Sorry for the long wait, here's the next chapter of the Grimm Rider. Also, please be careful of what you write in your comments. And please be patient. I was busy with work and I had trouble thinking of the chapter. So, please don't pressure me to write quickly.
Thank you.
Hey, Branwen, are we there yet? Wraith asked rudely.
"Not yet, just keep walking." Qrow replied to the rude entity.
Qrow was leading the young hunters, Oscar, and the entities through a stone brick tunnel illuminated by translucent lanterns. The dinosaurs and hybrids were hidden within the students' shadows. That way, no one can suspect them with giant beasts. The reason why they were in the tunnel is to get the view of the city.
After all, the City of Mistral is known to be a beautiful place, built into and around two mountains, for it is a primary defense against Grimm. Being on the mountain range, the city was built atop off and the massive amount of low-tech airships that monitor the surroundings. The city is also known for two things, being both the cultural hub of the world and the crime capital of the world. The city is separated into various floors and levels. In order to travel, the builders created numerous tunnels and elevators built into the mountain, to allow civilians to access the city's various levels, some parts of the mountain's interior being dug out to hold more city districts.
Voltaria knows this because she may have snuck into the city before with her entities, only once when she was little. She never fully explored it. She made Tabitha and Wraith observe the areas, and Regina to read the archives from the city's database.
I do not wish to be a stickler but, do you know where you are going, Mr. Branwen? Regina asked, hovering besides Voltaria with the other entities.
"Don't worry, I know where it is. I've been here many times." Qrow assures the entity.
"Whose idea was it to walk again?" Nora asked, walking besides Ren and their teammates.
"Well, we did face many obstacles." Ren reminded Nora, listing out the obstacles. "Broken airships, destroyed settlements..."
Jaune, who was walking beside Pyrrha, added loudly. "Oh, and, you know, all those people and monsters that tried to murder us."
"Actually, the last part was meant for me." Voltaria responded, wearing her disguise. "Sorry about that."
When they came to check in, Voltaria had to pose as Jaune's distant cousin named Victoria Arc. A huntress in training. She had to make sure to give fake I.D., which Regina provided.
Ruby gently waves her off, "Pfft, we were fine. Besides, no one died...almost..." Ruby trails off a bit.
Nora giggles and puts her hands on her hips and looks at Ren. Ren notices this and looks at Nora with a playful look. "Hey."
Nora giggles in response while the rest simply shook their heads or rolled their eyes.
"So, how much farther to Haven Academy?" Jaune asked.
Qrow responded casually, "Almost there. But I figured I'd take you kids on the scenic route."
Everyone was curious and Pyrrha was the first to ask. "Scenic route?"
The group approaches a pair of large, wooden double doors, which Qrow opens, flooding the tunnel with sunlight. Ruby runs out first onto a massive platform that doubles as an elevator, stopping at the railing to gaze out over the city in wide-eyed awe.
"Wow!" Ruby awed in excitement.
The others join her to take in the view of buildings and stone stairways perched on mountains. The sun rising gives a beautiful view of the city. Mistral is like Vale, but a mountain version of it.
"This...is...awesome!" Ruby exclaimed in awe.
"You can say that again!" Yang said in agreement.
Below them, large crowds of people are going about their day, walking around, talking and buying merchandise legally and illegally.
"It's certainly something." Qrow side comments.
"Look at all the stores." Pyrrha said, looking at the shops below them.
Everyone looks below and Ruby notices a kiosk selling weapons. "Oh my gosh! Look at all the weapons!"
Is that what you only focus on, Ruby? Regina joked to the young girl, earning laughter from the group, except for Voltaria.
Qrow smirks and gestures to the city with his arm, "Vendors here'll sell you just about anything...whether they should or not."
"Why is that?" Oscar asked in confusion.
"Is because Mistral is also the home of numerous crime lords and the black market. The lower down you go the shadier and more dangerous things get, whilst the higher up you go the city will be more civilized and safe." Voltaria explains, remembering the rules around here.
Everyone understood, and kept a mental note to stay in the upper parts of Mistral.
"They really made the most out of these mountains." Jaune commented, looking at the mountains.
"Yeah, and they even made good cultivation and farm life." Oscar added, seeing a farming area on a distance.
Qrow nodded his head. "Every inch. And remember what Grimmy here said, stay away from the lower levels. The higher up you go, the nicer it gets." Qrow said, calling Voltaria 'Grimmy'.
"And we are going up!" Nora grins and she points her finger up, which everyone follows, leading them to the very top.
Meanwhile, somewhere on the continent of Anima, Chariot was guiding the bat-winged horses, who were carrying the carriage with Weiss and Marionette, through the sky. The inside of the carriage was decorated like royalty instead of being a pocket dimension. That way, Weiss would be more comfortable, much to her appreciation. Chariot came as the carriage flew over an enormous lake, Lake Matsu, a large body of water located in northern Anima, as it was heading towards Weiss was looking out the window, watching the clouds roll by. Marionette was sitting next to her, knitting a white scarf to pass the time. So far, it was smooth flying. Things were going as planned; they will reach their destination in three days tops.
"So, how much farther?" Weiss suddenly asked Marionette, turning towards the puppet entity.
Marionette stops her knitting and looks at Weiss. "Not long, only a few days before we reach our destination."
"Really?"
"Yes, you don't have to worry, Mistress Weiss. We can avoid a lot of air traffic around northern Anima since Chariot can turn invisible and phase through anything."
Weiss smiles at this. "Did I mention that I'm glad that you and Chariot are entities?"
Marionette smiles, "Everyday. Just sit back and relax a bit, it may be a long ride."
"Thanks, Marionette. I...just hope I haven't been a burden for you and Chariot."
"Nonsense. You've been nothing but a friend to us." She assures the Schnee heir, making her smile.
Just then, Chariot spoke to them telepathically. "Marionette, Mistress Weiss, I have urgent news."
Weiss became worried. "Is everything okay?"
"I picked up a distress call from a distance."
Chariot has the ability to sense frequencies like broadcasts or distress calls. That is how he avoided many airships over the years with Voltaria.
"Impossible," Marionette responded towards Chariot. "We are still over Lake Matsu; there shouldn't be any broadcasts this far from Mistral."
"Unless they are close by."
"Can you play it out, Chariot?" Weiss asked Chariot, sounding worried and desperate.
Obeying her command, Chariot plays the distress call of a female pilot, through their heads, she sounds in a panic and scared.
"Mayday, mayday! We are a small passenger flight, and our Huntress is down! We aren't equipped to deal with this!"
Weiss gasped in shock and concern. Her face turned pale as she could hear the attack from the background.
