.
The Tradeoff
.
"You break it, you buy it."
.
.
Beneath the ground, she sensed the heartbeat of Remnant's core. It pulsed in powerful waves, low vibrations beneath the skin. The pounding in her own chest aligned with its rhythm.
It sought the surface, like an encroaching tide. Such a force, even as it dissipated. And if she could somehow harness just a small portion of it...
It sang, and hummed, and connected through emotion. So surreal and intangible, but at the same time, ever-present.
Her right hand lifted, and the smallest fraction gathered to her touch.
Yang opened her eyes and the imagery faded. The scene before her, replaced by a heavily vegetated area beside a nearby stream. Vibrant green filled her vision. Land overgrown with nature left unchecked. A small pocket world untouched by civilization.
She felt a warm tingle at the end of her right limb, where Aura coursed through, the same as a lit match.
With some reluctance, she attached her prosthetic to it. The familiar sensation of machine joining flesh jolted her nerves, firing her pain receptors.
Yang operated her metallic fingers, and they answered her will. Though, something was amiss. Their movements lacked a certain dexterity to them. A sluggishness that gave her pause.
She pumped her fist and a cartridge ejected from her forearm. Yang caught it and examined the amount of Dust it held.
The contents indicated it was full.
Yang reloaded it and made Ember Celica's engines fire briefly.
It drained her Aura like something hungry. The warmth in her limb evaporated into an immediate chill.
That's not good.
Yang ejected the Dust cartridge again to look at it.
Full. No decrease in the amount whatsoever.
With a heavy sigh, she disconnected her prosthetic and set it aside.
Crap.
The Dust really isn't burning.
Seriously, it's just one thing after another…
Yang gave an annoyed pout. Her good hand picked at the grass in frustration.
"Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I did kinda screw those two over," she said to herself, referring to her Semblances. "It would be weirder if there wasn't some drawback. Question is, how the hell do I handle this…"
She spun some ideas in her head for a while, but came up with nothing useable.
"Well! I'll burn that bridge when I come to it."
"—Something we need to worry about?" Raven approached from behind. "For someone who just survived their Semblance Trial, you look oddly displeased."
"Survived, but not passed. Apparently, failing the trial comes with a price."
"I see making mysterious abstract statements does run in the family." Raven joined her side and started examining her prosthetic. "You told us you weren't suffering the negative effects of the Reaper Semblance anymore. No bloodlust, no deathly urges or visions?"
"Not one. It's not the Semblance that's the problem. It's what came with it…"
"And what exactly did it come with?"
Yang flipped a shard of Bane in her hand, right before swiftly crunching it between her teeth.
…
No effect.
"A SERIOUS handicap," Yang answered with disdain.
Raven stared wide-eyed.
"That… is a unique problem."
"No kidding."
"But the life-seeing, or whatever you plan on calling it?"
"I don't know all there is to it yet. But if you're wondering if I'm a force to be reckoned with, I'm pretty sure I can still land my fist where it hurts. Probably better than before."
"As long as you're not completely defenseless."
"Yeah, least there's that…" Yang stretched her back. "Welp! That's the music! Just another bad tradeoff to work around."
"No need to tell me about bad tradeoffs. But really, you not being able to use Dust or Bane is going to be a problem. Especially with the way you fight."
"I lost my right arm, mom. Compared to that, anything else is a piece of cake walk."
"Hmph. At least, you're not lacking for confidence."
The two inhaled deep, taking in the natural air around them. Only the sounds of the forest filled the silence for a while.
"The scenery is nice and everything, but did you have to come all the way out here?" Raven asked. "You couldn't do your mediation near the house?"
"I dunno. Life feels denser here, and the reception is good."
"More things about your mysterious new Semblance?"
"I wonder~"
"..."
Even now, Raven couldn't shake off the strange feeling being under Yang's gaze. She put her hand over her daughter's eyes in a playful manner that made the younger laugh.
Yang may have revealed imperfections that came with her new power, but there was no denying the threat that lied there. A new Semblance that rivaled, or perhaps was even superior to, the Reaper Semblance.
The ability to see the Life In All Things, Raven pondered. Opposite in nature, but similar in effect. There's no doubt it's like a sister ability to the Reaper Semblance. Only time will tell what the real key differences are…
"Did you finish saying goodbye to your father?" she asked.
"Yup. Ready to go," Yang replied.
"Good. Let's not waste any more time dragging our feet."
With that, Raven quickly cut open a portal.
A moment later, they both reappeared near the entrance to Haven Academy. Their feet landing on the lawn the side of a building, where they would not be seen.
"That'll never get boring," Yang said, as she stepped into the clear. "Wonder if I'll learn that trick someday."
"Maybe if you sign a desperate deal with an evil conniving bitch, you might. I wouldn't recommend it, though."
