Ever since graduating Beacon with honors, Jaune, Ruby and the others had been busy nearly non-stop. Top class graduates were always needed for day to day purposes in the kingdoms.
Ruby herself was thoroughly enjoying the life of a Huntress, travelling around the kingdom like her mother before her, being a hero to the people and the feeling of freedom. What made things better, was that she had enough money and resources to dive into her favorite hobby of tinkering with weapons and machines. She had even refit Crescent Rose and Jaune actually asked her to make a pair of weapons for him when she had the time.
Weiss herself was at a crossroads about it. As the sister set to inherit the Schnee Dust Company, her time as a Huntress was used to restore relations with Faunus and the Schnee Dust Company. Her father had officially stepped down and left the company to Weiss, who ran it better and more efficiently than any of her predecessors. Though controversy still surrounded her family's company, she did the best that she could considering the circumstances.
Blake was in a tight-spot herself. After the destruction of the White Fang, humans and Faunus were once again at each others throats'. Feeling a sense of purpose, Blake, along with the aid of Sun had managed to act as mediators between the two peoples. Soon, Blake set in motion to restore the White Fang to what it used to be before it became corrupt and twisted. Using the resources and contacts given to her as a Huntress, Blake had also managed to repair things between humans and Faunus, albeit slowly, but surely. The effort went along even better when the Schnee Dust Company had openly agreed to work alongside the White Fang, courtesy of Weiss and Blake's comradery and friendship.
Yang had taken the time to travel around the world and go adventuring. Though she did her best to keep in contact with her sister and friends, it wasn't uncommon anymore if she went months without contact. Through her travels, she decided to adventure around all the kingdoms, and the last Ruby had heard of Yang was that she was currently in Mistral doing jobs here and there for the kingdom
Busy busy busy is what Weiss had become. Regularly scheduled board meetings, Ruby appearing in and out of the off the building. Her and Blake were likewise working in unison for equality between humans and Faunus, which came at the price of even more work. Yet, she managed and even did better than anyone could have in her position.
Though today was one of the few days where she had no standing work or obligations to take care. No meetings, speeches or anything of the sort. Today was simply for her and she was looking forward to making the most of it. Her chauffeur pulled up in front of her family's mansion, now left to her and her sister, Winter. She exited the luxurious limousine and thanked her driver, who nodded in appreciation.
Weiss ascended the steps to her home, having already grown used to the snow white mansion when suddenly her scroll beeped. Weiss stopped in her tracks and sighed as she began to read the message she had received.
The hope of calm day went out the window as she read the message she had received. She quickly retraced herself and entered the backseat of the limo.
" Is something the matter ? " her driver asked her curiously. Weiss's mind was racing a mile a minute and it showed on her.
" Something's come up. In need to go to Beacon, and quickly because this is urgent."
Beacon was as busy as it had always been. A new batch of fresh students had arrived for their first year at the academy while many were returning from previous years.
All of them had recognized Weiss and while she wanted to stop and talk to all of them, the matter at hand was far more important. She was being escorted by Ren, who had decided to become a Professor at the academy, having grown fond of teaching. Though the real reason was because Jaune had pleaded with him to become one.
" It's good to see you again Weiss. That's a new look for you." Ren offered kindly to Weiss who smiled warmly. She was always fond of her original outfit, so she decided to incorporate it into her new outfit. She kept her original upper body clothing, only adding a new coat with silver pauldron over her left shoulder. The coat extended down to her knees and she opted to use a more fitting dress that didn't restrict her movement. As always, Myrtenaster was sheathed faithfully at her side.
" Thank you Ren, you haven't changed a bit," Weiss said to Ren who nodded at the compliment. The only major difference Ren had gone through was that he grown a few inches over the past few years.
They continued a their friendly chat until they reached the main elevator of Beacon, still as magnificent as Weiss had remembered it. They entered the elevator and ascended to the top floor.
When they exited, Jaune was sitting at the desk, going over some paper on his desk. He reached for a coffee mug when he finally noticed Weiss and Ren.
" Weiss, its good to see you again ! " Jaune said enthusiastically as jumped from his seat, opened his arms widely and walked to the front of his desk, " Come on, bring it in ! "
Weiss shook her head at Jaune, but hugged him none the less. She couldn't help, but laugh happily anyway. " It's good to see you too Jaune, really it is."
