Around a campfire, Dante, Ruby, Qrow, Jaune, Ren and Nora sits on four logs positioned in a square. Qrow has just finished telling the story of the Maidens. There is silence and Qrow takes a swig from his flask. He has a bandage wrapped around his abdomen over his clothing.
"Really? No questions?" Qrow asked.
"Hmph. Shocking." Dante added.
"Of course we have questions. This is just... a lot to take in" Jaune said.
Qrow sighs "Sure, of course".
"So these... Maidens... They're powerful fighters that don't need Dust to use magic" Ruby said.
"Yeah" Qrow confirms.
"And there are four of them?" Nora asked.
"Yup. Always" Qrow answered.
"Which means that, whenever one of them dies, the power transfers to someone, a female, that they cared about?" Ren asked.
"Not quite" Dante said.
"Whoever was in their thoughts last. Important distinction. Best option is someone we can trust. Regardless, their souls become combined, in a way" Qrow explained.
"And that's what you were trying to do to Pyrrha... the night the tower fell. You were trying to turn her into one of them" Jaune concluded.
"The previous Fall Maiden, Amber, had been attacked. She was young, inexperienced. And her assailant, who we now know is Cinder, somehow managed to steal some of her power, but not all of it. We were afraid that if we didn't do something, the rest would go to her as well" Qrow said.
Jaune looked angry "So you forced it on Pyrrha".
"We didn't force anything. We explained the situation and gave her the choice, and she chose. You were there, you heard her" Qrow shot back.
"Easy, pal" Dante cautioned his friend, "This is still new to them."
Qrow, heeding his friend's advice, took a deep breath and sighed "It was not my decision to make... I left it to the one man I trusted".
Ruby looked at her uncle "That guy, Tyrian, why was he after me?".
Qrow sighs "Well, you definitely painted a target on your back with what you did at Beacon. I told you having silver eyes is a rare trait. And the fact that you were able to use them seems to have upset some very powerful people. Not many people know about the silver eyes. Those that do aren't very happy that one has surfaced. That's why I've been keeping an eye on you in order to make sure you were safe. All of you".
"Well, then, why not just travel with us? It seems like that would've been way easier" Ruby said.
Jaune answers her loudly enough to be heard "He was using you as bait".
"Look, I wouldn't put it like that, it's complicated" Qrow said.
Jaune stands up and glares at him "What is all of this? Ruby's being hunted, the schools are being attacked, all for what?! What is the point of all of this?! Will you just tell us what's going on?!"
Qrow stares at him, then slouches over with a sigh "Would you sit down? You're stressin' me out, kid".
Jaune sits back down on his log and crosses his arms. Qrow starts to take another swig, but changes his mind before the flask reaches his lips.
"You want to explain it?" Dante asked Qrow, "Or should I?"
"I think I can handle it." Qrow replied as he began.
"Not many people are super religious these days" Qrow said as he caps and sets the flask down "This world's been around for a long time, long enough that people have created dozens of gods. But if you believe Ozpin, two of them are actually real".
Everyone looked at him and listened closely.
"They were two brothers. The older sibling, the god of light, found joy in creating forces of life. Meanwhile, the younger brother, the god of darkness, spent his time creating forces of destruction. As you can imagine, they both had pretty different ideas about how things should go. The older one would spend his days creating water, plants, wildlife. And at night, his brother would wake to see all the things that the elder had made and become disgusted. To counteract his brother's creations, the god of darkness brought drought, fire, famine, all he could do to rid Remnant of life. Life always returned. So one night, the younger brother went and made something - something that shared his innate desire to destroy anything and everything" Qrow explained.
"The creatures of Grimm" Ruby said, it was not a question, she knew it.
"You guessed it. And those weren't the only things he created. There was also the creatures that were created from the brother's hate and darkness; demons of the most disgusting kind. The older brother finally had enough. Knowing that their feud couldn't last like this forever, he proposed that they make one final creation... together, something that they could both be proud of, their masterpiece. The younger brother agreed. This last great creation would be given the power to both create and destroy. It would be given the gift of knowledge, so that it could learn about itself and the world around it. And most importantly, it would be given the power to choose, to have free will to take everything it had learned and decide which path to follow - the path of light or the path of darkness. And that is how Humanity came to be" Qrow said.
