RWBY: MRRN
Volume 4, Chapter 12: Dangerous Meetings
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. All rights go to Rooster Teeth.
"We have been over this," Sienna Khan told Adam as she sat in the throne room of the White Fang Headquarters, guarded by five White Fang bodyguards. "The White Fang will not attack Haven Academy." Adam sighed lightly as he knelt before the High Leader.
Just as he suspected, Sienna once again refused to cooperate. She was adamant that attacking Haven Academy would lead to even worse repercussions for the Faunus. Humanity First already felt justified in their persecution of the animalistic species; the last thing they needed was more fuel for the fire. Aiding in the attack on Haven Academy would only reinforce Humanity First's belief in their racial purity.
"High Leader, I beseech you," Adam pleaded. "I understand you're angry about what happened at Beacon-"
"And I am STILL angry," Sienna interrupted. "What made you think it was in any way a good idea to work with these people, with fanatics like the Iron Knights?"
"High Leader, I was strongarmed into it," Adam claimed. "I had no choice but to aid them. But now that I have aided them, I strongly believe that we should continue supporting them." Sienna let out a loud laugh of contempt.
"You've never been one for humor, Adam. Is this your idea of a joke?" She kept laughing for several moments before she calmed down and her expression changed back to solemn and stern.
"You and I both know that I was one of the first to advocate violence when it was necessary. I respected Ghira Belladonna when he led the White Fang, but he never understood that sometimes, we have to fight back. We have to be willing to spill blood to defend ourselves. I will not allow humanity to push us down without pushing them back. But what you've has spat on everything we've aimed to accomplish! The White Fang is not a mercenary group for hire, we are a force fighting for the freedom and rights of all Faunus. By aiding these people and the Iron Knights, you've justified humanity's hatred towards us. Faunus are being persecuted much worse than ever before because of your part in the Fall of Beacon! We are one step away from an all-out war, one we may not win!"
"War was always inevitable," Adam claimed. "How many people spread negative propaganda against us? The SDC, Atlas, Mistral…humans will do whatever they can to demonize us, yet they are blind to the fact that we wouldn't have become terrorists if they had treated us equally. War was always going to come, High Leader; it was only a matter of time."
"You clearly don't see the consequences of your actions, Adam," Sienna reprimanded. "I wanted humanity to respect and fear the Faunus. I want humanity acknowledge us as people, not animals. I used violence as a means to obtain our freedom, not to start a war. How are you incapable of seeing that?"
Adam could see Sienna's point, but he was still convinced that war was inevitable. Even if the White Fang had never turned to terrorism or even been created, the terrible treatment their people endured would eventually push them to war. Adam learned all too well how humanity reacted to their demands for equality the day his mother and father were gunned down and his eye was burned.
They had protested in peace that day and what did they receive in return? They received nothing but violence and death simply for standing up for themselves against a society that had treated them as slaves for centuries. It showed Adam a very brutal reality of the relations between humans and Faunus.
The bull Faunus slowly took off his mask, showing it to Sienna Khan. The eye that had been burned had never fully healed, leaving him blind in his left eye and was now gray and red instead of blue. Sienna couldn't help but feel sympathy for Adam, knowing of what happened to his parents.
"High Leader," Adam spoke as he stood up. "I may be blind in my left eye, but I am not blind to reality. I know that Humanity First is partially my doing, but it has also shown us their true colors: humanity will look for any excuse they can to persecute us and the humans who accept us. Until the Kingdoms run red with the blood of those who persecute the Faunus, we will never be accepted for who we are. We must attack Haven Academy and send a message to Humanity First: this is the fate of those who oppress and hate us simply because we're different."
"If we attack Haven Academy, all we do is confirm that they are right to persecute us," Sienna countered. "Why should we serve the wishes of humans who care nothing for us?"
"If you want to know more about them, you have a chance," Adam replied. He turned back to the entrance of the room and called the name "Hazel!". The giant man opened the doors and snorted as he walked inside.
