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Chapter Text

The book closed and Lewis still couldn't believe his eyes. The cover of the book was as titled: The Girl who Fell Through the World. He had actually managed to have his manuscript published. It was a strange feeling, actually seeing your work printed as a book. He probably shouldn't have been surprised but it was still a surreal feeling. At first, he had been worried that the version he wrote wasn't the same as the one he had heard. In the end, he simply chose to write the story as he wanted it to be. It would have been much easier that way.

Lewis leaned back on his chair. After everything in the Ever After, he had changed. Once, he may have been respected around his home. Never really going out on any fanciful adventures or journeys. After that though? Lewis knew he was never going to be the same after that. His name will fade away of course, the name of the author wasn't his but rather of his sister. He even removed himself from it just to give his sister the limelight; she deserved it after what she did for him.

His eyes drifted to the discarded and rejected drafts from the corner of the room. He didn't have much time to clean up ever since he had moved away from the towns and cities, preferring to live somewhere in the woods. Was it dangerous considering what Remnant is? Probably, but nothing had scared him now after that. He was certain that he could not be filled with the same wonder as he had from his time in the Ever After.

Picking up the discarded drafts, Lewis fed them to the fire. He then returned to his soft chair and relaxed. His eyes had begun to become heavy. His head dipped down as he slept. His dreams have been filled mostly with the Ever After ever since. Nothing could possibly top that wonder.

The loudest noise woke him up. If it wasn't the explosion, then it was the intense quaking of the ground that followed immediately after that did. Hung portraits fell and books fell from the shelves. Lewis had panicked a little when he had to grab the nearest bucket of water to put out the stray embers that landed on the carpet. Something had enough momentum that the force was felt on the side of his house.

"What was that?" he asked. He approached the window. About that wonder he thought he could never have, he was proven wrong.

Taking a lit candle with him, Lewis went of his home and approached the sudden object that fell near to his home. It was a few ways off but there was no mistaking the closeness it had to his home. Had it been any closer, then Lewis' home might have burned just as the surrounding flora had been deleted. There was an object at the center of the crater, made of metal.

Lewis approached it with the same curiosity that he had from his time in the Ever After. Was that what this was? Some remains of the Ever After? It didn't look like it. It looked like some strange plate with three broken sticks attached to it. The size of it was too big for it to be a dinning plate though but that was the closest shape that Lewis could describe it. In fact, much of it had been charred that it was a safe assumption to say that most of it must have been lost.

There was still some heat coming from it and there was some sort of circular shape below the plate thing. When it had cooled enough, Lewis approached closer. Cautious but the thing hadn't moved yet. Was it even alive? That must have been some journey. Did it come from above? Was this a star?

When Lewis touched the object, he vanished, never to be seen anywhere on Remnant again.

/-/

There was a search party for the author of the Girl who Fell Through the World. When witnesses from a nearby settlement had testified of seeing a star fall down on Remnant and near the author's home, they had to search for him and maybe discover what the star that fell looked like.

However, none of the townsfolk could find any semblance of the author nor the star. All they found was a plate of metal that had a strange engraving on it. None of them could understand what was said and being people who thought nothing much of it, left the plate behind to be lost.

To anyone out there, if you happen to locate it, perhaps you could make sense of that strange engraving that the people of Remnant could not understand. The markings looked something like this:

Voyager

Chapter Text

The tapestry of Fate is woven by individual threads. Lives are spun, intertwine, and cut as a pattern of its age is made. Some are among many while others are among the few. Souls mingle and die as they come together to form the grand design, both terrible and great.

Such patterns are weaved as the cold winds blow into the Vaults of Beacon Academy, a prestigious school that trains the next generation of protectors of civilization. Amber was dying as her thread was nearing its end. Kept stable within a pod, her time is stretched thin and there was nothing that could be done to prolong it any further.

The cold and dimly lit halls of the Vault had dust clouds periodically rising and falling. The monotonous humming of the pod was being overshadowed by the booming sounds that have been occurring above ground. As many lives are being lost, most of them were ignorant of just what lies beneath their feet.

For you see, Amber is a Fall Maiden. One of four young women that have been bestowed by chance to possess great power. Kept secret from the rest of the world, there are criminals of malicious intent that incentivized the need of such secrecy above all else. The prospect of power over others was an alluring treasure to those whose hearts have been poisoned by darkness. There are four of them, each one corresponding to each of the seasons.

But Amber was a naïve Maiden. Thinking of herself as powerful and without equal, she had been ambushed and had half of her power stolen from her and the damage it had caused had been permanent, leaving her in the pitiful state that she is. Those who sought to protect her, could only conclude that it must be transferred to someone else less that the half sought to become whole again. Those criminals could do so much damage if they were to possess it in its entirety. Even with just half, they already were capable of doing so much.

The elevator doors dinged and the three figures rushed out. One was older while the other two were younger. They made their way towards Amber's pod with haste. They were, all of them, covered in dirt and sweat. The battle that had occurred just above them was due to the importance of Amber and it was that that had brought them here, though one had certainly been ignorant of it before now. The other two had been there before.

"What is this place?" asked Jaune Arc. He was blonde and had eyes the color of blue. The weakest among his peers, he wore pieces of plate armor to compensate for that weakness. His weapon of choice was Crocea Mors, a family heirloom that he had stolen when he had forged his way into Beacon; it was a sword and shield with the shield having the added benefit of collapsing into a sheath. During his tenure however, he had grown to be capable enough that he could at least fight with his peers without being much of a burden. Given more time, Jaune would have been able to become a capable Huntsman. All he needed to do was survive and live.

"It's… a type of Vault," answered Pyrrha Nikos. She was the partner of Jaune Arc. Her hair was red and her armor was of the color bronze. She had been known as the Invincible Girl due to her seemingly flawless victories from tournament fighting. The secret is actually due to her Semblance, an ability that is unique to each huntsman and huntress. For Pyrrha Nikos, that would be Polarity, the control over magnetism. It doesn't have to be a magnetic either, so long as it was metal, she had control over it and with most of her opponents having weapons of metal, the reputation of being without equal among her peers was expected.

Her weapon of choice was Miló and Akoúo̱, a rather complex weapon with the exception of the round shield. Akoúo̱ was the round, bronze shield. Miló was the complicated portion for it is a sword, javelin, and a rifle. With a series of complex mechanisms, it is capable of shifting between the three forms, giving Pyrrha Nikos an answer to pretty much everything her opponents could throw at her. Combine that with her Semblance, there is little wonder that she obtained the title of Invincible Girl. For the longest time, she had been a championship fighter with so few, if any, capable of challenging her position.

At the head of the three is Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon Academy. He wore a fanciful suit and had gray hair. His spectacles did nothing to hide the seriousness of his expression. His weapon of choice was the Long Memory, a durable and collapsible cane. On one of his hands, he wore a white glove.

The dark hallway stretched on as they ran. Above them, they could still hear the muffled battles going on. Beacon was falling and the kingdom of Vale was being attacked. Every second that passed, a life might have been lost.

"You've… been here before?" Jaune asked. Pyrrha didn't answer and neither did Ozpin. The three of them continued to run as fast as their legs could carry them. Huntsmen and huntresses were physically fit that such continuous running wasn't as exhausting as it would for any other civilian. "What would this school need to… hide?"

The three have made it to their destination. Jaune paused as his eyes were on the pods. The light was dim that the objects there were shrouded in shadow but there was enough light that one could make out their shapes. There were two with one being empty. The other had Amber, still in a comatose state. Headmaster Ozpin began to push buttons on the screen and the mechanisms of the pods began to act.

"What?" Jaune stepped back. "Who?"

Pyrrha turned around. Seeing the surprised and uncertain expression of her partner, she thought that it would be best to explain it as best as she could. "Jaune," she said. She wanted to assure him that it was alright; worry had begun to decorate the blonde's face.

But Ozpin didn't let it. There was no time. "Pyrrha!" he commanded. "Get to the pods!" There was a moment of hesitation. Pyrrha had looked between the headmaster and Jaune before she nodded and did as she was told. Then, the headmaster turned to Jaune. "Mister Arc, if you would like to help, you can stand guard here."

Jaune was unsure of what was going on. He turned to Pyrrha who was staring at the empty and open pod meant for her. He swallowed and found his resolve. He trusts Pyrrha. The headmaster had been a good man to them. For one, he allowed Jaune to try in becoming a huntsman despite his forged transcripts. The blonde understood as well that whoever it was that was attacking Beacon must have done so for whatever it was that the school was hiding.

He turned around and drew his sword. Raising his shield, he stared down into the hallway that they had just come from. This was the end of the Vault and there was no way that anyone would have come from anywhere else; their enemies would be coming from the end of the hallway as the three of them just did.

Before Pyrrha stepped into the pod, she asked the headmaster, "what do we do now?"

"We do nothing." Ozpin was furiously typing away at the computer screen. When everything had been satisfactory enough, he turned to face her. "You, Miss Nikos, have a choice to make."

Half a minute had passed. Pyrrha stared at the empty pod. It was a cold and unfeeling steel. She turned to see the back of her partner. Jaune was guarding them. He had always wanted to be a hero. Jaune wanted to be like his ancestors and become a warrior. She herself had trained him just as her mentor taught her. Of course, she had to adjust since Jaune only had a sword and shield. She had never seen anyone try so hard even if it frustrates him for accomplishing what seemed to be so little. He could still grow into the huntsman he wanted to be; she was certain of that. He only needed more time, time that she would provide if she stepped into the pod.

She wiped a tear from her eye. She stepped into the pod. The barrier closed automatically, causing a mild surprise to escape her lips. With the glass pod now surrounding her, she could feel that the space was small. There was little room for her legs to move and even less for her arms, like she had been placed inside a coffin while still alive.

Headmaster Ozpin continued to push buttons. Above them, the ceilings of the Vault continued to displace dust clouds, increasing in intensity. The battle above continued to rage on and something was getting closer. The three of them were running out of time.

"Are you ready?" Ozpin asked.

Pyrrha turned to face him and gave a single nod.

For a moment, the headmaster faltered. "I… I need to hear you say it." He wasn't the same headmaster as before. Gone was the aloof, if a little mysterious, headmaster Ozpin that they had known. In his place was a man who was terrified and uncertain, holding onto the hope that it would turn out all right.

She gulped. It was heavy enough as it is. Pyrrha could already feel her knees get wobbly. Her hands were shaking but she managed to push out one word. "Yes."

"Thank you, Miss Nikos." Ozpin inputted the final commands.

Amber's pod rose to a slant. It attached itself to some tubes that connected it to Pyrrha's own. Ozpin turned to face Jaune Arc. Rather, he turned to look past his student just in case. There was no sign of the enemy yet but they were getting close. He could hear it as the muffled booming was inching closer. He could already guess who they were; it wouldn't take long before they would reach the elevator.

The comatose Maiden's eyes began to flicker open. A light that had the colors of the season of Fall began to envelop her. That light then went into the tubes and gone into the other pod. Pyrrha Nikos was soon being enveloped by that same light. Half the powers of the Fall Maiden were being transferred unnaturally towards its next host.

Pyrrha screamed in agony. The sudden surge of a power that was being forced upon her was painful. It was as though she was underneath a raging waterfall. Her competition was the sound of the machine doing its job. It was the first time that it had been done and there was an uncertainty of the success rate of the transfer process. They had never tested this before; they had no reason to for such circumstances has never occurred before.

"Pyrrha!" Jaune turned at the sound of his partner in agony. Seeing what was happening, he quickly rushed towards the headmaster's side as if begging him to help her. Helpless, he could only stare as his partner writhed in pain. His head kept going from left to right and back as he tried desperately to look for answers. But he could not.

Only Ozpin could look on and maintain a forced air of stoic calm. However, one could see that he was comforting himself for his gloved hand was patting his chest. He also gulped and hardened his resolve as he stared at what could be the last hours of his student. This was to be his burden. If anything were to happen to any of his students, then headmaster Ozpin would only have himself to blame. But he still needed to do this. That power could not be made whole as it is now; it could not fall to enemy hands.

Ozpin's resolve eventually faltered. "I'm… so sorry." He turned away in shame. He could not bear to see the end. Despite his many years, seeing those younger being made to suffer the consequences of those before them could never become easy. He could never get used to it.

Amber's eyes began to fully open. As the powers are being transferred, hints of a life so close to death had begun to return to the Fall Maiden. A last ounce of clinging that had been cut short by a glass arrow.

The glass arrow punctured through the glass barrier and into Amber, thusly did the Fall Maiden die before the process had been completed.

In shock, both Ozpin and Jaune turned around to see the face of their attacker. They were met with the smirking expression of Cinder Fall. Ozpin, in particular, had his eyes widened at her appearance. Cinder Fall, a black-haired woman that wore a red dress and heels, was one of the transfer students from a different Academy. Right under his nose, Ozpin's enemies had been operating and he never once noticed.

Pyrrha was gasping for air. The halting of the transfer process felt like air had escaped her. When she regained her composure and realized what had happened and what was occurring immediately after, she panicked and began to bang on the glass pod that imprisoned her inside. She needed to get out. She was as shocked as the other two at the sight of Cinder being the enemy but that is a second priority. Pyrrha needed to get Jaune out. He wasn't strong enough to take Cinder on. None of them were, except maybe their headmaster.

The light returned back to Amber only to leave the now dead Fall Maiden. The two halves have been made whole again.

Cinder Fall took a step back but she recovered quickly. Unlike Pyrrha, the transfer here was natural. The powers of the Fall Maiden had longed to be together again and now that it was, it only felt right for the new candidate. Cinder rose from the ground and balls of flame began to revolve around her, giving her a majestic and fiery air. Her eyes glowed and shone brightly as the temperature around her began to rise. If there was one thing that best describes Cinder Fall, it would be fire. The once calm and soothing darkness of the hallways beneath Beacon Academy had been replaced by the raging light of the new Fall Maiden.

Pyrrha's banging of the pod turned frantic. She could only lay witness to the sight that was happening before her that she had forgotten her semblance. Her focus was only on Jaune who had raised his shield and lowered his legs. She knew what he was trying to do; she had taught him that and while he still had room to improve, it was recognizable enough to be a combat stance.

The fires revolving around Cinder grew in size and intensity. She was surrounded by a ring of flame that only brightened and grew hotter with each passing second. Jaune Arc raised his sword and stepped forward.

"Stay back!" Ozpin cried out. But he wasn't fast enough to stop Jaune from making a mistake.

A torrent of flame blasted Jaune back. He fell to the ground; his face would have been burnt were it not for his aura but much of his hair had been singed. The metal plates of his armor had turned red as parts of his clothing had small embers that died out just as quickly as they had appeared.

"Jaune!" Pyrrha cried out. She continued to bang on the pod. "Get up Jaune! Get up! Get up! Get up!"

Her eyes widened as Cinder got closer. No, this can't be happening. Jaune needed to get up. He needed to get away. Pyrrha wouldn't be fast enough to make it and the headmaster was too far from them; that didn't stop him from rushing to the blonde's side.

Ozpin was the first to react. He moved to protect his student. However, a force that Pyrrha could not see had struck him aside and Ozpin flew towards the walls. He too fell to the ground but was on his knees, headmaster Ozpin was still conscious. What had happened? Pyrrha never got the chance to see it. The only evidence she saw was something disappearing into thin air just as quickly as it appeared.

Pyrrha's lips curved upwards in desperate hope. She saw the moment that Jaune's arms pulled into position to push himself back up. She could imagine him groaning in pain. That was good. Groaning meant that he was still alive. Groaning meant that he was still breathing, that he would still be alright. They could still turn this around. They could retreat, find allies and fight another day. Pyrrha would have to intensify his training but that could be arranged later. Jaune would need some time to heal those burns but that was fine. So long as he got up, the two of them could still go on. He just needed to get up.

But he didn't.

Jaune didn't get the chance to get up before a glass sword found itself nailing him to the ground. Cinder broke the glass sword as she did, twisting the weapon while it was still inside the blonde boy. No sound came from his mouth for the air had simply escaped him.

It was only now, through shock, that enough sense returned to Pyrrha that she had remembered her semblance. With great force, she busted open the glass barrier that kept her constrained. The rivets and hinges that held the pod together momentarily resisted before giving in. Her weapons were nearby and responded to her call.

Before Cinder could do anything to Pyrrha, Ozpin had gotten close enough to intervene. His face was filled with vengeful anger. While his eyes didn't glow like Cinder's, there was no denying that there was an inferno that burned within the headmaster. His face and hair were covered in grime and dirt. There were tears in clothes and his spectacles were broken. He swiped at Cinder, causing her to jump back.

Pyrrha got to her partner's side. "Jaune!"

"P-Pyrrha?" Yes! His voice was weak but he was alive. He was breathing. There was still a chance. He could still be saved. Jaune could still live.

She moved the singed hair to see him better. "I'm here, Jaune. I'm here."

But such comforts only lasted a short while, "take Jaune and find Glynda, Ironwood, Qrow! Anyone! The tower cannot fall!" Ozpin was between them and Cinder. The Fall Maiden rose above them and looked down on them as though they were inferior beings meant to submit before her.

Pyrrha made no arguments as she carried Jaune by her hands. She ran past a smug Cinder who looked at her with a single raised eyebrow. Cinder looked down on her as if she was superior. Pyrrha's teeth were grinding as she burned that woman's face to her memory. Jaune needed to live. That was what matters. They'll have their chance at justice after.

"Come on, come on." The elevator couldn't move any faster. With the battle that was still raging above and now below as well, there were interruptions being had and the elevator would occasionally have its bumps and sudden stomps. Her feet were tapping furiously on the metal floor. "I'm running out of time! How much slower can you go?"

She took matters into her own hands. Pyrrha forcefully moved the elevator faster using her semblance. The elevator screeched as it had been moved by means that wasn't part of its design. Any safety mechanisms that it may have had for sudden movements were shattered as the elevator barreled its way to their destination, Pyrrha blasted the doors open and had to hop down. To hell with accuracy, this was an emergency. Her partner was dying and the headmaster was currently engaging in a battle with a power-hungry maniac who sought to bring down all of humanity in pursuit of power. For what reason? Pyrrha didn't know nor did she care enough to find out. Jaune's breathing was slowing, his eyes were moving all over the place as he tried to focus on something. It was a sign that his vision was blurring and further sign that Pyrrha needed to move faster.

"Stay with me, Jaune," she repeated. "Stay with me. Stay with me, please."

The hallways of Beacon Academy were still mostly in-tact. The tables and doors may have been scattered and the windows' glasses were shattered with the torn curtains littering the floor but the foundation and the walls still stood on. Pyrrha could still navigate around the place with how long she had spent roaming these halls back when things were peaceful and her biggest worries were her classes and whether or not Jaune—

She shook her head. Now is not the time to be thinking about that. Pyrrha needed to get her partner to safety. There had to be some medical assistance outside. Rushing out into the open, the battle for Beacon Academy had gone further out to be a battle for the capital city of the kingdom of Vale. Creatures of Grimm and robots of Atlas were fighting against huntsmen and huntresses defending themselves and civilians caught in-between.

All that destruction, all those fires, and all those lives lost and for what? A pursuit of power? What did Cinder even want with it? To rule over mankind? To right some wrong that had been done to her? To make Remnant suffer as she did? Why? Why did it have to be now? Why did it have to be in Pyrrha's time? She didn't want this. She never asked for this. No one did.

Pyrrha lost her balance when the ground shook violently beneath her. She held Jaune tightly as she fell. Better that she be hurt than him; he had already been hurt enough. Let her knees be scraped if it meant that no hair on his body is out of place any more than it already was. It wasn't an earthquake for large pieces of debris had fallen, broken off from wherever it had been first attached to. Looking upwards, a large, winged, Wyvern Grimm had landed onto the spires of the school.

"No." She despaired. "The tower cannot fall," she echoed the headmaster's words. She got up, still carrying the blonde knight in her arms. The large Grimm have yet to see them; it didn't care for them for they are insignificant to it.

"Pyrrha," Jaune called out to her weakly. His eyes had bags beneath them as he reached for his pockets. "M-my scroll." His breathing was labored and his skin was starting to pale. Pyrrha never noticed the small trail of blood that Jaune had left behind. "I-I have Glynda's number."

"We need to get you to safety first, Jaune." She took the scroll but she didn't call yet. Looking around her, she found those special rocket-lockers that stored their weapons. It was far enough from Beacon that there was no worry about debris falling on their heads. The Grimm didn't seem to notice them yet. With how small they must be, the Grimm might not even think much of them. "Just hold on." Her own voice began to shake.

Bringing Jaune to the locker had proven itself a difficult task. Jaune was getting heavier with each step. She could still his breath though it was still slowing down. His head and arms swayed to the momentum and made no resistance. He was still alive, if a bit cold and getting colder. She held him tightly, sharing what body heat she had. Finally, she managed to lay Jaune to rest against the cold steel of the locker. She sighed relief when she could still see the rising and falling of his shoulders.

His aura reserves were low. He hadn't activated them in time when he had been attacked from behind. Jaune always had a large amount but even that must have run out from all the fighting before they had gone to the Vault. That was fine though, so long as he was still alive to recover his reserves, he will be okay. Jaune had to be okay. He needed to. He had to be.

Looking back, the Wyvern continued to crawl up and down the tower. It was looking for something. Was there more that was hidden within Beacon? Pyrrha wasn't so sure. Neither Ozpin nor Cinder had got back up which meant that their fight was still on-going.

"Professor Goodwitch!" she exclaimed. Her fingers fumbled their way until she found Professor Goodwitch's contact number on Jaune's scroll. She immediately called. "Come on, come on, come on."

"Mister Arc?" Goodwitch responded to the call. "What has—"

"Professor Goodwitch!" Pyrrha replied instantly. "Ozpin is in the Vault. They-they've taken the Maiden powers. There's a large Wyvern attacking the school!"

"Get to safety this instant, Miss Nikos!" Goodwitch commanded. Before the call had cut off, Pyrrha had heard her professor call out "James! Qrow! We're heading to Beacon, now!"

At the sound of that, Pyrrha Nikos could only laugh weakly. Thus far, things have only gotten worse for her. Their school had been attacked, the powers that should have transferred to her were taken away and Jaune had been hurt severely.

When her tenure in Beacon Academy began, she never would have imagined it would turn out like this. At first, she had been fearful that she wouldn't make friends. People had often placed her in some pedestal because of her tournament career. Those that made gestures of friendship really only did so for the fame of being associated with her. The same could be said when it came to romance. They only ever cared about claiming to have dated the Pyrrha Nikos.

It was for that reason that she had come to Beacon Academy, to escape all of that and start anew. It was in a different kingdom, a different country. However, any hope of that had been dashed away when she was recognized even here. She supposed she must have been naïve to think that no one would recognize her just because she moved to a new place. She had felt cold and empty then. Resigned, she had accepted that she would always be alone.

But all that changed when she met Jaune, the tiniest of sparks that had come into view. He never knew of her, certainly not as some peerless combatant. He would have treated her as he would have any other girl. If he hadn't been told that she was also a mascot for a cereal brand—the memory brought a light chuckle to her—he would have flirted with her as he did another girl that Pyrrha knows; he was failing miserably in that regard but that didn't matter. What mattered was that she wasn't so different from the rest in his eyes.

She attached herself to him. Desperately holding onto him as she didn't want to lose that companionship. In time, she found friends in other people. People who would treat her as they would anybody else. But Jaune held a special place inside her as the one who made her hope again.

Then, he had been attacked. Pyrrha's hands clenched tightly into a fist as the image replayed in her mind. He had no fault in this. He didn't need to get involved in this. He was her partner, sure, but he wasn't meant to carry this burden. He may not see it, but he had done a lot for her. Pyrrha would never have made it this far without her friends, without him. She wanted to hold onto it for as long as she can. When Cinder had stabbed him, Pyrrha had feared the worst.

But now, things were finally starting to look up for her. Help was coming and everything would turn out well. Huntsmen and huntresses were fending off the Grimm and hacked machinery. While the attack was surprising and had a devastating start, the defenders of Vale managed to turn the tide and keep the horde in control. Soon, this attack would end and they could start to rebuild. Jaune would get medical attention and he will be fine. She did it. She found help and Jaune would be alright.

"You hear that, Jaune?" she asked, turning to face him as relief washed over her. Her face was weak and her knees was wobbly. "Help is coming. We did it." She fell to the ground, right next to him. "We might have to rebuilt but Vale is saved. You're a hero now, Jaune. Just like you always wanted."

When she did, Jaune fell too. He fell right on her lap. He was unresponsive. Pyrrha's eyes widened as quickly placed her fingers on his neck, trying to find a pulse. She had felt no breath on her thighs.

"Jaune?" she asked again. This time, her voice was that of disbelief. She turned Jaune around to face her. His eyes weren't closed but there was a blankness in his pupils. Pyrrha shook her head. "No, no, no, no, no. Jaune? Jaune!"

She shook him; it became more violent as the seconds ticked. Any sign of life, she needed to find it. He can't die here. Not yet. He still hadn't had the help he needed. Pyrrha still needed to find help for him. She managed to get help for the headmaster so why couldn't she get the help for her partner? He had to be alright. He was still holding on earlier. He must still be alive. Something. Anything. Just please, let him still be alive.

Her own eyes began to water. Her violent shaking of Jaune rose into a crescendo then suddenly stopped. The first tears had already dropped from her chin. Still, Jaune's head only hung down only responding if it had been moved. Pyrrha's throat had begun to hurt. She didn't realize that she had been screaming his name for quite a while now.

It was too late. Pyrrha Nikos had been too late. The Invincible Girl that had always won, lost for the first time and it was the most bitter of losses.

Jaune's head was brought to rest on Pyrrha's chest. She cried into the blonde hair as she held him tight. He was cold. She pulled more of his body closer to her as she embraced more of him. She was warm, she could give him that. His head now rested on her shoulders. His armor and weapon clung to him awkwardly. It made her embrace of him awkward. Pyrrha removed the straps of his armor along with Crocea Mors. She needed to make him comfortable. She wanted to. She had to.

"I…" she whispered weakly. "I never had the chance to tell you. But I've fall—" she could not complete it. The word fall had left a bitter taste on her mouth. Jaune had dreams and so did Pyrrha. Yes. That was sounded about right. "You were my dream come true."

She curled herself around him. Her breath was the only heat on Jaune's cold neck. "Please, Jaune," she begged, voice at its weakest. "I don't want to say goodbye. I… I…" Any word that would have come out was replaced by sobs.

Unbeknownst to her, in that moment, three marks had appeared at the back of her hand.

Chapter Text

It begun many years ago, during Remnant's Great War.

"This will have to do," said Gilles de Rais. When he had been summoned in this world, it had been as a Caster. However, when his Master, Salem, had taken the spellbook away from him, he had been remade into a Saber through some strange machinations that she had performed. Weakened and in a terrible state, he had no delusions of thinking that he would win the Grail War. Yet, with the promise of having found salvation, he gladly and hastily followed his Master, foolishly believing that she was akin to the Maiden that he had followed.

"I still do not believe this," replied the King of Vale. He was known by another name but to Gilles, he was known as Ozma. "A device that could grant any wish? There has to be some limitation to it. None of the Relics are as generous as this."

"Ah yes, the Relics made by the gods of this world." Gilles nodded. "But no. Unless the Grail had been corrupted here, a wish could be granted." It is far too soon for that to happen. Judging from his companion's expression, this must have been the first ever in this world. It couldn't possibly be corrupted by some evil.

There were other purposes as well. Depending on where the Grail War was held but here on Remnant, there could be no other reason in Gilles' mind. Such concepts are new and foreign to this world; it had been a miracle by itself that he and the others were even brought here.

"Shame then, that I wasn't a Master. I would have been glad to have fought by your side."

Gilles laughed bitterly. "A knight though I may be, I am not worthy to follow a King like yourself. You must find a knight worthy to stand by your side." He was humbled once. It seems to be his fate to be in the presence of those greater than himself.

"Then teach me." Ozma had reached out his hand. "Teach me everything you know of these Holy Grail Wars."

"Very well. It is the privilege of lesser men to light the fires that will forge those who will be greater." Gilles took it. He had to make up for his sins here. He could not face the Maiden he followed like this. "Firstly, this thing you call aura will have to take place of magic circuits."

/-/

Years later when those marks had appeared on the back of his hand, Ozma, now as headmaster Ozpin, knew what he had to do. Using Long Memory as his catalyst, he made sure to call upon a Servant that would best aid him. While his old friend's sword now rests in the Vaults of Beacon Academy, he would respect his wish and not summon Gilles here. There was a fear that he would come with that accursed book again and Remnant is already in danger at the presence of its copy; it didn't need the original.

When most of the students had left for their missions, Ozpin had requested that no one was to enter his office for a few hours or so. His faculty and staff already knew of the other secret war that had been going on in the shadows; he used it as an excuse. Eccentricities of an old and reincarnating wizard, he supposed. But this one, he would rather keep that a secret from them; he never learned how Masters were chosen.

Ozpin had been told that blood wasn't necessary. Gilles had guessed that aura being the manifestation of the soul, would be a much louder call to whoever it was that he had intended to summon; Gilles had compared it to a prayer and that it was the soul itself that was reaching out. Besides, what was important was that he himself was to be the anchor of whoever he would bring to this world. With a chalk that had been infused with a little bit of Dust, Remnant's versatile yet volatile resource, the headmaster of Beacon Academy drew a circle with many intricate designs and lines that were contained within it. He did the best he could to recreate the one that his companion from the Great War had made, guided by an old notebook with worn pages. He wasn't certain if this would actually work and neither was Gilles; this was an added measure.

With the difference between Gilles' world and Remnant, they needed the principles behind it rather than the motions. At least, that is the assumption they are working with.

At its center, he put down Long Memory, his cane. The closer and more specific the object being used as a catalyst is to the Heroic Spirit in question, the higher the chances that one was to get that individual. In the case that there wasn't any, Gilles had explained to him that those most like themselves would get summoned instead. Considering who it was that Ozpin intended to summon, both instances should end with the same result; this was nothing more than being certain, removing any chance of luck.

I may not get that knight that you believe I deserve, Gilles, he thought. But know that I could never have done it without your aid. Think better of yourself, you have done more than you realize, wherever you are. Whether that was for better or for worse is up to whatever lies ahead.

When it was done, his fingers touched one of the circles and he began his own chant. Rather than go with the one that Gilles had written for him, Ozpin chose his own. Gilles always did espouse prayers during the Great War and that a personal prayer is often stronger as it is closer and truer to one's hearts. Ozpin chuckled. He had never seen anyone more religious and fervent in their beliefs than that man. Even from his time when the gods of Remnant walked among them, there was little in the way of such devoted worship. The headmaster wondered what it was about this Holy Maiden that Gilles always spoke highly of that made him turn to this God of theirs.

Another difference was that instead of those things called magic circuits, aura was to be in its placement. Ozpin dreaded as he wondered, for a moment, how the magic of Remnant would factor into this. It probably wouldn't be similar to the True Magic that he had heard about. Shaking his head, he could worry about that another time. Right now, he had a Servant to summon. Taking a knee, he placed his fingers on the edge of the circle. He closed his eyes and took a deep and calming breath.

"For it is through the turning of time that we become legends," he began. "Through this, we leave behind memories that become myth and folklore. Infinite in death and veiled by the great curtain, I call upon you, and by my soul, bind you to me."

Just as Gilles had said, the circle he had made began to glow in a light of emerald color. It was a good thing then that he had been in his office. Such brightness surely would have the attention of everyone in Beacon Academy. He didn't want to risk anyone else if he could. He'll take this burden as a Master alone. As it was, there weren't any witnesses.

The gales of wind picked up its pace. Documents and folders were displaced from their places and various objects not heavy enough were being moved by the blowing winds of the ritual. The light grew brighter in a crescendo until it climaxed into flashing neon.

When the light had gone, Ozpin commented as the shadowy figure of the Servant became clearer and his features more distinct, "that is certainly not the face I expected to see. A strange feeling it is, seeing an old but memorable face."

In front of Ozpin was a man whose skin-tone was medium dark and possessed messy brown hair. He had a green tunic and pieces of armor that decorated on his person. Normally, he would have a staff but due to unique circumstances, his Servant possessed a sword instead. It was a sword that Ozpin had recognized and he could easily guess the class of the Heroic Spirit before him. It had been a gamble well paid.

"It is an old favorite, isn't it?" Saber answered. "Though I would say it is far stranger to be seeing a face that I would soon wear, my Master."

Saber did not bare the face of his first incarnation. He bore the face of that life from before he had been cursed, Ozma. A great warrior and mage who had once sought adventure and fighting against whatever evil that cursed the place he was at. An adventurous sort that had been innocent of just what was to come and the tragedy that would have awaited him.

"Welcome to Beacon Academy, your majesty." Ozpin smiled warmly at seeing Saber, like seeing an old friend that he hadn't heard from in decades. "Or rather, welcome back."

"The pleasure is all mine, headmaster." His Servant returned with his own warmth. In some way, he had already accomplished one of his goals: separating himself from his hosts. It wasn't quite there yet but it meant that it was possible. "I have come in response to your summons. I may not be a knight you are looking for but perhaps a king should suffice."

Suddenly, Ozpin nearly collapsed. Saber had been quick to his side. "I am alright. I'm alright." Something had just surged within him.

"What has happened?"

"My…" Ozpin shook his head. A side effect of this Grail War? Or was it something that could only occur here in Remnant? "My aura reserves have been increased?"

Not even Saber had any answers for that. "As far as we know, this has only ever been the second one, here in Remnant. We weren't even Masters then."

"How do you know of this information? Didn't Gilles say that the memories of previous Grail Wars would have been vague at best?"

"I was there, remember?" Saber answered. "Or rather, we were there, in the flesh. The memories you have of that life would still be here with me. I may be forged by the legends and myths that came after but I was still a living thing. I am certain that you still remember that, Ozma the Wizard?"

"Even that paid off?" Ozpin couldn't help but face the heavens above. "Gilles. I could not have asked for a better knight and guide than you." That man had done more than Ozpin had asked for. Checking himself, Ozpin guessed that it might have something to do with the Grail itself.

Saber held Ozpin as gently as he could. Adjusting to the sudden change of aura reserves was a new experience for the headmaster. The Grail War itself was a new experience for him. But now that he was given the chance and he wasn't going to throw it away. He didn't know what happened in the last, but he was certain of what he intends to do in this one.

He had heard of rumors of great battles during the Great War. But they had been away from the populace that he had no means of checking for their truths. He didn't even know who the Masters were at that time or the Servants there.

"We must not let the others know," he said. It was his first order of command. He didn't need to use those marks for that. If he had his way, he didn't have to.

Thankfully, Saber was understanding and knew why. The perks of having one's self as their own Servant. "None of them should be dragged into this, even if it would help to gather allies in this endeavor. Not unless we have to, but we will fight our enemies alone. It will be a difficult path, and one that we couldn't do much if we stay here."

"I'll have to retire from Beacon." Having made their agreement, Ozpin took out a glove from his desk. While it would be odd for the headmaster of Beacon Academy to suddenly wear only one, it wouldn't be too obvious as most wouldn't pay much attention to such detail. Only those close to him would notice.

"Still an aloof man after all these years?" Saber smirked.

"It wouldn't be too out of place, now wouldn't it?" Ozpin chuckled. They really were alike with how similar even their expressions were. "Now come. I recall that our old friend has said that Servants are given knowledge of the world but I am sure you would want to see the state of the kingdom with your own eyes."

Saber only smiled and dematerialized. While he won't be physically present there, Ozpin's Servant would still be able to perceive the world through his eyes. Their eyes. Rather than bring him to glass walls that served as his office's windows, Ozpin took the elevator and made his way to the ground floors of Beacon Academy.

The trip down was quiet and tranquil. It gave Ozpin time to think and adjust his plans. He hadn't expected that the Grail War would come so soon. Then again, considering recent events, it was perhaps inevitable that it would come.

I wonder, he thought. Why had this Grail War happened at all? For something as merely granting a wish, there had to be a purpose for such a reward. Especially here in Remnant. What brought it here?

He could feel Saber's emotions as he laid eyes on the school that he had built. When he had been the King of Vale, he never did see any of the renovations that had occurred for Beacon Academy. It was a good test to see if there were any differences in their perspectives or if there was any gap of knowledge that should be expected given that Saber would still be formed by his legends and myth.

"Oh, you've redecorated," said Saber in his mind. Ozpin's lips curved upwards expectantly. "I don't like it."

"Excuse me?" Ozpin sounded offended, smile quickly fading. That was certainly a difference. Had his tastes changed over the years?

"What happened to that old painting?" The headmaster felt the direction that his Servant was pointing at. True, there had been a painting there. "One of our friends made that painting and you had it removed?"

"A necessity, I'm afraid," he defended. "Few people ever truly appreciate the artistic expressions made by a friend. Though, I would think it should please you to know that the painting has been moved to the National Museum."

"And what about these walls?" Apparently, his Servant wasn't listening. Saber was more focused on the changes that have been made after his lifetime. "Does Beacon not have enough in its budget to at least repaint these every once in a while? It looks so dull."

"I would argue that it is better that we focus more on the students' education than mere appearances." There were also the vandals who drew phallic objects on them and phone numbers that falsely leads to a good time. Ozpin pitied the students who had their contact information spread like that.

It was a good thing that there was no one else present. Ozpin may be an aloof, maybe even odd, headmaster but to have him engage in conversations with himself—even if it was quite literal—might just be a step too far. Even worse was that he was engaging in some kind of argument.

"And your carpets are in need of washing."

"Okay." Ozpin's temples are in need of a massage. They were supposed to be of similar mind. What a moment this must be, Ozpin actually wishing for similarities rather than differences. "Is there anything that you like about Beacon?"

"Beacon is a special place for me. Perhaps it is the reputation that we have made in that life but this school is akin to children for us. To see it in such a state is terrible for an old man's heart."

Ozpin rolled his eyes. Was he really that doting of a father? "I am certain that I am the older one here."

The tour continued. Thankfully, at least on the renovations and new additions, Saber had given him complements and praises on the decisions made. Ozpin had that going for him at least. Sentimentality. He supposed he could forgive his Servant self of that. He probably would if he ever would be summoned as one by whoever would be his host somewhere down the line.

He shook his head. If Ozpin had his way, this would be the last life that he would live.

"Not even going to rely on our gods, this time?" Saber asked.

"No," Ozpin replied. "I have… doubts about how they would see this… foreign element in Remnant." If they were observing Remnant at all.

"Messing with their experiment, perhaps." Ozpin could feel his Servant nodding in his head. "They would most definitely wouldn't see it favorably. Especially if the Grail does what we intend to do with it."

However, the tour turned sour when Ozpin brought Saber to the Vault. After giving his assurances, his Servant manifested and walked alongside his Master. Ozpin had brought him to Amber's pod. Her comatose state was one that still weighs on him even after all this time.

Ozpin had explained to Saber everything that had occurred to her. For certainty's sake, they had checked Amber's hands. The three marks were absent which was a relief.

"I do not even wish to begin what it would be like serving a comatose Master," said Saber.

"Even if she was," Ozpin agreed. "With half of her powers taken, who would even take command? The magic of the Maidens is another element that we have yet to consider. Is there any information from the Grail perhaps?"

Saber shook his head. "Unless you're looking for the Maidens as Heroic Spirits. Even then, I doubt that they would bear their names in life, just like I have in this one."

"Then, we can assume that none of the Maidens were Masters during the Great War either."

"Has this operation been done before?" Saber waited for Ozpin's response. When his Master shook his head, he added, "a new type of Grimm. One of hers, no doubt."

"There couldn't be anyone else." While the Grimm may be creatures that aren't yet fully understood, one thing was certain in their eyes: The Grimm responsible for Amber wasn't one that could occur naturally. It couldn't have evolved from anything and had her work written on it.

"And she still has the book, doesn't she?"

"She's holding it close to her chest." Ozpin looked down in shame. "We should have destroyed it when we had the chance."

"Gilles had been wounded. He sacrificed himself for our sake."

"Yes. It worries me that we might see him again."

"Is the sword still here?"

"Yes, would you like me to show you?"

His Servant didn't need to wait for approval. Saber was already making his way towards one of the storage rooms located here in Beacon. It had been built during his life and it was as the King of Vale that had Gilles' blade stored here. A small container, couldn't even be called a room; it was much closer to that of a special locker that allowed a bit more wiggle room for one person to step inside. There was a lock there and Ozpin had the key.

There it was within a sleek black case. Untouched ever since it had been stored here, the sword of the man who had come to be known as the Mad Saber rested. Saber's hands traced the corners of the case gently. Though his fingers were coarse and rough, his fingers were gliding as he felt that rectangular shape. He stopped when it touched the unlocking mechanisms of the case.

"Has it acted, recently?" asked Saber.

"I wouldn't know." Ozpin shook his head. "I had never touched it. If it had, I would never have noticed."

"Gilles always did spout something about this Holy Maiden of his."

Ozpin thought about for a moment. "Yes… yes he did. You remember what he said her name was?"

"He said it was Jeanne, I think. Jeanne d'Arc."

Thoughts of one of Ozpin's students came to mind. "Perhaps it might have. Though, I am uncertain just how alike they may be." He might have to check to see if he was a Master too. At least, he could trust him if he did get Gilles. It would be a relief, honestly. "If you wish, we could bring him here under pretense of being in the circle. Both him and his partner."

"Perhaps another time." Saber left the case as it was. This special containment locker had been constructed well enough that not even dust particles made their way in. The only damage that had been done here was the slight fading of the color but that was barely noticeable with the dim lighting of the Vault. "Besides, we met Gilles in a changed state. How different would his original Caster form be? If he would even recognize us at all."

Returning to the office, both Master and Servant made their way back up. They confirmed beyond any doubt Saber had a basic grasp of the world of Remnant. The only differences here were the details but those were unimportant. Remnant was enjoying its greatest time of peace here and their hearts sank at the thought. It wasn't just Amber's incident that made them this way but the fact that they were Master and Servant at all. How much of that peace would last now that there is another Holy Grail War to be waged?

Once again, Saber dematerialized when Ozpin had stepped into the elevator. The trip back to the office wasn't as tranquil as before though it was hard to tell from the outside.

"They will come for her," Saber said their thoughts out loud. "Even if it would be possible with only half of the Maiden's power, they will still come for Amber. They'll come for the Relic, too, if they could find it."

"Which is why we will be staying here for the time being," Ozpin replied. "You are at your strongest here, Saber." Knowing what he had to do, the headmaster contemplated at having his resignation after the Vytal Festival. It had been a long time since he himself had been the adventurer. For too long he had stayed in one place, made sure that the kingdoms kept going. But with the Grail War soon coming, Ozpin realized that he could not stay in Beacon throughout it all; he had to be on the move.

The familiar ticking sounds of the tower's gears greeted them both as they reentered the office. The rest of the day had been spent in performing his duties as the headmaster. Though there was little to be done, there was still the matter of a multitude of paperwork that he had to perform for Vale. With Saber at his side, such demands were halved. His Servant knew of his signature and could make decisions that he would approve. Saber was more of an ordinary servant at the moment.

Of course, should anyone enter the room, and there were hints of that that they could both hear, Saber would vanish, keeping his presence a secret. He couldn't wander far from his Master, they were testing their limits while the students were away and found that there was a certain distance that Saber could go without straining much of his Master's aura. For Ozpin, the limit was at the gates of Beacon Academy if he were to start in his office. Any further and more aura would need to be used. Had that been the reason that his reserves had increased?

"Perhaps it the magical energy. Magic circuits are much closer to pseudo nerves, aren't they?"

"And Aura is tied to the soul itself. Maybe even Remnant's magical energy made manifest."

As they continued to exchange information and test what they could do, Ozpin wrote down everything that he learned. Most were merely confirmations and rejections of those hypotheses and theories that he and Gilles had made. Aura in place of magic circuits? Check. Dust instead of blood? Check. Increase of reserves? That was new. The only thing that remained was combat.

Then, one day later, there was an attack on Vale. Rather than panic, Ozpin only smirked. He wasn't ignorant of the news. There had been reports of Dust robberies lately with no sign of them ever returning to the market. The conclusion made had been simple: The Dust was being stored somewhere for a reason. He already had scouts sent for that express purpose and now that it had occurred, it was time to put test another thing.

"Come Saber," Ozpin said. "Let us see what we can do."

"In public?"

"I'm certain that you could keep yourself hidden," Ozpin assured him. "I shall be there myself. Should there anyone who happens to bear witness, let it be on me."

"Already preparing for the future, aren't we?"

"We do not know who else would be participating. Let us only hope that she isn't one of them this time."

He could feel his Servant nodding. "Forth with valor, Valean."

"With valor," Ozpin repeated. Old words that he used to say. Such things fade with time. Shame, really. Ozpin really liked that one.

The pair hopped onto the Bullhead. Other professors that remained in Beacon joined him in his flight. Throughout the flight, Ozpin would occasionally glance down at the hands of those who shared the flight with him. Only he had a glove on while the others had their exposed, revealing only their skin. It was only after he had been certain of marks' absence did he relax.

"That is a lot of Grimm," Saber said. "Brought to Mountain Glenn as their launch point."

Ozpin nodded in agreement. He had sent scouts there for a reason. One thing is for certain: Beacon won't be handling security for the Vytal Tournament now.

When they were of adequate height, many of the huntsmen and huntresses there have begun to leap off the airship. Ozpin waited until after everyone else had descended. Rather than use any sort of landing strategy, he stayed as the only passenger in that airship until the pilots found a more secure landing spot. From there, Ozpin rushed out and immediately dealt with the nearby Grimm on his own. Saber will have his moment but it falls to him as the Master to set the stage.

"This should be good." After having satisfied his conditions, Ozpin checked his surroundings for any witnesses. When there were none, he said, "Saber, now is your chance."

Surrounding them were only a few Grimm. They could barely be called fodder.

"Not much of a challenge here, Master. A warmup at best perhaps."

"Good. That is what we're looking for."

"Very well, then. Let us see what we can do."

Saber appeared shortly after and engaged with the Grimm. True enough, they could barely be called fodder as they fell by Saber's sword. Ozpin watched as vigilant as he could. There were no witnesses that he could detect.

/-/

Cinder's eyes narrowed when she caught a glimpse of the headmaster of Beacon Academy separating from the rest of the group when they had landed. She had been far enough from them that she was certain that she wouldn't have been seen. Even if she was, no one will think that she was specifically following him. As she stomped down on the Beowolf that pounced at her, everyone will simply guess that she was looking out for some ally of hers while they were busy defending Vale.

One of her hands traced the back of the other. The marks there were kept hidden underneath a carefully designed combat gloves that specifically hid much of it. As an added measure, she wrapped bandages around it, giving off the impression that she was an unarmed combatant. Hardly anyone would notice them unless they were specifically looking for them. Only other participants would ever notice it. Only other participants would ever look for it.

"Ma'am?" Emerald asked. With her was Mercury Black.

"Help out the other huntsmen and huntresses for now," she commanded.

"But the Grimm?"

"We will have another chance and another time." She continued to trace that hand. If needs be, she always had a monster of her own to wreck that havoc. Hiding it would prove difficult, however. Her own monster wasn't the stealthiest of beings. "A more fitting time."

So, she thought. Are you participating this time, my dear headmaster? She'll need to know. Looking at the Grimm surrounding her, an idea came to her. Perhaps, I should call for some reconnaissance. I'm sure she'll send one as soon as she is able. She'll need to know if there were others here in Beacon. Some Seers will suffice.

One of her eyes burned. She could feel that longing, that desire to be whole again. Soon. She'll take that which is hers soon. It was only a matter of time but her patience was running thin. She had yet to find her target's location but it had to be close. She was close.

Cinder relieved some of that stress by striking the Grimm that dared approach her.

"Not yet, Berserker," she whispered. But there was no one physically there to hear her. "Not yet. We will strike soon." Cinder will have her moment and she needed to play her cards right. She had to considering the monster she has at her beck and call.

Chapter Text

The sight of Pyrrha Nikos carrying the dying Jaune Arc brought a heaviness to Ozpin's heart. Another mistake. Another innocent life, dead by his hands. The headmaster of Beacon Academy could tell that the boy wouldn't make it. With lifetimes worth of experiences, Ozpin had grown accustomed to the harsh realities that is the death of others. If only he too could join them. His hand ached. Not yet. There was no reason to bring Saber out yet. Ozpin had his suspicions but he didn't want to risk revealing his hand just yet.

"There can be no doubt about it." Saber assured his Master. "They had a Servant. It lasted only a moment before they vanished. But we must let those two get away first. We cannot put them in anymore danger than they already have."

"All this time," Cinder Fall said. She looked down at him with such smugness that he wanted to rip it from her in that moment. She had caused this. She had killed Amber. She had been responsible for this attack and for what? A promise of power that could only ever go one way? "Right beneath our feet. She was right about you."

Ozpin readied his cane. With her now possessing all of the Fall Maiden's powers, he needed to protect the Relic of Choice. It wasn't here beneath Beacon as an added measure but he would rather not take the chance of having her find it. He needed to make sure that at least one Relic was far out of their reach.

"Oh." Cinder snickered. "Not quite. You see, I didn't come alone."

The headmaster's eyes narrowed. He braced himself for whatever it was that was coming. He had felt it before but it had been quick and sudden that he had been caught off guard. If his suspicions were correct, it was only a matter of figuring out the class and identity of the opposing Servant.

"Berserker!"

Ozpin's feet moved fast. Pushing himself off the ground, he leapt backwards, avoiding the sudden slam that left behind a small crater on the ground.

"Master? You?" Ozpin feigned shock. "Of course, you would be one." When the dust had cleared, he had gotten a much better look of Berserker. It certainly explained what had happened to him earlier. So that was her Servant.

It was a monster. Tall and humanoid in its appearance. The colors were difficult to make out in the darkness of the Vault but Ozpin could guess the purple, almost black, body. The horns were striped and it had a long tail. Its movements were erratic and the head was twitching.

"Escaped," it spoke. "Correcting. Aiming. Chasing!"

Ozpin ran. Now wasn't the best time to call for Saber, he needed to find the right opportunity to move. Berserker crashed into the wall behind him. Debris fell on Berserker's form as Ozpin sought to create as much distance between himself and the enemy Servant. The elevator was still rising, it needed more time.

"Do you really think you could run?" Cinder Fall mocked him. "Oh, that's right. You weren't a Master the last time, were you? But you are now. Don't even try to hide it. I felt it since the Breach."

"Not yet," Ozpin said to his Servant. He tried to keep his voice down. Of course, Saber himself wasn't physically visible. "We need to have Berserker hit the elevator after they've left."

Placing himself between Berserker and the elevator, Ozpin readied his cane. The gears have yet to move.

"Pursuing!" Berserker cried out as it did. "Leaping!"

"Berserker! Halt!" Cinder Fall commanded.

In mid-air, Berserker dematerialized and rematerialized by its Master. "Damn it," Ozpin whispered. "She must have heard."

"Do you honestly believe that you could bury us all?" Cinder asked. "How fortunate that among us here, you are the only one who gets to live, from a certain point of view." She rose in the air. "Another gamble perhaps? No. You will not gamble any further than this."

She launched herself towards him. Boosting her speed with the Fall Maiden's powers, Cinder would have struck at him like a cannonball. Ozpin readied his cane. She needed to get closer. From the corner of his eye, Berserker acted.

"Now!" Ozpin cried out.

Saber's blade had manifested first, slashing at Cinder Fall. However, Berserker had moved to protect her, bearing the brunt of the blade. Berserker then proceeded to create distance between themselves again before Ozpin could do anything.

"Damn it," he cursed again. "So close."

"We'll have another chance," Saber replied as he manifested himself. With Cinder having a Servant of her own beyond any doubt, there was no further reason to keep himself hidden. "This is our kingdom after all. We have the home field advantage. I, for one, want intend to pay them back for this treason. Though, I'm certain that you feel the same way."

"I would rather that we don't go anywhere above this Vault. There could still be others that have yet to be chosen." Assuming that they weren't already.

"Of course, my Master."

Saber pointed his blade at Cinder who was rather surprised at his presence. Berserker was between them, ready to defend its Master.

"A Saber no less?" Cinder demanded answers.

"You were right about thing, Miss Fall," answered Ozpin. "I wasn't a Master the last time. However, it would be unwise to assume that I hadn't involved myself in it."

"And it would be most foolish," continued Saber. "To think that I haven't made preparations on the chance that this would come again."

Cinder's eyes narrowed. She turned between Saber and Ozpin himself. She then snickered. She shook her head in realization. "Such arrogance, indeed. Is there really anyone you would trust?"

Slowly, she clapped her hands. Berserker moved aside but stayed close to her. Once again, the two parties were now in a standoff. With the added element of Servants however, the risks of the Vault's destruction had become greater. Ozpin counted Beacon's structure as lost already.

Thank you, Gilles, he thought as his eyes drifted back to that locker where his companion's sword was placed; it hadn't been damaged yet which was a relief. I only hope that I wouldn't see you this time or if I do, it would be as actual allies.

Ozpin didn't want anyone else to be involved in this. From what he had learned, there can only be one outcome to this conflict and the headmaster wasn't about to put the others in such dangers. As such, he kept it a secret even from them. Looking at Cinder, however, it was clear that the Queen wasn't of the same mind.

"The King of Vale," Cinder guessed. "The man who ended the Great War and if I'm not mistaken, one of your previous lives as well. I wonder if those rumors that sprung up afterwards had any reason."

"And you have the Jabberwalker," Ozpin countered. "The Girl who Fell Through the World. Fitting that someone like you would get a monster."

At the mention of Berserker's true name, Cinder Fall can be seen growling, fire burning in her hand. Not the Servant she had wanted, then? Good. That would give him and Saber another advantage. When Ozpin made his choice of Servant, there was only one individual that he wanted to put that trust in: himself. Was it arrogance? Perhaps. Ozpin personally saw it as having one Servant that he knew he would be able to aid him in this endeavor. Ozpin's eyes closed. He made his decision.

"Saber," Ozpin called. "The circumstances have changed. Let the tower fall. There shouldn't be any witnesses. We can't risk any of them possibly becoming Masters. We can rebuild after if we must."

"The Grail takes priority." Saber nodded. "Let's hope the others would come soon and to our aid."

"Yes." Ozpin agreed. "Let us hope so."

"You could just kill them you know?" Cinder interrupted the conversation. "Save yourself the trouble of keeping this danger away from the rest."

"Never. Unlike her, I am not going to throw away lives for this accursed ritual."

"Cursed, he says." Cinder rolled her eyes. "But you have your own wish as well, don't you? Why else would those be there on your hand?" She pointed at his gloved hand, the same hand that had the Command Spells. Ozpin had three and so did she. "You have desires just as anyone else, just as she does."

Ozpin made no response to that. Cinder Fall was right in that regard. However, Ozpin had been chosen. While he would rather that the last one and really would have preferred to be the only one, there was no denying that by doing so, he was deliberately making things harder for himself. Better that the burden be on him than on anyone else. His allies would have been hunted if that were the case. He didn't want to think about having to fight them all for his own wish, no matter how much he wanted it.

It was his burden to bear. It had been his mistake. He should never have brought their daughters out like that. They didn't need to suffer for their parents' failures.

I swear it, Salem. I'll give you that rest you kept searching for. Let the burden of immortality be on me. Just please, don't hurt anyone else. They've already suffered enough.

Saber was the first to attack. Berserker followed suit and the two locked one another in place as they clashed. Neither Master was going to sit back and watch as they also engaged in their own fight. Both Ozpin and Saber needed to make sure that the fight would be contained here. Both needed to finish it here as swift as they can. With Pyrrha Nikos being out there calling for help, the two had a timer. If the number of participants wasn't enough, there was the risk of them being dragged into this.

"It really is fitting," Ozpin said, goading Cinder into frustration. "A monstrous Servant for a monstrous Master." It had worked. Judging from her expression, Cinder clearly didn't want Berserker as her Servant. She must have wanted someone else.

Cinder Fall overextended herself and blasted a flame at his direction. But he was faster, moving aside, he managed to keep his clothes from burning up. Before she could move, a multitude of blunt thrusts from his cane struck at her. With a final, more forceful thrust, Ozpin pushed Cinder further back. Aura had protected her from any damage but such reserves were limited. Though considering what had happened with him, it is likely that she had more.

While the clash between Masters had been in Ozpin's favor, the same was not said for the Servants. Berserker was larger, had longer reach, and was overall stronger compared to Saber. Monstrous Strength, perhaps? Berserkers often trade reasoning and tactics for a large power boost. Despite the advantage of being in Vale, Saber was only able to match against his opponent in a contest of bursting blows. The Jabberwalker, sometimes considered a precursor to the Grimm, was often the first monster that children would learn about as they grew up. While Saber may be well-known in Vale especially and even across the kingdoms to some extent, given the Great War, Berserker was a figure that was known all over Remnant; its strength was fueled by the fear that the people have growing up. No matter where it would go, Berserker would never be weakened by its location; perhaps it was stronger now as well with all that negativity occurring above the Vault.

Before the Grimm, children feared the Jabberwalker. Before the King of Vale, people knew of the Jabberwalker. With Cinder's Fall Maiden powers on top of her aura, it was of no surprise that Saber was on the defense more often than not.

The glass pods broke and Amber's dead body flew out along with Saber. He was unaffected by it and there was damage done to the surroundings. Saber had to impale his sword into the ground just to stop himself from flying any further.

Taking it out of the ground, Saber's sword emitted powerful winds and glowed a bright green light. A beam of energy went flying by Berserker who still moved to avoid it out of instinct. The target had been the elevator. Stones and debris had begun to fall and the place that section of the wall was becoming unstable.

Cinder came for Ozpin again. Raising his cane, Ozpin braced for impact as she threw her entire body against him. The soles of his shoes left behind marks on the ground as he buckled his knees. His teeth grind as his aging muscles ached. He may not be that young anymore but he wasn't that old yet.

Glass weapons kept breaking as they clashed with a singular cane. The Long Memory was made of strong and durable material while Cinder's were disposable but easily replaced. However, he could not deny the black stains on his cane as the glass had been heated.

Berserker and Saber left behind cracks and craters on the ground. Dust clouds were rising everywhere and weren't given the time to settle before another arose. Stray blasts of energy struck the walls as broken stone and debris had begun to sprinkle across the Vault. With each light bulb being destroyed, the visibility of their surroundings shrunk. Ozpin's only source of light, ironically, came from his opponent.

Cinder's preference for fire was proving itself both a detriment and an advantage. Advantage in that it allowed Ozpin to see where she is attacking from in these shadows. Detriment in that he still needed to react and such made it difficult if she had been too far.

Weaving his way through the rain of fire, Ozpin closed the distance against a retreating Cinder Fall. He could have gotten her then were it not for Cinder conjuring a ring of flame to protect her. Not only did it push him back but it also burnt a few strands of his hair and the edges of his clothes.

He lost his balance as the back of his foot had hit a fallen stone when he had been forced back. Berserker's tail went slamming down against him but Ozpin managed to roll out. When the headmaster raised his head, he caught sight of Saber's sword grazing Berserker's face as he launched himself towards Ozpin's area.

Saber turned to help Ozpin get up. It was still a strange feeling, to be helped up physically by yourself. He must have noticed the widening of his Master's eyes for Saber immediately pushed Ozpin away and tried to swing his sword ahead of time.

However, it was too late. Berserker's arm had directly punctured a hole through Saber. Blood had begun to spill with some leaking out of his mouth. Berserker had taken Saber's life.

"Shame." Cinder shook her head. "What was that you said? Home field advantage? Perhaps the King of Vale did have that with this place being Vale and all. However, how many people could not possibly have heard of the Jabberwal—"

Berserker flew across the Vault. More debris had begun to fall. The Vault was becoming unstable at this rate. If they kept fighting here, there was no possible means for Ozpin to keep this a secret. There would be witnesses and with that, possible Masters.

I will have to recruit them, he thought. There was little chance of avoiding witnesses now. He could only hope that his closest allies were chosen or he could get to the others before Salem did. How many does she have now? Is she also one? Please let it not be Gilles if that is so!

"How?" Cinder demanded. "How are you still…?"

"I told you," Saber responded. His body began to glow. His face began to change. His messy brown hair had been replaced with the color platinum-blond. The hole in his body had closed up and it appeared as though he hadn't been wounded at all. "Ever since the Great War, I have made sure to prepare myself just then in case."

Cinder Fall then realized it. "The Infinite Man. So, you really have made preparations." Her tone spoke of respect. "You did it yourself."

Ozpin turned to look at the new face of Saber. His first incarnation since being given the curse. He then turned to face Cinder again. "It was a gamble well-paid." He might as well accept the myths and legends that have been made of him. Though, this one was of his own making. Combining the Infinite Man with that of the King of Vale plus adding his self on top it had been a difficult task.

"With no risk of being labelled a conspiracy nut." Saber snickered. "But it certainly paid off. We could do this all night." Renewed in his strength, Saber readied himself for another battle.

Berserker poised itself to pounce again. It was really animal-like in its movements; with its twitching head and imposing size, any other person would have trembled. "Halt," Cinder commanded. "We do not have time for this." A second passed. She looked up at the ceiling. Any simple act could bring it down crashing. "I know. Why don't we get some fresh air? It certainly beats being buried here!"

"No!" Ozpin called out. Cinder was intending to bring the fight above ground. She wasn't intending to kill them here. She didn't intend to just kill them. "Saber!"

Saber went to intercept a rising Cinder. However, Berserker came to stop him before they could do so. The plan of having to bury Cinder and Berserker in the debris had backfired. Ozpin would have been fine though they would have had to gamble again with what would happen after; would Saber be bound to his next incarnation and would he be part of Saber's lives? As the Vault had begun to fall around them, Cinder kept herself safe by being drilling her way through the ceilings.

Berserker had dematerialized at this point and presumably followed its Master to the above ground. Saber went back to lift and carry his own Master and hopped from stone to stone until they too have arrived above ground.

"There is no avoiding it now," Saber said. "If there are still others that haven't been chosen, they will be soon enough."

"I know, Saber!" Ozpin snapped back. It was a strange thing, yelling at yourself. Then again, since they were kindred spirits in more ways than one, it would only be expected that they share similar thought processes. "Let's just hope that it would be Qrow or Ironwood."

"Not Glynda?"

"Someone needs to stay behind in Beacon if we had to leave." Ozpin shook his head. "Qrow would be our best option." The fact that Glynda was better at paperwork than he ever was didn't even register in his mind.

"Alright," Saber said, nodding. "You're the older one of us here."

Ozpin would genuinely hit himself right now if it weren't for the fact that he was still being carried through the falling caverns. The Vault was many, many, levels below the ground floor of Beacon. Both for safety and to ensure that it would be kept as much a secret as it was. There was no telling if some student had decided to blow up the floor and revealed the Vault. No. That would be unlikely, the payload would have to be too dramatic for that.

Up above ground, chaos was reigning in the distance. The battle of Beacon had spread out into the wider city of Vale. Much of Beacon was still standing, thankfully. The tower still stood. However, there was a large Wyvern Grimm that was flying circles around it. With the absence of airships, that would be another problem for Ozpin to handle, if this life would ever survive this.

Cinder Fall and Berserker were up there waiting for him. Without the constraints of the Vault, she was free to put herself, quite literally, above everyone else, as high as she pleases. She levitated high enough that Ozpin had to actually look up to see her; she at least had the decency to cover herself.

There were no witnesses yet. That was good. Ozpin continued to scan the area and his eyes widened as he froze. Through the entrance, he could see the figure of Pyrrha Nikos holding Jaune Arc in her arms. The blonde boy had already died and she has yet to evacuate.

Damn it! He cursed a third time. He'll have to check her hand after this, if she survived that is. No, she will survive. I won't allow anything else! I will not lose any more students this night!

"Concerned?" Cinder knew. She must have seen her as well. It was doubtful though that Pyrrha would have seen them; her attention was above, on the Grimm Wyvern "I did see her hold a scroll when I got here. I wonder who did she manage to call? I don't know about you but I am certainly patient for a full house."

"And you call me arrogant," Ozpin retorted. Dusting himself, Ozpin took this moment of respite to measure his own aura reserves. He still had enough, perhaps around the middle of yellow. "We both know that there could only be two ways that this farce can end, Miss Fall. My and Salem's curses would make it so that you could only go for the Servants, and neither of us are easy to kill even then."

"And you could always forge another contract, correct?" Cinder guessed. "Make no mistake. I am already aware of that. My mistress has already prepared for such scenarios. Though, of course, I have my own plans. Tell you what, Ozpin. I'll give you this: she is also a Master."

"Of course, she would." Ozpin wasn't surprised. She had been a Master the last time as well. The only difference was that she had lost that time. He didn't know who won but he didn't care. What had been important was that Salem lost. "Another chance, I suppose."

"Yes, another chance to make up for her failure for the last one." Cinder agreed. "Now then, shall we make those our final words?"

"So be it." Ozpin pointed his cane at her. Saber, next to him, did the same with the sword.

"I am Saber," said Saber. "Ozma. King of Vale. The Infinite Man."

"Berserker," replied the opposing Servant. "Jabberwalker. Battle. Ends. Today."

Having each made their declarations, the two Servants engaged once more. Their singular clash shook the still standing walls of Beacon Academy. The force behind it blew away any debris and broke free any frame that may have been hanging on to their doors or windows. Glass shattered and metals snapped. Sharpened rocks scratched and clawed anything that stood in place. Ozpin and Cinder's clothes had tears in them before auras could reach out far enough to cover it.

Their respective Masters, unwilling to let their Servants do all the fighting, clashed as well. It wasn't as impressive as the Servants, though. While the Servants could clash once and great gales of wind would push most things aside, theirs had weaker output by comparison. Fire and glass clashed with aged steel. Glass kept on shattering as Ozpin's cane broke through the fragile weapons. Balance was in Cinder's favor on account of being in the air while the headmaster of Beacon Academy would occasionally stumble due to a rock or debris hidden by the shadows. But experience went to him. His body may have been old but it was still a capable one.

/-/

The ground cracked and left behind quite the mark when Saber had dodged Berserker's strike. Saber utilizing his speed and agility to its fullest extent while Berserker dominated any contest of strength. To make up for it, Saber used the walls, doors, and stones to distract and slow down his opponent. At times, flashes of green lights appeared as Saber's sword burst with energies that kept Berserker from coming too close. Fame or not, Saber was not willing to let Berserker have his way. Not in his kingdom.

In contests of absolute strength, Berserker would dominate over Saber here. Unrestrained and uncontrolled, its reach made that already impressive strength into something greater. Saber, by contrast, had better control of his bursts power. A wiser warrior who knew when to back away or to move aside as he kept the flat of his sword between himself and the whooshing tail of Berserker as he slashed from behind. Saber had speed and agility that Berserker could only barely keep up.

Saber had built much of Beacon. He knew every nook and cranny at the back of his hand. Both he and his Master had walked these halls just for that purpose.

Much like the Vault below, the walls of Beacon Academy were beginning to fall as more and more of its foundations have been destroyed that the ones that remained simply could not hold all that weight above them. Dust clouds were clouding their vision as the ground itself is slowly becoming the most unfavorable place for any sort of fight. Even Cinder Fall had to refrain from using her flames as often as she did with all the damage; she wasn't about to second guess if that scent that she picked up really had been gas.

Another forceful wind blew the surroundings apart. It was either a testament to the builders or the material that somehow, there were still portions of Beacon Academy that was still standing. Saber, upon noticing that he was the one having the hard time in the confined space, moved the fight to more open areas and by that he meant a section of Beacon where there are no walls or roofs.

Berserker followed suit. Saber had sidestepped when he felt the intent of attack from behind. Even with his back turned, there was no disguising that maddening air about Berserkers. They are not known to be the stealthiest of Servants, after all. Neither was Saber really but he wasn't trying to be stealthy in the slightest.

Another burst of energy erupted from Saber's sword. Berserker had quite the defensive capability being able to endure that much at such close range. Maiden powers on top of aura reserves made a character strengthened by its fame even greater. Even with the advantages that he had, Saber still wasn't certain of his own victory.

The two Servants stood still. Their feet shifted and shuffled as they got into more comfortable positions. The evening air was absent and the fires that had burned much of the cities were distant. Grimm were absent except for that large Wyvern still hovering in the sky. The tower of Beacon had already fallen along with the CCT tower. Whether that was by Saber's actions or Berserker's is anyone's guess. Saber himself hadn't personally noticed it before now.

Berserker was the first to move; its claws were glowing a strange light. Saber flinched as he readied himself for the upcoming attack. Gusts of wind covered his blade. There would be too much if he had done it here, but if Berserker was willing to go for it, then so must he. Even if he failed, he had more lives to go through. However, no strike had come.

"Numbers," Berserker said. His head was twitching with great speeds that it looks as though it left behind afterimages. "Overwhelming. Retreating."

With those final words, Berserker dematerialized and left the battlefield. Saber had been left behind to wonder what had just happened.

"The cavalry finally arrived." He realized soon after. The current members of the inner circle must have arrived to assist his Master in the fight against Cinder Fall. Even with the Fall Maiden's powers, the experience and numbers of professional huntsmen and huntresses would eventually overwhelm her. Between the two, the Master would be the better target.

"Saber!" Ozpin called out. When he turned, Saber found the surprised expressions of Glynda Goodwitch, James Ironwood, and Qrow Branwen. Ozpin hurried to approach him. "Get that Wyvern as far away from the people of Vale as possible. Most have them already gathered towards a single area. You have nothing to worry about hurting them."

"But I will not be able to keep it a secret," Saber responded. He looked to the others. None of them seemed to have those marks either.

"Never mind that," his Master assured him. "We will deal with that as they come. None of these three have it so they are safe at least. No one else will die tonight."

"Ozpin, what's going on?" Glynda asked. Everyone else seemed confused. "Who's this?"

"Myself, Glynda," Ozpin replied. "Or rather one of my selves. I had hoped that none of you would know about this. It is not that I don't trust you, it is that I would rather none of you get involved in this. But it's too late now. Check the back of every hand of the people in Vale. If any of them possess three strange marks that they have no knowledge about, bring them to me. I intended to do this alone but if there are allies, then I will find them and recruit them."

Ozpin then turned to face Saber again. "Can you deal with the Wyvern?"

"Of course." Saber nodded. "My Master."

With a formal bow, Ozma the Saber-class Servant went off. With more bursts of energy from his sword, he managed to get the attention of the Wyvern. Hopefully, Ozpin still had enough reserves to let him go this far. He could already feel the strain that distance was having on his Master.

Saber's eyes turned back to his Master, with a nod he burst again with that energy of his, drawing the Wyvern further away. He didn't need to have it be done so close to Vale's population; no further damage will be done to his kingdom.

We will rebuild, he thought. Though he was known as the King of Vale, Saber is, first and foremost, the King of the Valeans.

Chapter Text

Having grabbed the Wyvern's attention, Saber's next course of action is to bring said Grimm as far away from the populace as it can. Grimm were still spawning from the large beast but with the absence of civilians around, there was no worry for the King of Vale. Still, he might as well make it easier for his people. Each Grimm that had spawned were quickly dealt with.

I will not let you destroy my kingdom any more than you already have, he thought. Now that he was a Servant, he was, in some way, free from the curse of the Brothers that have made Remnant, the same ones that bestowed this curse upon on him. It really had been a gamble. A gamble paid off but still a gamble. He wasn't sure what his Master would have done if it had failed. No wait, he does. He would have summoned someone else for it, probably Gilles.

In life, or rather, in another one, past or future, depending on one's point of reference, Saber had been the King of Vale during one of the harshest periods of Remnant's history: The Great War. It had been a time of great strife and pain. At first, Saber had thought that Salem must have had some way to bring back magic into Remnant what with the information and destruction that he had heard then. It was only by chance that he had learned that it wasn't quite the case.

It began as simple rumor. Making use of that cult that he had built so long ago, he spread the idea that the King of Vale was the reincarnating Infinite Man. Simple enough since he had allies that know the truth and that it technically was; it was only a matter of spreading that into the populace. A legend that he had made for himself. If it were any other time, he would have hesitated in becoming a god among men again. However, this wasn't one of those times. For the sake of Remnant's people, he will take that mantle again. Saber even had traces of Divinity reflecting that.

Gilles had scoffed at Remnant's magic, claiming to have seen magecraft of greater scales than this. At first, Saber thought that it must have been a joke. However, as groups of spawning Grimm were deleted by the bursts of energy that Saber released from his own sword, he could not help but agree. Not even the full magic that he had could match this. Not even the aura slashes that huntsmen and huntresses could do could match this. The magecraft of that other world must have been something else. Or perhaps, was it simply a product of his legend? Ever does it become grander in scale before one looks into the numbers. Perhaps it was with the hindsight of today's technology and advancement that such things seemed grander in scale.

As for the identity of the others in that Grail War? Saber had never learned of that in life; the only thing that he was certain of was that Salem had lost during that Grail War, ironically by her own hand with Gilles' betrayal. There had been talk about a great battle that had occurred at sea but most dismissed it. It was in the open waters, away from any of the kingdoms that served no strategic purpose. That didn't stop the passing ships from talking, though. Much like himself, Salem had been ignorant of it at the time as well, stripping her own Servant of some kind of spell book which had changed Gilles significantly into the Saber-class despite still being a Caster, however that works.

It took time for Gilles to realize it then, but when he did, his betrayal of his Master had been an opportunity that Saber would not let go. The two confronted the terrible monster that Salem had tried to correct with her own variation and while that hadn't been quite as successful as he had hoped, the one thing that was guaranteed was that Salem had lost the Grail War and thus lost her chance of whatever terrible wish she wanted. No. It wouldn't have been a terrible wish. But it was a wish that she would have sought no matter how many lives would be lost along the way.

This time, however, he thought. She must have understood just what she could accomplish. Saber kept running. The sooner he gets to finish the battle here, the sooner that they could begin their counterattack in the shadows. Whether she really had been chosen this time or not, Salem would find a way to be involved in this Grail War. He was certain that she doesn't intend to lose again.

Saber slashed through the hordes of spawning Grimm. These ones didn't come from the Wyvern but were charging into Vale from outside. The Wyvern was still following him from behind. Everything about Saber had been increased than it had been while he had been alive in any lifetime. His strength, speed, agility, endurance, everything about his current status as a Servant had been of greater scales than he had in any life. Feats that have been enhanced by legend and rumor that he had to make for himself.

Checking himself, Saber nodded. The drain on his Master's aura wasn't too drastic yet. There was a greater drain, certainly in this distance. But he could manage it well enough. He wasn't planning on leaving the capital anyway. It should be fine enough.

I really cannot thank you enough, Gilles. Since then, Saber had been making his own preparations since the Grail War, for one reason or another, now exists on Remnant. He needed to ready himself on the chance that he would become this Master in any of his succeeding lives. To think it would come so soon after his time as the King of Vale was both a blessing and curse: did he have enough time to build his own legend? Could he even summon himself since he was technically still alive even though so few people would know about the true nature of the King of Vale? Having manifested now, Saber can certainly say that it paid off.

Rising to the top of the building, Saber turned around to face the Wyvern. The large Grimm was slow in its approach. Though it might have been swift to anyone else, it was most certainly not the case when compared to Saber. It wasn't as nimble either.

"Now then," Saber said. "A strange name indeed but perhaps it has something to do with that faraway place that Gilles mentioned." He closed his eyes and readied himself. It was time to unleash that other thing he could do. Infinite Man may be similar, but it wasn't as flashy. Thusly, he declared, "Noble Phantasm."

Saber's sword then begun to emit a powerful light of green at his declaration. Unlike the others before it, this one was constantly emitting said light. A powerful force was behind it as well for the winds were visibly circling around the blade going past the tip of the blade like a forming tornado. Saber had to raise his blade high in the air to avoid damaging the ground and the walls that the blade was pointing towards. There is no chance that there aren't any witnesses here. Even being this far from the populace, the green light that was emitting from Saber's sword was far too visible and the still standing structures of Vale could do little to keep it hidden.

Both of his hands gripped the blade tightly. Saber's right foot slid back along with the sword that was still overhead. Saber was readying himself for an overhead swing. The Grimm Wyvern, either too ignorant or too proud, kept charging at him. The Grimm roared in protest against the light of the King of Vale.

"Though you are not the breath of that planet, still do you bear its name. It's legacy and majesty..."

The gales of winds intensified. The light grew brighter and harsher. It was as if a green day had arrived on this side of Vale. This will be it, otherwise, it will drain too much of his Master's aura. He would have to dematerialize just to conserve it soon after.

"…just as you have ended the Great War, I call upon you to end all strife and bring peace!"

The winds stopped and the light straightened and solidified like a towering pillar. For the King of Vale, if there was one thing that could be said to be the crystallization of his legend it would be when he had ended the Great War. The sword fell and the great power that came from it struck the Grimm. Though it did not bear the name of the Relic, it carried its destructive power here, mixed into it was an image of a sword of a King of Knights.

"For Remnant! Vytal Calibur!"

A deafening noise was heard that anyone nearby would have lost their hearing as the absolute surge of energy released from Saber's sword shone brightly and harshly. To say nothing of the heat emanating from it would be a crime. Empty and abandoned structures didn't so much burn so much as they had vanished completely; there was no trace of anything in its path, not even ashes. The Wyvern cried out for only moment before being erased from all existence.

The bright green colors spread out. This time, without any doubt, Saber's presence had been witnessed. Whether such news would reach the other kingdoms is beyond him. The CCT Tower was down so it was unlikely. The only reprieve that Saber has for his Master was that no one would believe what the witnesses had just seen. In times to come perhaps, they would simply think of this moment as mass hallucination.

"Heh." Saber shook his head. "I'll have to make sure that time will come at all." That had been his wish since he had been entrusted by the Brothers; that wish hadn't changed from when he had met his Master.

The light soon faded. It didn't last long but it felt like it kept going for hours even long after the Grimm had vanished. There was still some light coming from his sword but that too slowly faded and the sword in Saber's hands was nothing more than a mere sword in appearance, albeit a little ornamental in its design and not the kind that one would reasonably carry into combat unless there was no other weapon to take.

"Now then," Saber said. He didn't have much time left and he was certain that Ozpin would be vulnerable with so little reserves left. "Time to observe if there were any other Masters that might have shown up by now." After a few minutes of waiting and scanning the area. "Ah, there is one."

A pillar of light, smaller from his point of view, was visible from a distance. If Saber were to guess, that place would be either close or just the edges of the evacuations that are being conducted for the people who were close to Beacon Academy. If it were any of the students or the faculty, it would certainly make his and his Master's job easier. There was no need to involve civilians in this.

"I should have asked Gilles for the method of transferring Command Spells," Saber said to himself. There were many things that he had learned about during his life. Things that still retained even the succeeding life that he had as the King of Vale. Then again, perhaps it would be too much to ask Gilles. That man has already done enough.

Saber descended from the rooftops. There was a crack on the ground as he landed. It wasn't a soft landing by any means but he was unharmed. The body of a Servant is most certainly different from a living one. With Ozpin as his Master, Saber had a means of comparisons of the circumstances. The aura reserves were starting to stretch thin but there was no danger anymore, not one that Ozpin couldn't handle anyway. He had his allies and his circle of this incarnation at his side.

Rather than quickly make his return to his Master's side, Saber had opted to look around him. Namely, the kingdom of Vale whose huntsman academy he would become the headmaster of. It was strange really, he knew what the kingdom of Vale would look like, he would reincarnate into the headmaster of Beacon Academy after all, it was still a rather strange feeling seeing it knowing that the eyes on his being wasn't exactly the same pair of eyes that had seen the kingdom.

When he had been first summoned, it was a surreal experience for both Servant and Master. Despite the preparations that have been made, it wasn't something that they—or is it he—had expected to actually work. They both certainly thought that Ozpin would get someone else instead or an ally that he hadn't seen in a long time. Long Memory had been tailor-made in this instance just to make sure that it was him, coincidental though it may be.

Looking at his hands, the hands of a face that had once had, there was a strange nostalgia to it. Saber could still remember the time he had this face. His first reincarnation from before everything went downhill. Both he and Salem had lived as gods for the people and had the most luxurious of lives by the standards even of today.

His fingers traced the walls of the building closest to him. How much liveliness had been had in this structure? Was it someone's home? Business? It was hard to tell. Much of what was inside had been destroyed and abandoned. Looking further, Saber wouldn't be surprised if this had been looted. If it hadn't, it probably would be in the days to come.

His hand clenched into a fist. This was his kingdom. This was the home that he had made. While he would eventually go and create the four Academies across all the kingdoms of Remnant, Vale had a special place in his heart. To see it destroyed and ruined was heartbreaking.

All for what? A power that Cinder should have known would have been worthless in the end? She would one day be old and die even if she managed to overcome every obstacle in her path. That is not even assuming the Grail War that she is now a part of.

Something had gotten his attention. Saber quickly slashed against a distant Seer Grimm.

"So, you've been watching, have you, my dear?" Saber said. "Fine. Know that there are only two ways this will end." Given Ozpin and Salem's circumstances, Saber firmly believes that the Grail War could only ever come to the two of them.

"For the kingdom of Vale," Saber added. "For Remnant, this will be the last battle that we will fight, my dear. I and my Master will make sure of it. One way or another, this conflict of ours will come to an end."

The words never reached Salem on the account of the Seer Grimm having been slain. However, there was a chance that Salem had another somewhere in the distance, kept far away enough that they could still gather information. He had been proven right when he saw a balloon-like figure move into hiding in the shadows of the forests outside the borders of the kingdom.

Saber's sword dematerialized and he followed suit, returning to his Master. His aura was low enough that he would have been forced to if he hadn't.

/-/

In the castles of Evernight, Salem was musing at the sight that she had just witnessed through the Seer Grimm before it had been mercilessly cut down by the opposing Servant.

"How long has it been since I saw that face?" She mused. There was a nostalgia to it, reminiscing those days when she had been ignorant. "A bit poor in taste, isn't it, Ozma? Or Saber now I suppose."

Her hand hovered over her book. It was true. Back during what had come to be known as the Great War, Salem had been ignorant of the ways of the Grail War. All she knew at the time was that three marks appeared on her hand one day and she managed to summon her own Caster. Her Servant at the time had a book in his hand that was of great interest to her and is as far as she went.

"I was the first to lose too," she said out loud. "I wonder what the wish the winner had made that time?"

"Perhaps it has something to do with the other one, Master." Ah yes. Her Servant, Caster as well, this time. When those same marks had appeared on her hand, she made sure to do it right this time. She had a catalyst as well: her version of the original book that she had taken. Distant as it was from the original, it was still mostly connected to Gilles de Rais.

When the ritual had finished, there he was again. Bearing that same face as the Caster she had in the last war. However, rather than those robes that he initially came with, he had worn the armor that he had on him after the book had been taken away from him. When he had introduced himself, he claims that he is not the same as the Caster that she had known. Despite the name, his hair wasn't blue and he most certainly didn't have a beard; he had a clean shave.

Salem looked to her surroundings before addressing her Servant. There was no one else there but she didn't want to take any chances. Not everyone needed to see what Caster could do. "Caster. How was the book I lent you?"

Caster, the current one, scoffed as he slammed the book closed. "He sought redemption and foolishly believed that he could be saved. He sought salvation through killing evil when such atrocities are the very salvation that he seeks."

Salem rolled her eyes. Compared to Gilles de Rais, the Caster before her now, Bluebeard, was certainly more ecstatic to death compared to the individual that he claims to be the inspiration for his creation. He takes pleasure in death and suffering as though it was his life's callings, brides in particular.

She could still remember that grin he had when she asked him if he could kill her, immortality and all. He had brought her to his Red Room and she couldn't remember the number of hours it took for them to realize that it wouldn't work that way. Her eyes trailed the marks of her hand, she only had two left. A waste really but it was worth a try.

Having failed that attempt, it was clear to her that the only way was to win this Holy Grail War herself. Caster didn't care too much either way. He reveled in the act of murder and the prospect of having an entirely new world for it? Salem had to burn those bed sheets that she had prepared for him. She also made sure that his little workshop was not close to her at all.

Bluebeard had a strange respect and even admiration for the Grimm. Calling them the most beautiful creatures to ever exist, she had to hold both him and Tyrian back from trying to kill each other. Salem scoffed at the image. Tyrian may be devoted to a fault but it didn't take a genius to realize that he would lose. He would try, certainly, and he would think of himself a martyr. There is just no way that Tyrian would survive that Red Room. Not like Caster would bring the male there; he only had a preference for brides.

After Caster had manifested himself, Salem sought to recruit the other Masters if they haven't already been chosen. When Cinder had been chosen? Well she knew just what to do. She granted her request of picking her own catalyst and raised an eyebrow when Cinder had brought it with her. Honestly, could she really not let it go after all these years?

It was during that time that her Servant whispered to her ear. It was advice and a means of putting themselves ahead while also making sure that Cinder would stay loyal to her and her alone. For someone who revels in bloodshed, he did have a strangely good read on women. Then again, considering the victims that Caster had, it was to be expected. Perhaps he especially revels in seeing the loss of hope from their eyes. She allowed him and so Cinder, much like Salem herself during the Great War, had been ignorant and didn't know any better. Salem could still remember it.

"…Yet," Cinder had begun, ignorant of what was to come. "Thou serves with thine eyes clouded in chaos. Thou, bound in the cage of madness. I am she who commands those chains."

Caster had cackled for hours when the Jabberwalker had manifested. Cinder had looked at her as though she had been betrayed. She simply gave the excuse that needed a powerful Servant and those of that class often are. However, that wasn't what hurt the girl most. What hurt was that it wasn't her beloved hero that responded to her call but the monster.

In that instance, both Caster and Tyrian had some camaraderie. Salem made sure that those two would never be on the same mission together. Even she wouldn't be that cruel to her enemies.

Another Seer entered the room. It stopped in front of her.

"Milady," a voice of an elderly gentleman was heard.

"Ah," Salem replied. "Archer. Is Watts not with you?"

"Master is watching the rooms, outside," Archer explained. "Better to be certain that there aren't any listeners, of course. I am but an elderly gentleman."

"I see." She nodded. "And what of your status?"

"We are currently making our way back to you, my queen. The stage here in Mistral has been set."

"Your web, no doubt. Impressive."

Those two had their own plans. That much she had been certain. Watts always had a bit of an ego to him. Seeing him humbled by his own Servant made her suspicious. However, she allowed it. There were only two ways this Grail War could end after all. It was either her or her dear Ozma.

"Elementary, my Queen," he bowed. Archer certainly liked saying that. It sounded like a mockery of someone else's words. It must have been from someone he knew in life. Archer's liking towards his Master must have been an extension of that.

"Very well, I am certainly curious as to who this connection of yours is but you are correct, Archer. The other one isn't one of the Seven that should have been here. What was it he called himself again? Evernight's Companion? For someone who calls himself companion, he wasn't at all aligned to our goals."

"I take it that Miss Fall has encountered the True Saber of this war?"

She nodded.

"I see." He nodded as well. "Within my expectations though it was certainly earlier than expected. That leaves Rider and Lancer."

"Oh?" Salem raised an eyebrow. She could not hide that little amusement she felt. Archer had always appeared all-knowing to a point of omniscience even. "Something that actually caught you off-guard? I had thought that you could see a lot of things."

"I must correct you, milady. I do not see but observe."

"Of course." Personally, she couldn't tell the difference. She waved her hand dismissively. "My apologies."

"Unnecessary, madam." Archer waved his hand. "I believe that this is where things will have to end for now. With Master out on lookout for as long as he has, it is to be expected that some might be rather curious as to what is going on."

"Ah yes, your consultation business. Continue as you are, then."

The Seer soon left the room. Three Servants under her employ. With one other who still refuses to submit. She'll give the other one credit, he had spirit, for however long that he could last. If there are others, then it is simply a matter of finding them and binding them to her. She supposed she had Gilles to thank for that, giving her a baseline to work her own book.

"Caster." She turned to her Servant. "Any news yet of Assassin?"

"Assassin is outside the main kingdoms," he replied. Like a soldier, he stood in attention and stayed quiet unless addressed to. Otherwise, he would freely indulge himself in whatever depravity he felt like. "But their patterns have a commonality among them. It is only a matter of noticing."

"You've picked up a thing or two from Archer?"

Caster scoffed at the thought. "Perish the thought, Master. Killing is its own art and I would be most remiss if I cannot identify the style of such an artist. A sharpened knife could paint crimson colors just as well as any other paintbrush."

"Of course, of course." Salem would never understand it herself but to each their own, she supposed. "We will be reconvening in a few days, Caster. Prepare the dining hall with our finest cutlery. I am certain that new information could still be had between now and then."

Caster bowed courteously. "And of Cinder's new guests?" There was a curious tone behind his words, as if hoping for a particular answer. "Should I also warn them of my workshop?"

"As a courtesy." Salem couldn't care about those two really. They are disposable as far as she is concerned. "However, should their curiosity get the better of them…"

His grin was as Cheshire as ever. "Then, they only have themselves to blame."

"Do try to at least dissuade them." Let it be a reminder if any of them even think of taking this chance away from her.

Caster was gone that he didn't hear her last words. Too delighted at the prospect of fresh produce, he would most certainly would warn them and Cinder would no doubt make sure that they would heed that warning. She could already imagine the frustration of her Servant would be having. She could only pray for whatever woman Cinder would bring along. Caster does have a preference for finding brining the perfect bride for his room. Not even Salem herself could take that role though she had been told that she was the closest.

Salem sighed as she shifted her position on her throne to a regal position, better fit for a queen. She had been a bride once and that didn't end well for her. Between the two though, it really isn't saying much that she would rather have Ozma back than Bluebeard.

Noticing that Caster had left it behind, Salem used her magic to lazily bring the book towards her. Of Faith and the Way of the Sword, the title said. It was the book that Ozma had written ever since the Great War. He even used his real name as a pen name for this one. A classic from what she had heard. The standards must have been lowered. Then again, a classic is nothing more than a piece of work that has been beloved enough to last.

The lengths that you would go to, Salem thought. And yet, while a little late for our anniversary, I must thank you for the gift, my dear. Bitterness filled her heart in that instant. She should not have thought of him in that manner again. It only ever brings a darkness blacker than the Grimm pools. She will admit to being a little flattered about the evil queen in the book though. Part of her still wonders if that is still true to what he feels about her even after all this time. The king in the book certainly still held some flame for the evil queen which made her think.

"I'm sorry, my love," she whispered. "But our difference lay in how far we are willing to go. You would not sacrifice others and take it upon yourself alone if you could." It was one of those traits that she certainly admired in the man. Despite his attempts at being this clever master of games, deep down, he cares about those under his command and would rather lay down his own life for theirs. Since he could always come back, it was hardly a loss. The only loss was in his hosts which no doubt hurt him every single time.

Sounds could be heard from within Evernight Castle. It had come from the dining hall. No doubt that Caster was busy redecorating it to fit his own taste. At least, he wasn't about to remold it into his twisted forms of artistry. He had still come from a noble family and had taste in the finer things. It was one of the few…normal things that he had.

Salem will admit that Caster creeps her a little. She was unbothered about most things in her long, immortal life. Yet, there was an unnatural feeling about him that nearly made Salem wished that it had been Gilles instead. Either way, she had a Servant and she wasn't about to lose again. Her life will come to an end here. Whether the lives of others would end as well matters little to her.

She turned back to the Seer, the same one that had given her the image of her ex-husband. Sighing, she thought, all I ever wanted was to see you again. Many lifetimes later, she wasn't sure if she should feel happy at all now that she could see him for eternity. There was a bitterness to it and a pain struck her throat.

She shook her head. She could not reminisce now. Salem could not think about what ifs now. She had a Grail War to win and her own husband was participating, twice over as both Master and Servant. She could not let it slide this time.

"Perhaps," she said. An idea had entered her mind as she stared at the other book in her possession, the imitation that she had made. "I wonder what would happen if you were to be in that room. I am certain that Caster has a book shelf in there somewhere. Now what should I call you? Ah. I know. Let's call you R'lyeh."

Salem put the book down for now. The other one was still struggling to break free from it. It had taken three Servants to contain him. But in time, he will have his part to play. What was his name again? Sasaki Kojirou?

Chapter Text

The green light was too bright that no one in Vale could have possibly missed that. Ruby Rose was no exception. As she tried to join in the fray, she, like everyone else who had witnessed it, paused at the mesmerizing sight. A pillar of light that could not have come from a mere semblance.

"What was that?" she asked. No one could answer her for there was no one around to answer.

When everything had begun to fall apart, Ruby couldn't help but blame herself for letting it go this far. She had been the one who first noticed Mercury's peculiar presence when he should have been back in Mistral with the rest of this team. When the finals match of the Vytal tournament had been announced, it took seconds for her to realize the terrible implications when Pyrrha Nikos had matched against Penny Polendina. Magnetism against metal, Ruby could still vividly remember the sight of Penny ruthlessly torn apart as something happened to Pyrrha that made her overuse her own semblance.

Ruby had been too slow. Despite her own semblance affording her great speeds, she was too slow. She couldn't stop them. She couldn't warn them and the people of Vale paid the price for it. Mercury didn't even finish her off and let her wallow in her own failures. It was only through her duties as a huntress that she had been able to keep going.

Far from the rest of her team, Ruby had been alone for much of the attack. Finding her grip on one of the Grimm, she thought of taking back one of the Atlas ships when she had been informed of their hijacking. There she met Roman Torchwick for the last time before he had perished. There was Neo as well but she didn't see where that mute criminal had gone after being taken by the Grimm.

The descent from the airship proved itself to be the most difficult thing of all. Nevermore wasn't exactly the most comfortable ride and Ruby had to roll when she landed. She groaned after she was done. Her aura reserves had taken a hit from what she could estimate. Probably in the yellow, leaning towards the red.

When she sat back up, she checked herself for any sort of damage. When she looked to the back of her hand, Ruby paused at the sight of three strange marks that appeared on her hand. There weren't there before.

"What are these?" she asked. She tried rubbing it but it did not fade. It wasn't blood, that much she was certain. It would be impossible given how it was designed but she needed a second opinion. Reality was that there were many things that were entering her mind that she needed to make sure that she wasn't hallucinating.

Ruby shook her head. Head in the game, Ruby, she thought. Head in the game. This was no time to be idling about trying to figure out whatever these tattoos are. Let Yang and dad scold her for getting a tattoo after Vale had been saved even when she didn't remember when she got it. Right now, she had people to save. There were people who needed a hero and she had sworn to be one.

Checking the state of Crescent Rose, her weapon, Ruby sought to go as close to Beacon as she could. There was that large Wyvern Grimm circling around the school and she needed to get there to help however she can. There weren't that many Grimm in her area, most were over there in Beacon.

But she didn't have to. Before Ruby could make out any other group of people, the Wyvern was being led towards the outer boundaries of Vale. With it, the other Grimm had followed suit. Squinting through her weapon's scope, Ruby could make out some kind of figure leading the Wyvern away. The figure even dealt with nearby Grimm like they were nothing; they must have been quite the professional huntsman.

Initially, Ruby had wanted to join the brave warrior that she caught a glimpse of. He was alone after all and that large Grimm had smaller ones assiting it. It was then that she saw what said warrior could do, even from this distance, that had caused her to stop and simply stare in disbelief at what was happening before her.

Beams of light emitted from the warrior's sword. Ruby was still many kilometers away and she could make out the bursts of energy and light coming from the warrior. She could only imagine how intense those must be if she were any closer. Grimm fell instantly as he did so. Still, he continued to guide the wyvern towards the borders of Vale.

It was like one of those stories that Ruby read or those shows that she watched. Fantastical heroes who fight against dragons with magical sword beams as they defended the kingdom. But those were shows, this was reality. Sure, the Grimm were horrific monsters and there were instances of huntsmen and huntresses having such fine control of aura that they could create something similar but this was of a different scale. For one, the warrior was much more liberal with the sword beams that his aura should have been spent many times over even assuming it was full. No huntsman would have reserves as massive as that.

Ruby changed her mind and cut through the Grimm closest to her. She would just have to trust that warrior that he can handle himself while she would focus on the enemies that were close. Hacked Atlas machinery were still running rampant though their numbers were low and kept lowering by the hour.

Every once in a while, Ruby would turn to catch a glimpse of the strange warrior's shrinking figure. She could see him ascend to the top of a building. It was here that Ruby stopped to stare. He went up a building that made her think his semblance was flight. But with those beams earlier, it couldn't possibly be the case. There, like he was on top of a tower, he stood tall and must have stared defiantly against the approaching Grimm.

The winds were so strong that she could see them twisting into a tornado with a green light, much more massive than the ones that came before it. The Wyvern continued to approach the warrior on that building and Ruby found herself forgetting to breathe as the Grimm had gotten closer and closer to him.

Then the massive pillar of light descended as if cutting through the skies themselves, tearing the clouds asunder. The Grimm was engulfed in it that there was no part of it that wasn't covered by that attack. Ruby's eyes sparkled at the sight that she had stopped moving. Thankfully, there were no Grimm nearby; if there were, they must have paused to stare at the light as well.

When the light had dissipated and the darkness of night returned, Ruby could make out the damage that it had caused. Rather than destroyed, it was more accurate to say that affected buildings had been erased as though they never existed in the first place. The Wyvern was nowhere to be found and she could no longer see the figure atop of that building that he stood on. He must have descended from it.

"What was that?" Ruby can't help but asking. There were many questions filling her head and she wanted answers. She wasn't about to get them sitting around though, so she continued onwards.

It had taken a while before Ruby managed to find the closest group of people. She sighed relief when the first that she had seen was the back of her partner, Weiss Schnee. Her partner appeared to be in good enough condition to move.

"Ruby!" Weiss cried out as she turned around. The two held one another in tight embrace.

"I found you!" Ruby can't help but call out. She had been worried about her. That is one team member found. Now for the other two.

Behind Weiss was Sun Wukong who also appeared to be relieved at the sight of them. He too looked well enough given the circumstances. They all looked terrible but that was better than what could have been.

There was an ongoing evacuation still. As Doctor Oobleck and Professor Port were shouting out orders for everyone to get on the Bullhead as they assured them all that a safe zone had been established in Vale's commercial district.

"Where have you—" Weiss tried to ask.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," Ruby quickly assured her. "What's going on? Is everything okay here?"

Weiss didn't meet her in the eye. If anything, the white-haired girl looked down and away from her team leader in shame. Dread and anxiety filled Ruby's heart as seconds ticked on without any answer.

"Weiss?" she asked again. "What is it?"

Still, Weiss Schnee did not answer. Instead, she moved aside, allowing Ruby to see instead. Weiss still refused to meet her eyes.

When Ruby managed to see what it was that kept her partner from answering, only did she realized as she had witnessed to the tragic sight before her. Ruby had to cover her own mouth as the tears begun to fall and blur her vision. While Weiss had been in good enough conditions, the same cannot be said about the others that lay before her.

Before her were the downed forms of her friends. Ren and Nora of team JNPR, team RWBY's sister team, were in the best state out of all of them. Injured and wounded, certainly, but they were sitting which meant that they could still move even if only a little.

Blake, one of Ruby's own team members, a faunus whose features are her cat ears that she keeps hidden by a bow, was laying down in a fetal position. Her hand was intertwined with her partner's, Yang Xiao Long, Ruby's older step-sister.

"I'm sorry," Blake repeatedly weakly. "I'm so sorry…" She covered herself, incapable of looking at her team leader. Shame filled her voice.

As for Ruby's sister, Yang was in the worst state of them all. Eyes closed and having her limb from the elbow cut off, the once joyous and adventurous older sister was there lying unconscious. Yang had already been through a lot just recently. From being accused of beating down a defeated opponent to now having lost her limb.

Ruby felt her knees shaking in weakness. The sight of her older sister in such a state was unbelievable. Yang had always been someone too strong just as she was headstrong in Ruby's eyes. One who didn't let anything get in the way of whatever it is that she wanted. Yang had always seemed so tough, so indomitably powerful in Ruby's eyes. Now here she was in a state that she still couldn't see happening. She couldn't even approach her sister; Ruby felt that if she did, her legs would simply give out and she would fall.

She could only muster a weak and sobbing "Yang…" as she reached out her hand, hoping, praying that it was just an illusion. Ruby hoped that her sister would get up somehow. Ruby couldn't say more. She couldn't even say about her strange new tattoos even though Yang totally would have scolded her for getting something like this. Ruby would rather that Yang scold her for the tattoos.

"Hey," Sun Wukong said. He was a monkey faunus and a transfer from Mistral's Haven Academy. "She's gonna be okay. The soldiers have a ship ready that will take you guys to Vale."

"But Jaune and Pyrrha are still missing!" Nora cried out. She tried to stand up only to fall back down. She didn't have the strength to get back on her knees. Nora groaned in pain.

"What?" Ruby was shocked out of her grief. Jaune and Pyrrha were still missing? Where could they be? Her heart beat faster. If they were still out there somewhere, in danger, then… No. They had to be okay. Jaune was getting stronger and he had certainly improved. Pyrrha was strong as well, a powerful fighter in her own right. There was no way that those two would be in danger.

"Look guys," Sun replied. His voice had become stern. His once carefree demeanor had been replaced with one of seriousness. "That giant Grimm may have been gone thanks to whatever light show that was and the White Fang may have been pulling back but that doesn't mean we could just leave and find them. We're all hurt here."

Sun looked down on Yang's pitiful form. His voice changed to that of somberness as he continued, "some more than others. We have to go and lick our wounds, now."

"We're not leaving—" Ren tried to get up. His attempt been better than Nora's since Ren was able to at least get on one leg before falling down. When he did fall back, he fell harder that Nora had to reach out to hold her partner. Much like his partner, Ren was groaning in that pain.

Sun shook his head. He could only look between them all. He was the most capable one there, barring Weiss and Ruby, but he was right. Ruby knew that was logical. They needed to go to Vale and recover. Their hurts and injuries needed to be tended to before they could get any worse. While the Grimm may have been mostly dealt with, that did not mean that everything was safe.

In the distance, fires were still burning some of the buildings and there was still a few smaller Grimm roaming about. Some were still running for their lives while others have sought shelter wherever they could find it.

Weiss' eyes were on the ground. She was unsure of what she should do. Jaune and Pyrrha were her friends as well but Sun had his point. They couldn't just leave them behind but they wouldn't be any safer sticking around.

It was here that Ruby made her choice, "I'll find them," she declared. "I'll find them and bring them back. I swear it." More than that, Ruby vowed to make sure that this sight before her never happens to anyone else. She came to Beacon because she wanted to be a hero. It was time that she did. Though she may not know how that was going to go, she believes that she could count on others to help her out.

Suddenly, the three marks began to glow brightly, causing everyone still conscious to move as backwards as they could. Weiss in particular backed away the farthest relative to her spot. Only Yang had no reaction being unconscious.

"Ruby?" Weiss said as she covered her eyes. Everyone did. "What's going on? What is that?"

"I…" Ruby was shaking her head. "I don't know." She couldn't see what was happening either.

"Behind you." Sun pointed. When Ruby turned, she saw a silver-colored circle with strange but intricate designs on them that were unlike Weiss' Glyphs. There was a pillar of light as well that Ruby had to step back.

"I'm not doing this," Weiss said. There wasn't any doubt that it wasn't Weiss' doing. None of them had. "What is that?"

From the circle, there was a figure that appeared. Rising from the ground was a hooded woman. Her cloak was dark in color with a shade of blue. Much of her figure was hidden as her cloak covered much of her body. From the little that they could see, her skin color was a little dark with strands of black hair poking out of the hood. She wore a mask that covered her face, preventing anyone from seeing her save for the lower jaw. But it wasn't the same as the White Fang's masks.

She must have worn a dress underneath that cloak for they could see that the ends of a long skirt that met with the boots she had worn on her feet. With that mask, Ruby was certain that the woman wasn't an enemy yet.

"Servant: Lancer," the woman said. She then looked around her and at the sight of the others, she turned to face Ruby alone. There was a pause. Ruby couldn't tell what expression she wore beneath that mask. "For now, simply call me Silver, or simply Lancer. I've come in response to your summons, Master."

"Uh, what?" Ruby asked. Why was this woman looking towards her as if she had any answers? If anything it was she who was supposed to be giving them.

It was Weiss who filled her in. "You're a familiar." She shook her head. "But Ruby doesn't have a summoning semblance. How are you—"

"You know something about this?" Ruby showed the three marks on her hand. Lancer nodded and said nothing more. "Alright, we'll deal with this later. Right now, we need to find Jaune and Pyrrha. Can you help us?"

Lancer bowed her head. "If that is what my Master wants."

Ruby wanted to ask more. It was a strange thing to be called Master. But that is not important. Right now, she needed to find those two.

"Wait, Ruby," Weiss called out. "We'll find them together." She then turned to face Sun, Ren, and Nora. "Watch over Yang and Blake, we'll be right back."

Ruby and Weiss then ran off while Lancer dematerialized. Ruby had to pause as she wondered where did Lancer go.

"Right here, kid." Ruby heard her voice. She wasn't as formal as she was before. Was she speaking in her mind? "Be careful, I sense another Servant. We might get company."

Right now? What more could they face now that the Grimm, White Fang, and Atlas machinery had just caused destruction on much of Vale, Beacon especially. Ruby shook her head. This Servant thing can wait until after they found Jaune and Pyrrha.

"Ugh." Sun groaned. "You'd better be. Idiots." He shook his head.

As Weiss and Ruby ran towards Beacon, neither side had really spoke much. Their focus was on scanning the area around them for any sign of their friends. They didn't find any nor did they see anyone else who would still be here. Instead, they saw broken shards of glass littered everywhere, massive cracks and holes in the ground, and fallen machinery and people that never got out in time.

Ruby's steps slowed as she saw the dead. Lives lost. Lives that she had failed to save.

"Hey," Weiss said, sensing her partner's distress. "It's not your fault. It's whoever did this."

"I wasn't fast enough, Weiss," Ruby reasoned. "How many could we have saved had I been faster to warn everyone?"

"Let's not think about that now," Weiss assured her. "There are still people who need us now."

Ruby paused before responding. "You're right," she eventually said. "I just hope that they're okay."

"Come on now, Ruby. Pyrrha can take care of herself. Jaune… well, he's certainly improved so I'm sure he'll be alright. I doubt Pyrrha would let anything happen to him."

"Yeah." Ruby chuckled weakly. "Pyrrha wouldn't let anything happen to Jaune."

"Master." Lancer entered the conversation. Though Weiss clearly didn't hear it. "There are people over there."

As Ruby scanned the area, she caught sight of the professors Ozpin and Goodwitch. With them was General Ironwood and her Uncle Qrow.

At first, both Ruby and Weiss hurried their steps as Weiss called out to them. However, their expressions were not that of physical exhaustion but rather something more emotional. One that could only really come from the experiences of age.

"Miss Rose," Professor Goodwitch said when she saw them. She hastily composed herself. "What are you both doing here?"

"We were looking for Jaune and Pyrrha, professor," Ruby quickly explained. "We heard that they were still missing. Were they here? Did you find them?"

At the mention of their names, Glynda Goodwitch closed her eyes tightly and bit her lip a little. She shook her head and muttered something to herself. Ruby was able to catch the "damn it" in the deputy headmistress' voice. She doesn't normally curse. Not in front of the students if she ever does.

Uncle Qrow must have heard Ruby's pleas as well for he took out his flask and took a long sip. "Too sober for this. Hate my semblance."

"Is this really the time for you to be drinking, Qrow?" Ironwood asked. He sounded frustrated, almost reprimanding Ruby's uncle for such behavior.

"If you want to be the one to tell them, Jimmy," her uncle retorted. "Be my guest. I know I can't do this. Never could."

Ruby and Weiss could look only at one another and each of the professors. Headmaster Ozpin was the only one who said nothing. His eyes were still staring at something that they could not see, hidden behind the locker. General Ironwood bit his lip as he seemingly tried to find some kind of rebuttal. Uncle Qrow kept drinking while professor Goodwitch could only shake her head, praying above for some kind of answer that would never come.

"W-what's going on?" Ruby asked. Her lips were trembling and her hands her shaking. "What happened to our friends?" She nearly stammered.

Sighing, it was Professor Goodwitch that mustered enough courage to speak. "Miss Rose." Her voice was as gentle as she could make it. "Miss Nikos is as alright as she can be. She is here with us at the moment, behind that locker, actually."

Ruby's expression grew lighter. Yes! That means that Pyrrha is alright. That only leaves Jaune, her best friend. Knowing that vomit boy, he would be with his partner. Why he wasn't with his partner, she didn't know. But that doesn't mean he would be far. Probably somewhere in the chaos, blocking Grimm attacks, being the hero that he can be. He had improved so much.

For a moment, professor Goodwitch's expression turned dreadful at Ruby's elation. "Mister Arc, however…" she pressed on and continued. Ruby's heart sank as her head shook left and right. Jaune was alright. He had to be. They just didn't find him yet. He was just somewhere else, probably lost his way like they both did at the start of the school year.

"If you would like, miss Nikos," Ozpin finally spoke as he got up. He had ignored them all thus far. Ruby could see the traces of Pyrrha's sash as she also got up. "I could have someone else take this burden from you. This… is my fault. My failure."

"No, sir," Pyrrha replied. Her voice was weak and she sounded so defeated, so unlike the Invincible Girl that Ruby had come to call friend. "Jaune wa—is—my partner. I'll face them. I'll face every single one of them if I have to."

As more of Pyrrha's figure could be seen, she caught sight of Pyrrha's tear-stained face. Ozpin was taking deep breaths, an attempt at calming himself. But the tightening of his jaw betrayed him.

"Ruby," Pyrrha said to her. It was like that she had just noticed Ruby and Weiss' presence. Pyrrha couldn't even look at them. "I…I…I'm sorry. I… I tried to help him…but Cinder…"

Weiss could only gasp as both she and Ruby saw what it was that Pyrrha was carrying. The same jeans. The shoes that had left and right written on the soles. The family heirloom that consisted a sword and shield, and the pieces of armor that decorated his person. The blonde hair may have covered his face but Ruby could see that Jaune's eyes were closed.

As Pyrrha moved, Jaune's arms and legs dangled in the air, not moving except along the momentum of his carrier's movements. He was unresponsive. His chest did not rise nor fall.

"Ruby…" Weiss placed a hand on her partner's shoulders. Her hands were cold and shaking.

Ruby, in the meanwhile, froze in place. There were no tears, her expression was blank. Jaune was just unconscious, right? Her first friend in Beacon, who had helped her up when she had caused an explosion, was just resting, right? He had to be. He had to Beacon to become a hero like she did. Like Ruby following in her mother's footsteps, Jaune wanted to be that hero like his own ancestors. They were fellow leaders and had their own classes and thusly shared a lot of time together. Surely, when all this is over, they would go back to that in some way, right? They would go back to reading comic books together, right? There was no way that Jaune was gone, right? Not after what happened with Penny and Yang, that would be too much.

"J-Jaune…" Ruby refused to believe the sight before her. "Come on… t-this isn't funny." She looked around her for something. Anything. Right, Weiss. Jaune likes Weiss, right? He wanted to impress her, right? "Weiss doesn't like this sort of prank. Right, Weiss?"

"Ruby…" Weiss could only say. There, see? Weiss wouldn't like that. She certainly wouldn't give him a chance if this kept up. Not even Yang would come up with a prank like this!

"There, s-see?" Ruby's breathing was getting heavier. "So come on. Give her a sign that you're alright. You're alright, r-right?" Her voice was getting desperate.

"Ruby," Pyrrha said. She was wrong. The professors were wrong too. It can't be. It just can't be.

"What about Pyrrha?" Ruby kept going. Of course! He probably moved on from Weiss. Silly Ruby. "You did complain about how hard she pushes you sometimes during training. Y-you can't use this as an excuse to—"

It was her uncle Qrow that interrupted her, shouting, "Ruby!" Her uncle looked pained at having to raise his voice. When he did, he shook his head and looked away.

Ruby had been shocked into stopping. He doesn't shout. Uncle Qrow never shouts. When it did, she failed to speak. Still, the same lifeless form of Jaune Arc continued to be unresponsive. Her head shaking only intensified.

"N-no," Ruby said. "No. No. Please! Jaune!" She rushed to his side as she held her best friend's cold hand. "Jaune. Come on! Please, Jaune! Please! I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough. I'm sorry for being too slow to warn everyone. Please! Please! Please! I'll make it up to you! Please!"

"Ruby." Pyrrha shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"No! no! no!" Ruby kept repeating, her voice rising with every word. "Didn't we lose enough already? I promised Ren and Nora that I'd find you two. I promised them that you would both be alright. I promised them. I promised…"

"Miss Rose." Ozpin struck the ground with his cane. His voice was stern but had concern sprinkled in. One of his hands was raised as if commanding the others to stay back. "Calm yourself."

"I promised them." Ruby ignored them. Her eyes had begun to hurt. Was the hand getting warmer? It was wet, her tears. "I promised them. I promised…"

"Ruby!" Ozpin shouted. He made a move to approach her but paused when a sound was heard coming from behind her.

The last thing Ruby felt was a smack to the head as darkness took her.

/-/

Lancer materialized and held her Master as she fell backwards. "Sorry, Master," she said. It was still awkward for her, being this formal and all. But if she were to guess, this was before her Master unlocked it. Still too young, kid needs to learn to control her powers, she thought.

"What did you do?" Weiss demanded.

"I saved your lives is what I did," Lancer replied. Bah, formalities can go jump out of a window. "Silver eyes may be potent against the Grimm but that doesn't mean it can't do some serious harm against people."

"Silver eyes? What are you talking abo—"

"I will explain everything, Miss Schnee," Ironwood interrupted. "Along with your sister, if that is alright with you Ozpin."

Initially, Ozpin hesitated. Then, he nodded his head. "Alright, but keep the circle as small as you could."

"Of course. Winter knows the importance of top-secret information, after all."

Lancer then felt a sudden presence. Appearing before them all with a superhero landing was another Servant.

"Saber," Ozpin said. So, this one was Saber. Not an opponent for now. "Excellent work."

"Thank you, my Master," Saber responded formally. He then turned to face her. "So, this must be the other Servant."

"I'm afraid so," Ozpin replied. "Which means that miss Rose is a Master, along with miss Nikos."

Lancer turned to face the girl called Pyrrha Nikos. It was hard to tell given that her hand had been covered by her glove. However, she could tell that the glove on one hand was neatly arranged when compared to the other. That glove had been removed and placed back. Had the girl summoned her Servant yet? Probably not by the looks of it.

"We can handle the summoning another time," Ozpin said. "For now, we must tend to the wounded and pay our respects to the departed."

The professors then proceeded towards the docking bay. Weiss Schnee followed them from behind. Pyrrha Nikos, carrying Jaune Arc, was in the middle of the group. Lancer carried her Master.

She'll need some help, Lancer thought. She'll need a mentor for her Silver eyes. Lancer nodded to herself. She'll be that mentor. She herself was one after all. Looking around her, she could see traces of familiarity here in Vale. Perhaps it hadn't been that long ago for her in this one, if she had been here at all. In another life, she might have lived long enough to help the kids. That wasn't the case for this Maria Calavera, the Grimm Reaper. One of a number of Heroic Spirits that bear the name of "Silver-Eyed Warrior." She only got here because of that status.

She turned to face the other Servant in the group. Saber, apparently. Perhaps someday, she would be able to clash with him. But right now, her Master needed aid and they were allies.

I think, Lancer thought. I'm ready for another adventure.

This Maria Calavera didn't have a glorious nor tragic end. Age simply claimed her eventually. But now? She's back in the game.

Chapter Text

It had taken days and Vale only had a façade of normalcy. The truth was that with the amount of lives and livelihoods lost, Vale could never hope to become normal in so short a time. A section of the Commercial District has been allocated to be what has come to be named as the heroes' cemetery. Dedicated to those who had defended the kingdom, the names were of those who had been confirmed dead. It was mainly to give some kind of hope that those lost would be found, however long that it would last.

For Pyrrha Nikos, such hope could never come to be. With Crocea Mors by her side, she put down the flowers that she had bought for Jaune. Every day, she would be here. Every day, she would light candles and give flowers, trim the grass and weeds that grew too big that it would start to cover his gravestone. A slab of stone that rested on the ground, containing Jaune's name. The portrait had that small smile of his, almost shy with a little awkwardness. Looking at it hurts every time. On one hand, she didn't ever want to forget even the littlest detail of his face. On the other, it is reminder that it is one of the only times that she would ever see him again.

It was a humble display. Had she had her way, she would have had her partner in a mausoleum with Crocea Mors hanging there on the wall. Everyone who passed by here would know that it was one of the defenders of Vale that rests here, a hero deserving of recognition. He may not have some name or fame attached but Jaune deserved it that much in her eyes.

People past by her, ignoring her presence. Many recognized her but none acted. No fan came in for an autograph nor a picture. They all knew why she was here; they were there for similar reasons. Ironic. The one time she could use a distraction would be the time that none wouldn't want to take her attention away. Then again, she wasn't sure what she'd do if anyone did.

She shook her head. She was being unreasonable, can't have it both ways.

"Sorry, am I interrupting anything?"

Pyrrha turned around and recognized the tall boy who stood next to her. He had a candle with him as well, two in fact. "Cardin?"

"I'm sorry. I'll come back later." He was about to walk away before Pyrrha stopped him.

"No." Pyrrha shook her head. Her voice was weak and coarse. She coughed to clear her throat. "No. Go ahead."

Cardin Winchester had to be sure before he placed his candle down. After a moment of silence, he spoke again saying, "I never got a chance to make it up to the guy. I remember how he threw himself at that Ursa." He laughed bitterly. "Man, I was pathetic. Me, the trained huntsman, running away from a bloody Ursa. Him? Mister no training and got into Beacon through forgery went ahead and took it head-on. I'd call him stupid and reckless, throwing his life away like that. Probably even holding all of you back with his lies. Took him a while to even catch up and even then, he was at the bottom…"

Pyrrha's hand clenched into a fist. But Cardin continued, ignorant of her building frustration. Now that Jaune was gone, did Cardin really think that he could say mean things about him? Jaune may be kind enough to let it be but Pyrrha would break his legs if Cardin kept insulting him.

"… and he's a better man than I'll ever be. I should be saying I told you so or something. But really, he shouldn't be down there right now. He could do more, more than I ever could."

She paused. Her fist loosened as her shoulders dropped.

"It should have been me you know? Not just Jaune but Sky too." His eyes looked tired. Despite his physical size, Cardin was much smaller than her in this moment. He shrunk down as he continued to stare at Jaune's portrait.

"I'm sorry." Pyrrha wasn't the only one who lost someone. The proof was in the graves surrounding them all.

"Anyway, I need to go to Sky too." Cardin bade her farewell. That explains the extra candle. "Sky is much further away. I suppose I could use the exercise. Just wanted to let it out to Jauney-boy before I go. Gods know I don't have the guts to come back here again."

Pyrrha looked down again at the stone slab that had Jaune's name on it. There was an epitaph below the name. It was a common one used for the departed. It had the following:

For it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Her hand rested on the hilt of Crocea Mors. The metal rattled until her hands began to hurt. She should have been stronger. She should have been faster. She should not have forgotten her semblance. Her years of being a huntress should have meant that she couldn't lose her head in critical moments. Pyrrha had no excuse. She should not have been hesitant. She shouldn't have faltered. She shouldn't have failed.

She then buried herself in her hands. How many times had she cried now? How does she still have tears left to shed? It was unsightly, seeing the Invincible Girl become this. She didn't wear any make-up. Good. It would have been ruined anyway. Pyrrha struggled to keep her voice from leaking out. Still, whimpers could be heard coming from her. Was this what losing felt like?

The light breeze threatened to douse the candles' flame. Old flowers were wilting with the browned leaves already having been snapped away. It was getting old. The season of fa—autumn was ending. In times like these, she would have felt his warm hands on her shoulders. Always there for her. He would say that it was only right because she was always there for him. But that night? That night when she needed to be there most? She failed. Pyrrha Nikos failed. The girl who always won lost.

Sobs continued. Passersby didn't pay her any mind; they all felt the same thing, though their stories differed in details. They could only look at her with empathy. Everyone there understood. Some began to cry as well, reminded of their own loss.

Her fingers soon traced the marks on the back of her other hand. It was covered by the glove that she wore. Headmaster Ozpin had given her time while he was busy as a councilman in the rebuilding of Vale, leaving Beacon to Glynda. As an added measure, teams RWBY and JNPR were made into fully-fledged huntsmen and huntresses. Those that were here anyway; Weiss had been taken back to Atlas, Blake had run away, and Yang didn't even seem to want it anymore.

It was a hollow thing. Both Pyrrha and Ruby understood the reason behind it. It wasn't out of recognition of their actions but for the things to come that they needed to prepare. They wouldn't be able to if they only had their student licenses. The professional status granted them privileges that mere students could not have.

Jaune should have had his with them. He should have been there with the rest of his team as they received their licenses, no matter how hollow it may seem. Pyrrha had nearly torn her own. It just didn't feel the same. Not like this. Never like this. He deserved to have gotten that far at least. He shouldn't have met his end here. All because of some secret power that she had to keep and now a secret war on top of that as well.

A Holy Grail War, she thought. How many more secrets did Ozpin keep? He had assured them that he would tell them all that he knows including those that he never told his closest allies like Qrow Branwen. He gave them time to grieve though and Pyrrha made full use of that as she knows that her time with Jaune here would come to an end.

"They already did come by," she whispered. Shaking her head, she stood back up. Pyrrha didn't leave just yet, preferring to stick around just a while longer. Just a little longer, please. Please, let her stay a little longer. She'd rather remain here if she could. "Ren and Nora are waiting for me… Jaune." It took effort for her to say his name. That effort was spent forcing it out despite the pain in her throat in doing so.

When she turned, she paused. Another man was approaching. Much older but had that same blonde hair. His features were akin to that of Jaune if he were older. His face was old and haggard. He had a beard. There could be no mistaking it. Jaune had talked about them once or twice.

"You're—"

"Jacques Arc," he replied. He recognized her in an instant. Whether that was from her fame or from what Jaune had told them was anyone's guess. "You must be Pyrrha Nikos, my son's partner."

He too had flowers and candles on him. Jaune's grave had a lot by now. Nora and Ren had come with her but left earlier, saying that they would wait for her and give her time. They both reminded her that she wasn't alone and that they are still there as family.

The flowers were pure white. She didn't recognize them but they were certainly new and fresh, most of the flowers here were. The candles were lit and Jacques had to find some place where it wouldn't fall to the side or take up the surrounding space. The flowers and leaves were quite large that part of his name had been covered by them.

Standing there in silence, offering his prayers for about a minute, Jacques Arc turned to her and asked, "how did my son die?" There was a tiredness to him. As a huntsman, he must not have been a stranger to death. Yet, he seemed uncertain of what to do.

For a moment, Pyrrha hesitated to answer. She didn't want to relive those images again, still fresh in her mind. It was as though she was still there in that pod. Pyrrha mustered just enough strength to speak weakly. "A hero. He never gave in. He kept going."

A bitter chuckle escaped Jacques' lips. "Stubborn, you mean. I saw what you all did, during the Vytal Tournament. He did pretty good. I take it that you and the rest of his team helped him? I'm sure he wasn't the best combatant."

