Chapters It was a dark evening. Ruby Rose and her sister, Yang Xiao Long were wandering Patch in search of their mother. Patch was a small island to the south of Vale. Vale was a major city which housed a massive academy, named Beacon. This academy trained Hunters and Huntresses. Their goal? Hunt and kill Grimm. And protect the people along the way.
However such status had a cost. The cost being, hunting Grimm, while they also hunt you. If you are unlucky, you might perish by the claws of the Grimm themselves. This was a minor inconvenience in comparison to people however. A Hunter could also hunt people. It was usually those people that were far more dangerous then the Grimm.
Not entirely sure why their mother disappeared. Yang wandered Patch in search for her mother, meanwhile she was carrying her sister in a cart. This cart was normally used to move small boxes or younger children. Like what Yang was doing to Ruby. What Ruby was unaware off however, was the reason her sister Yang was searching Patch.
Ruby knew her mother had disappeared, she knew that she had fallen in depression. Like her dad, but Yang didn't give up. She wanted to find her mother named Summer, and would try to no matter what. Even by moving her depressed sister around in a desperate attempt to find their mother. Something that would prove to be a big mistake.
You see, in order for Grimm to appear near humans. They would use the negative emotions as trail. Like a dog would using their nose to scent someone out, they can sense negative emotions from individuals. And Ruby was really depressed, those emotions were extremely negative. Not to mention, Ruby's fear of the unknown made things worse.
And Ruby's sister, Yang's desperation was also alerting the Grimm. Something that was going to be really apparent in a moment. As they finally reached their destination. Summer's old barn. Something that carried the last remaining evidence of their mother's existence. But when she approached, they got ambushed by Grimm.
Beowolves to be precise. These bear-like wolves were mighty powerful. Standing about two meters tall and having incredibly sharp claws, they could tear these two children in mere seconds. However what they gained in strength, they lost in intelligent. Though they made up that up, by appearing in numbers. It wasn't unusual to see packs of these beasts roaming the forest. Of course the children had both luck and bad luck at the same time.
Three days before the children wandered the forest. Their Uncle, Uncle Qrow. Had cleaned the forest up of Beowolves and other Grimm. Under the request of the mayor of Patch. However there are always a few Beowolves that would slip through the cracks as they aren't entirely wiped out. That fact would probably haunt their Uncle for years to come.
It was then, that Yang was about to be mauled by the Beowolf. Ruby was too distracted to take notice. Luckily their Uncle was nearby, saving her life. He was about to count his graces. When out of nowhere and totally off-guard. A second Beowolf appeared. Uncle Qrow wasn't prepared at all. He had already dropped his weapon on the ground to hug Yang. Causing him to potentially fail his second cousin.
That is exactly when something unusual appeared. An even younger child to Ruby appeared out of nowhere. The child had been flung into the Beowolf using her head. This caused the younger child to drop unconscious on the spot as a head wound appeared right afterwards. But the Beowolf had been thrown off course. Causing him to miss his attack on Ruby. Giving Uncle Qrow just enough time to slash the Beowolf, to kill it before it could do more harm.
Ruby was stunned, however her attention was mostly on her savior. A small unknown child, with purple hair and seemingly weird Martial Artist clothing on her. The child was unconscious, however Ruby noticed a growing head injury as she was bleeding worse and worse. Ruby then climbed out of the cart, grabbed the small child. And ran back home. Totally ignoring her sister and Uncle Qrow in the process. As her focus sat entirely on the younger child.
While running, she accidentally unlocked a special ability called Semblance. Semblances uses a child's innate ability and boosts it. However it costs stamina to use it. And as child your semblance is by nature weaker, as she hasn't had much time to enhance it. Regardless, Ruby's desire to save this child did boost her semblance slightly. And as a side-effect, her semblance leaves behind rose leaves.
Regardless, her semblance did protect the child. By speeding up the process it takes to get home. When she got there, her semblance disabled itself. Slowing her down as she opened the door.
"Dad!" Ruby shouts into the darkened living room of the house.
