.
No Lords, No Kings, Nor Queens
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Blades fall
Lives taken
In the name of the many,
Who only wished for peace.
.
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(Narrated by Blake Belladonna)
In the world of Remnant, since the dawn of recorded age, Human and Faunus have struggled to find suitable places of prosper.
Lands both safe and plentiful were hard to come by. And where they were found, they were hastily claimed, leaving others to seek homes elsewhere. A recurring problem that persists to modern day.
Whether it took fighting the Grimm, adapting to the elements, or in some cases, competing with other settlers, mankind sought their place in the world—often times, by paying a cost too heavy to bear.
Still, people are anything, if not resilient.
In all of Remnant, no example of survivability through sheer strength holds truer than the Kingdom of Vacuo.
Its lands consisting mostly of plains and desert. Greenery and wildlife existing in small pockets like hidden jewels. The climate is harsh and hot, with rain sparse all year round.
But the greatest adversary to any living soul there—are the Grimm.
Adapted to live under the continent's harsh conditions, the creatures of Grimm are far more tenacious in Vacuo than anywhere else. Their population ranks in the highest numbers, owed to their freer reign of the region. With time, their species grew varied and evolved with frightening degree.
No, Vacuo is far from ideal. But eventually, people found ways to populate the continent. If anything, a testament to the soul of the survivor. So much so, that an idiom formed among the inhabitants of this hardened nation.
Only the Strongest Survive Vacuo.
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X
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"WE'RE NEVER GONNA SURVIVE THIS!"
"Behind you, Neptune!"
As the hyena-like Grimm was about snap its teeth around Neptune's head, the young man ducked just in time to miss the creature's gnashing maw. Instead, the monster's fangs met with something it did not expect.
Yatsuhashi's blade slipped between the gap of the hyena's mouth and gutted its body from cheek to tail. The two halves plopped into the dirt with the sound of slopping flesh.
Another Grimm from the pack dashed up and tried its own bite. Too close to swing his weapon, Yatsuhashi brought his arm bracer up just as the teeth clamped down. The creature snarled and frothed, saliva dripping over the scaled steel.
"Got him!"
Neptune jumped in to repay his debt, stabbing his lance into the hyena gnawing Yatsuhashi's arm.
"Hey! If you two are done playing with the doggies over there, we could use some help! You know! With the ACTUAL bounty!" someone shouted.
Not too far from Neptune and Yatsuhashi, were Sun and Fox. The pair were busy fighting their own Grimm threat in a giant-sized mantis called a Preyer.
With forelegs shaped like sickles, the insect darted its limbs with devastating speed. Fox only able to respond due of his exceptionally acute blind-sense. Sun on the other hand, was forced to conjure duplicates to take the hits meant for him.
"WHERE'S BLAKE?!" he shouted in panic.
"—Calm down, Sun. You're embarrassing us."
A Goliath Grimm was trampling its way towards the group, when it suddenly tripped into the dirt. Its tusks dug into the ground as it dragged to a stop before them. They could see a figure above the elephant's evaporating corpse. Her black desert cowl whipped in the wind.
""YOU'RE ALIVE!"" Sun and Neptune yelled.
"Of course, I am. Now reform positions and protect the transport," Blake ordered.
The five disengaged from their foes and drew back, heading towards the caravan where the others were fighting.
Originally, Blake, Sun, Neptune, Yatsuhashi, and Fox had taken a Grimm Extermination mission on the Preyer mantis. The creature had been attacking settlements and hunters for the last few weeks. When the group found it, it was in the middle of wreaking havoc on a traveling caravan—which was also being raided by a pack of hyena Grimm called Jesters—while trespassing on the grazing territory of a Goliath herd.
It was a triple threat of three different species of Grimm. The silver lining being, the creatures were just as hostile towards each other than anyone else.
Amidst the chaos, the caravan's soldiers, along with Blake's team, protected the transports. A supply unit so large held life or death essentials for whichever settlement they were ferrying to. As such, Blake and the others knew they could not abandon the cargo.
On their approach, a Faunus soldier came to meet them. "Thank you fo—Humans?"
"Hey!" Neptune took offense. "We humans are saving your butts! What was that code thing again…?"
