The trip to Mistral's Upper City was mostly held in silence. Chiron had accompanied the group and had asked them all the same question in regards to the Grail. Needless to say, the others didn't take it well. Rider himself kept the other part a secret, mainly because he didn't have any answers for it yet.
"We might have the find it first?" Nora groaned. "We're already being dragged to an eternal shadow war of a shadow war and we still have to find the thing that we're all fighting for?"
"I suspect that not even your headmaster knows of this," Chiron said.
"He doesn't," Rider added. "I can vouch for Ozpin on this one."
"Can you?" Lancer asked.
"I've known the man both when he kept secrets and when he was more open. If he doesn't know, he really doesn't know. We'll cross that bridge when we get there."
Only the view of Mistral distracted them. It appeared to be peaceful and harmonious. A near perfect blend of the machinations of civilization and the natural beauty of nature. Technology and tradition met in the middle here. Storied houses sat on the edges of the mountain side. There were two mountains with the gap providing quite the view of the skies. The paths were paved by multiple stones that dotted it. One could feel the culture all around them. Ren especially felt at home.
But this was only for Mistral's upper levels. Referred to by the locals as Mistral Above, the higher one goes on either mountain, the more pleasant in becomes. Thusly, the lower one goes, into Mistral Below, the worse the conditions get. One could easily pinpoint the middle-class among them at the actual center with those fortunate enough to be in the upper middle.
A massive platform acts as an elevator for these levels and it isn't a new sight to see that many of its users came from the lower levels in some attempt at a new life. Few individuals dared descend from the higher levels willingly.
"Make a landing over there." Chiron pointed towards one of the lower levels. There were a few airships stationed there.
"We could afford to go to Haven Academy directly," Rider argued. "Leonardo doesn't have a reason to suspect us yet."
"I know." Chiron replied. "But I have an errand to do here. I'll borrow miss Rose and Lancer for the time being and meet you at Haven."
"Wouldn't it be better if we all accompanied you?"
"The people here will recognize Pyrrha no matter how well she disguised herself. The others would be able to get away with it but it be better if we keep the numbers small."
Rider complied, not quite seeing the plan here but is trusting of Chiron enough. The man had trained his Master and Rider trusts Pyrrha's judgement of character. He must have been quite active as Mistral's Companion Archer and this was one of these things he was doing.
"Someone's been quite active for a Companion," Rider commented.
"I've been around long enough to train Pyrrha into becoming a championship fighter, Rider," Chiron said. "Even if that was all I ever did; what else was I supposed to do when she left for Beacon?"
"I expect a conversation when we get back."
"Of course, my little detour serves both our purposes and is my evidence."
Dropping Chiron, Lancer, and Ruby as requested, Rider piloted the airship to Mistral's upper levels as planned. The two were inquisitive at first but only Chiron had the answers and he wasn't giving them.
"Rider," asked Pyrrha. "Could we expect a fight when we get there?"
"Not immediately, no." Rider shook his head. "Leo would probably try to keep us distracted while he calls for help. Besides, we already know who the Spring Maiden is and Raven can't exactly get to us in time. Not without Qrow or Yang around."
The airship made its descent on the docking bay on the upper levels. Compared to the one in Mistral Below, this was much more pleasant and was better cleaned. The one from Below wasn't built for that many airships and was more of an afterthought than anything else, perhaps for emergencies where there was nowhere else to go.
Stepping out of the airship, Rider shifted to his non-armored form. Rather than the tunic that he had worn back in Vale, his current outfit was much more fitting, albeit fanciful, even for Mistral Above. He had a long white coat that glittered like stars the further down the coat one went. Shining bronze accented the mostly white color. He had boots this time, as dark-blue as the night sky without all the lights of city life.
His features did get a few onlookers. He didn't have the red sash that hid his features this time and so most were certainly paying attention to the odd but fancily dressed man walking with a bunch of armed teenagers. Most didn't even notice the disguised Pyrrha with him as the group hastened their way out of the bay and into the city proper. Maybe Rider should have insisted on their following.
