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IMPORTANT NOTE
Next chapter will be delayed. Busy with life stuff. Update should come next weekend or the weekend after at the latest.
Enjoy the chapter (think this is the longest one yet).
See ya, when I see ya!
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Who Blinks First
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Staring Contest: n.
A game in which two people maintain eye contact for as long as possible, the loser being the one who is the first to blink or look away.
A confrontation between two parties in which neither side is prepared to back down.
.
.
In an isolated chamber buried deep underground, a woman bathed in divine light strode with polished gait.
Her dress cascaded to her ankles, and her sleeves reached to cover her hands like fingerless gloves. Silver ornaments and jewels draped her gorgeous white hair. Her belt and the lining of her skirt were forged with steel—so when she moved, she made the chime of armor.
Although a peacekeeper at heart, the quiet resolve of a warrior hushed with every step she took.
She was a mature woman with sharp features, but soft eyes. Where there was an immense presence of well-being, there was also a greater kindness.
The woman stopped at the foot of a baby's crib. A smile crossed her lips only a mother could have. So full of love, she could burst into tears that second.
As her child started to weep, the woman pulled out a violin to play. A resonating melody soon filled the air, making it ripple with warmth. It penetrated the atmosphere, almost like it changed the weather itself.
The music did nothing to dissuade the baby's cries, but it was never meant to. It was meant to entrance the adolescent, bringing her soul to bare. The very thing children did with such ease. So supremely honest and pure of expression.
When the woman finished the piece, her child's weeping ceased with her.
She extended her hand into the crib, brushing away the small strands around her baby's face. The child looked up at her with the same strong stare. An almost piercing gaze.
"You'll have a powerful voice when you grow up, Weiss. I can only wait impatiently for the day I finally get to hear you sing."
Olea Schnee continued to caress her child's cheeks.
"One day, I suppose…"
The adolescent Weiss reached for her mother's long fingers and pulled them with all her tiny might.
"One day."
"—Weiss?"
The memory froze and the chamber, which was previously dark, illuminated with light.
It was a large room, walled in steel. Besides the tiled floors, the place itself was completely absent of any design.
It wasn't too long ago there were a pair of stasis pods, but after the transferring of the Winter Maiden's Inheritance, the instruments were moved to another location.
There, in the center of the chamber, sitting on the floor and watching the past memory, was Weiss Schnee.
"I thought I'd find you here," Ruby joined her, paying close attention to the hologram. "Who's this?"
"My mother…"
"Oh… She's really pretty~!" Ruby stared closer at the projection. "Is this what you're gonna look like when you grow up?"
"I don't know…!"
"I guess I have a lot to look forward to. Heehee!"
Weiss blushed and squeezed Ruby's face violently.
"Must you always spout such embarrassing words without any consideration?!"
"But I meant it~"
"Whether or not you meant it is NOT the problem! Can you imagine the way your ridiculous lines make me feel?!"
"Really embarrassed and maybe happ—AhhHhH!" Ruby's face stretched further. "Still, I'm a little glad…!" she managed to break away. "I thought you'd grow up to be like your sister, but maybe she took after your dad more?"
"…It's possible."
"In that case, I'm glad you look more like your mom. Hm." The girl measured Weiss up and down, then compared her figure to the memory. "Your dress looks like hers too."
"D-d-does it? Hmph. I hadn't noticed."
"Riiiiight. Well, you look super pretty, so I don't care."
"Ruby! I wish you'd take this more seriously. We don't know what Cinder and Yang are up to with this Ball, but innocent civilians are going to be there, and we must blend in."
"I know!"
"Then, start acting like it—And shape up!" Weiss snatched the red tie of Ruby's tux and straightened it with a firm pull. "You are my date and partner, and I expect you to present yourself as such!"
"I got it already~ At least I don't have to wear a fancy dress… or lady stilts."
"Yes, well. If a fight were to break out, I'd hate for you to go into battle encumbered."
As Weiss started to fix Ruby's collar and flatten the wrinkles on her suit, the red-haired girl pondered deeply.
"Do you really think Yang and Cinder are going to do something tonight?"
"The odds are likely. I can't imagine their group throwing this celebration for the pure sake of it."
"…Everyone's on edge. The Mistral-Vale Alliance is right outside the city. People are scared…"
"There's an abnormal amount of restlessness in the air. I feel it, too."
"And Cinder's throwing a party."
"Yes." Weiss adjusted Ruby's cuff links. Once she finished, she began fussing over her partner's tie again. "…They're too much of an unknown variable to ignore. I would rather concentrate fully on the war at hand, but Team ENMY has proven too unpredictable a factor."
"Ow! Weiss, too tight!"
"Sorry."
Weiss badgered herself.
Despite her best efforts, she was unable to deduce what the other side was planning. Weiss puzzled over scenario after scenario, but couldn't settle on anything concrete, only loose ideas. If she was being realistic, Cinder could wage civil war using Atlas' economy as hostage—and win.
But she didn't.
Which meant there was something else the Fall Maiden was after. And there was only one thing her adversary could covet more than the lifeblood of the Kingdom…
Weiss' attention drifted about the chamber, the lowest room of the lowest Tower. The "core" of the Aegis System. The true key to Atlas.
She needs the Atlesian Military to even step foot here.
It's impossible to access this place without me or my permission.
Do they plan to kidnap me?
The backlash and the scene it would create would be too much to control.
What are they planning…?
What are they planning?!
Just then, she felt something soft press against her lips.
"Mmm…! Ruby?!"
"Calmed down a bit?" Ruby bore a devilish grin.
"This is not the time!"
"You need to hold it together, Weiss. I'm here for you. We all are. Don't try so hard to handle everything by yourself. You're not alone."
Ruby's rare words of serious consolation disarmed her, and Weiss felt a little ashamed. Her partner was right. She needed to rely more on her allies. They offered judgment and clarity she didn't possess by herself. Especially the one she held special in front of her.
As Weiss lost herself at the sight of Ruby, a guilt panged her chest.
