New Adventure
At Beacon Academy, Glynda was a little frustrated. Okay, scratch that, she was beginning to have a breakdown. Beacon was finally rebuilt, but as long as that titan was making itself at home where the CCT tower used to be at, the Council of Vale refused to allow classes to resume. Not that the newly named headmistress complained about it, for she too was worried about what the titan might do if some students tried to…annoy it.
Of course, that wasn't the only problem Glynda faced. Atlas recalled all the personnel they had in Vale, including the technicians who were supposed to be seeing about the temporary system being set up. Fortunately, some of them defied the order and stayed behind to make that back up regardless.
This was one of the few things that staved off Glynda from a full mental breakdown. Considering how much work she had to put in not only using her semblance to rebuild the destroyed parts of the Academy, but also all the stress that came with being the headmistress of the school. And she thought Ozpin shoved 80 % of his work on her. Now she figured it was probably around 40 %. But now, she was relaxing in her office with a nice cup of tea in hand. Until she felt a slight tremor going off. Deciding to shrug it off, Glynda brought the cup of aromatic goodness to her mouth before taking a sip. Only for a slightly stronger tremor to make her spill some of the tea on her blouse instead.
"What is going on!?" Glynda cried out in frustration of her time of rest and relaxation being interrupted.
"Glynda!" Shouted Oobleck who barged into the headmistress' office. "The titan is moving!"
"What?!" Glynda shouted out in surprise before running past the history teacher to the courtyard to see for herself.
As soon as Glynda reached the courtyard, she could see that the titan had finally moved off of its perch on top the tower's ruined base and was lumbering towards the Beacon airpads where she knew that the remaining Atlas technicians were trying to set up a temporary system.
"No, no, no." Glynda muttered in worry as she started running to where the titan was lumbering. The Alrestian began moving faster and faster. Then Glynda stopped when the titan spread its wings. "Is it…leaving?" Glynda thought with an incredulous look. The Grimm activity had dropped to almost non-existent and the city of Vale was finally settling down to a routine with many professional huntsmen now patrolling the streets daily. And Beacon hadn't been approached by Grimm for weeks now.
When the titan finally rose off the ground, the technicians were startled by it but were otherwise fine. The large flying landmass in the shape of a bird with a tail then circled around Beacon once before flying away.
"Where do you think it's going?" Oobleck asked from behind Glynda, almost startling the Goodwitch.
Almost being the keyword. "…I have no idea," Glynda said as she watched the titan flying further and further away. Then the thing opened fire upon Emerald forest. "What is it doing?"
"Most likely firing upon pockets of Grimm it passed over," answered Adenine who had also arrived.
Which allowed the two to ask some questions. "Adenine, do you know where the titan might be going?" Glynda started with the obvious one.
The book lady shrugged before having a thoughtful look, "The only thing I can tell you is that it appears to be heading north."
"Why would it go there?" Oobleck then asked with an inquisitive look.
"Your guess is as good as mine Barty," Adenine said almost apologetically, "All I can say is that now the Council has no reason to think that the titan is in the way."
Glynda almost chuckled at hearing that bit of good news. "I suppose," the Goodwitch said with a small smile at things beginning to look up…for now. More importantly, "The technicians said that if they could get their equipment near the ruins of the tower, they could use it's salvaged mainframe to set up the new system faster. "Time to see that they do." With those words, Glynda strutted to the technicians who were recovering from their startle by now.
It was nighttime and a breach opened some ways off the ground before a group of people were spat out of it and landed on a heap.
"Is everyone okay," Ruby asked quickly as she was trying to scramble to her feet. But it was hard because Roze was on top of her. Though the reaper Blade quickly removed himself.
"No, I landed on something hard," Yang complained alongside Tora. While Penny was looking at what they landed on.
"Get…OFF OF ME!" Roared Dragunov who got up and threw the three freeloaders off of his back.
"Master!" Kos-Mos called out in monotonic concern…somehow.
"Dammit, where are we?" Qrow asked as he took a look around where they were.
"This place…looks like some kind of outdoor theater," Weiss commented as she looked at what seemed to be multiple seats for an audience and stairs that led to them.
"Indeed," Aizen added in, eyes briefly locked onto what looked to be a VIP seat.
"Did Salem bring us here?" Yang then asked, remembering how Salem had the power to open breaches they just saw.
