AN: Now it's 6 months... Where did the time go? Honestly, I've barely scrunched up the motivation to write this chapter. Hopefully the next ones will make me a little more motivated, given where I'm planning to go with this.
Cause for Concern
Mòrag was really frustrated. She had thought that after dealing with the threat of Malos she had nothing else to worry about. The Special Inquisitor mentally berated herself for being so naive. Negotiations on how to proceed with the use of the land? That was to be expected. Gormott wanting to become independent? That would be troublesome but given that the Empire no longer needs their Titan it wasn't an impossible thing. An attack upon the Queen of Uraya? A political nightmare. Even with all the information they have now on the perpetrator, Mòrag still feared how deep this bunnit hole would go. First, it was one of the former Blades of the late Colonel Azure who tried to kill Raqura. A brilliant man who was done in by the simple fact of being sold out to the Core Crystal Hunters. Then the other one tried to kill Rex and capture the Aegises. And now, both Blades were involved in trying to retrieve the Jeweled Signet. Worst of all, the two had official documentations that allowed them entry to Torigoth base, which meant that whoever is backing them is someone influential. Also, according to Rex, Ryuko said that whoever sent her to attack them was an 'old geezer' in Ryuko's words.
Mòrag let out a weary sigh as she leaned back in the chair of the radio room of the vessel she had procured for this mission. "If only that narrowed it down enough," Mòrag muttered to herself. Most of the nobles who thought it might be beneficial to destroy Uraya are indeed old. Still, if she at least had confirmation of this 'geezer' being their Driver then that would narrow the list down significantly.
"Lady Mòrag?" Asked Brighid in slight concern
"It's nothing, Brighid." Mòrag brushed her Blade off, "I just wish we had enough information to at least begin a formal investigation."
Brighid smiled at this, "Alas, with accusation as serious as this, we would need solid evidence so as to not have any kind of backlash."
"Indeed." Mòrag sighed, "The Joining of the Titans was supposed to be a new beginning for all nations. Yet it would appear that some still wish to cling to the old grudges."
"That is the sad truth about humanity." Aegaeon chimed in, "There will always be those who resist change. Whether that change would bring peace or strife."
"All too true." Mòrag said, before actually smiling, "Even so, hostilities between Uraya and Mor Ardain have been avoided. That is the best outcome I could have hoped for." But then she frowned, "Of course, the best possible outcome would be finding out the one behind all this and apprehending them."
"We will. Eventually." Brighid said confidently.
Mòrag chuckled at this, "It seems I'm not the only one Rex's optimism has rubbed off on."
"Maybe not." Brighid smiled back, "But you must admit, after everything we have faced, I feel like there is nothing we can't do."
"Then let's keep investigating," Mòrag said before straightening in her seat. She had already contacted people in the capital to start investigating on who could have granted official documentation to those two. Sadly, there are too many factors to immediately narrow down who could have actually done it.
In one of the cabins, Otohime realized that maybe her idea of putting Nora under control wasn't the best one. Oh, it was certainly effective, but she only wanted to tone down the girl, not break her.
"Nora!" Electra whined again as she shook her Driver who was sitting on a chair, eyes glued on the screen of Ren's Scroll like she was in a trance. And the girl wasn't reacting to being shaken, making Electra a little upset.
Ren shook his head before giving a slightly accusing look to Otohime, "Otohime, was this the result you were hoping for?"
"Believe it or not, Ren. Nora's current state was not what I expected." Otohime said as she was sitting on the floor on her knees with her hands on Oscar's chest. After seeing Nora and Ren on good terms with Otohime, the boy had once again volunteered to be Otohime's guinea pig. Right now, the water Blade was trying to at least detect Ozpin's magic within the boy. Even with her tendrils on the front hovering over the boy's chest it seemed like the water Blade wasn't making much progress.
"Umm... are you detecting anything?" Oscar then asked, unsurely. Having Otohime's hands on him was a little weird to him, but he was able to distract himself by looking at the almost hypnotic movement of Otohime's tendrils.
"If my tendrils have not twitched then I have yet to detect anything." Otohime replied as she did another sweep with the said appendages.
At that moment Jaune decided to pipe up, "Speaking of that... How does it work, exactly?"
"What do you mean?" Otohime asked without taking her eyes off her work.
"Your tendrils... How do they...detect anything?" Jaune asked.
"...As you may know I am sensitive to changes in Ether. Similar to how a dowsing rod finds water, my tendrils twitch when detecting a source of Ether or changes of its quantity within atmosphere. And that sensation travels from the tips of my tendrils all the way to my head." Otohime explained.