"But... what does that have to do with us?" Ren asked.
"Well, that's the kicker." Dante added, "See, the four gifts to mankind, knowledge, creation, destruction and choice, aren't just metaphorical. Each of them exists in a physical form, left behind by the gods before they abandoned Remnant, and each of them is extraordinarily powerful. If someone were to collect all four, they'd be able to change the world. That's exactly what the enemy wants. The Huntsman Academies were created to train generations of Humanity's protectors, but they also serve another purpose - guarding the Relics."
Qrow continued here: "When Ozpin's predecessor founded the schools, he built them around the Relics to act as a fortress. Not only would they be easier to defend, but they would constantly be surrounded by trained warriors. The hope was that hiding them would keep mankind from using them against itself... and, of course, keeping them out of her reach" Qrow finished "So yeah, there's that".
"Her. You mean Salem?" Ruby asked.
"See, you're catching on." Dante said.
Qrow nodded: "That's right. Not much is known about her. Quite frankly, that's not what matters. What matters right now is that she wants the Relics, and if she gets them, it's not going to end well" Qrow said.
"What about these 'demons'?" Ren asked, "Why don't we see them as much?"
"Well, I did actually see a few at Beacon" Qrow said, "But they were quickly killed off by Novus. You see, when the younger brother saw how unpredictable and destructive the demons were becoming, he realized he had gone too far and locked them in a dimensional prison of sorts."
"BUT" Dante added, "Some do escape from time to time, and it's the job of a hidden group known as the Sentinels to hunt them down."
"Novus is a Sentinel?" Jaune asked.
"Eh, he's technically half-Sentinel" Dante continued, "His mom's from Remnant. His father, however, is a very special, very powerful Sentinel, but that's a story for another time."
Ruby had one last question, this one brought tears to her eyes as she asked it: "Tyrian said that Salem wanted Julius dead, and that she already had gotten that. Does that mean…?"
Qrow simply shrugged: "I don't know for sure. Your brother is practically the definition of unpredictable. He's probably faking it and made it pretty convincing. I'm not sure though."
"Why is he so important to her?"
"I don't know" Qrow said, "In fact, I'm willing to bet 50 lien and a bottle of whiskey that only he himself knows and just decides not to tell us."
"Why would he hide something like that from us?" Jaune asked.
Neither Qrow nor Dante had an answer for that.
…
Back in Menagerie, inside the Belladonna household, Ghira was speaking with Hector considering the super soldier experiment.
"This doesn't make sense" Ghira mused when Hector finished explaining, "Genetic experimentation on other people or faunus is illegal."
"It is" Hector agreed, "but I still volunteered. I thought it would be a better way to help me fight for the faunus; if the humans were going to bend the rules of society here by discriminating, than I can bend the rules here" Hector chuckled: "The thoughts of a misguided optimist…"
"I will make sure to bring this up to the Albains when we meet again. The White Fang WILL answer for this."
Hector nodded: "Thanks, I guess. I mean, this does have its perks. Besides, now that I know the truth, those extremists are now gonna have their own weapon used against them."
"Hmph, maybe that will get some sense into them." Ghira said.
Hector nodded: "Maybe."
Suddenly, his enhanced smell picked up something that was off and he tensed.
"What is it?" Ghira asked.
Hector sniffed the air: "Something up. Wait here." He said before turning invisible and heading outside to investigate.
…
Back with the team, they were sitting around the fire, talking to Qrow.
"Alright. So, let's say we believe all this. There really is this crazy evil being behind these attacks, not just some thugs trying to become powerful. Why doesn't the world know? Why isn't Atlas going after them? Or Mistral?" Jaune demanded
"And why aren't we in more of a hurry to get to Haven? Shouldn't we be getting them a message? What if they're next?" Nora asked, clearly worried.
"It's not that simple" Dante explained.
