A/N: Happy holidays, all! It dawned on me that I actually didn't have as much material to cover from the actual events of RWBY as I thought, due to some changing of events. So, more detail went into a couple of areas than I would normally do.
That said, I hope you all are having a good time! Please comment and let me know what you're liking and not liking! And those of you who have commented, thank you!
As a side note to my own time mismanagement, I got caught up playing Cyberpunk 2077 during the time I would normally pit to writing. Whoops. It's a fun game, though I do play it on a very good PC, so perhaps I'm biased?
Junior's club was busy. Aran led Qrow back to the same table they had used before, thankfully still empty. Along the way, she caught sight of Junior giving her a nod.
Returning the gesture, the Viera reached her table whilst ignoring a scowl or comment about her ears. Behind her, Qrow returned the scowls with a narrowing of his eyes until they reached the table.
"So, what did you want to talk about that's so important, Qrow?" Aran asked after they had ordered drinks. The man sitting across from her tapped the table with a finger nervously.
"I figure you ought to know everything Oz has been holding out on you, at least in regards to what I know. He kinda threw you into the deep end and told you to swim, so… at the very least, you deserve what I can tell you to help."
His words drew the Viera's curiosity, tilting her head slightly.
"And why should I believe you? How do I know you're not just here playing another of Ozpin's games?"
"Well… I don't really know how I can prove it to you at the moment. But I do know the man has become obsessed with you, obsessed enough that he's starting to lose the trust of his inner circle. Case in point, myself. I follow him in order to make this world a better place as best I can. Lately, his actions, his methods, are… questionable, to say the least. Every time I talk to him, it always comes back around to you, when it should be about Salem or even just a conversation about how my nieces are doing in class. By the way, you're doing a damn good job getting those kids in shape. I think most of them could probably start giving third years a run for their money, but you'll need to learn more about Aura or pass the reins over to someone else who does about it so the kids can work on their Aura capacity and further develop their Semblances. And from what I hear, Blake's been ditching Ruby's training in favor of yours. If Blake's joining you, why not invite the rest of the team?"
"Blake was using it as an excuse to get away from her team. She needs her space, but I have already put thought to the subject. Not tomorrow, but the weekend after I'll extend the invite to the rest."
"Good. Ruby and Yang need to be prepared for the real world, and you're doing a great job with those other kids. Especially the Winchester, entire family's stuck up on racism towards faunus. Seeing the boy act as he does now gives me some hope for the world." Qrow stopped for a moment as their drinks arrived, taking a swig before continuing.
"Glynda is Ozpin's second in command, and now he's even having us meet without her being present. Because that woman would throw Ozpin out of his own damned tower if she actually learned the things he's been doing to keep an eye on a student of Beacon."
"Why would Goodwitch do that?"
"Unlike Ozpin, she follows a rather strict code of ethics. She's always been vocal in both her support and admonishment of the man when he's pushed boundaries that were not his to be around in the first place. If she heard, and found proof, of Ozpin tapping your scroll then she would not hesitate to get authorities called in on the matter. If Ozpin keeps screwing with your life, bring it to her attention." The man took another drink and leaned forward, his eyes peering relentlessly into her own. "She is your biggest ally within that academy, you got me? At this point, even she has noticed Oz's creeping on you and your team to be more than a high regard for your talents."
Aran nodded slowly.
"And why are you so interested in helping me?"
Qrow didn't answer immediately as his mood grew more sombre.
"You, uh… remind me of Summer. It's hard to explain, because personality-wise that woman could be as childishly naive as Ruby, which is certainly not you, yet it was tempered with experience. And having teammates like myself and Raven. My sister and I weren't exactly great influences, my presence aside. And the way Oz is using you, reminds me of why I left the Branwen tribe. If I wanted to be complicit in the things I feel Oz is going to start asking, then I would have remained with the tribe of murderers and outlaws. You're a good kid, and your team too. I believe you're going to go far."
Qrow finished by taking another drink. Aran nodded slowly, choosing her words as she decided on not remarking on the man's lack of knowledge on her age.
"Do you trust me, Qrow?" She asked. The man blinked in surprise before shrugging.
