Reflects

Ruby and pals had taken down the squad of Black Vipers. Jaune was the first to stand firm after the scuffle. Ren and Scarlet checked on the students to make sure none were injured. "Is everyone alright?" Scarlet asked the students of Sanctum. They all nodded. "None are injured. But why the students?" Scarlet asked Ruby.

That is when a walkie-talkie device was buzzing by the time it was knocked off from the leader. "Gamma Squad, come in. Do you read? What's all the noise there? Alpha squad to Gamma? Do you copy?" They figured it was another one of those Black Vipers. Ren then picks it up to not let any suspicion.

"Gamma Squad to Alpha. We read you." Ren said, pretending to being one of the Black Vipers in order to mislead them. "What's all the commotion down there?"

"Nothing. It was a false alarm, sir." Ren speaks through the communicator. Ruby nods as a sign of a go-ahead. "Alright, good. Anyway, we got Atlesian activity at the ruins of Shinegure. A group of soldiers have been located. Your job will be to eliminate them, dead or alive, those are High Leader's orders. Beta team will be on the way to assist you. While you're there, get to the section of Merlot's Industries and obtain the weapon." Ren got what they need to hear in order to stop them.

"Affirmative, over and out." Ren then turned off the communicator and turned to the group. "Looks like they were after the Atlas Military that were scouting around Anima. We have to head to Shinegure. There we can stop the rest of the Black Vipers from coming at them."

"If only we have a map or a GPS, or if our scrolls hadn't lost their bloody signal." Scarlet complained. Ren then turned to the group and then the others turned to look at each other. "I've been to Shinegure before. There was classic machinery used for Merlot Industries. There was the first generation of Atlesian Paladins. And with those kind of machines shut down, chances are, someone or some people might try to get their hands on them."

Ren then felt a sense of vibration of not one but four more of auras. As he stopped on his feet and looked back to see if there were any threatens left. Leaving mid spilt on his shoes. Ruby then noticed his alarming state. "What is it, Ren?" Ren then looked around to see if anyone else is there. But the presence he sensed had left. Leaving him confused, wondering if he got paranoia.

"Nothing, thought I felt something." Ren replied and the others head to Shinegure. The town where the first gen tech had been developed.

Then four unknown young adults, two males and two females are hiding with the semblance of a cloaking power that made them seen invisible. One is a female Faunus with blonde hair and cat ears and has a sleeveless leotard and face mask with her eyes and nose only exposed and war fans attached to each side of her waist.

Another female is another Faunus with fox ears, red hair, and rouge colored armory top and a furry overcoat that resembles tribal wear over her shoulders. With a staff hanging on her back.

Another traveler is a male human with bronze skin and hazel colored eyes, dark hair. Muscular arms and green garment wear with black pants. And each of the elemental dust attached around his belt. Silver gauntlets in his wrists.

Another make is spikey blue-haired. Cracked yellow goggles on his head. Similar to Neptune's. White Tank top and a brown war coat above it. Gray and black pants with military pattern. With a glaive on his back. "What a relief, a few more seconds and he would've spotted us. Good work Erina." The cat Faunus said to the fox Faunus named Erina.

"The enemy has not yet been sighted. Still, let's not forget the mission." Said the bronze-skinned young man. "This way we can delay Salem's plans for world destruction."

"Even if we did, she is just too strong to stop. Any chance we run into Cinder or Adam Taurus, it would mark death to us." Said Erina. "Kali, what are your thoughts?" She asked. Kali then moved in front of her team and points forward, "We'll keep and eye on that group for now. Hopefully to see if Cinder is following them. Salem is only after the relic of Knowledge for now, but this will give us enough time to gain the Relic of Choice Ozpin has been hiding. Wherever it was. We hope someone will give us answers. Once we get the relic of Choice, we can take it back to our timeline. Shinegure should be our next stop."

The young man, Yomaru, sighs in distressed. Hearing the name, Shinegure, haunts him with the memories he wished not to recall. Kali took notice of this and places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know, Yomaru. You hated going back, but we must. Let's get going." She ordered and silently followed the group without being spotted.

-8 Years Ago-

-Beacon Academy Courtyard-

During an exchange program, Winter (who was 17 at the time) was minding her own business while trying to figure out what to do with her teammates since 2 out of 3 do not trust her. Reading a book to study for a test.

