asked quickly, plans entering his mind on how next to proceed.
"Our port wing took a beating but we are holding together. I had to hang back to help Percy and his crew, they haven't responded but refuse to go above half-speed. Their ship must have taken damage but we can't do anything to help! Those Grimm picked one of our huntresses clean off the deck when she tried to board!"
"Roger that, try to stay in a closer formation. Help is coming, Weiss can you…?" The young pilot turned, only then noticing that the former Schnee heiress had already descended the ladder to the cargo hold. "Penny?"
"Clear to go," her chipper voice crackled over the radio from the roof of their ship.
With a steadying breath the mechanical woman fell backwards, blades extending from her back to form upgraded laser platforms rotating around her defensively. A split second in free-fall before Cameron would have grown worried she righted herself, flying through the air as surely as any bird. The cargo ship followed close behind, landing bays opening to reveal Weiss with Myrtenaster.
The Lancers noticed the newcomers too late as waves of green light pelted the sky accurately calibrated to miss the ships they came to protect. One by one they picked off the human-sized insect Grimm focusing on the damaged vessel's attackers first. Eventually, as planned, the insects pulled away from the near-crippled ships to chase after the faster threat. Penny waved off her friends as she blasted into the distance forcing the dozens of Grimm to follow, giving them breathing space. With this opening, Cameron pulled up alongside Percy's damaged ship allowing Weiss to leap over.
The hatch was torn open allowing easy access, it was far worse within. The vessel was small, barely a cargo hold with basic amenities. Scattered containers of their illegally procured dust were thrown about along with bodies of the crew. Men and women who had fought and lost, Weiss checked them for signs of life despairing as she came up empty.
"Come on, there has to be SOMEONE," she muttered quietly. Where others would have seen the fortune in dust hoarded within, Weiss saw only the pointless loss of life.
Gunshots alerted her to a fight above, certain none below still lived she rushed to the cockpit at a sprint. The hatch had already been breached, a Lancer inside buzzing threateningly at the pilot firing his pistol with minimal effect. No sooner had Weiss spotted them it fired a grappling hook-like stinger missing the pilot to shred the console behind.
"Hyaa!" Weiss cried, thrusting forward with Myrtenaster. In a flash she pierced its abdomen, a flashing glyph exploding outward and taking the Grimm with it. The monster had been beaten yet the damage was done.
"No no no," the man no doubt named Percy muttered sobbingly as he tried to wrest control of the ship. As expected, the controls were completely non-responsive, utterly destroyed. "I can fix this!"
"No you can't!" Weiss pulled him back by the shoulder. "We have to get out of here!"
"WE NEED THAT DUST TO…." Percy did not finish as Weiss clocked him across the face with the handle of her sword sending him reeling to the ground.
With a huff of frustration the young huntress formed a black glyph beneath him, allowing her to carry him back the way she came. To her relief, Cameron was able to keep up though just barely. With the controls destroyed, the cargo ship had careened to the side heading straight for one of the floating islands.
"Weiss! YOU NEED TO GET BACK NOW!" He roared over the intercom, his own efforts to remain on course losing out to the gravity dust turbulence.
"Hold her steady!" Weiss knew she had only one shot. With a focused gaze she ran, propelling Percy first ahead of her into the still-open cargo hold.
Her aim held true, the man's body rag-dolling inside safely as Weiss landed with the grace and skill afforded to her years of practice. Cameron pulled away without a moment to spare as the doomed vessel nearby crashed into an island with a deafening explosion.
"What happened?" The young woman's voice from the sister-ship demanded upon seeing the explosion.
"It's just us now," Cameron informed quickly to stay focused. "We're clear for the moment so I want you to punch it and make for the shoreline. "We'll cover you!"
As if they'd been waiting for those words the rickety cargo ship blasted forward, their own rocketing to catch up..
"Penny," Weiss got on the radio as they neared. "We saved who we could and are almost to land, can you circle back to us?"
"There have been…complications."
The hesitant reply caused both her and Cameron to look sidelong towards each other, the feeling of things getting even worse settling in the pit of their stomachs. It did not take long to discover Penny's meaning as she appeared around a larger island. Her weapon platforms were firing in rotating order with only half as many as she departed with. Instead of a swarm pursuing, only a single Lancer chased the young woman, a Lancer bigger than their cargo ship.
"A queen?" Their escorted allies could be heard once more.
"Keep going! Don't slow down for anything!" Their pilot turned, refusing to leave the woman he loved behind.