Qrow added: "Dante's right. The headmaster over there saw what happened to Beacon. He's not dumb. He'll be on his guard. Besides, it takes time to mobilize forces like that. Do you really think they planned out that attack on Beacon overnight?" Qrow asked before pointing at Jaune "And to answer your question, it's the same reason we keep quiet about the Maidens. If the whole world knew about the Relics, about Salem, there would be chaos. There'd be another Great War on our hands, and this time, you'd have to fight" Jaune turns away before Qrow continued "Look, I had the same questions, too. But ol' Ozpin would always put his foot down. We can't cause a panic. Heh, can't tell you how many times I've heard that. Salem's smart. She works from the shadows, using others to get what she wants, so that when it comes time to place the blame, we can only point at each other. She's trying to divide us, humanity, and so far she's done a pretty damn good job".
Leaning back, Qrow looks up at the broken moon and the visual pans to follow his gaze before returning to him, with an above shot at first, changing to a frontal shot when he looks ahead and sighs.
"Alright, so what should we do?" Ruby asked and everyone looks to Qrow.
Qrow chuckles "I don't really know" The teens all look at each other, surprised and nervous. They return their gaze to him when he starts speaking again "Ozpin has put a lot of trust in the headmasters. Like I said, the schools are an important part of stopping Salem. Atlas is going to be on high alert after the last attack, and Vacuo is, well, Vacuo. It'll be hard to hire thieves and scoundrels to fight against other thieves and scoundrels. Take that, add in the fact that Cinder and her crew claim to be from Haven, and I think it's likely the next target. So, we're on our way to the headmaster. Haven't heard from him in a while, even before the attack. I'm hoping he has the answers" Qrow stands, but grabs at where he was cut "Alright, I think it's time you kids got some sleep".
Ruby spoke up "Uncle Qrow?"
Qrow looks at her "Yeah?".
Ruby stands up "This is a lot to take in, and it all sounds crazy, but... I'm willing to do whatever I can to help because I trust you. But why couldn't you trust me? Why couldn't you just travel with us, instead of this secrecy, and, and-".
Qrow stops her "Look, this has nothing to do with trust. I-It's a long story, okay?".
"Seriously? Now you're tired of telling us stories?" Nora asked
Qrow stares at the fire in silence before speaking. As he talks he kneels down, picks up a stick and pokes at the fire "Did you know that crows are a sign of bad luck? Old superstition, but it's how I got my name. See, some people can absorb electricity and some people can burst into rose petals and some people are just born unlucky. My Semblance isn't like most - it's not exactly something I do. It's always there, whether I like it or not. I bring misfortune. I guess you could call me a bad luck charm. Comes in real handy when I'm fighting an enemy, but it makes it a little hard on friends... and family".
"Well, you are just a real bundle of help, aren't you?" Jaune asked in a bitter tone, Ruby and Nora turn to glare at him.
"Yeah" Qrow said as he walks away from the campfire, slowly.
"Where are you going?" Ren asked.
"Taking a walk" Qrow answered.
"There's nothing else you want to tell us?" Ruby asked
A red-eyed raven lands on a tree branch with a quiet caw. Qrow looks at it, and it cocks its head, looking at him "Not tonight".
He continues his slow walk away, leaving the five teenagers to themselves for a bit. The log he had prodded earlier rolls out of the campfire. Ruby watches Qrow, concerned.
"Ok, I'll take first watch" Dante offered.
…
Hector makes his way to the roof of the house, still invisible, and proceeds to look around for any signs of an intruder. His senses were going off like crazy, so someone was definitely here, but all he could see was Sun and Blake talking on the porch below.
"I know you're out there." He whispered to himself, "Where are you?"
Suddenly, he saw a movement in a nearby tree and looked quickly enough to see a small shape land at the top of one, his…no, her outfit and skin dark; almost as if she was blending in with the night. Hector's heart froze; he knew that scent was familiar, but did it have to be HER?
He quickly realized he was going to need to get Blake and Sun in on this too. Dropping down a bit, he whispered in Blake's ear: "We got company. In the tree at 3 o'clock."
Blake starts in surprise at first, but, recognizing Hector's voice, looks to the tree and sees the figure, who immediately gasp and ducks away.
"Hey!" Blake yells, and she immediately springs into action, using Gambol Shroud's grappling hook form to swing across the branches and catch up with the intruder. They both pause for a moment, gripping different trees. A noise above the spy makes her gasp and Sun appears, dropping down.