"The Grimm hit us 400 klicks north of the southern shoreline!"
Weiss' eyes widen as the sound of an explosion and the Pilot gasping can be heard from the background, shouting to someone.
"Get them off us! If anyone can hear this-Ah!"
Weiss's expression grows even more concerned as the Mistral Pilot cries out and the transmission abruptly ends. Marionette saw Weiss's worried expression and placed a gentle hand on hers.
"Mistress?"
"We're going to help them, right?" Weiss asked, her voice filled with concern and wanting to save them.
Marionette knew that Weiss didn't want any innocents to die, and of course, Chariot can easily get there. For they could sense the screams of the passengers from afar.
"We will," Marionette assures, "Just give the word."
Weiss smiles at her appreciation before looking up at the carriage ceiling. "Chariot, take us to the source."
"Of course, hang on." Chariot responded.
Chariot made his horses fly to the source of the distress call. It took them not too long, as they arrived at the destination of the distress call. There were a series of landmasses floating with what appears to be black crystals jutting out from the bottom of the rock formations. These are some of Lake Matsu's floating islands. The gravity Dust that forms in these things causes a little turbulence on airships and the equipment. Chariot can handle this since he isn't affected by this. However, Grimm sometimes hid within the islands, a perfect place for a sneak attack.
Their thoughts came to a halt when they saw the small passenger ship being attacked by a swarm of large hornet-like Grimm. Weiss recognizes them as Lancers. She remembered them in Port's class. Deadly stingers that can shoot like bullets. There are two types: the Warrior Drones and the Queen Lancer. The Warrior Drones are smaller while the Queen Lancer is larger and deadlier.
Then suddenly another small passenger ship was attacked by a second swarm of Lancers. Weiss and Marionette knew what to do. They have to split up in order to save the two ships. Chariot got two of his horses off the reins and allowed them to assist Weiss and Marionette on their missions. They got out of the carriage and jumped on the horses, flying towards the airships.
"Marionette! You go help the first one; I'll go help the second. Take Chariot with you!"
Marionette nodded her head. "Right! Good luck!"
With that, Marionette made the bat-winged horse to fly to the first airship with Chariot following her, for he will bring the passengers inside. Marionette jumps off the horse and lands onto the ship, she uses her threads to grab every Lancers and control them. The swarm couldn't move their bodies, for Marionette is controlling them. Using her immense strength, Marionette activates fires onto her threads, setting the Lancers on fire. Then, with incredible speed, she smashes the Lancers together from the sky, making them explode. Once she got rid of them, Chariot landed the carriage on the deck while Marionette quickly rushed below deck and saw many passengers huddled under their seats.
"Is everyone all right?" Marionette asked loudly, getting everyone's attention.
"By the gods, we're saved!" Exclaimed a man.
"Are you a hunter?" Asked a mother of three.
"In a way, where is the pilot of the ship?" Marionette asked.
The passengers pointed at the front doorway, earning a nod from Marionette.
"Go up to the deck, there is a carriage that will take you out of there." Marionette instructed them.
"You think it's big enough for us?" Asked a male Faunus with horns.
"Trust me, the inside is bigger than the outside." Marionette said before pointing up, "Now go! More of the swarm will come."
Not wanting to argue, the passengers quickly got off their seats and rushed up the deck while Marionette went to the cockpit to see the pilot struggling to keep the ship afloat.
"Are you the pilot of this ship?" Marionette asked him.
The male pilot looks at her in confusion. "Huh?! Uh...yeah. I'm Perchy. Who are you and how did you-"
"No time to explain, the passengers have been evacuated." Marionette said to the pilot before she sensed more Lancers coming. "We must hurry; more Lancers are coming this way."
Before the pilot could answer, Marionette grabbed him by the arm, and with great speed, they were in the upper deck. There, they saw a flight attendant helping the last passengers inside. The pilot was shocked about the carriage and the bat-winged horses that were pulling it, but what's more shocking is that one of those horses was fighting off the lancers by breathing red fire from its mouth!
"Come on!" Marionette leads Percy to the carriage after the flight attendant enters.
Marionette brought Percy inside the carriage, and quickly closed the door before taking out a Fire Dust Crystal. Concentrating her energy, she gave the Fire Dust Crystal enough boost for it to explode. Dropping it to the ground, Marionette grabs hold onto the side as Chariot got his horses out of the ship just in time when the swarm came. Once they were out of the clear, the Fire Dust Crystal exploded, destroying the ship and the swarm included.
While they were in the clear, Weiss fought off the second swarm that was pursuing the second airship. The Lancers suddenly launched their extendable stingers, hooked on the ship from multiple directions. Leaving the ship trapped and unable to move.
"We're hooked! We're hooked!" The female pilot frantically calls from the communication link, praying to the gods to send help.
And just a nick of time, Weiss activated her glyphs to create multiple ice shards and fired at the Lancers. The ice shards struck the lancers, forcing them to unhook the ship. The horse that Weiss was riding lands on the upper deck, allowing Weiss to get off, and activates a black glyph underneath her to keep her stuck to the ship as she readies her sword in front of her. Focusing her aura, she summoned multiple glyphs and Fire Dust, and fired at the incoming Lancers. Weiss succeeds in eliminating some Lancers. In doing so, Chariot lands the carriage on the upper deck and Marionette gets off.
"Marionette, get the people out of the ship, I'll hold the Grimm off." Weiss orders, firing multiple ice projectiles at the Lancers.
Nodding her head, Marionette rushes below deck to get the passengers to the carriage. Weiss readied more of her Glyphs as more Lancers came, but before they attacked, the two winged-bat horses came and released streams of red fire at the Lancers, incinerating them in the process. Weiss was grateful to them before she focused all her aura in summoning, and brought forth her Arma Gigas.
The Arma Gigas readied his massive sword and made a mighty swing, slashing the Lancers in half. As the Arma and Chariot's horses fought off the Lancers. Marionette, carrying a little boy in her arms, runs up the stairs with the passengers following her. Some were helping an injured Huntress to reach upstairs. Weiss saw this and pointed at the carriage.
"Quickly, inside!" Weiss orders before using her glyphs to create a fireball at an incoming Lancers.
The Carriage's door opens, allowing the passengers to enter to the safe pocket dimension. Marionette ushers everyone to follow quickly, and everyone hurriedly does so. Marionette brought the girl in first, followed by the others. While they were getting inside, a Lancer saw this and attempted to attack, but Marionette reacted quickly. Jumping in front, she transforms one of her arms into a blade, slicing the Lancer in half.
"Everyone, hurry! More will come soon!" Marionette exclaims before fighting off another Lancer.