Right. Jaune never went to any of the combat schools. "For someone who hasn't had any training, he seemed to keep up as far back as the initiation," Pyrrha replied. Jaune certainly had the stamina to keep running with them. Looking back at it, he might have had some conditioning at least.

"Is that what he saw it? I suppose I don't blame him. I should have been harsher on the boy. Should have made sure that he was willing to commit if he really wanted to be a huntsman."

Pyrrha didn't reply. Why didn't you train him? He said that none of you believed in him.

Jacques never looked at her direction. "He never took much of anything seriously." Had he read her mind? Or was Pyrrha that obvious? "When he said he wanted to be a huntsman, by then, I had been convinced that it would be like any other thing he tried to do. He always liked the idea of being someone great but never really liked the steps in getting there."

"I mean; he did sleep in class a few times, sir." To be fair, that was Port's class. Everyone does that but Jaune did so during the first few days and even flirted with Weiss there. There was also doctor Oobleck's class but few people could ever keep up with the man. Most would usually try to be good students at first, if only to secure a good first impression or figure out if the professor is strict.

"Being a huntsman wasn't the only thing he tried." Jacques Arc didn't seem surprised at the revelation. "He tried to be a musician once. Then, I think there was a time he wanted to be an influencer was it? Every time it was the same: he would try to take on too much and burn himself out quickly. Huntsman was among them as well. I tried to train him, physically at least. Condition him as much as I could. Commitment had always been his problem since before Beacon."

"What happened?" Pyrrha asked.

"Much like any other time." He faced the skies above. He sighed. "He started to lose interest. I thought that perhaps he was planning to give up like he did before, so I didn't take the training seriously as I should have. Even when he made it to Beacon, I didn't think he would make it far. Imagine my surprise when I saw him on the television participating in the Vytal Tournament, as team leader no less."

Jacques Arc had a trace of pride before that too faded away, replaced by the reminder that he no longer had his son with him. A parent had to bury his own child that night.

Pyrrha's eyes looked down, to the sword and collapsed shield of Crocea Mors. Now would be the best time for it. She didn't want to impose, especially if they wanted it back. She presented Jaune's family heirloom to his father. "Sir, the sword—"

"Keep it." Jacques didn't let her finish as he shook his head. He couldn't even look at it. "Use it for whatever reason you see fit."

"But sir, isn't this a family heirloom?" It was also stolen, if Pyrrha recalled.

"It is." Jacques nodded. "It's also a reminder that I had to bury my own son." Shame filled his voice. "And that he died thinking—knowing, that I never believed in him when I, more than anyone else, should have."

"I understand, sir." Pyrrha bowed her head and kept Crocea Mors by her side. "I'll… I'll leave you two alone." She had enough time here. She couldn't hog all of Jaune's time, as much as she wanted to.

Jacques was quiet. "Thank you," he whispered weakly. His head bowed and his form was small. Pyrrha could see traces of a proud huntsman in him but that had been dashed away at the sight of that stone slab. As huntsmen and huntresses, they would give away their lives so that their children would live. But for the father of the Arc family, he had failed in that singular purpose.

Every once in a while, Pyrrha would turn around at the shrinking figure of Jaune's slab of stone as she walked further away. His father was still there, his face buried in his hands. Her own lips trembled again. Her partner was more than simply her partner and friend. He had been a son and a brother. She looked down in shame. If she had been faster, stronger, then Jaune would still be around. He would still have been with his family. Maybe even face them with pride and confidence. Perhaps, Jaune had already proven himself to them.

Should I have told him? Despite pushing him away, Jaune was the first to her side when things went terrible during that Vytal Tournament. Would things had turned out any different if he had known earlier? Would he shout at her? No. He wouldn't. Jaune was nice like that. He would have helped her along even. Take up the burden himself if he could.

She turned around one more time. Should she have told his father? Would Jacques Arc berate her? Could she even face that anger of having failed to protect his son? Her, Pyrrha Nikos, Invincible Girl, chosen to take up a burden that would protect everyone, failed to protect one of the very few she intended to protect.

No. I-I can't keep thinking like this. There were many others who also needed her. If she could, she would bring him back. But if she could not, then all she had to do is make sure that no one else would go through what she did. If only, I could see you one more time, Jaune. Just… one more time.

Exiting the cemetery, Pyrrha Nikos was ignored by the common populace. There was a bitter chuckle. Out of all the times where she would be treated as though she were anyone else, it would be the one time where she could use the distraction. Then again, she'd be irritated if they did do that.

The repairs were still ongoing. Construction crews were busy rebuilding and repairing much of the destroyed infrastructure with the rest making the most of their current circumstances. Taking some lien out of her pocket, Pyrrha gave to a nearby beggar. Their clothes were far too clean and they were too articulate to be some bum in the streets. They had lost their homes and their livelihoods too. Without much in the way of communications, Pyrrha couldn't get into contact with any of her sponsors. Call her names but so long as it helped people around, she'll accept whatever accusations of taking advantage that would be thrown her way. People needed something to get back on their feet; it would be a small price to pay.

Her home, if one could call it that, was back in Beacon. Much of the school had been destroyed. Most of her things were ruined and there was little to be salvaged. Their old dorm was practically gone and Pyrrha, along with Nora and Ren, had to move out of the school and find some place to stay. With Pyrrha's funding, that was of little consequence with the only issue being finding one closer to the school. Most of the students that didn't have homes in Vale or knew someone that did.

The apartment that they stayed was good for four. Pyrrha felt that absence of one more individual because she was the one who had to sleep next to an empty bed. It gave them quite the space which was even bigger than their dorms given that most of their things were either destroyed or burned beyond repair. Only their weapons and what they had on their backs were brought here. There was a lot of room for them to move in. A lot of space that should have been taken by one more person.

Nora and Ren had already left. There was a note that said that they were already on the way to the Xiao-Long-Rose family household. They would be sleeping over there if Pyrrha wanted to join them. She sighed. Pyrrha won't be joining them, not tonight anyway. Unveiling the three marks on the back of her hand, she had other plans for tonight. Washing up, she donned her combat attire again. Crocea Mors was strapped to her side.

Her first order of business was to go back to Beacon Academy. On the way, she caught sight of what huntsmen and huntresses chose to remain in Vale. Many of her fellow students—former now, she supposed—went to other schools, choosing to continue their education. Headmaster Ozpin had offered them on account of their service in Vale's defense but most had enough wisdom to know that they weren't ready if this was to happen. Besides, if they were incapable of defending Vale and Beacon as they are, what makes anyone think that being made into professionals so soon would be any different? Only her and Ruby's team didn't have much in the way of choice. Not after being made into Masters by some unknown force. Surely, she wasn't the only one who had strong wishes.

Unsurprisingly, the first thing Pyrrha had seen upon returning to Beacon's grounds is the sight of deputy headmistress Glynda Goodwitch hard at work handling anything and everything relating to Beacon Academy. With the headmaster more focused on the greater scale of Vale, the blonde-haired disciplinarian had complete control of the school's repairs. Funding had already been allocated here by the Council and had already begun. Parts were replaced with many of those too damaged to be repaired already having quite the pile. Marble stones were carried away to be repurposed as building materials. Beacon already lost much of its artistic designs. Some were being sold away to offset the costs, for however much they could.

She stood in front of the broken statue. Nothing much remained of it other than the base. Pyrrha could still remember passing by here the first time she stepped into the school. That first day where a certain blonde dork had caught her attention.

Enough looking back. Pyrrha had places to go, a process she needed to see and a Heroic Spirit she needed to summon.

"Miss Nikos, you're here." Professor Goodwitch had seen her first. She was buried in paperwork. "Ozpin isn't available right now. Though he did mention that he will be at the Xiao-Long-Rose residence by tomorrow. You know where that is, right?"

"Patch." Pyrrha remembered. It wasn't hard to find it either being an island. "I am told that he also had something else for me?"

"Yes." Goodwitch took out a box full of Dust-infused chalk from her pocket and an old notebook. "Ozpin had used one of these when he summoned his. Have you a catalyst with you?"

She shook her head. "I think it would be best if I only get one that is closest to me." What kind of catalyst would she even use? For a moment, her hand traced over Crocea Mors. No. It wouldn't work. At best, she would get Jaune's great-great-grandfather, if he had enough of a legend at all. She never did learn about that history all this time.

Seemingly satisfied, Goodwitch gave Pyrrha the chalk and the notes. "Do you need a place? I can have one arranged just for you."

Pyrrha shook her head. "I'll wait until tonight. Less witnesses that way. Thank you, professor."

"Of course, miss Nikos," the professor replied. "Again, I'm sorry for your loss. Mister Arc was… a good student. None of you should have experienced this so early."

Pyrrha chuckled weakly. It was no secret to anyone, professor Goodwitch especially, that Jaune wasn't the best student in Beacon. With the truth of the matter being known to her, it shouldn't be a surprise at all. Still, Jaune had that earnest determination to him. Remembering the words of Jacques Arc, perhaps Jaune had finally found something worth taking seriously in the end.

Sighing, she continued onwards. Jaune should have gone further than he did. No. She can't keep letting herself go like this. There was still time before day gave way to night. Pyrrha offered what help she could there in Beacon. Most of her fellow trainees did. Some looked at her funny; they must have known about her professional status. Carrying rubbles from one place to the pile set aside for it, Crocea Mors remained by her side. The cold steel was old with many scratches on it. The sword had been chipped and the colors had faded.

As she worked, she wondered about Crocea Mors' history. What kind of person was Jaune's ancestor? She didn't want to hope that she could somehow bring him back. Jaune didn't have a legend to his name. Even if she dedicated her life to telling people about him, Pyrrha doubts it would work. Perhaps, his ancestor would help her? After all, one of his descendants had been killed. Surely, that must have some kind of personal reason to be here?

Pushing those thoughts away for now, Pyrrha continued her aid here until night came. The other students returned home with Pyrrha staying behind. Some did stay late but they too eventually went home. Only Goodwitch and herself remained in Beacon. Pyrrha chose an empty classroom, away from most people. There weren't any security cameras either. They couldn't let another hacking incident interfere this one.

"I wish you luck, miss Nikos," Goodwitch said before leaving for the teachers' dormitories. "And may fate favor you."

"Thank you, professor Goodwitch," Pyrrha replied.

Finding a place to perform the summoning ritual was a difficult thing for Pyrrha. For one, she needed a place where the chalk would leave behind clear enough markings. There was no telling what would happen if the shapes drawn would be broken into dashes when they should have been lines. She was as gentle as she was firm. There hadn't been more focus from since the attack. Pyrrha had to focus. She had to.

Breathing to a point of meditation, Pyrrha kept her hand as straight and as steady as she could. Crocea Mors was at the head of the northern-most point of the shape. Her own weapons were elsewhere.

Only one way to find out. She made her choice. She'll gamble on it. It doesn't matter how strong or weak Jaune's ancestor would be. If there is anyone who would have any personal reason to heed her call, it would have to be her partner's ancestor.

Having finished her sketch, Pyrrha looked onto Crocea Mors. It's expanded shield revealing the emblem of the Arc family. Would it have been a good idea to do a little research first? She shook her head. Now is not the time. Pyrrha could do it at another time. She was the Master now, the Heroic Spirit that she will summon is the Servant. Not just for Jaune but for every life that had been lost, she'll get that Heroic Spirit.

Here we go. She got to her knees and began to channel her aura into it, as instructed by headmaster Ozpin. Activating her aura, Pyrrha began her part of this strange ritual. For a moment, she felt as though she had heard it somewhere before.

"For it is in passing that we achieve immortality." There was only one thing that she could say as her prayer. She could still see that epitaph below her partner's name vividly. "Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all. Infinite in distance and unbound by death, I release your soul, and by my shoulder, call upon thee."

The shapes then glowed their light. At first, it was the light of bronze that shone warmly against the dark cold of night. With no one around, Pyrrha didn't have to worry too much about having someone suddenly walk in.

Then, the light turned white. A pure brightness that reminded Pyrrha of those fairytales that her mother would read her when she was a child. That warmth was familiar somehow, like she had felt it before. Something about this seemed familiar. Had she heard about this before? Had someone told her about this Grail War before?

Growing in intensity, both brightness and heat, Pyrrha fell back as the ritual was nearing its own climax. Thankfully, nothing nearby had been destroyed by it though they probably felt hot to the touch. It didn't feel heated. Warm perhaps but not hot.

When the light had faded, it took a moment for Pyrrha to open her eyes again and regain her vision. That was a blinding experience. She was still seated with the palms of her hand on the floor. Her eyes widened when she could make out the figure of the Servant that she had summoned. If it had worked at all, Pyrrha had expected to see Jaune's ancestor.

Standing tall, taller than her definitely, was a knight in armor. However, it wasn't shining armor but that of rust. For one the color had faded with scratches and some dents clearly visible. His back was towards her and she could see the sheath strapped to it; the sword was absent there. Following down to his arm, Pyrrha's jaw opened wider at the sight of the broken sword.

Impossible. She recognized this figure. There were many drawings and artistic depictions of the Servant she had summoned. But it couldn't be, could it? How had it been possible? Was there something about Jaune's ancestor that she didn't know? Who else could it be? A template?

"Servant: Rider," he began. Slowly, he turned around to face her. "Rusted Kni—Pyrrha? Is that you?"

Pyrrha's jaw couldn't be any lower than it already was. She heard it correctly. Her Servant was none other than the Rusted Knight, a character from the Girl Who Fell Through the World. A popular character among children and the inspiration for many to become huntsmen and huntresses. Pyrrha herself wasn't an exception to that and right now, he stood in front of her as her Servant.

Was the Rusted Knight inspired by Jaune's ancestor somehow? It had to be. But wait, if that is the case, then how did he recognize her?

The Rusted Knight, Rider, laughed as though a joke had been said. She could imagine that beneath that helmet, there were tears falling already. What was so funny?

"I'm sorry." It took a while before she gathered her bearings. Even then, she wasn't certain if it was even real. What did Crocea Mors have to do with the Rusted Knight? "But how do you already know me?"

"Right." Rider nodded. "Of course. Stranger things have happened I suppose. But I guess some things are just meant to be, huh Pyr? Glad that memory is still there. A little fuzzy and mixed with what Lewis wrote but it's still there."

Pyr? Wait. I know that voice. That voice was familiar. It was a voice that she never thought she would ever hear again.

"Let me start again." Rider coughed. He recreated that formal tone that he had before. "Servant: Rider. True Name: the Rusted Knight."

He then removed the helmet. The same blonde hair, blue eyes and dorky smile that he had during their days in Beacon. If her jaws could stretch, they would have dug through the ground.

"I ask you," Jaune Arc continued. "Are you, my Master?"

Chapter Text

Jaune Arc was the Rusted Knight. The Rusted Knight was her Servant. Jaune Arc was her Servant. Her Servant was Jaune Arc. Her Servant was the Rusted Knight. Did she miss anything?

Pyrrha's thoughts kept rearranging themselves in vain attempts to find some sort of fault in that process. Unfortunately, that never came. As Jaune—Rider—Rusted Knight? She wasn't sure what to call him. He stood in front of her and she was still staring at him. For once, it wasn't the kind of stare that she would have given him back in Beacon but that of disbelief. Was she dreaming? Had she died in her grief and this was the afterlife where the two had met again?

She slapped herself repeatedly that her Servant had to hold her hands. His gloves felt worn and rough. The hands were warm

"Hey, hey," he repeated. "It's not a dream, Pyrrha! It's really me! I guess? Sort off? Look, what happened to the me here?"

"W-what do you mean?" Pyrrha asked. "Y-you don't know?"

"Mind's a little fuzzy, I have general information and a little bit of my life but that is being mixed with the Rusted Knight's memories."

Pyrrha shook her head. "Are you Jaune? Or are you the Rusted Knight?"

"Well, yes." He sounded unsure. "But also no? More like a template?"

Things were making less sense by the minute. She buried her head in her palms. "I-I don't know. What's happening?" Her knees were screaming as though she was tired. Her entire being ached. Her head was heavy. "What's happening? I can't do this! I need a break. I need to rest."

"Pyrrha!" he called. "Master! It will be—just call me Rider, okay? Much easier. Look, I'll put on my helmet, see?"

It was doing little to alleviate her concerns. How could it? She knows the face behind that helmet. Now that she was looking at him, she could see hints of his old armor pieces alongside the new. The torn red sash around his hip was what caught her attention. The color of it was similar to her own.

"J-just give me a moment, J—Rider," Pyrrha said. Her vision was blurring and her hearing was buzzing. "I-I need time to take it in."

Pyrrha laid her head against the cold hard floor. Even that felt comfortable and it felt as though the pain in her head was being transferred to the ground. It was like in her early career as a competitive fighter. Most would overexert themselves without understanding the importance of pacing and would end up in a terrible physical state. The lack of oxygen, blood flow, and a heart rate that wasn't used to this sort of activity would make its presence known. Pyrrha was no exception to that.

Air was being wafted at her. Jaune—Rider—her Servant was giving her air. The cool night was doing little and Pyrrha had to check if her temperature was alright. A scent filled her nose. Some kind of scented oil. When did he get one of those? Did she bring any? Whatever. Too much information was already being crammed at once.

Slowly, her vision her returned and her hearing was cleared of any sort of static. Rider was still there and kept his helmet on. Her mind was clearing. Still, Pyrrha massaged her temples. What a day, this had been. First, she had met with a repentant Cardin Winchester, a regretful Jacques Arc, and now, she brought her partner from the dead who is now apparently the fairytale hero that she and many others grew up with! Combine that with the existence of magic, Grail Wars, and Heroic Spirits, Pyrrha was certain that she needed things to slow down a little.

She looked towards her Servant. Her partner. It was still hard to believe and she had seen many things that were hard to believe in recent times. Rider's helmet was facing towards Crocea Mors. Now that she paid attention to it, his was strapped to his back. How did he become the Rusted Knight? That tale had long been written before she had ever been born. Jaune certainly wasn't a good liar and she was certain that he wasn't some sort of secret immortal. Time travel? Was that even—oh forget it.

"Master," he asked. His voice was low and kept himself restrained, distancing himself from the Jaune she knew. "What happened to Jaune?"

"He-he's gone," Pyrrha replied. "Died a hero." There. Considering that the one before her had become one, he had to.

Rider nodded his head. It too a moment for him to speak again. "So I took your place this time."

His fingers traced the red sash. Pyrrha focused on it and looked to her own. She looked at him again, realization hitting her. "What happened?"

"You died a braver hero than I probably did here." Rider held something back.

"How did you become the Rusted Knight?"

"It's a long story, P-Master." He rose and offered her a hand. "Let's get you some better place to rest first. I'll explain there."

"Wait. Tomorrow. At Patch. There are… others like you. Friends. Allies? Future enemies?"

There was a pause. Then, he nodded. "Tomorrow." Soon he dematerialized, leaving Pyrrha alone once more.

Pyrrha stood there staring into nothing. Her eyes were looking at something but the image didn't register for her mind was filled solely with the Jaune that stood before her. Rider. That would make things easier. She looked down towards Crocea Mors, her catalyst. She had hoped that she would get someone who could help her avenge Jaune. Instead, she got some alternate-timeline version of him where he became the Rusted Knight somehow.

"If magic is real." She didn't stop massaging her forehead. "I suppose time travel is a thing, too? Wait." Her mind stopped. "We get to make a wish for the Holy Grail, right? Headmaster Ozpin said that. I—no, I-I can't do that." Pyrrha bit her fingers. Her aura protected it from any sort of damage. As her mind slowly caught up with all this new information, there was one thing that stuck longer than the others.

She had lost Jaune once. Now she had been given the chance to bring him back. Does she want to take that risk? Should she take that risk? Pyrrha had forgotten her weapons as she was walking away. She came back the moment she remembered it. Her thoughts locked on those questions. Salem's immortality or Jaune's revival?

/-/

Servant: Rider. True Name: Rusted Knight. AKA Jaune Arc. It was a different experience for him being in this form. His memories were fuzzy, mixed in with what of the living Jaune Arc that had shaped him and that of the Rusted Knight as Lewis wrote them.

Flying machines? Bullhead. Tall towers? That's probably Beacon or any other academy. Stone walls and castles? Okay, that is definitely Lewis. Rider was sifting through his memories and information given to him by the Grail. Through his Master's eyes, he was looking through the current state of Beacon. He remembered this still. It was similar with one noticeable difference was that the Wyvern Grimm that was supposed to be on the tower is gone. The tower still stood.

Speaking of his Master, he never would have guessed that Pyrrha of all people would have been his Master. His partner! His mentor! The person who always believed in him has now called upon him to help her. He didn't know it at the time but he had felt compelled to heed that call, with or without the catalyst. Seeing her now, it made sense.

If Pyrrha is here, then… He himself was already from an alternate timeline but what would that mean for Pyrrha here? No. If he had been in physical form, he would have shaken his head. He wouldn't allow her to go through what he did. No one deserved that isolation. He nearly lost his mind there. Even if he was confident that she could handle it—Pyrrha always had been stronger than he was, physically and mentally—she shouldn't go through any of that. If they ever reach that point, Jaune—Rider will take that mantle again.

His Master went inside an apartment of sorts. It was big. Too big for any one person to use. Looking at the surroundings, he understood. Team JNPR still stuck together at least. Of course they would, he was a terrible combatant and was really just holding them back. With Pyrrha? They'll be in an even better condition. Though perhaps he might need to guide her on the leadership role. Then again, Ruby could do that enough probably. Maybe on adjusting with Ruby's leadership style?

Rider's prowess came from his being a Servant. If he ever had a chance to meet Lewis, he really needed to thank him. Writing that fairytale as he did means that his abilities reflected more on his legend than that of Jaune Arc's life.

Not all of them, though. Some were clearly aspects of himself that had been included. Who knows? Lewis must have gotten through some revisions and rewrites. He never really paid much attention to such things growing up. Perhaps it came from some other tale that had become associated with his own. He'd like to think that Lewis tried to keep it as close to his actual self as he could write it.

"J—Rider," Pyrrha said. "You can come out. Ren and Nora actually went ahead to Patch."

"Of course." Rider complied. The sight of his p—master looking so unsure was not a new experience to him. The first time he had seen it was in his life, before he had learned of the truth about the headmaster.

"I don't want to have you explain again but can I ask what happened to me? To us?"

Rider nodded. "Where do you want me to start?"

"Anywhere… the beginning. Wait." She took a deep breath and took a seat by one of the bed. "I'm ready now. I want to see your face, Rider."

A second past before Rider took off his helmet. It was slow and he didn't want it to be sudden. He could see clearly that something got stuck on her throat as her hands trembled. The sight of that familiar face must still be getting to her. Having looked at what happened just outside, Rider could tell that Beacon's fall was still rather fresh in people's minds.

"I…" Rider paused, choosing his words carefully. "I suppose it began when we—when the you I knew pushed me into a locker..."

He told them everything he knew up to that point. His memory of that day still burned strongly into himself. His Spirit Origin? Lewis must have mixed some things from his actual life and it dragged other aspects of himself into the Servant he now is. Pyrrha and he exchanged notes up to that point and while he had offered, his Master insisted on not knowing that future. Since he hadn't summoned his Servant during his life, there was no telling if it would still be the same events here no matter how confident he felt it to be the case.

She eventually went to rest her aching head. Rider could tell that she was struggling to sleep. Those wrinkles on that forehead gave it all away. Eventually, she did fall to an uncomfortable slumber. Rider had to make sure that she didn't have a fever. She wasn't burning which was good. The stress of the whole thing must have gotten to her.

"Pyrrha will be fine," Rider whispered to himself. "She's stronger than this." He was confident that she would get over it faster than he ever did and unlike him, she wouldn't relapse to this whenever life decided to be cruel.

As a Servant, he didn't need to sleep. With potential enemies nearby, Rider chose to stay up and watch. From out the window, he was observing the comings and goings of even the flying paper waste. It was cold out with no one else present. Only those without homes were out and about, struggling to find shelter and warmth by a barrel full of trash set on fire.

He turned back to the room that his Master was staying in. It was somewhat of a mess and needed cleaning. Not much but he might as well do something about it. That paper from earlier gave him an idea.

"Hello brave knight," a voice was heard from behind him. "You have need of me?"

"If it isn't too much ask, Jaune," Rider replied. "I would like you to clean this room."

"Of course, brave knight." The star-shaped Paper Pleaser bowed and proceeded to take what trash was there and even began to beautify the room a little.

Paper Pleasers, huh. Rider was testing out some of his abilities and their strain on Master's aura. It isn't much but that is more to do with the fact that there is only one Paper Pleaser. It still gave him some time to go through all the information about himself. When was I ever a musician? I had a guitar but I never played in years! He must have recounted many tales to Lewis and Alyx during his time. Lewis put too much embellishments.

Speaking off, he couldn't find any copy of the Girl who Fell Through the World. Shame. He hadn't read that in a long time and wanted to compare any of Lewis' embellishments to that of his memories. Considering that this timeline's Jaune never fell to the Ever After, he would rather take some measures.

"I shouldn't even be having these memories at all," he concluded. He stared outside the window again. Specifically, he was staring at the stars that dotted the night sky. There was a nostalgic feeling to it. He felt comfortable and knowing of those stars. He found himself rubbing his own arms for warmth at the sight of those cold clouds. It's like I've been through one myself. Eh, perhaps someone, somewhere did something crazy with Lewis' works that it just became synonymous with the Rusted Knight. His memories as Jaune made that difficult to cypher through.

He could hear the sounds of ticking. There was no clock in the room, not a mechanical one anyway. Hearing it made him sigh. He may be a Servant but he could still feel the same effects as any other person. Tick tock. Tick tock. Tick tock.

Rider shook his head. Not this time. He may not have been strong enough to save her in life but he was a Servant now. As undeserving he was to call himself a hero, let alone one of Remnant's greatest, he had answered her call. This moment. This circumstance. All this is a miracle.

"What more can I ask for?" Just seeing her again and seeing her actually alive was more than enough for him.

The ticking noises continued in his head. But they had become faint and distant. For this night at least, there was no trouble, just quiet. Jaune the Paper Pleaser soon vanished when his job was done.

Though he shouldn't feel tired, the idleness and stillness of night made it a rather sleep-inducing experience for Rider. His eyes grew heavy as his head occasionally dipped down. Despite that, he kept himself up. It was unfitting for the Rusted Knight. That's right. He isn't Jaune Arc but the Rusted Knight. He'll be a proper Heroic Spirit fit to be a Servant for someone like Pyrrha Nikos. She deserves that much. She deserves more than what Jaune Arc is.

Hours ticked on by until the first light of day creeped in. Rider was the first to greet it. He didn't sleep. He looked back at his Master's sleeping form. Pyrrha had gotten a bit more comfortable during the night. He left her there and made his way to the kitchens. There wasn't much there, mainly pancakes along with some syrup. Rider chuckled. He could work with that. Can't say much about the syrup with how little was left but Servants don't need to eat, technically.

Pyrrha soon came into the kitchen, probably at the sounds of his cooking. "J-Rider?" She was still drowsy and was rubbing her eye.

"Made you breakfast, Master." Rider put down the plates. "Only pancakes though. Not much to work with otherwise."

He managed to get a light chuckle from her. Nice. She was already doing better than he did. Considering that he wallowed in his own grief for months, it definitely wasn't a high bar to overcome. Not like there was any doubt; it was Pyrrha after all.

"What about you?"

"Servants don't need to eat," Rider assured her. "If anything else, we could always pick something up on the way to Patch."

Rather than stare at his own Master, Rider opted to do what clean-up he could. While having a Paper Pleaser would make it easier, it involved water. Nothing more needs to be said about paper and water. Of course, he had to be out of his armor for that and so he did.

"What kind of outfit is that, Rider?" Pyrrha asked. She was observing his new attire.

"I… honestly don't know." Rider never recalled a time he had worn a tunic. The red sash was still there and served as a belt. But he also had a longer red scarf around his neck. "Maybe something to do with my legend?"

"You don't know your own legend?"

"I—" Rider paused. He really should have known his own legend shouldn't he? How else was he supposed to be a proper Servant if he can't even recall details of his made-up life? Lewis must either not have embellished much or his being Jaune really took over his Spirit Origin. Sighing, he shrugged. "It's probably because I am a mix of J—your partner and that of how people think of the Rusted Knight." It is the best guess he could come up with anyway. "Besides, y—my Pyrrha didn't exactly make it this far. Details, you know?"

When Pyrrha had finished and he did the cleaning, she said to him: "there's someplace I want to go to first before we go."

Rider nodded and the two—mostly Pyrrha, Rider had dematerialized—made their way towards the cemetery. Many people were passing by here that he guessed correctly that this must have been meant for those defending Beacon. He wasn't sure if his had something like this. There probably was and he never bothered to check. His Master had brought two candles.

The first had been unsurprising. It was the Jaune of this world. He could tell right away even from that distance. Pyrrha gave a few words to this Jaune that Rider could not hear. He could if he wanted to but he wanted to respect her privacy there. He was her Servant now. He was the Rusted Knight. It was better than if he were Jaune Arc.

The second was a surprise, however. What had happened in this timeline that she would visit Sky Lark's grave? Had he even died during Rider's time? He hadn't known. It had taken a while to find his grave which told Rider that this must have been Pyrrha's first time visiting the guy. As they were searching, Rider wondered how many of these people's names wouldn't be here in his timeline.

"Cardin changed a lot since you—the you here—stood up to him." She wasn't quite there yet. But she will separate both him the Servant and him the partner in time.

"I didn't know that," Rider admitted. He never really paid much attention to Cardin afterwards in his time either.

Pyrrha chuckled weakly. "Neither did I until after all this. I'm guessing that never happened in yours." He shook his head. She must have felt it for she continued. "I met your father too. He let me keep your weapon and I guess that's why it was you."

"The closer and more specific the catalyst is to the Heroic Spirit, the higher the chances that it would be them." Rider confirmed. With Crocea Mors? Who else could it be? Perhaps his ancestors though he wasn't sure how much their fame would stack against the Rusted Knight. Also, his father? He definitely didn't want to face them like this. Best if he never see them again; it will only hurt them more.

Soon after, both of them made their way towards the docks. There were no airships that would bring them to Patch but seafaring vessels were available to them. Pyrrha only needed the fee for one while Rider stayed in his spirit form. It wouldn't do for them if people see some knightly figure covered in rust; they'll probably think he was some strange huntsman who deludes himself into thinking that he is the Rusted Knight, even though in this case, he really was the genuine article.

The sea breeze blew warm winds against Pyrrha's face. The vessel moved quickly that it was fortunate that Pyrrha had something to hold onto while she was there. The rising and falling of the ship made the inexperienced passenger regret whatever meals they have taken. It lasted for nearly half an hour. Patch was rather far from the mainland.

Isolated from much of Vale, Patch proved itself rather safe for the most part but it still had its fair share of Grimm. Signal Academy was stationed here which meant that the students had Grimm to train against. Pyrrha had been alone when she departed from the vessel. She had directions and a map to their destination though.

As she walked her way there, she kept her arms ready. Rider had materialized soon after when there were no other witnesses. For the sake of safety and subtlety, he wasn't in his armor. He could do well enough against common Grimm. The few that they did encounter were so few and of little consequence, either of them were more than enough to handle it.

Rather than stone or concrete, the roads of Patch were dirt roads made by repeated travel. Grass became the barriers and served as the closest thing to a sidewalk. Rider had returned to his spirit form again once the number of houses had begun to increase.

"We're getting close," he said.

"From memory?" she asked.

"If it was the same, Ruby would be visiting her mother."

"But that was only you guys. Headmaster Ozpin himself had called this meeting."

"Master," Rider suddenly cautioned. Ozpin is alive in this one? Alright, then. That was another difference. "I sense another Servant."

Pyrrha didn't seem worried. "Probably one of our allies."

True enough to her word, the first individual was a Servant. Rider didn't need to materialize since the Servant before them, Lancer judging from that weapon, must have seen them coming from miles away but didn't act.

"About time you got here, kid," Lancer asked. "What? Your Servant is too shy or something? Tell him to come on out. No one else would be here."

Rider waited for Pyrrha to give him that command. When she did, he appeared in full armor.

Lancer whistled. "Well, if it wasn't for his majesty already inside, I would have pegged you for the Saber."

"The other one is a Saber?" Rider asked. He may not recognize that mask, but he recognized those clothes and that weapon. So this was what that old lady would have looked like when she had been younger. Rider soon introduced himself by his class.

"Maria Calavera." She didn't even bother hiding her true name. "Eh. I'm beating you all after this anyway, so why bother?"

"For now." Rider shrugged. Cocky bastard. They'll see. "Rusted Knight. I'll tell the others later."

"Yeah, I already know," Lancer replied. "Holy Grail, remember? Names are pretty much there, you know. Plus, not that hard to figure you out. Not that many have rusted armor."

"Rider?" Pyrrha asked.

For a moment, Lancer froze. The other Servants never told their Masters that he could be summoned, did they? Already, they were securing their own victories.

"Someone you may or may not meet later on. Of course, she'll be an old hag by then."

"Hey! I aged like wine, blondie," Lancer rebuked.

"Sure you did." Rider rolled his eyes behind that helmet.

Nora and Ren were the first to greet the two. Ren had been outside, meditating, when he had seen them. Nora was with him there, taking in the pleasant breeze. With the trees that surrounded them, there was plenty of shade under the sun.

Predictably, Nora was the first as she grabbed Pyrrha, raising her in the air, and hugged her tight.

"This is your Servant?" Nora said.

Rider bowed courteously. That's what knights do, don't they? He couldn't speak to them in the same manner as he did, not yet anyway. He really didn't want to explain himself twice. If he could, he would rather that he didn't reveal that part of himself at all. But that was cruel if he had asked his Master to bear that burden alone, no matter how confident he was in her ability to keep it. There was a tradeoff and this was one he was willing to take.

"He is Rider," Pyrrha introduced. "As for the true name… well, best if we do it later. Have everyone around for convenience."

Lancer joined the conversation. To Ren, she said, "you better get some tissues ready, kid."

"Why?" asked Ren.

"Trust me, you'll need it." Lancer must have winked at Rider behind that mask.

Ruby must have heard their conversation for she had opened the door and ushered them all inside. Of course, that came after gushing a little at the sight of Rider. There could be no mistake that his identity as the Rusted Knight would have been easy to figure out here in Remnant. Not many people had a distinctively noted presence like he did here.

He had been proven wrong the moment he stepped into the Xiao-Long-Rose household.

I should have paid more attention. He remembered Lancer's words moments earlier. His majesty, indeed.

Before him stood the Saber of this Holy Grail War, the King of Vale of the Great War. One didn't need to guess with that ornate-looking sword that was synonymous with his majesty.

At least, Saber tried to appear surprised at his appearance. "The Rusted Knight, huh?" Saber turned to Pyrrha who could only shrug. "It is a pleasure to see you again. Though, I certainly didn't expect it would be this soon."

"Is it really something that Heroic Spirits would know?" Pyrrha asked.

"We would. Heroic Spirits are formed by their legends and myths. The Grail grants us knowledge of those that came before and after; it is only a matter of figuring out which one based on clues. With it also comes their names, their true names." Saber answered.

"Wait." Pyrrha realized something. "Does that mean that—"

Headmaster Ozpin entered the room, along with Taiyang, Qrow, and a disarmed Yang. "Saber. Our last Master has arrived, then?" They all paused at the sight of Rider's presence.

"Is this everybody?" Rider asked.

"Yep," Lancer replied.

"Good. I really didn't want to do this multiple times." Rider removed his helmet, shocking most of the people here once more. Only Taiyang and Qrow weren't surprised; those two were more confused. The other Servants observed their Masters.

Yang, who had gone through a lot already, appeared to have the least emotional reaction. There was surprise, certainly. But that lasted only a moment. Afterwards, it was mostly questions from everyone else.

Ren and Nora had the most extreme. They already had to deal with the loss of their team leader and now he was standing before them again. Not as Jaune Arc but as the Rusted Knight. Ren in particular was the most expressive as though he was staring at a ghost. He wasn't wrong in a sense. Rider was practically a ghost anyway. Nora nearly broke down crying.

Headmaster Ozpin was a surprise. Who would have thought that he would have surprised someone like the headmaster? Ironically, his Servant was the one who wasn't surprised at all. The Holy Grail really had given them all knowledge of other Servants; it was only a matter of figuring out which one they are among a list of many.

Ruby was the first to speak. "Jaune?" Her voice was weak and shaking. "Y-you're the Rusted Knight?"

"Yeah, Crater face." Rider nodded. Calling her by that name was also evidence. "It's uh, a long story. One filled with spoilers of what's to come if it goes the same. Oh and call me Rider, makes things easier."

/-/

Arthur Watts had to hide his amusement at seeing Cinder seethe with anger. All of the Masters, along with their Servants, had been called back by Salem and she presented to them a feed given by one of the stealthier Seers. While the Saber of the war had been reported by Cinder and the Servant that had been guarding that household was a Lancer, it was the final addition that had obtained their interest and Cinder's fury: Rider.

"What do you think, Caster?" asked Salem.

"An interesting fellow," Caster replied. "There is a connection between us. Though, perhaps it has more to do with whom we are from."

Next to Watts, Archer chuckled. Knowledge is power, the two of them agreed that much. However, Watts hadn't been a big fan of Archer after he had been one-upped by him. He did pride himself in his intelligence and to have that place taken from him was rather sour. But Archer offered to teach him many things and at first, Watts had been willing to take it for no other reason than to beat him at his own game. Nowadays, he found himself genuinely invested in the man. The web of that Archer had formed was too impressive for ego to criticize.

"Archer." Salem turned to address Watt's Servant. "Any progress on Assassin and their Master?"

Assassin. The enigma of this Grail War. Deduced to have been the first Servant to appear, none of them were able to find a hint of their identity nor that of their Master. Appearing only as a mysterious murderer within the four major kingdoms, Assassin has impeccable means of travel. The only thing that everyone knows with certainty is that Assassin was aligned with neither them nor their enemies. There was a third party involved, one with a vested interest in this Grail War.

"Without information on settlements outside the major kingdoms," Archer replied. "I speculate that Assassin must have been in these settlements in-between the killing sprees."

"Your little web?"

"But of course." Archer bowed. "With the other Saber dealt with, it piqued my interest to look into such matters. Though I must confess, I tend to be the one committing the crime. Being on the opposite end is a rather unique experience."

"But you are able to narrow down the list of candidates, yes?"

"Such things will be made elementary soon, milady. Assassin's Master will be revealed in time."

"Excellent." Salem turned to Watts. "You have chosen quite the capable Servant, Watts."

"Many thanks, milady." Watts followed in his Servant's footsteps.

Their meeting was adjourned after Salem had given them their next tasks. Watts had chosen not to stay considering that Caster was to go out soon. No one in that room needed to see the process that Master-Servant team went through that allowed Caster to travel far. Nobody will ever get used to Salem's screams as her heart kept coming back after being eaten by Caster, a reminder of her immortality. It still caused the hairs on Watt's body to stand stiff.

Taking the bullhead, Watts took controls.

"Speak what is on your mind, Master." Of course Archer would know if something was bothering him.

"You haven't proven yourself wrong, Archer," Watts replied. "And you're always certain of your deductions."

"Ah," Archer said. "You're referring to Assassin's Master." When Watts nodded, he continued. "A necessary thing to keep the others guessing. We could not trust either Salem or Ozpin should they realize, for better or for worse."

"But only in two kingdoms?"

"A limitation of manpower but one we could work with. Besides, it is only a matter of our Companions in the League doing their jobs. We are still aligned with them until then, after all. Even Mr. Kojirou understood that we had to keep our cover."

"Good." Watts didn't like it, considering what it could entail. "And with miss Fall's setback, we have ourselves a perfect opportunity in one very angry accomplice."

Honestly, she still obsesses over the Rusted Knight? What is she? A toddler? Wait. She probably still hasn't matured past it.

"Ah, she found her way to Mistral already?"

"The League's associates have informed us just before we lost contact with the CCT."

"Excellent. A bit ahead of schedule but it is welcome nonetheless."

"She would be frustrated at having to take another ship back to Vale, though. Smuggling one way was hard enough even with her talents. To think that the old Napoleon of Crime could be so active."

Archer laughed. "Only because you are here, Master! Do not think so low of your intelligence. Everyone could be a genius! One just needs to be ever eager to learn the skills necessary to obtain them!"

"Then, I look forward to learning more from you, Professor Moriarty."

"With the highest of pleasures, my dear Watts."

Chapter Text

Ruby couldn't take her eyes off of Rider. Were it any other time, it would have been because of some kind of hero worship. After all, it is not every day that the actual Rusted Knight is in your home. However, what made Ruby stare wasn't the fact that it was the Rusted Knight but that said Rusted Knight was none other than her own male bestie, Jaune Arc. Again, if it were any other time, Yang would have teased her a little with her having a crush.

Actually, that would have been preferred right now. As it was, Yang didn't so much as pay attention. Yang was only really here since everyone else was and that headmaster Ozpin kept apologizing for his failure of protecting his student. Seeing her older sister lose her flame was a sight Ruby did not want to experience. If only she would tease her for staring at Rider or make a terrible pun. Anything. Anything at all. Just give the old Yang back. Ruby lost enough already.

She still couldn't believe it. Blake running away? Sure, she had run away from team RWBY when her secret had been revealed but she had vowed to never run again. Blake had faced the White Fang head-on. Drag the rest of them along sure but still head-on. Now she was gone. With Yang in this state and Weiss being brought back to Atlas, Ruby needed a direction. She didn't know what to do and she was supposed to be the leader. Now she had to participate in some death match with legendary characters from history and fiction? And one of them is vomit boy back from the dead? Ruby may be fast but even she needed to slow down every once in a while.

Looking towards the other team, Ruby wasn't sure if JNPR were doing any better either. Sure, Nora seemed to be the peppiest of them all at having their team leader back but that was only relative to the rest. Nora was still subdued for the most part and was conflicted as headmaster Ozpin continued to explain the Holy Grail War to them. He told them of this Salem person and the Grimm. He told them of an old ally called the Mad Saber who is apparently not of this world. Ruby recalled that title somewhere but couldn't place it exactly. Weiss had always been the more studious one. Was it in doctor Oobleck's classes? The Maidens and Cinder's involvement. Only Pyrrha didn't seem surprised on account of having supposed to be the Fall Maiden before Cinder came along. Ruby's father and uncle weren't surprised and neither were the Servants.

"The Jabberwalker is here too, huh." Ja—Rider shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. He had said that it would be best for them all to call him that. Better that they see him as a Servant than as their friend. A difficult task considering he just revealed himself to them. Then again, they would have found out sooner or later on voice and demeanor alone. Rider had Jaune's mannerisms, if a bit more confident and certain in himself. He obviously had the matured version of the voice which would have tipped them off probably. "If the Cat was here too, we'd have the whole set. Maybe Alyx too but I'm sure that won't be happening anytime soon."

"We have yet to decipher the identity of the Archer and Caster," Saber replied. With Saber and Ozpin, it was actually much easier to differentiate the two. They both have different faces. "Curious Cat is hardly Archer material which leaves Caster open."

"Not Assassin?" asked Lancer. Ruby still couldn't believe that she had her own Servant. It was the strangest way to find out that her silver eyes actually meant something too. "Don't get me wrong, Curious Cat sounds like a Caster—albeit in a detective that had to become a Servant sort of way—but wouldn't Assassin be an option?"

Saber shook his head. "Curious Cat couldn't possibly have the capacity to travel that fast. Even so, that should be difficult without some aid by the Master." He showed them a map of Remnant, there were circles on what Ruby guessed to be the major kingdoms. There were a few that were probably major settlements as well.

"So, we're looking for a Master with a teleporting semblance?" Rider placed his fingers on his chin, contemplating in thought. "Sounds difficult. Would require a lot of aura even with the Grail's benefits." He looked towards Qrow who only shook his head.

"Perhaps, Rider." Saber shrugged his shoulders. "But we can at least conclude that Assassin is not aligned with Salem. I doubt we could recruit them to our side either. They have their own reasons."

"But how are we going to go about it?" asked Qrow. To Rider, he continued his inquiry. "Is Leo really a traitor?"

Rider sighed. "Take it with a grain of salt. I was alive in that one. I can't say with the same certainty this time. For all I know, Leo would be more than happy to help."

Right, Rider was apparently supposed to be alive in his time. From what Ruby could gather, that also meant that they won as well, right? However, Pyrrha had taken Jaune's place in that one. Was that really supposed to happen? Couldn't Ruby save both of them? She had been too slow in saving Jaune and now, she would have been too slow in saving Pyrrha as well? It just wasn't right.

"Oz?" Qrow asked.

Headmaster Ozpin had his eyes closed. He wasn't sleeping; they could see the wrinkles of his furrowing eyebrows. Then, he turned to Qrow and said: "let's assume that Leo had betrayed us. The fact that miss Fall's team had come from Haven couldn't be a coincidence. Raven on the other hand—"

"No," Qrow interrupted. "I am not putting Yang in danger, Oz. I'm drawing the line there."

"I wasn't going to. But that does open up the possibility of regaining the Spring Maiden to our side." Ozpin massaged his temples. "To think that she would take it to protect herself. Hopefully, she is not a Master on top of it. She isn't the most sociable people so she can't be the teleporting Master. It is bad enough to deal with one Maiden-Master."

While the adults and the Servants were conversing, Ruby wiggled her way next to Yang. Her sister's head was down and her eyes had no life to them. If anything, Yang wanted to be anywhere but here. Ruby could see the frustration and annoyance. Dad had only brought her here so that she wouldn't be alone and be brought up to speed.

"Hey," Ruby whispered weakly. Yang made no reply. "So uh… big reveal huh? Didn't we use to think that magic was real and that we were knights and princesses? Now we even got Servants too. You know? Get served?" Yang made no response. She wasn't even looking towards her direction. "Well we might be travelling soon, you want a souvenir?" Again. No response. "I could get you a keychain for your bike?"

"What?" The sudden sound of Qrow's shock took everyone's attention. Even Yang had been jolted into the present. Taiyang looked like he was about to fight someone. "All this time?" He turned to Rider for confirmation.

"It wasn't mine to tell," Rider replied.

"Neither was it mine," Lancer said. "Technically I never learned of it. I'd be an old crone by that time. If I lived long enough to be an old crone, that is."

"You must not have come from the same one I did. You still had some fight left there too."

"I did? Didn't even get to settle down?"

"I wouldn't know." Rider shrugged.

"Ah, shame." Lancer shrugged as well. "Mine's mixed with this whole Silver-Eyed Warrior thing. Can't even be my own. Just glad that I'm the base."

"You too, huh." The two Servants shared a chuckle. Then, Rider continued. "Mine's a given, clearly."

Ruby's uncle Qrow ignored them both. "Was that why you brought Ruby in two years early Oz? Was that why you made team RWBY?" His fists tightened. Uncle Qrow had a terrible air about him as he approached the headmaster. "And because of what? Just cause you and Salem had the nastiest divorce known to Remnant?"

Headmaster Ozpin couldn't have given a worse response. He nodded. "I did, Qrow. I did."

Flying across the room, headmaster Ozpin had a blackened eye as he fell to the floor. The wall cracked and some of their knickknacks have fallen and broke. Saber didn't move to protect his Master. In fact, Ozpin wasn't even using his aura to heal. Qrow stomped his way towards the headmaster and pulled him up by the collar. Ozpin didn't even try to block it. Qrow pulled his free arm back, ready to strike Ozpin again.

It was Rider who moved, holding Qrow's arm. "Alright, that's enough."

"Kid, what do you have to defend him?" Qrow's eyes were red and for once, it wasn't the alcohol. "You lost your life here. Your partner lost her life in your time and she was going to be made into a Maiden when she shouldn't have! All of you kids were brought into a fight that shouldn't even be yours!"

"Because we didn't have a Holy Grail in ours," Rider explained. "We had to pull some tricks. Sure my memory after the Ever After may be fuzzy, but with a Holy Grail present? It makes things a lot easier." To Ozpin, Rider asked: "STRQ and RWBY, they were means to stall Salem until we get a Grail War going in this time, am I guessing correctly?"

"Even without the Grail, Mr. Ar—Rider," Ozpin replied. He still hadn't healed that black eye. "I had to think of something for humanity. Stall her for a time until I can think of a loophole or an exploit. If not, I would have settled for it and commit my selves all towards keeping her there."

Ruby gasped. That sounded terrible and tragic. Nobody deserved that. It was practically a prison. Ozpin was willing to let himself go in that direction? That's not a happy ending at all!

"Then you have my support this time." Rider let go of Qrow's arm. Thankfully, Ruby's uncle calmed down enough, still seething though. Rider turned to Pyrrha. "Right, Master?"

"Huh? O-oh, yes, right." Pyrrha nodded hastily. "O-of course."

Lancer spoke up, turning to Saber. "Surprised you didn't even try to defend your Master, Saber."

"I am, quite literally, the same person. Master would have stopped me from intervening if I did, wasting a Command Spell. Besides, Qrow is justified in feeling the way he does. I will not deny that I have become inhuman over the lifetimes. For the record, the divorce came after death do us part. We never really filed the papers."

"I'm beginning to wonder if I am needed here at all," Ozpin added. He still hadn't used his aura, as if wearing that black eye as some kind of atonement. "But yes, with the Grail, we now have a permanent solution. Even if I feel like it didn't come from the Brother gods."

Oh yeah, Ruby thought. Gods are real now, too. That was yet another thing for her to keep track off.

"So what?" Taiyang, Ruby's father, has holding himself back. Ruby could see that his fist was tight as well, disguised by the crossing of his arms. "You're going to send them on their own paths? Deal with the other Servants and then take the Grail for yourself?" It was clear that both he and uncle Qrow were less trusting of Ozpin after that reveal.

"On their own?" Ozpin replied. "No. Other than their fellow team members and Qrow, I intend to have both Masters stay together. Better to overwhelm them with numbers. I am not leaving much to chance with the Grail on the line. Our enemies rely on division, Tai. The attack should be obvious enough of that."

Taiyang neared Ozpin only to be stopped by Lancer. She shook her head. Ruby looked towards her father's fist; aura was flaring there as the nails must have tried to pierce his own skin.

Headmaster Ozpin continued. "Besides, Servants have a limited range. Beyond that and they would strain their Master's aura reserves. I cannot just leave on account of being a councilman and headmaster of Beacon, yet."

"That's why you're giving Glynda more things to do." Uncle Qrow seemed to realize something. "You intend to resign."

All the students there looked towards their headmaster in shock. Headmaster Ozpin was resigning from Beacon? Only Yang was the exception. Still nothing? Come on.

"If I could," Ozpin said to Ruby and Pyrrha. "I would personally accompany you both." He then turned to Qrow. "As it stands however…"

Ruby turned to Qrow. After the reveal and their apparent place in the headmaster's plans, most were understandably hesitant to follow the headmaster. It didn't help that there were those who betrayed the headmaster already. Those ones must have found out in some way.

She placed her hand on her uncles. Ruby looked to him with pleading eyes.

"Ruby," Qrow said.

"I know." Ruby nodded. "But I'm a huntress. Mom would have done the same." This way, she could do some good. There was a real chance that she could do good. Her eyes darted towards Rider for a moment. She would be fast enough this time that no one else would have to lose what she did. She wouldn't be too slow this time. With the Grail, she'll lift the curse on both Salem and Ozpin. As a huntress, she can take on the Grimm just fine.

Behind her, Taiyang sighed. Both men would have known Ruby's mother more than she does. They often said how much Ruby reminded them of her. Ruby focused on Yang. There was still nothing. Nothing at all.

Her uncle Qrow gave in soon after. "Alright, fine." Towards Ozpin, he asked, "and Raven? What are we going to do with her?"

"If it were possible, we could try to recruit her back. Salem's immortality isn't as certain as it used to be anymore. Perhaps the promise of that permanent end would entice her. If not, the least we could do is secure her away from Salem."

"But she won't be coming back after." Taiyang laid down the rule.

"We will not ask her for anything beyond the Vault," Ozpin assured him.

Taiyang entered the conversation asking, "should we even get the Relics? Seems like the Grail is all we need."

"We will take what we can," Saber replied. "Gather the pieces in our favor. But keep them separate from each other. I do not believe the Brothers would have approved of this Grail War if they knew of its existence."

"Why wouldn't they?" asked Taiyang.

"It is not something that they would have done," Ozpin guessed. "The concept of a Grail War, be it fate or chance, was brought here from someplace else. Whether that means good or ill for Remnant, it means that the Relics—and by extension, the Brothers themselves—might not be as needed by humanity as a whole. I've known them personally, Tai. One of them may not be particularly fond of having his order disrupted."

Silence reigned the household.

"And I'll practice these silver-eye things!" Ruby interjected, trying to bring some life back into this. It was getting too heavy for everyone. She turned towards her Servant. "Right, Lancer?"

"Of course," Lancer replied, matching her forced enthusiasm. "I would have made you go through it even if you didn't, kid. It's going to be harsh but pressure makes diamonds and all that."

Ruby beamed smiles. It had the intended effect as most of the others had begun to lighten even a little. She turned to Yang and nearly faltered. There was still nothing. Ruby began to tremble a little at the sight of her older sister still out of it.

"That's okay, Ruby," Taiyang said. "We understand."

The plan had been settled there. Ruby, Pyrrha, Ren, Nora, Qrow, Rider, and Lancer are to go towards Haven Academy in Mistral with uncle Qrow separating from the rest and search for Raven Branwen in the hopes of convincing her with the Grail War. Taiyang would stay at home since someone has to look after Yang.

"Miss Xiao-Long," said Ozpin. He took some kind of identification card out of one of his pockets. It was Yang's professional huntress license. "Should you ever find that fire again by the time of departure, know that there will be empty seats waiting for both you and your father on the airship."

Yang didn't respond. There was some head movement that Ruby decided was good enough for a nod of acknowledgement. It really was a terrible thing to see her like this.

"Not taking any chances, Ozpin?" Taiyang asked.

"One way or another, Tai." Ozpin's voice was firm. He stood tall and Ruby would admit would have looked heroic had he healed that black eye of his. "This shadow war will end. Let me live with this curse forever if that is what it takes; I could always try again should I be chosen in the next Grail War. But Salem's immortality must end with this one. This time, if I must, I will pull the trigger myself."

When they had left, Ruby had overheard that conversation. She was sure of it now. She'll be fast enough this time. She won't fail this time. For those that she could not, Ruby will save those that she could so that they wouldn't go through what she did.

/-/

It was only after the affair had been settled at the Xiao-Long-Rose household that Saber's Master had healed that black eye. It wouldn't do well to let the people see their headmaster and leader of Vale's huntsmen in such a state.

The mainland had greeted him with the sight of shops and fishers selling their catch. Some were even trying to entice him with pearls and shells. Saber had a change of outfit as well; it was one of Ozpin's own clothes. It was peculiar that similarity also extended to general body shape and size. It wasn't always the same depending on the life but those differences were miniscule for the most part.

"I really must apologize to miss Rose," Ozpin said. "She's stronger than she knows, holding the pain she feels like that. All for what? To hold on to that heroism of hers?" He shook his head. "I am not the man I used to be."

"I'm more concerned about miss Nikos," Saber replied.

"You were observing?"

Saber nodded. "Lancer and I conversed shortly before we left. Rider is either ignorant or isn't taking it as seriously as he should. They will not betray us for the time being, that is for sure."

Ozpin sighed. "I do not blame her." He chuckled. "Remind you of someone?"

"Let us just hope that Rider will not make the same mistake we did." Saber didn't feel like chuckling himself. "I'm sorry for not telling you about earlier."

"The Grail?"

"Yes."

"I understand." Ozpin felt the same way. His expression turned serious. "Miss Nikos will hate us if we did. But we cannot allow Salem to keep on living and we will go after her if it was left to just us. We've already seen how many bled because of one woman's grief and desparation just to bring back what she had lost."

Saber took a deep breath. "I pray that it will not come to that. To be the one to deny her wish. Let us hope that she will learn to let go by then." With the Grail possibly bringing him back just as Ozma had been? The only solace was the lack of immortality.

Their trip back to Beacon was carried on in silence. Saber could tell that his Master was in deep contemplation about his observation. Had it been better if Rider had kept his identity a secret? On one hand, his true identity would be revealed at some point. On the other, it could have been primarily as the Rusted Knight; his identity as miss Nikos' old partner was unnecessary. Then again, the similarities between them, both voice and mannerism, would have given it away to those most familiar with Rider.

"There is no winning that argument, Saber. No matter what side you'll take." The benefits of having a Master of a literal same mind meant that he had confirmation of any of his assumptions. "Rider made a choice. Whatever consequences that it would entail for them both should not be our concern."

"You're right, Master." Saber nodded.

"I am worried about them, too." Of course he would be. "But I do not think that miss Nikos will necessarily follow the same footsteps as her. There will be no immortal curse here. Only what the Grail would give her."

The two soon arrived at Beacon's front door. The repairs were still on-going but the office had been moved to a different location, making his trip back much easier. Glynda was still present there, busy at work.

"How did it go, Ozpin?" she asked.

"As well as it could be," Ozpin replied. To Saber, he requested, "make a cup of tea and coffee."

"Ozpin?" Glynda tilted her head.

"It is nothing. Only that I owe you an explanation as well."

Luckily for Ozpin, Glynda had been more accepting of his explanations and reasons. She was still angry and Saber certainly heard the shouting even on the other room as he prepared the drinks. But she calmed down soon enough and the absence of a scuffle meant that it went significantly better than before.

"And miss Xiao Long?" Glynda didn't immediately take her cup of tea but she was already holding it close to her lips. Where had their conversation gone?

"It is best that we set aside two ships, one smaller." Ozpin shook his head. "Such things will take time to heal and even then, I am not certain if she ever would be back."

"We've lost enough huntsmen and huntresses already." Glynda lamented. "More have stopped their education. It is not looking good Ozpin."

The old lingered while the young had given up. Saber wasn't sure if he could do anything. There were no kings anymore in Vale and he couldn't bring them there if he wanted to. He wasn't the most inspiring speaker, often leading by example instead. Those were always difficult. It is often for those reasons that Saber, and most definitely Ozpin, must steel themselves for the battles to come. They've already secured allies in other Masters and Servants but there was still more that needs to be done.

"How about communications with James?" Ozpin asked. "If I could speak with him sooner, perhaps Atlas and Mantle wouldn't be lost this time."

"Are you really certain of trusting of the information of Rider? Is he really—"

Ozpin nodded.

"Poor girl, that miss Nikos." Glynda shook her head. "Miss Rose may sound like she is doing fine but that is a clear façade."

"Both of them are stronger already just by agreeing to be a part of this Grail War despite everything," Saber said, entering the conversation. "The other Servants are capable. But our enemies have a strength that we do not possess."

"Anonymity and a head start." Glynda guessed. "With Mistral's huntsmen being compromised, there is no telling how much of a foothold they already have there."

"It is for that reason that I made sure that they stick together," Ozpin said. "With miss Xiao Long out of it, I cannot demand that her father leave her and join the others. We will need all the numbers that we can get."

"With any luck—which isn't much with Qrow around, I'll admit." The two shared a bitter chuckle. Sorry Qrow. "It would end soon and with less casualties."

"But it could really end one of two ways, won't it, Ozpin?"

"One Master is an immortal queen and the other is a reincarnating wizard that shares a body with like-minded individuals. The only question here is whether my status as a Master would transfer along with me and if Saber here gets to have my face added when it happens."

Glynda sighed. "Just… just don't go too hard on the students, Ozpin. Miss Nikos is a given but I'm quite certain that miss Rose will be attached to Lancer just as much."

"I know." Ozpin nodded. It wasn't going to be easy. As much as both Master and Servant have the same goal and desire, being made to deny the others of their own was a difficult thing to do. But it had to be done. Salem's curse has to end soon. Let mankind live out the rest of their lives as they wish, just let this eternal conflict end.

Both headmaster and deputy headmistress enjoyed this silence together. Saber stayed out of it and looked out towards the empty hallways of Beacon Academy. Many of the repairs and renovations were still ongoing, though most were out of sight. While the CCT still stood, communications were down preventing any sort of message of getting between themselves and Atlas.

If what Rider says is true, pondered Saber. Atlas should be undergoing lockdown and an embargo on Dust should be expected. He informed the two so that the rest of Vale could prepare for it. Dust prices will go up and small time shops wouldn't be able to fill the vacuum left behind by the SDC.

Soon enough, Ozpin and Glynda parted from each other's company and Ozpin made his way to his new and temporary office. The old one was too unstable and with one elevator only, there wasn't a safe passage to and from it. Ozpin sat on a different chair. It wasn't as comfortable as the last one but that was helpful for him. It was less likely that he would start dozing off, not like he would be able to with what was weighing on his mind.

Saber stood watching the hallways. He too was in deep thought. Both Master and Servant having a silent conversation, accurately predicting what the other would say. It was almost like telepathic communication. As it stands, they were likely on the same page. Assassin wasn't aligned with either of them. Archer wasn't known to them yet but it they are erring on the side of caution and assume that Salem also has three Servants. All seven Servants are accounted for with the loss of any one of them running the risk of breaking that balance. They needed more allies.

"And where are we supposed to find aid, Master?" Saber asked out loud. "Do that and we risk bringing others into the Grail War when they shouldn't be." Assuming that they would be capable at all. With Mistral compromised, those left behind would be of terrible quality.

"They will be, regardless," Ozpin replied. "Salem will not let be idle this time. She failed the last time and while I have no doubts that her wish is pretty much the same as ours, she has no qualms about ending the lives of others in order to achieve it."

The two continued to ponder and communicate in silence. Then, Saber felt a presence. Ozpin noticed the change in behavior as well.

"Already?" Ozpin asked.

"There is no harmful intent yet." Saber readied his hand but did not bring forth his sword. "Glynda would have intervened if she did." For what little that would do.

The two listened closely. That momentary silence was immediately broken by a boisterous laughter. It came from one of their own faculty, Peter Port.

"Ah, headmaster!" Port said as he entered. "Oh, a guest? Am I interrupting something important?" He wasn't part of this Grail War. Port wouldn't know who Saber is.

"Not quite, Peter," Ozpin replied. "Just… reuniting with an old friend."

Saber snorted.

"Please continue," Ozpin said. "What is it that brings you here?"

"Excellent news actually!" Port sounded so happy, it was infectious. Both Master and Servant needed that. "We have a new applicant to our faculty! I dare say he would make an excellent addition."

"Bolstering our numbers?" Ozpin tilted his head. He turned to Saber who returned with a nod. "Bring him in."

Port turned around, probably addressing this new applicant. "You may come in now, my new comrade!"

When the new person entered the room, Saber could not deny just the kind of individual this new applicant was to be. Both Ozpin and Saber had to do a double take at the sight of him.

"Yahoo!" said he. "Vale's Companion Rider, Astolfo! Pleasure to be here again! Or is it my first time here?" He looked to be in mental anguish. "Timelines are weird!"

/-/

In a forest, somewhere on a tropical island. She appeared as she always had. Always in a form of a child. Always with that pale and cold skin. Always with the same task and same mission. Find the child. Find the child and bring him to the Master. Maybe then, she will regain her own voice. Maybe then, she will be free from the cold posessing her.

Where is it? Where is the child? She must find him. Lost. Hidden. Protected. Find the child. Must find the child. Get back her own voice.

Be patient, Poppy, my child. Master was speaking. Master was using her mind again. We will correct this mistake. Voyager will be removed from this world before this world learns of the probe's secrets.

She bowed her head. She has been to many places already. Asked so many others. They all were the same.

"Please don't," she said. It wasn't her voice "Please don't."

Master sighed. Still limited in your speech. Despite all my efforts, you are still subject to these legends and myths. This... foreign intrusion should never have been here. To think that I would have to follow these rules. Has Remnant itself grown ungrateful for what I and my Brother have done? The other interlopers must have appeared by now.

"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."

She could only say the last thing that was said to her when she touched them. She could only speak in their voice. They were all the same. They were all the same.

Silence. If you nothing of importance to say, then waste no more air.

She heard a noise. Conversation. More of the same. They were all the same. All of them were cold. All of them felt cold in the end. They were all the same. She moved closer to them. She stayed out of sight.

She stopped. There was something different. There was something different. Not like the others. Not like the others.

They are here? Master could feel them. Master could tell. Master was angry. Just like last time. Always acting when I'm close. Hmm. Perhaps, that is the purpose of this so-called ritual. Master was getting angrier. Master realized something. Assassin knew of it soon enough. It's treason, then.

She obeyed. She was made by Master. She only exists because of Master. She was Assassin. It will find the child. They were all the same. There was something different. Not like the others. Not like the others.

The different was approaching. The different was nearing. Not like the others. Not like the others. Different was suspicious. Not like the others.

"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't," she whispered. She faded away. She needed to hide. Not like the others.

"Sanson!" a voice was heard. Like the others. "Is everything alright?"

"Nothing, Madame." Not like the others. "Just checking on something."

Chapter Text

Nora had to be struggling when she contained her excitement and joy at the sight of Rider's presence. Pyrrha had spent a good enough of her training in the competitive scene learning how to read her opponents. Having Rider around definitely gave them all a sense that everything was alright, that team JNPR was still together. But there was something that always reminded them that it wasn't exactly how they wished it was.

"Is there anything else you wish to bring for your journey, brave huntress?" the Paper Pleaser called Jaune asked. Out of every possible sentient piece of origami paper that Pyrrha could have gotten, it had to be the one called Jaune. He didn't quite act like him though, neither the partner nor the Servant.

"I have prepared extra scarves, brave huntress." There was a Paper Pleaser called Pyrrha too, apparently. This one was of a reddish-bronze color. "The brave knight told us that Mistral is going to be cold."

"Thank you, Pyrrha," said Pyrrha, the human one. Next time, she'll ask if Rider could get a different Paper Pleaser to be an assistant. It made things confusing when someone calls out her name and the other person responding was literal parchment.

In fact, helping them all were different Paper Pleasers, each one named after their friends. Ren and Nora were no exception to that. There was Ruby, Weiss, Yang, Blake, even Ozpin and Qrow had one apparently. Nora had the most enjoyment with hers. It seemed like the Paper Pleasers shared some traits of their namesake as Paper-Nora could somewhat keep up, or was it just Nora trying to keep her spirit high. There were traces of the original in them all but they weren't enough to blur the lines. The Paper Pleasers are too courteous and reserved.

"They're new additions," explained Rider. "Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet and all that. New people get added to the Acre as Paper Pleasers. Though I would usually start with just you guys."

Though the most common shape they took were that of stars, they weren't always in that form. Being made of paper, they could actually fold themselves into different shapes that one could actually accomplish in origami. Paper birds that fly and paper horses that could somehow carry a person on their backs. How Rider managed them all was beyond him. He said that there is a friendly mouse back there but he doesn't really come out much, preferring only to stay there. Someone had to manage the Acre while he's here and there were many Paper Pleasers there.

"They start to take shape once I consider them a friend," Rider said.

"Does that mean you could make up an entire army of them?" Pyrrha asked.

"Only if you have enough aura to keep them all up," he replied.

With them around, the cleanup and packing was way shorter than they had anticipated. The place actually looked more beautiful than when they first arrived here. It was also really dry and bereft of even the smallest drop of liquid stains. Considering that their helpers were paper, it made sense that water should be kept at a distance. They were then left with a lot of time to be idle before they were to leave Vale. They could go to Beacon already but they wouldn't have anything much to do there.

Pyrrha stayed in one of the rooms. She was looking through her scroll. Many images that were taken and messages that were exchanged between herself and others brought a sort of relief. Times when she had to reply to business deals and well-wishers from family and friends had allowed her to smile only a little. But that smile quickly dropped once she came across Jaune's messages.

She paused when she found his message. There was one that she hadn't seen yet. It was sent just before the final round of the Vytal Tournament, just before disaster had struck Beacon. Opening the message, Pyrrha had to cover her own mouth at the mere sight of the video, not allowing her voice to leak out again.

"Hey Pyrrha," his voice, that familiar voice was heard. She was hearing his voice again. Not Rider's voice, but his voice. "Just sending you this message—I mean yeah, obviously, what else would I be doing if I—getting off track here."

For a moment, Pyrrha chuckled. Rider was more certain in himself now. But the Jaune she knew wasn't quite there yet. Here he was still somewhat nervous and uncertain. If only he could get a glimpse of what he would be someday. Jaune wouldn't believe that he would one day become the Rusted Knight.

Pyrrha's heart sank further down. Jaune had a hard time believing in his own heroism and yet it was he who would inspire others to become heroes in their own right. There was an irony there for her. She too had grown up with tales of the Rusted Knight and was inspired by it and seeing who he turned out to be before he would even be? There had to be some joke in there somewhere.

"Um… I just wanted to say," the message continued. "No, not just that—gah! I'm no good at this!"

He's doing fine. He's doing more than fine, actually. Pyrrha hoped it kept going for longer. Just a little longer. Please.

"Okay, Jaune. From the beginning. Ahem. I'm fine, by the way. Got a few branches and twigs in my hoodie but on the bright side, no sap and no stains."

There was a silence that followed as Jaune's recording had him chuckling awkwardly. Pyrrha wanted to answer before the message resumed. She wanted to apologize. She never meant it. Anything if it meant keeping him around for a little longer.

"If… if I said anything, I'm sorry. You're going through something, I get that. A-and if you ever feel like talking about it, I'm here, you know?"

Pyrrha's red sash will have to do as tissues. Please. Just a little longer. Let her hear his voice a little while longer.

"You've—you were always there for me, Pyrrha. Even when I feel like I don't deserve it. I-I want to be there for you, too. You know. I-I'm just…" for a moment, even Jaune's eyes appeared wet. "I'm just really happy that someone like you gave me a chance. I'll be there for you—wait, didn't I already say that? Uh… you know what? I'll just tell you when I get the chance after you win the tournament."

Her hands were shaking. Her breathing struggled to stay normal. Her eyes were blinded by the wetness that her tears formed. Her voice was leaking out no matter how tight she kept her mouth shut. Whimpers and whines escape the prison bars that are her lips. She soon buried herself in her own hands. Her tears creating a body of water that threatened to drown her. Why did it have to end? Why couldn't it last a little longer?

"I'm sorry, Jaune." Her voice was weak. Her throat was hurting. "I-I wasn't strong enough. W-wasn't fast enough. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry…"

Unknown to her, someone had eavesdropped on her. Rider never meant to do it but as a Servant, he had a duty to his Master. He was her Servant now, not her partner. With what lies ahead of them, it was best that it stays that way.

It was by the sudden feeling of a presence felt that Pyrrha forced herself to stop. She realized it then. Still, she had that frown on her lips that no amount of force could make them neutral. Her hands could force those lips upward and it wouldn't last the moment she would let go. Even if she did, there was no denying that her eyes were redder than they were earlier nor was there any denying of the wet patches on her red sash.

"Rider," she asked. "D-did you ever send a message to your Pyrrha?"

"I did," he answered. "Never found out what she would have thought of it."

Sniffing once, Pyrrha nodded. That was all she needed to know. She envied her. At least his Pyrrha would never get to feel what she feels. His Pyrrha would never know what it was like to lose Jaune. Because he lost her first. The cruel reminder betrayed her.

"Master. It is almost time." There was a melancholy in his voice. An understanding sorrow. She may have lost her Jaune but Rider lost his Pyrrha.

"I know." She stood up slowly and placed the scroll on the shield, just above where her arms would be; it makes gauging her aura levels easier. They were still relatively full though the amount was clearly greater than before because of the Grail War side-effect or something. It would be more accurate to say that her reserves were back to where they used to be before the Grail War. Those Paper Pleasers were quite numerous and stuck around for a while. Pyrrha's reserves had to support all of them.

"I'll keep their involvement as small as I can," Rider promised.

"If it's alright with you." Pyrrha's voice was as neutral as she could make it. Still, whimpering leaked out. "J-Rider. After Beacon fell… did you ever continue to train?"

"Always did. Wouldn't have made it as far as I did without y-my partner." He too was struggling, huh. "There were… many things I wanted to say."

"I'm sure you did." She did too. But right now, she couldn't find the words to say it. She didn't have the courage for it either.

Nora and Ren were there, waiting for them. They didn't need to look for Rider. They knew he was there; secrecy among the common populace was what they were looking for. Rider could disguise himself and most wouldn't really recognize him, there were only a few who would. Those in Beacon would have many things to say if they saw Jaune back. If he had gone in his armor, there would be many questions as to why there was someone pretending to be the Rusted Knight walking about.

"We're going on a hike," sang Nora. But her voice was almost trembling, trying to keep everyone's spirit up. "We're going on a hike. We're going on a hike. Hip, h-hip, hooray."

"It's alright, Nora." Pyrrha assured her. "It's alright. We're all going through the same thing."

Right. Without Jaune, would the leadership role fall to her now? With Rider, she was the Master and would be the one making the commands. Could she even do that? Maybe she'll have to default to Ruby's leadership; at least she has experience.

"I'll be there to help, Master." Rider must have felt her distress. "I can be an adviser too."

"Thank you, Rider." Even like this, he would always want to help.

/-/

Returning to Beacon wasn't an easy affair for Rider. Having been gone from Beacon for so long, he still couldn't bear to see his old school without memories of those better and simpler times flooding his mind. Those days when his biggest problem was graduating school and getting a girlfriend. Rider would not deny his longing of those simpler times.

He never did get to see how Beacon's repairs were going. Much of the school was being renovated but there were still traces of the hallways and doors that he was familiar with. Some were charred from the fires while others had many scratches, among those that were still standing anyway; most were gone and had to be replaced or upgraded with the latest models or designs.

To be with his old team again and to walk these halls should have been a dream come true. JNPR together again. He wasn't alone in that sentiment. Nora and Ren made that clear with the former being more vocal about it. Nora never ceased floating around Rider and used any chance she could to ride his back. The latter was just better at hiding it. Still, it wouldn't last long. Not just these hallways but the course of the Grail War.

His old uniform. Those old notebooks. That Pumpkin Pete pajamas that were the pinnacle of comfort. Those duller days had never looked more beautiful looking back. Funny how that goes, he supposed.

Rider could still remember the exact location when he and his Pyrrha trained on the rooftops. Cardin blackmailing him for his transcripts. That time he wore a dress to keep a promise. Those days, some embarrassing and others boring, were much preferred than what came after. Would he have returned Pyrrha's feelings had he known it then?

Would she even have said yes? He didn't think that there was much doubt in that regard but there was still a nagging part of him that said otherwise. He didn't want to hurt their friendship then and he certainly doesn't want to compromise it now, even if his current physical form made him closer to them age-wise.

Rider is a Servant now. That meant that his life was put at risk. On one hand, he could always have used the Grail's wish to make himself mortal again but that would mean endangering the rest of Remnant with Salem. The Grail made things equal among them. Fuzzy memories aside, victory without the Grail meant that Salem had to understand the value of life and death or the Brother gods deeming that humanity was worthy.

Speaking of the Grail, he reminded himself of the current participants. Leaving out Archer, Caster, and Assassin, there were other figures of Remnant. Lancer was relatively the least known among them, being known primarily among huntsmen and huntresses. There was that added benefit, Rider supposed that the Silver-Eyed warriors must have been combined with her. Saber was the King of Vale and thusly would be at his peak here in Vale. It matters little considering Rider was known pretty much everywhere in Remant. But he wasn't alone in that regard, which leads to the Berserker of the Grail War.

The Jabberwalker. The Jabberwalker was present as well. If it wasn't for that Berserker, Rider would have been confident in his capabilities in this Grail War. After all, the Rusted Knight was practically a child's first hero. Many huntsmen and huntresses started out wanting to be like the Rusted Knight or at least have heard of him. That fame though was comparable to the infamy of the Jabberwalker.

No. He shook his head. I will not fail them. I'm not just Jaune, I'm the Rusted Knight. If anything, he should be more Rusted Knight and less Jaune Arc. A difficult task to be sure. Lewis really must have thought highly of him that he could keep much of himself intact.

Rider felt a presence of another Servant. There was no doubt that two of them must have been Saber and Lancer. Who was the other one? Had Ozpin found another ally, already? That was swift even for the headmaster.

Everyone else was there already minus Ozpin himself. In his place was Glynda Goodwitch. Ruby looked at the newcomer with confusion. Qrow was uncertain and Lancer just shook her head, shrugging.

It was the additional person that took Rider's attention. Pink hair, a singular fang, seemingly female in appearance. That had to be the other Servant. There was a sword on the side but they couldn't be a Saber.

Rider materialized when there was no one else around. He kept his helmet on, better that everyone else think of him less as Jaune. That and he learned his lessons. It wouldn't do if this other Servant would be their opponent in the future.

"Who's this?" he asked.

"Rider," Saber replied. "Meet Rider. Or rather, meet Astolfo. He's the new staff of Beacon Academy."

"Yahoo!" Astolfo was waving his arm aggressively. "Don't worry! I'll be keeping Vale safe while you go! Oh and say hi to the other Companions for me! Or should I know who they already are?" There was a pause as Astolfo seemed to be in deep thought. Keyword: seemed. Nobody could possibly be thinking that hard making faces like that.

"Companions?" Pyrrha asked. The rest of JNPR felt the same.

It was Glynda who explained. "Astolfo is a Companion Servant. For reasons that is currently unknown to us, these additional Servants have been summoned as well. With Astolfo being Vale's Companion—whatever that means—it would imply that other locations have their own Companion's as well."

"Means we got our allies," Qrow added. "We'll be looking for Mistral's Companion and recruit them to our side."

"That's a bit convenient," replied Ren.

"I do not believe that it is coincidence, Mr. Ren," said Saber. He really was one of Ozpin's previous incarnations with the way he held that sword like a cane. The resemblance is uncanny. "These Companions, appearing at this time, couldn't be up to chance. Their names being Companions instead of Rogues or Strays is evidence enough of that."

"The previous Grail War," Rider guessed. "It's the only place we could look into, really."

Saber nodded. "That is where I believe the answer lies. We never did figure out the wish made during that time."

"Well." Nora shrugged her shoulders. "We'll find soon enough, won't we? How do we know if we found them?"

"Rider and I can handle that kid," Lancer answered. "Unless Mistral gets an Assassin, or if Salem got to them first, we'll be able to detect them just find. Presence like that isn't too easy to conceal. Assassins get a pass in that regard."

Glynda soon led them to the docking station where the Bullhead was already there waiting for them. There were crates of Dust there as well. Fuel for the journey. Even if they sped up to the swiftest, they would need to land somewhere and refuel.

"Well Rider." Lancer patted him on the back. "Time to live up to your class. Show this lass how good at Riding you really are."

Rider rolled his eyes. Lancer had to be winking behind her mask. But he wasn't about to grace her with a reaction. Besides, his own face was behind the helmet. He could pilot it, without a problem but that had little to do with his class. Maybe to some extent but that wasn't the case. While everyone else had found a place to be comfortable, both he and Qrow were the pilots here. Rider wasn't certain about having a literal bad-luck charm as a co-pilot but he could manage. They could get there swiftly but they would still need to land at some point. The Bullhead they were didn't have the largest tank capacity.

Buttons were pressed. Switches flipped and with hands on the flight controls, Rider was responsible for the smoothest operation of the Bullhead. A small chuckle escaped his lips. Once, he should have been anxious at the thought of possibly puking and yet there was a calmness to him. It was as though he was familiar with flight greater than this. Rider could almost imagine vividly what it was like. Like he had been here before.

"Ignition sequence start," Rider had said. "Engines on. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. All engines running. Beacon, we have lift off." Rider chuckled to himself a little. Where did you get that one from, Lewis?

"You sure you didn't get any flight classes?" Qrow asked. "That's pretty good flying. Best I've ever had, in fact."

"Nah," Rider replied. "My Riding skill just lets me really go at it. I could ride pretty much anything that isn't a dragon."

"Who rides a dragon?"

"There are few. But considering that I'm the Rider-class Servant and we just met a Companion Rider, yeah that isn't happening any time soon."

It was one of the smoothest flights that had ever occurred that even Rider found himself surprised. Though, that surprise had more to do with Jaune Arc rather than the Rusted Knight given the man's problems in regards to air travel. After Qrow's initial surprise at their appearance, the Paper Pleasers were even serving as flight attendants. Granted, there were no snacks nor entertainment of the luxurious kind but they made things more comfortable and provided enough amusement with their capacity to fold into whatever shapes their bodies allow. It was as close to a luxury flight as they were going to get. At the earlier request of his Master, the Paper Pleasers weren't those of his friends currently on the airship. Jaune the Paper Pleaser was present though; he was the most convenient one.

Not even a full hour had passed and they would already be smelling the scent of ocean water if they had let the air in. The windows provided a clear view outside. The calm and serene blues of the waters below them could only hide the dark Grimm that were swimming deep beneath the depths. Airborne Grimm were flying at a distance and did not approach. The few that did were instantly shot down by Rider. Beacon's Bullhead had some self-defense systems in place. Most airships in Remnant did.

The Paper Pleasers surprised the others again as they folded themselves into weapons, usually javelins, and flung themselves towards the Grimm. Despite being literal paper, they had enough force to match those made of steel. It was more accurate to say that they were as hard as gemstone. Rider chuckled to himself at the comparison. Nobody understood why, only him and he was keeping that to himself.

He had to be careful with it though. While the individual Papers couldn't even count as a drop, too many and he would eventually drain Pyrrha's aura reserves faster than she can recover. She had focused entirely on meditation to keep it up the moment she realized it. In order to conserve it, Pyrrha, along with the others, had the doorways open and shot any airborne Grimm that dared approach. It was nothing more than target practice that they were confident in saying that these ones weren't under Salem's direct control.

Beacon's bullhead also had its own defense system. Ruby had volunteered in that regard and her aim was just as excellent as the one he knew in life. They had limited ammunition though which sadly meant that they had to ration it as they approached. Still, the Grimm flock that was more of an annoyance had dispersed eventually.

Rider's piloting actually somewhat pleasant as kept the flight smooth even as he was performing different maneuvers that avoided those Grimm just as much he would any other flock of birds. The bullhead lowered its altitude as the continent of Anima was slowly coming within view. There wasn't even the slightest of scratches that were present with the only cleaning would be whatever dust particles that stuck to the metal.

"That quick, huh," Qrow commented. "Only been a few hours." His hands weren't even on the controls anymore. Rider didn't even need that much help in reality.

"Riding A+" Rider replied. Underneath that helmet of his, he flashed a smile. "It comes in handy."

Once they were over land, Qrow got up from his seat and called for Pyrrha to take his place. The two shared their greetings with Qrow even assuring Pyrrha that she would be fine.

"Yeah just listen to the ace, over here." Qrow pointed to Rider. "Frankly, you might not even need to fly the thing and just sit there and enjoy the front view."

The warnings rung out as the bullhead's doors opened wide. Soon enough, Qrow had left them to search for Raven, transforming into a crow as he did so. The doors closed immediately after.

Qrow's crow form was hard to see. He was already a small avian to begin with, practically a dotted stain on a canvas of blue and white. The further down he went, the less his shape could be made out. No one could tell where the Branwen Tribe was from their altitude. But Qrow probably has some ways of finding them.

Being closer to the ground than they were earlier, the vast landscapes of Anima were still untamed. There were patches here and there that spoke of former settlements and outposts that must have been lost. Whether they were Grimm or not, only broken structures of wood and stone remained.

They flew by on what should have been the town of Shion. That place still had some smoke rising in the air but Rider knew that there was nothing that could be done. Shion was already decimated.

For a moment, Rider had thought about taking a different direction. If memory served him right, there was a Geist Grimm somewhere. It had been as team RNJR at the time though Rider will insist that team JNRR was better, it just needed tweaking of letters, that's all. His grip on the controls tightened as he stayed the course. That is a small matter in the large scale of things. He could only hope that what huntsmen remained in Mistral's borders dealt with it.

There won't be, he thought grimly. Here's hoping that this Companion Servant did something about it. Definitely a friendly one if they did. Rider continued to observe the general area where the Geist would have been. A flock of birds flew in the air, disturbed by something. Huh, guess someone did do something about it.

Rider and Pyrrha had a silence between them. Pyrrha, unsure of what to do, didn't really do much with the controls beyond what Rider guided her with. He tried his hardest to find that balance between gentleness and firmness in his voice. He didn't want to strain his relationship with his Master but he also didn't want her to be too close to him as Jaune.

No one is guaranteed to live forever, not even those like Salem and Ozma with this Grail War ongoing. But as Servants, their lives were already forfeit to begin with. As shadows of distant pasts, Rider wouldn't be alone in thinking that he would willingly give up this second chance of life if it meant that others don't have to. He will do what he must as a Servant and win but every other Servant would be thinking the same. These people here, the friends and family of this time, they were all treasures that should be protected. If by their second death, these people get to live for a while longer, it was an easy choice to make for Rider.

Bastard Saber, Rider thought. Whether that had been intended or not, any camaraderie that they would have with one another would make the eventual confrontation more difficult on the side of their Masters. Saber and Ozpin being away from the rest of the group would make things less difficult for the two. While Lancer and Rider knew that it would come eventually, and though their Masters had been informed of it, could they really push through with it once that had come to pass?

Checking the fuel gauge, it wouldn't be enough to make a full trip to Haven Academy. The bullhead's tank just isn't meant for that distance. They had to make a stop at some point. That was expected but that was where the reserves come in. He just needed to find an open space and he knew just where to land. He could only hope that Ren and Nora wouldn't mind it as much.

"So," Pyrrha said, breaking the silent wall. She had been twiddling her thumbs for a while now. She wasn't holding on the controls either. "Any idea on who Mistral's Companion might be?"

Rider shook his head. "I was just as surprised as you were. Honestly, I didn't even know that it was possible. I'll be able to tell for the most part though. Both me and Lancer, that is."

"Maybe we could ask my old mentor? I'd think he would know a thing or two about peculiar existences."

"If you think that he could be trusted, I don't see why not, Master."

Pyrrha, for a moment, was elated. "He's great! You'll like him Rider! Most of the things that I taught yo—Jaune, sorry. Most of the things I taught Jaune came from him. He's probably better at teaching though. Better than me, definitely."

"You must really admire the man."

"Faunus. He says he's a horse faunus. I may regret being the Invincible Girl a little but I could never regret everything that he gave me, making that status possible."

This was good in Rider's mind, seeing her smile again. It was a better thing that he was behind his helmet. He didn't want to image what it would be like if Pyrrha lost it again. The least he could do is be the last Servant standing. He was sure that both Saber and Lancer were the same. In the meantime, he would hear her talk about this mentor of hers.

/-/

"Are you certain that I cannot convince you to come with, Mrs. Nikos? I may have returned a bit too soon given that mission I was requested to do but I am in no rush at all."

"I will only be a burden to both you and my daughter, sir Chiron. It may be that this is as far as I go from what you told me. Besides, you can already guess what would happen if I did come with."

He sighed. She was right. But he still wanted to try for the sake of her daughter, his student. His former student, now. "Then, I suppose that this is farewell."

"Take good care of her."

He chuckled. "Though I may meet young Pyrrha as a Companion this time, I was still her mentor. I know what she is capable off and she is stronger than even she knows."

She laughed as well. "Yes. And she always reminded you of this Achilles you spoke highly about."

"Very well then, Mrs. Nikos. I suppose the headmaster of Haven should be happy that I'm finally responding to his messages."

"I'm sure headmaster Leonardo couldn't wait, sir Chiron."

Right in front of her eyes, Chiron vanished. Mrs. Nikos could swear that she heard the sounds of galloping. Then again, he always did say he was a horse faunus.

Chapter Text

"I made it." She panted. She had never had to travel that far on her own before. Then again, why had she manifested in Vacuo of all places? "But I am too late." She was shaking her head at the sight of it. She recognized the state of Vale's walls. They were still being repaired which meant that she had arrived after the attack on Beacon.

Her name was Jeanne d'Arc, Vacuo's Companion Lancer. Having manifested in some crater with strange lingering properties on the desert sands of Vacuo, she had spent a good part of her time just finding civilization. Strangely, despite having retained much of her Ruler counterpart's disposition, she had manifested as a Lancer while having an added bonus: being the Fifth Maiden of that other Remnant. Her eyes burned that same flame when she had learned of Beacon's attack and rushed her way to Vale. The cost of retaining that status of Maiden was that she had lost Revelation.

"I am not Earth's Jeanne," she concluded. "I am Remnant's Jeanne."

Jeanne d'Arc. This one was formerly a semblance to Jaune Arc. Her continued manifestation then was pretty much determined by her brother's aura reserves and she had only been able to be independent when she became that other Remnant's Fifth Maiden. Memories of that other Remnant still remained in the mind which only made her rush to Vale even faster.

Finding a direction was difficult. Pouring through what maps and directions that she could find and ask for, Jeanne had to escape under the cover of night as Vacuo's borders tightened quite a bit during the sudden outbreak. Negativity due to that attack had also drawn more Grimm towards Vacuo that she had to stay behind for a while longer just to clear them out. Though her aim had been to Vale, she was still a Companion of Vacuo and thusly couldn't just leave them behind.

Clearing out the Grimm horde was the simplest task. The Grimm there weren't controlled by Salem nor were they the ones that were brought to Vale. They were simply the wild Grimm herds and packs that travelled across the sands of the desert kingdom and were drawn towards the kingdom during the massive surge of negativity. There were also a case of this criminal organization of the Crown: a delusional group of individuals, thinking themselves to be Vacuo's royalty. Jeanne easily dealt with them and had them imprisoned like the criminals they are.

Spending days and nights ceaselessly hastening towards Vale, Jeanne's dread only worsened as time passed. There were clear differences between her Remnant and this one. For one, there was a proper Grail War that was had and though there was no Ruler to oversee it, it was more for her benefit than anything else. She was certain that she couldn't be neutral in this one with the memories she had; there were personal stakes in it for her that she wouldn't be able to.

Climbing mountains were hardly a challenge. With her new skill that is regarded as Maiden (Holy), she could easily traverse these mountains without taking a single step. Warmth in the night was provided by that same skill; it is quite the versatile one, granting abilities akin to the Four Maidens, five in her case.

Only occasionally would she stop by in some settlement. Most were abandoned and she could only make use of those old and destroyed structures as shelter before moving on. Clearing out any group of Grimm that she would encounter, Jeanne took the extra time to make sure that the continent would at least be safer even if only a little.

Then, she finally caught sight of Vale. Relief washed over her and healed her weary form. Still, time had passed and that memory of that other time still haunts her.

Please be alright, Jaune, she begged. Please be alright.

Entering Vale proved to be the simplest part. Not only was it alarmingly lax, it was more that they need all the help that they can get. Jeanne obviously volunteered easily enough, clearing out the Grimm that were still roaming about. She made extra certain to make a display of it for the common man. Better that they feel secure and that huntsmen and huntresses could still protect them.

Vale was just as she remembered when she and the rest of her JNPR left. A stinging pain struck her. The JNPR here wouldn't recognize her. They are not her JNPR. She shook her head. So long as they were alright, that is all that matters. For Jeanne who still remembered what happened from that other Remnant, there was only one person that she was most concerned about.

Tried as she might to keep that moment out of her mind, memories of that instance rushed back to her with a vengeance. She had been present in that one and being absent this time meant that there was no one to protect him. There was no one to convince the headmaster that something else had been possible. Jeanne could only hope that the differences went in the direction that would ease her worries.

He's not a Master, I'm sure, she thought. I would have come rushing in if he called for someone. He would have summoned me, right? There shouldn't be a catalyst here that he could use. Not one from Earth.

Finding someone that she recognized would have been difficult. But with how similar things had been so far, she was safe in assuming that there is one person she would meet though it pains her knowing that this particular circumstance remained the same. Seeing that evidence that he carried said so.

"Excuse me." She tapped the bigger boy's shoulder. "Are you a student of Beacon?" She didn't want to spook him by saying his name.

"Yeah." Cardin looked at her inquisitively. He had candles and flowers with him. Jeanne's assumptions were proved right. Sky Lark must have still perished even in this one. That was similar enough but it is the point of difference that fills her with dread. "Do I know you?"

Here we go, she thought. She had to face it soon. "I'm looking for Jaune. My brother."

Jeanne dread worsened when she saw Cardin's expression darkened. He cursed at himself and shook his head. His grip on the candle was tight that it left quite the imprint on the glass. It was all the confirmation she needed. Already, she wished she never asked. He looked away from her, unable to meet her eyes.

"Come with me." He wasn't facing her. He only gestured her to follow. "Didn't want to do this but I owe Jauney-boy. Will not deny his family, definitely not his family." Cardin turned to her. "I'm guessing your father never told you. I saw him pass by the grave once."

"We were far away from each other," Jeanne excused. Jacques Arc had been here? "The CCT was down."

Each step she took made her feet feel wobblier and wobblier. Jeanne was brought to the cemetery. The same one where Sky Lark had been buried. She turned towards the general direction of the boy and sure enough, Cardin was there again. He apologized for the detour but Jeanne was accepting of that. She intends to come back here again.

It was when Cardin brought her to Jaune's grave that made her pause. Cardin had left her there, using the excuse of giving her time alone with her brother as he went off to train as he did in that other time. Out of the differences, this was the one she didn't want to have.

"Thank you," Jeanne said. She nearly said his name out loud despite him never introducing himself. "Uh…" she managed to cover herself.

"Cardin Winchester," he replied. "Don't mention it. He didn't deserve to have it happen to him. Not this early."

"None of us do."

When Cardin had gone away from her sight, she turned to face the grave that bore Jaune's name again. The flowers had begun to wilt and the candle wax was low. It had been days since anyone last visited him. She regretted not having brought any lien with her.

Jeanne's lower lip began to bleed as her teeth buried itself into it. She tried her hardest to maintain a straight face. She was a Heroic Spirit now, a proper one. She didn't exist in this time. Jaune didn't have an eighth sister in this one. She wasn't around to convince the headmaster of Beacon that miracles could still exist. She wasn't around when Cinder Fall had burned Jaune's aura reserves to practically zero. She wasn't there to look out for him.

She stayed for a while longer, offering prayers for the Jaune who didn't make it. It was the least she could do.

"You would have been a great huntsman, Jaune," she whispered. "I know it. Spoilers, but I've seen you do it." Sobbing threatened to escape her lips. She smiled knowingly. "And I look forward to the day we see each other as Heroic Spirits." The benefits of knowledge from the Grail.

Having given one last prayer, Jeanne soon left the cemetery. Thanking Cardin once more on the way out, the next agenda on her list would be to go to Beacon itself. She needed to see the person in-charge and offer whatever service that she has. Her plan is to ally herself to Vale and possibly find its Companion Servant as well.

/-/

"Eh?" Her grief turned to shock as Jeanne found herself regretting that decision the moment she stepped foot in Beacon. The Companion Servant was already there and though he wasn't waiting for her, Jeanne recognized that pink hair.

"Oh, Jeanne?" Astolfo's eyes sparkled. Next to him, professor Peter Port had to have a curious look beneath those eyebrows. "Jeanne! You're here too? You're a Companion too? Port! Port! An old friend is here!"

"Indeed?" Port replied. He laughed a hearty laugh. "It must be a marvelous thing then! Seeing old comrades like that."

The two shook hands which was followed by a head-butt. Considering that they should be keeping this a secret, it was fortunate that there was no one else around. If they were, such displays could only bring happiness in what is essentially difficult times for Vale. One would even share in it if these two would allow it so. Actually, maybe they should be doing this in public. Preferably, they should do it away from her.

While everyone else would enjoy the sight, Jeanne, and anyone else who knew one or the other long enough, had different thoughts: by my Father in Heaven, there's two of them.

"Come then, compatriot!" said Port, wrapping his arm around Jeanne. Astolfo did the same. She can't escape. "The headmaster must be informed of your presence."

"Headmaster?" Jeanne managed to get out of her stunned silence, at least. "As in headmaster Ozpin?"

Astolfo nodded enthusiastically. "He'd want to meet you. He's been looking for other Companions to recruit to the cause after all. Come on!"

It didn't take long for the three of them to make their way towards the headmaster's new office. Before Jeanne neared the door, another Servant had appeared; he must have sensed their presence.

"Another Companion?" he asked. "I wasn't aware that Vale had two."

"Vacuo actually," Jeanne corrected. "I made my here as soon as I heard the attack." She would have been there sooner but she couldn't just ignore the state that had befallen Vacuo immediately after the attack.

"That quick? I'm surprised. Saber, by the way."

"Jeanne. Jeanne d'Arc."

Saber's expression widened at the mention of her name. Jeanne's eyes narrowed as she turned to Astolfo for answers. He only shook his head. Saber then went inside and voices were heard. Jeanne recognized it as that of Saber and that of Ozpin. She couldn't make out what it was that they were saying but they were certainly emotional.

"Come inside," said Saber when he stepped out. "Astolfo, you as well."

"O-kay," replied Astolfo as he bounced his way inside. Both he and Port shook hands hard, flexing their muscles.

Ozpin's new office was much closer of a makeshift classroom. Things were put aside as his desk and chair was position in the center. With the stock of items on the side, it looked like a storage room than it was an office. By the looks of it, more things were being temporarily moved here instead.

"Forgive me," said Ozpin. "We had to make do with what rooms are available. Still, out of all Companions—no—out of every Servant, I never would have guessed that you would be here, miss d'Arc."

"You've known me?" Jeanne asked.

Ozpin nodded. "I'll admit, and Saber here can confirm, that there were times I wanted to strangle Gilles with how much he would talk about you. If it wasn't for him talking about this Grail War, I probably would have done so sooner."

"Gilles." It was her turn to be surprised. "He's here?" But there was already a Saber. That only left Caster.

"Was," Ozpin corrected. "Was here, miss d'Arc. He was the Caster of the last Grail War."

"If we're lucky," Saber added. "It will stay that way."

There had been another Grail War in Remnant? Jeanne couldn't remember that the last time she was here. She shook her head. No. Alternate timeline, different circumstances. Still, Gilles de Rais, her ally, had been here in this Remnant. By the sounds of it, he had been Ozpin's ally as well.

"Gilles was here," Jeanne repeated. She rested her head on her hand. First Jaune and now Gilles? It was a rollercoaster.

"He was." Ozpin nodded. "If he were still here, I am certain he would have much to say. He had wanted to make up for his sins."

"Gilles had been driven to madness," Jeanne replied. "When I had been burned, he had lost himself to the madness."

"I am aware." Ozpin's expression turned to that of sadness. "More than that, he had been Salem's Servant during the last Grail War."

"Wait." Jeanne raised her hand. "Salem? Then, Gilles betrayed her?"

Ozpin then retold the tale of Gilles de Rais. He even produced a copy of a book titled "Of Faith and the Way of the Sword." It was written by Ozpin himself under the penname of his own original one.

"I wanted to preserve his memory in some way," Ozpin explained. "For everything he had done, he deserves to build a new name for himself here in Remnant. None of this would have been possible without him. Everything I know about this Grail War was because of him." The headmaster chuckled. "I also know more about you than I probably have any right to but that was on him. Speaking of Gilles." He turned to Saber. "Can we make it down?"

"I can," Saber answered. "You can't. I'll have to carry you there."

"That is fine." Ozpin turned to Jeanne again. "Come. There is something I have to show you. Astolfo, you as well."

Astolfo saluted but kept that toothy grin of his.

The four of them made their way towards the elevator. With Saber carrying his Master, they all made their descent towards the Vault. The elevator was still broken and they had to jump. The memories of it brought a bitter feeling for Jeanne. It was here that a decision had been made about the Fall Maiden's powers. It was here that the Jaune she knew had nearly lost his life if it wasn't Ozpin making her the Fifth Maiden.

"What happened to Jaune?" asked Jeanne. She had to know. "I saw his grave."

"Mr. Arc…" Ozpin appeared like he was struggling. "He is in a rather awkward position."

Jeanne tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

It was Saber who explained. "Mr. Arc is dead. However, without our realizing until much later—us Masters at any rate—and through miss Nikos' actions, he is currently a Servant himself. The Rider of this Grail War."

"Jaune's a Heroic Spirit?" Jeanne raised her voice that it echoed in the Vault. She knew that he was capable of being great in his own right but still. "So soon?"

Saber nodded, completing Jeanne's thoughts before they were ever formed. "Mr. Arc is the Rusted Knight. What is his relationship to you, if I may ask?"

"As I am now? Nothing." It hurt to say it. "But the Jaune I knew was practically a brother to me. Or rather, I was his semblance and was practically adopted as his eighth sister. In that one, headmaster Ozpin, you actually broke a few rules."

Emphasizing her point, her eyes burned those familiar flames, amazing both Ozpin and Saber. She then gave a quick explanation of everything that had happened in her version of Remnant.

"So Salem and I had found an end to our immortality," Ozpin asked, hopeful just like the other one had been. The headmaster stared above, towards the heavens. "I never considered myself a religious man despite having walked alongside the very gods of this world. Yet, one so far away gave what both Salem and I long desired."

The headmaster's eyes began to cry while his mouth began to laugh. "Gilles de Rais," he praised. "You are a better knight than you gave yourself any credit."

Though he wasn't here, Jeanne felt pride for her comrade. Gilles had always been a trustworthy comrade for her. Granted, he had his… visually-inclined quirks that needed paying close attention to. In some way, he was making a new name for himself here in Remnant. It was a new start and one that Jeanne was happy for.

She was brought towards a container of sorts. Opening it, Gilles' sword rested there. Ozpin gently carried it as though it were the most fragile thing and presented it to her as though he were the soldier and she the queen.

"He had once hoped that this sword would come to the hands of one who is most like you," he said. "But I am certain that he would be ecstatic, if feeling a bit unworthy, that you yourself would have it."

Jeanne's fingers traced the blade. It had no name. There was no legend nor technique that had come with it. It was simply the sword that he had used on the battlefield. She took the grip and gave it a few practice swings. She nodded at the balance of the weapon.

"By my hand," she promised. "This sword will strike true and will be laid to proper rest when its job is done."

It was the least that she could do. Soon after, the three of them made it back to the ground floors of Beacon Academy. Astolfo soon parted with them as both he and Port were off as huntsmen were still being called to service almost immediately so far. Gilles sword was strapped to Jeanne's hip and a sheathe has been provided alongside it.

Saber explained to her everything that had happened thus far up to the point when JNPR, alongside Ruby, Qrow, and the apparent Lancer of this Grail War, had left Vale for Mistral. So far, the general direction had been similar to Jeanne's own experiences with the obvious change being the people involved.

However, for those things that are the same, there were those that were so obviously different. Yang had lost her arm and Blake had run away. But there was one thing that plagued her mind.

"How is Jaune?" she asked. "As a Servant, I mean."

"He seemed more mature," Saber answered. "There were traces of himself still but it would be accurate to say that he had become more confident in himself. I can see elements of the Rusted Knight there as well. He put aside personal grievances even after learning of the truth. Do you wish to catch up to them? I may have reserved an airship for another, but I can have it done."

For a moment, Jeanne considered it. But she shook her head. "Team JNPR wouldn't know me. I doubt that Jaune would remember me even if he knew of me." As a Servant, Jaune would know who she was. But would the memory of her be retained to the one in the Throne? Jeanne would be lying if she said she wasn't a little bit anxious at the answer. "Besides," she added. "Team RWBY is practically a sister team. I could at least look after Yang in Ruby's place."

Not only that, but Jaune being a Servant meant that they are protected. Jeanne is certain of that. Jaune wouldn't let any harm come to them. The least she could do is make sure that Vale is still standing and would give them a big welcome if—when they would return.

As the Rusted Knight, she thought. He should be the biggest contender for the Grail War. Secure in that knowledge, Jeanne was confident that she would see team JNPR again. Even if they won't recognize her, so long as they are safe, that is enough for her who had experience a full life in Remnant.

"Then remind me to give you directions to their household if you don't know it already." Saber nodded. "In the meantime, Master will have to give you your huntress license to operate with more freedom within Vale."

"Is the situation that bad?"

"Vale is recovering. But on top of the lives lost, there are those who have surrendered their licenses and prospects of becoming huntsmen. We are severely scarce on those still willing to fight."

Jeanne's banner clanged as it hit the ground, the flag's fabric fluttering in the light breeze that blew in Beacon's hallways. "Then it is a good thing that I'm here," she said with confidence. "I may be Vacuo's Companion Lancer, but Vale is where I called home here in Remnant."

Getting her license, this time registered in Vale, was the easiest part. With headmaster Ozpin's connections, she was almost immediately recognized as a professional huntress. A necessity too since Vale desperately needed aid wherever they could. Not every mission that had allowed students and they couldn't, in good conscience, let those newly licensed take those difficult mission. Jeanne had to act with others, usually the more experienced ones, in order to get herself up to speed.

It was proving itself to be a little difficult.

"Alright, huntress!" Astolfo had been considered a huntsman longer than Jeanne herself was. As a faculty of Beacon Academy, that also meant that he was to be addressed as professor Astolfo. "My portly partner may be absent for the time being—wrangling Grimm most terrifying no doubt—I shall be overseeing your progress before you can take any other mission on your own!"

Jeanne sighed. It was only temporary and having more than one Servant together meant that they wouldn't worry much about being ambushed. Unless Salem and her forces decided to send three, there was a safety net in having two. Vale had three which was overkill considering the Companions being stationed at different places across Remnant.

All of Remnant, huh. Her grip on her banner tightened. Her eyes burned the flames of the Maiden. She'll keep Vale safe until it rebuilds. Oh Lord, grant me strength to protect all those precious to me. Guide those that I cannot.

Clearing out Grimm, finding more lost people, escorting supplies, Jeanne took on as many missions as she is able to. It was only slowed by the time spent on those different locations as she tried to inspire others and hopefully relight the fires in those downtrodden huntsmen and huntresses. The most she had been able to achieve was that they would at least help rebuild and protect those places that they happen to be in. Many huntsmen and huntresses were in places far away that she couldn't reach them. The others had come from different kingdoms and there was nothing that she could do about those that have returned. The CCT was still down.

The number of huntsmen and huntresses willing to return had increased slightly, though that had less to do with Jeanne's own actions and more of the necessity as the possible loss of more lives was weighing in on them eventually. Still, headmaster Ozpin was thankful for what numbers they could obtain. The students at least were more willing to step up if nothing else.

"Whoever is still willing to fight," he said. "We will accept. I only regret that their lives would be put in greater risk if this Grail War ever reaches here."

"For as long as we stay here," Saber added. "We risk the Grail War, and even if we do leave, we will still risk their lives. There is still the matter of the Relics and we cannot have it brought with the others."

"We can only hope that the other Companions are aligned to ourselves, Saber. With Vacuo and Vale having been set, we can be certain that Mistral and Atlas would have one as well. That is four out of—possibly—seven Companions accounted for."

Jeanne continued her duties there as a huntress. With permission, she could take missions within Patch and Taiyang had already been informed of the circumstances and her reasons for being there.

"She's not doing so well," he said. "She needs time."

"I understand, sir." Jeanne bowed. "I just want to make it up to the team RWBY that I knew."

"Do you really think we have a chance?"

"I will make sure of it, sir." She vowed. "I will make sure of it."

Jeanne d'Arc resumed her missions here in Vale. As a Servant, she was more than enough to handle many of the Grimm threatening the main city. There was little need for secrecy here. If anything, they needed to be loud and public. The people of Remnant need that to combat the Grimm. All Companions must have shared in this sentiment.

/-/

"Jeanne d'Arc for Vacuo," Saber commented. "Astolfo for Vale."

Ozpin knew what Saber was thinking. "Gilles may have done much but even he wouldn't be able to help us here. I doubt that he would be much aid in figuring out the case for Atlas and Mistral."

"I suppose not." Saber shrugged his shoulders. "Even if we consider Atlas and Mantle as separate, that still leaves two more Companions unaccounted for. Menagerie could have one perhaps but the only other place left would be Evernight. They may call themselves Companions but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be our companions."

"There is still the matter of the spellbook."

"You think that it would be on Servants?"

"What greater fuel source could it have outside of the Relics and the Grail?"

Headmaster Ozpin focused on the documents on his desk. His duties as a councilman served as distraction for now. There were many things that he had to think about yet his mind was drawing a blank. Saber could probably do that in his stead. In fact, Saber probably already was.

Saber was soon making his way to the exit.

"Perhaps there is something about Vacuo that we're missing," he said. "Jeanne did say she had appeared in the crater, didn't she?" He waited for Ozpin to nod. Soon enough, Saber vanished.

Keeping his aura usage to a minimum was a simple task. His office was fairly close to the library to begin with and thusly didn't strain him too much, if at all.

As Ozpin was pouring through the documents, something caught his attention. Criminal activity, while predictably increasing given the circumstances, seemed rather tame for the most part. People who were trying to flee Vale was unsurprising for him. With huntsmen numbers and the CCT down, those accustomed to this lifestyle might feel themselves in greater danger. Only those used to danger stuck around willingly.

He looked through another report. This time, it pertained to the CCT, and it was one that is usually only meant for those in charge of security. While some would argue against such breeches in privacy, it would be difficult given what had just happened to Vale. Ozpin wasn't surprised at the presence of a hacker. The difficulty came in finding that code within their systems. However, something that he didn't notice before now was evidence of a different line having been connected. It was obscure and small, almost unnoticeable unless one had to be deliberately looking for it.

One side came from Mistral, specifically in Argus. The other came from various different locations, always moving.

Ozpin soon requested if there was any transcription about it. This line only ever came to existence after the program had been uploaded into the CCT. The transcription indicated no malice nor was there any coded messages that they could find. It only appeared to be some kind of communication between two parties that wished to maintain its anonymity.

But to Ozpin, one thing had caught its attention: the parties involved used the terms "Holy Grail" and "Companion." Someone was already acting before Ozpin did. Then, he read a name: John Watson.

/-/

"Oh, so you must be the True Assassin of this little… Grail War was it? Honestly, not how I envisioned myself leaving the Ever After but who am I to complain? Still, I had only come here because of Remnant and now there is something else beyond it? How… Curious." The feline chuckled.

"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."

"Ah, not the most eloquent one I suppose. Well, not like that is going to problem. Outcasts like ourselves should probably stick together. It certainly helps that I know your Master."

"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."

"Hmm, quite. But I do have something in mind. You're looking for the child as well aren't you?"

It acted. Good. That was good. They know enough. Shame that this Grail War didn't exactly come with directions towards the goal but that can be arranged. Neither of them were the best combatants but they didn't need to fight directly either. They could if they had to.

"The thing is, my good and unnaturally made friend who would never have existed were it not for your gracious Master, is that we could not hope to accomplish our goals by staying in the shade. You actually need to win this Grail War. Not that it's going to a problem. After all, our Master is quite the individual, isn't he? Besides, now, with me as a representative, you have the Ever After by your side."

"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."

They sighed. "You really need to learn to mix and match the last words of the people you've gotten, Poppy, my dear. Maybe consider writing on the ground? Surely, you could do that much, at least."

It was surprised.

"Oh, was that supposed to be a secret? It isn't exactly hard to figure out considering what you've done. I'm pretty sure that I could be identified quite easily as well. Not that many kittens with a thirst of knowing everything there is to know, are there?"

Before the two could proceed, the cat had a thought. They were laughing for some reason.

"It would be nice if those two were here as well," they said. "I certainly wished to see how they are doing, even Jabby for all our differences."

Chapter Text

The scent of salty water filled Blake Belladonna with a melancholic nostalgia. Once, she had called Kuo Kuana, on the continent of Menagerie, home. With its tropical setting, the sandy beaches were the best places to be around these parts. Fishing was everywhere with most forgoing the use of fishing rods and catching them by hand. The faunus whose traits were that of aquatic animals were abundant around these parts. Both for business and for recreation, these aquatic and amphibian faunus are hard to find elsewhere. Further inward, one gets a sense of a town made of wood and stone. Mostly quaint, there was little in worry even from Grimm around here.

But it wasn't a home that Blake managed to stay for long. Life in the White Fang made her more accustomed to rough roads and cold grounds, warmed only by a campfire. Such luxuries were difficult to come by in the White Fang. Still, Menagerie was always a place that she could go back to. It was a place that she had to go back to. She was done. Done with being a huntress. Done with trying to play hero. The world was cruel and unlike those fairy tales she would read. She understands that now and though it pains to leave her team behind, she couldn't face them.

The White Fang—Adam would go after her. The best thing she could do to protect them is put down her weapon and fade into shadow. That was the right decision. It had to be. The White Fang wouldn't come for her here, would they? With those Servants thing that was going on, she was certain that they would be too busy to come for her, surely. She wouldn't be involved in any of that.

"So that's Menagerie?"

Blake sighed. Her past always did have a tendency of catching up with her. At least this one was a happier one, though she certainly had complaints. Especially considering that he had been keeping himself hidden beneath that hood like some mysterious creeper for much of the trip. Blake had believed that Sun was White Fang for a while there.

"Yes, Sun," she replied. "That's Menagerie. That's home."

"Sweet!"

Sun Wukong, transfer student from Haven Academy in Mistral but whose home is in Vacuo. He had apparently followed her all the way here and while she would have preferred to stay alone, it would be a lie to say that she didn't appreciate that someone was sticking with her here. Better him than any member of team RWBY, she supposed. She wasn't sure if she could bring any of them here. She couldn't face any of them.

He was ever eager to listen to Blake's stories about Menagerie, no matter how little in number they were. Always with that cheerful demeanor, Blake had a feeling that he was only doing for her sake. He had been there after all and could understand what she felt to an extent. Sun brings out the happiness in even the most miserable of people.

As the boat neared the docks, Sun couldn't contain his excitement. But that lasted only until they managed to get off the boat. Blake noticed it too.

"Hey, where is everybody?" Sun asked.

The docks were empty. There was no one there to help the boat crew that they had to do everything alone. After some further attempts at contact, there wasn't anyone responding. Eventually, somebody did but they were all rushing out and hastily told them something that Blake's ears couldn't pick up. The crew looked to be worried for them.

"We'll be fine," Blake said when the crew asked them if they truly wished to stay. When the boat had gone, she asked no one in particular, "what's going on?"

Sun tried to call out for some people. "Anyone here? Hey, there's one." He tried to wave at them only for those people to close their windows shut. Curtains covered those glass panes and the locking mechanisms of the doors sounded loudly.

Everyone appeared to be paranoid. One look at them and they were all running for their lives. They all sought for shelter with those still outside banging furiously at the door to be let in. Sun would have reached out to them if the door hadn't shut him out before he had a chance to.

"Some welcoming party, we're having," Sun commented. "Like they've seen a ghost."

Blake hastened her steps. The direction to her home should still be the same. Sun quickly followed.

All around them, houses had their windows shut and their doors closed. Everyone inside only peeked through their window curtains and Blake could see flashes of light being reflected from some of them, a weapon of some kind. Everything was quiet. The only sounds that could be heard were the sounds of the breeze blowing against whatever was left out in the open. The calm ocean waves were deafening even after the beaches were gone from view. The only thing remotely open to them were homes long abandoned.

The market place was no different. Many of the tents had already fallen over from the winds and the crates were absent. Poles had fallen down and many tools had been left behind to gather dust and rust. The roads lacked any activity and were bathing in the harsh sunlight.

Blake could hear sobs coming from some of the homes. In-between spaces, she could see patches of ground having been recently disturbed. Something must have happened here. There had to be. Upon closer inspection, they were graves. Every other house had them and they had to be recent. Some had shovels just lying there to the side.

For a moment, Blake considered approaching them just to see what was happening. But her senses told her that she wouldn't be allowed to go near them, huntress training or not.

Her powerwalk quickened to a jog as her home was coming closer into view. Dirt roads turned to stone as her footsteps hastened their pace to a run. Sun himself was following right behind her, saying nothing. The White Fang couldn't have come here, they wouldn't. No. This wasn't White Fang. This couldn't be White Fang. Not even Adam would be this cruel.

Both Blake and Sun paused when they arrived at the edge of the Belladonna household. Place for the chieftain of Menagerie, it was impossible to miss this place being the largest structure in all of Kuo Kuana. The main road of the settlement leads to here. Not only was it residence for the chieftain, it was also the meeting place for any important matters in regards to Kuo Kuana. If there was any problem afflicting the place, it would be brought here.

"Mom! Dad!" Blake banged hard on the door. She prayed for a response. "It's me, Blake!"

She had never been more relieved to hear footsteps rushing towards the door. They were okay. There were no signs of combat that she could see. Her home was in-tact though some of the plant life outside were in need of watering. The door opened and Blake had expected to see her parents coming out to hug her tight. Instead, she found a thick blade pointed at her.

The man in front of her wasn't anyone she recognized. His hair was white and his eyes were blue and bore a focus as he stared both Blake and Sun. He wore a long coat that nearly reached his feet. There were no faunus features on him that Blake assumed that he must be human.

Sun Wukong readied his own weapon, ready to defend Blake. His own hand was already pulling on her shoulder. Blake nearly fell back when Sun tugged her, placing himself between her and the swordsman.

Blake then heard her mother call out to her. "Blake?" she appeared behind the swordsman. "Blake, it is you!"

Kali Belladonna was about to reach out to her before the man raised his hand between them. Kali had been surprised but quickly complied.

"What have you done with her?" Blake demanded. She drew her own weapon. There wasn't any injury found on Kali but still. "Where is dad?"

The man then nodded and put his weapon away. "That's her, Mrs. Belladonna."

Kali sighed relief. "Oh thank the brothers." The two Belladonnas then hugged one another. But Blake's eyes focused on the man. "Come inside, both of you. Your father will explain once he returns."

As both Blake and Sun stepped inside, Sun never let his eyes leave the swordsman for even a second. Even when he was in front of them, exposing his back, both Blake and Sun still held their guard up around him.

He then turned around. "Pardon me, monsieur, mademoiselle." The man bowed and addressed each of them.

"You'll have to forgive Sanson," Kali added. "We have been taking precautions lately."

"What happened, mom?" asked Blake. "And where's dad? Who's this?"

"Later," Kali replied. "When your father comes back, he'll give you everything you need to know. As for Sanson, he's… a helper around the house."

"Is he okay?"

"Monsieur Belladonna is arriving right now." Sanson was looking out the window. When did he get there so quickly? Blake didn't even see him move. He kept his grip on that sword of his tight.

There was a knock on the door. Blake would have answered but Kali covered her mouth and shook her head. It was Sanson that approached. Sun wasn't sure on how to act but followed in Kali's lead.

Similar to Blake herself and Sun, Sanson raised his sword and had it pointed at Ghira. For someone who was so obviously larger and should possess the more intimidating form, Ghira Belladonna was cautious and even meek compared to Sanson.

"Adam Taurus was a terrible influence on my daughter," Ghira said. "And Blake could have chosen someone better."

Blake's eyebrows narrowed. Sure, she will fully agree to what her father had just said now but what was the point of it?

"Are you also aware that she is here?" Sanson replied. "And that she brought home another boy?"

"What?" Ghira asked, surprised painting his face. "That isn't a password! What are you—"

The sword was put aside and Sanson revealed Blake and Sun from behind him. Kali soon let Blake go.

"Blake," Ghira said. His eyes momentarily narrowed at Sun but didn't pay much mind. "So it was you that arrived just now."

Father and daughter hugged in reunion. It wasn't how she had expected it to go but she was happy that they were alright and that was what mattered. Blake caught sight of Sanson looking out of the doorway before shutting it tight.

It was here that Blake asked again. "Dad, what's going on?"

"Things…" Ghira Belladonna seemed unsure of what to say. "Things are happening around Menagerie. Terrible things. You must be thirsty. Sanson, prepare us some tea, please?" He then turned to Sun. "I will have some questions for you, young man. But that will have to wait."

Sun only chuckled awkwardly but complied. At least he put his weapon away for now.

Blake managed to catch Sanson disappearing from their sight. Quite literally. Rather than move with great speeds, he had just vanished into thin air and next thing Blake knew, she heard the fires in the kitchen spark as water for the tea was clearly being heated.

A pleasant aroma soon filled the room as tea had been served. Sanson stayed to the sides as though he were a mere butler that reminded Blake of what she used to imagine the SDC was like. Except those images weren't flattering, closer to a caricature of an evil elitist. The only thing missing was a silver plate and a towel. The weapon breaks the image.

Blake found herself relaxing at the first sip. She never noticed it but she had been tense this whole time. The stiffness of her muscles soon began to relax. She wasn't alone. Everyone else in the room soon had a similar reaction as shoulders were lowered and postures began to slack.

A collective sigh was heard in the room. It was then that Ghira began to explain. "First things first Blake, how have you been?"

"Everything is okay dad," Blake answered. There was a calmness to her now. "I—you were right about the White Fang. It wasn't working. I left it behind and tried to make amends."

"We know." Ghira nodded. "We heard you were participating in the Vytal Tournament."

"You did?" Now Blake felt guilty. In all that time, she never once contacted her parents. How worried they must have been. She never once sat down to tell them that she had left it behind.

"We're just happy to know that you're safe," Kali reassured her. "Happier now that you're here though we certainly wished that it had been better times."

Before Blake could ask again, Ghira continued. "There has been a series of murders happening."

"Who?" She grabbed the hilt of her weapon but did not draw.

It was Sanson who answered. Away from the rest of the group, his back was leaning against the wall. "Assassin. True Assassin."

Blake only looked at the man. She didn't get it.

"Ah," said Ghira. "They haven't told you yet?"

"I was only told to wait."

Ghira nodded in understanding. "There are these… Servants and one of them, Assassin, is somewhere in Kuo Kuana."

"Who's the target?" Blake knew a thing or two about assassinations. The White Fang had done its fair share. Panic started to build. "Dad, don't tell me it's—"

Kali shook her head. "It isn't your father. Sanson, why don't you explain it to her?"

"Assassin is looking for someone. A child to be more precise. It was the common trend across all of its victims. There hasn't been any word from any of the major kingdoms?"

"I heard a few," Sun replied. "But that's impossible. The major kingdoms are like so far away from each other! This Assassin couldn't possibly be moving that fast."

"That is because Assassin, like myself, isn't a normal entity. We are Servants."

"Servants?" Blake asked. She stood up. "Wait." What was it that familiar that appeared that night called herself again? "Does the name Lancer mean anything to you?"

Sanson raised an eyebrow. "One of the seven classes a Servant could manifest as. Assassin is also among them."

Blake began to shake her head. No. No, no, no. Please no.

"Kitten?" asked Ghira. "Is something wrong."

"I—I left that behind. Why? Why are terrible things always following me?" Blake ran to her old room.

"Blake!" Kali called out. Sun did as well but did follow.

The door's locked behind her as she curled up into a ball. Blake heard the knocking from the other side.

"Blake?" Kali asked. "Sweetie? Is everything alright?"

"Nothing is alright, mom!" Blake answered. "The White Fang came to Beacon and attacked the school. I—my partner was hurt! And now this Servant thing is here? How is anything alright?"

Sanson suddenly appeared in her room, causing Blake to jump and draw her weapon.

"What are you?" she demanded.

"I am a Servant, myself," he answered. "I'd like to first say, mademoiselle, that I am not the true Servant of this Grail War though I do share in the same class. Menagerie's Companion Assassin, Charles-Henri Sanson."

"And how do I know that you aren't actually the Assassin?"

"Because true Assassin has been active for longer than I have been around. We have news reports articles that can prove it. Besides, I am an executioner; I only kill those that have been deemed guilty. Even if they really were not." There was remorse in his tone when he said those last words. "Believe me, my hands have been stained by many innocents."

