A/N: Chapter 55 of REKT. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or teams of RWBY, they belong to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. What I do own are the characters and teams of my OCs: REKT, GTSY, KACE and DAZE. I also claim Ingrid, Teo, Reina's parents and aunt as well.
Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.
Chapter 55: Walking Separate Paths
On top the tower...
"Wh-What just happened...? What was that blinding light?" Opening her eyes, Cinder glanced around confusedly and her breath became stuck in her throat. Everything seemed to be frozen in time, nothing other than her had any sign of life. Slowly getting up to her feet, she only had a minute to react before pain exploded down the left side of her face. With a yelp, she tumbled back, a hand immediately flying up to cover the damage. "Gah! What the hell!"
"Grrrrrrrrrrrr..."
"Y-You!" The fall maiden snarled, her eye finding the dark-furred, prowling predator stalking towards her. Its right claw was dripping with blood, her blood. "You damn monster...how dare you do this to my face!"
"Grrrrrrr!"
Shit, I don't have enough left within me...if I were to continue, I will honestly die. Hastily getting to her feet, she began to back up and kept her eye on the creature. When it took two steps forward, she took two steps back. They continued this game until she could feel the edge coming up, one of her heels almost falling off. Looking over, she could see the muscles bunch underneath the fur, signaling the creature's readiness to pounce.
Kill her. Kill her. She's weak...but one more blow and she'll be dead. Just do it, don't hesitate.
"Well then...I guess I'll bid you farewell to you for now. Hopefully we'll play again another time." Turning around, she jumped and disappeared. The creature rushed forward, leaning over in hopes of seeing the fleeing woman, but the dust-filled atmosphere shrouded everything from view. Snarling with frustration, it let out a noise of anger.
"What...was that? Such an inhuman sound..." Weiss frowned as she continued to run up the side of the building. Pouring more energy into her legs she made her way up and landed into a crouch. Brushing her hair back over her shoulder, she took the time to survey the battlefield. Claw marks decorated the ground, remnants of scorched rocks told her that a pyromaniac could have been present or there was a massive use of fire dust. What confused her were the different marks along the floor, either done by the dragon or another massive monster. "...what have I stumbled into?"
The dragon was as frozen as rock, the head jerked back like it had been kicked underneath the jaw. The wings and hind legs just barely hanging on to the ledge that didn't give way. Large lifeless eyes staring at nothing gave off a creeping factor that the Schnee did not like as she took tentative steps forward. All her senses were on high alert, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up.
"Cough, cough...what the hell happened? It's too thick to see...cough..." Weiss quickly covered her nose and mouth as dust continued to fill the air. Stumbling blindly through, she tried to yell out and get some kind of response back. "Ruby! Where – cough – Where are you? Answer me!"
"Rrrrrrrrgrrrrrr..."
"What was that?" Squinting her eyes, she managed to spot something not too far away. Making her way over, she almost felt her heart leap out of her mouth. This creature was massive, much bigger than an alpha, with an exquisite mask settled over the face. Bony armor went down the spine, something beowolves never had. However, her eyes immediately landed on the body located right between the muscular forearms, the familiar red-colored cape lying limp on the ground.
"R-Ruby!"
"Grrrrrrrrrr!" Ears swiveling towards the voice of the heiress, the creature bared its ivory fangs while the fur bristled a warning. Once the head turned towards her, Weiss found herself staring right into the eyes of a true monster; the creature was nothing like the beowolves she had become accustomed to. The white bone plate, outlined by prominent red lines, was painted by small shadows illuminated by the burning yellow eyes. "Grrrrrrrrr!"
"I...I don't have much energy left, but I won't let you have her without a fight!" Raising Myrtenaster up and tightening her hands around the handle, she got into an attack stance. Her eyes glowed briefly as she said, "En garde!"
Strange...I feel like she's a friend. Why...why does she sound so familiar?
She's an enemy! See the way she's drawn her weapon? She wants to fight!
But she cares for this one in the red hood! They are both familiar to me...who are they?
They're both huntresses! The very beings that slaughtered us time after time after time!
"Let Ruby go!" Flicking her wrist and summoning one speed boost glyph underneath her feet, Weiss lunged forward with the mindset of piercing the head. Sensing the attack coming, the creature quickly grabbed Ruby by the back of her cape with its teeth, dodging the strike. Putting distance between them, Ruby was gently released but Weiss watched as the monster stood between her and her target.
"So you wanna play? I'm game!" Weiss summoned a few speed glyphs to give herself an advantage, becoming a white blur. The creature curled up on itself, raising both arms to block the thrusts of Myrtenaster. The sounds of steel slamming against bony armor filled the air, the heiress trying to give herself an opening while her opponent kept its defense going.
