["Bloody Stream" - JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE (English Cover by Y. Chang)]
From the darkness…
Strong and silent
Like pillars in the night they break the dawn
Hungry and violent
Scarlet rain falls
Hot and heavy
Show me that you've got the strength to fight
Boy, are you ready?
And so, may love guide your way through every last endless trial
Always tempt your fate with luck and a smile
Watch out for danger left and right it's just like dancing in the dark
You slip through like a knife and cut your way right to the heart
Let your path unfurl and the world will always sing your story
Like a bloody storm
It surges like a bloody storm
When destiny runs through your veins so wild and wet and warm
Fate may pull the strings and who knows what tomorrow brings
But, tonight we stand together!
残り:四の影/ Remnant's Four Shadows
Volume 3, Episode 6: Bittersweet Ballads
Yuki should be happy he killed Adam and he avenged his family. But no, the new delivery of the canon timeline came through his mind. Chronoa was apologetic for having to show Yuki this through his dreams. He could have been mad but considering all what he had done so far…that timeline was growing less likely to happen. Of course, he had to make sure of it.
He cracked opened his eyes realizing he was in the Dragon's Den. He felt body heat and noticed the twins were clinging to them flesh against flesh.
"Well, at least there's something pleasant." Yuki said with a dry sigh as he untangled himself from them.
He got up to see that Ivory and Kelly was not in the room, but Peach was passed out on the Kelly's bad. He looked over to see Jaune and Lapis in each other arms still in their prom clothes. Yuki wondered if this could drive a wedge between Lapis and Pyrrha.
"At least it wasn't a hookup. Ivory would have recorded it and sent it to Pyrrha." Yuki said heading into the shower.
With the water running, Yuki was washing his hair trying to just endure the hangover. He hummed a tune right before the bathroom door opened. Peach stumbled to use the toilet leading to a bit of awkward pleasantries.
"So…the twins, huh? Your father would have laughed to hear that." Peach said as Yuki sighed.
"He would, but I just got the update from Tempus." Yuki remarked.
"How bad is it?" Peach asked.
"Rancid. Firstly, the POV was limited and most of time was sent with people who weren't central to the main issue of the Salem issue. I had to waste time watching a damn election to two bozos who I could care less about. Somehow, Team RWBY beats the Ace Ops with only three weeks of training. People seem to forget their powers. Neo, of all people, gets sucker punched and she loyal to Cinder for some reason. Everyone keeps making dumber and dumber decisions and Salem invades Atlas. And Cinder still breathes!" Yuki said as he finished his shower.
"By the gods…." Peach muttered as Yuki came out with a towel around his waist.
"At this point, fuck being careful." Yuki said seriously. "Cinder dies today."
Yuki left the bathroom, got dressed, left a note for the twins, and went out of the door. First thing's first, Team FAME's dorm. Serena hacked the lock on the door as Crimson cocked his pistol. There, Cinder and Ilia slept blissfully unaware of the man who came to kill them.
"Good, Emerald and Mercury ain't here." Yuki thought.
Serena made a physical appearance next to Yuki taking up the other pistol. They nodded at each other. Serena made sure that Ilia was put in her wheelchair and restrained while Yuki readied Armis coating the gun with the bio-metallic blue sheen. BLAM! A single gunshot took Cinder away. No epic battle, no evil monologue, no annoying speeches, no last words, and no hesitance. Yuki felt nothing watching the blood drip into the bed as Ilia woke up realizing she was in trouble.
"Courtesy of the Belladonna family, any last words before I made a smear out of you." Yuki said putting the gun to her head. "Any last words?"
Ilia's fear melted to one of defiance.
"My only regret is I didn't fuck that Bellaboo-" Ilia said before Yuki shot her in the throat.
Serena handed back Yuki's second pistol before vanishing back in Yuki's mindscape. He could feel the Maiden's power run past him as it was getting to Amber.
"I'm…I'm close to returning to my full strength. I need you to get me down to my body. Thankfully, I know a few secret paths." Amber said as Yuki left the room.
"Mind if I ask how?" Yuki asked.
"This place used to a castle for my family…the former royalty of Vale because we relinquished power for a republic." Amber said wistfully. "Now hurry, get to the library."
