Disclaimer: I do not own the blazblue franchise or the RWBY franchise they belong to their respective owners
(A/N) A fair heads up for the final rounds of this story. The only fight that will be the same as in canon is Yang vs Mercury. The reason will be fore the purposes of the story but aside from that, everything will be different from canon.
Chapter 48 Old burdens, New perspectives
(Beacon Hallway)
Team BLST was excited for the finals of the tournament. Aside from being able to see the top fighters go against each other. The team was also certain of their chances for victory. The reason is that since Amane was able to turn the tides of the doubles fight. It was figured that Amane would go on to the finals. Which makes a lot of sense, since Amane is not only one of the wisest students they've ever met. But he's also one of the strongest since he hasn't really lost a fight. Team BLST was excited for Amane to bring their team the tournament win. But his response has left his teammates stunned for a minute before they realized what he said.
"Amane, I beg you to please reconsider. You saw how I handled myself in that fight. To say that it was a most embarrassing display would be generous. Which also serves as proof that I need to get better. Please fight in the singles round Amane." Bang begged Amane in a loud and passionate tone
"Bang, I appreciate your passion and confidence in my skills. As well as my team's trust that I'll bring home the gold. But I already told you all, I'm not participating." Amane responded calmly
"Amane, if you don't participate. I will beat you to a pulp and make sure you change your mind." Bullet told Amane in a threatening tone
"If your able to beat me to a pulp would manage to convince me to participate. Then wouldn't that defeat the purpose since I won't be at my full strength." Amane responded causing Bullet to grumble in defeat
"Dang it Amane, let meow participate in your place meow. I will sing and dance for you for a loooong time." Tao said in a pleading tone
"I like your enthusiasm Tao, but since me and Bang made it to the doubles round. Only one of us are allowed to participate in the singles round. Since I'm choosing of my free will to not fight. Bang will be going forward by default." Amane calmly explained to Tao
"Aw meow, I really wanted to fight them." Tao said in a slightly sad tone
"That's right, since I was eliminated in the fight from before. That would mean you would have to participate by default." Bang said in a confident tone
"You do have a point about that Bang, however I can also explain my point as well. The rules clearly state that the winning team proceeds to the next round. Since we're teammates and you participated in the previous round. Then that makes you eligible to go on to the next round. Even though it's a move that's ill-advised, doesn't make it an illegal move. You should have seen Professor Goodwitch's face when I told her. She understood, but it was a bit nice to see her genuinely surprised." Amane told Bang in response
"Amane, wouldn't it be best for the team for you to go on to the singles round. You're a lot stronger than you look and your team BLST's best chance at winning this thing." Bullet told Amane trying to convince him
"Guys have either of you thought about why I don't want to go on to the singles round?" Amane asked causing the rest of team BLST to have a brief shocked look on their faces.
"Now that I think about it . . . . I did not." Bang admittedly sheepishly before Amane continued
"The reason is because the spotlight for that particular dance isn't really for me. In my opinion, the tournament is more than a chance for the world to see the capabilities of the students. But it's also a chance for the students to personally reflect to see how far they came since the start of the year. Fame and glory is great and all, but if I can't appreciate the personal growth of my friends and fellow students. Then it would be very difficult for me to enjoy that particular dance. So if you give it your all in the singles round of the tournament, then it would give me a chance to see how far you've come. While also give you the chance to reflect on your own growth." Amane briefly explained to his teammates
"I . . . appreciate your confidence Amane. But I must acknowledge your own strength. I fear that it would be a disservice for me to go on in your stead. Besides, I couldn't even use my aura weapon. Which is cause for concern and I doubt I could . . . . ." Bang started saying before the owner of another loud voice made herself known
"THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT!" Nora yelled quickly getting the attention of team BLST
"BANG SHISHIGAMI, YOU HAVE STOOD BY THE SIDE OF TEAM LOSIPER DURNING OUR LOSS! SO WE WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOU! SINCE AMANE WON'T FIGHT IN THE TOURNAMENT! IT'S NOW UP TO YOU TO BRING HOME THE GOLD! WE WILL GIVE YOU EXTRA TRAINING AND MAKE SURE YOUR DIET WILL PUT YOU IN TOP FORM FOR YOUR BIG FIGHT!" Nora yelled to Bang while she was with Jaune and Ren
"Tha . . . . . . thank you Nora." Bang responded tearfully
"Nora are you sure that this is a good idea? I get the feeling that Bang is already feeling a ton of pressure and I don't want us making things worse." Jaune told Nora
"It's no problem Jaune, my quick and effective training regimen. With Ren's healthy and nutritious food choices. Bang will have everything he needs and more to win this tournament." Nora said in a confident tone
"Wouldn't your training regimen be a problem if Bang is the first person to fight in the finals Nora?" Amane asked in a concerned tone
"Details, details, let's just get to the training and worry about the minor things later." Nora responded confidently while Ren brought out a green drink.