"I suppose I do. You have an air about you that inspires me to believe in you. Oz never had that."
"I am not above using others if I must, Qrow."
"Pawns are meant to be used. It's how they're used that matters."
A ghost of a smile touched the corner of Aran's lips for a moment.
"Good. Then I need to ask you something. How skilled of a Huntsman do you think you are?"
"Stronger than most. There's a reason Oz wanted my team on his side. All of us are more skilled than your average Huntsman, with Summer sitting at the pinnacle. My sister and I came next, and were more or less evenly matched. Tai was our weakest link, but that was before he learned to control his temper properly. He's a teacher at Signal Academy over on the island of Patch now, so he hasn't had much chance to improve himself since Yang was born."
"Good. Then I need you to cross swords with you, Qrow."
The man looked at her in confusion.
"I mean, I won't turn down a fight if that's what you want, but why?"
The Viera placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward.
"It will not be a simple fight. I will be aiming to kill, Qrow, and I would suggest you do the same. The why will be explained afterward. We can get Goodwitch to mediate the engagement."
With sharpened eyes, Qrow agreed.
"Now then, I still have another thing to talk to you about. I showed you what I could do outside the club for a reason. Raven, my sister, can do the same thing, but, well…"
"A raven?"
"Yeah. Ozpin was real funny when he gave us that ability."
At that, Aran's eyes narrowed.
"Gave you? That's not your Semblance?"
"Nah. My Semblance is misfortune. Everyone around me is bound to have bad luck. A glass just barely knocked off a countertop, tripping on a loose stone… hell, I've seen someone fall off a chair and break their neck. It's why I don't stick around in town often; random injuries and deaths add up. Unlike most other Semblances, I can't turn it off, either. It just never affects me except in the most dire of circumstances."
Aran shook her head slightly.
"Perhaps that could be changed. I cannot promise anything now, but perhaps future research on Y'Shtola's part will help us in understanding why your ability to manipulate aether is so… stifled." Even as she spoke, her eyes narrowed slightly as an idea came to kind.
"But what if your Semblance is entirely about you, rather than others?" She saw the man raise an eyebrow. "Ignore that. More research must be done. Is there anything else, Qrow?"
Qrow looked like he was going to say to no, until his eyes seemed to light up.
"Actually, yes. I've been trying to track down Torchwick while I've been in town, orders from Oz. Won't tell me why, but I sense it's probably connected to you."
The Viera shrugged.
"Vale's criminal kingpin is hard to find, Qrow."
The man rolled his eyes. "Oh, stuff it. When Ozpin called you last week, he seemed to know very well that you know the man. I'm not looking to bring him in, just ask questions."
"I can't give you that information, Qrow. You asking the man anything could ruin my agreement with him."
"Agreement?"
"Information, for the removal of someone that I assume works for Salem."
A low whistle came from the man.
"Assassination, then. You sure you can handle it? Murdering someone like that?"
"You act as if I've never taken a life, Qrow. And it's hardly in cold blood; the girl has a portion of one of the Maiden's Aura. And for whatever reason, she's in Beacon. Torchwick's been trying to gather more information for me on her potential plans in the future, find an opportunity for me to take her head without going onto a wanted poster. His accomplice is doing her best to ferret out the rest of her team in a believable manner."
"Neo Politan, then. Damn… and they're already within Beacon?" Seeing her nod, his expression darkened. "And are they any threat right now?"
"The girl will always be a threat. Her lackeys, much less so. I've already learned the female one's Semblance is to make illusions within someone's mind. See things that aren't there, while making other things disappear entirely if she so wishes. Doesn't work on myself or Y'Shtola, and she hasn't tried it on Ryne yet."
"Why doesn't it work? I would think that it wouldn't be very choosy in its victims."
"Y'Shtola is blind, seeing nothing but aether and the occasional glimpse of the world through her eyes. Such illusions would never work on her, even if her mind wasn't among the most intelligent that I know. As for myself, I guess you could say that I possess something within me that renders such imaginary constructs pointless." She left out Pyrrha's being immune as well thanks to the Echo, not wishing to push any more attention onto the girl. Across from the Viera, Qrow nodded slowly.
"And you said there was another lacky?"