"So basically, you feel a tingling in your head when your tendrils twitch?" Oscar asked.
"...I suppose that is one word for it." Otohime said as her eyes were peeled on her tendrils that were scanning around her little test subject.
"Then why do you bring them at the front like this?" Oscar then asked, "I mean, if you can feel it inside your head, then why do you need to see them?"
"The answer is trivial," Otohime said with a small smile," The sensation in my head does not tell me the direction. My tendrils themselves however do. Whichever twitch is stronger indicates the direction of the disturbance. This way, I can trace the source."
"And I take it that you can't tell which tendril twitches stronger from what you feel in your head?" Pyrrha then guessed.
"Precisely." Otohime smiled, and then one of her tendrils twitched ever so slightly. "Hm? Could it be?" Otohime moved the tendrils to hover over where Oscar's heart is. Then her face hardened in concentration. Soon, the tendrils began twitching weakly. "I found it." Otohime said with a small winning smile as she placed both of her hands over that spot. Although, her eyebrow rose ever so slightly when Oscar's heartbeat increased. Looking up at the boy, Otohime gave a motherly smile at the pink dusting on Oscar's cheeks. However, knowing that she had more important things to do, Otohime then closed her eyes and began concentrating. Everyone else was now waiting with bated breath on what Otohime was planning to do next. "Ren, prepare your Scroll."
"What?" Ren asked in surprise.
"I am now planning to try and tap into this magic, but there is a possibility that it could be Oscar's Aura too. And if that is the case, then I must work on trying to differentiate between the two." Otohime explained.
At that moment Ozpin was allowed control, "That does make sense. In the process of our souls fully merging, my previous hosts had no access to my magic until later." But the headmaster realized that Otohime was frowning at him, "Umm... Miss Otohime?"
"Do that again." Otohime commanded.
"What?"
"Give control back to Oscar and then take it again." Otohime clarified, "I felt something...curious."
Ozpin did as told and gave control back to Oscar who then allowed Ozpin to take over again.
"Again." Otohime said, looking at Oscar's chest in concentration. The soul bound duo did the same again. This time they noticed that when the control was given to Ozpin again, Otohime's tendrils twitched as one. "One more time." Otohime repeated. Oscar and Ozpin switched control again.
"Could you stop that." Herald said, looking uncomfortable, "It's disturbing feeling a rift between my Driver and I."
But Otohime was much more focused on whatever discovery she made. "Ozpin, I am now going to try and disrupt your magic. If you feel anything wrong with yourself or Oscar, tell me."
"I will." Ozpin affirmed.
With that, Otohime started to see if she could disrupt Ozpin's magic. Soon her Core Crystal started shining.
"I feel...strange." Ozpin said with a confused look.
"No!" Herald suddenly shouted before rushing at Otohime and smacked her away from Ozpin.
"Miss Herald!" Ozpin shouted in surprise, but then he was picked up by his shoulders by Herald who started shaking him frantically.
"Give him back! Give him back! Give my Driver back now!" Herald screamed in panic.
"Herald, what's wrong with you?!" Jaune demanded from the mech riding Blade.
Ozpin quickly gave control back to Oscar. "Herald, it's me! Stop shaking me!" Oscar cried out in Herald's arms.
Herald did stop shaking her Driver, but she still had a horrified look on her face. "What have you done to my Driver?!" Herald angrily demanded from Otohime, who was getting back up while rubbing the side of her head. "What have you done!" Herald screamed in rage before she put Oscar down and prepared her Ether Cannon to fire upon Otohime.
"Herald stop!" Oscar cried out, but the mech riding Blade already fired a shot. Otohime regained her senses just in time to put up a barrier to block the blast.
"Herald, what are you doing?" Otohime demanded, even as the Blade kept blasting at her.
"I will destroy you!" Herald cried out with tears flowing freely down her cheeks.
"Stop her!" Jaune shouted out, which was when Pyrrha used her semblance to trap Herald's arms, legs, and tails.
Herald looked to Pyrrha like the Fall Champion had just betrayed her. It stung Pyrrha, but she had to keep Herald pinned down. Except she began to strain when the mech-riding Blade began to resist the magnetic hold with her Superstrength. Jaune quickly grabbed Pyrrha's shoulder and used his own semblance to amplify Pyrrha's Aura and by extension her semblance. But then sparks began flying from Herald's mech armor. Then with a furious yell, she actually broke free from Pyrrha's enhanced hold.
