Disclaimer: I do not own the blazblue franchise or the RWBY franchise they belong to their respective owners
(A/N)
It slipped my mind to mention this in the previous chapter but I will confirm it here. When Izanami altered the Lamp to prevent Jinn from answering certain questions regarding Terumi. She unintentionally restored the questions the lamp had. Which is something that Ozpin didn't know was possible.
I'm glad that many of you are excited for the return of Cardin. There are several reasons why I wanted to bring him back, one of the reasons is to conclude Blake's character ark. I am not done with Blake as a character but I wanted to establish how far she came since the start of Beacon but its not going to be smooth sailing initially.
I have seen many fanfics give Cardin a lot of character bashing. One of my favorite stories explained that character bashing Cardin as much as other RWBY fanfic stories does serves no purpose and ultimately does more harm than good. From what I've seen, some stories are worse than others when it comes to character bashing. So I wanted to throw my hat in the ring for Cardin and see if I can do good with Cardin in the story and go for the redeemed bully.
For the questions regarding the boundary, Volume 9 has made it a LOT easier for my to implement the boundary. Which will also make it easier for me to bring in Es, who has been heavily requested.
As for the secrecy, Ozpin isn't necessary getting a free pass. It's just that some characters are more inclined to look at the entirety of the situation and will be more sympathetic like Bang but not everyone will be as forgiving. Which will be seen really soon. Trust me on this one, Ozpin is not getting a free pass and Ruby is most definitely not getting one with her lying to Ironwood in Volume 7. I have a lot of plans for when this story gets to Volume 7 and 8 and there will be a lot of diverting points.
I wanted to save this question for later but I am curious. What do you guys think of Volume 7 and also of Ruby's decisions in that volume? Especially of her lying to Ironwood.
Chapter 89 Dread, Guilt, Apathy
(The abandoned Village)
Ever since Blake made the decision to attend Beacon. She made it her personal mission to stay true to beliefs and make things better for the Faunus. Yet one of the biggest things she wanted to focus on is being judged by her actions instead of as a Faunus. Yet during her time in Beacon, she found herself meeting all kinds of people both good and bad. Yet there were some that stood out to her for a variety of reasons. Cardin is one of those individuals that stood to her for the worst reasons.
Upon seeing the leader of team CRDL, Blake remembered all of the terrible things he's done since the very beginning. From mistreating the Faunus for being who they are, including but not limited to Velvet. To bullying various students at Beacon, including Jaune. Despite meeting good people like her teammates and friends. Whenever she thinks the worst of people. The only ones who comes to mind is either Jacques Schnee and Cardin Winchester. So for Blake to see Cardin again after so long, drove Blake to remember everything that him and his team has done during her time at Beacon. Which brings back the mistrust and anger she has towards certain humans like him.
"Why did you come all this way Cardin, did you run Faunus to hurt and bully?" Blake angrily asked causing Cardin to angrily look at her. Before he could say something he took a quick breath before he spoke
"Look, I admit I deserved that and more for everything I've done. I was wrong to treat the Faunus and a lot of people the way I did. I can't apologize enough for it, but if you can give me some time. You will see that I'm a different person from back at Beacon." Cardin told Blake causing her to maintain her glare
"A convincing lie, no doubt its what you told yourself to make yourself feel better from everything you've done." Blake angrily told Cardin which irritated the team leader
"Listen, I know its hard to believe, but don't you think I've earned a chance to prove I've changed?" Cardin asked which angered Blake further
"People like you, don't change that easily Cardin." Blake stated which visibly angered Cardin
"What do you mean people like me?" Cardin asked aggressively before Amane and Ruby stepped between the two
"Please, can we just calm down for a bit. Look, we have good food and a good reunion among friends. So lets not just ruin the moment." Ruby told the two
"She's right, this isn't the time for this. A blizzard will be coming soon and the last thing we need to deal with is intense cold weather and Grimm drawn to our negativity. So let's not ruin the moment and just let bygones be bygones." Amane said causing Blake to look at the two with a confused look
"Fine, I'm tired of this fresh air anyway." Blake said before she went inside the nearby cabin.
"I'm going to take another look around the area. Bashing some Grimm will be therapeutic for me. If we're clear I'll come back and rest in cabin. Preferably away from people that are acting stuck up." Cardin said before he left. Blake made a motion to go after him to yell at him, but ultimately decided against it and went back inside
"That could have gone better." Ruby said in a worried tone
"Couldn't agree more kiddo. Lets bring some of the food inside. We're going to be here until tomorrow so being able to eat can help us get through the night." Qrow told Ruby
"I'll take my food and be left alone for a while." Ragna said before he went to one of the nearby cabins
"He looks grumpier than usual, did something happen to him?" Amane asked in a concerned tone
"Its complicated and really hard to explain. I know it's a lot but I need you to trust me on this one." Ruby told Amane in a slightly pleading tone
"I understand Ruby, I'll go and catch up to Cardin. Once he's done with an area sweep, I'll explain the plan to him. Since me and him have to go back to Argus soon anyways. We'll tag along with you guys if that's fine? Assuming that tensions between certain individuals doesn't erupt in violence." Amane told Ruby before he went after Cardin.
"Going inside doesn't sound like a bad idea. We still need to look for some supplies for the trip to Argus." Weiss told everyone
"I'll look for something that can be useful for Bumblebee. But before I look for supplies, I'm going to check in on Blake. If we're going to be riding with Cardin, then we need to make sure everyone has a level head for the trip." Yang said before she went back inside
"It will be best for all of to get out of the cold as soon as possible. The sooner we get some needed rest the better condition we'll be in when it's time for us to travel to Argus when the storm passes." Maria told the group
"Agreed, it looks like the storm will last for a few hours. We leave for the city of Argus at dawn. So eat and rest while you can. Bang I expect you to pass this on to Amane and Cardin. I know Blake won't be thrilled about traveling with him. But in situations like this, we can't be picky about people who are able to fight against the Grimm. Also one of you guys will pass this on to Ragna. We can't risk him being out of the loop. Especially with his newfound infamy." Qrow said before most of the group went inside while the rest went there own way.
