Setting: Prison

The kingdom of Atlas housed a large maximum-security prison where all detainees could be found. Criminal activity of any kind wasn't tolerated in the kingdom and many who perform them are dealt with severely. This was done to maintain order and show the people and criminals of Atlas that-

"ARGH! I WANT MY BOYS! NOW!" Violet shouted in irritation.

"Please have some patience," Ebony said in a calm manner. "They just left to get them. It's going to take a while."

Violet and Ebony were sitting in the front office of the prison. Actually, Ebony was sitting and Violet was impatiently pacing back and forth in front of her. Ebony watched the Flower and thought her attitude was rather cute because she wanted to see her boys again. They were waiting for the other members of VRSZ, Azura, and Lily to be released by order of General Ironwood. Violet didn't know how Ebony did it, but she delivered on her promise to get her friends out of Atlesian custody. It showed that the Vantablack's influence had terrifying reach.

While they waited, an officer came by and he was escorting Zelts into the front office where the two girls were waiting. Violet was the first to notice Zelts was entering the room and she ran over to him with a look of relief. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. The last time she saw him, he was unconscious with a bleeding wound and was being hauled to prison. She was glad to see he was doing much better even if he looked tired. It was better than having him look dead.

"Are you all right?" she asked with concern once she stopped hugging him.

"Ah… I'm fine," Zelts answered with weariness in his voice. He was truly exhausted after being restrained for so long. He was in no mood to do any fighting today.

"How's your wound?" Violet asked while looking at the side of his waist where Winter's rapier ran through him.

"It hurts, no doubt about that, but they patched it up for me. Still got the bandages underneath my clothes so no quick movements for a while."

Violet sighed, relieved he was okay, then responded with, "Good."

Ebony approached the two of them and looked at Zelts with carnal eyes. "I'm so glad to see you're safe," she said then place her finger near his wound. "I hope this doesn't leave a scar."

Zelts was completely thrown off with what was happening. He had no idea why Ebony was doing this. He had no idea why Ebony was in Atlas. This was his first time seeing her since that night in Fortuna when Blood attacked him. Was she friend or foe?

This question was put on hold as he felt Ebony trace his muscles with her finger and she did so with a joyous look.

"Stop that!" Violet told the charming Vantablack while grabbing hold of her hand.

"S-sorry. I got…distracted," Ebony said while her eyes were still on Zelts and his muscles.

He didn't do anything wrong, but he felt like he was fortunate Lily wasn't here to see this.

The next person to arrive was Azura. She was escorted to the room with an agitated expression and the officer escorting her looked just as foul. The female Cobalt did not like being restrained and she displayed that physically. Azura walked away from the officer in a huff. She stood before the group of friends and Ebony in front of her and didn't know what to say.

What does someone say after the night they had?

"You okay?" Violet asked her with genuine concern.

Azura widened her eyes after hearing her former enemy show this much worry for her. Violet truly forgave her past transgressions and was looking to their future relationship just like Remus and the others. Azura thought it was best for her to move on as well. She didn't need to think VRSZ saw her as an enemy anymore.

"…Yeah. I'm all right. Jail was nothing I couldn't handle," she answered with bravado.

"Good to know one of us was doing alright," Zelts commented with a smile.

Azura smirked at him.

Ebony began to walk toward Azura to greet her with kindness, but the female Cobalt's grin turned to a small scowl when she looked at the charming Vantablack. They've never been properly introduced, but Azura knew that Ebony wasn't someone to just trust. Impressed with the Cobalt's attitude instead of intimidated, the silver-eyed backed away.

The next person to come to the main floor was Silver. His spiky hair was ruffled and his body was stiff from being restricted so tightly. The gunman cracked his neck since it was still bothering him and the sound of his groaning caught the others' attention.

"Silver," Violet called out.

This was the first time she has seen him in such a long time and he wasn't knocked out. He looked at his friend and leader with slight astonishment then he smirked at her. She returned his smirk with a small, delighted smile as he walked up to her. He was about to play it cool and act like he knew she was going to be alright. That was his plan until Violet acted first and did something he didn't expect.

The Flower fondly ruffled the Gunslinger's spiky hair and she giggled as she did. Silver didn't no how to react and he was rather embarrassed by this act. Especially when the others watched with amused looks. Violet was a few inches shorter than Silver which made this moment all the more precious.

