Yo! Back from break. Here's the next chapter!
Start Chapter 29
Blake's staying with the others who'd come from Menagerie, and though Yang initially wants to be there for her, Blake makes it pretty clear that she doesn't want Yang to be seen around their group.
"Suspicions going to be cast on our group already after today." She speaks. "If they weren't watching us before, they are now. If they know that you're somehow involved in this, that could be a problem."
"I could bail her out." Raven shrugs, and Yang had, in all honesty, almost forgotten that her mother had still been there. "My semblance–"
"Is recognizable, isn't it?" Blake raises an eyebrow at Raven, and Yang's mother grunts out in acknowledgement. "I'm not saying you'd not be careful, but if Yang was taken in by Hawthorne on suspicion of aiding the faunus, and one of Ozpin's top agents–"
"I don't work for him,"
"You know what I mean." Blake hisses back, and Raven sighs, but nods to her to continue. "If one of Ozpin's top agents was seen bailing her out, potentially destroying Atlas property and defying their laws… what would that do to the relationship between Atlas and Vale? Can we really afford for such a thing to happen right now? And for what, so Yang and I can spend more time together?"
"You've…" Raven groans. "Got a point."
It really does make the two of them sound selfish. Or, well, Yang, at least, given that Blake seems to have accepted the circumstances much more easily. That's probably just due to the fact that she's terribly stressed about what had happened to Eve.
Yang can't blame her.
"Alright." Yang nods her head slowly. "Just…"
She steps over, pulls Blake into a quick kiss, and then smiles at her as brightly as she can when she pulls away.
"Be careful, okay?"
Blake offers her a smile in return, though it's muted by the weight of her task in the coming days.
"I always am."
She expects Raven to portal them back immediately, but instead, she takes them down a nearby alley, and stops there.
"So." Raven raises an eyebrow. "She's the one, huh?"
"Ye-ep." Yang decides to try and diffuse some of the tension. "What a woman, huh?"
Raven rolls her eyes. "She's not quite who I expected."
"Who did you expect?"
"Someone more like you."
Yang barks out a laugh, raising an eyebrow. "And how am I supposed to take that, exactly?"
"It wasn't a compliment."
"I figured that part out, I think."
Raven just groans. "She's got sense to her. And she's not afraid to get shit done."
"Is this your really roundabout way of saying that we have your blessing, or–"
"For once in your goddamned life can you just shut up and listen to me!?"
Yang bristles somewhat at her mother's sudden seriousness. "Yeah, well, forgive me for wanting to not focus on real shit when a kid just got his eye gouged out, and Blake's student killed a man."
"That's precisely why you should be focusing on 'real shit'." Raven makes air-quotes. "This isn't a game."
"Do you honestly think I'm looking at this like a game?"
"No, but your head's in the clouds." Raven stares at her. "You were thinking about how this was going to affect your girlfriend more than you were thinking about how this was going to affect you."
Yang pushes a breath out of her lips, half-indignation. "Forgive me for worrying about her."
"I'm not saying you shouldn't. I'm saying that right now? You need to focus on you, just like she is."
Yang growls out below her breath. "What, trying to make up for missing my entire life by finally giving me that teenaged dating advice?"
Raven hisses through clenched teeth. Even so, she lets it go. Yang had pushed her buttons just to get a reaction, but she hadn't risen to it.
Annoying.
"If that's seriously how you want to read into what I'm telling you, then why not. I'm just saying that this isn't the time to be focusing on your relationship. There's bigger shit at stake. The world doesn't look like it, but it feels to me like things are teetering on the edge."
Now that has Yang's eyebrows drawing together. From everything she knows, nothing's going to be happening for quite a long time in terms of major events. "I… didn't really get that impression."
"Maybe it's just me being paranoid, then." Raven sighs out, reaching up and rubbing at the bridge of her nose. "Just… keep yourself in the here and now. Don't focus on your girlfriend, and don't focus on that future you came from that you think dictates everything."
Kind of hard not to do that, given it's the future.
"Anything else, mother dearest?"
"Yes, actually." Raven continues. "I wanted to ask you about that kid. The one who lost his eye."
