Hey guys! Finally got this chapter done for you, I know it's been awhile since my last update, but what can you do? I really appreciate all the kind messages and reviews. I love knowing you guys like what I am giving you :) Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
"Speech"
Thoughts
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Trust
"You disobeyed my orders!" Ironwood shouted angrily "I was very clear when I told you no one was to know!"
"That's not fair and you know it" Nora interjected.
"I needed help, and I don't like the idea of keeping secrets from my friends" Penny defended herself.
"She was just doing what she thought was right" Ren added.
"My orders are not suggestions" Ironwood growled "When I tell you to do something, you do it. Then you can tell me your objections"
Weiss stood with Blake and Ruby away from the group, ignoring their argument. She was watching the door, impatiently waiting for news from Dr. Polendina.
"She's going to be alright, Weiss" Blake assured her.
"Blake is right, she's being taken care of by the best doctor in Atlas. She's going to be just fine" Ruby added.
"I know... I just, can't stop worrying. Imagining the worst case..." her gaze shifted down to her feet.
"I did everything I could, Weiss. Stopping the bleeding was the most important thing, and with Slade's blood transfusion-" Jaune was interrupted by Ironwood's fist slamming into the wall.
"That wasn't your decision to make!" he shouted.
"Your orders were to rescue Specialist Schnee and Qrow Branwen along with their team. I followed those orders perfectly, General"
Ironwood sighed "Penny, I know you must've felt conflicted about what I told you to do, but I don't make these decisions because I like them. I make them because they need to be done"
"And we'd just be collateral damage" Qrow growled from his place against the wall.
"Qrow-"
"No, James. I agreed that we should've kept things quiet while we were operating. But when you lost contact with us, you shouldn't have been focused on micromanagement of information, you should've been endorsing Penny's decision to bring the others along"
"And how did that turn out?" Ironwood asked angrily "Tyrian Callows is still out there and we don't have any more leads on him at the moment, capturing him was the only chance we had at finding the identity of their man on the inside. That's not even mentioning the fact that Neopolitan was here, in the academy. She stole my scroll and we still don't even know why. Who knows what else she did while she was here, it's not like we could track her on the cameras. She changed too damn much"
"So it would've been better for the others to have stayed behind and what? Maybe have a chance at catching her? Winter almost died, and all you seem to care about is the fact Penny didn't do what she was told"
"Qrow, please"
"No!" Qrow shouted "The only reason she isn't dead right now is because Penny brought them along, against your orders. Without Jaune and Slade, Winter would've died, and without the others I could've died!"
"And I am glad that didn't happen, but that doesn't excuse her-"
"Gentlemen please! That's enough" Pietro shouted as he entered the room "You can discuss this later, the important thing is keeping Ms. Schnee and Mr. Stroud healthy"
"How are they?" Weiss asked worriedly.
"Your sister is going to be fine" he gave a reassuring smile "The antivenom is in her system and she seems to have already started recovering from the blood loss, no doubt thanks to Mr. Stroud's quick work"
"How is Slade?" Oscar asked.
"See for yourself" Pietro stepped aside letting Yang carry Slade out, his left arm slung around her shoulder.
"I'm alright, Yang just gets me a bit weak in the knees"
"Your not funny" Yang rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to hit him with her free arm.
"All jokes aside, Mr. Stroud. You gave quite a bit of blood to Ms. Schnee. You're going to have to take it easy for the next several days at least while you recover what you lost. No combat missions at least for two weeks, and not unless I have cleared you"
"So I get a small vacation while Qrow watches the kids? Why didn't anybody tell me sooner"
Qrow smirked "Watch it, kiddo. I might just use you as a weapon instead"
"Yang, your uncle is threatening me" Slade mimicked a whining child.
"Keep it up and I might just let him" she smiled playfully.
"You're all a bunch of bullies you know that?"
"Despite how I may feel about your decision to hide your involvement in the rescue mission, Slade. I do appreciate what you did for Winter" Ironwood relented "Next time, just be upfront with me about it"
"I'll agree to that if you will"
"I-" he groaned "I suppose I earned that" he sighed "Pietro, how long do you estimate Winter's recovery will take?"
"At least two days" he answered "Even if she regains consciousness, I wouldn't recommend letting her out of bed until the poison is completely out of her system"
"Knowing her, you're going to have to tie her down for that to happen" he gave a small smile "Keep me updated" he turned to leave.
"Leaving so soon, James?" Qrow asked crossing his arms over his chest in annoyance.