(Inside the House)
Once the group went inside the house, they saw Blake sitting on a chair while looking out the window while in deep thought about something. Given the events that happened earlier, its easy to figure out the source of her thoughts. Most of the group were wary of what to say to her. But Blake noticed them and decided to speak up.
"So what's the travel plan?" Blake asked
"The snow storm shouldn't last for too long. Once it passed, we will leave early in the morning with everyone to Argus." Yang answered Blake
"Does this mean Cardin will be coming with us?" Blake angrily asked in a tone that indicates she knows the answer
"It's only right that we travel together. Besides, if we run into anymore Grimm he can be helpful." Yang answered further
"I don't get it, how can we tolerate someone like Cardin? Especially after everything he's done to the Faunus. People like him are the reason why the White Fang exists in the first place." Blake angrily stated to the group
"Child, its obvious that you don't like him. But in a situation where our survival is our top priority. We can't be too picky about those that are able to help. Your pink effeminate friend looks like he's keeping good watch over Cardin. So the chances of us getting backstabbed seems highly unlikely." Maria explained to Blake
"But I can't ignore what he's done to the Faunus. People like him don't change so easily, they just find new ways to continue their worst habits." Blake stated to the group
"Did you forget that I wasn't too different from Cardin? I grew to mistrust the entire Faunus race because of what the White Fang has done to a lot of people and to the SDC. But I've learned that judging all of the Faunus for the actions of the White Fang is not fair or justified." Weiss told Blake
"But that was different, the White Fang's actions have affected you personally but Cardin has no excuse." Blake stated to Weiss before Yang spoke up
"I know its hard to deal with, but we're going to be traveling together for a while. So can we agree that as long as he doesn't give you a reason to argue. Can you not give him a hard time about what he's done?" Yang suggested causing Blake to stand up
"Easier said than done." Blake said before she walked away to a different room
"I assume she doesn't like that Cardin person. What exactly did he do that was so terrible for him to earn such ire?" Maria asked in a tone that is a mix of curious and concerned
"Back at Beacon, Cardin didn't treat a lot of people well. Which unfortunately includes the Faunus." Ruby briefly answered Maria
"Now it makes sense, its hard for a Faunus to deal with someone who's been mistreating other Faunus. Especially since they themselves have been mistreated just for being different. I remember a time when the Faunus were hunted down viciously in many towns and villages. Has Blake experienced something similar?" Maria asked
"Well no, her situation was a bit complicated. Cardin was messing with another one of our classmates who is a Faunus." Ruby answered
"So when Blake stood up to Cardin, that was the start of their feud?" Maria asked
"We didn't um . . . . ." Yang said before she stopped talking with a shameful look. Unfortunately, Maria caught the look and figured out what likely happened
"I see, I know that its none of my business. But for you and your friend to hate that guy's guts and yet not do anything to stop his bullying. Its not really helping your case in terms of character." Maria explained
"I know, but shouldn't the Professors do more to stop the mistreatment of the Faunus? Cardin isn't the only one who mistreats the Faunus and many Faunus at Beacon have been treated badly." Weiss said voicing her thoughts
"Unfortunately, its not that simple, obviously none of the faculty condones the mistreatment of the Faunus. Though, as far as doing something about it directly is where our hands are tied. There's an unspoken expectation that we stay out of affairs involving the students. If we step in all the time, then the students will get the idea that someone will always will be there to help. We only interfere to make sure things don't go too far. Adding to the frustration is that legally we can't put our hands on the students and there are a lot of students and faculty that find ways to mistreat the Faunus through subtly ways that's not technically breaking the rules. There's reason why I quit teaching." Qrow said as he took a drink
"All of that sounds terrible, but if Cardin really has changed. Then don't you think he deserves a chance?" Oscar asked in a concerned tone
"I know that, but its just going to be hard for Blake. But to be honest, all of us has made mistakes." Ruby said before she laid down to get some rest.
"Some more than others." Ruby softly muttered to herself before she went to sleep.
(? ? ?)
The Amphitheater of Beacon has been wonderfully decorated. All of the students and staff are in attendance and General Ironwood and Professor Ozpin are at the podium holding a medal. After a few minutes, Jin entered through the double doors and he was greeted by a thunderous applause as he approached the podium. Once he stood in front of both headmasters. The applause stopped and Jin stood still.
"Jin Kisaragi, in recognition of your deeds in service to the Kingdom. It is my honor to present you with the Medal of Honor for Vale and grant you the title Hero of Vale." General Ironwood said as he gave Jin the award and everyone applauded the moment. As Jin looked around he saw a lot of familiar faces. From the various teams he knows, such as team RWBY, JNPR, BLST, CFVY, and team KKMT. To his own team as well as Sister Celica and his younger sister Saya.