Winter excels in every way. Strategy, leadership, collective, and knowledge. But ever the heiress on the outside, many her age have feared her. Although she found a friend in Deshiro Kaiso. A teammate of Team WNND who, like her, had familial issues.

"How could I get the others to trust me. It's not like I deserve any position as leader. Let alone my surname. But there was a reason why Ironwood chose me as leader for team WNND. How come?" Winter asked herself. That's what she always does.

Suddenly, she heard a slap from near the fountain as others are watching. Turned to see what was happening. Standing there were two people, a boy with blue hair and dark-blue eyes, black ripped jean jacket, and sunshades. The other was a girl with blonde hair and green top and jean skirt. Turned out the girl hit the boy for something he did wrong.

"Jupiter, you cheater! I can't believe you went on a date with my sister!" Yelled the girl. Winter can tell her cheeks were burning red. Crossing her arms while Jupiter rubbed his cheek as it was marked for the slap he received. "Oh, come on, babe. It was just one time. For the record, I find twins more hotter."

"One time is bad enough as it is! We're through!" The girl said her final words to him and stomped away to the school. Winter sighs to see how pathetic boys can be. The way she sees it, her father would send many suitors to woo her. But none of them satisfied her. She would see that all men are the same. Treating women like jewels and objects. It disgusted Winter that men can think like that sometimes.

Winter would then put her roughness to the test to see if her soldier persona can intimidated the blue-haired boy. She then walks over to Jupiter as her heels clicked in every step. He stood awestruck watching the girl he dated leaving. "Pathetic." She started.

Jupiter then spun to see Winter, and felt a tick in his head. "What did you say?!" He growled. Winter then smirked to see the reaction.

"You heard me. I heard rumors that you're a real troublemaker. Men like you are pathetic thinking they can fool around however they pleased. The way I see it, they should've been disciplined." Winter said.

"Hey! What gives you the right to say that?! It's none of you're business!" Jupiter huffed, wanting her to get off his back. But Winter wasn't giving up that easily.

"Oh? You should be grateful, it's no wonder that girl left. If you wanna survive in this world, you need to take things seriously. Treating women like they're things to fool around? That's rich coming from you. Keep this up and you won't won't be coming out of battles alive."

"Wait a minute, I see you in newspapers before. You're the heiress of SDC. What gives? Did Daddy paid you to get into Atlas Academy? Wanna know what I think of you? People like you should rot in vaults till you run out of air." Jupiter insulted her. But Winter ignored him.

"Please, I am not here to let myself be known. I'd rather be a shadow than just name." Remarked Winter.

Holding up her book to her nose, acting like nothing had happened. Jupiter is angered for not getting the reaction out of her for this insult. But then sees the book and thought of an idea. He snuck up behind Winter and snatched the book.

Winter gasped to see the book slipped off her hands and saw Jupiter waving it. Winter then runs after him. "Grr! Give it back!" Winter shouted as she chased Jupiter by swinging her arms to retrieve it. "Come and get it, Ice Demon!" Jupiter laughed.

"Stop it! This isn't for fun and games!" Finally, Winter had enough and uses her glyph to send Jupiter flying into the fountain. "Whoa!" As he landed, he splashed onto the water and got soaked on it. His hair, damped. The book fell from Jupiter's hands and Winter picks it up.

After she turned away, Jupiter then uses his semblance to manipulate the water and soaked it on Winter. She jumped for an instant and her clothes are already wet. "Hahahah!" Take that, Ice Demon!" Jupiter bursted out, while still laughing. Sitting on the fountain.

Then Winter uses her semblance to freeze the water after Jupiter stands up. Leaving his ankles stuck on the fountain. "Hey!"

"Hahaha! Until next time." Winter then leaves to get herself dried up. Walking away, Jupiter, though humiliated, was left impressed to see such attitude coming from Winter. He wonders if he can get stronger than her after hearing rumors that Winter had taken down men twice her size despite her flawless appearance. And he won't stop at nothing to up onto her level. Little did they know is that in the future, ice and water will fight to the death. In the end, all will be split in blood.

