Hello everyone I'm back on schedule!
somehow!
I had a lot of fun writing this chapter! Though semester exams are coming up I've got straight A's(and one B but we ain't gonna talk about that) so I'm genuinely not worried.
I do have an event later on to attend but this should be out before that…I do feel like I'm forgetting something tho…
Oh well, hopefully it isn't too important. Now onto the chapter!
Chapter 10: Shadows In Motion
Raven's grip tightened on her weapon as Watts' voice sliced through the stillness, smooth yet laced with mockery. She'd insisted on keeping a low profile, but Toneri's frustration had been palpable before he left nearly an hour ago. She couldn't blame him. Patience wasn't his strong suit—at least, not when lives were at stake.
"Still so direct, so predictable. Honestly, I'd hoped your time in the wild had tempered you into something more… refined. Alas, some things never change." Watts adjusted his glasses, his tone smooth yet calculating. "Though I must admit, I'm intrigued. You've certainly picked a curious ally."
Raven's grip tightened. "What do you want, Watts?"
He chuckled, ignoring her hostility. "Want? Oh, Raven, this isn't about me. I'm merely the messenger. Salem is…disappointed with your recent activities, your general defiance, and now…" His gaze flicked away from her. "Him. I'll admit, you've piqued even my curiosity."
She raised an eyebrow. "He's none of your concern."
"Oh, but he is, Raven. You don't bring someone like that into the fold without reason. And you—ever the pragmatist—wouldn't remain at his side unless you saw value in it. That alone makes him…worth a closer look. Don't you agree?"
Her voice turned icy. "Stay away from him."
Watts smirked. "Ah, protective already? How touching. But let's not pretend this is about loyalty. You're far too self-serving for that." His gaze lingered on over the distance, his tone softening into something almost reverent. "There's still a place for you in Salem's world—if you're willing to embrace it. Think of what you could gain: power, protection, survival. All it takes is a little humility."
For a moment her mind stopped at the offer, before she audibly scoffed, her voice dripping with venom. "Humility? From you? That's rich. I have no interest in joining you, or her."
"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug, his voice mocking. "Though I don't see your companion anywhere around…did he abandon you alrea-" Before he could finish his sentence, the wind suddenly stirred around them.
As the trees and muddy ground parted, he walked slowly and deliberately. His robes soiled, yet swaying, a look of tranquil annoyance seemed all too apparent.
Raven glanced at him briefly, her expression a mixture of relief and apprehension. She knew he'd come back, but the storm in his eyes unsettled her. He looked calm, but she'd seen the fury that lurked beneath the surface.
"Toneri…"
"We shall speak soon enough." he continued until he was right next to her, his tone tense. "Who are you talking to?"
Raven shook herself out of her mind, motioning in Watt's direction. Who had remained silent, merely staring at his figure as he twiddled his mustache. "One of Salem's lapdogs."
"Lapdogs?" Watts chuckled. "Oh, my dear Raven, you say that like you weren't one yourself. Though I digress.." he fixed his suit quickly, before Raven could speak up again, looked towards Toneri.
"Ah, and here he is. The enigmatic guardian. Your reputation precedes you, though I confess it's not often I meet someone whose presence speaks louder than their eyes… or lack thereof. Truly fascinating. I wonder, does he even realize the game he's been dragged into?"
Raven's expression darkened. "He's no pawn. And if you're here to gloat, you've wasted your time." she looked to Toneri "He's not here to fight. He's just a messenger—a coward hiding behind illusions."
"Gloat? No, no, Raven. I came to deliver a warning. Salem's patience wears thin, and you, my dear, are playing a dangerous game. But your glowing friend…" Watts gestured vaguely toward Toneri. "He complicates things. Does he even know what you're leading him into? Or is he simply too noble, too…trusting to realize-"
"I have no patience for your games. Speak plainly, or you'll find I am far less merciful than she is."
Watts tilted his head, his hologram flickering, intrigued by Toneri's composure. "Ah, so the mysterious stranger speaks. Tell me, what drives someone like you to throw in with her?" He gestured toward Raven, his voice laced with faint derision. "Surely you've realized she's not exactly… reliable. Even now she twists the truth in her favor."
Raven cut in sharply. "You're not in a position to question anyone's loyalty, Watts."
"Suit yourself," Watts said with a shrug, his tone practically dripping with mockery. "But it's not every day one encounters a man who carries such…otherworldly authority. It makes me wonder: are you truly in control of your destiny here? Or is she—" he gestured faintly toward Raven "—spinning a tale to serve her ends?"