"—Respect is Earned," Sun answered. "And Strength in Numbers."
"Right! That!"
After his initial mistrust, the soldier's demeanor changed. "Yes. Respect is Earned. Strength in Numbers," he echoed. "Thank you for your help. I know how this might sound, but we can't move the caravan if the front isn't cleared."
"Understood," Blake answered. "Sun, Neptune, Yatsuhashi, clear the Jesters from the lead vehicles so the transport can start moving again. The Goliaths are down, but more are coming. If we leave their territory, they'll stop their aggression. Maybe."
"What about the Preyer?!" Sun asked.
"Fox and I will handle it."
"By yourselves? ARE YOU CRAZY?! IT'S AN A-CLASS GRIMM!"
"Go!" Blake ordered regardless, as she and Fox rushed their Grimm.
"ARRRGGHHH! You heard her!" Sun yelled to the rest. "Let's get this payload moving!"
As the Preyer made its way towards the caravan, it was deflected by the two assailants.
"Fox, distract it. If I can take out one of its legs, I can set it off-balance," Blake commanded.
The boy nodded and unleashed a flurry of blows from the front. In return, the Grimm used its raptor-like claws to parry the strikes. The exchanging of blades traded faster than the naked eye could perceive.
Meanwhile, Blake flanked around the Preyer with stealthy steps. Once she found a good angle, she prepared her attack. The kill would have to be instantaneous. Because of the insect's anatomy, it could see near 360 degrees around itself. She needed to operate without the creature's notice and faster than it could react.
At that time, Fox took a heavy jab that made his Aura stutter. The mantis noticed and charged. With its focus completely on the prey before it, the Grimm provided Blake the moment she'd been waiting for.
Drawing from the sheathe for maximized effect, Blake's silhouette blurred from her crouched position, flickering to a spot across the Preyer's back. A stream of purple light cut through one of the Grimm's legs, causing it to lash out. Unfortunately, one of the creature's haphazard swings caught Fox, knocking him unconscious.
"Fox!" Blake's figure blinked to his side.
His wounds weren't fatal, but they were severe enough that it meant Blake would be fighting alone. She thought momentarily of retreating with her comrade, but quickly overrode the fear.
I can win.
I have to advance.
I can't keep falling behind.
Blake turned to face the Preyer, which had stabilized, albeit a bit off-kilter. She observed the Grimm's scythe-like arms. A soft smile crept over her lips.
When the mantis launched its flurrying combo, Blake found herself able to strafe between the blows. Her shadow phased in and out of existence, causing four or five of her to appear at once. Perhaps, due to the speed and shape of the Grimm's "weapon" reminding her so much of a former teammate's, she was able to track its trajectory with ease.
"Whew…"
Blake paced her breath, while manifesting her Aura. A dark violet glow played about her, before the cowl she was wearing split into nine separate portions.
The fledgling shadows surrounded the Preyer, then attacked in concert. A prism of purple thorns trailed the bug's head.
The Grimm's skull shred to pieces and its carcass fell limply into the sand.
Feeling a bit lightheaded, Blake dropped to one knee. She checked Fox's injuries again to make sure he was in no severe danger.
The sound of the caravan moving caught her attention.
She then, pulled Fox over her shoulder and flick-jumped to the roof of the last retreating vehicle.
.
X
.
After their harrowing fight and escorting the caravan to their destination, the group of five made their way back to the capital city of Vacuo.
The city was large in its own right. Not as grand or complex as the other Kingdoms' capitals perhaps. Most of its buildings were simple and practical. Only the main streets were paved. Advanced technology was a rare presence. The ones that did exist could be considered outdated. But any demerits the city faced in comparison to its rivals, could be made up in its vitality.
There was a liveliness in Vacuo scarce places could match. A fire stoked in its people. Men, women, and children shouted and conversed without reserve. They argued and they sung. They worked by the sweat of their brow with a sense of fulfillment on their faces. The air smelled of different herbs and foods cooked. Nothing of the city could be considered docile or tame.
The people of Vacuo lived every moment of their lives.
Fitting, given how much it took simply to live.
…
"Alright. I gotta go see my parents and let 'em know I'm still alive. Catch you guys later!" Sun bid farewell to the rest of the group.
