Breaking Remnant: Bound by Shadows

Rating: T/M

Series: RWBY

Volume 5: Revelation

Summary: Aganju came to Beacon wanting to be treated as equals. Pyrrha wanted to be viewed as a normal girl. Neither of them expected to be that fate would have them meet. Now, they navigate the academy grounds and beyond, with secrets and danger awaiting them at every corner. The alternate timeline takes place just before the start of RWBY volume 1 and AU in the Breaking Remnant series.

(Rewrite of RWBY: Shadows of Destiny)

Author's Note:

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to RWBY... that honor belongs to Rooster Teeth. I do own the rights to my OCs.


Chapter 29


Pyrrha couldn't take it anymore.

Being held against her will and restrained inside of a padded cell was beginning to take its toll on the poor girl. Dark circles were extensively visible as she'd not been able to acquire a decent night's worth of rest since her imprisonment. The days had rolled together due to not seeing so much as a glimpse of the outside world since that day.

The last she last saw Aganju and Blake...

On that day, she admittedly was a bit troubled by her boyfriend after their disagreement.

Pyrrha wanted to go with him when he stormed off and yet, she felt rooted where she stood, forced to watch helplessly as her beloved left with Nora following close behind. From there, she expected the duo's return only to receive the terrible news that he'd gone missing, possibly a victim of the twisted Tyrian Callows. Pyrrha wanted to find him.

She wanted to save him; to rescue the boy who stole her heart.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the case as she later found out the truth about General Ironwood's plan to force the floating city into space, forcing the citizens of Mantle to fend for themselves against the bloodthirsty Grimm. Now, she was a prisoner of the Atlas military, along with her friends and allies.

A powerful tremor overtook her, contained only by the forced position of her arms holding her frame. A single drop of grief fell unopposed down her ivory cheek only to be followed by hot torrents of her unadulterated anguish coursing down her face. She bit her lip, the only thing possible given her predicament, choking back the sobs that revealed the depths of her tangled mind. At this point, she didn't care if Qrow or anyone else saw her like this; the only thing mattering now was the position they were all in.

"Hey, kid..." She choked back the sob stuck in her throat while turning over to the chained male. "If you're worried about my nephew and Blake, don't be. You're wasting your time."

"W-what do you mean? How can you say-?!"

Qrow Branwen broke into a grim smirk, his dull red eyes locked onto the floor with a spark of confidence. Even without looking at the scarlet-haired girl, the scythe-wielder could feel her dark look, but, also her hope pointed at him.

"If nothing else, Aganju is a survivor. He's weathered discrimination, a fight with the Fall Maiden, and being stabbed by my sister. Do you think he's going to die to that wack job?"

"But..."

"Look, I can assure you that he's not in Salem's clutches."

"How can you be so sure?" Pyrrha asked, hesitance lacing her inquiry. "How can you be so sure that nothing's happened?"

Qrow finally turned toward the girl, his fatigue evident all over his face.

"Before they brought you here, I got word that your friend, Blake, took him to get patched up. Plus, Ironsack was going off on how he couldn't find them. That would mean that while they're missing, they're not in either his or Salem's grasp. If they were caught, they'd either be here or in that witches' domain."

Pyrrha still wasn't sure, but there was little evidence to discredit the man's point. Her memories took her back to the time when she was taken captive by the Branwen tribe after Atsura was believed to be dead only for him to return. He was far stronger and more resilient than even she gave him credit for.

"I guess you're right..." she admitted softly, a humorless chuckle escaping her throat. "Add that to the list of things that I'll have to apologize for."

"That makes two of us, Pyrrha."

"He's the last one you need to beg forgiveness from," both Pyrrha and Qrow darted their heads toward the entrance to their room. That icy stare. Cold. Remorseless blue eyes watched the shocked looks twist into heated scowls. "If I were you, I'd be more concerned with what's going to befall you rather than two Faunus that betrayed you."

He expected a scathing statement, some form of comeback that would ignite the back and forth that they were both so used to engaging in.

However, he was intrigued to see the -haired woman staring up with something so foreign behind her orbs. He expected a burning flame, bright and hot like that of hell itself. Instead, Ironwood saw, not flames of rebellion but soul-shattering brokenness the likes of which he hadn't heeded before.

"Have you come to gloat, general?" she muttered, no venom to be found in her question.

James Ironwood analyzed the image of Pyrrha Nikos with dismay; at least she wasn't going manic.

