A/N More Mysteries
Alt title: More Problems
.
.
GideonBlackthorn: There are a lot of theories regarding Penny Watts.
I won't confirm any of them. Yet.
Stormbringer0: There's room for improvement for everyone. Weiss has serious issues and won't say no to Cyril if he ever got forceful. She also sees everything as a competition for attention.
And yes, Soul Tear would devastate a huntsmen's aura.
CloudWalker2470: It's posted on QQ, Questionable Questing. Now stahp!!
Be nice.
Marveldcfanficlover: And to think, Ruby was best girl in chapter 1-10.
Hwang Manuel: Yay! All caught up!
Singular Ash: You good! Amd thank you!
.
.
-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
(Text)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
-Vale city, 11/08, 10:30am-
.
.
Cyril Leon POV
.
Looking behind me, and in front of me quickly. I realize the odds of me winning this fight are, rather slim. Raven looks inconvenienced at worst, not that I can see her face. And Neo looks to be having fun as she taps her foot with a smile.
'Wait, why are you trying to win?' A small part of me asks. 'Your goal should be survive! Escape you dumbass!'
Right, think. Raven can probably turn into a bird like Qrow can. At which point, I can assume that a Fus Ro won't do much.
But, if I can drag this out enough and into the open. Then maybe I can count on some backup. Or at least some law enforcement.
"You two seem to have made one mistake." I say as I get into a fighting stance.
Neo cocks her head and puts a finger to her lips. As though to say, oh? And just what is that?
I smirk as I hear a small tap behind me.
"Wuld Nah!" I dash and turn into petals. Pulling a Ruby as I phase around a wide eyed Neo.
Filling a notable dip in my aura as I dash out of the alley in a swirl of blue. I turn up as soon as I make it to the street. Mass no longer applying to me as-
'Shit!' I think as I feel the shout end and my speed halts, forcing me to move over to a balcony before I start descending.
Recompressing into me. I fall to a knee as I catch my breath. Not that I'm winded or exhausted, but my heart is pounding at the very real danger I'm in. And I sheath my axes so I can keep my hands free. Not wanting to snag them or accidentally drop them.
If only-
I roll forward, feeling something akin to a sixth sense for killing intent. And I hear the whoosh of air behind me as I petal over the railing of the balcony towards the street.
Going on feeling alone, I have roughly four fifths aura left. Not bad. But most of that, was from my shouts. That's how draining they are.
And I'm hit by a fucking fireball midair!
'Oh shit!' I try to scream, but can't.
It doesn't, seem to do much. But it shocks me into reforming, having lost focus on my magic.
Which, puts me in a free fall from five stories up, down to the crowded street. Where there are civilians right below. I'm not heroic, but I'm not a dick.
Feeling time slow as I activate my semblance. I stare at the sidewalk, with wide eyed people just ready to get crushed by me.
Petalling won't be enough. I need something to get away from here! Take the fight somewhere public where they aren't in the way. Otherwise it's only a matter of time until they're caught in the crossfire. Because I seriously doubt Raven and Neo care much about bystanders.
Pulling on my magic, I close my eyes and pray it does as I wish. Feeling it pull out, and shift in front of me. I open my eyes in shock as it rapidly, even for my perception, forms an intricate, blue glyph. Though, more star themed than snowflake themed.
Resuming my perception, I land on the platform before it fizzes out. But the few seconds of time it bought was enough for the people below me to gain some sense and scatter. Before I fall again.
I hit the ground in a crouch and push off running, straight into traffic. Not waiting for Raven to follow or even daring to check. She's following, I'm certain of it.
Dodging cars with liberal use of my semblance. I make it to the other side of the road. I focus the strengthening power into my legs. Much as I did when I jumped into the forest. I jump up, causing a small shockwave under me as I soar past the stories of the building near me.
Making it to roof level, I feel a hit in my back that pushes me forward to the rooftop. Rolling as I had planned for that. I roll and tangle with the one who hit me.
