I think it's time I introduce all of you to Hanzo and the mysterious figure who threw those knives at the Albain twins. They aren't RWBY characters, but they are some of the greatest warriors I know of from several video games, one of whom has an iconic line that we all know. Plus, it will be a good chance to show off Blake's new outfit I have planned for her to wear. It revolves around her fighting style.
But first, in the voice of a certain feline character that constantly gets outwitted by a certain mouse, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Damn it! I had four shots recently, one was for the booster of the Covid Vaccine and the other three were on my hand because I had an abscess in one of my fingers and it also hurt when the docs pulled out that sack of puss and quiet a bit of blood came out.
I've seen worse, but they hurt a lot and it is not something you want to get, along with an ingrown toenail. Trust me on this.
Alright, let's get onto the reviews.
Spartan-626: Thanks and I really try to avoid the dark stuff. But if you want to see what I consider to be two of the darkest anime's I've seen, watch Goblin Slayer and Overlord. Those are pretty dark.
Silverfox3456: It will indeed be a battle of good vs evil when it comes time for the Battle of Haven. The reunion between those two teams and the clones will be something worth looking forward to, plus I might even have Waxer and Boil show up when it comes time to face the newest Grimm I have come up with. Hope you are a fan of Starship Troopers and Halo. Cinder may be a true Sith Lord, like Maul and Vader, but she will die like all the rest, especially after what she's done.
Jack Smith1: I'm still trying to figure out if I plan on bringing Able-1707 into this story. Maybe I might make it so that he and his unit crashed on Remnant, on a certain continent that's full of snow, but I am still trying to figure it out.
SunPhoenix90: Ruby will mind that temper of hers, but you are right about Leo hiding something, as we all know and hate.
Luffy L Deathwalker: Battle Meditation, huh? I suppose that could work for Kara's semblance. Just need to figure out how I can tweak it. If you have any ideas, please send them my way so I can keep it in mind.
54godamora: Techno-path? Interesting. But Joan absorbing fire and using it to reenergize her Aura, that sounds awesome. Gamera is from the Godzilla series, right? Sorry, but it's been a long time since I watched those movies. As for Trigger, he doesn't have a semblance since he's mostly a pilot and Mando. So, I really need some help on that.
Monster King: Thanks.
Alright onto the story.
Only one song this chapter, 'Ignite' the first opening of Sword Art Online Season 2.
Disclaimers are the same as always, please enjoy.
Chapter 67: A Necessary Sacrifice.
Hours after Ghira's speech
The light of the shattered moon began to overtake the sun as Ghira, Kali, Sun, Blake, Fives, Jesse and Rose stood in the living room as Sienna, Zett, Katooni, Gungi and Gregor eyed the former leader of the White Fang, who was still glad in her Mandalorian armor. "Ghira." Sienna began.
"Sienna." Ghira responded.
"We've had a long and complicated history and I've done many terrible things in the past but allow me to make up for this one. I know it's hard for you to believe me, but I give you my word I have not come to fight, I have come here to make amends." Sienna began, putting her helmet on the table, followed by her old chain whip. "You once told me that violence was never going to give us the results we wanted and would only justify the human's hatred for our kind, but I didn't listen to you. I was a fool into thinking my way would work, but I was wrong, and it cost us…" she paused at the thought of Ray's father. "It cost us someone who saw that we were not the mindless animals that people see us as and it hurt the relationship I established with Three Strikes. I once called you and your wife cowards, but I was wrong. You were braver than I could ever be. You knew what lines not to cross when I didn't and because of me, Adam has gone out of control, despite all my attempts to keep him under control." She went on.
Everyone listened and watched as Sienna got to her knees and held her head down. "I will take full responsibility for the actions that Adam has done and will except whatever punishment you see fit. All that I ask of you is that you spare the Gelb Team and my companions from the same fate. I beg you." She finished.
