Arc III: Chaos Named
Chapter 25: An Honest Deception
The door clicked once, twice, and finally thrice as she firmly bolted the locks to the wall. It was more a nervous tic than for any practical reason since the wraith in the basement was subservient to Salem's whims, but for the first time since she met the Queen of the Grimm, Emerald felt fear.
It wasn't something she readily acknowledged since a childhood in the streets numbed such emotion, then seemingly vanished for good once Cinder offered a roof over her head. She wasn't a psychopath, unlike the arrogant silver-haired prick leaning by the wall, but it'd be remiss to not feel satisfied seeing those who preyed upon the helpless cower when facing the barrel of a gun.
But while her loyalty was never in question, discovering that your saviour's boss planned to ravage the world was unnerving, and that she had the means to do so, intimidating.
With their volatile weapon of mass destruction merely twelve feet below them, downright terrifying.
Emerald shivered and walked away, looking back and half-expecting the wraith to burst through and run his flaming sword up her spine. Though she felt a little sympathetic seeing him dragged to the tower by Watts and Tyrian via some sort of magic mirror, it disappeared when she witnessed the carnage unleashed upon the poor Grimm that Salem used to test his strength - which slowly recovered with every passing day. She idly wondered if it would eventually overpower the curse that Salem cast.
Such thoughts were rudely interrupted, however, as an arm shot across her face and barred her from proceeding.
"I sense a disturbance in your force," Mercury smirked, receiving an indignant pout. "What's the problem? You worried the boogeyman's gonna come up and eat you alive?"
Emerald delivered a swift punch under his ribcage, eliciting an oof and dropping the barrier to progress. "Keep that up and I'll do more than just disturb your force. Ah-ah-ah. That includes the dirty jokes," she replied, holding up a finger in warning when he made to seize the opportunity, the bastard.
"Heh, jeez, alright. Just don't come crying to me like when you're ready for round two," the silver-haired teen laughed. "Just wondering what's gotten into you all of a sudden. You're usually not this moody."
She questioned the authenticity of his concern, but in the end, Emerald rolled her eyes and leaned opposite Mercury in the hallway.
"Yeah, well, you're not usually this concerned regarding any of us."
"Never said I was. Can't a man just be curious around here?"
"What's there to be curious about? Or...you know what? Never mind. There are a few things I'm curious about too," she admitted. Green and grey glanced together at the basement door. "What exactly do you think he is?"
"The boogeyman," Mercury shrugged, though for once she saw a shred of honesty within his normally bored eyes. "I mean, think about it. I don't know what they were up to that night, but it's been a while since I've seen Salem so excited about what they've found. I mean, she's been more Queen of Archaeology than the Grimm these days."
"Shh!" Emerald hissed, cupping her hand around his mouth before he forcefully pushed it off. "What if Cinder or Tyrian hears you!?"
Mercury raised a finger to retort but dropped it in agreement. "Point. But still. How exactly do you think he fits into all this? Barring the fact that they found him in a cave with the Trident, there's gotta be more than just using him as a weapon."
"Is there a link between him and the Malice?" Emerald asked. "Maybe it's his food or something. The guy practically bleeds it."
"So he's a vampire. Great," Mercury scoffed, crossing his arms. "It'd be a waste considering that we've been giving it all to the White Fang, but in the end, it's whatever. It's not that big a deal to me."
She fought down her exasperation and narrowed her eyes. "Why? Aren't you worried that he'll suddenly turn around and stab you in the back? Aren't you worried that there's legit fucking monsters rising from the grave!?"
"Um, rain check. Haven't you heard? Our boss' boss and her army are literally what others would call monsters. Who cares? There's all sorts of undiscovered shit out there and this is no exception," Mercury sneered. "Plus the guy can't exactly attack us, either. The boss has him under control."
"And you saw how he's getting stronger," Emerald quietly replied. "What happens if - when - he breaks loose?"
"All the more fun for me, then," he groused, demeanour rapidly becoming bored. "Come on, Em. I thought you knew me well enough by now. In more ways than one, I might add," winking and earning a disgusted scoff. "Sure, Cinder came to me, but not only did she promise that I'll have the time of my life, but she also delivered too. You've got the Breach, the docks, the CCT -"
Mercury gave her a smile full of teeth. "I admit that I feel something weird every now and then. I think it's anxiety...? That or excitement. I honestly can't tell because I can never wait for what'll come next, and when it does, I'll be right in the middle of it, scroll in hand ready to savour the moment."
Emerald sighed and looked out an open window, noting the distant sounds of festivities drifting in. Even though she knew the kind of guy he was upon seeing his father's mangled corpse by the roadside, there was an odd sort of...not respect, but tolerance driven by the need to survive. Mentally broken as he was, to some degree they were each other's yin and yang; Mercury was quick to deal judgment upon those deserving, while she stilled his hand when it would've otherwise jeopardized the mission.
Nevertheless, they were blinded when the door at the end of the darkened hallway opened.
"Kids!" Tyrian crowed with a grin even more soulless than Mercury's. "We were wondering what was taking you two so long. Hurry and join us for dinner!"
They exchanged glances before accepting his not-invitation, finding the room arranged similarly to their usual arrangements back at Evernight Castle; ignoring the tantalizing plates of food, the head of the table remained empty, with Cinder and Watts sitting opposite on either end. Roman anxiously puffed on a cigar beside her while his...daughter? Ward? Accomplice? She didn't know the relationship between the two, though judging by the way Neo practically moulded to Roman's side, it was something close.
Emerald nodded politely to Cinder and stole the seat across Neo, earning a scowl from Mercury as he was forced to plunk next to the crazy scorpion.
"...ahem. As I was saying," Watts continued after sipping a glass of brandy. "The final shipment is arriving soon and there is no time to waste. Are your men and the White Fang on track?"
