Of course things could never be easy, but there were still plenty of times Ozpin held out hope either way.
Fortunately Ozpin himself was the first to come to as their shared body regained the ability to support consciousness, and before Oscar could wake he took control from the boy. Luckily this rending of the wheel as it were kept the boy deep under, which Ozpin was glad for as it meant he had full reign for the next hour or so.
With Oscar asleep he'd be able to move freely without worry of hurting the boy, meaning he was able to really push the bounds when it came to fighting.
Hopefully we haven't been out too long. He tried his wrists, and found they were free. For some reason despite being in the perfect position for recapture they remained suspiciously unbound; he didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse, and if history was anything to go off of it was most likely the latter. An unfortunate, but not unwelcome realization in the grand scheme of things; hubris was often a person's greatest downfall.
Looking around he saw that Ruby and Yang were haphazardly piled over against a wall, with Nora and Ren tumbled next to them. Jaune however was in a different predicament with his head resting atop Pyrrha's lap.
The woman had a hand over his forehead.
"You're up Oscar? Are you alright?" She asked quietly with a small sway of concern. Even in her less than human state she still showed considerable levels of concern, albeit noticeably muted.
Ozpin nodded, not daring to speak in worry that they might notice the change of voice. He felt himself over, checking for any signs of tampering, and found that he was still dressed in the outfit Yang had provided him with when she'd asked the boy to remove his attire; a shock that had startled the young lad for a moment.
"That makes two of us I suppose." She looked down to Jaune. "The others are still out of it yet as you can see. Luckily it seems that Merlot hasn't done anything to us yet... other than leave us alone in here for the past hour, at least that's how long I've been awake."
"Not long really, about a few hours at best." That voice didn't belong to Pyrrha, and yet from the girl's startled reaction it seemed she didn't recognise it either.
"Who's there?!" She called, noticing the small shift of Jaune's head as he let out a groan. Her attention fell back down to the boy. "Jaune! Jaune are you alright!"
"P...Pyrrha..." He scrunched his eyes, moving ever so slightly as he appeared to try and lift himself from the woman. He didn't get very far as after raising his head slightly it plopped back in place on her lap. Ozpin could have sworn he heard the boy mumble something as he lost strength.
"Oh... so you're not all awake yet." The voice sounded cocky, and yet there was a hint of ire strewn about it. "That's understandable. He said that was quite the powerful drug indeed, enough to knock out a huntsmen anyway."
"And just what would you know about that?" Pyrrha shot out, her expression plain as her voice cracked with anger. "I don't recognise you, and yet you talk as if you know about hunters... no, not just hunters, you speak as if you have something to do with us in particular."
Had they been back at Beacon Ozpin would have given the girl extra points for deducing such a fact from tone alone. Being an experienced hunter himself he knew full well the value of reading emotions and relations from a person's voice, and while he could not see the face of the owner he was able to clearly recognise the specific extent of irritation in the male voice. Irritation was nothing new, but this one was something he himself had heard time and time again over the centuries, and one he was much too used to calling on. However that left another question in the ancient man's mind: just what had they done to upset this mysterious figure?
There was a small clapping. "Bravo." It stopped, and for a moment silence permeated for the scant few seconds after which was soon broken as he spoke again. "Only a single sentence and you've figured me out. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, you are Beacon students after all; only the best and brightest for that school right?"
"And what? Do you have a grudge against Beacon in particular?" To her credit Pyrrha at least tried to keep a stable tone, but it was clear that she was fed up with the whole situation.
"Oh no no, not the school. It just..." The voice lowered in pitch, as if being twisted in a direction it was not meant to be. "Brings back memories."
Ozpin noticed how Pyrrha visibly flinched. "Memories huh?" Her tone let on that the comment hit a little close to home for her. " I suppose it's understandable then. Memories of less than kind times are often... irritating."