"I'll cover her!" Weiss called up from the cargo hold, glyphs forming around her once she had secured their survivor with gravity dust to ensure he did not get jostled. Opening a crate of dust, she reloaded Myrtenaster, spinning the cylinder expertly as she took aim.
"Weiss," Penny used her name as she had request in the past. "A Queen Lancer's exoskeleton is quite durable and resistant to damage. The chances of your weapon causing significant damage are…"
"Just get back onboard!" Weiss shouted, a glyph shaped like clock hands materializing over the Lancer, causing its wings to slow to a crawl. With this opening, Penny rocketed ahead to catch up to them, landing gracefully within. No sooner had she touched down then the time dilation shattered, allowing the queen to resume her pursuit once more. "Cam! Can we make it to shore!?"
"Not before that thing catches up!" His voice sounded stressed as he worked the ship as best he could. "Our friends are hemorrhaging fuel, we can't go any faster and they can't handle being towed in this condition."
"Then we have to fight," Weiss planted her feet alongside Penny watching the Lancer Queen close in. It would not be long before she was upon them. "Just keep flying Cam, leave the rest to us."
Salem's Keep…
Ember pushed the door to Cinder's room open with his shoulder, hands full holding a tray of food clad in a form fitting yet menacing black and red vest with ornate pants. Fortunately he had not encountered Emerald again since that first night; noticing she worked to completely avoid him. He resolved to speak with her yet had never found an opportunity nor told Cinder of her subordinate's attack.
Cinder had fully recovered from her battle with Ruby so he was no longer needed to attend her out of necessity but he'd politely asked to be allowed to continue certain enjoyable privileges. Fortunately Cinder relented on several points.
"I hope you're hungry," he smiled upon entering. He spotted the love of his life staring out the window overlooking Salem's realm, already awake and fully dressed despite having been wrapped in the bed's warm confines when he had snuck out to acquire breakfast. She was grasping her left arm through the long sleeve; tightening her grip before releasing it at the sound of his entrance.
Does it still hurt?
"Famished," she smiled genuinely as she only did for him nowadays. The tray held two plates of scrambled eggs, a single piece of toast each with salt and pepper shakers between them. An ornate cup of steaming tea sat on her side with a simple glass of prune juice on his.
The two took a seat across from one another, Ember eagerly dug into his breakfast while Cinder took her time, only ever using her right hand. The training had proceeded since his return and inclusion as her partner. They still pushed each other to their limits each day under Salem's supervision, but no longer did it feel so heartless.
Each day they would fight one another in the training arena. Salem would ensure he attacked Cinder with all his might, forcing her to use her Maiden powers and adapt to his tactics. At first, Cinder had been content to create glass swords infused with the elements; however Ember risked her ire and stressed the necessity of variety. Within a matter of days Cinder became proficient at glass swords, daggers, axes, even a variation of Ember's own sword, and she hadn't stopped there.
The speed at which she could learn various weapon types and skills was incredible and the more she fought with them, the more durable they became. At first Ember could shatter one with a swing of his hand, however enough of this and Cinder started to temper them, soon making each almost an even match to his own weapon. Eventually even glass would no longer be needed.
Weapon creation and practice was only a portion of their regimen. The less energy she had the harder it was to make complex creations, once Cinder was at this level they switched to harnessing the elements in less refined attacks.
The intensity of her flames was terrifying, even with his semblance absorbing her power he could still feel the heat. The more she used it the stronger they got and the more she could create, with his semblance they could literally train until they dropped. Ember was certain once, for a brief moment, he saw her flame flare blue. He would have thought he was seeing things if not for the proud smile Salem had in that moment. Cinder was not restricted solely to fire but she was an unparalleled prodigy in that particular element.
Most importantly, Ember could keep an eye on Salem. She seemed content with their training and saw no need to send in Grimm to assail them. Mercury had described the training Cinder went through during his time in Mistral. While he knew Cinder could handle it, he still felt burning anger towards Salem at such unnecessary cruelty. When he'd returned he had feared that Cinder would have slipped back into her mindset before her time at Beacon, based on her temperament since then he was thankful she had not wholly done so. Ember sighed with relief as Cinder assured him she had not discussed his semblance with anyone, not Mercury, Emerald, not even Salem. He took comfort in the fact he was still a partial unknown to her.
"I…had a question," Ember finally broached to Cinder as he finished his eggs, she still had some left on her plate.
"Hmm?" She asked, her mouth currently full.
"Is it possible for a Maiden to survive the transfer process of powers?"
Cinder paused; lowering her fork as she calmly wiped her lips with a napkin and swallowed her current mouthful.
