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Interlude
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War…
The oldest tale of existence.
Before the first lips formed the first words,
Before the first love song was sung,
Before the First Sin was committed,
There was war…
Whether it was between two, or two million, or two hundred million,
There were victors, and there were the defeated.
Waged to devour or to rule,
For food, or land, or for principle,
The number of reasons are endless.
Even now, with the end of the previous Great War still fresh in many minds, another stirs anew.
…
When Cinder Fall and the White Fang attacked the Vytal Festival, they shook the world of Remnant, and shattered the already fragile trust between Kingdoms.
Atlas' blatant development of their military, in a time of peace, expressed to all the stark contrast between the nation's actions and its words. During the Fall of Beacon, their weapons demonstrated the threat they posed not only to Grimm, but also their fellow neighbor. Footage spread of the controversial androids attacking innocent civilians. An obvious act of war no matter what explanation they could provide.
The Kingdom of Vale was viewed no better.
Accused of the same crimes as Atlas, many suspected a rivalry between the two Kingdoms—each vying for supremacy in military force. Such notions were further perpetuated by the actions taken by Beacon students during the Festival. Most notably, the conduct of Yang Xiao Long and Pyrrha Nikos during their tournament matches.
For the Kingdoms of Vale and Atlas, the world saw the two trample over the sanctity of the Vytal Festival and what it represented. The celebration of peace instead became the arrival of new strife.
The Kingdom of Mistral did not remain unblemished either.
For the perpetrators responsible for causing the Fall of Beacon were rumored to be students from Haven. Also, the implications of the White Fang were included, in which the organization's most radical faction derived from the Mistral Kingdom.
Many pointed the finger at the nation, accusing them of inciting war or purposely attempting to set Vale and Atlas against each other. That they were the ones responsible for the White Fang's attacks.
Threatened with war by two major nations, and having to contend with the White Fang in their very own home, the Mistral Kingdom was stretched thin for allies. In a desperate bet for survival, the government decided on an equally desperate measure.
They made the false accusations true.
Their leadership joined hands with the White Fang. A move that turned nearby enemies into allies, and at the same time, bolstered their army against the potential threats of its rivals.
It wasn't long before "peaceful" negotiations turned to declarations of hostility. Words exchanged between nations like weapons. Old grudges reemerged and minor sleights became issues worth conquering over. And then, securing the safety of their realms became the only thing that mattered.
Fear and anger ruled their hearts.
And with them, came the Grimm.
They evolved as war evolved,
With frightening change.
And in the chaos, one nation alone advocated neutrality.
The Kingdom of Vacuo.
Their citizens more "free" than most, and less developed of a formal military, they avoided the war.
Their lands were the harshest to live on, their Grimm more savage and treacherous to match. They were also occupied with rebuilding and recovering from the events of the Third Crusade.
No, the citizens of the desert nation had more to worry about than the squabbles of other Kingdoms.
…
At least, for now.
Pressure continues to come from all sides.
It is natural to seek Vacuo's allegiance in an attempt to gain an upper hand over the other nations. And sooner or later, even this humble Kingdom would be dragged into the conflict that threatened to tear Remnant asunder.
…
War.
The same tale told over and over again…
This one remembers.
This one wishes differently.
…
But wishing is hardly ever enough, is it?
No.
Appropriate measures must be taken.
Conditions arranged just right.
And a required resolve.
For the world answers only the willing.
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X
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…
"What do you mean 'the sword isn't important'?!" the boy exclaimed.
Masa Moon sipped her coffee patiently, while observing the anxious client floundering before her. After letting the caffeine work its way through her system a bit, she answered.
"It is like this one stated. The sword is not important."
"How can it not be?!" Jaune Arc wailed. "It's a family heirloom! Handed down from my grandpa from his grandpa for generations!"
Masa raised a brow.
"…This sword was crafted only a decade ago."
…
"WHAT?! THAT CAN'T BE! ARE YOU SURE?!"
"This one is sure, this one flatly confirms, while trying her best to manage her temper."
"But—!"
"Sword. Not. Important. Foolish boy." Masa set down her mug and adjusted her glasses. Her lifeless eyes focused on something else instead. "There is nothing worthy of note about the sword, this one repeats. The shield however…"
Jaune was dumbstruck. He grabbed the scabbard at his side and unfolded it into its shield setting.