Yang's own widen considerably.
"You had this look to you. There was something about him."
Yang's not really sure how much she wants to say. The Adam here and the Adam from that time… they're entirely different. Completely so. Adam in the future had been hardened, and made a merciless villain. But the boy now…
"He was… relevant in the future." She decides to say, omitting the full truth. "Adam Taurus. It doesn't matter, and it's not important. Plus, unless things go really wrong, that version of him is never going to happen."
"Yes," Raven eyes her. "That's what I've been trying to tell you; most of your future likely isn't going to happen. Actions have consequences, even small, absent ones. That's why I'm asking you to tell me more about it. It's not going to affect anything in the here and now."
She might be right, honestly. As much as Yang is hoping to keep things under wraps… maybe there's no point. Maybe being honest, at least with Raven, about the future is the way to go.
She can consider whether or not she wishes to do that with the others – mom, dad, hell, Ozpin – at another time.
For now, she doesn't want to spill anything. Not in unfamiliar territory, where Raven could go and do something stupid. She'll wait until they're all back in Patch.
"Fine. After the festival. That'll give me some time to get my thoughts in order."
Raven sighs out in what almost seems like relief. She nods her head, before pushing her way off the wall behind her. "Alright. Let's head back. We'll fill Summer and Tai in on what happened. Assuming the tykes have been put to bed."
Yang nods her head, even as Raven draws Omen and slashes down, conjuring a portal in front of her. She steps into it, and Yang follows.
They emerge into the bedroom of the four's – Summer, Tai, little Yang and Ruby – hotel room. The kids, as Raven had implied might be the case, are already asleep in their own bed. Tai and Summer are sat next to each other on theirs, seemingly watching something on Summer's scroll.
"She's good." Tai hums. "See this maneuver, with the–"
"Mm. She uses her scythe a lot like Qrow does, actually." Summer chuckles. "She bats this girl's gauntlets up with–"
Raven clears her throat, and the two jump. How they hadn't noticed the portal swirling to life in their room, Yang doesn't know.
"Ah, Rae." Summer smiles. "Good to see you both. How was the rally?"
"Fine." Raven grunts out, "Though some things took place afterwards that… well, for now, what's up with you?"
Summer holds up the scroll in her hands. "We were watching the film of Ruby that Ozpin sent to us. Or, well, other Ruby. You should see this; she's quite skilled."
Raven shrugs, but walks over and watches the video. Yang figures 'eh, why not?' and does the same.
On screen, she finds that her sister has evidently not been slacking when it comes to training in the last eight or so months they'd been separated. Her form is clean, and her movements are quick and precise. She ducks around decent blows like they're nothing, and makes fourth-year students from Beacon look like complete amateurs with some clever application of her semblance.
Yang's impressed, and in her head, she's shadow-boxing with her sister, trying to think about how she might get in on some of her hits. She bobs her head to this side and that, and gestures with her fists when she'd punch.
"Hm." Raven hums out, her eyes somewhat wide. "She is good."
"Tai and I were trying to analyze her style a bit. We think she uses her scythe a bit like Qrow. Perhaps she was inspired by the Grimm Reaper, like he was?"
Raven laughs. "Has to be. Not like Qrow was going to be the one doing the inspiring."
Summer rolls her eyes and smacks Raven playfully on the arm. Yang, to her credit, takes some humor in the fact that Raven's definitely figured out just now who trained Ruby, and is doing her best not to think about it too much.
She's not willing to admit that her brother had been a heck of a mentor.
"So, you were going to tell us about what happened down in Mantle?" Summer looks up at Raven, seemingly signaling that they're finished watching the video in front of them.
Over the course of the next ten or so minutes, Raven outlines exactly what it is that had happened in and around the rally in Mantle. She talks about how the rally itself had gone fine, although she leaves out the part where Yang had met back up with Blake, which Yang appreciates. She then carries on to talk about what had happened between Eve, Sienna, and the other civilians while the rally had been taking place.
"That's horrible…" Summer shakes her head. "Obviously, she took it too far, but I think if I was the one in that situation… I'm not sure if I would have been able to remain calm, or consider a proper application of force."