Follow her, through scent and sound. Don't trust your eyes to follow everything.
Why isn't it fighting back? It's just standing there taking these hits! Weiss frowned and decided to attack from the front, hoping to make a force strong enough to knock her opponent off balance. Unfortunate, the wolf was waiting for her. Raising its arms into an X shape, it swung in a downward stroke, knocking the rapier out of the huntress' hands and hearing it clatter against the ground.
"Grrrrrr!"
"Ack!" Weiss reeled back from a solid headbutt to the temple, her mind slowly processing the sound of her dress being ripped to shreds from the claws a second later. Tumbling to the floor, she laid there trying to catch her breath before feeling a massive presence above her. The wolf descended upon her, its nose twitching to catch her scent. "N-No, stop!
That's right, she's defenseless. She's at your mercy. She's nothing more than a lamb to you. Take her life.
No...this can't end like this! Weiss struggled, feeling the instinct to kill radiating from the creature. She couldn't keep out a small shriek as two massive claws landed on either side of her head, keeping her from moving. She could hear her heart pounding loudly in her ear drums, so loud that even the creature could hear, the ears angled downward picking up the noise.
That's right, she's terrified. She knows she can't do anything to you. You've disarmed her. She's yours for the taking.
"I...Is this how it ends...? I'll never see everyone again...I'll never be able to see Winter." Weiss whispered, watching as the jaws opened up to reveal rows of fangs. Looking out from her peripherals, she could barely see the tips of Ruby's cape. Ruby...that dolt, I couldn't possibly let it all end here without saying a piece of my mind. She's my dolt...Yang and Blake, I'll never get to go on any more adventures with them if I die here. And...and that's what I don't want to happen!
It'll all be over in a snap. Put the poor thing out of her misery. Just bare your teeth against that exposed porcelain throat. After all, it's not every day you get to feast upon very rich blood.
"RUBY I'M SORRY!" Weiss screamed loudly, either because she was hyperventilating or she wanted to stall, but she shut her eyes quickly as the head began to descend upon her. "RUBY!"
...Ruby? The creature froze, jaws mere inches from the heiress' throat. Ruby...who's Ruby?
Why are you hesitating? Kill her! She's in your paws, don't listen to her nonsense! All the weaklings spout last minute words when they know their death is eminent.
"R-Ruby, I'm sorry for treating you badly our first year...I was mad when you were made leader, I thought I was a much better candidate. Ruby Rose...if I could turn back time, I wish I wasn't mean or hard on you when we first met!" Weiss sniffled, keeping her eyes shut tight. "I...I want to be going on more adventures with you. I want to...learn more about you, Ruby. You, Yang, and Blake...I don't want to die here."
...that's right...Ruby Rose. Did that flash of silver light come from her? Did she saved me from the dragon?
Names mean absolutely nothing! C'mon, we have to continue killing. Your meal is laying in front of you, baring herself to you almost begging to be killed. Tear her to pieces, rip her from top to bottom. Lets make a river by having her life run with blood!
No, she's...she's Weiss Schnee. I recognize her scent...We can't...I can't...
You have no choice in the matter! You have no control! You don't even know who you are!
That's right...just who am I? I...I feel like I've lost my sense of self, but...the darkness is slowly lifting.
I am auto-driving this body. I am in control. You can't win against me.
While that may be true, this is originally my body. You are just a fragment of myself.
Foolish fool!
What the hell? Is it in pain? Weiss frowned, listening to the various whimpers and snarls coming from her opponent. Opening her eyes, she watched as the wolf backpedaled. Getting up to her knees, the heiress slowly crept towards her weapon and picked it up. What is wrong with it?
"Stay back, Ice Princess!" A gruff voice spoke and Qrow fell out of the air, appearing on the scene holding out an arm to prevent Weiss from moving forward. He had his weapon out in its scythe form, instantly getting a warning snarl out of the creature. Even while having a mind war, it was well aware of a newer presence. "That's no ordinary animal...not even an ordinary Grimm I've fought."
You see? He sees you as an animal, the little girl feels it too. We're nothing to them other than the enemy.
You are corrupting me and my thoughts!
Wrong! You are corrupting yourself! Remember what I told you back then through the mirror? I. AM. YOU.
"How did you get up here so easily?" Weiss looked at the dark-haired male with a skeptical gaze. "It took me a good chunk of time by my glyphs!"
"Don't lose focus, we got another thing to worry about!" The more experience huntsman twirled his weapon above his head, pointing the tip in my direction. "We have to get Ruby back! And that thing won't let us go without putting up resistance."
Now I remember...I won't fight them. They're friends...I can't do this anymore...I'm taking back control.
