The Phases of Remnant
ESKK: Well, here we got the last chapter of Volume 1 I hope you all enjoy it. Now let's get this started.
(Begin)
-Insert Dot Hack ROOTS OST Silly Go Round by Fiction Junction Yuuka (TV SIZE)-
-Yume kara samete mo-
The song began with the images of Aura with Haseo and Ruby reaching for the Twilight Bracelet. Aura was holding the bracelet in what looked like a forest of fantasy.
-Kono te wo nobasu yo-
The next image showed two hands reaching out towards each other but without any distinguishable markings it was impossible to tell those to whom they belonged. In turn the music picked up to show the title of the story.
"Phases of Remnant."
The next image showed four balls of energy with the images of winter, fall, spring, and summer flying through with the Twilight Bracelet. The song then continued as the image changed once more.
-Onaji tsuyosa de yobi au-
The next image showed Haseo running across the screen but the image of Skeith the Terror of Death behind him taking up the background.
-Kokoro ni nareru no naraba-
The next image showed Atoli walking across the screen with the image of a broken sword and what appeared to be Balmung in the background.
-Nanninbun no kizu demo-
The next image showed Ruby walking down a path with a smile as behind her was the image of the Twilight Bracelet in the hands of the Silver Eyed Kite and Black Rose.
-Boku wa uketomerareru yo-
The following image showed Ozpin as he looked upon a mimic form of Ruby walking off with her own scythe dripping with fresh blood. Accompanying this was an endless void as this figure showed itself to be something beyond human.
-Mou sukoshi datte ki ga surunda-
The next images was a montage of Ruby with team RWBY, Haseo with Team HAKE, and Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora looking at a saddened Atoli as Jaune was found lying in a hospital bed with monitors all over him.
-Kono kabe ga kuzureru Reimei-
The images that showed next was that of the Beacon Clock Tower before four Azure Flames flew by and began to take shape. The shapes taken were Azure Kite, Azure, Balmung, Azure Orca, and finally what appeared to be an Azure form of Summer Rose. It then showed Haseo, Ruby, and their teams preparing for battle against these foes. It then switched with the riff of a guitar and the surge of Dust blowing through.
-Yume kara samete mo mada minai yume no hou made-
Next was shown a montage of images starting with Ovan in a Library reading a book with one hand. Following this was Ozpin as he stood inside the Beacon Tower with his cane in hand. Then showed Haseo and Ruby charging in with weapons drawn for battle. Their foe was the blue and white knock off of Ruby as Ruby attacked first with the image of her teammates showing. Haseo went next as his images showed his own teammates as well.
-Bokura wa hitori de hashiri tsudukeru shika nainda-
The following image showed Pi and Glynda hard at work as well as the images of Sakubo jumping into her mothers' arms before being replaced by Gorre and then back to Sakubo and Glynda. The next images showed Haseo and Ruby charging into battle before they ended up falling through the ground to reveal the forms of AIDA hovering about.
-Korogari mayotte tsukuridasu boku no inryoku ga Itsuka Kimi e-
The next images showed Ruby and Haseo falling into the abyss before tightening their grips on their weapons. What followed was Skeith appearing and the Twilight Bracelet shining to life before Skeith and Ruby proceeded to fire off a Data Drain at the images of AIDA, Salem, and the shadowy force behind the Ruby mimic.
-End OST-
(Start Cafe with Blake Sun and Endrance)
"Finally, she speaks! Nearly two days and you gave me nothing but small talk and weird looks!" Sun says in exasperation, then Blake gives Sun a firm look. "Yeah, like that." Sun said as Endrance sighed to this.
Blake rolls her eyes before closing them and looking at him sadly. "Sun familiar with the White Fang?" Blake asked getting down to the knit gritty of things.
"Of course! I don't think there's a Faunus on the planet who hasn't heard of them. Stupid, holier-than-thou creeps that use force to get whatever they want. Bunch of freaks if you ask me!" The Monkey Faunus said with disdain.
"There was a time where they were a more peaceful organization." Endrance said recalling the stories but also seeing how peace was replaced with violence.
Blake sips her drink while listening until she speaks up for the big reveal. "I was once a member of the White Fang." Blake confessed as this caught Sun by surprise.
Sun promptly goes cross-eyed and chokes on his drink, making him put it down and wipe his mouth as he holds up a hand to process this information. "Wait a minute, you were a member of the White Fang?!" Sun asked as he did not see that coming at all.
Blake nods before she continued. "That's right. I was a member for most of my life, actually. You could almost say I was born into it..." Blake said as she looked to her two friends here.
(Flashback)
As a darken area with smoke, flames, and weapon that litter the ground.
"Back then, things were different."
Scene slowly changes to six being, three on the right were humans the three on the left were Faunus, as the ones in the middle were shaking each other hands showing peace between them.
"In the ashes of war, the White Fang was meant to be a symbol of peace and unity between humans and Faunus."
Scene changes again as a Faunus were being hated by a group of people that was throwing, hitting, and cursing him and his kind.
"Of course, despite being promised equality, the Faunus were subjected to discrimination and hate."
AS the scene came to where two of the Faunus brethren came and try to stop the violent as the one still on the ground was cowering in fear.
"Humanity still thought of us as a lesser being. And so, the White Fang rose up as a voice of our people."
The image change to where a group of Faunus was protesting for equal rights as in front was a younger version of Blake, scuff up but held strong, holding a sigh as well.
"And I was there. I was at the front of every rally. I took part in every boycott. And I actually thought we were making a difference... but I was just a youthful optimist..."
As the scene change to a flag poll of the sign of the White fang of a blue background with a white tigers face… until it was brought down and a new one rose to a more horrifying one as the tiger face itself red as blood, and claw mark through it as the flag itself look to be stain in spatter blood.
"Then, five years ago, our leader stepped down, and a new one took his place. A new leader, with new ways of thinking. Suddenly our peaceful protests were being replaced with organized attacks."
Scene came to Faunus holding signs, changes to them holding weapons, destroying stores, and hijacking trains and stealing their goods of dust and money.
"We were setting fire to shops that refused to serve us. Hijacking cargo, from companies that used Faunus labor."
Scene changes once more to three Faunus standing in a dark room that you only see their outlines… and their wicked smiles.
"And the worst part was? It was working. We're being treated like equals. But not out of respect... out of fear."
(Flashback ended)
Sun sat there surprised to hear such a tale while Endrance calmly drank his tea while he let Blake tell her story. AS Blake put down her teacup, she spoken, "So, I left. I decided I no longer wanted to use my skills to aid in their violence." When she said this Endrance as he hoped Blake would return the Fang to their old ways.
"And instead, I would dedicate my life to becoming a Huntress. So here I am. A criminal hiding in plain view, all with the help of a little black bow," Blake finishes as she looks up at her ears wiggle them to show there were still there.
So... have you told your friends any of this?" Sun asked as Blake was silent in response. "So, what's your story then?" Sun asked as he looked to Endrance.
"Pardon?" Endrance asked confused as to why he was put on the spot.
"I mean come on the only Schnee who speaks up for the Faunus yet condemns the White Fang the guy whose literally gone to every public and private event in favor of the Faunus while telling his dad to screw off? What's the deal what's your story?" Sun asked wanting to hear why Endrance would take the Faunus side.