"This is a special drink that I've made that has a lot of nutrients and vitamins for a healthy body. Once you drink this, you'll have the strength and energy of 100 Huntsman. Once you drink this, you will have the drive and motivation to take on anyone in the tournament." Ren said while showing Bang the drink. Before Bang could reach it, Tao quickly grabbed it and had an excited look on her face
"The strength of 100 huh, this is going to be so good for meow." Tao said before she quickly drank it. After she drank the mix, her body started to get visibly sick and she ran off
"Why did you make that slimy goop if it was going to make her sick Ren?" Nora asked Ren in a bold tone
"There is nothing wrong with the drink. It is a natural mix of various fruits and vegetables that is good and healthy for the body." Ren said defending his concocted drink
"I bet it'll look the same coming out as it is going in." Nora said as she was going to check on Tao
"Once her body adjusts to the shake, she will feel the benefits and it'll give Bang the confidence to drink it and feel its benefits as well." Ren said defending his concoction
"But if it makes him sick like it does for Tao, then it'll defeat of him participating." Nora argued as well while her and Ren go further on to check on Tao
"They argue like an old married couple." Bullet commented to everyone nearby
"I get that feeling too." Jaune responded
"I don't see Pyrrha with you Jaune, do you know where she is?" Bang asked
"Pyrrha got a message and left to go take care of something." Jaume answered before Nora came back with Tao on her shoulders
"OK, while Ren is trying to make another bizarre concoction. Let's get to that intense training regimen." Nora said in a confident tone while holding Tao over her shoulders
"You know, as lovely as your idea is Nora. I have an idea that will save us a lot of time. But We need to hurry if we want to catch up to Ruby." Amane said before he grabbed Bang's arm and quickly left in a hurry
(Professor Ozpin's Office)
Pyrrha Nikos has always done the right thing as best as she can. With her natural talents, skills, and capabilities. Her very spirit is the very embodiment of what it means to be a Huntress. Pyrrha believes that with her skills, she is destined for something incredible. That will allow her to fulfill her dreams to protect the world and the people the best way she knows how. When Pyrrha received the notice from Professor Ozpin, she saw it as either the doors opening for an incredible opportunity. Or a headmaster wanting to give comfort to a famed individual like herself after a public loss.
"Thank you for coming to see me Ms. Nikos, I know that this is quite the sudden request. But I really do appreciate your prompt arrival." Professor Ozpin told Pyrrha in an appreciative tone
"It's no problem Professor Ozpin, though I must apologize for me and my team being unable to advance in the tournament and better represent Beacon." Pyrrha told the Headmaster in a humble tone
"You don't need to concern yourself with the tournament. I believe that the true measure of an individual is their resolve in the face of defeat. You and the rest of team JNPR fought admirably and none of you have nothing to be ashamed of." Professor Ozpin told Pyrrha in a calm and understanding tone
"Well in my opinion, all of you would've done even better if they weren't holding you back and pulled more of their weight." Qrow said in a slightly bitter tone
"I'm sorry, I don't believe that we've been introduced. I would very much like to know why you would talk down on my friends." Pyrrha told Qrow in a tone that is passive aggressive and slightly bitter
"Name's Qrow." Qrow responded
"Despite his rather rough exterior, Qrow is a trusted colleague of mine." Professor Ozpin quickly said trying to diffuse a potential dispute
"Professor, if you don't mind me asking. Why is it that you called me here?" Pyrrha asked in a curious tone
"Please take a seat." Professor Ozpin said getting ready to bring Pyrrha into a world that nobody knows. Aside from his inner circle and those that threaten everything that is known
(The Fairgrounds)
"I have to hurry, I can't miss this next flight." Ruby said in an excited tone not wanting to miss the singles matches of the tournament. That her sister Yang is a part of. As Ruby was excitedly waiting for the next airship, she felt a quick tap on her shoulder. When she turned to see who it was. It was Amane who was with Bang, when Ruby looked closer. It looked as if the two guys were running to get to their destination.
