Hey, it's been a while, eh? I've been busy with other stuff (my other stories), but I am now back with this one, and I have to say that this and the next few chapters will be a multipart, just like the Battle for Haven, you know? So yeah, be excited because we're about to reach the end of the Argus arc before going to Atlas. And wow… This story has been going on for years, and it has come quite far, don't you all agree?
I can't wait for you all to see what I have prepared! Besides, Zack's about to get a new outfit too that will be his Atlas clothes. (Yes, he is getting his one ahead of the others.)
As with all my other stories, I do not own RWBY at all. Its content now belongs to VIZ Media, and not me. Only the OCs in this story are my creations.
================================================================
Morning comes, and Weiss couldn't be any crankier than she could have been. Not only was she awakened by Nerium around five in the morning and told to get ready before being escorted to the main throne room. It turns out her boyfriend woke up an hour earlier by Nerium without waking her because Faelwyn needs his presence over his reworked clothes.
While Weiss does understand the need for all of this since they will be leaving Sanctuary soon for Argus, she still likes her uninterrupted beauty sleep, thank you very much. Nor does she appreciate being woken up without Zack in her arms. Frankly, it's surprising how nice and warm he can be in bed with her thanks to his fluffy tails; not like that is a bad thing, but she'll miss this moment despite only two days since she and her infatuation became an official couple once they regroup with the others.
She has a reputation to maintain, and… she's not ready to reveal her new relationship status to the others just yet.
Well, that's assuming that they wouldn't notice the change between her and him. Especially Yang, who likely won't shut up about it and will tease her to hell if she catches on. Well, then again, the others already catch on to her infatuation with Zack in Mistral, but… oh goodness.
If they caught on to this new change in development?
She'll never hear the end of it.
But enough of replaying what happened in the morning. As she had already washed up, she was now in Fenrir's courtroom. And it had been slightly adjusted with a long table right in the centre of the room, and on it is enough food to feed everyone. Of course, everyone was here. Fenrir, Nerium whom she dislikes internally for what she did to Zack, Adam, and the court members. But none chose to eat under direct orders from Zack's uncle himself.
In his words, it would be rather rude to eat first when not everyone is here yet. Wouldn't it?
Though just like it was before, many of the court members still dislike her presence here for being a Schnee, but thankfully, for now at least, none decided to be confrontational about it. Probably because Fenrir made it apparent the day before that she is a guest here and should be respected.
But Weiss couldn't dull the awkward feeling she was getting because everyone else was in their seats waiting patiently, and the silence was rather… tense. It is clear to her that many of the court members were whispering to each other about something to pass the time but still respected their Khan's wish for some peace.
As if anticipating her boyfriend's arrival into the room with his new clothes.
Something that she herself is also silently wondering as well. It's surprising because Faelwyn only started on it just yesterday, and by that logic he and his crew basically worked on it around the clock! Which is insane upon further thought!
But before she could delve into the possibility of how Mr. Gearshade and his artisans work the whole night to get this done before morning, the rumblings of the main door drew the attention of everyone. And it finally opened, and Zack walked in with Mr. Faelwyn looking far too proud of his work with bags under his eyes.
Starting from his feet and moving upwards, Zack now clearly wears black combat boots that have some sort of metal pieces painted white located on the foxing, calves, and shins. But in addition to that, it also has four metal blades that go from just above the vamp and extend down to the toe box before sticking out around two inches like feet claws.
With it, Weiss could only suspect that this addition grants him the ability to inflict more damage with his kicks and perhaps even have an easier time climbing if he should choose.
Moving up to his pants, Zack now has his black pants that have more segments of white armour over his shins and knees. In addition, there are what look like several pieces of cloth that consist of white, black, gold, and purple. All held in place by his utility belt that has small brown pouches all around his front and probably the back of his waist.
It should also be mentioned that glowing purple lines that pulsed like a heartbeat were also located on the side seam of Zack's pants, and occasionally those spread all out all over his pants like mechanical veins.
Under the utility belt is waist armour made from three layers of black metal with grey, all held by leather straps and buckles that hold it to the utility belt. Moving up to his chest, Zack wears a metallic black undershirt that has more purple lines that pulse with life in addition to more purplish metal threads woven into the shirt itself. It even goes halfway up his neck, and the shirt itself is littered with gold threads woven into patterns that wouldn't be improper in Mistral.
But that wasn't all; Zack also has an unzipped bolero leather jacket with more metallic purple and gold woven into it. It is also asymmetrical because it doesn't have a sleeve at all on his right arm, which so happens to also expose his tattooed arm of a fox that shows that he is the Sister's chosen for everyone to see. In addition to that, it also comes with a hood that Zack has over his head with holes for his fox ears, while its edges and collar have white fluff on them.
In fact, they were just as fluffy as his tails!
Then there's the main attraction on his left arm. While it is difficult to have a full grasp on what that is, it is clear that it used to be his gauntlets that allowed Zack to use a grappling hook, dust thrower, and shield. But it seems like Faelwyn found a way to merge all three modules onto a single exo arm piece? It's mostly metallic white in painting with the occasional gold and purple that seems to cover his entire left arm and a bit of his shoulder as well.
Though it appears that it left his fingers open, which of course exposes Zack's short claws he had since his last evolution. Walking down the room slowly, he then reaches for his hood and pulls it back to reveal his long fringe and messy ponytail. All as pure as snow, just like hers, and this also exposes his face for all to see.
Which includes showing the magenta strip tattoo markings on his cheeks and small fangs in his mouth.
Weiss can only say in her thoughts that Zack looks… good in it.
Yes, he still has his three fluffy tails and fox ears sticking out of his head, which is eye-catching, but this new clothing will surely draw more eyes on him. Both friends, enemies, and everyone in between will certainly be drawn to its almost exotic designs he wears and overall appearance.
