Here we are at Chapter 13. The battle between Negative Weiss and Negative Blake begins, with everyone else caught in the middle. I do not own RWBY Ice Queendom. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 13. Enjoy.
Chapter 13: Mirror of Darkness
"Hold on, Blake. What are you talking about?" Porphyrius asks.
In the manor outside the city, Blake comes up with a new idea on how to beat Negative Weiss and stop the Nightmare.
"I'm saying that there might be a better way to do this," Blake replies. "Yang, what was it you said before? About the Nightmare?"
"What? About us becoming immune to the Nightmare like Porphyrius and Jaune?" Yang remembers.
"Precisely. Let's use the Nightmare that possessed Jaune. Let me call Professor Shion," Blake pulls out a coin, but Yang stops her.
"Hold on, what are you going to do, Blake? Tell us," Yang asks.
"The Nightmare that possessed Jaune is still alive... and I'm going to let it possess me," Blake admits, stunning them.
"Wait, are you thinking straight right now?" Porphyrius can't believe it.
"Listen, we've been no match for Negative Weiss. If I do this, then I can face her on even ground," Blake says.
"Are you crazy?! You expect us to just do nothing while you become Negative Blake?!" Yang disagrees.
Blake pulls her hand away, "We have to do this to free Weiss from her Nightmare,"
"But, what about you?" Reaper asks.
"That's where you guys come in," Blake stops them and then smiles. "After I've helped free Weiss, you guys can free me,"
"Uh, news flash, you just said it yourself. We're no match for someone possessed by a Nightmare in the dream. Even if we freed Weiss, what makes you think the situation with you will be any different or easier? There's no guarantee that we'll be able to free you in time," Porphyrius argues.
"You all saw how Jaune was able to move about freely in the dream. This can work too," Blake retorts.
"That doesn't mean you can just take this risk without hesitation," Yang argues.
"Guys, look around us," Blake gestures to their surroundings.
"Blake, are you saying you have to do this just because you're a Faunus? The White Fang? I doubt it's because you actually hate Weiss," Reaper asks.
"No, I don't hate Weiss," Blake glances away. "Everything here represents all the things that Weiss either tries to avoid or can't understand. But, she can't turn away from them anymore,"
"You think she'll ignore us?" Yang asks.
"The White Fang and the Schnee Family are like mirrors. Reflecting each other. If I get possessed by a Nightmare, then I can reflect the truth back to Weiss. And then make her reflect on her legacy," Blake explains.
"Okay, and what's that supposed to help?" Porphyrius asks.
"If Weiss and I can face each as equals, as friends, then we'll cancel each other out. If we can see that we're just reflections of each other, then there will be no reason for hate," Blake explains.
"Okay, but while something like that may work in real life, it may not work here," Reaper notes.
"Reaper's got a point. What happens if you both go nuts because of the Nightmare?" Porphyrius asks.
"We might need a little crazy for the first part. Nightmare's don't usually attack each other. What is needed is a reason strong enough to make us attack each other. If not, then this plan won't work. Please guys, this might be our last chance to free Weiss. I'm asking you all to trust me, just as I am trusting you to free me afterwards," Blake pleads.
The three see the determination in her eyes and see that she won't be dissuaded from this.
Yang groans and turns, "Alright, you win. But, we have to ask the professor about it first,"
"Alright, I'll call her now," Blake uses a coin.
…
In the real world, Shion gets a call from Blake, who explains their new plan to her.
"Hmmm... that is quite the idea. If you do this though, you must protect the relic you found. It is most likely the last key," Shion replies.
"Wait, if they're trying a new plan, then did the last one not work out?" Nora asks.
"It sounds like things are betting bad in there. I wish there was some way we could help," Ren notes.
"Professor Ozpin, could we enter Weiss' dream as well to help?" Pyrrha asks.
"We've already sent eight people into the dream. We're already pushing Shion's semblance too much. We can't send anymore," Ozpin replies.
"What if we switched places with someone else?" Ren suggests.
"If that becomes necessary, Shion will say so. For now, all we can do is wait. Wait and believe in the friends that will one day fight by your side. It's all any of us can do now," Ozpin says.
"...If we used the Nightmare as you suggested, then this just might work. However, there's also the possibility that both of you will die. This won't be easy," Shion explains.
"You know the dangers we face. We don't have much of a choice," Blake replies.
"I'm sorry to say, but you're right?" Shion says
"Okay, then will you help us, Professor Shion?" Blake asks.
Shion thinks a moment, unsure, and looks to Ozpin. Ozpin takes a moment as well before giving her a look that says it all.
"The headmaster says to do it," Shion says.
Yang sighs, "Are you kidding me?"
"Can we do this now?" Blake asks.
"Yes. You still have coins, yes?" Shion asks.
