.
Destiny
.
We are constantly challenged
By the choices we make
And the measurements of our convictions to them.
Always.
.
.
Pain shot up her left arm, so excruciating she almost blacked out. Dust laced her spliced, Grimm appendage, like corroding rot. A grievous wound from her battle with Raven. But it would not be her ultimate undoing.
As Cinder fell into the gaping abyss, she looked once more into the face of her vanquisher. The swordsman standing above, hand outstretched, conjuring a spell.
Cinder felt her insides freeze. A caution taken in good measure by her foe. A quiet period added to the end of the young woman's tragic tale.
She was so close to achieving her dreams.
But a Destiny that would remain unfulfilled.
Regret.
Then…
Death.
…
The divergent history line faded into the background of a thousand other memories playing about the chamber. Scenes of actual events and alternate scenarios intertwined. Their fragment slivers shimmered and danced about the room, like delirious dreams. How altered their lives would be with the slightest changes.
"—Is this how it's supposed to be?" Yang asked, while multiverses swirled around them.
"Not normally," Cinder answered. "But the presence of the Fall Maiden must have triggered something within the Tower. It seems these projections will continue until I assume more control of the System."
"How long till you have complete control?"
"At the stroke of midnight, by the rate it is proceeding. My ancestor's very life essence is embedded into this place. Not even Hades' precautions can disable the connection for long."
The two Maidens cast their gaze about the room's curtained shadows, where ghosts walked freely around the heart of Atlas. There, they would wait until they gained undisputed ownership of the Tower System. And with it, the rites of rule.
In the meantime, Cinder focused on each of the Tower's mirages with keen interest.
"Nevertheless, these glimpses prove useful in analyzing the alternate events of my demise. I must take care not to repeat the mistakes of my failed counterparts—no matter how unlikely."
"You know, you die in pretty much all of these, right? The odds don't look good."
"I'm sure you enjoy seeing my death in such varying degree, among different worlds. But may I remind you the consequences of letting me die in this one?"
"How can I forget? Not when I have to remind myself every five seconds… Still," Yang chuckled. "I think the last one's my favorite yet," she added with an evil grin. "Smacked into a hole by my mom, the Spring Maiden. Soooo weird."
"Hm, yes. A rather disappointing end, I must admit," Cinder commented. "I can't say I'm overly fond of a timeline where I never met Raven in my childhood. Without her, I easily succumbed to Salem's manipulations."
Yang went silent for a moment, taking in the young woman, who continued to watch versions of herself die and die again. There were so many things she didn't know about Cinder. And yet, so many things she did not want to know…
But questioned them anyway.
"Ask your questions, Yang," Cinder said without looking. "This may be the last opportunity you and I will ever have."
Yang frowned at how easily she was read.
"…You talk like my mom means everything to you. I guess, I want to know how that is."
"My, Yang. Are you finally accepting me as your stepmother?"
"This might be the last time we'll get to set the record straight, right?" she ignored the barb.
"…Yes. I suppose you are correct," Cinder sighed, dropping her usual condescension. "It is no stretch of exaggerations to say Raven means everything to me." A softness dwelled in Cinder's tone, as she reminisced. "She played no small part in who I am today. I daresay without her, I would likely be Salem's pawn—or dead, apparently."
"What did she teach you? What was she like?"
"…"
"Cinder?"
An uncharacteristic expression of vulnerability showed in her fellow Maiden. Then, the woman turned to Yang with an intense sharpness. Her "partner" drowned her in such a gaze.
"Question everything." Raven's voice and image overlapped with Cinder's. "Trust no one." The vision solidified. "There are no rules save the ones you make for yourself, and even those can be bent and broken."
Suddenly, the Mantle Mansion's garden stretched before Yang's eyes. The weather was clear, but chilly. The courtyard was no longer dilapidated, but properly maintained. Flowers around her were fully bloomed, but dying. Before her a great tree stood.
And at its base, a swordsman sat with her back against its trunk.
"Be resourceful," Raven continued. "Be cunning. And be willing to go farther than what is deemed necessary or possible."
Yang's childish hands that didn't belong to her, curled around the stems of wilting flowers.
"Find the fragility in all things and exploit them without mercy. That's how you survive, princess—at least for a little while."
"…"
"Everything dies, some way or another."
As Raven muttered those last words, the flock of ravens perched in the tree behind her, turned their beaks towards Cinder.
"Something like that is probably what people call, Destiny."
…
The memory faded. Yang and Cinder were themselves again.