Finding a place to stay was the simplest of them all. Chiron had given them a place to stay for the time being and they were surprised to see that it was quite the home even by the standards of Mistral Above. Rider had to double-check the direction that they were given. If even his Master was in disbelief of her teacher's taste, then this wasn't exactly Chiron's home.
It was a two-storied building with a balcony that gave an magnificent sight over the horizon. It was far enough from Haven Academy, which was situated at the peak of the two mountains, that they could somewhat relax from being spotted by Leonardo early. Leo may not have reason to suspect them knowing that they know but didn't mean that he couldn't start doing so once they start acting suspicious.
Not like we could act without the Spring Maiden, he thought.
Outside of the building was a well-maintained garden and some hedges that were begging to be shaped. Flat stones served as the steps and there was a pond full of lively fish swimming about.
"I call dibs on the best room!" Nora declared before she ran off, leaving the others behind. A drumming rhythm of doors opening and closing was heard. Eventually they all heard a "found it!" somewhere in the upper floor.
Ren shrugged his shoulders. "I'll go buy what we'll need for dinner. I'll have to check the kitchens first for the tools."
Pyrrha turned to Rider. "Shall we?"
Rider nodded and the two entered the building. He even offered a hand for his Master, fitting act for a prince-like character.
The doors slid open and the inside was more impressive than the outside. There was a small section to wear and remove one's shoes which Pyrrha saw Ren and Nora leave behind theirs. Rider's boots simply vanished which freed up a lot of space, it was as though he never even touched the ground. Despite that, he still wiped his own.
Clean floors had a shine to them and there were stairs that led to the upper floors. They passed by one of the bedrooms and arrived at a room that seemed mostly empty except for a few chairs and a table. The room was dark as wooden panels prevented any sunlight from entering the room. Pyrrha seemed to know this as she slid the glass panel to the side and moved each of the wooden ones into the wall, allowing sunlight to brighten this room. It allowed them passage into the garden with much more ease.
The kitchens were clean and had most of the utensils that anyone could feasibly need in a home and even afford a few culinary luxuries. There was a separate room for the television and a stack of newspapers and magazines could be found on the side.
"Never pictured Chiron would be into this sort of thing," Rider commented.
"He usually doesn't," Pyrrha replied. "This is actually quite the taste he has. Feels more like someone else paid for this home and allowed him to stay."
"You really don't think he would live like this?"
"He always looked more at home in nature. Never really was the kind of person you'd see in the cities that much. A small town, maybe."
"Well, seems pretty nice for a base of operations." Rider nodded. "Better than the one we got, definitely."
Pyrrha smiled. Rider was glad for that. "Aren't we fortunate?" she said.
When the rest were still exploring their surroundings, Rider found a private spot. He deployed the shield part of his weapon. It wasn't a perfect recreation of the weapon he had in life but it was close enough. It had Pyrrha's circlet and the twin crescents but they weren't a perfect recreation, only close enough to be recognized. Then, he looked for a mirror, there was nothing there for him to notice.
"A boa devouring an elephant," he said to himself. "What was the name of that story again?"
/-/
Ruby nearly yelped when she had felt someone bump into her. Those terrible eyes pierced deep into her soul. She could take them on in a fight without a doubt but these people weren't exactly the kind that anyone would openly associate with. These are the kinds of people that her parents would tell her to stay away from, huntress or not.
It was dark and a little misty here despite the sunlight. The thickest part of the fog crept up and went nearly halfway to Ruby's knees. While there was more visibility the higher it went, it was still obstructing their vision. What kind of place was this?
Pyrrha's teacher Chiron moved about in this place without much care in the world and familiarity. Ruby was only looking at his back and could not see just where his eyes were. She got as close to Chiron as she did like a scared child would a parent. This place was also crowded and small in space, making a potential fight outside of her favor.
There were many eyes filled with malicious intent staring at her. Ruby's hood may have covered her vision but she could still feel them piercing through the fabrics of her cape. Cards and lien flew about and the scent of alcohol may as well be the atmosphere. This wasn't a kind of place that she should be in at all! Not even Yang would approach a place like this. What is teacher Chiron thinking of going in here?
