william bragg 165: It will be a turnabout I hope to do well, Esmerelda sees what many faunus suffered like, but also show the two sides aren't so different.
SilverArrow123: I am so glad that you are :D I suppose my inspiration to write this stemmed in no small part to Cinder herself, a main villain since episode 1 yet 7 volumes later we still have zero idea why she wants power. That coupled with wanting to update a few scenes of canon I thought were wasted opportunities while using OCs to facilitate the change and design unique powers really motivated me to start.
spencermalley935: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope all my other planned additions work as well for you :)
Amelia: I will update as often as I can ;) Indeed Haven's final conflict will need a HUGE update in mine. I am both looking forward to and dreading it LOL
TheCarlosInferno: Thank you so much! Exactly, what she wanted before and what she wants now aren't very compatible...XD And not to worry, new update incoming! :D
VanirNord: Do you know de wae? *immediately gets beaten by a million online fans* XD Sorry, couldn't help it.
Gzilla54: Full agreement on all accounts, I personally thought what they did in Volume 4 was really well done until the time skip. I personally felt she should have encountered him at least once prior to the final fight so that at the very least she could have a fresh reminder to try and mentally prepare. And as for her mother's sword resembling his...let's just say I am glad I'm not the only one who thought so too ;)
Constipated Genius: That sounds fantastic, I don't know very much about MHA but I bet it's a ton of fun to make from what I've heard :D Best Grandma XD I love that for Odette so much :D And indeed you are right, dark eyes that almost feel like a void are familiar to him...and it terrifies him to such a degree Hildie couldn't even read him because fear was the only thing she could perceive.
bookwrym321: Thank you! That means so much to hear. I'll admit even I am not the biggest fan of Cinder's overall character from how little they've given. It was the potential of what she could be that made me love her as a villain. Lionheart's betrayal as well, they talk about how he was so super loyal before suddenly turning that it felt odd to me we never found out what Salem did. I am glad I could give that question some justice. I hope not to disappoint as I continue :D
Batomys2731: I am so glad you liked it :D No spoilers on his identity until next time as it will be revealed here...but you have a good eye and memory ;) That is great to hear! I can't wait to read the next chapter, your story was part of the catalyst that helped inspire mine so it is always wonderful to see updates!
Antex-The Legendary Zoroark: Thank you for the kind words! Oscar's thoughts...*glances left and right* I am not certain...what you could mean... XD
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Ember walked the corridors of the airship, the thrum of its engines beneath his feet giving an odd sense of calm. Cinder had commanded solitude though he did not know why. Doctor Watts was tinkering away in his room and Mercury was keeping to himself as usual. With no space to train he was alone with his thoughts, at least that is how it appeared.
"I can still hear you," he sighed as a slight footstep alerted him to the presence of an unseen body. "We need to talk."
Emerald materialized in his field of vision near the entrance to the outer walkway obviously having tried to slip past in the confined hall and failing.
"We really don't," she answered sharply while meandering outside as she spoke where they had some privacy.
"I thought you were done being suspicious," he pressed the topic, following her and closing the hatch behind them. The Kingdom of Mistral stretched out before them, wide swaths of trees as far as the eye could see. They would need to land to refuel their supplies at least once, the distance to Raven's Camp was incredible. "Being thrown through a wall, even an illusion of it, hurt!"
"I could get you to step off the airship if that would be preferable," the spite in her voice was evident, far from one of her empty threats while caring for Cinder together. "You think I don't know that there is nothing you wouldn't do for her? You don't understand anything."
"I'm trying to understand, why do you think I'm here?" Ember threw his arms out in frustration. "You say you know me yet you tried pretty hard to pull us apart, why?"
"Cinder is different since you returned," her crimson eyes flashed at him in a way he saw through. She knew about them, it was painfully obvious. "Back in Beacon, Merc thought...no I won't blame him for this one. I thought you two were a passing phase while we laid low and just look at you now. Cinder has...changed since she met you."
"And you don't know if that's a good thing?" The black knight finished for her, letting his annoyance at her vague assertions simmer low.
"Not in the world she lives, you've seen Salem, if Cinder isn't what she wants..."
"We have a plan."
"It doesn't matter anymore," Emerald sighed in a half-defeated tone of acceptance. "You'll protect her your way, and I'll protect her in mine."
"What do you mean by that?" Ember approached her at an increased pace, reaching out to grip her arm. "Emerald, I just want..."
The green-haired woman faded as soon as his hand touched her, she was utterly gone.
She is good at that. Ember punched the side of the ship hard, setting off a loud clang. He didn't know what to think anymore, the idea of alternatives slowly fading. He had hoped the previous year that if he came there he may find another way to stop the Grimm beside the huntsmen academies but all he had seen was more reasons that they'd be fighting them forever. The dark pool from whence they were born, Salem's seemingly absolute control over all that emerged with increasing power. At this rate, how much more must I do to keep her safe?
Overseas...
