"Lord Schnee, I apologize, but there is an urgent matter that requires your attention." Said a servant who presented his superior with a filed report of the Vacuan mines.
"Is this another one of the miner's complaints? We already established the working terms with the Vacuan council, and they agreed and signed off all of the requirements and rules." Jacques sighed while seated on his bamboo reclining chair and put down his wine glass.
He was at the most famous resort in all of Mistral, the Green Swan, and was content with taking things easy. Not only that, there were many powerful business associates to who he needed to introduce Weiss to... If only Willow wasn't so greedy with his eldest daughter and heir, Jacques wouldn't have to compromise so often.
"I'm afraid the issue is one of potential violence," the servant replied and pointed to a picture displayed on a large tablet, "this was taken two hours ago; and from what's been concluded, there's a possibility that our heavy machinery may have caused a collapse of a nearby ruin. As such, the commotion from the accident has incited panic, and reports of Grimm activity have been stated."
This caught Jacques' attention, and he stood from his chair and put down his glass. He narrowed his pale, bluish eyes on the tablet's screen, and frowned when he realized that all his servant's statements were true. This would not stand, as Vacuo was a resource the head of the SDC could not afford to lose. Especially with the prominence of the RDI gaining more traction by the month.
"My wife is on her way to Remnant's sandy kingdom is she not? That is, if she's finished her business in Vale." Jacques asked.
"Indeed she is," said the servant.
"Then send this report to her and let her deal with these issues. If she claims to be an essential part of the company she must do her part." Jacques grumbled and dismissed the servant.
"Father?" Weiss entered the scene with a beach ball too large for her small body, thus it took both her arms to wrap around it. "Would you like to join us? Some of the other kids have asked me to play with them, may I?"
Jacques frowned for a moment, then realized the boys and girls who his daughter wanted to play with were of notable stature and business. With a practiced smile, Jacques allowed his child to mingle with the other kids, but only on the premise that she mind her manners and keep the water splashing to a minimum.
Weiss was thrilled and hurriedly made her way to her younger brother Whitley who was two years younger than her and only three years old. The tyke sported the same typical Schnee traits, with fair skin that bordered the lines of pale, and bright blue eyes that mirrored the icy plains of Atlas.
Whitley sat in a mound of sand, with a butler nearby who offered his young master a bucket and pale. Though Whitley cried when his older sister stumbled into his half-made sandcastle, she apologized for the mishap and set to make amends. Soon enough, the kids who offered to play with Weiss grew distracted from their splashings in the pools and decided to join in on the fun of creating things with their own hands. By the end of the next half-hour, a proper castle with holes for windows stood proudly over the now flattened sand.
"Could you take a picture and send it to mother, father?" Weiss called with a pearly smile and Whitley waved along with a blue pale in hand.
Jacques scratched his chin as his conversation with a slim man in a red suit was interrupted. He motioned for a butler to do his daughter's bidding, though the brightness in Weiss' smile faded a tad as her father turned his back on her. Nonetheless, the photo was taken and Weiss hoped her mother and sister would find the castle she made to be proper. After all, a Schnee's legacy depended on perfection.
"Oh, what a nice castle." Willow sighed as she sat in her personal room on the vessel. She messaged Jacques to give their daughter and son her regards and tucked away her scroll as a blinding of hot rays pierced through the bullhead's windows.
However, the second message that was sent dispelled any cheer that Willow had. What was this about a mine collapse in the northern sections of Vacuo? Of all things to put on her, it had to be one of the operations that Jacques decided to do behind her back, so how did he expect her to finish such a conundrum in a short span of time? Most importantly, the time that she did have was supposed to be for her and Winter to bond, as her eldest daughter had seemed somewhat distant as of late despite showing great eagerness about their shared vacation.
No, Willow would see to it that this mining issue would be resolved in the most efficient manner possible. First, she needed to contact the head of the mine and his lower foremen, so that they may conduct a deep inspection for the reason for the collapse, and have those who were injured properly compensated.
Rubbing her temples, Willow checked the window beside her bed and felt some of the stress widdle away at the marvelous sight.
Vacuo, though the most primitive of the four kingdoms, did not lack any sense of culture as the architecture here was of necessity over appearance. Willow was not excited to see what Vacuo had to offer, though it pained her to admit this, as the cooling in the bullhead would soon disappear and be replaced with uncomfortable sweat and dry air.
"Mrs. Schnee?" Klein walked in with two suitcases tucked beneath his arms and another two held by his hands. "The bullhead is about to dock, and team STQH is eager to depart."
