.
Blood On The Dancefloor
.
My heart all full of pain.
I would dance and be merry,
Life would be a ding-a-derry,
.
.
Rows upon rows of airships amassed along the airfield. Many of them, in the process of being outfitted and readied for sortie.
Transitioning from a naval-based army to an aerial one was a painstaking effort. But with the successful acquisitions of Atlas technology, its replication, and improvements, the newly christened Mistral Armada was soon to take flight. A force bred and developed for one goal—the conquering of Remnant.
It was a hectic scene with military personnel barking orders, shouting which supplies went where. Mechanics ran repetitive tests to ensure aircrafts operated at optimal for when the time came.
Meanwhile, away from the rushing chaos, two figures watched the scene from the edge of the strip.
"Amazing, isn't it?" Adam referred to the platoons of White Fang prepping deployment. Fully-armed with the latest weapons. He took pride in the fact they were no longer the poor guerilla warriors they once were.
"It is," Blake agreed. Her focus on a Faunus worker dropping a supply container. A human saw what was happening and helped them lift it from the other side. "Amazing," she parroted. "But loud. It's very loud."
"This is war, Blake. War on a scale we could never have imagined before."
"The Third Crusade painted a vivid picture."
"This is far more than anything Temujin could ever muster!" he pumped his fist. "This here, THIS is what the White Fang should be! A strong people! A proud people! And soon, it won't just be here. Our brethren in Vale and Atlas will also experience this glory."
"Right…Well, I'm going into the city. Away from all the 'glory' and noise."
"I can accompany you."
"No, thank you," Blake replied quickly. "I'd rather be alone. Besides, Raven would want you to keep an eye on things."
"Are you sure? At least, let me arrange an escort."
"It's fine, really," she waved. "I just need some time to de-stress."
Not wanting to hear anymore of Adam's insistences, Blake walked away.
When she neared another hangar on her way out, she paused at the peculiar sight. There were no vehicles or airships there, but something else entirely.
Filed into neatly square formations were individuals carrying swords. This by itself was nothing strange, but what made the picture alarming was who, or more accurately, what the soldiers were.
They were the newest Grimm Unit added to the Mistral Armada. Dubbed the Kotengu, they were humanoid at base. Dark feathery wings stretched from their backs. Each possessed angry white masks along with a long protruding nose. Their blades appeared ceremonial, but no less deadly.
Pacing in front of them, was Raven and one other figure.
"Blake," Raven called on seeing her. The woman then, turned to the Monkey Faunus beside her. "We will proceed as planned, General Saru. Do you have any more questions?"
"Just one, if I may."
"Yes?"
He was a very hairy man with wild strands growing on all sides of his face. Saru was lanky, dressed in a pressed military black uniform. His stature was a touch on the small side, especially next to Raven, who towered over him.
"Why choose me?" Saru inquired. "I was just a boot cleaner. The army didn't even recognize me as a soldier in service."
"Yet, you've proven to possess more strategic talents than our best commanders," Raven countered. "I don't care what your position was, or your origins. If you have the ability, I'll put you to use. Now, was all the cunning you displayed just luck or something I can make an asset of?"
"…I will serve to the best of my abilities."
"I know you will," Raven clapped Saru's shoulder, then strode to Blake. "I see you left the pup behind. Good. What can I do for you?"
"Nothing, Raven. I was just on my way out and saw…"
"Ah. Yes, our Grimm escorts."
"It's just so strange," Blake watched the Kotengu warily. "Weeks ago, they wanted to kill us. And now…"
"They are a bit unnerving…" Raven sympathized. "Feels as if they could turn on us at any second. But they're the allies we need. Maybe we could put some human masks on them to make them less intimidating. The irony."
Back when Raven, Adam, and Blake destroyed the Tower of Tamonten, they set free the Grimm that were sealed by the installation. And after besting Kurama, the leader of the flock, in a sword duel—the Grimm swore obedience under Raven's command. It was unbelievable, but the evidence was plain to see.
"What's the status on your end?" Raven asked.
"Our regiment is making final preparations. Adam's overseeing it. We'll be ready by tomorrow morning."
"Good."