"Not going with him?" Blake asked Neptune.
"Nah. I mean sure, Sun's folks are cool and everything, but his mom keeps trying to shove food down my throat, cause she thinks I'm too skinny. And his dad keeps trying to make me work out with him, cause he thinks I need to bulk up. It can get a little much."
"That's good. It shows they care."
"If you say so."
"I know so. Out of your whole team, you were the only one to transfer over with Sun. His parents see that." Blake let out a small laugh. "You even sailed on a boat for him."
"Guh…Let's not talk about that anymore, okay? It's so uncool."
"Really? I think it's sweet."
"Yeah? Well, his parents like you too, right? Actually, now that I think about it, you don't really come over to his place for dinner."
"Haha," Blake chuckled bitterly. "I'm not exactly welcome in the Wukong household."
"What? Why's that?"
"Because of a certain stint with the wrong White Fang."
"Oh…I, uh."
"Don't worry about it. Nothing I'm unfamiliar with. By the way, how are you getting used to things here?" Blake changed the subject.
"Getting there," Neptune sighed. "Still wish people didn't give me the stink eye all the time just for being human. Is this what it's like for Faunus in the other Kingdoms?"
"Kind of. Some here have a long-standing grudge against humanity, but they don't discriminate—at least most don't. If I had to say, they're more wary than spiteful. There are humans, who live here and are widely accepted after all."
"Yeah. I notice Fox and Yatsu don't get any dirty looks."
"They grew up here, and the people can tell. You…just need more time to prove yourself."
"It's the lack of scars and abs, isn't it? Seriously." Neptune started pointing out people walking by. "Scars. Abs. Scars AND abs. Everybody here has abs! Why is everyone just so…jacked? I mean, I thought Sun was joking when he said he was the norm, but…"
"This is Vacuo," Blake answered coolly. "If you aren't strong or tested…you die."
"So, I should take up Sun's dad's offer?"
She shrugged. "It couldn't hurt."
"And I can't help but notice you guys don't sweat. Like, it's a million degrees out here, and you're still wearing black…"
"Because of our Faunus heritage, a lot of us can regulate our body temperature. Just another edge that makes us more adaptable here, I guess."
"No wonder so few humans are around."
"Survival of the Fittest," Blake recited.
"Oh, right. The Code. That needs getting used to, too."
"Still having trouble internalizing them?"
Neptune started counting off his fingers. "Survival of the Fittest. Strength in Numbers. Respect is Earned. Honor Rewards and Service. And..."
"Eye for an Eye."
"Right. The Code of Vacuo. The rules that aren't rules," Neptune gave an uneasy breath. "Still can't wrap my head around the idea that there aren't actual laws around here, and there's no punishment against breaking the Code."
"It's just how it is. The people here have experienced the law used unfairly against them for centuries. It may seem uncivilized to have no official rules or law enforcement, but that just means it depends on the decency of people."
"That's where the Code comes in?"
"Yes. The Code is more of a guide that emphasizes survivability and the moral good of others."
"Even Eye for an Eye?"
"…Vacuo has its share of problems, but…"
"But, what?"
"Can you honestly say it's worse here than anywhere else?"
Neptune had to think on it for a second. "In place of society's rules, it depends on the people's moral compass… It'd be nice if it keeps working."
"It has for the last five years. Here's hoping it lasts another five more."
"Now, if only you guys could do something about all the insane Grimm outside the walls."
The four reached a large intersection and stopped.
"You guys can head back to Shade and turn in the bounty," Blake told them.
"You're not coming with us?"
"I…need to see the Temujin about something. I'll catch up with all of you later."
Before hearing their response, Blake left the group, making her way in the other direction.
For some time, she walked the streets alone—Well, not completely alone. Figures hidden and unhidden trailed her footsteps, keeping a close eye on her. More of them gathered by the second, as Blake reached her destination.
The Hanging Gardens.
Once the palace of government, now turned home base of Vacuo's White Fang. It was a grand structure, built with floors upon floors of green terraces. The walls and supporting pillars were constructed in stone, as well as metal. A strange sight on first appearance, but possessing of a certain charm in its design.
