Yo Peeps, GateMasterGreen here with chapter 41 of Phantom Rose. Shall we?
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY...
As the fighting wore on, night passed and, inevitably, the light of dawn bore through the darkness. The Grimm were held at bay and Beacon stood still, the tower bearing scars, but it's stature resolute and stalwart. Echoes of gunfire still peppered the morning air, but they were more infrequent as time passed.
All across Vale, the testament of war was told. Bodies littered the street, either the husks of Atlesian Knights or the forms of fallen people. Buildings were in ruins, and the streets were strewn with wreckage, but people were seen here and there. Survivors of the attack came out of hiding, battered and worn, but still breathing.
Finally, as another hour passed, silence reigned, but only for a moment. A loud crash issued from the base of Beacon tower and a streak of crimson tore though the wrecked entrance. The form of a person took shape, but with impressive agility, they soon disappeared with naught a trace.
With the various students, now gathered in the courtyard once more, a count was taken. Casualties were noted, but one stood in the forefront of their minds. Professor Ozpin was dead. Ruby, among others, shed tears for the man. He had given her the opportunity to attend Beacon. Without that, she'd not have her team. Her family. Blake... and even May. He had given her so much and he was gone?
A staggered sob came from her throat as she slammed a hand on the ground. "Gods dammit! Why?!" Blake wrapped her arms around her as she collapsed against the feline faunus. "Why?"
Blake shook her head, wiping her own tears aside and cradling Ruby. "I don't know, Ruby. I didn't think the White Fang would do something so... so... wrong."
A visibly upset Weiss harrumphed. "This isn't misguided action. The White Fang are now dancing the line of straight up fanatacism." At Blake's hurt look, her own demeanor softened. "I know that not all Faunus are like that, but it seems that a good number are willing to go so such distances just for equality?"
"No," Blake replied, sighing. "I don't think this is about equality." Her amber eyes wandered over the ruined landscape. "So many people died." She growled and balled her hand into a fist. Only a calming hand from Ruby caused her to relax. "It's genocide."
Propped against one of the pillars, Yang cocked her head sideways and shrugged. "Then what do we do?" Despite the nonchalant question, her expression was of steel. "We need a game plan, otherwise they might do this again. Isn't there a way to talk to the leader of the White Fang?"
Weiss scoffed. "Yes, let's just waltz our way into the headquarters of the faction the nearly wiped Vale off the map." She sighed. "It's suicide."
Blake pondered it. "Maybe not."
"You're not serious are you?" Weiss stared at Blake, eyes wide. She gestured at the surrounding area. "Are you actually insane? Look! Look at what they have done. You think we'd survive messing with the people who did this?"
Ruby wiped her face clean and glanced up at Blake. "What are you thinking?"
"You actually want to hear this half-witted idea?!" The heiress shouted.
"Yes."
Blake exhaled. "My parents. While retired from their previous roles, both are still rather influential figures in Menagerie."
Yang smiled half-heartedly. "Like nobles?"
"No. More like monarchs." Staring off into space, she whispered. "They used to lead the White Fang."
The other members of RWBY started. "WHAT?!"
"Used to," Blake reaffirmed. "Before the violence. Dad wanted equality through peaceful means and Mom's a gentle soul. When confronted about methods by a new faction in the ranks, they realized they were outvoted when it came to opinions on how matters should be handled." She sighed wistfully. "Instead of asserting dominance, Dad warned them of their folly, but let them have their way. He and Mom dropped from the organization, but are still admired for their contributions to our path to gain equality and acceptance."
"So they're not fishermen?" Yang cracked, snickering.
A smiled graced all their faces and Blake chuckled lightly. "Dad loves to sail and he loves to travel." She pulled her scroll out. "He messaged me, trying to make sure we are all still safe and I let him know that we're fine. I've spoken to him about my plan and he agrees. It's the way we should proceed."
A stone skittered over the walkway and all the girls jumped up, weapons brought to bear. They turned to the source of the noise and were greeted with Qrow. The man's posture was slouched and he looked somber. "Hate to break up any plans, but... You can't all go to Menagerie."
Ruby looked at him, questioningly. "Why?"
"Ozpin wanted some task taken care of and I can't exactly do it by myself." He pointed at Weiss and Yang. "I need you two, given that I also have what's left of JNPR helping out."
"What's left?" Ruby asked, voice shaking.
Qrow slouched further. "That Jaune kid, sacrificed himself to save Nikos. Same person who killed Oz, got him too. Nikos has a target on her back now and some happenings in Haven beg her to be brought to their academy."
Yang nodded. "Then count us in." Weiss also gave a firm nod.
Blake looked relieved. "That helps actually. Fewer numbers mean less of a chance of being noticed. Five would've been a bit much."
Qrow quirked a brow. "Five? Last I check, your a four man," Weiss sniffed indignantly, "woo-man, princess. Four woman team."
Recognition flashed on Ruby's face. "May!"
"Exactly. I'd rather not separate her from us at this point."A warm smile crossed Blake's features. "Besides, if we reach that point, it'd be funny to see how Dad handles her."
"What do you mean?" Ruby asked. "He's so nice!"
It was Yang who answered. "Ruby, you're like a puppy. No one can hate you." She waved her arms emphatically. "It's like a crime against nature!"
Ruby blushed, but laughed it off. "So, we're all set? Yang and Weiss head with JNPR to Haven with Uncle Qrow and Blake, May, and I head to Menagerie to investigate the White Fang?" All four girls nodded. "Alright, one last time for Team RWBY for now."
"BANZAI!"
XXXGMGXXX
Later on, Ruby was walking alongside Blake. "So, how do we bring this up to May?"
Blake stopped walking, causing Ruby to turn to her. She put a hand on her chin and hummed. "Well... Menagerie is a beautiful place and Mom and Dad do have a very expansive library... Plus the two of us will be there."
"So, we bribe her?"
Blake nodded. "We bribe her." A pause. "Did I mention there are beaches?"
Ruby choked.
End of Phantom Rose Part 1...
Alrighty. Note PART 1. Maybe after volume 5 concludes, I may begin working on Part 2. There are multiple reason I'm ending this here. Most of it comes down to, writer's block has become more and more of an issue as this story progressed, so a breather, if you will. On the other side, I have some other story ideas I want to try out and I want to let the show play out more before I go further with this.
A big thanks to everyone who stayed with me this far. I know it was far from perfect, but this felt so worthwhile with all the support I've gotten. 218k views and 900+ followers at the time of this.
As for what's next? I want to work on a few ideas. A RubyVelvet fic was one of them, but I had some ideas pertaining to rewriting BCB, plus, thanks to Vol5Ep2, Sienna is on mind.
SHE SO BEAUTIFUL, WHY SHE GOTTA DIE LIKE THAT?! FUCK YOU, ADAM! AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY!
That aside, Sienna is pretty and she has a small bit of character to work with. I was messing around with some ideas and I was laughing to myself when I was sitting there, thinking of this fic, the joke about Kali in the discord, and the fact that Sienna is a cat faunus. I was like Ruby... Blake... Kali... AND Sienna. A purrfect catastrophe...
Once again, thanks all!
Adieu! GateMasterGreen, Signing off!