Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
The smell of salty sea air hung over the ocean, water lapping and seagulls screeching as the great transporter ship cut through the foam of the sea, ferrying its passengers from one shore of Remnant to another.
Several families and friends traveled on the ship, some of them were on vacation but some of them were just visiting distant relatives. Many people were enjoying the view, talking, eating, drinking, there were also many children on the boat and laughingly playing with each other.
It was a peaceful and quiet trip for Lynda, who was on her way home to her family, more specifically her little brother, who she hadn't heard from since the CCT-tower in Beacon was destroyed and she was very worried for him.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much time to say goodbye, only Mike was lucky enough to say goodbye to her, since Lance was in a coma and Mandy betrayed them. Lynda clenched her fists angrily as often as she could at her fellow fox faunus.
She went out to the left side of the ship to get some fresh air but suddenly, she bumped into a familiar figure.
- Lynda? - She expected to everyone but not to him.
- Sun? - Lynda didn't expect the monkey faunus to be traveling on this ship too.
- What are you doing here?! - They asked at the same time and Lynda answered.
- I'm going home, to Menagerie. You? I thought you live in Vacuo.
- Well… - Sun scratched the back of his head. - I came for Blake.
- Blake? - Lynda was surprised by the cat's faunus name. - Team RWBY's Blake?
- That's her. She's traveling on this ship.
- What's she doing here?
- If I had to guess, she wants to crush the White Fang herself, in revenge for what they did in Beacon.
- Is she crazy?! I'd also like to take care of the White Fang but there's not much chance of doing it alone!
- I know, that's why I snuck up on her, to protect her.
- Where is she?
- The other side, - Sun grabbed the girl's arm and started to pull. - I show you!
- What are you doing?! - Lynda nervously tried to free her arm but Sun stopped and threw a dark robe over her head.
- Put this on so she doesn't see us. - Sun also put on a dark robe.
- As if he doesn't recognize our smell. - Lynda adjusted her robe angrily. - Why don't we go over there and say hello like a normal person.
- Oh, what's the fun in that? - Sun just waved. – It's like, - He began to whisper. - as if we were secret agents.
- I see. - Lynda answered after a short, awkward silence.
The two faunus went to the bow of the ship, turning away to look around the starboard side of the ship. They saw Blake, in a new outfit, black high heeled boots, black tight pants, a long white jacket that she wore unbuttoned, a black tank top that left her stomach exposed and strapped to her back with a strap for her weapon, the Gumbo Shroud. She had just removed the black tape covering the two cat ears and thrown them into the sea.
- This will no longer be necessary. - She said quietly to herself, which the two watchers heard in the distance with the hearing of the faunus and went into her cabin.
- We still don't say hello to her? - Lynda asked.
- You're not a good secret agent, are you? - Sun was a little disappointed. - No, we watch and take care of her from a distance.
And that's really how the day went. At Sun's suggestion and to Lynda's irritation, they kept Blake under surveillance all day. Until the sun began to set, the sea was bathed in orange light and the stars began to appear. Lynda watched from the back of the ship as Blake came out of her cabin, walking along the side but suddenly she drew her sword and looked at Sun, whom she spotted. Sun still had his robe on, which made him unrecognizable and Blake was too scared to recognize his scent. Sun ran quickly and Blake was jolted out of his concentration by a bigger wave, a huge shadow was cast on the ship, Blake, Lynda, the ship's passengers and crew were horrified to notice what was casting its shadow on them.
- Holy white asparagus! - Lynda could hardly believe her eyes, it was a giant, sea serpent dragon Grimm, which was looking at the ship as prey.
- Alarm! – One of the sailors shouted, before the alarm went off and the passengers fled to the bottom of the ship to be safe.
- For the gods. – The captain could hardly believe his eyes. - Everyone to arm!
- Sir, - The first officer had concerns. – we've never fought such a big Grimm before!
- We've never seen Grimm this big before. - He looked determinedly at the monster. - But we won't give ourselves up cheaply, I can promise you that!
Blake immediately attacked the Grimm, jumped onto the railing on the bow of the ship, from there, took another boost with his clone and flew straight towards the creature's face. She clipped Gumbo Shroud to its bone-like mask, the tip of which got caught, so she was able to get to its side with the long ribbon and then open fire on it with her pistol but it almost didn't feel it.
The Grimm headed for the ship and Blake landed disappointed.
- That's not gonna work! - Blake suddenly looked back after being called by a familiar voice.
- Lynda?! What are you doing here?!
- Let's not discuss this now! - Lynda also took out her triple blades. - Let's deal with it first! Sun, you can come out now!
- Is Sun here too?! - Blake could hardly believe her eyes when the monkey faunus boy revealed himself.
