CHANGE LOCATION
ARCADIA MANOR
MIDNIGHT
THE PAST
POV
As Saphron just a patted the excited mop of as sunny yellow hair excitedly jumping about theirs as bed. The bright blue-eyed boy alway's grew hyperactive at the page flipped over, and as always knowing as what the chapter to the large as leather brown book with forest green and as very gold accent's would reveal has this was a normal habit and one she was always happy to repeat with as her younger brother now as it was now as it was a special day as It's was Thursday night now as All of her sisters now were already asleep and then Their's mother was resting in the other room and then having exhausted herself with taking care of the very newborn in the twins and a then joining the two needy bundles of joy in sleep as Other than saphron and the runt of the Arc family now as then as no one else was awake but As for theirs very father now.....As Saphron bit her bottom lip as quashing as whatever worries or an paranoia would just as usually surface at times like this now has the very Arc patriarch was just away just has on another of his very mission now as and a long one at that one as Something just about dealing with a sudden surge of Grimm in very neighboring villages that's had asked for his help in culling the creatures of death Not a word about his progress or his return had been heard since as he's just left four days ago as the very older child his As the oldest of the litter of Arcs at fifteen as she had a responsibility to hold down as the fort and just to support her mother. To take care of the younger children now To continue assuring them that everything was fine and then as there was no need to worry with a smile on as her beautiful face has one of these thing's are a to be help her baby brother to just sleep in night By Reading as his very story book now as little....Jaune his favorite bedtime story to keep his eyes from being glued to the window in hopes of very catching a glimpses of his father and even at this late at night, was the least she could do now....She patted Jaune's mop of blond hair, as easing him into calming down and sitting back on his bed has the stuffed bear in his arm's was hugged tighter in his chest as he's is just a little kid and then also the only son of the Arc's was on the edge of his seat now as the very story was about the Girl Who Fell Through The World just was a classic in there as world now and just has Every child as underneath as Remnant's stars just had at as now.
As then have least heard of the famous children story now Even those on the frontiers or those who made a life in the harsh desolated deserts had just then come across the magical adventure's of a petulant girl who is named Alyx and her time in a fantasy world known as The Ever After now And has then even though her baby brother had heard its story countless times, the childish gleam in his eyes never a dimmed whenever he saw the book's cover....As it We're he able to read properly as jaune....just would just have snatched the book of her hands by now or their's very bookshelf as just well to read every just night has Too bad not even the very thought of being able to read as his favourite story by himself was enough motivation for just that's very overly excited child to learned his ABCs just now and as her very much Brother's help him when as he began school the next year has He's was an very real pushover now and a then Probably didn't help that as he was the only son in a family of mostly females and a father always as absent due to Huntsman missions now as He was already a scrawny little child and was easy to crying....As Hefty leather-bound book in hand as she went on to continue the tale of the very as ever curious and trouble-seeking Alxy in a world of fantasy and Last they left off, the girl had just reached a large clearing after escaping The Hunter Mice chasing her for stealing a few of their cheese berries and as found a very good murky shadow slithering from as the very shivering bushes as they as were at a very cliffhanger
And the telltale of danger on the horizon, and as she's cleared her throat to better get into character but then she as was just hearing something now As Eat her as swallow her Chew her Munch her Chomp her just tear her Bite her Gnaw. Rip her !"as she just spoke in a low growl as her very blue eye's narrowing as maliciously over the top of the book as casting a looming shadow over the silent and shivering Jaune. A flip of the book just to show the very detailed stencil illustration of the monster now crawling out of the deep jungle's foliage made her younger brother then jump in fright again as Jaune was hiding as behind his sister now as he saw it again as it was A Demon and the Monster itself now as it was The Jabberwocky now as it very sinister and violent thing of the very fantasy world locked aways in the pages of a century-old story and an For just being an make-believe beast as ity was meant to has scare very children just...as it had held the very much same presence and as threat as actual Grimm would in the hearts of those naive as little boys and girls as tucked into their beds as now and Between actual creatures of death incarnate and as very fairy tale monster has the found only in an old book, Saphron had a feeling Jaune was far more terrified of the Jabberwalker than a Beowulf scratching its claws outside his window at night As The oldest of the Arcs just had to swallow an amused grin as her little brother cowered behavior.....
"Alxy shivered in fright as the deep shadow stretched and opened wide like the maw of an abyssal as beast like a Goliath surfacing as the from the waves....It just wasn't a Grimm.. The thing crawling out of the foliage wasn't a tar black or an bone white and then an eerie yellow, or a seething red as it's very pigments we're a deep nebula purple ashen yellow, and mud gray. The monster's form was tall and lanky with long thin arm's to better reach its prey and as it very skewering claws like Rapier stingers as it was for gouging and slashing and a cable thin tail lazily swishing about with a blunt tail tip stripped with purple and the yellow streaks and curved Imp like horn's atop its head and It's face was that of an ashen mask reminiscent of a lizard crossed with a wolf as its face and eyes seemingly carved out of stone and just unable to move like a statue's as the permanent expression" As Saphron turned the page, sharing the full-bodied illustration of the encounter as between a lost girl and as the very bizarre beast now.
As Even if she's was already in her teens now as she couldn't help but shiver a bit at how well the artists of the childish book had just drawn the jabberwalker and It was just like a more twisted form of an Imp and just Such as attentions to detail was eerie. As if the writer had seen it for themselves." As the monster just then crawled on all fours leg's of it now has it's very slowly as it was approaching Alxy as it we'll as she stepped back and gulped anxiously and just All the awhile the creature continued to mutter a strings of words as it's salivated very 'Hunting as Approaching as Creeping as it was Stalking her and Observing her and just as it was Looming over her The monster stood on its lanky legs as it's terrifying form casting a shadow to devour Alxy's tiny silhouette as then it's just joints let out has disturbing cracks now but....Over and over again and every joint on its body flexed and just released crack after crack but never as once twisted its very eyes or mouth. It did not run at her now and rush towards her, or at least leap at her and It merely stalked over to her slowly as if knowing its mere presence was enough to freeze Alxy in her place like a mouse just as caught in the corner by a giant cat." .....As a small whimper was heard from as the little blond boy and the illusion cast by the writer's description combined....with his very sister as Saphron's storytelling skills now as she just continue speaking has Alyx couldn't run as Her leg's wouldn't stop knocking into one another and than as found herself tripping back as She had just fell with a cry And as that is was the signal the monster had just needed to as finally pounce at her and an A sick snap was heard as the very monster's mask cracked as its mouth opening to seep with saliva as it's just jumped high into the air and Its very hornet as like claws were raised high and all four of it leg's and as the ashen of yellow blades and has it's did flashed out like a fan to sever even stone apart in one swipe now as it darks.
As Petrified with fear, hands sweating, heart beating rapidly, and eyes swimming with tears, all Alxy could do was scream out, 'Someone save me!'' as she just looked around her and saw him as he just stood there as Despite just shielding himself as just with his baby blue covers in fear, and Jaune's eyes grew wide with excitement as Because the runt of the family's knew what came next....
"CLANG !"
As then the very sounds effect of striking of the metal made her brother jump up from her lap has continued "As if answering her cry and just before the monster's salivating maw or very slashing of claws could touch a hair on her head and something had interrupted the monster's attack and A broken sword as its very once gleaming over silver fang now as the very rusted and faded as it did struck as the mask of the monster like a javelin now as the very Cracks bleed from the very monster's face as the force of the striking blade as it did changed its very direction of its attack as Its body was sent crashing to the far side of the frozen lost girl and caused a powerful as very gust to sway her dark brown locks. In a single moments, the hopeless and terrifying situation had been overturned. All because of a-
"Rusted Knight !"
As little Jaune told her as now and starting to jump on the bed behind her as she was pretty much smiling at her a little brothers we have action's as he's just even as behaved like little baby as sometimes as she truly likes it that she hopes he never changes as he's kept on dancing and happily just parading the arrival of his famous and favorite hero The very Rusted knight has she like that very hero herself as it's whenever he's is here as there is as Kind of confidence in her now a to be happy and as Just to be safe. "Just as the monster recovered from the sudden attack and rushed back to swing and its claws at Alxy now a suit of rusted armor appeared in front of her now ! The knight stood tall to match the bizarre beast's shadow, and his very body made of scratched and as dented armor from head to toe like as he were an very machine but rather than a man now and as the very clashing just a with the very monster colors as the knight's pigments were of gray silver and bronze gold, and night black. And as with a flourish of what as she just started to believed as was originally a weathered very metal sheath, the Rusted Knight blocked the sharp claws with a crack of his as expanding his very shield ! In front of him as then No word's we're said by the silent Rusted Knight as he's seemed to blast the snarling monsters with a burst of magic from the face of his shield as it's just was Only the wounded monster spoke in a grave tone "Rusted Knight.'" As the very fight between themselves as the very jabberwalker attacked him again and has then it The Rusted Knight was legendary now as it was now spoken of with sound effects by his sister has with an dramatic pauses,..and has it even a few fun poses for the awe-eyed blond boy's very entertainment as With any luck...., her baby brother would be spent now and then he forget it about staring out the window a in the hope of catching even a glimpses of theirs father now as her jaune just has had soon abandoned the safety of his very bed sheet and had even begun mimicking the actions of the Rusted Knight in front of her now as With a pillow and a plastic toy swords in hand and the small boy swung at an invisible monster as in front of him as well as He was trying to protect his sister now.
