Read author's notes at the end of the chapter.
[Part-1]
The touch of the skin of a man, against one of the mythical creatures. Creatures said to be lost in the tales of fables and yet, in front of Jaune Arc, was a symbol of terror, and yet the only thing Jaune could feel from the beast, the dragon itself was warmth.
"It's amazing," Jaune muttered, still caressing the metallic feel of the skin, it wasn't scaled, well it was but…it was fine as if the skin was made of smooth metal.
"You are amazing yourself; you know?"
Jaune looked back expecting the explanation from the princess of Camelot. What was so amazing about him?
"It took me years before Albion let me touch him, or even father at that. Except for my grandfather, no one came this close to Albion on their first attempt, you know? He seems to like you."
Jaune looked back, the golden eyes of the dragon stared right back at his blue ones, the creature, the dragon, was so pretty…so bright.
"So, Jaune, what exactly were you doing out here? Practicing your semblance?" Artoria asked as she indicated Jaune to follow him, which he did after giving a final pat on Albion's head, he did not want to leave but, hey! He was not here for this.
"No- no, I don't have a semblance, as a matter of fact…I did not have a way of fighting till a few minutes ago. I am just so lost; I just don't know who I am…"
"That's a lie."
Jaune blinked, he didn't quite understand what she meant by that.
"What do you mean? Why is it a lie?"
"The biggest lie, a person tells himself or herself that they are looking for their identity, that they are trying to figure out what to do with their life when they already know it."
"Huh?" Jaune was now even more confused, weren't they were originally to find out what they really want to do.
"What did you not understand?"
"How can you be so crude about it? Do you not think that finding one's identity in this place is just as important? To find out what do you want to do?"
"Then tell me Jaune Arc, why did you come into this tournament? Why did you decide to become a hunter? Do not give me the generic answer."
"Wait…what? What generic answer?"
"You know? The answer that both so-called good and evil people give? I want to become a hero because I had a sad past and I want to help people or I want to destroy the world because no one was there for me, my mother died…you know? Generic stuff like that."
"How can you state someone's trauma as generic?"
"Trauma shapes people, Jaune. It makes them who they are, it would either make you choose the correct path or the wrong one, depending upon the actions chosen by you. Your past, your backstory? In reality, no one cares about that. Even at the deeper part, even you wouldn't care about your past. Why? Because it is in the past…what do you want to be now? What do you see yourself doing?"
"Do you not think someone's past is important?"
"It's important when you learn from it. Frankly, I do not care about a person's past. One must learn to see the bigger picture of the future, to be a better person than before, and once you do- "
Jaune and Artoria stepped out of the forest, for one of the few times in life Jaune Arc was speechless.
The place where he stepped in was just breathtaking, words cannot describe the beauty of the place. A plain field of lavender flowers, even if it was just a single color somehow, it managed to enhance the beauty of the place, as if the color knew what it was doing, the flower knew what it was doing. However, the most spectacular sight was the beautiful tower right at the center of the lavender field.
"-Endless possibilities towards the door of growth opens up."
Jaune's blue eyes met Artoria's emerald ones, she had a small smile on her face.
"What did you mean by that?"
"Hm?"
"What did you mean by a person knows his or her path?"
"Well, I cannot apply that to normal people, but that can easily be applied to people with aura unlocked, they are more connected to the soul."
Gently once again both of them were about to start walking, however, Jaune was a bit iffy, he thought he would damage the flowers, as there was no paved path.
"Don't worry, just walk…nothing will happen to the flowers."
Jaune followed that, but did so gently, just to be extra sure, and lo and behold…what she said was correct, the flowers were not damaged at all, however, it was strange as to why it did so.
"What do you meant when you said people who are more connected to the soul?"
"Well, aura represents the will of the soul, and what does semblance represent?"
"The personality of the soul?"
"You are half correct, it is not just the personality that the semblance represents, but also represents the innate desires of the person, of who they want to be or what they want to be. Do you get it?"
Jaune thought for a moment…perhaps, perhaps he tried to question it,
"What if someone has magnetism or Polarity as a semblance?"
"The better answer would be the person wants to repeal everyone around them, to show their valor of strength, however, then maybe, maybe the correct answer would be-the person just wants to attract friends, a north pole always needs a south one."
Yes. This, this would make sense as to why Pyrrha wanted friends and why she was so lonely, people used to put her on a pedestal, she attracted them in a wrong way, there must be more going on…however, Jaune won't pry in that matter, not now. If that is the case, someone's personality, their inner desires can actually be seen through semblance? Wouldn't that make understanding people way too easy?
"I know what you are thinking."
Jaune blinked, "You do?"
"Indeed, you are thinking about how can just a semblance tell us about people right?"
"Huh? Do you have some sort of mind-reading semblance or something?"
"No, it's just your facial expression is just easy to understand, you must suck at games that require a poker face, huh?"
Yeah. If it wasn't some sort of strategy game, Jaune was pretty bad at forms of games, may it be board or physical. Not to mention no wonder, Lancelot read him so easily.
"The thing is the semblance does represent the innermost desires of the soul, however, that is just that. Representation, in a way, is an art, a drawing if you may. No matter how good you are at understating any form of drawing or interpreting the message, apart from the artist no one else can state, what their drawing actually means."
"What we perceive as ourselves…that might not be true?"
"Indeed, you could be the haughtiest person, cold, prideful and arrogant…on the surface, but deep down, in the reality of your true nature could not be revealed to others, not even to yourself, unless you look into it, into your soul…the answer is always there, always will be."
The answer is always hidden deep within the soul. The truth to the one's nature, then shouldn't Jaune have his semblance by now?
"Then by the order, I should have my semblance by now, shouldn't I? I want to help people! I want to prove to myself and others that, I can be a hunter too."
Emerald eyes, shone, it was as if there was more to Artoria Pendragon than her name or strength, whatever little that he saw.
"That's not what you want."
"What? What do you mean? That I don't want to become strong? Or that I don't want to help people?"
Artoria gave a small smile, as she turned her head, "You were training at the Grimm locations, am I right?"
Jaune's eyebrow rose, she was changing the subject? But for what? However, Jaune decided not to let go of the subject but still play her game.
"I was, what of it?"