Her dad, Taijang Xiao Long appeared from the kitchen. At first he had an angry look, since the two children had basically run away. But that melted as quickly as it came, as soon as it saw the severely injured child in Ruby's hands. "Ruby?!"
Tai ran towards Ruby and specifically towards the injured child. He grabs the child from Ruby's hands and moved her quickly to the kitchen. He then grabs the first aid kit from one of the kitchen drawers. As he did so, the seriousness of the situation dawned on him. Despite noticing Ruby's exhaustion he begins barking orders.
"Ruby! Apply pressure on the wound!" He shouts as he grabs a paper towel and puts some water on it.
"Got it!" Ruby shouted back as she did as instructed. She watched her father clean the wound, after which he grabs the bandages from the kit and rolls it around the wound. And pinned it closed use a small pin.
As he turns around to clean his hands. Ruby noticed that the bleeding went through the bandage. "Dad! The bandages are ineffective!" She shouted.
Tai turns around as sees the bleeding getting worse. He then grabs all the bandages he had stored before looking at Ruby. "Ruby call the doctor immediately!"
Ruby nodded as she grabs her scroll. Those scrolls acted like a cell phone as it contains everything Ruby needed. She then used the emergency call line.
"This is Patch emergency call Center. How can I help you?" The dispatcher asked as soon as the line goes through.
"We need a doctor immediately. There is a child with a severe head injury and unconscious. She needs medical attention." Ruby shouts over the line.
"Alright dear." The dispatcher can tell that Ruby is young. "What is the child's current situation?"
Ruby looks at Tai, "Ruby tell the dispatcher that she is undergoing severe bleeding and a serious loss of blood. Our medical grade bandages are ineffective. The child is in a state unconscious and shock. She has no visible laceration but her situation is getting worse by the second."
Ruby relays that information to the dispatcher. "And she is getting worse by the second. My dad is a hunter and even he is unable to do much more."
The dispatcher's tone went from confused to serious in an instant. "Understood. I am sending a Emergency Response unit your direction. It sounds like a code Blue. Please lay the patient on the floor. Our medical doctors are with you in one minute. Try to keep her stable."
"Wilco." Tai said in the background.
"Will do." Ruby responded in turn.
"Alright keep me on the line. Tell me if the situation is getting worse." The dispatcher's tone went soft once more.
After exactly one minute later. The ER unit arrived at the scene and took her into a special aircraft for further check up. And after what seemed like hours. The ER unit gave the child back to Tai with some strict instructions.
"She will make it fine. We injected some emergency blood in her. And healed her head using Aura. She will be fine. But she did suffer a serious concussion. Please give her plenty of rest. She will need it." The ER unit supervisor explained.
"Thank you so much. I wasn't sure how to properly treat her." Tai said grateful.
"Of course. Have a good day." The supervisor said before departing alongside his unit.
After placing the unknown but injured child into the guest room. he walks alongside Ruby back into the kitchen.
"Well then, young lady. Please explain, what just happened exactly?" Tai asked softly, he was slightly confused, but mostly just disappointed.
"I do not know who she was. But she saved my life. We were at mom's barn. To collect some memorabilia from mom. When we were ambushed by two Beowolves. One headed for Yang. The other for me. After Uncle Qrow saved Yang, he thought that the danger was over. Making him let his guard down. That was when a second one appeared. And in a few seconds he would have mauled me to death, then suddenly this child appeared saving my life. And letting Qrow grab his weapon to kill it." Ruby explained.
During the explanation Tai breathed in relieve at hearing his second daughter Yang to be alright. Only to gasp as soon as Ruby mentioned the second Beowolf. At the end of Ruby's explanation, he dropped what he was doing. Initially he was going to drink a beer after what just happened. However after ruby's near death he no longer felt the need to do so.
"So Uncle Qrow has grown weak huh?" Tai said with a soft growl.
Ruby looked out the window to see her sister and Qrow returning. "Honestly? I think he wasn't expecting two Beowolves. It's rare enough as it is, to have missed a Beowolf in that forest. To have missed two? That was probably a shocker in itself."