Everyone watched as Ghira picked up Sienna's helmet and studied it for a few minutes before he glared at Sienna, but not in hatred. "Sienna. You and I often clashed about our ideals and the direction to take the White Fang. And both of us agree that my stepping down from the position of High Leader was a mistake that both of us regret, but I never once thought you would go down the path of vengeance, unlike Adam. I respected the fact that you were against a war with humanity and would even risk your own life to stop Adam's plans and support the efforts of the Jedi and clones, that has also earned my respect. Punishing you will not change the past and you are not to blame for Adam's actions." Ghira spoke.
Sienna looked to Ghira before the large man continued to speak. "Please rise. Sienna Khan, you are hereby under the protection of the Belladonna family during your stay in Menagerie. My home is yours for as long as you like. It is the least I can do to thank you for saving my daughter at Beacon." He spoke, handing Sienna her helmet. "Your companions are also more than welcome to stay. I do believe the Wookie may be able to assist us in a matter regarding our plan to defend Haven Academy. That is, if he doesn't object." He said, turning to Gungi.
Gungi howled which Katooni translated as a yes.
"Thank you, Ghira. I owe you a debt that I can never repay." Sienna thanked, taking her helmet back before she turned to Blake. "Blake, it saddened me when you left the White Fang, but I am grateful that you have stayed true to your beliefs. I would be honored if we could spar sometime."
"I think that can be arranged." Blake agreed.
"Sooo, everyone's cool with having the ex-leader of the White Fang here with us?" Sun questioned. "Look, I get it that you want a second chance and all that, but what's to say that this isn't one of your tricks? I mean for all we know; Sienna here could actually be another Faunus with a semblance that makes her look like Sienna and the real one is already dead." He stated, getting a lot of looks sent in his direction. "Look, I'm being honest here."
"Mr. Wukong is right to be cautious, but I can assure you that the Sienna standing in front of you is the real deal. I can sense no ill intentions or thoughts of malice from her. What she said was the truth, her words came from her heart." Katooni assured them. "I should know, Gungi and I have been her bodyguards for five years when she became High Leader."
"That's good enough for me." Ghira stated. "I've learned to trust others and when it comes to the words of a Jedi, I trust them without a doubt." He added.
"If my husband trusts the Jedi, then so do I." Kali said in agreement. With that the meeting was adjourned and the group decided to turn in for the night. Except for Sienna and Blake, who stared at each other for some time.
"I think now would be the right time for you go visit your old master, Blake. When I last spoke to him, he told me he had one final lesson to teach you. A lesson that you never learned and need to learn." Sienna told Blake before heading to the quarters Ghira and Kali had provided for her, leaving Blake with a lot to think about.
Present Day
The morning sky rose over Menagerie as Blake and Sun walked down the steps of the Belladonna Family Home, both of them holding a Scroll. Following them was Rose and Zett who were also holding a Scroll of their own. "Okay. Are you guys ready?" Blake asked, turning around to face the other three.
"I beat up on giant monsters, soldiers from another galaxy and robots more than once. I think I can handle getting a few signatures. Though, I'm not so sure about Rose and Zett, I mean don't get me wrong, you guys are great, but I don't think a lot of the people are going to want to listen to a couple of humans. No offense." Sun answered and stated.
"None taken." Rose said, tipping her hat at Sun's words. "I'm pretty sure there are some Faunus on the island that will at the very least hear us out and despise the White Fang as much as the next person."
Blake gave a small smile towards the three before they all headed into the town, trying to get signatures.
"Your chieftain needs you! Your people need you! Please, join the fight and help us save Haven Academy!" Blake shouted from a top a crate, only for the people who listened to them to stare back at her.
Sun wasn't having any luck either. A ram Faunus named Mata was almost about to join when his mother pulled him inside, worried for the safety of her son.
For the rest of the day, the four of them failed to gather signatures from any of the Faunus on the island, despite a few of them hearing what they had to say. Though a few Faunus who knew about the White Fang's violent methods and brutality did join up, especially since they witnessed what Zett did the day they arrived on the island, but that hardly mattered with more and more Faunus refusing to even hear them out.
Finally, the group gave up and took a seat at a nearby fruit stand, who's owner held no bias to humans, especially when he noticed the lightsaber on Zett's belt. "I don't get it! How can they just sit around and do nothing with the White Fang getting ready to attack?!" Sun shouted, slamming his coconut cup down on the table.
