Alright guys, I'm SO sorry that this took so long. I have no excuse beyond that fact that I got really lazy during break.
Update Shout-Out: I'm surprised with myself that it took me this many chapters to get this story a shout-out. This one here is a DC Fic that goes by the title Less Than Zero by Kenchi618. This story lads and ladesses is my absolute #1 favorite DC Fic out out there. While I don't want to give anything away, I'll tell you this. Max (a.k.a. Null) is a small time thief by necessity that gets caught up in the wrong side of business, putting him in the sights of the Justice League, specifically Batman and Company. This story is amazing because…
Null is a catwoman type villian. Out for himself, but will begrudgingly do the right thing. Putting him in a really odd relationship with the sidekicks (Mainly Batgirl and Robin)
This story has my ABSOLUTE favorite rendition of Ravager (a.k.a. Rose Wilson, daughter of Deathstroke) who is one of the main characters
So go give this story a read, you will not regret it.
With that all finished up, let's get to the reason you all loaded up with webpage to begin with…
- -][- -
It wasn't long before I was experiencing the "Punishment" that the Firekeeper and Lady Masa had concocted (Though I'm pretty sure it was almost completely the latter's idea). If you had asked me any day prior to now what made me uncomfortable, I would have "told" you a plethora of different experiences that would make any civilian (Or any but the toughest of Hunters) pale with horror, but never would I have thought of this. This was just downright cruel. I say cruel because if there's one thing I'm meant to do, it's fight. Some may think I'm overreacting, and in all honesty, given enough time I'll probably agree, but until that times rears its head, I will continue to scowl at the two woman standing in front of me.
The second the Firekeeper, Lady Masa, and I arrived back in Vale, the Forgemaster immediately led us towards a place that was thrumming with people carrying bags, drinks, and food. My first clue (Besides the humorous and slightly evil smile on Lady Masa's face) that whatever it was the two women had in mind for me wasn't something I was going to enjoy had been the direction I was being led. A store. Again, normally I wouldn't have an issue with this, but when I was shoved into a small cubicle and hit in the face with a bundle of cloth shortly thereafter, I realized that I had discovered a new way to be uncomfortable. Civilian clothes.
"We ain't leaving till ya' have one or two new outfits ta' wear!" Lady Masa called from the other side of the door as I stared down at the bundle in my hands in confusion. Why did I need different clothes? How was this a punishment? And why did this make me so uncomfortable? All these questions swirled around and around in my head with no apparent answer to be found, but as I tried to open the door and get a couple answers, it was swiftly slammed shut by a grinning forge-woman.
"Noooooope!" She said, drawing out the O and popping the P, "This is how it's goen' ta' be, and there's nothen' ya' can do about it. So why don't ya' be a gentleman, as we all know ya' can do perfectly well, and put those clothes on and let your lady friend and I take a look-see."
I just stand there, staring at the door with a blank expression before letting out a long sigh. Reaching up, I remove my helmet and began undoing the straps that held my armor in place. After several minutes, my armor was off and strapped together firmly, with only my helmet, sword, and shield left free and set on top of the newly bundled armor. Now standing there in nothing but my undergarments, I once again stare down at the "normal" clothes Lady Masa had picked out for me.
Luckily they themselves weren't anything embarrassing or extravagant. The shirt was merely a solid grey with short sleeves while the pants were of sturdy dark blue material. I scowled down at the articles in my hands in annoyance, but as I was contemplating my current situation, I suddenly felt two somewhat hard objects bounce off the top of my head and land with a thump on the ground.
This was quickly followed by Lady Masa calling through the door once again, "Sorry, forgot the boots!" I stooped and picked up the aforementioned boots with a mental grumble. It was obvious she wasn't sorry due to the fact that I could practically hear the grin that I'm sure is plastered on her face. The boots were made of dark sturdy leather with some sort of metal protecting the toes and looked to have good rubber soles that would grip the ground extremely well.
