After a memorable performance at the hands of Celeste, much of the day passed by quickly, except for everyone making their preparations to leave Argus around midnight for Atlas. Of course, she did inform them all about it as soon as her performance ended to give plenty of time for everyone to gather everything they need and rest before leaving for their next destination.
Atlas.
And when some of them brought questions on how they're to get there, Celeste emphasized that they will have to go on her cruise ship to one of the few still active ports in Solitas. Which was called Northpoint Dockyard. A rather bland name to be honest, but certainly sounds like something Atlas would name a seaport.
Even then, even if they arrive at said seaport, it will still take time for an airship to come and pick them up before dropping them off at Atlas. Unless they want to go by an alternative way by traversing the lands of Solitas on foot or convey. Which is inadvisable with how dangerously cold it is up there for prolonged periods of time.
When Zack wonders why she doesn't have an airship, the heiress points out that not everyone can own a personal airship all to themselves. And especially not her family, whose trade company relies on more conventional methods such as ships and convey trucks for their business.
Even if some methods her family business uses in current time just abuse loopholes to get around the ban.
The only reason they are not in trouble for all their loopholes is because of the many connections made with key figures in Atlas society. Both high and low. In Atlas above and Mantle below. This made it challenging for rivals to remove them, since the Schmitts will always have someone with a lot of power covering them.
Connection and compromise are their weapon.
As the Schnees under Jacques learned first-hand when they hit him with a blackmail.
Something that Weiss still finds rather cathartic. When Jaune brings up the purpose of her family blackmails on the Schnees and for what reason, Celeste just deviously chuckles and says, "Trust me. With the Schnee Dust Company. They make it far too easy to find skeletons in their closet which would crush the establishment in lawsuits. And that fool is not stupid enough to make decisions that would destroy the company if it gets out in a scandal."
Moving on from that, when it comes to actually getting to Atlas from Northpoint Dockyard they would have to pose as staff members since, technically, Celeste came to Argus to perform for everyone there. And now that she's done, she needs to return to Atlas. Something, she lets Katherine handle the paperwork.
Of course, it is likely they will be thoroughly checked thanks to that ban the higher ups of Atlas issued for unauthorised assets/smuggling. Still, the only reason Celeste was even allowed to leave Atlas for Argus is because of some obligations the Schmitt Global Exchange Company made with some of Atlas councillors to close an eye just for her. But even obligations have their dues with Ironwood's growing authoritarianism the past few months.
Something that deeply worries Zack and Ozma greatly.
Are they too late?
No, that is unlikely. There is still time before Ironwood's paranoia becomes destructive. Perhaps this is just the start of his tightening grip. Something the both of them could quietly hope to stop before it is too late. With a plan in mind, everyone went off on their way before gathering back at Jaune's sister's house because Zack needed to talk to everyone about something.
Now resting conformably on their seats in the living room, Qrow decides to address the elephant in the room on why Zack needs to tell everyone something urgent. "So, kiddo, what do you have to tell us? Did you forget something?" And the response he got from the fox Faunus was an awkward chuckle as he scratched the back of his head.
"Well… yeah… I uh… did forget about it and only just remember it while we're about to leave to watch Iris's performance earlier, but I figured that it can be done after it. Soo… that brings us to now." He says to the blinking response of everyone except Weiss, who has a grasp on what he's talking about.
Right… Adam…
"But before that, did any of you manage to read my message I left in that memory storage crystal device?"
Zack asks next before his second girlfriend confirms it. "We did, and I figured out how to make it work!" Ruby beamed with pride before Zack offers a smile and gently takes her hand into his. Before Weiss did the same and clearly showing on her face that she has no intentions to be left out.
"Great! I was worried whether any of you could access it." The fox Faunus lets out a sigh of relief as he pauses. "Speaking of which, how did you do it? Last I checked, only those with magic could interact with it." He then asks before Ruby giggles as she rests her free hand onto the necklace on her neck.
"That amulet of protection necklace thingy you gave to me for my birthday. I just tapped it on it, and it worked! I guess it worked because it used the same magic, and we heard your message." The shine in Ruby's eyes never went away as she explains while Zack hums and nods his head, though it then turns to awkwardness when he speaks next.
"Ah… Well… You see… it was incomplete, and I hoped to update it with the proper information."
…
"What!?" Nora blurts out as she jumps dramatically to her feet. "Zack, is it all a lie?"
"Huh? No! Not like that! It was half done, and that stupid crystal is finicky at best! I had to redo my speech over several times! But all the information in there is correct! It's just that I missed out one factor!" The fox Faunus had just about thrown his hands forward at everyone in an attempt to control the situation, before some of his friends just shook their heads in amusement or chuckled out.
It is simply far too funny seeing him freak out over something that had passed already. Oh, how they missed teasing him like this.
"Then if you just missed some information, then what is it that you missed out?" Blake then asks next as their friend calms down with his ears twitching.
"Well…" Zack murmured before he glanced at Weiss, who too looked uncertain how to explain it. All she ended up doing was gently squeezing her boyfriend's hand, which was enough to give him the courage to speak up.
"I failed to mention Adam was originally supposed to show up and come after you, Blake…" Just like that, the cat Faunus face paled instantly in fear, with everyone glancing worryingly. Even Yang was affected as her body trembled with her prosthetic arm twitching in response to hearing that murderous bull Faunus.
…
"He was supposed to be here?" Yang's voice became deathly still as her eyes square straight at Zack's direction. Something the fox Faunus notices and acknowledges. "After Blake?"
