A Streak of Tigers
Southeastern Mistral: Aboard a Sōtora Airship
High in the clouds, the large blue and silver airship soared as gracefully as a soaring crane. Not just larger than a normal bullhead; it was sleeker and with quieter engines. The orange-tinted cockpit housed two men with azure-colored jumpsuits, each bearing the mark of an azure-blue tiger paw print within a black circle outlined in white. Several stewardesses with equally azure uniforms and similar symbols darted about a well upholstered and furbished interior. Fine mahogany wood trimmings, precious metals and black marble floors, fine leather chairs that were completely adjustable. And plenty of leg room for all. Everyone sat nearby, relaxing as they indulged in the ample luxuries. Nora especially was enjoying herself as a stewardess arrived with a soda for her.
"Do you require anything else, Lady Valkyrie? A snack or a pillow, maybe?" The stewardess asked her politely as she placed Nora's drink gently down.
"Some of those fire-roasted nuts look lovely!" Nora chipperly said as she snuggled up to Ren next to her.
The stewardess smiled and bowed politely. "As you wish, my lady." She replied before heading off to get Nora a bowl of said nuts.
"Oh, I could get used to this." Nora sighed in delight.
"Azu, why didn't you tell us you were this loaded? For fuck's sake, these chairs have a massage function!" Yang replied before pushing a button as the chair started to vibrate "Ohhhhhh yeaaaaaaaah…!"
"You never asked." Azura simply replied as he sat back and sipped on a drink.
"I knew that." Blake said nonchalantly, not even looking up from her Ninjas of Love book.
"So, did I. Then again, I didn't grow up in a cabin in the woods." Weiss replied before sipping her own fizzy drink.
"Well, not everyone can be lucky enough to be the Princess of the Faunus or the heiress of the biggest non-Zodiac Dust company on the planet." Yang replied over the vibration of her chair.
"Ladies, ladies. Don't fight. It's killing the vibes. And the vibes are good." Zhan replied lazily, relaxing in his chair next to Azura.
Azura smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Zhan." He replied as he kicked back to relax as well.
"Sure am, boss. What kind of leather is this, anyway?" Zhan replied with a lazy smile.
"The finest quality Vacuan short-horned bison leather. Handcrafted from start to finish." Azura explained.
"Enough for one seat costs more than a used car. And for all of these is just insane. Where does your clan get this kind of money?" Ember asked in shock.
"Land taxes, clan-owned businesses, investing, things like that." Azura replied, waving it off.
"What isn't your clan into these days?" Weiss asked.
"Good question. I will get back to you with an answer later." Azura replied, sipping his drink.
"Urgh…" Jaune groaned, holding his stomach and keeping a paper bag close.
"Are you okay, Jaune?" Pyrrha asked.
"It's not as bad as usual. Yet." Jaune groaned.
"Chill out, VB. Just pop some stomach medicine and you'll be fine." Yang told him in a relaxed tone as her chair continued to vibrate.
"Almost forgot. I should go check on Ruby." Azura said, standing up and walking off.
"Can you pass me the remote to the TV on your way over?" Nora asked with a chill smile.
"Hey Nora. Check to see if the Vale Hockey Game is on." Zhan chipped in as Azura handed Nora the remote as he passed.
Walking to one of the airship's more remote corners, Azura found Ruby. Laying back in a recliner style chair with the same leather as the others, with a large wool blanket over her in the Sōtora colors. Dozing away soundly, she had earmuffs over her ears.
"To think Beastmen have good enough hearing to be overwhelmed by this beauty. I guess too much power really can be a curse. Not like I would know that, anyway." Azura muttered. "Hang tight, Ruby. We are almost there."
"Attention, passengers. Please remain seated. We are beginning final descent procedures as we speak. We will be landing at the Royal Ōko-Jō Air pad." The pilot said over the loudspeaker.
"Why does it take half an hour to descend? I thought you said this place was on top of a mountain?" Rena asked.
"There are massive wind currents that swirl around the mountain. We need to go in through a specific angle to get to the air pad." Azura explained.
"And why do you guys live on a mountain again?" Yang asked.
"Security purposes. Having the castle be on a mountain kept our enemies from being able to easily invade it during the days before airships." Azura told her.