The sky lit up as bursts of green energy erupted from the open cargo hold of the airship tearing through the skies. Rooted to the floor by Weiss' glyphs, Penny opened fire on the queen lancer. With two pairs of swords destroyed, Penny had lost much of her overall firepower, her smaller blasts barely denting the impressive armor when she could score a hit against the mobile opponent. Weiss supported her with volleys of her own but they were quickly running out of space. In retaliation, the Grimm fired spikes from its mouth towards them.
"Look out!" Weiss erected a solid wall of ice deflecting the projectiles. The two women held on tight as the barbs punched right through the metal, turning the side panel into Vacuo cheese.
"Stop punching holes in my ship!" Cameron shouted from the cockpit, the frustration obvious in his voice.
"I can try a larger blast," Penny offered. "It will drain me considerably and is not at full power but..."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Weiss asked while reloading her weapon, kicking the empty case out the door.
"I may require a recharge and risk overheating internally with my current damage but am more than willing to try!" She saluted.
She is so selfless, it's no wonder she and Ruby became friends so fast.
The former Schnee heiress frowned solemnly, the fact she was so distant from her team; Ruby, Blake and Yang dawning on her anew. She would see them again after she reached Winter, but not alone anymore.
"Let's try something first," she flexed her hand with a glyph inside it. "How close do you think you can get to it?"
"Close."
A plan devised, the robotic girl rocketed from the ship sailing towards the enormous Grimm. Her laser platforms fired again and again, scorching the monster with what attacks landed, the rest flying harmlessly into the distance.
"What is she doing?"
"Trust us!" Weiss shouted before shutting off the earpiece, she needed concentration. Closing her eyes, the huntress took a knee remembering her many days of practice when locked in her room.
Penny was point blank with the Lancer, uppercutting it with a surprise attack from below as it had remained focused on the ship. Releasing a hail of barbs, the agile woman dodged most from so close, however one found its mark in her shoulder.
Just a little closer...NOW!
A mist-like haze traveled down the length of Myrtenaster connecting with a string that had been left behind tethering Penny to her. It was the reason for her decreased mobility against the Grimm as a physical bond was required for her summoning to work. In a flash the mist traveled the length of the cord, forming into a glyph over her airborne friend's back. As it had happened at Beacon, a massive blade emerged from the depths looming high above.
"Farewell," Penny performed a peace sign as the cord linking her to Weiss grew tight suddenly. With a childlike glee of joy she was reeled in backwards leaving the glyph floating in midair just above the queen.
A full suit of armor followed the blade, producing the Geist Knight that Weiss had procured even before her time studying at Beacon. From the current location, they had timed it to be directly over top the monstrous hornet blade angled directly towards the enemy in flight. As it had done at the fall of Beacon, the knight's greatsword easily punched through the Grimm's defenses impaling it all the way through. In an instant the two disintegrated together, fading away into nothing.
"YOU DID IT!" Cameron called out joyously as Weiss reactivated her earpiece. "Scopes are clear and we are nearly to land."
"Can we continue to Mistral?" Weiss asked as Penny popped back inside smiling cheerily at their victory.
"Engines are running a little hot and I'd like to look over the damage from those volleys. The other ship wanted to thank us so it would do good to set down for a couple of hours."
"And we can return their friend," Weiss shook her head with a sigh at the lone survivor of the second ship still fastened securely in the back. She also noted the charred and burned portions of Penny from her protracted fight with the swarm and queen. Her smile never wavered but Weiss knew she'd need rest as well. "Let's give them a little hello, after all they've been through I am sure they'd like to see a friendly face."
Elsewhere...
Sienna grabbed the head of another traitor and twisted sharply, snapping her neck as she rounded a tree. Gripping their body to prevent any noise, she gently lowered them to the ground.
"That should be the last," the burly savior muttered, laying two more atop hers before covering them with makeshift greenery. It was haphazard but would prevent them being found too easily. "There is a ship hidden in a nearby cove, it will take us out of here."
"Wait!" Sienna's sense of caution returned once her life was no longer in immediate danger. "Who are you? How is it you knew of Adam's coup and where are we going?"
With a tired sigh, the faunus removed his dark mask, stealth being no longer required. His black beard fluttering in the breeze clearly not having been trimmed for some time. He looked tired, all the same his eyes retained a focus on this mission, a task he did not relish.
"Tukson..." Sienna muttered at the sight of her former filing clerk. "Now why would one traitor aid another?"
"A displeasure to see you too," he grimaced knowing full well how she'd react. He had joined the White Fang for much the same reason as others, to help find ways for their kind to flourish and become equal with the rest of Remnant. He had served for years, seeing the more violent approaches taken towards anyone outside their kind. He witnessed the slow crawl of escalating methods performed at her command and by Adam Taurus. She'd had little issue with his methods until they surpassed her own. He and Blake had worked to sneak out together upon learning of their mutual disillusionment of the White Fang. "Once we get far away we can part and NEVER see each other again."