With one final grumble, I quickly slip into the clothes, unsurprisingly finding them to be much easier to put on than the complicated system of belts and buckles that held my armor together. Once finished, I look up at myself in the mirror and shift about awkwardly. The jeans fit rather well, not to loose, but neither were they to tight while the boots fit my feet snuggly. Though if I was being honest, the boots were the only part that didn't bother me. The shirt, on the other hand, bothered me the most. It wasn't that it didn't fit well, though it didn't do much to hide my physique, it was just that it was so… unarmored. Perhaps with the exception of the boots, none of this would do a thing to stop of a blade, let alone a bullet.
I then saw that the scars on my arms could clearly be seen, though those weren't any big issue. All experienced fighters have marks to show, but there was one in particular that would draw quite a bit of attention. Not located on my arms, but the thick roping one that ran all around my neck from when the Dancer decapitated me… several times. While my hair mostly hid the mark from the back and sides, it was clearly visible from the front. Again, it's not that I'm conscientious about the scars, but I don't think having the mark of a blade encircling your neck is something these people see every day, and I don't think it's a secret to anyone that I don't care for being the center of attention. Though that is something I'm having to become used too the longer I'm here.
I was forced out of my mental grumblings by another knock from Lady Masa, "Ya' done yet Gigantor?" I grunt at the door before grabbing my armor and stepping out. Lady Masa was standing in front of me with an appraising eye while the Firekeeper sat behind her in a chair and looked at me as well, though her gaze was slightly more sympathetic.
Seeing me staring at her, the Firekeeper gave a small smile, "I know thee would rather wear thy armor Milord, but when Lady Masa suggested this, I thought it would be… good for thee." She said, taking a moment to think about her reasoning.
Good for me? How does wearing civilian clothes help me?
"What I mean Milord is that thy armor needs to be repaired anyway," the Firekeeper clarified, seeing my confusion, "so the reason I went along with Lady Masa's plan is because I also thought that it would be a good opportunity for thou to become more acclimated to the new peaceful part of our lives."
I continued to stare for another couple seconds before sighing in… well… maybe not agreement, but rather something more akin to acceptance. While I myself may not care for such things, the Firekeeper obviously did. Apparently enough for her to be easily convinced by Lady Masa to all but force me out of my armor and into these clothes. Speaking of the Forge-Woman, I turn back and readied myself for whatever she had prepared. Instead of a playful or cheeky comment like I had expected, Lady Masa was staring, jaw ever-so-slightly agape, at the very scar I had guessed was going to draw attention.
Realizing she'd been caught, Lady Masa quickly put a grin back on her face and smacked the back of her hand against my bicep, "Well, would ya' look at tha'. Apparently ya' can pull off the common folk look as well. Now," she said while leading us out the door (After paying of course), "once we get back to Beacon, ye're going to drop ya' armor off at ma' forge and I'll ge' around to it once the tournament is finished. Understood?"
I sighed again in both acknowledgment and annoyance. Was I really going to be without armor for the next couple days? While I did have more armor stored away in my chest, I don't think changing out of the clothes Lady Masa had just gotten for me the first chance I got would turn out very well, and beyond that, the Firekeeper would probably be slightly upset that I wasn't even willing to try. Why does wearing normal clothes bother me? Honestly, I don't think it does. It's just that wish to be ready at a moment's notice, but again, it's apparently important to the Firekeeper that I try and experience civilian life. At least they're letting me keep Bloodlust and my shield with me.
These thoughts, among other things, kept my mind occupied long enough for the entire walk and flight back to Beacon. As the three of us stepped off the airship, we suddenly heard a loud smack followed by a pained groan from our left. Looking over towards a majestically styled airship, we saw Lady Rose slouched forward and holding her side in pain with an embarrassed looking Lady Schnee next to her. Standing before both of them was a young woman that looked to be some years older than Lady Schnee, but shared many physical characteristics with her such as white hair, blue eyes, and an air of regalness. If I were a betting man, I'd guess that the older woman was related to Lady Schnee in some way. Most likely a sister, or even possibly her mother, though sister was more likely.
Hearing Lady Masa let out an amused laugh, I glanced over as she hoisted my bundle of armor over her shoulder, "Welp, the original Ice Queen is here, which means Qrow isn't far behind. I'd sta' and watch, but I'm sure there's a backload of repairs waiting for me' back at ma' forge. I'll see ya' both later." With that, the forge-woman walked away whilst whistling a jaunty tune.