"As long as spending time here helps Ruby get better, you could live in a volcano for all I care." Yang replied.
"Don't say that aloud, Yang. It might give them ideas." Blake said.
"The sad part is… you're not wrong." Azura groaned as he sat down.
As they looked out the crystalline windows, partially obscured by hoarfrost and cold to the touch, they saw through the thickening mists and clouds near a modern city. Clinging to the plateau of the mountain and burying itself into it, Daikojō was as modern as any other city in the world. Yet the airship flew over it, unconcerned with a city of vassals and industry. As they looked at it, they saw their true destination.
Carved into the spire-like mountain top was a colossal, nine-level keep, similar to many in samurai movies or other eastern affairs. Yet as they neared the large airship pad, it was not the height that made them balk; it was its sheer scale. The Torii gates to get into the entrance alone were taller than most buildings in Vale. Vast red lacquered timbers were strung upon stone columns, with wrought iron and thick painted glass standing like a shield against the icy gales. Various statues stood at various points, some with their features immaculate while others weathered with time. As they began to file out, Ruby being helped along by Yang, shivering against the brutal cold, an entire cadre of heavily armored men marched up to them.
The towering, armored men were clad in samurai-like plate and scale mail, each carrying weapons of various kinds. Tetsubō designed for breaking great blades, crushing armor, and shattering bone. Bisento polearm blades designed for ground control against enemies. Even great ōdachi and zanbatō swords were held by the densely built, armored giants. Each one had a demonic-looking mask obscuring his face. At the head of the pack were two twin visages with dense but not toned muscles and farmer's tans, one carrying a spiked tetsubō and the other a ōdachi. The one with the tetsubō wore a demonic-looking bear mask while the one with the ōdachi wore a demonic-looking toad mask.
"Yama? Gama? Why are you here with all of Father's Bōki?" Azura asked in confusion.
"Bōki? What's that?" Weiss asked.
"In the ancient language of Mistrali samurai, it means 'Defense Demon' or 'Defending Ogre.' It's the name used for a samurai lord's personal elite guards." Ren explained to the others present.
My lord. Your parents insisted." The one with the demonic bear mask said in a near-non-verbal voice.
Azura sighed. "I understand, Yama." He replied, clearly irritated by the situation.
"We do have good news, milord." The other one with the demonic toad mask said with a more friendly sounding voice.
Azura raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Gama?" He asked, now curious.
"Your mother is on her way as we speak. And your father wishes to speak with you in private." Gama replied, seemingly oblivious to what he actually said.
Azura paled a bit. "How is that 'good news,' Gama?!" He demanded in fear.
"I was ordered to address it as such, milord." Gama answered.
"... Everyone! Back on the ship! Go, go, go!" Azura told them in a panic.
Everyone raised their eyebrows at him. "A-Azura. We just got here." Ruby said with confusion.
"And now we're leaving to go to my castle!" Azura told them, trying to push them all back up the ramp.
"What don't you have!?" Yang asked in shock.
"Enough dignity to face my mother when she's on the war path!" Azura told her in response.
"After 17 years of raising you, I would have hoped for better!!" The voice of Verdant roared from the castle.
Azura flinched and looked back fearfully. "H-Hi, Mama…" He nervously replied as he looked to see Verdant.
Verdant walked out in a long, flowing, fur-trimmed grey kimono with long silken socks and wooden sandals. Her green eyes burned with fury as she walked up to Azura and began to shake him.
"Don't you 'Mama' me, you dense daddy's boy!!" Verdant yelled as she shook him.
"Easy, mother! You're going to make him sick!" A feminine voice called out in concern.
"Would you prefer she stirred him instead?" A voice like Azura's, but deeper, replied.
Everyone turned to look towards the castle doorway from which Verdant stormed out of, and the two voices emanated. The first voice belonged to a young woman who was about five feet and eight inches tall, a bit on the tanned side, and looked to be about twenty-one. Like Verdant, she had deep green eyes the same shade as her mother's with that same jewel-like shine in them, though hers had a more mischievous glint. She had a kind smile as she was tying her long, pale azure-blue hair into a ponytail. Like her mother, she wore a fur trimmed kimono, with her's being more floral in pattern and a light, frosty blue in color, alongside similar footwear.