Blake's hands were still trembling but she lowered her weapon. Sanson left her alone in her room but she only stayed there for another minute or so before leaving. Kali was there waiting for her. She embraced her and patted her head comfortingly.

"Please," said Blake. She was addressing Sanson. "Don't do that again."

"That would be my fault, sweetie," Kali replied. "I'm sorry."

She couldn't find it in her to be angry with her mom and so Blake did forgive her. The same, if only a little begrudgingly, was given to Sanson.

"So," Sun opened up. "That's… pretty cool thing you did there. Teleporting and all that."

"It isn't anything too special." Sanson shook his head humbly. "I wouldn't call it teleporting; I still have to move from places, monsieur."

"Okay, maybe don't call me me-sure, I don't even know what that means. Call me Sun. Sun Wukong."

Sanson bowed. "As you wish, Mr. Wukong."

"Eh, close enough."

The rest of that day was spent in better times. Sanson was always outside of the group, playing the role of guardian as he watched out the windows and of any openings for signs of this apparent Assassin. Vigilant in his watch, he never wavered that Blake was sure that he didn't even sit close his eyes to rest for one moment. Blake had to request him to stop calling her mademoiselle as well. Turns out that was simply a formal form of address from where he was from.

He was an excellent tea-maker as his brews had this medicinal property to them. Blake felt herself healthy with every sip. Perhaps it had something to do with his stated profession of executioner but he had quite the extensive knowledge on anatomy that was akin to a medical professional, if albeit with outdated information. There were many things that had been improved since the comparable time period of his.

Ghira and Sanson's relationship though was one that was the most noticeable. Blake noticed that when Sun was being Sun.

"Trust me," Sun said, now more relaxed and comfortable. "She knows all about that. She's got some moves." He flashed them a grin and pointed finger-guns at them.

"And what do you mean by that, Mr. Wukong?" Ghira's eyes narrowed at the moment. Sun, realizing his blunder, froze in place. "Sanson prepare the guillotine."

"Monsieur Belladonna." Sanson massaged his forehead. "Isn't that a bit much?"

"That would depend on his answer. It might not be enough."

"Dad!" Blake rebuked. "Nothing is happening between me and Sun!"

"Nothing bad, you mean?"

"Nothing! We're just friends, dad."

Better this than earlier, she supposed. Blake would rather have the embarrassment of both parents and that of Sun rather than wishing she had eyes on the back of her head.

Sanson acted as though he were a butler that Sun couldn't help himself but whistle.

"You didn't tell me that you got your own butler."

"That's because I don't."

Sanson had heard their conversation. "By the time I had arrived and was taken in, the White Fang had already turned to violence. I make no assumptions of when miss Belladonna had left them."

"Maybe don't call me miss Belladonna," Blake said. "Just Blake is fine."

"If that is your wish, miss Blake."

"Just—you know what? Never mind, whichever you're most comfortable, I guess."

Blake soon left Sun and Sanson alone. The two were on good enough terms, she supposed. Sun wasn't the type of person to hold onto to grudges much and Sanson was quite reserved but courteous in his manner. The two were at the meeting room. Sun had many questions and Sanson was willing enough to answer.

Her parents were found preparing her old bedroom. With her and Sun's sudden arrival, neither of them had any time to prepare the rooms and were thusly rushing to get them cleaned and covered. It was distraction if nothing else.

"Oh Blake?" Kali noticed her at the door. "We're close to finishing."

"I can help, mom."

"Nonsense! You and that Sun fellow must be tired from your trip. It will be fine. Your father and I could use a distraction."

Just like that, Blake's mood was soured. This day had been a rollercoaster of emotions. First the nostalgia of getting back home followed by the anxiety when it all seemed empty. Then, there was the danger at the thought that something might have happened to her parents while she had been gone only for it to pass like waves on the shore. Now she is being reminded that danger had yet to leave them alone.

Leaving it to them, Blake sought to find some kind of fresh air. Rather than go outside their home, she opted to open a window and simply took in whatever breeze came her way. Still, she kept watch of anything that might happen. Then again, if this Assassin could get inside like Sanson did earlier, there was little that she could do. The thought of it did not make it any better.

The view outside was still that of a ghost town. No one was stepping outside. If there was anyone who were, they were rushing from one point to another, never once did they look around in a corner. They refused to interact with anyone else beyond that which was necessary. Blake noticed that no one touched another. They kept their distance in their paranoia.

A coat suddenly draping over her shoulders nearly made her jump. It was Sanson's coat. Underneath that, he was still wearing a somewhat formal attire though that appeared rugged with more creases overall.

"It is not good for you to be cold, miss Blake," he said. "Especially not now."

"Does it have anything to do with Assassin?" she guessed correctly.

Sanson nodded. "Children may be its primary target but adults get caught in the crossfire, parents protecting them perhaps. Even if the bodies were only freshly killed, there was coldness to them. As though they have been preserved in that same instant. Everyone here is keeping themselves warm. Assassin's cold touch is a giveaway."

"Why hasn't anyone caught Assassin, yet?"

"It is one of its skillset, I would guess. Assassin can take the forms of its victims and even mimic their voices though they could only repeat the last words of said victim. I do not know how many lives have been lost to it already." There was remorseful in Sanson's voice. "True Assassin has greater Agility than I do, much greater."

"It's not your fault." Blake tried to comfort him.

"I had come close to it, miss Blake." Sanson shook his head. "I suppose I had Luck on my side but I couldn't do much and Assassin slipped away. It is still lurking around here somewhere. I know it."

"Does it have to be you? What if this Assassin is too strong?"

"If I could not face Assassin." He looked down as if in shame. "Then, I'm afraid that no one in all of Menagerie stands a chance. Servants are a force that even the most exceptional of huntsmen would struggle against. I trust that I do not need to mention the civilian populace. The only solace you have is that as an Assassin, it is not one for direct confrontation."

"What about the Grimm?" With this serial killer on the loose, the Grimm had to be drawn to Kuo Kuana. "How are we supposed to deal with them?

"There hasn't been any word of them yet. Though given what I've seen of Assassin, perhaps there is some kinship to them. Assassin is the Grimm Child. Not that many legends here on Remnant that are similar."

"You mean the Chill?" Blake's eyes widened. "Isn't that just the Grimm? How are Grimm Servants?"

"I wish I knew myself." Sanson shrugged. "By all accounts, Grimm shouldn't even become Heroic Spirits, even one like the Grimm Child. But the fact is that Assassin exists and that it is looking for a child."

The cooling breeze made Blake shiver. She closed the windows and even that did little to ease her own worries. She could use another cup of that tea from earlier. She decided to move to where the fire was after returning the coat. Sun was already there by the fire. He looked rather nervous and Blake soon discovered that Ghira was there as well, clearly interrogating the monkey faunus.

"Hey Blake!" Sun looked to her for salvation. "Glad you're here! Your dad is just… telling the best of stories about the old White Fang!" He chuckled nervously.

"And what have you learned about the White Fang?" Ghira raised a singular eyebrow.

"Uh." Sun's pupils went all over the place. "That… that they are looking for equality?"

Even Blake buried her face in her hands.

Night soon came and while things had been remotely more peaceful, it did not at all ease the tensions that Blake could feel from Kuo Kuana. It shouldn't be abnormal to see the people be inside their homes, tired from a day's work. But every lit house gave no comfort. Blake couldn't feel them being comfortable. Shadows from the curtains and windows were clear, guarding their own homes while the others within that household were likely experiencing restless sleeps.

She was among them. No matter how much both parents insisted that she get some rest, Blake couldn't hope to. It was supposed to be a reunion. Perhaps some shouting of not being in contact for so long. Worried faces and words at her absence. Instead, Ghira and Kali put those aside and grasped whatever moment of joys they could when she returned.

In another room, Sanson, by Ghira's insistence, was guarding Sun. Blake's father may have some concerns regarding Sun but he wasn't about to leave him without a guardian of his own.

Kuo Kuana was deathly quiet. No sound was heard no matter which direction her faunus ears went. Even the critters of the night had gone mute, as if they too were hiding from Assassin. Never could Blake imagine that she, the one who was hardened by her life as terrorist and huntress, would be reduced to some helpless girl clinging to the protective hands of her parents. Even her father's larger form did little to ease her as she's still failing to sleep.

The sudden sounds of movement jolted her back up. Neither Ghira nor Kali seemed surprised. In the other room, Sun said things that were incomprehensible but it hinted of amazement.

"Assassin," Ghira said to her. It wasn't reassuring. "Sanson must be on the move."

"Will he be okay?" Blake asked.

"He knows his way around Kuo Kuana." Ghira's smile still wasn't reassuring. "It's how he makes up for his lack of speed."

For however long that it would last, Blake thought. It was only a matter of time before this Assassin would learn more about Kuo Kuana.

The sounds of Sanson probably hoping across roofs was the only disturbance of the night. They were faint and grew softer and louder depending on where he was. Blake could only guess where he was based from it.

Ghira and Kali were armed. Blake could only hope that Sun was as well.

Crashes were heard and crates were being destroyed. With how quiet everything else was, it was quite the feat that such noises were even picked up despite their distance.

She couldn't sit for long and had to check. Both parents held her back and didn't allow her to get too close to the window, not without them being in-between. Blake had to be on her toes just to see what was happening outside. There wasn't much that she could make out, obstructed by both her family and the buildings outside.

Everyone in the Belladonna household tensed and stiffened once the noises grew louder and distinct; they were approaching. Each one readied themselves for what could possibly come.

Sanson's words about Servants echoed at the back of her mind. Part of her wanted to run and take both parents and Sun with her.

Scuffles were had just outside their home. The sound of Sanson's blade whistling in the air was deafening to Blake's sensitive ears.

Then, the noises went past the homes. They started to fade away again as the ruffling of leaves, breaking of tree barks, and the snapping of branches grew in occurrences. Eventually, that noise too died down and everything went silent again.

Sanson appeared before them after a minute or two of agonizing silence. He stumbled and nearly fell. He kept one arm underneath his coat.

"How close?" Ghira asked.

"No life was lost tonight," Sanson replied, much to Ghira and Kali's relief. "However, Assassin still proves too elusive for myself."

"Do not be too hard on yourself, Sanson." Ghira patted him on the shoulder. "What matters is that no further deaths would befall Kuo Kuana. Gods know we've already buried enough in so short a time."

While Blake did eventually lie back down, Ghira and Kali still took turns in staying awake and keeping watch. Neither were really relaxed, leaving Sanson to stay up all night as he watched over Sun.

/-/

"You're really not going to sleep?" Sun asked.

Sanson shook his head. "Servants have little need to sleep. Those that do often do so to conserve magical energy. Someone needs to stay up and make sure that Assassin doesn't make a second attempt."

He was certain that Assassin wouldn't make another. Things were too hot for it and no matter where it would go, Menagerie was on high alert that even Presence Concealment wouldn't be of much help.

However, that wasn't Sanson's concern. There was something else that had stopped him from chasing Assassin. He, like all other Companion Servants, have been summoned at different points all over Remnant and at different times. Sanson was one of those who had come into the world before the Fall of Beacon. Without the CCT and with Menagerie being mostly cutoff from the rest of Remnant, Sanson had no means of getting word out to the rest of them.

Not every Companion Servant was a friend. It had caught him by surprise when it did and nearly cost him his own life. One of them clearly has other plans and has chosen to ally with Assassin's Master. Even then, Sanson doubts that Cat is truly aligned with Assassin. He had the claw marks to prove it, and Cat didn't seemed too phased when Assassin had been in danger.

Chapter Text

"You're going after Assassin?" Kali asked. Worry painted her face.

"I must push Assassin out of Menagerie, Mrs. Belladonna," Sanson replied. "I will not engage any more than I have to and will make certain that this place is safe."

The young boy named Sun Wukong suddenly got to his feet. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go! Come on, Blake! Let's kick some Servant butt!"

Ghira Belladonna didn't even need to try to keep his daughter from going. Blake's hands were trembling. Her cat ears were drooped down.

"Blake?" Sun asked.

She shook her head. "No," she said, weakly. "I—I'm not going."

"What?" Sun sounded offended. "What do you mean you're not going?"

"I bring trouble wherever I go, Sun. I can't put any of you in trouble."

"That's nonsense! Look, I get it. Beacon was hard on all of us but this isn't the White Fang! Sure, these Servants are probably too tough but we got our own." He gestured to Sanson. "We'll be fine. We'll play support."

"No!" Blake was certain in her decision. "I am not going. I don't want to be involved anymore!"

"Blake, come on." Sun reached out but Sanson had stopped him. "What?"

"Let's go, Mr. Wukong," he said. "Wait for me outside if you insist on joining me."

For a moment, Sun would have protested as he looked at Sanson then at Blake and back. Eventually, he complied but that didn't stop him from mumbling on his way out.

Sanson approached Blake. She looked at him defiantly. She probably hasn't noticed but she hid behind her father like she was a small child.

"Blake." He kept his voice as gentle as he could. "I promise you this: I will not let any harm befall this household. I swear it."

"Thank you," she replied. "But I'm still not going."

"I understand." Sanson bowed. Then, he addressed Ghira and Kali. "I will take my leave."

"Stay safe, Sanson," Ghira commanded. "Don't push yourself too hard."

The doors soon closed behind him. Next to it, Sun Wukong didn't have the best moods. The monkey faunus stood taller than Sanson even as he was leaning against the wall.

"She's not coming?" Sun asked.

"I'm afraid not, Mr. Wukong," Sanson replied. "It is perhaps better this way. The less people around means less targets for Assassin." That also meant less people for Sanson to look after.

"Hey, I'm not a child."

"It is a good thing, then. Assassin is looking for children. Assassin will fight back if they feel threatened. I must ask you again: are you truly certain of this?"

"Yeah, this Servant business isn't mine but if my friends are going to be in danger because of it, you can bet I would be there to protect them."

Sanson gave a warm smile. An admirable trait and one that he will make sure will stay. Such joys and hope should always be celebrated no matter how bleak the world may seem. Sanson was getting sentimental. "You are a positive influence on Miss Blake. For what it's worth, you have my approval."

"Hey, Blake and I are just friends." That didn't stop the slight reddening of his face.

"Come." Sanson leapt onto the roof. Sun needed to jump to follow suit. "Assassin operates in the forests."

"Wouldn't your sword's length be a problem? Doesn't look like it's meant for stabbing. Might get stuck on the branches and vines."

"I do not swing wildly," Sanson replied. "But merci."

As the two were making their way towards the forests, Sun kept on with his conversation.

"What's with the fancy wording, by the way? Never heard of it."

"It is French, Mr. Wukong. The language of France."

"What kind of kingdom is that?"

Sanson was about to answer before he paused. "It was a different time," he managed to say. "I'm certain it is not a kingdom anymore."

"What happened? The leaders lost their heads or something?"

"Yes." He was keeping away from any eye contact. The leaders certainly lost their heads alright, along with thousands of many others. His eyes traced the edges of his sword.

Sun must have noticed his current mood. "Hey, sorry if I opened any wounds. Must have been hard to lose your leaders like that."

"You could say it was difficult… witnessing their deaths." It wasn't just them either. Hundreds by his own count. "I've also seen those who have taken their place. Promises of better futures only to be much worse than those that came before."

"It must have been terrible."

"It was. It was a reign of terror."

The screams of both agony and damnations. Those who insisted on their own innocence and those who believe themselves just. How many? How many lives? Just how many were there? He shook his head. With hopes for a better tomorrow, how many had to bare their necks for the blade? He could not change that past. He just had to make the days ahead better in this one.

Slashing the branches and vines away, the trek in the forests just outside of Kuo Kuana proved itself to be a mild hassle for one's feet at best. Thankfully, the ground was dry and absent of any mud. There were a few insects that flew by here with some being unfortunate of landing onto either himself or Sun. Sanson himself wasn't affected by it but these are habits of life.

Finding Assassin's tracks was the difficult thing. It didn't reach too deep into the forest before Assassin's marks vanished. Dematerializing didn't necessarily hide a Servant from others but Assassins have Presence Concealment. It is their advantage and it allows them to go after the more vulnerable Masters in a Grail War.

However, that wasn't Sanson's focus. The claw marks he received may have healed by now but there was no mistaking that was another Servant. Not bound by a Master, that had to be one of the Companions as well. With him already being the Companion Assassin, that cat had to be of the other classes. There was no Master that would bind that cat to them. But that didn't mean that they hadn't found one that would make that contract.

"Archer of Mistral, Berserker of Atlas and Mantle, Saber of Evernight," Sanson whispered to himself. "Four of us are in the League. That leaves Rider, Lancer, and Caster."

He wasn't the most deductive of individuals but he felt confident he could at least remove Lancer from that list. Not every Companion came at the same time. Sanson himself only came about later on, around the time of the Vytal Festival's beginning, and only learned of the others sometime after. If there were any other Companions, they must have come after Beacon's fall. He didn't get much contact with the others before the fall and thusly fell behind on information.

Speaking of Beacon's fall. "How terrible was it?" Sanson asked. "Beacon's fall."

"News didn't get to travel this far, huh?" Sun, while still down, didn't seem too bothered about it. "Honestly, I still couldn't believe it, you know? That sort of thing happening, I always thought it would be in the movies or the history books but never experience it."

"Aren't you training to be huntsmen?"

"Yeah, I suppose so. Still am, don't get me wrong. But like, it's a hard thing to imagine when you're still a student. You'd think that sort of thing would happen later on. Maybe after years in the field and all that."

"It must have been especially hard on Miss Blake."

"Yeah, it was." All that was left of Sun's cheerfulness were like smoldering embers. Sanson internally apologized for bringing up a heavy topic. "Her team got one of the worst of it. There was a team that got hit harder and there were probably more that had it much worse but Blake's team is practically separated by now. Some teams are lucky they stuck together and RWBY isn't one of them."

Sun told Sanson about the separation of Blake's team, RWBY. He even mentioned that other team, JNPR, who were apparently really close to them like a sister team. What had caught his attention however was the mention of a pillar of light.

"…that was when this lady appeared, calling herself Lancer." Sun exaggerated his gestures. "It was crazy! Bet you that if I told anyone else, they wouldn't believe me. Heck, I'm still having a hard time believing it."

Sanson pondered on Sun's words, though he was glad that some of that joy returned. So one of Blake's team members was the Master of this Grail War's True Lancer. It is something to keep note of for future reference. He may not be obligated to aid any of them but if Ghira and Kali wanted someone to look after Blake, then he might as well consider himself Blake's Servant even without contracting her. The two of them were kind enough to house him when no one else would.

Further in the forests, Sun and Sanson were fortunate that there wasn't any rain in recent days. With the amount of shade this part of the unconquered part of Menagerie, it would have taken awhile for the mud to dry if the roots weren't absorbing the water fast enough. Sun nearly stumbled when a root forming an arc was just above the ground.

Sanson raised a hand, signaling to stop. Sun readied his weapon in its staff form. Sanson was no stranger to the peculiar weapons that huntsmen possess. He could not see it yet but he was certain that there were some mechanisms that allowed these weapons to turn into a firearm.

There was a presence that Sanson felt. This was not Assassin. Try as it might, other Servants would struggle to hide themselves especially when around other Servants. But this one, this Servant was hiding its own intent. They were near. The trees weren't rustling and the branches weren't bending. There was no scent that could be picked up and Sanson was certain that there was no disturbance in what wind managed to find its way towards them.

For a moment, Sanson reached out his hand only to stop. Part of him was warning him that he would be stepping into enemy territory. He could say with certainty that while this part of the forest seemed just fine, there was more to it than meets the eye. He couldn't see what it was that was out of place but given that their operations were held somewhere in this forest, there had to be some advantage to be had here.

Just to be certain, he reached out a finger. A loud pang was heard by both he and Sun. It was bad enough that he had to deal with two Servants. It would be much worse if he fought them in their own territory. Sanson wasn't about to give them that advantage. Shame that he himself wasn't a Caster, he would have done something about Menagerie to protect it from the enemy.

Bounded Field? he thought.Territory Creation? Caster. He turned to Sun and said, "let's leave." Looking around him for any landmarks, he made a note of it and have it placed on a map.

Sanson kept looking back at the general area. That part of the forest was the territory? There was some distance between that and the outer edges of Kuo Kuana. This must be specifically where they retreat after their search. It was a dangerous turn-based game where one side would move into the enemy's territory only to have the inverse occur soon after.

Sun, by contrast, was focused on everywhere else. His faunus senses must be on high alert as every part of him was startled by the slightest disturbance. An admirable effort but it wouldn't do well against Assassin. The Caster perhaps but even that one is proving itself to be sly in the presence of non-Servants.

Returning to the edges of Kuo Kuana, Sanson surveyed the rest of the town. Much like it had been the past days, it still had that same abandoned look to it. The townspeople locked themselves in their homes. No children went outside to play and not one person went out to buy or sell. Those that did leave the false security of their homes went to the oceans to catch what they could. Only one person per household had left to gather what food they could find and always are they in groups.

While Sanson's time here was initially met with suspicion, in time, he was able to gain their trust and his presence here was somewhat of a comfort. Assassin may be an elusive character for its short appearances here in Kuo Kuana but Sanson was able to put himself between them and everyone else. Only the added presence of the other Servant brought unease but Sanson kept that hidden from them all.

Leaping across rooftops wherever he could, he made sure that everyone could see him, unfitting for his class but Kuo Kuana's people needed what reassurance that they could. It will pass. Assassin will have to leave for another location soon. That Caster would have to move its territory as well. If not, it was at least on equal footing again.

A disturbance was heard coming from one of the alleyways. Sanson dashed for it, leaving Sun behind.

"Hey!" Sun called out. "Wait up!"

Sanson did not wait. Speed was of the essence and unfortunately for him, Assassin possessed greater speeds. He could not say the same for the Caster; he had never had a chance to properly gauge them.

A trash can had fallen over and its contents spilled out. This was not the result of the wind for there wasn't even a light breeze. Even if there was, it was located between two buildings and if it blew in this direction, it wouldn't be strong unless it had been a hurricane. Someone had come through here.

It didn't take long for Sanson to find out where they had gone next.

"Hey!" Sun cried out. "Where do you think you're going? Get back here!"

Sanson had never pushed the limits his own speed more than he did here. It was bad enough that he had to deal with one enemy Servant but two? There was no chance for him to win. He wasn't a combative type of Servant to begin with and neither was he known for being a warrior in life. Those two Servants wouldn't even need to try too hard against Sun.

Those nearby were already shouting and gasping. Two Servants, one in the shape of a little child. Her hair was red and the skin was pale like the whites of the Grimm. The other was a purple-colored cat with checkered patterns. Sanson was immediately between those two Servants and Sun who readied to defend himself, for what little that Sun's weapons would do against them.

Sanson did not hesitate as he swung his sword aiming for the neck of Assassin. One of his feet was extended outwards as he let the momentum of his swing pull his foot as he aimed at the cat. Keeping those two away from the populace was what he had needed.

Quickly readjusting himself, Sanson went for the cat this time who was closest to Sun.

"Hey now!" they cried out. The cat kept their distance and Assassin refused to move closer. "There is no need to be so harsh, my fellow Companion. We're just here to look for someone and I promise you that there is no merit of winning over you here. I'm sure none of us have any stakes in this Grail War other than our own. Though, I suppose that since you're this place's companion, the safety here should be the stakes, no?"

"You will not find the child here," Sanson said to Assassin. "The child is not a faunus." He raised his blade at the cat but kept an eye for Assassin. "Why?"

"Ah, yes," the cat replied. "We are after all, Companions, aren't we? Curious thing, that word. Companion. You know, that means friend, right? And that friends should help each other, no?"

Behind Sanson, Sun commented, "gee, some friends you have."

"Right," the cat continued. "But wait, where are my manners? First time here in Remnant and I haven't so much as introduced myself. Ever After's Companion Caster, Curious Cat, at your service."

"Curious Cat?" Sun asked. "Like the fairytale?"

"The same one!" Curious Cat grinned widely at the mention of it. "Oh, I really need to get me a copy of that book. I dying of curiosity about how I am portrayed in that one!" They laughed at their own pun.

"Am I eligible for some royalties, I wonder? Oh, I can deal with that later. Now then, where was I?" Curious Cat returned to the topic at hand. "Right, Companions. I am only doing my part and helping out as we are supposed to."

Sanson sighed. Curious Cat must have come late. Even if they did come early, he wasn't certain that they would follow suit at all.

"Did I miss something?" Cat asked.

"Only that by helping Assassin," Sanson replied. "Or rather, Assassin's Master, you have made yourself a traitor to every Companion. Our purpose here goes against Assassin's Master."

Assassin reeled back. Sanson only had a little pity for the Servant. The Companions' concern was with the Master of Assassin, not Assassin herself.

Curious Cat feigned despair. "Did I now? Oh how terrible of me! I suppose this is what I get for being a little late. I knew I shouldn't have gotten myself distracted but what can you do? This is just how I am: I can get rather single-minded for knowledge you know?"

Assassin managed to speak up for once. "I'm scared, mommy! I'm scared, mommy! I'm scared, mommy!"

"Forgive her," Curious Cat said. "She doesn't get to say much. She could take the forms of those… she visited last but she still could only say the last words she heard from them. Shame. We could have tried something else but you know, these things happen."

Sanson's grip on his sword tightened. As Assassin continued to speak the last words of its latest victims, he was being reminded of his own failure. For a moment, his eyes drifted to one of the houses that had a grave nearby. The latest dug grave and reminder that he had been too slow. There hadn't been another but that didn't stop the grinding of his teeth. What made it worse was that it perfectly imitated their voices.

His sword began to tremble as Sanson's eyes burned Assassin into his memories, pity or not. He should not be too hasty. There were others that he needed to protect. Sun Wukong was a friend to Blake Belladonna and she was the daughter of the two people that housed him and gave him shelter. Them above everyone else if he had to. No. Everyone in Menagerie will be protected.

"Leave Menagerie," he managed to get past his lips. "You will not find the child here. I can assure you that much."

"To that, I can agree," Curious Cat bowed courteously. "Come now, Assassin. Clearly, there is nothing left here for us but to pack our things and leave. I apologize on behalf of both my Master and my apparent misunderstanding on our little Companionship. Ever After isn't exactly around here. It took a while for me to get here."

"I'm scared, mommy!" Assassin kept repeating. For a moment, Sanson wanted to swing his blade once more.

"You're just going to let them go?" Sun asked. "What about everyone here? They just lost their family! Their friends!"

"And they will lose more if they stay, Mr. Wukong," Sanson replied coldly. "Those they have lost were only because of one Servant." What two could do, Sanson didn't need to say.

"I can help you out," Sun protested.

"And it wouldn't take long for Miss Blake to mourn for you soon after. It is only a matter of how long I will last before that happens."

He looked to Sun with a serious expression. Servant he may be but the other two were the same. Sanson himself wasn't one of the strongest ones either but he is the most capable out of everyone here. That responsibility is his to take.

Curious Cat stretched themselves. "Well, this has been quite the satisfactory arrangement and I get to satisfy my own thirst here. Fancy thing, this Servant business is. I like it! Ta-ta for now!"

Both Curious Cat and Assassin soon departed for the forests. Sanson followed them until the edge of it and waited even after the rustling and the breaking of branches turned distant with the only thing disturbing the peace was the blowing of winds. Still, he watched for them. He did not let his guard down.

"Why did you let them go?" Sun asked. Had he been behind him this whole time?

"Not in the middle of Kuo Kuana," he replied. "Far too many people and the casualties is something I cannot allow to happen. I cannot chase after them either, they have made the forest their territory. If I must fight them, Mr. Wukong. It has to be here in the edges of Kuo Kuana."

"I still think we could have taken them." Sun was set in his belief. "If Blake were here, I bet you that we would have won that for sure!"

"Confidence is a good thing to have, Mr. Wukong." Sanson patted him on the shoulder. "But I advise that you make the distinction between it and arrogance. I may not have heard much about Beacon's Fall, but I tell you that there was an arrogance there."

Sun would have made to argue by the looks of him. But after some thought, he was able to see Sanson's point. "So what do we do now? I don't know about you but I don't exactly trust them to begin with."

"If I could convince them," Sanson replied. "I would have everyone evacuate Menagerie. However, I do not know where we could go." With the White Fang, a mass number of faunus suddenly appearing on the shores of any of the kingdoms would cause a stir. At best, there would be distrust and general avoidance. It was more likely that scuffles and fights would occur.

For now, Sanson would continue his watch over Kuo Kuana. There was little else that he could do here.

/-/

"Blake," asked Kali in the most comforting voice that she could muster. "Is there anything you wish to tell us?"

"I'm fine, mom." Blake replied.

"It's just that you've always looked for... excitement."

"Well, I've had a lot of excitement that I want a little break, you know?"

"Blake."

Rather than stick around, Blake left. She didn't leave the house, mind you, but she would still rather not have to deal with it anymore. Many times that she had been involved, someone always got hurt. What made things worse for Blake was that she would drag someone along even if she didn't want to. Her team really cared that much. It was better this way. It had to be.

She could hear the noises close-by getting farther and closer. Sanson and Sun must be making quite the rounds as they did their investigations. Her fist tightened on her breast. No. She will not go with them. Not now nor would she anytime soon. She will defend her house and her home certainly but she will not go after them this time.

"Blake." Ghira said as he entered the room. "Are you alright, kitten?"

"I'm fine, dad." She sighed.

"I know. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Just letting you know that if you ever do, no matter what decision you'll make, we'll always be here for you."

Blake took a moment before she answered weakly, "thank you."

"Now," Ghira said, sounding more relieved. "I actually wanted to ask a favor. How about helping me and your mother in the kitchen? We got quite a large catch recently. It's Tuna."

Blake turned around, trying to hide the slight excitement at the mention of it. She's not supposed to be this childish. "You went out fishing, didn't you?"

Ghira only raised his hands in surrender.

In the end, she still followed to help with her mother. There wasn't much that she would do really, most of the work was still done by her parents. At best, Blake was only really a taste tester, just like those days.

Eventually, both Sanson and Sun returned. Neither seemed to have been harmed with Sanson not even appearing winded. Sanson and Sun were of no exception to the interrogation with Ghira being the one to make sure that they really were who they were. Blake had a feeling that Sun was interrogated a bit more than Sanson for reasons that weren't exactly because of what was happening in Menagerie.

Despite the serving of what is essentially the most heavenly of foods, Blake noticed the rather sullen look on Sanson's face. He had always eaten away from the rest of them. The fact that neither her mom nor her dad were inviting him over told Blake that he would stick to this distance that he keeps from them.

To some extent, Blake found a kinship to that. She stood from her table, eliciting questions from her parents only to be silenced once she chose to be next to Sanson. It surprised him though, that much had been certain from his face alone.

Blake asked him about his little investigation and while Sanson did reveal that they had met with the enemy Servants, they, at least verbally, gave their word that Menagerie would be left alone. The sound of such news made Ghira and Kali absolutely relieved but neither Sanson nor Sun really shared in that jubilation.

"Their goals aren't found here," Sanson said. "But that doesn't mean that they don't have any other plans for Menagerie. Curious Cat had set his territory in the forest."

"Curious Cat?" asked Blake.

Sanson then proceeded to give Blake an explanation about the presence of the Cat. He also mentioned more about how Heroic Spirits are formed by their legends and myths. With Curious Cat being from one of Remnant's most well-known tales, it was inevitable that they would be here.

"But wait," Blake insisted. She read that story. "Didn't the Cat help Alyx? Why would they be aligned with the enemy now?"

"That is a question I will have to leave to the Cat," Sanson replied. "Perhaps Assassin's Master had given the Cat an enticing offer." He looked away as he said so. He didn't sound convinced of his own guess.

Rather than press further, she let it go. She knew a thing or two about keeping secrets. It would be rather terrible her, now more than ever, if she demanded that Sanson share. Besides, they weren't that close.

Word of that didn't reach out to the rest of Kuo Kuana. Sanson advised against any sort of hope though Blake had heard hints of encouragement to leave.

"We can't have them leave all at once," said Ghira who seemed open to the idea. "With the White Fang's attack, I can't in good conscience send these people to be harassed and accused of things they did not commit."

"Have them arrive slowly," Sanson suggested. "Maybe in separate groups. No amount of defenses would be able to protect this place from whatever plans they have."

"I'm sure they will not harm us anymore. You said it yourself that their goals won't be met here."

"Perhaps. But I speak from experience when I say that promises could just be words."

Blake caught Sun's look. He stared at Sanson. His eyes focused on those features on Sanson's face. Blake couldn't figure it out. Did the two have some important conversation during their investigation?

More ships needed to be repurposed or built for that. Menagerie wouldn't be able to fit its population on the seafaring vessels available. A dark part of her nearly thought otherwise because of the graves that were present. The view she had from her home gave her enough to think that.

Sanson kept his watch even as night came on. Had he even rested at all? This would be at least two nights straight that he didn't so much as take a nap.

Rather than be inside the home, he was on the balconies. His own ears were on high alert as his still form would have made anyone mistake him as a statue. Blake only knew this because she herself was awake. She had to pretend to be asleep just so that her parents could leave her alone and rest themselves. Though, a part of her was certain that both Ghira and Kali knew that she was only pretending but let her do her own thing.

"Miss Blake?" Sanson asked. Blake didn't really try to hide herself. She was standing by the doorway. The breeze from outside was blowing inward. The night sky was clear with the broken moon giving light for anyone below. Some of the homes have candlelight by one window.

"It's cold outside," Blake said. "You sure about this?"

There was a blankness in his eyes. "Yes."

He looked over the different homes. There was a weak smile that he had.

"How much?" she asked.

"Hmm?"

"How much have you seen? Deaths?"

"Too many, Miss Blake." He looked downward. If Blake were to guess, he was focusing on the graves. "Far too many. You've seen it too, haven't you?"

"Read about it," Blake said. "I was also told about it. Maybe experienced a few."

"The Faunus Rights Revolution," Sanson guessed.

"It was a terrible time."

"I'm sure it was."

"What about yours? Was it that bad?"

Sanson sighed. "I never wanted to be an executioner. It was… a family tradition. I myself never fought in any war. All walks of life. Everyone, regardless of status. Death is inevitable and for many, death bears my face."

"How did you deal with it?"

"Depends on the person."

"You remember their faces?"

"I couldn't forget them if I tried. There were those who were guilty. But I know more than anyone, that there many others who have been innocent."

"Did you stop them? Reasoned with them?"

"They would have put me there themselves. Despite their need of my services, they disdained my family. They spat on my name. I do not wish to find out what would happen if they took the reins to the guillotine, if they would keep using it at all."

Sanson turned around. Rather than go inside, he looked up, aiming to be on the roof.

"Get some rest, Miss Blake," he said. He was soon on the roof, leaving Blake alone on the balcony.

/-/

"I'm scared, mommy! I'm scared, mommy!"

"Yes, yes, we know. Yes, the child isn't here. I could trust Sanson enough of that. But that is not our goal here. Our next is simply… to wait. We need a bit more combat power ourselves and something is better nothing. Why don't you go on ahead while I think about giving ourselves a better vessel. A… Curious Servant, if you will. Our fellow Companion certainly has some burdens I wouldn't mind relieving him off. Let's leave him to simmer for a while, shall we?"

Chapter Text

"You're late."

"And who are you supposed to be, human?"

"Hazel Rainart." The bigger man grunted. He looked rather antsy. He had a square-shaped bag on his back. It had to be a cooler of sorts for Adam could see visible mists that must have been too cold to have on one's skin. Yet, Hazel didn't appear bothered by the frostbite.

Adam Taurus scoffed. For someone so obviously larger, he was rather nervous himself. Good. Everyone should fear him. No. Every human should be nervous around the faunus. Born with the so obviously superior traits, it is them who should be bowing down to him. Adam Taurus was simply correcting this error. He was correcting this mistake.

"If you even have enough time, maybe you'll even get to her in time." Hazel's eyes narrowed.

"Her? Who are you referring to, human?"

"Your leader, Sienna Khan. If you care enough about the White Fang, you would be hurrying to her by now."

"And why should I? I had just delivered a terrible blow against Beacon. All of Remnant now knows just how serious the White Fang are. If anything, it is she who should be bowing down to me."

"Because Caster is currently with her. And I know him enough to know that neither of us could do anything about him once he fancies a woman enough to take as another bride."

"Another human? One who thinks himself a romantic? Why should I concern myself with a human's love life?"

Besides, this is Sienna Khan. The chances of her even becoming fond enough of a human to consider such an option is impossible. She wouldn't settle down with a faunus, much too focused on her goals for the White Fang. On those grounds, both he and her could get along.

"Because he isn't human. Caster could never be human and I've seen my fair share of inhuman abominations."

The two, along with the White Fang members behind Adam, made their way to the building, unconcerned about Hazel's warnings. It was a hideout, hidden away from the rest of the kingdoms and it is their base of operations while here in Mistral. Sienna Khan had been operating here for the past few years. While Menagerie was considered to be their stronghold, the one here in Mistral proved itself to be comparable. In time perhaps, Mistral may just be the new capital of a new faunus world.

Adam took his time as he looked around him. Namely, he looked towards the White Fang members that were stationed here. Rather than stand in awe or respect, they were cowering in fear. They were not even doing whatever duties Sienna Khan would have assigned them. Adam may have his disagreements with Sienna, but he will respect her drive to keep the cogs moving. Faunus will have their day and they must work hard and constant to make sure that it would come.

Everyone else froze in place as an ecstatic laughter was heard echoing across the hideout. Adam will not deny that for a moment, the hairs on his body stood stiff. He shook his head. What reason did he have to fear?

He did not miss Hazel's widening eyes. "No." Hazel sighed. Defeat painted his voice. "Caster has got to her already."

"If Sienna Khan bows down to some human, then she has no right to rule," said the White Fang member behind Adam.

"I told you." Hazel looked to them indignantly. "Caster is no human and no; he isn't faunus either."

Hazel's step quickened to a jog. The rest of the White Fang ran in the opposite direction as they sought for places to hide. Camaraderie was had as they hid their fellows. Only Adam and the members with him did not run. But they, except Adam himself, drew their weapons as they followed suit. Adam himself kept to his walk but increased his pace, being left behind.

They stopped for a moment as they reached the doors. It was of simple design, made of wood and had the banner of the White Fang draping over it. Adam soon enough caught up with the others.

Hazel opened the doors with sounding force. The other White Fang members rushed in expecting a fight. Adam wasn't too hasty; he still believes that it is a mere human. Strong, perhaps, but nothing more than a human. The sight in front of them was not what Adam had anticipated when he had entered.

All around him, the White Fang cowered, women especially. At the other end of the room, laying on the lap of some human, was Sienna. Her face turned away from them. The human that held her had his hand on her face in intimate closeness. So this was Caster, then? Adam's focus was on Caster that he never noticed that Sienna Khan was still.

"Oh Hazel," he said as he entered the room. "You just missed the consummation of my latest marriage."

"You brought enough with you, Caster," Hazel said. There was a hint of fear in his voice. He shook the box on his back. "This was unnecessary. She didn't have to."

"Unnecessary?" Caster tilted his head. "I think otherwise." He then noticed Adam's presence. "And you? You must be Cinder's new workhorse."

"I do not serve any human." Adam's voice seethed at the insult. His hand was already on his hilt. "Sienna!" he called out. "Is this what you have become? Is this what you have—"

Adam never had a chance to complete it. Caster raised his hands and let Sienna's lifeless body roll down. Her face, twisted in permanent agony, greeted him as the White Fang with him gasped. The others only looked away, some screaming and others praying that they won't be next. He, on the other hand, could only stare at the state that Sienna was and what that would mean.

Here was Sienna Khan, struck down by the human-looking Caster who had the most inhuman of grins. He enjoyed the thrill of his latest kill and was enthralled by the image of dominating over those he deems lesser. Adam will admit that this man had worse air about him that even Jacques Schnee or any other SDC official. Caster had struck down the leader of the White Fang. Adam didn't even need to hide himself nor his intentions.

"Now," Caster said. "That is no way to speak to my latest bride. We had just come from my Forbidden Red Room."

Adam's eyes narrowed as it stared back at Sienna's lifeless ones. He then looked up and saw Caster's twisted grin. He noticed the sword at his side, the bloodstained hands, and even the lonely trail that dripped down from Caster's lips. A demented man who thought himself above all reproach and free to do whatever he pleased. Just like any other enemy that the White Fang had fought. Caster must have believed himself disciplining the animals for their transgression.

"Now then." Caster stood from the seat of power. He walked around the room, causing every other White Fang member to look away and shrink as far back as they could. "With my latest union with your leader, I believe that we should be moving out soon."

"Who are you to decide what the White Fang does?" Adam questioned. His thumb flicked, freeing the blade from the sheathe ever so slightly.

"Why the new lord of the White Fang, of course! Didn't you hear me? We just got married!"

"Lord? And what are we? Your humble servants?"

"Adam Taurus," Hazel said. He had his arms raised, as if wanting to hold Adam back. "Stop. Talking. Do not engage. If you do not care about the lives of your fellow White Fang, at least think of your own!"

Caster only cackled. "It would seem that Cinder took quite the stubborn beast of burden! She certainly needs a few tips if she wishes to truly discipline those under her employ! I would have gladly given her a proper lecture in my Red Room! But alas! As a fellow Master, my Lady has plans for such a feisty one."

Drawing his sword, Adam Taurus dashed towards Caster. He is not a beast of burden. He is not anyone's slave. He will free the faunus. Once he would avenge Sienna Khan, he will be hailed as a true hero of faunus everywhere. There can be no doubt of that. All he had to do was cut down this human and he will be the true leader of the White Fang. He will lead all faunus to that future that they deserve. He will have his retribution.

"Adam!" Hazel cried out. The man tried to stop Adam. "Don't!"

Caster barely reacted. He only moved to face Adam and had his own hand on his sword. His teeth bared as his lips stretched until they touched Caster's ears.

Adam scoffed. No matter how quick Caster may be, Adam's semblance will be able to take whatever hit that will be delivered and Adam will only counter it back. Using their powers against them, Adam had felled many SDC machines and Atlas soldiers.

Caster drew his sword. He was quick. Adam readied himself for the clash. The two drew their blades. It was decided in an exchange most singular.

The next thing he knew, Adam was on the ground, pieces of metal were scattered. Afterwards, he noticed that Caster's sword was pointed upwards. Adam quickly grabbed his sword and paused when he realized that those shards of metal were from his old sword. Caster had broken through his own aura and semblance by sheer strength alone.

White Fang members screamed and the women in particular begged not to be chosen. Before Adam could move, he felt something wrapping around his ankles, keeping him in place. He was being wrapped by tentacles. Those with him who hadn't backed down in fear tried to aid him only to be held in place by another set of tentacles. The tentacles themselves came from the ground. Dark-violet pools served as portals of sort that allowed these tendrils to rise and move.

Adam looked to Caster, the man was the one controlling these tentacles. The pools moved as they pleased, bringing with them the tentacles and thusly, those the tendrils have ensnared. They felt slimy and the clothes on Adam were being drenched. There was a terrible scent of rot that was destroying his nostrils, smell of the ocean. Slimy mucus made Adam slippery but the tightness of those tendrils ensured that he wasn't moving anywhere. He was being pulled closer towards Caster and raised so that they met eye-to-eye.

Caster chuckled. "You need some discipline, sir Taurus, and you need to learn to respect your leaders." He then turned to Hazel. "Are these all the White Fang members that we could muster? I don't think that Master's spellbook would be satisfied with just these. There isn't even a Servant among them."

Adam turned to see Hazel stiffen his own jaw. Then, Hazel said, "there is… Menagerie." He looked away. "It is a settlement given to the faunus after the Great War, practically ignored by the rest of the kingdoms."

"Excellent! Then, none shall be missed!" Caster practically sang. "Prepare the ships! Let's go home, my faunus!"

The White Fang that had already cowered in fear did as they were told. None of them looked in Adam's direction with the only times that they did was because they were trying to avoid Caster. Adam was kept close to Caster by these tentacles. Nothing else was happening but the constant slithering of those tendril had practically covered Adam in a disgusting layer of mucus.

Adam Taurus was personally brought to his own prison cell by Caster. While there, those who had enough willpower or desperation to resist were dealt with. It wasn't swift not because of the resistance but rather because Caster so clearly thrived on such resistance. Caster had welcomed any challenge and attempt to free Adam. Those battle cries and screams that Adam could hear a distance had lasted long. He himself had been numb to hearing those from all the battles that he himself had fought in. But hearing Caster's cackling was something that didn't sit well with Adam.

He looked at his blade again. Broken and shattered as though it were nothing but fragile glass. He was certain that he had enforced it with aura, strengthened it with his semblance. Adam had destroyed many Atlas machineries with just this sword. How had it broken so easily?

"I warned you that Caster isn't human." Hazel was here too? He wasn't a prisoner though so it wasn't quite the same. That didn't stop the man from acting like he had just escaped. Hazel kept looking over his own shoulders.

"What is he, then?" Adam asked. It had taken time, but he eventually got most of mucus out. He still practically had a thin layer on his person.

Hazel looked around him. "Listen closely. After this, you will not be the same."

Adam Taurus sat down and listened to everything that Hazel had said. From this evil and immortal queen called Salem to the nature of Caster's existence and this Grail War. What grated Adam the most was the reminders of his place in all of this. He had fought hard to never be a pawn in someone else's plan only for him to realize that he wasn't even a chess piece worth keeping for long. He was only being kept as an example for faunus everywhere.

After some time, Adam had been cleaned of his mucus with wrists being tied and his neck collared. Caster had one of the other members do it and they were all too terrified to resist. Adam had heard them repeatedly apologizing when they did. The collar was one of the same ones that the White Fang used on their prisoners; it was of the same design that they themselves received when they were enslaved to serve the worst of the SDC. It was meant to give the human prisoners a taste of their own medicine and have them treated the same way the faunus were, like animals. Now, Adam Taurus, glorious warrior of the White Fang, was in those same chains. He was the only one among them while the others were given a false illusion of freedom. Caster's hideous stare made them all freeze.

From the sounds all around him, all of the supplies were being gathered for transportation for their voyage. It was taking a few hours as they had to load them on the carts. The road that they would travel was too rough for any vehicle.

Those White Fang that had surrendered did so with much fear that they all bowed their heads in such shameful humility that Adam felt tempted to call them domesticated. However, Caster's demented demeanor made even the most elitist of Atlas' human supremacists a preferable option. Adam would rather wipe the muddy boots of Jacques Schnee than listen to Caster's talks of grandeur.

Adam was made to walk as the White Fang were moving out. Their base's supplies had been drained as everything was being carried to the ships. Caster, for all his degeneracy, had an astute grasp of logistics that even Sienna Khan would have wanted in her White Fang. Of course, getting anyone to follow Caster was a case of not wanting to be at the end of his blade. For the women in the White Fang, there was the added fear of being Caster's next bride.

Caster was someone of noble birth, that much had been clear to Adam Taurus. Caster's ramblings and speech was formal and had a taste for the finer things in life. Fine drinks, cloth, and even artwork, there was a strange and almost humane to his speech whose only sin was the ignorance of the masses and he possessed that attitude of disgust towards the lower class that any other individual of rank was had.

It is during topics of death that Caster's relatively finer nobility morphs into a depraved fascination and fanaticism to these acts of evil. A connoisseur of the many ways one could create a corpse, even the most sadistic of people would experience nausea just listening to Caster's sermon towards the acts of killing.

What concerned Adam the most was the presence of still beating hearts, contained in some icebox. Caster ate those and drank the blood.

"Ah!" Caster exclaimed in pleasure that made the hairs of everyone nearby stand. "What a beautiful and generous Master I have! Generous is she to have given me means to feed even without her presence! And she only claims death as her reward! I, Bluebeard, shall proclaim you as my final bride! Nay. I declare thee as the perfect bride!"

Hazel Rainart, who held the icebox as he walked by Caster's side, never got used to seeing it up close. All the other members of the White Fang were fortunate that Caster was physically distant from the rest. None of them looked in Caster's direction but they could nothing about the sounds; the bastard made sure that they could hear the sloppy slurping he made as he drank what liquid poured out of those hearts.

Caster looked around him as the ships were close to ready. The White Fang movements, while full of haste, had a slowness to them. It was less sabotage and more to keep themselves hidden. Mistral's huntsmen and huntresses may have reduced numbers but that didn't mean that there were none. There were still a few and if they were discovered, Adam wasn't sure if he should warn his fellows or the huntsmen for the mistake that they would make.

"There is another," Caster said suddenly. "A cautious one, this time."

"Enemy Servants?" Hazel asked.

"The very same." Caster nodded. "But are they true? Or are they Companion? There is only one I feel and they are keeping their distance. Far enough to leave as they please but close enough to observe with clarity."

Near the oceans, there was a dock that wasn't legally recognized by Mistral's governing bodies. It was poorly built, nothing more than means to get in the ships and out. As the supplies were being brought there, Caster would occasionally glance back towards the roads that they had just come from. Kept hidden from the rest, the road travelled here was rough, barely used outside of themselves and those of other criminals, and obstructed by much foliage.

Caster kept his watch to the back. Despite having his own back to them, not a single member of the White Fang was willing to take this chance for retribution. Consumed and paralyzed by fear, most of them believed that it was an invitation to attack to give Caster a reason to torment them. That inhuman thing had an air about him that disgusted everyone. What goodness that he had was twisted into this evil.

His hands held the book tight. Caster had called it a spellbook. The cover of it had an three-dimensional image of a human's face if that human had been molded by the Grimm. Occasionally, Adam swore that book would shake and vibrate like something was held prisoner inside of it.

Caster whispered words to the book. Adam couldn't hear them. Those whose faunus traits were their ears only moved away further. Adam could see the hairs on their skin stood straight with fine points.

"Why don't you come out!" Caster cried out. "You and I are Servants here, let us talk like proper individuals."

There was no response. Adam focused his attention towards the general direction that Caster was looking and speaking. Caster must have been more deluded than he thought. There was no one else there, not at that distance. For Caster to see anyone, he would have been able to tell at so far a distance. Not even faunus' traits pertaining to eyesight would allow them to see that far.

Then, Adam heard a swift whistling noise. The rustling of trees and leaves as something was darting towards them rapidly increased in volume. All White Fang members were startled when an arrow had landed just in front of Caster's feet.

Caster could only chuckle. He then raised his voice. "An Archer, then! Mistral's Companion is an Archer! You wish to maintain your distance? So be it! I shall come for you later!"

He turned around and proceeded for the ships. Caster commanded that Adam be brought to his own personal chambers as an entertainer. Adam heard that same whistling again. This time, Caster's sword blocked the arrow. It wasn't aimed directly for Caster but rather at the chains that bound Adam as prisoner.

"Tut, tut." Caster shook his head and waved his finger. "It is not right to steal another's cattle, Archer! Unless you are one of the Throne's many thieves! Tell me, Archer! Are you a thief?"

There was no response, not one that anyone could hear. Adam doubts that even this Archer could have heard Caster. What were with these names? Were these codes of a sort? Why address them in such matters?

Another attempt had been made on Adam's chains. Still did Caster block them.

"Very well. I have heard your message loud and clear." Caster bowed. "You have made your choice then. Perhaps you will have the privilege of being the next chapter of this spellbook. Join Evernight's Companion Saber you shall."

The spellbook was raised high in the air. It continued to struggle and vibrate, desperately trying to break free.

Adam's eyes narrowed on that spellbook. Whatever it was, it contained something that he could use.

Caster's personal bedchambers on the ships, fittingly enough, were the captain's quarters. The most lavish part on all the ships, it was the highest possible quality that it could get and given to someone whose noble taste has been made clear.

"Primitive," Caster commented. "Lacking in space. Severe lack of art. For a place that celebrates artistic expression and positivity to repel the superior creatures of Grimm, your standards for art is rather lacking. The only thing worth mentioning is your coat of arms and even then, it is only because it was in the image of the superior species that it is so."

"Humans called us faunus monsters," Adam replied. "We embraced the image because they branded us as such when they should not."

"On that we can agree, dear Adam. The Grimm are far superior and should not be compared to the likes of you. I wouldn't even compare them to the humans. In time, perhaps, your kind will actually be half as beautiful as the Grimm."

Adam made to fight back only held because his chains kept him in place. The faunus were treated as monsters and Caster dared to think that his brethren were less than even that? That Adam himself was less preferable than Grimm?

Caster sat on the bedside. "It will have to do." He then turned to address Adam. "Quite the aggression you possess. Even at the loss of your fangs, you continue to bite. Impressive. I see why Cinder Fall recruited you."

Every once in a while, Caster would engage in small talk. Much of it was just him rambling about the art of killing. He had rambled so much about it that Adam felt like he could write a paper on that, if he had ever been a student. If it wasn't about death, Caster was doing gods know what with the room. Something about another workshop?

No matter where Caster walked, even while chained to his location, Adam could guess where he was. One only needs to follow the sudden gasps and screams at the sight of him. There were still those who begged for mercy. Adam honed his hearing just to remember their voices. If Caster ever comes back to this room, a red trail from his lips could be seen and Adam soon realized that some of the voices that he had learned to identify would be the last he would ever hear, most of them were women. There were a few men but Adam was certain that they were fortunate enough to only stain the sword.

A knock on the door was heard and Hazel Rainart came inside. The larger and bulkier man looks so small with shoulders slumped, face sunken and shaking. He looked to Adam with disdain. "You should have come earlier. More of them would have survived."

"They all fought the good fight," Adam defended. "From the moment they joined, they knew that death would come for them."

"How many of them knew that it would be this way? Forced to become someone's else so-called bride? Turned to pawns to someone else's game where their lives are mere numbers on a sheet of paper."

Hazel knelt down so that their eyes met.

"You and I only have a short time left on this world. I suggest you spend it wisely."

Caster never did return to the quarters. He had left Adam to sleep on the floors like he was an animal. The cold and hard floors rocked back and forth as the waves continued to sway the ships that he would rather rest by sitting. The spellbook was on Caster's person at all times and he couldn't even reach it if he had wanted to.

The times that Caster would return it was always to check on Adam. Caressing the book in front of him, Adam had a feeling that he was being broken. Whatever that spellbook was, Caster had plans for Adam and that spellbook. Caster never did anything with it; he just kept it in Adam's presence.

From his little glances, he could tell that there was something inherently wrong with the book. There was a strange allure to it that stuck in his mind even as he tried to think of something else. The temptation to just take that book for himself was undeniably a curiosity on his part. Sometimes, if he was lucky, he could see crimson orbs that were most definitely the eyes of the face that made the book's cover. They were looking at him, drawing him further towards it.

Still, there was something pushing him back. The book contained something that wasn't part of it. A resisting force that never stopped trying. At times, Adam could have sword he had heard the ringing sound of a sword being swung. The book's cover would occasionally appear damaged as though it had been cut only to be repaired another time.

What made the voyage rather strange for Adam was the severe lack of Grimm. For the negativity generated by Caster alone, the absence of the Grimm made Adam question it. Then again, he had been told the supposed truth by Hazel. Even if that was true, it should have been impossible for all the Grimm to ignore them all.

Adam's hands traced the handle of his broken blade. He didn't even have the sheath with him. Broken easily, even if he were to escape, Adam will need another blade to replace the old one. The swinging noises from the book rung back in his mind.

He still wasn't given permission to move. Having nothing else to do, Adam decided to think. He had already been doing ever since the voyage began, but he couldn't do anything else but sleep or eat. Had he any need for personal comforts, only then was given the luxury. Always in chains and the road he was always made a spectacle as he was being paraded in front of the White Fang on his way to his destination. Humiliated, he could have taken the one in the private quarters but Caster wanted to break him. No. Caster wanted to break the White Fang.

Adam was unkempt. His hairs were growing and his presentation was getting worse. He was looking less like a White Fang member and more like a prisoner punished with hard labor. Each time, the spellbook was in his sight. Caster made it so that the spellbook was clear to him, drawing him, seducing him. Yet, something always severed that attraction.

He shook his head. Caster was frustrated too. Whenever those slashing noises were heard, Caster's had that sour face that lasted only a moment.

"Still resisting?" Caster whispered. He thought that Adam couldn't hear. With the amount of time he had spent doing nothing else but think, Adam was also honing his senses. "Quite the fighter, aren't we?"

Adam's eyes narrowed behind his mask.

He continued to endure Caster's attempt at breaking him and while that was still a long way to go, Caster only smiled wider, taking pleasure at the time. Either was serving Caster's purposes. Have Adam break early and the White Fang would follow suit in fear. If Adam resisted, that gives more opportunities to show him off for public humiliation. The White Fang had already begun to look away from him. There is no taking leadership for them now.

The one benefit that could be had of this was that Caster doesn't focus as much on the women as he used to. He still does and occasionally scares them as though he had made his choice for his next bride. But it was clear that Caster preferred those who would resist him. Nearly every member of the White Fang was cowering at the sight of him.

"It is a shame that you are a man," said Caster. "But alas, I do not take grooms to my Red Room."

"Such a shame, indeed." Adam feigned his sadness poorly.

/-/

As the seafaring vessels went farther and farther, Mistral's Companion Archer slowly stepped out into the open. Chiron may have had faith in himself in dealing with Caster, but he could not promise the lives that would be lost if he did engage. He really shouldn't have involved himself at all. But to some extent, he had limited future sight. He could not see too far but could take guesses based on information that he had gathered. In regards to Caster, he felt himself compelled to make certain, considering those that have been taken as these so-called brides.

"I promise you, Mrs. Nikos," Chiron said. "No harm will come to your daughter. As her mentor, I will guarantee that."

He turned around, he could see the airship making their way towards the capital. They wouldn't make it that far; even at full tank, that bullhead wouldn't be able to make it. He chuckled to himself.

"But first, let us see what you can do, Pyrrha's Servant."

Chapter Text

Leaning back against the hard and sharp rock, Saber-class Servant, Jason looked to his newly defeated opponent. The last opponent which made him the winner of Remnant's first ever Grail War.

"May the winds be behind your sails, Captain of the Queen Anne's Revenge," he said.

Rider-class Servant, Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach chuckled at the sentiment. "And may you find the greatest treasures, Captain of the Argo."

With his last breath, the Rider of this Grail War soon vanished, leaving behind the winner.

Away from any landscape of Remnant, the two did what they could to keep it a secret.

"Bastards will come back," said this Saber. His head facing towards the skies. "They won't be taking this lying down."

The sacred chalice soon appeared before him.

"I don't suppose I could help out a little bit. Sorry teach, but I got a favor to ask. Remnant needs Companions to help them get on their own feet. Got all that, Caretaker?"

The boy nodded.

"Good." Jason leaned his back. "I'd bet the Golden Fleece the next one is going to start out the same way, with them trying to get rid of the kid."

/-/

Everyone noticed that the tops of the trees were starting to fill the windows. Buildings and structures have also become more visible.

"We still got a long way to go," Lancer said.

"Riding A+ or not," Rider replied. He was preparing the airship's descent. "If our fuel is low then our fuel is low. This is as efficient as I can get."

Stepping out of the airship, it was Ren and Nora that paused at the sight of it. Pyrrha wasn't alone in noticing that; Ruby did too. The pair's shoulders tensed as they took in the surrounding area.

"Sorry, Ren," Rider added. "I know this place means a lot to you both. I'm sorry if it brings back any terrible memories."

"J-Rider?" Ruby asked. It was still a difficult thing to get used to. "What do you mean?"

"Kuroyuri," he answered. "It's…" he looked to Ren for permission.

"It's home," Ren completed.

"Again, I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Ren lied. He was looking for reasons. "There isn't any other place that could give a safer landing, is there?"

"If it helps," Rider said. "I can help you—you and Nora both—about the Grimm."

For a moment, Ren considered it dearly. "Spoilers?"

"I know it means a lot to you."

"Rider," Nora interjected. "Maybe… give us some time?"

"Of course." Rider nodded. "If there's anything you guys need; I'm still a Servant."

"Come on, Ren," Nora suggested. "Let's go home?"

A silent minute passed. "Yes," Ren said softly. "Let's go home for a while."

The two were on their way, Pyrrha would have joined them if she could but it appeared to be something deeply personal to the two of them that she turned to her Servant for answers. Ruby and Lancer were there as well. The two were mainly just idling about. Lancer seemed to be waiting for orders but Ruby wasn't so sure on how to act.

"I'm not lying when I said I was sorry," Rider explained. "But I also think that we could deal with the Nuckelavee while we're at it."

"More spoilers from the future?" Ruby asked. Her hand was on Crescent Rose. Hunting Grimm was familiar territory.

"Without Qrow being attacked by Tyrian—ah, scorpion faunus, has a stinger that can poison people and get past aura—we got here ahead of schedule."

Rider and Lancer were carrying the containers and with Rider's guidance, they have begun to refuel. It didn't take long before the airship was ready to go again but everyone could use a break. Having spent hours on an airship was terrible on their legs and they needed the fresh air. By the looks of Ren and Nora, they wanted to spend as much time here as they could before they had to go.

Pyrrha used this time to look around her. Never straying too far from Rider, she took in the sights of what remained of Kuroyuri. She could imagine a thriving culture here. Many of the stone structures still had the carving designs of old home. Flowers used to decorate Kuroyuri. The roads that go onward to the edges of the town were so used with many having been broken, probably from constantly bearing the weight of footsteps and carriages.

With those traces of a homely presence, Pyrrha could also see traces of chaos. Scratches that had to have come from Grimm stained those structures almost as much the black soot that have evaded rainwater after all these years. Plants that had once bloomed and blossomed were now lifeless and decaying. The leaves all broke down to dust at the slightest touch.

A tree that must have been blooming now stood lifeless at the center of the town. There Ren was undergoing different motions that Pyrrha guessed had to be some forms of martial arts. There were many that were had in Remnant, she herself picked one from her mentor. For Ren, there were different forms that had to have come from different martial arts though there were a few movements that seemed to mimic animal-like movements.

There was an empty river bed that passed under a bridge. Pyrrha could picture a rather serene moment here, watching the sunrise or sunset. A small boat could pass by here if the water level was low enough. Children would have come here with their own paper boats to see it float in the direction of the current.

Taking a step into what had to be the marketplace, Pyrrha saw that it was littered the most. Broken stalls and homes with many things just scattered about, too heavy to be carried by wind or water. Tents and fabrics that were fortunate enough to hang on were torn apart with most having been lost forever. A gathering of the masses, the Grimm would have been drawn here the most. The concentration of the impeding panic as they all fled for their lives would be like an aphrodisiac for the Grimm.

Walking deeper in, she could see the prints on the ground. The Grimm must have weighed a lot to have left behind such an imprint. It was in the shape of a horse's hoof and was bigger that Pyrrha's own hand. If she were to face the Grimm now, she would not be able to take it head on. The sheer size and weight behind it would have been immense. For a moment, she wondered how well Rider would have handled it.

"This is where Nora and I met."

Pyrrha jolted at the sudden voice of Ren behind her, interrupting her thoughts.

He pointed towards a building. A bakery by the looks of it. There were still a few loaves left there but they had all gone rotten. Not even the rodents would come in and eat them.

"I still remember how hungry I was," Nora added. "We looked out for each other after that. Didn't have any other family besides each other."

"I'm sorry." Pyrrha felt herself intruding on terrible memories. "For what happened."

"Don't be." Nora shook her head. "You are family too, Pyrrha. And so is—was Jaune." She sighed.

"Should I have told Rider to keep it a secret?" Pyrrha asked. The strain it had on her every time she looked to him was painful. She could never look at Rider and not see the face of her partner beneath it.

It was Ren who answered. "We would have all noticed it sooner or later. The demeanor, voice, and his memories would have made him slip eventually. Perhaps it is better that he told us ahead. I think we can all imagine what we would feel had he kept it a secret."

Nora chuckled bitterly. "I guess our fearless leader learned a thing or two from his transcripts, huh?"

Pyrrha and Ren shared in Nora's misery. Jaune—their Jaune—was a memory to them. A memory that is currently walking among them but a memory still.

Her eyes looked down on the marks of her hand. Three marks. Three Command Spells. Absolute commands that she could give and Rider would be forced to follow it. It felt wrong somehow. It would have been one thing to use it to forcibly command a Servant but try as she might, she couldn't erase the fact that her Servant, even if it is only a version of him, was Jaune. She couldn't force him to. She didn't want to.

Pyrrha felt Nora and Ren's hands on her own.

"It's alright," Nora assured her. "No matter what you decide, we'll be with you, Pyr."

Ren nodded. "Rider may not see it yet. But as Jaune—even if it's from a different timeline—he still is family. Servant or not, we'll all look after him."

"He just likes to take it all on himself, like he always does."

Though her eyes said otherwise, Pyrrha began to smile.

Pyrrha held the two in a tight embrace. It was a moment of joy and peace in an otherwise tragic and bleak location. She still had Ren and Nora with her. Pyrrha couldn't just stay stuck on her former partner.

When she had separated, Ren and Nora still had their arms around each other. If only Jaune were here. No. She shook her head at the thought. There was no way the Holy Grail could grant that, could it? If only she knew more.

"Could you…" Pyrrha asked. Perhaps, she herself needed a distraction. "Could you two tell me more about this place?"

Ren then pulled out a dagger. It looked older but Pyrrha could see the similarity between that dagger and that of his weapon of choice, Stormflower.

"It was my father's," Ren explained. "He gave it to me when Grimm came to Kuroyuri. Made me promise that I will live and survive."

"Kuroyuri wasn't the kindest place for me," Nora said. "But it is where I met Ren. So, I think it balances out."

"Am I really that worth all the trouble you went through?"

Seconds of silence passed. Nora raised her finger. "Boop."

Pyrrha chuckled.

"I remember," Nora continued. "How Ren used to keep doing his fancy forms when he thinks no one was looking. It was even more hilarious when he tried to copy the bug itself."

"It's called a mantis, Nora." Ren rolled his eyes. "And of course I would. The martial art was based on the mantis. Where else would I learn if not from the mantis?"

"You could have done that without the flies," Nora said. She leaned closer to Pyrrha as though trying to whisper gossip. "He used to catch flies for hours. Says it's for training."

"That sounds quite the training regimen," Pyrrha replied.

"Well it isn't something I do often." Ren shrugged. "Something I could fall back if I ever lose my weapon. Besides, there weren't that many flies."

"A good practice." Pyrrha nodded in agreement.

"You were trained in unarmed combat too?"

"My teacher called it Pankration."

"Ooh." Nora's eyes sparkled. "What's that? Never heard of it."

"You haven't?" Pyrrha waited until they shook their heads. "Teacher Chiron always said that it was quite used where he's from. Then again, he never did say where he was."

"Maybe he's an ancient Master," Nora's bubbliness was returning. It was like they were back in Beacon again. "From a mystic land far away, only choosing the best to train."

"I don't think it's like that, Nora." Pyrrha had to hold back a chuckle. "Though he did say that I reminded him of some other student he had once."

"Was he a failure? Maybe you were being trained to deal with the forgotten student." Nora's bubbliness was growing. It felt nice to have that back. "Trained in the same art, perhaps this time, the teacher will not fail."

"Not actually. Teacher Chiron said that Achilles—that's the other student—turned out to be quite the hero himself."

"But can he beat the Rusted Knight?" Nora asked. "I'm just saying. If he's quite the hero, how come I've never heard of him?"

"I mean," Pyrrha hesitated to answer. "I never met Achilles so I wouldn't know." She wasn't sure that Rider had been trained in unarmed combat. Though the Rusted Knight was stated to be quite the combatant so she wasn't sure. The image of Jaune being that good looked odd. "Maybe? I'll have to ask teacher Chiron when we meet him."

"We could use the extra help," Ren agreed. "There's still the matter of Mistral's Companion Servant."

Suddenly, they heard the sound of something whistling through the air. It was followed by it hitting something as it had been deflected.

"Rider!" they heard Ruby cry out. "Are you alright? Lancer! What was that?"

Gunshots were being heard. They must have come from Ruby.

"Looks like we got ourselves an Archer!" replied Lancer. "Rider! Could we get out in time?"

"Not unless you want to be shot down. You want to have this or should I?"

Ren and Nora exchanged worried glances. The three of them rushed out. Archer? An Archer-class Servant? From the sounds of it, it could be one of Salem's.

When they had come out to meet with their allies, Pyrrha couldn't see where the other Servant was. Lancer, Rider, and Ruby were all facing in one direction. Ruby deployed her weapon to look at the scope. Pyrrha did the same though she still couldn't see where it was that she had to look. The trees were rustling but there was no hint that showed that it was the Archer. Scanning further and Pyrrha caught a small flash of light. Next thing she knew was that a projectile came straight at her.

"Master!" Rider called out. Using his armor, he deflected the arrow. "They're testing us." He then turned to Lancer. "Found them, yet?"

"Their fast. I'll give you that." Lancer seemed to be following something. Pyrrha had to squint her eyes just to notice the rustling of the trees and branches outside the borders of Kuroyuri. The Archer must have excellent eyesight to be able to see them from this distance. Not even Ruby's scope seemed to match. "On your right!"

Rider drew his broken blade and deflected another arrow. The arrow snapped in half and fell on the ground before vanishing. As it did, Pyrrha focused her attention on the arrow.

Wait a minute, she thought. I've seen those arrows before. She had endured many of those arrows before, both with her shield and with her aura.

More arrows flew towards Rider. With his reflexes and speed, he managed to deflect most of them, keeping anyone behind him safe. Those that he could not deflect with his sword, he blocked with his armor, carefully placing himself so that the arrow won't fly towards the exposed parts. Rider didn't have his shield and only had the broken sword. His movements were somewhat flashy. The arrows that fell kept taking Pyrrha's attention as she sought cover.

She heard that familiar voice. Despite the distance, it didn't sound like shouting. "You have his height but not his speed. Keep your feet on the ground and be less aerial in your movements. It doesn't suit you, though I understand why you would, Rider."

"The Archer is—" Pyrrha tried to call out. But before she got to finish a gust of wind nearly blew her, along with Ren and Nora, away with how close she was to Rider. Her aura flared as she stumbled back and nearly fell.

When she regained her balance soon after, her eyes widened in recognition. Hands locked in a contest of strength against Rider, her teacher Chiron was currently engaging in a match with her Servant. Chiron kept his grip on Rider's sword arm, not letting him use the broken sword.

"Good reflexes," Chiron commented. "Using your height to your advantage and keeping your guard up as you control your opponent. Excellent. You at least have the instincts for it and the self-preservation to learn from your mistakes."

"Who's your Master?" Rider demanded. Their strength was about equal though Rider was starting to win.

"Even if I had one." Chiron raised an eyebrow. He wasn't taking this seriously at all. "Why would I tell you, a potential opponent? Not everyone is going to be honorable as that, Rider. Thieves and criminals certainly wouldn't even consider it. Servants wouldn't even think about it at all."

The two disengaged. Rider kept his combat stance while Chiron stood casually; he had that same disappointed look that he had whenever Pyrrha never quite learned her lesson and tried the same technique again.

"Teacher Chiron!" Pyrrha called out. "What's going on? Why are you attacking Rider?"

Rider paused and nearly stumbled when he tried to engage again. "That's your teacher?"

"Yes," Chiron said. "I'm also Mistral's Companion Archer. Chiron, at your service."

"Your teacher is a Servant?" Lancer asked. She already nearly closed the distance, weapon mid-swing, before she suddenly stopped. "How did you survive, girl?"

"A good teacher knows when to hold back," Chiron explained. Lancer may be behind him but the pupils of his eyes kept track Lancer's position. "Not every student of mine had to be a warrior, you know. I also taught a few in the arts of music and medicine."

Everyone else looked to her for answers. But Pyrrha couldn't give them any. She didn't know. She never did. Her teacher was a Servant. She had been trained by a Servant. This was starting to be like when she first summoned Rider again. Was being invovled with Servants unknowingly just her destiny or something?

The momentary paused was broken when Chiron attacked again. His focus was on Rider. Occasionally, a bow would appear and an arrow was shot towards Lancer's directions. Lancer didn't really approach to retaliate, waiting for Ruby for answers.

Ruby looked to Pyrrha for answers. Pyrrha couldn't give any. She could only shrug. Teacher Chiron had odd training methods sometimes.

"Lancer." Ruby decided. "Keep your distance. If Rider's in trouble, you go in."

"So just enjoy the show, huh?" Lancer replied. "Alright, kid." She turned to Pyrrha. "You gonna do anything as the Master?"

Pyrrha turned to the fight between Chiron and Rider. She was a Master and had to give commands. But what was she supposed to do? Her teacher Chiron had never been the type to have malicious intent. But she couldn't just let Rider do anything on his own, either. They were supposed to be a team. Partners.

Chiron and Rider engaged in hand-to-hand combat. After repeatedly disarming Rider's sword, it was clear that Chiron intended this to be one-on-one and without weapons. The comments and suggestions that were given during this sparring match was evidence of that.

"Good grip," Chiron said. "Perhaps you'd be more of a grappler."

"Is there any point to this?" Rider asked. "Other than an impromptu lecture?"

"I'm assuming your fighting in what you assume to be Miss Nikos' fighting style." Chiron gripped tight when Rider overcommitted his punch.

"What of it?" Rider was on his knee as Chiron put pressure on his shoulders.

"Only that it reminds me of another student of mine." Both combatants were on the ground. Chiron had trapped Rider with the former's knee on the back of the latter's neck. "And like I said before, it doesn't suit you."

"Hey, Pyrrha's a great warrior!" Rider reasoned.

Chiron let go. Neither really continued to fight but Rider kept his guard up while Chiron was relaxed. "I cannot speak for the one you knew but you could still live up to her legacy and fight to your strengths. Learn the basics but adapt, improvise, and evolve as experience dictates. How she fights should not be how you fight."

The two of them stood back up. Rider was checking his own shoulders. When no words were said, Rider broke the silence. "Why are you doing this exactly?"

"A favor. Someone asked me to help shape Remnant's heroes. Didn't specify that I had to shape one from scratch." Chiron got into a battle stance. "By committing to someone else's style, you not only have to worry about your own weaknesses but the weakness of that style your copying. It is worse since you don't have Achilles' speed."

"You're calling me too slow?"

"No." Chiron shook his head. "Achilles is just faster. Small difference perhaps, maybe even within the same rank. But everything could be decided in those small differences."

For a moment, the air around Rider changed. When the two engaged again, Rider had a noticeably different fighting style than before. He was more grounded now. Rider also kept his movements to a minimum, never exerting any more than was necessary. There was a showmanship to his performance still but he faced Chiron head-on, never resorting to dirty tricks.

"Personal skill?" Chiron guessed as he kept weaving in and out of Rider's range. Rider was leaning closer to grappling than striking now.

"Fairytale Knight," Rider replied. "Wouldn't do well to disappoint my teacher wouldn't it? Best if I show my best."

"Very well. I suppose I am picking up where your Pyrrha left you off." Chiron then turned to address Pyrrha. "How are your reserves doing?"

"She's fine," Rider answered for her. "I can gauge it just as well. Helps that I could go for a while without it."

"Indpendent Action?" Chiron raised an eyebrow.

"Something like that. I don't know myself either."

Pyrrha, a little surprised at that reveal, double-checked. True enough, she was doing relatively well. Her aura reserves were hovering at normal levels, from before she had even summoned Rider.

Chiron and Rider continued with their sparring match. From the side, Pyrrha noticed that Lancer seemed envious at the sight.

"I want in next," Lancer confirmed it for them. "What? We're Heroic Spirits, half of us at least craves a good fight."

"I wouldn't mind exchanging a few notes with you Lancer." Chiron had Rider in a chokehold. "But I have to correct a few errors in Rider's foundation of Pankration. From my estimations, you might win out in stamina against him."

"I hate that you said might."

"You're a fairytale hero but still fundamentally human. Even your legend says that. Achilles is a demi-god. It's a compliment that you could somewhat keep up at all."

Neither combatant really moved much from their spot. Their match was confined to a small area with an imaginary circle that served as the boundaries of their arena. No buildings were hurt and they were especially careful towards one in particular.

Rider broke free from the chokehold. To gain momentum in his favor, he boxed Chiron repeatedly to gain distance. Rider's height made him be an out-fighter compared to Chiron. But Chiron was accustomed to this, having taught many students in his lifetime. Chiron was closing the distance and Rider was being made to adapt to these as well.

"Your helmet provides excellent protection," Chiron commented. "But it also limits your vision and hearing." He kept moving behind Rider. "A faster opponent could abuse it."

"I can still sense you, you know." Rider was following Chiron. "You're no Assassin, you can't hide that presence and we're in a middle combat."

"Didn't help you when my arrows flew." He smirked. A flying fist was blocked.

Before Rider could respond, Chiron already caught him in another trap. Whenever one moves, there is a shift in their weights. One leg would inevitably be lighter than the other. Constantly shifting weights was expected in any fight. But Pyrrha remembered those lessons. If one doesn't take care of their own movement, they could expose themselves as windows of opportunity for their opposition. Rider wasn't fast enough.

Rider had tapped out once Chiron took him in yet another hold. This time, however, Chiron couldn't hide his breathing. The calm façade was easily broken because he was trying to appear unbothered at all.

Chiron let Rider go and helped him get up. He even took the extra step of fixing the armor strapped on Rider's person.

"Now then," Chiron said. This time, he was addressing them all. "Once again, I am Chiron, Mistral's Companion Archer. I have been expecting all of you."

Ruby took the first initiative. "We're actually looking for you."

"I know." Chiron nodded. "You're looking to recruit me." Before Ruby could ask another question, Chiron already answered. "I can see quite far, miss Rose. I have reallygood eyesight."

"Ha," Lancer feigned laughter. "Archers."

"Quite." Chiron ignored Lancer. "I am also aware of the situation at Haven."

"You already know that Leo's a traitor?" Rider asked.

Chiron produced many pieces of paper. "Many huntsmen and huntresses were called by the headmaster himself to take on 'dangerous' missions. I don't think I need to explain what those missions actually are. Those I could get to had to hide away for a while."

"You've been active," Lancer commented.

"Like I said," Chiron repeated. "I was asked a favor to help shape Remnant's heroes. They need to be alive long enough to become one."

"Mr. Chiron, sir?" Ruby asked. A thought must have entered her mind with that expression she's wearing. "Could I…"

"Your mother was a great heroine, miss Rose," Chiron answered. His eyes momentarily went towards Lancer who only shrugged. "Whether or not she would have been a Heroic Spirit is not up to me to decide."

Ruby appeared elated. "Thank you, sir."

Chiron nodded. "As for you two, Ren and Nora." The two stood stiff. "Thank you both for looking after my student. Perhaps it wasn't my place, but the Nuckelavee had been dealt with. My regret is that I couldn't get to it sooner."

Between Ren and Nora, it was the former that was going through the emotions. The dagger was clasped tight. His shoulders tensed as his breathing intensified. Pyrrha could only image the memories that were flooding back. Eventually, his relaxed. His nodding was slight at first but grew bigger a moment after.

"Thank you," he said. "So long as no one else will be hurt by the Grimm ever again." There was a slight darkness in his voice.

Chiron bowed humbly. Pyrrha looked to Ren again. It wasn't quite done yet.

The sun was already beginning to set. Rather than continue onwards with their trip, the group had chosen to stick around. Nora and Ren particularly used this moment to reminisce and see as much of their old home. Though it visibly pains them of seeing their home in such a state, there were clear happy memories as well and that is what they were holding on to.

Ruby used this time to start practicing her Silver-eyed powers along with Lancer. While he could not help them with the powers directly, Chiron had experience as a teacher that afforded him some authority in regards to the teaching methods that Lancer was using. That left behind Pyrrha and Rider to tend to the ship and prepare the fires for the night.

"So," Pyrrha asked. "How was teacher Chiron?"

"Honestly, why didn't you tell me that your teacher was a Servant?"

"In my defense, Rider, I didn't know that either."

Looking back at it, she probably should have suspected something. Pyrrha may have grown up with the stories of the Rusted Knight like any other person but Chiron's tales now obviously came from somewhere else. The most she had heard was always about Achilles, the student that teacher Chiron always compared her to and is now compared directly to the Rusted Knight. There were other stories as well but she was currently having a hard time recalling each one.

"Where did you learn to fight that way?" Pyrrha asked. "I don't think the me of your time wouldn't have made it that far."

"My Pyrrha never did," Rider replied. "I kept training afterwards. But those moves? I just wanted to keep the memory of her alive somehow. I guess it translated to Pankration."

"You… wanted to keep her memory alive?" The thought that Jaune would do that for her made her blush a little.

Rider showed her the red sash tied around his hip. "The shield even had bronze accents on them, shaped after that circlet. Shame that the story didn't include the shield. Then again, I never used it much in the Ever After. Didn't really need to for the most part."

"What do you mean?"

"There wasn't much to fight in the Ever After other than the Jabberwalker. I usually have my mount with me."

"Oh right." Being a Rider would imply having a mount at least. "Your mount. A Jackalope, if I remember."

"I'd show it," Rider said. "But that is revealing one of my trump cards. For little that is worth since we already know each other's True Names."

Chiron joined for the night, happily telling them the stories that Pyrrha had already heard before. He continued to teach them even now but by that point, it was less combat oriented and closer to first-aid.

He even helped them with aura control.

"I have lived enough years on Remnant," Chiron said. "Just because I am a teacher doesn't mean I have stopped learning."

Nora was waving her arms as though it was a classroom setting. "You taught this Achilles guy, right? After dealing with Rider, who would you say would win?"

Chiron indulged them. "As I see it, Rider and Achilles would be about equal. My bias would favor Achilles but I would at least say that Rider would be the Achilles of Remnant."

"But who would win?" Nora was insistent on that answer. Pyrrha didn't need to guess who has her vote. Chiron probably knows too because he never gave her an answer, even after Nora begged. Rider swayed back and forth due to being a casualty of Nora's begging.

Information was exchanged and at the mention of Berserker, Chiron's expression turned serious.

"The Jabberwalker, huh." Chiron was in deep thought. "If Rider would be Remnant's Achilles, I would estimate that Berserker would be Remnant's Heracles."

"Another one of your student's, sir?" Ruby asked.

"The most recognizable hero all over Earth."

"Could you… tell us more about this other world, sir?" Ruby leaned closer. "I always wanted to be a hero like my mom. Maybe I could learn a thing or two from them?"

"I would love to, miss Rose. But perhaps another time."

Pyrrha felt his eyes on her. For a moment, she wondered if she did something wrong.

Later that night, Chiron, Pyrrha, and Rider found themselves alone. Pyrrha was grateful for Rider; she needed the support.

"You didn't take much command there, Pyrrha," Chiron said.

"I…" Pyrrha tried to answer. "Was I supposed to?"

"You're a Master now, remember? And Rider is your Servant. While it is good to have a Servant that takes initiative, the final decision should still be on the Master." He pointed to her hand. "It is why you have those."

Pyrrha didn't answer. She only looked down on the floor like she was being scolded. Chiron didn't sound angry nor was he disappointed.

"I understand that your partner has become the template for Rider." Chiron was on his knee, trying to look her in the eye. "You must have fallen on old habits, thinking that he is still around—and he is, from a certain point of view."

Rider snorted behind her.

"But I also taught you to lead," Chiron continued. "To make decisions. Everything that you may need should you wish to become a hero."

Pyrrha didn't immediately raise her head. When she did, teacher Chiron only had warmth coming from his face.

"Take your time, Pyrrha," Chiron said. "I'm still your teacher and I'll help you if you need me."

/-/

When his Master had left to join the others, Rider and Chiron stayed behind. The latter's eyes were on the red sash. It was the same red sash as Pyrrha's own.

"Should you ever reach that crossroad," Chiron asked. "What do you intend to do?"

"There must always be a Rusted Knight," Rider replied. "I'm not letting Master take that burden."

Chiron chuckled. "I'm afraid someone else has already beat you to that."

"In this time?"

"Do you even know where the Grail is?"

"What about it?" Wouldn't it just show up once there was a winner?

"In Remnant? It would be more accurate to say that someone will bring it to you. Let me ask a different one instead, one that is more important." Chiron drew an image on the ground. "What do you see?"

"Is that even a question?" Rider scoffed. "It's an elephant being consumed by a boa constrictor."

"Really? Most people would say it's a hat."

Chapter Text

The trip to Mistral's Upper City was mostly held in silence. Chiron had accompanied the group and had asked them all the same question in regards to the Grail. Needless to say, the others didn't take it well. Rider himself kept the other part a secret, mainly because he didn't have any answers for it yet.

"We might have the find it first?" Nora groaned. "We're already being dragged to an eternal shadow war of a shadow war and we still have to find the thing that we're all fighting for?"

"I suspect that not even your headmaster knows of this," Chiron said.

"He doesn't," Rider added. "I can vouch for Ozpin on this one."

"Can you?" Lancer asked.

"I've known the man both when he kept secrets and when he was more open. If he doesn't know, he really doesn't know. We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

Only the view of Mistral distracted them. It appeared to be peaceful and harmonious. A near perfect blend of the machinations of civilization and the natural beauty of nature. Technology and tradition met in the middle here. Storied houses sat on the edges of the mountain side. There were two mountains with the gap providing quite the view of the skies. The paths were paved by multiple stones that dotted it. One could feel the culture all around them. Ren especially felt at home.

But this was only for Mistral's upper levels. Referred to by the locals as Mistral Above, the higher one goes on either mountain, the more pleasant in becomes. Thusly, the lower one goes, into Mistral Below, the worse the conditions get. One could easily pinpoint the middle-class among them at the actual center with those fortunate enough to be in the upper middle.

A massive platform acts as an elevator for these levels and it isn't a new sight to see that many of its users came from the lower levels in some attempt at a new life. Few individuals dared descend from the higher levels willingly.

"Make a landing over there." Chiron pointed towards one of the lower levels. There were a few airships stationed there.

"We could afford to go to Haven Academy directly," Rider argued. "Leonardo doesn't have a reason to suspect us yet."

"I know." Chiron replied. "But I have an errand to do here. I'll borrow miss Rose and Lancer for the time being and meet you at Haven."

"Wouldn't it be better if we all accompanied you?"

"The people here will recognize Pyrrha no matter how well she disguised herself. The others would be able to get away with it but it be better if we keep the numbers small."

Rider complied, not quite seeing the plan here but is trusting of Chiron enough. The man had trained his Master and Rider trusts Pyrrha's judgement of character. He must have been quite active as Mistral's Companion Archer and this was one of these things he was doing.

"Someone's been quite active for a Companion," Rider commented.

"I've been around long enough to train Pyrrha into becoming a championship fighter, Rider," Chiron said. "Even if that was all I ever did; what else was I supposed to do when she left for Beacon?"

"I expect a conversation when we get back."

"Of course, my little detour serves both our purposes and is my evidence."

Dropping Chiron, Lancer, and Ruby as requested, Rider piloted the airship to Mistral's upper levels as planned. The two were inquisitive at first but only Chiron had the answers and he wasn't giving them.

"Rider," asked Pyrrha. "Could we expect a fight when we get there?"

"Not immediately, no." Rider shook his head. "Leo would probably try to keep us distracted while he calls for help. Besides, we already know who the Spring Maiden is and Raven can't exactly get to us in time. Not without Qrow or Yang around."

The airship made its descent on the docking bay on the upper levels. Compared to the one in Mistral Below, this was much more pleasant and was better cleaned. The one from Below wasn't built for that many airships and was more of an afterthought than anything else, perhaps for emergencies where there was nowhere else to go.

Stepping out of the airship, Rider shifted to his non-armored form. Rather than the tunic that he had worn back in Vale, his current outfit was much more fitting, albeit fanciful, even for Mistral Above. He had a long white coat that glittered like stars the further down the coat one went. Shining bronze accented the mostly white color. He had boots this time, as dark-blue as the night sky without all the lights of city life.

His features did get a few onlookers. He didn't have the red sash that hid his features this time and so most were certainly paying attention to the odd but fancily dressed man walking with a bunch of armed teenagers. Most didn't even notice the disguised Pyrrha with him as the group hastened their way out of the bay and into the city proper. Maybe Rider should have insisted on their following.

Finding a place to stay was the simplest of them all. Chiron had given them a place to stay for the time being and they were surprised to see that it was quite the home even by the standards of Mistral Above. Rider had to double-check the direction that they were given. If even his Master was in disbelief of her teacher's taste, then this wasn't exactly Chiron's home.

It was a two-storied building with a balcony that gave an magnificent sight over the horizon. It was far enough from Haven Academy, which was situated at the peak of the two mountains, that they could somewhat relax from being spotted by Leonardo early. Leo may not have reason to suspect them knowing that they know but didn't mean that he couldn't start doing so once they start acting suspicious.

Not like we could act without the Spring Maiden, he thought.

Outside of the building was a well-maintained garden and some hedges that were begging to be shaped. Flat stones served as the steps and there was a pond full of lively fish swimming about.

"I call dibs on the best room!" Nora declared before she ran off, leaving the others behind. A drumming rhythm of doors opening and closing was heard. Eventually they all heard a "found it!" somewhere in the upper floor.

Ren shrugged his shoulders. "I'll go buy what we'll need for dinner. I'll have to check the kitchens first for the tools."

Pyrrha turned to Rider. "Shall we?"

Rider nodded and the two entered the building. He even offered a hand for his Master, fitting act for a prince-like character.

The doors slid open and the inside was more impressive than the outside. There was a small section to wear and remove one's shoes which Pyrrha saw Ren and Nora leave behind theirs. Rider's boots simply vanished which freed up a lot of space, it was as though he never even touched the ground. Despite that, he still wiped his own.

Clean floors had a shine to them and there were stairs that led to the upper floors. They passed by one of the bedrooms and arrived at a room that seemed mostly empty except for a few chairs and a table. The room was dark as wooden panels prevented any sunlight from entering the room. Pyrrha seemed to know this as she slid the glass panel to the side and moved each of the wooden ones into the wall, allowing sunlight to brighten this room. It allowed them passage into the garden with much more ease.

The kitchens were clean and had most of the utensils that anyone could feasibly need in a home and even afford a few culinary luxuries. There was a separate room for the television and a stack of newspapers and magazines could be found on the side.

"Never pictured Chiron would be into this sort of thing," Rider commented.

"He usually doesn't," Pyrrha replied. "This is actually quite the taste he has. Feels more like someone else paid for this home and allowed him to stay."

"You really don't think he would live like this?"

"He always looked more at home in nature. Never really was the kind of person you'd see in the cities that much. A small town, maybe."

"Well, seems pretty nice for a base of operations." Rider nodded. "Better than the one we got, definitely."

Pyrrha smiled. Rider was glad for that. "Aren't we fortunate?" she said.

When the rest were still exploring their surroundings, Rider found a private spot. He deployed the shield part of his weapon. It wasn't a perfect recreation of the weapon he had in life but it was close enough. It had Pyrrha's circlet and the twin crescents but they weren't a perfect recreation, only close enough to be recognized. Then, he looked for a mirror, there was nothing there for him to notice.

"A boa devouring an elephant," he said to himself. "What was the name of that story again?"

/-/

Ruby nearly yelped when she had felt someone bump into her. Those terrible eyes pierced deep into her soul. She could take them on in a fight without a doubt but these people weren't exactly the kind that anyone would openly associate with. These are the kinds of people that her parents would tell her to stay away from, huntress or not.

It was dark and a little misty here despite the sunlight. The thickest part of the fog crept up and went nearly halfway to Ruby's knees. While there was more visibility the higher it went, it was still obstructing their vision. What kind of place was this?

Pyrrha's teacher Chiron moved about in this place without much care in the world and familiarity. Ruby was only looking at his back and could not see just where his eyes were. She got as close to Chiron as she did like a scared child would a parent. This place was also crowded and small in space, making a potential fight outside of her favor.

There were many eyes filled with malicious intent staring at her. Ruby's hood may have covered her vision but she could still feel them piercing through the fabrics of her cape. Cards and lien flew about and the scent of alcohol may as well be the atmosphere. This wasn't a kind of place that she should be in at all! Not even Yang would approach a place like this. What is teacher Chiron thinking of going in here?

"Any particular reason you brought us here?" Lancer said. She too had her hood up but unlike Ruby, she didn't appear at all bothered by the lookers. Some were even so clearly trying to undress her with just their own eyes.

A dirty hand dared and its owner had a broken nose soon after along with a cracked wall and some damaged crates. Bottles had been broken and curses were exchanged as the card players had their decks scrambled. Lancer didn't even turn around.

"An agreement for the most part," Chiron. He didn't chastise Lancer nor was he surprised at the end result. "Protection was unnecessary but it is a welcome bonus."

"Already in contact with other Companions?"

Chiron nodded. "We have one that could act publicly compared to the others and most wouldn't recognize him. Only opposing Servants would notice and he had counted on it. Created our own little secret circle of sorts. We weren't quite the best but we had a new member recently and that one had been quite the help."

"Another Servant?"

"One that you may have to face yourself, I'm afraid." Chiron nodded again. This time, his face was apologetic. "Terribly sorry but I couldn't tell you that either. Another agreement. If it is of any consolation, this agreement only goes as far as our goal and purpose of being here. Afterwards, we're free to pick sides as we see fit."

"A singular goal, huh?" Lancer tilted her head. "Sounds like a common enemy to me."

Chiron only smiled in response.

Ruby and Lancer were led to a bar. Outside, there was a spider on a web. Ruby's fingers touched the cold stone wall and she realized that it had just been a mark in the shape of one. The visibility here was worse than she thought. How does Chiron do it?

The inside of the bar was better for the eyes but no less tense. People wearing purple and spiked armor pieces were armed and looked at them suspiciously. Lancer's own hands were ready to move though no weapon had been drawn. Ruby felt a hand on her own and she was met with the comforting look of Chiron, assuring her that it will be alright. She didn't realize that she had been ready to draw her weapon.

A stout woman sat on a low seat. She was fanning herself and had that same mark of a spider on a web tattooed on her shoulder. She had two people behind her, acting as guards. She was fanning herself so slowly that no breeze could possibly have come from that.

Ruby, Lancer, and Chiron were approaching this woman before they were made to stop. There were others around them. Each of them were armed. Ruby scouted out three from the upper levels.

Lancer's stance appeared relax but Ruby recognized the spring-like readiness in that posture. She was mumbling to herself as her head swayed from left to right. Afterwards, she stopped and whispered to Ruby, "twelve, Master."

Chiron was still calm as ever. He waited patiently for the stout woman to continue.

"That is as far as you go," she said, hand still raised. She looked at them, scanned them from head to toe. "And what brings you… respectable people to my humble abode?"

It was Chiron who replied. "I believe there is a package meant for me?" In response, he pulled out a round-looking object. It looked like a badge of some kind. Chiron waited for the permission to get closer. Only he had been given permission.

"Please take a seat," the stout woman said. She turned to one of the guards behind. "Give them some refreshments. Non-alcoholic, I reckon we got a minor here." She then turned to Lancer and Ruby. "Anyone is a welcome guest in the Spider's Web so long as they behave."

"That won't be necessary miss Malachite," Chiron replied. "We are only here on business." He placed the circular object on the table.

Miss Malachite leaned back and her eyes widened. "You're with the League? Didn't think the old man would have any friends."

"Oh, he is a new member. We value skills and the etiquette of a gentleman above all else and he certainly has both in spades."

"Ha!" Miss Malachite leaned far back. "Spades is right, alright. That man knew how to play just as well as he knew what he was talking about. With a name you've chosen for yourselves, I'm more interested with the man on top. But that could be for another time. A package, you say? Yeah we got that." She leaned and whispered to the remaining guard at her side.

"I appreciate and will pass on the compliment on Consultant," Chiron said. "I have a message as well for the man on top."

"It will take weeks for that message to arrive, months even. You know how it is with the kingdoms lately."

"That is fine." Chiron paid the price with lien. "I already had it written. Codded, of course."

"As it should. Would be dumb if it wasn't." Miss Malachite didn't even question it that much. She took the letter but didn't touch the lien. "And here's your package. Keep your lien. The old man has done quite an impressive job with all the families here in Mistral. He calls himself a consultant, but really he could be so much more."

"He has his own plans, I'm sure." Chiron bowed courteously. "I take my leave. Have a pleasant day."

"I've only met the two of you and already I can see the extraordinary part of this league of yours."

"Perhaps when our duties are finished, you may meet with the other three, our leader included."

Chiron's arrival at their table brought a sigh of relief out of Ruby. Her hands had never once left her weapon and she had kept herself ready to pounce at a moment's notice.

The package in Chiron's hand was a folder that had the label Project Prodigium on it.

"It's a dangerous game you're playing," Lancer commented. "Servant or not, there's still the matter of your reputation joining in with these people."

Chiron could only chuckle. "Believe me, Lancer. The man behind the League is quite familiar with such games."

The three of them had exited the building and made their way towards the large platform that would lead them to the upper levels. Ruby had to force herself to slow down as her steps begged for her to hurry up. This wasn't a nice place at all. There was a lawless order here and one that Ruby was ignorant in navigating around. It wasn't a welcome sight.

She shook her head and slapped herself. She was a huntress. She was supposed to be a hero and being a hero meant saving everybody, even these ones.

As the platform rose, Ruby asked, "so, what was the agreement about? If that is okay."

"It is," Chiron replied. "Just as the Masters have their own wish, so to do Servants. The agreement made here is that I have to restrain myself in favoring Pyrrha. I will not deny that if I had free reign, I would have aided her in winning this Grail War."

"And assuming that our side wins," Lancer said. "We would have to go at each other's throats eventually. By favoring Pyrrha, you would see to it that we are at a disadvantage when that comes."

Chiron raised both hands, accepting the accusation. "If it helps, one of them would certainly help you if given the chance."

"Maybe you two should duke it out after the whole thing is settled."

"Perhaps. The League is, at best, a temporary alliance of sorts. Anything beyond our shared goals is completely up to ourselves. We have Executioner in Menagerie and Ronin but we lost contact with him even before the CCT fell."

"Do we really have to?" Ruby asked. "I mean; do we have to kill each other when we get there?"

"The Grail will grant the wish of the winner, kid," Lancer replied. "Even the headmaster said that when we were at your house."

"I can promise you this, miss Rose," Chiron assured her. "Even if it did come to that, we will not harm the Masters. We never made that agreement but we trust each other enough for it. Us Servants have already lived a full life."

She was left to think about it. Ruby stared at the three marks at the back of her hand. Being marked as a Master meant that she was just as much Pyrrha's ally as she was her enemy. She bit her lower lip. If it did come to that, she would have to have Lancer face off against Rider. In order to obtain her wish, Ruby would have to have her male best friend killed again. Not only that, she would have to deny his partner of her wish.

Hoping that it wouldn't come to that wouldn't help either. That would mean that at some point, Rider would have fallen to their enemies. Ruby didn't want that. She didn't want to go against her own friends for this. But Salem had to be killed. Her immortality and rule over the Grimm will continue to plague Remnant if she doesn't.

Even if she does die… Ruby thought. That wouldn't make much of a difference wouldn't it? Grimm had always been running rampant but without the direction of the queen, they would be nothing more than wild animals. Ferocious wild animals that would hunt down humanity on sight but wild animals still.

Then, there was her own headmaster. How many lifetimes had he lived by now? How many of those figures from the legends and histories were actually just him? He had already been the King of Vale, who else had he been? It sounded cool sure but Ruby had already tasted loss once with her mother. She tasted it again when she lost her best friend. She's still tasting it whenever she remembered the state of her own sister.

Yang. So many things to think about. So many things to consider.

"Hey, Master," Lancer said. "There's no need to think too hard about it all at once. Take your time."

"Right." Ruby nodded. "Of course. I just… I just hope that we'll be fast enough to make it."

"And I'll be with you all the way." Lancer got down to her level. "There's still strength inside of you even after everything. I can see that. Heck, Chiron sees that, too."

"I never said anything," Chiron replied. He made no rebuttal, however.

"But," Lancer continued, ignoring him. "You don't have to carry it all alone. You shouldn't carry it alone. That's what we Heroic Spirits are supposed to do: to help you help yourselves."

Ruby took those words in. She had been used to being the leader, to always hiding her own anxieties for the sake of her teammate. You're not allowed to be a failure. Because it's not just about you anymore. You've got a team now. She remembered that wisdom that she herself had given.

She has a different team now: herself and Lancer. She's part of a different team as well: herself, Pyrrha, and Ozpin. The whole world's fate rests on their shoulders. Not just her family, not just her friends, but those strangers that she hadn't met yet. Even those whom she would rather keep her distance from, like the ones from earlier, no offense.

"Right." Ruby nodded. "Can I ask you to help me in that, Lancer?"

"It's why I answered you in the first place, Master." Lancer was behind her mask but Ruby could imagine a slight pride decorated her face.

Behind Lancer, Ruby caught a slight smirk on Chiron's face. There was a small nod of approval. The platform continued its ascent.

Ruby could easily pinpoint the differences of life qualities with each level they ascended. It may have been gradual but it was so noticeable. Each level was clearly cleaner than the last and the people were generally kinder to one another and more welcoming. Well, they were welcoming to those they deemed their equals, more for those above them and less for those below them. It was easy to tell which ones were making a new life in the upper levels and those that had been forced down.

She took a deep breath. These people are the people that her mom set out to protect. The kinds of people that huntresses like herself set out to fight the Grimm for. They were trying to live their lives. Some grew desperate and braved the wilds and it is usually those people that Ruby would go out and protect.

Confined to the major cities, there was a clear problem of population. Smaller families had it easier in space but larger families could obtain more resources at the cost of having to use more.

"Something else bothering you, Master?" Lancer asked.

"I'm just thinking," Ruby replied. "You think the Grail could help these people?"

"Possible," Chiron answered. "A bit vague as it is and might need some specifics."

"How does the Holy Grail work?" Ruby asked. If she was really going to participate this Grail War, she needed information. Perhaps she could share this with Pyrrha and the others when they would meet up again.

"It is, in effect, a mass of pure magical energy." Chiron appeared happy to share it. "It reacts to the wishes of the person using it. But that can vary from Grail War to Grail War, considering intended purpose and possible corruption. If there is another purpose of Remnant's Grail War, I am not at liberty to share it."

"Thank you." Ruby bowed her head. That was all the information that she would need. She was still uncertain if she could ever go against her friends for that wish but she didn't have to face it now.

The platform continued to ascend and Ruby felt comfortable enough to pull back her hood. There were less people staring with more simply ignoring her presence. There were a few that looked at her direction but that was more because Lancer still had her mask on. The mask may not be like the White Fang but it was still strange.

Chiron led them out of the platform. He gave them a bit of a tour of the place. Lancer already knew the general area with its significant landmarks but Ruby had never been here before. She took in the beautiful sights of Mistral Above. The contrast between this and Below was like day and night. That reminder took out some of the joy that Ruby had but the breathtaking view of nature was still something to behold.

There were a few huntsmen about. Most of them recognized Chiron and greeted him accordingly. A few whispers were exchanged but they seemed rather nicer. Definitely not ones thinking of stealing her lien or anything, mostly just judging her for choice of outfit or her being out of place here in Mistral. It was certainly better than Below.

Chiron led them to the streets and would occasionally give them a few details about the place. Lancer seemed familiar with the general gist of the area and could easily pinpoint those landmarks that are too recognizable to miss. There were a few huntsmen and huntresses about and Ruby was only able to tell because they had their weapons on them, only hidden from view. With what she had learned back in Patch, Ruby could hazard a guess of the reason for such secrecy. Some of them even warned Ruby of keeping Crescent Rose hidden away.

She complied and did her best to hide it beneath her cape. If anyone asks, she has a really weird backpack. As for the metallic clanging, she was carrying silverware, a lot of them. Yep. That sounds believable.

Pyrrha, Rider, and Nora were there to greet them back. Ren had gone out and had yet to return. Chiron spun slowly in place, his eyes narrowed as he focused in the direction that he was facing. Nodding, he welcomed them all to his home.

Just like those before her, Ruby was amazed at the decorum. It reminded her of those films set in an older Mistral. The traditional look worked well in its favor while still retaining the luxuries of modern day. The few portraits that were hanged also brought some extra life to it; they were artistic depictions of nature.

"It isn't usually to his taste," Chiron said. "But it is quite fanciful even by the standards of Mistral's high society."

"It's not your house?" Lancer asked. Chiron shook his head. "We're freeloading, then?" Chiron nodded.

Few seconds of silence passed.

Chiron sighed. "There is a pack in the fridge. The owner also expected Qrow at some point and thought ahead."

"Shame he didn't think about me!" Lancer vanished from their eyes. The sounds of a can being opened was heard almost immediately after. "This second life sounds pretty good!"

"There's more to being a Servant than having a good drink!" Rider chastised her. He didn't try to stop her though. "Let's just hope that Ren bought a few for Qrow."

"He did," Chiron answered. "But it wouldn't be for Qrow."

"You Archers and your eyesight, I swear. Only thing missing is X-ray vision." Rider raised a finger before Chiron could reply. "Don't. I know."

Ruby stretched her legs. While Lancer was busy emptying the fridge of every liquid with a percentage number on it, she was outside staring into the water. The flowing stream blurred her reflection but she could see the traces of the waterbed underneath. Blake would like it here. She would have her book with her if there weren't any fish for her to get. Weiss would enjoy it as well if only for the atmosphere and tranquil peace. Yang would probably take the occasional joke but even she knew when to take it slow.

Yang. Weiss. Blake. She didn't have her team with her. She was with someone else's team. JNPR may be RWBY's sister team but there was a clear connection between them that Ruby felt herself an outsider. She might have to face Pyrrha someday too. Should she keep them at an arm's distance to make things easier? Could she even have Lancer kill Rider? Kill Jaune? They all lost him once, and Ruby would have to face the prospect of being responsible of taking him away from them again.

"Something still bothering you, miss Rose?" Chiron said, approaching from behind.

"Just enjoying the stream," she lied. "The owner must have been quite the person. It looks amazing."

"I'm sure he'll be glad to hear that. Come. Your Servant may have drained all the alcohol but she hasn't touched the sugar."

"Cookies?"

"Strawberry and chocolate-chip."

Ruby floated in the air. She bounced back inside and was greeted with an entire jar just for her.

"What kind of guy is this, Chiron?" Rider asked.

"In another time, he was Ruby's uncle."

It took a while for Ruby to reply; she looked like a squirrel with those filled cheeks. "I have another uncle?"

"You adopted him as one." Chiron shrugged. "With how close he was to Beacon, I wondered why he hasn't moved there himself."

"What's his name?"

"In the League, we call him Man of Two Names."

/-/

Winter Schnee walked down the plain white hallways of the hospital. His clinic was here and he came highly recommended by others. Whether that was for medical consultations or even legal advice is anyone's guess. He was primarily in medicine but he had a degree of such levels in the law. A respectable individual for the most part and one that was so evidently climbing the ranks in Atlas' high society.

She wouldn't have met him really and if she did, it wasn't going to be the best impression. Winter was used to those using others to climb the social ladder and when he asked her for a favor, had expected it. It surprised her when he asked that Fria be moved to a different location. He mentioned the same things that the General had told her, things that he shouldn't have any right nor means to have known.

"Winter? Is it your scheduled appointment already? I must have been too busy."

It was a coded message. Truth was work had been lax for him lately, too lax.

"I'm sure it has, given recent circumstances. But yes, I have come for my scheduled appointment, Dr. Jekyll."

Chapter Text

Dr. Henry Jekyll. To anyone else in Atlas, he was just another physician who happens to come recommended by Atlas' military. His name wouldn't even reach the lowest ends of Atlas' high society, occasionally being named dropped in conversation by the likes of the general or from Winter, the latter of which he could be seen in the company of and was the reason his name even reaches out fairly far. Everyone saw him as nothing more than a civilian, harmless. He was courteous and certainly quite ambitious academically, earning doctorates in both fields of medicine and law; such achievement in so short a time was the only thing that was noteworthy about him.

It was in startling contrast to the other side of him that Winter had come to know. Behind the mask of that gentle and kind nature was the mysterious Mr. Hyde. Despite what Jekyll had told Winter herself and the general, the name of Hyde was one that is spoken with slight reverence among business tycoons. A mysterious no-face individual that was offering alternatives to Dust in various fields. He had a house in Mantle but only so few had ever seen him. Jekyll himself laughs at the irony of Hyde's apparent reverence.

But there was more to Hyde's name even then. The organization, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, was something that Winter had never heard of before but apparently operated in Remnant's criminal underground with himself at the top. If it wasn't Jekyll's own openness about the league and its true purpose, Winter would have had him arrested and charged for many crimes. As it was, he was open about their proceedings to both her and the general.

Speaking of the doctor, Winter was jolted out of her thoughts when she felt that familiar jacket draped over her shoulders.

"It's cold," Jekyll said. "I also brought you coffee, just as you liked it."

"You know," Winter replied. "It is rather concerning for a doctor to be seeing his patients like this."

"Old habits I suppose." He shrugged. "One built out of many years of companionship."

That was another mystery that Winter never quite figured out. There was a warmth to Jekyll that she was certain never went to anyone else. He was certainly friendly and courteous towards everyone but around her, Jekyll appeared more… relaxed. He knew her favorites and even open her up to things that she never knew she would enjoy; like the time he had eaten out of those instant foods served in cups and offered her. Winter had never eaten out of those but the cool breeze at that time made such foods quite warm. She would say that they were simple and pleasant experiences.

He was kind towards Weiss and even managed to thaw out Whitley's that the boy would even challenge father, Jacques Schnee, without much hostility and scorn. Jacques Schnee never approved of Jekyll's presence and saw him as nothing more than a social climber, never mind that Jacques himself was one in Winter's eyes. Klein, the family butler, seemed to appreciate his presence though which was a definite plus.

The general took a while to warm up to him, especially after Jekyll revealed his knowledge on Fria. Jekyll managed to escape punishment after this Holy Grail War was mentioned and that he knew that Ironwood had chosen Winter as the next candidate; that was information that only the general and Winter knew. Afterwards, discussions in relation to the league and Atlas' military were well underway.

There was one discussion which Winter wasn't a part of and by then, construction of this new tower was already going underway. It was running so smoothly in fact, that it was quickly becoming a marvel of construction. Truth was that the league's resources were being spent just as much, in both construction and finance, as that of taxpayer money. The general only had expressions of dread whenever he looked at that construction and he never told Winter, said that the information that Jekyll gave was far too much for anyone to bear.

"We have one in the league who is on route to inform Ozpin," Jekyll assured them. "Temporary alliance as this may be, we face an enemy that even he and Salem couldn't hope to stand against."

Winter continued to sip her cup. True enough, Jekyll knew her favorites and even the manner she likes her drinks. A detail that most would only ever recognize after spending a significant time with her, time that she herself doesn't usually give.

"What is it about you and the me in your time?" Winter asked. It was best to ask directly.

"Hmm?" Jekyll replied. "Oh, it is rather strange isn't it? This is you we're talking about, even if it happens to be different from the one I knew. The Winter I knew certainly has become different from you right now. But it is unsurprising that I see her in you."

"You and I were close, aren't we?" Winter wanted answers. Unlike the other times, Jekyll wasn't straight with her there. He tries not to.

He looked away bashfully. "It is rather odd to say, and I do not wish to make things awkward for you."

"Excellent job on that part, if I may say." Winter deadpanned.

Jekyll could only chuckle.

"What is about you and me that makes you this way," Winter pushed on.

"It is…" Jekyll still couldn't hide the reddening of his cheeks. "More like something you allowed me."

"Allowed you?"

He nodded. "I asked if you would have liked to dance."

"A dance? A simple dance?" Jekyll nodded again. "And what did I say?"

"You said that I could have every dance."

The cup paused just as it was about to touch Winter's lips. Every dance? The reddening of his cheeks. His knowledge of her favorites and even the ones that she never thought she could appreciate, the jacket and concern for her well-being, familiarity in dealing and navigating through her family, things were starting to fall into place for Winter. Every dance. Her own cheeks began to flush pink.

Still, she pushed on. "And the occasion?"

Jekyll took a deep breath. "It was during the reception. Weiss sang. Whitley played the piano." He let out a happy sigh. "Jack played the most beautiful tune for you. She dedicated it for her mother."

"Jack? Mother." Winter's eyes widened.

"Adopted," Jekyll assured her. "From where I was from, even to the city."

Winter couldn't look at Jekyll. But she never left his side. The two gave off an embarrassing appearance. It wasn't one of argument but certainly one that marked inexperience and newness of their… companionship. Winter hid her face with her coffee cup even after it had been emptied and practically dried up with only those colors of the coffee stains remaining. She pulled the jacket to cover herself more, eliciting a chuckle from Jekyll.

The two continued on in silence with Winter occasionally stealing glances of Jekyll. As he was sitting there, enjoying the breeze, Winter eyed him a bit more critically. He was a gentleman through and through. Whether that was for her or for anyone else, he acted kindly and courteously. An academic with a vested interest towards plant-life as of late though he did say there were other reasons for that, a connection with a friend and partner of his Remnant.

There was a calming presence to him that Winter sometimes forgets that she is in the presence of one of these Servants. He was comfortable to be around that Winter could not accomplish even at her own home. There was always that expectation that she should be: Schnee, an older sister, a specialist, perfect. Here, there wasn't any of that. She was neither the Specialist nor was she even someone who had been entrusted with acquiring a great power. There wasn't any of that around Jekyll. At most, she was a fake patient with frequent check-ups.

Even as the minutes dragged on, Jekyll waited patiently. Winter eventually gave her cup which he then properly threw in the trash, in the one marked for paper products too.

"The general should be waiting for us," said Jekyll, checking his time. "We have about an hour."

Winter double-checked her time. True enough, he was right. She quickly got up and powerwalked her way towards Atlas Academy. The general would be there handling affairs for both Atlas and Mantle. There was no meeting with the other council members that Winter was aware of and general Ironwood was a man of consistent habits.

"And if this is of any indication," Jekyll commented as he followed behind her. "I'm not getting that jacket back. Sorry. I'll stop with the comparisons. I swear it."

Her steps were stiff but she did not let go of the jacket. Not until they were actually back in Atlas Academy and the others have begun to point it out. The giggles and hastened steps when Winter caught them loosened her grip. This Academy was supposed to train the next generations of defenders and protectors with the added measure of military discipline. Yet, here there were gossiping like school girls.

The two stepped into the elevator. Winter kept her arms behind her back. Her shoulders were stiff and her back was straight. She looked ahead and stared at the metallic doors as the lights of the different floors would peep through the small gaps as the elevator ascended.

Finding the general's office was simple. He was located at the end of the hallway. The doors before that point led to different offices and had various personnel busy at their work. Atlas Academy was more than just a school for huntsmen and huntresses, it was also a base of operation for the Atlas' military. Those only taking a military career can be found here.

Each of them saluted Winter as passed them. At least there was a modicum of discipline around here. Jekyll wasn't a surprising sight; he had been here many times already, often as a visitor to the general. Unlike Winter, they were more casual around Jekyll. A few women chatted with Jekyll only to run away after making eye-contact with Winter.

"You know, Winter," Jekyll said. "You could at least try not appear jealous."

"Who says I'm jealous?"

"Winter," Jekyll insisted. "The way you're staring, it's like you're trying to turn them into an ice sculpture."

She chose to ignore that and moved on. Announcing her presence and waiting for the general to bid them enter, Winter took that time to return to that proper decorum fitting of a soldier of Atlas. She caught a glimpse of Jekyll fixing himself as well. He was a professional at least, knows when to adopt formalities.

"General Ironwood, sir." Winter Schnee saluted. "I have brought Dr. Henry Jekyll as requested."

"Excellent, Winter," Ironwood replied.

The two exchanged a casual greeting. There was nothing odd about it and there was even less of anything interesting. However, it was just as much a façade as it was when Winter was Jekyll's patient. Those outside could have been listeners. The doors closed and the two continued their casual talk even after that.

It was only after Ironwood checked the security feed of outside did he beckon both Jekyll and Winter to take a seat.

"I have already arranged a meeting with miss Hill," Ironwood said.

Jekyll nodded. "Did she give out any terms?"

"Only that you two have to talk. Her messenger may have vouched for your character but she was still rather skeptical. She has, at least, agreed to keep any revelations confidential."

"I can work with that, general."

"I still do not like this, Jekyll. Not only am I going against Ozpin's wishes but I'm putting Atlas at risk."

"If we possessed something else akin to Harpe, we wouldn't have needed to," Jekyll replied. "As it stands, this is our best chance of protecting Remnant's people."

"I know. Frankly, I'm still impressed that you could go against an entire team of lawyers in that council meeting."

Jekyll shrugged. "I'm a good lawyer. Half of my degrees just aren't recognized here in Remnant."

"Speaking of things not from Remnant, what of the rest of this league of yours?"

"Project Progidium has already been sent to Mistral. It is only a matter of securing the Spring Maiden and the Vault. I have faith in my fellow Companion, not so much Archer." The room went a little cold for a moment before returning to normal. Hyde. "We just need patience."

Winter stood to the side. Right now, she was a soldier and was a functioning guard. Anyone who would enter the room would have her attention. Ironwood and Jekyll continued their talks and Winter tuned them both out in favor of listening for anything suspicious. The security feed may have meant that they were safe but she had to ensure that there was as little chance for anyone listening in to this conversation as much as possible.

Her eyes would occasionally dart towards Jekyll, only to return to the patch of wall that was directly across her. It wouldn't do for her to not stand in attention. Still, she would steal glances of Jekyll. He was serious and committed to his duties, never really cracking any jokes unless he had to ease the tension. But the general was accustomed to such dangers so such humor was unnecessary.

Jekyll must know when to hold himself back and become gentle. His tone would shift at times that Winter found herself getting stiff. That was the one area that Winter sometimes forgot. Hyde was more than a mere name that Jekyll adopted here but also an entire identity, an evil to Jekyll's goodness. Winter wondered what it was that the other version of herself saw in the man of such dual identities. Surely, she would have preferred Jekyll and Jekyll alone.

Not that I would actually… Her thoughts trailed off. Choosing instead to distract herself, she would occasionally trail her eyes on everything else in the room. The book shelf that had one book still had room for one or two, the ticking clock mounted on the wall, the hairs of the carpet, those olive-green eyes. No. Winter only thought this way because of that revelation. She normally wouldn't even look at him that way.

Would it have been a loss if she did? No. None of that, Winter. This wasn't the time. The two of them were discussing matters that concern Atlas and Mantle. This was no time for her to start ogling like some schoolgirl with a crush.

The cold breeze of the air conditioning was frigid. Before she realized it, Jekyll had already draped his jacket over her shoulders again. When had their conversation paused?

"At ease, Winter," Ironwood assured her. "You can relax. I have taken measures myself that this place will not get any listeners."

"Better safe than sorry, general."

"At least take a seat, if you have to listen to orders."

More than just sitting, Winter chose to take her seat with her towards the corner. On second thought, perhaps being in direct line to the air conditioner's cold winds was a terrible idea. She moved to a different corner.

Despite the order of a more relaxed and casual nature from her, Winter kept herself as stiff as she could. Her back was straight, shoulders back, jacket covering as much of her as possible. It was warm, a definite welcome compared to the cold earlier. She should be used to the cold. She was used to the cold. She pulled the jacket to cover a bit more for warmth.

Those eyes were serious and yet gentle. Carried a danger when they would turn red yet she was certain that no one would be harmed, her especially. The general must have noticed that change as well with how intently he was looking at Jekyll.

Glasses is often associated with intelligence and Jekyll certainly had that. His manner of dress was familiar to the high class that Winter was accustomed thanks to her father but he did not carry that same façade as those others did. He didn't pretend nor did he act all posh that even Winter was guilty of at times. Unlike them, he was actually willing to step down into Mantle. Granted, it was under a different name but he didn't really change much of his behavior there. Only during moments like this would he even remotely change.

Ironwood and Jekyll soon stood and shook hands. Winter stood up almost immediately as the seat scraped the floor when she did. Had she relaxed into the seat? She blames Jekyll. It was unbecoming of her, as Schnee, as specialist, and as a huntress.

"Winter," Ironwood said.

"General Ironwood, sir!" Winter quickly returned to attention.

"For the time being, I relieve you of your duties concerning Dr. Jekyll."

"Understood sir."

Ironwood turned to Jekyll. "I wish you luck with Robyn Hill, Jekyll."

"I'm sure she'll come around, general."

"I know she will. I disagree with her actions but I will not deny that heart of hers. She will help us."

The two bade each other farewell and Jekyll soon left the room, leaving the general and Winter behind. A minute or two passed and Winter only just realized that she still had the jacket on. She removed it from her shoulders and let it hang by her arm. It was still warm.

"Sir!" Winter saluted and left the room herself. The general didn't really reply and only had a raised eyebrow and a shaking head.

Jekyll was already gone and Winter would have to wait for the elevator to rise back up. Unsurprisingly, when she herself had descended, Jekyll had already left Atlas Academy and was likely making his way towards Mantle below.

Walking outside of Atlas Academy, Winter strolled around the city as she was returning to the Schnee manor, her home. All around her were people still enjoying themselves for the most part, ignorant of the dangers that would come soon. There were a few who were concerned and protested the current circumstances with Dust and communications but those were mostly civil with Atlas police observing from a distance for any chaos.

Winter stood in front of the Schnee Manor. She hesitated to call it home. There were a few moments where she could have called it that. But that was more to do with select people inside the home than anything else.

"Ah miss Schnee!" Klein, their family butler, was the first to greet her, as always. "You're all alone? Where is that good fellow of yours?"

"Dr. Jekyll has errands to run," Winter reasoned. "We have parted ways for the time being."

"I see. I shall wait then for when you wish for me to wash his jacket."

"Why wait?"

Klein's eyes changed colors They usually do that when his personality changes, reminds her of someone. No, wait. Someone else should be reminding her of Klein.

"Well." The eyes turned pink, bashful. "It just seems to me that you're rather… comfortable in wearing that jacket. I wouldn't want to impose."

She sighed. Of course she put on the jacket again. "It's fine, Klein. I-I think I'll do it myself."

Klein's eyes turned yellow, happy. "Oh, that sounds wonderful! Don't be afraid to ask me for any guidance, miss Schnee!"

Winter stepped into the manor. Klein always assisted anyone when entering the home, even themselves. Out of all the servants—the regular ones—in the manor, Klein was always the most pleasant one. The others were usually unfortunate enough to be associated with Jacques Schnee most of the time; they don't stick around for long unsurprisingly.

The Schnee Manor was just as empty as she had left it. Even when it is full of people during those fancy balls and dances that Jacques would host, there was still so little life in it. The most excitement this place has ever received in recent times was when Weiss accidentally summoned a Boarbatusk, only to have it shot down by Ironwood.

Terrible sounds of piano that marked a beginner was heard. Winter could already guess who was playing the piano at this time. It stopped and started again. Rather than go anywhere else, Winter followed the sounds of the piano which led her to the upper floors of the manor. As she approached, she could hear Weiss' voice only slightly chastising Whitley. Part of Winter was rather proud that the two siblings were getting along. Another part of her was ashamed that it didn't come from her as their eldest sister. No, it had come from Jekyll himself.

I really should have done something. She lamented. Mother has even begun to hold back her drinking habits. Jekyll was supposed to be a medical doctor, focused on the biology of the person, not a counselor. His jacket was still warm.

Her presence was unannounced but it was certainly welcome.

"Winter!" Weiss called. "You're back."