"How is that possible?" Ren questioned just before Herald was charging another blast.
"Everyone, outside!" Otohime cried out before following that advice herself. Although it seemed like Herald was only after Otohime, seeing as she was aiming the cannon at the water Blade. Otohime made it outside the cabin just before Herald fired. Fortunately, Otohime had just made it outside while the blast fired through the open door and out to the sea, where it let out a large explosion. Seeing her prey running away, Herald rushed after, breaking through the wall instead of carefully wiggling herself through the doorway like usual.
"What did Otohime do to make her react like that?" Electra asked, looking a little afraid.
"Who cares! We gotta stop her from blowing up the ship!" Nora freaked out, having woken up from her trance. The carrot top then picked up Magnhild before running after the rampaging Blade, with Electra right behind her.
"Nora, wait!" Oscar of all people yelled before running after. Ren soon following.
"Are you okay, Pyrrha?" Jaune asked from the hybrid Blade who was gasping a little.
"Yes... I just didn't expect her to be that strong." Pyrrha said.
"Milord, there was a sudden spike in her energy levels." Joana said, her helmet unfolded. "Perhaps this was the power that damaged that temple in Tantal."
"That doesn't sound good." Jaune gulped. "We need to get Otohime to seal her. Pyrrha, can you fight?"
"Of course." Pyrrha said with a confident smile.
"Then let's go." Jaune said and the last three ran to stop the rampaging Herald.
(Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Ost: A Monster Surprised You)
On the front deck of the ship Otohime fired another blast from her own Ether Cannon in hopes of getting a seal on Herald, but the mech-riding Blade knew to dodge Otohime's attacks. Worse yet, Herald had the air superiority as she could fly.
"Herald, you need to stop! I know not what happened, but surely it cannot warrant this kind of reaction." Otohime tried to reason as she avoided another blast while firing another blast in hopes of getting a seal on the opposing Blade.
"How dare you! You killed my Driver!" Herald yelled in fury as she then fired Empyrean Salvo.
"What?" Otohime was surprised at the response, but she still was able to put up another barrier to block most of the blasts. Unfortunately, a few of them broke through, which then hit Otohime herself. Otohime was blasted against the railing of the ship with enough force to dent it. Wincing in pain, the water Blade tried to get back up despite her body's protests.
Herald pointed her cannon at Otohime with a look of teary-eyed fury on her face, "Because of you, Oscar won't live to see another day!"
"What is going on here?!" Demanded Mòrag who had also gotten to the front deck, Whipswords ready for action.
"Nora Smash!" Nora then called out suddenly from Herald's side, surprising the flying Blade. The surprise didn't last long before she was smashed down on the deck by Magnhild.
"Otohime, now!" Ren called out to his Blade. Wasting no time, Otohime fired a single blast upon Herald. The mech-riding Blade was still getting back so she took a direct hit of water Ether. But more importantly, purple chains appeared around Herald, binding her normal arms, legs and the mech's arms.
(End Song)
"Let me go! Let me go!" Herald screamed as she struggled against the bindings, more sparks flying from her mech as she did.
"How can this-" Otohime said as she visibly struggled against the Blade.
"Herald, stop!" Cried out Oscar before dashing in and hugging his Blade's human torso. "Why are you doing this?" Oscar pleaded.
Herald actually stopped struggling when she realized Oscar was the one holding onto her. "Oscar...can't you feel it? You're dying." Herald said, looking at Oscar like he would roll over and die any second.
"What are you talking about? I feel fine." Oscar asked, utterly confused.
"That is true." Said Joana who was using her Medical Scan, "Young Oscar's vital signs are no different from how they were few hours ago. Aside from elevated heart rate."
"But...but my connection to him is so weak." Herald stammered, "How can that possibly mean anything other than him dying?"
Everyone stared at Herald like she was crazy.
"Could someone explain to me what exactly is going on." Mòrag said with an edge to her tone.
Ren quickly decided to explain the situation quickly before the Special Inquisitor was angered. Unfortunately, Mòrag's eye twitched a little when she heard the part about Herald bursting through a wall.
"...So, Herald says that Oscar is dying?" Mòrag asked calmly, focusing on the important matter.
"Yes." Ren said calmly.
"But both Oscar and Joana say that he is perfectly fine?" Brighid then asked.
"Yes." Ren said again.
"Do you have any idea why that could be?" Mòrag then asked.
"Absolutely none." Ren admitted.