"So, General Saru will be leading the other regiments?" Blake stared at the back of the new General, in the distance. "That's impressive. A Faunus has never held a senior rank like his. Not in a human army in any case."
"Besides me?"
Blake blinked. "I mean, besides—"
"The old lady told you, huh. Can't say I'm surprised—but you are correct," Raven nodded. "It is an outstanding accomplishment. He's a little green around the ears, but with some supervision, he'll eventually command the main units. Not bad for someone who used to polish boots."
"…"
"Something the matter?"
"Not…really." Blake dropped her gaze.
"Second thoughts about invading Vale?" Raven asked knowingly.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't."
"Hmm. That's what I like about you, Blake. But it's also what I find most annoying."
"You're starting to sound more like Temujin every day."
"I'll remember that, Belladonna," Raven said with a playful edge. "…Still wearing the bow?"
"Oh, um…!"
Blake reflexively checked the top of her head. Her hands making sure her ears were tied and properly wrapped.
"You don't have to hide who you are here, Blake," Raven told her. "You never will again."
"I know, I just—" A memory flashed of Yang tying the bow with care. "I keep it for personal reasons. It doesn't have anything to do with hiding."
"Really?"
"…It's not the only reason anyway."
Raven sighed, but decided to leave the matter alone.
"You should relax more. Hypocritical coming from me, I'm aware. But if you don't find the time to fit in some R&R, you'll never last."
"Funny how you mention that. I was actually on my way to the city. There's a new book being released and I wanted to pick up a copy."
"Well, don't let me stand in your way."
"Actually! If you're free, maybe…"
Raven smiled under her mask.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to take a raincheck. Perhaps, another time."
"Okay," Blake replied, slightly dejected.
As she was about to leave, Raven drew her sword and sliced open a portal.
"Quicker than calling a ride. And if I'm not mistaken, that group of ominous soldiers is an escort sent by Adam."
Blake whipped her neck back and saw a squad of White Fang members approaching.
"Eheh…" she chuckled awkwardly, before leaping through the pulsing gate.
…
In the next second, Blake materialized on the sidewalk of Mistral's downtown area.
It was the middle of a Saturday, so all the shops were open and bustling with people. There was barely room to maneuver the packed streets. And for a moment, Blake entertained the idea of taking to the roofs, but thought it would be poor taste.
That is, until she saw a number of Faunus parkouring the sides of buildings and along the rooftops. Their tails whipped about excitedly, helping them maintain balance. Some executed a few aerial stunts for the fun of it.
The display was found to some's chagrin, but mostly to other's entertainment. The runners high-fived a number of passerbys. Humans recorded their feats on their scrolls.
Blake couldn't help but feel a little marveled by the scene. She witnessed Faunus getting arrested for much less, added to the fact that they were actually being cheered on. It was a bit jarring to see how a Kingdom, which recently subjugated the people of her race, could change so much.
Not only that, but these people expressed themselves in a way that was so open and free, which used to be a trait exclusive to Vacuo. To say it was uplifting would be an understatement.
Blake continued her way through the crowd, until she came to a quaint little bookstore that doubled as a café. Her nose perked at the smell of inked paper mixed with roasted coffee. It brought her her biggest smile in a long time.
Within the dark wooded interior, Blake stepped to the counter. A Fox Faunus was present to greet her. The girl's type easily discerned by the ears on her head.
"Hello, I wanted to purchase a copy of Remnant Gods?" Blake requested.
"Oh, that's a popular one. The story about ancient deities living in the modern era." The bookseller plucked it off the shelf behind her and set it on the counter. "They're making a TV series of it, you know."
"Uh, yes. I've heard…"
"Right? I'm sure they'll make a decent adaptation, but I'll still like the book more, and…" The cashier's gaze drifted to Blake's bow. Then, a knowing smile appeared. "I…used to do that, too. But I promise you can feel safe here. I mean, just look around."
She led Blake's sight to the other patrons in the shop. Many of them obviously Faunus from a single glance. It was possible the atmosphere felt so natural, Blake failed to notice.
"One copy of Remnant Gods and a cup of house coffee."
"Huh? But I didn't—"
"It's on the house," the worker winked.
"…Thank you."
Blake paid for her book and scouted a nice table for herself. The only one available was a four-seater at the corner of the shop.