"Hey guys, good job on your win in your match earlier. But don't think that my sister will go easy on you just because we're friends Amane." Ruby said in a confident tone
"Its funny you mention going easy, because I'm not going forward in the tournament. I chose to have Bang get going instead. So I do have a question that I'd like to ask you Ruby. It's about Bang and a few other things." Amane told Ruby
"Are you certain that I should be answering your questions Amane? How do I know its not an underhanded attempted from you guys to get an unfair advantage?" Ruby asked in a slightly demanding and interrogating tone
"We would never do something as dishonorable as sabotage a friend Ruby. All of team BLST fight with honor and integrity and will never stoop so low for a victory." Bang loudly said before Amane quickly spoke up
"Ruby, you know what my semblance is. If I wanted to sabotage your sister, I would have done it in much more subtle ways. Besides, we've been friends for several months and I know a lot about you and your team's fighting style. Do you honestly think that we'd stoop so low just to improve our chances to win. We value our integrity too much to do something so deceptive." Amane explained to Ruby causing her to have a guilty look on her face
"Well when you put it that way, your right. I'm sorry Amane, I'm just excited for my sister at the chance for her to win this tournament." Ruby told Amane in an apologetic tone
"I understand your caution Ruby so I'll let it go and get to my question. Your adorable little dog Zwei, its safe to say that the both of you two care about each other right?" Amane asked Ruby
"Well of course, even though he's really my dad's. I'd say that we care about each other." Ruby answered Amane
"So even though Zwei is your pet, how do you or your dad find a way to earn his obedience?" Amane asked Ruby while motioning Bang to pay attention
"Well, I suppose that we do treat Zwei properly and with respect. While making sure that we're the ones in charge and that we know what's best for him." Ruby told Amane
"So if you either doubt or question your own capabilities. Then would Zwei pick up on it and stop listening to you?" Amane asked Ruby
"Sure I guess, but knowing Zwei he would try to cheer me up. Is there a reason you're asking these questions related to Zwei?" Ruby asked in a curious tone
"The reason is mainly for Bang's sake Ruby." Amane answered before he turned to Bang
"I fail to see the point to the questions myself Amane, or the answer for that matter." Bang told Amane in a confused tone
"The point is about perception, you see your aura weapon is unlike anything out there. Even though you treat the weapon with respect, due to the history and its power. You haven't really been treating your aura weapon like its your own. I've noticed that for several months." Amane briefly explained to Bang
"I do treat it as my own Amane, I just find it hard to use its power as if its my own." Bang responded to Amane
"Am I hearing that Bang, someone my sister might fight in the singles round. Is having trouble using a weapon that has the power to stop people from using their aura. My competitive spirit is jumping for joy at this fact. However, the part of me that is concerned is deeply concerned. Therefore, I will put aside our competitive differences and give you the best advice I can. Which ultimately leads to me telling you to be more confident in yourself Bang." Ruby said to Bang in a confident tone.
"I appreciate your kind words, but I still stand by my belief that Amane should have proceeded. I will fight in the finals round and give it my all. But I just need a few minutes to process this." Bang told Amane and Ruby a few seconds before an airship arrived to take people to the arena
"Well I supposed if that's what you want. I'm going on ahead to the arena, don't be gone for too long or you'll get disqualified." Ruby said before she boarded the airship
"Spending some time alone to reflect on things could do you some good Bang. But don't be afraid to seek the wisdom of the occasional stranger. Because you'll never know what you'll learn." Amane advised before he decided to board the airship with Ruby
"I understand what the both of them are saying. But Amane is truly the stronger student out of team BLST. I haven't even found a way to use Phoenix Rettenjo that wasn't unexpected. So how can I continue to fight in the tournament and not fail those who place their hopes in me?" Bang thought to himself a quick second after Ruby and Amane boarded the airship.