Klein stooped with a worried expression. "Actually, I may advise that you avoid conversing with that Summer huntress, as she's been mumbling something about magicians and the like since she entered the bullhead. I did try to confirm what the issue was with my usual politeness, but all I received was a questionable and sly look."
Willow giggled. "There's no need to worry about them, Mr. Long was exceptionally kind and while his partner was gruff, I sensed no malice from him. Though his breath did reek of hard whiskey."
"Very well then, I will leave you to get changed, but I urge that speed is key."
"Has Winter woken up yet?" Willow asked as Klein got a foot through the door.
"Of course, she is quite thrilled to be in a place outside of her original snowy kingdom, and has adjusted to the harsh weather with ease!" Klein said proudly.
"Oh... that is impressive. I would expect nothing less from my daughter." Willow replied somewhat bitterly. Surely her daughter suffered from the heat as much as she did, as Vacuo's climate did not suit a Schnee's personality.
"Is everything alright, Mrs. Schnee?" Klein observed his master's meek change in demeanor and grew more curious as her reply was curt and lacked its usual politeness.
Meanwhile, the younger Schnee who occupied the bullhead was peering through its glass panes as it floated onto the boarding platforms. The landing was smooth, and Winter wouldn't have been able to tell that they landed if she weren't aware of how close the ground was.
"Be careful, Miss Winter, for someone of your complexion, the hot sun may leave a nasty sunburn." Klein chuckled as Winter jumped away from the window and fixed her posture.
"Will I be allowed to venture in the common places of this kingdom?" Winter asked with hopeful eyes. She'd already changed into the necessary attire and was adorned in a simple white skirt and light blue blouse with golden buttons.
"As long as you are protected, then by all means your mother has planned quite a lot after she's finished with Ms. Rumpole and Shade Academy's headmaster."
Winter felt her lips veer to the floor. "But how long will that take? We barely visited anything when we were in Vale, and I wanted to see the vast orchards that peaceful kingdom boasted so much about."
Klein struggled for words. He didn't dare to ruin his young master's imagination, but there was a proper reason why Willow did not want her child venturing into Vale's agricultural district. Klein was not prejudice against the Faunus race, but he did understand that history between Faunus and man was not a positive one. Especially with the grueling combination of the southern Mistralians who were trying to find a place there, as Ozpin and Vale's council had made it clear that the mission to unite man and Faunus in that district proved too great a hurdle to do all at once.
"Perhaps we can see a Mistralian wine orchard instead," Klein offered, "as your mother and father have many ties with the good folks there."
Winter pondered the idea, and to Klein's delight, she accepted his proposal and offered to bring it up with her mother. Winter understood the reason of compromise, after all, as she had to give up this morning's dessert to not spoil her appetite for the meals that Vacuo had to offer. It was nice to experiment in different cultures, as long as Vacuo's food wasn't spicy.
"We have landed on platform V-2. Please, all passengers proceed with caution to the docking compartment." Rang the speakers overhead.
Winter wasted no time and gathered her small handbag while an encumbered Klein followed after her. When the flap of the bullhead lowered, Winter welcomed the sunny heat with a broad smile, though her mother did not share the sentiment and pulled down the wide rim of her feathered hat.
"Thank you, for all that you've done," Willow said kindly to the present members of STQH. "Perhaps when I'm on another voyage outside of Atlas, I could call Ozpin and have him offer his best huntsmen?"
Summer beamed at the honest praise with Qrow and Tai sharing a fist bump behind her.
"Of course," Summer said, "it was our pleasure."
"Yes," Ms. Rumpole intruded," however we all have serious business to attend to. If you would follow me, Mrs. Schnee, the headmaster is prepared for our lengthy conversation as well as the Vacuan council."
With a share of nods and handshakes, the parties separated with Willow, Klein, Winter, and Ms. Rumpole off to the main city where Shade Academy resided; while Summer and her teammates made their way to the more populated areas where the common folk of Vacuo's kingdom resided.
/-/
"I still don't get how we're supposed to track Hawkins down," Tai scratched his cheek and slung his leather bag over his shoulder, "there are so many places to look; and without our trusty magician, it's all a matter of blind hide and seek."
"Don't be so negative, Tai, we made it this far and I'm not backing down." Summer quipped and ushered her partners into a quiet restaurant. It was midday, so the usual traffic was out at work, so the only citizens present were an old man behind a bar table and a young girl who filled the role of a waitress.
Summer took her seat with a peppy hop, while Qrow sat across her, the two expected Tai to follow their example; but the blonde seemed lost in his own personal musings and refused to sit.
"Sums..." Tai sighed and scratched his cheek. "We need to talk. Just order what you'd usually get Qrow, and if we're not back then go ahead and order for us."
Qrow said nothing and gave a quick thumbs up as he called over the waitress.
