The dead of night was usually the coldest, but from what I could tell it wasn't much against my already icy skin. The moon shone brightly, illuminating the surrounding forest. From each and every shrub and tree was a shadow ready to pounce, only held back seemingly by an indescribable patience, awaiting the end of my stamina, if only to make my death certain. Perhaps nothing lay waiting in the dark, but I was not willing to let my guard down just yet.
Pressing on I forced myself through the thickets, not even able to feel the scratching and itching of branches tearing across my skin. The numbness was more learned than instant, as I'd found myself ignoring most of the cold, as I could scarcely feel anymore. Certainly Argus must have been close by, otherwise I'd be in for another day of treading along; a feat more difficult due to my refusal to make camp. Unfortunately if I didn't reach the place within the next few hours, hunger alone might force me to yield my journey.
For a bit I stopped, more so to catch my breath than any concrete reason. My eyelids kept teasing me, dripping slightly every time I tried to focus. The dark was too comforting, I needed to get into the moonlight. Starting off again I intentionally waded through the more dense of pathways, in hopes some of it might actually hurt, and as a consequence keep me awake.
My mind tried to wander back, itself so tired it sought out excitement to keep active. However my first thoughts returned to Ruby, and the look of conflicted worry she shot at me when I abandoned them. The memory of her eyes still caused a mild irritation in my own, and I shut those thoughts away as I noticed the foliage begin to part.
Ahead of me was a clearing, with nothing but a sheet of rugged snow both even and untouched. The dimmed blue light of the moon gave it this sort of ghastly atmosphere, almost haunting in is majesty. I wanted to reach out for it, to feel the relaxing haze its beauty forged in my mind, but instead I held back, and chose to wander out, ever at the ready - or so I told myself. High up from the center of the empty expanse I took a deep frigid breath, feeling the frosted air invade my innards deep. It stung, but that pain reminded me I was still awake, something I needed now more than ever. However, as I took a second to look around, I noticed a rather... odd sight.
Up in the air I just barely made out a darkening, hazy and flowing like a river. Following the sight down directed my eyes through the trees again, and drawn by the tugging of curiosity I walked forth, between a few more of the sturdy coverings of the forest I came upon a sight that brought with it a sense of excitement and victory I'd been missing for the past couple days.
Ahead lay a massive city, seemingly slanted, and just along the edges of a grand ocean.
Much light radiated from the various windows, and the streams of smoke from what must have been the many different homes reminded me of the first sight of Vale. Even from this distance the architecture looked near identical. However the city which I assumed was Argus appeared to lack the massive twisting highways, and many of its structures had flat tops, as opposed to Vale, which hosted more sharp and eerie shapes; Argus appeared to be brighter looking as well.
"Finally... I made it." I collapsed to my knees, letting out a small chuckle. It felt like I was speaking to the city itself; thanking it for seemingly awaiting my arrival.
"You know, when I first got here I assumed at least you would be here waiting, but it seems things never go easy for any of us, do they?"
I wanted to tell myself I never saw it coming, but that would be a flat out lie, and so I stood, keeping my eye out on the city.
"No, they don't. A little early don't you think, Adam." I turned back to face him. He was shrouded in a large dark overcoat, with the hood on its back going unused, apparently in favor of the hat on his head. He was missing the mask, and yet the dark cloth wrapped around his head acted the same in hiding his eyes. "I was under the belief you'd show up again to ambush us in Atlas, so why wait here?"
"Atlas is in lockdown, and as much as their response prides me, even my influence can only carry me so far."
"So it's that bad huh?"
"You wouldn't believe it... well, if word of mouth is anything to go by." He seemed rather relaxed for somebody facing down his enemy.
"So, is this the part where you ask me to a duel?"
"Is Weiss with you currently?" He tried, not even so much as twitching towards his blade. "I didn't see her when you walked out."
"At the moment no." I answered, internally questioning how long he knew I was here. "If I had to guess I'd say they're about a day or more behind. We... parted on some rocky terms."