"Much as I would love to stick around and argue this to a proper resolution, Qrow... I have to go explain to the council why one of my Specialists is currently in such a condition... and one of them is her father" he groaned "And unfortunately I only have bad news for them right now, which isn't going to make any of our jobs easier" he turned the rest of the group with a small smile on his face, he asked "I trust you all can make sure Slade keeps out of trouble doing his recovery?"
"You make it sound like I am a petulant child"
"You act like one" Maria chimed in.
"Ow... but fair enough"
"Pietro, once you're done-"
"I'll get on it immediately, Sir" Ironwood nodded in response, making his way down the hall.
"Can I see her?" Weiss asked hopeful.
"Of course, Ms. Schnee" Pietro smiled lightly "Take as long as you need" he added before leaving.
Weiss quickly entered the room and frowned at the sight of her sister. Qrow placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder "She'll be fine, kid. She's a stubborn one" she smiled lightly at the comment.
"Yeah, she is" Weiss took a seat beside the bed followed shortly by Qrow. She quirked an eyebrow at him "What're you doing?"
"Besides keeping you company?" Qrow asked "It's my fault she's in this condition in the first place. Least I can do is make sure she's alright. Besides, I don't need to do any training until tomorrow anyway"
Weiss smiled at him "Thanks, Qrow..." her smile dropped "You shouldn't blame yourself for this, Tyrian is the one responsible. She'd be dead if not for you"
"And we'd both be dead if not for you kids" he shot back with a reassuring smile "Don't worry, I don't plan on wallowing in self pity"
Weiss gave a small laugh "Good"
Cinder stood overlooking the city from her place in her room. The door opened as Neo entered disguised as the girl who owned the apartment. Her appearance shifted back to her own.
"Is it done?"
Neo rolled her eyes.
"I'll take that as a yes" she smiled "Now we'll be able to watch the entire city through the security systems. Good thing Arthur added that backdoor for just such an occasion"
Neo quirked her eyebrow questioningly.
"We're going to use this to keep track of not only Ruby, but Ironwood as well. If he ever mentions who the Maiden is, to anyone. We'll know" she grinned.
Neo nodded in understanding.
"Shouldn't be long now..." Neo moved into her line of view and crossed her arms "What?"
Removing a note pad and pen from her pocket she wrote "Ruby was in my way today, I had the perfect opportunity to end her. Why are we wasting time with this crap instead of taking her out?"
"As much as I want Ruby dead too, killing her would only make things harder for us to discover the Maiden. If you think Ironwood is bad now, just think how bad security would be if a young girl like Ruby was killed on his watch. That's not even mentioning your old partner"
"Slade" Neo clarified.
"You know what happened last time he was hunting someone in Atlas, what do you think he would do if we killed Ruby and then stayed in the city? He'd find us in a matter of hours, and I doubt he'd be as willing to stay his hand if you killed her"
Neo shook her head, knowing she was right "Fine, but I don't like all this time we're wasting"
"I don't either. But right now it's the best way for us to accomplish both of our goals without upsetting Salem. As much as I don't wish to be on the receiving end of Ironwood's wrath, I would take it any day over hers-" Cinder suddenly stopped when she heard knocking from the door, she looked to Neo "You weren't followed were you?"
Neo shook her head, removing the blade from Hush. Looking through the peephole, she found Emerald staring back at her.
"I know you're in there, I'm here to talk" Neo opened the door, holding her blade up as a silent warning "Don't worry, I'm not here to fight" Neo closed the door behind her.
Cinder crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance "Why are you here exactly? Abandoning me in Mistral wasn't good enough?"
"Abandon you?" Emerald asked confused "We thought you were dead, Cinder! By the time I learned you were alive, we were back with Salem. She ordered us not to go find you"
"Why would she do that?" Cinder asked surprised "How did she even know I was alive? And if she did, why didn't she want you to come help me?"
"I really don't know, Cinder. She ordered me to keep watch over you after Watts told her you were in Atlas-"
"Arthur" she growled "How did he learn I was here?"
"Listen, Cinder. That's not important right now, there's something you need to know... Salem ordered me not to let you know I was watching you, but she's been keeping me up to date on her plans. She's sending someone after you, I don't know his intentions... but I think he might try to kill you"
"Who?"