As Blake entered the premises, she was flanked by members of the White Fang.
Unlike the ones seen outside Vacuo, these members did not wear Grimm masks. It was advocated that they only do so when warring with humans as a fear tactic. Also, the ones present were much older into adulthood, whereas the ones outside the Kingdom were mostly youths.
As they walked, the members showed no open animosity towards Blake, at least on the surface. Distrust, and even malice, made the air thick with hostility. But the young Faunus pressed on with impressive composure.
Eventually, she arrived at the highest floor of the Hanging Gardens, which used to serve as the throne room. A vast hall of vibrant trees normally seen in forests lined the walls. Each stone pillar was wrapped in elegant vines and leaves. Shallow waters circulated between the tiles on the floors. It was like an oasis brought indoors.
And sitting on a throne twisted in wood was Temujin—Leader of the White Fang.
.
X
.
(Months Ago)
"To understand Vacuo, you have to know its history and how it ties with the Faunus people…and your people."
"Alright. I'm listening, Blake."
"Are you sure about this, Weiss? I know it's a sensitive subject."
"I'm sure. If this is going to work, I need to know the truth—not what's been written or perpetuated by Atlas. Not the lies my father or our Kingdom has taught us. We need both sides of the story."
"…Alright. Unfortunately, this also means I have to share some things about myself."
"Oh, yes. How terrible that must be for you."
*Sigh*
…
The Kingdom of Vacuo.
It's said that its earliest founding came when the first frontiersmen set out from Mistral. Other than that, not much else is known. What is known; however, is that the time leading up to the previous decade, Faunus were used as heavy labor.
Because of the physical advantages afforded to us by our heritage, our people were "employed" by the Kingdom's ruling body, who—of course—were human. Despite the difficulties of the environment, the nation was established, if for one reason only.
The largest concentration of Dust laid beneath the grounds of Vacuo. Although newly discovered veins in Atlas may someday prove otherwise. At that point in time, Vacuo was host to the largest source of Dust(and Bane) in all of Remnant. It was thought this was another contributing factor to the overwhelming Grimm presence.
In any case, living in Vacuo proved difficult to say the least. Our people were barely surviving. Much less contend with the environment and the Grimm, they were also forced to work terrible conditions for pitiful compensation.
So, they did what anyone would.
They asked for what they deserved. The Faunus people wanted fair pay, better treatment, and representation in the governing body. They wanted to be treated like equals instead of slaves.
Something that should have been freely given.
But as you would expect, our ancestors were ignored and suppressed.
And when they wouldn't blindly submit, the rulers of Vacuo used violence, which only fanned the flames. Uprisings and revolts spread across the Kingdom. Few humans lived there and fewer still would have the actual power to stop the rebellion. It only seemed a matter of time before the Faunus took over Vacuo for themselves.
The Kingdom faced pressure from the other nations to refine more Dust, because mining had halted.
That was when the human rulers of Vacuo reached out for help…
And the First Crusade happened.
…
Details of the event have been erased from the history books for obvious reason. Our people were almost wiped out under the might of the other three Kingdoms. The rebellion of the Faunus was extinguished…
Until the next time.
And then, there was the Second Crusade.
Not much is known about that time either. All that is remembered, is that it occurred during the First Great War.
In the next sixty years, Vacuo would rebuild and expand.
Besides a few cities, most of its citizens lived in nomadic tribes, which some still do today. People who lived outside the capital had to migrate constantly to avoid roaming herds of Grimm and settle in temporary oases. They also had to mine Dust in cycled locations, then return to the capital in scheduled intervals.
It was a difficult life. One that claimed lives frequently and mercilessly…
…
My parents included.
I was three when I lost them.
But that isn't relevant now.
What is relevant, is who raised me afterwards.
His name was Shepherd and he was the founder of the original White Fang.
Unlike what it is now, the organization originally embodied a pacifist ideology. Shepherd preached nonviolence. He sought equality for our people through peaceful protest and negotiation.
I idolized him. I think all of us did.
And after four years of relentless campaign, it looked like Shepherd stood on the verge of making real change.
…
…
I'll never forget that day.
When I was seven years old, agents of the other Kingdoms began the Third Crusade.
