Zack POV
Warmth…
That's the first thing I felt since I woke up sleeping on the side.
And then everything that happened the day before rushed back into my mind.
Us leaving for Argus only to get separated from everyone thanks to one of those Manticore Grimm dragging me off the damn train before Weiss suddenly chose to follow. Traversing through the frozen wastes only to encounter the Bloody Hidesman and having to run for our damn lives before being saved and brought deep into Anima to a place called Sanctuary that is controlled by my uncle.
Fenrir… I still can't believe I have an uncle here, and my mother apparently came from this place. Whose people worship the sisters of twilight to my fighting him in a rite over as a test of strength. To me losing control of myself, which forced AWOR and Ishmael to intervene to stop my madness to…
To the reality that time wasn't on my side.
That the Brother Gods had a contingency to kill me as soon as my merger with Ozma was complete. Another pang of pain washed over my heart again over the revelation that I was eventually going to die, and then I remembered the last thing that happened on that day besides me crying myself with relief to sleep in Weiss's arms.
Embarrassing for me, I know.
Anyway, the last thing that came to my mind was Weiss confessing to me.
When I was at my lowest, she confided her love for me and gave me the strength and hope to respond back with my own. Because she gave me something to cling onto besides my duty to end Salem for good, after all, as Ozma's incarnate, I have to fight Salem even though he would consume my memories eventually. It's just that I… I still haven't fully acknowledged that I have been on a time limit all this time.
I mean, the fact that the Brother Gods engineered my death just like that, all because they see my heritage and the Sister's markings on me as a threat. Is fucked, you know?
But I remember it.
After I learned what happened behind the curtains. I was lost in my mind in despair until Weiss brought me back from the brink when she decided to kiss me. First on the forehead and then on the lips. I won't lie, when she kissed me, they snapped me out of my darkest hour. And then, for the first time ever since I was trapped in my mind in misery from learning such a terrible secret, I wanted to live.
I didn't just want to wallow in my grief and eventual fate.
I wish to be with my friends, to be with Weiss…
Never would I think her lips would taste of mint nor have this scent of vanilla around her. Did Weiss have a vanilla perfume with her always, or does she naturally smell like that? I always wonder that, since Ruby smells of roses whenever she drags me into a hug. Then What scent do I have?
I'm getting distracted.
Not only that, but I also remember how I was so focused on her lips when she kissed me that I ended up kissing her back as hard as she was. In addition to finding ourselves lost in the passion of it. It was at that moment that it confirmed everything to me, I didn't just fall for her and all the times she had been close to me was because of our growing bond.
But she had fallen for me too.
Just thinking of her lips made my cheeks warm up, in addition to my fox ears flickering at that thought. I remembered asking her, how could she love me knowing the truth? Because we both knew that I was going to die eventually, and I earnestly didn't want her to cling onto me, only to be there when I eventually succumbed to the Brother's contingency plan.
I've grown to care for her too much to see her walk this path with me, especially one that would lead to nothing but pain and grief.
And yet, the words she said to me after that told me everything.
"I know. But I fully intend to live my best with you until the day that time comes, and remember. You are not alone here, me and everyone waiting for us at Argus will be with you until we find a way to stop your merger with Ozma from happening."
"I swear it."
Weiss is not only swearing to never give up on me—even when I had given up on myself—but vowing that we'll find a way to defy this fate written into me. She wants to give me a chance to live my life happily with her… She knew of my end and still chose to love me, despite the limited time I had.
…
She truly has grown from her Beacon years… Beyond what I knew of her from the shows only.
"But where do we go from here?" I could only wonder in my own thoughts before I began to turn my neck slowly around, and then I saw it. Right behind me is the sight of Weiss with her hair loose and not braided while sleeping peacefully. Right! We're sharing the same bed! Also, I can't believe that she's spooning me!
Speaking of Weiss spooning me, I can feel her arms around me, with my tails smothered between her and my back. It's crazy that I didn't notice that until now. I cannot lie, the very thought of her snuggling up against me like I am a teddy bear or Zwei made my cheeks red again.
And her face.
Her beautiful face.
They bear a smile of content I hadn't imagined seeing on her lips.
Weiss is usually posh and proper when we are with everyone else, even in our private time together. She had always been doing her best to remain professional, but this was the first time I had seen her so… relaxed and happy. And yet, seeing her like this made me feel warm and cuddly on the inside. I wonder if this is a side effect of my presence changing her to be more in touch with her emotions than she is to canon.
Sure, she did show the same growth in canon, but that was in volume seven and eight if I remember the details correctly.
Then again, she has been acting more casual with me ever since we were separated from the others. I wonder if that's a possible reason why she appears that way because there is no one with us…
Whatever is the case, I never felt so content and happy being in someone's arms in a long time. It may be because I was just about committed to my work life back on Earth and climbing the corporate ladder was my main goal instead of searching for a relationship ever since I started working. Even with my time with the gang, which I slowly grow closer to ever. It was never to the extent I have with Weiss.
I guess it was a conscious and unconscious thought of me to keep everyone as just that, just friends, to spare them the pain when Ozma finally consumes my identity. But I guess I can't do that anymore when the gang sees me as family, in addition to getting a relationship upgrade I had with Weiss.
Which is quite a thought to think on, knowing her family's background with Faunuses.
Heh… Now that I think about it, if the shippers were to see this, oh they would be so mad that I'm in a relationship with one of the main casts! Suck it weirdos who insisted that their shipping must be made a reality! Just because Ruby and Weiss are partners, it doesn't mean they'll love each other!
Though I will not deny that I had my own fair share of indulging in such shippings, like Renora. I think they're made for each other, though some of those people are scary with how rabid they can be against others who disagree with them. Perhaps I shouldn't share with them about how some of their fan base act like savages.