"Although, I doubt Raven herself could imagine the weight those words would eventually carry for me."
"That was before the Fall of the Mantle Monarchy?" Yang asked.
"Yes. Your mother was charged with my family's protection, then. When the Monarchy dissolved, Raven whisked me away. And taught me everything I would need to survive."
"…"
"Are you jealous?"
"Yes," Yang simply admitted. "I am. Is that hard to believe?"
Cinder blinked.
"No. I suppose not," she mused thoughtfully. "Could that be why you hate Adam and I with such fervor? We were the warriors your mother never raised in you?"
"Uh, Adam cut my arm off."
"We received the attention she never paid you."
"You burned down my school."
"Let me assure you, your impression of us is ignorantly rose-colored."
"…"
Cinder weaved her fingers through the air and summoned Yang and Raven's memories forward. Recollections of Yang's Semblance Trial, their talks at their first meeting and before the Battle of Dracul. And then, the last kind words Raven left her daughter.
"I'm proud of you."
Cinder scowled at that.
"Your mother showed you more kindness in the few moments you shared together than the years she spent with myself, and Adam if I ventured a guess. Raven cared for us—for as long as she did—but she loved you."
"…Is that why you hate me?" Yang asked.
"Possibly." Cinder paused. And then, answered more deliberately,
"Yes. Yes, it is."
.
X
.
"Do you hate me?"
"Right now, I do."
In Winter Schnee's hospital room, Qrow stood at the patient's bedside. The grizzled Huntsman held the woman's hand for a moment, before letting go, like being pricked by painful thorns.
"I'm sorry, Athos," he said with mournful tone. "I failed you."
Qrow looked up to the ghost standing across the bedside. A man with a tattered blue cloak and a great feathered hat. He had a prominent, spiky beard. And a sorrowed harshness to his eyes.
"I'm sorry," Qrow repeated.
"I doubt, Athos would blame you for anything," Ozpin's voice resounded in his thoughts.
"He trusted me. Like I trusted you."
"I am sorry I betrayed that trust."
"You're sorry?! Well, that makes me feel so much better, Oz!"
"Qrow."
"No. You don't know how much me and Tai trusted you! How much we all did! And Summer…she—"
"Was part of something greater…"
Qrow grunted with frustration. Painful edges creaked on him in every direction. His past haunted him from the shadows, clouding his thoughts until he couldn't process. Being back in Atlas dredged up memories he'd rather forgot.
"How could she—"
"Summer wanted you to be happy. She wished for the happiness of her daughters, and took measures to make it so."
"Then, how did it all come to this?"
"…Because she also offered them a choice, just as she did with you. A lesson my past lives could have learned much from," Ozpin sighed. "You all could have lived your lives in ignorant bliss and happiness. Instead, you decided to take your fate into your hands and devote yourselves to causes greater than yourselves—not to mention, in the service of those who stand beside you. There is no shame, nor foolishness in that, Qrow."
"No. Just regrets…"
Qrow felt Ozpin's arm clasp his shoulder. There was an urge to brush it off, but he couldn't bring himself to it. He sensed a genuine sincerity and sympathy in his thoughts. Their souls partly in synch already.
"You may not want to hear this, but I believe as the next host, you will influence the Old One's behavior far better than I ever could."
"So, who am I talking to now? Ozpin, the immortal—or Headmaster Myrddin?"
"All of us. It is always all of us, and now yourself."
Qrow sunk deeper into his depression. Glimpses into Winter's death granted by the Reaper Semblance refused to blur away, no matter how much he drank.
With one last solemn stare, the weathered warrior broke away from the patient's bedside. Right next to the door, he found Neo leaning against the wall.
The petite girl turned to him, as if to ask a question.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Qrow answered. "Let's go, squirt."
The Huntsman walked to his designated area with Neo following after. Ever since Cinder started breaking in her influence over the Tower, his own synchronization with the Old One ran in parallel.
As the pair continued down the sterile steel halls, Qrow contemplated everything he once knew. Doubt seeped from every corner. He questioned repeatedly the things he believed in once with such certainty— about Ozpin, about his mission, and inevitably, about what he knew of Summer Rose.
He was tired.
So, very tired.
Qrow wondered if there would ever be a time of rest.
Or a day he would find peace.
…
"What a mess."
.
X
.
"What a mess…" Weiss muttered quietly so none of the soldiers could hear.