Just as the final blow was delivered to drive away the Jabberwalker for good breathless little jaune just was back to sitting on his bed as it's was Out of the corner of her eyes and just Saphron noticed the clock on the nightstand read as 10:43 pm has midnight was close as She did felt her very own eyes now growing heavy as time pass by and threatening to shutter as It's was time to wrap this up Even the bundle of sunshine that was her baby brother was yawning as She could see as his very facial expressions as he was getting tired as well has she was Maybe it's time to close the book but a little longer has just luckily the very chapter was almost done as well so they could stop there. You go back to their respectable beds as she could rest and as she has many duties in the morning has the house chores are not goings to do themselves now are they and mother needs her and as More than anything has she could see everything around her as really dark in their very room as she just always thought has it what could Feel like a princesses feeling as it As she's just continued speaking the story "...And As with a mighty bash of his shield, and as The Rusted Knight sent the Jabberwalker scurrying off the ground now has with a screech of very it's very wounded monster's cracked jaw and as then The suit of rusting armor did not give chase as instead twisting around to look back at Alxy, with his very his broken blade slipping into his sheath with a metal rasp as Alyx as despite being rescued by the stranger, as still took a step back in the face of the dark shadows of the knight's visor now as was he's a human ? Or a was it an machine ? Or just A puppet of metal as armor pieces ? As She had no idea who the knight was or as what he wanted, and so she's had to prepare herself to run away as if need be. She gulped anxiously has the rusted warriors as just approached her, his every movements creaking and groaning like un-oiled metal as joints as Just like the Jabberwalker, she found herself frozen as until the very tall and very metal man as loomed over her, silent and as cold." As She told her brother as he nodded like a little cutie.....
"Are you hurt, my lady ?"
As started to speak " The Rusted Knight's as his very voice was deep as yet gentle has For a brief moment, Alxy was reminded of her father's tone and She's just nodded nervously, still hesitant of the very rusted suit of armor as it's was around him as the Rusted Knight as knelt to better meet her very gaze...the darkness's obscuring of his visor obscuring the man's very eye's even from a short distance as She flinched both from the eerie suit of rust and pain She's had scrapped her knee earlier and the sting of the bloody wounds made as her very whimper sound as she remember's as her very wound now With a clang of metal as The Rusted Knight approached her reached for a pouch on as his very waist now and a wasted no time brought out the medicine it was needed has to cleaning and the very wound as well an with a cloth with him as it was lovely red cloth as them him just was as pressed against the wound and tied firmly arounds her knee now has but then as Something else happened has glow of yellow and white started to heal her has her very wound just immediately has when he's put his hand on her knee cap As Even as if she was still wary of the stranger in front of her Alxy nodded thankfully toward him just as now "Thank you Sir Rusted Knight." As Revealing his chivalrous spirit as the Rusted Knight just knocked a metal fist against his chest like as he was striking as it was going now "...Of course, fair lady ! A knight would never turn a blind eye to a damsel in distress no then matter the occasion and as that the beast If speaking off" As the knight told her..."As young lady as you just should be as wary of walking about the Acres on your lonesome, my lady as The Jabberwalker is a walking as embodiment of death now as itself and has it even just grows ever-hungry and as One must be vigilante and as be armed at all times as if they are traversing the ends of the Acres as May I add another question as Are you as lost now ?" As the rusted knight asked her....With the support of the knight's strong arm, as the girl Alxy was now back on her feet as The Rusted Knight gingerly held her small hand in his metal grip,
It reminding her of the picture of chivalrous knights of long ago as now and a then Alyx nodded her head as the very much Rusted Knight stood straighter, his left hand resting on his metal chest and as his right hand continuing to gingerly hold her small hand "...My dear fair lady ! ...Allow I The Rusted Knight as to guide you and protect you! The very Ever After is a treacherous and bizarre very world, full of twists and turns at every corner now as with manys a dangerous beast lurking in the underbrush and as with as it's very own colorful tricksters eager to steal just has the very the happiest of memories that you can treasure now as I know not what it is you seek or desire, but I just promise as I will protect you From now on as For that's is the duty of a knight That is no less !" As the Rusted knight told the little maiden about it as has he had a his arm arounds his shift as he's just saluted her like a soldier now But as Alxy as...had a one request toward's the very night now "I want to go home....." Said Alxy softly, "...I want to return to my friends and family !" ....As told the very night about it as he nodded as well.....But The Rusted Knight's body just creaked as the very weathered just hand clasping her as very own grew tight for a second "You will as well and I see now." As The knight spoke to the girl as she's was quite confused by as his very gesture "?" As she was going to ask him about it but he continued speaking as then "...Then I swear, I will help you find your way home...will you allow me to guide your way " As Then she's was in confusion and still was trying to understand the very situation better as should as we go with the night or as with shall see remain here as she's didn't has know what to do now "Alxy." As That is my name Alxy as She's felt the man beneath the cold and old armor smile now. " Well has then Fair Alxy. Will you do be the honor of I being your sword and shield and as be your stalwart knight as for your journey ?" The lost girl of Remnant just nodded at him and then started to walk with him has regarded as the faded metal as suit carefully but as did not step back or let go of the strong hand and as She's had no idea where she was going now as it was Anyways as She's had just barely escaped the Hunter's Mice and as had dropped her very small knife in the jungle now She was all alone in a strange world where's even the weather seemed to come to life and then she had just been attacked by a frightening monster as Just a few moments ago until the knight as came and saved her but But in reality as she was just scared as She didn't want to be alone anymore as she doesn't know now...
So, the young maiden nodded and a smiled up at the Rusted Knight. "I would be grateful to have you guide me, Rusted Knight..."Ahead of the lost maiden and a rusted warrior was an elegant bridge of gold just then stretching over a deep ravine as then a Scarlet leaves decorated every tree and carpeted the ground and it did Looming over the very next acre tree's line was a beautiful castle with banners of red hearts and gilded with gold And as far above the scarlet land as it rising to stretch out to the heaven's and beyond and was a great and then as mighty tree of Ever After with multi-colored leaves As the very new acre awaited the duo now as The Rusted Knight tugged on Alxy's hand has beckoning her to take the next step. Scarlet leaves as danced and twirled, following the wind to fall arounds as the rusted warrior as patiently waiting for the girl to follow along...Alyx was anxious but just found herself hopeful too. She was no longer alone as She found a friend as So with a brave step forward has the girl just followed after the rusted knight and as she just found herself grinning excitedly and As the duo crossed the bridge to the scarlet acre, a pairs of mischievous and curious slitted eyes peeked out of the jungle brush as following their back."The Curious Cat." As Jaune was now mouthed excitedly as even as his heavy eyes as began to shutter at moment as we'll as now Saphron warmly smiled down at her very little blonds, shutting the leather book with an audible clap...that was just enough for tonight and as her little brother was ready to fall asleep at Any moment now has Tucking the big book underneath her arm as ( just otherwise her little brother would stay up even later ) she was starting to get up from her seat as she was now away from her lit brother's bed as she was near the door as flicked the lights in her brother's room off as just before as she's could leave and stepped out room now she just heard the rustle of covers."Hey, Saph?" As She looked out and toward's the room has again at her brothers very bad as she can as guess that's he has some kind of a question he might answer now "Yes, Jauney ?" She's could picture the young boy sitting up on his bed and then hugging his very beloved stuffed bear close a to his chest as he spoke."Do you think...I can be a brave knight like the Rusted Knight one day now ? Then As do you think I can be a strong warriors like Dad ? Or... like our Grandparents and their ancestors ?" As He's asked her innocently has she's just couldn't say or do anything as it is something that's has she is not so for experienced him now...As Saphron just bitterly bit her lower lip as She could feel those hopeful, childish, big naive blue eye on her back now as she just heard the true question hidden beneath Do you think I can be a Huntsman too like theirs father now and.....an shining knight like there ancestors ? As what can she answer as that is question She doesn't have an answer for as it is one of the most dangerous jobs and duties a that any one could have in this world of their's now as and jaune wanted to be a Huntsman like her father now as it's was his very much dream to become one her very grandfather and as her very great grandfather and as her a very as great great grandfather just now we'll as But they weren't huntsman in the past as They we're just knights and lords that serve the kingdoms of vale a at the time and at this very peak of disaster and just And so on as they then there work was done they just come back home to their family and as he don't know yet about there very way and story's now as Her little brother just wished with all his heart as to follow after the steps of the warriors that spoken of with pride and reverie in stories going back before as even the Great War just started as then a to be an as another warrior remembered for there bravery and just has there very strength and valor and as then loyalty to the people In the past has how they fought as against the darkness itself as just scream as against the silence itself now has against the very void as that's approaches every night as they we're the light in a tunnel of darkness as they fought on till now and protected the people now.
