Arc IV: Courage Ascending
Chapter 35: Mass Is In Session
For a realm so visually and quite literally infernal, the breeze that blew through the open windows was perhaps the most calming thing she felt all morning.
Standing by the altar at the head of the conference table, Salem closed her eyes as it washed over her. Immortality was not the blessing many thought it to be, as heat and cold still pierced her body as easily as a sword could. Though she was no longer strictly human, innocent reminders that she used to be were the only thing capable of making her sentimental.
If only the Brothers were kind enough to grant her divine patience in their petty crusade to punish her, though even for gods, Salem doubted they knew what "kindness" meant anyway. Was it so much to ask so that nine thousand years of unnatural existence could've been a little easier to bear?
Salem sighed and idly listened to Watts and Tyrian's bickering in the background. Hazel was quiet as usual since the argument had little to do with Ozma; though Gretchen's team was strictly at fault for his sister's demise, Salem cared not for his misplaced anger, only that he used it to serve her well.
The same went for the scientist and the murderer. At least they debated how to best execute her will - the plans of which were finally coming to a head.
"It has been a few weeks since Beacon fell, and according to the news, Vale's efforts to reclaim the campus are so far fruitless. Without Ozma's leadership, we have shattered the core from which resistance can grow."
A Nevermore flew in from the window and cawed as it perched on her shoulder. The background conversation faded as they watched her lovingly stroke the bird Grimm's feathers, then turn around and take a seat at the table.
"Finding new moon pearls for the other two torches to burn is the simplest of our concerns. They are the kindle that draws energy from the so-called Dark World while Malice is the oxygen. But the factor in question is the spark; the Flame of Destruction was ultimately lit by the carnage caused by the Blood Moon, so perhaps a similar approach is needed for the Flames of Sorrow and Despair -"
A hesitant cough interrupted her train of thought. "Do you have something to say, Arthur?"
"I merely wanted to ask if there is a task you need completing, my Queen," Watts said as he dutifully ignored Tyrian's goading face across the table. "I await your command to begin working on whatever lays ahead."
"And you shall not wait for much longer," she evenly replied. Salem gently clasped her hands upon the table, eyeing him and Tyrian before landing upon Hazel's neutral expression. "But before I begin, what news have you of Remnant?"
Watts stood and cleared his throat. "There are plenty, ma'am, but this is chief amongst them." He fished out a scroll and tapped the screen before sliding it over to Hazel. But while she didn't recognize the raspy voice that initially spoke, the second one, while boyish, had an unmistakably confident, erudite tone that never changed despite the origins of his reincarnations.
"Ozma..."
"Yes, that is indeed your quarry," Watts nodded to a growling Hazel while no doubt smirking beneath his mustache. "It seems Ozma's return is far earlier than expected, and as the guest of a young teenager, no less. I found this transmission when monitoring Mistrali comms, and surmise that he is en route to Anima as we speak."
"Muahehehehe! This sounds like it could be a game of cat and mouse, my Goddess!" Tyrian cackled. "Shall we immediately depart to smoke Ozma out?"
Salem leaned back and remained quiet, not at all missing how tense Hazel became as the recording played out.
"...I see. You have done well to learn of this, Watts. Is there anything else before we go on?"
The scientist preened at her praise despite his effort to hide it. It was repugnant, but success borne from merit deserved to be rewarded - just as failure was punished without much mercy.
"Yes, and thank you, my Queen. Regarding the Maidens, there is unfortunately little progress with the search for Summer and Winter, especially since Ironwood upscaled Atlas' security, but there is a potential lead regarding the Spring Maiden."
Watts sat down as Hazel slid the scroll back so he could tap through the screens a little more. "There are rumours from Mistrali villages regarding a localized and severe, yet unnatural storm that tore through some forests in the southwestern part of the country. A few eyewitness accounts report harsh winds, ice and lightning during an otherwise calm night - powers so great that it was visible from miles away."
Salem hummed, and as the silence stretched on, Watts and Hazel grew anxious while Tyrian looked like he was brimming with excitement.
"Discovering the existence of the Triforce, killing Ozma for a short time and now, perhaps the key to learning where all the pieces may fall. Fate is quite generous as of late, and I shall not waste what is given so freely."
She stood and paused by the windows to gaze across the Grimmlands.
"As they go forth, I shall continue researching and experimenting with Malice and the other artifacts. Who knows what I can learn or secrets will be uncovered."
"My Queen," Hazel grunted, "shall we take care of this...problem?"
"Patience. I need not repeat that I am a Queen with the integrity to uphold my promises. Now, what is most important is that we acquire both Ozma and the Relic of Knowledge. Only he knows the password, and the Relic, the whereabouts of the Triforce of Wisdom. As such, we will divide and conquer to capture him and the Spring Maiden."
The Nevermore on her shoulders cawed as she released it outside. "Arthur, Hazel - you two shall make your way to Mistral." She turned and eyed the latter first. "Hunt Ozma down. Enlist Lionheart as he continues decimating Mistral's huntsman population, but ensure you two are subtle so as to not alert Ozma of your approach. Bring him to me alive and able to speak."
Hazel nodded curtly as she looked to Watts. "You will assist using the full scope of your technological abilities. Follow any leads regarding Ozma's movements and that of the potential Spring Maiden."
"Yes, my Queen -"
"Ooh, what about me?" Tyrian interrupted, waving his hand like an excited student. "What can I do to serve you, my Goddess? Stalk Ozma with Hazel, perhaps? Or perhaps I could ask around the villages about any more unusual storms as of late -"
"You, Tyrian, are one of my most loyal and devoted followers," Salem smiled as the scorpion faunus eagerly nodded. "Chaos breeds fear, which in turn breeds more Grimm - wouldn't you like to do what you do best?"
"My best...? My Goddess, you will have my best and more!"
"Good," she continued, walking over to stand behind her seat. "I have Menagerie in mind for you. I was told that our search for artifacts over there yielded fruit, but was stalled due to...political instability, yes?"
