I think I'm actually starting to burn out a little. A combination of other things getting in the way of writing and making it harder and harder for me to focus, but these last few chapters of every fic this week have been difficult. Even the stories I usually take more enjoyment in writing have been a massive chore. It might also be due to the temperature rising and making me just more uncomfortable while writing. Hard to say for sure.

I may take a week off in May to relax and gather myself. Give my brain, fingers and eyes a break and see if that doesn't help my mood a little. I'll make sure to detail those dates in advance if I decide to.

Cover Art: Jack Wayne

Chapter 151

Since Raven didn't have anyone special to her in Vacuo, Cinder and Jaune were forced to fly. They did so on the premise of Cinder visiting family, which was unlikely but far less unbelievable than him absconding with a random student. With Salem retreating and Ozpin basking in his victory, he could only hope the act wasn't read into too much. At least they could use Raven and then a connection to Vernal to get back to Vale easier than they got out to the desert kingdom.

"The Relic is hidden at Shade Academy," he said, leading her through the streets. Vacuo was looking better since the last time he'd visited. There were less sandstorms apparently, suggesting Omaira had been responsible for more than just disappearing caravans. "We'll need to head out there first before we can get to the Vault."

"How will we be accessing it?"

"Stealthily."

Cinder nodded as if she'd expected no less. While he could have tried his hand talking his way through, Ozpin was on good relations with all the headmasters and Theodore would certainly talk to him at some point. He didn't want the awkward question of why he'd taken the Relic of Destruction away.

"I'm going to keep headmaster Theodore distracted. It'll be your job to get the Relic out. The Vault is hidden in a secret chamber at the bottom of the central oasis. You need to swim down a bit and you'll see a crack in the wall big enough for a person to swim through."

"You want me to dive into an oasis in front of everyone?"

"It's the weekend, Cinder. In the desert. We'll be there by noon, too, when the sun is at its hottest. No one is going to be outside if they can help it."

Cinder held a hand up to shield her eyes from the glaring sun and muttered, "I can see why…"

"At least you get a nice, relaxing swim."

Despite the huge distance between Vacuo and Shade, there were good lines of travel between the school and the city – enough so that students could come to Vacuo on their weekends to shop, visit family or hang out. Those lines went both ways, and they were able to book themselves space on a transit Bullhead that took them over the vast and empty deserts, past squad mountains and long and winding trails of narrow rivers dotted with animals.

If Beacon was beautiful because of its architecture, Shade was the same for its nature. The school was built between two large cliff-faces overlooking a verdant oasis, with natural shade providing both a name and some protection from the burning sun. Plants – a rare and attractive commodity in a desert – crept up the sides of the academy, framing windows and creeping over archways to create tunnels of cool shade and fragrant petals.

The Bullhead traversed its way carefully between the cliff faces and hovered its way toward four large landing pads set off to one side. The turbines kicked up sand wildly, explaining why they were placed so far away. The veritable dust storm took a full minute after their landing to disperse, during which the pilots kept the doors closed for the safety of everyone.

"I hate sand," Cinder remarked.

"I doubt you'd be alone in feeling that way here. Come on, let's go."

They were the first off the ramp and down onto the shifting sands. As he'd predicted, Shade was quiet and empty on a midday weekend. They moved toward the main oasis and the paved path between the two halves of the academy building on the left and right.

Jaune nudged Cinder with his elbow and nodded to the central oasis, which was ringed with stone blocks to give it the appearance of an open well. The water looked crystal clear and a good ten metres deep. "That's it," he whispered. "The crack is down by the bottom. There's an air pocket inside. You have the tank I gave you?"

Cinder nodded and patted her side. There was a brown bag on her hip, within which lay a very small oxygen tank and breather. She shouldn't need it but the extra minute or so's air it contained would keep her from worrying he was trying to get her killed.

"Mr Ashari!"