"Why would YOU of all people save me? If anything I'd have expected you to be the one trying to assassinate me."
"Then you would have been right." Sienna fell back into a defensive position at those words, all the while Tukson did not lift a finger. "Don't get all paranoid on me, that was before I saw what your favorite protege had been up to. Your lackeys wouldn't stop looking for me even in Vacuo, so I decided to give them no reason to hunt me."
"By killing me?"
"Seemed like a good idea at the time...until I heard about Adam's plans for the faunus. I even met one of his associates in Vale, most terrifying woman I've ever seen. To this day I have no idea why she didn't kill me. I may despise your tactics, but you're better alive giving him trouble than dead."
"Do what you will," the tigress-faunus pushed past him to the boat. "I have work to do, gather my loyal follower, find the TRUE White Fang and have that traitor's head on a platter! If he is able to follow-through with destroying Haven, they'll be hunting our kind across the globe once again. That brat understood NOTHING of restraint."
"He didn't have much of a teacher in that regard," if looks could kill Tukson would have been struck dead in that instant. "The Vale divisions have been his for years, now you know even your people in Mistral cannot be trusted and with Vacuo too far away..."
"I have contingencies in place," she asserted. "If you are going to run away and hide under a rock again then you are free to do so. I wouldn't recommend it however."
"And why is that?"
"Adam recognized you, lie to yourself all you like, that much is certain. If you thought I would hound you across the world, what do you think HE will do to you?"
Tukson growled low, his puma attributes flaring through as he knew she was right. With a grunt of anger he punched the side of the ship hard.
"Then what is your plan oh mighty leader?" He leaned against the boat with a dull frown of frustration. Sienna furrowed her brow, ears twitching to reflect her focus. After several tense moments she had decided.
"We'll need fresh troops, I have a few favors to call upon. In terms of support, I can think of one who might help...but he's not going to like it. Well, what are you waiting for? We have a civil war to win."
Mistral...
"I don't like this," Jaune repeated as the pair walked the bazaar of Mistral. After a LONG conversation with Qrow and the new Professor Ozpin, they had departed under the guise of exploring the upper level. Instead, they had made a beeline for the lower levels with a single goal on their minds, the very reason they had come to Haven in the first place.
To find out where Cinder Fall and her team had come from.
To find the best information, you start at the bottom, Hildie had promised. Utilizing her semblance to encompass Jaune, the pair walked the streets of lower Mistral.
The feeling was wholly different from that above. While above the buildings had been pristine, well-kept and meticulously built, here it appeared that as long as a house stood it was sufficient to live in. Were it not for her shifting them out of the perception of those around, Olivia was certain they would have been mugged a dozen times over not out of malice, but necessity. They had questioned several people whom Hildie deduced were informants for the infamous black market. They declined to speak with them of course, however all had done a subtle glance to a particular area of the lower levels.
"There," Olivia pointed to a small innocuous bar located in the rundown section of the city. "We have our best bet looking there."
"Why there?"
She motioned towards a piece of paper nailed to the entrance, an ominous black spiderweb. "Because all the people we questioned that looked this way had that tattooed somewhere on them."
"We could get the others, maybe bring more to..."
"That will take too long," Olivia retorted harshly, her blood still pumping from their discussions of the previous day. Learning that so much had been hidden leading to the death of their friend bubbled all her emotions to the surface. "You can do what you want but I have VERY little reason to want to talk to Ozpin right now...
Earlier...
"Did he age backwards?"
"He's possessed!"
"Or reincarnated!"
"Oh isn't it weird!?"
"A possession semblance?" Olivia guessed as the slew of theories hit the young farmhand who was sitting on a sofa. He returned the awkward glances at the assembled huntsmen and huntresses, the team just staring at him as if any motion would suddenly set him off.
"It is...very weird," he admitted with a defeated expression, not used to being the center of attention.
"How about we agree this is weird for ALL parties involved," Qrow stepped in to save his reborn mentor and friend. Realizing he was right, the students meekly backed off, giving Oscar some breathing space.
"Thanks," he thanked the older huntsman, finally taking a deep calming breath as a green aura flashed over him, Oscar sitting up a little straighter than he had before.
"It is so good to see all you students once again."
Ozpin explained the situation; how he had been cursed by the gods ages ago to reincarnate into a like-minded individual upon his death. How this cycle had existed for years long before even the Huntsmen Academies and his War against Salem and the forces of Grimm. Qrow had been one of his agents, aiding against this Salem for years protecting the relics and Maidens in place of their intended knight, the Guardian. Ruby went wide-eyed, realizing how dangerous her uncle's many missions were while she was a little girl. They did not say a word until he got to more recent events.
"And Cinder wanted these Maiden powers?" Jaune asked with a serious glance Ozpin did not miss.
"That seems to be the case, she is a new player I was unaware of until now. Her presence threw so much into chaos, Mr. Soplar's life is on my conscience."