"Really?" He sighed, and then chuckled. "Well, that's quite the shame." His tone softened a little. "Are you off to Atlas then?"
"And what if I am?" He gave off a curt laugh, enough to make my eyes narrow in frustration. Whatever he was playing at, I wasn't reading it - this alone was concerning.
"The kingdom's locked up. You wouldn't even make it to the gates of the dock... at least not while they believe you are who you are."
"What do you mean?"
"Vermillion, do you not recall Neo's handiwork at the Vytal Festival? Your attack on the stadium was plain for all to see."
"The general knew that was a lie, I contacted him and confirmed it so." I countered, only for a smirk to paint itself infuriatingly over his lips.
"Be that as it may, only the general and those at the festival itself would know. The CCT was knocked out, meaning the best form of communication delivered would be through physical mail. Tell me V, do you honestly believe the general would send word to every single soldier around the globe that one individual in one specified area of the world is innocent of one crime?" He let out another laugh, and calmed down afterwards. "No, of course not. Why tell the soldiers of Vacuo or the spies in Mistral that Vermillion is innocent of one particular crime? It isn't like you'd come across them anytime soon."
"Alright." I stopped him, relenting in silence. "I see your point. But certainly they'd only hold me in custody for enough time to get the general's word. Afterwards they'd let me go."
"That could take weeks, months even." He crossed his arms. "Do you really have the time to wait?"
"No... I suppose I don't." I looked him in his covered eyes. "Adam, why are you telling me this, and why haven't you challenged me yet?"
"Now why would I do that? You don't have anything I want, and you've already proven your worth to me back at Haven. You've grown up V, and honestly I can't help but feel a little proud."
"What are you planning to do then?" His tone was far too comfortable sounding to feel right, and I was sure he wanted something.
"Simple. I'm going to wait for Weiss, and challenge her. If I win, she comes with me." I felt a small tick in the back of my mind; was he insane?
"They won't let you."
"Regardless, I'm willing to keep fighting no matter how much they beat me down."
"If you do that, it won't be a simple fight anymore... you'll die, Adam." His smirk fell into an easy smile.
"Then so be it." I watched as he pulled something out from his jacket. He tossed it to me, and I found myself catching what looked to be a small card. My eyes scanned the small thing, noting how the numbers one-one-three were etched clearly across its face, just below the label 'S.D.C'.
"What is this?"
"A key, to my home." For a second my mind froze, and before the questions could even form he carried on. "Just on the outskirts of Mantle which lay right below Atlas, there is a large looking establishment owned by the S.D.C. On its own the building appears to be an ordinary mining facility, but deep within lay a door with this corresponding number. Swipe that card, and you'll be able to enter."
"What does it lead to?" I tried, only for him sigh.
"As I said, my home. V, I want you to do me a favor. Promise you'll get inside there, and set all the others free, can you do that?"
I wanted to press further; who were these 'others' and what did he mean by set them free? Were there slaves or prisoners in the place he randomly granted me access? However the look of forgotten longing present in both his face and tone during that last request had me pushing those questions aside. I'd figure it out in time anyway.
"Fine." I paused, and after a moment of focus spoke my mind again. "You're really going to die, just for the chance to get Weiss?"
"I am."
"Why?" I couldn't wrap my head around it. Even if he'd been doing this for quite the while now, I still hadn't the feintest clue as to his reasons. "What is she to you? Why do you need to capture her? Why not just speak with her, tell her whatever it is you want?"
"Sorry my friend, but I can't tell you that." He walked up, and while a part of me felt guarded I still stayed my blade. He took my hand, and pressed something into it. "Show this to the guards at the gate, and they'll tell you to meet with them. They'll get you into Atlas, or so I've been told." He stepped back, and slipped off his jacket before handing it to me. "Here, this should cover you enough to not be recognised instantly."