It was the most haphazard battle she'd ever seen. Enemy and ally formations clashed and mixed into each other. There was barely any sense of coordination. Units mismatched with awkward opposition. Trajectories drew odd angles and patterns. A stagnation and hesitation permeated both sides. Even their androids were operating poorly.
Since the battle between the Alliance and Atlas began, the whole timing and order of things ran completely ramshackle. It didn't take much effort on Weiss' behalf to figure out Emerald's Semblance was the cause of the premature conflict. One look at past video footage showed the Alliance never initiated the conflict, and Team ENMY were likely the culprits behind explosions within the city.
With Atlas inciting the attack, the Alliance was forced to reveal their hand as well.
Not long after the battle started, another attack from White Fang insurgents came from the north part of the city. Accompanying the assault was a massive herd of Grimm Jotunn and a few sparse groups of Panzerborne. From the first looks, the unit count seemed too small to perform a successful pincer with its southern allies.
Weiss could only conclude they were not aware, nor prepared for Cinder's interference either.
"Team ENMY…" the Winter Maiden narrowed her brow. "They really are experts at throwing wrenches into everyone's plans."
"So, it would seem," Hades hissed at her side.
Also on the bridge of Atlas' flagship, General Ironwood and Captain Trafalgar hurriedly issued orders. Both had a wall of projections that covered every inch of their peripherals. Every two seconds, they mashed a button on their console to speak with the commanding officer of a respective hologram. Though, the unorthodox warfare seemed to drain Ironwood's stamina, Trafalgar almost seemed energized by it.
"I find it reassuring, but also disconcerting to see our Captain so enthused by the circumstances we find ourselves in."
"Yes," Weiss echoed. "I remember watching him play several chess matches simultaneously with the same look on his face."
"So, he is no stranger to this."
"Probably not."
"—Weiss. Reinforce our troops in the L4 quadrant," Trafalgar ordered calmly.
At once, the Winter Maiden traced her ethereal sword through the air. Several enormous Glyphs appeared at the location of her choosing. They spun and hummed with energy before fissuring with frost.
Six knights of titan size were summoned. They drew their equally vast weapons and rushed Alliance airships, cleaving two of them in half. Its passengers, evacuating immediately.
Part of the extraordinary feat was due to the Maiden's inheritance, but also the form the Aegis System took under her command. The ultimate shield of the Kingdom was no longer just the forcefield that covered the city, but also an increased number of summons at the girl's disposal.
"Weiss, quadrant S9's infantry units," Trafalgar ordered again.
The giant knights disappeared. At the same time, a few packs of luminescent Beowulf scourged the ground of the next target area.
As the battle continued to wage in the southern theater, Weiss turned to monitors displaying the battle in the north. Although they split a significantly smaller army to the point, it seemed the fight was actually proceeding better than their own.
After initial engagements, Weiss sortied Team RNJR and CFVY to the other side of the city. In a battle against Grimm foes, she believed smaller numbers, but greater specialization would prove more effective. Her own fight relied more on the army than the individual.
That said, a nerve-wracking reluctance to fight steadily grew on the field before her. She could see soldiers backing away or resting near hostile forces not five feet from them. It was as if not a single body wanted to fully commit to this battle, and were readily searching for a way out.
Weiss couldn't blame them. The ill-timing of the engagement taxed too much.
She was tempted to simply issue a full retreat. The enemy commanders must have felt the same. The problem was, they could not guarantee that the other side wouldn't take advantage of the show of weakness. Instead, they were deadlocked into a fight none wanted to continue.
With that in mind, Weiss' anger festered further. Her fury directed not at the Alliance, but Team ENMY and Cinder.
…
Meanwhile in the north, Teams CFVY and RNJR made mincemeat from the horde of Grimm. Much of the Atlas Military and police were regulated to dealing with White Fang within the city. As a result, the eight Huntsmen and Huntresses in-training were left to themselves.
Nora and Coco took high ground at the edge of Atlas' wall. From there, they bombarded the artillery-type Panzerborne in the rear. Any return fire was swallowed by the force bubble of the Aegis System.
There were a number of White Fang rushing from the nearby Dust Mines. But because of their surprisingly low numbers, the defenders' group was able to take them down without fatality.
Fox and Ren darted in the midst of their ranks. Their Aura-focused martial arts proved effective at incapacitating the Faunus. Ruby summoned a gauntlet of thorny vines to bind their bodies to the ground.
"—Ankle Breaker!" Jaune called out.
In coordination with Yatsuhashi, the two made for one of the lumbering Jotunn.