"Gotcha!" Sun said but the spy leaps on, out of his path. Blake pursues while Sun lands on a branch "Hey, wait up!". Hector follows as well, though he remains silent and invisible.
"Don't let her out of your sight!" Blake yells.
The spy emerges from the trees and onto a roof. She continues to run across the buildings, Blake right behind her. Sliding under some arching pipes, she finally turns and stops. Using her weapon in whip form, she slices the pipe, releasing steam to block Blake. It doesn't work, Blake leaps over and continues running. Hector noticed the whip as it was used and clenched his teeth; yup, it was DEFINITELY her.
Blake finally corners the spy on a rooftop.
"Who are you and why are you watching us?" she demanded.
The girl smiles and lowers her weapon. Sun lands on the roof behind her, causing her to turn around.
"Give it up! I'm not above hitting a girl, you-" He gets cut off when the spy's whip comes at him in an attack, which he falls back to avoid.
Blake takes advantage of the distraction to kick the Scroll out of the spy's hand. The girl is surprised, avoids Blake's next attack, responds with a kick of her own and attempts to retrieve the Scroll. Sun tackles her instead.
"Grab the Scroll! Seems someone thinks it's important!" Sun shouts
"Get off!" The spy headbutts Sun, cracking off the part of the mask covering her left eye, and tries to race Blake to the Scroll.
Blake avoided her charge and grabbed the spy in to an arm lock "Sun! Get the scroll!".
Sun listens, and goes for the scroll. The Spy struggles against Blake's grip and yells: "Get off me!"
Sun made his way to the scroll, but started back in surprise as the scroll levitates off the ground.
"Uhhhh, why is the scroll flying?" Sun asked. Blake and the spy momentarily stopped their struggle to see what he was talking about as Hector materializes in front of them, casually holding the scroll.
Hector glares at the spy: "I should have known they would get you in on this."
The girl wriggles her way out of Blake grip and stands up, pointing her weapon at the super faunus. The rest of her mask falls oft to reveal a young freckled face.
Blake recognized the spy immediately: "Illia."
"Wait, you know her?" Sun asked, "but she doesn't even look like a…"
He was cut off when Illia swung her whip around, striking Sun in the shoulder.
"Sun!" Blake cries out as Sun hits the ground. Illia whips back around to face Hector.
"Give it to me, Hector" She demanded.
Hector glares at his twin sister: "Never."
Illia changes color again "You shouldn't have come back. You OR Blake".
She uses her weapon to create a rush of dust, which allows her to escape. Hector briefly acknowledges that Illia has disappeared before rushing over to Blake and Sun.
"He's unconscious" Blake said.
"Don't worry. Can carry him" Hector replied as he slung Sun over his shoulder. The two then headed back for the Belladonna house, but as they did, Hector looked over his shoulder, locking eyes with a hidden figure watching from another rooftop. The two glared at each other for a few moments, and then Illia turned and walked away. Hector knew he was going to have his hands fuller than he thought now that she was here, but it would have to wait; right now, he needed to get Sun back to the house.
…
It is morning time at the campsite, and the birds are a-tweeting. All four teenagers are in their sleeping bags, the campfire burned out in the middle. Qrow sits up against the base of a tree, facing the group. Dante is reclined against a log.
Ren sits up with a sigh "We should probably get moving".
Jaune sits up too "Yeah, yeah".
Both turn at the sound of Qrow coughing, which grows louder and sounds worse with each cough. Nora and Ruby sit up, and Ruby quickly goes to her uncle's side. Dante looks over at Qrow.
Purple staining is visible on Qrow's bandage, which he is holding his right hand over. He lifts his left hand to his mouth as he continues to cough. A cuckoo bird joins its call to the rest of the morning birds. Qrow pulls his hand away with a groan, and the whole palm, including up over the wrist and his fingers, is covered in the purple stain.
Ruby's eyes grow wide, and she gasps. Qrow looks at his hand "Well... That's unfortunate".
"Aren't you just a little ray of sunshine." Dante sarcastically remarked.
With a groan, he lowers his hand and head before going still.
It was now clear that they had to get to a village as quickly as possible. Dante quickly picks Qrow back up: "I got him. We should hurry though."
The group then quickly heads off.
Let me know what you think so far.