And speaking of ships, now that I think about it… I don't know about Bumblebee. I've seen Blake and Yang together a couple of times after the battle for Haven, but they haven't rung any bells that say that they are fond of each other to the point of becoming a relationship, unlike what most people think. In fact, they seem just happy enough to see each other again, rather than any actual romantic connections that people claimed.
Anyway, how am I supposed to get out of this grip Weiss has on me right now?
Not that I'm against it, but I would prefer it if no one sees this.
Besides, her grip is rather tight on me and I doubt I can move at all.
…
And here I thought Yang was the strong one…
Maybe I should shapeshift back into my fox form to escape this? Though I suspect that she might notice that and wake up instantly, which would probably be bad.
Moving on from her hugging me that tightly, we still have much to discuss on where we stand after all in our relationship upgrade, and Ozma… I need to know the truth if he knew of this contingency bound to his soul. If he did know of this plan, I… I don't know what I'd do if he knew it all along but didn't tell me. If he is as blind as we are, then we're all victims to the Brother's scheming, and I think that would only make Ozma's entire existence even more depressing than it is.
"What am I to do now?" I ponder silently and wander in silence until Weiss stirs behind me. "Thank goodness, she's awake now! At least now I can do something instead of remaining as a glorified stuffed toy."
"Weiss?" I called out before getting a tired groan behind me before my ears twitched at her voice.
"Zack?" She groaned out as I felt her tight grip loosen enough that I could wiggle out and push myself up and feel my tails wagging to get the blood flowing. Before turning to see Weiss still laying on her pillow but with a sleepy yet gentle smile. "Did I… hug you the whole time?" She sheepishly asks, which made me chuckle.
"You were spooning me the whole time and I couldn't move at all." I admitted with a blush on my cheeks and ears twitching almost reactively while I glanced to the side. I am still not used to this level of affection, and it appears that Weiss shares the same thought, as her eyes shot open with her cheeks exploding into red while sitting right up the bed.
"Oh! My apologies for that."
"Yeah. I uhm…" Crap… How can I say this? Come on, Zack, you dealt with female colleagues in the past! You can talk to a pretty girl and thank her for helping you. "Thank you, Weiss, for being there for me. And as for that? Don't apologize. It feels nice to be in someone's embrace." I admitted with a blush.
"I see, then I am glad to see you in a much better mood, how are you feeling right now?" She asked next, which made me bite my lip and her expression became worried as I answered her question.
"I don't know, to be honest. The past two days' events have been overwhelming, and the revelation of my end still scares me to no end." I admitted and felt my ears sink, but before I could speak again, Weiss shuffled up to me and gently pulled into a hug once more, which I graciously accepted.
"Warm…" I internally whispered to myself when I felt her hugging me with her arms around my neck.
"I understand. I won't be easy for you, undoubtedly, but your burden will not be carried alone, Zack. I am here for you. Everyone's here for you." She whispers into my ears before she breaks the hug and almost looks embarrassed? "If that's not too much to ask, would another kiss be enough to make you feel better?" But hearing her just makes me giggle in response. I never realized that Weiss could be so open for another kiss, though it appears that me giggling has the wrong effect on her.
"Hey! What are you laughing all of a sudden?" Her cheek turned a shade darker as she folded her arms while still glaring at me in her pyjamas, while I tried my best to dampen my laughter! Ah… there's the prideful Weiss I know somewhere in there.
"He-he! It's not that, Weiss. It is simply that I never expected you to be so bold all of a sudden." I chucked again while giving a sly grin. "Not like that is a bad thing, it's just that I feel that we should slow down a bit. At this point, I'm starting to think that you're becoming Ruby." I tease. But to my surprise, mentioning her partner made Weiss freeze suddenly, as if it reminded her of something that needed to be addressed.
"Ruby huh…"
She mumbled before adjusting her posture to more proper as she was before while also resting an elbow on her arm with a hand underneath her chin. "What about Ruby?" I wondered before I gently brought my three fluffy tails forward and onto my lap, since I can feel them again after getting squashed between the two of us. "Is… something wrong, Weiss?"
"Nothing severe Arakan." She's addressing me by my first name. Whatever it is, it must be important for her to call me by my first name again. But what soon caught me off guard next was what she asked me next. "But what do you think of Ruby?" What I think of Ruby… What does she mean by that? As if reading from my face alone, Weiss threw another hint my way.
"Do you remember how she and I fought over you when you were in your fox form?" Fox form? Does Weiss mean that time when my spar with Yang ended in a tie, which had me stay in my fox form for the entire day? And how she and Ruby were fighting for my cuteness?
…
Hang on a minute…
Both Ruby and Weiss were a lot more affectionate with me in Mistral, a few weeks before we left for Argus… Then there were other times I gave Ruby an Amulet of Protection, which I found in an underground city as a birthday present to give her more protection. Also, that other time she helped me brush my tails since they took a while by my lonesome… And that time, Yang threatened to sic Ruby and Weiss on me when I was lost in my thoughts about how the future was going to get more difficult, among other things we did while in Mistral.
…
Oh…
OH!
Don't tell me!
"You suspect that Ruby likes me too?!" I say with disbelief.
"Right on the dot." Weiss confirms my suspicions with her eyes closed while nodding her head. Well shit. I didn't—I mean—well… This just got even more ironic than I care to admit. But how or why did she fall for me? Did her reason contain some similarities to why Weiss did, or was it for an entirely different reason? Does she even realize her growing fondness for me? And did I seriously not realize that both Ruby and Weiss were crushing on me, all because I was too focused on stopping Salem and preventing what I foresaw with varying degrees of success?
God-damn, I really need to pay more attention to my social skills!
Then again, I think the only reason Weiss confessed her feelings was out of sheer desperation to snap me out of my depression. I'm glad it worked, but damn, man… dealing with one woman is tricky. Two? Not on my bucket list.