I took and observed it; in its current state it wouldn't fit over my attire. Thinking quickly I ripped the sleeves off, and wrapped them around the waist of it. If I couldn't wear it like a coat, then the only option was to fashion a cloak from it instead. Looking at it now, I'd probably look homeless wearing it, however it was fine so long as I didn't look too suspicious; many tended to ignore the homeless, so I didn't expect many issues. I slipped it on and stuffed what he handed me away in its inner pockets, before looking to him once again. It appeared he really was willing to meet with death, all for Weiss.
"You going to show me the way now?"
"No, you can find the way well enough I'm sure." He walked over to the clearing overlooking the city, and sat back against the nearest tree. "I think I'll wait for them; enjoy the sights one last time. Hey V?"
"Yeah?"
"If you see my buddy Saw anywhere in Atlas, tell him he's free to find his own path in life, as I have mine. You remember him right? He was my right hand in almost every mission and meeting." I did, if not for the massive weapon on his back, then by the mask that covered his entire face.
"I will." I said, receiving nothing but a steady nod from Adam before he set his sights out to the city again. Before I could leave I heard him chuckle, and as he spoke one final time I felt my soul seemingly freeze.
"I should be thanking you, you know? Had you not abandoned the Fang for Beacon, I wouldn't have taken the time to consider my decisions. All that self-doubt, all those wonderings as to why my closest allies always seemed to run away. In the end it had me considering the entirety of my life up to now, and strange as it sounds it reminded me of Weiss, of why she pulled such strong emotions in my heart. Had it not been for you, I might have forgotten my promise to her entirely, and perhaps became obsessed with Blake." He paused, and let the last words flow. "Thank you, Vermillion."
With stilted thoughts, and admittedly some caution, I slipped up the hood and walked past Adam, starting my trek downhill towards Argus.
.
.
"Hey, Gold... how are you holding up?" Ilia wasn't sure he was in the right mindset to deal with her pestering, but she couldn't just leave the man be any longer. Three days was long enough to keep locked away in your room. "Gold?"
"I'm fine, Ilia. Now can you please go, I'm tired."
"You've been tired for the past few days."
"And I still am, so leave." She did not, and rather stepped inside fully and shut the door.
"I'm sorry Gold, I really am. I know how much it hurts to lose someone you lo-"
"Shut it." His voice was heavy on the gravel, and for a bit he twitched a little with his hands. Carefully he calmed them down. "Just... just shut up. I don't need your pity, or sympathy, or whatever other bullshit you want to peddle. Leave, me, alone; I can handle this on my own."
"I-"
"Hello." Kali popped her head in, a soft look across her features as she leaned in. "Ilia dear, do you mind going down to help Dr. Oobleck with todays dinner. The kind gentlemen was tired of feeling helpless and asked to work on the meal with Ghira and I; he's..." She scratched the side of her cheek. "Having a bit of trouble."
"I..." Ilia sighed in defeat. "I suppose I can."
With that the woman held open the door, and Ilia began the march down the stairs to help with whatever troubles the once prominent teacher of Beacon had gotten himself into. For all his smarts it looked as though he wasn't quite used to the culture-shock that was Menagerie; Gold took some solace in that at least.
"Well then." Kali came in, shutting the door behind her and wandering over to take a seat next to the man. "Now that we're alone I suppose we can have a good and proper chat, don't you think?"
"I'm not really in the mood for speaking." He offered, feeling a hint of confliction as he glanced to the woman. Ilia had been rather straight forward in her attempts to 'cheer him up', and so there was no doubt in his mind that the matriarch of the Belladonna family would do the same.
"Hmm, I see." She clapped her hands. "Then I suppose I'll just talk about myself." His brow raised as she gained a chipper look. "Believe it or not, despite the initial excitement and chaos of V's little plan, the folks who went on the 'raid' as they've taken to calling it, had nothing but thanks for the boy. Apparently many were happy to see their loved one's again, even if it wasn't in the best of lights. We even have some of those who came back working to set up the new group."
