The first half of this chapter is told normally, but the second half of this chapter jumps out of sync with the general story. Just a fair warning.
Also, I believe this is the quickest I've gotten an update out in... a long time. Possibly well over a year. Vacation time helps writing!
Chapter Eighty Three: My Will To You
She can NOT believe him!
How could-
Why would he think to-?
By the brothers, she wishes she could speak just to shriek in his damned ears!
Carmine shrinks back from Neo's storming mismatched color gaze! The short girl's wide, furious eyes are locked on him as she leans up on her tip toes to glare at him!
… Carmine went to see her mother. How could he dare do that without her permission?!
In the back of her head, she barely recalls that he did so for her benefit. The rest of her head, mind you, believes he's a jerk faced idiot that shouldn't bring that woman into her business without asking! Her teeth resist the urge to grind as Carmine keeps his open palms up in surrender!
He'd told the team that Misty Rhodes was going to inform Jacques Schnee that she'd be sending free hired help to the music hall event in two weeks. Oh, yes. It's been two weeks since the group had fled Atlas and the City of Mantle with their tails tucked away. During which time, the group focused on recovery and relaxation.
Then Blair asked them to nail down their plan.
The blonde scientist knows from her time inside Jayce's head in Malum that AZRL was planning SOMETHING at the Grand Music Charity Ball. The plan involves use of faunus, who have been barred from the event due to the White Fang's activity further north.
This event will hold many of the kingdom's wealthiest and most powerful members of society, their families, and the like.
They also know that AZRL is attempting to nest itself within this same government to gain immunity to the military. Immunity to the kingdom as a whole. So, the hitch is finding out how using faunus comes into play, and what their goal is at the event.
With this in mind... Carmine got a full score of help from the Atlas mayor. He got them into the event. From there, they can find all sorts of means to interfere with anything they have planned. All in all... he pulled through for them!
Despite this good news, the source of it made Neo's blood boil. Especially when Carmine told her Misty expected NEO to contact HER!
"Look, I know you're angry, but really. You can just ignore her and move on with your life. I thought this would be it and be done with it?" Carmine responds weakly, sweating lightly under her glower. She takes a threatening step closer. "It's not like you didn't go there beforehand yourself!" He defends himself. Neo stops, shocked he knew that. He blinks. "Well... the fake you kind of let that slip when I was threatening the both of them."
BAM! Nut shut!
Carmine doubles over, eyes wide. "ACK!" His voice squeaks high pitched. "Why~" He falls over as Neo walks away from the boy with a scowl on her face.
She stops, confused to not hear a peacemaking voice come in...
Oh, right... Makara isn't with them anymore...
The mute frowns, unsettled ever since the events at the capitol. She didn't like that Makara remained behind. Was the case going well? This lawyer, George... George... Her lips pursed. Carmine confirmed he was the same George she knew... Her caretaker.
He... remembered her. He became a lawyer! A FAUNUS lawyer in Atlas! It's like he outgrew everything he used to be.
How did he look in a court suit? Certainly better than his old butler servant suit. Was he assertive? Well, he was never assertive enough to control her, so no.
Wait. That's not fair. No one can control her. He can surely be assertive over someone else's lawyer. Was it like the movies? Roman told her that he was a civil lawyer and not a criminal defense lawyer. She doesn't really get the difference, like how many laws could there really be, right? But, it put a smile on her face that she was still giving him an exciting life of sorts.
Which made it harder knowing she'd have to wait until CRBN's names were cleared with Atlas to go and see him. She made that mental note, though. She would seek him out before even daring to speak to that wretched mother of hers. That wretched mother and her... stupid fake kid who wasn't too bad a person, but screw her too!
Maybe not... She still doesn't know how to deal with that.
Hi! Here's someone wearing your face and the life you should've had living surrounded by pictures of both her in your shoes AS WELL as younger pictures of you!
But... she wasn't that bad a person. She seemed happy. Happier than Neo herself was back when it was only herself and her mother.
She sighs, rubbing her eyes as Carmine struggles to stand up behind her. A sudden wave of guilt hits her... She remembers hitting him several times whenever he does something silly. Pointing a finger at Cassidy and outing him as autistic wasn't NECESSARILY a mean thing, but Neo had whacked the boy over the head all the same.
Has she been abusive to him lately?
She blinks in thought, slouching. Why is that? She's hit him before... in very rare circumstances he pissed her off, or for her to make a point. It's her way of yelling at him. Plus, they're aura users! It's not a big deal-
Good gods, she's horrible. Neo tenses.
"Look. I'm sorry. I should've known we wouldn't need to talk to her-" Carmine starts to apologize for entering her personal issue when the girl silences him with a finger on his lips.
Neo sighs and puts on a smile. Her eyes communicate with his as she bobs her head back and forth. Translation – You did it for me, and it worked out better for it.
Carmine's stance quivers as he winces in pain, still holding his groin. He gives her a dull look. Translation – Cool. So what about this?
The girl frowns, much more serious than he was expecting. She looks away and bows for the boy. Carmine's eyes widen in shock as she comes back up. She visibly takes a breath and signs. "Sorry."
He blinks. Not sure what she's talking about, so he speaks softly. "... No big... Neo, are you okay?"
No, she's not.
She frowns and wonders what she can do to make things up to him... She knows his stomach is the way to find a vice grip on his heart. Hmm... Where to find vanilla pastries and meaty sandwiches?
The group were in a stop town in western Mantle. The trip to the music event could have been done in only a few days, but the group made sure to zig zag their course in case any Atlas search groups were nearby. Far as they knew, CRBN was on Atlas's shit list, which was a terrifying notion. Moving was difficult.
Getting jobs to build up money was a risk as well, knowing that the very people that pay them could also turn them in to Atlas for a bounty and regain the same amounts of money CRBN was paid.
To counter this, Roman raised the group's hiring price. The idea being that the jobs they did were things the people needed done urgently. They would definitely be paid, and then they could use the money to bribe their way out of a situation if their clients decided to double cross them.
So far, nothing major had occurred.
Blair said she wanted them to do something special in this town, too. Whatever that was.
The blonde steps out from a store, wearing her hair up in a knot. The scientist is on her scroll... with Rowa.
"Okay, I knew you were going to mess with the SDC. You all but told Glynda and I that, but why the absolute blue HELL did you work with the CULT on that?!"
Even with headphones, the woman's voice was shrieking just loud enough for Neo to hear.
Blair grimaces at scroll call. It's not video, but she knows Rowa is scolding through the screen. "Look, if I'm honest, it went a thousand times better than I expected." She places bags from the store into the back of the van, the scroll pressed against her cheek between it and her shoulder. "Plus, we made it a worthless endeavor for them. Isn't that what you want?"
"Blair, the Cult is worse than AZRL. We TOLD this to you."