Watts nodded. "The situation there is even more volatile than the royalist insurgency in Vacuo. While the White Fang has found artifacts of note, they're sooner to slit each other's throats like the animals they are before shipping the items over."
"Do you hear that, Tyrian? It seems that they are hesitant to give offerings to their rightful Goddess. Perhaps you can show them the error of their ways and bring them into the fold once more. This can only be done if you bring me their findings...and give their unstable society a little push."
Tyrian looked like he was just handed the world on a silver platter.
"I will push them, my Goddess. They will fall and they will bleed until they realize only you can save them from themselves."
"Very well. Any questions?"
Watts raised his hand. "I have two, my Queen. This boy...what's his name, Jaune Arc? And what of the silver-eyed girl? What shall we do in regards to them?"
She chuckled and gently grasped the chair's backrest. "Keep an eye out for them, though I have a feeling we will not need to do so as diligently since they might just come to you. Jaune Arc is our top priority now, and while I care not what you do to their friends, bring him and the girl back alive."
"Yes, ma'am. It's been too long since those aberrant beings have been seen around here. And should we have need of...greater firepower, per se -"
The large oaken doors swung open loud enough to startle Watts without being disrespectful and revealed four shadowy figures in the hallway.
"You and Hazel shall not be alone," Salem replied as Emerald and Mercury entered, followed by a taciturn Cinder. She wore a dark crimson shawl with black accents that covered her left arm, which was held in place by a clasp that bore her personal sigil. It was the cape to the tabard-like dress beneath it, a mix of dark red, black and orange that was belted at the waist before giving way to black pants and boots.
"The Fall Maiden's troupe shall assist you as they focus on Jaune Arc and the silver-eyed girl," she finished, watching as Cinder spared the tiniest of nods at her newfound title.
"In time, she shall see that her punishment is a blessing and not a curse."
"I see. Best that you don't let us down, then," Watts snidely remarked to Cinder. He thumbed through his scroll and began to make his way over. "Hopefully you've mastered your powers by now if you're going to dress the part -"
Her unblinded right eye flashed with amber fire, and Watts yelped as a long, humanoid Grimm arm shot out from underneath the shawl and snatched it from his hands.
"I think her prowess is nothing to be sneered at, Arthur," Salem gently chided as Cinder ignored him to focus on the scroll. "But individual skill is wasted in the face of incompetent teamwork, and I shall not see our advantage lost because of something avoidable. The three of you - do I make myself clear?"
Watts cleared his throat and composed himself. "Y-yes, my Queen."
Cinder bowed ever so slightly and spoke up with an unusually hoarse voice. "Yes, my Queen."
Silence settled over the conference room as she stared unflinchingly at differing eyes of the figure who remained in the shadows. Before she could grasp her necklace, a cloaked Dark Link stepped forth and bowled Emerald away to stand beside Cinder. When the revenant Hero nodded ever so begrudgingly, his long, tousled hair fell in a way that covered his red eye so all she saw was the Malice one.
Salem smiled, and somehow, she felt the spirit behind it respond in kind.
x==)==
Half a world away, the land saw blue skies and a noon sun which peeked out from behind a cloud. Waves lapped onto the beach before receding with the tide, and a few seagulls circled just off the coast in search of lunch. Occasional sounds of hammering and other carpentry drifted from the village behind it to repair damaged walls, roofing or windows.
It would've been a productive day for others, but only now was Jaune able to somewhat enjoy it after a tense, combative morning. Even as he sat on a bench in Hudson's plaza, muffled yelling could still be heard from the tavern behind him.
"Finally, some peace and quiet. Why does it have to be now that everyone gangs up on each other after the village gets attacked? We always had each other's backs, but this is like an out of control argument at the dinner table."
They are frightened and won't always rally when a greater threat stares them in the face. The nations are different, but people are the same here as it was when Hyrule was whole.
"Yeah, but it's still frustrating," Jaune griped, closing his eye and leaning back. After a restless night and an early morning sparring with Ilia and Karane, he and his friends from both homes gathered with the townsfolk as they aired their grievances to the village leadership. It soon became an agitated town hall whose negativity worried him that it would spark another Grimm incursion.
Several factions emerged and split the village in half; one advocated for the village to wait, repair damage and give time for the undermanned militia to heal while the other wanted to immediately clear the rest of the Grimm when their numbers were culled. A third considered leaving the village altogether and moving to Vale, but come noon, there wasn't any real progress made.
Jaune sighed. The argumentative ambience briefly grew louder as the tavern's door opened and people streamed out, amongst them his friends from both homes. There was a light gust of wind, followed by a splash of rose petals to the face as a deadpan Ruby skidded to a Semblance-induced halt.
"Where were you? Why didn't you stay with the rest of us and suffer? Glynda would've given us a week of detention and duels with fourth-years if we acted like that in combat class. Ugh. I think I have a headache coming on."
"Heh. That's why I left early," Jaune quipped as the others caught up, sympathetically patting her back as she sat by his left while Ren took the right. "Was there anything they decided on, at least?"
"Yeah. Lunch," Malon snorted, crossing her arms. "But after that, I guarantee they'll be back to yelling instead of coming up with a solution. Honestly, they make my little sisters look like saints."
Nora perked up as she leaned on the bench's edge. "Little sisters?"
"Mhmm. Cremia's fifteen and Romani's twelve, but if they get into a fight, I just bonk them on the head and that's it. I'd do the same to everyone inside if it meant getting them to play nice and work something out."
"Ugh. I'm an only child so I'll never really get sibling stuff, but you know what?" She patted a holstered Magnhild. "Maybe I can work some magic."
"Nora, no."
"Nora, yes! Sometimes the best way to fix things is through something called percussive maintenance," she grinned, causing Ren's hand to meet his face. "Highly effective for jammed vending machines and Grimm infestations, and it looks like they have a problem with the latter."
"Might not be effective against Aura-less civilians, though."
Nora deployed her hammer and slammed the handle into the pavement, startling Shad, Colin and a few wandering passersby. "You tell me!"