Then Joana hummed in thought,"...Lady Otohime, what exactly were you doing before lady Herald...lost herself?"
"...I was trying to see if I could disrupt Ozpin's magic while he was in control." Otohime said, "I thought I was able to do so when Herald attacked me."
"Liar!" Herald cried out, once again struggling against the bindings Otohime was still keeping on her. "Oscar's life was fading away!"
"Herald, stop!" Oscar cried out desperately, "I'm fine. I'm not hurt, I don't feel tired. I feel the same as always."
"B-but... then why are you fading even now?" Herald asked.
"What?!" Everyone let out.
"But I'm not feeling any different." Oscar said, now confused himself.
"Oscar, can you and Lady Herald perform affinity link?" Joana suddenly asked.
"What? Why?" Oscar asked.
"Please, indulge me." Joana said.
Herald and Oscar looked at each other before Oscar moved to take Herald's Ether Cannon, which the farm boy's Blade let go of.
After about few seconds, fresh tears started coming out of Herald's eyes, "I... I can't form a link." Almost as soon as Herald had said that, Otohime's bindings disappeared from her and the affinity link was formed.
"As expected," Otohime said, having released Herald.
"So our affinity link works, what does that-hurk!" Oscar's question was cut off when Herald suddenly hugged the boy.
"You are alive! You aren't fading anymore." Herald said in relief.
H-Herald...Can't breathe." Oscar wheezed out, which prompted Herald to let go.
"I... I'm sorry." Herald apologized, looking down to the floor.
"...What just happened?" Jaune finally asked.
"...It appears that whatever lady Otohime did affected Oscar's and Ozpin's connection." Joana said, "Whatever it was was reversed because of the affinity link."
"But what does that-What?" Oscar said, looking surprised. Then the boy faced everyone, "Ozpin said that when the affinity link was formed, he felt like he was being pushed somewhere."
"Pushed you say." Joana said with a thoughtful look before looking to Pyrrha, "Milady, please tell me, when you were offered the remaining half of Fall Maiden's power, what was the process again? And what were the expected effects of it?"
"Huh?" Pyrrha was confused at the question.
"Please, this is important." Joana said more urgently.
"Well... I was supposed to receive the previous Fall Maiden's Aura that the power was bound to and according to Ironwood, I...might not have been the same person after the process." Pyrrha explained, looking sad at the last part.
"I see." Joana said in thought, "Then it would seem I have a theory."
"You do?" Pyrrha asked in surprise.
"You do?" Jaune asked too.
"Yes, my hypothesis is that Lady Otohime was not killing Oscar, but rather she was either unknowingly strengthening Ozpin's presence, or accelerating...the fusion of their souls." Joana said, earning surprised looks from everyone, "However, doing so would create a different person, therefore Herald either perceived that Oscar was fading away, or perhaps their bond was actually being severed."
"But that's impossible!" Brighid interjected, "A bond between a Driver and Blade can only be severed by death."
"But didn't Pyra say Malos was able to break free from it?" Electra asked, remembering that being a topic at one point.
"Oh, that's right." Jaune said now remembering too.
"Which leads me to another thing to support my theory," Joana said, once again, earning everyone's attention, "If my theory of what was happening to Oscar was true, then it would also explain Master Talos' reaction to Ozpin's attempt to make milady the Fall Maiden."
"Oh yeah! Talos shouted that Pyrrha was dying and destroyed the machine." Jaune said, "Wait, then doesn't that mean that Pyrrha was turning into a different person?"
"That is what I suspect." Joana said.
"Hold up!" Nora said with a weirded-out look, "Didn't Amalthus call Aura modified Ether energy? If that's the case, then... wouldn't that mean that merging Auras wouldn't actually do that?"
"True, but Aura is also fuel for semblance and semblances are unique to their users. Am I not correct?" Joana then said as she looked to the rest of the Remnans.
"So you're saying that Amalthus may have only been partially correct or something?" Ren said unsurely. Then the boy glanced back to Oscar, "But why did forming an affinity link reverse the process?"
"Maybe it has something to do with why I can form an affinity link with Herald, but Ozpin can't." Oscar suggested.
"A logical conclusion, considering how the awakening process ended for you." Otohime said before sighing in defeat, "Unfortunately, this means I cannot experiment on Ozpin's magic anymore."
"What? Why not?" Oscar asked, earning a look from Otohime that said, "Did you seriously ask that?"