"Ruby. There's something really important we need to talk about. I've been meaning to tell you, but one crisis keeps popping up after another, and if I told you now, I think it would distract you. But if you want me to tell you, I will."
"Are you breaking up with me?!" she cried.
"WHAT?! NO! OF COURSE, NOT!"
"Oh, whew. Kay good. Wait, are you gonna ask me to marry you?!"
"WHAT?! Um, no, but—eventually? Anyway, that's not what I was talking about! It's something completely different!"
"…Is it a big deal?"
"…The biggest of deals," Weiss became downcast. "I don't want to hide this from you."
"But if you tell me, I might get distracted?"
"Yes. If you can wait, I promise to tell you—once tonight is over, that is."
"I can wait, then!"
"Wha— Really?"
"Yeah. I trust you, Weiss. If it was more important than what's happening right now, I think you would've told me already. Which means whatever it is, it can wait."
"I…I suppose."
"Okay, then. That's the end of it." Ruby held her partner's hands. "When this is over, I'll hear what you have to say."
"Ruby…"
"Well, the others are waiting. Let's go!"
"…Right."
As Weiss was being led out the chamber by Ruby, she looked back at the projection of Olea Schnee.
"I'm going, mother."
…
"I love you, sweetie," her mother's memory spoke to her.
"Good night."
.
X
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At the old Mantle Monarchy mansion, Yang was having her hair braided into a ponytail by Neo.
When they were finished, the Spring Maiden gave the impression of a young, tall, handsome noble. With her straight-black suit, and a dark orange tie for contrast, she came off as a professional indulging in some casual gallantry. It made it impossible for her partner to keep her eyes off–or her hands.
As Yang rolled up her sleeve to let Masa work on her arm, Neo sat on her lap. The slit in the girl's backless, black maxi dress revealed just a little bit more than just her legs. It drew Yang's gaze down with obvious lust. Her partner could only smirk, satisfied with the reaction.
"Hey, you."
Hey.
"You look really killer in that dress."
Hehe! Cause I am one.
"And how much killer would you be if I ripped it off?"
A lot.
Neo flashed a devious grin and grabbed the knife sitting on the kitchen table. She twirled it, before pressing the side against Yang's neck. The two locked into each other, engaged in some sexual staring contest.
…
"—You guys are such freaks," Emerald commented with her chin resting on her palm. "It's like watching some bizarro mating ritual. Masa, you done yet?"
"This one is finishing the last of the modifications."
With baggier eyes than normal, the weapon tech's fingers moved deftly to install a new component in Yang's prosthetic.
"Can you hurry it up? I don't know if these two can keep it in their clothes any longer."
"It is done."
"Great!" Emerald stood from her chair. "And the other thing?"
"On standby status, at the ballroom venue. Do you recall how to activate it?"
"Just like the tests, right? They already went well enough."
"Yes…This one wishes you all good luck."
Emerald was caught a bit off-guard by Masa's sudden sincerity, but decided to take it at face value.
"Thanks, Mazzie. You sure you don't want to come with us?"
"No. My skillset and anatomy would prove inessential to the operation, this one explains in the replacement of saying she does not want to die."
"Fair enough." Emerald slapped Yang's shoulder. "Come on, let's go. Before you and Neo start biting each other's faces off."
"Who said anything about faces?"
"So gross," she rolled her eyes. "Hey! Garbage disposal in the fancy suit. Yeah, I'm talking to you. Finish choking down your dinner, and get evil."
Mercury, who was busy eating the whole time, started mumbling something incoherent.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Heard you and Yang say it a thousand times before. Big fights mean big appetites."
Sexual appetites.
"Thank you, Neo. Totally necessary info. I swear, I'm surrounded by children. Up, up, up!"
As Team ENMY got dressed and ready, there was only one other they needed to collect before heading to the Ashen Heir's Ball.
The four made their way to the training wing.
Upon opening its doors, they watched as small glass sculptures were floating through the air. Their shine glistened with heat. The source of the Magic was meditating in the middle of the floor.
From Cinder's hands she shaped molten glass into an obsidian queen chess piece. The artifact floated into the gentle coursing flow of its other pieces.
She detected the other's presences, and turned to them.
"Aren't we all looking lovely this evening?"
.
X
.
Lying northwest of the Kingdom's capital, a lone outpost stood atop the shortest of its mountains. The structure had long since been abandoned after a particularly vicious Grimm attack. Since then, the fort served no function—until now.
On the building's roof, several individuals gathered. Most of them, seemingly paying no mind to the cold weather.
Inna had her sights set down the crosshairs of her rifle. She made sure nothing and no one attacked from the direction of the city.
"Seems like those Atlas humps are throwin' some sorta shindig." The girl could see the light spectacle from afar and even hear a bit of music. "Don't these fools know war's knockin' on their front door?"
"Our sources say it's being hosted by the Board for the Halftone Rime Corporation," Adam answered, while facing another direction. "If it buys us time and lowers their guard, I say let them celebrate. We'll be the ones to earn the final victory."
"I wouldn't expect it to be just that," Blake joined, facing the northeast. "If Cinder's involved. She's probably up to something terrible. What do you think Raven?"
The swordsman continued to take solace in the direction she designated for herself, before answering.
"Don't know. Can't say for sure, when it comes to Cinder. I taught her how to survive and Salem taught her… other things. But anything she learned from us, she raised to another level on her own. Really, it wouldn't surprise me if she created some elaborate plot to kill the Schnee heiress and take over the Kingdom."
"That. Sounds awful."
Raven only waved with indifference.
"Doesn't matter who rules this Kingdom, Blake. The bigger game's being played. White Queen or Black, doesn't matter. We're still going to destroy them."
"…"
Even if she didn't turn around, Raven could sense Blake's unease boring into her back.
"I guess 'destroy' is too strong a word. Soundly defeat sit better with you?"
"I…think we can speak with Weiss. If you give me the chance to meet her again, I might be able to start a negotiation of some kind."
