Arc IV: Courage Ascending

Chapter 40: Safety In The Sanctuary

Weiss Schnee gasped and jolted awake, seeing nothing but the safety of her room. It was quiet, with the only sounds coming from the open window as it creaked in the wind. Myrtenaster was propped up against her bed, next to her pressed and laundered clothes.

"..."

"..."

"..."

The blankets flapped open as she hauled herself out and prepared for another midnight raid. But when minutes passed without the roof creaking or bandits rappelling inside, Weiss sighed and padded over to the window.

Mistral was breathtaking during the daytime. The city was built between valleys and surrounded by waterfalls, with Haven Academy nestled between a pair of mountains that local folklore called the Dueling Peaks. And just like Beacon, it was a haven for the city below.

But it was after dark, and so the city became one of intrigue and suspicion. Crime was rampant and festered in the slums - sections of the city at the base of the mountains where sunlight struggled to reach.

And then there was the damage, with entire blocks devoid of light and filled with ruined buildings. According to Ozpin, a great fire dragon - the same one responsible for downing her flight - appeared with the Blood Moon, tearing its way east before attacking the city. While the dragon and attracted monsters were driven east, harried by Grimm, the number of incursions across the continent meant that the kingdom's forces were stretched thin.

"...though it is by luck alone that we ran into a few when we most needed it. We would've perished if it weren't for them, right when we were so close to civilization."

On top of that - Ozpin! The man, the Headmaster, the wizard returned against all odds.

...but with the general upheaval of all she thought was normal - including a similar story surrounding one Jaune Arc - it dulled the surprise to Ozpin's quick and dirty explanation. Even if he had more to share but refused to do so.

Especially when he was responsible for saving her life at Shion and just a few days ago when they arrived.

Especially when that black shadow in Jaune's image emerged on their tail, besting them all despite being outnumbered.

Especially when they showed up at the last possible moment.

Weiss couldn't get it out of her head, even as she fell asleep once more -

x==)==

And gawked as she emerged from the treeline into a cliff that overlooked a vast forest valley. Green hills stretched as far as the eye could see, while the mountains surrounding Mistral towered on the horizon.

They were finally in the home stretch.

Weiss smiled and exhaled in relief -

Only to sputter as a saucy pink-and-chocolate girl shoved past with a smirk. She lashed out with a slap, and Neo expectedly dodged it before carrying on.

"I can't wait to be rid of these infuriating buffoons. I will personally kick them over the cliff if it makes things go faster."

"Are you okay, Miss Schnee?"

She sighed. "Weiss, remember? I'm only five years older than you."

"Sorry. Force of habit," Oscar replied quietly as he came up to her. The two watched as Neo happily skipped ahead, joining a master thief who seemed determined to be as far away from him as possible.

"Does Roman Torchwick, um, hate me or something?"

"Not so much you, but your...spiritual companion," she corrected as they continued walking. "Despite our differences, I can't exactly blame how shocked he was to learn the truth like that. That's the last thing you'd expect when you're fleeing a burning village."

"Touché," the farmboy chuckled. When they weren't fighting off Grimm and monster parties preying on refugees, nearby bandit scouts forced them to stealthily run during the dead of night.

But there was plenty of time to talk on the road, and it was only recently that she learned a little more about the two. According to Ozpin, he was a new professor when a young Roman Torchwick came to Initiation with only his cane and wits about him. A petty thief from the streets, this was his shot at making a better life for himself - one that aimed true and landed him in the prestigious academy.

Forming part of an old, revered team named ASTR, Roman clashed with his teammates often, especially his partner, the leader. Fights were had but bad blood cooled, and before he knew it, Roman reached senior year with a passion to help others who were down on their luck.

And then came the call for Mountain Glenn, where he went with his team and the majority of Beacon's upperclassmen to save as many as possible from a massive Grimm incursion.

Only to return with his generation decimated and two teammates left buried in the rubble.

Weiss grimaced at the similarities with a different, more recent Fall.

"...but Neo was his anchor," she remembered Ozpin saying. "As he escaped the chaos, Roman found a hidden detour, and with it, a Beowolf that cornered a dying mother. After dispatching it, she begged him to care for her infant daughter - a promise Roman agreed to."

They watched as Neo drew closer to Roman, who ruffled her hair and returned her side hug.

"He abandoned a leader he blamed and an institution that failed him to strike it out on his own, using what rusty thieving skills and meagre funds he had to raise her like his own daughter."

"...and the rest, as they say, is history."

"Huh? What're you saying?"

Weiss shook her head. "Sorry, just lost in thought. Sometimes, you just can't help but think how drastically your life can change in an instant."

"Tell me about it," Oscar groaned, lightly tapping the side of his head. "One day you're just...helping your aunt on a farm, and now I've got wizards, magic and an adventure I was so not ready for. Sometimes I still wonder if I'm going crazy."

"It's quite a leap, indeed. Were it not for this, did you have any dreams you wished to pursue?"

"I...well, if it wasn't school, then the farm. Maybe chill with the...few friends I had and repeat." Oscar flushed and looked away. "S-sorry. I'm kind of boring, to be honest."

"Don't be. It's no small feat to have come all this way without training, even with Ozpin's assistance." Weiss nodded. "I'm also glad to have reputable people to converse with, for once."

Oscar snorted and perked up. "Okay, okay. But...how about you? What was Beacon like? Are you going to take over after your dad when you grow up, or...?"

"...that's a good question," Weiss sighed. "I came to Beacon since I wanted to be more...independent, let's say. I wish to become a huntsman for personal reasons, but there is responsibility with my name. Finding a balance, or rather, finding myself between the two is an ongoing journey."

"Well, hey, I guess you'll figure it out in time, right?"

