Past:
"What are you doing, Newton? You are gonna be late!"
"Tracy?"
In his workshop, Newton was covered in soot. Turning around, there was no girl to be found.
"What the..."
"BEHIND YOU!"
"AAAAAAHHH!"
Newton jumped forward and tripped. Before he could fall, however, bandages wrapped in his arms, pulling him back to Tracy.
"S-Sorry!"
"Okay..." Newton took off the bandages and balanced himself. "How did you even do that. It was so fast".
Tracy smiled at him. It was a smile that the future Tracy couldn't make anymore.
"Okay, see the bandages in my legs and arms?"
"Yes" the boy nodded. "I can also feel a bit of dust in them if I concentrate. But Luna told me you dislike using them?"
Tracy proudly nodded.
"They are great and all, but I like to consider them a trump card. If I am in a battle, it's better to strike fear by using abilities outside my semblance. Then - if the battle gets serious, I use the bandages".
"So, each has a glyph or something?"
"It's like a mix of circuit and alphabet" she playfully sat down in the table. "My wrists and ankles have tattoos to help coordinate them, then the bandages can be rearranged. Depending on the way I arrange them over the tattoos..."
"A different circuit is made!" Newton opened his eyes wide. "And if each part is a glyph, a different attribute is conbined! It is similar to [Sin]s, albeit different. This is awesome, Tracy".
"Yes" she nodded. "But it has its price. Either way, what are you doing?"
"Readying a birthday present for Luna and Vladimir".
"What?" Tracy tilted he head. "It is weeks from now."
"Yes, but I need a bit of time to make them" Newton pointed at the table and Tracy curiously gazed at it. "For Vladimir, these mechanical glasses. They can adapt to the light and do cool stuff too. Also, I think they can handle the heat of lava, but it would fry a feel circuits".
"Oh..."
"And, for Luna..." Newton pointed at a bunch of cotton. "A plushie! But I lack the necessary skill to build one!"
"Hahahaha!" Tracy laughed loudly. "You can make future glasses but can't sew, this is outwordly! Hahahaha!"
Present...
Newton opened his eyes.
'How I miss her laughter...'
He looked around. Tracy wasn't in her bed while Luna slept while biting her pillow.
'The conference is today if I am not mistaken... Wait!'
The boy sat on the bed.
"The glasses..."
His X-shaped pupils contracted.
'They can handle the heat of lava! But the remains... can that Paladin produce such heat to begin with?'
The youth got up and started writing a note. After ending, he picked up his sword and spoke:
"Sorry, Luna. Sorry, Tracy. I wil have to miss the conference. My time to do investigations".
"Jaune, are you ready?" Asked Pyrrha.
"Yes" he said, but he didn't nod.
Pyrrha couldn't look at him in the eyes any longer. They were dead and his appearence was unhealthy. Deep dark bangs were under his eyes and Jaune's expression wasn't much better.
"Let's go".
"This is it, huh?" Asked Ruby.
Her team was besides her, the sky on Beacon's campus above them.
Blake was the first to speak:
"It's very possible that we will be suspected for murdering Tepes. That's why we have been called, right?"
Yang, sitting on the ground sighed.
"The worst part is that we couldn't come up with any good defense. If the authorities check what we did, it's easy to relate us to the case".
"There isn't much we can do and we already got over this, Yang" said Weiss. "Let's just get this over with".
At Beacon's conference hall, many people stood waiting in small groups.
Authorities, mostly. People with power concerned with safety, either public or of themselves were also there. And finally, a strange duo.
A girl with purple eyes and hair, wearing a golden and purple mixture of formal and battle dress. She had long eyelashes, tan skin and had her arms and legs covered with bandages, not to mention a black scarf on her neck. She was Tracy Khufu.
And a girl shorter than the other. She wore an open blue hooded jacket with a black shirt with a silver crescent moon underneath. The girl wore orange shorts and had orange eyes. Her long silver hair was covered by the hood. She was Luna Lycaon.
In a conference made to verify about the murder and public safety, it was obvious that they would be called. The duo that were once led by the Impaler Vampire - by Prince Vladimir.
Luna looked around.
"We seem to be the center of attention. See how they look at me when they speak? I think they think we are both faunus? Maybe it's bacause of your canines? Or do they think it's about the mixed lineage?"