Glancing at the setting sun, I figured the Firekeeper would wish to head to the library and continue her nightly studies. As we were walking back towards the building, the Firekeeper and I were suddenly passed by a man in a familiar tattered crimson cloak. We watched as he strolled right up behind the two metal automatons at the back of the procession and, impressively, ripped the head off one while simultaneously disabling the other with a swift jab to the back of its neck. The man then chucked the head of the first towards the feet of both Lady Schnee's (By the Flame, that's going to get annoying).
After some tense words that we couldn't make out very well, it all ended with the older Lady Schnee abruptly drawing her saber and lunging forward at such a speed that it was difficult for most people to track her. What followed was three minutes of impressive acrobatics and feats of aura manipulation that included running up one of the rings encircled the fountains and jumping dozens of feet. Nearing the end of the bout, Sir Branwen was about to transform his weapon when he caught sight of someone on the other side of the crowd and put his weapon away, much to the confusion of his opponent. That confusion was quickly switched back to anger as Sir Branwen taunted the white Huntress, which prompted her to propel herself forward, screaming in rage and preparing a thrust. Just before she reached her target, a commanding voice shouted "SCHNEE" over the commotion, which stopped the blade's point mere inches away from Sir Branwen's neck.
Stepping through the crowd was General Ironwood who was being followed by more metal automatons, Lord Ozpin, Lady Goodwitch, and to my great surprise, Lady Polendina. What was she doing with the General and Beacon's head faculty?
"Now, now, everyone." Said Lord Ozpin with a swirl of his coffee, "There is a sanctioned fight happening just around the corner at the Colosseum, that I can assure you has better seats... and popcorn."
Lady Goodwitch then stepped forward while glaring at the fighters, "Break it up, everyone! We will take care of this mess."
With that, the General turns back towards the academy with Lady Polendina in tow, the latter of which turned back and waved happily at Lady Rose who waved back before jumping at Sir Branwen with a squeal of "UNCLE QROOOOW!"
"Yonder man is Ms. Rose's uncle?" The Firekeeper said with a raised eyebrow, "I can smell the spirits on his breath from here."
I shrugged, uncaring whether the man smelled of alcohol or not. He was good company and he seemed like a decent enough man. Though with how happy Lady Rose was to see him, I'm sure the Firekeeper and I have nothing to worry about. I let out a quiet chuckle at that thought. How the young maidens of Team RWBY have gone from mere acquaintances to people that the Firekeeper and I feel a need to keep an eye on, I'll never know.
After a cheerful back and forth, Sir Branwen bid farewell to his niece. After he had left, the younger Lady Schnee walked up to her teammate and they traded barbs for a few moments before they saw the Firekeeper and I (Though they did not recognize me) standing not far from them.
"Hello Ms. Firekeeper, how are you? And… Mr. Ash? Is that you?" Asked Lady Schnee who leaned forward and squinted at me uncertainty.
Having her attention drawn to me, Lady Rose leaned forward and squinted, unintentionally mirroring her partner before pointing up into the sky with a sound of triumph, "It is Mr. Ash! I recognize that sword anywhere."
Lady Schnee sighed while facepalming, "Of course you'd recognize people by their weapon."
"Well, I find that a weapon can tell you a lot about someone." Said the crimson Huntress while crossing her arms with a proud smirk. Her eyes then trailed to my throat and her eyes became wide, "Whoa," she stepped a bit closer and got on her tiptoes to get a better look, "how'd you get that?" Lady Schnee looked like she was about to pull her partner back until she caught sight of the scar as well, stopping her outstretched hand. "Is that why you don't talk?" Ask Lady Rose innocently?
I shook my head with a shrug, but the Firekeeper translated to the girls, "No, Milord can talk, he just prefers not to."
Lady Rose made an 'ah' sound before stepping back to a normal distance, "Okey-dokey, " she said, causing Lady Schnee to stare at her incredulously, "but what happened to your armor? We didn't even know what you looked like until now because you never take it off."