Landing on top of them, I see it's Neo. Not letting her get the better of me. I grab her neck in one hand, and pummel her with the fist of other.
Of course, I only get a few hits in before I hear the flapping of a bird's wings approaching from behind. And I let go, rolling to the side and dodging a sword swipe as I see a woman appear in place of the bird she shares a name with.
"You have tricks." She says as she straightens up and looks to me. "But how much of it is yours?"
"The hell are you on about?" I ask through my panting.
She doesn't say anything as she charges forward. Causing me to activate my semblance.
I struggle against faster opponents, that's just a fact. So, I need to think, come up with a way to trip them up like when I caught Neo.
Running my eyes over her form. I look for anything I can use to gain an upper hand. And I see one thing. But, it's rather.
'What the fuck do I care?' I ask myself as I lower my stance. 'Prioritize bitch! Make Issei proud!'
Resuming time, I dodge to the side, seeing her go for an up swipe. I activate my semblance and strike my hand out, going for her skirt plate. Hooking my fingers on one of the buttons, I yank it. Loosening the armor as I jump back and resume.
Neo kicks my legs under me from behind, and I fall sideways. Semblance, I catch myself with a hand and push back. Dodging as she moved to straddle me. Having put her parasol away. Likely to give me the same loving treatment I gave her.
Landing on my back, I roll over to get up. In time for Raven to be in my face immediately, where I activate my semblance and dodge to the other side. Taking another button, this one from her sheath.
.
.
Raven Branwen POV
.
This is bullshit! He's subpar at best. But his evasion is good, very good. He has the natural instincts you'd expect from a Silver Eyed Warrior. But none of the actual combat prowess.
But more than that. He's getting better with every moment passed. It's like he's learning our techniques as we move.
'Perhaps it's his passive?' I think curiously. 'The ability to adapt quickly, or read muscle twitches in his opponents?'
Kicking my leg out to the side where he dodged, he deftly twists to the left and out of the way. Throwing his arms out for balance. I cross off the former as a possibility. I have yet to use any kicks in this fight, so there's no way he could learn and adapt to a move he hadn't seen.
Were he any more tactical, he'd use the brief moments where he's in my guard to attack me. Potentially with a blade or some sort of magic attack. Instead of clumsily trying to push me away.
The runt shimmers into place behind him and goes for a roundhouse to his kidney. Though as soon as her foot connects, he grabs the offending limb and crouches while pulling her.
Jumping back and to the left, I move to avoid getting tangled with Roman's hitman as she cartwheels and lands perfectly with a low bow.
The boy is panting. Sweat forming on his brow as his eyes shake furiously every so often. At this point, it's only a matter of time before he tires out. Which would be the ideal way to finish this.
"You know, I'm surprised I got away with that." He smirks while standing up and holding out his balled up fists.
My first thought is that he's delaying. And I go to rush, before my instincts and experience tell me he's showing genuine satisfaction.
"And just what did you get away with?" I ask, fearful it might've somehow been a call for reinforcements.
He smirks in response, and holds out his fists. And opens them. Dropping about six buttons he was holding onto.
Neo rushes forth, likely seeing his guard down. But she trips on the way and falls to the side where he steps forward and stomps her ankle with a magic infused kick that leaves cracks in the roof that spider web from the point of impact.
Neo rolls over in pain. Clutching her likely twisted ankle.
It'll heal in a few minutes. But until then she's useless in this fight.
And then I see it.
As they clatter to the ground. I recognize them. And look back to Neo, seeing her boot missing three buttons at the top. Making it fit loosely, likely what caused her to stumble in her charge.
But the others.
Looking to my sheath, I see one of the buttons ripped from the belt loop holding it in place. I don't get a chance to check the others as the boy charges. Going to unsheathe his axes, I bring my sword up to block the incoming attack.
But he slides.
'A feint?!' I think in a panic as feel a tug on my skirt and-
Riiip
…
He pulled my skirt down. My armor attached at the belt slapping my outer thigh as my skirt is now loose at my thighs.