"If you must know." Endrance began stirring his drink up a bit. "I once had a dear friend who held a place in my heart, she was a Faunus named... Mia." Endrance said as he then petted his cat and thus Blake got the message.
"I'm sorry." Blake said as she suspected the cat's namesake was dead.
"It is fine." Endrance said as it was clear he did not wish to talk about it.
(Meanwhile with Haseo)
Haseo was riding through Vale as he tried to locate Blake. Weaving his way through traffic Haseo showed his skills on his Dust bike while avoiding pedestrians and traffic. Zooming through the streets Haseo kept his eyes open for Blake or Endrance looking for some sign of the pair while approaching a crosswalk. However, as Haseo moved towards it he went wide eyed when suddenly Alkaid walked out and in turn, he was forced to make an emergency stop to avoid hitting her. Acting fast Haseo performed a doughnut around Alkaid before coming to a stop all the while leaving skid marks on the ground.
Alkaid was surprise by this as she was wide eyed in shock at nearly being hit by Haseo. "Alkaid!?" Haseo cried out alongside Shino who was also here. "Shino/Haseo?" Both Haseo and Shino asked when they saw each other.
"Hey yeah nice to see you again, you almost hit me!" Alkaid cried out as she swore for a moment, she saw her life flash before her eyes... both of lives in fact and that's not including the one she had in The World.
"Sorry are you ok Alkaid?" Haseo asked as he looked to Alkaid with concern.
"You should really look before you leap, Alkaid." Shino said with concern for her teammate.
"Yeah-yeah." Alkaid said waiving Shino off. "So, what has you in a rush Haseo?" Alkaid asked as she looked to the Terror of Death.
"Blake and Endrance are missing." Haseo said much to Shino's shock.
"They are?!" Shino asked surprised by this revelation.
"Yeah, they've been gone the whole weekend, me and my team are looking for them with my sister's team but so far no dice." Haseo said getting the girls concerned.
"Well how can we help?" Alkaid asked wondering if she can provide some help to the former PKK.
"Wait what?" Haseo asked surprised to hear this.
"Of course, we're not going to let you do this on your own." Shino began showing she wanted to help as well. "Besides with more feet on the ground you can cover more ground." Shino said which Haseo looked concerned.
"Look I appreciate it but." Haseo began only to feel a weight on his bike that was not there before. Looking he saw Alkaid was missing before turning behind him and saw that she had mounted his bike.
"Come on what are you waiting for, lets ride!" Alkaid called out holding onto Haseo.
"Wait but I didn't say you can help!" Haseo said and Alkaid smirked to this.
"And I wasn't taking no for an answer." Alkaid said making it clear they were going to help.
"But." Haseo began only for Shino to cut in.
"I'll call Gaspard and Silabus." Shino said taking her scroll out. "They should help us cover more ground." Shino added and thus Haseo sighed in defeat.
"Why do I even try?" Haseo asked as he saw there was no avoiding it at this point.
"Come on let's go already!" Alkaid cried out as she wanted to begin the search already.
"Alright I'm going." Haseo said before revving the engine and driving off while Shino was contacting Gaspard and Silabus.
(Meanwhile with RWY and Saku)
"Blake! Endrance!" Ruby called out as she looked through the city for their missing Teammate and Endrance.
"Blake!" Yang called out looking for the missing Faunus girl.
"Endrance Blake where are you!?" Ruby cried out trying to find them.
"Master En!" Saku cried out as she helped with the search though she focused more on Endrance. "Hey bossy girl you're not helping!" Saku scolded glaring at Weiss wanting her to pitch in.
"Hey here's an idea how about we file a missing person's report?" Weiss offered and thus Saku glared at Weiss for suggesting that.
"Weiss." Ruby growled showing she did not approve of what Weiss said.
"It was just an idea." Weiss said defending what she had said.
"A bad one!" Saku snapped as she glared at Weiss. "Master En would never be so weak to need help like that." Saku said with a haughty glare at Weiss.
"Look I think we should hear Blake's side of the story before we jump to any conclusions and accuse of kidnapping Endrance." Yang said as she wanted to hear Blakes side of the story.
"Well, I think when we hear her side of the story, you're all going to realize that I was right." Weiss said as they continued to walk and search for their missing teammate and possibly kidnapped brother.
"And I think that Weiss' hair looks wonderful, today!" Penny said, suddenly appearing behind them, much to their shock.
Ruby was caught off guard to the point she screamed in panic. "Penny! Where did you come from?!" Ruby cried out trying to figure out how Penny snuck up on them.
"Hi everyone. What are you up to?" Penny asked in a friendly fashion making no form of responding to the fact that she nearly scared the daylights out of RWY and Saku. Though Saku was mumbling to Bo telling him it was ok.
"Uh… we're looking for our friends, Blake and Endrance." Yang said explaining to Penny what was going on here.
"Oh, you mean Mr. Schnee and the Faunus girl." Penny said knowing who Yang was talking about.
"Wait… how did you know that?" Ruby asked surprise and worried over how Penny figured that out so quickly.
"That cat ears." Penny pointed to the top of her own head for emphasis.
"What cat ears?" Yang asked as she didn't recall Blake having those. "She wears a…. bow…" She said, coming to a sudden realization hit all of them.
A silence came when the realization hit and somehow a tumbleweed blew by to make it clear. "She does like fish a lot." Ruby whispered as she realized they missed all the signs of Blake being a Faunus.
"So, where are they?" Penny asked wondering where the two were.
"We don't know Endrance's teammates are already out looking for him she and Endrance have been missing since Friday." Ruby responded her voice deep with concern for the missing Schnee and Faunus.
Penny gasped when she heard what was going on and how it affected Ruby. "That's terrible!" She ran up to the surprised Ruby, grabbing her by the arms. "Well don't you worry, Ruby my friend! I won't rest until we help find your teammates!" Penny said with assurance that they will find Blake or die trying. All the while Ruby smiled nervously trying not to hurt Penny's feelings.
"That's really nice of you Penny uh but we're ok, really." Ruby began assuring Penny that they had it under control. "Right guys." Ruby said looking to where Yang and Weiss were only to see that they were gone leaving Ruby with Saku.
"It sure it windy today." Penny said as she had noted how much wind was going through.
"Yeah, it sure looks like it." Saku said nodding in agreement to Penny's observation.
(Back with Sun, Endrance, and Blake)
"So, what's the plan now?" Sun asked as they walked through Vale trying to figure out their next move.
"Do you really think the White Fang is behind these robberies?" Endrance asked looking to Blake hoping she was not setting herself up for disappointment.
"No, I don't think its them, they've never needed that much Dust before." Blake said not bothering to consider that the White Fang may be gearing up to escalate their violence to a new level.
"What if they did." Sun said when a though occurred to him from when he stowed away on the ship. "I mean the only way to prove that they didn't do it is to go to the place would most likely go to if they were to do it and not find them there." Sun said explaining his roundabout logic. "Right?" He asked clearly not thinking it through.
"The only thing is... I have no idea where that would be." Blake said only for Endrance to clear his throat.