She didn't have to tell them twice. The passengers quickly got into the carriage, trying to get away from the Grimm. While they got in, something big came flying towards them. A little girl passenger saw this and screamed as she pointed at the sky. They followed her gaze and gasped, seeing a huge and scarier version of the Lancers. The people began to panic at the sight of the huge Grimm.
"It's a Queen Lancer!" Yelled Weiss in alarm, readying her Myrtenaster at the Queen Lancer.
"We have to evacuate as soon as possible before the Queen Lancer comes." Marionette said to Weiss.
"Wait! The pilot is still inside!" A female flight attendant yelled at the two, hoping they could save the pilot.
Weiss and Marionette looked at each other briefly. "Go, I'll deal with the lancers; get the pilot out of here." Marionette said to Weiss.
Weiss agreed and rushed inside to get the pilot from the cockpit, while Marionette and Chariot dealt with the Queen Lancer and her drones. Weiss burst inside the cockpit to find the female pilot struggling to keep the ship steady.
"Come on! Everyone's been safely evacuated!" Weiss said to the pilot.
"I can't let go! If I do, then the Grimm will chase after the evacuation ship and we'll crash!"
Weiss needed to think of a plan to get the pilot out and get rid of the Queen Lancer. There was no way they could out maneuver it or fight it head on unless it attacked something else. Just then, Weiss recalled something from Voltaria before they left. Chariot can manipulate any vehicle at will, even in far distance. Meaning, he will drive the ship while they all escape.
"Chariot, can you hear me?" Weiss asked telepathically.
"Loud and clear, Mistress." Chariot responded.
"Can you take control of this ship? I have an idea." Weiss said to him.
"As you wish."
Suddenly, the ship began to move on its own, and the steering wheel was controlled by an invisible force, causing the pilot to look in shock.
"What the? How is this happening?!" The female pilot asked in shock.
The ship easily maneuvered through the islands with no problem. Even if the ship was able to maneuver the islands, it couldn't escape from the Queen Lancer pursuing them. Weiss grabs the pilot's arm and drags her out of the cockpit and towards the exit. They ran up the deck to see Marionette waiting for them.
"Mistress! We have to go now!"
"Right!" Weiss agreed, taking the pilot to the carriage.
The ship continues to avoid the attack of the Queen Lancer before swiftly moving a sharp turn, causing the Grimm to crash on an island. Weiss and the female pilot almost lost their footing if it wasn't for Marionette. The Puppet Entity quickly helps them in the carriage before looking over to Chariot.
"Chariot, it is time to leave!" Marionette said to her friend before closing the door.
Chariot understood before raising his hand. A dark red glyph appeared from the ground with symbols of fire. The two horses returned back to him and the reins attached to them. The ship suddenly turns to face the Queen Lancer, and then charges at it with full speed. With a flick of the reins, Chariot got the horses to take off while the ship charged at the Queen Lancer, who was zooming at it. And soon, the dark red glyph started to glow brightly, as the ship and Grimm crashed, followed by a fiery explosion that consumed the rest of the swarm. Luckily, Chariot was able to escape the danger just in time as the fiery explosion killed the swarm of Grimm.
The carriage carrying the passengers flies out of danger. Chariot made sure to take a safer route, it would be long, but safer. While he flew, the people inside were shaken, Weiss and Marionette had to check on them, to see everyone was all right. They looked a bit uncomfortable and nervous since this pocket dimension of a carriage was huge. Marionette was helping Percy tend the injured huntress while Weiss assures everyone that they are safe.
"We're safe now; Chariot is getting us to Mistral as we speak." Weiss assures everyone.
Everyone was relieved to hear this, especially the pilots.
"Thank you for saving us." Said a mother, holding her daughter. "We would've been goners if it wasn't for you all."
Weiss smiles at her, "Don't mention it."
"So...how long will it take to reach Mistral?" Asked a male reptilian Faunus.
Marionette, after helping with the huntress, walked up and stood beside Weiss. "Due to our unexpected circumstances, and taking a different route, we will be reaching the City of Mistral in four days."
This news worried everyone, wondering how they could relax here. Seeing their discomfort, Marionette suddenly claps her hands together. Catching everyone's attention.
"Chariot, could you be so kind and please give our guests a comfortable flight?" She asked loudly.
Suddenly, the darkness vanished and was replaced into a beautiful and fancy looking Foyer that resembles a huge castle. Everyone was in utter shock while the children awed in amazement. Marionette made a simple gesture to the two sets of stairs on both sides.
"This way, I will guide you all to your rooms. Those with partners and children may share the same room, but if those who are not comfortable living alone, you may have a roommate."
The people were satisfied to hear this, following Marionette to the stairs. Weiss and the female pilot helped the injured huntress up, and followed the group to their rooms. The hallway was massive and both sides had fancy looking doors. And inside the rooms were beautiful bedrooms, for everyone to enjoy and sleep. The passengers were delighted as they all settled into their rooms. Marionette guides Weiss and the pilot to a room where they can let the huntress rest and patch up.
"There we go," Marionette finished applying fresh bandage on the huntress's head. "This will be enough to make the journey to Mistral, and once we land, we will take the huntress to the hospital."
The pilot smiles at her and Weiss gratefully. "Thank you, I keep saying it, but I mean it." The female pilot said with great gratitude.
Weiss smiles at her. "You're welcome...sorry, I didn't get your name?"
The female pilot smiled, "Zerua. My name is Zerua."
"Well, Zerua, you can rest now, you and the others have been through enough." Weiss said to her kindly.
Zerua chuckles. "You have no idea."
"Do you want to stay here with the Huntress?" Marionette asked Zerua.
Zerua responded with a nod. "Yeah, she was hurt really badly, and someone has to keep an eye on her."
"Very well, I will prepare dinner for everyone; I hope you enjoy a delicious meal." Marionette said to Zerua and Weiss.
"Thanks, Mary." Weiss said, using Marionette's human name.
Marionette dismissed herself and left the room, and Weiss was about to follow her until Zerua said to Weiss that made her stop at the doorway.
"Hey, no matter what people say about your father...you're sure not like him. You're better than him." Zerua said with a kind smile.
Weiss turns to her and smiles back, appreciating her kind words, before bidding her a good day and leaves to meet up with Marionette.
The young hunters, Oscar, and Qrow made it to their destination as they entered the campus grounds of Haven Academy. There were beautiful buildings of Eastern Design. Hedges neatly trimmed and the grounds clean. They stopped in front of the building that leads to the headmaster's office. Ruby smiles and wipes a tear from her eye. Jaune places a hand on her shoulder, and she sighs in relief.
Ruby looks at her friends with a smile. "We made it."