Roman exhaled and snuffed out his cigar. "Right on schedule. We're still working on it as we speak, but those masked cunts are going about slower than we are."
Cinder raised a dangerous eyebrow. "Care to enlighten us, Torchwick?"
"Our Queen has her own plans to make use of them. Plans which take precedence over the cargo," Watts interrupted. "Plans that, if one is wise, would remain untampered."
Tyrian's eyes glimmered with glee, no doubt thinking about the punishment Cinder would receive if she took that step.
"Perhaps that's a question you should be asking yourself," Cinder scoffed. "After all, I prefer to serve our Queen instead of using her as a means for revenge on Ironwood."
The disgraced scientist frowned, but before it could escalate, excited giggling swivelled their attention to the scorpion faunus.
"Children, please! Let's not fight at the dinner table," Tyrian said, frankly enjoying the glares that Cinder and Watts sent his way. "Our Goddess would be most displeased if your differences hinder our path to victory. What would she say if this happened at her table when she called for us? As fallible as Hazel is, even I must respect the dignity he shows from a servant of hers."
Emerald stifled a scream as his tail whipped out and impaled the steak on his plate while leaving the ceramic untouched. Cinder and Watts exchanged glances and slowly sat down while Tyrian happily munched away on the grilled beef. "Now, where were we...? Ah, yes. Good Mr Torchwick, the gentleman to my right delivered a different set of instructions to Sienna Khan and Adam Taurus, hence why he can't spare as many men to assist yours. I'm sure the bull would be quite happy to aid you once he's finished. Any other questions...?"
"No," Roman curtly replied. "Everything else is...just peachy."
"Hahahahaha! I know, right!?" Tyrian cried out, surprising him and Neo. "It's only a matter of time, too. Can you imagine it? Grimm in the streets of Vale as huntsmen realize all resistance shall falter against the will of our Goddess. The streets will run red as they cry for her mercy...ah, it's already so close, and it's. So. Beautiful~"
Emerald's eyes slowly slid over to Mercury, who flickered between disturbed and eager before Cinder's growl returned all focus to her.
"...yes. Our Queen will have her due," Cinder began with clenched teeth, though Tyrian either failed to notice her frustration or simply didn't care. Probably the latter. "Watts. Does our Queen bring any word?"
A burner scroll slid over the table. "She will send the signal when it's time, but otherwise there is no change to the situation."
"I see."
Watts finished his flute. "Indeed. Count yourself lucky that it remains as such. At least you were able to transplant the virus into the CCT. I suppose it at least partially makes up for your failure to acquire the rest of Amber's powers."
"The remainder of which Ozma guards in Beacon. And fret not, Arthur. Salem has faith in me, and that's the only faith I need."
Watts narrowed his eyes and vigorously ignored Tyrian's applause. "Hmm. In any case, our work here is finished. Hopefully, Salem will be finished using the mirror when Tyrian and I return. Cinder, you have full control of the wraith. What will you do now?"
"Neo will be the one joining us at Beacon," Cinder replied, arching an eyebrow at the silent glare the diminutive girl sent her way. "Roman, coordinate with Taurus and ensure that the cargo, Grimm and otherwise, is evenly distributed. I care not for your methods, so long as it is subtle and untraceable. We'll do the same at Beacon, and when the Queen calls..."
A knife plunged into the heart of her steak.
"...the kingdom shall fall."
x==)======+
When Pyrrha saw Beacon for the first time, it was everything its name implied it to be; it was the castle perched high upon the cliffside, a constant reminder of safety and vigilance for the people it defended. The mere sight of defiance against the Grimm inspired hope for generations by training those who would one day take up the torch to wage their timeless battle.
Funny that which symbolized the best humanity offered hid the secrets which could destroy what it was sworn to protect.
Pyrrha stared at the body within the machine and whispered that she needed to wake up right then and there, but Amber did not respond.
The Fall Maiden was young, pretty, and should've been living the time of her life, where the hardest choice to make was whether to say yes to the boy who confessed his feelings, then complain with her friends about just how brutal the midterms were.
But there was none of that. Only the shell of a girl denied the right to live her life because she was hunted down for a power she never wanted.
Pyrrha tenderly placed her hand upon the glass, watching Amber's chest struggle as it rose and fell. "She...she's still alive."
"...not dead," General Ironwood amended. "We're using advanced Atlesian technology to sustain her but the injuries are terminal. It's quite worrying, given that our situation is unprecedented."
Turning around, the Headmaster, Professor Goodwitch and Qrow Branwen solemnly kept quiet. All the time she spent smiling for the cameras was not necessary to see the concern that was admittedly poorly concealed.
Their effort almost made her chuckle, but it would've been a sound as hollow as they all were. The morning started like any other weekend, with her team sleeping long after the sun had already risen. Pyrrha initially followed suit, but instead had to rush to Ozpin after telling a half-asleep Jaune about the urgent summons. Part of her worried that she was in trouble despite how even Weiss considered her a model student, but after meeting the Headmaster and his group in the office, talking about fairy tales and Maidens?
It hit eerily close to home. Was...was this what Jaune felt when learned of his destiny? Did he feel that deepening hollow feeling the more she dwelt upon it? Being overwhelmed beforehand was supposed to make her more resilient to whatever fallout promised to follow.
But this?
Professor Goodwitch was right. This was...profound. Intimate. Personal in a way only her partner could understand.
Pyrrha schooled her face with a practiced expression to hide the anguish within.
"If...when Amber dies, will her power transfer to whoever the next host is?"
"Normally it should," Qrow rasped, "though as you can see, this is anything but. Chances are that her attackers were the last people she saw. For all we know, the power could reunite with its other half, and that's something we don't wanna risk."
"Risk..." Pyrrha whispered, glancing once more to Amber's lidded eyes before rounding upon the Headmaster. "Doesn't something like this warrant more than just hiding in a secret basement, far away from people's eyes? General, with all due respect, you said that we were on the brink of war. Shouldn't we prepare the public for...these terrorists, Grimm, or whoever we have to fight against?"