Ruby and Olivia perked up at mention of Horatio's name, the two rounding on Ozpin.
"Why would what happened to Horatio be YOUR fault?" Ozpin sighed, leaning back into the chair while staring deep into his cup.
"Because we realized during the Vytal Tournament that your friend was the latest of the very Guardians who had eluded us. I...we had hoped that he would have been able to fulfill that roll with Ms. Nikos to bring the two halves together again against Salem."
"So you tried to turn Pyrrha into this," Jaune clenched his fists. "And do the same to Horatio?"
"Please understand," he could see the contempt in their eyes. "If they had both stepped up to protect Remnant, master their powers, we could have had a true shot at stopping Salem within our lifetime! I can only imagine the pull of the Guardian was active even when Ms. Fall had only received half of Amber's abilities."
Was that the reason for it? He was drawn to her because of some ancient mumbo jumbo?
"He died because of her!" Olivia did not notice Ruby's hands starting to shake.
"So did I," Ozpin retorted through Oscar. "Believe me when I say if I could have stopped her reaching the tower I would have."
"That night was Hell for all of us," Qrow stepped in trying to diffuse the look of anger bubbling upon Jaune and Olivia's faces. "We can dish out blame once we have a plan. For the moment we need to put together a team to enter Raven's camp."
"I mean, she is family right?" Ruby sheepishly answered. "Can't we just go in and talk to her?"
"She and I never saw eye to eye," her uncle admitted. "We get one shot at this and have no idea how Maggie will react to her son's death, if we spook her she'll scatter with the tribe and we'll never find her again. I'd much prefer to have some oomph behind us in case it turns into a fight. Fortunately I know a few friends I can call on."
"And in the meanwhile we can work to solidify your training," Ozpin asserted. "The foes you are to face are beyond any you have fought so far. With Leo's delay seeking aid from the council it will be the best use of your time."
"But you're his boss aren't you?" Nora pointed out, motioning towards Oscar. "So all we have to do is show him little boy Oz and we can get this moving faster!"
"Please don't call me that," Ozpin silently muttered with a groan of embarrassment. "For now you are the only ones who know that I've reincarnated and I would like to keep it that way. Leo is ignoring specific orders I put in place in the event of my death. I would like to see him later, but not let him on that it is I."
"Keeping things close to the vest, always a safe bet if you ask me," Qrow agreed while taking another swig from his flask.
"Oscar can use training as well, he will eventually inherit my muscle memory and will be in control most days, however..."
Sitting on your duff until that cowardly lion grows a spine to convince help to arrive, Hildie spoke to Olivia internally as Ozpin continued to explain his plans for preparation. Is that what you want?
No, she admitted, fully able to tell the others felt the same way though they hid it well. She listened to the former Headmaster's words yet refusing to keep such a passive plan in mind. We'll prepare for help when it arrives, but until then I am getting to the bottom of EVERYTHING.
Present Day...
Jaune pushed the hanging blue tarp aside, the tavern acknowledging their presence as the drawn attention could not be covered by Olivia's semblance. At first glance it looked pretty standard with tables stretching across the room partially filled with patrons. Guessing the best place to begin looking, the pair made their way to the simple bar in the back, each taking a seat atop the available stools. A dark-skinned, white-haired older woman just stared at them flatly barely paying attention as she rinsed out glasses before placing them back without a thorough wash.
"You two even old enough to drink?"
"Old enough," Olivia retorted, their birthdays having come and gone during their time on the road. "We're more interested in information, however, we've been trying to find someone who may have been here last year."
"Heh," the bartender laughed in an almost cruel manner. "If your friend came through here they are either tough as nails or didn't make it out. What's their name?"
"Cinder Fall."
The room fell into utter silence, glasses clinked down even from the patrons. Jaune started getting the sneaking suspicion they weren't just normal visitors to the establishment. He only then noticed something Olivia had spotted on the way in; every single person had the same spiderweb tattoo as the informants outside. The eyes of everyone focused on the two young huntsmen in training.
"Now," a bubbly yet stern voice with a southern Mistral accent cut in from the side as the terrified bartender slinked away. "What would a few upstanding children like yourselves possibly want with a ne'er-do-well such as her?
Turning toward the voice, the pair spotted an older woman with short blonde hair in the corner of the establishment. She was heavier set than most of the others looking as if she'd been enjoying the small drink at her side and fanning herself for relief from the heat of the lower levels. It was clear she was trouble at first sight, even without accounting for the focused and knowledgeable expression she kept but also the two imposing goons flanking her on either side.
"Don't look so startled huns," she motioned for them to sit across from her. "I don't bite..."
Famous last words.
"My name is Olivia, this is Jaune, and you are...?"
"Just call me Little Miss, anything more would be expensive," she answered with a cheeky grin. "So you were mentioning this...Fall, was it?"