"Yes. The information I have on him comes strictly from Neo, rather than my own observation. He's apparently the son of an assassin of some notoriety. Marcus Black?"
"He was a big deal, until he was found dead in his home. His son was reported missing, since his body wasn't found in the fire."
"Quite. At some point he damaged his legs or lost them completely, replaced them with magitek equivalents. Advanced prosthetics, military grade." She briefly wondered if she shouldn't have mentioned magitek, but Qrow seemed to ignore it for the most part with a nod.
"I take it you don't want me to inform Ozpin of your… plans?"
"If you can avoid it. If Ozpin needs me as much as he says, then he'll likely let me do as I wish. Not that I'll do anything more than is necessary. If he corners you about it, then don't bother keeping it secret."
Once more, the man nodded.
"Alright then. So, when do you want to have our spar?"
Qrow cursed as he deflected Aran's sword with his own, if only barely. He had not been expecting the raw strength behind the blow which had just pushed him back over a meter.
I'd hate to see what would have happened if I blocked it instead, he thought to himself.
They had found themselves somewhat deep in the Forever Fall Forest, along with a number of unexpected spectators beyond Glynda. They had decided on replacing Aran's training for the day with their match, hoping to show the Beacon students a true fight between a Huntsman and Huntress. Of course, Qrow wasn't expecting his opponent to be as powerful as she was. That singular blow packed more power behind it than anything he had taken from Tai, before he unleashed his Semblance.
On the sidelines, Yang's eyes widened alongside Ruby as their uncle was pushed back.
"She- what- how strong is Aran?" Yang asked loudly, drawing forth a chuckle from both Y'Shtola and Pyrrha. Team RWBY had followed Blake to watch the showdown between their uncle and the woman that gave Pyrrha a run for her money.
It was Pyrrha who answered Yang.
"Well, Aran's never shown her true strength to me. She holds herself back to help me improve, as well as make the fight interesting."
"But you've broken her Aura on more than one occasion?" Weiss asked. Pyrrha shook her head.
"Do you truly believe that? Her Aura regenerates within moments when it works at all. It takes her mere seconds to recover what would take us several hours, and even then, she's never been exhausted when it is drained. She's more than experienced fighting without her Aura." Better leave it at that, the Mistrali Champion thought.
"But how strong is she?" Yang asked again, almost jealously.
At that, Y'Shtola and Ryne decided to give an answer with wry grins.
"Strong enough to fight anything she must." Y'Shtola answered before Ryne.
"I didn't see it myself, but Thancred said that she was able to full-on block a downward swing of Susano and Ravana without faltering." She blinked as she registered their confused looks. "Right. Susano is… was, an ancient Arma Gigas in Erza. Ravana was the same, but had four arms?"
Beside them, Cardin watched in awe as Aran engaged Qrow again, jumping onto a tree before a Rough Divide carried her into his form. Harbinger screeched in protest as its blade was pushed to its limits, the man's curiosity forcefully tested. He was launched into a tree, though he controlled his body enough to land feet first.
Ryne noticed his cheeks faintly turn red as Aran's armored form seemed to glitter in the midday sun leaking through the canopy. She poked an elbow into his side with a smile.
"Liking what you see?" She asked, causing the boy to stutter and look away for a brief moment. Y'Shtola merely shook her head, content with Ryne's teasing.
Qrow growled before his eyes widened once more, seeing a flaming gun barrel aimed in his direction. More importantly, it was only a couple feet away.
He pushed off the tree towards the ground, rolling as he felt more than heard both the heat and concussive force of the explosion that followed, pushing his roll further than intended. When he stood, he immediately triggered Harbinger's transformation into a scythe.
"What the hell, are you trying to kill me?!" Qrow growled as he took in the small crater from Aran's Blasting Zone. The tree in question was beginning to fall, flames consuming the tree.
The Warrior's expression reinforced her earlier words to the man.
"I will be aiming to kill, Qrow."
Damn, she really meant it. Better not hold back.
Ruby's squeal of excitement was drowned out as a flurry of blows began between the two, Aran matching Qrow's strikes without hesitation.
The man smirked as he saw a weakness in her form, moving to take advantage of it.