-15 Years Ago-

-Vacuo-

In a tent where a dark-blue haired woman with eyes and outlines similar to Emerald's sat preparing for war. Sapphire Sustrai, the queen of thieves and current leader of the Sustrai Tribe after her husband died due to illness. Suddenly, a 4-year-old Emerald came to her mother crying.

"Wah! Mama! Mama!" Emerald sobbed. Only a child, she was having a nightmare. Sapphire then came to Emerald, kneeling down to her level while also wiping her tears.

"Emerald, what is it? Are you having a nightmare again?" Sapphire asked her daughter, gently.

Emerald nodded and told her mother what had happened. Emerald didn't know her father, and was only a baby when he died. But she is the heir to the tribe of thieves in honor of his name. "A scary lady came into our house, and then kills you!" Emerald hiccupped as she kept choking some tears. As she will grew older, she will never remember that nightmare again.

Sapphire then wrapped her arms around her little girl as the girl continued crying. Shushing her softly as any mother would. Emerald sniffles for a few minutes until she calmed down. Sapphire takes a emerald bracelet off her wrist and gives it to her daughter. Emerald is amazed by it's radiance. "Are you giving this to me, Mama?" Emerald asked and her mother nodded. And puts the bracelet on her wrist.

"Emerald, those nightmares are only a phase. Even if they were meant to be real, I'll always be there for you, as your father had been for us." Said Sapphire. Emerald then fell asleep after feeling comfort from her mother.

Emerald was then carried by Sapphire to her bedroom before returning to her own room to come up with tactics the next day, but little did Emerald know, that this would be the last time she ever saw her mother.

-Present-

(-5 Months after Fall of Beacon-)

Emerald woke up from a shock of the memory she wished to never see again after that dream. She sweats in the wake of the moment. Emerald had forgotten that she had a mother who died under unknown circumstances. Around her surroundings are broken and cracked walls, black textures of the bricks. Grimm emerging from the pools of the Brothers Grimm, one dip and either someone drowns or become Grimm themselves. The sky is as red as the dreadful blood. The moon remains the same as every night and dawn. Emerald's tears still feel wet as they rushed out like a river.

Emerald then takes a tear drop off of her eyes. She had no idea how much she cried. Even if she took the side of evil, Emerald would always hide that vulnerable side around those who are superior to her. Ever since Cinder founded her, she seeks a mentor to learn how to survive. She takes no pleasure in murder and thievery, but all she did was to find a purpose of her own since the massacre of her tribe.

Her memories had repressed long ago. That bracelet is all she has left from her mother. Between guilt and gratefulness, Emerald cannot choose whether to stay, or to leave. Cinder may have been the cruel mentor, but she was all Emerald thought she needed for guidance to survive. Never wanting to become weak. "Mom." Emerald sniffled holding onto her bracelet. "Mom, I'm sorry. I know you'd hate me if I keep this up." Emerald said to herself, wanting to see her mother again. Wishing she had done something to save her before she meets her demise.

Emerald then went out of the room since she was to meet Cinder in the gathering hall. After being exposed to the light from Ruby's awakening of her silver eyes, she had lost her voice at least for the moment. All she can do for her was to whisper through Emerald's ear, and will translate to Salem, whom she feared the most. It was a bigger depth of hell than the time she lost her mother. There she meets Mercury, who was laid back on the wall.

"Rough sleep?" Mercury asked. "Can't blame you. Had another dream about Dad. And it's a pain to my ears." He said, rubbing the tip of his nose. "It's fine, Merc. Just didn't have enough sleep last night." Emerald palmed her forehead in exhaustion. "What about your dad?"

"Nothing. Just hearing things. By the way, besides that feisty chick from earlier. And those egotistic Vipers that were with Watts. Heard there was going to be a newcomer on the way. Hopefully he wasn't a drag like the others." He sighs. "Maybe would be better if that girl, Yin is the boss, and not Cinder. After all, she can actually see through me."

"Why do you even care who leads who?" Emerald questions, finding Yin not trustworthy since she sees death in her eyes, almost as bloody as Cinder's. Mercury on the other hand seemed to think highly otherwise. Ever the motherless young man he was, Mercury could care less. He would only see who's fit to survive, growing up as an assassin's son. Loathing himself whenever some things went wrong.