"And YOU withheld the reason WHY they're so dangerous." Blair challenges. "Give me something to work with. I know we're not allowed to be in the loop, but-"
"-No. I can't. Blair- UGH! Ozpin's already started leaving me out of info chains. He knows we talk to each other, and that hurts my credibility. Even being an active Huntress, I'm getting left out. You guys need to make amends with the man, PLEASE!"
Blair frowns. "Hold on... Did he not even provide you leave for your honeymoon? I thought you'd be out of the info loops already since you were on leave?"
"... Okay. Maybe that's why he hasn't been hounding me... Ugh, whatever. You messaged saying there was something personal you wanted to talk about? Is it the problems sleeping again?"
"No, nothing of that sort. That hasn't been an issue since the wedding..." Blair side eyes, blushing to admitting the weakness.
"So, Glynda DID manage to pull you from that funk! I'm so glad you two actually can put your differences aside." The smug tone irritates the blonde.
"I will blow up a town to get her infuriated to keep those words out of your mouth." Blair mutters. The woman grimaces. "I'm going to have the team do the videos today, so that's on my mind. When I'm doing mine, I'll call again to let you know... a new complication."
"Like... horror complication or personal?"
"Horror for me. I am certain you will harp on happy over it." A soft laugh fills her ear from her friend.
"Good luck on it. Does that mean I'm cut out?"
"Quit it." Blair mutters. "I will speak later."
"Chow."
The call ends, leaving Blair to approach Neo and Carmine. Roman is pumping the van with gas, a rare sight of doing so without his hat. Her gaze lingers a moment until he notices, so she looks away. Her smirks to himself, realizing she was staring. Lucky him.
Blair clears her throat. "Right. All four of us have an activity today."
"We do?" Carmine raises a brow. "What day is today? We usually train on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursday."
Neo raises a brow at that as well. Roman interprets the stare and clicks his tongue. "Or is this one of the kids' home school lessons? Cause, I'm out, if you try to rope me in, Barbie."
Blair reaches into the van and finds a bag. One that had been in there since entering the City of Mantle. She fishes out one of four items. A video camera... The three other teammates scrunch their faces and share looks.
"So... we're going out for tourism?" Roman mocks.
"Our scrolls have cameras..." Carmine speaks as Neo holds up said device.
Blair shakes her head. "Look. Back when we were visiting Rowa for her wedding... there was an idea I brainstormed with Glynda regarding... us. What we're doing. And... given the dangers that have come up recently, I had the thought that it would be responsible for us to make... preparations."
They all share looks. Carmine raising a brow. "Blair, what are you talking about?"
She sighs and becomes more direct. "Carmine, you almost died at Mountain Glenn overtaxing your magic for the first time, as well as at Fairmare. You also narrowly escaped Stein in Malum. Neo, you've almost died in Malum, way back in Sanctuary, and any other time we've fought Spyyra. Roman, smart as you are, you nearly died when you and Carmine disappeared on your own in Vale."
Carmine and Roman share a look at the mention of Roman's venture to with the Wilted Rose...
Blair nods down, looking off. "Not to mention my own issues in Ostium Mortis... The point being... there is a risk in what we are doing, and up until this point, we've managed to survive without any extensive loss. I want this fortune to continue, but we should be prepared for the worst."
Roman grimaces, realizing the way this is going. Seeing Carmine and Neo's confusion, he adds. "Barbie, danger is the name of the game. We've come this far without any hiccups."
"Tell that to the Mibu clan before we moved their survivors into Haddon, or to Cella." Blair morbidly retorts. She holds the bag up. "I believe it will serve us well to at least prepare these." She clarifies. "Video wills. Each of us will take the day today to make out our will... in the case that we should perish before our time."
Roman scoffs as Carmine and Neo freeze in place. The boy sputters. "Whoa wait. W-we're not... I mean, come on. We got AZRL on the run. Their resources are in shambles. Hell, they really only have a few real threats left. Spyyra, who we know can be a bitch, Mary Anne, whose a pain but not too terrible, that damned super soldier looking guy who I can't wait to rematch, and what?" He looks around, confused. "Is that all they have? Look. We beat Jayce. We beat Stein. We beat Stein's experiments. Blair, you beat Setante who turned out was their best of the best! Come on. We got this."
"It is not simply about how much of a threat they are." Blair cuts, frowning. "Lately, we have grown accustomed to tackling threats on our own, rather than as a team. The act of crafting wills is a suggested action the later one gets through the academies. The purpose isn't ONLY to account for what happens after the unthinkable. It is also to grant individuals a sense of perspective of what happens once they can't come back. It cools heads and lets them put in concise thoughts how important they are individually." She looks each in the eye. "I want us all to come back, so I would like us to each be aware of the extent of our choices."
The group shares some looks as Neo feels uneasy inside. Great. More self reflective thoughts. As if she hasn't had enough of that today. Still, they lack any viable retort. Carmine sighs. "I guess. But, outside of some silly things we've gathered back home in Haddon... what all do we give?"
"As much as you can or want." Blair says unhelpful, but adds. "Even a mere sentiment is suitable."
Roman clicks his tongue. "Did your team do this at Beacon, Barbie?"
The blonde shakes her head. "No. We considered it in our third year, but elected for other team building exercises... Cella wanted Glynda and I to reconcile from one of our fights at the time."
Within moments, each member of Team CRBN was handed a video camera. Each has its own tape inside to record. Each is ready for use. Blair looks to Carmine expecting something, which takes a moment for him to respond.
"Oh!" He clears his threat. "I guess... We'll each take these on our own and be back here in two hours with the final product. And... What after?" Carmine wonders.
Roman snorts. "We should mail them to Dory in Sanctuary for safekeeping. That way, all of us will know where they are, and we can retrieve them if need be." With that, the conman gets into the van driver seat. "I call taking the van, so you all are on your own!" He smirks and drives away from the group, leaving the three to scowl in his direction.
None are able to see his smirk turn full frown at the task before him...
With the three, Blair nods. "I will see you all in two hours then. Asides from this, I will have more... difficulties, explaining things to Rowa." She grants one more look to the teens. "Be safe."
"Later." Carmine waves and watches Blair go. He and Neo share a look, awkwardly. "This sucks." He says under his breath, losing any will to joke about it.
She knows why, of course. He crumbles at the thought of anyone precious to him dying. He's directly told her as such, so this task is likely a conflict for him. The Dumb-Dumb doesn't dwell on his own self worth, and now he has to put it to words as a final sentiment?
Of course, she's no better, getting into her own head now of all times.
. . .
Neo grimaces. She'd broken into a storage unit in the small town, finding an empty one with no one to disturb her. Sitting in the mildly lit room, she stares at the video camera sitting on the ground in front of her.
She frowns, slowly forming a pout.
Video wills? Really?! She's mute!
Blair can't have been that short sighted on this... Maybe it was to make everyone's wills consistent in form?