"New group?" Gold wasn't expecting a 'new group', and found himself more intrigued than anything.
"Yep. It's a new organization for peace and equality... you know, because of what happened with the whole 'terrorist' angle and all." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Something I've come to learn has been kept from both Ghira and I. You wouldn't happen to have agreed with that approach, did you?"
"They deserve it." He wasn't afraid of her; heck, right now he could barely be bothered to care. "After what they've put us all through, the Humans should be forced to suffer the same."
"My, that's rather harsh, don't you think?"
"So." He threw on a taunting smile, making fun of the idea of 'true equality' itself. "They've often wished worse on us. I mean, let's be real here, the only reason the great war ended with us banished to this island was because they were upset they couldn't destroy us. If they were given a second chance to eradicate us, they'd take it in a heartbeat. Why should I care about them?"
"You've got quite the load of anger saved up." Kali crossed her arms, but strangely enough her face appeared calm - almost understanding even. "But I guess you do have a point. If they had a chance to destroy us all I know well enough many would jump at it..." Her pause was followed by an exaggerated twirl of her finger. "But, I also know many more would rise up to stand against it."
"Your point?" He knew full well that no Faunus in their right mind would simply stand by and die, and so he wondered why she looked just the tiniest bit amused.
"Not all of them would be Faunus." Her smile teetered on the edge of smug. "There are many Human's who'd stand up for us."
"And what use is a few to the many?" He shot back. "Yeah, we may have a hundred to defend us, but what good are they against the thousands who want us dead?"
"A fair point, but it's not quite accurate." Kali laid her hand on his knee, giving a few soft pats. "Rather, it's the other way around. There are more who wish to help us than not, or at least leave us alone. Only a select few truly wish us harm. It just so happens that the majority of those who cry out are those who hate us."
"Uh huh, right, then please, explain to me if you would, exactly why it makes a difference? Staying quite and watching as we're beaten down is just as bad. Why should we suffer just because most of Humanity is composed of cowards?"
"Why should they be forced into a battle they have nothing to do with?" Kali's expression was gentle in its movements, reminding Gold that he was not only speaking with a leader, but a mother. "While it is disheartening to know they're too scared to act, we have no right to drag them into danger for our own sake. Yes, their fellow man acts up, but that doesn't automatically make them responsible. However, just because they are silent doesn't mean they hate us; many are willing to help if it's in a safe and secret manner. It's why we used to see so many people online defend us when they realistically haven't done anything. They let us know they support us, but from a safe distance."
"Their cowardly desires to feel like they matter only makes things worse." Gold was not about to let Kali convince him these worthless idiots were anything other than trend hoppers. "They speak up and preach when it benefits themselves. All they care about is feeling like they've accomplished something, and then when put in a position to prove it, they blow over like leaves."
"And yet these 'leaves' are the reason we have so much vocal support. These 'leaves' are why we even managed to get Faunus into positions of power. If outcry is not quelled early on, then the threat of violence is only heightened. While the chances of these types of people acting out is low, many different groups would rather not take the risk." Kali laid out, only for Gold to knock it over.
"Oh please; power is only given to Faunus to gain support from these whiny idiots." He did his best to limit how much his teeth grit, but it was just too irritating. "Faunus are put into these seats of power as a way to 'erase' awful decisions; to calm the people down and have them forget about all the vile shit done by the monsters who control them. They don't give a rat's ass about having Faunus voices, only in making it seem like they do."
"And still these Faunus are given power. It's for the wrong reasons yes, but it still allows a Faunus the chance to make change. It isn't so simple as making it look like they have power; they give them power. While it isn't much, having a voice in governments and chairmen positions of companies, even if for superficial purposes, still allows for a chance to make change. Like it or not, these groups need to afford some thought to their Faunus co-workers views and propositions, otherwise it'd be too easy for the illusion to break." Her look grew sympathetic. "I know how evil and manipulative it is, but this is just how politics work; it's all a game of looks. They stir the people into doing what they want, and as much as they hate it, these groups are forced to concede every now and then to keep the peace and normalcy."