I sent a glare towards the Firekeeper that held no real ill intent which caused her to glare back, though hers did contain genuine annoyance, "Milord made a careless mistake and got needlessly bitten by a King Taijitu while performing a favor for Lord Ozpin. As a result, Ms. Masa and I decided that he isn't allowed to wear his armor until the Vytal Festival's end."
Lady Rose simply nodded her head, accepting the answer as if we just told her what the weather was going to be tomorrow, "Ah, makes sense I guess."
Lady Schnee slightly waved her hands around in confusion, "Wait wait wait wait! What do you mean 'makes sense'? Nothing in that explanation makes ANY kind of sense!" She shrieked at Lady Rose before turning her attention back to me, "And you were bitten by a what? And how did you survive having your throat cut that badly?"
Throat cut? I thought back to my many decapitations and pondered how long it would take to explain. No, I'd rather not spend the rest of the Vytal Festival answering questions. So, throat cut? …Sure, why not, let's go with that. I shrug, fully knowing it was the answer they were expecting but were hoping for different. Only this time I didn't have my helmet to hide the ever-so-slight grin pulling at the corner of my mouth, something I forgot and that Lady Schnee didn't miss.
"This is no laughing matter Mr. Ash! How can you act so calmly towards something that used to be such a life-threatening injury?" I didn't even try to stop the grin this time. She has no idea how little I was concerned about life-threatening scenarios when it comes to my own health.
Glaring at the clear grin on my face, Lady Schnee exploded into another tirade, over which I somehow heard quick footsteps quickly approaching. Turning to look towards Beacon, the Firekeeper, Lady Rose, and I saw Specialist Maron quickly approaching. He looked the same as he did that last time I saw him, even wearing the exact same uniform, or at least one that looked just like it. The only additions to his person was an obsidian black bow and quiver with several dozen arrows of matching color slung across his back that stood out against his white uniform. Though as he twisted to pass between two people, I saw that the bow's outer side was actually a keen blade, hinting that the bow could collapse into a bladed weapon.
Once he reached us, he nodded to Lady Schnee and Lady Rose before turning towards the Firekeeper and I, "General Ironwood has requested that I escort both of you to meet him at his office ASAP."
I nodded my head as the Firekeeper bowed her head a little, "Thank-you for coming to get us Specialist Maron, we can depart right away."
The Firekeeper and I bid farewell to Lady Rose and Lady Schnee, the latter of which was still ranting on about self-preservation and the stupidity of some people, seemingly forgetting that she was in public. Something I'm sure she will be mortified about later.
- -][- -
Hearing the ding that signified that we had arrived at Lord Ozpin's office, we all stepped out and walked over to the Headmaster's desk. Already there was Lord Ozpin, Lady Goodwitch, General Ironwood, and the older Lady Schnee. Though Lady Polendina was nowhere to be seen.
"Thank-you Specialist Maron." Said the General, "Head back to the ship with Winter and await further orders."
Both Specialists saluted smartly and left, though Lady Winter (That will make things easier) seemed frustrated, and the stiffness of her salute reflected that. Spinning on their heels, both specialists walked back to the elevator, Lady Winter receiving a joking wink from Sir Branwen. Once the doors closed, those of us remaining stood in silence.
"Now that we're all here, please continue Qrow." The Headmaster requested, breaking the silence that had fallen upon us.
"Your little infiltrator isn't just another pawn. They're the one responsible for Autumn's condition." Said Sir Branwen with a scowl as he pulled out his flask.
Lady Goodwitch's eyes widened in shock, "What?"
"Who's Autumn?" Asked the Firekeeper.
"She's one of the many things I'll be explaining to the both of you in a bit." Said Lord Ozpin, "Right now, I think you'll both want to hear what Qrow found."
Sir Branwen, who had taken another quick swig of his flask, wiped his lips and then continued, "Despite what the world thinks, we're not just teachers, or generals, or headmasters, or… whatever the hell the two of you are." He said, finishing the statement with a gesture towards the Firekeeper and I, "The people in this room, the leaders of the other two academies, we're the ones that keep the world safe from the evils no one even knows about!" Sir Branwen suddenly took several steps over to the General and got nose to nose with him, "It's why we meet behind closed doors, why we work in the shadows. So you tell me, James, when you brought your army to Vale, did you think you were being discreet, or did you just not give a damn!?" Snarled the Huntsman. The Firekeeper and I glanced at the one another as the two men went back and forth, it seems the two of us had been momentarily forgotten due to the intensity of the situation.