Either way, the girl will have to place a words up for the viewer to read. She might as well make a Shatter teleprompter. The idea does add a bit of creativity... She can work with it. Disability? Don't tell her she can't pull it off.
The challenge adds a determined glint to her. Placing a simple challenge before her is exactly what she needed.
. . .
In a small woodland ruff, Blair situates herself, checking her surroundings with her semblance to ensure she's alone.
To her side, her scroll is propped up with an active video call. Rowa's face shows, eyes wide. "Excuse me? I'm sorry. Can you say that again?"
Blair rolls her eyes, closing them and sighing. "Like I said... Neo is now my... legally... adopted... daughter." Her voice crumbles away, a wave of nerves. She crosses her arms, looking off. "It was sudden and only to fool the police! It changes very lit- I mean nothing!" She shakes her head, looking off in a huff.
Rowa's jaw is dropped as she takes in the action. Blair had just finished explaining the situation until mentioning George's terms for cooperation. The woman clamps her mouth closed as she looks off. "Blair, um... Wow..." A mischievous glint comes on as she grins. "Is this your way of pulling ahead of me before I get pregnant?"
The blonde snaps her gaze to the scroll. "What?!"
The Huntress's laugh rings through the call. "What? I just got married, yet you beat me to kids! It's okay to get competitive with me. It's in good fun."
Blair's twitching expression morphs red as a tomato. "None of this means anything! I'm only telling you because... Because..." Her eye twitches as she looks down.
Rowa covers her mouth in the video and looks starry eyed. "... Because you wanted to brag about having awesome kids now."
"No!"
"Blair, it's okay! Really! Planned or not, you don't seem to have been that against it or you'd have nullified it with another lawyer by now." Rowa grins at Blair crossing her arms. "Come on. Sticky fingers or not, now I can say you have a beautiful daughter- Ah! I'm Auntie Rowa!"
Blair glares hot murder at the scroll. "I only told you out of being polite! You're literally the fourth person to know."
Rowa cackles before calming and asking. "Wait. Fourth? Did you guys not tell Carmine? Like, he's essentially been your son since Beacon." She gasps. "Oh! Are you gonna adopt him next? He needs an official mom!"
The blonde sighs. "No, and no." She then mumbles. "Also, Neo doesn't know."
"... Well that's not a healthy start." Rowa blinks at the screen. She just accepts it, which itself is telling of how ridiculous Blair's life is.
Blair sighs. "George coerced Roman and I, making three, and you make four. Neo and Carmine remain unaware. Roman and I agreed that things would run smoother if nothing changes. It doesn't make any difference whether a piece of paper says something that is meaningless anyway."
"Uh huh... And what's his reasoning for believing that?"
"Apparently, his last name holds some power, and he opted to use his last name to be her new last name." She then notices Rowa's raised brow. "Before you ask, no, I don't know that last name yet."
Rowa snaps back from the video screen on her end. "Oh, you gotta be kidding me! I'll kill that deadbeat conman! You don't know the last name of your daughter?!"
Blair blinks, forming a poker face. "I fail to see how that is-" She shakes her head violently. "Wait, stop calling her my daughter!"
Rowa sits back, dull eyed. "You are a terrible couple and setting bad examples." Blair fails to retort, so Rowa sighs. "So, how DO you plan on telling her?"
Blair gives what she hopes is a reassuring smile as she points to the video camera.
"Oh, screw off. Just-... Seriously?!"
Suddenly, the blonde does the most immature form of arguing, heated and leaning in to yell. "Wow! Gee? I wonder why I figure I'm not cut out for this!"
"Whatever. I'll withhold harsh judgment in exchange for a favor." Rowa chuckles, though her tone still shows disappointment.
Blair blinks in thought. "What is that?"
"Make me the Godmother?"
The blonde gives a dull lidded stare at the scroll before a low tone comes out soaked in sarcasm. "Oh. It looks like I forgot to put you in my will. Woe and worry." As Rowa's face warps in offense, Blair hangs up on her.
The blonde sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, but can't help a small smile coming. She shrugs. Whether they know it or not, maybe she should be treating them better? Her and Roman's birthdays had just gone by some weeks ago... Neo's is in five weeks. Carmine's is two months away.
She pauses in place...
Fuck. She's really far gone to be dwelling on these things.
Quick. Think of a scientific phenomenon! Purge these distracting thoughts!
. . .
Purge these distracting thoughts, damn it!
Neo huffs and turns off the video camera. She rewinds and prepares to re-record the message for what feels like the fifteenth time. Every time she starts to get going, she second guesses what she's leaving who and where and how- GAH!
The frustrated mute plops down and rubs her head to sooth the headache.
It shouldn't be this complicated. She doesn't have anything to give! Just turn the damned camera on, say you give away your handful, and go!
But when she feels that way she almost feels...
No. She NEEDS to give back to them.
Because they've each given so much to her.
Neo sighs. She can pause the recording and do segments. So, she turns the camera on, presenting herself with a smile. She constructs a rolling reel of Shatter illusion paper with forming text as it shows. She rolls it to get it going and begins her first message.
'Hello. I am Neopolitan Rhodes. Age 15, almost 16. I am the fourth and final member of Team CRBN.'
The message rolls by as she takes a breath and continues forming the message on the roller.
'What follows this opening is my last will. This will guide what is to be done with what is left behind in the event that I have passed... In other words, if you are watching this, I am dead. A crime against the world.'
She smirks and releases a silent chuckle, but her expression falls after.
'That said... I do not have much to give, so expect my will to be short. Thank you.'
She quickly hits pause on the recording and sighs. There! Opening done!
Neo smiles realizing she's like, halfway there. Or not at all. This is the equivalent of starting a thousand word essay with an ornate 'The' and taking a break. Take a breath, regain composure, and think deeply.
She starts with Blair... What does she feel regarding Blair? What can she give to her? What about-
She blinks.
Makara.
The mute is stiff for a moment and continues the recording session. She forms the Shatter illusion again, allowing the words to flow.
'To Makara Riva, also known as Maka Riviera: Former or no... you are a member of Team CRBN. It was a short time compared to the rest of us, but I can't forget you. In my worth, I have an assortment of fashions and jewelry, objects and trinkets collected across three of the four kingdoms...'
'All this I leave to you.'
Perhaps leaving a will for someone who themselves has little time in the world is a fleeting effort. But, Neo couldn't leave Makara out of this. She smiles at herself. One fourth of the way there this time.
Next... Blair. She sighs, hands clenching tighter.
'To Blair Goodwitch: member of team CRBN. You... fixed me. When we met, I was damaged by the people you chose to fight, and you fought those same people as I was operated on. I wouldn't be here without you, but more than that, I learned how to cope without a voice because of you.'
'I can't repay the reading materials, or the time and patience you've had with me. I can't even give you much that would be useful to you. Any tool or item we've acquired that was useful to you, I gave to you straight away... So, all I can truly say is that anything I leave out of this will, consider it yours.'