As much as she hates to admit it, Neo is right that her boyfriend will become rarer specimen of a man. But she utterly refuses to call him that since it's dehumanising. And that's not what he needs right now.
Still, everything about his new looks makes her feel as if it's telling a tale that her boyfriend had grown in his short time here. Not simply learning more of his heritage or coming to terms with his eventual end, but it feels as if she's witnessing Zack accepting it all and taking things into his hands.
Just like someone who is taking the cards in his hands and going with it. Even if they are a horrible hand.
"About time you arrived, my dear nephew and Grand Artificer." Fenrir spoke up for everyone to hear as he stood up and slowly walked towards his kin with fondness. "I was concerned that there were complications in the uniform our Mr. Gearshade had created with how long it took. You both are supposed to be here fifteen minutes earlier."
"Nothing like that, uncle. I just decided to make some inputs and request some modifications. The original clothing design isn't bad, but I prefer a bit of my touch in it." Zack explains as he cracks his neck a bit with a tilt of his head while Faelwyn chuckles audibly and interjects his thoughts.
"I can confirm what he said, Great Khan." The Grand Artificer smiles. "He simply addresses his concerns that the original design we had was a bit too… flashy, in his words, of his nature. He preferred it with more utility, and it eventually became what you all witness right now after some modifications to his liking."
"So the original was much more eye-catching? I can see how Zack would raise issues with that." Weiss raises an eyebrow with that in mind before her eyes soften as soon as she spots him turning his head towards her. "He always prefers not drawing unwanted attention to himself."
"I am glad that is the case. Come! Now that everyone's here, we can finally begin the morning feasts! And then we can give him and his companion a proper send-off!" Fenrir announces, with his arms open to the sound of cheers among the court. And soon after, everyone began to enjoy the morning feasts with much to be done.
================================================================
Zack POV
Wow…
My uncle really went all out on making this a proper farewell for me and Weiss. And I'm not only talking about this new outfit I'm now wearing and the sweet upgrades it brings, but also the amount of effort he and everyone under him are putting in to make this a proper send-off. Sure, Fenrir's court members took the time to ask me more about my life and my plans outside Sanctuary, which I had to keep vague because my mission is important and I don't feel confident enough to share it.
Still, it wasn't that bad, and I even got the chance to talk to amnesiac Adam again. (Yes, I'm calling him that.) Apparently, he wishes to come along to find more of his past and the people who knew him. But my uncle and I had to put a stop to that for, well… obvious reasons.
Having a terrorist responsible and playing a part in the Fall of Beacon would be…
Problematic.
Thus, he would be sticking around Sanctuary instead and following whatever my uncle needs of him. And speaking of my uncle. He, uh… informed me that Nerium will be escorting and following me as soon as I reach Argus as an… and I quote.
An ambassador of the Arakan Clan to the rest of the world.
The Sword of the Khan. The very same woman who tested me back in Mistral and used her damn body-controlling Semblance on me and made me attack Ruby while I was helpless against it. Who wishes to follow me to ensure I stay alive as an apology?
An ambassador.
Ambassador.
Oh, trust me, Weiss and I are rather displeased with this motion, but my uncle reveals that this was Nerium's own choice to volunteer herself to follow me and ensure that the heir to the clan still lives. Ignoring the fact that I will likely be dead in a year or two thanks to the Brother Gods.
But…
Additional hands are appreciated.
Though I wonder how the gang in Argus will feel about this… Ruby would likely not take it well since, if I remember the details right, she was going for the kill with that shot and scythe attack to Nerium's head while she found me at her mercy.
Great… Just my luck.
Ugh…
I managed to convince the others to work with Neo; I can do the same with Nerium.
Hopefully.
Then there's the whole… Another issue.
After having a private moment with my uncle at his request, he passed me… uh… This is quite embarrassing to say, but he gave me those fertility booster, libido-boosting, and birth control drugs Sanctuary managed to cook up in three separate bottles.
The very same thing I ask about the day before I rest for the night. They mainly come in a white powder that, apparently, you're supposed to mix with water and drink and give a moment for its effects to kick in.
He had also labelled them accordingly with colours as well to represent what they are, but… I…
Fuck.
I, uh…
…
God, this is way more awkward than I want it to be! But long story short, I saw this coming; he hopes that I would somehow pop out a kid before I die. But dude! I'm literally an age younger than Ruby, and I will be sixteen this December! Which is like soon! In, like, a couple of weeks!
I get his concern with the whole last of our blood.
But what the absolute fuck?!
I know this is going to happen eventually, but doesn't he know how incredibly awkward it will be to tell the others, especially Weiss, if any of them find these bottles! Don't get me started on that other stuff! Ugh… I'm mentally an adult thanks to my Earth memories and Ozma slowly merging with my Remnant soul…
What should I do here?!
You know what? I'll push this to future me to worry about this!
Ugh…
在这个年纪谈论生育问题,我实在应付不来… (Literal translation: I really can't handle talking about fertility issues at this age…)
Anyway, an hour passed, and around six thirty in the morning, I didn't like how they woke us up this early. It was time for Weiss and me to leave this place. And thankfully my uncle is willing to lend some horses to ride to Argus, and that journey will take a while, a couple of hours from here to Argus.
That, and we would be escorted by eleven royal guards, which also includes Nerium leading the group. And so, with everything with us, including Ozma's cane and the Relic of Knowledge on me, we were soon brought to the main exit of Sanctuary even though the sun hadn't risen yet.
But what surprised me and Weiss was that as we were heading towards the main gate of Argus on horseback. Weiss insists on riding with me under the reason that she still doesn't know how to control one while I can thanks to Ozma's memories, but I think she just wishes to be by my side, which I appreciate.