"Chimera"
Salem sat silently in her chair, looking at a sheepish Tyrian a small smile on her face "Why so worried?" she stood from her place "You did precisely as I asked of you, several Huntsmen are dead, Ironwood is sure to become even more paranoid than before and his willingness to trust those around him has lessened thanks to the girl disobeying his orders and the others covering for her" she turned to face him fully as she approached "So why... why do you look as if I am going to be displeased?" she quirked her eyebrow questioningly.
Tyrian took an instinctive step backward "Well... you see... I uh..." he stammered.
"Take a deep breath, and start from the beginning" she said in a deceivingly sweet tone.
He did as he was instructed "When Slade and his friends came to rescue Branwen, I was attacked by... a third party"
Salem's smile receded "Third party?"
Tyrian pulled his shirt up to show a burn mark on his abdomen, she reached her hand out toward it, a faint white glow emanating from her fingertips. Tyrian winced in pain as she made contact, the burn showed no signs of healing as she pulled her hand away.
"You were attacked by a Maiden" Salem looked shocked "The Winter Maiden?" she wondered aloud.
"No, Ma'am" he lowered his shirt to cover it once more with a small wince "Branwen"
"Raven..." she growled "What is she doing in Atlas?"
"I'm not sure, but she attacked me when I was fighting her daughter's friends"
"You saw her? Did they see her too?"
"If they saw her at all, it would've been while she was still a bird. But I chased after her... she didn't take too kindly to that"
"Hence the burn" she sighed "And since I granted you a small amount of my own magic, your injury can't be healed anyway but naturally" she shook her head lightly as she turned away from him "But that still doesn't explain why she is here... she knows I am going after the relics in Atlas..." she tapped her chin thoughtfully.
The glass windows began to shake ever so slightly, Tyrian noticed this and took an instinctive step backward "This doesn't change our plan does it? I mean, we still have-"
"You may go" she didn't turn back to face him.
"Y-yes, of course" he quickly excused himself from the room, leaving Salem alone. She took a deep breath, calming herself "I suppose this changes things" she whipped around to come face to face with a dark black helmet "You" she growled.
He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed "Don't look so moody, now. I have good news" his metallic breathing echoed lightly.
"You've done as I asked then?" she crossed her arms impatiently.
"Of course" he chuckled "Can't say I understand why you need any of this, but as long as I get paid I don't need to anyhow" he removed a scroll from his pocket and tossed it on the table "Each and every item you asked for. Some of them were really hard to find, you know"
"I know" Salem smirked "That's why I hired you" she swiped her hand across the screen of the scroll "Your payment"
"Then we're square" he picked it back up "It's been a pleasure working with you"
"What did you do with the bodies?" she asked.
"Delivered them to the location you gave me. Can't say I liked being there, weird vibes. Messed with all my tech too"
Salem chuckled "Good... I have another job for you"
"So soon?" he asked surprised "You're not ready to move against Atlas just yet are you?"
"Not quite, but the time is fast approaching" she smiled "But I do have something that requires your attention"
"You know I have something personal I need to take care of. It can't wait"
"I assure you, this will not take much of your time. I will allow you to handle the... situation that has arisen within your organization, before I have you handle the job with Ms. Rose" she laughed darkly.
"What's the job then?"
"There's someone I need you to pay a visit to, make sure she understands her place"
"She have a name?"
"Cinder Fall"
Slade groaned in annoyance "Yang"
"No, Slade. You have to take your meds and no drinking!" she swiped his flask away from her.
"C'mon, Yang-"
"No excuses! Doctor's orders"
"Yang, I'm fine-"
"You don't look fine" she shot back.
"Maybe because I have had to go two days without a drink or smoke" he shook his head "Qrow would let me have a drink" he muttered under his breath.
"What was that!?" her eyes flashed red as she slammed her metal hand onto the table.
"N-nothing" he put up his hands defensively "Don't hit the invalid"
"Please" she scoffed "You'll be back to putting me through training drills before the week is out"
Slade sighed popping the two pills into his mouth and chasing them with a glass of water "Happy now?"
"Very" she straightened up with a small smile "Now was that so hard? Slade stuck his tongue out at her childishly.
"He's even worse than you, Maria" Pietro chuckled.
"Hey! I'm a great patient" she argued.
"You hit me on the head with your cane the first four times you needed to see me"
"You deserved it"
"Right..." he stepped toward Yang and Slade "I am glad to see you're feeling better, Mr. Stroud"
"Relatively" Slade chuckled.
"Of course, it's only been a few days. But you already seem revitalized"
"I'd be better if I could have a drink" he snatched his flask back from Yang, she gave a disapproving glare.