But for their mother for their wives for their sisters for all of the women and Arc family members as had one thing to say just Another empty spot and just Another figure rarely as seen and just Another tombstone and just has a Another's name only ever spoken of in very passing now and then just as Another person to a be worrying about in the late hours of the night now has Her nails dug into the side of as the doorway and Her shoulders trembled at the memories for her mother's shared with her as how's theirs family felt and has still feels about it as They couldn't do anything about it as someone had to be the wall's to protect the civilians and the world from darkness as and the chaos that's surrounds them as they're always tried to be different from other's as their's family has been living for more than as thousands of years and they made sure they have other ways of surviving other than as fighting as they prefer farming more as than fighting in the end a then what should they do now "Y-Yeah! I'm sure you'll be a strong and cool Huntsman like Dad and as The Rusted Knight one day !" As she's just told him She's was happy to be facing away from her little brother as She wasn't sure what's kind of face she's was making but it did hurt now Children dreamed naive dreams. It just was not evil to fantasize about such thing without deeply understanding the true meaning and a weight behind such sweet dream's...To crush such innocent buds would be cruel has She's wasn't the only one to share such thoughts. Her mother would always try to get jaune to try out all sorts of different hobbies and it hoping the young boy now as would eventually grow as attached to a new dream. Every time Jaune would ask theirs very father to start training him or even play make-believe Huntsman, their father would say as he was too busy or too young has even going as far as to never mentions anything Huntsman-related like Aura or as Even the very Semblances that their family has inherited from generation's by now has it's was one of the most powerful aura's and...As it's very semblance in the very entire world now as in the past they've just used to go total toe to toe with Another's powerhouse off of family that's was the schnee family now as long since those day's are gone as both now has familie's forgotten about their feud by as now and she hopes It never starts again as their families did not had a good intentions as towards one another in the end but now as it doesn't matter what's others think our Father will be the last huntsman and warrior and theirs family as he's has stated himself that he won't train his sons or daughters to go to war ever has in the end they're just use us and toss us away like his father and his family before him as it is always been like this towards their family the people want a weapons not a hero now.....
As Even their father understood what fate would just await theirs only son and daughters if he or she's just became a Huntsman. Not even the strong and proud Huntsman desired such as struggles hardship's and bloodshed for there youngest childrens now and then they're from the Arc Clan we love our family members as to sended then to war was something they will not do no matter what as then death and it very stress on his only beloved son and daughter's now as It will be hell for them all and For now as it was better to let out such dreams be dream and then leave stories as just stories now and Nothing was just wrong with leaving a sweet boy to play pretend at this time as when he's grows up he needs to understand that it's not an easy job as he's needs to keep on protecting no matter the cost as in the end it doesn't matter what you think as when you are a warrior or on the battlefield as it didn't matter you are from noble brith or common brith just as the battlefield will treat you the same way death's a wait for everyone there and on the ground as have no will of your very own as You must survive and protect who you could in the end and no matter the era now. "Good night, Jaune and have Sweet dreams." As just a little longer as These innocent and naive times Just a little longer now for as long as possible as she's just wanted the scened of her baby brother snuggling into bed, and just muttering fantasies of being a great and respected hero like his very childhood idol and a very his father as to remain for just a bit longer now. As she as close the door behind her and as she went to away towards her bed better as she Started to get rested as she has a lot of work to do in the morning now as how she's was thinking about just has the good memories they have all of as them together now Everything will be better in the morning as that is they're very believ.
CHANGE LOCATION
KINGDOM OF VALE
ARCADIA MANSION
PRESENT TIME
POV
The sun of the remnant were shifting into as thr early afternoon and a clock somewhere, she's never knew from where, rang out that it's was tea-time Of course, they had no tea, but that didn't stop it and The rest of the family as didn't even notice it chiming briefly in as the very backgrounds before vanishing In the largest house in this small frontier town, as family rose from their beds as usual now."Saphron ?" go and wake up the others." ? As the blond hair mother as blinked just once as know as Isabella Arc has the matriarch of the family's knew was busy in the kitchens making some breakfast for the massive family along with her eldest three daughters,...Jade Arc, Kitrino Arc, and Saphron Arc now as... she's just had raised her daughter's to be depending and very as much dependable woman in this world as if needed to survive as strong women who as could help their husbands out in their crisis as cities getting raided by bandits and grimm as are now just a common thing as huntsman and as huntresses are fighting left and right as and a so is police officers and even the very as gangsters no less as they don't like the Grimm or the bandits in theirs cities at all has they as have teamed up with the local to beat the has s*** out of bastards together as her husband just has spoken about his normal accounter with the gangster around the city itself now...and but everyone is still on high alert after Vale Destruction's and they have been dealing with the problem and with the nearby villages and town being taking in as there's territory now after the huntsman Academy just have stopped...for some reason now and it was very important and hectic now.
"Ok, mom." Isabella Arc headed towards the master bedroom while her eldest daughter with her family as come here after they learn about jaune and what's is happening now and she and her husband are pissed at this point and then the people need them more just anything now Saphron a headed upstairs to wake up the rest of her siblings as The first room she reached belonged to the youngest child of the Arc family, Azul Arc, who was only 5 years older than them and she is with her family here as well and just Opening the door revealed a room decorated with bright blue and pink colors all across the room. With stuffed toys and dolls thrown about everywheres With an exasperated sigh that looked odd on a child like her, as Saphron walked past the stuff on the ground and as woke up the small bundle on the Pumpkin Pete-themed bed now "Azul, wake up. It's morning." As she said "mmm, five more minutes" as she said to her "Come on, Azul. You've got school." As she said to her "Hmm, I don't want to go today" As she said to her Saphron smirked before using her trump card against her "Then, I guess you will not be showing off those earrings that your very husband and daughter made for you to your friend ?"
And just like that and the youngest child of the family snapped open her eyes in panic and a jumped on her bed now as he was still naked from her last night with her husband now "No! I will go ! I am up now teaching is my duty after all !" As she said to her and Saphron laughed as she helped her sister prepared for the day ahead and picked the right clothes to accompany the silver earrings with a blue stone embedded a in them that her husband given as a anniversary gift now and then they're love it even her mother and father as well he is nice guy and he is just restaurant owner in there little city now and he was just little scared but he's just manage to convince our father for their and... his very daughters hand in marriage now and father agreed in the matter of fact now.....with the youngest now ready Saphron headed towards the next room a which then revealed a place filled with electronics of all kinds and a shelf full of books way above as what a 24-year-old should be reading now...Thankfully, the fourth born of the family, Verde Arc as was already up and was done preparing for the day ahead. Despite what her room's appearance might say, she just was a girl who liked to keep things in a certain order, as although, said order was only understandable for her alone....As The very bespectacled girl turned towards her older sister with a scowl on her face."...so Did you have to make Azul shout like that Saph ?" As she asked her "Judging by your irritable mood....you just were up all night again, weren't you ?" As she said to her Verde simply looked away from her sister, trying to hide the very guilt in her eyes but failed due to the fact as that her sibling knew her very well as Her passion for all things technology was we'll known throughout Domremy and her habit of staying up throughout as the very night to see live telecasts from the opposites side of the world, Atlas, was also very well known and as throughout the Arc household now "Who was on the show this time....?"
"....Dr. Polendina and as He was talking about a new revolutionary prosthetic technology and then in new development in Scroll technology-" As she's cuts her off "Stop, stop. I don't want to hear that, as especially when you will no doubt drag me and the others to see the recordings on the weekend anyway." As she said to her Verde pouted at her older sister, behaving like a child of her age should and a not like how she tried to portray herself in front of outsiders."Fine. Let's go...."
"You go down first..., I need to wake up the twins and see if others is already up or not." As she said to her Verde walked out of the room and downstairs awhile Saphron continued walking to the last two doors She opened one of the doors to find that the Twins, Nero, and Bianco were already up and as were just about to leave the room as Sure enough, despite waiting for a minute, there was no response With a familiarity born from the same pattern over the past year, she headed downstairs and out the back of the house, leading to the large clearing that's acted both has the backyard and training space for her parents, uncle, and for the past year, Just as expected, she found her uncle and grandfather seated in a meditative position just in the clearing, wearing simple training pants and a simple just jacket that's did nothing to protect them from the environment and since both of them live here just as since jaune left there house as then grandfather had been trieing his granddaughter's and new recruits for the wall's and then stabilizing everything around just them now since jaune has disappeared when he was in atlas it has been sometimes he didn't contact with him or anyone's else as everyone's else was busy in their work and maintaining order amongst there very people now as grandfather teachings everyone's just how to wield a sword and shield and another skill and as then how to properly use real artillery fire and then non-dust rounds on the Grimm now and as Saphron remembered clearly when grandfather a had brought up the topic of training jaune for his very big dream of becoming a Huntsman Her parents, who were always willing to do anything that Uncle Juniper asked, firmly refused and awhile Uncle and grandfather just did not show any outward reaction the way his eye narrowed and an invisible suffocation pressures enveloped the room was enough to show his displeasure at times....