"I may have an idea." Endrance said with a smile on his face. "I still have contacts within the Company amongst certain, like minded, individuals who keep me up to date on things in the company." Endrance said while on his scrolls. "And according to them a large shipment of Dust straight from the Schnee Distribution Center in Atlas is to be unloaded tonight in Vale." Endrance said as he then had eyes on him from both Faunus. "What I am the immediate heir to the Company and what my, 'father,' does not know shall not harm him." Endrance said knowing that if all goes well the Schnee Dust Company will be under new management.
"You're exploiting the White Fang, aren't you?" Blake asked with a glare at Endrance.
"No, I'm exploiting a group of Terrorists in order to boot my father off the CEO position so I may take over and push for reforms." Endrance said as it was clear he had been playing the long game with the Schnee Dust Company.
"I don't know whether to be scared... or hopeful." Sun said as he and Blake looked between each other with concern.
(Meanwhile with Yang and Weiss)
Elsewhere in town Weiss and Yang had exited out of shop, having found nothing on the whereabouts of their friends. "Thanks anyways." Yang told the shop owner before closing the door. "This is hopeless." Yang said with a sigh as she was practically sulking now, before looking at Weiss who seemed just as indifferent as before. "You really don't care if we find her, do you?" Yang asked with concern and a small hint of accusation.
"Don't be stupid, of course I do." Weiss began as she was worried for both Blake and Endrance. "I'm just afraid of what we'll find when we find them." Weiss said fearing the worst for Endrance. The Power of the Epitaphs were formidable, and it would not surprise Weiss if there were people who would kill for that power. "The Innocent never run, Yang." Weiss said as she looked at Yang after walking away a bit.
"Yeah, that's true." Kuhn was heard before he and Atoli were seen approaching the pair with Gaspard and Silabus in tow. "But a lot of innocent people seem to forget that fact thinking the cops will shoot them." Kuhn said as they regrouped.
"We heard what happened and we're here to help." Silabus said making it evident that he and Gaspard were trying to help Haseo's friends.
"Yeap more feet on the ground means we can cover more ground." Gaspard said as he smiled to the pair.
"Apparently Haseo crossed paths with Team SAGE, told them what was going on, and then they volunteered themselves to help search." Atoli said happy that Haseo had friends who would help him like this.
"So, I guess you guys had no luck?" Yang asked as she had hoped they had a lead.
"Sorry for the heir to a major corporation Endrance is really good at hiding when he wants to hide." Silabus said as he thought they'd have found him by now.
"He always was good as hiding." Weiss noted recalling their childhood.
"Well come on we need to keep looking." Kuhn said which Yang agreed to this.
"Alright me and Weiss will search through the shady part of town, I know a few guys there who could help." Yang said recalling the people she knew in that area other than Junior.
"I'll go check out main street with Silabus and Gaspard, my sister frequents their shops so they may be able to help." Kuhn said before Silabus cut in.
"Plus, me and Gaspard have a bit of backgrounds with merchants so we might be able to pick up a few tidbits of info." Silabus said which Gaspard nodded to this.
"Just leave it to us." Gaspard said with a raise hand and a smile on his face.
"Thanks." Yang said smiling to the scene.
"I'll head over to uptown, Endrance may be roaming the wealthier parts of Vale." Atoli said figuring that would be a place to look for him. "If anyone finds it, we call it in." Atoli said and with the plan made the group split up to continue the search.
(Meanwhile with Ruby, Penny and Saku)
The three girls were roaming through Vale as they continued the search for Blake and Endrance. "So, Blake and Endrance are your friends?" Penny asked trying to keep up with what was going on.
"Yes, Penny." Ruby answered in a semi-annoyed sigh.
"But you are all mad at her?" She asked again seeing if she has everything noted.
"The mean bossy girl is mad at that Kitty girl and drove Master En away." Saku said with a scowl on her face. Now that cat girl is alone with Master En... it should be me." Saku growled giving a very cute pout to this.
"Is Weiss friends with Blake and Endrance?" Penny asked as she looked to Ruby and Saku.
"Weiss and Endrance are siblings, but Weiss and Blake being friends is up in the air right now." Ruby said reminding Penny that Endrance and Weiss were brother and sister.
"But why?" Penny asked which Ruby had to answer.
"Well, you… Blake might not be who we thought she was." Ruby responded with a slightly irritated sigh.
Penny gave an audible gasp when she heard this. "Is she a man?" Penny asked and thus Saku laughed a bit.
"No if she was, I would have found out already." Saku said and thus Ruby had to ask.
"By the way how did you find out our... um yeah." Ruby asked as she needed to make sure Saku doesn't steal from her stash later.
"Thats for me to know only." Saku said as she had her ways and those ways involved using the Schools Air vents to crawl around and spy on the students.
"Anyway." Ruby began getting back on subject. "I'm not sure what Blake is, she didn't exactly give a detailed explanation before she ran off." Ruby said and thus Penny gained a sad look upon her face.
"I don't have many friends." Penny revealed while she walked with the two girls. "But if I did, I would want them to talk to me about things." Penny said as she didn't like keeping secrets from her friend's, so she didn't want them doing the same.
"Me too…" Ruby said, looking away before they continued with their search. Unaware to them Sapphire saw the whole thing play out before grinning maliciously for the fun that would soon begin.
(Meanwhile with Haseo and Alkaid)
Haseo and Alkaid were later found parked outside a fast-food restaurant as Haseo walked out with a bag of food in hand. "Here." Haseo said as he passed to Alkaid a drink and her own burger.
"Thanks." Alkaid said while taking the food before taking it out of the bag and started to eat. The two were taking a break so they can refuel and fill their stomachs. "So, what's the deal with Blake?" Alkaid asked after taking a bite of her food.
"I guess it started with a difference in opinions and ideals." Haseo responded already eating before taking a sip of his soda. "Weiss said some things about the Faunus and White Fang and Blake took offense to that." Haseo said before sighing and leaning back against his bike. "Then in a fit of rage Blake dropped a bomb and ran off so now we're looking for her and Endrance who followed after her." Haseo explained summarizing what had transpired.
"So dark and quiet had a dark side." Alkaid quipped before sipping on her drink. "Haven't heard that cliche before." Alkaid said causing Alkaid to playfully push the tomboy as a way to scold her. "What I'm just saying." Alkaid said defending what she said.
"Look things are complicated." Haseo said before Alkaid smirked towards Haseo.
"Not as Complicated of having multiple girls fall for you and forcing you to pick one of them." Alkaid said as she recalled those days... yeah now any of their proudest moments in either of her lives. The two then took a moment of silence between them before Alkaid sighed to this. "Hey Haseo, I need to ask you something." Alkaid said as she looked over to Haseo.
"Sure, what is it?" Haseo asked wanting to hear what Alkaid needed to ask him.
"Have you noticed anything... off about Shino when you say her?" Alkaid asked as she had some concerns about her.
"Off how?" Haseo asked as he needed some clarifications on Alkaid's question.
"I don't know, maybe I'm just being paranoid, but Shion had been distant when we formed our team still is." Alkaid began as Haseo did find that strange. "But I didn't want to jump to conclusion until I knew for sure, and it wasn't like it was affecting the team at the time." Alkaid said recalling how Shion had acted. "You knew her longer than I did so I figured you might know more." Alkaid said and thus Haseo really thought about it for a moment.