She smiled lightly, but gratefully. "I suppose I will. At this point, though, I think that -"

Oscar gasped and began muttering quietly to himself. Before Weiss could ask, the cliffside breeze abruptly halted while the forest ambience also snuffed out, blanketing the whole area in such thick silence that every crackle of dirt beneath her feet was an echo.

A glance into the woods revealed nothing suspicious, but Weiss was certain something was nearby. Roman and Neo shared the feeling as they acted obliviously to the untrained eye, but Weiss saw how they kept themselves loose and ready for fight or flight.

"I-I have a message from Ozpin," the farmboy gulped, bringing his voice down. "He says we're not alone and that we should hurry up."

Something landed behind them, almost imperceptibly so. Weiss forced herself not to look.

"I think that's a wonderful idea," she whispered back. "On my mark, we make a break for it."

"Okay."

"Three..."

Roman hefted his cane like a cudgel while Neo slowed her pace down.

"Two..."

Oscar leaned forward as if preparing to sprint to the finish line -

Rapidly approaching footsteps grew dangerously closer -

"One!"

And Weiss spun while summoning the sword of the Arma Gigas. Its arm shot out from a glyph and sliced upward, parrying a hooded, black shadow that fell from the sky. Said shadow kicked off and landed gracefully, and the longer she stared back, the light seemingly bent and wavered around him.

Weiss summoned more glyphs as a shiver ran down her spine, turning into shock as he removed his hood to reveal a familiar face.

"Jaune...?"

Dark Link slowly advanced.

"Dammit, Schnee!" Roman cried out as he yanked her into a run. He fired off a volley which Dark Link dodged before disappearing into the trees. "Let's go! We can't take the guy on -"

"B-but...Jaune!"

"That's not him! We need to go now!"

"Roman's right!" Oscar replied as they linked up with him and Neo. "Ozpin says that we don't stand a chance against a...true Hero? A-and something about the shadow killing him in Beacon!"

That was encouragement enough, and the four of them took off down the road. A few minutes later, they burst into an open field filled with tall grass swaying with the wind, making it harder to tell the shadows apart. But when something darted between trees, Weiss fired off an icicle blast -

Only to freeze a few and then...nothing...?

"Neo! Fuck!"

Weiss whirled around to see the girl stumble over with flickering pink Aura. Something moved to their left and Weiss unleashed a fireball in its direction of travel -

Only for Dark Link to absorb it with his flameblade as he leapt at her from the grass.

She panicked and threw up an ice wall, but Dark Link simply crashed through and blew Weiss into the field. He then backflipped over a volley of Roman's gunfire into Neo's waiting blade, engaging her in a whirlwind of acrobatics. It was the only time Weiss had ever seen someone match Neo's agility, but she still struggled to hit Dark Link while receiving several hits in return. After knocking Roman back, he saw through Neo's illusions and caught her arm, slamming and throwing her away.

And when he faced her, Weiss now understood why Ozpin wanted them to run. Dark Link was faster, tougher and nimbler, and his counterattacks were strong enough to bruise her arm when she blocked them.

When Dark Link broke through and grabbed her by the neck, his hand began glowing with his Triforce symbol flickering between gold and purple. Needle-like tendrils of Malice emerged from his palm, burning through her Aura and drawing blood from her.

Weiss screamed as the sensation sapped her strength, but just before she fell unconscious, a glowing blue arrow grazed his wrist and disintegrated the Malice with a sickening hiss.

Dark Link growled and dropped her, retreating as two figures with indigo, lightly armoured kimono-type clothing emerged between them. One brandished a broadsword and the other, a naginata - both of which glowed the same blue as the arrows.

Just like how they had hair as white as hers.

They charged Dark Link as she was carried away bridal-style. Weiss tried to protest to her carrier - a young woman her age with an eye-like tattoo down the centre of her face - but whatever Dark Link inflicted greatly weakened and lulled her to sleep. Through bleary eyes, Weiss saw an unconscious Neo piggybacking on a fourth ninja while Oscar kept up with a limping Roman.

In the distance, Dark Link and the two ninjas engaged in a fight so fast, she could barely keep up until they disappeared behind a hill.

"You'll be fine, miss. My teammate's distracting the wraith, while my partner's got your friend."

"S-she's not...my...friend..."

The girl asked another question, but the sound felt distant and muted. Weiss flickered in and out of consciousness, vaguely aware of the rushing wind and being shifted onto the girl's back. But she never forgot the pain of how Dark Link was able to pierce her Aura without breaking it completely. It defied everything known about Aura and made her feel...vulnerable. Helpless. Scared.

Which was why she gasped awake after some time beneath some blankets.

"Don't worry. You're safe now, Miss Schnee."

Weiss sat up, nearly retching as she glanced around with a headache. She was in a small bedroom with two beds, while sounds of birds and the occasional car drifted from the open windows. Neo lay awake in the bed below it while Roman leaned against the closed door.

Then there was the girl who sat on a nearby chair with a worried expression.

"Where am I?"

"Mistral. Your friend's house," she replied, and Weiss fought the urge to say that Oscar didn't live here. Ozpin was probably in control downstairs. "Oscar told us who you all were, but don't worry. We're not here to reveal your presence."

Weiss sighed, relieved. "Thank you. And your teammates?"

"A little worse for wear, but alive," the girl admitted. "Shiro got the worst of it with a broken arm, and the wraith...took his weapon."

Thankfully, Myrtenaster lay on the floor beside her.

"But we fended him off and even claimed a trophy," she grinned, pulling out a broken sword and placing it on the floor. Dark Link's flameblade was broken in half, no longer glowing with the fire it once possessed.

"How did you even manage to accomplish that? That wraith or whatever nearly killed us!"

"You could say we have, ah, history dealing with beings from the shadows," she replied, looking away. "It's not just Grimm that rose after the Blood Moon, but monsters of all kinds. You're lucky to have survived an encounter with a wraith out there. We had to resort to using special weaponry as well..."