The loud greeting came from the academy building on the western cliff face, and the man that came down had skin so tanned and wrinkled that it looked like boiled leather. He wore a smile despite that, his shaved head glinting in the sun and his teeth just as bright. Strange, ornate tattoos dotted the left side of his face, forming symbols and circles.

"Headmaster Theodore." Jaune offered his hand. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."

"It is the least I can do for the man who exposed Crown. Our Kingdom is safer for their defeat." Theodore shook his hand firmly. He was a strong man despite his age, all corded muscle and grit. His clothing was loose and linen white, likely to be cool and airy in the harsh sun. "And who is your companion?" he asked.

"Cinder Fall." Jaune let her step forward to shake the man's hand. "She's a student of mine at the ASH Gym and she has some distant family in Vacuo. I agreed to keep an eye on her while she visited."

"Is that so? How are you finding Vacuo so far, young lady?"

"Hot. Very hot."

"Ha! Your tune will change come night. The air is so cold it can steal your soul. It's why we all wear cloaks," he said, flapping his pale grey cloak behind him. "Shade through the day, a heavy coat at night. You needn't worry about that; I have rooms here made ready for you. I didn't expect you to bring a guest, but we can find a second."

"I can bunk with Mr Ashari if it's too much trouble, sir."

"No. No. We have room aplenty. We need it for when it's our turn to host the Vytal Festival. I'll have my deputy clear out the one next to your teacher's. Would you like me to call some students to give you a tour while Mr Ashari and I talk?"

"I think I'd like to sit out here where it's cooler if that's alright," Cinder said, smiling sweetly at him.

"Of course it is." Theodore chuckled. He was a good man or so Jaune was led to believe, but he'd been unable to see the rot in Gillian and Jax, even with the latter's mind-controlling Semblance, so it was no surprise he couldn't detect the lack of sincerity in Cinder. "Mr Ashari. If you would follow me."

Jaune nodded. "My pleasure."

/-/

Theodore's office was no what you'd expect of a headmaster from Vale or Atlas but perfectly understandable here. It was wide and open with a huge triple-glass doorway opening up onto a balcony overlooking Shade, with a large table and several chairs under a linen cloth acting as cover. There were potted plants everywhere, and instead of a big and imposing desk, Theodore had a pile of cushions and a small table that could be moved inside our outside as he wished, probably to escape the heat.

They were sat on the table outside in the cooler air with a plate of cold meats, fruits and some iced tea. Jaune had never really had it before, never understanding what made it a good idea. Until now. "This is amazing."

"It's brewed from a local flower to give it the sweet edge," Theodore explained indulgently. "In ice water it bursts and suffuses the water with flavour. It used to be in times long past that ice itself was a rare and expensive commodity available only to the fabulously wealthy. It was imported from Atlas, along with snow of all things."

"Atlas must have loved being able to turn a profit off that."

"Times change. We all have fridges and freezers now. So, Mr Ashari, what brings you to speak with me? You said it was of great importance."

Jaune finished his tea and set it down. "Yes. Has Ozpin spoken to you about Salem?"

"He has informed me of her decision to retreat from this generation, yes. He's also warned me of your wish to go after her." He caught Jaune's wince. "I wondered if that was why you were here. You're drumming up support to attack her, are you?"

There's no way Ozpin knows I already did that with James. This must have been a precaution. I didn't expect him to figure it out so easily. I must be a lot more predictable than I thought.

"It's related," Jaune said. "You've heard his reasons for not going after her. What do you think of them?"

Theodore hummed. "I think it is a big picture mentality. Ozpin has been fighting her for a long time, much longer than you or I. A few decades of peace would give us time to rebuild. There is much I can do for Vacuo given time."

"There'd be even more time if she were finished once and for all."

"True."

"You wouldn't ignore a Grimm that's killed villagers just because it stopped attacking them for a few weeks, Theodore. You don't let a serial killer go just because he takes a break. If we ignore Salem, then we play straight into her hands. She wants to take time to gather her forces. Why are we allowing that? Why are we letting her dictate what we do?"