Did I unintentionally cause her to do that somehow?
"So, you really didn't realize it, huh?" Weiss' amused response snapped me out of my thoughts as she let out a relieved sigh. "For a moment I believed you were playing with our affections, but from how you act, I think you didn't even notice that from the start."
"You… Are… not jealous about Ruby?" I ask nervously before gulping. I really don't want to deal with an angry Weiss. Nor a jealous one so early into our relationship, even if it is short.
"To say that I wasn't jealous would be a lie," Weiss admits. "There were several times I felt… irritated, seeing you give Ruby your attention even if you weren't aware of her feelings back in Mistral. Since we're more than just friends now, I hope you'll consider me more. But I'm still not ready to let the others know about this." Jesus Weiss! You're making me sound like those kinds of anime protagonist who have the social awareness of a fucking rock I used to watch when I was younger!
Taking a breath in to collect my thoughts while also giving myself a facepalm for this mistake of mine, I let out a sigh. "Well, thank you for letting me know my biggest blunder of not paying attention properly to people, Weiss." Letting out another sigh at my situation, Weiss simply snorts at my response with amusement.
"It is my pleasure to help you see what is right in front of you, Arakan."
"Right." I nod, removing my hand from my face. There's still so much to talk about, not just with Weiss and our budding relationship, but with Ozma and my uncle too. I also need to get Oathkeeper fixed; my gear could use some maintenance and repairs after yesterday. The problem? That'll take days, and I don't have that kind of time.
Hopefully, we can leave for Argus by today, at best.
I'm getting ahead of myself; it's probably best we wash up and meet my uncle for breakfast… since I'm sure he would wish to check on me today after yesterday's event. Among others, most likely.
"Ah, it appears I have missed much while I was gone."
Ozma!?
Holy! Oz, how long were you-Ow! My head!
If you were wondering what happened, I let out a squeak and fell off the bed. Again. I really should try to stop getting startled so easily! Or perhaps it is just my instincts taking over for a split second to cause that to happen.
"Well, this seems familiar…" Ozma chimes light-heartedly in my head before I hear Weiss calling out to me with worry as she rushes to the side of the bed to see me on the floor.
"Zack! Are you alright?"
"Yep… Ow… Good enough…" I groaned out while pushing myself off the floor. "Oz's back."
"He's back?" I glance up to see a hint of alarm in Weiss's eyes before she calms down and continues on. "Right. I shouldn't forget that you mentioned that the Sister's magic puts him to sleep for some reason."
"I see that something major must have happened after we lost control back in the arena against your uncle." He hummed with suspicion in his tone in my head before I pulled myself up from the floor.
"Yeah. You missed a lot, actually," I confirmed.
"True, but nothing a quick conversation won't fix. Also, congratulations on your confession with Miss Schnee." Immediately, my face lit up in red, while I couldn't help but glance away after hearing what Oz just said while Weiss gave a baffled look at my sudden reaction. How, the fuck, did he know Weiss and I are a pair now? He just woke up from his magical sleep! Then again, his bond with me is already at a point that we can grasp on the feelings of the other.
He must have sensed that my fondness for Weiss was stronger than it was before.
"Shut up about it! You and I got a talk to settle first, Weiss can stay here before we leave for breakfast." I said back while I finally picked up a sense of unease from Ozma, no doubt my sudden request for a talk must have caught him off guard.
"I see… Very well then." And thus, the next few minutes pass with a recap on the events that transpired, among other important factors that we need to talk about.
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Elsewhere in the deep forests of Anima…
Hazel is starting to bear some regrets about his curiosity about where those tiny nevermore were going. And not because Tyrian wouldn't shut up about this sudden detour but also resorted to threats about his refusal to say why they're heading this way instead of tracking Ozpin's fox incarnate. Yet, the scorpion Faunus was quick to shut up when Hazel points out that something's amiss here with the local Grimm.
Which, under normal circumstances, the Grimm would normally be wandering around. But every single Grimm they'd encountered seemed to be drawn to something deep in the forest. It's even more alarming that more of those tiny Nevermores seem to be going among other Grimm into a massive cave entrance that appears to be carved out by… something…
Even more alarming was the number of bones that were clearly human in origin at the entrance. Some appeared to be half buried in the ground, while others looked as if something crushed them beneath their feet.
Whatever has been here has quite the kill count under it. Exiting their airship together, the scorpion Faunus wasn't quiet at all. His prosthetic tail and eyes twitched irritably, yet he kept grinning like a maniac.
"Oooooooh, how WONDERFUL! We're taking a lovely sightseeing tour instead of doing what OUR GLORIOUS GODDESS commanded! Yes, yes, let's forget all about that pesky Ozpin brat and instead chase after your little hunch!"
"Something is amiss here… This isn't normal Grimm behaviour." Hazel states his words as fact, only for Tyrian to swiftly interrupt by mockingly gasping while clasping his hands together theatrically.
"Oh? Isn't it? Do tell, dear Hazel, enlighten me! What could possibly be so strange about our little friends taking a leisurely stroll into the abyss?" His tone drips with mockery at his ally, however, but his golden eyes flicker to the various Grimm packs vanishing into the cave before his tail stiffens at the strange sight
As if…
Something is compelling them to go into it.
Frowning at the sight, Hazel gestures with his hand at the sheer number of Grimm entering the cave, "They aren't wandering. They're being pulled toward something. Something strong." But as expected of the scorpion Faunus, he immediately steps into Hazel's personal space as he hisses out.
"And why should I care? We have a mission. A purpose. A divine task from Her Majesty, and here you are… dawdling." Gone was the grin on Tyrian's face, now replaced by coldness that promised pain for wasting his time.