Artoria smirked, she puts her hand in front, it was then that Jaune notices there was a tattoo on her wrist, in a circular fashion, and it glowed-
Swoosh~
Jaune was baffled, a spectacular sight- it looked as if something was coming out from the tattoo itself, Jaune realized that was condensed aura! And so much of it! The aura spiraled around, and it formed into a weapon, a…a lance?
It was not a normal lance, but rather the type of lance that would be used in one of the old sports jousting. However, it was much more beautiful, soft blue and dazzling white spiraling around, making the lance just as tall as Artoria, holding out the handle, Artoria spoke-
"This is my weapon of choice, crafted by myself and born of my aura, the name of my weapon is [Rhongomyniad]."
"Wait…what's going on?"
Jaune was just as confused, why did suddenly Artoria took out her weapon? Where was she hiding it? What exactly is she doing?
"You said, you were training right? Let me tell you something, my brother once told me this- Don't train alone. It only emboldens your errors. You might see the results, but you might never be able to pick out your mistakes- you need someone, we all need someone, to point out our mistakes, the mistakes would make us stronger."
Mistakes would make us stronger.
"Heh. What nonsense are you spouting? I have made mistakes, more than anyone, becoming a liar- a cheat, I have made so many mistakes and yet the only thing I have done now is just getting a little better, what's next? How can I get better quickly? That's on my mind! I need to prove that I could be a huntsman, that I could be in the top 20 of the tournament, do not speak as though you know me from the get-go."
Jaune Arc glared, however to his surprise Artoria Pendragon kept her sly smile and tucked the tip of the lance right near Jaune's heart.
"See, I told you a few minutes earlier, I will tell you again, you do not want to become a huntsman nor do you want to be at the top 20 of the tournament, you are just lying to yourself Jaune Arc, a sweet lie, that's all. What you want, is already engraved in your soul, how about releasing it? Come on now- let's train for a bit, a spar, you and I"
The sly smile stayed there as Artoria Pendragon drew closer, her emerald eyes shone.
"Come on now Jaune, let's dance a little bit, entertain the princess a little bit, perhaps she just might reward you."
[Part-2]
{Main Square, Camelot}
Cinder Fall, sat near the fountain, it looked so beautiful, while she might not express much, she did love things that were strong and beautiful. Just like she is. Just like her mistress is…just like her best friend once was.
Cinder Fall shook her head.
It happens sometimes and she can't help but feel bad for her own self, one might call this madness, one might call this stupidity, one might call this suicidal, but Cinder Fall had fallen deep in the depths of depravity.
All the sense of her, each fiber and desire are running and endearing for one, single thing, the thing she desperately was denied. The thing that should be hers from the very start.
Power.
The simple term, isn't it? A simple five-lettered word, and yet- this is what she truly desired and nothing else. This is what she needed and desperately craved for. If she had power, her parents would not have sold her, if she had power, she would have been able to survive the orphanage, if she had power, she would have resisted the dark past of the orphanage and rescued her friend. If only she had power, then she wouldn't have been an imprisoned used tool.
She hated the fact that she had a semblance that much reminded her of her dead friend. She hated the fact that she still cared for a single person.
She hated that. She hates that. She hates that she is weak.
"…Ella?"
Huh?
It was fast, never once in her life Cinder Fall turned her head to a voice that she swore could not be real. She did not want to believe; her best friend was dead. She was dead a long time ago.
"…Mereoleona…?"
Quick!
It was the fastest Cinder saw anyone move. However, instead of an attack what greeted her was a hug. A tight hug. She really did not see this coming, out of all of this she really did not expect that she would reunite like this!
"…What…the…Mereoleona…you're…you're…alive?! Last time…I thought, you…you died! That rockfall, everything…what?!"
Once again for one of the few instances, Cinder Fall was out of words, she separated from the hug albeit barely, her face scanned Mereoleona's, she turned into a beautiful girl, didn't she?
Ah, Cinder looks at her tail and even her sharp canine fangs, the ears as well. Mereoleona wasn't just a Faunus, she was in reality, an Inuus- rare Faunus who have all the traits of the respected animal they represent. However, to Faunus, they were traitors to their own. The Inuus represented what once the Faunus were but in due time they fizzled out of existence or rather their trait fizzled out of existence, and the one that replaced it was the single animal-based trait that they carried now.
Inuus people are envied mostly, that's why they are even harassed, sold off- the Inuus were pure, perfect, they represented what Faunus kind should have been, and yet there are two things that the normal mortal does- if one does not understand something- you either immortalized it or burn it down.
The envy of the Faunus burnt down the Inuus people, chased killed- were termed freaks of nature by their own.
Ah! The double standard, Cinder Fall loved hypocrisy- and the fact that it existed, imbedded, and even weaved deep within the culture of both Humans and Faunus made it all the more interesting and amusing. How the Faunus cry about not being treated well- then the next you see them slaughtering innocent humans for a crime they haven't even committed yet.
That's why Cinder Fall sided with the Grimm, no matter what side is picked, no matter who would win, eventually, all of humanity and Faunus would fizzle out of existence, if the Grimm won't kill them- they would surely kill each other and Cinder would be watching that.
These thoughts should continue if it weren't for the presence of her best friend who she thought was dead.
"Come on Ella, you should know that I am tougher than I look, did you really think a boulder avalanche would kill me?"
"Contrary to popular beliefs, you should have died- I am still having a hard time believing that you are alive? How do I know even it's you? You could be an imposter for all I know? Someone who knows about me and my friend- or you just could be a semblance?"
Cinder took few steps back and dangerously narrowed her eyes, ready for any or all attacks. Her heart might have fluttered reuniting with her friend, but is she really is her friend? She could be any enemy after her. She could be part of White Fang. She could even be something created by Dr. Watts just to annoy her, even if she knew that there is highly unlikely that anyone knows the details of her past but she did not want to take any chances.
She is in enemy territory after all.
The girl in front of her, Mereoleona sighed, "Till the age of ten you used to have nightmares and for that to go away, you used to hug my beautiful, luscious, mane."
"Ugh." Hit.
"At the age of eleven, you and I were late for orphanage's daily classes and you decided to blame it on the sweetest girl in our batch, telling the teacher she said the classes are suspended. I ratted you out."
"Uugh!" Hard Hit.
"At the age of eleven, you confessed your childish crush to our teacher, more importantly, our substitute mathematics teacher, Edmond, I could see it in your eyes that you were head over heels for him. Little Ella said she would marry him and he agreed, you were so happy- so much that you were rubbing it off on others. However, your heart broke when you saw Edmond kissing some blonde-haired woman, and in rage, you pee- sorry I mean you did the dirty in his lunch."