"Questions, I'm sure, that Ozpin has already answered you…"

"He's given me his answers," Jaune said. "I'd have yours."

"You're assuming I'm not just a mouthpiece or peon regurgitating his messages."

Jaune looked the older man in the eye. "I don't think we'd be having this conversation if that were the case."

"You're not wrong." The man sighed. "In truth, if this happened twenty years ago, I would sign up to go with you right now. I still wouldn't accept my academy being involved. I won't now, either."

"I would never take children to the Grimmlands." Jaune said.

I'm not Ozpin…

"Good. Alas, I'm an old man now. Look at me." Theodore held his arms out wide. He was a healthy man, hale and hearty, but it was undeniable that he'd seen better years. His parchment-like skin, his misty eyes and the slight slowness to his movements said it all. "I'm seventy this year. Time has been kinder to me than most, but not kind enough to let me roam deep into Salem's lair and expect to make a difference. If I were twenty again – nay, if I were even fifty – then I'd go with you to strike that foul crone down. As is, I'd be little more than a distraction to her minions. There's a reason Ozpin doesn't involve me in things anymore."

Jaune nodded slowly. "Would you know of anyone who would go with me?"

"Off the top of my head, no. There are few who know the truth as we do. I won't prevent you asking around," he said. "Ozpin would have me do so, but I believe it is every man and woman's right to choose their own destiny." Theodore leaned forward. "I may be able to help with that…"

/-/

Cinder waited for Ashari to leave with the doddering old headmaster before she made her move. The courtyard was as abandoned as he suspected, but she still waited ten minutes to be sure. With one final look around, she set her scroll and anything else that wouldn't survive the trip down on the floor and leaned backwards. It was less a dive and more her rolling off the bench and into the water with a soft splash, disappearing under and kicking herself down.

The water was clear enough for her to see through. The basin was stone all around, less natural and much more manmade than she'd expected. The walls, however, were natural rock, and very uneven near the bottom. Pulling herself along, she quickly found the crack Jaune had spoken of. It was wider than she expected. In her head, she'd imagined a claustrophobic squeeze that might get someone stuck and killed, but she could swim through without touching the walls.

Her lungs began to burn on the other side, but she spotted the shimmer above of artificial light and swam up toward it, breaching the surface inside a small cavern. Aside from a small lip that she was able to haul herself out of the water onto, there was naught but an artificial lamp and a large, sealed door.

"This must be it," she said out loud. "It's so easy. How did Salem ever have trouble with gathering these?"

To be fair, Salem hadn't ever had a maiden under her direct control who could open one. Ozpin had the Vault of Fall, making Amber all but useless so long as he remained in control of Beacon. Still, it was undeniable that more progress had been made with Ashari than the so-called strongest woman on Remnant. Strength wasn't everything. It mattered, of course it did, but power came as more than just raw strength – intelligence, cunning and charisma also counted. Salem was lacking in some of those, and it showed.

Torturing Ashari and her for any mistakes proved it. A good leader would have been able to ensure their loyalty without the threat of pain. If I'd been allowed to gather minions of my own then they would have respected and feared me, but without me having to raise a finger. There's no point using pain for loyalty. It only turns the recipient against you.

Salem had obviously gotten used to her brand of obedience. The fanaticism Tyrian showed may have been enough for him, but it wouldn't suit her. Results mattered. Power mattered.

"This is power," Cinder said, holding her hand out and feeling her magic interact with the door. It groaned and slid open with a loud rumble. "The power to make things happen. To take what we want whenever we want it. Hmph. If Salem can't even do this then what power does she have at all?"

The power to live forever. The power to not die. Ha! That wasn't even a power she'd earned or taken. It was one thrown on her. There was nothing worthwhile in that, and what was the point of existing forever if you couldn't accomplish what you wanted?

Salem really was weak. Pathetically weak.