"Any particular reason you brought us here?" Lancer said. She too had her hood up but unlike Ruby, she didn't appear at all bothered by the lookers. Some were even so clearly trying to undress her with just their own eyes.
A dirty hand dared and its owner had a broken nose soon after along with a cracked wall and some damaged crates. Bottles had been broken and curses were exchanged as the card players had their decks scrambled. Lancer didn't even turn around.
"An agreement for the most part," Chiron. He didn't chastise Lancer nor was he surprised at the end result. "Protection was unnecessary but it is a welcome bonus."
"Already in contact with other Companions?"
Chiron nodded. "We have one that could act publicly compared to the others and most wouldn't recognize him. Only opposing Servants would notice and he had counted on it. Created our own little secret circle of sorts. We weren't quite the best but we had a new member recently and that one had been quite the help."
"Another Servant?"
"One that you may have to face yourself, I'm afraid." Chiron nodded again. This time, his face was apologetic. "Terribly sorry but I couldn't tell you that either. Another agreement. If it is of any consolation, this agreement only goes as far as our goal and purpose of being here. Afterwards, we're free to pick sides as we see fit."
"A singular goal, huh?" Lancer tilted her head. "Sounds like a common enemy to me."
Chiron only smiled in response.
Ruby and Lancer were led to a bar. Outside, there was a spider on a web. Ruby's fingers touched the cold stone wall and she realized that it had just been a mark in the shape of one. The visibility here was worse than she thought. How does Chiron do it?
The inside of the bar was better for the eyes but no less tense. People wearing purple and spiked armor pieces were armed and looked at them suspiciously. Lancer's own hands were ready to move though no weapon had been drawn. Ruby felt a hand on her own and she was met with the comforting look of Chiron, assuring her that it will be alright. She didn't realize that she had been ready to draw her weapon.
A stout woman sat on a low seat. She was fanning herself and had that same mark of a spider on a web tattooed on her shoulder. She had two people behind her, acting as guards. She was fanning herself so slowly that no breeze could possibly have come from that.
Ruby, Lancer, and Chiron were approaching this woman before they were made to stop. There were others around them. Each of them were armed. Ruby scouted out three from the upper levels.
Lancer's stance appeared relax but Ruby recognized the spring-like readiness in that posture. She was mumbling to herself as her head swayed from left to right. Afterwards, she stopped and whispered to Ruby, "twelve, Master."
Chiron was still calm as ever. He waited patiently for the stout woman to continue.
"That is as far as you go," she said, hand still raised. She looked at them, scanned them from head to toe. "And what brings you… respectable people to my humble abode?"
It was Chiron who replied. "I believe there is a package meant for me?" In response, he pulled out a round-looking object. It looked like a badge of some kind. Chiron waited for the permission to get closer. Only he had been given permission.
"Please take a seat," the stout woman said. She turned to one of the guards behind. "Give them some refreshments. Non-alcoholic, I reckon we got a minor here." She then turned to Lancer and Ruby. "Anyone is a welcome guest in the Spider's Web so long as they behave."
"That won't be necessary miss Malachite," Chiron replied. "We are only here on business." He placed the circular object on the table.
Miss Malachite leaned back and her eyes widened. "You're with the League? Didn't think the old man would have any friends."
"Oh, he is a new member. We value skills and the etiquette of a gentleman above all else and he certainly has both in spades."
"Ha!" Miss Malachite leaned far back. "Spades is right, alright. That man knew how to play just as well as he knew what he was talking about. With a name you've chosen for yourselves, I'm more interested with the man on top. But that could be for another time. A package, you say? Yeah we got that." She leaned and whispered to the remaining guard at her side.
"I appreciate and will pass on the compliment on Consultant," Chiron said. "I have a message as well for the man on top."
"It will take weeks for that message to arrive, months even. You know how it is with the kingdoms lately."
"That is fine." Chiron paid the price with lien. "I already had it written. Codded, of course."
"As it should. Would be dumb if it wasn't." Miss Malachite didn't even question it that much. She took the letter but didn't touch the lien. "And here's your package. Keep your lien. The old man has done quite an impressive job with all the families here in Mistral. He calls himself a consultant, but really he could be so much more."