"Because if what I did accidentally accelerated the soul fusion and it actually does sever a Blade's and Driver's bond, there is a very real possibility that Herald would revert to a Crystal and you would not be able to awaken her again." Otohime said.
"And even if Oscar could awaken her again and the merging was disrupted, then..." Ren trailed off, not wanting to remember the sight of Oscar so badly hurt.
"Not to mention all the memories Herald had up until then would be gone." Nora also said.
This caused Oscar to look at Herald who seemed to be unable to look at her Driver right now. "...I guess we can't do magic research anymore." Oscar said, feeling like Herald's current state was his fault.
Although the Blade in question visibly perked up at what Oscar said.
"How unfortunate." Otohime said, before looking thoughtful, "Perhaps I should focus my efforts on researching Aura."
"Not with my Driver." Herald quickly said before wrapping her arms around Oscar protectively.
"Herald!" Oscar let out in embarrassment.
"Fear not. For Aura research, anyone with an active Aura will do." Otohime said reassuringly, "Speaking of which, do I have a volunteer?"
For some reason, none of the Remnans present were volunteering.
Back in Mor Ardain, Yang had dragged Mythra for a private talk. More specifically the Inn's kitchen which Yang managed to get permission to enter.
And Mythra was really annoyed, "Look, it was 5 centuries ago. You can't expect me to remember a failure like that."
"Great." Yang grumbled before a new plan cooked up in her head, "Do you think we could... recreate it?"
Mythra put her hands on her hips as she looked up at the taller blonde, "Yang, even if I felt like trying, that thing was the result of burning hate and a desire of seeing him suffer. And we both know how that ended up."
Yang chuckled, "And they say the secret ingredient is love." But then Yang adopted a more serious look," Jokes aside, I need to do this."
Now Mythra crossed her arms, "Why? Why would you go out of your way to be that nice to him?"
"That's my business." Yang said simply, before adopting an evil smile, "Besides, I could use this as leverage in the future."
Mythra was a little creeped out by an evil glint in Yang's eyes. Come to think of it...the blonde Aegis remembered how Dragunov was with her because of that stuff. And that made her have evil thoughts about Yang walking Dragunov on a leash like a pet. "Okay I'll help, but I can't promise you the exact same stuff as last time."
"Good enough for me." Yang snickered and the two started brainstorming.
In the room of RBY, Pyra had just entered it with Rex. To the red-haired Aegis' relief, Ruby was there. "Hey Ruby, how good is Yang with cooking?" Pyra asked without even saying 'hello'.
"Huh?" Ruby asked, holding two core chips she had managed to purchase. The prices on these things were increasing due to Tantal lowering the production and nobody else knew how to make these.
"Please, it's about life and death." Rex said quickly, having been subjected to Mythra's cooking when Pyra wasn't nearby.
"Yang's pretty good at cooking." Ruby said with a confused look, "But she's not very good at baking."
"Really?" Rex asked with a skeptical look, "Yang doesn't look like someone who would cook."
"Dad wasn't always able to make food for us," Ruby explained, "So Yang took it upon herself to learn how just so we wouldn't starve." Ruby then moved closer to Rex and Pyra before lowering her voice, "Just between us, Dad's still better."
"Phew." Rex and Pyra sighed in relief.
"What's wrong?" asked Roze who Ruby was thinking of which Core Chip to put on.
"Well, Yang asked to borrow Mythra for a while and we saw them going to the kitchen." Rex explained.
Ruby stared at the two for a while before laughing, "What you think Yang's gonna ask cooking tips from Mythra?"
"...Maybe." Pyra said, now looking a little embarrassed.
Ruby laughed harder, having to lean on Roze for support.
Roze also shook his head in amusement, "Pyra, I think Yang has enough common sense to know what cooking tips to accept and what to dismiss."
For some reason, Pyra seemed to find the floor very interesting at that moment.
"So umm... Where's Blake?" Rex then asked in an attempt to save himself and Pyra from further embarrassment.
"Oh, Blake is seeing if she could find Perceval." Roze said simply.
"Does she have some clue to where he is?" Pyra asked.
"No. She only said that she had to stop him." Roze said.
Pyra and Rex shared a look. "Stop him from what?" Pyra asked.
Roze shrugged in response as Ruby finally stopped laughing. "Your guess is as good as mine." Roze admitted.
Ruby also began to look more serious, "Uncle Qrow went to check that Blake doesn't do anything stupid. Whatever he meant."
"Considering Blake's paranoia, I think she does need a babysitter." Roze said before smacking himself on the forehead, "And I just remembered that I was talking about Nox's Driver."