But she still has power over me so long as I wear her mark. All the reason to get this over with so Ashari can take it off me. With that thought in mind, Cinder stepped into the chamber and allowed her eyes to adjust to the gloom. The interior was barren and empty aside from a single marble plinth, upon which lay a purple cushion.

And upon that a remarkably simple looking longsword.

"The Relic of Destruction…" Cinder paused a moment to admire it. At least, she tried. There was not much to admire other than its concept. The thing was simple, with straight edges, a plain hilt of brown leather and a crossguard with some minor detail on. She'd seen better in any store, and far better on the waist of huntsmen and huntresses. "Perhaps that's the point," she mused. "You appear simple because destruction is simple. No need for fancy ornamentation or style."

It was tempting to wield it. Tempting, but ultimately not overwhelming. Cinder quickly considered taking it and ignoring Ashari's offer – what harm was there in idle thought? – but she decided against it almost immediately. He held the key to removing Salem's influence on her, he'd aided her in taking the maiden power and really, didn't she have enough dominion over the ability to destroy?

Her Semblance was offensive, her new maiden powers were offensive, she could quite easily destroy any Grimm or human who got in her way, so what was the point in adding more on top of that? It might be acceptable if it came without consequence, but taking it now would have Salem, Ozpin and Ashari chasing her down. That benefits did not outweigh the consequences, and so Cinder reached out and bundled the Relic of Destruction up in tan cloth, tied it tight and slipped it onto her back like any carried weapon.

It did not hum with power. It did not shake the very ground. It did not care. It was, after all, nothing more than a sword. Perhaps it had sentience and a personality of its own, a spirit like Salem had told of with the Relic of Knowledge, but if so then it remained quiet and unbothered by its new wielder. Cinder turned and dove back into the water, swimming back to the surface as the door rumbled and shut behind her.

/-/

"You have it?"

Jaune asked the question even if he could see the answer. In truth he was more asking if she would give it to him at all, but Cinder surprised him by nodding, dropping one shoulder and slinging it off. The Relic, still wrapped in its cloth, thunked onto the wooden table in the room Theodore had provided them.

"Good work." He took but did not open it, placing it down by the wall next to Crocea Mors. "This just leaves us to get hold of the Relic of Choice. That'll be the hardest since Ozpin has it and Pyrrha Nikos is the Fall Maiden."

"Are we killing her?"

"No!" Jaune snapped the answer, making Cinder's eyes widen. "Sorry," he said, wiping a hand over his face to try to hide the sheer rage that question provoked. "No, we're not killing her. Last I checked, the Relic wasn't even in the vault. That was a trap laid by Ozpin the moment Amber became the maiden."

"It's not in there? Then why does he bother fighting to keep the fall maiden?"

"I don't know. Because it's additional power on his side? To keep up appearances that the Relic is in the vault?" Jaune shrugged. "Whatever the case, he has it kept apart."

"Where?"

"I don't know," he lied. While he didn't mind Cinder handling the Relic of Destruction, he was very wary of letting her touch Choice. It might show her a vision of a choice to betray him or keep the Relics for herself. He didn't need her getting any ideas. "It's going to take a little digging on my part to find out, but once we have it, I'll take our marks off."

Cinder nodded. "And then you'll go after Salem, correct?"

"That's right. Along with General Ironwood's best huntsmen and Atlas' military forces."

"Will it be enough?"

"It should be. The army only has to deal with Tyrian and the Grimm. That's literally all she has left to defend herself with. Once the Relics are united, they can be used to kill her. You've seen her yourself. Her greatest strength is in her immortality. I don't think she's very strong as an individual. Take that away along with the Grimm and Tyrian, and I'm not sure what she has left."

"Her magic."

Jaune twisted his hand, allowing the glow from his sigil to shine over his fingers for a moment. Cinder watched them eagerly, almost hungrily. "That's not something unique to her."

Naked curiosity shining on her face, Cinder pulled her eyes away and asked, "How did things go with Theodore?"