Pyrrha was interrupted by a hoarse coughing, and soon enough it seemed that Yang had stirred awake. The blond pushed herself up, and with a swayed motion tried her best to balance herself. Much like Jaune it didn't last, and she fell with an audible thud as dirt and muck sprayed from the impact.
"Agh! D-damnit!" She tried once more, shifting to a sitting position this time, right against the grey stone wall. Her eyes wandered around as she looked to take in the scene. "The Dust?" She flinched. "F-fuck... it hurts."
"Easy Yang, the effects of the gas are still strong." Pyrrha told as she eased a look to the groggy girl. "It'll mostly pass in about an hour."
Yang grumbled, yet ultimately subsided and allowed her back to rest a bit as her form slightly slouched.
"I'll give you credit, you little puppies are stronger than you look to endure this so well." Yang shot up with the voice this time, and though she appeared in heavy physical pain she pushed it aside as vile scorn coated her cry.
"YOU DIRTY BASTARD!"
"Yang, easy!" Pyrrha tried, only to stop as their mystery voice laughed.
"Remember me huh?"
"Wait, you know him?" Pyrrha questioned as Yang fell with a flop, only to claw herself back to her knees.
"He's the son of a bitch with the bombs! Bastard keeps showing up with the Fang!" She growled lowly. "Got in my way back in Vale when we were at Junior's club, and he was there on the train too! And now you're here of all places, you just don't know when to quit do you?"
"Guilty, as charged." His voice changed back into it's cocky tone. "But your feelings on the matter are worthless now. We're here, the Fang's in control, and no matter how much you struggle and yell you won't get away this time. We let you escape before, but that won't happen again."
"And just what is it you have panned for us?" Pyrrha asked, only to receive a low chuckle in return.
"I have nothing planned for you, no, that's the Doctor's job."
"Merlot?" Yang called out, getting a much too chipper response which had Ozpin wary.
"Yup. The only thing I've got is my prized spectator for our little game."
"Spectator?" Yang tried again, only for a small whistle to pierce their ears.
"No no no. I won't spoil the surprise just yet, sorry but you'll just have to wait and see."
With that they heard footsteps move away from what they assumed was a door, and with nothing but the dreaded silence to accompany them once more Ozpin could almost directly feel the anger as it burned in passing.
"Pyre."
"Yes Yang."
"I'm stealing Nora's thing; I'm breaking that fucker's legs when we see him again."
Pyrrha chuckled. "I'll be sure to tell Nora you're sorry."
"Thanks."
Ozpin could only hope things would go well.
.
.
Ruby felt as the wash of shadows drained away, and she found herself in a rather lavish hall.
Crimson Rugs lined the floor, with gold etched into the ends of the fabric. Even the very curtains strung ceremoniously about wore the brazen display of unapologetic royalty. She scoffed, and within it a chuckle formed.
Seems nobility has always had a thing for the pompous extreme. She eased those thoughts away as she looked around, taking note of the stylized artwork along the walls, depicting what looked like various human triumphs over some sort of worm Grimm. It was to be expected really if the desert was anything to go off of. Many of the Grimm either took advantage of the sand to move around faster, or they used the storms to glide far and wide.
Yet the Grimm mattered not to her in this moment as her curiosity was instead caught on the bright display of nobility. Considering it was no form of noble décor she could instantly recognise she ruled out the possibility of this being another illusion born of her own memories.
One of the others held this experience it seemed.
It was an amusing thought considering the state they were in when she first met with the crew. Knowing that one of these pirates held some sort of experience - and possibly dealings - with nobles made them a whole lot more interesting in her eyes. When they got out of their current scenario maybe she could convince them to help her get an audience with the kingdom's royalty, and in turn make her own goals a whole lot easier.
"You will cease this childishness at once!" The echo of a clearly feminine voice drew Ruby's focus away from her surroundings and towards a very large throne. It was almost comical how big the seat was, and even more ridiculous that she didn't immediately notice it.
