Negative Tensions Building from Within
"The Huntsman severed the connection before it was complete." Cinder said, speaking to someone with the scene only show darkness.
"Yes. It's... emptiness. It burns. Like hunger. I like it." Cinder expressed how the power feels even if it's only half the power of the Fall Maiden.
"Yes. I will claim what is ours." Cinder promised.
"Thank you, and l will be sure to meet up with "Him" again as well. I still need to get some combat training in, and other things if you know what I mean." Cinder giggled.
(Vale White Fang Camp)
Adam is seen within his tent that he is feeling very angry, feeling more anger than he felt in a long time since his parents' death, and the scar he was forced to receive years ago which is the very source of his hatred toward humans.
The reason he is angry is because Blake Belladonna, the girl who he trained with and come to love her more than a simple partner, quit the White Fang and the very cause she supported but it would seem that she was a coward at the end when she ran away.
"We'll find her, sir. I swear on my life." The White Fang Lieutenant promised with a hand on his chest.
"Forget it. It's time I returned to Mistral and..." Adam's words were cut off when he suddenly hears gunfire shooting and some explosion coming from outside of his tent.
"(The fuck is going on now?)" Adam thought groaned. As if his day couldn't get any worse now.
Both Adam and the White Fang Lieutenant rush out of the tent with their representative weapons for any fight that is happening.
"What is this?" Adam demanded.
Cinder smiles as she stands with some of the White Fang soldiers laying on the ground unconscious and holding two swords in her hands, she looks over to Adam seeing that she now has his full attention. Emerald and Mercury are also present, each with a case in front of them.
"We could've gone to anyone for help. But we chose you, Adam Taurus." Cinder said while she discarded her swords, and a wall of fire rises with her hands raising up.
"Our plan will be beneficial for both of us. Or one of us." Cinder said.
Emerald opens her case revealing Dust crystals and collector canisters inside, Mercury opens his case to show stacks of Liens inside which is a lot of money.
Adam can clearly see this woman is more than what she is barging for, and she appears to be more powerful than the most skilled and strongest Hunters in the world meaning whatever she has to offer, she has the power to back them up.
Adam slowly stands up straight, a gesture showing that he is ready to lesson to what she has to say much to her please.
(Present)
Cinder is sitting on the bed looking over on a bunch of news broadcast about the bloody incident that happened not only in the middle of the Amity Colosseum, but some are even commenting about one of the Hunter trainees has killed the very killer that suddenly showed up.
"The recent event that happened at the very end of the first match in the final round of the Vytal Festival tournament. A mysterious masked young man not only somehow broke into the Amity Colosseum, but also murdered several Atlas soldiers that were on guard at the time and showed them off before attempting to kill the two students who have finished their match, but a surprise twist that Isabella Rose stopped the murder with Nanto Kokaku Ken." Lisa Lavender reported.
"But lots of people are panicking and still are from the sight of the dead bodies in literal pieces and many people are still in fear because of how danger came during the Vytal Festival." Lisa mentioned with footage shots of people panicking and some running for their lives.
And the screen change to another reporter, a male news anchor talking about the event as well.
"It is very uncertain of how such a thing could have happened under the noses of Hunters and Atlas's military forces, and who knows if there are more of these masked murders out there." The male anchorman said.
"Not only that, but there has been discoveries of a dozen more dead Atlas found." The anchorman reported as well.
The screen changes again to another news reporter.
"We got informed about the attacker revealing to be an Asura warrior. They were known to be the most vicious and dangerous warriors that only lived on their island, no connection to the outside world, they only know fighting and killing which makes them that much dangerous. It was believed they were wiped out when their leaders were defeated long ago right after the Great War a little over 80 years ago." A male news reporter said.
Then the screen changes to a random guy currently on the street of the Vale kingdom.
"What the fuck was that about?! I thought we were going to be safe after that whole Grimm Breach thing!" The random guy freaked out.
"I always enjoyed the Vytal Festival because of the peace that brings us together! But now… I'm scared of what is going to happen next." A random guy with blue and red hair worried.
"Did you see the way that hot chick just killed that mask guy with a single finger! I'm not sure if I should feel safe or feel safe." A random teenage girl with shark teeth concerned.
"I remember how my parents would tell me about what they do know about Hokuto and Nanot being rivals and tried to kill each other, so I was a little worried about those style being in the same place. Now I'm hoping those two would try protecting the world this time." A middle-aged man with pink eyes said.
"The fuck is Atlas doing? They're supposed to be protecting us and yet some of them got killed by one guy!" A random guy with a black afro complained.