Then there were people on the streets already waiting to see me off, and they were singing a choir of some sort of farewell song. They must have practiced it because everyone is singing it together. Even the surrounding bodyguards are doing it as well, though softer.
One thing is for sure, they are singing in some sort of dead or unknown language because even Ozma hadn't a clue what they were saying. Which only reinforces the thought of how secluded the Arakan Clan has been since they willingly chose isolationism since the dawn of modern Remnant.
It sounds like a mixture of all East Asian languages all mashed together, and thanks to Cantonese being my secondary language (though I don't use it often back on Earth), I can pick up certain words from them.
It's still tricky since I don't have much to work on, but they're singing about giving farewell to the past and its memories while encouraging the embrace of a new future. In addition to that, I think the song also sings about acknowledging the struggles of life and hardships it brings and overcoming them as 'pioneers' of a new future despite the shadows.
It's… beautiful in its special way. There were even traditional musical instruments as well!
…
You know, speaking of musical instruments, I wonder what happened to that guitar I got while in Mistral? I hope it is still with the others in Argus, because the thought of playing it to Weiss while we're alone at night doesn't sound that bad to do. Just a quiet moment between the two of us.
Well, assuming our friends don't get all kaypoh about our relationship.
(Author's note. Kaypoh is a Singaporean/Malaysian slang for being a busybody.)
Oh, and Ruby's crush on me to handle as well. I still can't believe I managed to make two of the main cast fall for me…
"Well, guess it's time we move out." I mutter while on my horse with the others as soon as we are outside Sanctuary. Then turning my head to my uncle, I see him nodding his head at me with longing in his eyes. Despite our initially rocky relationship, I get his desire to spend more time with me.
I would too, ever since it turned out I wasn't alone in blood. But we all have duties to carry, and I am relying on him to help me in Atlas once the time comes. He and the Arakan Clan.
"It is." Fenrir mutters out before giving me a two-finger salute. "Until we meet again, Zack. I wish you the uttermost best. And once the Royal Guards escorting you to Argus have completed their objective, they'll come back here while Nerium stays."
My uncle says, while Nerium beside me and already in her gear and mask, silently nods her head while I do the same with Weiss holding onto me from behind with my tails resting in between us. "Yeah. Until then, and good luck. See you soon." I mumble before taking a breath. "Alright! Enough wasting time here, people! We're moving out!" I yell out before the horse I'm on lets out an authoritative neigh.
And we were off, with me leading the charge and my bodyguards following me on their horses as we galloped through the night just as the sun slowly rose. AWOR already warned us that we would be intercepted. But is it Salem's forces or that Wendigo Grimm Weiss predicts who would do that?
Whoever it may be, let them try. I won't back down.
Not since I learned of my fate.
================================================================
Watching as his nephew gallops away with his bodyguards to Argus, Fenrir lets out a soft sigh before turning his eyes to Adam, who was still by his side. While he understands the amnesiac bull Faunus desire to confront his sins, such actions bring more instability and distrust his nephew doesn't need at the moment.
But at the same time, it's also unfair to him that he has to remain hidden from the world despite not being the same crazed Faunus supremacist terrorist he once was. Nevertheless, perhaps there can be a use for him. While the Great Khan of Sanctuary needs to mobilize his people for the eventual war and assistance in Atlas, there is still much to be done.
For example, there are hidden cells within all the kingdoms with the utter purpose to watch the rest of the world in silence, including a small contingent in their ancestral homes in Menagerie. Perhaps it is time to awaken them and rally more people, whether Human or Faunus to the cause to support his nephew and perhaps prepare them for the war against Salem.
Funny how the old wizard's attempts to keep this war in the shadows and away from the public eye have their merit. But it has run its course. If the people who called this dark world home are to survive, they will have to come together against the darkness. Or die alone. Fenrir's no fool; the Arakan Clan's return to the world will cause political shockwaves in the sphere despite the loss of the CCTs.
Those politicians will either see his people as threats due to different views and beliefs. Or they will seek to spread their false ways of life in this world everyone calls home. Either way, the Clan's return will no doubt raise many questions. And the Sisters of Twilight's faith will no doubt spur new followers and new resistance from the old world.
After all, many reports of any attempts to spread the Sisters Faith outside of Sanctuary quietly have been met with dismissal that they are simply toothless cultists of a made-up religion. Since their orders don't involve any violence. Menagerie, on the other hand, has the largest number of followers of the Sisters of Twilight but not enough to earn the eyes of everyone who calls that place home.
Then there are the shadows of the Brother Gods; they will return eventually. That is for sure. He will never forgive them for marking his only blood for death all because they fear the true gods return and attempt to take back what's theirs. If Salem is defeated, Fenrir knows in his heart that there will be one final opposition his nephew will have to deal with before he is free from this curse.
Or dead.
"Adam, I have something I need your assistance with." Fenrir calls out with his eyes looking back to see his nephew far in the distance before vanishing within the snowy forests. "While you may not help openly due to your infamy, I need you to meet me back in our courtroom. It's time we contact our kin in the south and those who will heed our words to rally them to our cause."
And so, the Khan walked back with everyone swiftly tailing after him. "We will play our role in the future of this world. Whether the world knows it or not."
An hour later…
That's how long they had been traveling through the forests before stumbling along the main path of Argus. Zack and everyone else had slowed their advance occasionally to allow their horses some time to catch their breath, and during all that, the fox Faunus had been humming a melody to himself while Weiss calmly rested on his back.
To catch up on her sleep, as she says.
It was during that moment that the ex-heiress decided to speak to pass the time. "What are you singing?" She asks while her boyfriend stops his humming and slowly turns his head to the back. "I never heard you sing anything like this."