Hazel, completely nonplussed about Tyrian's actions, simply folded his arms while glaring defiantly. "I'm not ignoring Salem's orders. But if something is strong enough to command the attention of every Grimm in the area," Hazel tilts his head towards the tiny Nevermores who are still flocking to the cave. "We need to know why."
However, the scorpion Faunus didn't appreciate that sentiment in the slightest, for he snarls like a feral beast. "No. You want to know why. I want to finish the job. What, have you gone soft? Hesitant? Ohhh, doubt is such a terrible thing, Hazel!"
He mocks out loud while circling around Hazel like a vulture, his grin returning, but teeth bared like a predator's down upon a prey. Then, suddenly, out of the blue, Tyrian stops and tilts his head, in an almost childlike curiosity overtaking his features. "Or… could it be? That you fear what's inside? Hmm? Afraid of a cave?" He asked with his tone laced with mockery at how the brave Hazel was…
Afraid of whatever lies within a cave?
How utterly pathetic.
"No. But whatever's inside isn't normal. And if it's powerful enough to command the Grimm, it could be a threat to Salem."
Hearing that makes Tyrian visibly pause with his grin faltering just for a moment before finally responding softly, yet dangerously. "A threat, you say? To Her?" The scorpion Faunus licks his lips, pondering out loud. "Now that's interesting…" Without a second later, he whirls away from Hazel with his hands clasped behind his back, all the while humming a broken melody as if he's already bored with what he heard before letting out a childish sigh.
"Fiiine. Fine! If this little detour of yours leads to something useful, I might forgive your horrendous sense of priority." Tyrian then glances back behind his back with his grin widening. "But if it doesn't? Oh-ho-ho, Hazel, dear, I will carve a reminder into your thick skull to never waste my time again."
Without any intention to entertain his ally, Hazel is already left to grab a lantern from the airship before moving towards the cave entrance. "Then let's find out." And with that, Tyrian follows soon after, still grinning, yet, his tail twitches erratically at the atmosphere radiating out of the cave.
Something about this cave bothers him. But he'll never admit it to anyone. He would rather kill himself for weakness than do that.
And so, Hazel leads the way into the cave for some answers, but the more they delve into it, the more they realise that something is terribly off. The stench of death washes over their noses if it didn't add to the amount of crushed bones beneath their feet. Letting air out of his nose as he exhales, Hazel could only grimace at the overwhelming stench bathing the cave.
"I've smelled death before... but never like this."
However, unlike him, Tyrian took a whole breath in while still grinning like a mad man. "Oooh, now isn't this just a LOVELY perfume! Eau de Rotting Flesh! Oh-ho, truly, Hazel, what a scenic little detour you've dragged me on." He cackles out loud that sounds forced to anyone listening. Unfortunately for him, Hazel gave no response with his eyes focused straight as they delved deeper into the cave, with Grimm running past them into the darkness.
Only to encounter the sight of entire rows of skulls on display on the walls of the cave. "Oh-ho-ho, now THIS is a sight! A true masterpiece of horror! Who knew the dead could be such delightful decorations?" Tyrian says like a child in a candy store before he walks ahead and grinds at his ally with his arms open. "Hazel, you should really loosen up! Look at all these wonderful skulls! It's practically festive!"
That said, Tyrian's ally wasn't paying attention and was instead lost in his thoughts at the sight before him. "This isn't just death. This is excess. Indulgence. Whoever, or whatever, did this didn't kill out of necessity. They did it because they can. We have to be cautious if we move forward." Though while all that was happening, the scorpion Faunus had other ideas before he plucked up a skull from the wall and held it up to his face before letting out a dramatic gasp.
"Oh! This one was young. Tsk, tsk, such a waste of life… or was it?"
He giggles out before tossing it over his shoulder and looking at the collection while sniffing the air again in a long, slow breath. And his grin falters for just a moment. "…Hmmm." His tail twitches sharply, betraying his thoughts that something is really wrong here, before he quickly masks it with a smirk. "Hazel, dear, you don't think… whatever's in here has been hunting for sport, do you?" Tyrian laughs out again but more agitated than before.
"If it is, then it is a dangerous one." He counters before the sound of Grimm crying out suddenly echoes throughout the cave before it was taken over by something messily eating it. No… it is almost as if it finally had food to eat and began to gorge greedily on it… Except, that's Grimm it is eating.
After what could be several seconds to even process what they had just heard, Hazel finally speaks with his eyes narrowing down cautiously. "Grimm don't get eaten." Though, Tyrian immediately responds with a scoff while rolling his eyes dramatically.
"Yes, yes, you've said that already! But do remind me, o wise one, what happens when something does?" He asks, while glancing deeper into the cave and back to Hazel, who mutters out tersely.
"Something worse."
Tyrian, responding to Hazel's answer with a mocking gasp, all the while clutching onto his chest with drama, yells out. "Oh no! Worse than Grimm? Whatever SHALL we do?!" Though, it was interrupted soon after by another gruesome wet crunch echoing deeper into the cave that made Hazel pause while the scorpion Faunus stiffened with his prosthetic tail twitching.
"Well, I suppose we could just leave. But nooo, you had to be curious!~" Tyrian continues, grinning like a deranged Cheshire cat, which earns an irritated growl from his ally who begins walking ahead while shining his Dust lantern.
"Enough. We're getting answers."
Chuckling again from finally pissing Hazel off, Tyrian follows right behind him with his tail twitching with excitement before speaking once more with his voice lower than before. "Ooooh, brave, are we? Let's hope our host appreciates our company." And thus, the two delve deeper into the cave among the stench of the dead and the sound of Grimm crying out before being consumed alive.
And soon they found it.