"Racists" muttered Tracy. "By their eyes, they already treat us like some sort of horse born from breeding projects. It disgusts me to see so many cowards filled with greed in a single place".
Luna laughed.
"Well, then does that mean they think you are a faunus?"
"They must be suspecting us two. Or thinking about how we must have some traits. Well, you must be quite suspected with that hood".
Luna smiled.
"Oh! This hood is so hot! I'm taking it off, revealing which species I truly belong underneath!" She said.
Inediately, many eyes swiftly turned in her direction.
The girl took off her hood, surprising many.
There weren't ears above her hair, just hair and a few hairclips.
"Dumb" she whispered. "This always works to make them think I'm human".
Tracy smiled slightly at how Luna was toying with them, but quickly got serious again.
"Where did Newton go?"
"I think he may have found something about Vlad? Or maybe it's because he isn't a monarch?"
Tracy facepalmed.
"This is not the time for self-depreciation. I told him he is as important as us..."
The door opened.
Weiss looked around. There were a few faces she recognized - people with power and money. People with powerful connections.
It was clear to her that wasn't a meeting just about uncovering the truth of the prince, with the silent chaos on the city, it was about survival and interests.
On the monster duo the mummy-girl stared daggers on her and the silver-haired girl smirked at her when Weiss found herself surprised by the fact she lacked animal ears.
"I thought she was a faunus" she whispered.
"Me too" whispered Blake back.
From behind the door opened again.
A duo entered: Jaune and Pyrrha. Both unconfortable.
Jaune seemed worse than ever on his appearance alone and it was clear that Pyrrha was concerned with him. Weiss sincerely didn't think he could remain standing for much longer.
"It's worse than I thought" muttered Ruby.
"What?" Asked Weiss.
"It's that thing Arachne said about the weapons of Chimaera. Jaune took a spear on the chest. It seems it doesn't heal right away even with Vale's current medicine".
"You think it's dangerous?"
"If it was, Khufu would have said something when we questioned her on the shop".
"I guess you are right".
After a few minutes, the door opened again.
"Sup', potential costumers!" Exclaimed a woman in witch clothes.
Merlina Lake, the director of Jammer had arrived.
"Good to see you, Miss Merlina" said Ozpin.
"Hahahaha" she laughed. "Most people with power would say otherwise if I entered into their room. Like, welcoming with guns. By the way, he is coming too".
From the open door, a duo arrived.
The first one was a man - a faunus with monkey ears wearing a mixture of a tuxedo and a lab coat. The man had a monocle and some intricate gear armor protecting his legs and chest.
"Now that is a surprise" said Ozpin with a smile. "Good to see you, Plasma".
The man smiled.
"Of course I would come".
"What surprises me is that you would bring your entire academy all the way".
"A little demonstration of power, my man. We both know of the situation. Also, I heard about the boy. Sad to see the news about the champion".
"And who is this boy by your side?"
"This young one? The finalist of my battle against Merlina. The only one that seemed to give trouble to that dreaded Impaler Vampire. Allow me to introduce you to Chad Es Shade".
For Weiss, it at least looked like a boy.
His appearance was rather androgynous, considering Chad wore a black and white mantle covering himself. There was black hat on his head with the symbol of a king chess piece on it.
The boy had green eyes and was quite beautiful.
"It's a pleasure to be in the presence of so many people" he said while bowing.
"I don't like him" whispered Weiss. "He seems fishy... and snobby".
"Thank you for the compliment" said Chad upon looking at her direction. His voice rather lacked emotion. "Mystery is a source of charm".
Weiss would argue, but thought otherswise in the presence of so many people.
"Long time no see you, Chad!" Said Luna upon looking at his direction. "Why are you wearing that mantle again?"
The boy smiled at her.
"I'd rather keep my own secrets, Luna. You know how this works... and I'm a bit shy with so many people around".
"Oh... okay?"
Ruby stared at Chad as he turned his attention away.
"There is something on that mantle" she whispered.
"What do you mean?" Asked Blake.
"Why would Lycaon point that out? Mechanic Student and top first year... he must be hiding his weapon under that".
"Makes sense" agreed Yang.
Ruby looked around. It seemed that there were still people left to arrive.
"What are they waiting for?" Asked Luna.
