Setting: Atlas Hotel

In one of Atlas's luxurious hotels, two individuals were staying in one of the rooms. The first was the bat faunus, Ash Blood and the second was the charming yet cunning young woman, Ebony Vantablack. The duo has remained stationed in Atlas ever since they delivered Violet to her family. Ebony had to formally introduce herself to the Vantablack family members in Atlas and discuss her place in the business. She had several meetings with them during these past few weeks and they have been going exactly the way Ebony wanted.

The hotel they were in was one of the finest Atlas had to offer and they stayed in the penthouse which was grand and marvelous. The main living room was the largest room of the penthouse and the first room a person enters when they go through the front door. It had a large, marble coffee table with four luxurious couches. There was a terrace that could be reached from the living room and had an amazing view of Atlas. To the right corner of the living room was the kitchen area which was very stylish. The walls to the left and right of the living room connected to two bedrooms, one for Ebony and the other for Blood who was currently sitting on one of the couches.

He sat there patiently, waiting for Ebony Vantablack to return from another meeting with the Vantablacks from Atlas. In the alone time he had, Blood wondered if Violet was alright and no matter how much he thought of her, his mind always tracked back to Clair de Lune Vantablack. He was concerned with her well being and hoped she had recovered both mentally and emotionally from the destruction of Fortuna. Blood also questioned when Ebony was supposed to return. She told Blood he didn't have to come with her because this meeting was going to be brief and Blood's question was answered when Ebony entered the penthouse. She seemed to be twirling and dancing as she walked into the penthouse, showing she was in a very good mood. The charming Vantablack had a smile on her face and her silver eyes landed on Blood.

"Hello Ash! It's a splendid day, isn't it?" she asked with cheerfulness in her tone.

"Yes it is, milady. Did the meeting go well?" Blood asked.

"Perfectly! Not only did I finally meet the rest of my family, I have a place at the table. This is so exciting," Ebony beamed.

"They showed me tasks and jobs I could take. Especially roles in Vale. They are in a bad state right now, but I refused them all. There's only one role I want and I persuaded them to let me have it."

"I'm glad. I remember you telling the other Vantablacks that you wanted it the very first time you met them. You were really adamant about it and now you have it. You're a diplomat, milady. Everyone agreed with you that it'd be the best role for you," Blood said.

"Everything is going the way I knew it would. I've always been good in arguments and the art of persuasion. In time, I always get what I want... Wow, that made me sound like a spoiled brat. Didn't mean to come off like that," Ebony said semi-embarrassed.

Throughout his time working as Ebony's retainer, Blood had a hard time admitting he actually liked her. Despite the actions she took during the destruction of Fortuna, Ebony has shown to be human, a person with idiosyncrasies and vulnerabilities just like anyone else. Blood thought it was a façade but learned this was just Ebony being Ebony. One thing about her he didn't fully understand was why a person who had the ability to do and get whatever she wanted would chose the path of a diplomat. Ebony was cool, quirky, and very, very mysterious.

Suddenly, Blood's scroll went off. He pulled out his device and answered, "Hello?"

"Hmm… I see. Hold on," Blood gave the scroll to Ebony. "It's from Underland Manor."

Ebony happily took his scroll and answered the call.

"Yes? Oh, hello Zinnia! I've been waiting to here from you. What would you like to discuss?... I see… She did? That doesn't sound so surprising… Very well. I'll be there shortly, but on one condition. I'd like to speak with you about something… Okay, I'll see you and Mr. Underland soon. Bye!" Ebony hung up the scroll and returned it to Blood.

"Come along, Ash. We're going to the Underland Manor. Seems our dear Violet has caused some trouble."

Blood responded with a nod and followed his liege out of their room and hotel. The bat faunus may have to work for Ebony and that probably meant he would have to be against Team VRSZ, but he was happy to hear Violet was fighting back. He had a small smile on his face that went away as quick as it came.