"Rex…isn't this place?" Pyra sounded out in slight disbelief.
"The Olethro Playhouse," Rex said in equal disbelief, "I…don't believe it." A smile quickly broke on his face. Before quickly looking behind them to see the thing that confirmed it. Vandham's gravestone.
"You guys know what this place is?" Jaune asked Rex before his eyes fell to the same direction the salvager's did. "What is that!?"
At that exclamation everyone looked out to the source of the exclamation.
"Are we above the clouds?" Blake asked in disbelief.
"No, my lady." Nox showed on his scroll, "That is the Cloud Sea." Indeed, what they all saw was what looked like an endless sea of clouds.
"Guys is that mountain moving?" Nora then asked about the landmass in front of them.
"Nora don't be ridiculous," Weiss commented as she looked to the said landmass. Then her face morphed into disbelief. "It is moving!" the former heiress exclaimed at the sight of the rock slowly moving up and down. "But…how is that even possible?!" That scream was accompanied by the fact that she briefly saw mountain in shape of a whale's tail emerging briefly before submerging under the clouds.
"Because we are on the back of the Urayan titan," Azurda piped up from Rex's helmet.
"Uraya?" Blake questioned, "As in, the Kingdom of Uraya?"
"You know about this place Blake," Ruby asked with a curious look.
"Nia told me about this place…but that means," Blake said as her eyes widened, "Someone pinch me!"
"What the heck is this place?" Jaune then exclaimed aloud.
"I'm glad you asked," Zeke said with a grin as he moved in front of everyone before spreading his arms wide. "People from the world of Remnant! I Zeke Von Genbu have the privilege to be the first in Alrest to tell you this, welcome to the world of Alrest!" Zeke said with grandeur.
Mòrag smiled a little at Zeke's antics. "As Zeke here said, it appears that breach has taken us back to Alrest," the Special Inquisitor chose to confirm, although she looked slightly worried about something.
"This is great!" Rex cheered, "Now we can go to Tantal and gain access to the World Tree!"
"What's World Tree?" Oscar asked, being the only one who has never heard of it.
"That is the world tree," Roze replied while pointing to a particular direction. Which caused everyone to look to the distance to see what looked like a huge tree growing from the clouds and into the sky. The top of the tree glowing with odd green lights.
"Whoa." Was the universal thought of the Remnans. As for their Blades, while this is the first time any of them has seen the World Tree, it still felt familiar to all of them.
"The question is, what will you guys do now?" Nia then asked the important question.
Something that reminded everyone about the problem that came with being snatched into this world.
"…We can't get to Atlas now," Weiss said, not sure if she should feel disappointed or overjoyed.
"What if Salem gets the rest of the relics while we are here?" Joana asked in worry.
"She can't get the relic in Beacon," Talos denied instantly.
"And the other two," Otohime chimed in, "Can you safely say that Salem is unable to get her hands on them?"
"…No." Talos admitted.
"Did Salem send us here to get us out of the way?" Electra then asked in worry.
"I don't think this was Salem's doing," Pyra then piped up earning everyone's attention.
"Who else could it have been?" Nia asked, also wondering why Salem would send them here after apparently trying to kidnap Pyra.
"I think," The red-haired Aegis said nervously, "I think it was father."
"Father?" was the universal question among the Remnans.
"You mean the Architect," Nia questioned in disbelief, "Why would he do anything now while this whole world has been suffering for who knows how long?"
"I…don't know," Pyra admitted, "Father may have created us, but I don't know what he's thinking."
"Maybe the Architect wants to see us?" Roze theorized.
At that moment Ozpin got control. "What makes you say that Mr. Roze?"
"…Because why else would he bring all of us here instead of just Rex and his friends?" Roze replied back.
"Maybe Roze's right," Ruby said surprising everyone, "Maybe the Architect wants to see what kind of people inhabit Remnant. Maybe we should go and visit."
"Ruby, we don't even know how to get to the Architect," Qrow argued back.
"But we do," Rex said, earning everyone's attention, "We were actually going to get to the Kingdom of Tantal to gain access to the World Tree before that breach took us. You guys could come with us."
"Are you sure that is wise?" Joana questioned.
"I mean, we don't even know if this Architect is a good god or a bad god," Qrow added in.
"We still need to stop Malos," Wulfric piped up, "Now that we're here once again."