And for a long stretch of peaceful hours, Blake read her book—once in a while, sipping her beverage. The bookseller passed by a few times to refill her cup. A sardine sandwich was ordered and devoured. It felt like heaven to her, and she thought…
Why not?
Blake unfurled the ribbon around her ears, wiggling and stretching them out. The bookseller was right. It was freeing and safe.
She took a deep breath, and her lungs expanded from an invisible grip, as did her heart.
It was then, Blake glanced to the human beside her, reading the same novel. He caught her staring at the cover.
"Good story," he commented.
"Yes," she said uncertainly at first. "Yes, it is."
The two nodded to each other, and went back to reading. A mutual understanding passed with a few simple words.
Blake realized this was what she wished for, what she fought for. To simply be without having to fear for her life or discrimination. Such a small and ordinary thing, but so difficult to attain. She may not have liked what it took to get here, but she found it impossible to think it wasn't worth it. Blake wanted with everything to share this slice of paradise with others. Human, Faunus, just everyone and anyone.
"—Place is filled to the brim. I don' think—well, lookie over there. Hey, pretty lady."
Blake peeked over her book at the new patrons entering the shop. A girl with a cowgirl hat waved to her, dragging a small boy behind.
"Um, hi?" Blake greeted back uncertainly.
Déjà vu?
"Ya got a nice table all to yerself. Too big fer just you. Mind lettin' us sit with ya?"
"—Inna. Please defer rude behavior. Person displays isolationist traits. Apology: required."
"Aw clam it, Bean. Not everybody's as sensitive as yer scrawny ass. Plus, she don' mind. Right?"
Watching the interaction between the cowgirl and the small intellectual brought a small chuckle out of Blake. A nostalgic memory surfaced she wasn't aware she missed.
Yang and Ruby reached out to her once. This time, she wanted it to be her.
"You can sit. I'd be glad if you did. My name's Blake Belladonna," she introduced herself.
"See?" Inna slid into the chair opposite. "Inna Kao, sharpshooter extraordinaire," she tipped her hat. "Pleasure is all mine."
"Grateful. I am Bean," Bean bowed politely. "Possible obligatory response… Do you truly, not mind company?"
"Not at all," Blake smiled.
Today is a good day.
.
X
.
In the conference hall held in a secluded keep, the collective leadership of Vale convened to discuss the threats facing their Kingdom.
Long curved desks cascaded down the circular room. Each chairman had their own assigned seat and nameplate. A facilitator stood at the center podium, tasked with providing order during the meeting. A position that was proving more pointless by the second.
"Order! ORDER!" the older gentlemen banged his gavel to no avail.
"We must divert the bulk of our army against Atlas! Diminish their forces before Mistral arrives!" one shouted.
"Ever since Atlas landed on our shores, they have shown minimum hostility towards us! An alliance is in the works. Mistral is where we should focus our resources!" another argued.
"An alliance with Atlas is impossible! We have better luck surrendering to Mistral!"
"We should invoke a joint-position of neutrality with Vacuo!"
"They would never believe such absurdity!"
"ORDER! WE WILL HAVE ORDER!"
—Ugh…
Among the sea of voices, a lone woman groaned inwardly.
Her knuckles pressed against her temple, as she wore an expression of deepest disinterest. Not that the plight her Kingdom faced bored her, but the government that ran it was so horribly ineffective.
What am I even doing here?
I should do something.
Say something.
But I doubt anyone could get a real word in edgewise, not in this snake pit of arrogant minds.
She removed her spectacles and pinched the bridge of her nose.
It wasn't always like this.
I was a Huntress—am a Huntress.
I've fought Grimm the size of mountains. Monsters that threatened to devour whole continents.
Please, please let a Grimm attack right now…
For the love of—
"—Would the Acting Headmaster of Beacon care to offer a few words?" a man suddenly voiced.
Glynda Goodwitch slid her glasses back on, then stared at the one who cast her into the spotlight.
He was a tall, skinny man. His wardrobe was of a formal renaissance. A tailor-made waistcoat and long sleeves to match his extensive arms, with a bit of flourish at the end. His hair was stringy blonde and he wore a rather wide-brimmed hat, lending his appearance to that of a scarecrow.