What do you think you're doing?! Stop! I'm not done yet!
This is...my body and my mind. I should have a say in what I can and cannot do! You can't stifle my opinion anymore with your tainted powers!
Damn human, don't think I'll let this go. If you die...I'll forever torment you in an unending realm of darkness!
When that time comes...I'll gladly accept it! But for now...Be. Gone.
"Rrrrr...Rrrrrrby..." The noise that came out through the mouth surprised them as I broke out of my haze and got into control. Everything from pain to emotions came rushing at me and I felt overwhelmed. "Rrrrrrgh..."
"What...? Is it trying to communicate with us?" Qrow asked with confusion, but Weiss didn't acknowledge the question. She continued to stare, waiting and anticipating what would happen next.
"Wrrreisss..." The gurgle noise of my voice filtered out, getting her attention immediately at the sound of her name. One brow arched up in surprise as my jaw continued to move to formulate the words. "Wrrr...rrr...ggh..."
"...Reina?" She whispered, lowering Myrtenaster much to Qrow's horror and put it away. One step after another she walked past the elite huntsmen, tuning out his voice calling her back, until she was at least a foot away from me. "Is that...is that you?"
"Rrrrrr...Weiss..." Now that I seemed to have somewhat of control over my tongue I could pronounce her name correctly. "Weiss..."
"What happened to you? Why do you look like this?" She asked me shakily, raising a hand and placed it tentatively on the black fur. At first she was afraid what she was touching would evaporate through her fingers like smoke, but she realized she was touching actual fur. "How...?"
"Weiss, I'm scared." If the tone of voice didn't persuade her, she took notice of the ears folding flat against my head. "I...I don't know what happened. Is the fight...over?"
"Shhh shhh, I'm here." She whispered and gazed into my eyes, slightly flinching from the yellow orbs. She calmed down as I stretched my neck forward, allowing her to wrap her arms around in a hug. "I'm here in front of you. The fight's over, you're completely safe."
"We need to go. I don't...want to be here up here anymore."
"...I understand." She told me calmly. "It's painful, even for me."
"Pyrrha...we need to get Pyrrha's stuff." I turned my head to the side and she followed my line of sight to see the remaining objects belonging to the red-haired huntress. Nodding her head in understanding, Weiss went to pick up the metal while I went back to Ruby, pulling the unconscious girl into my arms.
"...here." Weiss approached with her arms full of items, the dirt still splattered over the metal surfaces. "This is all I could find...and probably the only things left."
"Have Ruby hold onto them. I won't let them fall." I told her, presenting her with the unconscious huntress in my arms. Once that was done, I knelt down and said, "Get on. I can handle the drop from this height."
"Y-You sure?"
"I promise, I won't let you die."
"Ice Princess!" Qrow – he had kept quiet throughout the entire ordeal – watched as Weiss daintily climbed onto my back and hugging her legs around my sides, holding my shoulders with both hands. "What do you think you're doing?! That's dangerous!"
"If you haven't noticed, being huntsmen and huntresses live dangerously every day. Taking this role comes with that territory. Now if you will excuse us, we're going back to the others." Seeing it as my cue to start moving, I jumped off the top without glancing back, leaving the dark-haired huntsman behind.
With the tightening grip from Weiss and her face pressed against the back of my neck, I was unfazed by the wind before landing on the ground with a loud crash. The ground no doubt crumbled underneath my feet and as I rose, I could see the other wolves pattering up to greet me. They surrounded us, acting as guards as we made our way back.
Welcome back, O Great One.
You look wonderful!
Glory and victory to you!
At the bullhead docks...
"They're back!"
"I...I don't believe it...After that flash of light, I assumed the worse had happened."
"Is that thing a real Beowolf? Never seen anything like that..."
"Larger than an Alpha for sure..."
The hushed whispering fell over the huntsmen and huntresses, watching as I walked through with Ruby in my arms and Weiss still clinging to my back. Atlesian soldiers barely batted an eyelash, never angled their weapons in my direction. I couldn't care less, letting my nose lead me to where our friends were. Ren and Nora glanced up, looks of relief crossed their faces followed by expressions of concern. Blake and Yang were nowhere to be seen, no doubt already taken to get treatment. Sun and Neptune were off to the side discussing something with Efram and Timber, all four boys looking concerned and anxious.
"Phew, looks like you got out all right huh." Kairos spoke as she limped forward, leaning on a beowolf for support. She then glanced at me and said, "Reina? There's no way..."
"I know it's a lot to take in, I myself was surprised when I went up there." Weiss said, gingerly getting off my back and sighed. I placed Ruby down by her side, gathering Pyrrha's stuff with my claws. "But...when I got up there, the dragon was frozen solid and only her and Ruby were left."
