From dusk, comes dawn and much of everyone had gathered for breakfast in the dining room, upon the cruise ship. However, not everyone was present there. Zack and Nerium were nowhere in sight, and his friends grow worried about him. Normally, he is one of the early birds of the group, but to see that he's nowhere in sight raises come concerns.
Even Neo, who shared the same dorm with Zack and his bodyguard, notes that the fox Faunus was still sleeping when she woke up and that Nerium had stationed herself outside the room. While bluntly stating that Zack needs his rest and wishes for no one to interrupt his rest. Something that only stresses everyone even further.
What's going on? Why is their friend unusually exhausted? And why is his bodyguard unusually protective of him? In fact, this worry affected Ruby and Weiss more deeply because as his girlfriends, if something had happened to him, they need to know why. Even to the point, both of them wish to leave to check on him by themselves. Something the others were completely alright with it.
Though, Neo emphasised the reminder that Nerium seems unwilling to let anyone disturbed her charge's rest. She doubts that the Sword of the Khan would even allow the two to even enter the dorm to see him. Still, the two were adamant on speaking to him about his wellbeing and so, the two depart while carrying their boyfriend's breakfast.
"Weiss?" Ruby calls out to her partner while clutching tightly onto the tray in her hands holding some stir-fried noodles.
"Yes, Ruby?" Weiss responds calmly while holding on to hers and Ruby's meal and drinks, but behind it all, the little rose notes that even her partner echoes worry beneath it all. "Is there something you wish to ask me?"
"Yeah, and… why do you think happen to him?" She could only ask. The fact that Zack insisted on the two to spend more time with their team somewhat worries her, and to see that he's sleeping more than usual worries the little rose much more. What happened there to make him sleep longer than he usually does?
"I… I unfortunately do not know. Celeste did mention that Zack was at the deck last night from the captain's reports to her. However, the darkness and the timing make it difficult for him to tell what he was doing over there."
"Oh… I still don't trust Nerium for what she did to him, but perhaps she could tell us what happened?" Ruby hoped. Her understandable distrust for Nerium might be clouding her judgment. But any information on what happened to their boyfriend is good information.
"Hopefully. She better have a good reason why she's keeping everyone away from him suddenly." Weiss concludes as the two finally arrive at the dorm rooms to see Nerium standing on watch outside the room she, Neo and Zack shared. But even before they could get close, Zack's bodyguard swivels her head slowly towards them and address them both.
"Miss Schnee and Rose, if you are here to see Zack, then I am sorry to disappoint you that he is still resting."
"Well, we're here to see him, Nerium. What happened last night?"
Weiss interjects before her partner could speak first. Unfortunately for the two, the Sword of the Khan remains resistant to budging. "He is currently not fit for any discussion right now. I'd suggest you let him rest until he is well enough."
"What happened to him? Is he sick?" Ruby asks as calm as she could as her arms trembled slightly while holding her boyfriend's breakfast. Why is Nerium being so… protective all of a sudden? Ruby couldn't get it from all previous interactions with her. Nerium's normally blunt, but to see her suddenly taking her job so seriously even from those who care for him doesn't make any sense to her.
"Physically, no. Mentally… the events the night before is taxing on his psyche. Time is required for him to process it all."
This just makes Weiss grow less tolerant of the situation as she draws herself in. "Then if so, we must see him. Nerium. Let us in so we can help him. Please, what happened to him last night to cause this?"
…
"I cannot do that, Miss Schnee. You and Miss Rose may be romantically involved with him, but as his bodyguard I must decline your assistance, he needs time alone to collect his thoughts after last night."
"Seriously!?" Ruby couldn't help but balk at how… stubborn she's being! "We're here for him! Just because you're his bodyguard doesn't mean you have to keep us away from him! Zack doesn't have to carry all his burdens alone!"
"And I understand your perspective. However, I will not force him to open himself up when he is not ready to do so." Nerium's tersely states as the tension grew between the three. Only for Zack's voice to echo from inside the dorm room.
"Holy hell, you guys are loud! And Nerium just let them come in for Sister's sake. Hearing you guys arguing outside for my sake is nice to know, but yes, I have indeed been spending too long inside here." Silence consumed the hallway, and before long, Nerium took a step aside and allowed the two to walk in.
And what they saw was their boyfriend looking like a mess while sitting up from his bed and rubbing the exhaustion away from his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, shut up, Oz. All of there were worried about me, so just let me sort this shit out." He groans out as the two walk towards him.
"Zack, are you okay? What happen last night? Why did you look like you cried?" Ruby blurts out as she rests the tray onto the only bedside table in the dorm before attending to him. Weiss, on the other hand, could only awkwardly look around for a place to put the tray down before placing it on the nearby bed.
"Because I did cry last night. And… sorry for making you all so worried about me. I just needed some time alone after learning some things last night." The fox Faunus says before Ruby hugs him tightly. But his words did make Weiss perk up.
"What things did you learn last night that made you cry?" She could only ask, while Zack sighs as he pats Ruby's head over her clinginess. How was he supposed to explain this? Yet, Ruby's warmth is making him feel much better, but still conflicted how much the two made him feel so much better.
"I…" Zack utters before sighing again. "How do I say this?" He could only ask himself openly before Weiss walks to his side and held on to his hand. While Ruby looks up at him while still hugging his chest.
"Then take as much time you need to come up with a way to tell us." Weiss smoothly says as Ruby nods her head. All of this just made Zack smile as he brings his tails up to hug Ruby as he beckons his first girlfriend to come closer. She did just enough for the fox Faunus to nuzzle her nose and kissing her on the cheek.
"Well… I guess in short. I learned a lot yesterday from my chat with the Sisters…" He explains.
"I see… but why were you out last night alone? Your discussion with the sisters does convey much, but I feel it wasn't the full story of it all." The ex-heiress could only bring up as Zack nods at her to say that she's right in that department.
"Yeah, that's because… I…" His voice drones out again, through Weiss calm gesturing to continue was all the courage Zack needed to spit it out.
"I was feeling home sick. And not the Remnant part of me. The… Earth part of my memories. I-I know I cannot see the world I once called my world again because of everything but… I just want to see it. Even just a glimpse of the life I once lived through would be enough. How peaceful it was despite its flaws… It just hurts knowing that life of mine will just be that… A figment of memory that I will never get to relieve it all again. And the people in that life. I will never get to see any of them again… I'll never get to see how that story will end…"
Ruby's hug tightened, and so did Weiss's grip on his hand upon hearing this confession, but Zack was not done yet.
"But I know I can never go back. I have too much tying me to this world. My Faunus origin, my blood tied to the Sisters, Ozma, our friends with us, but most importantly. The two of you. Even if there's a way back, I won't go back. I can't. I loved you two too much to leave you in pain, and the others who I come to care for. The life I built here matters much, even if this place we call home, a death world. But I still grieve for the old…" Zack sighs as silence overtook the room.
"I thought this feeling will go away with time, but it appears that the opposite happened. The more time I spent here, the more I missed the past. Either that, or I've been so busy fighting for a future that I never realised how much the past still haunts me…"
"Then… did you cry because of this?" Ruby worryingly looks at her boyfriend whose who demeanour shifted and a soft smile on his lips to their surprise.
"No, it's just that at the end of it all, I learned from the Sister's lips that my parents still loved me and are still proud of having me as their son from beyond the grave, despite everything that happened to me." Zack admits as his girlfriend's eyes widened. "Even if I couldn't see them again, I had the closure I wanted." His eyes gently close before a sigh of relief left his lips.
"That's great to hear." Weiss smiles while Ruby remained frozen still, which starts to worry the two. Though, it did not take long before the little rose suddenly broke from her hug and her posture changes into a thoughtful one.
"From beyond the grave? I…" Ruby mutters as Zack suddenly gets why his second girlfriend's attitude changed. She's thinking of Summer… Of course. Ruby never got her closure from her mother, and she's been gone for years since her youth. Unlike him, to only lost her years back.