"And then the people settle down and forget all the horrors. I know this song and dance already." Gold spat, only to raise a brow in confusion as Kali giggled.
"That would be the logical answer, now wouldn't it?" Relaxing a little she continued. "However, people are too greedy for that. They won't stop at that, no, they'll keep pushing and prodding until they get their way. Most will want more Faunus in power, to the point where this all loops around and Faunus are in control; at which point the loop reverses again." She smirked and looked to him. "However that will take centuries."
"Why are you smiling?" She was giving out dreadful ideas, even to him. Gold wanted revenge, to deal out a well deserved justice; not to become the very thing he swore to destroy. He hated the Humans for what they've done, but he hated the idea of slavery even more. So why did she look so damn happy?
"Why? Well, it's because I've been able to watch how society has grown up from the days of old. Children are questioning why certain rules and beliefs are the way they are, and I've seen them come to understand just how superficial most hate between things like race and religion really is. I know how bad my idea about the 'looping' sounded, but that idea only works in a world that refuses to learn, and luckily for us, our world is turning away from that notion every single day. It's slow, but people are learning, and so there's no doubt in my mind that there's a chance for equality coming up fast in our future."
"There'll still be hate though." Gold offered quietly. "Even if the majority change for the better, there will still be those who hate us."
"Yes, there will be, but even so, a future where such hate is scorned is much better than one where it's accepted." Kali raised her hand from his knee, and gave him a soft pat on the cheek. "There will always be a divide between petty things like this, but so long as we can keep pressing for a brighter future, there is always hope, and hope is something universal for all; even those who've lost the warmth of its touch."
Gold watched as she pulled away and stood, giving her shoulders a quick shake before slipping on her bright, enthusiastic smile.
"Well then, I'm starting to get a little stiff sitting around. Feel free to pop down later for a snack if you're feeling it. Right now I need to make sure the others haven't set the kitchen on fire. Take care."
She shut the door on her way out, leaving the young man to stew in thought. Everything she said was, for the most part, true, and yet it did little to calm most of his worries. Even if they were headed for a brighter future, what good was it if you couldn't ever get rid of the evil? Why fight for a world that would always push back? Kali spoke the truth, but she merely explained how the world worked; something he already understood well. She never offered an answer to any of the problems, and so he shouldn't have been effected in even the slightest.
So why did he feel... weird?
Before getting to question these conflicting emotions further he stilled, there was something warm and wet on his cheek, rolling gently down hif face, towards his chin. Reaching up the boy thumbed the spot, only to see how the clear liquid dampened the skin of his thumb. It was so strange to see a fresh tear, because of all the emotions he could have felt, sadness was not the strongest; that honor belonged to confusion.
He didn't feel emotional really, and certainly not enough to bring out tears; he was just confused with everything.
"AH, PUT IT OUT PUT IT OUT PUT IT OUT!"
Ilia's voice loudly rocketed through the floor, followed by the panicked cries of Oobleck.
"SORRY SORRY, I'M GOT IT!"
Kali then chimed in.
"NOT WITH WATER! GHIRA GET THE-"
"ON IT!"
The man replied, and considering the lack of follow-up screams - coupled with the floor not smoking up - Gold assumed they quelled whatever the problem had been. Yet another weird bit if happenstance came into relevance. A human, and one he hated so personally for many many years, was down in the kitchen now with the leaders of Menagerie, cooking. Laying back onto his bed he turned over...
He needed more time to think.
.
.
As I suspected, next to no one paid any mind as I made my way through town. Every now and then I'd gain a glance or so, but nothing more than a whiff of interest before the few still out at this hour proceeded on with their doings. Be it midnight, or even one in the morning, there were always people on the streets doing something.
Several appeared to be smoking, others merely enjoying the silence of the darkness, but none were bothered as I passed by. Looking at how the city seemed to funnel downwards, I assumed this was a direct walkway to the docks, where I would get to Atlas. Within the ease of silence, my mind began to wander once more back to the others.