They positioned themselves between the giant's slow, but lengthy steps. Jaune activated his Semblance and reinforced both their strengths. With a violent show of force, the young man smashed his shield into the inside of the Jotunn's ankle. On the opposite side, Yatsuhashi rammed the other with the flat of his blade.
The bellowing Grimm collapsed forward, allowing the pair to run and deliver the final blow.
As the rest of the group continued to slay the dark creatures and suppress White Fang members, Velvet molded her Aura. In her hand, she held a single photo. She could feel her Semblance threatening to overload, as she poured more energy into the weapon she imagined.
Then, with a great leap, the rabbit Faunus danced in the moonlit night. She kissed the photograph, as the paper dissolved into the digital trace of its weapon.
Nora's maul was materialized, but enhanced to an unwieldly scale. Velvet held the far-end of the handle that was so much larger than her whole body. And with a motion deceptive to its mass, brought the hammer down on the head of a Jotunn, smashing it right down the center.
She landed, spun—creating a gust with her turn. The maul cracked right into the knee of another Grimm giant, bringing it low instantly.
…
As the northern defense proceeded, a certain group watched the affair from afar.
"The assault is faltering," Adam judged.
"Thank you, Adam," Raven replied sarcastically. "I wasn't aware of that fact until you shared your keen insight."
"Should we issue a retreat?" Blake asked.
"Too late," she shook her head. "We're in it now. We can only commit. Besides…" Her gaze turned to the center of the city, more accurately, the direction of the Tower. "This isn't just about defeating Atlas anymore. That might even be second priority."
"What?"
"Cinder's making a play for the Tower. We can't let her have it."
Suddenly, across the city, they could see bright red fireworks flare into the night sky. The ones who launched them, were their allies in the Armada.
"About time they're ready," Raven drew her blade from its sheathe. "The situation is less than ideal, but we'll just have to manage. The Armada's making a serious push in three minutes. Which means, we have to shake up the Atlas Fleet in two. Time to move."
The swordsman leapt from the ridge, and swooped down like a bird's dive. Blake and Adam bolted on her right and left wings. Their weapons drawn with the same motion.
Fox was the first to take notice of the trio's approach. He quickly read the others the situation over comms.
Coco and Nora immediately unleashed a barrage of fire, which the group of sword wielders deflected and cut with ease.
Upon seeing that, Jaune judged long-range fire would be ineffective. Especially at that distance, where the trajectories were predictable. So, he tapped on his in-ear radio.
"Coco, Nora, focus fire on the Grimm. Leave Blake's group to us."
""Roger.""
Raven, Blake, and Adam dashed ahead of the Grimm and past their Faunus allies. It became plainly obvious their main goal was to make contact with defense wall as quickly as possible.
Ren and Fox peeled after them, running along their sides.
If Blake had any misgivings about fighting Fox, who she briefly teamed up with in Vacuo—she did not show it.
Their blades rang sharp, as countless afterimages of their figures fought a series of encounters. Agility was the essence, since Blake's clones were ineffective against the blind fighter. She could only rely on her feline acuity and prowess.
Fox was succeeding in slowing his opponent down, when a well-placed bullet from a high angle made him turn to parry it.
From the mountain ridge, Inna ejected her spent bullet casing and loaded the next round.
"Come on, Blake. Pull out my callin' card. Sneak attacks aren't gonna work on that fella."
Through her scope, the marksman saw Blake pawing the slight crease in her pocket. But then, deemed it unnecessary, since Inna bought her enough reprieve.
"You'll regret it, if you go too soft on 'em.."
On the other side, Adam had no such reservations fighting Ren.
His pursuer continuously faded in and out of visibility. Ren's jaded daggers bore their fangs at him with every opportunity. It was like being snapped at by a King Taijitu.
Adam read the timing for Ren's next lunge, when he flicked out a playing card. The three of spades.
Immediately, three shots came in rapid succession, piercing the spades on the card. The column lined down with Ren's nose for an instant fatal snipe.
But before the bullets could hit him, Ren raised his hand to block. Concentrating all his Aura into his palm.
"Guh!"
The boy tumbled through the snow. His body felt sore from the emergency expenditure of Aura. Heart palpitating with how close he came to death.
"REN!" Nora yelled over the comms.
"I'm fine…!" he answered.
In his tightly balled palm, he let three bullets fall into the snow, along with a generous amount of blood.