Behind Weiss, even Whitley seemed genuinely happy to see her. It was a small one, granted. But it was genuine. Winter couldn't ask for more than that. Anymore would be if he even wanted to.

"You're improving, Whitley," Winter commented.

Whitley only raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

He coughed. "Sister, we all know Klein and his duties. Is there any particular reason that you still possess Dr. Jekyll's jacket?"

"He had forgotten about it when we parted ways."

"And you're choosing to wear it instead of simply holding it?"

Winter's lips thinned. "On second thought, perhaps there is still room for improvement."

Weiss could only shrug and shake her head. Yet, she never appeared happier in this household than now. She was doing better than Winter had hoped. Being away from her team must still get to her but at least she has a distraction. She knew the truth as well and both sisters had to dance around it whenever the others are present. Winter still did not remove the jacket.

"Alright Whitley," Weiss said. "Break time is over."

Whitley sighed. "Of course, dear sister."

Winter sat to the side as she witnessed her two younger siblings continue their little lesson. Winter still had difficulties in believing that it was Whitley who first approached Weiss. Normally, he would have only done so as a vain attempt at extending a branch, a façade more like. But it had been genuine. A growing interest in music that neither sister really expected.

You've always spent time with father, Whitley. Winter listened to the notes and Weiss' quite strict teaching methods. Not like you had any choice.

Jekyll. Dr. Henry Jekyll. This all pointed back to him. Winter turned to the portrait of her grandfather, Nicholas Schnee. Now that she thought about it, that kindness did remind her of someone. Winter herself hadn't been that close but she too felt that same kindness from old Nick. She could see the two get along actually. Now that she thought about it, Jekyll's actions with the league are somewhat reminiscent of the approach that Nicholas would take back in the day, albeit less legal. It was a stretch but Jekyll was at least willing to get his hands dirty just as Nicholas would work alongside his employees.

Shaking her head, she only had herself to blame when she prodded. Still. No. Winter and Jekyll are companions. Nothing more than that. The two were fellow members of Ozpin's Secret Circle even if both she and general Ironwood are simultaneously part of Jekyll's own League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Whitley was playing better as always. He would still stop and slow down as he double-checked the notes. But in time, he would eventually learn and master the piece that Weiss was making him practice and he would soon play another and another after that.

Being with those two right now, Winter was starting to feel that some life was growing in the Manor. It started to feel warm, almost as warm as the jacket.

The doors opened and Klein came in, bringing with him a tray for tea.

"Ah," he exclaimed. His eyes were the usual brown. "I didn't realize you were here Winter. I had only prepared enough for Weiss and Whitley."

"It is fine, Klein," Winter replied.

"Nonsense! Stay here and I shall mend this mistake!"

Klein placed down the tray for the other two to take. Neither really took them yet; they were too focused on the piano. He was back soon after and Winter thanked him. The teapot was still rather hot and Winter found herself pouring a cup, complete with milk.

She sighed. Just like him with her, she had learned of his habits. He always preferred his teas with milk. Now that she thought about it, he always did have a preference for it for the most part.

Klein stuck around for a while, enjoying the music and even Weiss' lectures in-between. The two kept at it for a while longer before taking a break for the day. The three siblings sat together and enjoyed their tea. It was Klein's blend, obviously. Everyone enjoyed Klein's blend, even Jacques.

Winter managed to catch Klein's mumbling of "Dr. Jekyll, you are a blessing to this family." She promptly ignored it and pretended not to hear.

She could only sigh internally though. Really, it should have been her duty as the older sister. Jacques cared more about the company and the name of the SDC while mother had drowned herself in the bottle. Winter ran and joined the military while Weiss ran to join Beacon. Whitley remained behind and received much of their father's judgement.

The three siblings froze still when they heard Jacques Schnee just ranting outside. He was cursing and was mostly incomprehensible to them until he got closer.

"…that Mr. Hyde! Wasting his potential when I could have given him the resources to achieve greatness with those Dust alternatives!"

He stomped his way across the hallways that all three Schnee siblings froze in place on instinct. None of them wanted father's ire, Whitley especially. In a display of being better, Weiss placed a hand on Whitley's while Winter raised hers to keep both of them behind her.

Jacques never entered the room and continued on his seething path. Klein Kept his posture straight but his eyes never once left the doors.

The ramblings continued until it eventually faded and it was after his voice had muted out did they all relax. Whitley especially seemed glad. It was fortunate that Jacques Schnee didn't even care too much about the piano; he would have known that Whitley would have been here at least.

"Mr. Hyde certainly lives up to his name, doesn't he?" Klein commented. "I don't think I've ever seen even a hint of the man."

"Winter?" Weiss asked.

She shook her head. It was a lie but she needed to keep that secrecy. As far as the public knows, Jekyll was only Hyde's errand boy, running around in public doing whatever it was that Hyde demands. Some gossips had circulated about how Hyde had this strange deformity to him that made him stay behind the curtains.

Jekyll would only chuckle at that.

They're not wrong, Winter thought. There really is a bit of that there. She'd seen it.

The piano lessons ended for that day. The three of them were able to make it quite the bonding moment.

"Winter," Whitley reminded. "You might not want to let father see you wearing that jacket."

She complied in the quickest way that she could manage. Jacques may not have been present in the hallways but he could still be around and there was a chance that the two would meet up again. That man was already stressed out enough because of Mr. Hyde; he didn't need to have Dr. Jekyll into the mix as well.

"Winter!" Weiss called out. "Wait up!" She had her weapon by her side.

"Weiss," Winter replied. "I don't think you should be training today. You've already had enough."

"I could manage," she insisted. "Something light if possible."

Winter gave in immediately. "Alright, just focus on the Glyphs today."

The two sisters went to the training rooms that was reserved for them specifically. It wasn't a training room exactly but it was mostly empty and this was where they would practice their Glyphs on a smaller scale. Weiss was improving though her focus would inevitably wane the longer it went.

It was light training and Winter didn't have it in her to be as strict with Weiss as she was. She had just come from teaching someone else and she didn't want to ruin that.

"Has there been," Weiss then asked. "Any update on the general?"

"The CCT is still down," Winter explained. "Any message would have to come from Jekyll."

"You mean from Hyde?"

"It is Jekyll who will deliver the message, if any, Weiss." Right. Her sister didn't know about that either.

"Father is certainly a Mr. Seek to his Mr. Hyde." Weiss chuckled. "I wonder if Yang will like that."

"You miss them already, don't you?"

"I wish to be with them, Winter. Ruby especially. She's the only who's still going, I think."

Night came and supper was had. While that had been a rather awkward affair, Winter at least remembered to keep the jacket out of sight. They all soon departed and called it a night.

As Winter returned to her room, she stared at the piece of clothing that was on the side of her bed. She then remembered something.

She still hadn't returned that jacket.

/-/

General James Ironwood leaned back on his seat, archived documents from the Great War in hand. He had already known, through Ozpin that there was another Grail War. What he didn't know was that part of it was held near Mantle's territory.

"Unsurprising, I suppose." He looked through the document once more. It was a report that detailed strange combatants that had battled during that time.

He looked through the other document, prepared by Dr. Jekyll himself. That Companion had said it was an approximation of the schematics but that it didn't matter much since it would be adjusted for their use.

Ironwood picked up his scroll and messaged Pietro to come to his office as soon as he is able. Pietro had questions, obviously.

"Yes," Ironwood answered. "I have... something that you might want to look into, Pietro. It's for Penny's upgrades."

Pietro spoke from the other end.

"I wish I knew myself, Pietro. The title doesn't make any sense either."

Neither did Jekyll's comment about it: "I can't believe that she got here before I did this time."

Chapter Text

"Berserker!" Cinder demanded. "Another!"

Berserker followed like a loyal dog. It was good enough for that at least. There wasn't enough Grimm around for her to burn. If it wasn't for recent revelations, she wouldn't be as liberal with her burning of the Grimm. Not like these ones would listen to her call, being so far away from Salem's direct influence. They were much closer to the typical Grimm everyone else was familiar with.

This was where Berserker really came in handy. It had the skill Grimm Kin. It was ranked B, indicating a level of connection with the Grimm almost to a point of commanding them, especially potent against more social Grimm with some kind of hierarchical structure. There wasn't any anecdote or story about the Jabberwalker commanding Grimm; it was more a by-product of its reputation as a sort of prototype of the Grimm. It also comes with the added benefit of having those Grimm traits like detecting negativity. Good. Berserker knew that its Master was furious and knew that it shouldn't do anything hasty.

The next scapegoat was brought to her and the Beowolf leapt straight for her, salivating at the negative feast that was Berserker's Master. It had been its mistake, like every other Grimm brought to her.

Why? What is about that blasted celebrity that made her worthier of the Rusted Knight than Cinder? That Pyrrha Nikos had a good background, a celebrity life, treated as perfect with that title of hers, and had everything she could have wanted on a silver platter. Cinder meanwhile, had been beaten, used, and abused by terrible family figures. Her hand traced the electric scars that ringed her neck. Why was Pyrrha even a Master?

Was it because Cinder killed that dumb one? Boo-hoo, so sad and so tragic. If anything, she was doing Pyrrha a favor with how terrible that what's-his-name was doing. Terrible in theory and even worse in practice, the only conceivable reason for his being in Beacon at all was his being a helpful pawn to Ozpin or that the Infinite Man has finally gone senile after all those lifetimes. She couldn't even remember the face of that nobody. He was hardly a threat and neither one worth her attention. Did Pyrrha really lower her standards just so she could gallivant about with those beneath her? Honestly, people like her make Cinder sick.

The next Grimm whimpered as it called out to Berserker. Cinder has some emotional connection to Berserker and she could feel hints of her Servant's sadness at the sight of its kin being mercilessly slaughtered at the whim of its Master. Cinder rolled her eyes. Berserker was called a Servant and she was called Master for a reason. She gave command and she had the power. It wasn't Berserker's place to question, only to obey.

Then, she took a breath. Exhaustion caught up to her eventually and gave her a clearer mind. So, Pyrrha Nikos was the Master of Rider was she? Cinder herself was a Maiden and that gift allowed her to retain much of her improved aura reserves while also being able to feed into Berserker's continued presence. She could handle another Servant.

It was because of that additional chant that she added. She was ignorant of it at the time. But without it, surely, the Rusted Knight would have come to her. After everything she went through, the Rusted Knight should have come to her. That was it. It was that specific chant that robbed her of the Servant that was rightfully hers. But with Rider's manifestation, she could remedy this situation. Let that Nikos girl get Berserker for all she cares. Jabberwalker is more fitting for someone like Pyrrha than it does Cinder anyway.

The rustling of tree leaves interrupted her thoughts. Right. She had sent Emerald and Mercury ahead to scout out their target. The two came out once the coast is clear, not like there was anything to check for. Any threat was minuscule and Berserker was at least useful in keeping any trespassers out. Berserker made a sound that signaled safety. Cinder quickly composed herself.

"We have returned, Cinder," Emerald said.

"The Branwen Tribe is just up ahead," Mercury added. "There wasn't any sign of any Servants nor Masters."

"None?" Cinder's teeth grind. That Nikos girl was stupid of not leveraging a Servant for allies. Ozpin had two on his side, not counting his own. No matter. It was in their favor and unlike them, Cinder wasn't about to make that mistake. She'll just have to bring them to her instead.

The four them walked their way towards their destination. It will take them days before they would arrive but that had been to their advantage. Berserker's skill was still useful as they managed to gather a small pack of Grimm to serve. Even the solitary ones had begun to join in as well.

Berserker commanded as though he were an alpha and leader. None would question its rule and they all followed like loyal dogs. Berserker sat in front of her. Her eyebrow raised at the sight of the tail wagging a little. She rolled her eyes and gave an apathetic pat on Berserker's head. A loyal dog, indeed. Nothing better than a mere mutt and it wasn't even a cute puppy. Can her Servant do anything right?

"What?" Cinder felt the stares of her minions.

"Nothing ma'am," Emerald answered. It was the wrong answer.

Her eyes glowed the fires of the Fall Maiden. Behind her, Berserker made himself appear taller. The Grimm they had gathered surrounded them and growled.

"Okay!" Mercury was the first to give in. "We're just wondering if you're still insistent on getting Rider."

Cinder raised a hand, commanding them all to stop. "Now, why would you think that?"

"It's just, you already have Berserker and its already really strong. Why get Rider?"

"Because, dear Mercury, just as Berserker here is one of the highest of Remnant's Heroic Spirits, the same can be said about Rider. We are simply acquiring a new addition to our ranks."

"And what if Rider doesn't want to? Look, my father didn't exactly read me fairy tales growing up but last I checked, Rusted Knight is devoted as hell. He strikes me as someone who would stick by his Master's side because it is what a knight should be."

"Mercury, poor Mercury," Cinder cooed. "If only you had some modicum of comfort during your harsh times. The Rusted Knight is also someone who isn't keen on letting hardships or pain befall others. He is a hero you see."

While a bit childish perhaps, but this was a Holy Grail War. It is a place where myths, legends, and fairy tales all come to life. Dreams can and do come true. For someone that had gone through hardships like Cinder, who else could be more deserving of that fairy tale knight if not her? No. Salem and Caster simply robbed her of her right. Pyrrha Nikos only stole that which should have been hers.

"And what happens if he doesn't?" Mercury kept asking. Emerald was elbowing him repeatedly.

"He will follow my lead, Mercury." Cinder was certain of it.

"And if the Master doesn't let him go?"

A glass arrow shattered to pieces just inches away from Mercury's prosthetic foot. He jumped back too late. Cinder's eyes burned the flames of the Fall Maiden.

"Good," Cinder answered. "Then it is in our right to liberate the Rusted Knight from the bondage of his terrible and undeserving Master."

"And Berserker?"

"Mercury!" Emerald's voice was leaking out. "Stop!"

"Berserker still has his uses." Cinder's voice grew duller. "Having at least two Servants is better than one."

The growing number of Grimm following them was proof enough of that. Shame that it was still too few for quantity to count and the few that were there weren't even of good enough quality as well. Leonardo was slacking in his actual job. The number of Grimm were decreasing and it seems as though huntsmen numbers, while lessened, are still enough to handle with the threat. Mistral is handling the increase in negativity relatively well.

"Berserker," Cinder commanded. "Make yourself useful by bringing what elders you can find."

Her Servant barked once, signaling its understanding of her command. It barked towards the others to follow it. The Grimm here were too young. They would be like wild animals without Berserker leading them, especially those solitary types. Bringing all those Grimm with it also kept their cover; it was too suspicious to see a group of people surrounded by Grimm without having much trouble.

Trees rustled further and further as Grimm were following their alpha, never really learning that said alpha was nothing more than a puppet to be used by her.

Temporary, she thought. In time, my dear Rider. You will be my side where you're supposed to be. She still had the catalyst that she had initially used before that addition to her chant. Many a night had that book been her comfort. When the electric shocks would cease and the training would end, she would have that book as the only means of comfort.

She always pictured it in those days. The Rusted Knight coming in to save her from her torment, delivering her step-mother and step-sisters to justice. Cinder always imagined the Rusted Knight making them grovel at her feet, making them perform every whim and fancy that Cinder has as retribution. It is only right, after all. An eye for an eye and all that.

For a time, she always believed that to be a mere fairy tale. Nothing more than some escape to that harsh and cruel building that she would never call home. But when the Holy Grail War happened? And with a wish as a reward at the end? What should Cinder get? There was too many choose from! Retribution for everything she went through, power so that it never happens to her again, an actual home where she would be treated as she deserves, all of that was a matter of winning the Grail War.

In that regard, she had Salem and Ozma to deal with. The others were mortal, those two are not. Cinder had bit off a nail when Berserker couldn't assert some control over Salem herself. It was Grimm Kin and not some kind of rule over them. Perhaps it was the non-Grimm half of Salem that allowed her to resist? No. Berserker just wasn't good enough.

Not like it matters, she pondered. Even if Berserker did, Caster isn't going to sit there and let it happen.

Caster still makes her hairs stand. She made sure that neither Mercury nor Emerald ever entered that deranged lunatic's room, especially Emerald. Never had she conceived a day where she might consider Tyrian to be preferable but that was a close matchup.

Then, there was Watts and Archer. Watts had been suspiciously more gracious ever since he had Archer. For a while, Cinder enjoyed the show of seeing that pompous prick being brought down a peg by his own Servant. Yet, none of that existed now. No. Watts had a more neutral expression to him. Cinder didn't miss the slight pride behind Archer's smile. It was fitting she supposed. Watts never had a catalyst to being with. Archer must be on the same wavelength as Watts. Great. Two people who care more about wanking their intelligence. At least Archer had some poise behind him.

The sun was beginning to set and there was still some distance before they would arrive at their destination. The Branwen Tribe knew how to keep themselves hidden. Those who ever find them rarely ever do so on accident. Anyone looking for that tribe of bandits had to be looking for them deliberately.

Berserker was near. Cinder was certain of that. The tree branches and bushes were visibly disturbed. More Grimm were gathering and Berserker's little herd was increasing. Occasionally the ruffles intensified; some Grimm were daring enough to challenge Berserker. If they were, then Berserker better keep them alive; they'll need more if they were to deal with the Spring Maiden.

The only information they had on her was that she was with the Branwen Tribe. Cinder had another Grimm parasite with her, ready to take those powers for herself. Combined that with her current powers and she was certain that she could have multiple Servants at her command. No matter how much of a drain they would be, having two Maiden's powers would no doubt be enough to keep them satisfied and allow them to perform at their highest levels, something that only Salem would be able to keep up with. Had Ozpin kept all the powers he had gifted, he would have been on that list as well.

For that night, Berserker had returned and with it came another group of Grimm. There were a few older ones among them, those who have had enough experience and longevity to be stronger and wiser than most Grimm but weren't enough to that of the elders who have quite the intelligence to them to learn when to avoid conflict. These ones have mild control over their fellow and were clearly the challengers to Berserker's rule. They still succumbed to Berserker at the end of it.

Cinder nodded, granting Berserker some modicum of approval. The numbers werent much that but it was workable. Besides, there was still tomorrow and the number of days that would follow. The Grimm all stood guard with Berserker staying awake. Good. Cinder had heard that Masters could get inside their Servant's head during their sleep. She would rather not know what her Servant dreams about; she cares for none of it. With how the Ever After was in Alyx's book, she would rather have a somewhat normal dream. Berserker's point of view might be stranger even by dream standards.

With the Grimm keeping watch, Mercury and Emerald felt comfortable enough to rest as well. There was little worry in the way of fire as Cinder already lit one with ease; Berserker and the Grimm can handle the feeding of that fire. During those times, Cinder could feel Berserker's light steps as it didn't wish to disturb its Master. It was almost admirable but it was a shame that Cinder would be disturbed by the lightest of actions; all that time spent in the Glass Unicorn had made her too jumpy in her sleep. At any time, either her step-mother or step-sisters would come in with something too demanding that needed to be accomplished in so short a time. It hadn't been for any sort of duty, just an excuse to shock her and put her through pain.

Even years after escaping that hellish place, Cinder still couldn't rest as easily as she could. But with the Rusted Knight? Perhaps she could have that decent rest as well. Her eyes lazily opened and she saw the back of Berserker. Its head scanned left and right and back, always jolted and focused on the smallest unnatural disturbance. Berserker will have to do. A monster like that should at least be able to do that much. Always hated by others and doomed to be this detestable creature, Cinder almost pitied it. Almost. Berserker wasn't the Rusted Knight, that is the singular point that would always be held against it.

Her fingers traced the scars on her neck. Never again. She would never return to that place again. More than that, she'll make sure that those who put her there will experience it themselves. For Pyrrha Nikos, she'll get the worse brunt of it all for the crime of taking from Cinder what is rightfully hers. The Rusted Knight belongs to Cinder. He should be there saving and serving her. After everything that she went through, everything that she had done just to escape, she deserves that fairytale ending of hers. She will get the Rusted Knight and she will win the Grail War with the Rusted Knight.

She soon drifted off to a light sleep. Cinder had a smile to her face as she imagined it. She was still a little girl at heart after all, dreaming of her enemies groveling before her. The Rusted Knight was beside her, a handsome figure loyal only to her, subject to her every whim. She had gone through so much hardship and suffering, she deserves the service that only the greatest of Remnant's Heroic Spirits could provide. She giggled to herself as she thought of the kind of services she would have the Rusted Knight do once he is by her side, his rightful place.

/-/

When one of the alpha Grimm dared to approach its Master, Berserker was quick to instill discipline among the pack. It was quick and swift, nothing more than a slash of its claws that cause a whining yelp from the would-be offender. It wouldn't be enough to kill it, Master needed all of the numbers that it could get. Berserker meanwhile was tasked to keeping its younger siblings in check and in line. If they were to serve the Master, it would need to know their place.

At least with these creatures, there was a natural evil to them that the Jabberwalker felt certain came from the same source as itself. Unlike that thing that walks like those creatures called humans and faunus. There was a stench to her that Berserker knew came from the same source but with an unnatural scent that felt putrid to the nose. That creature's control over its brethren baited an instinctive protective nature out of Berserker. The Grimm were and it were of the same source; these creatures are like its younger siblings. That womanly thing was taking control over them as though that she herself had rule. Even Berserker found itself bowing at times, only resisting by its own nature.

Never. That woman had another scent to her that was the antithesis to Berserker. That familiar scent could also be smelled from another, a feline most inquisitive. Master had that scent too but hers was contained, kept small and with a natural progression of progeny.

But that womanly thing? That thing that seemed ageless and unbound by time? There was something about her that drove Berserker's natural instincts and purpose to destroy. But since Master doesn't wish it, Berserker will continue to silence that cry. Berserker will keep bearing that hunger. It was a Servant now. It had a different purpose now. Still, that natural-born mechanisms that shaped Berserker's entire form was inside of it. Pour it out in this Grail War then hide it away, lest its Master be judged in its name.

The glowing fire dimmed. This time, it knew that its steps weren't nimble nor light. So it used the tail and long reach to keep that fire burning. The fires cracked and cackled on as the night cold threatened them all to freeze. But Berserker will not let it get to Master nor Master's possessions.

It felt the disturbance of its Master. The alphas among the recruits felt it too. They smelt it. Berserker snarled and it was enough to keep them at bay. Berserker will have to keep them in line. It wasn't just its own hunger that it would silence. There was the matter of keeping its brothers' own contained as well. They respect strength and power here. It was a law of his brethren that Berserker learned quickly.

Back home, it would have been much different. All that was there for Berserker was to pursue those Afterans and that they would run from it. Berserker had a particular itch against a particular cat but they weren't here at the moment. There was the armored one too but he never really bothered Berserker unless they cross paths. That bastard of a cat always had a knack for showing up when Berserker was performing its duties and purpose.

Moving back towards the present, Berserker could feel the presence of its makers all around it. They were faint, distant, and diluted. A product of many years of time. Berserker knew of the endless cycle of death and rebirth. But this one was different to the cycle of ascension in the Ever After. Here, nothing living was sent to the tree. They simply die with some being fortunate enough having offspring to continue their lineage.

Berserker plucked a wild flower when it gathered more branches to feed into the fire. It would die and wilt soon and yet there were no screams. No cries of pain nor was there any path opening to the tree. Like everything else that Berserker picked up it would wither and die.

But not all things did that. Berserker still recalled its earlier battles against the Companion Saber and the True Saber. Those still structures had no life to them. They were cold and only artificially warmed by the strange mechanisms that brought a false life to them. The screeching and thunder of those metal boxes on wheels was a deafening experience that Berserker was uncertain how its Master tolerated it.

Out here, while different from the Ever After was a natural setting. Much better in Berserker's eyes. The broken white crystal watched over them and sailed slowly across the sky. The slightest disturbance was felt and concluded to be nothing threatening. It was Berserker's brethren that posed the greatest threat here. Other than those other Servants.

Berserker snarled physically at nothing but mentally at the image of the other Servants. Caster in particular because that served that abominable womanly thing. Archer had that scent to it that spoke of mischief and reminded Berserker of a much more malicious variation of that feline. Saber's life would have ended back then had there been more time.

Claw marks imprinted on the ground. Berserker still had much to grasp about its new purpose here. It was learning of the frustrations and the pains that comes along with this newfound calling. It was armed only with the tools from its old life and Berserker was still learning on how to make use of its own skills and abilities.

In time, Berserker will face them all and the others. The only threat to it was Rider. Strangely, Berserker held no ill will towards it. There was a respect there that it had, an acknowledgement of one close to being its equal. But there was no affection nor fondness. Only a mutual understanding and a common distaste for that other party. Should Master ever obtain Rider, then that would be quite the addition to the fighting force. Berserker wasn't sure what to make of it. No. It was sure that it wouldn't get along with Rider.

The Master's possession stirred in its sleep, the silver-haired one. Like all the others of Master's kind, he too had a familiar scent of the makers. But this one only had half of it. The iron feet it had must have played a part to it. There was something missing in the boy too, like something from its own soul had been taken away from it. Still, that boy made up for it a strength of will and determination that would have made him absolutely welcome in the wild. It even stood up to Master for a mere possession. He did not wake and adjusted accordingly.

The other of Master's possession was much meeker. Always subservient and willing to serve Master. Fitting for a possession, but it wouldn't last long when out here. Still, Master had use for her and Berserker would comply. The Master's will be done and not Berserker's. She kept placing herself as close to Master as much as she could, snuggling as close as Master allows. Berserker shook its head. Not even it was allowed that closeness.

Another branch fed to the fire. Neither Master nor her possessions were disturbed. Berserker was learning. It was not the most nimble nor was it the most swift but it was learning. In time, it would be able to feed the fire as many time as it wished without disturbance. That branch was to be last for this night, though. The morning critters had begun making their presence known. Slow and slight, Berserker didn't need to bother with them too much, only those that got too close to Master.

Berserker's brethren were unbothered as well. None of them bothered to approach any of these creatures. That is only reserved for those of Master's kind. Occasionally, there may be some kind of conflict, such as when a lonely rodent got to close for the Grimm's preference. It was savagely mutilated and left there to rot. Its brethren didn't need to eat to survive. None of them had any desire to feast. Their sole purpose is for the destruction of Master's kind.

Birds flying overhead were unbothered or were intelligent enough to keep away. Even the most alluring of worms in the ground weren't enough to sway them to approach. They stuck to their nests and only flew towards the outermost ring of the Grimm horde. Berserker thought of hunting a few for Master and her possessions. Master's kind were fragile and lacked claws and fangs. They had to use fancy sticks and booming rocks to gain a meal. But, they were effective at what they do. None could have combated Berserker's brethren for this long and not have some kind of advantage.

There wasn't enough in the way of food for Master to eat on. The fire was already dying but the warmth of the approaching sun was enough to keep them from freezing. The light of it reached their eyes. The possessions' eyes tightened and their heads shook, asking for more minutes of rest. Master was unlike her possessions because she didn't resist. Once the light reached her own eyes, she opened them herself and took in the coming morning.

Master took in her surroundings. The Grimm were gathered around her, but they looked to Berserker for answers.

"Berserker," Master said. "Continue as you have. Once we get to our destination, spread them out and encircle the tribe."

"Understanding," Berserker said. To its brethren, it growled and snarled, commanding them to follow it.

Once more, like the day before, Berserker and the Grimm parted with the group and searched for more Grimm. Most of them were young, nothing more than mere pups. There were signs of battle and combat recently. Master's kind were here. But there was something else here as well. The scent was similar to Berserker's kind. There were other Servants here.

Berserker growled low as its claw marks investigated the damage done by the opposing Servant. It wasn't one of Master's allies but those of opposition. Another Servant had been here. Its brethren, the older and wiser ones, had been killed by this Servant. The large horse hooves spoke of conflict here, one where Berserker's brethren did not win.

Other battles were had; these ones were from Master's kind. Remains of their metallic shells and pointy sticks were scattered here. None of its brethren could be found here.

Looking above them, Berserker called for its more airborne siblings and while a few have descended to meet them. Most had either ignored them or did not hear them. Those that did hear the call were made to call for more. Eventually, a small flock of Grimm gathered around them. Much like those on the ground, most of them were comprised of younger and inexperienced Grimm. Those who challenged Berserker were swiftly made to comply. A short struggle was all that it took. They will be of use of the Master.

Communication was had between them. They spoke in a language that Master's kind would not understand. Berserker had them scout ahead and guide Master and her possessions towards their destination. They flew and kept close enough for them all to see. Nothing was strange nor out of place with these Grimm. They were only doing their duty.

Eventually, their flight slowed and have begun to circle for a while before they returned. Berserker soon returned to Master with the pleasant news. It had expected some kind of praise from Master.

Instead, Berserker got a lashing. "You absolute buffoon!" she shouted. "Do you want us to be detected? You're lucky if not one of them decided to look up when you had those Nevermore circle around them like vultures!"

Berserker cowered and bowed its head. Master's fires hurt less compared to the words that came out of her mouth. Berserker still had much to learn. It hadn't quite grasped the law in regards to Master and her wishes.

Master stormed on ahead. Berserker would have followed but it already knew the law concerning Master's anger: keep away and maintain distance.

It was the silver-haired possession that approached Berserker. He did not speak. He only shook his head. When the green-haired possession asked a question, the boy only shrugged his shoulders.

"Hey, I feel sorry for the guy," he said.

"You?" She raised an eyebrow. "Mercury Black, cold-blooded assassin, feels sorry for a literal monster."

"Berserker's only ever been doing what Cinder wants," he defended. "And I know a thing or two about trying to get someone's approval. Something that you clearly still don't get."

"We all have a job to do, Mercury. Once we're done here, we'll—"

"Get paid? Get the attention and care that we so rightfully deserve?" The boy's tone was sarcastic and cynical. "Or tossed aside once we're done."

"Maybe you will. We came for your father, remember?"

"And you're only here because of your semblance."

The girl possession rolled her eyes and followed behind Master. The boy possession stayed close and offered some kind of camaraderie.

"Honestly," the boy continued. "Cinder still hasn't gotten out of that hellhole of hers."

The two of them continued to walk side-by-side. The boy possession only neared Master when called. Otherwise, he kept his distance as far as Berserker was allowed.

Chapter Text

Chiron's expression immediately caught the attention of everyone in the room. He was staring hard at one particular direction.

"A danger is approaching the Branwen Tribe," he said. "Cinder Fall."

At the mention of her name, Rider was the first to rise. "She's looking for Raven."

"What do we do?" asked Ruby. "Do we rush back to the bullhead?"

Rider shook his head. "We wouldn't make it in time. There is one way, but I don't think I can bring all of you there."

"Your Noble Phantasm," Lancer guessed. "Too much weight?"

"No, too much suspicion on Leo's end," Chiron answered. "He's still expecting me soon. I've already delayed this meeting long enough."

"We should split up," Ruby suggested. "Me, Lancer, Ren, and Nora can stay here with Chiron and get into headmaster Leo's good graces."

"Master," Rider addressed Pyrrha, catching her by surprise. "Your orders?" He remembered Chiron's words.

"Uh." She wasn't sure what to answer. "Then, we'll retrieve Raven?"

Rider turned to Chiron, expecting something. The Companion Servant gave a nod. "It's a start."

"The only problem left is whether I can secure Raven's anchor along with her."

"What do you mean?" Chiron asked.

"Raven's semblance allows her to travel towards people she's bonded to in an instant. She had to have had one in the tribe, probably the proxy Spring Maiden. Vernal is her name."

"You're not confident in dealing with Berserker?" Pyrrha looked worried.

"It's not Berserker that's worries me," Rider corrected. The anxiety didn't leave her face still. "So long as Vernal is around, Raven has someone she could run towards. I doubt she would go to Qrow, Taiyang, or Yang if she could go elsewhere. We need to cut her off from her escape routes."

"Isolate the prey from the rest of the herd," Chiron finished. "Not quite a fairy tale hero, are we?"

"It's the best I got." Rider shrugged. "Despite my knowledge of the future, I don't know Raven that well. I'm not sure how we could get her to our side."

"I can," Chiron said. "Her reasons are similar to Leo's own. Questionable methods but the reasons are the same. Us in the League have a use for her."

"Alright." Rider nodded. "We'll leave Raven to you. Master, let's go."

"R-right," Pyrrha replied. In time, she'll be a proper leader. First, she needs to be a Master. "Let's go, Rider."

All of them soon left their residence. Rider led them to an open-spaced area, away from the general populace. They were needed to keep as much of this as a secret though with what was to come, that secret wasn't going to stay as one for long.

"Chiron," Rider said. "Point me to their direction." When Chiron complied, Rider nodded. "Alright then, let's begin."

Removing his helmet, Rider had to bear the sudden stiffness of his living friends at the sight of his face again. He normally shouldn't do this but making that whistling call would be too difficult to perform through the gaps of his helmet.

Similar to the summoning circle that Masters would perform, a section of the ground appeared before them. Unlike the circle, it was more solid, like something was sprouting from ground below. It took a shape of a large flower ready to bloom. It kept growing in size and had a tranquil effect on those around them. It was Nora who noticed this. Rider on the other hand, noticed the flower. He was certain that it was native to Mistral, something that could be found in Kuroyuri.

"Ren," she said. "This is like your semblance."

"It's more than that, Nora," Rider replied. "It's more than that."

Rider took a deep breath. He honed in on that singular moment that would define what was to come. He remembered those words vividly. Rider could never forget it.

"Jaune Arc," Rider began. "Lie Ren, Pyrrha Nikos, Nora Valkyrie, the four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward, you will work together as…"

Much like how the large blooming flower gave an effect similar to Ren's semblance, sparks of pink electricity began to appear. The voltage continued to increase the longer it went. The flower bud grew close to bursting.

"…Juniper."

The large flower burst, electrical sparks lingered in the air for a short while. The flower was in full bloom but that wasn't what caught their attention, beautiful and tranquil as it was. It was the creature that was in the flower that did, shaking of what dew remained on its luscious white fur. With bronze antlers that shone in the light and hare's feet as golden as Rider's own blonde hair, the most trusted companion of the Rusted Knight had appeared before them. Rider checked on his Master; she shook a little but she was mostly fine, just a loss of balance. The amount of aura must have been significant.

Rider petted Juniper. Juniper rubbed against him like a cat, her fur had that calming presence that always comforted him during those days in the Ever After. He doesn't know how long he would have lasted with her.

"You can pet her if you like." Rider did not miss the curious eyes of his companions, except for the other Servants.

Juniper was initially a little shy and backed away. But with Rider's guarantee, Juniper eventually allowed them all to approach. Rubbing the fur was similar to generating static electricity as some of their hairs were beginning to stand. The overall feeling was like that of serene calmness. As an added demonstration, Juniper's antlers generated a faint ringing noise and they all felt their weapons rattle so slightly; it was Pyrrha who noticed what that was.

"Polarity," she said.

"Tranquility and High Voltage," added Rider. "She could also do my own but its only to herself."

"Your semblance?"

Rider nodded. "Aura Amplification. I could use my own to amplify others and myself."

Pyrrha's eyes widened in realization. She was mumbling to herself, probably about the amount of reserves her Jaune had in this timeline. Chiron was doing something similar though his expression was more on worry than anything else.

Rider managed to catch Chiron's mention of "magical energy" and "od" in there.

"Speaking of my semblance," continued Rider. "Master, if you will." He offered a hand. Pyrrha took it.

As a Servant bound to a Master here in Remnant, Rider could also estimate the amount of Pyrrha's aura he was using. One might make the assumption of comparing it to Mana Burst, the difference here is that Aura Amplification isn't a quick expulsion of energy but a constant stream so long as he would continuously do so.

Having accomplished his duty, Rider mounted Juniper. Her back was strong as she carried both him and Pyrrha and still enough strength to carry the others.

"I'll leave Leonardo to you two," Rider said to both Chiron and Lancer.

"Not like we could do anything without the Spring Maiden," Lancer replied.

"Well I guess I better quick then, huh. One last thing: you guys might want to cover your ears."

Juniper walked a few meters away from them first. Then, with a lightness in her step, she burst forth, leaving behind a thunderous boom that most definitely was heard by everyone. They would be fortunate if any listeners had just assumed it to be a thunder from some stray storm cloud.

Her speed was greater than the Bullhead and despite absolute blur of their surroundings, Juniper never lost her way, easily hopping across rooftops and agilely navigating the alleyways. Her feet were light as leaves that it was as though she wasn't touching the ground at all which made the ride the smoothest that anyone would ever have. When they made it past the borders of Lower Mistral, of which they got through at the same time it took for a clock's ticking hand to move once, Juniper's agility made itself known as it slipped past the condensing trees, slipping around, under and over, without so much as slowing down.

On Juniper, Rider felt unstoppable. Fitting since her abilities was akin to having his entire team with him. With team JNPR around, he was always certain that nothing could stop them. Only team RWBY had any chance of denting that faith.

Any Grimm that happened to get in their way were quickly eliminated, unable to even react to the incoming force that barreled through them. Old leaves and branches were broken off and flew along with them.

To anyone else, their vision of them would have lasted an instant, turned to a blurry mess that none could possibly make out. If voices were spoken, they would fall silent as Juniper ran faster and her momentum kept increasing. Had the ground been even and straight with no obstacles, they would have been at their destination in as close as they could manage in an instant.

Pyrrha, his Master, kept her mouth closed tight. No bugs would get to her at all. There was a layer of protection in the form of Juniper's head and neck that would prevent any unfortunate flying critter from getting to her. Even if there was, Juniper had Nora's High Voltage which made herself akin to a moving electric fly swatter.

There was no worry on Master's face. That was the effect of Ren's Tranquility. Even if it were one's first time riding any sort of mount, let alone at this speed, they would never be worried nor would they feel any sort of fear when riding. Juniper simply had that effect on others.

Juniper's antlers rung slightly. Like a compass, Juniper could locate the poles of Remnant through Pyrrha's—his Pyrrha's Polarity. None of them would ever be lost on Juniper and they could avoid any trap laid involving metal; there was none that they had encountered.

No damage nor scratch came upon Juniper's coat. It had less to do with Juniper herself but more so that she was a Noble Phantasm and was thusly possessed the energy of its rider, aura in this case. Much like huntsmen and huntresses, Juniper possessed a protective layer akin to aura which she instinctively amplifies further. There is no need to guess as to who that belonged to.

She even had great control and focus of her own aura. Her antlers were soon glowing as more of it was being concentrated there. Her head lowered as she readied herself for contact. Rider took hold of Pyrrha tight and braced for the oncoming impact.

It was only an instant. Rider's vision was quickly filled with the black blurs of the Grimm, the brown smudges of wooden fences and walls, dotted by many other things that he would assume to be the other members of the Branwen tribe. Still, Juniper kept charging forward. Pyrrha didn't see it, but Rider and Juniper did: Berserker caught them in its sights.

Both Master and Servant braced hard as Juniper quickly decelerated. The momentum that she had built suddenly stopping. Berserker's claws had gripped Juniper's antlers and dug its own feet to the ground. The sheer force behind it broke down the wooden walls of the Branwen Tribe and blew everyone away. The booming noise had been deafening and Rider internally apologized for anyone unfortunate enough to not use their aura. Many screamed as they covered their ears, if they hadn't been too hurt to cover them that is.

Berserker's feet dug into the ground and kept digging as though it was making a shallow trench. Though they were decelerating at an instant pace, Juniper's momentum kept forcing Berserker back that it couldn't do anything but hold on to the antlers. Locked in this wrestle, Rider couldn't draw his sword out of the chance that Pyrrha would fall off; they were still moving because of the momentum.

Juniper's head lowered. Berserker lost his grip on the ground. Juniper flung Berserker overhead and Berserker fell, damaged and bruised. Their momentum had been slowed to a walk. Juniper turned, her front hoof scraped the ground like she was a bull ready to charge again.

Pyrrha got off. "Keep them distracted." Juniper's Tranquility must have given her a calm enough mind for her resolve. "I'll find Qrow and we'll secure Vernal if we can't get Raven."

"She's rough around the edges." Rider nodded. "Imagine a violent-looking tomboy."

It took a moment for her to picture it. "Got it... I think?"

The two nodded and Pyrrha gave him one last concerned look before running off. Good. There was less danger for her here. Drawing his broken blade, Rider raised it and pointed it at Berserker.

"I am Rider," he declared. Fairytale Knight already having its slight effect on him. His tone changed. "Have at you, Berserker."

Underneath that mask, Rider's eyes met with Cinder's own. That face. That face that had been responsible for many deaths, not just of those close to him but of many others as well. In this time, she had been responsible for his death. Rider will not deny some modicum of temptation to just gut her there. However, Berserker proved both a loyal Servant worthy of respect and an enemy most despised. It stood between them. Still, Rider did not fail in catching that admiration found in Cinder's eyes. Part of him wanted to remove that helmet of his, reveal to her that everyone's childhood hero was not hers. He will never be hers.

The surrounding area was bereft of obstacles, courtesy of the two Servants. Berserker's Grimm had mostly been dealt with by the earlier force with the remainders being dealt with by capable fighters, both friend and foe. Pyrrha herself proved to be the greatest among them for everyone else were reeling back from the damages they suffered. There were an unfortunate few laid among them, not moving.

Both opponents circled around each other. Each round made them inch closer. It was as though everything else didn't exist. The Grimm and what survivors fought in the background. Rider and Berserker made their arena smaller. Juniper's hairs stood straight that Rider could feel some of them poking through the little gaps of the exposed layer beneath the armor. Both mount and her rider displayed a stoic focus. Rider's broken blade remained steady.

When they were close enough, Berserker was the first to attack. Its reach was greater than Rider's. But Juniper made up for it.

Juniper was swift and agile. In a contest of strength, Rider will not deny that he would lose against Berserker. Even without the mount, Rider could move about with speeds and agility that was greater than what Berserker could follow. With Juniper, Berserker's building frustration of being unable to catch him was clear.

Be it by sword swipes or by Juniper's own martial prowess, the two of them were controlling the flow of the current battle. Juniper bounced off of Berserker, delivering a powerful kick with her hind legs in an acrobatic display that Rider would be incapable of doing himself.

Rider would occasionally swipe against the Grimm that were being commanded by Berserker. At the moment, it was more accurate to say that it was Juniper against Berserker with Rider himself playing support, keeping the pestilence of Grimm away.

Berserker grabbed hold of Juniper's antlers, locking the two of them in place. A mighty swing caused both Juniper and Rider to fly across their fighting ground and landing on the Branwen Tribe members and some of the escaped prisoners. The weight of Juniper kept Rider on the ground, preventing him from getting up. Juniper thrashed and kicked as the Grimm neared them both.

Rider managed to dislodge himself from his own mount. In a mixture of both the Pankration that he had just learned and of the swordsmanship that he had, Rider fought against the Grimm with finesse and strength. Since his sword was broken he had a much lighter grip on it that made his other hand free to do whatever. Thus far, Rider had yet to deploy his shield, opting instead with the other sword form, making up for reach. The coat of arms wasn't quite close to the Arc family but was recognizable enough as that of crescent moons. There was also a large bright star at its center.

Juniper followed in his footsteps as she kicked the last of the Grimm that surrounded them. She stood behind him, watching his back.

Pyrrha managed to get to Qrow. The experienced huntsman still capable of fighting off against the combined trio of Cinder, Emerald and Mercury. Pyrrha, by contrast, was securing Vernal. Raven was nowhere to be seen. Rider never saw a portal when he and Pyrrha arrived.

She ran away, didn't she? Rider guessed. Typical of her. If she had the option to run, she would have taken it.

Berserker lunged at him. "Attacking!" it cried out.

Rider reached out his hand and gripped Juniper's fur. The two quickly got out of the way. They only had a few seconds and Rider intends to make it count.

Getting between them, Rider tossed Emerald and Mercury in separate directions. Cinder was stricken twice or thrice before she was thrown—with a bit more force behind it—towards Berserker. Berserker caught its Master and Rider did not miss the slight surprise of betrayal in her expression. Rider will take what victories he can get, pettiness included.

"Where is she?" Rider asked hastily.

"Ray's gone." Qrow shook his head. "Took her chance to book it when she saw it."

"She's in Vale, then?" The only other people she could have bonded with were here.

"You know anybody else she could be bonded to?"

Behind them, Pyrrha engaged with Vernal in fierce combat. Rider's Master had finesse and was a spectacle to watch, Vernal was wild and brutal, never hesitating to use dirty tactics to gain an advantage.

Pyrrha was better than the average competitive fighter. She too had some tricks up her sleeve. Namely, her subtle use of her semblance allowing her to control her fight. Vernal was keeping up as not every part of her had metal and she was willing to throw down with anything she had. The Branwen Tribe weren't exactly the fairest of fighters.

"Do you think you have what it takes against me?" Vernal bluffed.

"Kid, don't even try." Qrow was unconvinced. Besting them both, Qrow had experience. "We're looking for the Spring Maiden."

"And what makes you think I'm not it?" Vernal kept bluffing.

"Because you're not doing what she's doing." Pyrrha replied, her eyes pointed towards Cinder. Pyrrha and Vernal's blades locked.

On cue, Cinder Fall flew at them. Her eyes burned bright. Those fires were absent and had always been absent on Vernal.

Rider raised his sword arm. As a Servant, it didn't take much effort for him to hold back the momentum of a Maiden.

Cinder's eyes shone bright. Her grin was as wide as her face allowed it.

Her voice nearly cracked. "You're here. You're actually here!"

For a moment, Rider thought he was facing Tyrian of all people. He didn't need that image. Nobody needs that image.

"I knew you would come! A great hero always comes to those in need!"

Like a fly on his arm, Rider swatted her away. He then lost his balance as Juniper bore the weight of Berserker's claws pushing her down. He quickly held back the vice-like grip of Berserker's nearing jaws.

"Berserker enough!" Cinder commanded. Rider wasn't alone in thinking that was odd.

Obediently, Berserker backed away. It kept growling at him though.

Two groups were in a standstill. On one side was Cinder, Mercury, Emerald, Berserker, and what Grimm that still remained. On the other was Rider, Pyrrha, Qrow, Vernal and what few of the Branwen Tribe was left. Raven had left them all behind, leaving the tribe without a leader. Qrow kept his grip on Vernal tight. She wasn't leaving anytime soon either.

Rider used this chance to aid in Pyrrha's aura recovery. He had used his own for much of it but he still took an amount from his Master's reserves. Efficiency was their means of making up against Maiden magic.

Both Servants never left each other's eyesight even as Cinder strutted her way in-between them. Her hand outstretched, as if beckoning Rider to come to her.

"The ideal Rusted Knight," she said. "Called the First Huntsman. An ideal which all huntsmen and huntresses would strive towards. An ideal that is tragically unmet when faced against reality."

Pyrrha and Qrow's eyes narrowed. The latter managing to take hold of Vernal. Rider did as well but his face was hidden behind his helmet.

"Many years ago," Cinder continued. "I had always imagined that you would come to me. Liberate me from my captors, carrying me in your gentle arms."

Rider sighed but he didn't show it. Oh hell no. She's crazy about me, isn't she?

"Yet." She kept going. Cinder tried to make herself appear like a fair lady betrayed; it was a rehearsed and unnatural display of acting. "You never did." She even fluttered her eyelashes. Even Juniper felt uncomfortable.

Pyrrha's weapon transformed into its javelin form. Her target had never been more certain. Bronze metal rattled as grip tightened. Juniper scraped the ground again.

"I had always thought of it as nothing more than a fairy tale." Cinder was either ignoring it, or she never noticed the poison dripping from Pyrrha's look. "But what do I see in front of me? The man of my dreams, standing not beside me." Now she noticed Pyrrha for she matched her scornful glare with her own. "But with someone raised with a silver spoon. Even aiding in her own recovery because she couldn't be bothered to do it herself."

"I am not responsible for whatever sad story you had," Pyrrha replied. Her teeth were grinding.

"No?" Cinder asked. "You only stood by and did nothing when countless others have been stepped on, spat all over, and shocked into their sleep."

Rider kept his hold on his Master tight. It wouldn't do for her to make any hasty decisions. He was the Servant. It is he who should fall first before his Master. Jaune Arc already perished once in this timeline, if it meant protecting Pyrrha and everyone else, he would do so again. He had another reason too: he would rather do it himself. The only thing that held him back was Berserker's caution.

He could respect that. It didn't stop him from pitying Berserker still. Right in front it, Berserker's Master was making her preferences known. She didn't even appear to be that concerned about her Servant's well-being.

Juniper's feet kept scraping the ground. She too didn't like Cinder. Whether that was the air around Cinder or just part of his Pyrrha's influence, Rider wasn't sure. Perhaps it was that Juniper could tell what Rider was feeling and understood that Cinder wasn't a friend.

"So what do you say, Rider?" Cinder said. Rider lost track of what she was saying. He didn't even realize she kept talking. "Be my prince and take me away." She wasn't asking.

Pyrrha couldn't hold back and threw the javelin. It flew through the air with ferocious speed that it stopped only inches from Cinder's neck. Berserker held Miló before Juniper's antlers acted, pulling the javelin back and returned it to its owner.

Rider held as much of his own anger back. He jailed his tongue with his teeth serving as the prison bars. "I do not know what it is that had befallen you, Master of Berserker. But I am bound by oath to serve my Master to its bitter end."

Said Master's eyed turned to him in confusion. Fairytale Knight had strange side-effects.

He kept going. "Thusly, I cannot join your side. My loyalty is to my Master. Perhaps, if it had been a different time," he said. So I could end you before you even realize what's happening, he did not. At least it didn't affect his thoughts.

Cinder hid her pain well. Berserker acted in accordance to its Master's emotions and it was ready to tear Rider to shreds. Rider took out the sheathe but did not expand it to its shield form. Not yet.

"Fitting for a Rusted Knight," she said. "Always the hero. Always that perfect huntsman. Always denied from me." The fires in her hand grew intense. "Imprisoned by lofty ideals of loyalty and heroism. I'll set you free, my dearest Rider." Cinder gave a sideways glance towards Berserker. Cinder pointed towards Pyrrha. "Kill her."

Berserker was on Pyrrha in an instant. Rider was between them earlier, shield deployed. It was Rider's turn to take on Berserker's momentum; he nearly buckled at the weight. Was Berserker's strength rank A or something? Rider estimated himself to be around B.

"Get Vernal out of here!" Rider cried out. Juniper leapt from the ground just to grant him greater leverage against the still larger opponent.

Qrow didn't argue and dragged Vernal along with him. Vernal resisted and fought back but Qrow's experience and semblance always put her in unfortunate situations. Misfortune that Qrow took full advantage off. Their distance from Rider and Pyrrha wouldn't be far for long.

"Master!" Rider called. "We're falling back, now!"

Pyrrha ran after Qrow and Vernal. Mercury and Emerald tried to chase after her but Juniper kept them both in check while Rider focused on Berserker shoving him out of the way. Juniper's polarity grounded Mercury's legs and Emerald's sickles could never reach them. They were subsequently shocked as electricity was felt through the metal.

Rider may not match Berserker in raw strength but he wasn't weak by any means. Just as Juniper could reinforce herself with aura amplification, Rider could do the same on himself. As a Servant, Rider prided himself of being as efficient on his Master's reserves as he could. He could work with even a terrible Master and still fight to well. Luckily for him, Pyrrha's reserves weren't terrible at all.

He was able to push Berserker back but it was Juniper that made that distance greater. The two of them didn't leave at the same speed as when they arrived. They needed to catch Qrow, Pyrrha and Vernal. Still, Juniper was still rather swift. One of the fastest mounts of Remnant.

Rider took over in keeping Vernal in place. Her struggles were non-existent against a Servant. Qrow turned into a bird while Pyrrha held on Rider's back tight. Juniper was matching Qrow's pace due to him being slower but his avian form kept making noises that Juniper must have understood. Could Juniper understand Qrow? He sounded kind off surprised. They split off from Qrow while Juniper secured their distance from Berserker and the rest.

Vernal was screaming something but no one could hear her. Her mouth was muffled by Rider's hand.

When they had arrived at a safe destination, Qrow soon joined with them. Transforming back into his human form, he gasped for air. Juniper, by contrast, didn't even appear tired. They stopped just outside the borders of Mistral Below. It would take them a while before they would catch up with the others but it was a fairly short walk.

Rider and Pyrrha dismounted. "You did good, Juniper." He made sure to give her all the pats. Vernal wasn't much of a problem that he could handle her with one hand; she was like luggage, a vulgar and muffled luggage but luggage.

Juniper lied down on the ground. Much like how she appeared, a large flower soon covered Juniper like a blanket while she went to sleep. The flower soon descended back down and left behind a little garden of smaller flowers of the colors white, bronze, pink, and green. She really took after his team.

Even now, Juniper still left behind that tranquil presence though that was quickly losing itself on account of one very angry bandit. Vernal was trying to bite through the metal of his armor. Clanging noises can be heard as she repeatedly struck on his armored feet and shins.

Pyrrha, with her semblance, took Vernal's weapons away from her. It didn't make Vernal any less dangerous. When Qrow finally managed to catch his breath, it was only then that they relaxed. Well, Pyrrha and Rider at any rate.

Rider never did let go of Vernal but he did at least remove his hand from her mouth.

"Weaklings!" she called them. "Had you been any stronger, then you would have stayed and fought!"

"You mean like how Raven booked it out of there the first chance she got?" Rider raised an eyebrow. His helmet was an absolute blessing. That silenced her at least.

"What happened there, anyway?" Pyrrha asked Qrow.

The huntsman only shook his head. "Didn't believe that Oz would actually tell the truth. Even after calling her out as the Spring Maiden didn't really do it. Even with the Holy Grail thing, she isn't convinced that Salem could be killed. She's dead set in thinking that this war is unwinnable. Guess I'm not much of a negotiator when it comes to family."

"Does she have anyone else that she could be bonded to?" Rider asked.

"If you don't have any future spoilers that we could use then no. There's only one place that she could have gone. Which only leaves one question."

It was Rider who completed the thought. "Did she go back to her husband? Or her daughter?" Rider wasn't sure about Ozpin but even if he was, Raven wouldn't have possibly chosen him.

Pyrrha sighed relief. "Then, I guess we can count on the headmaster himself?"

Qrow share that same sentiment. "If firecracker doesn't get to her first. Tai might be more lenient I think. She might as well hear it straight from the man behind the curtain."

Vernal continued to struggle and break free.

"As for you," Qrow continued. He took Vernal out of his hands. "You and I are going to have a chat."

"And why should I listen to a traitor who ran away from the tribe?"

"Because I'm the one who stuck around when literal fairy tale monsters started attacking while the mighty Raven Branwen so courageously and tactically ran away." Qrow then turned to Pyrrha. "Give her back the weapons kid."

"Are you sure?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yeah. I could use a little bit of exercise. Wanted to know if this ol' bandit still got it."

Qrow had a mischievous smile to him. Pyrrha did eventually comply. Both he and Vernal found a different spot. It didn't take long for them to start hearing the clanging of metal and Vernal's profanity intensifying.

"Is Vernal going to be okay?" Pyrrha asked.

"She will be," Rider assured her. "She's definitely getting a better ending here than what she got in my timeline. At least in this one, she's staying alive for longer."

"Cinder?"

"Cinder."

The wind blew and the only disturbance to this peace was Qrow and Vernal's impromptu sparring session and Vernal's constant curses during it. Rider was glad that Juniper was absent here; she didn't need to hear any of that.

"I'm glad you're safe, Rider," Pyrrha said. She never looked more relieved than now.

"We have a Grail War to win, don't we?" Rider shrugged. "It would be unbecoming of the Rusted Knight if I lost first."

"I know." She nodded. "It's just we leapt into that battle headfirst."

"Yeah. Berserker is tough. But I can assure you, Master. Maiden or no, I can make up the differences in any reserves."

It stung a little that he couldn't quite surpass Berserker. But there was next time.

Eventually, Qrow and Vernal did return with the latter being more compliant and bruised. The three of them—Rider dematerialized—walked towards Mistral's city.

Rider did not miss his Master's sigh of relief. She was massaging her wrist, the wrist that connected to the hand that had the Command Spells.

/-/

Raven Branwen regretted her decision as her arms raised in surrender. A sword was pointed at her neck. She should have wondered why there was a sudden addition to her connections but desperation had called for her to take what chance she could to ensure her survival.

"Saber," Ozpin said. "That is not how we welcome our guests."

Saber smiled knowingly. "Forgive me, Master. I had thought a stray bird had entered."

"Very well, all is forgiven." Ozpin turned to Raven. "Now then, Ms. Branwen. Long time no see. What brings you to my office?"

Chapter Text

Astolfo was already there when Jeanne arrived. Jeanne had to wait since it had taken Taiyang some convincing to come along. Yang still wouldn't budge but that was more to do with the individual who had just come in to Ozpin's office than it did anything else. On Yang's end, she was slowly recovering enough to at least move in and out of the house. She still hadn't taken that prosthetic that the general of Atlas had gifted her. But when word of Raven Branwen's presence in Ozpin's office had appeared, there was a moment where Yang's fire had returned. It had lasted only for a rage-fueled moment before it quickly died down with Yang saying "whatever" and proceeded to change through the channels on the television.

Jeanne's Maiden powers had been explained away as some advanced form of semblance. It is for that reason that most weren't too surprised to see her flying about, carrying Taiyang. She had used much of it to deal with the occasional big Grimm that would come too close to Vale's cities. At times, she might have reached further out in hopes of bolstering their numbers. The rebuilding process on the civilian side may have been moving smoothly but the active huntsmen would be stretched thin once that moved outwards. Students were being pushed further into professional status just to keep the numbers going. Quality of Vale's professional huntsmen went down as a result.

It was Glynda who informed them about Raven's sudden appearance and her being subsequently subdued by Saber. Raven had tried to fight back with her own Maiden powers but that wouldn't do well against most Servants, especially against those with the advantage of being in their own territory. Raven didn't have anywhere else to go.

"Out of everyone she would go to," Taiyang sounded so disappointed yet unsurprised. "She didn't go back to her family."

Glynda couldn't offer any answers, not even that Raven might want it straight from Ozpin. "Raven's only other option is to run on her own."

"With this Grail War going? Where would she even run off to?"

Astolfo was hopping around them. While everyone else had a serious expression mixed with some disappointment with Raven, Vale's Companion Rider was unaffected by it all. Like Jeanne, Astolfo was also responsible for bolstering Vale's huntsman numbers. He was doing them remarkably well enough though that had more to do with personality traits than any actions.

Jeanne could only bury her face in her hands. Astolfo, for all of his great actions in stemming the negativity of the Grimm, was remarkably dense in regards to the feelings of the people, as far as she could see. The number of people having a sort of awakening in themselves was too high for Jeanne's number. Only Port was able to connect with him and that didn't really make things better.

Speaking of Port, he had arrived as well. "Final count," he said. "Fifty-two."

Astolfo was wowed. "Fifty-two? That's not bad for a mustached-muscle man." He pointed to himself. "I myself am sitting pretty on fifty-three."

The two shared a hearty laugh. Their hands shook. No. Rather, their hands locked and their biceps flexed. "I'll get you next time, partner!"

"Looking forward to it, comrade!"

Just like any other time, the two ended their camaraderie with a sounding headbutt. It was either a testament to Astolfo's surprising restraint or Port's apparent sturdiness that the latter never seemed damaged outside of aura reserves considering the force behind them. How many times had they done this now? At least the people of Vale are stemming the negativity with this sight. The casualness of these two made things easier in people's head. Jeanne wondered if Astolfo was that clever.

With Glynda leading the way, Taiyang, Jeanne, and Astolfo made their way towards Ozpin's office. The reconstruction of Beacon was still on-going without any signs of it finishing soon. It would be safe to say that Beacon wouldn't have students for a while in these halls. Loud noises of hammers pounding away and the strong scent of paint filled their noses. Tiles where being replaced and there was much dust that littered these hallways. Clouds of dust rose and fell quite a lot and left noticeable impressions on the soles of their shoes. None of them could be avoided unless they could fly.

Shouts were getting louder as they got closer to Ozpin's office. There was no mistaking that it was Raven's voice that they heard. Taiyang was the first to act by walking faster. Glynda readied herself to restrain Taiyang if the confrontation ever becomes terrible. A useless gesture since Jeanne had already did the restraining earlier. There was a reason that it had taken them some time to get here and Yang's own temper was only part of it.

The office was still in good shape and there were no lights peeking out of the gaps. It didn't turn physically violent yet, only verbal on Raven's end. If Ozpin had spoken during Raven's moments of silence, he didn't make his voice heard.

"…this time!" Raven continued to shout. "Everything could have gone better! And all you did was hope for some miracle from another world that would fix all of this? What would have happened had this Grail War not come? How many lives would you throw at her in the hopes that something would stick?"

The group had managed to get close enough to hear Ozpin say, "if you wish to strike me, miss Branwen, I recommend this eye. Your brother already decked the other one when he knew of the truth."

"Don't mind if I do." They felt a sudden chill coming from the door. "At least my little brother still has a head on those shoulders."

"Enough!" Glynda wasn't about to let it happen. Her semblance, telekinesis, held even a Maiden-powered Raven back. It wasn't without effort. She was visibly straining as Raven tried to push on. Raven's eyes burned brighter.

Jeanne took that initiative and physically held Raven back. As an added measure, her own eyes burned bright as well, sending a clear message. Doing that without any effort, courtesy of her Servant status, certainly helped.

"It's hell you're wa—"

"Companion Servant: Lancer," Jeanne interrupted. She knows exactly what she was getting into. "Fifth Maiden, Jeanne d'Arc."

"Fifth?" Raven looked to Ozpin for answers.

"Technically." The headmaster shrugged. "It wasn't me me exactly. Different times."

Astolfo chuckled in the background.

"So Ray," Taiyang said. "Nothing to say? You don't call. You don't send a letter. Just got back and already got called into the headmaster's office, just like old times."

Glynda placed a hand on Taiyang's shoulders. There was a slight tightness in her grip. Jeanne looked downward to his hands; they were loose and relaxed. He was fine. It was Raven that wasn't doing so well as she froze in place and wasn't even looking at her ex-husband's eyes.

"Ray." Taiyang adopted a fatherly tone. What was Raven? A child? "Look at me, Ray. Ray, Look at me."

Raven eventually turned around, albeit with clear discomfort. "Hello, Tai. How's Yang?"

"Oh she's doing fine. She was clearly emotional when she heard that you came back."

It was Jeanne's turn to snort. Emotional certainly sounds right.

"She's a bit scared about the prosthetic."

"Prosthetic?" For once, a semblance of motherly instincts had painted Raven's face.

"Oh you didn't know?" Taiyang's tone was simmering in disappointment. There was no sign of violence. "She lost an arm."

"If she were strong enough—"

"It is precisely because she is strong that this happen. Headstrong." Taiyang wasn't going to let her finish. "And it was used against her. I'd like to say that she got it from your side of the family but at least Yang stuck around to fight and didn't turn tail to run."

Jeanne turned to catch Ozpin sighing. The number of huntsmen and huntresses were still low. Astolfo's more joyous nature really was a better fit for Vale. Astolfo couldn't be that clever to have known it and acted accordingly, right?

"You already know the truth, Tai." The volume Raven's voice raised. "Yet, you still side with Ozpin? After everything that was revealed?"

"Who said that I still have a good relationship with Oz?"

"Mr. Xiao Long's right," Ozpin confirmed. "Even before this, technically and—never mind." He noticed the look that both of them were giving him.

"Besides," Taiyang continued. "This happened before we even knew what was going on. Before Yang even knew what was going on."

A minute of silence passed. Glynda had let go of Taiyang when it was clear that he wouldn't turn to violence and Jeanne let go of Raven when she wouldn't run away.

Then, Raven said, "I'm not going back, Tai. Not to you."

"I don't expect it, Ray." Taiyang sounded unsurprised. "But you can't exactly go back to your tribe now, could you?" He then turned to Ozpin. "What happened exactly?"

Ozpin never got a chance to answer. Raven wasn't about to let him answer. "An enemy Servant came in and brought the Grimm with them."

"Berserker," Saber answered. "Qrow must have been the one who sought you out? How unfortunate."

"They're alright," Raven said. She noticed the worry on Taiyang's face. "Qrow was the only one there when it happened. I cannot say the same for the rest of the tribe." She covered her face. "Everything we've accomplished, everything we've done, all of it, gone in an instant. First is Salem's immortality and now these Servants. They're too powerful, Ozpin. How do you expect to combat them?"

"There are three of them in this very room, miss Branwen," Glynda answered.

Raven counted Saber and Jeanne. The only one left is the only happy person in the room.

"Hullo." Astolfo waved. "Two went to Mistral. Just want to add."

"Counting Berserker," Ozpin continued. "And whoever is Mistral's Companion, that is five Servants at least."

"And you think of putting me in the middle of it?" Raven scoffed at a thought.

"We are not interested in your combat ability, miss Branwen," Ozpin answered. "We are interested in the Relic of Knowledge, and only you can get us access to it."

"That's it? Just open the Vault and you'll let me go free?"

Ozpin turned dark. "Just the Vault. We will ask nothing more. If you even wish to join Salem's side after this, I will not stop you either."

Everyone turned to Ozpin at the declaration. Even Saber showed surprise at the cold dismissal of Raven's value.

"So just the Vault?" Raven asked again. "Wouldn't even make me join in the fight?"

Ozpin shook his head. "If you are so insistent on self-preservation, then who am I to stop you? You are correct, Raven. My hands are drowning in red for all the lifetimes I spent trying to find something to Salem's immortality. Most of them aren't even those friends that you all are filling in for; most of them are innocent men whose lives I've robbed just because they are too similar to myself."

He stood up before he continued. "Now, two other Masters are my own students and I would have to face them as an opponent. They have their own desires, I'm sure. If not by our enemies' hands, then I will be the one responsible for denying their wish for my own. The only solace I can give you is that their hearts will be broken at the loss of what could be their close friends but they will live out their lives."

Eyes stared out of the window. If they had been at the higher levels, Ozpin would be looking down at the people of Vale. As it was, he would be looking at them in the eyes.

"Salem's immortality will end with this Grail War." Ozpin finished. He stared deathly into Raven's own eyes. The fires of the Spring Maiden died down as she took a seat. He waited for a minute. They all did. Then, Ozpin spoke again. "You could use any of the classrooms if you wish to think."

Raven's voice was meek. Gone was the façade of strength and power that she usually had. "Alright, I will."

Glynda and Saber stayed in the room while the others departed. They both went two rooms next to Ozpin's office. The classroom was still quite dirty and empty of chairs. Only the desks remained.

Taiyang and Astolfo had kept their distance while Jeanne stayed close. The two Maidens weren't too close but Jeanne couldn't let Raven go that easily. The Spring Maiden had much to think about.

When Raven finally spoke, she didn't have that air of strength or power. The fires of the Spring Maiden were absent from her eyes.

"I had to become a monster, you know?" Raven said. No one was certain who it was she was talking to. "Salem can't be killed. Her immortality was a terrible thing when we realized it."

"We?" Taiyang asked.

Raven bit her lip. Then, she said, "Summer told me to run. Leader's orders. And no, Ozpin didn't know any of this."

Taiyang broke the desk he was sitting on, jolting both Astolfo and Jeanne. Only Raven didn't appear fazed and was in fact, expecting it in some way. Jeanne hadn't been worried about Taiyang's anger earlier but that isn't the case now. Not even she knew what had happened in her timeline.

"We both tried our best," Raven continued. "It wasn't enough. Not even to hold her back. The thing that I had to do after what they did to her, Tai, it's—it's terrible."

"What did they do?" Taiyang asked.

"Summer was made into a thing like Salem. They called it a Hound. A Grimm that had the silver-eyed warriors as their core, kept in existence—kept alive—by aura."

"Nobody else knows this?" Jeanne asked.

"They've hunted down every silver-eyed warrior just for this," Raven.

"Ruby." Taiyang's eyes widened. "They're going after Ruby!"

Astolfo held Taiyang back. "Wait! Wait! Wait! They've got a Servant with them! Two. They seem strong. One of them is the Rusted Knight!"

"Does it matter? That's my daughter they're going after!" Taiyang showed a surprising amount of strength in being able to move a few inches despite Astolfo pulling strength. Granted, Astolfo clearly was restraining himself. Then, he stopped. "Does it work on Servants?"

"Servants?" Jeanne asked. "A Silver-eyed Servant?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Raven's fires returned to her eyes. "There's a silver-eyed Servant? Don't tell me…"

"It isn't." Taiyang shook his head. "And now I'm wondering if Summer could ever come back like that."

"She might," Saber said, suddenly appearing in front of them. "Silver-eyed warriors are a collective of people, each of them would manifest with an appropriate face. Summer is potentially one of them. And before you ask, would any of you rather risk losing Summer Rose again?"

Saber paced back and forth, face pondering deeply.

"Salem's spellbook," he said. "So this had been her plan all those years ago?"

"What plan?" Raven asked. "More secrets?" Frustration started to bubble.

"Not on my nor my Master's part," Saber answered. "We didn't know any of it either. Much like this Hound, Salem sought to feed her spellbook with aura—souls. A terrible thing would have come out of it all. But with this Grail War…"

"Oh great, that's fine," Raven said sarcastically. She figured something out. "Immortality problem solved. Now we just need to deal with a terror even greater alongside it. Maybe put throw these Servants into the mix as well. That's just fine! Absolutely fine!"

Raven noticed that none of the Servants in the room are terrified.

"Do you people not realize what this could mean?"

It was Astolfo who answered saying, "we're Servants, Raven. Being our Master's sword and shield is what we do." He gave her a toothy grin, unbothered at the prospect of being turned into a Grimm's core.

"You're not even the slightest bit terrified? Have your lost your mind?"

"I mean, that sounds yucky. But we aren't going down without a fight of our own!"

For a moment, Jeanne felt a little inspired by Astolfo's words.

"That is what it means to be a man!"

And it's gone. Port and Astolfo are friends. Jeanne had to remind herself of that.

"Oh my god, there's two Ports." Raven said. It went that far back? Huh, who knew?

"We Heroic Spirits have already lived our lives," Astolfo continued. "From the seas to the skies, we kept going on and on. If the living wants us to give them a little push, who are we to deny them?"

Astolfo's talk turned to rambling. Most had already begun to tune him out except for Saber who listened intently. Taiyang tried to keep up but he too lost track, mumbling something about Port again.

Raven, by contrast, looked away. Her eyes were on the windows that led outside. There was nothing there except for the sunlight still entering the room. Leaves occasionally flew past those windows, along with a few birds. She was shaking her head.

"I need time," she finally said.

"You might want to take a different place," Taiyang said. "Not sure if Yang would want to see you right now."

"There is a tree there? I'll take a nest."

Taiyang sighed. "Do what you want. If that is all, I think I have to check on Yang and assure her that you won't be coming back."

By contrast, Raven continued to stare out of the window in silence. The only noise was Astolfo's continued ramblings. Jeanne didn't know where the conversation went and she has no plans of keeping track of it. Raven got closer to the windows, her palm glowed the light of the Spring Maiden.

She then opened the window. Turning into a bird, she flew into the direction of Patch. There was nowhere else she could go here on account of being a criminal bandit.

Jeanne turned around and managed to catch a saluting Astolfo. "Yes, sir!" He soon left as well.

"A mission?" Jeanne asked.

"To the west side of Vale," Saber confirmed. "I'm beginning to think that each Companion had been assigned a location for a reason. Here in Vale, Astolfo just brings a joyous and happy occasion that puts everyone at ease."

"Astolfo has always been a free spirit," Jeanne said. She herself could not deal with it.

"Have you ever wondered what was yours?"

"All I know is that I had something to do in Vacuo. It is probably why I manifested there, in that crater."

"The Vacuoan crater?"

"Is it important?"

"Only that it occurred during the Great War. There were rumors and legends about that place, probably the Grail War of that time."

Jeanne shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't know if there was. But I did what I could there before I came here to Vale. I made my choice."

"And the people of Vale will always be thankful for your service, Jeanne d'Arc. I only wish that Gilles was here and see you both fight alongside one another like those stories he always told me."

"Gilles really did good here, didn't he?"

"Better than I ever did in any lifetime."

"Don't sell yourself short, Saber. You're already doing what you could for Vale."

"I am still sending children to fight my own battles, Jeanne. It is the choice I have been making."

Jeanne stepped out of the room. Before she did, she patted Saber on the back. "You'll do fine. I've once fought for a king in the name of the Lord. I'm doing the same here and I'm having a better turnout than I did that time."

She had to return to the Xiao-Long household. Outside, Beacon's halls were still filled with the workers rebuilding and repairing the school. Some had taken this time to take a break with the others doing lighter work as the day reached the later hours.

Vale's rebuilding was slowed here in the inner cities. The momentum increased further out as the cities infrastructure was returning. People have slowly regained their jobs as the city itself was healing.

Still, there were those who had turned to crime in desperation. Oddly, those didn't turn to violence. Smuggling of information and substances was had but there was an order to them. A market that kept itself in check and even enforced its own laws as the threat of imbalance would cause Vale to return to chaos. Jeanne herself never learned of the reason but talks were had about some organization that was taking over the entire underworld. It was new and only took a root deep enough in Vale during the attack of Beacon.

Taking the quickest way back to patch, Jeanne's eyes burned the fires of the Holy Maiden as she flew across Vale's airspace. Airships were still absent and in strict control for any possible weapons that may be smuggled in and out of the kingdom. Constructions continued as she neared the docks and flew over the body of water separated Patch from the mainland.

Landing on the shores, Jeanne turned around to take one more sight of Vale's city. Purpose. Each Companion Servant had a purpose behind their location. Astolfo's free spirited nature aided against the negativity of the Grimm. Jeanne looked to her flag, flowing in the breeze, in rhythm with the waves.

Purpose, Jeanne thought. She shook her head. Vacuo was fine. She had stayed for a while before she had left. The negativity of the Grimm was probably why each Companion had manifested where they were. Admittedly, she was a little hurt at being chosen for Vacuo when it was Vale that she was most connected to. But it wasn't Vale specifically that connected her there. I wonder how they are doing right now?

Team JNPR was in Mistral at the moment. Just like they had in her time. By now, they should have arrived at Haven Academy and confronted Leo.

Berserker, she thought again. No. Jau—Rider will do fine. He is a Heroic Spirit himself now. Part of her wished she could be there with them right now. Fight alongside them as a Servant herself. But Vale was also their home. This was the home that they would return to. She just had to make sure that Vale was thriving to welcome them back. Once that was done, she'll run towards them.

The serene and calm atmosphere of Patch's woodland was interrupted by the progressively tense noise coming from the direction of the Xiao-Long-Rose household. It wasn't the kind of shouting match that one would receive at the sudden arrival of an unwanted family member; it was something else.

Jeanne's walk hastened to a jog, then hurried into a run. Raven herself could be heard shouting while Taiyang was in agreement with her. Gunshots were heard and Jeanne lengthened her strides, practically leaping across the ground like a pebble skipping across water.

Her banner sparked as she was caught off-guard by a shot. She had been made to stop just outside the house. She found Taiyang and Raven together but kept their distance from the home. Raven's eyes burned bright while Taiyang wanted nothing more than to rush in.

When she turned to see what was going on, Jeanne found Yang had been taken hostage by a multi-colored-hair individual. She was petite and her eyes had different colors as well. She wore a bowler hat on her head. Her umbrella was clearly her weapon as she kept the point directly close to Yang. Yang didn't resist though she certainly had tried.

Behind the silent girl was an older, mustached man. He was thin and didn't appear menacing. He was lanky and had many rings on his fingers. On one hand was a gun and on the other was a scroll. Jeanne's eyes widened when she noticed that at the back of the man's hand were three red marks. Command Spells, indicating his status as a Master.

Jeanne tried to rush in herself. Being a Servant meant that she could handle many threats coming her way. However, another shot came for her that kept her in place. They weren't ordinary shots and Jeanne couldn't see where they were being fired from. The mustached man was smiling. Archer. It had to be an Archer.

"So you must be Vacuo's Companion," said the man. "Dr. Arthur Watts and in case you haven't met my current accomplice, miss Neopolitan." The mute girl gave her a nod. "Don't be surprised. I may not exactly be a consultant detective but I do have skills in other areas, miss d'Arc."

"You know me already?"

"Simple matter really. Both you and Astolfo are registered names in Vale's records of huntresses. My Servant, Archer, only had to tell me that you two are Servants. From there, it is a matter of finding when your names have been registered and figuring out which one is a Companion for whom." He tutted. "Running away from your purpose in Vacuo, are we? Well no matter. It serves my, and the League's purpose well enough. Certainly beats the need to travel again. I could focus more on our expanding business here."

Watts raised his gun and had the barrel kiss the back of Yang's head. Taiyang took a step and another warning shot kept him in place. Even Raven couldn't act.

"Believe me," Watts said. "While you could kill me right now and it is indeed a simple matter. I'm quite certain that none of you would be fast enough to save goldilocks over here. Even Servants like yourself wouldn't be able to get to her in time."

"What do you want?" Jeanne demanded.

"Simple," Watts answered. "The League has use for Beacon's Headmaster. That had been the initial plan anyway. But right now, I see that other tasks are here as well." His gun then pointed towards Raven. "A Maiden, huh?" The gun then went towards Jeanne. "And one as a Servant as well. That is certainly fascinating to know."

"So what?" Raven made her demands. She drew her blade. This time, she showed no signs of running away. "You want to bring a Maiden to serve Salem?"

"Salem?" Watts feigned offense. "Good heavens, no! Salem is a Master in a Grail War that could end her immortality problem once and for all. I'm a Master myself, don't you see? I have my own wish for the Grail. Of course, I'm keeping that a secret for now. No. My reasons for being here and for both of your services are more to do with the League."

"The criminals of Vale," Taiyang guessed. "You're behind all this?"

"Not alone, I assure you." Watts' humility was filled with arrogant bragging. "I'm just the tech behind them." He coughed. "Certainly dry for the throat around here, how about we go inside for some tea? If not, well, water is fine as well. I can't stand coffee."

"Let Yang go first," Raven demanded.

"But of course, what kind of gentleman would I be if I don't accommodate? Miss Neopolitan, if you please?"

Neo gave him a look of disapproval but she complied. Yang didn't miss her chance to elbow the shorter woman as she made distance. Yang ran straight for Tai. Another shot was fired just in front of Jeanne. A warning that it wasn't an opportunity to attack.

Jeanne didn't really care. She was a Servant and a Maiden on top of it. Her eyes burned bright as she rushed at them like a bullet of her own. The spearhead of her banner pointed directly at them. Both Watts and Neo didn't even look to her direction. Neither of them would have the time to react. More shots were fired and Jeanne swung at them and kept her spearhead steady after every swing.

After her attempted thrust, Jeanne was surprised that Watts and Neo only shattered like glass.

"What?" Jeanne asked. "How?"

"I hope you don't mind," Watts' voice was heard behind them. "But we helped ourselves to some tea of yours ahead of time. You people have no taste in the finer leaves if this is all you have to show for yourself."

Both he and Neo took a sip. Neo, in particular, had a smug expression on her face that just screamed "what? Is there a problem?" They had control of the situation since the beginning. But it took quite the toll on Neo for Jeanne could the slight labor in her breathing. Neo had pushed her semblance to the limits just to get past a Servant? Jeanne could give her that respect. Neo turned to Watts and performed some actions with her hand; it was sign language.

"Considering that you have come to us by recommendation, miss Neopolitan," Watts answered Neo's mute query. "It wouldn't do if we could not meet expectations. It must have been quite the journey for you to smuggle yourself to Mistral and back."

Neo continued her sign language. Her breathing was returning to normal. Jeanne missed her chance to go at them again. There was no way that semblance of hers could keep up against Servants.

"Be that as it may, we still have our own duties to perform here," Watts answered. He then turned towards them. "Now then for my request, miss d'Arc. I am willing to forgive the unprovoked attack if you would be so kind as to bring the headmaster, along with Saber, his majesty."

"You wish to engage with Saber?" Jeanne asked.

"That would be the obvious answer now wouldn't it? But no. Saber has many lives and Archer himself is uncertain how many shots it would take to get through all of them."

"It would be a fair fight, then." Jeanne may not be a Ruler-class Servant here but she could oversee this one if she wanted to.

"Not quite. I have a deal I wish to make with the headmaster. We both have a common enemy in Salem with this Grail War."

"And you and Salem have a common enemy in Ozpin."

"Indeed." Watts didn't even deny it. "We would all backstab each other sooner or later. I'm just making sure that it would be later. I think it benefits us both, don't you think? Besides, I have, in good faith, information about this Grail War that I'm sure Ozpin would want to know."

"That being?"

"Assassin. Assassin and their Master. Yet another common enemy."

/-/

"Miss d'Arc?" Ozpin would freely admit that seeing Jeanne's sudden return to his office had caught him off-guard. There was worry and panic that painted her face. Saber prepared the sword. "What is wrong?"

"Archer," Jeanne answered. "Archer and his Master, Watts, are keeping them hostage. They have use for Raven, headmaster. Watts is working for and against Salem."

Ozpin pulled out a scroll. "Glynda," he said once Glynda picked up. "I have a sudden appointment I need meet. I leave the rest of Beacon in your hands." He put down the scroll. "Saber."

Master and Servant were off. Not this time. Ozpin will not let Salem's ilk get to his students.

Chapter Text

Dust. One of the most valuable resources that runs everything in Remnant. Electricity, vehicles, aircraft, and even in the field of medicine. There is nothing on Remnant that is in some way independent from the influence of Dust. Used in crystallized and powder forms, Dust comes with many properties depending on purpose and colored use. Even clothing had some lines of Dust on them though those were in small amounts.

Yet, there was one limitation that Dust has. For all of its usefulness and purpose, there is one area that Dust could never act in. There were many theories about it. The problem was, despite its prominent use, nobody truly understood what Dust was for. There were far too many variations and uses that one could not pinpoint the core element of Dust that exist in all of them. It had only come to light during this Grail War in Watts' mind.

Gun shots were heard and metal clanged like drums, interrupting Watts' thoughts. The noises would occasionally get louder and softer as the sounds of bullets flying went to a different target.

"Saber!" a male voice cried out. There was no mistaking that it was Taiyang's voice.

"It's alright, Tai" that must be the Saber that replied. His voice was morphing into something else. The Infinite Man. "It will take more than a lone bullet to take me out."

Watts received a message from Archer. It read: "five."

"Five more." He sighed. They couldn't waste it all here. He may have desire for the Grail just as anyone would, but he had another duty before that. It wasn't some kind of heroism that motivated him but personal selfishness. One particular participant of this Grail War needed to go and if it had to come to it, Watts was willing to throw it away. Archer and he found Neo for that reason.

Speaking of Neo, she raided the family fridge and was livid at the lack of cold sweets. The only sugar-filled treat she found was the cookie jar. Convincing her to come along was as simple as promising Cinder's head. Watts would come for her eventually as well. Such is the nature of the Grail War.

Archer and her had gotten along well enough. Knowing how to read most people, Archer knew how to handle Neo best, even taught her some sign language which allowed her to better communicate with Watts. Of course, that sign language is not available here in Remnant, giving them the edge of coded communication.

The doors slammed open and Saber was still in the process of regeneration as his new face came to light. Dark skin and dark hair this time. Behind Saber was Jeanne d'Arc and Ozpin. Further behind them was Taiyang Xiao-Long, his ex-wife, and his daughter.

She took after her mother, Watts noted. The young Yang Xiao-Long still hadn't used the prosthetic made specifically for by the fat bastard and gift wrapped by the general. No. Can't think that way anymore. There is a bigger fish to catch.

"Welcome!" Watts tapped his breast pocket as his arms outstretched. All he had to do now is get them to talk as close to him as possible. He turned to Neo who nodded back. Good. They didn't see it. She'll have to be rewarded with her favorite ice cream later, pushing herself so hard to deceive even Servants. Already, Watts was a better user than Cinder ever was. "I hope you don't mind, but we helped ourselves to some—"

"What are Salem's plans for Vale, Watts?" Ozpin demanded. He stepped forward.

"Salem?" Watts feigned gasping. "Now, I'm just offended. Does everything have to concern itself with either her or you? I'm a Master too, you know. Maybe I'm here of my own accord, my own wish."

Headmaster Ozpin took a deep breath. "Alright." There was great effort in his restraint. "What are your plans for Vale?"

"Honestly," Watts said. "I'm just looking for a nice place to stay. Vale being under repairs and all that makes finding a nice apartment quite the hassle. I was wondering if you could recommend me one."

"There is one," Raven answered. "In the gutter."

"Now that is just uncalled for, miss Branwen. Here I am, being polite, and here you are being so rude and quite barbaric I might say. Definitely unbecoming of a lady."

Watts turned to Ozpin once more. It wasn't exactly how he had envisioned it would go but that is good enough. He'll let things play out for a little longer.

"You know how crime has been going up lately in Vale. Would be quite the embarrassment if I died by some criminal, don't you think? Anything secure will do. Comfort is of little consequence to me."

"Stay close to Beacon Academy," Ozpin replied. "Only fools would think of enacting their crimes even close there." They would also keep a close eye on him as well, no doubt.

"Excellent!" Watts praised. "Tell you what, one fellow Master to another, I can assure you that Salem has the Caster-class Servant." He feigned the sigh of one about to deliver a sad message. "Though he looks like someone you know; he is most certainly not sir Gilles de Rais. His name is Bluebeard."

"Gilles?" Jeanne asked. She was the most shocked of them all. "Someone who looks like—Bluebeard." Perfect, keep talking. "Why tell us this?"

"We're fellow Masters," Watts explained. "We all have something we wish for the Grail. I'm just doing what I can to obtain mine."

"By throwing us at her," Saber said.

"Not like your Master is any different, Saber," Watts countered. "Sending students on the impossible mission while you get to stay here, not at all in any danger. Speaking of strategies, that was a terrible risk you've made with Berserker."

Ozpin turned to Saber.

"Vorpal Bandersnatch," Saber answered. "Berserker's Noble Phantasm."

"A simple and crude Noble Phantasm," Watts continued for them. "As the ultimate end, Berserker could simply ignore any and all forms of regeneration, resurrection, and/or battle continuation, a perfect counter to your Infinite Man."

"Berserker would have used it if it wasn't for Glynda and the others arriving when they did," Saber completed.

"There, see!" Watts gestured his warms out. "I can be helpful." He then turned to Ozpin again. "Not only am I giving you aid that I'm defying Salem in my own way, you've even recruited two other Servants at your side here. Vale's is of no surprise and I am certain that this one here is Vacuo."

"My reasons for being here are my own," Jeanne defended.

"Oh, I'm sure you do." Watts rolled his eyes. "Every Servant has their own desires just as anybody else would."

He leaned closer to the table he was sitting by.

"It is just that, after receiving some advice from some associates of mine, I can't help but notice that you are lacking of particular weapon in your position."

"This banner is more than enough for me."

Watts smiled and checked his scroll. There was nothing there yet.

"Against most others, perhaps. Not so much against people like Salem."

"The Grail can grant the wish of the winner," Ozpin said.

"Yes. But that isn't exactly guaranteed is it? You have to win the Grail War first. It isn't exactly advisable to be so confident in one's abilities."

"And what exactly," Raven interjected. "Does Vacuo have that is so vital to this Grail War?"

"That is a secret only for me, I'm afraid." Watts took this opportunity to communicate with Neo. She nodded and took some things out of the bag.

Raven called him out. She drew her blade. "Spill it."

Neo gave him the items. They were a bunch of cups filled with dice. "How about you win it from me, instead?"

"We could end you right now, Watts," Saber warned. "There is no need for us to play your game."

"There really isn't," Watts admitted. "Two against one? Plus, you have a Maiden with you. But there is one thing you have to consider."

"That being?"

A bullet landed just in front of Yang's foot. The glass window that the bullet had come from shattered. The floor tile was completely ruined.

"Are you fast enough to notice the bullet coming for them?" He then turned to address Jeanne. "The rest of you have already seen what miss Neopolitan could do and even I doubt you could use your Noble Phantasm in so quick a time. Even if you did, it isn't exactly going to help against Archer, same for aura now that I think about it. Even if you kill me, well... you know how Archers are with their Independent Action. How long will that take I wonder?"

Ozpin's cane slammed on the table with great force that it cracked and some splinters flew in the air.

"The fate of Remnant's future is at stake, Watts," answered Ozpin. "Name it already and leave."

Watts complied and distributed the cups. There were five of them, each one having five dice.

"Are those the terms should I lose? Alright, I'm okay with that. From you Ozpin, all I wish is for you to stay here and allow me to operate however I please. If it helps, I already have a foothold here in Vale and wish only to see what is happening, make sure they don't go too far."

Ozpin's eyes narrowed then widened. "The criminal underworld. You and Archer?"

He didn't deny any of it. "Black market is still a market. Vale certainly needs all the help it can get to get its economy back. Archer and I are only doing our part at keeping some modicum of order here."

Both Watts and Ozpin put their dice in their cups. Slamming them down on the table, there was a sudden third cup that was involved. It was Raven who swiped one of her own.

"My turn," Raven demanded. "I don't want any involvement with you or Salem." She then turned to Ozpin. "And you don't get to bring me to the front line."

"Fine." Ozpin didn't even look in Raven's direction. "My terms for you still stand. Nothing more than that."

"I'm afraid I can't extend the same courtesy," Watts replied. "The League has further use for you, miss Branwen. No Salem, I can assure you of that."

Surprising everyone else, there was a fourth cup that came after. The hand the cup belonged to was Jeanne d'Arc.

"I have no terms for Ozpin," Jeanne said. "I'm sharing Ozpin's wager against Raven. Against you, I want answers." She turned to them both. Raven nodded, accepting it. Then, she returned to Watts. "No secrets. Your goal for this Grail War."

"Now that's just unfair," Watts said. "But fine. My wager against Raven extends to you, miss d'Arc."

With the extra dice, each one rolled for their turn, the highest had the first turn. Each player had five dice each. Neo had taken the final cup and extra dice away. Of course, they waited for a while longer in case anyone else wanted to join in. Since there were none, with one final look, they began their game of Liar's Dice.

The order of turns was as follows: Raven followed by Jeanne, followed by Watts, followed by Ozpin. Everyone checked their own dice. For Watts, he had two twos, two sixes, and one four.

"Two twos," Raven began. Already, she eliminated the ones.

"So low?" Watts asked.

"The world of Remnant is at stake, Watts," Ozpin defended. "We shouldn't even throw away our time in this gamble."

"Now where's the fun in that?"

"Two threes," Jeanne interrupted. "Let's just play the game."

"Three threes." Watts yawned. The beginning is rarely ever exciting. He might as well raise the number. They most certainly would take a long time to get there. They would probably get through all the maximum number before even considering of upping the bid.

"Four threes," Ozpin said. That was interesting. The headmaster didn't even bother to double-check his dice. Watts knows his dice which left Raven and Jeanne.

Not like any of that mattered. Watts could really only call out Jeanne here as she took the turn before his own. Like it or not, it was three against one here with Watts.

"So confident, are we, Ozpin?" Watts asked. "You only looked through your cup once."

"Continue, miss Branwen." Ozpin ignored Watts. The headmaster adopted that old teacher's tone. Watts remembered those teachers; they were usually the students' least favorite. Even he wasn't exempted on that front.

"Come now." Watts feigned hurt. "Here I am making honest conversation in an otherwise dishonest game, but that is simply the rules of the game. If anything, this would be preferable than a death match, isn't it?"

"Two fours," Raven managed to spurt out. Her eyes darted towards Jeanne. She stared hard. Shame then, Jeanne didn't notice for her eyes were far too focused on Watts.

Watts checked his again. The one four is certainly accounted for but distributed between the four of them? That was still fairly low. But that wasn't Watts' concern. His concern was the fact that Raven's pupils turned to the next player.

Everyone else's eyes were on the current player but Jeanne almost hyper-focused on his.

Jeanne checked her own again. She licked her lips. First drops of sweat formed. They moved but there was no sound that was heard nor was there any chance for him to figure out based on the movement. She couldn't keep a straight face. Such is the case of inexperience.

"Have you ever wondered about a peculiarity of Dust?" Watts asked. He might as well give her some time to think. "They are used quite heavily in our society and yet we know so little about them."

"What's it to you?" Raven asked. "You use Dust just as much as anyone else."

"Of course I do," Watts replied. Finally, some conversation. "I just find it rather odd that when it comes to a particular… phenomenon, Dust seems to fail. Almost as if there is some inherent quality in every piece of Dust that keeps us bounded to this world."

"You are referring to Dust failing when interacting with the atmosphere outside of Remnant," Ozpin said. Even better! "I have to agree with Raven. What is it to you?"

"Three fours," she managed to put out. The voice was rather weak. It was too soft to be heard from where he was sitting.

Watts clicked his tongue. For a moment, Jeanne appeared excited but buried it back down. Ozpin and Raven did not express anything at all. Their own eyes only narrowed. Clever, these two.

Still, Watts continued. "I'm assuming that everyone in this household knows of the truth?" His eyes drifted towards the young Xiao-Long. She was staring at him with annoyance. Watts will admit pity for the poor girl when she tried to scratch an itch on a limb that was no longer there. "I wouldn't want to reveal when it isn't my place."

Ozpin sighed. "Yes," he said. "Everyone here knows of it. My and Salem's immortality. The question I asked Jinn, and the existence of the Brothers."

"Ah excellent," Watts replied. "But first, what was the last bid again? Four fours?"

"Three fours," Jeanne corrected.

"Right, of course. Many thanks, miss d'Arc." Now for something interesting. "Two sixes."

Every player's hairs, except for Watts, stood stiff. Oh? Now isn't that interesting? Watts knew he didn't have a five. Was that their plan? Perhaps not. However, that momentary chill that swept over them all was too telling. Watts kept his face as neutral as he could but that was asking for a lot.

"Three sixes," Ozpin said. His eyes turned to Raven. They both caught each other looking.

The non-players, barring Neo, were beginning to sweat a little as well. They could tell something was going on with the players on the table. Saber in particular was biting his lip as he threw daggers in Watts' direction with his eyes. Taiyang was already moving to protect his daughter.

Neo only yawned and pulled out her scroll. The two shared a look and Neo shook her head. Watts supposed he could keep it going.

"Well," Watts began conversation again. "Since we all know the truth of the matter here, you ever wondered that there just might be some kind of connection between Dust and the fact that these fairytales of ours actually exist?"

"You believe that the Brother gods have something to do with Dust?" Raven guessed. "What kind of conspiracy theories have you been reading?"

"Conspiracy theory implies a ludicrous statement, miss Branwen," Watts corrected. Him? Conspiracies? That's laughable. "Were it any other time, perhaps you might have had a point. But we already know that the Brother's exist and that magic does to. I would have said that once you eliminate the impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Despite their distance from each other, Watts was certain that Archer was laughing like a madman. Even Neo seemed to be chuckling. Jeanne and Saber visibly cringed. Ah, the Holy Grail. It was a shame that such knowledge couldn't be imparted on the Masters who wouldn't know any better. Watts would pay good lien just to see their faces.

"I don't just believe, miss Branwen," Watts continued. "I know that the Brothers have something to do with it. They are responsible for everything on Remnant. Well, most everything." The Grail War certainly isn't something that these Brother gods would approve of. "I'm still eliminating the impossible part but I'm rather curious if any of you have any input. You especially, Ozpin, given your experiences."

"You would not find it from me," Ozpin replied. "And even if I had any, I would never share it with someone knowing that they're still aligned with her."

"Only those aligned?" Raven added. Watts made sure that no one else looked his way before squeezing a smirk of his own. "I would honestly be fine with that being kept a secret. It's bad enough with Salem around."

"Yes." Watts nodded. "It is bad enough that Salem is involved."

"And yet, on her side you are." Ozpin's eyes narrowed.

"Am I really?" Watts rested his head on his free hand while his other hand kept the cup with the dice in place. "Salem just recruits those that happen to align with her goals. Mine just happened to, once upon a time."

"Once?" Jeanne didn't miss it.

"Oops." Watts put a hand over his mouth. "Can't tell anymore otherwise the wagers are all moot."

"Four sixes," Raven said. She pressed on. "You're not aligned with Salem anymore, are you?"

"I'm a Master myself, now." Watts raised both hands in surrender. "Shouldn't that be proof enough that I wasn't always going to be loyal to her? I'm not exactly planning to use a Command Spell to have Archer kill himself when I have a chance of my own wish."

"You're just mad that Jimmy picked someone else." Raven smirked. It was forced and a distraction for herself. "Pietro Polendina. What? Sore because daddy iron-side has a favorite child?"

Watts will give Raven that. His mood certainly soured. "Pietro." There was still some seething anger at the name. He took a deep breath. "He's alright. Definitely someone who's capable of great things if he puts his soul into it, literally."

Jeanne was checking her dice again. Both she and Ozpin shared a look of concern. But there was an element of trust and faith there.

"But," Watts continued. "I've been enlightened to some new information. One that would take me to new heights. Sure, I'll be standing on the shoulders of giants but that is the nature for anyone in search of knowledge."

"Five sixes," Jeanne said. She took her gamble.

Five sixes? Counting his own, that left three more unaccounted for. Ozpin, Raven, and Jeanne all looked to him intently. Watts had his eyes closed as he contemplated the number. She had only raised it by one. Ozpin and Raven had looked at each another before that.

Then, Watts smiled. It was the most expressive that he allowed himself in front of his fellow players. He savored it as he licked his lips. "Eight sixes."

The light breeze outside was deafening. He got them. There was no doubt about it. Neo was certainly grinning from ear to ear while Taiyang looked as though he had just lost his house. Yang wasn't so certain as well but she knew enough to know that it wasn't looking good for the other players.

There were only two options. They could end it here or they could prolong the inevitable. It was a shame that Watts could only call out the last player if the latter was chosen. His eyes drifted towards Jeanne who already knew what was going to happen if that did.

"Now then, about Pietro," Watts continued. "Certainly, he did well enough to put himself in that position. But in light of recent events, I believe that there is something else that is worth more, even greater than what Remnant has seen before."

"Nine sixes." Ozpin looked away in shame. Raven turned to him and looked like she had been stabbed in the back. Jeanne, by contrast, had that acceptance to her. Then, Ozpin turned to Watts and said, "what is it about Dust not working outside of Remnant's atmosphere that concerns you?"

"Oh, I just think that perhaps, just perhaps, that the big Brothers upstairs aren't quite ready to let us go yet," Watts replied. "I would compare them to mother birds who aren't quite ready for her little chicks to leave the nest."

"Ten sixes," Raven still chose to raise it. "You better not be putting me on the front line, Watts."

"I'm afraid that is not up to me to decide," Watts said. "For one, the game is still on-going. Second, I am but a mere member of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It is they who have a use for you." He then turned to Jeanne. "Miss d'Arc?"

"Raven," Jeanne said. "I wish you both good luck." She took a deep breath. "Eleven sixes."

"Now that," Watts replied. "Is statistically improbable. I did not think that you would lie, oh Holy Maiden."

With the final declaration, all players removed their cups.

Jeanne d'Arc had two ones and one of two, three, and six. Raven had one of one and two each, and had three sixes. Ozpin had one two, two ones, and two sixes. Combined that with Watts own and his initial guess had been correct: eight sixes.

It was Neo who took the cups and dice away. Ozpin looked away while Raven looked down on the table.

"What is it that you want me to do?" Jeanne asked.

"Oh, the League isn't going to ask you too much," Watts said. "Only that you should go back to Vacuo and pick up a certain treasure the last Grail War left behind."

"You knew of the last Grail War?" Ozpin's face turned to shock.

"I can reveal that much, I think," Watts admitted. "Now that the game's over. Mistral's Companion Archer has been gifted some knowledge courtesy of the Saber—and winner—of the last Grail War. Knowledge that had been passed on to other members of the League."

"And you're using it to put yourself ahead." Ozpin accused. "Wait, Mistral?" His eyes widened.

"I assure you, Ozpin. Your students are safe. The League is a temporary alliance at best and one of the conditions that I had to adhere to was that no harm was to come to your students until our shared mission is accomplished. Otherwise, two of them would come for me and even I'm not confident in Archer enough for that. It took me, Cinder, and Salem's own Servants to deal with one of them."

"What am I supposed to get in Vacuo?" asked Jeanne.

"A certain… gift, that a King of Heroes left behind specifically for our purpose. Assassin's Master is the instigator of this Grail War you see, and one I consider to be my personal enemy given that his goals are against my own."

Neo's scroll dinged.

"Ah," Watts said. "It's here."

"What is—" Taiyang asked before being interrupted by Neo playing the recording.

It is done, Ozpin. They could hear the voice of Raven. It was slightly off but there was no mistaking that it was close to Raven's own voice.

Excellent, the voice of Ozpin replied. Proceed to phase two, lieutenant.

As you wish, high leader. Now, it was Jeanne's voice that was heard. For the White Fang. The humans will know fear.

The players all turned to Watts. He pulled out his own scroll from his breast pocket, revealing that it had been under a call. Watts then ended the call.

There was a slamming noise that was heard. It was followed by gunshots.

What was that? Ozpin's voice demanded. Intruder! Get him!

"It certainly was nice talking with each and every one of you," Watts said. But before he stood up, Saber's sword were inches from his neck.

"The game had been a lie." Saber's voice seethed through his gritted teeth.

"Well you know about lies." Watts raised both arms. "They travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on their shoes."

No shots were fired this time.

"Before you even think about it," Watts told them. "I'd like to remind you that my Servant is an Archer. He could last a day or two even when I'm gone. While the truth certainly would come out eventually, will it come before the second Grimm invasion? Is Vale really ready for that?"

"Why?" Ozpin asked.

"How many times must I say it?" Watts made an ugly face. "I'm also a Master, old man! We can't all be prodigy huntresses, magic-powered migraines, immortal dread queens, and reincarnating kings, now could we? There's more than one way to wage a Grail War and by my wits will I take what I can get! We are being denied the horizon beyond and I intend to be the very man who brings this world to that next frontier. I will be the man who brings Remnant to that ocean just above us!"

Saber lowered his sword.

Watts continued. "And I will not let some god take my chance of getting the place I deserve away from me."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Raven crossed her hands. "Are you implying that the Brother gods are in this war?"

"Once upon a time," Watts said. He thought he had been obvious enough but whatever."There was a little prince that came into this world of Remnant. I don't know if the Grail granted you that knowledge Saber, but you most certainly would have heard of the little child, miss d'Arc. Have you ever heard of the Voyager space probe?"

/-/

In the desert sands of Vacuo, the Archer and Lancer Servants stared at one another. In the corner, there was Saber who bore witnessed to this incident. One of Archer's treasures was granted to Saber. With Saber was a woman, a Maiden.

"Saber," commanded Archer. "You know what it is that you need to do."

"Of course." Saber nodded. "I'll keep it hidden for when they return."

"Good." Archer then turned to Lancer. "Now, then. It is time for us to end this farce."

"Forgive me, Archer," replied Lancer. "I only wished that it didn't have to be this way."

"Don't be, my friend." Archer didn't chastise Lancer. Archer had always been rather soft when it comes to Lancer. Though, that is more the case of comparison against the other Servants of that Grail War. Archer never really took anything seriously until he knew of Lancer.

But when Lancer's Master had been revealed, there was a great anger that swept up within Archer. To use Lancer just as he had been used in that life of his was a sin most damnable.

"Let us take this as solace," Archer said. "And give this world the greatest gift that only we can bestow it."

Lancer smiled. "Of course." Lancer then got to his knees.

Archer ascended to the high heavens. Then, Archer addressed the Maiden. "Mongrel, rejoice! For you shall bear witness to a great sight! Burn it in your memories for none shall match its splendor."

Saber took his cue to run. He couldn't afford to look back nor did he wish to bear witness of the terrible majesty that would soon engulf Remnant. By contrast, the Maiden kept her distance, certainly, but she made sure to look back. Her Servant had many problems, most of it derived from ego. But that ego is deserved for one who claims to be the King of Heroes.

The ground beneath Lancer began to glow. Storm clouds gathered above Archer. Their hairs stood as energy built up around them. There were no witnesses to this splendor except for Saber who kept running, bringing with him the treasure that had been entrusted to him. Archer was in a good mood to let even let any of his treasures go. Then again, this world didn't exactly know anything of the splendor of Earth. Perhaps it is only a king's duty to show off the treasures of his kingdom.

Sky and land were torn asunder. A great force from the lands below rose to meet the descending might of the heavens above. Great booms shook the ground and left behind a mark that would last for eternity. The source of such majesty and power would soon vanish from the world themselves. But they both swore that Remnant would bear witness to the greatest that their world could provide. All things that were between them ceased to be.

Great shadows would have been cast from those far enough from the tearing of this part of the world. But none of those shadows could even reach the ground for the primordial lights that blinded the deserts washed over them like a great flood. Fortunate birds flew high above and the creatures of the ground buried themselves as deep into the recesses as none of them were deemed worthy of this sight. Saber felt a great envy for many of them. He too wished to hide behind cover.

Fortune was with him then, for Saber was familiar with the art of running away, his feet were fleet as he pushed them to be. Even from many kilometers away, the captain of the Argonauts still felt the blistering heat gluttonously eating away the hairs on his back. It did not come from the desert sun but from Archer and Lancer for the sun above was but a cold star at this moment. Remnant's Great War is fought on a different side of the continent, its people were absent and could never beheld the mighty splendor that is but a taste of creation itself.

Even above him, Saber could see that the divine drakes fled from the might of the beginning. The truest form of power that even they are subject to. Remnant's Brothers had fled, beholding genesis. Makers of Remnant are but a demiurge in the face of those great powers from that faraway place, powers gifted to the mortals of that world. The primordial waters gushed further out. Saber could feel the first waves coming close to kiss his already wearied feet.

Creation continued to destroy all things in its wake. A permanent mark was left behind on Remnant, a reminder of the glittering light from that faraway place. That place that brought its story to Remnant. Nothing was left, not even ashes remained. When it was done, neither Archer nor Lancer remained. They had fallen together.

But had anyone been there in the middle of it, they would have heard the laughter of two heroic spirits. Friends from one the oldest stories of that pale blue dot. Amidst the deafening tear of all things, the voices of Archer and Lancer would have been heard in perfect sync.

"Enuma Elish!"

Chapter Text

One benefit, Yang supposed, of having one's life threatened is that it gave her a moment's respite from that irritating itch that she occasionally experienced. She couldn't scratch it because the itch was on a limb that was no longer present. But on instinct, Yang's remaining hand still reached for it whenever she felt it. She had been accustomed to having it there, to have it tingle when she would strain in training and now it was gone. The muscles there could no longer ache, they could no longer burn. Worst of all, the only feeling she could have from there was a distant memory. Will it ever reach a point that she couldn't even remember how that hand felt like?

Both Watts and Neo were still around, even as the former was talking with Jeanne, explaining to them all about the specific terms of his victory now that the game, Liar's Dice, was over. Archer was still there somewhere, still aiming at them. Even after the two had left, leaving behind sour faces on everyone in that household, she was sure that Archer was still aiming to shoot. Yang would admit some kind of sympathy for her birth mother, being made to do things that she didn't want to be involved with.

That danger still lingered. It was only after absolute certainty Yang managed to calm down. That had only happened because she felt that itch on her non-existent limb again. Her free hand just felt air as always.

Yang's eyes drifted to the prosthetic arm still resting there on the desk by her bed. It was silver in color and was gathering dust. It was finely-made; it had to be from Atlas, gifted to her by the general himself. Yang chuckled darkly. She still remembered how it had been the general who had to deliver her the news about her disqualification for her supposed attack on a downed opponent. Now, it was he who gave her this gift.

Her hand traced the smooth metal. Fingers picked up some dust that Yang had to clean it for no other reason than to clean it. It wouldn't do if those dust particles came to her nose and she sneezed. The early days of when she was practicing her semblance certainly brought back some embarrassing memories.

"Are you alright?" Jeanne asked. She was standing by the doorway. She had a large bag on her person.

"You're still here?"

"Well, I needed something to hold Harpe." Jeanne shrugged. "To think, all that time, I was close to the means that would have ended Salem's immortality. I suppose I will be making up for this mistake."

"Is it really a mistake, though?" Yang didn't know anything going on in Vacuo. CCT only allowed for local communications at the moment. Yang had a feeling that it had something to do with Watts, Archer, and Neo.

"I did do some things before heading here," she replied. "There was that incident with the Crown but those were relatively easy enough to deal with. Their leaders had some delusions of grandeur." Jeanne chuckled. "Probably says a lot coming from me, depending on who you ask."

Yang rolled her eyes. Servants. Had they always been around, then Remnant would have been rid of the Grimm a long time ago. But with Archer as an example, that would mean stronger enemies that no huntsmen could deal with. Despite the term of Heroic Spirit, not everyone had a heroic quality to them.

"You don't have to, you know," Jeanne said. Of course, she noticed Yang's fingers tracing the prosthetic.

"Isn't Vale lacking in huntsmen?" Yang asked. Her professional license was right next to the prosthetic. If the metal arm was a gift from the general, then the plastic card was a gift from her own headmaster. While there were those stronger than her that still kept fighting the good fight, there were those who weren't that still kept going. She is being left behind in both body and mind.

"And you are under no obligation to fill it," Jeanne replied. "We won't ask you to take a burden that you can't carry."

"Who says, I can't?" Yang tried to be angry. But it wasn't coming out, not even a whimper. Her eyebrows furrowed, certainly. But there was no fire behind those eyes of hers, only ashes. "I'm still strong." She was out of practice and hadn't been moving much ever since she lost her arm. It should be weeks by now, minimum. She was putting on a brave face. "I can still fight."

"Yes, I can see that." Jeanne nodded. "But should you?"

"Shouldn't I?"

Jeanne shrugged. "I don't know. Only you can answer that, after everything you've been through. I've seen stronger people break down for less."

"Didn't say you were some sort of saint? What kind of saint are you?"

"The kind that loves her artillery." One little tidbit about Jeanne d'Arc is that she knew where the cannons should be aiming at. Most attribute it to the divine guidance that she received while others say that it is because of her peasant background that allowed her to best command those who manned them since they were mostly comprised of the common folk.

Yang was, predictably, surprised. Not exactly a Holy Maiden from what she had heard. When one thinks of saints, they usually think of those monks and priests. Prayer and some charity works. In times of war and strife, probably healers and doctors. To hear of a saint heavily involved in warfare as though she herself was a soldier was new to Yang.

"Didn't expect that now, did you?" Jeanne knew what she was thinking.

"No." Yang shook her head. As far as she knows, Remnant's history didn't have that. There were those who fought for their faith but they never called themselves saints. "No, I didn't."

"But enough about me, Yang," Jeanne said. "What about you? You don't have to fight. You're welcome to, but you don't have to."

Yang looked over the prosthetic arm again. Then, her eyes trailed her license. She took a deep breath. There were those whom Yang would have easily beaten in a fight. It wasn't a brag or anything but a simple statement of fact that some would be better than others. One former bully of the faunus came to mind. Yet, those same people kept pushing on, kept fighting while she was there rotting away on her bed.

"I don't think I'm worthy." She shook her head.

"And you think I was?"

"This God of yours, didn't he choose you?" Yang couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"And did you think it was because I was worthy? Or that I was in anyway qualified?"

"What do you mean?"

"Yang," Jeanne's voice was as gentle as it could be. "I was a peasant girl who joined the military where most women of that time period would have found themselves in those war camps as prostitutes. I was also illiterate and had no military training of any kind to speak of at the time. The miraculous part was that there were nobles who bothered to listen to me at all.

"But," Jeanne prolonged her pronunciation. "That did not change the fact that I had been there and that I was called to act there. It also didn't change the fact that it had an impact on history. Otherwise, I wouldn't even be here."

"Divine providence? Sounds lucky."

"In some ways? Yes." Jeanne nodded. "But many people of my faith were precisely that: the unqualified. A stuttering mess led his people out of Egypt and into a promised land. A shepherd boy felled a giant and became king. The Lord himself came into the world as a son of a carpenter and he was the one who sought his disciples when it should have been the other way around. Those same disciples went from being fishermen to becoming fishers of men."

Jeanne took Yang's license and placed it on her remaining hand.

"The point is, Yang," she continued. "My faith is full of people who weren't worthy or qualified. By all accounts, there were many things that shouldn't have turned out the way they did. But the fact is that it did. We were chosen not because we're worthy; we were made worthy because we were chosen."

Yang paused to look at her license when Jeanne stopped talking.

Then, Jeanne resumed again. "You are no heiress to a monopoly. You are no revolutionary trying to change the world for the better. You are also not a Master in this Grail War. Everything that you have accomplished will always be your own, and I think that it's beautiful, Yang."

She then moved towards the prosthetic.

"You weren't chosen to be a huntress because you're qualified, Yang. Should you take it, you'll qualify because you were chosen to be a huntress."

Once more, Yang stared at the license in her hand. There was still more for her to go. She wasn't certain if she could ever do it. "Before you go," she asked. "Could you look into the shed just outside? I think there are some spray paints there. We use those for the bike and car. I'd go there instead but..."

The prosthetic certainly feels metal enough to compare to her bike, at least. The only problem was the neighbor.

"I could bring it here if you like?"

"No, just… just leave it in the living room. Dad doesn't like it when it could stain the bed sheets."

"Of course." Jeanne smiled proudly.

It didn't take long for Jeanne to return with all the spray paints. She didn't know what color Yang would have preferred but that was fine; Yang wasn't certain about it either. It had been the last time she'd see of Jeanne that day. Tomorrow, she would be leaving for Vacuo in order to get this gift left behind by the previous Grail War.

Yang had been sitting there, on the couch in the living room, for hours now. All the old newspapers and magazines were waiting to catch the stray paints that would come their way. Did she go for yellow like she always does? Should she put some black to accent it? Maybe white? How about red? Sighing, she doesn't know which one to pick.

"I know you're back there, Raven," Yang said. Her tone had no kindness there. It was as neutral as she could make it. That old bird was the reason Yang wasn't doing this in the shed.

Only Jeanne had lost that gamble. While Raven did still hear Watts out on her part in this, she was rather strict in that she would not be too involved against her will. With that being said, there was no other place for Raven to go but here, under Yang's roof. Beacon could host her but she certainly doesn't trust Ozpin enough either for that. Technically, Raven was here as a guest, a neighbor next door that had just moved in.

Yang looked outside the window. A more accurate term would be nested in. She could see old pin cushions that had to have been thrown out before. Old handkerchiefs that didn't fly in the wind. For a bird's nest, it must have been a luxury. Yang partly wished for strong winds and some rain just to see if it could last.

Flapping wings turned to footsteps as Raven approached Yang. "Had you been any stronger, then you have taken the prosthetic by now and trained harder."

"Like you came back here?" Yang replied. Between the two Maidens, Yang pretty much preferred Holy over Spring. At least Jeanne's attempt at aiding actually came across as aid. "Why is it that you came again? Oh, that's right: you ran."

"They were Servants, Yang."

"Had you been any stronger, you might have fought back." Yang returned Raven's point against her.

Taiyang's voice was heard from the kitchens. "If you two girls are going to fight, take it outside."

In the corner of the room, Zwei barked. It had taken him a while before he got accustomed to Raven's presence. Yang will miss those times when he would chase Raven's bird form.

"And leave Zwei out of it," Taiyang added.

"Whatever." Raven turned back into a bird and flew out the open window.

Yang continued to stare at the prosthetic arm. She hadn't even tried it on yet. Should she have tried it on first? See if it works just fine before committing to the design.

Zwei planting his head on Yang's foot took her out her own thoughts. His puppy eyes looked up from there and his wagging tail never failed to make Yang smile a little. It was a bit of struggle to pick up Zwei with only one hand. But she managed it without putting too much pressure on the corgi.

"You just want me to pick you up like I used to, don't you, Zwei?" Yang asked.

Zwei barked twice. On the couch, he planted his head on her lap, making that same gesture. Yang could use the distraction and patted Zwei on the head until his eyes grew heavy. He wasn't tired by any means but he was comfortable enough to just take a nap then and there. Luckily for anyone, Zwei doesn't usually salivate when napping on a person. Those are usually reserved for meal times or on his bed when he was having a particularly nice dream; one could tell by the wagging of his tail. Sometimes he would chase dream squirrels up a tree.

Yang was still uncertain about the prosthetic. It had been sitting there, waiting just as much as the newspaper were. The breeze coming from the still open window made the papers and magazines look like they were tapping their feet impatiently.

"Make the chosen worthy, huh," Yang said to herself. Zwei had been stirred and looked at her curiously. She nodded. "Yeah, I know what to do."

It was slow process. Having only one arm meant that she had to be twice as careful in handling the paint. Even if the number of newspapers and magazines were larger than what she normally would, there was still that chance that she could cause unnecessary stains. Her handling of the prosthetic was careful as well. Yang couldn't let her finger print on the arm. Actually, now that she gave it some thought, why not? If the arm was going to be a part of her, then it might as well have her mark in some way.

In the end, it was the usual brightly colored yellow that she usually goes for. The same color as the morning sun on a clear, cloudless day. It had yet to have its chance to burn bright but it will eventually. Letting it stay there until it fully dries, Yang then carefully had the arm placed. It was a strange feeling, having something attached to one's body. There was a slight jolt of discomfort as the prosthetic settled itself onto her arm.

Remnant's technology had allowed such prosthetics to move as though they were the actual body part themselves. Still, there was that strange foreign feeling that told Yang that this wasn't natural. She still felt that itch there and rubbing the metal wasn't doing it for her. It will take some getting used to since the metallic fingers were moving on command as though that they were her fingers.

Yang tested it a bit more. The sounds of the wrists moving was soft and almost inaudible; only when things were dead quiet would this be heard. Closing and opening her fist had the same pressure as she would have on her actual arm. There were also a few additional features that just had to take account her own weapon. Certain portions of the prosthetic arm were ready to shoot their shots in the same manner as Ember Celica. Performing the motions proved it to her and there was no worry about accidentally firing off since she made sure that it hadn't been loaded.

It is going to be a different feeling for her. Having to remove the prosthetic for maintenance once she had gotten used to it would be like having to remove her arm, she thinks. She wouldn't know; she'll find out soon enough. If she would ever accomplish that natural feeling with the prosthetic as she did with her actual one, it might be quite the experience of having to lose it for the time being.

Okay, Yang thought. I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

She can't crack her knuckles with this. Yet, another feeling that she would have to get used to. The arm was heavier than she had expected but that had more to do with her lack of exercise in the past weeks. She had been sluggish since losing her arm.

"So," Taiyang said, coming out the room. "How does it feel?"

"It's…" Yang will admit that it had to be tailor-made just for her. "I'll make this worthy of me." She stood up, careful so as to not disturb the sleeping Zwei. "If I could ask you for a favor, dad."

"Done." Taiyang smiled. He had never looked prouder than before now.

Yang's training back into fighting shape comprised primarily of conditioning. Muscle memory may have allowed her to remember the movements and her posture but the time spent in mostly on the bed or the couch meant that she didn't have the stamina that she used to. Shredding off that fat and rebuilding those muscles was her main goal. She had been initially worried at the sweat affecting the metal of her prosthetic, but such worries were unfounded. The prosthetic was just as much her weapon and her old gauntlets weren't affected by that much sweat as well.

Body building was a different task for her. While she could always rebuild her other arm, getting used to the prosthetic was a different story. There were muscles that were no longer working in that regard and Yang will not deny a slight feeling of tightness in that prosthetic, nothing that some adjustments couldn't fix.

The simplest of them all was the fighting techniques. All those years practicing droning away with basic drills came to her like instinct. She was rusty in her execution, that much was clear. However, that was where her father comes in.

"You're pulling back too much!" Taiyang criticized. He may be her father but he was also a teacher, a good but strict one. "Shuffle those feet. I want to see the pivot!"

If anything, Taiyang was much stricter now. Having seen her own weaknesses in the Vytal Tournament must have inspired him to remake the training Yang initially received when she had been younger. Back then, there was an emphasis on her punching power which usually meant that she had leaned in favor of slugging away the competition. Now, there was an even greater emphasis on her footwork. Mobility, controlling distance, and there were even more kicks and knees included here.

Grapples had become part of her training as well. As Yang sparred with her father, she would have to grab her father's arm when he would miss a punch and punish him severely. Elbows and back-hand strikes were thrown as well. Dirty boxing, it was called. It wasn't clean nor was it the sportsman-like. Not even when Yang would beat up clubs for information turned this violent.

The only thing missing were the use of the headbutt. There were there as a last resort but rarely ever used; it hurts just as much on the person using it.

Her father was the only one who could get away with pulling Yang's hair in a fight. It was a weakness to be exploited, her care and protectiveness of her hair. The one thing that never changed about Yang was her hair care routine.

She doesn't always get to train with her father. On most days, she would be doing roadwork and focusing primarily on her drills. Taiyang was also shadowing a bunch of huntsmen-in-training which meant that Yang's schedule wasn't always consistent. In time, she herself would have to do the same, being considered a professional herself.

Her current training wasn't any of that.

"What's the matter?" Raven mocked. "Afraid to commit?"

If Taiyang wasn't present to train Yang and didn't leave behind any drills for her to work on, Raven Branwen would end up being her sparring partner. Saying that their sparring partners is more of a technicality. Her father didn't teach Yang to use everything to her advantage without reason.

Raven's Maiden powers would occasionally leak out as fragile blades in the shape of her own weapon broke by Yang's prosthetics. It was expected that Raven would restrain herself having both the experience and powers greater than Yang's own. However, that only served to anger Yang more.

"You can't always rely on your semblance, Yang!" Raven called out. "It makes you weak!"

"Says the woman who keeps using her Maiden powers!" Yang countered. "Yeah, I see you trying to be sneaky!"

Yang swore that Raven was being deliberate here. It couldn't possibly be a coincidence that Raven was just pressing all of Yang's buttons. The mocking gestures, disdainful tone, had Yang known her for any longer period, she would have at least learned if Raven was faking it. Alas, that is not the case here.

As such, Yang's semblance would leak out every single time. She would rush in, burn through her reserves in a wrathful attempt to bring down her own mother while Raven, through experience and cunning fitting for a bandit, would punish her for it.

If Jeanne's motivational dialogue had been too soft, Raven's tough love approach was on the opposite end. Where was her father? At least he was just right in his approach.

"Alright, that's enough," Taiyang called out to them from a distance. "Both of you, that's enough. You've been at it since I left."

"She needs to train her stamina as well, Tai," Raven said. "Can't always coddle her like this."

"And you were needed to unlock the Vault since last week," Taiyang countered. "Qrow and the others are practically in Mistral by now, just sauntering around Haven Academy."

Raven scoffed. "Leo would keep them entertained. He has to until he could get to me. Of course, he has to find the Tribe first."

Taiyang shook his head. It would take weeks at best for any message to get to Raven. Had she been in Mistral, it would have taken shorter but that is not the case. Raven was in Vale and so any Grimm would have to travel across the ocean to reach here. She just didn't want to deal with another Servant again, having lost to two. One physical and one mental.

Yang used this time to replenish herself. She will admit that Raven was strong. Raven was fast, agile, and possessed a flexibility of fighting techniques honed by experience. Yang's own was rather stiff and crude compared to her. That knowledge did not soothe her at all. Frustration kept bubbling for her.

"Anyway," Taiyang addressed Yang. "How's the arm, Yang?"

"Honestly?" Yang admitted. "It feels natural. Sometimes, I forget that it's a prosthetic."