"I see you even take a sip out of that thing and you'll wish it was Tyrian who had gotten to you" Yang warned.
"Fine, fine" he stashed it into his coat pocket "Wouldn't want Warden Goldilocks to blow a gasket"
"I know a sense of humor is supposed to be a sign of recovery" Yang turned toward Pietro "But please tell me when I am allowed to beat him again"
"Hey! My jokes are funny dammit!"
"I'd say once he's allowed to dull the pain with alcohol" Pietro answered with a sly smile, Maria snorted.
"Very funny" Yang shook her head.
"Can I assume you're here for a reason, Doctor?" Slade asked curiously.
"Just checking in on you, Mr. Stroud. Specialist Schnee's condition hasn't changed, so I thought I might see how my only conscious patient is doing"
"How's Weiss?" Yang asked, concern clear in her voice.
"She's still not leaving her side, Ms. Xiao Long. Mr. Branwen has been making sure she eats"
"Good. The last thing we need is for her to end up in the same condition as her sister by starving herself"
"I agree. You should find something to occupy your time, Mr. Stroud. I can only imagine your dying for something to do"
"You have no idea" Slade sighed.
"Don't Worry, Pietro. I believe I can keep him occupied" Yang smirked.
"The taskmaster that she is" Slade added, receiving a glare.
"I believe you'd much prefer her to the council James has been forced to deal with these past few days. Jacques in particular"
"Can you blame him?" Maria chimed in "It is his daughter who almost died after all"
"And while I am sure some part of him cares about her wellbeing, I am unconvinced he cares more about her than he does his potential pull with the other councilors"
Yang scoffed "If he cares at all" At that moment the room fell silent as they all noticed Ironwood making his way toward them with Jacques in tow "Speak of the devil"
"I demand to know!" Jacques shouted.
Ironwood turned on his heel, his face dangerously close to Jacques' "You don't get to demand anything of me, Schnee. I have told you all that I am obligated to. Anymore than that is at my discretion"
"I am a member of the Atlas council, and her damned father, James!"
"And while I sympathize with your position, I cannot in good conscience tell you anything more. You know as well as I do that someone is watching our every move. I cannot take unnecessary risks"
"You don't even know who it is" Jacques crossed his arms in annoyance.
"That's precisely why I am compartmentalizing everything. I am trying to narrow down their identity. They've already replaced soldiers inside the city and the academy on separate occasions. They ever got nearly an entire team of Huntsmen killed including your daughter"
"You don't seriously think I had anything to do with that do you?" Schnee asked in disbelief.
"Personally, no. Unfortunately I am responsible for the security of the entire kingdom, Councilor. I can't afford to make decisions based solely on my personal feelings. Everyone is a suspect until proven otherwise"
Jacques looked down the hall at Slade with a glare "Everyone, huh?"
"That's enough" Ironwood growled "If it wasn't for him your daughter would be dead right now, yet all you can do is accuse him. I have heard your concerns on the matter several times now, and I am tired of it" he turned away from him "Now, I am sure we both have more important things to do, Councilor"
"Indeed" he sighed "James" he called stopping Ironwood in his tracks.
"Yes, Jacques?" he turned his head just enough to look at him.
"When you find the bastard who hurt my daughter... you do what you have to" Ironwood gave a faint smile.
"You know I will" Jacques nodded, then turned to leave.
Yang gave a look of surprise "Huh... maybe he cares after all"
"Every parent cares, Yang. Sometimes they're just not very good at showing it" Pietro smiled.
Yang looked away for a moment thinking of her mother.
"Slade, Yang" Ironwood greeted as he entered the room "I am glad to see you're both doing well"
"As well as can be expected" Slade stood up "Did you need something?"
"Not at the moment, no. Just checking in on everyone" he gave a warm smile "Has there been any change?" he turned his head to Pietro.
"No, Sir. It's up to her at the moment. I just hope it's sooner rather than later"
"As do I" he sighed "Slade" he turned back toward him.
"Yes, General?"
"As soon as you're feeling up to it, I have something I want you to do for me"
"What do you need me to do?"
"I want you to tail Schnee, find out what he does from day to day. I want to know without a doubt I can trust him, he can pull strings I can't and if he really is innocent... he's got a stake in this now"
"Two of them, actually" Maria pointed out.
"Exactly"
Slade smiled "I'll get on it first thing tomorrow. Assuming, that's alright with the doctor here" he looked to Pietro.
"You seem well enough today, I think tomorrow will do fine"
"How can I help?" Yang asked.