"Because not everyone is like you and me. The Faunus here in Menagerie – the ones that weren't born on the island – moved here because they were tired of fighting, of having to struggle constantly. Menagerie is filled with people that just want to be left alone, and here we are, asking to put the whole world before themselves." Blake answered with a scoff.
"I guess I never really thought of it like that." Sun realized.
"People always seem to view a problem that is far away as none of their concern." Zett began, looking at the contents in his own cup. "A far-off conflict, crisis or unrest on a faraway continent or even another planet doesn't concern them, unless it benefits them. If we were in Atlas, no one would even lift a finger to assist Haven, then again I'm sure that Ironwood would tackle the situation head-on like he is known for." He continued.
"Did this happen during the war?" Rose asked, taking a swig of her own drink as it if were an adult beverage.
"It did, even before the war. Mandalore was one such planet. The conflicts between New Mandalorian's and those who valued the old warrior ways were such conflicts that the senate viewed as none of their concern. At least, until Death Watch allied with the Separatists and rumors that the former ruler, Satine Kryze was planning to build an army to fight the Republic. Thankfully, the Republic went as far as to occupy Mandalore, but the civil war that followed after Satine's murder was 'a clash between barbarians' as a certain senator once said. Though the conflict didn't affect the galaxy as a whole, it did effect the various sectors of Mandalorian space, whether they wanted it or not." He continued.
"Zett's right. The problem is, whatever happens at Haven is going to affect them whether they like it or not. If Adam gets his way and Haven falls, it's only going to make things worse for the Faunus. Everywhere." Blake said in agreement.
"Seems to me that this Adam hombre is willing to start a war against us humans because of his own past experiences with humans. The SDC and a lot of other companies on the planet that mistreated folks like Blake and her family, their actions caused this mess." Rose added.
Sun then decided to ask something he was curious about for some time. "Adam… He's the guy you used to… work with?"
"Yes." Blake answered with a sigh.
"Sorry, forget I brought it up." Sun quickly apologized the moment he noticed Blake's discomfort about the mention of her past with Adam.
"No, it's okay." Blake assured him before she was silent for a moment. "Have any of you ever met someone and thought to yourself, 'They are the personification of this word'." She asked them.
"Uh?" Sun began, rubbing the back of his head.
"What do you mean?" Zett asked.
"Okay, well, I remember getting to know Ruby and thinking, 'This girl is the embodiment of 'purity'. After I while, I saw Weiss was 'defiance'. And Yang was 'strength.'" Blake began. "Arthur was 'honor', March was 'crazy', and Rose was 'courage.'" She continued.
"What am I?" Sun inquired.
"Jury's still out on that one, but I'm leaning towards 'earnest'." Blake answered with a smile. Hearing this, Sun wrapped his tail around his cup and took a sip from it, before leaning on his hand affectionately, making Blake giggle and smile for a bit before frowning as she continued her statement. "At first, I thought Adam was 'justice', then I thought he was 'passion'. But over time, I realized I was wrong. He wasn't any of those things. He was 'spite'. Not 'hatred', not 'rage', 'spite'. He won't accept equality, only suffering for what he feels the world did to him, and his way of thinking is dangerously contagious. That's what worries me about Ilia. She's not like Adam, not yet at least, but I don't know how long that will last."
"She was your friend?" Sun asked.
"She was. Her chameleon traits meant she could pass as a human. She could've lived a normal life if she wanted, but she didn't. I always admired that. She lost her family in a mining accident when she was young, then joined the White Fang. Like me, she was more or less trained on the road alongside other Faunus. She learned to survive, to defend herself, but as Adam started to gain a following, she became more dangerous. I guess I did too. My parents tried to get me to leave with them, but I refused. I had Adam and Ilia, after all." She answered.
"You know we're gonna have to face her eventually." Rose reminded. "Hope you got a plan to deal with her when that time comes."
"I know, that's why I'm going to try and help her the way you helped me." She said to Sun, who was surprised, just as Zett and Rose were. "You showed me that sometimes you need to be there for a friend even when they don't want you to be. I was drowning in guilt and fear, I tried to push you away, but you didn't give up on me. And I can't give up on Ilia. It's about time I saved my friends for once." She said with determination, something that Sun smiled at. "But first, there's something I have to do first."