"I would assume so, but...the mask looks almost similar to the one she showcased back at your house." The faunus said with a slow head nod. "That's how I could tell it was her."
"Huh, I never noticed."
"W-Weiss?"
"Jaune!" The heiress watched as the blond stood on the sidelines, his eyes wider than the size of dinner plates. There were streaks down his face, indicating he had been crying. "Are you okay?"
"W-Where's Pyrrha? Tell me you saw her..." His voice caught in his throat as I made my way over, his legs shaking but he forced himself to stay put and not flinch. We stared at each other in silence before I pulled out Pyrrha's crown, boots, and what remained of her weapons, placing the objects in his hands.
"I'm...sorry." I spoke as the boy fell to his knees, fresh tears welling up and cascading down his cheeks. His hands were shaking uncontrollably. "I'm sorry..."
"It's not your fault...it should be mine for not being able to stop her." He said, holding the precious metals close to his chest. "Thank you...for what you could do..."
"Weiss Schnee, there you are young lady!"
Can I not catch an once of break around here?! "F-Father?!" Weiss turned around immediately, watching as her father stormed over with smoldering anger and disappointment in his eyes. Surrounding him were official Atlas guards and soldiers, no doubt showing off the immense wealth. "W-What are you doing here?!"
"Isn't it obvious? Ozpin couldn't keep you safe, and this pity school has crumbled to the ground. I'm taking you back to Atlas where you rightfully belong, where you would be safe!"
"B-But...!"
"We're leaving!" He grabbed her by the wrist and began to drag her away. "I've had enough of this nonsense!"
"Y-You're hurting me!" At the sound of her cry, I couldn't help but reach over and grab his arm. He looked to scream, but his voice fell flat when he noticed who had grabbed him. He released his hand on Weiss, who stumbled back cradling her arm.
"Y-You filthy...Unhand me at once!"
"Don't hurt, Weiss." I growled, tightening my hold to show I meant business. The other beowolves were on their guard, lips pulled back, ready at my signal to attack if need be. "Don't hurt her."
"Don't tell me how to raise my daughter! I can do whatever I want with her!"
"Reina please...It's okay." Weiss said, placing a hand on my arm that was bristling with rage. When I let her father go, she walked to his side, head lowered and avoiding his gaze. "You wanted me to come home right? Then let's go."
"Heh...that's my girl. I knew you would see to reason." He sneered, signaling for his entourage to protect his daughter. Rummaging around his coat, he pulled out a pistol and aimed it at me. "This is for grabbing me earlier, you mongrel."
BANG!
"F-Father!" Weiss screamed with horror as I fell to the ground, a smoldering hole in my chest where the dust bullet entered. She knew her father was not found of self-training and relied heavily on technology to do most of his dirty work. Little did she know, her father brought an arsenal of very powerful dust rounds. Roaring with anger, the other wolves rushed forward only to be gunned down by the soldiers.
"No...no..." Nora covered her mouth, watching as the bodies turned into dark smokes. Ren wrapped an arm around her comfortingly, keeping his gaze on the white-haired male. "Haven't we already lost enough? No more killing..."
"Why did you do that!?" Weiss screamed at her father, held back by two soldiers before she could hit him. "She's my friend! You didn't have to shoot her!"
"Friend?! That monstrosity who had the guts to lay its dirty mitts on me?! Blasphemy! That's enough out of you, young lady!" The white-haired male towered over his daughter, not even acknowledging the various range of looks from the others. "I've put up with a lot of your rebellious attitude, even holding back my distrust of allowing you to attend Beacon, but after pulling a stunt like this?! Never again! You are to never come back here, and if you do I'll punish you severely! Do I make myself clear?!"
"...yes sir." Weiss meekly replied, rubbing her wrist and followed after him towards the waiting bullhead. Before stepping foot on to the platform, she peeked over her shoulder once to look at her friends before facing forward as the compartment closed up. Taking her seat next to her father, she tuned out the whirring of the engines as the ship flew towards home.
Two mornings later...
The gun shot ended up being the last straw to crush me, well, that and I never realized just how physically and mentally exhausted I was after running amok for what Cinder did to Pyrrha. When I came around and regained consciousness, I found myself lying in a cot wrapped in a plethora of bandages so grandiose one could have mistaken me for a mummy. Pushing myself up into a sitting position, I winced and lightly placed a hand over my side.
"W-What happened...Where..." The aura lines that had been tangled up like a clusterfuck within my head slowly cleared up and revitalize my surroundings; it felt like hitting the refresh button on a scroll. Rotating my head around I came to the conclusion that I had been moved to a healing facility. Feeling a slight breeze on my neck, I realized that I wasn't wearing my scarf; the red object had been folded neatly on the table next to my scroll. "Oh...this is a nice change of pace..."