She released a shaky sigh. "If so many lives are on the balance, why can't we just tell everyone and prepare for the worst?"
"Precisely because of said lives," Professor Ozpin intoned, leaning on his cane. "Tell me, Ms Nikos. Why do you think we haven't gone public about how your partner possesses a fraction of an artifact that can grant infinite power to its wielder?"
The retort she prepared died as she remembered their mission in the Temple of Time when Jaune recounted the secrets of the past. Light and shadow, men and demons fought tooth and nail for the Triforce in an eternal cycle, and for someone of ill intent to control such power would cause chaos unprecedented in recent history.
Ozpin arched a knowing eyebrow. "I see that we've reached the same conclusion. If exposed, the truth we hide would sunder our very way of life. Centuries of history, religion and culture upheaved as people realize that everything they knew was a lie. How do you think people would feel?"
Pyrrha's head fell. "The negativity...the hordes of Grimm..."
Glynda stepped forward, and for the first time showed none of the stern demeanour she was known for. Sympathy filled her eyes in a manner akin to a mother consoling her child, but even though she appreciated the sentiment, it only drove the reality further in.
"Asking you to consider becoming the next Fall Maiden was a question we did not take lightly," Professor Goodwitch said. "There is an experimental procedure which may circumvent the natural process."
"R-really? Then I -"
"- will first hear it out before making a decision," Ironwood interrupted. "Much like the dust-based injections you see in first aid kits, the machine that holds Amber is a product of our studies on Aura; composition, manipulation, methods of isolation -"
"- and ways to cram it into something else," Qrow finished, taking a swig of whiskey from his flask. The implications hit her like a truck, unconsciously taking a protective step towards Amber's body.
"I...no! That's wrong! You can't just siphon and play around with people's souls like some kind of turkey stuffing!"
Glynda nodded and spared a glare for Ironwood. "You're absolutely correct, Ms Nikos. The very idea is reprehensible in every sense of the word."
"But desperate times call for desperate measures," Ironwood finished, sounding far more tired than she expected to hear from the normally imposing general. "I am truly sorry to ask this of you. A burden such as this would be unfair to bear when your partner already has one of his own, but this is our last resort."
Pyrrha looked to each of the huntsmen in front of her like a patient asking the doctors for a second opinion, but seeing the finest of Remnant's defenders so vulnerable was a sight she never wanted to see again. Sensing her discomfort, Qrow tried to offer a smile, but she turned around anyway and faced the responsibility they asked her to shoulder.
Then again...wasn't it what she always wanted to begin with? Though she could do without being hunted for elemental powers, ever since she began to hone her aptitude for the sword at a young age, protecting the innocent was the path she chose to walk. But while she still ached for a mother that missed her, a brother that jealously idolized her and a father whose blindness spurned her, the freedom she gained by coming to Beacon and living with her closest friends proved that this wasn't just worth following, but one day, perhaps even realized.
And now she felt it all slipping away once more...and this time, for good. The price of duty was to forsake everything she came to love.
"...I want to protect people. I want to live my life helping others, even without the power of the Fall Maiden...but this feels so soon, so sudden, and at the expense of my friends and family...? To live while never resting and giving closure to the ones that matter the most?"
Champion, some called her, but Pyrrha worried that for the first time in her life, she finally found a battle where her strength may not be enough to win.
"...what...what would Jaune do...?"
"...he would carefully weigh the consequences of such a decision," the Headmaster replied as she realized that she spoke out loud. His eyes softened with a hint of finality. "For all the faults and inexperience he displayed when starting Beacon, Mr Arc has grown in skill and character, representing not just what we aspire to see in huntsmen, but in people. Unfortunately, he carries a burden far graver than what we ask of you, but this remains important nonetheless."
Ozpin clasped his hands around his cane. "I was not the first to wield the Long Memory, and we both have seen our share of ordeals. Ms Nikos...take it from a man who is familiar with the weight of responsibility and mistakes borne over a lifetime. I understand Mr Arc's plight. I understand yours and the gravity of this request. Take time before you make a decision; there's no guarantee this operation will work, much less you remaining the same person even if it does. But before you go, I ask two things as you consider this."
Pyrrha gulped.
"Firstly, please refrain from informing your teammates until you make a decision. Yes, it is unfair to ask as you should consider their wellbeing, but remember that should they find out, they shall run the risk of being hunted and leveraged against you."
"Wh-wha -? How could -"
"And lastly, we need your answer before the Vytal Festival ends," Ozpin continued. "The assailants who attacked Amber are preparing their next move. While I wish I could spare more time...it is a resource we lack."
Her heart stilled.
"...that's next weekend..."
"I am sorry, Ms Nikos," Ozpin sighed, slightly inclining his head in deference. "I truly am. This is something we would not involve you with if circumstances were more favourable. Alas..."
Pyrrha didn't utter a word, allowing silence to descend with the heaviest weight she'd ever felt. Eventually, she took one last glance at the comatose Maiden before making her way towards the elevator, ignoring the sympathy which Mr Branwen, Professor Goodwitch and General Ironwood sent her way.
But even as she left them, with muted conversation drifting from behind, the silence was drowned by the thoughts that raged in her head. She couldn't even fathom why Ozpin needed this secret from her team; while knowledge of the Maidens - much like the Triforce - perhaps remained for the best under wraps from everyone else...it still felt wrong. Deceiving. If she misled Jaune, Ren and Nora when they all promised to be open with each other, that betrayal would hurt more than any wound she'd sustain on the battlefield. Forgiving as Pyrrha was, even she had a limit.
"...but...do I want to see them hurt or hunted down because of me...?"