"Stealth really isn't your thing, Yang" he chuckled, she huffed in annoyance "Not to worry, I believe I have something else you can help me with. This task I believe will suit your strengths a bit more"
It was a cold winter night in Atlas, the moon lit the dense forest below covered in a deep sheet of snow. It was a crescent moon tonight, the wind howling over the mountain running down the center of the forest, a few trees grown from it's base. At the southern end of the mountain was the mouth of a cave, no light inside beyond the natural lighting from the moon.
The faint silhouette of a bird passed through the trees, ascending the mountain and stopping at the mouth of the cave. The bird suddenly transformed midair, a pair of boots smacked against the cave floor, a small amount of water splashing from the puddle they landed in. Raven Branwen stood upright with a deep sigh, with a flick of her hand a small flame soared through the air, stopping once it made contact with a makeshift torch embedded in the wall. The light was faint, but enough for her to see.
Deeper inside the cave was a makeshift bed and a small rock beside it being used like a nightstand. The wall opposite the bed had deep cuts and scorch marks on it, showing clear marks of combat practice. Raven dropped onto the bed, moving into a comfortable position with her back against the wall.
"Those kids are going to get themselves killed" she shook her head with a rueful laugh. Reaching beneath her armor, she removed a small locket, opening it with one hand "I tried to warn you... you're just so damned stubborn" inside the locket was a picture of Raven and the rest of team STRQ on one side, and a picture of her holding a newborn Yang in her arms.
Her eyes flashed to the mouth of the cave, one hand reaching for her blade as she stashed the locket away with the other. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion when she found no one standing there.
I could've sworn I felt someone watching me...
She released her grip on the blade, turning her attention away from the entrance with a shake of her head "Doesn't help I am so on edge-" the torch suddenly blew out. Raven leapt to her feet, drawing Omen from it's scabbard, sporting a white blade. Looking from left to right, she could sense the presence of something but not see them.
"What trickery is this? Do you think me a fool? Come out where I can see you!"
Raven couldn't see anyone even still, but every few seconds she could've swore she could see something moving in the dark.
"Do not think I need my eyes to kill you fools" She growled as she closed her eyes. Raven used her blade to deflect an attack on her right, stepping back as she did to block another on her right. She flipped backward over a strike for her legs. Raising Omen over her head, she moved to strike in front of her, but met resistance as if clashing with another blade. Her Aura shimmered, alerting her to another attacker from behind.
Raven kicked the invisible attacker in front of her backward and twisted around to block the strike, countering with her own. Her ears twitched at the sound of light footsteps, she smashed her elbow into the third attacker sneaking around from her left side, knocking them to the ground. Raven thrust her blade toward the second attacker only to be forced around the bed by the first attacker leaping forward to strike her, the air in the cave only subtly shifting to reveal any movement at all.
Raven expertly deflected or dodged dozens more strikes from the both of them as they forced her back to the mouth of the cave. The third attacker made their way behind her and raised their arms to strike. Raven twisted around blocking the strike, followed by quickly arcing the blade behind her back to deflect the other two attacks. She slammed her heel into the third attacker's chest, throwing them out of the mouth of the cave.
Exiting the cave, Raven continued to block strikes from the other two until the third rejoined the fight. Blocking a final strike from her attackers caused Omen's blade to shatter. She leapt over their heads and transformed into her corvid form, soaring down to the base of the mountain she reverted back to human form, rolling to the landing.
Sheathing Omen, the multicolored part of the scabbard spun for but a moment. Raven removed it once more, sporting a golden blade this time. With her eyes still closed, she could sense her attackers descend the mountain, she was shocked to find they were levitating but nonetheless made contact with the ground as they surrounded her.
"What the hell are you? What do you want?"
Without receiving an answer, she quickly defended herself from their aggressive attacks forcing her backwards. Raven spun on the back of her left heel to keep herself facing her attackers before hopping over an attack for her knees. Midair, she changed to more aggressive tactics and started forcing each attacker one by one to their knees as she slammed her blade down upon their own weapons. Preparing to strike a fatal blow on the one she was facing, she was thrown backward as the other two slammed their heels into her chest. She collided with a tree trunk painfully, Omen being knocked from her hand.
Raven opened her eyes and quickly looked for the blade, reaching for it. Omen was knocked aside just out of her reach. Raven screamed in anguish as a blade pierced her shoulder. The three of her attackers stood before her, yet they remained completely unseen, save for the slight distortion of the space they occupied showing their location.