"Why can't we just trust her, at least one bit? Least she can give us a few tips Cinder never showed." Mercury rebuffed. "Cinder on the other hand, all she ever cares about is revenge on Little Red, whatever that means. Oh, wait, I forgot. She was very pissed to be defeated by a kid. How pathetic!" Mercury laughed, the fact that he looks down on Cinder for giving orders and very demanding if it means death by disobedience, unless Salem intervenes, but she would also double the punishment if another thing went wrong.

Then a young man with blue hair, and a face mask and shades walked along, and Mercury thought he looked a bit familiar and still wasn't sure why he kept seeing familiar faces. Emerald on the other hand thought something is up with the young man their age. Mercury then walked up to the recruit and inspected him. "Hey, you! Yeah I am talking to you. Where have I seen you before?" Mercury had his finger around, trying to remember is he had remember seeing the guy with blue hair. Then it dawned on him for who the recruit was. "Oh, wait. Now I remember you. You're the blue-haired coward from the Vytyl Festival who was with that Monkey-boy. Right?"

This however, provoked the recruit and he rammed Mercury to the wall on the back and stared at him in the eye. "Do not mistake me for my pathetic cousin! I am not that guy. Though we share the same looks, we are different in every detail. My name is Zeos Vasilias, remember that. Unless you have a death wish." Then Zeos released Mercury from his grip and dusted off the dust from his sleeves. "Um, sorry about my friend. We're just here to meet you here. I'm Emerald." Emerald greeted him to reduce the scene Mercury created.

"Thank you, at least someone thought twice. I hope I don't get to work with you know who." Zeos remarked. Referring to Cinder. Mercury felt that way about Cinder. Knowing how uncaring she was in her own nature. How she can choose allies and enemies poorly. "Geez, sorry. Thought you were that annoying nerd I met at Beacon. What was his name again? Neppy, Nicardo...? You know what? Who cares? Mercury Black is the name. Bet you are already aware who my father is, he's dead to me anyway." Mercury remarked. Only for Zeos to laugh. "Oh, knew what that meant. I think you and I can get along just fine. For now, I have to see what our queen has in stored for me. But there is no way I am working with that arrogant prick. Older and powerful he may be, but he's not the boss of me." Zeos stated.

"Huh, you and the nerd related? Never knew. You almost had me fooled here. I'll give you that." Mercury replied.

"Okay, chat's over, boys." Mercury, Emerald, and Zeos turned to see all four members of the Viper Four, the main founders of the Black Vipers; Zerena, Roth, Jupiter and Tyler. "Oh, you." Zeos snarled looking at his older cousin, Jupiter. "Uncle Hyperion's lesser son." Jupiter taunted at his cousin. "Don't think we are deaf around here. As much as I would like to see all of us kill each other, there are still tasks we must complete for our fair queen. Since we are all in the same side now, even if none of us agrees. So it's better to treat us Vipers with respect, since we are Salem's high-ranking assassins." Zerena spats out, in a snarky attitude. "Of course, you can join if you learn how to cooperate. It's ashamed, Mercury. Had you not been Marcus Black's son, perhaps you would've been a worthy candidate." All her three teammates laughed a bit before she cleared her throat, prompting the men in her team to quiet down, or be turned to stone.

All of Salem's followers went through the hallway to get to the meeting with their supposed queen, but before they do, Jupiter stops Zeos there as he was about to stare at him in the eyes. "Not so fast." Said Jupiter. Zeos grew annoyed at his older cousin. Not only he was bested by him for combat and semblance, but also treated as a lesser being by relatives who're annoyed with him. "Now what?! I'm a part of this you know!" He complained, crossing his arms, not caring what he will say next. "Actually, this is your chance to redeem yourself. Our great leader to the tribe has another assignment for you, and our queen has given permission to do so." Jupiter replied, this intrigued Zeos as he always wanted ways to have a place in the Vasilias Tribe. He then thought for a few seconds, thinking this was some sort of trick by Jupiter, since neither of them like each other. But both are loyal to their malevolent grandfather, Uranus Vasilias. The main patriarch and leader of the tribe.