The other voice belonged to a young man with long, spiky silver hair and piercing emerald eyes like Verdant's. He was tall, a bit taller than Azura. Other than slightly sharper facial features and the other differences, he looked just like the azure shōgun. He was dressed in a fur-lined leather jacket and jeans with fur-lined boots.
"Kenshi. You too? What is Hyōjū here from sabbatical too?" Azura groaned in exasperation.
"Who's Hyōjū? Another brother of yours?" Yang asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Lazuli's twin brother. We do not talk about him much because he has been very distant after a near mental breakdown." Azura explained.
"He's doing better now though. He's playing for the Barbatos Bruin's in Atlas." The boy said with a smile. "I'm Kenshi. Azura's good looking twin."
"We have the same face, idiot." Azura told him in a deadpan.
"I wear it better." Kenshi replied with a coy smile.
"I'm Lazuli. The unfortunate older sister to the twin tornadoes over here." The young woman replied, bowing politely.
"Nice hair. What's a girl got to do to make it look that luscious?" Yang asked, whistling as she observed her hair.
"You all can get to know each other inside. It is too cold out here, and a storm is coming in. Lazuli and Kenshi, help Lady Rose in, please." Verdant ordered sternly.
"U-Um… I can do that, Mother…" Azura nervously said, moving to wheel Ruby inside.
"Oh no, mister. You have a date with your father." Verdant sternly ordered.
"Busteeed…" Kenshi snickered.
"Get that poor girl in before she freezes!" Verdant snapped.
Kenshi flinched. "R-Right away, mom!" He replied, running up and beginning to carefully but quickly wheel Ruby inside.
As the group was led inside, the Bōki behind them quickly closed the doors. Immediately they felt much warmer as they stepped onto polished maple flooring. Around them, between great pillars, were rooms made of paper screens. Each had exquisite patterns and designs. As Verdant led them all deeper in, Azura followed one of the Bōki away from the group. Eventually, they arrived at the door of a tearoom. Opening the door for him, allowing him to see a bare room with a mat floor and a small table. At that table was the regal and imposing figure of Azolum, sat upon a tatami mat with a piping hot kettle of tea and a tea set in front of him. With another mat waiting for Azura across from him.
"Come in, son. And sit." Azolum said stoically, his normally expressive face now unflinching.
"U-Um… I-I'd rather stand, thank you…" Azura nervously replied as he walked into the room.
"You and I both know you can't outrun me." Azolum replied matter of factly. "Sit."
Gulping, Azura sat down. "Y-Yes, sir…" He replied, trying desperately to remain calm.
Soon the man began to, with shocking daintiness from his muscular hands, pour the dark colored tea for him. As Azura settled himself, he noticed that his father's robes were more splayed out at the hip than usual. Indicating haste. Peeking through them was the glint of metal in the candlelight of the room. Azura gulped as he knew what it was. His father's prosthetic leg. It was a rare sight to see, and it made him worry even more about what his father so urgently wanted to talk with him about.
"I heard, from a whisper on the winds, that there was a grievous incident at Beacon." Azolum said stoically as he poured himself a cup of tea.
Azura flinched and looked down in shame at his father's words. He already knew where this was going. And he knew that this was not going to be a fun time for him.
"Azura. Tell me. What happened?" Azolum asked.
Azura sighed in response. "You already know, Father. No doubt Hattori heard through the grapevine of our shinobi and told you everything…" He replied, just wanting to get this over with and hear his punishment.
"My son. Look at me." Azolum said, with a hint of warmth leaking into his voice as he spoke.
Reluctantly, Azura looked up and looked his father in the eyes.
"This is not merely a freak incident. Ruby is your friend, attacked in cold blood, under your nose. And she nearly died. You did well to get her to the hospital, but it is an event that happened on your watch." Azolum explained; his words were heavy, not with anger, but sadness. As Azura realized his father… didn't want to have this talk with him.
Azura sighed and looked down. "I should have known better. I should have suspected there might be Beastmen Hunters at the school…" He said, shame dripping from his tone.