"Of course," Raven added. "Commissioned by the general of Atlas. Jimmy may be more tin than man but he still has a bleeding heart. Bit of a hothead. Probably the only warmth he gets up there in the cold."

"Dad," Yang asked. "Why is she still here?"

"Somebody has to keep watch," Taiyang answered.

"And that has to be us? Why?"

"It isn't really us." Taiyang smirked knowingly. "Raven just has nowhere to go."

"I'm right here, you know," Raven interjected.

"Exactly." Taiyang nodded. "You're right here instead of literally being anywhere else. Like say, with Qrow."

Taiyang and Raven began their little verbal spat. Yang rolled her eyes. It wasn't going to turn violent; Raven's hands were loose while Taiyang had a fully relaxed posture. Even Zwei seemed unconcerned in the slightest and Yang trusts Zwei's insticts. Zwei is a good boy and if thinks will be good, then things will be good.

Taking another bottle of water, Yang took in the cooling breeze that the wind had on her sweat. She had to wipe herself with her towel. Another pleasant thing about the prosthetic was that it wasn't affected by water or by her sweat. She had fitted the metal enough that there would only be minor adjustments necessary in regards to how it attaches itself to her flesh.

The one pleasant thing about it was that it started to feel like an actual arm. Whenever Yang started to itch there, the prosthetic gave off the illusion that she really was scratching that arm. Its responsiveness was actually kind of terrifying that Yang only understood now that she had to use one. It gave her a unique perspective of it all. Still, old habits would retain and those moments when the arm was detached and reattached was something that she wasn't quite used to yet.

Afternoon sun's beamed down on her in Patch. The open area that she trains on doesn't have the shading of the trees. Those are much closer to the sides, meant primarily for the passersby and as a means of placing all their things. Ruby would have been there cheering Yang on and vice versa if it was her turn to train.

"Ruby," Yang whispered. Her little sister was off trying to save the world, fighting some supernatural warfare that she had been chosen for. Pyrrha was there too, and so was the headmaster here in Vale. Ruby should be fine; she has people looking out for her.

Yet, Yang could not shake off the worry that Ruby was still in danger. Yang had seen that not every Servant was a direct combatant. She had been caught off-guard when Neo, Watts, and Archer had appeared at her doorstep. Yang, out of training and relatively out of shape, had no chance of overcoming the combined might of the trio. Any one of them had been enough to take her down, excluding Watts. Then, when Jeanne and Saber had arrived, they too were helpless because Archer had kept them in place, shooting from afar. Ruby wouldn't be able to see from that range.

The metal fist rattled. It even matches the strength and pressure that she was exerting, apparently. It really was made to mimic the intimate details of muscle movement. No scratches on the metal were found which were nice.

Do I need to put oil on this thing? Yang wondered. The arm didn't exactly come with an instruction manual and there weren't that many huntsmen in Vale that she knew off who used prosthetics. There was one but Yang wasn't about to look for that bastard just to see how his maintenance routine is like. She still can't believe that Mercury had prosthetic legs all that time.

"And that's why you should control your semblance, Yang," Raven said. Had Yang been thinking out loud?

"It pains me to have to agree but yes, Yang," Taiyang added. "Your—Raven is right."

"What's the matter? Can't even call me your dear anymore?"

"You lost those privileges the moment you left Yang."

"It was to make her stronger?" Raven sounded so unsure.

"How exactly?"

"If she could survive without her mother, then she is strong."

"Oh she survived without her mother, alright." Taiyang nodded. "She just had to be one when Summer never came back."

Suddenly, Raven slumped. Taiyang had a bitter taste in his mouth. They all did, except Zwei. Zwei was stronger than all of them for still keeping up his spirits. Zwei is the strongest of them all.

"By the way, dad," Yang added. "Is there anything else you would have me do?"

"Your solo training will continue," Taiyang answered, moving past that bit with Summer. "But you will also start training with a team again."

"Really?" Yang tilted her head.

Taiyang nodded. "It will take time but they themselves will become professional huntsmen under my tutelage. You'll have to work with them in the meantime."

Yang gave no objections. None of her team was here, so she might as well try to get used to a different one in the meantime. Might be a bit awkward, being the fifth member of a four-man team. "Do I know them?"

"I hope so," Taiyang replied. "They're from your class. I think it's good timing, too. They lost their member as well."

"Oh really?" Yang shouldn't be surprised that not every team managed to make it fully intact. She only needed to look at RWBY's sister team for an example. "Looks like they'll be getting quite the addition, then!" Yang started to gain back her confidence.

"Looking forward to seeing them? I'll have to push them to take their licenses."

"Yeah! I'm in!"

Yang would only be with this new team temporarily until she could catch up with Ruby. But, that doesn't mean that she could get along with whoever her new teammates were going to be.

/-/

Yang had never felt like taking back everything that she had said before now. In the distance, an absentee, mother bird was sounding in the background; it was remarkably akin to laughter. Yang made a mental note to go bird hunting after her first mission.

"Alright, team CRBY!" said Taiyang. "We got ourselves a mission!"

There was only one thing on Yang's mind that she could ask: "when did you guys get your license?"

"Recently," Cardin Winchester answered. "Your father pushed us to take it."

Yang gave her father a deadpan stare. She put herself back into fighting shape recently as well. In response, Taiyang must have thought that this was the perfect time to practice his whistling skills.

Cardin spoke up instead since her father clearly wasn't going to. "I'd say welcome to the team. But this is a new team being formed so… nice to meet you team mate?"

"Temporary." Yang emphasized. She was only going to do this until she gets to take on her own missions and until she gets to see team Ruby again.

"Like you need to ask?" Cardin extended a hand.

Yang's first official action as a professional huntress was shaking Cardin's arm with her own prosthetic.

Chapter Text

The number of ships approaching Menagerie’s ports were concerning. Not only did they bear the flag and banners of the White Fang, the Belladonna family knew them to be from Sienna Khan’s branch in Mistral. The direction that these ships had come from were proof enough of that. Not one of these ships signaled their arrival. Worst of all, the crew members that they could see were so small in number that those watching believed that someone else had to be manning these ships.

But that was impossible. These were White Fang ships. The only time that anyone else would be manning them would be those who would capture the White Fang and bring them to justice. Never would they use it to bring them here; Menagerie was a peaceful settlement. Faunus were welcome here with some even abhorring the violence conducted by the White Fang.

To Sanson’s eyes, what worried him wasn’t the lack of crewmen running about. But rather, it was the fear that he could see even from the distance that he was. He stood atop one of the roofs of Kuo Kuana and even he could see that there was a terror that chilled the crewmen there. Not even True Assassin had caused this much fear and those of the White Fang were at least exposed to violence. Sanson had a bad feeling about it.

“Keep them safe,” Sanson told Sun. “Tell them to run. Secure any of those ships if you can and bring however many you can with you.”

“And leave you here?” Sun replied. “No way, dude! We’re getting out of this together.”

“This is not a battle that you should engage in, Sun. I doubt that even Assassin nor Curious Cat would be able to match whatever walks on one of those ships.”

Sanson couldn’t even tell which one had them; every crew member seen on every ship had their tails tucked between their legs and their ears flat on their head. If it did come to that, Sanson had little chance of winning. He was an Assassin-class Servant; he wasn’t meant for direct combat.

There was disturbance in the water. A murky visual filled the waters hid the movement underneath. Sanson ignored Sun’s cries at being left behind as he rushed in.

“Get inside!” Sanson demanded. All the faunus complied.

He was the Heroic Spirit. He was the Servant. He is Menagerie’s Companion. Sanson may have played a hand in the downfall of his home country to anarchy and terror but he will not let the same fate befall here. Just as he took up the family tradition to strike down evil, he will do the same here. Whether the Servant there had intentions of malice or not, if they were to harm the people of Kuo Kuana, Sanson would ensure that they would face the guillotine.

Stopping near the shores, Sanson stood alone. Tentacle creatures called Cthnonians from the depths rose and walked in crude formation. These creatures did not attack; they guided the ships to their docking stations and awaited further instructions. Someone was controlling them.

With clearer view, the White Fang were paler than snow. Even their masks and their uniforms could not hide the cold appearances of their skin. Some wore masks that used to fit them but no longer do with how sunken their facial features clued Sanson. Many were looking towards Kuo Kuana with regret guiding their steps while others were on their knees begging for some kind of penance.

“Quite unfitting for an Assassin, aren’t you?” boomed a masculine voice. “Or perhaps your Presence Concealment is so low that you only barely qualify as one?”

The knightly-looking Servant stepped out. His noble robes flew arrogantly in the breeze as the blinding light shone from behind. A theatric display as his path was cleared by the terrified White Fang members not wanting to be anywhere near him. Even the large man next to that Servant appeared small next to him.

Sanson’s attention was drawn to the chained White Fang member. He was being pulled like he was a dog. Sanson recognized that one: Adam Taurus. Adam, proud White Fang fighter and desirer of one day being the messiah of the faunus, brought down to a pathetic state where he was less than a poor farmer’s mistreated cattle. Still, there was some burning resistance in Adam’s eyes.

The Servant stepped down and met Sanson. He pulled Adam behind him. Adam looked at Sanson with the same disdainful anger that he had for the Servant.

“Caster,” the Servant introduced himself. “My announcement was rather sudden so I forgive you all for such a terrible welcome. Rejoice! I have come with great news! For recently, I have just taken my place as leader of the White Fang and thought it best to return home!”

Caster spread out his arms, expecting applause. The White Fang behind him made it as loud as they could be. Sanson could see the terror in those eyes. It didn’t help that the Cthnonians lurked dangerously close to those they deemed weren’t cheering enough.

“But what is this?” Caster asked. “Everyone here seems to be quite terrified! What has happened here, Companion Assassin?”

Sanson raised an eyebrow. “How certain are you that I am a mere Companion?”

They must have gotten Kojirou. Sanson’s eyes drifted towards the spellbook in Caster’s hands. It was shaking violently and ceaselessly. From it, there was an emission of swordsmanship.

“I might have been the True Assassin,” Sanson continued.

Caster laughed. “Do not think so highly of yourself, Companion Assassin. I have an eye for the art of killing and you have none of it. You and I may both be from the cloth of nobility but I have stained mine with pleasure while your cleaning the blood off of yours, executioner.”

Sanson could only cautiously walk alongside Caster. The familiars that Caster had brought with him put too much fear on the White Fang that one could not help but pity them. Only Adam Taurus didn’t appear pitiful but that was more because he still had some fight inside of him. The chained faunus was throwing too many daggers at Caster with his eyes that he didn’t once glance at the Belladonna household. Sanson knew of the history between Blake and Adam, courtesy of the non-approving parents.

“True Assassin has already arrived,” Caster commented. He too had just noticed the grave. He couldn’t help himself but throw an insult in Sanson’s way. “Getting away with their crimes? My, my, aren’t you slacking in your duties, oh enforcer of justice. Tut, tut. We can’t have that now in my new lordship now can we?”

“Lordship?” Sanson gritted his teeth. “I do not remember you ever being born into one here nor do I remember anyone ever voting for you.”

“No?” Caster mocked ignorance. “Has word of my marriage to Sienna Khan not reached here? Or perhaps…”

Caster leaned closer.

“Is there someone else whom I should have brought to my Red Room?”

Sanson gulping betrayed him. Caster’s grin went from ear to ear. Even Adam looked to Sanson’s direction.

“So there is!” Caster gleefully sang. “Chieftain’s—no. Not her.” He shook his head as he considered his options. “I would rather pick someone unused.” His eyebrow was raised at Adam. “Or perhaps, someone who hasn’t been used as much.”

“You leave Blake alone!” Sun’s voice broke the uneasy silence of the crowd’s people.

Sanson’s neck cracked as he saw Sun running towards them. He sighed for he could see traces of some of the faunus taking refuge in the ships. At least, there were those who could get away. However, there were no signs that he could see of the Belladonna family.

As Sun ran towards Caster, Sanson took his chance. Unsurprisingly, Caster had been prepared for it as his sword was already there, defending that neck. Sanson’s executioner profession made him quite predictable. Sanson’s eyes turned towards Adam in an instant. He reached out. Caster pulled Adam away.

“Not quite!” Caster exclaimed. The White Fang began to act in manic and fearful abandon as they breached every home in Kuo Kuana. Each one begging for forgiveness.

Those who resisted were dealt with by Cthnonians who constricted them in place. Those who still fought back were bitten and harmed. They were like children, confused why some were able to defend themselves with aura while there were those who could not. Screams and shouts came together like a terrible song as Sanson continued to keep Caster occupied; it was the only thing that he could do.

Sanson kept swinging his blade at Caster who only fought back with one arm. The other kept reaching for Adam. Adam was being tossed around like he was a toy being fought over. Sun’s gun-chucks were blasting in the background as more faunus made their attempts at a getaway. Sun’s cried out to them, asking them to get behind him. None of the White Fang listened; they were too consumed by their panic and fear. The Cthnonians were converging towards Sun.

Caster was moving backwards, maintaining his distance and posture. Sanson kept pushing him away, as far away from the rest of the faunus. Sun was alone in protecting the faunus against Caster’s familiars that only had a child’s curiosity. Eventually, Caster tripped. Sanson knew Kuo Kuana more than he did and Sanson knew that there were graves and shovels littered about. Taking his chance, Sanson took hold of Adam Taurus and broke his chains.

“Get your people out of here, now!” Sanson demanded. There was no time for arguments and Adam followed, taking what weapon he could from his fellow White Fang that had been consumed by delirium.

Sanson was on the defense. Caster’s strength was far greater than Sanson that he could not hope to contest it head-on. The most that he could hope for was to deflect and keep Caster’s blade away from him. But as long as Caster was focused on him, Caster would not harm the rest of the faunus.

Sun and Adam worked on their own. Heated heads made them stay away from each other as the faunus were captured, freed, and captured again. These Cthnonians were getting excited. Like children, they found new toys to play with as the first signs of chaos drizzled on Kuo Kuana.

Sanson could not hope to win in a direct confrontation against Caster. He still had to. An evil was brewing and befalling Kuo Kuana and it was his duty, both as Companion and executioner, to see justice be served. His and Caster’s agility were about equal. Sanson had to leverage as much of his own luck as he could.

Then, the fires began. Some of those that had escaped ran to their homes. With either monster or White Fang chasing after them, Dust used for their lights sparked and created the first embers. They were growing, taking the first bites of their surroundings as the small fires turned big and got bigger.

Caster proved to be a greater combatant. Born of the noble class and of knightly background, Caster was a greater combatant. As Chevalier Charles-Henri Sanson de Longval, he too was of knightly background. But his path had been into the field of medicine and eventually back into execution. Caster was a knight that went to quests and wars.

A tentacle wrapped itself on Sanson’s foot, making him lose his balance. Sanson just barely managed to block an incoming strike from Caster’s sword. With his other hand on the flat of his blade, Sanson pushed Caster’s sword aside, cutting the tentacle and setting himself free. He had to move. He had to keep moving.

Doors cracked and windows broke. Sanson guided Caster to his losing rhythm. Some of the ships have already begun to leave. Caster’s monsters returned to the depths and glued themselves to the ships. Many were screaming as they were dragged back down. Aquatic faunus were the most unfortunate of them all, drowned even in their own element.

Sanson’s focus on Caster was costing him innocent lives. White Fang apologized and begged for forgiveness as they chained their fellows with as loose of a leash as they could. Only those that fought back were being chained with any sort of tightness. Sun and Adam, unable to deal with the sea demons, focused on getting as many of the faunus and White Fang members out as they could. Adam in particular was trying to get some sense back into his comrades.

Caster’s superior strength pushed Sanson aside. Demons surrounded him. Sanson swung his sword in circles, cutting off what tentacles that he could. Sanson pushed himself back onto Caster who was approaching one of the nearby faunus. Sanson never knew that faunus. It didn’t matter. Sanson’s knees buckled at Caster’s power. For someone seemingly scrawny and of a class known for their magecraft, Caster possessed a great strength that Sanson simply could not match.

“Go!” Sanson called out. “Run! Save yourself!”

Still, he will not back down. Unbecoming of an Assassin perhaps, but he was a noble himself. The Sanson family line were nobility shunned both by the common folk and that of royalty. An indispensable service of execution, he had come from a line of dirtied hands when no others would take up that mantle. Sanson still had that noble pride that told him not to give in the face of some barbarian.

Of noble birth Caster may be. But he was nothing more than a serial killer that craved the death of many.

Sea demons continued to capture and recapture faunus. Adam himself had been captured again and was being punished severely with Sun soon following behind with that waning stamina and aura of his.

“Dad, no!” Blake’s voice made Sanson pause. He turned to see Ghira charging in, ignoring what damage that was being done to his aura as he forcibly dragged what faunus he could and threw them towards his daughter and wife.

Sanson barely raised his blade again to block an incoming strike by Caster. But his loss of focus had cost him his balance. Rising to his knees, Sanson eyes turned to Caster then to Ghira. He kept shifting his attention as Caster neared him at the same time the sea demons neared Ghira. Kali’s face screamed worry and fear as Ghira forced his way towards Sun who had been closer than Sanson was.

Caster’s blade fell and Sanson had to roll to the side. He was too slow in getting back up. Caster’s swings kept making Sanson fall to his back. His larger blade kept tossing to the side as a proper and truer warrior’s sword kept it there. Sanson struggled to get out.

“Keep my family safe!” Ghira commanded. Sanson heard Sun shout as he had been thrown over his shoulder.

Sanson cursed. He was the Servant. He was the one who should be risking his life over them. Caster’s sword descended. Sanson parried it. The strength was too much that Caster’s sword buried itself into the ground. With a kick as an added measure, Sanson pushed Caster aside as he got back up, uncaring for his balance.

Sea demons began to wrap around Ghira. Sanson cut through his own share. He didn’t kill any one of these. He didn’t have to. Time spent on these was time not spent on getting to Ghira. Sanson had already wasted enough time as he did so.

Caster’s summons slowed Sanson down. Some of the White Fang and faunus had already escaped on smaller ships. But there were also those who had sunk to the depths. Pain panged in Sanson’s chest, seeing them all die when he could not do anything. It reminded him of the Reign of Terror and the White Terror that came after it.

Sanson cut through as many of the aquatic fiends as he could. With his free arm, Sanson freed and threw what faunus he could grab as he pushed his way towards Ghira. Others he could only apologize as they were too far from him. He could not reach them if he wanted to get to Ghira. Even Adam was freed but that had been convenience; the White Fang needed some kind of leader at the helm and none of the Belladonna family were willing to take it up after their violent turn.

“Sanson!” Ghira called out. “Take ca—”

“Take care of them yourself, monsieur Belladonna!” Sanson wasn’t hearing it. Uncharacteristic given their body shapes and size but absolutely believable given that Sanson was the Servant, he threw Ghira towards the ships where Kali and Blake were there to catch him.

Sanson panted. His knees wobbled. But he kept swinging. He kept fighting. Whichever faunus he could reach out were freed. But that didn’t last long, they were captured back. Sanson looked back at the ships. Sea demons controlled the waters. Sanson turned towards Caster again. The knightly serial killer was smiling, waiting for him to decide.

He grunted. He went for the ships. Sanson had to secure the ships. Even Blake took up her weapons again, fighting off the tentacle monsters that were creeping closer. The demons attached themselves like starfish on their prey. It took many faunus, those who retained enough sense at any rate, to peel any one of them off.

Neither Ghira nor Adam held any resentment. They pushed it aside and focused on keeping themselves safe.

Behind him, Caster laughed. Sanson turned to see his sword raised.

“A wonderful display!” Caster declared. “But all things must come to an end.”

The waters were disturbed at the snap of Caster’s fingers. Large tentacles broke the surface and wrapped around the ships. With a pulling motion of his sword, Caster dragged the ships back with only a select few managing to escape. Sanson’s eyes widened as all his efforts bore no fruit.

Sanson raised his sword to block an incoming strike from a sea demon. He was being bogged down, unable to do anything more. Faunus were kept alive but many were wounded. The White Fang that resisted in this moment were made an example of. They were used and torn apart in however these demons pleased.

He could not use it. Sanson could not use his Noble Phantasm. He doesn’t have his opening. The sea demons kept him from it. One tentacle constricting his leg was cut off. Two tentacles took their place. His arms grew heavier. He couldn’t swing as he used to.

Eventually, Sanson was on his knees. He resisted, pulled and wiggled his way out. But the constriction only tightened with every breath he took. Sanson was brought to Caster on his knees. With him was Adam, Sun, and the entire Belladonna family. Ghira’s focus was on his wife and child. Blake was brought closest to Caster.

“Blake!” Ghira tried to grab his daughter. But Caster’s familiars kept him down.

Caster’s hand was on Blake’s face. He investigated and studied her as though Blake were a specimen for research. He was checking the wellness of produce.

Ghira and Kali made to protest but with tentacles covering their mouths, it only came out as muffled sounds of panic and worry. If a Servant could not break free from these demons’ constraints, then there is no hope for any of the faunus here in Menagerie. There were even a few White Fang members among them, those that had fought back in a last ditch effort to survive.

Adam Taurus and Sun Wukong were brought to the front. Out of everyone here, these two were of most help to Sanson, Sun especially. It had cost them all when Sun revealed their plans like that, though. They could have had some more time to escape, time that may have meant the difference between life and death for many of those here right now. Sun appeared to be remorseful, seeing that error he had made.

“Now then.” Caster threw Blake aside, as though she were nothing more than garbage. He moved closer to Adam Taurus. “What to do with you? Still so defiant even now. Such behaviors need to be punished.”

Adam may have his head low but he was nowhere near cowering. Whether that was because of his pride or his stubbornness, Sanson did not know. Either way, Sanson was confident in thinking that neither Ghira nor Kali were complaining. If it meant keeping Caster’s attention away from their daughter, they’ll take it.

“I cannot risk having you meet with him,” Caster said. “He might even teach you a trick or two with how your weapons are similar enough.”

Kojirou, Sanson thought. They really have got him. If he wasn’t mistaken, Caster had come here for Sanson as well. His eyes sought out that spellbook that Caster had. Caster is making an army of Grimm! Sanson soon realized. And they intend to make Grimm-Servants!

“Oh?” Caster noticed Sanson’s renewed struggle. “You already know of my Master’s offer?” Caster gave applause. “Wonderful! It shortens negotiations if nothing else!” Caster then addressed his summoned sea demons. “Take the rest as prisoners! Keep these three close to me!” He gestured towards Sanson, Adam, and Blake.

The demons did as they were told. Then, Caster halted one of them, the ones that held Kali Belladonna

“You,” Caster said. “Perhaps you will do. An example needs to be made.”

“No!” Ghira begged. “Take me instead! Spare her! Spare my family! Take me instead!”

“Caster!” Hazel raised his hands. “Is this really necessary? They’re defeated!”

“Nonsense!” Caster reprimanded. “Disobedient pets need to be disciplined!”

No matter how many times Ghira kept begging, there was no changing Caster’s mind. Cthnonians made sure that every faunus could see, especially those here in Menagerie. Those who were from the ships could only close their eyes or look away.

Like rising out the ocean depths, a locked door had appeared before them. Sanson did not need to guess what fate awaited Kali. Blake and Sun couldn’t widen their eyes any more even if they tried. It was hard to tell what Adam was feeling with his face covered behind a mask; but his jaw was certainly wide open.

Kali struggled and wriggled in vain. She begged but no voice came out. The Cthnonian’s tentacle had kept her mouth full.

“Please! Please! Please!” Ghira kept begging. “Pick me! Pick me instead! Sanson! Please save her! Leave me behind, just please!” Tears rained down from his face.

“Now then.” Caster looked ecstatic. “I only have one rule.” He gave Kali a key. The Cthnonian moved her hands for her. “Do not open the Red Room. It is forbidden.”

“Save her, Sanson! Save her!” Ghira kept begging.

Sanson and Sun gave their best struggle. But only Sanson could give out a fight. Sun was a huntsman-in-training and these monsters were more than mere Grimm. Sanson could not even use his own Noble Phantasm here; he was restrained.

The Cthnonian moved her hand that held the key. The key slid into the keyway. She kept begging. She was crying. Caster only watched and began to laugh. Only he laughed.

Kali was looking towards Sanson. He was the only one who could save her. She begged him with those eyes. Tentacles wrapped around her arms and legs tight. They moved towards her wrists and ankles.

Ghira kept screaming. Sanson kept struggling. Ghira kept crying. Sanson kept trying. Kali was kept silent. Sanson struggled to raise his hand, reaching out to her. Kali forced herself to do the same towards him.

The door’s lock clicked.

“Oh such a shame!” Caster called out. “I only gave you one rule, and you failed it.”

The door opened. The Cthnonian set her free. The gargantuan one on the other side grabbed her before she could move. Her deafening cry lasted only a second before they were silenced.

“No!” Ghira cried out till his throat hurt. His lungs kept pushing out what little air it had left.

As the door slammed shut, if Kali were screaming on the other side, her voice was unheard.

Sanson kept his arm raised even as the door to the Red Room descended back into the abyssal depths that it had come from.

The Cthnonians had let go of Ghira and Blake. They rushed towards where the door used to be and clawed their way below ground. Grabbing handfuls of soil and rock, they kept digging to find Kali. They begged that she was alright. They cried that she was lost. Caster only sat back and enjoyed the show as father and daughter broke down.

“I’m not quite keen on taking grooms,” he said. “I always preferred brides myself. But for the young one? I do find it delectable to see them broken first. You only ever live life to its fullest when you’re close to death. Why else would you cling to it so hard at your final moments? As a fellow artisan of death, oh executioner, even you must agree, surely?”

Sanson gritted his teeth. Mustering strength that wasn’t his, Sanson pushed himself forward that the Cthnonian that held him back was being dragged along. Caster did not deserve the quick and painless death of the guillotine.

Caster snapped his fingers. More Cthonians held Sanson in place as two others went to hold an unresisting Blake and Ghira. Kali was brought to the Red Room. The Forbidden Red Room of Bluebeard, serial killer of brides. Bluebeard had been based on a different individual, one whose history in Remnant was familiar to Sanson.

“You sully the name of Gilles de Rais,” Sanson declared. “You sully his face, and dirtied the legacy he left behind.”

“Am I?” Caster responded. “That man obsessed himself with salvation for his so-called Holy Maiden. I do not know what it is that he sees in her but she is clearly not someone worth rallying behind. Gilles should have been joyous when the Maiden of Orleans perished. She lived up to her ideals and died as any believer aspire to be: a martyr.”

Caster approached. He squeezed Sanson’s face.

“There is no greater calling in life than to bring about death. You, as its harbinger in your time, should understand that.”

Sanson spat in Caster’s face. Never. Charles-Henri Sanson had wanted to leave that legacy of his behind. He had wanted to become a doctor, a savior of lives.

“You know my history,” Sanson said. “You and I are not fellows in the slightest.”

“Perhaps not.” Caster appeared disappointed as he wiped the spit off of his face. “Shame then. I had thought that I would have had some kind of camaraderie in you.” He then addressed his familiars. “Take them away. You already know where to bring them.”

Sun continued to struggle free but he could not hope to break out. Ghira and Blake were lifeless as they were separated from each other. Neither of them were even reaching out to each other. Sun tried to speak to Blake but she was unresponsive. Sun looked to Sanson for answers but Sanson could only shake his head. Sun was then separated from the rest.

Looking around him, the fires that were burning Kuo Kuana were still there, slow in growing with the space between homes. Some had already burned down. Cthnonians threw the prisoners towards one of the homes.

“Oh?” Caster realized something. Sanson did too. “There is another Servant around here?”

Cat, Sanson thought. What are they doing, being this close?

“So shy this one!” Caster said. “Very well. I shall welcome them when they are ready! Master needs more for her little experiment and you Companions are just perfect for her plans!” Caster then mumbled something to himself. Sanson could not hear it.

Sanson was thrown into one room with Blake and Adam thrown into another. Their prison was the Belladonna household with Sanson’s cell being one of the guest rooms. They were guarded by Cthnonians with his having two that he could see. There were more stationed outside, making escape without a fight difficult.

Sometime later, Sanson heard Blake’s incomprehensible ranting across many rooms down the hallways. It was followed by Adam’s own as their voices threw venom at one another. There were no chains that held him but the Cthnonians were everywhere. The shouting match continued until Sanson heard a banging noise that silenced them. It had to be one of Caster’s familiars, probably heralding his approach or something.

Blake shouted something after a time. Adam made no response. He was still there since Blake kept going but that eventually broke into sobs.

Sanson, meanwhile, was splintering the walls and floors at his failure. Cthnonians paid little attention to him as they could always move him somewhere else should the room be made unstable. He couldn’t save Kali. He couldn’t break free from the constraints of the Cthnonians that held him in place.

He was glad that there was no one else in that prison room of his. His own weeping was a shameful display, unbecoming of his nobility of France, unbecoming of a Chevalier.

/-/

Caster had his attention towards what lies outside the borders of Kuo Kuana. Menagerie’s Companion wasn’t the only one here and it was quite a shame that Caster had just missed Assassin. But he knew that there was another Servant there, another Companion.

He waited and waited. Still, the other Servant just did not appear. Caster turned around and continued on the task that his Master had set out for him here.

Then, Caster felt it. He felt a disturbance among the special familiars that he had sent out specifically for this reason.

“Ho, ho,” Caster commented. “So the Companion is a fellow of my class?”

It was subtle, Caster would admit. A slight pull away from his control. It would appear that this Companion had the capacity of altering the purpose of those they touch. Caster’s other familiars dealt with the unwitting traitor among them.

He then looked towards the household that kept that executioner prisoner.

“I look forward to compare notes with you,” said Caster. “Though I fear that Sanson still has some fight left in him.” Caster’s thoughts then turned to other prisoners. There were many to choose from. “Now then, which one should I choose?”

Chapter Text

Blake's hand still hurt. Aura or not, slapping Adam's face repetitively and with great force would hurt eventually. She would have gone feral when Adam made to fight back if it wasn't for those sea creatures pulling them apart and moving both of them in separate rooms. However, their new rooms were still next to each other and thusly, Blake only had to raise her voice just so Adam could hear.

"See where all this violence takes you, Adam?" Blake was running purely on emotions. Her mind could barely register anything as her heart threw out whatever it felt like. The image of that door slamming on her mother was the only thing that her mind focused on. "Now look where we are: locked up as prisoners in my own home!"

"As if you are any different, Blake!" Adam retorted. "Don't even pretend that you weren't guilty of the same crimes that I committed. And no, leaving behind the White Fang—your White Fang, mind you—doesn't suddenly absolve you of all the crimes that you willfully committed! I did what I had to do for faunus everywhere!"

"And how does attacking Beacon, an academy for huntsmen help with faunus everywhere? They hate us, Adam! And I don't blame them. They despise the faunus."

"They know that we are serious!"

"Oh." Blake backed away from the wall. But her mockery didn't end there. "Well, excuse me for being so ignorant. I wasn't aware that attacking the one institution that actually helps faunus is actually helpful. Really stupid of me."

"I had no choice!"

"Choice? Choice?" Blake began to growl her words. "That suddenly makes it all better! Big, strong, and edgy Adam Taurus brought down like he's nothing more than a mere animal. Honestly, that Caster should have kept you in a leash."

"You would rather have me domesticated?" Adam started to growl himself.

"I'd rather have you put down like an animal, you bull! My mom would still be alive if you weren't here!"

"As if my being dead would bring back Ka—"

"Don't you even dare say her name! You don't have the right to say her name!"

"Why don't you get over here and make me! Or is your time prancing around in school dances and playing heroine made you slip, my love?"

"Why don't you get here yourself! Good luck with the guards outside."

"Typical." Blake could imagine Adam rolling his eyes. "When push comes to shove, you would rather run away with ears drooped down."

"Typical of you too. Always charging headfirst all because you wanted the glory for yourself. You don't care about the faunus; you just want to get back at the humans because of your poor sob story!"

Further meaningless words were flung at each other until both of their voices got hoarse and their throats hurt. They weren't given any water and Blake just had to endure the irritating pain from screaming out her heart. No tears were falling down her face. Her back was against the opposite wall from where she had just screamed.

She had been useless. Blake had been incapable of saving her own mother. Her. Kali's daughter, a trained huntress, and one who had experienced the hardships that White Fang members would during their raids, was incapable of saving those most precious to her. She could only watch and beg that Sanson got to Kali in time and Blake nearly tore herself apart going against the monster's constriction as the door slammed shut on Kali.

Bad things kept happening to her. No matter where she went. Trouble and misfortune kept creeping their way into her life and harmed those precious to her. Now, it had taken a life.

I'm a parasite, she thought. I'm a parasite. Is my semblance actually bad luck? Or is my very existence the cause behind all this? Be careful around me. Black cats are bringers of bad luck, after all!

Poisoning thoughts plagued Blake's mind as she curled into a ball. She was even ignorant of the comings and goings of the sea creatures just outside her prison room. Every trouble that had ever befallen her even before Beacon made her question whether those things could have been avoided had she never been there.

Would she rather be alone? With no one else around, that would mean that no one else has to get hurt. That is a good thing, isn't it? Her eyes scanned the room. It focused on the sheets of the bed. It wouldn't be enough. There isn't enough for a knot.

Blake's head bumped the floor but she didn't know this. Her eyes lost their lives as she stared blankly at nothing. Not even drool pooled around her face. The light's presence in her room was lessening as the sun set. Were things noisy outside? She didn't know; she couldn't hear. There was only that buzzing noise that filled her head. Her fingers moved as though they were still scraping that ground where the door had descended.

Eventually, Blake's eyes closed. She did not sleep. She only had a façade of sleep. When those eyes had awoken again, night had already veiled their skies.

Everything was quiet. There was no mourning nor was there any wailing. These sea creatures roamed the streets were bringing back any sense of life that Kuo Kuana had been sorely lacking in the past days. Yet, there was no greater sense of death than wherever these things walked. There was an occasional disturbance here and there but most of those were nothing more than stray animals. Blake would have found it strange that there were no Grimm coming here. But part of her suspected that Caster had a hand in that. There was no chance that Caster did not.

Blake's ears picked up sounds that were nearing her room. It stopped and the door to Adam's room had been opened. Adam must have made to protest but he was cut off. Blake felt the vibration of violence from her room as Adam must have been punished in some way for his attempt at escape earlier. Blake only lay there, waiting for her turn.

The punishment lasted for some minutes before the vibrations and noises from that room stopped. The footsteps began again and passed her. She was being ignored. Blake couldn't even chuckle bitterly. She couldn't laugh at the cruel prank played on her, being left out like that. However, knowing who it was that would be punished next, Blake at least mustered enough strength to tighten her hand into a fist as the vibrations, though weaker, began again.

There was much greater resistance there. Both Adam and Sanson were being broken down until they were ready for whatever Caster had in mind for them. As for Caster's mind for Blake, she wasn't sure. All she knew was that it had been enough for Sun to act out that led to all this.

It's not your fault, Sun. She could almost hear him blame himself. Had he stayed quiet and left it alone, perhaps they would have managed to escape. Yet, Blake didn't have it in her to blame him. Sun had stood by her side thus far and never once left her alone except for that investigation that he and Sanson went on. I can't let you get hurt. Not because of me.

The vibrations she felt kept going. Lighter they may be, but Blake was certain that it had been far more intense than what was given to Adam. At least Sanson put up a better fight. Adam just backed down and took it without so much as raising his sword. Where had his sword gone anyway? Blake never once saw it by his side.

Like it matters. It really didn't. Adam would still have backed down eventually. Whether that was a tactical retreat or he had been forcefully subjugated was anyone's guess. Considering what he looked like when he was brought here, Blake guessed that the latter was more likely.

Finally, the footsteps were loudening again and stopped just outside her own room. Blake didn't bother to sit back up as Caster stepped into the room. That manic grin of his would have made anyone afraid. Those dangerous eyes analyzed their target as the door closed behind him with a click.

"Tired?" Caster asked. His voice oozed with sadistic delight. "Losing one's mother must have been quite the grueling task."

A burning fire reignited in Blake. Adam didn't have any right to say Kali's name but Caster had no right to even reference her at all. She may have stood up with a grogginess to her muscles but her fist flew as true as it could. Caster raised only his hand and held it in place.

The tentacle monsters stood behind Caster. Not a single one of them had any voices to them and yet Blake could hear their laughter at Blake's failed resistance. They were eagerly waiting for their master's orders with one already being the excited one with its tentacle creeping into her room.

Caster raised his other hand. "Leave us."

Blake swore that she could hear those creatures giggling amongst themselves as they left.

"You crave death," Caster spoke again. "I see it in your eyes."

"What of it?"

"Only that it is beautiful to look at. My Master has those same eyes, you know. That same desire for death and the end. Ah." Caster let go of Blake as he hugged himself. He wriggled like a worm. "How I only wish to be there with you, my Master! Your death will be my most beautiful artwork yet!"

Blake's face contorted with disgust. For someone who was so devoted to his Master. There was a lust behind that desire for death.

Caster must have noticed it because he said, "it isn't quite that, my dear. My Master cannot be killed. There had been many attempts. Most, perhaps, were by others that came before me. But she? She always comes back. Oh, how she comes back!"

An immortal? Blake would have called it a fairy tale. But this Servant business was also strange enough that Blake didn't question it. As far as she knows, this was among the other things about those Servants that Sanson is a part of.

"For someone who likes killing," Blake commented. "You don't seem bothered at all that she is immortal."

"Indeed," Caster agreed. "Were it any other circumstance, I would have been angry. But my Master is different! She desires death and has tasked me to finding it. Me! Oh it as thought I was gifted a never ending canvas. Every thought and method have I tried, all for it to see her brought back! Every art and technique of death could I study and practice. And I do not need to fear about running out of beautiful models!"

Caster raised his arms outwardly. His head raised up high to the heavens, giving praise to whatever demented god that he worships.

"Everything at my disposal. Pushing the limits of my imaginations, what more could I ask?"

Blake's face was gently touched.

"Right now, I wish to enact them with you, my bride-to-be."

"I will never be your bride!" Blake pushed the hand away.

Caster only chuckled. "Then you could never see your dear Kali again."

"Excuse me?" Blake's voice rose in heat.

"Only my brides enter my Forbidden Red Room."

"My mother was—is happily married and you killed her right in front of her own husband!"

"And?" Caster raised an eyebrow.

Blake threw another fist at Caster. He only grabbed her by the wrist and slammed Blake against the wall. His bulging and oily eyes made it impossibly tempting to poke out. His breathing killed much of Blake's sense of smell and the rhythm of it made Blake almost cry out. Only her stubborn defiance kept her mouth shut.

Then, Caster let her go. He made some distance between them as he vibrated in place. His breathing only rapidly increased until he finished by himself. Blake felt like vomiting what little she still had inside of her.

"Not yet." Caster shook his head. "Not yet, my dear. Far too many. Enemy Servants still live and we will not let any of them get to our Master first. Salem. Oh Salem! Salem, my Master! You will be my final bride!"

Caster's moans turned to cackling. Blake tried to bury herself into the wall behind her as she backed away as much as she could. Never mind that Adam Taurus was on the other side. He was honestly preferable than Caster. She would have gone for Sanson but Caster had to be standing between judging from the vibrations earlier.

Blake couldn't do anything about Caster. His obsessions of death and murder were the only things keeping her alive, ironically. He desired death. He desired to be the bringer of death and destruction. He found joy and ecstasy in others craving for their end. A deranged dog that would do anything to please their master.

There was a knock on the door. Had Caster been an owl faunus, Blake was certain that his features would have that neck of his. His head turned with a terrible crack and yet no bone broke.

"So," Caster said. "The other Companion has finally arrived. It took them long enough."

Companion? The Cat? Blake wondered. Didn't the Cat and Assassin leave?

Caster's coat flew in the wind as he showed off his nobility when he turned to leave the room. Just before he left, Caster said to Blake, "another time. You still cling to life as you are. It doesn't have the same effect on me as it did before. If only you were an immortal like my Master. Now isn't that a thought? Master could use a companion."

The door opened and shut once again, leaving Blake alone. It was one way for life to return to her at least. Blake spent the next few minutes just catching her breath. Without realizing it until it hurt, she had been scratching the wrist that Caster had grabbed. That part of her skin where Caster's breath had touched were also red. She had burned through her aura. She was cleaning herself of that filthy feeling that still remained. Blake felt herself unclean.

In a rare and almost nostalgic moment, Adam Taurus voiced concern. "Blake?"

"It's fine," she replied. "Caster didn't do anything."

"Are you certain?" There was some frustration in that voice of his. The Adam she knew never liked it when she kept her injuries secret. "You cannot hide the sounds Caster made with those moans and breath, Blake. These rooms aren't soundproof."

"He's deranged, Adam," Blake assured him. "I think you know him better than I do."

"I do," Adam's voice had a hint of graveness to it. "There's a reason that Sienna isn't here."

Blake was quiet for a minute. Then, she guessed it. "She was a bride."

"Just before Ka—she was."

"What is it with Caster and brides?"

Adam then explained to Blake; he even mentioned of this Hazel Rainart, the man who had been with Caster. Blake didn't give any attention to Hazel that she had forgotten that there was another man with Caster. She couldn't even remember if he had been there earlier as well.

"Why?" Blake asked. It was the only thing that she had in mind after everything that had been told to her. "Why tell me this?"

"Because these deaths all serve a purpose," Adam said. "That spellbook of Caster had something in it—a Servant perhaps—that seemed, to me, to be fighting to break free. If anything were to happen to me, someone needs to lead the White Fang."

"As if I would want to go back out there." Blake wasn't leader material at all.

"Then pass this to someone who will."

"When did you suddenly change and grow a heart?"

"I cared for you once, Blake. Do not think so low of me as to simply toss it all aside. I don't know that… monster that much but can you blame me? All I heard was his moaning and you barely making any form of resistance."

Blake stayed quiet. "I'm not forgiving you for this. With what you did to Yang."

She heard him scoff. "As if I care what it is that you see in her now. You aren't the same anymore. There are worse things now."

/-/

Sanson was groaning in pain. As much as he was certain that Caster's moans were more for that sick pleasure of inflicting torment, there was no denying that Sanson found himself wanting to rush out anyway and see to it that Caster lost his head. Even if it would be the last thing that Sanson would do in this life, he wouldn't want to fail Kali any more than he already had.

As it stands, he was flat on the floor. Unable to move nor raise a muscle, there had to be some kind of paralyzing poison that went into his body that made him stop moving. The potency of it was great that Sanson couldn't use one of his own healing skills to cleanse himself of that debilitation. All he could do was pray that Blake was as safe as she could be while the effects wear off.

"Oh she's doing well enough, alright," the voice of the Cat had come from behind. "I could vouch on that. A few bruises here and there and personal space being violated but I can assure you it didn't go too far in that direction."

"What are you doing here?" asked Sanson. He couldn't turn his head around just yet.

"Well, Assassin has already left if that's what you're thinking. Her Master is more than capable of doing that. Not so much for me however. I'm still stuck here. But when I saw those ships, I thought that perhaps you wouldn't mind if I stowed away in one of them. Imagine my surprise to see the first signs of fire."

Curious Cat moved to a place where Sanson could see them.

Sanson felt a paw on his back. Then, a feeling of healing refreshment came to wash over him. The soreness of his body faded and he felt himself lighter than leaves.

"What?" Sanson asked.

"Noble Phantasm," Curious Cat answered. "If there is one thing that anyone would know of me, and one I am definitely happy that Lewis put in his book, it is that my purpose is my defining trait. I look for those in pain and given them a Piece of my Heart. Normally, they would be going to the Ever After Tree but this is close enough. I've repurposed your body to its original state before you were struck with the poison."

Sanson soon sat back up. Moving his arms and legs, he could not deny the renewed feeling that enveloped him.

"How did you get past all the guards?" Sanson asked. It would should have been impossible for Curious Cat without some kind of presence concealment. They weren't an Assassin.

"Oh it shouldn't be too much of a surprise," Cat brushed off the question. "I know people enough. An Inherent Insight that lets me guess the mannerisms of my target. These… sea creatures? Never heard of them, I can tell you that much, and for once, I am not that curious about them. Shocking, isn't it? Now where was I? Oh, right. Combine that with my inquisitive nature, and it's simply a case of finding what it is that makes them tick."

Sanson's eyes narrowed. A kind gesture, certainly. But there had to be a catch to it.

"Ah, of course. The deal." Cat knew what he was thinking. "I shouldn't be surprised, considering our last meeting. But I am serious that I do need a way out of this place and though it seems that you might come along as well, I am quite certain that Caster isn't exactly going to let either of us just leave without so much as offering us a place in that fancy book that he carries with him. What is it anyway?"

If nothing else, it would be better that Salem didn't have another Servant at their beck and call. "It is his Master's spellbook. A means of gathering all souls to summon Grimm. It could also do the same for Servants."

Despite not having any visible hair. Curious Cat's form spiked at the implication. Self-modification, it had to be. Sanson knew the tales enough to guess that much.

Outside, the Cthnonians continued their watch and their rounds and though there was some concern that Sanson could guess, they were mostly unbothered by it all and these demons continued on as they were. The Cthnonians could easily replace their numbers.

Sanson scanned his area. He couldn't check the door lest the Cthnonians roaming the halls would notice that the effects of whatever poison that had gotten to him had gone.

He sat back down while Cat was being a cat. Licking their conveniently existent fur, Cat was nothing more than a mere distraction for the most part. Sanson wasn't certain of what he should do at the moment but he was certain that whatever choice he would make; he would have to be certain that Caster does not leave Menagerie alive. He had to, for Kali's sake.

"But first," Sanson thought out loud. "I would have to make sure that Blake and Ghira leave Kuo Kuana."

"Who?" Cat asked, breaking Sanson's thoughts.

"The people," Sanson corrected. "They need to escape. More souls for Caster if more stayed behind."

"Ah," Cat understood. There was silence as Cat moved towards the windows. "Well I think that gathering them all in one place is certainly the easy part."

Sanson, being curious himself, got closer to the windows.

The people of Menagerie, White Fang and civilian, were being gathered some ways outside the Belladonna household. Any noise was snuffed out as most of them had something that muffled their voices. They could not be heard though their eyes were screaming for help. Caster stepped to the front of them and analyzed those that were put before him. Those White Fang that had fought back were the only ones brought to him. Sanson could see that Ghira was there.

By Caster's side was Blake and Adam. While Ghira and Sun tried to reach out to Blake, the Cthnonians held those two back. Sanson himself wanted to jump in anyway if it wasn't for the Cat pulling him by his coat.

Caster spoke to them with a raised voice but Sanson couldn't hope to understand it from his position. He had to keep his head low lest any of the Cthnonians spotted him. The faunus were all focused on Caster with none of them noticing his being recovered.

The gestures Cater made were exaggerated and full of showmanship. He displayed Salem's spellbook for all of them to see. Most were confused about the presentation but none reserved their fear and anxiety.

Then, Caster revealed to them all just what it was that the book does. The White Fang there were especially terrified as their fellows were sucked into the spellbook. Their banshee screams of panic lasted only a minute as their very souls were devoured by the spellbook. Afterwards, for about a minute of silence, Caster opened the book and those same White Fang members were brought back but with one changed state: they had been turned to Grimm.

White skin with blood-red veins and eyes. They were like copies of Assassin. Menagerie all panicked in their place and the only solace that Sanson could give Ghira and Blake was that Kali would never be among them; she suffered a different fate in that Red Room.

Caster continued to parade the Faunus-Turned-Grimm like they were his beloved newborns. Sanson could see the tears fly out Caster's face as he bounced about with twisted jubilation that no one else shared in his sentiment.

"Quite a faker, don't you think?" Cat just proved to be the only exception. At least, they didn't have the same joy.

"How are you even taking all this?" Sanson wanted to smack the Cat.

"Eh." Cat shrugged their shoulders. "I'm an inquisitive mind; it's my nature to be curious. Morbidly curious counts. Caster classing after all. I'm just glad it wasn't any of these Outer Gods that the Grail graciously gifted us all."

Sanson continued to observe Caster and his actions. Thankfully, Caster didn't make any further examples out of the other faunus. Blake and Adam were certainly made to watch, Blake especially. Looking out onto the sea, there were a few ships and boats left that could ferry them. Sanson doubts that there is anyone with enough experience with sea travel but that can be arranged. If he had to, Sanson could carry those more capable and distribute them across ships.

"So," Cat asked. "Am I safe in assuming that you're thinking of an alliance? A truce?"

Sanson looked towards Cat. Given the recent alliance that Cat had made with Assassin, it would be foolish of Sanson to take it. There was no doubt that Cat wanted something out of this. Whether that was for selfish reasons or for Assassin's Master was not his to guess.

"What do you want?" Sanson asked first. He needed to know.

"If it isn't obvious already, I want a ship out of here." Cat nodded so nonchalantly, it was as though they didn't just try to claw Sanson at one point. "Our dear god of light isn't exactly generous, only letting Assassin be the one to travel wherever she's needed."

Sanson's eyes narrowed. However, having more than one Servant is certainly better than having one. Plus, that would mean that Sun and the others could focus more on getting the faunus out while Sanson and Cat dealt with the Cthonians. The only things that held them back was that neither of them were directly combat-oriented. Neither was Caster but he had these familiars to do the fighting for him.

"Oh," Cat said. "Don't worry too much about that."

Confusion painted Sanson's face as Cat casually elongated themselves without much strain or struggle and opened the door as the paw modified itself into hands. Sanson was beginning to wonder if it was Self-Modification, Shapeshift, or a combination of the two. Either way, Cat's utility was a definite boon for any team.

Cat scanned the hallways outside and after a little scuffle, came back with one of the Cthnonians. Sanson, on instinct, drew his weapon, expecting an attack.

His grip loosened as the Cthnonian made no move to attack him nor Cat. If anything, Cat's commands were being listened to as the Cthnonian closed the door.

"I said that I could repurpose a body," Cat said. "Healing is but a by-product really. Think of it as them getting a new purpose for the time being. These things are surprisingly easy, I would say. Can't say for Grimm since I haven't tried any."

An idea then came to Sanson's mind. Desperate of him, perhaps. But Companions weren't chosen at random. "Could you do the same for those faunus?"

"Free them from their Grimm hold?" Cat tilted their head. "Perhaps. I can't resurrect the dead if they are." Cat looked away. "There's no guarantee that it would still be them if I did."

Sanson still hesitated for a moment. There had to be limitations for such a useful ability. But he had a duty to get the faunus out. He had a duty to get Kali's family out.

"Alright," Sanson said. He extended a hand. "If it's alright with you, Cat. I would like to ask for your help."

"Wonderful!" Cat took the hand and shook it enthusiastically. "Let's get an army of our own then, shall we?"

/-/

These Cthonians were the simplest part of repurposing. The peculiar pointlessness that oozed out of these creatures made them easy targets for it. Cat would admit that it was an odd feeling doing so. Every time they use their Noble Phantasm, a Piece of my Heart, there was a moment that Cat could feel what these creatures could feel. There wasn't any. These things have no purpose, no reason for existing.

Cat shivered at the cold indifference that these things radiate. They didn't like it at all. Things being there simply because they are? A ridiculous concept. If things simply are, then what is the point? Was that the point? That comment about those Outer Gods had truth to them.

At least, Cat thought. At least here you creatures have some kind of higher calling.

The Cthnonians that both Cat and Sanson gathered were increasing. It was still smaller compared to the familiars that Caster had summoned but such numbers were directly being inversed. Cat may not have any familiars of their own but familiars weren't the only things that Cat could take over.

Sanson cut through the Cthnonian who resisted. A shame that that one couldn't be added to their roster but any subtraction to Caster's numbers were welcome. Poor Sanson was mumbling to himself and thinking that Cat couldn't hear him. Humanoids might struggle to hear perhaps but Cat could always make themselves more sensitive to hearing.

He was concerned about the Belladonna family, was he? This Kali Belladonna must certainly be important to him. These Ghira, Blake, and Sun people were also significant people to him. Cat smiled but kept it hidden from Sanson.

"Well," Cat began. "I think that this is all that we could gather, no?"

Sanson still hesitated. But he eventually agreed. "I'll handle Caster directly if need be. Focus on the Cthonians."

"Of course."

The thing about Cat's Noble Phantasm is that it repurposes the body of the target and for a moment, Cat gets a glimpse of what it is that aches the person's heart. It was useful as any other circumstance would require the target to give consent. Without it, breaking someone would be impossible, especially if they were of strong mental fortitude, be it due to stoicism or arrogance. It was one of the reasons that Cat never got a chance with a dear Rusted Knight.

But with this one? They'll see soon enough.

Chapter Text

There was a limit to how many Cat could alter. It wasn't enough to completely turn the tide of numbers against Caster but it had to be enough to be fodder as the two of them sneak into Sanson's room. Once they would move out, they could always supplement the numbers lost. For the time being, Sanson did not leave until things fully quieted down and Adam and Blake returned to their rooms. Sanson closed off all other senses except hearing and heard, with as much precision as he could muster, the moment that Adam and Blake were brought back to their own rooms.

Sanson waited for a few more minutes. Cat was licking themselves, yawning and did what bored cats do when being lazy; they even curled up for a quick nap. The slightest movement by Sanson brought Cat back to the waking world.

Noise outside was scarce and getting less. Slowly, Sanson opened the door with the possessed Cthoninian leading the way. Neither Servant would put themselves in danger that willingly. The coast had been clear for the most part but Sanson gave everything he could to live up to his class. His Presence Concealment may have been low but masking his own threat level was a simple enough task and one that was possible with these Cthnonians. Only the Cat would have difficulty hiding themselves but that didn't stop them from literally making themselves as small as possible.

"It is the only way I can conceal myself." Cat's voice was squeaky. They were much closer to being a curious rat than a cat right now.

With the Cthnonians as security and cover, Sanson knocked on what he assumes to be Blake's room.

"Miss Blake?" he whispered.

"Sanson?" she replied. There were light sounds of her footsteps approaching the door.

Sighing relief, Sanson opened the door slowly so as to avoid any sort of detection. Sound was their enemy. Even the slightest creaking of the door made Sanson look around him.

Perhaps it was the necessity or perhaps the two had an alliance of their own, but Blake made no argument at the suggestion that Adam Taurus be brought with them. Blake sighed and gave one of her weapons to Adam since his had been destroyed.

"I want that back," she demanded.

"That's fine," Adam said. "I wouldn't want to use it any more than I have to."

Finding their way out was the most difficult thing to do. There weren't that many places to hide and with the increase in their numbers, there was hardship in finding hiding places in general. They opted to find a window that led to the back of the Belladonna household.

Double-checking the ground, Sanson managed to make as soft a noise as he could when he carried Blake down. Cat did the same for Adam but was much more silent; Cat had stretched themselves for that task and Sanson regretted his lack of foresight. He hadn't thought about it.

"How are we going to find dad and Sun?" Blake asked. Her faunus ears were twitching, finding any Cthnonian that may be approaching them. There weren't any.

Sanson peeked his head out the corner. There was no sign of any Cthnonian approaching them. Sanson quickly hid back when one was passing by, though it was rather far. There wasn't any certainty in how these creatures see, if they see at all.

Once again, Sanson peeked out of the corner. This time, he scanned each of the buildings and made a mental map of which ones had people in them. He could only guess since not all the homes were lit and those didn't have much in the way of security.

"Leave that one to me, miss Belladonna," Sanson answered. He then gave a serious eye to Cat. "If anything were to happen to her…"

"There will be consequences, I'm sure," Cat replied, rolling their eyes. "Nothing for the bovine here?"

Adam exhaled fumes, just like an angry bull. He turned towards Sanson, face demanding an answer.

Sanson sighed. For someone who was meant to be leader of the White Fang, Adam certainly did not have the mature traits of one, too emotional. "We'll need all the aid we could get. So keep Adam safe."

It was after Sanson felt safe enough to trust Adam and Blake with the Cat that he left them behind. The two of them were trained combatants and have seen firsthand the danger that Cthnonians possess. He couldn't leave them just there with the Cat and the Cthnonians had to be spread out somewhat if only to alleviate suspicion.

Still, Sanson wasn't certain if these Cthnonians had some means of detection or if Cat's controlled ones were acting in line to their original purpose. Sanson could see the differences in how the two groups act but that had to be because he had seen the alteration of their purpose by Cat. A nagging feeling kept telling him that Cat's Cthnonians aren't doing a good job of blending in among their former fellows.

The bushes and leaves moved as light as Sanson could manage. Had he not been an Assassin-class Servant, he would have masked himself with scents and other things just to evade any possible sensation that these creatures could possess. As it stands, his class skill, however low its rank is for Sanson, was doing a good enough job.

Staying on the rooftops wasn't a good idea. Sanson made sure of that at least. None of these Cthnonians were human and so lack the natural tendencies that humans do. Most people would never look higher than a certain point, it is one of these exploits that any Assassin-Class Servant should know. Combine that with Presence Concealment and one could evade even Servants.

He couldn't hide below either. Cthnonians walked all over the place and while they weren't subtle and their movements could be easily tracked, their mere presence often silenced any prisoners, making Sanson's job of finding them difficult. There was so few in any given house that Sanson was certain that Caster deliberately made it so. It didn't help that when he did find a house that he thought had people, it turned out to be empty.

Sanson had to guess which ones had any people at all. There wasn't a pattern that he could see and he had been forced back to the Belladonna household just to make sure that he didn't miss any. He had to assure the two, Blake especially, that he will find and free as many of the faunus as he could.

Finding Sun or Ghira was even more difficult. At first, Sanson believed that those with the highest amount of Cthnonians would have been the best choice. All he found was confirmation on the lack of a pattern. He was certain that he would stumble into Caster's base of operations first.

While he did find a few homes that had people in them, Sanson moved on to the next and made a mental note to return. He couldn't protect them while also trying to free the others and bringing them towards the Belladonna household would only paint a large target on them. They wouldn't be able to hide well even if they took risks into the forests; Caster would notice and chase them down for sure.

Peeking into the windows, none of the faunus looked to his direction. Sanson kept himself hidden even from them. A few children, with their faunus ears, turned their heads towards him but the adults with them kept them in place. The fewer among them that still managed to see him saw him miming shush to them.

As Sanson slowly made his way through each house, each one avoiding any scarce Cthnonian, he didn't feel at all at ease when the number of them decreased. They were less of them moving about that Sanson had been tempted once or twice to rush in and free as many of them as he could. But he could not. He should not.

He looked back at the Belladonna household. Thus far, Cat hadn't made any sort of moves though their Cthnonians were moving in circles. It was the most that Cat could make them do without giving too much of themselves away. Every once in a while, one of them would enter the home as though they were watching over the prisoners that had already escaped.

One of Cat's Cthnonians even went the extra mile of pretending to be any of prisoners by causing some kind of mild disturbance. A sign of struggle here and thumping noises there.

Eventually, he found Sun and Ghira together with some other faunus. Sun was the only one trying to keep himself up while everyone else was fearful and anxious.

Sanson felt pity at the sight of Ghira's face. His eyes had long since dried yet he still continued to weep. His clothes couldn't be stained any further and yet it was as though that Ghira could. He said nothing for his mouth wasn't moving outside the quivering of his lips. No matter how strong Ghira made himself appear, Sanson knew the man enough to know that he could always do that with Kali around. A brave face just to reassure Kali though the latter always knew that.

Hands turned to fists. Sanson would not fail them any more than he already had. Both father and daughter will leave Menagerie alive. Though he has another purpose, Sanson was certain that the Companions could make do without Caster. No. The Companions' purpose is for them alone.

His eye's drifted towards the Belladonna household once more. Cat had made an alliance with Assassin, made an alliance with the enemy of the Companions. But Sanson couldn't do much without Cat's aid.

Temporary, he sighed. This is a temporary alliance. It was a miracle there aren't any Rulers around.

Opening the window was slow. It had been well-made that Sanson had to risk making loud noises. It was as quiet as he could make it. Sanson's appearance nearly made a few gasp while others covered the formers' mouths. They all looked around them and even then, not one felt relief.

Ghira, on the other hand, only had one focus. "Where—"

"Your daughter is all right," Sanson said. "I hope you can put aside a father's grievances but I have to entrust her safety with Adam Taurus."

Ghira made no complaint. His daughter's safety takes priority and if Adam wasn't about to risk getting back with her here. Not like that.

"I take it I don't need to explain what I'm about to ask?" Sanson turned to Sun.

Sun nodded. There wasn't anything upbeat in it. "This time. I'll make it right."

Guiding them out was the most difficult task that Sanson had to let Sun take over. Ghira still wasn't quite out his own sorrows yet. Any time either Sanson or Sun went away to free the others, those already out kept looking over their shoulders. Neither of the two needed to imagine how long it must have felt for them.

As the number of them increased, Sanson's confidence in keeping them all hidden decreased. Having them all gathered in one place made things easier for him and Sun to manage at the cost of painting a larger target. Having them split up makes each group easier to hide but more difficult to defend with the points of travel between them. It may have been small but Sanson was only one Servant. Even Cat's help wouldn't turn it that well in their favor.

Yet, Sanson thought. Not a single one of Caster's familiars came out yet.

Something wasn't right here. Sanson's eyes, for a moment, honed in towards the Belladonna household. Adam and Blake were still there with Cat's protection. A few Cthnonians did appear to pass by them. But Sanson had a chilling feeling that it was nothing more than a gesture, an attempt to show him that Caster wasn't already aware of his actions. Simultaneously, Sanson wondered if that had been Caster's plan at all.

Each house freed of prisoners only made things worse for Sanson. They had to have been noticed by now, yet not one had sounded the alarm. Even as a few of the escapees begun to be more daring, there still wasn't any Cthnonian to stop them.

Adam, Blake, and Cat reunited with them.

"There's something wrong," Adam said, confirming Sanson's anxieties. Blake nodded along. Only Cat seemed unbothered by it; they were licking their fur as cats do.

The same was said about the ships. By guidance of the White Fang, the faunus avoided the ship serving as the capital vessel. Sanson went ahead and checked each one. Disarming any traps if he found any but that only resulted in wasted time for there were none. Looking outside, it was impossible for anyone to have missed the gathering of faunus. Nobody could hide that many.

Sun made sure everyone stayed quiet and had kept it as orderly as possible. Each ship had someone experienced enough to navigate or were given ships easier to navigate. The pleasures of Menagerie were that its coastal geography made its people more accustomed to sea travel.

Ships' engines started and Sanson forgot to breathe as the first few boats had begun to leave the shores. Sanson stayed behind, looking over his shoulders for Caster or any of the Cthnonians not controlled by Cat. Even as the first ships were reaching deeper waters, Sanson never felt ease.

Sanson was about to jump onto the ship when he heard the rising panic. He cursed in many ways as larger Cthnonians broke the water's surface and attached themselves to the ships. There was little in the way of defenses.

Was it cruel of Sanson that he prioritized Blake's safety over the others? She, along with Sun, Ghira, and Adam, were all on the same ship.

The first thing that came to his mind when those Cthnonians started to board the ships was the image of Kali and that door. He could not let her down. He would not let her down.

Once Blake's ship had been secured, he then hopped along the other ships and freed the rest. Cat was useless in this instance as the Cthnonians under his control were too close to the shore though that didn't stop them from trying.

It was in midair of his ship hopping that Sanson caught sight of Caster there standing at the top of the Belladonna household. He had been watching.

"Full speed ahead!" Sanson exclaimed. "Never mind me!"

"Sanson!" Blake cried out. There was something else that she tried to say but Sanson never heard it. He was already gone.

Ignoring the other Cthnonians and even Cat's own cry for aid, Sanson went straight for Caster.

His sword nearly brushing against Caster's neck. There was no time to consider defense; he had to commit.

Caster raised his own sword when he couldn't regain his balance on time.

In an awkward position where Caster's sword supported his own weight while his feet were planted in front of him, Sanson swept the ground, making Caster fall.

A tentacle got between the tip of Sanson's blade and Caster's neck. The number increased as the layer of defenses were being broken through. Another wrapped around Sanson and flung him backwards. The building's foundations fell and the roof beat on Sanson hard.

Cat was taking what control of what Cthnonians that they could. Cat's Cthonians ringed around their new master and protected them while being torn apart and replaced by Caster's Cthonians.

A few ships were already being brought back. Most of the faunus there abandoned their ships in the hopes of being saved by another. But they were too far and with the speed that they were going, most of the faunus were being brought back to the shore, if not drowned entirely.

Sanson gritted his teeth. He tossed the broken, wooden pillar aside and went again for Caster. He had to clear the Cthnonians around Caster. Every time he did, another would take their place but the speed that they would return was slow and Sanson made full use of it.

It was a rhythm between them. Sanson would cut through the Cthnonians and eventually go for Caster who would then hold Sanson back until he could summon his familiars and the cycle would repeat.

Sanson needed an opening. He was making that opening. He kept pushing Caster back.

Caster's demented grin turned to a serious frown. Caster had the superior strength but Sanson had the momentum and kept his balance.

Swords clashed and their arms shook as they tried to overpower the other. Caster had one arm on the ground because he never regained his balance. Sanson made sure that Caster never would.

Sanson kept the pressure on Caster. Even the Cthnonians respawning were slowing down in their aid.

Faunus were being brought back to the shore. Cat couldn't divide themselves to defending the faunus and fighting off the Cthnonians.

There isn't enough time. Sanson needed to do it.

Magical energy surged as blackened hands appeared around Sanson. Caster may have had his tentacles but Sanson had his own.

Tentacles appeared from beneath Sanson as blacked arms began to reach out to Caster. They wrapped around Sanson as Caster was held.

The ground shook with a large chunk of its surface starting to break.

"Adam!" somebody cried out.

Sanson's pause had cost him. The land did not break and the arms were gone.

Adam had been taken from the ships, brought towards Caster. Salem's spellbook reached out as Adam was being dragged towards it. His mouth moved to shout something but was immediately muffled by a tentacle.

But Sanson's focus had been taken almost immediately by the sight of Ghira Belladonna being dragged as well; Ghira was also muffled.

Sanson's eyes were on Blake's ship; they were already far enough that they could escape. Sanson could see that Blake was already pushing herself outside the ship in a desperate attempt to reclaim her father.

How that had occurred, Sanson didn't know. He didn't have time to think. Adam or Ghira?

"Who will it be, Companion?" Caster asked. He had broken free from the grip of Sanson's blackened hands. "Perhaps I'm doing you a favor!"

Sanson's choice had been simple. Adam failed to see the apologetic look Sanson gave as he rushed towards Ghira. Cutting down the Cthnonians, Sanson took a tight hold on the larger faunus and flung him as far as he could.

"Cat!" Sanson demanded. "Get Ghira to the ships!"

He turned around and reached out for Adam Taurus. Salem's spellbook opened and Adam's finger cut itself on the pages before Sanson pulled him away.

There had to be a reason for Adam being personally made Caster's prisoners. But Sanson promised Kali.

"Be the leader that the White Fang deserves, Adam!" Sanson said.

For a moment, Adam wanted to say something but Sanson already threw him. Sanson wasn't sure what it was that Adam saw when he had touched the spellbook. The shaking of his person and the confusion that painted his face left something to think about.

But there was no time. Sanson flung Adam as well, aiming directly towards Cat's direction.

Adam and Ghira were being ringed by Cat's Cthnonians. Cat had been more focused on keeping control. It was no surprise that their Cthnonians were outnumbered by Caster's and that difference only increased as time went on.

Those two must have been delirious, fighting back against Cat's Cthnonians.

Faunus were being brought back and were being dragged towards Caster. Salem's spellbook was being fed their souls. Sanson kept alternating between attacking Caster or freeing the faunus. A lose-lose task as either choice only prolonged the inevitable end of the faunus.

His focus was waning. The Cthnonians that Cat could control couldn't protect all those faunus.

Eventually, they too had broken and Ghira did something surprising considering what Sanson knew of the man: he threw Adam Taurus, saving him. Ghira shouted some words for Adam but Sanson didn't hear.

Caster's Cthnonians were gathering around Ghira. Many more stood between him and Sanson. Caster was regaining his own momentum and turning the tide of confrontation.

As Caster neared Ghira, Salem's spellbook in hand, his face grinned at Sanson. Cthnonians walled Sanson away.

Sanson cut through the Cthnonians. His eyes widening as Ghira was brought towards the spellbook.

The thought of Kali's fate and the promise he had made then echoed in his mind. Sanson cried out to Cat in desperation.

But Cat couldn't do much of anything, surrounded by the Cthnonians. Those that they had just taken controlled off were being disposed just as quickly as their purposes were altered.

Caster beat on the spellbook. Kojirou was still trying to break free. But the spellbook's grip kept him in place and Caster wasn't about to let a Servant get away.

Cthonians brought Ghira's hand towards the spellbook. It wasn't the Red Room this time.

Sanson cut through one last Cthnonian and dashed straight for Ghira, ignoring the others that got in his way. He didn't cut through them, only pushing them aside. Many tentacles came and slowed Sanson.

He took a gamble.

Once more, the blackened hands of condemnation reached out for Caster. They raced against the slower tentacles with haste matching Sanson's own desperation. The guillotine had to come.

The soul of Ghira Belladonna was fed to the spellbook. The black hand that condemns those to the guillotine had been an inch too short. Multiple tentacles held the others from reaching Caster.

If Kali Belladonna had been a slow affair, Ghira's own was quick, almost instant. Ghira had no time to even look towards Sanson for aid, nor did he have much time to resist. Sanson was still unsure if that had occurred at all.

Caster bent himself backwards, cackling to the high heavens. All around them, Kuo Kuana was burning.

Faunus were being fed to the spellbook as one Servant, Sanson, fell to his knees.

He had failed. Charles-Henri Sanson, Companion Servant of Menagerie, had failed in protecting them.

Curious Cat had broken free from their own encirclement and focused on survival. Their eyes widened at the sight of Sanson.

Cthnonians held Sanson without fear, not like they felt any sort of emotion at all. They brought him to Caster. Caster kept his smile as Sanson made no resistance. The screams of the remaining faunus fell on deaf ears.

"Now then," said Caster. "About that deal of ours, I can assure you that both you and that faunus will meet again. Rejoice! For you will fight together under one banner!"

Sanson's lifeless eyes looked up to Caster's. The spellbook was the only thing that disturbed this moment. Many cuts were had on the book's cover that Caster had to focus on the book more than Sanson.

He felt a tug on his coat. Curious Cat had grown in size and had a change in color to black and white. Their claws were larger and Cat had a much easier time in dispatching the Cthnonians than before.

Caster tried to reach out and grab Sanson but it was too late. Cat had already acted out and brought Sanson away from him and into the forests.

Cat ignored any of the Cthnonians and went deep into the forest where it had made its own territory.

Sanson was eventually laid down on the ground. There was a bounded field that kept enemies out.

"I failed," Sanson managed to say. Now it was starting to catch up to him. "I failed them both… I couldn't save them."

He looked at his hands. His mind was blank. Not even the thought of Blake was enough to get him back into focus.

"We did what we could," Cat said, returning to their previous size but maintaining that color scheme. "I can assure you at least that daughter dearest at least got away."

Sanson made no response.

"You're hurt," Cat said. They approached him. "You're heart is broken.

They placed a paw on his chest. A healing feeling started to calm him. Cat's Noble Phantasm.

Then, Sanson felt something warp inside of him.

"No trouble now, dear Sanson," Cat said. "Just open wide. You've felt this before already, this Piece of my Heart."

Sanson never had a chance to scream before he was muffled as his jaws were forcibly widened.

He felt his eyes could pop out at any moment. His vision darkened into nothing.

/-/

"Sun, let me go!" Blake screamed. She had been hopeless with Kali. She had been hopeless with Ghira. She couldn't be hopeless with Sanson.

"I promised them that you would be safe, Blake!" Sun kept his grip tight. Even when Blake used her semblance, Sun would use his own to keep her in place.

"But the Cat!" Blake knew which ones were controlled by the Cat and not only did that familiar of theirs took hold of her father but also took hold of Adam as well.

"I know, I know!" Sun made no arguments. He saw it too and couldn't act.

Blake could still see that Adam was among the farther ships. That image of her father throwing Adam, after everything that Adam had done, still felt unreal to her.

Her father, Ghira Belladonna, willingly saving the man he always told her would lead her astray. Blake couldn't see what was going on with Adam's face. She couldn't see his face at all; his back was towards her.

Her hopelessness only grew when she had seen Sanson being whisked away by the Cat.

Caster wasn't doing anything to chase them down and was even willing to let them go. Caster turned towards them and every crewmember of every ship rushed to get their vessels to top speed as fast as they are able.

Yet, Caster simply smiled and let them go. Only the screaming faunus left behind remained on that island.

Menagerie was burning. The fires began and grew as their shadowy figures shrunk and were consumed by the gluttonous flame.

Eventually, Blake's strength and resistance weakened. She still tried to push Sun away but he was too strong and would never let go.

Everywhere she went, destruction and chaos always followed. And in some shape or form, they involved the White Fang. From the very raids that she herself had participated to now where her former fellows are brought down and chained by some monster.

Her constant involvement with the White Fang put her team in danger and had cost her partner her limb.

Returning home, that danger only followed, running away from a greater threat just as she had run from them. Her parents, both gone. That Companion Servant, however short they had spent time getting to know each other, gave it all up just for her sake. Blake shook her head. Sanson had promised her parents to look after her, and so he did, costing him everything.

Blake's throat hurt. She had been wailing. Everybody had if they weren't sobbing or whimpering. Those manning the ships and boats were the only ones that kept themselves strong. They had to; someone had to manage the ships.

No Grimm came for them. Not a single blackened silhouette swam beneath them. Not even Caster's familiars followed them.

She lay there on the deck even as night fell. The ships took a longer route, avoiding the borders of Mistral and went straight for Vale. It was the closest that they could get too yet most of the White Fang were anxious about it. The attack on Beacon Academy still fresh on everyone's minds.

Blake had a shirt on her. It was Sun's. Night had already fallen. She never noticed.

She could still see the fire. She could see them, her parents and Sanson. She could see them burning as Caster and Cat cackled to themselves.

/-/

Adam's hands still trembled. That book felt like eternity though it had only lasted a moment. His ears were ringing even as the hours on that ship had passed. Ghira throwing him over to one of the ships was slow in catching up to his mind.

Ringing. Metal Ringing. Cut. Leaves were cut. Swallows. Swallows were cut apart, leaving nothing to touch the ground. Three cuts from a single blade, all at once.

His arms were heavy. They had lifted a great weight in so short a time.

There was a man there, wasn't there? Someone who wore violet. He had been trapped there. Many things, nothing that Adam could make out with certainty, were there. Each one attacking the man.

Those things had noticed Adam. That was when the ringing turned deafening. Whooshing and the sounds of cut flesh echoed all around Adam.

Adam heard panting. He heard exhaustion. Still, the exhausted kept going. The exhausted kept fighting. Again and again, he said something. Again and again, Adam heard it clearly.

He could see it. Adam could see that deadly dance. Things of black cut down by silver, bloodied by red. They kept coming back. They kept getting cut. They reformed. They deformed.

Adam didn't know how long it was that he had stayed in that landscape. He didn't know how long he had watched the man fight off the black things. He couldn't tell what those were no matter how hard he stared. Grimm? He wasn't sure.

Moving his hands in motion, Adam had picked it up. He stared up on the night sky. His hands and feet moved. The motion was slow and stiff. Adam did it again, smoother and faster. He had no weapon, the weight in his hands felt wrong.

He needed a weapon, not his old one.

He kept moving. He kept repeating. He fell. His legs were tired and wobbly. His vision blurred. He had pushed himself too hard. Still, his hands could move in that motion. Each image began to solidify. Each position of hands and feet were clearing up to him.

The image of Ghira throwing him to the ship finally caught up.

"Gan—" Adam managed to say. His head hurt. The ringing remained. "—ryu?"

Adam's head hurt more. There was something else there he had heard. Something that he was sure that sounded absolutely clear.

"Tsubame… Gaeshi…"

Chapter Text

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Archer's identity, Project Progidium, the case of Voyager, all these things and more came rushing into Cat as they took in this new form of theirs.

"Lewis," they sang. "Oh Lewis! Oh, how did you write me?" Song turned to laughter. "All this? Just for me?"

Curious-Sanson's arm stretched just as they should. The executioner's sword also appeared as Cat intended.

"French revolution?" Cat wondered. Memories were still flooding in. "Oh, how dreadful of a life you live, dearest Sanson!"

Marie Antoinette. The Jacobins. The White Terror. Charlotte Corday. Napoleon Bonaparte. So many names and so many faces appeared in Cat's eyes. A place far from Remnant when they had so foolishly thought that Remnant was the end goal.

Cat already learned much thanks to the Holy Grail's knowledge but this? This was a personal and intimate look into the livelihood of an individual. Knowledge that they could only understand by living through it for that is what it felt like for Cat.

Then, there came Sanson's life while he had been in Remnant. Shaped and marked from another summoning, Cat could see the works of this League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Chiron, Sasaki Kojirou, James Moriarty, Henry Jekyll, and Sanson himself. A project of sorts, meant to combat against Cat's maker, or is it the maker of their living self? Being a Heroic Spirit—Cat laughed at the thought. Heroes? Ha! Being a Heroic Spirit meant that they are more a product of great influence than anything genuinely heroic.

Back to the project. Cat could see that the League has plans for the god of light. A recreation by the greatest minds that the League could come up with, it was an inefficient variation of a conceptual weapon, one that could bring down immortals.

"But that's not the only one of its kind is it?" Cat was ciphering through the call. James Moriarty is the Archer? And one allied with Caster's Master no less? Well, well, Holy Grail Wars certainly are full of backstabbers. Such horrid barbarity. What riveting curiosity!

Then, there was what this Chiron told them. A previous Grail War, one involving a Jason of the Argonauts gaining a task by one Gilgamesh. A prototype meant to give them that same task should they be unable to accomplish this Black Cannon in time.

Curious-Sanson's eyes began to water. Such a fantastic and brutal world. No Grimm and no Jabberwalker and yet these people continue to destroy each other! Such hopes for a bright and beautiful future while their insignificant little blue dot slowly decays into gray.

"What's this?" Cat saw that which was certainly wasn't Sanson's. Or perhaps it really was. It was hard to tell with Cat ciphering through them all, including what might have been their own. "Akashic Records? Oh, now that sounds interesting!"

Cat was someone defined by their terrible curiosity. A desire to know everything regardless of use or morality. A single-minded purpose that makes Cat ignore all others. With the prospect of getting to definitively know everything? It is a match made in heaven!

"Oh, but first," Cat said, returning back to these League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. "I can't let my dear old maker win the Grail War now, now can I?"

Cat was learning more about the god of Light here than they ever did. After leaving the Ever After, both he and his brother of darkness created this one. And it would have been their own playground to do as they wish. But with this… Foreigner appearing in Remnant, their experiment now has an extraneous factor that could never be their own.

These Salem and Ozma people? Their curses are no longer as permanent anymore. My, my, what a world you all come from! Such a wonderful world!

Remnant no longer has much to offer Cat and they didn't spend that much time here at all. There was little to be done about the Ever After but this? This Earth? What better place than to go there! And god of light intends to destroy the only means out of here? Jealous much?

"Yes." Cat nodded. "Yes, you are, dear maker of mine." There was an air of vengeful anger around them. "You left me there. You left me without any means to heal my own broken heart. I'll play your game. But do not think that I will stand by and let you destroy my only ticket out of here!"

Curious-Sanson shrugged. They supposed they would be doing as Companion Servants do and aid Remnant against the brother gods themselves. Well, light at any rate; darkness was nowhere to be found. Perhaps that one decided to leave Remnant be.

"Always wanted it your way," Cat commented. Their head staring up into the sky, wondering if that pathetic maker could even hear them. "You never liked it when brother dearest does anything better than you, don't you? Jabby and now these Grimm."

Their eyes then turned towards where they had come from. The fires still burned in that distance. Cat wasn't certain if they had died down already or if Caster had already left.

"Well," Cat thought. "So long as I don't help the Master of Assassin, everything should be fair game, no?"

Still, before any of that, Cat tested a few things. Personal skills and even tactics of the possessed added to their own. Cat supposed that it is one way that makes things rather simple. Cat let a little bit of control loose. Nothing had happened. They smiled wider than what Sanson's face normally would have allowed. It would seem that once possessed, there is only one method for them to break free. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Curious-Sanson strutted with a cartoony jump with each step. Arms swung wide as each step was longer than the leg itself allowed. Their head bobbed up and down, as if listening to some funky music that played only in Cat's head.

The fires ahead were still there and the scent reached Cat's nose. Cat took a deep sniff. Nope. There was no effect on the host at all. Then again, none of the things burning were those leaves. It was just the scent of a few fried sea-food that made Cat's mouth water a little.

"Hello!" Curious-Sanson peeked out their head and was immediately attacked by nearby Cthnonians.

"Oh?" Caster commented. "Possessing a new vessel are we?" Caster did not at all have any sympathy nor concern. "I wonder if it would be as one when this goes to Master's spellbook."

Caster looked to Cat without much concern nor desire. Perhaps it had something to do with his targets getting away? Or did it have something to do with its Cthnonians being possessed?

Cat avoided one only to run into another Cthnonian. Each one obeying the whims of their summoner. One flaw in possessing another Servants was that, despite gaining their abilities on top of Cat's own, Cat would lose the ability of changing another's purpose. Cat would have to abandon Sanson's body if they wanted to alter another's purpose.

"Really Lewis?" Cat asked. "Can't let little old me have some fun?"

With Sanson's own blade, Cat cut down a Cthnonian. Moving and weaving past another in similar motions and habits as the original, Cat had cut another.

"Okay," Cat said. "Maybe I can have a little fun." Stretching out their new body beyond what it should be capable off, Cat continued, "why don't we work together for real this time, Sanson?"

There was no response, as it should be. One could never be too sure about sudden resistances. There may not be any of those leaves but that doesn't mean that Cat's hold still wouldn't be broken free from. Cat is not taking that many chances here.

Cthnonians surrounded Curious-Sanson. But time spent with them also allowed Cat to learn more about their habits.

They preferred entanglement and complete restraint before any sort of significant damage. Sludge were spat out at them, meant to slow Cat down so that they could be more efficient in their entanglement.

Cat and Sanson's respective parameters did not, in any way, get combined which was a shame. It was more accurate to say that it averaged out. Sanson's worst stats would be raised by Cat's better ones and vice versa. This also, sadly, applies to their best stats.

"Nothing a little breaking in wouldn't fix!"

Cat moved over and around the Cthnonians. Sword wildly swinging and slashing. Movements irregular as Sanson's body contorted, stretched and returned to its original position as Cat cut Cthnonians without much care for anything else.

They managed to catch Caster's growing interest. That raising of eyebrows and growing smile, a normal one for once, could not be mistaken for anything else.

"Fascinating," Caster commented. "Not as good as my Master's and certainly not as elegant as the Grimm, but there is an art to it. A different art style, if you will."

"Glad I could please you." Curious-Sanson managed to bow when they had a chance. "I do try to please."

"Still," Caster continued. "My Master's orders remain the same." He commanded a smaller group of smaller Cthnonians to attack Cat. A few tentacles have begun to manifest from the ground.

"We need not be enemies for that long!" Cat offered. "Sanson, bless his aching heart, it is in so much hurt you wouldn't believe, and I are both Companions, you see."

Caster nodded. "Yes. My Master and her pieces are aware of your existences." He gestured the spellbook. "We have a place for you."

A tentacle just brushed past Curious-Sanson's foot.

"And what if I were to tell you that there is another enemy? One that might just change your Master's mind?"

Cat's claws expanded from Sanson's arm and slashed a Cthnonian to fine paper. Heh. Paper.

"I have no interest in your offerings. I only live to serve my Master. And my Master desires death."

Nearly avoiding a tentacle that came for them like a javelin thrown, Cat lost their balance and was falling from a tree. Cthnonians already gathering around them.

Clever. Cat would give Caster that win after seeing their surroundings. There were less trees and bushes for Cat to jump to and from. Can't break him, though. He's too deranged. Shame really. In another life, we might have been friends.

"What if I were to tell you that said opposing Master could grant it? And without the Grail, too?"

Oh? That one made Caster pause. Though in hindsight, Cat wasn't sure if that had been the right choice. Caster, rather than being elated at having his Master's wish fulfilled without the Grail, was filled with a furious anger instead.

"The Master of Assassin," Cat continued. The Cthnonians have stopped attacking as well. "One of two of Remnant's makers, the brother god of light. It is why we Companions are here in the first place!"

The Cthnonians all stayed in their places. Tentacles were flailing lazily as they waited for orders. Caster himself stood in place, anger burning in his eyes.

"Assassin," he whispered. There was a strange affectionate tone behind it. "Assassin. Oh how you've been saddled with a terrible Master!"

Cat tilted Sanson's head, unsure of what to make of the sight before them.

Caster said things that were inaudible but carried a stinging disdain for the brother of light.

"I'm… Sorry?" Cat remained unsure. "But am I missing anything here?"

Suddenly, Caster's ramblings stopped and he turned towards Cat. Cat nearly shrunk back with how those oily eyes stared through both Cat and Sanson's souls. There was no pleasure behind it, only a possessive and jealous anger.

"They will not take her away from me," Caster whispered. But Cat was too close that they could hear it as though he was speaking. "I still have so many, so many methods to try!"

"I'm—"

"She will not be taken from me!" Caster exploded. "An immortal. A genuine immortal, and one who craves death. I will be the one to grant it! It shall be me! I will be the one to find that manner of ending. It is I who will find and create every form of killing that can and will ever exist. I! I shall become the greatest artist of the art of death!"

Caster's sword pointed at Sanson's neck. Cat gulped for them both.

"So be it," he continued. His voice calmed down enough at least. "A willing Companion you will be. Perhaps, I shall have these gods bend to her will instead. Show her that only I can bring her the death she craves."

"Okay." Cat's voice was high-pitched, almost a squeak.

All of the Cthnonians obeyed the will of their summoner. Cat followed Caster as they made way towards the docks. There were no ships left; they were all taken away or were sunk along with the faunus on them. That did not stop Caster from walking onward anyway.

Rather than go towards the wharves, Caster stepped to the side and stood on the shore.

"Now then, dear Hazel," Caster said.

Oh right, Cat thought. He's here. For a man so large, he does have quite the knack of keeping himself hidden. Looking at Caster though, Cat wasn't so certain about that assessment.

Hazel sighed and brought forth a jellyfish-looking Grimm, a seer. A voice was heard coming from the other end.

"Caster?" said a feminine voice, Caster's Master. "What is your status?"

Caster gestured towards the form of Curious-Sanson. "I have found two other Companions, my Master. While the other one resisted, he had been possessed by this one here."

Cat couldn't tell where they should be looking at. There wasn't any face that they could see and there certainly wasn't any kind of projection that was being made here. Cat wasn't certain if the thing could. One thing was certain: there was a familiarity about the woman speaking and that of the Jabberwalker. A particular air about them that reminded Cat of its own makers: the other brother.

A minute of silence had passed before Caster's Master spoke again. "You wish to offer your services to me willingly?"

Cat bowed with the same reverence from their vessel's memories of their time period and living. Sanson seemed to be familiar with royalty at least. It was certainly different from the ones where Cat comes from; those ones would be considered childish by the standards of Remnant. It was a good thing too. Cat could hide their own face while they're at it.

"Very well," said Caster's Master. "One who serves willingly is far more useful than those enforced."

"Very wise, my Master," agreed Caster.

The seer then turned towards Hazel. "Hazel. How goes the supply?"

Hazel hesitated to answer. "You are too generous on your Servant, my Queen. He has… foraged during our travels."

"Has he now?"

Caster did not at all look guilty. He accepted it with glee.

"Alright then," the Master of Caster continued. "Both of you are to return to Evernight Castle. Let us see what this willing Companion of ours has to share."

At this, Cat smiled. "A pleasure to be of service… my Queen."

The seer then left their presence, going who knows where. Had it always been there? Cat's eyes turned towards Caster again. Such a horrid presence that anything and anyone might as well cease to exist. Cat's expression turned somewhat serious.

Caster then summoned the larger Cthnonians and had them begin working on crafting them a raft. It was small and humble but with Caster's familiars serving as both rudder and sail, it was the swiftest sea faring vessel that would ever grace Remnant.

The two—three of them left Menagerie behind. The fires have already died down and nothing remained of it but ashes. That home for the faunus was wiped from the maps of Remnant.

/-/

Blake was still out there on the deck. For once, Sun wasn't certain if his usual demeanor would even work. She'd probably get angry at him for staying as upbeat as he could and Sun wasn't sure either if that was preferable to this miserable state that she was in. He even wore a different shirt, one of the White Fang's former uniforms that was a size too large for him.

Sun helped out wherever he could on the ship. But he always volunteered for anything that was up there on deck. He, with some help from a White Fang member named Ilia, brought Blake to one of the rooms where she had been stuck the whole voyage. Blake wasn't the only one; a few other rooms had them and not a single one of those still moving hated them for it. Only difference was that they eventually kicked themselves back into acting; Blake did not.

At least, Blake had enough sense to eat, even if only a little. Sun had to reduce the portions just so that it doesn't come back out when Blake tried. Sun practically only carried half a plate's worth with the other half going to him anyway.

"Is she still out of it?" the girl, Ilia, asked. After some conversations, turns out to Sun that both she and Blake used to be comrades.

Sun said nothing and only nodded.

Ilia sighed. "Great. Look, I don't mean to sound entitled but Adam isn't right in the head right now and Blake's parent founded the White Fang. I don't know. We're just—"

"Looking for someone to take the lead," Sun guessed. "Wish I could help you guys there but I couldn't lead any of you guys. Not like this."

"Aren't you a team leader?"

"Not much. Called a few shots here and there but most of them were really just doing their own thing. Definitely can't do the same here."

A White Fang member came to talk to Ilia who responded. Neither of them seemed certain but that moment wasn't missed by Sun.

"Don't." She shook her head. "I really can't do this. It's not really for me."

"But they're listening."

"They'd listen to anyone that isn't… whoever that monster was. We're going for Vale; Mistral isn't safe."

Sun sighed. "Yeah, figures." A few seconds passed. Ilia didn't really leave and Sun didn't ask her to. "But what are you planning to do when you get there?" The White Fang's actions against Beacon didn't need to be said.

"Negotiate? Spare the civilians and arrest the rest of us? We don't expect to be treated well there, justifiably this time. The least we could do is make sure the others don't get dragged into it. Oh, and you might want to get your shirt back when that happens."

"Nah," Sun shook his head. He pointed to Blake. "She can keep it."

"I'm not offering," Ilia already brought another. It was a plain one with no means of opening and it wasn't quite Sun's size. "I… you seem like a good guy. I'm not letting you get involved with one of us."

"Like Vale's going to listen? Look, I know my innocence but I don't think that many people could vouch for me there. Even if there were, I'm sure not everyone is going to listen anyway."

"Wouldn't hurt to try."

Ilia left the shirt by Sun's shoulder and left him there. Blake had to have been listening to their conversation; they weren't even hiding it from her and her eyes were at least in their direction. But there was nothing. Blake still did not respond nor did she comment on Ilia's plans.

The ships were silent with only the monotonous splashing of waves against their vessels disturbing it. Occasionally, one would hear the gulls flying over their lowered heads. Conversations were few in number and only spoke in whispers; those were only comprised of instructions for navigation and ship handling.

In all that time, Sun never left Blake's side. Ilia would pass by there, usually to check in on Blake. Sun would always give her the same answer: no update.

The skies were at least kinder, and nights were as peaceful as they could hope. Some of the children, and even adults, have begun to recount tales of lost loved ones and begun to cry. The grieving process had finally begun for most of them. Even Blake's eyes had begun to shed their first tears. It was slow but it had begun. Blake curled herself into a ball as her body trembled and sobs gradually grew louder.

Perhaps it was insensitive of Sun and Ilia to be smiling at the sight. But they would rather have Blake begin to cry than permanently lose her into that state that she had been earlier. At least here, they could do something. She was getting more responsive as well though still small.

A quiet morning greeted them next. Their vessel wasn't one of the fastest but they were also avoiding most sea routes. Their flags bearing the White Fang may have been torn down but Mistral was still a danger to them. They were still around Mistral's borders and it would take a while longer before they would even reach within Vale's territory. Vacuo had been suggested but that trip would take longer.

There was a forced happiness among the vessels. Despite the strange circumstances of not having met any yet, there hadn't been any Grimm in the area. Ships were always equipped to deal with Grimm in some way, only those meant to stay close to the shore did not and those boat had long since been sunk were converted into something else.

Blake still hadn't left the room but the sobbing eventually stopped and was replaced by the rhythmic rise and fall of sleep. Nothing had made Sun and Ilia happier.

During that time, both Sun and Ilia had gotten to know each other a bit better. Ilia made no denials that there had been something between herself and Blake though that had been one-sided. Sun himself confessed something similar.

"Part of the reason why I tagged along," Sun raised his arms in surrender. "Course, I knew she didn't feel the same."

"Something 'bout the way she looked at someone else?"

"Yup."

The two chuckled among themselves. Blake had fallen into deeper slumber to hear them. The one pleasant thing about it was that Sun could finally go up on the deck and take in some air. He would still go down there and check on her if Ilia wasn't the one doing it.

"I promised both her parents and Sanson that I'd look after her," Sun said. "Appreciate the help."

"Anytime. And thanks for helping out with the White Fang."

"Are you kidding? You're doing great!"

"Oh sure," Ilia rolled her eyes. "Just second-guessing every decision I have to make. No big deal."

"Every leader goes through that someday."

"Why don't you lead them instead? You're an actual team leader."

"Yeah, not a White Fang member, remember?"

"The shirt you're still wearing says otherwise."

Sun was more of a muscle among them. Being a huntsman-in-training meant that he was the one doing the heavy lifting. He found a rather neat use for his semblance here since that meant four could work at once at the cost of one.

Having nothing much else to do, Sun had resumed his exercises since he hadn't been moving much at all watching over Blake like that. Ilia could do the same but White Fang training wasn't much compared to proper huntsman training.

Taking advantage of a current, their vessel zoomed towards their destination much faster. Many vessels followed suit with a few departing from them. Their reasons for doing so were unknown to the two but they wished them luck anyway.

"I have to ask," Ilia said. "You ever think that maybe all those fairytales are true?"

Sun paused before answering. The cause behind such a question wasn't lost to them. "I mean… if one of them did exist…"

"Would have been nice if he had been there."

"Yeah. It would be. Definitely would have better than them. Don't remember the Cat doing that from the stories, I'll tell you that much."

"I know right? Like, when did that happen?"

The two went quiet for a while before Sun started again. "I just hope that the others are at least true to their stories. Could you imagine the Jabberwalker of all things being our hero?"

Ilia exhaled. "Wouldn't be the first time." Her fingers traced the White Fang mask.

"Yeah," Sun said. "Would be nice if the Rusted Knight is at least as heroic as the stories."

/-/

"So we're good?" Rider asked.

"Yup," Qrow replied. "Not much we could do about Raven but we could at least secure the key to the Vault."

"You need some extra muscle?" Lancer offered.

"You," Qrow emphasized. He was still bitter about the alcohol supply that had been reserved just for him when he found out about it. "Stay in spirit form."

Chiron shook his head. He turned to the students. "Are you ready?"

"We're disguising ourselves as students of yours," Ruby said. "Most of us anyway."

"And I'm coming back home," Pyrrha added.

Rider's fanciful outfit remained as they all walked like a group of friends towards Mistral. Chiron took the role of guide with Qrow and Rider taking the role of guardians.

Pyrrha's pacing was slow but she kept up with the rest of them. She was at the end of the group with Rider just in front of her. He would look back and smile awkwardly at her but Pyrrha had been more focused on staring at his new outfit. It wasn't something that would be found here in Mistral and it certainly drew attention. If it was that or the tunic, at least this one made Rider look like he was dressed for an occasion.

Keeping a façade of a more experienced but still youthful huntsman was easy for Rider. Children were certainly a fan of him and he entertained them accordingly. He acted like those fairytale knights with such ease, most mistook him for genuine nobility. Some even called him a prince.

"Master?" Rider asked. He also often stood still and waited for Pyrrha to catch up. They all did eventually.

"Sorry," Pyrrha said. She took a deep breath. "Just a little anxious, that's all."

Rider approached her and offered her a hand. "Then, would milady be gracious enough to accept me as a humble escort?"

Pyrrha's red face lasted a moment. Chiron and Qrow rolled their eyes. Ruby, Nora, and Ren gave her full support. Nora was especially supportive and volunteered Ren to do the same for her, just so that Pyrrha wasn't alone. Vernal was hard to read, maybe disgust?

Master and Servant walked as though they were headed to a formal dance. Pyrrha couldn't look at Rider without turning away immediately after. She didn't know where to look since the onlookers were also staring. Qrow and Vernal just pretended to never have known them at all.

Pyrrha had imagined moments like these once. Her and Jaune walking together, hands intertwine. It was chaste and simple, certainly. But she wondered now if Rider ever thought of the same in his time. Neither of them had that chance to try.

Even the circumstances here weren't the same. She pictured that it would be through the hallways of Beacon academy. The one time she would have been happy at the attention would have been at the sight of the two of them together.

The bitter reminder of reality hurt her a little. Such things could never happen and those circumstances could never be. Even now, it wasn't like those stories she would imagine for herself. Should she?

Haven Academy soon greeted them over the horizon. It was mostly empty of staff and faculty. The students were all absent and have been sent home. Chiron led the way as they went inside without much security blocking their way.

There were a few staff members here and there but those were only finishing up whatever duties that they had. At the sight of Chiron, they already knew that these guests were expected by the headmaster.

"Headmaster's at his office, sir," said one of the janitors, ignorant of the fact that it should just have been Chiron.

"Thank you," replied Chiron. "Perhaps you and the rest should consider early."

"No need to tell us that, sir. Headmaster Leo already told us to. Don't know what it is with him, lately."

"I'm certain that the illustrious headmaster of Haven has a lot on his plate. What with the Vytal Festival and Beacon. Perhaps I could help relieve him of his duties."

The group then proceeded towards Leo's office. The hallways, much like the rest of Mistral, reflected a balance between culture and nature. Paintings and statues reflected the arts but the ones they had at their base overshadowed them in quality. The colors were vibrant and cool, windows letting in more of natural light into these silent hallways.

At night, these hallways gave a view of serenity if the skies were cloudless. A night sky full of stars made Pyrrha imagine herself walking underneath that dark veil with her Jaune. Perhaps it was naïve and amateur of her, but she also pictured the sound of melodic tunes playing as she and Jaune, wearing an outfit similar to the one Rider currently wore, dance underneath the shattered moonlight.

Pyrrha chuckled to herself a little. She remembered that Vytal dance. He wore a dress that time. She wished she could go back to it.

You could, Pyrrha's thoughts intruded. She then turned towards Ruby. Her free hand tightened then loosened. It's wrong. The whole world is at stake.

They all stopped at Leo's door. Chiron turned to them one last time; his stare lasted the longest when it came to Pyrrha.

Chiron then turned around and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" The calm in Leo's voice sounded forced.

"I'm finally here, headmaster," said Chiron.

"Chiron?" There was elevation in Leo's voice and a hint of frustration. "It's about time you got here! Do you know how many of my calls had you been ignoring?"

"Sorry. I have been a bit busy."

Chapter Text

Whatever reason that Rider had for going for his more princely outfit as opposed to his battle armor was gone the moment they entered the room. No wait, Rider thought. Too armed. Chiron's presence was already known around Mistral, at least among a few huntsmen and huntresses. Qrow's presence, along with Vernal, didn't need much to convince Leonardo about anything else.

Negotiations were short. There was hardly any sort of greeting to be had. None of them even bothered with their cover stories. With Qrow's presence alongside Chiron, Leonardo was able to piece together a good enough guess as to the current predicament.

"All this time?" Leo asked. He was seated behind his rattling desk. Even the key for the Vault was rattling just as hard if not more. Any sign of color was fading from his body with each passing second. That mane of his was losing its luster and volume as the floor is being littered with fallen hair.

Qrow had his hands on the desk, doing little in stabilizing the poor table. "Not exactly. I had a little… anonymous suggestion."

"And you still—"

"Technically, Salem's immortality is no longer as clear cut as it used to be. We actually have a chance this time, Leo." Qrow reigned in any hint of desparation.

Rider's eyebrows went up. Qrow still hoped that Leo could change, huh? Saves them the trouble, at least. Mistral would be in better position if it still had its headmaster, a sense of stability and order in times of uncertainty and hardship. Otherwise, they would need someone else to take his place. Chiron perhaps?

"But it's impossible!" Leo exclaimed. He was shaking his head furiously. More of his hairs were falling out. No bald spots yet. "Not with all the huntsmen and huntresses gone!"

"We're actually doing well enough," said Chiron. "You're welcome."

"You—"

Chiron nodded. Leo's fingers continued to shake. His eyes darted everywhere as he processed that revelation. Leo begun to mumble to himself. No one could understand what he was saying, but he was mumbling fast.

"You people are crazy; you know that?" Leo's voice never returned to that calm. He tore off the key to the Vault. "You want to take a risk that Ozpin has been trying for centuries and failing, then be my guest!" Leo then especially addressed Chiron. "You take over my office, if that's what you want!"

"Headmaster Leo, sir!" Ruby tried to call out. But it was too late. Her voice became a poor whimper. "We have a chance now. We could win."

Leonardo Lionheart had jumped out of the window, enforcing himself with aura as he landed and then fled. Chiron was the only one who could keep track of the faunus as he kept running, gaining few peculiar eyes in his direction.

Qrow sighed and Vernal shook her head.

"Mistral is doomed if that was its huntsman headmaster."

"Hey," Qrow defended. "In other times, that man was one of the bravest I know."

"Yeah, was. Past tense."

"Ooh, didn't think Ray would actually think about teaching grammar."

"You want to run that by me again, old man?"

"He broke down at the knowledge of Salem." Rider stepped in. He did his best to hide his disappointment. Whether that was for Leo or for the display from these two bandits, he didn't know. The pleasures of having to wear a helmet. It was a shame he wasn't in his armor in that moment since he was sure that everyone saw it.. "I suppose not even the promise of the Grail could convince him to stay."

Qrow picked up the Vault key, having calmed down enough. He still had some of that Branwen tendency of stregnth rules inside of him. Might be a genetic thing. "So, key secured. Now we just need the Maiden. I don't know about you guys but I'm not exactly keen on going back to Vale just to pick up a lost bird."

"We really can't force it open?" Ruby asked. Her eyes drifted towards the Servants, Rider especially. He was sure that it was because he was the Rusted Knight.

Chiron shook his head. "It is conceptually locked. Anything else that isn't considered to be the Spring Maiden is rejected." Chiron turned to Rider. "Unless…"

"No," Rider replied. "Paper Pleaser Raven is still just a Paper Pleaser. No Maiden bypassing there."

"Worth a try." Chiron shrugged. "More on that note, how many questions did the Relic have?"

"That time, it was two. Probably still the same here. Ozpin wouldn't hide that if he was more open with us back in Patch."

"That is good." Chiron nodded. "All we need is the one. Everything else is in this document."

"Document?" Ruby asked. "The one we got from Mistral Below?"

"That's right, miss Rose. Let's find some seats. Since we're here in the headmaster's office, we might as well use the privacy. And let's hope that Raven finally shows up."

"Doubt it." Qrow shook his head. "Considering the only person she would have gone to; odds are that she's hiding out. I know Tai is a big softie."

"Thank you, Qrow," Lancer replied.

"Hey, my luck isn't that bad." Was Lancer trying to goad out Qrow's bad luck?

Rider stayed quiet. He had expected this sooner or later and while there were a few interruptions, it was inevitable that this would occur. His connection to that story of the Little Prince, his outfit outside of battle, and Lewis' involvement. The connection of Remnant's Holy Grail War and the Companion Servants. The matter of the documents in Chiron's hand. Chiron told them of everything he knew, leaving out details in regards to the other members of this League of his; one of them was one of the participants of the Grail War, on Salem's side but with a wish of their own.

Pyrrha could only stare at Rider as Chiron relayed information about Lewis and the Voyager probe. Launched in ages long before any calendar on Remnant, the Voyager space probe was meant to carry a message across a sea of stars from a pale blue dot called Earth. Its electrical power had long since died and the lonely probe was left adrift in the cosmic ocean.

Eventually, that space probe had been pulled by Remnant's gravitational force and landed near where Lewis was, after the Ever After. With it came the concept of the Grail War.

A composite of sorts, Rider thought. His eyes examined every part of his outfits. While Jaune Arc still reigned as the dominant influence of the Rusted Knight, the signs of Voyager's influence were clear now.

In some respects, Jaune had been a kind of Voyager in the Ever After, telling the stories of Remnant just as that space probe told the story of Earth's humanity. Rider wondered if that red sash also meant that a Pyrrha took his place much like this one.

"Is that why Dust doesn't work in space?" Ruby asked.

Interest sparkled Ruby's eyes. Rider could guess what his living self's best friend was thinking: probably the different weapons and technologies of Earth.

"It is the belief of one of our members," answered Chiron. "Dust not working in space might be a coincidence. But with this Grail War and their involvement, one could not simply dismiss the possibility that perhaps your gods do not wish for you to leave Remnant."

"Not without their approval, I bet," Lancer added. A little disgust flavored her voice mixed with a little bit of shame. As a Silver-Eyed Warrior, Lancer had a connection to the Brother gods. "Still, Gilles de Rais and now Jason of the Argonauts, huh. Remnant's first Grail War and not one of the candidates came from Remnant?"

"Most of our fame came after the Great War." Rider himself technically came to the public eye before that but by that point, his legend was hardly even worth a footnote. Legends and myths need time to develop and the Rusted Knight was no exception.

"If that's the case." Lancer crossed her arms. "I'm not sure how much help I could be."

"Lancer!" Ruby sounded scandalized. "You don't know that! We could—"

"No, Master," Lancer replied. She pointed towards where her eyes are. "These Silver Eyes of ours? These are our most potent weapons against the Grimm, beings created by the god of darkness. You know who is said to be the reason we have these in the first place?"

Ruby made no answer. It was Rider who answered for them saying, "god of light. It is also why they hurt against Remnant's people; we're created by both light and dark."

"Don't get me wrong, kid," Lancer added. "These eyes could still hurt. But that's like throwing a pebble against a falling boulder. It's probably going to scratch but don't expect much."

Chiron took this opportunity to get return to the conversation. "While Jason did provide us with the information with that wish of his, we had no reason to think that the god of darkness might not be involved this time. We have the means to deal with either and we're ensuring that we could deal with both."

"But in order to do any of that," Qrow said. "We'll need my sister first." He groaned. "Great! So we're just going to have to wait for her to show up? That's going to take way too long."

"Thank you, Qrow," said Rider. He might as well hope for the best.

"Hey, don't you start no—"

Unfortunately for Qrow, a portal had just appeared by him. Vernal stood as the sight of it was definitely clear. Raven came to them.

"Alright! Alright!" complained Raven as she stepped out. "I am not a student of yours anymore, Ozpin! You don't get to boss me around."

"The fate of the entire world is at stake, miss Branwen." Ozpin's voice on the other side of the portal sounded stern. None of those who had been students under Ozpin had heard such tone coming from him. "And I have already given you too much to time for your dillydallying! To be frank, I am practically punishing miss Xiao-Long with your continued presence!"

Another man's voice was heard from the other side. "Honestly, we should have pushed harder to have you be there."

"Arthur Watts?" Rider commented.

"Oh?" Watts replied. "I take it that you have met with them already, Chiron?"

They all turned to Chiron. He sighed. "And I take it you've met with Raven and convinced her enough to join us?"

"You could say that we have come to an agreement."

Chiron shook his head, likely guessing to the circumstances of the agreement. Rider didn't know what that was.

Raven soon closed the portal after that. Ruby's hand was half-raised before she got a chance to speak.

"Your sister is doing fine." Raven guessed Ruby's thoughts. "Better in fact. You're welcome."

Qrow sneezed. Rather, he said something under the guise of a sneeze. He didn't believe a single word out of Raven's mouth.

Lancer, on the other hand, did not miss her opportunity. "Thank you, Qrow."

Raven looked at Qrow with curiosity. Qrow returned it with a little disdain. He mumbled something to himself. Lancer just oozed of smug vindication. How she had known that it would work was beyond Rider.

"Look, I'm a Lancer, alright?" She must have read his mind. "Let me have this."

"And that's supposed to explain how?" Rider asked.

There was little in the way of explanations. Raven had already told them of her reasons and what she already knew, courtesy of Arthur Watts of all people. Chiron then proceeded to explain that Watts', and subsequently Archer's, involvement with the League.

"I cannot tell you any more than that." Chiron raised both of his arms in surrender. "Only that Watts and Archer are at least allied in this endeavor."

In return, Raven was brought to speed about the state of Leonardo. Much like Qrow, even Raven thought that Leo would stick around a little longer with the prospect of Salem's immortality. Looking at the Servants, however, must have changed her mind.

"Mistral is going to be in a state of chaos, you know?" Raven said.

"We know," Chiron replied. "But since I was asked to train this world's heroes, I might as well do it in a better suited position."

Rider did not miss Pyrrha's reaction; no one did. "You're going to become Haven's headmaster?"

Chiron shrugged. "It isn't my decision to make. But I am, at least, going to send in my application."

It was the council who would decide these things but Chiron was pretty much the only one with any modicum of teaching experience that was available. Rider didn't see any other professor, whether that had been in this timeline or the other.

"Whatever." Raven rolled her eyes. "Let's just get this over with."

The whole group soon made their way back towards the gate. Raven had guided them since she already knew. Rider could have done the same but Raven actually volunteered. She probably didn't know that Rider knew as well.

Vernal didn't speak much at all. She was busy staring at her bandit chief. Or was it former now? The Branwen Tribe was gone with any survivors outside of the ones here having deserted and are likely looking for something else to do. Rider couldn't recall that many tribe members when he had gone to save Qrow.

Chiron used the key and the gates to the Vault opened. The platform was certainly large, but it could not fit them all at once.

"Rider, Lancer," Chiron instructed. His eyes were focused on one particular direction. "Cinder's group is arriving soon. We will need time to prepare. Hold them at bay for as long as you can."

Lancer turned to Rider. "You didn't kill Berserker?"

"Had to get Qrow and Vernal out first. Couldn't risk it."

"Lancer," Ruby asked. "Could we?"

"Come on, now, kid," Lancer said. "Remember what I said about light and dark? Berserker's practically our opposite. This is me we're talking about. Bet you I could do better than rusty over here."

"Doubt that," Rider replied.

"I mean you are quite… rusty."

As Chiron descended down the platform, he gave them one last warning, ignoring the banter. "There is another. I suspect that it is Assassin."

He didn't need to say more. Even if he had, he couldn't. But with what they know now, Assassin and their Master was someone to watch out for.

Does the other side even know? Rider thought. Watts does but the man was selfish and a little self-serving from what I heard.

Rider and Pyrrha looked at one another. There was no hiding that concern on Pyrrha's face. After knowing those things, she had to be even more worried now. Rider gave her the best reassuring face that he could before changing to his combat attire.

Nora managed to tussle his hair before the helmet came on. Even after the armor came on, she still held him in tight embrace. Pyrrha wasn't the only one who was worried.

"Vernal," Rider said. "We'll need what huntsmen we could get."

"I'm coming with the kid," Qrow added.

"Uncle Qrow?" Ruby asked.

"What?" Vernal gestured offense. "Don't trust me?"

"No." Qrow shook his head. "I don't." He then turned to Lancer. "Keep Ruby safe."

"Of course," Lancer replied. "Was there going to be any doubt?"

Rider drew his blade. They will have to keep meet with them as far away from the populace as they could. Thusly, he was the first to separate from them. But he at least brought Pyrrha with him as he carried her towards their destination.

The rest were soon following suit but they wouldn't be able to keep up, not against Rider's agility. Rider made his descent towards Mistral Below and leapt across the gates, still carrying Pyrrha in his arms. Pyrrha endured a little redness on her face after that.

"We need to keep them as far away from Mistral's gates as possible."

His Master understood that much obviously. Rider didn't really need to say it at all. Pyrrha drew her weapons and the two checked their aura reserves. Rider wasn't worried: he had confidence in his efficiency.

The branches and leaves moved aside. Grimm pack met with Paper Pleasers. Master and Servant met with Master and Servant.

/-/

The descent down into Haven's Vault was held in silence and Raven's eyes never once drifted from Chiron's back. That Servant appeared far too relaxed about the whole thing as he held the documents in his hands. Raven already knew of this League, courtesy of Watts and Archer.

She herself witnessed the power behind Berserker and wondered if she should have gotten involved in the Grail War. Regretfully for her, she was never chosen.

Idly, she looked around her. Those lights that pushed away the darkness of this descent must have cost a lot. How are these things even maintained? Why was the platform so slow that she had time for this?

There is one thing that was on Raven's mind. There were many actually, but she had a feeling that those things will come with the Relic of Knowledge. "Tell me. Why are you, Heroic Spirits, involved in all this? What's in it for you?"

"Depends on who you ask," Chiron replied. "You've already met with one of the members so I suppose I could tell you about the League. Most of the others have been here before."

"Before?"

"Alternate time, really. They have lived their lives here that Remnant might as well be their second home. As for myself, I am here because someone asked me to. I suspect that there would be others who would like it here."

"So that you could beat us all like ragdolls." Raven's hand was on her sword. She didn't like it to be on the other end.

"Nothing too barbaric, I assure you. Back on Earth, we would have had to keep ourselves hidden to preserve the mysteries of the world. There is usually an organization or an Extra-Class meant to keep things in check."

Chiron stretched his arms, like he had been asleep for the longest time. Satisfaction painted his face.

"But here? Many of our abilities could be utilized under the guise of aura and semblances. Remnant is full of such strange yet commonplace things that I am certain that Heroic Spirits—those who thrive being in the open anyway—would absolutely love it here."

"That's it?" Raven asked. Her palm was out, making her appear like a beggar. "That's all the reason for you people to be here? To show off?"

"No. Only part of it." Chiron shook his head. "Many of us, myself included, longed to leave behind a legacy worth remembering. Be it regrets or glory, everything we ever did, has advanced our world's humanity." A tear started to fall from Chiron's eye. "Even if each of us pushed humanity only by a few inches, we eventually made it here. Our greatest triumph is getting our story told."

The platform stopped and the two people got off of it. Finally, that platform was slow. Raven made a mental note to remind Ozpin to consider faster platforms.

"And now," Chiron continued. "Our story, the collective story of our humanity, is being threatened of being erased by a god."

"You say that as though you have faced gods yourselves."

Chiron stayed quiet. His smile was knowing.

"No." Raven shook her head. "You're kidding, right? They're gods. Literal gods!"

"There are many gods and even children of gods, Raven," Chiron. "I have trained some of them. I can think of one at the top of my head who achieved the status of godhood, in medicine."

"But how?"

"Depends on the method you use to fight against them."

The two stopped at the Vault itself. Raven already knew what she had to do and stepped forward. Before she did, however, she had some thoughts.

She had already seen to an extent what a Servant of Remnant could do and now there were apparently more. Each one having accomplished some great feat or had terrible tragedy that marked them in that world's history. What kind of world is that the gods of Remnant would rather destroy any traces of here in Remnant?

Raven knew that her answer would come from the Vault and the Relic. With her Maiden powers, the Vault's doors began to open and the two stepped inside. On the other side, it might as well be another world as their surroundings seemed like a desert yet there was no heat from a desert sun that they could feel.

There were two round, rockier circles that were more solid to stand on. There was a third that had a raised platform containing the Relic of Knowledge.

In the distance, there appeared to be mountains of some kind that only fed the image of a desert. There was smoke coming from there as well. Strangely, it was cool despite the light.

It was as though that black ashes were falling but there was no sign of a fire. Strange place the inside of the Vault is.

"I take it you already know what to do?" Raven asked. Chiron nodded and stepped forward.

The Relic of Knowledge was in the shape of a lamp. Chiron chuckled to himself and Raven suspected that there was something about the Relic's appearance that seemed funny to him. He turned to her.

"I'm going to guess," asked Chiron. "But whatever knowledge that this could give, there could only be three at most? I think Rider mentioned that but I forget."

"How do—"

"Stories, miss Branwen," Chiron interrupted. "There are many, many stories that have been told. And if I'm not mistaken, some of them had a name for these sorts of things: Jinn."

Raven's eyes widened as the Relic reacted. Time slowed to a stop as blue mists began to flood the inside of the Vault. Falling things stayed suspended in mid-air as an entity began to manifest before them. A blue-skinned, voluptuous woman that to anyone else appeared to be naked. But neither Chiron nor Raven were bothered by this and simply accepted that the being appearing before them was someone who simply looked like this. She had some gold ornaments on her person but those couldn't even give a façade of covering her blue skin.

"Well, well, well," said she. "I've been certainly curious about your kind since you came here."

Chiron was about to open his mouth before closing it again.

The spirit of the Relic only seemed amused. "And already you know some of my rules? Good. Jinn, the Relic of Knowledge. I still have two questions left for this century."

Raven nearly opened her mouth but Chiron put his hand on it. "That's fine," he said, there was slight sweat dripping from his forehead. "We only need one question answered."

"Then ask away," Jinn was in a sitting position though she was still in the air. Raven never thought she would see a being of knowledge actually being curious. Shouldn't Jinn know everything up to this point?

"I have here in my hands some documents," said Chiron. There was a pause as he recalled his words. "My question is: could the goals stated within these documents be met by the information provided in it?"

"I'll have to see what's in those documents first," replied Jinn. "I would rather read them myself. It gets rather dull seeing things in the past. But yours? Even I find myself rather…missing in some areas. Your friend somehow kept these even from me. It's quite a feeling, actually. Being ignorant for once."

Raven's eyes narrowed. Even Chiron appeared surprised.

"I… did not know that."

"I know you don't. The one who calls himself Archer is rather elusive. Every action he does seems to make even someone like me blind. I'm actually quite interested myself. An interesting fellow and one I want to know more to be honest."

The documents were raised and Jinn perused each one methodically and with a slowed pace. Her face initially started with intrigue.

"Blind?" Raven asked.

Chiron could only shake his head in disbelief. "He is a master criminal. That is all I can say."

Jinn's expression progressively turned from genuine curiosity to serious grave as she turned each page in the document. Rather than being gifted the knowledge in the instant that it had been created, she had to read it like anyone else. Her earlier words about Archer, the Servant that Raven herself had already encountered and known about, rang in Raven's mind. All of that while still keeping what essentially amounts to regular pieces of paper as merely that.

Chiron and Raven waited patiently as Jinn looked between the documents and themselves. Chiron only nodded like the two just had a silent conversation.

Jinn, spirit of knowledge, one who shouldn't be surprised at anything that already was, never appeared more uncertain than now. Raven's eyes were drawn towards Chiron, the only one who had any sort of answer that even Jinn did not have.

"I…" Even Jinn's voice sounded unsure. Whatever information she gathered from the documents must have been added unto her existing knowledge. "I was supposed to aid humanity… from all manner of threats. That was my purpose, the reason that I was created."

"And it would seem," Chiron continued. "That the very threat of this humanity, are the very ones who entrusted you and your brethren with such a duty."

The atmosphere turned solemn. Raven felt no tension. Chiron offered no words of consolation and Jinn was going through quite a human reaction: a crisis. Jinn's own was silence but her eyes went everywhere. Her form spun, rose and fell, and changed speeds until Raven felt dizzy just watching. What was going on inside that head?

"A conflict of the soul," said Chiron, noticing Raven's own reactions. "Jinn was made by the Brother gods and thusly serve as their agents. If I had to guess, she's contemplating on whether or not such an action would be tantamount of treasonous rebellion."

"You're correct," Jinn made no rebuttal. Her eyes were closed and she stopped moving. She was nodding. "And to answer your question: yes. It is possible." Her voice was quiet and low, a grim acceptance of that fact. "I had to come to terms with it first."

"They did not consider it possible, Jinn," Chiron said. There was consolation in that tone for once.

Before Jinn could return the documents, Raven swiped it exclaiming, "give me that!" She had to know. Raven knew Servants were powerful just as much as they could be cunning. But Archer was said to be a criminal.

How could a mere criminal possibly go against a being of literal knowledge? How could Archer's actions stay outside the vision of a being who sees everything that is and has happened?

"If you find an answer to any of that," Jinn said, reading her mind. Her back was to them as she seemed to continue to contemplate. "Let me know. And yes, I am still contemplating this. Consider it a freebie since it never came out loud."

Behind Raven, Chiron could only shrug and shake his head. "Archer. You've outdone yourself."

Raven ignored Chiron as she herself went through the documents. Each one had graphs and images, full of numbers, letters, and symbols far too complex for Raven to understand. What she could make out though was that it appeared to be some kind of architectural design: a building. A tower of sorts with a rather peculiar design.

"Okay, I'll bite," Raven said. "What am I looking at here?"

"You asked me earlier if we had fought against gods," Chiron said. "Sometimes, that is the case. Other times, not exactly. There are also times when we would fight against gods with other gods being our allies…"

Raven continued to look over the documents as Chiron continued to speak. She was trying to make sense out of each one. It was a weapon, that much had been certain.

"…admittedly," Chiron continued. "It is the most that we could make out of it. Archer himself said that there are modifications to the original and even then, it isn't as efficient. It is a poor attempt of a replica, if you will."

Raven heard Jinn chuckle bitterly. She still hadn't returned to the lamp? Then again, the space around them still remained frozen. "And yet it is still able to do what it was supposed to do."

"What is?" Raven couldn't help but ask. In this moment, she felt herself like a child still learning about the ways of the world.

"The schematics," Chiron answered. "Or architectural design. Whichever you prefer. A weapon that gives us an additional edge."

Raven looked up from the documents and looked at Chiron. She then turned to Jinn who turned around and met her eyes.

"A weapon," Jinn added. "To kill a god."

She turned back to the documents. Her eyes stopped on one of the pages. Unlike the others, this one seemed to be the most important piece of them all there were all sorts of notes on it. It was colored as well while the others were content with being a mere sketch with measurements. It also contained the words inspired by on it.

It depicted some kind of black barrel.

Chapter Text

Keeping Cinder's group away from Mistral's gates was difficult. Rider had already gone ahead of them all and while Lancer wasn't slow, she found it too difficult to keep up.

Rider was locked in a battle with both Berserker, its Master's accomplices, and the surrounding Grimm. There was no sign of Juniper the mount anywhere; Rider was dealing them all alone with his Master dealing with the opposing Master.

Rider was using one of his skills: Fairytale Knight. His demeanor and way of fighting was idealistic and something straight out of the stories. Flashy swings and bodily movements that were more akin to a deadly dance.

Paper Pleasers folded themselves into various armaments as Rider needed them to. Diverse colors clashed with the black and red of the Grimm, only offset by the flames of Cinder Fall.

"Have at you!" exclaimed Rider. Even his speech is altered by that skill of his. Paper spears thrusted deep into the Grimm. "You who walk the path of evil shall fall by my blade. My blade shall rust by your blood!"

Most of the others looked to Lancer, the only other Servant and only one who could give them any sort of knowledge. Lancer shook her head and kept going. Keyword: most. Despite being the Servant with obvious superiority in speed, Lancer wasn't the first to join the fight. Ren was the only one who didn't look surprised.