The elevator closed softly and ascended into the actual school; alabaster walls illuminated the late morning light upon the campus with a bright, hopeful aura, a far cry from the darkness of arcane knowledge guarded beneath them. With much of the student populace effectively in vacation mode, only a few were up and about before lunch, content to enjoy the rest of the day before resuming the latter half of the Festival in earnest tomorrow.
Pyrrha felt a small spike of selfish jealousy, though it was quickly squashed when she assured herself that her team was probably still snoozing away. At least she'd have until lunch to get her feelings in order, much less make a decision that honestly sounded like there was only a week left to live.
Upon turning a corner, Pyrrha nearly ran face-first into six feet of barely conscious morning glory.
"Hey, Pyr," Jaune warmly smiled with a raspy voice. No doubt he had just woken up and waited for her to be done. Even though she wished the blonde knight didn't, it was still pleasing to realize. "Wanna get breakfast? The cafe's serving pancakes and I wanna save some for Nora and Ren."
"..."
"..."
"...dammit..."
"Hey, you okay?" her partner responded while curiously tilting his head. Pyrrha tried her best to ignore how his eyes glistened with warmth and concern in the sunlight, and how she wanted to forget everything that happened over the past couple of hours and just run into the safety of his arms.
But that couldn't happen. Not if she needed to prevent tipping him off, because it was for the best.
...right?
Pyrrha was sure of it. Part of her, anyway...
"Uh, yeah! I'm good. Thanks for asking," the champion deflected with practiced ease. "Sorry, I'm just a little sleepy. You didn't have to wait for me, you know."
"Nah, it's fine. It's bad enough that you had to wake up before lunchtime on a Sunday," Jaune chuckled, turning towards the cafeteria. "I'll make sure to get you some extra coffee. Come on, let's go."
Pyrrha smiled and joined him in walking down the corridor, content to mask the troubles within. To Jaune, it was just another morning; sometimes they'd get food to bring back for whoever was still asleep, and if it so happened that Nora was part of the wake-up crew, they'd have enough leftovers to treat Team RWBY to a free bed and breakfast. Not that anyone complained, especially with promises of sparring, gaming or going shopping in Vale later in the day.
It was the routine normal she'd grown to love, but now it weighed her heart with warring desires.
And when Jaune's hand slipped into hers, all the while looking the most content he'd been in recent memory?
For the first time since she left Argus, Pyrrha regretted her decision to become a huntress.
x==)======+
A bead of sweat rolled down her temple, but she paid it little heed. Her perseverance was strong, and it would be enough to succeed over this minor challenge.
For if a Schnee shall want, a Schnee shall get.
"Excellent form! Now think back to your fallen foes! Think of the ones who forced you well beyond your limits and threatened your very survival."
Weiss grimaced as she pushed past the memories of Ursai and Beowolves for those she considered worthy to have faced a Schnee; the Deathstalkers, the Griffons, and even the Hydra that asserted its dominance over the Grimm that breached the walls of Vale.
But all options paled in comparison to the only one of its kind she ever fought.
Her eyes narrowed as she pictured the massive knight and its expert swordsmanship that more than countered her dust and glyphs. An armoured Grimm clad in a fashion reminiscent of her grandfather, if there was an opponent that truly made its mark on her - personally and literally - the Arma Gigas would have the honour of being the first of many to serve as her familiar.
All she had to do was summon it here and now.
"Remember the blood you've shed and your triumphs over superior odds. Master it! Command it! Bind it to your beck and call!"
Gritting through the pulsing headache, Weiss growled as the spinning glyph that bore her crest began to ebb and fade, even as she poured her strength into sustaining it for just a little longer.
But then she suddenly gasped for air, unaware of the breath she held for the past several seconds. It was enough to break her focus, and with her body frozen in mounting shock, the glyph completely faded from sight with nothing to show but cold, empty stone.
A thwack echoed through the pavilion as Winter Schnee slapped the back of her head, and Weiss whirled to zero on a fresh target for her frustrations.
"Stop doubting yourself!"
Weiss glowered, though the specialist was not fazed in the slightest. "I'm trying!"
"If this is what you call trying, then you have no hope of winning the tournament, let alone succeeding as a huntress!" Winter spat with disappointment plain for all to see, though it was immediately replaced by a mocking grin. "Then again, I'm sure that Father will always have a spot for you back home. Why don't you just quit this huntress nonsense and return to where you belong? I'm sure he can spare you a job as a receptionist!"
"I don't need his charity!"
"But you do need his money."
Weiss recoiled as she remembered the one problem that almost ruined the weekend, and it was quite an embarrassing one as well. At least Ruby was gracious enough to cover the cost of her ticket along with Penny's to the Achieve Men concert, the only price being that she refrain from telling Yang as she "helped" her with some of the assignments in the new semester, but for the first time in her life, Weiss faced a problem which logic dictated she shouldn't have to begin with.
Friday night was thankfully saved, being an experience she'd forever cherish, but how she approached the upcoming weeks could very well define her tenure at Beacon.
Weiss' voice cracked when she spoke, and she hated it. "I...how did you know?"
"A lucky guess," Winter shrugged. "I've faced more than just combat since joining the military, though to be fair, this wasn't exactly unexpected."
Sheathing Myrtenaster, she followed the specialist towards the middle of the private garden. Even though Beacon was a centre for academia in the arts against the Grimm, let it not be said that they lacked the spaces for one to gather their thoughts. Once or twice she wandered the gardens behind the western wing following Initiation when doubts regarding Ruby's leadership remained strong. Now it was a place of peace, and where Weiss once considered forging bonds improbable, she was prepared to fight the impossible to keep them together.
"I suppose so," she conceded the point. "I'm surprised Father hadn't used his connections in the Council to force Ironwood to detain me. It's just that...why deny me access to my finances now?"
"Because it's not just a question of money, Weiss, but also image," Winter replied, linking her hands behind her as she gazed into the midday sky. "You haven't returned his calls, have you? How would potential investors or political acquaintances react when it looks like he can't even control his children?"