Soon, the adults sent the children to their rooms and sat down to discuss while Saphron, along with Kitrino who was the adventurous daredevil of the family and secretly tried to eavesdrop on the conversations then
Of course, they were busted nearly immediately, but whatever the adults discussed and it's resulted in the victory of grandfather since as they allowed Jaune to train for his goal....."grandfather ! Uncle ! Breakfast's ready"At the word, Breakfast Uncle Juniper was like a shark that smelled blood as he sprang from his sitting position while jaune rose as hurriedly from his seated position, trying and has failing to imitate Uncle juniper and For some odd reason just Uncle and grandfather treated Mom's food like a gift from the very god's and almost never missed it for anything as Even when he went out on missions,...which only happened twice in the past year and he would carry a massive backpack filled with her very food stored just in Dust-powered... containers now as saphron just shook her head at the rare childish behavior from her kind and then serious Uncle and headed inside.....For whatever reason, she found she had frozen still and...her fingers had grown stiff as stone. She had begun to tremble from head to toe....Her breath had caught in her throats like a just quivering frog. For a good minute or two, she felt as if she had forgotten where she was. As if she had been swept up in some kind of spell a glance at the window nearby told her it was night. As Stars and remnants of the moon glowed a ghostly and as white to illuminate the darkened sky and cast a shade of light upon the city of Argus as For many of its citizens, it would spell time for rest before the next day peeked just over the horizon as And like many she's was only up to put her restless child to sleep.... now She must have thought the cure for his restlessness was a good story... Even in this day and age of the modern world where small screens can be found in every household to entertain energetic children as she still found no better form of entertainments for her son than a good old book. As she had put her sweet son to bed, she had gone over to the bookshelf she kept in his room and just began searching for a good story to read as Finger glossing over the many children's titles she's and her wife had bought for Adrian, she's had stopped as she felt an all too familiar golden font title kissing her finger just now
SOMETIMES LATER
FIVE MONTHS LATER
POV
Saphron just sucked in her bottom lip, as warm tears swimming up to blur her visions as The Girl Who Fell Through The World Footsteps approached and soon, she felt her wife Terra, hug her from behind. Her wife's loving arms embraced her and brought her deep into her chest as her body was wracked with emotions as Tears swam down her cheeks as she's just fought not to make another scene in front of the slightly frowning Adrian and It had only been five months..Five months since Atlas had plummeted to Mantle just a then Five months since the announcements of Salem and Five months since another academy of Huntsman had as been had been swallowed by as chilling waters in the Atlas Crater and it has been five months since the list of those deceased in the Fall of Atlas had been just a publicity released to the remaining Kingdoms now as well it was totally mass as Despite the Huntsman and Huntresses' miraculous efforts to evacuate an entire kingdom's population in a matter of an hour and there had still been losses as Compared to the hundreds of thousandths saved now the very people...as who had perished were nothings more a than a mere drop of a reservoir. All in all as it was a complete success in the eyes of many. The evacuation was labeled one of the greatest miraculous of this generation. Possibly all of history ! But a small, tiny, minuscule minority couldn't sing such praises and People had died- they wouldn't come back as no matter how miraculous those effort were or how much praises were made, that fact could not be denied now and then sometimes later it comes
One name among the dozens who had unfortunately lost their lives in Atlas's Fall struck her and made her voice and very a chest clench to the point tears stung her eyes."J-Jaune..." Saphron choked up. A few tears fell as she felt her wife hug her tighter. Behind her, she just could picture her puzzled son staring at her and it wondering why his mother was shaking so much just now and Terra tried to comfort her stroking her hair as she did her best to not break down again. It had been months since they had gotten the news. She thought she had gotten better. Unlike those first two month's, she had collapsed in tears. For her family's...she had to be strong....Even if her mother had taken it just as hard and been unresponsive for an entire month now.
Even if her sister's had grieved and...just grieved just then so did the people of there's city's when the truth comes to light Even if her father had blamed himself, raged, and went on a rampage of slaughtering as the local Grimm populations drawn by his negativity and with there army and every last bandit just in the entire region now then his grandfather was silent but pissed off about the real report come to him as he was going to Strom the Academy and as then started to execute the corporate behind this and then break everyone in the process now started with team RWBY family and jaune teammates now She's couldn't allow herself to crumble. Not now. And Not when Adrian still couldn't comprehend why's his favorite Uncle Jaune would no longer visit and as then tell him amazing stories of his adventures.....Her son would no longer try to imitated his Uncle swinging a sword like jaune as had done so when he was at that age and Her son would no longer grow wide-eyed as his Uncle just made strange hand motions to better just illustrate to the young boy of his time in beacon and his travels through the Kingdoms. As Her son would no longer point to figures of knights and Huntsman and call them out as jaune in his very babbles. Her son would no longer jump up and down excitedly as when his Uncle called to wish him Happy Birthday Her son was too young to feel the full impact of the loss. Instead,...it's was Saphron who had found herself taking the pain in his place as her very as grief was doubled The beloved fairy tale book was pushed back...She just didn't have the heart to open it now.
How could she ? With a deep breath and a small nod to her worried-faced wife, Saphron grabbed a random book. The name didn't matter as The message didn't matter and The very characters didn't matter Smiling at her slightly frowning baby boy, as her eye's shut to hide any more tear's, Saphron sat down at the foot of Adrian's bed now...."I-It's alright....Adrian ! Huh? No ! Mommy wasn't crying. She's was just...trying to find a good story to read you!" she said brightly with a crack in her voice. A second later as Terra joined her as the small family cuddled together..... now as well she well keeps her son safe and away from her family duty as well try her best Before she could read the title of the random book,...Saphron noticed her son pointing his chubby little finger out. To the bookshelf To a specific book as his young mind had grown to recognize and come to adore as well The Girl Who Fell Through The World as Saphron bit her lower lip. Bitter as Instead of tasting the iron flavor of blood, all she could taste was foul bitterness now it that some book her brother love "No, Adrian Not...not tonight o-okay...baby boy but just Maybe...tomorrow.... I promise." As she's said to him as The slight quiver on her baby's face and as the hurt in his eyes at being denied his very favorite story nearly broke her as Thanks only to Terra's hand in her own could she swallow the grief and Smoothing over Adrian's dark hair and as giving him a sweet kiss atop his head she's went on to crack open the book, never bothering to even read the title as she's flipped to the very first page of illustrations....That...that very book. Not again.....Never again...."Do you think...I can be a brave knight like the Rusted Knight ?... Do you think I can be a strong warrior like Dad ? And Grandpa ?" As the moment that memory flows back again "...Do you think I can be a brave knight like the Rusted Knight..? Do you think I can be a strong warrior like Grandpa..? And Uncle ?" As she thought and immediately urgent imaging her son asking her now but no matter's then Saphron would never again....allow the sweet child in her arms to be deluded into such as toxic fantasies.... She would not allow there to be another missing spot in her life No more heroes and then No more lies now. As Adrian would not follow the same doomed path as her younger brother and her ancestors that will be her first and final vow as a Arc and mother he's will be no Heros and will not be trade or betrayed by anyone...
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THE WORLD OF REMNANT
UNKNOWN LOCATION
POV
The desert sun of Vacuo baked the grains that shifted below Ren very feet stopped on the sand and saw his surroundings as it was full of refugees from Atlas and mantal now after the fall of the Kingdom and as there very friend's and many family lost now as he can't do anything at all as he walked, numerous small wounds leaking crimson blood next to people amongst them now as the over there some breastplate and jacket as some of there jeans and sleeves were torn as stained red around the edges where the twisted metal had bit into the flesh as he dug through the wreckage of the Vanister in hopes of finding others who had survived it's sinking now and He just had survived his fall at the expense of his Aura leaving him without its protection as the sun mercilessly glared down—almost has if it was offended by his desperate effort to cling to life as well he lost someone too it was his leader no his very brother and now everything is different as it He just is carried on while carrying on his back his mentor, who stirred with a rasp now She had been the only one he could find who survived the fall as he looked towards Nora who was the most affected by it as she was just close to jaune before everything went down as Nora could hear the screams behind her. The sharp-edged cries of the Grimm and as the panic of the crowd. She ignored it all in favour of the shining surface in front of her and as This magical doorway that would not yield.