Assuming they took each night to camp, it would take them a little over two days for them to arrive, but supposing they did not, it would leave them only a few hours behind. I toyed with the idea of meeting them again, with my trip to Atlas being delayed just long enough for them to catch up. What would I do if such an event were to happen? I knew my current state of mind wasn't what it should have been, if the dreams and my own ignoring of Adam moments before was anything to go by.
Why... why did I let him live? Another off question, brought about by my sudden inability to raise conflict. Wasn't the plan to kill Adam and prevent whatever plan he had? And yet for some indescribable reason I couldn't muster the will to strike while he was passive. I stalled for a second, noticing my fists were tight and teeth were clenched. Allowing myself to breath I kept my stride.
He'd been right there, and yet my mind told me he'd be dead anyway, and that killing him there was a waste of time. Why take the risk anyway, what if the others could not kill him? Like a candle flickering to life in the dark, illuminating the shadow in its miniscule yet potent glow, I realized I had my answer.
"There you go, doing it again." I whispered lowly to myself, a portion of my rationale twisting in mild irritation. The others, RWBY and the rest of them; they wouldn't have killed unless forced too; something Adam was ready to face. Killing... I never had trouble guiding others to the afterlife before, and then I crossed paths with them. They saw life differently, made me feel guilt... guilt at what I had done, at the very notion of death itself. What shame was there in freeing an individual from one's suffering? Why had they worried so much about killing, especially Blake.
Ruby I could understand as her whole worldview seemed to be about doing the right thing, and while it was many times necessary, the execution of life was never right. I was fine in this notion, in this understanding that my actions were not always just. My decisions had ever been to act with anticipation, with every choice designed to provoke a certain reaction from the world; a result beneficial to whatever I required.
I could kill for the greater good, save hundreds at the cost of one, and yet I knew fully that the murder of said one was evil, regardless of how monstrous that individual may be; it was not the loss of the villain that made it evil, but the act of killing itself.
Blake was different though. She'd seen how vile people could be, how horrid many aspects of the world were. The Faunus woman had not only seen, but experienced the cruelty of Adam's rule over the terrorists; I scarcely believed she'd forget the fall of Beacon anytime soon. So why, why allow them the chance to run free, to escape and potentially kill again? My head was aching with these stirring questions, and then something whispered an answer.
Second chances... Why had that idea came to me now? I recalled an instance, a moment where I was granted such a mercy, at the hands of my lord, upon my arrival at Beacon.
Jinn claimed him a cursed man, broken by time and failure, but I would not consider such ideas before speaking with the goddess. No, rather, it was he who convinced the others to grant me that gift. I tried to kill Weiss, and yet over time she gave me a second chance. With my mind in emotional shambles I couldn't quite recall the exact instance, but at some point she just... wasn't afraid anymore.
The dance was another image to flood this theater of mistakes, and the distinct look in Blake's eyes as my hand gripped her throat. I may have seen Cinder, but knowing it was Blake after the fact seemed to have perverted this memory.
These mistakes should have erased any chances of their acceptance, and yet Ruby, the leader, still reached out to me, rather than dealing with the chaos of her team after Jinn's little show. Ruby saw and heard of me at my worst, and yet she continued to worry for me. I didn't deserve her mercy, but she handed it freely anyway.
Their kindness rivaled that of the princesses back home, but... did that really excuse the ignorance? If one let a villain escape, and that villain killed people, then aren't those deaths also on the hands of the heroes who let them go? Could one ever truly be a pure hero, one with no blood on their hands in this case?
The small whistle broke me free of these puzzles, and I noticed the gate before me.
With two guards ahead, and the large angular looking complex and series of minor buildings beyond, I assumed I'd arrived at my destination. Seeing the guard's stale militant stature, I proceeded to reach into the makeshift cloak, and took out the device.