"Our emissaries" answered Tracy. "They don't want to risk a conflict, so they must be waiting for them".
"They have come".
Tracy tried to say something, but no sound came from her mouth. She quickly realized that was Luna's doing.
The silver-haired faunus said:
"I received a message from my cousin" Luna seemed desperate. "It seems we were right; Bathory is coming with a team from the elite force and... Hunchback".
Tracy's jaw dropped soundlessly gasping in surprise.
"Also... as you must know, this cousin I'm talking about is Anubis. But that isn't the most surprising part: it's the last girl... it's..."
Ruby was surprised when she saw the Silver-Clad Werewolf coming at Weiss' direction.
"Yo' Weiss Schnee. Get out".
"What?" Weiss was angered. "What do you mean by..."
Her vouce stopped working. Weiss quickly realized that girl was muting the sound of her speech.
"Okay, long story short: remember when I said the Schnee and the White Fang caused a series of problems to us? Well, there is an impulsive person coming here, far stronger than me BTW, that may want to kill you in order to payback the Schnee Dust Company".
Weiss opened her eyes wide. Luna continued speaking:
"Yeah, yeah. Look, this girl has plenty of reason to do what I said and, if I remember well, is the type of thing she would do that. She was in vegetative state until recently, caused by the Schnee AND if she has half the power she had before the incident, she can and will kill you before getting caught. Even if it's in here, amidst so many powerful people".
"Do you fear her?" Asked Ruby.
"Of course not, she is my childhood friend. But, well, she is kinda a one-girl army. So, well, I already gave you the message. Bye!"
"Who is that girl?" Asked Blake. "She seems really important".
"She is a very powerful monarch, politically and physically. She is Vlad's fianceé and was supposed to marry him before going into vegetative state. If I were you people, I wouldn't anger her".
Upon saying that, Luna returned to her team.
"That girl... muting me!" Said Weiss.
"Yeah, but we don't want to anger them" said Ruby. "The evidence is against us and if she has political power, we don't want to cause problems here. Weiss, I'm sorry but-"
"Yeah, I get it. I will be going. Good luck, Ruby".
Weiss walked away.
Upon seeing her leave, Yang said:
"I'm going too. Should anything happen, it's better if I'm with her".
Ruby and Blake nodded once Yang left too.
"This is going to be problematic" muttered Blake.
A few minutes later...
The doors opened again and an unreal figure entered.
Jaune's eyes were wide opened and Pyrrha knew why.
That girl was very similar to Tepes.
She had a red hair, so dark it could be mistaken for black. The girl was as tall as Tepes and shared his pale skin, but seemed much more healthy than him. She walked with a dignified posture and exhaled pure arrogance. Her canines were bigger than the rest of her teeth and her eyes and lips were blood-red.
A black and red dress was donned on her body, one that seemed to be made for formal occasions, but also had battle utility, not unlike Vladimir's coat.
On top of her head, two bat ears listened to all whispers.
"Forgive me for my late arrival" she said with an arrogant smile. "I had some important business to take care. And yes, it was far more important than this. I am quite sure most of you already know me, but I believe introductions are needed" Bathory winked at the people present. "Do not worry; I will make my own introduction. I am Princess Bathory Dracul Elizabeth, middle daughter of Queen Carmilla of Chimaera and, as you might already know" her red eyes shone. "Older sister of the one you know as Impaler Vampire".
"Vladimir Tepes" said Jaune.
Bathory smiled at him.
"Vladimir Dracul Tepes" corrected another girl.
She had followed Bathory from behind, a girl donning a dark hooded tunic, with the hood's shadow covering most of her face, with the exception of her lips covered by a black lipstick.
"This voice" muttered Luna. "It IS really you. But how..."
"That is not important right now, dear Luna" said Bathory. The princess then directed her attention to the people gathered. "Let us just get to the point" she smiled arrogantly. "I do believe this is a matter of public safety, international relation and, finally, justice. And, considering my late arrival, everyone present here must be ready for the start".
Ozpin looked at the princess. His eyes tried to analyze her, but she answered the gaze with a smirk.
"Any problems?"
"I am afraid not" he answered. "Very well, let us begin this conference".
Newton walked through the streets with a headset.
"Wait... what?! The Raven of Ill Omen is here?!"