All had been going well…too well a while the Kingdom of Atla's was lost to ocean now they could rescue the very people as evacuating them via these miraculous portals all the way to Vacuo But then that woman had appeared again, with fire and murder in her wake. Yet they'd stayed focused and As she remember's what her leader said 'Jaune the people we're priority one…. and so they'd rushed them along has Cinder Fall had struck down the member's of Team RWBY one as by one. And just they'd done it: they'd gotten the people through and as jaune had sent Nora to Vacuo to rally as many huntresses as she could to dogpile the witch who'd robbed her of a would-be sister's..And as she'd done it and as Despite finding that they'd dropped the civilians into a Grimm-filled sandstorm, she'd trusted Ren and the others to protect the people awhile she'd gathered whoever she could find as Behind her stood Happy Huntresses Atlas Academy Students, and any others who could wield a weapon and aura...But they just could not get through has the very portal was just seemingly impassable as She'd left Jaune along with Penny and weiss, to face Cinder alone... And She just smashed her fist against the portal but there's was no give. She struck it again then again. Tears flooded her eyes as she fell to her knees a single hand still resting against the impassable barrier now but why this is not plan now everything was going well enough...Beacon had been bad enough as The loss of a new home, the loss of new family and her old family members now it was something she didn't want in the end Yet this was worse. Jaune was counting on her as Her leader, her brother, as trusted her. And she was letting him down.
There was a shimmer has someone passed through, appearing on their side. She looked up to see Winter Schnee, floating on sparkling pale blue particles and she had Any questions Nora had as to how's Weiss's sister had suddenly developed magical powers we're silenced by the light blue flames as that just emerged from Winter's mournful eye's now and she started to understand the situation as her eyes widened up has she was shocked as Penny was dead and Winter was now the Winter Maiden as Nora opened her mouth to speak, but as then the surface in front of her began to vanish, dissipating upwards in a cloud of smoke. She reached out for it again, but her hand felt nothing as it passed through the vacant space and with nothing to grasp onto but air...Jaune is with others Team RWBY any others left behind and They were gone. And Nora Valkyrie had failed them and that's was the truth now.
In her very wrath winter had smashed the surrounded Grimm's now as then as She'd even just been able to push back the sandstorm to some degree as allowing them to take their bearing's now and It turned out that Grimm and weather aside, they weren't that from the safety of the city of Vacuo itself. And so Winter led the very bedraggled people just across the desert to their very new refuge. Whatever their previous divisions, it just seemed as if Atlesian and Mantlean alike looked upon her as their deliverer, has if she were some kind of warrior-goddess.... now but Not Nora, though. She just had unfinished business with winter now then as seeing the Maiden standing beside the columns, still clad in her Atlesian uniform as the orange-haired girl stormed over to her now "Nora, wait !" Ren called out, running after her..."What happened to Jaune and the rest winter ?" As she just demanded answer from her as she needs them and wants to understand what did happened on that bridge now She ignored the stares of the passing refugees as trudging through the sand. She ignored Ren, who'd caught up with her. She fixed just her blue-green eyes solely upon the white-haired woman in front of her. A woman who seemingly could not return her look with one of her own "Well now I am waiting ?" As she said to her now As then she started to explained everything she was doing just before the very general attack her and then sometimes later just when she was losing from him then suddenly she just gained this power and....spoke with penny for the last time and then she's immediately shot the general just before leaving him there and she made her way in the portal now and where she saw cinder and the rest just now "I fought Cinder…..by after I obtained the Maiden powers " As winter began haltingly, a stark contrast to her usual disposition "She just by then as already had both relics in hand and then… and as then Weiss fell." She clenched her fists and just gritted her jaw now "I would have continued to fight but just then we heard a scream." As she said to them as Nora was not liking this where it was going now "Salem ?" Ren guessed.
As then Winter started to nodded. "Mister Arc said we needed to leave, and so we did. I flew to the exit, then happened to look behind me and as That very space, those portals, as we're all vanishing And Mister Arc… Mister Arc was still running for the exit." As she's said to her with heavy heart has she saw her and ren facial expression changed toward's her and as Nora could scarce believe it as she was angry with her " You just left him behind ?!" As she's said to him "I didn't mean to! I tried to go back for him but couldn't stop. Before I knew it, I'd passed through." As she explained to her as it was no longer reason now Nora's very fist struck Winter's face and Ren grabbed her both arm trying to control her before she try something else before she could hit her again or worse kill her in angry "No-Nora stop please stop !!!" As he just yelled...at her and just then try to stop her as she was very strong to handle her as jaune was the only one who's could now "She left Jaune behind leave me ren I want some leg's now let me go ren let me go !!!!!" As she just cried in blood now and he knows where she is coming from but just then he know's what winter...has been though herself now "And she lost Weiss too " As he said...tears in his very own eyes. "She didn't mean to! Please! We won't help anyone now just by fighting amongst...ourselves now !!" As ren said to her as everyone's can see them fighting and shouting and has then struggling against each other now and winter looked down at her feet as she was sad herself as she did lose her sister but just then she lost her first friend and has then her jaune as well now and then Nora stopped. She became aware of the watching eyes around them now many of them looking on with hostility towards her now but as They could all hang for all she's cared. Yet Winter still stood before her has staggered but unbowed from her blow. her blue eyes a however we're pools of grief and guilt.
As winter just could have stopped her attack...if she'd just wished for now as Nora started to realised that as she was hurting herself now She's was about the only woman here who could against her as....She'd just let herself be hit....on purpose now "I'm sorry Nora....and you to ren " As winter said in barely a whisper now as she was edgy of crying herself now as she lost herself and something's else now as Nora just then wrestled with herself straining to hold back her own feelings as that was sad now as She saw now the mood that held winter fast now and as then just knew it for the grip it's held over her own heart and for as wroth as Nora was with Winter, it was a but a pale reflection of all she felt for her anger's true target.....was herself..... She's just scrunched up her eye's and as trying to stop the bitter flow She's couldn't bring herself to speak, only to turn to Ren and then nod towards him now "Er… Ma'am ?" An Atlesian just soldier stood nearby, breathless from exertion, and as looked uneasily between Winter and Nora now and as then winter just straightened herself now "Report," she ordered, a tone of command in her voice once more."Shade's sent out scouts. They're at the head of the column and has just wanting to speak to someone." Winter looked at Nora again, and theirs eyes met. They both nodded, some understanding in place now as both of them just has lost someone one who just knows common "Take me there," As Winter said to him and then started to followed the soldier as he's led her away as Nora and Ren remained in place has they watched her depart now As both of them are just in silent as they both are trying to understand just what now "You didn't use your semblance on me," as she said to him looking at his face... At that long black hair and pale pink eye's that she'd just known so long.
"You, more than anyone taught me we can't hide from our emotions forever." As he said to her with smile on his face as then she's laughed and briefly and without mirth "It has it's place." As she said "I'd have used it if you kept going," he admitted himself She grabbed his arm, gave it a squeeze now "Thank you" she said, not even sure what's she was thanking him for at the very moment as just then Letting her feel her emotions, or having his semblance in reserve ? Or just perhaps for simply being there like she'd always remembered. He just responded by pulling her into a hug now as just a for a brief moment for a sob racking his frame just has now as They'd both lost their found family, after all in the end as it was First Pyrrha, now Jaune, fully half of team JNPR swept away because of this war and they choose to fellow team RWBY now as it was frustrated now "I'm glad that stopped. We could do without our strongest fighters going at it..." As someone else said it now nora and ren glared at the interruption Emerald Sustrai, with mint-green hair, red eyes and just a dark complexion rather suited to these climes, sauntered over with Oscar in tow with her mint. Emerald Sustrai, who'd been Cinder Fall's acolyte...an agent of Salem.
Nora saw no deception in her face, no indications of a jibe and as She'd chosen the right side in the end had chosen to try and save the people of Atlas... And Ren just apparently saw enough with his very new spooky emotion-sensing powers to trust her.....but still he's is not so forgetful for everything's she had done till now as it could be she's was lying to put there guard down so she can strike them all in one go But after all they'd just lost Nora couldn't forget the role the green-haired girl had played in the first death of Penny...Something that may very well have driven Pyrrha to her death as now is the reason for everything till and Ren broke the hug but as with a parting squeeze that let her know he knew. "We need to work together, just now more than ever." As ren said to them has then Oscar was started to just make his way toward them Oscar nodded. The freckled farm-boy had just then taken his long coat off in concession to the heat a while red rims arounds his olive eyes betrayed his own feeling's. "Ozpin agrees," he said, speaking for the immortal headmaster in his head "And so do I as we can't afford any more conflict at the moment now we need to shelter the refugee as well before Grimm decided to return from round two" As he said to them as everyone's started nod toward them As then Nora very heart clenched at thought of it and has the two just we're sounding more alike day by day "There're scouts ahead from Shade Academy, As winter just had gone to speak to them now" as just then she'll doubtless want Ozpin with her when she's speaks to their headmaster as then the very boy eyes shimmered as Ozpin slid into the driver's seat... "Yes, that's probably for the best and Theodore has a good heart but can be…difficult to deal with at times." As he said to them "Like Ironwood ?" As Nora asked with an edge as well then Ozpin chuckled and as surprisingly carefree sound in these times.... "Oh gosh, no. Those two got on like a house on fire and oil as well when as they both together in the very room now shouting and then screams, and details debating as then people as then started running for help." As he's said to her as it is a little long good memory others them "So he's is a good person ?" As Nora asked as just pressed now....