'I don't know how a real Mom acts or anything about siblings or the like. But, whatever label you want to take for yourself, you are that to me. Thank you."
She halts the recording process, noticing her arms tense. She's grimacing now... That was pathetic. She needs to pause and take a moment to herself. Really? That's the best she can do for Blair?! Gosh, she's a failure...
. . .
Roman marches into the alley, rather cheerful.
His will? Done. Made. Took two minutes. Honestly, what did Barbie think it would induce in him? He's on a different idea right now.
Ever since Atlas, a nagging thought started rearing its head. Anytime he can, the man goes to check the goings on around nearby towns in the criminal underworld. As such, his current venture finds him in a back building biker bar as approaches the door. The bouncer narrows his eyes at the conman.
"What's the pass phrase?"
Roman smirks. It's just like Sanctuary. "What's yours is mine, and mine is mine."
The man gives an off look. "What's a Vale guy doing here? Junior's gone and mucked up all the lines."
"Ah, well. I'm no longer affiliated, but if I go back there soon, I'll tell him to pull his crap together." Roman enters the building and finds himself at the bar. He awaits the bartender.
The bartender comes, wiping down the bar and looking on with a nod. "What's your taste?"
"Hell, get me a hot chocolate for this cold as frozen hell Atlas weather. Put a couple hard shots in it. Dealer's choice." His response earns a stink eye from the bartender, but Roman snickers. "Also..." He places a stack of Lien on the bar top. "Also a pending payment for worthwhile information."
The man takes a less critical stance and smiles. "Ah... What's this for?"
"Gardening. Particularly for flowers half dead." Roman quips, maintaining eye contact...
THAT gets the man's attention. He tenses, looking around before answering. "Only a crazy person talks about the Roses... Names have disappeared for less." He takes the money from Roman, but keeps a low tone. "What the hell puts them in your cross hairs? Tryna make a deal with them?"
Roman scoffs. "Not in the slightest. Call me a... former contact of them." He pauses and nods. "I've heard they're active again, and I'm just wanting to know a 'where'. Not so much caring about what they're doing, who they're doing it to, or even why. Doesn't even have to be now, but the more current, the more money you can get from me."
The bartender rolls his eyes. "Look, the name holds weight, but a lot of new bloods in their younger years are starting to not abide by the threat. The Wilted cartel hasn't been a house name in a while, so when newbies come seeking them out, they find themselves on the receiving end of the thorns. Get my drift?"
Roman nods. "They're keeping to themselves except when someone invokes them or pisses them off. I get that. So, I take it you don't know anything about their movements?"
"Well..." The bartender is hesitant. "There's been rumor that some of them went legit. What with Vale's Hunter legends being led by some wayward Rose, plus the odd few popping up every odd place."His casual mention of Beacon's Team STRQ bubbles a short burst of irritation in the man. Yet, he stays calm. "Far as organized movements... Not much of anything. Last I heard was a wilting flower being left on a body of a military officer at a port city nearest to Mistral's floating islands on the east coasts. That was five months ago."
Roman beats his fist lightly into the counter top. "Damn... Oh well. Thanks. I'll take the drink and get out of your hair." He hands the stack of money, the Bartender quickly setting off to make his drink.
Damn man had to mention Summer. But, he has a point.
The Rose family was proud and everywhere not twenty years ago, which makes him wonder just what the hell they're doing.
What caused this sudden urge to think of his birth family? Perhaps it was suddenly being legally a father himself. So silly. It's downright stupid, really. But... he does feel rather content with life right now. This is as touchy feely as he's every been in life.
And frankly, he was only ever this friendly the last time he'd ever seen his older sister...
"..." He scowls at a new thought, eyes locked on nothing.
... Carmine DID tell him he has a niece. If the name of Rose was becoming tame to mundane, that would be indicative of the name losing its old power. That, or the bullshit world of hunters' puppies and rainbows has claimed one of the most vile families in the world.
He snorts.
Ridiculous.
. . .
Neo refocuses. Her thoughts hold on Roman. She smiles thinking about him. He just... gets it? He's easy for her to read, and he can read her. It's just comfortable. She scrunches up, focusing on her will and letting her thoughts guide her.
She continues to record.
'To Roman Torchwick: member of Team CRBN. My buyer.'
She giggles at the thought, a reminiscent smile coming on. She continues.
'You know what it's like. The background, both before and after AZRL. Personally, I think you have the coolest head among us, and you've helped me learn a lot. Sure, it's things like getting by in the streets, lock-picking, pick-pocketing, acting or lying, swindling people... You lived in my world, and you show a lot of what I've had to learn. I like that about you. You're practical.'
Neo nods to herself, this one being the easiest of all her will entries to make.
'To you, I leave the entirety of my accounts and wealth. I know I've spent the least of all we've earned as a team... I'll apologize to Dumb-Dumb in a moment for that. I make him buy my food a lot. I leave this money to you because I know you'll make good use of it. I know that I can give you this use... and thank you.'
She giggles as she pauses the recording. That was easy. She feels warm with that, meaning every word. The girl sighs before her mind goes to a source of trouble currently. She does need to apologize to Dumb-Dumb.
Hopefully, he's having an easy time with this.
. . .
Carmine hums, slouched forward with a hand pressed to his cheek. He'd just finished recording his will... Hopefully it works out.
He should probably tell his team about...
Nah. Best not to. They'll convince him to get rid of it.
So, returning his focus to the task at hand... The boy is staring at his scroll, thumb hovering over a contact. On his scroll screen, the name flashes in his contacts.
Father.
He frowns. At this point, it's a matter of pride more than anything else. He's aware of this. He KNOWS that. But, that doesn't make it easier to reach out to someone that's spent so long lying to him. Ozpin withheld knowledge about his magic, his birth mother, and even the people Carmine's affected.
But... he somehow knows that if he hits the call button, the man will answer.
This isn't his original scroll. Ozpin wouldn't know the number, but Carmine's transferred and copied down the contact number any time he's had to switch.
Hell, even calling him a parent is such a twist of comedy. So, why does he feel weird looking at this. As with all things, it all comes back to guilt for the boy. His father is the most powerful man in Vale, possibly the world. Definitely the world, if his own magic is anything to go off of. For a man like that to not bother to raise his son... maybe that's indicative of how he actually sees Carmine?
Not that he would blame him if THAT was his line of reasoning. Carmine came into the world with a body count, his birth mother Vanessa dead. Even if one discounted his parents' deaths after that, Carmine still killed Summer-
His sucks in a sharp breath... It stings to remember her.
He hasn't seen her in a while. But, she still pops up. Especially in the snowy tundras around Mantle.
And so, his mind trails down the worst possible thing he can do...
He counts the faces...
Vanessa Ozpin, Jared Uhlric, Senaya Uhlric, Summer Rose, Tamara in Vaterra, Tora Mibu, Master Khourii Mibu, Miguel Milano Murphy, Ray Mibu...