The first attack came during a major peace talk involving the higher ups of Vacuo's government, parties involved in Dust trade, and of course, the White Fang. Shepherd, along with a number of pro-peace representatives were killed at the summit.
The Crusaders thought after dealing such a blow to the Faunus movement, any remaining resistances would quickly fold…
How wrong they were.
In place of Shepherd, his twin sister rose to take his place as leader of the White Fang—that leader is Temujin.
Unlike her brother, she believed strength was the answer. That we would have to shed blood for our right to live and survive.
Temujin was a charismatic leader and a devious general. She united the White Fang, the nomadic tribes, and any willing citizens into a revolutionary army. A force for the Faunus people and the survival of our race.
Her tactics combined unorthodox warfare with our people's physical advantages. She used Vacuo's environments against incoming Crusader armies. Temujin deployed covert cells outside the Kingdom to sabotage and assassinate key targets on the enemy side.
From a young age, Adam, myself, and many others volunteered ourselves for such work.
We took missions in Mistral, then in Vale, while Temujin and the others fought on the forefronts of Vacuo. We vowed on Shepherd's grave that we would win our people's freedom, no matter what the cost.
…
And after six years of war, the revolutionary army overthrew the government and routed the invading forces.
The Third Crusade was finished.
The Faunus of Vacuo were no longer oppressed.
Corruption in the government was obliterated.
The Kingdom underwent a number of drastic changes.
And in a strange twist of fate, Temujin, leader of the White Fang, became the Crownless Ruler of the Kingdom.
In the years that followed, people were told to govern themselves. Temujin never officially took on the role of queen, nor did she want it. Actually, she did everything she could to refuse any sort of appointment. She barely functioned any further as leader of the White Fang after that.
Temujin did however, "decree" one thing.
A Code.
They weren't laws, or punishable by any means. They were meant to serve as guiding principles, followed at one's discretion.
1. Survival of the Fittest - Survival being the ultimate imperative.
2. Strength in Numbers - Working together, functioning as one, towards a united purpose increased survivability.
3. Respect is Earned - Any person must prove their worth, as any person should show recognition in return.
4. Honor Rewards and Service – The encouragement of deserved pay for services rendered.
5. Eye for an Eye – Instead of a justifying means for the victim, it was more of a warning to the perpetrator. That they should know if they were to wrong someone, there would be consequences for what came after. Taking another's eye meant your own was forfeit.
The Code wasn't perfect, but it was enough.
The citizens of Vacuo lived free, and for the most part, never took it for granted. Possibly due to the simple matter of trying to stay alive day-to-day, they were too preoccupied and reliant on each other to think about deviating from the moral good.
As time passed, individuals in the White Fang voiced concerns over the oppression of Faunus in other Kingdoms. The voices of which, belonged mostly to the younger members.
I regret to say now that Adam and I were some of the loudest among them.
But Temujin refused the idea.
That was the moment the White Fang split into different factions. Many of our organization's members traveled to the other Kingdoms. Others, who were eternally loyal to Temujin, remained in Vacuo.
To this day, she remains the "leader" of the White Fang. Even as the group continues to disintegrate or divide itself between Adam and Raven's factions, who either can be named successors—Temujin refuses to take action.
Which brings us to present day.
…
…
"Are you sure this Temujin is the one we should be speaking to? From what you've told me, she doesn't seem to care what happens at this point—not about the war, not about the other Faunus. Nothing."
"I know her, Weiss. She raised me with Shepherd and took care of me after he died. Even if she acts aloof, we shouldn't take it as just that. She cares. I just—don't know what her intentions are right now…"
"Well. I trust your judgment. Either way, even if Vacuo advocates its neutrality and excuses itself from the War by saying it has no governing body…It's Temujin's word, then?"
"Yes. As it stands, Temujin is the voice of Vacuo. What action she takes is the reflection of the Kingdom. She could be the deciding factor in this War."
And if so, Temujin is the one we need.
.
X
.
On the top floor of the Hanging Gardens, an old woman sat pensively on her throne. Her hands and chin rested on her cane. Her left leg was missing and her right eye was covered by a black cloth to hide the empty socket underneath.