Raven's mention of Salem made Yang think of her.
The Witch, sworn enemy of her mother, but in some ways, herself. She was referred to as the one responsible for Cinder, and also Adam. The real puppeteer behind everything. The big bad behind every big bad.
Even so, it was hard to feel any sort of enmity towards someone she hadn't met. There were times Yang tried to picture her, but the image never took. Perhaps against her mother's wishes, Yang would one day speak with the Witch, and find out for herself,
Whether she's worth killing or not…
…
"—How did you know not to take the deal?" Raven interrupted her thoughts.
"Huh?"
"You said during your trial, two paths were presented to you—two identities, two futures. And you made a completely different decision. You know life would've been easier if you picked one. So, how?"
Yang stuck her tongue out and put a finger to her chin in thought.
"I'm not really sure, to be honest. Both deals sounded like scams so…I decided to pick a fight instead."
"…"
"I didn't really give it a lot of thought," she admitted sheepishly. "I mean, the options sounded so crappy, they didn't feel worth considering."
"…"
"That…wasn't the answer you were looking for."
"Pft!"
"Hm?"
"Pft—hahaha!"
"Mom?"
"A scam…! Hahaha!" Raven continued to laugh, arching her head back. "That's right. Only an idiot would agree to something that was clearly a scam!" She wiped a tear from her eye. "Well, it still cost you in the end. No regrets, I imagine?"
"Nope. Wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
Raven smiled.
"A decision made without regret has to be the right one. I only wish I could've realized something so simple when I was your age. But I'm glad you don't have to repeat the same mistakes." She breathed a content sigh and recovered from her fit. "You're growing up, Yang. It might be time for you to grow from your little band of misfits, too."
"And what do you mean by that?"
"You know what I mean."
"...I like being part of Team ENMY and I care about them," Yang answered. "Things are weird now, but it probably won't stay that way, I think. I don't know."
"From what I can tell, you no longer have any reason to stay. You joined their group to find me, and here we are."
"True."
"Also, I recently got some info on a way to revive Cinder. It's going to take them off-continent. Do you plan on following?"
"I…" Yang paused. "I don't know."
"Even though it was me you came for? They aren't the friends you think they are, Yang. Deep down, you understand that."
"…That, might be right."
"This is the same thing. Don't make a decision you're going to regret. That's all I can say."
Yang replied with a short nod. "I won't. Just need to give it some thought."
"Alright." Raven turned slightly, and cut open a fresh portal. "Yang," she stressed. "I might need you for something soon. Be sure to answer your scroll when I call."
"You got it."
"I'm serious. What might happen next is very important."
"Alright," Yang answered seriously.
"And, Yang?"
"Yeah, mom?"
"I'm proud of you."
"…"
Struck speechless, Yang struggled to assemble some form of response. Fortunately, her mother filled in the blanks.
"Answer your scroll."
The girl sighed, "Yeah, yeah."
And with the last of their parting words exchanged, Raven disappeared through the portal.
.
X
.
As soon as Mercury entered Team ENMY's dorm, a black envelope was thrown at him by Emerald.
"We move out in three," she said.
"They found them?"
"Yeah. Moment of truth time."
Mercury opened the envelope and skimmed the contents.
"Exact coordinates, east of the Windpath. How are we supposed to get there?"
"Working on it right now," Emerald answered, while holding her scroll to her ear. "Inna! Babe! I need those clearance codes you used to sneak out that airship a while back. What do I need them for? I need them to sneak out an airship. Why else?"
In one corner of the room, Mercury spotted Neo writing a letter and placing it under her pillow. It would be easily found if someone were to toss the place looking for clues.
"What about Yang?" he asked. "She might try to find us, if we suddenly take off."
"I'm already giving her a call," Emerald replied, after hanging up on Inna.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. Who else is going to do it? You? You're a terrible actor."
"Hey! I fooled everyone when I faked my leg getting shot."
"I wouldn't call faking a fall and crying on the floor for five minutes award-winning acting, Merc. Plus, you're emotionally compromised."
"I don't have emotions."
"Whatever. Stow it and start packing your gear." Emerald leapt from her seat, and started out the door. "Yang. Some stuff's come up. We won't be back for a couple nights. Caught a lead on Cinder and we're following it…"
Emerald's voice trailed off as she moved down the hall.
"We're really leaving, huh?" Mercury muttered.
Neo glanced at him and nodded. She took the sketchpad she drew her life story into, and placed that under her pillow too. It was difficult to part with, but she always intended to give it to Yang. Something she always put off, because she was constantly adding more drawings to it. Including some rather indecent portraits sketched in secret.
Mercury packed the necessities for travel and the supplies needed for the fight. As far as sentimental objects went, he had none. Save for a pair of keys to a motorcycle he built together with Yang.