"Why do you ask?"
Ember sighed, he'd been curious ever since learning how she had acquired Amber's powers. Until recently Cinder could not speak and he did not wish to approach the subject until she was well. It did not help that within Salem's Keep the two were ever vigilant towards what they talked about. They were certain Salem overheard all they discussed and he prayed this topic would not draw her attention.
"My mother is the current Spring Maiden. I know from what Ozpin and the others told me before that she never wanted her power. I am sure she would gladly give it up if there is a way, but I don't want…"
"You don't want to harm your mother, understandable," Cinder interrupted. "If what you say is true and she does not want them, then there will be no need to worry."
Ember's face lit up at the prospect as Cinder continued, pausing only to finish her tea.
"The powers are needed to access the vault and claim the relic, there is nothing to say WHO needs to open it. If she truly wishes to remain out of the war, and no doubt with your convincing, she will open the door and no further unpleasantness will be needed. I am...willing to consider allowing her to retain them."
Ember was still uncertain, glancing down at his empty plate.
The powers were tied to her very soul, he had assumed there was no workaround...but would Cinder do that even for him? To leave out one of the four Maiden powers from her repertoire. She had spared Pyrrha and refused to shoot him back at Beacon. He knew she was not wholly the monster so many thought, but even then such power was her goal whether for her own gains or to challenge Salem.
"I see, thank you for your honesty," he smiled serenely, masking his conflicted thoughts. They had no idea where she was, they had time.
Cinder's stoic expression did not break; she nodded before returning to finish her breakfast.
"If…when we find her," he continued despite knowing he should stop. "Do you want to mention us?"
Cinder froze, glancing up to him with the most devilish grin on her lips as she rested her chin on her hands. Despite the hours of fun she was sure to have with his question, it was nice to see her smile again.
"Afraid to show me off to mother dearest, worried she won't approve?" Her voice was dripping with playful sarcasm.
"It was just a thought," he mumbled, pretending to take a sip from his empty glass hoping she'd forget his spur of the moment question.
Baby steps…baby steps…
"The meeting does not begin for several hours," he added. "We have not walked the grounds together since before I was made your knight, perhaps we may do so after you are finished?"
Cinder continued to stare at her plate, eyes focused as always. Time passed slowly as he awaited her reply.
"That sounds," she paused to select her words, "delightful. And for the future, if you wake up before me I want you to forget about breakfast…and sleep in."
White Fang HQ…
"Adam Taurus," the commanding tone sternly repeated for the last time. "I want you to listen when I tell you that the White Fang will NOT attack Haven Academy."
The High Leader sat upon her throne within the secret Headquarters of the White Fang. She had ruled from her seat of power for years, admittedly not leaving as often as she would have liked. Nevertheless, she understood her position was one of leadership and that forays onto the front lines were a thing of the past. She had followers for that, one whom she had thought trustworthy above all else currently knelt before her for his actions.
The bull-faunus was on a single knee, eyes looking up at his leader with absolute determination. Despite her words, he held onto the assertion he had done what was best. He was less-recognizable than when she had last seen him, his mask having been replaced with a wider one that covered the left side of his face in addition to the eyes. She had heard of the injuries he sustained at the battle of Beacon and while she somewhat empathized, she held no sympathy for the attack that had been done without her knowledge.
"High Leader Khan, I am begging you, with this assault we…"
"You should be begging for forgiveness and NOTHING else," Sienna Khan, High Leader of the White Fang cut him off harshly. Only then did Adam's eyes lower to the ground to show the subservience expected of her lieutenants. "The assault you led on Beacon was not the great victory you clearly think it was, and you should be grateful your punishment wasn't more severe."
Adam's fists clenched subtly, remembering the summons back to face her with added words that he had been stripped of command until trust was restored. He had been commanding forces of the White Fang since Sienna put her trust in him, to have that taken away caused a black cloud to settle in his mind that only grew for the entire trip back.
"You are a symbol for many in our organization," Sienna continued. "But that doesn't make you infallible."
"I was merely trying to follow your example, High Leader." He rebutted, all the while keeping his eyes down respectfully.
"And what example might that be?"
"Strength," he looked up once more, showing off his full white mask that looked more Grimm than ever before. "Strength and unwavering conviction. The humans have seen that strength now and will remember it!"
"I'd hoped that your injuries would have caused you to rethink your decisions of that day. I was one of the first to suggest violence where it was necessary," Sienna leaned onto her chair with a sigh, remembering the complacency that Ghira Belladonna's method had sunk them into during his reign. "I will NOT allow humanity to push us down without pushing back first, but the destruction of the Huntsman Academies crosses a line!"