"Zack… Do…" Ruby slowly bites her lips as she nervously looks straight into her boyfriend's golden eyes. "Do you think you could ask the Sisters about my mum?" Her voice was barely audible, but still loud enough for everyone in the room to hear her. Still, Zack's ears could only twitch in response before letting his tails wrap and engulf Ruby in fluff.
Something that made Weiss a bit envious, even if she never showed it openly.
"Well, if I ever see the sisters again, I suppose it wouldn't hurt? Though not anytime soon, some of the things we discussed still need time for me to accept. Is that okay with you?" He asks, while Ruby melts in the sheer warmth and fluff of his three tails, despite their ungroomed state.
"Yeah… I guess I can wait. Mmm… So cosy…"
With a smile on his lips, Zack could only chuckle at the sight before Weiss coughs into her hand and garners their attention onto her. "Well, with that sorted, perhaps you would like to have your breakfast first before we continue? I'd prefer you have your breakfast before it becomes cold."
Something that made Zack nod his head in agreement. "Yeah, some food does sound nice to have, right about now." And with that, the three had their meals together, while Nerium was ordered to stop waiting outside and go have her breakfast now.
==================================================================
Zack's POV
After breakfast and some time to wash and groom myself up into something more presentable, I decided that it's for the best for now to put off our talk until a later date. I still need time to process it and stuff. Still, as much as I wish to kerb my overreliance on Ruby and Weiss to keep me sane, I have to accept that the two of them won't leave my side anytime soon.
Maybe this thought that I am too reliant on the two to keep my sanity intact is my insecurity that I am not worthy to the two of them. Or something else entirely. I don't know. The fact that both of them are willing to stick by me knowing that I will eventually die shows how committed they are to me, but… I must take time to think on this.
Frankly, this is not the only thing I need to think on.
Like my relationship with the Sisters…
What am I to do with them? They are both my patrons and the ones responsible for my very existence here, while also playing a role in my suffering. They saved Oscar… But put me on the line of fire. They gave me an opportunity to change how the story will go in this death world. But unknowingly signed my death warrant doing so.
I don't blame them because they admit to me last night but… My feelings are mixed on this. Will this change how I interact with them? Perhaps. Or perhaps not. They have been honest with me so far and show genuine guilt for their mess they put me in. But does that still justify it all? Does it make them innocent?
No.
I wouldn't call them innocent in this.
The thing is, their actions and the desperation that comes from it are understandable. Nevertheless, it brings up a point. If by some miracle I somehow lived through this mess, Salem is defeated for good and the Sisters got what they want in reclaiming Remnant from the Brothers, then what?
What happens next?
"I would advise you take some time to think upon this at a later hour, Zack." Ozma's voice echoes in my mind while I found myself back in reality on the deck of the ship. Right at the same spot I was last night. "This is rather troubling from what you shared with me and thinking right now. However, I wouldn't recommend thinking of events that may or may not happen. You'll trouble yourself more than you need to. Take it from me, who made this mistake time after time."
"Oz…" I sighed while listening to the waves. "What should I do with this information? The Sisters helped me and brought me pain at the same time. What does that make me? You know it as well as I have. We were supposed to be in Oscar, but the sisters hijacked it and placed you and my Earth memories into this body. Because they know that the blood within me will awaken. They used me. Like how the Brothers used you. At times, it feels that my entire life is just someone's game."
…
"Perhaps the best solution is to shrink your perspective, Zack." Shrink my perspective? "Instead of focusing on the big picture, focus on the small things. I believe you know this quote well enough. Some things require a smaller, much more honest soul."
A smaller but more honest soul…
Basically… be myself?
…
What even is myself at this point?
The Earth part of me? The part of me who in habits this body? Or something in between?
"Who you choose to be." Ozma answers my questions upon reading my thoughts as if I'm a damn book. "When these burdens lay on your back. What will you do with them? Many things have been done without your consent, but the now? You have a choice in it. Who you choose to be and what will you do next. I understand if things may not seem clear now with everything that had occurred since last night."
"So I just wait until something happen?"
"Not wait. Remember why you fight. You told me before, do you recall? That you'll fight to give everyone a chance at a future. Even when you don't have yours." Yeah… I know that. "Then live a smaller, more simple life, Zack. Live one that when it finally happens, you will be proud that you've done your best."
I see…
"Done being all alone and emo there?"
Iris?
"Celeste?" I say as I turn to see my childhood friend and fellow Terran walking towards me alone. "Thought Weiss and Ruby would be looking for me." I say before she walks to my side and leans on the railing.
"Oh, they're planning that after you let the others know that you're fine. But I figure I should talk to you first, Rey." She says as she stares into the distance as I did the same.
"So, what is it you need to talk to me about?" I then ask after we enjoyed the silence for a brief moment. "Surely, it is not that urgent, is it?"
"Not really, I just want to check about your plans once we arrive at Atlas." Oh, that one, huh? I could only nod my head as I glance at her to see my childhood friend looking straight at me.
"Well, mainly keep Ironwood from going off the deep end and be very open with a bunch of stuff." I gave a brief version of my plans. I know that there's a time gap between Volume seven and eight. But how much I don't know. But what I do recall is that the game Arrow fell was announced around the time my Earth Memories are taken and brought here.
The thing is, I don't know the plot of it because I never played the game.
Perhaps Iris knows what happens there?
"Not a bad plan. Yet, we both know how the story of Atlas will end." Right. That end… Can that even be stopped to begin with? So many things I tried to stop happened still or in a completely unexpected way… The thing is, Altas is Weiss's home, is Celeste's home as well as many others. I don't want either, more people suffering from this Shadow war. I gotta try.
No….
I HAVE to try to come up with something, so when the time comes, Atlas can be saved.
Or perhaps…
Is it better for it to crash and burn? It has so many problems and the discrimination of my people. But does it deserve destruction? "Does it not bother you that you might have to watch your home be destroyed again after losing our hometown to bandits?" I ask softly as I glance to see my fellow Terran staring into the sea.
"A part of me have long accepted that it may come to fruition. Besides, Atlas wasn't my home only until a few years. I don't have my attachment to this place yet. Still, as much as I missed our hometown. My only concern is my parents. I have no desire to see them to die when it comes to it."
…
"Guess we'll all have to try our best then." I hum before pushing myself off the railing and feeling the cold breeze washing over us. "We won't know if Atlas can't be saved unless we try, won't we?"
"And how do you expect to do that?" Iris asks me with doubt written all over her face. "We know that Salem will bring everything down upon Atlas. There's nothing we can do." She huffs, while I just shake my head and brought my right hand up before a ball of purple energy gathered in my palm.
"Well, I got some dumb and potentially reckless ideas that involve my magic to, I don't know, create a shield like you saw in Argus? Or perhaps a field that kills Grimm who enters in?" I suggest, as my childhood friend looks at me as if I'm nuts. And perhaps I am. "Well, there's plenty I don't know with the Sister's magic, so until proven false, I'd say that anything's possible."
…
A beat went by before Celeste starts laughing before recomposing while I wait with my hand still up. "I'd call you crazy but, dumb things have worked before Here and back on Earth. And if so. I damn well hope it works." I could only let a chuckle of my own before clenching my fist and bringing my hand down.
"Yup, I sure hope it works, but until then, I just remembered something I need to tell you." I say before we got serious again as I glance around just in case anyone was watching us. Thankfully there was no one as far as I could tell "Back in Mistral, I ask Jinn about Salem. And she can be stopped."
Iris blinked.
And then she blinked again.
Then her eyes shot wide open as if the world fell on its head. "Quoi ? On peut arrêter Salem?"
Wot.
Celeste, just because I know you're speaking in French doesn't mean I can understand it. "Translation?" I ask while scratching the back of my fox ears.
"Ah. Uh-" I watch as she coughs into her hand, took a moment to recompose herself. "Pardon that. She can be stopped? Didn't the wizard say otherwise?" She says as I found myself chuckling while Ozma just groans in my head about the reminder of his mistake.
"Well… More accurately, on how Ozma cannot stop Salem. Jinn never says anything about stopping her permanently." I could swear I can see the gears in Iris's mind creak on. "And that brings us back to the point. Jinn's vague about the whole dang thing." I sighed.
