Author's Notes:
-Hello my dear readers. Sorry about making you wait so long. It's near the end of the semester, and I think I may be suffering from end-of-semester burnout. Still, I tried to take my time and make a good chapter for you. Hopefully I'll get another chapter around Christmas. If not, I'll see you next year. (Come on, 2022... be good. Great even.)
-Also, a while back, we reached 500,000 words. Man, if this was in printed form, it would be a real door stopper. I wonder how high the word count will be when this fanfic is finally done.
Anyway, happy reading!
Within Athena's Fortress at the training dojo, Wungeng was watching over Mata as the newbie continued his martial arts skills. The sheep-horned faunus was punching a punching bag as the pig-tailed faunus sat back in a fold-up lounge chair and enjoyed a large plate of what appeared to be ball-shaped snacks.
"Alright, that was good. Now hit it again." Wungeng instructed. Mata obeyed. "And again." Another hit. "And again." Followed by another. "And again." Wungeng smiled at the trainee. "Nicely done."
Mata turned away from the punching bag and looked at his mentor. "Hey, um, Mister Wungeng, is it? What exactly are you eating?"
"This, little boy, is a batch of Gruyere and Parmesan beignets."
The trainee looked at him like he had two heads and two mouths. "Beignets? But aren't they a sweet or dessert food? Also, I'm pretty sure beignets are supposed to be squares."
"Who says that they can't be savory as well? And I'm not picky on presentation. Taste is what truly matters in a dish."
He popped another one into his mouth.
The mentee noticed that there were still a dozen left on the half-empty plate. They smelled so good and he had been training for hours. His stomach growled. "Can I try one?"
"No. Now back to work!"
Mata frowned and went back to the punching bag.
"Still as gluttonous as ever, I see." a familiar voice remarked.
The two turned to find Gilford standing there. Wungeng looked annoyed at the accusation as he ate another.
Mata stopped training and smiled, appearing happy to see that he was here. "Gilford! You've returned!"
The bat-fanged faunus smiled back. "Yes, I am back, and better than ever."
"Where were you?" Wungeng asked. "And what are you doing here?"
"I was out doing an important task for Lady Athena. Also, I smelled cheese and wanted to know where the smell was coming from. I thought it might have been one of the specialists cooking up something to share, but alas, I was wrong. It's simply Wungeng expanding his waistline."
Mata snickered, only to stop when Wungeng glared at him.
"Why do you care about my eating habits?" Wungeng bit back, eating another beignet. "It's not like it matters to you."
"You're overindulgent and not helping Lady Athena or High Leader Taurus's cause!" Gilford snapped.
Wungeng scoffed. "That's not true! I am helping! I'm helping train Mata. That counts for something, doesn't it?"
He took another bite of food. "If you were really helping him, you'd be doing more!" He ate more beignets as Gilford continued, "You're not just a glutton, you're a sloth! Gosh, are there any other sins or vices you have?"
"So?!" he retaliated with a full mouth. "You're a murderer and a thief! You have no right to talk!"
He swallowed and continued his argument as Gilford retaliated, "You're a hypocrite!"
"Well, you're a bigger one!"
As there were six beignets left on the tray, Mata snuck two beignets for himself as the two argued over each other. He quickly popped them into his mouth.
This is really good... Mata thought.
"-you greedy buffoon!"
"-you deranged killer!"
"Lousy pig!"
"Psycho bat!"
"Oh, that is it!"
Gilford punched Wungeng right in the eye, knocking off his mask.
Wungeng growled, ate the remaining beignets in a flash and threw the plate at Gilford, breaking into pieces as it hit his face.
"That, Mata is the art of improvising and throwing whatever you find at your enemy's face. You want to learn combat, study closely!"
Wungeng got out Lightning's Avalanche as Gilford got out his twin scimitars.
Mata winced as the two rough-housed. Flashes of yellow dust, electric currents and slashing sounds were seen and/or heard.