The General gave a tired sigh, "Discreet wasn't working. I'm here because this is what was necessary."
"You're here because Ozpin wanted you here!" Said Sir Branwen resolutely, "He made you a part of this inner circle and opened your eyes to the real fight that's in front of us!"
"And I am grateful," replied the General in placating manner, "but-"
"Oh, well, you've got a real funny way of showing it." Interrupted Sir Branwen.
"But," pressed the General, "the people of Vale needed someone to protect them; someone who would act. When they look to the sky and see my fleet, they feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength."
There was silence for a few seconds before quiet chuckling that turned into a loud but short laugh, courtesy of Sir Branwen, broke it, "You... You think they're scared of your little ships? I've been out there and I've seen the things she's made, and let me tell you - they are fear."
"And fear will bring the Grimm. A guardian is a symbol of comfort, but an army is a symbol of conflict. There's an energy in the air now, a question in the back of everyone's minds." Lord Ozpin the gestures towards the display of the Atlesian fleet, "If this is the size of our defenses, then what is it we're expecting to fight?" He then locked eyes with Qrow before nodding towards the Firekeeper and I, "Speaking of what we're fighting, I believe now would be a good time tell us what you found about the missing Kiln, Qrow."
"They have it." Sir Branwen plainly said, "While I was out and about, I saw an item matching the description you gave me change hands several times before ending up in one Arthur Watts' possession."
"I'm guessing that this Sir Watts isn't the kind of man we want having the Kiln?" Questioned the Firekeeper again.
"You're correct on the front. He's the only confirmed member of Salem's circle," answered Lord Ozpin, "and Salem is another one of those things I'll be explaining to you once we're done here."
"Anyways," continued Sir Branwen, "once Watts got the Kiln, he immediately set out for her domain."
"Meaning you couldn't follow, right?" Asked the General, who received a nod. He then sighed, running his fingers through his hair before turning towards the Firekeeper, "You said that the Kiln might be able to be used by people in this age correct?"
The Firekeeper hesitated, "Again, I am unsure milord. As I said before, our magic is long forgotten, but the Kiln doth not require magic. So given enough time, it is probable that thy enemies will figure out how to create weapons from it."
General Ironwood's jaw clenched in worry and looked down at the floor upon hearing that. "How long have they had the Kiln Qrow?" He asked without looking at the Hunter.
Sir Branwen shrugged, "I'm not sure. Watts got the Kiln about a week and a half ago, but to get to Salem by a route that he won't be seen will cost him time, but he also could have thrown caution to the winds and headed straight there. So to answer your question, a couple days at best, a week and a bit at worst."
General Ironwood sighed again, "Even a couple days is enough time for someone like Salem to figure out a tool like the Kiln. She's far too willing to use immoral means to get what she wants." We all stood silent as the General rubbed his eyes tiredly, "So then, what would you suggest we do?" He asked Ozpin.
"I was going to suggest that we find our guardian," the Headmaster said before looking the Firekeeper and I, "but now we may not need too."
- -][- -
Somewhere else in the academy, a door to a dark classroom creaked open, allowing a solitary figure to slip inside.
"What did you find?" Asked a feminine voice.
The figure spun around, but all he could see due to some moonlight were the woman's legs, which were clad in black tights and a black and gray checkered skirt as she sat on the professor's desk. She then slowly opened her eyes, revealing the glowing amber that told the newcomer who she was.
"Not much," the figure said, "I wasn't able to listen in on the meeting, but I'm certain that Ozpin will be filling them in."
The woman sighed, "How unfortunate for you. If you can't fulfill your side of the bargain, then we won't fulfill ours."
The figure stepped forward with a snarl, "Now hold on! I have risked my life numerous times to get the information you asked for, and there have been precious few times that I haven't been able to come through. You promised me that I'd get my shot at Ozpin and his little group!"