"Sometimes, I wonder if Atlas are even doing their job." A middle-aged woman said.
Suddenly a TV remote was thrown right at the screen breaking it with cracks and going static and other troubling things when a TV is broken.
"Now, you owe me a TV, Jonathan." Kibo said.
The scene shows that Kibo, his friends, and lovers, along with the five Nanto Masters have come to have a little meeting together in Kibo's room believing that doing so with the Master of Hokuto Shinken could help them feel at ease.
"I'm surprised he grabbed it before you could stop him." Pyrrha said.
"Forgive me for having to display such a reaction in front of you all, but the way they spoke about Atlas did not sit right with me." Jonathan gritted his teeth a little.
"That fool should be grateful that I was able to stop that man." Isabella did not like how that guy said about her.
"You can't exactly blame them, none of those people have seen what our martial art styles can do in a real battle that would involve lives." Ren pointed out.
"Have you done something like that, Ren?" Weiss asked curiously.
"Only once…" Ren answered softly.
"It was three years ago; we were out exploring the jungle outside of the temple where he trained in Nanto Hakuro Ken. We got attacked by a lone bandit who was wilder than any animal and wanted more death trying to do that to us. But Ren stopped him and did what he had to do." Nora explained that incident.
"I think I remember hearing about a wild killer a while back and the body was found in pieces. That was you?" Neptune asked Ren in shock.
"Yes, it was the first time I took the life of another living being. But deep down, I knew it was the only way to stop that man." Ren answered calmly.
"Same with Kibo when he killed Father Fang and others." Blake sighed.
"Their souls were beyond saving; I sense it when I clash my fist against their flesh." Kibo stated.
"At least you don't feel bad about your first kill." Sun exclaimed a little.
"You killed someone too?" Blake asked.
"Yeah, it was my master. He taught himself Nanto Ho-h Ken thought he was never the true successor; he was just waiting for someone to come along and take up the mantle." Sun mentioned his master.
"I met him when I was only five and he was impressed with my agility and speed for being so young, so he sought me out and trained me in the style. My family were really worried since they heard the story about the previous master, Thouzer, and they were not good." Sun explained.
"I heard of him too. He wanted to make an empire without love, he hated even the word love." Hakuocho recalled hearing that.
"It's because he had to kill his master when he was 15, following the rule of Isshi Soden, Solo Successor because like Hokuto Shinken, it's a powerful martial art style." Sun explained.
"Except, Hokuto Shinken doesn't kill the master when being deemed the successor." Kibo said.
"Neither does Nanto Koshu Ken, though I think I predecessor cripple the previous master's legs after succeeding him." Jonathan recalled hearing that little story.
"Lucky you…" Sun chuckled a little.
"The guy was like an uncle to me, maybe a second father, and I had to kill him with my own two hands." Sun looked down at his hands, remembering the time of his final test.
"When was that?" Yang asked.
"…Two years ago, when I was fifteen." Sun answered.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that." Jaune comforted Jaune.
"Thanks, I just know that I hope I'm making the old man proud for doing better than what my predecessor did in the past." Sun looked out the window.
"I'm sure he does; I know my master is even now." Kibo believed strongly.
"Wow, you guys are full of it." Blake commented.
"What do you mean by that?" Velvet asked.
"Sorry, it just… All of you, with your fighting style that is shown be of assassination to kill your enemies. It just brought up some memories back when I was part of the White Fang." Blake mentioned.
"You mean with Father Fang?" Kibo asked.
"No, it's someone else." Blake said.
"I had someone very dear to me change. It wasn't in an instant, it was gradual - little choices that began to pile up. He told me not to worry. At first, they were accidents, then it was self-defense. Before long, even I began to think he was right. This is all just... very familiar." Blake explained, remembering her former partner, Adam Taraus.
"I suddenly feel like this is a tragic love story from your past." Jaune guessed.
"You could say that." Blake said.
"And you're worried about one of us becoming like that former partner of yours, aren't you?" Sun with one raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, I'm just worried about how just went right now and" But Blake was cut off when Sun moved in to kiss her right on the lips.
Everyone around them were surprised of the sudden action of the Nanot monkey fighter though some have felt a sense of proudness for the guy, expressing his feelings and calming her down the only way he could think of at the time.
Blake sink into the kiss with one hand on his cheek, he wraps his tail around her waist and pulls her in closer to have a moment longer with their kiss until the separate.
"So, did that convince you otherwise?" Sun asked chuckling.
"Heheh, I think it did." Blake giggled.
"Blake, I can't promise you that I won't get my hands dirty with blood because as long as I am the Star of Leadership, I have to fight when the time comes and use these hands to protect all that I care for." Sun said.