"Hold, sir." I stilled, and noticed the guard focus more on my hooded face. It was looking like the shadows weren't enough to cover my identity as the guard recoiled in exaggerated shock. Dropping my apparent easy ticket to Atlas I was about to go for my blade, and then the guard spoke again. "Please remain here while I open the gate!"
Somewhat confused he didn't order me to surrender I ended up doing as asked, merely standing there partially ready to reach for my sword and fight, all the while the gate slowly opened.
"Please, come in." The man stepped aside, and in a small hint of confusion I did so.
"Do you... know who I am?" I tried as the man motioned for me to follow, all the while the gate shut behind me.
"We all know about you, sir." Instantly I tensed; did I just walk into a trap? "The general himself has sent out orders to all of us to keep an eye out for you."
"Really?" Okay so maybe it wasn't a trap. Still, I didn't like how this felt. If what I was assuming was about to happen, I'd get a direct ride to Atlas; this was too good to be true.
"Yes. He sent out the order right as he set the embargo into place. He requested that you are sent directly to him once found. So please, do not resist, although considering your presence at our gate, you were intending to head to Atlas anyway, were you not?"
"I was." Again, this was too good to be true, and my instincts were practically flaring with suspicion. Even so, this was a direct stroke of good fortune, even if said fortune felt disturbingly coincidental.
"Perfect." We came to an airship, and he looked to the men there. "You two, into the ship. We've got to get Vermillion here to general Ironwood as fast as possible." His head turned to another man on the side. "You, go report this to the commander at once: Black-Heart is on route to Castle."
"Sir." The man saluted and took off, and then I looked to my 'guide'.
"Black-Heart?" I kept my voice low, trying not to betray my confusion too heavily.
"General's codename for you. 'Vermillion' is a wanted criminal according to what most of the world saw. We've been told this is the general's way of keeping you under wraps until he moves on with the next step of the plan."
"And that is?"
"We haven't been permitted to know that information, but seeing as he requested your presence, I believe he may discuss such ideas with you once in Atlas." The man motioned me towards the airship. "Now then, you must be off."
"Right."
For better or worse, I was on a direct course towards the general Ironwood; the man who currently severed the kingdom's ties to the rest of the world.
.
.
Now what a convenient stroke of luck this has been~.
First, it seemed she didn't need to waste all her energy flying to Atlas with her maiden powers; turns out traveling long distances could be immensely tiring, but she at least made it to Argus.
Cinder looked over the tiny device with glee, feeling a certain satisfaction at not having to steal it back from those guards. The plan initially had been to get to Atlas for her own reasons, but to run into Adam and the still very alive Vermillion had been a stroke of luck. Turns out Adam had already secured his ticket to the frosty kingdom, and was just so generous to hand it to V.
Not only that, but the man was apparently content to die at the hands of the Schnee girl, not only scarring her with the regrets of murder and potentially weakening her mentally, but also removing himself from the picture and tying up loose ends; it seemed Cinder didn't need to perform clean-up after all. And best of all, it then turns out V didn't need the device anyway, allowing her the moment to swipe it from the ground and retreat back to the alleyways of the city while he no doubt left this stunted place behind.
With so much going her way, Cinder was more than inclined to believe this was destiny's call. It would seem she was meant to follow him to Atlas, and if that was the case, then did that not confirm her desires for power a certainty; was this not proof of her worthiness?
Oh yes, my sweet little rival. Salem was right with you... I wonder, what other secrets will you grant me; both willing, and not?
Author's note
...
Why yes, that was indeed Cinder at the end, and yes, like a racoon in the trash she scavenged her free ticket into Atlas through mere chance once more - darn that lucky gal.
Ignoring our wannabe ultimate villain, we have V taking a prominent role this time, and by prominent role I mean being dragged into more conflicts and problems both internal and out. What could the general possibly want with him to warrant the ordering of his transportation?
Gold also got a bit of a talking to, and while he received practically no answers to his worries, it seems Kali's influence is still going strong.
Until next time.