"Hardly. I came to apologize for all that I've had to do. I hoped that you all would understand that Atlas was and IS my top priority. Once Penny has been brought back, I can reenact the plan to get the staff away from Salem..."

"You still don't get it, do you, James?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You didn't just give Salem the lamp. You gave her future huntsman, one of them being my niece! You handed that bitch a silver-eyed warrior!"

For the first time, the military man's stone resolve began to chip away under his former ally's charge. It didn't last long though. Once more, the half-mechanized soldier resumed his unmoving eloquence.

"I did what I had to do to protect this kingdom. How could you possibly understand the complications of such a task?"

"YOU DOOMED US!"

"I saved us..." James replied lowly.

"You merely postponed the inevitable..." Qrow snarled viciously. His eye burned with a rage that rivaled his other niece, Yang. "By giving Ruby over to Salem, you gave away possibly our best bet to beat her! Why do you think Salem specifically wanted her in the first place?"

James said nothing.

"It's because of her eyes, you paranoid ass!"

This earned Qrow a backhanded slap across the face, though it did little to deter the man's anger. Unable to do anything else, he did the unthinkable. He feigned another verbal tirade only to spit in the man's face. The glob plastered on the bearded man, earning himself a dark glare in return. Ironwood shook in rage, his fury bubbling over, all semblance of propriety now vanished-replaced with unbridled wrath. Such an impudent act triggered the feral monster that Qrow knew was hidden behind the mask of stoicism.

A clenched fist, metal covered by soft material, once more rose with the hammer of Oum against the former drunkard's face, forcing his head to whiplash. The restraints around his wrists prevented any retaliation. Pyrrha heard a vicious crack, cringing in her bonds as blood began to pour from his nose like a faucet.

"What I've done... has always been to protect my kingdom!"

"You keep telling yourself that, James..." Qrow chuckled, thick plasma coating his teeth. "Bravado isn't becoming of Salem's bitch."

Expecting to be slapped again, if not something far worse, the ragged man was surprised when the pristine-clothed general turned to walk away. It seemed that his patience had run thin at this point, further solidifying the words of Qrow Branwen. The tall Atlesian stopped just short of the doorway, glancing over his shoulder with that familiar cold glare.

"Yours won't save you tomorrow either..."

With that, General Ironwood took his leave, once more enveloping the two in the dull darkened state of their prison cell.


Winter stood upright in front of her post. Despite her polished posture, the Atlesian Specialist found it increasingly difficult to hold back the exhaustion that settled on her face. Her normally astute expression had slowly contorted into a solemn grimace. Her heart ached as she stole glances at her prisoner. As usual, the sight of her sister sitting in a prison uniform was heartbreaking. Even after things began to die down, Winter couldn't shake off her feelings of doubt, mainly toward her superior.

But, there was no time to exhibit weakness, not in her position.

A soldier is ALWAYS vigilant! Loyalty always matters.

That's what the older Schnee continued to tell herself before a light yawn forced its way up.

"You need to rest..."

The light-hearted voice made the woman jump slightly. She turned around slowly, her heartbeat pounding harder, each one like a massive wave against her ribs. Two pairs of light blue soon clasped on one another. Relief filled one, but, the other? The eldest could feel the frigid glare from her younger sibling, the thrashing in her chest growing in strength.

"Weiss... I-"

"You're going to collapse if you don't get some sleep."

With that, Weiss turned back around, white drooping over her back. This was the most the girl said since her capture months prior and Winter wasn't about to waste this moment if she could help it.

"Never mind me... I-I... I'm sorry that all of this happened."

"..."

"Is there anything I can do to make your time here less depressing?"

Still, nothing.

"Weiss?" The specialist hesitated, her voice hitching in her throat. "Please talk to me."

"I've said what I needed to, Winter. I hear the barrack bunks are comfortable." Winter didn't miss the stinging venom behind her sister's words but, she'd endure it if it meant they could talk. She felt a swell of relief after hearing her voice, even if it was heavily blanketed in condescendence.

"I suppose I deserve that, but, you must understand that I'm only following orders."

In a surprising move, Weiss shot up from her flat bunk. Twisting her form, she gave Winter a clear view of her anger. What was just previously a frozen gateway shimmering with disinterest had suddenly erupted into a molten volcano. Rage. Betrayal. Frustration. All of these and more flashed behind Weiss' eyes, forcing the already shaky woman to waver somewhat.