When Violet ceased petting him she said to him, "Look at your hair. It's a mess. Once we get back home, I'll buy you the hair gel you like to get your hair back to the way you liked it."

Silver thought about how Violet has only seen his black hair in his usual slicked back style and not its natural spiky style. He kept it spiky because he didn't want to look like his father after he met the horrible man. Now he thought that keeping it spiky to defy his father would remind him of his father every time he looked in the mirror which he knew would get on his nerves. Silver weighed what mattered to him more: Violet or his father.

The choice was obvious.

"I'll get it back to normal when we get home," he told her with a smile.

His smile didn't last when he felt a pair of arms wrapped around his torso from behind. Silver turned his head to see that Ebony was hugging him from behind. Violet glared at the older girl who innocently hid her head behind the gunman.

"What are you doing?" Silver asked.

"Just trying to cop a feel," she answered.

"Let go already," Violet told her and Ebony did just that.

"Okay, okay! I'll save my affections for the other one," Ebony said teasingly.

Violet stared at Ebony while Silver gawked at her before sawing, "Why are you here?"

He remembered what happened in Fortuna. He remembered Blood standing by this girl's side before assaulting them. She was a possible enemy and Silver knew it, so he didn't know why she was here and why she was acting all friendly. Silver looked to Violet for an answer and she rolled her eyes before speaking.

"She's helping us get out of here and that's it. I don't trust Ebony."

"But you trust me enough to come fly with me out of Atlas, no?" the charming Vantablack asked the Flower who groaned in response.

The brief conversation between the two alpha women enveloped everyone's attention except for Zelts who greeted the next person to be escorted. He was in the middle of a warm and long embrace with Lily. The two lovers had no desire to involve the others or diffuse the little spat between Violet and Ebony. They were just glad the other was safe. Azura noticed right away and said nothing. It took the others a few seconds to actually acknowledge Lily and Zelts, and none of them said anything because Zelts and Lily started kissing each other and it lasted for a long time.

The moment turned from sweet to awkward. The others didn't feel comfortable as the couple made out. None of them knew where to look, except for Ebony who watched the two kiss without blinking.

The last person to arrive was Remus. And he walked in silently to them after being escorted by the officer. Since everyone was averting their eyes from the display of affection between the couple, they saw him enter the room. The first to approach him was Violet and she sped walk toward him, but she noticed that his head was down and he looked miserable. He wasn't looking at her or any of them.

Remus was upset with himself for falling unconscious during a crisis for the second time. He was knocked out during the destruction of Fortuna and the same thing happened again in the Underland household. The only difference was this time he had no idea when it happened. The last thing he remembered was confronting Marigold then he woke up in an enclosed cell. The Blue Flicker formerly known as the Delta was wondering if any of his training was really paying off. Lately, he's been feeling like dead weight.

His line of sight was still focused on the floor even as the officer escorted him out of his cell until a hand appeared in front of him. It was a closed fist that opened up to reveal it was holding an eye, his bionic eye. The young boy was genuinely astonished he was looking at his own eye. He thought it got crushed or destroyed somewhere in Fortuna after he was knocked out, but he was glad to see it again. Remus was even more surprised to look up the arm of the person holding it.

Standing before Remus was Violet who looked at him with a soft, warm eyes and a loving smile. Her hair was blonde, her clothes were different, and the faint scar was a new addition, but Remus could immediately tell she was Violet, the friend he and the others have been searching for this whole time.

"….." Remus was speechless.

"Hey, Remus," Violet said while still holding her smile.

"Violet…" he called out and she nodded.

She looked him up and down then said, "Looks like you got a little bit taller. We're not the same height anymore."

Remus was an inch or two taller than Violet now. He didn't notice his small growth in height and neither did anyone else. Violet did once she stood face to face with him and she smiled.

He reached for her hand holding his eye and closed it. Remus fell to his knees, much to everyone's surprise, and he held onto Violet's hand. She knelt down to make it easier for herself and listened to him hold back his sobs. Remus has changed since the destruction of Fortuna and the loss of Team VRSZ's leader. He's been more aggressive with the others, in his fights, and judging himself harshly. It's been stressful for Remus. All he wanted was to have some form of his old life back and Violet standing in front of him was a big step forward.

Violet placed her hand on his shoulder to soothe him then pulled him in for a hug. She was glad to see he really missed her. The feeling was mutual. She really missed Remus and the others too.