Weiss frowned. "He has Whitley."
"Our brother does take after Father in many ways," Winter reluctantly agreed. "Especially since Mother lost the will to regain control. Nevertheless, though I no longer stand to inherit the company, the legacy of our name is at stake."
"Legacy..."
They halted upon a crossroads and the slight autumn chill that blew through mattered little as Weiss considered for not the first time the weight that came by virtue of her blood. Few around the world stood on equal social standing; amongst the closest who could match them in Vale were the Winchesters - with Cardin being their Weiss - though they still had his family beat, even if his line stretched for several hundred years.
But if there was one thing the auburn teen had that she lacked, it was the ability to decide his fate.
Sure, being heir had its share of responsibilities, but from what she could tell, his father was nowhere near controlling as hers. Moltroc Winchester may have been as dubious as Jacques Schnee, but Cardin made it clear that he was not shackled by legacy.
It was enough to make her just a little jealous, for Jacques said that his children should not desire what their lessers possessed. Even if she wanted to be more than just another Schnee.
"Legacy," Winter agreed, turning to face her with softer eyes. Sisterly eyes. "Weiss. I've seen the way you move in combat and how you hold yourself not just as Weiss Schnee, heiress to the global dust company, but as Weiss, student of Beacon and huntress in training."
Her eyes shifted over to the glyph behind Winter, watching the white Beowolf she summoned lovingly accept the specialist's hand. "Emotions are like a river. Strength comes from mastering control, knowing when to let it flow to give us strength without drowning reason. If anything, I am glad that you have found friends in which you can confide and not be overwhelmed by constantly thinking about how your actions reflect on us all."
Weiss sighed. "I am. To be honest...I'm glad I was wrong about my team. Sure, Ruby's a dolt, Yang's obnoxious and Blake's sarcastic, but I wouldn't be happier anywhere else."
"Oh? And what would Father say about the fact that you're not even the leader of your own team? A Schnee must always command, after all."
"And being a Schnee requires that we know when to balance success and compromise," she countered. "Far be it from me to challenge the Headmaster's decision, but it would be remiss against a leader who has proven herself capable time and again at a level which deserves our respect."
"Even if she does not belong to the family?"
"Precisely because she doesn't."
The Beowolf dissolved into mist as Winter smiled and stepped forward, placing a hand on Weiss' shoulder.
"It's time for me to go, but I see in front of me a young woman who has a dream for the future and the strength to achieve it. Never forget where you come from, but always remember that it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are."
Weiss broke eye contact completely and jumped forward to embrace her, a gesture that was eagerly returned.
"I...thank you. It was really good to see you, Winter. Can...can you come by again soon? I'm afraid I'll...miss you."
Winter chuckled as she broke the hug. "For sure. That much I can promise. Until next time."
The specialist gave her one last smile before turning around and walking down the path opposite, which Weiss mirrored without either sister glancing back. But even as she re-entered the school, the smile she dropped was, for once, neither due to stress nor worry over Jacques' reprisal; she felt mellow and refreshed, ready to think upon a course of action with a clearer mind.
Weiss took a sip at a nearby water fountain. The way she saw it, there were only two paths to take: place herself under Jacques' authority once more by accepting whatever conditions to regain access to her funds, or - as per why she left in the first place - strike it out as a huntress and learn more about not just Remnant, but also about her friends and most importantly, herself.
"...the answer is obvious and my mind is set. But if I'm to chart my direction...where do I start? Winter says she sees me as my own person, but how can I become one while remaining a Schnee?"
Before she could continue thinking, however, a large crash echoed through the largely deserted hallway, alerting her senses and desire to investigate. Rounding a nearby bend, Weiss stopped dumbfounded as Cardin Winchester assaulted a hapless vending machine, sporting the most offended look she'd ever seen.
Weiss cleared her throat when he huffed and stepped away, sparing her an unimpressed eyebrow.
"Schnee."
"Winchester."
"Don't you have anything better to do than gloat like some entitled princess?"
"I do, actually, and being curious about why you're attacking the poor thing just so happens to be part of it."
Cardin sneered and went back to peeking intently through the glass. "Well, I ain't buying you jack if you want something."
"It's okay. I'm not hungry, anyway," Weiss sighed, then stared again as the hulking teen grabbed the machine and violently shook it back and forth.
"Can't you just reach into the receptacle for what you bought if it's stuck?"
"These things are kinda designed to prevent you from doing shit like that," he grunted, eyes narrowing at the cup ramen that was wedged before the chute. "Come on, you're supposed to know business and stuff. Use your head a little."
Weiss saw red, but she willed it down with patience borne from Winter's parting lesson. "Well, I'm sorry, I'm just saying that perhaps there's a way to go about getting things done without vandalizing school property and making a fool of yourself."
Cardin paused, considered her words, and slowly backed away from the machine to face her.
And then he shattered the glass with an Aura-infused elbow, sending shards flying everywhere. Even if the hallway was mostly empty, the few students that milled about would no doubt find quite tempting an opportunity to report a boy who once consistently bullied faunus throughout the school, setting him on limited time.
"C-Cardin! What in the name of the Brothers is wrong with you!?"
"The machine was broken. I fixed it," he replied with a satisfied smirk, then proceeded to grab his cup ramen and dust the glass off. "And note that I did pay for it too. I'm not just going around stealing food from vending machines."
"Yeah, well...is it worth it?" Weiss asked incredulously, crossing her arms. "Professor Goodwitch will have your head over something so minor. You'll face detention when you could've just asked a janitor for assistance."
Cardin shrugged. "Then I'll spend a night or two doing extra work or training. Sue me. I'm not just gonna fold every single time when the best way to go about things is through them."
"So now it's about the principle?"
"Do I look that stupid to you?" the team leader shot back, and Weiss had to stifle her instinctive reply. "Sure, whatever. Sometimes it's better to just deal with things now and ride out the aftermath than waste time finding ways around the problem."