"Redeem myself? This better not be a trick." Jupiter then shows a picture on his scroll on the Schnee heiress. Looking at the picture, she seems like a flawless target. But Jupiter says otherwise. Zeos grew a bit attracted by her appearance. But Jupiter would need her as leverage to lure Winter Schnee to exact his revenge. "Huh, you need that girl? She's good-looking. Why would we need to eliminate her?" Zeos asked. "Can't we just recruit her?"

"Not eliminate. Capture. As you can see, that girl is a member of the Schnee family. And currently an heiress of the SDC. She could be of good use as leverage." Jupiter explains.

"The Schnees? You mean our sworn enemies for 85 years? Well it's a shame that there's a lot of us and less of them." Zeos quoted. But Jupiter wasn't stupid, he knew how strong his life-long rival is. Fighting Winter Schnee to avenge his brother. Only to be left for dead after he lost to her. But after figuring she has a sister, Jupiter thought of a new way for her to suffer. Having being told by Watts that the culprit behind Pluto Vasilias' murder was none other than Winter Schnee herself, known by the titles; "The Soldier of Ice," or "Ice Demon." Due to her accomplishments fighting the White Fang, saving her superiors from further assassinations. "Don't underestimate the numbers. Winter Schnee is our primary target, and believe me, she is unlike any other soldiers in Atlas. And that girl is her sister. This is our chance to finally bring payback on the Schnees for all the years of humiliation and wrought they had on our family. Here's how it will go, head to Atlas and get the girl. There is a woman who will meet you in the Star Hotel that will give you the stuff you needed and she will instruct you. Once you get the heiress, keep her alive, we'll have to deliver her to the White Fang in order to gain their trust and forge an alliance against Atlas. Then victory will be assured for Salem. As well for our great leader."

Winter Schnee, you will pay for killing my elder brother. Now you will pay dearly, staring with your sister. Mark my words, Ice Demon. You're going to know the pain I felt and still will.

In Watts' laboratory, Zerena walks in and saw her mentor and boss, Dr. Arthur Watts. "Doctor. If I may interrupt your research." Zerena requested. Watts turned around and saw her near the entrance door, in the lab was full of gruesome experiments. Every documentation, every DNA samples he uses for secrets of semblance and why it makes them very useful. One of those DNA samples has a hair sample by the name; Pluto Vasilias. Something that Jupiter is not aware of, but Zerena took a little glance at that name written on a piece of paper on the jar, taped. "Actually, I was expecting you, Zerena. As a reward for being loyal to me and our queen. You have earned the privilege to be my right hand."

"On this, I appreciate this opportunity. Anything to fix this broken world. I have something interesting that might take in your interest, Doctor." Zerena said, intriguing the scientist and engineer who then glances back at the pods meant for genetic research. He had been working on physiology for the purpose of cloning individuals with semblances. Then he turns back to Zerena. "Maybe this can be useful for your research." She takes out a black hair sample. "After Beacon fell, I had a little run-in with a huntsman who is unlike any other. Deadly as the fangs of the snake and silent as the ghost. Quite the dark one if you ask me. Just like the rumors said."

"And who is this huntsman you ran into?" Asked Watts, handed the hair sample by Zerena as he takes a closer look. Zerena then smirked, having to find some good use to maintain favor. "If I recalled those rumors, it was Qrow Branwen." Zerena simply replied. Watts remained unphased, knowing that Qrow was impossible to capture like prey to obtain his DNA for cloning. But was impressed that Zerena was this close to capture him, only to obtain the hair sample. "Of course, he's very fast. For an old man like Branwen, he is a friend to the shadows." Zerena states. "Last sight of him was around Vale, but disappeared the next."

"Interesting. I'll have to analyze this prior for the cloning procedures to begin. I wonder if with Qrow Branwen's DNA, Salem can gain an incredibly enhanced soldier. With it, no templates will ever be able to withstand the stability of a clone." Watts stated, taking interest in making a clone of Qrow to make soldiers for his master. He had taken in interest of genetics for duplicating semblances since at a young age, which is why he had been testing GMOs (genetically modified organism). "Such intriguing motivation. You are much as an enthusiast as always, Doctor." Zerena agrees.

"And I have you to thank, Zerena. I think with you on our side, you might as well take well take Cinder's place if that is possible."

"Oh, her? Have you heard from her grace? Cinder had been taken down by some kid with Silver eyes. Can you actually believe it? Pathetic. She lost to a kid." Zerena states, having hated Cinder for her ruthlessness and the nerve to take some credit. Which is something Watts did not take lightly.