"Took you long enough to introduce me," Hazel spoke.
"What is this?" Sienna demanded to know as her guards aimed their weapons at him. "How dare you trespass on this ground, human! You should be executed!"
"Ma'am, please," Hazel responded as he approached the stairs. "I have no intention of violence. I only wish an audience with you if you'll allow me." Sienna scoffed.
"And why would I do that? You strongarmed my followers into aiding you in the Fall of Beacon."
"Technically, that was another associate of mine," Hazel replied. "She tends to be…much more physical in recruitment. But I have no intention of forcing anything on you. Please hear me out." Sienna frowned at the human, despite him being respectful and polite. She paused for several moments before telling her guards to lower their weapons.
"Try anything and you will die," Sienna warned as she sat back down.
"Thank you," Hazel replied. "Believe it or not, I have a firm understanding of what you want. Adam has told me you don't condone what happened at Beacon, but if I may, I don't believe you see the whole situation."
"What do you mean by that?" Sienna questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"It's true that we're partially to blame for Humanity First's foundation, but it's not entirely bad for you," Hazel claimed. "Humanity First is using the Fall of Beacon to justify killing Faunus, including those who had nothing to do with it."
"I know perfectly well, human," Sienna interrupted. "What's your point?"
"High Leader Khan, how many Faunus will believe you're right in light of these events? Just as you say, violence is necessary to gain your freedom and equality. Humanity First's brutality will push Faunus to support you, to aid you in achieving the dream you seek. Maybe now, you blame us for a terrible tragedy, but perhaps in time, you'll see that we were right. The Faunus will know who the true enemy is and you will be able to lead them."
Hazel was very convincing in Sienna's eyes. The brutality of Humanity First would undoubtedly push more Faunus to support the White Fang. They'd come to agree with Sienna's message that violence was necessary to gain their freedom against humans.
However, her people were being persecuted because of the White Fang's involvement in the Fall of Beacon. By supporting the attack on Haven, she'd be agreeing to let her people be oppressed and murdered just so she can say she was right. There were many things Sienna was willing to do to get what she wanted for her people, but there were lines she would not cross.
"No," Sienna refused. "Tell your master, Hazel, that the White Fang will have no further involvement with you and your schemes. You've cost us enough Faunus lives already. As for you, Adam, I say this: to continue supporting these humans and those Iron Knight fanatics is to commit treason. You are either with us or you are against us."
"High Leader," Hazel addressed. "Please reconsider. My master will not take no for an answer."
"Are you threatening me, Hazel?" Sienna growled.
"No, ma'am," Hazel responded. "But my master is very insistent on your help in this matter. She wishes solely for your cooperation-"
"I have given my answer," Sienna interrupted. "The White Fang will not attack Haven Academy."
Silence followed. Yet again, Adam and Hazel were unable to convince Sienna Khan to join in the assault on Haven. They had tried diplomacy, but Sienna was too stubborn to reconsider her stance.
"Guards, escort them out," Sienna ordered. None of her guards moved a muscle.
"Did you not hear me? I said escort them out now!"
"I'm sorry, Sienna, but you are in command no longer," Adam decreed. To Hazel and Sienna's surprise, many White Fang members barged into the throne room and lined up their firearms at the High Leader now on her feet. As soon as Sienna stood up, her five guards pointed their spears at her.
"What is the meaning of this?" she demanded to know.
"High Leader Khan," Adam spoke as he started walking up the stairs leading to her throne. "Words cannot define the gratitude many Faunus have towards you. You've fought for us, bled for us, and went to great lengths to secure our freedom and justice. But it's not enough anymore. As I said, war was always inevitable. Yes, people on both sides will die, Faunus and human alike, but the time of merely stealing Dust and robbing major companies has passed. We must have war."
"You are shortsighted," Sienna growled. "The White Fang cannot win a war against all Four Kingdoms. If you honestly believe that-" She tried reaching for the weapon on her belt, but she was stopped by Adam firing Wilt at her head. The hilt of his chokuto hit her and followed up with him charging at her and kicking her in the head, knocking her unconscious.
