START OF CHAPTER
In the ominous shadows of the everlasting night, the infamous Evernight Castle stands erect upon the blackened soil of a mysterious realm. It is here, deep within the labyrinthine dungeons, that the legendary witch Salem dwells eternally amid her enigmatic dominion.
The woman bound within the dungeon walls, clad in a vibrant red gown, bears a striking scar on her left eye. She is chained to the stone walls in a manner reminiscent of the crucifixion of Madrid, her figure resembling a sacrificial offering to the unholy forces that linger within the castle.
Salem's cold gaze pierced through Cinder, her voice dripping with disappointment. 'You have tested my patience for the final time, Cinder. Your failures will not be tolerated. As your punishment, you shall remain here for the rest of your existence. As Salem walked away all that Cinder could feel was regret and sadness for failing her mistress again and again.
(Atlas Feb 10th 9 am)
"So what are we going to do?" Winter asked general ironwood. General Ironwood leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Winter. "Reports have been coming in about a mysterious figure, clad in a long black hood with eyes of blazing silver. If the rumors hold any truth, this man could possess power even greater than Ruby's silver eyes." He paused for a moment, contemplating the gravity of the situation. "But we cannot act on mere rumors. We must gather more information and assess the threat firsthand."
Winter's mind raced with questions about this enigmatic figure. Why was he popping up everywhere all of a sudden? Was he connected to Ruby and her silver eyes? The thought nagged at her, but she knew that jumping to conclusions wouldn't get her anywhere. *He must be important, she thought, *but I need more information to figure out why he's suddenly making an appearance.* Winter's mind continued to churn, trying to piece together the puzzle and make sense of the strange events unfolding around her.
Now back in the land of the faunus known as Menagerie, Blake stood before a mirror, meticulously adjusting her attire as the Queen of Menagerie. The black blouse, accented by a blue jacket, contrasted against the crisp, blue shirt beneath, creating a striking visual representation of her status. The combination of the colors and fabric reflected a blend of elegance and authority, signaling her role as both a diplomat and a leader.
Blake paused, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she glanced at her reflection, dressed in the regal attire befitting a queen. "Why?" she pondered, her mind racing. "Why did my mother willingly step down as queen when I'm still just 17?" The weight of her new responsibility settled upon her shoulders, along with a wave of uncertainty. She felt too young, too inexperienced to lead Menagerie.
Kali and Ghira stood together, their eyes full of joy, as their daughter Blake approached the towering throne room. With a glimmer of pride, Kali beamed, her voice overflowing with excitement, "Blake dear, just as I predicted, you're destined for greatness. Though I understand the longing for your friends, this is a necessary step."
Blake, with her ears drooping in melancholy, acknowledged her mother's words, her voice tinged with resignation. "I know, Mother. I shall endeavor to fulfill my duty. However, the absence of my friends weighs heavily on my heart."
With a stern expression, Blake sat on the middle throne, her parents watching with surprise etched on their faces. A tense silence hung in the air before she spoke, her voice firm and resolute. "Mother, Father, I've made a decision for the security of Menagerie. We are to be locked down indefinitely." Kali and Ghira exchanged looks, taken aback by their daughter's statement. The room was filled with a mixture of shock, concern and curiosity. "Blake, this is unexpected. What is the reason for such drastic measures?" Ghira asked, his voice laced with a hint of authority.
As the echoes of the fall of beacon continued to haunt her conscience, Blake stood tall, determination etched across her face. With the weight of the world on her shoulders, she knew that the threat of humanity posed an imminent danger. "I have made the decision to lock down Menagerie," announced Blake firmly. Her voice rang with authority as she continued, her eyes scanning the room, "We cannot afford another Fall of Beacon. The stakes are too high, and the
consequences too devastating." Her words held a mix of determination and sorrow, a reflection of the burden she carried.
After Blake made that decision, she quickly exerted her authority over the kingdom of Menagerie. In a series of swift and decisive moves, she implemented strict measures to monitor and control the daily lives of the Faunus population. Homes were placed under surveillance, and shipments entering and exiting the kingdom were subjected to intense scrutiny. Under Blake's rule, the once autonomous kingdom became a tightly regulated state, with the lives of its citizens closely overseen by the new queen. The Faunus, already marginalized, now found themselves even more restricted in their movements and actions.
MINI CHAPTER 3.5
The news of Blake's actions soon reached the ears of other kingdom leaders and military commanders, causing widespread concern. While they understood the reasons behind her decisions, they worried that the increased control over the Faunus population in Menagerie would have far-reaching consequences. The potential impact on trade routes and the potential escalation of racism against the Faunus in other parts of the world weighed heavily on their minds.
END OF MINI CHAPTER
Back on patch Island,
Yang sat on the couch in her house, her robotic arm resting on her lap, as she watched the news in shock. The sight of Blake enforcing a tight lockdown on Menagerie was unexpected, and it troubled her deeply. Tai stood beside her, attempting to offer some reassurance. "I'm sure she has her reasons," he said, trying to alleviate Yang's worries. But Yang couldn't shake the feeling that something
wasn't right. Yang then wondered about Ruby again as they haven't heard from her ever since the fall of beacon, while she knew she was in Atlas she didn't know where.
END OF CHAPTER 3
EDITORIAL NOTES FOR CHAPTER 3
Well things got off fast huh? Blake's a dictator now and Yang is still worrying for her sister but what if Weiss? We'll find out next chapter