"If the Schnee brat had any intention of surrendering, she would've done it as soon as the Alliance was formed, or when our Armada took southern airspace. Now, we know she's the Winter Maiden and the Aegis System is back online. The only time she'll be interested in 'talking' is if we break her shield."
"…So, we break it. Then, we talk," Blake urged firmly.
"A rather optimistic proposal. But fair. I'm not interested in senseless bloodshed either. If the operation is a success, and we bring down the Aegis, you have my permission to accept Weiss Schnee's surrender."
Blake sighed restlessly, but didn't argue further. On the inside, she understood that was as good as terms she was going to get.
"Bean, what's our status with the Grimm?" Raven asked the boy in the middle.
Unlike the rest of his party, Bean was the only one sitting while wrapped in multiple layers of clothing. He was more susceptible to the harsh cold than his accomplices and didn't possess Faunus traits.
"Establishing connection with Panzerborne proving difficult. Successful with time. Only control over small population currently."
"So, while the Alliance and Atlas have their little staring contest, we have…"
"Radical White Fang members. Jotunn controlled by Salem. Small population of Panzerborne controlled by myself. This irregular group," Bean listed.
"Find a new gear, Bean. We need the Panzerborne if we want a successful breach. Plus, I don't like this stalemate. I can sense the restlessness building."
"Concurred opinion. A most distracting sensation."
"It hasn't been that long, but two armies having the worst standoff in history? The stress has to be building. Get our assault from the north ready. I got the feeling time isn't on our side."
"Concurred opinion. Concentration, resuming."
"Hmph." Raven glanced to the other three acting as Bean's sentries. She knew they were playing close attention. "Be ready for anything."
She looked to the building hosting the Ashen Heir's Ball, and scowled into the icy wind.
There's something I can't shake.
What the hell are you up to, Cinder?
…
"I don't like this."
.
X
.
"I don't like this," Weiss muttered upon entering the ballroom. "Feels like something terrible is about to happen."
"You, too?" Jaune asked. "I guess everyone's feeling it."
Standing at Weiss' side were Team RNJR and CFVY.
After handing their invitations at the door, they were summarily guided to the floor's main event. Once there, they marveled at the grandness of the hall, with the exception of Weiss.
Unlike many of the formals the heiress attended, this gala lacked much of the aristocratic pompousness of its counterparts. There was less gold and glitter. Less excess showings of riches and social status. But by no means, did the event lack extravagance.
The overall lighting was dim, but a humongous chandelier encompassing half the ceiling, rotated like a giant disco ball. It was easily the most eye-catching decoration in the venue. The crystals hanging from it, cast different hues of colors in every direction. A light mist also exuded from it, lending the roof an appearance similar to a milky way of stars.
Another thing worthy of note was the live band playing on stage. The hosts had hired a small army of musicians in reserve, so that attending guests would constantly have a tune to dance to. The type of music was more modern and fast-paced compared to the norm of these events. And it was also on that very stage, Weiss' group instantly recognized a single spotlighted figure.
"Emerald," Weiss frowned at the jade-haired songstress. "At least that's one of them we already found."
Ahead of the sea of spinning and capering figures, Emerald poured her soul into the mic she held. The girl cut a stunning image, with a dress that matched her namesake. A diva that drew dancers onto the floor like gravity. Every syllable that left her lips sounded with the smooth sheen of finely cut jewels.
…
I'll bust the windows out your car
And no, it didn't mend my broken heart~
I'll probably always have these ugly scars.
But right now, I don't care about that part~
I'll bust the windows out your car
You know I did it cause I left my mark.
Wrote my initials with a crow bar.
And then I drove off into the dark.
I'll bust the windows out your car
…
"Kid's got skills," Coco commented.
"Yes…" Weiss admitted. Perhaps, for her especially, it was something she recognized. "She's very good."
"—Our Emerald will be overjoyed to hear such praise coming from a singer of your talents."
The group immediately turned around to see Cinder and Mercury standing there.
"I'm so glad you could all make it."
"Is that right…?" Jaune questioned with a stifled fury.
"Of course. I've heard much of the great work of not only Weiss Schnee, but what Teams CFVY and JNPR have done for this Kingdom—despite originating from Vale."
"Jaune…" Ruby cautioned.
"I know," he replied.
Behind Cinder were a small group of reporters, who looked to be following the hostess around. Every greeting of a guest was captured on film, along with every word exchanged.
"I can't imagine what it means to fight against your home nation, but I want to personally say, you will always have a home here in Atlas."
Cinder extended her hand to Jaune specifically. When he didn't make a move, she gave a polite cough.
"Jaune," Ruby whispered again.
"Ugh…!"
Trying his best to hide his pure loathing, Jaune shook Cinder's hand.
"As newly elected President of the Board of Directors, I'd like to offer Team CFVY and JNPR honorary citizenship to our Kingdom, which they've risked their lives so valiantly to protect. It is only proper—oh. My mistake."
"…"
"It's Team RNJR, isn't it? My utmost apologies. Nonetheless, all your members have a rightful place here in this Kingdom. Current, or not."
Before Jaune could crush Cinder's hand, she already withdrew it.
This time, the Fall Maiden went to shake Weiss' hand. The other consented without hesitation and without emotion.
"I am honored that you found the time to come, Miss Schnee."
"Please. The honor is all mine that you thought to invite me."
"Of course. You are the face of our Kingdom's military now. Our hero and guardian." Throughout the whole exchange, Cinder and Weiss never blinked once. "What would we do without you, with the wolves circling our homes?"
"You needn't worry, Miss Fall. I won't be going anywhere. And I promise to keep this Kingdom safe from all threats outside—and within."
"Well, I know I feel much better knowing that," Cinder gave a fake, cheery laugh. "I wish we could speak more, but I must see to my other guests."
"Of course."
"May we speak later tonight?"
"…Of course."
For a brief moment uncaught by scrolls or recording equipment, Cinder revealed a wicked grin.
"Excellent!" the mask reappeared just as quickly. "Later tonight, then."
"Yes."
"Enjoy the party. I can assure you, it won't be one to forget."
Cinder and Weiss exchanged polite pleasantries before going their separate ways.