She got up from her seat and headed off in a direction away from the town. "Wait! Blake, your home's the other way. You could be walking into a White Fang trap for all we know!" Sun argued.
"We're not. In fact, the White Fang doesn't even know about this place. Well, those who don't know him like I do." Blake answered, before she turned and walked down a wooded path littered with stone lanterns that weren't lit. As they continued further down the path, they didn't notice the same figure from the day of the announcement was following them from the treetop, their eyes focused on Blake.
Blake, Zett, Sun and Rose continued down the path, crossing over a small wooden bridge of Mistral origin before they arrived at a small building which was also of Mistral origin. The building itself was white with a slanted black shingled roof and brown boards running along the sides. Outside the home was a pond with a flower garden that Blake knew all too well, letting a small tear fall from her eyes. "So, what is this place?" Sun asked.
Before Blake could answer, a set of throwing knives was thrown directly ahead of them causing the group, save Blake to pull out their weapons as the knife thrower landed on the ground. The thrower was a male with light green eyes wearing a tight-fitting black sleeveless jumpsuit with mirror padding and straps towards the sides, black and silver arm and shin-guards covering their black fingerless elbow-length gloves, a black balaclava obscured their face while a silver forehead protector bearing the design of a dragon/falcon rested on their head, obscuring their hair, with a long black flowing scarf was wrapped around their neck and black knee-high split toed boots. Strapped on their back was a katana. "I thought you said the White Fang didn't know about this place!" Sun exclaimed.
"They don't. Besides, the White Fang wouldn't allow a human into their ranks, especially with Adam in charge now." Blake answered and bowed to the mysterious figure. "We take this inside. I don't want to ruin the garden."
The mysterious figure nodded in agreement and picked up their knives before leading Blake and her group inside the dojo. "I never thought you would return, after all this time. Have you come to finally make up for your shameful disgrace?" the mystery person asked.
"I'm only here to see the master. Where is he?" Blake answered.
"He's paying respects to his family. You of all people should know that its that time when his family was taken from him." The figure answered back before they drew their katana. "If you want to see the master, you'll have to go through me first. Of course, you could always run like you did last time."
"I'm through running away and if that's what it takes to see him, then I'll fight you, alone." Blake replied, drawing her own weapon and readied herself for battle.
"Blake, you can't…" Sun tried to protest before Zett put a hand on his shoulder and shock his head. "Alright fine, but you better not die."
"I'm not going to die, and I am through running." Blake said with determination as the sound of a jet engine echoed from outside and the mysterious man dashed towards Blake with his katana drawn.
(Ignite starts)
Blake was quick to raise her sword, blocking the attacker's sword but the momentum sent her flying into one of the dojo's walls, leaving her wide open. Quickly, she used her semblance and some lighting Dust to create a lighting clone that took the hit and shocked her opponent long enough for her to get an attack of her own in.
The blow caused her opponents aura to flicker from the hit. "Seems that Adam has taught you the swordsmanship of a coward. Attacking an opponent from behind is dishonorable." The man stated.
"Adam attacks people from behind who can't defend themselves. I fought with honor and have never killed unless it was in self-defense. Especially when it comes to the likes of the Empire." Blake shouted back.
"You refer to the ones who worked with the White Fang to attack Beacon? I know very little about them, other than they appeared without warning and posse far superior technology than that of the Atlas military or even the Vale military. Are you saying that you've fought them before?" The stranger asked, throwing several knives at Blake who dodged with another clone of hers, this one made of ice dust.
"I've fought them more times than anyone from Atlas has. I've seen what they are capable of, what they will do. They are pure evil, just like Adam and the ones who were behind the Fall of Beacon." Blake answered, firing a few shots from her swords pistol mode which her opponent deflected with their sword before leaping to one of the walls, kicked off and attacked Blake with a strong series of slashes.
"That's got to be an eleven-hit combo or something like that from one of those games March plays." Rose commented, ducking to avoid one of the shots the man deflected. "Hey, watch the hat!" she shouted.