"I recalled her mentioning needing to gather all the four relics, the power of the sliver-eye warriors and the gods to perform a ritual to defeat her permanently. My guess is that the god part is referring to the Sisters. Makes some sense. Though… Jinn also mention something about a sacrifice must be made before the ritual works." Seriously. I don't even know how this ritual is supposed to be done to begin with. Or what must be sacrificed.
A life? Power? What must be used to pay the cost?
…
"Quoi?"
You know, you're saying what, I think, is what in French isn't helping any of us. Then again, I did drop this suddenly on you. "Yeah, sorry, I dropped a bomb on ya. I did not expect you to be tagging along or also somehow possessing Earth memories, if you catch what I mean. And since you'll be tagging with us, I figured you should know this as well."
I shouldn't forget that Celeste also likely has a bit of homesickness from Earth. I'm not alone with her on that, and seeing how she did implement what are clearly some musical genres on her performance before we left for Atlas, well… Perhaps if there is time, we can continue our talk about our Earth lives. Perhaps that would make me feel better.
"A fair reason." My childhood friend nods her head before I hear footsteps to see Nerium walking up to me. Didn't I tell you to relax and take some time off body guarding?
"Zack, your friends request you entertain yourself with this card game called UNO. From what they were willing to share, you are the inventor of it." Guess that's one way to pass the message instead of texting me on my scroll. With a twitch of my ears and a nod, I acknowledge the request while Iris blinks at me blankly.
"Okay, tell them that I'll be there soon enough." With a nod of acknowledgment, my bodyguard departs, leaving me alone with Celeste again.
"You just have to introduce that card game, do you? What horrors have you brought to Remnant." That sounded less like a question and more like a statement from her lips. Something which I shrug with a chuckle.
"Horrors, huh? Nothing's more horrifying than the wild card known as Neopolitan." I rubbed my nose before returning my eyes to the sea. "You have not seen the evils of that woman playing UNO. Excluding Qrow's semblance in action and screwing everyone over."
"Really? Then I should count my blessings then." Celeste hums while I chuckle again.
"At least it's not Monopoly I decided to bring in."
"God preserve Remnant if you do that. You'll kill everyone with the amount of negative emotions you'll generate with it." She joked as I see her gesturing the Sign of the Cross with a smile as I did the same.
"Amen. Care for a game to see the chaos first hand?"
"How can I say no to that?" Celeste grins at me before it vanishes the next second. "It's hard having friends as an Heiress in Atlas, as I learned first-hand. I missed back in our village how peaceful things were without expectations."
Can't imagine how it much it took for her and her parents to adjust from a village to somewhere like Atlas. "And to be rather honest, I missed the times we call each other by our nicknames Rey, makes things feel less serious." I can see that. And seeing how stuck-up volume one Weiss was, I can agree.
I am so glad I only met her after her character growth into a better person. If not, I can image our relationship will not be the way it is right now. Or it might take longer for us to get together, who knows? "Indeed, Iris," I agree with my childhood friend. "By the way, have you thought of a Huntsman emblem yet?" Figured it's best to change the topic as we begin heading back inside the ship.
"Huntsman emblem? Not really. Do you have an idea you like to share?"
I do have one, a bit plain but would make some sense in the whole emblem department Huntsman have. Though I don't know the name for it. "How about that symbol seen on the French coat of arms?"
"Do you mean the Fleur de Lys?" That's what it is call and how it's said? Good to know.
"Yeah, that one. I think it's rather fitting, don't you think?" Though it appears that my suggestion had put my childhood friend into silent pondering before nodding.
"That does not sound too bad, honestly. If my history serves me correct, it used to be on the coat of arms of France. Yeah… I think it does sound more fitting for someone like me." Well, good for her, but I don't think this needs to be rushed yet.
"Eh," I offer a soft shrug. "Give yourself more time to think on it, no need to rush through it."
"I don't see a problem with that." With that, we depart the deck and returned inside the ship. Though, I still wonder how am I going to deal with Ironwood. Though seeing Penny and Pietro would be nice. Perhaps I can him do a physical check up on me.
I truly wonder if all these physical changes I'm going through has some real biological reasons. Or how magic seems to be brimming in every cell in my body. Could Atlas's advanced tech detect them? Or perhaps I have an additional organ in my body that produces magic? Something like the Gene Seeds for the Space Marines in Warhammer 40k?
After all, the Sisters did mention that magic obeys the laws of conversion.
Which means… Physics is applicable here.
Hmm.
A thought for another time.
==================================================================
Fenrir's POV
"My Khan, progress in restoring the underground networks to Solitas are proceeding as planned despite minor delays." My messenger explains while I stare at the numerous reports on the table. Ever since my nephew and his Schnee girlfriend had departed Sanctuary, I've been at hard work organising everything for our eventual meeting with him in Atlas.
That include contacting our cells in the kingdoms and rallying their help in finding volunteers to help in the eventual defence of Atlas in the coming months. The bodyguards I also sent to cover him had arrived back days ago, and they have brought quite the story with them. Frankly, I was concerned when they told me how he lost control to the madness within again. But, thank the sisters, he managed to retain enough sanity to not attack his allies.
Another thing of note was apparently that same monster that hunted my nephew was also present in what my Royal Guards call the Battle for Argus. The Bloody Hidesman. To think it tried to kill my nephew again, and I would have come personally had it not met its end by none other than the prey it seeks to kill. The Grimm Witch's followers were also there, but they failed and apparently turned and ran once the battle turned against them.
Especially after my Nephew entered his berserk status.
A cowardly retreat according to one of my Royal Guards, Kharn the Grimm Slayer, his name and title. I see it as knowing that the battle is lost. Even more surprising that it was the Schnee who gets them to retreat from the battlefield and abandon that monster to die. Apparently, even in the midst of madness, the Schnee can reach out and direct his attacks. Even saved one of the Grimm Witch's agents when they're about to be trampled under a Goliath.
"What are these minor delays? Are there any casualties?" I ask next before my messenger shake their head. Good, so no casualties. Still, I should have guessed that it is bound to happen, the underground passageways are not as pristine as the tales of the past had written.
"Most report the tunnel collapses from the support beams rotting from decay of time. Grimm attacks were also reported, but all were crushed without any obstacles." Good. I think those tunnels should be refurbished with more studier supports if we are to use them to its full potential.
Though, there is also the concern of Grimm leakages. It might be wise to establish several 'checkpoints' throughout the passageways. Just to be sure that if the Grimm start pouring into the tunnels from Solitas, they can be closed shut. It would be disastrous if Grimm starts pouring into Sanctuary from within.
"Understood. Before you leave, I want the tunnels secured with outposts within them. It will be a crisis waiting to happen if we lose control of them to the Grimm and exposing our home from within. And see to it that the architects managing the tunnel be aware that my will is to see the tunnels improved instead of its sorrow state. Better tunnel supports will be a start. And if he has problems with materials, have him collaborate with our Mining Chief. And tell them both that my orders must happen."
"Understood my Khan. Your will be done." With that, my messenger departs while I bring my attention back to my table. The Arakan tribe has begun mobilising and, as some call it, preparing for the 'reclamation of our birthright.' Especially the current head priest of our faith. I really need to find a way to kerb his enthusiasm.
Faith and devotion are good at holding the people together, no matter our race and gender. But once it becomes fanaticism, that's where madness takes over logic. Though, I cannot deny how effective he is at riling up the people in preparation for battle. I'm glad that he is still reasonable beneath all that fervour. If I had someone who is less rational and more devoted, I will have major difficulties with them.
Even if we share the same faith as the Sisters of Twilight.
Still, ever since the Sisters manifest in our home when Zack was here with his Schnee girlfriend, in addition to stopping him from destroying everything. Rumours of their existence had sparked a wave of zeal among the masses once it reached their ears. Now there are more festivals of faith have begun appearing in the streets and caused more to volunteer in the efforts to help the 'Blessed One' in his mission.
