SevenYears ago
The Old King thought of his heir and his chosen, fighting for their lives among the shattered bulidings and life that was once the Kingdom and City of Vale. He watched, through the television and the windows of his tower, as the lives and peace he built fell to pieces. He walked toward the door, gabbing his Scepter as he passed towards the elevator. In spite of everything, all his plans and designs, war had come again; and he would be damned rather than run from it.
He hoped for his students. Some, like Velvet and Coco, would survive this night to fight again. However, that would only be accomplished if he took action. "Forgive me" he thought, and continued his walk towards the elevator. The ground shook, "No!" he thought, and the mountain erupted. The Dragon spread its wings, and started for Beacon…
…
Phyrra and Jaune ran through the Vaults. She knew what had to be done, but she was not ready to make the choice. Jaune asked an obvious question "What did this School need to hide." It was a good question, but she would never have time to answer. The arrived at the pods, and she had a choice to make. Jaune; ever the good Soldier, one of his qualities Phyrra most loved; stood guard as ordered. The sight of him, standing ready to fight a battle he could never win, made her mind up for her. Ozpin said "I need to hear you say it." She did, and hoped it was the right decision.
…
"Do you believe in Destiny?" Phyrra asked, her fate now sealed. Her thoughts were for the only human alive who would say "No." to that question. She thanked both of the Gods that she had the opportunity to send him away, rather than face what was to come.
"Yes." Cinder Answered, as she dealt the final blow. Phyrra felt the shock of the arrow, knew what would happen, and did what she had always done; fought until she changed from existence to ash. "Protect him, Ruby. I will always be with you, Jaune." She thought as she became one with the night.
…
"Why?" Jaune asked Ren and Nora as they all stood over a comatose Ruby. None of them had an answer, their answer would not come for months. Jaune's gauntleted fist tightened, a subtle but noticeable change in both him and everything that surrounded. Qrow, looking on the whole scene, thought to himself "The land and the King are one." So long as Jaune remained ignorant of his heritage and destiny, there was nothing to fear. Should Jaune learn, before the time came to make use of it, many would suffer. Ren placed his hand on the unknown prince's shoulder, calming him with the genetic heritage of Lie's house. Qrow sighed softly, "With luck, all of them will survive this mess." He thought to himself. Nora and Ren looked at each other, Qrow caught the glance. "Upon them rest the fate of nations." he thought to himself. Ren shifted uncomfortably, as though he could feel the Older Huntsman's eyes on him.
Five Months Ago
Ren and Nora's mission was, objectively, an easy one. Both had spent significant portions of their childhoods hiding and watching. Nora's semblance of energy generation, and Ren's semblance suppressing indications of their presence, complemented the task at hand nicely.
"Certainly, easier than Mistral." Ren thought to himself while carving an observation point inside the wood line. These tiny structures, built from fallen branches and leaves, would allow them a view of the farmhouse and its avenues of approach without giving away their position. It would also provide shelter from the wind and rain, should the weather turn over the first few days of their reconnaissance.
This mission would occur in three phases. First; Ren and Nora would visually observe the activities of Mercury and Emerald, chart their patterns of activities, and record visitors and events at the farmhouse. Then; Either Ren, or Nora, or both would travel into the nearby village for a few days to collect information on the neighborhood's views and opinions of the two renegades as well as collect additional information on their activities. Concluding that, a decision point; report back to Vale and withdraw back to the kingdom, or file the same report and contact Mercury and Emerald directly. Ren was hoping for a simple withdrawal, Nora preferred contact, the headquarters back in Vale would make that decision either way.
"That is weeks from now. It is best not to worry about it yet." Ren thought to himself and completed the shelter. Nora returned from a supply camp hidden a few miles away, and the both of them settled down to watch Mercury's Farm.
…
Mercury sweated through his vest. Rhythmically his hoe rose and fell, churning the black earth beneath him. The cold of winter had ended, and it was planting season. The green leaves and flowers of the forests surrounding his homestead painted his world in vibrant colors. Not that he noticed, he was far too busy tilling the rich soil and preparing the ground for this year's crop of wheat. The rustling of wind, and chirping birds, relaxed his troubled mind as much as the work. Grey-white clouds passed slowly overhead, occasionally moving between him and the Sun, shielding him from its heat.
Nearby, leaning on a fence, was a Green haired woman with dark skin. Looking intently at him with her peculiar red eyes. Mercury continued to work under Emerald's gaze. She had not spoken much since their departure, neither of them had.
Nor did they go by their original names, even in private. Instead, they had become "Slate Grey" and "Jade Greene" respectively.
Mercury looked up, and saw some of the townspeople from the nearby village walking towards the farm. Slate Grey smiled, and lifted his hand to wave.
AN: Sorry for the delay. Work, Life, and the End of Season 4 delayed me. Hope you enjoy!