"What's all the ruckus?" Ares shouted. Upon finding Wungeng and Gilford trying to force each other down, he flipped. "Gilford Carran! You were supposed to report back to Athena! Also, who started the fight?"
"He started it!" Gilford and Wungeng exclaimed in unison.
"I don't care who started it!" Ares shouted. "Senselessly fighting amongst yourselves will not do us any good in the long run!"
"Actually, Mr. Carran did make the first move." Mata chirped.
"I see. Judging by the amount of anger on both of your faces, I can assume that this was not a sanctioned training fight. Gil, you must be aware of your temper."
The bat fanged faunus glared at his superior. "Do you have any right to talk, Ares? You were always the most hot-blooded and hot-headed on the team."
Ares frowned. "Come with me. Now."
Gilford gave a resigned sigh. "Good luck with your training, Mata. With him in charge, it sounds like you'll need it."
Wungeng growled as Gilford left the dojo with Ares.
The scene cut to Athena within the bedchamber. The 'war goddess' was looking at a list of names she had written down;
Isabelle Bluebell
Brianna Braith
Kin Li
Leonardo Lionheart
Aya Swaran
"At the rate this operation is going, we should be able to get the first three and the last..." A knock on the door was heard, causing her to hide the list behind her back. "Come in." Gilford and Ares entered the room and she set the list back down. "Oh, it's just you."
Gilford knelt on one knee to her, bowing in respect. "Lady Bruna, I return with good news. Brianna Braith is dead."
"How wonderful." Athena pulled out a pen and crossed Brianna's name off the list. "Time to proceed with the next murder; getting Cola to take out Awa Swaran."
"You know, I could kill her for you. I have more experience in murder, being that I've had to kill others to avoid being caught as a thief, while Cola has never killed anyone before and he can't be subtle to save his life." Gilford reasoned. "I don't think he's the right person for this job."
"I understand your concerns, but there's a reason I'm staggering the timing of these murders and assigning each target to a different person." the owl-winged faunus began. "I don't want the authorities to piece anything together. If I were to assign one person to murdering them all and the police were to realize that said person was behind the murders, the authorities will be more likely to place a massive target on the murderer's back, thus leading to the target likely being captured, interrogated and/or killed. If they were to capture that specialist, they would likely also be forced to reveal the secret location that nearly every White Fang member in Mistral and then some are lodging in. Such occurrences would lead to disastrous and unwanted events. And I'd rather not have a large-scale police raid on this place.
"Not to mention that because of Hazel Rainart and his cabal putting the brakes on our invasion, and his alliance with the Headmaster of Haven, I can't kill Leonardo right away as I originally intended. I need to find a way around this, and if he notices that one person is gone for long periods of time without a reasonable explanation, he'll get suspicious. And I do not want to have to lie to him if I can help it. He's surprisingly smart."
"I suppose you're right here." Gilford admitted.
"It is more befitting than being wrong." Athena said. "If you have concerns with Cola's mission, why don't you give him the mission and your best advice to aid him?"
The fanged faunus smirked. "That sounds like a capital idea! I shall speak with him at once!"
With this, Gilford left the room.
Athena smirked. "This couldn't be better."
"You do know how to bend this to your own advantage." Ares told her.
"I do. Perhaps this flexibility, or lack thereof, will not be able to hinder me by the time we invade Haven."
Ares smiled. "Perhaps it won't."
Hopefully Gilford will not let his short fuse get the better of him when the time comes... he thought.
As the morning sun rose over Patch, Yang drank a cup of lavender tea, gingerly holding the cup with her right mechanical hand. Madame Mallari was there as well, sipping on freshly brewed coffee.
"Thanks again for the herbs." Yang complimented. "I'll be sure to put good use to them."
Mallari smiled. "You're welcome, my dear. I do have one question for you; are you sure you're ready for this journey?"
"I'm sure. I believe that it's time for me to take on responsibility and help my younger sister."
"You know she is with capable friends and is a pretty good warrior herself." Mallari reasoned. "Is that the only reason you're doing this?"