"—Straw," Glynda muttered under her breath. Resigning herself to speak, she took a stand. "I have nothing to add to the current discussion."
As she was about to sit back down,
"Surely, the Acting Headmaster of Vale's most esteemed battle academy has a valuable word or two to contribute. A reasonable strategy that we could all agree on? Otherwise," Straw gave a showman's chuckle, "we'd all in good likelihood, defeat each other before Mistral or Atlas have their chance. And you so rarely make an appearance at these meetings. We would be grateful for any sort of counsel."
Glynda threw the man a hateful glare, tightening then loosening her jaw.
"We could arrange our armies in a position that force Atlas and Mistral's forces to meet. There's a chance they'll fight each other, or at the very least, slow each other down. The more instances we can create, the better."
Loud murmurs erupted between the chairs. Some of the voices called for elaboration, while others were appealed by the reasoning. Although, most were unconvinced due to an obvious demerit in the plan.
"That would require us to displace our forces southwest! The lands we would be giving them for free! Not to mention, it would put them in striking distance of the capital!"
The one vehemently protesting was Cardin Winchester. When his father was abducted during a backchannel with Atlas, the boy replaced his father's chair. He belonged to a faction that advocated an aggressive stance on all fronts.
"If you feel so disinclined towards my advice, I feel no real need for you to listen to it," Glynda answered coolly. "You never paid much attention during my classes before. I only voiced my thoughts on request."
"We don't need any stall or wait-and-see tactics! Vale needs to strike decisive blows against its enemies! Now!"
"No!" yelled another. "Because we have the home-field advantage, we should aim for a battle of attrition!"
Endless debate erupted once more, and Glynda took her seat.
After an hour passed, the meeting was called for a brief recess.
Glynda strolled to one of the keep's balconies to get some fresh air. The view was nice, trees and woodlands as far as the eye could see. If she squinted, she could make out the faintest lines of Vale's buildings.
"—I wasn't sure you were going to attend, Glynda," a voice sauntered from behind.
"Oh, Straw. Why pretend I actually had a choice, when the chairmen threatened to take Beacon's seat away if a proxy didn't show?"
"Now, now. I may have had to exercise some legal bureaucracy to get you here, but I truly value your opinion."
"Is that so?"
"Oh, it is. Have you listened to them? So fractured and divided," Straw scoffed. "They needed to hear an impartial voice. A clever idea, by the way—playing Atlas and Mistral against each other. We'd be giving up some settlements and risk damage to the capital, but that would happen regardless."
"As if you didn't come up with something similar," Glynda threw a scrutinizing glare. "Or have you forgotten so much since leaving the school?"
Straw chuckled with fake embarrassment.
"I was never a good teacher. Not like you, or Peter and Barty. The gift of passing wisdom eluded me, as well as utilizing it. Ozpin said as much."
"Ozpin trusted you."
"Heh, yes…" he rubbed his hands. "You still believe that, do you?"
"I don't believe he trusts you anymore."
"No, I meant, that he ever trusted me in the first place," Straw narrowed. "Ozpin trusts no one, my dear Glynda. I may be a fool, but I've realized that much over the years—serving him, championing his cause. The Wizard lies."
Glynda immediately eyed him with suspicion.
"Salem?"
"Oh! No, my dear!" he quickly denied. "I may despise Ozpin, but I would never defect to the Witch's side. Such an act of idiocy is a feat even I would never flirt with. No, no. Rest assured, my allegiances are entirely my own and mine alone."
She eased, but only a little.
There was a time when Straw worked as part of their inner circle. A trusted fellow guardian of Remnant. They even served on the same team together during their schooldays. If Qrow was Ozpin's second, Glynda and Straw were a close third. But that was a time long passed. Back when the man was still a professor at Beacon. Not the pompous aristocrat he was now.
"—Where is Ozpin's pet bird, by the way?" Straw asked. "I neither detect the scent of stale whiskey, nor the steps of a bumbling inebriate, leaving me to assume he is not here."
"Maybe you scared him off. You have a way of doing that."
"A shame. I prepared an honorary seat for him and various hospitable beverages. I suppose I look the absolute fool now. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Hmph. Qrow's always been skilled at hiding from people, enemies and allies alike."