"I haven't noticed anything off about her." Haseo said as he admitted that he was not all that in the know about how Shion had been since they had been born into this world. Though that can sum up to not being aware of each other at the time as well. "But I'll keep my eyes peeled just in case." Haseo said as he didn't like to think Shion was hiding things... but then again, he thought the same about Oban during the AIDA Crisis.
"Thanks." Alkaid said with a smile on her face while they finished their meal. "Well, we better hurry up and finish so we can continue the search." Alkaid added which Haseo nodded and in turn the pair continued to eat their food.
(Scene Break Later that Evening the Docks)
Night had fallen as Endrance, Blake, and Sun had arrived at the shipping yard a little while ago and at the moment, Endrance and Blake were seen lying flat and on the rooftop of one of the warehouses in the port. The SDC shipment had already arrived, now they just need to wait for the enemy to arrive. Just then Sun appeared and joined the duo in their improve stakeout of the possible crime scene.
"Did I miss anything?" Sun asked as he looked over the scene.
"No, they offloaded the crates from the boat now there just sitting there." Blake said which Endrance found odd knowing that there should be security in place for the Dust.
"Cool." Sun said before offering the food to the others. "Here, stole you guys some food." Sun offered the group some apples.
"Must you resort to such methods?" Endrance asked noting that Sun did not hesitate to steal.
"He's got a point there." Blake said as the rich boy had the money so he could have literally bought a feast if he wanted to.
"Hey, weren't you in a cult or something?" Sun shot back at Blake, who narrowed her eyes at him. "Okay, too soon." Sun said backing off from that train of words.
Suddenly, an unnatural gust of air blew down toward them, causing them to look upward to an incoming airship, which shined its lights upon all the cargo in the docks. From around the corner of another warehouse, Sapphire saw the whole thing with her hood up and grinned to the scene. She had dealt with the guards not too long ago, so they were in the clear for stealing the dust.
Blake meanwhile watched the ship land, and its bay doors open. Stepping out of it were seven, armed White Fang agents all of whom were ready to grab the Dust. "Oh no…" Blake muttered as she saw this not wanting to believe it was true.
"Is that them?" Sun asked which Blade nodded to this.
"Yes, its them." Blake said recognizing the mark on their uniforms.
"You truly did not believe they were behind it... did you?" Endrance asked doing his best to comfort Blake.
"No." Blake began as she looked at the scene. "I think deep down I knew I just didn't want to be right." Blade said with shame in her, voice.
"Though it does not make it hurt any less I'm afraid." Endrance said knowing where Blake was coming from.
"Hey what's the hold up!" A new voice called out and from the ship it was not another member of the White Fang, but the human criminal known as Roman Torchwick. "We're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves at the moment so why don't you animals pick up the pace." Roman said as he was unaware of the observers on the roof.
"This isn't right." Blake said suddenly when she saw Roman before standing up and grabbing Gambol Shroud. "The White Fang would never work with a human much less one like that." She said ready to leap down but was then stopped by Endrance.
"That isn't the only thing not right, what's Ruby doing down there?" Endrance asked and thus they looked down and saw a familiar hood approaching Roman but unlike Ruby's red hood this one was blue.
Down below Sapphire approached Roman with a smirk on her face. "Good news about time we got some more." Sapphire said opening a sack she was holding to reveal its contents. Roman was hesitant to look when he noticed a wetness at the bottom of it. Looking inside Roman nearly hurled but a Faunus with him went to hurl right then and there.
"You snuffed the security and took their heads." Roman said as inside the sack was the decapitated heads of the security guards.
"Took me less than an hour after shift change... want to see what I can do with an entire evening?" She offered with a sadistic glint in her eyes.
"No need for that Blue, we're good it's all perfectly good." Roman said not wanting to get on this unknown girl's bad side. She was effective but a little to trigger happy for his tastes almost made him fear Ruby without morals. All Sapphire did was pout and wait it out knowing her moment was coming.
Back with the three observers Blake had seen enough and chose to act. "Wait Blake don't!" Endrance said to which he sighed when he was ignored before taking out his scroll.
"What are you doing?" Sun asked as Endrance made the call.
"Calling out for reinforcements." Endrance said knowing they were going to need it. Dialing the number in Endrance waited for a moment for a response.
"Endrance?" Haseo's voice was heard from his Scroll sounding surprised. "Where are you? We've been looking for you and Blake all day." Haseo said but Endrance cut to the chase.
"I have very little time to talk, we're currently at the docks facing the White Fang and Roman Torchwick." Endrance said and in turn Haseo was heard nodding. Endrance then hung up and drew his weapon before jumping down to join up with Blake.
(Haseo)
"Alright." Haseo said into his Bluetooth device while he and Alkaid were riding his bike. He then hung up and proceeded to call the other members of his team and RWBY as well as Team SSAG. "Guys I know where Blake and Endrance are but they're in trouble, meet me at the docks I'm already enroute." Haseo said and in turn revved his engine and sped off after doing a doughnut to speed back towards the docks.
(With Yang and Weiss)
"Alright bro." Yang said before she hung up and nodded to Weiss. Getting to where Yang had parked Bumblebee the two girls got on and rode off once helmets were on. Weiss held on to Yang as she zoomed off to the Docks where Haseo was going.
(Over with Kuhn, Gaspard, and Silabus)
"Thanks for the heads up, Haseo." Kuhn said as he, Gaspard, and Silabus stood outside of a shop that they had stopped at in their search for Blake and Endrance.
(With Atoli)
"I'll be right there." Atoli said before bolting from uptown to the docks in order to help her teammates and her friends.
(Ruby, Saku, and Penny)
"Master En needs us!" Saku yelled already running to the docks with Ruby and Penny. "Let's go!" Saku called out only to be grabbed by Ruby and Penny.
"Not so fast, your too young." Ruby said sounding like the responsible adult here.
"But Master En." Saku said before Penny cut in on this.
"Ruby is right, your much too young to be a Huntress." Penny said as Saku simply pouted showing she did not want to be kept in the side lines.
"And no level of blackmail will make us change our minds." Ruby added putting her foot down making sure Saku can't use her ammo to get Ruby to cooperate.
Saku then decided to use another weapon in her arsenal. "Please." Saku said giving Ruby the big goo eyes to make Ruby relent. "It's dark and late you don't want me going home alone now do you." Saku said which got Ruby to go wide eyed as she felt her resolve start to bend.
"Is this what it's like for dad, Haseo, and uncle Qrow?" Ruby wondered as her own weapon was being used against her. 'Dang it.' Ruby cursed as she was bested by her own weapon.
(Meanwhile with Shino)
Shino got the call as she stood atop one of the buildings to use as a higher vantage point. This gave her a clear view of the Docks and in response she made her way over using the buildings to do so. Yet if one looked closely her eyes gave a soft glow as her feet had spars of fire from them when she jumped.
(Over with Blake)
"No, you idiot! This isn't a leash!" Torchwick snapped at a random White Fang agent who held a tow cable in his hands, only for Blake to suddenly appear behind him. She grabbed both his hands and pinned them behind his back with one hand, while holding Gambol Shroud in the other, the blade an inch from his throat. "What the…? Oh, for the love of…" Roman moaned as Sapphire stood back a bit.
"Nobody move!" Blake demanded when she had Roman as her hostage. Despite this thought, all seven White Fang agents aimed their guns at her ready to shoot on sight.