"You're awake." A voice spoke and the door opened and closed, introducing the familiar yet vaguely voice I heard from atop the tower. "Honestly I didn't think you would after taking that bullet. Be lucky the bullet didn't pierce your heart, Jacques' shaky hands missed its target. It still knocked you out, but I feel like it was out of fatigue."
"Yeah, somehow...I can't move normally if I wanted to at this very moment. Must've gone way beyond my limits... limits and restrictions I had no idea was placed upon me." I laughed warily before wincing again; any subtle movement sent pulses of pain throughout my body. After calming down and catching my breath, I asked, "Who are you?"
"The name's Qrow Branwen. You probably know me as the uncle of Ruby and Yang." Pulling up a chair, he sat next to me and continued speaking, "I...didn't realize you were the one who was with Ruby back at the tower. It just scared me for a good minute seeing her with your 'other form', and I assumed you had bad intentions."
"Even my memories are hazy. One moment I was fighting Cinder, and next I watched Pyrrha die before me...her aura snuffed out like a flickering candle. The last thing I noticed through my haze of madness was a flash of silver light." I placed my hands on my lap, trying to recount what I knew. "When everything died down, the dragon was set in stone and Cinder disappeared, leaving myself intact and Ruby faced down on the ground. You probably know the rest."
"Are you well aware of the power you possess?" Qrow questioned me, regarding my expression with sharp red eyes. "My knowledge of your family line and heritage is very limited."
"I only know so much and yet I have unearthed more questions than answers." was my reply.
"Can you tell me what you remembered?"
"I...I remembered fighting Cinder, she was definitely different since the last time we came into contact with each other. Pyrrha was off to the side, an arrow in her heel. She was so powerful, her flames stronger than usual, and she...she pinned me down. I almost died if it weren't for Pyrrha to take away Cinder's focus for a good amount of time. Throwing her off, I kept Cinder at bay while I tended to my friend. I tried to persuade her to flee, that we could stay alive if we ran...but she didn't want to."
"Breathe...don't forget to breathe." The elite huntsman said, noticing that my breathing had become irregular. "Breathe, and then continue."
"I thought...I thought I could save her, thought that breaking a physical object down into aura I could save her. But...that theory didn't work, and Cinder got out of her bindings. I was forced away from Pyrrha...and I had to watch her die in front of me." I gripped the bed sheets tightly, crumpling the material. "What happened next, was complete and utter chaos."
"...can you describe that for me?" He asked, persuading me to continue.
"It felt like a black shadow washing over me, smothering my conscious with darkness and pulling me further away. And through my haziness, I was unaware of what happened. Bits and pieces of images...sounds only rarely. What I can only assume to be Cinder's enraged form constantly weaved back and forth in front of my eyes. The last thing was a flash of silver light and everything fell silent."
"But that wasn't the end of it right?"
"I guess not. I was left in a roiling mixture of dark and light. Nothing came to me, except Weiss' voice...and the name Ruby reached through. It brought me back and I fought to regain control. Of course, this is only the first wave. I have no doubt these primal feelings will continue to come again and again."
"...sounds like a curse. And I know exactly how that feels." Qrow mumbled, nodding his head a couple of times. "In fact, I feel like my entire life has been living as a giant human curse." I knew I wanted to ask what he meant by that, but thought otherwise and decided to continue the earlier conversation.
"Once I found myself in control of my own body, I remembered carrying Ruby back. Then Jaune broke down when I gave him Pyrrha's things, and then the man in white began to hurt Weiss. I went to protect her, but she seemed...almost defeated and tired, submitting to his bidding." I turned my head to face Qrow, and asked, "Who was that man? The one who shot me?"
"That...would be none other than Jacques Schnee, the true patriarch of the Schnee family...and the sole owner of the Schnee Dust Company." Qrow growled, no doubt holding some sort of dislike and hate towards the same man as I. "Of course, I'm sure Weiss was next in line to inherit the company. After her stunt, I'm not too sure."
"Will Weiss be okay with her father?"
"Kid, I honestly couldn't tell you. I know how frustrating it can be, so I'm sorry I couldn't help you there."
"Oh okay...then any news about the tower? Or if we can use our scrolls?" I questioned him, gesturing with a head tilt to my scroll laying face down. "I'm guessing we can't based on your expression."
"Yeah, it's no use, I've tried it before. With the CCT towers down, we have no way of communicating to the outside world." Qrow turned his head at the sound of the door sliding open, watching as Kairos walked in. The faunus seemed like she barely got enough sleep, her hair disheveled and slight bags underneath her eyes. "Yo. You seem...lively."