They pull out a few coins, "We have a few coins left, but I don't know about the others," Blake replies.
"You all must save at least one coin each. A coin can still be used to awaken you. You will also need one more coin to ensure everyone can leave the dream safely," Shion says.
"We understand," Blake replies.
"Know this: the Nightmare will possess you immediately. Yang, Porphyrius, Reaper, you three must get some distance between Blake when it happens. If the two dreams overlap, who knows what will change in Weiss' dream," Shion explains.
"Okay, we'll do it," Blake replies.
"Blake," Porphyrius gets her attention. "I hate this idea, but I'll go along with it. However, if it looks like you'll lose control, I will intervene. Even if you're in the middle of battling Negative Weiss. That, I won't compromise on,"
Blake sighs, but nods, "I understand. Thank you, Porphyrius. And you guys too," she looks to Yang and Reaper.
"Go big or go home, I suppose," Reaper shrugs his shoulders.
"It's a good plan, even if a bit crazy," Yang adds with a smile.
...
"It's a gamble, but I believe they will all succeed," Shion says.
"It's true that they are all strong in more ways than one. More importantly, they haven't unlocked their full potential yet," Ozpin says.
Pyrrha looks to Weiss, "The amazing team you've always wanted has been right by your side this whole time, Weiss. Good luck to you all,"
Shion pulls out the jar containing Jaune's Nightmare. Using her wand, she connects some strands to Blake, and then uses others to open the jar. The Nightmare changes from a seed and rides on the strands straight towards Blake. Once it reaches her, it creates vines and then plunges into her body.
…
In the dream, Blake sees the vine marks appear on her arm, "It's started. You guys better go,"
Yang holds the black relic, "We'll wake you up, no matter what," and the three make a run for it.
"I-I can't close. What is going on?" Bashful Klein says before the three burst through the door. "Wait, where are you going?"
They exit the manor and keep moving back. As they do, the manor suddenly breaks apart as dark red energy pours out.
"Blake, you okay?! Blake!" Yang yells.
The manor falls apart, and a tear in the dream bursts out the door, forcing them to evade it. They look to see train tracks following the tear all the way back to the city.
"What the Hell?!" Porphyrius curses.
They look back, seeing Grimm Fang running out of the manor along the tracks.
Yang looks back, "Blake, oh no," she mutters.
A female form, shrouded in shadows and dark fire appears, "In the name of the White Fang and every Faunus of Remnant, I vow to destroy the Schnee Dust Company," Negative Blake says.
The three make a run for it as tears appear in the dream and vines spring out. At one point, some lash out at them. They get ready to defend themselves, only for the vines to suddenly stop just in front of them. A moment later, the vines start moving around them like they're not there. Yang looks confused before glancing down and spotting something in the snow. Pulling it out, it turns out to be Jaune's cape.
"Hey, that's Jaune's cape," Reaper notes.
"Yang, put it on. It'll protect you," Porphyrius says.
"But, what about you two?" Yang asks, worried.
"We'll be right behind you. We'll be fine," Porphyrius says.
Yang does as he asks and puts the cape on. Running through the destroyed and darkened wilderness, the trio make their way towards the city. If ever a vine comes out at them, Porphyrius and Reaper are quick to cut them down with their blades. As luck would have it, they come across the weird arrow sign from before, and Yang's motorcycle.
"Finally, I was not looking forward to running all the way back to the city," Yang says.
"You two take the bike. I'll fly," Porphyrius spreads his wings.
Yang revs up the engine while Reaper hops in behind her. Using a coin, they make a door to give them a short cut.
"Better hold on, Reaper. I'm gonna ride this thing like I stole it," Yang smirks.
"Oh no," Reaper holds on tight, not liking the sound of that.
…
Back in the city, cracks form in the sky above until it breaks and makes a hole in it. On the other side, the old manor outside the city glows an eerie red. From the whole, Grimm Fang soldiers appear and begin attacking the robots.
Lloyd see's what's happening, "What the Hell is going on here?"
The door in the train opens up and out comes Yang, wearing Jaune's cloak, and Reaper on her motorcycle, with Porphyrius right behind them thanks to his wings.
"Yang! Reaper! Porphyrius! What the-," Jaune yells.
Yang waves, "Hello~,"
"Sorry to keep you waiting. The cavalry has arrived," Reaper says.
Outside, the chaos continues between the Grimm Fang and the robots.
"What the Hell is all of this?" Khazhak mutters as he and Ruby stand up, seeing all of this.
"The White Fang is here? But how?" Negative Weiss doesn't understand it.
Just then, Khazhak and Ruby look up. Appearing through the hole in the sky is a young woman wearing black and red clothing, wielding a pair of red swords on chains, cat ears on her head of long black hair, and a grimm mask with red markings. The woman swings her sword down on Negative Weiss, who blocks the attack with her rapier.