"Yes" answered Luna. "If Bathory brougth her, it means she at least has half the power of before the incident".
Newton bit his lip.
"How is the conference going?"
"We are at the start. There is a voting to determine the affairs, but most are agreeing to review the case of Vlad firat due to the fact it's the root of all these events".
"I see..."
"By the way, don't worry. I took Tracy's scarf and am covering my lips. People don't know I'm talking and I'm making sure it seems I'm feeling cold or something... I think Bathory knows what I'm up to..."
"Not a problem. But... Ravenna however. Since when?"
"Don't know".
Newton remembered that day.
Luna defeated on the ground and he with his broken bones.
Hope was lost and a blood-red lightning pierced the skies and fell in front of Vlad.
It was his spear: Dracungnir.
Broken in three pieces, the spear still came to help its one true heir and Vlad managed to unlock the most powerful function for the first time. It was the only time he managed to use that.
"But the plan failed" said Luna through the headset, knowing what Newton was thinking.
"By saving us and living, the whole chain of events changed" he said. "Battles had to happen and a bet was made. One girl ended up suffering the consequences".
"But Ravenna didn't die" answered Luna. "No one believed anymore, but they all still treated her. It seems hope was not lost. If she is here, I'm sure this will- oh".
"What? What happened?"
"We've been called here. Be right back".
"Oh... Okay..."
Newton looked ahead. There was an entire way to go through the streets.
'I hope they will let me go to the scene of the crime'.
Beacon...
Tracy was standing and speaking:
"... as we would come to realize later, the mission we received was later deleted. My team was led to believe it was fake all along, part of the assassination attempt. Newton said there were no traces of it left in the system."
Glynda Goodwitch looked at the girl:
"And why isn't Mr. Stein present here?"
"Newton had more urgent affairs to attend to. Now, if I may continue..."
Newton felt like an idiot to go all the way to the scene by foot. It was as if the roads and streets were endless!
"This way, I'll have to make a motorcycle out of rocks!"
"Lol" said Luna.
"Oh... You in there?"
"Yes, our time is up. Guess you didn't make much progress in the meantime?"
"The taxis aren't working today. Something related to danger regarding the White Fang. I have to go all the way by foot".
"This sucks. By the way, team JNPR is speaking right now".
"Really?"
"Well, only Arc and Nikos actually. I can make you hear and all?"
"No, don't. I think there may be someone that can detect use of aura. Don't try to alter too much sound, understood?"
"Fine..."
Jaune spoke the truth with dead eyes.
"... by the time we arrived there... all we foubd was a dismembered arm, a ripped wing and a mass of coal about Vladimir's size".
'The curse is taking effect much slower than expected' thought Chad. 'Perhaps there may be some more problems later? Well, Arc isn't a problem' the attention shifted to Pyrrha. 'She is'.
"Huff... huff..." Newton could barely walk anymore. "How do you even handle this?"
"I mostly jump around and stuff. You see, each step for me is already a far off jump to the front".
"Maybe I should do that?"
"Just don't. I make myself soundless, you can't do that. By the way, what are you even doing?"
"I think there is more to the assassination than we may have thought".
Blake could feel Bathory's gaze. She certainly knew Blake was a faunus.
"Yang and I were separated. Finally, Tepes and I had started to fight".
"Ok, remember the glasses I made for him?"
"Oh yeah! You said they were indestructible, like my plushie!" Answered Luna. "I love that plushie".
"Yes, you see. I will go analyze the stones on the park".
"Why?"
"I'm bringing my equipment to determine the melting points and the heat used on them. Vlad's glasses should have withstood the heat of lava. If it wasn't hot enough..."
"Then there should be remains".
"But what if there aren't any?" Asked Newton. "I mean, what if he was kidnapped? Why kill a prince if you can use it against someone".
"Oh god..."
"Oh yes!"
"No! NOT THAT! Oh... Nonononono! Sh*t".
"Luna?"
"This is bad, this is really really bad!"
"Luna?!"
Newton could feel her breathing getting heavier.
"Luna? What's going on?"
"Let us say the conference went waaay different than expected".
"What just happened, Luna?"
"Bathory is wreaking a havoc here".
Newton opened his eyes wide.
"She is what?! Explain!"
"Ok, we were shifting the affairs here, people were discussing and she out loud interrupted everyone saying there would be benefits to those helping her!"