"Ozpin got to him first. He'd been warned not to make any moves against Salem. He either predicted my move or did this as a warning to all the headmasters. That'll include Lionheart's replacement."

"Do you think he knows?"

"He probably will after this, but so long as he thinks I'm just trying to find support it won't be a problem." The real issue would come if he found out what had been agreed with James. Then, Ozpin would have something to say. "As far as he's concerned the Relics are all where they should be. He doesn't have any reason to worry yet."

"Won't that change when the Relic of Choice goes missing?"

"Yes. Hence why it's the last one we're going for."

"Might I make a suggestion?"

Jaune hummed his agreement even if he was a little surprised. Cinder had so far been content to let him do whatever he wanted even if they were partners in crime. This could either be a sign of her relaxing around him or that she wanted to be involved more. "Go on."

"Take Emerald and Vernal out of Beacon."

He frowned. "Why?"

"You are dealing with a man who thinks he is preventing the end of the world. He has the best wishes for humanity in mind. If you take the Relic and he figures out you're bringing them all together and that you're taking them to battle Salem, he will lose his cool." Cinder's eyes met his. "Can you honestly say you don't think he would take your daughters hostage for the return of the Relics? If he thought the fate of Remnant depended on it?"

He wanted to say no. Ozpin had made decisions Jaune could never abide with, but he'd never done something so patently evil. But if genuinely believed that this would prevent the end of the world, that it would save every life on Remnant, then what lengths would he go to? What lengths would anyone go to? The lives of two girls might just be worth it.

Just like the lives of Team RWBY and JNPR had been worth sacrificing.

"I'll get them out," he said. "I'm not having them caught in the crossfire. Thank you for the warning. Really. Thank you."

Cinder Fall stared back at him for a few seconds as if to judge if he were being sarcastic or not. When she realised he wasn't, and that he meant every word, she inclined her head slowly.

"You're welcome."

/-/

"The munitions have been checked and double-checked," Clover reported. "The manufacturing facilities have been brought online and we've ordered more shipments of the automated units. Without Watts' virus, they should prove as safe as their initial field tests."

"Good." Ironwood said. "I want as many of those on the frontlines taking the brunt of the Grimm as possible. It's inevitable that some of our own will fall but I want the casualties as small as humanly possible."

"We'll do our best, sir. Marrow has been liaising with the faunus soldiers to get their thoughts. They're amicable to us. Atlas' reputation seems better now with them than it has been for a long time. Your own work, sir."

James inclined his head but would not accept the praise. The SDC had been the largest factor in damaging relations with faunus, and ever since Winter and Jaune took their part in it, that had been dialled back drastically. Without Jacques influencing the council to veto every proposal he put forward, the anti-discrimination legislation had passed through. Only twenty years too late in his opinion, but that was the problem with democracy sometimes. Good decisions were not always popular ones.

No. That kind of thinking is what led my other self to the atrocities he committed. I won't fall to the same madness. Flawed as democracy might sometimes be, its merits far outweighed the little hiccups. A coup was no answer; it would only lead to worse.

"Sir…" Clover spoke hesitantly. "Is this… Is this really all true…?"

He knew what the man meant. "Salem? The Grimm? Magic…? I'd show you the proof, Clover, but I daresay you wouldn't believe it. Either way, you've met Fria. You've seen the video of Ozpin's soul in the body of a child."

"Those things, sir. Semblances could explain them…"

"Can they explain the Relic of Creation?" The silence suited him as an answer. "There are things about the world we don't understand, things we are not supposed to. Magic and all its secrets will be gone once she is. Ozpin will pass with her, hopefully to the peaceful rest he so desperately deserves. Once this is all done, we'll wipe our hands clean of it, Clover. No more reliance on ancient Relics of hocus-pocus. It will be an era of scientific discovery. That will be our new magic."

Clover laughed. "I suppose so, sir. They always do say science would to anyone who didn't understand it come across as magic."

