When night had officially fallen, the moon of Remnant was finally whole and the stars were shining in their full glory. On the ground, in an open field Orion and Yang were alone and laid together watching the sky.
" You know it's funny, if someone had told me that I'd fall for someone I originally hated, I'd probably have punched them in the face." Yang said, earning a slight chuckle from Orion.
" And what about now ? "
" Still would, but I would admit that it wasn't as bad I thought. You know, Weiss and the others still have the scars you caused them years ago. Sun still has your other knife too. I'm still actually surprised that we're...together. I'm not sure how the others would react if they knew. How would I even explain, why ? "
" They ALL still despise me." Orion scratched the his as a shooting star passed overhead. " Besides, I told you that if you wanted to tell them i'd be fine with it. We can't hide the truth forever. Oh and a shooting star passed over, so make a wish."
" No thanks, I make my own dreams come true. I don't need a shooting star or anything to bring me luck. Besides, you, Jaune and Sun are gonna have to settle your differences eventually and luck isn't going to cut it."
" I sincerely doubt that they'd ever be willing to sit down and chat with me. I did mortally wound the loves of their lives in the past. Even after that, I nearly killed them again, and after all this time, I've had to fight them when I've run into either one of them. I'm notan optimistic or pessimistic, but I am a realist. The reality of the situation is that if even when we work together, even if I somehow save their lives or even save all of Remnant, they wouldn't trust me."
Yang rolled over onto her stomach and got to her feet. She looked down at Orion with a concerned expression. " And how do you know they wouldn't trust you ? " she asked.
" Because I wouldn't trust me. I still don't trust myself, even after all this time." Orion said as he held his hand up so both he and Yang could see it. A menacing red aura began to radiate from his hand. Yang, being a trained Huntress, could sense the feelings of menace, disdain, hatred and sadness that was manifested by Orion's aura. " It's like Raven told me, my soul knows how I really am. I know-"
" Oh cut the self-loathing." Yang said suddenly, catching Orion by surprise as she plopped down next to him and laid her head on his chest. She took his hand and entwined it with her own hands. Her aura manifested itself as a warm yellow fire that wrapped both her hands and in turn, Orion's hand. " I told you already, all wounds heal with time. If your soul knows how you feel then the same could be said about my soul. You can feel it can't you, my soul ? I'm not angry with you, I don't hate you and I'm not afraid of you. It's like told you in the past, I trust you now. I just need you to trust yourself. And when you do that, we can...move forward with life."
" Attention lovebirds ! " Neo said suddenly, catching the duo unaware, " I am terribly sorry to rain on your moment. However, I managed to save up enough aura to possibly transport the four of us into Vale. The catch is I don't exactly know where we'll land. "
Orion could only look at Neo, who was sitting on the branches of a tree, looking down at him. He and Yang reluctantly got to their feet. Orion looked at both Yang and then Neo as he crossed his arms.
" Exactly when did you two get all buddy-buddy ? "
" It was after you'res truly along with Mercury and Emerald busted you out and we all went our separate ways. I decided to stay in Vale and decided to buy some new clothes " Neo began, causing Orion to groan in annoyance as he walked away.
" I don't even care anymore, I heard enough." he said as he stopped in his tracks. " Wait, you said that it's possible to teleport us into Vale ? That sounds like you're not sure yourself."
" Oh well I'm sorry, teleporting two people and an angel across the freaking world is sooo easy you." Neo said sarcastically to Orion sighed in response. Neo kicked her legs lazily and sighed as well. She took a breath and began, " Though I have an idea. The more aura you and Yang funnel to me it's it'll be easier for me to pin-point an exact location."
" I figured as much. Well, let's test our luck and see where it takes us."
Emerald cradled her and Mercury's daughter, Amber, doing her best to the year and-half old baby girl to sleep. Amber's own red eyes were beginning to fill with the desire to sleep and soon they eventually went dull as Amber was taken by the sandman's sleep. Amber gently lowered her daughter into her crib. She took Amber's favorite toy, a red stuffed toy dog, and set it down in next to Amber.