"I'm going to kill you." I say through gritted teeth as I turn and
"Fus Ro!" And the world becomes a ringing, spinning mess.
.
.
Cyril Leon POV
.
You know, seeing that ass in black lace. I see why Tai was willing to stick it in her. No matter how crazy she is.
Still though.
"You'd think, she'd have a more practical outfit." I remark through panting breath as she flies off into the distance.
Her skirt flies off halfway, making her bare assed for wherever she lands. Before a portal opens midair and she disappears.
Thinking about it, maybe it is more practical. If you're fighting Grimm, then I doubt you have much to worry about them pantsing you. And in the wild, I guess metal zippers would pose an issue if they rusted. And plastic ones would be too fragile. So I guess buttons are the way to go.
'Shut up nerd.' I tell myself. 'You're not out of this yet.'
Looking over to Neo, who is still holding her ankle. I walk over to her.
Looking up and seeing me approach. She gives me puppy dog eyes and gets into a helpless maiden pose.
"Aww, you poor thing." I say with an exaggerated look of sympathy. Before pulling my axe out and shooting her in the head.
She shatters. Because of course she does. Nothing can ever be that easy.
It's as I think this, that I feel a wet, soft peck on my cheek. Moving my hand to the offending spot, I pull it away to reveal pink lipstick.
Pivoting around, I fail to find the psychotic midget. Which concerns me as-
Riiinng
Waiting a moment, I fish my scroll out of my pocket. Before realizing the whole reason I went into the alley is because my scroll got snatched!
But, pulling it out. It just has a sticky note on it with a pink heart drawn in crayon. Pulling it off, I see I have two missed calls. One from Ruby, one from Weiss, and Ruby is calling again.
"Hello?" I ask tiredly.
"Cyril! Are you okay!?" I have to hold the phone away as she shouts.
"Yeah, actually no." I admit. "I just got attacked by a pink psychotic midget with an umbrella and a grimm masked woman in a red skirt."
"Um, Cyril, we don't say the M word." Ruby says, sounding uncomfortable.
I hear some shouting on the other end of the line. And some clacking as the scroll forcibly changes hands.
"Cyril." Weiss says, sounding as concerned as Ruby did. "What happened? Everything was fine and suddenly our scrolls are going off and you're at two thirds of your aura!"
"Well, to start." I begin to explain, before I hear sirens and look up to see a bullhead descending. "OH NOW YOU SHOW UP!?"
Just my luck.
.
.
-Beacon, Headmaster's office, 12pm-
.
.
"And how did you escape her?" Ozpin asks.
"What does that matter!?" Ruby demands as she leans on the desk, again.
Reaching forward, I pull Ruby back down into her chair for the third time.
"Because, if this is who I think it is." Ozpin says with a measured look to Ruby. "I need to be absolutely certain. And the individual I'm thinking of, wouldn't let Mr. Leon go for no reason."
"I pulled her skirt down and used my semblance to launch her across the city." I say, catching Ruby off guard as she freezes. Before slowly looking back to me.
Ozpin is quiet for a bit longer. Adding to the increasingly awkward atmosphere. Before he takes his glasses off and sets them down on the desk.
"Well, it's certainly not the oddest way I've heard of one incapacitating their opponent." He says before taking a deep breath. "But, knowing what I know. I believe I can say who it is. But, I'm sorry to say that I can't inform you."
"Why not!?" Ruby growls, launching up to lean on the desk, again.
I reach forward and pull her back into her seat. Again. Where she crosses her arms and fumes in her seat.
"I want to." Ozpin says, and I think I can hear actual regret in his voice. "But I can't. I made a promise to someone close to me and I won't break it."
"So you'll protect a criminal?" I ask with a raised brow.
"It's not for her Mr. Leon." He says with a steely voice that causes me to pause. "Trust me when I say, I hold no protective intentions for the woman who attacked you."