"Well you have me then... I'm bleeding all over the place... and I assume you know who I really am... what do you plan to do?"
They gave no answer.
Raven scoffed "Fine" she gave a light laugh "Just answer me one thing then... just who are you? And who the hell sent you?" Once again, they gave no answer. She smiled, her eyes becoming enveloped in a deep read aura, signaling the activation of her Maiden Power. Her attackers suddenly became visible as she did this, the three of them were whiter than the snow around them, including the clothes they wore. More disturbing, was how they seemed to shift in and out of existence from second to second. Each of them had matching long black blades in their hands ready to strike the killing blow on Raven.
"RAAAAUUURGHHHH!" Raven screamed as she unleashed a powerful blast of lighting from each hand into her attackers. A loud hissing echoed around them, but none of them made any sound to signify any pain they might've felt. Not long after the blast from her hands stopped, there was an explosion of energy that knocked Raven back through the tree, splintering it around the area. The tree tipped over falling right toward Raven, she used an ice blade to slice right through it, saving herself from being crushed.
Pushing herself to her knees, she found she could no longer feel the presence of her attackers. She did however feel something much darker than anything she'd ever felt before. The ground began to shake as a ooze like substance emerged from the tree stump, it was as black as the Grimm and it spread out several feet around the base of the tree, stopping just in front of her.
"What the hell?" she created a blade of fire in her hand and prepared for what was to come, but nothing could've prepared her for what happened next.
A large four-legged dark purple dragon emerged from the stump, the wood lighting aflame as it did. It was skeletal, with a face like a skull with empty eye sockets as well as two spiraled horns on top. It had a row of bone-like spines that ran the length of his body along with a pair of frayed wings, holes adorning many spots of each of them. The stump submerged into the ooze, the fire vanishing with it. It sat on it's rear, staring down at her.
"I can't say you're what I expected" came his voice.
"Y-y-you... y-you're... you're him" Raven stuttered.
"And you know who I am... very interesting. No one has recognized me on this world... in a very long while. Tell me..." the dragon leaned forward, his face coming closer to hers "How is it you've come to know of me? And how is it you possess the power you do?"
"You're the God Of Darkness, brother to the God Of Light. Ozpin told me about you" she answered not wishing to anger him.
"Curious... very curious" he tilted his head "And my second question?"
"Ozpin gave some of his power to four girls he named Maidens, each coinciding with a season. When one of them perishes, their power passes on to the last person in their thoughts, unless it is a male, then it is a bit more unpredictable" she answered.
"You are the Spring Maiden... and I know you didn't get that power the hard way" he grinned "You've been a naughty, naughty, little bird"
"What I did was a mercy compared to what Salem would've done to her" she growled.
"You won't find many who agree" he scoffed "But I did not come here to debate the morality of your choices"
"Why did you come here? I wasn't aware you even cared about Remnant anymore, after you and your brother abandoned it"
The dragon let out a bellowing laugh "Remnant!? Is that what you call this pitiful world now? How fitting" he smashed his fist into the ground with a laugh "And as to your claim of us abandoning this planet, we left because we had to. Humanity had already shown itself incapable of coexisting with us. Besides, I knew my brother would not give up on your species so easily. Why do you think Humanity continues to exist? Did you think it was because nature was taking it's natural course?" he shook his head.
"Then you're the only one who abandoned us, really" she crossed her arms. The dragon waved his right hand in front of himself, Raven found her wounds had miraculously disappeared.
"I did not abandon my people anymore than my brother, the only difference between us. Is I have let you determine your own fate. My brother is the one who brought a man back from the dead just to throw him into a life of suffering by pitting him against the woman he loved most"
"What?" Raven asked shocked.
"There is much you still do not know, little bird. I can assure you, Salem didn't become the way she is on accident. Nor did the abominations that attacked you"
"What were those things exactly?"
"Spirits of the dead. Tortured souls wrenched from the afterlife and forced to obey their enslaver. They couldn't speak to you anymore than you could see them"
"But I could see them, after I activated my power" she corrected.
"Indeed" he nodded "Your connection to the magic used to force them back into this realm is the reason you were able to perceive them at all. Anybody without your power could've been killed and no one would've ever known how"
"Then why send them after me? Why not someone else?"
"Salem rarely does something without a purpose, little bird. Perhaps she meant it as a test, or perhaps it was a warning. If you survived, it's unlikely it was by accident"
"What about what happened at Haven Academy? Did she accidentally lose then?" Raven asked skeptically.