Nora Valkyrie made a hole in the condensed group of Grimm. "Ne'er shall friends stand alone! Our enemies shall fall too by the hammers of the queen of the castle!" She laughed boisterously that for a moment, Lancer wondered which one was the Berserker.

"I thank you, your majesty!"

Nora turned to Ren. "See? Was that so hard to follow, Ren? At least Rider could keep up!"

Ruby did not give it any more attention. "Lancer." Everyone else deployed their weapons.

"On it, Master!"

Nora had already cleared an area for them. Huntsmen and huntresses were already specialized in dealing with the Grimm. But none could hope to compete against the Silver-Eyed Warriors. They stood at the pinnacle of hunting down the Grimm and were gifted with the means of dealing with them most effectively.

A Boarbatusk was weak in the underbelly. Lancer's crescent blades aimed just there. Ursas are stocky and built well, giving them a strong and enduring body but gives them poor turning ability. Beowolves are on the opposite end, agile and swift at the cost of endurance and strength. Nevermores in the air rained down feathers strong as iron but also risked their continued flight. Each Grimm that Lancer had felled had fallen with ease; she knew just what to do with knowledge deeply ingrained into her very core.

Berserker had noticed Lancer. Lancer noticed Berserker. Despite being engaged in different fights, the two Servants locked on each other with a disdainful rivalry inert in their Spirit Origins, a blood feud ingrained in Heroic Spirits. One was considered to be a Grimm while the other was its Reaper.

That was Lancer's personal skill: Grimm Reaper. Lancer smirked at the thought of the name, given her base-identity as Maria Calavera. It is a skill that denotes effectiveness in dealing with creatures of evil and chaos, the things that most encompasses the Grimm.

Creatures of Grimm may continue to fight Lancer with reckless abandon, but Lancer's skill allows her to be as optimal and as effective as she needs to be when fighting the Grimm. It was second nature to her.

Bone plating may have been a good defense but it was just as much a detriment for these Grimm. Ironically, by exposing and removing those bone plates, the soft underparts were much more vulnerable than those unprotected.

Lancer peeled those bones off of the Grimm with her weapon, now a double-scythe staff of sorts, serving as the leverage. Grimm cried like poor animals as they were slammed into their fellow brethren. Lancer made sure that Berserker could see it. She made sure that Berserker did.

Berserker-class Servants were known for their rage. For one who finds kinship with these horrid creatures, Berserker is just as much a subject to their own emotions as anyone else, only made worse by their nature as a class comprised of being gone mad.

Rider was somewhat aghast by Lancer's actions. "We must be better than this, Lancer!" Fairytale Knight still affected him. "We are civilized people! Such barbarism has no place in this!"

"Stuff it, Rider." Lancer returned. "Focus on your fight." Fighting continued. She felt something coming for him. "On your right."

A broken sword held back a monstrous claw. Rider nearly buckled under the weight of Berserker.

"Thanks," Rider said, some normalcy returning to his voice. His helmet faced upwards cursing, "that sounded too idealistic."

"You're the archetypical hero with a skill that literally makes you one." Lancer chuckled to herself. "Deal with it."

Taking this opportunity, Lancer went to Berserker's exposed side, swinging her polearm. Berserker's tail held it in place. The blades didn't even pierce the skin.

Berserker wasn't just a mere Grimm; it was the perfected form of the animalistic Grimm with the intelligence of those lucky enough to age.

Fame played against Lancer. As one of many Silver-Eyed Warriors, her individual strength was low against Berserker who had the fame of being a specific character. There were many possible candidates of being a Silver-Eyed Servant with some even influencing the other slightly. Any Silver-Eyed Warrior had the potential to be here in her place. Maria Calavera just so happens to be most recognizable one and thusly served as the default.

That came when Berserker split both Lancer and Rider apart from each other. The pack of Grimm, along with Berserker's Master and her accomplices, focused on the huntsmen and huntresses, Lancer's own Master included.

Lancer's back had been turned and exposed for Berserker's claws. The nails nearly grazed the cloth on her back. Lancer knew that it was coming. She always knew.

Each Silver-Eyed Warrior was granted one personal skill that made them stand out from each other. Like those old men in the mountain have different methods that allowed to achieve their status and name, Silver-Eyed Warriors each have one thing that afforded them uniqueness and it was what made Maria Calavera the base: Preflexes.

In life, Maria Calavera had a semblance under that name. Giving her a sense of awareness of everything that is currently happening. A sort of mix between clairvoyance and Mind's Eye, it allows Lancer a perception and reaction to things even outside her normal senses. Both it and Grimm Reaper made her especially effective in dealing with Grimm.

But it isn't always perfect. For one, despite the awareness and near-excellent reaction speed, Lancer's capability to act upon the information is still limited to her own capabilities. With Berserker's superior strength and with speed capable of keeping up, Lancer's ability to respond wasn't always going to be to her favor.

She lost balance and Berserker would have crushed her underneath if it wasn't for Rider.

Lancer could tell that her Master was liberal with her aura. Semblance-use came quiet often and in short bursts that Lancer's use of the reserves had to be conservative. In that regard, Lancer envied Rider's efficiency of aura. However, Lancer's team made up for it by arriving later. Their aura's were higher when they entered the fight.

Paper shield was burned by Cinder's flames. That fire would have gone for Ruby. Lancer swore she heard a scream that lasted only an instant.

"Truly a vile villain," Rider commented, lamenting the loss of the Paper Pleaser. His skill's influence was creeping in again. "Molded perhaps by evil herself."

"You do understand!" cried Cinder. Tears were falling from her face. She nearly paused and ran for Rider like a deranged animal long denied the wilds where they belonged.

Rider's Master did not let Cinder continue speaking. That ringing noise of bronze was deafening even amidst this skirmish. Cinder's eyes burned with vengeance at Pyrrha who only returned with her own glare. Lancer's own Master had glared at Cinder but Ruby was practically ignored.

The two clashed on, almost ignoring everything else that surrounded them. While it appeared that they were on equal footing for the most part, there was no denying the damage done on Pyrrha. Cinder still had the advantage, courtesy of her Maiden powers.

Not like Master's that threatening. Lancer would admit that Ruby wasn't the most intimidating of individuals. Her scythe is pretty much the only thing that made her intimidating.

The hood at least made her somewhat mysterious but that is only so far as Ruby could pull off the mysterious type of person; she doesn't have quite the life experience to pull that off.

Lancer and Rider had Berserker in a pincer. Still, Berserker easily handled them both without much trouble, easily besting both of their strengths. Rider at least didn't fly too far when Berserker forced them back. Some trees fell, slowing Rider's flight. Lancer had to bury her own scythes into the ground just to do the same and even then, she flew farther than Rider did.

Despite the obvious animosity found in those stories of the Rusted Knight and the Jabberwalker, those two were much closer to mere caricatures: the hero and the monster. Berserker and Lancer, on the other hand, was built into them due to their associations to the Grimm and the Silver-Eyed Warriors; both bore connections to the Brother gods themselves.

Lancer may not have the superior speed but her Preflexes afforded her an awareness of her surroundings. With the honing of her own instincts and experience, Lancer made up many of her discrepancies against Berserker.

Her skill did have limited range, however. She could not see far as that would overload that sense of hers.

She leaned as far back as she could afford, raising her heel to strike at Berserker's chin. Berserker's continuous momentum had his shadow loom over her.

Lancer awkwardly pulled her polearms to cut at Berserker's thick and tough skin.

"Tsk," Lancer cursed. Being considered the basis of the Grimm, Berserker bore many of their greatest traits combined into one entity. The Grimm that came after it were derived from it with clear specializations and weaknesses to exploit. Still, Lancer's attack did damage, just not as much as she had hoped.

Rider followed suit, attacking from behind and above. Berserker's annoying tail protected it. These two were experienced with one another with the dividing factor being their Masters. Berserker could afford consuming more since Cinder had her magic. Rider had to be careful when drawing from Pyrrha's.

Lancer kept her own momentum going, aiming for Berserker's legs. She lost her balance and she would make sure that Berserker did as well.

The combined weight of both Berserker and Rider made the two fall. Lancer used that chance to get out from underneath Berserker and called her weapon back to her hand.

A Grimm came at Lancer from behind. She didn't bother turning around and swung at the Beowolf's neck. The head flew and before it dissipated, Lancer had it flung towards Berserker's head before hopping back.

The two Servants would tag in and out. Forcing Berserker to fight both of them, the two would eventually wear Berserker down with Rider being the best candidate to do so. Lancer dealing with the nearby Grimm might as well be a cool down.

However, the lighter battle also gave Lancer a better sense of their surroundings. The Grimm have been gradually pushing the group towards Mistral's gates. They would eventually make their way towards the bottom of Mistral Below. A few guards had already spotted them and sounded the alarm.

They were being pushed back, that much was certain. Nevermores above were the worst offenders. Keeping themselves to the air, they rained down their feathers, chipping away at all aura reserves, including Cinder's group.

A moment's pause caused Lancer her focus. Berserker had abused this moment and knocked Lancer to the side. Preflexes only had a limited range.

Something had entered it. Another Servant had entered the area of focus, and it wasn't Chiron.

Berserker gave a resounding howl, calling forth any Grimm that were still nearby. Lancer felt that the other Servant had responded to this call.

Lancer went through the list of Servants on both ends. She even considered the Companions but dismissed them. Then, that leaves…

Rider gave out a pained noise. He had been cut from behind. Were it not for his armor and his constant movements, he would have been dead.

Blood spilled from one of his exposed parts, by the joints. There was a layer of ice.

"Assassin," Lancer declared. "True Assassin."

The Grimm continued their pestering attack. Their side already knew about Assassin courtesy of Chiron but the same cannot be said about the opposition. As far as Cinder's group is aware of, their opponent lulled in their movements and gave them an opening.

Assassin nearly stumbled and fell. She looked at her surroundings in confusion. It as though she had just escaped from a trance.

That pale skin with red veins. Assassin was a Grimm-kind. Lancer's Silver-Eyed nature told her of that. Assassin took on the appearance of a little girl in rags. Assassin had a knife with her.

Neither Rider nor Lancer had any chance to regain their momentum. The Grimm, guided by Berserker, forced into it in Assassin's case, swarmed in on both of them. Lancer and Rider may be dealing with the Grimm with more ease than the Servants but these enemies are still a problem and get in the way.

Aura levels were chipping down with their own expenditures draining it faster.

Assassin came for Rider. Knife in hand, she may have looked human but she moved like Grimm. Concerned with the negativity, at times, Assassin would look towards the Masters instead. There was a coldness surrounding Assassin. Thin layers of frost formed wherever Assassin went.

Lancer may not be looking at Assassin but she could guess the expression on Assassin's face. Assassin seemed conflicted. Her face contorted to a pain. It was clear that conflicting orders were being given: one from Assassin's Master and one from Berserker because of the skill, Grimm Kin.

One thing that made the two commands in proper order was that Assassin had to combat with Rider. There was some realization on her face as the two's eyes met.

Berserker nearly took an opportunity to claw deep into Rider's back only to be halted by Lancer's cut on Berserker's own.

"Stings doesn't it?" When in doubt, aim for that which was unprotected. If only Lancer had aimed higher and closer to the neck, things would have gone better.

Grimm surrounded Berserker, protecting their leader, even Assassin though she at least tried to resist. Lancer, as though she were an electrician, made light work of the remaining Grimm.

Still, they were being pushed back. Berserker's group, having been more accustomed to villainous activities, did not in any way hold back.

The boy, Mercury Black, engaged in hand-to-hand combat against Lie Ren. Both had quick and precise strikes. But Mercury's movements had greater speeds to Ren's mantis-like precision.

It had been built out of experience and brutal training that Lancer's side did not possess. Even Nora's aid and matching, often surpassing, strength was of little aid.

In some strange way, Lancer felt that it was Mercury that showed more concern for Berserker. Cinder was too focused with Pyrrha and obsessing over Rider.

Emerald Sustrai was the weakest link among the opposition. Not built for direct combat and most certainly not against superior numbers, she had been the most reliant on the Grimm allies compared to the rest. Grimm dealt with Ruby the best that they could but Lancer's Master was capable enough in these fights.

Cinder Fall and Pyrrha Nikos were almost just as fierce as their own Servants. Cinder's obsession with Rider was a known quantity to them all. Pyrrha's personal connection to Rider was obvious enough on their end. Lancer would have pitied Berserker but she was a Silver-Eyed Warrior; the nature of her Spirit Origin did not allow it.

Fragile glass kept on breaking but kept coming back, always ready to clash. Bronze metal endured but any scratches that could have had lasted. Pyrrha's frustration became more evident with her face.

Lancer's moved to the side. Berserker's weight broke the ground and dirt flew in the air.

Faint sirens blared in the background. They were getting louder as the group were being pushed back. Without Vernal, they had no quick access to Raven.

However, Lancer smirked at the coming presence of Qrow. Whether that was unfortunate for them or unfortunate for their enemies will be decided by whatever would happen next.

Misfortune fell on Cinder's side. It wasn't surprising that Qrow would prioritize her niece's safety. There was a personal grudge behind Qrow's swings, especially against Cinder. Pyrrha Nikos took this opportunity to back away.

It wasn't always going to be in their favor. Mercury Black kept Ren and Nora away from the rest of the group and managed to best them both. Against Ren, Mercury had the experience and better grasp on hand-to-hand combat. Against Nora, Mercury kept his speed and incredible stamina. Without Servants to consider, these three only needed to watch out for their own reserves.

However, Mercury had been caught off-guard. Qrow may not have made it to them in time but he was still the professional. Years of experience still triumphed over any sort of brutal training that Mercury could have received. It certainly aided that Paper Pleasers were subtler in their appearances. Preflexes allowed her that much sight.

Her polearm split into two Kamas and clashed wildly against Berserker's ferocious claw swipes. Lancer put her entire focus on her arms just to keep up against Berserker's ludicrous speeds and Monstrous Strength.

No other sound entered Lancer's ears that she tuned them out in favor of pushing her Preflexes to its limits.

She and Rider were fortunate that Assassin was in conflict with herself. Lancer had little time to pity the Servant as both she and Berserker raced to gain momentum.

Rider and Assassin engaged in that classic battle of honor against trickery. There was no denying that Rider won in direct fights but Assassin never fought directly. Using anything and everything that it could to gain advantage, if it wasn't for Berserker's influence, Assassin would have gone for the Masters.

Then, Lancer noticed something. It was only a moment and something that wouldn't register to her Preflexes since it wasn't that relevant. It had come from something else. It had come from her Spirit Origin. Namely, it had come from the part of her that was said to be the source of her silver eyes.

She felt a familiar presence. Berserker faced the skies and growled defiantly.

The skies were darkening. Clouds loomed and cast a shadow over them. Unnatural lightning flashed.

Combat slowed to a halt with the living on Lancer's side following in close second. Cinder's group were the last to stop, thinking that it had been an opening of weakness; it was but not one from their skirmish.

Rider was the closest to Assassin and he noticed right away that something had been wrong, faster than Lancer could feel.

"I'm scared, mommy!" Assassin cried out in anguish. Lancer caught the tears falling down the child-like Servant's face. "I'm scared, mommy!"

Assassin's nails were scraping her own scalp. Assassin screamed and cried out like a genuine child, terrified and in terrible pain. Lancer nearly took pity were it not for the Grimm aspect of that Servant.

Rider did not have that restriction. "Assassin?" He still had his sword out, positioned between himself and Assassin.

For what good it gave him, Lancer called out the moment she felt it within the area of skill, "Rider!"

Lighting struck down and kept both Rider and Assassin apart from each other. There had been no reports on the weather and looming celestial shadow was unnaturally bright.

"What is that?" Cinder demanded. Her fires went on and she was on the ground, breathing labored.

Lightning travelled across the clouds.

Berserker noticed it first. "Maker."

Disguised among the dark clouds was a slender drake of light.

Lancer acted fast but Assassin acted first. Assassin leapt backwards and vanished. The clouds dissipated and the skies returned to normal. Assassin and her Master left them; the latter so clearly furious at the sight before it. And Lancer had a feeling on what that fury is.

Maker isn't a fan of me, she thought. As someone whose powers are said to be from the god of light, her being a heroic spirit is tantamount of the Throne stealing her like a thief would a precious object.

Even as the dark clouds left them alone, Lancer still felt a chill down her spine.

Lancer turned to Mistral's gates. Rumors and talk was going to be had, that much was certain. She could see that some of the guardsmen were pointing towards the clouds. Had that been the mode of transportation for Assassin? No wonder no one had noticed; it would have been under the guise of the weather.

Preflexes didn't give her the speed. Lancer turned around and only just managed to catch Cinder nearly grazing against Pyrrha's eyes. The latter's instincts must have kicked in and Pyrrha overshot her movement and made quite the distance between the two.

Cinder and her group must not have known about the god of light for Lancer's side were much slower in their movements. Part of her wanted to point out that Berserker had just identified Assassin's Master as their maker. But Berserker followed its Master like a loyal dog, facing down even the most superior of species if it threatened its Master.

Lancer cursed at her own slowness. Rider had been the first among them to fully recover and return to the fight. More concerned for his Master, Rider's Paper Pleasers were fragile shields, quickly burning to ashes at the slightest touch of heated glass but served well enough to halt their movements.

Despite the obvious devoted defense Rider gave his Master, it did not at all dissuade Cinder from the prospect of getting him as her own. If anything, she appeared unsurprised at the devotion and directed all that frustration and anger at Pyrrha.

"You will not take him from me!"

She's nuts, Lancer thought. She's broke.

Preflexes informed Lancer that Pyrrha's lips moved. No sound came from it but Lancer was certain that the girl had some words to respond with; none of them were kind.

Rider gave one more pitying look towards Berserker who returned with its own fury. A Master and Servant obsessed with that which other have. A fitting partnership in Lancer's eyes.

Did she even use a catalyst in her summoning? Something tells Lancer that Cinder did but didn't exactly get what she wanted.

Lancer joined in to support Rider. Berserker had its problems with either Servant and the two were pushing back. With Qrow into the mix, the only problem was the diminishing Grimm.

Berserker could call for more if it wanted but there were so few left that were close enough to answer them. The avian Grimm above them were the only ones proving to be a problem.

Paper Pleasers began to spear them down.

Still, Berserker was a force to be reckoned with. Despite the disadvantage in both Servant numbers and with Grimm allies, Berserker kept up against them and even excelled in many parameters.

Rider and Lancer were being cautious in their movements since they could feel the decline in their Masters' reserves. Even Rider, despite the efficient cheat that he has, was falling behind.

A single strike by Berserker had sent Rider flying against the trees. Those trees fell and a different sight had made Cinder pause. As Rider stood back up, his helmet cracked and broke, revealing his face to them all. He fell back down on one knee.

Then, Cinder Fall burnt her surroundings. A massive ring of fire burst out from her that surrounding wood burnt up. A forest fire had begun. There was a fury behind that flame of hers.

"What are you, crazy?" Pyrrha demanded. She bore the full brunt of that fire that she had toss aside her own weapons from the heat. Her expression then turned to realization and surprise. Lancer realized it as well. "Rider!"

Rider had been forced back into his spirit form. The aura she had left must have been low and he hadn't been boosting her with Aura Amplification and he couldn't maintain his own without risking Pyrrha's.

Damn it, Lancer cursed. I'm coming up next!

Cinder Fall's ferocity had been to force Pyrrha's reserves so low that she would be practically defenseless. Never mind the forest fire and woodland creatures that would be affected nor the possible passerby, so long as she got her precious Rusted Knight, Cinder Fall wouldn't give a damn about who else she would burn. Now that she had seen his face, Cinder must have found renewed vigor.

"That face." Cinder had some venom behind her voice. "You get to look behind that helmet whenever you pleased."

"Do you even recognize that face?" Pyrrha retorted. "That's the face of—"

"Of he who will be mine." Cinder interrupted. "Quite the handsome face I would say." Fire burned hotter and brighter.

"Are you kidding me?" Pyrrha's cursing voice reached them amidst the roaring inferno.

Pyrrha was forced back. Lancer's own Master pushed onward. Emerald wasn't the best combatant. Mercury Black was also falling behind against the duo of Nora and Ren. It wasn't all bad as Qrow took Pyrrha's place.

Lancer could hear a few shouts already from the gates. Huntsmen and huntresses were coming in. Cinder must have gritted her teeth and cursed under her breath.

Then, an arrow entered the range of Lancer's Preflexes, striking down a Grimm in an instant. More arrows flew, wiping out the remains of the Grimm that Berserker had brought with them.

Chiron kept shooting his arrows while sliding towards them. Rather than engage in a melee, that Archer did as Archer's do: archery.

Berserker was forced to take Cinder and her company back into the burning forest. Cinder was screaming her lungs out, cursing Pyrrha all the while. By contrast, Pyrrha only gave her a glare.

"It's alright, Rider," Pyrrha said. "It's alright. It's not your fault."

Lancer herself soon turned to spirit form. Ruby needed what aura she could get to recover.

"You of all people would retrieve us?" Qrow said. Lancer realized it soon after.

Raven's face seemed changed. "Just get over here. You're lucky that Vernal did as you told her to."

Vernal didn't look happy at all. If anything, she looked like she had wanted in. Qrow must not have taken a chance with her possibly joining Cinder's group.

Qrow kept his eye on the forest while fast-enough-moving people carried their buckets of water to slow down the spread of the flame. Emergency vehicles soon came after.

Authorities would have come in to question them all but Chiron had intervened saying, "they're with me. They operated on my orders."

Huntsmen that Lancer didn't recognize vouched for Chiron. The authorities there allowed them back in without much complaint. Qrow carried Lancer's Master while the others had to be carried.

Chiron had the gentlest care as he carried an exhausted and aura-spent Pyrrha Nikos. He even took the time to carry the girl's weapons for her despite the fading heat that still glowed from the bronze. That weapon would need some serious maintenance afterwards.

The girl was mumbling to herself; she must be talking with Rider.

Lancer couldn't speak to anyone outside of her Master right now. She couldn't really slow her Master's recovery while the aura reserves were low.

Even as it was reaching acceptable levels, Lancer didn't take her chance. Instead, she focused on making sure her Master was okay.

Ruby was breathing. She wasn't delirious but she was exhausted. Crescent Rose would also need some maintenance because of that heat.

Ren and Nora were the best among them all since those two had to share their burdens. They stuck close to their teammate's side. Ren especially appeared pissed off even by his usual expressions.

Chiron had them all brought to Haven. Without any link, they had to get there the long way round. Aura was enough to recover for most of them minus their exhaustion. The Masters involved were the last to recover given their Servants.

"I'll take it from here, Chiron," said Rider as he manifested. He wore his helmet and Lancer could not read that expression of his. She could guess what that is though. "I should not have engaged them all alone in that beginning."

Chiron did not disagree. "You should not have. I understand that you wanted to keep them as far away as possible with Lancer coming in to push them back. But Berserker is as much your equal and they have the numbers of Grimm by their sides."

He put his arm on Rider's shoulder before continuing. "You are a capable Servant, Rider. One of the best combatant by my estimates in this Grail War. But not only is Berserker your equal, its Master is superior to yours when it comes to reserves. Maiden powers on top of aura reserves will outlast even if you push your skills to their limits."

Lancer managed to catch Pyrrha tightening her fist. The kid had been listening.

Either Chiron didn't notice or he ignored it. "Take this as a lesson Rider: you are a Servant now, a being elevated above humans because of your legend and myth. Your Master is not, capable fighter as she is." His grip on Rider's shoulder tightened. "Remember, she's my student. And it would be a grave mistake to see harm fall on them before they reach their potential."

Lancer stayed quiet. She still hadn't materialized but she wasn't about to at any point. Chiron must have seen those dark clouds. His eyes pointed upwards every once in a while. Even Raven said nothing and looked in similar directions.

Chapter Text

Assassin cowered in fear, the Poppy aspect especially. There is nowhere else for her to go, subject to the whims of her Master. And her Master was angry.

"My own creation." Fury filled Master's voice. Assassin wanted to run and hide. Presence Concealment could not hide her here. "My very own creation."

Master does not know all. Master does not understand the Throne. Master does not understand. Master only sees what Master wants to see. Master is certain in only what Master believes.

"These Heroic Spirits," Master declared. "They have not only come to this place unwelcomed. Now, they have taken that which should never be theirs. The Silver-Eyed Warriors were my creation, my aid for Remnant's people. And they have stolen it for themselves."

Assassin wanted to speak but nothing could come out. Assassin could only say, "I'm scared, mommy! I'm scared, mommy!" The limitations of the Chill made it so. Assassin could not speak much at all. Master would not listen. Master does not understand.

"There is that one as well," Master continued. "One so like my own and yet… that child's touch is upon his being."

Assassin saw that too. Rider was his class name. The Child connects to Rider. Assassin does not know much either. But Assassin wants to hide from Master's fury. Assassin doesn't want Master's fury.

Master is busy. Master never tells Assassin when he is busy. Master is thinking of something. Master is going through similar motions as Master's other creations, those Relics as they are called. Master is planning things for Assassin to do. Assassin bows her head. She doesn't want Master's fury. Master is scary. Assassin doesn't like it when Master is being scary.

"We have some place to go, Assassin." Master does not sound angry anymore. But Assassin still wants to hide. "Argus is what my rebellious children called it. I shall have you go to Argus while I make our own preparations. Though it has been too long since I had last made them, I suppose it is a moment to reminisce. If these Heroic Spirits truly call themselves heroes. An ambush fitting for your class awaits them."

Soon, Assassin was brought up into the clouds by Master's will. Master brought Assassin towards this Argus place and put her there. Assassin could feel the coldness from Master. It was colder than Assassin.

"Sacrifices must be made," said Master. "But once this accursed trespasser has been dealt with, all will be back as it should be. Remnant shall reset and be mine again. And for this… Voyager to hide himself underneath one of my own children, we shall mete out punishment that is most appropriate. This Earth is not welcome in Remnant."

Assassin did not want to argue. Assassin is terrified of Master, both the Poppy and the Chill. But Master does not know all.

Master does not understand all.

"I'm scared, mommy! I'm scared, mommy!"

/-/

Pyrrha's recovery was the fastest among them. As soon as her reserves were high enough, Rider materialized just to boost her recovery. Aura Amplification included the healing the effects of aura. The cheat part was that it also included the recovery of the reserves themselves.

Once Pyrrha had recovered enough, Rider did the same for everyone else. Qrow didn't need any of that since he was still fresh; his reserves were barely scratched at all.

Chiron had brought them to Leonardo's office. It would take time and the council would still have to deliberate on the next headmaster. Chiron had informed that he had already sent his application and the League, courtesy of Archer's web, would make it surprisingly easy.

Part of Rider was a little aghast at the unlawful method but that was the effect of the Rusted Knight; the heroic archetype of all that is good and lawful here on Remnant.

Rider looked at the sight of his Master. She wasn't satisfied in the slightest. Neither was Rider. Having faced Cinder and Berserker and still not edge out a win was frustrating. For Rider, being at an disadvantage against his most known foe was both an insult to himself as a Heroic Spirit and as Pyrrha's Servant. He had sworn that he would protect Pyrrha.

Chiron checked everyone regardless. Pointless as it may be, Chiron had that teacher's concern to him that made him worried for his students. Qrow was much the same as he checked on Ruby, despite her insistence on being alright. Raven didn't really bother much, not even a word of concern for Vernal. Rider noticed her look though; she wasn't good at showing any concern.

After everything was done, Rider looked down in shame. He may not be a student anymore but he certainly felt like one right now. No one showed any anger nor were they frustrated. They were focused more on themselves and the fact that they were alright. Chiron did not have anything more to say and that honestly hurts Rider more than it should.

There's more to being the hero than charging headfirst into battle, he reminded himself. He knew that. He should have known that, be it as Jaune or as the Rusted Knight. Not only that, they had just met with Assassin. Without a doubt, that Servant must have figured out Rider's peculiarities. That darkening sky earlier wasn't just some freak weather phenomenon.

He might as well own up to it. "Assassin saw me, looked me straight in the eye."

Chiron showed no reaction. "It was only a matter of time. However, that would mean that anyone close to you would be in danger."

Unsurprising for anyone, Rider's helmet faced the direction of his Master. Pyrrha stayed quiet and did not speak. Anyone who would stick by Rider would be a casualty. By extension, Ren and Nora would be the same. Rider didn't need to guess what those two would do in light of this information. Ruby might come with them anyway but there was the matter with Qrow; he wouldn't want his niece in any more danger than she already is, even if that is only prolonging the inevitable confrontation.

"Does the god of light know of your identity?" Chiron asked.

"I don't think so?" Rider replied. "Assassin at least figured my connection if nothing else."

"Then you are all in danger. Mistral isn't going to be a good place for a battleground against the god of light." Chiron then turned to Raven. "How is Archer doing in Vale?"

"You're asking me?" Raven was a little snarky. "What am I supposed to know? Archer and Watts keep away from everyone else. I only see them near a construction site. Archer and Neo are doing some kind of sign-language lessons."

"Excellent." Chiron said, knowing something that they don't. He must not have told them everything. "That's two kingdoms at least. Though Vale is more of a backup."

Everyone there had looks of confusion. Chiron was nodding to himself in contemplation.

Then, he spoke up again saying, "rest up. Your next destination should be Atlas. I can at least come up with something to vouch for your trip."

"We would have to make a stop in Argus," Rider reasoned. "Easier access I would think."

"You'll be putting yourself at risk against the god of light," Chiron argued. "I saw those clouds go in that direction."

"Then the others can take the Bullhead straight to Atlas." Rider looked towards Pyrrha. She had a worried expression at the mention of Argus.

It wasn't the only reason Rider suggested there. Even if that weren't the case, Argus had another reason for him to go there. He had to make sure that those three were safe.

"But—" Ruby tried to reply.

"Ruby," Rider interjected. "Better that we only lose one Servant than both. Assassin needs to go."

It was his Master that argued back. "Rider, it's the god of light that were dealing with. One of our own creators. As much as I hate to admit it, I can't beat Cinder on aura reserves alone and she had the Maiden powers. A god would have quite a lot more than that, I'm sure."

"I know, Master." At least she was addressing him by his class with ease now.

"We already fought Berserker twice," Pyrrha continued. "And we couldn't so much as push them back, only a stalemate."

"Maybe if you all were strong enough…" Vernal decided to interject.

"Vernal!" Raven chastised.

"As if you're any different, coward!" Vernal exploded. "You ran! When the rest of the tribe stuck around. You who have your own Maiden powers! Why didn't you summon your own Servant, huh?"

"I wasn't chosen, Vernal," Raven retorted. "You think I wouldn't have tried to had I known that early on?"

"Even if you did know," Chiron added. "There's still the matter of being chosen at all."

"How does this Grail thing even decide who gets to become a Master anyway? Everyone here has at least one wish they want granted. What makes these seven so unique?"

Chiron shrugged.

"Oh that's just great!" Raven furrowed her eyebrows. "As if Oz's secrets aren't bad enough and now we have an all-powerful wish granter that nobody even knows how it works? That's just fantastic."

"Not like I would have let you get that wish granted," Qrow added.

"What is that, brother?" Raven replied. "No faith in your dear sister that she would do the good thing?"

"If you wanted to do a good thing, you would have at least told us why you left to our faces. Not just bolt out as soon Yang could crawl."

"Oh really? You would have done the same too had you known about Salem's immortality before all this Grail business."

"Okay." Chiron raised both arms. "We are getting off topic here."

Voices were raised. Arguments thrown. Topics were being brought up and discarded as it kept going. It would have gotten worse were it not for the sudden quaking of the ground.

"Good job, kid," said Lancer.

A squatting Nora Valkyrie replied, "thanks. Always believed one can't save the world without thunder thighs."

"Thank you, Nora," Ruby said. She sighed. "Okay. I think we're all a little frustrated. And we're airing out a lot of… things today. But as a fellow Master, I would like to, at least, put out my own word before anything is decided."

Everybody got quiet with Raven feeling a little bit of shame. The rest were simply waiting for Ruby to speak.

Ruby took a moment. She hadn't expected that she would actually be listened to like an adult, being used to being treated like a child.

She took back her initiative and made her choice. "We're going to Argus."

Rider raised his arms. "Ruby, it's dangerous."

"Yeah and?" Ruby retorted. "Ja—Rider, we're huntsmen and huntresses. We're used to danger."

"But this? It's much worse."

"I know. But we would be fighting this Salem person without this Grail War and she's immortal. Did we fight the brother gods where you come from, Rider?"

Rider stayed quiet.

"We're going to be facing them sooner or later anyway. Better it be sooner when most of us are still here than later when some of us won't—" she paused. She gulped. "When some of us won't see each other again."

Out of everyone there, it was Rider that felt most out of place. Everyone else was staring at him, knowing his true identity.

For Rider himself, he wanted to argue against it. It was still dangerous for them all to go with him. With Pyrrha at least, he was certain that he could look out for her. That confrontation with Berserker and his reveal to the brother gods weighed on his mind. Argus, even disregarding those close to him, would be full of innocent people. Neither Rider nor Lancer would be able to keep the fighting away from them.

"Let's just rest for now," suggested Chiron. "There are empty dorms here in Haven that you could use. Qrow, Raven, you two stay here. We have much to discuss things moving forward." Chiron made sure to look towards Ruby. "You will all need legitimacy if you wish to go to Atlas through there."

"We could make a stop at Brunswick Farms," suggested Rider. His voice toned down. "There are Grimm there and I was thinking we could at least clear those out. Apathy is what their called. People pass by there when travelling on foot."

They might as well do a little bit of good on the way.

The group took their separate ways. Ruby had stuck around with Ren and Nora but Pyrrha and Rider stayed behind.

"You two go on ahead," Pyrrha assured her teammates. When Ren and Nora gave them some space, she spoke up again asking, "why does it have to be you, Jaune?"

"Master," Rider replied. "I thought we agreed that—"

Pyrrha shook her head. "I'm not asking why does it have to be Rider nor am I asking why does it have to be the Rusted Knight; I'm asking why does it have to be Jaune?"

Seconds past before Rider replied, "because Jaune is the Rusted Knight, Master."

"Does it have to be Jaune? You said it and teacher Chiron revealed that you're not just Jaune anymore. And no, Rusted Knight doesn't count either. Since the me of your time died does that mean that with the you here, I would be—"

"No!" Rider halted her there. "Master—Pyrrha, don't take that burden. If we ever end up in the Ever After, I'll do it myself. I've done it before."

"Why? You don't think I could handle it?"

"Nobody should handle it at all. Those years in isolation. That crippling isolation. Frankly, if it wasn't for the Jabberwalker, I could have been a Berserker myself."

Rider shook his head.

"I know you could handle it, Pyrrha. Anyone would be able to do it better than I could. But that doesn't mean that you should."

"How sure are you that I could?"

"Because it's you, Master. Me? I could barely become a fairy tale hero, let alone a real one."

Chiron entered the room. He had heard the conversation. "You being a Heroic Spirit says otherwise."

"We're not exactly actual heroes, Chiron," Rider replied. "We only made our mark because we did something worth marking about."

"And what is yours exactly, Rider?" Chiron sat by Pyrrha's side. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do you know just how many people looked up to the Rusted Knight? Just how many became huntsmen and huntresses, all because they have, at one point, dreamed of being you?"

"Except that wasn't me," Rider retorted. "That's how Lewis wrote the Rusted Knight."

"Perhaps." Chiron shrugged. "And yet, much of Jaune still stayed with you."

"Teacher Chiron?" Pyrrha asked. "What do you mean?"

"Heroic Spirits are formed by their legends. Some have unique circumstances, sure, but much of themselves are formed by how the public remembers them to be."

"So?" Rider asked. "What does that have to do with me?"

"If Jaune and the Rusted Knight are far too different from each other, you wouldn't even have those memories of yours. Jaune Arc would be lost to history while the Rusted Knight would have lived on. Faceless and without an identity beyond the Rusted Knight."

Rider would have responded but Chiron kept going.

"Yet, here you are. Having memories of a different Remnant, mixed in with a little prince as well as the Rusted Knight, correct? Even having tales that Lewis would never have made a connection towards."

Chiron stood up and approached Rider.

"Lewis didn't just write himself out so that Alyx would be remembered fondly. He made sure that the Rusted Knight is as close to Jaune Arc as he could. He may not have known that this would happen but he saw more in you than you ever could in a mirror."

Chiron placed a finger on Rider's metallic breastplate. Rider had to take a step back with the amount of weight being put there.

"The Throne didn't just recognize the Rusted Knight; it recognized that the Rusted Knight is Jaune Arc, transcending any and all timelines. Even with Voyager's influence on your being, it is Jaune that is still the main component."

Rider stayed quiet, saying nothing. Chiron took it as a chance to keep going.

"There is more to being a hero than taking all the burdens and keeping them to yourself, Rider."

Rider did not miss his Master's reaction to that. It must have been just as much for her as it was for Rider.

"You may be a Heroic Spirit but you are a Servant, one with a Master. You know what that means?"

"It means that I have to listen to my Master's orders?"

"Not quite. It means that you are not alone. You are never alone. Do not and don't ever act as though you could take it all on your own. Remnant's greatest hero or otherwise."

Chiron then turned around to address Pyrrha.

"And Pyrrha," he said. "The same applies to you. You have a Servant, yes. But so does your opponent and they have greater reserves to deal with it. Your semblance allows you to best most of your peers. But I also emphasized to you that it would only be among your peers. Cinder and her group are obviously not among your peers. One is a Maiden, the other an assassin-for-hire, and the last is a street rat accustomed to the silent evils of civilization."

"Understood, teacher," Pyrrha's voice was weak. "I'll keep that in mind."

Chiron's expression turned lighter. "It is good then, that you two are still safe. If Ruby sticks with the decision of going to Argus, perhaps there is still a chance."

"A chance, teacher?" Pyrrha asked.

This time, Chiron's voice was kinder, gentler. "Pyrrha, did your time in Beacon make you forget your own mother?"

"No!" Pyrrha's voice squeaked. Her arms flailed in denial. Some metallic pieces moved with others already falling. "I wouldn't forget mother!"

"Good." Chiron nodded, picking up the fallen pieces. Some non-metallic items were in the way and were tragically broken. "Thetis would have been devastated if her own daughter forgot about her. Now go get some rest. I still have a few lessons to impart on Rider here."

Pyrrha followed. But before she left, she looked back towards Rider worriedly. Rider gave her what assurances that he could. He was wearing his helmet again, expecting a fight.

"We're not sparring today, Rider," Chiron said. "I have different lesson plans for you."

The two manifested Heroic Spirits stood there until all non-Servants had left. Even then, they stood awake with Chiron simply sitting on the chair. They had waited and it took a while for Rider to realize that they were waiting for Lancer.

"They're asleep," Lancer said. "Not the best sleep they'll be getting, and it'll be what they're getting for the time being."

"That will be fine. For now, we will be discussing our own plans as Heroic Spirits. With the god of light already knowing of Voyager and Rider's connection to him, we will be facing an uphill battle. Even worse, you were identified as a Silver-Eyed Warrior, Lancer."

Lancer sighed. "Not sure how I feel about the big man upstairs, not going to lie. Feel like a kid again, a naughty one that broke the family vase."

"What can we expect?" Rider felt like asking.

"We don't expect that god of light will be respecting the Grail War's winner," said Chiron. "Even if anyone else would have won, that god will attempt to take the Grail anyway. That's assuming that he won't be breaking his own promise."

"Promise?" both Rider and Lancer said. They looked to one another for answers.

"Both brother gods swore that they wouldn't return to Remnant, correct? That was under the assumption that Remnant's humanity would one day call them back. It's been many generations now, you two. And with Voyager's presence, are they really necessary anymore?"

The two nodded along.

"Assassin still needs to go, though," Rider commented. "With or without Assassin, we should at least take out one Servant eventually."

Not like Assassin would be aiding them at all. How would they even break Assassin's contract from her Master? Following that, Rider would have to work with Salem's side and while he has no major problems in working with Berserker, he would rather keep away from Berserker's Master. Perhaps they could fight on separate fronts. Still working together in a sense, but that had no worry of any backstabbing. There would be eventually but Rider wouldn't let Pyrrha be the one getting backstabbed. If they were fortunate, Cinder's side might perish before that confrontation.

"What about you?" Lancer asked Chiron. "What will you be doing?"

"My duties are to Mistral," Chiron answered. "With Leo gone, Mistral is need of some kind of leader to keep things in order. The only other one with enough influence would be miss Malachite, the one we had met back in Below, Lancer."

"A criminal, huh? Well at least with you, it would be better. Lawful at least."

"More than that. We'll need as much capable huntsmen as we could muster. As much as Watts played a part in Vale's downfall, it is one of those reasons that Archer and he are there now: to make up the loss that they are partly responsible."

"Never figured Watts to be anyone heroic," Rider commented. "Or apologetic."

"He isn't." Chiron shook his head. "He has his own stakes in this Grail War and intends to snatch victory. Having a common enemy just means prolonged chances of survival."

Something that they themselves have been doing already.

"Does that include Salem?" Rider asked.

"That depends, Rider," asked Chiron. "How would Salem react to the brother gods returning."

"It had been her entire goal," Rider replied. "Bring the Relics together, brother gods return and deem humanity unworthy and wipe us all out, hoping she gets included."

"But with the Grail?" Lancer noted. "That goes out the window."

"Doubt it," Rider said. "Probably her main goal now, sure. But if she loses? She's still targeting the Relics anyway."

Rider was confident in that knowledge. The Salem of his time had prioritized her own death above everyone else. In that singular goal, she cared little for anyone that had come in her way. The only reason that she herself was never actively engaging in the pursuit of that goal was that Ozpin knew her habits with all those years and had the numbers to his advantage. Salem got her own recruits because she needed those whom Ozpin couldn't always predict.

Salem hadn't cared for whoever had got in her way and focused only on her overdue death. Ozpin, then Oscar, kept cleaning up the mess whenever Salem got the advantage.

I wonder is Oscar is safe in this one? Rider wondered. With Ozpin still alive, Oscar Pine probably would still be on that farm of his. Rider shook his head. Now is not the time to think of those things. Chiron would look after much of Mistral and that included Oscar, wherever he was.

"Either way," Rider spoke out loud. "We will have to deal with each other sooner or later. Better that we thin out Salem's Grimm alongside dealing with god of light. I could—"

"Rider." Chiron already guessed what he was about to suggest. Rider had just had that lesson, too.

"We could deal with them together," Rider amended.

Lancer nodded in agreement. "Good. Leave some for the rest of us, yeah?" If she had been concerned at all, she was good at hiding it. Rider couldn't tell with Lancer.

The three continued to talk and discuss their plans. It might have been better to include their Masters in this but they needed their rest. Rider and Lancer could always relay that information and conclusions to them once they awoke.

Lancer had been the first to leave them with Chiron soon making his way back to wherever he was staying, leaving Rider there, alone.

Bearing his other, more princely, outfit, Rider buried his face into his hands. An undignified sight unfitting for the Rusted Knight.

I can't be the real hero, he thought. I can't be the fairy tale hero. I can't even be a proper Servant! Rider couldn't just put them in danger. He was the Rusted Knight! But the Rusted Knight was also Jaune Arc. Jaune Arc is the Rusted Knight, and Rider knew just how in over his head Jaune Arc could be. And I came close to making Pyrrha pay the price for it… again.

He still remembered his time. That time when his Pyrrha shoved him into a locker. His weakness, inability and inexperience that always held him back. Even after his travels and his time in the Ever After, he still hadn't been sure if he was of any help.

Even now. How much help am I really doing?

Rider tried to find a mirror. It took a while but he did find something reflective enough. It was faint but he could make out his own features. Everything really was Jaune Arc. There was the long hair that tied to a warrior's wolf tail but he had no beard. There were strands of silver there, a sign of aging. He wasn't sure about his facial features there but there was a royal glow to it.

"Where are you, Voyager?" Rider asked. He looked on his overall outfit. "What is it about you that clung to me?"

Try as he might, Rider never did get an answer at all. Not even a feeling that would give some kind of clue. Jaune Arc the Rusted Knight. Voyager the Little Prince. The only one who remotely has any sort of answer would have been Lewis.

He thought of something. It was worth a shot. "Alyx?" There was nothing. Not even Alyx would respond, if she was there at all.

Sighing, Rider walked around Haven Academy, taking in the sights of the quiet night life of Mistral. When he was out in the open, Rider looked upwards. Maybe there was an answer there in the sky. He couldn't find any constellations that he could recognize, not from Earth anyway. There were a few which were definitely from Remnant but Rider was never much of a stargazer. He couldn't remember their names even if he wanted to. The Grail didn't give him any knowledge of that either; it was irrelevant to the Grail War.

"Nope," Rider said to himself. "Still nothing." All he felt was a chilling coldness that made him shiver. Rider especially felt it when watching the clouds cover Remnant's broken moon. "Clouds. Cold clouds."

He couldn't see it. But he could feel it. That long, cold, and dangerous voyage across an almost empty space. It wasn't a dense region but it had its dangers. There was no sound in space but Rider could vaguely imagine a whisking comet or dwarf stars. The only certainty was that there was the icy feeling that Rider's body could still feel.

Rider then stood up. "That far? Beyond the Oort Cloud? You made it that far?"

/-/

Berserker's Master was still furious at the failure. At least, for once, she didn't direct that anger at Berserker. Instead, stones melted from the heat of her flame. Green-hair used her illusions on Master as demanded.

"That girl!" Master seethed. "Keeping him away from me. Keeping that which should have been mine!"

Almost none of Berserker's kin were nearby. Berserker felt an approach of one but it wasn't among those that it had called upon. Floating towards them was one of the Grimm that served that womanly thing that was like its brethren. Berserker had nothing to say nor to think of these relatives.

Master nearly failed to notice the approach of the Grimm. The green-haired one had to stop and tell her about it, only then did Master compose herself and bowed. Her two possessions did the same as well. Berserker did not and had its back towards it, watching should the other Servants ever come back. Master valued her privacy.

"Cinder," said the womanly thing. "How goes Mistral?"

Master hesitated to answer. "It is going… poorly, milady."

"Leonardo's abandonment already reached you, has it?"

"Leo has betrayed us?"

"Has been found out, more like, dear Cinder. One of my Grimm found him… having a walk."

There was no need to think too hard on what had happened to this Leonardo when one of Berserker's brethren had found him. It growled softly at the mention of its brethren being under her rule. Berserker found that woman to be unnatural. She had bathed in the essence of its brethren but stank of its opposite.

"I see," Master replied. "Should we continue our pursuit then of the Relic and the Spring Maiden?"

"Actually," that woman replied. "I was thinking of having you all come back. We have a new ally you see? And some new information that is of importance to us. It would seem that Archer and Watts aren't entirely honest either."

"They care only for themselves, mistress," Master said.

"All of us do, dear Cinder. We wouldn't be chosen Masters otherwise."

Berserker felt the Grimm approach it.

"And Berserker?" that woman continued. Berserker only gave the barest of acknowledgement. "There's an… old friend who would like to meet you."

Berserker had no eyebrows. If it did, Berserker would have had one raised. Then, Berserker heard their voice.

"Jabby old buddy! You wouldn't happen to know if Jaune is here too, do you? We have so much to catch up on!"

Berserker could be forgiven for ripping apart its own brethren, could it?

/-/

When everyone else had slept, Pyrrha stared at the Command Spells at the back of her hand. Twice now they had faced Cinder and Berserker and twice now they weren't able to edge out a win. Competitive fire burned fiercely within her; it clashed with her fear.

Rider is Jaune Arc. Rider is the Rusted Knight. Teacher Chiron had said it so. Pyrrha bit her finger.

I don't want to lose you again. I won't lose you again.

Chapter Text

"Jaune," Master sang. "That's your name? Jaune." If she wasn't singing, she was humming and Berserker could still hear the name of Rider being mentioned. She, along with her possessions, were being carried by Nevermore.

When that Cat revealed the name, Master hadn't been happier since they made their journey back to that castle. It had taken a while before they had reached the land akin to Berserker's makers. Berserker would dare say that it was akin to its own acre.

Berserker didn't see the appeal. As far as it knew, Rider was just a foreigner in their place. But the Grail gave it some knowledge. This place believed that Rider had always been of the Ever After, only that it was in a place beyond the seas.

When asked if Rider had been a knight, he only said that he was a huntsman. The two children must have kept it to themselves then. Berserker only knew that one of them at least returned. There was no telling what happened to the other one.

As for silver-hair and green-hair, those two had their focus on their scrolls. They looked through different portraits with such speeds that they had to be blurred before they had any sort of clarity.

"Didn't we hear that name before?" silver-hair insisted. He kept his voice in a whisper but Master could not hear them even if they were any louder; Master was too focused on singing Rider's name.

"It's in the Beacon files!" green-hair snapped. "With one of those girls!"

The two kept going. They kept looking for those portraits.

"It wasn't with the girls," silver-hair replied. He found the image. "It's with celebrity and the orphans!"

He gave her the portrait. Berserker may not be materialized but it could see well enough. The portrait showed a younger-looking Rider. Only difference was that Rider in the portrait had less metal on him and did not have the hair style that Berserker remembered seeing when the two met the first time.

"It's…" Green-hair couldn't speak well. "Close enough? It's a coincidence, right?"

"You want answers," silver-hair replied. "We'll need to talk to the only other two Servants that know this. And one of them is too close to Cinder for us to risk it. Unless you want to be one to say that Cinder killed the Rusted Knight's partner. Cinder hates miss celebrity already."

Berserker did not growl at the obvious. Master was too focused on singing Rider's name, still. She wasn't paying attention to them at all even as their voices were raised.

"But can we trust them?" green-hair said. "I don't remember Curious Cat possessing anybody."

"When was the last time you read a book?"

"You think I would have kept my cover without learning how to read?"

"Not answering my question, Em."

Their conversation and guesses kept going until they reached the edge of Evernight castle. The Nevermore had put them down at the bottom and they were forced to walk up.

"Berserker," Master said. She stopped singing and was regaining her composure.

"Obeying," Berserker replied. It already knew what to do. Like a mount, Berserker carried them all on its back. Master was at the forefront. Berserker wasn't a comfortable ride; it wasn't made for it. But Master desires it and so Berserker does it.

The pathway to the top of the castle was long. There were many empty rooms, most of which were full of old papers and maps, items that had been broken and covered in dust and cobwebs. One of the three on Berserker's back had sneezed. Berserker hastened a little but never ran. Why the Nevermore never brought them up there in the first place, Berserker didn't know. That womanly thing had greater control of the Grimm than it did, even when Berserker was a Servant.

Eventually, things had become cleaner. Master and her possessions stepped down and walked the rest of the way. Master patted Berserker's head and it dematerialized. The three walked towards the grand but empty hallways of Evernight Castle.

It didn't take long for Berserker to smell the presence of the Cat. There was Caster as well but that wasn't much of a surprise. It was Master that led the way as she raised her hands to push the door. Master paused when the door opened on their own. Caster had his tentacles on the handles and pulled the doors open for them.

Berserker nearly materialized at the sight of Cat. They had possessed another Servant for that was not something the Cat could become naturally with its own shapeshifting abilities.

"Ah," said Cat. "So you must be the other Master! I'm so pleased to meet you! Where's Jabby? I would like to see him again!"

"Berserker," Master said. She didn't seem too enthused either. But her eyes were focused on that womanly thing. That one glared at Master. "Come out."

Master didn't give any specifics. Berserker made sure to tower over Cat. Cat's possessed vessel leaned back.

"Jabby," Cat said. "So good to see you again. Shame that you couldn't bring Jaune here. We would have had so much catching up to do!"

Berserker growled. It jaws already opening up slowly.

Master raised a hand, stopping him. Berserker complied. But it did not stop its towering imposition on Cat. Berserker didn't like Cat. It would make sure that they knew its place. Cat wasn't one of the seven but among those Companions.

"You three," said that womanly thing. "Take a seat. We have much to discuss after Caster had just recruited two willing Companions to our side."

"Well, mistress," replied the Cat. "One of us is certainly willing. I cannot answer for poor Sanson. But he is… occupied at the moment."

"Very well."

Master and her possessions took their seats. Normally, the two possessions would stand behind Master. Now, it was just Berserker who stood behind while those two sat next to her. Caster and the Cat took their place beside the woman. Both of them took their seats. Berserker growled.

"Berserker," said the woman. "You may take your seat as well. Though it may not fit you, sadly. But you are welcome anyway."

Berserker waited for Master's approval.

"Ever a loyal Servant." The woman placed her elbows on the table. "Now then, about Watts and Archer…"

/-/

Mercury walked about in the empty hallways. After that long meeting with Salem, Mercury didn't at feel surprised by Archer and Watts' betrayal. This Holy Grail War business only rewards one person and whether they cared about Salem's immortality or not was of little consequence. Anyone of these Masters would have their own wishes and goals. It would be odd if none of them did.

What had taken Mercury's attention was the fact that a literal god, one of Remnant's own creators, is part of this Grail War. Immortal witches, reincarnating wizards, and legends back from the grave were already strange enough that the gods actually existing shouldn't have phased Mercury at all. But it did.

That Cat and Caster hid something from them. Mercury could tell that much. Being raised by an assassin, the regular kind, not the Servant-class kind, meant that he should be aware of reading his targets. Their habits and tells, Mercury wasn't quite as good as his father, he'll admit. But he was sure enough that there was something more going on.

He still remembered the words of Salem. "It matters little to our goals. If the gods are to get in my way, then they shall be faced as we would any other enemy. They are no longer as in control as they once had. But should we gather the Relics, they are still bound by their oaths to fulfill it, I'm sure."

Mercury could believe that. These Servants were unheard off in any fairytale or legend. No games nor visual novels had this concept as far as he was aware. But something about Caster and Cat told Mercury that there was more to this than they had let on. That Cat especially had something to hide.

Cinder had resumed her training with her Maiden powers with Emerald giving her all sorts of illusions. Mercury would bet lien that those illusions would be of that invincible chick that took away Cinder's precious knight. He spat at the thought. For someone who cared so much about power and came across as mature, Cinder reverted back to a lost child, desperate for any sort of approval.

Mercury stopped at the sign that hung on Caster's door. That led to his workshop and one that he and Emerald knew well to stay away from. There were voices that could be heard from the other side, Cat and Caster. Cat's voice grew louder. They were coming out.

"Ah, you must be Mercury," said the Cat. They had explained that they were relieving the vessel, a Companion named Sanson, of his duties. Mercury doubted that. "Raised by an assassin and possessor of the finest legwork known to Remnant, or so Jaune says." They giggled.

"You said his name is Jaune," Mercury replied. "As in Jaune Arc."

"Why yes," Cat replied. "That is his name. That's the name he gave me, Lewis, and Alyx."

That was another thing. Mercury did some research on the Girl who Fell through the World and all he found was that there was only a girl named Alyx. There was no mention of the Rusted Knight being named at all. Nor was there any mention of some guy named Lewis.

"Jaune Arc," Cat continued. "Never once called himself a brave knight but always called himself a huntsman. Ironic, don't you think? He never saw much in himself yet there he is, being the reason you people are even called that."

"How does that even happen anyway? Last I checked, Alyx—and this Lewis guy—would have fallen decades, maybe centuries ago! You sure this is the same Jaune Arc?"

Mercury and Emerald had to revisit those files to get their information.

"Let's see," Cat replied. "Having the worst performance in this academy of yours?" Cat waited for each confirmation before resuming with their points. "Uses a sword and shield? Blonde hair and blue eyes? Partner to one Papyrus Nickel?"

"Pyrrha Nikos," Mercury corrected.

"Right, right." Cat didn't really care about the correction. "Forged transcripts. Was there in the Vault with this other Maiden called Tinder?"

"Amber."

"Whatever. Seems to line up to me."

"But that's impossible." Mercury shook his head. "Jaune Arc is dead."

"So is Rider." Caster stepped out of the door as well. That grin of his still crept Mercury out and he was a man. "We all are. Us heroic spirits, we're all dead."

Mercury took a step back. He had no confidence in dealing with one Servant let alone two. Those two sent chills down to Mercury's hips. It couldn't go any further down since his legs were metal. But he stumbled. When he checked behind him, a tentacle was there, hiding as though it were a large tree's roots.

"You haven't heard anything, have you dear Mercury?" Caster said. "It wouldn't do well if Cinder's lackeys were to have a sudden leave of absence."

Despite Mercury's insistence on his own innocence, Caster's tentacle wrapped around his legs. The grip was tightening and Mercury felt a phantom pain travel upwards. His legs may be made of metal but he was used to having them that they might as well be part of his body, most of the time.

"No one," Caster said. "Not even Master can know. Only I shall have the right to kill her immortality. And these gods will not take that away from me."

"The gods only care about their own muses, dear Caster," Cat puffed themselves up. But Mercury could see that Cat was backing away.

A sudden rumble was felt, and the tentacle was torn apart. Berserker had materialized, devouring the torn tentacle like raw calamari. It caught Mercury as it growled at the two Servants.

Berserker, after putting Mercury down and using its body to cover him, stood tall and towered over the two in a display of intimidation. Its maws were open as it readied itself for a skirmish here. Berserker gave equal focus towards Cat and Caster but neither of them backed down, Caster especially.

"Well," said Cat. "This had been a fine conversation, wouldn't you agree, Caster?" They turned to address Mercury. "Ta-ta for now, dear Mercury."

The two Caster-class Servants went on their way, in separate directions. Berserker itself focused more on Cat rather than Caster. The animosity between the two seemed one-sided. Cat didn't show any sign of being bothered by Berserker but the reverse had it plenty.

Mercury did not miss Cat's wink. There was more that he wanted to know and Cat knew it.

"Hey," Mercury asked. "What is it with you and Cat anyway?"

"Opposites," Berserker answered. "Masquerade."

Mercury shook his head. Berserker spoke in single words that no one would be able to comprehend it without making their own assumptions. Anyone would have to try to understand Berserker if they wanted to make anything out its words.

But he paused. Cat may be more comprehensible but Berserker knew a thing or two wouldn't it? "About Rider," he asked. "Is he really Jaune Arc?"

"Foreigner." Berserker went to the side. Both he and it were walking these halls like a dog-walker with an oversized and aggressive-looking dog without a leash. "Fallen. Time. Waiting. Exploring. Defending. Guiding."

Mercury couldn't figure out what to make of it. Assuming that the Rusted Knight and the Beacon fraud are one and the same, then it would mean that Jaune Arc had fallen into the Ever After just like Alyx. Did he get there before the girl did? He had too if Alyx had met the Rusted Knight. Mercury still hadn't read the book yet, and he wasn't about to borrow Cinder's copy; Emerald had a better shot at that without getting burned.

"Newcomers," Berserker continued. "Two."

"Two?"

"Boy. Girl."

Mercury's forehead creased further. Berserker could talk and could certainly communicate something but no one here could make sense of it all with ease. The only other one that Mercury could gather information from is Curious Cat and he wasn't about to go look for them.

What is it with Caster-class Servants that triggers anybody to go in the other direction? Both Caster and Cat had that and Mercury was starting to wonder if that is just the case for that class. Or was it just those two?

No Grimm got in their way. There were a few Seer Grimm that past by them but neither Mercury nor Berserker gave them any mind. They were doing housework and the sight of a Seer holding a broom was somewhat amusing.

Lighting here in Evernight made it hard to tell if it was day or night. The skies outside certainly didn't help since it was unnatural without the bright blues of day or the darker shades of night. There was blackness certainly, but that accompanied the crimson-red which also painted the skies. Grimm roamed freely here without much care and acted like animals. Berserker itself seemed to feel at home here, for the most part. It was clear that it had problems with Salem.

Mercury was out there in the open. An open space that served as the docking bay for any ships that they would use when entering and leaving Evernight. It also had Nevermore roosting there.

Nevermore and Berserker had some kind of communication going on as the latter preened the former's feathers. Nevermore needed grooming apparently.

"Well, isn't this a coincidence." It wasn't. "We seem to be bumping into each other quite often today, aren't we?"

Berserker and the Nevermore tensed at the sight of Cat. The relationship of these two Servants was aptly a stereotype what with Berserker having some canine-like tendencies. With these two being antithesis to each other, Cat and Berserker could act in a cartoonish fashion to cats and dogs.

Cat moved their vessel in a wobbly fashion. Exaggerated movements as though a small wind turbine blew from their feet upwards and they had no control and just moved along with the momentum.

"Say," Cat said to Mercury. "You're an assassin, aren't you, Mercury?"

"What about it?"

"Well, it just so happens that Sanson—that's this body—is an Assassin himself. An odd one I would say. You'd think that Assassins would be thrilled to assassinate, but this one seems out of it."

"Maybe it's just a job to him," Mercury said. Maybe it's because he's not control of his own body, he did not. "Probably only cares about it if he gets paid." His own father was like that too.

"Just making light conversation." Cat got too close for comfort. "No need to get hostile." Cat's eyes went towards Berserker. "Especially you, Jabby."

Berserker growled.

"Quite the Servant, you've become." Cat turned their entire form towards Berserker. Mercury didn't miss that Cat's possessed hand was on the handle of the sword. "Adjusted very quickly to your new role of Servant that you would even protect your Master's minions. Really going the extra mile here."

"Hey," Mercury demanded. Cat turned their head like an owl. That had to hurt on this Sanson guy. "You said you knew Jaune Arc."

"Yes, I did." Seeing a twisted head nodding hurt to watch. Mercury massaged his own neck at the sight of it. "Forged transcripts. Vault. Maiden."

"You already said all that," Mercury commented.

"Mistral." Cat ignored it. "Some headmaster being a traitor, Bernardo Lying-Hat was his name I think."

"Leonardo Lionheart."

"Oh and there was Atlas!" Cat turned the rest of the body. "A tin-man of a general brought down a floating kingdom on the poor people below or something because Jaune and his friends couldn't come up with a better idea and hoped that everyone would come to their aid! Never mind that every other kingdom was probably dealing with their own problems while they're at it."

Mercury stood there and kept on listening. After Leo, none of those things had happened yet. Atlas was still floating and there was no way for those do-gooders to reach there that fast. No airship could be that fast.

"Next thing Jaune knew, he and a bunch of others were in the Vault and fell here. I still remember all those lifeless bodies that reached the shore. Had me occupied for weeks!" Cat then laughed like it was a hilarious joke.

Berserker poorly sneaked to be behind Mercury. He felt each creeping step of Berserker that anyone would have noticed it coming even if they lost all their natural senses. Berserker wasn't subtle; its power lay in its strength. Its intimidation also played in its favor though it meant little against Cat.

"Did you know he used a Stopwatch Fruit?" Cat continued after wiping away their own tears. "He looked so bashful when he said that."

"Stopwatch Fruit?" Mercury couldn't recall ever hearing anything like that anywhere.

"Don't pluck it unless you want to go really far back into the past," Cat advised. It was odd seeing Cat giving actual advice; they even sounded serious that time. "Had Jaune held onto that fruit long enough, he might have gone so far back that he wouldn't have lived long enough to see Alyx and Lewis. Even with things turning out the way they did, Jaune was so close to breaking down." There was hint of sadism there.

Cat wasn't making any sense. Then again, the Ever After, as far as Mercury knew, didn't make sense by Remnant standards. Then again and again, neither was this Grail War ever existing in the first place and with what they knew from Watts' apparent but expected betrayal, made even less sense to Mercury. Things had been much simpler when it was just him being a hired good trying to take away some secret power. It would have been better if they had gone back to that.

"Ah, I still remember those words he said by the campfire!" Cat swooned. "It really is those ordinary days feel the most like fairytales when looking back at it! I think it was Lewis who asked if he was a knight, and you know what Jaune said?"

Mercury waited for Cat to continued. When they didn't, he sighed and played along. "What did he say?"

"He said no." Cat did what Mercury could only assume to be an imitation of Jaune Arc. "I'm just… a huntsman. Ah. The humility behind it, I've never seen anyone that impressed. Lewis wrote that down so furiously, I tell you!"

Mercury and Cat continued to converse with the former piecing more and more from the information. Behind him, Berserker never took its eyes away from Cat and was especially cautious whenever Cat got too close for comfort, Mercury knew when since it was too close for him as well.

Then, Mercury revealed that Cinder had a copy of the book.

"Oh, she does?" Cat never looked happier. "You don't think I could squeeze a favor out of you, do you?"

Mercury shook his head. "She's obsessed with that copy of hers. Only comfort she had."

Cat's shoulders slumped down until it touched the floor. All of its movements were unnatural for a humanoid body. "Couldn't even let me have a peek?"

"If you want to risk it with Berserker over here." Mercury hid his smirk as he pointed towards Berserker. The Servant in question seemed welcoming of the idea. Truth was that Cat had a chance of borrowing. Emerald should be reading it by now with Cinder breathing down her neck, probably making sure that the aged pages aren't torn.

"Well, I suppose I could find another copy elsewhere. Lewis'—sorry, Alyx's book is a definite bestseller of all time here if us three are present. If any of you are traveling anywhere, do me a favor will you?"

Mercury shook his head. If Cat wanted to read about themselves, then they can find it by themselves. He already had everything he needed. All that was left was to get further confirmation or denial from Emerald. Before he could take a step back into the castle however, Cat tugged his arm. Berserker was quick to react and got near, ready to fight. Ally or not, there was no trusting the Cat in Berserker's eyes.

"Oh and might I add something about Emerald?" Cat added. There was effort behind that neutral expression. Mercury caught that betraying smirk. "You might want to keep your distance from that girl. Villainous characters as you people are, Emerald, on the other hand, isn't as aligned to your mistress' goals as you would like."

Suspicion oozed from Cat no matter how hard they kept themselves as neutral. Cat had already shown themselves as being preferred less than solitude and this attempt at friendship isn't helping in the slightest. There was something more that Cat kept hidden.

"Don't trust me?" Cat could read Mercury well enough. "Emerald isn't as accustomed to these things as you. And I've heard enough from Jaune's retelling of things to know that your little thief friend is capable of switching to the other side."

Mercury swiped away Cat's hand. There had been no force behind it and Mercury kept walking. Berserker stayed a while longer and that shadows showed that the Nevermore were just as protective of Mercury as Berserker was. Probably Berserker's doing.

"Don't forget to wear your desert clothes," Mercury said. "We're headed to Vacuo as soon as we're done in Vale."

"Oh, yes. Yes, we are." Cat's smile grew bigger than the face those lips were attached to. "If memory serves me right, that's where Lewis and Alyx lived."

"Good luck trying to find them." Mercury chuckled.

"I know that they're long dead, Mercury." Cat's smile lessened but Mercury's chilling feeling only grew. "I made sure of that with one of them."

Berserker growled in a low tone. "Betrayal. Purpose."

"Shush you." Cat's grin vanished and they looked at Berserker with disdain. "I didn't come here from the Ever After and Menagerie just to brandy words with a barely comprehensible speech pattern, and that's being generous with you." For once, Cat returned Berserker's hostility with their own.

Even when surrounded by Grimm, Cat didn't back down against Berserker. Mercury believed that those two would duke it out right there but every step he had taken going away from them and still failing to hear even a faint thud was telling him otherwise.

Finding Emerald was the simpler task. They each had assigned rooms and his was next to Cinder's; Emerald's room was on the other side.

Cinder was reading the story to Emerald. Was that the best that Emerald could get from Cinder? That book was more precious to her than what Mercury gave it credit. By the sounds of it, Cinder was giving her commentary with each individual line with how she imagined Rider would be should she get him. There was still no sign of Cinder connecting the oddity of Rider and Jaune Arc.

Mercury leaned against the opposite wall but made sure to stay out of the immediate sight when Emerald stepped out. When she did, she looked more confused than ever. There was nothing that could be gathered on Cinder's side of things.

"Nothing?" Mercury asked. He pushed aside Cat's words from earlier. But there was something there that he could confirm. "Does the book say anything about the Rusted Knight being a huntsman?"

"You mean other than the Rusted Knight never referred to himself as a knight?"

"What was the wording?"

"No," Emerald quoted. "I'm just… a huntsman. Seriously, I've never seen Cinder this obsessed with anything. It's like she's a different person!"

Emerald kept going but Mercury tuned it out. That exact same wording as Cat had given earlier. If Emerald's delivery was a hint of Cinder's imagination, then that also meant the same manner of speech. The first thing that entered Mercury's mind was how creepy Cinder's imagination would have to be if that line was exactly the same as Cat's recreation of Jaune's line. The second was how could it be? Is the Ever After the afterlife? Did Alyx—and this Lewis guy apparently—die and come back from the dead. Cat said that one of them stayed behind. Did Lewis die?

We all are. Us heroic spirits, we're all dead. More of Cat's words from earlier were coming to Mercury. The name, Ever After, has quite the different connotation to him now. Jaune Arc was dead. That was a fact to them. But it was also a fact that Jaune Arc became or already was the Rusted Knight. Cat and Berserker knew of Jaune and it is the same Jaune in their records. The only difference are events that hadn't happen but those two Servants, Cat at any rate, were certain as though it already did.

Cat's other words moved Mercury's eyes towards Emerald. He dismissed it. Yeah, Emerald was the softest among them but that's because she's compared to him and Cinder. Neither of these two were exactly the norm when it came to people. Besides, there was no reason for Emerald to betray them yet; she struck Mercury as someone who was desperate for any sort of affection and thus far, only Cinder gave her that, if at all. Mercury doubts that the opposition would be willing to give Emerald the time of day considering they were responsible for their friend's death.

"How about you?" Emerald asked. She didn't notice that Mercury zoned out. "What have you confirmed."

"Alternate timelines," Mercury answered. Hopefully, she hadn't said anything too important. "Said some things that hadn't happen yet and some events from Beacon got mixed up."

"But that doesn't change that Rider is Jaune Arc, and likely someone who isn't too happy to be anywhere near Cinder."

"Yep. There is nothing that can be done about that." Even killing the Master wouldn't do it. There was one telling what that Servant would do if that happened and it wasn't something that they wanted.

Berserker appeared in the hallways. A few bruises were present. Those cuts had to have come from a sword and those claws were feline. Behind Berserker was Cat, a distance away and moving down a different direction of the intersecting hallways. They had bruises on their person as well. Cat appeared again and went a different direction. Evernight Castle always took some getting used to when it came to directions. No sign of Caster, thankfully.

Berserker dematerialized but gave them one last look before leaving them out there. Cinder must not have noticed the bruises on her Servant or didn't care enough to check. Mercury sighed. It was a frustrating sight, seeing Berserker, strong Servant as it is, being treated like this. Maybe it was the lack of empathy for other humans but Mercury found himself connecting to Berserker better than he would anyone else. He knew a thing or two of trying to please someone; he lost his legs and semblance for it. Unlike him, Berserker would follow Cinder until the end.

Mercury left Emerald there. Frustration was bubbling inside of Mercury and he needed a vent. So, he went to the one place that he could vent. Internally, he apologized to Berserker for what he had been about to do.

Grimm fell by Mercury's feet. These ones were the disposable ones, meant to be used and constantly abused by Salem's minions. Sometimes they were huntsmen. Other times, they were other Grimm. These were the only other activity that Mercury could really vent out as his usual forms weren't cutting it.

This training ground gave a view of the outside. There, the shrunken figure of Salem could barely be seen experimenting with her new Grimm. With her was the much more imposing figure of Caster. Even at this distance, there was an off-putting presence to Caster; he leaned so far back that it couldn't be mistaken for anything other than hysterical laughter.

After Mercury's impromptu training, he stepped closer towards the windows. He squinted his eyes as he focused on the new kind of Grimm that Salem was bringing forward. An army was being made, that much had been certain. But Mercury stumbled backwards when he managed to catch sight of Salem and Caster testing the new Grimm.

That protective layer that covered these new Grimm was unmistakable. Any huntsmen, even in training, would recognize what that was: aura. These new Grimm had aura.

Chapter Text

"What a wondrous sight!" exclaimed Caster. "Taking the best among these Grimm and putting them into a single combined creature of evolving perfection!"

No one, not even his own Master who made them, shared in that sentiment. Had Tyrian been here, he might have been the one and only companion to have that mutual feeling with Caster. Only Tyrian understood him but Salem was special; she desired death but could not die. An obstacle and challenge that Caster would gladly rise up and meet.

But it had to be by his own terms. That Companion Caster, Curious Cat, through chevalier Sanson, had provided Caster information that a prototype of an immortal killer was available. Such a new tool would no doubt derail his Master's plans. If she could die sooner, she would take that route and be done with it. That couldn't happen. Not before Salem herself wreaked havoc in that pursuit. Even then, Caster refused to use it. Should his Master perish, it will be by his own hand.

But I wish not for her to die yet. For her to die would mean any new method of killing could never be tested. No new way for torment that he would enact. Salem still felt all that pain but all those years in fruitless search for the end had maddened her mind. Her longing for death and his desire to inflict it was mutual in this purpose.

If death had come, then only she would find relief. It wouldn't be fair for Caster to stay behind, unsatisfied, while she would go on, fulfilled. It could not happen. Caster won't let it happen, not without replacing her.

Salem's new Grimm emerged from the large Grimm lake. Its size was too big for it to come out of a mere pool. Its base was that of the Goliath, elephant-like Grimm. It was larger than usual and had spikier bone plating. What made these Goliaths threatening was the rider on its back. Derived from the Hound, yet another work of art by his Master, a humanoid rider was atop of it. The Imps that formed a coat-like body for the rider of the Nuckelavee Grimm.

These riders gave out a ghastly scream, tortured by the pain of being made part Grimm as their souls are consumed slowly so as to not deplete these aura reserves. More rose from these lakes until they formed a single unit, the latest addition to the heavy cavalry of the Grimm.

Behind Caster, Berserker of all characters had been painted with the most disdain. Caster had been certain that it would appreciate these creatures more.

"Unnatural," Berserker said. "Pained."

Caster rolled his oily eyes. Berserker must be envious that it had been surpassed. It couldn't stand of being supplanted as being the perfected form of Grimm. That had to be the case. Caster couldn't see any other explanation. Berserker of all characters should understand that the sight before them was the greatest piece of art.

The ground quaked from their collective stomps. The Grimm were in control and their unfortunate riders could not scream any more than what had been allowed for them. Caster moved about as he inspected each one; some had come from Menagerie. He stopped in front of one of them.

He had been given partial control of these Grimm. As such, when he had commanded the one Grimm in front of him to reveal the face of its rider, that Grimm obeyed and revealed to Caster the form of Menagerie's chieftain, Ghira Belladonna. It was a shame that he couldn't respond and could only scream if he had been allowed to; he wasn't.

The blackness of Grimm covered Ghira's hopeless form once more. They were still alive in there. For as long as their aura reserves were still present, these new soldiers of theirs will continue to live. These Grimm will have that instinctive need to survive even for newborns, a product of their riders. Yet, they are still subject to his Master's will.

"Remnant will tremble at your call!" Caster declared. Then, he turned to his Master and asked with as much humility as a humbled man could show, "what shall we call these beautiful creatures? Such greatness deserves to have a fitting name, Master!"

"I have taken that into consideration, Caster," Salem replied. "And I have considered the name Repha'im. I believe it is something that you might be familiar with?"

Caster shook his head. He will accept his flaws and ignorance. "I'm afraid that I do not. But I shall admit that it is indeed a fitting name for these giant ones whose stature are greater than even of the Goliaths."

"No matter." Salem allowed it. "Not everyone is perfect, I suppose. What matters is that we have a name to call them."

Salem had left the lakes to resume its production until the last of their new additions have been turned into these Repha'im. Once they had finished, they all lined up in single-file, stretching not too far but certainly enough to instill a terror on even the hardiest of armies.

The greatest part of this was that they could always get more.

"Where shall we sow next, Master?" Caster asked, unable to hold back his eagerness. "Name it and I shall personally go there myself!" If his Master was generous, perhaps he would have a chance to see what they could do firsthand. A suggestion had popped in his head. "How about Vacuo? That desert place is filled with hardier folk!" Already, he was thinking if the people gathered could influence these new Grimm.

Salem gave it some thought. But she saddened Caster when she shook her head. "Vacuo would be the logical choice. We also have need for the Relic of Destruction along with the Maiden." Her eyes drifted towards Emerald, then Cinder. "But we have unfinished business in Vale. The Relic of Choice is something that Ozma has kept more hidden than the other Relics it seems. There is something about it that must be important to us. Am I clear?"

Cinder knew who that last part was meant for. "Yes, ma'am. I will make the preparations to leave."

"No." Salem shook her head. "I will accompany you this time, dear Cinder."

"Mistress?"

"I wish to see what these Repha'im could do for myself. Caster, prepare yourself."

Caster's smile widened as his face allowed. "Yes, my Master!"

He went off with dancing feet. His Master was going to accompany him! She would seize this opportunity to rule over and lead herself. Against the very beings that gifted her with immortality, there could be no greater triumph for him.

There in Vale, they would face off against other Servants and Caster will not only have the thrill of the kill, but show off the superiority of his Master and make certain of the Grimm's place as above this world's humanity.

He was walking down the hallways and slowed down as he neared his designated room and workshop. Truthfully, there was hardly anything worth much in Caster's room. It was only filled with artworks of fine qualities, more akin to a noble than a serial killer; it wasn't even those strange artworks.

But that didn't mean that Caster wouldn't treat trespassers the same. It was shame that that Emerald character was obedient to Cinder. Mercury would have been just fine but Caster wasn't about to take a groom to his room.

The production may have slowed but the sight of these new Grimm learning to march at the command of his Master was still a pleasant sight. She was crude in her command, having been more accustomed of moving singular persons than entire armies. Caster will admit that his Master was better at commanding smaller circles of trusted individuals but leave the command of armies towards generals. It is for such reasons that she had her own circle.

These Repha'im couldn't cover an entire continent but their current numbers give off a façade of one. Armies often block themselves into groups when battling in the open but such battles are rare. One would see sieges where attackers would overcome the barriers of the defenders. The four kingdoms of Remnant against these Grimm are, in essence, a prolonged siege.

There was a flaw in sieges: attacking armies, when sufficient, could surround them and outlast them as they wished. Grimm were inexhaustible with the only weakness in them as an army was that Salem couldn't control each of them as any other general would. But she could always command them when she got close to them.

"Which begs the question." Caster felt a presence coming from behind. It was difficult for it to hide its presence; it wasn't an Assassin after all. "Why do you disobey her, Berserker?"

Berserker growled in deep tones. "Unnatural."

Caster refused to believe it. "Are you certain? Or perhaps you are merely threatened? You, who are the Grimm's predecessor and from whom the Grimm are derived from, draw the line at a being so gracious and beautiful?"

"Unnatural." Berserker insisted. "Corrupted."

"In a rare display of camaraderie." Cat appeared on the other side. It had been sudden that Berserker jumped. But Caster had felt them coming as well. Berserker could focus on one thing only ignore everything else. The two Servants still had that animosity to them. "I find myself agreeing with Jabby over here."

"Oh?" Caster's interest rose. He leaned closer.

Cat didn't appear bothered. "I will not deny that my maker had a hand in making your Master immortal, Caster. However, the Grimm influence inside of her was not that given to her by Jabby's maker. Could be because Jabby and I are… well, us. But the Grimm influence on Salem was something that I daresay belongs to her and her alone."

"And you would be correct," Caster admitted. "Master herself had told me of her own history. When she had first summoned me, in her grief and desire for it to end, she dove into those pools and came out as you see her now."

"Longer," Berserker added. "Resistance."

"This is a strange day, indeed." Cat shook their head. "The Grimm influence is getting stronger yet nowhere near capable of destroying her. She might as well be the closest approximation of a Grimm mimicking a human."

"I know." Caster grinned. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"You and I may be of the same class, Caster. But we have very different taste on what counts as beautiful."

"Hideous." Berserker huffed.

The two Servants couldn't stand to be that near to one another for long and parted. They were still within the same corridor, only at opposite ends as their voices could reach. Berserker and Cat growled at one another as they did so with the latter having Sanson's hairs stand fittingly for the feline possessor.

Caster rolled his eyes. Truly, only Tyrian Callows could appreciate this despite his more barbaric tendencies. Tyrian was but a commoner in Caster's eyes. A commoner with fine tastes but a commoner still. At least, Tyrian would have given Caster better company than these two. Not even Cat shared in that interest. His Master cared only for her own death. Caster sighed. There really are too few people with whom he could share in these moments. But such is to be expected; not everyone sees it the way he does.

"There is also the concern on her own mind," Cat said. "I haven't seen anyone so broken yet so headstrong. Not even Jaune was like this—oh, sorry, Rider."

Caster's expression darkened at the mention of Rider. "You had mentioned his name in passing. This Rider. What is he like?" He was still a Servant and knowledge is indeed power.

"Oh you wouldn't believe him," Cat replied. There was a hint of admiration in there. "He was so close to breaking naturally that I just found it quite delectable. But he is headstrong, covers many bases by now and I'm sure he could do a lot of good now."

"Quite the respect you have for him," Caster commented. "Or perhaps, it is simply your obsession."

"You know me too well, Caster." Cat had a forced expression. They didn't want to reveal their true feelings. There was a twisted interest there. Caster knew a thing or two about twisted interests. Considering Cat's current physical form, Caster could guess what that interest would be.

Caster chose his words carefully. "Is that so? There is a first for everything." He waited for Cat's eyes to narrow in suspicion. "Perhaps this would be the first groom I will take with me."

It had the intended effect. Caster noticed the jolting of Caster's movements. Those hands were halfway turned into claws with one of them slightly raised to draw the sword on Sanson's back. What had surprised Caster was that Berserker acted a little as well. Whether that was because of Caster or Cat was up in the air.

Tentacles formed, ready to restrain both Servants if needed. Only Berserker would prove to be a problem. Not only did it have the reputation and class of a direct combatant, Berserker had been in the castle for long enough. Cat wasn't and still hasn't fully grasped the layout of Evernight.

The three Servants stood there in place, neither one moving an inch. Cat had their own interests and was working to serve it. Berserker was subservient to its Master who, in turn, was subservient to Caster's own. But that confrontation was going to come sooner or later if their side had their way. Not now. Not yet, anyway.

"I jest, dear Cat." Caster had the tentacles leave this plane. "I have no interest in grooms. There is a greater beauty in the ruination of the fairer sex." The men, to Caster's ears, were generally more defiant. He prefers the hopeless desperation.

Cat may have loosened their tension but those eyes never stopped accusing Caster. Berserker subsequently backed down. Perhaps it was more on Cat than it did with him.

Caster continued on his walk and resumed his preparations. He had little to bring with him save for a few choice books that had been gathered during his time here in Remnant. It was difficult to find them since fairy tales, stories meant for children, were the most popular ones here in Remnant. Great pieces of literature were hard to come by here. But he couldn't deny the impact that these tales had.

Grimm in those stories were mere generic monsters, if they appeared at all. A product of the ignorant civilian that knew nothing of the true terrors of Grimm. Those that caught a glimpse of true terror were those who were unfortunate enough, in Caster's mind, to have survived. The condolence there was that these people could spread the terror of the Grimm to others.

Thoughts of Repha'im filled his mind once again. The terror that they could inspire sent thrilling chills down his spine. Just what kind of terror would he savor once they gathered a rebuilding Vale? Would Vale lose all hope and despair? Or would they stand in defiance, too proud of having survived the first attack. Perhaps they possess a hubris of having Servants of their own.

Attention then drifted to the spellbook. Not all of its contents were released to create the Repha'im. Sasaki Kojirou was still there, still resisting. By now, Kojirou's Spirit Origin should be severely damaged. Even if he could break free, he wouldn't last for long. Yet, despite that, he kept going. Caster could still see the healing cuts that the fleshier parts of the book had. Kojirou was still fighting that corrupting influence. It reminded Caster of why he chose brides over grooms.

The book was in his Master's hands at the moment. But he would take hold of it soon enough. There were more souls to be fed, after all. He looked in the mirror. The face of Bluebeard, which bore similarities to Gilles de Rais, stared back at him. Caster knew nothing of this Jeanne d'Arc, nothing more than what the Grail had given him anyway.

"Jeanne d'Arc," Caster whispered to his reflection. "Jaune Arc." His thoughts lingered for a while. The Holy Maiden and the Rusted Knight. Once more, Caster focused on the reflection, on the parts of it that had to have come from Gilles de Rais.

He chuckled darkly to himself. Perhaps Caster will face off with Rider during this Grail War. When it comes, Caster will simply fight him as he would any other Servant. But if this Rider was as similar to Jeanne d'Arc as Caster was to Gilles de Rais? Well, perhaps there is something to be had there.

But no. It couldn't be possible. Gilles de Rais had fallen into his madness when Jeanne had been burnt. Depending on who you ask, Gilles may have always had been indulging in such things but had kept it hidden from the others. Many accusations of crimes were thrown against the man. Those crimes led to the birth of Caster, Bluebeard.

A twisted mind, never once learning of a sane life. Bluebeard could be akin to these Grimm in some way. As creatures only bent on the sadistic desire of ending all life, Caster could only find pleasure in ripping apart that hope from those who so cling to it. That light is detestable. Caster couldn't see what it is that Gilles saw in that Holy Maiden.

"Perhaps I will see it in you, Rider." Caster's thoughts concluded.

By the time his preparations had finished, he was the first to ready himself by the docking bays. Rather than an unkindness of Nevermore, there was a singular Grimm there, Monstra. The sight of it made Caster think of beautiful seafaring vessels. It was a large, whale-like Grimm that could fly thanks to the Gravity Dust that it had on its body. Using this Grimm always meant that Salem herself would be moving and now wasn't an exception.

Caster stepped inside the Grimm. The other Servants had come sometime later. The Repha'im were marching from below.

/-/

Back in Vacuo's crater, Jeanne had never anticipated nor did she expect that this place would have some kind of significance. Even now as she returned to it, there wasn't anything there. A great catastrophic event had occurred here and from what information Archer and Watts had passed on to her, it would seem that that event had been a Grail War.

She spent her time looking around the massively large crater. There may have been a time when people were invested in this strange place. No records of shooting stars passing by here during the Great War nor was there any remains of what had caused it. The searing heat that had turned most of the sand into glass still made it a hazard no matter how much had been excavated here.

There was no sign that Jeanne could find that would have led her towards the prototype of Harpe. As it she is right now, she lost her Revelation in favor of Maiden, an aspect for herself as a Remnant knew of her. Her eyes burned the fires of the Maiden as she sought to replicate it in some way; there wasn't. Maiden magic wasn't quite capable of replicating any skill, an ironic limitation for Heroic Spirits but one born out of legends. Maidens were derived from the four seasons and Jeanne wasn't even one of them.

What she can do is create projections of light but that many other Servants could do that. Most of them come in the form of beams launched from their swords.

Right now, she was scraping about the area and scanning the surroundings. Many years had passed since the Great War. If there had been any sign of any sort of hiding spot, it would have long since vanished or lost to the sands. Where was she even supposed to find it here? There were no structures other than those that would lead towards Vacuo's cities. Settlements were rare to find out here, especially around a dessert.

Jeanne walked aimlessly, the sword of Gilles de Rais clinging and clanging each time it met with the metal of her tassets. The view of the distance appeared to Jeanne like an ocean's waves. It must be the heat. She conjured a shade to keep her cool and a few trails of snow kept her temperature low.

She paused as she squinted over the distance. There was a figure there, alone. They weren't moving in any hurry nor were they slowed. At first, Jeanne didn't pay them any mind but she did once she saw a figure that was unmistakably Grimm attacking. The Grimm immediately fell and Jeanne knew then that it had to be another Maiden; that had to be the Summer Maiden.

Fires burst forth from Jeanne's feet as she flew towards that Maiden. Spring Maiden was Raven and Jeanne knew that Cinder was still the Fall Maiden. Jeanne had never met the Winter Maiden and as last she checked, it wasn't Winter Schnee. Vacuo would have the Fall Maiden.

Above the hooded figure were clouds forming. There were storm clouds. It would have been odd for anyone else to see this kind of weather forming this suddenly. Jeanne wasn't anyone else.

"Excuse me," Jeanne called out as she made her landing. It was a soft landing and she made sure to keep her hands up. "You're a Maiden?" Jeanne's eyes were still glowing to serve as proof.

"I am," the Summer Maiden replied. She pulled back her hood, revealing a girl who was used to roughing it out here in Vacuo. She appeared accustomed to travel. "Starr Sanzang, and you?"

"Jeanne d'Arc. I know it sounds crazy and out of nowhere but I am a Fifth Maiden, a Holy Maiden."

Surprisingly, Starr didn't appear surprised. Instead she studied Jeanne. "You a Servant?"

"You know?" Jeanne never told anyone in Vacuo. By the time she had arrived to Vale, the CCT was down so there was no means for communication between the kingdoms. There were the underground channels but those would take time if they would reach their destination at all. "How?"

"You're looking for the prototype, aren't you? One of the previous Maidens had been the Master of the Archer in the last Grail War. Kept herself hidden avoiding both Oz and Salem about her involvement in the Grail War." Starr produced an old and overused note. "Kept a journal, made sure that any receiver of the Summer season would be given this task on top of their own."

"If that's the case," Jeanne said. She introduced herself again. "Vacuo's Companion Lancer."

"Don't know what that is." Starr shook her head.

"Never mind, then." Jeanne's cheeks reddened a little. "You said you know Harpe?"

"Been a while since I last visited the place." Starr motioned her to follow.

The two Maidens flew towards their destination. Jeanne hung on to Gilles' sword. Another individual involved from that Grail War. Jeanne couldn't help but swell up in pride for her comrade. She knew of the crimes that he committed, courtesy of the Grail. To see him not only make a new name for himself, but to be recognized as a hero, uncorrupted by madness, only made Jeanne push herself a little farther.

There was a time when Gilles de Rais would want to stand by her side while she was humble and a little bashful at the gesture. Here in Remnant, it was the inverse. Jeanne wished to live up to that expectation and stand as his equal here. She had no doubts that Gilles wouldn't think much of himself if he knew what he had done.

You will be remembered as a hero, she thought. Even if it is only here, my friend. I'll make sure that your name won't be stained here.

Remnant isn't fully aware of Earth's history. For Gilles de Rais, it was best that Remnant think better of him. A new start for many Heroic Spirits Remnant is. Those who wish to cleanse themselves may wish to be here. Those who have already accomplished glory may want to replicate it. Her eyes turned upward. But none of those would be possible if this world's makers would have their way.

Starr began her descent with Jeanne following suit. Out of all the Maidens, Jeanne herself included, it was as though that Starr had fully integrated her abilities the best. Her sense, or rather control, of the weather came to her as akin to instinct. Few Grimm really approached them and those that did were quickly disposed of as a lightning bolt had appeared out of nowhere and struck them down.

Both Maidens stopped at what appeared to be an old home. It couldn't even give a hint of what the old home had looked like except for what remaining part of the roof was still hanging. It might have been a spacious home, fit for one or two residents while still leaving some space for any visitors. Vines and trees that populated the area sheltered this place. The ground appears untraveled. But after Starr pulled out some of the roots growing on this home, it was more accurate to say that the road had been covered by nature. This used to be a settlement, only to be lost forever with only this home being a sign that someone had settled here.

"To think that this used to be her home," said Starr.

"Who?"

"Alyx," Starr said. "The one who wrote the story? Some say that Alyxx was just a penname and that it had been someone else who wrote the Girl who Fell Through the World." She pulled out that same note again. "The notes said that you Servants will find what you need here."

"How is it that the Servants from the last Grail War did all this?"

Starr only shrugged. "You tell me. You Servants are not of this world for the most part. If there is anyone who could answer that question it would be you guys. There are a few other scraps of notes but those are all torn and my predecessors couldn't hope to decipher those fragments."

Jeanne's fingers drew circles on Gilles' sword. She could take a guess to what one of the reasons that anyone could have taken.

"The next frontier," Jeanne said. "The voyage into open seas. Beyond the horizon."

She gripped the sword.

Starr noticed it and nodded. She put her hood back on. "I don't know what it is that you will find in there but I wish you good luck."

"You're not coming?"

"My job here is done." Starr was already making her preparations to leave. "If you do find it, come pass by Shade Academy sometime or my dojo. I'd, at least, like to know what it is that we're dealing with here."

Starr took her steps and flew away, leaving Jeanne there.

None of the structures looked safe. Weathered by the elements and by time, this place was close to breaking that the slightest touch was too much for it and it fell. Much of it had fallen and the dust rose that Jeanne had to fan out the clouds forming at her face. She coughed a little before she used her Maiden powers to blow them away.

Stepping over fallen rubble and stones, there were a few small creatures that made a home here. Those homes were destroyed now. Jeanne nearly stubbed her toe when she caught a glimpse of a small object from the ground: a doorknob that led down to the basement. Putting aside the heavy weights on them, Jeanne checked her surroundings before taking a step. There were no Grimm nearby and there hadn't been any travelers passing by either.

The basement was dark. Jeanne's fingers lit up the room like a torchlight. She paused. A breeze blew coming from in front of her. There were no other ways for wind to enter here. There was nothing much of note in this place. A few dusty old notes that have been discarded, and now ineligible, drafts littered the floors. The few that were of note stood out.

Jeanne knelt down and picked up a strange looking leaf. A gentle breeze blew again that the papers moved. A few more leaves had appeared in front of Jeanne. She followed the trail of these peculiar leaves and found that it led to a wardrobe, partly opened. Jeanne felt the breeze come from there.

Seeing as there was nowhere else to go, Jeanne opened the wardrobe. It was full of coats and clothing that have gathered dust. Strangely, they still had vibrant colors to them as though they were new. She took a step into the wardrobe. The breeze definitely came from there.

Big wardrobe, she thought. Her hand was fully outstretched and there was still enough room for her to move, despite the number of coats. Where's the end of this thing?

/-/

Immediately after Saber-class Servant, Jason of the Argonauts, had won, a boy revisited a far away place.

"Lewis? You're back?"

"Yes, old friend. I'm surprised you still remember me. I like the new look."

"The form may change and the mind may forget but the heart stays the same and it never forgets. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I am looking for a lovely carpenter."

"You flatter me. And you brought a friend?"

"I… Yes. An innocent friend."

"I know. I've seen it happen. Quite the show up there, if I do say so myself."

"You're not mad?"

"To give free will to the created means to give them the capacity to go against the creator. Whatever decisions that humanity will make will be their own. But that doesn't mean that those two won't act upon that decision as well. Just as the Tree made for them a gate to other worlds because of their actions, so too will they act because of humanity's action. So tell me, Lewis. Or rather, tell me, Caretaker, what is your request?"

"You recall how I and Alyx got here last time? I was thinking that maybe you could do something else since the last one had been closed off."

Chapter Text

How big is this wardrobe? No matter how far Jeanne stretched out her arms or how many coats she had pushed aside, it always seemed that there were more the further she went in. However, she was sure that the breeze came from here since she felt it getting stronger as there were less coats blocking the wind's path. Those leaves were getting numerous here which pushed her to keep going. One thing she was certain was that she was long past what that wardrobe initially showed on the outside. She also felt as though she were descending considering the angle of her own feet. There were a few times she nearly fell.

Jeanne picked up the scent of trees and dust and pushed on. There were still coats but they had decreased in number. The wooden floors beneath her slowly gave way to dirt and stone. Leaves crunched under her heel. When the last coats gave way, Jeanne stumbled and fell on her face. She got dirty as she first met with the stones with her face. Having spent quite some time in that wardrobe, Jeanne had to adjust her own vision when she was met with a strong light. The first thing she noticed was that there was a massive structure of stone, a gateway of some kind, next to the wardrobe's exit. But it was closed off as the stones were next to a land formation. Jeanne guessed it to be a mountain.

She looked behind her. The wardrobe's doors on this side appeared newer and more furnished, as if it hadn't been used as much as the other side. This side had it wide open. Jeanne poked her head back into the wardrobe and stepped back out. She was still in the same place and those coats went nowhere. A pathway that led from Remnant to this…other place, beneath Remnant. At least, it felt like that since she had descended into this place.

Looking above her, it didn't appear as though she were beneath Remnant at all. Though obstructed by those leaves, there was still a sky above her with the difference being the diversity of colors poking through. It was as though one side was morning while the other was night. Jeanne could see the boundary that split the places as night and day. Jeanne couldn't even see a sun at all, not from where she was.

Stone steps led to the gate. Touching it, nothing happened except that Jeanne's hands got dirty. Putting some distance between herself and the gate, Jeanne came across a fallen branch. The leaves there had burnt off and had long since got cold. Patches of wet ground had begun to dry and there were clear signs of battle that had occurred here. Disturbances that can only be the product of a fight evidenced everywhere. It was chaotic by the looks of it. It was hard to tell by the numbers since there were sets of footprints that only appeared in the middle. There were others but Jeanne assumed that they had come from the single set of a mount that brought them here.

What kind of footprints are these? Jeanne thought. They're not all human. Most couldn't be recognized as shoes and some were long lines, like that of large snakes or worms. Only the mount was one that she had recognized. There were hints of chaos here, a scuffle of some kind with foot prints appearing out of nowhere.

Following the source of the mount's footprints, Jeanne went deeper into the forest. She jumped when a sudden statue of stone, covered by vines and those leaves, had appeared before her. It looked to be some kind of life-sized toy to her, a chess piece. She'll admit that the craftsmanship was excellent though the circumstances of it caught her off-guard. She kept walking and found that there a few others and of different shapes as well. Animals, toys, and other objects could be found here though they were small in number.

Jeanne hid behind one of the thicker branches. One of the stone statues cracked and broke. From it emerged a large bird that flew away. They said things that Jeanne didn't understand; she was too far to hear any of it. The more she observed, the more things started to click for her.

Is that? Is that ascension? Not the kind that Heroic Spirits would be familiar with. But the same kind that Remnant is. Time spent in that other Remnant had left Jeanne to be somewhat familiar with the tales that govern Remnant and if she wasn't mistaken, this was the Ever After. But how did that wardrobe get me here? Is this… Remnant's Reverse Side? It couldn't be. She wasn't sure. Ever After was a place governed by the whimsies of children's fairytales, it was the best way to describe it.

Stepping back out into more open spaces, Jeanne's eyes burned as she flew up. The density of trees and their branches only slowed her down but in time, she did manage to get herself above the tallest branch. That wasn't a forest she was in; it was tree with leaves and branches so thick it might as well be one. The largest tree that Jeanne had ever seen, comparable to a world tree of different myths with its sheer size. Jeanne managed to catch sight of the two suns that proved elusive from earlier, hiding behind many layers of leaves and branches.

The split skies of night and day were clearer up here. Jeanne's hair and banner cloth flew freely in the breeze, unobstructed by any branch or coat. From there, Jeanne could see that the lands themselves appeared split off. Each one seemingly governed by its own rules and laws as sights of a mishmash of things and colors infiltrated Jeanne's eyes. They were colorful, she'll give them that. But the contents made them horribly asymmetrical. The borders of these lands were clearly defined as they were all shaped in hexagons. Gaps between those hexagons showed hints of thickened roots connecting them to one another. Each of those roots led back to the tree.

The tree itself stood at the center of it, Jeanne concluded. She descended back down just to keep track of the wardrobe. There weren't any landmarks that she could make out and those statues appeared and broke, releasing a different form of the statue's image back into the open, they looked pleased, renewed. Those that couldn't fly ran off towards wherever they chose.

Using her Maiden powers, Jeanne created a more solid trail. She intended to follow them but they seemed to excited to notice and she needed some way of getting back here. She was sure that she would get lost around here. There was no other place for her to go back to Remnant other than here that she knew off; Jeanne didn't plan on exploring this place for too long. Taking a huge piece of stone from the stone steps, she broke them down and dropped the pieces as she walked her way out of the tree, making sure that each one was large enough to be seen. She picked up whatever broken pieces of those statues along the way. The leaves would have been blown by the winds.

These aren't exactly breadcrumbs. But at least I don't have to worry about some gingerbread house. Was there a gingerbread house?

Getting down was the difficult part that Jeanne made as straight a path as she could. Placing down more stones, she continued her trip further down from the tree's elevated platform. Jeanne had to be sparring with her stones at the bottom of the tree. There weren't that many stones that she could pick up again. If she wanted to, she had to go back up to gather more stones. She opted to put as much distance as the number of her stones allowed. The obstruction of shrubbery made that notion a task of resource management.

Once she received the edge, Jeanne now realized that the borders between these places were less definite than she initially thought. An unimpressive chasm split these lands. Those roots from earlier made them seem more massive than this. Looking from left to right, she found a bridge that connected herself to those places. The size of the bridge couldn't fit an army, only unit at best and only in a straight line. It was well-made. Jeanne didn't sway at all even when the winds were blowing. No creaks and no worrying about the ropes suddenly snapping.

On the other side of the bridge, Jeanne might as well step into yet another world. Illumined not by the lights above but by its own surroundings, it was a place of an eternal night life. Trees and mushrooms filled the place with those too low to see the light needing to compensate by generating their own. Mushrooms of different sizes glowed different colors with some emitting their own scents, albeit faint. The bodies of waters had gargantuan lily pads that made Jeanne think that she had shrunk in size and stepped into some kind of garden. They all led to a large flower at the center. There was activity there, a lot of it. She took one of those lily pads and made her way to that center.

The few creatures that she managed to see upon landing all rushed upwards. Jeanne followed them to the upper levels and saw more of the different creatures pass by. The variety of them increased as well. Teapots, cups, large birds, and many other little critters all walked about in the same manner as any human civilization, a child's imagination brought to life. She found herself in some kind of marketplace where everyone was selling their wares and services. Few large mice, but no bigger than her hands, were moving about and Jeanne had to watch her own step since she hadn't expected that there would be smaller ones among them as well.

Different wares were being sold with some being advertised as snacks. There were joyous and wonderful activities that Jeanne half-suspected that it was some kind of festival. Colors and liveliness matched only by the stress marking the seller's face. Voices came together into a cacophony of noise that made it difficult to hear any of it unless they specifically listened in. Even then, much of it was just shouting now. Jeanne stayed away from the crowded areas because of it.

What took Jeanne's attention the most were the star-shaped gemstones moving about. They were crystalline in form and were the kindest and most pleasant ones here compared to the rest, as if their entire purpose is to please everyone else. Their wares were creations of art that they give out to anyone. Their services were provided to every stall, making the market place more beautiful everywhere they go.

Everyone paused at the sound of fireworks. They all admired the beauty of it as the colors danced on the skies above them. Was there cover above them or was it simply night around here?

"Hello" said one of them, approaching her. The star-shaped gem had a hue of blue. None of the gems paid attention to the fireworks for that long it seems. "Is there anything you would like us to make beautiful for you?"

Jeanne felt it rude to deny. They seemed rather nice. But, she was here on a mission. "Actually, I'm looking for something. Some friends of mine said that they need it."

"Oh," they replied. "Then you might be looking for the Caretaker! He takes care of things around here." They moved aside with their stubby, gemstone feet. "You can find him by our acre. That way."

"Thank you!" She could at least return to them a grateful smile. The gemstone was nice and resumed their path, making things beautiful and spread it around. They were the most popular and whose services were most needed here from the looks of it. Those gems were quite genial in their demeanor.

Once the lightshow had finished, activity resumed. Sellers all tried to make their wares pleasurable for anyone passing by. A teapot was selling jars of different things that Jeanne couldn't guess the contents off. The market place led her downwards. There were yet another set of lily pads for her to go on. It eventually led her to a different pathway that opened up to a completely different view though this one felt a bit more familiar. Many went to and from this marketplace with the latter always looking satisfied.

Open skies and grasslands of a bright and pleasant summer day almost convinced Jeanne that she was back on Remnant and somewhere in an open field. But the sky's colors had a light-pinkish color which reminded her that this wasn't Remnant. She had just come from a place of night and was now back in the day. Ever After really operated on its own rules. Over the distance, there was an object poking upwards that shone under the light. As Jeanne walked closer, she managed to make the object out to be some kind of crystal statue. Water flowed on its own path without any regard for gravity.

Jeanne never noticed it but even the clouds were shaped like crystals. They didn't appear puffy and were more jagged on the edges. The trees were the only exception to this place of gemstones as they were made of paper. There were cuts there that served as the leaves, origami-like. Much like those gems from earlier, these ones appeared pleasing to see. The papers were old though, some having stained by water with others being torn or ripped.

A hut with an empty and open stable were located at the borders of the town. Jeanne hesitated to call it a settlement since there hadn't been any Grimm in the slightest. There was hardly anything there that was even remotely dangerous. The hut's windows were lit despite this place still having the equivalent of daylight in Jeanne's eyes. Was it considered night around here? There was no sign of either sun or moon that she could see. Not one that she could definitely say was a sun or moon.

Scribbling noises were faintly heard when Jeanne approached. There was a shadow there that moved and tossed aside discarded sheets of paper. A writer. It had to be. From the shadow's image, he appeared to be child-like in his height and had quite the hair, likely someone who had yet to or had just entered puberty. Getting closer, he turned out to be wearing glasses when he removed them from his face. He was massaging his temples.

Lonely leaves crunched and the person inside had heard it; his shadow stirred and appeared startled. The boy stepped out of the hut with some haste. From his appearance, he seemed to have been accustomed to the harsher suns of Vacuo than he would here. Jeanne would have wondered if he had come from Remnant but this place was rather odd that it didn't even register to her at all. An air about the boy also evidenced against it as he didn't exactly feel human.

The boy looked at her from head to toe, as if double-checking the sight before him. He checked a third time after cleaning his glasses. He came to a conclusion. "You're not Jaune."

"You know my little brother?"

That surprised him. "You're one of his sisters? By the looks of you, you look like a huntress at least."

"In a way." Jeanne shrugged. She then introduced herself. "Eighth."

The boy studied her again. "Eighth? No, wait. You're a Servant. Ah!" He seemed to have remembered something. "Jason's wish."

"Jason? Of the Argonauts?"

The boy nodded. "The same one. I'm the Caretaker. Most would know me by sister's name but I haven't gone by that or by Lewis, my actual name, in a long time, despite my not looking it."

Alyx? The author of the Girl who Fell through the World? Here? Jeanne raised a finger, asking for a minute. Mushrooms. A world tree. This place having evidences of paper-based creations.

"The Ever After." Jeanne accepted it fully. "The wardrobe led me to the Ever After."

"Oh so that's how you got here? Good thing that I thought about it. Read it in a story from one of yours, actually. About a lion and a witch. Reminded me of how me and my sister got here; we fell down a hole the first time. But that isn't why you're here, isn't it? If you found the wardrobe that would mean you met with the Summer Maiden. Is she a Master this time? Or whoever the successor is?"

Jeanne shook her head.

"Shame. Oh well. Fate weaves its own threads, I suppose. Come inside. Ever After must have been quite the sight for you, I think. I know I felt that way first time I got here, and that was before all this happened."

Lewis—or rather, Caretaker, invited Jeanne into the hut. The interior was spacious but only had about two rooms. Much of the space was taken as though it were the living room while the only other room is likely the bedroom considering the bed that could be seen. Something about the fireplace made Jeanne feel uneasy; it had to be the fact that the whole structure felt like paper.

"Sorry for the mess," Caretaker apologized. "Jaune didn't exactly leave this place in the best condition. He was probably in a hurry."

There wasn't much of a mess there unless one counted the unevenness of the rug. There were also the cardboard cutouts of armor that were scattered about. By the looks of it, they were meant for a child.

"Jaune was here?" The mention of her brother's name took her attention. "Is the Ever After—"

"Right timelines," Caretaker interrupted. "For me—or rather Lewis and Alyx met with an older Jaune many years back. That Jaune was the Rusted Knight to us and to the rest of you. Though from what he told me over the campfires, he should have been here sometime later."

Then, Jeanne slumped. "I don't think he would ever come here, Le—Caretaker. He—"

"I know." Caretaker reserved his tone. But a hint of grief escaped him. "I know. The Jaune from the Remnant you just came from is gone."

"You could see the events unfold?"

"I saw many things unfold, Jeanne. Even things that had happened to me that I know never did. I saw things where I never met Jaune or that I met someone else instead."

The wind outside blew, the ball-shaped paper decorations swayed along with it. So did Jeanne's banner.

"It's one of the reasons why I came back here," Caretaker continued. "Remnant isn't the only thing that's changing. The same could be said about this Ever After. This one is… cut off, so to speak from the rest of the world. Copies of this place replaced it now, or something like that. It's the best way I can understand it. Come, sit. I'll get that weapon while you wait."

Caretaker hid himself to the back. Jeanne could still see him clearly whenever she looked. But her eyes were drawn to the cardboard cutouts. They were drawn with crayons and put together by string. Jeanne was correct in thinking that they were for a child. By the shape and color, it appeared to be armor.

Other cardboard cutouts were there as well. Jeanne recognized a few as being those star-shaped gemstones from earlier and various depictions of the people of Ever After. There was one of a girl and a younger-looking Caretaker. The girl had to be Alyx.

There were discarded papers on the table. Most of the words there had been crossed out with only a few letters here and there scattered. Drawings of maps were there with one, likely the Ever After, hanging on the wall; that one had labels and didn't match the written drafts on the table.

"Here you go." Caretaker brought out an open case that held the weapon. The weapon's shape was that of Harpe. The case however, seemed to be meant for more. There was a poorly hidden compartment there but Jeanne didn't open it.

Jeanne took the case. But she wanted to know. "What's with the cardboard?"

"Hm? Oh that, Pran likes to think of himself as the Rusted Knight. He heard my stories and used those for his imaginations."

"Pran?"

"Pran. Little Prince. It took me a while to figure out that his real name was Voyager."

"Voyager?"

Caretaker nodded. "He's the reason for my new name, my new purpose. I'm Voyager's Caretaker. But since the Grail War started, I'm left with a lot of free time."

Jeanne took one more look of the weapon. "Thank you, Caretaker." She stood up and was about to make her exit but Caretaker stopped her.

"Just one favor," he said. "If you find Voyager. Take care of him, okay? He's only a child doing what was told of him: delivering a message from planet Earth."

"I will." Jeanne said. She looked back at the cardboard cutouts. She had a good feeling on where she should look for first. She was headed there anyway.

"If you come across a lovely carpenter," added Caretaker. "Tell her I said hello. You probably can't tell who she would be at first, but you'll know who she is when you see her."

Jeanne stepped back out of the hut. The skies above her still looked the same. But with the weapon in hand, and her own thoughts thus far, she was sure that this Holy Grail War should probably have a different name. It wasn't just some ritual where seven teams duke it out in the hopes of obtaining a wish.

"Hey," Jeanne asked. "Did you listen to it?" Like any other Servant, Jeanne would be granted knowledge courtesy of the Holy Grail. In this regard, she went through Voyager's information.

"I did," Caretaker. "After a while. Remnant didn't exactly have any record players for me to listen. Let alone one meant just for that."

"Can I ask what it is that you felt about it?"

"It was beautiful, Jeanne. The most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Though, I have no doubts that not everyone would see it that way. And I'm sure that they would have… strong feelings against it."

With what Jeanne knew from Archer and that League of his, she could guess those who wouldn't be a fan.

"We look forward to hearing yours one day," Jeanne said. She wouldn't help Archer and Watts in that regard, but that didn't mean that someone else would accomplish it as well.

"That's not up to me to decide, now is it?"

Jeanne nodded. It really doesn't. But the Companion Servants have been moving since before Jeanne herself had arrived. With Harpe in hand, whatever balance the Grail War had would be tipped. Memories of how Salem from her timeline returned. This time, it wouldn't be by that intervention.

The trip back was just as long as it did here. The open fields and whimsical roads was a different sight. Jeanne looked back at the town of gemstones. It had to have changed. There was a newness to it that must have come from the remains of what came before it.

Unlike before however, the trip back wasn't as long as it was since she already knew the general direction of where she would go. She found her way back to that marketplace and soon returned to that forest of glowing mushrooms. There was a mild scent there. Someone was smoking but it was rather faint and had a natural aroma to it that Jeanne almost mistook it for one of the peculiar traits of this forest. It was only when she laid eyes upon a butterfly that had a pipe on its person that she knew it.

Making her way back to the bridge was the difficult part. The forest of mushrooms didn't leave much of recognizable landmarks that Jeanne had to roam a little further just to find it again. Eventually finding it, there was a moment of hesitation if Jeanne had found the right bridge. She could have flown there if she wanted to but finding the exact spot was going to take a long time. She might as well take the scenic route and get better grasps of her surroundings.

Cross that bridge, Jeanne spent the next hours looking for that trail of pebbles. Once she did, it was a simple matter of following it back. While some pebbles were moved, most stayed in their spot and Jeanne more or less knew where to go. Her ascent was as straight as her descent from earlier.

Then came the difficult part. Stone pebbles still guided her way but there were others now, new stone shapes of Ever After's people and those that had broken free from their shells mixed in with the trail that Jeanne left behind.

Jeanne paused her steps and focused on her hearing. For a moment, she thought she had heard the sound of a hammer clanging. But it had been faint and short that she shrugged and moved on. There was no other sign of anything else around this place other than it was meant for whatever these new forms of Ever After's people are going to take. Finding her way back to the open enough area with the stone gate, Jeanne found that wardrobe again.

Getting closer, she noticed that there was a package, wrapped in paper, waiting there. There were patches of sawdust that Jeanne had to blow them away. There was a letter attached there, addressed for one Companion of the Ever After, to be burned in their presence.

"Ever After's Companion Servant." Jeanne concluded. The League did mention that the Companions were seven in number as well. Counting herself, there were only six that have been accounted for in Remnant. She took the package; it didn't take that much space.

Back into the wardrobe, with Harpe in hand, the wardrobes felt heavier even for Jeanne. Each one slamming against the case of Harpe. It had to be deliberate. While it doesn't stop anyone from entering the place, it is rather a hassle to get past it. The number of coats would have stopped weighed anyone down unless they were specifically looking to get to the other end.

The wardrobe's wooden floors took their time in returning. Jeanne felt herself descending when she first went here and now it was the opposite. Going up a slope always demanded more energy than going down and those coats didn't make it any easier. Some had fallen on Jeanne, momentarily adding extra weight on her. She can't fly here, there was a clear ceiling above her that she had to put away her banner.

Once she had gotten on the other side again, Jeanne felt a wind leave out of the wardrobe. Lightweight things flew about and suddenly dropped. The doors shut tight. Opening it again, Jeanne found the end of the wardrobe quickly; it had become a wardrobe like any other, finely made but aged.

No matter how hard Jeanne pushed, the wardrobe's end did not budge. Some of the hung coats that were unfortunate enough to have been there had been cut off. They had fallen on the ground that she found it difficult to move there without stumbling.

Seeing as there was no way back, Jeanne stepped out of the wardrobe. The weapon was still in her hands along with the package wrapped in paper. The packaged was tight that she would need to cut the ropes that tied it together. It was folded well that she couldn't see what it was. All that was clear was the note on it.

Getting back out of the home was much simpler. Now that she looked at it, the home itself had hints of being well-lived. A long time ago, it might have been a wealthy enough person's home. Her head tilted to the side, there had been a disturbance in the ground. An object had fallen near here and the ground had since been adjusting to it. Voyager. This was where the space probe had fallen. Where it had been taken away, Jeanne could guess.

Back towards the open desert, Jeanne was met with the harsh sunlight of the afternoon sun. Already the pleasantries of the Ever After had better weather than this. The wavy mirage of the distant horizon had been absent from the Ever After, now that she thought about it.

With no one else around, Jeanne found a stable enough place to take one good look at Harpe, a weapon to kill immortals. A weapon that had been here since the last Grail War, and kept away even from Ozpin. It was meant for the Brother gods should they return. But Jeanne had a thought. The Brothers weren't the only immortals around. There were others.

Should I? Jeanne pondered about it. Though it was meant for the Brother gods, there was another immortal who this could be used against.

/-/

On the other side of the wardrobe, the doors burned, removing any further access back into the Ever After in this manner. Should anyone ever wish to return to the Ever After, it will be through other methods. Even then, it will never be this Ever After. This one has changed, cut off from the rest of Remnant. Every other version will be but an illusion of what the Ever After had been.

The giant of a figure stepped away from the destroyed wardrobe. Hollowed eyes looked back at it and smiled. The clanking of metal sounded with each step. Then, one could hear the sound of a hammer ringing like a bell. There was a table where the giant sat. Wooden carvings in the image of Remnant's heroic spirits decorated the table like collectible figures.

"Now then, time to sit back and watch it unfold."

Chapter Text

Yang had been so sure that Cardin's leadership could be boiled down to whoever was the top dog gets to make the call. She would have had issues with that but would have followed his orders within reason. Ruby's leadership was mostly just her thinking on her feet, something that Yang had been accustomed too.

Surprisingly, Cardin didn't lead that way. He still does on occasion that Yang guessed, correctly according to Russel, that it must have been habits that are being worked on but is a fallback whenever Cardin needed to. Against Grimm clearings where concentration of them had been higher than the reports, Cardin made harsh calls.

Unsurprisingly, it took a while for Yang to get used to this dynamic. CRDL originally were somewhat rocky after Forever Fall's incident when Cardin's teammates had left him behind with an Ursa, from what Ruby managed to tell her, though she did try to keep it a secret. Ruby was horrid in hiding secrets from Yang, especially if it is praise about someone, that one had been in praise of the Vomit boy.

She sighed as a lonely Grimm fell by her shotgun blast. Both daughters of the Xiao-Long-Rose household were filling in when a member of another team lost their lives. Ruby for Jaune and Yang for Sky. At least Ruby could probably do a better job fitting in. Team JNPR was at least a sister team to RWBY. CRDL was barely an acquaintance team.

"Russel!" Cardin commanded. His voice was certain. It was one of those habits he had creeping up again. "Get back here!"

"Sorry, Cardin." Russel followed and kept his head low. There was no complaint there.

"Sorry is all you're saying. I'm not seeing much acting." Always with that tough attitude.

From Yang's observation, Russel's style is all about getting close. Yang is of similar combat mind. Useful in one-on-one but not so much in team settings, especially when dealing against straggling Grimm. Russel must have found one and gave chase in territories not fully known to them without thinking much.

That was pretty much Cardin's command style. Ruby had cool nicknames and attack combos, Cardin had none of that. Simple, direct, with little in the way of coded messages. At most, it was simply hit things hard. If it doesn't work, hit it harder. Recently though, a new addition to that plan has occurred. If hitting harder doesn't work, charge Yang and throw her at them. Those plans quickly became her personal favorites and she'd always comply when that plan is called for. None of that was had right now.

It wasn't just hit them harder, mind you. There were times, a lot actually, where Cardin's hit things harder also meant hit the weak spot harder. Yang will concede that point, Cardin had an intellect to him with how quick he could adjust where and who would be the one hitting the Grimm. Cardin's weapon of choice was blunt and was used against the bone plating of Grimm. Russel and Dove had more bladed options and were thus thrown to the fleshier parts. Both Yang and Cardin could take on the tougher shells of armored Grimm.

There was one weakness of theirs: range. Yang's shotguns and Dove's weaponry weren't built for the longest distance. Those Nevermore and Lancers—the Grimm, not the Heroic Spirit—proved to be a bane of team CRBY's existence. Yang could get up there herself with a few shots against swarms? She couldn't bounce off of them for that long, and those buggers were agile. Once the shot flies, there is no changing that trajectory unless her name was Weiss Schnee.

Yang sighed again. None of team RWBY was here. Ruby didn't need to be said again but Weiss was there somewhere in Atlas. Did she have a new team of her own? Somehow, Yang doubted that. Weiss' icy heart did thaw out eventually.

She shook her head. There was one more member there but Yang wasn't about to think about Blake. As much as Yang hoped that Blake would come back, there was still that bitterness about her leaving them all, especially when she didn't even say goodbye. Granted, Yang would have argued back and made her stay but she would have, at least, preferred having seen her partner before she would run away.

Clearing out the Grimm took a while longer because of those airborne ones. Yang had a sinking suspicion that her father deliberately had them take this mission to expose their weaknesses while still being somewhat safe. He was there too doing his own thing and making use of whatever he could find to deal with the airborne Grimm: rocks, sticks, other fallen Grimm that have yet to dissipate. Yang was observing him enough that she followed suit.

The rest of CRBY eventually followed as well, except for Dove since he had the longest range out of all of them and didn't really need to. Those Nevermore and Lancers weren't too far. Soon, there were no Grimm in the area that they could see. They actually did more than what had been expected with the reported number being less than the number they encountered. CRBY's breathing was labored but not by much. Yang was the most winded out of all them by virtue of being the most out of practice. She still had ways to go.

There was satisfaction among the team as they returned to Vale's cities. The outer boundaries kept a vigilant watch over the mostly untamed wilds. Natural borders may protect Vale from most Grimm, but there were a few variants that could traverse the mountainous lands and even the waters could be just as much a threat to them as it was a safe passage. Those that were specialized in underground and underwater were the biggest threat. Those may not be necessarily native nor common but that didn't mean they don't appear on occasion. Really, these borders were more against non-Grimm enemies.

The grass was greener around here, untamed and free. Yang would have loved it if she could bring out her bike and just ride out here. The dirt roads were traversed and the tires could be used off road. There were enough stops and villages for her to refuel if she wanted to. That adventurous spirit was still there.

She looked eastward. Was Ruby still there in Mistral? Or were they headed elsewhere? When Raven had finally left them, Yang had been on a mission and missed her chance to even say hi to her sister. Raven had better told them that she was doing well.

Activity picked up by the time they returned back to Beacon Academy. The school served not only as the place of learning but it was also one of the main hubs for any missions for huntsmen and huntresses in this time. Any means of building camaraderie was taken as professionals and students mingled and apprenticeships were formed. In time, CRBY would be taking their own missions without one another and without Taiyang shadowing them most of the time. The numbers they lost were slowly increasing.

But no matter how many missions they would take, no matter how many Grimm they have slain, there was no competing against the competition between Port and Vale's Companion Rider, Astolfo.

At the sight of team CRBY, Astolfo waved his hands furiously, as if he hadn't just singlehandedly come from another one of the massive Grimm excursions that would take most huntsmen a team to do. Some of Yang's teammates looked away, red in the cheeks and whispered among them if they had any chance with the "cute" huntress if it hadn't been for Port. Yang didn't have it in her to correct them that Astolfo was a huntsman. Not her place to tell.

Yang caught sight of Cardin smiling knowingly. He winked at her. He knew. Cardin knew and he wasn't about to tell them either.

There were a few envious looks thrown towards Astolfo and Port. Yang could never know which one it was for. It could be Port for all she knew and wasn't that the surprising part? Her believing that someone might not like Astolfo for taking away Port's time? In the middle of Vale's hard times, these two never once let up their boisterous spirits. It was infectious that Yang had half a mind to join in with their displays. Being one with the boys, so to speak.

And history will remember them as the best of friends, she thought. With how those two are? Nobody may never know for certain.

The sight of headmaster Ozpin approaching her father made her stand stiff. Every other huntsman and huntress were hardly surprised to see the headmaster back and forth around here. His Servant, Saber, was always in his company as well, more than deputy Goodwitch had been nowadays. With the Grail War ongoing, it doesn't surprise Yang but it certainly surprised everyone else.

Russel leaned in and whispered, "you think that Saber guy is one of the headmaster's old teammates?"

"Could have sworn there was another guy that went by that name," Dove replied.

"You think it's a code name?"

"Probably?" Yang wasn't sure how to approach the subject. No one else on team CRBY knew of this Grail War. All they knew was that Saber and Astolfo had been welcome additions on the Vale side of things. There was Archer as well but he and Watts were put more focus on their criminal empire and keeping the kingdom running for whatever plans they had for this Grail War.