"Whoa… take it easy there, little lady." Torchwick said mockingly while looking for an angel to escape.
Suddenly, Blake threw away her bow and revealed her cat ears to everyone. "Brothers of the White Fang why are you aiding this scum?!" Blake demanded as she wanted answers to why this was happening.
"Heh, oh kid. Didn't you get the memo?" Roman asked as he smirked at Blake who glared at him.
"What are you talking about?" Blake demanded while in the background Endrance was moving around as he got ready to move in.
"The White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture together." Roman boasted as Blake glared at the small-time crook.
"Tell me what it is, or I'll put an end to your little operation." Blake threatened holding her sword closer to Roman's neck.
Soon Turbine Engines were heard and with, it strong winds were made from the thrusters. "I wouldn't exactly call it a little operation." Roman said as Blake was in shock at what she saw. "Blake let go of him now!" Endrance called out as Blake saw a Glyph on the ground that formed ice at the bottom of Romans cane. Forced to let go Blake got away just as Roman pulled the trigger. The result was his cane blowing up due to the ice blocking the exit valve. Roman cried out in pain as he rolled across the ground before hitting a container.
Soon all eyes went to the source of the voice and saw Endrance approaching getting the White Fang on edge. "A Schnee." One said knowing about Endrance by his reputation alone and the fact that Adam and Endrance were basically mortal enemies.
"Its Endrance Schnee." Another said recognizing this particular Schnee.
"Dammit." Roman said raising his Melodic Cudgel at the duo only to find it was destroyed curtesy of Endrance. "Get them." He ordered the White Fang Agents who then proceeded to open fire on Endrance. Endrance weaved through the shots making his way towards the White Fang Agents before slicing the guns of those who had them destroying them. Using his Glyphs, he sent them at his foes as it gave off a pink glow. This particular Glyph was a glyph of his own making, mixing it with the power of Macha allowing for Endrance to bring them under his allure.
The White Fang hit by it lost control of themselves as the pheromones made them complacent to Endrance before they opened fire on their fellows. Endrance casually walked through them as he made his way over to the ones not under his allure. But then he avoided a sudden bullet he recognized as the same type used in Crescent Rose.
Looking to the source he saw Ruby's evil double shooting at Endrance with a blue and white version of Crescent Rose. "Strange, I sense a familiar power from you." Endrance said as Sapphire grinned to this.
"Oh, you have no idea, Macha the Temptress." Sapphire said causing Endrance to raise a brow with intrigue.
"Strange you look like Ruby Rose, and you know of my Epitaph." Endrance said finding this to be concerning. "And you even possess the same weapon as her." Endrance noted as he took note of Sapphire's weapon design.
"It's called... Waning Thorn." Sapphire said introducing her weapon which she converted into its Scythe form in a similar manner that Ruby would.
"I see." Endrance said before moving for battle. "Then let it be so." Endrance said before charging into battle and thus the pair fought. Endrance moving as a true Schnee as he bounced between his Glyphs elegantly yet swiftly showing how his training in this combat stance had come to fore. Sapphire Thorn however was able to keep up deflecting Endrances blows where she could but avoiding the others when needed. They continued their bout for a bit before parting ways and when they did Endrance was shown to have a few injuries upon his person as did Sapphire Thorn.
Endrance noted the injuries before Sapphire smirked. "Not so fast, are you?" Sapphire asked as Endrance looked and saw her injuries were already healing like they never happened. The battle was about to continue when suddenly Blake appeared to attack Sapphire.
"He's not but I am." She said and ran Sapphire through causing her to cry out in pain and agony. But before they could rest on their laurels Sapphires agony turned into laughed before turning around to smile sadistically at Blake.
"Is that all." She said before vanishing in a flurry of blue rose petals with the blade of her scythe at Blake's neck. Before Blake could react our even move however a banana peel landed on Sapphire's head distracting her. When she removed the banana peel, she looked up and glared just in time to see Sun jumping in.
He then kicked Sapphire in the face knocking her down hard. When Sun landed across from Sapphire he turned around and glared at psychopathic girl. "Leave her alone." Sun warned glaring at the girl while Blake to the chance to move out of the way.
Soon more of the White Fang joined the fight after jumping off the Bulwarks and trained their weapons at Sun. "You are not the brightest banana in the bunch, are ya kid?" Roman asked looking to the Monkey Faunus while moving in close.
"Come on let's see what this Monkey can do." Sapphire said licking her lips in anticipation as Blake, Endrance, and Sun all noticed black dots appearing around Sapphire for a moment. Endrance and Blake recognized those Black Dots but as quickly as they appeared they had vanished.
The Agents then attacked and when they did Sun was able to fight back. He started out using hand to hand martial arts for a bit before busting out a collapsible bow staff from his person. Spinning the weapon around Sun fought back against his foes taking them down one by one.
"He's mine!" Blake called out jumping over the defenses and went for Roman head-on with Endrance backing her up. The two began to double team Roman as Blake slashed at him and use her semblance to either perform double the damage or to avoid the attacks. Endrance meanwhile kept Torchwick on his toes as he was having trouble keeping up with them.
"Blue a little help!" Roman cried out only for Sapphire to zoom in and bash into Endrance forcing him to back off. "Thank you!" He called out before focusing on Blake.
Just then Sun jumped in to help Blake as he swung his bow staff at Roman for a bit knowing his range weapon was out of commission at the moment. He then split the staff in two showing they were also Nunchaku's that he dual wielded with ease. Showing them off he fired them off on Roman revealing they also doubled as shot guns that he used with deadly efficiency.
Sapphire meanwhile zoomed around the battle as a flurry of blue rose petals while Endrance used his speed to keep up with Ruby's evil twin. They clashed every so often, but it was clear that Endrance was struggling right now. Soon enough the two were on a stack of containers before they clashed again and parted. When they did this, they sliced through some cables and brought down a container from the crane holding it. It fell to the ground and nearly hit Blake and Sun who saw this and moved out of the way in time. But Sapphire used the chance and moved around and became like a tornado to the area when sent the containers' debris all over nearly hitting Blake and Sun.
Sun soon found himself at gun point curtesy of Roman who showed he had a spare on his person. "Any last words?" Roman asked as he got ready to pull the trigger.
But then a new voice was heard from nearby. "HEY!" Ruby called out with Crescent Rose at the ready with Penny and Saku in tow.
"Oh, hello red! Isn't it past your bedtime?" Roman taunted as Roman glared at Ruby who glared back.
Penny began to walk forward as she was confused. "Ruby? Are these people your friends?" Penny asked with curiosity.
"Master En!" Saku cried out seeing Endrance in the battle as well.
"Penny Saku, get back." Ruby urged only for Roman to take the shot while Ruby was distracted.
Sapphire looked and saw Saku there and smirked at the sight of her. "The Fifth Phase Gorre the Machinator." Sapphire said upon seeing Saku. "And the Twilight Bracelet, what fun." Sapphire said with a grin showing she was more than ready to fight it out. But then out of the blue Roman then took a rocket launcher from a nearby White Fang and proceeded to fire it at the scene much to Sapphire's shock especially since Ruby had the Twilight Bracelet. "NO!" Sapphire called out but was too late to stop Roman.