Toneri's expression remained unreadable. "And what would you know of destiny? All I've seen from you is cowardice and deceit."
Watts chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "Ah, but the wise understand that survival isn't cowardice—it's strategy. This world is not kind to those who stand in the open, shining like beacons. No, it favors those who know when to strike from the shadows." His hologram flickered faintly, his voice softening. "A man like you could do so much more than waste his strength on her futile rebellion-."
"Let me make myself clear to you, mortal, the rebellion you speak of isn't just her own, but its shared with every other human, as well as me. As does my mission with hers. This is not merely a pawn and their master, we are allies, we are equal. Together we'll fix what's been broken.
So be not weary, for when the time comes, and when you can't hide behind your projection, we'll see who has wasted strength."
"Very…astute," Watts replied, genuinely impressed and with a hint of something else in his voice. "You're far sharper than most. I can see why Salem might find you…concerning."
Raven interjected, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Concerning? From you? Must be a new experience."
Watts smiled thinly. "Laugh all you like, Raven, but I'm simply being practical. Someone of his stature…Well, let's just say, I'd rather not underestimate him. And you, Toneri. I suggest you tread carefully, even the brightest of stars can burn out."
"Your caution is noted. Now leave, before I lose my patience."
Watts grinned, taking a dramatic step back. "Very well. Consider this encounter a friendly prelude. And remember her proposition still stands, that goes for you too, blind one."
Then he was gone, his presence no longer lingering in the swamp.
Toneri stood motionless, his head tilted slightly as if listening to something Raven couldn't hear, before turning and walking away.
"Why did you come back?" Her voice was sharp, but the undertone of frustration was unmistakable.
Toneri didn't bother to turn to her. "Because it's my duty to protect you."
Raven scoffed, motioning to the now-empty space where Watts' projection had stood. "That was nothing. A distraction. You should've stayed back."
"And let you face him alone?" His tone held a quiet intensity. "You were vulnerable to attack."
Her eyes narrowed. "Vulnerable? You don't even know the first thing about him. Or me, for that matter."
Toneri folded his arms, holding his words before he thought through his response, his voice calm but firm. "Then perhaps it's time you tell me. Because from what I've seen, your ties with that man seem to run deep."
Raven flinched slightly, her composure slipping for just a moment before she covered it with a glare. "You don't know what you're talking about.."
"And yet, her messengers still find you," Toneri countered. "Are you truly free of her, Raven? Or are you simply biding your time?"
Her grip tightened on her weapon, but she forced herself to remain calm. "I'm not her pawn. And I'm not yours, either. Don't mistake necessity for loyalty."
Toneri's expression darkened, but instead of responding, he simply turned and began walking. Though he did not know where. He could only continue on through the swamp. "We should keep moving."
Raven stared after him, her frustration mounting, but she followed. For now.
"Well, I'll be damned."
The sharp pop of the flask's cap echoed through the clearing, sending a flock of crows scattering from the treetops. He stepped out of the shadows, his gait unsteady but deliberate, boots crunching against the christened grass.
He paused, taking in the makeshift cemetery. Rough wooden markers, each carved with care, dotted the field. He recognized a few of the names—ghosts of his past—but many-most were unfamiliar.
Even for a tribe of killers and thieves, they'd found a way to honor their dead. 'How ironic.'
For all the bitterness he felt toward the tribe, he couldn't deny what Raven had built.
"Every dog has its day, I guess," he muttered, a grim smile tugging at his lips. He raised the flask to his mouth, the burn of alcohol on his tongue doing little to numb the heaviness in his chest.
His feet carried him deeper into the graveyard. Each step unearthed old memories, the sound of laughter by campfires and the clang of swords during training now replaced by silence.
He stopped at one of the markers, running a gloved hand over the rough carvings. For a moment, he let himself wonder what might've been if things had gone differently. If the tribe hadn't lost its way. If he hadn't chosen to walk a different path. Would he be here now?
He supposed so, but regret wasn't something he had time for. Not now.
The old professor had been reluctant to talk, but a few well-placed remarks about the state of the tribes—and some not-so-subtle pressure—had loosened his tongue.
"If you want to find her, start with the ashes," Lionheart had said. "That's where all paths seem to lead with Raven."
After some searching. The info led him to a destroyed town, graveyard. Of course.
He straightened, his crimson eyes scanning the area with practiced precision. Signs of recent activity were faint but unmistakable.