"He has his own plans, I'm sure." Chiron bowed courteously. "I take my leave. Have a pleasant day."
"I've only met the two of you and already I can see the extraordinary part of this league of yours."
"Perhaps when our duties are finished, you may meet with the other three, our leader included."
Chiron's arrival at their table brought a sigh of relief out of Ruby. Her hands had never once left her weapon and she had kept herself ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
The package in Chiron's hand was a folder that had the label Project Prodigium on it.
"It's a dangerous game you're playing," Lancer commented. "Servant or not, there's still the matter of your reputation joining in with these people."
Chiron could only chuckle. "Believe me, Lancer. The man behind the League is quite familiar with such games."
The three of them had exited the building and made their way towards the large platform that would lead them to the upper levels. Ruby had to force herself to slow down as her steps begged for her to hurry up. This wasn't a nice place at all. There was a lawless order here and one that Ruby was ignorant in navigating around. It wasn't a welcome sight.
She shook her head and slapped herself. She was a huntress. She was supposed to be a hero and being a hero meant saving everybody, even these ones.
As the platform rose, Ruby asked, "so, what was the agreement about? If that is okay."
"It is," Chiron replied. "Just as the Masters have their own wish, so to do Servants. The agreement made here is that I have to restrain myself in favoring Pyrrha. I will not deny that if I had free reign, I would have aided her in winning this Grail War."
"And assuming that our side wins," Lancer said. "We would have to go at each other's throats eventually. By favoring Pyrrha, you would see to it that we are at a disadvantage when that comes."
Chiron raised both hands, accepting the accusation. "If it helps, one of them would certainly help you if given the chance."
"Maybe you two should duke it out after the whole thing is settled."
"Perhaps. The League is, at best, a temporary alliance of sorts. Anything beyond our shared goals is completely up to ourselves. We have Executioner in Menagerie and Ronin but we lost contact with him even before the CCT fell."
"Do we really have to?" Ruby asked. "I mean; do we have to kill each other when we get there?"
"The Grail will grant the wish of the winner, kid," Lancer replied. "Even the headmaster said that when we were at your house."
"I can promise you this, miss Rose," Chiron assured her. "Even if it did come to that, we will not harm the Masters. We never made that agreement but we trust each other enough for it. Us Servants have already lived a full life."
She was left to think about it. Ruby stared at the three marks at the back of her hand. Being marked as a Master meant that she was just as much Pyrrha's ally as she was her enemy. She bit her lower lip. If it did come to that, she would have to have Lancer face off against Rider. In order to obtain her wish, Ruby would have to have her male best friend killed again. Not only that, she would have to deny his partner of her wish.
Hoping that it wouldn't come to that wouldn't help either. That would mean that at some point, Rider would have fallen to their enemies. Ruby didn't want that. She didn't want to go against her own friends for this. But Salem had to be killed. Her immortality and rule over the Grimm will continue to plague Remnant if she doesn't.
Even if she does die… Ruby thought. That wouldn't make much of a difference wouldn't it? Grimm had always been running rampant but without the direction of the queen, they would be nothing more than wild animals. Ferocious wild animals that would hunt down humanity on sight but wild animals still.
Then, there was her own headmaster. How many lifetimes had he lived by now? How many of those figures from the legends and histories were actually just him? He had already been the King of Vale, who else had he been? It sounded cool sure but Ruby had already tasted loss once with her mother. She tasted it again when she lost her best friend. She's still tasting it whenever she remembered the state of her own sister.
Yang. So many things to think about. So many things to consider.
"Hey, Master," Lancer said. "There's no need to think too hard about it all at once. Take your time."
"Right." Ruby nodded. "Of course. I just… I just hope that we'll be fast enough to make it."
"And I'll be with you all the way." Lancer got down to her level. "There's still strength inside of you even after everything. I can see that. Heck, Chiron sees that, too."
"I never said anything," Chiron replied. He made no rebuttal, however.
"But," Lancer continued, ignoring him. "You don't have to carry it all alone. You shouldn't carry it alone. That's what we Heroic Spirits are supposed to do: to help you help yourselves."