And it's about fuckin' time! Wraith said into their heads. Come on! Let's go meet the headmaster and get this over with.
Everyone agreed and headed towards the building, but while they did so, both Voltari and Qrow stayed behind. They take a moment to glance around the courtyard. They notice beforehand that something is not right. When they arrived at the academy, the first thing they saw was that the academy was devoid of students or staff.
"You hear that?" Voltaria questions to Qrow.
Qrow nodded his head. "Yeah, it's quiet. Too quiet."
"Something is wrong here." Voltaria said to Qrow, sensing no auras of students nor staff. "This place is deserted, not a single student nor staff member are present. Except one."
Qrow looked at her with wide eyes. "Where?"
She pointed at the building before them, and knew something was up. They quickly catch up to the others, but not before Voltaria sends her entities to search for anyone in the school area. They do so and search with the help of the hybrids, Levistus the Spinosaurus, and Blue the Velociraptor. While the scout, Qrow leads the Young Hunters and Oscar through the hall of the building. Ruby calls out for anyone if they are, but replies, even if she shouted, no one answers.
"Maybe try louder?" Nora suggested to Ruby.
Yang walks beside her sister and looks at Nora. "I don't think it's gonna work."
Ren nodded his head in agreement. "There doesn't seem to be anyone here."
Jaune was getting nervous and worried at the same time. "Well, I guess school isn't really in session right now. Maybe that's it." He said, trying to think positive, but to no avail.
Qrow shook his head. "No, this isn't right." He mutters out.
Just then, Voltaria's entities return back from their patrol with their prehistoric companions. "What did you all find out?"
Not a single human nor Faunus in the school. Regina answered in a serious yet worried tone.
"Are you sure?" Pyrrha asked worriedly
We checked every nook and cranny of this place. Wraith answered in a dead serious tone. There are no students or teachers here.
As if this place was deserted. Tabitha said to the group worriedly.
Qrow was now concerned and quickly hurried ahead. "Come on!" He called out to the teens.
They were surprised but ran after him. "Wait for us!" Ruby calls out her uncle.
They pick up the pace to catch up, and soon, all of them are running to a pair of wooden double doors. Voltaria observed the area around them and saw a desk that was stacked with papers. Showing that no one was around for a while. When they reach the door, Qrow comes to a stop in front of them, draws his sword, and extends the blade.
Qrow informs the group. "Get ready. There could be trouble."
Everyone followed his lead in drawing their weapons. Voltaria took out a huge blade that is twice her size while Oscar took out his staff, and was ready for the attack. Seeing them ready, Qrow brings up his foot and kicks the door open. Just on the other side, Leonardo Lionheart, a Lion Faunus, was standing there, eyes widened in alarm as he threw his hands into the air, letting out a frightened scream. Jaune, Ruby, Yang, Pyrrha, Oscar, Evo, AJ, and Nora widened their eyes and screamed as well, while Ren and Wade gave the headmaster confused stares and Voltaria stared at him blankly. Once the screaming ceased, Qrow was standing on one foot with his eyes wide but when he suddenly looked down, he lost his balance, and fell on his back, which everyone, minus Voltaria, winced in sympathy. Shortly after, Lionheart makes a noise and briefly faints, falling on his back. The group saw the situation became calm yet awkward at the same time, letting their weapons down and stare, dumbfounded. Wondering what just happened. Wade helps Qrow up from the floor while Ruby speaks to the headmaster.
"Uh, Professor Lionheart?"
Somehow Lionheart woke up by Ruby's voice, gasping as sits up from his fainting. He then glares at Qrow in annoyance.
"Qrow! For crying out loud, you nearly scared me half to death!"
Qrow glares back at him. "Me? Why weren't you waiting for us at the entrance?" He questions the headmaster.
Lionheart was confused as he pulled a pocket watch from his coat and checked the time. He realizes that he was late to greet them. Sighing, he placed his pocket watch back to his pocket. "Oh, right. Apologies. I guess time slipped away from me." He apologizes to the group.
Qrow, however, gave him a skeptical look. "You're joking..."
"He's not." Voltaria said telepathically to her group, except for Qrow. He's not ready for the whole sending messages into minds.
While Lionheart stands up and the group puts their weapons away, Nora asks a question to the headmaster. "Where is everybody?"
Lionheart looks at them and his attitude changes in a genuine kindness yet something was off, and Voltaria knew it. "Ah, you must be the students Qrow mentioned."
Ruby beamed at this and nodded her head. "Yes, sir." She said enthusiastically, giving a loose salute to the headmaster. "Ruby Rose."
Yang made a peace sign with a grin. "Yang Xiao Long!"
Jaune greeted with a smile. "Jaune Arc."
Pyrrha smiles and waved at Lionheart. "Pyrrha Nikos."
Wade tipped his hat. "Wade Cross."
AJ did a simple curtsy and smiled at him. "Ammolite Jewel."
Evo nodded his head. "Evo Hebi."
Nora did a pose with her arms held stiffly out to the sides. "Nora Valkyrie."
Ren put his arms behind his back and greeted the professor. "Lie Ren."
Oscar made a shy smile. "Oscar Pine."
The headmaster's eyes landed towards Voltaria, who was simply looking at Lionheart, secretly examining him from head to toe, before she greeted him and gave him her fake name.
"Victoria Arc..." Lionheart raises a brow at her as she adds. "I'm Jaune's cousin."
Lionheart was gullible enough to believe so and let out a warm chuckle. "A pleasure to meet you all. Leonardo Lionheart, at your service." He introduces himself. "I'm afraid most of my staff is currently away until classes resume, but..."
Hearing this, Qrow briefly clenches his fists and then leans in toward Lionheart. "What? Leo, you can't be serious. Who's guarding the Relic?"
Lionheart's eyes widened at Qrow's outburst. He quickly glances at the young hunters and Oscar. Like they were not allowed to know, yet they already know about this beforehand thanks to Voltaria.
"Qrow, the children..." Lionheart whispers to the huntsman.
You didn't tell him beforehand that we knew about this, didn't you? Regina questions the drunken huntsman, who he ignored.
"Already know." Qrow said to Lionheart, gesturing to the kids. "I filled them in. What do you mean your staff is away?"
Lionheart did not respond as he stared at Qrow with wide eyes, sinking in the information. "You...filled them in?"
There was very awkward silence. The once happy atmosphere was filled with confusion, worry, and doubt. As if, Lionheart was not expecting this, nor them. However, Voltaria has a bad feeling about Lionheart. He's hiding something. Before Voltaria could think further, Nora leans over to her and Ruby, and whispers to them a question of insecurity.