When Emerald was confident Amber was sound asleep, she quietly began to sneak out of the room and gently closed the door behind her. With a happy sigh, she ran her fingers through her hair as she walked down her home's hallway and was met with an unexpected sight.
Orion was leaning with against the wall along with Neo. Amira was resting her head on the couch with Yang's old cloak as a blanket, but Yang herself was no-where to be seen. Emerald was too shocked to see them both and could only stand there in shock and surprise. Neo, being unable to stand anymore, collapsed onto the ground in a fatigued heap. Orion looked down at Neo and just shrugged as he looked back at Emerald.
" Sorry to drop in unexpectedly, but it's good to see you again." Orion said calmly as the front door opened suddenly.
" Oh god it's good to be back." Mercury said as he stepped through the door and suddenly stopped as he Orion and the others. " Orion ?! Dude where have you been ? Wait, who's the chick ? "
Orion scratched his head and sighed as Mercury closed the door behind himself. " Good to see you too, Mercury. Anyways, you two might wanna sit down for this."
Amira and Neo were resting in two separate guestrooms and were currently recovering from their respective endeavors. Orion himself was likewise fatigued but resisted the urge to sleep.
He downed the last of the water that Emerald had given him as he finished explaining everything to them both about what he had been doing. When he finally finished, Mercury could whistle in astonishment as Emerald listened dumbfoundedly.
" I'm gonna go over this again to make sure I understand. After we freed you, and sneaked into Vale and met up Yang. You two...settled your differences and then you dropped off the grid again. During that time, you went hermit mode and trained all while looking into Chaos and what that woman told you after the battle. Did I miss anything ? "
" Well I did sneak back into Vale last year too, so in total I've come back three total times. Aside from that, pretty much everything. Now, I was going to ask you for a favor. Amira's still in a weakened state after all she's been through so I was wondering if you two could just help her recover until she's back on her feet."
Mercury and Emerald looked back at each other and seemed to have a nonverbal conversation all while Orion simply watched them. When they looked back at him, Mercury nodded at him with a smile.
" No problem, anything else you need ? "
Orion shook head and sighed, " No," he said, " You both are already risking so much with me even being here. You two already have a kid." Orion said, surprising himself, as he got up. " Speaking of which, I don't think I even met the kid tyke."
Emerald motioned for Orion and Mercury to follow her which they did. They walked down a comfortably lit corridor and entered a room with it's wall painted a soothing cherry red color. In the middle was a small crib that was also cherry red. Sleeping in the crib was small child with surprisingly tan complexion and messy green hair.
Emerald point one finger over her lip and looked at Orion who nodded in understanding as she led him into the room. She spurned Orion forward and gently pushed him to the edge of the crib. He peered over and saw the child, sleeping gently and undisturbed.
" Amber, this is your Uncle Orion."
Jaune was busy going over a few reports pertaining bullying on school grounds. While it did bring up memories of his own, he concluded that it would be best to address the matter head-on rather than let the students resolve it themselves. He made a mental note to schedule an assembly on that matter along with several others.
While he continued sifting through paperwork, the elevator to his office opened. He looked up from his desk to see Ren and Ruby, both looking at him with serious expressions. Already knowing that the matter at hand was one of major of importance. With a sigh, he rose from his seat and picked up the briefcase by at his feet. He tiredly made his way into the elevator and listened to Ruby, who began to inform him of what she discovered while exploring the area outside Vale. He listened intently as they made their way to the airships and boarded one alongside Ruby. Ren stayed behind in order to alleviate any concerns that would arise once Jaune left campus.
Having gotten a full debriefing from Ruby, Jaune was intent on learning just what Ruby had actually found. She had brought him to a cave, deep in the heart of Forever Falls. Though the cave was merely a front for the massive and intricate cavern that was buried deep beneath it. They continued exploring and realized that someone had beaten them there.