"I refuse! I-I don't want this!" A second much younger voice cried back, and Ruby had to squint to see the pair in the distance.
Ruby took a few paces closer, and as she drew near was able to clearly make out the two figures arguing. One was obviously the elder, and another a child, and considering the older woman sat on the throne it showed that this was no mere parent-child scrap; this was an argument of nobility, and most likely royalty.
Both occupants were properly and outlandishly dressed, with the mother of the girl boasting a much more provocative attire, while the little girl was at least covered up, even if at the expense of looking a little silly in comparison. Ruby felt a smirk of amusement overcome her as the child pouted and stood her ground defiantly, with her little fists clenched in a rage that only made her look adorable in Ruby's eyes.
The older woman sighed, her hands clasping over her face. "What will it take to have you understand, to see just what is at stake?"
The small girl however gave no response, and instead continued to hold her ground. The mother left her throne, and with an air of strength wandered to stand before her daughter. She knelt down, and took the child by the hand.
"Follow me." With that she moved on, pulling the little girl over to an opening off to the side.
Ruby followed the two along and they soon stood on a massive yet contrastingly plain balcony overlooking what appeared to be a city. Most of the architecture held a pseudo-natural style, with many buildings appearing as if they'd grown from the sand itself. Yet for the obviously jungle based structures all of them matched the colors of the desert, making the whole city appear as though it were dead. The sight was strange for Ruby as the very sands themselves looked no different than regular sand, and the peoples homes were much less lavish than even the border town of Lokk.
Something was bugging her about the visible state of Halvali, and yet her thoughts could go no further as the mother spoke up once again, this time with a hint of restraint in her voice.
"The deserts winds blow frigid under moonlight, and our days scorch the crops. Try as we might the amount of produce we can maintain and send out is severely limited." She looked down, her hand gracing the railing as the peace of night drew no sound. "The sands are vengeful, and they care not for our struggles. Herds must be guarded from both the elements of night and day, lest we lose what little source of food we have."
Ruby watched as the woman reached up, pulling the tiara off her head. She eyed it for a moment, and knelt down to her daughter. Despite it's physical change Ruby recognised the relic of choice instantly.
"Do you see what I hold in my hands here?" The girl pouted, nevertheless she nodded. The mother smiled as she continued. "It's our crown; the symbol of our status. It's what separates us from the commoners below." She stood, and her eyes shifted over the object of innumerable power; yet her casual handling of it showed she knew nothing of it's true strength. "Since we first settled here and formed this kingdom we've always had this crown. My own father once told me it was here when our family first arrived, and that if one were to focus we could make a wish with it."
"Wish?" That had peaked the small girls interest, and the woman smiled her way.
"Yes, a wish."
"Then why not wish for better land to grow food?" The child innocently asked, and Ruby watched as the woman softened her gaze.
"Truthfully I've tried that already, and yet no matter how many wishes or prayers I give the crown has never once answered me. Even so I wear it with pride and dignity, and do you know why?"
"No..." The small girl was much more enraptured now, and the mother leaned down and took her up in arms, facing out to the city as she spoke.
"Do you see all those little homes, and all the various shops and land?"
"Uhuh."
"The crown is not only a symbol of our status, but our responsibility to the kingdom and it's people. Every decision and choice we make must keep each and every one of them in mind, even if it hurts ourselves to do so." She spoke, showing her place as queen clearly in her words.
"Why?" The little princess didn't sound angry or even mildly upset with the statement; merely curious as to the reasoning behind such responsibility. Ruby could almost guess off the top of her head what the queen would say next, and as the parent spoke her assumption was proven true.
"They are our people, and they rely on us to keep them safe. What good is a ruler who cannot rule; what is a queen without the will to strive? Anyone can wear a crown, but few have the responsibility and determination to give it meaning."