She stood and walked to the door before Weiss could ask further about how she knew such things. "What matters is that you're safe here. I know it's not the best first impression, but...welcome to Mistral."

Weiss swung herself out of bed and offered a hand. "Thank you for saving us. We wouldn't have made it if it weren't for your intervention. And you are...?"

"Paya. My teammates and I are third years at Haven," she smiled, returning the handshake. "I'd love to stay and chat, but duty calls. We're stretched thin as it is, so gotta go...patrolling now."

"I...right. Take care and thanks again. I hope to repay this debt one day."

Paya smiled once more before closing the door, leaving her alone with the two thieves. After a few moments of silence, Neo fully opened the window and hopped out.

Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Leaving already?"

"We're in Mistral, aren't we?" Roman quipped as he headed over. "This is where we disappear without a trace, evade the police, yada yada. Besides, aren't you glad to see us go?"

"Yes," was her initial reply, though she instead picked up Myrtenaster and levelled it at him. He wasn't particularly intimidated, especially when a sudden bout of weakness forced her to lean against a bookshelf.

"You shouldn't just go. I can't let you."

"Why?"

"Because you're criminals and I'm a huntress. I need to take you in."

"Seriously? We just had our asses kicked and that's what you're worried about? You can barely muster the energy to stand. And if you try, you'd probably get arrested as well for smuggling criminals into foreign territory."

"I know. And I know I can't stop you, but I won't stop from trying," Weiss whispered. "Fighting crime is an easier thought to deal with than everything else right now. So what will you and Neo do?"

Roman sighed. "We survive, Weiss, as we always do. Just because the world's starting to pick itself up after normalcy's been ripped apart doesn't mean it's over. So Neo and I are gonna ride out the storm as long as it takes." He glanced at her tiredly. "I have a feeling we'll run into each other again, and I won't hesitate to strike you down if you get in my way."

"Likewise. For what it's worth, I...appreciate the lessons you've taught me."

For once, the two stared at each other without acrimony, but a sense of mutual understanding. Even when Weiss fired off a small icicle that Roman leapt out the window to dodge.

A glance outside revealed nothing but empty surroundings. Sighing, Weiss collapsed into her bed and focused on the broken sword, remembering Dark Link's vice grip and the face of someone she knew twisted into something he wasn't.

"Should I go to the CCT and find a way to contact Jaune? Or perhaps learn Ruby's address and call her home?"

Only when she mentally debated the possibilities did Weiss' eyelids grow heavy.

x==)==

And then she blinked awake again as someone knocked on the door.

"H-hey, um, are you awake?"

"Urgh. I am now."

Weiss sat up and called out an affirmative, watching as Oscar slowly peeked in. The sounds of a commotion drifted in from behind.

"Is everything alright?"

"Um, you should probably come down and see this. We've got guests," he replied, leaving the door ajar as he left. Still groggy from sleep, Weiss yawned and zombie-walked her way downstairs while mentally failing to figure out who arrived at such a late hour.

"...but if Ozpin let them in, then they should be friendly, right?"

It was a very strong understatement.

"Weiss?"

Rucksacks were strewn about as they were in various stages of settling in, but when her voice was called, Ruby, Yang, Nora, Jaune, Ren turned towards her while Oscar and Qrow stood to the side. For a second, everyone froze in surprised silence until she cleared her throat.

Followed by a single tear falling down her cheek.

"Weiss...?" Ruby repeated, taking a few unsure steps forward with an equally shocked, quivering face. "It's...it's - wah!"

Weiss rammed into her with the force of a bullet train, nearly knocking them both over a couch. She buried her face into the crook of Ruby's neck and was doubly grateful to feel her arms hug her tighter.

"A-ah, so that's what it feels like -"

"I've missed you so much!"

"I-I missed you too," Ruby chuckled with a wavering, but happy voice. "So, so much. Like, what happened? Where have you been? I thought your dad took you back to Atlas!"

"He tried. Thanks to a certain dragon, it didn't work," she replied. They held each other for a while, and what vulnerability and loneliness she felt over the past few days melted away. Stepping back and smoothing out her nightgown, Weiss flushed a light red as Yang and Nora grinned mischievously.

"What? Am I not allowed to greet my own partner?"

"Rubes would've killed for a hug like that when we first became a team," Yang chuckled as she drew the smaller girl into another one. Both their smiles fell, however, when Weiss looked her metal arm over.

"Yang..."

"It's fine, Weiss-cream. I'm kinda used to it now," Yang replied with a soft smile. A hurt, but hopeful smile. "Glad to see you haven't changed at all, though. It's good to see you again."

Weiss returned it before getting glomped by Nora and thankfully, a lighter hug from her calmer partner. To see them all again after the months since the Fall made her feel oddly nostalgic. Here they were, the two sister teams back together again, but...things were different, and so were they.

None was more evident than Jaune himself. If Weiss had no context, she wouldn't have recognized him with his rugged green sweater and darker armour, even the shield he placed by a couch. Jaune looked more like a weary knight than the somewhat dorky student of their Beacon days.

Above all, she noticed the eyepatch and scar that barely poked above it before looking away. Jaune definitely noticed but still managed to grin, assuring her that it was him and not a wraith before her.

"Heya."

"Hello," Weiss nodded as he hesitated, then scooped her up in a hug. "Your hair is...long."

He scratched the back of his head. "I thought about cutting it, but I dunno. I kinda like it now."

"Mhmm. It's not too bad."

"Whoa. Weiss Schnee being nice and giving out compliments? Am I talking to the real Weiss here?"

Weiss lightly slapped his arm, though she narrowed her eyes at the worn condition of his armour. "But the rest of you look rather beat up."