"I suppose, but first we need to return to Indol," Brighid then spoke up, "I doubt our absence has gone unnoticed."
Then Mòrag took over, "Not to mention we may have to speak to the Praetor about your presence." No one noticed Pyra looking a little down in worry.
"How are we going to get Talos there," Nia then piped up, earning everyone's attention, "The Praetorium isn't exactly…tolerant of Flesh Eaters."
"They're not?" Talos asked now worried.
"We may need to cover sir Talos' Core Crystal somehow," Dromarch added in with a frown on his feline features.
Ozpin also stepped forward, "Before we discuss going, we need to decide if-" "Mòrag!" was the shout that interrupted everyone. Turning to what they assume is the entrance to this place a Blade in white outfit and pink gems across her body had entered. "You're back!" the woman shouted out before practically running towards them.
"Nice to see you too, Agate," Mòrag replied in amusement as the prospector Blade reached them.
"Greetings, Miss Agate," Aegaeon greeted the fellow Blade with a bow, "My name is Aegaeon. And it seems I am the most recent Blade to join lady Mòrag's team."
"Oh, hello there," Agate greeted the new Blade, before then turning to the Remnans. "What happened while you were gone?"
So, after a round of introductions and explaining where the Mòrag and the others were at, Agate in turn explained what had happened in their absence.
Mòrag and Brighid smiled at hearing that Niall hadn't given up on either of them. More importantly the tensions between Mor Ardain and Uraya has remained pretty much the same. Not ideal, but preferable to the alternative.
"I'm glad things haven't gotten worse since our…disappearance," Mòrag said with a small relieved smile.
"But what about Malos?" Rex then asked.
"No one has heard from him," Agate explained easily, "As far as anyone at Garfront knows anyway."
At that moment, Pyra was replaced by Mythra. "I guess it's true, if Malos could have gotten to the World Tree by himself, he would have already done it." Then the blonde Aegis looked worried, "Unless he found a way to get past Ophion."
"Who's Ophion?" Nora was the first to ask.
"An Artifice that attacks anyone who tries to approach the World Tree," Mythra explained.
"According to the Praetor, the people of Tantal somehow created the Great Rift around the World Tree, preventing normal ships from entering," Rex then added in, remembering their attempt.
"And airships would still have to deal with Ophion," Nia added in with a small scowl, "Which means that unless Malos has something that can beat it, then he's not getting there any easier than we did."
"…We should help them," Ruby then said
"Ruby," Weiss sounded out unsurely.
"Think about it guys," Ruby said before anyone could interfere, "If the Architect did bring us here then he must have a reason for all of us to be here. Rex and the others are going there, so wouldn't it make sense if we went there too?"
"Ruby we don't know if this Architect is even real," Qrow instantly rebutted, "And even if he was, he could be an evil god."
"Ruby's reasoning is logical," Kos-Mos interjected, "While I need more data to confirm this, Architect might be your only answer of returning to Remnant."
"And he might even tell us why Salem has the power to open breaches," Penny added in, "Regardless, I go where ever friend Ruby goes to."
Ozpin had a small frown at this, "It's nice that you're willing to help but-" "They helped us," Ren interrupted, "It's only fair that we do the same."
"Yeah!" Nora added in, "Besides, we're the first Remnans to be in a different world, this calls for…an ADVENTURE!" Nora made a jump at the last part, raising her hands high. Electra following her Driver's example, sharing the excitement.
"She's not wrong," Yang added in as she picked Bumblebee upright. The bike having been sucked with them along with all of their belongings. "I wanna see what kind of place this is."
"I agree," Blake added in, trying to reign in her excitement of seeing the kingdom of Alrest equivalent of Faunus.
"It's not like we have any better ideas," Jaune admitted too, also feeling excitement of seeing new places.
"Indeed," Aizen chimed in. Earning a surprised look from Weiss and Dahlia. "Don't look so surprised Miss Schnee." the nobleman Blade had an amused look, "The way I see it, we have no choice but to follow Miss Rose's plan. Unless someone can suggest a different one."
Qrow clearly wanted to say something but he came up with nothing. What could they hope to accomplish without any knowledge of how they got here?
"So, what should we do then," Dahlia then asked the important question, "Or more accurately, what are you guys planning to do?"
It was Rex who decided to answer, "We were planning to go to Tantal to get a path to the World Tree, then we will climb the World Tree to Elysium."