"Yeah." Raven runs a hand up and down the back of her neck. "Hopefully, she won't be sentenced too harshly."
"Mm."
So, it seems her mother is leaving out the part where Blake had been planning on breaking her out of wherever it is she's being kept. That's probably for the best. The less people know about that, the better.
"And you both are all right?" Tai asks them, and Yang smiles and nods.
"Yeah, we were fine. Nothing happened at the rally at all, to be honest."
"Well, that's–"
Suddenly, there's a quiet knock at the door just behind Yang. She turns towards it, then looks back at both Summer and Taiyang.
"Did you guys order room service or something?" She asks half-seriously.
"No, we didn't." Tai shrugs. "I'll get it. Probably someone from the hotel staff."
Yang nods, and even though she knows it's probably nothing, she can't help but be the smallest bit paranoid after what she'd been told by Blake. Without making a big deal of it, she primes Ember Celica, just in case.
Raven catches the motion, and places her hand, seemingly absently, atop Omen.
Yet it seems that's not necessary, for as the door opens, a wide smile comes to Tai's face, and he laughs out boisterously.
Yang knows why a moment later as the door is pulled open all the way. Because standing there in the gap is Uncle Qrow.
She hadn't at all expected to see him, and so the fact that he is here at all takes her off guard. His appearance only continues that. He looks just as Yang had remembered him looking when she'd been a child, what with the less angular features, the less harsh lines all over his face, and without the perpetual five o'clock shadow that had started after Summer died.
Yang doesn't have all that long to notice any of the other little intricacies before Taiyang charges forward and wraps the man in a tight hug.
"Good to see you, Qrow."
"Likewise," Her uncle's usual rasp is nowhere to be found. The alcohol – and the cigarettes he'd taken up for a few years directly after Summer's death – having not yet affected his voice. "And whaddya' know; the stories were true. The prodigal daughter returns."
Raven flips her brother off, but Yang catches the tiniest smile in place on her face.
She's more at ease with Qrow here, even if she'd never admit to it.
"Oh, Qrow!" Summer laughs as she stands up, and rushes over to hug him too, "It's so good to see you! The kids will be thrilled, they've been asking about where you've been the last few months."
"Eh, you know me." Qrow chuckles under his breath, shrugging his shoulders. "Been busy. Ozpin business. Trust me, nothing you really want to hear about." He looks up at her, and his eyes widen. "Who's this?"
"Oh, right," Summer coughs into one hand as she pulls away. "Qrow, meet Yang – yes, I know – and Yang, meet Qrow."
Yang has to pretend like this is a totally normal meeting for her. Just encountering someone who she's heard about, but never met. Just… just the brother of her friend Raven.
She walks up, and offers out a hand as casually as she can. Without thinking, she'd extended her metal one.
Qrow takes it without hesitating, and smiles to her.
"Nice ta' meet ya'." He nods.
"Same to you." Yang smiles back, glad that Uncle Qrow is in a genial mood. Seeing everyone again probably helps. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Good things?"
"I've mostly heard from Raven."
"Oof." Qrow laughs. "So…"
"I've heard you fight like shit and can't land a woman to save your life?"
Qrow barks out a laugh, before shaking his head and flipping Raven off. The woman actually does smile this time, mirroring the motion.
"As you can see," Raven retorts. "I've described him very accurately."
They all share a laugh at that, and for twenty or so seconds, things seem to be normal. Little Ruby and little Yang have both woken up, and are excitedly making their way over to say hello to Uncle Qrow, who's wrapping them up in his arms and lifting them up into the air.
"Did ya' miss me?" He asks them, and, like clockwork, their responses are,
"Nope!"
There's a beat of silence, then…
"Who are they?"
The voice comes out suddenly, and Yang turns to where Summer is gazing out the door at some people waiting in the hallway, apparently.
"Ah," Qrow chuckles, letting Ruby and Yang back onto the ground. "I suppose I should introduce my own guests, shouldn't I?"
He turns, and then calls out words that have Yang once again stunned.
"Weiss, come on in."