"So, is this not going at all like anyone thought it would?"
Voltaria shook her head, knowing that this would be a problem.
Later, the group gathered in Lionheart's office. Nora and Ren were sitting on the sofa while Oscar, AJ and Evo sat on the armchairs. The ones standing were Wade, Ruby, Qrow, Jaune, Pyrrha, and Voltaria. They were all looking towards the headmaster sitting behind his desk. They were talking about the relic that was hidden underneath the school. Yet, Voltaria was skeptical about this. She wasn't even sure that they should trust Lionheart.
"I have to say, Qrow, this all seems very reckless, even for you." Lionheart said towards Qrow.
Qrow frowns at Lionheart. "No, reckless is leaving one of the Relics completely unguarded. It's not checking in with Oz for ages!"
Lionheart lets out a sigh and shakes his head at Qrow. "Thing's on Mistral have been busy, especially what had happened during the Vytal Festival." He explained to Qrow and the others. "Everyone was watching. Every house in every Kingdom saw and listened to the Grimm Girl revealing the truth! Everyone is worried and some are rallying up to defend their homes against Salem!"
Lionheart gets up and walks to a window and looks outside. He watches as the sun sets before him. The group looked at each other with unsureness. Thinking that there was something that he's not telling them.
"Mistral's territory is the widest reaching in the world, you know, and that makes it infinitely harder to protect." Lionheart said with a sigh. "Even with the truth being told, many suspect that the academies and huntsmen could not protect the people. We almost lost so many great Huntsmen, teachers from this very institution almost died because of this. And it's only gotten worse."
This caught everyone's attention, and Ruby was the first one to ask. "What do you mean?"
Lionheart leans on the windowsill and explains to them the reason. "We may have dealt with the Grimm, but the Mistral council's still at odds with the information that the Grimm Girl announced. Now we're closing borders." Lionheart turns and looks at Qrow seriously. "I'm not sure what happened that day, but it seems that it put everyone on edge. And, on top of everything, we still don't know where the Spring Maiden is."
The young hunters glanced at each other nervously. They didn't inform Qrow nor Oscar that they were carrying the Spring Maiden's power in a card, sealing its power until a worthy maiden takes it. But she can't tell them yet, especially towards Lionheart.
Just then, Qrow steps forwards, raising his voice at the headmaster. "All the more reason we need the Huntsmen and Huntresses here!"
Ruby, seeing the situation will go bad, quickly moves closer between the two adults. "Okay! Okay. Things are bad; they're bad." Ruby said, trying to calm the situation. "But we can figure this out. Why is the Spring Maiden so important?"
Ruby and the others knew about this, but they have to pretend to remain skeptical since they can't tell Lionheart everything, not yet at least.
Lionheart looks back at Qrow with a worried expression. "I thought you filled them in?"
Qrow, understood the situation, and played along. "Mostly filled in." He lied before he changed the subject. "Look, there's a lot to cover, okay? I quit teaching for a reason." Qrow proceeded to remove his flask from his shirt and take a drink.
Lionheart went back to his desk and sat back down in his chair. He looked at the group again before explaining about the importance of the maidens. "The four Maidens each have the power to perform feats of magic, and they are the only ones capable of reaching the Relics."
The group knew about this but they need to know more about this information as well.
Qrow continues the explanation. "The Relics are each locked inside a chamber that can only be opened by a specific Maiden. Winter for the gift of Creation, Summer for Destruction, Fall for Choice and Spring for Knowledge." Qrow then takes another swing of his drink before stopping and exhales. "Spring is the problem."
"What happened to her?" Ren asked, even though he knew about this because of Voltaria.
Lionheart looks down on his folded hands. "She was determined, at first, when she inherited her powers, but the weight of responsibility proved to be too much for the child. She...ran." He hesitant to explain the young girl's situation. "Abandoned her training, everyone. That was over a decade ago. There's no telling where she could be now."
She was not ready. Regina replied towards the group of young hunters and Oscar. She was about the same age as Ruby, that weight of responsibility was too much for her.
"That poor girl." Pyrrha said to them telepathically. "She didn't deserve that burden."
"I agree." Voltaria said before returning to the adults' conversation.
Qrow was hesitant and looked at Lionheart. "I...know. At least...I have a pretty good idea."
Lionheart's eyes widened by his words as he stood up with a hopeful expression. "Are you serious?"
Qrow looks at him with an unreadable expression. "It's not exactly good news."
Lionheart walks around to Qrow from behind his desk. "What are you talking about? This is incredible news!" He then takes Qrow by the shoulders and shakes him. "After all these years! Where?!"
"He sounds desperate." Voltaria thoughts aloud to her friends, which they agree.
"Yeah, like he wants the Spring Maiden now." Wade agrees with Voltaria.
Qrow shoves Lionheart off him. "I did some digging around. Looks like, after Spring ran away, she was picked up by bandits, specifically the Branwen tribe." He informs Lionheart in a dead serious tone.
Lionheart froze as he recognized the tribe, muttering a name that Yang wanted to forget. "Raven."
Ruby and Yang let out a small gasp of surprise.
"My mom?" Yang asked loudly.
Qrow nodded solemnly. "That's right."
Qrow pulls out his Scroll, walking over to and placing it on Lionheart's desk. The hologram monitor on the desk displays a map of Remnant. The map pulls up a zoomed-in section, showing the location.
"That's about where they've set up their main camp. It's where they fall back to after raids and scouting missions. Raven's managed to gain a lot of followers since she returned to the tribe, and I'm sure when the Spring Maiden showed up, it only made things easier."
While Qrow explains to Lionheart about the Spring Maiden's location, he has no idea about the truth. Team JNPR, WAVE, Ruby, and Yang knew about what really happened to the Spring Maiden. They learned from Regina that both Ruby and Voltaria would fused together to become Crimson Rose, but not purposely. They were like sleepwalking and Crimson Rose was in control. She took off a year ago and found the location of the Spring Maiden. Took her down and sealed her power in the card, hoping to find a worthy host for such power. They're thoughts were interrupted when both Qrow and Lionheart had a heated argument. Qrow says they need to get more help and get the Spring Maiden out of here as far as possible, but Lionheart was delaying the inevitable, trying to slow them down. Voltaria narrows her eyes at Lionheart even further. She just figured out what he was hiding.
"Hey, Professor Lionheart." Wade steps between the two arguing adults to stop their banter. "We need to know something, was Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury ever student here in Haven?"
Lionheart stopped for a moment and shook his head. "We pulled their files after the Battle of Beacon. Nothing but lies and forgeries."
"He's lying." Voltaria said to her friends and Oscar. Feeling the aura of Lionheart's aura change a bit, showing that he was lying. "He knew about this and let it slide."