Setting: Underland Manor

After waiting for an hour, Zinnia Underland invited Ebony and her retainer Blood into Underland Manor. The Paragon escorted the two to Tarax's study where the head of the Underland family waited. Zinnia silently shepherded Ebony and Blood to her uncle. Ebony happily pranced beside Zinnia with a look of fondness. Her eyes were locked onto Zinnia's person and she was awestruck at the strongest Underland. Blood looked at his liege, remembering the first time they came here. How Ebony met Zinnia while she talked to Tarax and how the Vantablack was impressed with the Underland's character. She was glad she came to the manor because it gave Ebony a new objective.

"Zinnia, it's so nice to see you again, Ebony said. "You seem to be doing well. I take it being a part in the Atlesian Military played a role in that."

"Yes, milady," Zinnia responded and Ebony loved it. The Paragon was so respectful and courteous to those in power. She had the air of someone who would fulfill any duty given to her, someone truly dependable.

"I'm curious. Is being part of the military something you've always dreamed or is it part of something bigger you wish to accomplish? That was the thing I wished to ask you."

"…I wish to serve Remnant. The world is currently in a state of chaos. The people of Atlas have been fortunate enough to avoid the struggle, but I feel we should contribute; extend our prosperous hands and help those who weren't so fortunate. Also, with the Atlesian drones attacking people during the fall of Beacon, the other kingdoms are less trustworthy of us. If anything, once I become a Atlesian specialist operative I'll have the authority and permission to go to other kingdoms and help them reach stability anyway I can. I guess you can say an era of peace is my desire. I can't accomplish this as the head of the Underland family, sitting pretty in a mansion. I need to be where the problems are," Zinnia explained with earnest.

Ebony smiled then said, "And that response answered all my future questions. I too wish to walk the road to peace. Perhaps our common goal will have us cross paths again. No, I'm sure it will," Ebony said.

"I'm sure they will," Zinnia replied before stopping.

They were at the door to Tarax's study. Ebony was sort of upset she had to end the conversation with the person she really wanted to see. Zinnia opened the door and Ebony walked into the study where Tarax waited. As retainer and niece, Blood and Zinnia waited outside the study for their respective lieges. The two of them didn't speak to another. They just waited until the meeting ended or if they were needed. This was a matter that the two lead figures needed to discuss.

Setting: Tarax's Study

"Thank you for answering my sudden call for aid," Tarax said, standing next to his desk.

"It's no problem at all. Zinnia told me Violet caused quite the uproar."

"Alyssa," Tarax corrected before continuing, "And yes. She has made quite a mess of things. I've taken measures to limit her capabilities by placing a disruption collar around her neck. However, Zinnia has brought up that this kind of situation would likely occur again if things don't change. I thought it would be best to change her living arrangements to calm her, but the problem is I have no idea how to do it. Zinnia believed the best course of action was to ask for the guidance of someone who is more familiar with Alyssa and her 'past' life."

"How typical. A father who doesn't know anything about his daughter. Terrible old man," Ebony thought to herself. Deep down, she genuinely disgusted by Tarax, but she put on her façade when she spoke to him.

"It's no problem at all. I'm more than happy to offer my aid. I'm sure Viol- I mean Alyssa will enjoy the change in her living standards. These recommendations will make Alyssa more agreeable, though it may seem quite… outrageous. But I believe you'll see things in my way soon enough," Ebony activated Charm to persuade Tarax without his knowing, making things go her way once again.

Setting: Underland Manor

More than half an hour has passed since Ebony and Tarax began their meeting with Blood and Zinnia standing outside in the hallway. Blood stood against one side of the hall while Zinnia occupied the other. Neither of them attempted any form of conversation. There was nothing to be said between them. They were true retainers, dutifully waiting for their lieges to finish conversing before taking any action.

Blood didn't speak to the Underland, but he did sneak glances at her. Zinnia was a curious case compared to the rest of the Underland family. Granted, Blood has yet to met some of the other family members, but she seemed to be a cut above the others. In a way, Zinnia reminded him of Violet. A desire to break from old traditions and make something of themselves. For Violet it was the freedom to make her own decisions, and for Zinnia, it's to help those because they need it. Her desire was similar to that of a Huntress. Blood kind of understood why Ebony was interested in her, but he didn't know if that would be good or bad.

The doors to Tarax's study opened and the two retainers saw their lieges exit the room. The two of them shook hands as a sign that their business has concluded.