"You appear to be deeply troubled by something." An adult female said to Bang quickly getting his attention. When Bang looked at the woman, she has long black hair, and gentle eyes. Though what made the woman stand out to Bang even further is that she has an air of wisdom that is similar to Tenjo.
"Oh um, were you talking to me ma'am?" Bang asked in a curious tone
"Of course, when I noticed you looked troubled about something. Whenever I see someone who looked concerned about something. I find myself trying to help them if I'm able to do so." The black-haired woman told Bang
"Being willing to help others who are in need of help is a very admirable quality. My master Lord Tenjo would be very proud of your core character." Bang told the woman
"I wonder if he'll figure out who I really am?" The woman thought to herself before she started to speak
"Well, I do suspect that your mind is preoccupied with something. So if you want to talk about it. I'm fully ready to listen and offer as much guidance as I can." The woman said to Bang
"Hmm, Lord Tenjo has told me that wisdom can come in many forms. Not to mention Amane's earlier words does imply the same thing. Well, I don't suppose there's any harm in talking to her." Bang thought to himself before he spoke to her
"Very Well, since you are kind enough to offer your wisdom. Then there's no harm in speaking to you. You might be able to help me with my personal dilemma." Bang told the woman before he started to speak to her further
"You see, my master has trusted me with something very valuable. Initially I believed that I would be worthy enough to use the item to its fullest potential. But the truth is, I fear that I may be unworthy of it." Bang told the woman
"Oh really, why would you think that?" The woman asked in a tone that is a mix of curious and concerned
"Because for several months now, I haven't really used the item in the way that it was supposed to be used. When the item does use its function, its not entirely of my own choosing and more often than not, it saves me." Bang told the woman
"I see, so you believe that because you haven't used the item in the way that you want. Your afraid that your unworthy of it?" The woman told Bang
"That's part of it, because the truth is there's more to it. When I think of the importance of the item, I fear that I might not measure up. I believe that a friend of mine is much more suited to wield the item since he is stronger than me. Not only that, but I'm afraid of what will happen if I fail because I couldn't fully utilize the item I was entrusted with. Someone I know is doing the best she can to give me some extra training. But keeping up with the training and the hopes of others. I don't want to fail them." Bang explained further to the woman
"I see, well then allow me to put you at ease. The truth is, I believe that your putting too much thought into whether or not your worthy." The woman told Bang
"Do you believe so?" Bang asked
"Of course, is it safe to assume that the item you were given is a weapon of some kind?" The woman asked Bang
"Of course, I can't give you any more details but I can say that it is." Bang said with the feeling that he can trust the woman that's in front of him
"I understand, so allow me to explain why your overthinking things. For starters, I believe that when your master entrusted you with your weapon. She would have a better understanding of your capabilities. With or without the weapon she entrusted to you. After all, I believe that an individual can bring out the best of the weapon, not the other way around. Besides I think that you should embrace the fact that you have people who's willing to put their trust in you." The woman commented causing Bang to have a surprised look on his face
"Why do you say that?" Bang asked in a curious tone
"If people are willing to trust in your abilities, then that means there's people who believe in you. It's natural for you to fear the scenario of you failing. However, a good measure of an individual is how they learn and improve from their failings. I'm certain that your friends and master feel the same way. Besides you can't, be expected to deal with everything perfectly for the initial attempt." The woman explained to Bang in a kind and informative tone
"I see, when you put it that way. That does make a lot of sense." Bang responded before the woman continued
"As for you mastering the weapon you were trusted with. Do not see it as a burden that will consume you. Instead, see it as a challenge that will help better yourself. After all, I doubt your master would claim perfection. So why should you burden yourself with something like that? I mean, are you working hard to become a better protector for the sake of your ideals and the people that believe in you?" The woman asked Bang
"Of course, I train everyday to ensure that my skills don't waver. I wish to become an individual worthy of the title and Huntsman and be able to bear the burden for it. I shall become the guardian to the humans and Faunus. A protector of love and justice who will defend the innocent." Bang stated to the woman with a fiery passion