While many before question why are we even fighting among the elder among us, now with the Sister's return, the vigour within the Arakan Tribe had bloomed into a roaring flame. Looking through another report, it is showing that in preparations for the war to come, some of my people had started organising events to ensure that everyone is prepared for war without my permission.
But I'll approve of it. While everyone can fight, it is good to have some practice to brush up their fighting techniques if they join us in Atlas in the future. Though I hop when the time comes to join my nephew in Atlas, culture clashes between my people and theirs won't happen. But who am I to lie.
It is bound to happen.
I have my reservations of Atlas for their crimes over my people. But I fear that some of my or their people will be less… restraint when it comes to it. Some of the immigrants who joined my people were once part of Atlas and suffered under its oppression. Their wound or forbearers wounds are not so easily wiped.
When it comes to this, I'll need to enforce some discipline before any major conflict were to break it out. We have a common enemy to worry about, and if the Atlesian populous can't see that, then let them.
Let their pride and arrogance be their demise.
For those who stand high above, everyone will feel the effects of gravity when they fall.
I care not what they think of us.
Another report on my table focuses more on Menagerie. It appears that the events of Haven had inspired the local Faunus population to take a more proactive stance, as seen with the reformed White Fang under Ghira Belladonna. Hm. It might be wise to pay our kin in the south a visit and reintroduce contact with them.
After all, it has been so long since my people had made contact with our ancestral homes. We may have changed over the eons and integrated humans into our society who adopt our ways and faith. They start to make up a decent part of the population and I believe it would bring some joy on both sides.
Though I can't help but wonder.
When the time comes at the end of this war, will our people unite, or will we establish our own respective kingdoms? A thought for another time. Last I checked, the people below have no ambitions and desire only to be left alone after the events of the first Great War.
And I'll let them.
Though, I wonder if they still possess some old relics of the past.
One thing is for sure.
Once the lost knowledge of our people's true purpose is shared with the rest of the world, it will change everything. But for now, I have a court to attend to. No doubt, several fields' representatives will seek to share their thoughts on the recent events that occurred in our home. I can predict that some will be more inclined to be increasingly passionate about the path we now walk, while others bear reservations.
Now that I think of it, I must speak with Faelwyn once I've resolved everything here. I would need his and the artisans under him in crafting new weaponry for the war to come. I've been thinking of taking some inspiration from the combination weaponry Huntsman use. Which of course can be said for the Royal Guards, who possess their self-created weaponry.
However, more standardised.
Perhaps a spear with a gun at the tip? Hmm… It will be expensive to manufacturer large quantiles of it. But most are trained with a spear here in our home.
I am curious on Faelwyn's thoughts on this. His input will be greatly appreciated. Before I could organise my table, a knock on the door caught my attention. "Great Khan, I bear news related to Adam Taurus." Hmm? What happened to that amnesiac bull Faunus?
"Come in and tell me what happen."
That was all I said before another messenger different from the first walks in and bows before me. "I bear news that the ex-terrorist Adam Taurus had woken up and managed to recover a portion of his memories. He urgently requests permission to speak to you." Oh. It seems my theory is correct that he would regain his memories slowly.
I must keep an eye on him. I do not know if regaining a portion of his memories would make the return of the infamous terrorist who brought Beacon low. "I understand. Tell him that he may come and have one of my Royal Guards escort him to my office. Do go on the double because I have a court meeting soon."
"Yes, my Khan!" With that, he rushed off while I continue staring at my table full of reports.
"Well. Nothing's ever easy, as Khan."
==================================================================
Zack's POV
Well, that was fast…
While, things were peaceful for a time as we got ever closer to the shores of Solitas.
Turns out, there is a very good fucking reason why the seas of Remnant haven't been explored that much from the shores. As it turns out, to my dismay because I wasn't aware of it. It's full of fucking Grimm! And because we had the Relic of Knowledge, we ended up luring a god-damn Kraken to Celeste's Cruise ship!
Yeah, that kind of Kraken that looks like a giant Grimm octopus!
Sure, it took us off guard when it attacked, but with so many Huntsmen on board, (Plus a super powered Fox Faunus and the Sword of the Khan) it was defeated easily since all we had plenty of hands to deal with this monster. And as it turns out, all we need to do was to cut all its stupid tentacles off the ship to drive it away. It certainly did not help that the tentacle ends were bone claws instead so we had to avoid them at the cost of damaging my poor childhood friend's ship.
"Well, guess we're not having octopus for lunch…" I heard Yang mutter as she deactivates Ember Celica as did the rest of us keeping our weapons. Or, in my case, having Oathkeeper vanish from sight since its soul bound to me and all. Moreover, really Yang?
Making a joke right after the fight?
"Trust me. You don't want to know how Grimm tastes like." I say before I see Nora perking up at my words with curiosity as she scoots over to my side.
"So… Does that mean you know what it tastes like?" Ugh. I still remember that awful taste when I bit that Leviathan Grimm's neck off in Argus while still crazed. It's utterly disgusting! Letting a miserable grimace on my face do the talking, I glance at Celeste, muttering irritably at the damage to her ship while Katherine was scribbling down on a notepad in hand.
I think she's writing down the visible damages on the ship. And… yep. That's the potential costs needed to repair it all. Sure, it did take some damage but overall, not too damaged I say. Probably. The repairs for all this won't be cheap, or likely she has to explain to her parents why it is damaged.
…
Yeah, that's most likely the reason.
"Tastes like carbonized tar." I mutter as I can see my friends listening to me, grimacing in discomfort at the idea of eating that.
"That's gross."
Ruby blanches as she walks up to me before I hugged her in attempts to give her some comfort, while Jaune couldn't help but point this out. "I'm surprised we managed that easily. I heard how Krakens are dangerous to ships who sailed too far out into the sea. But… Did the Relic lure it to us?"
"Likely."
Nerium says as she leans on the railings and stare out into the sea as if the events a while back did not happen. "The Relic lures Grimm to it, correct? No doubt that Kraken was drawn to our position despite not being close to the deep seas. As for how we dealt with it. It is easy. There are thirteen of us who fought against it. Zack was using his Oathkeeper to cut clean through his with ease, and Katherine freezing the sea temporary to prevent its tentacles from moving. In short, it was heavily in our favour."
Neo then pops in with a smug look at Weiss, who was blushing madly. I wasn't there since I was busy with the other tentacles, but uh… Never mind. Weiss is glaring at me and probably knowing what I was thinking about. "Weiss, are you okay, you got grabbed by one of those tentacles earlier." I heard Ren asking her while Neo breaks into silent laughter.
Right. That Grimm accidentally flashed what's underneath my first girlfriend's skirt…
At my direction…
…
"And I think our fox friend saw heaven." Yang chuckles, while Blake blushes as well.
"Yang… I don't think you should say-"
"YANG!"
I winch as I can see my first girlfriend charging at Yang who just laughs and runs off while the awkwardness warmed over everyone. Except my bodyguard. Who clearly does not give a shit. Ozma. If you're awake and seeing this, don't kill me for something OUT of my control. And… I should check how she's doing later after she calms down. No doubt Weiss will complain something about her dignity.
…
"Huh… Normally, these Grimm are usually seen in the deep sea, rarely if never they move from there." Qrow mutter as he leans against the wall with a cup of juice in hand. "But, as our resident bodyguard suspected, that Relic draws their attention." Yeah. I guess so. How else would people managed to go to the sea and fish?
To capture even the deepest-sea fishes like deep-sea cod and tuna? The fishing boat must travel farther out to sea, and that can't happen if these Grimm attack them often. So, perhaps we got unlucky and attracted one when we got close to its den below? Still great start but not too bad honestly.
It was way easier to defeat- or I suppose chase it away, than the Bloody Hidesman I destroyed days back. "So, Celeste, how much longer before we arrive at the Northpoint Dockyard?" I ask after breaking off from Ruby, who whispers that she'll go check on Weiss and Yang before leaving after kissing me on the cheek.
"By tonight, thanks to this minor delay." She says, as I arrive by her side to see that she's still irritated by our recent conflict. Katherine, on the other hand, walked off, and I can hear her talking to a nearby employee about doing a damage survey. Which I silently agree. We're lucky that our ship did not suffer any hull breaches, but it's best to do a proper check-up.