- Did you miss me?! - He threw the robe off confidently but he nearly fell on his nose as the ship turned sharply to the right to avoid the Grimm's attack.
At least half a dozen cannons appeared on either side of the ship as Blake attacked the creature's face with Gumbo Shroud, Lynda with her blades, and Sun with her battle staff. The cannons also opened fire, which it already felt but it still didn't give up the fight and fell under the water.
The captain knew that the fight wasn't over yet, because a very large cannon came out of the bow of the ship.
The Grimm came out of the water again but this time almost its entire body was out of the water, the flipper on its back opened and two membranous wings grew out of its back, which it used to rise into the air and stir up such a windstorm that it almost overturned the ship.
The captain gave the order to fire again with the big cannon but the Grimm was too fast and agile for its size to even be hit.
The Grimm began to focus energy in its mouth, clearly, it also has a big cannon.
- I have an idea! – Sun switched quickly, so he also jumped onto the railing, from there into the air, summoned two clones that caught the creature's mustache from both sides, while he pulled the upper part of its mouth up. - I don't recommend it, bro!
A beam of yellow energy came from the creature's mouth but thanks to Sun, it only shot towards the endless sea.
- What are you doing?! – Blake didn't understand why he was staying on the creature's head at all, which it was determined to shake him off but Sun held on tightly to the two whiskers.
- Oh, I'm just getting to know him! – He joked but the Grimm started charging its mouth with an electric beam again, which shook Sun and caused him to fall down. Lynda immediately switched on, activated her Semblance and ran across the water at lightning speed, landing on a rock where she caught Sun. - My hero. - He joked before Lynda just threw him on the ground.
- Quick, - She drew her blades and ran back towards the ship. - Blake needs help!
- Yes! - Sun immediately jumped up and followed her.
Blake stayed on the ship and did her best to distract the Grimm from the ship, so it shot the yellow energy beam at her but she knew she couldn't avoid it forever. Blake fell onto the ship and the Grimm was about to deliver the final blow but Sun arrived in time and blocked the shot.
Meanwhile, Lynda also jumped onto the creature's tail and ran her Semblance along its tail, up towards its body, more precisely, towards its wings.
Fortunately, Blake and Sun were prepared for the same thing as Sun summoned at least 3 clones that first threw her into the air at once, two jumped into the air but one stayed there. The first one stood on the railing of the ship and then threw Blake into the air, the second clone used his sole to push away from her, the third caught her arm and threw her towards the real Sun, who was already excitedly waiting for her to catch her but instead, she just jumped on his shoulder and soared even higher, directly over the Grimm and began to fall.
As she fell, the creature shot a few more energy beams at her but Blake dodged them all, took out Gumbo Shroud and aimed at its right wing. By this time, Lynda had already reached the creature's wings and used her blades to cut the membrane of the left wing, while Blake cut the membrane of the right wing.
Both girls then started falling towards a rock, but Sun quickly got there and caught Blake, but from the speed of the fall, he was hit with such force that the rock cracked as well.
- And now you're saying... - His smug smile wore off immediately when Lynda also fell on him, which was too much for him and all three of them fell to the ground. Sun at the bottom, Blake in the middle and Lynda at the top. - Urghhh...
- Are you fine? - Lynda hoped her friends weren't hurt.
- Just get off. - Blake just ducked out from under her and stood up.
- That was too much for me. – Sun also stood up and dusted himself off.
- Are you saying we are fat? - Lynda joked but her laughter was cut short by the winged Grimm's attack as it destroyed the rocks they were standing on.
The three faunus escaped by jumping over the falling rocks but the Grimm didn't give up, it just broke the path in front of it, it didn't matter how many and how big rocks it had to break through, it was determined to destroy them. Finally, they were cornered and had nowhere to run. The creature began to charge the energy beam in its mouth again and was about to execute the three faunus but then the ship came at full speed, piercing its body with its pointed nose and pinning it against a rock so that it couldn't escape.
In the end, a single shot from the large cannon was enough to completely blow the Grimm's head off at point-blank range.
The ship's crew began to celebrate as the headless Grimm's body began to vaporize.
- That was great! - Lynda gasped, smiling.
- High-five! – Sun raised one hand, which Lynda accepted. - You too! – He held it towards Blake but she just looked angrily at the other two faunus and slapped Sun.
- What's wrong with you?! – Lynda blurted out, she didn't expect such a reaction after defeating such a large Grimm.
The sun had already set but the ship continued on its way and no further attacks took place. Lynda and Sun were cheered on by the passengers and crew but Blake didn't want to be celebrated.
- Well, it wasn't a big deal at all. – Sun was just posing for his new fans, who couldn't help but thank him and Lynda.