" I thought you said that no one else knew this was here ? " Jaune asked Ruby who was just as worried as he was.
" No one else knows about this except us. When I came here I was positive I was the only person who had ever seen this place. We should be..." Ruby stopped as she heard the sound of stone beginning to give way. She and Jaune both looked down, but were too slow as the ground gave way. They realized it only too late as they were sent plunging into the dark abyss below them.
Several golden hands forged of flames latched on both Jaune and Ruby, saving them from their fall. The flames gripped them tightly as it hoisted them upward. When touched back on solid ground, they were greeted by a long absent enemy. Instinctively, Ruby drew Crescent Rose and twirled the monstrous scythe elegantly through the air, directed readily at Orion's neck. He threw his arms up to block the blow and barely winced as the scythe tore through his clothing and sunk directly into his arm.
" I'm not here to fight you !" Orion protested as he recoiled at the pain in his arm. Ruby retracted her weapon as sent what blood remaining on it onto the ground.
" I find that hard to believe coming from you." Ruby said with disgust as golden flames sealed Orion's wound.
" I don't care if you believe me or not. Like I said, I didn't come here to fight you which you should have figured out since I saved your lives."
" Give us one reason why we should believe you ? " Ruby as she reactivated Crescent Rose aimed the barrel at Orion's heart. She hadn't forgotten the history they share and was eager to make to even the slate, even if it meant taking a life, something she would have been at a crossroads about if it were someone else.
Instead of arguing, Orion merely motioned for them to follow him and they reluctantly agreed, though they kept their hands on their weapons every step of the way.
Orion led them deeper into the cave, all while trying to explain his reason for being in Vale, albeit leaving off a few key details. When he finished speaking, he had found what he was looking for. They had come across a massive set doors, heavily reinforced by thick obsidian and adorned with the designs of wailing skeletons reaching for salvation. Ruby and Jaune looked at the doors with curiosity and awe as Orion ran his fingers along the door's design.
" What is that ? " Ruby questioned as Orion placed his hand on Muramasa's grip and felt for even the faintest opening on the door. Within the blink of an eye, door toppled over as several severed fragments of door hit the ground in a heap. Ruby looked at Orion as he sheathed his sword faster than Ruby could follow.
As the trio continued onward, they came to an area that seemed to exist completely different from the cave they had entered. Instead of stones and rock, the walls, ground and ceiling were replaced by blackened stone masonry that gleamed like polished silver. In the center of the room was a sight only Orion was expecting.
Unlike Amira, this angel had dark messy locks of raven hair, though she did share the same emerald colored as eyes as Amira. Just like her sister, she bound to the ground by chains, but unlike Amira, this angel was sitting with legs crossed and appeared completely calm. Despite being impaled and imprisoned, she seemed rather at peace or at the very least was acceptant about the situation, despite the several black spears running her through.
Ruby and Jaune could only look at her shock, not so much as horror, already grown accustom to sights such as these. Orion was the first to confront the imprisoned angel that took notice of the three before her. She looked at both Orion and Jaune with interest, but only gave Ruby a passing glance.
" Strange...I haven't felt a presence like that in a long time." the Angel said calmly as she stared directly at Jaune, " You carry the blood of Elias Arc. Well my name is Nuri and-"
" So you're Amira's sister." Orion stated as walked past Jaune and crouched down in front of Nuri. " Listen, I know where you're sister is and we need you and you're siblings help for defeating Chaos. So I'm-"
" What makes you assume that I would aid one who bears the blood of a Flamesong ? If you don't know what your'e kin did then you are more misguided than I believed. Your bloodline was my most disgraceful and shameful moments, and-"
An intense blue flame manifested around Orion's fist as intense embers began to flicker and radiate off him, searing the stone masonry beneath him. " Yeah, I already know all about that, but that doesn't matter to me. I'm not gonna let my past rule the way I live my life. I get it, you trained my ancestors and they screwed it up, incredibly, yes I understand that. Yet, I don't care. You see, my life is my own, not just another thing for you to point a finger at. So, do what I did and get over it." Orion said with a surprisingly calm voice, that was only betrayed by his demeanor.