Yuki wasted no time going there unaware that he attracted some attraction. Elsewhere, Lapis had walked Jaune back to her dorm. She had to admit that she had a good time with Jaune, but there was a bit of guilt. She knew that Pyrrha had feelings for Jaune but would not have spill about it. As Jaune opened the dorm door, there was Pyrrha who was still nursing a hangover. Nora was passed out in Ren's arms, while Ren had lipstick marks on his cheek and neck.
"Jaune, you're back." Pyrrha said wistfully before noticing Lapis. "Oh…"
"Jaune, I had fun last night, and it wasn't all too bad spending the dance with you." Lapis said a bit sheepishly. "You certainly put the moves on me."
"Yeah well, you weren't so bad, yourself." Jaune said walking for the bathroom to clean up. "See you for training."
"Sure…maybe tomorrow. I'm going to get some rest." Lapis said leaving the dorm.
Pyrrha came out of the dorm saying thanks for not letting Ivory take Jaune out.
"I didn't do it for you. I took Jaune out to the dance because he deserved a decent date. Honestly, you need to stop pining from afar and just tell him already. If you don't, you only have yourself to blame if he finds happiness in the arms of another. Don't expect others to back away because you are pining for him." Lapis said before walking away.
Pyrrha was left alone in the hall. With Yuki, he was in the library looking about seemingly unaware of Goodwitch following him.
"Ok, here. Good, Ozpin didn't change this shelf here in the restricted section. Pull the book with the gold crown on the spine." Amber said as Yuki pulled it.
The wall opened to reveal a pathway down lit up by torches. Before Glynda could get a word out, Yuki used super speed to rush down the hall as the door closed behind him.
"I don't have much time. No doubt Goodwitch is going to get Ozpin involved." Yuki thought.
"Keep moving, you should be nearer with every step." Amber advised.
Glynda wanted answered and moved to find Peach who was amid a needed coffee for her morning.
"Peach, I…what did you do to your hair?" Glynda said confused.
"What?" Peach asked.
"It's orangish-blond." Glynda said as Peach looked into the mirror. "But never mind that, Yuki just went down some hidden corridor. He's hiding something."
"Even if he is, why would I tell you?" Peach said glaring at her. "Considering everything I've learned so far, you're not exactly trustworthy."
"I get it, but Yuki could be in dang-" Glynda said as Peach's scroll buzzed.
Putting the coffee down, Peach took it up, looked at over, and had a look of mild surprise.
"Oh…" Peach said before immediately locking her scroll.
"Was that Yuki?" Glynda asked.
"It was." Peach said as she finished her coffee.
"Are you going to tell me anything more or do I have to make you?" Glynda asked.
"Better I just show you, Glynda." Peach said texting Yuki back.
A portal formed to which Glynda was gestured to follow Peach in.
[Cues: JPDE OST (Johnathon Johnson) – Mystery of Magic (Melody)]
Glynda found they were in the vault, and Yuki working the controls. Glynda wanted to ask questions, but she was shushed.
"Ok, it's time." Yuki said seriously. "I'm opening the hatch. Lapis, keep the body stable. Glynda, try not to do anything. I rather not have to explain to Amber why she can't return to her body."
Peach took over the computer as the hatch was opened exposing Amber's body. Lapis immediately her water manipulation to keep the body functioning. Yuki clasped his hands focusing on his aura as it glowed around him. Serena appeared next to him doing the same. Both broke out with green flames, flames of the Maiden. The flames surrounded Amber seeping into her body as it slowly began to repair.
"Before you ask Yuki to break his concentration, you'll be able to ask Amber once she wakes up." Lapis said working to keep her heart beating. "I just need you to keep anyone from interfering. Thankfully, Qrow and Ozpin are distracted."
Ozpin was busy with a heated chess match with Ivory.
"I didn't even know you played chess." Ozpin said moving his pawn forward.
"I'm more than just brawn." Ivory said setting the castle formation. "One doesn't run with Team YUKI without having some brains. Sure, I'm not a genius, but I'm not a moron. Side note, castle."
"But facing a man who's got experience was not a wise move." Ozpin said nicking her a pawn with his.
"But your assurance leaves you open to be exploited." Ivory said nicking his pawn with a bishop.
