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Stranger Bedfellows
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All my friends are heathens, take it slow.
.
.
In the innermost chamber of Mistral's Parliament, the scheduled conference of the Four Head of Houses took place.
Sitting atop their elevated thrones, only two of the four members were in attendance. With the Sable Faction dissolved and Vermillion in mid-selection of a new successor, Prime Minister Argent and Azure Scale were the only ones present at the meeting. As if the Second Great War wasn't enough, the state of the Kingdom's council gave more voice to these tumultuous times.
"I believe that concludes our meeting…" Argent adjourned.
"Yes, Prime Minister," Azure agreed half-heartedly.
The older gentlemen looked at the boy with pity.
Compared to the bright energy he'd shown when he first joined the council, the young Head of House now had a lifelessness to him. A distinct hollow demonstrated in every word and action. Argent could only imagine what kind of treatment he suffered at the hands of Salem.
"I used to think this room was too grand for a mere four people to occupy. And now that there are only two…" the Prime Minister sighed. "The thrones have never felt lonelier."
"…"
"Azure?"
"As you say, Prime Minister."
Argent should have known better. The boy probably viewed him as an ally of the Witch. It didn't matter if it wasn't true. More accurately, how could it not, as Azure was forced to pay absolute obedience to him.
"I am sorry, young Azure. You may not believe me—it may not even matter—but I hope you can understand I never desired any of this."
"…You are correct, Prime Minister." The boy stared back with empty eyes. "It does not matter."
Azure stood from his seat, walked down the spiral staircase, and exited the chamber. Argent chose to remain a little longer, almost as if his throne demanded he stay in it.
His elbows leaned heavy on its armrests. Hands folded and pressed against his head in depressive contemplation. Argent was always a healthy military man, but now he was starting to feel the weariness of his age.
"You're there, aren't you?" his voice echoed the chamber.
From behind the scarlet chair belonging to House Vermillion, Raven appeared.
"All our discussions, the alliances we forged, and secrets we exchanged. And you never ceased to be Salem's pawn," he accused bitterly.
"It would be more accurate to call me her sword."
"So, worse? Not even a will of your own, but a mindless weapon?"
Raven revealed a self-deprecating grin and sat lazily on Vermillion's throne.
"A sword can be far from mindless."
"I allowed myself to believe that your hatred for Salem was true. I should have heeded Vermillion's words… Her judgment was correct of you."
"But you weren't of her. Your dear old friend was Salem's, too."
"You lie."
"Why would I lie to you now? Inconvenient truths have a way of surfacing after one's death. Especially when the one smothering them is no longer around. You know that."
The Prime Minister closed his eyes in disgust.
"Stop torturing yourself, Argent," the woman told him. "It won't make a difference."
"We were supposed to make this world better, Raven. If it claimed a piece of our soul, or all of it, then that would be the price. BUT, THIS! THIS!" he roared. "I've cheated. I've remained whole and unharmed, while others suffer the cost in my stead. I'd step down this very second, if it didn't mean more lives would be taken from our Kingdom!"
"You're a good man."
"I am a guilty man! Remnant will burn for my actions! I have brought ruin to the very things I swore to protect by allying myself with you!"
"And what follows your regrets?" Raven asked coldly. "Will you stop trying to bring good to the world? The Kingdom still needs you. The Faunus depend on you. It's not just Mistral, but Remnant that requires strong leaders, especially for the coming times… Or it'll perish under its own frailty."
"Am I to stay arrogant of my follies? You wish me to stay silent in my compliance?"
"I believe you should stay the course." Raven's expression distorted into something unreadable. "You're a good man, so you will do good. Stay whole, while I pick up the tab for the pounds of flesh. This is for the best, Argent. Do not waver—For Victoria's sake."
Argent couldn't stop himself from returning the woman's words with skepticism. He cocked a crooked stare, trying to get a read on his former ally, now ally by forced consent. A glimmer of doubt may have been gleaned there.
But before he could probe further, Raven rose from the throne.
"Despite the initial chaos getting rid of Sable and Vermillion brought, things have settled rather quickly. Just goes to show how much they really meant to the Kingdom," she scoffed. "Our civil affairs are in order. The middle and lower-class are supporting Parliament now more than ever. Atlas has begun its invasion of Vale. What action will you take, Argent?"
"…"
"Will you continue to complain and rack yourself with guilt? Or will you do the best with what you have?"
The Prime Minister grit his teeth.
"Ready our troops and the Grimm Kotengu," he ordered in a difficult tone. "We will finish this war as swiftly as possible. The longer this feud ensues, the longer it will take to heal the wounds after."
"A noble decision."
Raven cut open a portal and walked through it. In the same instant, the Prime Minister sank deeper into his chair.
He knew it was the correct choice. A move that would result in bloody consequences, but a necessary one.
The leader of Mistral caught glimpses of the future, how clearly the war would play itself out. Many may look back at this decision and label him reckless and impatient. Some may even call him a warmonger, but the truth was not so simple.
Better to lose thousands over a year than hundreds of thousands over decades.
Argent only wished to leave Mistral a better world than he found it. To stop the rot he saw seeping from the corners. Whether his measures were correct, he would leave to be determined by those in the far future.
For now, his answer was aggression. Quick and violent, instead of a long drawn-out conflict. And the shortest path to peace,
Lay through the conquering of Vale.
.
X
.