When he started his count, it seemed simple that he attributed his fault to their deaths, but as he goes on, the more he performs mental gymnastics to assign blame to himself.
Even Cella, Blair's former team leader. After all, if Carmine hadn't met Blair, Blair would not have been outed, and Blair could have been with Cella to protect her when she died...
Of course, similar lines of thought came to others. Even people he frankly thinks deserved to die. Brock 'Rocky' Rhodes died because Misty using the boy for an exchange with Ozpin put the Rhodes family on the Hunter radar.
His thumb rests over the call button for Ozpin again...
Finally, he groans and pulls away, stowing the device in his pocket as he strolls down the street. Fuck it. Another day. He's irritated now.
. . .
Her hands quiver as her Shatter illusion cracks...
Taking a moment, Neo refocuses the illusion and repairs the damage. The focus of her thoughts is difficult, but she forces a smile. She looks forward and mouths out his name. Carmine...
She takes a deep breath, knowing of only one thing that can be left to the boy. It must be earnest, and must be unrestrained. Open.
She hesitates, but slowly allows the recording session to continue. On the screen, she sighs and smiles.
'Finally, to Carmine Uhlric: My leader, My best friend, My...'
The illusion cracks, but does not Shatter. Her smile wavers, but she comes up after restoring the illusion.
'Growing up, I had no friends. My family's choices kept me from public school, save for short periods. I had no one my own age that I could lock on to. Yet, I found a boy in the woods and that was the most exciting thing in my young life... I remembered you beyond that encounter, even after I was old enough to process the horror you went through, I wondered whether you were okay.'
'Then boom. You and Roman bought my freedom from the worst hell of my life. You were grown, cute, still fun to tease and play with. I... didn't want to believe you existed. Someone as damaged as I was but somehow was still a bleeding heart? You just seemed... I'll be honest, angelic to me at times.'
Her gaze falls... her smile waning, but she wills herself to continue. The illusion reel spinning despite the odd crack starting to appear.
'You make me want to be better, and then realize how far from perfect I am. That might be why I punish your mannerism slip ups or tease you so much. Makes me think we're on the same level, but that's so far from true... You're the best thing to ever happen to me. The best thing to give me life.'
'You told me once what you thought about yourself. What you believed would happen if something happened to me. You said you couldn't be with me because if something happened then, you wouldn't be you anymore. The thing that hurts is that I believe you, and I don't deserve to be that person to you. But, I am...'
'Which is why...'
The cracks start to form in the illusion. Her gaze is fully downcast, hair shielding her eyes from view.
'Which is why I need you to not break. I need you to live. In the event that I die, I don't want that event to take what makes you who you are away. Because the person you are is the most important person in my life, you bleeding heart idiot.'
She gulps and sets the shatter illusion down as it breaks. She reaches around and brings up her weapon, the parasol Hush. She smiles at it, but a wet feeling shows on her face as she does so. She reforms the reel and continues.
'To you, I leave my prize possession. A weapon in part my design, gifted by my adventures with Team CRBN... and named by you. It was you that named Hush, and just as you've taken care of your father's gun, I know you'll take care of her. Make her better... as you made me better.'
'I love you, Carmine Uhlric. Thank you...'
Neo smiles sadly before reaching forward and shutting off the recording...
There... done.
She sits for a few moments before wiping her face clean. She has to leave this storage unit and lock it back up. Still, she smiles a bit. It felt good to get that out.
Right! Now, she needs to find some place with milkshakes or meat heavy meals. She needs to apologize to the boy! She kicks up, a pep in her step! Ready to make a better day.
. . .
The group got back together in the center of the town. Blair smiles for them. "Did you all have any issues?"
Roman snorts. "Nope!" He pops the 'p' with a smirk.
Carmine rolls his eyes. "It went fine." He holds a giant vanilla milkshake with two straws.
Neo's arm hooks the boy's neck, the girl smiling pretty as she takes a sip from the sugary drink's second straw. She looks to Blair and gives the peace sign.
Good. It seemed to work. Blair smiles. She nods to Carmine, who sighs in good nature and looks to the others. "Alright. Let's move on!" As they all load into the van, Carmine perks and looks around. "Everyone remembered to leave something for Makara, too?" He cuts eyes specifically to the ginger driver. "Roman~."
Neo giggles and nods. Roman rolls his eyes. "Yes, brat..."
Blair smiles. "Of course, Carmine."
That gets a broad grin from the boy. "Good. Let's move. I want AZRL gone by summer's end so we can visit her. Everything should be good by then, right?"
Roman shrugs. "Legal processes can take forever. Might be a little longer."
Blair keeps an optimistic smirk. "Still. It's best to remain positive these days... I hope everything is going smoothly on her end."
. . .
Atlas
One Week Ago
The first of many meetings...
George is arguing in her favor, but she doesn't understand the jargon. She's been tended to, body healed, and wears a warm orange jump suit.
It's a court hearing. Rather, a hearing to schedule a hearing. One of many hearings. Makara was already left with a swimming head listening to it all.
The clanging of a hammer sounds off, a military judge ahead of them in the wide grand court house. The woman judge in place speaks clearly...
"Defendants have been denied joint cases on the merits that Mr Riviera is not charged with the same crimes as well as having different pleas." The female judge leans back in her tall chair, watching with an onyx black pair of eyes. "I understand that the defendant wishes for an accelerated trial date?"
George calls. "Yes, your honor."
"Does the kingdom have any objection to a date this august?"
"No, your honor."
"Very well." The bang of a hammer. "Let it be known that Defendant Maka Riviera's trial date shall begin on August Third. Announcement of the trial date for Mr Riviera will be made at our July Thirtieth hearing, but expect his trial to take place much later in the Fall. We'll reconvene on July Thirtieth."
She continues. "Regarding the holding of the Defendants: In light of Mr Riviera's company ownership and philanthropy, he will be permitted connection to his company and work pending trial, but under supervision. For Miss Riviera, in light of medical conditions, a military jail will be offered with ease of access to medical attention."
The bang of the hammer signals the end...
. . .
Two months later.
One year til The Day...
The trial had started...
The opening pleas were heard...
The judge's voice asks of Makara. "Maka Riviera. You stand charged of breaking and entering the private property of the Schnee Dust Company. How do you plea?"
The woman stands... paler than before, but dressed warmly. She smiles. "Guilty."
"You stand charged of assault and attempted murder for thirty seven SDC guards and Atlas soldiers. How do you plea?"
"Guilty of assault. Not Guilty of attempted murder." She states clearly.
The judge flips through some pages and clears her throat. "You stand charged of multiple counts destruction of property. How do you plea?"
"Guilty."
"You are charged with conspiracy and terrorism. How do you plea?"
"Not Guilty." Makara answers again.