"Take her to the cells," Adam ordered. "All who are here tonight will claim Sienna willingly stepped down as High Leader and gave the position to me. But do not let her escape for any reason." As instructed, several White Fang members took the unconscious Sienna Khan and took her down to the dungeon where she'd kept. Everyone else left, excluding Adam and Hazel.
"So that's your plan," Hazel guessed. "Seize control of the White Fang."
"Without killing her," Adam added. "Let's face facts: Sienna was never going to agree to our plan. The only other option was to remove her by force. With her out of the way and the story that'll be passed by my followers, no one should suspect anything."
"I hope you're right, Adam," Hazel spoke. "If Sienna escapes and tells everyone the truth of what happened-"
"She WON'T leave," Adam firmly assured as he sat down on the throne. "But now that she's out of the way, we have an assault to plan."
While Adam had indeed spared Sienna's life as Salem demanded, they couldn't afford to drop their guard. If Sienna Khan escaped custody and told everyone the truth behind Adam's ascension to High Leader, then he'd alienate whatever support he had. Those loyal to Sienna would work to help her reclaim leadership if they learned the truth of what happened tonight.
But Adam was prepared.
-0-
"There they are," Tyrian spoke as Team RNJR entered an abandoned village where they'd probably camp for the night. Valkoin and the psychopathic Scorpion Faunus were on a cliff overlooking the village, knowing that Ruby and her companions would have to travel this way to reach Furukonai.
"Go," Valkoin instructed Tyrian. "Wait until Qrow shows himself and I'll jump in to help finish him off. Even with his skills and Semblance, he won't be able to handle both of us at the same time." With a silent cackle, Tyrian ran off towards the village to fight Team RNJR.
As expected, the four young warriors were no match for the psychotic Faunus as he moved around as quick as lightning. They put a good fight, but Tyrian was much more skilled than them, easily fighting them all off.
Valkoin smiled as he calmly watched the spectacle unfold from his position. Tyrian was clearly having the time of his life as he fought the four young warriors, a sadistic smile stretched across his face the entire time until he eventually used his Scorpion tail to block Nora's hammer.
"Where are you, Qrow?" Valkoin whispered to himself. He kept an eye out for a black crow in the sky. If he knew that his niece was in danger, Qrow would have to show up rather quickly to save her since Tyrian was easily beating all of them.
Valkoin was confident that they'd easily accomplish the mission Salem gave them: bring Ruby Rose back to her and recover Ozma's cane from Qrow Branwen…and kill him. Qrow was one of Ozpin's closest lieutenants and one of the most dangerous enemies to Salem; he needed to be removed as soon as possible.
BOOM! Valkoin looked down at the village to see Qrow blocking Tyrian's attack. They halted for a short while, obviously sharing some words with each other before Tyrian attacked Qrow. The wire user smirked as the fight between Tyrian and Qrow proceeded.
Unlike before, Qrow and Tyrian were on equal terms, which made it much more entertaining to watch. Instead of joining immediately, Valkoin continued to watch as he waited for a perfect opportunity to appear. He wanted Qrow to be so invested in the fight that he would be taken completely by surprise when the wire user attacked.
Valkoin's smirk dropped when he heard the cry of a bird off in the distance. Valkoin knew that sound all too well. He looked to his right to see a large bird flying to the village, but upon getting a closer look, it was a Vacuo Golden Eagle.
"Forest," Valkoin spoke quietly.
This prompted him to open a dark matter portal to the village and aid Tyrian in the fight. If Forest was here, it could mean his companions were as well and their intervention posed a major threat to their plans. They had to act quickly.
-0-
"Whoo!" Tyrian cheered as he and Qrow recovered from a powerful attack at each other. "Valkoin wasn't lying: that Semblance of yours makes you dangerous."