"It could be my way of a trap." Ozpin said as Ivory snarked back, "But you've told me now instead of keeping me guessing."
"But could you stop me?" Ozpin asked only for Ivory to show a look of determination. "Your determination is admirable, but not enough."
"And you make the same mistake as many others. You underestimate and it will cost you." Ivory said.
They went quiet just playing the game with Ozpin seemingly in the lead. Ivory knew she was not exactly going to win, but she'd go all out to stonewall much to his annoyance. Ozpin was close to a checkmate, but she lain defiant until she was down to a king and a rook which Oz having three pieces. Ozpin took out her rook leaving the king alone, but she stubbornly did not give up.
"Why do you keep stalling the inevitable?" Ozpin asked flustered.
"Maybe because the goal is not to win, but to drag it out as long as possible." Ivory said cryptically as she moved circles around the board.
BUZZ! BUZZ! A chiptune played on her scroll to which Ivory did not even have to look down at it. She knew that tune meant and pushed over her king.
"The king and his men chasing after a decoy before realizing he's just been played. My work done is here." Ivory said before leaving the room.
Ozpin was confused and then he noticed that his monitor and speakers were unplugged. He plugged them in to see that there was an alert that the Maiden's room was breached. Ivory's words hit and it dawned on him that he let the deviant of the team play him like a fiddle. He grabbed his cane, called for Qrow, and stormed the elevator.
[Cues: Dragon Ball Super OST - The Birth of a God]
By the time they got down there, they felt a rumbling that shook the building. A heat erupted throughout the building, but it felt warm and comforting. Ozpin and Qrow were readying racing to get there only to see a bright flash. As their eyes regained sight, there was Amber floating down and, now on her feet, fully healed and out of the tank.
"Good to see that you're out of my head." Yuki said kindly.
"Your mind was not bad to live in." Amber said stretching. "But I am so glad to be back in my own body, but…who undressed me and put me in the task."
[Music Ends]
"That was me." Glynda said turning to Ozpin and Qrow. "But it seems that Team YUKI got the drop on us."
"I want an explanation." Ozpin said firmly.
"I can give it." Amber said as Yuki gave her a jacket to put on over her. "I was comatose, but I mentally connected with Yuki thanks to his semblance. I was able to communicate with him. Of course, he already knew who stole my powers, but it was a matter of just giving that smug bitch enough rope to hang herself."
"Actually, if that was the case, I would have waited longer and not kill her, but fuck it. No need to delay her living much longer." Yuki mused.
"Ok…why didn't you tell us anything?" Ozpin remarked.
"Because Lionheart was the reason the false maiden got into Beacon and was spying on you, Qrow, and Glynda. If I told you anything, the cover would have been blown. Two of her teammates turned to work for me and they would have been killed." Yuki explained. "Cinder Fall was a dumbass, but you were a bigger one for letting the bitch get in with fake transcripts and no issue."
"What pisses me off is that the tattoo on her back is a symbol to one of the older cults that worshipped Salem. I know she kept that covered up, but had you at least informed the huntsmen-in training of who they are really fighting, maybe Cinder would have been caught on sooner." Amber said infuriated.
"We managed to prevent a national tragedy. Ironwood is soon to be informed as well." Yuki said firmly "Because Salem has two other players that are more dangerous than Cinder. I'll spill all the details on those two, but we need Ironwood here. This especially concerns him and Atlas."
"I see. But what of Cinder's teammates?" Ozpin asked.
"As I said, two of them turned on her to provide me intel. So, those two are not an issue. As for Ilia, dead and trust me, you'll be all for it. I don't think you want the media to find out that Beacon and Haven Academy let in an active terrorist who had a stash of underage faunus porn, don't you?" Yuki said as the adults cringed. "Blake's parents did that when they saw the images, and they begged me to kill her. Would have done it for free."
"I think I need a drink." Qrow said reaching for his flask only for it to be snatched by Ivory.
"No. Save that for later, we'll need to arrive a meeting at lunch, and we need you sober." Ivory said.
"We'll have the meeting at the Nekohaten. Neutral ground." Amber said as Serena made the call. "And don't think I won't get involved."
"But you should stay here where it's…" Qrow said only for Amber to slap him.