It had been a few days, since Team ENMY and Team RNJR escaped the Tower of Tamonten to Yang and Ruby's home in Patch.
After the events following their grudge match, the assassination attempt from Mercury's family, and the staged assassination of Qrow Branwen, the groups chose this time to rest and recuperate.
On the second night, Qrow left unawares to anyone. The synchronization with Ozpin had failed to complete. And with Ruby and Yang expressing doubts about the legacy process, he thought it better to see his task completed on his own.
And there, the teams stayed for a while, under Taiyang's roof. At least, until they decided on what path to take next.
…
The sound of steel bashing against stone woke Yang from her sleep.
"Whuzzat…?! Ugh! Probably Jaune…"
More impacts echoed outside, as she threw off her covers and sat at the edge of her bed. Yang rubbed her eyes tiredly, scanning the room.
It was a strange thing to adjust to, not having lived at home for a while. Familiar, but not so familiar. Her father kept her room the way she'd left it. And so it stayed, with some exception.
An extra pair of futons laid on the floor next to her bed. On it, slept Emerald and Mercury. It seemed they weren't bothered by the noise outside and continued to slumber.
Yang ran her hand over the bed behind her and noticed Neo was missing.
Usually never a good sign when I lose track of her…
She pulled away part of the curtain to peek outside.
The sun was shining and birds were chirping.
Morning… Yang thought with annoyance. I remember when I used to wake up in the morning…
She stood with reluctance. Her biological clock still kept night hours. But Yang decided there was no going back to sleep now.
"Might as well get something to eat," she yawned, and she made her way downstairs to the kitchen. "Hm?"
Yang froze at the entrance of the dining area. The sight not quite what she was expecting.
Sitting at the table across from each other, were Taiyang and Neo. The smaller girl enjoyed a bowl of her favorite ice cream. Her legs dangled playfully from her chair. Meanwhile, Taiyang seemed to be taking his morning coffee.
"Morning, sunshine," her father lifted his mug cheerfully.
"Morning… Uh. What's going on here?"
"Nothing. Just having a chat with your partner here."
"Oh, yeah…?"
"Yeah."
Yang traded stares between the two. Neo continued to eat her ice cream without a care.
"How's that going?"
"Good. We've been having a lot of good talks, haven't we?"
Neo smiled with a nod.
"Uh…huh. What about?" Yang was almost afraid to ask.
"About you."
She gulped awkwardly.
"Riiiiight. Well, I wouldn't want to interrupt. I'm sure you two have…lots more to talk about."
"Oh, yeah," Taiyang answered with a knowing grin. "Lots."
"Great! Well, I'm just gonna get some more shut-eye and—"
"Hey, would you mind calling everyone down? I was about to fix breakfast."
"I don't know if that's—"
"Come on, make the rounds," Taiyang persisted. "And get Jaune outside. Kid's been at it since sunrise. I'm sure he's hungry by now."
"Eheh… Sure. Why not?" Yang accepted without enthusiasm. And in a quieter voice, while leaving, "It's not like it could get anymore awkward than here…"
Upon opening the front door, she shielded her eyes from the sun. A little ways from the porch was Jaune.
Sweat poured down the young man's face, as he took a few paces back from a boulder twice his size. Then, in a burst of acceleration, charged the stone. The shield braced his shoulder and drove into the rock with a thundering smash.
Existing cracks in the stone, heaved and sundered. The boulder crumbled apart, leaving only a pile of rubble.
With her good hand, Yang grabbed the towel folded on a nearby tree stump and tossed it to him. Jaune caught it without looking.
She whistled. "Wow, Jaune. You totally beefed up since our time at Beacon. No joke."
"…"
Yang waited a beat for a response, but when she realized there would be none, she shrugged.
"Alright. Well, dad's making breakfast. Come in, when you're ready."
As she turned to head back into the house,
"How can you act like that?" Jaune asked, wiping off the sweat.
"Like, what?"
"Like you're not on the same team as Pyrrha's murderers. Don't play dumb."
"So, we're doing this now?"
"Answer me!"
"Three days of complete silence, and now he wants answers," Yang sighed, before turning back around. "Alright. They're my teammates and my friends. I don't have to explain much else, do I?"
Jaune tossed away the towel. He tightened his grip on his shield and brandished his sword.
"HOW IS THAT AN EXCUSE?!"
"It's not. But I can tell, whatever explanation I give you, it won't be good enough…" She paused. "It isn't good enough."
Yang could hear Jaune's intense breathing. She could almost catch how hard his heart was pounding. It wouldn't come at all a surprise if he attacked her this instant.
"—I don't think you have it in you."
"What?!" Jaune shouted.
"Revenge," Yang elaborated. "Sorry, Jaune. But you're not the type."
"You think I won't fight you? You think I won't kill—!"
"Pyrrha wouldn't want it."
"That means nothing coming from you! You betrayed her!"
"Maybe, but I also thought of Pyrrha as a friend. I still do."
"THEN, WHY?! Why are you working with them?! Say it!"
"There's no answer I can give you."
"Maybe, not! But I still want to hear it!" Jaune's voice went hoarse. "I thought you of all people…! I thought you would be on my side for this…"
"Who says I'm not?"
He was momentarily struck silent by the response.
"You think I don't want revenge for Pyrrha?" Yang continued. "I do. I always will. And, who knows? I might be the one to take it someday. But I do know one thing, and that's the fact that the one to take revenge for Pyrrha—won't be you."