"Hang on, what do you mean originally?" Ren then points out upon reading through Zack's words. And that snapped the tension out of the room as all looked at their friend for answers. Even Blake still looked insecure but less so seconds ago.
"Well… in the original timeline, Adam's obsession drove him to come and meet us at Argus after the events of Haven. And more accurately. Blake and Yang in particular when the original idea of stealing- I mean, borrowing an airship was in play. Something he paid for with his life." The silence to follow was defining to the point that caused everyone to slowly turn their heads towards Blake and Yang.
"You're saying… that we killed him?" Blake's words were soft, and even Yang looked shocked by the revelation that they were responsible for killing Adam in the original timeline.
"You did in the original show. But I'm not sure if that could be considered self-defence or actual murder." Zack mutters. "I do remember both of you stabbing him with the shattered remains of Gambol Shroud, that's for sure. And he was technically unarmed after Yang threw his sword into the sea. But that bull Faunus wouldn't stop. Not until the both of you were dead."
"Did… Did anyone know of this in the original story?" Ruby softly asks while clearly horrified at what she heard. "Zack. Did they talk about it? With anyone?" Silence overtook the room before an answer was given out
"I don't know…"
The fox Faunus could only say as he shakes his head as his tails twitches. "Maybe they did talk about it with the others off-screen or, perhaps, they kept it to themselves. Or alternatively, it is just a case of shitty writing by the fellows at Rooster Teeth because subsequently, it was never brought up again. But what I do know is that this will never happen because of one factor."
Zack says after catching his breath as he glances at his first girlfriend before looking back at everyone else as he raises a finger up. "Weiss and I met Adam back in Sanctuary. And he's not himself because he has amnesia."
"What? How?" Jaune was next, with Blake looking utterly surprised as she turned her gaze upon her Schnee friend. "Weiss. You met him?"
"And talked to him, yes." She confirms. "We still don't know what actually happened to cause that, but after the events of Haven, Adam lost all his memories before he stumbled across one of Sanctuary's trading caravans." Weiss says as Nerium in the corner of the room nods her head as she takes her mask off.
"I can confirm that information. Before the Arakan Clan was made aware of Zack and Miss Schnee, my Khan assigned me to rendezvous with said caravan and escort Adam Taurus back to our home. It was there he offered the bull Faunus a chance at redemption, despite calls by the rest of the court that he should pay for his sins with his life. After that, his skills with the blade were put to use. Which includes our intervention against the Bloody Hidesman."
The Sword of the Khan then finishes her speech before the heir to the throne takes the conversation back to him. "Trust me, it was a massive shock when he came in with Nerium and saved our asses against the first time we met that Wendigo Grimm we fought not too long ago."
Zack mutters as he brushes his forehead. "And before I fail to mention it because it seems to be the case with me. Amnesiac Adam, yes, I'm calling him that, is horrified by his past actions. I only talked to him a bit in Sanctuary, but he is not the crazy guy we all know him as. He's regretful and wants to repent for his past actions, which is unnerving coming from him."
…
"I see…" Blake murmurs out as all turn to see her clutching herself. "This is absurd." Her cat ears were more straight up.
"You tell me." Yang snarks. But even she looks exhausted by what she heard. "I still can't believe we killed him, had things gone how it was supposed to be." Ruby's half-sister mutters as she turns to Weiss and Zack.
"What is he doing right now?" Yang asks next before Weiss answers that question.
"Adam's back in Sanctuary under Zack's uncle's command. He had originally wanted to come along with us to find more of his past and redeem himself but was denied because it would be too dangerous to have someone as infamous as him in the open."
"And understandably so."
Zack adds in. "It will probably take a lot of my and Oz's efforts to convince James to not shoot Neo on the spot once we get there. I can't imagine trying to convince him to let a former terrorist partly responsible for the Fall of Beacon off free. Even if he had lost his memories." The fox Faunus says before a soft scoff can be heard from Neo as she rolls her eyes as if saying, he can try for all she cares.
Furthermore, she's still playing with the cards in her hands. She's grown used to playing with cards in her own spare time.
…
"But that can be dealt in another time. Now, do we have anything else we need to address?" The fox Faunus asks as shakes go all around except for Qrow who suddenly chuckles, which earns him everyone's attention.
"Heh. I was wondering how to bring it up, but sure, let's go with it now, since embarrassing you is the funniest thing in this corridor." The veteran Huntsman says as Weiss and Zack suddenly have a bad feeling as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out three bottles. After all, they would all be leaving in the evening so it only makes sense for all to keep their luggage and bags together.
"I found these bottles about to fall out of your bag kiddo not too long ago, care to explain them?" He asks as Zack visibly pales because he knows God-damn well what those bottles are! As if emphasising how fucked he was because not even his girlfriends were aware of this given by his uncle, the fox Faunus jumps to his feet.
"Qrow put that away now! Why do you even have that to begin with?!" His voice barely contained, which just makes the others more interested why their foxy friend was acting that way.
"Now, why would I do that?" Qrow just grins and is on the brink of laughter. "Not since for some reason you have fertility booster, libido-boosting, and birth control drugs with you?"
==================================================================
Zack POV
"I am so going to fucking kill you for this, Qrow!" I could only curse to myself before feeling a chill up my back before I heard Weiss screeching out from my side, utterly scandalised by what she heard.
"WHAT!?"
OH, GOD! WHAT DO I DO NOW?!
How am I supposed to explain this to not only Weiss, but Ruby and everyone to that my uncle gave me those bottles so they could help me produce a kid before I fucking die in the future! I mean what the hell Qrow! I'm still bloody fifteen, excuse me! Okay, sixteen in like a couple of months but still!
