Chapter 33: Lingering Echoes
Countdown:
6 months until the Exam
Ozpin's plan is insane and counterproductive. It's what Hui Fang originally thought until he came across the answer himself. Ozpin can't reverse the world to what it once was but could create a new system from what's available.
He calls it Olympus, Araneae, and Fiend.
The Araneae has Olympus under its web. They can break free but will destroy the entire tree.
The Fiend can slip through the Araneae web and attack them directly.
Olympus can exterminate the Fiend with ease.
They must keep each other in check and will never have a clear advantage over the other.
Fang sighs as he walks toward the Xiao-Long residents with a briefcase and 1st class flight tickets to Vacuo.
He knocked on the door and the first to answer was the father.
Taiyang eyed Fang with suspicion, being fully aware of who he was.
"Welcome, Headmaster Fang, What business do you have here?"
Fang is going to be truthful. He knows about Akame's desire to become a Huntress and feels proud of her.
"I've been in contact with your daughter, Akame Branwen," he said and felt a hand on his collar. The headmaster got dragged inside with Tai locking the door behind him.
"You've been talking to my little girl?" He asked worriedly," Is she okay?"
"She's fine and I want you to see her again once the exam date gets near," he cut to the point," I want your family to be a part of a wonderful moment in her life."
"But that will put Ruby and Yang at risk," he crossed his arms.
"I know but Akame enemies have standards. They won't harm your daughters or else Vale and the Academy will get involved. Ms. Malachite and Ironwood care about their public image," he revealed," Do you remember those purple-clad agents and white armored soldiers?"
Taiyang straightened up and clenched his jaw.
"It's going to sound counterintuitive but you need to be with her. Ozpin and I have been trying our best to keep them off your backs," He explained," They're making their move and the end goal is to prevent your daughter from becoming a huntress."
"Why? Wouldn't it be a good thing for her to prove she is on the side of good?" Taiyang is glad his kids are at school.
"Akame is still working with the tribe."
"Bullshit."
"I'll admit I don't have the full detail or the extent but the evidence is there," he continued," Vacuo has become more peaceful and safer once she arrived. Crime has been at an all-time low. The tribe has been acting more morally after receiving orders from the Vacuo Embassy. I can even pinpoint her location by the absence of Grimm sightings in the area."
"That's crazy, Akame isn't a Grimm repellent nor is she a mastermind," he sighed," Is she?"
"You're working a second job due to the absence of Huntsmen work, Mr. Xiao-Long," he called out," Your classes are slowly being shifted to General Ed, too. Your daughter must have imprinted the concept of fear into Grimm. "
Tai pinched his chin in thought and smiled.
"She's going to become a hero," he proudly rejoiced," Why is this a bad thing?"
"Because Milly Malachite viewed her ascension as a threat. Malachite needs a villain to blame and kill. Ironwood is waiting for a reason to descend on Vacuo," he explained," Akame has plenty of potential, especially in a world where survival is paramount."
It's a feud between a powerful military, a powerful government, and a powerful individual.
"I'll do it," Taiyang responded. He must be there for his daughter. He's willing to fight anyone preventing her daughter from reaching her goal," Give me extra dust and I'll throw hands with anyone on the way."
"I like the enthusiasm but one or two months before the date," he told Tai," The stress could be getting to her and I'm not just talking about the exam. Oz and I will pull some strings to get you some paid time off and your kid's extra vacation time."
"What kind of a father I would be to not be there for her," Taiyang smiled," Thank you for the opportunity."
Fang opened the door and left.
Vacuo Outskirts
Akame PoV
"I am aware you are leading the tribe from the shadows," My uncle told me as I pulled him on a cart tied to my waist. The blistering hot sun hangs directly over me as I run across the desert," To be honest, I think the rest of the inner circle connected the dots."
*huff*
"I-I figured too," I breathed out between breaths. It's been months into my stay in Vacuo and I've done a lot of work with the tribe. I've only slept five hours a day and set agendas for the tribe to accomplish while I sleep.
"I should be upset but you're doing a great job keeping them under control," he took a sip from his flask.