The others watched quietly and they were glad to see this moment unfold. Ebony smiled as well. She enjoyed their moment, plus she thought a teary-eyed Remus looked positively delectable. Her mind was wandering to the more perverse side of her brain while Violet helped Remus stand up.

She gave him his bionic eye and he was ready to place it into his empty socket. The scene shifted from heartwarming to disgusting. Remus opened his empty eye socket and began to place his bionic eye where it's supposed to be. Silver quickly turned away out of fear he would vomit. Lily stiffened her body and she couldn't look away. It was like a horrible accident. Zelts and Ebony were unnerved but they did their best to hide it behind stone faces. Even the officers in the room looked like they were ready to hurl. The only ones who weren't disturbed by this sight were Violet and Azura. The female Cobalt has seen worse and Violet didn't mind.

"Seriously Remus! You couldn't have waited till we were outside?" Silver complained.

"…Sorry," Remus said in his usual happy tone. He was back to normal.

"Can we go now?" Azura asked impatiently.

"Um, before that. Does anyone know where our stuff is?" Zelts asked.

"Not to worry," Ebony answered, "all of your weapons and items are on my airship. We leave later today."

"Uh, what?" Silver asked like he didn't hear her.

"We're going home?" Lily asked.

"We're going home," Violet confirmed.

"You will, once I finish up some last-minute business here. I'll take you guys back to my airship where you guys can wait. Blood will be there to keep everyone company," Ebony said as she walked out the prison.

The others followed her since she was their only way out of the kingdom of Atlas. Their fate was in the hands of the charming Vantablack known as Ebony.

Setting: Ebony's Airship

The group was taken to the airship they'll use to leave this continent. Ebony told them to make themselves at home while she got some business taken care of. The airship was large and it could house about two dozen people. There wasn't a sign of any personal touch around the common area showing this was a vehicle designed for business. According to Blood, Ebony had her own room on the first floor where she decorated it to her liking. The bat faunus was given his own room to do whatever he wanted, but he never decorated it. Everyone was given their own room on the second floor.

Blood remained in the helm of the airship where he waited for his liege to return. He was alone for some time as he looked out the window at the blanket of white snow around them until Violet and Silver entered. The bat faunus glanced their way then return to looking out the window. He knew why they came to him and what they wanted, but he didn't know if he could explain it to them.

He expected them to get all in his face and interrogate him to answer honestly, but Violet stood beside him and looked out the window. Silver remained by the door as he watched them in silence. A strange act for someone known for their silver tongue. He was their just in case Violet needed assistance. They stayed in peace until Violet asked Blood a question.

"You can't explain why you're here, can you? You said that the last time we met."

"…"

"Did you join Ebony to get something from her?"

"…"

"Did you make a deal with her?"

"…"

"Exploit her?"

"…"

"Protect someone?"

"…" Blood still said nothing but he folded his arms over his chest. It was a sign Violet may have gotten her answer.

"I feel like there's more to this than meets the eye and I won't get the answer just by asking you. So, let me ask you something else: what do you make of Ebony?"

Blood turned his head to look at Violet then answered, "She's an anomaly. Sometimes, she's hard to read one moment then the next she's very open. Ebony… doesn't seem like a bad person, but she's not entirely good. She's a master strategist and she's willing to go to extremes to get the things she wants. That combined with her unnaturally high charisma and her talent with dealing with people makes Ebony formidable."

"She's dangerous," Violet said.

"If you're her enemy, yes," Blood answered.

"I see her as an enemy," Violet answered. "My enemy."

Blood looked at Violet who stared out the window. He didn't know what was going to happen between Violet and Ebony in the future and he feared he'd have to fight Violet on behalf of his liege.

Setting: Zinnia's Apartment

The sound of a sandbag being punched was heard throughout the living room. Zinnia unleashed a flurry of punches on the large bag hanging before her. Her blows were strong and precise. Every strike was aimed exactly where she wanted it to land. She changed her rhythm by adding kicks that jostled the sandbag from its original position along with its chain.

As she did this, Zinnia thought back to the moment in her family's household. She thought back to how Ebony revealed that Winter and General Ironwood went against their own laws for personal gain. It infuriated her and her punches were getting stronger. The people she held high praise for were now seen as people who'll lie and do underhanded things for power. It sickened her, deeply.