Smug faced Mereoleona.
Dying face Cinder.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Critical Hit!
"Okay! Okay! You are alive, I get it please shut up."
Mereoleona smiled, so did Cinder- how long it was? How long was it that Cinder genuinely smiled, that she genuinely like something and something good happens to her?
"Ella…"
"Cinder."
"What…?"
"That day Ella died, I am Cinder now, Cinder Fall."
Mereoleona blinked blankly for a few seconds.
"Ella, what happen that day, that wasn't your fault- that wasn't anyone's fault."
"Then if you were alive, why didn't you come back? Why did you leave me behind in that orphanage! Why did you leave me alone in a place where everyone hated me! Tell me, what was so important that you chose to abandon me!"
Mereoleona took a step back, while Cinder took a step forward.
"Out of the blue, you meet me today! Suddenly you realized that you did have a best friend back when you were young. When you, a Faunus was loved more. Why didn't you do this seven years ago! Where were you then? Where were you when the staff changed and everything and everyone became cruel! Where were you when I was punished and sold into slavery! Where were you all this time? Having the time of your life? Fun? Tell me! Exactly why should I trust anything anymore that you say- because, you…I- "
Words were leaving Cinder. She was huffing, she was tired…emotions were not part of her missions. She should have been working now, trying to find holes in this kingdom, just like her plans were for Vale- and just like she failed Vale, she is failing now. The last time she lost in a physical confrontation now she is losing an emotional one. The world just hates Cinder Fall, doesn't it? Out of nowhere- her past now catches up the worst of all? She knows Mereoleona Vermillion isn't a liar- whatever is happening now isn't a lie.
She hates this moment so very much.
Before she could even react, she was met with another hug, this time a tighter one. One that even Cinder couldn't resist.
"I…I know whatever I saw would sound like an excuse, but…Ella…Cinder it does not matter what your name is now, I am fine with that, I am fine with who you are now- even if you don't want to rekindle this old friendship that we had- it is fine. Perhaps it was destiny that brought me to Camelot, but I am glad that it did. I am glad that I met you Cinder. Regardless of who you are, what you would do, I am relieved that you are fine. Just knowing that keeps my heart at ease."
Cinder did not reply. She didn't have to. Would you forgive your friend? Forgive her for abandoning you in a place of no return? In a dark place where no one came to save you? Where the only thing you needed to sought was power to be alive? To move forward?
Ella would have forgiven Mereoleona, she would have wanted to be friends once again, she would have wanted to spend more time and reconnect. Ella would have loved that.
Cinder Fall hates Mereoleona, she wants nothing to do with Mereoleona, even her death would not bother her. She was here on a mission, not to joke around and playhouse. Cinder hates.
A grim reminder that both Cinder and Mereoleona are now in different worlds.
"I…do not want to reconnect, all those memories, it is best to leave as they were- dead and in the past. However, the most I can give you is to get to know you a little bit. That's all."
Even if it meant nothing to Cinder, perhaps deep down, under all those Grimm darkness, Ella was still there. Some part of her perhaps.
Mereoleona gave her brightest smile, "That's all I ask."
Their conversation ran short when both of them heard someone calling out for Mereoleona.
"Miss Mereoleona!"
Cinder didn't know who the girl was- but she instantly caught on the guy beside her was. Tall, handsome, athletic build, someone who could easily be a male model. Sigurd Sonne. The youngest specialist of Atlas military paraded to be one of the strongest Atlas has ever provided.
Cinder usually does not believe in rumors much, but now that she is witnessing him in the first hand, even casually walking towards them- she could feel the difference in strength.
First, she thought Pyrrha Nikos was the strongest they had in Beacon; she could have easily dealt with her. However, then she faced off with Adam Taurus, realizing what strength means, and now-
Sigurd Sonne. If Cinder had to put it, Sigurd was few levels above Adam. The same could be said for Mereoleona, she was just as strong as Adam if not more. This…this is bad.
"Ah! Brynhild! Sigurd! Where are you guys up to?"
"Well, believe me, or not it was Sigurd's idea, we are going to check up on Mister Jaune, and we saw you too! Would you like to go with us?"
Cinder blinked. Jaune? Jaune Arc? The weakest of the Beacon Academy? What was he doing here? Why did he come here? If her news is correct, no one from Beacon was allowed by Glynda Goodwitch, even her team had to get the signatures from Haven Academy.
Moreover, why are they talking about Jaune? What is it that he did that was so commendable? Did he win against someone? Impossible, with his non-existent skills it is impossible, that guy, Jaune Arc would never grow. He is nothing more than a joke.
"And you are?"
Cinder for some reason felt slow cold chills running through her spines. Her gaze switched to Sigurd; his eyes weren't visible due to the light rays being reflected through his glasses.
"Ah! Sigurd, she is my…friend, Cinder Fall- Cinder, this is Sigurd and his girlfriend Brynhild."
"Hello." Brynhild gave a small wave, Sigurd on the other hand,
"Cinder Fall, that is a lovely name."
"T-thank you."
"Fall, the Fall season, the Fall dates, Autumn…the Fall Maiden."
CHILLS!
The cold spread through her back as she finally could see Sigurd's eyes, it was calculating. From the first meeting Cinder realized something, Specialist Sigurd Sonne is not trusting her.
And this was bad, if she gets exposed here, she would have no choice but to retaliate- and ultimately fail.
She was doomed.
SLAP!
Sigurd received a harsh slap just at the back of his head and a deadly glare from Brynhild.
Brynhild softens her gaze and looks at Cinder, "I apologize, please do not feel any pressure from him, my boyfriend…isn't a bad person, he is just a bit calculative of situations, I am sure he meant no harm by it, come Sigurd…apologize! You made a lady uncomfortable, apologize!"
Sigurd fixed his glasses as he turned around, "I apologize for my actions Miss Fall, it's just bad habits of mine, I hope you forgive me, I tend to sometimes take the route of calculations, I might have just mixed up you for someone else."
"N-no, it is fine, not a big deal at all."
No. It really was a big fucking deal, for a moment their Cinder thought that she was about to be exposed. She can't deal with someone of his caliber, she needed Tyrian aid, and even Mercury and Emerald's too.