The wounded warrior turned away. "Well... there is another reason."
"Oh?" The medic took off her glasses, revealing her pink eyes underneath. "And what might that be?"
Yang faltered. "It's... my mother. My birth mom... Raven Branwen. She left me when I was a baby, and ever since I learned Summer was my stepmom... I've been wondering... why did Raven leave me? Not to mention, I believe her semblance should be able to lead me to Ruby via Qrow."
"I'm not sure I follow completely, but I would advise caution. You may be opening old wounds."
"You're not wrong." Yang sighed. "There are some wounds that are harder to heal than others."
Will my wounds my mother left me ever truly heal? the blonde brawler thought.
Later that day, as the sun began to set, Yang had all of her things packed and was about to leave. Outside the house, Yang was saying her goodbyes, with her father, Mallari and Professors Port and Oobleck were there as well.
"It's Dr! Dr. Oobleck!" he exclaimed. "Did you lose some brain cells along with that arm?"
"Give her a break, Barty." Port ordered. "She's been to hell and back."
"It's true." Mallari told them. "Treating Yang for her PTSD and depression... has been far from easy. I'm thankful that it wasn't any worse, and that Taiyang knew when it was time to finally get his daughter some much needed assistance."
"I suppose I owe you an apology. Sorry about the rude remark I just made."
Yang shrugged it off. "Don't sweat it. I'll have much bigger fish to fry in the future."
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Taiyang asked.
"I'm sure. I need to do this alone. Besides, I don't know how well Raven would react if she saw you."
"True. I just don't want to be here doing nothing if you're out there adventuring."
"You don't have to. I overheard from Dr. Oobleck and Professor Port that what remains of Beacon Academy and Vale are still looking for huntsmen and huntresses to fight back against the Grimm and their high crime rate. Perhaps you and Zwei could lend a hand. Or, paw."
Zwei barked.
"You know, that wouldn't be such a bad idea." Tai smiled. "I'll think about it."
"It would be nice to have extra assistance when we go back." Port mentioned.
"I would agree." Oobleck added. "Not to mention if history teaches us anything, the task we have ahead of us is going to be long, tedious and highly taxing on everyone involved." He sighed. "I wish my father was here. He'd know what to do."
"Your father?"
"Oliver Oobleck." Bartholomew answered. "One of the greatest huntsmen of his generation. Unfortunately, he died thirty years ago trying to save the village of Cachee from Grimm. Ultimately, he was slashed and eaten by a pack of Beowolves. The only reason they were able to confirm his death was because his former teammates were by his side. They survived, but my dad didn't. I was only two years old at the time, and thus... Oh wait, you don't want to hear me ramble on."
"It's okay. I'm... sorry for your loss. And I can relate. That's probably the reason why dad is so scared."
Taiyang didn't say anything, but he gave his daughter one last hug. "Please... come home safely."
Which she returned. "I will, love you dad."
She faintly smiled and waved everyone goodbye. And with that, the blonde brawler rode off on her motorcycle.
Taiyang smiled. "Looks like my sunny little dragon has taken flight again. Never before have I felt such a mixture of joy, sorrow and fear."
Meanwhile, aboard the SS Albatross, Qrow sat in a deserted corner of a restaurant. Red carpets lined the floors along with the tables having red tablecloths spread out over them. At a circular table in the back of the restaurant Qrow buried his nose into the menu before looking up at the diners and staff far away from him.
Well, none of the staff are recognizing me so far. Nor do they realize I snuck upon the ship by turning into a bird. Which is good since I ran out of food... and booze. Come on Qrow, how can you be thinking of drinking at a time like this? Your niece is out there, fighting for her life against who knows what kind of dangers trying to aid Pyrrha in her quest!
The veteran huntsman paused to himself. But she has her friends, doesn't she? He sighed. I guess that's true.