"What?!"
"I think she was fed up of nothing going here or doesn't have any interest if it's not about Vlad. She started doing those things about 'k, society and whatevah! Look, not caring, biatch. And promised benefits here to those that helped her. Saying the rest of the reunion didn't interest her anymore".
"Benefits? What benefits?"
"You mean bribery" said Ozpin.
"Benefits, payment, bribery. It does not matter. They are just words to me for things that I do not care. But you people do, just like flies to the rotten meat. If it is for any consolation, I have a few tricks to make the transactions 'legal' to your law".
"Miss Bathory, what you are doing is a immense lack of respect to our reunion" said Ozpin seriously.
"It is because I do not respect it" she answered laughing. "You know, Ozpin? Your society is really funny; is is not hard to acquire a substantial quantity of money or power in it. Three days ago, I arrived in Vale. And, since then, I acquired quite a bit of those shiny coins. It was easy, simple, and, truth to be told, rather efficient. Currently, I control a significant part of the shares of the Schnee Dust Company, for example".
The surprise was extended to many people. Not just Ozpin, not just the students, everyone in that room was surprised by the words of Bathory.
And the wicked girl laughed.
"Holy sh*t!" Shouted Luna.
Newton could see the park in his view.
"What happened now?"
"Bathory bougth up shares from the Schnee Dust Company!"
"Wait... what?"
"Newie, you know about the attempts regarding the Schnee recently? Terrorism tentatives and stuff?"
"Yes?"
"What if it was her? What if she was behind that to acquire control over the Schnee? Or at least part of it?"
"A corporation of humans is partially under my control and it was not even a problem. It was fun! I just had to direct a few papers, do some transactions and done! You people must be thinking 'oh, but she can't control over 50%' or something. The fun part is: I do not need to. With the influence I have, well, I just multiplied what I have and... coerced a few employees. That is also applied to a few politicians, obviously" she looked at Ozpin straight at the eyes. "And I can not care less for public safety. Do you know what this means? It means that with all the power I acquired, I can manipulate anyone of those greedy rats as I want with either money, connections or secrets. But, as you are aware, I am focused on knowing what happened to my brother. So, to all reunited here, help me and I can assure you all there will be benefits".
"Yeah, she really did that... period".
"She got a bit more than 10%" said Newton. "I checked the net, she doesn't have much".
"Yes, but I think it's all she needs. It's like what Vlad said about stuff like that. Use only the necessary power. I think she has enough for whatever goals".
"Like what?" Asked Newton.
"I dunno... maybe manipulating politics? Making money? Bribing people?"
"Do you really think your methods will work?" Asked Ozpin.
"Do you really think your opinion matters?" Bathory smiled. "I uncovered quite a bit of dirt on everyone here present. You are no exception, Ozpin. You see, there were quite a few students with rather dubious backgrounds on your school for example. And there were also a few transactions rather illegal going on with staff of Beacon. What was the name of it? Benefits? No!" Bathory laughed. "Bribery! That is the word you used. See, Ozpin? You don't have power here. You are corrupted, Beacon is corrupted, the Police Force can be easily bribed and the White Fang is composed of only filthy animals that can, and shall be, controlled with a simple leash".
Jaune felt a chill run down his spine. That woman was dangerous.
He thought it was some sort of dichotomy: Vladimir had the brains and she, the brawns. But he finay realized what was the type of person that the princess was:
Someone capable to do anything to achieve her goals. And she also had intelligence to back her up.
If everything she said was true, that girl was currently one of the most influential people on Vale. And she went so far in only three days.
But what scared Jaune the most was that attitude: the arrogant attitude Vladimir also displayed. The same smile, the same mocking, she same ominous red-eyes.
Vladimir made small plan in a few minutes to lure teams into fighting him.
In three days, Bathory made a big plan to acquire control over the city.
"She is going all mad queen on them here!" Said Luna.
Newton looked around. Maybe he could find a way to deactivate all cameras?
"Okay, got it. Not a problem".
"What?! Why?"
"Because that's exactly what Vlad did to teams JNPR and RWBY".
": ?"
"Did you just send me an emoticon? People can see you typing, Luna! Speak with your voice!"
"Sorry. But what do you mean?"
"I think she is just scaring people. Make herself someone feared to be obeyed and stuff like that".