"Yeah." Ruby said with a small smile. She had to have faith in Nox to keep Blake safe when the situation calls for it. Then again, this is the Blade who checked Beacon's pantry for poisoned food on his first day with them. So maybe Ruby's worries are unfounded.
In Alba Cavanich, Dragunov had found a jewelry store and he was looking at the various rings, pendants, and other pretty trinkets. Or more specifically the ones that had gems inlaid into them. Even without having a Keen Eye, Dragunov could tell with hard enough look that some gems are higher quality than others, which was reflected on the price. He glanced at a ruby that was inlaid into a pendant in the shape of a flower. Dragunov chuckled briefly as a funny thought crossed his mind.
"A ruby rose for Ruby Rose." Dragunov laughed at his joke he made up on the spot. But then he started to really think about it. "Hmm... Making the ruby isn't the problem but getting it into the shape of a rose...". The dragon Blade's thoughts about making a ruby rose drifted to the look on the similarly named girl's face upon receiving it. Still, while the process of making the needed gem is simple enough for him, shaping it into a rose is a completely different matter. It would be easy if he could simply make one in that shape, but his ability isn't that convenient. Putting that thought aside for now, Dragunov's eyes then fell upon a dark banded ring with a familiar stone inlaid into it. "Is that...?" Dragunov muttered as he looked closer at the dark purple gem embedded on the ring.
"Excuse me, sir. Can I help you?" Dragunov turned his attention to the person who called to him. Judging by the fine clothes and neatly trimmed hair and moustache, this must be a store clerk.
"Yes, could you tell me where you came by the gem on this ring?" Dragunov asked as he pointed to the dark ring with the gem on it.
The clerk looked to the ring in question," Oh, that? Do not let the gem's size or color fool you, this one is very high-quality product. Since the tensions between Uraya and Mor Ardain have eased, we have been able purchase gems that haven't been available on our Titan. That one has been very popular among nobles who prefer darker colors."
Dragunov nodded along with the explanation. That confirmed it, this gem was one of his products. Then again, he shouldn't be surprised that the gems he made have been turned into jewelry, let alone found their way in jewelry stores. Speaking of which, "Are there any other interesting gems? Such as one with rainbow colors? Or a pink one with green swirls inside of it?"
"Those are some specific requests, sir. Have you seen them before?" the clerk asked looking curious.
"Yeah, I'm the one who sold some back in Uraya a while ago." Dragunov said with a proud look. Of course, he wasn't going to say that he made them. That would cause problems he didn't want to deal with.
"Is that so?" the clerk's jovial smile returned, "Well then, if you would look at those earrings over there." The clerk motioned towards a wall with an assortment of earrings. It didn't take Dragunov long to find ones with rainbow stones in them.
"Yes... I remember those." Dragunov said in deep thought, tail swishing idly as he did. Those ones were made of Tricolor Rocks. Honestly when he first tried it, he didn't expect the colors to mix into a rainbow. But the result wasn't pretty until he sprinkled in some Dragon Incense that Agate gifted him... Speaking of gifts, Dragunov hasn't seen Blake turn that one gem she kept into anything yet. Then again, with everything that had happened after she got it, it wouldn't be surprising if she simply forgot about it. Pushing that thought into the back of his head, Dragunov then turned to look at necklaces, hoping to spot a familiar looking gem. It didn't take long until he noticed one with silvery chain and a pink gem with green lines inside of it. With jewelry like this, Dragunov couldn't help thinking about making gems as a job and selling them to jewelers... But that thought was squashed at the memory of Yang's "money eyes". Besides, mass production sucks all the fun out of Gemcrafting. "They make some good jewelry." Dragunov commented on his products.
"Indeed." The clerk said before having a dreamy look, "They're not Dragunites, but they are beautiful."
"You know about the Dragunites?" Dragunov perked up.
The clerk let out a chuckle, "Sir, every jeweller, gemologist and mineralogist worth their salt knows about those legendary gems. Eight beautiful diamonds, each representing the color of an element that Blades can control. And if you look into them close enough, you can see the very elements swirling inside of them. Serene waters, raging winds, radiant light..." The clerk stopped himself with a clear of a throat, "Apologies. I seem to have gone off topic."
"No no. Do go on." Dragunov encouraged eagerly. Even though he knew that these gems were created by his past selves, Dragunov still couldn't resist getting his ego stroked about his masterpieces.