Yang feels her breath catch in her throat. She can't seriously be getting this lucky, can she? It feels like an impossibility, and yet…
And yet, when the figure rounds the corner, she has that bright white hair, and pale blue eyes. She has a scar running down her left eye, and a familiar blade strapped to her hip. Her own eyes are wide as she locks her gaze onto hers.
Yang really, really wishes she were better at this whole 'reuniting without making it obvious' thing, but…
"Weiss!"
"Yang!"
She's not.
She closes the distance between them and wraps her arms around Weiss' torso, laughing all the while. Weiss for her part seems dumbstruck, and the likely reason why becomes apparent just moments later.
Because this is likely her first reunion. It's Yang's third.
She has no idea about the fact that they're all here. All of Team RWBY.
The only one they're missing now is Jaune.
"Oh?" Summer laughs. "You two know each other?"
"Yeah," Yang turns around, laughing awkwardly about the fact that she's yet again completely exposed herself. Eh, it's her mom. If she's going to trust anyone… "Uh, everyone, this is Weiss."
"Hello." Weiss nods her head, bowing slightly. "Er…"
"Yeah, didn't quite expect this." Qrow chuckles. "Thought introducing you was going to be my job."
"Trust me, the feeling is mutual." Weiss rolls her eyes, before turning to Yang. "I had some suspicions when talking with… well, regardless, what are you doing here?"
"Eh, complicated." She shrugs. "First of all, though, Ruby and Blake are both here, too."
Weiss' eyes widen. "What!?"
"Yeah, uh…" She rubs at the back of her neck. "Crap, we've got a lot of catching up to do, don't we?"
Raven's watching the two of them like a hawk from her position just beside Summer and Tai's bed. Yet another figure from the future, and yet another person that Yang had chosen not to tell her about.
Yes, well… she will. Later.
…
"Hey," Qrow suddenly interjects. "I don't recall saying she was our only guest!"
Yang's a bit surprised, because she can't quite say she cares, unless Qrow's brought along Jaune somehow. But still, she's not going to be an impolite host. That'd be a dick move.
So, she turns towards the door, and…
And she freezes in place.
Because staring back at her, with mismatched eyes and a somewhat confused expression, is a baby Neopolitan.
/
When Jaune finally gets some time to himself again, it's late in the evening. The sun has long since set, and Jaune has the lights in his hotel room mostly turned off. Only the bedside lamp illuminates him as he sits on the bed within it, and stares up at the ceiling above him.
His thoughts are a jumbled mess. It doesn't help that he's been stuck with Tyrian for going on a week now, with no one else to talk to. Being around Tyrian has a habit of dulling his senses.
He knows he can't, but he wishes he could talk with Cinder a while. Clear his head. She could tell him how she'd been managing on her own in the castle. He can only hope that Salem hasn't chosen to give her training of her own, taking advantage of her while Jaune isn't there to protect her.
No matter how much Salem might claim such is to make her stronger…
Jaune pushes a breath through his teeth, shaking his head and forcing himself up and off the bed. He's too frustrated to get to sleep anytime soon. He might as well clear his head.
He steps out onto the balcony of his hotel room. Apparently, Salem pays for her enforcers to live rather lavish lives, given that they've paid for a room among the very upper crust of Atlas' society. They're on the fifteenth floor of a high rise near the cities' center, and Jaune has a view of miles of Solitas tundra below. It feels like he can see the entire world from up here, even if he knows what's within view is only a tiny fraction of it.
It makes him feel small, seeing the world like this. That anything he might be able to do pales in comparison to the sheer enormity of Remnant.
He looks, however, not at the sprawling vistas, or the grand city beneath him. No. His focus is on the arena floating just beyond Atlas, hovering there and silhouetted against the shattered moon.
Amity is there.
…Tomorrow, the Vytal Festival begins.
Their mission is a simple one. Get in, get Ruby, and get out. It doesn't really leave a lot of room for Jaune to pretend like they'd succeeded. If they'd been charged with killing her, for instance, then he might be able to get Ruby to hide away, pretend to be dead, to buy himself enough time to make a move, and get Cinder out of Evernight during that time.