"You have done exceptionally well and earned your title. Though if you do not mind, I do have a question I would like to ask you." General Ironwood said
"Of course General." Jin said before the General's expression darkened
"Why did you fail everyone?" General Ironwood asked before the area darkened and there was nothing but a dark emptiness that was occupied by both Jin and General Ironwood
"You have an incredible power that saved Vale from the breach. You are one of the strongest students at Beacon and yet you failed. Because of your failure, people have died." General Ironwood said before he disappeared into the darkness and many faces appeared before Jin. The blonde swordsman wielded Yukianesa and took up a stance. But he knew that he could do nothing as the faces continued to taunt him. With a steadily increasing volume
"You failed us, all of us died because you failed us." All of the voices said continuously taunting Jin
"I know why you failed everyone Jin." Ozpin said as he appeared within the darkness while holding his cane and facing Jin
"Since you know why, then tell me the answer." Jin said in a demanding tone
"The answer is simply because you are weak. Unlike your brother, you couldn't hold your ground against Azrael and got your back broken. Nobody will listen to you, try to understand you, or trust you. Why do you think I made your brother Ragna a team leader instead of you?" Ozpin told Jin
"Yet how many people died because of your failures and mistakes Ozpin?" Jin angrily said before team RWBY appeared
"Well we are the embodiment of making countless mistakes and we're doing just fine." Ruby excitedly said
"We will just do whatever we want not give a damn about the consequences of our actions." Yang confidently told Jin
"We'll keep crucial secrets that could have helped a lot of people in the long run. Something me and Ragna are very good at." Blake happily told Jin
"It will all be in the name of justice. I don't mean justice, I mean Just us." Weiss said as she motioned her team by extending her arms.
"We will see it as one big adventure. If there is anyone who says we are wrong about what we're doing, I will just give a speech explaining how we are right and they are wrong. How we know better than anyone, despite not knowing what we're doing most of the time. After all Jin, we are above everyone because of our good intentions." Ruby proudly stated to Jin with her team applauding her
"That's insane, its not enough to have good intentions. You need to be better and make the right choices. Otherwise it will be a cycle of failings and death! It will be an insult to our profession." Jin yelled to Ruby causing her and her team to disappear and for team JNPR and team BLST to appear
"The things I've done is an insult to our profession and I'm doing just fine. I'm leader of a team and people trust and respects me. Despite me cheating my way into Beacon. Things are working out just fine for me." Jaune happily told Jin
"I thought you were determined to be better Jaune?" Jin asked Jaune
"I am, but luck can help me through and someone will always be there to help us. Just like how there is always someone to help team RWBY. Though I am sorry I couldn't help your family Jin." Jaune told Jin before him and the others disappeared. A brief second later, Pyrrha appeared and stood face to face with Jin.
"You knew Professor Ozpin was keeping secrets that endangered everyone. You learned about the Maiden hidden under the school. I was burdened with the need to take on a heavy responsibility that will change my forever. You learned so much far too late and you failed to prevent anything. Is it because your weak and incompetent, or were you secretly glad to see me dead because I said Jaune is a better person than you are?" Pyrrha angrily asked while giving Jin a glare
"Your just figment of my guilt, get out of my head." Jin angrily said before Pyrrha disappeared
"But you do feel guilty and with very good reason." A voice said causing Jin to angrily look at the source and saw that it was Ragna who appeared before Jin
"Let's not kid ourselves, you got lucky with your special power and your sword and you still proved to be weak. Without those two things you are nothing. Just another run of the mill straight A student." Ragna taunted causing Jin to slash at him. Only for Ragna to appear somewhere else
"I'm still more than you brother." Jin angrily told Ragna
"Then lets go over the facts, by the time you figured out Cinder's plan. It was far too late to stop anything. As if that wasn't bad enough, you trusted Jaune with our family and Sister Celica got hurt while Saya is traumatized. You did stop me from killing a lot more people when I went berserk with my power. But your just as bad with your failure to protect anyone." Ragna taunted Jin causing him to be angry
"Shut up." Jin told Ragna
"When you stopped visiting from Atlas when we were younger. You finally got the message that nobody wanted you around. You were a timid and scared little boy back then. The only difference is that now you know how to fight. But sooner or later, you will fail again." Ragna taunted further to Jin
"I said shut up." Jin said barely able to contain his anger
"Only this time, you failing will cause a lot of people to die and the best part is that the rest of us will do whatever we want and when it all goes wrong, we can blame you . So thank you for failing to protect anyone Jin." Ragna taunted even further causing Jin to get angry
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Jin yelled as he drew his sword and deliver a powerful slash burst
(The Hotel Room)
The nightmare caused Jin to wake up in a cold sweat breathing heavily. When he looked around, he saw that the room was covered in ice and the room was intensely cold. Realizing that this will cause a lot of problems. Jin used his semblance to melt and dissolve the ice so that it would get into the air. After the ice disintegrated, Jin checked the time and realized that it was very late in the night.
"Those damn nightmares, this is why I don't sleep. I need to get some fresh air." Jin said before he decided to get fully dressed and stepped outside
(Argus Plaza)
As Jin was walking around the city, he noticed a lot of people outside despite the hours. There is a part of Jin that is astounded at the oblivious nature that the people have. Showing little if any concern for the potential danger that they are in. Yet he is also glad about it, because there will not be a panic anytime soon and he can plan and act in peace. But this also serves as a reminder that his decisions and actions as a Huntsman can have a major affect on the lives of these people.
"More lives I'm responsible for, we need to think of a plan when they return. Taking up Cordovin's offer is less than ideal. However, if it means a chance to meet and explain things to the General. It will at least put us in a favorable position. Especially when he knows we have the Relic. But time is and always has been the enemy. By now Salem probably learned we stopped her forces. Which means she'll need to make her move soon. Though what she will do is the biggest wildcard in all of this. If she goes after us for the relic, then that means we need secure the Relic soon before we lose it. Though if she's making plans for Atlas, it will buy us more time to secure the Relic. But depending on what Salem does, she will be in a position to get two relics instead. Then there is whatever Terumi is scheming." Jin thought to himself as he was walking, after a few minutes. He found himself at a small park with a memorial statue. When Jin went for a closer look. He saw that it was a statue of Pyrrha.
"In honor of Pyrrha Nykos, One of the many students who fought valiantly at the Fall of Beacon." The statue read causing Jin to look at it with a twinge of guilt.