"Exactly, don't let the fear of failure weaken your resolve. Your working hard to get stronger. The people that believe in you and trust you knows your determination. So bring your passion to your resolve and keep going forward. Your better than you think you are and you shouldn't dwell on the things you can't do." The woman told Bang in a kind tone
"Thank you, I see that in fearing my failings. I've allowed myself to be held down by the chain of despair. If Lord Tenjo could see me now, she would be very much disappointed in me." Bang told the woman
"Your master sounds very kind, I doubt she would be disappointed in you. If anything, I think she would understand your concerns." The woman responded to Bang
"Your right, Lord Tenjo is a very kind and wise master. But now with a renewed resolve, I must press forward and not allow the darkness of failure and despair to hold me back. Thank you for your wise and kind words Miss . . . . it seems I've made an error and have never been given your name." Bang admitted in an embarrassed tone
"My name is Tensa and I travel around Remnant from time to time. But you should get going, because I get the feeling that the airship is going to leave soon." Tensa said causing Bang to look at the airship and see it was getting ready to take off
"That's right, I have to get going. Thank you for your words of wisdom, I hope I'll see you again. Oh and the next time your in Ronin-Gai, meet my master, I'm certain that the both of you would get along exceptionally well." Bang said before he boarded the airship and it left to take the people to the arena
"I know your master better than you think Bang." The woman said before she left to get out of sight. Once she was away from curious eyes, Baiken appeared before her
"Was talking to him really necessary Tenjo?" Baiken asked
"It was clear that Bang was worried about something. I meant what I said, that he's better than he thinks he is and should not be held back by his fear of failing the people who believe in him. I hope that your not going intensify his training after this tournament?" Tenjo asked Baiken
"My training's not that sadistic, besides I'll need to come up with some new regimen since there are a few things I didn't take into account. For example, his limited options in ranged combat. Which is one of the things he needs improvement on." Baiken told Tenjo
"I do see that your training does help him get stronger and allows him to utilize his aura better. Just don't run him too ragged, for his sake and mine." Tenjo told Tenjo
"No promises." Baiken responded
(Beacon Courtyard)
After spending a good deal of time with the Headmaster. Pyrrha has learned a lot of things that she never expected to learn in her life. For starters, she learned that the Professors she trusted for guidance. Are not the same people that she thought she is. The truth is that they've been guarding many secrets for several years. One of which deeply involved Pyrrha and would require the noble student to make a simple yet difficult and painful choice. If she agrees to become the next Fall Maiden, then she would do a great deed for the world.
Unfortunately, such a noble deed and decision would come at a crucial cost to her very being. Pyrrha would ultimately be forced to give up her very identity. She always wanted to be a Huntress and be able to protect the world. With such a noble dream, she was always prepared to give up her life for the greater good. But for her to be able to give up her very identity. Is a sacrifice that not everybody is able or willing to do. The school life that she's enjoyed so far. Along with creating many cherished memories, including the moments involving Jaune. Pyrrha would ultimately be giving up everything that she's truly valued, which is something that she never thought she would do.
Though if Pyrrha said no to the opportunity, then she would be able to keep everything that's truly important to her. The downside is that Ozpin and his inner circle would try to find somebody else to take on such a heavy burden. Which would also mean that the next person would have to endure such a heavy sacrifice. It was fortunate that Ozpin and his closest allies is giving Pyrrha a good amount of time to think on her answer. But weighing her thoughts on such a major decision and its consequences. Is much easier said than done for the young student.
"I . . . . I don't know what to do. Do I make such a sacrifice, or do I force it on someone else?" Pyrrha thought to herself while she was alone with her thoughts. While Pyrrha was deep in thought, she noticed Jin wandering the school grounds. Pyrrha had sworn to keep everything she learned a secret. However, she was incredibly lost on what to do and doesn't know how to move forward. A lot of students in Beacon refer to Jin as the Hero of Vale. Though on the surface, its an incredible title to have. Since Jin was essential in saving Vale from the breach.