"This?" he asked with noted skepticism.
"Yes. That."
"But all it does is turn into a sheathe. I mean it's great and all. Makes carrying my sword a lot easier, but—"
"Enough," she cut him off. "You do not require this one's services."
"Wait! Hold on! Can you at least make the sword better?!"
"Why would this one work on a worthless sword?"
"Fine! Then how about the shield?"
"Why would this one work on a perfect shield?"
"BUT—!"
"No more 'buts', foolish one. Your weapons require no upgrades. Return only when they are damaged…If you still live that is, this one jinxes under her breath."
"Hey!"
*Ring ring*
As if to interrupt their conversation, the sound of customers entering Masa's workshop went off. Soon enough, three individuals entered the engineer's half-garage half-lab to join her and Jaune.
"Hey, Masa!" one of them greeted excitedly. "Is Crescent Rose ready yet?"
The engineer showed the barest of smiles, while handing Ruby Rose her scythe. To which, the little red hood took caressingly in her arms and began making cooing sounds.
It was a sight like a baby reunited with their favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Something Masa had seen similarly only once before.
For an instant, she remembered another Huntress making the same fawning noises over her weapon. There were only a handful of works she dubbed masterpieces in her lifetime. Masa counted Eclipsing Rose among them.
"Maintenance has been completed on your weapons as well, this one adds to the other two."
Masa handed over Ren and Nora's weapons, while Nora examined her hammer closely.
"So, it can make pancakes now?"
"Your requested specs were deemed ridiculous and have been summarily denied."
"Awww…"
"Now, if your business is finished here, you may leave, this one attempts at subtly ushering you out." While saying this, Masa brought out her next job on her workbench. She unwrapped the blanket covering the weapon carefully.
Nora, Jaune, and Ren were making their exit when they noticed Ruby not following. They turned to see the girl eyeing Masa's next project with vested interest. Despite it being warped and partly melted, they recognized the shape of the familiar rapier as well.
"Is that—?" Ruby began to ask, but Masa quickly threw the blanket back over it.
"Other clients' information is classified from other clients, this one warns."
"But the one who owns it..."
"Is none of your concern. It is this one's obligation to keep customer information confidential, in the way the same service is extended to yourselves. Please respect that, Miss Rose."
Ruby kept looking worriedly back at the cloth that was so bent out of shape.
"Then, can I ask one thing?"
"…"
"Is the person who owns it okay?"
"…As you can see, this weapon was heavily damaged. But given time it shall recover, this one speaks absentmindedly about something else entirely."
Ruby breathed a great sigh of relief.
"Okay! That's all I wanted to know. Thanks, Masa!"
And with that, Ruby and the rest of her team left.
When the engineer was sure they had gone, she lifted the cloth covering Myrtenaster and peered down at it. Her artificial eyes whirred with the sound of a camera lens, inspecting its minutest details.
After her analysis was complete, she gave a cold snicker.
"If this one ever needed proof the S.D.C. were idiots for firing this one, she would find no better proof than this. Hu hu hu~"
"—Still have that creepy laugh, I see."
Masa looked up to the man leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Her face made the slightest twitch of disgust.
"Ew. It is you, this one says, not bothering to conceal her revulsion."
"Come on, Maz. Is that any way to treat a long-time customer?"
"How may this one be of service, old, senile, treasured patron?"
Qrow Branwen grunted and took a swig of his flask. The red in his eyes glimmered with his serious tone.
"This is important."
"Your weapon seems to be in working order. What do you require of this one?"
"Here." Qrow pulled a cane from his side and laid it on the engineer's table. "It's Ozpin's."
"This one recognizes it."
"You ever do work on it?"
"No."
"Well, I think he left it for me—or someone in our circle. I need you to give it a look over and tell me what you learn."
"Is this one supposed to find anything specific?"
"A hidden message, maybe? If you can tell me how it works, maybe I can find where Ozpin went, or how he escaped."
"Assuming the Headmaster of Beacon yet lives, this one adds."
Qrow grimaced at the thought, but shook it off.