Just in case.
"Sorry about this mess." I mutter as my childhood friend turns to me surprised. "I mean, we both know the Relic will lure Grimm. I just didn't know that the sea have them too. Had I known that fact, I might seek another way to-" OW! Celeste! Why you smack my head!
"I did this out of my choice and I knew the risk. So, stop taking something that is clearly not your fault as yours." She huffs. "I'm just mad that I need to make an explanation why our company ship was damaged. Still, the damage is not that bad at first glance."
Right… I guess I need to stop taking everything as my problem.
…
Crap. Guess I am still becoming a lot like Ozma.
"Well, that's good, I guess." I couldn't help but chuckle at my misfortune while scratching the back of my ears before things returned to normalcy with everyone walking off to do their thing. Leaving me and my childhood friend alone with Nerium watching over the seas. No doubt, she's keeping an eye out, just in case any more Grimm dare to attack us.
==================================================================
For minutes straight, peace returned to Celeste's cruise ship, if only for a moment. However, it did not last long before the silence was broken again. "Hey Zack." She calls her friend before the fox Faunus hums out.
"Hm? Need something?"
"Well yeah." Celeste confirms as she adjusts her posture so she faces her childhood friend. "I know you share much of your journey so far, but… you seem to omit the Battle of Haven. Why in particular? Did it not go according to plan?" However, instead of getting the response expected from her friend, Zack visibly freezes on the spot.
His hands begin to tense and tremble, and that's not the only thing happening to him. His body begins to hunch over the railings and all three of his tails slowly being to rise and fluff up as if terror had consumed him, as were his ears which began to pin back. Celeste could only swear to herself that she can hear his breath hitching with eyes closed painfully shut.
"Rey?" She could only call out again for her childhood friend to suddenly ignore her and starts running somewhere, and it was as if terror had consumed his soul. The fox Faunus begin scampering away and even stumbles onto the floor only to turn into his fox form and vanish behind the door into the ship
"ZACK!"
Celeste calls out and was about to chase after him if it wasn't for a hand resting on her shoulder, and it was Nerium to held her back while her blood-red eyes gaze where he ran off to. "Why did you hold me back? Better question, what happened to him?"
However, instead of giving a proper response, Zack's bodyguard just shook her head as she looks down at her. "It is not my role to tell it. Besides, I only have word of mouth information on the events. If you truly seek the truth on what happened to him that day, seek his friend and romantic partners. They will clear the veil of mystery."
"Did… something went wrong over there?"
The only answer Celeste got was a silent nod before Nerium walks off. Yet, the Heiress could only stare where her childhood friend ran off to. What happened there to cause such reactions? That's pure terror she saw. That's a panic attack. If the main cast knows what happen that day, she needs their help in knowing the truth.
With that, she walks off at a brisk pace. Most likely, some of them had returned to their dorms to rest or gathered in the living room. It's there she will check for the others first.
Eventually through the hallways, she stumbled across Qrow who was minding his business. In fact, the veteran Huntsman was rather caught off guard when she brisk walk straight for him with a deliberate look given his way. "Mr Branwen, I required your assistance on a matter."
"Huh? Do you need something, princess?" Ignoring the fact that Qrow called her princess when that's Weiss's title, Celeste focus on the important point. "What happened at Haven? Zack told me most of his journeys except that one. And when I mention it, he… he ran." Qrow became absolutely still with his eyes wide before cursing out.
"Ah, fucking damn it." He groans before rubbing his face. "Where did he go?" Qrow asks, only for Celeste to give an answer that just makes his mood worse.
"I do not know. All I know is that my friend ran somewhere on this ship. And I need answers why that particular question of mine caused such a reaction." Qrow lets out a sigh before leaning against the wall and eyes straight at the Heiress.
"Well princess, I sure it wasn't on purpose, but you might have accidentally triggered his trauma." Qrow sighs again. "Kiddo nearly died when one of our enemies got him with a javelin through his chest." A gasp was all Celeste could only offer as her eyes were wide while the veteran huntsmen were closed.
"He survived it for sure. But the aftermath let him a mess. I thought he managed to moved passed it since he stopped showing the symptoms for a while now, even when we got separated on the way to Argus. Guess we were wrong about that."
"This… This is worse than I, though… And javelin? The only one I could think of in the Battle for Haven who could do that is… Cinder. In short, instead of Weiss getting hit by Cinder, Zack was?! Is that why he ran? Because I unintentionally reminded him of Cinder? Merde!" She could only curse in her mind while Qrow continues.
"Before we left for Argus, kiddo showed signs that he was recovering and even after we were separated and he and ice queen officially became lovers, it looked like he was in a much better mood. That was made even more clear when he allowed pipsqueak to be with him too. He looks so happen." Qrow then took his canteen out and took a sip. "Should have known that he's been so busy that he hasn't got the time to deal with it."
"What do you want me to do? I… I need to fix this." Celeste asks before Qrow took his scroll out.
"I'll text the others about this, and then we look for him. Like hell, we're just going to sit by and let him suffer like this." He explains, as Celeste provided additional information.
"I understand. But I must mention that Rey turned into his fox form? He might be harder to find because of his smaller stature."
"Really?" Qrow glances up from his scroll before looking back down at it. "Well, things got more complicated. Still, the fact according to you, he just ran instead of lashing out was a surprise." This earned the heiress's silent interest. So, he lashed out before, but now ran?
"And who did he lash out at?" At first, Celeste did not wish to go into the details, but the fact her childhood friend originally lashes out is news to her. But now he flees instead. At the trauma changed how he acts, or are there other factors at place here? Still, she got a bad feeling on who Zack might as accidentally lashed out at.
Instead of giving Celeste a clean answer, Qrow pauses and sight out, as if wondering to himself if he should even say this. But the choice to tell eventually wins as the veteran Huntsmen glances at her. "Pipsqueak."
"Pips- oh." It was Ruby who Zack lashed out in this episode? Oh, dear.
"And that's when ice queen suddenly hugged him in front of everyone, and that's when I start to suspect that she's interested in him when Firecracker told me the details." Weiss hugging him? In the open? She can see why that seems so out of character to witness. "And yet, it worked. Kiddo calmed down for the time being."
"Oh…"
"Oh indeed." Qrow couldn't help himself. "Ever since then, we've been doing our best before we left Mistral to help him with this issue, though I remember how he told me that he felt guilty and ashamed that he nearly decked Ruby in the face. After we met back at Haven and see how he and Weiss got together before including Ruby in their relationship, we all thought that he managed to work himself out."
The veteran Huntsman says before keeping his scroll away. "Alright, let the others know about the situation, and now all will be looking for him. Pipsqueak and Ice Queen are understandably horrified and state their intentions that they will be the one to talk to him. So, want to help out looking for your friend?"
"A rather moot question knowing that I played a part in triggering it, yes?" That got a chuckle from Qrow, who begins walking off with Celeste following him.
"Well yeah. I guess it is."
==================================================================
Hours later…
Zack's POV
Why?...
Why can't I… Cinder… Fuck I… The sharp pain in my chest… everything. Haunting my mind. I want it out. I want it out now! It should have passed! I-I should have move past it! I can stare at the scar on me without cracking, but the mention of Haven and Cinder? Why? Why did I crack again? I've faced so much after that.
Even the prospect of my eventual death.
So why?
Why must it be that woman who breaks me?
And Celeste… I'm sorry I ran away but- but staying would put you at risk. I… I can't afford you in the crossfire if I suddenly see that woman in your place… Just as it had happened to Ruby… Now with my strength? I don't know if you'll be fine from a hit from me… I don't want to risk it.
I can't risk it. I know KNOW that question wasn't meant to be insensitive.
I felt my claws digging into my arms as I huddle into a ball… Yet I feel no pain. Only the coldness of and the repeating memory of Cinder killing me. Over and over again. The screams of my friend calling out my name as I die again and again, my breath hitching for breath and the constant feeling of terror consuming my mind.
How… How long has it been at this point?