"Think maybe we should take a step back?" Sun asked.
"Perhaps it would be the best course of action." Zett agreed, taking several steps back. "I believe that this is a test for Blake, and it would be wise for us not to interfere." He added, looking on as Blake and her opponent clashed blades once again.
To the surprise of everyone, including Blake her opponent's body was surrounded by fire that enhanced their physical strength as well as turning their blade into an actual fire sword. "You unlocked your semblance?" Blake asked in surprise.
"I never once stopped training with the master when you left to join Adam's crusade for war." The flame infused warrior answered, dashing towards Blake with their blazing sword which when clashed with Blakes own sword, sending out a wave of flames that slammed into her and sent her slamming into the wall. "The same applies to her."
"So, you both have continued your training?" Blake questioned, getting her second wind. "If that's the case, why didn't you stop Adam when you had the chance? You two could have easily stopped his plans before Beacon was attacked, even before he worked with Torchwick and drive a train right through a barrier and released Grimm into Vale!" Blake shouted, raising her sword to block another strike from her opponent.
"We were already gathering information on Adam's plans, but we had no confirmation of his plans in Vale. Even if we did, we would be rushing in blindly without a plan. Such bravado would only result in death, especially with their new allies." The masked man answered, using the hesitation he noticed in Blake to relieve her of her weapon, leaving her completely at his mercy. "If this is the best of your abilities, then you are not ready to take on Adam at Haven and never will be."
"You're wrong!" Blake shouted, rolling towards a rack where several katanas were stored and picked one up. "I'm not finished yet! I will fight Adam, no matter what the odds! I won't let him get away with all this violence! He hurt my friends and took Yang's arm! He has to pay for what he's done, but I will not allow myself to become like him, focused solely on revenge and blaming all humans for the actions of a few!" she declared.
The masked man smiled at Blake's statement and dashed towards Blake with full speed. Blake followed suit and dashed as well, both of them slashing at each other before they stopped behind one another, neither of them moving.
The dead silence that followed was ended when Blake fell to her knee's, exhausted and dropped her sword as she turned around to face her opponent who wasn't exhausted. "I'm done running away… I will face this head on… and never runaway again." She said in between pants.
(End song)
"It appears you have indeed changed from your time at Beacon." The man said, sheathing his sword and offered Blake his hand. "Have you been watching, Master? Sister?" the masked man asked as appearing behind Zett, Sun and Rose were two individuals, both of whom were human.
One of them was a human male with black hair, goatee and brown eyes, in their mid to late thirties. Their clothing consisted of a yellow jumpsuit with metal shoulder pads, shin guards and arm guards. They wore tabi-styled boots on their feet and on their back was a pair of swords.
The second was a human female of nineteen years old with a beautiful and slender, physically fit and petite figure with chestnut brown hair and amber eyes. Her attire consisted of a black leather ninja outfit with long black gloves, black arm and shin guards, black boots, throwing knives tucked away in her pockets, a blue choker necklace, a blue ribbon that held up her hair in a high ponytail and a long blue cape that hid her wakizashi behind her back and a windmill shuriken tucker under her left arm guard.
"I have indeed been watching, young Ryu. Blake's skills have certainly come along way since she joined the White Fang. I am pleased to see that she has not become the same person as Adam has become. She is more like her father than her second teacher ever could be." The man said walking towards Blake and handed her weapon back to her. "Yet it appears that she still has much to learn. Perhaps she would like willing to continue her training?"
"I would be honored, Master Hanzo." Blake answered, bowing to her master.
"Wait? Master?" Sun questioned.
"That's right, you were knocked out by Illia when he came and saved Blake's bacon." Rose remembered. "Though I think proper introductions are in order. I'm…" Rose began before Hanzo cut her off.
"I know who you are, Rose Henry, Sun Wukong and Zett Jukassa. Three of the five individuals that followed Blake after she ran away from Beacon." Hanzo answered. "I always keep tabs on my former students. As for myself: my name is Hanzo Hasashi, of the Hasashi Clan and one of the finest ninja masters on Remnant. These are my students, Ryu and Kasumi Hayabusa, the children of Jo Hayabusa of the Hayabusa Clan and a dear friend." Hanzo introduced with a bow.