The towering warrior looked over Azura and sighed. "However, I will make sure the council does not hear of this." He explained.
Azura shook his head. No, Father. The council and Aunt Sakuya should know of my mistake. Even if this could force her to pick a different candidate instead of me…" He explained.
"And that right there is why I will not." Azolum sternly said.
Azura looked up at his father. "I will not allow my shortcomings to be swept under the rug, Father. If you will not tell them… then I will." He replied firmly.
"Son. I am not sweeping it under the rug. It is why we are talking now. Besides, the last time those ancient fuss pots did anything helpful, our ancestor gods walked this planet as mortal men. And I do not view this as your fault." Azolum explained firmly.
"Then that makes one of us…" Azura sighed, looking back down.
"Does Ruby fault you?" Azolum asked.
"Well… no. But-" Azura began to say before Azolum cut him off.
"Others may view it as your fault as a member of the strong, my son. Others still may view it as your fault for the fact of your royal lineage. But there is only one true person that can assign fault and that is the victim. If Ruby does not view you as at fault, then, in the eyes of the Heavens themselves, you are not." Azolum explained.
Azura sighed in frustration. "Then why does it feel like I am…?" He asked sadly.
Reaching across the table, Azolum placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I know this feeling you are grappling with, my son." He said softly.
Azura looked up at Azolum in disbelief at that. Azolum then motioned to his metal leg.
"My last mission. To many, a black mark upon a flawless career. To others, a complete miscalculation of priorities. Yet, to those I saved from that mountain Dust mine… even those that attempted to kill me… I was a hero." He explained.
Azura sighed and nodded. "I understand, Father…" He replied, feeling a bit of his burden lifted by the older samurai's words.
"My father had a saying for times like this. A tiger may not concern themselves with the opinions of sheep, but he must always respect the words of the sheep dog." Azolum explained.
Azura nodded solemnly. "I see. And what does that mean?" He replied, slightly confused.
"That, my dear boy, is for you to figure out." His father replied with a coy smile.
Azura chuckled a bit and nodded. "Of course, Father. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get back to Mother and my friends before she brings out the photo albums…" He replied, bowing his head in respect.
"You are lucky you all are not over 21. She would be breaking out the Valean mulled wine." Azolum chuckled.
With an amused smile, Azura got up and left. Sighing, Azolum sipped his tea as he looked at a shoji screen door behind him. "How much did you overhear, Takechika?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
The door behind Azolum opening, a man in azure-blue robes bowed to him. He had a lighter blue shade of the traditional blue hair of the Sōtora clan tied back in a topknot. His azure robes had the image of a white tiger design and a mountain cherry blossom tree on it. At his hip was a set of samurai daishō blades, the traditional katana longsword and wakizashi short sword pairing, with an ōdachi strapped across his back. Raising his head, it revealed the seasoned visage of a sky blue-eyed man in his late thirties to early forties with a short but full light blue beard.
"Pardon the intrusion, milord." The man said respectfully.
Azolum sighed a bit but smiled. "It is quite fine. I sensed you were there. Still… Azura is growing into a fine young samurai, isn't he Takechika?" He asked the man before him.
"As well as one can, given the circumstances." Takechika replied as he sat down on the tatami mat.
Azolum nodded. "Now then… what did you wish to speak to me about, my dear Head of Staff?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Headmaster Ozpin has provided more details upon the issue involving the young lord that you wished me to investigate. More than even Hattori was able to acquire. Which is a hint disturbing if you ask me." Takechika answered.
Azolum sighed and nodded. "I will have a servant fetch us a bottle of sake. I believe that this conversation is going to require it." He replied solemnly.
"With the fact a Headmaster of a Huntsmen Academy able to outmaneuver our best shinobi, I think we will too." Takechika said with a deep, bitter sigh.
Meanwhile: With Azura
Azura walked with a decent but brisk pace through the halls. As he went, servants and other samurai got out of his way and bowed. He winced a bit at that. He walked like a tiger on edge, as if being in a hunter's lair. Soon he arrived at a large lounge where all his friends were with Lazuli and Kenshi sat on various couches and chairs. Ruby was in a large recliner usually reserved for prominent figures, making her look comically small in it. But Ruby was not happy. If anything, she was trying to get the servants and retainers around her to go away. Causing Yang to snap at her.