Ruby took those words in. She had been used to being the leader, to always hiding her own anxieties for the sake of her teammate. You're not allowed to be a failure. Because it's not just about you anymore. You've got a team now. She remembered that wisdom that she herself had given.
She has a different team now: herself and Lancer. She's part of a different team as well: herself, Pyrrha, and Ozpin. The whole world's fate rests on their shoulders. Not just her family, not just her friends, but those strangers that she hadn't met yet. Even those whom she would rather keep her distance from, like the ones from earlier, no offense.
"Right." Ruby nodded. "Can I ask you to help me in that, Lancer?"
"It's why I answered you in the first place, Master." Lancer was behind her mask but Ruby could imagine a slight pride decorated her face.
Behind Lancer, Ruby caught a slight smirk on Chiron's face. There was a small nod of approval. The platform continued its ascent.
Ruby could easily pinpoint the differences of life qualities with each level they ascended. It may have been gradual but it was so noticeable. Each level was clearly cleaner than the last and the people were generally kinder to one another and more welcoming. Well, they were welcoming to those they deemed their equals, more for those above them and less for those below them. It was easy to tell which ones were making a new life in the upper levels and those that had been forced down.
She took a deep breath. These people are the people that her mom set out to protect. The kinds of people that huntresses like herself set out to fight the Grimm for. They were trying to live their lives. Some grew desperate and braved the wilds and it is usually those people that Ruby would go out and protect.
Confined to the major cities, there was a clear problem of population. Smaller families had it easier in space but larger families could obtain more resources at the cost of having to use more.
"Something else bothering you, Master?" Lancer asked.
"I'm just thinking," Ruby replied. "You think the Grail could help these people?"
"Possible," Chiron answered. "A bit vague as it is and might need some specifics."
"How does the Holy Grail work?" Ruby asked. If she was really going to participate this Grail War, she needed information. Perhaps she could share this with Pyrrha and the others when they would meet up again.
"It is, in effect, a mass of pure magical energy." Chiron appeared happy to share it. "It reacts to the wishes of the person using it. But that can vary from Grail War to Grail War, considering intended purpose and possible corruption. If there is another purpose of Remnant's Grail War, I am not at liberty to share it."
"Thank you." Ruby bowed her head. That was all the information that she would need. She was still uncertain if she could ever go against her friends for that wish but she didn't have to face it now.
The platform continued to ascend and Ruby felt comfortable enough to pull back her hood. There were less people staring with more simply ignoring her presence. There were a few that looked at her direction but that was more because Lancer still had her mask on. The mask may not be like the White Fang but it was still strange.
Chiron led them out of the platform. He gave them a bit of a tour of the place. Lancer already knew the general area with its significant landmarks but Ruby had never been here before. She took in the beautiful sights of Mistral Above. The contrast between this and Below was like day and night. That reminder took out some of the joy that Ruby had but the breathtaking view of nature was still something to behold.
There were a few huntsmen about. Most of them recognized Chiron and greeted him accordingly. A few whispers were exchanged but they seemed rather nicer. Definitely not ones thinking of stealing her lien or anything, mostly just judging her for choice of outfit or her being out of place here in Mistral. It was certainly better than Below.
Chiron led them to the streets and would occasionally give them a few details about the place. Lancer seemed familiar with the general gist of the area and could easily pinpoint those landmarks that are too recognizable to miss. There were a few huntsmen and huntresses about and Ruby was only able to tell because they had their weapons on them, only hidden from view. With what she had learned back in Patch, Ruby could hazard a guess of the reason for such secrecy. Some of them even warned Ruby of keeping Crescent Rose hidden away.
She complied and did her best to hide it beneath her cape. If anyone asks, she has a really weird backpack. As for the metallic clanging, she was carrying silverware, a lot of them. Yep. That sounds believable.
Pyrrha, Rider, and Nora were there to greet them back. Ren had gone out and had yet to return. Chiron spun slowly in place, his eyes narrowed as he focused in the direction that he was facing. Nodding, he welcomed them all to his home.