"Salem has been planning for a long time now. Even when she doesn't succeed, she always has another plan in her back pocket. Losing a battle is not losing a war, and Salem is in this war to win, and win she will"
"You're saying there's no chance at stopping her at all?"
"Young lady, there are but two paths this world can take now... Humanity can inherit this world, or destroy it entirely. Though from what I have seen, I'd say it's more likely to be the latter than the former. Of course, only someone with power like yours can even hope to grasp at the true potential Humanity has at their fingertips" he answered.
"What does that even mean? How can this world not be destroyed if Salem wins? If she doesn't win, will that turn out better for us? How're we supposed to fight her when she can't lose? Help me understand" The dragon gave a horrendous laugh "I take it that means it isn't good news"
"If I told you all the answers to your questions, the futures you and I both desire will not come to pass. You must remain in the dark until the time is right"
"Isn't there anything you can give me? Anything at all? I... I just want to keep my daughter safe from Salem. Tell me how I can do that without us both ending up dead"
"Do you want to know what it takes to do what you ask? Truly?"
"I do... I just want her to be safe"
The dragon grinned, Omen lifted from the ground and floated toward her, stopping just in front of her. The blade in Raven's hand vanished, she took Omen into her hand and sheathed it.
"Fine then, you have made your choice. Seek after the boy who posses a power equal to yours" he gave an ugly grin "Only he has the power to help you"
"Only females can possess the Maiden's power, I told you this already"
"And yet..." The dragon tilted his head "You already know of whom I speak"
"I do?"
"You have met before, and it was not a good meeting I might add"
"Ozpin's new host" she whispered to herself, not wanting him to be right.
"I have seen futures within the boy that I find... curious. He is certain to guide your way, though... likely not the way you might think" he grinned, the dragon turned as if facing someone behind her. Raven turned to find no one was there.
"What're you looking at?"
"There is something festering within the land, if it isn't destroyed... this world will be"
"What? What is festering?"
"I'm not talking to you, little bird" Raven looked confused "Listen to her, when she tells you where to go... listen to her"
"Listen to who? Who are you talking to?"
"Until we meet again" he let out another shiver inducing laugh. The dragon then vanished in the blink of an eye, the ooze enveloping him and then disappearing as if being sucked down a drain. In it's place, was a burned husk of a tree stump.
Slade awoke in a cold sweat, struggling to regulate his breathing. Looking to his right he found Qrow's bed was empty once again, he had never come to bed. Slade sighed deeply, laying back into his pillow.
What in the hell was all that?
Winter stood in a dark room, she couldn't see anything around her. She stepped forward to try and see if she could find anything with her hand, but couldn't seem to locate anything.
"Great, I'm dead aren't I?" she asked aloud.
Suddenly her pitch black surroundings shifted to the Atlas Academy courtyard, there were soldiers scattered around as they usually were, and a large group of students. She saw herself amongst them, albeit a bit younger.
Winter smiled at the excitement in her eyes, she remembered just how inspiring Ironwood was the day she met him. She's never regretted becoming a Huntress, it was the best decision of her life. One that Weiss saw fit to follow, she couldn't express with words the pride she felt when she told her she was going to become a Huntress just like her.
Of course, she attended Beacon... but that seemed like it might've been for the best in the end. Never having to deal with their father's interruptions at every turn.
Her surroundings shifted once more to her father's study, she remembered this night very clearly... the last time she had really spoken to her father without it being "Official business"
"You're not going! I don't care how many recommendations you have! You're just going to get yourself killed!" Jacques shouted.
"You don't even care! All you care about is the damn company and how much money it makes you!" she shouted back.
"Money is important, Winter. It's what provides all this for you! Do you think all those combat lessons were free? I just wanted you to be able to defend yourself, not let you go off and fight Grimm everyday!"
"Who are you to tell me what I can and can't do with my life?!"
"I'M YOUR FATHER DAMMIT!" he screamed, his face becoming extremely red.
"When you start acting like one, we'll talk. Until then, stay the hell out of my life!" Winter stormed out.
Jacques looked shocked, he stared after her... but never moved to follow. He sighed deeply "Act like one" he scoffed "Does she think I have done my best to raise her for my own amusement?" he dropped into his chair, slumping lightly.
Winter moved closer to her father, she remembered just how angry she was when she left the next morning. And that her father wasn't even there to see her off. Just then, she noticed something that shook her to the core... the paper in her father's hand... it was a draft for a divorce attorney, but it was wet... her father was crying. She looked up to see his face and found the small stream of tears he was shaking off.