Tyrian! If Sigurd finds out Tyrian is in Camelot, everything will be lost, this cannot get any worse.
"Mereoleona, as Brynhild said, we are going to visit Jaune, how about you and your friend join us too? You can show her around."
Fuck! This got, even more, worse, curse her luck, Mereoleona do not agree- do not agree!
"Hell yeah! Come on Cinder, let's go!"
Even before Cinder had the chance to protest, she was taken all while being under the scrutinizing gaze of Sigurd Sonne.
This just got much, much worse.
[Part-3]
{Outside of Hotel, Camelot}
Emerald was holding on to the package still deciding, exactly how the conversation between them should start, what should she ask him? Mercury, I know I kind of bully you from time to time, also I find you dumb and idiotic, but I never considered you to be this much of a fool that you went up against and sabotaged Cinder's plan, which actually was her Mistress's plan, the woman who could kill us quite easily?
Emerald sighed, she should enter the hotel and confront Mercury alone, without the eyes of Tyrian or Cinder.
The moment Emerald was about to enter the hotel, she saw Mercury exiting the place, she was about to call him- when she decided to shut up. Mercury was going somewhere, hands in his pockets, headphones set- he must be going out for a walk.
Emerald decided to tail Mercury, to see what he's doing, it would be better if it's her that finds out what exactly is Mercury up to.
Sometimes, Emerald regrets her life choices.
"I'm a shooting star leaping through the sky.
Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity.
I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva.
I'm gonna go, go, go.
There's no stopping me."
Mercury isn't exactly a good singer, considering the fact that the guy who sung the song is also named Mercury. However, Emerald could see what Mercury was doing.
He was letting himself go, which perhaps she understood. When most of your life, you spend running and hiding, you often want to live certain moments.
Peace.
Perhaps it was even for a small period of time, Emerald understood that Mercury needed peace too. A little fresh air to breathe.
"Yeah, I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars
On a collision course
I am a satellite I'm out of control
I am a sex machine ready to reload
Like an atom bomb about to
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, explode
I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah
200 degrees
That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm travelling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic woman of you"
Mercury should definitely shut up. He was insulting the song as well as himself. The moment of the dance he was doing was nothing more than an act of perverse in the eye of others.
"Help! Fire! Fire!"
Emerald snapped her neck from the location she was hiding. Shit! An apartment? It was on fire? Something might have occurred, from what she could guess the firefighters were on their way, but the fire had spread nearly every part of the apartment, as much as she hated to admit, many of the people who live there won't make it.
Her eyes turned towards Mercury, who had a look of worry on his face, she could see he was looking around to see if any familiar faces are watching him or not.
It was for a split second but Emerald managed to catch it, something appeared behind Mercury and then he disappeared.
Emerald blinked. Once. Twice. Thrice.
What?
What the fuck?
Where did Mercury go? Did he run away? Impossible, Emerald just blinked and Mercury had already disappeared.
Swoosh~
Emerald blinked once again…Mercury had returned and he had a satisfied smirk on his face, as he puts on his headphone once again, walking off. Emerald turned her head, the apartment was still on fire, but…
All the people that were trapped there were now outside and safe.
Emerald didn't know what to say, what was going on one moment everything was about to go downhill and the next, everyone was safe?
Emerald blinked in realization.
She now has figured out Mercury Black.
Mercury Black was enjoying his day, while most of the time he does not has the ability to do that, he could enjoy Camelot and just reply back he was just trying to get information.
Easy, it's not like Cinder is bright or anything.
Currently, Mercury was in a park, outside of the main town, well it was mostly empty. No scratch that, it was empty.
Huh. Shame. Well, the beautiful scenery all to himself.
Mercury Black's instincts kicked in, for some reason he forced himself to sidestep as fast as possible.
Bang!
A green-colored bullet punctured a nearby tree, had not moved it would have hit his arm. He turned around, to see who the attacker was and for the first few times in his life, he was baffled.
"Emerald, what the fuck? What the fuck is wrong with you?! Have you finally lost your mind? Have you finally decided to betray Cinder? Or is it that time of the month again?"
Mercury could not see Emerald's eyes, but he could see her smirk.
"What is a semblance, Mercury?"
"Huh?" Mercury Black was confused, with the sudden question presented to him.
"As I said, Mercury, tell me, do you know what a semblance is?"
"Are you playing games with me Emerald? What the hell is wrong with you?" the moment Mercury said that he flinched as he saw the glare in Emerald's eyes.
"I asked you a question Black, tell me do you know what a semblance is?"
Mercury glared her back, "It is the advanced form of aura, the power that gives the aura user unique abilities, to each their own."
"That's the textbook explanation, give me the real one."
"…. It is the personality of the soul."
"Correct answer Mister Black."
"Where are you going with this Emerald?"
"Now, now…personality of the soul, soul the most intimate part of you…so, how come Mercury, how come…
Someone had the ability to steal your semblance, Mercury?"
Mercury's eyes widen, as Emerald continued,
"You said- you killed your father, but we never saw his dead body, you said you didn't have a semblance but we agreed to it without much thinking, I agreed to it like a fool, where I should have realized that it is simply not possible. No matter what anyone tries, they cannot take away your personality which is represented through your own soul. Don't bullshit me, Mercury Black, I have already met Tsukon. I even realized it was you who saved Amber, you who sabotaged Cinder during the dance."
Mercury was silent, he did not expect someone to catch up to him, let alone break down whatever he did. He did not consider the fact that out of all people it would be Emerald that would figure him out.
This was bad, really bad.
"Do you know the name of my semblance Mercury?"
Huh?
Mercury looked at her. Shit! Emerald had an illusion-based semblance, this could turn really bad for him.
"It's called Hallucination, isn't it?"
Emerald gave a mirthless chuckle.
"Heh. I would be a bit of a hypocrite, if I say I didn't lie about my semblance, do you there are many types of semblances but there are two different forms of semblance, do you know what that is?"
Mercury decided to pay her game, keeping the safe distance, he answered-
"Unique and Stand-in, two very- very rare forms of semblance."
"I knew you were smart, Mister Black. You see, a Unique semblance is a semblance that has both attributes of passive and active forms, it is very rare to find that type of ability. So much so that, one might say one in a billion aura users would have that kind of semblance. But, let's talk about the Stand-in form of semblance, do you know how they are born?"