"Friends hope Zeke can get Zeke's dadapon make way," Tora added in.
This reminded most of the Remnans that Zeke is supposed to be a prince. And the prince of the place they were supposed to get access to the World Tree from. How convenient.
"Well, we should go to the docks and see about getting a ship to the Praetorium," Zeke said with a slight frown, "After all, we were supposed to have a ship there to take us to Tantal."
"Sounds like a plan," Yang said with a small grin, "Although…can we take a bit of a scenic route? I wanna see what kind of place we're in."
"I'm sure we can have the time," Pandoria said with a smile.
"Yay!" Ruby, Nora and Electra cheered.
"Sensational!" Penny joined her friends.
With that, the group was escorted by the Alrestians to the entrance tunnel that led to the Playhouse. Although Rex, Pyra, Tora, Poppi, Nia and Dromarch payed their respects at Vandham's grave first. As did Roc who despite no longer remembering his former Driver figured that there was a reason for the way everyone who knew the man talked about him.
On the other side of the tunnel was a wide area with old looking stone structures and a wide set of stairs.
"How old is this place?" Penny asked as she looked around like she was scanning the structures.
"The Kingdom of Uraya has been around Alrest for almost as long as Mor Ardain," Mòrag explained, "Supposedly, these ruins were once frequently visited by the highest of nobility both in and out of the Kingdom in the olden days."
"Why isn't it being used now?" Weiss asked, feeling that it was a bit of a waste for such a magnificent place not being used.
"That I'm afraid I don't know," Mòrag admitted.
"Doctor Oobleck would go crazy at the sight of this," Ruby commented with a light giggle at the image of the history teacher zipping around this place in awe.
A mental image that everyone else who knew the good doctor shared to varying levels of amusement.
Shortly after, the gang made it to a doorway that led to what looked like the longest stairs in the history of stairs. "We're supposed to climb down these," Nora whined a little at the sight.
"Or, we could slide down the waterways," Zeke suggested with a grin while pointing at one of the waterways flowing down on the sides of the stairs.
"No!" Ren, Otohime, Pyra, Qrow, and Pandoria denied in unison.
"It's too dangerous," Pyra said.
"I agree," Otohime added in.
"I can't even see the bottom," Qrow commented while barely seeing that there is what looks like a staircase at the bottom with another set of stairs that led further down.
"Pulling Bumblebee down that is gonna be a pain," Yang commented with a frown. Of course, they couldn't leave the bike or any of their bags that came with them.
"I can carry it down if you want," Dragunov offered off-handedly.
"If you'd like," Yang said feeling a bit grateful. With that, Dragunov hoisted the robust bike over his right shoulder. With everyone backing away from him for the moment.
"Let's go!" Nora shouted as she jumped on the left waterway to slide it down.
"Nora! No!" Ren shouted in distress as the carrot top slid down in maniacal glee.
"...I regret every decision in my life that has led me to this moment," Otohime said dryly as she began to slowly descend the steps. Ren practically running after.
"I wanna go too!" Electra screamed cheerfully as she moved to jump on the right waterway. Only to feel a yank on her skirt that toppled her on her butt. Dromarch had bit down on the skirt and pulled the little girl away.
"You are not sliding that dangerous thing down," Dromarch said in a tone a parent would use on a misbehaving child.
"No fair!" Electra pouted.
"I agree with sir Dromarch," Joana joined in, "I do hope that your Driver does not share the fate of an insect against windshield."
That mental image caused everyone to run down to prevent still hollering Nora from potentially getting splattered. She does have her Aura but you never know with her.
Now, the gang had reached the bottom of the stairs. The very bottom that had a large doorway outside. And at the wall next to it, was Nora who had peeled herself off of the said wall. The said wall now having a person shaped indention.
"…How did you even get all the way down?" Weiss asked, seeing as there were multiple staircases where one set of waterways end and a new one begins.
"By jumping, duh," Nora commented before her face fell upon still pouting Electra. "What's wrong Electra?"
"They wouldn't let me slide," Electra complained.
As Nora began berating her friends for not letting the little girl have fun, Mòrag and her Blades sweatdropped.
"Is this normal with them?" Agate asked with an apprehensive look.
"As far as Nora is concerned, yes," Mòrag said with a sigh.