"I saw your fight during the Vytal festival, Blake. You have indeed grown in strength." Kasumi told Blake.
"Wait! You mean to tell me your master is the leader of the Hasashi Clan and his two students are of the Hayabusa Clan! Why didn't you tell me?" Sun exclaimed in shock.
"You never asked, Sun. Besides, it's not easy to say that I was trained by a master swordsmen and huntsmen who choose to live on Menagerie with the Faunus." Blake answered.
"Speaking of which, why are you living on Menagerie?" Rose asked. "And come to think of it, I thought the entire Hasashi and Hayabusa clans were wiped out long ago?" Rose questioned.
"Are clans were indeed wiped out, but we are scattered across the continents." Hanzo began, casting a glance to a portrait in the dojo of him and two others who were assumed to be related to him. "Are clans were attacked by the Grimm years ago, but only after we were betrayed."
"Both the Hayabusa and Hasashi clans follow a code of honor; when we fight, we fight not for personal gain or glory. We fight to defend the people of Remnant from the Grimm and those who would oppress those who are weak. We trained the next generations of warriors, warriors who have not unlocked their aura or semblance. Those who have unlocked their semblances and aura's, are trained in the art of the ninja, silent protectors of the night who bring justice upon those who have escaped justice. We do not kill them unless we have no other choice." Ryu added.
"So, you guys are like mercenaries?" Zett inquired.
"In a manner of speaking yes. When the White Fang first became known to the world, both our clans agreed with Ghira to train their members in self-defense only, to protect themselves and never kill. Blake was on such student and was a promising young student. However, that all changed when Ghira stepped down and Sienna Khan took over. At first, we were against Sienna's actions but after their first violent protest and the death of one of their closest supporters, we severed all ties with the White Fang except for Sienna who we kept in constant contact with." Kasumi continued.
"We lived in the forests of Anima, away from the corruption of the Mistral Council and I was once a student at Haven Academy. We lived in peace, but that peace was soon shattered when our home was attacked. The Grimm came out of nowhere and with them were advanced Atlas machines, which we now know to be the battle droids you have fought. We were scattered after that attack while all who resisted were killed, including my wife, Harumi and my son, Satoshi. They knew where we were, and someone betrayed us." Hanzo spoke.
"We lost our trust in the White Fang, but our trust in Ghira was unquestionable. When word reached the shores of Menagerie, he offered us sanctuary despite the anti-human sentiment on the island from the general population. For years, we have continued our training in secret, waiting for the day to reunite our clans and avenge the ones who had fallen because of this betrayal." Ryu added.
"But why save Blake and Sun? I thought you were keeping a low profile?" Rose questioned.
"It is because Ghira asked master Hanzo for help. After what you told him about the White Fang's involvement in the fall of Beacon, we have continued our training and have been preparing to reveal ourselves to the Fennec siblings. They are planning something, and we must be ready for it. While it is true that not many Faunus will want to protect Haven Academy, Blake must complete her training before the attack commences." Kasumi answered.
"I planned on finishing my training when I decided to return here. I'm done running away from my problems. It's time I faced them." Blake said with determination.
"Then we must not delay any further. We shall begin at once, after you've rested of course." Hanzo answered with a smile.
"Hey, Blake." Rose spoke. "You said that eight of us were the personification of this word. But what about Galen?" she asked.
"That's easy. Galen's 'Hope'." Blake answered.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Mistral, Oscar stood in a training room, holding Ozpin's cane in his hands as he pants with exhaustion before he heard a voice entering the room. "You're really getting better, huh?" Ruby said as she, Galen and Rex walked down the stairs into the room. "Are you hungry? It's almost dinnertime."
"Uh, yeah. That sounds good. I was about to call it a night anyway." Oscar answered.
"So, you've never fought before?" Ruby asked.
"Just the occasional small Grimm. Nothing like this, though." Oscar replied.
"Wow. You look like a natural." Ruby said with a giggle.