"So, he evades even you as well?"
Glynda blinked, knowing she said something she shouldn't have.
She was reminded how often Straw liked to play the fool, while masking his actual intelligence. He poked and prodded, shaking small hints out of trees. It made it easy for him to learn what he needed. Exposure is often among people's deepest fears—and Straw was the craftiest intelligence gatherer.
"'The left hand knows not what the right does', indeed," the man joked. "Once more, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for your attendance. The chairs may have disagreed with your proposal, but the idea is planted. I shall make sure the seedling bears fruit. What would you say to a concaved formation? We could even leak Atlas and Mistral's positions to each other."
Glynda paused on realizing the meaning behind Straw volunteering her to speak in the first place.
"…You planned for me to introduce that tactic, so you could expand on it later. If you had said it outright, they would have shut you down, too. But if you reintroduce it in a way that sounds better..."
"My! You pay me far too much credit, Glynda. I merely thought it was an inspired idea worth further exploration."
"…"
"Our armies could use a leader of your caliber. Would you not consider postponing the revitalization of the school in lieu of defending the nation it resides in?"
"I'm averse to war."
"Tsk tsk tsk. Such a shame," Straw exaggeratedly lamented. "The other professors have joined the effort. Teachers from Signal Academy as well. Why, just last week, the previously timid lion and his daughter's team answered the call, ready and willing."
"…!"
"Ruby Rose," Straw toyed with the name on the tip of his tongue. "The daughter of Qrow Branwen and Summer Rose. I've heard nothing but magnificent things about the girl, but she does require further tutelage, doesn't she? Someone who knows the way to show her the way…as it were?"
"I respected you once," Glynda said with disdain. "But now, you're nothing but a conniving coward."
"I say again, Glynda. You pay me far too much credit. I only wish I was half as clever as you accuse me to be, truly I do."
Straw started his way back to the conference room, a short spring in his step and a light song on his lips.
"I would dance and be merry,
Life would be a ding-a-derry,
If I only had a brain~"
.
X
.
At a certain dance club in Downtown Vale, the next band for the night was about to perform.
Crowds herded near the stage. A lot of them drunk and, or otherwise. Most had come just to attend this specific live. The band was new, but the music they played made for a unique experience.
As they finished setting up, Junior whispered back to the vocalist.
"Do you think you guys could maybe…tone it down a bit tonight?"
He was only answered with silent staring.
*Sigh* "Just something to consider…" the club owner groaned, as he began speaking into the mic. "Alright, guys! Our next band is the one you've all been waiting for! Give it up for E.N.M.—"
Mercury started the intro guitar riff midway through Junior's sentence. An act that got the audience cheering and the club owner scrambling off stage. Him and his men reactively backed away from the crowd, knowing what was about to happen.
For the first few seconds, there was nothing but the reverberation of guitar strings and some audience members whooping. Then, Emerald grasped the mic stand.
"Yeah, here we go for the hundredth time.
Hand grenade pins in every line.
Throw 'em up and let something shine.
Going out of my fuckin' mind!
Filthy mouth, no excuse!
Find a new place to hang this noose.
String me up from atop these roofs!
Knot it tight so I won't get loose!"
As the song went on, Neo joined with the bass line and Yang on drums. The more Emerald belted out lyrics, the more the demeanor changed in the audience.
They began moshing violently with no sign of control. Fists were thrown into the air and into the person next to them. Beer bottles were shattered across people's skulls. It wasn't long until the dancefloor turned into a free-for-all slugfest. The madness increasing as the band played.
Junior could only watch the spectacle in horror. His frail hope was there wouldn't be too much damage to his establishment this time around…
…
After the concert finished and the club was closing up, Yang planted herself in a stool at the bar.
"Hard strawberry sunrise," she ordered.
The drink was set in front of her like she usually had it.
Three weeks had passed, since Yang's team left her home in Patch. As unlikely as residences came, Emerald managed to acquire a place to live above Junior's dance club.
Their being there worked for a multitude of reasons. They bargained a good rate because they knew the landlord. No one asked too many questions about people in such an establishment. The place was a great hub for information gathering. And they could find under-the-table work whenever they needed it.