With Ren and Fox out of the way, only Ruby and Jaune stood between the rushing trio and the wall. The two defenders glowed with the activation of their Semblances.
"—Apologies, children. But you're in the way."
Raven resheathed her sword. The revolver turned and clicked, fastening a black blade into the hilt. She drew it faster than her opponents could perceive.
A dark swath, like a thick brushstroke painted the space. A void could be felt within, and suddenly, Ruby and Jaune's Semblances deactivated. The Aura they kneaded were completely sucked dry.
Seemingly defenseless, Coco and Nora offered their allies covering fire. The hail of ordinance succeeded in making Raven, Adam, and Blake avoid their allies, but did nothing to stop them from bounding for the wall.
By the time RNJR and CFVY recovered, it was too late.
Raven activated her Semblance to its fullest potential. The Death in the structure appeared with clarity. Crimson threads, likened to arteries weaved the invisible barrier covering the city. They were the red strings of fate that held its existence together. The form her Semblance's mastery took.
Raven's hair bristled, like feathers of an angry bird. Her blade was resheathed once more. The dial turned, and clicked an ominously pulsing red blade into the hilt.
The moment she tightened her grip, a blazing cross ignited across the sky.
The Aegis System's bubble crumbled and unwound, like freshly severed tapestry. Its transparent veil flailed before disappearing into nothing…
Atlas now stood without its primary defense.
…
Weiss dropped to one knee, clutching her chest. At the same time, a number of her summons faded from the battlefield.
"What just happened?!" Ironwood shouted. "Weiss?"
The Winter Maiden struggled to her feet.
"The Aegis is down…!" Weiss winced, as she turned to the staticky monitor with a roaring scar still cutting across its sky. "All units must fall back to the city…! We have to set up a defensive perimeter at the—oh no…"
Everyone followed her line of sight to the Alliance Armada bullying their way towards the capital. They had been ready and waiting for Raven to bring down the shield. When the moment came, they prepared to have their forces rush past the stunned Atlesian Fleet, making the most of their confusion. The Armada suffered a few skirting damages for their trouble. Some of their airships, ramming Atlesian ones off-balance…
Including the Fleet's main dreadnought.
"No…No. NO!" Ironwood repeated, while trying to recover from the collision. "If they enter the city… this will be all over."
"All forces!" Weiss addressed her Kingdom's military. "Do everything to stop them! General, I am taking the Swordfish. It's the only vessel capable of getting ahead of them now."
"By yourself?! I know the Maiden's power is immense, but you cannot hope to hold the whole Armada on your own."
"I don't have a choice!" Weiss replied, as she made her way from the bridge. "I cannot give up!"
"Our Kingdom needs me!"
.
X
.
"Hm. It appears my Kingdom needs me."
Cinder had seized majority control of the Tower and put a stop to the memories floating around her. In their place, a live model projection of the Kingdom mimicked the events transpiring outside. It showed her the full scope of the predicament Atlas now faced.
"Can you really turn this around?" Yang asked with only the slightest bit of doubt. "We didn't count on my mom destroying the Aegis."
"Your worries are unfounded, Yang. The Tower was never originally meant to be utilized by the Winter Maiden, after all. In my capable hands, I wield far more power than Weiss Schnee ever did."
Cinder eyed the hostile threats approaching each side. An amber glow flitted in her irises as her Semblance activated. The Tower itself synched with the Fall Maiden, surging with power. Dust drew from its underground reserves. The whole structure seemed to hum with energy.
"Penny, patch me into all communications, if you would."
"Roger that, Ma'am!" Penny saluted over the radio.
At that moment, every scroll, electronic screen, and audio device either broadcasted a live feed of Cinder or at least her voice. However briefly, even enemy communications had been hijacked until Alliance communication officers found a way to close the circuit. It was no exaggeration to say that all eyes and ears now fell on the Fall Maiden.
"My fellow citizens. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid. Our Kingdom will not fall, so long as I draw breath," Cinder smiled confidently. "The Atlesian Military is hereby ordered to retreat. Your valiant display has done our home honor. Now it is time, your home returns the favor—And sees you your safe return." She stretched her arms out wide in a grand gesture.
The video ended, and Cinder resumed her analysis of the hologram around her. She didn't just see the enemy forces, she took in the Atlas Fleet's placements. The whole layout of the continent shaped into life within her mind and at her fingertips.
Around her middle finger, an ephemeral ring twisted into existence. Dark crystal encased smoldering fire in its Runes. It was the form of Cinder's Regalia and the mark of her Semblance's mastery.