"But I can promise you is that I will never, ever, do anything to that will break your heart and make you feel this worried. If I did, I would end my own life." Sun promised.
"I don't think you need to go that far." Blake giggled.
"But thank you, I think I can now fully trust you and the others. And that includes you, Kibo Hokuto." Blake turned to Kibo.
"I am honored." Kibo smiled.
"Oh, such a romantic moment makes me feel tinglingly!" Isabella giggled.
"By the way, how was the talk with General Ironwood? I heard my headmaster asked you to come with him for some questing." Jonathan asked.
"The man just wanted to make sure I had no connection with that Asura warrior, nor do I intend to cause any harm in the near future." Isabella answered.
"I swear, that man is such a worrywart with all this security being too much and now he's trying to make sense on what just happened. It's like he has a Semblance that makes him worried too much." Isabella commented.
"You're not the first who thought of that." Jonathan sighed.
"General Ironwood has been known to take this into extreme measure should any situations calls for it, but it does sometimes leave some feeling concern for his approach." Jonathan admitted that last part.
"Okay, okay, I get this is all dark and scary with what's been happening. So, how about we take our mind off of that event for a while and just focus on the festival where we're supposed to have fun!" Ruby suggested.
"Easier said than done." Ren said.
"But it's still worth it!" Nora pumped her fist in the air.
"Yeah, I could use a little distraction." Jaune agreed.
"Pyrrha, let's go win some cool stuff at the festival ground. Maybe that will help you get your mind off the pressure and remember that you're human." Jaune said.
"What makes you think I was feeling any pressure?" Pyrrha asked her boyfriend.
"Is it really so hard for a boyfriend to notice his girlfriend looking down about something deep?" Jaune countered with that question.
"Let just say that Pyrrha had been asked for an important task, but she is having trouble with making the decision. I think a fun time with her team will do her some good." Kibo said.
"Then it's decided! Team JNPR! To the Festival ground, AWAY!" Jaune ran off of the room with Pyrrha being dragged along followed by Nora and Ren.
"If you all don't mind, I need some alone time." Yang walked out and headed to her room.
Yang enters the room to find not just Zwei, but also Uncle Qrow who is petting the dog.
"Hey there, firecracker." Qrow greeted.
"Hey Uncle Qrow, has there been anything about that Asura guy?" Yang asked.
"Nope. We couldn't find any notes nor even a Scroll on that guy. The guy must've really kept himself clear from anything that could be traced back to whoever sent him here." Qrow informed.
"Damn, I never told the others this but… I was really scared back there. When he showed up out of nowhere like that and was about to kill us, especially me when I had no Aura." Yang hugged herself a little.
"Don't that didn't happen; Isabella was able to protect you and live to see another day. That's what's important." Qrow smiled with a gentle touch on her shoulder.
"I saw my mom." Yang revealed, shocking Qrow.
"I-I was in a lot of trouble. Took a pretty hard hit. But when I came to, the person attacking me was gone. And I thought I saw... her. Her sword, like the one in you and dad's old picture." Yang confessed.
"I see, so that how it was." Qrow chuckled.
"Well, you'd be happy to know that it was your mom. Let me guess - she didn't say a word, did she?" Qrow asked.
"How did you know?" Yang asked.
"I don't see my sister very often, but she does try to keep in touch... whenever it suits her." Qrow revealed.
"Wait. You mean you talk to her? That was real?" Yang shocked.
"Yeah, she found me. Had a tip from my most recent assignment and wanted me to give you a message." Qrow explained.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner!?" Yang asked, sounding a little angry.
"I was tryin' to wait for the right time, and this sure ain't it. But I guess you deserve to know. She wanted me to tell you that she saved you once, but you shouldn't expect that kindness again." Qrow delivered the message.
"Raven's got an interesting way of looking at the world that I don't particularly agree with. And she's dangerous. But you're a tough egg, kiddo. Shouldn't let this tournament thing get'cha down. You almost had a death encounter; sometimes bad things just happen. I say it's time you move on." Qrow advised.
"Move on to what?" Yang asked.
"Well... Raven let some info slip before she took off. If you ever wanna track her down, I think I might be able to help." Qrow offered to help, but only when Yang is ready to face her mom in person.
KO a new chapter is done and hope you all enjoy it!
Oh dam, shit has really hit the fan because of that strange attacker causing the people to feel a lot of fear which means there will be some Grimms heading their way soon enough. Kibo and the others were able to find some comfort with each other, and Yang even learned that her mom can be found through Qrow.
KO comment, favorite, and follow through of how this story will go!