"And you thought Rex and Nia are children," Brighid couldn't help saying with a highly amused look. This earned a chuckle from the blue clad Blade's Driver.
"Excuse me," Zeke then called out, ending the slowly escalating verbal debate. "If you guys would kindly look outside, you would see Fonsa Myma, the capital of the Kingdom of Uraya."
As soon as the one eyed Driver said that, Ruby practically dashed through the doorway. "Ruby, wait!" Weiss shouted after her excitable team leader, "Urgh! Dolt." And then she followed. With everyone else getting through to see that Ruby had stopped some ways away from an all new set of stairs with an archway.
"This is…AWESOME!" Ruby cried out at the sights.
It appeared they were at one of the highest points in the city itself. And in the distance, she could see trees with leaves that reminded her a little of Forever Fall…If the leaves on the trees at the red leafed forest glowed.
"It's…beautiful," Weiss also marveled at the sights alongside Dahlia. Even Aizen looked like he was appreciating the view.
"Whoa." Was all Yang had to say as she was just staring around until looking up at what she thought was a ceiling at the top, but all she saw were stone arches and the nightsky. "How is that possible?" Yang asked while Dragunov gingerly put Bumblebee down.
"The back of the Urayan titan is translucent," Roc explained, "Because of that, the nightsky can be seen, as well as daylight that filters through during the day."
"Whoooa," Nora drawled out at the sights alongside Electra.
Even Penny was taken back by this natural sight that doesn't exist on Remnant. Kos-Mos gave no comments.
Even Qrow found himself smiling at the new place. That the kids were now gushing over. Until his eyes fell on people dressed in bulky looking armor. City watch perhaps. But what worried the veteran huntsman was the fact that they seemed to be whispering amongst themselves while pointing at them. This could be trouble.
"Hey, you," one of the Urayan guards called out as him and four others approached them. "The salvager kid, are you the Driver of the Aegis?"
"Uh…well that's." Rex said unsurely.
"Would there a problem if he was, officer?" Qrow tried diplomatically.
"No, we just heard that the Aegis Driver disappeared into one of those breaches," The guard replied, "It would be good news if he has come back."
"Yes, Rex is my Driver," Pyra said, stepping forward so the guards could see her.
"The emerald Core Crystal," another guard said in slight awe, "No mistaking it, you're the Aegis."
"The Queen will be happy to hear this news," third one said.
"Did something happen?" Rex asked in worry.
"Oh no," the first guard said quickly, "It's just... things have looked bleak but having the Driver of the Aegis with us fills us with hope for the future.
The Remnans were surprised to hear this. They knew that Pyra and Mythra are supposed to be the most powerful Blade in Alrest, but the way these guards talked about it sounded like Rex was some kind of savior.
"And I thought I was the one with pressure," Ruby thought, now feeling a little bad for teasing Rex occasionally.
"Still, it would have been nice if you weren't accompanied by such…questionable people," the fourth guard said while turning his head towards Blake.
The cat faunus had a horrified look at being called questionable. Nox looked about ready to rip some throats while everyone else from Remnant looked to be surprised.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Weiss asked with a small glare at the guard.
"Just that I don't like backstabbing cowards," the fourth guard said with clear disdain in his voice. No doubt he was also sneering under that helmet.
"But Blake hasn't done anything to you," Yang immediately said.
"Yeah, what gives you the right to insult her without even knowing her?" Nora added in, ready to bust some heads. Fortunately, Ren and Jaune each grabbed a shoulder in an attempt to restrain the hammerer if needed.
The guards looked between each other, before the fifth one spoke, "Lady, we're talking about her." At that the last guard pointed behind Blake, causing everyone to turn to see…Mòrag.
The Special Inquisitor of Mor Ardain let out a tired sigh. "I do not seek trouble," Mòrag started explaining, "I merely seek to help the Aegis Driver in his quest."
"Right," The fourth guard said sarcastically, "And I'm Queen Raqura."
This earned the guard a bonk on the helmet from the first guard's spear-like weapon. Except instead of a spearhead, it had what looked like twin cylinders at the tip. A ranged weapon perhaps. "Jokes like that aren't appreciated," the first guard said in clear disapproval, "You want the commander to put you through the Gauntlet?" The threat made the fourth guard visibly stiffen.
At that moment Ruby decided to pipe up, "But Mòrag hasn't-" "Ruby, it's fine," Mòrag quickly interrupted. The Special Inquisitor stepped forward, with the guards looking a little tenser.