"Don't try to sugar coat it, just tell me straight up I look like shit." She replied, taking her spot near the foot of the bed. "It's no use crying over what already happened."
"Fine...at least I tried. If you stay negative, then you'll never be satisfied with anything."
"Thank goodness you're here Kairos. What's the word?" I grabbed her attention and she breathed a sigh of relief, extremely happy that I regained consciousness. "Where are the other teams?"
"Most of the other teams have dispersed while you were out." Kairos informed me, a subtle frown taking place on her face. "Team ABRN left for Mistral, while teams NDGO and DAZE left for Vacuo alongside team KACE, since they worried about their homes; all of the team members wished us the best of luck, and wanted you to know that if any of us were ever there to hit them up."
"If we have a need to go to Vacuo, or if we're on vacation then maybe we'll take them up on their offer."
"Team GTSY plans on staying around here in Vale, helping Glynda out and whatnot in repairing Beacon. Team FNKI returned to Atlas alongside Ironwood, but Neon – the kitty faunus on roller blades – informed me that she and Flynt would try and keep in touch once the CCTS towers are back online."
"I'm glad Yang and Weiss had the opportunity to fight against them in the tournament." I said, almost smiling at the thought. The whole tournament suddenly felt like a blur to me, almost as if the matches were anything but a whimsical dream. "Any other news?"
"Not too sure where team CFVY went...neither do I have information about team SSSN." The faunus shook her head and put her scroll away, seeing that trying to send messages to anyone was quite useless. "Ruby's team...well, with Yang sent home and Weiss forcibly taken...I can't even imagine what sort of pressure is going on in Ruby's head."
"Yeah...We've all been affected in the aftermath, some more than others. We'll never forget about what happened here...ever." I grunted, removing the covers and gingerly swung my legs over the bed. "This isn't the time...for me to be bedridden."
"Woah, hold on there, kid." Qrow said, standing up to stop me by placing a hand on my shoulder. "Take it easy, you haven't fully recovered and your aura level is not up to standards yet. Trust me, you are no doubt healing bit by bit."
"I believe I'll be okay." I replied before another questioned popped into my head, the lack of aura signatures weren't easy to avoid. "Where are the boys? What else happened while I was out?"
"Efram left with Yang yesterday with who I assume to be her father; he wished for his daughter to be resting at home. Ruby was taken away with them as well. Timber...he, um...he...went after Weiss and her father twenty minutes after you had been shot. Even I lost track of him because I had been too preoccupied with things."
"He what?! By himself?! Ow ow ow ow..." I winced from my own outburst, lying back on the cot with a groan. "Loud voice and sharp movement...ughhh...not a good combo."
"He'll be fine, have a little faith in him." Kairos told me gently, resting a hand over mine. I set my other hand over hers, appreciating the little signs of affection she's done. "He has his scroll on his body...I think it's been shut off."
"Qrow told me that the CCT towers are currently unable to operate, communication between here and the rest of the world won't be happening any time soon." I sighed, rubbing my temple with a hand. "Why did Efram leave again? And why does it feel like your cheek is red...care to explain that?"
"I...asked Efram to go with Yang and keep her company. We healed well enough for travel yesterday, and tried to get as much information before hand. Ren, Nora, and Jaune were planning to accompany Ruby on her trip to Haven. Sun had his team go back home, my only guess is that he wanted to go after Blake himself."
"Wait...Blake?" I interrupted quickly, noticing that her signature was one of those either missing or very faint to pick up. Not only that, but Kairos didn't even mention her name so I was very skeptical that something bad had occurred. "What happened to her?"
"She...she actually ran away when we brought the wounded here. I caught her loitering in Yang's room, no doubt saying goodbye because Gambol Shroud was strapped to her back. We talked a bit and she looked so distraught, like she couldn't stand being in the same room as her partner. I told her that she shouldn't leave Yang behind, that she wasn't taking the blonde's feelings into consideration; that earned me a nasty hand slap to the cheek. She told me I didn't understand or knew a damn thing about her. I knew I didn't, and since she was already angry I said that she shouldn't leave without a proper note. She told me she just didn't have the heart to write."
"So did...did she not leave one? Did she vanish just like that?"
"Well...she did leave Yang a little something, hoping that she won't remove it when she wakes up." The faunus chuckled, but it wasn't one filled with happiness. "So, I passed the words onto Efram before I came to wait for you to regain your senses a day later. For now...we're the only two huntresses left here in this make-shift hospital."