Headmaster Ozpin spoke with Taiyang. Her father had some words in response but Ozpin did appear remorseful. Another mission already? The fact that it was from the headmaster and it involved Taiyang convinced Yang that it was Grail War matters. Perhaps Archer had given some kind of information that they needed to look into.

That never really surprised Yang. Those two still had their own plans and Ozpin, despite his years of experience, was being made into a pawn himself. The headmaster may be someone who wishes to be this mysterious mover of chess pieces but he had a bleeding heart. He was a warrior himself and had better leadership skills when out in the open instead of staying behind the curtain.

"Another mission already?" Yang asked, earning a groan from the rest of her new team.

"Just near the shores of Vale," Taiyang replied. "We have information in good faith that it is important that we at least assess the threat. Refugees but they're not flying any flags."

In good faith. That is as good as confirmation that it was from Archer and Watts. Those two were still around, always going over that new building being constructed. Neo was with them as well; she and Archer were always seen communicating in sign languages that Yang never figured out. Yang had begun to consider picking up the skill herself just to see if she could figure out what they're saying. They just had to be plotting something. They had to.

"That's it sir?" Cardin asked. "Just checking if a bunch of refugees are dangerous?"

"It's the direction they're coming from," Taiyang explained. "We're not expecting any ships coming in and they're not flying any flags. They're not ships for cruises either. They're closer for shallower waters but they're coming from more open seas. Something had gone wrong on their settlement. We're just there to make sure that nothing bad happens."

CRBY nodded along. But Taiyang gave Yang a special look that was reserved for them alone. Most would think it's just something between a father and daughter and it was, from a certain point of view. Grail War. This was a Grail War matter. Why Saber himself wasn't accompanying them, Yang guessed that there isn't a Servant among these refugees. Just a group of people that were caught in the crossfire.

Making sure her ammunition is still enough, CRBY, led by Taiyang, took their rest first before making their way to the ports. It past early afternoon and the sun was breaking them with this heat. Even Yang needed to cool off sometimes but this heat was unbearable. The summer season is harsh today. A conspiratorial part of her wondered if that had anything to do with Assassin's Master.

The sight of the cities slow repairs had become commonplace for Yang. But the sight of the criminal activities is something that she couldn't ignore. Which of them were working for Watts and Archer? Are they all working together? Or are they unknowingly going against a spider whose webs are far better woven than their own? Yang was hesitant to even spare change on the chance that the beggar was one of Archer's own goons. Or worse, it was Neo in disguise. She still remembered her teammates holding her back from doing anything hasty that one time. Cardin didn't know any of this history between Yang and Neo but that didn't matter; Yang had been close to being publically in the wrong again, just like she had with Mercury.

Salted seawater was a familiar scent for anyone coming from Patch. Father and daughter were especially used to it with how often they moved back and forth between their residence and the cities lately. They managed to catch sight of a few ships approaching from the distance. It might have looked like an invasion but there was no order to the formations. It would have been the worst invasion. None of them were even remotely ready for battle. Most were fishing boats that have sailed way too far from their intended area.

A few of Vale's own sea vessels, patrol boats, approached them. Yang had no knowledge on any of the process but it seems that things weren't exactly going well. The foreign boats had been allowed but there was an increase of Vale's own that surrounded them. There was a rushing haste among the other patrol boats and none of them particularly appeared to be the emergency kind.

One of the bystanders had a pair of binoculars on his person. "Bastards are coming back." There was a wrathful bitterness in his tone.

"Who?" Taiyang asked.

"White Fang," replied the guy.

CRBY jolted at the mention of the White Fang. Yang was especially bothered with how her hand, on instinct, moved to protect her prosthetic. White Fang. Adam Taurus. There was an inherent danger to it.

"Alright." Taiyang nodded. He then turned to address the rest of CRBY. "We'll be there to investigate anyway. But arm yourselves and be ready for combat."

"Yes sir," the boys responded. Yang did as well but hers came later and came out quite weak.

Breathe in, she reminded herself. Breathe out. She was stronger now. She liked to think she'd gone wiser with combat experience. Now it was the prosthetic's turn to protect the other hand. She held it tightly, making sure to feel the grip on it.

"Hey," Cardin said. "You still got a team behind you."

"What kind of top dog leader are you?" Yang chuckled.

"The kind that looks after his pack." Cardin returned with his own reassurance.

Yang patted the hand Cardin had on her shoulder. Out of everyone who would be there right now, Cardin wasn't even considered in Yang's mind. Her head titled as she noticed something poking out and onto Cardin's hand; he didn't have his gauntlets on.

"Never pegged you as someone interested in tattoos," she commented.

"It's a lark," Cardin replied. "I got it after Beacon. The rest of the boys do too."

Yang turned to see the rest of team CRDL—CRBY. They had one as well. Russel and Dove had one as well but theirs were more visible, Yang never noticed it since she wasn't really looking for it. Bits of it poked out of their covers.

"You don't have to," Cardin said. "You are a member of team CRBY. This is for team CRDL."

"Now I really feel like my team left me behind."

"Team," Taiyang interrupted them. "They're approaching. Ready yourselves. Keep your weapons sheathed. We don't need to start things with hostility."

CRBY nodded along. With as much dignity as they could muster, the team were representing not just Beacon, but Vale as well. They are going to be the first impression for these incoming refugees. If they come in peace, CRBY would have to give them that sense of security, that everything was going to be alright. If they come for battle, which was unlikely the closer they got and thusly got a better look, then CRBY were ready and weren't about to let themselves be pushed aside and take it. Vale's huntsmen were still capable of fighting threats.

Predictably, the shores had tension. White Fang clothing garbed many of the faunus here with others being armed themselves. There were no masks and their faces were clear. The others had their arms raised with some exchanging messages among them. But one figure among them took Yang's immediate attention.

"Sun?" Yang called out.

"You know them?" asked one of the law enforcers. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Hey Yang!" Sun waved at them as though he wasn't being surrounded by police. "Haven't seen you since the Vytal Tournament! How's Ruby?"

Taiyang was the first to move. He whispered things to the police officer that none could hear. When the officer contacted someone, probably a commanding officer, Taiyang turned to them and said, "don't start any fights. You hear?"

"Crystal clear, dad," Yang answered. She turned to Cardin. "Boss?"

"Since when do you call me that?"

"Since now." She forced out a grin. A laxer atmosphere was needed. "Work in progress. I'll think of something."

"How about never. That sounds dumb. Makes me sounds like a schoolyard bully—don't. I know I am—was. But you tore down a nightclub that was just doing business."

"You know what, fair. Let's just get these negotiations over with. Yo, Sun! What are you doing here?"

The two shook hands as though they were childhood friends. Truth be told, Sun was just that friendly of a guy. Makes things really easy to get along and helps ease out the tension. Law enforcement and armed faunus were still tense but at least the non-armed ones were doing well.

"Well you know, just… hanging out. Thought I'd come back, see how things are going on here."

"Sun," said a female faunus. Yang couldn't tell what her faunus traits are. Her skin color changed. A chameleon. The faunus sighed. "Ilia Amitola. Acting leader for the people of Menagerie. Are you the leader of this team?"

"Nope." Yang shook her head. "That guy is the alpha dog around here." Was it offensive that she compared Cardin to an animal.

Neither of the two seemed to mind nor care. "We're looking for refuge," Ilia said.

"We figured," Cardin replied. "Look, I'm not exactly a diplomat but I can at least hear you guys out."

"That's fine. I wasn't exactly elected. Somebody had to take charge. Turns out its me and the monkey king over here."

Sun chuckled.

Yang tuned out of the conversation as this Ilia told Cardin of stuff.

Cardin's loud "what?" forced her back in. He looked confused.

"I don't know it myself either. Calls himself Caster…"

Yang's lilac eyes widened. Caster? A Grail War? In Menagerie? No wonder Archer and Watts informed Ozpin. Had they always known? Or had they planned for this since the start? No. It couldn't be. It had to be one of Salem's movements. Watts was still part of Salem's circle and this must be before he and Archer came to Vale.

Cardin was having a headache. Meanwhile, Yang noticed that Sun looked uneasy. She slid her way to be next to him.

"So," Yang began. "Something bothering you?"

"Who? Me?" Sun chuckled nervously. "Nothing! Nothing at all. Ha, ha."

Then, she heard a familiar voice call out to her. "Yang?"

Though conversation was still had between Cardin and Ilia, Yang saw her. She saw Blake, small, uncertain, and shaking. The rest of CRBY looked to her. Ilia and Sun looked at one another nervously.

Before Yang could even react, another voice, masculine this time, was heard. "Do you humans of Vale even see the pain on these refugees?" Adam Taurus came out. "Or do you think that your pain is greater than the one you've caused for countless generations."

"Adam," Ilia chastised. She tried to continue but no words came out.

"Adam Taurus," Cardin repeated the name. "Leader of the White Fang, and one who led the attack on Beacon." The lark tattoo tensed. His eyes turned cold as he addressed Ilia. "You've been holding White Fang members?"

"Look, I know this is bad," Sun tried to make things better. That upbeat part of him was gone. "But I swear that these guys need help, please."

While Cardin was busy contemplating the decision, Yang stared hard at Blake. She's standing right next to the man! That monster who cut off Yang's arm, and Blake doesn't even remotely look disgusted at being in proximity.

"Russel!" Cardin said. "Get Yang out of here."

"Okay, Cardin," Russel complied. His laughter was nervous. "Hey Yang, how about that hairstyling, huh? You said you wanted you wanted more shine, right?"

"Yang," Blake tried to reach out.

"You stay right there!" Yang exploded, the vocal kind. Russel was still fine and didn't have any burn marks. Her focus was on Adam. She raised a finger. Words were trying to form. She lowered the finger and shook her head. "Let's go."

/-/

"Yang, please!" Blake tried to give chase.

Cardin stood between them. "Listen here, Blake. Things are looking bad for you guys right now." His eyes were more focused on Adam Taurus but Blake was a classmate.

"What makes you think you could stop me?" Blake reached for a weapon.

"Because I'm trying to make sure that not all of you will be arrested on the spot." Cardin stood his ground. In direct combat, he was confident in dealing with Blake. Her strength was in agility and speed.

"She's my teammate."

"Same here." As proof, he pulled out his scroll. CRBY was a registered team. Team names weren't really registered, just a shorthand way of referring individual members. Team names get recycled and dropped all the time.

"Blake," Ilia commanded. "Stay down. Sun, hold her."

"Ilia, you can't be serious!"

Adam tried to step in. "Who gave you command of the Wh—"

"When neither of you took it up. Things were rough on all of us, I get it. But we also had others who're still around. Sun and I are the only ones who could keep this going. At least, until things get better for us." Ilia turned to face Cardin, eyes pleading.

"The decision isn't mine to make," he said finally. "But I can at least make sure that none of you will be mistreated, within reason."

"That's all we ask," Ilia sighed.

"But we smell anything remotely bad." Cardin raised his mace at Adam. "Know that we're not going to let it happen a second time."

"Understood," Sun said. "We'll keep them in line."

Tensions were still present and Cardin wasn't about to just leave them here. Those armed were willing to keep things civil but never once did they put down their arms. For Cardin and Dove, it was the longest waiting time that they had the displeasure of enduring. Other huntsmen had begun to arrive and by the sounds of it, headmaster Ozpin himself came in to represent all of Vale's huntsmen.

Taiyang Xiao Long had arrived along with the headmaster. The man would have been worried for his daughter's absence if it wasn't for the fact that Yang was still within sight. Looking back towards Blake, Cardin could see that the faunus girl had this pained expression to her. Cardin would have pitied Blake and would have tried something but Adam Taurus was still in close proximity and there was nothing that Blake was doing to even put distance between the two. The sight of them must have been especially hard for Yang. Circumstances had to force those two to work together. But Cardin couldn't just let the attack on Beacon slide. Not everyone knew Blake, not even Cardin himself since he wasn't exactly a close friend.

The headmaster had an unreadable expression. His eye had focused on Blake and there was no doubt that he had questions of his own.

"Mr. Winchester," Ozpin said. "Take a break. We'll take it from here."

"Understood, headmaster. Dove, come on."

Dove followed meekly. Cardin looked down on the ground where Ozpin's cane was scrapping deep.

Finding Yang was the simplest matter to be done this day. Both she and Russel had this specific spot where Russel was tending to an angry Yang's hair. Russel was being especially careful even by the standards that Cardin had known of the man. Yang's protectiveness with her hair was a known quality even back during the Beacon days and right now, she was especially pissed at the sight of her teammate along with the one responsible for that prosthetic of hers.

"How did it go?" Yang asked. She didn't even turn to face them.

"Not my call anymore. I might be able to vouch if you—"

She shook her head. "I just… I don't want to see her right now. Especially seeing her like that. With him."

Russel and Dove looked to Cardin. None of them had any chance of beating an angry Yang Xiao Long in a fight. None of them had shot at escaping if she decided to target them actually. Cardin made his decision as leader.

"Tell any of us if she's—anybody is bothering you, you hear?"

Yang nodded her head. "Alright." Her voice was soft. It was closer to a whisper. Her eyes focused on that prosthetic.

More huntsmen begun to gather around the place. With White Fang gear and clothing among them, suspicion on all of them was high. Ilia and Sun did what they could to make things as smooth as possible. Adam Taurus, for all of Cardin's disgust, was at least compliant enough to not cause any problems.

For Yang's sake, Cardin looked out especially for Blake. She seemed to just go along with it. The suspicion of her intentions made everyone wary around her. Not even the faunus huntsmen among them could become a face they could trust. Cardin caught sight of Beacon's Professor Thumbelina Peach, a swan faunus, doing what she can to at least be open to the faunus.

Cardin saw one civilian among the crowd being held back by the police. That civilian raised something in the air. Cardin saw it reflect daylight. It went airborne and was aimed at one of the refugees.

It never reached them. Cardin's hand was in the way. Consequently, that civilian was taken away and pushed out of the crowd. If he heard that cry of "freak," then everyone else heard it too.

"Thank you, sir huntsman," the refugee said.

"Just doing my job."

Cardin caught Blake's sight. She saw that too, huh. Yang certainly did since he felt a metal fist touch his shoulder a moment after. Yang focused on him hard. There was strain in her not trying to look at Blake's direction. The blonde went back to her work, away from Blake. Cardin turned to Blake and shrugged. She needed the space and there was nothing that he could do about it.

Professor Astolfo was the best thing to happen here. That boisterous huntsman was lifting everyone's spirits. There was still distrust and suspicion but the tensions were being cut, leaving behind only an awkward air around them. Professor Port was doing the same thing on the other side.

"There's more to being a huntsman than being the tough fighter," Cardin thought out loud.

"Looks like someone's finally learning what it really means to be one," replied Taiyang Xiao Long.

"Sir." Cardin got stiff.

"Relax. Just here to make sure that you boys are doing well enough. This sort of thing is tough on anyone's mind. We're giving them the help they need sure, but we aren't exactly about to forget what happened with Beacon either."

"They're not the same ones." Not all of them at any rate.

"I know. Those clothes were taken because they had nothing else to put on their backs. I saw what you did for Yang too. You're a good man, Cardin. You're a good man."

"With all due respect, sir." Cardin shook his head. "Someone had to die for me to wake up. There's a better a man there too and he should be here instead of me."

"But who's going to look after my girl when I'm out on missions?"

Cardin knew it. He and his team had been encouraged to become professionals for Yang.

Taiyang raised his arms in surrender. "I probably should have done a better background check, I'll admit. I didn't know you kids were bullies at first. All I knew was that you boys lost a member and that you're in the same class as Yang. I'm worried for her."

"I understand, sir."

"And you three have been good to her. That Russel guy is like a brother she never had a chance to drag to hair salons." Taiyang laughed.

"Sir." Cardin didn't want to miss his chance. "About one of the refugees—"

"I know." Taiyang shook his head. "But even the headmaster couldn't pull those strings." His eyes gestured to some journalists taking photos and interviewing various huntsmen, law enforcement, and refugees. "Too soon for that. We'll need some time. Otherwise, they'll think we're colluding with terrorists."

Something about that tone sounded bitterer than usual.

"Just," Taiyang continued. "Just give it some time. Who knows? Maybe Yang'll come around."

Cardin nodded. That wasn't guaranteed to be any time soon. Not as long as Adam Taurus was around. That man was the most watched among them. Even the other refugees, Ilia and Sun especially, were watchful of him.

Chapter Text

"Thank you, sir." The sight of Ilia, a proud member of the White Fang, keeping her head down brought a disgusting feeling out of Adam Taurus. He had his issues with that girl, least of all was her fondness of Blake who at the time was in a relationship with him.

Still, he was willing to let it slide since Ilia had some capability in leading the White Fang. After Menagerie, she had shaped up into quite a leader, capable of keeping the morale up while everyone else was down on their luck.

None of that existed now. Here she was, bowing her head in shameful humility as she accepted whatever scraps these Valeans were giving them. The fact that those giving were faunus as well also brought out his disgust. These faunus were only chosen under a false pretense of giving them comfort. Adam could see the exhaustion on many of their faces as they were the ones being made to do these things while the humans get to live on in comfort.

Adam had no right to fight back. He lost his weapon and none of the scraps here were right for him. He couldn't even practice that thing he had just learned after touching the spellbook. No. He was, under strict orders, to stay out of sight. His presence and victory over Beacon hung over him as though it were a terrible mistake. He had proven to the world that the White Fang—that the faunus—were serious in their pursuits of justice against the humans.

His hand tightened. The Grail War existed and was made known to him. Not a single one of the Masters were faunus. Even fate would see to it that faunus stayed down? Adam's teeth could only grind against each other at the thought of it.

The faunus there avoided him like a plague. Adam looked away and kept his mask off. The SDC brand on his face, a permanent reminder of his supposed place. Accident? Perhaps. But it served his purpose well enough. If only he could get to show these people that branding. Would they still be against him? They would. They'd think of reasons for his being deserving of that branding if they couldn't prove the accident.

Eye trailed towards the other person on the boats. Blake is someone he couldn't even recognize anymore. He had no words to say. For all her disagreements, she still cared for her parents. For all her naiveté in thinking that she could just run away without much consequence, she still had some drive for the betterment of faunus. None of that was here. She hadn't so much as held a book or read her scroll.

Unkempt, dirtied, and seemingly taking a vow of silence, Blake hadn't so much as spoken to anyone ever since seeing her Beacon partner again. Already, that Yang person left her for another human. That armored boy looked at Adam with indignation as though it was he who had been solely responsible for this.

Adam tried to call out for Blake. Get her to react, to agree, to disagree, to argue, anything. None of them were working. Nothing was working. Both parents were taken from her because of this Grail War. That Sanson guy was also lost but since he had been a friend to the Belladonna family, Adam supposed that had been good enough for Blake. The fact that Sanson tried to save both, while failing at that, must have only weighed down heavily on her.

It didn't stop Adam from trying to call her though. "Blake! Blake! If you don't respond, I'm going to get that tuna away from you!" Nothing? Not even the threat of her tuna was doing it?

The back of his head slammed against the walls. Servants. One of them had been in the book. His hands moved in a poor and lazy imitation of that technique he grasped in a brief moment. It had only been a moment but Adam felt every part of it. Each cut drew back and came forward at such speeds that it was as though there were three simultaneous cuts. None of it would have left behind even stains on the ground.

What was that? He knew that it was a Servant. But what was that? The power and technique. Dare he say it, Adam would admit that the swordsmanship was something he envied and he was a prideful of his own skill if nothing else.

But that? Adam shook his head. It was a skill beyond himself. The sword's length was longer than the one he had used. Not like Adam had any need to practice as of late. His sword was still broken. He wasn't about to ask to be armed, not from his fellows and most certainly not from Vale.

Activities were heard from the outside. Lively activities. Food was shared and temporary shelters were built. One pink-haired, feminine-looking, person carried many logs over one shoulder. The only competition that one had was from a portly, mustached man that was carrying a noticeably, but no less impressive amount. Huntsmen. Those two were huntsmen. They carried a joyous air about them that Adam could feel it from inside the boat.

Most of the shelters were built from whatever scraps that could be found. Tents that were either provided or donated were set up. They were like soldiers' camps, settling down for the night after a day's march. The only exception was those logged houses that those two were carrying.

It would seem that the wooden house was meant for Ilia. She was rejecting the offer but those two had insisted. A necessity, Adam deemed. Ilia should take it. It wasn't just the homeliest of the bunch there but it would be the seat of power for the time being. How those two managed to build a logged home in so short a time and with good enough foundation was beyond Adam.

The sight of the tents made Adam bite his own lip. Had he been stronger, more skilled, he would have finished off that Caster before they would even make it to Menagerie. How he was going to accomplish it, he didn't know. But he had to think of something.

There was no use of it here. Like it or not, Adam is made subject to these humans. Not just any human, but the same humans whose comfortable homes he had just ruffled. So what? The faunus have went through worse than that. There was more that should be done before faunus-kind are truly liberated.

Adam's fist sounded the metal walls. He remembered this feeling of helplessness well, and he hated it. He needed a weapon. But the only other way he could get one without stealing was from Vale.

He sighed. Prisoner it is.

/-/

"I really can't take this," Ilia insisted. "I-I really don't mind sleeping in the tents with the rest."

"Nonsense!" The burly man named Port patted her on the back. Her aura flaring was sign that it definitely felt more than that. "This not only should show your fellows that it is you who are the leader but this also is where further talks will be held between us!"

There was only one part in that that Ilia had a problem with. "I'm only a leader because no one else would take it." There was Sun but she got there first. "I don't really want this."

"Exactly!" replied Port. "A leader of good quality is one who never desired power but steps up to the challenge. There can be no doubt of your good will, lass."

The pink-haired one, Astolfo, was nodding in agreement. "Leaders come in all sorts. And leaders can be made!"

Something about those two laughing together made Ilia feel as though she wasn't even within the same space as these two. They always were about their own thing; they might as well have a different reality. Yet, Ilia, and many others that she could see, their joyous nature was uplifting. A necessary thing in these times and was enough to comfort the faunus if nothing else.

Ilia gave in eventually. "Alright. Thank you."

"Think nothing of it!" Astolfo replied. If it wasn't for the fact, Ilia would have called him cute. He still was but Ilia had her preferences. "If you need any help, just ask me or my man over here and we'll come running!"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She wasn't about to pry on their relationship.

The two men left Ilia there by her new and temporary home. For something that had been built within the same day, the foundations were there and appeared stable. It looked homely and would have been more fitting had she lived out in the woods during the winter seasons. There were no glass windows and the frames were merely gaps in the home to let some air in.

Where did they even find time to saw these? The cuts were finely cut and Ilia was sure those two didn't bring any carpentry tools of any kind. There were only their weapons and their bare hands and about a few hours at best.

Familiar sounds of a monkey faunus was heard from behind her. Sun was just finishing up his rounds of giving out the rations. Generous, Ilia might add. The more she kept seeing of those rations, the more Ilia felt guiltier with everything that Vale's White Fang sect had done here. She knew it wasn't one of Sienna's orders.

Adam never appeared to have been the kind to lead that attack. But his display when he had planned to confront Sienna showed otherwise. Being brought down to his knees that easily had been a trembling sight for many of the White Fang. Ilia was no exception to that. For those briefest moments, Ilia, and many of the White Fang there, had hoped that Adam would somehow overcome Caster.

But the reality of current matters said otherwise. And Adam was not only brought down to his knees, he had been reduced to whatever state that he was right now.

By contrast, Sun Wukong still kept some modicum of spirit. Ilia saw Sun fight back as well. He was hopeless against Caster and those familiars. But seeing him right now, Ilia had many questions.

"Food for your thoughts?" Sun read her mind. He offered her an apple.

The other food he held made Ilia raise an eyebrow. "You're not really beating the stereotype, Sun."

"Bananas are rich in potassium!" Sun argued. "Besides, not my fault. Bananas are great."

Ilia rolled her eyes and took a bite out of the apple. For a moment, her face contorted to an ugly look. There was a seed that she had to spit out. She didn't even take that big of a bite. At least it wasn't a part that got stuck between her teeth. Those were the worst.

Getting off topic. She wasn't about to procrastinate. Being direct is probably best.

"Hey," she began. "Probably a bad time to ask but did it… did it feel hopeless? Fighting Caster's familiars?"

Sun's disposition wasn't slightly dampened in the least. His eyes, for a moment, looked different though.

"It weighs on me," he said. His tone definitely changed. "How many lives I could have saved had I kept my mouth shut."

"Hey now," Ilia tried to comfort the guy. "You cared for Blake." She heard that shout just as clear as anyone else did.

"Not just that." Sun wasn't accepting of it. "I'm not talking about the others I failed to save. But that I failed Sanson too."

"Sanson." Ilia recalled that man. "The one that went toe-to-toe with Caster?"

There was pride in Sun's voice, like this Sanson guy had been his teammate. "The same one. He's a Servant, just like Caster." Ilia's eyes widened. "But he's one of us! I swear. I can vouch for him." His shoulders slumped. "He asked me to do one thing, and I failed in that. Just get as many people out as I could while he distracted Caster. How many more do you think would be here right now had I just did that?"

Sun wanted to say more. Ilia could tell. She could guess as to what that was. Sun had been staring at the reminder every time he went to deliver Blake's rations.

"How is she?" Ilia asked.

"I gotta be honest. I hoped that seeing her old partner again would lift her spirits."

"The blonde?" Ilia remembered that sight.

"Yeah. Her name's Yang. Just really needed to think about how it would turn out. Can't even imagine how that must have felt like, seeing your partner right next to guy that just attacked your school."

Ilia kept her lips shut. Something told her that this Yang had a more personable reason for her distaste of Adam. Ilia noticed the way that Yang held on to that prosthetic arm of hers.

Sun didn't seem to notice. He continued. "I've been thinking that maybe let things simmer down for now. See how things are going and then try again."

"You really think that Blake and this Yang would get along again?"

"I think it's worth a try."

Worth. Sun wasn't even sure that it could work and yet he deemed it worth it. With everything that is going on right now, on top of the duties that he had taken up for himself, Sun found that Blake's relationship with her Beacon partner was worth it.

"Where have you been all this time?" Ilia quickly realized what she had just said. That came out wrong and not at all what she meant. "Not that! I meant for the White Fang!"

"What you mean?" Sun didn't appear bothered by it.

"Just that much of our recruits needed a lot of convincing that what we're doing is worth it."

"Doesn't every group? Heck, some teams need to know that too. Believe me. My team? We're pretty cool and I wouldn't trade them for the world. But we're also easygoing to begin with. Us being part of the Vytal Festival needed some convincing."

"And what did you convince them with to join the tournament?"

"Who said it was the tournament? I just wanted to see the sights. See the things happening here in Vale that I didn't get to back in Mistral or Vacuo, you know?"

"You travelled a lot."

"Born and raised in Vacuo." Sun puffed out his pecs. "Trained in Mistral."

"Of course you were." Ilia rolled her eyes. Her voice turned sarcastic. "For a moment, I thought you went to Atlas."

"You kidding? I would have had to wear a shirt over there!"

"The horror."

They both shared a chuckle. Never in Ilia's time would she ever think of getting along with someone like him. Those joyous and happy types always felt too much for her. Among acquaintances that she used to know, it was more accurate to say that she was just adopted by them.

Common ground with a concern for the faunus and a mutual friend in Blake. The necessity of some kind of leadership because Adam seemed unable to had forced them to step up together.

"Welp," Sun said. "Time to get these rations to the others. They must be starving by now."

"You go do that." Ilia nodded. "I'll be right here."

"Yeah, leader stuff."

"Actually." Ilia paused, going through her vocabulary for the right words. "You're a leader, right? I was thinking of asking for some more advice."

"You're doing fine."

"Well you had to have some kind of leadership class in Haven."

"You think I was top student or something?"

"Now that you said it, why should I trust for your word of me doing fine." Ilia smirked.

Sun feigned a sour face. "You just don't want to do all the paperwork, don't you?"

"I wouldn't know." Ilia shrugged. "Would have been nice if there was someone with some kind of expertise in the subject. Shame its only you."

"Hey. Just because I wasn't top student doesn't mean I was at the bottom of the barrel."

"Show me how it's done then, mister mediocre."

"Alright fine. As soon as I'm done with my rounds, let's see what we can do around here."

Sun went off to do his usual rations. With the kids in particular, he was especially playful just to lift their spirits. Ilia studies all those faces. Faces of the survivors that had just went through terrible things.

Looking towards Vale's authorities and passersby, suspicion fell upon those who still wore the White Fang's shirts. There wasn't anything that Ilia could do about that; it was what they had on their backs. No one had any time to pack any other things with them.

Ilia sighed. There was no combating against that prejudice here. Not only are there actual members of the White Fang here, herself included, but the White Fang had just attacked Vale. The effects of it were still there from the constructions over the distance that she could see. Vale's infrastructure may be healing but the people's minds and hearts weren't that easy to repair.

How many lives were lost that day? How many of those passersby had families and friends that had perished by White Fang hand? Not just that but the Grimm that came with and after too.

Turning back towards the faunus here. Ilia remembered why she had joined the White Fang in the first place: to make things better for the faunus.

We just… lost our way. They were lost a long way. Ilia would just have to make sure that they could get back on the right track. The Belladonna family's choice of pacifism didn't work but Adam and Sienna's violence never guaranteed success for them either. The bigger fish eventually came for them. How do I even do that? She wondered.

She never did figure it out. All she knew with any sort of certainty was that it was worth it. Making things better for her fellows was worth a try. Like Sun said, let things simmer down a little and try again. With a different plan, definitely, but Ilia was going to try again. The faunus were worth it.

/-/

"Checkmate." Ozpin moved the knight to its final position.

"And you beat me," Watts commented. "If it wasn't for your… circumstances I would have asked why a grandmaster kept himself hidden all these years. I wonder which lifetime it was."

"Lifetimes," Ozpin corrected. "Chess is an old game."

"Is the game really that interesting? I'm surprised that you'd be interested after all that time. Salem herself had done other strange things as far as I knew."

"Watts." Ozpin wasn't having it. "Your end of the bargain."

"Of course." Watts rested his elbow on the table and lazily played with the moustache. "I expected it, including this loss, from the moment you challenged me to this game."

Next to the Masters, the Servants were having their own match. But from the moment that Ozpin claimed victory, their game was essentially done. None of the pieces of their board moved once. Archer was White with Saber being Black.

"Didn't even try, Archer?" Watts asked.

"I confess, Master." Archer raised his hands in surrender. "Saber is an excellent combatant on this battlefield. I dare say, I would lose, and spectacularly at that."

"Eleven moves," Saber added. Archer nodded.

"Very well. A deal is a deal, Ozpin." Watts warmed his hands and cracked his fingers. "Now, Bluebeard. What to say? What to say?"

"I believe that is where I can be of better assistance, Master." Archer took Watt's seat and faced Ozpin. "You already are aware of the history of Gilles de Rais, yes?"

Ozpin nodded.

"Well, what you may not know is that dear Bluebeard was inspired by Gilles de Rais himself. It is why those two are so linked. One could not have Gilles without the risk of Bluebeard and vice versa. Only, Bluebeard has no concern for salvation nor of Holy Maidens."

"Yet when faced with the prospect of killing an immortal, this Bluebeard would choose against it?"

"It isn't the death of others he craves; it is the process of dying. That is a very important distinction to make."

Both Ozpin and Saber felt an anger bubble in them.

"Caster," Archer continued. "Will indeed wish for his Master to die. But the method will be his own hand and I can assure you that hers will be the slowest as he would savor every moment of her screams."

"Will she not get used to it?" Ozpin's teeth grind.

"The physical reactions of pain will be more than enough for that deranged man. She'll be begging for it, if only so the pain would stop."

Saber entered the conversation. "Is that why you kept this Harpe a secret?"

It was Watts who answered saying, "partly. The other is that we never planned on giving it to you after the god of light."

"Me and my Master's wish is to put an end to Salem's immortality."

"And that is precisely why we won't."

"What do you mean, Watts?" Ozpin asked.

"The question you used: the answer you received was that you can't, no? Your plan with the Silver-eyed warriors had been to turn her to stone, settling to seal her away while she could still probably feel every passing moment of being frozen."

"And? Salem has proven herself immortal. Any method I have come up with to kill her would prove ineffective."

"Is that really what Jinn meant by you can't?"

Watts and Archer leaned forward. Their faces smug.

Archer continued for Watts. "There are many ways that could mean can't, Ozpin. There is, indeed, the physical capability. But there is also another. And as a master criminal, having a few lawyers in your pockets certainly shows you the importance of wording."

Ozpin stayed quiet. Saber did too.

"You wish to lift Salem's immortality. But you never planned to kill her, do you? Despite the long life she has lived, all the conflicts you two had over the centuries, against all reason and sense, she still has a place in your heart, no?"

Despite winning the game. Why is it that Ozpin felt as though he had lost?

"You have quite the Servant at your side, Watts." Ozpin will concede at that point. He had thought that with Saber, there was no one else who could possibly have greater synergy.

"Admittedly," Watts spoke as both he and Archer shrugged. "That one is less deduction and more gossip."

"Gossip?" Saber's eyes narrowed.

"From the League. Atlas and Mantle's Companion Berserker is quite familiar with you and your history with your ex-wife."

"How familiar?" Ozpin leaned forward. His eyes darkened.

"Nothing to worry about." Watts tone actually hinted concern and panic. "You had him under your employ in his time."

"Employ? Secret Circle?"

"Well, yes. But he was also your employee. Doctor Jekyll's credentials then and here are from Atlas—which, I suspect is the reason why he was summoned there—but he does spend a lot of time here in Beacon. You even had him in a team with your fellow professors here."

It didn't take long for Ozpin to guess. "Harold Mulberry, Ann Greene, and Thumbelina Peach."

"Peach did mention a friend she had made online," Saber added. "Someone had taken an interest in her Plant Science and managed to find one of her published works."

"Doctor Henry Jekyll," Archer said. "Also known as Mister Edward Hyde. Despite the contents of the novella saying otherwise, one could argue that he is a man of two souls. Much like yourselves, Ozpin, Saber."

"I do not like that smile of yours, Archer," Saber replied. His eyes narrowed.

"Well." Archer tried to look away. "I may have played a part in that. Albeit, unintentional. It is more accurate to say that he split his own soul in two halves. So… man with two halves of a soul?"

Ozpin massaged his temples. Yet another thing he never thought possible: his current incarnation gave himself a headache. One turned to this Christ from what miss d'Arc told me and now I hired a man who split his own soul?

One thing had been consistent at least, at the prospect of ending Salem and his immortality, he took it. That was one relief he knew. Ozpin was still human in that he had a desire to survive. Sometimes, he wondered if that had been the reason for his reincarnation cycle, to retain in him a sense of humanity and desire to live. There were times when he had thought he had gotten close to killing Salem and those moments of thought still hung at the back of his mind.

Perhaps he really had been close.

"At least," he said out loud. "I know that I would give up my lives if it meant ending hers."

"Yes," Watts agreed. "But none of them had been guarantees, you see."

"I've seen guarantees, Watts. They're not exactly pleasant. I'll take possibility over certainty any day."

"Just like this Grail War."

"Just like this Grail War," Ozpin confirmed.

Both Archer and Watts soon gathered their things. "Well," said Watts. "If that's all you have need for us; we'd best be on our way. Running a criminal organization isn't exactly an idle activity, you know."

"Dare I add, Ozpin," entered Archer. "This was highly unnecessary. You could have consulted us and we would have gladly provided."

"For a price."

"Didn't peg you for a cheapskate," Watts replied. Master and Servant laughed together. There was something remarkably classist in their laughter and Ozpin had been royalty once.

Watts and Archer soon left Ozpin and Saber alone in that office. There were no recordings this time; Saber made sure of that. The match had been held in his office, on his terms, with his game.

Ozpin took a deep breath.

"Master?" asked Saber. "You're thinking about the students?"

"With the end of Salem's immortality, the end of the Brother gods themselves, what waits for us afterwards, Saber?"

"Should we be there to see it?" Saber voiced out the thought. These two still have the same mind.

"We're not fighting to win, are we?"

Saber shook his head. "We're only ensuring that Salem loses. Everything else is secondary."

Remnant took priority. Only one of the Brother gods proved to be an enemy thus far. Who is to say that the other one won't take his chance after the god of light has gone?

"If—no—once we could secure victories after Light and Salem, we must then consider the possibility of Dark coming in at some point."

"Are we even certain that Dark would get involved? From our memories, Master, Dark didn't seem to care much of this world and was content to leave it be. Silver-eyed warriors, the Relics, even without the Grail War, these seem to be more Light's work than Dark."

"There can be no doubt that Dark played a part in that, however small," Ozpin added.

"No doubt about it. But to think that Dark would come back?"

"Remnant's Grail War is supposed to be a defense against threats of Remnant, that much is clear. Who could say that sometime down the line, Dark would be the next threat?"

"Let us first consider this Grail War, Master." Saber raised his hands, urging Ozpin to calm down. "Possibility may be preferred over certainty, but we cannot ignore the certainty in front of us."

Ozpin would have made to argue. But he kept his mouth shut. His Servant was correct. There was the certainty of current events that needed to be addressed before that possibility. He might not even be a Master again if that were to occur.

"Sit, Master," Saber insisted. "Your mind is troubled. Let me handle the paperwork in the meantime."

"That does not comfort me in the slightest, Saber." Ozpin at least managed to chuckle. "Neither of us have done the hard part of any paperwork."

"I could always sign it. My authority as the King of Vale still stands. You haven't done anything about the throne either."

"Have I not?"

Saber shook his head. "As King, we still hold authority. Even now as headmaster, we still hold authority. That seat may be empty, but nothing could be done to stop should we wish to take it again."

"I'm sure James would have a fit if he knew of my holding of two seats in the council."

Saber bowed and left. Likely to prepare two cups for the afternoon. Ozpin leaned back on his chair. His aged eyes stared at the ceiling above. The lightbulbs needed replacing. He sighed.

Vale was still under repair. The shores that have now become a refugee camp of sorts for the faunus of Menagerie on top of this Grail War brought a painful stiffness to Ozpin's shoulders. This life of his was getting old.

Ozpin shut out his own eyes. Saber would take a while before the cups would come. It was less the cups themselves and more that Saber knew what Ozpin's mind was going through and sought to give the current face some respite. Those wrinkles couldn't come any later even if they wanted to.

Bitter chuckles escaped him. Saber wasn't just planning on getting some cups for the afternoon coffee. He would make a stop at a cake shop. Memories—no—what ifs were filling his mind.

"How many years would that make you, my little princess?" Ozpin asked no one in particular. "Is that right? Seems like only yesterday you were still learning how to walk. Now look at you, talking about dresses and princes. Come now, let's not keep mother waiting. She's making sure it's your favorite."

There was only quiet. Only Ozpin could hear it, albeit faintly, in his mind.

"What's that? You know I can't hear you when you whisper."

Silence past. Ozpin could only sigh. It's been lifetimes.

"I'm sorry." He shook his head. "But father won't be home tonight… again."

The longer he did this, the softer their voices become. Will it ever come to a point where he would forget what they sound like?

"The least I could do," Ozpin said. "Is make sure that mother comes home."

Chapter Text

"And there!" Astolfo wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead. While the first logged building was much closer to a fanciful cabin, the next one was smaller, meant only to be a mere roof over the heads of a small family.

On the outside, it looked rather offensive given that it looked like a stable. Given that the refugees were faunus, this wouldn't be a good look. But the truth was that it was only the first part. Priority went to the fact that this would be a roof over their heads and would expand into a much better home to accommodate more people.

The children were especially happy, having found shade underneath the harsh sun. If the sun were different, they could always go to the other side of it.

Astolfo gave them a toothy grin as he went on his way. One doesn't just uplift the spirits of Vale by staying on one side, after all. There were many other things that needed to be done. His surprising strength had been welcome for most.

Greetings here and small conversations there, there was practically no limit on what Astolfo had to do. Each step had a bounce. Huntsmen numbers were recovering with the students becoming proper professionals and genuinely earning their titles. Even team CRBY have begun to take missions on their own, independent of Taiyang Xiao Long.

With arms outstretched, Astolfo was like a child pretending to be an airplane. It certainly worked well enough for it was as though things were doing well. No one had any strength in them to go against a Servant. Even when Astolfo tries to hold back—which he often forgets—enemies who aren't Servants beware.

Almost everyone. This aura thing does give them a bit of a boost. Those who knew how to use it could go toe-to-toe with Servants especially well, even if only a little while.

Within the halls of Beacon Academy, activity had begun to lessen. Repairs were mostly finished with only a few furnishings to make it pleasant to look at. Other professors had passed by Astolfo and he never once let down that smile of his.

Then, upon opening that familiar door, there he was. The one man that Astolfo would absolutely call equal here in Remnant. His mustache hiding that grin of his and that physique that was the picture of health and good eating, Peter Port had just come from his own mission, culling Grimm. He too wiped the sweat off of his bushy brow and excellently kept hair.

Astolfo looked around him and closed the door. This was the faculty workroom after all. Even among other faculty, Astolfo couldn't let that go. That jolly smile dropped as Astolfo slid against the door to a sitting position. Massaging his cheeks, maintaining that smile for any long periods of time would hurt anyone, even Servants.

"Wah!" Astolfo cried out in a controlled manner. It wouldn't do if anyone heard from the other side.

"Another hard day at work, good friend?" Port didn't need to ask. He too had that same air about him of lifting everyone's spirit.

"Like you wouldn't believe!" Astolfo sprawled down, face on the floor. Anything to muffle out the noises. "Another building done!"

"But we still have much to do." Port nodded sagely. He was the wisest man that Astolfo had met in this life. "Such is the task beset before us men."

Astolfo gave a genuine smile, smaller and less demanding on those facial cheeks.

Port kneeled by Astolfo's head, hand offering him back up. "Feel free to let loose around me. Us huntsmen and especially us men must show a face of strength out there. The people need us to be. But you don't have to in here."

"And that's why you're the best man I've ever known on Remnant." Astolfo took the arm and stood back up.

"Second only to you, my man." Port's mustache moved with his own grin.

"You're too humble, my man." Astolfo sat on Port's chair. His legs and arms still ached from lifting for hours.

On Port's desk, there were stacks of paper work. Essays once graded now serve as nothing more than scratch sheets. The date on them came from previous school years and appeared to be some kind of research paper drafts.

Astolfo laid his head down on the table. Eyes closed just to rest for a moment while Port was busy doing his manly things. No drool came from Astolfo's mouth but his breath did steady. No dreams were had as anything slight disturbed any attempt at slumber.

Here in Port's cubicle, away from public eyes and ears, the two of Beacon's—self-proclaimed—manliest duo were hardly the image of masculine strength and power that they showed. Here they were reserved, tired and exhausted much like everyone else. Their smiles were for everyone else. After all, what is there to fear when either of them is near?

That's what people needed. That's what Vale needed. They needed some message that things will be well. One needed to push on despite everything else since staying down wasn't going to help them on account of the Grimm.

But that didn't mean that they were just going to keep going as if nothing had happened. Things did happen. Astolfo and Port were among the number of huntsmen and huntresses still culling the Grimm on nearby borders, responding to calls far away that would sometimes take them days to go back and forth to. Even they needed to slow things down and take it easy.

Port's cubicle was exactly that. That place where Astolfo could take it easy and slow down. The call to adventure will always be there and the call to do good ever present. But even adventurers needed the occasional inn to rest their weary feet.

Neither of them had to become the macho men that they were outside those doors. It wasn't even fake; Port and Astolfo are the manliest duo in Vale for a reason. Self-declared it may be, no one challenged them on it. They just had to keep it up for long periods of time, and they are good at it. The best that Remnant will ever know.

The slightest disturbance brought Astolfo to waking. It was Saber who entered the room. As though he were his king, Astolfo stood stiff and strict. Saber wasn't like Charlie in his younger years. Thusly, Astolfo also had to adjust for the man.

"At ease, Astolfo," Saber said. "I know of your masquerade out there. It is alright."

Astolfo melted back into the seat.

"Has the headmaster need of us, Saber?" asked Port.

"Only a quick report." Saber turned to Astolfo. "About the faunus of Menagerie." He then returned to Port. "Some privacy, please."

Astolfo gave a quick report, complete with exaggerations and necessary sound effects, once Port left the room. The faunus were doing well enough given the circumstances but that wasn't Saber's goal; it was the relations between the refugees and those confirmed to be White Fang. From there, they gathered that they encountered an enemy Servant as well as the Servant that had defended them.

"Charles-Henri Sanson," Saber commented. "Menagerie's Companion and Curious Cat as Ever After's Companion." Saber appeared to have some objections but tossed them aside. "With Rider, I shouldn't have doubted it. Still, that brings all three of them here."

Astolfo gave more retellings from the refugees. Caster's identity being Bluebeard brought a darkening to Saber's face. The history of Gilles de Rais here in Remnant was known to them all.

Saber took a nearby seat, from the cubicle across Port's, it was Mulberry's. He buried his face.

"Gilles de Rais," he said. "I never would have thought that I would fail you like this."

"Nonsense!" Astolfo declared. "We Heroic Spirits know of our worth and of our legacies! Bluebeard is his own just as Gilles is!"

"Perhaps." Saber did not look convinced. "But I promised that man that he would have that redemption of his here. And now Caster is tainting it by bearing his face."

"Hey," Astolfo toned down his façade. There was no need for it, after all. "Not many people know of Gilles' face no?"

"Yes, not many know of him. They know of his name as the Mad Saber."

"Then how could his face be tainted? Caster is only doing these things for himself and for his Master."

"I still wish to see him pay for his crimes."

"And he will! This is a Grail War Saber. Confrontation is inevitable!"

"Yes," Saber nodded slightly at first. "Yes. We will."

Astolfo tilted his head. "Is that all?"

"I just needed to hear it from someone that isn't me. Me and Jeanne anyway. I am quite certain that Jeanne wouldn't appreciate it if Gilles' face was being tarnished like that."

"Jeanne and Gilles are good allies. Good friends. She would still poke his eyes though."

Saber laughed at that. "I'll take it as permission to do the same when he does that."

Whether that be out in public or here in private, Astolfo's duties as Vale's Companion remained the same. Thank the Grail that Port exists. Astolfo would never claim being able to do all this alone. That man deserves his own place in the Throne if he hasn't already.

Astolfo got out of Port's cubicle. "Well, back to work, sire!"

"Right," Saber said. "You're one of Charlemagne's Paladins."

"The best warriors to ever grace histories and fantasies!" Astolfo declared proudly. "The manliest men you will ever know."

"Of course." Saber nodded. "I don't exactly have a court of my own, so I can't argue that regard."

Back outside, Port was there being Port. The people needed to know that they were well protected and he was the other half to Astolfo.

"Comrade!" Port exclaimed. The mask was back on. "For a second, I believed that you had gotten too exhausted there."

"Ha," Astolfo replied. "I wouldn't back down just yet. Port Fort will have a lot to catch up on once Astolfo goes Alto!"

Muscles flexed as they shook hands. The two saluted each other as they resumed their duties. Saber came out of the room just in time to see the display. He shook his head and shrugged.

Rest was what Astolfo needed and bounced right back into the action. More lifting was needed but the others were doing well enough on their own. Next was some Grimm culling and so Astolfo whistled.

Hippogriff soon appeared afterwards.

"Let's go, Hippogriff!" Astolfo patted the beast's head. It followed orders well enough and was yet to be exhausted. Grimm weren't much against Port, and Astolfo wasn't keen on falling behind.

The swift winds against his face was just as refreshing as any nap. Up here and away from the eyes, Astolfo could keep being himself without having to maintain it in front of the others. Nevermore fell by his lance like unfortunate insects on a windshield. Or was the comparison more accurate against the insectoid Grimm?

Either way, Astolfo made the quickest rounds around Vale as he simply flew in a circle on Vale's borders. Vale's people could clearly see it from below and huntsmen out on these missions would hear of Astolfo's flybys. Vale's skies were well and protected. There was enough adventure out here with the untamed lands.

Astolfo made his landing on one of the lesser defended areas in Vale. Grimm weren't spawning around here but didn't mean that there weren't any. Elder Grimm gathered around these areas because of it. Wiser and more powerful, they knew when to bide their time.

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" He slammed his lance against the Goliath. These Grimm were the toughest of the bunch but they still only counted as one. It wasn't a manly thing to be unfair and lie about their numbers.

Caught off-guard, these Grimm gave little resistance before they fell. There were signs of a gathering force around here. With Salem being a Master, she would be readying herself for a battle.

"Yet." Astolfo thought out loud. "It doesn't seem like this is her work though."

Above Astolfo, the weather was getting freaky too. Clouds were gathering, lightning flashed, and thunder rumbled. They gathered northward, maybe a little bit to the east, Mistral's direction.

He had been absent when Archer arrived but he was filled in for the rest eventually. Only him, being a Servant and all.

"Hmm?" Astolfo heard a rustle. Choosing to investigate, he approached the source of the sound.

More sounds were heard, mixed in with the approaching Grimm.

"Huh?" Astolfo tilted his head. It appeared to be a small chess piece, a pawn. Barely used and appearing brand new.

He fell back in surprise when the Grimm came in, ignoring Astolfo and focused entirely on the chess piece.

"Hey!" Astolfo readied his lance once more. "I was investigating that!" He didn't know what to do with it. But that's where the others come in, they could figure it out, probably; they're the smarty ones.

The Grimm ignored Astolfo as they went about their businesses. Those businesses involved the tearing and destroying of these things. He had to be the doing the chasing if he wanted to clear away the Grimm here.

Finding that there wasn't any resistance in the slightest, Astolfo called for Hippogriff once again. The skies were pretty much the same as the ground. Airborne Grimm would swoop down against some random place and caused a scuffle there.

Above him, clouds headed towards Mistral's direction only darkened.

"That's not good," Astolfo concluded. "They should be seeing that though, right? Chiron can definitely see that!"

Nodding in that certainty of his, Astolfo made the return trip to Vale's cities. There was hardly worth any commotion. Huntsmen clearly wouldn't know of this and there was only one other person who would have known about this.

Finding Archer's place was as easy as asking for directions. Ozzie had wanted eyes on Archer's place for a while now and Astolfo spared what he could whenever he could. Never mind that other people were giving their eyes too.

Astolfo needed to be stealthy. He could definitely do that. Stealthy like he was an Assassin-class Servant.

"Hello!" Astolfo banged on the door. "Archer! You in there?"

"Enough with the incessant banging!" It was Watts who answered. "Is Archer the only Servant in the entire Throne of Heroes with a modicum of decency and appreciation for the afternoon nap?"

"Whoa," Astolfo commented. "Your eyes are very red, sir."

"Oh bloody hell, it's the bundle of sunshine." Watts slumped down. "What is it that you want? Surely you can't be thinking of challenging me to a game of wits, Astolfo?"

"Me?" Astolfo placed a finger on his own lips. His eyes closed tight and he was making an ugly face.

"Don't think too hard. Just come inside."

Archer was there waiting for him. "The Brother of light has made his movements already?"

Watts sprung himself to stiffness and was now fully awake.

"Hey," Astolfo said. "That's cheating! I didn't even tell you yet."

"Weather patterns, dear Astolfo," Archer pulled out the newspaper. "Interesting connection they had with Assassin's Master I would say. Coincidence for most, sure, but with Grail War matters, one could never be too coincidental."

"Yeah, well, I saw a chess piece and Grimm mauled it. So there!"

"Fitting information given me and my Master's earlier engagement," Archer replied. He still kept that cool head of his. "His taking a page out of his Brother's book."

"Then we are fortunate of having Vale's Companion Rider," Watts said. "CCT is still down and our connections will take too long."

"I am sure Chiron already has that figured out." Archer leaned back on his seat. His closed eyes weren't tight. He faced towards the ceiling. He took a pipe and smoked one ring. "I doubt that Sanson would fare well against Caster. And we still have no confirmation on the Companion Caster."

"Ever After, correct?" Watts asked. Information had yet to reach these two, apparently. "Curious Cat is the only one left from Remnant's big three and who else could have been capable of doing that?"

"And quite fitting too," Archer said. "Poor Sanson. The thought of him like that almost brought a tear to my eye, really."

"Hey," Astolfo just noticed something. "What's that smell?"

"Residue of a Dust round being fired," Watts answered. "Our betrayal of Salem has been revealed. It would seem that we're stuck with the good guys, Archer."

"Odd place to be in, I'm sure." Archer chuckled. "But still, it is to be expected for our profession and especially for a Grail War. Doctor Jekyll has already begun his steps and by now, the cannon should be ready."

"Leaving only Vale's ongoing construction unfinished."

"It will not be finished, Master." Archer shook his head. "Not in time."

"Hey." Astolfo tried to enter the conversation. "You two aren't planning on leaving are you?"

"So soon?" Watts replied. "Heavens, no! Salem would be targeting Vale next and I, for one, am not about to just hand her the Relic of Choice!"

"Then what's stopping you?"

"Your Headmaster is somewhat resilient in hiding it," Archer replied. "I confess that he keeps it close to his chest. Me thinks that he has used it before, and doesn't ever intend to reveal it."

Astolfo grinned proudly. Of course! Ozzie was headmaster of Vale and Astolfo is Vale's Companion Rider. More importantly, Port was in Vale! Best of the best gather together as far as he knew. Not his fault that he was summoned in Vale.

"Doubt we could convince Chiron to send us the Relic of Choice?" Watts asked.

"We will need to contact Raven for that." Archer smirked. "She'll make it here in no time. Our message won't."

The two looked to Astolfo.

"What?" he asked.

The two shook their heads. "No," Archer said. "It would gather too much attention."

"Hey, I can be stealthy!" Astolfo boasted.

"And the Brother god would no doubt be paying attention to any Servant movement." Watts ignored him.

"Hey!"

"Don't, Astolfo." Watts shook his head. "You will not leave here. Not with Salem's forces still at large. And especially not when the Relic of Choice is still out of her hands."

Astolfo pouted but ultimately gave in. This League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was still an alliance worth keeping. They needed the numbers and Salem wasn't about to ally with them any time soon.

There was also Cinder and she would sooner ally with the Brother of light for power, Astolfo thinks.

"We will have to trust that Chiron could move fast enough," Watts said.

Astolfo left the two of them alone with their plotting. There were other things that he needed to do around Vale. First had been to inform Ozzie. He took it better and was at least more willing to listen to him.

Afterwards, he was due towards Taiyang. Finding him was hard since both he and his daughter are already taking separate missions but Astolfo managed to find him in Patch. There was still daylight out.

Taiyang's elbows slammed against the desk as the hairs on his head were buried in his hands.

"Qrow," he said. "You better take care of them. Ruby and her friends."

"They'll be fine," Astolfo assured him. "They got Servants with them."

"I know. And I know just how tough you Servants can be." Taiyang shook his head in disbelief. "But still, I worry for them. I don't even want to begin what it would be like if Yang went along."

"Eh? She's still not going?"

"It isn't that she isn't going," Taiyang explained. "It's that she has a different team. She has duties and I don't doubt that she'd drag the boys along if she could; none of them would be able to resist and no amount of leader's orders would stop her." He chuckled.

"But?"

"It's her teammate, her old teammate. Brothers, never thought I'd hear her say that. She's hiding away from it. She's been avoiding any missions and requests relating to the refugees."

Taiyang breathed in, then continued.

"I'm sure that Ruby would want her old team to be back together again. With them heading northward to Atlas, I'm sure they'll get ice queen lite back. Ruby's partner is a bigger softie than the specialist."

"Hmm." Astolfo pouted like a child. His eyes closed tight and he massaged his temples. Ideas were trying to form in his mind.

"Best if we leave them be," Taiyang said, not noticing Astolfo's current mental state.

"I could go and knock some sense into either if you like?" he offered.

Taiyang offered. "I can't speak for her partner but I think Yang would get it eventually. But I'd rather not. Just… just watch Yang's partner whenever you pass by there, yeah?"

Astolfo saluted. "You got it, sir! I'll go there right now!"

"Wait no!"

But it was too late. Though Taiyang pulled on Astolfo's cape, all that happened was that he got dragged along until he was forced to let go. Astolfo didn't even notice that Taiyang was tugging.

Finding the refugees were simple matters. He had more jobs to do there anyway. He spotted more loggers building a roof for their heads. Tents were still dominant around here but at least things were becoming homelier.

"Allow me!" Astolfo relieved the entire group of muscular men and carried the massive tree trunk towards where the other workers had begun sawing them into manageable parts. The sight of him effortlessly carrying them still amazed the others. Only few other huntsmen could boast similar strengths and ease, Port was one of them obviously.

Putting them down, Astolfo then scanned the settling shores for Blake. There was Sun Wukong and Ilia Amitola who are busy being the leaders among the refugees. There was no sign of Adam Taurus either.

"Hey, animosity is going down for once," Astolfo noted. "Nice. We all need to get along, right now."

He didn't pay attention but the surrounding people, refugees and citizens of Vale alike, nodded in their agreement.

No chess pieces were found either which only lifted the already high spirit of the Companion Rider. No Grimm around either. Not like any of them could come near. This place was protected, both by natural borders and huntsmen. The fighters among them were capable too.

Leaving behind prints in the sand, Astolfo hopped his way towards the ships that were still there. Not every refugee settled on the shores. Some chose to stay on ships and have been gaining the best sea legs this side of Remnant. Since Blake couldn't be found in shores, she had to be on those ships.

"Elementary," Astolfo said, making his best impression of the detective. "My dear."

His eyes caught the children laughing. Keep it up. He's one of Charlemagne's paladins after all.

The metal sounded loudly. Those unfamiliar wobbled in their balance with the tides. But Astolfo remained glued to the deck of the ship. He was a Rider and mere boats were nothing compared to phantasmal beasts.

His voice echoed as he called out for Blake. "Blake! Blake! Where are you?"

"Blake Belladonna, sir?" a faunus asked. "Not on this ship." He pointed to one of the bigger ones. "She's over there."

"Thank you!"

"She's been there ever since we got here, I think. Nobody has seen her leave the ship for days now."

Leaping across the boats, Astolfo apologized for the inconvenience. Everyone else that were there lost their balance. Thankfully, no one fell off the ship; he made sure of that much at least.

Repeating previous steps, Astolfo made sure that everyone on that ship was able to hear. It would seem that Blake wasn't responding yet.

He bumped into someone and fell on his butt. When he looked up, Astolfo couldn't help but be a little amazed. "Whoa, big boy."

The large faunus only made a tsk sound and moved on, deliberately bumping Astolfo as he passed by.

Another faunus came and helped Astolfo back up. "Don't worry about Captain Moby, sir. He's a dick."

Astolfo thanked the other faunus and moved on.

"Hey!" He raised his voice. There were no enemies right now so there was no worry of being ambushed. Even if there was, he knew when to expect it. "Blake! You in any of these? Where are you? Yang isn't here if that's what you're worried about. If that's actually what you wanted, then she's totally here! Right Yang?"

He did his best impression of Yang.

"Yeah, totally." The voice was lower than Yang's. "Unless you're not looking for me, then I'm totally not here."

Even if the foolproof plan didn't work in bringing Blake out, morale around here would improve. Had Roland or Charlie been here, the paladins would no doubt liven this place up without much effort. Alas, Astolfo had to represent all of Charlemagne's paladins here.

He kept calling for Blake until somebody responded.

It wasn't Blake though. "Blake!" Adam sounded really mad. "At least respond when someone is calling! Brothers, I'm already losing one eye. I don't need to lose my hearing either! She's in here."

Mission accomplished. Proper manners required that he knock on the door so Astolfo did.

"Yo-ho!" he waved wildly, expected a full room. Nope. There were only two. Adam was on one side covering his ears. Blake was on the other side. "Ew." Astolfo realized it immediately. "Sorry! I didn't mean to say you were ugly right now! You're beautiful, the picture of beauty!"

"Good luck trying to break through to her," Adam said. "Everyone else has tried already and failed. Not her old comrades and not her new comrades."

"Good thing, I'm neither!" Mindset. Astolfo had that mindset. "I'm a stranger!"

The first thing he had to do was get Blake to sit up. The plates there were empty. That means that she's eating at least. A little flabby though.

"And up you go!" He effortlessly put Blake into position. "You okay?"

Blake gave no response.

"I hear that Charles Henri-Sanson was Menagerie's Companion Assassin. How'd he do? Was he cool?"

Blake's eyes moved to meet Astolfo's own.

"That great? Man, I wish I was there. That would have been fun!"

Her eyes scrunched. Her lips moved.

"Eh." He shrugged. "I'm an adventurer. Fighting is part of what we do. Us Heroic Spirits all have an inch for a good fight, whether that's us fighting or watching someone else do it. Testing our mettle and all that."

Her mouth opened. It closed again.

"Too much detail? Port said something about the kids saying it. TLDR? Or was that TMI? Man, now I feel old! An old man but still old!"

Wrinkles formed Blake's forehead. Her fingers moved as she massaged her temples.

For a moment, Astolfo hesitated. "Have you gained weight?"

There it is! The most amount of movement that Blake did thus far. Albeit weak and didn't much at all, Blake's hand still moved to slap his face.

"Finally," he declared. "You're already on the way there!"

Blake shook her head. Her voice finally came out, albeit weak. "What are you talking about?"

"Yang's worried about you, you know?"

"Don't lie. She's… she's with another team."

"Yeah and?"

"How is that her being worried about me?"

"Nah, she's just with the boys. Saturdays is for the boys, Blake." Astolfo turned to Adam. "Right, Adam?"

He shook his head. "How should I know? I was fighting for the White Fang in all that time."

"Well if you had time, you would have."

"I suppose." He shrugged. "What is the point of this?"

"Hmm?" Astolfo tilted his head. "Isn't it obvious. I'm here to look after you guys."

Blake didn't look like she agreed. "There is nothing that you can do. What happened to us were these Servants."

"And? So am I."

Both of them had a marked change in their faces.

Blake spoke first. "Where were you when Beacon fell?"

Look at that, she was getting emotional. That's good. Granted, it was anger but still!

"I got here after," Astolfo replied. "Came here as fast as I could. Been lifting half of everyone's spirits ever since! The other half is lifted by Port; best man I've ever known this side of Remnant."

"I thought Servants are supposed to be more than huntsmen?" Adam asked. "I've heard about you and that Beacon professor."

"He's that good!"

Nobody would ever mock Peter Port in Astolfo's presence. It's the honor of men and of bros that such a thing was in place.

"Why was I here again?" Astolfo remembered. "Oh right!" He turned to Blake again. "Your team is waiting for you, Blake!"

"Team?" she replied. "Weiss is in Atlas. Ruby is with JNPR and now Yang has her own team as well. What team?"

"Team RWBY, duh. Just because two of them have other people doesn't mean that you got replaced. Just means that they got another team on top of it."

"How is this exactly supposed to help me exactly? Don't lie to me. I know you're trying to do something."

"I already did. Got you to talk. And that means you're on your way. Besides, Yang is worried about you, you know." His thumb pointed to Adam. "It's him that she has a problem with."

"She was in the way," Adam reasoned.

"There, see?" Astolfo ignored him. "Guy cuts off her arm and the next time she saw the guy was with the very one she lost her arm for."

There was a pause.

"Actually," Astolfo said. "Yikes, that is kinda bad."

"It's fine." Blake shook his head. "It's what I deserve anyway. I've been running so much and trouble keeps finding me. I'm beginning to think that misfortune is my real semblance. You guys should probably keep your distance."

"If that's true then Vale is doomed." Astolfo bounced. "But not to worry! Bring all the misfortune and I can handle it."

"Don't you get it?" Blake's frustration had to be building. "I bring trouble wherever I go. Why are you so nonchalant about it?"

"Vale's Companion Rider, Astolfo." He pointed to himself. "Is a paladin of Charlemagne's court. A registered huntsman of Vale and certified manliest manly man, rivaled only by Vale's resident portly professor."

That was all Astolfo needed to do. Just getting Blake to talk had been enough and the rest was a case of being himself.

Eventually, he managed to drag Blake outside.

"Blake!" Sun Wukong never looked happier. "You're outside!"

"Yes, Sun." She sighed. "I'm—"

Sun hugged Blake tight. "I'm glad you're alright. I'm happy you're out here again."

Astolfo grinned as Blake gave him a judging look. Blake rolled her eyes and hugged Sun back.

Job done, Astolfo waved them farewell. That's the B in RWBY. In the coming days, the next is the Y.

Both Port and Astolfo found another mission together the next day. For men like them, they could always take more than one in a single day. Travel was of no issue with Hippogriff.

"Are you ready for another round of competition?" Port said.

"Tally is four-to-four," Astolfo replied. "This time. Winner take all!"

The two shook on it.

With Port around, creatures of Light and Darkness better fear. The manliest duo in all of Vale—no, all of Remnant—are here.

/-/

One of their informants came in and passed them a message. Watts paid appropriately and waited until he and Archer are alone.

"So," he said after reading the message. "Do you estimate that they'll make it in time?"

"Once Assassin has been eliminated," Archer replied. "There can be no doubt."

Watts nodded. "We are fortunate, then. With Atlas already prepared, the next step is to make sure that god of light goes there."

"And if he does not? What then, Master?"

"Then, we'll make him go there. Can it be done, Archer?"

"I'll write up a plan."

Mankind and the Grimm had long since battled one another since time immemorial. A third faction is about to join in.

Chapter Text

"I will admit," Winter said. "Father took it a lot better than I had expected."

Jekyll's eyes never once left the television. It showed the victory Robyn Hill had over Jacques Schnee in the election cycle. While Jacques, predictably, was frustrated; it showed no more frustration than anyone else. No arguments and no contesting of results.

"I still expect he would be fuming once he reaches home," Jekyll replied. "I only hope Whitley would do fine."

"He will." There was a hint of pride in her voice. "Whitley has been having a bit of a spine himself. He does what father wants still but always within reason. Weiss is still heiress and father still intends to take that position away but at least Whitley is willing to push back. Both of them actually."

"Oh?" Jekyll asked. "He's pushing back against Weiss?"

"Weiss' time as a huntress meant less time in handling the company. Whitley raised the important question of how she's going to reform the SDC if she's out there fighting Grimm. It is one thing to redeem the Schnee name. It is another to rebuild the company."

Jekyll couldn't help himself but feel proud. His relationship with the Schnee family in his time was remarkably different compared to here. But it was good to know that some things could still stay the same had he done similar things. Whitley, more than anyone, needed someone by his side. Jacques had been the only one there and so Whitley did what he could to keep that, becoming dependent.

"I suppose I have you to thank for that," Winter said.

"I don't think I did that much." Jekyll waved his hand dismissively. "If anything else, Jack has all the rights to that. I only observed what those two had done in my time and committed it to memory."

"You gave Whitley what me and Weiss should have given him a long time ago: support. He clung to you almost immediately when you weren't as harsh on him as father was."

Jekyll chose to stay silent. He expected that one as well but that had more to do with the memories of his self from that other Remnant.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Winter." He placed an arm around her. She was still wearing his jacket. "You and Weiss have done the rest and I say that it was the most excellent thing I've ever seen. Besides, I wasn't the one who got through your mother."

She looked away. "Someone had to. Even I forget that we're supposed to be family."

"And Klein has never been happier," Jekyll completed. "What? I saw the way he looked at all of you. All seven of his personalities had become Happy there."

Winter and he chuckled. The Schnee manor was so large than they might as well have it to themselves, here in what is essentially a common room. On some days, there would be more employees around here for some kind of event. Nowadays, it was mostly empty and there were no expected events.

Jekyll still wasn't quite welcome in the Schnee manor, courtesy of Jacques Schnee. But he was tolerated at least. That was no different as far as he's concerned.

News done, the two set out towards Atlas Academy. Outside, the streets were full of celebration. Jacques Schnee had never been a popular character in Atlas' public. He carried himself as someone just like those of the higher class, a position that he deliberately put himself, and the Schnee name, into. In that aspect, he could be respected. But beyond that, he was but a businessman more concerned with profits.

Mantle below were especially joyous with few who weren't a fan. Robyn's proposal of expanding the aid into Mantle had been her attempts at bridging the gaps between Atlas and Mantle. Only those who looked down on Mantle thought otherwise.

While that had been true, the truth was that it hid another secret: The Grail War. Passing by the now completed structure, the massive cannon had been set and ready to fire. An advanced piece of weaponry disguised as two towers of an odd shape, that of a barrel.

Ironwood didn't like the suggestion, always trying to find some other way. But Atlas' time was limited this time. Jekyll was much the same. Damn Archer. Without the Grail, they needed something massive and set things just right: Atlas would become the bullet. The calculation proved it possible and there was no Ambrosius needed to create it.

"It won't make it in time, you know." Winter guessed his thoughts correctly. "Even if we forcibly evacuate, there won't be enough time. Lives will be lost and we couldn't come up with a legitimate, public reason to evacuate before that."

"We would be fortunate if Light doesn't come here at all," Jekyll replied. "But thus far, this is our only shot of doing so. Chiron had begun to prepare his own but that might not be built in time."

"Are you certain that Watts isn't trying to think ahead?"

"I have no doubts about it. But Archer is an intellectual, greater than myself. The greatest criminal mastermind only bested by the only consulting detective, and even that was barely. We are pulled by his strings and we have no means of cutting them off before then."

Conceptually, James Moriarty is a man who could only be bested by Sherlock Holmes. One would need a great detective power to best that man and Jekyll wasn't quite confident in taking up that challenge.

"If we wish to act," Winter said. "We would have to act in ways that would be outside of his terrifyingly accurate observations and assumptions."

Jekyll nodded. "If it helps, I will not let any of that mean harm for you."

"You know he knows that, right?"

"Doesn't make it any less true."

The two walking down the streets still garnered some attention though that had more to do with the recent election cycle than anything else.

Jekyll felt a hand on his.

"I'm here too, you know?" Winter said. Her eyes burned the fires of the Maiden. "You're not the only one with the weight of the world on their shoulders."

"I suppose not." He returned with a smile.

For professional reasons, the two had to part hands once they arrived in Atlas Academy. Jekyll had worn his jacket again by this point and his presence was pretty much expected.

Atlas Academy was simultaneously busy yet mostly empty. Students and professionals came back and forth as they took their missions, restocked on supplies and took another. With Robyn's victory and an expansion of Mantle, the northern kingdom has been aggressive in their expansion for however few meters that they could gather.

No one knew with that much certainty but different infrastructures failed to keep up and they were beginning to slow down. Grimm activity had been recorded but that wasn't enough to justify such drastic actions. It is only through Robyn's own efforts that they were able to do so, under the guise of aiding Mantle's people.

"Winter!" Weiss called out. She herself had just gotten back from a mission judging from the grime and sweat on her person. She had a bit of blue now on her usually white combat dress. "And doctor Jekyll."

"Weiss." Winter nodded. "How's the mission."

"Well enough." Weiss returned to that poise of grace and elegance. A difficult task given her current aesthetical state and her obvious exhaustion. The mission's completion must have been recent. "Penny has proven herself an excellent partner for the time being."

That one took Jekyll's attention. But he kept quiet. With the Vytal Tournament, most could recognize Penny on sight and knew her to be a machine remade. Only Atlas weren't bothered by it; the less people are thrown to the Grimm meant lesser risks taken. Mantle had partial problems with it but Penny earned her way into being Mantle's protector; she was pretty much the reason the expansion was only slowed and not halted.

"Her upgrades have been proven excellent," Weiss added. "I don't even recognize the way she fights though. Especially with those new weapons of hers."

"To be fair," Jekyll explained. "That fight program was meant for human opponents. Nothing ulterior or dangerous, just that it was available."

"How about her energy reserves?" Winter asked.

"I…" Weiss looked away. "I actually can't answer that. I really don't know."

"That's alright, Weiss." Winter patted Weiss on the shoulder. "I'm not mad or frustrated, just thought that you might have observed something."

Jekyll knew what she had intended. He gave Weiss an out anyway. "Only Pietro would know that with any certainty, Winter."

"Of course, of course." Winter straightened herself up. "Keep up the good work, Weiss. Let's spend some time together later, as sisters."

"No Whitley this time?" she asked.

"Try stealing him from Klein," Winter replied, chuckling. She turned to Jekyll. "Let's go."

"Good luck, Winter!" Weiss waved them. She didn't move to leave, only to find some rest.

Soldiers saluted Winter as she passed. As courtesy, Winter returned with her own as part of the greeting. Even the huntsmen and huntresses did the same. Only Weiss never did but she had schooled in Beacon; she was ignorant of these customs around here.

Elevator doors dinged and the two stepped inside. The lights peeking through the gaps droned and they stood still in silence. Winter maintained her usual stance with her hands behind her back, chin upward and heels together.

Jekyll was less soldier but no less formal. Time spent around military just meant that he adapted part of their usual postures as part of his own. He caught a smirk coming from Winter. She was used to this and looked relaxed. Him not quite.

Dinging to signal their arrival, the general's office at the end had their lights on. General Ironwood wasn't a man to waste resources. He was in there.

Winter did her usual greetings and announcement and Ironwood let them in.

Behind the desk, Ironwood relaxed into his chair. The screen displayed the news and the subsequent interviews in regards to Robyn's victory. It mostly contained the people's reactions, those who are pleased and the unsurprising few who weren't. Jacques just wasn't a popular character at all.

"Diplomatically speaking," said Ironwood. "I should give my apologies for your father's loss, Specialist. I'm certain that you must quite distraught at the result."

"Diplomatically speaking," replied Winter. "What's done is done. The people have spoken and they have chosen miss Hill, general."

"Realistically speaking," Jekyll said, one eyebrow raised. "Not a single soul in this room is even remotely saddened nor surprised at Jacques Schnee's loss."

There was no one else in the room who could be listening, surely not. If they did, they had to have picked up that tell at least.

Ironwood chuckled. "It is still surprising to see Jacques Schnee take it all without much protest."

"Father is aware of his infamy," Winter said. "He couldn't hope to rile up the people no matter how much the SDC is needed for our Dust needs."

"Mantle has been doing well for itself," Ironwood said, knowing their purpose here. "Miss Hill has been leading the charge herself and with Penny around, we have the time to squeeze most the civilians there."

Civilians. Not soldiers nor huntsmen. Civilians only. Soldiers, especially huntsmen-soldiers, are intimately aware of the risks given in the job.

"I could draw the Grimm away if needed," Jekyll offered. "I don't think it would be much help though but perhaps it could be of use."

"But can you handle the incoming horde?" Ironwood asked.

"Without question." Jekyll puffed out his chest.

"It isn't a good idea to boast, Jekyll," Ironwood retorted. "Many heroes, great or otherwise, lost their lives due to their hubris."

"It is fortunate, then. I never once nor will I ever call myself a hero." Heroic Spirit? Yes. But a hero? A genuine and honest hero? There were far too many that deserve that position than him. Jekyll may stand alongside them but he would hardly call himself among their numbers.

"I will have Penny be your partner," Ironwood replied. Jekyll opened his mouth. "That is not negotiable, doctor Jekyll. I will not throw away lives when I could save them. If I have to be callous, it is a waste of resources and manpower that could have been used elsewhere."

Jekyll shut his mouth. He felt a literal cold shoulder from Winter. His own got a little damp almost immediately when he felt a little bit of heat after the frost. Not his fault, most Servants were just accustomed to having their lives thrown away. It's just part of the parcel.

"Understood," Jekyll said. The two soldiers in the room waited. "Sir."

Topics moved to other places. Atlas' state of affairs had their protests with others seeing opportunity of expanding their influences into Mantle. Those who already had influence sought to deepen it.

Only problem was, they would have to compete with one mister Hyde, the mysterious and anonymous philanthropist that brought about alternatives to Dust as a potential resource given the prices are still quite high.

It isn't much yet and there was hardly any dent on Dust's hold on Remnant's economies. Barely worth any. But there were those who noticed the potential and have made their bets. As Jekyll, he made his own bet already. If it worked out, great. If it didn't, it wouldn't be the first time he would throw Hyde's name under that gutter.

The only difference was that Hyde was more respected than Jekyll. Ironic. An irony that he made for himself but still ironic.

News of Grimm activity were treated as though they were weather reports. More Grimm were condensing towards particular locations and the experts among them said that it wasn't much to worry about, just another part of Grimm's more social behavior.

For the three of them in room, it wasn't quite the case.

"Salem plans to take the Relic of creation," Ironwood said. "But there isn't any sign of her pieces moving."

"She's gathering her pieces," Jekyll replied. "Vale is currently in a weakened state and Mistral has been compromised."

"What about Menagerie?" Winter asked.

"Fiona gave me a message." Jekyll shook his head. "Menagerie is gone. Has been for a while now. They're in Vale though I've heard that there were a few scattered in Mistral."

"General?" Winter turned to Ironwood.

He had his elbows on his desk. The news reporting resumed as background noise. His eyes closed and his finger was tapping the metal prosthetic. A monotonous rhythm more machine than human.

Then, he sighed. "With the way this is going, Atlas really will be the last line of defense against… well, all the threats of Remnant, I suppose."

Jekyll chuckled bitterly. "I'm truly sorry. It's horrible enough that you people have to deal with the Grimm."

"Implying that the Brother gods won't become antagonistic if we couldn't live up to their standards."

"The Brother gods wouldn't be involved to this extent had the Grail War was never brought here."

"I know for a fact that if others heard about this, they would find it to be a worthy exchange." Ironwood shrugged and shook his head. "I shouldn't be surprised at this knowing what I know but still. Another planet? Outside Remnant's atmosphere? Actual life just beyond Remnant's skies."

"Skies that we couldn't overcome due to the limitations of Dust," Winter added. "So much for free will I suppose."

"If memory serves," Jekyll said. "The Brothers only created this humanity with the capacity to choose between creation and destruction."

"And you don't think that creating our own path counts?" Winter raised an eyebrow.

"Point taken."

Ironwood stood up. His hands were behind him. His chest out and shoulders back. On instinct, Winter stood stiff and awaited orders.

"No matter what happens," Ironwood ordered. "Atlas' people will not fall. The kingdom might but its people won't. Even if the very gods themselves were to descend against us, we will welcome them as we would the Grimm: as threats to our very being and fight with extreme prejudice if need be."

As Ironwood went on, even Jekyll felt himself standing stiff, in a poor imitation of a soldier.

"Schnee, master and experiment with Maiden powers. Your priority is to protect the people. Support Polendina whenever possible in the coming days."

"Sir, yes sir." Winter saluted.

He then turned to Jekyll. Jekyll stood stiffer. "Inform Hill and Hyde of our cause. Bring them both to me. We have much to discuss and plan for the coming days."

"Yes, general." Jekyll nodded. "I mean, sir, yes sir."

Ironwood walked back and forth in front of them. "The populace is ignorant of it. But the battle—no—the war to end this age is coming. And I intend to make sure that Atlas—all of Remnant gets to survive past its ending. This Holy Grail War is a war that determines the future of Remnant itself. For better or for worse, it falls to us soldiers, huntsmen, Servants, and Masters to secure that better outcome. Dismissed."

Winter, on trained instinct, turned around with Jekyll following close behind. He won't deny that that had been the first time he had ever been commanded by the general in that manner. It was quite the experience and Jekyll just followed along like a Command Spell had been issued.

"Would you have trusted him?" Winter asked. "If he had been a Master and you the Servant?"

"I already do even without that arrangement, Winter," Jekyll replied.

/-/

Weiss waited for them to return. She won't deny that part of that had been because she wanted to spend some of that time with Winter. With these missions going on and with what she knew, she really needed someone to talk to. Penny had been great in that regard but her duties didn't allow for much small talk.

She sat by in one of the waiting areas. Exhausted and poor of dress, she did the best she could to fix herself. But dust, grime, and sweat didn't exactly cooperate. There was that sticky feeling too from all that sweat. Weiss at least managed to get those hands washed.

Next time, she'll bring a handkerchief or something. Her weapon was still in good shape and her Dust supplies have been restocked. Since she was here, she might as well restock.

The clocks ticked on and Weiss' breath and bodily rhythms returned to normal. She'll need a quick shower when she gets back.

Winter and Jekyll's conversation were heard and grew louder. Weiss powerwalked her way back and made it as natural as she could.

"Winter!" she called out. "Doctor Jekyll! How was the meeting with the general?"

"Jekyll over here actually felt like a soldier for once." Winter eyed Jekyll's reddening cheeks.

"There was no need to tell that." He looked away. "Anyway, I have to contact with miss Hill about her duties."

Jekyll excused himself and hastily walked his way out.

"What was that?" Weiss asked.

She was already aware of their closeness but that one had been off.

"Just a joke between us during the elevator ride down. Typical of any new soldier learning their postures. You've been waiting too long?"

"Not at all. I even took time to restock on Dust," Weiss said.

Winter nodded. "Good. We'll need it in the coming days. More than ever perhaps."

"Is this…?"

She nodded again. Before speaking, Winter looked around her for any listeners. She leaned closer and whispered. "The Grail War is only going to intensify. Atlas and Mantle are still safe for now but the general is worried that it only means that we'll be the final frontier."

Weiss gulped. Atlas and Mantle had been moving quite fast with its expansion and reinforcement. The Grimm threat and Robyn's electoral victory had been the excuse but that wasn't going to last forever.

No words yet of anything strange or mysterious had reached them yet. But they knew the Grail War was still ongoing.

By comparison, Weiss was in worse shape than Winter. The latter never having gone on any mission yet. Winter's focus had been on her scroll. Graphs, lines, and photos scrolled from one side of the screen to the other in quick succession. The general's orders, that's for sure.

"How was the mission in Arrowfell?" Winter asked. "Did you and Penny do well?"

"I feel like I was holding Penny back, Winter," Weiss replied. Her head was down. A Schnee always excelled after all.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Weiss." Winter may not be looking at her but she could tell just by Weiss' voice. "Penny is your current partner and she had been upgraded to compete even against Servants."

"I know." Weiss nodded. "It's just hard to see that since I still see her as Penny."

"You're referring to her…" Winter paused, trying to find the right words. "Previous body?"

"Yes." Weiss nodded. "I wasn't there in person but I remember seeing it on the screen. There's also this other person, Jaune Arc. A classmate of mine."

"Jaune Arc? Have you not been told yet?"

"Told what? From Jekyll's connections?"

Weiss had never heard of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen before this Grail War business. She never thought about them at all.

Winter nodded. "We were given a list on the Masters and Servants. Jaune Arc is one of them."

"But that's impossible! Jaune Arc is dead. How could he be a Master if he's dead."

"You misunderstand." Winter shook her head. "Jaune Arc has been summoned as Pyrrha Nikos' Servant. Or rather, he had been summoned into the Rider-class, the Rusted Knight."

"I'm sorry, what?" Weiss jaw dropped. "You're kidding, right?"

When Winter failed to chuckle, Weiss continued.

"That… huh?" Weiss' eyebrows creased. Her mind moving many miles a minute. "Wait… but…hang on… huh?"

"I see that it would affect you by that much," Winter said. "He is a companion of yours."

"He's my partner's best friend." She remembered that lifeless form of his.

By the Brothers, she remembered how weak and pathetic he had been when Beacon started. He improved as time went on sure, but how did he go from tall, blonde, and scraggly, to being a huntsman's first hero? To being her first hero?

She finally managed to string words together coherently. "There has to be an explanation for that."

"More than magic, immortal witches, and gods?"

"About the same level but sure."

"I'm afraid you'll have to ask Jekyll for that. I've never known the man so it was easier for me to accept the strange things about it."

Weiss made a mental note about it. She'll corner doctor Jekyll if she had to.

"But back to Penny," Winter took her out of her thoughts. "What about her energy outputs?"

"Efficient, I think." Weiss followed. A distraction was nice. "Turns out there is aura—however that works—that could be found in the atmosphere. Not enough to entirely rely on, though."

"Aura is the manifestation of all living things, remnants of magic. It only makes sense that there would be a few lingering in the air."

Weiss didn't know how that works but Pietro was a smart man. It was something that she couldn't understand, she's sure. Maybe Ruby might understand it. That sounded like something that was up her alley with all that techno talk.

"Efficient might not be the right word, actually," Weiss added. "There is so little in the air, it's actually impressive Penny could get any at all."

"That is fine," Winter said. "Combining Penny's schematics with this… Frankenstein's Monster is a difficult task I'm sure. Even with Jekyll's help."

"You really think highly of Jekyll's intelligence," Weiss commented.

"Do I?" Winter sounded genuinely surprised. "I never noticed."

Arriving at the Schnee manor, Klein had been there to greet them.

"Why Weiss, Winter," Klein said. "Why didn't you call me? I would have driven there to pick you up myself!"

"It's alright, Klein," Weiss said. "We were thinking of having a moment between sisters anyway."

"Ah, I see. And should I prepare the bath for you, Weiss?"

Weiss took a sniff and nearly reeled back. She never noticed. "That would be appreciated, Klein. Thank you."

"And for miss Winter?"

"No, thank you, Klein. I have my mission to go to. I've only come to gather my other supplies." She then turned to Weiss. "Farewell Weiss."

"Talk to you next time, Winter."

"Of course."

Klein had Weiss' clothes all ready by the time she finished. Those aching muscles were soothed away. Her hair now clean and pristine. She was still tired and couldn't go to another so soon but she wasn't about to laze about in the Schnee manor. She had plans to attend to.

"Should I expect you to be back by dinner?" Klein asked.

"Probably not," Weiss replied. "I may know where doctor Jekyll is, but I am uncertain on how long it would take to get all the answers out of him."

She needed to know. Heroic Spirits. Servants. Grail Wars. Salem. Brother gods. So many things. Where would she even begin? Getting them slowly as she had right now was frankly too slow.

Unsurprisingly, the flight down to Mantle had been delayed for her. She could have used one of the SDC privately used bullheads but that would draw attention. With her father's loss, she wasn't about to draw that attention to the SDC. Not so soon.

I still couldn't believe that father actually took it graciously. Weiss knew her father. She knew how he was and how we would mask himself for the public. This hadn't been either side of him.

With Atlas floating above it, though far above, the geographical center of Mantle was in perpetual shade. Good during the hotter months, for what little that's worth here in the north. Terrible during the colder seasons like right now.

Many of the lights in Mantle were from the buildings and streets. People used to gather around burning bins for warmth and the heat from different machines using Dust. Weiss readied her scarf already; she was used to the cold though she had to readjust herself when she first returned to Atlas.

Above her, Penny was flying from one direction to another.

Weiss tried to call out to her but it didn't seem like she heard her. That speed was far too great and Weiss wondered how much energy had been used there. Did Penny even use Dust?

Finding Jekyll was as easy as finding the Happy Huntresses, Robyn's group. Finding them was as easy as looking for the edges of Mantle. Finding which group had Robyn with them was nearly impossible. Mantle was still a large city after all.

Abandoned buildings were repurposed or torn down for parts and materials. Homelessness were erratic in their numbers. Some areas had many. Others had none at all. Those buildings that haven't been torn down were lived in by them, for however long it would last.

Weiss followed Penny's trail. She grasped the general direction at least. Better to ask for a favor. She didn't have the number of either Robyn nor Jekyll.

"I knew I should have asked sooner." She rubbed her hands together. Foggy mists left her mouth with every exhale.

Penny wasn't quite on the spot. She already moved to a different spot, eastward from that initial straight trail Weiss saw earlier. Penny was clearing out the Grimm.

Rather than those swords she used to have, Penny used a hammer though not as large as Nora's. Slamming hard against the stray Grimm that would come their way, Penny made quick work of them.

If it wasn't the hammer, Penny used a sword of Mistralian origin. Single-edged and curved, her holding of it was textbook. Given that Penny was programed with it, fair. Yet, there was something human about it. Penny was already making adjustments to adapt on the fly.

Weiss neared Penny and called out again. "Penny!" She waved one arm wildly.

"Weiss!" Penny replied. She dropped the constant use of friend before their names now. "Salutations! What brings you here down to Mantle?"

"I was actually hoping to ask a favor," Weiss said. "Have you seen doctor Jekyll?"

Penny's fingers were on her own temples. Something was happening to her eyes.

"Doctor Jekyll is currently in the company of councilwoman Robyn Hill," Penny said. "They are about…" Penny adjusted her position physically. She put her arm out. "That way. Estimated time of arrival is three hours and forty-five minutes, not accounting for any obstruction, traffic, or change of pace when moving at top speed you normally achieve."

That long? Well she could at least close the gap with her Glyphs. Might save her a few minutes.

"Alternatively." Penny had her back to Weiss. "I could get you there in fifty minutes."

"Fifty? I'm assuming you're flying over all the buildings."

"I could go faster but that would put too much strain on you."

"I couldn't possibly ask too much."

"Nonsense!" Penny insisted. "I have already fulfilled my objectives here and helping friends is always a good thing to do! Hop on! And keep your mouth closed tight."

Weiss wanted to say no. But that does save time.

/-/

He sighed, blade impaled deep into his opponent.

"No hard feelings," he said. "You didn't make fun of me so it's only right that I end you with one of my own techniques." Not like he could copy anyone else's in this Grail War.

His free hand went underneath the blade, touching the blunt part.

"So be proud!" He forced the blade upwards. "You fell by the sword of Izo Okada!"

His opponent fell to her knees. Wiping the blood off of his blade, Assassin turned around and left. But he committed the grave mistake of turning his back on his enemy.

With her free arm, she clung herself to his back. Her mace generating massive amounts of electricity.

"The hell?" he exclaimed. "What are you—"

Lightning surged. She already left behind the schematics for her own creation, however crude. If he was going to leave something behind to be remembered, so did she.

She coughed but held on tight. "Blasted Tree!"

Chapter Text

"And done." Ruby patted herself on the back for a job well done. Her supplies were restocked and her sweetheart was renewed and ready to get back into the action.

"Finally ready to resume training, Master?" Lancer asked. Ruby could feel her Servant raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, well." Ruby scratched the back of her head. "Maybe I should double-check just to be sure."

"You've been double-checking this about five times now." Lancer turned to the clock. "If it wasn't for your semblance I'd call it impressive that you did it in ten minutes."

"Well I'll do it again a sixth time! A sixable-check." She pointed a thumb to herself, proud at her declaration.

"That's not a word, but sure thing kiddo." Lancer shook her head. "Just know that these powers of ours are fueled by emotions."

"I can be emotional," Ruby argued.

"The right kind of emotion: the desire to preserve life."

"I'm a huntress, I'm all about preserving life."

"Are you though? Or are you just interested in beating up the Grimm?"

"There's a difference?"

"If there wasn't, you would have gotten the hang of it by now."

Ruby groaned. Now wasn't the time for a philosophy class. She didn't want to think about those fancy things. That's Weiss with her fancy words and sentences. Ruby was simple. Aim her weapon, then pull the trigger. Done. Simple. Nothing too fancy.

"Remember Beacon, kid?" Lancer asked. "Hard memories, I know. But remember that?"

"How could I not?" Ruby replied. "Those were the hardest days of my life. Didn't think it would happen."

"Yeah?" Lancer didn't sound too convinced. "Remember the blonde kid? The one who went to the grave and came back as rusty boy?"

Ruby's face changed. She didn't want to think about that. Every time she looked at Rider, helmet on or off, she had to push away that image of her male bestie's lifeless form.

"Thought so." Lancer saw it. "How'd that make you feel?"

"Is this really necessary?" Ruby didn't want to have it right now. She showed her Command Spells. "I could use one of these, you know?"

"Try me," Lancer replied. "Know that Servants could and have taken the wording of Command Spells liberally. Or I could just wait until the effects wore off and try again."

Ruby pouted.

"So back to the question." Lancer pressed on. "The sight of your friend, your companion, there dead and lifeless, how'd that make you feel, kid?"

"What else is there to say? I was too slow. I couldn't make it in time. I didn't believe for the most part. I still don't—and no, it isn't because Rider is right there."

Ruby laid down on one of the chair. This is one of those things that they do right? Therapy has her lying down on a couch.

"You know I'm not qualified for therapy right, kid?" Lancer asked.

"Isn't this what we're doing though?" Ruby replied.

"No."

"Oh." Ruby looked away. "Silver-eyed training?"

"Considering I asked if you were ready to train," Lancer said. "Yes. I'd say yes."

Ruby took that time to find her words. "I guess... I guess I just didn't want it to happen to anyone else. I was angry. I was sad. I didn't want it to happen to anyone else."

"There we go," Lancer replied. "Got the textbook answer out of the way."

"That was a quiz?" Ruby raised her voice.

"And you get a B-plus. You lost points for avoiding questions."

"Well since I now know the answer, why can't I do it now?"

"I said you got the textbook answer out of the way. Putting that into practice is a whole different exam, kiddo. Out there on the field, you're not exactly going to have all the time to calculate the diameter of a sword swing while the Grimm goes 360 degrees-per-hour to the left of you."

"What?" None of that made sense.

"You on the field is going to be very different from the class." Lancer avoided the question. "You're going to have channel that emotion—that desire to protect life—if you want to use these eyes that makes us special."

"But I don't want to be special," Ruby replied. "I just wanted to be a huntress. Go to huntress school and do huntress things."

"Kid, Master." Lancer raised Ruby to sit. She knelt down to meet Ruby in the eye. "Huntsmen and huntresses are damn special by virtue of being huntsmen and huntresses. Who grows up and thinks, I want to go risk my life hunting the dangerous monsters for a living? Heroic? Sure. Normal? Not even close."

Ruby wanted to argue.

"Besides, even without the huntsmen business, you're still a Master. Since there are only seven at any given time, I think that means you're pretty damn special, kid. You're also a team leader but that's normal enough as far as huntsmen go."

Ruby snorted. "I mean I got to Beacon early, I suppose. I don't exactly have it in me to complain, huh."

"Yeah pretty much." Lancer shook her head. "Getting off track here. Back to the silver-eyes. You've got to channel these emotions if you want to bring it out. And know where to aim but that can come after you figure the first part."

"But I can't exactly do that on command," Ruby said. "Not unless you want me to go through all that again."

Lancer stayed quiet.

"Lancer!" Ruby, deservedly, sounded offended at the notion.

"It's how it usually is starting out." Lancer shrugged.

Chiron entered the room, having overheard the conversation. "That sounds like a horrible idea, Lancer."

"What, you got a better idea?"

"Ever heard of meditation? Or just entering the mindset of protecting someone? That's pretty much how your powers work."

"We're going to get there eventually," Lancer defended.

"So you were just planning on throwing miss Rose to the big bad wolves just to get her to activate it."

"It's how she did it the first time." Lancer raised her head. "Back me up here Rider."

Rider was in the other room. His voice was raised. "First of all, I do not approve the prospect of having Ruby go through all that. I'm even less approving that you'd think of letting my Master go through that just for her." After another second, he spoke again. "Hey, you're just trying to get ahead in the Grail War, aren't you?"

"No," Lancer said a little too quickly.

Ruby was fully awake now and was hammering Lancer with both her fists repeating "Meanie! Meanie!"

"Guess rage and anger isn't bringing it out either," Lancer said.

"You just said that protecting life is what brings it out," Chiron replied, shaking his head. "You are a horrible teacher, you know that?"

"Like you could do any better," Lancer said. Chiron was about to speak before Lancer spoke again. "Shut up."

"You might want to try it in a safer environment," Chiron suggested. "If Ruby does eventually learn her powers, I would rather we don't have a huge debt owed to Jekyll. Preferably, outside of the cities and out in the wilds."

"There's Brunswick farms," Rider said, still in that other room. "Apathy Grimm. Probably should clear that out while we're at it."

"Apathy?" Chiron asked.

"Drains people of emotions," Rider replied. "All of them. Makes everyone feel tired and exhausted. Next thing you know, they'll be asleep for the last time. A problem for any traveler really. Settlers thought it was a good idea to keep them because of the whole draining emotions bit. No emotions mean no Grimm, except them."

Ruby had her priorities. "Can we still save them."

"They've been asleep for years. All that malnutrition is going to get to them if the cold didn't. We weren't even in Beacon by the time they got there."

"How has nobody heard—wait. Never mind," Chiron. "I'm guessing even huntsmen would be affected by this."

"Depends on how their mindsets. Some get affected slower than others."

"What are you guys doing over there?" Ruby asked. She tried to look without moving from her spot. It was a comfy chair that she returned to.

It was Nora who came out. "Ta-da!"

Paper Pleasers all folded into perfect shapes. All of them were colored with some shaping out the letters that read: Congratulations, Headmaster Chiron!

Ruby turned to Chiron.

"I mean I saw it coming even without the clairvoyance," Chiron said. "None of you were subtle."

"Still worth it!" Nora declared.

"I'm not sure that they'll stay that way, Nora," Ren said. He turned to Rider. "Will they?"

"They'll be gone once I'm out of aura to keep them around or if we get too far."

"Yeah well, let's get this celebration out before we get out," Nora said.

Ruby caught Pyrrha smiling. Genuinely smiling. No. It was more of a distracting smile. Distracting herself.

"I'm flattered," Chiron said. "Really, I am. But we don't exactly have the luxury of time. The train ride isn't going to wait for you."

"Oh right," Rider said. "We might not have to pass by Brunswick Farms at all. You're keeping the Relic, right?"

"Keeping it close." Chiron tapped the Relic that hung on his side.

"Headmaster needs a deputy," Lancer said. "Whose yours?"

"Well—"

The sound of uncle Qrow spitting his drink caught their attention. It was followed by laughter.

"You?" Qrow said between wheezes. "Deputy headmistress?"

"I swear, Qrow," Raven said. Her voice seethed. "Keep that up and we'll have roasted crow for snacks, marinated in cheap liquor!"

Everyone in the house looked to Chiron, even Vernal.

"You asked who's my deputy," Chiron addressed Lancer. "Had Leo kept his deputy, I would have chosen them instead."

"But Raven, teacher?" Pyrrha asked. Even she didn't believe it.

"It keeps her close-by," Chiron explained. "So long as I don't give her too much paperwork."

"Aw man!" Qrow said coming into the room. "And I was about to ask for a photo. How 'bout this? Just get the stacks of papers and have her buried in it. It isn't the same but I can pretend."

Ruby had to do a double-take on Raven. She still wore her combat outfit for the most part but there was a clipboard in her hand and she wore a pair of glasses that weren't for her eyesight at all. She looked like she was poorly imitating professor Goodwitch.

"While the clipboard is practical, Raven," Chiron said. "But the glasses are unnecessary."

"I thought I'm supposed to command respect?"

"I intended for you to be the combat instructor," Chiron replied. "You could command respect there. Within reason."

Raven's eyes burned as she leapt for Qrow. He turned into a bird and flew away. Raven followed suit and the two fighting birds were making a mess of things. Nothing too drastic but they were like the worst pests that entered the house.

"Hey Rider," Nora asked. "You think the Paper Pleasers could fly as paper birds?"

"Whose side do you want them on?" Rider.

"Rider, no." Pyrrha took command as Master.

"Nora, no," Ren added.

Chiron snickered and mumbled something to himself.

Uncle Qrow and Raven continued their avian battle. Ruby opened the window. If those two were going to make more of a ruckus, they could do it outside. At least, they respected that wish.

"And for me?" Vernal asked suddenly. "What does the illustrious new headmaster of Haven have of me?"

Chiron gave it some thought. "I could use a janitor?"

"Hell no!" Vernal fumed. "You want to go, horseman? I'd throw down with a Servant."

"One move," Lancer said.

"Fool's bet," Rider replied. "One-half of a move."

"So long as you stay nearby." Chiron ignored the other two Servants. "It doesn't matter what your duty is. You're still Raven's anchor and I highly doubt that she would bond with me anytime soon."

"Finally," Vernal said. "I get to be away from these dorks."

"You're welcome," Ren said. "For every meal I've ever prepared."

"On second thought, what if I go with them, instead? You could probably bond with Raven well enough. She respects strength."

"No." Nora got between them. "You stay."

"Uh Rider?" Pyrrha didn't look like she liked the electricity forming around Nora. Ruby didn't like it either.

"We'll be fine," Rider assured them. "I think?"

"You think?"

Ruby didn't like that uncertainty either. "Lancer?"

"You seriously think that its serious?" Despite the mask, Lancer couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Tensions broke there, mostly. Among Servants, things were fine. Among non-Servants, not so much.

Chiron took this time to reclaim the conversation. "While those birds are out there, you all need to take the next train to Argus. Rider, I suspect that you will be the one to take any Bullhead to Atlas?"

"I mean, if Lancer wants to volunteer?"

"No." Lancer shook her head. "No Riding skill. Plus, not much for piloting myself."

"Very well, on the communications, use the code HJ-7. Atlas personnel should already be briefed on that coding and inform the general."

"Doctor Henry Jekyll?" Rider asked.

Chiron nodded. "He'll be expecting you at some point. All of you."

Eventually, Qrow and Raven's little spat was solved. Sort of. Qrow had been the last to turn back into a human since Raven still had some pecks on her face and a few feathers out of her mouth. By contrast, Qrow had small burnt patches peeking out of the sleeves and collar.

Rider and Lancer stayed in their spirit forms for the most part.

Two huntsmen were stationed specifically for the train. Dee and Dudley were their names. Those two approached their group.

"Huntsmen for Argus Limited," Dudley said. "You're looking at the prime protectors while we go through Grimm territory."

"Though." Dee recognized Pyrrha. "Maybe for a tip. We might just be protecting your car extra nicely. Wouldn't do to let the next generation go out early, no?"

Rider appeared then and there, rusted armor and broken sword. No helmet though. Dee and Dudley fell back.

"The hell?" Dudley's eyes focused on Rider as he helped his friend back up.

There was a taunting tone in Rider when he said, "semblance. Only makes me and what I hold invisible."

"What?" Dee chuckled nervously. "Wanting to play hero there, Rusted Knight? Even got a broken sword."

"Like a said, only makes what I hold invisible."

Emphasizing his point, there were scratch marks on the floor that weren't there before. That was fast.

"Alright, alright, we'll play nice." The two huntsmen got to their position.

When the they got to the train and on their car, and after making sure that no one else was around, Lancer materialized and said, "that's what huntsmen are like these days? I've heard of money grabbers, pays good, but still."

"Says a lot that I'm one of the better ones, huh?" Qrow said. "Don't get it twisted. I'm literally a bandit tribe member. Less than savory things should be the norm with folks like me."

"Not everyone who becomes a huntsman does it for good reasons," Rider said. He sounded irritated. "It's the Rusted Knight part of me, I guess. Seeing those that came after me becoming this just brings out my bad side."

Ruby was by the window seat. Rider's walking was the only thing breaking the silence. Everyone else was seated.

"You looking for something, Rider?" Pyrrha asked.

"If fuzzy memories served me right," Rider said. "This should be where we meet Lancer's living counterpart."

That got Lancer's attention. But she returned back to her seat. "I'd be old by this point. I'm probably gone by now."

"That's what I wanted to find out. Guess I'm not—actually, I'll stop right there."

Outside the window, the snowy fields filled Ruby's vision. Occasional snow-covered trees and hints of a settlement would dot these landscapes. Though the cool sheet of white looked to be a pleasant sight, one could only imagine the harshness living in those conditions were like.

Ruby's mind raced back to Mistral Below. That place full of poor unfortunate souls was already bad enough and they were in the capital. Out here, things might have gotten much worse. How do those people make it? Patch had the benefit of natural borders and a combat prep school to keep itself safe.

"Master." Lancer sat right in front of Ruby. "Something on your mind?"

"Just what to do next," Ruby. "It's funny. I was leader once. I had to be sure of what to do and command my teammates. Back then, since it was class, I guess I could make those mistakes. Now?" Ruby shook her head. "I haven't so much as given a command, not even you."

"With actual lives at risk, I take it." Lancer nodded. "Well, riskier. Safe isn't a word huntresses use unless there's make things that come before it."

"There's also this whole Grail War," Ruby added. "I just wanted to be a huntress, you know? Be a hero like my mom. Protecting people, seeing all the cool weapons, fighting Grimm like the cool huntress that I am."

"And I'd say you're doing a good job at it, kid. Even without the silver eyes."

"But now I'm fighting gods. Magic exists and I apparently have super eye powers."

"Mystic Eyes sound better, though."

Ruby had both eyebrows raised. "That actually sounds cool. You came up with it?"

"Yes, I did." Lancer puffed out her chest.

"No, she didn't," Rider said. "There are different kinds of Mystic Eyes, Ruby. Silver eyes is just one of many. There's one that turns everyone to stone."

"Excuse me." Lancer stood up. "Silver eyes could turn things to stone too, you know."

"Grimm mostly," Rider retorted. "And not all of them either. Most of the smaller ones get blasted away to nothing."

"Bah! Still stone."

Faint rumbling could be heard from outside. Then, there was darkness as the train entered the cave. Their car was mostly empty. Uncle Qrow had used this time to lay down and rest, recovering from his spat with Raven.

Ren used the free space to practice that martial arts of his, mostly the motions with a few imaginary opponents. Nora was bobbing her head to some tune no one but her could hear; she wasn't even wearing any earphones.

It was Pyrrha that took Ruby's attention. Ruby herself may have had one window seat but Pyrrha had the one on the other end. Pyrrha would occasionally rub her wrist or bite her lip. She would look into the rest of the car but that was more to look at Rider when she thought that he wasn't looking. She shook her head and mouthed words without any noise.

The darkness from outside turned back to white. They were out of the caverns. Muffled noises were heard for a moment that surprised everyone there, except the Servants. Everyone recognized those noises as gunfire. Grimm were attacking the train, triggering the defense mechanisms.

The turrets were crude and mostly automated but they were enough for now. Ruby was sure that someone else must have saw them for Rider had the Paper Pleasers among them as well.

Ruby honed her vision on the group. Lancer was nearby and was watching; she was there by the window, hand ready to open them. Ruby focused on them hard. Her cheeks puffed out as her body stiffened.

"Kid," Lancer said. "Take a break. You look more constipated than anything else."

She exhaled. "How else am I supposed to practice?"

"If I knew it was working I would have had you stop or opened the window." Lancer's hand left the window.

Outside, the Paper Pleasers continued their occasional assault on the nearby Grimm.

"You ever wondered what the other passengers are thinking right now?" Nora asked. "Seeing big, sentient paper just attacking the Grimm."

"They're probably recording it on their scrolls," replied Ren. He turned to Rider. "Should we be more public about this?"

"No one's enforcing it," Rider explained. "No Ruler or any other equivalent to tell me otherwise. Unless Master wants me to stop?"

"No." Pyrrha shook her head. "It's… it's protecting people. There isn't much risk for yo—us either."

Rider nodded and kept going. It was more the momentum that did the Grimm in than the strength of the Paper Pleaser. Since those familiars didn't require much in the way of aura, they were also kind off weak. Ruby could see the Paper's crumpling if they had struck the tougher skins. Some were burned before they had a chance to get there.

"Does it bother them?" Pyrrha then asked. "I mean they are burning."

"They're not the same as the genuine Paper Pleasers," Rider replied. "More like recreations of those people."

"Still," Pyrrha insisted. "They're sentient beings still, with their own feelings and thoughts, surely."

"I suppose so." Rider shrugged. "It's just that these guys are more a product of the Reality Marble. Phantoms without much of a presence. I guess that they're like robots with a program. Like one of those virtual assistants with quirky personalities ingrained into them. Copies of the real thing."

Ruby did not miss the slumping of Pyrrha's form and that look on her face. That was not the answer she was looking for. Does Rider even realize this? Or is Pyrrha taking it better than she showed? She didn't want to make assumptions but she also didn't want to take sides in this. They had to deal with the Grimm and the gods!

Then, they would have to deal with each other. Why can't they have a Grail War where everyone wins? Well, almost everyone. The bad guys definitely shouldn't win since their wants meant world destruction and Ruby, along with everyone else probably, didn't want that either.

She got of her seat and took Crescent Rose with her. "I'm going to clear out some air," she said. Double-checking her ammunition, she nodded and went off.

When distance was made between her and the rest of the group, Lancer had reappeared by her. She had vanished.

"You thinking of your friend there, Master?" Lancer lowered head to around Ruby's height. "I can tell you right now that Rider definitely noticed. He's dense. But I don't think he's that dumb."

"You think so?" Ruby asked. "It doesn't look like it."

"He's a Servant now. Rusted Knight, too."

"You and Rider keep saying that. Chiron too."

Lancer nodded. "Because we have different experiences. We see things differently. Some of us have full lives with not much else to want the Grail for, others are full of regret with too many things to ask the Grail for."

"Which one are you?" Ruby asked.

"Former," Lancer said. "Don't get me wrong, kid. I got regrets. My cocky attitude cost me my eyes once according to rusty boy back there. I love me my adventure but I could do without the reckless endangerment. This here already fills that purpose."

"So you really are planning on not wishing for the Grail?"

"If that's what my Master wants. Guess I do have another now that I think about it. To teach someone else about what I've learned. For however good that's been going for me."

Ruby laughed. "It's… not your fault. I-I'm just not a good student."

"Are you though? You got into Beacon two years early. That's got to count for something."

"Yeah because I stopped a crime from happening. And I still let the bad guy get away."

Did Torchwick survive the Grimm back when Beacon fell? Ruby couldn't remember. I remember he was eaten though.

"Means you got a good heart in your chest." Lancer patted Ruby's shoulders. "Naïve and young, but those things could change with time and experience. The core still stays the same: you like helping people."

"My mom helped people a lot. She's a real hero."

"I know."

"Is she really in this Throne thingy?"

"Us Silver-eyed warriors are pretty much there by default. You would too once you kick the bucket."

"But I'm not a hero!" Ruby denied it. "I haven't even done much yet."

"Yeah," Lancer returned. "Yet. Even if you hadn't kid, these eyes kind off marked you there already. Takes a different meaning to being born to the throne."

A sudden sound of an object falling on the train stopped their conversation. Ruby checked the side that was closest to the mountainside. There was nothing to worry about. For a moment, Ruby had thought that it would have been some kind of avalanche. Sense returned to her since that would have had some kind of rumbling that she would have felt.

It must have been some lone or stray rocks since there was another that followed. Ruby could see that somethings were falling off of the mountainside.

Ruby took a double take on the skies though. She had seen it before. "Lancer?"

"I know, Master," Lancer said. "You're not alone in thinking that. I can verify myself. Come on. Let's get back to the others."

They had haste behind their steps.

"Guys," Ruby said.

"We know," Rider replied. He had one of the Paper Pleasers wrapping something in his hand. Said Paper Pleaser was wrapping what appears to be some kind of toy, a chess piece. "Red King and his pawns. Well, more White King really. Maybe even some of the toy soldiers as well."

"They look too small," Lancer said. "You sure?"

"Dormant, maybe." Rider shrugged. "Light is setting his pieces and making sure that they are ready. Look." He pointed outside. "See those Grimm?"

Ruby followed in that direction. Shocking her, it seems that the Grimm are more intent on destroying these toys that have begun to fall than the turrets. Grimm have ignored their own safety in favor to dealing with the toys.

"As beings of Light," Lancer said. "They are naturally an antithesis to the Grimm, even more so than humanity."

"It's probably why they are placed outside the cities," Rider replied. "We haven't seen nor heard of this back in Mistral's cities."

The drizzle of chess pieces continued on for some time. By now, the people on the train are either talking about it or aren't paying attention. The huntsmen assigned here must be scratching their heads right about now.

"Shouldn't we do something about it?" Ruby asked. "Would they hurt anyone. Other than the Grimm anyway?"

Rider crushed the toy in his hand and threw the pieces outside. "Doesn't look like they do anything unless Light wants them too. But since the Grimm are focused on them right now and it seems that these pieces are away from the people, we can at least rest for now."

"Light still intends to win us back," Qrow said. "Seems about right. His problem ain't with all his creations, just you guys."

"But aren't Rider and Lancer part of Light's creations too?" Nora asked. "Considering who they are."

"Thieves," Ren said. "Light thinks the Throne are a bunch of thieves."

"Got it in one, kid." Lancer nodded. "Master here didn't feel it. But I did. Back against Berserker."

"So did I," Rider replied. "Be it as Rusted Knight of the Ever After or Jaune Arc of Remnant—though a different one—we're still connected to the god of light as part of his creations."

"Rider," Pyrrha said. Her eyes gave it away. "Please."

"Of course." Rider nodded. "Not here. I'm not about to go out there and draw him in. I may be Remnant's greatest hero—"

"Debatable," Lancer interjected.

"But even I'm not so sure about my chances against a god." Rider ignored it.

"If anything," Qrow added. "We're lucky." He chuckled to himself. "Luck." He shook his head. "Where was I? Right, we're actually lucky we met up with Chiron and the other Companion Servants. Imagine if anyone of us right now had died."

Everyone, baring Qrow and the Servants, tensed in that car. They were just students. Their licenses recognized them as professionals but they were still students. If anything, without much lessons and with the Grimm threat being small and infrequent, they're lagging behind.

"I'm going to go check on the rest of the train," Qrow offered. "You kids stay here. Servants, you already know what to do."

"Not an order from our Masters but sure," Lancer said. She turned to Ruby. "Master, mind if I open the window?"

"Why?"

Some shapes and lines on Lancer's weapons were glowing. "I'm not about to let Rider have all the fun."

"You call throwing glorified paper airplanes fun? I'm not even folding them myself nor am I throwing them with my own hands."

Lancer shrugged. "I've got to get some action done. I'd have gone up there and dealt with the Grimm too but they're so few."

"Alright," Qrow said. He opened the door. "See you kids later."

When Lancer opened the window, Ruby could see what it was that her Servant was trying to do.

"You do know you're using a scythe right?" Rider commented. He pointed in a direction. A paper javelin followed.

"Still a Lancer-class," Lancer replied. "They're just the most difficult throwing knives right now."

"That's more of an Assassin-class but okay." Rider pointed again.

"Oi." Lancer faced Rider. She had to be giving him an ugly eye behind that mask. "Stop getting my kills."

"Maybe if you aimed better." Rider had to be smug underneath that helmet.

The train ride was still monotonous for the most part. Qrow returned sometime after with expected news.

"They're ignorant," Qrow said. "Thinks that some whack job had a huge collection of toys somewhere up there and the house gave in."

"Who would live up there?" Ren asked. "It's hardly stable."

"You got a better explanation that isn't the truth or anything that we know?"

"Fair point." Ren returned to his seat to meditate.

Ruby looked towards the room. There were, all of them, distracting themselves with something since the train wasn't stopping anytime soon. There were still hours left.

She found her own spot. Just to be safe, she opened her window. Ruby stared and stared but held back any pouting.

Is there a name I'm supposed to invoke? Maybe some kind of chant? Ruby thought. To protect others. My emotions. Nope. I got nothing.

Ruby had to get it soon. She was certain that she had to.

Chapter Text

Thetis Nikos, mother of one Pyrrha Nikos, readied an image of herself and already lit the candle. She was the only one that wasn't surprised when murders have suddenly spiked in Argus. Similar patterns were had in the murders found in the other kingdoms and major settlements.

Chiron had informed her of this. When Pyrrha had gone to Beacon, that self-proclaimed horse faunus had little much else to do. He was always welcome in their household and it was there that Thetis had learned of this Grail War, of Assassin and the fate of Remnant itself. All of that was revealed to her once Pyrrha had left.

Part of Thetis wanted to scream at Chiron for just letting Pyrrha off to defend herself against literal gods. Another part of her realized that the danger would still come and in that alternate scenario, Pyrrha wouldn't have any means to defend herself.

Was it narcissistic of her that she already had that image of herself as though she had passed away? The end comes for everyone but not everybody prepares it for it in this manner. Usually, the loved ones would be doing that. But with Pyrrha probably wouldn't make it in time, from what she heard of Chiron's informants.

Should she run? Where would she run to? God of light is far too focused on ensuring all of Remnant reverts back to where this Voyager never came. But Thetis couldn't picture a better teacher for Pyrrha than Chiron. She couldn't see any other future where her daughter isn't a huntress.

Thetis chuckled. She could still see it. Those training days where her young daughter was eating dirt from her spars with Chiron. Chiron would teach her all the things that she did wrong, both in theory and in practice.

Young Pyrrha's eyes had that competitive spark to it. She thrived on that challenge and eventually achieved that status of Invincible Girl. Thetis also saw how Pyrrha soon detested that title as competitors didn't match that same spirit with some already quitting before the match began.

She still remembered the harsh lesson that Chiron had taught Pyrrha. Thetis still remembered the entire conversation.

"Grimm won't care about fairness," he had said. "They will claw at you, beat you, and use everything that they have to maul you to pieces."

"But they aren't Grimm, teacher," young Pyrrha had reasoned.

"Then perhaps they should reconsider becoming huntsmen at all."

"Teacher!"

"I mean it. Honor is good, ideal even when facing against other opponents, human or faunus. But your main enemy aren't other huntsmen, are they? You are, and the rest of your peers, training to defend civilization against monsters that care not for it. Had they been fighting to become the best competitive fighters with no intention of becoming huntsmen, then perhaps it is fair. Are they only interested in becoming sportsmen?"

"I… don't think so?"

"Then, they should use every tool at their disposal. I taught you how to shoot when enemies are far. I taught you to use your spear, both as throwing javelin and melee weapon, to control the distance. I taught you the sword when they closed that distance. I taught you to use your shield both for offense and defense. And I taught you Pankration should you be out of weapons."

"Can you tell me more about this other student of yours? I want to know more about Achilles."

"Changing topic are we? Alright. But only because you're resting right now. Afterwards, it's back to running."

Thetis laughed at how predictable her daughter was. Perhaps it was because Pyrrha is her daughter. Pyrrha did make friends though, that is what matters. She found that competitive spirit again and friends who would stick by her side and probably even give her a run of her money.

Is it a bad thing that I'm happy that my daughter could finally lose? Not in this Grail War, no, but in regards to competition.

Thetis sat on a chair and waited. If Assassin were to come, then they would come. She didn't want to be a distraction nor a burden to either Chiron and Pyrrha. There is no denying that they would find some way to keep her safe. But doing so would put the rest of Remnant at risk.

No. She shook her head. No justifying this. She closed her eyes for a minute.

A sound woke her up immediately.

The slightest noise took her attention. Said noise hastened their footsteps whenever Thetis correctly guessed where they were. Knowing what was to come, her senses were heightened.

"You could come out, you know," Thetis said. "There is no use hiding it, Assassin. I know who you are, and your Master."

Assassin appeared by the doorway to the kitchen. Poor girl. Red hair and with clothes far too poor, had she not been part Grimm, Thetis would have offered her some food or drink with that pale skin and sunken features.

She still did. "I have some olives in the fridge. I could probably come up with something if you like?"

"Vanilla no! Vanilla no!"

Sheep's Clothing. A skill named after predatory animal's evolutionary adaptation of mimicry. Allowing predators to get close to or to lure in their prey. For Assassin, that kind of mimicry had to have been the last voices spoken by its victims, an attempt of mimicking human speech.

But Thetis could see the face on Assassin. "Your Master isn't very kind, is he?"

"Vanilla no! Vanilla no!"

"It's not our fault, you know? We never asked for this Grail War or this Throne of Heroes to be a thing here. But the fact of the matter is that it's here now, seems a bit harsh that your Master wants to erase everything and start over if that was the case."

"Vanilla no! Vanilla no!" Assassin then fell to her knees. She looked like she was having a headache.

"I'm sorry," Thetis said. "But I cannot give you the end you seek. Only your opposition can."

Assassin stood back up. The room then turned cold as Assassin's body began to form a layer of cold mist.

"Your Noble Phantasm?" Thetis said. "I'm honored that you would use something like that for little old me."

Assassin's hand opened.

"Just one favor. I want you to pass a message for me."

Assassin lunged. It was the only time that she could say anything else. "Noble Phantasm: Poppy Flower."

"I'm proud of you, Pyrrha."

/-/

The lifeless form of the woman lay on the floor, contented and happy.

"Nonsense," said Master. "Had they truly been free of guilt, they would never have associated with these Heroic Spirits in the first place. Eat, Assassin."

Assassin said nothing and complied. Master hadn't been giving Assassin any energy lately. Too focused on his toys.

"You are a Servant, Assassin, and a creation of my brother's making. You do not feel. You do not question. You are driven and motivated only by that desire to kill just as any of my brother's creation. It is only by my intervention that you have any modicum of restraint."

It didn't stop Assassin from that ugly feeling. Assassin didn't like the holes Assassin was making.

"Continue to feed yourself. I will have much time to prepare. And with these disobedient children being blind and ignorant on top of it, I will have to make up for the losses that we already have thanks to brother dearest's creations."

There was a bitterness in Master's voice. Master didn't like it when his brother creates.

Assassin could only look at the woman.

"I'm proud of you, Pyrrha," Assassin mimicked.

/-/

The headmaster's desk splintered. Chiron's head was buried in his hands.

"What's gotten into you?" Raven asked.

Chiron shook his head. He took a deep breath and sighed. After agonizing minutes of silence, he said, "let's get back to work." He mumbled to himself.

Raven raised an eyebrow. The hell was that?

/-/

"Hey, Jaune," Ruby asked. "Was Argus always this quiet?"

"Not…" Rider hesitated. He didn't even correct her. "Not this time of year."

"It can't be the fall of Beacon," Pyrrha added. "Could it?"

"Not in my time either, Pyr." He didn't correct himself either.

Lancer looked around. Argus, while not exactly a ghost town, didn't have the highest number of people walking around. There were a few but they were always in groups, always wary of lonely travelers and especially towards unattended children. They looked in street corners and alleyways before crossing. When they do, they hurried their steps.

Paying attention to their surroundings, Lancer stepped forward. "We're not going to get anything standing around here, gawking. Rider."

"We could stay at Saph's place. I can guide you guys there." He then vanished into spirit form.

"Rider?" Pyrrha asked.

There was a silent conversation that was had.

It seemed like the Master gave in. "Alright. Follow me, guys."

Pyrrha Nikos led the way. Her back was to them so Lancer couldn't get a read on her.

Qrow leaned in and whispered. "Heroic Spirit business?"

Pyrrha heard them. "No. Saphron and Terra may not have known about Jaune's death but he's not willing to take that chance, especially if their father did come here at some point. He wouldn't want to appear in front of them alive and a little older so suddenly."

Everyone else understood but Lancer noticed that mumble.

"Hey," Nora asked. "Didn't you say that you were from Sanctum? That's around here isn't it? I'm surprised you and Jaune haven't met before Beacon."

"It's just Jaune's sister and in-law that live here. At best, he visits." Pyrrha was shaking her head. "Rider, you could just keep the helmet. Or we could get a hood." Seconds past. "I mean; I guess so? No. That's actually fair."

"Can't keep it a secret, kid?" Qrow asked. "If you'd like, I can stay out most nights. Got to be lonely always looking out tonight."

Pyrrha sighed. "It's more the risk that comes with the Grail War. It's hard enough that they lost their little brother once, Rider's not sure if they could bear losing him a second time."

"I promise I'll win it quick," Lancer said.

"Lancer!" Ruby chastised.

"Sorry," Lancer replied. "Bad joke, I know. But somebody needs to lighten the mood around here. Place doesn't look too happy at all."

Lancer nearly cracked her neck turning so suddenly. She focused on the roofs. There wasn't any movement but she felt certain that there had been someone following them then. God of light was still messing with the skies. But there weren't any of those toys anymore, not in the cities anyway.