The blast knocked Ruby back as she moved to shield Saku from the attack. Saku was ok and by extension so was Bo, but Ruby took a hit to her aura. "Penny stop!" Ruby called out clearly not believing Penny can handle this.
"Don't worry Ruby. I'm combat ready." Penny said smiling to Ruby just before her backpack opened and from it swords began to float out and unfold behind her. She moved the swords out in front of her with gestures of her hands, the blades pointed outward and spun around rapidly, generating a large pulse of green energy. She threw her fists forward and fired a massive energy beam. The beam sliced the Bulwark's left wing off when it tried to dodge and in turn crashed into the water to prevent massive explosions.
Before the battle could continue Sapphire went after Penny forcing her to dodge the attack. "Ruby?" Penny asked and looked to where she left Ruby and saw her there. "Why do you look like Ruby?" Penny asked and in turn Sapphire grinned.
"That's a surprise." Sapphire said before she jumped away from the scene closer to the water. "And speaking of surprises." Sapphire said as she then began to release the dots again.
"AIDA." Blake said as she recognized that and saw Sapphire was producing it from her own body.
Sapphire then roared in fury before the dots went to her hand which to their horror she stabbed into her chest. "Brothers." Penny gasped as she saw the same dots were being produced from the hole Sapphire made but also had small bits of violet in it. With another roar Sapphire began to pull something out from inside her as the semi grotesque act produced an egg of some kind one very similar to the AIDA forms. Sapphire sighed a bit as she caught her breath from that. "Hate having to do it that way but... it gets the job done in a pinch." She said and in turn tossed the AIDA seed into the water.
"What the after all of that?" Ruby asked but Endrance begged to differ.
"No... that's the beginning." Endrance said and soon the water began to bubble and churn with something rising from it.
Then from the water a massive Grimm rose out as it now had the AIDA Seed attached to it forcibly one might add. IT roared in pain as it tried to force the seed off of its form, but the seed only got deeper. "Holy shit!?" Roman cried out as the Grimm came on land in pure agony.
"Yeah, I know I'm horrifying." Sapphire said as she then got back to the previous bit. "Now get that Dust loaded up yesterday." Sapphire said and in turn the White Fang and Roman got to work.
Soon the AIDA Seed was rooted to deep and thus the Grimm began to mutate before their very eyes. New armor grew around its body as it made landfall before their very eyes. The Grimm roared and soon parts of its body were taken by the AIDA and replaced by it. Towering over them it was clear that the Grimm was very angry but was taken by the AIDA.
"Enjoy the gift!" Sapphire called out as the villains continued to load the Dust.
Saku saw this and was ready to join the fight but instead Penny and Ruby pushed Saku behind them as they were joined by Endrance, Blake, and Sun. "Ruby we have a lot to talk about." Blake said as Ruby nodded.
"I'm still wrapping my head that there's an evil me running around." Ruby said showing her mind was trying to keep up. The AIDA Grimm roared and just as it was about to attack it was suddenly being fired upon. Looking to the source they saw Kuhn had arrived and was firing his gunblade at the enemy. Soon joining them was Silabus as he fired with Kuhn while Gaspard sent off blasts of explosive Dust on the enemy.
"Hey guys we miss anything?" Kuhn asked as he looked to the group. "Who brough the kid?" Kuhn asked noticing Saku was here as well.
"Silabus, Gaspard get the kid to safety." Kuhn said and thus the two nodded.
"Right." Silabus said as Gaspard took Saku's hand.
"Come on!" Gaspard called as Silabus fired upon the creature to keep it at bay.
"Hey wait!" Saku cried out wanting to fight as well.
"Come!" Kuhn called out and charged into battle but as soon joined by Shino who fired off blasts of fire at the creature from her weapon Twilight Stave that seemed to be a staff with Dust Crystals on both ends of it. The creature roared out as it was hit in the face before Kuhn fired once more using full auto on the beast. It then roared out and jumped away from the scene. Moving around the area it was suddenly blindsided by Atoli who fired her own weapon at it in gun form before bashing her shield into it. Jumping back, she switched her weapon to its staff form and rejoined Kuhn.
"Sorry I'm late." Atoli said as she had a stance ready. Crocea Mors truly helped Atoli in her defense department and provided her with an added edge as she had yet to draw the sword.
"Nah your right on time." Kuhn said and thus the creature saw them and charged at them. Just then a bike engine was heard and from it Haseo drove in and performed an Akira stop but launching Alkaid at the beast. Taking out her twin swords Alkaid sliced into the monster's face forcing it to stop and stumble to the side from the attack.
"Alright who fucked up?" Alkaid asked as she took a battle stance.
"The bad guys I'm guessing." Haseo said as he got off his bike and joined the others.
"Naturally." Ruby said as she saw her brother was here.
"You've arrived Haseo thank goodness." Endrance said happy to see their friends were here. Just then a roar was heard and from it Yang came in and slammed her fist into the monster's face causing it damage. Following it up was Weiss using her Glyphs to launch a concentrated attack on this monster dealing severe damage to it.
"Thank goodness!" Yang cried out as she hugged Blake while Weiss did the same to her brother.
"Guys." Haseo began as he got to the group. "Hugs later fight first." Haseo said while gesturing to the massive monster.
"He's right we need to focus." Shion said and in turn was ready to fight.
"We're back." Silabus said as he and Gaspard rejoined the group.
"Good to have you." Alkaid said and thus Teams RWBY, HAKE, and SSAG were reunited. "So, what do we got?" Alkaid asked and thus Sun spoke up.
"Big, ugly mutant." Sun said and thus the creature roared out.
"Then let's beat it uglier." Yang said punching her fists together ready for some action.
"Let's go!" Ruby called out and thus the battle began. Charging in the heroes went after the massive for but it responded by launching all the containers it could at them opting Haseo and Ruby to slice through them, Yang to punch her way through, and the Schnee Twins to use their Glyphs to deflect it.
Using this Atoli and Shion used their own weapons to give their allies a small boost in their Aura via a unique combination of Dust Crystals. Following this up Kuhn, Blake, and Silabus charged out and fired at the creature with their guns. Blake however launched threw her weapon and then began using the ribbon to trip up this beast.
Kuhn and Silabus kept it busy for a bit while Blake did her part. But as it got close Silabus rifle turned into a sword which he then used to slice against the monster as it tried to attack them. Following up was Kuhn as he jumped over the attack and nailed a few rounds into the eye. This one caused it pain as Blake then threw her weapon like a boomerang for Yang to catch.
Pulling hard Yang forced the monster off its feet as the AIDA infected Grimm fell over causing damages to the area. Haseo used the chance to jump in and cleaved through the beast taking out a few of its bone protrusions before cleaving off a part of its body with his great sword's chainsaw. The monster roared in pain as it began to get back up once it managed to free itself. Ruby zoomed in and cleaved her scythe into the creature taking out more of its armor as she did so while taking some flesh off as well.
Ruby smiled but then the creature focused on her and went on the attack. But before it could harm Ruby Gaspard created a shield of stone protecting Ruby before letting it explode in the creatures face causing it to rear back in pain. "Are you ok?" Gaspard asked as he ran over to check on Ruby.
"I'm fine." Ruby said with a nod to the Faunus.
"That's good." Gaspard said happy to see that Ruby would be ok.