"Give it a rest, Winter! You're always using that excuse whenever you get backed into a corner." She stomped to the see-through barrier until she and her sister were as close as possible. "Whenever Ironwood tells you something, you do it without question; no hesitation."

"T-That's what a good soldier does, Weiss. We complete the tasks we've been given without question."

"What about our father?"

"What about him?" Winter scoffed, recalling the look of fear on the man's face as he was taken to the deepest levels of the guardhouse for his crimes against the kingdom.

"How is Ironwood any different from him now?"

This time, fury ignited behind Winter's gaze, an expected result to anyone who knew her. Despite this, Weiss didn't falter.

"General Ironwood has done the best he could with this entire situation! The coliseum plan? The Grimm? Leading the military as well as sitting on the council? He's given his blood, sweat, and tears to ensure the safety of not only Atlas and Mantle, but Remnant as well! He risked his life to protect Beacon during the Vytal Festival."

All likeness of maturity and stoicism disappeared now. In their place, an unrestrained emotion poured from her soul. Weiss, however, wasn't fooled; she knew her sister far better than anyone else. Anyone else might perceive her outburst as passionate loyalty. but the aptly named 'Ice Queen' saw the truth through the illusion.

"Oh give it a rest, Winter!" she hissed, dousing that flame immediately. "You go on about all of the 'good' he's done and yet, you've never stopped to think about his involvement leading to that." Winter was about to counter but the smaller girl wasn't about to give her an opportunity to. "You talk about what he did yet, you conveniently leave out his flaws."

"What are you-?"

"Why would he bring a massive military force to a festival centered around peace?"

Winter simply stared at the focused pale gaze, dumbfounded. Her eyes grew wide as she sought to figure out any sort of answer. Sadly, her mind was drawing a blank. That gave Weiss an opening to keep going. Her angry stare softened a bit, but the force of her will could still be felt as she slowly walked back toward her bunk.

"Even though I was happy to see you in Vale, I did ask myself that. For what reason was Atlas being brought here in such excess? I wasn't the only one wondering that either. Several of Vale's citizens, as well as those from Mistral and Vacuo, pondered that as well. So, tell me, sister, did you think about the thoughts of the people when Ironwood mentioned this approach?"

"I'm positive that the general had a good reason."

"I'm sure he did..." Weiss answered bitterly. "He always has a good reason' when it comes to you. You never find anything wrong with his logic; I wonder why?"

Before Winter could respond to the blatant insinuation, heavy footsteps broke into the conversation. Both members of the Schnee household turned to see the indecipherable features of the very topic of discussion. His blue orbs were darkened with ambivalence. Each step prompted a tiny shiver from his subordinate, though it had little effect on the younger girl.

"Schnee?" Winter tensed under the cold tone, even worse when combined with the formality of her last name. "After tonight, you'll be back on regular duty. Starting tomorrow, you'll be by my side as we work to restart the plan for the amity tower. Understood?"

"Yes, sir... But, what about-?"

"That is all, Schnee!" his gruff voice shut her down. "Someone will relieve you tomorrow before Qrow's execution. Until then, remain at your post and don't allow yourself to lose sight of your purpose."

"Y-Yes, sir."

With that, Ironwood took his leave, ignoring the searing glare from the former heiress within the cell. Winter could only watch helplessly as her superior walked down the corridor. It was only when his steps were no longer heard that she'd finally exhaled. The worry and helplessness were unmistakable in the specialists' now more than before. This was the standard now; Winter couldn't deny the truth that was staring her right in the face. Weiss could also see this unfortunate realization begin to shift within her sibling, her frown softening.

"How is he any different from father, now?"

"Weiss... I-I don't know."

Weiss shook her head, taking a seat on her bunk as she watched the troubled woman mull over what'd happened. It wasn't just the previous conversation but also everything else. Winter's entire resolve was being called into question; Her very identity was now a glaring mystery. Her head began swimming as a random serviceman approached.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" he rushed over, seeing Winter stumble slightly.

Before she could bark out a blatant lie, she fell over, prompting Weiss to rush over to the barrier keeping her captive. Thankfully, the male managed to prevent her full-on collapse. He immediately called for assistance as her vision blurred. Notwithstanding, Winter could still make out some notable features. Golden eyes. Dark brown skin. Ashen-black spiky hair. A single fang sticking out over his lower lip.

"S... San..."

That couldn't be right...