Mercury did not answer that question.
"It's quite simple, but yet one of the most difficult processes, you see Stand-in semblance is born, when the user is in the dark when they need a company when they don't want to feel alone in this world anymore. That they need a companion, however, it often, 99% of the time, this kind of semblance, is not born- however, when it is born through the personality of the said lonely and solo user it is called- "
"A Stand."
Mercury replied he knows well, what kind of semblance Emerald is referring to.
"My semblance was never Hallucination Mercury."
It was then Mercury saw, arms? Arms! Arms suddenly hugging Emerald from behind.
"I really didn't want to use this, even I get creeped out by him, but, I guess, sometimes, you have to accept who you are, wouldn't you agree, Mercury?"
Now Mercury could see, green-black mist and the arm now, slowly touched Emerald's exposed navel, to her mid-region, even blatantly fondling her breasts, he could see the little blush in her face.
Then he saw the real figure, the structure was taller than Mercury, it was a humanoid figure. Its face and body are patterned by horizontal lozenges of alternating shade, and armor pieces are present on its shoulders, elbows, and knees. It has spikes along its back, with a greenish-black cape and he could still see the mist, but now he could see the humanoid figure's face, and damn that was terrifying. Its lips and appendages are loosely stitched, and its eyes have distinct irises with miotic pupils. On its head is a helmet inspired by Mistral design with a transparent visor in the approximate shape of a beak. Its color was checkered green and black.
"This is my stand, Mercury Black, its name is For your Entertainment."
Mercury took a step back and realized what was going on, this was not a confrontation he could bullshit his way out. Or even run his way out, he always did what he thought was correct, he would continue to do that. To honor her, memory, Mercury Black would still do what needs to be done. Even if it meant going against, Cinder Fall or her mistress.
Emerald saw, Mercury's aura condensing and forming a humanoid structure behind him, just like her- however, the structure soon took height a foot taller than her stand, what appeared to be a suit of armor. A suit of armor that a monster would wear, silver in color and gray lightning coursing around its body.
"Since you were kind enough to tell me about your stand, let me tell you about mine, Emerald Sustrai, its name is Don't Stop Me Now."
Emerald would have scoffed at his naming sense, but now was not the time.
"Let's see, how fast you run, Mercury."
"That's what I have been doing my whole life, Emerald."
[Part-4]
{Bestal Town, Outskirts of West of Vale, near the border of Vacuo}
"So, how it's going for you headmaster?"
"Headmaster? Come on Joseph, how long we've known each other? You still are going to refer me as such, I thought I told you whenever I am in town, I am not headmaster here, just a normal guy."
"Yeah, yeah whatever you say Ozpin."
Ozpin just smiled and sat back at the farm truck, taking him towards his destination. Perhaps from time to time, he did like to take a break, away from people, away from his inner circle. Away from his thoughts about Salem.
Right here, he is just Ozpin, no headmaster with the world's responsibilities. A husband. A father.
[And a hypocrite.]
Ozpin blinked as he slowly opened his eyes, a voice from his heart? No. A voice from his soul, or rather the other soul he houses.
Ozma.
'Apologizes, I didn't quite catch that, did you say something?' Ozpin asked telepathically.
[You did understand what I said, you being a good husband? A good father? Please don't make me laugh.]
'You don't seem to understand what I am doing here, do you? It is easy for you to give commands to the host you are housing, but you are nothing more than an immovable parasite that only knows how to cry and that his wife left him to destroy the world.'
[Dealing low blows aren't you, how about I do that? What happened to Summer Rose's expedition team? You knew the unnecessary danger yet you sent them and then all of them died, because of your negligence, what would little Ruby Rose feel when she would come to know that the headmaster didn't let her in due to her skills rather, to ease his pain because her mother is dead by the actions caused by you.]
'Summer knew the risks, no one forced her.'
[Do not cite psychology to me hunter, I was there when it was being made.]
'…'
[You take me for a fool? That I don't know what you are planning? Like using young Pyrrha for the new Fall Maiden knowing how much burden she carries by being in a family where she does not receive love? How you got young Glynda to work with you? How you forced young Raven to be where she is now? Do you not realize how many families you are destroying?]
'Some sacrifices must be made for the greater good of the world, one cannot have everything, one has to lose something.'
[Then why don't you make your daughter the Fall Maiden.]
'No!'
The answer came so quick that even Ozpin was surprised. He could hear, Ozma giving a sarcastic chuckle.
[Out of all the hosts I had, I thought you had the most potential to end this war, instead, you created more chaos. You, Ozpin, are nothing more than a walking, living resemblance of the word hypocrisy. You were, you are…you always will be, after all, everyone's semblance represents their innate personality, does it not? So, what does yours represent?]
'…'
[To this day, I still blame myself, had I have been better, this ordeal could all be avoided, I was in love. But, I…failed, I did not want my other hosts to fail, but they did…and so are you, you haven't succeeded in anything.]
'I have succeeded in keeping Salem back in here tracks, pushed her back to the Grimmlands.'
[Ozpin, Salem fears your father, not you or me. She fears the man your father is, who is an embodiment of God, she knows she would lose if she were to fight him, that was the biggest stalemate, she survived because she was immortal. That's all. Remember this Ozpin, the sole reason I put up with you is that, at the end of the day your efforts did bring much more results in action, even if they were not made by you. I just want all of this to end.]
'So do I!'
Ozpin mentally screamed, but it was late, Ozma's soul once again had locked himself up. Now another contact cannot be made.
Shit.
Ozpin never curses, he hates the use of crass and deplorable words, it isn't one of his quirks, but Ozma made him feel the anger he could suppress other times. If it was an outsider, Ozpin could simply ignore it, however, it was coming from his soul.
The problem was, he knew he was in the moral wrong compass.
But we needed to win, so morale had to lose.
That was Ozpin's justification to himself, after all, that's why he comes back to this place, his hometown, where he spent his youth, he wasn't born here, but that does not matter. It was better than the place he was born in.
Ozpin took the road towards the hill, saying his goodbyes to the truck driver who brought him there.
This place of solace was a secret well-kept from everyone, so well that no one knew. Not even his inner circle. He was married and had a daughter, well, he married quite late. Quite late.
Yup, so no one knew about this and he made sure that it remains a well-kept secret.