"Let's just say that we're not the only ones who had a rough journey," he replied, sharing a glance with Yang. "Why don't we get settled in first before we catch up? We've been walking for a while and I really want to sit down."

"Sure, but where's Blake?"

The five of them traded sad looks before Yang piped up with a quiet voice. "She's alive, but like Vomit Boy said, we'll get to that."

After helping move their bags upstairs - with Ruby insisting on sharing her room - Ren fixed them each a cup of tea as they sat around the living room. Sitting between Ruby and Yang on the couch, Weiss began with her capture by the White Fang and escape to Mistral with Roman and Neo in tow. As expected, there was minor protest at her decision to release them, but mostly concern - especially from Jaune - upon describing his shadow's assault.

Ruby continued after, talking about how Blake left shortly after she did before linking up with Ren, Nora and eventually Jaune. It was harrowing to hear his hometown attacked and bemusing that they unwittingly followed her footsteps through Shion, but in the end...they were here, and that's what mattered. Weiss would give many more rude awakenings if it meant it stayed that way.

"...but yeah. Pyrrha's mom and brother dropped us off before going to their estate here. They've got some political business to take care of before returning home to Argus," Jaune sighed. "Miss Nikos was pretty nice, though Ares still hates my guts and I bet her dad will too when I meet him to return Pyrrha's weapons."

"I see," Weiss replied as she finished her tea. "But at least you were able to help her family."

Jaune nodded. "Who would've known Yang's mom - sorry, egg donor," he corrected after Yang shot him a glare. "Was, um, after you as well."

"Mhmm. So what exactly happened after the ambush?"

The two blondes shared a glance. "Well, it went something like this..."

x==)==

While he was never a big fan of being watched by so many people, a year in Beacon somewhat dulled his stage fright. It helped when everyone looked like they wanted to rob, kill, or rob and kill them, especially in a tribe where strength was the law.

Which meant if they ignored her and Vernal, the bandits were stuck inside with them.

Jaune didn't like making threats, but having defeated their ambush and wounded their leader, they survived by asserting their dominance. It meant they walked through the camp unharmed with a sour look from Vernal as she let them into Raven's tent. Vernal gestured to a tea table before plunking on a barrel with a thunderous expression.

Raven, however, stood with her back turned while studying a map of Remnant. The silence dragged on for a while, and when Yang cleared her throat dramatically, Raven turned and sighed.

"To fearlessly walk into a camp filled with those who would tear you limb from limb. That takes strength."

Yang groaned. "Don't butter me up when you know we could take them on without a hitch. Do you have something more to say other than calling me strong?"

"For one, I'm just happy we finally met after all these years," Raven replied, crossing her arms. "And you've found me. You were patient, determined and strong enough to make your dream a reality. Well done, Yang. But did you have to be so rough with my men?"

"Your men attacked first!"

"Then it shouldn't have been difficult for someone who could take them on without a hitch -"

"Yang didn't come for you. We were minding our own business until you showed up looking for my partner," Ruby interrupted, narrowing her eyes. "While I don't regret it since I got one heck of a sister, you still abandoned her. B-but now that we're here, we agreed to talk because getting out of this peacefully is best for everyone involved."

Raven raised an eyebrow and walked over, causing Yang to stand up defensively. She peered down at a defiant Ruby before humming and stepping away.

"So this is Summer's daughter. Clearly, you take after your mother."

"Our mother, Raven," Yang snarled. "Not like you'd know what that means -"

"Can you, like, shut the fuck up?" Vernal growled, walking over to stare Yang in the face. "You come to her tent under a flag of truce and behave like shit. Geez. And people call me rude, but you're on another fucking level."

"Yeah? Well, why don't we step outside and I show you just how far above you I am?"

"I think..." Qrow interrupted, holding Yang back while Vernal snorted. "...that we get on with this and not waste any more time than we have to. Straight to business."

Raven grunted. "Alright, then. How much are you going to pay?"

Qrow took another drink.

"What would we be paying for?" Nora asked.

"Free passage, of course. Do you really think the tribe'll let you leave without tribute?"

Ruby patted Yang's arm as she tried to protest.

"You realize we're bandits, right? We're not saints that hold doors open for people," Vernal drawled. "Give us something valuable and maybe we'll think about letting you guys go. Just a thought."

Nora shook her head. "We don't have that much money on us, but don't forget that we can put up a hell of a fight too."

Raven narrowed her eyes at Jaune before working her right shoulder. He could still see an ugly bruise beneath her collar, one that her Aura struggled to heal.

"So it would seem. But while Vernal is correct, there are things other than money that has worth. Just as strength is not limited to one's physical capabilities, a medic, cook or tradesman is equally valuable as a skilled fighter."

She stepped aside to reveal the map of Remnant, with Anima riddled with little red pins.

"The whole world spiralled into madness since the night of the red moon. Vale fights and fails to free Beacon's ruins from Grimm. Atlas is under martial law. There will be civil war in Menagerie and Vacuan dissidents seek to elevate a pretender to a throne that no longer exists."

Raven glanced at Ruby, Qrow and Jaune. "Then there are monsters like the one that attacked Mistral, and they're already proving worse than Grimm. Most are already intelligent like elder Grimm while some even hunt them for sport, and they appear in higher concentrations. Oh, and they have this running through their veins."

Jaune's hand itched for his sword as Raven reached into a nearby chest and fished out a small vial - one that glowed an ominously familiar purple.

"Malice..."

She eyed Jaune suspiciously before placing the vial down. The liquid hatred burbled and sloshed, even after it should've stilled. "We stole some after ambushing a White Fang convoy. They probably used them to spawn monsters in the attack against Beacon or something. But whatever these creatures are, they haven't been good for business, so if you don't have money then I want information."

"What, on the purple goop?" Qrow asked.