"Very well. Let this trial begin. Prosecution, your first witness?" Shuffling within the court and movement starts, but the inhabitants notice that Makara is still standing. The judge furrows her brow. "Miss Riviera, you may sit."
Makara blinks in confusion. "Were there not more charges? I thought there was assault-" George hushes her, easing her down.
The judge purses her lips. "There were. You just plead guilty to the assault." She sees Makara cringe at her memory... "Miss Riviera, in light of your medical conditions, we are aware that some processes in the court room will slow down for you, but I must ask if you are capable of being present at the moment."
Makara frowns. She nods. George answers. "She'll remain, your honor."
The trial continues...
. . .
Eight days of trial later, two days of jury deliberation.
"... On the final count of conspiracy, we the people find the defendant Maka Riviera... Not Guilty."
The words ring in the room, and Makara brightens at the notion. Throughout the trial, it really seemed that public perception was being receptive to the plight against AZRL.
Television across Atlas, as well as across all the kingdoms was beginning to show the coverage, with an awareness of trafficking picking up among the general populace! New public programs were beginning to be made as a sort of public responsibility for one another. It was starting something... That meant a lot to the woman.
Which only added on further to the next words. The judge speaking up. "Does the jury have any recommendations in regards to sentencing on the Defendant's Guilty pleas?"
The foreman nods and sounds off. "Yes, your honor. We recommend the minimum sentence across all counts."
Makara's head swims with the notion of the people getting behind her on this. She half expected to be a pariah for those arguing against the Kingdom. She loses her focus until the judge finally prepares for the sentencing.
She tenses in wait... and...
The judge nods. "In light of the details in trial, it has also come to my attention... that General Ironwood had issued HIS determination on some of these matters above my authority. Counts 7 through 43 of assault have all been pardoned." Makara freezes at that, head whipping around as if expecting the general to just appear or something. Why would he..?
But no one comes. Rather, a crowd of murmurs begins in reaction to the response.
The judge smiles and bangs her gavel. "In light of this, the sentencing on the remaining guilty pleas result in a greatly reduced sentence. I am accounting for time served in custody, for 519 days in prison. However, you may earn parole upon payment of a fine of 400,000 Lien."
Makara knew the fine could be paid. Her father would ensure it... which... meant...
She would be free...
The woman smiles wider than she could expect, wrapping George in an appreciative hug while the faunus deflates to release the tension.
Still, it was not over. Her trial was over... but all of this would be pointless if Stein walks free.
. . .
Four months later, December...
8 Months til The Day
The final day of the trial...
The trial of Garland Riviera served as a sequel of sorts in the public story. The philanthropist and former inventor whose crimes served to inform a father who would burn the world for his daughter. Just as with Makara, the people had gotten on his side.
In fact... people pressed for the charges to be dropped following Makara's trial.
But unknown to the people of Remnant, General Ironwood would not allow the charges to be dropped, as the public record of the case's details, combined with the public outcry for investigating politicians and SDC members alike, was invaluable in building the case against Stein.
So...
"We the people find the defendant, Garland Riviera, Not Guilty."
And so, the public conscience was made aware of enough.
The existence of AZRL was made public knowledge. The awareness, though not proof, that Stein's implant in Garland had been used as an assassination tool, was now raving. The knowledge of experimentation, though refuted, was building an uproar.
The people wanted blood.
They wanted Franklyn Naero Stein strung up following the details of both public cases...
. . .
Thus...
Came the final hurdle...
Eight months later, July
One month til The Day...
Patch...
The clinking of a ratchet wrench sounds with a radio rock tune blaring in as a backdrop. Female grunting sounds in a small work shed a distance off from the main wooden home. With the grunts, the wrench is discarded as the female pulls up and wipes her brow, a long, beautifully groomed head of golden yellow flows from her head.
Lilac eyes gleefully take in the object of her attention.
Yang Xiao Long
Age: 17
One month til The Day
A flash of teeth show in pride looking at her motorcycle, the vehicle painted a matching yellow to her grimy ensemble. The girl catches a mirror, noticing how dirty she is, and her mirth is instantly wiped away. "Gah! Stupid oil."
"You get her working?!" The chirping happy tone pulls the irritation from the girl, turning to find her sister entering the area. The girl is wrapped in a red hooded cloak, but a black and red battle skirted outfit beneath. Her hair is the complete opposite of Yang's. Short vs the blonde's long. Dark, almost jet black save for tinged red tips, her complexion is paler than Yang's, and her eyes are silver.
Ruby Rose
Age: 15
"Heck yeah!" Yang fist pumps. "I'm ready to RIDE!"
"Within the speed limit, right?" Ruby cheekily adds.
Yang snorts. "Pft! Speed limits. Like you're one to talk."
Ruby giggles. "No, no. I agree. Dad told me to remind you every chance I get." She appraises the bike, mulling over her thoughts. "Still think red and black would be cooler."
Yang hovers protectively over the bike, shielding it like she would her hair. "My bike. My colors! The only way you get a hand in her is if you can attach guns."
Switch flip. Ruby's eyes light up to the heavens in anticipation. "Oo! OO! Machine guns on the front- No! Shotguns to fit your aesthetic!" She warps around to appear behind the bike, leaving a trail of aura formed rose petals. She crouches as she mimes towards the exhaust. "Carve out some excess material to make room for caltrops or an oil slick. Next, we can-"
She blurs around in a semi circle towards the front, but mid burst, Yang's arm reaches out and snatches her sister by the hood of her cloak! Ruby is left mid air, face distressed as she reaches towards the motorcycle.
"Eh! Nyah! Lemme!"
Yang cackles as she sets Ruby down. "Bumblebee isn't ready to get a Ruby sized sting yet."
"But is she ready to float like a butterfly?" Ruby counters.
"Let me find out her top speed, and maybe." Yang grins mad. She grimaces at her clothes. "Now, I need to freshen up. Think I got grease in my hair."
Ruby blinks. "So... You'll be in the bathroom for two hours."
"Beauty takes effort, little Rubes! Not everyone looks naturally cuddly and open like you." She ruffles Ruby's hair, the girl flailing her arms helplessly. The two march out of the shed, beginning their trek to the house. "So, how did those dorks from 2-B take it when you showed your baby to them?"
Whirling mechanical shrieks sound as metal transforms! The movement sends a whip of air to kick up...
In Ruby's hands is a great large, unfolding scythe. Big, heavy, intimidating, and most importantly cool!
Ruby grins wide! "I think they liked it! They all backed away because of how cool it was!" She blushes slightly. "Though, they were pretty quiet and haven't said anything since."
Good. Yang snorts. Those bullies have learned Ruby can take them apart. The blonde smiles. "Be sure to show your girl off to anyone who messes with you... I won't have the time to beat up the morons too much longer."
Right. Yang starts at Beacon in just five weeks. Ruby forces a soft smile. "Oh, they're not bad. I can stay out of trouble. Besides, the three idiots are leaving too!"