And the biggest human or humanoid threat to her continued existence should be gone. From what I was told by the members of team SOLR in Aletheia, or at least what's left of them, the scorpion tailed faunus is Tyrian Callows, and he was taken to Rotten Creek Low Security Prison after his defeat. They were told by the warden that one of his guards was moving him to a more secure prison in Aldwy, but no one knew which prison Tyrian was being moved to. It is a little unnerving. Am I overthinking? Or not thinking enough? Also, how much longer until we get to Aslolis?
A waiter came up to him. "Good evening sir. Is there anything I can start you off with? Drinks? Appetizers?"
"I haven't decided if I'll drink, but I would like an order of guacamole and some of your beef empanadas."
"Alright, I'll get that right in for you. Do you know what you would like to have?"
"I actually need a couple minutes."
"Don't worry, I know the menu's huge. Is this your first time here?"
"It is." Qrow answered a little hesitantly.
"It's alright. I'll be back in a few minutes."
The server left Qrow to his thoughts and decisions.
They said it was an eight week journey. From where I am, I'm probably a month away from the shore, and Ruby and company must be close to there by now. So I got a lot of time to kill on this ship. Well, maybe one drink wouldn't hurt, right?
A few minutes of looking over the menu later, the waiter came back up to him. "You ready to order, sir?"
Qrow nodded. "I know what I would like. Lechon Asado and a classic mojito."
"Ah, nice. Personally, that's my favorite cocktail on there. I'll get those right in for you."
"Thank you."
The waiter walked off, leaving Qrow to his thoughts.
I can't believe I'm still drinking. Oh wait, you've been drinking the entire time you've been on this mission. Well, save for when you were trapped in the Glass Box. Damn the person who thought of that idea for a prison! He internally sighed. I am never speaking of that incident to anyone.
[February 3rd, 80 AGW]
A flashback of him being bound was shown. It was nighttime in Mensonge as lanterns and torches were held by a traveling crowd. Blue-colored aura-canceling handcuffs restricted Qrow's hands behind his back. A mob of civilians and police officers were shown, most of them in the back. A policeman to his left however, led the handcuffed Qrow forward with a rope around his neck, barely loose enough to let him breathe. To the right, another policeman held Harbinger in his arms. Behind him was a policewoman carrying his flask and other items in a big box.
"This man disgusts me." the policewoman remarked. "How can a professional huntsman have booze on him?"
"Maybe he was selling it in separate bottles to underage teenagers." the first policeman suggested.
"I was not!" Qrow claimed. "And where are you lunatics taking me anyway?"
"You'll find out soon enough." a female civilian answered. "Also, I wouldn't be insulting them if I were you."
Qrow glared at her. "You think I give a damn?"
He turned away with a resentful sigh.
Hopefully wherever I'm going, there'll be some windows so I can sneak out as a bird.
They soon led him to a white painted place with wooden doors and glass handles. Qrow read the name of the place, embroidered in stained glass.
The Glass Box?
He didn't have much time to think it over, because he was guided down a white hallway and saw prisoners all locked up... in glass plated cells. Not a trace of metal was found.
Oh no...
A brief montage began with him in an office having some mugshots of him taken, his prison number being 303110415. As he held the sign in his hands, he constantly glared at his captors.
He was then shown in handcuffs sitting at a table with a police officer.
"State your name."
"Garfield Ronald Port." Qrow lied. "And I'm innocent, I tell you!"
These guys aren't smart enough to recognize me as Qrow Branwen. And even if they did...?
The cop was not moved and interrupted his thoughts. "That's what they all say."
The montage ended as he was put into a cell, knocked to the ground, had his handcuffs taken off, and heard the door close behind him.
"Nighty-night, 'Garfield'. You'll have many more in here."
The police left him, and he immediately tried to bang on the glass to break it.
Five minutes later, a prisoner across from him shouted, "Give it up already! You're not going to break that glass."
At this, Qrow stopped and listened.
"We all tried that." another prisoner said. "Doesn't work."
"No... this... this can't be happening..."
"Lights out!" the warden called from offscreen.
He slumped to the ground in defeat.
Now what do I do?