"Found it!" He said with excitement. "I'll admit, you have a good style going for you," Qrow said as he whirled Harbinger around his waist. "But you're a few years too young to match me!"
As Harbinger swept into the woman's arm, Qrow's heart faltered when he witnessed her own quirk of her lips. Then the supposed weakness was revealed for the trap it was, her open hand catching Harbinger by its blade.
"Oh, my dear Qrow," Aran muttered only loud enough for the man to hear. Her eyes twinkled with an agelessness that made Qrow feel as if he were looking into countless lights of a city during the night. "You are centuries too early to be mocking me."
Qrow felt Harbinger be ripped from his grip and tossed aside, forcing the man to duck the incoming swipe of the gunblade. He sensed the woman's knee jerking upwards to catch him, but his reflexes served him well enough to allow him to sidestep that as well. He wasn't prepared for the hand that tore Harbinger away to grab him by his hair, though he quickly planted his foot into her leg and reached up to break her hold.
While her grip was that of steel, he grit his teeth and managed to free himself, delivering a kick into her sternum to push himself away. It was like kicking a wall, though he did get away. Regaining his balance, he set himself into a stance eerily reminiscent of Yang's own.
"Hey! That's dad's stance! Ruby said excitedly. Next to her, Yang watched in both confusion and a small amount of horror as she recalled her father's own insistence that everyone in the family can fight without their weapon as a last-ditch effort. It was clear that her uncle had trained with her dad, and didn't come close to half-assing it like she normally expected from Qrow. But, the stance she and her father used had its own drawback.
It was tailored for their similar Semblances. And Qrow did not have that available to him to aid in its berserker style. Fortunately for her worries, at least partially, he would not use it.
Aran's blade cleaved the air with a sharp hiss, though the swing was more guarded than before. As Qrow avoided it, the reasoning became clear as the blade in motion stopped and began to backtrack, catching Qrow with the blunt edge across his shoulder. The man stumbled forward into Aran's waiting grip, wrapping around his throat until a small rock she was standing on broke beneath her sabaton, causing her own stumble and relaxing her grip on the man. Something he took advantage of immediately, as he tore away from her.
His hand wrapped around Harbinger's shaft in the grass, bringing it forward without hesitation in an arc of destruction barely visible. Yet once more he cursed as Aran's blade intercepted it. The slight grin on the corner of her lips made his stomach drop once more, realizing that she had apparently already formed a plan of action.
He almost didn't see her leg rise in a display of acrobatics that under normal circumstances would have left his jaw dropped, her admittedly long leg clearing her fauld to catch Harbinger almost sensually with the back of her knee and pull him forward by the weapon, her fist poised to strike like the truck it was. This time, Qrow was not nimble enough to dodge completely, nor did he think of releasing Harbinger once more in time to do so.
Her fist struck the side of his skull with an audible crack of steel meeting flesh, his Aura flashing dangerously as his face met the grass.
He allowed himself to keep rolling as he heard the splitting of air, pushing himself even further when he felt that the hiss was too close for comfort.
It possibly saved his life, he mused, as he witnessed her blade tear viciously into the earth only an inch away from him. He scrambled away, covering his eyes as she dug up the earth, flinging it at him.
She doesn't let up! Qrow thought to himself as he brought his weapon in front of him instinctively. Steel clashed once more, creating sparks as he desperately tried to block her strikes. He managed to create a little space between them by bashing the haft of Harbinger into the Viera after her strikes paused for a brief moment.
On the sidelines, Weiss whistled lowly.
"I know she's a brutal fighter, but she just doesn't let any of her opponents get up, does she? She's keeping up with a renowned veteran Huntsman even, and winning!"
Surprisingly, it was Goodwitch who decided to answer her.
"Aran fights to survive. She doesn't waste time or energy in flashy flourishes or showmanship, something that a great many Huntsman and Huntresses have yet to learn. But even so, Qrow usually fares better, having adopted a similar approach early on in his life."
"But you don't seem surprised?" Ruby asked, drawing a small smile from her Professor.
"No. Not in the least. That woman reminds me of your mother, in so many ways. I'm not sure if you're aware Ruby, but Summer Rose was a prodigy."
"You knew mom?"