The duo enters the house, hearing the television in the other room. Taiyang is watching the news.
"Blech! Legal talk..." Yang mutters.
"He's been watching for weeks. I tried to sit yesterday and it just all sounded... boring and depressing." Ruby frowns until a small, stubby legged fur log steps around the corner- Her face warps positive. "Zwei!" The corgi dog barks happily as the blur of rose petals swipes it from the ground and carries into the living room.
Ever the slower of the two, Yang enters the living room to find Ruby on the couch, wrapped around the happy, panting dog. Zwei is licking the girl's cheek. Yang finds her father, Taiyang, standing with an attentive, but light, look at the television. "Hey, Dad. You look more chipper."
Taiyang gives a grin. "Just some good news overseas is all."
"Ugh, so that trial finally ended?" Ruby asks. "I get it I think, but I couldn't pay attention."
Taiyang almost answers, but smirks and nods to the television. "They're going over it now." The girls follow his gaze to the news. A banner on the video shows the headline. 'Child Preying Surgeon Guilty!'
"... when the jury returned their verdict after two days deliberation. While scholars did question whether the verdict would be tainted by public opinion or the authenticity of evidence, the result has come in a unified jury. Frank N Stein has been sentenced to three consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole..."
Yang snorts. "Isn't three a little redundant?" She and Ruby share a smile as the picture of Stein appears on screen. His body has been repaired, his outfit changed to that of an purple variant of a prison jumpsuit. His glasses reflect light within the photo, clearly portraying him as detached. Threatening. His eyes are completely obscured.
The footage cuts to him in the court room, looking identical to the photo. Okay... so, that's just how he looks. Photos flash from all sides as he's taken away.
"In light of the verdict, multiple outlets have reached out to star witness Maka Riviera for comment."
Ruby frowns as she sees the new picture on screen of the lavender haired sniper. The woman looks deathly pale... Her body is thinner. In the photo, there's a confusion evident in her eyes... Her hair now drapes down to the small of her back.
She remembers. This woman is ill, dying from an illness caused in part by the people the doctor worked for. The teen girl spares a look to her father, noticing a pensive look. "Dad, did you know her? Is that why you've been watching so much?"
Tai flinches, looking caught, but shakes his head honest. "No. No, I've never met that woman, but I knew some people who knew her apparently. Besides, it's good to keep up to date with what happens in the other kingdoms."
Yang scoffs. "Don't have the patience for that." She eyes the television as she leans on the wall. She sees some of the text flashing along the bottom, causing her to scrunch her brows. "'Fake Hunter Team Member. Member of Team CRBN'?"
Ruby perks. "We can just become fake huntresses?"
Tai snaps a finger at them. "No. No, you can not." His chiding tone fails due to his breaking smirk. "Either way, all is well that ends well." He raises a remote to change the channel.
Ruby raises a brow. "Isn't she about to talk?" Yang perks a bit, surprised in the interest.
Tai frowns. "Yeah, she is. You... want to listen?"
The girl furrows her brow. "Well, yeah. She's sick."
Taiyang blinks, wondering what that has to do with anything until he sees Yang's eyes dart to the screen. He follows the gaze to see- Ah...
Terminally ill. The words are slapped over multiple photos flashing along the screen of Maka Riviera. They range from her healthy state, to her paler time at trial, to her current photos appearing malnourished... atrophied.
Oh, sweet girl. Giving time to the person who has little left. Taiyang smiles prideful, despite knowing the reason she has this sentiment. "Sure. Let's listen." As he settles back on the couch to observe the press statement with Maka Riviera, he notices Yang hanging out at the doorway.
So she noticed Ruby's reasoning too. Attagirl. Yang continues to clue in on her sister. On the one hand, it's a point of pride. On the other, it hurts knowing how she developed that habit... Because she had to be both a sister AND a mom to Ruby.
Likewise, he feels pride in that Ruby is respecting someone's moment of closure. Yet, he knows that habit too developed out of another form of absence...
The family watches on...
. . .
Atlas
Maka moves out before a crowd near the court house. The woman's awareness is hazy, but she looks at a note card in hand. A daily notation of events.
Reporters are already calling out to her, the bright flashes making her wince...
The advancement of her Aurstigma shows...
Within the flashes, she instead hears gunfire. Her hands grip the handle of... a cane. She's using a cane to walk now. The woman blinks at the ground. Since when did she need a cane- Oh. Right. Why was her heart racing?
Again, she looks at the note card, reading 'press statement and interview following Stein's verdict.'
His verdict. Ah yes, Not Guilty. NO! That was HER verdict. How many charges did she have? Her off hand soothes her head as she blinks to clear away blurs in her vision.
She gulps, vaguely aware of George standing by her. She nods to him. George speaks into a microphone set for the woman. "Miss Riviera will accept questions curated by me."
Questions fire off! Rapid fire, with reporters raising hands for questions. The ones that George allows through include the simple ones. Her opinion of Stein, reactions to the verdict, etc. Her answers are slow, forcefully thought through and partially directed by the lawyer. However, the next question comes.
"Miss Riviera, your illness, Aurstigma, was contracted due to the people Stein worked for, AZRL. The public is aware that this condition yet has no cure, but some of your supporters have raised money for its research. Would you mind updating them on your condition?"
Makara blinks and thinks. Her hand comes and holds the side of her head, eyes unfocused. She frowns. "... When I was saved... from Stein's clutches." She pauses, finding her place. "I believed that all of my time was a gift. Every minute, I owe to my rescuers. Team... Team..." Her eyes close, a sting in her eyes. No, she can recall something as important as this. "Team CRBN." Her voice quiets as she concentrates.
"However, it was... a few months ago... or was it last November?" She shakes her head. "It was when I was cleaning my prize possession, a gifted weapon named Al... mighty... sir... Circuit." She twitches. "I forgot a step. I took that weapon apart and put it back together every single day since my time with Team CRBN. Yet, I forgot how I cleaned the internal chamber... I had to refer back to record of the weapon..."
"The next week, I forgot again... The next month, I got lost in the process entirely." Her stare is far off, downward. "Two months ago was my last time I got to fire my rifle at the range. Now, when flashes or loud shots sound, I can no longer remember what is the present, or past..."
"Maka-" George attempts to step in, but Makara's hand holds him back.
"I would say that I have come to full terms that my time is coming, but to be honest, I could forget coming to terms with it by tomorrow, and I will need to do so again, and again, and again. Until eventually, I forget the issue altogether and lose my function and agency..."
"But." She smiles. Kind, gentle, genuine. "But this was to be expected. I knew it would come. Being optimistic, doctors believe I have at most three years left... at minimum, I could pass by spring if I'm unlucky. But that's okay. Because I accomplished my mission to Team CRBN." She smiles a toothy grin, the most spirit she's shown to the public in months. "I took down Stein... I am proud of what I made of the time they gifted me."
. . .