"So I don't have to hide it anymore?" I exhaled.
"Not around me but I will still need to talk to you about it and set boundaries," he said," I would call this a success since Vernal is on her best behavior, too."
"You're welcome!" She jogged behind the cart," Can I drop now."
Vernal looked like she was going to collapse at any moment from exhaustion. That's unfortunate for her. I'm the one carrying and wearing weights. I got on a weighted vest, gauntlets, and boots. I'm suffering even worse.
I look ahead to see Umber outrunning me. She has roughly the same weight and pulls a lighter load. Militia is shouting encouragement for me to catch up.
"Sure," My uncle gave her the thumbs up and she hit the floor immediately.
"Still…You are a little too relaxed about it," I confronted.
"I would be pissed if you're leading the tribe to raid and pillage behind my back," he said," You're having them do community service. Even the hellhole in South Anima is relaxing its grip."
My uncle only knows what I want him to know. I wouldn't see the outside world if he knew the extent of my operation. I had people executed in secret to keep the gears turning. Of course, Malachite Spiders aren't given mercy and neither are criminals that engage with my forces.
"Thanks."
The Mistral Branch is slowing down because both sides are exhausted. There was a ceasefire but both sides kept violating it. Now they're signing another one and I doubt that one will last. The worst part is I need to directly get involved but can't afford to do that while studying for my exam and keeping my cover.
The real report from Leaf Wicker paints a grim picture.
Flashback: Yesterday Afternoon
Leaf has been my military advisor on what's happening with the tribe in South Anima.
We had our meeting on the second story of a tribe sympathizer home. The girls are covering for me while I talk to my lieutenant. It's an important matter involving the holdout in South Anima.
"The tribe is running out of resources and strength to hold the region," he reported," There are still volunteers and the southern ports are still open but personal combat prowess isn't enough."
"What changed?"
"Quality of our enemies, ma'am. Atlas has been training and arming the militias into a deadly fighting force. Vacuan are tough but aren't disciplined and the professional soldiers we do have are few," he revealed," The tribe will be worn down in approximately four months, five, if we are lucky."
He handed me a few photos.
I felt a migraine develop upon seeing a short, older woman standing among a group of Mercenaries. I saved her life and she repaid me by dismantling my forces. The word underneath is 'Cordovin and her exiles.'
She's trying to get in the good grace of her kingdom by destroying the tribe.
I look at another grainy picture of a younger woman with white hair tied into a bun. A huntress tearing through one of the tribal bases. The word underneath is 'Freelance Huntress, Winter Schnee.'
Winter Schnee isn't a freelance Huntress. She's one of the handful of Huntsman paid by Atlas to fight on its behalf.
Atlas is officially banned from fighting in the kingdom but unofficially, they're still here.
I remained calm at the news. My plan to keep a foothold in Mistral is being undone. That's the unfortunate flow of war but I can resolve it.
Vernal.
She could wipe out armies with the help of her semblance and magical powers.
"I doubt the weather will give us another miracle," I shook my head," Vernal is your leader, you know?"
He put his hands on the table and clenched them together.
"She's too absent-minded and…below the needed maturity," Wicker leaned in.
"Vernal is a child," I countered," You're talking to a child right now, Wicker."
"Sorry, I always forgot you're thirteen. It's like I'm talking to a young woman," he apologized," I believe in her but she's still too young."
"It's fine and you are right, Vernal is far from ready. It's a constant learning process even if I hand her the right to rule. Wicker, Do you know why Ms. Malachite and the media are still calling the war a stalemate even if they're winning?"
The tribe in Mistral wouldn't want to admit they're losing. The leadership in South Mistral wants to pretend the brave warriors of Branwen are an unbreakable defense against the world. That pride is going to get them all killed.
"They plan to sweep through our holdout in one move," he reasoned, which is true. The flow of supplies and troop movement paints a clear picture of an encirclement. Only the coastal route is secure but that's due to the lack of heavy airships that can blockage it.