"…And why do you say that?"
"You're not the kind. And if you forced yourself, you wouldn't be able to live with what comes after. It'd break you. And Pyrrha wouldn't want that."
"I don't care what happens to me!"
"But I do. Which is why it's better if I do it." A certain darkness accompanied Yang's words. A ruthless viciousness that showed itself in the Tower, when she "killed" Qrow. "I can handle having blood on my hands. And you can keep yours clean."
The boy felt a pang in his chest.
"You're my friend Jaune," she said sincerely. "I like you, I really do. Even if you hate my guts now."
Jaune struggled to find the right words. Torrents of emotion consumed his every rationale. Some part of him wanted to lump Yang with Cinder's allies and take his anger out on all of them. Another part remembered her as a trusted friend. But trust like that was impossible to get back, once broken.
"…I can't forgive you," Jaune spoke softly. "I want to, but I won't."
"I'd be really disappointed if you did. Hehe!"
"How about a spar, then?"
The question caught Yang off guard. Jaune's intent was extremely obvious.
"Spunky stuff, Arc," she chuckled again. "Any other day, I'd gladly accept a session of beating the crap out of each other. But I'll have to take a raincheck."
"You really have changed," he scowled. "The Yang I knew, would never back down from a fight."
"You're trying too hard, but you're right. I have changed. Not that it would matter, since my dance card's already taken. It wouldn't be right to take you on before a certain someone else got a crack at me first."
"…"
"Wash up before breakfast, will ya?" Yang ended, before entering the house.
Besides, a fight with me wouldn't fill you up.
.
X
.
"Ruby!"
*Snort* "Whuzza?"
"You were falling asleep again, you dunce!"
"Sorry, Weiss," Ruby yawned.
Sitting at her bedroom desk, Ruby spoke to her scroll's holographic projection of Weiss.
"These secure lines across continents weren't easy to establish, you know! We have to make the most of the time we have," Weiss scolded.
"Sorry. Ren and I were up late studying the scrolls he took from the Tower."
"Hmph. I see. Well, I suppose I could excuse that. Did you learn anything valuable?"
"Tons of stuff! I'm finally starting to get a handle on my powers! Soon, I'll be all *shoom!* and *kaploo* with my mind!"
"Any material pertaining to the Maidens or Ozpin?"
"No. They're more like training manuals for people who have special connections to the Never Realm."
"Hmm… If these Tower installations were constructed in order to train special individuals, I might find reference material here as well. But it's likely any documents of the variety were confiscated with the retrofit—Ruby! Wake up!"
"I'm here!" *Ahem* She wiped the drool from her face. "I'm here! Where were we?"
Weiss gave off a staticky sigh.
"Your Uncle—You said he was searching for a Tower to complete this 'synchronization process'."
"Right. You said you knew the one in Atlas?"
"I'm fairly certain it's the Cerberus Tower, but I can't imagine your Uncle infiltrating its security. It's easily the most fortified structure in all of Remnant. Are you sure he won't seek the one in Vacuo?"
"I can't say for sure, but I think so? The Tower in Vacuo is supposed to be different from the rest. The Wizard didn't build it, so he isn't safe there. He isn't even allowed anywhere near it, I think."
"How do you know?"
"Someone told me."
"Who?"
"…A voice," Ruby admitted uneasily. "One of the voices I hear from the Never Realm?"
Weiss frowned with worry.
"I know what you're going to say, but I promise I'm being super careful about it."
Ruby could tell her partner wanted to say something, but held herself back.
"I wish I was there…" Weiss expressed forlornly.
"I know. I miss you, too."
"That's not what I meant! I meant, I wish I was there to help!"
"Oh. Okay…"
They both stared in silence for a moment.
"I do miss you, though," Weiss added shyly.
"Yay~ You DO care!"
"Stop being so embarrassing! Anyway, I'll have security heightened at the Tower. If your Uncle does decide to visit, I'll make sure to imprison him without harm."
"I wonder about that... Any word from Blake?"
"No," Weiss shook her head. "Her last transmission said not to worry, which of course, is only more worrying! I can only assume she's engaged in some other reckless behavior, while bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders, AGAIN!"
"That sounds like Blake."
"Doesn't it always."
A knock came at Ruby's door, followed by Yang's voice.
"—Ruby. Nora. Ren. Breakfast downstairs."
"Oh, wait a minute, Yang!" Ruby responded. She turned back to the projection. "Weiss, hold on. Let me just get Yang."
"No! Ruby! You don't have to call her over. I really should be getting back to work anyway."
"What? But you haven't seen each other in a long time, right?"
"Please, Ruby. It's fine. Stay safe, okay? I'll contact you again."
"Okay… Bye, Weiss. I love you~ "
"….Iloveyou-too-bye."
The projection cut out with a zap. At the same time, Yang opened the door.
"Uh… You talking to Nora in her sleep?" she asked.
They both glanced at the girl lying on the spare futon, muttering incoherent somethings in her sleep.
"No. I was just on a call with Weiss."
"Oh," Yang scratched her head awkwardly. "How is she?"
"Good. Busy. Did something happen between you two? I mean, I know you both had a fight, but still."
"It's complicated. Nothing you need to worry about. So, yeah. Dad's making breakfast… pancakes."