"I understand that our failure to keep a weapon we excavated out of terrorist hands cost lives of many of your fellow soldiers, but as I said, I do not seek a fight," Mòrag explained herself again, "I merely wish to help escorting the Driver of the Aegis to Indol so that I can assist him to the World Tree. I believe this course of action to benefit both of our people."
The guards looked amongst themselves. Clearly contemplating the words.
"Very well," the first guard said, "But at this hour, no ships will depart to Indol. You would be better off going to the inn for the night."
"You have my gratitude," Mòrag said with a dip of her head.
"Don't misunderstand," the second guard said neutrally, "We don't really want a war, and the Queen herself has declared not to engage Ardainians unless we are attacked first. But there may very well be those who want revenge. Just…watch yourself."
"Your advice is appreciated," Mòrag accepted the reasoning, seeing as at least two of the guards don't want a fight to break out.
"Move along then," the third guard said before all five of them returned to their duties. The ones that didn't like Mòrag more reluctantly than the ones that didn't.
"What was that about?" Blake asked, now wondering why two of those guards had such hate for Mòrag.
"Agate told us that the tension between Uraya and Mor Ardain has remained stable for now," Brighid chose to explain, "Unfortunately that tension has brought the two nations to a brink of war."
"But…why?" Blake asked.
Nia decided to take over, "I don't know the details but Mor Ardain and Uraya have a bit of a history. The fact that Mòrag is the Special Inquisitor is worse."
"Are you alright, Miss Ladair?" Oscar asked seeing that the woman looked just a little down.
"It's fine," Mòrag said simply, "It would be foolish to think that no one in Uraya would hold a grudge against the empire, and by extension myself."
"It's not fair," Penny commented on it.
"No, it isn't," Azurda replied from Rex's helmet. "But that is the unfortunate way of things," the small titan said.
"I believe we should be going to the inn now," Aegaeon butted in, "This is no place for us to stand idly at."
"But we're not tired," Nora complained with a grumble.
"Nora, at this time I doubt there's anything to do in this city," Ren butted in.
"Unless someone wants to camp outdoors," Dragunov added in with a grin.
Everyone agreed that they didn't want to spend time outdoors at night. Which reminded Weiss to check her Scroll for the time. Sure enough, it showed 11:17 am. About an hour had passed since they went out of the house…at least in Remnant time. "Sorry if I sound stupid for asking, but does Alrest have clocks?" Weiss asked, "My Scroll shows only Remnant time."
As everyone else was also checking their Scrolls to confirm the time, Zeke chose to answer, "Of course we do. There should be one at the Inn at the very least."
"To the Inn, guys," Ruby said cheerfully before turning to a staircase left of the gate to Olethro Ruins they were in front of.
"Uhh…Ruby." the girl in question turned to Rex who had a sheepish look. "The Inn is that way," Rex said while pointing his thumb at the stairs opposite of the ones Ruby planned to go to.
"Sorry," Ruby said with an embarrassed blush. "Umm…you guys lead the way." Poor Ruby now felt highly embarrassed at not realizing that Rex and the gang would probably know.
"Ruby, dum dum," Tora commented, earning a small round of laughter at the embarrassed reaper's expense.
"Come on Ruby, everyone makes mistakes," Yang said with an amused grin which didn't help at all.
"To the Inn everyone," Rex then said as he took the lead.
On their way downstairs, the gang took in the sights of several buildings. And the streets were empty, aside from a few guards that were stationed here and there. Not to mention what the Remnans assume to be shopping stalls that were currently empty of wares. As for Talos, he was carrying several bags in a way that allowed the shoulder straps to crisscross over his bloodstained Core, effectively covering it.
Once the gang had reached the inn, they were greeted by a tired looking receptionist. "Welcome to Folmarie Inn," the receptionist greeted with a welcoming smile, "My, quite a crowd at this time of night."
"You could say we dropped by a little unexpectedly," Zeke said easily, earning various looks from everyone else, "Anyway, got any rooms until morning?"
The receptionist chuckled, "It's…3:57. So unless you need beds there is no real need for you to have rooms. Though your patronage would be appreciated none the less."
"Great. Any available rooms would do," Rex said with a smile.
"I recommend our two largest rooms," the receptionist offered, "When were you planning to leave?"