"Hey, focus on the fight!" Alkaid said as she ran pass the duo as she switched her daggers into their gun forms and opened fire with them. Loud shots were heard as she managed to hit her intended target with everything, she had on her. As Alkaid got a few attacks in the beast looked ready to attack only for Weiss to save her with a Glyph before Endrance used the chance to jump upward and send down several spears of ice upon the AIDA infected Grimm.
But when Blake moved in to regain her weapons, she saw several White Fang members were on the ground with those black dots on their body making her panic. "We need to take this thing down now!" Blake said with a tone of urgency in her voice.
"Then we have to work fast." Haseo said but then Endrance spoke up.
"Allow me, Haseo." Endrance said as he walked forward ready to unleash his Epitaph. "She has been growing bored lately." Endrance said and thus the bell tolled meaning an Epitaph was about to be summoned to battle.
Endrance cried out as he hugged himself a bit with the marks of his Epitaph forming over his body. "MACHA!" He cried out and thus the entire world shifted the same way it does when an Epitaph is brought to the physical plain. The group were met with the site of Macha as she towered over the group hovering and ready for battle.
The AIDA infected Grimm roared at Macha who glared at the foe as did Endrance. The battle began as the AIDA charged against the Epitaph. Macha backed off before sending energy slashes that spun at her foe from her hands. The attacks hit causing the Grimm damage before it was forced to move away. During this the group had moved to safety to let the Epitaph do battle without fear of harming them in the process.
The battle went like this for a bit as the two sides were doing battle. It looked like something out of a Kaiju movie as Macha fought against the AIDA infected Grimm. This went off for a bit with the battle tearing through the docks making it neigh impossible to move anywhere save for the safe areas away from the chaos.
Macha seen deployed a set of rose buds that flew at the AIDA Grimm and fired off beams at it. The beams hit their mark before the Grimm could even try for a counter. Since they were small that meant they were fast and could use it to their advantage. Moving through the battle everyone bore witness to what was going on.
"Ok this is the third or fourth time I've seen an Epitaph duke it out and it never fails to impress." Yang said as she was surprised that her brother had such a power.
"Well, if the Epitaphs are named after the phases of Morgana." Blake began as she saw the battle as well. "Then that means there are still four other Epitaphs we have yet to see in action." Blake said making it clear that this was but the tip of the iceberg.
Back to Macha and the Grimm the two foes continued to battle as Macha flew around a bit before with a cry from Endrance released a tornado of Rose Petals that surrounded her body. Using this to her advantage Macha, while under Endrance's control, moved in, to attack. Her attacks now dealt added damage while the Rose Petals protected her from most outside threats. The battle continued in this way before Macha's petals vanished while she backed off from her foe.
Then something began to happen, Macha leaned back, and her lower body revealed itself to be a flower that began to bloom. As it bloomed it took the form of the Data Drain as Macha aimed it at the massive AIDA Infected Grimm. Taking fire Macha and Endrance's shot flew fast and true until it hit the target head on. The Grimm was drained of the AIDA that infested it and with it its life. When the energy was absorbed into Macha's Data Drain the Grimm let out one last roar before its body vanished into dust leaving nothing behind.
The battle was over and in turn Macha reverted back to Endrance who gently landed on the ground on his feet. Endrance sighed as the battle had concluded while the group began to regroup. "Come on if we hurry, we can." Haseo began as they had to stop Roman and the White Fang from stealing the Dust. But then the sound of thrusters could be heard and looking to the source and saw that the Bulwarks were escaping. The group opened fire on them but alas the vessels flew off not despite this. Clearing during the chaos the criminals had taken the chance to steal everything they could and made a run for it.
"Dammit." Kuhn cursed as the bad guys got away. As the crooks got away polices sirens could be heard in the distance.
(Scene Break later)
Everyone was gathered as the police were investigating the scene with some of the group giving statements and whatnot. At the moment Blake and Weiss were facing each other as Endrance was tending to Mia who somehow made it through the chaos unharmed. "Guys." Blake began as she looked to the group who gathered to listen to her. "I want you all to know that I'm no longer associated with the White Fang and." Blake began but then Weiss stopped her.
"Stop." Weiss said as she looked to Blake and to Endrance. "Do you have any idea how long we've been searching for you?" Weiss began as Blake went silent. "12 hours." Weiss answered before she continued. "That means I've had 12 hours to think over what you and Endrance and you want to know what I think?" Weiss asked as she looked to the Faunus girl. "I meant what I said about the White Fang before. They may have started out differently in the past, but that's no excuse for their actions now." Weiss said making it clear where she stood. "They've stolen from people, they've killed people. It's morally and ethically wrong more so when Faunus unaffiliated with them are caught in the crossfire." Weiss said making it clear that she did not support the White Fang.
"But..." Weiss began before continuing to speak. "We didn't give them many options either." Weiss said admitting that humans did just as bad to them. "I just want you to promise that the next time something this big happens you'll come to your teammates and not." Weiss trailed off glancing to Sun. "Someone else." Weiss said before directing her attention back to Blake.
Blake looked around with a smile on her face when she saw this and teared up a bit. So many friends surrounded her now... it made her shed a few tears. "Well, it seems that the sisters have at last reunited." Endrance said but HAseo was not done here.
"Don't think your off the hook Endrance." Haseo joked as he, Atoli, and Kuhn bound in on Endrance. "Next time you pull a vanishing act on us... try letting someone know where you'll be." Haseo said with his hands on his hips. "You owe me money for fuel." Haseo added as he recalled the amount of fuel he used today in his bike.
"Very well, Haseo." Endrance said before he suddenly took out a pen and checkbook. Spinning the pen in hand he signed off on said checkbook before handing the check to Haseo. "Will this suffice?" He asked as Haseo looked at the check with wide eyes.
"I don't think I've ever seen that many zeros on a check in my life." Haseo mumbled as Atoli and Kuhn saw the check as well and were reminded of how loaded Endrance was. Kuhn simply smiled and patted Haseo's shoulder while looking the check in question.
"Hey wait a minute." Ruby began as she noticed someone was missing. "Where's Penny." Ruby said as she looked around for Penny.
"And while we're on the subject where's Shino?" Haseo asked noticing that Shino was also missing.
"I got a text from her." Alkaid said holding up her scroll which went off prior. "Heading to Beacon meet you guys there." Alkaid read aloud and thus Haseo had to admit it was strange of Shino to do that.
(Meanwhile with Penny)
Penny was in a car as she looked at the group of friends. "You should know better than to go running around in a strange city." A male voice said Penny looked.
"I know." Penny said as she looked at the group.
"Penny your time will come just be patient." The voice said as the car drove off but as Penny looked to the destruction caused by AIDA.
(With Shion)
Shino was sitting in another car as it was taking her to Beacon. All the while she was looking outside the window with a sad look on her face. "That was very reckless of you, Ms. Kuroi." Came the voice of Ozpin as Shino sat in her chair. "If someone allied with her saw you use your powers." Ozpin trailed off which Shino knew already.
"I know." Shino said as she clearly had a depressing aura around her.
"Shino, I understand truly I do but for your own safety and wellbeing you can't go about doing as you please like this." Ozpin said knowing Taihaku made a great risk sending Shino to the Vytal Festival Tournament.