That, causes me to think. As I, realize that Raven may actually still be on Ozpin's bad side. So far, this bizarre alternate version of Remnant has thrown nothing but curve balls at me. It's like everything is reflected in a funhouse mirror. Raven still being a villain would be, it'd actually bring me some comfort.
"I'm sorry." Ozpin says as he types out something on his computer. "To make it up to you, I'll give you and your team tomorrow off. It's not much, but there's little else I can do."
"What!?" Ruby jumps up, again. But doesn't lean on the desk. "But tomorrow is tag team in combat training!"
Ozpin looks to her with a raised brow and chuckles. Typing some more. He turns back to us.
"You're not banned from class tomorrow, just exempt." He says softly before reaching for his mug. "You can attend at your discretion."
He sips his coffee as Ruby digests the information.
"Oh." Ruby says sheepishly before sitting back down on her own. Her ears splayed back as she stares at her lap. "Sorry."
"You're quite alright Young Miss Rose." Ozpin smiles, before picking his glasses up and turning serious once more. "Mr. Leon, I would suggest that from now on you not leave Beacon unattended. This was clearly a targeted attack, so there's no doubt in my mind they'll attempt this again."
'No shit sherlock.' Is what I want to say. But what I actually say is-
"Understood." I nod and stand up, along with Ruby. "If that'll be all sir."
"I suppose it is." Ozpin says and presses a button on his desk. Opening the elevator doors behind us. "I am sorry. And I hope you can believe me when I say I wish for nothing more than your safety going forward."
'I don't.'
.
.
-Beacon, Training rooms, 11/08, 2pm-
.
.
Jaune Arc POV
.
"Whew!" I pant as me and Pyrrha collapse against each other. On our backs, heads next to each other.
"Ha." Pyrrha exhales with me.
Tired, exhausted, sore. This was a good workout. Though I feel my muscles will disagree later tomorrow.
"You hear about Team Silver?" Pyr asks.
"What about them?" I chuckle.
What doesn't happen with them? They're a team comprised of nothing but high profile individuals. First you've got the Billi chief's daughter. Then you have the Schnee Heiress. Then there's the two Silver Eyed Warriors.
Quite frankly, it's weird how almost every notable person got put on one team. Then, again. Take away Cyril and Ruby's eyes, and there's not much notable about them. Aside from Ruby's mother being an elite huntress.
"Cyril got attacked in the city." Pyrrha says, earning a raised brow from me. Not that she can see. "Apparently he got attacked by two rogues."
Rogues.
People with aura and training. But use them for crime. They are dangerous. Even for fully trained Hunters. Because while Hunters are taught how to mainly deal with Grimm. Rogues almost exclusively fight people.
"Huh." I give a breath before continuing. "What's the damage?"
We've all seen what Cyril's semblance can do. From demolishing part of a forest, to turning the combat arena into a freezer set on fire.
Not my best analogy.
"You'd have to ask." She says.
"Why didn't you ask?" I turn it back on her. Only to be met with silence.
And it's that silence that gives me my answer.
"You can't avoid him forever." I sigh.
"I know! I know." She says. "I just, every time I try to say hi, I just. I clam up and I want to say fight me."
"You lost one fight Pyrrha." I tell her for the thousandth time.
"But I don't lose!" She bites back. Letting a moment of silence pass, she sighs. "I'm sorry."
"You're fine." I console her.
Pyrrha hasn't lost in years. Even in matches against those twice her senior. So, losing to someone younger, Silver Eyes or not. It's, sparked something in her. Something, and this is putting it nicely. Something between a mix of apprehension, and rivalry.
"You know we'll likely fight him in the tournament." I remark. "Can't avoid him forever."
He's the obvious choice. Not only is he strong, but he has good reflexes and adapts fast. His whole style revolves around baiting the enemy into getting close, and disarming or grappling them.
Not even mentioning his semblance. One blast and it's a ring out for certain.