"Daughter of the Schnee Family. Human or Faunus. Today is the day that we settle everything. Once and for all," Negative Blake declares.
"Are you... Blake?!" Nega-Weiss can hardly believe her eyes.
Negative Blake begins a vicious attack with her blades. Negative Weiss conjures some glyphs to gain some distance, landing on the roof of a building in the city.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, but it ends here," Nega-Weiss aims her rapier at Negative Blake.
Negative Blake smiles and chuckles, "Heh-heh-heh, oh I know exactly what I'm doing," she says before charging at Negative Weiss.
Porphyrius flies out of the train and lands nearby, watching the blood feud occur, "Blake... Weiss..."
Negative Weiss gets pushed back, but manages to land on her feet on another rooftop. Negative Blake lands behind her and attacks. Negative Weiss thrusts her rapier at her, but Negative Blake evades and flies right by her before going back on the attack. Meanwhile, the Grimm Fang fight the robot guards, forcing the machines back. In the melee, Khazhak tends to Ruby.
"Ruby, are you alright?" Khazhak helps her up and gives her Crescent Rose.
"Yeah, I'm okay. I don't know what's going on, though," Ruby notes.
Just then, Yang and Reaper break out of the train, "Hey guys, sorry we're late to the party!" Yang cheers.
"You guys made it!" Ruby is happy to see them.
Jaune and the sillies come out behind them, "Uh, someone want to explain what happened here?"
However, he freezes when Negative Weiss' armored knight appears before them sword at the ready. A second later, Lloyd jumps over Jaune with his claws out.
"Out of my way!" Lloyd tackles the knight to the ground. He starts shredding it with his claws and pulls its head off before kicking it away. "Stupid tin can! Man, that felt good. Brother!" he then runs towards Khazhak.
The gold statue turns its attention to Ruby and Khazhak's group, swinging its arms down on them. They evade the attacks until everyone link back up.
"Here, Ruby. Take this," Yang hands Ruby the black relic.
"A relic?" Ruby takes it.
"Yep. Listen, Blake is dealing with Negative Weiss, while Porphyrius is keeping an eye on her. I'll distract that statue there while you take down the grimm," Yang says.
"You got it," Ruby nods.
"I know you can do it, leader," Yang smirks.
"Reaper, go with Ruby. Lloyd, you help out Yang," Khazhak says.
"What are you going to do?" Ruby asks.
Khazhak turns to the city, "If Porphyrius is watching those two fight, no doubt he'll do something stupid. I'll help keep those two occupied. Besides, I still have a score to settle with Negative Weiss,"
"Khazhak, are you sure?" Ruby looks concerned.
Khazhak smirks and pats her head, "Hey, I believe you can save Weiss, little rose. So, you can believe that I can handle this,"
Ruby eventually smiles and nods, "Yeah. I know you can do it, Khazhak,"
With the plan set, Lloyd hops onto Yang's bike. Yang makes a big show to get the statue's attention, driving it away from the others. Ruby and Reaper use this chance to head to the manor while Khazhak heads towards the city where the action is. Ruby and Reaper managed to make it inside.
"I spotted a dummy!" Batley flies down at them.
"Oh, shut up," Reaper creates a skull phantom to scream Batley away, making him crash into a wall. "Come on, we haven't much time," and they head deeper inside the manor.
Outside, Yang and Lloyd race around the area as the statue tries to smash them under its fists.
"Man, this is absolutely insane!" Lloyd yells as he tries to hang on.
"You're welcome to jump off any time!" Yang replies.
"Hell no! I'm having way too much fun!" Lloyd cheers. They keep riding around until the falling fists end up forcing them over the edge. Surprisingly, they continue to ride along the side of the structure. "I thought this crap only happened in movies!"
"Yep, this is definitely a dream," Yang notes.
A giant hand swings down towards them, but Lloyd encases his right hand in steel and throws a hard punch, smashing the hand away and leaving cracks on it. This actually seemed to cause the statue pain as it cries out in agony.
…
Back in the city, Porphyrius watches as the duel continues.
"This is getting to be too much," Porphyrius mutters.
"Porphyrius!" he looks back as Khazhak joins him. "Yang filled us in on your little plan. So, Blake allowed herself to be possessed by a Nightmare to even the odds against Negative Weiss, huh,"
"Yeah, and she's pushing Negative Weiss back. But, I'm getting worried that they both may end up killing each other. I don't like this," Porphyrius says, while Khazhak hums as they watch.
In the fight, Negative Blake and Negative Weiss trade blows with their blades.
"Cease this nonsense at once, Blake! When I give you judgment, exile will be the least of your worries," Nega-Weiss says, even as she is forced back.