"Fate, how you continue to mock me." Jin said as he looked at the statue before he approached it. Once he did, Jin became overwhelmed with emotion and slammed his fist on the stand that the statue was on
"Damn it, I should have been better. I should have been stronger, nobody should have died that day." Jin angrily said before a hand touched his shoulder
"Are you okay?" A female voice asked causing Jin to look at the source. When Jin saw who touched him, it was a grown woman with red hair, green eyes and is wearing glasses. Jin has a strong feeling that this woman is related to Pyrrha in some way and realized the gravity of what he's done.
"My apologies, I was overwhelmed. I will leave you alone." Jin said before he made a motion to leave. Before he went too far, the woman stopped him by grabbing his arm.
"You don't have to apologize to me, but I can see that something is troubling you deeply. Especially with what you've said earlier." The woman told Jin
"You've heard what I said?" Jin asked already knowing the answer
"Yes, it was always in Pyrrha's nature to help people when she can. So I would like to help you if you'd let me." The woman kindly told Jin
"You remind me of someone who is very important to me. My adopted mother would say the same thing." Jin told the woman
"Then maybe it was a good thing that I'm here." The woman said before her and Jin sat down
"I was there at Beacon and I knew her, I have the title the Hero of Vale but I don't deserve such an honor. If I did, so many people wouldn't have died. Which includes but is not limited to Pyrrha. Me and her didn't see eye to eye on certain issues, but she does have my utmost respect. So many things happened and as a result of my failure. I was unable to save her from a terrible fate. She had what it took to be a Huntress but I still failed. I see that Pyrrha is important to you, if you wish to hate me, do it since I deserve it." Jin said before the woman grabbed his hands in a gentle manner.
"Did you kill her?" The woman asked
"No I didn't." Jin bluntly answered
"Then you have nothing to feel guilty about. Its clear to me that you're the kind of person who is driven to help everyone and do the right thing. But I also see that your hard on yourself. But if you allow your guilt to consume you, then it will stop you from doing what you believe is right. I am glad that she was surrounded by such wonderful people. She understood that she had a responsibility to try. I don't think she would regret her choice, because a Huntress understands there really wasn't a choice to make. A Huntress is something that she wanted to be." The woman explained to Jin
"She deserved better, I have no doubt that she would have been a worthy Huntress." Jin told the woman
"Thank you, and don't you ever doubt yourself. Because I know that you've more than earned the title as the Hero of Vale. Such as you believed in Pyrrha, I will believe in you. Because I have no doubt that you're a good person and will someday be the Hero of Remnant." The woman said before she left.
Once Jin was left alone, he used his semblance to create a bouquet of flowers made completely out of ice. After he laid the ice flowers down, he looked upon the statue of Pyrrha with a somber look.
"I'm trying Pyrrha, to protect everyone you care about. Jaune, your team and your friends. I knew from the beginning that it wasn't going to be easy. I'm even more than prepared for everyone to hate my guts. But I wish that they wouldn't do what it takes to make things harder for everyone. However, speaking to that woman made me realize something." Jin said before his look was filled with a strong sense of resolve.
"All this time, I've allowed my sense of guilt to shackle me and weight me down. Which prevents me from doing what I need to do, with the resolve that motivated me to walk the path of a Huntsman in the first place." Jin said before he continued
"From this point on, my guilt shall be the driving force I need to be better and stronger. I will never allow the tragedies that occurred at Beacon to be repeated. Never again, shall my resolve falter. I am the cold steel, I am the just sword." Jin said as he walked away from the statue with a renewed sense of resolve
(? ? ?)
Within the darkness, Ragna wandered around for what felt like several hours. He didn't know where he was going, but he was guided by nothing but instinct. As Ragna was walking in the darkness, he heard a light echo of a laughter that sounded too similar to Nu's. As Ragna ran closer to the source of the voice. Someone spoke to him and it was a voice that Ragna remembered all too well.
"You truly are a monster Ragna." Cinder said as she appeared before Ragna
"Cinder, get out of my head." Ragna stated to Cinder
"But it's the truth, your more of a monster than me and you're not even a human. Aside from your origins, the deaths that follows you confirms this." Cinder said before she disappeared and the faces of people that Ragna killed when he went berserk started to appear before him.
"I lost control of my power thanks to Terumi. While you told everyone that I'm the harbinger of the Black Beast." Ragna angrily stated to Cinder
"But it's the truth, you and Nu each hold half of the Black Beast's soul and power. But if you wouldn't cause pain and suffering with your power. Then it would be because of your choices." Cinder mockingly said before someone else appeared which caused Ragna to have a look that's a mix of fear and guilt. The person that appeared is Sister Celica herself
"I only wanted my family Ragna, but because of you my family is incomplete." Celica angrily said which caused Ragna to be taken aback
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to . . ." Ragna said before Celica interrupted him
"Because of you, Jin became distant. Because of you, Cinder targeted us. Because of you, Terumi attacked me and traumatized your own sister. ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!" Celica yelled causing Ragna to slightly tear up
"I'm sorry, I only wanted to protect all of you. I wanted to protect my family." Ragna pleaded to Celica
"Your family has suffered because of your choices. Not because of your power, because of decisions and nature. Yang was right, you destroyed your family." Celica angrily told Ragna before she disappeared and another familiar voice spoke
"But you don't destroy just family Ragna. You also hurt your friends." Yang said as she appeared in front of Ragna
"I didn't want things to go down like that." Ragna told Yang
"But things did go wrong, you've lied and hurt me. Especially after I trusted you and confided in you. Because you chose to protect Nu, I lost my arm. We may be on better terms, but I can never forget what you've done. All because of your choices, so why bother pretending to be otherwise. You're not even a human, so why not just embrace your nature as a monster." Yang told Ragna before she disappeared
"The moment you embrace your nature as a monster. I will be the one to kill you brother." Jin said as he appeared before Ragna
"You." Ragna angrily said at the sight of Jin
"Neither of us are human brother, but our origins don't define us. The only that that defines us is our choices and you choose destruction every single time. With or without your power, you are destruction incarnate." Jin told Ragna
"Shut up." Ragna angrily said
"You failed to protect our family, its only a matter of time until you destroy Nu. We both know that you can't save her. Besides, you know the hell she endured and what it's done to her. Killing her will be doing her a favor and will put her out of her misery that is her life. So just embrace your nature as a destroyer. Because as soon as you embrace your nature as a destroyer, I will kill you." Jin said before he changed into another individual that Ragna remembers due to a near death battle
"Like the Beast that you are. I will become whatever I must be to ensure your destruction BEAST OF REMNANT!" Hakumen told Ragna before he disappeared
"Embracing your nature is something you'll need to do sooner or later. After all, its what you'll need to have a chance against me Rags. Or are you content with what I've done to your family." Terumi said in a mocking tone which instantly drove Ragna livid
"DIE TERUMI!" Ragna said as he destroyed the image of Terumi.