"Tempting, but before we resort to such...raucous measures," Shad coughed as Nora sheathed her weapon and giggled with Malon. "We must decide on a plan of attack. Hudson has been fighting off Grimm since it was founded, but last night and that of the Fall were the worst in living memory, and now we can barely defend ourselves as most of our huntsmen were recalled to Vale."
Nora nodded. "Hence why those guys were saying that we should deal with the Grimm immediately when they've been weakened too."
"Yeah, and to be honest, I think that's what we should do," Ruby whispered, leaning forward as their gazes swung over. "Grimm don't do fixed schedules, and Dr. Oobleck once said that many dragon-type Grimm draw lesser ones to them. And no offence, but Hudson isn't in any shape to fight back, even if the village was at its peak."
"None taken," Colin nodded, meeting her gaze with a timid one. "At least no one died, but the town guards took a heavy beating. If we get attacked soon…"
"I understand your concern," Ren calmly replied as he looked away into the square, "but if I may…I think it would do us a disservice if we went into the forest immediately. We know nothing about the area, any hiding or hotspots for Grimm, and if we make a mistake, the Drake might rampage and overwhelm the town."
Ruby shook her head. "It'd be worse if we waited too long. I don't like going in without knowing anything either, but what's stopping them from attacking in, like, ten hours or ten minutes? Every moment we waste means more people getting hurt or worse."
Shad raised a hand. "Perhaps we could lead you through the forest in the direction of the Drake -"
"Thanks, but no," Nora cut in before he could go any further. "I'm not gonna let Jauney's old friends get hurt on account of us. It's too dangerous."
"But wouldn't you want to learn about the area? Perhaps use the knowledge to your advantage?"
"That's why we have our team leader," Nora smiled as she walked over and leaned on the backrest between him and Ren. "I totally get not wanting to feel left out, so maybe you guys could try to hold down the fort here? Let them know that we'll take care of it so they won't get too freaked out."
Shad traded glances with Malon and Colin before returning to Jaune.
"Don't worry. I still remember the old trails and where to find the ruins, but...I'm sorry. I don't want to risk getting you guys hurt. I'm not gonna lose someone again on my watch."
For a moment, all they heard was the breeze and local activity as townspeople milled around, but he looked up as Ruby clasped his shoulder.
"You won't, Jaune. Not if we can help it."
A nod. "Thanks. And honestly, all things considered, I'm with Ren when I say that we should take a rain check on going in."
Nora tilted her head confused, while Ren nodded and Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What do you mean? I'm not saying we go in completely blind, since I'm sure we can form a plan along the way, so why should we stop now?"
"Because the big boys are in town to save the day!"
Malon, Colin and Shad stepped aside to reveal Groose approaching with a confident grin, though his lackeys and just about everyone else were less enthused - least of all, Jaune.
"Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse."
"The Grimm are tough and dangerous, no doubt, and I understand your nerves are getting to ya. But fear not! Groose is here to save the day. And, uh, you people."
Silver eyes widened. "G-Groose...? You're the one who -"
"You've already heard of me? Excellent! That makes things easier," he laughed, crossing his arms as Ruby looked like the opposite of assured. He either ignored it or didn't notice as he sneered at Jaune and Malon before landing on an unimpressed Nora. Groose sidled up to her and ran a hand through his pompadour.
"I promise that you'll all be safe with someone like me protecting the town. Even Jaune and his dweeb brigade here. Don't you think so too, beautiful?"
Nora made to reply, but Ren suddenly stood and came between her and the much taller teen.
"I'm sorry, but perhaps you're mistaken," he began. "Yes, we have heard of you and your...history from Jaune, and while it is noble to protect others, it is also best to leave that to professionals. That includes my...partner, who is indeed beautiful, but is also my partner."
Ren calmly enunciated the last word as he held Groose's disbelief for a few long seconds. Groose blinked first and glanced between him, Jaune and a surprised-but-thrilled Nora before reverting to his default pompousness.
"O-oh. Ooooh. I see. Seems like the pirate captain's been recruiting crew for his ship, eh?"
Cawlin and Strich nervously laughed, but all three were silenced when a pouting Ruby stomped over and pointed a finger up at him.
"Hey, well I think it's pretty cool! And he doesn't need protecting from a guy who doesn't know what he's dealing with!"
Groose waved a hand dismissively. "Please. I've known Jaune longer than any of you. Maybe I should be proud to see him doing something with his life, but he still came crawling back in the end. And Groose doesn't do charity for wimps."
"Y-yeah, well...you look like you spend more time doing your hair than doing in the Grimm!"
"You lay off my do right now!" he retorted, pointing back down at Ruby. "I'll have you know that it's the best pompadour around!"
"Probably because it's the only one too."
"I - uh - agh! Why do you have to be so mean? What has he ever done to you? We're just trying to help like you say you are!"
"Because this guy gets way too over his head!" Groose snapped. "Believe it or not, I don't actually hate you, Jaune, but you're frickin' insufferable, you know that? Especially when we were kids. 'Look, mommy, I'mma be a flashy huntsman with flashy moves and flashy costumes!' You never let anyone forget how annoying that sounded, and never mind the fact you almost always came last in self-defence class. But let's not get distracted here."
He pushed past her and met Jaune as he stood up.
"Oh, so you do have heart. Well, guess what? So do I and everyone else when our homes are under attack. Sure, you went to Beacon and maybe you're a little better, but I don't need a fancy-pants school to teach me how to knock an Ursa down. You probably needed it just to barely get second place to my first, and that's not enough to convince me you can protect my family and others."
"I...well..."
"I admit the glory's nice since there ain't anything wrong about being known for something you're good at. Just...do like you always do and leave this to me, okay? I, the great Groose, will take care of this problem as I did the others since you went your merry way."
Everyone slowly swivelled their heads towards Jaune, even Cawlin and Strich. Part of him wanted to trip Groose again as he did several days ago, but something about his words kept him rooted to the spot.