"You better have some explanation for this Arakan!" I visibly wince upon Weiss calling out to me, before I feel utterly terrified by what she's thinking right now. I mean, how am I supposed to explain that THIS was not part of my plan but my uncle's insistence I take them with me. All for the potential chance that I could sire an heir in the middle of a fighting Ozma's shadow war!
I'm not even married yet, nor have we been together for more than a week!
"Zack? What does uncle Qrow mean by having… whatever those things are?" Fuck! Ruby too! And then there are moments like this that make me just want to disappear! Even more than that was the state of the living room itself. Both Yang and Nora were hollering their lungs out, while Jaune looked utterly shocked by what he heard. Ren on the other hand, is clearly surprised but didn't say anything and Blake, her cheeks were red.
Damn perverted kitty thinking about something related to the three of us, with her eyes darting over from me, to Ruby and to Weiss repeatedly. Neo was also laughing, but because she is mute, she didn't make any noise. But she did give me the sign language, which sums up as.
"Who would have thought our specimen of a Faunus was a deviant."
Which I am not, mind you!
Okay, maybe a bit because of fucking hormones in my blood but STILL!
God…
As for my bodyguard Nerium, she just looks away as if she did not hear anything at all. I know you are aware of this happening! You were there when my uncle gave those bottles to me!
I need to retake control of the situation before it becomes worse. "Every shut up for one SECOND!" I yelled before what I requested happened, and the living room was rendered mute. Somewhat. Some of my dear friends were still giggling, while Qrow too was chuckling at the situation he put me in.
"Do you require some assistance in this… unenviable situation?" Ozma asks me earnestly in my mind. "If you like, I could take over and help soothe this without the embarrassment involved. Though, I share your sentiment. This was rather uncalled-for from Mr Branwen for showering this to everyone without your approval."
I… I appreciate the assistance, but I need to resolve this on my own. This involves my family. My uncle and the duty I don't want thrusted upon me. "No. Just leave this to me. This includes my girlfriends, and they need to know what is… expected. Maybe Weiss would be lenient on me once she learns that this was Fenrir's fault. She was there when we learned that he was sterile."
I explain back to him before I feel Ozma acknowledges my choice. "I understand. Then, if so, I'll leave it to you."
"Thank you."
Those were my last words to him before I let out a mix of angry mandarin noises, curses, and fox noises somehow before taking a breath in. "Before this gets taken out of proportion, I am not a damn pervert or whatever you're guessing from that information. The truth is, as we discussed a while back and how Nerium mentions my uncle is sterile, plus the fact we're the last Arakans alive as far as we know. That means that it is…." I drag out the end before letting out a sigh.
"I have a duty to sire the next generation before I kick the bucket in a year or two." I finished off as I turned to Weiss and Ruby watching me. "Not even a damn adult yet, and I have expectations like this thrown at me. Perhaps that's okay with me if I had years ahead of me. But with that contingency plan the Brothers had in me?"
"You may not even have the time for that." Blake mutters as I nod my head as it suddenly didn't become a laughing matter. "Reminds me of my mum wanting me to find a boyfriend and give her grand kittens but… The pressure on you must be immense…"
"Yeah. Maybe it's my uncle's own way of worrying. Or perhaps he's more concerned about what happens to our dying bloodline, with me having less than two years before dying. I didn't want to think about it because I would rather not push through with this right now. And I'm underage, for god's sake!" I whined out before collapsing back onto the couch with everyone looking worryingly at me.
"I just got together with Weiss and then Ruby. I don't want to put this kind of pressure that I need to have a kid with them before I die when we're not ready for that. It is… not something I would rather not force them into."
My ears sank before I felt Ruby hugging me while Weiss took my hand and whispered comforting words to me. Comfy… And thanks for caring about me. "The thing is, I get why my uncle gave those to me. He even said to me that if he wasn't sterile from birth to begin with, Fenrir wouldn't put this kind of pressure on me and even states how much he loathes how he had to do it." I continue on.
I just need to talk about it and let it all out. Not only that, but I already have Ozma's burdens on my back. I inherited them as his host, whether I liked it or not. Then I learned that I was the champion of the Sisters of Twilight. And not too long ago, I became the heir to the Arakan Clan and lastly had to sire a kid before the Brother's contingency activate once the time was up to kill me.
The amount of pressure on me is ridiculous for someone of my age.
At this point, I might as well die from a heart attack at this rate from all the damn stress on me.
"The fertility booster and libido-boosting drugs are just to increase the chances of me having a kid if I ever choose to do it. The birth control drug?" I still don't fully understand why he gave that to me, but I think I have an idea. "My guess is to make things smoother if I ever want to do it without having a kid before we're ready…" I mutter as I feel Ruby whining out something about how this is incredibly uncomfortable as she covers her face. All the while, Weiss huffs out on edge.
"I'm mad at you, Zack."
I get it Weiss. I entirely understand why you're pissed at me. "For hiding this from us, you dolt. As much as this is utterly unwelcoming for the three of us in this relationship so early, we are entitled to know of this." I guess so, Weiss. "But… Your uncle must understand how awkward this will be and how much unwanted stress it is on you. I refuse to conduct such… actions when neither of us are even married yet. You're still underage as well so I refuse to do it to a minor!" She huffs out.
"You know… All this context now makes me feel like shit for pulling this on ya. I thought I was embarrassing you, kid. Didn't realize I was ripping open something like this in front of everyone." Qrow admits as he awkwardly glances away before Ruby, of all people, calls him out on it.