"Wait, what are you doing, Tai?" Summer grumbled as she followed her husband's footsteps outside the restaurant and into a secluded alley where no other ears could pry.
"It's about Hawkins," Tai said firmly and set his bag down so he could cross his arms.
"What about him? If you're worried that he's hurt, then we shouldn't waste our time-"
"Will you listen?" Tai cut in sharply. The serious tone of his words carried a rarity that made his wife's lips clamp shut. "I need you to answer my question, and I want you to look me in the eye when you do."
Summer frowned and crossed her arms as well. "Alright, go on."
"Do you honestly think that Hawkins will be glad to see us, and if we don't meet him here, do you think he'll be eager to have a chat when he comes back to Vale?"
"Of course he will!" Summer exclaimed. Her silver eyes fierce, they glimmered with aura, but Tai showed little response to them.
"Then why wouldn't he have asked us to come with him? We all know it's not his fault that Jaune was abducted, yet he took on the burden all on his own without a second thought and promised us that he'd return with his son."
"I know that!" Summer felt her cheeks grow hot in anger.
"Then are we not betraying his trust by leaving on this mission?!" Tai didn't expect his voice to be so loud, but the frustration he'd buried prior to their shared mission had grown too large to cover.
"W-What are you talking about, Tai, Hawkins is our friend and it's our duty to save him! And don't forget that I'm Jaune's aunt!"
"And I'm Jaune's uncle!" Tai roared. "But that doesn't give me the right to destroy the bond we have with Hawkins!"
"D-Destroy?!" Summer stomped her boots. "We're going to rescue Hawkins because we don't want our bond with him to crumble, why can't you see that?"
"You're missing the point, Summer, what I'm saying is that Hawkins never does things unless he feels them to be absolutely necessary. So why are we snapping his words at our leisure to satisfy our own guilt?"
"What are you talking about?!" Summer was on the verge of screaming. "It's because that Hawkins is so sullen, that he can't bring the courage to ask us when he truly needs our help! I know that we haven't been the best of friends for our magician as of late, but we can still save our friendship if we speak with him honestly!"
"Then if we're speaking honest words," Tai's voice grew cold, "then why haven't you told me and Qrow about your last conversation with Hawkins before his scroll went offline?"
Summer's temper went from hot to chilled in the blink of an eye. She no longer held the same confident disposition, and her balled fists turned to twiddling fingers.
"T-That conversation was private between Hawkins and I..."
"Just like how Hawkins' mission to rescue his son is his own private business? Or does our curiosity override that as a group?" Tai speculated.
"T-That's not fair, you can't use treat those instances as if they were the same!" Summer pointed an accusing finger that pressed against Tai's chest.
"The situations aren't the same, but they are similar," Tai took hold of Summer's hand and grasped it gently. "The problem is, we can't tell what Hawkins is thinking, and you can't claim that because he's been your personal partner you know better than Qrow and me."
"B-But..." Summer felt the tears form in her eyes and she used her free hand to wipe them. "I just want to help..."
"I know your heart is in the right place, Sums, but we have to put more thought into all this. Did Hawkins tell you that he's planning to retire from the team in the next coming year?"
Summer's blood turned to ice and she stared at her husband, desperately trying to figure out if he was lying or not.
"W-What? Hawkins never told me anything about t-that."
"I don't know what's gotten into our stoic magician as of late, but there's definitely been a change about him. I don't know if it's recent or if it's been nagging at him since our team was officially formed, but Hawkins hasn't been as proactive as I'm used to seeing him."
"Proactive?" Summer let the word play on her tongue. "Hawkins never does anything unless we force him to do it."
"Which is usually the remedy for when he's being stubborn, but can't you tell that this circumstance is different Sums? This time, it's Hawkins who's telling us to lay back while he deals with the problem. This isn't a situation where I think forcing him to bend the knee to our whims is going to end on a positive note."
"Why are you saying this?" Summer sulked and collapsed on her husband's chest. Her sobs audible, Tai stroked a careful hand through his wife's red-tinted locks and rubbed her back.
"It's because we have to think differently about how Hawkins works. We can't use the tactics that work between us, because, unlike our stoic teammate, we have a long history that's been formed through childish aspirations and honest commitments."
"But we've been through so much together, Hawkins and I with everybody included! Hawkins even managed to get Glynda to be nicer, that can't be a coincidence!"
Tai grinned at the memory of Hawkins and Glynda sharing a banter of wit that ended with smiles on both their faces. Well, at least Glynda wore a smile, as Hawkins' expression was more like a quick, triumphant smirk.