If Nuri's emerald eyes and glare were anymore intent then they'd be able to pierce Orion with just her subtle, but enraged glare. Ruby noticed that Nuri was subtley gripping her chains rather tightly before letting out a disgruntled sigh as she lowered her head and began mumbling lowly under her breath.w After what felt like an eternity, she and Orion locked glares before Orion drew that familiar red-bladed katana, but Ruby and Jaune drew their weapons quicker.
Crescent Rose and Crocea Mors each other as they intercepted at the neck of Orion, who sighed and moved them aside without care. He drew Muramasa and in one fluid movement he severed the chain binding Nuri's right arm to the ground. He aimed to sever the other chain, however, Nuri put her now released arm up and motioned for them all to step away from her. The trio listened as they sheathed their weapons and watched as the other chain was engulfed by brilliant white flames and were simply incinerated, leaving only Amira's unbound wrist.
Next were the black spikes that had she been impaled by. Those too were simply incinerated by the white flames and the wounds, while still present, slowly began to heal.
" Wow, I guess we shouldn't doubt an angel, looks like she's just fine." Ruby said with surprise as Orion stopped Nuri in her tracks as she tried to walk past them.
" Hang on, you're sister could barely walk on her own, let alone stand and use her powers. Yet, somehow you can ? "
" Amira," Nuri said with a deep sigh, " is my older sister and while she may be senior, she is weaker than I." Nuri said, catching both Ruby and Jaune off guard, but Orion didn't buy it. He stood directly in her path, unwavering and unflinching as she attempted to walk past him again. Only this time, he flicked her on her forehead, surprising the others as well as Nuri.
The flick wouldn't have been able to topple a child, let own a powerful celestial being like Nuri, yet it did. Orion watched her legs gave out from under her and subtly as she got herself mid-fall but the damage was already done. Orion merely crossed his arms and looked back at Ruby and Jaune and sighed as he simply began to walk away. He stopped for a brief, looked at the others and shook his head. " You can deal with her, but i'll be in touch. Call Mercury and Emerald when you're ready to talk again."
" Hold up ! " Ruby protested. " Why should we believe anything you say ? "
" Because ! " Orion snapped, angrily shocking Ruby who recoiled slightly in fear. Orion realized what had happened and managed to peel back his rage. " Because, for all your hatred for me you two aren't going to even REMOTELY risk the chance to catch me now that you know what's going on. We've shed enough of each other's blood to have at the least the smallest inkling of what the other is thinking. So, if you're going to try and stop me then by all means do it here and now, then you can stop Chaos on your own." Orion said without the slightest trace of malice behind his words, that Ruby or Jaune could detect. He seemed to simply be speaking what he thought, and was pulling no punches, merely deciding how where they landed.
He waited for what seemed like an eternity and then looked at Nuri, and then they noticed him slowly reaching for his blade. Orion himself noticed and recoiled at his own action, but still stared Nuri down, unwavering. " And you don't know the first thing about me, so don't presume that you do. A Flamesong's blood may run through my veins, but I was never a member of that family. Cinder Fall was more a mother to me than my own."
After that, Orion merely walked away, but seconds afterwards the sounds of Beowolves whining, growling and snarling as the sound of metal hitting against stone began to echo throughout the cave.
Jaune simply sighed at Nuri, who was beginning to lose consciousness, but luckily was caught by Jaune at the last second. " Well I don't think Pyrrha would mind if we had a house guest, she owes one for putting up with her parents."
" Are you sure your wife would approve you being a strange, unconscious woman home ? " Ruby asked slyly as Jaune simply laugh sarcastically.
" Hilarious, absolutely hilarious. Now, let's go, Orion probably bought us some time, and something to think about."
" Following your lead, Jauney-boy"