"Yeah! It was such a jerk thing to do, uncle Qrow!"
She puffs out before glancing at me, looking surprised at her. I wasn't expecting Ruby, of all people, to call out Qrow like that. I wasn't expecting that yet, it feels nice that she really means that she loves me. "Zack… I'm embarrassed too, okay? A lot. But that's not the part I care about most right now. I don't care what your uncle, the Brothers, or anyone expects from you right now. You're still Zack first, and everything else second… So, don't sit there and act like you have to carry this by yourself, okay? Even if it is… gross to think on."
Ruby says as she then hugs me tighter than ever before with her face burying into me, "You dummy… we're your partners. That means you don't get to decide all by yourself what hurts you
Inside. You told me not too long ago that it is not okay to not carry every burden alone. So don't you keep all that pain to yourself."
"What my little sis says. It was funny at first but seriously. That is completely messed up. You're still just a kid despite Ozma and the whole older memory thing, Zack. I honestly don't care if you're the Sister's champion, Oz's host, or the last Arakan alive. You're our friend through and through, and nobody gets to dump all that on you and call it duty like that makes it okay!"
I wish I could agree with the sentiment of Yang, but fate has a very funny way to show it, especially when you consider my complete background. Both present and my previous life on Earth. If this is some kind of chosen one trope. Then it's utter bullshit. Because truly, if I am the 'Chosen one.', then it sucks to be one with so many god-damn burdens on my back!
Because I did not choose to wake up on Remnant. I did not choose to find myself carrying the burden of Ozma's legacy and war on my back. I did not CHOOSE to be marked by the Sisters of Twilight as their Champion. I DID NOT CHOOSE to be sentenced to death, all because the blood that flows in my veins belongs to those who formed a Covenant with the real gods of Remnant and became the first Faunus. I did not choose to give the title of heir to a society I never grew up in and encouraged to have a kid to preserve said bloodline.
AND I DAMN WELL DID NOT CHOOSE TO BE MARKED FOR DEATH ALL BECAUSE MY LIFE POSES A THREAT TO THE BROTHERS GRIP OVER REMNANT!
Here I thought meeting with everyone again and being happy with Ruby and Weiss as my girlfriends would make me feel better. Well, they do, but it still doesn't solve the invisible chains on me.
Maybe I'm just tired.
Tired of all this shit that keeps happening to me.
Closing my eyes to compose myself, I hear everyone else assuring me that they don't see me like that. And how all of them will be there by my side. I appreciate it, guys. Really do. Your words of encouragement make me feel much better. It's just that I guess the constant pressure from all this is now cracking my sanity.
Something I can't afford with everything that is going on, but is bound to happen at this rate.
Funny.
Ever since, I ended up on Remnant and found Ozma in my head that day. A part of me always knew I would never find peace again. Especially with how hectic things get with the protagonists of the story. Is this how Oscar constantly felt, carrying all this burden on his soul? Feeling the chains on him that threatens to drag him deeper into the depths of the sea?
Well, now that I think more thoroughly on that.
Mine's actually worse. I'm in the void of it all.
He didn't have to worry about the Brothers trying to kill him, or the whole becoming heir and expecting to have a kid before you die thing.
"I need a break…" I ended up muttering out after leaning back onto the soft sofa with everyone looking worryingly my way while Ren turned towards my bodyguard and asked her.
"Are you aware of it all?" He says as Nerium nods her head.
"I am. Of the burdens in his soul. Of the trials ahead and the expectations placed upon him. The hand this world assigned to Zack may not be to his liking, but he has the choice to choose on how he wields those. He's more resilient than he claims or shows he is."
"You really believe that's the case?" Jaune asks next, before I could only silently watch the two as Ruby leans on me and begins nuzzling her cheek on my shoulder. All the while, Weiss watches over me with concern. Her beautiful face, clearly showing that she's thinking of an idea for my problem.
"I do." My bodyguard says as she gently takes her mask off. "Taking everything into consideration, the strain of everything placed on him should have broken his will. Yet, he keeps going. Keeps fighting on despite the chains on his soul. Many would have surrendered onto fate. And while a part of him has given up I suspect, young Arakan here will not let things stay down. He is too stubborn. Just like his uncle. And mother…"
"You… you know my mother?" I blurt out. I… I didn't know you met my mother before.
"Once upon a time, I did. Even when things did not turn out the way she wanted, your mother will keep fighting." A nostalgic smile grew on her lips. "I only knew her from what records we keep of her, and what stories your uncle shared with me. Frankly, had things not gone the way our people had hoped, she was supposed to be next in line to the throne after their father. She was the better of the two in many factors, after all."
My mother was supposed to be the leader? Instead of my uncle? Then why? Why did she leave before having me? And why did Fenrir not tell me this? And why is he in charge instead? Not that I'm against it, but still. That's a lot of unanswered questions. Surely, he must know the main reason why she left, right?
"Hang on, from what I can guess, Zack's mum used to be part of your clan. Then why did she exile herself then?" Qrow then points out before Nerium shakes her head with her blood-red eyes filled with shame on me.
"This is a sensitive topic, but I will explain. Because years back, before Leth Arakan, his mother, left our home in a self-imposed exile, Sanctuary's rule under their father had been on a decline. Just as it was written, your grandfather lost his way and nearly turned our society into the ways bandits operate. Making us become the things we detest, all because it fell into the traps of nihilism after your grandmother died after giving birth to your uncle and mother."
Nerium paused for everyone, including me, to process it all.