That...
That was a very boorish way of getting things done. Asinine, even.
...so why did it strike a chord regardless?
"Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't. It's on you to decide," Cardin finished, kicking away some of the glass and walking away. "Not like I can run away from Goodwitch anyway. I'm hungry. I want ramen. I took steps to get said ramen. Now I'm satisfied."
Weiss silently watched him walk away and shook her head in disapproval. The hallway cameras would prove her innocence, and while a one lien salt-infused meal wasn't worth the trouble, she reluctantly conceded that the giant may have had a point.
Though she was still willing to negotiate with her father, it became significantly harder now that she chose to walk the path of a huntress. Her surname and blood forever reminded all of her family legacy, but Winter was right. What she did now would define her identity.
Most importantly, reality dictated that there would be times where compromise was simply impossible. All she could do was trust in her friends and herself to make the right decision.
...starting by keeping the next vendor she saw intact.
"Weiss? What's going - oh, Brothers. Are you okay?"
A familiar voice and two pairs of footsteps sounded off behind her, and Blake and Sun stepped into view with shocked expressions.
"Is everything okay? Did you...did you...?"
"Of course not, you buffoon. I don't condone wanton destruction of school property in the first place. But thank you for asking. I'm fine."
The two teens traded looks of concern. "Are you sure...? We just saw Cardin walk away. Did he try to bully you?"
"Weiss wouldn't let anyone who'd try that on her live," Blake replied to Sun and earned a grateful smile. "Although I have to admit I'm curious as well. What happened?"
"His food got stuck when it dropped, so he figured the best way to get it out was through direct means."
"Yup. That sounds like Cardin," Sun sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "You know it's bad when the guys who just came a week ago already know to steer clear of him."
Weiss nodded in agreement, leading them away from the scene of the crime into the central courtyard before others could pin the blame on her. "He'll get what's coming to him one day, but never mind any of that. What are you two up to?"
"Well, we just came from the library," Blake replied. It was then she noticed Sun carrying a bag filled to the brim with multiple books - an initial peek revealing them to be various collections of folklore and fairy tales.
She couldn't help but sigh at the realization.
"Is this what I think it is?"
"Yup! Who knew that reading myth could be so much fun!" Sun grinned, though he nonchalantly looked around for any curious listeners. Satisfied, he leaned in and kept his voice to a minimum. "We're, uh, kinda interested in seeing if there's anything in here that can shed some light on the stuff back at the docks. Roman Torchwick, spooky Halloween not-Grimm monsters, the works."
"...right," she replied and glanced at Blake, who narrowed her eyes in a silent attempt to convey a message.
One that she got, alright. The only question was how much Sun knew to begin with, but in solving one problem, rose another; none of them ever forgot that dark, ill-fated night, but while the burning question of why remained, there was no denying that if they could somehow prove that a link existed between Jaune's claims and what they fought -
"Well, I'd rather not think of the consequences right now. Barring a glowing tattoo, we haven't even proven anything yet...but there's still time before my match later today."
Weiss glanced up to the statue of Jaune's ancestor, with the sight of his sword raised triumphantly high enough to seal the deal. If she wanted to show that a Schnee was capable of altruism, perhaps it could start here. Remaining loyal to her friends was one aspect she'd keep going forward, especially when dealing with a burden that seemed impossible for others to carry.
"Let's get back to our dorm, then. Hopefully we can finish one or two before the afternoon."
"I - really? You want to help?"
"I do. What of it?"
"Ah...nothing. Thank you."
Blake's smile was a rare enough phenomenon that seeing it here assured her that she truly chose the right path to walk.
After all, if she was going to learn more about herself and her purpose in life, why not start by helping others do the same?
x==)======+
You are troubled.
Jaune splashed water on his face as Link's voice echoed through his head, cutting through the rest of his thoughts in the silence of the empty washroom. Taking a good look at himself in the mirror, he rubbed a hand along his jawline and felt the early, rough onset of stubble. It was one amongst many things that became more noticeable after several months in Beacon; his face felt sharper, his senses more alert and his physical condition, admirable.
And he shook his head when he realized that he was once again beginning to ramble.
"Huh? Oh yeah, sorry."
Hmm. You've been restless for quite some time now. What is the matter, Jaune?
"Nothing. Everything's fine," he sighed, washing his hands and heading back outside. All the noise that crashed into him like a wave only annoyed him further; with the start of the finals well underway, Amity Colosseum was filled to the brim with people buying food from the concessions or otherwise chilling in the venue - and much to his aggravation - sometimes blocking the tighter hallways.
He borderline shoved his way past a few who seemed to lack spatial awareness, those who were unaware that standing aside could ease the flow of traffic. They were training to be huntsmen, for Brothers' sakes! It was a miracle they survived the field at this point.
Ugh. Link was right. He eventually had to stop beating around the bush.
Jaune paused by the wall. "Yeah...I take it back, it's just that I can't put a finger on why. The whole day's been pretty good so far. Got a lot of sleep last night, I kicked Ruby's butt in Primal Combat and I had a killer workout with Nora after that, then I finally finished the latest volume of X-Ray and Vav."
Link remained silent as he leaned against the wall and stared listlessly at the ceiling.
"At least Pyr can read it now that I'm done..."
"..."
"...ah. Right."
While the day went by smoothly for you, could you say the same for your partner?
"I was hoping so," Jaune groaned as he stretched. "Pyrrha's been kinda off since this morning. I know I can be dense sometimes, but having lived with seven sisters, I can kinda tell when a girl's struggling with things. I didn't want to ruin the rest of the day by confronting her earlier, but I still want to help if I can."
Give her some time first as some problems are meant for others alone, but yes. Broach the subject eventually. I have a feeling that whatever troubles her may be more significant than we'd be comfortable with.