"Ah, that's a traditional folk song that originates from what I guess could be considered colonizers of my home. More accurately, it comes from the people who called themselves the English in the seventeenth century. Which soon became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and then the British Empire. And the song is called Scarborough Fair." Zack murmurs softly.
"I see… The melody feels bittersweet." Weiss muses before Nerium joins in surprisingly.
"Hm… Even without lyrics, it sings of tragedy." She mutters. "Do you fear your future? Thus, why you sing this?"
"How the fuck did she—? Never mind that." Zack blinked before shaking his head. "It's more complicated than that. But I find music an effective way to destress my mind." The fox Faunus explains.
"Speaking of home, while I know everyone asks you about your memories, you never talked much about where you were born over there. And what do you mean by this British Empire colonizing your home?" Weiss then changes the topic while engrossed the whole time before her boyfriend chuckles.
"I suppose I was pretty on point on whatever you guys asked me of my world. Long story short, my home island of Singapore was basically a trading port for the British Empire. Their legacy is debatable, whether it is for the good or for the worse for everyone under them. The point is, they influenced my home country up to the point until we gained independence. I'm giving a short explanation because history is long and complicated."
"I'm surprised you're willing to say all of this openly like this. You failed to mention to your uncle your… outsider memories." Nerium then spoke up, as did Weiss afterward upon realising that they're talking about this openly. In addition to feeling sheepish that she let her guard down on the topic of his memories.
"As much as I dislike to admit it and forgot to keep my silence on it, I have to agree with her. Are you sure you should be saying all this out loud with so many eyewitnesses?"
But that just made Zack chuckle. "Perhaps. But I'm confident that you and everyone can keep your lips quiet about this. Can you? After all, I'm considered your superior due to my title as heir, yes?" He asked, which just made Nerium let out a small laugh disguised as a hum.
"Asserting your authority already, are you?" She says through her mask, and it is clear that Nerium is amused by Fenrir nephew's more assertive stance. "Very well then, rest assured that I and the Royal Guards with you here shall never speak of this to anyone. You have my word." And as if agreeing with her, all of Zack's bodyguards nod their heads in sync.
"Though I must confirm, are your allies waiting for you at Argus aware of your outsider knowledge?" Nerium asks next before getting a nod from him.
"They're the first. And I intend to keep those who know of it to those I fully trust." Zack explains calmly with his eyes still looking forward. "Frankly, how they came upon my outsider's memory was completely accidental."
"And by accidental, you mean blurting it out openly with us all in the corner of the room after you asked Ruby to call us for our next move. Truly an accident." Weiss couldn't help but point out while her boyfriend's cheeks broke into red from embarrassment while visibly shrinking as he spoke.
"Yeah… I completely forgot that I called you guys…" That apparently was funny to some of Zack's bodyguards when a handful of them lost their composure and broke into soft chuckles before reigning themselves in. Even Weiss was smiling with her eyes closed.
"As much as I would love to tease you more, would you enjoy singing it out to pass the time?" Weiss then asks before Zack glances at her. "If it is not too much to ask of you."
"Eh. Why not? It will certainly make this less boring until we get to Argus." The fox Faunus shrugged his shoulders slowly before he began singing Scarborough Fair with lyrics this time.
================================================================
But things have not been as smooth as they should be. Because eventually they found the paths through the forests that is a straight path to Argus, things have been getting quiet. Too quiet for their liking. There was no fauna making any noises in the forest, nor were there any birds seen at all or chirping.
Total silence.
And there was this feeling that they were being watched from the shadows of the surrounding forest. Something that was impossible to ignore and had everyone on high alert. "Keep your eyes open, everyone; the shadows move among us." Nerium orders out with everyone looking around for any potential threats.
"Do as she says, and let's go faster now. I have an awful feeling we're walking into an ambush." Zack orders out, and so everyone reins their horses to move faster. The eerie silence that permeated around them did not help anyone in the slightest, and only the trampling noises of hooves on the ground and leaves were their only comfort.
Then in the trees far deep in the forest on their right, Zack spotted a tiny Nevermore watching everyone with its red beady eyes. Just as the fox Faunus and tiny Grimm made eye contact, it began cawing loudly, which alarmed everyone. But most of all, it made Zack, Weiss, and Ozma realize one truth.
The Wendigo Grimm is nearby plotting this ambush and no doubt hunting them for revenge.
First it was a single caw, then another joined in, then a handful, tens of them, hundreds… All cawing loudly like a cacophony of terror washing over those who knew what was about to happen. "Move! And don't stop now!" Zack cried out with everyone's horses breaking into full speed on the path.
And as if his voice served as the trigger, growls, roars, and screeches echoed through the forest. Everyone who met the Wendigo Grimm knows that it won't make the same mistakes and play with its food like in the previous encounter. For now, it will no doubt show itself among a tide of darkness barrelling down.
"Tch. It knows that attacking and playing with us alone will not be to its advantage. And our lack of numbers will be to our detriment." Nerium clicks her tongue, and before long, hordes of all types of Grimm begin pouring out from both sides of the forest and descend like a flood. Even worse, those tiny Nevermores had begun forming entire flocks before coming down upon everyone like a swarm of angry bees.
"There are too many of them for everyone to handle, Zack! I suggest you try to outrun them and make your way to Argus!" Ozma suggests in the fox Faunuses mind while a swarm of Nevermores flew overhead and continuously cawed, almost like a bell of death had rung again and again.
Mortified by what the wizard in him recommends, Zack rebukes! "Argus!? Ozma! That's insane! You'll put more lives at risk, and no one's prepared for this much Grimm coming for our asses!" The fox Faunus then looked focused ahead while his ears were starting to get overwhelmed by the ever-growing noises behind his group. "But fuck, man… We have to do this and hold them off the walls if we are to survive, don't we?"