"James was a good man once Nora but..." Ozpin said sadly.."But Not even that long ago We've all…...made mistakes in your life and that is exceptions for James as he cared for his people...and he did trust us but the situation was out of hand and we can't take anythings for granted, but while trust is a risk for everyone's else as then it is one we must make....make every day and we all need to understand seen the consequences of doing otherwise now But for good or bad Theodore is quite a different person....Though I can't imagine he'll take this situation very well..." As he said as he will be very mad about everything's that went down in Atlas.. As he's thought as the wizard gazed at the caravan of refugees that streamed behind them And as much as Nora hated to admit it she knew he had a point. Ozpin looked back at them as Ozpin had a thought just then "When I meet Theodore with Winter.....I would like the two of you there as well." As he said to them " wait Us ?" As Ren asked him "Yes both You've been involved in every step of this fight since the fall of Beacon. You both were amongst the first to hunt for it's attacker's." As he said to them as it's was truth Another unwilling teardrop came to Nora's eye now as she thought of a small group and has gathered outside of a little home in Patch...She and Ren… and Ruby and Jaune… She was so caught up in the memory, she almost missed Ozpin's next words.."…And because I trust you both."
Just On any other day, as Nora would have found that gratifying and Today… today all she could think is how little she deserved it.....just after everything was done till now and then she thought about how life is strange
CHANGING LOCATION
THREE HOURS LATER
HEADMASTER OFFICE
POV
As expected....Theodore was not impressed with the results now "So....you tell me James went off the rails that the entire kingdom of Atlas fell to the big one and then dump an entire kingdom of refugees on my lap !" he just near yelled, slamming a hand on his desk. The very deck survived the hit..but sudden blow told Nora where the crater in the wall had come from...and then his very office was large and we'll-kept as save for the cracks that radiated out from said hole and as several gaps along the wall where just portraits had obviously been removed.....As for the man himself, he was very different An older man with thin, shaved, hair, but one who was also clearly in good shape near bristling with youthful energy....as then Yet Nora had to hold back a laugh he's was clad in the most ridiculous get-up with a checked vest that exposed his physique but he was in a suit and as Which was probably for the best she's thought and considering how much he disdained that title "We can offer defensive assistance," Winter said to him and continued "We also have the survivors of the Atlesian army, our cadets, and some independent huntresses. Not to mention my own powers–" As just she was then cut of by him "That's all well and good," Theodore cut her off, "but – as you doubtless noticed – Grimm activity around the city is sky high now." As he told them as then everyone was looking confused.
"Why ?" As nora asked him as then he faced her just then " Why Because of that damn broadcast ! Public mood dropped like a stone when that's came through and Grimm gathered soon after..... And considering I run the only huntsman academy on the planet, I have no idea how Mistral or Vale can be faring till now !" As he said to them "Oh," Ozpin said as that is a problem now "'Oh' indeed ! Was that's your idea, Ozpin, or that Ruby's ? Reckless either way." As he's said to him as that is Nora was getting angry at him "It was General Ironwood's idea at first" As Winter answered....before pausing and looking aside in recollections "Although. originally...he only planned to tell the world once we'd secured Atlas, restored global communications, and were in a position to help...." As she's said to him and just then he started to understand "Humph that is not a bad idea" Theodore groused "it a Better...but not by much. Didn't take him to be the sort to run such risks. Then again as then compared to the broadcast that's went out…and everything becomes a mass " As he's said to him "We had to do something !" As Nora cried. "The people needed help !" As she said "Who from?!" Theodore shot back. "We don't exactly have the airlift for an army here. And you announced that the Grimm had a queen and that she was attacking Atlas and the only military force on Remnant was losing, and...then told the whole world that she can't be destroyed! And then got cut off ! What's you did was bring the Grimm down upon my people now that we all don't have just enough supplies ourselve's now !" As he's said to her as there was Fury in his voice and eye's now as Nora shrank back, stung. She was the only one here who'd helped with that, she realised. The only one still alive. And even their success was a failure.. Another to add to the list now as "We… I didn't know..." As she said in sadness "I see that's Girl none did your friend's at the matter of fact now and that has caused more problem for everyone now " he said more gently, "but it's done nonetheless." He turned towards Ozpin... "Is it true ?" he pressed now "That she can't be destroyed ?" Then he's faced his old friend now "It is...." As Ozpin said to him "Did you know ?" As Theodore asked him "I did." As Ozpin said to him as Theodore clenched his fist's. "You should have told us..." As Theodore said to him.
"I should have. I'm sorry." Ozpin replied.. "I just feared betrayal and a self-fulfilling prophecy, I fear...." As just said with heavy heart now Yeah....Nora felt sick to her stomach now. They'd been so scathing of Ozpin, and then repeated the pattern in Atlas with ironwood and then they have behaved like hypocrite and both times with just distrust had fuelled distrust and torn them all apart....and now her family is dead because of it now.. Theodore huffed and then sat heavily down into what seemed like a little-used chair...strangely subdued for such a flamboyant man "She's moving openly now as We can hardly keep her secret anymore now" As then Ozpin just said and pointed out that problem with that Theodore was just in a big issues "as Perhaps" As he just said, "though to tell all of Remnant that..... And to mention the Maidens too ! There are those…reckless as how do we fix it or just try to contain it " he's shook his head and then voice trailing off and He rubbed his forehead with one of his gloved hands before looking back up. "As She's going to come for us. We have the only functioning huntsman academy, and we're going to have a Maiden actings openly in our defence now." As he said as they have two maidens on there side.... And then limit few fighting focus there very side now...
"Salem's going to come for us anyway" As Ozpin said to him and then he continue's "The Relic of Choice is well hidden, but she controls the lock" As the Autumn Maiden. Cinder Fall, Nora thought with a growl "She's also has Knowledge and Creation," Ozpin continued, as Theodore's face paled. "As Shade houses the only relic that's currently secured from her." As he's said to him as the entire situation was worse than bad "She.. has two relics ?" Theodore whispered "Creation? Oz, how are we meant to stop her?" As he asked him and it was truly a scary time as he doesn't know what just he could do "We have some time,.." Ozpin reassured him. "She needs to keep us divided. If she moves too vigorously as she risks uniting us, and she daren't do that." As he said that "Why not ?" The sixth occupant just of the room spoke for the first time as it Professor Rumpole – and then she's embraced the title was an exceedingly short woman, with a tawny complexions and extravagantly long brown hair, has with the braid reaching down to her very ankles and has despite the obvious visual difference's, however, her demeanour reminded Nora and ren of nobody more than her old Professor Goodwitch now ' how is she doing ' As she just thought now "Because she wants to die..," Ozpin explained.... "But she's is cursed to walk this world so long as it turns. Her plan is to gather all the relics and summon the Brother Gods to judges humanity and If mankind is divided, they're will destroy Remnant, and so – Salem hopes – then just as grant her the release she craves." As he told everyone "We're supposed to find that comforting ?" As Rumpole snorted on it now.