No member of the Atlas ranks was allowed such an indignant appearance. Presently, her senses yielded, if only for a moment. It would prove to be enough as she scurried out of the arms of the male, once more standing to her feet. Her heart raced as she looked back at the confused soldier, finding that none of those features were on him anymore.

Instead, she was greeted by royal blue orbs, a shaven head, and pale skin.

"I-I'm fine... Send someone over to watch inmate Schnee until I return," she announced, exhaling roughly before pushing past the incoming members of the medic's unit. Nobody questioned her. They simply watched as she disappeared around a nearby corner, leaving them to comply with her order, and a worried Weiss to ponder what'd just happened.

Out of sight, Winter rushed on, no longer caring if anyone saw her.

All she cared about was finding a place to rest; her head began to throb, blurring her vision every so often. She sighed when she managed to make out one of the signs that led to a single dormitory where she pushed through the door, locking it behind her. It was dimly lit, but she didn't mind as she stumbled deeper inside.

She plopped down on the bed, groaning slightly as she closed her eyes in hopes of blocking out the impending headache. It was a bit difficult at first, mainly due to the scattered conversations about her well-being outside of the room. She didn't care. Though she couldn't completely escape the words of her sister, it was the floodgates that opened up as a result that troubled her, and yet, it carried a soothing image with it.

Golden eyes; a sign of royalty that she hadn't seen in so long. It was something from her past teasing her, but why now? If it was buried this deep, Winter didn't want to think about it for all of this time.

...and yet, the specialist couldn't shake off the appearance revealing itself before her mind's eye.

Such kind and caring eyes, filled with comfort and strength.

A slim yet muscular frame.

A lopsided smirk with a single sharp fang peeking over his full lips.

A black tail that swung playfully.

Winter remembered those elements rather well, each significant emblem of her past haunting her now.

It was something she'd long forgotten before Weiss was even old enough to forge her path. The mess of hair only made her cringe though as this mysterious figure was the complete opposite of her. Where she was trained and raised within Atlas' social elites, he was built by experiences on the mean streets of Mantle.

But, he was there with her, witnessing and supporting her ascent to the top. So, why would she want to rid herself of someone who was such a positive in her life?

In these times, the answer was clear as, for the first time, she regretted her actions. It was why he left so long ago. He tried to warn them that this would bite them in the ass and yet, neither would listen to him. In the end, they agreed to be civil and depart; she was justified in her decision though. Why would she listen to someone who didn't see her for who she was?

She was considered royalty, the first heir apparent of the Schnee Dust Company, he was a lowly worker, mining and delivering Dust to her family's doorsteps.

They were night and day and yet, Winter couldn't resist fondly recalling those parallels, even if he was a pain in the neck as they got older. Whatever Weiss said, it dug up some old memories that even she couldn't remember why. She wouldn't have time to figure it out either as a soft yawn passed her lips. As her eyes fluttered gently, Winter would drift off, unknowing of what was about to happen.


Back at the prison quarters, Yang lay flat on her back on the uncomfortable cot. She paid no mind to the various men and women that passed by. Even when the lights dimmed for the night, the 'Sunny Dragon' was unable to rest, choosing instead to turn her attention to something far more important.

"Ruby. Dad. Roxie. Blake. Aganju..."

After hearing about the latter's disappearance, Yang was full of anxiety that wouldn't be quelled until she knew that he was okay. With Ruby gone as well, her heart was aching in more ways than one. The damage to his body nearly broke her, even to the point where she nearly offered to escort him to safety; she still never fully found out what happened to cause such injuries. Along with his second disappearance, the blond was once again plunged into despair about the untold fate of the pair.

Once they were captured, Yang could only watch helplessly as Ironwood handed both her sister and her lover over to the witch, Salem. With her family completely scattered, there was nothing left for Yang. Her will to fight drained more and more with each passing day. Now, she was just marking down each day of her captivity, occasionally spitting out the occasional thereat at the general whenever it suited her.

The only family whom she could confirm was safe from this war was her father, Tai-Yang. Sure there was Raven, but, Yang wouldn't put much stock into the woman who abandoned her not once, but twice.

"What now...?"

"Is this what's become of my daughter?"

Lilac widened in surprise, shooting up to see a pair of crimson eyes staring back from within the darkness. Figuring she was hallucinating, the girl shook her head. Tears began to form as she curled up in her spot, muttering to herself.