- We've dealt with big monsters before. - Lynda bragged too.
- Just enjoy the trip and don't worry, everything will be fine. – Sun secured the passengers, then leaving them, they went with Lynda towards Blake. - It's like they haven't even seen a fight before.
- Civilians. - Lynda shrugged. - I think it was enough for them for a lifetime.
- What are you doing here, Lynda, Sun? - Blake demanded the answer.
- By the way, - Sun saw that Blake was no longer wearing the black bow she used to cover her cat ears. - I like your new look. - He poked one of her ears. - The bow didn't fit.
- Sun! - She hit Sun's hand. - Lynda! Did you follow me?!
- He did, - Lynda replied. - I didn't. We just ran into each other by accident. - Sun sighed a little embarrassed.
- I saw you run away. The night Beacon fell. As soon as we got out to Vale, you made sure everyone was okay but then you just walked away. - Blake's face softened and she leaned against the railing sadly.
- I had to. You wouldn't understand.
- But I do! - Sun snapped in excitement. - I know exactly what you're up to! - Blake's eyes lit up, seeing the sensitive side of Sun who understands. – You start a 1v1 campaign against the White Fang! - Blake's face turned angry again.
- What?!
- I think he's mistake. - Lynda sensed that he was wrong.
- You've always felt that - But Sun didn't. – the Fang is your fight. They showed up, ransacked your school and hurt your friends, it totally made sense that this is what you want.
- You are unbelievable. - Blake just shook her head in frustration.
- And I certainly won't let you do it alone! - Sun confidently wrapped one arm around Blake. - It won't be easy but at least you'll have someone to cover your back. - He glared at Lynda. – That's two if Lynda comes with us.
- Lynda is not coming with you. - Lynda just shook her head.
- What?! - Sun was surprised by the answer. - We faunus should stick together!
- You are wrong, Sun. - Blake didn't join either and slipped out of his arms and wandered off. - You are very, very wrong.
- About what…
- I won't go near the White Fang. Not yet.
- Seriously?! - Sun could hardly believe what he heard.
- I still have a few things to sort out.
- Then why don't you do it with your team? - He held out his hand in shock. - With your friends?
- You're talking?! - Blake shot back. - I'm guessing Neptune, Sage, Scarlet, Lance, Mandy and Mike aren't hiding at the bottom of the ship?
- Do you think I could drag Neptune into the ocean? They went back to Mistral, - Sun sat on the railing. - I said I would come. This isn't the first time I have left them and boarded a ship alone.
- At least I said goodbye to them... - Lynda became a little sad when she thought about her team. - At least, from Mike.
- Then... - Sun couldn't come up with anything else, so she asked Blake. – if you're not going after the White Fang, then where?
- Home. - Answered. - To Menagerie.
- What?! - Lynda could hardly believe her ears. - You came from Menagerie too?
- You…
- Yes, - Lynda confidently put her hands on her hips. - I'm going home, just like you.
- It's unbelievable that you didn't meet as children. - Sun found it as an amazing coincidence.
- I think I remember something. - Blake thought. - I think we met once in kindergarten.
- Indeed?
- Yes. - Blake was sure of it. - You were the kid who was always the loudest, always climbed on everything and was often scolded for biting others.
- Hm... - Lynda thought but she didn't remember Blake.
- Once, in a pair of tongs, where couples tie each other's hands together, I was your partner.
- Yeah, I got it! - Lynda's eyes widened as she remembered. - I remember! You were quite a silence and withdrawn child.
- I'm glad you're happy, - Sun interrupted. - because I'm with you. The Grimms are getting more and more dangerous, you could see. And just because you didn't go after the White Fang doesn't mean they won't come after you. Not incidentally, - He looked down at the ocean. - I'm already on the ship. Turning back is no longer an option.
- Well, - Blake just smiled weakly. - then you can't be stopped.
- Nope! – Sun just pulled himself out over the railing and posed for the two girls. - It's gonna be awesome! I've never been to Menagerie before! It's going to be a nice trip east!
- Who do you visit? - Lynda asked.
- My parents. - Blake lowered her head. - I haven't seen them for a long-time and... - She tried to hold back her tears. - we parted on rather bad terms.
- Oh, - Lynda saw how bad her memory was. - I'm sorry.
- And you? Blake had to change the subject. - Who are there at home?
- Only my little brother. Unfortunately, since our parents died, it's just the two of us left.
- Wow, - Blake wouldn't have expected Lynda to raise her little brother alone. - I'm sorry.
- I think you are doing well to go home to your parents. - Lynda, was looking up at the clear, starry sky. - You can still do it.