Maybe… I need time.
Music… that's- where's my guitar? I need it. I know they checked my dorm but failed to notice me cloaked in shade despite it still being day. Anything. Just anything to free my from this endless torment. Finally opening my eyes through the blurriness of tears, my arms, they're trembling… And the tip of my claws… they're glowing purple and slightly coated in blood.
My blood.
Did I- I do this?
Slowly shifting my body, I can see that I might have dug my claws into m-my arms because my biceps are bleeding. Did I accidentally pierce my aura through force, or did my magic do that? Does- doesn't matter, t-they need to be patched up before they get worse. Slowly pushing myself onto my feet, I begin shuffling step after step to the medical box in this dorm.
"Ozma… where are you? Please stop sleeping." Words came out my lips, and barely audible. I want him to take my over my b-body. So, I can stop being a wreck. Too much. It's too much to cope-take. Finally reaching the box, I then grab with with my trembling arms and feeling the weight of it.
My body feels so weak, like I could drop this any s-second now.
I got to keep going. I HAVE to keep going… Not one step back. Even in my nightmares, I must march on.
…
But for how long?
"How long can I keep going like this?"
Resting on the floor again, I begin unpacking the box and tending to my wounds. Even the pain of alcohol on my wounds feels more pleasing than the stabbing feeling on my chest. And the sadist smile Cinder gave to me as I die…
After wiping my hands clean and by th-the time I'm done, my wounds are patched.
Sloppy.
But will not let them get infected.
N-Now, where's my guitar?
Reaching over to the guitar case, my hands shakily take it out as I sat on my bed. How long has it been since I last played it? Ah… Mistral…. I need my hand to stop trembling… A-and. Can I even play this with claws? It should be possible. T-Take a breath, Zack. You-you can do this… You can calm down and distract yourself from this nightmare.
After what felt like hours, even though I think only minutes passed. I begin playing it… It's so bad I would laugh about it if I weren't for the fact I am not in the mood to do it. But as I continue playing it, I can feel my composure returning to me and, eventually, I begin humming a melody as I play.
Just as I used to do when I had it back in Mistral.
A song I remember hearing before I was taken from my home.
==================================================================
"Did any of you find him?" Ruby asks as she and everyone else met in the hallways and begin walking together after surveying the entire cruise ship for the past few hours. Currently, the mood is understandably worried, since it was as if their Fox Faunus friend suddenly vanished from existence. Ruby and Weiss were more so since they had just talked to him this morning, and he was willing to open up to them.
For him to suddenly vanish just like that later on?
It scares them to no end.
Even more so when Qrow explain how Celeste accidentally triggered his trauma with a simple question. To say the least, everyone was dismayed by the fact it even happened to begin with. Yang was the first to make her frustrations known at how that even happened to begin with. Even more so that they've looked everywhere, and their friend is still unfound. It was as if he vanished into nothing. Which wouldn't make sense since they're surrounded by water, and he isn't suicidal.
"No. We looked everywhere." Jaune sighs as even Celeste agrees with him, while Katherine was beside her frowning.
"I had the crew help out, but they reported nothing. Even asking them to check every nook and carry yields nothing, it was almost as if Mr Arakan vanishes entirely." Celeste's caretaker acknowledges.
"Well, he can't just disappear on us!" Yang grumbles. "Seriously, we're so close to Atlas, and now he starts breaking down? Not just in the morning with whatever happened last night, but now over something we thought he moved past?"
"Weiss? Are you okay?" Nora could only ask as all eyes ended up on the Schnee ex-heiress, who could only blurt out.
"What?" Though the fire in her eventually burns out. "I am in my mind right now. I should have known he hasn't moved on from that event. But with the utterly busy week, all of us including him had, I feel that recent matters must have buried his pain. Just as Mr Branwen had told us. And…" Weiss then sighs as her eyes land on her fellow Atlesian.
"I shouldn't be mad at Celeste for unintentionally bringing up Zack's traumatic memories. But I am."
"And I will take full responsibly for it." Celeste nods her head before an idea hits her. "Speaking of which, I believe Mr Ren and Mr Arc could use their semblances to help find him." This understandably causes heads to turn to her confused. But Celeste recalls from her memories that Ren might be able to detect where Zack is through his emotions.
After, although his Semblance evolution only came into effect in Volume eight, she did note that it was foreshadowed in the previous Volume. So… If she could accelerate it. It just might allow them to track where their friend is right now. And with Jaune Semblance assistance, well, they might pull it through.
"Hang on, princess. Do you think those two can help find him? How?" Qrow brings up a good point as Celeste explains.
"Well, after getting to know all of you in more detail in the past few days, I have a theory involving the two's semblances."
"Call me Ren instead." Ren insists, as Jaune did the same.
"Yeah, just call me Jaune. Calling me Mr makes me feel old."
"Of course." Celeste agrees before adopting her Atlesian persona. "I noted that Ren seems to sensed others before they walk in. While I do not know the finer details of Tranquillity, I have a theory. I think your semblance might be starting to evolve, and I think you might be able to pick up Zack's' location, with Jaune amplifying your Semblance." She explains as the two teens look at each other before Ren nods his head.
"I see. It's worth a try."
With that, the two got to work, with Jaune resting his hand on Ren's shoulder while he closes his eyes and focus. All the while, as the others wait patiently. Thankfully, the others did not have to take long before Ren opens his eyes and begins surveying everyone. Though, they did notice their friend seeming looking at something around them before focusing on the main issue.
"There." Ren says as his eyes focus far ahead and points at the general direction. "I see someone in the dorm rooms. Whoever they are, I feel sadness, guilt, terror, and… shame."
"Isn't that the direction of the dorm where Zack, Nerium and Neo sleep in? Didn't we check there first?" Ruby points out. Which is true. When all of them were searching for their friend, they checked the dorm rooms first, since it only makes sense for him to probably be there. But he wasn't. Or at least that what they originally conclude.
"Correct." Weiss agrees. "It is possible we missed him. Still, we need to check it out." That got no complaints before all of them make their way with Ren leading the front. But as they get ever closer, they hear a guitar playing. Even more than that, they hear Zack's voice.
He's singing.
While at first, they intend to check on him, hearing him play the guitar slowly with his singing gave everyone a pause. While some enthralled by his singing, others were curious to the context of it. Like Weiss and Celeste.
In fact, while uncertain of the origins of this song, Celeste knew it has to be from Earth.
"A shoulder for the past"
"Let out the cries imprisoned for so long"
"A pair of wings for me at this moment"
"To soar above this world"
"Turn into a shooting star"
"That briefly shines but warms up every heart"
"May all the beauty be blessed"
"May all the beauty be blessed"
"That feels… bittersweet. Is it?" Blake could whisper as silence descend the dorm Zack's in.
Moreover, than that, the others weren't sure if they should walk in. If they should wait or knock on the door now that he's done singing. Some like Ruby and Nora wishes to rush in, others like Ren and Weiss remain uncertain if they should at all. Still, hearing their friend singing does bring some comfort that he is in a much better mood compared to before.
Still, however, they were worried after running around the whole ship looking for him. But even before any of them could deliberate, the door opens and Zack can be seen on the other side. What greatly alarms them were that his arms had bloodied bandages on them. "Oh god! Zack! Your arms! What happened to you?!" Ruby squeaked out.
But without even replying, Zack grabbed her and pulls her into a deep hug and leans his head on her shoulder. His tails slowly wrapping around her as if trying to comfort her or himself. "I'm so sorry, guys, for the trouble. I… I just needed some time to well… calm down after my… episode. And I acknowledge how I must worry you all."
"To say that you caused all of us trouble is an understatement, Arakan." Weiss says sternly with her arms in her hips as her boyfriend found the floor carpet more interesting than the glare he's receiving from his first girlfriend. "A reminder that Ruby and I are there for you. Everyone else included you dolt."
"And do you want to explain what happened to your arms?" Jaune ask worryingly as even Qrow can tell that be bandaging is done really sloppy. Sure, it is enough to stop bleeding all over the place but will need some proper treatment soon enough if it is to heal properly even with the help of aura.