As Yang watched the would-be ruler exercise her ability, she couldn't stop but admire the Maiden's figure. She experienced Cinder's Semblance firsthand, and it was every bit as lethal as its practitioner. Only under the strictest confidentiality did the Fall Maiden share that information. And only because they would undoubtedly face the greatest battle of their lives, did they understand that nothing could be held back. Especially from one another.
Cinder dubbed her nurtured ability the Shatterpoint Semblance. The ability to see the Fragility In All Things.
"Diamonds are the most durable material in our world," Cinder once said to Yang. "But strike them at exactly the right place, with even the barest of strengths—and it will shatter like glass."
A deviousness exuded the one that wished to be queen. The weaknesses and frailty in her foes became known to her. They shimmered like subtle flaws in gems. Beautiful jewels just waiting to be broken down to its smallest particles.
But what truly made her Semblance frightening was not just the Fragility it revealed physically, but universally. It applied the same to formations, events, to situations, to concept, causality, and possibly even time and luck. Cinder truly possessed a sense for the vulnerability in all things. Though, more limits were imposed with increasing abstractness of the target.
Having studied directly under Raven, there was no doubt of its similarities to the Reaper Semblance.
As a result, Cinder's predictions almost seemed clairvoyant. Accompanied by her complete willingness to carry out whatever measures necessary to bring about her desired outcome. It made her one of the deadliest individuals to ever walk Remnant.
…
"—Activate Javelin System," the Fall Maiden ordered.
Upon her command, the Tower jolted and Cinder aimed her ring at the enemy projections.
Outside, a maelstrom picked up, spiraling out from the facility's location. It grew so expansive, so quickly, it turned the sky instantly dark. The clouds were so black, it was like they were all under a starless sky.
And then,
Lights.
The falling snow turned into burning ash, singeing the night. A boom echoed from above with a flash. Then, the boom turned into a roar. Followed by the scream of a plummeting object filling the atmosphere.
A scorched Rune pulsed on the storm cloud's ceiling, before a fiery meteor exploded through, spitting lava from its birth.
The projectile of pure calamity struck through one of the Armada's galleons with one fell swoop. The chaos of the attack induced panic in the Alliance formation. They still charged forward, but more uncertainly now. Their pilots, soldiers, and commanders now looked to the skies in hopes the occasion was only singular.
But Cinder dashed those hopes with joy.
Five Runes appeared like the first one, followed by a concert of hellfire that raided the Alliance ranks.
Despite orders from Straw and Saru to proceed forward, the invading aircrafts were beginning to halt their march.
In contrast, the ground units were still paving a path to the Kingdom, able to dodge the descending spheres of inferno. But it was then, a high-pitched cry pierced their ears. When they took notice of the cause, they saw rings of Runes spinning below them.
Conflagration erupted in a violent updraft.
Survival instinct overrode the hearts and minds of Alliance soldiers. They retreated in flagrant disobedience of their superiors' orders. There was no turning the situation. It was now a complete route.
Likewise, the assaulting Grimm and White Fang from the north, suffered similar fates as their southern allies. Only ash and ruin remained of Atlas' enemies by the end of it. Cinder's reckoning attested on all fronts.
As the Fall Maiden set the Javelin System on standby, she turned to her unlikely comrade, who watched the miniature-scaled apocalypse with unblinking eyes.
"This may be the first time I have trouble reading your expression, Yang," Cinder smirked. "Tell me, is it with fear… or awe, that you look at me now?"
"No matter how strong you get, I'll never be afraid of you."
"Hm?—"
"—So the other thing, then?"
.
X
.
In spite of the losses their side suffered, Raven's group continued to race through the evacuated streets of the city. Following hot on their trails, were Teams CFVY and RNJR.
"Is it wise to continue the operation?" Adam asked.
"Our mission is to destroy the Tower," Raven answered. "And that supersedes everything, now more than ever."
When the trio reached the entrance, they found the unconscious bodies of army personnel. Past that, they came to a stop. The facility's large vault doors standing in their way.
"Raven?" Blake asked. "They're catching up!"
"No. We can't fight them all at once and contend with the Tower's security measures. We're too few."
"Isn't it too late to be worrying about that now?!" Adam exclaimed.
"Calm down, the both of you," Raven sternly silenced them. "We have to do this smart, and we have to do this right. I'm not keen on accepting a foolish death, and I doubt neither of you want one either."
""…""
"Right. So, you two just stay quiet and wait, while—Well."