Everything in Salem's hideout was still just as sinister and terrifying, especially in the council room where Salem sat at the big table and Cinder, whose arm was replaced by a dark, Grimm-like substance.
- Do you feel it? – Salem asked, seeing that Cinder was in incredible pain but accepting the dark liquid into her body. - Don't fight it, girl. – Salem used her right hand to flow that dark substance into Cinder's body, with her left hand she stepped with a runner on the chessboard next to her. - I sense your doubt. You have to make it your own horrible part. – A knock indicated that her opponent had stepped on the chessboard again but she only looked at it for half a moment, immediately grabbed the knight and knew exactly where she had to step.
- How do you do this? - Roman, who was a pro at chess and other strategic games, could barely keep up with Salem.
- You wouldn't believe how old a player I am, Roman. - Salem replied. – I know this game inside out, I know every step, every strategy and every possible outcome.
- Really? - Roman smiled confidently and moved with the rook but Salem immediately moved with the queen.
- Indeed. Checkmate.
- Hm. – Roman could hardly believe his eyes, he didn't challenge Salem at all to beat him in chess 9 times. - The tenth is the winner. – Roman started to set up the board again, Neo, who had been sitting next to him silently, just rolled her eyes tiredly, bored and yawned.
- Just like people, Roman. - Salem wasn't bored at all, she actually thought it was a pleasant recreation. - They never give up, but you are the most entertaining opponent in the last 200 years.
- Then, I won't disappoint you. - Roman started, Salem continued, in the same style, while Roman took a few seconds to think about his next move, Salem reacted in a split second and moved confidently. - Perhaps... - Roman made an unusual move with a pawn.
- Hm? - Salem curiously turned away from Cinder and for the first time, it took more than half a second before she stepped again. - That was a great move. - She moved with the queen. - But it won't save you.
- I'm trying. – Roman also walked with the queen. - Check. - It was the first time Roman was able to give Salem a simply check.
The game continued for a few minutes but it was clear that Salem won for the tenth time.
- Checkmate. – Salem gave Roman a slight smile, which he couldn't decide whether to be happy or afraid of. - That was nice.
- Well, that's incredible, ma'am. – Roman just leaned back and clasped his hands on the back of his head. - Are you a mind reader?
- No, I've just been playing this game for a lot longer than you can imagine.
- Anyway, - Roman felt that they had played chess enough and looked at the stump in the place of Cinder's missing arm, into which the Grimm-like liquid flowed. - what are you doing with her?
- Cinder will be at a serious disadvantage if one of her arms are missing. She gets another one from me. - Roman couldn't understand in his right mind how someone could order such things.
- Wouldn't it be easier to install a mechanical arm? It would be simpler, less painful and less fearful.
- Simple is not always good, pain motivates people and fear is what we want to elicit from our enemies.
Suddenly, the entrance gate opened, Emerald and Mercury, who had been standing there watching Salem play chess with Roman and flow that Grimm liquid into Cinder, now stood aside in horror.
- What's that? - Roman could hardly believe his eyes when a floating black crystal sphere in the shape of a skull came through the gate, the sphere had several Grimm mask-like bones, pointed spikes were lined up at the bottom and it was floated by red, tentacle-like arms that ended in pointed spikes. It was a terrifying sight and it felt like it was watching everyone in the room. Neo stood up to poke it but Roman stopped her.
- A small and handy tool that allows me to reach anyone on Remnant and besides, it has many other useful properties. – A yellow light started flashing in the sphere, Salem leaned over to talk to it but all they could hear was some incomprehensible snoring. - Cinder, I'm only going to ask once and I expect a straight and clear answer. - She stared sternly and fearfully at the mutilated girl. - Did you really kill Ozpin? - Cinder signaled to Emerald, who was already ready to jump to carry out her request. - NO! - Salem's eyes lit up for a moment after she hit the table. - I want you to tell me.
Roman didn't dare to intervene, he felt that Salem wasn't an average person, not an average criminal who only wanted power. Something was very wrong with her and there was something so terrifying about her that Roman just couldn't put anywhere.
Cinder gathered all her strength, for a while only a weak grunt came out of her mouth but with great effort she was able to moan out a single word, even if it was barely audible.
- Yes… - Salem folded her hands and thought, then turned to the orb.
- Increase the number of Grimm in Beacon, the relic is still there. – The orb just floated out of the room, Mercury and Emerald just let it go in horror. - What are you planning, Ozpin?
- Um... - Roman shook his head in confusion and he and Neo looked at each other. - didn't she just say she killed him? Ozpin can't fight anymore. - He even spread his arms. - He's no more. - Cinder and Salem turned towards him at the same time, which startled him a little. Cinder smiled as if she knew something he didn't but Salem just watched him with her usual unflappable face. - Or not?
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