The wolf ears on her head were frayed and damaged. A dark grey mane of hair draped down her back, more like fur than anything. Her skin was cracked and scarred from age and countless battles. Rather than a wolf, the woman resembled a wily old fox lording over her forest.
Temujin continued to hold Blake in her stare for a moment, before giving a small huff.
"Welcome back, Blake," the voice came ragged, but strongly transparent. "The mission went well?"
"It did," Blake nodded. "We were able to save the caravan."
"Good, good. Those supplies were vital for one of the outer settlements."
"How...did you know the Preyer was going to attack it?"
"Oh, I have a nose for these things. Or maybe, it's because I think it's what I would've done."
"Right. Uh…"
"Hm?"
"The prisoner," Blake tried to change the subject.
"You want to see him. Make sure we haven't eaten him up? Hehehe!"
"Yes. If I could please."
"Right. To think, there would be a day I'd see you put your life on the line for a human. Odd thing."
The surrounding members of the White Fang grew tense at the words.
Last week, they captured a man from Vale sneaking into the city. When he was presented before Temujin as a spy, Blake immediately leapt to his defense, vouching for him with her own life. An act that did not bode well with her peers.
Murmurs spread among the audience. Words of "traitor" and "conspirator" and the like made its rounds.
The voices were instantly pierced silent by the crack of Temujin's cane.
"If anyone wishes to express their concerns over Blake's fidelity to our people, please—come forth. I'll make sure to commit it to memory, before I carve out your tongue." She looked about the room with a challenging glare. "No? No one? Make no mistake, Blake has always done what she thought was right by our people and would never knowingly endanger us. Of that I have never doubted."
"Thank you, Temujin."
"You were raised by Shepherd. I know you wouldn't dishonor his memory—not on purpose anyway."
"Right…"
In the eyes of many here, Blake didn't earn mistrust just shielding a potential spy. There was also the fact that she was one of the main advocators for Adam Taurus in the past. The man who explicitly defied Temujin and currently works to take over the White Fang.
"Leave us."
Under their leader's words, everyone except Blake filtered from the hall.
Once they were gone, Temujin's features softened.
"Honestly, these idiots. Why they listen to every bark of a crippled old woman is beyond me! At least your generation has some spine. You're also just as foolish, but at least you stand up for yourselves."
"You don't exactly encourage defiance sitting on a throne, at the top of a palace," Blake relaxed and grinned.
"I just happen to like living here, and this chair is rather comfy. Are you going to start listening to me just because I sit in some fancy chair, in my fancy house?"
"Depends on what you have to say."
"Hmph!" Temujin cracked a toothy grin. "You're starting to remind me of my brother—especially these days. You used to shiver like a little kitten under the angry gazes of others—always hiding in Adam's shadow. Now look at you. Hardly even a blink. Did something at Beacon knock your teeth out, so you could grow some sharper fangs, I wonder?"
"More like a few people."
"Hoh! Well, you'll have to bring them around sometime."
"…When I can, I'd very much like to introduce you."
"I look forward to the day—But enough pleasantries! There's something on your mind, I can smell it. Something that doesn't have to do with the prisoner, I imagine."
"No, he can wait," Blake confirmed. "I need to speak to you about the war and the White Fang."
Temujin let out a long and tepid sigh at hearing that.
"You and everyone else, little Blake. When are you all going to get it through your thick skulls that I'm retired? Bah! Go and ask your questions. I'm listening—but only because you're my favorite."
Blake took a deep breath. She had rehearsed the words and waited for an opportune time such as this. She also managed to get Temujin in a good mood, which was a plus.
"I want to know what you're planning to do with the White Fang. Adam and Raven are fighting for Mistral and earning the Faunus rights in the Kingdom. I know there are plans to start an uprising in Atlas. This war presents our people with an opportunity for equality we've never dreamed of."
Blake paused to space her breath.
"But a lot of it can depend on the actions you take, Temujin. Who you choose to side with, who you choose to go against. You can decide who wins this war. So I want to ask. How is the Kingdom of Vacuo going to move? Who will you fight?"
"…'Fight'?" Temujin folded her remaining leg under her. "Blake, do I look like I'm in any condition to fight anyone?"