"Well, when you put it like that oooooOOOOOOOHHHHH SSSHHH****TTTT!"
"Oh, god! What now?! I know I'm bad at trusting people, but I at least believe in Bathory. She is scary, yes, but I'm pretty much sure she has her heart in the right place and wouldn't-"
"It's not her! It's her brother!"
"WHAT?!"
"What is the matter, Ozpin?" She asked with a teasing tone. "What is the matter, purebloods? Come, join me. Help me uncover the truth".
"Do not" said a strict voice. "Sister".
Tracy's jaw dropped.
"It can't be" muttered Luna.
'Vladimir?!' Thought Jaune.
But, upon looking at the figure...
He was taller than both Bathory and Vladimir. Wearing a black tuxedo and a red cape, that man looked far more imposing than the others. No apparent animal traits, but he had the same pale skin and the same red eyes.
The same sharp canines...
But that man was different. He had shoulder-length white hair and his expression was of pure disgust at the people present.
Even Bathory herself was surprised.
"Orlok is here" said Luna.
"Oh god..." said Newton.
The man ignored Bathory and walked forward.
"I am Prince Orlok Dracul Nosferatu. Elder son of Queen Carmilla of Chimaera. I came here to impose a choice to you all present: to ally yourselves to me in uncovering the truth behind my brother's murder case".
"He is doing the same thing as Bathory".
"This is bad" answered Newton.
"Maybe he is faking it?"
"It's Orlok we are talking about here! The guy that destroyed a village alone and showered salt over the land! Do you really think he wouldn't mean what he says?! He would kill people and bring a decapitated head to make a point!"
Ozpin looked at the newcomer.
"I suppose you aren't like your sister?"
"I am far more efficient than her. To those that do not follow me, I will not guarantee the safety of your family nor your own lives".
Bathory looked at him surprised. Ozpin had a serious look in his eyes.
"Do you know what you are implying?"
"Do you know who you are talking to?" Orlok didn't smile. Unlike Bathory, he seemed far more serious.
"Do you know what you did?!" Bathory finally stopped smiling and showed pure worry. "Now we both are in the land of the purebloods! If both of us die, Chimaera will be left without a direct heir to the throne!"
"Ignorant as ever" he said upon looking at her in the eyes. "You came here to calm down our people. I came here to calm down our mother" he directed himself to the people around him. "I had to come here to this disgusting land, where faunus are animals and humans are mad to do something because I knew you were not cut for the task. And I do not plan on staying on this filthy city".
"And what do you have to back you up, Orlok?" Bathory smiled at him. "You alone are nothing here! Finally, I am above you".
"Reckless as ever. I will show you how things are done. Jane!"
The man snapped his fingers and by his side appeared a floating box out of the air.
Orlok opened it and threw the content on the ground. It rolled and tainted the ground with blood.
Pyrrha had her eyes wide opened: what Orlok threw was a decapitated head.
"He just did it..." Muttered Luna.
"What?"
"He threw a head on the ground".
"W-w-w-what?"
Murmurs and grasps were happening around the audience.
"In these few days in which I arrived in Vale, I too have acquired power" Orlok didn't smile. He never did. "Unlike my sister, however, I took control over the rotten underbelly of this putrid city. This head you see here belonged to a high ranking employer of the Schnee Dust Company. And he, like others, were a small price I payed to acquire the respect of the White Fang".
"Oh, this is bad, this really really bad" spoke Luna.
Ozpin's eyes opened wide.
"You..."
"Exactly. I want results and I want answers. I may not lead the White Fang, but it is easy to make them do my bidding. Just like I did to many criminal organizations around here, which is why many of you gathered today; you are afraid and I am the source of your fear. I control the rats. You can try to kill me as you wish, but be aware: retribution will come over the lives of your friends and families" Orlok's red eyes shone. "But do not be mistaken; I can assure you I have done nothing outside of self-defense yet. Yet. Now, which of you are interested in allying yourselves to me in my cause?"
"Luna? LUNA?!" Newton tried and tried, but no one answered anymore.
'Well, that happened' thought Luna.
"Bathory and Orlok going to start a war" whispered Tracy trembling. "We are not ready for another one so soon".
"Tracy".
"This bad, this is really bad. They have far more numbers than us. It's a kingdom against a village. We don't stand a chance".