"Valkoin?" Qrow gasped. Before he could catch onto what was going on, a dark portal appeared in the middle of the village. It wasn't Raven's portal since it lacked the red colors…it was one made from dark and matter and Qrow only knew one man who had a Semblance as such.
Wires lashed out of the portal and struck the four young warriors, knocking all of them into the buildings. Another five wires then lashed out at Qrow, but he quickly dodged them…or so he thought. One of them wrapped around his arm holding Harbinger, which was then pulled with great force into the ground twice.
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby cried out as she recovered from the impact and prepared Crescent Rose for attack. She rushed over to help him, but some of the wires wrapped around her torso and pulled her at one of the walls. They then all tied around her, immobilizing her and making her drop her scythe.
"Tyrian!" Valkoin called out as the Scorpion Faunus kept fighting Qrow. "The time for fun is over. We need to get what we need and leave!"
"Aw, but I'm having so much fun!" Tyrian pouted after dodging one of Qrow's attacks.
"Now, dammit!" Valkoin barked. "Grab the cane and let's go!"
He heard the eagle's screeching again, but it was much closer than last time. Valkoin turned to look at the sky; as soon as he did, the Vacuo Golden Eagle quickly descended on him and clawed at his face with its talons.
Valkoin let out a cry of pain as he covered his face from the searing pain of the talons, which left him open to an attack by Forest Kotka in his human form. The eagle swordsman slashed Rohkeus at Valkoin's arm that was keeping Ruby tied to the wall, making him release the reaper Huntress. When the wire user came around, he caught on in time to stop one of Forest's attacks with a wire-woven spear.
"You're here," Valkoin groaned. "Why am I not surprised? You always did have a habit of showing up out of nowhere." As he unraveled the wires to trap Forest, the veteran Huntsmen quickly leapt back and pointed his blade back at the white-themed traitor.
"Ooohhh!" Tyrian cackled when he caught sight of Forest Kotka. "Forest Kotka and Qrow Branwen!? Two true Huntsmen!?" He laughed psychotically.
Qrow looked over at Forest and the two shared glaring gazes at each other. As much as Qrow didn't like Forest, he was in no position to deny his help in this fight. Valkoin and Tyrian would be too much for him all on his own, especially since Ruby and her companions were beaten down pretty bad. He had to suck it up for his sake and Ruby's.
While Qrow focused on fighting Tyrian, Forest was left to fight Valkoin. The eagle swordsman couldn't fight the wire user directly: his Semblance and powerful use of wires made Valkoin a very dangerous opponent, one that couldn't be underestimated. One slip up could cost him his life, so he had to be as vigilant as possible.
Valkoin wove his wires into two katana-like blades before charging Forest and trading blows with the eagle Huntsman. Their blades clashed loudly and wildly until during one clash, Valkoin unraveled one of his katanas and wrapped them around Rohkeus, then yanked it out of Forest's hand. He then tried to entangle Forest in his wires as well with the other unwoven katana, but he quickly changed into his eagle form and avoided the wires.
The wire user smirked before creating a dark matter portal small enough for Forest to unknowingly fly into and come right out of another on the side of a building. Before Forest could be hit by a wire-woven whip, Qrow deflected the wires aside with a powerful slash of Harbinger. When Valkoin frowned at Qrow's interference, he immediately saw what they were looking for on Qrow's belt.
Before he could even try to go for it, he heard two arrows fired from behind. He was forced to drop Rohkeus so he could use both his hands to create a wire barrier enhanced with dark matter to block the arrows. The first one was a Water Dust arrow, which caused water to splash upon impact while the second that followed was a Lightning Dust arrow. Valkoin was quick to retract his wires before the arrow could electrocute him and cause immense damage to his Aura.
"Of course," Valkoin growled as Sterling and Ruadh came into view, their weapons primed for combat as Forest recovered Rohkeus.