"Speaking of the tournament." Pyrrha changes the subject. "You know they'll announce your name."
"I know." I say curtly.
"Are you, okay with that?" Pyrrha asks.
I'm silent for a bit as I think on it. Because deep down, actually no. It's not that deep. I'm not okay with it.
But, it's too late for anything to really be done now.
"I don't have a choice." I finally answer.
"You always have a choice Jaune." Pyrrha says.
Not really. The other choices are, ultimatums at best.
"And I've made mine." I say curtly, before turning the tables on her. "So, are you going to adjust your breastplate?"
"My sponsors are against it." Pyrrha sighs. "So they won't sign off on it. Seeing it as an unnecessary expenditure."
More like they want to keep the exposure. Excuse the pun.
"Did you tell them someone-"
"No, I didn't." She admits before I can finish my sentence.
"You can always apply for Beacon's Student Allowance." I suggest.
"That could cause my sponsors to cut me off." Pyrrha says. "So, can't really do that."
"Isn't the point of Beacon to step away from the Invincible Girl?" I ask, throwing back something she told me a while ago. "Kinda defeats the purpose if you keep listening to the people who made her."
"I know." She whines. "I just, I don't want to burn any bridges."
Funny. Here she is, refusing to burn any bridges. While I'm actively burning every bridge I can find.
Suppose that just goes to show the difference between us.
"Do you think we'll win?" Pyrrha asks.
"Depends." I say as I close my eyes and think. "Honestly? Our best bet, is if team Silver doesn't send Cyril to the finals. Or if Team Silver gets pitted against Team Amethyst in the teams or doubles. Perry and Shay's teamwork is almost supernatural. And Adam is in a league all to himself."
If Perry and Shay are in the doubles. Then Amethyst is going to the singles. End of story.
"What about the other teams?" Pyrrha asks.
"I haven't see them fight enough." I admit with a sigh as I open my eyes to the ceiling. "But, so far the teams from Menagerie have my interest."
"Oh?" Pyrrha says with a teasing tone. "You sure it's not the fact that a few of them are-"
"Stop." I cut her off with a tired voice.
The Arc family name is very popular amongst several Faunus tribes. Hell, the second year has a Sausaxe girl named Lexi. Like as in a reference to Alexander Arc.
"Just saying." I can hear the smile in her voice. "Just let me know if you need the room to yourself after the tournament."
We're silent for a bit longer. Neither of us moving, or really wanting to. With the homework, the festival, the other students, Nora. We're content to have a moment to just relax.
Speaking of the ginger.
"Think Nora and Ren will confess anytime soon?" I ask.
"At this point I'm willing to bet one of us will die before that happens." Pyrrha says tiredly, causing me to laugh.
"Ah, yeah." I say with a few lingering chuckles. "Haaaa. I was sure they'd get together at the dance."
"Me too." Pyrrha admits. "Instead, it was Ruby and Cyril."
We made bets on who would hook up at the dance. I bet Nora and Ren. Pyrrha bet on Cyril and Weiss.
"Then there's Blake and Sun, and Neptune." I roll my eyes.
"Don't remind me." Pyrrha groans. "He asked every girl out. At this point I'm willing to bet Blake did it out of pity. Or was drunker than she claimed."
He was pretty immature about the whole thing too. Bragging about being in a threesome is just, I guess classless is the word? No one really cares what you do or who you do it with. But you don't just go about announcing that sort of thing for all to hear.
"Hmm, you know." Pyrrha says softly. "If, after the tournament. And we win. And everyone knows about you, I don't think it would be, too much of an issue if we were seen in public together."
"I'll take you somewhere nice." I smile. "Though, you're paying."
"Well that hardly seems fair." Pyrrha remarks. "Usually the one picking the venue pays for it."
"I'm broke and without ties, get your sponsors to pay for it." I wave off her comment.
We both laugh, before the bell chimes. Signaling our time for the room is up.
"I don't wanna move." I say.