"Yes. I was a year ahead of her, but Summer was a terror on the battlefield with Thorn to every student. She wielded a sniper rifle that transformed into a guan-dao and into a kusarigama. You're well on your way to standing beside her, Ruby."
Their conversation was interrupted by Qrow being hurled between them, his Aura flickering one last time as he did so before shattering. Aran was only a fraction of a second behind him, gunblade poised to strike. A wet thud followed shortly after, causing several students to gasp until Aran stepped aside. Their fears were cast aside as they saw her weapon sticking out of the ground, less than an inch away from Qrow's throat. Off the side, Team MOAT talked among themselves.
"Damn, that hurt…" Qrow muttered with a slight cough. He sat up slowly, clutching his throat. "Where's Harbinger?"
Aran gave a vague motion off to their left.
"Somewhere that way. I was more worried about your Semblance stopping me from crushing your throat again."
"Damned thing isn't worth much when it causes me the same problems as everyone else."
Aran merely shrugged as she glanced down at her armor. A long horizontal scar marred her breastplate, making the woman sigh.
"Once again, large breasts work against me," she muttered. Shrugging the thought aside, the Warrior offered a hand to her opponent. He took it with a grunt, letting her hoist him up towards her shoulder.
"Junior's Club, next weekend. Same time," she whispered. Then she released him and turned to Goodwitch.
"Thank you for monitoring the spar, Professor Goodwitch."
The blonde nodded.
"Of course, Miss Vinland. A most impressive display you have given here today." The woman turned to look at Qrow, pulling up her scroll. "Qrow, I'd like to speak to you in private if you have a moment?"
The man nodded as he reached for his flask.
"Yeah, yeah. Your office work?"
"I'd rather not. Do you remember The Winespring Inn?"
"Of course. Meet you there."
As the two walked away, Aran turned towards the other students, most of whom shivered as they saw the innocent smile on her lips.
"Now then, who's ready for calisthenics?"
The week passed uneventfully for Aran, with the exception of Neo informing her of a base in the remnants of Mount Glenn, along with Torchwick's recent acquisition of several magitek suits called Paladins.
Rumors of the display of power outside Beacon and Vale still circulated, though none had yet to be even close to the truth.
When Saturday rolled around once more, Pyrrha had opted on joining Aran, along with Y'Shtola. The three women waited outside the club, the two of the Source educating Pyrrha as best they could of their home. Qrow arrived shortly after, his face grim.
Qrow and Aran exchanged a nod, then led the other two into the club. Once again, Aran's table was unoccupied.
"So, here we are. You've had me curious all week." Qrow stated after ordering his drink.
Aran shrugged, then began to tell him the truth of where she came from. By the time she was finished, Qrow was on his fourth glass.
They sat in silence for several minutes, until Qrow raised his half-full glass and downed it.
"That's… an impressive story. And you say Oz knows all of it?"
Aran shook her head.
"Not all of it, but enough to know that we're of the Source. He also knows about the Echo, since I had to explain it to Pyrrha before I could get her to consciously use it to see my past."
The man nodded.
"Incredible. I can see why Oz is so obsessed, but… anyways, you might be happy to know why Glynda dragged me to that damn inn last weekend. Ozpin's overplayed his hand with her, asked her to try and gather some rather sensitive information on Pyrrha."
Pyrrha frowned, but said nothing.
"When he did, Glynda lost her shit. Straight up told Ozpin to do his own dirty work and not drag her name and Beacon's down with him. But she's not sure how she'll remain at Beacon without following the man's orders. I may have kinda brought her up to speed regarding you, in the hopes of showing her another option."
"I'm sensing more to this story." Aran stated, earning a nod.
"Indeed. Amber, the Fall Maiden, is dying."
At that, Pyrrha gave a look of confusion.
"Fall Maiden? Like the fairy tale?"
Qrow blinked before he slumped forward with a groan.
"Shit. You don't know."
"Just keep explaining, Qrow. I'll inform her of everything."
"Right. Well, she's dying. Despite Ozpin and Ironwood's best efforts, she only has perhaps a few months left, tops. Pyrrha, Ozpin wanted the information on you in order to blackmail you into accepting what remains of Amber's soul. Aran can tell you what that all entails. Returning to how this involves Glynda, she's firmly in your camp now as well. She knows about your uh, mission."