And rarely did they ever, because of the team's new alternative occupation. Ironically, a way to hide in plain sight, came in the form of standing directly in the limelight. Few suspected an international team of outlaws to be a rock band of the same name.
Yang emptied her glass.
"Another."
When the barkeep brought her a second, Emerald came by and sat in the stool next to her.
"You're drinking acid."
Yang swirled the contents of the glass and took a sip, unworried.
"Mud," Emerald whispered.
"…"
"Snake oil."
"It's not working, Em." Yang continued to drink.
"Damn it!" Emerald banged the table, swiveled around, and leaned back against it.
"Your Semblance just doesn't work on people who've been exposed to it enough. Why the obsession with trying to make it work now?"
"Because now, we're enemies of three different Kingdoms, without the shelter of anyone's protection, AND we've crossed enough people that our Semblances are practically broadcasted worldwide," Emerald grunted. "Every hard-hitter we meet's gonna do their homework beforehand. Still a few tricks in the bag, should the worse ever happen, but it's only a matter of time till, well…"
"Hm. Guess so," Yang shrugged. "But if you ask me, I think your shotcalling plays more for the team. We bitch about it, but me and Merc don't really mind doing the heavy lifting. And then we got Neo to back every position. Our current setup's pretty solid."
"Don't change what isn't broken, huh," she grumbled. "But it's also true we'll be broken if we don't change…"
Emerald stewed in her problem for a while. She didn't want to admit it, but it was more than efficacy that drove her new desire for improvement. It was also a matter of pride.
The team leader hardly failed to notice the rest of her comrades growing stronger by the day. Yang was unable to use Dust or Bane after failing her Trial, but she gained a deadly Semblance in return. Combined with his new Strider, Mercury became a small air fleet unto himself. And there was little need to mention what Neo brought to the table.
Only she, Emerald, felt like she was falling behind. Not to mention, she was the leader of this band of uniquely powerful individuals. The alpha ego of the other alpha egos. As such, the urge to keep standard burned hot in her stomach.
The girl especially saw her shortcomings in the battle against Team RNJR. Towards the tail-end of the fight, her Semblance was producing diminishing returns. She became a liability. It also proved ineffective against Qrow, Ruby, and Ren from the outset. Of which, would hardly be the last opponents she would face with specially keen perception.
If things continued the way they were, Emerald knew her Semblance would turn her into a one-trick-pony, if that at all.
So, she set herself to practice. Every concert was an opportunity to train effecting multiple targets over a longer timeframe. She tweaked the audience's nerves, sent them into emotional euphorias. Removed their inhibitions, while dialing their hormones to a hundred.
The only problem was, she merely expanded on an "outdated" skill. The number, speed, and length were not the Semblance's main issue, but its potency. For all her efforts, she could not force hallucinations on a person, but suggest them. And they never worked well against those already aware of it.
Emerald bit her thumbnail in vexation.
There has to be a way.
I just haven't thought of it yet.
On Neo and Mercury's approach, the barkeep prepared a root beer float and club soda.
"Criminals, mercenaries, war heroes, criminals again, and now musicians," Mercury listed off. "Our resumes just keep getting longer and longer…"
"—Personally, I liked it better when you were just criminals," Junior parked into the seat next to them and knocked back a shot. "At least then, you didn't destroy my club almost every other night."
"You make more lien back on drinks alone," Mercury argued.
"And I also have to go out and buy brand new furniture and equipment—every time."
"Buy more durable furniture."
"I. DID. Freakin' maniacs still break everything. There's a table stuck in the ceiling. The ceiling!"
They all looked up and saw a table dangling from the roof by its leg. A few of Junior's thugs were trying to use ladders that were too short, while climbing on top of each other. It wasn't working.
"It's like, how did it even get up there? So the durable furniture causes even more damage!" Junior complained.
"Buy cheaper furniture."
"You're just full of brilliant ideas, aren't you?"
"It's one of my charms," Mercury toasted.
A voice came over from one of the thugs guarding the door.
"Hey, Junior. Someone's here to see you."
"Is it the interior designer?"
"No. Someone else."
Junior groaned something incoherent, before knocking back another shot and storming off.
As Mercury was taking a sip of his club soda, Emerald leaned in to whisper in his ear.