"Everything," Raven spat, gesturing with arms wide open. "You said Ozpin's returned, which means you're back to sucking his dick without seeing the bigger picture. Don't deny it, brother. What exactly is this? Where did it come from? What did he do to make the moon turn red and spawn monsters -"

"Wait, hold on," Jaune interrupted, shaking his head. "How exactly is Ozpin alive anyway? I thought he was killed back at Beacon."

"The man's a literal reincarnating wizard," Raven replied before Qrow could interrupt. "He's a relic from old times cursed by the Brother Gods with immortality until he kills his ex-wife, the Queen of the Grimm. Sheesh. Talk about divorce..."

Jaune blinked. "Queen of the Grimm?"

A glance around the table revealed his friends in similar states of disbelief, and when they snapped out of it, Ruby led the charge in bombarding her uncle with questions. Starting with the split of Team STRQ, then the powers Ozpin granted to the two Branwens before moving onto the Relics and Salem herself, Qrow looked exhausted by the end. As his teammates discussed quietly amongst themselves, Jaune sighed and made his way to the exit.

"Oi, fuckface! Where do you think you're going?"

"Um, outside?"

Vernal stared as Jaune left before she could get another word in. The bandits had since dispersed and resumed cleaning weapons or congregating for dinner, leaving him alone.

It proved wise since he couldn't get Qrow's words out of his head. While they weren't exactly the same, knowing that Ozpin was reincarnated like he was felt...odd. Weirdly, Jaune was glad that he wasn't the only one in the world, but it also opened up a whole new can of worms.

"Queen of the Grimm...? Reincarnation? Timeless destiny? This sounds like a really, really bad joke."

The similarities are clear, but in hindsight, it makes sense. There was always something off about Ozpin. The man reeked of magic, albeit diminished.

"I don't know how to describe it, but now that you mention it..."

From his tone of voice, the sharp look in his eyes and near-constant enigmatic attitude, you were the wildcard, Jaune, that finally cracked that shell. We saw it crack the most in his attempts to recruit Pyrrha. Perhaps he even thought that binding her to his cause would draw you in too. A two-for-one deal.

Jaune growled. "He also figured out I had the Triforce before he knew what it was. Even though we confronted him after the Breach, I wanna blame him but I can almost understand now why he was so desperate."

To stop an ages-old evil bent on bringing ruin to the world? Hmph. I'm more concerned if this Salem figure has something to do with the Blood Moon.

"...you don't think she's the one trying to resurrect Ganon, right?"

We must assume the Blood Moon resurrected other powerful horrors from ancient Hyrule, but she is the likeliest candidate. Until we learn more, what matters is that you get your team out of here alive. Raven hides her ambition behind a veil of cowardice; she is already suspicious of you, but do not reveal your Triforce under any circumstances.

"Man, this just got more complicated," Jaune mentally replied as he sat on a small crate. The tent flap opened to reveal Ruby, who lightly shoved him to make space for herself.

"Rude."

She stuck her tongue at him before huddling her knees. "So. What do you think?"

"If you really wanna know, then I'm gonna ramble for an hour like Qrow did."

Ruby pouted. "I'm still kinda miffed that he's been following us since we left Hudson without saying anything."

"After learning about the fact that there's a literal Queen of the Grimm out there, that's what you focus on?"

"Because it's the easiest thing to think about, okay!?" she whined. "At least I can hold this over Uncle Qrow and guilt him into buying me food or something. This...is...a lot. We've all been taught that Grimm are mindless, but knowing someone's actually controlling them...?"

"Gotta let it sink in, right?"

Ruby hummed and poked Jaune's hand. "What was it like when you told your team about your powers? Did you floor them like Qrow did us?"

He shrugged. "More or less. It helped since we were on lunch break so we could sit down and talk for a bit. We don't have that luxury here, and they're inching to put us behind bars." Vernal's voice yelped from within, followed by the sounds of a scuffle. "Shall we?"

Ruby nodded and they went back inside to find literally everyone else separating Vernal and Yang. Though it was already healing fast, there was an ugly purple bruise just above Vernal's right eye.

"Heh. Serves her right."

"I'm being patient for you and my wayward daughter, Qrow," Raven growled, shutting Yang up. "She keeps this up and all bets are off -"

"The Spring Maiden," Qrow interrupted. "You want the answers? So do we. Ozpin has nothing to do with turning the moon red, unleashing purple goop or letting Beacon fall. I mean, the man was killed defending it."

"But -"

"So he's trying to find the Spring Maiden to gain access to the Relic of Knowledge and learn what Salem's up to."

Raven blinked and glanced at Vernal with a neutral expression before pinching her nose. "And so you doomed my daughter and friends to help you find someone who wouldn't want to be found for an impossible mission."

"No. They're trying to make the world a better place since it's their responsibility," Qrow snapped. "And they don't run away when things get hard. You know, like huntsmen."

"You, reaper girl," Vernal cut in, pointing to Ruby. "Do you think it's smart to throw yourself in front of an enemy you can't kill?"

"If it means I can save my friends, then yes, I will," Ruby replied, frowning. "Besides, how do you know Salem can't be beaten if you don't try? At least we're willing to take the shot. It's enough for me to just believe."

Raven's expression became oddly neutral, almost hurt for a split second, though Qrow firmly shook his head when Raven tried to say something. She turned away instead.

"...you walk into a fight with no hope of victory. Salem is cunning, ruthless and powerful beyond all reason. It is because of her that we...no, I..."

A sigh, then Raven motioned for Vernal to open the tent flap. "Perhaps it was a waste of time trying to convince you otherwise, but if you want to break yourselves against the impossible, then be Ozpin's guest. You'll learn true despair when your teammates are taken from you because they were too stubborn to accept the truth. Summer never had the chance."

Ruby paled.

"Raven!" Qrow yelled.