But kidnapping her… he can't fake that.
He somehow doubts he can put a wig on someone and claim he'd found Ruby; not that he'd do that to someone in the first place.
He sags in place, leaning against the railing in front of him as he rubs at his eyes. Sleep is calling him, but frankly, he knows he's just going to toss and turn in his bed for hours regardless.
He needs a plan. He's had a damned week to come up with one, and yet, every time he tries, he keeps hitting snags. There's no easy solution to this! There's no way everyone makes it out of this without getting hurt. He can spare his friends, but Cinder…
Gods, but this would be easier if he just hadn't given a shit in the first place.
A bit late for that, now.
He reaches for the familiar pommel and handle of Crocea Mors, but finds only the nameless steel blade he's brought with him to replace his fractured heirloom. It doesn't quite fit into the shield of Crocea, and what's worse, it doesn't quite fit into Jaune's hand, either.
Crocea hadn't at first, to be fair. But then, he'd spent twenty years alone in another dimension with nothing to ground him but his sword. He'd done drills, strength training, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, running… anything he could do to take his mind off the fact that he hadn't been sure whether or not he'd grow old and die there, in that empty place, all on his lonesome.
Hell, at this point, he's fairly sure he'd be able to keep up with the others in a straight fight. Maybe Yang could beat him, but only because she's a lot more tailored to one-on-one combat than he is.
He thinks about that. He steps back, takes up a stance, closes his eyes, and pretends as if he's going to face each one.
Ruby… he thinks he could take Ruby. She's gotten damned good about using her semblance in small increments, but she's not nearly as effective when she's forced to fight in close range. If Jaune had to take her on, he'd push into that closer range, and force her to back away. If she ran, he'd hunker down behind his shield, put his semblance up, and force her to come back.
Play that game, that push and pull, and make her respond to him. Her aura drains a lot faster than his own using her semblance. She can only use it so much before she has no choice but to attack.
And that's his window.
With Weiss, it's slightly more complicated. It depends on what she wants to do. She's certainly skilled with Myrtenaster, but lately, she's been favoring simply utilizing her summons instead of relying on her sword skills. He's certain they're not rusted – he gets some small amusement out of that – but they've certainly not improved to the degree his own have. In a close-range battle, he could take her. Flood himself with aura, tank a big hit from a summon, break it, and then close the distance. She's vulnerable when she's using them, unable to keep her full focus on herself.
For Blake… hm, that's harder. She's not as fast as Ruby, and she doesn't hit as hard as Weiss, but she's got the most anti-personnel experience out of all of them. She's likely fought someone of Jaune's build a hundred times, and has strategies worked out for it. Maybe he could try and play around Gambol Shroud's eccentricities? It's an odd weapon, and if he could wrap the ribbon around his blade, he might be able to bring it to a fist fight.
At that point, he'd be in a different weight class from her. Sure, her martial arts are better, but all it takes is him leaping on top of her and forcing her to the ground to even out the odds.
And lastly, of course… he's not really sure on Yang. Potent, aggressive, and unafraid to get into his face. He'd likely have to play a longer, steadier game, striking out with quick blows that can't activate Yang's semblance. Against Yang, though, who doesn't have to be nearly as careful with him, that seems a touch difficult.
Still, food for thought.
Thinking on them has him smiling, though. Thinking about meeting up with any of them again… thinking about having the chance to see his friends, his team–
…Oh.
It's… he's not thought about them in a while. How… how long had it been? It had to have been months, now, since he'd thought about Ren, and Nora. Longer, still, for the last time he'd thought about Pyrrha.
…They're all alive here. Not that that matters. Not really.
The people he'd known… they're gone. They exist in some other dimension than they now do. In some other space, some other time.
…
They probably think he's dead, if they're still out there. That he and the rest of Team RWBY had fallen into the void below, and been lost. Maybe they've grieved them, held a funeral for them…
Or maybe Salem's already swallowed them all up.
…This isn't helping. One way or another, this is all coming to a head tomorrow. The Vytal Festival will begin, and so will their plan.
Jaune just wishes he had any idea what he's supposed to do.
End Chapter 29
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