"—PANCAKES?!" Nora woke with a start.
"Yeah…downstairs…"
Nora's shining eyes faded at seeing Yang. With a sort of soberness, she got up and walked past her. Once she was gone, Yang turned back to Ruby.
"Where's Ren?"
"In the study, translating the rest of the scrolls."
"Okay… Great. Well, why don't you go get him, and I'll wake up Emerald and Mercury—"
"I'll go with you!"
"What?"
"I wanna go with you!"
"Um. O…kay?"
Together, the two sisters made their way down the hall. As they did, Ruby couldn't help but eye Yang's missing limb.
"Shouldn't you attach your prosthetic?"
"Ah. Well, Neo messed it up pretty bad and I don't have what I need to rebuild it yet."
"What about the one dad ordered for you? It's supposed to be the same make and model as Mr. Ironwood's."
"I tried it, but it feels too flimsy. Also, a little too easy to control? Doesn't have any oomph or personality."
"Oookay? But, it should be good for the day-to-day stuff, right?"
"Truth is, I just don't like using it. Doesn't feel right."
"But—"
"And, we're here."
Yang kicked open the door to her room.
"Rise and shine! Breakfast is ready downstairs!"
She went to the curtains and threw them open.
"—AGHHH! Morning?! Who the hell wakes up in the morning?!" Mercury wailed.
Emerald threw her pillow hard at Yang. The two, then proceeded to get up with as much reluctance as possible.
Once she shook off some of the drowsiness, Emerald gave Yang a critiquing look.
"Hey, you're not using the spare arm."
"You know I hate that thing."
"You and Mercury said Celica wasn't getting repaired anytime soon. You need to get used to the other one for the time being."
"C'mon, Em. It performs like garbage. I can manage fine with just my good hand."
Without listening to her complaints, Emerald strode to the nightstand, picked up the Atlas Model prosthetic, and thrust it to Yang's chest.
"Put on the freakin' arm, or we'll put it on for you."
Yang grimaced, like a child being told to wear a coat by their parent—a reaction Ruby didn't fail to note.
"I don't even know what you're whining about," Emerald continued. "Since you can't burn Dust, a more autonomous arm is better for you."
"It's a downgrade. A really shitty one."
"Oh, boohoo. Play me a violin while you're at it. Oh, wait—"
"—I can't. Yeah, yeah," Yang rolled her eyes. "Another cripple joke? Really? Not so witty in the morning, are we?"
"Shut up. No more sass until I've had my coffee," Emerald groaned and walked past her.
After equipping his feet, Mercury approached Yang, and took the arm. Its design matched the layout of Atlas' Atlesian Knights. He hefted it a few times and swung it around.
"You're right. It's pretty crap," Mercury frowned. "We'll mod it later."
"Got any ideas?"
"A few."
Mercury grasped Yang's bicep and affixed the arm to it.
"—I've got ideas! I can help modify it, Yang!" Ruby piped up.
"Sure… sounds good."
Once Mercury followed after Emerald, the two sisters went to collect the last person.
And they found Ren face down in a pile of parchment, but had no trouble waking him.
As everyone convened at the dining room table, a deafening atmosphere hung overhead. On one side, sat Team ENMY. On the other, RNJR. And feigning obliviousness to the grudges between was Taiyang, who set plates and bowls for everyone.
When they were all seated, only the sharp sounds of utensils scraping tableware could be heard. Although nerves were high, it was mostly a one-sided affair. Compared to most of RNJR, who were on edge, ENMY seemed completely aloof.
"Can you pass me the paper, Papa Xiao Long?" Emerald requested.
"Sure," Taiyang answered with the newspaper.
The girl took it and quickly scanned the articles.
"Let's see… Raven and the Prime Minister already stabilized the Mistral Kingdom," she commented offhand. "Wish that took longer. She might have enough time to come after us now."
"Doubt it. She's probably too busy prepping the invasion force," Yang answered. "After getting rid of Sable and Vermillion, she can insert more White Fang officers into the military ranks. Lots of reorganization ahead."
"Bold move. Makes the most out of the Faunus equality momentum."
"Victory goes to the bold. With Atlas already inching on Vale, Mistral needs to launch their own campaign soon. Any more news on Vacuo's supposed declaration of war?"
"Vacuo's 'leading body' has denied any sort of notion, choosing to maintain a stance of neutrality—as usual." Emerald summarized the narrative. "Most think it's just an attempt to breed hostilities, but the more paranoid bureaucrats of Vale think it could be real."
"That's not good. Even if it's a minority that believe war with Vacuo is possible, focus of the armies will split from two fronts to three. They can't afford to deploy forces—no matter how small—to the opposite side of the continent. Not when the real threat is coming from the east."
"Classic split focus tactic. Simple but effective."
"Divide their attention a few different ways. Small advantages lead to big wins."
"Think it was Raven's idea to plant Vacuo's fake declaration of war?" Emerald smirked.
"Sounds like something we'd do," Yang raised her brow knowingly. "Isn't that proof enough?"
While the two carried out their theory crafting, Taiyang was unable to hide the surprise on his face. He remembered his daughter knocking out at the first second of such conversations. It seemed she still disliked it some, but learned its importance in the grander scheme of things.
"…Think the Armada's gonna be ready soon?" Yang asked.
"She's practically overhauling the whole military structure," Emerald answered. "Even if it's your mom, it's gonna take some time."