Zinnia was too caught up in her emotions to register how her strikes were becoming more ferocious. She kicked the sandbag in the side that she and it was torn apart. Zinnia snapped out of it and watched the bag fall to the ground while the sand inside scattered around the floor. She groaned in frustration and was about to grab a broom and dust pan until she heard someone knock on her door. Zinnia glanced at the mess she made but put it aside so she could answer the door.

Opening front apartment's door, Zinnia could see her guest was the person who has been in her head for some time, Ebony Vantablack. The charming girl had a small smile on her face when she locked eyes with the Underland. Zinnia didn't know why, but she felt more comfortable with Ebony than anyone else she knew.

"Can I come in?" Ebony asked politely.

"Huh- uh… sure," Zinnia replied, getting out of her own head.

Zinnia went to find something to serve her guest like tea while Ebony took a seat on the couch. She noticed the destroyed sandbag and the discard broom and pan. She got up and picked up the tools to clean the mess in Zinnia's place. The Underland was grateful for her assistance as she got tea for her guest. Zinnia may not have spent enough time with Marigold in her youth, but she did learn the right way to make great tea from him. She placed the cup on the coffee table while Ebony disposed of the sand. Both women sat in the living room, enjoying each other's company.

"Zinnia," Ebony called out, "I'm sorry to hear you'll be resigning your promotion to Atlas Specialist. I hope I didn't influence your decision."

"If anything, you helped me see that the Atlas Council doesn't have Remnant's best interest in mind. I don't want to be apart of something that can't live up to their own code. Although, it's not like I can completely separate myself from the military. This is the most I can do…"

Ebony kept her silver eyes on Zinnia as she talked. She was sympathetic to the Underland, but she was also thinking of what comes next.

"Do you remember what I asked you several days ago?" Ebony asked.

"Hm?"

"You said you would like to help better Remnant outside of the kingdom. And I asked if I could do that for you, would you go with me. Do you remember?"

"Y-yes…" Zinnia replied.

Ebony placed the tea cup down and looked at the young woman with a smile.

"I'll say this now so no complications come later. What I want is to use my power to see how far I can take it. I want to leave my mark on Remnant's history and I'd prefer it be a positive one. With someone like you by my side, I know I'll be better off. This dream will involve me performing some good along with some bad, but it will all be for the greater good in the long run. Basically, we'll be in the morally grey. I'm telling you this now because I want you to understand this so you have a clear idea how I plan to do things."

Zinnia was surprised Ebony was being so open about her objective, especially how they won't only be good things. Explaining her method with honesty was a bold move and the Underland appreciated that. It was much better than how Atlas took care of things.

"I finally spoke with General Ironwood and he permitted me to leave as a diplomat. He also granted me the authority to take someone with me as a retainer, and I told him you were the only person I wanted by my side," Ebony said.

"..!" Zinnia looked at the charming Vantablack with disbelief.

Ebony still held her smile then said, "I've kept my end of the bargain. The chance to leave Atlas lies right before you. All that's left is for you to take it. Zinnia Vantablack, will you be my retainer and help me leave a mark on Remnant?"

"…"

"If you need time to answer, I'm afraid I can't give it. I'll be departing soon after-"

"I'll join you," Zinnia responded as she rose from her seat.

"Good to hear! We're leaving soon. How fast can you pack?"

"I'll be ready very soon. Just give me a moment," Zinnia said and ran to her bedroom.

Zinnia was ready to begin the next chapter of her life. Ebony was happy to see her newest companion was eager to join her. The Paragon was exactly who she needed to be by her side. Now, there was one other person Ebony needed to retrieve before leaving Atlas and she couldn't with Remus around.

She needed to return to the prison to retrieve Dr. Lupa.

Violet, Ebony, and everyone else agreed that Remus shouldn't know the faunus scientist was kidnapped. If he did, then he'd go after Ironwood himself and that would bring the wrath of the entire army down upon them. So, they planned to go to the airship and remain on the second floor while Ebony takes Dr. Lupa to the first and prevent the two from meeting.

Ebony planned to inform Dr. Lupa everything that transpired so she could have a better understanding of the situation. This was the last thing she needed to do before her departure.

With a few unexpected turns, everything that occurred in the kingdom of Atlas fell under Ebony Vantablack's expectations. She was even leaving ahead of schedule with more gains than planned to receive.

The silver-eyed Vantablack felt on top of the world right now.