They stopped hugging as Weiss chuckled softly, " It really has been a while, I havn't seen either of you since your weddings. So, exactly is this urgent matter you HAD to discuss on my day off ? "
Jaune's mood changed within a second as he sighed. He opened his scroll and pressed a button, causing a map of the world to appear on a nearby wall.
" Remember when Sun and I went to Vacuo ? " Jaun asked Weiss who nodded in response, " Well, while there we ran into Orion again and-"
" WAIT , " Weiss yeleld in shock, " Red-haired, hot-headed, INSANE LUNATIC ORION THAT NEARLY KILLED US, MULTIPLE TIMES ? "
" The one and only," Jaune answered Weiss who began pacing back in forth in anger and nervousness, " Though I think he might of changed a bit."
" What happened between you two ? " Weiss asked.
" We fought, but we fought to a standstill and parted ways. You see, Sun and I were protecting a village from a Grimm horde, and we met Orion there. Surprisingly, he was there to defend the village. I tried to capture him, and well we had to stop fighting since we risked destroying the entire village. Sun has been travelling the world too and he said that he ran into Orion several times, albeit by chance. Though the reason I called you here was because of this," Jaune pointed to an "x" that was located east of Mistral on the coast.
" What's that ? "
Jaune shook his head and took a breath, " Not what, but rather what was that. This used to be an island that housed a temple. You see, that temple was where they worshiped the first Grimm, Chaos. The whole island vanished last week and by vanish I mean witnesses that were on the sea at the time reported what they saw as a blue meteor rain down and wipe the island out. Who do we know that uses anything remotely resembling a blue meteor ? "
It didn't even take Weiss a second to put the pieces together. She took a breath and said, " Orion. I remember when he created a massive fireball that blue back when he and Raven fought that grimm woman. So you think he destroyed it ? If he did, why do you think he did it ? "
Jaune closed his scroll, causing the map to disappear as he turned his back to Weiss to think.
" I wish I was completely sure, but I can only guess. The fact of the matter is that we have to keep track of him. If you can get into contact with Yang and Ruby, could you tell them to be on the lookout for anything that indicates that Orion was there. If you they do come across something, can you tell them to contact me ? "
"O-Of course, Jaune. Actually I think Yang is in Mistral right now, so cross your fingers that she calls. Is there anything else Jaune ? " Weiss asked, having calmed down slightly after seeing how composed Jaune himself was being. Jaune turned around to look at Weiss and shook his head with a smile.
" No, but thanks Weiss. Again, sorry to bother you, but this was important." Jaune said with an smile to Weiss who nodded as she turned to leave. She entered the elevator and prepared to leave, but had something to say.
" You've changed, Jaune and I think its a good kind of change. Pyrrha is really lucky to have you. Good luck, Headmaster."
" I appreciate that Weiss, thank you. "
After several long hours of flying in his phoenix form, Orion had managed to transport Amira and himself to the island south of the one that Orion had obliterated. Likewise, this one was also uninhabited, save for a few dozen Grimm, but Orion made short work of them after he landed.
After a few hours, Orion had carried Amira to a suitable place to rest. He set Amira down under a shaded tree and sat down next to her, wanting to get out of the sun and into the shade.
" Amira, you said that your sister taught my family, right ? " Orion asked suddenly, catching the angel off guard.
" Oh, yes. My little sister, Nuri. Of all the angels that I've known, I'm confident to say that Nuri's abilities with a flames surpassed all of them. Whether they be Archangel or not, her skill surpassed them all," Amira said as her turned more mournful, " I...I miss her...I miss my home, my family...Everything. Its been a long time since I've seen the sunlight, felt the wind on my face, the breeze of the sea and everything in between...Sorry, I went off topic. Is there something you wanted know ? "
Orion shook his head and quickly shot up to his feet as he instinctively gripped Muramasa. Amira looked at him in shock and looked in the direction he was looking. From the bushes came a Beowulf that currently engulfed in flames as it stumbled out the forest before falling down and dying in agony. A person in dark brown coat emerged from the forest, flames trailing behind them. Amira tried to get to her feet quickly, but Orion put a hand on her shoulder and motioned for her to sit down.
The figure continued forward, but stopped once they were a good ten feet from Orion. It peeled back its hood to reveal a youthful woman with a long flowing mane of blonde hair that rivaled Amira's. Her eyes were lilac in color. It didn't Orion a second to know who it was. He slowly loosened his grip on his sword and sighed slightly.