"You're drinking my piss."
"Gmph—!" *Snort!*
"Yes! I did it! I freakin' did it!" she cheered victoriously.
Mercury coughed, trying to ease the liquid out of his nose.
"Em," Yang caught her attention, while handing her snarfing teammate a napkin. "I think you just made him laugh. It wasn't your Semblance."
"…Oh," Emerald deflated. "Yeah, figures."
"Look, if you really want to bring a bigger threat, why don't you put more brawn on those brains? Your shooting could use sharpening, too. It doesn't have to be your Semblance."
The other girl only moaned at the suggestion.
"Maybe I should go through a Semblance Trial. Concentrated Dust and Bane can be expensive, but it'll be worth it if I don't accidentally kill myself."
"(You shouldn't do Bane. Bane is bad.)"
"I know, Neo. But what other choices do I got?"
"(You will die.)"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. What makes you so sure?"
"(You are weak.)"
"Thanks."
"(Your will is strong.)"
"Thanks?"
"(But your body is very weak. So, you will die.)"
"Great. No heart of a dragon, eye of the lion stuff?"
"(No. Only blood, splooshing everywhere. From your ears and eyeballs!)"
"Okay! I get the picture!" Emerald sighed.
Neo then, handed her a literal picture she doodled of just that. The graphic nature of it killed any remaining motivation of the idea. At the same time, Junior returned with a serious expression.
"Just got word on that weapons tech you asked me to look into."
"You found Masa?" Yang stood.
"Yeah. You know how the professors at Signal went to join the war?"
"Uh huh."
"Apparently, your girl was lying low in the academy's basement, working as the school's weapons tuner. Looks like it was kept pretty hush-hush, most of the staff didn't even know. But when they left, word got out."
"Awesome! We gotta go tomorrow."
"'Tomorrow', better be right now, blondie. The big players just put out the gag and bag order." Junior showed them the sheet of paper he was just handed, detailing a bounty for Masa's capture. "Plenty of my 'business rivals' want to get their hands on her, too."
"That's a lot of zeroes," Emerald whistled. "Whole underground's gonna be a nasty hive. I know you two are partial to Masa's prosthetics, but is she really worth the trouble?"
"She is, Em," Yang answered. "If anyone can help me build a weapon to balance my handicap, it's her. Plus, she should be able to help you, too."
"Yeah? How's that?"
"When I had my Semblance Trial, one of the…things—manifestations of my soul or whatever— They mentioned Masa," Yang tried to explain. "Said she did something with my Semblance. The point is, I'm pretty sure she's not just a really good weapons tech. There's something about her…"
"(Masa is different. Special.)"
""Neo?"" Emerald and Yang turned to the small girl.
"(She is smart.)" Neo continued. "(Too smart—and very shiny.)"
"O…kay, I guess that's good enough for me," Emerald pushed off the counter. "Junior, we're borrowing the Malachites. If this hunt's half as gamey as it sounds, we'll need the extra pipe-hitters."
"Oh, alright," Junior replied awkwardly. "Sure you don't want any more muscle?"
"What, like your thugs? They'd just get in the way."
At hearing the statement, every pair of red glasses turned, but had nothing to retort with.
"No! Not them! I meant," Junior cleared his throat and kind of postured himself.
"…? I'm waiting."
Yang rolled her eyes.
"You said some of your business rivals were going in on this, right?" she played along. "Think you could come with, lend us a hand? If we get Masa, maybe she can make your boys some new heat."
"Hell, yeah! I mean—only 'cause you asked.
Just let me go grab my bat."
.
.
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NOTES
-Saru's character is based off Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
-Straw's character is based off the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. "If I only had a brain~"
-The crazy mosh thing is based off dance mania/hysteria, which was a psychogenic phenomenon. People danced until they starved or collapsed from exhaustion. And of course…mosh pits.
-The song ENMY intro in Junior's club is Bleed It Out by Linkin Park.
-People have been asking me about bumblebee for some reason? If it ever becomes canon, I'll be happy. If it doesn't, there are no expectations. Just cause this fic has YangxNeo doesn't mean I dislike bumblebee.
I think that's about it. Message if you want to ask something, like usual.
As always, thank you for reading!
See you in the next chapters!