In a section of the cave that looks even more carved out open, Grimm can be seen running as if in terror after being drawn here, while tiny Nevermores can be seen pecking or even dragging them towards the monster that lies in the centre gorging on a fresh kill it caught. To most people, that monster would be considered but a fairy tale under the name of the Bloody Hidesman and just that, a fairy tale.
But to others who know of it, the monster is none other than a Wendigo Grimm feasting.
Though, it is notable that its right arm is notably smaller than its left arm. Did it lose its arm, which is why it is gorging on its kin? Wendigo Grimms are known to be an extremely rare species of Grimm, famous for their extreme intelligence and sadistic nature. In addition to their unique ability to heal by cannibalising on other Grimm, this one looked ancient, judging from the size of it as it towers over everyone.
While they could only watch in stunned silence at the sight, the Bloody Hidesman, after finishing its meal, swiftly brought its hoofs up before bringing them down on an Ursa's head, decapitating it before gruesomely ripping it out from the ground and devouring before it dissolves. Even more, the black smoke that seems to be emitting from its limbs appears to have intensified every time it feasts.
And it lets out a satisfied growl, as if savouring its meal.
"This changes everything…" Hazel mutters under his breath after snapping out of his shock, and as for Tyrian, the scorpion Faunus began manically giggling like a child while clapping his hands with his tail twitching madly.
"Ohhh, Hazel! Look at it! A Grimm that EATS Grimm! Isn't it BEAUTIFUL?!"
Unfortunately, Tyrian's voice caught the Bloody Hidesman's attention as its dark glowing red piercing eyes zipped to their location. Even more shocking is that every single Grimm, from the tiny Nevermores to the others lured in to be slaughtered, all froze as if something had forcefully taken control of them. But what soon follows is it speaking.
"Interesting…"
It audibly growls out before every single Grimm begins to slowly approach the two of them.
"It... talks?" Hazel's mind became a whirlpool of thoughts before he realized that he needed to keep his ally from doing anything to piss this... thing off. "Whatever you do, Tyrian. Don't. Move." Hazel whispers with his eyes jumping everywhere at the numerous Grimm slowly approaching him and his ally, not with bloodlust, but curiosity. However, the scorpion Faunus was having the time of his life.
"Ohhh, it TALKS! Hazel, it TALKS! Did you hear that?!" Though what he said makes him sound excited, Tyrian's tone is notably more erratic. "Tell me, beast, do you serve our Goddess, or do you hunger for her too?!" But to their surprise, the Bloody Hidesman lets out a bestial scoff with every step of its hoofs, shuddering the cave before seemingly sniffing at their direction.
"You… bear… the… Queen's… scent… Her… Mark…"
"You know Her?! Oh, glorious day indeed! Tell me, beast, do you feel Her in your bones when you tear them open? Does she sing to you when you feed?!" His tail coils like a spring behind him, twitching with unstable energy. "Tell me, tell me, tell me…" The scorpion Faunus gushes like a child, though his stinger tail is swaying more erratically while slowly getting into his stance.
"Tyrian…" Hazel growls before the Bloody Hidesman utters.
"We… hear… her voice… Her… will… You… will… not… be… harmed… For… as… long… as… you… bear… her… mark…" The Wendigo Grimm slowly utters. "Now… what… brings… you… here…? Be… honest…" It then questions, though immediately snatches several creeps off the ground before gruesomely eating them like popcorn.
"Technically, we're supposed to be hunting a certain white-haired fox Faunus. Big deal. Glorious purpose. Her will, yada yada." Tyrian explains while waving his hand lazily before pointing at Hazel with his eyes still on the Bloody Hidesman. "But this big oaf got distracted by your little Grimm conga line. And now we're here! What a SURPRISE!"
The scorpion Faunus then leans in with his eyes manically wide open. " And I live for surprises..." Tyrian explains with the usual glee, only for the Bloody Hidesman to let out a furious and roar that shudders the cave before slamming its hoof down upon some unfortunate Grimm in the wrong spot.
"That fox brat, you say!? I had him in my grasp!" It roars out with fury in full sentences unlike its slow and growl way of speaking, which in itself was uncanny to hear Grimm speaking properly instead of simply growling or screeching. "But he was saved by some interlopers when he was within my reach! That brat even took my arm when I was distracted, and I fully intend to make him suffer for this before feasting on his bones!" It furiously rants, which just unnerves its guests even more.
"So, Ozpin and his host managed to hurt this thing? Then it must mean that he must have become stronger since Haven." Hazel thought to himself in his mind. "If so, there is an opportunity here to get an ally if I do this correctly…" With his fists tightening, Hazel's expression hardens at the opportunity present if he does it correctly as he takes a step forward with the Bloody Hidesman bringing its attention to him.
"You want revenge against him. We want the boy alive. Our Queen needs him in one piece. Work with us, and you'll get your chance to make him suffer in time. Kill him before we get what we need, and Salem herself will know of this." He points out, only for Tyrian to join in because staying on the side-line isn't his style.
"Though, dear Hazel, do you really think our glorious Goddess would approve of your cutting deals behind her back?" The scorpion Faunus points out almost mockingly with a grin before sticking his thumb at the Wendigo Grimm. "What if this overgrown goat decides it wants the fox's eyes first? Or his tongue? Or… OOH! His bones while he still screams?" Tyrian giggles wildly while briskly walking around Hazel.
While the Bloody Hidesman did growl in annoyance at Tyrian's jab at it, it did not pay mind before Hazel soon shot back with a glare. "Tyrian. Salem sent us to retrieve Ozpin's incarnation in one piece. If you'd rather explain to her why you sabotaged our mission for your own amusement, and fail her a second time, then continue on."
…
"Tch! How feisty of you…" The scorpion Faunus hissed. "Fine fine… We'll play your way, but I'll be watching..." Tyrian whispers into his ear before proceeding to walk away like a child who just got his privileges taken away, while the Bloody Hidesman finally responds.