" Yang...I didn't expect to see you here." He said, just as Yang threw a punch, much to Amira shock. Orion caught the swing in his palm easily and they stood there. Slowly, Yang's balled up fist opened and became entwine with Orion's as they stared each other.
" Who's she ? " Yang asked, squeezing Orion's hand tightly, yet he felt nothing by it as he looked back at Amira who weakly waved.
" Remember how I told you that there are things that hate Chaos as more than I do ? Well turns out that those things are angels and she's one of them. That island that I told about, well it turns that that was were Elias got his recruits from. The people there used to worship Chaos, and Amira was imprisoned there. Long story short, I freed her and as a favor I more or less wiped the island off the map."
Yang simply shook her head at the statement and sighed. " You're an idiot," she said, " Your little stunt tipped off Jaune, who told me that he suspected you were responsible. Your lucky I found you first, I doubt Sun or Jaune would even talk to you without trying to capture you."
Orion couldn't help, but smirk at the comment. Yet, that smirk quickly faded as the memory of his and Sun's encounters shot to the forefront of his memory. She flicked Orion on the head with her free hand, regaining his attention.
" Just so you know, after this I'll be in Vale in a week or so. Mercury and Emerald are there, so try stopping by. They said that they it'd be nice to see you again."
Orion simply smirked and shook his head, " Did you forget i'm wanted in Vale and Atlas ? It's nearly impossible to sneak in."
" Didn't stop you a year ago," Yang said slyly.
" Fair point, but I can't exactly sneak into a kingdom with a wounded angel," Orion said he motioned toward Amira who had drifted off into sleep, " Not on my own anyway."
" Well good thing you're not on your own," A voice said as Orion looked at a nearby tree to see a familiar face along with the same pair of discolored heterochromatic eyes.
Being Headmaster of Beacon came with perks, but it also came with its share of responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities of Headmaster was occasional meetings with the council of Vale.
This meeting brought up the topic of the destroyed island located off the western coast of Mistral. When the Council had asked Jaune for his input in the matter and how to investigate, Jaune told them to leave the matter to Mistral's council. Having proved himself a reasonable and competent suitor to Ozpin's position, the Council had listened to Jaune suggesting and the rest of the meeting followed by in several uninteresting topics.
When Jaune finally was free of the meeting, he leaned back in his seat and breathed a sigh of relief. Just then the elevator to his office opened up, to reveal a familiar set of flowing black hair, carrying a white briefcase with golden accents.
" Hey Jaune or should I say Professor Arc ? " Ruby taunted Jaune who laughed slightly as he got up from his seat, " I heard about that island near Mistral. So you think Orion's back ? "
" More likely than not, but I don't wanna worry about that right now. I contacted Sun and Yang asked them to look into it. Speaking of them, when's the last time that you heard from your sister ? "
Ruby placed the briefcase on Jaune desk and shrugged at the question, " A couple of months ago, but last time I talked to her she was doing well. Anyway, as promised when I was done with whatever I was doing at the time, one custom-made weapon for my good friend. Took me a while, but I like to think it fits Remnant's White Knight."
Just then, Jaune scroll went off wildly, signaling that he was needed. Jaune sighed as he got up from his seat.
" Well, looks like I get to try it out already. So how much do I-"
" Nope," Ruby said, shaking her head, " This one is on the house. After all, that's what friends are for. Now then, Headmaster, it seems your needed."
Jaune lethargically took the briefcase from his desk and hugged Ruby as he headed to the elevator. Having nothing to do, Ruby decided to tag with Jaune as they descended to the ground floor.
" So where we headed, Headmaster ? " Ruby teased Jaune who sighed and scratched the back of his head.
" Field trip to Forever Falls. They say that history repeats itself, so i'm going to make sure it doesn't."
A/N : Hey there guys and gals, good to be writing again. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and the latest update for Ashes to Ashes. Just writing this to tell you all that I appreciate you all sticking around and giving me the time of day.
Now, I also wanted to warn you all that I'll be deleted Blood Stained Lotus. Eventually I'll restart it, but I just lost interest in the story in favor of Remnants Dark Harbinger, which is coming back. Of course, things won't be the EXACT same for both stories, but I'm confident you'll enjoy them nonetheless. Again, thank you all for everything and remember to leave a comment cause I wanna hear your feedback, friends.