Though as a champion herself, she suspects that people seeing Jin as nothing but a hero. Has unintentionally created a burden for him that she understands all too well. When most people see Pyrrha, they see her as an undefeated champion. An individual who is at a level of skill that many people believe to be impossible to reach. Though Pyrrha insisted that anyone with hard work will be able to reach her level of skills. People consistently putting her on a pedestal not only increases the pressure she has for herself.
When Pyrrha initially met Jin, she did not have a good impression of him. With how he talks to Noel, and how he initially treated Jaune. Though over the months, she started to see the good in Jin that both Noel and Makoto claims to exist. For starters, even though Jin confronted her about the truth regarding Jaune for how he enrolled into Beacon. He never revealed the truth to anyone and is even giving him the chance to prove that Jaune belongs in Beacon. Not to mention that over time, Jin mellowed out and was even able to become friends with Jaune. Which came as a very unexpected but pleasant surprise. Though Pyrrha is lost on what to do at the moment, she figured that talking to someone who may understood her burden might clear things up for her.
"Jin!" Pyrrha called out before she found herself catching up to Jin
"Pyrrha, is there something wrong with Jaune that requires my attention?" Jin asked Pyrrha
"No, at least not that I know of. But there is something that I need to speak with you about." Pyrrha responded
"Then what is it Pyrrha?" Jin asked Pyrrha
"First there is something that I've been meaning to tell you. I never had the chance to thank you for not making things harder for Jaune. Even after you found out about his set of circumstances. But if you don't mind me asking, why did you choose to keep quiet about it?" Pyrrha asked in a curious tone
"After I've learned the truth about his circumstances. I was very much tempted to inform the professors about him. The reason is that people die in these academies and if you're not qualified then you can get yourself and your team killed. However, after speaking to several people, I realized that his teammates know of his lacking skills and still choose to stand by him. Your even willing to go further and train him to make sure that he becomes the warrior that he needs to be. If his friends and teammates weren't willing to stand by him, then I would have turned him in immediately. I know that you would have hated me for it, but that is something I'm willing to bear. I would rather be hated by many, than to see them die unnecessary deaths." Jin explained to Pyrrha
"I see, well thank you for giving him the chance to stay in Beacon and for giving me the chance to help him. Also your right, if you had gotten Jaune kicked out of Beacon, I would have hated you. Which leads to my next question, how did you find yourself being friends with Jaune?" Pyrrha asked
"After my . . . . . injury, Jaune was one of the first people to visit me everyday. Since I was unable to kick him out, I figured that I had no choice but to humor him. The more time I spent with him, the more I noticed that he reminds me a lot of myself before certain events in my life. Which funny enough makes it easy for me to befriend him. Especially since he was kind to me despite our first meeting." Jin explained to Pyrrha
"If you don't mind me asking, what events happened in your life that affected you so much?" Pyrrha asked in a curious tone
"I do mind that question Pyrrha. Is there a point to you asking these questions?" Jin asked Pyrrha
"Jin, after you stopped the Grimm Breach, you were granted the title as The Hero of Vale. Do you ever feel like it's a burden that you can't match, or that you had to give up something precious just to live up to it?" Pyrrha asked Jin
"I feel that the burden matches the honor the title has. For years I've always strived to be the Huntsman that I need to be so I can protect all of life and the structure of order. Being granted the title is proof of both my determination and skill at upholding the very foundations that Huntsman is supposed to protect. Such as the lives of this world and the foundations of order. Something that gives this world some measure of stability and structure. If I fail in my duties, then who else would be able to bear this burden?" Jin explained to Pyrrha
"I see, then I know what choice I have to make." Pyrrha said in a low tone which didn't go unnoticed by Jin
"What do you mean a choice?" Jin asked Pyrrha
"Its . . . . . nothing." Pyrrha said which Jin quickly denied
"I have a way to know when someone is either lying or hiding something. It must be significant if its enough to bother you." Jin said causing Pyrrha to think for a few seconds.