…
As the Fall Maiden passed, she felt something coil around her leg—something invisible. Sharp edges poked from it and caused her pain. No blood was drawn, but it did give her slight pause.
Following her intuition, Cinder turned in the direction of the source, and saw a pair of silver glints.
Hm hm.
I'm no stranger to pain, little girl.
Especially nothing this light.
You and I will enjoy our own time together soon enough.
I haven't forgotten the debt I owe you.
The invisible thorns burned away, leaving Cinder to resume her stride.
As soon as she engaged another guest, Weiss gave Ruby a quick flick on the forehead.
"Ow! But, but!"
"No buts! That wasn't the time to cause a scene."
"Bu—What she said about Pyrrha, I—"
"I know, but you didn't see Jaune lose his temper."
With that, Weiss held Jaune's hand, which was curled into a ball of hate. The cool touch of her Inheritance abated some of the pain and anger. The boy's breathing slowed. He also felt the firm grip of Nora and Ren bring him peace.
"I'm okay," he told them. "Let's just find out how to take them down."
"That's why we're here," Weiss nodded. "Fox."
As their side's best sensor, the young man acknowledged the cue. He started investigating in a direction away from the party.
"You all know the plan, we've rehearsed this," Weiss instructed. "Blend in, spread out, keep an eye on Cinder and especially be on the lookout for Team ENMY and Yang. Do not let them corral you into one place. We have the numbers advantage, so assume tactical positions."
Their members partnered up and started making for key positions of the ballroom. Coco with Velvet, Weiss with Ruby. As per practice, they got into the rhythm of mingling and dancing incognito.
Jaune and Yatsuhashi stared awkwardly to each other.
"Punch bowl?" Jaune asked.
"Punch bowl."
Together, the two headed for the refreshments table.
…
As the gala progressed, nothing out of the ordinary stood out.
Fox continued to stalk the perimeter of the floor, searching for clues or potential incongruities with the venue. He regularly reported to everyone's earpiece that he found nothing.
Weiss was in constant contact with all her members. She also had a direct line to Hades and Ironwood, who were with the Atlesian Fleet patrolling above the city. The Winter Maiden had even arranged a few airships to hover within close vicinity of the skyscraper in case anything should happen.
But for now, there was only the gentle swaying of her in her partner's arms. Their bodies moving to the melody of the music.
"It kind of reminds me of our school dance," Ruby said.
"Really? I fail to see the similarities."
"Or maybe like, what I wished our dance was."
"Fraught with danger. Evil miscreants seeking the ruin of the Kingdom and risking the countless lives of innocents?"
"Weiss, that's the part that's exactly like the school dance. I meant dancing with you, without being socially awkward."
"Hm. I suppose it is nice. I wonder what Neptune is up to these days."
"Khhk…!"
"I'm joking."
"Hmph," Ruby puffed her cheeks and swung Weiss into a wide-sweeping step.
Suddenly realizing the strength in her partner's hold, the heiress took note of something alarming.
"…Have you gotten taller?!"
"You're only noticing now?"
"I'm wearing heels and you're still—"
"Why are you so surprised? Yang's tall."
"You and Yang aren't blood-related."
"Uncle Qrow's tall."
"Mm. I suppose."
"What?"
"You're younger than me. I just assumed you'd always be shorter and not so…"
"What?"
Weiss could only entertain what Ruby might look like in the future. A tall, dashing girl that showed a casual immaturity most of the time, but could be serious and romantic when they tried. It made her thoughts swirl. Even now, her partner showed shades of what time held in store.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ruby asked.
"It's nothing…!"
"What is it, Weiss~? Tell me~"
"That matchup is peculiarly hazardous to my health…"
"What is? Did you notice something dangerous in the room?"
"Only you so far…" Weiss continued to groan.
"What's that supposed to…!"
All of a sudden, another pair of dancers knocked into them. Being exceptionally trained, the couples recovered their balances easily. Their feet planted and whisked with graceful motion, picking up right where the partners left off.
Except with one major difference.
…
"—Hey, there, pretty lady."
"…Your dance partner just stole my dance partner."
"I made her promise not to hurt her too bad."
"Am I supposed to believe that?"
"She's still my sister, after all. On the other hand, you and me…"
"…"
The one Weiss danced with was now Yang. Slightly over her new partner's shoulder, she could see Neo pulling Ruby along, despite being the smaller. Her partner showing the most exaggerated face of absolute terror, as she was swallowed by the crowd.
"How are you enjoying the party?" Yang diverted her attention.
"Quite well, until this very moment."
"Ouch."
"And yourself, Miss Xiao Long? Are you enjoying this evening's festivities?"
"Nah. I thought it was pretty lame. Until now."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, cause you see…" Yang smirked.
"This is the part where things get real exciting."
.
X
.
Hovering above the Kingdom of Atlas, the Atlesian Air Fleet performed their sentry duty in protection of their home.
Most of their ships were deployed since the Alliance Armada made their first appearance on their nation's borders. Military personnel were ordered to maintain high alert at all times. Even a significant portion of their Kingdom's famous mech army were already distributed, ready for any pending attack. This included the titan-sized Atlesian Archons.
And standing in command of this awesome might was the reinstated, General Ironwood. Along his side were Captain Trafalgar and Hades.
The three stared menacingly at their foes just within view. They had been monitoring the situation since the day began, but never felt the slightest urge to take a break. Neither did anyone on the bridge for that matter.
"This isn't good," Trafalgar broke the silence. "The soldiers are too restless."
"We are locked into a veritable stare off with the enemy. Our people are aware of the threat we face."
"Vigilance is good. Paranoia is a different matter. If they're wound too tight, they might jump at anything. We could fall for a feint, or worse. We can tire ourselves mentally."
"The same can be said for the other side."
"True, which makes the situation only worse. Three armies boasting the power to scorch Remnant, and all it takes is one nervously triggered finger fire to spark the fuse? How else would you assess the situation?"
"Professor Polendina will come through in time. The longer this stalemate lasts, the greater our technological advantage grows."