"Sir!" There was a knock on the door, followed by Elm entering. "There's a priority call for you on the line. They say they can't wait."

"Ashari?"

"No, sir. It's Glynda Goodwitch. Of Beacon."

James and Clover exchanged quick looks. James waved Elm away and then Clover to the far end of the room, outside line of sight of the terminal. Sitting taller, he activated his computer and brought up the call, then hit accept. Oscar Pine's face appeared on the screen.

"Ozpin," he greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"James. I've heard disturbing rumours in Atlas…"

"Rumours…?" Ironwood feigned suspicion. "Rumours of what?"

"Mobilising military, increased factory production, weapons tests."

He had spies. James had expected it and shouldn't have been all too surprised, and he wasn't. He was angry instead. "What of it? This is Atlas. None of that is unusual for us and with Arthur Watts finally gone, we can actually conduct our weapons tests without fear of interference."

"You're not planning anything against Salem, are you? I've warned you about this, James. She is backing off. We do not need to provoke her to further action. We have won."

"We have won for now, Ozpin. The same may not be true in twenty or thirty years' time."

"Not this again. Has Jaune gotten to you already?"

"I'm preparing for the future, Ozpin. We have a moment of respite. Isn't that what you said? I'm not going to spend it sitting on my laurels. Weapons tests, training and expansion, that's going to be our priority. Salem is in no position to stop us this time and I intend to reclaim lost territory from the Grimm."

"Anything you reclaim will be taken again once she has her power back. It's a pointless endeavour."

Ironwood gripped the table tightly. "With that kind of attitude, we may as well not try at all. Are we to roll over and accept inevitability, Ozpin? Is that what you're suggesting?"

"What I am suggesting is that you remain cautious, old friend. Do not give in to impulse and start a war we have no need to fight. Salem has been bested. The war is over. Jaune means well but he does not understand what it means to rest. I fear he will run himself to his death and I'd rather he not take you with him."

"You keep mentioning Ashari as if I'm beholden to him. What is your concern?"

"He is in Vacuo now," Ozpin said. "Seeking an audience with Theodore. I fear he is trying to rally the academies on some desperate last attack. I do not want to lose anyone and yet Jaune does not believe in me as others do. He respects you," Ozpin added. "You could speak to him on my behalf, use your military experience to explain why it's best to avoid conflict."

"There's a problem there, Ozpin. It's not best to avoid it."

Frustration showed on the young boy's face. "Then make something up!" he snapped. "The fate of Remnant should not be wagered on some reckless attack. We must always keep the interests of the many in mind."

"I agree. They're interests are in my mind right now."

"Do not do anything foolish, James. I will stop you if I must."

"This call has taken quite the antagonistic turn, old friend…"

"If that is so then I apologise. I am merely worried that one man's thirst for vengeance might doom us all. I know you will make the right decision, James. I trust you will understand why I am making this decision."

"And should I go against it?" Ironwood asked.

"You have always been a good friend to me, James. Do not make me act against you now." The screen went black on that final note, leaving Ironwood to lean back and sigh angrily.

"I'll search for any transmissions sent to Vale," Clover said. "I'll find the leak."

"No. Don't. That will only set him off even more. Continue as we are," he ordered. "Conduct more field tests but make sure they look like normal weapons tests against Grimm. Haste is our best and only ally here. If we move quickly enough, he won't have time to interfere."

"Won't that depend entirely on Ashari managing to take the Relic out from under Ozpin's nose?"

"Yes." Ironwood breathed out sharply. "But I trust him. I have the utmost confidence that he will succeed where anyone else would fail. Nothing will stop that man putting an end to Salem once and for all."

So, this took three hours longer than it normally would have. Annoying. Again, it was all written out in a plan in advance, so I knew what I wanted to write. It was just the act of tapping keys and knuckling down to work. I think it must be a combination of my stuffy office and things going on.

Next Chapter: 1st May

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur