What's this? Two chapters in a single week?! Insanity!
Long story short I have a very busy week of work coming up and likely won't be able to write next week, or potentially the week after, depending on whatever is leftover. Rather than not go without putting anything out for a while - which I realize I'm still doing, I figured push a chapter ahead, give a bit more before the 'hiatus'.
Likely won't be with much free time until the 2nd, so don't expect another entry until after that at least. I've been wrong before though and maybe I'll put something small out just to bridge the gap.
Anyways, here we go!
Life with the White Fang was difficult. On the best of days, you went about your business only with the nagging suspicion that a Hunter or soldiers could be moments away, waiting to strike. It was a nomadic lifestyle born out of fear, fear that settling in one place for too long would allow the Church to bring down its collective wrath upon their number. They rebelled against the organization, sure, but no one, not even Adam, was foolish enough to believe they could win in an outright fight.
Day to day life then was hectic and always tinted with a coloring of paranoia. Food was another concern. Many of their members were nondescript and could go into town for supplies, and yet as often was the case with the outer settlements their kind, Faunus-kind, were refused service.
Theft or hunting were their only alternatives. Hunting could work well depending on the locale, though linger for too long and the wildlife quickly became privy to their homes turned slaughterhouse and would leave. Theft, while helpful in the short term, brought about many of the same problems remaining in one place for too long might. Towns like Alabaster, distant and left forgotten by the Church, were prime targets and could be extorted regularly.
Those towns were far and few between.
Blake watched as Ozpin leafed through a stack of papers. Her stomach was full, her thirst satiated, and she'd been given medicine from a local apothecary to treat minor wounds she'd suffered at Holbrook. Her clothing had been replaced too, and while the black tunic, leather jerkin, gray trousers and leather boots she wore were a sight finer than her usual attire it was hardly the most expensive of outfits in the city. That spoke to Vale's insurmountable wealth. Wealth that very, very few had access to.
Ozpin set aside his papers and reached for his mug. Coffee: she'd recognize the putrid, bitter scent anywhere. The Archbishop eyed Blake over the brim of his mug and gestured to the still steaming drink before her seat. "It's better when it's hot, you know."
"I'll pass."
Ozpin made no point of contention, not at all bothered over Blake's curt refusal of his hospitality. Anyone else might have been happy enough to partake in the drink. She had a full stomach, fresh clothes, and was cleaner than she had been in weeks. Much of that was for show, she knew, since it would hardly do to have someone steeped in filth meeting with the Archbishop.
Her wrists scraped against cold metal and Blake scowled at the manacles around her wrists. Blue runes glowed silently along the cuffs, indecipherable; Blake had no knowledge of the Runic system, reading them was impossible. Their effects were less mysterious. After having them placed on her by the healers she'd tried to summon magic, only to feel the energy she'd drawn upon hit a wall. Normally magic would flow as a river to a lake, depositing its boundless energy into Blake and allowing her to conjure spells at will. That river had been damed and the lake, her body, was denied access to any of the readily available magic essence. It was all around her and yet unreachable, hanging tauntingly on a string right before her eyes.
This wasn't hospitality, Blake decided. It was all a show. The only question then was why bother? What was Ozpin after?
"Well… I suppose there's little point in delaying it any longer. Shall we get to why I've asked you to come here?"
Asked? Blake lifted her hands and set them on the desk, metal scraping against wood. "I wasn't aware this was a request."
"Well, you do always have the alternative of going to a cell," Ozpin admitted. "Or the gallows, though I don't know anyone who would willingly choose the latter."
Blake wouldn't. She wasn't that far gone, as hopelessly confounding as her current situation might be. "What do you want?" she pried, narrowing her amber eyes.
"What I want, young lady, is to find a way to cooperate between your people and my own. We all tire of this needless bloodshed, I think, and I should hope each side would be amicable to forging a truce."
"It's bloodshed that you and your people caused," growled Blake in return. "Don't act like it's our fault this is happening."
"The Church has made some missteps when dealing with your people, I'll admit. And I am not above admitting that I myself am responsible for a number of those." Blake sniffed and leaned back in her seat. If Ozpin thought he was going to earn favor by trying to placate her then he was wasting his breath. "But you can't deny that the White Fang hasn't made things any easier."
"We've done what we have to in order to survive, nothing more."
"And do indiscriminate killings qualify as survival? Or extortions? And where, I wonder, does the slaying of nobility fit into this 'survival' of yours?"
Blake didn't want to take the bait. The damned smile the Archbishop wore made it impossible not to.
"Our people are subjugated by Murans, by the Church. Other races look down on us, deny trading with us, or even treat us with common decency!" She balled her hands into fists and slammed them on the desk, the sound echoing through the spacious office. "We have nothing left to do but to fight and steal! We've been left no other choice!"
"You do have a choice, Miss Belladonna. There is always a choice, you've simply made -"
"There's a choice? You honestly think that we have a choice?" Blake laughed bitterly. "Is it our choice then to be beaten and killed for being different? Did we choose to be treated like slaves, then cast aside or killed when we grow old or infirm and can no longer work?" Blake grit her teeth and scoffed. "There is no choice, Muran. The decision was made for us a long time ago, now we're left to claw our way out of the hole you've tried to bury us in."
How she'd love to attack this man, if only to try. Her magic was out of reach but there were other means of attacking Ozpin. The quill on his desk could be fashioned into a shiv and stabbed into his throat. The paperweight, when used with enough force, could easily bludgeon a man to death. Horribly barbaric and well beneath her usual methods, but then her usual methods had been taken away from her.
"I would be more amenable to your difficulties if you showed any remorse for your actions."
"Funny, I could say the same thing about you, Muran."
"Such hostility…" Ozpin sighed, then shook his head and shuffled papers on his desk. "Do you think I'm ignorant to your deeds, Miss Belladonna? You failed in Galloway, true, but you've had other successful missions. A handful of lesser nobles lay slain by your hand, towns live in fear because of you and your people. And while a more… Innocent soul might be inclined to believe you're simply following orders."
Blake felt her nails dig into her palms, anger escaping in a low growl. Had Ruby spoken to him and plead her case? Idiot…
"I am not in a position where I can make such allowances. I have the welfare of the entire kingdom to consider and that means a single individual's actions, whether done of their own accord or on behalf of another, must be weighed against the whole. It pains me to say then that you've caused no small amount of grief for the people of Vale. It's only by miss Rose's request that you're here before me and not awaiting execution."
"Bullshit." She rarely swore but Blake felt she should call Ozpin's words for what they were. "You just told me you can't afford to think like her, yet you expect me to believe her plea was enough to save my life? Don't insult my intelligence, Muran…"
"I do have a name, you know. Ozpin, if you're unfamiliar."
"Stop playing games with me," Blake snapped.
"Games? I wouldn't dream of such a thing. And I'm being honest when I say that miss Rose is the reason you're here now. I cannot afford to make exceptions when it comes to matter of public safety. Killers must be held accountable and you by all accounts are precisely that. However, this is hardly a usual case, and your position offers the Church a potentially valuable resource, one which I would be foolhardy to ignore."
Ozpin pushed himself from the desk and rose to his feet. Blake felt pedestrian before the man, her new clothing mundane before his finely tailored outfit. This was a man who let his wealth and influence show, who had power and enjoyed flexing it. In that regard Ozpin and Adam weren't all that different. Both megalomaniacs, although one was more discreet about his desires.
It was hard to think what more the Archbishop could possibly want. He'd have the ear of the king and queen, influence over the military and nearly all matters of everyday life. Only the noble families were better off than archbishops, and even then, just so.
"Believe it or not we both want the same thing. I harbor no ill will towards the other races, contrary to what you might believe. All are equal before our gods, after all, and I should think I've done my best to ensure that everyone in Vale is treated fairly."
"You really don't get out much then do you?" Blake spat.
"I've tried, but even the Church has its limits. We cannot realistically hope to control every settlement, every outer colony and village. Surely you understand, belonging to an organization as widespread as the White Fang. Those in charge can make whatever decrees they like; enforcing them is another matter."
"Which is why I think we need to change our approach. We've attempted to reach out to the White Fang in the past to no avail, and often our messengers return to us wounded, if at all. We have tried to work with you and yours, Miss Belladonna. It's the White Fang who has scorned us at every turn."
"Hm. We don't want to be someone else's puppets, imagine that. It's almost like we've been at war with you over this."
"Sarcasm is unbecoming, young lady." Ozpin clicked his tongue, shaking his head in disappointment. "Since we've been so unsuccessful in our past endeavors I thought we should try something different. A more… Proactive approach, if you will. And I should very much like to make you a part of this."
Any number of things could have happened during this meeting. Blake could have been told to beg for her life, sell out those dearest to her, or reveal the locations of their major camps. Ozpin could have tortured her, threatened her, or tried to sell her into slavery. Blake had come prepared to resign herself to whatever fate the Church had in store for her.
"You… Want to conscript me…?"
Suddenly she wanted to rebel against her fate.
"In a manner of speaking, yes. Though conscription is such an unsavory term. Think of it as..." Ozpin paused before the windows, twirling a hand as he tilted his head. "A partnership between you and I."
"I'd like to see that cell now."
Ozpin chuckled. "You haven't even heard my proposal, Miss Belladonna. I think once you've listened you'll be a little more willing to agree."
Doubtful. Blake wouldn't agree if Ozpin held her out the window and threatened to drop her. Work with the Church? She might as well stab Ilia in the back while she was at it or deprive the children of food. It would amount to the same.
"I think that our efforts in the past have all failed due to one factor: our liaisons are always Murans. Whether they're priests of the Church, Hunters, or nobility, our offers have admittedly appeared tone-deaf. I understand that your organization also cares little for Ydrans or Dimurans as well."
"Any race that beds with the Church is just as guilty as you Murans," growled Blake.
"You would condemn those peoples for wanting to live in harmony with us? We haven't subjugated or enslaved either race, Blake. They live alongside us as equals, and other races could as well. The only thing preventing any cohesion is this crusade the White Fang carries out."
"Don't paint us as the guilty party, Ozpin!" Blake shot to her feet, chains rattling. Her feet scraped against the floor and held in place, manacles firmly fixed to a steel plate. She pulled against them, leaned forward and planted her hands on Ozpin's desk. "The White Fang formed because the kingdoms used our people as laborers, slaves, and fodder in your wars! When we demanded equality, you scorned us and drove us to poverty. The only guilty party here is you!"
"Mistakes of the past, and ones that the Church has sought to rectify," Ozpin deflected calmly. "The White Fang clings to the past and festers in its hatred. I could apologize for my forefathers' ignorance and crimes, but I doubt you want an apology. So, let us instead work towards bridging the gap between your people and my own. Let us create a unified Vale, together."
Blake pulled against her restraints, then dropped into her chair when they refused to give. Ravings of a madman and nothing more, that's all this was. Ozpin thought this was their fault, did he?
"Our people still suffer, Ozpin." Blake looked at the Archbishop in disdain, ears flat. "You acknowledge towns scorn us yet absolve yourself of guilt. You recognize that your own attempts at peace haven't worked yet blame us for your failures. You can't have it both ways. The reason for all of this," she gestured vaguely about the room. "Isn't the White Fang. It's you, you and this damned Church."