After the nightmare ended, Ragna quickly opened his eyes. He heard a commotion outside, but Ragna didn't have the strength to move. The reason is that a strange yet all to familiar power started to consume him. Evident from the fact that his eyes are glowing red and markings appeared over his body. A sensation he hasn't felt since the moment he earned the infamy as the Beast of Remnant.
(The Farm)
Frustrated and tired is the best way to describe Ruby Rose at this very moment. From learning the hard truth about the war and realizing that Ozpin couldn't be fully trusted. Ruby is angry at the nature of the problem and the unseen solutions to dealing with Salem. Adding to the frustration is the very real and frightening possibility that Terumi could possibly be allied with a god. Which will explain how the lamp was altered to ensure nobody would learn about Terumi.
Then there is learning about Ragna's origins and the numerous revelations. Ruby didn't have any ill intent when she asked the lamp about Ragna but there were too many questioning things regarding him. Form him and Nu having the power of the Black Beast. To the warning that him and Ruby can't kill Terumi. To the fact that him and Nu just happens to be related and that there are too many mysteries regarding him and his siblings. But she didn't know that she would learn as much as she did. Especially the fact that Ragna and the others aren't fully human and that Hakumen is Jin from the future. Ruby still trusts Ragna, but realized that learning about his origins the way she did has caused a lot more harm than good. Especially since realistically speaking, aside from his screw up with Yang, Ruby had no reason to mistrust Ragna. Ruby made a big mistake and she realized it.
Another source of worry is the situation with Cardin and Blake. Cardin did not make a good impression upon Ruby back at Beacon. So the first person who comes to her mind when it comes to the mistreatment of the Faunus. Cardin is usually the first person she thinks of. But Ruby also knows that Blake has handled a few things poorly when she first arrived at Beacon. Ruby sees that Weiss has changed for the better and Ruby herself is a very forgiving person. Unfortunately, Blake is not as forgiving especially with her intense passion for the Faunus. Currently, Ruby is nervous because everyone overslept and is low on energy and on edge. The only ones who seem determined is Bang, Amane, Blake, and Cardin. As the group was getting ready to leave, the tire to the cart broke and Qrow became visibly angry.
"DAMN IT!" Qrow said as he kicked the cart in frustration
"Your all just a magnet for bad luck huh?" Maria said which angered Qrow even further
"Don't push it you old hag." Qrow angrily said
"Please calm down everyone, we're just a bit cranky from having a rough day. Once we get to the City of Argus, I predict that our mood will brighten." Amane said trying to diffuse the situation.
"What's the point of all of this?" Yang asked getting everyone's attention
"It's what we've signed up for." Ruby answered causing Oscar to speak up
"We didn't sign up to delay the inevitable. To fight a never ending battle for the rest of our lives." Oscar stated to Ruby causing Cardin to have a confused look on his face
"What are you guys talking about?" Cardin said which angered Blake
"Stay out of this Cardin, it's bad enough that you're traveling with us. But we don't need your two cents on this. Just stay out of this like you always have." Blake angrily told Cardin causing everyone to look at the two
"Look I get that you don't care for me very much. You made that very clear yesterday. But all of us are tired, and need to get to Argus. If you don't believe that I've changed, can you at least got off my case. I really don't want to deal with this now." Cardin said which angered Blake.
"You don't want to deal with this right now! How about what the Faunus had to deal with because of you! Or better yet, what about us Cardin? You have no idea of what we've had to deal with these past few months. So shut up and be grateful we're tolerating you!" Blake yelled which angered Cardin
"You have some nerve to hold that against me Blake. You arrogant, cowardly, self-absorbed liar!" Cardin angrily responded which angered Blake further
"You know what . . . ." Blake said before Bang stepped in
"Both of you need to calm down. We can talk about our differences when we are in a more secure location." Bang stated to the group causing Weiss to speak up
"But we will never be in a secure location. Not as long as everything is still the way they are. Why are we even going to Atlas?" Weiss asked the group
"To secure the Relic." Ruby answered
"But how long will that work for. Salem knows the other schools has the Relics. But even she will have a hard time finding a Relic in the middle of nowhere." Yang told Ruby
"But the Grimm are drawn to it and . . . ." Ruby said before Yang spoke up
"That will take years, all we need to do is just throw it down the well and all of this will be over." Yang told Ruby causing the young girl to bring out the lamp and hold it over the well.