"Yeah, but once it's done, the army's gonna be a freaking juggernaut. Mistral might just steamroll this…"
"—Mistral's military is that good?" Taiyang decided to join the conversation.
"We were part of it, dad," Yang replied between swallowing mouthfuls of eggs. "If anything, Vale's past attempt to invade Mistral is proof of the military gap. They didn't even call in their best teams for the defense, which we were one of."
"I heard it was a half-cocked operation on our part. Vale's main army will be participating in the next set of conflicts. Remnant's best and brightest Huntsmen and Huntresses will be there. I guess the x-factor of Mistral's Grimm could make things difficult. But it still shouldn't go down so easy next time."
"The Grimm are a big problem, but they aren't the main issue. It's the soldiers," Yang ripped a piece of bread, and shoved it in her mouth. "Mom's integrating more White Fang members into Mistral's command."
Taiyang raised a curious brow. "I know the White Fang bolstered their numbers, but do they make that much of a difference?"
"If it was just about numbers, it wouldn't be such a big deal. But the members of the White Fang make hardy soldiers. Unlike Vale, Atlas, and Mistral's regular military, who are used to fighting Grimm in recent decades—the White Fang are used to fighting people because of the racism they faced. They also have plenty of warriors who grew up living through the Third Crusade."
"I see what you're getting at," Taiyang nodded. "So there's a discrepancy in combat experience. That's the point of Raven integrating them into the command structure?"
"Yeah. We saw the differences firsthand at the Battle of Dracul. While the assault regiments made from the regular army struggled, our regiment—filled with members of the White Fang—spearheaded the operation. They know how to fight soldiers AND the robots Atlas use. The news credited our team and Mom for the victory, but it was the White Fang's veterans that made it possible."
"And these same veterans are being promoted to senior ranks in Mistral's army…"
"Yup. Vale's military is great at fighting Grimm. People on the other hand? Not so much."
"—But there are plenty of great fighters in Vale," Ruby argued. "I mean, the academies have students spar with each other. And there's a bunch of veteran fighters like Dad who aren't just only good at fighting Grimm, but beating up criminals."
"Dad's actually really unique. Most don't have the skillset or the record. War also requires a different type of experience and mentality. Practice spars can never simulate it," Yang explained. "Vale may have the best Huntsmen and Huntresses, but most are used to fighting monsters without any real intelligence. They're not used to having complex tactics used against them. And then, there's the moral aspect."
"Moral aspect?"
"Slaying Grimm feels like nothing, but killing another person? Officers of the White Fang have a survivor's mindset, where it's kill or be killed. Defend your right to live, or die. An enemy in the ground is one less coming after you, or your family in the future."
"That's..." Ruby hesitated. "I see. I don't know if I could take another person's life like that."
"To put more perspective on it, it's the reason why my team beat yours."
Several utensils clinked in unison at the statement.
"If it was the Grimm, you guys could probably exterminate more than us, faster too," Yang continued. "But we've taken jobs hunting bounties and fighting rogue Huntsmen. Mom also hired us for some major skirmishes, too. That's more or less what the situation between Mistral and Vale boils down to."
"Hmmm…" Taiyang pondered. "Then, what steps do you think Vale should take against Mistral?"
"Honestly? There's no way Vale can match Mistral at this point. Just like you said, there's also the Grimm problem. And if Vale wasn't chest-deep in enough shit, Atlas invading from the north raises it to eye level."
"Unless?"
"Unless… They take some extreme measures. Measures the Vale leadership would never consider."
"Still, what are they? For argument's sake," her father ushered, half-entertained but also, half-serious.
"Well," Yang knit her brow, while downing a full glass of orange juice. "They'd have to surrender and forge an alliance with Atlas, as a vassal nation. A lot of assets and resources would be promised with little to no return, and Vale would lose some of its sovereign rights—at least, for a while," she frowned and bit her lip a little. "But the Kingdom would avoid the worst-case scenario. Being defeated or surrendering to Mistral would be the same as submitting to the Witch."
"So it all comes back to Salem in the end," Taiyang sighed. "I know our government's had backchanneling, trying to arrange some sort of deal with Atlas. But I also know a number of people are opposed to the idea. They view allying ourselves with Atlas as an Anti-Faunus action that could possibly provoke Vacuo to war."
Yang shook her head.
"Vacuo won't fight unless they're directly attacked. That's the feel I got from what Mom said about Temujin. But normal people, who don't know anything, can't believe that. Sure, they've stuck by their neutral message, but anybody would think it's stupid to take them at just their word. It's natural to assume they're adopting a wait-and-see approach. And whoever looks like they might win, that's who they'll side with."
"Even the most optimistic idealist would reason that, huh."
"More split focus, real and imaginary threats on all sides, no good alliances to make. It might not be long before this war's over for Vale…And then this Kingdom becomes Salem's."
"—If it hasn't already," Emerald murmured. She finished the newspaper and handed it to Yang. "Without Ozpin overseeing Vale's leadership, it wouldn't be hard for Salem to sneak one of her agents in, or convert an existing chairman. I thought that one professor would've stepped up, but… What was her name? I kind of liked her."
"Professor Goodwitch," Yang answered.
"That's the one. Her. She could probably put the Kingdom on the right track, but she's busy with something else stupid."