"You're still bleeding. I can smell it." Blake deadpans before Yang walks up and begins poking the fox Faunus on the cheek.
"Hey now! Quit it!"
"No. Do you know how much you scare all of us? Everyone on board tried to find you and here you are hiding here. You're lucky I don't punch you for the trouble you caused. Especially to my sister." Zack honestly can't tell whether Yang was joking or not, but he has bigger issues to address. Such as Ruby death hugging him.
"Zack… Are… Are you okay?" And instantly, his mood crashed. Not to the point of tears but more of frustration.
"Hell, if I know Ruby. I only just calm myself, but I still feel awful." His ears sink before his eyes end up on Celeste, who could only stand there awkwardly. "Iris, I don't blame you for this."
"Are you sure?"
She could only ask before a small smile was all she got from her childhood friend. "This cannot possibly be dropped off like this. Who knows when you could have another one after this?" Celeste points out while shaking her head. And this like you're letting me go lightly. I brought back something terrible, did I?"
"You did. But punish you for something for asking an innocent question? No. While I wish you didn't bring it up, I give it a pass. It wasn't your intention, I know it. Just…" Zack sighs out. "I want to worry about it later."
"I understand." Celeste nods with her eyes close while Katherine pats her on the shoulder.
"Now, are you going to address the wounds on your arms or are we going to pretend like they don't exist?" Qrow folds his arm and glares at Ozma's incarnate, who awkwardly nudges Ruby off his chest while she pouts with worry.
"Ah… that…" Zack gulps as he glances at the partially bloodied bandages on his arms. "I uh… might have stabbed myself with my claws while I was having my meltdown."
…
"Don't say that like it was nothing!"
Weiss hissed poison, while Blake glances into the dorm to see the medical box on the floor and open. "Yeah! You can't just put it off while it was nothing!" Ruby joins in with her fury, while Zack could only physically wince. The thing is, he understands why they're beyond mad at him. At the same time, he wasn't exactly coherent to realise he stabbed himself.
"Wait, how does that even happen?" Blake brings up, "Shouldn't aura stop that from happening?" And just like that, all the fire and rage fizzes out because their friend is right. How did Zack stab himself while still having Aura? Unless he consciously disables their protection, that shouldn't be possible.
"I think I know why." Zack says before bringing his hand up before the tips of his fingers and claws start glowing purple. "I guess while I was still a mess, I might have subconsciously poured magic into my claws and that might be enough to pierce my aura."
"And you didn't feel the pain? Like at all?" Nora brings up before their fox Faunus friend shook his head.
"I wasn't exactly right in the head at the time… So, I didn't feel the pain at first. Only later on did I realise that this happened and seek to patch them up before they got worse." Zack admitted and even begin to scratch the back of his ears before sighing. "I'll get some help when we get to Atlas. I promise…"
"You better." Weiss huffs. "Everyone's worried about you, and I won't stand for you carrying everything by yourself. Now, enough of that, do you want to talk about this?"
"Do I? Frankly, I don't know." The fox Faunus admits with his eyes looking at all of his friends. "I'm a mess right now. I… I think it is best I take it slow, you know?"
"Yeah, I agree with him." Ruby nods her head. "I think we have it all resolved. Though… that still does not explain how we did not see you in there. We did look through the room, right?"
"We did." Ren confirms as he glances at his friend. "How was it you managed to hide yourself? When we got there to find you, the room was empty." That made Zack blink as he looks back into his assigned dorm room.
"Huh. I was sitting on the floor right next to my bed."
"You're kidding me." Qrow sputters.
"I was, I swear upon my name. I… I think the reason you guys did not see me at all there is because I must have subconsciously hidden myself with my magic, I think?" Zack muttered as he walks into the room with everyone behind him.
"I do remember sitting here, after running away and all…"
"You know, I'm just going to say it for everyone. Magic is bullshit. So, you're saying that you somehow make yourself invisible?" Ruby's sister says with an eye raised. Even Neo, who was there, was also giving the 'are you sure you are not crazy' look. Yet, this just made their friend chuckle.
"Is it not better to have said magical bullshit on your side? Let's be honest, Yang."
"Must you two be so vulgar?" Weiss could only mutter to herself while Blake shrugs in the background.
"Well… knowing who we are up against, I think we should take all the advantage we can get. Though I hope next time you at least trust us to help you instead of isolating yourself." Her cat ears flickering as did Zack's tails as he knelt down to pick up the medical box off the floor.
"No promises, but I'll keep that in mind, Blake. I think we're done her with my drama. So, anyone want to help me fix up my stupid wounds and my shitty effort to patch them while traumatised?" Zack says. Only to be smacked in the head by Ruby, of all people.
Even so, her sister was impressed with how passionate her sister has been with her boyfriend. It is good to see Ruby take some initiative of her own. Oh, how far her baby sister has grown… "Stop joking about your wounds! Just stop it! You can't keep treating yourself like it's all nothing, okay? It hurts seeing you so calm after all this when we know how hurt you are inside."
…
After what felt longer than a minute, Zack finally responds after sighing. "I understand."
"Good! Now let me see your wound!"
While the two were on it, Weiss glances at her fellow friend. "Jaune, care to lend your assistance on this matter? Your semblance would be a boon over here."
"Sure, I intended to offer my help anyway." He smiles before the mood was interrupted when Nora squawks upon turning around.
"WHOA, HOW LONG WERE YOU STANDING THERE?!" And true enough. Nerium was by the door, with none of them the wiser. Except Ren who sense her coming but made no effort to show it.
"Long enough to see that you all have settled the issue with my charge." She answered truthfully.
"I'm surprised you were not looking for him earlier." Ren admits before receiving a shrug from her.
"I might have, should the situation take longer than it needs to be. I have trust that you all can settle the matter without me." Though not all were pleased with her comment and Qrow makes it apparent.
"And you never thought of lending a hand when we were looking for him for hours? Isn't keeping an eye on him like, your job?"
Yet, this only made Nerium raise an eyebrow at him. "You had not only the twelve of you, but the whole cruise ship crew looking for him as well. My help wound not have changed much from what I heard of him turning himself invisible." She says while her eyes were on Zack on the floor with both Weiss and Ruby mothering over him with Jaune in the side using his Semblance to speed up his healing.
"Well… with this now resolved, I think it's time for lunch. A nice meal would make all of us feel better after this chase." Celeste admits. "Katherine, I believe it is best we resume our inspection for any damages upon my ship, have the crew returned to their positions. And… come up with a reason on why it got damaged besides attacked by Grimm…"
"Indeed. Let us move."
==================================================================
Much later…
Zack's POV
So, this is Northpoint Dockyard. Rather… Atlesian even when the night comes. I mean, it shines like a damn lighthouse for a dockyard. Though I suppose for me and my fellow Faunus it's no different compared to day time, since we can see it well enough due to our night vision. Though the brightness of it pains my eyes.
Still, seeing this and the snow constantly falling on while me and everyone else stood on the deck of Celeste's cruise ship is a nice milestone on how far we travelled. Especially after what happened not too long ago and Ozma waking up soon after to do his best to help me cope but…
Well…
…
God, I am a fucking mess…
I've been trying to keep myself composed hours after it all happened, but frankly… I really do need some mental help. I'm glad the others were willing to help me out but turns out, once Celeste brought that pain of mine back, it is still on my mind. Lurking in the corners of my thoughts which makes everyone concerned.
I'm not sure if the events after Haven were me healing slowly or dealing with more pressing matters, but it feels as if I've gone back to step one. Nevertheless, we have arrived to Atlas. Well… The dry docks of it more accurately. I still dislike how everyone started treating me like I'm glass, but I get why they do it. Doesn't mean I like it, merely because they're trying to help me.
Ruby and Weiss obviously paid more attention to me, which includes more private time talking to them about… everything, really. My pains, my interests, loves, what I missed on Earth, and even asking me about what I sang earlier. Something both my girlfriends want to hear me serenade to them again. And as the ever-dutiful boyfriend I am, I obliged.