"We are looking for her," Jaune answered a bit more honestly than Olivia had planned. Despite Cinder's faked documents, she HAD come from Haven to Beacon, meaning she must have left clues behind. At least, that was their hope. "We have it on good authority she came from Mistral."
"Then why walk into our wholesome little establishment?" She fanned herself a little faster, her sense of superiority over them clear as day even to Jaune.
"Call it a hunch," Olivia replied simply. "Your 'establishment's' reaction to the name was pretty informed I would say."
"We were all just so DEEPLY beside ourselves when we saw the awful things that happened at Beacon," her sarcasm was just barely veiled and oozed from every word. If I could help you, I would."
"For the right price?" Little Miss' smile disappeared as her fan stopped.
"Information can be very costly and by judging by your...rustic attire I doubt you could afford to hear my opinion of the weather." Jaune nonchalantly turned his pockets inside out, proving her point as only a handful of coins fell into his open palm. Her look of disdain was obvious.
We prepared for this...
"Some things are more valuable than money, like security."
"Ha!" She let out a dull laugh. "Look around deary, my little spiders can keep away the flies. What kind of security could you POSSIBLY provide?"
"Not security for you, I meant security from me."
Little Miss' scowl deepened as her guards reached for their weapons ready to strike at a moment's notice. Jaune suddenly felt very uneasy as even the patrons at their tables stood up, rounding on them slowly.
"We've been in the lower levels," Olivia continued without reacting to the growing threat. "What, a few hours? And we already found this place. Even if you vacate right after we go I can find it easily enough," her pink eyes darkened just a touch as she took some advice from Hildie. "Now, if you tell us what you know about Cinder Fall then we can be on our way and NEVER mention you again."
"Oh, you can forget about being on your way," she squeezed her fan so tightly with restrained anger they thought she might snap it. "By the time we're done with you there won't be enough left for even my spiders to find." Motioning with a free hand, every single person in the room moved in to surround drawing various knives, swords and pistols.
"N-now can't we talk about this?" Jaune made a final vain attempt at negotiations. They could not hope to fight through them all.
"Now would be a good time," Olivia muttered to seemingly no one. A loud crack in the air caused several of Little Miss' goons to jump, a longsword belonging to the nearest thug shattering as a high-velocity round tore through it.
"They have backup!"
More shots rang through the tavern as the men scattered for cover. One by one their pistols, blades, armor and other assorted weapons exploded under the hail of bullets. Even Little Miss' personal troops ducked for cover, the head of the information ring staying perfectly calm along with her guests. The onslaught continued for several more seconds of blown open tables and shattered mugs before it finally rang quiet, a few hesitantly peeking their heads over to check if all was clear.
"Now then," Olivia continue with the cheeriest grin reminiscent of their carefree days. "Is that so much to ask?" Little Miss sat silent as if weighing her options.
I'm so proud boss, make that information suddenly feel like it's worth a little less than the trouble of dealing with you.
"I can see why your hair has gone grey so early. Just how tied to your little team are you?" The crime boss suddenly sounded far friendlies. "I could see someone like you going FAR in our organization, your blonde friend not so much."
"Hey!"
"Tied quite tightly," she leaned back not wanting to push the headway they had made. "Now, the information?"
"...If you head far out of the city you'll find a burned down ruin," she started. "The home of an important fuddy duddy or some nonsense long ago. If you want to see the origins of that one, then I suggest you start there." With a few beeps of a nearby scroll she sent the coordinates to theirs.
"You gave her the forged documents didn't you?" Olivia's accusation made Jaune's previously perplexed expression turn to one of anger.
"That will be my business," she dodged the question. "You have your answer and I want you out of the building and this entire level. If I or any of my spiders catch you down here again I will NOT be as kind."
"No worries there," Olivia returned to her usual bubbly smile as she and Jaune got to their feet. "I'm not much of a drinker anyway."
The pair then left right out the front door under the watchful eyes burning with ire of the entire room. They held their composure until they were well away from the building and she could reassemble her semblance with relative certainty they could not be seen. It was only then the young woman let out a gasp of relief, beads of sweat running down her brow.
"How do you think like that 24/7?"
It's a gift and it worked didn't it? Seems we have a little camping trip to plan.
"We are clear," Jaune spoke into the earpiece. "You can head on home Ruby, you rocked."
"Awww, you're the best ever," Ruby giggled at the praise. Far in the distance beyond the sight of everyone, the young huntress was perched on a rooftop. With the superior range of Crescent Rose, she'd been able to cover the pair during their dangerous mission. So as to not be caught by any spiders seeking out the source of their assistance, she disappeared into a wave of rose petals up towards the upper level of that ancient city.
Menagerie...
"I don't think this was the best idea," Esmerelda admitted as another group of faunus turned away from their attempts at recruitment. Since Ghira's speech they had only received a scant few volunteers to help with an excursion to defend Haven. To supplement their numbers, Blake and Sun along with the others had set out into Menagerie seeking signatures for help, insisting that Ezzy accompany them. "Wouldn't they want to help LESS with a human asking them?"