"So now...how do we move on from here?" I moved to stand up, a little wobbly at first before finding my center of balance. "...the scrolls..." I glanced around frantically, feeling my heart pumping anxiously. "What about the scrolls back in our room?! The ones that had been sent to me during our time at Weiss' summer home! Where are they?"
"Scrolls? What's she talking about?" Qrow asked, but Kairos knew exactly what I was asking about.
"Efram and I grabbed those as well when we went back to assess the damage. We should be glad the dormitories weren't too out of shape, but it still wasn't pardoned from the aftermath of the fight. Efram took his and Timber's, I have mine on my person." I felt something plop on the bed and I reached out, my fingers tracing out the scroll. "And there's yours."
I'm so glad they haven't been destroyed... I gripped mine tightly and breathed out in relief. I'm so glad. After collecting myself, I said with confidence, "Then...we'll do the exact same thing. None of the other options I'm thinking of seem optimal...that or I'm blanking on any."
"You're kidding, right?" Kairos questioned, giving Qrow a look. The dark-haired male kept his mouth closed, but the gears within his mind were grinding against one another. "Splitting up? You're going to go forward with that?"
"What's wrong?"
"It's just...well...I assumed you wanted to at least the two of us to stick together."
"We're already two members short, what difference would splitting up make?" I asked back, not bothering to reign in the growl that bubbled up. Ever since I had been able to tap deep into the depths of my mind, it has been extremely sensitive. Kairos felt uncomfortable as well, noticing how the black ooze starting to bubble to the surface, taking on the shape of animal fur. "Not to mention, there's not much time left before the next attack; if Beacon fell so easily like this, imagine how the other kingdoms will follow suit. Our enemies literally got the upper hand because we weren't ready!"
"No one could have anticipated that, nobody could. And I know for sure, there won't be another attack, both sides have taken damage." She grabbed my arm and held it tight, making sure she had my full attention. "Look, all I'm saying is that we'll be even more vulnerable if we split up. The more of us there are, the easier it would be to deal with much bigger problems."
"...I know that..." Taking a couple deep breaths, I eased myself back till I was some what emotionally stable. The darkness subsided as I calmed down, hissing as it retreated. Qrow had jumped to his feet when he noticed the change, a hand hovering over the handle of his weapon. "But...sometimes, there are things one has to tackle on their own."
"Reina...I'm sorry if I upset you."
"I need to get going as soon as possible. I need to find the answers that have bubbled up through the entire ordeal." I said, hearing the strain in my voice. There was no doubt in my mind that the affects of fighting still had a burden placed on my body. "You cannot follow me to this place, I don't want you to."
"...is it because I wouldn't be welcomed? Or is it because it isn't safe?" She narrowed her eyes warily, trying to sense the excuse or the lie in my sentence. "Reina, please...whatever it is, I know I can handle it."
"No...I can't let you come with me."
"Why not? Give me a reason why I can't stay by your side!"
"If you come with me I don't know if I can protect you." I said, imagining kicking my own ass with how weak that excuse sounded out loud. "You might think you're all that, but this is uncharted territory you want to dip your feet into!"
"Hmph, I can protect myself. I'm not afraid going into the unknown." She walked up to me, stating, "Reina, I just want to be with you; my fear is not being by you, worrying about your well-being. I don't want to be far away from you, not when I know that there are threats like my sister still out there." Then she whispered, still loudly enough for me to catch, "God forbid you coming across your aunt."
"I know...and I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling the same thing as you are." I replied, turning around to grab my scroll off the table. Walking up to her and holding it out with a straight arm, I said, "Here, take this with you."
"Your scroll?" The faunus held the object delicately in her hand, her head tilted to the side in confusion. "Why would you give this to me? Wouldn't you need it in case you needed help?"
"I want you to hold onto something that would remind you of me whenever you look at it...and where I'm going, there's no such thing as a communication tower." Taking a step forward, I pulled her down gently so our foreheads touched. She took a breath, but she didn't pull away. "I'll find you, I promise. No matter where you are, I'll find a way to come back."
"...I will never forgive you if you don't." She replied, wrapping her arms around me into a tight hug. "If you break your promise...if you do..."
"...what would you do?" I whispered to her, a smile on my face. Even in this time of healing, I couldn't help myself but try and lift her spirits as well. "Think about your answer carefully."
"Don't you dare try to charm me, you little weasel...I'll kick your ass for one thing, and drag you back kicking and screaming." I snorted with laughter.
"I'll hold you to your promise." After another minute had past, we broke apart and she took her leave, her footsteps slowly disappearing down the hallway. I was left standing in the middle of the room, trying to keep everything in. For once I have never felt so alone, wishing to get my team back together so we could finish out our school year, but another prominent problem came to the forefront in my mind.