"Yes, because Beacon is so safe with you guarding it. Frankly, Qrow, fuck you. Last I remember before fading out was the smell of booze on you." Amber said before turning to Ozpin, "And Ozpin, why would you even send the drunk with a bad luck semblance to guard me?! He was not even near me when I got jumped! You're telling that I wasn't worth sparing a team."
Ozpin could not easily defend himself here as Amber did have a point in not sparing Amber a team.
"But I can't be too mad given that I wasn't outright killed." Amber said sighing. "Besides it's better we all work towards the same goal of dealing with Salem."
"Got a text from Kelly, Ironwood's agreed to meet us at the restaurant with just Winter and Penny." Yuki said walking away. "Team YUKI. Break for now."
Team YUKI had departed for the elevator with Amber and Peach following. As they left, Ozpin groaned taking the flask Kelly left behind to drink from it.
"Oz, it's not your fault." Qrow said trying to ease the guilt. "I…"
"As much as Yuki and I don't get along, he was right to keep me out of the loop. It's ironic he managed to even pull it over the master. Now I get a little in why he was so annoyed with my antics. However, he had shown that we were easily exploitable. We should take this "loss" with grace and focus on ensuring Amber that we're on her side." Ozpin said firmly.
"And that we better our security measures." Glynda said as she left for the elevator. "If this has taught you anything, Oz, is that you should be rather glad that Yuki is willing to work with you despite everything."
"Shouldn't we be concerned that he up and killed those two? Without running it by us?" Qrow asked.
"Reasonable concern, Qrow. But I almost don't blame for Yuki for ensuring her death. Salem's not one to be trifled with." Ozpin said steely.
-R4S-
Emerald and Mercury were walking back to their dorm both having enjoyed their "afterparty". For those intimate moments, they put aside for their issues to enjoy each other's company.
"Let's hope Cinder's still asleep and can't ruin the…hoohhh shit." Emerald said walking into her dorm.
There was Cinder, face down with a bullet hole in her head, bleeding all over the bed. A blood splatter was on the wall behind Ilia who had a grin on her mug and a bullet hole through her head.
"Yuki finally had enough." Mercury said not even fazed as he began to pack his stuff. "Might as well pack our crap and go."
"But…" Emerald said before Mercury shushed her.
"If we stay to question it and one of the teacher's sees this…it will get ugly." Mercury said before closing the door.
A portal opened and in came Yuki.
"Mercury. Emerald. Thank you both for your help. The Maiden was made whole and she's in a forgiving mood as I have convinced her not to try to come after you two." Yuki said cordially. "Now there's the matter of you two fleeing which I am prepped to help you with."
He produced another portal.
"This will take you to a friend of mine, one who insisted on meeting you both to help you out." Yuki said dryly.
Toriel came out of the portal all chipper and smiles. Of course, Mercury was a bit apprehensive, but Emerald was just balking at how big she was.
"This is Toriel, she's a psychologist…and huntress." Yuki said.
"She's so big and fluffy…" Emerald said sheepishly.
"Don't let that fool you. She is strong. I'd say she could kick Cinder's ass even with Maiden powers. One person I would not fight…yet." Yuki said as Mercury looked her up and down.
"You're serious?" Mercury said.
"Why would I bullshit you?" Yuki asked.
"Language, child." Toriel said as Yuki sighed. "And secondly, we should depart and quickly."
Emerald did not have to be told there grabbing her things being all packed, but not before taking something of Cinder's.
"Seriously, Cinder's clothes?" Mercury asked.
"Looks better on me." Emerald said as she and Mercury went in the portal with Toriel.
Yuki went through the second one leading back to the Dragon's Den. The morning, after a late breakfast, was spent training or on hangover recovery. Blake and Sun were found hot in bed with Yang tied to a chair with a traffic cone on her head. Weiss was tied to her bed, and Ruby was face down in the shower. It was awkward all around for them to recover from all of that and clean the mess.
-R4S-
[Noon]
"And there it is, the data for the virus that Cinder had planned to use." Yuki said showing the code off on his laptop. "She would have injected it during the dance had the other Lazuli not badly injured her."
At the moment, Team YUKI sat on a table at the Nekohaten which was closed for a "private party". Ozpin, Glynda, Qrow, Peach, Amber, Ironwood, Winter, and Penny were all here for this meet and greet.