"For the last time, Ruby! They're trying to help you relax! You know, like you're supposed to be doing?!" Yang reminded her.
"Why can't I relax on my own terms?! Why does everyone else get to force me to relax!? That's not relaxing!" Ruby yelled back.
"Because relaxing on your terms involves doing things that would make your condition worse!" Yang sternly told her sister.
"Relax, you two. There is no rush or anything." Azura said with a small smile, causing everyone to look at him. With most of the group having a grateful look on their faces.
"Azu, talk some sense into my sister!" Yang and Ruby told him at the same time while pointing at each other before looking at each other and glaring.
Azura rolled his eyes at this with a big smile. Somehow, this was far more preferable than talking with his father. With a wave of his hand, the servants backed off from Ruby as he walked over to her.
"Now then, Miss Rose. Is there anything I can do to make you feel more comfortable in this most august realm?" He asked, his voice as smooth as honey and a smile warm enough to part the frosty clouds.
Ruby looked down and pouted, looking away. However, it didn't last long as she sighed. "Some hot cocoa would be nice… with those little marshmallows…" She admitted.
Azura gave a nod to a servant and they rushed off. "There. Was that so hard?" He asked.
Ruby sighed. "No… but I still don't like that I can't do anything until I'm better…" She reluctantly admitted.
Azura's smile only grew more upon hearing that. For a moment, he looked down at Ruby, like a tiger sizing up a deer. Then, Azura lifted a knee, putting it on Ruby's right side. Before Ruby could say a word, the blue samurai soon leaned over her. Far closer than anyone expected. As he then lifted her chin up with a finger, making her look directly at him.
"Ruby. I do not think you understand this place's majesty. Here, you can experience wonders without having to lift a finger. And I can make sure you experience them all." Azura said with a big, charming smile.
Ruby blushed and gulped. "Y… you will…?" She squeaked out in surprise.
"Of course, Ruby. A Sōtora's word is worth more than gold." Azura replied, smiling, revealing his pearly white teeth.
Before anyone else could say anything, they all heard the creak of the door opening. Verdant, with a large photo album in hand, stood there in shock at what lay before her. Azura and Ruby blushed as they stared back, both their hearts threatening to explode with how quickly they were beating.
"This is far better than the photo album." Verdant said in shock.
"... Mother please…" Azura sighed as he backed up out of Ruby's personal space.
"You know. I know a lovely cafe that opened in town. It would be perfect for a date…" Verdant began to say, only to get cut off rather swiftly.
"Your silence would be greatly appreciated, Mother/Mrs. Sōtora…" Azura and Ruby said simultaneously.
Meanwhile: At Beacon
Ozpin sighed as he laid back in his office chair, his coffee cup full of hot cocoa nearby. He slowly turned to look at Glynda Goodwitch, holding a clipboard in hand.
"I have notified all the authorities. Now we have the matter of security to handle." Ozpin said with a frustrated sigh.
"Where should we begin, Ozpin? Should we notify the local police? Or, preferably, the security forces?" Glynda asked.
"Neither of them would have forces available to permanently station here. With the rising criminal activity after Azolum's retirement and increasing Grimm attacks on the wire, they will have their hands full." Ozpin explained regretfully.
Glynda sighed. "True. Then what about the Kinwashi, Ginino, or Ryokugyū's forces? Surely, they can spare some people." She replied, trying to find some kind of solution.
"The Zodiacs are not so guaranteed. They are in even greater demand than the police or security forces. That and their own personal squabbles." Ozpin answered, before sipping his cocoa.
Glynda sighed deeply. "And we cannot let this get up to the Imperial level. The High King of Vale would be very… unsatisfied with this news…" She added, feeling the gravity of the situation weighing her down.
"I would never consider it. And mercenaries are a fickle and costly option as well." Ozpin mused for a moment, running his finger along his mug's rim. "There may be… an option left to us."
Glynda raised an eyebrow at that. "You can't mean…" She began to say.
"We have one member on staff already. What harm could the rest of Team CROM bring to us?" Ozpin asked cryptically.