Negative Blake gets up close, "Judgment? Exile? Get real!" she makes Negative Weiss gasp and attacks her again. "When have humans ever given Faunus a fair judgment? How many innocent Faunus have suffered at the hands of your selfish desires?!" Nega-Blake yells as she pushes Negative Weiss to the edge of the rooftop.
"What era you talking about?" Nega-Weiss demands.
"You stole our lands, then our pride. When we fought back, you then stole our lives. This is who you really are," Nega-Blake retorts.
…
In the real world, Shion sees how the Nightmare is spreading further into Blake's heart, and it's straining her aura.
"The Nightmare is spreading quicker than we thought. Blake has a strong aura, but she allowed it to possess her willingly. This will make things a bit more difficult. However, she took it into herself willingly, so she should be able to resist. I just hope my semblance will hold out long enough to save them both. And defeat both Nightmares. If this plan fails, then Weiss will die," Shion says.
…
In the dream, Ruby and Reaper have already reached the door that leads to the Nightmare. Vines are everywhere, but Ruby uses the relic to clear the way.
"It's okay Weiss. I'm here. We are here. I know you're fighting too. But, you don't have to fight alone," Ruby says.
"Ruby is right, Weiss. Let's fight together, as comrades, as friends, to defeat the grimm. That's what friends are for," Reaper adds.
…
Back in the city, purple flames rain down upon the Schnee Empire, creating roots and sowing chaos. In the middle of all of that, Negative Weiss and Negative Blake continue their battle. Khazhak and Porphyrius look on at the chaos around them.
"This is getting bad real fast," Khazhak mutters.
"Blake... Weiss," Porphyrius clenches his fists.
Negative Blake attacks with her sword, but Negative Weiss blocks it with her rapier.
"Why are you doing this, Blake?! What is it you think I've done?" Nega-Weiss asks.
Negative Blake laughs, "Hahaha, but isn't this what you wanted most of all, little miss 'Mistress Schnee'? I've brought you so many 'vicious' Faunus. Now, you can pass all the so-called 'judgments' that you want. If you even have the courage to face them," she retorts as flames form around them.
They separate, "I never said that I wanted any of this. Why are you holding this grudge against me, Blake?" Nega-Weiss asks while aiming her rapier at her.
Negative Blake returns the gesture with her sword, "Spoken like a typical human. Like a typical Schnee. You've all abused us for your selfish ambitions by forcing us to fight grimm. Then, you forced us to fight in your stupid wars. And when that was all over, you banished us all to a dangerous island forever, never to be seen as people. Just animals and tools to be used and thrown away when you were done with us,"
"I didn't do any of that. I don't hate the Faunus, and all I want is to keep this city safe," Nega-Weiss retorts.
"I am going to make you pay for all of the sins of you family! For everything you and your family have done to us!" Nega-Blake shouts.
"But you..." Nega-Weiss trails off.
Negative Blake charges forth. Negative Weiss conjures a glyph to fire off some ice shards, but Negative Blake cuts through them all and takes a few swings at Negative Weiss, forcing her to jump back and land on another roof.
"However, you're not Blake. Not the real Blake, anyway. The Blake that I know... would never say such things to me," Nega-Weiss says.
Negative Blake smirks, "You don't understand a single thing about the real me,"
Negative Weiss readies her rapier, "My sentiments exactly. You don't understand anything about me either, whoever you are. I will remove that mask, pass my judgment, and make you sleep forever,"
"Ha, I'd like to see you try it, Mistress Schnee!" Nega-Blake yells before charging at her.
Negative Weiss meets the charge, but when they get close, both of them get stopped by interference. That interference is Khazhak blocking Negative Weiss and Porphyrius stopping Negative Blake.
"Khazhak... Porphyrius?" Nega-Weiss mutters.
"I feel your pain, Blake. I really do, but I can't let you kill Weiss," Porphyrius says, making Negative Blake growl as he holds her back.
Khazhak pushes back against Negative Weiss, "This farce has gone on long enough. I'm ending this now. Negative Weiss... Prepare to be judged,"
…
Back inside the manor, Ruby and Reaper open up the door to the room that holds the Nightmare with the relic. Entering the room, they find the Nightmare waiting for them. The Nightmare sends out its vines at them. Ruby and Reaper cut them down with their scythes, attempting to find an opening to get closer. It combines its vines to form larger ones and attacks again. Reaper calls on his skull phantoms, sending out shockwaves from their screams to blast them away before swinging from the chandelier with his knives. Ruby uses her semblance to fly around, taking out any vines that get too close. After cutting them down, the pair finally make their move on the Nightmare itself.
And that's the chapter. Blake enacts her plan to fight Negative Weiss by becoming Negative Blake, and now everyone has their own battles to attend to. Khazhak and Porphyrius get involved in the Negative duel, but will they succeed? And will Ruby and Reaper finally free Weiss from the Nightmare's grasp? Until then, please Read and Review.