"She's trying to liberate Beacon Academy from the Grimm…"
"Mmm!" Emerald ate a slice of her pancake. "Waste of time. The school will still be there. Not like it'll grow legs and run off, if she joins the war effort. But hey, I'm not judging. You think it's too late to smooth it over with Raven? Get back on her good side, before the land we're sitting on gets glassed and salted?"
"What, like send my mom a gift basket?" Yang chuckled, twirling around her fork. "Put a little card that reads: Sorry for leaving without giving our two weeks' notice. Please hire again?"
"Think she'd go for it?"
"It would have to be a really good gift basket. The expensive kind—with truffles and big brand hair products."
"Eh, deal breaker. Guess, we're just screwed."
Yang and Emerald shared a chuckle. An interaction that made the members of Team RNJR twitch.
As Emerald swallowed down another pancake, she collected a second stack for herself.
"Hey, Jaune. Pass the syrup, would ya?"
The whole other half of the table came to a screeching halt.
"What? I didn't ask you to stare at me like I kicked your favorite puppy. Pass the syrup, man."
"…"
"Fine," Emerald shrugged. "I'll get it myself."
Jaune was on the verge of saying something, but fought the urge— however overwhelming it was. Eventually, placing the nearby bottle in the middle of the table.
"Thanks, buddy~"
"…Ruby, pass me the box of Pumpkin Pete's," Jaune asked, to get his mind off things.
"Sure, but…" she shook the box that only sounded like it had crumbs. "It's empty."
"What?! We just got that yesterday."
"Yeeaaahhh. Well…"
Jaune followed Ruby's line of sight to Mercury.
Mercury, who had a giant bowl of cereal, practically speed-eating like a starved child on a sugar high.
"THAT. IS. IT!" Jaune roared.
"Mercury finishing the last bowl of cereal?" Emerald raised her brow. "Did not see that being the breaking point."
"No," Mercury mumbled with his mouth full. "Cereal's a big deal. I'd totally kill over cereal."
"You'd kill over anything."
"Yeah, but I'd hungry-kill over cereal. Hungry-kill is different. More primal and vindictive."
"Enlightening as always, Merc. Give Jauney boy his cereal so he can calm it."
Mercury bent over his bowl and licked the cereal.
"Real. Mature." Emerald turned to Jaune. "I apologize for our resident seven-year-old. I do my best with him, but his father just lets him do whatever he wants."
"Don't try to put this on me," Yang protested. "His bad behavior comes from your side of the family."
"He's this way because he isn't loved enough! I'm the only one who's ever taken care of him! You've never been around for more than two hours!"
"I've shown the boy plenty of love! He knows that! I have to work long hours to put food on our table!"
"Oh! Is 'work' what you're calling her?! Yeah, I know all about her, Yang! You and that—hussy!" Emerald dramatically pointed at Neo.
The petite girl only remained silent, eating her ice cream, while trading looks between the two.
"Well, MAYBE! If you just sexed me like when we were young, I wouldn't have to look elsewhere for my NEEDS!" Yang exaggerated feelings.
"What, like, butt stuff?"
"Yeah, like butt stuff, man. Pay attention."
"'Kay. Just making sure."
Team RNJR watched the whole exchange like they were crazy. But when the pseudo soap opera was over, Emerald and Yang sat down, finishing their meals like nothing happened.
.
X
.
After they finished breakfast, Team ENMY congregated in the garage shed outside.
"I wonder how many more times we can defuse the situation with something ridiculous," Yang wondered.
"Uh, indefinitely?" Emerald grinned, while crossing her arms. "Your sister's team isn't exactly the sharpest knife in the corpse."
"Don't push them." Yang addressed the rest of the team, "Don't start fights."
"Relax, southpaw. You know the team motto: Team Enemy! Making friends wherever we go! Wait—No, that doesn't sound right,"
"Ha. Ha. I'm serious."
"Hey, it's not us who have a shiv or two to grind. You should be keeping an eye on the other side, instead of us."
"—And Neo," Mercury added in.
"Well, yeah. Right," Emerald corrected. "And Neo, you should keep an eye on."
The three turned in Neo's direction, as she sharpened her sword to a finer point. She noticed and gave them a noncommittal shrug.
"Anyway…Don't stab anyone," Yang told them. "Neo, I'm looking at you."
Neo pouted.
"You know…" she started fake nursing her left arm. "It's starting to feel sore again from what you did before..."
Neo puffed her cheeks and swung her arms frustratingly.
"(If you didn't get in my way, that wouldn't have happened!)"
A loud clanking of metal sent all eyes to Mercury, who was fumbling with Yang's old motorcycle.
"This bike sucks."
"You mean, compared to the Mk. II," Yang replied defensively.
"Yeah. It sucks."
"Well, I didn't have a mercenary's income or blackmarket connections when I built it at the age of twelve."
"You know, we could take some of the garbage bike's parts, and mod it into the garbage prosthetic arm, to make it not so…"
"Garbage?"
"You said it, not me."
Yang exhaled an exasperated sigh.
"Let's do it. Hopefully, this thing lasts till we can track down Masa…"
While the two set to work on improving Yang's prosthetic, their team meeting continued.
"So, we should decide where we're moving from here on," Emerald started, leaning back on Bumblebee. "Raven's hunting us. Salem's hunting us. Mercury's family of assassins might want revenge. Apollo and Diana did die back at the Tower, even if it wasn't our fault. Mistral's probably labeled us traitors to the state. Atlas hates us cause…we kicked their ass. Vale wants to capture us for the Fall of Beacon. Am I missing anything?"