This angered the group, but they remained cool and said nothing, letting the room fall silent again before Qrow spoke up in a sarcastic tone.
"Well, I can't say this has been a warm reunion, Leo."
Lionheart looks down and backs to Qrow. "I'm sorry. I know you've all traveled a long way. But I will do everything I can to help."
"Sure. We'll stay in the city for the time being." Qrow said before taking out his Scroll and waggling it at Lionheart. "Local comms are still up. Keep in touch." He turns away and looks at the others. "Come on, kids."
They all begin to file out of the room. At the rear, Ruby turns around to face Lionheart again.
"It was nice meeting you, Professor."
Lionheart was taking a moment to respond to her, and nodded his head. "Likewise."
After Ruby departs, Lionheart hangs his head, looking stressed. He's hiding something from them, and he cannot let them know. Just as he was about to stand up, a holographic W projects up from his desk, followed by the sound of Arthur Watts' voice.
-Oh, Leo. We have got to work on your improvisational skills.-
However, they were not aware that Voltaria's entities were still in the room, watching the whole thing with glares.
Meanwhile, the group walked back down the academy hallway. Qrow was frowning all the way down, disappointed at the fact that Lionheart won't listen to him. Furthermore, the damn council won't agree on anything because of what had happened on Beacon and the Vytal Festival. Voltaria did the right thing, and if it wasn't for her, the people would have been dead by that day.
"He's lying." Voltaria's voice rang to his head.
"Ah!" Qrow yelled in alarm, still not getting used to her voice in his head.
Mr. Branwen, calm yourself! Otherwise, he'll hear you. Regina said to Qrow in a scolding tone.
"What are you people talking about?" Qrow asked, trying to catch his breath.
"We're talking about that your ally, Lionheart, is lying to all of us." Voltaria said through his head. "He's delaying us for a reason."
"Huh?" Qrow still doesn't get it.
"Everyone, hold on." Voltaria said to them in their heads.
"Wha-"
Qrow didn't have time to react to the shadows around them. Sending them to the forest on a mountain. When they arrived, Qrow nearly stumbled off his feet, gasping for air. Oscar was dizzy now, not quite used to the sudden teleportation. Voltaria was no longer wearing her disguise, she was now wearing her regular attire.
"The fuck just happened?!" Qrow gasped, trying to clear his head.
Relax, Mr. Branwen, the effects will wear off in a short time. Regina said before she and the others manifested and brought back the hybrids, Levistus, and Blue out of the shadows. We have much to discuss.
"Yeah, we can start by the fact that Professor Lionheart is lying to our face!" Wade exclaimed in anger, sitting on a nearby log with AJ comforting him.
"What, what are you talking about? Do you know something that you didn't tell me yet?" Qrow demanded, taking a seat on a rock before taking another swing of his flask.
Voltaria looked at her friends, all taking a seat on the hybrids or logs, giving her nods of approval. Letting out a sigh, Voltaria turned towards Qrow.
"Lionheart is lying to us; he's been the one betraying you and Ozpin." Voltaria answered Qrow.
This information caused Qrow to almost choke on his drink, coughing out loudly by the sudden news. "Wha-what?"
"You heard me." Voltaria said as she told Qrow again about Lionheart. "The headmaster of Mistral has been lying to you, Ozpin, and us about the whole thing. He's working alongside Salem, helping her this whole time."
Qrow's eyes widen as he wipes alcohol off his mouth. "That's...that's impossible..."
"Is it? Like you said before, Lionheart hasn't spoken to Ozpin in some time even before the Battle of Beacon. Furthermore, have you seen how eager he was to find out the Spring Maiden's location? He wanted to get her so badly yet he delayed it. He's been working for Salem this whole time."
Qrow looks at her, trying to process what she is saying. He was feeling denial that maybe she was wrong and maybe she overthinking it. But his denial was replaced by anger when he saw Voltaria bringing her crystal orb named Vision, showing him that Lionheart was talking to the enemy.
"All this time...he was helping the enemy..." Qrow said angrily, clutching his flask, almost breaking it.
Oscar, who watches the whole thing, looks at Voltaria with a worried expression. "So...why did he do it?"
"Simple, he's a coward." Voltaria answered blankly.
"...Well, that explains a lot." Mari said, resting inside of Oscar's pocket.
"We get he's a coward, but why betray Ozpin? Betray the people?" Ruby asked Voltaria.
Voltaria looks at her friend and explains the reason for Lionheart's betrayal. "Most likely he was getting aware that Salem cannot be defeated. Thus, he lost hope towards Ozpin and his group." She explains the reason for Lionheart's betrayal. "His fear blinded his judgment, sacrificing his kingdom for his own life, helping Salem infiltrate from the inside."
"And that's why Cinder and her associates were able to enter the Vytal Festival." Pyrrha spoke in realization. "He was the one that forged their documents."
"And how easily they got past through security." Wade said, finishing the truth of Lionheart's betrayal.
Qrow mutters under his breath. "That son of a..." He sighs as he takes another swing of his flask. "I'm gonna kick his fucking ass when I see him."
"Don't, otherwise, Salem will find out that we're ahead of her." Voltaria warns Qrow, already seeing the consequences if they confront Lionheart.
Qrow frowns at her. "Okay, it scares me that you predict things before it could even happen."
"Trust me, the feeling's mutual." Voltaria mutters before she continues. "However, they have yet to know the truth."
"What truth? I basically show them the location of the Spring Maiden!" Qrow pointed out to them.
He stops when he notices the young hunters were making sheepish looks while Oscar was confused on what's happening. Clearly, they knew something that he or Oscar doesn't know about.
"What's with those faces?" Qrow asked them suspiciously.
Ruby and Yang glanced at each other and then to Qrow. "Um...Uncle Qrow...the Branwen Clan doesn't have the Spring Maiden anymore." Ruby hesitantly answered her uncle.
Qrow's eyes widened by this. "What?"
"We...actually have it, the power we mean." Yang added with an awkward look.
"...Huh?"
Voltaria sighed and took out the card that was carrying the Spring Maiden's power. "We've been carrying the Spring Maiden's power within this card. Shielding it from Salem's eyes and reach."
"How?" Qrow asked in shock.
"You know that mysterious woman in the news that saved Shion Village?" Jaune asked Qrow, who nodded his head, "Well...she's actually the one that found the Spring Maiden before you and...may have taken her power and stored it in that card, and left her." He points at the card in Voltaria's hand.
Qrow stress at them before looking between the group and then card, then back to the group. It clearly shows that Qrow was being skeptical and unsure about this. Yet...it's possible for them to remove the Maiden's power and store it in there that means...