"Back to the point. His failures as Khan nearly caused a Civil war in our society, with internal strife and unrest the norm, and your uncle did what he believed he needed to do to save his people. He challenged his father to ritual combat for the title of Khan once he was old enough to rule. And killed his father. However, that was the final straw for her. While her father thinks her belief that the Arakan tribe could, just as their ancestors once did, was utterly naive and foolish in this broken world. Her brother thinks it is risky."
Nerium explains. "After all that, Leth came to her brother after his ascension and made it clear she's leaving." So, my uncle slew his father to save Sanctuary, to prevent it from degenerating into bandits?
"It was said, on that day, the newly crowned Khan begged his sister. Not to leave him alone after what he did for the sake of their people. Even when Fenrir prostrated himself before his sister in front of everyone and offered the title of Khan to her in an attempt to convince her to stay, it did nothing to change her mind. She made it apparent that she was leaving and that was final. Just as stubborn as all Arakans were. She saw her brother's actions were unforgivable, no matter how much she disliked her father for falling apart."
"Why tell me this?" I could only ask.
"Because stubbornness runs in your veins. You Arakans cling onto your beliefs, and that stubbornness is a strength against the pressure placed upon your blood's shoulders. Your uncle clings onto his people to ensure they do not fall further into depravity and nihilism. Your mother clings onto the ideas of the past. Of the glory days. Of hope for a better future in this world. You cling on to see this war come to its conclusion. Exhaustion is bound to happen. Then rest. But never let it break you."
…
Funny… this makes some sense and yet… I feel a bit lighter. Perhaps it's because it gave some clarification on my family's history or what not. Or perhaps. That's what I needed to hear. Seriously. The past week has been hectic and I really need a break. "Thank you Nerium. I… I needed to hear that." I mutter out as my bodyguard nods at me.
"I live to serve." That was all she said before wearing her mask again.
"Well, that went deeper than I thought." Nora chimes in with everyone agreeing with her as I look at my first girlfriend.
"Indeed, that's the case, Nora." I say as Weiss looks at me. "I know this is weird to ask you, but do you know of any good hot springs in Atlas? I think that would be nice to experience something relaxing among the frozen north and all the other things we'll have to handle." And hearing my request makes her ponder before nodding.
"Indeed, there is. But let's not rush things first. We haven't even left for Atlas yet." She finishes off before I hear her muttering to herself. "I still can't believe I'm going back to that place after all the effort I put in to leave." Heh. Understandable. With a smile, I plopped one of my tails on her lap and let her pet it. All the while, Ren spoke up next.
"If nothing else, I suggest we make final preparations before we depart tonight."
"Yup, also return me those bottles Qrow. They do not belong to you." I deadpanned, only for Nora to ruin the moment.
"Soo how are you supposed to take it?"
I instantly slam a palm over my face and groan in emotional agony as laughter breaks out again.
For fuck's sake, Nora!
==================================================================
In the land of darkness, much of Salem's followers stood by, watching and waiting for their mistress to arrive. It has only been hours since Hazel and Tyrian had arrived back and to say the least, took the chance to take verbal jabs at the two's failures. Or at least that was before Hazel points out how the game changed and how Ozpin's host had evolved in the better of words.
Or, as the psychotic scorpion Faunus puts it, that fox brat has become a Godling!
To say the least, Mercury was rather surprised that the two were not punished for failing to secure Ozpin at all. Something which Tyrian took no time to waste and praise that his mistress has chosen to be merciful because of factors beyond his control and the sheer overwhelming odds put against the two.
Still, though, the fact that Ozpin's host had changed the playing field had rattled most of Salem's current followers.
Now all of them had a taste of how dangerous he is becoming with the old gods intervening in some capacity. Emerald and Mercury back in Haven when a literal god possessed his body after Cinder had 'killed' him by impaling a spear into his chest. Tyrian back in the battle of Argus which he went up against Zack while he was not in his mind. And Hazel, who participated in both Haven and Argus and has first-hand experience witnessing his growth between the two fights.
Unknowing to all was also the doubt of working with Salem. Zack's words since Argus still haunted Hazel to no end. Spouting traitorous thoughts that maybe, just perhaps, that fox Faunus could stop Salem for good where he and that fool Ozpin had failed to end her. Of course, he cannot show any doubt of it in the open, and his personal grudge against Ozpin still holds him back.
Still, Cinder failing to return after Haven was enough justification for everyone to suspect that she was likely dead. But things have proven that not everyone would just lie over and die too easily. Seeing how that fox Faunus literally cheated death through divine intervention is rather an annoying predicament to deal with.
Hazel could only wonder, is Ozpin even leading his host at all? He did not see him at all during the battle for Argus. Only his crazed host, who seemingly lost all known restraint and clarity, to the point that he had him by the ropes and nearly ended his life. Still… even though it has been days already and this thought had played through his mind already.
Why did that Schnee girl save his life? And even encourages him to take Tyrian and leave with their lives intact? This is war. Sparing your enemies makes no sense. Unless she fears that his and Tyrian's death could spark Salem to intervene early? Or was it to stop Ozpin's host from making a mistake he could never take back? Even in this crazed state? That also did not get into the fact he shielded him as well when a Goliath tried to trample them all.
What was going on in his mind besides the madness of it all? And still surprising until now that he actually stopped and listened to the Schnee girl. While he is clearly repeating the same thought, Hazel could only conclude that something must have happened between the two when they were separated.
Perhaps this could be used to their advantage?