The Archbishop had no immediate rebuttal. Ozpin's smile waned slightly, and he turned away, staring out the windows overlooking the city. From his reflection in the glass Blake tried to read his expression and found it inscrutable. He was insane if he thought she'd work for them. She'd sooner accept death than agree to any plans.
Wind rattled against the thick panes of glass, rolling harmlessly off. Clouds parted, and sunlight flooded the circular space, causing dark, stained wood to glow warmly. Blake shifted in her seat and the legs scraped against the floor, chair tilting as she tried to get comfortable. Ozpin reached for something in his doublet and Blake craned her neck to see what it was, frustrated to have her view obscured by his back. Whatever it was he examined it for a brief moment before placing it back, turning to smile once more.
"What if I can guarantee the safety of those you hold dear? Would that make you more agreeable?"
Blake tensed but strained to remain neutral. Ozpin's widening smile told her she failed at that. "I have no idea what you mean."
"Please, I've given you the courtesy of assuming you have your faculties in order. Allow me the same." Ozpin returned to his desk and remained standing. He leaned forward, placing his hands on his desk and eyeing Blake. His gray eyes studied her face and he shook his head. "You have people you consider quite important. Everyone does, regardless of the life we lead. So then, what if I could promise that I would see them protected? If I had names, faces, we could take them into protective custody, away from the turmoil and violence. It would be a simple task with your cooperation."
Ilia, Liam, Dunst. Opal and the children. Brinne, and before he'd thrown her to the wolves, Flemish, too. There were people that she'd readily do whatever she could to secure their safety, perhaps even make a deal with the loathsome man before her. Much as Blake hated to admit it Ozpin had finally found a crack, a way to weaken her resolve, and he knew it. The Archbishop chuckled, stood tall again and folded his hands at the waist.
"I see you're open to listening now, splendid."
"Just get on with it, Muran," Blake grumbled.
"But of course. My proposal for you is simple: join the Church and work with me to convince the White Fang to cease operations. With one of their own acting as a liaison between them and the Church I should think that they would be more open to peace talks."
Blake stared in silence, then blinked once. Then she laughed, or rather, chuckled before snorting. "You're an idiot if you believe they'd ever agree to that. I'd be branded a traitor."
"Only if they knew what you were doing," Ozpin pointed out.
"And how do you plan to hide it from them, exactly? They'll know I was taken prisoner, they'll assume I was compromised."
The Archbishop nodded. "They will, and they would be fools not to. However, if you were to miraculously escape and return to their ranks, work to undermine them from the inside…" Act as a mole then. An insane plan considering Adam executed Flemish just to illustrate a point. Insane… And perhaps the only way she could really save her friends. Still…
"And what guarantees do you have that I'd cooperate?" Blake leaned forward and frowned. "Do you intend on using the others you brought in as hostages?"
"Nothing of the sort. We are not barbarians, Miss Belladonna. They will remain in the capital as prisoners, I'm afraid, but they'll be spared execution and treated well." As well as prisoners could be, he neglected to add. "All I would need from you is your agreement and we could move forward with our arrangement."
It was a ridiculous plan. Act as a spy for the Church? Betray the White Fang, and for what? To save a few of her friends?
Those friends are all the family you have, her mind whispered, betraying her. Wouldn't you trade your freedom for their safety?
She wouldn't.
Adam will kill them. You know he will. Once he assumes you're dead, or if he ever found out what you've done, he'll have them killed. You have to get them out of there.
If Adam ever wanted her back, then he wouldn't kill them. He… Wouldn't kill them, right? Adam had abandoned her, yet she'd thought it done out of necessity. She was his right hand but ultimately just another member. Adam was the commander of Vale's forces and his capture or death would be catastrophic. It had been callous in the moment and the betrayal still stung but Blake could rationalize it, even now.
Adam doesn't want you. The White Fang is becoming more extreme, you know that. Everyone knows that. Ozpin doesn't want peace.
Ozpin wants them gone.
If she managed to get her friends out, then would that be so bad? Those who didn't agree with the White Fang's more extreme approach would defect, and those who remained… Well, they'd signed their death warrant by partaking in massacres. Holbrook would only be the beginning and Adam wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
If Ilia and the others didn't die in a raid then they could be executed for Blake's failure, her betrayal, or on a whim. It was no secret that their loyalty stopped with her, that they followed her even above Adam. It wouldn't be difficult to find an excuse to kill them.
"Are you well, young lady?" Blake looked up at Ozpin and blinked as a bead of sweat rolled into her eye. She blinked it away and realized her breathing was labored, hands gripping her knees so tight her knuckles went white.
Ozpin smiled, and for a fleeting moment Blake mistook it for earnest concern. Almost. "I need a decision, and sooner rather than later, but it can wait a day or so. I'll give you time to consider your options if you'd like, but you will need to give me your answer soon."
That did little to erase the immense pressure smothering her. Trade her soul for the safety of those she cared about. Betray the organization that had effectively raised her, and for what? The lives of a few?
The lives of your family, her mind ridiculed her.
It wasn't even an option. She'd been prepared to die for their sake, so was this any different? Adam had discarded her; the organization was moving away from the ideals of equality they had strived for for so long. Killing corrupt nobles was one thing. Murder a common man simply because he was Muran? That went beyond what the White Fang should be for.
Even so Blake couldn't make herself agree to it. Trying to form the words made her stomach twist and her blood chill. Aligning herself with the Church was every bit as bad as staying with the White Fang. She'd work for the very people who had reduced her race and so many others to people living in squalor and desperation. She'd perpetuate the very crimes which had caused so many to suffer.