Ms. Malachite and Atlas are setting a trap for Vernal. My friend and the world think the war is a stalemate but that's not the truth. Ver would race to South Anima if she found out about the dire situation. I won't let her.
There is a chance she would run into someone who can match her power. I don't know about the whereabouts of the other three maidens. Atlas has the Winter Maiden, Vale has the Fall Maiden, and I have yet to catch sight of the Summer Maiden.
There haven't been any weird weather patterns in the region, but besides carpet bombing an area or a small strike team to kill Vernal, Using Maidens to ambush Vernal might be the logical path.
I have no evidence of it but can't think of any other reason for them to lie about the status of this war.
"I'll tell her to never leave Vacuo. I sense a trap is being laid," I worried," Vernal may not be given the proper respect but she's still a prime target."
"I'll forbid talk of failure in the compound," he nodded.
Vernal is capable of turning the tide in our favor but even if there isn't a trap for her, I don't want to expose my friend to too much bloodshed. Vernal behavior recently is worrisome. She isn't right.
Militia, Umber, and I notice random bouts of emotional distress, staring off into nothingness, lack of sleep, and a few other symptoms. I've seen it before but can't remember who has it. She has PTSD.
"Good because once the Crown takes over the western coast of Vacuo, We can prepare a mass evacuation of tribe members and civilians that want to come with us. I want every ship, submarine, and airship to be ready for the mass exodus," I commanded," Go notify Shay about the development. We will lay low after this."
"But that will drop morale and break our image," Wicker countered.
"The tribe hasn't gotten this far even during the Great War. The mere fact we held territory for years is worthy of admiration and proof that even a bird can make a leviathan flinch," I articulated," There is no shame in retreating to fight another day. That's how the tribe lasted for decades and we shall outlast our adversaries."
I need to abandon my plan to overthrow Malachite for now. I doubt those Atlesian would remain once we are subdued on the continent.
"This meeting is over," I stood up," No matter what happens, Vernal mustn't leave Vacuo and prepare the evacuations."
"Yes, ma'am."
Present day
"I could go on and on about what your mother committed," he explained," I'm proud of you, Akame, for being a better person."
"Thank you, Uncle Qrow. I'll continue what I'm doing."
The run lasted for another five minutes until we got to turn around and head home. We picked up Vernal's ice-covered body on the way back and tossed her onto my cart with my uncle.
Militia got a pass out of the training because I broke her leg last week. I apologized about it and told her not to tell bitch, I mean her mom. It isn't because I'm scared of her. I don't want her to send more agents and use the injury for propaganda purposes. She is already throwing enough crap at me.
I patted Umber on the shoulder.
"You're getting faster," I told her," You outran me."
"Am I finally worthy of fighting alongside you?" She huffed and drank a whole bottle of water in seconds.
"You've always been capable of that," I hugged her.
The sun set and we girls were finally able to hang out. We got home and prepared the picnic blankets. Vernal and Militia prepare the food while Umber handles entertainment.
Sun left to be with his tribe a while back but I still keep in contact with him. He isn't the only one I text over my scroll, I befriended Brawnz Ni and caught up with Fox and Copper. There is also Drew. We hang out with Drew whenever we are in town. In other words, I made some friends. They're all coming over tonight. Besides Sun, he is halfway across the continent.
Vacuo is mildly inconvenient compared to Patch. I lived in a lot of places but none of them beat living at my real home, A cozy log home in Patch.
I got plenty of time to reflect on my time in Remnant. For once in my life, I feel like I'm in control of it. I have a social life, I'm protected by everyone around me, and the Gods or Government aren't breathing down my neck. Theodore did make Vacuo a fortress for my stay. The headmaster is on my side as long as I focus on my training.
I still have plenty of childhood to enjoy.
Someone knocked at the gate and I ran over to open it.
What welcomed me was Drew, Fox, Copper, and Brawnz.
"I'm finally in your home, nice place," Drew walked past me and waved to the rest of the girls.
"Are we watching a movie?" Fox asked and I patted him on the shoulder.
"I forgot you're blind, How are you even texting me?" I'm genuinely curious.