He stared at them for a while, before leaving them under his pillow.
Emerald returned.
"We've got our airship, our clearance, and blondie's out of the equation. I'm not forgetting anything, am I?"
"Don't suppose you're going to leave Yang anything."
"No. Why? Did you guys?"
Mercury and Neo only stared at her.
"Of course, you did," Emerald rolled her eyes. "Well, I haven't got squat for a parting gift and letters aren't really my thing. So, I'm just gonna do her the old professional courtesy, and ghost without a trace. Now, get your asses in motion."
As they filed out, Mercury looked back at their dorm one last time.
It was unlike him, he knew. The room was always meant to be just another temporary living space. Just like Yang was always supposed to be a temporary eyesore.
They formed a team and took her on because they had to. Extra baggage he and Emerald had to carry around. Actual attachments were never part of the deal.
…
He wondered if the next time they met, if it would go down the same way Yang fought Weiss and Blake. Former teammates battling it out in a messy affair. Except in their case, it would probably be to the death.
…
It wasn't long…but it was nice.
Nicer than I ever thought it would be.
"See ya around, blondie."
.
X
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It was midafternoon, when Qrow and Team RNJR finished their most recent trek.
The group stepped onto the end stretch of the Windpath. A place which, all the gusts and gales gathered into tornadoes snaking their way into the sky.
The natural phenomena looked like giant tree trunks with thunderous dark clouds as treetops. Points of the vertical drafts centered on numerous mountain peaks, where safe harbor lied for the travelers. The only eyes of the storm that were permanently fixed. A secret that died long ago.
The group ventured to one mountain in particular. Its surrounding tumultuous winds grew so fierce as they neared their destination, they were forced to tie themselves together. Their weapons stabbed into the ground to provide anchor.
It took herculean effort, but in the end, the effort paid off.
At the center of the wind funnel, loomed a tower of green tiles. Constructed in the style of a pagoda, it made for a strangely solid sight in contrast to its stormy surroundings. Almost like the building itself was the source of tamed atmosphere.
"Let's get in!" Qrow beckoned. His tone filled with an eagerness for answers.
The group entered the premises and shut the heavy doors behind them. Finding themselves in what seemed to be a lobby, they could barely see anything beyond the darkness. That is, until a green light spawned from Qrow's waist and illuminated the chamber.
Mechanisms throughout the Tower activated in the next moment. They could hear gears cranking all the way to the top. When Qrow looked for the trigger, he saw that Ozpin's cane acted as key.
Before the party, a lattice hologram wove into existence in the form of Beacon's late Headmaster. His appearance a perfect mimic of how they remembered. Postured with both hands behind his back, straight and prompt.
"Oz?" Qrow couldn't help but blurt out.
"Yes, Qrow. You did well getting here, but we can't rest easy just yet. I suspect Salem will learn of this installation soon if she hasn't already. Now, follow me."
As the ephemeral body turned to lead them deeper into the Tower, Qrow yelled,
"Wait a second! I want answers! Like what the hell is this place? And where the hell have you been?"
"Qrow. Time is of the essence."
"Yeah? That's tough! You gonna tell me I've been carrying you around this entire time, and you just never said a word?"
"I wasn't in a capacity to do so. Besides, I've hardly been silent throughout your journey, have I?"
"So, I wasn't going crazy."
"No, you certainly were not. Now, we must proceed to the top floor. Once the synchronization process is initiated, we can take the time for explanations, but we must begin as soon as possible."
"Oz…!"
"Qrow. I apologize, but I need you to trust me—just once more."
"Damn it! Fine!"
The hologram of Qrow zapped to the end of the chamber and operated the elevator. Qrow and party followed without another word, and reached the top of the Tower in the next few minutes.
Once the elevator doors opened, they entered the office that greatly resembled the Headmaster's office back at Beacon.
As soon as Qrow crossed the threshold, he was overcome with an invasive consciousness. It dropped him to his knees and caused him to brace his head.
"Qrow!" Jaune shouted.
"Do not fight it, Qrow," Ozpin advised. "It is your natural inclination to resist, but I assure you, this is a necessary measure."
"What…are you doing to me?!" Qrow grunted in pain.
"Naming you my successor. It has fallen to you to be primary safeguard of Remnant. Nothing so different from what you have been doing your entire career as Huntsman."
"Why me? Why can't you—"
"My life as 'Ozpin' has ended. It is time for another to carry on my fate. Another to lead the fight against the Witch—and the one chosen is you."
"I don't understand…!"
"Relax and we shall speak. But for now, you must remain in this room until the synchronization process is complete." The hologram turned to address the others in the room. "Ruby Rose. Jaune Arc. Lie Ren. Nora Valkyrie. The four of you must stand guard over Qrow until everything is finished. The process will take two days. Please, stay vigilant."