"I know Ozpin's alive. Somehow, I just know. I can feel it. And we need him now more than ever."
"Hmmm…"
Masa took a long stare at him, as if she were appraising another weapon. Every millimeter of his features under scrutiny. From the fiber of his clothes to his smallest bodily motions, no detail escaped her notice.
It creeped Qrow out.
"…What?"
"Have you experienced any strange dreams lately? Odd sensations?" Masa asked.
"Huh? No."
"Small changes to your Aura or Semblance? Short periods of memory loss?"
"No. What are you—"
"Reduced sexual appetite, energy, motivation? Lower testosterone levels? Erectile dysfunction?"
"I swear, if you make another 'old man' jab, I will…"
"Hmmmm…"
In the face of Masa's usual aloofness, Qrow realized he would gain nothing from arguing with her.
*Ahem* "Anyway, I'll be back tomorrow. Just tell me what you find."
"Lien must be paid upfront. Such service as this will be costly."
"Heh. Whatever it takes."
Qrow threw a few rolled bills and cash cards down as advance payment.
"This one thanks you for your patronage." Masa gathered up the money and gave a business-like bow.
"Whatever your fee is, double it. Hell, you could triple it if you like."
The engineer gave a slight furrow in response.
"Please explain this sudden show of generosity ill-befitting one such as yourself, this one cannot help but demand."
"There's word going around—about you."
"Further elaboration is necessary."
"Word you're making some really effective weapons for freelance."
"Repairing and Modifying."
"Whatever. Point is, people are taking notice. The wrong kind of people."
"…"
"Some of 'em have their eyes on you, Maz. They're looking for a game changer to win this war. As far as they're concerned, they might find it in some underground weapon tech, who used to work for the S.D.C."
"The information will be committed to memory, this one notes."
"Move. Soon."
"Noted."
"But not before tomorrow."
Qrow departed as quickly as he arrived. Masa had only blinked, and the only thing that remained of the man was a black feather drifting near an open window.
Masa put her shop under full lock down. The doors and windows sealed with steel shutters. Barricades and reinforced locks latched into place. All her alarms switched on.
Once the engineer was sure her shop was secured, she turned her attention to the cane sitting on her workbench.
Masa's expression became strange. An uncharacteristic show of emotion could be gleaned from her façade.
And it was annoyance.
"Ozpin. The wise and all-knowing…" She picked up her coffee and took a sip. "What farce. Are you there, Old One?"
Silence filled the room.
Then, with a click like a clock's gear cranking into place, a green light shone from the cane's silver handle.
The lines danced with an emerald sparkle, before weaving a form into existence. A man with white hair, glasses, and a scarf materialized in the middle of the workshop. His hands behind his back, stature straight as a statue's. He addressed Masa formally.
"I knew Qrow would bring me to you, eventually."
"Of course, you did," Masa frowned. "Always fond of feeling clever after predicting something completely predictable."
"What will you tell him?"
"What will you ask me to tell him?"
Ozpin looked down in thought for a moment.
"…Mistral."
The engineer shook her head.
"What ever did you do to earn such loyalty from such a stubborn fool?"
"I wonder that myself on several occasions."
"Salem was right." The projection of Ozpin glared at hearing that, but Masa ignored it. "The arrogance you possess."
And with that sneering comment, Masa's persona seemed to shift entirely—as if the engineer were a completely different person. She exuded malice and hostility so thick, one could choke on it.
"No wonder your school fell to ruin. Those who trusted you—scattered, vulnerable, and lost." A loathing swelled in her voice. "And as always, your arrogance blinds yourself of any fault. Pawns are supposed to be sacrificed. Such hubris."
"…"
"But what do you care for others? You've made more mistakes than any man, woman, or child, and only continue to make more."
"…Are you quite finished?"
"Hardly. But there will be no benefit in further discussion. Speak your piece—then hobble back to the void when it is done."
"Inform Qrow of a Tower in Mistral—east of the Windpath."
"Very well."
"And cease your assistance of Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose."
"I will happily decline that request~"
Masa delighted in seeing the hologram's jaw stiffen. Ozpin's figure cracked with static as he tried to maintain his professionalism.
"…I must ask something."
"Ask it."