"Some perhaps," Blake replied while sighing in another defeat, Sun appearing to not be having much better luck across the dock. "Maybe seeing a human asking for help can let them see just what the situation is like, that not all of them see us as animals."
"We've only gotten," she checked her scroll, "not even twenty signatures, hardly a force large enough to defend Haven. And we only have a few weeks to find more before we HAVE to head out to reach them in time."
"My dad's messenger would have arrived by then," the cat-faunus pointed out. "Surely they'll have rallied some of the military to help as well. Has Yuma visited again since that night?"
"He hasn't," Esmerelda sighed. "When he saw that uniform he just...snapped. I've never seen him that way."
"Atlas and the Schnee Dust Company hold bad memories for our people, even with the changes over the years," she paused as if contemplating if she should say anything. "Adam is the same after what they did to him."
"He can't get past the hate?"
"No, he almost never took the mask off and when he did...well let's just say those were the times his current mindset shone through the most."
"And Yuma has been associating with his group for some time it seems," Esmerelda looked down sadly thinking how he may have been twisted like Adam. "I wish the others were here."
"Roland and Olivia?" The lack of the third name stung more than it should.
"Yes."
"Things felt so much simpler at Beacon," Blake had to admit with a chuckle. "Ruby's constant cheerful personality, Yang trying to enjoy everything even if the rules didn't allow it and Weiss trying to keep order."
"Roland never picking up his models, Olivia roping us all into whatever outing she had planned, Horatio..." They both stopped, neither wanting to touch that subject just yet. "We had to part ways at Patch...I just wish I could see them again."
"I might be able to help with that," Sun startled them from behind, reaching deep into his pockets before finally producing a crumpled piece of paper.
Blake and Esmerelda's eyes widened in unison as the identity of the paper became known. Around a familiar fountain back at Beacon stood teams RWBY, HERO and JNPR posing triumphant in their first days at the prestigious school. Blake's eyes instantly drifted to the three women beside her as Esmerelda did all she could to stop tears from welling at the sight of her friends. It was the same Horatio had drawn of the friends gathered together for the first time.
"Where did you get this?" Blake asked, noticing the aged scorch marks at the edges.
"Roland dropped it when we were fighting in the cafeteria, I never had a chance to give it back. I think it might be better with you," he smiled that goofy way they couldn't help but feel relief at. "You can give it back when you see each other again!"
"How do you do that?" Blake asked, unable to hide her proud grin. "How do you always know just what to say?"
"Just the perks of being me! Just give me a chance, I can do it for you every day!"
Blake turned to hide her blush.
"Thank you," Olivia muttered as she held the picture close while allowing Blake to look at it as well. Their mission for the day may have been going poorly, but in that moment her motivation and hope for success could not have been higher.
An Airship over Mistral...
Ember was sitting on the queen-sized bed in Cinder's room with just his black pants on alone with his thoughts. The spacious room only left him feeling more isolated as he considered the future.
So this is it? Ember thought looking down at the floor. They are sending us after my mother then Haven. Please let no one be there when the attack begins.
"Is there something troubling you?" A voice he recognized very well drew his eyes towards the source. Cinder had just gotten out of the shower wearing a red-satin bathrobe that covered most of her body leaving only her hands and feet bare. Thanks to her powers, she was already dry and had not even donned her mask yet or attempted to cover her black-furred left hand. She saw no need to rush in his presence.
"You should already know," Ember responded, lowering his gaze again.
"Ah, yes…the mission," Cinder replied while taking a seat beside him.
"You know, when I imagined introducing you to my family, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Ember commented in an attempt to break the tension with some humor despite how flat it fell.
"I don't know, I can be pretty enchanting when it's required," Cinder replied while playing along. Against his better wishes to maintain the peace, Ember got a serious look on his eyes.
"You know this cannot be like what you did to Amber." Cinder had told him all that occurred, despite all he felt for her the thought of her attack sent shivers down his spine.
The Fall Maiden's visage darkened; she knew he was still mulling about the subject they had previously approached.
"We already had this conversation with Salem," she started, placing her hand on top of his. "We will give her the chance to open the vault without endangering her life. Anything after that depends on her."
"I know it's just..." Ember didn't know how to express what was he thinking in that moment, but he did not need to. His Maiden knew all too well what was going on in his head.
"So that's what this is about?" She whispered in an understanding tone drawing Ember's eyes to her. "You fear that she will be disappointed when she sees who you are associating with now?"
Ember's crimson eyes widened with surprise, immediately averting his gaze.
"I didn't mean..."
"It is fine," Cinder interrupted him. "We are not good people, that is the truth"
Ember hesitantly turned back towards the Maiden. "I don't know what she'll think of who…what I've become."
"Really?" This time Cinder was a little amused. "Because from what I can tell, you are still that gentle boy who wanted to draw a girl he just met by the sea, you're just a little less naive than before."
"You really think so?" Ember asked with renewed hope in his eyes.