"Jaune's team nursing a grudge," Yang added.
"Right, so I didn't miss anything."
"You need to stop underestimating them."
"Relax, punchy. I'm not. You think I don't know we wouldn't win a straight-up fight against them?"
"Could've fooled me." she cringed at seeing Mercury rip off a piece of steel plating from Bumblebee and start welding it. "Okay, so a lot of people are after us. Big whoop."
"Technically, they're after us. Not you," Emerald corrected. "Most of them anyway."
"…And what's that supposed to mean?"
Emerald took a measured moment to prepare her next words. She glanced to Neo and Mercury, who had the same thoughts she did.
"It means, you won't get another chance like this, Yang," Emerald said seriously." If you went back to Raven this instant, she'd welcome you. Or you could stay here with your dad and live out your peaceful days in Patch. You could even join your sister's team. They'd forgive you, eventually—bunch of bleeding heart saps. You have your choice of a lot of safe picks. If you stick with us, you'll only get burned…"
Mercury and Neo went silent with attention. Their expressions communicated understanding of whatever Yang's decision may be.
The girl locked eyes with each of them, before settling on Emerald again.
"Em," Yang worded slowly. "If you ever suggest that I leave this team again, I'll punch you in the mouth so hard, you'll shit your teeth for a week."
…
""Pfft!""
A small chuckle made its way through the four. And as wider grins began to form, they erupted in riotous laughter. The shed shook with their voices, guffawing and gasping for air. Their sides braced with soreness.
When they settled down, Mercury and Yang continued their work on the mechanical arm.
"So, I guess the new plan is the same plan. We go save Cinder," Emerald announced.
The other three nodded in agreement.
"And… If we have time. I suppose we could do something about Raven."
"Huh?" Yang gaped.
"That's what you want, right? Either kill her or save her, you want to do something about your mom. It's obvious."
"Yeah, but you guys don't have to—"
"Only if we have time, and after we save Cinder. Got it?"
Yang had been around Emerald long enough to know what that meant.
She smiled to herself,
"If you've got the time to spare."
"Yeah. No promises."
"Sure."
"We're gonna need to make tracks soon."
"…I know," Yang nodded solemnly.
…
*Bzzzt!*
Sparks flew from Yang's prosthetic.
"AHH! Merc, what the hell?!"
"The synchronizer on this thing is janky. Pain receptor jumps from one to eleven. We should probably swap it out for the one in Celica."
"Maybe a warning next time?"
"Y'know, I hear a lot of people telling me to do that before I start kicking everybody. But at this point in my life, I'm too embarrassed to ask what that means."
"—Alright," Emerald leaned off Bumblebee. "I'm gonna go for a walk in town."
"To do, what?" Yang inquired.
"Gonna see a lady about lining up some dogs. Or was it ducks? Be back tonight."
When the girl opened the shed to leave, a small corgi dashed in. Zwei made a beeline for Neo, who swooped him up and swung him around jovially.
"(Doggy!)"
The scene brought a smile to Yang's lips. People harbored doubts and fears towards Neo on principle. But a pet's unconditional love for anyone kind to them, let the small girl experience a rare and free affection.
Neo popped open her umbrella and started twirling it, while Zwei galloped on its top. It seemed she liked to put the dog through circus acts in place of the usual, boring dog tricks.
"You know we're screwed, right?" Mercury suddenly said, while tinkering with the forearm.
"Yup…" Yang sighed in agreement.
"Make a fist."
"Okay."
Mercury disabled something. "Can you move the hand, now?"
"Nope."
"This is different. We've been on the bad side of people before. A lot of bad sides, but not this many at once."
"We've been outlaws before, Merc."
"Not with a shitstorm like this following us around," Mercury continued. "Try to move your hand."
"It's not moving. Well, I guess that means our team name just got a lot more fitting."
"I owe you, Yang."
Hearing that made her pause for a second.
"Oh, yeah? This a I'll-do-anything, kind of deal?"
"More like, this isn't your only chance to back out kind of deal," Mercury said seriously. "Down the road, if you want to go, you go. I'll cover for you."
"Hey, look. The middle finger works."
"You're a class act. Try throwing a punch."
Yang stood from the workbench and flicked out a string of jabs.
"Well?" Mercury asked.
"It sucks," Yang grinned.
"Everybody's a critic…"
They heard the shed door open again.
"You back alread—oh. Hey, Ruby. What's up?"
"Hey, Yang," her sister greeted back. "I was looking for you. Just wondering if you wanted to modify your arm now."
"Ah, thanks for the offer, but me and Merc got it done. It's probably as good as it's gonna get."
"Oh…" Ruby's voice trailed and faltered. "Are you sure, you don't want to let me take a look at it? You know I'm a decent weapons tech."
"—Hey, I've tricked out my own prosthetics for years and helped Yang's every tune-up," Mercury scoffed. "I don't think—Ah!"
Yang whacked the back of his head.
"Don't mind him," she tried to smile. "He's…He's dumb."
"It's okay. I'm sorry," Ruby said, as she started backing out of the door. "I'll just leave you guys alone."
"Ruby?" But before Yang could say more, only rose petals were left in her sister's wake. "Yeah, that's about right."