Back in Patch, Ruby smiles at the notion.
Despite this, her hands ball into fists, tightly clutching her red hood at her shoulders. She doesn't know this woman, yet she can tell straight away that this isn't fair. But, the woman is handling it so well!
… Did Mom handle her death this well?
She bites her inner lip hard to stop that line of thought. She continues to watch Maka.
. . .
The questions continued to Makara, the next one of interest coming.
"Miss Riviera, we know that you have a very attached appreciation for this Team CRBN. We also know that this team of fake Hunters has never stepped into the public conscious themselves until these court cases. If these heroes did so well for you, why do they remain in the shadows? Why hide from their good deeds? Are their deeds really always good?"
At that, George forces forward. "Miss Riviera will NOT answer that."
Another reporter begins. "In all of the court filings and public record, none of the names of Team CRBN have been made for public conscious. Can you share any information on them?"
"No! She can not, which is convenient because she would not if she wished." George was starting to get irritable with the reporters. He shields Makara from the flashing cameras. This was becoming a sting operation against CRBN all the sudden, the tone of questions going into veiled accusations.
George attempts to move Makara away to end the press scrum...
Until one more reporter, a gruff male voice, cuts above...
A question that freezes her.
"Private sources indicate the identity of the R in CRBN as former Senior Mob Family enforcer Roman Torchwick. If he is indeed in Team CRBN, then do you care to comment on reports that Roman Torchwick is suspected to be involved with many thefts of dust throughout Vale in recent weeks?"
Roman..?
Robbing stores in Vale..?
How was he identified? He wouldn't get caught that easily with the others there. That or all their names would be confirmed...
Makara's face shifts. Her dissociation when she would dwell into the mind set of her sniper role. She pushes by George, gently, and reaches the microphone. She speaks clear, with all the clarity she can muster. "If Team CRBN is ever involved with crime, there is a reason behind it. If Team CRBN performs the unthinkable, it is because something worse is facing them."
Makara's eyes tear up, but her determination stays strong. "Team CRBN will always have my unwavering loyalty to my death. And beyond. For anything that they may call on or need of me, they can have it. It is all I can do for them."
She smiles again. "Let that be my statement on the matter. My life is a gift, and I will give it back to them in any way, shape, or form I can. That will be my last principle. My last request while I can make one. This is my will to you, Team CRBN, as my friends and family."
. . .
The conference ended, leaving the Rose family household shocked.
Yang scowls, hands on her hips in anger. "Vultures. What kind of insensitive monsters can they be?" She shakes her head and turns away. "I need to clean off the dirt I felt watching them."
Tai can't blame her. Still, his attention is pulled away as Ruby stands and lets Zwei march off. "Dad, did you know Team CRBN?"
He grimaces, and sighs. "... Yeah. I did."
Ruby looks conflicted. "Would they do something like that? The stealing, I mean?"
Taiyang can't answer that. "... They didn't follow rules well. If they're still around, they'd have ulterior motives to breaking the law." Sensing her next question, Tai speaks softly. "I don't know, Little Rose."
Ruby looks conflicted at that, frowning. "I don't want her to be wrong."
He smiles at that. "Then she isn't wrong." He says simply. "Until shown otherwise, believe with all you can that they're still around, doing what they think is the right thing." He pumps his fist with that, earning a smile from the girl. "Now, go freshen up. I gotta get dinner started."
The girl flashes teeth. "Oh! I got chocolate danishes from the store for dessert!" She flashes away in a burst of rose speed, leaving a trail of flickering petals.
"HA!" Taiyang lets out a short laugh, shaking his head. Still, he dwells on the question...
Team CRBN disappeared off the map... And Roman Torchwick IS in Vale...
What happened to them?
His mind dwells to Carmine... So, he sighs.
"Wherever you are..." Taiyang speaks to himself.
. . .
Present
1 year, two months til The Day
The CRBN team is riding in the van, en route to their destination. Roman is driving with a smirk. Blair is reading maps in thought. In the back seat, Neo is smiling... as her nails scratch as Carmine's head. The boy is draped along the back seat, head laying in her lap. He dozes off, the girl gently caressing and scratching at his scalp.
Perfectly happy.
Taiyang's voice hangs... "I hope everything worked out for you..."
The first half of this chapter has been planned since the fic began... However, its placement is a different story. I've been waiting for when I wanted to throw it in, but having half the cast in an emotionally shifted state made this the best time in my opinion. A bit of focus on Neo for this chapter again, but that's because of the meta reason.
From a meta standpoint, I've stated multiple times that RWBY related events will begin to come into play once I get to the sequel and end to this story. Why did I show Neo making her will, but no one else?
Well, we haven't seen if I'm gonna kill off Roman the way canon did... the early volumes set up means that Carmine and Blair's fates are highly questionable by the end of this story. What will happen there?
So, from a Meta stand point... Neo is the ONLY character in this fic that is narratively safe from death. So, her will is the least likely to ever come into play. So, showing her go through the process acts in multiple ways. If the others end up appearing as plot points, this established it ahead of time. If the others never come into play, then at least it adds tension to the idea and keeps you, the audience, guessing.
But... will the others appear?
Uh oh... Will all three come into play?
I'll never tell! (Until I get to the story. Evil laughs)
Next, to the court stuff with Makara, all of that was to wrap up Makara's character.
Suffice to say, this chapter was the very last time Makara will appear in this story. It's done. Her story may come up in context in the sequel, but it is over in regards to this story.
Stein is in jail. Shocked? I'm not. Seems Winter's influences paid off, but what about Whis? Well, we shall see.
Finally, a little injection of Ruby and Yang for the last fifth of the chapter. Ruby's ability to clue in on someone's interests and giving them the time to explain themselves (As she did in canon for Blake when they first met in Volume 1) is the byproduct of disliking someone not being given the chance to be heard before their time. Just to set up something Ruby IS aware of in others.
Likewise, the fact that Yang had to act as a mother to Ruby because Taiyang shut down for a few years as the two were growing up. Yang is mother hen to her sister here with sticking around and silently supporting the sentiments.
Both of these are traits Taiyang is heavily prideful that they have, but also ashamed that they developed those habits out of coping with Summer's death.
A touch of preview to writing for them, even if they still have growing before the point where I'll sink my claws in for writing for them.
But yeah. One more arc, and we will be within the year of The Day. I dare say we have... one... two... three... Four arcs minimum before this story ends. Given my nature to extend things, stuff might get divided up into more arcs, so... be wary of that.
Reviews:
Crimson_mist (AO3) – Yeah, hopefully if(when) we get to the City of Atlas again someday, the difference between Neo (Neo) and Neopolitan (fake) will be a lot easier! Also, I like that the general theming got across! Hope you continue to enjoy.
So, this chapter mostly exists as a possible bundle of set ups for the sequel and a buffer for the next arc. This arc begins next time in chapter Eighty Four: We're The Help! Honestly!