"Kid? Will you be alright?" Qrow asked me, shoving his hands in his pockets and awaited my answer. "This...couldn't have been an easy choice for you. I...never in my wildest dreams would I imagine you kids to go through such shit. You guys shouldn't be fighting this war, but...it's unfortunate."
"Neither did I. But only time will tell if we'll ever get ourselves out of the pain...My request for you is to get her to where she needs to be, that's all I ask." I replied without looking at him. He dipped his head in acknowledgment and vanished as well. Collecting my thoughts I grabbed my scarf and wound it around my neck, no longer feeling the cold against my skin. Gripping my family's scroll in hand, I exited the room with a new sense of purpose in my strides. There's only one place left for me to go to...and I'm sure he's eagerly awaiting my return.
Somewhere else...
"'A smaller, more honest soul', isn't that what you told me so long ago? It's true that a simple spark can ignite hope, and breathe fire into the hearts of the weary. The ability to derive strength from hope is undoubtedly mankind's greatest attribute. Which is why...I will focus all of my power...to snuff it out." High upon a perilous peak, a lone woman stood tall, her head tilted up so she could gaze at the moon. Her skin was a deathly pallor, covered with deep red and purple veins. She donned a very long black robe with red designs that resembled eyes, perhaps a fighting method to intimidate her foes. Her white hair was styled in a bun with six offshoots, black ornaments suspended within each and every one.
"How does it feel? Knowing that all of your time and effort has been for nothing. That your guardians have failed you. That everything you've built, will be torn down before your very eyes. Your faith in mankind was not misplaced, you've shown me that time and time again. When banded together and unified by a common enemy...they are a noticeable threat."
"But divide them and make them feel small and helpless...places unimaginable doubt within their minds. Any semblance of power they once held will be washed away. It's obvious gradual at first, but like you they'll cling to their fleeting hope. Their one thread of aspirations, dreams, and even the will to live. I implore you to drill this in your head, that I'm not done; this is only the very beginning. You can send your guardians...your mere huntsmen and huntresses against my beasts of the night. When your humans ultimately fail and you turn to your smaller soul, know that you send her to the same, pitiful demise."
"This is the beginning of the end, Ozpin...and I can't wait to see you burn." Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself to smile, basking within the moon's red tint light. "Aaaah...a change in this war is just over the horizon. And I feel joy for the very first time in years. It's so...unnatural, even my skin crawls."
"Up here lost in one of your monologues again, Salem?" A voice drawled from behind her, almost questioning the woman's motive. "Knowing you, you actually enjoy voicing your thoughts out loud for everyone to hear."
"Raisa...so wonderful of you to join me." Salem said, turning her head slightly to address the other woman riding in on a beowolf. The creature knelt before its mistress, waiting for its rider to hope off before backing away. "How was your trip? Did you find who you've been searching for?"
"I must thank you for your many eyes, without them I wouldn't have thought he was hiding all the way out there." Raisa replied, staring up at the shattered moon in a thoughtful manner. "In fact, he did very well concealing his scent from me. But it's been done and everything is in order."
"Of course. After all, the Raylan family had been a...prominent threat brewing over the horizon. It was only a matter of time before they came crashing down, and I'm so happy you were the one to do that. You've been a very important player, I'm so glad you came to me all those years back."
"However, one threat still remains out there. She continues to allude me, even with all those grimm you've sent her way." Raisa growled. "She was skeptical with the Giant Nevermore, but that was about it. Must be because you've sent your other puppets to engage in battle, putting issues one after the other in her head."
"How unfortunate." The grimm mother spoke tersely, waving a hand in the air with dismissal. "You know how those children are. Once they're having their fun, they won't stop until everything is completed."
"True...after watching the fall of Beacon, I have a pretty good idea of where she's heading to next. There's absolutely nothing left, she will run with her tail between her legs."
"Oh? Is that so?" Salem's red eyes glowed with utmost interest and she turned to look at her comrade, hands folded in front of her. "And where exactly is your little girl running off to?"
"She's running back to dear old daddy." Raisa's eyes gleamed with knowing, a malicious smirk making itself known on her face. The angle at which the moon hit her face made it seem as though she had two personalities going at the same time: one half illuminated by the light and the other shrouded by the purest of shadows. "I believe she's in for quite a shock...and I can't wait to see just how far down she's willing to fall until she's beyond broken. And when she does reach her lowest point, she'll be begging for me to put her out of her misery."
A/N: V3 finally finished. V4 is going to a bit different because I think the cannon volume itself was shown out of order (I don't even know, the idea of time was thrown everywhere). I am planning on writing out the timeskip and what each characters are going through for 6-8 months. Next chapter is going to start off with Weiss' story.