"Thank you for your assistance, Ebony," Tarax said as he ended the handshake.

"No problem. More than happy to help. Anything to make this arrangement better for everyone," Ebony said before turning to Blood.

"Come Ash, we'll be returning to Atlas," Ebony told him then turned over to Zinnia. "Farewell Zinnia. I believe we'll meet again very soon."

"Likewise, lady Ebony," Zinnia responded.

Ebony only smiled before taking her leave. She and Blood walked their way out of the manor. The charming Vantablack was happy she came to Atlas. It was where her plans and dreams could be set in motion. It was also in this kingdom that Ebony found someone of great interest; Zinnia Underland.

Zinnia giggled to herself. "I think I found my next retainer. Now, I just need to find a way to make it a reality."

Ebony and Blood left the manor with Ebony having the next steps of her plan in mind. She may have had the approval of the Vantablack family to be a diplomat, but she needed the approval of another group of people if she wanted to leave Atlas legally. Ebony needed to seek an audience with the Atlas Council.

Setting: Violet's Hall

Violet has remained in her room after the incident several hours ago. Galanthus was able to treat her wounds by wrapping gauze around her arms, and upper body. With the disruptor collar on her neck, Violet had no access to her aura so it couldn't heal her properly. Violet decided to stay in her room for as long as she could, not only to continue her healing, but because she wanted to be in a secure room. With her cousins making a game out ousting her for the head of the family, Violet needed to be on guard at all times. She did wonder what methods they would use. Hiring assassins and poisons were the usual choices for disposing of family members, but Violet's been gone for a long time. She doesn't know what new plot they could devise.

She sat up on her bed rather than laying down because she would feel the pain flare in her back. Plus, Violet thought it was better if she wanted to be alert to any surprise attacks or unexpected circumstances. Violet sat on her bed with Remus's bionic eye in her hand. She held onto it with care, thinking about him and her other boys. She really wished to know what became of her friends, but her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Thinking it was Galanthus, Violet said, "Come in, Galanthus."

The door opened and Violet was met with one of those unexpected circumstances. Zinnia was the person who walked in and Violet didn't know what to make of it. Out of all her cousins, Zinnia was the most reasonable. If she came here, Violet doubted it was to duke it out.

"Uh, yeah?" Violet said, wondering what this was about.

"Uncle Tarax thought it would be best to change how things go from now on. One of his ideas included giving you more freedom around the manor. You're allowed to roam the castle and take up any activities you'd like. However, it will be under my supervision. Uncle may be lenient, but he isn't foolish. He won't risk you pulling another daring escape again," Zinnia explained.

Violet sat on her bed and thought about this. "So, my father is showing kindness? Yeah, I'm calling bullshit. This is just some new way for him to control me… Well… it's better than just sitting here doing nothing… and… I might be able to do some things I haven't been able to do before. I might be able to work out a little too. It's not like I've been keeping up with my usual routine. Not to mention, with her around, none of my other cousins would think of attacking me. Zinnia would protect me,"

Violet slowly got up from her bed and looked at Zinnia with deceptively calm eyes. "Alright, I'll take you up on your offer. I get to do whatever activity I want?" she asked for clarification.

"As long as it's within reason, then yes," Zinnia answered. "What would you like to do?"

Setting: Courtyard

In the center of the Underland Manor was a large, outdoor courtyard. It housed an array of flowers, walking paths for those who wished to traverse, and in the northern corner there was an area for those who wished to train. That's where Violet wished to go. She wanted to spend her time doing something she hasn't done since she's been here; train. Violet wasn't allowed to have her Enigmas to train. It would incite her to use them to escape. So, she had to find a new weapon to practice with and she found a bow with a quiver of arrows.