"This code would have allowed her control of the stadium. She could have manipulated fights to set up matches or take control of the arena's engines." Penny said worriedly.
"And where is Cinder now? Her teammates? We need to deal with that now." Ironwood said rightly so, but rashly.
"Slow your roll, James. Cinder's already dead. Took care of her and Ilia." Yuki insisted.
"And the other two?" Winter asked.
"Not an issue. Their loyalties were to Cinder, not Salem. They weren't even aware of Salem until I told them to which they were rather willing to help me undermine Cinder. Those two are long gone and we need not peruse them." Yuki remarked.
"You let them escape." Qrow snarked.
"All a part of the deal, plus they could return the favor again in the future. Either way, those two are not the focus. Salem has three cards left. Namely, the creator of this code. Arthur Watts lives." Yuki said coldly. "And if you want to secure yourself and Atlas, Kelly can sum up what you need to do easily."
Ironwood, Winter, and Penny turned to Kelly who sipped her drink and put it down.
"Find the hole in Mantle's wall, improve Mantle's conditions, and for the love of all things, fix your Internet Security! Seriously, hacking into Mantle is ridiculously easy. Nothing's been updated apparently since Watts seemingly "dead". Who runs your tech department?!" Kelly ranted.
"Dr…Watts." Ironwood said blankly before face palming.
Yuki did the same.
"And Haven lacks a headmaster." Ivory remarked. "By the way, what did you do with Lionheart?"
"He had a meeting with a Grimm, didn't end well. But I have a wonderful idea for who could be headmaster?" Ozpin said with a grin. "Yuki, I…"
"Never happening. But I do have a suggestion for who…Sienna Khan. Now before you raise issue, hear me out. I've been keeping tabs on her…let's just say she's fallen on hard times because someone stole all the money in the White Fang's budget. So, she's pretty desperate. It'd be a waste if she ended up turning tricks." Yuki remarked.
"But can we assure she won't be an issue?" Ozpin remarked.
"Oh, we can. Just have me deliver the message if you choose to go through with it." Yuki said.
"I suggest you wrap this up. You rented for the hour, Yuki." Cologne said.
"Ok, well there's Tyrian Callows, and lastly Hazel. Hazel's the least of our issues for now." Lapis remarked.
Then, Yuki looked over at Ironwood and Winter with his silver eyes glowing viciously.
"Remember, do not tell anyone or record this in any computer until you're damn sure your lines are secure. I swear if Watts even gets a whiff of my name, I'm personally ensure you a trip through several walls and you'll be in the need for metal balls. And Winter, I don't think you want Weiss to know what I'll even do to you. Am I clear?" Yuki said glaring at them.
"Crystal." Winter said.
"That applies to you too, Ozpin. Me and my team are shadows and we like it that way." Yuki said rising up. "I'd say I'd cover your bills, but Cologne needs the business. So, you're all taking your checks."
"Cheapskate." Qrow muttered only to get smacked on the back of his head.
With that, the meeting ended, and Yuki was self-assured that things were going to get better. At least, he had hoped, but mistakes were made. Yuki was so focused on dealing with sidestepping Salem. He had ignored the threat in his backyard. In a darkened structure at night, within Emerald Forest, Brother Blood spoke with the ancient Lord.
"Excellent. We have the final ingredients needed for the ascension. It seems that those fools neglected to think about us." 'Lord Pyrite' said through his mirror. "It is finally time at last."
"Say the date…" Brother Blood asked as Lord Pyrite gave it to him. "And we'll be ready."
'Lord Pyrite' cut the connection and sat pondering.
"I will give Yuki credit where it is due. Killing Cinder saved him so much headaches, but alas, he and his crew think they can change time for the better. Even with changes within the timeline, a desiring of a nail. Chronoa thinks it's all in her favor, but I can be spiteful. They can't fight Remnant's fate, and even if try, THEY CAN'T FIGHT THE VOID."
(A/N: Well, this can only end so well. Yes, you'll have to go back to re-read Chapters 1-5, because I've rewritten and fixed it all up. It had to be done to better my work. I want to thank the Hapless-Ace, his crew on the Discord server, and the crew on the Adel aka Discord server. This isn't the end of Volume 3 of R4S, but it's halfway there.)
Cue the Ending Theme