"Did she..."
"No, the Spring Maiden wasn't killed. In fact, she was spared, like Amber when the Fall Maiden power was extracted out from her." Voltaria said to the huntsman.
This caught Qrow's attention, recalling he saw Amber with a giant fox Grimm that could fly!
"Wait, what happened to Amber? The last time I saw her was at the Battle of Beacon."
"Oh, she's safe, living the life she deserves." Voltaria said, remembering a secret message that Kurama sent to them about Amber having a great life in Mineral Town. "The burden of the Fall Maiden is no longer with her...can't say about the previous Spring Maiden though."
This caught Qrow's attention as he looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"
There was silence. The group knew the dark truth of what really happened to the previous Spring Maiden. The fact is, it would be hard to explain it to Qrow and Oscar. But they need to know.
"The previous Spring Maiden was with the Branwen clan." Voltaria spoke solemnly, looking at the ground with an unreadable expression. "But she...she is no longer amongst them."
Her words struck Qrow, as he realizes that the previous Spring Maiden is dead. "What? How?!"
It was then Yang spoke in a sad yet cold tone, saying the name of her mother. "Raven killed her and inherited Spring Maiden power."
Qrow and Oscar's eyes widen in shock at this information. Mari sinks deep within Oscar's pocket, not liking this Raven human person at all. Voltaria explains that Raven killed the previous Spring Maiden because she couldn't handle the pressure of responsibility, and thus was running away from her responsibilities. Raven took her into the tribe and sought to train her to better use her abilities, but found the training to be unproductive as the previous Spring Maiden was too weak to use her powers to their full potential. This realization, along with the reality that the previous Spring Maiden would forever be preyed upon for her powers, prompted Raven to kill her out of "mercy", becoming the new Spring Maiden as a result.
"She...she really killed her?" Oscar asked hesitantly.
The group responded with a nod.
"But how did you even get the Spring Maiden's power from Raven?" Qrow asked them, still shaken from the information about his sister killing the previous Spring Maiden. "It can't be possible."
"I can." Voltaria said, summoning Blood Moon from thin air, shocking Qrow and Oscar. "This is Blood Moon, he's an entity of unknown power. He was the one the removed the Fall Maiden power off Amber and Cinder. The one that took the Spring Maiden's power from Raven was Crimson Rose. I don't know how she did it without Blood Moon, but she can. And we've been hiding those powers ever since."
Qrow stared at her in pure shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. All this time, an opportunity was right here in front of them. They could have learned this sooner if Voltaria wasn't always hunted like a wild animal. No, lives could've been saved if they met her in better circumstances.
"All this time...you guys have powers of the two maidens." Qrow said slowly, looking at young hunters. "Why didn't you say anything to Ozpin?"
"It's complicated." Wade said to Qrow.
"Complicated?! You guys are literally carrying two powers of the maidens!"
"That's because V's being hunted by Atlas's military and the Fall Maiden's power already found a host!" Yang yelled at her uncle, stopping him from his mid sentence.
The huntsman was confused, he didn't understand what it meant when Voltaria nodded at the nervous Ruby. The red-hooded girl sighs, looking hesitant, before she closes her eyes and activates some of the Maiden's power. A gust of wind appeared, swirling around the center, gathering up fallen leaves, spinning them around gently. Qrow stared at this with wide eyes. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing. Ruby stopped using her power and the leaves fell back to the ground. She looks over to her uncle with a worried expression.
"H-how?" Was all Qrow could ask.
"It's when we are battling Cinder in the communication tower." Ruby explains to her uncle, patting Ripper's head gently. "She threw me off the tower and...Volty saved me and she was carrying the Fall Maiden power in the card, and well...it chose me to become the next Fall Maiden."
Qrow listens to his niece's words, still in shock at what's happening.
"And...how Crimson Rose appeared." Voltaria added, looking at Qrow.
"What?"
"She appeared when I saved Ruby after she inherited the Fall Maiden power." Voltaria explains to him and Oscar the best way she can. "We somehow fused together, creating a being that shares two minds as one, and has a power that rivals Salem herself."
"...Crimson Rose." Oscar whispers the name that they mentioned before.
She and the others nodded. "Yes. She appeared and took down Cinder, bringing up those crystals to protect Vale against Grimm, hunting Raven to seize the Spring Maiden power. It's like...she has a mind of her own."
Qrow was lost in words. Couldn't imagine what they have been through. Of course, he dealt the worst, but this...this takes the cake.
"Have you...you know, become Crimson Rose?" Qrow asked almost hesitantly.
Both Ruby and Voltaria shook their heads.
"We tried but...for some reason, we can't summon her." Voltaria explains to Qrow. "It's like...she's waiting for something to happen."
"Like what?" Oscar was the one who asked.
"Not sure, but all we know is, Crimson Rose has a way to appear if me or Ruby are deep sleep." Voltaria answered.
Qrow nodded his head. "I see...so...if this Crimson Rose or you are able to find the Spring Maiden...those that mean you can locate the other two Maidens?"
"Yes, however, don't worry. For we already have another maiden power." Voltaria said to Qrow.
"Oh, come on! Any other secret that you're still keeping me?" Qrow asked loudly with his arms up in frustration.
Everyone, minus Voltaira, snickered as Voltaria demonstrated to him that she carries the Winter Maiden power, by freezing the ground. Qrow's jaw dropped at the sight while Oscar was fascinated by this. They did not expect this. All this time, the Winter Maiden was in Vale this whole freaking time!?
"To answer your question, yes. I am the Winter Maiden." Voltaria answers to Qrow casually. "But as for the Summer Maiden, we have yet to find her."
Qrow looks at her in confusion. "What do you mean? You don't know where she is?"
"Apparently, she's good at hiding herself." Ren said to Qrow, "Voltaria can't seem to find her exact location as if she hid herself from the world."
"That can't be possible...can it?" Qrow was still getting used to the information that was given to him.
It's possible, unless her Semblance allows her to vanish. Regina said to him. But for now, we must keep this secret to ourselves, so until then, play along and get Lionheart to lower his guard.
"Yeah, but we still need more huntsmen." Qrow said, taking another swing of his drink.
"Oh, we do." Wade said, grinning at the confused Qrow. "V's entities did a little more diggin' and found out that some of the students of Haven are hanging out at the Uta Estate."
"The rich ninja estate?" Qrow asked in surprise. "Why are they there?"
"They were assigned to train with the best fighters of the Uta Clan." AJ was the next to explain to him.
"We can ask for their help but we have to keep it a secret from Lionheart." Evo said.