"I know... but..." Shino trailed off as she glanced over to Ozpin's image. "I just wanted to be with my friends." Shino said showing that she had a secret that Ozpin and by extension Headmaster Taihaku were aware of. Ozpin gave Shino a look of understanding before he ended the call letting Shino ride out the rest of the trip in silence.
(With Ozpin)
Meanwhile, Ozpin is seen holding a scroll showing a "LIVE FEED" of Team RWBY at the docks as well as Team HAKE in action. He also saw the images of the Grimm infected with AIDA. "This... this isn't something Salem created." Ozpin said as he knew Salem and knew that whatever this AIDA was Salem was not involved with it. He then saw the images of Sapphire Rose and began to grow concerned.
He closes the video and opens up a communication with Qrow, whose team name and other information is left blank, and his only message is: "QUEEN HAS PAWNS."
Ozpin sighed to himself before closing the image and began to think to himself. He then opened another message this one was from Ovan. 'Has she arrived safely?' Ovan's message read and thus Ozpin knew Ovan was just making sure.
"Yes." Ozpin responded into his message before closing it.
(Meanwhile with Ovan)
Ovan was on an entirely different continent as he walked through a forest. Smiling at the response he closed the scroll and continued on his way after storing it away. All Epitaph Users were accounted for but with a majority of them at Beacon and Vale it might cause a certain someone to get angsty at this. Making his way through the forest Ovan continued to his path where his lead in the Spring Maiden's Location led him.
"Let us see... exactly what you have been up to... Raven." Ovan said as he went after the woman who abandoned her family. Though Ovan suspected that carrying an Epitaph User nay have had detrimental effects on Raven's psyche and if not then it's only a matter of time before AIDA got to her. Glynda had shown some variants in her personality before and after Sakubo was born. If what he suspects is truth, then anyone who had given birth to an Epitaph User who had their Epitaphs would not be mentally sound.
-Insert Gentle Hands by Mitani Tomoyo-
-Drawn in by an unseen cold hand,-
-I pass even time as it flows to eternity.-
-As your eyes look away into the hazy distance,-
-what is revealed to them, I cannot see.-
-As the moonlight shines on my bitter cold fingers.-
-Frozen tears of mine begin to flow anew.-
-I look at the sky. That distant far-off dream,-
-it always has me in its view.-
-Unafraid, I reach my hand into the darkness.-
-I am at the point of no return.-
-If I truly realize the person I am,-
-hidden away inside my deepest memories.-
-I still want to believe that you will return to me.-
-Until you are with me, together in this place.-
-I still want to feel until the end of time.-
-The gentle loving touch of your hands on my face.-
-Trapped inside this cage made of glass,-
-hurt feelings held captive in the cold and icy night.-
-From far beyond the infinite dark.-
-There must always be a ray of light.-
-I know that your eternal shining light-
-will embrace me in the warmth of infinity.-
-While trying to run from the pain of reality,-
I'm losing sight of what is so important to me.-
-I still want to believe that you will return to me.-
-Until you are with me, together in this place.-
-I still want to feel until the end of time.-
-The gentle loving touch of your hands on my face.-
-Drawn in by an unseen cold hand,-
-I pass even time as it flows to eternity.-
-As your eyes look away into the hazy distance,-
-what is revealed to them, I cannot see.-
-What is revealed to them, I cannot see-
(TBC)
(Start Epilogue Vale Docks Night)
Roman walked into a warehouse as he put a case on the table and sighed in frustration of what Sapphire did. "That was fun." Sapphire said with a smile on her face while she laid down on a nearby crate. "Wanna do it again, but on a grander scale?" Sapphire asked which Roman glared at her.
"Well considering your little stunt cost us you are going to lay low." Roman said as he knew he had to explain this to Cinder, and he was looking forward to it. Roman was a betting man but if Sapphire decides to go rogue Roman knew his best chance at survival was with Sapphire.
Just then their attention was caught by the door opening again as three individuals walked in. "How very disappointing Roman." The voice of a woman said as she entered the room. The one at the front was a young woman with fair skin, amber-colored eyes and black hair tied in a ponytail that hung over her shoulder; she wore a short red, long-sleeved, dress with black heels. The two behind here were a young man and another young woman; the former had Caucasian skin with gray hair and eyes, wearing a mostly gray and black outfit, while the later next to him had dark skin with mint-green hair and red eyes, wearing a rather revealing top with white and brown pants.
"Wow! Wasn't expecting to see you guys so soon." Roman said as Cinder walked in with her two teammates.
"We were expecting more from you." The girl said as she entered the room.
"Hey, you were the one who suggested working with the stupid mutts from the white fang." Roman said as he pointed out that it was Cinder's plan.
"And you'll keep working with them as long as we tell you." Cinder told him, producing a flame in her hands as her eyes glowed.
"And what if we don't want to do that anymore?" Sapphire asked and in turn Cinder glared at Sapphire and almost mistaken her for Ruby.
"Excuse me?" Cinder asked as she glared at the girl.
"What if we want to aim bigger then then what the White Fang is giving." Sapphire said edging Cinder on in this. "And you so happen to be in the way." Sapphire said as Roman began to back off feeling the tension on his skin.
"Is that a challenge?" Cinder asked only for Sapphire to vanish and reappear behind Cinder with a scythe blade to her neck.
"No... it's a promise see I need some chaos and I'm worried you're not going to give me enough of it." Sapphire said whispering into Cinder's ear. Cinder acted and sliced her twin swords at Sapphire who jumped upward and stood on Cinder's weapon. "I mean I figured out your plan already I mean what else would you need this much Dust for?" Sapphire said only for Emerald the girl in green to attack by was stopped when Sapphire casually caught Emeralds, weapon. She then pushed Emerald back stomped down on Cinder's sword and delivered a roundhouse kick to Mercury who was actually about to attack. Sapphire landed on the ground before getting close and personal in Cinder's face and displaying the madness in her eyes.
"So, here's what's going to happen, fuck with me and I take over, blue ball me with chaos and I take over, and finally think for a moment you have power over me." Sapphire trailed off with her hand on Cinder's stomach. "And I'll rip that power." She continued while moving her hand upward. "Right. out. of. your. chest!" Sapphire snapped as she walked her right middle and index fingers up Cinder's chest before grabbing her by the neck choking the life out of her.
Then Emerald acted and shot Sapphire through the head causing the bullet to nearly nick Mercury. "Got her." Emerald said but then Sapphire to their horror laughed.
"Did you now?" Sapphire asked as her injury began to heal on the spot. She then let go of Cinder and went to rejoin Roman and took his comfy chair. "For now, I'll follow your lead... but screw with me and I screw with you." Sapphire said as she was not above sabotaging Cinder if she gets in her way.
"Who are you?" Mercury asked and thus Sapphire smiled sinisterly to Cinder and co.
"Sapphire, Sapphire Thorn." Sapphire introduced as she walked by a mirror and for a moment Cinder saw not the girl before her but a monster of bone and darkness inside the mirror as its eye sockets glowed with an unholy light.
(TBC)
ESKK: We finished up another chapter of this fanfic and with it we end Volume 1. A lot of things had happened some you know some that came as a surprise. Still, I wonder if any of you saw the hints I left here and there especially in this chapter. Anyway, you know the drill leave a review and as I always say on these things, ja-ne.