"Blessed one!" One of Zack's bodyguards calls out to him. "The darkness comes for us, and Sister Nerium is correct. While we are strong and wield our Semblances, we won't be able to stem the dark tide alone!"
Weiss then abruptly draws out Myrtenaster, and with a flick of his hand and a gesture toward the front past Zack's shoulder, a single, enormous, white glyph takes shape beneath everyone's horses. This causes them to run faster than before and outrun the hordes of Grimm behind everyone! "You better have a plan because I can't keep this forever! And are we still heading to Argus with them behind us?" She asks him out.
"Damn it all. I get why Ozma says that we need to get to Argus as fast as we can. Nor can we take them all alone without help. But that puts the whole city at risk. Do I even want to risk that just for a chance to live?"
Zack growls in his mind. "But then again, if we do that, the others waiting for us there could lend their help, and the Atlesian military stationed there can too." A tiny Nevermore then tries to swoop down and attack the fox Faunus only for it to be slashed in the air by his claws glowing purple from being infused by magic. "That is the only option I can think of. But if we could get there faster, we might be able to warn the military to prepare before we get there."
Glancing at everyone after thinking it through, even though it feels like hours, Zack yells out to everyone. "We still need to get to Argus if we are to make it there alive! Can any one of you get there ahead of everyone? I need you to warn them about what's coming!"
"Allow me, Blessed one!" One of the bodyguards at the back pushes her horse forward until it is beside Zack's, with a massive pair of scissors as a weapon on her back. Much to the Fox Faunus's bafflement. "I can create short-distance portals to teleport myself anywhere! But there's a short cooldown before I can use my Semblance, but if I use them correctly, I can cover large distances and reach far ahead towards Argus before everyone else can."
"Then do it and hurry!" Zack nods his head while his ears twitch from the stress, with his tails all puffed up. "I don't know how long we have before we get there! Alert anyone you see there and tell them of what's coming! If there's any Huntsman present in the city, tell them to go to the walls. The rest of us will hold them outside the walls once we reach there to buy time for the civilians to get to shelter and help to come!"
"Understood! I will not fail everyone!" And just like that, an orange portal appears right in front of that bodyguard as she and her horse are engulfed by it before the same portal reappears far ahead, and out comes the bodyguard riding ahead of everyone.
"Alright, I hope she can make it because that monster hasn't shown itself yet." Zack mutters loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Then we'll just have to keep an eye out for it." Weiss assures while holding tightly onto her boyfriend while glancing back as a lookout. "But are you sure our friends will react in time?"
"I'm sure they will react. We both know what the others are like, especially Ruby. She'll never back out when innocents are in trouble." Zack assures, though he frowns upon thinking of the Atlesians stationed there. "As for the military, I have my doubts. Especially that crazy old hag Cordovin; she makes me concerned that her arrogance will jeopardize everyone. She'll probably insist all of us leave it to her even when that's a horrible idea."
"I may have an idea that could buy time in theory." Ozma suddenly spoke again in his host's mind. "I distinctively remember you managing to replicate my force field ability when you and Miss Schnee were about to hit the ground back when you fell off the Argus Express. Perhaps you could do it again and create a barrier large enough to keep them away from the city upon reaching our destination?"
"Are you sure that plan of yours would work? I… never pushed myself that hard, and… I'm scared of losing control again. My uncle and Weiss told me how that could happen again if things get too much for me. Are you sure it is worth the risk with the chance I could go berserk and attack everyone?" Zack would only ponder before one of his bodyguards yelled out.
"Rock incoming!"
Swerving to the side, everyone dodges a horse-sized boulder that smashes where Zack's horse was, while a bellowing roar could be heard far back that made everyone's spine freeze for a second. Even more, had their riders not reined them in on time, their horses would have gone into a full-blown panic and thrown them off.
It was clear that all that the main Grimm was finally making its appearance known. With every step making the ground quake with fear, everyone could only turn heads to see the monstrosity right at the back calmly walk through the tide of Grimm. Crushing any that were unfortunate to find themselves beneath its hooves while its head and horns stood far above the trees, as Zack, Weiss, Ozma and Nerium last remembered.
But what was most alarming was two… people on its shoulders.
"This is a terrible time to ask a question, Blessed One, but who are those people on its shoulders?" One of the bodyguards asked while verbally tense while Zack's eyes were wide open and visibly paler than before with his tails curling around Weiss's waist tighter than before.
"Shit… Should have suspected that Salem would eventually send her agents to hunt me down… I just wasn't expecting them to look for me this early! And that Wendigo managed to regrow its arm back after I cut it off? It can do that?"
"I suspect it can by devouring its kin, and those people appear to be working with the abomination…" Nerium mutters next. "What bargain have they made with it to coerce such a monster to work together with their plans?" The Sword of the Khan could only question further while Weiss gulps.
"Whatever it may be, they definitely want Zack alive." Weiss hisses before pointing Myrtenaster at the Grimm horde and launching a fireball at the Wendigo Grimm's face. Only for it to casually bring its arm up and tank the attack. Then it lets out a slow, guttural laugh before it becomes a roar.
"Kill them all, but bring the fox back to me alive!"
And that was quickly followed by the maniacal laughter of a very familiar scorpion Faunus.
================================================================
Resting on the shoulders of monsters while holding onto its tar-like fur on its neck, Hazel and Tyrian gaze over at the rather small escorts on horses galloping away from the tide of Grimm chasing after them. And right at the front is Salem's target, and that Schnee girl Hazel recognized from Haven.
"Ohhh~ look at him, Hazel! Look at him run! Such vitality, such desperation! I can practically taste the fear-sweat from here! Delicious!" Tyrian yells with such delight at the panic he sees, his eyes gleaming like a child who found something that caught their attention. However, the same cannot be said for Hazel, who's more focused on something else.