"On whose side do you stand, Masa Moon? What are your exact intentions?"
"If I had any, you would be the last one I'd share them with."
"You admonish my efforts, yet you provide special assistance to those two." Ozpin glanced at the clothed Myrtenaster. "And even Weiss Schnee. What is it you have planned for them?"
Masa ran her hand over the rapier. The twisted steel was freezing to the touch, like it had been kept in cold storage.
"Hu hu hu~ Rose, Schnee, Branwen, Fall. While history repeats itself, those names continue to reappear at key moments of every age. Guardians, Maidens, allies and enemies, and champions to the Immortals."
Qrow visibly tensed.
"Their predecessors could be said to be entwined with Destiny itself."
"..."
"Perhaps one will inherit the throne in the future."
"Answer me, Masa Moon. You do not ally yourself with me, nor Salem. So, tell me. Where do your allegiances lie?"
"Where? Well, with my patron, of course," she answered matter-of-factly.
"And that would be?"
"This one cannot say. A patron can be anyone in need of my services. Will I repair a blade that reaps a thousand lives? Or will a shield be mended to save a thousand more? A weapon designed to bring peace or rule, or both? Or perhaps…"
A faded light shimmered in Masa's mechanical eyes.
"…I'll put my talents to reforging a world or two."
Ozpin stared at the little woman in an oversized lab coat.
"If you possessed that kind of power, you would have done it ages ago."
"Or perhaps I was waiting for the right patron. My services aren't cheap. Nor are they for the unworthy."
Ozpin held his tongue as he searched the meaning in Masa's words.
"….At least, that is what this one believes. Hu hu hu~ " The engineer started flicking nuts and bolts through Ozpin's projection. Each of them passed through his face with a buzzing hum.
Seemingly annoyed, the hologram circled the table.
"What are you trying to accomplish through Yang Xiao Long in particular?"
"I only wish to help her find her destiny. Even among the others, she is different. Her nature is capricious—unpredictable. Hence, carries the most potential."
"It will not be her."
"Hmph. And why not?"
"Because none will succeed. None of them can stop what is coming."
"Only because you wish it?"
"I have seen them fail. Every single one, time and time again. You have also bore witness to this."
"Perhaps I'm tired of hearing the same old tale told over and over again."
"As am I."
"Then, you wouldn't mind one more failed attempt."
"One more could doom Remnant to a fate worse than destruction."
"It wouldn't be the first time," Masa remarked.
"I will not allow it," Ozpin continued to protest. "Not from the likes of you or Salem."
"This one has had enough."
Masa reached her hand out to the cane and tapped a button on it.
The projection immediately cut out, and the room dimmed.
…
Yang Xiao Long.
Hu hu hu
The one who may be destined to stand at the center of the world.
A patron worthy of my talents, perhaps?
…
The Throne of the Promethean Flame.
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FAQ
Made from questions, comments, private messages. If something was not answered, assume it had major spoilers.
-What is Bane?
An alternative energy source to Dust. There's more to it, but spoilers.
-Blake's new Semblance.
Kind of. Based on the Cat's Nine Lives myth. So, she actually died-died when Neo killed her five times.
-Neo's Semblance and her weird blinky eyes.
Based on different mirror myths and superstitions. There's teleportation between mirrors, using them to reflect illusions, reflect the "truth" of people, seeing into the future.
As added note, Neo's race is identified as a Chameleon-type Faunus for ENMY. Explains her shapeshifting and good vision—chameleons have really unique eyes, combined with power over mirrors, and Neo's abilities are impressive.
-Yang's improved(?) Semblance.
With her character development, it is less about angry revenge attacks.
At least how I interpreted the canon, Yang used to get a boost in attack when she took damage. Now, she absorbs the attack and boosts different attributes while exercising control, especially the blue fire element. Blue burns hotter than yellow or red. But in order to do that, she had to concentrate it, instead of letting it flare out uncontrollably. It reflects her emotional/mental state.
If there are any Marvel readers out there, a way to describe it is Yang is less Hulk and more Captain Marvel now. Hulk rages and smashes, but Captain Marvel concentrates her energy and goes Binary.
More references will appear in the future.
Until then…
Thank you for reading.
Especially, if you've read this far.
See you next time.