"I think we should bring this discussion to a close for now. I'll have you shown to your quarters. Do you require a healer? You seem unwell." Blake managed to shake her head. "Very well. Should you need anything, or should you come to a decision earlier than expected, simply request to speak with me."
The doors behind them opened and Blake glanced back. Goodwitch strode in, flanked by Qrow and another Hunter she didn't recognize. At first, she didn't rise, then when barked at by Qrow she slowly stood, remaining still as the chains at her feet were undone and she was allowed to move freely once more.
"Glynda, could you show Miss Belladonna to her room? I need to get ready for the ceremonies and I'm afraid I'll be too busy otherwise," Ozpin asked.
"I am here to carry your burdens," quipped Goodwitch, rolling her eyes. "Do at least try to be on time then. If I arrive before you then there will be words later, Ozpin. No excuses."
"But of course. I wouldn't dream of missing even a moment of this."
Blake shuffled towards the door, guided by a strong hand and shove from Qrow. Before she left the room however she stopped. Frowning, she turned back and studied Ozpin carefully, as if she'd be able to see through his ruse. "Tell me one thing, Muran. Say I agree to work with you. Say that I follow through and do as you ask…" Qrow looked at her confused and she ignored him, stepping back into the room. "What's to keep me from betraying you? Do you intend on giving me a partner to keep me in check?"
"Do you want one?" Ozpin asked rhetorically. Obviously not. The Archbishop chuckled, then shook his head. "Don't worry, I have less invasive methods of securing your cooperation. Leave the rest to me and, please, rest and enjoy your stay. I look forward to hearing your answer in the coming days."
/+/+/+/+/+/
Weiss' face hurt. She couldn't stop smiling nor could she tear her eyes away from the mirror. Peeling back the collar of her hooded tunic she marveled at the red mark on her neck. Three rings of increasing size intersected by a triangle through the middle. Within the rings themselves were runes, and though the print was small Weiss could just make them out. The Hunter's Sacrament, the oath that every Hunter learned as an Initiate and lived by once completing their training.
They had memorized it in hopes of earning the right to bear the Mark of the Church, and at long last they had it. Formalities of the ceremony aside Weiss and her friends were recognized Hunters. After three years of training, of toiling and numerous trials, finally they were among an elite few.
Nothing could ruin this moment. Nothing except for an excitable clod bounding into her and nearly knocking her off her feet.
Weiss gasped, stumbled, and grabbed onto a chair to keep from toppling over. Ruby giggled unapologetically and linked her arms around Weiss' neck. "We did it!" the brunette squealed. "We're Hunters now! Actual hunters!"
A normal Muran would be in agony over Ruby's shrill declaration. Weiss felt her ears try to turn themselves inside out and escape the assault on her eardrums. "L-Let go of me, you boob!" she stammered, pushing at Ruby and prying her friend away. "Gods… Are you trying to deafen me?! You don't need to yell when we're so close!"
Ruby flushed and pressed her fingers together. "Sorry, I'm just excited and happy!" She hung her head and fidgeted on the spot, looking more like a child scorned than one of Remnant's elite Magi. "I wanted to congratulate you."
"By rupturing my eardrums?"
Pyrrha laughed from across the room, hastily covering her mouth when Weiss glared at her. "She's just excited, Weiss. Surely you can forgive her?"
"Forgive her? If I lose my hearing, then I'd have to retire before I'd even begun!"
"I doubt Ruby can be loud enough to cause that," Ren observed. The boy cupped his chin and tilted his head, thoughtful. "Though I'm not certain. I'm not familiar with Ydrans and their hearing abilities…"
"I bet she can hear everything!" Nora jumped from her seat on the windowsill. "Hey Weiss, tell me if you can hear this!" She mouthed a few words, eyes shining excitedly.
"You're not actually talking, Nora," Jaune laughed.
"Shhh, I'm testing her!"
"Jaune couldn't hear you either, Nora," Pyrrha pointed out. "And he's right beside you. How was Weiss expected to?"
"He's just deaf then!"
"Nora…" Ren warned.
Weiss chose to drown out Nora's ensuing argument at Jaune's expense and abandoned him to her mad ramblings. Ren would help him out. Probably, and if not then Pyrrha was there.
The doors to the Cathedral's antechamber opened and Weiss glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. Too early for it to be Ozpin or one of the instructors, and without any fanfare she doubted it was anyone of significance. Ruby bounded into the room a moment later, tugging her hood from her head and sticking her tongue at someone just out of view. By the time Weiss moved to meet her and craned her neck to look outside the doors had swung closed.
"Weiss! Sorry I'm late, I was chatting with my uncle and we got caught up in stuff and he kept congratulating me and saying how proud he was." Ruby's face went red and she cupped her own cheeks. Then she began to wiggle on the spot nervously. "He was saying how much I'm like mom and how I'd be an awesome Hunter and…"
"Ruby?"
"I told him that I was going to do my best and I'd try to make them proud, but he said they're already proud! My dad's even going to be here! He got permission from the bishop on Patch to travel out here and…"
"Ruby!"
Weiss' hand snatched her partner's lips between her thumb and forefinger, pinching them closed. A few muffled complaints came before Ruby finally ceased her fighting, pouting and folding her arms. Only then did Weiss acquiesce and release her hold, although she kept her hand raised if Ruby decided to start up again.
"Are you done…?"
Ruby nodded and zipped her lips closed. "Good," Weiss said with a smile. "I wanted to congratulate you as well. You were remarkable at Holbrook and… Well, I think it goes without saying that I'd likely not be here if not for your help."