"It's strange, I have only had this cane for a few weeks, but… I feel like I've had it for a lifetime. Longer, even. I sound like a crazy person." Oscar said to Ruby.
"No, you don't sound crazy." Rex said, his helmet in his hands. "I've got brothers, Null-Class Arc Troopers who shared the same memories as Jango Fett, the man who we're cloned after. They have his memories, his training and all of the skills he acquired through out his life. Even if they had his memories, it didn't make up for the lack of experience. I once told my commander, 'In my book, experience outranks everything.' No amount of training can prepare you for actual combat, just relay on your training and you'll make it through alive." The 501st captain answered. "But training can only take you so far. You've got to learn to be adaptable and come up with other ways to succeed in battle."
"Rex is right." Ruby said in agreement. "At this pace, you'll be combat ready in no time!" Ruby added before a frown came upon her face, thinking about how Penny almost died at Beacon. "Well, see you upstairs."
"How do you handle all of this?" Oscar asked, getting a confused look from all three of them. "I'm… scared." He began as his voice started to crack. "I'm more scared than I've ever been in my life, that I ever thought was possible. I always knew that I wanted to be more than a farmhand, but this? Who would ask for this?" As he spoke, he placed the cane on a weapons rack as tears began to drip from his eyes, sniffling before he kneeled and reached for his backpack, collapsing the staff and putting it into his backpack.
"We all went to Beacon because we wanted to help people. But you're right. None of us asked for this either. We just have to press on and—" Ruby began before Oscar interrupted her.
"How can you be so confident?! People have tried to kill you! The world's about to go to war all over again! How are you okay with any of this?!" Oscar shouted.
"It's not as easy as you think." Galen spoke, reaching for his lightsabers and held them in his hands. "Shortly after I was born, the Jedi order was accused of plotting to take control of the Republic and attempting to assassinate the Chancellor. It was a lie, but by then it was too late. The Jedi were being hunted down by the troops they once called comrades and killed by them or someone far worse." He began. "It may not be the same thing but running away from your problems isn't going to solve anything, especially for those of us who have lost many people we cared for."
Ruby then spoke next. "When Beacon fell, I almost lost two of my friends: Penny Poledina and Pyrrha Nikos. I didn't know them for very long, but that didn't change that fact they are two of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. Pyrrha thought that if there was even the smalled chance of helping someone, then it was a chance worth taking. And because of that, she almost died fighting a battle she knew she couldn't win. And Penny… was almost killed… just to make a statement." Ruby spoke with sadness.
"I'm… sorry." Oscar said.
"I am scared, but not just for me. What happened at Beacon shows that Salem doesn't care if you're standing against her or not. She'll kill anybody, and that scares me most of all. The same is true for the Empire. Pyrrha… Penny… I'd be lying if I said that it didn't hurt, that I didn't think about them every day since we almost lost them, that I didn't wish I had spent more time with them. If it had been me instead, I know they would keep on fighting too, no matter how dangerous it is. So that's what I've chosen to do – to keep on moving forward." Ruby answered.
Oscar walked up next to Ruby, both of them sharing a smile while Ruby wiped the tears coming from her eyes with her arm before Galen spoke next. "C'mon, if we don't hurry, Nora's going to eat everything, and it wouldn't be the first time." He said walking up the stairs while Oscar lingered in the training room for a bit. "Oscar. Nothing in life is going to be easy, especially for me, 'The Demon Lord of The Round Table'. But nothing ever is, though the fact that you're even trying says a lot about the kind of person you are. You're braver than you think." He finished.
Ruby and Rex the proceeded up the stairs after Galen while Oscar watched them before Ozpin spoke to him mentally. "They really are remarkable, aren't they?" he asked Oscar.
"Yeah. They must've been some of the best students at Beacon, huh?" Oscar agreed and asked.
"In some ways, yes. But in many other's… no. Ruby and Galen have their quirks and their faults, just like everyone else. But they also possess something unquantifiable: a spark, that can inspire others even in the darkest times." Ozpin answered with a chuckle.
"This must be really hard on them as well." Oscar noted which Ozpin agreed.