A simple truth with a lot more weight than most gave it credit for; Ruby couldn't help but smile. The world swayed, and Ruby could see the shift almost instantly. Her happiness was torn away, along with her smile, and she braced herself once more to look upon the chaos with a heavy heart.
Blood coated the carpets and sand, and with it the walls crumbled. Ruby looked over, and she saw how the queen was held down. Yet a small sobbing could be heard, and Ruby turned to see the little princess being held back by some older men.
"MOMMA-" Her mouth was covered.
"Silence you little cretin!"
"At ease." Ruby's sight turned back, and she saw an older man standing next to the downed queen. "Allow her to cry to her heart's content. She should see this, as it is a wonderful day for all." He looked over to the queen's scowl. "The toppling of tyranny."
"Tyranny... that's rich, coming from you?" Her eyes narrowed. "You merely want control."
"And what if I do?" His brow dropped dangerously low. "For years the Phoenix family has Ruled over the desert, and yet we've only continued to suffer." His sight trailed to the princess, who's tears made a mess of her face. "What's more is your willingness to trade your own daughter to a Faunus of all things."
"Their tribes are vast and lively, any fool with eyes would be able to see that were they willing to look." The queen spoke with power, and yet Ruby could see the hint of shame in her eyes. "Their knowledge might be the only chance at prosperity we have."
"And you would allow your pure innocent daughter to be defiled as their carnal toy?" A fury burned in his eyes. "We've seen the documents you wrote, we know of what they intended for her; You knew of what they wished. Are you honestly telling me you'd trade her as a slave whore for nothing but a chance at prosperity?" His voice lowered as the queen's mask of indifference cracked. "But I suppose it's all common knowledge for you isn't it? You've used plenty of their human stock before if the rumors are to be believed."
"They're animals, you know this as well as I. They eat, mate, and die." The queen said through bloodied lips. "Yet they've survived in much worse conditions than us. They offered secrets of their own for nothing more than my daughter's womb. For the sake of my people it is a small trade."
"You fool..." The man's eyes remained calm, and yet a hatred welled throughout the air as his body trembled. "You asinine wench. You hold a near infinite power in your hands and yet you'd defile your child instead. You don't even know the power you hold in your hands, do you?"
"I do, and believe me I wish I could have simply relied on it instead. However it's power is too great; you know nothing of the cost should it be used. You're a fool if you think you can master it!" The queen argued, to which the man scowled.
"You won't even try. You'd rather see your daughter as mere cattle to their cannibalistic tribe? You've seen the remnants of their human meals."
"At least she'd live." The queen defended, and yet even Ruby herself was having trouble buying that. The queen would give anything for her people, or so it seemed, but Ruby herself would defy everything for her loved ones instead.
The man in response merely scoffed. "I've nothing more to say to you."
Ruby watched as her head plopped to the floor.
The man brought a cloth to his blade and appeared to wipe off the blood. "Burn her head, but leave her body. I want to send a message to the beasts of the caverns." He looked over to one of the men at his side. "If they want a sow then we'll give them one, although in all honesty even beasts such as them could tell the uselessness of a corpse; perhaps they'll eat it instead."
One of the men called to him. "What of the girl?" Said girl was even more of a mess than before, and yet she remained quiet. The older man walked over as he sheathed his blade, and as he kneeled down before her his eyes locked with hers.
"You knew of what she had planned for you, didn't you?"
The girl nodded, which in turn sickened Ruby a bit. "M-mother said I would be doing it for our people, a-and that making children would fill me with happiness."
He visibly held back something, and yet the clenching of his fist paired his words. "Tell me child, do you hate me? Do you revile me with all your heart?"
The little girl said nothing, simply nodding as the man stood. He looked to the men holding her.
"Release her."
"Sir?"
"Do it." It was a solid command, and after a moment they slowly let go of the girl's limbs. She looked confused as he stepped away, and with his back to her spoke once more. "Hate me however you wish, whether loud or quiet. Use that hatred and rage to grow stronger, and when you're powerful enough come and face me." He held up the tiara; the crown of choice. "Maybe then you'll be strong enough to wield it."