"And the more time they have to prep whatever their own trump card is…"
"Do you really think they will lead an attack from within the city?"
"It's what I would do," Trafalgar assessed. "And it's how Beacon fell, wasn't it? Even if we know it's coming, we haven't put together a real countermeasure yet. Only evacuation plans."
"Indeed. The true test will come when all our forces are prepared, ours and the enemy's."
Trafalgar threw a glance at the building surrounded by light shows. The sound of the ball's live band traveled far enough for them to hear.
"Weiss must be torturing herself right now. Forcing herself to attend some party, when her Kingdom's fate hangs on the scales. And us, not much better sitting on our hands. But at least we're here with the Fleet."
"Yes, well…" The General lapsed into tense silence.
"…Hm? What is it?"
"Do the enemy ships," Ironwood squinted his eyes, "…appear to be moving?"
"Our sensors haven't picked up anything…"
"But look, they're—"
A plume of fire spouted in the distance followed by a thunderous crash. Two seconds later, the top floors of Halftone Rime HQ detonated in fiery conflagration. Without giving anyone a moment to catch their breaths, several buildings began to burst with the same explosions.
"The Alliance is attacking!" bridge personnel yelled. "All soldiers to battle stations!"
Ironwood and Hades immediately started giving orders to form rank, begin march, and return fire.
The Fleet responded at once. Ship thrusters torched. The Atlesian Archons begun to lurch from their guard posts. Military personnel were running to their assigned stations.
Only Trafalgar remained inactive.
"…Why didn't the Aegis System stop that barrage?"
"What?!" Ironwood wheeled on him.
"The Aegis System should have stopped that barrage. How did it breach the shield?"
"…Weiss!"
"Do we have contact with her?"
The two turned to Hades, who was desperately trying to get Weiss on comms. After several attempts, he shook his head.
"The line is scrambled. An interference of some sort."
"Something must have happened! Sortie a force to rescue her immediately!" Ironwood ordered. "We must also initiate the evacuation plan!"
"…Yes. Right…"
"Trafalgar? What's wrong? This is no time to hesitate!"
The captain only continued to show disbelief.
"Something is wrong."
.
X
.
"Something… is wrong."
From the Mistral Flagship, Saru and Straw watched the Atlesian Fleet approach their side—unprovoked.
"Something is very wrong," the monkey Faunus scratched his jaw. "Why are they opening fire on us?"
"I would fathom, they wish to initiate engagements?" Straw answered in bemusement.
Saru brought up an enhanced image of Atlas. There, he saw several buildings were burning.
"Do they think we did that?"
"Judging from their reactions, I would say so. Did Raven's group start the operation prematurely?"
"…Doubtful. But we're hardly in a position to let Atlas' attack go unanswered. We have no choice but to engage."
"Hm," Straw nodded his consent.
The two shrugged to each other, but ultimately gave out orders for the Armada to meet their enemies across the snowy plains.
.
X
.
From Raven's outpost, the group watched as three armies clashed in the distance.
"What in the world?!" Raven growled, and then looked at the smoke rising from the city. She immediately directed her anger at Adam. "Tell me, you didn't give that order!"
"Of course, not! More importantly, what the hell do we do now?!"
"We don't have a choice. We run the operation as is."
"—Conditions are far from optimal," Bean assessed.
"Yeah. Optimal went out the window the second buildings started blowing up, and Atlas started attacking our army for no reason!"
The other four stared blankly at her.
"…What?"
"Nothing, I guess?" Blake said uncertainly. "I think I misheard something, but did Saru mention anything about commencing the operation so soon?"
"What are you talking about? We don't have time for this."
"I know. We'll pack up and go, but this is going to sound weird."
"Spit it out!"
"You said Atlas started attacking our side for no reason, but… We just saw the Armada fire the first shot…right?"
"…"
"Raven?"
The woman whipped her neck back to the capital city.
"Cinder…! WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
.
X
.
Back at the Ashen Heir's Ball, party guests were running for the exits. A city-wide evacuation order had been issued and citizens were heading for the closest designated shelter. But in the mad rush to leave the building, a few sparse figures stood still amidst the rapid river of bodies.
Weiss tried to breakaway, but Yang kept her dance partner in her grip.
"What are you trying to achieve by doing this…?!" the Winter Maiden snarled.
"Sorry. That's for me to know, and you to never find out," the Spring Maiden taunted in return.
"Let me go."
"Can't do that. We haven't finished our dance yet."
Weiss tried to pry away again, but the other girl was superior in strength. Plus, if she used her abilities now, the innocents running past might get caught in the fight. For now, she could only wait.
…
And wait…
…
And wait…
Every second, staring into Yang's smug grin only served to stoke Weiss' unbridled fury.
…
Finally, the last civilian evacuated, and all who were left darted eyes between those who remained.
It wasn't even a second after the last elevator left, when Yang spun Weiss, let go, and unleashed a compact uppercut that sent her opposite crashing through the giant chandelier above.
The clear intent to fight provoked everyone else into action.
Jaune, Nora, and Ren immediately dashed for Cinder and Mercury. Team CFVY regrouped around Emerald, who was still on stage. Neo had materialized a shard of mirror, and was currently trying to slash Ruby's insides open.
As simultaneous fights erupted below, Yang chased after her designated mark.
The Maidens of Spring and Winter poised themselves on the violently spinning platform of the chandelier's top.
"I know the party invite said no weapons, but you guys seriously came unarmed?" Yang mocked.
"Hmph," Weiss wiped the blood that trickled down her cheek. "As if we would be so unprepared." Her left hand reached out, as if to grab something invisible.
It was then, Velvet ejected the film from her camera. Her Semblance activated, tracing her group's respective weapons into their hands. At the same time, various blades and firearms rotated around its summoner with blurring speeds.
Yang turned her nose at the transparent Myrtenaster in Weiss' hand.
"You have to know you can't beat me with an imitation."
"This is enough for the likes of you."
"If you say so," she shrugged. "But if you wanna stand a real chance, you're gonna have to break that emergency glass."