"That's not true Weiss! You could have saved that town!" Ruby protested.
"Ruby, I'm flattered you think me capable of that but I'm not delusional. Adam Taurus could have killed me with ease, and with that woman helping him? I wouldn't have lasted five minutes, and the town even less." Something crashed behind them and Weiss turned with disinterest, watching as Nora somehow clambered up Jaune's back and directed him around the small space, heels digging into his sides. "I don't remember if I've said it or not yet so let me say it now. Thank you, Ruby."
Ruby looked to be on the verge of exploding, and… Was that smoke rising from her ears? Emitting a bestial squeal, the silver-eyed girl jumped and, in a feat Weiss could only explain as defying physics, launched herself forward. Weiss never stood a chance and fell back to the floor, air rushing from her lungs in an 'oomph!'. Ruby laughed and wrapped her limbs around the smaller girl in a vice.
"Aww, Weiss! I'd do it any time, you know that! We're besties, after all!"
Weiss tapped on Ruby's back, face turning blue. "R-Ruby…"
"Yeah?" Ruby let go and grinned, then gasped realizing Weiss' predicament. Clambering off her friend she hauled Weiss to her feet, then squeaked and covered her head after being smacked upside it. "Owie! Weiss!"
No cracked ribs, no bruises. Weiss supposed she'd let Ruby off with that smack this time. "Please refrain from trying to crush me? Gods… At this rate it will be a miracle if I make it to our graduation…" Ruby laughed nervously and rubbed her head, then turned and whistled into the air, hands clasped behind her back. Innocent her foot…
Was her outfit in acceptable condition still? Weiss glanced down at the white vestments gifted to her by Goodwitch that morning. Not dissimilar to the cassocks that regular clergymen wore, though the garment switched its whites and blacks, it was remarkably comfortable given how stiff it looked. Weiss dusted down the front, hands coasting over smooth white fabric, fingers bumping against black buttons and black trim which lined the sleeves.
By virtue of being vertically challenged they needed to roll up her sleeves, so her hands would comfortably reach beyond the cuffs. In doing so the soft black lining within the robe stuck out by her wrists, a few black buttons buried in the folds. Flaring at the bottom and fanning out, splitting along their thighs on either side, it was a surprisingly breathable piece.
Whatever noise the grandfather clock might have made was overpowered by the chime of the Cathedral's bell tower high above. At the twelfth chime Weiss heard applause from outside the building. No Doubt that was Ozpin's arrival, which meant their own would follow soon after.
"Let's try and enjoy this," she said. Ruby squeaked on reflex when Weiss reached for her, then visibly relaxed as Weiss fixed her collar, then smoothed out her robe. "We should look immaculate for the ceremony. We only get to enjoy this once, after all." She paused, plucking a hair from Ruby's shoulder and checking the other for stray fibers. "We should be the picture of perfection."
"There is great pride in having reached this point," Ren added. Somehow, he managed to wrangle Nora from Jaune and now found his right arm locked firmly between his partner's.
"We're actual Hunters now!" Nora shouted, moving to hug Ren only to hesitate to see his left arm in a sling. She settled for throwing her arms around his waist and lifting him instead. "We have to celebrate after this! Can we go get pancakes? No wait let's go find the biggest Grimm we can and kick its butt!"
"Nora… I hardly think we should be going back to combat so soon," Pyrrha laughed. "Many of us are still recovering from our battles."
Undeterred Nora stood tall and placed a hand on her hip, other arm linked with Ren's. "Fine, second biggest! I won't go any lower!"
"I think food sounds good…" Jaune inspected his robe and whined, tugging at the fabric and pouting. "Nora, you scuffed my clothes!"
"You should have been a better horsey then!"
Weiss rolled her eyes and held back a laugh while Jaune flailed in protest, consoled by Pyrrha as he lamented his ruined garment. Somehow the stain suited him, she decided. He wasn't quite perfect and so why should his clothing be? In fact, she almost wanted to suggest Nora tear off her sleeves, Ruby to dye hers black, and Ren… Ren was fine how he was, as was she.
There would be no time to modify their outfits as the doors to the antechamber opened once more and Goodwitch strolled in. The woman wore her usual white and purple vestments, though a black coat hung over them, open, with the crest of Vale sewn into the right breast. She looked over their hodgepodge group before smiling, a rare if disconcerting expression for the woman.
"You're all about to be called to the stage. I would just like to take this time to remind all of you that you'll now represent the Church and kingdom, both as Hunters and citizens of Vale. You've done us all here proud by coming this far." Weiss felt her tears prick with tears and she sniffed. She wasn't going to cry. She promised herself she wouldn't cry.
"Miss Goodwitch!" Jaune wailed, burying his eyes in his forearm. "Th-thank you!"
Goodwitch shook her head while Pyrrha consoled the inconsolable. "Thank you for the praise, ma'am," Ren said with a bow, as much as Nora's vice grip would allow. "We shall not let you down."
"I know you will not, Lie Ren. You've all developed into respectable young Hunters." She smiled more easily and stepped to the side of the doors. "Now, if you could compose yourselves and line up we can move along with the ceremonies. Please stand two by two with your partner. Miss Schnee and Miss Rose, you'll be at the head of the proceedings. Miss Nikos and Mister Arc…"
They were easier to organize than cattle, a comment Weiss wasn't sure if it was an insult or compliment, and it took no time to get themselves in place. Jaune continued to sniffle though Pyrrha had dried his face. Nora bounced with every step, and somehow Ren, despite being jostled incessantly, never protested or asked her to stop.