As Ozpin made his way through the hill, what would he be doing? Rest? Sleep? A lill' bit of lovin' perhaps?
However, the sight that he was introduced to made his blood boil. Ozpin was never easily angered, it took a hell lot to get the wrath sin out of him, but there were moments, moments where even Ozpin would have difficulty keeping his anger in check.
There were twelve women, they all had similar outfits, it consisted of a shallow cut black and red dress with black shorts underneath, with series of beaded necklaces and a belt that wrapped around their waist and carried their weapon's sheath. Attached also is a long black object that is either fur or feathers, with a red and white bandana material hanging from behind them. Their forearms bear red armored gauntlets that protrude outwards and black fingerless gloves. They wore black mid-thigh high leggings with red splatter patterns and black heels, however, the most protirement accessory was the Grimm-based mask they were wearing.
The Branwen Tribe.
Raven Branwen? No. Ozpin knew better, Raven isn't a part of the Branwen tribe anymore, she runs her own bandit camp, these women, they aren't bandits.
They are Valkyries, the title given to the women of the Branwen tribe who hunt, in the name of their god.
They weren't attacking him, which meant one thing, the current leader of the Branwen tribe was in his house.
Ozpin hated that.
Ozpin climbed the ladders of politics not because he was smart, but because he was strong as well, by no means, twelve warriors could hold him down. The leader of the Branwen tribe knew that too, so he must have brought them just for show. Ozpin concentrated for a bit, the presence of his wife's aura or his daughter wasn't anywhere near the house.
Good. This meant that they were in town.
Ozpin entered and found a shirtless man sitting on the table, drinking rum, the only thing that covered his body was the fur coat. The man was of average height but extremely lean and hard physique. He had handsome (if haggard) features, with a beaded but unkempt brownish beard and a shaggy, beaded horse-mane hairstyle. What was unique about him was his body was covered with tattoos.
"Hey, long time no see, brother, how have you been?"
"Baldur."
The man, Baldur was smirking at Ozpin, he even looked a bit tipsy.
"I should tell ya, brother, this is a mighty fine rum! Loved it through and through! Ah! This place really does have good drinks, eh, no wonder you settled down here."
"What do you want Baldur?" Ozpin spoke in a flat tone, showing no emotions whatsoever, which Baldur caught.
"What's with the expression brother? Do you disklike me perchance? Eh? Did I aggravate you?"
"We are brothers, just in name, you and I have different mothers."
"Same father though."
"Baldur, why are you here, what business could you possibly have with me? I don't think you need something from me."
Baldur shook his finger, "Tsk, tsk, tsk! I need something from you that's why I am here. I don't bother with people, I find them…aggravating brother, but, rather than something, I am looking for someone, someone that you know very well."
Ozpin narrowed his eyes.
"I am afraid, I don't understand what you mean, Baldur?"
"Hahahaha…I see…I see…I worded myself incorrectly brother, let me rephrase myself once again,"
Bloodlust leaked from Baldur's aura.
"Where is Raven Branwen?"
Ozpin did not back down, he too kept his glare.
"What do you need with her? Wasn't she exiled from the tribe? All I know is that she runs her own bandit camp."
"Heh. Brother, you always were a smart one, how about telling me something that I don't know?"
"I have no contact with her, she has left my inner circle, I apologize Baldur but you will not find anything regarding her."
Ozpin was about to turn around and demand Baldur to leave when he heard him speak,
"Yang Xiao Long, that's her daughter's name? Isn't it?"
This time it was Ozpin who shot a nasty glare,
"What do you want from her? She does not have anything to do with this. With the Branwen tribe."
"You don't understand, do you, brother? That harlot has taken something from me and I refuse to let it go. Something of value has been taken, something whose worth is more than her lass. I know you can contact her brother, do so, or else- she would find her husband torn to shreds and her daughter, used by the men of our tribes and her body, hanging outside of Vale for the people to see."
Ozpin's aura was seeping through.
"You wouldn't understand anything about her Baldur, I repeat once again, do not involve her family in your personal matters, else the results would be much drastic than I let it on."
"Would she care though? Didn't she abandon her daughter?"
Ozpin scoffed.
"You wouldn't understand what sacrifice means for mothers, what she felt when she touched her daughter when she was born. What she has to go through every day, to remind herself…all of this, is to make sure she keeps her daughter protected. She would rather have her hate, than dead, but you of all people should understand what mother's sacrifice means, what a child means to his mother?"
Baldur stood up.
"Oh-ho-ho, I do know about mothers love, care, and sacrifice. My mother did that to me and look what has happened to me!"
Baldur used his right arm to grab onto his left one and tore it instantly. Ozpin was perplexed by his actions, however, the next instant- all the blood that should have been dropped, it didn't instead it went back, the bones, flesh, everything reattached itself back, as if, as if…
The man in front of him was immortal.
"See this brother, this is what she did to me, I cannot feel pain, I cannot feel pleasure, sense of touch, smell everything! Everything! Was taken from me! I loved this world, I wanted to help this world but the world and my own mother betrayed me, I am in a place that I even can't kill myself and I fucking hate her for it, mothers are nothing more than fucking hypocrites. So, no bother, I do not care what kind of fucking motherly instincts Raven Branwen has, if she does not return my object to me within the end of this year, I will wipe her family out, I will gut her family members and have her eat them while she begs for mercy and death, I will not allow her that."
Whatever the object was it must have meant a lot to Baldur if he was willing to go this far.
"Ah, sorry about that brother, needed to get that out of my chest, felt a little better, so please don't mind that- ah, but I will do what I said earlier, you wouldn't find someone as generous as me, giving so much time after all. Have her rely on this information, and we will be on our merry way."
Baldur said as he finally stood up, instead of taking the front door he walked out of the back one, Ozpin closely followed him.
The backyard of Ozpin's house, sitting as if it was a normal bird, it was a Nevermore. Ozpin, blinked, once, twice, thrice…what he sees is this…is this real?
"Ah, brother, do not worry, the Nevermore won't harm you, I have it under control."
"You have it under control? You can control Grimm?"
"Yes, never told you, did I? First time I fully controlled was eleven years ago, attacked a village…what was its name? Kuroyuri? Yeah, that was its name, went there to kill a woman, ended up killing everyone, funny, wouldn't you agree brother."
Ozpin's blood ran cold…Eleven years ago, the one to attack Lie Ren's village was, his own brother, even if he is half.