"Don't do this Ruby, I know that things haven't gone smoothly. But that is no reason to just throw it all away because its convenient for us. Doing the right thing is rarely easy, but it must be done. If not for our sake, then the sake of the ones who have come before us and will succeed us. People have died for this, there deaths can't be in vain." Bang told Ruby causing the young girl to look at the Relic. As she looked at the Relic thinking about whether or not she should end things now. She found herself looking into the well and before Ruby could make a decision, a set of glowing red eyes appeared which shocked Ruby and caused her to unintentionally drop the Relic.
"Oh no!" Ruby said in a panicked tone
"Its okay, you did the right thing. Now we can go and put this nightmare behind us." Yang told Ruby in a tired tone before Ruby jerked herself away
"No, something is down there and we need to go and get the lamp back." Ruby said in a panicked tone
"The only thing we need to do is fix the tire and get out of here." Qrow said in a tired tone
"We need to get the lamp back. I don't know what was going through my mind when I was thinking about getting rid of it. But we need to get it back." Ruby stated to everyone
"Fine, farm boy and the ninja can fix the tire while Ragna . . . . ." Qrow said before he stopped talking at the mention of Ragna
"Come to think of it, where is . . . ." Ruby started to ask before all of them heard a noise from the nearby shed. Everyone started to slowly walk towards the shed and a brief second later. The doors opened and Ragna struggled to get out. Unfortunately, Ragna was covered in markings and his body was radiating a very familiar energy.
"Get . . . . . away." Ragna struggled to say as he was radiating his power
"What's happening to him." Maria asked in a panic tone
"It's his power, this happened back at Beacon before he lost control." Ruby said in a worried tone
"Great, as if we didn't have enough to worry about. Any things in store to make things worse." Qrow said before all of them noticed a few oncoming Grimm
"Me and my big fat mouth." Qorw said before all of them started to take up various fighting stances. Everyone saw that there was a large number of incoming Grimm and they realized that they were in no condition to fight in there current condition. At the sight of the threats from Ragna and the Grimm, Bang thought of an idea.
"Ruby, I have an idea but its risky." Bang told Ruby
"I'm open to ideas, what do you have in mind?" Ruby asked while eyeing the threats
"I've gotten better with Phoenix Rettenjo, I can use it to incapacitate Ragna and deal with the Grimm. But it doesn't differentiate between friend and foe and we will have to hurry to get the Relic back." Bang briefly explained to Ruby
"Do it!" Ruby said which allowed Bang to jump high into the air. Once he was high enough. Bang grabbed his giant nail and focused his aura into it before he threw it to the ground.
"PHOENIX RETTENJO!" Bang yelled before he slammed his Nox Nyctores into the ground and as a result a large shockwave was made that disintegrated the Grimm and weakened Ragna which prevented him from going beserk.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?" Maria yelled before she moved around in a panic before Amane grabbed her to make sure she didn't get hurt.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, my Phoenix Rettenjo nullifies all energy in the area except my own. It doesn't differentiate between friend and foe. Which includes aura and electrical devices." Bang explained in an apologetic tone
"Next time a warning musclehead. I need these goggles to see and that stunt made me blind. I'm sure it will be activated again but this is a very unpleasant experience." Maria said scolding Bang
"We need to hurry, the Relic is still down there and Bang's Nox Nyctores won't last too long." Ruby told everyone.
"Fine, Ruby, Blake, and Bang will go look for the stupid lamp. While the farm boy replaces the tire. The rest of you will keep watch over Ragna. If he goes berserk again, you guys need to keep him at bay. At least until Bang comes back and subdues him with that giant nail." Qrow instructed to everyone before he made his way to the house
"What will you be doing?" Maria asked Qrow
"What do you think?" Qrow said as he showed his flask to Maria
"Make sure you take time to breath, when your drowning your sorrows." Amane told Qrow causing the veteran Huntsman to give him a glare before he went inside
"Since your unable to see and Ragna is unconscious. I'll read this book you have. It might have more details on what went wrong in this farm." Amane said before he started to read the book
(The Cellar)
Ruby, Blake, and Bang entered the Cellar to look for the lamp. The silence of the Cellar made the atmosphere tense and unnerving. Due in no small part to the fact that they don't know what to expect. Bang still has a good deal of his aura and Blake can see in the dark, while Ruby is still able to act. Yet this does little to reassure the trio who is deep in the cellar with little in the way of direction or planning. As they were searching, there was no sign of the Relic.
"Ugh, how can we find the Relic in this dark and damp place?" Ruby said as she was searching for the lamp
"The Relic gives off a glow, how about we just look for that?" Blake suggested causing Ruby and Bang to turn off there scroll flashlight and look around the area. Once they notice a faint blue glow. The group ran towards it and were relieved that they found the relic. Unfortunately, once Ruby grabbed the lamp, she was greeted by a large horde of Grimm that looked at her in creepy unison.
"AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!" The group yelled before they ran away from the Grimm that started to approach them.
"What kind of Grimm are these?" Blake asked while seeing the strange Grimm. Ruby decided to shoot them with Crescent Rose but saw that her shots weren't doing anything.
"My shots aren't doing anything." Ruby said in a panicked tone
"Then we need to leave, we have the Relic and the Cellars cramped walls will only serve to hinder us." Bang said before the three started to run. Before they ran too far, they were all in the line of sight of the Grimm and a loud screech was released. Once the trio heard the screech, their bodies felt heavy and were unable to move.
(The Farm)
While the group was on the farm, most of them kept watch over Ragna in case he woke up and started to lose control of his power. During this time, Oscar found a spare tire and started to repair the cart with Cardin helping him. Amane stayed near Maria since her eyes are disabled and continued to read the journal. As Amane was reading, everyone heard a loud yet muffled screech and once they did. Most of them felt weakened and very tired.
"What was that?" Maria asked before her eyes were restored and Amane found an interesting entry of a Grimm called the Apathy. Once Maria looked at it, she shared in Amane's look of horror upon the realization.