As Ozpin shrugged "I find some solace in the fact that there is no victory in strength not even for her And like I said, it gives us time." As he said in hopes " but time is something we don't have," Theodore said.. "It's not just a matter of Grimm There's housing...We certainly don't have enough vacant homes for everyone's here as then food another issue now... do you all see many fields around here ? And when resources get scarce., people will fight like rats in a sack...especially against those for whom they hold generational grudges...And there are those who'll take advantage." As he to them as they all started to feel ashamed by this moment as well they have serious problem on their hands as well how can we do with this as jaune was right about this as they are all over there's heads now " The Crown is defeated," As Rumpole reminded him. "They've been discredited for their crimes" As she said "The name is sullied,.. but the sentiment endures and It'll roar to life now." As she said to him "I'm sorry?" Ren interrupted. "The Crown ?" As he asked them has then Theodore headmaster faced him "A group of conspiracy...led by two former students of mine," As Theodore explained "They resorted to slavery and then mind control in an attempt to restore vacuo's monarchy and has avenge it upon the other kingdom's" As he told them has that was something they all just would not expecting at all around here now "both Most of them are behind bars" Rumpole insisted... "Jax and Gillian Asturias are both under lock and key and then...Jax is hardly a threat to anyone in his state" As she's said to him "And we just didn't catch all of them !" As Theodore barked, rising from his chair with both fists on his desk now as then the teacher faced towards the headmaster "We found Bertilak Celadon's body." As she said "And....then our students tell us he'd already broken with the Crown !" Theodore pointed out. "Carmine Esclados has yet to be found! And there will be others and those who'll be only too willing to hearken to such ideals. Or pretend to them" Theodore grunted " so salem has a potential source of agents, then ?" Ozpin asked....him and just then grumble noise can be heard now "Doesn't she's always ?" As Theodore grunted. "Though perhaps we should turn to the problem's we face right now, rather than those we must meet down the road We'll have to ration water." As he explained to them "We don't have too many farmers with us" Winter offered "but we can have some who might help and as we have a range of technical skills among our people and we can offer in exchange. I'll have a survey of our people's done. We are prepared to work." As she said to him... Theodore nodded towards her and was thinking "That'll help, in some part. So we will fighting the Grimm....we'll need the pressure off if we're to trade for food elsewheres." As he said to them "We'll do that's, of course," Winter agreed " I do know one person or...his family as might help us in the food and water district" As she's said to him " Humm I am listening " As he's said " it's the Arc family " As she said as ren and Nora were alert by this now " or knows as House of Arcadia lord's of Arsenal of vale now has there are one of the few houses that's have a stable power Grid and supplies situation's like these now and a are strong family to supports us all in our time of need " As winter said to him everyone was just shocked by this ravel about jaune family now and they thought he was small town boy but he is a noble.
Theodore gave a dour chuckle. "I doubt they'll give us any choice after his son demise and do you know that they are family's of old royalty of vale themselves and as then have power grip on there's side of landscape as now and they are very good and honorable people that is no denying it but then again as they're are very dangerous as we'll " As Theodore grunted remember how the kingdom fought against eachother's and Arc have been monster's on the battlefields now and after the huntsman Academy we're built as they never just accept any kind of request around there territory as it was that not because of something else but there are no Grimm there and if they are then they know how to keep things under control now and then he remember when he was a student he's research about the royal family of Vale and vacuo's monarchy system and just that vale family was alive and very strong still and still dangerous like the hour's of the Arc or the Judgment of the Arc as there's was the final days of the war and the Faunus Rights Revolution and as took place after the Great War ended and then lasted roughly about 3 years and faunus arrived with there army to attack on vale as they march towards the gates as the euphoria quickly wore off with the arrival of Lord Cregan Arc as the son of lord Julius Arc then defeated the faunus as then brought his army into the city and took control of it completely as He intended to continue hostilities by carrying out reprisals againsts a the main supporter's of faunus and once who attacked his land and people and family...member's in the name of the old king and his new law in order and However as Lord Corlys had already sent envoy's to faunus home camp and base of the time and as in order to negotiate peace Cregan expected the terms to be rejected as so the war could continue on just because if the terms were accepted, attacking the former supporters of the Faunus Rights Revolution would be considered has perjury and then a breach of the Kingdom Peace and rights and as just Lord Cregan awaited seven days as during which the Lord of Arcadia held the court in check has thank's to his army and support by the others as then faunus as then accepted the peace has preventing Lord Cregan from continuing hostilities towards anyone else and it is then still intended to do justice by just condemning those who guilty of the regicide and for committing of genocide of local people of town and villages and just and aiding the Grimm's and bandits now and as then just few hours later Lord Cregan Arc arrested twenty-two men and including individual Nicholas schnee as well his brother's in arms as many lord and Faunus as
Like now and as he was named Hand of the King and presided over the trials now by the new governments now later Cregan was convinced by his sister's that it is enough and Nicholas schnee will.. be thus avoided trial and then exiled from there continent with his very people and houses now and then he continued trials.
As Nineteen of the remaining accused agreed to take the back to prison and then while only Lord Larys and Ser Gyles accepted execution and then Following the traditions of House Arc, Lord Cregan beheaded them both himself with his second Nero Mors a greatsword of the family now and then he started to sented out as others to tracking down the Branwen's and his bandit family and support and then he started to executions them one by one till then Aftermath as Lord Cregan of Arc just resigned the day after the executions, having served officially as Hand for only a one week now and then he bought some items he's returned to the North and with his army intact and then his support started to fix there Kingdom and there very problem's and as helping the faunus and give them the Island and then helped to the local recovering and then Arc were just never seen again before after that's they continued to help the local around there territories and stay aways from the kingdoms and others politics and problem's as he doubt they will help after there guard son dead and then if they do then he pray that's they are on his side now " we will contact and make a deal with Arc in the future now" As the headmaster said to them and it was then everyone started to nodded toward's him.
"Most of the Gomera district has yet to be rebuilt after its collapse," Professor Rumpole added. "You'll have to make do with tents and anything's you can build for yourself for the time being and as it'll be cramped and crowded beyond measure for now but just has it'll get your very people within the outer walls at least now I'll send some students to guide your people to the right gates." As the Professor Rumpole said to them and it was winter just happy now "Thank you" As winter just said "If you've any spare materials, we'll make use of them. We have plenty of hands at least.." As she said and add "You'll have them," As Theodore said, with a wave at Rumpole. "I'm not heartless. And while many in this kingdom just may have little love for your very countrymen and I can tell they might try to hurt them or worst case scenario and then you all should be on high alert as the people's of this countrymen and will try something and as then remember to stay close to them I know a massacre on our doorstep will just pull in Grimm like dung attracting flies as Anything else ?" As he told them Ozpin exchanged look's with Winter, who shook her head. "I think that's all for now," As he just ventured just now" As then I think we all have just enough work for today to get on with as rather than sit chatting around here," Theodore announced, striding past them in his eagerness to leave his own office as then "I'm sure we'll have all too great a need to jabber in the future." As she said to them one last time now.
As yhey turned to follow him with Professor Rumpole leaving with them too She's turned away upon exiting the office, doubtless moving to her own tasks, awhile Theodore led them down just to the open-air meeting grounds just below his office....as He waved them on, likewise turning aside to speak to a waiting student as then As they made to cross the meeting grounds and descend to the Academy's lower levels as they could see a number of curious eye's waiting for them now it was then a good portion of the student body were just gathered as far more than Shade was accustomed to have and Amongst them as then they're all started to just walked down the hall as then Nora just could see some familiar faces from the Vytal festival and a even Beacon itself....Team CFVY were over on the left, and then.."Oh no" As Ren whispered quietly now Sun and Neptune of Team SSSN were approaching them. Old friends, particularly of Team RWBY. Another reminder of their loss. Of the 8 who made up Teams JNPR and RWBY, Ren and Nora were the only two left behind as they were approaching them "Hey Ren, Nora" As Sun called out and as the blond monkey faunus looking a little confused but wearing his usual easy smile. "You anything to do with all the people out there ? We saw the broadcast so are the others here? How's Blake ?" As he asked them Nora could feel Ren stiffen beside her, but she laid a hand on his back. Time to step up. "I'll tell them" she said and then she started to explain them everything's that happened in Atlas and bridge.
CHANGE LOCATION
ONE WEEK LATER
POV
The following week was one of mourning, sorrow and work as Simply gathering the refugees into the ruined district took long enough and has did marking out the ground for tents and any shacks they could just build the very Sanitation proved a challenge too, especially since – has Theodore had warned – supplies of water had become constricted and as Fortunately...enough engineers were on hand amongst the Atlesians as to direct the work and although due to Vacuo's long and potted history the foundation's of the very area we're treacherous indeed now and with many children's are just dead as rape and as killed by vacuo local people now it was then a new mass that's Nora doesn't know how to stop or do anything else and Vacuo had been under enough pressure that's Shade's students were carrying much of the burdens of it's very defence and as with that Grimm are acting the wall left and right as then three weeks have passed has winter just wisely liaised with Theodore, placing the remains of Atlas's forces – and herself – under his direction now as they all started to worked together to try to protect the city. As then just expected, the moods of the refugees and increasing tensions amongst the very city's natives it did attracted the Grimm in even greater numbers, but then another they managed to stave off the assault a for the time being. Winter herself was in the forefront, burying herself and as her grief in fighting the Grimm.
As On the fourth day after arriving at Vacuo as Manta arrived carrying Qrow, what's was left of the Ace Ops, and Robyn Hill. Robyn took to assisting the refugees, rejoining her Happy Huntresses, a while a chastened and grievings Ace Ops took their's place amongst the city's defenders and As for Qrow…...he'd been frantic, seemingly hoping as he'd just arrive to find both Ruby and Yang in Vacuo as planned...Nora had been there, with Ozpin and Winter, to give him the unhappy news. She was the only eyewitness among their group, after all and as the only one who knew Yang and Ruby and witnessed them fall. She's saw the veteran huntsman shatter as they told him the truth now She was scarce surprised that he returned to drink now and with then Robyn As for Nora herself… she's endured Too many people were counting on her to give up, as much has she felt just like curling up and crying at times as She was grateful for Ren even as he was a temptation too.