The situation didn't go as planned. It was supposed to simply be kill Qrow Branwen, take Ozpin's cane, the Long Memory, and kidnap Ruby Rose on Salem's orders. But now, with Forest, Sterling and Ruadh having arrived at the scene of the battle, they now had more obstacles to deal with.
Ruby, like her friends, was still unconscious, so he could easily grab her and be done with it, but they needed Ozpin's cane as well. He needed to devise a plan to achieve their goal while he and Tyrian fought Qrow, Forest, Sterling and Ruadh.
During the fight, Qrow kept his distance from the other Huntsmen so his Misfortune Semblance wouldn't affect them, but he had no problem getting close to Tyrian and Valkoin so they were affected by it. Forest and Ruadh fought Valkoin and Tyrian in close combat with their sword and axe while Sterling kept his distance and shot at them with his double bow.
While Tyrian was clearly enjoying the 2-on-4 fight, Valkoin was still hoping to figure out how to accomplish their mission. If Ruby was still unconscious-
"HYAH!" a female voice cried out, belonging to Ruby Rose as she swung Crescent Rose at Tyrian, having recovered.
"Oh, sleeping beauty," Tyrian cackled. "Well, this rose certainly has thorns!"
"Grab the girl, Tyrian!" Valkoin barked as he dodged attacks from Forest and Ruadh by using his Semblance to teleport short distances.
"Got it!" Tyrian complied as he rushed to Ruby. He was stopped by Qrow and staggered when an arrow hit him from behind, obviously coming from Sterling on the roof of one of the buildings. From there, he kept sniping at the two opponents while they were occupied by Qrow, Forest and Ruadh.
After saving Ruby from a falling wooden beam, Qrow was struck by Tyrian's tail in his torso. Valkoin thought that the situation could turn in their favor as he looked at the wounded scythe user…until Ruby used her own scythe to cut Tyrian's tail off. The Scorpion Faunus screamed in agony and pain from his tail being cut off by Ruby.
"You…bitch!" he roared. "If Her Grace didn't want you alive, I'd massacre you!"
With Tyrian wounded, Ruby's teammates waking up and Forest, Sterling and Ruadh still present, Valkoin knew he had to retreat. He lashed out his wires to grab Tyrian, opened a dark matter portal and ran through it.
"No!" Ruby cried out as she tried to run at the portal, but was stopped by Forest as it disappeared.
"They're beaten for now," Forest told Ruby. "But thank the Gods we were able to get here in time."
"Who are you?" Ruby asked.
"I'm Forest Kotka," Forest introduced. Ruby's eyes sparkled with amazement.
"You're Mathdon's mentor!" she squealed with excitement. "You taught him to fight! You were there on the mission where…" Her smile died down a little after remembering the circumstances of when Forest appeared to Team MRRN. What she remembered specifically was the death of Professor Alan Kura.
"Did he only mention Forest?" Ruadh questioned.
"Are you jealous, Ruadh?" Sterling teased the bearded axe user. "After all, Forest did spend more time with Mathdon than we did." Qrow's groans of pain immediately broke up the conversation. Ruby and Forest hurried back to Qrow while Sterling and Ruadh went to get their missing member who had stayed behind since he lacked a proper weapon.
"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby asked as she examined Qrow's wound. "Are you okay?"
"Hold still," Forest told the scythe user. He held his hands over Qrow's wound from Tyrian's stinger. His hands started to shimmer with his green Aura as Qrow's wound did the same.
"Thanks," Qrow told Forest, though the eagle swordsman didn't reciprocate the politeness.
"I don't want you dead, Qrow," the swordsman told him. "But you have some explaining to do, as does Ozpin."
"Ozpin?" Ruby asked, confused. "But he died during the Fall of Beacon."
The three of them looked back to see Sterling and Ruadh walking into the village again, but with a different third companion this time. Ruby and Qrow didn't recognize, though Qrow's expression quickly changed while Ruby's remained confused and uncertain.
"As I said, Qrow, a lot of explaining to do," Forest told the scythe user.
"Oh, shut up, you prick," he replied.