So he finally asked the question.
"How long are ya going to keep taking me?"
His eyes landed on her as he kept himself prepared, yet calm. The hooded figure seemed to flinch before stepping from out behind a tree.
"Suppose you aren't a survivor huh." he said with a callous sort of caution, positioned for anything.
"Does it matter?"
"I mean if you care about being arrested or not."
He casually started to walk towards her.
"If you're asking whether or not I was part of the tribe, I wasn't."
"I guess it makes sense…the Branwen tribe is basically dead now."
He stopped closer to her, but a respectable distance away.
"So what now? Gonna go straight?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"I dunno, but it's up to you now. It's all up to you."
Crow could tell she sounded young, perhaps a young recruit or something. She still seemed confident, even though he was sure she knew who exactly he was.
"if your looking for her she'll be heading west towards Vale. Wants to help this blind…man…with skin as pale as snow."
"Good to know…guess they got a headstart on me huh." he noted the way she said 'man' though he wasn't too worried.
She turned around and started walking away.
"...use this second chance wisely. Vernal."
She paused for a moment, but only for a moment, before continuing down the well worn path.
The faint breeze carried the scent of smoke and decay. The sun rising with it ever so slowly, ever-present and always watching. Qrow adjusted the flask at his hip, letting out a weary sigh.
'If Lionheart didn't know where she was, then I doubt she's in mistral…and this close to the vytal festival, she wouldn't do that. Meaning this chick might be my only lead…'
He sighed, a gentle smirk crawling onto his face.
"Just my luck."
With that, he set off, boots crunching against the softened ground as the graveyard disappeared behind him.
As he did so into the crawling sky.
Everything was quiet save for the occasional croak of unseen creatures. Toneri sat on the edge of the makeshift platform, his poise fixed on the shimmering murk below. Little did he know, his reflection rippled and distorted with each gentle wave, a fractured image that refused to settle.
The turbulent waves reminded him of someone.
He could still see her pale, otherworldly form, her eyes gazing at him as though she had stepped out of his memories. But it couldn't have been her. There was no chakra signature, no trace of her presence in this alien world. Yet, the vision lingered, gnawing at the edges of his mind. Despite his lack of sight, and the fact he had never met her himself.
What he had seen of her battle was more than sufficient to confirm her myths.
He muttered under his breath, his fists clenching, the words indiscernible to himself. His grip on the truth felt as fragile as his reflection in the water. Was he truly seeing things, or had his isolation finally begun to crack the foundation of his mind?
Salem. The name burned in his mind like a brand. If not for her influence, then her uncanny resemblance taken hold of his own past. Just what was she, the same question extended to what exactly the grimm were, just what was he dealing with if it wasn't from the clan?
And was there anyone else similar to this Salem.
His belly grumbled at the thought. Though he didn't bother with the thought...though the feeling was lost on him, he almost forgot what the sensation was. Before his mind filled in the blanks despite the mental lapse.
"How embarrassing."
…
The faint shimmer of chakra enveloped his hands as his palms against the warm earth. The surrounding muck and unstable earth shifted, rising and twisting into a stable patch of ground. Vines unraveled from the trees, forming crude shelters overhead, while luminous moss glowed faintly to provide light. It was methodical, almost meditative—a quiet rebellion against the endless entropy of his surroundings.
Stepping back to inspect his work, he carefully examined the edges for any imperfections, even taking the time to remove any bugs that had found their way inside.
Raven raised an eyebrow, impressed despite knowing his skills, however she had never seen such an action out of him. It made her wonder what exactly the depths of his powers were.
And why was he doing this now, was he trying to apologize?
"You've got a knack for this survivalist thing," she remarked.
He didn't respond immediately, instead moving to one of the makeshift walls and beginning to smooth out the surface and reinforce the structure. "It's not skill. It's a necessity," he said quietly. "When the moon is your home, you learn to make any place livable, though I did have certain luxuries."
Raven frowned. "Must've been a lonely life."
"Loneliness is preferable to letting others suffer because of your own actions." His words hung heavy in the air as he worked, and Raven couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness for him.
That's when it hit her, the reason why he seemed so impossible to read, she never felt any bloodlust from him, unless it was towards grimm and even then, it was minimal at best.
If he really wanted to, he could've forced her to follow him and she could do nothing. Yet he doesn't.
Raven's eyes scanned their surroundings warily.
"You've got a heavy way of talking about things, you know that?"