"That's...well, I admit I wasn't the strongest when I left, but...those matches we won in the Festival. Us and RWBY beating the Hydra back at the Breach. Getting my team out alive from the Temple of Time."
Jaune clenched his fists as anger began to boil inside, but memories of past victories still fell short of the time they needed one the most. The thought of Pyrrha standing beside him once more remained a bitter pill to swallow, and all he could do was silently let his gaze fall.
The taller teen smirked and turned away, walking over to rejoin his now timid lackeys. "Thought so. But don't worry. I won't even consider this a favour -"
"N-no. She wouldn't want me to be like this, even if I deserve it."
"- as I was saying, I agree with Ren that we shouldn't charge in since we need to prepare. But now that the village scouts are down, I also agree that we don't know how soon the Grimm will attack."
Groose paused.
So what do you plan to do? Do you intend to force combat with the Grimm as half the village desires?
"I think we should scout the ruins so we can let the village know what to expect since that's where they last saw the Drake," Jaune replied out loud. "I wanted to wait until the end of the week for Colin's dad to finish the new shield and armour I commissioned, but welp." He nodded to Ruby. "How about we head off the day after tomorrow? That way we can get some training and rest in while the village prepares."
Groose scoffed loudly and led his group out of sight, though he ignored it as Ruby glanced at him worriedly.
"...is this because he tried to call you out?"
"No. I was going to say that before he interrupted us," he replied, though she still seemed unconvinced despite not pushing the issue. "I figured that since either waiting too long or jumping the gun would make things worse, why not go for the best of both? I dunno. What do you guys think?"
"What do we think? I think that you're gonna get yourself hurt again, mister," Malon griped with a sigh. "But as much as I hate not being able to do more, you guys actually stand a chance out there. We'll let the mayor know and do what we can here."
"And if there's less of us, then less collateral damage, ya know?" Nora added. "Don't let him get to ya. I'm down, Jauney."
Ren crossed his arms. "As am I."
"Sounds good. Ruby?"
The red reaper remained silent but nodded.
"Then it's settled," Malon declared, throwing her arms around him and Nora with a grin. "Listen, we've been listening to random people complain all day and now it's lunchtime. Why don't we head over to my place for lunch? Then maybe you could take them horseback riding up and down the coast."
Jaune perked up. "Like we always did?"
"Mhmm. Same path as always."
It was clear what she was trying to do, but the thought of a hearty lunch and a chance to clear his head proved irresistible. They began walking towards Fallow Ranch after various murmurs of agreement, and when their chatter became lighthearted once more, Jaune's pace slowed down as he looked off into the sea.
It's as Nora said. I understand how Groose's words cut deep, but he is ignorant of the reality we all faced together.
"I know. I don't know how good at fighting he's gotten since Atmos Academy, but after everything we've been through, I bet that I'll have the upper hand if we fight again. And that's not me being cocky. You've taught me never to underestimate my opponents, but -"
Don't worry. I can feel your sincerity. But do you remember our first lesson, Jaune?
He nodded. "I have no strength unless I wield my sword with courage."
And from that comes the next lesson, where being selfless in service of those who have wronged you is courage in itself. While I am not asking you to quit standing up for yourself, as you learn more about what kind of Hero you wish to be, not all courage is forged from the edge of a sword.
"...right. I'll keep that in mind."
It dogged his thoughts every step of the way, earning more than a few non-subtle glances from Ren and Colin, but Malon was right. Perhaps it was better to think about after a day spent relaxing, then training and preparing for the mission ahead. There was comfort in familiarity and something...poetically right about bringing the best of the past to deal with the future.
Groose may have been right, but the person who returned was different from the one who left.
Jaune smiled as Ruby slowed down beside him to ensure he wasn't alone, and the two jogged ahead to catch up with the rest.
x==)==
The night was calm and quiet, with the distant chirping of crickets and tropical birds drifting through the open window. Her curtains rustled lightly from the breeze and in the distance, Kuo Kuana sparkled like embers amidst a sea of black and blue.
Peaceful as it was, Blake had never felt so troubled.
Clad in a t-shirt and pair of shorts, all she wanted was to sit in bed with a warm cup of matcha, ready to start a newly bought, unopened novel. Instead, Blake was hunched over her desk tinkering with a disassembled Gambol Shroud, and white lamplight did wonders for her strained eyes as the desire to sleep grew ever so stronger.
"Careful now...almost...there..."
Blake's eyes narrowed as she gently maneuvered the pistol's firing pin into the upper receiver. But as she was replacing it, Blake flinched and dropped the small rod on the floor.
"For fu - ugh, buzz off, will you?"
There was a loud slap as the mosquito met its end, and then another when she buried her face in her hands. While her tolerance for bugs probably decreased during her absence, patience became a resource in critically short supply since the Albains visited several days ago.
The actual meeting ended as well as she expected, and the time spent training and ironing out the backup plan proved incredibly tiring. Continued stress was enough to make anyone crack, even with experience under duress; it got to the point where that Sun told her (albeit gently) to relax when they went shopping for dust and she snapped at the store clerk.
Blake turned the lamp off and leaned forward to cradle her head in her arms. Considering it was almost midnight and she was listening to soft lofi, she almost fell asleep right then and there, even though zero hour wasn't too far off.
But memories of fire, a red moon and a friend she abandoned to the White Fang were enough to keep her wide awake.
"...Yang...I don't know where you are now, but I hope you're okay. I wish I was there...no, I can't. I shouldn't be."
Blake grimaced.
"S-she deserves better than me, after always having my back when it mattered the most...but I shouldn't get distracted. We'll be leaving to infiltrate the Albains' base soon and I need to ready my equipment. I don't know how I'm supposed to stealth inside when I can barely focus on anything...heh, it'd be easier if Yang was here, blowing up the front gate while Ruby eliminates their snipers and Weiss, any vehicles -"
The smile that crept up her face died an ugly death as something dull constricted her heart. Blake grabbed her scroll and shivered as she padded on bare feet across the wooden floor to the open window. Staring at the city skyline did little to assuage her gnawing guilt, made worse by worrying that people would get hurt again because of her. Sienna mentioned sending Ilia to help, and despite the frost between them, part of her was glad to fight alongside her old friend once more.