Her guards winced somewhat as she slammed a fist upon her armrest, she seldom lost her temper and was not to be trifled with when she did.
"The loss of the CCT has brought worldwide communication to a halt INCLUDING with our other divisions. Not only that, but the White Fang and faunus worldwide are more of a target by the other kingdoms than ever before! You have done what none have done since the Great War…justified humanity's campaign against us, and for what?"
"To expedite the change!" He replied with more confidence. "Even under your steady hand, our position in the world hasn't changed. With the help of…"
"…of a group of humans we know NOTHING about while traveling where they please. These are not examples of strength Adam; they are examples of your talents being diminished by shortsightedness. Some time in the lower ranks will help show you that I hope."
"If you want to know more about these humans," Adam extended a hand back towards the door in the distance. "Then why not ask one of them yourself? HAZEL!"
The audience chamber doors flew open, an impressive feat considering their size, to reveal a mountain of a man. He was dressed in a green overcoat with black undershirt. His hair was dark brown and cut short with a styled beard. Despite being the lone human for miles around he seemed at ease when entering.
"Took you long enough," he sighed to Adam before approaching to stand beside him, the guards on either side taking up stances against the intruder.
"What is the meaning of this?" Sienna demanded.
"Apologies ma'am, I don't aim to cause any trouble. You have my word on that, I was hoping my attendance would have been…properly stated."
"You brought a human to THIS location!?" Sienna was beside herself, standing to her feet alongside her guards. Not since constructing their headquarters had a human ever been allowed entrance in her time. "THESE ARE GROUNDS FOR EXECUTION!"
"Ma'am…please," Hazel's eyes truly looked pleading without showing a single outward sign of weakness. "Hear me out, nobody needs to die today, I'm just asking for a moment of your time."
To their surprise, the giant took a knee to bow low before Sienna's throne. He was utterly unarmed, not even Sienna's senses could discern any intent for combat or preparation if she ordered her men to open fire. The apparent openness and sincerity of his words, quite unlike most humans she'd known, caused her fury to calm if only a little.
"The longer you stay here, the less chance you have of leaving alive."
"I'll take those chances, if you don't mind."
If he's honest, I can hear him out. If he's lying, he won't last long against so many. Sienna took a seat, motioning for her guards to stand down and for Hazel to rise.
"You don't like me," Salem's juggernaut started bluntly. "You have no reason to like me, but you don't have to like me to get the results you want."
"And why would you be able to get results that an entire organization cannot?"
"Because my master has known of your plight for a VERY long time," Hazel stood but did not approach further. "She has experience in such matters. There are humans AND faunus among our group and neither are subservient to the other."
"Merely subservient to your master?" Hazel did not deny it. "Then how would this be anything different from trading one type of tyranny for another?"
"A large one ma'am," Hazel's voice never raised. "We all may serve my master, but we are all equal beneath her."
"And with their power we CAN win a war against the humans, the very war YOU sought to avoid," Adam jumped back in while slowly approaching the throne. "Fearing us is only the first step, humans should not only fear the faunus...they should SERVE the faunus."
Sienna sighed at the slight spark of eccentricity that lit up in the bull-faunus' eyes and she did not like it. Too many times she had seen that same gleam in the eyes of humans who were so certain their superiority over the faunus was justified. She never thought the day would come that Adam would look the same as a human to her.
"I have had enough of this conversation for the day. Guards, take them away, I will decide what to do in the morning with their offer."
Not one of her guards moved a muscle.
"Didn't you hear me?" Sienna raised her voice. "I said take them away!"
None of them stirred again, the long-time High Leader of the White Fang stood to her feet, slowly sensing what was coming.
"You were right about me being a symbol, to most of our people," Adam replied without a shred of politeness, his superior demeanor shining clearly through. "All my followers in Vale saw me as the true High Leader long before now, and I discovered many here feel the same."
The doors flew open again, she had six men stationed outside though only four stepped within, the bodies of two others lying just beyond. Next, her dozen guards stationed on either side emerged from the shadows where they were meant to defend against surprise attacks. As with before, nine aimed their weapons towards her, the fate of the remaining three a mystery. Lastly, those by her very side raised their spears high, angling them towards her head. She had no option to resist as Adam approached her.
"I will be the one to lead the White Fang in the days to come, not you."
Sienna Khan was beside herself, throat growling low like the tiger whose markings she bore. He had turned so many people since his arrival, enough to outnumber her loyalists in the room. Despite the odds against her, Sienna's pride as leader of the White Fang refused to allow surrender. If she stepped down and let Adam wholly rule the White Fang, all her years of work would be undone.