"We have to warn them, I've dealt with these Grimm before and they are a lot stronger than most other Grimm." Maria told Amane
"Wait, if we heard that screech that means . . . ." Amane said as they noticed Ragna was waking up with his markings returning and he was slowly becoming Beast-Ragna
"Ma'am, since your eyes are restored your going to have to warn them. I will try to subdue Ragna before he's too far gone." Amane said as he wrapped Ragna in his aura sash
"Got it, warning those children is more preferable than dealing with a berserk Ragna I suppose." Maria said before she went to the Cellar
(The Cellar)
The Trio struggled to move after they heard the screech of the Apathy Grimm. The tried to muster up their strength to get away from the Grimm but found that they couldn't get very far. Their individual bodies felt heavy and the weapons they once carried with ease became as heavy as their burden. Then a brief moment later, a dread yet familiar roar was heard.
"WRAAAAAA!" The noise the roar made causing the Apathy Grimm to become empowered
"Oh no." Bang said realizing that it was Beast-Ragna they heard
"What's going on?" Ruby asked in a dreaded tone
"The last time Ragna used more of his power. He not only attracted the Grimm but he also made them empowered. I'm certain that his aura and strength returned." Bang said before he mustered up his strength to grab one of his dust infused nails and threw it at the hoard of empowered Apathy Grimm. Once the nail hit the Grimm, there was a small explosion and it stunned the Empowered Apathy Grimm. This allowed Bang enough time to grab both Blake's and Ruby's arm.
"Hold on to your weapons and the Relic. FU-RIN-KA-ZAN!" Bang yelled activating his semblance and started to quickly get away from the Empowered Apathy. Unfortunately, the Apathy Grimm started to increase there speed and quickly go after the group.
Using his semblance, Bang ran quickly through the Cellar and went to a different route to get away from the Empowered Apathy. Unfortunately, the moment Bang turned a corner. He barely noticed another hoard of Empowered Apathy Grimm and had to dodge the sharp claws of the Grimm. Bang barely avoided the attack and ran a different direction.
Thanks to the strength of his semblance, Bang was able to go far distances but due to the layout of the cellar. It was as if he was in an underground maze. Making things worse is that the exit that they all initially came through has been blocked by the Empowered Apathy Grimm and the Empowered Apathy Grimm are much faster than before. The only option they have at this point is to go the entrance back to the house.
Before they went too far, the Empowered Apathy Grimm released another screech and Bang became stunned and fell to the ground with a good portion of his body being numb. While the trio were on the ground, they noticed that the empowered Apathy Grimm were approaching them at a fast rate.
Ruby looked at both Blake and Bang and realized that they were unable to move due to having no energy at all. With the horde of empowered Grimm getting closer, Ruby knew that the moment the Apathy Grimm reach them, they will be killed. Ruby's concern was not of her own well being. But it was for the well being of her friends who are risking there lives to help her. Instead of thoughts that ranges from cursing her situation to not wanting to die. She wanted to find the strength to protect her friends. To protect the people that's depending on her. As Ruby looked deep inside herself to find the strength to help her friends. A strange energy started to consume her and in a brief moment before Ruby could think. A strong flash of silver light came from Ruby's eyes and the empowered Grimm were caught in it. Once the silver light dissipated, the Empowered Grimm were heavily damaged and many of them started to disintegrate.
Once the empowered Apathy Grimm disintegrated, Ruby was able to muster up a good deal of strength and grab both Bang and Blake while the Relic is secured. After everyone was secured, Ruby used her semblance to get as far away from the Empathy Grimm as much as possible. Ruby realized that she couldn't go back the way they came so her only option was to get back to the house. As Ruby was getting to the destination, she noticed several Empowered Apathy Grimm were recovering and they proceeded to go after the trio.
It wasn't long before Ruby was able to see the entrance to the house. Once she noticed this she stopped using her semblance and the trio proceeded to make there way to the Cellar doors. Unfortunately, before they could escape, the Empowered Apathy Grimm released a screech that stunned the trio and prevented them from making their escape. Afterwards, Maria opened the cellar doors and entered through the house but quickly saw that the Empowered Apathy Grimm were getting closer to them. As Maria was looking around, she saw a faint light within Ruby's eyes through her goggles. Though Maria can only see things in a cyan color, due to her prosthetic goggles. She is confident in the reason Ruby's eyes has the glow that she saw. Which caused Maria to approach the young girl.
"Ruby, focus your will on your desire to protect all of life. The moment you do this, your aura will respond accordingly and your eyes will radiate with its energy. But you can't allow your desire to protect life to waver." Maria told Ruby
Ruby listened to what Maria told her and focused on her desire to protect all life. A brief second afterwards, Ruby's eyes started to flicker and once it did. Ruby felt a strong surge of power and strong burst of silver light was released from Ruby's eyes and a good number of the Empowered Apathy Grimm disintegrated. Not wanting to waste another second, the small group went past the Cellar doors and made it inside the house and proceeded to close the doors to keep the Empowered Apathy Grimm away. Unfortunately, they were greeted by the sight of Qrow laying down on the table drunk. Qrow woke up to the commotion and had a confused look on his face.
"What's going on?" Qrow drunkenly asked
"We have to go Uncle Qrow, the Grimm could be coming through those doors any moment." Ruby told Qrow in a panicked tone
"Just another drink." Qrow said before Maria angrily spoke up
"LISTEN TO HER YOU DRUNKEN IDIOT. THE APATHY GRIMM ARE STRONGER THAN MOST OTHER GRIMM AND RAGNA IS CLOSE TO GOING BERSERK!" Maria said which shocked everyone before she spoke further
"Amane is holding him down as much as he can. It doesn't look like he's too far gone yet but we need to do something before its too late." Maria said before the Apathy Grimm banged on the Cellar doors and the made there way outside
"That's why they were getting stronger." Bang said as he was getting his giant nail ready.