And then there was Sun.
"...I can't...I don't...Ilia may have no choice since she's loyal to Sienna Khan, but Sun shouldn't have to risk his life for something that shouldn't have been his to deal with. I don't want to see him get hurt on my account. While I like my privacy, it's better that I remain lonely if he was safely out of harm's way -"
Amber eyes widened.
"Wait. That's it. I know he misses his team, so maybe I could convince him to leave and regroup with them? That way he won't have to deal with me...deal with all this and then things can finally go smoothly -"
"- or will it?"
Blake spun around surprised to find Kali leaning against the doorway with an inquisitive look.
"M-mom? What...? Why -"
"Considering you left your door somewhat open when you always closed and locked it, I knew there was something wrong," Kali replied as she closed the door and joined her by the window. "While I'd usually be content to leave your thoughts alone, seeing you walk around like a zombie on autopilot is enough to concern anyone."
Blake pursed her lips. "That obvious?"
"If by obvious you mean the bags under your eyes, your flinching when we call out your name or the times you dismiss our questions about your wellbeing, then yes. Just a little."
"I...oh. I'm sorry."
"Mhmm," Kali replied as she patted her arm. "Even when you were a child, you always had this drive...this passion, this fire inside you for anything you put your heart into. Learning how to fish with your father was one, then another when you began learning what the White Fang originally fought for."
She turned to Blake. "While it's been years since I last saw you, I can't remember the last time you ever felt so unsure of yourself and what you believed in."
Silence, save for the breeze and crickets from the nearby jungle.
"If there's no one you feel you can talk to, then I am here. What can I do to help, honey? What's wrong?"
Blake's gaze fell.
"...nothing, really. I'm fine."
Kali remained quiet and laid her head upon Blake's shoulder.
"Mom, please," she replied, mentally cursing herself for the momentary waver in her voice. "You don't have to worry about me. I'm just a little tired since there's a lot going on for all of us."
"Mhmm. And I still lead the White Fang alongside your father."
"I - what!? What exactly does that mean -"
Kali knowingly smirked. "See? I know it's bad when your usual snark is all but gone. Think of it this way, Blake - I am asking you to let things out, not forcing you to do so. Remember what I said about you burning out if you don't take care of yourself? From a personal standpoint, if you keep this up, you will compromise the lives of your friends along with your sanity."
"Better my sanity than getting Ilia and Sun killed!" Blake snapped with an aggravated sigh. "I can't have someone get hurt again because they tried to protect me. I don't deserve any of that, especially when the White Fang was my problem before theirs."
"Your problem...?"
Images of terrorists in bone white masks flashed through her head; there were the docks, Mountain Glenn and the one way train to the Breach -
Blake gripped her temples as a headache came on, with her will to take down the White Fang warring with words of friendship and trust from her team. It cascaded into a fresh wave of guilt that snapped the last remaining barrier between composure and panicked distress.
"My...our...it was...I...I'm so sorry..."
"Shh. It's okay, honey."
"N-no. It's not."
"Then you'll make it so," Kali replied, gently drawing her taller daughter in for a hug. Blake initially resisted it on impulse, then all but scooped up her mother and the warmth she provided. She didn't even notice she was shaking until it went away, and while she didn't cry, it proved difficult to let go.
For a long moment, they merely held each other until Kali led her to the bed and they sat on the side. "I take it this is about your team?"
Blake nodded silently.
"You never told me much about them, you know. Only that they were better off without you."
"Yes. Everything...all this was because of them."
"Can you tell me how?"
"Brothers, where do I even begin?"
Most of Gambol Shroud lay untouched on the table as a few hours passed, though for the first time in ages, the darkness didn't feel so lonely. Kali sat indulgently as Blake regaled her with tales of how she ditched Adam on their last operation and made peace with Weiss after the docks, along with other victories they scored in the ring and field.
It was incredibly relaxing, especially when she described the shenanigans in between and the moments spent with JNPR on the side. Blake found herself smiling more than once as she recounted the best of times, and while she was totally aware of what Kali was doing, she couldn't complain.
But the two eventually grew somber once more as the events of the Fall and Yang's injury came up. Kali stood and leaned by the window with a contemplative look while Blake waited anxiously in the silence.
"...all things considered, I couldn't be happier for you to have found such wonderful friends."
"I miss them."
"I...right," came out instead. "And how did I repay them for taking me in and fighting alongside me against the White Fang? By spitting on all of it. Especially on Yang."
Kali hummed and didn't deny it. "Have you ever considered what you would do next once this is all dealt with?"
"I haven't given it much thought recently since this takes top priority right now," she admitted. "Though I think...I'd like to find them again. Ruby, Weiss, Yang. Especially Yang. I accept that she may only hate me from here on out, but I want to let her know that I'm sorry, and if she allows it, somehow begin atoning for my betrayal."
"I see. Considering how Yang told you that her mother abandoned her, I can only imagine how difficult it would be."
Blake's eyes hardened despite the sorrow within. "Yes, but I'll try my absolute best when the White Fang here has been taken care of."
Kali knelt in front of her with compassion. "You may have run away, but it is good you aren't idle and you spend your time actively trying to fix things. Such is your passion that people are still willing to fight by your side despite everything that happened."
She grasped Blake's hands. "Unfortunately, it took such a grievous error on your part to learn how precious and strong, yet fragile friendships can truly be. Treasure those who are still by your side, and if you still have faith in Yang, then trust that she will one day be willing to make peace. Even if things may not be the same again."
Blake's eyes fell. "Yes. I'm done running away. Leaving Adam and the White Fang was one thing, but even thinking of doing the same to her and my old team again..." She looked back up with a solemn gaze. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry to have left you and Dad all those years ago."