The woman's face remained eerily neutral for several seconds before a small smirk slowly grew, "Yes, we did promise you that, didn't we?" She then sighed and motioned the figure closer, "Very well, you want your chance, then come closer." The figure hesitated, knowing he couldn't fully trust the seductress in front of him. This wasn't missed by her, "Well, come on, don't you want to know how you get your soul's desire?" She asked soothingly, motioning again.
Finally, the figure took several steps forward until he was directly in front of her, "Fine, what do I do?"
The woman's eery smirk didn't disappear as she pulled out an ancient looking object that had a crystal as black as the abyss within in, "You shall get your chance with this."
The figures brow furrowed in confusion as he stared into the crystal, but he quickly forgot about that as most his vision was suddenly obscured by an inky black substance and the worst pain he'd ever felt replaced it. With what little vision he could use, he looked up and saw the evil smirk of Cinder Fall as she sucked his soul into herself, and then into what he now realized was the Kiln.
"Don't worry," she said in an almost reassuring manner, "you will still be the one to strike the final blow." He then felt colder than he had ever felt in his life as his vision went blank, then the pain mercifully stopped… forever.
- -][- -
After a couple hours of explanation by Lord Ozpin, Sir Branwen and Lady Goodwitch (The General had been called back to his duties), the Headmaster had led the Firekeeper and I down into the basement of the Academy. Stepping off the elevator, I gazed around in confusion. While above our heads rested a prestigious academy, the basement somehow held a feeling of regalness that far outstripped it. The floor was of polished white marble that had black marble designs placed into it, and the never-ending hallways were lined with square pillars that were three or four times as thick as I was wide. But it was the darkness that was the source of my confusion.
While yes, the place felt regal, there was also a feeling of despair intertwined in with it. The only source of light were dimly lit lanterns that rested one per pillar, and because of this, there was only enough light to fill the walkway between them and little else. Even the vast expanse above our heads was shrouded in darkness, further deepening the feeling of despair.
After a couple minutes of silent walking, the Firekeeper caught the Headmaster attention, "Pardon me milord, but why is it so dark down here?"
"Because of her." He answered as we rounded one last corner. "This… this is Autumn, the Fall Maiden, or Amber as we know her." Before us stood a metal pod with a glass front that held a woman. She had dark golden skin, wore white chest bindings and a white skirt, but her face was extensively scarred. As if something had latched onto her face and burnt the flesh away.
"This entire area is completely off the grid and even doesn't come up on any of Beacon's construction plans." Said Lady Goodwitch, "The reason it's so dark down here is that we need it to look like the power being drawn here is just for an underground backup generator, and not a life-support pod."
Just standing near the tube told me something was wrong with her, so as the Firekeeper continued to question the Headmaster and his assistant, I stepped up to the glass to take a closer look at the woman.
"What happened to her?" The Firekeeper asked.
Lord Ozpin sighed as he stepped up next to me and placed a remorseful hand on the glass, "To keep themselves safe, the Maidens often take to wandering aimlessly. Amber was doing just that when she was ambushed by a woman and two others. They overwhelmed her, and the woman tried to take the Fall Maiden's powers for herself."
"I managed to intervene in the middle of whatever the hell that woman was doing to Amber." Interrupted Sir Branwen who had been silent up until now, "Unfortunately I wasn't fast enough to stop them from getting away, and because of that, they disappeared with half of Amber's soul."
That sense of wrongness I was feeling suddenly made sense. Even after my entire escapade through Lothric, I had yet to come upon something without a whole soul. Diminished yes, but not a partial one.
The Firekeeper stepped up with Lord Ozpin and I and placed her hand on the glass right above Lady Ambers breast and stood there silently, thinking. "Can anything be done?"
"Unless you know of some long forgotten way to retrieve her soul," said Lady Goodwitch, looking somewhat hopeful, "the only thing that can be done is to kill the woman who has the other half of Amber's soul. Once that happens, it'll return to her naturally."
We all were silent for a few seconds before the Firekeeper asked what was on both our minds, "And doth that work both ways?"