Cinder just smiled gently in a way no one beyond him had ever seen and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.
"I would not still be here with you if I did not."
The guardian knight returned her smile and went back to looking at the floor, only now he seemed more relaxed, calmed. He failed to notice Cinder's smile twisting to become more mischievous. She got up from the bed, standing up a ways in front of her distracted champion, hands on her hips surprising him as he finally looked up.
"Now that that's out of the way..." she started." We still have one more night before going to war."
Cinder started to saunter towards her lover, adding emphasis on the sway of her hips, making his brain shut down briefly at the sight. His complete intoxication made her smile grow; she adored seeing him like that, her Guardian entranced by her beauty and grace. Putting a hand on his chest she gently, but dominantly, pushed him back onto the pillows.
"I know you are worried, and you have the right to be" she said softly, caressing his cheek with her Grimm hand. "But let's just leave these troubling matters for tomorrow, before we reach the Branwen camp there is something I want to show you." She started to lean in, her remaining amber eye focused solely on him "So come, enjoy our little calm before the storm."
Mistral Coast...
The battered Atlesian cargo ship set down on the edge of the coast engine sputtering from the strain of the battle and evasive maneuvers required it was not built for. With a sigh of relief, Cameron shut down, leaning back to breathe easy for the first time since leaving Atlas. The surviving Mistral airship had landed not far and already they could see wounded being wheeled out for more space to attend to their injuries.
"Time to meet the friends," he joked before swiveling around to stand with a crack of bones. "It feels good to do proper huntsman work again."
"One life at a time," Weiss agreed. This had been the reason she chose to leave, from her room she could do nothing but what her father wanted, to satisfy the upper echelons of Atlas. "Knowing Ruby and the others, they are doing the same thing."
After I find Winter, maybe we can locate the others. Weiss still pictured Ruby's unconscious body not yet having awoken before she had to leave. Yang's empty glare after her lost arm to say nothing of where Blake may have disappeared to.
"Thank you! Thank you!" A young woman greeted them as soon as the group could disembark flinging herself on Penny with a hug while Weiss carried out Percy. "I don't know how we'll ever be able to repay you!"
"It is our pleasure!" Penny saluted, her absolutely shining personality. "We can help ferry everyone to the nearest village for treatment."
"N-no village," the young woman suddenly became more reserved. "Our tribe will be meeting us soon, they will provide for us."
"A tribe?"
"A familiar band often associated with family or those of similar lifestyle," Penny unnecessarily explained. "They are quite unheard of nowadays in Atlas but are prevalent in Mistral due to the larger continent and widespread people."
"That is good to hear," the white-haired huntress relaxed, causing their rescuee's eyes to go wide.
"You...you're..."
"Weiss Schnee," a commanding tone finished for her from the treeline. "What are the odds of finding you not only out here but protecting our own supplies?"
The voice was clearly feminine though it was impossible to tell at first glance. The newcomer emerged flanked by over a dozen armed men and women with she herself covered in crimson black armor, her face obscured entirely by a pale Grimm mask much larger than those worn by the White Fang. Weiss immediately did not like the situation, Penny tilting her head in confusion at her concerned expression.
I should have stayed in the ship.
"We are quite appreciative for aiding our brothers and sister. Our home camp is not far, let us offer you some hospitality before you depart. It is the least we could do."
"Thank you," Weiss' tone did not betray her suspicions in the slightest. "But I am afraid we are in quite a hurry, we must decline your generous offer." Penny caught on to her meaning, turning back towards the ship to intercept a confused Cameron still walking down the ramp.
"I...must insist," she motioned with a nod, the troops around her moving to surround.
We still have a clear path back to the ship, Weiss took a hesitant step backwards as her mind raced. If Cameron can start it up fast we can escape, they can't hope to pursue us in their ship.
With a wave of her weapon, a wall of ice cut them off from the advancing attackers she now knew were bandits. She turned to make for the ship, time seeming to slow for the next few moments as it happened so fast.
"CAM! Start up the...!"
From the clear sky, a bolt of lightning descended striking their ship in the damaged engine. A colossal explosion consumed the vessel, Cam's wide eyes of shock and Penny's gasp of horror the last things Weiss saw before being blasted backwards through her own ice wall. The next thing she realized, she was seized by both arms, her weapon thrown clear while the assorted rabble observed and poked at the flaming wreckage.
"A little overkill," the masked woman remarked to someone Weiss couldn't see. "Any sign of them?"
"Not likely," a skinny man with a rifle spat as he held up an object for all to see. To Weiss' absolute terror and dismay, it was one of Penny's arms severed at the shoulder.
"No matter, she is the only one of any importance," the clear leader knelt before the defeated huntress. "You are going to be a bigger payoff than a dozen villages. Blindfold her, we are going home."
Menagerie...