Then such thoughts were silenced the moment footsteps echo the room and Salem makes her appearance as she ignores everyone and walks until she stands before a pool as black as tar. Without a second thought, Salem brought her hands up, magic coursing through them as the Grimm pool shuddered with life. Bending and twisting to her will.
Then to the horror of Emerald and Mercury, the ecstatic joy of Tyrian and the callousness masking hesitations of Hazel. A new Grimm never seen before spawned out of its pools. Crawling out of it, the massive monster which makes even the Manticore look like its little brother, emerges with three heads, each of it resembling a different creature.
One resembles a bird, another looks more like a drake, the last head looks more like someone took all the heads of beasts like Grimm and mashed them together. With leathery wings on its back that stretches out with the sounds of creaking, the Grimm fully emerges from the pools that spawn it to reveal that its tail also has a head. And it snaps and bites at anything that dares approach the beast from behind.
"W-Wha-What is that thing?" Mercury could only ask before Salem turned towards them all.
"Your personal mounts. Each of you will receive one. They shall serve as your personal pet. You are welcome to order them around if needed. Each crafted to be as intelligent as they need to be from birth, and they shall prove most useful in the battle to come." The Grimm Witch utters before Tyrian bursts out into maddened laughter of uttermost joy!
"Ahahahaha! Glorious! Absolutely glorious! Such magnificent children of our Goddess! To carry us into the great slaughter by Her blessed will alone… what a gift, my Queen! What a divine, exquisite gift!" The scorpion Faunus cackles with joy at the idea of spilling blood with this thing. But the same cannot be said for the others. "Tell me, Your Grace… may I be the first to take flight and paint the sky with devotion?"
Tyrian continues while Emerald shakingly looks away once one of the Grimm's many heads look at her current direction before it snarls like a guarded dog. If said dog was more a newly birthed monster that sends terror down the spines of anyone who gazes upon it. However, Salem wasn't done yet. With a nod, she just turns back into the pools before conjuring her magic again.
And instead of the same monster that was spawned a while back, a handful of smaller things flew up from the pools. Their humanoid-like size and looks may not seem like much. But their bone-like plating on their faces, limbs and backs alongside large bat-like wings and claws that are almost a foot long gives them the appearance of Grimm unlike Remnant have seen.
What more were the howling of their calls as they clump up, and begin circling the pools that spawn them. Everyone could only guess that if enough of them were present, these… things could choke the skies with their numbers. At least, that is what they could only guess, since they came out of the pools in a pack.
"Oh, my dear Queen! What more beautiful horrors have you created! HAHAha! Truly, such beauties deserve a rather fitting name to match their terrorising presence. Or perhaps… would you grant your servant the honour of naming such beasties?" Tyrian asks with a psychotic smile as he bows while Emerald takes a step back as one of those flying things violently lands before Salem who stares at her newest creations.
"Another time, my dear servant…"
She whispers out as she rests her hand on one of the heads of her first creation. It's other heads, either snarling or squawking that they did not receive their creator's hands on their heads. "You will be called a Chimera." The Grimm Witch utters before she turns her head towards her other creation, which was twitching and snapping its maws as if eager to bite something. "And you. You will be called Furies. A rather fitting name, do you think?"
While all except Tyrian chose to say nothing due to how overwhelming it was all, it is not relevant to Salem. She made a point, and it came through as she wanted to.
"If you want something done right, then you have to do it yourself. And if the game's changed. Then I'll break this game." Salem mutters as she turns to her followers. "Now, time we move on to more important matters." And so, Salem departs with everyone following behind her. All the while, the new Grimm silently watches as they leave.
==================================================================
The hallowing cold winds eclipses all in the middle of the night, yet, Zack finds himself alone in his Hanfu at the bow of the cruise ship taking he and everyone else to an Atlesian port. The cold air blows against not only his hair but also his robes, lifting them, and they sway against the wind. It has only been hours, and frankly it is way early at two in the morning, but Zack needed some time alone.
He has been unable to sleep because of things bothering in his mind.
Ozma's already resting so he was alone.
Of course, that was after everyone had got four person cabins for themselves, which includes team RWBY together in one, despite Weiss and Ruby still wishing to be by his side. But the Fox Faunus just teases that he and they will be fine apart for the night. It's not like he's going to vanish anytime now, is he? Still, he has some practical reasons for that, as much as he would love to bask in their warmth in bed, he would rather not become too reliant on the two to keep him sane.
Toxic codependent relationship, that's what it is called and recalled was a thing back on Earth.
Something he suspected the Canon versions of Blake and Yang developed and apparently officially became a couple in Volume 9. Or is he just being biased that the entire thing between the two of them felt forced because of the fan community?
Zack knows in his heart that for sure if they hear this reason for insisting, they have sleep with their teammates this time, they'll kick his ass for that. Of course, the fox Faunus doesn't want his dear girlfriends to forget that their other two members should not be forgotten. Team RWBY is a team. They shouldn't neglect each other, even if the two have a relationship with him.
And speaking of which, team JNR and Qrow shared another cabin, which finally leaves him to rest with Neo and his bodyguard Nerium to share another. Celeste and Katherine had their private cabins so they're fine.
Still, how long has it been since Zack has ever been alone? Nobody with him or by his side, or Ozma awake in his mind? Peace. Silence. Some time alone for the fox Faunus to gaze up into the stars sparkling at night, with the Shattered Moon up there too. Constantly seeing it up there, it made him wonder out.
"Would reclaiming your influence from the Brothers fix you, Ishmael? Would you be able to pull yourself together? Or are some wounds to be forever there?" He mutters, with only the splashing of waves against the hull of the cruise ship being his only answer. "Would solving all burdens even make me free? Or aimless?" Though, he would never say it out in the open.