Weiss felt like she was on top of the world. As they walked through the pews and passed lesser clergymen she smiled at their applause, head held high, heart swelling. Ruby, the picture of professionalism, smiled like a nervous child and waved when she wasn't fixated on the ground before their feet. The poor girl looked to be doing everything she could not to trip: a tall order for the klutz.
Goodwitch paused at the large doors exiting the Cathedral. She turned, adopted a more neutral expression and clasped her hands behind her back. "Ladies and Gentlemen, from this point on you are no longer Initiates of the Church, but recognized Hunters. Never forget what you endured to reach this point, the challenges and hurdles you overcame. Remember your humble beginnings and strive for greatness and a life of virtue." She smiled again, warmly, and bowed her head. "And never forget that we are truly proud of the young adults you have all become."
And just like that Jaune was in tears again. At least this time he managed to keep a straight face, although that just made him look ridiculous. Weiss felt a solitary tear trickle down her cheek and hastily wiped it away. There would be time for crying later, for now she needed to be brave in the face of what was to come. Compared to Holbrook what was facing a few clergymen and nobility?
As it turned out it was quite a lot. The doors opened and immediately fanfare began. Trumpets signaled their arrival, joined swiftly by a chorus as a choir began singing, and lutes and harps joined in the medley. Goodwitch moved just ahead of them, eyes straight and posture rigid. Weiss attempted to copy her but found it difficult when Ruby tugged on her hand repeatedly, forgetting her momentary social anxiety to wave instead at the sea of smiling faces.
Gods were there a lot of them. Filed along a carpeted path they moved before what had to have been at least a hundred seated individuals, and many more beyond them, gathering to see the commencement of new Hunters. High ranking nobles that Weiss vaguely recognized sat in the front alongside the bishop of Vale and senior priests. The second row were mostly Hunters, easily recognizable by being the only people besides guards to wield weapons.
Weiss couldn't see much further than that, not until they were led up the stairs and onto the stage itself. Ozpin stood at a podium and smiled as they all made their way along, lining up single file to his right. Goodwitch took a moment to shake their hands and wish them well individually. Weiss couldn't fight the smile that split her face when the woman took her hand.
"Well done, Miss Schnee," the woman kindly, having to lean in to be heard over the applause of the crowd. "Ozpin and I knew you'd do wonderfully. Congratulations."
The sky could have opened up and rain could have come crashing down and even then Weiss would have felt incredible. Her hands trembled at her sides and she forced them behind her back, interlocking her fingers and taking a deep breath. Crowds she didn't mind usually, but then this was hardly a normal case. People who had once scorned her were among the crowd. Clergy who questioned her place because of her birth. Nobility who refused to recognize her heritage and treated her like common rabble.
They probably still did, Weiss observed, but in the moment, they had no choice but to applaud and cheer for her. That in of itself was almost as sweet as what was to come.
Ozpin raised his hands and the crowds slowly died down. Music petered off and guards who had relaxed went rigid, stamping the ground with the shaft of their spears. Once it was quiet enough that Weiss could hear birds nearby chirping and only then did Ozpin speak.
"My fellow clergy, esteemed guests, and Hunters, I thank you all for being here today to commemorate this momentous occasion. I understand many of you are busy, but I speak for everyone when I say your attendance means the world to us. Therefore, I would like to personally extend my sincerest gratitude, both for making time and ensuring that our youth, the future of Hunters in Vale, understand they are appreciated."
Polite applause followed, and Weiss' mouth twitched, caught between smiling and letting out a sob. She wasn't sentimental, darn it. If even Jaune was keeping it together right now, then so would she.
"Every five years the Church welcomes forward a fresh assembly of Hunters. Initiation, as many of our veterans know, is not easy. Hunter hopefuls are not only educated in all areas but pressed with daunting training. Only the best that humanity has to offer may join our ranks and aid in our fight against the Grimm. The six youths that stand before you today are, therefore, the epitome of what we look for in our Hunters. Please, join me in welcoming our future…"
"Weiss Schnee." Weiss took a step forward and placed a hand over her heart, bowing at the waist. She tried not to tremble and found her knees buckling, refrained from licking her lips, mouth dry. They had practiced this a dozen times over and she'd thought it a simple task, answer the call. That was before they were asked to do so before several hundred people.
Ozpin went down the line and each member moved up at their summons. It was a short segment due to their small number and Weiss wasn't sure if she was grateful for that or not. The crowd was turned on them again and their applause served to both bolster her conviction and make her want to crawl beneath the stage and hide. Her face heated and, much to her chagrin, Ozpin's amused smile drew a few laughs from those in attendance.
"Remember these faces well, my fellows, for these are no longer children. Young though they are they have earned the right to be called Hunters, and in doing so have joined a select few to have carried such a position." Ozpin moved from the podium and took his time congratulating them as Goodwitch had done before. His hand was warm, Weiss noted, as was his smile. It was only worse that he should take extra time to embrace them all as well, leaving her steaming and red as Ruby's cloak.
Ozpin went into a preamble about the history of the Church. It was something Weiss knew well, well enough that she allowed her mind to wander as he recited it. Not that she chose to, she'd never so willingly ignore such an important part of what her own story was now, yet it was hard to keep focused.
A rainbow of cloths hung from trees and lampposts, and whenever the sunlight struck them just right they covered the plaza in a gentle wash of reds, blues, greens and yellows. Royal purple lined the seating, thick ropes sectioning off the more important members, which was to say the first three rows. Banners from each kingdom lined the stage, towering over all else, each fluttering with every gentle wind that rolled through.