Jaune's eyes narrowed. "I know. She gave me space and I returned that in kind, but you have a point. Do you think Ozpin's somehow involved in this?"
Likely. There may be more than what she told you, Link finished for him. You were too drowsy to notice in the morning, but the signs were subtle, from her body language to her carefully composed, even tone. I expected nothing less from someone who's used to the public eye.
"But...why? What exactly could make Pyrrha bring up her guard now?"
He had the distinct impression that the ghost was rubbing his chin in thought.
Only she could answer that, but I would not put it past Ozpin to either fish for more information regarding the Triforce or become more favourable with your friends and by proxy, you. Even though the Headmaster mentioned that you two would talk directly in the future -
"Don't let your guard down," Jaune interrupted. "Yeah, I know. He hasn't called since after the Breach, but I won't forget what happened with our first ever mission."
Hmm. Good.
"Oh, and before I forget, do you have any idea why I haven't had any nightmares recently? I haven't had any after the mission."
I'm afraid not, Link replied. All I can say is to be mindful and constantly train as it may be a prelude to something else. Something worse.
"Right,"he grunted, kicking off the wall and heading back. Despite the cheerful atmosphere with his equally cheerful friends at the other end, each of his steps steadily grew unsure. Indecision reigned as he wondered how he could help Pyrrha, but at the same time, he didn't want her to feel overly pressured to open up.
Jaune frowned as he realized that he had to walk on eggshells around his closest...friend? Partner?
...maybe more? Judging by how closer they've gotten since Friday.
"No time to think on that right now," he sighed, shaking those tempting questions away. "Gotta take care of this first."
But so distracted was Jaune that he became the very thing he railed against, and his eyes widened upon halting just in time to not bowl the other person over.
The very...diminutive person. No wonder he almost collided with the black-haired, green-eyed girl. He literally towered over her!
"Oh! Uh, sorry about that," Jaune sheepishly apologized while his almost-victim stared back flatly. Inquisitively. There was something about her that felt familiar, but it was quashed in favour of assuring her that he didn't intend to pull an accidental Cardin.
The girl remained silent, but at least it looked like she didn't want to murder him.
"Didn't mean to run into you. I'll just...go around -"
"Is there a problem here?"
"Uh oh. Is that her teammate?"
Jaune swallowed and spun to face the voice -
And froze as he took in one of the prettiest girls he'd ever seen. Brothers, she was gorgeous.
...and hadn't he seen her somewhere before as well? While thoughts of a diner on a weekend night floated past, the raven-haired girl cocked a confident smile and put a hand on her hip before he could connect the dots.
"Hello? Is everything alright...?"
"Um, uh, J-Jaune! Jaune Arc," he replied, holding his hands up defensively. "My name's Jaune Arc, leader of Team JNPR. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention and nearly ran into your teammate. That's all."
The girl arched a fine eyebrow at the smaller girl and received a confirmatory nod.
"Accidents happen, I suppose. Especially at a time like this, with all the people here for the Festival," she chuckled lightly, amber eyes seemingly dancing with fire. "I see you're already acquainted with Fuschia Marron, and so I am Cinder Fall, leader of Team Carmine from Haven Academy."
"Ah, well, nice to meet you both," Jaune smiled, scratching the back of his head. "Where's everyone else?"
"Emerald's saving our seats and Mercury is fighting as we speak," Cinder returned in kind, cocking her head towards the arena. "Shall we?"
He joined the members of CMME as they walked back to the arena, while those names brought back memories of green and grey's decisive victory. "Honestly, the way your teammates won against Coco and Yatsuhashi...? Never seen a second-year duo get handled so thoroughly."
"Mhmm," Cinder purred. "Those two can be quite a useful duo when working together. I daresay that whoever Mercury's opponent is might as well forfeit. We shall be the ones to progress to the next round."
Jaune shrugged. "Well, I'm not so sure about that. He'd definitely be tough to fight, but I believe in Yang. She shouldn't be taken lightly either."
He missed Fuschia's smug, disbelieving grin as Cinder reared back in refined laughter. "The blonde from Team RWBY, no? They're…nice people, with some skill to be sure, but I am confident in our victory as you are in your friends."
They paused at a branching path by the arena entrance. "And what about you, Arc? No...allow me to call you Jaune. Theoretically, should we find ourselves facing each other, who do you think shall emerge the victor?"
He eyed her and Fuschia thoughtfully. They were unarmed and clothed in Haven's uniforms, but appearances could be deceiving. For all he knew, they could be hand-to-hand experts that could match or surpass even Yang. Combine that with Mercury and Emerald, who were already accounted for and whose fighting styles spoke of hard-learned experience in the field.
Then again...JNPR had fought and lived through battles where the odds were heavily stacked against them; Nora's strength and Ren's agility were no laughing matter, while Pyrrha...?
All he felt was resignation as his mind snapped back to the task at hand.
"I can't give you an answer since I've never seen you two fight, but if there's one thing I'm proud of my team for, it's our ability to adapt," Jaune eventually answered. "If we do meet out there, you're gonna get the fight of your life."
She silently judged him for what felt like a minute before she surprised him by stepping forward and gazing critically into his eyes.
"Hmm. You're a strategist, then. You make a bold claim, and ambition has always been a dangerous, yet ultimately rewarding principle."
"Um, uhh -"
"We shall see. I have a feeling that it shall come to pass, and if there's one thing you should know about me, it's that if I set my sights on something, I never stop until I reach it."
He couldn't help but gulp. "Y-yeah. Got it."
Cinder hummed, apparently pleased with what she saw before shooting him one final smirk and heading away. Fuschia silently followed suit with an even cockier grin, and as they disappeared out of sight, the charm she flustered him with eventually wore off, though Jaune couldn't deny that they made an impression.
Careful now. There might be more to them than meets the eye.
He coughed. "Yeah, no kidding. Is it a rule that all huntsmen academies need to have supermodels for students?"