Teams CFVY and RNJR caught up to them and leveled their respective weapons at the three intruders.
"Let's not do something we're obviously going to regret," Raven stepped forward. "I need to speak with the Winter Maiden."
"—I'm here."
A strong gust of wind swept across, as a silver aircraft hovered between the two parties. Weiss dropped down casually to address the other.
"What could the culprit responsible for destroying our Kingdom's defenses wish to speak with me about?"
"Simple," Raven replied. "We have a common enemy. A literal enemy team, if you will."
Weiss twitched at the poorly-timed joke and the implication accompanying the statement.
"You must be joking."
"Enemies of our enemies."
"Our sides were waging war not five minutes ago, and you dare request an alliance?"
"That battle was over and done with the moment Cinder took the keys to this Kingdom. Your Kingdom. Or am I wrong, Weiss Schnee?"
"…"
"You know, as well as I do. When one fight ends, the only thing that matters is the next one. Now, that may very well be between you and I, but you have to figure," Raven gave Weiss a long hard stare. "That's probably exactly what 'she' wants," she nudged in the direction of the Tower. "You're the Winter Maiden, correct? Upholder of the balance and what's fair? Weigh the scales and tell me where the real threat is—the one standing before you, or the one taking your home for their own?"
"I can dispatch you and attend to the other matter after."
"No," Raven shortly replied. "You can't and you won't."
"You don't know what I am capable of."
"I have an idea. And I'm sure you were a little fighting prodigy before you got your hands on the Inheritance, but there are two full-blown monsters in there," Raven paused and corrected herself on seeing the scythe marks around them. "Strike that, three—and that's not including their associates. Are you so ignorant to think you can beat them, after somehow defeating us? I don't think so. And you're too smart not to see it."
"…The idea of allying myself with you is absurd. Even if I could entertain such an option, I can't trust you. Therefore, there is nothing more to discuss."
"—You can trust me," Blake walked in front of Raven. "Right?"
"…"
"Weiss, it's over! Cinder's taken the Tower. Even if you get it back, we can just retreat, and you just saw Raven break the Aegis with your own eyes. This war was over for Atlas, when Vale signed a treaty with Mistral."
"And, what? I'm supposed to just surrender?!"
"Fighting us is surrendering! If we don't join forces, Cinder will take over Atlas, and who knows what she'll do, then! Weiss! Please, see reason…"
"…"
"We can end the war now. No one else has to die! All we need to do is destroy the Tower. The Tower that you can't even control anymore! The one that doesn't work, and won't work in time for the Alliance's next attack anyway."
"I will not hand over Atlas."
"Is this what you really think is best for your people?! For our friends?!" Blake gestured to Teams RNJR and CFVY behind her. "To fight this pointless war, when all of us just want peace?! Do we really have to kill each other?! WHY?!"
"You don't understand."
"Don't I?!"
Blake stepped forward and Weiss drew her rapier at her throat.
"Didn't you learn anything from when we last saw Yang, Blake? There's no choice but to fight each other."
"No, this is different. I'm not afraid to fight. But the only enemy I see is in there. And I think…" Blake paused. "I think we can fight together again. I want that. I want it to be us that stops Yang."
"…"
"I'm so sorry, Weiss. I never wanted this, but if our friendship ever meant anything, please think about this carefully. I will do everything to see Atlas retain its sovereignty under your rule."
"—Blake, you can't make those—" Raven started.
"I will do everything I can!" Blake reaffirmed. "And if they won't… I'll fight them, too. I'll stand with you if that time comes. I'll do it now if that's how it has to be."
The young Faunus and Raven shared a stubborn stare down, before the older scratched her head. She measured the pros and cons, and the potential fallout that could ensue.
"I can run the idea by Argent," Raven sighed. "No promises. If anything, I will vouch for you, heiress. IF you help us destroy the Tower and take Cinder down."
As Weiss listened to Raven, she turned to Blake again, who showed her genuine desire to be comrades once more. While contemplating it, she looked behind to her allies.
Coco shrugged and shook her head.
"I don't like it. I really don't like it, but…" she left her last words hanging there.
"I don't know if I have the right to say anything, or without any bias," Jaune said. "But I know Cinder has to be stopped. She can't rule Atlas. It has to be you, Weiss."
Lastly, Weiss turned to Ruby.
Her partner stepped to her side.
"I'll support anything you decide, Weiss. I know you already made your decision."
"But I want to hear what you think."