"Get out," she seethed, ignoring Yang's eyes flickering red and Qrow reaching for his sword. "Just get out before you attract more Grimm or something."

"Gladly," Yang growled as she hauled her sister away, followed by Ren, Nora and Qrow. But before Jaune could leave, Raven called out and prompted him to turn at the entrance.

"What?"

"I won't try to convince you since you're just as naïve, but let me ask you this. How far are you willing to go and keep them safe?"

"I already have, with my life."

"Really, now? Let me rephrase. How far are you willing to use your power to do so?"

Jaune froze, eliciting a harsh chuckle from Raven. "Don't think I've forgotten how seriously it fucking hurt when you broke through my blade and nearly my shoulder. Ozpin has a penchant for using those he thinks have potential as pawns. Hence, Team STRQ."

"I'm not his pawn. I'm fighting for my own goals, even when he tried to manipulate us."

"Mhmm. And why exactly did he manipulate you? What did Ozpin want from you?"

Jaune. Don't.

"My Semblance," he lied. Raven looked unconvinced.

"A Semblance that sparks green fire down your blade while giving you the speed and strength to match experienced huntsmen?"

Jaune's eyebrow twitched. "Maybe I'll ask the Relic of Knowledge a question myself. We're all stupid and naïve anyway, so what's the harm?"

"Hmph. Truly, you are blessed with the most generous of Semblances. Did Ozpin gift you magic too?"

"No. I discovered it when my partner unlocked my Aura."

"And where is your partner?"

Jaune sighed and closed the flap behind him, leaving Raven alone with pensive thoughts before she fished out her scroll and sent a text. If they were truly strong, then she'd be glad to be proven wrong; only time would tell, and it was already working hard against them.

Cinder's reply came not a second later, along with the smallest twinge of guilt.

"Good."

x==)==

A heavy silence settled over the living room as Jaune finished recounting, one broken only by an occasional cough or tea mugs being placed on the table.

Ruby added to that noise as she finished her own drink. It was warm and welcoming, enhanced by just how comfortable the place was; Qrow promised Ozpin's safehouse would be a good one, and he didn't disappoint. But her curiosity to explore the place had to wait as the tea wasn't nearly potent enough to stave off her exhaustion.

"Uncle Qrow even mentioned something about a weapons and training area too, but...ugh. I'm too tired. Maybe I could do some weapon maintenance tomorrow?"

"So, what's the plan then?" Nora piped up. "Renny and I will be tagging along with Jauney, but what about you guys?"

"I'll be going to the airport to book the next available flight to Menagerie," Yang replied. "If they're still doing commercial flights, anyway."

"And if they're not?"

A sigh. "I'll wait for a bit and tag along until you're done with your business in Mistral. But if I have no choice, then maybe I can get a ferry to Kuo Kuana from a village on the southern coast. I'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

The six of them nodded silently.

"And you, Weiss?"

"To be honest, all I wished for was to return to my team," the heiress admitted to Ren. "If you don't mind, I'd like to follow and help however I can."

"It was never up in the air. You're not leaving us again, Weiss," Ruby smiled, earning a grateful nod before turning to Qrow. "Quick question, though. If Ozpin's alive, where exactly is he?"

Her uncle grinned and jerked a thumb towards Oscar. Ruby watched the farmboy snap away from her gaze with a red face, though after muttering to himself for a few seconds, he grabbed Ozpin's cane and stepped forward.

Ruby cleared her throat. "Heya! Are you waiting for your parents or...?"

"No, you dolt, he's not just some random teenager we found," Weiss snapped. "He is Ozpin!"

This time, it was Ruby's turn to flush red. "Wait, what?"

"I-I had a hard time accepting it myself," Oscar chuckled anxiously. "My name is Oscar Pine, but you best know me as, um, Professor Ozpin. But just so you know, I'll still be here mentally."

Before Ruby could ask, Oscar closed his eyes and concentrated on...something. The next second, he shuddered and nearly keeled over as a faint green light shone from his skin. When he stood back up, his posture was straighter and he wore a look that bordered between confident, humble and cryptic.

"It is so very good to see you again, students," Ozpin began smoothly, and Ruby was joined by the others when she gasped at the change. From the way he gripped his cane his distinct, erudite tone - it was him, without a doubt.

"Ozpin...?"

"Mr. Ozpin, s-sir? Is that really you?"

"I'm glad to see you children still retain a sense of humour," he chuckled, eliciting an "eep" from Ruby though Jaune looked away. Accordingly, Ozpin's jovial smile fell through a second later. "It is a refreshing sight after hearing the tales of your travels here. And I can see you have all grown stronger since Beacon."

"Yeah. It's been a rough few weeks," Ruby replied. "Probably just as rough for you, right?"

Ozpin hummed. "While Oscar still has much to learn in terms of Aura and combat -" he winced and rubbed his head a second later - "things have been manageable as of late. I always prepare for the future, after all. Hence the coordination with Qrow to the safehouse."

"We've been in contact since before Hudson," the man in question piped up. "That's when we planned to come to Mistral and regroup with you guys. It was by luck he ran into Ice Queen junior at Shion, while I flew along in crow form to keep an eye on you five." Qrow glanced at Ruby and Yang. "I...uh, didn't want to get too close because I was worried my Semblance would screw you guys over, but I don't wanna give too many excuses. Sorry for not being upfront."

Yang sighed. "At least you came to save us when Raven's tribe attacked. Good to see you again, uncle."

"You too, firecracker. Strawberry Sunrise on me, don't worry."

"And while Qrow and Raven's explanation saves us time, we have work to do," Ozpin continued, pacing around the room. He then pointed at Ruby with his cane. "I've contacted Lionheart for a meeting tomorrow, since, as Qrow mentioned, I need resources from Leonardo to aid in my search for the Spring Maiden. And I know you wish to learn more about your silver eyes, and so we can ask for permission to visit Haven's archives once we're there."