"Text to speech," he shrugged," I don't trust this idiot reading or texting on my behalf."
Copper put Fox in a chokehold.
"I don't do that," he chuckled and walked forward toward the group.
"YES! You do!"
Poor Fox.
Sending every girl here a flirty text even if it wasn't his fault. Copper is more of an older brother than an uncle.
Brawnz nodded at me and I put my hand on his chest.
"I told Vernal this already. Do. Not. Have. Tribal. Talks," I emphasize every word.
"Yes boss," he slipped away.
I smiled at the group in front of me. So this is going to be my life for a while. I need to get used to this.
This is nice.
My scroll vibrated and I checked the message.
Gillian: The flag of Vacuo has risen over the west.
Good, I cut off supplies and manpower for the MIA agents on Vacuo. They have been filtering into this kingdom from the west coast. Ms. Malachites need to find another route to support them before I hunt them down like rats.
A: Congratulations Gillian, This should earn back the respect of your people.
Gillian: Thank you.
A: Continue with your mission. I don't want a single Spider slipping away. Remember, The Crown is an official part of the Vacuo government. Do not tarnish your reputation.
Gillian: Understood ma'am.
This is perfect. I can now set up the mass retreat route for the rest of the tribe and refugees.
Vernal and I stood next to each other at the gate with a warm cup of cocoa. The desert gets cold at night while the morning is blisteringly hot. We shared a few casual conversations.
"Could you believe it? Mr. Belladonna gave me permission to come visit whenever I like," Vernal laughed," He is such an amazing person."
"It's a shame he stepped down," I sighed," Have you met any Maidens during your travels?"
Vernal shook her head.
"Good because they will kill you," I revealed.
Her eyes widened and she chuckled dryly.
"They can't beat me. I'm the strongest maiden there is!" she puffed her chest proudly.
I closed my eyes and started listing out the ways I defeated her.
"Straight punch to the temple, swiping kick with my left leg, and knee to the nose," I monotoned," Result: Unconsciousness."
"What-" She jumped back as my fist came within inches of her eye. She wouldn't have time to put up her aura if it connected.
I lowered my fist and looked directly at her.
"Umber countered, Fox dodged, Brawnz took the hit and thanked me…and Militia attacked first," I told her," This is my analysis of their combat capabilities."
"What about Drew and Sun?"
"Analysis, She would have gotten hit but not immediately knocked out like you. Sun would have already sensed it and stayed away," I pointed out," You are the worst in direct combat among all of us and with my tutoring."
I compare her strength to a slightly stronger cannon fodder in a video game. It helps get my point across to her that she needs to get stronger. Although, I'm not sure she is capable of getting stronger. I don't want to admit she's hitting her peak already.
"And power isn't everything, I get it," She exhaled," Why the extra review?"
I told her the truth for the next few minutes. She was crushed but ultimately accepted the reality of the situation.
"Are we going to get back at them?"
"Once Atlas leaves the kingdom, We can try again," I explained," The other maidens may not be as strong magically but there is a chance they are physically stronger and more experienced fighters."
"I was wondering too," She hunched over," I still have a lot to learn."
"We both do," I smiled and discreetly admitted my past life," I wouldn't be who I am today without prior knowledge. Let me remind you when I become a Huntress, I will publicly hand over my title as heiress of the tribe to you. And when you prove you can handle the tribe, You can become Queen."
I didn't admit I was reincarnated. The secret is between Umber and me like how she believes she lived another life. I chalked it up as reincarnation but she doesn't believe that's the case. She remembers a Grimm arm piercing her stomach and crawling toward her killer.
"I won't let you down."
"Then promise me you will never set foot in Mistral for your safety," I stared into her eyes.
She froze in place.
Vernal was planning to go, was she?
"Ver Veritas," I said her real name in a low tone. An awkward, tense silence fell between us.
"The genie wants to go home," She blurted out.
That's it?
"Okay, Go ahead," I blinked.
"What? That's it? But you just told me not to go," She looked dumbfounded.