"If you think that I am just going to step aside…"
An explosion ignited between Adam and Sienna, knocking aside the steel of his drawn sword she had missed. From the point of impact, a dense smoke billowed forth consuming the throne and all near it. Adam raised his sword, barely blocking razor sharp metallic claws threatening to take his head off. Through the dense soup he could barely make out dull yellow eyes staring back.
"You!" He cried before being kicked away, not seeing the foot until it was firmly planted in his chest sending him deeper into the obscuring smog.
The guards were thrown into chaos, pointing their weapons each way seeking the intruder but coming up empty. Hazel only stood tall and stoic, he meant it when he had said no one needed to die that day and saw no reason to intervene unless the battle confronted him directly. The smoke was so thick and the confused cries so loud that the men did not realize as they started dropping one by one. Sienna gasped as she felt a cloth bandanna forced over her mouth to block out the smog as a powerful hand took hers.
"Come with me now!" The gruff voice commanded, tugging her towards him sharply.
"My followers!" She hissed back. "I won't abandon my…"
"Your troops in the building are all dead," the unknown intruder interrupted. "Come with me now or you'll join them!"
A crimson blade sliced through the mist, parting it and revealing the throne standing empty. With a growl of frustration, Adam spotted Sienna running in the distance, a man dressed in black from head to toe wielding what appeared to be brass knuckles with long claws protruding from each indentation. Sienna was close behind, discarding her red cloak to allow her and the unknown assailant to sprint faster than ever. The men he had left at the back were already down with nothing preventing their retreat.
If she gets away she'll rally more support, I NEED every soldier I can get!
"Don't let them escape!" He ordered as he and his men gave chase. "Kill her AND that traitorous librarian!"
Haven…
Leonardo meekly led Watts to his inner chamber, a hidden room accessible only to himself within his office. Twisting the statue of the former Empress of Mistral to reveal a keypad and entering the proper code to allow entrance. Within, a statue of a familiar woman in black greeted them, a relic of a bygone age discovered by the headmaster years before. He recalled it well as the start of all his woes. Deep within the sanctum, a menacing creature awaited resembling a jellyfish but floated with spiked tendrils hovering unnaturally above the ground. Leonardo could not help but tense as he drew near. A clear glass-like ball rested atop its head, or perhaps was its head, neither dared to ask specifics.
"After you," Watts offered with a mocking tone of civility, motioning the terrified faunus towards the swirling red mists within.
"Y-your grace," Lionheart meekly squeaked out, hoping for no reply. "Are you there?"
All color drained from his face as the vortex within took shape, revealing the pale visage of Salem staring at him. She was just as intimidating as he remembered, her expression utterly unreadable. He recognized Cinder on her left, his heart rate picking up as he beheld a stoic warrior in black armor on her right.
The one the children mentioned?
"Hello Leonardo," she answered calmly. "Do you have something to report?"
"Of course ma'am, I would not waste your time if not. I have…"
He was interrupted as Watts nonchalantly wandered around his twitchy companion, eyeing the Grimm known as a Seer with the interest of the scientist within. "Cinder dear, are we coming through?" He tapped the exterior for good measure with a glass-like clink. "Can you see us clearly…well, as clearly as you can?"
"Shut…" Cinder started, her face contorted in annoyance before Ember leaned forward, rubbing the Seer's sphere as if cleaning a smudge from his scroll.
"You are coming through Arthur but just barely. Some of your features appear to be a bit…fuzzy." Watts grimaced partially in annoyance at the use of his first name but mostly at Cinder's absolutely smug grin at the turnaround.
"Your report," Salem signaled an end to their spat without acknowledging them, bringing Leonardo back to the front. "What is it?"
"I…I've found the Spring Maiden."
The black knight at Salem's side tensed up noticeably, drawing a side-glance from Cinder.
"Is that so? Well done," an almost wholesome smile crossed Salem's face, setting his fears at ease until she shattered them with a single word. "Arthur. Had I known how useful you'd be in expediting this process I would've sent you long, long ago."
"As much as I'd love to take credit ma'am, I can't say either of us are to thank for this development. I guess you could say a little birdie told us."
"Explain."
"You see, ma'am, Qrow Branwen arrived at Haven Academy earlier today. "He believes that Magnolia has taken up residence with her former tribe, he included their coordinates."