"Agreed, he can't be trusted." Pyrrha said, looking at the group with a serious face.
"We also need more intel on what's coming for us." Yang said to the group.
We'll search for more, but you should return back, we don't want Lionheart to be suspicious. Tabitha suggested.
Everyone agrees and is ready to head back to the house they are staying in. Voltaria returns to her disguise as Jaune's cousin, so no one can suspect her as the Grimm Girl. But as they traveled, Qrow asked Voltaria about Summer Maiden.
"So, any idea why the Summer Maiden was able to hide herself?"
"Not sure, but all I know is that she's smart. She can hide trails and her maiden power." Voltaria answers to him. "I believe the Summer Maiden has fully mastered the power. Able to hide herself from anyone, including Salem."
"Huh, she's smart." Qrow commented.
"Yes." Voltaria responded, looking up to the clouds. "Very smart indeed."
On the western end of the continent of Sanus, lies vast desert. There, in a certain area of the desert was a dig site. Some humans and Faunus are searching through the ground, dusting off sands and dirt, showing a hidden fossil. A complete skeletal structure of a Tyrannosaurus rex, a rare find. Overseeing the whole exhibition was Dr. Patrick Port, an archeologist/paleontologist enthusiast, smiling proudly at the dig site.
"What a glorious day!" Patrick chuckles loudly. "Finding a perfect fossilized skeletal structure of Tyrannosaurus rex was a great find! Don't you agree, Dr. Kalokaíri?"
The person he was speaking to was a tall slender woman with warm brown skin, golden hair (tied into a bun), and golden eyes. She was examining a skull of what appears to be of a stegosaurus. She was helping a young Faunus dog girl (who has a golden retriever ears and tail) on how to properly brush-off the dust off the bone.
The woman he was talking to is a famous researcher, doctor, huntress, explorer, Archaeologist, and paleontologist, Dr. Aletheia Kalokaíri. She is known to travel around the world of Remnant. She goes beyond the boundaries, searching for lost artifacts and fossils along her travels. She is also the owner of the Kalokaíri's fortune, a vast fortune that seems to be endless. She uses her fortune to help many people, mostly Faunus, to have the proper education that they deserve. They all adore and respect her for this opportunity, allowing them to get good jobs or work at her estate. Many of the graduated students worked for her archeological dig sittings, to find lost civilization or settlements as well as digging for bones.
Many elites would do anything to have Aletheia in their business, for she has many influences and profits that anyone could imagine. However, she doesn't take anybody to be part of her group. The only groups allowed with her are the Yù Family, the Ebi Family, and the Jewel Family. That four-business group can even outmatch Schnee Dust Company. Jacques tried to be part of their group, but they know his past crimes and they will never work alongside him.
"Indeed, Dr. Port, we can transport this beauty to the Mistral Museum very soon." She said to the dinosaur enthusiast before turning back to her student. "Now, Alissa, you have to do this slowly. Just take a little bit at a time." She instructed, using a small brush to dust off the dirt off the skull's head.
"I can never tell what's rock and what's bone." Alissa confessed sheepishly.
"Technically, it's all rock. The calcium in the bones is replaced during fossilization. But you can feel the difference. See? If it's rough then it is fossil but if it's smooth it's a rock. Understood?"
Alissa smiled and nodded her head. "Yes, Dr. Kalokaíri."
Soon, two young males, a human with fair skin, red hair and green eyes, and a reptile Faunus with a trail, green hair and yellow eyes came over to them.
"Hello, Reed, Adder." Aletheia greeted them kindly.
"Dr. Kalokaíri, glad we found you!" Said the human male named Reed.
"What is it?"
"We have something to show you!" The reptile Faunus, Adder, said with a grin.
Aletheia nodded and told the girl to continue as she followed the two males towards the area where the tents are. They enter one of the tents, which only has two walls. On a dust-taped table, is an advanced looking machine that is feeding data into what appears to be a futuristic 3D printer.
"The package came!" Reed said excitingly, showing Aletheia the machine.
Adder nodded his head and said. "Meet the future of paleontology! The rapid prototype!"
Aletheia nodded head and looked at the machine. "Yes, this allows us to scan data from the skulls of skull. The computer breaks it down into thousands of slices. Sculpting the missing parts one layer at a time."
The machine made a bell sound before the two eager students opened the box, revealing a small bone white object the size of a person's fist, and looked like a combination of a flute and whistler.
"We give you the resonating chamber of a Velociraptor!" Reed announced proudly as his friend took it out from the machine.
"Listen to this." Adder puts it to his lips and blows through it like a conch shell.
The resulting sound is unique and piercing, the cry of a non-existent animal.
Aletheia listens to the haunting sound. She was speechless with excitement and awe. Resonating chamber of a Velociraptor produces different sounds and variations whenever Adder uses it.
"Incredible." Aletheia said with a smile. "Excellent job, you two." She commented, earning a sheepish grin and blush from the two boys. "With this, we might be able to understand how the raptors communicate, and who knows. Maybe it can be useful if we encounter two strange dinosaurs."
This brightened both Reed and Adder. "Really?" They asked in unison.
"Since one dinosaur is raptor-like, it is possible for us to try and communicate, but we must know which calls are correct. We don't want to cause an aggression towards it." Aletheia explains and the boys understood.
Aletheia excuses herself, as she needed to go to her tent to call the Museum in Mistral. After telling them to keep up the good work, Aletheia retreated to her tent, where she can make contact with the museum. The sound of the museum curator's happy tone indicates that it would make a perfect addiction to the museum. After ending the call, Aletheia resumed to another work. She took out a cylinder from her bag. She opens the cylinder, bringing out an old scroll. She unfolds it on her desk to reveal ancient words that no one could understand or use. Except her and some individuals.
Within the scroll are drawings. There's drawings of battles of old, two gods, and a woman warrior battling a demonic woman. Aletheia narrows her eyes, reading the ancient words. This scroll holds information about a prophecy. A prophecy of a great battle.
Aletheia stops reading and stares off a distance.
"Is there something that you need, old friend?" She asked casually.
When she turned around, she saw a hooded-cloak man standing on her closed entrance of tent. It was Shadow Dusk. He was staring at her calmly as she crossed her arms.
"Dr. Kalokaíri, the Kingdom of Tenebris wishes for your aid." Shadow said to her calmly.
What do you think? Leave a review or favorite. I need a break to think of the next chapter.
Additional Fact:
Aletheia Greek name of a spirit of truth, truthfulness, and sincerity. Kalokaíri is the Greek word for Summer (see what I did there?) And her voice actress is Caroline Chikezie (Who played Nichole Sykes from a TV series called The Passage).