"As soon as we find a ship to Indol," Nia explained.
"Indol you say," the receptionist said in mild surprise, "Then you're out of luck. I heard that the next ship would leave the day after tomorrow."
"Great," Nia complained a little, "Guess we'll be staying here until then."
"This inn is adequate enough for a temporary lodging," Dagas commented with his usual frown.
"So, how much is the cost for three nights," Rex then asked.
"Let's see," the receptionist said as he did a quick headcount before pausing upon Weiss, "Pardon my rudeness miss, but are you a Blade by any chance?"
"What?" Weiss was baffled, not even sure why the man asked that.
"Weiss is my Driver," Dahlia decided to butt in, "Why would you think otherwise?"
The receptionist seemed to take a closer look which made the former heiress a tad uncomfortable. "My apologies, I thought that brooch was a Core Crystal," the receptionist said sheepishly, "Also, I hope I don't sound rude, but beauty such as yours is rare among humans."
"…Thank you," Weiss said, feeling a tad uncomfortable for some reason. Of course, the fact that "human" meant any civilized race in Alrest slipped her mind at that moment.
"Anyway," The receptionist continued, "…That would be 6700 gold in total."
The Remnans looked between each other, not sure if that was a lot of money or not.
"Isn't that two nights total?" Rex asked with a surprised look," the prices were quite fair for a group as large as theirs.
"It is, but seeing as there are no reservations, I see no problem letting you all have this morning for free," the receptionist said with a smile.
"Thank you so much," Rex thanked with a wide smile.
"Thank you for your kindness," Pyra also felt the need to thank. Everyone else also gave various signs of gratitude.
"Just so you know, breakfast is included in the price," the receptionist added with a small smile.
"Alright!" Ruby, Nora and Tora cheered.
With that, the receptionist gave them each a key after the Alrest crew paid the expenses.
Which is why the gang was now in one of the large rooms to have a meeting.
"Sorry for making you guys waste money on us," Jaune apologized for the Alrestians paying for their expenses.
"It's alright," Rex said reassuringly, "You guys also spent your money for us, it's only fair."
"But how are we gonna get them on the ship," Nia grumbled in thought, "Unlike this inn, those are gonna charge Blades too."
"And our current funds aren't enough for that," Dromarch added in with a frown, "We would need a way to make some money."
"We could ask from Garfront," Roc suggested.
"No." Rex instantly denied, "We're not using their funds for our personal business."
"Well if you have a different idea, then I'm all ears," Roc said while crossing his arms.
"I do have an idea," Brighid said with a small smile.
"You do?" Mòrag raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, one that I believe Yang can help with," the Jewel of Mor Ardain then directed a meaningful look to the blonde brawler.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Yang asked in suspicion.
"You…" Azurda gasped, having come out of Rex's helmet to sit on a table, "You don't mean…her body?"
"WHAT?!" Yang screamed in righteous indignation. "I am NOT doing that!" Yang shouted in fury.
"Brighid…I thought you of all people wouldn't suggest that," Dragunov growled.
Qrow also glared at the blue haired Blade at suggesting his niece to do…that. While this happened, Rex chopped at the small titan's head with his hand.
"Oh no, nothing like that," Brighid said, with a shameless chuckle, "I'm sorry, I meant that Yang would convince Dragunov to make us some money."
"What?" Was the universal reaction, before Mòrag and Pyra had looks of realization on their faces. While Dragunov had a worried look.
"Something like this," Brighid said before pulling out a large blue jewel.
"Whoa." Nora said in awe at the sight of the large gem. The other Remnans looked surprised too.
But it was Dragunov's dropped jaw that made everyone wonder what was going on. "Where did you get that?!" the draconic Blade all but demanded.
"We got this from a Tirkin," Brighid explained with a smirk at Dragunov's discomfort.
"Were you planning to sell that?" Oscar asked innocently, wondering how much that gem is worth.
"Over my dead body!" Dragunov roared. Which was followed by someone beating on the wall.
"Shut up in there!"
"Sorry," Dahlia called out loudly, before turning to the fire Blade of RWBY. "What's wrong with you?"
"This is Water Dragunite," Brighid began explaining instead, much to the approval of Mythra. "One of the eight gems known as Elemental Dragunites that Dragunov created centuries ago."
At that part, everyone stared at Dragunov who looked like he wanted to kill someone.