The girl took a step back, and then another, and then it burst into a full blown sprint. The scene shifted again, and now Ruby found herself in an alleyway; the one place that always popped up in times like this. Two entrances, a linear path, forward or back; she chuckled at the irony.
"You'll help me right?" Ruby's eyes shifted to the small girl, and she found the child leaned against the wall, head to the side and speaking with... nobody. Ruby raised a brow as the child continued. "You won't leave me alone right?"
Her heart crumbled, and yet the feeling was so familiar that it didn't even bother the reaper anymore. The child was talking to nobody in particular, and while on the outside it may seem crazy there were times in her own childhood where she herself would play with her imaginary friends due to her own loneliness.
Yet this case was different as Ruby saw the small princess glow.
Aura? She wondered if it unlocked from the severe trauma of seeing her mother killed, however that line of questioning was ripped out of the light as Ruby watched the space ahead of the girl visibly glow. The motherless princess glowed too, and the light before her took on a more humanoid form, to that of a child much too familiar for comfort.
Gasket?! Despite the child-like form the boy was nothing more than a smaller version of his adult self, and all of a sudden something in the back of Ruby's mind clicked. So that's how they got infected... Ruby realized that the supposed infection and smoke from the gem wasn't really contagious, but rather an after effect of what was shown here. Her aura must have made those imaginary allies tangible; Real.
Ruby wondered if this was the girl's semblance; the ability to bring imagination to life, to make it solid. Yet her wondering was grounded as she watched another figure form, one much chubbier and distinctly adult.
"Of course we'll help you, right pops?" Gasket spoke as the larger man nodded.
"S'pose you'll be needing all of us to make it through this time. Don't worry lass, the whole family has your back." Duster while appearing younger still held an air of maturity, or perhaps that was how Prim saw maturity when she was young.
"The old man is right, don't cry Dove; we'll make it through this together, just like in the storybooks."
"Okay." The little girl stood, and as she did the sand shifted. The lifeless dirt sparkled, and the buildings morphed to the instantly recognised state they were often described in. Ruby watched as the small houses were replaced with enriched mansions, and as the dirt paths seemingly washed with décor and artistry she froze.
The crown! Somehow, someway, that man had figured out what it was and how to use it, meaning that Halvali's riches and minerals were an additive of this very moment; a natural use of the relic's power outside of it's intended purpose. This use meant that anyone could learn of it's power, which had Ruby questioning if this was the first recorded instant of it, or were there other uses throughout history aside from her own.
Ruby cut her racing mind away as she focused back on the streets, seeing how the people walked out and saw the changes. The crown if properly used could cause the world to act as if the change was always present, and yet the fact that people noticed proved the man did not master it's power as well as he believed.
It was a superficial change, one that held no real power in the grand scheme of things. The question on her mind now was what did he trade for this change.
"He took mother from us, our kingdom from us." The girl's voice echoed out as the world looked to break apart. "We won't let him get away with it, we'll stop him, and we'll do it together!"
Ruby had seen enough, and allowed her silver to burn it's purest.
Author's note
...
Another one down, another step towards the chaos.
I'm certain you've noticed by now but I've changed the summary again; this time it feels much better. Sure it seems a little strange to adjust it over a hundred chapters in, but it's been bugging me ever since I made it; I've never been good at summaries anyway.
Anyway, this time we've got a decent split, Oz has awoken and the crew find themselves at the mercy of Merlot, and future Ruby is digging up info into truths she most likely never wanted the answers too. Honestly I'm giggling about what's coming next, but that's for the chapters to come.
Here we go lads, we're setting into the big ones, not in size but in severity; everything is coming to a head. Can they make it through, or will they find themselves even more broken than before.
Find out next time.
That's it this time, so I'll see you soon.