Setting: Prison

Ebony was back at the prison where the members of Team VRSZ reunited with Violet and it was at this place where she waited for Dr. Lupa to be brought to her. Bringing the scientist now teacher back to the airship was the final objective before her departure. This was something that was added after Jacques Schnee told her about it which was the blackmail she needed but was also a deplorable act that needed to be rectified. Ebony wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing Dr. Lupa was in prison for no reason.

The charming Vantablack wasn't waiting alone. Standing beside her as she sat in her seat was Zinnia. The Paragon stood next to her new liege with a dutiful aura. Ebony thought she was going to be more fun to mess with than Blood. He was aloof and Zinnia was rigid. She was going to enjoy the company of her retainers.

"Zinnia, dear. Why don't you sit here with me?"

"No thank you, my liege. I'd prefer to be standing and ready in case something was to happen," Zinnia answered officially.

"Oh, you're just like Blood. I'm not one for my close companions to address so formally. But that's alright. You'll loosen up given time just like he did."

"….." Zinnia say anything about the matter and changed the subject. "What kind of person is this Dr. Lupa? She must be important if Ironwood went to all the trouble to capture her."

"Dr. Lupa was a former Atlesian scientist. She was tasked with finding new methods of improving the military strength with a group of other scientists. She believed this could be done by finding a way to strengthen the military officers. Eventually, she abandoned Atlas and continued her research in Vacuo. It's claimed she discovered a way for a person to naturally surpass their limits, creating an enhanced fighter who could fight longer and stronger than any ordinary person."

"Can she really do that?" Zinnia asked, truly curious about the scientist.

"She already has, and you've already met the results of her research. His name is Remus Cobalt and he is very formidable, but not invincible. I'm sure you'll be well acquainted with him in the future."

"Hmm…" Zinnia was intrigued by this story.

A military officer entered the main office where they waited and following behind him was Dr. Lupa herself. The faunus woman looked frazzled and disheveled. It was clear she has been in Atlas for quite some time and was treated poorly. Her face was down, she dragged her tail across the floor, but there was still the trace of life and light in her eyes. She still had her spirit intact.

Ebony walked up to the faunus scientist and said, "Hello, Dr. Lupa?"

She placed a soft hand on Lupa's shoulder to show she was in safe company. The wolf faunus flinched from the touch before slowly raising her head to see who was talking to her. Lupa saw Ebony's face and she didn't recognize her. She didn't know who this person was or why she was meeting her, but Lupa was just glad to be out of her cell.

"Dr. Lupa?" Ebony said a second time to get her attention.

"Y-yes…" she whispered with her hoarse voice. "Who are-"

"Ebony Vantablack. I've come here to take you back to Patch."

"…I don't believe you… Why would a stranger take me home or care about me?"

"You may not know me, but I know you. I happen to be a good friend to your son," Ebony explained.

"My son? …!" Lupa widened her eyes and stared at Ebony who noticed her reaction.

"That's right. Remus. He and his friends are here and they're waiting for you on my airship. Please, let me take you to them and take you home," Ebony spoke with softness and sincerity.

Dr. Lupa didn't think about it too hard. Ebony knew about Team VRSZ and was offering to take her home. The wolf faunus has been in Atlas for of month dealing with interrogation and isolation. She was more than ready to forsake this kingdom and return to Vale. She nodded to the Vantablack and Underland before her and Ebony smiled.

"It's time to leave Atlas," Ebony told Dr. Lupa and her newest retainer. "We're heading to Vacuo. It's about time to see if my dear cousin is doing any better."

Next Chapter: From Snow to Sand


Zinnia Underland's theme song is Roundtable Rival: Lindsey Stirling. Just like Remus's theme, this one is instrumental. The music represents her character as a graceful, beautiful, and strong woman who's a major threat to Team VRSZ. The title of this song also plays into Zinnia's future standing as a rival and foil for Violet.

With Violet leaving the Underland family once and for all, Aster assumes control with Dahlia as her right hand. The twins assume their roles as castle guard and improve on the defenses. Bluebell puts his cannabis selling on hiatus to focus all his attention into regrowing the courtyard garden. Marigold will be in the hospital for a long time, but the sympathies he received from the people help him sell more clothes from his fashion line. This doesn't make him feel better about losing his voice, the hand-shaped burn mark on his face, or losing his dream to be the next head of the family.

After twenty nine chapters, the team is finally going back to Vacuo. It's about time!