"My my," Salem glanced over to the knight in black, his hand flexing open and closed rapidly at the news. "What a reunion this may be, Ember it seems you will be traveling once more. Prepare your things to…"
"Is the girl with him?" Cinder asked while her master's attention was diverted, her human hand balled into a fist.
"If you mean Mr. Branwen's niece…yes Ms. Rose was in attendance along with several students from Beacon."
"You will both depart at once, take the airship and head to the location Leonardo provides, be ever vigilant and never neglect your training."
"Your Grace," Leonardo interjected while rubbing his hands together with a smile on his face. "D-does this mean I may depart before they arrive. I have done so much and…"
"Leonardo," Salem's voice grew stern again. She noted the spark in his eyes, brighter than she had seen in years. It also caused an itch in the back of her mind that he had the courage, for lack of a better term, to ask something of her. "Do you remember the first time we met? I know I do…"
Years earlier…
"I've never been to these shores," the tall huntsman remarked as their ship finally made landfall.
"Grimm numbers are higher here than Vacuo!" His teammate, a beautiful panther faunus with shining yellow eyes educated. "Even during the Great War this area was given a wide berth. I can't believe we even reached this beach."
"It's because you are the best I have ever trained," A loud voice full of pride reached them as their second ship with two fellow teammates and headmaster reached them. "They will return in greater numbers of course but by then I pray we will have found something of note and departed."
Professor Lionheart stood tall, flexing his broad shoulders as he took in a breath of fresh air. At least that was his intent; the air of the unexplored isle was foul and reeked of something burning. He barely covered it in time with a handkerchief. Weeks had passed since he was shown the shattered remains of a once-mighty statue clearly centuries old at least. It had taken great effort, but they were able to triangulate it had drifted southward from a place previously thought to be only open-water. Had it been any other relic of the past he would have catalogued it or forgotten considering the Grimm-infested region, however one large fact had caused the headmaster to take an interest.
The object had been a decapitated head, its features still pristine enough to clearly be none other than Salem herself. He had only known of their age-old enemy through Ozpin's descriptions and vague recollections without having laid eyes on her, but the resemblance was impossible to deny. Hoping to find a trace of her whereabouts, he had set out with an expedition, unbeknownst to his allies, with his finest graduates.
I suppose James always did say I was reckless, but this is too important to pass up. With luck I'll have something for them by the time they return from the Vytal Festival.
"Professor Lionheart," the panther faunus named Fushia pointed into the distance. "What is that?"
The five looked towards the horizon, confused expressions spreading through the group. Despite the sun being barely passed midday, the sky in the distance was dark, a strange lighting effect causing the clouds to shimmer an almost-magenta hue. Even from the beach they could see scattered rubble belonging to half a dozen different ruins stretched cross the landscape as far as they could see. They had never imagined finding a full culture, even the remnants of one, so far into Grimm territory.
"What is this place?" A young man in the back asked quietly.
"Fragments of Darkness," the Lion-faunus recited from legends that came to mind. "Let us search those first ruins before…"
"Oh my, such wonderful morsels to have wandered into our lair so willingly."
The five instantly drew their respective weapons, Lionheart aiming his own, Stalwart, towards the voices. His dust palette rotated to conjure a floating fiery meteor to fire at a moment's notice. Three shapes stood on the cliff side, each on a different level staring down at them. The voice had come from a young-looking scorpion faunus with a smile that sent shivers through the team. A large man with dark hair clenched his fists, cracking his neck threateningly. But perhaps the oddest was the third, a small girl with jet black hair and amber eyes in a long red dress watching above the rest.
"Who are you?" Lionheart demanded commandingly. "Do you serve her?"
Only stifled giggles from the faunus reached them, the team huddled back to back defensively to cover all angles of attack. In the end, however, it turned out to be entirely pointless. Beside the young girl who could not have been older than eight, a tall feminine figure in black approached to cast a vast shadow over the hapless huntsmen.
"See," the little girl motioned towards them, pulling on the woman's skirt softly. "I told you they'd fall for it."
"That you did little one," the woman who was unmistakably Salem stroked her hair affectionately with a head pat. "To think one of those useless old statues actually served better than any honey. Welcome to the fringes of my home Leonard Lionheart."
I-It's her!?
"Professor, who is that?"
"Sh-she is someone I have been fighting against for a long time Fushia," Leonardo swallowed hard. He had hoped to find signs leading to Salem and report back to Ozpin with the information. Never in his worst nightmare had he ever intended to face her directly. Despite the sense of dread, the memories surfaced of Team ORNG and their incredible accomplishments. Even in training they had been prodigies every one, passing their toughest courses with flying colors. Their prestige had only increased after graduating Haven, bringing him such a sense of pride never felt before. If there was anyone who could best her, it was them. "Remember your training, work together and we can make it home."