The conversation even went to the types of things I liked. Which includes games and me complaining how the entertainment in Remnant is underdeveloped compared to Earth to the point of sharing that one game I adored back on Earth, known for its alias, Sci-Fi War Crimes Simulator.
Aka Stellaris.
Though I did not mention the whole purging pops or enslaving them because that would have been an awkward conversation to have, I did go into an unnecessary detail explanation how it works and the mechanics. To say the least, Weiss was rather intrigued by it while poor Ruby was overwhelmed since everything needs to be managed in Stellaris.
I even joked how it was called spreadsheet simulator in space.
Which it was.
Though, it did not stop Ozma balking at the all sort of ways you can commit war crimes in that game, since he can read my mind. He was rather appalled by the very creative ways to be an evil bastard, even more so when I mentally explained to him that some of these are practical.
Like murdering everyone, so the late game would run properly and not become a slideshow. To say the least, that made him questions the sanity of the people on Earth if we find this sort of thing as entertaining. Which I quickly clarify we do not. But every so often, we just want to play as the bad guys.
Back to reality and enough of me rambling, as the dockyard got closer, I heard Ren mutter out. "We are here."
"Yeah! Renny! Do you think we have time for skiing? Oh! Oh! Oh! How about sledding?" Nora butts in the same enthusiasm she's well known for before Jaune spoke up for the rest of us.
"As fun as that would be, we still need to get to Atlas and to Ironwood." We all nod in agreement. Ironwood… I know he's not off the cliff yet, but at times I wonder if this war will just escalate from my intervention. I mean, Salem's not stupid. The moment she's aware of my feats back in Argus, who's to say she won't take matters more seriously now?
"Then we'll just have to work much harder then. You mention Watts will be there?" Ozma's voice resonate in my mind while Ruby leans on me and Weiss held on to my hand.
"Yeah, the weirdest part was that he got caught later down the line but… Ironwood forgot to check if he doesn't have any of his tech stuff. I'm surprised the people here don't make it a habit to strip their prisoners of all their stuff. I mean, I clearly remember Torchwick having most of his clothes even when in a cell."
"Yes… it something I raised in the past. However, most councillors and the people at the time see it as a violation of individual rights to express themselves. Even in custody. After all, this happened somewhat after the Great War and, by extension, the colours' revolution during the war." I remember it was mentioned as background information on how and why everyone on Remnant has names related to colours.
"Colours revolution?" I ask in my mind as Ozma goes into more detail.
"A peaceful but symbolic revolt that occurred in Mantle at first after the Kingdom tried to abolish the arts and repressed self-expression to control its citizens' emotions under the reason that it would protect everyone from of Grimm attacks. Understandably, such suppression of individual rights did not sit well with the populace who spread this idea to Mistral, and then to Vale and Vacuo"
"Yet some do not follow the tradition." I conclude. After all, I'm not exactly named after a colour.
"The idea was encouraged. Not enforced. It's up to choice if they wish to follow this colour naming procedure." Understandable.
"In my world, if you're a prisoner for whatever crimes, you're stripped of everything and given a standard prisoner uniform and a schedule to follow every day until your sentence is done. But in my King- uh… nation of origin, we give death sentences to drug smugglers because it is illegal. I can see how such treatments would not be appreciated here." I explain.
"Death penalty? That's unheard of here, I can say." Ozma hums as I chime in once more.
"Well, the lack of Grimm on my world certainly makes taking more emotionally damning ideas easier. I believe I mention the type of shit the people in my world gets into."
Though, before I hear the old man's reply to me, I turn my attention to my first girlfriend. "Weiss, you okay being back here?" And just like that, I get to see her beautiful face as she turns to me. Though I can tell, she's not pleased that she's back to this place.
"I'd be lying to say I am happy to be back here. I'm rather displeased by this." Then a gentle smile grew on her lips. "However, with you here, I know it wouldn't be so bad." Immediately subsequently, my ears picked up an aww from Nora and Yang before my first girlfriend snaps at them. "Quiet, both of you."
"And why would we? All three of you are acting so adorable together~ Makes me wonder what sort of things happened earlier." Understandably, hearing the hidden meaning behind it made my and Weiss's cheeks blush. As for Ruby, she wasn't having any of it.
"Yang! Quit it! Leave us alone." She pouts adorably. But to my disappointment, Ruby's sister continues on with her teasing.
"Alone so you can do your fun things without the rest of us?" Oh, for the love of God, Yang! Everyone's standing right here! Blake! Do something! I could only glance and see my fellow Faunus standing there as if she didn't hear anything. Though her cheeks were also red as she occasionally glances at the three of us.
Perverted kitty.
Don't think I don't know what's going on in your mind…
"I think that's enough teasing, as much as I find it amusing." Celeste's voice as we all turn to see her walking with Katherine. "I've already contacted our Bullhead to take us to Atlas in the morning. Assuming things go according to plan with the background paper works, we will leave around six in the morning. So, I suggest once we arrive, you all find a place to rest in one of the hotels there."
Makes sense and ever helpful Iris. Heh. What could we have done without your help, eh? "One more thing, Zack." She calls me as my ears twitch to her calling me. "Due to your… additional features, it might be wise for you to stay in your fox form for now. Atlesians are… unfriendly to Faunus as you all know." She says, as I can tell, she shifts her eyes from me onto Blake who simply nods grimly before looking back at me.
"But compared to someone like you? The experience you experienced in Argus will be substantially worst. The Dockyard workers and guards may be not as subtle with their discrimination." I expected as much. Argus wasn't that bad, since there was some gratitude for us saving their asses from the Grimm and Bloody Hidesman. But here? Yeah…
It's going to suck.
"Worst case… I guess you could act as Miss Schnee's… exotic pet in fox form…" I could only blink, while my friends balk at what they heard, and understandably so. Nerium on the other hand… Well, due to her mask, I can't tell what expression she's giving. However, I can tell she reacted to my childhood friend's comment with utter outrage. Actually, I think my bodyguards about an attack her if I don't do anything.
"Sorry." She whispers out next.
"Lets… Not do that. I prefer not treating my Zack like that." Weiss affirmably stated before Celeste sights out. Though I did hear some of my friends going 'ohhh' all because Weiss says I'm hers. Won't like got me blushing with a soft smile.
"Agreed." As for Neo I can see her just giving a raised eyebrow before typing into her scroll for everyone to read what she's saying.
(Seriously. Those rich assholes would treat anyone who's not them like shit. If they see Foxy, who knows what they will do. Hell, I know they'd try to arrest my ass for my troubles. Speaking of which, foxy. Gonna convince the tinman to not arrest me once we get there? They might still have it for my head. For you know… Stuff that happened in Beacon.)
"Uh… I'll do my best. Perhaps James might close an eye with all you help us? I think? Not sure about the others or… Winter… Oh, Crap." I have to deal with Weiss's sister, don't I? Well, just my luck, I not only got to deal with one side of the family, I now got to deal with another closely tied to the military. How the hell would she react to me? "Great… Just my luck…"
I could only sight and slump down a bit.
"Wait, what about Ice Que- ohh… Yeah, you're on your own, kid. Good luck." Shut up Qrow. Are you not the one who would castrate me if I broke Ruby's heart? Well, Yang threatens to crush them while you want to cut them off. So, I don't think you have the right to say what you say here.
Fuck it.
I'll worry about it when it happens.
"Oh…" I notice Weiss's eyes on me in realisation. "This will be unpleasant."
No kidding.
"Still, Neo. I'll do what I can to shield you from the most powerful man in Atlas. Totally will go well, but I'll do my best." Neo just nods at me with a small but thankful smile, though that did not stop her from petting me. In front of everyone. And just as expected, chuckles went around while I just pout.
Because I can, to be honest. Also, because I am the youngest in the group biologically, and thus I look adorable when I pout. Despite being older in mind and soul thanks to my Earth memories and Ozma.
"Well, then." I mutter as I turn to face Northpoint Dockyard in the distant, shining with a small smile. "Admist where the stars arise from the night, I'll carry this light, never alone."
"Well said." I hear Nerium voicing her thoughts with approval.