Just like those before her, Ruby was amazed at the decorum. It reminded her of those films set in an older Mistral. The traditional look worked well in its favor while still retaining the luxuries of modern day. The few portraits that were hanged also brought some extra life to it; they were artistic depictions of nature.
"It isn't usually to his taste," Chiron said. "But it is quite fanciful even by the standards of Mistral's high society."
"It's not your house?" Lancer asked. Chiron shook his head. "We're freeloading, then?" Chiron nodded.
Few seconds of silence passed.
Chiron sighed. "There is a pack in the fridge. The owner also expected Qrow at some point and thought ahead."
"Shame he didn't think about me!" Lancer vanished from their eyes. The sounds of a can being opened was heard almost immediately after. "This second life sounds pretty good!"
"There's more to being a Servant than having a good drink!" Rider chastised her. He didn't try to stop her though. "Let's just hope that Ren bought a few for Qrow."
"He did," Chiron answered. "But it wouldn't be for Qrow."
"You Archers and your eyesight, I swear. Only thing missing is X-ray vision." Rider raised a finger before Chiron could reply. "Don't. I know."
Ruby stretched her legs. While Lancer was busy emptying the fridge of every liquid with a percentage number on it, she was outside staring into the water. The flowing stream blurred her reflection but she could see the traces of the waterbed underneath. Blake would like it here. She would have her book with her if there weren't any fish for her to get. Weiss would enjoy it as well if only for the atmosphere and tranquil peace. Yang would probably take the occasional joke but even she knew when to take it slow.
Yang. Weiss. Blake. She didn't have her team with her. She was with someone else's team. JNPR may be RWBY's sister team but there was a clear connection between them that Ruby felt herself an outsider. She might have to face Pyrrha someday too. Should she keep them at an arm's distance to make things easier? Could she even have Lancer kill Rider? Kill Jaune? They all lost him once, and Ruby would have to face the prospect of being responsible of taking him away from them again.
"Something still bothering you, miss Rose?" Chiron said, approaching from behind.
"Just enjoying the stream," she lied. "The owner must have been quite the person. It looks amazing."
"I'm sure he'll be glad to hear that. Come. Your Servant may have drained all the alcohol but she hasn't touched the sugar."
"Cookies?"
"Strawberry and chocolate-chip."
Ruby floated in the air. She bounced back inside and was greeted with an entire jar just for her.
"What kind of guy is this, Chiron?" Rider asked.
"In another time, he was Ruby's uncle."
It took a while for Ruby to reply; she looked like a squirrel with those filled cheeks. "I have another uncle?"
"You adopted him as one." Chiron shrugged. "With how close he was to Beacon, I wondered why he hasn't moved there himself."
"What's his name?"
"In the League, we call him Man of Two Names."
/-/
Winter Schnee walked down the plain white hallways of the hospital. His clinic was here and he came highly recommended by others. Whether that was for medical consultations or even legal advice is anyone's guess. He was primarily in medicine but he had a degree of such levels in the law. A respectable individual for the most part and one that was so evidently climbing the ranks in Atlas' high society.
She wouldn't have met him really and if she did, it wasn't going to be the best impression. Winter was used to those using others to climb the social ladder and when he asked her for a favor, had expected it. It surprised her when he asked that Fria be moved to a different location. He mentioned the same things that the General had told her, things that he shouldn't have any right nor means to have known.
"Winter? Is it your scheduled appointment already? I must have been too busy."
It was a coded message. Truth was work had been lax for him lately, too lax.
"I'm sure it has, given recent circumstances. But yes, I have come for my scheduled appointment, Dr. Jekyll."
AN: Following in the footsteps of New Staff of Beacon Academy, I made references for my boi. Namely, the Dark Universe and the League.
Speaking of that fic, the state of RT, and thus the RWBY IP, was a little bit of a setback. But I kept Cinder and Emerald alive there for a reason. That reason initially was on the chance that I ran out of patience. I have checked the RWBY Beyond, but without explicit confirmation, I really don't want to make assumptions about the Summer Maiden (one of the speculations that I've seen would honestly sour it for me. I am leaning towards the other theory, though.)