"Too bad." She says, getting up and using her primary semblance to lift me up to my feet. "Come on, you're the one that booked. You need to sign out."
"Just like a Mistralian, you're such a slave driver." I pop my neck.
"I'm telling Blake you said that." Pyrrha says, not being serious.
I hope.
.
.
-Beacon Gardens, 3pm-
.
.
Cyril Leon POV
.
"You don't have to follow me everywhere." I tell the rose themed girl in front of me.
"You're following me." She says with a smile as she walks backwards. "I'm moving in front of-" I turn around. "Hey!"
She petals to be in front of me again. Pouting with her arms crossed in front of herself.
I raise a brow at her antics. And she blushes, her ears going back as she has the decency to look bashful and avert her eyes from mine.
"Ruby, if this is about me getting attacked then I'm fine." I sigh.
"You're not fine!" Ruby stomps her foot, now glaring up into my eyes. "You got attacked and you just, you're too calm about this! If I were you I'd be furious and want to track down the people who attacked me and-"
"And what?" I ask, crossing my arms. "You'd arrest them, beat them up, kill them? In case you're mistak-"
"Yes." She cuts me off.
"What?" I ask after a pause.
"Yes, I'd track them down and kill them." She explains and gives a firm nod.
I, don't know how to respond to that. I, want to think she's being stubborn. But this girl was willing to leave me to Grimm over the lack of a gun. And attacked her own uncle after said uncle kidnapped me. And treated both like they're normal things that just happen.
"Ruby, you don't just kill people." I say firmly.
"Of course not!" She says, sounding offended. "I'm a Huntress, not a bandit."
There's, a clear divide in philosophy here. And I'm scared to ask, but I need to.
"Ruby, be honest here. Would you really kill someone?" I ask with a raised brow.
"Depends on the circumstance." She says immediately enough for me to get my answer. "If they're a rogue, or a threat to the people, or if they threatened my team."
She sounded like she was trying to make me feel better with that last one. Like, she was making it more personal.
"I'm not comfortable with that." I tell her.
"That's fine." She says with a shrug. "You can leave any of that stuff to your trusted, awesome, super sexy, marry-able, genius, um, where are we going with this?"
'You forgot humble and subtle.' I think to myself. 'But, shelving that issue. I have enough on my plate. Raven and Neo are after me. But just what is the connection?'
I can't investigate. For one, I'd have to come up with how I know who they are. Because based on the descriptions and Ruby's reactions. They aren't well known in Vale.
Can't go to the city, they'll attack again. Can't take the others with me to the city to investigate, that's just asking for trouble. And doing a solo investigation into all this with just us, is just rehashing volume two with a different filter.
So, what to do? Everything in me, from my time back on Earth. It all tells me to let the authorities handle it. But how far can the authorities take this?
Reaching out, I place a hand on Ruby's head. Earning a soft smile from her as I rub her head.
"For now. Let's head back to the room." I sigh, not wanting to think about it anymore.
There's just, too much I don't know. Somehow, with everything about Ozma and the four relics being common knowledge. There's things that are even more secret.
"You're weird." Ruby says as I take my hand away. "But, hmm."
She pauses in thought. Placing a hand to her chin as she squints.
"What?" I ask curiously, a little fearful of, whatever Ruby's thinking of.
"What?" Ruby puts her arms down, looking normal again.
We stare at each other for a bit longer.
"What I wouldn't give to know what goes on in your head." I sigh as I shake mine.
"Well~" She blushes and looks away, leaning on one foot as she taps the other behind her. "One thing is that, since we have the whole day free tomorrow after combat class, we could always, um. You know."
I see what she's doing. And I'm too tired to play this game.
"Turn around you little perv." I grab her shoulders and turn her. "You need a cold shower."
"Aaaaah!" She whines for, whatever reason.
I don't speak Ruby. And I'm not going to try.
.
.
-SLBR Dorm-
.
.
Entering the room, Ruby walks over to her bed. And flomps her top half down on the covers.