"That was weird," Mercury commented indifferently. "Was she upset? I think she was upset."
"Yeah, cause you yelled at her!"
"I didn't yell at her. And she was the one, who insulted my handiwork."
"That wasn't what she…never mind."
Yang let out a long groan, while dragging her hand down her face.
Just one thing left, before I go…
.
X
.
…
As she stood there, she felt the ocean breeze weave through her hair, like cool gentle fingers. The sun was sitting closer to late afternoon, no longer as intense as it was in the morning. The leaves of the trees bent and fluttered in choruses.
Yang always liked it here.
She stared off the edge of the cliff, down to the crashing waves below. Memories of asking her parents if she could survive the jump came flooding in. A father worried she would fall. A baby sister who would chase her too closely for comfort. And of course,
A superhero mother, who would let her see if she could fly, but catch her if she couldn't.
"Hey, Mom…"
Yang looked to the gravestone of Summer Rose.
"Sorry, I didn't visit when I was here last time. Things were pretty hectic—and there was this whole thing with my team assassinating Qrow. It worked out, though! Saved their butts. Saved the day. Saved Ruby, and even Qrow. I had to kill him first. It's complicated. Hehe!"
She folded her legs under her and sat before the grave. Neo kneeled beside, resting her head on Yang's shoulder.
"This is Neo. She's, uh… special to me. I don't know if you'd approve. The jury's still out with dad, but I think he's okay with it? She can be a little much, but—I don't know. It's kind of a challenge and I like it. Neo doesn't say much, but there's nothing really quiet about her. Heh…She makes me happy, so I guess that's all that really matters?"
Yang breathed through her nose and tried to remember how her mother smelled. Summer's fragrance as she held Yang to her chest. She remembered the scent of a garden.
"There's a cocky guy on our team, Mercury. He really did me over one time, like a BIG one time… but I think I'm almost over it now. We fight with each other a lot. I mean, alongside each other. Although, we do fight with each other a lot, too. It's a secret, but he's not as douchey as he wants everyone to think. I wanted to introduce you, but he said next time."
Yang remembered the way Summer sang. Her voice piercing the air like a bell. There were stories she'd sometimes recite, with a soft melody in between.
"Our team leader's Emerald. She's really rough around the edges… if her edges were daggers coated in poison. Hahaha… It took a long time to be friends with her. I bet you could've made her open up in like, ten minutes flat. She wouldn't have stood a chance against you. Basically, she's the mom of our team. Watches out for us, but sometimes forgets that we watch out for her, too."
Yang closed her eyes and reminisced about Summer's touch. It always felt safe, and strong, and warm. She remembered the warmth most of all. It was more than comfort, but encouragement and confidence. Yang didn't know how much she could miss it, until it was gone.
"They're a scrappy bunch. Not people I would consider good. Morally grey at best… And they've done a lot of iffy stuff. Stuff they're not proud of. Stuff I hate them for," Yang lapsed into silence. Her thoughts being organized into what she wanted to convey.
"But I can't really see myself without them. I know it sounds weird and messed up, but I like them. They rub a lot of people the wrong way, and I mean, wow. The way they kick someone's temper from neutral to surface temperature of the sun? But you get thick skin hanging around them. Keep me on my toes, ready for anything. Honestly, nothing ever intimidates me anymore after teaming up with these guys. Nothing seems impossible when I'm with them. Not just what I'm able to do, but what I'm willing to do…"
Yang took a couple of breaths to pace herself.
"They might have a bad influence on me sometimes. I used to think a lot about if you met them. Like, if you'd tell me to leave the team like Raven did, but now… now I…"
Warm tears welled beneath her eyes, but she blinked them back.
"Now I just wish you could meet them. I could watch Emerald cringe under a hug from you. You could geek out with Mercury over his legs. And you would probably treat Neo to an industrial-sized container of ice cream…"
*Sniff*
"Oh, yeah! Mom, I met Raven! … I used to feel so guilty when I thought I cared about finding her more than I did thinking of you. Like I took you for granted or something…But I know you would've just been glad we found each other…I never thought I'd meet anyone who misses you more than me."
…
"I wish you were here, Mom."
Yang activated her Semblance and used her vision to find any trace of Summer. For a moment, she thought she caught something, but the thread quickly faded.
"I'll be okay," she sniffed, letting a few tears fall. "I'll visit again. Promise."
She stood and knelt before the grave's marker. Yang kissed the edge of her fingers and touched it to the stone.
"See ya when I see ya."
Yang moved a few paces away to gather her thoughts. Her breathing evened out and her nerves settled. Once she regained her composure, she turned to Neo.
"I know she's there. Give us a minute, 'kay?"
The small girl narrowed her eyes at her.
"(I want to stay.)"
"Come on, Neo. It's a private thing."
"(But. I. Want. To. Stab. Her.)"
"I know. Sometimes, I swear I hear you mouth it in your sleep, but no."
"(Hmph.)"
Neo went on her tip-toes and planted a kiss. She then, spun on her foot, and began walking towards the house.
Before reaching the end of the clearing, she threw a deathly glare at a spot near the tree line—and then, departed.
"You can come out now," Yang called.
Ruby stepped from the tree covering. Her hood was up to hide her expression. Even so, with Yang's Semblance, she could see Ruby's Aura fluctuate wildly.
Her little sister was finally reaching the breaking point.
Just one more push now…
.
.
(Two chapter release)