Ruby smiled. "Thanks. I was just about to ask."

"You are most welcome," Ozpin replied, crossing his hands over his cane. "I understand you all have your own priorities here in Mistral and abroad -" he gestured to Yang - "but once you have completed them, I would be grateful for assistance in fighting Salem. The war against her and the Grimm will only worsen, especially as she unleashes horrors from the past back into the present. Can I rely on you?"

There was one, two, then eventually five nods around the table, and Ozpin turned to face the silent one.

"I...realize we are not on the best of terms," the former Headmaster began. "And if you still bear a grudge against me for placing Pyrrha in the line of fire, then I shall work to earn your forgiveness. Even then, I ask for your assistance -"

He paused as Jaune clenched his fists and began breathing quietly and heavily. Ruby watched as Yang came over, kneeling next to him and offering a hand. For a while, Jaune stared off to the side while gripping it tightly.

"Mr. Arc, I apologize for provoking any sort of trauma -"

Without acknowledging Ozpin, Jaune whispered thanks to Yang and headed upstairs without speaking further. But Ruby didn't miss the detached look on his face and how he repeatedly clenched and unclenched his fists.

The silence was tense, and for a minute, no one dared to break it until Yang eventually mumbled good night and followed after him.

"...perhaps I should not have approached it as I did."

Ren cleared his throat. "To be honest, I think it's best we retire soon," he replied to Ozpin. "We're all tired after a long journey, and perhaps it's better we talk after a warm shower and good night's sleep."

"I can get behind that," Ruby mentally replied as the others murmured their agreement and Ozpin returned control to Oscar. One by one they filtered up the stairs, and when she had finished taking a shower and changing into her pajamas, Ruby peeked out to see Jaune head into the washroom and close the door.

"Ruby?" Weiss asked. "Is Jaune okay?"

She shook her head with a troubled expression, one that Weiss soon mirrored. "No. Every now and then, he has this distant look on his face or freezes up all of a sudden. I think Beacon's affected him worse than the rest of us."

"...I see," Weiss replied as she closed the bedroom door and switched the light off. "I admit I'm not an expert with these things, but perhaps spending time around friends will help?"

"I hope so. If I knew beforehand, I would've brought Zwei along. But Jaune didn't say anything, and I just...wish I was able to help more too."

Weiss nodded before turning in for the night. "We'll see how things go, considering how busy the next few days will be. Go to bed, Ruby. You'll need energy for tomorrow."

"Mhmm. Good night, Weiss. It's...I'm happy that we're, um, together again."

The ghost of a smile played on Weiss' lips before she turned around.

"...the question is, once Yang reunites with Blake, who will be there for Jaune?"

She was sure Weiss was asking the same question, but for now, Ruby snuggled deep within her blankets and let her mind fall asleep to memories of better days.

x==)==

"The Arc boy and girl with silver eyes are coming. ETA roughly end of the week."

"Good."

"Any news about the Schnee?"

Cinder stashed her scroll away after reading Raven's last text and leaving her unanswered. The night was calm and not too humid, a nice respite after days of pursuing the Schnee, but in searching for someone who didn't really matter, Weiss led them to those who did.

Right now, somewhere in the city, Jaune Arc, Ruby Rose and Ozma reborn slept peacefully and safely within their beds. They would have neither of those tomorrow night.

A glance below revealed Emerald, Mercury and Hazel fanning out into Mistral, while Leonardo Lionheart, Haven's courageous and most certainly loyal Headmaster remained within campus grounds. She couldn't find Dark Link as he preferred to travel in the shadows, but all five of them carried leftover Malice bombs from Beacon. Though they didn't have enough to level the city, once the bombs went off, the huntsmen left in the garrison would be delayed long enough for her to wage total war.

"Once again, it is all going to plan. I still can't believe Watts, of all people, tried to warn me about being blinded by ego or arrogance. Arthur Watts, for Brothers' sakes! It is I who felled Beacon and became the Fall Maiden, not that reject of a scientist!"

Cinder clenched her fists. She'd have burned him to a crisp already if it weren't for Salem's favour, but as long as he stayed out of her way and focused on searching for a Spring Maiden that was likely under the grid, then she wouldn't complain. Especially if she finds her before Watts does - now that would turn the tables indeed.

Most importantly, once she dealt with the main three, then Salem would consider her first among equals. After that, the next logical steps would be searching for the other missing portions of Jaune's magic, along with those of the other Maidens...

But patience was a virtue, even for someone as ruthless as her. It wasn't arrogance, it was confidence. It wasn't ego when she wished to turn Haven into a kill zone and teach them despair - it was the natural inclination to tie up loose ends.

Cinder smiled.

"One day. Perhaps not today, but one day, all that power will be mine. All will tremble for me and...and..."

A quiet chuckle escaped from her lips before autumn fire blazed in her hands. In twenty-four hours, what she started in Beacon would end here in Haven.

And what harm was there in celebrating when all she knew was victory?

- AN -

Welcome back to A Descendant of Legends!

Firstly, quick announcement: Depending on my writing speed, Chapter 42 or 43 will be posted in early September as I will be away for work during late August. Chapter 41 should be up in the usual ~2 week timeframe.

According to my notes, this is actually the shortest chapter I've written since Ch 17. Heh, go figure. It wasn't the original plan, but after revaluating the script for chapters 40-44, I decided to cut more things that were slowing down momentum while combining the important bits here. I'm still concerned that it's a little rushed, and there are some loose threads I'd like to revisit later (eg. Roman & Neo, and Raven) but I also don't want to drag out their journey any further. With everyone here, we can finally enter Arc IV's endgame over the next three chapters - the prelude, climax and aftermath, respectively. In other words, the gucci stuff.