Kali smiled back with a subtle hint of bitterness, but Blake couldn't comment as her mother kissed her on the forehead. "I missed you so much, Blake, and I'm happy to see you picking yourself up again. But it's getting quite late, and I believe you have a date to go with a certain someone...?"
Blake's smile fell and was quickly replaced by her trademark glower. "Wow. Really?"
"Sorry, not sorry," the older Belladonna snorted, pulling Blake up despite the latter's token resistance. "It's a parent's right to embarrass their kids, so consider this payback for leaving us in the dark. Well, once you two move in, it won't be so bleak and quiet anymore -"
"Mom, stop! Sun and I aren't like that -"
"- I wonder if the kids will have black hair and blue eyes, or blond with eyes like yours -"
The images flashed through her mind, and Kali laughed as Blake half-pushed, half-led her to the door tomato-faced. "He's kind, funny, and thoughtful, Blake! Not to mention handsome too. What's not to like?"
"Nope. Nope. Nope. I am not having this conversation when I'm about to go infiltrate a White Fang base," Blake growled. "I'll see you downstairs."
Kali's laughter could still be heard from behind closed doors, and she sighed as they eventually faded away. While her mother wasn't...wrong, per se, Blake distracted herself from the heat creeping up her face by reassembling Gambol Shroud and getting dressed for the battle ahead. Once she was armed and dressed in attire Yang once called the "Intruder" outfit, Blake made her way down to the foyer.
Sun was in the midst of a deep conversation with Ghira, though he waved and smiled as she came over.
"Hey, you ready to go? We were just going over the plan."
Blake glanced between him, Ghira and Kali.
For a moment, she saw only Ruby, Weiss and Yang, but it made little difference as she was ready to give her all for whoever she still had.
"The real question is if you are, Sun. I...trust you'll have my back?"
A nod, and his smile faltered ever so subtly. Blake's didn't. "You can trust me. Can I ask that you'll watch my six as well?"
"I promise," she replied earnestly before taking a moment to hug her mother and father. The latter then handed them both earpieces.
"We'll coordinate things with you two and Sienna from here," Ghira gruffed. "Best not keep them waiting. The rendezvous site should be secured when you get there."
"Stay safe, you two," Kali said with a smirk as they made to leave. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
Sun laughed nervously as she groaned and took off, slow enough to let him catch up before they both disappeared into the night. It was still calm and quiet, and the trill of tropical birds was welcome ambience to her ears. Her hair flowed freely as she occasionally hopped from tree to tree within the cover of darkness.
Blake still felt troubled despite how peaceful it was, but this time, she ran not to escape the sins behind her, but to begin atoning for them one step at a time.
x==)==
"They just left and have begun heading towards the RV, ma'am."
"Excellent. Yuma has given me the all-clear for the site as well. Proceed with the mission and report back once you link up with them."
"Understood," she replied as she clicked her earpiece. From the rooftop, Ilia watched Blake and Sun vanish into the jungle before scanning the area to ensure they weren't being tailed.
"This'll be just like old times, huh, Blake? Not like you'd remember since you ran off with Adam and left us...me...behind..."
Ilia sighed and crept up to the edge of the roof -
And promptly spun as rapid footsteps approached her from behind.
She couldn't even unholster her weapon as something sticky splattered onto the side of her head and whipped her back. Stars exploded across her vision as her assailant decked her temple, and before Ilia could defend herself, blows rained down upon her head until her strength gave way.
"...I've got her, sir...wait, he's already here...? Understood. That's good news. I'll be there shortly."
Through her delirium, Ilia watched the familiar spider faunus kneel beside her.
"For the Fang," Trifa whispered, and all she saw was an oncoming fist before darkness claimed her.
x==)==
Despite her experience spent in the field and warding off Weiss on a weekend morning, Ruby never really got used to being an early riser.
She yawned for possibly the umpteenth time since they left the comfy confines of the Arc family home and silently trudged along through the Torin Forest. Fallen leaves crunched underfoot while the humidity cast the area in an almost ethereal fog, but considering the stakes at play, Ruby was more than willing to put up with it.
...another shower would be nice once they got back, though. And judging from the looks on everyone else's faces, they were probably considering the same thing. Or a nice, warm bed. Or both.
"How do people actually function at seven in the morning? I shoulda asked for coffee before we left. Or maybe Nora still has some energy drinks left over..."
At least breakfast was delicious and cheered her up. Ruby finished her blueberry pancake and packed her thermos away as they took turns crossing a fallen log over a small brook. Jaune nearly fell over, being just as comatose as she was, but as time went by and the fog slowly lifted, so too did their early morning grogginess.
"Hey, Jauney, are we there yet?"
"Nope."
"How about now?"
"Not yet."
"How long until we get there?"
The blonde sighed. "About an hour or two at this pace, I think. Ruby would get there in no time, but not all of us are blessed with a speed Semblance."
"Easy for you to say. Took a while to get used to it," she griped, idly remembering how hard it was to stop herself from crashing into things. "It was a big nightmare for Yang and my dad back then. He had to keep fixing walls and whatever furniture I broke, but eventually it worked out."
"I bet. Was it the same when Yang discovered her Semblance?"
"Probably worse. Considering it involves her hair catching on fire and that we lived in a log cabin in the forest..."
Jaune cringed. "Point. Well, at least you guys are used to it now."
"Yeah," Ruby replied, letting the conversation quiet down as they continued walking. The forest was already coming alive, with shafts of light shining through the canopy while wildlife stirred from their nests and burrows, but her thoughts kept returning to his words. Ruby waited until Ren began talking to Nora so she could sidle up to Jaune.
"Hey, can I ask you something...um, personal?"
Jaune looked confused. "Uh, yeah, sure. What is it?"
"I can run really fast -" Ruby pointed to Ren and Nora - "while he can hide from the Grimm and she channels electricity. I never really thought too hard about it, considering your golden power thingy, but don't you have a Semblance too?"