Aran nodded as her mind began to put together plans.
The next month and a half passed by rather quickly as ARY devoted themselves to passing their classes and instructing the students that joined them on Sundays. It wasn't until the dance was only two weeks away that things grew slightly interesting.
ARY was having lunch with JNPR, MOAT, and RWBY when Cardin Winchester approached the table nervously. Behind him, Dove was prodding his leader along. They stopped when Cardin was standing next to Aran.
"Dove, this is a stupid idea." Cardin muttered, though everyone heard it. Dove simply prodded him again, causing his leader to scowl and turn to face Aran.
"Right, uh, so there's the dance coming up and all. I don't think I heard about you asking or being asked to it, so... I thought I would ask… ifyouwouldliketogowithme?"
Near the end, Cardin's speech could have rivaled Ruby's when she was excited. Aran blinked at him in confusion.
"Cardin… are you perhaps unaware that Y'Shtola and I are mates?"
The boy's blushing face turned almost as red as Ruby's cloak.
"Uh… I… you… Y'Shtola… are?" He muttered unintelligibly.
Aran smiled and stood, placing a hand on his shoulder as she nodded.
"We are. You have my apologies if I ever insinuated otherwise. I know we keep out interactions private-"
"I can hear you two in the shower every damned morning and night!" Ryne protested.
"- but I did not think we kept our status as mates so well hidden. Ryne however, has been wanting to attend the dance with a partner but hasn't been asked yet."
Cardin glanced at the Oracle in his stunned daze, catching sight of her eyes widening in horror.
"What- I never- Aran!"
"Don't let her fool you. She's just shy."
Ryne put her head down on the table, moving her plate out of the way as she tried to hide under her arms.
Cardin's blush slowly faded, until only a dash of pink remained. Blake's ears twitched slightly, her bow having disappeared from her head months ago, as she noticed Aran's wording.
"Say Aran, I noticed you used the term 'mates' rather than 'lovers'." The cat faunus said.
Aran shrugged.
"Indeed. Many things are possible when you believe in magick, Blake. Don't claim to not know what I'm talking about, I've seen some of your smut."
After that moment, it was decided upon by the majority that there would be no verbal victory over Aran. They had tried for the better part of the year, and every time she had flipped it around.
It was the night before the dance when Aran and Y'Shtola had taken Ryne out to find a suitable dress. Cardin had indeed asked her, much to her own happiness. Ryne had originally asked Aran if she could make her a dress, but the Viera declined.
"I can make any dress you could dream of under the sun of the Source, Ryne. But this is Remnant, where fashion is different from mine and Y'Shtola's homes. We agreed upon an Ishgardian theme to our dresses for each other, but Cardin does not know of our home. It would be better if your dress was of Remnant fashion, if for any other reason than to help calm his nerves. Besides, Coco was quite thorough in explaining to me Remnant's current trends."
They had found a dress in one of Coco's favorite shops. Blue, leaving her right arm sleeveless and her right shoulder bare, it certainly made Ryne look fantastic.
They were leaving the shop when Aran's scroll rang. Looking at the caller, she excused herself from Ryne and Y'Shtola.
"Torchwick. Why did you call me?"
"Ah, there she is! Look, I know you've been waiting for your perfect time to take care of our problem. And I think I've found you the perfect time to do it. Beacon's holding its dance tomorrow night, right?"
"Yes."
"That's what I thought. Our target is planning on ditching at some point to go insert a virus into the CCT, apparently it's going to give her access to any incoming and outgoing traffic from the Tower. More importantly, however, it will allow her to alter the transmissions. Tell me pretty lady, are you aware of how Atlas controls its automated army?"
Aran frowned as she began to piece together what Roman was suggesting.
"The senior officer issues commands from his command ship, using a signal sent through the closest Tower. In this case, Ironwood, through Vale's CCT up there with you at Beacon. You're not going to get a better chance than this."
"Thank you, Torchwick."