"… He's changed." He murmurs while narrowing down at Zack, who was bringing his head back and forward and back again before barking out something that he couldn't hear from up here. "Ozpin's host doesn't look like how I saw him back in Haven…"
"Oh~?" Tyrian purred, his grin widening madly as he leaned forward and nearly hung upside down off the Wendigo's edge just to catch a glimpse. "Do tell, Hazel! I've never had the pleasure of meeting this 'Ozpin's latest meat puppet' in person before! Give me details~" The scorpion Faunus lets out a childish giggle.
"Hm… Everything about him is different. Physically, ignoring that change of clothing, he appears to have gained more Faunus traits." Hazel mutters on before tilting his head at the end. "Difficult to see from this angle, but he seems to develop a new pair of ears on his head and an additional two tails. How is that possible?" He wondered out.
"Could it be that goddess our mistress told us to be aware of and so brazenly interrupted our meeting about is responsible for causing all of these physical changes? If so, his host has become much stronger than before. Likely even more so than any previous incarnations…" Hazel thought in his mind before Tyrian's cackling interrupted his thinking.
"Extra ears and tails, you say? How exotic~! Oh, I must say, I'm very interested now. Do you think he purrs when you scratch behind the ears?" Tyrian hums, licking his lips obscenely before laughing to himself again. "Tell me more, dear Hazel. Is he still the meek little whelp that Ozpin controls like a meat puppet? Or has our foxy friend grown some fangs?"
Hazel's frown deepens, not at Tyrian's words but at his growing unease at what he witnessed. "Hard to tell. But he is issuing commands now." Hazel mutters. "The others defer to him. Even the Schnee girl seems to trust his word with no hesitation."
"Oh-hohoho~ someone's graduated from lapdog to alpha wolf, hmm? How thrilling!" Tyrian nearly sings with his arms dangling open. "Do you think he bleeds the same way when he screams now? I've always wondered if such specimens scream sweeter with all those additional limbs…" He purrs softly.
Hazel finally turns his head toward Tyrian, and for a moment, there's a glint of something dangerous in his eye filled to the brim with deep-rooted frustration. "Do you ever think about anything beyond the pain you cause?"
"Of course, I do!" Tyrian replies cheerfully. "I think about the symphony behind the screams. The art behind a good death. The poetry of fear dancing in the eyes of prey!" He licks his fang. "What is it you think about, Hazel? Justice? Redemption? Or are you just trying to forget the sound of your little sister's voice?"
Hazel's hand twitches at the rather painful jab, but he refuses to show it to that insane scorpion. "He wasn't a fighter," Hazel stated, his voice a low rumble that was almost swallowed by the wind and the Grimm's roar. "He was just a brat who was dragged into a war he wanted no part of. But still, he foolishly chose to stand against us and nearly paid the price with his life from Cinder. Had it not been for the Old God's intervention, we would have achieved our objectives and secured the Relic of Knowledge."
He explains while his eyes remain dead on Ozpin's host. "Now? Within a few weeks? He has changed and has strangers following his orders as if he leads them. People who we don't know or haven't heard of at all."
"Aww, did the poor little fox get a boo-boo?"
Tyrian cooed, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. He then let out a sharp, ecstatic gasp. "Ooooh! Is that why you're so fascinated? You see a kindred spirit! Another poor soul broken and remade by a power far greater than themselves! Just a pawn in the great game!" He cackled, the sound like grinding glass and painful to the ears. "Tell me, does his pain remind you of your own? Does it make it harder… or easier to deliver him to my mistress?"
Tyrian questions mockingly while Hazel's jaw tightened in response. "I see a variable that has changed. At Haven, he was a boy whose performance was mediocre at best. Now, he leads with conviction and bears new, unexpected growth. He has changed beyond what should be possible. That makes him more dangerous, not less. Underestimating him again would be a mistake."
Then the Wendigo Grimm growls as if agreeing with Hazel. "He… is… wise… Then… let… the… hunter… become… the… hunted… before… they… reach… Argus…" To Hazel's utter horror and disgust and Tyrian's morbid fascination, it uttered slowly, then paused to violently cough and spit out hundreds of tiny Nevermores from its maw.
"Crush their mounts! And kill all who stand in our way!" It howls loudly before going on all fours and charging straight for Zack and his group while trampling anything in its way while both men on its shoulders cling onto it for dear life.
================================================================
Zack POV
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! It's coming straight for us!" I can feel the earth trembling beneath us while that Wendigo charges for us at full speed while my blood runs cold! Even more so, I can feel Weiss clinging onto me tighter than ever before! But we need to do something to slow it down.
Any delay will cost our lives dearly, and I have no intention of dying today!
"Zack! It's getting closer!" I can hear the panic in my girlfriend's voice behind me while I see chains gathering in Nerium's arms. I think she's about to use her Semblance, and whatever she's planning, she better execute it quickly. "Zack?" I heard Weiss call out to me again while I racked my head to do something.
"Move faster! I'll thin the hordes behind us!" Nerium orders as she begins pulling her horse back while the others push their horses ahead. Glancing to the back, I see her throwing her hand out as the chains on her arm shoot out and wrap into a nearby tree far ahead of us, and I immediately know what she is planning to do.
"Everyone, duck!" I cried out before I bent down close to my horse as a loud crack was heard, and I saw Nerium snapping that tree off the ground and swinging her arms around everyone! And a crash and wood splintering was what we heard, with several Grimm yelping and thrown off our backs. Hell! I think her actions made some of them crash into others, but that damn Wendigo isn't slowing down!
"Weiss! You take over control over our horse!" I ordered before turning myself into my fox form and carefully crawled behind my girlfriend while she shrieked.