Even if half his memories are native to Remnant. Even if Ozma's memories are blending with his own every day. Even as the memories of his life on earth become just another memory in the collective. Zack felt homesick. For the first time ever since walking up in this broken world back in that orphanage with his Earth memories. Perhaps it's because he had been ignoring them.
Or perhaps just everything had taken his attention that he never paid attention to the longingness in his heart.
A thought then eclipses his mind. Would he even want to go back? Back to the world he used to call home? Remnant is a death world where Humanity and Faunus kind fight just to survive. A fragment of him wants to, but he knows the truth. He can't go home. He can never go home again.
Everything on Remnant now ties him here. If it is not because of Ozma, then it is because he is a Faunus. And if it is not because of that, then it is because it is the Sister's mark on him. And if not that? The cursed contingency meant to extinguish his light. And even if it is not because of that? The unwanted duty to the Arakan clan as the next in line would be the reason. But most importantly of all besides all of that.
It is because of Ruby and Weiss. He can never leave them. Not after everything between the three of them. Nor can he leave the people he grew attached to in his time here and call them dear friends.
Even if he just wants to go back to his original home. Go back to the life he built there.
Remnant has become his new home.
Even so, just a glimpse of it. Just that and it would be enough.
Maybe it's pathetic to cling to a world he can never go back to. But the Brother brought him here.
But…
Hang on. Why this body in particular?
If they brought him here, why put him in the body which they would get rid of due to its ties to the Sisters of Twilight? It doesn't make any sense. This would be wasteful to just have him continue Ozma's mission halfway, only to kill him.
Unless…
"AWOR. Ishmael. We need to talk."
Zack's eyes narrow down before turning around away from the sea to see the Sisters appearing before him cordially and with curiosity on their faces. "You call for us, champion. Is something bothering you?" AWOR spoke first with her signature robes covering her body while Ishmael nodded her head.
"Indeed. What is bothering you? Do let us assist you in it."
The Goddess of the moon says before Zack seemingly glares at the two, which caught them by surprise. "I need both of you to be honest with me. On this. For all of us." The fox Faunus tersely asks while taking step after step slowly. "Were the two of you responsible for placing Ozma in me? For putting my earth memories into this body?"
And for the first time since he met them. Both Goddesses have guilt on their faces. Ishmael then closes her eyes and looks into the sea, while AWOR sighs softly as if knowing that this was going to happen eventually. "I suppose this was bound to happen." The embodiment of Remnant herself mutters softly before bringing her hood down.
"You are right about one thing. We did place your soul into this body. The Brothers intend to place you and Ozma embedded into your soul into the young human child known as Oscar. I'm sure you know him." AWOR explains with sorrow. "But with every little power we had, we hijacked the process and placed you into this body and ensured the Faunus part of you won't be erased. Because we knew your journey would eventually lead to you becoming our champion and awakening the old powers within you."
"Had the Brothers got their wish. The child known as Oscar would have his mind and soul eviscerated and assimilated into yours. You would gain his memories and body. But not his life." Ishmael explains as her eyes narrow at the sea and arms folded. "Even before that, when they took your soul, the Brothers had implanted Ozma's soul within you. He would always share a body with him, regardless."
"Then… Then were the two of you aware of this contingency plan? From the start?" Zack's voice became utterly venomous. After all, to learn that the brothers intend to use him to replace Oscar? Someone who is innocent in the grand scheme of things? That's unacceptable! But what they did too was also wrong. They used him. Because they knew that through him, through his ancient blood tied to them, they have a chance to take back Remnant from the Brothers.
"No." AWOR shook her head. "We only learned it weeks back. Back in Haven to be precise. We're trying to find a way to stop it, but it's within Ozma the whole time. No one knew of it until the symptoms showed up, and we investigated." The Goddess explains when it hit Zack. The moment when he was about to evolve a second tail… Where he suddenly felt ill and lost consciousness.
That was the start of it all, and yet.
They did something to it. Something to make the changes he has undergone smoother.
"What did you do to me?" Zack could only softly ask. His mind is a whirlwind of confusion, betrayal, and understanding as Ishmael explains further.
"My sister intervened and gave a portion of her power while you were deeply sick. It stabilised you for the most part and prevented much of the symptoms from it and the incompatible nature of our magic and the Brother's from crippling you. The only thing it couldn't stop was the contingency itself and the minor cases of superpowered insanity as an unintended side effect of the Brother's and our magic somehow melding together."
"This… This hurts. But it explains so much with context. What about the Brothers? Was all the horrible shit they did was the truth? Or just another lie used to keep me on your side?" Zack could only wonder as he leaned on the railings and stared into the sea. How could they?
They planned it all. Used him.
As silence overtook the three, the sisters of twilight joined their champion and leaned against the railings and watched the seas. "We've been truthful from the start. But we weren't sure how to reveal this without hurting you." AWOR comments before Ishmael sighs.
"I told you we should have been honest with him as soon as he made contact with us. But you insist on letting things flow for a bit because you fear he would be overwhelmed with everything."
"And am I wrong to express that concern?" AWOR whispers back to her sister.
"No." The Goddess of the moon sighs. "But what's done is done. Nothing will change that. However, know this, Zack Arakan. We will never stop helping you. Even if we wish there was some other way. Because there wasn't one at the time."
…
"When you took Earth me from the Brothers. Couldn't you create a new body for me instead of placing that part of me with Ozma in me? Or could you just hold on to me and not put Oscar or me into harm's way?"