"Don't thank me yet. Neo and I will be needing your help soon as well. You know the base Neo told you about? Well, yours truly is over here. With Neo. With a train, being loaded to the brim with Dust and detonators by Taurus's White Fang tools. Did you know Mount Glenn has an old underground railway that leads right into Vale? Because they do."
"When?"
"Three days. Maybe more like three and a half, I get the feeling that Taurus wants to send it in during the night. More terror, less soldiers on guard, that sort of thing. Now, Neo and I can't do much. I'm supposed to be arrested once the breach is handled, but she's counting on Ironwood arresting me. I need you to do the honors instead, and keep me inside Beacon rather than in Atlas' hands. If you weren't aware, Beacon has cells for HVTs."
"Why is it important that I arrest you instead of Ironwood?"
"Ah, that. Well, I may have given Taurus a little present to give to her. Taurus can attack an Atlesian ship, but he won't dare try to get into Beacon. Not yet, at least. That, and Cinder should be dead by then. Neo's still working on some way to oust the children though. Look, I gotta go before Carabeef gets suspicious. Have fun, stay in school, don't do drugs, yada yada yada."
Torchwick hung up, leaving Aran to return to Y'Shtola and Ryne. When they returned to their dorm, the Warrior informed them of the conversation's details. Aran left the dorm shortly after, going to the armory and preparing everything she would need for the next night.1After everything she would need was finished, she retired back to her room.
"Hey, you two are looking good!" Yang stated to Aran and Y'Shtola. Apparently, Yang was operating as the Academy's doorman into the dance.
The Viera and Miqo'te nodded towards Yang as they walked past, arm in arm. As Aran had stated to Ryne the day before, both she and Y'Shtola had worn Ishgardian dresses. Aran's own was a dark red, with her left arm and shoulder armored. The dress was her own creation, heavily inspired by Ser Aymeric's own ceremonial armor. The red color swap was done in remembrance and respect to Nidhogg and Hraesvelgr, signifying the blood that had been spilled.
Ending the Dragonsong War was still the singular feat that Aran was most proud of, and by her calculations, was an event that happened four years ago. She would not let its anniversary go uncelebrated.
Y'Shtola, on the other hand, wore a somewhat similar dress, though it was black and possessed the same feathers on her shoulder that her combat attire included.
As they made their way to the floor, they met and complimented their friends, recieving some in turn. Particular attention was given to Ryne and Cardin.
The Winchester boy had knocked on their dorm door, offering to escort her to the dance. She said yes, allowing Aran and Y'Shtola some alone time before they finally redressed and made themselves presentable once more.
The Viera and Miqo'te took the floor by storm. The Viera due to the ageless bounce she had developed long ago in the Range that had been further tuned in Garlean courts, and the Miqo'te due to her upbringing. By the time they stopped, excited clapping sounded around them.
They broke apart in order for Aran to offer Cardin a dance. He accepted hesitantly, only going with after Ryne practically pushed him into Aran's arms.
"You're uh, really good at dancing…" Cardin muttered.
Aran simply shrugged.
"I have experience. I did not mean to lead you on, Cardin, and for that you have my humblest of apologies. I should have recognized the signs as being something more than just seeing an attractive woman."
"No need to apologize, you weren't leading me on so much as I misinterpreted some signs myself. I can understand that you were just being friendly in the past, not flirting. I hope that doesn't mean you're going to stop uh… being my friend?"
Aran chuckled.
"No, not unless you wish me to."
Behind Cardin, Aran saw Cinder slide away from Emerald and Mercury. Keeping up her smile, the Warrior leaned forward and pecked Cardin's cheek before breaking away from him.
"Thank you for the dance, Cardin. I'll see you tomorrow at mission assignments."
Winchester nodded happily, before turning away to find Ryne. As Aran watched him go, she quickly pulled out her scroll. Silently, she thanked herself for having large breasts.
She quickly dialed Qrow and connected Ozpin to the call. Qrow had revealed her plan to Ozpin several weeks ago, proving her theory right when the Headmaster merely wished her luck and asked her to keep him informed when the time came.
Both man answered in seconds, with Ozpin in turn connecting Ironwood to the call.
"Target is on the move. Proceeding to engage."