"What?! What are you going to do?" She asks before I nudge her forward with my head before changing back to my Faunus form, with me now behind her and facing directly at the Grimm hordes chasing our asses! All the while, Nerium continues grabbing whatever she can with her Semblance and smashing them onto the Grimm hordes behind us!
"Something really dumb, but trust me on this! Just keep our horse on the path." I yelled before having my tails wrap around her waist for support before summoning Oathkeeper, in its staff mode, into my hands. Then, channelling whatever magic is already present within my Oathkeeper, while also projecting what will happen next,
I yell with everything I can and throw my hand forward while it glows green!
"BEGONE!"
Just like that, like a raging storm that lets out a hollow howl, an insanely strong gust of wind poured out of my hand as it slammed onto the Grimm hordes like the winds in a raging storm. Lighter Grimm types were instantly blown off the ground and thrown far back; heavier types were forced to stop lest they also be thrown back as well. And even the Wendigo's charge was heavily hampered while Hazel and Tyrian clung onto it desperately to not get launched back.
Intentional or not, this sudden blast of wind did send our horse far ahead of everyone. But the most important thing is that I managed to buy some time for everyone to keep moving until we can get to our destination. "What did you just do? We're far ahead of everyone!" Weiss asked while she glanced at me while I readjusted my seat back properly.
"I might have accidentally boosted us forward while blowing our pursuers back." I mutter as I can see my bodyguards and Nerium pushing their horse double time to catch up to us while yelling at us. Something about our safety or what happened there, from what I can pick up. Unfortunately, that delay I did have had already ended with the Grimm hordes back to chasing us.
Even those tiny Nevermores that I blew away are already starting to reform their large blobs to pursue us again. "How are you managing?" I then change the topic and get a swift response.
"I believe I have this under control. Probably." She says before adding in the last part a beat later while I nod my head.
"Good, because you're on driving duty now." I mutter before hearing Weiss squawking at me. While I unsummoned Oathkeeper and pulled out several vials of Dust my uncle had helpfully provided to me from my pouches on my belt.
"Seriously?!"
"You're doing fine!" I countered while I could see the rest of my bodyguards, with Nerium leading them, catching up to us while I conjured a Dust rifle with my Semblance onto my hands. In fact, it looks a bit like a musket. Except the whole damn thing is made from various Dust crystals, with what would be the main chamber made from various pieces all floating in proximity to one another.
To be frank, I'm amazed I managed to duplicate close to what I saw my uncle do in our duel. "I see you manage to expand upon your semblance's use." Nerium murmured before one of the guards behind her threw a flare gun at her from behind. And without even looking, she just brings her hand up and catches it. "We'll reach our destination in a few minutes. I am under the assumption you have a plan in mind."
She asks while I point my Dust gun straight at the Grimm hordes behind me, but goddamn, those movies certainly make it seem way easier aiming a gun on horseback. "Yeah, something like that. Now move out of the way!" I yelled out before everyone did what I said, and a crystallized crack rang out as my Dust rounds flew past everyone and dug in just before the Grimm hordes, and then it happened.
Instantly a massive wall of ice and dirt several stories tall erupted beneath their feet and severely delayed most of the Grimms chasing us. Well… Most of them. That damn Wendigo just ran right through it with Hazel and Tyrian still on it!
"Welp… At least it did something." I murmured before I saw Nerium quickly point her flare gun in her hand into the air and fire it! And out comes a smoke as dark as physically possible, shooting up high into the skies.
"Zack! I can see Argus just ahead!" She yells loud enough for me to pick up while my ears twitch rather ecstatically.
"We're here! About time!" I found myself cheering on the inside while adjusting myself so I was back facing forward, and I can see it too! Just far in the distance! Argus with its walls! "Great! Now I hope things go well because we're in for a siege."
"Hmph. If our messenger failed to convince them, then that black smoke will." The sword of the Khan grunts out calmly on my right while her head keeps peering back. "It is impossible for them to ignore it in this kind of clear weather. Black smoke will tell those in the military of incoming Grimm."
"Zack, are you sure this plan of yours will work?" Weiss then asked me for what I believe is for assurance, while I could only nod while having my Dust gun dissolve and form a bracelet over my right wrist. While it is risky that it could blow up in my arm, I'm sure I can manage it well.
Besides, I need more practice with my Dust manipulation Semblance.
"I prefer we keep the fighting outside the walls and not inside. And seeing how I'm apparently the main target, I would serve as good bait to keep them from flooding the city. Well… that's the plan, assuming there are no changes to it." I found myself muttering the latter after a beat before addressing Ozma in my head.
"Oz, I'm going to need your help in this if we are to make it out alive. And not under Salem's hands. I shudder to think what she would do to us with our unique situation." I said before receiving a rather amused response from him.
"Heh… You don't need to ask that, Zack. After everything I learned with you, I feel it is best to let you handle the show while I support you from behind. Fret not; if required, I will take over the situation."
"Good. Because of everything that had happened the past few days and definitely today. I think I would like to lie down to process it all properly… Haiya…" I sighed at the end. Seriously. I wonder how I am still sane after everything happening so fast… "I'm so tired of all this shit that a drink doesn't sound too bad after this."
"You're still underage. As you previously stated, you will not touch them until you are of legal drinking age. It wouldn't be right to break up now after how long you held on." Ozma proceeds to lecture me while I could only groan internally about my vow to not touch alcohol.
Oh how I missed being older!
"Blessed One, who are you talking to?" One of my nearby bodyguards on my right with a… chainaxe? Wait. How did I not notice he had a large ass chainaxe with him on his back?! Am I in a Warhammer crossover or something?! Whatever! But I know for sure that Ruby will lose her mind over it if she sees it later!
Feeling another groan coming on, I just mutter out to him to address his concern. "Just ignore me. I'm just talking to myself…" All the while, we get ever closer to Argus.