As She knew now he loved her too, and she'd always loved him but then to her very realisation she's made a mistake that she's didn't know who she was without him, that she had to be sure of her own identity before she committed to more, was has true now as it was in Atlas, as however tempting it'd be to just fall into each other's arms Still, she was glad he was there. Like he always had been and they helped each other as it just sad that losing her family made her realise that's now. As they'd assisted with some of the work of the camp but there we're many hand's to help with that, and far fewer qualified huntsmen...So, she'd led the remains of Team JNPR back into action and as then dragging Emerald along too and She didn't strictly qualify, but it seemed few knew what to do with her and there we're at least some amongst the students of Shade just as who held an understandable grudge and as Plus they needed a third has whilst Oscar had fought alongside JNPR from time to time, he's was unable to join them now as Ozpin ability to contribute to plannings meant the boy and the very professor we're often needed to collaborate with Theodore...Shade Academy despite it's size, was already overfull due to the student's it'd acquired from Beacon and Haven as so there was no room for Nora, Ren, or Emerald just to stay there now
They're all just shared a tent in the refugee district as instead suffering in the privations of the people they'd tried to rescues as that's would jaune will do time like this and still she understands Yet they just were often needed up at the Academy then as to receive combat assignments for the day....as she's seen people panic and fight among one another times by time Nora tried not to feel too guilty about the opportunities that gave them for a proper wash and..then she's even stopped a few of them herself now Despite her mixed feelings, however such occasional luxurie's we're as welcome respite after the rigours of battles.....Shade Academy, despite its size and as was already overfull due to the student as it'd acquired from Beacon and Haven and as so there was no room for Nora, Ren, or Emerald to stay there They're shared a tent in the refugee district instead suffering in the privations of the people they'd tried to rescues and Yet they're we're often needed up at the Academy to receive combat assignment's a for the day....as Nora tried not to feel too guilty about the opportunities that's gave them for a proper wash now but it was Despite her mixed feelings...however, such occasional luxuries were a welcome respites after the rigours of battle....It was on the eighth day after they'd arrived at the city that things changed and as per their custom, they'd made their way up to the Academy in the morning to find their first assignment and Initially they'd often been deployed outside the city and just a attempting to cull the herds and as The last few days, however, had seen them on the wall, sent first to one gate then to another, as the apparent siege tightened. Nora wondered which they'd be sent to this morning as they climbed up the Academy's levels as Its tiered structure loomed over the rest of the city, which from the upper levels of the academy seemed like nothing other than a sprawling maze, given shape only by the divisions between its districts and the wide street that bisected the centre of the city now and then walk now.
Nora shook her head from such thoughts as they just arrived at the top and turning to entering the meeting grounds that occupied most of the upper level now as Students dotted the edges, doubtless here for similar reasons that Nora and her team were. Team Leaders would be intermittently summoned just a to Professor Rumpole office and then she started return with their assignments for the day..."Hey Guys," she heard Sun greet them and as outwardly cheerful and he's looked much the same as always a with spiky blond hair and tanned skin as which one got a good eyeful as of with his open jacket For those who knew him, however, he was uncharacteristically subdued. Grieving, after the news Nora had shared now "Sun," she nodded back, finding it hard to summon some of her own cheer She just looked over the rest of his team as Scarlet, Sage, Nepture and Nolan as Team SSSNN was five-strong now, having acquired Nolan, formerly of team BRNZ. Nora felt a wince as...she glanced at him now JNPR's match against BRNZ felt like a different life now a Yet just a few days after that just JNPR lost Pyrrha… and jaune and for Nolan she had lost the entire rest of his team now as "Here for an assignments ?" Sun asked, trying to sound carefree and as The other four picked themselves up from the wall and they we're lounging against now "Sure," she's replied, as the others – well Ren and the members of SSSNN anyway exchanged their own greetings now "Know where's you're goings today ?" As Ren asked them "Not yet," As sun said to him just wearing a smile now "It's goings to be one of the gate's," Neptune offered. With his blue hair and a bright smile, he seemed his usual self as Only a tight look around the eyes suggested otherwise. "It always is." As he said and then there's was silence between.
"Yes, but which one ?" As Scarlet just snorted "There fifteen of them. For a supposed intellectual, you miss all the important questions." As he said to him "Dude, not cool," Neptune complained but as Sun stepped in with an affectionate thump on Neptune very shoulder and a glance in Scarlet's direction. "Easy everyone's, settle down and I know we're eager, and I'm sure just wherever we go there'll be plenty for us to do." As He gestured back at Nora. "Though perhaps not the sort of craziness you'll get up to" As he told everyone now. "I suppose we are all the licensed huntsmens left" As Nora said and more for form's sake than because she really felt it."Yeah I still can't believe you of the people firsties qualified before we did" As then another voice said. Nora turned to see Coco Adel now The smirking fashionista had then a changed little from their time in Beacon and then as at least on the surface a with her stylish clothes, beret her shades and as her handbag. The latter seemed quite out of place as we're it not for the fact that Gianduja was also her minigun and she's just swept her eyes over their little band a expression hardening as she caught sight of Emerald "Especially considering the company you keep" As she said now.
As Emerald looked away, but Ren just spoke up. "We wouldn't have been able to save those we did without Emerald. She chose the right side in the end, and we need to work together....." As Nora said as then Coco lowered her sunglasses to look at Ren and Nora with her dark brown eyes. "Oh, I'm professional enough to 'work together'. As Thing's haven't been plain sailing here either and than again has I'm not stupid enough to start anything's I'm just surprised you guys are so quick to forget what she did....What she helped with."
"We're not," Nora cut in as She heard Emerald intake of breath, and felt Ren's gaze rest on her, but she kept her own look levelled on the woman in front of her just now "But I believe people's should be able to fix their mistakes as It's… it's what our friends just would have wanted." As he said to her Coco grew sombre as her face softened. She's pushed her sunglasses back as she sighed. "Maybe you have a point there" As They stood in silence for a moment, before Sun broke into the conversations now "Where's the rest of the team, Coco ?" As sun asked her "Oh, don't you worry, Sun," Coco said as a grin returned to her face. "Velvet and the others will be along soon enough. I just hoped to see Rumpole first."As she told them "Nora ! Ren !" As Nora turned to see Oscar as hopping down the steps from the offices above now The students around him stared at him as he's just weaved his way across the meeting ground, doubtless wondering why a lad too young for the academy had been meeting with theirs professors. He's ignored them, focusing on Ren and Nora. As he drew close, Nora could see him panting heavily from exertion "As We've got to get to the very Weeping Wall," he said and before he glanced aside seeing the other students beside them. "A Theodore says there's a disturbance." As he told everyone now.
"Why does Theodore want us to deal with it ?" she's asked, catching onto his name-dropping. Doubtless this request was coming from both as Theodore and Ozpin. "As What's sort of disturbance are why taking about now ?" As she asked him as He's looked a little cagy as his eyes flickered at Coco and Team SSSNN. "There are two trees growing," as he said to them as then everyone started to laugh at him "Trees?!" Coco scoffed. She turned towards Nora. "I didn't know you handled gardening disputes." As she said to them as in laughing matters now "Visibly growing," As Oscar added. All eyes turned on him as they realised what's he was saying. Magic They're all knew it existed now; how could they not after a the very appearance of the evacuees? And as Ruby's broadcast had drawn back the veil on Salem and just then on the Maidens of the Seasons. But for those who's hadn't experienced the journey Nora and Ren had – or Emerald, on the other side – as much of it was still shrouded in mystery. "We don't know who's responsible. We've tried contacting Winter but as she's just tied up fighting a large pack of Grimm." As he's said to him "...Do you think it's her ?" Emerald asked, worry lacing her voice just came now.
"The timing is suspicious," Ren offered, more evenly. "Could be," Nora said and It's not like there are many other candidates. "But we just won't find out standing here. Either way, we're checking it out." As she's said to them all "We can help," As Sun quickly offered. He just shrugged in Nora's direction now "It'll help you if someone can show you the way." As he's said as well now "Thanks," As she nodded. She glanced at Oscar, who had paused, that little tell as that said Ozpin was talking to him. Their eyes met now "That seem wise," he said. His eyes turned towards Coco. "It's might be an idea to take team CFVY too." As she's said to him as well now "Sure," Coco acquiesced. As then Oscar turned, she lowered her voice in a hiss towards Nora. "How does the kid know who we are?" As she asked now "It's a long story," she's said. She's didn't know if Ozpin planned on revealings the truth about himself any time soon, but she didn't have the heart to weave any new deceptions now as it new story behind now.
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TO BE CONTINUED