Violet stood on the grass of the courtyard with the bow and arrow in hand while aiming at the stuffed human dummy up against the wall. Archery wasn't her usual forte, but it was very similar to her throwing daggers, requiring aim, timing, and precision. Violet figured practicing this would help her once she got a hold of her Enigmas. She shot several arrows at a target and failed to hit the target on the head or the one on the chest, hitting only the wall behind it and the ground around the dummy. It didn't help that her wounded upper body was holding her back tremendously, including the pain that came every time she shot an arrow. Zinnia silently watched her cousin practice, leaning against one of the walls. Zinnia observed Violet for the past two and a half hours of practice. The sun began to set, but it didn't deter Violet from firing more arrows. Zinnia noticed her cousin gradually getting better, hitting the five dummies in the head and chest successively, showing her had a high learning curve and her stubborn drive to keep going was amazing. Zinnia was both impressed and wary of her cousin. She recognized Violet as a very capable fighter, one that could possibly rival her. This made her curious about Violet, wondering whether they had other similar interests.

"If the circumstances were different, perhaps Alyssa and I could've been friends," Zinnia thought to herself but dropped it completely when Galanthus came.

"Yes, Galanthus?" Zinnia asked.

"It's time for lady Alyssa to return to her hall. I have prepared her dinner and brought to her dining room. I don't wish for her to be late and let the food get cold," Galanthus said.

"Okay. I'll get her," Zinnia walked toward Violet as she fired the last two arrows in her quiver.

"Alyssa. It's time to return to your hall. Galanthus has prepared your dinner in the dining room. Let's go," Zinnia told Violet.

"I'm not ready to leave yet. I'm just getting the hang of this," Violet told her cousin before walking to the dummies riddled with arrows. "And there's a very good chance Marigold or someone else poisoned my food."

"Then you're in luck. Galanthus is the one who prepares your meals and he doesn't allow any one near him when he works, so you're safe. As for your hobby, just bring them with you. You can store them in your free room and train with them there if you like. It's not as spacious as the courtyard, but you can still train in your free room," Zinnia explained to Violet.

Violet thought that was a good idea. If she couldn't have her Enigmas with her, then practicing with other types of weapons could keep her in shape and have some structure of her old life. She grabbed the bow and a couple of arrows to bring to her empty room. Violet figured she could use that room to train and work out whenever she felt like it.

Setting: Violet's Hall

Violet walked back to her hall of rooms along with Zinnia who continued her duty to guard her cousin. The first stop was the empty room Violet had that originally served no purpose until now. Violet decided it will be her training room. She placed the bow and arrows onto a nearby shelf then left the room, planning to place a dummy and more weapons in here. Violet left her training room and went into her dining room where the meal was sitting on the table. Her meal consisted of chicken breast, vegetable medley, and a cup of tea. Things that could easily be poisoned.

Zinnia entered the room before Violet and walked toward the table with the dish. The Paragon took a small sample of each to test if they had poison. Violet was stunned by this action then waited to see if she really was poisoned. Zinnia and Violet just stood there to see what would happened but nothing occurred. Zinnia was completely fine and proved the food wasn't tainted. She even smirked at Violet to show she was right.

"Now that that's settled, I'll be taking my leave," Zinnia said with her amused smirk before leaving the room and Violet.

Violet sat down at the table, began eating her dinner, then summarized the things that happened throughout her day. She met her cousins who declared war against her, battled against a horde of armed soldiers in a fit of unexplained rage, fought and lost to Zinnia, got permission to roam the manor with a bodyguard, and is now going to train so she doesn't lose her skills. There was no flow in her day, but that was natural in the Underland household. Violet had to get used to this change of pace and be prepared for whatever crazy nonsense her father and deranged cousins had for her. The first thing she needed to do was grab a pair of swords she glanced at in the training area. They could help her get in the groove of using her kukris again.


While in the manor, Ebony mulled over the idea of personally visiting Violet, but knew the meeting would turn violent. Violet has already marked Ebony as her enemy and would try to fight her if she could. Ebony is a trained fighter, but prefers to avoid unnecessary conflict. She'd be less hostile towards Blood and would want to hear his side of the story about the destruction of Fortuna.

After Violet's incident, the castle guard is now terrified of her. Most of them flinch when she walks by them and many run and hide if she is moving in their direction. She has gained a reputation of being a monster disguised as a young woman. Linnaea and Linnaeus ordering them to do stuff including Violet will be the only reason they'll do anything with her and refusing an order results in a gruesome death in the Underland Manor.