"…"
Yang's Ember Celica roared with a pulsating jet engine. As her Aura manifested, her braided ponytail unfurled with a fiery flourish. Feathers rose in her wake, and the Spring Maiden's irises burned with intense orange.
Suddenly, she was gone.
Weiss summoned a Shield Glyph just in time to block a punch coming from her blindspot. Her second sword Regalia answered her right hand. As if in response to her enemy's challenge, the snowfall of her Inheritance appeared as well.
The two clashed in a blinding exchange. Sharp rings of steel cracked the glass they stood on. Every fist met with pointed blade. Every encounter threatened to wreck the whole building floor.
The Maidens parted, and then exchanged again and again. Their speed no longer possessed the gap it once had. Yang matched Weiss' swiftness turn for tight turn. And each time they pivoted the balls of their feet, the chandelier careened more wildly out of control.
Yang grit her teeth and fired a straight right. Weiss snapped back with a frost bladed stab. Embers and ice shrapnel blasted away from the point of impact. Fragments of the fake Myrtenaster sundered, aflame and freezing at the same time.
The two no longer fought in the same realms of mortals. The agility and strength they displayed was otherworldly. And what perhaps made it more unreal, was how they limited the destruction closely to themselves. Like two equal forces of nature trapped inside a small box, they cancelled each other out.
As the two Maidens collided once more, glass pillars hailed down from the chandelier they fought on—to the combatants below.
An ear-screeching noise made Ruby cringe, as Neo dragged her sword across the floor. Murder reeked with each of her steps. The petite girl's heels clacked, like the building was made of something fragile. It brought out a primal fear in her opponent.
In response, Ruby fired a few sniper rounds from her imitation Crescent Rose. But Neo only swerved her head and hips out of the bullets' way.
According to their plan of action, Ruby's primary objective was to rejoin Weiss. The partners trained excessively to coordinate their movements, and would contest the largest threat in battle. With that in mind, they prepared a little something.
Ruby slid her tie off her neck and flung it over her shoulders. From there, the crimson cloth extended into her usual cape and hood. She covered herself in her enlarged garment and bound for the chandelier.
Neo activated her Semblance and sent a shower of crystalline shards down from the hanging mass of ammunition above. The hall's upper atmosphere filled with twinkling shimmers.
Ruby's cloaked form danced around the larger stalactites, but could not avoid being pelted by smaller debris. The damage was superficial with light skin cutting and nothing more. A few pieces lodged into the red cloth, and that would be enough for Neo.
Ruby's opponent warped to her location, and tried to skewer her with her blade. Fortunately, the red hood reacted in time to parry the blow with her scythe, but lost momentum in the process.
The two went into freefall. Neo performed a gymnastics aerial to stick her landing. Ruby's form spun, like a propeller until her feet touched the ground.
This won't work, Ruby thought.
Team ENMY had chosen Neo specifically to isolate her. The petite girl's ability to track and teleport from one place to another was a hard counter to her speed. The only way out would be through.
Ruby resigned to the fact she had to fight than evade.
As soon as she did, thorny rose vines began to slither from her cloak.
…
Across the hall, Team CFVY faced off against Emerald, who repeatedly hit them with mind-numbing hallucinations.
While the hold never took for long, the repeated bombardment made it difficult for them to pin their target down. Sometimes, it would be a sound akin to nails on a chalkboard. Others, it would be a blinding flash of light. Emerald even distorted the landscape around them, flipping their perspectives upside down and sideways.
It was frustrating as Coco continued to miss her shots, while Velvet did much of the same. Yatsuhashi found less luck, as his big, telegraphed motions were nimbly dodged. Although Emerald rendered the team's offense useless, that was all she was managing.
CFVY's adversary had her hands full conjuring illusion after illusion. There was no energy to spare in actually exploiting their vulnerability.
"Fox! Fox?! What are you doing? You're the only one who can really fight her! Fox?!" Coco shouted with concern.
She saw her teammate staring blankly with tears in his eyes.
"What the hell did she do to him?!"
At that moment, they weren't aware Emerald had entranced the blind fighter with perfect vision. She showed him the wonders of the world. Meadows of endless white flowers. The sheer heights of the Windpath. The fresh powdered snow of Atlas. And of course, what his teammates looked like. How bright their smiles were.
"Damn it!" Coco cursed. "How is she doing this?! She should've overloaded on her Semblance by now!"
The gunsman concentrated hard to flush Emerald's influence out of her system and gained clarity for a second. She leveled her weapon and sprayed a volley at the target.
Her machinegun roared.
Empty shells spat out and dripped on the floor like a waterfall.
The distraction cause Emerald to drop her Semblance briefly, as she ducked and rolled.
"Fox! Snap out of it!"
"…"
"Pull yourself together and stop her!"
"…I…can't…"
"Why the hell not?!"
With tears still streaming down his eyes, Fox took heaving breaths.
"Hallucinations… too strong…" he winced in and out of consciousness. And then, he uttered a word that brought the Team to an abrupt halt. "…Godmother."
Coco was assaulted with a chain of visions before she could collect herself.
Godmother?
She has a Godmother with her?!
Wait, where is it? How can she be jumping around and be using it!?
Her vision lost color, as she strained to observe Emerald closely. If there was anything odd about the illusionist, it would be the thing she held in her hand while fighting. Coco didn't pay close attention to it before now. It was entirely possible Emerald did everything she could to let it go undetected.
Her microphone?!
It was several days ago, Emerald and some former Silbern Mafia members performed a heist to steal a Godmother from the Alliance. Since the theft, Masa customized the device to be smaller and to operate in small bursts. Upon multiple tests of the device, Emerald hallucinated large areas of the populace, breeding the fear and restlessness plaguing the Kingdom this very moment.
And it was that same device, that allowed Emerald to hallucinate the Alliance's attack on the Atlesian Fleet, instigating the battle waging outside.
"Damn it! Keep the heat on! Kill her stamina!"
Team CFVY pressed on with their assault, which only brought a smile to Emerald's sweat-drenched face.