Zack's voice was barely heard, just as AWOR shook her head. "We lack the magical strength to do that. And holding on to your soul with Ozma's would only earn the ire of the Brother before we are ready. Doing that would disrupt the cycle and would likely force them to intervene early. Something that would likely result in our permanent end."
"I get it. No point starting fights only when you're not ready." The fox Faunus says as his ears and tails visibly sink. "So now what? I'm still hurt that you're responsible for putting me here and everything that follows. But at the same time. I get it and understand why you do it. Perhaps… Perhaps that is enough for me. Just some clarification on my origins." He says before glancing at the two Goddesses.
"Still. Thank you. For saving Oscar's life. For giving me, a chance to learn, to grow as a person and have friends. And… partners who I know will never abandon me with whatever life I still have left. Still. I find it very strange that I look just as I was on Earth but younger. Any ideas on that?" Zack could only ask, since that has been on his mind from the start before everything else took his attention away.
…
"We… do not have the answers but ideas." AWOR explains slowly as Zack perks up and glances at her. Even the Gods here are not all knowing? I suppose that is for the best. "Just as the Brothers took your soul from another world, another universe. Perhaps patterns emerge." Something that was rather interrupted when Ishmael snorts out.
"What my sister's guessing is that time, reality, the wider galaxy and above, it is not as randomised as it may seem. Whose to say you are you, not because you are special, but more of because there's always a copy of everyone somewhere out there. Of course, with how it varies from world to world and beyond. A version of you could be long dead due to a crisis. Or living a normal life as one can have."
"You are saying that I could possibly find a version of my earth friends. Colleagues here too?" Zack could only ponder it. If they exist, they probably won't recognise him for obvious reasons. After all, he is a Fox Faunus here, while back on Earth he's completely human.
"Could be, our champion. Perhaps with slight changes in looks, race, or even gender. Life is complicated. Existence is beyond the scopes of everyone. Even us. For who knows what lies beyond the veils of reality and in-between them. But enough of that, focus on the now. With the people who stand with you." AWOR suggests as Zack quietly ponders.
"I suppose so."
…
"If nothing else, we shall make our departure. And if you wish to, do speak to us if you have any remaining worries. We will hear them out." AWOR says as she and her sister stood off from the railing. While their Champion's fox ears perk up and tails swaying as he turns to face them.
"And never forget. Victory is never won in an instant. It takes patience and perseverance to see bloom at the end. We have faith you can do it with your friends and allies. But for now, rest and when the time comes when you need to draw your sword again, we pray for your success." Ishmael concludes.
But as the Sisters of Twilight were about to depart to give their champion some time alone, Zack interjects. "Wait! Before you go and give me time to think, I… I got something to ask you." The fox Faunus asks as both Goddesses look curiously upon him. Doubt and fear laced their champion's face as he asked.
"AWOR. I remember back months ago, when we first met after my soul was dragged into the afterlife by you… Did… Did you see my mum and dad there? I still don't know their fates ever since that day. And… even if they are no longer here… I want to know as their only son. What do they think of me? Of well… everything that has happened so far?"
Seconds pass of hallowing silence as Zack's ears and tails sink before AWOR steps echo before the Goddess hugs him gently.
"They have been watching you the whole time, young one. And while they have many things to say. I'll keep this short. They're proud of you. Shocked and even horrified by some burdens placed upon your shoulders. But proud to have you, and your mother wished she could be there by your side. Not only to see her brother again. But to see the two you've fallen for."
"And while they are concerned about your Earth memories and Ozma's soul tampering who you are. Your parents still love you all the same. They only wished they could have been there to guide and watch you grow." Ishmael whispers as she walks close and begins gently ruffling his hair. All the while, Zack begins to sob. Funny… He had accepted that they were dead for years at this point. Yet hearing that both his parents had been watching his journey from the start and are proud of all he'd done so far?
Even with the fact he is not who he is right now?
It broke whatever strength he had left at this moment.
Right now. He is not a soul in another body. Or the one who will inherit the burdens of an ancient wizard. Or even the heir to the throne of his home clan. Right now. Zack is just a boy who never got to see his parents after so long.
Who never got to say goodbye.
In the end, the Champion of the Sisters ended up crying himself to sleep in the arms of the embodiment of Remnant, cradling him like a lost child. But even at this moment. Ishmael looks behind at the deck to see Nerium leaning against a nearby wall. And it was clear that Zack's bodyguard wasn't asleep as he thought.
In fact, she had been watching him constantly in the shadows. Keeping him safe in her way. And that means she witnessed everything. The Heir's burdens, his fears, and the answers he seeks from the gods her people worshipped. Nodding at her sister, AWOR gently passes the resting Fox Faunus to her sister, who carries him towards his bodyguard.
"Take him and let him rest in his assigned bed for the night. He has much on his mind. Some sleep will help him." With a silent nod, Nerium gently took her charge and with that, the two Goddesses departed. Leaving her alone with a sleeping Zack in her arms.
…
"Let's get you back to your bed, young one. You've stayed awake for too long now." Zack's bodyguard huffs softly while shaking her head. "Sisters will it that you won't bite everyone's head off for your lack of sleep." And so, she departs for their cabin. It will still take days before they reach Atlas, but for now, the Sister's champion needs his sleep.
Moreover, Nerium felt she understood more of her charge and the burdens he carried on his soul. And how it is much more than she expected. But… perhaps this talk she witnessed would calm his soul.
Onwards towards the future. Wishing for the better days and the dawn of light.