Jaune and Ren each took Qrow by an arm and helped him into the desk chair.
"Alright, you have me onboard for this craziness," Qrow spat, then took a long draught of his flask. "You're saying we've got two days of just twiddling our thumbs, so get talking."
"Very well, but we will convene privately. These matters are for your ears only."
The Huntsman nodded and closed his eyes.
Right when the hologram was about to disappear, Jaune called out,
"Hold it!"
"Mr. Arc?"
"We came on this trip to find more about what happened to Pyrrha. Qrow promised us that."
"I am aware of the deal you've made. What happened to Miss Nikos was a tragedy—"
"Save it! You don't really care! I just want what I was promised!" he shouted with fury. The only thing keeping him from further lashing out was Ren and Nora grasping his arms.
"…And you will have it," Ozpin calmly answered. "The true identities of the ones who masterminded the events of Beacon and the fate that befell Miss Nikos will be provided. But for now, I must ask you to assist Qrow in completing this task."
"I can't trust a word you say."
"While that may hold some truth, protecting Qrow will ultimately work in your favor. The attackers who will try to interrupt the process, they are likely to be cohorts of the ones you seek, if not the culprits themselves."
"How do I know you're not lying to get us to stay?"
"…You do not. I am sorry."
"…"
Ozpin hesitated for a moment. Then, he spoke with a cadence less formal.
"I sometimes wonder if I made the correct decision in letting you stay at Beacon, despite your forged credentials. Yes, I was aware and admitted you into my school regardless. Because I saw a potential in you, the spirit of a protector, and a fine Huntsman you could one day become. I can only hope I was not mistaken. Miss Nikos certainly shared the same thoughts."
"You…!"
"Again," Ozpin removed his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. "Allow me to apologize for what happened to Miss Nikos. It is and was my deepest regret. I would have gladly given my life in trade of returning her to you. But I can only succeed in joining her, and informing Miss Nikos you all still carry her spirit with you."
Jaune went quiet for a moment.
"Just hurry up," he barely whispered.
"You have my deepest gratitude, Mr. Arc."
The hologram blinked out of existence. Qrow nestled more comfortably into his seat. And then, there was nothing left to them but wait.
Jaune walked over to Ruby, who was gazing out the window.
"Hey, you okay? You haven't said much of anything since…Ruby?!"
He turned the girl by her shoulders, and saw her staring blankly into his face. The silver in her eyes glinted eerily. Her normally cheerful visage was devoid of life, similar to a doll's.
"RUBY!"
Ruby blinked.
"Huh, yeah? What is it, Jaune?"
"Hey! Are you okay? What happened?"
"I don't know. Did something happen?"
Jaune continued to stare at her confoundedly.
"You just completely blanked out of it! It's happened before, but this time was…different."
"Really?"
Perhaps, even more than Ruby's sudden trance state, was her complete lack of concern that disturbed Jaune.
"Did you hear all that between Qrow and Ozpin?" he asked.
"Yeah," Ruby nodded, still looking unworried.
"And you don't have a problem with it?"
"I knew this was going to happen. Ozpin filled me in on the way here."
"What?!"
"What."
"How come you never said anything?!" Jaune was now almost shaking violently.
"Huh. I wonder, why I didn't. I should have…"
As Ruby was entering her trance state again, her head whipped in the direction of something outside.
She broke away from Jaune and moved towards the window. Upon opening the latch, violent gales blew inside and sent Jaune, Ren, and Nora reeling back a few steps.
Undeterred by the torrent, Ruby pressed her rifle stock to her shoulder and aimed down the scope of Crescent Rose.
*Bang!*
A single shot went into the windwall encircling the Tower.
No one except a few would know the target of Ruby's aim.
A small Nevermore with a hole pierced straight through its eye socket, plummeted to the earth.
.
X
.
Salem staggered back, clutching her eye in immense pain. The black veins of her skin rippled at the violent reaction.
After some time passed and the pain subsided, the Witch steadied herself and made for one of the palace's more secretive sections.
She laid her hand on a partitioned wall, prompting a purple sigil to respond to her touch. It faded upon unlocking.
The long hall she entered was lined with shelves upon shelves. Occupying every row sat balance scales. Ornate in design and forged with dark brass finish. Each bore a string of letters at their base. Some tipped to one side, while others in even levy. They teetered and swayed as Salem walked past.
The Witch stopped at a collection of scales she set aside specifically at a desk.
Their bases read:
Blake Belladonna
Adam Taurus
Raven Branwen
Jupiter Black
Masa Arum
With a sharp motion, Salem dropped a series of varying chips in all their scales. Previously hanging down to one side, they oscillated with the newly added weight.
The world turns,
And you can't stop it,
You arrogant old fool.