Once the group made it outside, they saw that Amane was barely able to subdue Ragna and more Grimm were coming to the Farm. Everyone kept them away from Bumblebee as best as they could. Because they know that if anything happens to that motorcycle, then they will lose their transportation and risk being stranded. Upon seeing this, Maria had an idea to not only deal with the immediate threat. But to also help Ruby with getting acquainted with her newfound power.
"Ruby, remember what I told you about focusing on your desire to protect all of life. Use it to deal with the Grimm and to prevent Ragna from going berserk." Maria told Ruby
"But it won't work on Ragna when he's like this." Ruby told Maria
"The Apathy Grimm is probably causing Ragna to lose control of his power like this. They have the power to drain the will of other people and I'm certain that they are what's causing Ragna to go berserk. When your power destroys the Apathy Grimm, then I'm certain Ragna will go back to normal. They will be coming to us soon since the doors won't hold them for much longer. Once they do, that is when you need to focus everything you have to deal with the Apathy Grimm. You only have one shot at this." Maria explained to Ruby causing the young girl to look at the intense situation surrounding her.
As if on cue, the Apathy Grimm was able to break through the Cellar doors and slowly made there way towards the Group. Ruby calmly closed her eyes and thought of everything Maria told her and was able to feel the power that's within her. Before any of the Grimm could hurt anyone. Ruby opened her eyes and a stronger burst of silver light occurred and it covered the area. A second later, the Grimm started to dissipate which includes a lot of the Apathy Grimm. As the Grimm were dying, Ragna was slowly returning to normal which confirmed Maria's suspicions. When Ruby saw this, she was glad that it worked but this led to her having more questions for Maria. Such as how did she know about the power that she has. Before anyone could do anything, a lone Beowolf Grimm that was visibly injured leaped towards Blake with a ravenous look in its eyes despite its severe injuries.
"Look out!" Cardin yelled noticing the Grimm while getting everyone's attention. Before Blake could react, Cardin instinctively pushed Blake to the side and destroyed the Beowolf Grimm with his mace. Once all of them are certain they are out of danger. Cardin approached Blake
"Sorry about the push, I had to act fast. Are you alright?" Cardin asked as he reached out his hand to help Blake up. Only for Blake to slap his hand aside and quickly got up which aggravated Cardin.
"Alright what's your problem Blake? I'm trying to be nice, I'm putting up with a lot of the things you say to me and about me. But the least you can do is to be a little grateful that I saved your life." Cardin told Blake
"I wasn't in danger Cardin, I would have been able to handle that Beowolf. The only reason you saved my life, is because too many people were around and you needed to maintain a façade of being a decent human being. I bet if it was just us two, you would be glad to see a Grimm kill me. Its just the kind of person that you are, after all your own team left you to a Grimm back at Beacon." Blake angrily told Cardin
"Come on Blake, you don't know anything about me." Cardin angrily responded
"I know that you're the poster boy of why the White Fang exists. I know that you represent the reasons why the Faunus will continue to mistrust humans. It's the kind of person that you are since your nothing but a bully!" Blake said causing Cardin to get angry
"Playing the bully card again Blake!? You know what, I've had it. I'm done putting up with all of this!" Cardin responded
"The truth hurts huh Cardin?" Blake responded
"Open up your eyes Blake, you, your team and friends didn't exactly do anything perfectly either. If anything your nothing but an enabler to the things we've done!" Cardin responded
"How dare you!" Blake responded before Cardin spoke up
"It's the truth, and I'm not done talking. Do you know what made it easy for me and my team to do the things we did? It's the fact that nobody did anything to stop us. We did pick on the Faunus but nobody stepped up to stop us from doing the things we did. I admit that me and Ragna had bad blood with each other. But he has my respect since he's the only one who did something to stop us. You and your friends no doubt talk about me behind my back about how you hate people like me. So if you hate my guts so much, why didn't you do anything to stop me and my team from bullying the Faunus? If anything, you're not any better since you lied to everyone about yourself by hiding your Faunus traits behind a bow. You're also forgetting that I'm not the only person at Beacon who mistreated the Faunus. But at least I admitted to my mistakes and I'm trying to change for the better. But what was your excuse for not doing anything about the things I've done. Is doing nothing part of your nature since you like to run and lie? Or because it was convenient for you, so tell me Blake what was your excuse?" Cardin explained to Blake enraging her and caused her to angrily step towards him. Yet before she did anything she gave him an intense glare and just walked away and got on the cart.
"Let's go, we need to get to Argus." Blake said with a small look of guilt on her face, evident by her cat ears facing downwards. Cardin made a motion to get to her but ultimately decided against it and got on the second cart.
"She's right, its time that all of us got out of here." Maria said as everyone got on the Carts and Yang drove off.
"So, how did you know so much about the Grimm and my power Maria?" Ruby asked in a curious tone.
"That's an interesting story, that I will be sure to tell you." Maria said as she started to tell them about what was learned about the Farm and Maria's past as the Grimm Reaper.
(A/N)
Both Jin and Ragna has a strong sense of guilt for a lot of things that happened but they aren't willing to talk about it with other people.
The reason Jin opened up to the red-haired woman is that from what I've seen she has a gentleness that is similar to Celica's and since Jin cares about Celica and can open up to her. There would be no harm in talking to the stranger. Especially since there is little to no risk of it coming back to him. The conversation and Jin's speech will serve as the foundation for many of his decisions going forward. Especially for a lot of moments in Volume 7 of the story that I am very excited about.
Ruby feels guilty for diving into Ragna's origins the way she did. She didn't expect that she'll learn the stuff that she did and when she saw that it has a deep effect on Ragna. She realized that it was the worst time and place to learn such things
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