"Look at what you've done to yourself, Jacques... how're you ever going to get out of this one?"
Mirror... can you hear me? Do I... reach you?
Winter recognized that voice, it was "Weiss?" she called trying desperately to follow the voice "Weiss! Where are you?" the study vanished, leaving her in the pitch black room again... but this time something was different. There was a faint light off in the distance, barely perceptible but still there all the same. She rushed toward it as fast as she could, her voice becoming more clear as she got closer, the light shining brighter.
"Weiss..." her raspy voice choked out.
"Winter!" Weiss shouted, rushing from her seat to her sister's side "You're awake!" she wrapped her arms around her.
"Urgh!" Winter groaned in pain, Weiss backed off quickly.
"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry? Did I hurt you? Can I get you anything-"
"Weiss, it's okay" Winter smiled, her hand reaching up weakly, Weiss took it in her own "I'm just glad to see you again"
"I'm so glad you're awake" a tear made it's way down her face "It's been days, Winter"
"Has it?" she asked surprised "It doesn't feel like it... the last thing I remember was... Tyrion and Qrow were fighting... Qrow!" she struggled to try and sit up, groaning in pain as she did.
"Woah, take it easy! You're still healing, Winter. Qrow is fine, I promise"
"He is?" she asked relieved "Good, good" she slumped back into the bed "Where is he?"
The sound of metal crashing to the floor drew the both of their attention, Qrow stood in the doorway. The metal food trays in each of his hands now dirtying the clean floor.
"You're awake" he smiled.
"Qrow" she smiled back.
They both stared at each other for a bit longer than either of them expected. Simultaneously, they both cleared their throats, trying to change the subject. Weiss gave them both a questioning look.
"What's going on with you two?"
"Nothing" Winter answered.
"You'll understand when you're older" Qrow chuckled earning a glare from Winter "I'm going to go let everyone know you're awake. I'm sure Pietro will want to have a look at you"
"Whoop-de-doo" Winter gave a small twirl of her finger.
Qrow smirked "I'm sure he'll be delighted to hear how excited you are. I'll let you and Weiss have a moment" he stepped out of the room.
Winter smiled lightly, turning her attention to Weiss "What happened to the others? Did anyone else make it?"
"They're..." Weiss never finished.
"I understand" Winter sighed.
"I'm sorry... we tried to help them, but..."
"We?" she asked surprised "You were there?"
"All of us were, except for Ruby and Oscar. Penny was ordered by Ironwood to rescue you and Qrow after he lost contact with you. She told Slade, and he got us all together to get you guys out of there"
"Was anyone hurt? That was extremely irresponsible of the both of them, deliberately putting all of you at risk and against orders!?" Weiss laughed "What is it exactly you find funny about this?"
"I think you might change your tune soon enough" she giggled. Winter fixed her with a questioning look.
"How so?"
"Besides the fact that we were able to get you and Qrow away from Tyrian in just enough time thanks to everyone working together, which we wouldn't have been able to do without the extra training we've been getting put through. But if it wasn't for Slade giving you a blood transfusion on the ride back, you wouldn't have survived the trip"
"What?" Winter was shocked "He saved me? But he... doesn't he hate me?" she asked.
"Maybe, I couldn't say really. But he did seem a bit worried about you, though I doubt he'd admit it. And I doubt he'd do what he did for just anybody"
Winter looked away, ashamed of how she'd been treating him recently in light of this news "What about Qrow? Was he hurt?"
"Not really, exhausted sure, but not hurt. He's also been the one to keep me company this whole time you've been out. He says it's because he wanted to make sure I was eating, but really I think he wanted to make sure you were alright"
Winter looked shocked once more "Really? Qrow did that? As in the same drunken idiot who just dropped food all over the floor?"
Weiss giggled "Yeah, that's the one"
Winter laughed as well "Guess I'll owe everyone something once I am better"
"Better make it something good. Extra training sessions don't count"
"I'm not that boring!" Winter argued "Right?"
"Do you want me to tell the truth?" Weiss asked with a playful smile.
"I'm fun! I'm a lot of fun! I have fun all the time I'll have you know"
"And yet you have to argue that point"
They both laughed loudly.
That's it for now guys! I know it was a bit shorter than the last one, but I promise I will have the next chapter out to you guys as soon as it is done. Thanks for reading, I hope you guys liked it!