Back on the ship, Qrow looked dismayed.
I tried to keep my reputation intact by lying, but it seems they may have seen through my ruse. I know the CCT being down is a bad thing, but just this once it seems to turn in my favor. What happens in Mensonge stays in Mensonge. I'm sure by now they've forgotten about me. I hope... He internally groaned. If Tai, Jimmy or anyone else finds out I was beaten by a mob of civilians and police officers and thrown in jail, they'll never let me live it down...
A few moments later, the waiter came by, bringing out his drink. "Your classic mojito. Apologies for the wait. Your appetizers should be out shortly."
"Thank you."
The waiter left and the huntsman picked up his drink, taking in the aroma.
If nothing else, I can forget, at least for a while.
He lifted the glass to his lips and began to drink.
Later that evening, Oscar had finished packing his bags. With his backpack packed lying on the bed and a rusty shovel on the floor, he was almost ready to go. As the sun had set and the orange hues were being replaced with dark blues, he did one last check over.
He looked up at the physical clock in his room that his aunt recently got him. It was 10:20pm.
"Alright, I think I have everything I need." Oscar spoke quietly. "Three days worth of clothes so that I can rotate them out, food for at least a week, toiletries, tent, lantern with batteries and backups, two water bottles and a shovel. A shovel is probably the weirdest item here. Hopefully I don't have to bury someone."
Hopefully not. That would take a lot of time. I do wish that you had some armor though, considering you have yet to begin combat or aura training. Maybe even paint it blue...
Oscar chuckled. "What do you think I am, some kind of shovel knight?"
True. You did have your aura unlocked when I first came to you, so it's better than nothing. It's just a matter of using it. Oh, how much money do you have?
"Not much. I only had thirty Lien when I arrived. And since I was never paid for my chores since I had to do them to help the farm... That's all I have to my name. I'm probably dirt poor compared to what you were paid while you were alive."
Oh boy... I hate saying this, but... you're going to need more money if we want to get quick transportation. Does your aunt have a credit card?
"I doubt it considering that she's a country woman, but it can't hurt to look."
The farm boy climbed down the ladder and went into the kitchen, seeing his aunt's purse on the table. He looked around to make sure no one was near, and started rummaging around.
Come on, where is it? Oscar thought. I really hope my aunt doesn't wake up and see this. A-ha!
He pulled out the credit card.
"I'll be a monkey's uncle. She actually has one... Although..." He paused ruefully. "should I really be doing this? I mean this is stealing."
It's for the greater good. Besides, I'm sure she can get another one.
"Well... If you say so."
Oscar sadly put the card in his pocket and left, making his way back to the barn.
"My aunt is already asleep. Let's grab everything and go."
Oscar went back to his room, threw the backpack over his back, grabbed the shovel and climbed down the ladder. He took one last look at the farm.
"Do you think I'll ever come back here?"
Honestly, I don't know. We don't know what lies ahead, only that it will be perilous.
"Well, if this is it..." Oscar began aloud.
My apologies for stealing, Aunt Alyssa. And... farewell.
And so, in the dead of night, the farm boy ran off into the unknown. After many months of having a voice in his head speak to him, he had finally begun his journey.
Two weeks had passed since the Sea Snake Incident. After a long trip, the S.S. Pride Odell had finally arrived at Aslolis. It took a few hours for everyone else to get off the ship. As the civilian passengers left the ship, team JNPR was shown packing their bags.
"Well, we've finally made it." Jaune happily remarked. "And with our heads intact."
Nora looked at the window sadly. "I can't believe we have to wait several hours to exit the ship. Why can't we just get off with everyone else?"
"Well Ruby's likely receiving her final paycheck now." Ren reasoned. "Also, it always takes a long time to get off ships, remember?"
"True... Although sometimes we snuck on and/or got off early before the quote en quote 'official passengers' departed."
"Hopefully we won't have to do such things again."
"Here's to hoping." Pyrrha said as she knocked on some wood. She went back to her inventory check. "Alright, all thirty swords of Floating Array..."