In any case, thanks for reading and sticking around so far! Concrit is welcome and any updates will be posted on my profile as usual.

Cheers and I hope to see you next time!

- Reviews -

Reader: For sure, I see your reasons and at this point, none of the girls, really, are worthy of being the next Zelda. Yes, to change that they would have to earn it, and that's the challenge I'm taking over the course of the story - I want to give them realistic obstacles to overcome so their characters grow for the better. Some may show signs of promise, some may not, but we'll see how things go.

Especially with the Fierce Deity Mask. Such a powerful game changer, and while that's a fun scenario to visualize...we'll see how things go!

And as for the Maidens' line of spirits...possibly? I'm not sure if Maidens can talk to their predecessors in canon like Aang and the other Avatars, though it's probably fair to assume Ozpin's had time to think about burdening random civilians with ancient magic. But when it comes to more about Yang, Raven, the Brothers and other spirits, spoilers!

Guest: Yeah, it was kinda glitchy when I tried uploading it, but both Ch 39 and this should be good on computer and on mobile.

Thunder Dragon: It definitely is an interesting conflict that would tie in to Jaune's own quest of learning what kind of Hero he is while honouring the legacies of those before him. We'll see how things go, especially when the Zelda Arcs begin.

Manda's Priest: Yup, and while I won't spoil specifics, the next couple of chapters will show Jaune doing so while he and Ozpin begin to open up. And as for Zelda puzzle solving, it'll actually start very, very soon...the dungeons will come in Arc V, but there is an upcoming part in this Arc where there'll be a little of that. Not a full dungeon, but a test run to see what I can expect to write when the actual dungeons come up.

And again, I saw your request, but for the foreseeable future I'm not accepting any requests or fic challenges.

Ikki: Heh, little does Raven know, and perhaps one day she'll see the consequences of her selfishness in the long run. Also, yes, there will be dungeons with the traditional item retrieval / boss battle / Heart Container + other rewards mechanics coming up. In fact, there'll be a little test run in this Arc alone, so don't worry. They're coming.

And yes, the RWBY girls and others all have flaws in their characters, and I want to challenge them so they can overcome, mature and reflect back with understanding - especially when it comes to the consequences of their actions. Some may fully overcome some things, some may not, so we'll see how things go.

The Black Wolf of the Arks: Yup! the one and only FDM. It's a game changer regardless of whose hands it's in, and even then, they'd still have to prove themselves to the Fierce Deity himself. I've got a couple ideas of how things will play in Menagerie, though it's somewhat hard to choose between them. Heh. This is why I'm taking a small break after Chapter 43 so I can write out more of Arc V's script and get a better view on things.

Saiyans4ever: And it's up to Blake and Sun to ensure it remains out of harm's way, or if they have to go nuclear, brave the trial once more and use it against their enemies. If that does come to pass, though, I'm not gonna have them massacre their way through hundreds of people and just prove themselves worse than Adam. Nuclear, but a game changer nonetheless.

Guest: Thanks! Glad you liked that. It's nice to write dialogue for characters who never really talked, if at all, to each other and see how the dynamic plays out when things are at stake. At least with this chapter, my main focus was to bring everybody to the end and retell the important bits through flashbacks; I know what you mean about the "depletion circle" thing, and while he'll forever have mental scars, I intend for the circle to end with this Arc through Jaune's actions over the next couple of chapters. If anything, this is the last "slow" chapter for Arc IV.

Guest: Oh man, I think I watched every Zeltik video two or three times minimum by now, though some more than others, lol. Love his work. It's actually that video and researching on the Zelda Wiki that I got the idea for the Bombos ability Link demonstrated back in Ch 37. Definitely an interesting idea, but spoilers before I reveal anything by accident!

jeremiahkelley93: Thank you!

Guest: It's there...it rejected her once, but if she's pushed into a corner with no way out, will she or another ally don it once more?

Guest: Heheh, glad you liked that! At least for the FDM, I intended to have Blake initially get rejected by the Fierce Deity not just of the extreme pain, but the shock of dealing with it unprepared. But for Jaune, not only are his friends growing, but so will he, and the closer he gets to beating Dark Link whenever they fight measures his progress in prowess as a Hero.

Kaiser Dragon: Spoilers for the ending, but while it'll have bittersweet tones, I can say current plans dictate that it won't be near as tragic as the Hero of Time. For reasons of nostalgia I'm gonna keep the Hero of Time's fate unique to himself. At least with Pyrrha's brother and father, the remainder of the chapters will involve Jaune putting this all to bed, while the FDM is here to stay for at least a little while longer.

And yes, I saw both versions, but I'm not accepting any requests or challenges.

Dragon lord Syed 101: Yeah, unfortunately, but at least it's up now. Bit of Raven and Vernal in this chapter as well, and more Dark Link coming soon!

Guest: Thank you, I'm happy you like them! It was fun writing Adam and Tyrian going at it, while FDM stands as a dangerous challenge that offers a great reward. We'll see how Blake and Sun deal with the uprising with the FDM and Twilight Crystal in tow, especially when I write the specifics of the battle for Kuo Kuana.

As for the dramatic push...spoilers! Dealing with the Nikos family will take place over the next three chapters, and yes, Jaune lost an eye via Dark Link during the Fall.

PolishFreelancer115: Thanks for taking the time to do so! I'll do my best!

XXxxxadisxxxXX: I based him off the Skyward Sword prequel manga Link along with a few ideas of my own, so I think I can get why he feels OOC, especially at the start, but though there are always things I see in hindsight, I think it's also cool seeing how certain things play out.

- Stats -

Upload Date: July 30 / 2021

Chapter Word Count: 7935

Approximate Page Length (Times New Roman, size 12, single-spaced): 19.9

- Disclaimer -

The Legend of Zelda and RWBY are the respective properties of Nintendo and Rooster Teeth.