"Silver eyes? Zerena, I think you are on to something. We'll have to discuss this with our queen." Arthur said.

"Huh? Really, want me to get rid of Cinder already? Cause I'm already on it."

"No, but I wish unless it was Salem's orders. But you just came up with the greatest idea that even a brilliant mind like me cannot process. Accompany me, Zerena." Arthur admits. As the two had been walking towards that meeting. "Yes, sir." Zerena nodded and walked along.

OC Characters

Team ZRVT (pronounced serpent) members:

Zerena Slithers (Leader)

Roth Mandle

Jupiter Vasilias (already a canon character mentioned in the books)

Tyler Shepard

Zerena Slithers- A female snake faunus, the leader of Team ZRVT, and the Black Vipers, and a former student of Haven Academy. Zerena, being the only female of Team ZRVT, displayed a dominant personality above her men and allies. Zerena is a descendant of the original founder of the Black Vipers due to their hate against the Atlas Military. Being raised to hate Atlas and its allies, she was sought out by Dr. Arthur Watts to join Salem's inner circle and serves as his right hand. As a child, Zerena was sold into slavery by her captors in Atlas, until she trains in secrecy to fight back. Then rallies the rest of the rebels to take back their dignity. But was left mentally scarred for the events and chose to lash back at those who wronged her. Her semblance allows her to turn people into stone (which was only temporary for 48 hours), but was proven to be uncontrollable for the more her eyes are exposed, but she uses sunshades to damper them. Her main weapon is an electric whip that amplifies with dusts. Zerena is an allusion to the greek mythology gorgon, Medusa.

Roth Mandle- A silent but strong member of Team ZRVT. As a child, Roth had been struggling to care for his ill mother due to her flower shop business going out and were in debts due to his father leaving them. Roth, with little of choice had been freelancing in Grimm hunting. There he was spotted by Zerena (who would be his leader in Haven Academy), and was recruited to the Black Vipers as his ancestor was one of the four founding members. He seemed to have a fondness for horticulture, and has the semblance, Photosinthetics as a result to control vegetation around him. Roth also had a battle axe that doubles as a minigun, Mass Vine. Roth is an allusion to the main character, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jupiter Vasilias- Neptune's second older brother and a member of Team ZRVT. From an early age, he displays an interest of his grandfather, Uranus Vasilias' legacy since reading an article of his failed attempted rebellion in Atlas as a result of his family being banned from the city, including Mantle. As a result, he grew up spiting anyone he sees as weak. According to Winter, he is a well-known womanizer, unlike his brother Neptune (who only flirts to give compliments), to have dated many girls and break hearts. After Jupiter enrolled to Haven Academy, his older brother, Pluto had been killed by an unknown assassin. Because of this, Jupiter would then set to train to take revenge on his elder brother's killer. Because of his rage and goals for vengeance, Zerena sees him as a candidate to become a Black Viper. Jupiter has some bad history with Winter Schnee at the age of 17, this rivalry intrigued Watts since both are rare-bloods. Watts would then tell Jupiter that Winter Schnee is Pluto's killer, and because of that lie, Jupiter would find ways to make Winter suffer. Jupiter's weapon is a spear that splits into small dual knives. The spear, De Nile also acts as a sniper gun. His semblance, Mist, can create some vaporization when he touches the water. Jupiter is an allusion to the roman god of thunder with the same name.

Tyler Shepard- A wolf faunus and a fourth member of Team. Tyler grew up an orphan, but was raised by thieves. And became a skilled bandit. Tyler is nothing more than a mischievous man, who was then chased by White Fang members after stealing a few weapons from them. He was then saved by Jupiter, who became his best friend (similar to the friendship between Sun and Neptune). Tyler was honored by Salem that he was given orders without question. But when he sees Jupiter being conflicted about his choices of joining Salem, Tyler would then also question himself on whether or not it is the right choice to join her. Tyler's semblance, Stealer, can mimic other people's semblances through physical contact, but the effects will then wear off after the shot was used. Tyler also has dual toma hawks that are also pistols. Tyler is an allusion to the shepard boy from The Boy who Cried Wold.