"I'm just warning you, that Hawkins might not be so inclined to thank us for seeking him out. He likes to keep his secrets, as that is his right, and though we can hate him for it... It's just how our beloved magician is."
"I..." Summer's breath hitched. "I fought with Hawkins when I last talked with him..."
Tai leaned down and moved Summer's head back so he could give her a kiss on the forehead. As she looked into her husband's eyes which were full of emotional understanding, Summer relented all her grievances and recounted the memory of her calling Hawkins a terrible disappointment. The thought of Hawkins' last words and his woeful pale visage before the scroll call was cut... that was a dark cloud that would forever follow in Summer's shadow.
"I'm sorry for being a useless friend..."
/-/
"Urnf..." Hawkins gasped for breath as the dust around him settled. He looked upward, but no sign of the world above shined nor did the presence of an easy way up exist; as the hole from which he fell was blocked by tons of rocks that he did not possess the strength to move. Instead, around the clutters of stone, all Hawkins could see were tall pillars that held the roof of an abandoned ruin.
"O...Ow..."
That voice did not belong to Hawkins, and he managed to push the boulder off his back with a hefty grunt. He dragged his twisted ankles and lurched back in pain from the inflammation of his broken right arm. He kneeled, and every breath he took sent a fresh spear of agony over his torn muscles and stressed bones. Yet he persisted, and approached another clump of rubble, this one consisting of much smaller stones that were easily displaced, but underneath the sand and debris... was a face Hawkins was not ready to see.
Blood red eyes on a pale canvas of skin, Raven Branwen said nothing as her gaze locked on with the injured magician. She was terrified, and could not help showing that through the chains that bound her as they rattled with every movement.
Hawkins' vision was hazy, as his left eye had swollen shut, but he could still see enough to tell who was rendered helpless before him. Hawkins didn't say a word, and his brooding silence and stare sent chills that made Raven feel fear she didn't know she could experience.
The magician stared at the frightened eyes that were dead set on his. He didn't feel anger, nor any sense of frustration when he peered into those pools with quivering red as the one who owned them lay defeated and trapped before him. All he could see was a frightened person, someone who'd lost nearly everything and only had their life as a forfeit. Hawkins raised his only decent hand, which was barely functional and couldn't even manifest its entire limb in straw. However, Hawkins did manage, and now wielded a set of iron nails.
Raven cried, she wailed pathetically as her life was on death's doorstep. She cursed her misfortune for meeting one of the last men she wanted to see, but found it pointless and tried to think of a good memory before she passed, but all those sweet tales ended in bitter comeuppance in her final moments.
"Growr!"
...Hah, how fitting for the snarl of a Grimm to be the last thing she heard...
"G-Go ahead!" Raven choked on her breath as the chains around her chest grew tighter. "I don't give a shit about living anymore! IT'S NOT FUCKING WORTH IT, BECAUSE I'VE ALREADY LOST MY REASON FOR EXISTING!"
Hawkins' arm came down, and the length of straw he wielded mirrored the sickle of the reaper who was ready to take its next soul. Yet, the nails did not strike Raven's flesh or harm her in any way, instead, the nails grew an even darker shade of black as did the limb that controlled them. In one swift movement, Hawkins cleaved through the throat of a stray beowolf that had lingered over to the ruins due to the rampant upheaval of negative emotions that surrounded the abandoned ruins.
Hawkins made a second swing, this one stained with Grimm's blood as the beowolf's carcass withered into hazy smoke, and cut Raven's chains. The metal links fell on the floor in an ominous thud.
"I know the feeling of loss all too well..." He said with crimson eyes full of compassion. His strength expelled, Hawkins coughed out a bucket's worth of blood and fell on his back.
"...T-That's it?" Raven's voice quivered. "H-Hey, say something... w-what the fuck am I supposed to do n-now?"
She moved her legs and cracked her neck, the time she spent within those chains had left her body unbearably stiff, and the worst came when she had to stretch her arms. She spotted Hawkins' longsword, as Mad Treasure had coiled it with her as an extra gift when he decided to sell her to Oum knows who.
"D-Did you really mean me no harm?" Raven's fear turned to anger. "I'm not that stupid, I bet you were too fucking blind to swing for my head..."
Raven picked up the cold sword, its steel reflecting the murderous intent in her blood-colored eyes. If she killed Hawkins now, that would be one less threat against her. She could run, teleport to Brick and be out of this place without a need or care in the world. She'd restart, she'd move on from this and banish it to the dark spaces of her mind, she'd...
Raven's heart twinged with a prick of unexpected pity. She looked at Hawkins' downed form, then to the blade in her hand. She dropped the weapon, sat down with tucked knees, and cried in her open palms as they covered her pitiful pale visage in the dimly lit ruins.