"I don't want you to fight Atlas and Mistral. The parasite can leave. You are capable of sneaking into the vault and leaving undetected. They wouldn't have expected it," I differentiated," I have fate in my friends and lieutenants that they're telling the truth. Understood?"
I can sense Drew walking toward us. I motioned for Vernal to hurry it up.
"Quick, I want you to promise me you're only going to drop off the parasite," I spoke quickly.
"I will!"
"Right now?"
"Later!"
"Okay."
Drew jumped in between us and put her arms around our necks.
"What are you two doing so far away?" She chimed," C'mon, the night is still far from over."
Why does her breath smell like alcohol?
Beacon
The next Morning
Ozpin and Fang walked the campus of the school. The majority of the students are in class and those that aren't wouldn't be near this side of the school.
"The relationship between our Fiend, Araneae, and Oylumpians is happening right now," he tapped his cane on the cobblestone ground," They're not aware of it."
"Then what's the point for Ms. Malachite if everything she does only feeds them," Fang asked.
"The Branwen is powered by spite and hatred of tyrants. At their height during the Great War, They are the locusts that swipe through the lands bringing chaos or freedom depending on who you're asking," He looks eastward," And I severely underestimated them yet again. I think there is a Lingering echo that exists among those who follow that path."
"Another one? Like you and Salem?" Fang couldn't believe it.
"An anomaly that shouldn't exist and doesn't relate to genetics like the Silver-Eyed warriors," The wizard answered," I don't know what it is and neither do those that hold it. I used the relic of knowledge to find the answer hundreds of years ago and she said it was an anomaly that exists because of us, this eternal war."
Ozpin didn't want to admit those echoes have a connection to the God of Darkness. The other doesn't need to know about the Gods but it explains how Akame could absorb Salem's blood without adverse effects.
"More questions that couldn't be answered," he sighed," Would this make Akame the holder of one of these echoes?"
"Raven has a bit of it but Akame received the largest portion I've ever seen," Ozpin revealed," I met an up-and-coming prodigy in Atlas with zero relations to the tribe. She has a sizable imprint comparable to Akame."
"Are you talking about that Akari girl?"
"Akari, the only survivor of Efnysien, no last name found," Ozpin corrected," Silver-Eyed and white hair with a light blue tint."
"We should try recruiting her," Fang bought up with a slight hint of joy.
"She's loyal to the people that saved her, the Atlesian Military," he shook his head," And Ironwood has been scrambling to build up the might of Atlas to prepare for what he views as an inevitability. He isn't going to let her go."
"It's inevitable if we don't stop it."
"And that's why you're by my side," Ozpin looked up," And Gylinda of course."
The plan is all set.
"I'll go visit Ironwood," Fang volunteered," I could give him guidance on dealing with the affluent."
"Ms. Malachite would never turn a meeting with me down," Ozpin nodded," I will see through her tricks."
"And I'll seek out Akame in Vacuo. I'll travel with the Xiao-Long family when the time arrives," the combat instructor smiled," Good luck you two."
A/N: I was deciding between Lingering Echoes and Lingering Will. But the former is more in line with what Akame is. Someone that shouldn't exist in the first place and slip into the RWBY story and affect it in a good and bad way.
I wrote in Akari a long time ago but decided to save it for later. I deleted thousands of words relating to her role as the fragment left in Atlas. I did research into her name too. Akari means light and Efnysien is a name tied to Branwen. She does have an important role in the story and is one of the last OCs I'm making.
The major leaders figuring out each other's plans and motives was bound to happen eventually. Salem is planning too but humanity is far too strong compared to canon to attack.
Akame, Malachite, and Ironwood have one thing in common: They would execute their men if given a good enough reason. In terms of leadership style, Akame is the most hands-off, Malachite is in between, and Ironwood is heavy-handed like in canon.
Akame doesn't have to worry about being voted out or dethroned. Malachites still have to satisfy the people but are overall in control even if voted out. Ironwood is on thin ice but there is no one better equipped to fight a war than him.
I'm hoping we get news for volume 10 soon. I'm resisting the urge to write the Summer Maiden.