…
Meanwhile, at the other end of the ballroom, Jaune, Nora, and Ren were facing off against Cinder and Mercury in a three on two.
"Juggernaut!" Jaune called.
Together with Nora, the two interlaced a combo of hammer and shield. Any attacks towards them were deflected by Jaune, while their main offense relied on Nora. They held their respective weapons with both hands, but side by side, they acted as two limbs of the same body.
As the pair charged into their enemy with unyielding tenacity, their opposite engaged in hit-and-run tactics. Cinder summoned weapon after weapon, only for them to shatter on Jaune's shield. Mercury tried his hand at breaking their defenses, but had to pull the trigger on his boots to escape, when Nora's maul missed him by a hairline.
After the pair got close one more time, something switched in their strategy. Nora and Jaune split, and Ren, who hid in their shadows, dashed towards Cinder.
Aura collected in his palm and he made it rotate until it reached critical stability. With precise timing, he unleashed the palm-strike right when it was about to explode…
Cinder's hand met with Ren's own.
"Impressive."
There was an instantaneous pull and push of indescribable force that caused a vacuumed shockwave to erupt between them. A sphere of destruction sent fissures in the surrounding area, voiding the vicinity to its barest foundations.
Then, air and pressure came rushing back into the empty space. Gravity restored and the floating pieces of floor fell where they flew.
Ren's sixth sense caused him to jump back, as ashen Aura flaked from Cinder's silhouette.
"You forced me to use my Inheritance. I applaud your efforts. It seems this is where the real fight begins."
Ren, Jaune, and Nora went on immediate guard again.
…
"Something's not right," Jaune whispered to them.
"Uh, is this the time to be talking right now?" Nora asked. "This is the fight we've been waiting for."
"Yeah, but… something's off."
"Like, what?" Ren joined.
"I don't know…!" Jaune gnarled. "I know this is what we've been waiting for. I want to break every bone in her body!"
"Dibs on her legs," Nora added.
"But something's not right."
Jaune searched his opponents' postures. He then, watched the fights occurring between his other comrades. The pieces of his perplexing thoughts started to gather.
"…They're stalling."
"What?" Ren replied uncertainty.
"Look, they aren't even attacking us now!"
Hit teammate's attentions shifted to Cinder and Mercury, who were indeed waiting for them. Though their expressions could not be called idle, they did appear to be running a counter style instead of favoring the initiative.
They had flashbacks to their fight at the Tower of Tamonten, where Team ENMY's bread and butter was the initiative.
…
"What would they be stalling for?" Ren asked.
"I don't know. The battle outside? If we weren't here, we'd be helping Atlas fight the Alliance, right?"
"Yes. Does their scheme involve helping the Alliance win?"
"Maybe! Ugh!" Jaune scratched his head. "If the Alliance wins… Atlas gets taken over, but Cinder shouldn't want that. Unless she can take them on her own. Then, in that case…!"
"Slow down, Jaune. We need to think carefully, not hastily."
"Right… right…" he groaned.
The boy stared angrily at Cinder again. It was then, he noticed from time to time, the Fall Maiden would momentarily check the situation above the chandelier.
"Weiss!"
"What?"
"That's what she's after! If we think this whole thing is about beating Weiss, it makes sense. And there was the interview…!"
"She mentioned how Weiss is now the face of the Atlesian Military."
"That stuff about being the people's hero. If she gets people to flip their stance on Weiss, they might ask Cinder to take over instead!" Jaune tapped into his ear piece. "Weiss! Cinder's plan is to stall you! If you don't help the military beat the Alliance, she's going to use that as an excuse to take over!"
As soon as Jaune ended the transmission, Cinder and Mercury jumped on them.
…
Above the chandelier, ice and fire mingled in violent embrace.
The number of times Weiss' rapier conflicted with Yang's gauntlets was immeasurable. But despite the devastating blows shared between, the contest showed no signs of end. It seemed as though whenever one raised the tempo of their battle, the other went to match it.
With a wave of her hand, the Winter Maiden summoned four glacial arms from her Glyphs. Each appendage wielded a variant weapon that swung in the direction of their summoner's adversary.
As the impending quadruple assault approached, Yang ejected her spent cartridges and reloaded new ones. Her Semblance allowed her to see the veins of light clearly. After analyzing her opponent's Semblance, the boxer loosed a lightning quick combo. Though there wasn't much power behind them, as to not lose speed, there was a deathly precision.
Four bangs rung out within each limb. Weiss' summons crumbled under the pinpoint targeting of their vulnerabilities.
"Hmph," Weiss scoffed.
Why is she looking at me like that?
Across the platform, Yang held her in a focused gaze. If she was being honest, it was extremely unnerving. As if the Spring Maiden was observing her not as an opponent, but an experiment.
What's she looking for?
A weakness?
Ruby told me a little about her Semblance…
But is that really it?
Her intuition screamed there was more to it, when the radio crackled over her comms.
"Weiss! Cinder's plan is to stall you! If you don't help the military beat the Alliance, she's going to use that as an excuse to take over!"
"What?! Hello?!"
No response.
Weiss interpreted Jaune's transmission and decided to test something.
As their fight progressed, they continuously matched each other's strength. If she were to make a large leap in that, and Yang simply followed, it would give credence to Jaune's assumption. The more she thought about it, the more likely the scenario was, as her opponent simply waited for her next move.
Yang not starting the fight is already suspect.
Fine.
We'll see how you handle this.
Weiss constructed an intricate Glyph with layers upon layers of inscriptions.
From the ether, a knight not much larger than Weiss appeared. Its armor was vastly more decorated than its previous brethren. There was a plume from the back of its helmet. And from the way it stood from its kneeling position to an upright posture, it almost seemed to possess its own personality.
Yang immediately detected the summon was different from any other.
The apparition drew out a pair of sabers and bolted for Yang, along with Weiss.
The two silver swordsmen outflanked their opponent, causing the fighter to backpedal around the rim of the chandelier. Yang's wide-open irises followed their motions with alarming speed. Watching the energies fluctuate, she desperately worked to counter the new threat.