"Jin, Jaune trusts you with his secret, now I must trust you because I believe you can understand my burden. But I must beg you to not tell anyone, especially Jaune." Pyrrha pleaded with Jin before she spoke further
"Professor Ozpin, and the other Headmasters are not entirely who they say they are. The truth is, they have a secret and that it is much bigger than we thought. Even Professor Goodwitch is part of it and everything feels so different." Pyrrha told Jin while he listened intensely before she continued
"The truth is that there is something hidden deep within Beacon. To be able to help the world, I would have to do something that is desperate. But if I do it, I would be giving up a part of myself and I don't know if I can do if." Pyrrha explained further to Jin causing him to speak up
"This secret, does it involve a Maiden by any chance?" Jin asked
"Why yes, but how did you know that?" Pyrrha asked Jin
"Yukianesa has been mentioning that word to me for months. But what do you mean by giving up something?" Jin asked
"Professor Ozpin wants me to inherit the power, but if I do that I would . . . .. ." Pyrrha said before Jin stopped her and cut her off
"What do you mean inherit?" Jin asked in a demanding tone
"The Headmaster wants me to inherit the power while she's still alive. But if I do it, then I will lose a part of myself. Everyone said that there is no guarantee that it will work. But if it does, there's no telling what will happen to me." Pyrrha explained to Jin causing him to have a shocked look on his face
"That bastard, so that was what he wanted to do all along." Jin said after having a sudden realization
"What do you mean, all along." Pyrrha asked Jin
"Listen to me Pyrrha, you're in much more danger than you think. The Maiden . . . ." Jin started to explain before both him and Pyrrha received an emergency notice on their scrolls. Once they looked at the notification. They saw Yang being hauled away from the arena by Ironwood's robots. What stood out to Jin further is that Yang's opponent is Mercury, a member of team CMSN. Who is lying on the ground with Emerald comforting him.
"Damn, so they made their move." Jin thought to himself
(Moments Later)
Terumi is currently laying on his back casually on a distant roof away from both prying and curious eyes. After relaxing for a few more minutes, he sensed a lot of negativity in the area and drew a smirk. The reason for the smirk is because he knows the exact reason and is glad that Cinder and her lackeys actually did something right for once. Now the gears are in motion and there is no stopping them. Once Terumi sensed more of the Grimm's presence. He decided to call Cinder
"Well done on an excellent performance all of you. Tensions are high, people are cautious of Ozpin. Now everything is almost set for the final steps." Terumi told Cinder over the call
"So is it safe to say that Mercury's part is finished for the moment?" Cinder asked Terumi
"Of course, Now there's that little thing you and Emerald need to do and that will be all. Up next is my part in the plan, Nu is as excited as I am and soon the world will be in for a blast from the past." Terumi told Cinder
"Do I need to set it up for the next match?" Cinder asked
"No need, let's give the people at least one more match for the tournament. A lot of them paid good money for their seats and I don't want to give them a half-assed experience. We're gonna screw them over regardless, but at least we can say we aren't going to rip them off." Terumi told Cinder
"Very well, me and Emerald will proceed with the next part of the plan. Just make sure that you and Nu do your part." Cinder told Terumi before she hung up
"We're going to be making our way to the arena soon Nu. Are you ready for the main event?" Terumi asked Nu who was standing near him
"Hahahahaha yes I am, soon the world will see how strong Ragna is. Then he will be mine forever." Nu said in a sadistic tone
(Kokonoe's Lab)
"Did you call for us Kokonoe?" Tager asked after he arrived with Lambda
"Yeah I did, for starters how are you adjusting to the upgrades?" Kokonoe asked Tager
"I've adjusted pretty well to my upgrades and enhancements. I think its safe to say that the cold won't cause me anymore problems." Tager said in a confident tone
"Good, I've gotten finished checking the scroll you brought back. I have a new assignment for both you and Lambda. For you Tager, your going to be spending some time in Mantle. I've done some investigating and its safe to say that Ironwood is going to be an even bigger pain in the ass in a couple of months." Kokonoe told Tager
"Did you catch wind of something?" Tager asked
"Who do you think your talking to. I wouldn't have called you or Lambda here and send you to that damn place if I hadn't. I've hacked some comms and messages and it looks like Salem recruited someone smart other than Relius. From what I figured its safe to say that its Dr. Watts. Compared to Relius he's an annoyance. But an annoyance can be a problem real quickly.' Kokonoe explained to Tager