"You don't even have a shred of regret killing them, do you?"
"Do you have any shred of regret when you kill cockroaches? You don't do you? They are annoying little pests who could end up making you sick, it's best to remove them from the roots, while you can."
To that Ozpin had no reply.
Baldur simply climbed at the back of the Nevermore and left. This…this was bad, his half-brother, his family is basically a secret to everyone, if the fact surfaces that someone other than Salem can control the Grimm, this will bring too…too much chaos. Then there was the object Baldur was looking for, that apparently Raven had it with her. However, Baldur gave time, till the end of the year…which is still way too much time, the simple reason would be whatever the object maybe cannot be used by Raven, he just wants it back.
Ozpin sighs,
"Maybe…maybe, I am much more like my bother than I forced to admit. This is a mess."
Ozpin looked back, the twelve women, the Valkyries of Branwen tribe were still there, staring at him.
"Your boss, the leader of the Branwen Tribe has left, so why don't you leave too? I just want to enjoy the rest of my day."
The women did not speak, the one who took a step forward, probably their leader was the one who brought up the conversation on their behalf.
"You do not understand the situation, you and your family are our prisoners, complete the task give to you by our lord or perish this instant."
"Three seconds."
The women were taken aback.
"I give all of you three seconds, to leave this place and forget it ever existed in the first place, I do not want to draw blood unless it is necessary."
"You do not understand do you, headmaster, we are loyal to our lord, we will force you if needed."
"One."
"You do not scare us."
"Two."
"Valkyries, ready your weapons."
"Three."
No attack came, towards Ozpin. The leader of the twelve women was surprised, she turned around to look at her comrades.
What she found, would always haunt her…eleven of them, eleven of them had their heads blown off. She looked at her chest, there was a large hole in it.
She too had died.
She could not even utter a sing word, there was no gasp. No dramatic explanation of abilities…her comrades and her…just died, without putting much of any resistance.
What happens? Ozpin is still facing the other way, he did not move, he is still in the stationary position, and yet everyone suddenly, aura expert combatants…died, without doing anything?
As her body fell, she heard Ozpin speaking,
"Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills them."
As her dying breath left, she could have sworn she saw a retreating figure, beside Ozpin.
[Part-5]
{Bestal Town, Outskirts of West of Vale, Ozpin's House}
"Ozpin! Ozpin! I knew you would be visiting us!"
"Holly, it is good to see you."
The chestnut-colored hair woman, who had fair skin and green eyes, leaped and latched herself on to Ozpin, who in return hugged back.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? Where's Jolyne?"
"She's out, she'll be back before dinner…come let's freshen up, you are staying right?"
"Yes, I am."
"Finally…"
"And you are…?"
Ozpin switches his sights towards the other member in the house a young boy, probably the same age as Ruby Rose, the boy wore an olive coat with shoulder pads and a belt both of dark red. Underneath, he wore a white collared shirt and bandages wrapped around the neck. His gloves are a slightly open U-shape with black X-pattern wrist straps. He also wore black trousers and red boots colored orange at the toe.
It was Holly who replied back.
"He is my sister's son, Oscar, come on, Oscar introduce yourself, he's a little shy."
"…H…Hello sir, my…my name is Oscar Pine…it …it is an honor to meet the Headmaster of the Beacon academy…"
Ozpin just gave him a small smile as he gently head-patted the kid.
"You don't need to be shy; you are family after all, please calm yourself down."
Oscar just gently nodded his head.
"My sister was busy with work, but she wanted Oscar to experience training for being a huntsman, as the boy wants to be a huntsman…so I thought, why not come here and train with Jolyne."
"I don't see any problem with it, if it makes you happy, even I show you little bit pointers."
Oscar's face visibly brightens up.
"Holly, Jolyne is quite late isn't she, I was expecting to have a family dinner."
"Um…she may be in her room already? I can go and check."
Oscar spoke; however, Ozpin raised his arm,
"Sit down, I'll go and see."
Jolyne wasn't in the house, Ozpin knew that, he could not sense her aura…maybe he would find something in her room?
Ozpin walked upstairs and opened up her daughter's room, it was dark, switching on the light…he found nothing out of the ordinary.
Hm. Strange, her daughter always liked acting like a delinquent when in reality, she probably is just like Ruby Rose in terms of mental understanding, even if she is only nineteen.
Hm?
There was a note on the table.
Ozpin, opens it up, perhaps she was going somewhere?
Mama and…if possible, Dad,
I'm tired here, I want to help people…I really do, but I don't want to be stuck in a place like this all my life just because Dad said so. Because he said it is safe, he never even enrolled me in the Beacon Academy. It's hard mama…it's really hard not to resent your father, I really don't want to, but I am trapped in this town, in this place just because it would be good for me. Good for us? What the hell?! I am old enough to decide what I want and what I don't- I just simply don't get it that why is it that we have to follow him? Why? Why can't I do things my way and let myself learn! Why is it that you always keep defending father even though he did almost nothing for me! I am not made for this town, I want to experience Vale, Vacuo, Mitral, Atlas, and Menagerie. I want to visit kingdoms, Camelot, Babylonia, Wales, and Egypt! I want to fall in love! I want to experience those myself and not rely on some goddamn book. I want to prove my worth out there and as such, I have decided that I will be taking part in the 'Battlefield of Heroes'- the 100-year Tournament in Camelot and prove to my father that I don't need any of his protection! That I am strong! I don't want to write anymore, but I will tell you this mama, thank you.
Jolyne
Well, shit.
[Ahahahahahahahahaha…it is indeed hilarious, oh my god.]
Ah, just to ruin the remaining day, now Ozma was speaking as well.
"This is not a laughing matter; I was doing this for her safety."
[That's what you want to believe, that you were doing this for her safety, from your point of view, that may be correct, but you didn't see her point. She felt trapped in the cage that you call home, she believed that you didn't trust her enough. In the end, she is a teenager, she had to rebel to show that she can sustain herself in this world, so she chose the tournament.]
"That is what I am afraid of, the tournament won't be easy, you don't realize who would be participating, this could end badly…I can take this but I doubt Holly can."
[Sometimes you have to fail in order to succeed in life, if your daughter would face failure, she would grow, it would only hamper her growth if she is kept here, in a so-called stone-cold prison.]
"That is a little mean, don't you agree?"