"Tracy".
"Why are they even doing this? To provoke the city of Vale is the same thing as to back all adjacent cities on the kingdom to-"
"Tracy Khufu, stop!" Whispered Luna. "I can block your noise, but not your actions. People can detect if we are worried. Calm down. Bathory is doing the same thing as Vlad: putting up a facade. It has high risks, but also high rewards. Analyze it carefully; they don't know anything about us, which also means they don't know we are still recovering from previous battles".
"Bu-"
"It essentially means they think we are war-bent monsters. So calm down and act like one. Look carefully. This is a very fragile conflict".
People could lie with words and deceive with actions, but the royal family was WAY better than the rest into that.
Luna was 70% sure Bathory was only striking fear into others; Newton was right and she would never wreck a city for her goals. The princess probably only put up a 'mad girl' facade to manipulate others. One transaction here, one threat there and done.
'Bathory is better at theatrics than Vlad, but she would never destroy a city for that... Orlok on the other hand...'
HE was the true problem. Orlok probably saw through Bathory's whole plan. Either that, or knew beforehand.
The problem was that Luna knew what type of person Orlok was: the type that would destroy a civillization stone by stone.
'This is a problem. Orlok will end up making US fight OURSELVES to keep a stable connection with Vale. He has to be stopped before he goes too far!'
Luna touched her backpack. If the worst came to happen, she and Bathory could team up to fight Orlok. There were only two problems: Vlad's fianceé's health and the invisible agent Orlok had at his side: Jane Doe.
'She is the most dangerous one' she thought.
Chad could barely contain the surprise.
On one side, the plan was working well.
On the other, it had backfired in an unpredictable direction.
The princess and the prince that ruled opposite sides of a coin were going too far!
'Those two... they will destroy us all!'
Chad had come as a last resort: should anything happen, one of the rulers could be killed and the plan could proceed.
But only one. And there were two mad heirs in there.
Killing one was possible. It would cost Chad's own life afterwards, yes, but it was still possible. But the two weren't.
Killing one would make the other disbalance everything. The situation would get out of hand!
'What do I do? What do I do?! I have to find a mean to eliminate them both!'
Ruby felt a chill run down her spine.
Something was happening. Danger.
She could feel that a battle was about to begin.
"LUNA!" Newton shouted, but no one answered. ''Don't act on impulse! Orlok does not control the White Fang! It's impossible for him to go so far in three days! He is making them believe he does, but... Luna! Please answer!
'What do I do?! Must I return?!'
Heretic Notes:
: /
*sigh*
I gave many hints that Orlok would be a dangerous person, but you people didn't think it would be in this way, right?
Bathory infiltrated the Schnee Dust Company.
Orlok infiltrated the White Fang.
Don't worry, I don't plan to delve more in politics. I hate politics after all. This was made more to show how a system can be abused.
Most people don't know it, but you don't need to control over half of something to control everything. You need much less to achieve your goals.
You can kill someone by decapitating a person, but hitting an artery on the thighs will give the same results.
You don't need to create a tornado if you know where to put the butterfly that will take part in creating it.
Vladimir, Orlok and Bathory demonstrated it throughout the story.
Vlad wanted to fight strong opponents, to do so, he only needed to play a role and the opponents would come to him.
Bathory just needed political power. Money is one easy way to manipulate a society while it is in a critical time (in this case with the city in danger). People get worried and reckless.
Orlok wants quick results. To do so, he went through the fear that makes people reckless.
They are like three sides of means to rule. Vladimir is like charisma, Bathory is like power and Orlok is like opression.
You can bribe people to obey to you and you can do so through fear as well, but a ruler united to its people doesn't need to do that.
Oh well, this is finally over. Next chapter things will finally get fun.
Yes... we are reaching the climax! Next chap won't be the climax, but we are reaching it! The climax of the Fallen Hero arc! I think it will be over in 2-3 chapters!
By the way, as you must have noticed, most people of Chimaera take on those gothic old stories horror-thingy as base.
For example, Vlad's family are named after a bunch of vampires, Luna's are of things canine related due to the werewolf-thingy, and Orlok's secret agent is after the Invisible Man (Jane Doe is the female variant of John Doe, which is used to anonymous people and stuff).
Later!
Heretic, out!