He stopped his work, turning toward her. "And you? You deflect every chance to be honest about yourself. Why is that?"
Raven's hand twitched, her fingers brushing the hilt of her sword. "Maybe because some truths get you killed."
"Or they set you free."
Her gaze hardened, but the sharp retort never came. Instead, she looked away, the flickering light catching the contours of her face. "Freedom's overrated."
"So says the one who's spent her life running." Toneri tilted his head slightly, his expression deadpanned.
Her hand tensed briefly on her sword hilt, but she forced herself to relax. "I don't like wasting breath on things that don't matter."
"Don't they?" Toneri asked, Raven felt his gaze despite his lack of sight. "Every action we take, every word we say—it all leaves ripples. I learned that too late."
The silence between them grew thick, only broken by the ambient sounds of the swamp - croaks and rustles mingling with the faint hum of glowing moss.
Raven finally spoke, her voice low. "Maybe you're right…But for some things…it's easier to keep them buried. Safer too."
Toneri met her gaze, his expression softening. "Perhaps. But safety and growth rarely walk the same path."
She snorted lightly, leaning back against the makeshift shelter. "You talk like you've got it all figured out huh."
"No," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But I've had time to think. Too much, perhaps."
"Too much thinking, I'd say," Raven quipped, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
Toneri chuckled softly at her comment, the sound almost foreign in the stillness around them. "Perhaps. But in a world this strange, thinking is the only thing one can do."
"Well," she said, with a small sigh as she settled in for the night, "if it helps, you're not half bad at this survivalist thing. Even if you overdo it."
"Necessity," he replied, his voice dipping as exhaustion crept in. "And perhaps...a little habit."
The two fell into a tentative silence as they settled into their camp. Both stirred with questions, though the tension had settled slightly, leaving them a small bubble of peace amidst the vast warmth of the swamp.
The low hum of the dimly lit chamber was broken only by the steady clack of Watts' boots against the stone floor. The air was heavy, laden with an unnatural stillness that seemed to hang around Salem's domain like a suffocating shroud. He adjusted his gloves, taking note of the faint crimson glow emanating from the far end of the room.
Salem sat upon her throne, her pale features framed by the swirling shadows of Grimm tendrils that slithered and coiled around her. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly, observing Watts as he approached.
"Doctor," Salem began, her voice smooth yet commanding, "I trust your little excursion has yielded something of value?"
Watts stopped a respectful distance away, his posture formal yet relaxed. "Indeed, my queen. The situation was...illuminating, to say the least."
Salem raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to elaborate.
"I encountered the outsider. Toneri, as you called him," Watts began, his tone professional but laced with intrigue. "And Raven of course. I must say, the dynamic between them is curious. He's...an anomaly, even by your standards. His abilities, intellect, and conviction are remarkable—though somewhat misplaced."
Salem's expression remained unreadable, but her gaze sharpened. "What did you learn about his intentions?"
Watts smirked faintly. "He has no love for us, as expected. He seeks to 'restore the moon'—an obsession, it seems. But more importantly, he views you as a threat to humanity's survival. It's clear he has aligned himself with Raven's sense of defiance, if not entirely her methods. I suspect he sees himself as a savior of this world."
Salem leaned back in her throne, her fingers drumming against the armrest. "A savior... How quaint."
"Quaint, perhaps," Watts conceded, "but dangerous. His power is unlike anything I've encountered before. And Raven...well, she's as irritatingly resourceful as ever."
Salem's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. "Raven will play her role, as she always does. And this Toneri...he is but another obstacle to be overcome. Tell me, did he mention any plans?"
"Not explicitly," Watts admitted. "But their actions suggest they are heading for Vale. Likely to disrupt our plans there. However..." He hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "There is something unusual about him, beyond his obvious abilities. He seems to possess an uncanny awareness—perhaps an ability to sense things that would be hidden from others. It's possible he is heading to Vale not just to interfere, but to seek the Fall Maiden herself."
Salem's smile vanished, replaced by a look of calculated intent. "The Fall Maiden...So, he believes her power is essential to his quest. Or worse, he can sense her presence. That would make him an even greater threat than I anticipated."
Watts adjusted his glasses, nodding. "It would explain his focus. If he can locate the Maiden, he may try to claim her power. Whether he intends to use it himself or destroy it remains unclear, but either scenario jeopardizes our plans."
Salem's eyes glinted with malice as she leaned forward. "Then our timeline has become even more urgent. Return to your work on the festival systems, Doctor. Ensure our control remains absolute. The Maiden's power must not elude us, no matter the obstacles."