"We're only here to stay for one night," Qrow said. "Come tomorrow, we're headed straight to Atlas."

"I know," Pyrrha replied. "But Jaune's sister's place is big enough to house us, and I can testify that myself. My place isn't that big."

"You don't want to see your mom?" Qrow asked. "Sorry if I'm opening any family wounds. I know how that feels."

Pyrrha chuckled. "Thank you for the concern, mister Branwen. But I'm actually on good terms with my mother. If you don't mind, I actually plan on seeing her after we settle down. It isn't the best moment, but maybe I could introduce you to her?"

"Yeah," Lancer answered for them all. "Look forward to it."

Both Qrow and Lancer shared looks. The kids probably didn't notice it or they actually did but didn't comment. Pyrrha was shaking right now. She was uncertain, slightly hunched, stiff strides, and hands constantly trying to warm themselves. Had her back not been towards them, Lancer would have seen the shifting of eyes as she looked around her.

Lancer took this time to look around. Argus' streets were clean. No trashes and no bums nor beggars out here. Either this place was one of the best places on Remnant or something had happened to the people here. Lancer was inclined to believe the latter.

Assassin? Lancer thought darkly. Light's direction did lead to Argus but Assassin's works left trails. There were none here. Atlas influence? Wouldn't put it past them to put away the bodies, death and decay has got to attract the Grimm alongside the health problems. Now that I think about it, is that stickler still there? Not this life but still. One time. She brought peanuts one time. Airship food was horrible!

"Is this it, Rider?" Pyrrha asked.

Lancer whistled at the sight. The place has got to be three-stories tall. For a home for a woman, her wife, and their kid, it's quite spacious. Then again, most of that space had to be for guests, or rather visiting family members.

There was a flower garden facing the streets. There was evidence of them being healthy but there were signs of decay there as well. It wasn't the weather nor the climate that did this. There was care put into this but that had waned in recent times.

The lights were open but none could see any silhouette. There were faint sounds that could be heard: a baby or a small toddler.

Pyrrha was the brave soul that took that first step. She stepped to the door and knocked on it.

"Coming!" a female voice was heard. It was followed by a baby's babble.

The door opened and the group were greeted by a blonde woman, Jaune's sister, no doubt about it; she even had the same eyes.

Rather than welcome them immediately, Jaune's sister looked to them with suspicion. The child in her arms was furthest away from them; she was protecting the child, readying for the first chance of getting the child to safety.

Lancer and the rest waited for Pyrrha. "Saphron Cotta-Arc?"

"Yes." Her eyes narrowed on Pyrrha. There was no recognition there. "Can I help you people?"

Pyrrha sighed. "I'm Pyrrha Nikos. Jaune's partner."

Saphron's hold on Adrian had relaxed. Her eyes went wide and began to shine as the first sign of tears began to form.

"Come in," she managed to say. It sounded weak. "Please, come in."

"I'm really sorry," Pyrrha said. "For the loss of your brother."

Saphron sobbed. "I'm sorry too, for the loss of your partner. He talked about how he had a great partner, you know. But he never once told me who she was."

"I see," Pyrrha said. "He didn't have to. I'm used to it."

"What do you—oh, Pumpkin Pete cereal girl?"

There was a bitter chuckle. "Yeah. I'm guessing you didn't recognize my tournament history?"

"Tournament history? No, not really." Saphron shook her head. "We never really got too involved in the sportsmanship of you huntsmen."

"Oh." That brought a smile to Pyrrha for some reason. Lancer managed to hear the mumble. "That's explains a few things actually."

"Are you all his friends?" she asked.

"Ren and Nora are teammates," Ruby answered as she gestured to the two. "I'm just a fellow team leader. My team isn't here though. These two are my uncle and… auntie. Different sides of the family."

It was good thing that Lancer didn't act on that cover story. Qrow knew how to play along.

"I can see that you take after your auntie a lot," Saphron gave them her warmest smile. Yet, it came across as grieving cold. "What with the hood and cape. You just need the mask."

"Yeah well it's uh… tradition of sorts? I actually got the idea from my mom who did this."

"Oh, I see."

Saphron guided them in.

To the left, there were the kitchens. To the right, there was a staircase that led to the upper floors. Inside, there were more colors with a warmer ambiance. From what Lancer could make out, most of the activity would be had down here with how spacious the place was. The living room was here. The dining room was here. Odds are, the upper floors were mostly bedrooms for the guests and family members.

Apparently, there was a backyard since Lancer could see a door on the other side that had some tree branches peeking in. The place was full of color and reminded Lancer more of Vale than Mistral or Atlas with these colors.

"Please, take a seat," Saprhon said. "You people must be tired from your journey. I don't have much but I could probably come up with something."

"No, it's fine," Pyrrha insisted. "We're the ones intruding and we're only staying for one night. We… thought that if it didn't reach you yet, we might as well be the ones to tell you. Though, it seems that you already know."

Saphron sighed and put her baby down on the floor. The baby then proceeded to crawl towards them. He was a trusting one by the looks of it. Maybe he trusts Pyrrha since she was tthe celebrity.

"His name is Adrian," Saphron said. "And yes, we did know. Our dad actually came to visit us as soon as after the loss of the CCT. Our whole family had been here, actually."

Saphron faced towards the living room. Lancer leaned her head and saw a picture there. Lancer didn't need to confirm whose picture it was.

A sound was heard on the roofs; it sounded heavy.

"Excuse me," Lancer said.

"Be careful out there," Saphron said with a hint of sudden worry. "Things… things haven't been easy around here, and I'm not talking about the loss of Jaune either."

"I'm a huntress, ma'am," Lancer replied. "I can handle it."

"Lan—auntie Lancer," Ruby said. "Don't get too cocky out there."

"Come on now, my dear niece." Lancer had her arms out wide. "You know my semblance. Nothing is going to get past my notice."

"Still."

Lancer stepped out through the backyard. True to her suspicion, Lancer found Rider there on the roof. He kept himself hidden as he stood behind as much cover as he could. No one would be able to figure him out unless they themselves went on the roofs of nearby buildings. He was in that princely outfit of his.

"So," Lancer said. "Mana transfer for your thoughts?"

Rider took a moment to process that. "That is a horrible currency."

"Excuse me?" She had her hands on her hips.

"You know what I mean."

"No, I don't think I know what you mean."

"Then think about it. You're old enough to be my grandma."

"Eh." Lancer shrugged. "Considering you, you're old enough to be my grandpa's grandpa."

She took her seat next to him. Inches away from him, Lancer didn't want to ruin that outfit; it looked nice and really was fitting for a prince. She may be a battle-hardened heroic spirit but she was still a woman and had a modicum of taste for dresses and Rider dressed well.

"You know you're not an Archer right?" Lancer raised an eyebrow at Rider's intense staring of the horizon.

"Argus wasn't like this when we arrived."

"You were also alive, too."

"Not that. The city. Everyone is tense."

"We're in a Holy Grail War, Rider. All that rust got into your head?"

"Yet, Assassin has yet to make any moves. The population is still mostly the same, as if Assassin stopped."

Lancer stayed quiet. She wanted to say that Assassin left but she herself didn't believe that. Instead, she asked, "and how can you tell the population numbers?"

"The Origami Acre," Rider explained.

"Ah. Your Reality Marble." Lancer understood. "Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."

"If we're being pedantic, it's strangers are just paper you haven't made yet."

"Lan—auntie Lancer!" Ruby called out from below. "We're going to drop by Pyrrha's mom's place. Saphron says you should come with!"

"Well, I might as well go back." Lancer stood back up. "Can't stay out here for too long lest I want your sister to go out here and find me."

"I'll look out for now," Rider said. He soon vanished from sight.

Lancer made a superhero landing. "So," she asked. "What's this about visiting family, kid?" Luckily for her, Lancer could play the part easier since she doesn't always refer to Ruby as her Master, kid just comes naturally.

"You see." Ruby looked towards the house. They were still there and could overhear. "Pyrrha actually has family of her own, and she's been thinking of seeing her at least. Argus hasn't been doing well actually."

Assassin. Lancer was sure of it. She heard movement from the roofs. It wasn't subtle; that was Rider.

"And Saphron insisted that either you or uncle Qrow," Ruby continued. "Being the experienced huntsmen and huntress that you both are should accompany."

"Well, if that's what my niece wants." Lancer made sure to raise her voice. "I guess it's just what the favorite auntie should do!"

"Your competition is a rodent," Qrow returned.

"Well," Lancer said to Ruby. "Let's go kid. Sooner we get this done, the sooner we can hit the hay."

Making their way back out, Pyrrha was there by the door waiting for them. She was looking towards the roofs. She nodded to someone up there.

Walking back out into the streets of Argus, the trio noticed an empty park. Pyrrha seemed to focus on it.

"Pyrrha?" Ruby asked. "Anything wrong?"

"Apparently," Pyrrha replied. "Rider said that there was a statue of me here. I was the pride of Argus that they made sure I was remembered."

Lancer whistled. "You still could have it up if you want, kid."

Pyrrha shook her head. "No. I'm no heroine. No, Rider. I'm not. Huntress, yes. But no heroine."

Lancer chose to stay quiet on that. Ruby did too. Whatever conversation those two were having were their own.

The night was cool. Remnant's broken moon hung over them and the skies veiled Argus as though nothing was wrong. Homes were still lit but all curtains were closed or down. Lancer could only make out the silhouettes moving inside their homes, entering and exiting the window's frame as they passed.

"So," Ruby opened again. "Jaune's family huh. Turns out he wasn't the only one who didn't recognize you."

"To be fair," Pyrrha replied, there was a hint of a warm smile there, though weak. "I think Jaune is the only one who wanted to be a huntsman. Saphron his other sisters didn't sound like the kind who would keep up with competitive fights."

"But you were on the cereal and Jaune ate those. He sent fifty box tops for a hoodie. Man!" Ruby had her arms out. "It would have been cute to see it!"

"You never saw it? It was cute, had a bunny rabbit on it."

"He always had that stupid chest plate on it. Who even uses armor in this day and age anyway? We got aura."

"Jaune got in by forged transcripts. There's also Cardin who wore full plate armor."

"I stand by what I said. Who wears them?"

"I mean, I'm wearing a few too."

"So? Why do you use them?"

"In my defense. Having the extra armor grants me better mobility with my semblance. I could just manipulate the metal on my armor."

"Okay." Ruby conceded. "At least you make sense."

Pyrrha's eyes went to the back of her head. She addressed them again saying, "apparently Jaune only put more armor as time went on."

"I mean; he became the Rusted Knight didn't he? He probably put more in the Ever After."

Those had been the wrong choice of words. Pyrrha's face lost whatever little color they had and now her eyes look dead. "Yeah." Even her voice got weak again. "Many years waiting, all alone."

"Was it something I said?" Ruby looked like she was panicking. "What do you mean waiting?"

"There was a time fruit, he went back in time. It's how he met with Alyx and had those adventures. Spent years just waiting for when you and the rest of team RWBY to arrive."

"We fell to the Ever After too?"

Pyrrha nodded. "But you all came back, eventually. And well, we already know what happens next, even if Rider's memories of that point onward are hazy."

Their walk soon stopped as they reached a house. It had a pleasant enough view of the ocean while still here in the cities. Lancer could see hints of the backyard; there were evidences of it being used as training. This was definitely Pyrrha's home.

"Rider," Pyrrha asked. "If… if it isn't too much to ask, could I ask that you be present? Just for me?"

There was a minute of silence. Pyrrha had a longing look towards the distance. Then, Rider appeared in his princely outfit.

Rider looked conflicted and suspicious of his surroundings. He still gave her some reassurance.

"I—I'll ask mom if she could cover for you," Pyrrha promised. "I'm really sorry."

"It's alright. I've said it to her once and I'll say it again in front of you if I have to."

Pyrrha took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

There was no answer.

"Is your mom out?" Ruby asked.

"With what's been going on in Argus." Pyrrha knocked again. "She would have to ask the neighbors to accompany her. Or any of her friends really."

"No father, kid?" Lancer asked.

"Dad passed away." Pyrrha sighed. "I was a young girl that time. He got sick and never recovered."

Pyrrha knocked on the door again. Still there was no answer. She knocked again, this time calling out to her mother.

Rider pulled Pyrrha back.

"Rider?" Pyrrha asked.

Rider turned to Lancer. Lancer nodded. Lancer turned to Ruby and said, "get in front of me, Master. You too, Pyrrha. We'll keep you both in the middle."

Pyrrha panicked.

Rider took hold and turned the doorknob. The door opened.

"Mom wouldn't forget to lock the door," Pyrrha said.

Rider's clothes changed to his Rusted Knight. Shield front and sword back.

Lancer held out a kama in each hand and made sure that the two Masters were in them.

Rather than walk inside, Rider shuffled his way in. He refused to let the balance of his stance get toppled. So far, nothing much was too out of place. The lights were left on. Some appliances weren't shut off.

"Mom wouldn't leave anything like this," Pyrrha said. "She gets a little mad when we leave it on, especially the water."

Pyrrha's head was turning left to right and back. Her breathing hastened and she begun to shake.

"Something's wrong," she realized. "Mom! Mom!"

Then, there was a chilling presence that filled this room. Rider and Lancer's eyes all went towards the kitchen. They saw Assassin there. She was pulling her own hair as she seemed to be in terrible pain.

A knife appeared in Assassin's hand and pointed towards them.

Rider would have been the first to move if it wasn't for Lancer getting between the two Servants first.

"Lan—" Rider called out.

"Assassin is Grimm-kind." Lancer cut him off. "Keep my Master safe, yeah?"

Rider took a moment before he nodded. "Alright. Master, Ruby, stay close."

Ruby and Pyrrha drew their weapons. The latter's eyes were burning with anger.

"What did you do, Assassin?" Pyrrha demanded.

Assassin struggled to speak. A voice, too mature for a child's, came out. "I'm proud of you, Pyrrha."

For a moment, Lancer and Rider lowered their weapons.

Pyrrha was the first to break the silence. "That's mom's voice. How did you get her voice?" Her own was rising in volume. "Answer me, Assassin!"

"I'm proud of you, Pyrrha," Assassin repeated in that same tone and mannerism as well. "I'm proud of you, Pyrrha."

Rider held Pyrrha back.

Lancer stepped forward, weapons ready.

Assassin leapt out of the open window and was on one of the roofs.

Lancer followed suit and paused. Assassin didn't move from her spot. Lancer's kama's made sparks as the blade scrapped across the ground. Assassin clutched her own chest.

"I'll make it quick, yeah?" Lancer said. She crouched low.

Assassin took a breath. "I'm proud of you, Pyrrha." Assassin fled.

Assassin was back on the floor. Some of the houses have begun to shout. As far as they know, Grimm have entered Argus.

"Like I'm letting you get away," Lancer said. She leapt and hurriedly followed Assassin.

The skies above them darkened with the unnatural lightning flashing once more. God of light was watching closely.

Assassin was leaping across the buildings. Not once did she look back nor did she make any attempt at any attacks.

More were alerted of Grimm being in the city. The alarms have begun to blare and Atlas' paladins have begun to deploy. Not one living thing were among the first batch of Argus' defenders. They were remotely controlled and moved in stiff, straight lines.

Assassin made use of these machines to hold Lancer back. Lancer made a mental apology as she slashed the paladin in her way. But considering the up-tight prune stationed here, it was less an apology for the damage she's causing and more an apology for her weapons being wasted.

The distance between them grew. Yet, Assassin was still running. She paused and appeared to be in wretched pain, forcing her to circle back. Lancer moved to intercept.

Blades clashed against blade. Assassin had the nimble mobility. Lancer could tell where everything was exactly.

Both Servants avoided the buildings. Both Servants avoided the civilians. Assassin avoided the Masters. God of light was forcing Assassin to go against the Masters.

Whatever conversation Assassin was having against her Master was one of arguments. A Servant was rebelling her Master.

Assassin then put some distance between them. She was panting. Lancer barely broke a sweat.

Servants' eyes locked on one another. Then, Assassin fled. She continued towards the walls of Argus.

"Lancer!" Ruby called out. Pyrrha and Rider were right behind her. "Rider will boost my aura for better recovery, but we'll stay as close as we can."

Lancer nodded and followed Assassin.

Assassin made it past the borders of the wall. Lancer soon followed.

For a Grimm-kin, Assassin sure cares about civilian casualties. The prejudice in Lancer's Spirit Origin was showing. Must be the human part of it.

Chapter Text

Rider brought Pyrrha and Ruby to the borders of Argus' walls. While Ruby was focusing on those meditative techniques, Rider placed his hand on Ruby's shoulders.

"Focus on meditating, Ruby," said Rider. He then turned to Pyrrha. "Master?"

"I'll be fine," Pyrrha said. Her face was resolute. "Just make sure that Assassin is dead after this."

Ruby saw that anger. She nodded. She won't say anything about Pyrrha's current state. Had Ruby known her own mother for as long, she probably would be the same.

/-/

Lancer and Assassin stood meters away from each other. Lancer felt the sudden surge from her Master's aura reserves. Aura Amplification. Rider was amplifying Ruby's aura, focusing on recovery. It won't be enough to outlast against the god of light. But that simply means that Lancer would have to end Assassin soon.

Assassin moved to the side, looking to get past Lancer. Lancer side-stepped, ensuring that she will always be between Assassin and Lancer's Master. Rider may be capable of defending one or the other but definitely not both. Assassin would separate them, no doubt about it.

"Sorry," Lancer said. "But I'm not about to let anyone come to my Master. Even if yours is the reason I exist. Grail War rules, you see? And no, I'm not about to make another contract with your Master. I've got to have some honor or I'm not fit to call myself a hero."

Assassin stayed still. Then, she nodded and appeared satisfied. Her daggers spun many times and ended with Assassin holding it in a reverse grip. "I'm proud of you, Pyrrha."

"So be it, then?" Lancer guessed. "Yeah, so be it."

They were out in the open field. Grass, leaves, and branches swayed in the breeze. Lancer readied both her weapons. Assassin drew another dagger.

Surprisingly, Assassin had been the first to strike. Out here in the open, a direct confrontation wasn't the best option. Yet, Assassin chose to take the first shot.

Lancer's Preflexes allowed her some leniency of reaction speed. If it wasn't that, the sudden chilling of her immediate surroundings helped alert her on that. Lancer took a few steps back and began to swing.

Daggers sparked as they looked for a way past the blades of the Lancer's kamas.

Lancer spun and spun as her weapons' weight was primarily away from her own hands. It made her predictable but her Preflexes prevented that. In this more youthful body, she was at her physical peak, made only better in part of being a Heroic Spirit.

The other benefits of her weapon also came into play. Her kamas could be attracted to one another like magnets that she could control. Lancer threw one kama to the distance while the other continued to fight. Holding it on two hands made it easier to wield and faster to swing.

Hit and run. That was the primary fighting style of Maria Calavera and fitting for the Lancer class. Controlling the distance was Lancer's main advantage.

With kamas coming and to from two different distances and areas, Lancer controlled the open battlefield with finesse, overcoming Assassin's agility and smaller physical frame.

By contrast, Assassin couldn't hope to win in a direct confrontation. Dirty tricks were had as the frosty air about Assassin wasn't just for intimidation. Layers of frost and snow were slowly forming by Assassin's footsteps, melting into water before freezing again, creating patches of ice.

Lancer kept her distance and took note of when and where to step. Assassin's tricks and deceptions meant little against Preflexes, especially out here in the open field. Still, Assassin was sporadically covering the small field in ice.

Lancer realized another intent later. The melted ice also led to muddy ground. Lancer's steps on that mud would slow her down and made the ground uneven. Flat stones proved slippery and the growing mud would mean that her flying kamas didn't have the most solid landing.

Up-close, Assassin stayed inches away from Lancer's body while Lancer used her knees, feet, and hands to keep Assassin away. Those daggers were dangerous once Assassin got past Lancer's blades.

Reversing her usual tactic, Lancer used her kamas' repulsion to force that distance. Lancer took one breath of relief. She was still between Assassin and Argus. No Grimm had yet entered the field. There weren't any nearby.

But there was one thing that Lancer felt: chess pieces were drizzling down. Their numbers were small and were currently nothing more than mere toys. But even in this passive state, Lancer could feel that her balance and footing were disturbed.

Above them, the skies darkened with an unnatural darkness. Thunder rumbled and lightning revealed Assassin's Master watching from that heavenly domain.

Lancer exhaled. The kama on the ground caught her as she pulled herself towards it. But the muddying ground nearly made her slip. She flipped and pulled the kama out of it.

Assassin kept her aggression, unfitting for her class. But it was fitting for a Grimm, in Lancer's biased eyes.

The skill, Grimm Reaper, allowed Lancer to find Assassin's weaknesses. Assassin's was no different from any other humanoid. Being Poppy, there wasn't much in the way of physique that afforded Assassin much in the way of combat. The Grimm part is what was carrying Assassin.

Lancer nearly beheaded Assassin. But Assassin's dagger got between the neck and Lancer's blade. Assassin still moved along the momentum.

Assassin violently skipped across the muddying ground then rolled to recover. Mud got all over her pauper's clothing and her hair had been messed up. Assassin blew aside the hair that got in the way of those Grimm eyes.

Assassin raised her head and nodded. She then fled into the woods.

Before chasing after Assassin, Lancer checked her Master's aura reserves. Manageable even at the distance that Assassin wanted.

Lancer threw one kama past Assassin. Assassin turned back and was surprised to see Lancer barreling towards her.

Not the only one with the speed, kid, she thought. The kama in her hand was already in mid-swing.

Assassin jumped and avoided the blades. She dashed further and hopped from tree to tree until she reached the tree tops.

These trees are going to make it hard. Lancer observed her surroundings. Her wild swinging was limited here.

As expected, Lancer's movements were restrained. Preflexes may have afforded her a sense of her surroundings but that didn't mean her habits were going to adapt along with it.

Throwing knives flew towards Lancer. Her kamas spun vertically. Horizontal swings put her blades at risk of getting stuck in the trees. She could cut them down but the tree trunks were thick and would also get in the way.

Assassin hopped from tree to tree, throwing knives like she had an unlimited supply. Assassin probably does.

One kama flew towards a direction and buried itself to a tree. Lancer held the other kama with both hands. Now, she could swing with greater control.

Lancer's weight made her less agile than Assassin. Not only that, but Lancer was also fighting Assassin on the latter's terms. Assassin ruled this arena with only Lancer's Preflexes allowing her to compete.

A smaller frame meant that Assassin could fit into smaller locations. Those frosty patches she leaves behind were also hazards once they started melting and before they dried. Branches were capable of supporting Assassin's weight, a luxury that Lancer does not have.

However, Lancer wasn't just chasing Assassin. She was also making her own plans.

With a tap on her held kama, Lancer pulled herself towards the one buried deep in the tree. The gravitational force pulled that kama free.

Assassin could only avoid one in time and only barely; she chose the kama coming from the tree. Lancer was spinning when she struck Assassin. The added momentum and direction forced Assassin down and disturbed the soil and some rock.

Because of the momentum, Lancer kept moving until she herself begun her descent. Her feet braced the thick trunk as she jumped off of it, her kama's blade poised to pierce the ground.

Assassin rolled and jumped away. The layer of frost broke like water having begun to freeze solid.

More daggers flew. None of them aimed at Lancer. Instead, they flew to cut off the thin branches of the trees.

Hardly worth an annoyance, Lancer didn't bother remove the branch that landed on her shoulders. Lancer closed in. The branch flew away.

Assassin kept moving. Assassin kept cutting down the thin branches. There was hardly worth much effort and Lancer's movement was hardly affected. Even Assassin avoided those branches.

Metal clashed with metal. Sparks begun to fly as metal kept clashing with increasing, violent intensity.

Those sparks then came for the branches. The first sign of a fire sprung to life. Lancer soon realized Assassin's intent. Branches were surrounding Lancer.

Lancer made her attempt to move. But Assassin's throwing knives forced her to stay there. More branches fell with those already fallen being thrown and fed to the growing fire. More sparks flew and started more fires.

The trees were too distant from each other to start any forest fire.

Lancer noticed another intent: Assassin was creating layers of frost around the ring of fire, melting into puddles and creating mud. More patches of snow soon made that the melting water was too much for the ground to absorb.

Throwing one kama out, Lancer pulled herself out of the ring of fire.

Lancer spun one kama behind her, repelling the thrown daggers headed her way. Lancer didn't need to turn around. Assassin already took out the flames, surrounding herself in a slippery sheet of ice, turning into muddy water.

Beneath the mask, Lancer smirked. The blades of her kamas retracted back, turning them into fancy-looking walking sticks.

Lancer's weapons, now more of a blunt tool, were easier to handle. The weight was better distributed as the blades compacted across the stick. Closer to smaller hammers, Lancer dashed for Assassin, hopping just before the muddied ground.

Without the threat of the blade, Assassin no longer needed to worry too much about trying to get into Lancer's space. However, now Assassin had to deal with the entirety of Lancer's weapon. Now turned into combat batons, Lancer's effective striking range was greater. The power behind Lancer's strikes were greater with the weight redistributed.

Lancer had greater control of movement now. She even switched her fighting style to accommodate. No longer swinging widely, Lancer made use of jabs and sword-like slashes. Less spinning also meant that she exposed her back less, an exploit that Assassin was frustrated of losing.

Dagger locked with baton. Lancer held both the weight and the leverage as she was forcing Assassin on her back.

Assassin broke free by kicking Lancer in the shin.

Unaffected by the knives flying her way, Lancer kept the pressure on as she kept closing the distance Assassin was making. The frosty layers couldn't come fast enough to slow her down.

Only the trees provided cover as Assassin's smaller frame gave her better fitting in-between them.

But Lancer wasn't about to fall behind. She too bounced from tree to tree though not quite as fast.

Knives kept raining down. A storm of knives went in Lancer's direction as Assassin hopped behind the trees for cover. Lancer may not get her weapon's stuck but she couldn't get past the thickness of those trees.

Branches broke and fell. Leaves were raining down just as much as deflected knives.

Lancer gasped as she deflected another set of knives. Curves? Forks? Sinkers? These knives were being flung like baseballs.

Sparks flew in-between them. Assassin's thrown knives were hitting against the ones Lancer deflected.

Assassin kept circling. Assassin was inching further.

Lancer knew what was coming. Her Preflexes warned her of that. But she couldn't do much about it. Assassin was pushing herself and forcing Lancer into unfavorable positions. The tree branch Lancer was on soon gave way from the deflected knives chipping away their connection to the tree.

A kama's blade went back as Lancer slowed her own descent. Assassin was running again.

The night meant nothing against Lancer. Assassin already knew that and didn't set any sort of trap.

Lancer noted that there was a tower, a communications tower of sorts, on one side of her. But Assassin made no effort of slowing down nor did Assassin change course. No civilian casualties this time. Assassin had killed enough.

The two made their stop with Assassin being the first to turn around. There was a stone formation of sorts that served as a bridge between the two landscapes.

Everything was silent except for the rushing torrent of water that was to Lancer's side. The space was wide open but the ground was limited. The stone bridge itself couldn't support them after repeated damage, Lancer estimated.

Assassin made no moves to attack. She had her daggers out but no knives were thrown no were there any traps.

Above them, the darkening clouds of the sole witness of this fight loomed over them. God of light watched over the creation that had been taken into the Throne of Heroes and the Servant that he himself had brought into this Grail War.

A second feel of her surroundings informed Lancer that there were other stone bridges. Wearied down by the rushing water, the sediments have long since been taken somewhere else.

Lancer and Assassin continued to stare at each other. The waterfalls to the side gave some easing chaos to their eerie quiet. Assassin and Lancer stood there, almost still as statues. A much more noticeable layer of frost formed beneath Assassin's feet. Some icicles began to rise from the ground beneath Assassin's feet.

Lancer was the first to break the silence. She buried the kamas deep in the ground. The stone below cracked as the bladed parts buried deep.

"This is it, huh?" Lancer said. "Didn't think an Assassin, let alone a Grimm Assassin, would choose to fight nobly. Figured you'd always be the sneaky, conniving ones."

Assassin stayed quiet. Either she was refusing to speak or there was nothing new that she could say.

In some respects, Lancer could pity Assassin. Communication wasn't going to be its strong suit. But it was still Grimm. Lancer was a Silver-eyed warrior. Those two things are too difficult to reconcile for their Spirit Origins. The most that Lancer could afford is some respect for an opponent.

Lancer took a deep breath. "If this is going to be how it ends for you, so be it."

Lancer raised her hand and pulled back her hood. She then removed the mask that covered her face, revealing the young Maria Calavera underneath it. Her shoulder-length ashen hair free in the wind and light of the night. Though that light was not from Remnant's moon.

As expected of their namesakes, her eyes were as silver as the moonlight. Her face remained resolute and held the respect that one warrior had for another. Lancer would give Assassin a good showing.

"Maria Calavera," Lancer said. "One of many Silver-Eyed Warriors." She drew her kamas from the ground. "Servant to a fellow Silver-Eyed Warrior. Bane and eternal enemy to the creatures of Grimm."

That was what they were supposed to do, right? Lancer wasn't sure. She wasn't one for formalities but she thought she did well.

Assassin said nothing. She only nodded. Not like she could say anything else other than "I'm proud of you, Pyrrha" right now.

"You know what, kid?" Lancer said. "I'll do you a solid." She cleared her throat. "Poppy. The Grimm Child. Bane and eternal enemy to the Silver-Eyed Warriors and the rest of Remnant's humanity. That about sum it up, yeah?"

Assassin, for a moment, appeared genuinely happy. She nodded and a serious expression replaced that happiness.

Both combatants readied themselves for battle. Temporary bursts of aura escaped their bodies. Assassin crouched back. Lancer loosened her fingers, cracking a few that she could.

Assassin left disturbed the ground as she attacked first. It wasn't enough to destroy the stone bridge but it left a noticeable mark.

Lancer did not miss the change in Assassin's direction. Assassin ran in a slant until she began to circle around Lancer. Lancer still did not move.

Assassin got closer. Lancer stayed on her spot. Assassin circled around her and got close. Lancer's eyes followed Assassin's movement.

Assassin got behind Lancer. Her dagger raised high in the air as she leapt to make up for that height. Her spinning added more momentum to her swing.

Lancer blocked it head-on. She stepped to the side, kama swinging to meet with the descending dagger. One of her feet cracked the ground for better footing. Lancer retaliated by swinging with the other kama.

But Assassin was agile. She jumped over the coming blade and kept the momentum going by thrusting out her dagger. Lancer was forced to follow the momentum of her weapon. But Lancer managed to lean back, raising the kama already coming for Assassin.

Assassin went far back, not returning to the melee. Lancer did not move much from her spot. Assassin resumed her circling around Lancer. This time, Lancer followed, twisting her own body and adjusting her footing as necessary.

Then, Lancer's Preflexes warned her. She only managed to raise her kama's to block the sudden distance that Assassin traveled to close in, dagger up-front, close to burying deep into Lancer's chest. The speed behind it pushed Lancer back though not by much given Assassin's mass.

Assassin's Master is being generous now, Lancer thought. Assassin's speed only increased, almost to a point of teleportation. No. God of light was the one allowing this. Assassin is fighting with a proper Master now.

Preflexes caught up to Assassin's movements as Lancer retracted the blade on one kama, serving as her defensive tool while the other her primary offense. Lancer alternated between the two as she needed. Battle batons better served to deflect and block Assassin's strikes.

Assassin was high in the air, spinning as she descended back down. Lancer raised her weapon and flung Assassin to the side. The swing had been forceful that the ground beneath them cracked more than it should have. They were accumulating the damages on the bridge.

This wasn't the only stone bridge. Lancer wasn't about to let Assassin have the entire field. Lancer moved as well. She kept her feet to the ground while Assassin stayed as airborne as she could.

Blades clashed with blades and batons. Lancer and Assassin exchanged blows but neither side gave in into their opponent's range. Assassin closed the distance quickly and got back out. Lancer punished any openings and missteps that Assassin had made.

Lancer somewhat regretted having her kama's blade be retracted as she managed to catch Assassin. But the blunt force hurt and Assassin was flung towards the other stone bridge. Lancer closed that distance; it was her turn to spin.

The kamas' blades buried into the stone ground as Assassin rolled to the side. Lancer kept her own momentum going as she dislodged herself from the ground, free kama preventing Assassin from closing that distance.

Out here in the open, Lancer controlled whether she would get closed in or not. Her own spins with both kamas in different positions meant that Assassin had a small window to get inside. With both combatants constantly on the move, that window never stayed.

Preflexes prevented Lancer from having her back be her blind spot.

Lancer combined the two kamas into a single quarterstaff with the blades edges pointed in similar directions.

Assassin had better windows now. But Lancer had better control of her weapon. Without the threat of weapons in separate hands getting in the way, Lancer could focus her attention on one weapon and have better handling now that she was using both hands.

Lancer spun her staff, allowing herself greater reach and better mobility.

Both sides were careful with not hitting the ground too much but Lancer needing to adjust her footing meant that she would put strain on the ground beneath her. Assassin's weight and speed added to it as both of them would dig into the stone unnoticeably little by unnoticeably little.

Assassin nearly pushed Lancer off the edge but Lancer flung Assassin towards the previous stone bridge and leapt off.

Chunks of that side of the bridge fell and brought with them other parts. The bridge had become smaller but still held on. The edges were unstable and Lancer and Assassin's attacks only chipped away more of it.

Weapons locked and Lancer's height and weight bested Assassin's smaller frame. At the edge, Assassin couldn't kick Lancer away. Instead, Assassin allowed herself to fall; one dagger burying itself into the stone.

This close to the edge, Lancer fell as well. Before another piece of stone fell, Assassin pulled herself back up.

Splitting her staff back into two, Lancer threw one kama, missing Assassin, and pulled herself back with the gravitational force inherent in her weapons. The two were back on the bridge and Lancer equipped herself back with the staff.

The ground itself began to shake as both Lancer and Assassin intensified their clashes. Lancer was mindful of her Master's aura. At this distance, Ruby's reserves were slowly descending. Rider's amplification can only do so much with Lancer this far. Lancer could feel that Ruby was losing her concentration as well. Meditation for this long couldn't have been something that the girl was used to.

All in, Lancer! Lancer thought. All in!

God of light was supplying Assassin with magical energy that afforded Assassin to fight better and longer. Not only that, Assassin was moving at speeds that could only be the result of her Master's intervention.

Lightning began to flash above them. Assassin's teeth grind as she pushed on. Lancer adjusted her footing. Thunder rumbled. Remnant's broken moon was completely hidden away. Two draconic eyes dotted the dark, unnatural clouds.

Lancer hopped back. One blade taking another chunk of their platform away, taking further more as collateral.

Their platform was getting smaller. Assassin's own movements were being limited. It was Lancer's turn to control the environment.

Every attack, hit or miss, was targeted at getting more of the ground away from Lancer. Much of the stone of their current platform had already gone. The middle that connected the two had given way. But before Assassin could escape to one side, Lancer caught Assassin and used her to break the other stone platform.

Assassin was back in the air from the sudden stop of her velocity from Lancer's swing. Lancer slammed Assassin back, breaking the second stone platform.

Both Servants fell along with the stones. Assassin managed to take a hold of one and bounced off of them, attacking Lancer wherever she could. Lancer could only force her own body to move and allowed the weight of her swings to change her direction.

Below, the rushing water did not hide the stones that stayed above water. Lancer split her kamas and aimed it to the shores. It was an unintended aid as Lancer aimed for Assassin. Assassin grabbed hold of the kama and followed wherever it had landed. Lancer used her other kama to draw herself to the shore.

Lancer spun as she reached for her other kama. Assassin spun back and made a few steps. Lancer did not yet pick up both kamas.

Misty cold air surged from Assassin. Her breathing was labored as the white mists made Assassin fade into silhouette.

"Alright then!" Lancer replied. "Better to end it this way!" Lancer took a deep breath and boldly declared: "Noble Phantasm!"

The imagery of Lancer's mind changed. All around her there were a multitude of different folks. All of them wore hoods or something similar that hid away their eyes. Lancer chuckled at the sight of one in particular. Lancer may not be able to see that one's face but she knew for certainty who that one is. With a hooded cloak similar to her Master's, the only difference was that that one's cloak was white.

Your kid's going to go far, ma'am, Lancer thought. I'll make sure of it.

Lancer's eyes began to glow. A light made more powerful now that she herself was a Heroic Spirit.

"Thus kindly, we scatter," Lancer said.

From the icy cold mists, Assassin emerged, dashing towards Lancer like an arrow. "Poppy Flower!"

"By mystic eyes of silver! Argentum!"

Bright silver light shone on every way, in that small area where it momentarily turned to day. Lancer felt a large chunk of Ruby's aura being taken away. Had Rider stopped his amplification, Lancer would have been forced to dematerialize then and there.

When the light faded, Lancer wasn't the only one that remained. Just before her, by her feet, was Assassin. No sign of Grimm was on her body. She looked like she was exposed to extreme heat, practically burnt. Assassin was still breathing though only barely.

The eyes were that of a child as her dying pupils looked to skies above.

"We…" said Poppy. "Weren't… meant… to… exist."

Poppy closed her eyes. Contentment painted her face as she begun to glow.

"Thank you… Lancer."

Thus, Assassin vanished. One Servant in the Grail War had fallen.

Despite that, Lancer could only shake her head. "You do now, Assassin. You do now."

Lancer stayed for a while longer. Then, she went to pick up her mask and wore it once more. She pulled the hood above her head as she looked upward. The unnatural clouds still stayed there and the two draconic dots stared down, watching Lancer in particular.

Rather than run away, Lancer walked her way back. The tree leaves rustled as many more of those pieces fell like rain. Toys. Chess pieces, nonsensical objects fell down and littered the ground.

Lancer's hooded cloak swayed in the wind. She passed by the communications tower. The lights were on. Some people were getting out. Lancer stayed hidden away, not wanting to be discovered by them.

None of the civilians paid any attention to the toy pieces that continued to rain. Either they didn't care or didn't notice. They were more focused on returning home. They all traveled in pairs, never travelling alone. But with Assassin now gone, they would now be able to travel alone, for however long that it would last.

Lancer paused and looked over her shoulder. It wasn't that there was anyone behind her. It was more that she could feel the movement, courtesy of Preflexes.

She'll have to protect those civilians as they returned back to the safety of Argus. Lancer followed closely from behind. Watching them as she was sure that her Master would want to.

Lancer's return was slow but once those civilians had made it to Argus' walls, she dashed back towards her Master. She found her breaking from her concentration, both her and Pyrrha.

"How did it go?" Rider asked.

"Assassin is gone," Lancer replied. Her tone had no sass. She kept herself neutral. "I take it things are going well around here?"

"With Assassin gone," Ruby said. "Things would get better right?"

Pyrrha and Rider looked to Lancer. Pyrrha had a similar hopeful expression as Ruby. Rider had his face hidden behind that helmet of his.

"Lancer?" Ruby asked. "Things would get better right?"

Lancer took a deep breath. "Best if we return back home for now, kid. I'll explain to the rest of you folks what I just saw there."

Ruby and Pyrrha, the latter especially, wore anxious faces as they returned. Rider vanished again but Lancer felt him close-by.

Lancer whispered, "Assassin is out. But her Master isn't. I've got to be honest, Rider. I won't be much help there. The next ones may be on you and this league of ours."

Rider made no response but Lancer could feel him nodding.

Lancer's Preflexes informed her of Pyrrha's actions. Behind the mask, Lancer's eyes narrowed.

Pyrrha Nikos was tracing her command spells.

She won't be able to lose another again, she thought. Rider's Master won't let him throw his life away.

Rider will live. Lancer was sure that that was on Pyrrha's mind. Rider will live, even if he would throw away that life of his for everyone's sake.

/-/

The toy pieces scattered. None of them were perfect recreations. He didn't want to recreate them. Just as his brother created his Grimm for no other purpose than mindless destruction, he too will create things for his sole benefit: the remolding and recreation of Remnant, without the child, without these Heroic Spirits, without that space probe ever coming here.

How strange, he thought. For a Servant, one who should serve, Assassin certainly moved against me. Insistent on it. I do not understand my creations. Why do they not move as I wish them to?

It was a curiosity on his end. Nothing more. A whim of amusing himself as Assassin had its moment of independence. Now that it had perished, there was only one thing that was made certain in his eyes.

I see now that giving Assassin free will was a mistake. Perhaps, I shan't allow such transgressions further. Even those two, whom my brother and I have bestowed their burdens as a lesson, have chosen to rebel. Their choices had led to this.

Once he will find this child, and obtain this Grail of theirs, Remnant will be remade as he designed it. No alterations. All will be by his exact designs. All will be as he wills it, to its minute detail.

The pieces that he had spread across the world of Remnant, where these Servants are gathered, have begun to grow in size. His brother's creations have noticed this and begun to descend upon them. But he cared not. His own creations were moving as he wills them to be, exactly as he wished them to be.

As a Master, he may have lost. But he was not about to falter. That space probe will be destroyed. Earth has no place on Remnant.

Chapter Text

"Uh," Russel asked. "Cardin? Are they supposed to do that?"

"What are supposed to do what?" Cardin asked.

"Those?" Russel pointed towards the litter of chess pieces. "Are they supposed to grow in size?"

Yang's vision focused on the sight before them. It was strange enough that the Grimm were more occupied in dealing with these toys than them. Unless general confusion doesn't count as negativity or something, the Grimm should have targeted them almost immediately.

Those chess pieces, and not just them but other toy-looking objects too, have begun to grow in size. They were limited and stiff in their movements and the Grimm made quick work of most of them. Yang could see that those things were fighting back though. Whatever toy weapons they had with them were used to combat the Grimm

If the Grimm were black, red, and white, these toys on opposite end. Their colors were bright yellow, blues, and with silver eyes. If Grimm were agents of death, these growing, living toys were full of life.

"Cardin?" Dove asked. "Orders?"

Yang looked to Cardin. He didn't look like he knew what he was doing. "Gather information. Then, we get out. We're not risking our lives out here."

The rest of team CRBY nodded. Russel was making his own commentary, most of which were strings of words that made no comprehensible sense as he recorded the sight before them. The toys that managed to survive long enough to become full-sized as Yang guessed soon fought on, like mannequins pulled by simple strings.

Yang whispered to herself. "This has Grail War written all over it. I'm sure of it."

Team CRBY backed away slowly and made their way back to civilization. But the conflict between the Grimm and these toys were only growing in number. Skirmishes were rising all around them that team CRBY had to engage with some of them on the way back.

"They're…" Cardin shook his head. Disbelief colored his voice. "They're a lot weaker than the Grimm."

"But there's more of them," Dove said. "Even now, Cardin. There's still a lot of them."

"I feel like I'm in some kind of fever dream," Russel added. "Are we still in Remnant or the Ever After?"

"Now that you mention it." Dove swung his weapon and off went a pawn's head. "It does, doesn't it?"

"If that's the case." Cardin was looking towards one direction. "I take it that is a Red King dealing with the Alpha Beowolf over there."

Yang and the rest looked over Cardin's shoulders. It was less a red king and more of a white king. But there was no white king in the Ever After so that was the only comparison that could be made there.

"I think we need to move faster," Yang said. "If the others haven't made it back already, we need them to know."

"You don't think they're drawn to positivity like the Grimm are to negativity, do you?" Russel asked.

"Let's not think about that." Yang shook her head. "Let's just go."

Team CRBY kept going. But they were soon stopped as a White King appeared before them. Its silver eyes were lifeless and uncaring. Yang may not have known Penny Polendina for long but even that android had more life to her than these. Then again, these toys' movements were closer to puppets than anything living.

The White King raised a hand and pointed towards them. Yang didn't wait for what would happen. She stepped in into the southpaw position, fist raised to deliver a straight punch. It was followed by a hook to the body.

The White King was fragile and easily broken, like genuine toys. There were no liquids that spilled. Like the Grimm, these things vanished. But instead of a miasma of black smoke, they puffed into white smoke.

A few more pieces appeared and they were beginning to come for them as well. Yang would guess that the next one was a knight with that horse's helmet on his head. The rooks were bulkier and had a square head. With the majority being pawns, Yang guessed that the pointy-headed ones were bishops.

Team CRBY pushed onward. They only dealt with those that happen to come their way. Grimm and these chess pieces were too busy with one another that the huntsmen and huntress were mostly ignored.

Every once in a while, either chess piece or Grimm went for them specifically. But doing so put them at risk with the opposing faction.

Soon, team CRBY managed to return to the walls that led to Vale's cities. Here, the number of both Grimm and chess piece were low, almost absent. They weren't the first ones to arrive and they certainly weren't the first to report about the strange phenomenon.

Talks and building confusion were had in the cities. There were some who used this chance to push forth crazies about the end of the world. They were quickly subdued for it helped no one. Tensions were starting to build around here.

"Enough!" said Saber, slamming hard on the ground that it created winds forcing people into stillness. He then gave out commands too quick for Yang to understand.

Saber then saw them. "Team CRBY. What news from beyond the walls?"

"Nothing you haven't heard already by the sounds of it, sir," Cardin answered for the team. As the team leader, he was responsible for making those reports. "My team and I have recordings that might be of interest."

Saber nodded. "Excellent. Report to the headmaster. Vale has survived the attack on Beacon. Vale has stood against the black tides that came. We will stay standing even against these new fairy tale creatures. Forth with valor, Valeans!"

When team CRBY made distance between themselves and Saber, Yang couldn't help but comment, "got to be something serious if he's going old school with those words of his."

"And here I thought you'd make a pun out of it," Cardin said.

"Don't get me wrong," Yang replied. "It's pretty grim out there."

"Damn it, Yang!" Cardin said. "It's not even about the Grimm!"

"Call me an Ursa. I know I can be unbearable."

Cardin sighed. He only had himself to blame on that one.

Cardin himself walked faster, leaving the rest of his team behind.

"What?" Yang called out. "Too much?"

He already dealt with that from the father. He wasn't about to deal with it from the daughter.

/-/

Headmaster Chiron sat on his chair. His back was to the desk as he stared out of the window. Haven Academy had him for a short while and already he was making movements that have got the council questioning. But with the League behind him, questionable origins they may be, there were less problems that he would have gotten. At least it was humane with nothing that Chiron would object to.

He was listening to the reports given by the huntsmen. It was taking a while for him to recover many of the students sent home that he had to rely on word of mouth for it to move. Still, all were in accordance to Archer's calculations, within the margin of error.

Even if that wasn't the case, Chiron could see it with his own eyesight. His vision stretched far and it was for that reason he was staring out of the window; he was seeing it all for himself, before most other huntsmen out there in the field could see.

"Another report." Raven frustratingly put down the papers. "Why do I have to wear these heels? And this outfit is too tight!"

"I never said that you had to," Chiron replied. "Only that you should look a professional professor and less like a bandit."

"That's what I found to be the case!"

"Then why didn't you get one size larger?"

"You calling me fat?"

Chiron stayed quiet. He would win that fight, no doubt about it. The office won't survive and he wasn't about to allocate Haven Academy's funds just to repairs. Mistral was already tight on lien with the amount of huntsmen that needs replacing.

"You looked to the outfit Beacon's Glynda used, didn't you?" he asked instead.

"So? She looked professional."

"She also acts like one." Chiron massaged his temples. He wished he could make Raven do the paperwork. But she is a horrid assistant. "It's also important to note that you have access to other examples online. Why haven't you checked them?"

"I did. They were horrid."

"You did check the ones where they were actually trying to be professional, right?"

"Of course, I did. What makes you say otherwise?"

"Because you left your browser on and I saw that it was anything but. I think you even got yourself a virus."

Raven blew it off. "Academy funds. Just have someone turn it off and back on again or something."

Chiron sighed.

"Just because you have me as your league's little lapdog," Raven explained. "Doesn't mean I'm just going to make it easy on your jobs."

"I figured," Chiron replied. "I can't even have you make me coffee."

"Wine is better," Raven insisted. "It's the one thing I'll agree with Qrow on."

Chiron buried his face. "After this, I'm considering of getting one."

He could feel Raven getting interested.

"You get bottom shelf."

"That's not too bad."

"One bottle. The lowest concentration, you're practically drinking water."

"You giving me milk you glorified workhorse?"

"I'm also your boss."

Chiron picked up the documents while Raven had her tongue out. Right now, she wasn't some bandit queen of a bloodthirsty and violent tribe; she was a disobedient school girl on timeout. Chiron didn't understand just what the fuss is about. He didn't want to know.

Reports of the pieces coming to life and attacking Grimm were common enough. A few reports mentioned about how some huntsmen were attacked but the pieces were dealt with. Others were gracious enough to include photos though Chiron's vision gave him greater clarity than these pictures ever could.

They weren't just chess pieces. There were toy guards mixed in among them. Chiron recognized those beings as such. These guards were tougher and better combatants compared to the chess pieces but no different in the eyes of the Grimm.

Chiron took a deep breath. It doesn't seem that they are quite on the same level as the Grimm. He stood up and walked closer to the window. His eyes squinted as he observed more of those pieces in action.

He looked up and saw that some pieces are still falling. No flyers yet and the Nevermore in the skies were making quick work of those.

Chiron was scratching his chin. Unless his eyes had deceived him, Assassin had perished, reducing the number of Servants in the Grail war to six, not counting any of the Companions.

The door slammed open and Vernal rushed into the room. "You all heard about—"

"Yes," Raven answered. "We heard." She pointed to the documents on the table.

"So what do we do now, boss?" Vernal asked.

"What else? We survive," Raven replied.

"What do we do now, headmaster," she amended.

"You little ungrateful brat." Raven's eyes glowed.

"Enough," Chiron said. The office was nice. The office was pleasant. Chiron didn't want to lose the office. The office was expensive. Chiron didn't want to spend too much on unnecessary things.

Chiron stepped out of the office but made sure to bring Raven and Vernal along.

"If you two are going to duke it out," he said. "I'll give you a mission to duke out wherever they are most concentrated. Train as you would there."

"Finally," Raven said. "Some action, and I get to get rid of this outfit."

Chiron pinched the bridge of his nose. Raven was still useful. That semblance of hers should not have gone to her. How is it that the person most difficult to get along with has a semblance that involves bonds and kinship to be fully utilized? Was it a balancing act? It had to be a balancing act.

Chiron stood on the roofs of Haven Academy. Raven and Vernal already left. Meanwhile, a bow had appeared in his hand and he began to let loose his arrows.

He still had a job to do.

/-/

Salem looked like she was trying to rip open her own skull. A horrible screech was in her head as those blasted pieces continued to rise. A mostly dormant part of her had awakened violently that it drew concern even from the likes of Caster, her own Servant.

"It would seem that light's little influence is bringing out the dark inside of her," Curious Sanson commented. "I'll admit; the thought didn't even occur to me, nor have I even had a passing wonder about it. Though, considering the other one, I shouldn't be surprised."

Berserker was of a similar boat. It was furiously digging the ground and growled and barked, desiring nothing more than to savagely tear and break down those enemies.

"Actually," Curious Sanson added. "No. That's still surprising. Jabby and I have our differences but it never went this far. Light is doing something else with these pieces, that's for sure."

"Should we do something about this?" Emerald was already backing away. "I'm not sure how I feel about this."

"Caster!" Salem suddenly demanded. "Could they?"

Caster shook his head and drew his blade. "Not so, milady. These putrid things are but an imitation of what they might have been."

"Ah," Curious Sanson said. "That sounds about right. I didn't think of that, to be honest. Funny how that works." They didn't care about it in the slightest.

Caster ignored him. "Your orders?"

"Get rid of them," Salem appeared to be struggling. "Get them out of my sight!"

Caster had none of the psychotic sadism. Instead, he was a knight following orders. "Understood, my Master. I shall see to it that these trespassers will suffer just punishments."

"Cinder!" Salem called out. "Get Berserker on them."

"Mistress?" Cinder looked confused.

"Now!"

Cinder nearly jumped. "Berserker. Lead the way!"

Berserker never left more eager and more excited.

Curious Sanson whistled. "I don't need to ask for what I'm supposed to do, don't I?" They shrugged. "Oh well, better to ask for an apology than ask for permission."

They soon left.

The more of those pieces fell, the easier it was for Salem to regain some semblance of her former self. She sat back on the throne, massaging a massive headache that was still there though faint. Outside Evernight castle, carnage and chaos ruled as the Grimm fought ferociously to defend their territory from these trespassers.

The Grimm part of her had come out. Dipping herself into the Grimm pools not only made her into Grimm but also brought out of her that monstrous side of the Grimm.

"Was this how the Hounds go through?" Salem said. Her breathing was that of someone exhausted and spent. "Dear gods, it must be painful."

Hazel turned. His eyes narrowed. There was an almost hopeful expression in those pupils.

Salem dismissed her minions. She waited until after they had left before she spoke again. They didn't need to hear it, Cinder especially as a Master.

"No matter," Salem said. "The Grail War is simply moving to its next phase. It may be that we will reach a point of greater scale than the Great War. But I will not falter. I will not fail. I will not lose. Not again. My immortality ends with this Grail War. Remnant along with it, if I have to."

The headaches occasionally returned. She was hearing that primitive and evil instinct to do harm. It had never happened before. If it had, it had been subtle and slow. Not so much now.

"Even in this Grail War," she said. "The damn gods still wish to see me suffer."

She slammed her fist down on the armrests on her throne.

"The Relics are worthless to me now," she concluded. "The Holy Grail is my last hope. And I will not let anyone get in my way again."

Outside her tower, Caster was making great work keeping those toys away.

/-/

Jeanne d'Arc couldn't help but wonder at the sight before her.

"What am I looking at right now?" She was expecting an answer, somehow.

Chess pieces were combating with the Grimm. If it wasn't for the fact that she was a Servant, she would have wondered if she was hallucinating from the lack of water.

She didn't fly that instantly. When she did, she immediately got back down the moment Remnant's skies started raining those toys. She didn't pay them any mind until she saw the Grimm sick on them.

Something about the sight of it didn't sound right at all to Jeanne. Her time from her Remnant didn't exactly include Grimm combating with now sentient toys.

She raised her flag on time as the toys violently went for her. She swung her banner and swiped them to side the side. The skipped across the sea of sands like pebbles before they were promptly torn apart by the Grimm.

These were creatures of light. Jeanne felt sure of that as her glowing eyes felt similar enough. She looked up and took notice of more toys still raining down, only to be destroyed by airborne Grimm and those with enough strength or daring to jump as high as their weights allow.

Jeanne's return to Vale was slowed. Out here in the untamed desert sands, skirmishes dotted one's vision of the landscape. Upon nearing any settlement big enough, Jeanne couldn't tilt her head further to the side as much as she wanted to. They were avoidant on civilizations. Those that stepped out of it however were not as safe. Only huntsmen and capable defenders were allowed to even step outside.

She noticed something else. But she had to confirm it once she returned to Vale. She noticed that these toys were especially violent against her but no so much against huntsmen. Comparing herself to others, the toys treated other huntsmen no different from the Grimm. It is her in particular that these toys were especially violent against.

"God of light," she thought out loud. "Targeting the Servants. He has to be. Has he lost the Grail War."

A spear of light manifested in her hand and Jeanne threw it, skewering many toys. They broke apart as the spear flew straight and mostly unhindered.

Grimm fell on one side. Toys fell on the other. Jeanne's own frustration was building with each slowed step that she could only painstakingly take. She forced out a bursting ring of energy to push them all aside and flew in the air.

"What?" Jeanne nearly avoided an arrow coming for her.

The toys had archers among them, and spearmen too. All of them were trying to shoot her down.

It was a strange day when Jeanne found herself making a temporary alliance with the Grimm as Nevermore rained down their sharp feathers. How those birds are able to survive in this desert heat she doesn't know.

She wasn't about to complain. Unless she herself attacked first, or if the Grimm had nothing else to fight against, Jeanne was usually left alone. She moved around most of the Grimm and allowed them to squabble with the toys below. Not all those arrows were aimed at her.

Occasionally, she would rain down her own her light javelins against them. The numbers advantage belonged to these toys. But the Grimm had better combatants.

Eventually, the desert sands changed to that of the familiar forestry and mountainous terrain of Vale's borders. Jeanne could relax and walk her way up the mountains. But that only lasted for a short while before the Grimm also came out of the forests and clashed with the toys.

She stayed above the trees. The sun above her was making its descent and she could already see the broken moon peeking out of the horizon. She maintained flight and kept moving until she found a place to stay, in a cave, away from them all.

Neither Grimm nor toys were there and Jeanne wasn't about to start a fire lest she be found and she wasn't going to get any rest.

Jeanne looked out into the noisy forests. Grimm and toys kept fighting even into the night. It was fortune for everyone else that they could at least rest easier if they were far from these skirmishes. But for Jeanne and those who were close to the boundaries of their settlement, these noises pose a constant threat, especially for those who were guarding their posts.

Jeanne didn't get to sleep at all that night. Not like she needed to but habits of having a living body die hard, especially that practically lived twice. Her sleep was light and she was easily disturbed by the slightest noise that sounded too close. Without a warm fire, she was subject to the cold breezes that pelted into the cave that she rested at.

When the sun greeted her again, she felt herself slow as she was less actively flying and more lazily gliding. The noises at that point, if she kept her distance, were more background than anything else. She was still active and kept her guard up once the skirmish got close to it.

"Finally," she declared as the familiar sight entered her eyes. "Vale."

/-/

"You want me to what?" Adam couldn't believe the sight he was seeing and the words he was hearing. It was less the content and more the commanding tone that Ilia Amitola took when speaking with him.

"We want you out there in the field," she repeated.

Behind her, Sun Wukong had his weapon out. He was faking a relaxed state with that staff on his shoulders with his arms hanging on them. The monkey tail was ready to spring at any moment and those feet of his were already into combat position.

"Has the leadership role already getting into your head, Amitola?" Adam asked. "First of all, why did you come to me first before Blake? Don't even pretend that there won't be someone constantly having their eyes on my back."

"There is," Ilia asked. "And it isn't us that is wanting you out there."

"It's headmaster Ozpin," Sun added. "Already has professor Blackberry on standby for your weapon."

"Mulberry," Ilia corrected.

"Let me guess." Adam had a disappointed face. "It has something to do with the toys that have been coming to life and fighting the Grimm."

"Pretty much, yeah." Sun nodded. "Vale isn't in any immediate danger with the Grimm keeping them distracted but Vale needs every capable fighter on board. Now if somebody didn't just lead an attack on Beacon, we wouldn't even be in this situation."

Adam sighed. It was no use fighting it. "So what am I supposed to do?"

"Sun is to escort you to Beacon," Ilia explained. "He's trustworthy among the populace and you are to give professor Mulberry the specifications of your weapon and he'll have it forged. They already know the kind of weapon you use and have the materials ready."

"A surplus actually," Sun said.

"And for Blake?" Adam asked. "I noticed that it is you who has to stay here with her, Amitola."

They were fortunate that Blake wasn't here. She was actually stepping out every once in a while.

"Like I would care right now?" Sun said. "Dude. We know you're her ex. We know that Ilia and I here have something going on for Blake. But right now? We got bigger fish to fry and it isn't tuna."

Adam would have growled were it not for the degradation it would have on his pride.

"Fine." Adam gave in. He put out his arms and waited for a minute. "What? No cuffs?"

"No," Sun said. His staff split into nunchucks. He showed the hole on the side. "I got it covered."

"You'd lose," Adam declared.

"And you'd be surrounded by everyone not willing to put up with you."

Adam Taurus stood up and followed. Rather, he was in the front while Sun Wukong was behind him. Adam shook his head.

Wouldn't be the first time he had been made a public display, but at least this time, there was no Servant doing anything horrid and disgusting for it.

Adam kept himself quiet. Even as they arrived at Beacon Academy and met with this professor Mulberry, Adam upheld his silence and spoke only when necessary.

"So," Mulberry asked. He looked like he would rather be anywhere else. "What are the specifics of your weapon?"

"I'm actually thinking of an upgrade," Adam replied. "Since Beacon is being tremendously generous right now."

"Dude." Sun shook his head. "Not cool."

Professor Mulberry sighed. "And what would that be?"

"I wish to make my weapon longer. Remove everything else. A pure blade of metal. No Dust cartridges."

"Alright." Mulberry nodded. "That can be arranged. How long?"

Adam Taurus smirked. Feeling it in his hands would make for better practice. "Long enough to be used as a drying pole."

/-/

"You know," Weiss said as she flung the Grimm bits from her weapon. "When I thought I would be breaking any toys, I had expected that I would be punished for being so careless, not praised."

"While circumstances certainly proved itself to be the exception to the norm," replied Penny. "It is still advisable to take care of one's things lest they prove themselves harmful to the self and others."

Penny was handling the toys. Weiss could guess one reason for the toys' being sort of obsessed with Penny but she'd rather not say. It wasn't too certain and she didn't want to lose a partner right now.

Toys and Grimm clashed even in these snowy areas. Covered in snow, the toys were difficult to see with their bright colors almost blending in with the snowfield. Not even Weiss' summons could blend in with the snow like these toys could.

Speaking of summons, Weiss now has those toys among them. They were surprisingly efficient and cost so little in the way of aura, compare to the Grimm. It was even better since Weiss didn't really use them much outside of being a shield and basic attacks; she could summon a small group of them and have them stand shoulder-to-shoulder into a sort of phalanx formation.

Penny smashed them liberally. Electrical sparks flew around her. If she wasn't smashing, she was slicing and cutting. Her fighting style were massively different depending on her weapon of choice.

Huntsmen and soldiers were being called back and focused entirely on the borders of Mantle and Atlas. Ammunition were being conserved since the general managed to see that these toys and Grimm went for each other for the most part; he might as well conserve as much manpower as he could.

Complaints about the empty buildings died down. With these enemies just fighting outside their immediate borders, many huntsmen and soldiers have used these buildings as their temporary residence. Even Weiss had one, sharing it with Penny. Still, there were a few more empty houses there but Weiss was sure that general Ironwood, doctor Jekyll, and her sister were absolutely relieved at having justification for these buildings now.

Advertisements could only get them so far. But with the battles to come, Weiss was sure that it wouldn't be optional for Atlas' people to move down here.

"I have cleared my area, friend Weiss!" Penny saluted.

"Same here Penny." Weiss wiped the Grimm bits from her face. "Same here."

Between her and Penny, Weiss looked the worst. Penny spent more time with the toys and those things don't leave much behind. The Grimm don't leave much behind either but they did leave behind smudges. Those things would build up eventually which they did for Weiss.

Penny graciously offered a ride back. Weiss didn't want any of the Grimm smudges on her to freeze over so she took it. She was used to riding Penny at this point that the sight of the two in public was common enough.

The Happy Huntresses were coming and going as they rested, recovered, and refreshed themselves for the fights ahead. Few were going out though with many mostly returning.

Winter was busy giving out orders for the soldiers and specialist but managed to spare a greeting wave at the sight of Weiss.

Penny put Weiss down and Weiss made the instinctive move to find the nearest place to clean off the smudges on her. She wasn't alone in that front.

She could hear their conversations as she walked past them.

"What do you think is going on?"

"It's crazy out there, I still couldn't believe it!"

"Yeah, they're toys alright. I swear I saw my son playing with those before."

"Somebody pinch me; I think I'm high."

"Can I have what you're having?"

Weiss shook her head as the conversations turned into a mess of background noise. Getting herself clean was the simplest matter but the freezing cold of the water made her regret it all. If she wanted warmth, she'll have to wait in line.

She looked to her weapon. Nope. She shook her head. Not using fire dust. Though, that spot over there sounds good.

There was a barrel on fire there. People were gathered for warmth. Soldiers, civilians, huntsmen, they were all there. Weiss squeezed herself among them and took in that warmth. Cold water in freezing climates was not a good feeling, especially when she had to do it where there are winds blowing. The buildings could only do so much in preventing them from hitting her exposed face.

Penny wasn't bothered in the slightest, unsurprisingly. Her father, Pietro Polendina, was nearby and Weiss was welcome there anytime. Penny herself didn't go there beyond repairs since she wanted more experiences of being a real girl. Having her own house, even if Penny was sharing it with Weiss, was more of an experience of being an adult woman than anything but Weiss wasn't going to say it.

Weiss put out her hands and took in what soothing, drying heat that she could get into those palms. She would have gotten closer but she didn't want to seem rude to those who were already there before she was.

More conversations were had around her but Weiss tuned them out. Right now, she was focused on getting warm.

Chapter Text

"Toys?" Saphron asked. "What do you mean toys?"

"Just as I said, dear," Terra, Saphron's wife, replied.

Pyrrha, Ruby, and Lancer had arrived soon after Terra's own arrival. After some sort of exchange and condolences on the loss of Pyrrha's mother, Pyrrha herself was there in the corner, barely listening to the conversation.

Her mother was gone, killed by Assassin. There had been no resistance. No squabble nor was there any shock on her face. Thetis felt cold in her hands, yet there was contentment that marked her face. The burial had been quick and Pyrrha still felt as though it were a dream. None of that felt real.

Rider had to be the one to bury Thetis and Pyrrha couldn't believe the sight with Rider's face out there. Had he said anything, she didn't hear. Ruby probably said something but Pyrrha definitely had gone deaf that time. Lancer said nothing.

It's not fair. It's just not fair.

Pyrrha could scarcely feel Nora's own head on her shoulder nor could Pyrrha feel Ren's hand on her own. If they were looking at her, they must be seeing a sad sight of their own teammate: a hollow and broken shell of Pyrrha Nikos the Invincible Girl.

She leaned back her head. There was nothing to catch it and so it hung there as her pupils were facing the ceiling of the room.

Why? Why must anything happen this way?

Whatever discussion was being had fell deaf to her ears. The Grail War had been a decent enough distraction and her own vengeance against Cinder had kept Pyrrha occupied. Salem and the god of light were keeping her mind occupied. But now, with the loss of her mother, Pyrrha had just lost two people close to her in so quick a time.

She barely recovered with Jaune thanks in part with Rider's presence. But Salem's immortality had pushed Pyrrha's own wishes down and pursued what was best for Remnant. An immortal queen pursuing her own death through any means possible.

With the idea of this Harpe, she thought about it again. But she pushed it down again once the god of light got involved. Remnant's own creators is bent on erasing everything and starting anew. Nobody wanted that, even Pyrrha wanted to live. She still pushed it down when the thought of that black cannon thing had been mentioned.

Three different means to kill two immortals. None of them are guaranteed but they gave Remnant a fighting chance, a hopeful relief that perhaps no one else would die a needless death, that only huntsmen and huntresses would be the ones out there risking their lives. Pyrrha's eyes still lost their color.

Rider was physically absent. He couldn't keep his combat gear since the Cotta-Arcs would insist that he remove his helmet and that way led to problems of how he had come back to life, and put them in the know of the Grail War and of Salem.

Pyrrha sighed. There was that too. The secrecy that they had to keep. At least Lancer had an alibi and was unknown to them at this point.

Eventually, they all agreed to rest for the night. At least, that was what Pyrrha understood since everyone else was going upstairs.

"Actually," Pyrrha said. "If you don't mind, I want to get some fresh air. I'll be outside."

"I'll go!" Ruby volunteered.

"No, Ruby, it's… it's fine."

"Nope!" Nora said. "Not this time. Ruby you go on ahead. Team JNPR time. Come on, Ren."

Ren nodded.

"You two." Pyrrha shook her head. "You don't have to."

"You're right," Ren agreed. "We don't. We want to."

The three of them went outside after Pyrrha gave in. They all went to the roof. There Rider was already present, waiting. He was looking at the skies, observing them.

"Master?" he asked. He was in his combat gear.

"Rider," Pyrrha replied. "If it's alright, I-I want to see your face."

Rider, for a moment, hesitated. But he did change to that princely outfit.

Pyrrha neared him until they could feel each other's breath. Her hand was raised as she traced Rider's face. She felt the aged red ribbon that tied the ponytail. His hair went between her fingers. She felt his chin. Not once did her eyes leave his. There were stars as his pupils now, a reminder that it wasn't just her partner that stood before her.

She closed her eyes and got her hand off of him. That hand closed to a fist as Pyrrha bit her lip. She shook her head.

"Pyrrha?" Nora asked. "We're here too, you know?"

"I know." Pyrrha's voice was weak. It couldn't even be called a whimper. "I know."

She can't. Not on Ren and Nora when they lost their own family years ago.

"What was she like?" Ren asked. "Your mother."

Pyrrha couldn't answer immediately. It had taken a while. Even then, her voice was soft that Nora and Ren had to be on either side of her. "She was kind, caring, a lover of the sea. Sometimes I wondered if we had a fish faunus ancestry."

She was the only one who chuckled bitterly. No one else had joined on that horrid laughter.

"She only ever wanted me to be happy," Pyrrha managed to continue. "That I have my own wish."

"And what is your wish?" Ren asked. Pyrrha didn't see where he was looking at. Rather, she didn't see whom he was looking at.

"I wanted to be a huntress," Pyrrha replied.

"No," Ren said. "Right now. This is a Grail War."

"I guess… either Salem's immortality be lifted somehow or that god of light leaves us be?"

"You're not sure?"

"It's the right thing, isn't it?"

"But it isn't—" Ren was nursing a sudden strike he received from Nora. "Alright, if that is what you wish."

"What about you, Rider?" Nora asked. "Anything to add?"

Rider had been caught off-guard. "Uh… I already had mine granted."

Lancer appeared. "I call bull. We Servants also have our own desires. Why else would we answer the call?" She then addressed them all. "Sorry kiddos. Master was worried and wanted me to check on you all. It's getting late."

Lancer vanished from their sight.

"Rude." Nora looked offended. "Didn't even knock."

"Let's go," Pyrrha said. "Like Lancer said, it's getting late and we need to be ready to go tomorrow."

Ren and Nora looked at one another.

"What?" Pyrrha asked.

"Don't take it the wrong way," Nora asked. "Qrow and Lancer did the best that they could, but the Cotta-Arcs insisted that we stay awhile longer. At least, until we get a better idea on those toys that have been appearing."

Pyrrha turned to Rider.

"I couldn't comprehend the conversation from up here." Rider shook his head. "Sorry."

She sighed. "Alright. But no later than what we have to."

"Qrow and Lancer are already making their own moves," Nora added. "Rider would have gone to if it wasn't for Terra."

The three of them stood up from there and proceeded to get back down. But before Pyrrha took that step, she looked to Rider. He looked at her.

She wanted to ask something. Anything. But the most she accomplished was the opening and closing of her own mouth. Rider stood there, alone. Though this wasn't Beacon, he was still on a roof underneath a cold night and subject to the freezing winds.

"Mast—" Rider called out to her. "Pyrrha."

She paused and waited.

"I'm… I'm terribly sorry for your loss."

Pyrrha forced out a smile.

"I swear that we will win this Grail War. Both Salem and the god of light, we'll be them both. I'll give my life for it. No one else will get to lose anyone else."

The moment Rider mentioned staking his own life was the moment that Pyrrha lost her forced smile. "Yeah," she managed to reply. "No one else will lose their loved ones."

She gave one last look before descending. Seeing Rider alone there on the roof when his family is right there could only pain her. His family knew him to be dead, and he didn't want to burden them at the prospect of losing him again. It was a burden that Pyrrha, as his Master, had to carry. Only she would have to face that possibility.

Pyrrha didn't immediately step inside. Her head still faced towards where Rider would be, up there on that roof.

"Pyrrha?" Nora asked. Both her and Ren had worried expressions painted on their face.

"I'm fine," she said, almost too fast and too rehearsed.

"No." Ren shook his head. "No, you're not."

"I'm fine, really!" Pyrrha insisted.

"No, Pyrrha." Nora shook her head and approached. She wiped something from Pyrrha's eye. It was a tear. "You're not."

Pyrrha wanted to insist that she was alright. She wanted to persist that everything was alright. She wanted to lie.

Pyrrha began to tremble and nearly fell as Nora caught her. Ren was there to support Nora a second after. Pyrrha's voice was loud. Even when she had covered her mouth, she couldn't keep her own sobs to herself.

Then, her cries grew louder. She just couldn't hold it back anymore. She let herself be hideous in front of her own teammates, her still living teammates.

How late was it already? Or was it early now? She didn't know. All Pyrrha knew was that she had yet to enter the bedrooms to rest as she was there on the ground floors alongside Ren and Nora who never once left her side.

When the sobs finally stopped, it was Ren who asked first. "Could you tell us what it is that you wish for?"

"Me?" Pyrrha shook her head. "I mean, where do I even begin?"

"No Ozpin. No Salem. Just yours," Nora replied. "That's what Oz said right? That each Master had their own wish? What was yours?"

Pyrrha lost the words there. "I suppose it all began all the way back when Jaune—our Jaune—died."

She then told them of Amber and Cinder. Why she had been out of it back in the Vytal Tournament and everything that Ozpin didn't include when he told them about Salem and the Relics. He did mention her involvement in passing but never delved into details. He focused on the greater picture.

"When I used his weapon," Pyrrha continued. "I had thought that I would have gotten his ancestor. It almost didn't matter to me if Jaune's great-great-grandfather had no fame to his name. I just wanted someone who might help me get Jaune the justice that he deserves."

"Justice?" Nora asked. "Or was it something else?"

Pyrrha's shoulders sagged. "I didn't think it was possible. I mean why would I?"

"Why would any of us for that matter?" Ren nodded in agreement. "Sometimes I forget that Jaune—our Jaune—really is gone."

"I suppose I can't deny that I did hope." Pyrrha kept going. "I… I don't know much about this Grail War. I don't think even Ozpin knows fully himself. I have been thinking that maybe, just maybe, if I win the Grail War, I could wish Salem's immortality away or the god of light to not be involved anymore, and keep Rider along."

"Well, you know how Rider is," Nora tried to defend Rider. "Always… always putting himself before anyone else. Be it forged transcripts or in the line of fire." There was a moment's quiet that should have had a light chuckle. "I guess we know just where Alyx—Lewis got it from, huh?"

"What about now?" Ren asked. "What do you wish for now?"

It took a minute before Pyrrha managed to come up with an answer. "I don't want to lose Rider. He isn't our Jaune. But still, I don't—I'm not strong enough to go through it again."

She was tracing her Command Spells.

"Do you think it would work?" Nora asked.

"Huh?" Pyrrha asked.

"Do you think it would work?" Nora repeated. "Those Command Spell things? You've got three, don't you? You and Ruby?"

"I… haven't used mine yet," Pyrrha replied.

"We know," Ren said. "I guess we're just trying to figure it out as much as you do."

"Yeah." Pyrrha nodded. "I suppose I'm not the only one whose been trying to work it out in my spare time. Would have been nice if teacher Chiron was here. He'd probably tell me more if I'd ask him."

"You really look up to him, don't you?"

Pyrrha managed to bring out a genuine smile. There was nostalgia in her eyes. "He was always wise. Always knew the best ways to teach, and I'm not just talking about fighting either. He taught me a few arts too." Maybe one day, she could pick them up again. "With his being this Companion Servant, all it did for me was that he knew more than he had let on."

"But most of all." Pyrrha paused. "He let me be myself. He let me make my own mistakes and let me experience things. Not everything he ever taught ended up being used by any of his students. Most took what helped them and grew into it, evolved further past than what he himself had taught. He was always proud of it when they do."

Pyrrha then told them some stories of her own time as Chiron's students. Ren listening to her with a monk's patience was expected. Nora following in Ren's footsteps was not.

But the topics inevitably led back to her mother. Chiron had been around as well and Thetis did share some concerns for a then green Pyrrha Nikos. No name and certainly not the Invincible Girl, Thetis showed worry about the young Pyrrha, especially when she had been competitive without thinking too much. Chiron had honed that competitiveness with temperance and knowledge.

Eventually, the stories came to an end. The clock had struck midnight and they needed to rest for tomorrow. They'll have to insist on their leaving in order for them to get to Atlas.

Pyrrha's own bed was closest to the windows. Ren and Nora stayed up on their own for as long as Pyrrha stayed by the window, staring out and onto Remnant's broken moon. She looked upwards and imagined that Rider was doing the same. She could see the sole of his shoe dangling there on the edge.

A breath had got stuck in Pyrrha's chest. She managed to push it out. She shook her head and laid on her bed. She faced the window and continued to imagine that Rider was there. She bit her lip.

Her final thoughts before sleep were that of Ruby, her potential opposition.

Once Salem and the god of light are dealt with, she thought. I have to win. I must win.

Her fingers traced her command spells. She can't use it like that. How long would a Command Spell last? Would it even work that way? Too many unknowns but Ruby wouldn't know anything either. But Pyrrha needed a plan.

/-/

"We got a few hours before the sun gets up," Lancer said as she appeared on the roof.

"Less," Rider said. "Saph gets up early to prepare breakfast for the family."

"Then we got less." Lancer had her weapons ready. "So spill it."

"Spill what?"

"What it is that you and your Master want. Whether I'm going to have knock some sense into you or save you for last is up to you."

"My Master wants to win the Grail War," Rider replied. "That is all she would ask for. She'd use it to end Salem's immortality or the brother of light's involvement."

Lancer mimicked a buzzer's sound. "Wrong answer. You can't be that dense."

"I know that my Master wants me to stick around," Rider replied.

"Good. At least you can tell."

"But I also know that Pyrrha had been the kind to put others before herself. I'm just trying to help her do that."

"By making her put you before herself. Boy, some Rusted Knight you're turning out to be. Quite selfish."

Rider put on his armored form, broken sword on one hand and expanded shield on the other. He didn't have his helmet on.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Look at that. Rusted Knight actually has some pride to him. What? Got that itty wittle pride hurt?"

"What's with you today?"

"I'm saying that you've got a shot at your own wishes now, you little brat."

"Not as long as Salem is still alive, and not as long as god of light continues to threaten Remnant."

"We got an oversized gun loaded with a literal floating city and we have a scythe specifically designed to kill immortals. The latter could be used twice if needs be. Far as I'm concerned, the Grail is just for whoever is left."

"So?"

"My Master has yet to figure things out. Ruby wants to be just like her mother. Call that dream what you will. A kickass huntress. A hero of justice. Point is that she has her own wish just as your Master does. We only agreed to Saber's Master's wishes because we didn't know any other option exists. That and our Masters agreed. Ozpin may have a bleeding heart but he still has to decide the best course for himself for this Grail War."

Lancer put away her own weapons, pulled back the hood, and removed her mask.

"You and I won't be working together forever, that much we both know for certain. Once our immortal problems are sorted out; I'm taking you out. And I want to know, right here and right now, if you intend to do the same."

Rider stayed quiet but he did put away his weapon. He kept the armor on.

"That would depend on my Master's wishes should that condition be met."

"Politician's answer."

"I don't think that's the right comparison."

"Yeah, and I don't care. So what about it, Rusty? You giving me everything you got or what?"

"Horrible choice of words, I know. But you'll get what I mean when I say I intend to give up my own life to accomplish Pyrrha's wishes."

"Good." Lancer nodded. "Just good. Shame on the old man but he can try again next time. He said so himself, I think."

"Was that really all you needed? Just to know if I would still face against you in the end?"

"I'm been meaning to know if you still plan on keeping up this Rusty-isn't-Jauney shtick. You aren't doing a good job at it, let me tell you that. Part of me wonders if you changed your mind."

"There is still no guarantee that I would win."

"With me around, of course there isn't any for the rest of you."

"Wow. So confident."

"I have to be. Would make a poor showing for my Master if I didn't. Maybe you should do the same sometimes. Yours isn't exactly brimming with confidence about you."

Lancer left him there before he had any chance to answer. She did put the last words though, just to rub it in.

"And I got a better track record than you right now. What about you? Did more than a stalemate lately?"

/-/

Nora and Ren had apparently taken turns in having a look at Pyrrha when she had woken up. It was close to noon by the time she awoke and no one had bothered to wake her at all. They all let her sleep in.

Despite Saprhon and Terra's protests, the whole group did push through in pushing onward for their destination in Atlas. The surprise of Haven's new headmaster and the urgency of the mission given to them had been enough to make them back down. Still, the married couple looked at them all with worry, Pyrrha especially.

"Now are you sure you're doing fine?" Saphron asked.

"As fine as I'll ever be," Pyrrha replied. "You don't have to treat me like family."

"You're my little brother's partner and took care of him when he knew nothing about being a huntsman. Far as I'm concerned, you're already family. Even Adrian calls you family. Once your mission is over, come visit us sometime, yeah?"

Pyrrha nodded. "I will. I will."

Outside the Cotta-Arc household, military activity was at an high. Huntsmen and huntresses were few in number. All those available, even those in-training, were being called to arms in response to the new development.

"If there's one thing you can trust about Atlas," Qrow said. "It's that they take armed threats seriously."

"Are these toys really that bad?" Nora turned to Lancer.

"Do you hear anything different, kid?" Lancer replied. "Not much changed other than we got another enemy beside the Grimm now.

"But new unknown also means a threat they can't gauge," Qrow added. "I know Jimmy wouldn't react like this since he's in the know. But that just means he can't exactly tell anyone to expect this."

"If he knew that this would happen that is," Lancer said. "Chiron would have told us to prepare for these things if he did."

"He told us that the god of light would be doing something."

"And how many of us here predicted sentient toys straight out of a fairytale? Raise of hands, kids?"

"Master," said Rider suddenly. Only Pyrrha could hear him right now.

"Rider?" Pyrrha was learning to communicate this way without speaking. It was a work in progress and she still mouthed the words. "Is everything okay?"

"I've scouted ahead, if you didn't mind," Rider replied. "The oceans are something to look out for."

Pyrrha nodded in understanding. She had grown up here in Argus. Argus may be some hybridization of Atlas and Mantle, but the former's presence and influence here wasn't just for trade. Pyrrha knew of the dangers from beneath the depths of the waters.

"Is it awakening?" she asked.

"I do not know." She could feel him shaking his head. "All I know is that the toys are swimming as well, and they don't seem to be bothered at all by ocean pressure and I have yet to see any of them resurface to breathe air."

Pyrrha did her best to steel herself. They wouldn't be able to fight against that Grimm and she was certain that they would be called for it should it get to that point.

Before the military base got into sight, Lancer also vanished into air.

"Wait, really?" Ruby asked out loud. There was silence as she was conversing with Lancer. "You… you don't want to meet with the person? I thought she was—she isn't? O-okay."

Ruby then addressed them.

"Lancer knows the one in-charge. Not the best relationship."

The two soldiers halted them. Qrow did the conversation and even used the code that were given to them. As added proof, he presented them the document from Haven Academy and the authority of the headmaster.

The soldiers looked to one another and hurried them inside. There was a short, old woman there who didn't appear pleased at their sudden arrival.

"Caroline Cordovin," Rider said. "Didn't think she'd make it this far this time."

"How so?"

"Lancer's living counterpart didn't seem to make it this far. I honestly thought it'd be the same for her. Color me surprised."

Cordovin did not at all look pleased. "Do you people have any idea how poor your timing is!"

"And she's as grumpy as my time. Actually, I think she's worse right now."

"Will we?"

"We're under the authority of Haven Academy. The code is between Haven and Atlas, I would think. Caroline is, if nothing else, committed to Atlas and firmly believes in them. If Atlas thinks we're important, then we are."

Rider didn't need to present evidence. Cordovin did it herself saying, "if it wasn't for the general's use of you, I would have you all arrested for interfering with Atlas operations!" She called for a soldier. "Get these people a bullhead, make it quick."

"Ma'am," replied the soldier. "All the airships have been deployed."

"Then bring one back and have it refueled! Atlas has need of our services and these non-Atlesians are the ones to fulfill Atlas' glorious plans!"

Nora leaned closer to whisper into Pyrrha's ear. "Boy. And I thought I already heard of Atlas' propaganda machine. This is ridiculous."

"What was that?" Cordovin demanded.

"Nothing!" Nora was caught off-guard and stiffened.

"If it wasn't for Atlas' need for you simpletons, I would have had you all kicked out of this military base."

Caroline motioned them in. It was more accurate to say that she ordered them in. Still, she was a woman of protocol and had them checked. There was always that chance that they were enemies of Atlas. Argus may be a joint effort between Atlas and Mistral, but the woman in charge certainly had her biases.

"These invaders are an upfront to everything we ever knew!" Caroline made her disdain known. She took a deep breath. "No matter. Atlas, just as it has many times over, will prevail. Atlas will endure. Atlas will not fall."

She had them sit somewhere in the base.

"You are, all of you, to wait here," she demanded. "As soon as one of the airships have made their return, you are to perform your duties as was demanded of you by Haven Academy and the glorious Atlas Academy."

"Wow," Rider said. "So humble."

Pyrrha was slow but managed to think out her response without mouthing her lips. It was difficult doing that in front of the others. I thought you already knew this?

"I did," Rider replied. "Part of me kind of hoped that it was just the living Maria Calavera and her having some kind of problem that caused this. I can't prove it right and I don't think I have reason to think that. I just do."

As the oldest among them, Qrow was the one who had been given all the orders. He did his best to listen but the uptight nature of Atlas, combine with Caroline's personal admiration, was pushing Qrow to sass back; that man had to pull back his usual distrust of big game military. Was it his bandit past?

Eventually, one of the airships managed to return. In fact, it was one squadron.

"You only get one ship, huntsmen," Caroline said. "I cannot spare anymore than this. Not with these new enemies on our tail."

"Right." Qrow noddded once. "I take it that this thing could get us straight to Atlas?"

"What do you take Atlas' technology for? Of course, it can! All you other huntsmen need to learn some proper manners knowing who are responsible for everything you use! Your only freedom is in your weapons and even then, it means nothing against Atlesian made equipment!"

Pyrrha had positioned herself as close to the Bullhead's cockpit as possible. Once the doors had closed, Rider had manifested. For the sake of appearances, it was Qrow that did the speaking. He wasn't good at it nor did he have the slightest idea of any of the protocols. It was Rider that did most of the work while Qrow did all the communications.

The Bullhead avoided much of the conflict. Yet, Pyrrha's eyes were all focused on that Grimm that Rider warned about. There was no disturbance in the water yet and Pyrrha was sure that Rider was paying attention; he had a clear view of it as they were passing by the waters.

Eventually, the airship pushed on and they made their way towards Atlas. Pyrrha then stood up and entered the cockpit herself. Before she did, Qrow stepped out.

"Rider?" Pyrrha asked. "Will everything be alright in Argus?"

"I don't know." Rider shook his head. "Maybe I jumped the gun a little. Let's just hope that Chiron could take care of the Leviathan. I don't think he went ahead and dealt with it here. Well, if the Leviathan does surface, let's hope it's night."

Silence past and the Bullhead went further and further from Argus. The lingering warning of Rider remained within Pyrrha. It remained marking his face too.

Behind them, the unnatural clouds of the god of light was following them. It paused upon the open ocean.

Qrow entered back into the cockpit as he was needed there for communications.

Then, there was a sudden announcement that addressed all airships. Pyrrha couldn't keep up with the speed and urgency of the message but Rider and Qrow did.

"Spoke too soon," said Rider.

"We have to keep moving," replied Qrow. "We'll need to get to Atlas and meet with that other Companion Servant."

"Master?" Rider asked. "Your orders?"

"Me?" Pyrrha replied.

Ruby entered the room. "Guys! Do you see what's happening out there?"

Lancer had materialized. "Leviathan Grimm is on the move."

"Called it," Rider said. "Where?"

"Where do you think?"

Rider positioned the Bullhead to get a better view. True enough, the Leviathan Grimm was rising from the water depths. Pyrrha could see that Argus was already deploying its walls to prevent its approach. Toys were already starting their attack and while the Grimm were defending the Leviathan.

"We have to help!" Ruby insisted.

"But we also need to get to Atlas soon," Lancer said. Qrow voiced his agreement.

"Master?" Rider asked. "Orders?"

Pyrrha bit her nails. She looked to the unnatural clouds. Why was she the leader right now?

"Atlas can wait," Pyrrha finally said. "But that Grimm needs to go."

Out of everyone there, only Qrow was rather apprehensive. "Hope you Servants got better luck than I do."

Chapter Text

"What are you people doing?" Caroline demanded from the communications.

"Giving you a hand," Qrow responded.

As far as any one of these soldiers knew, Qrow was the only one who was doing all the flight controls, and he was doing an excellent job of that.

"Nonsense!" Caroline's reply was enough that everyone there was thankful for the lack of headsets; they could all hear her just fine. "You people have a more important task if you're under authority of Atlas. Leave us here to our business! We can handle it ourselves!"

Qrow and Rider exchanged looks. Rider nodded.

"Look," Qrow explained. "Atlas military is great and all—"

"The best in Remnant!" Caroline had to add.

Qrow kept going. "But the point is that Atlas' tech is meant for Grimm. The least we could do is ease up the burden."

"No," Caroline insisted. "And I will show you why."

The line went dead. Qrow looked to Rider for spoilers.

"The Colossus," Rider said. "She's going to bring that old thing out."

"Gods," Qrow replied. "I remember hearing about those."

"Why?" Ruby asked. "What's a Colossus?"

"A product of a bygone era. Old Atlas tech."

"Will it work, uncle Qrow?"

Qrow shook his head. "Against a Leviathan? Yeah, I can see it. Against those toys? Not really. The Colossus is meant for big things, not small fry."

"Don't mean to add other problems," Lancer said. "But we still got god of light. And as far as I can tell, them Colossus isn't going to get through the immortality question."

"Here it comes," Rider said. His finger raised. "Look."

Concealed within Argus' military base, the layers of ice had begun to break apart with some melting off as the massive Colossus was awakened. The systems had begun to activate and the whirs of its systems came online.

The Colossus stood on its feet. Pyrrha had been in Argus for much of her life before Beacon. Sanctum Academy was there in Argus and she trained under Chiron here. Yet, she never once bore witness nor had she heard of this massive machinery from, apparently, old Atlas. Atlas never did a showcase of it. By the looks of it, Pyrrha didn't need to think why. The fuel that it would consume must be massive.

As if responding to it, the Leviathan was moving towards the Colossus. However, it paid more attention to the nearby toys that were still swarming over it, swatting them away like annoying flies. It roared like an animal asserting its dominance in the territory. The Colossus made response, not one that could be thought in the same way.

The airspace was becoming chaotic as toys, Grimm, and Bullheads were having their own skirmishes. Atlas was the only one that had some modicum of order with their formations and maneuvers. Avian Grimm were similar enough as they swarmed their enemies.

Toys were, at best, a nuisance. However, what concerned Pyrrha and the rest were the unnatural clouds that continued to grow larger. Lightning began to flash with some of its bolts aiming for the Grimm. The god of light had yet to appear from those clouds and if she were to give it her judgement, he was lazy about it.

"So uh," Ruby asked. "Not that I'm having second thoughts about this, but what exactly is the plan here? Because I got nothing."

"We'll leave the Grimm to Atlas," Rider said. "Our goal is to get god of light to follow us." He adjusted the ship to keep himself away from the chaotic dogfight.

He looked to Lancer.

"I'm not sure how much better that's going to be," Lancer said. "God of light is controlling but I'm not so sure about vengeful."

Caroline called them once more from the communications. "What on Remnant are you people still doing in there? You're obstructing Atlas military operation!"

Qrow picked up the mic. "We're here under orders of Haven Academy. That is among our orders, operative." It was the best imitation of the military discipline that he could muster.

Rider emphasized Qrow's point by flying closer to the unnatural cloud formation. Unnaturally colored lights continued to flash. Once they got closer, those in the cockpit could see most of those toys falling from it.

"We have reason to believe that the cloud formation forming above Argus' waters are our objectives," Qrow added.

Toys and Grimm continued to ignore them whenever the other was closer. Rider made sure to keep his flight away from it all. If not, shots were fired from the Bullhead.

"Operative?" Qrow asked when Caroline did not answer.

The Colossus continued to move and it moved towards the Leviathan. Caroline never gave an answer.

"She's too focused," Rider said after turning off the mic. "Let's just draw the god of light to us."

From what Pyrrha could see however, Rider didn't look like he had a plan. He was mumbling to himself.

"Hear that, Master?" Lancer exclaimed, feigning maddening excitement. "Get ready to meet your maker!"

Rider had the airship's doors opened. Grimm and toys may be prioritizing each other right now but they were still flying too close. Nora and Ren already went ahead and begun to shoot down those that came too close.

"Keep them company!" Ruby readied her weapon.

"Rider!" Pyrrha said. But she paused. "Don't… let's not do anything to hasty."

Rider nodded. But he didn't appear focused.

She drew her weapon. As she shot down the first of the toys, she too was trying to figure something out. She was staring at those clouds.

/-/

As soon as his Master had left, the doors closed.

"You have to," Lancer added to Pyrrha's words. "We're all here on the same airship now."

Qrow never looked more remorseful. He was shaking his head. "You really should have just materialized. I don't think any of your sisters would have seen you."

"I could take over for now," Rider said. "Cordovin has yet to answer. I think she's too focused on the Leviathan."

On the other side of the windows, the Leviathan and the Colossus were getting close to one another. The Colossus was readying its cannon-arm. The Grimm and toy swarm were swatted away like flies by the other. Bolts of lightning fell from the clouds.

"Go," Rider said. "Lancer and I will take it in here."

Qrow nodded and left, weapon drawn. It didn't take long for his shots to be heard among the cacophony of sounds.

"So, what do we got here?" Lancer took the co-pilot's seat. "Weather report didn't mention a rain of unused toys. Look at those things, they're brand new."

The Bullhead's movements were becoming less straight and more chaotic. Toys and Grimm were congesting closer, making Rider's avoidance of them difficult should he ever try to get close. The clouds continued to loom over them all. Lancer didn't appear bothered by it; the god of light wasn't looking at their direction.

"He isn't paying attention to us," Rider said, shaking his head.

"Not yet," Lancer replied. She braced as Rider made a hard turn left. "How are you even keeping them away from us like this?"

To answer her point, a Paper Pleaser appeared by Lancer's side.

"It's subtle," Rider commented. "Just enough to keep them away from all of us. I'd make a spectacle out of this but even Atlas is shooting the Papers down. They can't tell the difference. They have no reason to."

Then, it was as though the air itself had shook. The Leviathan and the Colossus had clashed for the first time in melee. Their movements slow but the power contained in them was massive. Communications came everywhere as airships hurriedly talked with one another. Caroline's voice was among them but she was incomprehensible.

"Light is too focused on the Grimm!" Qrow's muffled shout still managed to reach them. "We can't get them to pay attention to us!"

Neither Rider nor Lancer needed to be told that. They could see it for themselves. The airships were in a chaotic airspace against the Grimm and toys. Light must be thinking of them as being among Atlas' airships. Yet, not one lightning bolt came for them.

"I could get them with my Noble Phantasm," said Lancer. "It'll clear out the Grimm. Can't promise on the toys."

"But you're putting the rest of Atlas personnel in danger."

Lancer cursed. She hadn't thought of it. On the other end, it was the reason he hadn't went all in with the Paper Pleasers. Atlas have been shooting them down.

The airship resumed its chaotic turn. Despite not communicating with the rest of Atlas' airships, Rider managed to stay out of the general combat zone and even coordinated well enough with the rest when he would. Bullheads flew in formation and he could definitely make out them chastising him for being away.

Sorry guys, he thought. But we really need to get his attention somehow. But how?

Rider fired on the toys and had the Paper Pleasers cut down the Grimm. He was keeping silent as his senses and mind were all focused on keeping the Pleasers on the Grimm and the ammunition on the toys.

"Hey," Lancer demanded. "Why aren't you sending the Pleasers out on those toys? Light could target us that way."

Rider made a hard turn to the side, getting out of the chaos. "Too close," Rider said. He made a harder turn to the other as everyone else was suddenly blinded by a flash of light. His thoughts were somewhat jumbled outside of his piloting. "We'll get struck by lightning. I can't outride that with this Bullhead."

"Your mount is more capable than this bloody airship!" Lancer protested.

"My point exactly! Juniper could do it but I can't exactly bring her out unless you take over the airship. I don't mean to brag, Lancer. But I am a Rider for a reason! Trust me, just because I can ride good mounts doesn't mean I can suddenly make them do what they're not designed to do. I can only push it so far."

Lancer tapped furiously on the sides of her seat. "Screw it. Let Caroline see me."

She stood up and left.

In Rider's view, occasionally, Lancer's kamas would fly across only to return to where they had come. Rider cursed whenever he had to turn; those kamas could damage the Bullhead they were in. Rider could hear Caroline's voice among them but he couldn't make out what was being said.

Below, the Colossus and the Leviathan clashed. Claws swiped and left noticeable marks on the Colossus' metal. Meanwhile, the Colossus had its arm turn into a drill. But the Leviathan managed to move aside. The drill still drew a lot of Grimm blood and its rapid spins left a burning mark on the Leviathan.

The Leviathan bit on the Colossus' drill arm. With its own claws, it held the Colossus in place as it sought to rip that metal arm off. The Colossus had the cannon aimed directly for it.

Rider managed to hear Caroline's voice with clarity. "Got you!"

The cannon prepared its charge. The Leviathan, unaware of the other danger or too focused on the drill, failed to notice when the cannon had its full charge.

Then, the cannon let loose its beam. The hole in the Leviathan was massive. The force behind it took out many of the nearby Grimm and toys.

While the Grimm disintegrated, the toys fell into the depths below.

The communications were filled with applause and praise. Meanwhile, Rider had his full attention on the clouds above them. The god of light was silent. No new toys rained down with the remainders being killed off by whatever Grimm or airship still remained.

Soon, things turned to some kind of normalcy as Atlesian Bullheads clashed with the avian Grimm.

Meanwhile, Rider's Bullhead remained hovering in the air. The clouds still loomed above them as the other airships were returning home.

Lancer returned to the cockpit. "She didn't notice!" She sounded relieved. "Old coot is losing her memories if she couldn't notice these renewed robes!" She showed off her hooded cloak.

Rider was too focused on the cloud formation above them. Caroline Cordovin had yet to call them back, nor did she tell them to leave Argus' airspace.

Everyone else on the airship seemed to sound relieved at least. Then, Pyrrha entered the cockpit too.

"Rider?" she asked. She must have noticed the look on his face. "Is anything wrong?"

"Light isn't moving." Rider shook his head. He couldn't think of an idea in time, not one that put the bullhead at risk. How does a god even think? "He's not even paying attention to us at all, I think."

"Just shoot the damn worm!" Lancer insisted. "Get us some distance and take a few shots at it!"

Rider gulped as he did as was suggested. Pyrrha didn't give him any orders though she did remain by his side. She shook her head when he looked to her; she had no answers.

After getting that distance away, Rider fired a few shots into the clouds. Rider may not have the eyesight of an Archer-class, but he'd swear that he saw the two bullets pass through the clouds. Lightning continued to flash and the god of light never once made any moves in response. It still remained there.

"I think he's watching," Rider said.

"Nah." Lancer shook her head. Whatever remained of her spunk was gone, replaced by seriousness. "He's thinking. Contemplating."

"Is…" Pyrrha asked. "Is that a good thing?"

"Guys?" Nora peeked into the cockpit. "Why aren't we moving?"

On the other side of the door, Ruby, Ren, and Qrow were restocking their ammunitions. Ruby especially was shaking her head and mumbling something to herself.

"We can't exactly get to Atlas," Rider said. "Not without guaranteeing that light will follow."

"He stopped moving," Lancer concluded. "Those clouds were always headed for Atlas. But he isn't moving anymore."

"He can't be thinking that we're an actual threat now, does he?" Rider asked.

"I'll take it from here," Qrow said as he entered the cockpit. "You guys figure something out, but we can't stay airborne forever. We will be headed to Atlas."

Qrow was insistent on it that Rider had to give over the controls. As the Bullhead resumed its journey, Rider stood up there on top of the Bullhead. He made sure to call out to the god of light with the Paper Pleasers.

"Nothing?" he thought out loud. "Not even with my influence on Voyager is doing it?"

Rider took his risk and had the Paper Pleasers throw themselves at the clouds; they passed through the clouds. But Rider could see that the god of light was there. There were traces of the golden coat that made his physical return evident. Yet, he was still refusing to move.

He returned back to the inside of the Bullhead and took over Qrow's piloting. The flight to Atlas was quiet and Rider couldn't help but be worried that the god of light would simply not follow them at all. His fingers were tapping furiously.

Mistral hasn't had its own Black Cannon tower! He cursed. Rider didn't slow down with their limited fuel reserves. Their burning of the fuels was wasted as they had joined in the chaos of that aerial combat. All of it for nothing.

The airship made it past the waters that were between Solitas and Anima. Their vision was literally clouded before they took sight of the floating city of Atlas. But Rider was sure that they've failed here.

/-/

The great drake of the light remained on his cloudy throne. His new subjects, having been felled by those that had come before them, were as lifeless as they were before. Light was a creator. Light was a maker. It was his brother that was the destroyer. It was his brother that tore things down.

Everything that he had ever been made were always being destroyed by his brother. Even now, humanity, as a creation of both his and his brothers, were just as capable of destruction that the Grimm could do.

These machines of theirs, light shook his head. This was a product of darkness, a product of his brother. His creations should have only created. Yet, humanity itself made these weapons of mass destruction. Humanity have created these massive weapons.

Are they really defending themselves? Humanity have their walls. Humanity have had to deal with the creatures of Grimm for many centuries. Yet, they have amassed armies and battled each other, destroyed each other.

Humanity had been given a choice: to choose between the essence of creation or destruction. Though they worshiped him and not his brother, their actions then and now, said otherwise.

Then, there was the Grail War. Heroic Spirits, entities of great renown, rebelling against their fated ends by merely existing beyond it. What do they do? They bring with them destruction, more of his brother's influence. More of the darkness that light always kept away from his creations.

"Remnant's humanity," he declared. "Are no longer mine. This experiment is a failure. Humanity has chosen wrong."

Its draconic eyes then turned towards the other flying machine. It was small now at this distance, already gone from the arbitrary borders that divided these four kingdoms.

Unity. The condition once the Relics were gathered had been that humanity be united. Yet, there were kingdoms. There were borders. There were many walls that split these people from each other. They fight in sport in the name of peace and cooperation, a contradiction.

He turned to the other direction. There, in that place that they call a haven of all things, was one of these trespassers, these invaders, that are now ruling over more people. Teaching them these ways that would only lead to further destruction, further into the darkness.

They have chosen their path, he thought. Humanity only tapped into my gifts to create more weapons capable of destruction.

The great drake moved about in his cloudy domain. Lightning flashed and thunder roared though there was none that could hear except for the airships that pass by him, ignorant of their own creators.

In the many years since I had left, humanity has forgotten me. They remembered my brother. They remembered the destruction that he caused and made. Ignorance? No. Ozma was entrusted to unite humanity. He would have kept our names alive and well-remembered.

Light flew in another direction, towards Vale where Ozma's incarnations were. Then, he paused. Incarnations? Why had he felt two? Why were there two Ozmas?

Even you, child? He asked. No. You have done much worse; you have accepted this throne as your new home and purpose. You have abandoned that task which I have set out for you. You embraced the darkness, embraced my brother.

The light continued its flight towards Vale, away from Atlas. Those heroic spirits there have already done enough damage. He will come for them in time. They will, all of them, will pay the consequences for leaving his designs.

Free will was a mistake, he concluded with certainty. Humanity is inclined towards darkness and his destruction. I am but a tool for them to use for their own means. Division exists because they choose willingly, and they choose destruction. They choose my brother.

Always the brother. Always to him when light says no. How many others had gone to darkness when light denied them their selfish wish? Who else were there before Salem?

His throne of clouds whisked away by the winds of his flight. A new pillar of dark clouds formed a tunnel and path for his destination. Lightning flashed as he neared the continent of Sanus in his draconic form. He had kept himself hidden from Remnant's eyes for long enough.

Light was approaching Vale. There, with Ozma and Salem coming closer, he would make his return. Humanity had not gone where he had deigned them to go. They had not gone the path that he wished for them to take.

Remnant will be wiped clean. The world will be as white as a blank canvas. But first those that had come before them must pay for their crimes.

/-/

"What do you mean the god of light isn't following us?" asked Nora.

"Exactly what I mean, kids," Qrow replied. "Seems like we weren't just eye-catching enough for him."

"Why don't we go back?" Ruby asked. "Follow god of light so he could follow us?"

"Afraid we don't have an answer nor the fuel, Master," replied Lancer. "All we know is that Atlas is our best bet to deal with the god of light and he isn't about to play ball, either."

"But we can't let him get away!" Ruby insisted. "We don't know what he's going to do when he gets to other places."

"We don't even know where he's headed," Lancer replied. "Light covered himself in those clouds. Could be anywhere really. Further south of Mistral, Vale, Vacuo. Heck, maybe he is headed towards Atlas but wants to take the scenic route. But I'm not putting my lien on it."

Ruby was pacing back and forth. Rider and Pyrrha were not there on account of being in the cockpit though Ruby could hear muffled conversations coming from there. Ruby wasn't the only one who was thinking of going back, though she wasn't sure which of those two shared in her sentiments.

"We're going to meet with this Companion Servant of Atlas and Mantle," suggested Qrow.

"Best course that we could take," Lancer agreed.

Ren nodded. Out of everyone there, Ren was in a meditative pose, attempting to calm himself. "Perhaps the Companion Servants have better knowledge of what we're supposed to do. They have been preparing for the brother gods to return at some point. If I may, I think that's where miss Raven Branwen comes in. She would allow us to transport ourselves back and forth to wherever we would go."

"Vale and Mistral," Qrow specified. "I guess that means I'm the anchor for Atlas. Huh, makes sense."

"But how are we supposed to contact Chiron once we get there?" asked Nora. "Aren't communications still down?"

"We'll find out once we get there," Lancer said.

Ruby wasn't comforted by that thought. Her furious tapping of her feet was proof of that. She wasn't feeling well; the nerves were getting to her. She was the Master, one of the many targets and direct enemies of the god of light. Yet, she wasn't being targeted. Would the god of light be targeting innocents?

Then, she had a horrible thought. "What about dad and Yang? If uncle Qrow's going to be our anchor to Atlas, wouldn't that make dad and Yang our anchor to Vale?"

"Yep." Lancer nodded. "Ah. I see what you mean kid."

"Would they be alright?" Ruby got up from her seat. She almost barged into the cockpit before Lancer stopped her. "Can we go faster so we can check?"

"We'll get things going as soon as we are able." Lancer was holding onto Ruby's cape. Lancer made sure that Ruby was looking at her in the eye. "Trust me kid, they got three Servants on their side, as far as we know. Saber and Archer can keep each other in check but I'd trust Astolfo to keep a look out for them."

Ruby nodded but she didn't calm down. She went back to her seat and put her seatbelt on but she didn't lax into it.

Nora was forcing out her joyous demeanor. Ren was in that meditative state of his. Only Qrow and Lancer showed off any calmness at it.

"How are you two so calm?" Ruby asked.

"We're better at hiding it, kid," Qrow replied with a chuckle. "Tell you a secret about being out there in the field: you can't show civilians that you're worried. It makes them worried, and if they're worried, Grimm are going to find you sooner. You've got to put a tough face just to reassure them."

"We're not civilians." Ruby's voice was weak. "You don't have to put on a tough face for us."

"But you are kids," Lancer answered. "Lacking in experience, you're wearing your emotions on your sleeves. Yeah, even the Buddha over there."

"The what?" Ren asked.

"Kid, quick question. You meditate a lot when you're on your nerves, huh?"

"I do," Ren admitted. "It helps me calm down."

"There see?" Lancer addressed Ruby again. "Kid's too obvious about it with that pose of his as well."

"It's what I'm supposed to do," Ren emphasized.

"Yeah," Qrow replied. "Thing is: I know people who used to do that. Believe me, they figured how to do it without the need to sit like you do."

Ren switched his position to something else. He looked like was trying to change his meditation practice.

"Don't worry about it, kid," Qrow said. "We know things aren't looking well right now. But hey, we're still alive and that counts for something."

"Have faith in me, Master." Lancer got closer to Ruby. "Rider too. Even without them Companions, we'd still kick butt no matter what would happen."

"Can you kill a god?"

"On my own? Nope." Lancer shook her head, confidently. Ruby wished that Lancer didn't wear her mask right now. "But will I think of something? Yep. Will it work? Probably not. Will I still do it if I thought it had a shot? Absolutely."

"Besides," Qrow said. "We could always try our hand at putting them in the Ever After?"

"The Ever After's real?" Nora asked.

"I mean, with Rider around, I feel like that should be a given." Qrow shrugged. "We got gods, people from the dead, immortal witches and wizards, we already have proof of other worlds, what's one more going to do?"

"And how are we supposed to do that?" Ren asked.

Qrow shrugged again. "We'll figure something out."

Ruby sighed. She eventually nodded along. "Yeah, I suppose there really is nothing else that we could do."

"That's the spirit, kid." Lancer patted Ruby's shoulder.

Then, Rider's voice was heard through the speakers. "We're headed into Atlas' airspace. And we still have no sign of the god of light. Qrow, you're in the lead on this one. Seems like the general himself is there to meet us."

"Welp." Qrow proceeded to walk towards the cockpit. "Hope you kids like the cold. You think northern Mistral is cold? Well, you haven't felt anything yet when it comes to Atlas."

"Especially this time of year," added Lancer.

The view outside the window panes were that of clouds. Ruby and the others already knew of Atlas being a floating city but none of them had been there before. Thusly, when the first signs of Atlas' floating city came into view, it came to no surprised that they were mesmerized. In those short minutes, they had forgotten about the god of light.

The dotted skies revealed themselves to be other airships of multiple sizes. Had anyone been any closer to the cockpit, they would have heard Rider conversing with someone from the communications tower for Atlas. Rider was being guided towards their docking bay.

Ruby and the others were peeking from their window panes. Qrow and Lancer did the same but towards a different window.

Lancer whistled. "So much for subtlety."

Qrow shook his head. "James was never one for that. He always liked to take things head on. If anything, this is as subtle as he could get."

Once they got closer, Ruby got a better view of what it was that Qrow and Lancer were talking about. There were soldiers among them; she could tell by the uniforms. All of them were wearing white.

And I thought that was just Weiss, she thought.

As they got even closer, Ruby would have broken through the window panes the moment she caught sight of that white hair. But then she slumped as they got even closer; it wasn't Weiss. She looked like Weiss but that woman was more mature looking than Weiss did. Not that Weiss wasn't mature, far from it.

It was Qrow who whistled this time. "What's with that new attire, ice queen? That isn't her."

"What?" Lancer teased. "Jealous? I see the other guy. He doesn't look much but that jacket fits him than it does her."

Qrow scoffed at the thought and mimicked someone else's speech pattern; it reminded Ruby of Weiss. "Perish the thought." He returned to his usual tone after. "If anything, I feel bad for the man she snagged."

"Why don't we ask them when we land, eh? How 'bout a bet?"

The bullhead was making its final descent. Seconds past before the doors were opened.

Counting the general, Weiss' sister, and that guy that Qrow and Lancer were talking about, they were greeted by eight people in total. One of them was a dog faunus since Ruby caught the wagging of that tail. Out of everyone there, there was this one guy who didn't belong since his colors weren't the same as the others.

Ruby could see Atlas' skies from where they were. It was clear and there was no sign of the god of light following them. On one hand, that was good since that meant that they were still safe. On the other, it was bad since they needed god of light to get here.

She instead looked towards the Atlas soldiers. Most of them took a neutral expression though the civilian-looking fellow looked to them with a familiar warmth. Ruby was sure that she never met the guy before.

"Damn, Jimmy," Qrow said, adopting a laxer demeanor. "We VIPs or something?"

"You used the code of the Companion Servant," said the new guy. "Code: HJ-7; Henry Jekyll, 7th Companion Servant. Berserker of Atlas and Mantle."

Only Lancer and Rider reacted to the information. It was Rider who spoke. "Wait, Henry Jekyll? Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde?"

Ruby, Nora, Ren, Pyrrha, and even Qrow looked to this Henry Jekyll. Or was it Edward Hyde? Why does he have two names? He didn't look much, especially when compared to the other Servants that they've met so far.

The man stepped forward, raised one hand and adjusted his glasses with the other. "Fitting for Atlas and Mantle, don't you think? A pleasure to meet with you all. If it isn't too much to ask, how are Mulberry, Greene, and Peach doing?"

Chapter Text

Ruby wasn't the only one who felt like something had to be a mistake. Her uncle Qrow, along with Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora, also appeared to think that the civilian in front of them, doctor Henry Jekyll, would be just that, a civilian. He even introduced himself as a Berserker; the only other Berserker that Ruby was aware of was the non-Companion Servant of this Grail War, and that one was a literal monster from a fairytale; Henry Jekyll looked like any other person that Ruby might see and subsequently forget about while walking down the street.

Had he been an Assassin-class, Ruby might have believed it. He wasn't the sneaky one that she would think so, but the Assassin of this Grail War wasn't the sneaky one either and she seemed to get along just fine. But nope, Henry Jekyll had introduced himself as a Berserker. Lancer and Rider were the only ones that didn't appear surprised at that claim; the only surprise they had was that it was Henry Jekyll at all. There was also this Edward Hyde guy but Ruby had yet to see him. Was Hyde supposed to be someone else?

"Jimmy," uncle Qrow had to ask. "Is this guy for real?"

"Doctor Henry Jekyll," general Ironwood replied. "Also referred to as mister Edward Hyde. Yes, he is the Companion Berserker of Atlas and Mantle. The main head of information of Atlas and Mantle's branches of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."

"I meant about him being a Berserker."

"Can confirm," both Rider and Lancer said at the same time.

Rider continued. "Grail knowledge. It's the Hyde part that really makes him the Berserker."

"The what part?" Ruby asked.

"Later, Master," Lancer replied. She then addressed Jekyll. "Hey, how's a spar sound to you?"

Jekyll raised an eyebrow. "A bit of an odd request. But, considering that we are all Heroic Spirits, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised." He then looked to them. "Though, we might have to choose a different battlefield if you wish for your Masters to be involved."

"Fantastic!" Lancer said. She then raised a finger, realizing something. "Wait, what do you mean Masters?"

To that, Jekyll returned with a coy smile of his own. "I am no Grimm, Lancer. Whatever benefits you think you may have had does not apply to me. I'm more than willing to take on you both."

They were being escorted out of the docking bays. They were led towards the open cities where more people are moving about. There were protests being had as some were against something.

"Seems like not everyone is a fan of Robyn's push," commented Jekyll.

"She's prioritizing Mantle over Atlas," replied Weiss' sister; Ruby managed to remember where she saw her before. "Not only that, but the general has been supportive of it. As far as they know, they're neglecting Atlas."

"Damn," Qrow said. "You'd actually do that, Jimmy?"

"A necessity for the coming Grail War that would come to Atlas' skies," Ironwood replied. "If it wasn't for it, I would have encouraged Hill to find some kind of balance between Atlas and Mantle, with myself speaking on Atlas' behalf."

Thankfully, none of those protestors saw them. Ruby was sure that they would be held back and they didn't need that right now.

Night was already descending on Atlas' skies and Ruby could already feel the cooling breezes on her. She was absolutely grateful for her current outfit, keeping her warm. But the same could not said for team JNPR, Nora and Pyrrha especially. Ren's long sleeves at least kept him warm enough, though he was shivering a little. Ruby's hooded cape made all the difference.

However, none of it mattered at all to the likes of Atlas' soldiers nor the Servants. Even Rider, who wasn't in his armor, didn't appear bothered at all. But with the colors, he looked like he was from Atlas. Those colors were similar to the Atlas' soldiers that if Ruby didn't know any better, she would have thought him to be one.

The stars dotted the skies above them, yet it was as though Atlas continued on with its life. Rather than a dark blueish color, the skies were practically black. Lights of buildings, both businesses and homes, were lit up as shadows moved about doing their activities. Nora managed to have some kind of amazement as she dragged Ren along at the different sights of an Atlesian nightlife. By contrast, both Ruby and Pyrrha were too focused on their current duties as they stared the backs of Lancer and Rider who were still conversing with Jekyll.

Uncle Qrow was conversing with Ironwood, exchanging information. Then, uncle Qrow reeled back in shock.

"You knew?" Qrow asked. "This whole time?"

Ironwood shook his head. "That is a courtesy of our Companion Servant over here."

Jekyll waved his hand. "Considering the general's semblance, it was best that we do this early before he closes off his mind to alternatives."

"I would have had Atlas ascend further above." Ironwood nodded. "Have the Relic reach a place that Salem could never reach."

"Dooming Mantle and everyone else in the process," said Weiss' older sister.

"Come on, now Jimmy," said Qrow. "You can't be serious."

"It is how I would have thought had I known that and there wasn't a Grail War." Ironwood shook his head, refusing the faith that uncle Qrow showed.

Qrow sounded his disbelief. "I always said you never had a heart, I didn't actually mean that."

"And I always called you a scarecrow, head filled with alcoholic straw. Funny how that works." Ironwood gave his warmest smile. It still looked coldly neutral but it was relatively warm enough.

Weiss' older sister then turned to address them. "We're headed to Atlas Academy. You are all to rest there. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the general's office by the Ace-Ops. You are given access and authority of Atlas Academy's equipment on the same level as huntsmen-in-training."

"Technically, Winter," said Jekyll. "My information says that they are, all of them, fully-fledged huntsmen."

"And I will continue to stand by my statement," Winter replied. "We cannot afford to allocate finances just to replace equipment."

Jekyll bit his lip. "Fair point."

"While we're still here," Qrow suddenly said. "What's with the outfit, Ice Queen?"

"If you are referring to the jacket, Qrow," Winter replied. "This was a gift."

Ruby could just imagine Lancer raising an eyebrow behind that mask of hers. She was facing towards Jekyll. "Congratulations?"

"We're not married," Jekyll replied. His voice trailed into a whisper. "Not in this one."

It was Pyrrha that had that biggest reaction of them all. "Wait a minute, what?" She looked like something was going through her mind many miles a minute.

"Yet you two are this close?" Lancer asked. "How long have you been around Remnant, anyway? We know Chiron has been long enough to be her teacher." She pointed towards Pyrrha. "You've been around longer?"

"Not as long, no." Jekyll shook his head.

"Another Remnant, then?" Rider asked. "Not surprising me here. I'm used to this."

Jekyll coughed into his fist and looked away.

"Congratulations," Lancer repeated.

Ruby managed to catch Pyrrha staring intently at Winter. Winter refused to grace the initial question with an answer.

Rather than continue with the conversation, they all kept going until they reached Atlas Academy. Conversation was still had but that was mostly between Qrow, Ironwood, Jekyll, and Winter. Rider and Lancer were there too as the Servants in question. Ruby could barely keep up with all those jargons that they were using.

When they had arrived at Atlas Academy, Ruby found that much of the school was full activity. Huntsmen were going in and out, some only really staying to reload their Dust supplies or to recover their strength. Even the non-huntsmen were busy coming in and out, carrying with them many documents, some of which fell on the ground. Arguments were had as to which document belonged to who.

They were walking further in until Ruby herself stopped. This time there was no mistaking that white hair.

"Weiss!" Ruby shouted and vanished into a petal of roses. Weiss didn't have much of a reaction on account of being overwhelmed by Ruby almost the instant Weiss' name had been called. The most Weiss had was a pained noise of being struck. "Hi."

It took a while for Weiss to reply. "Ruby. Get off! Can't breathe!"

"It feels so good to see you again!" Ruby kept her embrace. "Did you miss me? Did you miss me?"

"I wish you missed me when you came barreling in here!" Weiss replied. "You're in Atlas Academy, Ruby. Show some respect!"

"I miss you, Weiss." Ruby finally let go.

"You evidently did not." Weiss fixed herself. "So, you just met up with my sister and the others."

"Weiss," Winter suddenly said. "Back so soon?"

"Considering my working partner," Weiss replied. "Is it a surprise?"

Ruby looked scandalized. "Partner? You replaced me? Already?"

"Not really." Weiss shook her head. "Who could possibly replace you? On second thought, yes, she probably is the closest equivalent."

Then, Ruby heard a familiar voice. "Friend Weiss! My sensors have indicated that friend Winter has arrived and—"

Out of everyone there, it was Pyrrha that most looked like she had seen a ghost. They all did once before, when Rider revealed himself to them.

"Penny?" Ruby asked.

Everyone, except Ruby's group, made distance between themselves and Ruby.

Penny readied herself for a massive sprint. She then burst into a run. "Salutations!"

It was Ruby's turn to beg for air. In speeds that were faster than most others, though not enough to keep up with Ruby's own, Penny barreled through much of the space between them. Combined with her metallic form and body, Ruby was slammed against the ground as metal arms wrapped around her.

Ruby managed to hear Pyrrha asking, "Rider? Did you know this?"

"I didn't mention it?" Rider looked surprised.

"No." Pyrrha shook her head.

"Sorry, slipped my mind. I thought I did."

Meanwhile, Weiss commented, "well. Karma was kind enough to let me watch. I'll take it."

Penny stood back up. "It is such a pleasure to see you all, again!"

Pyrrha raised a finger. "I thought… I thought I—"

"Killed me, friend Pyrrha?" Penny tilted her head. "I suppose, in a manner of speaking, you did."

"Penny," Weiss said. "That could use some rephrasing."

"Oh." Penny looked surprised. "Of course. It might not do well on one's psyche. Forgive me, friend Pyrrha."

"No, no." Pyrrha shook her head. "It's fine… I think?"

"Believe me, Master," Rider said. "It was weird when I was alive too. You're not alone in that one."

Pyrrha nodded a little. "Yeah. That helps… I think."

"But my core has been successfully recovered and taken back to Atlas," Penny said. "It took some time and I was made good as new. Not only that, I have some new upgrades! Watch!"

Ruby heard loud whirring noises. The general, Winter, Weiss, those soldiers, and Jekyll weren't surprised at the sight before them. However, what surprised Ruby the most was that even the Servants bore surprise on their faces.

"How did—" Rider asked.

"Perhaps that is something for you all to figure out, later," Jekyll replied. He then addressed Penny. "Penny, now that there are other Servants around, I believe we may proceed towards the next phase of testing."

Penny's eyes genuinely sparkled. Would it be more accurate to say that it lit up? "Really? Oh, sensational! I can't wait to tell father about this!"

She pulled Ruby back up. But before Penny could say anything, Jekyll raised a hand. "Let them rest for the meantime, Penny. They had only just arrived after all."

"Of course, doctor Jekyll." Penny bowed. "We have so much to catch up on, Ruby! I hope you and my father could get along!"

"I'm sure they would," Weiss said. She then turned to Rider. "So, it's true then?"

"Uh," Ruby said. "Weiss, we can explain."

"No need." Weiss shook her head. "I've already known."

"Wait, how?" Pyrrha asked.

"Doctor Jekyll," Weiss replied.

They all looked to Jekyll. He answered them, "Chiron. The League has its information network. They worked as fast as they are able."

Then, Ruby realized. "Mistral Below," she said. It was when she, Lancer, and Chiron had gone to Mistral Below.

Penny saluted them. "I have more duties to perform. See you all friends, later!"

"We will," Weiss said.

Weiss had joined their group after Penny had left them. The same could be said about those soldiers since they had other duties as they too left them be. The only who stayed with them was the general, Winter, and Jekyll.

Leading them towards their temporary dorms was Weiss herself.

"These are the dorms Atlas gives exchange students whenever we would be the ones hosting the Vytal Festival," she explained. "It isn't much but it isn't like we couldn't decorate and personalize it a little while you're here."

"You're not joining us?" Ruby asked.