The team cheered, weapons ready as the woman approached alone, leaving the others watching off in the distance. The sense of confidence and trust in each other and their skills was shattered in a matter of moments. A matter of moments, that is how long the battle lasted, if it could be called that.
Leonardo gasped, coughing up blood as he regained partial consciousness. Barely able to see through the blood in his eyes, he surveyed the area spotting one of the ships utterly destroyed, the other listing into the shallows out of reach.
"Fuschia, Ogden?" He croaked, crawling away as his leg was badly mangled by an injury that would plague him for years to come. The once-vibrant headmaster spotted what was left of his most cherished students, looking away before he grew ill.
Nothing…nothing we did mattered in the slightest! She healed every wound, that power…Ozpin, why didn't you tell us?
To his absolute horror, Salem stood once more from the assuredly-fatal wound Fushia had dealt with her dying breath. The others who accompanied the dark mistress hadn't even lifted a finger, it had all been her. His blood ran cold as the young girl in red looked over their bodies with an emotionless, unfeeling gaze.
Something, he gasped while crawling backwards, Salem slowly approaching him, eyes locked with his. I must do something, one more shot, if I can delay, possibly get back to the boat…
The ideas swirled in his mind, each other as pointless as the last, the mangled unrecognizable bodies of his former students around to remind him the power of the being approaching. It wasn't long before he had nowhere left to go penned between the ocean and her. As the last vestiges of a plan died in his mind the once-proud huntsman who had dedicated his life to his craft did the only thing he could think left.
He started to sob.
He had nothing left, every plan, every contingency, every possibility for not even escape but mere survival eluded him. The best huntsmen and huntresses of their generation he had ever known lay dead at his feet, his own skills utterly worthless before the undying presence of Salem marching towards him. He had nothing left, a broken man as the dark hem of her dress stopped in front of him.
"W-well?" He cried, tears streaming down his face. "What are you?!"
"A goddess," the young faunus in the back muttered.
The smile on her face widened a bit at those words. To his eternal surprise, rather than killing him she knelt down, cupping his chin in her cold white hand to lock his face with hers.
"Well, more of a god than any who hold that distinction. Now that you are here and the…distractions have been silenced, let's talk. I pray the lesson learned here today will stick."
Present Day…
"I remember your fear," Salem continued as Leonardo stepped back in light of her new tone. "You have served me well these many years but do not think for even a moment that is working towards some sense of freedom," she threatened. "You…are mine, understood?"
"Y-yes," his previously raised spirits crushed back down as he stepped back.
"Cinder, you will take your team to meet with Dr. Watts and reunite Magnolia with her beloved son. If Raven Branwen is wise she will not stand in the way of such a…tender gathering. Once she is with us, escort her to Haven Academy. After the relic is in our possession, the White Fang may do what they wish with the school."
"It will be done," Watts turned to leave.
"Not you Arthur, you are needed back here as soon as the details are complete. Tyrian is in need of a new tail."
"What happened to his old one?" The doctor asked in an exasperated tone.
"Guess."
"The silver-eyed girl?" He guessed correctly, "I suppose the students aren't pushovers. It will be done."
"Good," was all Salem added before ending the transmission and cutting off the connection between them. "You both are free to speak your minds," she turned to Ember and Cinder, both of whom clearly had something to say.
"We can be set to leave immediately, there will be no need to harm her your Grace."
"Magnolia will not be the woman you recall of your youth," she remarked calmly. "Remember the ruins of that town you and Tyrian found. But as I said, this will be a reunion of family, your old and new." Salem glanced over to Cinder. "If she sees reason, there will be no need for any unpleasantries."
"The old bird and others will try to defend the school," Cinder interjected sternly.
"I trust Leonardo's aptitude for bureaucratic wheel-grinding. Move quickly and you likely will not face her whatsoever."
"And if I prefer to face her?"
"You WILL adhere to my previous commands," Salem's darker tone burst through for an instant at Cinder's unexpected push back. "You will have ALL the power I promised you, but it comes at a cost. If the Ruby girl has learned to harness her gift then you must be careful to protect yours. The Guardian has never defended AGAINST silver-eyed warriors and while I do not doubt his dedication to protect you, neither must over-rely upon the other, as much as you may wish to with the current state of your…connection."
Cinder huffed slightly, clearly uncomfortable discussing such a topic in Salem's presence to which Ember wholeheartedly agreed.