Ruby flashed her an understanding smile.
"Well, if we're being honest… I don't want to fight Blake either."
.
X
.
The elevator stopped, and the large group entered the lobby.
Rows of security gates lined across the floor. Employee locker rooms and weapons inventory for military personnel were stationed close by. There was also a receptionist desk that was positioned a full story high in its center.
There, two figures sat on its ledge in idle wait, looking down at their visitors.
"Well, look who came down the rabbit hole. And together, no less!"
"Qrow…" Raven scowled.
"Hey, big sis." *Hic*
"Qrow, it's time. Get down from there."
"Told ya she was bossy," Qrow side-mouthed to Neo.
The petite girl nodded in response.
"I like you. You're a good listener. Good talker, too. Well, not 'talker'," he air quoted. "But you get your point across pretty good."
"Qrow."
"Not like other people… Seriously, what is it about me that makes it so hard just to tell me stuff? You'd think my loved ones or the people I was closest to would do that the most, but hey, l-l-let's not tell Qrow anything. He'll never understand. He'll never get it."
"…"
"No, not my dear old sister, not Oz—and not Summer."
"…Crap." Raven turned to the rest of the party. "Everyone except Adam go on ahead."
"What?" Weiss asked. "Why?"
"Cause he's drunk."
"He'salways drunk."
"Not this drunk, he isn't," Raven clicked her tongue with annoyance. "Not too often, anyway. He's a lot more difficult like this, and I can't protect you and fight him at the same time."
"…"
Weiss pondered the decision for a quick second. She noted how beneficial it would be to have two of the individuals she trusted the least, nowhere near the core of the Tower. With that in mind, she consented to Raven's suggestion with a nod.
The group moved past the two perched on the tall desk.
As they did, Ruby noticed Qrow refusing to make any eye contact with her. In truth, it disturbed her a bit, but avoiding a fight with him altogether drowned that concern with relief.
Their group descended further down the Tower. They stopped at the advanced mining station built to acquire the highly potent Dust ore in the surrounding earth.
It was practically an entire factory built into one section. Machinery was still active in cleaning and filtering sediments. Various chemicals ran through the pipe lanes stretching over the warehouse. And standing on the skybridge between a row of vats were three individuals.
"Seriously… Do me and Merc have the words: Rematches welcome, tattooed on our foreheads, or what?" Emerald asked. "Like, I'm not the only one that finds this ridiculous, right?"
"Definitely reaching creepy levels of stalking," Mercury agreed.
"I, for one, think it's sen-sational to see your friends so frequently," Penny smiled obliviously.
"You say that about everything."
"…So, I do," she nodded. "Salutations, all!" Penny greeted their opponents. "I have been programmed to enter combat with you."
"Prepare to be defeated!"
.
X
.
"Do you believe in Destiny?"
By Cinder's tone, Yang knew it wasn't a simple question.
The girl thought for a moment before answering.
"No."
"Hmmm…." Cinder caressed a black queen chess piece in her hands. "I think you should. A great Destiny certainly believes in you."
The Fall Maiden continued to blow on the molten glass sculpture. Her breath made it warm and glow orange, shaping it to her liking. Her fingers slid across its polished surface, turning it over and over again.
"I believe people have a false sense of what Destiny is. It isn't some foolish notion of inevitable outcome or unchangeable future. Especially for you and I who change fate's design to suit our own devices, oh so often."
"…"
"No. I believe Destiny is the strength of one's life and their pursuit of its fulfillment. It is the measure of one's ability to carry out their means as they see fit. The accumulation of one's strength, intelligence, preparation, resourcefulness—and sheer will." Cinder set the chess piece down on a set she had been smelting with a satisfying clink. "To achieve one's own personal epitome of existence. That is the strength required of one's soul."
Cinder looked into Yang's eyes and was not disappointed in what she saw there. The same kind of fire she too possessed. So similar they were. So committed and unfettered by what most deemed unimaginable.
"…But nothing is tempered, if it is not tested. Nothing forged without trial by fire." Cinder's Aura shed ash from her outline. "But it is in those desperate moments, we find who and what we really are. The realization and enlightenment at the end of our bittersweet times. Our lives defined."
It was there, in the lowest chamber of the lowest tower, the electronic doors before the two Maidens opened.
"For those of our kin, there may be no trial by fire, Yang. There is only the fire. And that, is true strength."
The three figures of Weiss, Ruby, and Blake entered the hallowed ground.
"That is what I believe…
Is Destiny."