"Yes," the Headmaster replied after a long pause, "and that's why I wish to ask another favor of you."
- -][- -
Omake: Never Trust "Illusory Wall Ahead"
I remember coming across a quote somewhere in my many weeks here at Beacon that read, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results." Never before has something made so much sense to me… and at the same time, never before have I ignored such an important piece of wisdom. You'd think that after being tricked again, and again, and again, and again, I'd learn to ignore them… but no, I've never found the strength. I had thought I'd be free of their tyranny, having found myself in this new era. So how is it possible? How can this be here, of all places?
Illusory Wall Ahead
I have been standing for several hours, just staring down at the burning orange message that was scrawled into the floor at the base of this unassuming wall outside the Firekeeper and I's room. I glanced up and stared at the wall that stood not two feet from me. It looked solid enough, but they always did.
Illusory Wall Ahead
I could just walk away. Just walk away and meet the Firekeeper in the library like we agreed, no need to make myself feel like an idiot once more.
But try as I might…
Illusory
…my feet…
Wall
… would not…
Ahead
…move
I gritted my teeth in annoyance as I felt my resolve crumble. Shooting a quick glance left and right, I made sure no one was in sight. Luckily it was well into the night hours, meaning that all the students were asleep. Looking back at the wall before me, I slowly raised my unarmed fist and gave the wall a sharp tap…
…
…
…
… Nothing? I hit the wall again, again nothing happened. I growled at my stupidity as I leaned my head against the wall and gave the wall another hit, this time with both fists. Suddenly, I felt my right hand hit the wall but then continue forward, as if there was never there. My head shot off the wall and I backed up to find a newly revealed hole about the size of a door sitting innocently in the wall.
I felt my eyes widen, not at the hole, but at what I saw inside the tiny room that was slightly bigger than a broom closet. Prancing from one foot to the other was a phantom woman wearing cleric robes, the Xanthous Crown, and wiggling a ten-pronged pitchfork vertically before her. But just as quickly as I saw her, she disappeared. Rushing forward, I found nothing… nothing but one more burning orange message.
Let there be losing sanity, and then time for despair
- -][- -
I spent the remainder of the night running around Beacon, searching for either that phantom, messages, or both if she felt convenient. By the time the sun had risen, I had yet to find any trace of what I had seen. Now the students had started to leave their rooms for the morning meal, and I had made my way back to the wall where it all started, but instead of a phantom, everyone was walking by a complete wall without a tiny room.
I stood before the wall and scratched my head in confusion. It had been right here, I was certain. Reaching out, I gave the wall another sharp tap, causing passing students to stare at me with some confusion of their own. I ignored them in favor of double checking each and every wall in the hallway. It wasn't until I reached the last one that I felt a tapping on my shoulder which caused me to turn around and find the Firekeeper and Lady Masa standing there.
"Ya' alright there Gigantor?" The Forge-woman asked in a concerned voice. "Ya've been tappen at the walls for a while now and it's starten' to freak everyone out." The Firekeeper didn't say anything, just nodded her head in agreement with her new friend.
I looked from the two women to the wall and then back to them, feeling my confusion deepen. Did I imagine it? I must have, because the illusory wall is gone, and I hadn't found any trace of the phantom woman the entire night. I started to nod my head to let them know I was fine, but as my head bobbed down, burning orange at Lady Masa's feet met my eyes.
Woman ahead, therefore weakness: rear
My eyes flickered up at Lady Masa, and I just caught sight of the phantom woman bending forward while poking at Lady Masa's posterior before disappearing. My eyes then shot over towards the Firekeeper's feet, fearing what I would find. Unfortunately, my fears were fulfilled.
Try tongue, but hole
The phantom was now laying spread eagle on the ground with her head disappearing under the Firekeeper's dress.
I hung my head in despair, causing both Lady Masa and the Firekeeper to step forward in concern, completely missing the messages that disappeared under their feet.
"Milord, what ails thee?"
"Gigantor, ya' feelen' alright?"