Weiss' eyes scanned the crowd now that she stood high above them. When she spotted Ironwood, her heart leapt to her throat and she nearly made a fool of herself by calling out to the man. She didn't need to, his eyes fixated solely on her. She had never seen the man look prouder than he did, and when he realized she was staring he nodded, then politely motioned for her to listen. Her eyes widened, and she stared into the empty space above the crowd instead, standing at attention.
"... It is through the continued service and sacrifice of Hunters that humanity has flourished. Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen," Ozpin's voice became clearer as Weiss again focused on it. "And I do realize I sound a little biased when I say this, though I assure you it is no less true." Polite laughter from the crowd, the kind nobles looking to impress one another offered. Weiss smiled through it. "Many of us may one day owe our very lives to those gathered before you today, and those who follow and walk before them."
"Hunters!" Ozpin stood before them, his back to the crowd. The man's smile finally faded and he adopted a more serious expression. "If you'd please recite your oaths. Let us hear your conviction and dedication, if you'd please."
Weiss was more than prepared for this. She cleared her throat and placed a hand on her chest, lifted her chin and recited from memory.
"I am a Hunter of the Church of Remnant. I belong to no kingdom and live only to serve Remnant." Her voice mixed with her friends', ringing loud and clear over the crowd. "My sworn oath is to uphold the peace, to respect law and man both, and to use magic only to the benefit of others. I renounce my selfish goals and pledge to devote myself to the betterment of Remnant and its people, and to maintaining peace in all four kingdoms. Gods bless Remnant."
It was a simple verse yet one they had rehearsed time and time again. In the mornings, during lessons, in mock-ceremonies proceeding this. Weiss caught herself reciting it randomly at times, so ingrained as it was. Thank gods she hadn't screwed it up.
Ozpin nodded approvingly and turned back to the crowd. "There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Before you stand an elite few, children who, through no small effort, have taken upon themselves the very future of Remnant and its people. I ask you all today not only as their mentor but as a man who has been privileged to see them grow, welcome them and help them embrace their new roles, for they have earned it!"
Much of the crowd stood and showered Weiss and her friends in applause. Trumpets erupted in terrific fashion, and Ozpin's posture relaxed, if marginally, signaling they could as well. While it felt like adulation Weiss still basked in their cheers, years of ridicule and jeers disappearing in an instant. They would still deride her, she knew, and attempt to undermine her, but that didn't matter anymore. They could call her whatever they pleased, tell her she was a castaway, but nothing they could do or say would change one indelible truth.
She was a Hunter now.
Ruby swung from her neck and giggled in delight, face hidden against Weiss' shoulder. "We did it, Weiss!" She had to shout over the crowd and even then, Weiss barely heard her. She met her friends glowing smile with her own and hugged the other girl, laughing alongside her.
"We certainly did…" Her hands gripped handfuls of Ruby's cloak and she trembled, both in excitement and as nerves finally surfaced.
"I'm so happy…" Ruby mumbled, almost inaudible. Happy felt accurate. Wholly inadequate, but accurate.
Weiss wasn't sure when but at some point, the others had come over as well. Her feet left the stage as Pyrrha and Nora swept her up, pulling her into a group hug. With their faces hidden a few of them finally allowed tears of joy to spill. Hushed congratulations and cheers were shared. A platonic kiss - Nora would later argue that, was given to her partner, and Weiss felt her cheeks ache from smiling so much. And why shouldn't she? They had accomplished what they'd all set out to do.
From somewhere within the crowd the sound of dissent started. Faint at first it rippled through the gathering and soon applause died out. Guards who had moments before been stood idle gripped their weapons and looked for the source of the growing clamor. Men and women shouted, and people standing furthest from the stage parted way as a small group forced itself closer.
"This is an affront! Stop this at once!"
Weiss stepped away from her friends and towards the front of the stage. Incensed, she sought out the face in the crowd, seeking the man responsible. A large man with mutton chops pushed aside a pair of merchants, flanked by a small group of workers. Faunus: a Meera, Canis, and Kanin all stood behind him, with many other members of various races beyond them still.
Guards immediately began to move to intercept the group. Ozpin struck the podium with his cane, hand raised. "Wait a moment, please. They're here as our guests." Confused and angry murmurs came from the crowd, with nobles foremost among those decrying the intrusion. Ozpin let them simmer and instead offered a polite smile to the man. "Everyone, please, this gentleman requested that he be allowed to speak, he came to me personally. I should like to give him that chance."
Weiss was among those beside themselves. Why agree to such a thing? The man was clearly here to cause a commotion, not to mention ruin her graduation. Surely Ozpin wasn't going to let some… Degenerate cause a scene?
The man nodded and moved through the crowd, into the center aisle. Many attendees leaned away or left their seats entirely to put space between themselves and the small group. Others moved to do the same but relaxed when Qrow rose from the crowd and walked alongside their leader. Not in a show of solidarity, Weiss realized as Qrow flashed his weapon. He was there to keep them in check. Realizing this the crowd settled down, although only briefly. Soon another storm began.
"Filthy animals! You have no place here!"
"How dare you interrupt us!" a rosy-faced nobleman shouted. "Begone!"
A woman from within the crowd stood and gestured furiously. "Killers! Thieves!"
Something akin to a thunderclap silenced everything at once. Weiss uncovered her sensitive ears and looked for the source, eyes wide realizing a tree had not only been uprooted but knocked over. Goodwitch stood at the edge of the stage, face red and brow sweating from exertion.
"Thank you, Glynda," Ozpin mused, his smile strained. "Though next time perhaps use something less dangerous? I shudder to think of how the groundskeepers will take this…"
Goodwitch sighed and adjusted her spectacles. "Apologies, Archbishop. I'll have it fixed myself by today's end."