He shook his head. "If I do, I haven't discovered it yet, though I kinda stopped thinking about that after learning I had part of Courage. Helps when it makes me react faster and stronger in combat, and it keeps me standing when I'm about to give out. It's like I have a Semblance when it isn't, even though this is technically greater."
"Then maybe if you get the whole thing, you'll get even more powers," Ruby replied as silver eyes shone with excitement. "I wonder what they'd be. Ooh, maybe you can shoot bolts of light or slice through Grimm in a single hit -"
"That'd make things infinitely easier. I...I think I'll find out in time for sure, for both the Triforce and if I really do have a Semblance. I mean, I probably do, but until then...I'm just, you know. Me."
Ruby frowned. "Don't sell yourself short, Vomit Boy. It takes a lot of courage to talk to a klutzy girl who nearly exploded her future partner."
Jaune snorted. "Touché, Crater Face."
She giggled and lightly punched him in the arm as they continued walking, but despite the amiable atmosphere, she still noticed the subtle distance Jaune put on. To the untrained eye, the blonde looked like he was merely lost in thought, but she was sharper than that.
Sharp enough to see the hurt he bore despite pushing forward.
"Jaune...um, thank you."
The boy in question looked surprised. "Huh? What for?"
"Well, firstly, for agreeing to help me," she replied, linking her arms behind her back. "It's not easy to ask someone to follow you around the world when you just got back home."
Jaune pursed his lips. "Ah, well, on that end we kinda have the same goal. Silver eyes for you and Pyrrha's weapons for me. At least our route checks out, you know?"
"Yeah, but...that's the thing," Ruby whispered as she grew slightly nervous. "I...for me, I'm happy to not just be on a team again, even if it is unofficial, but Yang's still recovering, Weiss' dad took her back and Blake...left. And neither of them have responded to my texts. Spending time here makes me miss my own, so...thank you for letting me feel like I have a family again."
There was a short moment of silence until he nodded with a smile. "Anytime. I'm glad to know you're happy."
"But you're not, and, um, I think I know why."
Jaune's smile fell, and from her peripherals, Ruby saw Ren and Nora slow down ever so slightly.
"Whoo. Okay. Maybe I should've approached it differently or...what's the word? More...um, 'tact'"?
Ruby cleared her throat. "Jaune, um, by no means am I here to replace Pyrrha. We'll be travelling together if things work out, and...well, you're one of my closest friends. The very first I made at Beacon, in fact. But I know you're still grieving and even though I'm here for you, what I'm trying to say is that I'm not trying to cross any boundaries."
The four of them continued walking, and Ruby began to fidget as the silence stretched on.
"Crap, crap, crap! Did I say something wrong and ruin things between us? This isn't good. Ruby Rose, you've done it again -"
"I mean, it's kinda weird."
She perked up as Jaune sighed and scratched the back of his head. "We haven't even decided who should be the leader between us, though I won't complain if you want to take it for now."
Ruby shook her head. "Ah, well, don't worry about that. We can talk specifics later."
"Yeah. Honestly, it's just getting used to being part of a team again. I guess this is what you call bittersweet, but...well, it's hard, but I know you're not trying to do any of that. You're you, and Pyr is...well, Pyr."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought this up -"
"Don't be," Jaune grinned as he lightly punched her arm back. "You brought it up because you care, and it was something I needed to think about eventually. It's good that your team had a leader like you, and if you ever want to get your gang back together, count me in."
"And me!" Nora crowed, smiling from up ahead while Ren nodded silently and earnestly. "We're all here for each other, Ruby, even if the others aren't here with us in person. I'm sure we'll figure something out."
Ruby glanced between her and a smirking Jaune before enveloping the latter in a quick side hug.
"Thanks. That means a lot to me."
The blonde nodded back, and as the sun continued to rise, the conversation between the four remained subdued but considerably more relaxed. After some time, they emerged upon a small ridge that gave them a wide view of the area; a few rivers ran down hills and coalesced at a lake in the middle of a valley, but Torin Forest stretched far into flat-topped mountains just beyond the horizon.
It was a beautiful sight, enhanced by the fact it was the middle of autumn and as such painted the landscape in various hues of red and orange. But Ruby followed Jaune's line of sight and focused on the lake, upon which she noticed stone ruins along the shores of both the mainland and a small island.
"Jauney, is that it?"
"Yup. That's the old town," he nodded to Nora. "It was called Tarrey Town back in the day, but a Grimm attack several hundred years ago forced the survivors to make for the coast where reinforcements could reach them quicker. The guy who led them was named Hudson, hence our current village's name."
"I see," Ren replied. "And you used to come all the way out here as a kid?"
"Only once or twice. We stopped after running into Grimm and getting bailed by my parents," Jaune flushed, no doubt remembering an embarrassing memory. "The furthest we went after that was always less than a mile. Torin Forest is only a small part of Akkala Forest, and you see the mountains in the distance? That's the Laparoh Mesa, and it stretches all the way there."
Ruby squinted. "And what's over that?"
"Badlands, ravines and eventually Vacuo. There's all sorts of ruins and mountain passes along the way, but if the Grimm doesn't get to you first, it'll be the bandits. It's safer to take the coastal path to Lower Cairn if you're heading west on foot."
"Wow. You really are a country hick," she chuckled, earning a glare. "But is there anything we need to watch for? Any places where the Grimm hide?"
Jaune pondered for a moment. "Well, there's an old tale about a cave beyond the lake that's supposedly haunted. Stuff like spectral white or pink lights when the night is darkest, but beyond that, I don't know. It's been almost a decade since I came here."
Ren nodded. "Perhaps we should check that out eventually, but where exactly did they say was the Drake -"
Feminine screams suddenly rang out in the distance, echoing between the hills from the valley below. Ruby deployed her scythe as they tracked something large snaking through the foliage, eventually culminating in three familiar figures dashing away from the treeline.
A large angry Grimm dragon followed shortly after and let out a deafening draconic roar.
Jaune unsheathed Crocea Mors. "Found it."