"You're not real... You're not real. You're not-"

Her mantra ceased when a soft hand pressed against her cheek. Yang slowly opened her eyes noticing the figure kneeling before her. The dark red orbs were now accompanied by a soft and sincere grin. Though her pale skin had darkened slightly, it was the long wild black mane that let Yang know that her visual was indeed real.

"Mom?"

"We're getting you all out of here..."

"We?"

Yang watched, her caution morphing into wonder as another figure stepped through. His lopsided grin was matched only by the solace in his violet eyes. Her brain wanted to believe that this was an illusion constructed from her inner desire but, once she saw the faint traces of scarring on his arms, she was certain that her imagination had no power here.

"It can't be..." she fought back tears, covering her mouth to stifle the cry of hope that rested in her throat. "Dad?"

Tai-Yang didn't say a word, there was nothing he could think to say that would make Yang believe him. It'd been over a month. Who knows how she was affected by the conditions of this hell during his absence? It was a gamble, though, and not one he could take lightly. Even Raven couldn't blame the shock that was written on her face.

Her hair was disorganized and her body was dirty with bruises. Whatever they did to her, Raven and Tai would pay back tenfold.

They couldn't remain this way forever, though, the fact that the pair hadn't triggered any alarms during their infiltration was a miracle in itself. He breathed out and focused on anything that would snap the girl back to the present. He opened his arms, inviting her into an embrace. Thankfully, she'd accept the gesture, lifting her only arm. When she felt the warmth of his hug, that was enough to break the spell of immobility as she sobbed quietly.

"Hey, sis..." he whispered while rubbing her back until he heard footsteps. "...We need you to get back on the bed. Act natural!"

Despite Yang's reluctance, she did as instructed while the two stayed in the shadows. One of the guards came by with a tray of food in his hands. In reality, it was nothing more than grey slop. The man punched in a code, a hiss of compressed air signaling his success.

"Dinner time, kid..." he announced flatly. However, Yang didn't move from her spot on the hard bed with her back to him. "Hey! You need to eat this shit or else there will be penalties!"

Raven watched as her daughter flinched at the prospect of being punished with sorrow and anger. How long had she been subjected to this torment? Was this Ironwood's direct order or was this pathetic excuse for a man doing his own thing? Either way, it would be the first and last mistake under her watch if he didn't do what was best for himself.

"Take the damn tray or I'll be forced to take action," he drew a remote from his pocket. "1... 2..."

As Yang prepared to endure the familiar shock of electricity surging through her body, her ears could only pick up the sounds of a muffled scream and a loud cracking noise. When she finally dared to move again, her eyes fell upon the now-deceased Atlesian. Missing were his hands, perfectly sliced courtesy of Omen. What surprised her though was the swift actions of her father who'd snapped the neck of the lowly guard.

"Dad...?"

"Nobody touches my daughters on my watch!" he growled, finally dropping the corpse on the cold steel floor. Even Raven was taken aback by the ferocity of her ex-husband. "Now let's go, Yang. We need to get you out of here!"

"But... What about the others? They're still imprisoned..."

"I have a plan for that, but your father insisted on rescuing you first," Raven crossed her arms in a huff. "He'll be trading places with someone better suited for this mission, someone with a bone to pick with the general and Salem."

Before Yang could respond, the buzz of another portal being ripped open hushed her protests. Even when she could gather her words, such inquiries would be stunted when the point of Raven's blade expertly stabbed through the weak point of the collar that suppressed her aura.

"Tai, our contact should be in Vale by now. Can you make it back home from there?"

"Sure! I'll have her tended to first then I'll have the place prepared for the other arrivals."

Once more, there would be no room for discussion. Yang's only response was a yelp when her father led her through the portal, leaving Raven on clean-up duty. The body would serve as a perfect cover, allowing her to move through the building without detection for a little longer. Perhaps, this job would go without a hitch. The fire Dust in her blade had sealed the wounds shut, leaving no trace of blood.

She wasted little time in hiding the body underneath the sheet that was afforded to all prisoners, along with the tray and dismembered limbs before leaving. As the door sealed shut once again, she took a deep breath before going over the plan.

"Sneak in. Find Qrow. Free the others."

For now, Raven bitterly chuckled as she transformed into her bird form. Things would've been much easier if her link with her twin was still intact, but this was a chance for her to rectify the mistakes of her past. She'd already managed to fix two of her bonds, holding a strong connection with both Tai and Aganju, and was equally relieved when her portal with Yang still worked.

The easy part was over...