Sun, Blake and Esmerelda yawned with heavy eyes as they stumbled back to the Belladonna's manor. Despite their best efforts they'd barely been able to acquire two dozen signatures for the force to protect Haven Academy. Resolved to try again the next day, they were ready for rest. Blake had explained to Sun how many in Menagerie just wanted to be left alone, having moved to the island to escape the treatment of their kind across the world. Trying to convince them that what happens in the outside world will still affect them would not be easy.
"The market square should be a better place to try," Esmerelda offered. "More people to..."
The trio froze, noticing lights on in Blake's home despite the lateness of their return. Where the guards would normally have been stationed no one was visible, sending a sense of unease through them as they thought the same thing simultaneously. Her training kicking in, Esmerelda motioned for Sun and Blake to flank her as they slowly crouched towards the window with weapons drawn.
"I don't care," they could hear Kali's raised voice inside. "I want you OUT of my house!"
"If you don't help, Adam Taurus will be here before you know it. I ask you to reconsider."
Blake's face contorted in anger at the mention of Adam arriving, without warning she bust down the door that had been caved in by her mother and Esmerelda's snooping a few days earler and rushed into the room.
"What is going on he...?"
They had expected a home invasion situation yet only found Kali carrying a tray of tea clearly annoyed. Ghira was standing beside her as they addressed two familiar faces on the sofa enjoying the hospitality. The outside guards were standing at the nearby door clearly having been reassigned inside.
"Mr. Tukson?" Blake stuttered in confusion and relief at seeing her old friend. "What are you doing here?"
"Blake?" The puma-faunus smiled back before laying his teacup down. "I thought you'd be in Vale. You look good, do you still have those novels?"
"Sienna Khan," Esmerelda named the second visitor without dropping her guard, the White Fang High Leader's face was exposed as her ornate White Fang mask laid on the table. "What is going on?"
"A human?" She snarled at Esmerelda's presence, standing and taking up a similar pose.
"The first to throw a punch is banished from this house!" Ghira roared, causing both to back down. "They showed up a little while ago, apparently..."
"An alliance is necessary," Sienna crossed her hands to get more comfortable. "I am afraid your discovery of Adam's takeover was too late. He is securely in control of the majority of White Fang members between Mistral and Vale."
"So you want us to help reclaim your throne?"
"I don't have the numbers to win outright, but word has it you are trying to raise an army for a...misguided attempt to get the humans to trust faunus. If we work together, combine our troops and we can keep the White Fang from falling to Adam's insanity."
"And then you'd be stronger than ever." Blake crossed her arms, Sienna's goal was obvious. "And what about Haven?"
"If we beat Adam here then Haven will be safe, they won't..."
"Haven won't be safe," Esmerelda corrected. "I happen to know that Adam's allies already had their sights set on it, even with him taken out they WILL attack the school.
"That will hardly be our concern then," she waved them off much to Tukson's darkening visage behind her.
"That is EXACTLY the lack of foresight that led to your rebellion," Ghira snapped, drawing a growl of frustration from the tigress. "Violence wasn't the way to go, not as far as Adam OR you took it!"
"Neither was sitting around trying to serve the humans!"
"We were doing charity services," he started before reigning himself in thanks to a loving hand from Kali on his shoulder. "We can't let Adam gain full control over the White Fang, but neither can we go back to the way things were."
"What do you propose?" Tukson interjected, sick of the runaround the two High Leaders were going through.
"We will help you defeat Adam...ONLY if you add your forces to ours and defend Haven."
"You actually expect me to defend humans?" She let out a short laugh of disbelief. "I would rather..."
"Be dead?" Tukson gave a not-so subtle reminder of how close she had come to death. "I thought you were more practical than that."
"We can discuss this more tomorrow," Ghira stepped in to calm tensions. "We have room for you to spend the night, but if you insist on remaining to your old beliefs I don't see this progressing. "Kali," he turned to his wife who clearly did not agree with his kindness. "Let's have the guest rooms prepared, all will be fine for the meanwhile since no one knows they are here." He sternly looked into his former ally's eyes. "Our guards WILL be on patrol this evening, please don't try anything."
On a far-off rooftop with a clear view of the Belladonna's home, a dark shadow perched menacingly silhouetted against the shattered moon. Having seen all he needed to with his night vision, the bat-winged faunus took flight, gliding down to the ground below with great speed to their headquarters not far.
They didn't think the Belladonnas were a great threat, but how will High leader Taurus think now that our two greatest enemies are under one roof? Yuma would not admit it, but he had been hoping for them to take action since Esmerelda had arrived on the island. With the knowledge that Sienna Khan had escaped him only to come back into their grasps he knew that his wish would soon come true.
Team RNJRR continue their investigation into Cinder Fall as Qrow and Ozpin work to gather the troops needed to storm Raven's camp as Weiss makes her way there the hard way. Blake and her family contemplate an uneasy alliance and Cinder takes a detour to show the only man she trusts a glimpse into the kind of woman she is. Until next time I hope everyone Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! And I wish everyone a huge HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D