That seemed to appease Ozpin, for he promptly looked to the gathering in the aisle and held his hands up in welcome. "Please sir, speak your case. I understand you wished to have an audience with us? Now is your time."
Even in the face of the blatant attacks on their person the man nodded respectfully. Weiss had to commend him for his composure: she'd have lashed out at the riffraff immediately herself.
"Thank you, Archbishop. And I apologize for earlier, it was… Unwarranted."
"Please, let us not focus on the past, but the future," Ozpin said. "After all, isn't that why you're here?"
The man nodded again, and at Ozpin's permission approached the stage. None of them spoke as he walked by, nor did he spare any of them so much as a single glance. Not until he reached Weiss. For a tense moment she stared back into the man's amber eyes, recalling an odd familiarity to them. Before she could place them however he moved along and stood at Ozpin's side.
"Ladies and gentlemen, members of the court." The man paused and sighed, rubbing his scruffy sideburns. "I'm not one for flowery talk, so I'll get right to it. I've come here to point out an injustice, one that has gone on for far, far too long. I ask that you take a look before you, to your new Hunters, and tell me what you see."
No one answered. If anyone did have a response, then they kept it to themselves and chose instead to glare at the man responsible for ruining the event. When it became obvious that he'd receive no reply he cleared his throat, shuffling. Nervousness was beginning to show.
"I see before us the future," Ozpin offered helpfully. "Young men and women who will fight on the behalf of all those who call Vale home."
Weiss thought it was a lovely answer. The man thought otherwise.
"And yet who are among them, Ozpin?" When the Archbishop appeared confused the Meera continued. "All Murans, and one half-breed. A Schnee, no less." He shook his head, face crumpling, brow pinched in contempt. "You claim these children are our future, yet they represent not only the favoritism the Church has shown for generations, but the blatant disregard for other races that the kingdoms as a whole display."
"I assure you that their selection has nothing to do with favoritism or disregard," Ozpin spoke calmly. "They are merely the few who conducted themselves with the utmost aplomb."
"Fine, but when was the last Faunus Hunter? Or do other races simply lack skill? And…" The man turned to Weiss again and scowled. "Are any of us surprised that a Schnee was allowed to move on? Few families are so firmly bedded with the Church as they are."
"Excuse me?!" Weiss clenched her hands and stormed towards the man. "I have reached this point of my own ability, sir, not because of my name. If anything, I've been scorned for it!"
"She speaks the truth!" A noblewoman jeered. "She's a bitch, disowned by her own family!"
Weiss' heart fell as laughter tore through the crowd. It wasn't many, but enough that it was loud and grating. To his credit the man before her seemed genuinely apologetic, lowering his eyes as she glared out at the crowd.
She was a Hunter, godsdammit. She'd earned this. What right did they have?!
"Miss Schnee has worked as hard as anyone else to achieve what she did." Ozpin's voice silenced the nobles' raucous laughter, and a meaningful look quieted the few Hunters who had joined in. "None of those before you today were given special treatment in their training. Each man and woman on this stage has fought to be where they stand."
"And yet not a single Faunus is among them," the man spoke. While his ire might no longer be directed at Weiss he still seemed intent on arguing. "I come before you today not to incite violence, but to ask that we are given equal chance. The Faunus Conglomerate have children who would excel as Hunters, if you'd but give us a chance. We seek to defend our homes and families just as you do."
"You… You're with the White Fang!" A white-faced noble stood and pointed shakily. "Who are you to demand equality?! You kill our people and rape and pillage!"
"Please, we are not aligned with that group!" The bearded Meera held his hands up placatingly. "We seek equality through protest, just as my brother did! We do not condone the actions of the White Fang, we are every bit as appalled as you are!"
"Bullshit!" shouted a worker, his clothes stained with soot. "Yer every bit an animal as they are!"
The crowd started up again and began to devolve into slurs and shouts. What few non-Murans that were within the crowds stood and tried to leave. Some were grabbed and assaulted, others managed to slip away. Guards moved swiftly to subdue those who instigate fights, though with dismay Weiss noticed they treated Faunus, the very ones who were attacked, just as roughly.
Qrow had been forced to usher the group he'd been watching over towards the stage, weapon brandished. Other Hunters at Ozpin's orders formed around the stage and created a perimeter, blocking off angry citizens from lashing out. Someone hurled a broken bottle at the stage and Ozpin stepped away, speaking quickly to Goodwitch.
"Children," the Archbishop spoke low. "Please return inside the Cathedral and await further instructions. We'll have this commotion settled shortly, but I think it's best that you make yourselves scarce."
The Meera cursed as another object was thrown, covering his head, then marveling as it hovered harmlessly before him. He nodded with thanks to Goodwitch before looking at Ozpin somberly. "This was never my intent, Ozpin. I didn't mean…"
"I know, Tuckson, and I am certain neither of us hoped this to come to pass. Regretfully I can't say I'm surprised, however." Ozpin shouted orders to the Hunters and a few moved, reinforcing guards as they restrained the violent few who began to incite, or try to incite, a small riot. "Go inside with the children, take your people with you. You have the full protection of the Church, I promise."
Weiss could only watch as the crowd was dispersed, and numerous arrests were made. The Faunus with them said nothing as they were hurried ahead, heads down and arms raised to shield themselves. Ruby tugged on her sleeve and she stumbled after her friends, gritting her teeth as they were rushed back into the building.
As always thank you so very much for reading. Liked it? Hated it? Let me know if you're feeling so inclined, feedback is always appreciated. See you next chapter, folks!
PS. Did Glynda just use a tree as a gavel to shut people up? Why yes, yes she did.
Stay extra friends!