"Have a pleasant trip," she smiled as the pair bowed politely to take their leave. "If you can invite Magnolia back here we'll have such wonderful stories to tell of our little ones getting along. And Ember, I pray you will have no further conflicted thoughts about facing your former classmates. This war has begun and they picked their side...as did you."
Mistral…
"Got any threes?" Olivia asked Nora as they sat across from each other. Professor Lionheart quickly arranged for them to stay at a small cottage in the upper levels of the city for the duration. Qrow had yet to return from his drink and the others were bored out of their minds.
"I don't care if it is your semblance, that has GOT to be cheating," Nora grumpily chucked her last cards forward before crossing her arms with a humph. Olivia had won three times in a row, despite not trying to read the deck she could not help but know how many of each card was in play. Ren and Jaune had already given up but Nora's stubborn nature caused her to hold out to the bitter end.
"Hey, if Ren can use his to hide his poker face then I am fine."
"But…I didn't use it," Ren replied in a silent half-defeated tone.
The team had been thinking of a plan while awaiting Lionheart's news or Qrow's return for hours. So far any plans eluded them, though Hildie as ever had a few ideas.
No
Oh come on, it's a good plan, dangerous but better than sitting around this house for gods know how long!
When Mr. Branwen gets back…
He'll say no and you know it.
We wait, I promise we won't just…
A knock at the door grabbed the attention of Olivia and the rest of JNPR. Each glanced to the other uncertain why Qrow would knock but knowing only Lionheart current knew they were staying there. With a final shrug from Nora, Jaune tentatively made his way to the door to carefully open it. Since their attack in the forest by Ember and Tyrian, they were taking no chances. Peeking around the opening, they looked down to spot a young boy standing there. He had brown hair and wore what looked like farmhand clothes, his green eyes glanced down as if unable to make contact with the residents within.
"Can we help you?" Jaune asked slowly, no idea who the boy was.
"Um, yes," he answered hesitantly. "Is there a…Ruby Rose here?"
The atmosphere changed immediately, the others tensing up at their teammate's namedrop. Olivia reached slowly for her rifle behind the couch as Ren and Nora stood up with the young Valkyrie breaking the silence with a stern question.
"Why?"
"Well, I-"
"I FOUND HIM!" Qrow popped out from the side of the door, gripping the young boy round the neck and ruffling his hair. "Gave me quite the scare ya old coot!" HAHAHAHAHA" Still cackling madly, Qrow shuffled into the house making for the nearest sofa.
"I um, think her uncle could use some help. A lot of help probably." Qrow proved his point as he loudly threw himself onto the sofa, muttering about finding him as his breath reeked of alcohol. Ren and Nora took slight steps away as if it would help.
"WHAT IS GOING ON OUT THERE!?" Ruby stormed out of her room, eyes glaring in annoyance. "Can't a girl read her comics in peace?" She stopped as she smelled the reason for the commotion before spotting Qrow laid out on the couch. Rubbing the bridge of her nose she sighed, it wasn't the first time seeing her uncle like that. She could afford a full armory if she had a lien for every time she'd seen Tai lugging a half-conscious Qrow to their guest room back in Patch. "Qrow…did you get drunk again?"
"Maaayyybbeee," he answered coyly as if he was covering his tracks expertly.
"Wow," their near-forgotten guest muttered as he inched closer to Ruby, his gaze filled with a sense of wonder. "You have silver eyes."
They're beautiful.
Focus Oscar.
"Who are you?" She asked as Olivia inched closer analyzing the poor boy, her rifle remaining behind the couch no longer necessary.
"Well," he started with a stutter, hands linking behind his back politely. "My name is Oscar Pine…"
"Wait for it," Qrow promised.
"But you probably know me better as…"
"Here it comes…"
"Professor Ozpin?"
What? Olivia gasped internally, Hildie grinning like a madwoman as she could see it the moment he walked in the door. She couldn't see more without entering his mind as she had done with Emerald, but his mannerisms, eyes and even hints of the foreign aura were setting off signals to her semblance. No one said a single word until the slurred words of Qrow shattered the moment of awe.
"I DID IT! AHAHAHA…." He started before rolling off the couch, face planting into the floor with a dull thud rendering him unconscious at last where the bottles of alcohol had failed.
Magnolia's location has been found with Salem's forcing moving to take advantage while our heroes are delayed for time by traitors in their midst. Esmerelda gathers allies to unite both halves of her divided lineage but will it bear fruit? As Always I hope everyone Reads and Reviews, but most of all Enjoys! And for being the end of the year...A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone and your loved ones :D