[It is, what it is…Ozpin…]
"What?"
[You know I have been watching you, and have been observing you for a long time? I see- what you see?]
"Where are you going with this?"
[Who do you think would win this tournament?]
"The Tyrant, Gilgamesh of course, there is no way anyone, even high tier veteran hunters, and that class of people would fail against him. Defeating him, by this generation of warriors is simply not possible."
[Did you know, at my young age, I was quite poor, so to earn money…I used to gamble in the streets, I may not look the part, but I was a pretty compulsive gambler.]
"Is there a point to this conversation?"
[There is, since you are in agony, how about a small friendly bet?]
"Bet?"
[Indeed, should you win, I would never again mentally bother you.]
"What's the catch?"
[You said this Tyrant, Gilgamesh would win, right? I…too had eyes on someone, and I believe that person would win.]
"Care to explain to me…who this person is?"
[I believe I would tell you that, but shouldn't you reply back to your wife?]
"What?"
"Ozpin! Did you find Jolyne?"
Ozpin blinked…
Well shit. How to explain wife, that daughter just ran away. This is just great, what's next?
{Camelot, Outskirts}
Jaune Arc was bleeding from different places, if it wasn't for the aura, he would have died hundred times.
Artoria Pendragon is a monster.
He didn't even manage to touch her, let alone do some damage.
"You are good, Jaune."
"Me…good? I don't remember your ass getting kicked, beaten…damn, you really are on a different level…but I still have a question."
"…Hm? Go on?"
"Why?... Why…di you spar with me? What was the point in all this? Is there any meaning to this?"
Artoria was silent for a while.
"One of the abilities of my semblance is I can sense light, in people's hearts, do you understand that?"
Jaune was confused…
"I…do not?"
"No…I mean, it's very hard to explain, but…it's my ability, that I can feel the light or darkness in people's heart, very akin to good or bad, does that makes sense?"
"Does that mean you can see who is a good person or who is a bad person?"
"No…that would have been an awesome ability, though…it is not that, it's more of what I can sense from their soul, the kind of person someone aspires to be."
"So, the light tells you what kind of…potential I have?"
Artoria clicked her fingers- "Exactly, that's the word, I was looking for, the light and the darkness help broaden my horizon, helping me looking at other people's potential."
"You helped me because I had potential?"
Artoria came close, too close to Jaune's face staring right at his blue eyes that were drowned in exhaustion.
"I am curious Jaune, I have never met someone like you, you claim to be common yet you are not. I damaged your aura, yet you are recovering faster than normal huntsman-in-training, there is just something about you, that is attracting me, and I just do not know what it is…for some reason, something is compelling me to get to know the person called, Jaune Arc."
Ah.
The words could be interpreted in a very-very wrong way, Jaune's face glowed red. Ah, when was the last time he got complimented?
"My, milady you shouldn't say such things, what if he gets, the wrong impression?"
"W-who's there?!" Jaune screamed, he wanted to get up, but his body needed a few more minutes to recover.
The sun had set, however, Jaune could clearly see the woman who spoke, and holy shit.
It was set in stone; Camelot is a place for handsome dudes and hot girls.
The woman had long white hair, fairer than the snow, she was wearing- what could be depicted as robes of priestess but at the same time, she wore high-heels and black, rose theme stockings. Finally, to compliment her fair skin, her eyes were magenta.
She was holding a staff too.
Artoria replied, "Ah, Merlin, didn't know you were here."
"Yes, well, milady, aren't you going to introduce me to the cutie there."
Artoria had a stony expression before she replied, "This…is my friend, Jaune…Jaune Arc."
"It's…short, sweet, rolls over the tongue…ladies love it." Jaune completed Artoria, as he finally got up.
The woman gave a small chuckle as she looked at the boy,
"Oh, my is that so…?"
"Well, I try to impress."
"Well, you did that to me."
"Ahah…and you are…?"
The woman tapped her staff as in realization, she brought her face a little lower are her magenta eyes glowed-
"Little boy, my name is Merlin, but people call me the Mage of flowers, but most popularly, I am known as the Summer Maiden."
A/n: -
Sorry for the late update, I really wanted to post it last week, but my hectic schedule did not allow me to. But I am back on track baby, I am well rested and refreshed.
Oh, by the way did anyone caught the little Narnia refence? Nice touch, right?
Okay, before you guys cut off, there are certain points I want to discuss certain points.
Artoria and Jaune: -
I wanted to give a much more detailed information regarding semblance and aura and how it affects the huntsman. How what a person wants to be is always engrave in their soul and they only need to find it.
Jaune's age: -
For all instances and purposes Jaune is still a teenager, it would still take time for him to accept the fact that he can become strong just like others.
Cinder and Mereoleona: -
Cinder's past is different in this story unlike the cannon, I intended to give her more character, than just power-hungry hot girl…woman?
Innus: -
The addition of Innus, is actually necessary, I did not just add that simply to make some Faunus who have multiple appendages, in reality they have greater role later in the story.
Stand: -
One of my absolute favorite anime and manga, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, I really wanted to add something like that as such, I have explained what kind of semblance a Stand is, but there will be more explanation, I do not want it to be forceful after all.
By the way, Emerald's Semblance (Stand) is based on the song " For your Entertainment—By Adam Lambert " and the appearance of her stand takes inspiration from Purple Haze- the Stand of Pannacotta Fugo, featured in Vento Aureo. (JoJo Part 5) however instead of Purple and white, it's green and black.
Mercury's Semblance (Stand) is based on the song " Don't Stop me now- by Queens, Freddie Mercury " and the appearance of his stand is based on Savitar's armor from Flash (TV series) season 3, instead of blue lightning, it's gray.
Ozpin's secret place: -
The name of the town is based on Norse Mythology, Odin's mother, jötunn Bestla.
The one thing I want to make very clear that Ozpin and Ozma are two different persons their relationship is just like Issei and Ddraig from Highschool DXD- host and power. I wanted someone to mentally challenge Ozpin and whom better than Ozma himself?
Ozpin is a married man, he has a brother…wife, daughter and nephew. I wanted to add Oscar by they way so that…well, he was the last cannon chracter who wasn't there in the story, I couldn't let that happen, as such- in my story Oscar is Ozpin's nephew.
By the way Baldur's appearance is based off Baldur, from God of War.
The next update would be on, 29th of August.
Till then, Take Care.