"Well, if you insist." The clerk seemed happy to hear that, "As I said, if you peer into each Dragunite, supposedly, you can feel the element that each of them have been named after. And that is when they are in their uncut form, imagine what kind of jewellry they would make if you cut them." And now the clerk was practically drooling.
"Over my dead body!" Dragunov roared without thinking, scaring the poor clerk. "I'm sorry, I should go." Dragunov then said quickly before leaving the store before the clerk figures out anything. Sure, without his name, there is practically zero chance of the clerk realizing who he was talking to, but Dragunov didn't want to take chances. He really shouldn't have gotten so angry, but the thought of those gems being cut... Despite having seen only Water and Fire Dragunites, Dragunov was sure that the other six would also be masterpieces. Besides, the clerk wasn't wrong about seeing the elements they represent inside of them. Of course, they don't literally contain the said elements, but rather gazing into them makes you think of the corresponding element. And this effect comes with them being uncut. Cutting these gems, risks losing their effect, which would destroy his masterpieces. Dragunov stopped at the realization that someone might have cut the other six gems and ruined their beauty. "No...Nonononononono." Dragunov repeated frantically as he was beginning to hyperventilate at the terrifying thought. If that had happened, Dragunov had no idea if one lifetime was enough for him to figure out how to make new ones. Thauron's journal at least said that creating the Water Dragunite alone took years of trial and error.
"Ow! Watch it, you git!" Was the noise that woke up Dragunov who hadn't realized he hadn't stopped moving.
"My lady! Are you alright?" Asked Dromarch who was now looking to check on Nia. The Flesh Eater was in her Driver form and was getting up while trying to murder Dragunov with her eyes.
"I'm fine, but this huge bloody idiot should watch where he's going." Nia commented while swiping dust off her jumpsuit, "Is Yang dying or something for you to run like that?"
"Nice to see you too, Nia." Dragunov replied dryly, forgetting his terrifying thoughts, "What brings you to Mor Ardain?"
"This guy, actually," Nia said while pointing to Dagas who looked on impassively, "He wanted to find his kingdom, so...I decided to help." At the last part, Nia looked like she had regrets.
Dragunov snorted at this, "How did he convince you?"
"...He was going to do this with or without me, and I didn't dare to let him go on his own." Nia said while giving the Royal Blade a dry look.
"It is unbecoming of me to not remember my kingdom. I owe it to my former subjects to remember that much," Dagas said, earning a half-lidded stare from Dragunov.
"...So, how was he a king again?" Dragunov decided to ask.
"...He claims to have chosen to become a Blade so he could rule his kingdom forever," Nia commented, earning a blank stare from the dragon. "I'm not joking." Nia sighed.
"...He was with us when we met Klaus, right?" Dragunov said while looking at Dagas like the royal Blade was crazy.
"Yes, but he lives in his own little world," Nia commented.
"And you should feel honored to share it with me." Dagas chimed in.
"Dagas could give Joana a run for her money," Dragunov then said before returning his attention to Nia, "So what are you doing here then?"
"Sir Dagas wishes to search for information about ancient Kingdoms. Already we have checked for Uraya and Gormott. And now we are here." Dromarch explained, "But what about you, Sir Dragunov. What brings you to Mor Ardain?"
"It's a long story, involving rogue Blades, scammers and my Driver having a baby," Dragunov said with a blank expression. Perfectly masking his internal snickering.
"EH?!" Nia let out with a shocked look at the last part.
"What?!" Dromarch also let out.
"Hmph, so the harlot's lifestyle caught up to her," Dagas said with a scowl.
Dragunov's face hardened at Dagas, "Call my Driver a harlot again, and you will find my fist so far up your ass, you will be coughing punches to your ugly face." Although he spoke calmly, Dragunov's cracks gave his red-hot anger away.
Both Nia and Dromarch looked disturbed at Dragunov's threat. "So uhh... I suppose congratulations are in order?" Dromarch managed to say unsurely in an attempt to stop a fight between the two fire Blades.
"Nah, Yang gave the babypon back to the parents," Dragunov said, fighting against his face muscles that wanted to curve the corners of his lips upwards.
"Wait, what?" Now Nia was confused. As was Dromarch.
"Okay, few days ago Yang found a baby Nopon which she then took care of until we found the parents," Dragunov finally relented with a chuckle.
"Oh...okay?" Nia still looked confused.
"Need I remind you, my retainers, that we are on a mission." Dagas cut in sharply, "We have no time to hear about a pregnant courtesan."
Dragunov's jaw dropped at that. Didn't this guy hear a word he said?