Back on Menagerie, in an ominous looking room, a small device projecting a blue hologram with the text 'Message End' deactivated. The now candlelit room revealed the banners of the White Fang hanging along the walls as Corsac and Fennec stand in front of a painting. "Your thoughts?" Fennec asked his brother.
"Are of no significance. If this is how High Leader Taurus wishes to proceed, then we shall make it so. After all, we do have those machines he sent us." Corsac answered.
"Of course, brother. Still the humans…" Fennec began before a knock on the door interrupted his words. Corsac gave the one at the door permission to enter and entering inside was none other than Ilia herself. "Sister Ilia, thank you for meeting with us." Fennec greeted.
"How may I be of assistance?" Ilia asked, kneeling before Corsac ordered her to stand.
"We have disturbing news. We finally received a message from the Mistral brotherhood: the operation was a partial success Adam Taurus has claimed his place as the High Leader of the White Fang. Unfortunately, Sienna Khan has escaped and what's more it is discovered that she was the informant known as Fulcrum, the same one who wounded brother Adam as Beacon." Fennec explained.
"That's… unfortunate. We won't forget everything she did for us." Ilia said, hiding her relief that Sienna wasn't dead.
"Indeed." Fennec said in agreement before he and his brother bowed to Ilia.
"Your maturity and understanding in regard to this matter is appreciated, and it is why we've summoned you here this evening." Corsac added.
"The White Fang is experiencing… a transitional period." Fennec agreed.
"Growth requires change."
"And change can be painful."
"If it's for the betterment of the Faunus, then… it's a pain we can endure. What's our next move?" Ilia asked.
"Containment. With the CCT towers still inoperable, we have the luxury of control over the flow of information." Corsac began.
"News of Adam's ascension has yet to reach Menagerie, but when it does, the citizens of Kuo Kuana will undoubtedly react poorly now that the chieftain has spoken out against us." His brother added.
"It's my fault the Belladonna's had any ground to stand on." Ilia said with sigh.
However, the Albain brothers had a chance for Ilia to redeem herself. With the Belladonna's being the only threat to Adam's assault on Haven, it was decided that they needed to be silence as they, like Sienna stood in the way of progress. Both brothers assured that many members of the White Fang would be at her side during the operation, but for Ilia her assignment was to capture Blake and deliver her to Adam, alive. The promise that Adam made to Blake at Beacon.
Visibly upset by this order, Ilia was told that the plan was a necessary sacrifice if they were to succeed. After Ilia left the room, both brothers replayed the message that they watched earlier. 'I will not allow them to ruin this! The Belladonna name has brought me nothing but grief! You've done well in finding the deserter. Bring her to me, alive. But not before you've slaughtered her family. I have a promise to keep.'
Once they finished watching the message again, both Albain twins were concerned about Adam's current emotional state. Was he the right person to lead the White Fang now? It was true that Sienna at first wanted to wage a war against humanity, but after their first violent protest she changed and not for the better. But they decided that for the moment, it was what was best for the Faunus.
Once again, a knock on the door was heard and this time, entering the room was a Faunus with bat wings. "Brother Yuma. Did you see to Ghira's messenger?" Corscac asked.
"He rests beneath the waves… along with his warning." Yuma answered.
"Then all is well." Corsac said as he and his brother gave ominous smiles. Neither they nor Yuma knew that Ilia hadn't left them alone and heard everything they had discussed.
"It's time I do what I know is right for the Faunus." She said to herself, her body having blended in with the walls moving before she could be spotted.
And chapter is finished.
First to answer the guest review left by Crimson Blade. I'm still trying to figure out how Galen's teammates will react to Ozpin's revelation, but I think March will be the least surprised about it, since like you said his sister is a Mandalorian and Galen is a Jedi from another galaxy. Thanks for the suggestion.
Now, Hanzo is Scorpion from Mortal Kombat while Ryu and Kasumi are from Ninja Gaiden and Dead Or Alive. I figured I'd bring in some extra characters to be Hanzo's students. Hope you all liked it.
Now, what could Ilia mean by what she said about doing what she knows is right for the Faunus? Could she be planning a betrayal against the Albain twins and Adam? What impact does this have for the story?
Until next time, please read and review.