Watts gave a slight bow. "As you wish. Though, if I may..."
"Speak."
Watts smirked faintly. "Toneri's ignorance is both his strength and his weakness. He lacks understanding of this world—its rules, its history. That can be exploited. With your permission, I'd like to prepare contingencies for when we inevitably cross paths again."
Salem's gaze narrowed in approval. "Do as you see fit. But do not let his presence distract you from the task at hand. The Vytal Festival is our moment, and I will not tolerate failure."
Watts nodded, turning on his heel to leave. "Of course, my queen. Consider it done."
As Watts disappeared into the shadows, Salem leaned back, her expression cold and calculating. "Toneri," she murmured, the tendrils around her throne twitching in response. "You may think yourself humanity's savior, but if you seek the Fall Maiden, you walk directly into my grasp. This world, and its power, belong to me."
The room fell silent once more, the faint crackle of distant Grimm cries made their names known.
"Alright," Raven said suddenly, setting her weapon aside. "You want answers? Fine. But I want some too."
Toneri tilted his head toward her, intrigued but cautious. "I'm listening."
Raven hesitated, her fingers tracing the hilt of her sword before finally letting go, her gaze on the fire. "I worked with Salem. Years ago. I thought she could offer me strength, and protection. But it didn't take long to realize what she really was."
She glanced at him, her eyes hard. "I left, but she doesn't let go of her tools so easily. Watts wasn't lying when he said I'm playing a dangerous game. She wants me dead…"
Toneri didn't react immediately, letting her words sink in. "And yet, you survive."
"By being better than the ones she sends after me. By using every advantage I have." Her gaze flicked to the fire with thought.
"I can turn into a raven. It's my semblance. It's how I've stayed ahead of her—and everyone else."
Toneri nodded slowly, processing her confession. "You've been running."
She bristled. "I've been surviving. There's a difference."
For a long moment, he said nothing, and Raven thought she might have finally scared him off. But then he spoke, his voice low and steady.
"I understand."
She looked at him sharply. "Do you?"
"Yes," he said, his expression solemn. "Because, in the distant past, I would say I wasn't too dissimilar to Salem. I tried to destroy the world once, I believed humanity's sins were too grave and needed to start anew.
But then I found the errors in my ways, the falsehoods in the past views…I've been searching for redemption ever since."
Raven stared at him, surprised by his openness. "Have you found it?"
He shook his head. "Not yet. But perhaps helping this world will bring me closer…I suppose it's selfish but…the moon was never meant to be in this state…I'll restore it, along with order in the world."
They sat silently for a while, the crackling fire the only sound.
Finally, Raven spoke. "You're not what I expected."
"Neither are you, but then again, when have things always been as they seemed?" Toneri replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Such as that lapdog's words."
They exchanged a look—still wary. One of the few times Raven felt she could connect with him somehow, despite his nature.
"I want to apologize for how I acted, and again for my silence on such a matter, we are allies and I should have shared my misgivings with you. We'll do this your way," Toneri said finally. "Stealth and caution. But don't mistake my patience for passivity."
Raven nodded. "And I'll make sure we don't waste any more time. Deal?"
"Deal."
The tension between them eased, and the fire's warmth felt genuine for the first time.
"I also want to apologize. I know you mean well…but you're powerful, like her. And power has a way of turning people into monsters…I should know…"
The air suddenly became heavy, even for him. Raven processed her next words carefully.
"Can you promise me, you won't use the maidens power for anything other than the restoration of the moon?"
Didn't he already promise that? No…Raven is a deeply suspicious individual…of course she'd demand this again…though he was certain…
…
He stayed silent, he shuffled awkwardly, before he lowered himself, slowly, elegantly, his robe spread under him however she could tell he wasn't used to this. Her eyes widened ever so slightly.
In that moment, Raven felt she wasn't talking to divinity, but to a charismatic, yet lonely prince.
"I promise you this, Raven: I will not abuse the power of the Maidens or any force in this world. My purpose here is clear—to restore the moon, to protect humanity, and to learn from them."
He lowered his head ever so slightly.
"I vow this on my name, and on my life."
And that's that! Hope you guys enjoyed it thus far!
Now that I finished the 10th chapter I'll finish up my other story, since it has been a minute. I'll still try to update this but I'll be busy with that for probably a few months.
So yeah.
Y'all have a blessed day and be safe!