"Draggie can make precious stones?!" Tora exclaimed with a shocked look.
"So, you were the one who created that gem," Agate added in with a surprised look.
"Guess the jig's up," Yang said with a sympathetic look, which earned the attention of her friends.
"You knew about this?" Was what Jaune asked first.
"He slipped on the Fire Dragunite," Yang admitted.
"Yang!"
"Fire Dragunite?" Ruby questioned before thinking back. "You mean that red gem we found in Emerald Forest?!"
"The very same," Yang replied, uncaring of her Blade's gaping mouth at being sold out.
"Uuuhh," Nora said with an evil smile, "We are soooo rich."
"I am not your wallet," Dragunov growled.
"The other option is that we do odd jobs," Nia spoke up matter of factly, "And they might not pay as well."
"Drag…just this once can you make us some gems to sell," Yang asked, "Just enough so we can get ourselves to this Indol place."
"…Fine," Dragunov relented.
"Yes! Now cough up!" Nora cheered before placing her hands in front of Dragunov expectantly.
"What are you doing?" Dragunov asked while raising a hairless eyebrow at the hands.
"Gimme some jewels now!" Nora all but commanded.
"…I don't have any on me," Dragunov shot back.
"Well then make some," Electra added in wanting to see gems.
"Out of what?" Now he was just snarking.
"What do you mean by out of what?" Yang asked with a curious look.
"I'm saying I don't have materials," Dragunov said, before having a blanched look. "Yang…did you think I made gems out of nothing?"
Judging by the sheepish look on Yang's face the answer was yes.
"According to my diary," Brighid decided to continue," Dragunov could create gems out of select materials."
"What did you make those diamonds out of?" Dahlia then asked, remembering the diamonds Dragunov gave Yang as an apology.
"I took some carbon powder out of the forges at Beacon," Dragunov admitted, "After the crystallization I picked the best products and gave them to Yang."
"So that's why he needed those barrels," Ozpin muttered in Oscars head.
"Wait, barrels?" Oscar questioned aloud earning various looks from those who heard.
"That's…incredible," Blake said in awe at Dragunov having such an ability.
"Umm…my lady," Dromarch said at the very evil grin Nia had.
"We could make a fortune with this guy's ability," the Gormotti said with her ears twitching and a look that made the mighty fire Blade tempted to incinerate the face that was decorated with eyes that had G signs instead of pupils.
"What would you need to make gems?" Mòrag said deciding to get everyone back on track.
"Minerals," Dragunov said simply, deciding to get this over with, "I can crystalize any mineral into a gemstone."
"Hmm..." Agate hummed in thought, "What kind of gems could you make out of minerals of Uraya?"
"I won't know until I actually try," the draconic Blade replied, "Still I hope you guys have money to buy the necessary materials."
"Why buy them when we can go find them," Aegaeon interjected.
"Is it really that simple?" Ren asked in mild worry.
"I have some knowledge in mineralogy," Brighid said with a proud look, "It should be no problem for me to find some."
"You're not the only one who knows about mineralogy," Agate added in almost challengingly.
"Agate is actually more knowledgeable about minerals than Brighid," Mòrag added in with a small smile. The blue haired Blade offered no protest, seeing that it was true.
"So, we go outside and gather stones and see if Dragunov can make something valuable out of them," Qrow summarized their plan.
"We're gonna be rich," Zeke said with a giddy smile. Which fell when Dragunov made a flame appear in his hand.
"Everyone clean up your ears and listen, because I'm only going to say this once," Dragunov said sternly, "Do. Not. Get. Ideas!" The flame grew larger at every word.
"Okay, we get it," Yang said, not wanting to risk Dragunov burning down the house. Neither did anyone else as they all relented on his wishes. Some more calmly than others.
Satisfied with the answers, Dragunov closed his hand into a fist, snuffing the flame.
Talos shook his head a little, "So now we have plan. What should we all do in the meantime?"
"…How about game?" Tora suggested before pulling out what looked like a board game of some kind from…somewhere.
Everyone decided to just ignore it and they decided to play a game to pass the next couple hours. They had a busy day ahead of them soon enough.
AN: There we go, the titan has left Beacon. The Remnantians are introduced to Alrest and now Dragunov is being used as a cash cow. Now the Remnantians have one day to gather minerals and possibly tour around Uraya.