"This way!" Ruby cried, taking the lead down the gently roving slope. She was forced to veer off as a Teryx swooped down from the trees to her right, while gunfire behind her stopped it before it could give chase. The roaring grew louder as they fought off errant Boarbatusks, Theropods and even a few Grendels until they finally emerged from the treeline into the open field.
She came to a halt right as Strich stumbled by her feet.
"H-hey! You're -"
The lanky teen shoved her away and took off screaming into the woods, while Cawlin did the opposite and grabbed Ren with a frantic look in his eyes.
"B-brothers above, help! Help us, please -"
"S-settle down, that's what w-we're here for -"
A second roar caused Cawlin to yelp and dash off after Strich, and the four slowly swung their gazes back to face the oncoming threat.
While it was perhaps a bit less than half the size of Beacon's Wyvern, the Drake was no less imposing. Small, almost deformed wings clung tightly to its body, which was covered in bone-like plates that stretched from the underside all the way to the base of its jaw. But while it could barely fly, it more than made up for it with heavy armour, wicked claws and a spiked tail that honestly looked more like a flail than an appendage.
The Drake's gaze swerved over as they adopted defensive stances, then reared up and roared its challenge, with none of them missing the putrid purple-black smoke it belched into the sky -
And something small skidded off the side of its face. The Drake growled angrily as a second stone bounced off, and they turned to see Groose drop a third rock with a terrified expression. He then glanced between Jaune and the Drake before taking off with a speed that almost put Ruby's to shame. Annoyed, the dragon Grimm bellowed and took off in his direction.
In the direction of the village.
The four shared a glance and joined the pursuit amidst a cacophony of howling Grimm.
- AN -
Hey and welcome back to A Descendant of Legends!
Before we begin, though, important announcement in that the story will take a quick break from early to late June due to work, as I'll be out of town and without the time and means to work on this. While I'll make no promises, if all goes well I'll try to release Chapters 36 and 37 earlier (the latter being Arc IV's midpoint) and maybe even Ch 38. Again, no promises since work is getting busier. Any updates as usual on my profile.
But back to the chapter! Here, I wanted to focus on the fallout from the previous chapter and the drama in between, especially in giving much needed character development for Ruby and Blake. Each of their arcs, along with Nora's and Ren's are starting up alongside Jaune's, and what happens in the next two chapters will help prepare what's coming in the second half of the arc. No one is out of the woods yet, and there'll be plenty of ups and downs.
In any case, thanks for your patience and for sticking around! Concrit and feedback are always welcome and hope to see you next time!
- Reviews -
Spartastic 4: We shall see indeed! The events that play out over the course of Beacon's fall will profoundly affect the paths of those destined to be Hero and Princess.
Fyr RedNight: Thanks! Glad to know you'd like to see it, and I'll whip something up depending on future demand.
MountainBookSage25: Thank you! He doesn't even have to start far – it's taking him right back home with a little extra in tow. And while my schedule is clear for a little while, I'm hoping to at least finish the first half of Arc IV before June rolls around.
…can't you keep you and everyone waiting too long, after all. Boss fights, dungeons, lore and more to be explored.
Dragon lord Syed 101: Yes, Jaune has taken to wearing an eyepatch after being blinded by Dark Link near the end of their fight during Beacon's fall. The villains haven't emerged unscathed either, and it'll be interesting to see the "partnership" between Cinder and Dark Link develop as time goes on.
Guest: Yes, Jaune lost vision in his left eye due to Dark Link injuring him in the final stages of their Beacon duel.
Super heavy weapons guy: Thank you! While I won't spoil what mask(s) will be involved, I can say that the HM Salesman will indeed return this Arc. Neither you nor the main cast has seen the last of him, and he'll be around for quite a long time.
SentinalSlice: Glad you liked that scene! It was definitely one of the more fun ones to write recently, especially since they're both forced to work together when they so clearly dislike each other and have differing, but aligned goals. The original seal / binding spell which Salem marked him with slowly weakened over time, hence his breaking free and fighting with Cinder. He might not be so lucky with this bind, though.
In the process, yes, Dark Link grabbed the Magic Mirror to gain an upper hand in their fight, resulting in its destruction. In that regard, I haven't forgotten about implementing items, though most will be seen as Jaune begins questing proper.
As for cosmetics, it's an interesting thought! They're already in the process of getting their first makeovers (eg. Blake and Weiss wearing their alt Vol 1 outfits), with more to come as they travel Remnant. I haven't thought about giving Jaune a prosthetic eye, though I'll stew on it when time comes for them to perhaps visit Atlas.
Regarding Jaune using magic, however…heavy spoilers ;) I won't say anything beyond you won't have to wait long to find out.
Again, thanks and I'm happy you enjoyed it!
Roy4: Jaune's journey is far from over, but here, at least, he scored a small first step in getting back on track. There'll be lots of ups and downs as things go forward, though he can rest well for now after a well-earned victory. The first of many hurdles are over, but his is a light that won't be easily snuffed.
But thanks for your suggestion! I like those perspectives, and Cinder's ruthlessness is both a strength and weakness as she'll do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Descent into lunacy or extreme arrogance once she achieves any sort of power will undeniably continue to corrupt her character as she fights to keep her emotions in check. It'll be an interesting conflict to write, especially when there's a moment Dark Link's goals don't align with hers, and I already have ideas for Cinder's final confrontation with the rest.
Spoilers on specifics, but when it happens the mental state she'll be in will be…warped, to say the least. I'd like it to be an example of just how terrible power will corrupt those who desire it at all costs.
jeremiahkelley93: Thank you!
jamie: While I won't spoil specifics, I get real impatient that I'm not even close to writing the final fights yet. But when the time comes, I want the final fights to be deservedly epic and poetically satisfying.
- Stats -
Upload Date: May 1 / 2021
Chapter Word Count: 9098
Approximate Page Length (Times New Roman, size 12, single-spaced): 23
- Disclaimer -
The Legend of Zelda and RWBY are the respective properties of Nintendo and Rooster Teeth.