"Right, right," Nia said pinching the bridge of her nose. "Let's just get this over with, before something else happens." After saying that, Nia, Dromarch and Dagas moved on the street. Dragunov shrugged before following. "Why are you following us?" Nia asked the dragon whose footsteps were easy to hear.
"Because I've nothing better to do," Dragunov said simply. Although he did hope they wouldn't move past that jewelry store again, but he wasn't going to voice that.
It didn't take long until they found the bookstore named Haskefell Books. Dagas immediately asked about books that tell about ancient Kingdoms. The clerk immediately showed a book called Mystery Continents. Once Nia had paid the gold, the royal Blade immediately began skimming through the book with great interest.
"Well? Find anything useful?" Dragunov asked as Dagas turned another page.
"...Hmm... This could be useful." Dagas mused as he eyed the book more keenly.
"What's it about?" Nia was also getting curious.
"I believe we should go to an inn to strategize our next move." Dagas said before closing the book.
"Oh come on! We have come all the way here. Don't you think I deserve to know where you are going to drag me next?" Nia complained.
"You would do well in exercising some patience, if you wish to stay as my retainer," Dagas said as he already walked off.
"My lady." Dromarch said in concern as Nia grit her teeth while hissing. Judging by the reaction, it seemed like Nia had already been plenty patient. Nevertheless, Nia followed delusional Blade who is incapable of reason.
Dragunov could only imagine Dagas dragging Nia all over Alrest on this insane quest. Honestly the dragon was surprised Nia hasn't tried to claw Dagas' face yet. "Why not see where it goes." Dragunov thought as he followed the very angry Flesh Eater and her Blades.
Since the inn that Dagas chose happened to be Spefan Inn, Nia of course ran into everyone else. Nia exchanged notes with everyone else, while Dragunov was giving a suspicious look to Yang who looked back at him like she was saying, "Just you wait."
"So we got some bloody git trying to pit Mor Ardain and Uraya against each other. And the Blades who used to be with the twins' big brother is with them. Does that cover everything?" Nia went over.
"Yes, except Nox has gone off somewhere." Blake, who had returned replied with a downcast look.
"Maybe Uncle Qrow will come back with something." Ruby said, seeing as their uncle hadn't returned yet.
"Speaking of your Blades do you have any idea why Perceval's doing this?" Nia then asked, "I mean, not that I disagree with what he wants to do, but I have a hard time imagining that guy doing this out of the goodness of his heart."
"That's just it." Blake said, looking very anxious, "I don't understand what he's thinking."
"Blake, seriously, what's wrong?" Yang asked, now looking worried. Blake hasn't gotten better over Perceval running off on them. "If anyone can find Perceval, it's Nox."
"I know, but... I just worry." Blake said," Not just about Perceval, but Nox too. I kind of fear that if Nox can't find him then he won't dare to come back."
"You wouldn't be mad at him, right?" Ruby asked.
Blake gave the red reaper a look, "Of course not. But Nox is afraid of disappointing me."
"Did you tell your servant to return?" Dagas suddenly asked, sitting on his throne that appears whenever he wants to sit.
"What?"
"Did you give your servant any indication that you would want him to return? With or without the runaway." Dagas clarified.
"...No, I only told him to be careful." Blake said.
"...That should at least deter him from doing anything that could risk his well-being," Dagas then said resting his cheek against his fist.
"Anyway, I don't think we can do much before Mòrag and Team JNPR come back." Ruby then said.
"Guess we got some time to kill," Yang said before unsubtly winking at Mythra.
"Don't do that." Mythra said as Dragunov stared between them.
Then Dragunov had a brilliant idea, "Oh, Yang, I didn't take you for a homewrecker."
"Drag, don't you dare." Yang said without missing a beat.
"What?" Rex and Pyra said in unison.
Dragunov gave an evil smirk with his pupils narrowed into tiny slits, "It seems that my blondie is trying to steal Rex's blon-" "Dragunov," Mythra growled, brandishing her Aegis sword threateningly. "Pfft. Killjoy." Dragunov scoffed but backed down.
Ruby, Rex and Pyra let out a collective sigh of relief. None of them felt like paying for damages these two could cause if they started a fight.
AN: Whelp here we go! Turns out Oscar's and Herald's bond is disrupting the soul fusion of Ozpin and Oscar. Sadly this means that they would need a human maiden for further experiments. As for Herald's reaction, I think any Blade would panic if they perceived their Drivers dying. Lastly, Perceval is still AWOL.