I know those moves, Yang recalled.
At that moment, the shining halo on the Spring Maiden radiated. Yang gained distance, and then immediately shot to the summon like a shooting star. A trailing tail of fire and feathers scorched her path.
The knight readied to perform a cross slash, when Yang broke both blades at the height of their momentum with her left fist. Her right, impaled the summon through its armored heart. The vanquished apparition burst from the inside out.
"Wow, Weiss," Yang scowled. "Did you really just summon a copy of your sister to fight me?"
"…"
"Trying to make me hesitate?"
"…"
"But it was stronger than your other stuff. Who's next? Ruby, Blake—me?"
Alarm bells were going off in Weiss' head. What she just saw confirmed Jaune's suspicions. Never once, did Yang try to taking advantage of the fight, in spite of having the ability to do so. Her former teammate was a challenger by nature, but everything about this battle was contrary to that.
This does not bode well.
Not well at all.
If our deductions are correct, the best course of action would be to break off this fight completely.
The more time we stay, the deeper we fall for Cinder's scheme…
…
Why do I have such a bad feeling about this?
I know Jaune is right.
Still.
Why can't I shake this awful feeling?
Weiss searched Yang for any hints, but the other only continued to keep her in her off-putting gaze. Those eyes that felt like they could see all of Weiss, down to the very depths of her soul.
She breathed a sigh.
I told myself to rely on my comrades more.
Fighting Yang might be clouding my judgment.
Jaune hasn't let his rage cloud his.
Weiss swiftly stabbed her rapier into the platform and constructed a whole ring of glyphs lining the perimeter. Powerful knights near the caliber of Winter's previous summon answered her call, and swarmed Yang. While her opponent was busy, Weiss broke through the floor, descending onto Neo.
The petite girl teleported to safety. At the same time, Weiss grabbed Ruby's arm, and made a dash for Team CFVY's direction.
"We're leaving NOW!"
Although Coco wanted to protest, she also received Jaune's transmission. Fighting the urge to continue the rematch with Emerald, she also ordered her team to withdraw. Lastly, it was Jaune, Ren, and Nora.
Amidst their attempted escape, Cinder and Mercury inflicted some parting blows on Ren and Nora. But to counter that, Jaune activated his Semblance to reinforce their constitution.
It was not an easy scramble, especially when Yang and Neo rejoined the fight, but Weiss' group made it out of the building safely. The airship they prepared beforehand was about to deploy a rescue team, when Weiss' group came to them.
"Get us to Ironwood!"
"Yes, ma'am!" the soldiers saluted.
As the transport left, Weiss peeked out the sidedoor. She watched the airship battle being waged ahead. She then, looked down at Team ENMY, who stared right back at her.
Did I make the right decision?
My feelings told me to stay and fight them,
But everything else said my place is there…
She faced the war on the horizon.
Weiss shook her head.
I can't doubt it now.
I can't…
…
Team ENMY watched the carrier leave with their opponents, and disappear into the explosions miles away.
Cinder revealed a sinister grin.
"Made you blink first."
.
X
.
Strolling past a number of unconscious guards were Team ENMY, Cinder, Penny, and Qrow.
Back to wearing their normal clothes, the intruders plowed through any reserve army personnel they met with ease.
"I gotta say, this plan was overly complicated," Yang commented with her hands knitted behind her head. "Long, messy walk just to get the keys for this joint."
"Well, there was a simpler method," Cinder answered.
"What was that?"
"We could have severed Weiss Schnee's hand, but we were concerned you would have found the method in poor taste."
"…Do you have, like, an on or off switch for being a jerk?"
"My apologies if I offended your feelings, Yang."
"Ugh!" Yang stuck out her tongue. "There's also the fact that we started a war."
"You feel sorry for your former comrades. It's only natural. Especially after cornering them into a terrible decision, where only we stood to benefit."
"Yeah, right. That's the part I'm butthurt over."
"—Geez! Cry me a river!" Emerald interrupted. "Oh no! The armies that were basically waiting to kill each other, are killing each other earlier. Big blow to my conscience. How will we ever live with ourselves?"
"Really, Em? Sarcasm when we basically just screwed over a whole Kingdom. Maybe, even three?"
"Sarcasm is practically our team's rally cry, Yang. Which is good timing, cause when your old friendos finally get what we really did, they're gonna be seriously pissed." Emerald snickered. "And they're gonna come for blood."
The group stopped before a large blast door with a lock bigger than the vaults of most banks.
"Hey, this is late. But you did get a good enough look at her Aura, yeah?" Emerald asked.
"I got it," Yang answered. "Had to push her to use her Semblance a lot, but I got it."
"You sure you can do this?"
"Weiss legitimately tried to kill me with it. I think I got a pretty good peek."
"Kay. No pressure, punchy. Merc, why don't you cheer her on."
"No, don't—"
"Blondie, blondie. She's our girl. If she can't do it—all this crap was for nothing."
"Voice of an angel, Merc. Now, shut up, everybody, and let me concentrate."
Yang exhaled and closed her eyes.
Her prosthetic hand planted on the touchpad of the door lock. Its new modded component resonated with life.
Her crown Regalia coalesced at her temples, and steadily pulsed.
…
An endless ocean and sky extended before her, but now it was night instead of its previous day. The stars above reflected into the watery depths below.
With both hands Yang scooped up the reflection of a certain star. It burned with the same light Weiss' summons burned with, when she used her Semblance. A kind, but strong radiance.
Yang held it to her chest, like holding something precious.
…
A positive beeping resounded, accompanied by the doors unlocking.
[Weiss Schnee's Aura Signature: Detected. All access to the Tower have been granted!] Penny confirmed. [Congratulations, Yang!]
"Heh, thanks, Penny."
Qrow walked ahead.
"I got business with someone. But I'll be where I have to be."
"That is all I ask," Cinder responded.
The Huntsman grumbled and continued to sulk away.
"Well, then," Cinder turned to the rest. "We all know our places and our parts."
…
"Let us draw the curtain on this theater's Final Act."