"You know what I mean," Blake pressed. "You're still the leader of the White Fang, to the members here and the ones overseas. Even if the citizens despise us—Vacuo's Huntsmen and Huntresses, Shade Academy, all of them will follow you in whatever campaign you take. Do you really plan to do nothing?"
"And if I do?"
"Then you're going to hand over power to Raven? I can't imagine you naming Adam as your successor."
"Naming anyone a successor would be ridiculous."
"Then how is Vacuo going to enter the war?"
"It is not, and I doubt it ever will."
Blake had to stop herself from smiling. Prompting Temujin's adamant refusal to enter the war was what she aimed for. Goading her was a way to make the woman open up and discern her intentions. Whether the position of neutrality was the truth, or a stalling tactic against the other Kingdoms.
"Alright, then. How about I tell you a way to avoid your problems altogether?" Blake offered.
Temujin drummed her fingers on her cane for a time.
"I'm listening."
She took a deep breath.
"…You can forge an alliance with Atlas."
"Atlas! Hoh!" Temujin's eye widened. "Now that is an idea I haven't heard yet. Why would I get in bed with Atlas? If anything, they're the last people I'd entrust with the fate of our people."
"When I studied at Beacon, one of my teammates was Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. We became close friends and I trust her with my life. She's sympathetic to our people and our cause. She also holds a position at the top echelons of her Kingdom."
"Hm…Another change from your time at Beacon, is it?"
"I know what you might be thinking. She's a Schnee, but I promise you she's worth trusting! If you, who represent the intent of Vacuo and the Faunus population, enter an alliance with her, you could push her to the top. It would put an end to the war in a single move."
Blake was mustering more courage and momentum. She willed her speech forward.
"Raven's swaying Mistral's parliament to grant Faunus more rights. A large portion of their army is now composed of the White Fang. They're fighting for our people, and they would lose all motivations for war if you helped win equality in Atlas. Striking an alliance with Mistral afterwards would take next to nothing. And Vale wouldn't risk a fight against three united Kingdoms."
"That is an interesting proposal…" Temujin nodded amusedly. "But I have doubts about this Weiss Schnee."
Blake swallowed and prepared herself for what she would say next.
"Her mother—was Olea Schnee, the representative ambassador of the Schnee Dust Company eleven years ago. At the summit hearing, she was with Shepherd trying to broker peace between our people…And died during the Third Crusade."
"Ah…I thought the name sounded familiar. But remind me, Blake. Didn't Shepherd die because Olea Schnee lowered our guard? She created an opening for the Crusaders, did she not?"
"Lies. All of it," Blake denied. "On Atlas' side, they were told the White Fang was responsible for the failed peace summit, and that we purposely caused her death."
"Huh."
"We can redo history as it was supposed to be, Temujin!" Blake voiced passionately. "We can accomplish what Shepherd always wanted! Peace without bloodshed! Equality through unity!"
"And all I would need to do is support this Weiss Schnee. What would it take to do that? Give her rights to some of our Dust mines perhaps?"
"If you did, Weiss would make sure to provide more than fair wages for workers. It wouldn't be the same as it was in the past. She also promises to share Atlas technology. I've received blue prints and concept designs to present you in good faith. Once the embargo on trade is lifted, Weiss will send whole shipments of it, free of charge."
Blake stepped forward, pulled up emails on her scroll, and showed it to Temujin.
"Hm hm," the old woman massaged her chin. "These new vehicles would make our supply runs much smoother."
"We would also be able to construct our own airships, instead of relying on the old ones."
"Indeed, we would."
"So, you'll sign a treaty?"
Temujin graciously handed back the scroll to Blake. A warm smile on her face, much like a grandmother's.
"Hahaha! Of course, not! An alliance with Atlas is impossible!"
Blake stared at her for a moment. Her brow wrinkled and her jaw tightened.
"Why not…!?" she asked, almost screaming.
"Because, Blake," Temujin leaned back in her chair. "No one has the authority to sign an alliance agreement."
"You do."
"No, Blake."
The old fox smiled mischievously.
"We are Vacuo.
We have No Lords, No Kings, Nor Queens.
So, no one can make a representative decision.
That includes myself…"