"Tempting… But… you… cannot… reach… the… fox… yet… until… he… is… exposed… on… the… path… to… Argus…" The Grimm then kneels, so its enormous head is only meters from Hazel and Tyrian. "The… lands… he… lies… in… is… too… well… defended… Go… there… at… your… peril…
"If I have to make a deal with a monster to secure our mission to capture Ozpin… so be it." Hazel thought in his mind before finally chiming in. "Then it appears we have much to discuss our next move…" And so, over the next few minutes, they formed an alliance and exchanged information and plans on their next move begins.
==================================================================
Back in Sanctuary…
It has been an hour or two since Zack, Ozma and Weiss had a private discussion about the various events that happened the previous day, and to say that the old wizard is overwhelmed would be an understatement. After all, he wasn't even aware of the contingency plan the Brother Gods planted in him was a failsafe meant to kill his host if they were marked by the Sisters of Twilight, triggered the moment they merge and starting the reincarnation cycle again.
Ozma was understandably left at a loss for words about the revelation dropped on him.
After that, the conversation was cut short when Nerium herself came to their door to invite them for breakfast with Fenrir as well as herself, and to say that their meal was tense was… an understatement. Fenrir had revealed that the Sisters of Twilight had told him everything because he needed to know what his nephew had been doing to understand the whole picture. About Ozma to his nephew being their chosen and tasked with retrieving four relics, to the reveal of Salem herself and the war between her and Ozma in the shadows.
When asked by Zack why their gods told him everything, Fenrir simply says that their choice to tell him allows him to process what he missed out and what his nephew is going through. Still, Zack quietly notes that the Sisters didn't tell his uncle about his extra knowledge from Earth and is thankful for that.
At one point, the Khan himself requested to see Ozma and with a hint of reluctance, the old wizard showed himself. The tension was overwhelming as soon as Ozma took over and introduced himself to Fenrir and Nerium, in addition, it was clear as day that Fenrir wasn't taking it well, knowing that his only blood would die eventually due to this… curse.
To the point of swearing openly that if he could rip Ozma's soul out of his nephew to stop the merger and save his life, he would have done it.
Something that Ozma sadly accepts that he would like to happen if it could. Because Zack doesn't deserve to go through this, all because of the ruthlessness the Brother Gods display to stop the Sisters of Twilight from returning. Nevertheless, despite all that, Weiss intervenes and assures them that they will find a way to stop it and give Zack the chance to live life as he wishes without the worry of death around the corner.
Khan agrees with this idea and wants to see it become a reality.
Moving on from such harrowing themes, Fenrir soon noticed that Zack and Weiss appeared to be closer compared to the day before, and quickly deduced that not only had the Schnee managed to bring his nephew out from his existential crisis. But apparently upgraded their relationship based on the discreet glances and smiles they were giving to each other while enjoying their breakfast and the suspicion they might be holding hands underneath the table.
Not that he's against it, but it's a genuine surprise, knowing the Schnee's backgrounds and their treatment of Faunuses. Besides, here in Sanctuary, discrimination is heavily frowned upon since everyone is in it together and are equal under the Sisters. So, seeing one of the Schnees falling in love with a Faunus, no less his own nephew, is a bit of something to get used to. Of course, he is no fool to recognise the implications of such a relationship should it go public outside Sanctuary.
Thus, to lighten the mood and even tease his nephew, Fenrir swiftly points out that they're not as subtle as they think they are in their new relationship. And as expected, Zack and Weiss's faces explode in a shade of red before the fox Faunus protests and 'humbly' requests his uncle to remain silent on the affair. As for Nerium, she remains quiet as ever unless spoken to, though sparking an amused smirk at their self-conscious reactions.
Thankfully, that didn't last forever because Fenrir had already had events planned for today, mainly getting Oathkeeper fixed and perhaps upgrading some of Zack's gear as well. But to achieve that, they'll need to meet the Grand Artificer in Sanctuary. A master craftsman whose technical skills helped arm the entire Arakan clan with firearms and other advanced gear.
Including creating Fenrir's prosthetic arms.
Naturally, they made their departure soon after. But the Fenrir's Rite of Ascension spar against Zack and the aftermath of it had spread all over Sanctuary and thus many of its people have grown aware of the Fox Faunus's mark by the Sisters, in addition to his abnormal appearance making him stick out like a sore thumb. For that reason, many civilians, both Human and Faunus, gave pause to praise the Khan, show reverence to Zack, and cast scowling looks at Weiss.
The actions of the Schnee Dust Company are not so easily forgiven, even here.
While still on the roads, Zack finds himself glancing around uncomfortably at the sight of the locals' singing praises to the Gods of his coming, who he now knows they're worshipping one of the sisters of Twilight, AWOR. Something which Fenrir swiftly notices. "Is something bothering you Tails?" He asked, which abruptly made his nephew sputter while Weiss, who was beside him, could only giggle softly at that nickname Zack received.
"Please stop calling me Tails, just because I have three of them doesn't mean you can just call me that." The fox Faunus says while shaking his head. "Back to your question, you can say that. I feel unnerved how fast news spreads around here and how your people are starting to call me the Blessed One." Zack explained before Nerium joins in.
"Is it not the truth? The seers predicted the Chosen of our gods will arrive and will usher in a new age. Not only for the people who call this place home, but for Remnant as a whole." The Sword of the Khan answers. "Your arrival and your blood ties to my Khan, in addition to the spectacle you showed yesterday, is all the people need to know to conclude that you deserve the title of the Blessed one."
"Well, I didn't ask for that title. I just happened to find myself in it…" Zack counters almost defensively.
"That is true, but we all choose who we want to be with the hand the world gives us. Perhaps you should do the same thing." Nerium finishes off before Weiss leaned in, her voice quieter now and eyes flicking to his for just a second before drifting down.