I nodded my head after a couple seconds. It wouldn't matter if they knew or not. Lady Masa wouldn't understand and neither would the Firekeeper. I never had the courage to tell her about all the inappropriate message that littered the floor around her back at Firelink, during the days before she could see. Glancing at each other uncertainly, the Firekeeper and Lady Masa led me towards the library. The entire time I just thought about what I had done. I could have been free, free of this torture, but now it has been unleashed upon Beacon, and there was nothing I could do.
- -][- -
"Mr. Ash, are you okay?" I hesitantly glanced up from the library table my eyes had been glued to as the Firekeeper read silently next to me. Standing before me was Lady Rose and her team.
I nodded my head reassuringly while mentally groaning as I saw the messages appear at their feet. Lady Rose's said…
Weakness: Adorableness
The phantom was possessively hugging an oblivious Lady Rose.
At Lady Xiao-Long's feet was…
Amazing chest ahead
The phantom was pouting at the blonde's chest while crossing her arms huffingly.
At Lady Schnee's feet was…
No chest ahead
The phantom was now holding her stomach laughing while pointing at the heiress.
Lastly, at Lady Belladonna's feet was…
Huh. It's a beast
The phantom was now standing on her tiptoes while curiously poking at Lady Belladonna's bow.
Suddenly a message appeared on the table before me that read…
Visions of dreaming
- -][- -
I suddenly jumped to my feet from where I was sitting, shooting my gaze all around in confusion. Instead of the library like I expected to find, I found myself back in the room the Firekeeper and I shared.
"Milord, are thou alright?"
I glanced over to find the Firekeeper kneeling beneath the window, her meditation having been interrupted by my sudden movement. Looking down at the floor, I waited with baited breath for the telltale burning orange to appear, and waited, and waited.
"Milord?" The Firekeeper pressed, now standing before me looking greatly concerned.
I quickly turned and stepped out the door and immediately set my sights on the spot the illusory wall had rested. Jogging up to it, I gave the wall a powerful punch, but instead of the little room revealing itself, all I got was a small shower of drywall.
"Milord! What has gotten into thee!" The Firekeeper quietly yelled, wishing greatly for me to break my silence.
I just stood there with my fist buried in the wall up to my elbow, now almost more confused than my first death. Had I day-dreamt it? It wasn't anything new for me, to daydream, but never to that degree. But I must have, right?
…
…
…
Yes, a vivid daydream. That's all it was. Withdrawing my fist from the wall, I then turned and walked back into our room with nothing more than an apologetic nod to the Firekeeper. A daydream, I thought as the Firekeeper followed me, still asking questions.
- -][- -
Little did I know that as the door clicked shut, the phantom appeared again with her hat in her hand and a Cheshire grin on her face. Sticking out her tongue and 'nahing' at the door, the phantom disappeared, leaving behind one more message that disappeared just like its master ten seconds later…
The battle is timed. At the end, the winner dons a great crown…
- -][- -
CHRIST! That omake was a third as long as the actual chapter! I started it, thinking it was going to be about as long as the last one, but BOY was I wrong.
Credit to AnAmusedReader for the idea and Hitler's Moustache for the clothing choice of the phantom.
IMPORTANTLY QUICK NOTES!
I'm sorry about the whole "Younger/Older Lady Schnee" thing. It was annoying, but I just had to stick with the Ashen One's mannerisms. Don't worry, that's all done now.
I honestly don't know if Ozpin and company knew any of the people in Salem's inner circle, so I just decided that they knew about Watt's and that's it.
Many of your might think that the Firekeeper is acting out of character, but in my head, I'd like to think that the she would want to experience the new world she and the Ashen One now calls home. So all the shenanigans are coming from Masa while the Firekeeper is just trying new things.
And to those of you who leave a criticising review, I just want to say a few things. I have no problems with your guys saying what you don't like about my story, in fact, I encourage it so that I can improve my story. But I just ask that you guys leave it under an account so that I can reply and explain my thought process. If you make a good point (As some of you have), than I'll gladly admit that and do what I can to fix my mistake in future chapters.
Well guys, that's it. Please like, favorite, and most importantly, leave a review with omake ideas, questions, or just what you thought of that chapter. Catch ya guys and gals later…
… Archangel Out