"I see, but what will I be doing there?" Tager asked
"I've caught wind of a couple of Murakumo Labs there. So I'm going to need you to investigate them when you arrive. I don't expect you to be there for too long, but I've set you up to be at Sector Seven's Atlus Branch in case something interesting happens. After that I'm going to need you to look for Hakumen." Kokonoe told Tager
"What will you need me to do once I find him?" Tager asked
"Capture him, what else would I want you do with him. Ask for his autograph like all the other fanboys. He won't come with you willingly so your going to have to bring him in by force. That beatdown he gave Ironwood and Winter is already proof of that. Not to mention his damn uptight attitude. He's not a pain in the ass yet, so I would try to make use of his power before it gets to that point." Kokonoe explained to Tager
"I understand, what about Lambda?" Tager asked
"She'll be going to Ronin-Gai and she'll wait for someone I would rather not think about. But if my hunch is right, this is a situation where I can't be picky." Kokonoe responded
"Does it have something to do with Salem as well?" Tager asked
"Something like that, its probably nothing but there's something I need her to look into. Besides, if what I suspect will happen actually happens, then Ronin-Gai is the best place for Lambda to be. It's a bit of a hunch I've got but there rarely wrong." Kokonoe said while she typed away at her computer
"Will Lambda be fine with a mission on her own?" Tager asked in a concerned tone
"She's not a mental invalid Tager, she has common sense and knows how to follow directions. She will still make judgement calls with her own mind when she's out on the mission. The Murakumo Labs didn't mess with her mind too badly, so I didn't have to do anything involving hypno-therapy. But she'll still be equipped with the same comm system you have. So I'll be able to contact her regularly while also stay informed about her situation at hand. So you don't need to worry about her being lost and not knowing what to do." Kokonoe told Tager
"How reassuring." Tager bluntly commented
"She was able to help save your ass from Relius and Hazel didn't she? The training sessions the both of you went through allowed her to meet basic standards in terms of combat. As an added bonus, she can use her semblance much easier thanks to the enhancements I've given her. It's not as thorough as yours, but it'll get the job done. A drawback is that unlike you, she won't be able to detect the energy of a Maiden. I thought she would be able to with her semblance. But it goes to show that I still have a few things to learn." Kokonoe told Tager
"I do know one thing though, the power of order has been activated and it painted a big target on Jin's back. So the other two Azure's can't be too far behind. Though which one Terumi will go for is a big question. The Azure Grimoire, or the Eye of Blue, whatever he gets is going to make things a lot more problematic." Kokonoe explained to Tager
"You gave me a basic idea of the Three Azures. Do you think Salem's plans involves them?" Tager asks
"Not a chance Tager, I'll bet a pretty lien that she doesn't even know about the Three Azures. If she did we'll be in even bigger shit than we already are. For now just go and look into the Murakumo Labs. Lambda will go to Ronin-Gai and take care of a few bothersome things for me." Kokonoe told Tager
"Understood Kokonoe, I'll proceed immediately." Tager responded before he left the lab with Lambda
(A/N)
Without giving anything major away, I'll give a brief hint about Terumi's semblance. In this story, Terumi's semblance involves negativity. There is A LOT more to it if certain conditions are met. But the full details will be revealed in a future chapter.
For the talk between Pyrrha and Jin, its been confirmed that what Pyrrha learned from Ozpin and his inner circle has to be kept a secret. But what made Jin an exception to her is that Jin has saved Vale from the Breach and is granted the title as the Hero of Vale. To Pyrrha, she would believe that Jin has a good idea of the kind of pressure and burden that she's under and will be able to relate to her.
Not to mention that she knows that Jaune and Jin are friends and figured that it would be possible for her to confide in Jin. Since he knows the truth about Jaune and didn't bully him with that information. Jin giving Jaune a chance to prove himself has improved Pyrrha's impression on Jin as well as Noel still saying that there is good in Jin. One more thing, Pyrrha calling out Jin for his attitude and behavior when he first found out about Jaune. Was also a major motivator for Jin to give Jaune a chance. But he will NEVER admit that to Pyrrha.
Since team JNPR isn't fighting in the tournament, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's reactions with the diverting points from canon. From looking at the drafts I have, there will be several moments that will be different from canon.
So read and review
Thank you