"I want you to know that It wasn't your looks, Zack, that I chose you. I chose you because… you never stopped fighting and helping everyone. Even when you wanted to." She gave his shoulder a light squeeze, then quickly looked away like she'd said too much. Yet, it was enough to bring some comfort and assurance to the fox Faunus.
"That is true, Zack," Ozma joins in too and whispers in his head. "Just because it happens to be written doesn't mean that it has to become true. She is correct and so does Miss Schnees believe that there is still time to stop what will be before for both of us."
"I'm surprised to hear you saying this, Oz." Zack hummed internally before getting a swift response.
"After learning everything you told me earlier, and seeing how the Brothers kept such a secret from me, I am starting to doubt their true intention. Do you doubt the sisters?" Ozma asks next while Zack pauses in his mind to think and then says back.
"Frankly, I don't know." The fox Faunus admits. "The Sisters have shown to be more aware and caring about me, and while I appreciate them greatly, I can't help but wonder if this is because I am their champion, or they are being earnest with their intentions. After learning of the Brother's plan for me… I can't help but wonder what the Sisters had behind the curtain and are not telling me." Letting out a sigh, Zack turns his head towards Nerium.
"You and Weiss have a point. But I still resent you for using your semblance on me and making me fight my friends the first time we met…"
"And I don't expect you to do it anytime soon." Nerium softly nods her head. "I am the sword of the Khan, I obey his will and if I have to do that to break you out of the weakness that holds you back, then I'll do it again. For the sake of our people and the world shrouded in darkness. They need to have a unifying figure, a lighthouse to show the way forward into the shadowed future, and I believe that with who you are, and the blessing you receive, you can change it all."
"Tch." The fox Faunus clicks his teeth. "Whatever makes you sleep better at night. I swear, everyone here acts a lot like cultists at times, and that's unnerving…" But to everyone's surprise, Fenrir suddenly chuckles bitterly.
"At times, that's how I feel our society has evolved through the centuries without purpose." He confesses. "But times change and I hope that with new motivation, they will adapt as they always had with their ancestors."
…
"I see…" Zack mutters as everyone continues on their journey before they come across several houses under construction by people with metal collars around their necks while guards armed were overseeing them. The sight of them reminded both the fox Faunus and the ex-heiress of Nerium mentioning Labourers when they first arrived in Sanctuary. Are these people the same Labourers she mentioned?
"Uncle, if I may ask, who are those people?" Zack asks slowly as he notices his uncle's wolf ears flickering in response before getting a response.
"Labourers." He replied with such scorn that it made his nephew's eyes widen, while Weiss snapped her head at him in shock. "Scum of the world that became not different and prey on others like bandits when the world doesn't need more monsters and are but to work to pay back for the lives ruined and lost."
"What? That's just slavery, isn't it? You enslave people?" Weiss balks in horror before Fenrir shakes his head as if understanding, yet disagreeing.
"Well, we prefer calling them labourers since we bother to take proper care of them with a place to stay, food and clothing, if you are concerned about their well-being. But they will pay back for our 'generosity' with laborious tasks for the rest of their life." Fenrir sounds more like a leader as he explains, before Zack screamed in his head.
"A distinction without a difference!"
"While such practices are indeed horrendous to the outside world, they are seen as practical here. Many who call this place home or choose to migrate here have lost someone to bandits or have been left behind by the Kingdoms to be devoured by the Grimm. And killing them as payback for preying on the innocent is viable. But we might as well make better use out of them than corpses."
"Then what about those who are just desperate to survive?" Weiss asks before witnessing Fenrir's resolve, notably softening.
"All of them are interrogated first, those who are truly innocent and only doing so for survival are let off or allowed to join our society to find new purpose away from becoming vultures of society. As for the others who showed themselves Irredeemable…"
"Are put to work." Zack finishes off before asking again.
"Has anyone complained about this?"
"They have." Nerium interjects. "A growing number of younger and recently integrated populace are seeing this system as cruelty in disguise. Which is understanding. At the same time, many have argued that it is because of this system that Sanctuary can dedicate more to ensure that its people can fight when the time is right."
"Is that why you accepted an amnesiac Adam when he came to you, when you knew everything, he had done, Fenrir? Because he was genuinely guilty of his actions?" Weiss then brought up before earning a confused look from Zack.
"Wait, you talked to Adam?"
The fox Faunus asks before his girlfriend gives a bashful look. "With so many things happening so close to each other, I may have forgotten to tell you about that, Zack." She sheepishly admits.
Moving past the bantering, Fenrir confirms. "That is correct, Miss Schnee. We are not as heartless as you think we are. Only to those who show that they are irredeemable will be punished, those who show genuine desire to redeem and regret for their action will not suffer that fate. I understand that such… activities have soured your view on us."
"No shit, it has." Zack gave a soft glare at his uncle. "While I get it, where you're coming from what you told us, this is really messed up, and I think it would take a while to get used to this."
"I suppose that it is inevitable that all societies will eventually commit horrendous acts in the name of goodness…" Ozma chimes his thoughts in Zack's head. "Though frankly, compared to the acts of the Kingdoms of the past and present, at least they don't seem to be lying about it."
Frowning at Ozma's comment, Zack responds. "I am not convinced that's supposed to make it more tasteful, Oz."
"It is not. I am simply stating that nothing's perfect. Though if I were to offer a sight into the past, they at least are human enough to treat their slaves well enough compared to the past who are… much crueller. You have not seen how horrible the kingdoms used to treat your kind."
"I know… Just be glad you don't exist in my world, or you will see how much crueller humanity can be without the Grimm breathing down their necks in our history." Zack nods his head as the rest of the journey was claimed by silence.