And to think my day couldn't get any more complicated. Ah, who am I kidding.
Welcome to the life of a Huntsman!
Only in Remnant, where so many things can happen in such a short period of time!
================================================================
In Argus…
Just as it was agreed the night before, teams RBY, JNR, and Qrow prepared themselves for the morning before the old veteran Huntsman called Celeste's caretaker, Katherine, to escort them to the hotel she was staying at. While Neo on the other hand, chose to opt out and was back to her ways, wandering through the streets of Argus in her disguise.
While the main reason why she decided not to join them was a mystery, since the mute just smiled at them with her finger on her lips and refused to say why. Yang joked that the main reason was because of Katherine after their last encounter onboard the Argus Express, which led to her being frozen in place while disguised.
Whatever it may be, the seven of them soon depart and arrive at a rather luxurious hotel that screams of Atlesian investments with its similar designs. Anyway, they soon found themselves in Celeste's room with her on a leather chair with her personal maids attending to whatever her needs may be.
And so, a talk between the eight of them with Katherine waiting outside her room unless her presence is required, with all of them chiming in if required. While their talk at the start was mainly about reintroductions, alongside Celeste's maids bringing out drinks and snacks for her guests, they soon moved on to the main topic of Zack, as they promised.
It was tenuous on both sides; on one end, Ruby and the gang tried to keep everything they knew about their friend vague for the purpose of hiding things that were different about him. Like his physical traits, the fact that Ozpin was inside him, and the fact that he had memories from an entirely different world altogether.
On the other hand, Celeste has used her words carefully to prod and poke for more information on her childhood friend. She already had her suspicions about his state, nor can she reveal anything about her unique situation. But even more, the fact that Neopolitan is working with them came as an utter surprise.
She has been reading the reports her dear caretaker had given after completing her request, and it baffles her to no end how she found herself with them due to her past fights with the protagonists of the story. The only conclusion was that her childhood friend had a bigger impact on all of them with how highly they spoke of him and his growth with them.
Further on to that was Ruby of all people. Out of everyone in the room, she has been the most defensive about Zack and almost unconsciously aware of her plans to get as much information out of them on the status of her long-time friend. But that necklace really made Celeste question internally where she got it.
Nevertheless, she couldn't openly ask without looking dubious.
At times, Ruby even sounds protective when she asks about Zack. It's difficult to tell, but Celeste swore to herself that Ruby spoke of him with fondness that reminded her more of what a schoolgirl would say when asked about someone they had a crush on. In addition, she seems to unconsciously grasp that rather appropriate rose-themed necklace every time she or her friends mention him.
But even hours into their private talk, it was interrupted by Qrow's scroll beeping loudly while he was leaning against a nearby wall while everyone else was resting on the couches. "Hmm?" He hums audibly before pulling it out and reading its contents. His eyes narrowed down before widening with a hint of alarm.
"Hate to interrupt this chat, but we've got a problem. Big one."
He says before walking towards everyone, while Blake was the first to ask. "What's going on, Mr. Branwen?" The cat Faunus asks before Katherine bursts into the room to the point one would think her brash actions would have snapped it off its hinges.
"Mistress! We have a situation! One of our maids spotted a black smoke flare in the skies." Celeste's caretaker reports hastily with alarm, while the heiress herself also looks alarmed by this sudden news.
"Huh?! Are you sure?"
"Confirmed, Heiress."
Qrow butts in again, with everyone tensing up. "One of our friends not here spotted the same flare. Black means distress call because of Grimm attacks." He explains, with everyone's eyes widening as he continues. "Hell, if it's not that far outside the walls, that means Argus is about to be attacked by them."
"Then we have to intervene and help everyone now! Let's go!" Ruby expectantly jumps onto her feet before rushing out with everyone following her except for Celeste and Katherine, still in the room.
A beat went by before Celeste finally chose to place the teacup she had in her hand back onto the floor while her caretaker awaited her orders expectingly.
"Have our maids help get the civilians to safety. I don't have a clue what's happening right now, but we should join them and help defend Argus from whatever's happening." She explains before standing from her chair. "I need to go change and retrieve Sarastro, and I'll join the others. You go with them. I'll catch up."
"Understood, and with that, Katherine departs with haste to issue our mistress's orders.
Outside, Ruby and the others were running through the streets with alarms blaring painfully loud in the background, and the same black flare could be seen slowly falling out of the skies. But that wasn't all; civilians were also on the streets panicking as they ran for shelter.
But what was surprising was someone in white with a faceless mask with what looked like a Huntsman-grade GIANT pair of scissors taller than her as a weapon! Even more esoteric was the armour she wears underneath her cloak that gives her the appearance of someone from an ancient past.
"Huntsman!" She yells in relief before jumping through an orange portal she created with her Semblance before reappearing before everyone. "While you are all in the right to not listen to my requests, you are needed at the walls now! The darkness comes, and the Blessed One requires assistance!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Blessed one? What or who are you talking about?" Yang asked first with her hands forward. The same could be said with the others about to question further, but said person interrupts them with a mixture of panic and severe urgency.
"There is no time for questions! You are needed there at the walls if this city is to survive! There are thousands of Grimm about to attack Argus!" But before anyone could say anything, a massive purple barrier suddenly began to form from outside the walls of Argus and began to stretch and encompass the whole city.
"What the...? How?" Jaune mutters out in shock, and the same could be shared by everyone. Even Qrow, who had seen much in his time, was also stunned by the sight of this 'shield' covering the entirety of Argus.
"Whoa… That's a big barrier thingy…" Nora utters softly while Ren agrees with her.
"Yes… Yes, it is…"
"It has already begun…" The person mutters before breaking into full speed towards the walls with what sounds like gunfire outside the walls.
"Hurry! The fight for this city has begun!"