She closed her scroll, though she left the call active as she waded through the partygoers like a shade, opting to leave via the balcony. As she leapt over the railing, she dispelled Y'Shtola's glamour over her Neo-Ishgardian Manatrigger. Smaller and much more slim than her Lakeland Gunblade, it was both easier to hide as well as less likely to be touched by wandering hands before it was needed.
As she leapt onto the nearest building carefully, she was able to make out a shrouded form sprinting towards the CCT. Grinning, the Warrior began leaping building to building until she caught up.
Far behind her on Beacon's balcony, she did not see the surprised and curious Ruby Rose that had been leaning against the outside wall, watching as she leapt from rooftop to rooftop was a grace that made her envious.
Upon landing in front if the CCT, Aran growled as she found the two guards dead with disintegrating arrows in their throats.
"Two guards KIA." She muttered into her scroll. She readied her manatrigger and darted inside. A grin came as she found Cinder impatiently waiting for the elevator.
The manatrigger flashed forward in an instant, sending a Lightning Shot towards the partial Fall Maiden.
Her reaction time was exemplary as she ducked at the first sound of the discharge. She came up with her bow drawn, only to curse as Aran was nearly on her with Rough Divide. The arrow released, though she wasted no time in wrenching the bow apart into two glass short swords.
The arrow skittered off Aran's pauldron, but the same couldn't be said for the manatrigger making impact with Cinder's sternum. A hand caught one of the blades she attempted to swing in retaliation, pulling her to the side and stopping the blade from making any further progress.
From where Aran held on to the woman, she felt the woman's skin begin to heat up.
"My my, Cinder. Sacrificing your own body already?" Aran asked. The woman growled as she tried to break free, but the iron grip was too strong.
"Try to burn me off all you want, girl. I've felt much worse."
Then, Aran's knee began pounding relentlessly into the woman. The first and second were manageable, but the third began to test Cinder's durability as each blow was being felt more and more through her weakening Aura. The sixth found her body colliding with the wall, along with Aran's manatrigger at her throat. From the seventh, she felt her ribs crack and her loose ribs break completely. The eighth saw her Aura shatter completely, and the ninth saw to her coughing up blood.
"I expected more, Cinder, what with all your plotting and subterfuge." Even as she spoke, Aran could smell the flesh on her hand burn. She merely gripped the Cinder's wrist tighter, feeling the bones break beneath her grip.
"Truly, I think even little Ruby could do better than you."
At the entrance to the CCT, the mentioned girl's silver eyes widened as she watched Aran's actions, every bit of it visible. Crescent Rose seemed to shake in her hand.
"Have you anything to say, Cinder?" Aran asked. She waited several moments, but Cinder didn't respond beyond a wet gasp for air. "Have it your way. May the Wood grant you mercy, for I shall have none."
The manatrigger closed in on Cinder's throat, but a click to Aran's left stopped it immediately.
She turned slightly to see what it was, finding the barrel of Crescent Rose staring her down.
"Let her go, Aran!"
The Viera's ears flattened slightly, sadness coming to her features.
"I cannot do that, Ruby. This woman has committed murder."
"Then hand her to the police!"
A breathless Weiss caught up to Ruby, panting heavily with Myternaster in hand.
"Ruby… what… is going on?" She finally asked. Apparently, the heiress hadn't recognized the bodies outside for what they were.
"Aran's about to kill Cinder."
"What?!" Weiss shrieked.
In the confusion, Cinder attempted to push Aran away. The futile effort was rewarded by the manatrigger going for her throat.
Ruby's shout of denial was followed by the roar of Crescent Rose's discharge.
Aran howled as her blade was deflected from its intended target, then as a glass short sword found itself in her side, Cinder's own pained shriek becoming more distant as she was freed from Aran's grasp.
Nobody moved as Cinder fled. The Warrior released the now-useless arm of Cinder she still held to the wall, painting the wall in crimson as it fell. The glass sword disintegrated into glass particles, letting her blood run free.
Weiss and Ruby stood in shock, then horror, before they both bent over and began to retch.
Aran grabbed her scroll from between her breasts once more and brought it up to her ear.
"Cinder got away." The scroll dropped from her hand as she opted instead to begin cleaning her wound, her mood soured from Ruby's actions.