"Then I pray I do not witness it through your memories…"
==================================================================
In Argus…
It has been hours since team R_BY, JNR, and Qrow listened to Zack's broadcast and things weren't going as they would have liked. Their attempts to find a way to get to Atlas have been unproductive, with no one willing to smuggle them to Altas. In addition to that, they have tried to look for anyone who could help them organise a search and rescue for their two friends left behind, have also been unsuccessful as well.
In fact, all these failures to get anything done had made the gang sit in the living room, come up with a good plan that could work. Neo was also there, since this technically involves her too, she's interested in seeing what they had in mind.
"Great, so now what? We can't just sit here and twiddle our thumbs while Zack and Weiss have to find their way here by themselves." Yang was the first to start the conversation while leaning on the sofa. "We can't go to that military base since it's run by that crazy Atlas lady, nor is anyone willing to help us!"
With a nod, Blake agrees. "Yang's right, we need a new plan, so any ideas?" The cat Faunus asks while everyone pauses to come up with a plan. Soon after, Jaune takes over the conversation.
"I was thinking about what Zack said about my plan…"
"You mean that one involves stealing an airship from Altas military base?" Nora perks out and adds in before Qrow joins in.
"That apparently causes a leviathan Grimm to show up and put anyone at risk?"
"Yeah…" Jaune confirms with a nod. He had to admit, thinking through what Zack said through the memory crystal, that his plan in the story he knew nearly put everyone at risk because Caroline Cordovin went overboard and personally intervened with a Colossus and that caused everyone to panic and lure in the Grimm.
"I've been thinking, we might have to go with that plan if nothing else comes to mind."
But then, Ruby joins the conversation. "But didn't Zack say that if nothing works, we should wait for him?"
"Yeah, but I don't think anyone wants to sit around and do nothing when we know what's happening to them." Jaune explains as a shiver ran through everyone's body back when Zack told them through the crystal that in the story he knew, they came across the Brunswick Farms filled with corpses and Apathy Grimm that nearly got them all killed when it drained their willpower to keep going.
…
Ruby stared at the floor, her fingers curling tightly around the necklace Zack had given her.
"I keep thinking about them," she murmured. "What if something's already happened while we're here?" Her voice cracked at the end, and she didn't look up. No one said anything, they didn't have to. They'd all noticed how often Ruby reached for that necklace lately. She wasn't just worried about Zack and Weiss's safety. She feared what it meant if they didn't come back... and what it meant that her heart sank every time she thought of him.
"We all are kiddo…" Qrow mutters out.
But suddenly, an idea struck Nora like a lightning bolt as she literally jumped into the air. "Oh! Oh! I got an idea!" She announces out to everyone while hopping enthusiastically. "What about that Celeste girl we met a while back by Pyrrha's statue, glorious leader? Didn't she mention something about going back to Atlas soon?" She asks.
Though she was met with confusion for those who never had no idea what Nora's talking about except for Jaune and Ren who perked up with widening eyes. "Celeste girl? Who's that?" Blake asks with a raised eyebrow and her cat ears twitching, while Neo in the background is also baffled while holding ice-cream in her hand.
"Uh right." Jaune chuckles sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head. "You guys have no idea what Nora's talking about, but do you remember how we were out a while back looking for a place to stay?" Jaune says, as team R_BY, Qrow and Neo nod their heads.
"Yeah… We met Celeste because we were by Pyrrha's statue, and she's there giving her respects." Jaune began to explain before Nora took over after her leader.
"Oh! Jauney you forgot! She is doing a performance soon, and you said we can go and see it!" Though, hearing this just made the others confused before Yang spoke up.
"Wait, Nora. How is this performance supposed to help us at all? Because from the sounds of it, you just want to go there and witness a musical show." Thankfully, Ren got his not girlfriend covered and added in the crucial detail.
"Because, Celeste is going back to Atlas soon and has ties to Katherine. In fact, Katherine's mistress is Celeste." A wave of silence washed over everyone. If Celeste is Katherine's master, and will be leaving soon to Altas soon, that means she could help them! Though… they need to reach out to her before her performance and departure, less the opportunity slips from them.
But that only leaves a question. "How do we find this, Celeste?" Blake asks before Neo suddenly grinned and began showing hand signals while Qrow translates for her since he's one of the few in the group who understands sign language.
"Saw some rich girl and a bunch of maids leaving around midnight to go outside the walls of Argus every night since we got here to train, it seems. Also saw Katherine there too, sparing against that girl." Qrow translates before a bright smile hits Ruby's face.
"Then we shall see if we can talk to her tonight for her help!"
"Just like that?" Ren question only for Ruby to confirm.
"Yeah, why not? Neo's been with us for some time now, and I know it took some time to get used to her. But I think she just wants to help us, yeah?" The little rose smiles at their mute ally, who just gives a thumbs up. "See! She's helping here!"
"Sure… whatever you say, kiddo." Qrow shrugs his shoulders before Yang joins in.
"So we're just going to talk to her and see where it goes next? I guess it's better than nothing. Though… it's strange to imagine some other rich girl sparring in the middle of the night, I wonder why… Then again, there's no place in Argus where you can have a spar…" Yang mutters out.
"The fact that she's Katherine's mistress would make things in our favour, Yang." Blake shrugs her shoulders.
"In short, we're dealing with another ice queen all over again?"
Yang jokes only for Jaune to counter that thought "I doubt that. When we met Celeste, she's warmer and more open about her thoughts, unlike Weiss when we met her for the first time." The leader of JNR adopted a pondering look with a hand under his chin. "Anyway, until tonight, I think it's best we plan our next move just in case this doesn't work out."
"You won't hear any complaints from me." Blake nods her head and soon, everyone agrees, and more plans are discussed.
If only they realise that the coming days will be much more hectic than they will expect.