There was a feeling of Link burying his face in his hands.
Focus, Jaune. There's something about them that makes me uneasy...in any case, remember what we talked about.
Mirth disappeared completely as ebony hair gave way to warmer thoughts of crimson, and Jaune made his way opposite into the light of the open air. The noise of the arena exploded tenfold as literal explosions tore up the stage, while the crowds around alternated between cheering, booing and otherwise generalized hooting. Professors Port and Oobleck excitedly commentated above it all, and in the distance, he could make out the burning gold of Yang nimbly weave through Mercury's flurry of powerful kicks.
His sights zeroed in on his friends by the front rows, specifically on a certain redhead that was gracious enough to save his seat. Nora and Ren scooted over while Pyrrha smiled as he returned.
"Did I miss anything?"
Pyrrha shrugged. "Um, no. Not really. It's been pretty even, but Yang got in some good hits here and there -"
"Woo! Break a leg, sis! Ahhhh, watch out, watch out, watch out - ooooh! So close!"
"Ruby, please..."
"- but entertaining nonetheless," the champion breathed, and they both shared a laugh at seeing Ren and Weiss endure their excitable partners.
The raw energy that emanated from the crowds and the duel was enough to kindle his competitive spirit, and before long Jaune noticed that he too sat at the edge of his seat, intently watching his fellow blonde unleash a salvo of buckshot after leaping up high. Mercury recovered admirably and somersaulted back to put Yang on the defensive, but even as they traded strike and blow, dodge and parry, there was no missing the lack of interest upon Pyrrha's face. If anything, he would've thought she was watching replays of the news rather than the first of many fights for top dog.
In fact, she neither noticed nor cared at how he remained worriedly fixed on her for some time, but he was done beating around the bush. He liked to assume they were past that point...at least for the most part.
"Are you okay, Pyr? You look a little out of it."
"Hmm?" she replied, surprised at being addressed. "Yes, everything's fine."
Jaune scratched the back of his head. "Right…it's just that you're usually more pumped up about this kind of stuff. When it was Yang and Weiss against Flynt and Neon, you had even Nora beat at just how excited you were seeing them win, and honestly, that was actually kinda impressive!"
The smile he wore faded when his partner failed to respond, and more so when she caught on and forced a laugh.
"Yeah, well, I just couldn't help but feel good for our friends, you know? They deserved to win."
"I...really don't want to, and this is probably the worst place for it, but...ah. Dammit."
Jaune leaned back and faced her completely. "Pyr...what's wrong? I know something's bothering you, and you've been kinda off ever since this morning. Do you...do you want to step out and talk about it?"
The champion sighed. "I'm fine, but thank you, Jaune. You're right. I think I am still a little tired from waking up early on a weekend, but it's nothing an easy night and good sleep can't fix. I'm sorry for making you worry."
"No, no! Don't apologize," he tried to assure her. "I just want to make sure you're okay, and I don't want to make a big deal if it's nothing. If something's going on, you know you can talk to me. We're...friends, partners, right? Why don't I help you for a change?"
For what felt like an eternity, Pyrrha stared back with an inscrutable expression until the mask that slowly cracked over time finally fell. She broke eye contact first, shrugging with a smile that honestly looked a little sad.
"I...it means a lot coming from you. Thank you."
Jaune gently smiled back.
"But I think...that...I will come to you when I feel like I can," she replied slowly. Uncertainly. "I'm sorry. We're all supposed to be having fun and cheering Yang on -"
"Pyrrha, I understand," he interrupted. "Don't worry, the rest of our teams can take care of that. I'll be here when you need me, but I promise that whatever it is, everything's gonna be fine."
Jaune felt fingers cautiously snake around his, and he hoped that his presence was enough to comfort her.
"Fine..."
"Yeah."
Apprehension spiked as Pyrrha's face darkened and fell.
"I...I'm not so sure -"
A loud crack echoed through the arena and he heard Link urgently call out a warning, though he paid it no heed despite the rising alarm that slowly grew in volume.
"- I'm sorry. I need some time and space to think -"
Pyrrha looked up and gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. He made to ask her what the problem was, but upon seeing her along with Ren, Nora, Ruby, Weiss - and to his mounting alarm, literally everyone else staring in shock - Jaune hesitantly looked towards the centre of the arena.
"M-my word!"
"Cut the cameras! Cut them off now!"
Despite Professors Port and Oobleck's desperate attempts to shut off the live feed, he knew that their efforts would be in vain as the horrifying scene was broadcast to the four corners of Remnant.
Yang stood frozen with fear and surrounded by a squad of soldiers that barked commands for surrender. A few feet away, Mercury Black lay immobilized, crying in pain and clutching a leg bent at an unnatural angle.
/ AN \
Hey all, welcome back to another chapter of A Descendant of Legends!
Due to website issues over the past week or so, story updates across different fandoms were not appearing properly, and this chapter was no exception. Though any changes I make in my bio seem to actually display now, I'll be regularly updating my profile and the AN on the Google Doc so everybody can be on the same page. Updates will appear quicker on my bio since it's just faster for me to post changes there, but I'll be keeping the link to the Google Doc available until at least next week in case these problems persist for others.
Gotta say though that I'm pretty relieved to finally get the plot ball rolling again. While I wanted to write down much of the character development seen in previous chapters, Looking back, I felt that it was going a little too slow and perhaps integrate development with plot progression more in the future. Lessons learned for sure, though I don't regret how some of the fluffier scenes turned out. Makes it all the more sweeter for the future.
Otherwise, thanks all for reading and sticking around so far! As usual, constructive criticism is always appreciated.
Cheers and hope to see you next chapter!
Fyr RedNight: Thank you! Happy to know you liked it. It only gets heavier from here on out!
jeremiahkelley93: Thanks! I'm glad that you enjoyed them.
The Legend of Zelda and RWBY are the respective properties of Nintendo and Rooster Teeth.