"What, do I want to know?" Blake asks.
Looking over, her and Weiss are both working on formulaic dust compu-whatever homework.
"Eh." I shrug. "Ruby got a non-answer to a question she asked me. And she's struggling to cope."
Weiss furrows her brow, likely trying to look inquisitive. But only manages to come off as pouty.
"Don't want to know." Blake says and moves back to her paper. "Got it."
"Well now I want to know." Weiss says.
"We don't have class tomorrow." I say. "Ruby wants alone time."
"I said I didn't, did you say no class?" Blake asks while Ruby screams into her covers, focusing on the important parts. "Thank the spirits above!"
She gets up and leaves the homework on the desk. Moves to her bed and flomps down as well. Full body, not just upper like Ruby does.
"What, that, you don't, Blake get over here and finish your assignment!" Weiss sputters, looking from me, to Ruby, to Blake in rapid succession.
I walk over to Weiss's bed, and flomp down. Upper body like Ruby. But that's because I'm still wearing my boots.
All is quiet for a bit. And I imagine Weiss is either having an aneurism. Or just shut herself down and said fuck this.
"I don't see where you all-" She starts.
"Potato." I cut her off.
The room is silent for a bit longer. Before I get a pencil to the back of my head.
This is better.
"Cyril pulled a woman's skirt down in public!" Ruby suddenly shouts.
"What!?" Blake and Weiss say at the exact same time.
Never mind.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Bonus
.
.
General James Ironwood POV
.
I stare at the image on the scroll. As though looking at it will make my issues go away.
The Vytal Festival's security is being handed to me. Thanks to Rogues openly attacking in the city.
That's not the issue.
It's who they attacked that's the issue.
On the one hand, this dispatches a lot of fears of his collaborating with the cult. But, it adds so much more to this. It also grants credibility to the claims of his past.
It would be so much easier if he were just a member of the cult. Then it could all be written off as either one of their experiments or an unknown relic.
Some of the relics grant the ability to wield magic onto its user. But, the magic they use is noticeable, and the relic conveys basic knowledge of how to use the magic it grants. So if it was one of the ones we don't have all the details of. Case closed.
Now, we have to look into the issue of finding a river or seaside village, that gets frequented by pirates, has an unknown and fleshed out religion, has had no contact with the wider world, uses dustless technology, and currently has one surviving member of.
…
I take a swig of the flask I keep hidden in my jacket.
…
Shoving that aside. There's the issue of the Winter Maiden. She's dying and barely coherent. As it stands, we have three options for the next Winter Maiden. And with the Fall Maiden most likely in the cult's hands. We need a new one now.
The first candidate, is honestly almost perfect. Almost. She's headstrong and I fear the power may go to her head. I don't think it will. But I have my doubts and I've been wrong before.
The second, is more of a backup in case anything came up that would render the first, less than ideal.
The third, the one Oz suggested. She's perfect.
Young and moldable, with strong emotional ties to Atlas. Something the first sorely lacks. Not only that, her personality and demeanor make her easy to control. As horrible as that sounds. And, she's younger than the other two. Making it easier to train her.
And that's not even mentioning her connections.
"But why me?" I ask myself as I run my fingers through my greying hair. "Why do I have to make the call?"
I know why. Because no one else can. The Winter Maiden is on her death bed waiting to die. She's asked us when she'll be allowed to. But, this would be so much easier if I didn't have options. If something would just happen to make the choice easier.
"I'm getting nowhere." I tell myself as I set the device down and go back to organizing the fleet's positioning for the festival.
.
.
A/N
.
More comments! I want them all! Every one of them! Especially speculation, I love speculative comments.
Fuel me my NOOBIANS!
That being said, this chapter is a bit shorter due to the break I took from this fic to avoid burning out.
This is to get me back into it. And comments fuel that!
.
Find me in my channel, newb's-grotto, on the discord.
Link to the discord: discord .gg/DarkWolfShiro