At the same time, Ruby was packing her bags. Captain Odell talked to her as Chrysaor went up the ladder to the ship control room.
"You got everything?" Odell asked her.
The former first mate nodded. "I believe so." Ruby put the books into her backpack. "I'm ready to be back on land again."
"There is one more thing I have to give you before you go." Captain Odell went up the stairs, and returned a few moments later, handing her a sack of Lien. "Here you are. Your final payment."
She smiled. "Thank you."
Ruby put the wad of cash into an envelope, sealed it with a stamp, and placed it into her backpack.
The captain looked at her solemnly. "Ruby?"
"Yes, Sir?"
"You know you can call me Greg or Gregory, right?"
"Sorry. Force of habit." She shook her head. "What is it?"
"Is there something troubling you?" Gregory asked.
"Well... I'm kind of worried about this quest we're going on. We sought out to defeat Cinder Fall so Pyrrha could fulfill her promise to Penny. But now I wonder... with everything we've learned... is it going to be possible?"
"I'd say so. If you can defeat a sea snake Grimm like that, you can take on anything that comes your way."
Nervously smiling, she accepted the compliment. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
A while later, as the last few passengers exited the ship, they were given a send-off by the captain and his new ward. Jaune took a care package from them and put it into his backpack.
"I know it's unlikely the CCT will come back, but if it ever does, you know who to call if you need a favor." Captain Odell told them.
He gave small pieces of paper containing his and Chrysaor's contact info to all of the trainees.
"Thank you. We will have to save these."
Everyone pocketed their paper slip and smiled.
"Good luck future huntsmen and huntresses. May good fortune follow you where you go." Captain Odell told them.
Chrysaor smiled. "Good luck lads and lasses. Be careful out there."
Pyrrha said, "Thank you. And may you have good luck as well."
"Thanks for taking us in." Jaune was silent for a brief moment. "And not kicking Ruby out after she lied." he quickly added.
"You have been nothing but kind to us without our journey." Ren stated. "Hopefully you will continue to show this kind of courtesy. Also, you may want some full time huntsmen on your ship."
Captain Odell nodded in understanding. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Thanks for letting us get on at the last minute." Nora commended.
Gregory smiled. "I should be the one thanking you. You saved the ship after all."
"I'm gonna miss you guys." Chrysaor said.
"I'll miss you too, Chrysaor. I think all of us will. Just remember to believe in yourself." Ruby turned to the captain. "Goodbye Greg. Thanks for everything."
And with this, team JNPR-Ruby stepped onto the boardwalk and exited the ship, their bags on their backs in their hands. As they reached the dock, they saw Captain Odell and Chrysaor waving at them. They waved back for a few moments before walking down the dock and onto the land.
"Finally, we have arrived." Ren told them.
"I'm not gonna lie, that was a very difficult voyage." Ruby remarked.
"Hopefully you've at least learned something." Nora told her.
"I just hope that things will be easier from here," Pyrrha said. "And that we can finally catch a break."
"Come on guys. We just reached Anima, where there's no sign of the Trojan Alliance anywhere and we got supplies for the road. What's the worst that could happen?" Jaune asked.
As the heroes went into the village, the camera zoomed out via a view of binoculars. Holding said binoculars was a woman with long dark red hair with a black streak and pale skin. Her hair was tangled and frizzy. Her right eye was blue and her left eye was red.
Her outfit was simple yet sophisticated; a red maxi dress with a black and white faux flower headband in her hair, held by black elastic strings. She wore black tights and black knee high boots. She wore a black belt with deep red pouches, presumably to store ammunition for the gun on her left side.
The woman stood on top of a cliffside rock outside city limits. "So Pyrrha Nikos has arrived in Anima. As well Jaune Arc and all her other friends... No matter." She collapsed the binoculars into a smaller form and put it in her pocket. From her pocket, she retrieved a horse emblem medallion and put it onto her dress. "They will all fall, one way or another."