Tai looks out the window along side Ruby. Tai specifically looked at Qrow's face only to see remorse at his near failure. And the fact that he was sober, only concreted Ruby's claim. Qrow was slightly depressed at failing to do his job properly, almost causing his cousin to perish in the process. That was enough for Tai, he dropped his anger. But he was going to lecture him later.
As soon as Qrow entered the house, he embraced Ruby. "Are you alright?" He asked.
"I am fine. My unknown savior is not." Ruby replied, she seemed slightly put off at the situation. But nothing to major.
"I see. Do... Do you want to stay near her?" Qrow asked. Ruby nodded in honesty, causing Qrow to smile. "Then go. I am sure Tai and I will have some talking to do."
"What about me?" Yang asked.
"You need to hear this." Tai calmly stated as he looked in Yang's eyes. Disappointment all over his face. Something that caused Yang to droop in shame.
As Ruby entered the room with the unconscious child. She sits next to the child. A strange feeling washes over her, her exhaustion finally catches up with her. As she faints on the chair from exhaustion. Causing her to fall asleep on the chair. Her eyes not having left the child. But her conscious left the area. Unbeknownst to her, her dad would eventually find her asleep on the chair and move her to her bed.
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As the following day arrives. Ruby wakes up really early. Having gone to sleep five hours earlier than what she normally does. The why's and how's wasn't important, as she finds herself out of the room of the child. She washes up and walks towards that room and enters it. She then took a seat on the chair besides the bed once more. Hoping the child would wake up soon. Luck was on her side this time.
As in mere minutes later. The child finally woke up. The child appeared dazed and confused. They looked around a bit, eventually settling on a child of similar age to her own.
"Ugh... Where am I?" The child groaned while grabbing her in pain.
"Ah. You're awake! How are you feeling?" Ruby asked hopeful. She grabs to wet towel that fell from the child forehead and placed it on the small table besides the bed.
"Besides the headache? I am fine." The child answered in honest.
"Good. Very good. I think introductions are in order." Ruby admitted with a smile, "My name is Ruby, Ruby Rose. And you are?"
"My name is Twilight. Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said in similar tone, she gave Ruby a soft but confused smile.
"You are currently in my home." Ruby said, "You saved me in the forest."
"I did? I am sorry, those few moments were a bit blurry. I don't quite remember. Could you tell me what happened?"
Ruby gave Twilight a slight confused look, "Well I am unsure about what happened. But I was about to killed by a bear like monster, when you suddenly appeared. You smashed your head into the monster, causing the monster to miss. Giving my uncle enough time to save my life."
"I... See..." Twilight said, as she tried making heads or tails about the explanation.
"Perhaps I could shed a bit of light on the explanation." An older man came in, "Nice to meet you. I am Qrow. Though my cousin here calls me Uncle Qrow."
"Ah! It's nice to meet you, sir." Twilight said polite causing Qrow to smile.
"You have good manners I see. But no need for the formalities. Just call me Qrow."
"Alright... Qrow. My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight introduced.
"So I hear. Anyways, I am also uncertain on what happened exactly. But I can atleast tell you, that you were seemingly flung into the bear-like monster called Beowolves. These tanky monsters have thick hides, which means that if your impact caused the Beowolf to miss its target. You must have come into their side at a considerable amount of velocity or speed." Qrow explained, "Whatever caused you to get flung into him, must have atleast been done with enough speed that would cause most objects to be crushed in its velocity alone."
Twilight blinked for a moment, when suddenly a light in her head went on. "I see. I think I know what happened. Regardless, what happened after I got flung into the Beowolf?"
"You became unconscious." Ruby answered for him, "The Beowolf's attack missed me, thanks to your sudden appearance. Causing my Uncle to pick his weapon back up, and cut the Beowolf in two. Before it had another chance to kill me."
"I see. What about after the encounter?"
"I picked you up as soon as I saw your head bleeding. Then I ran back home as fast as possible. As soon as I was home, my dad grabbed your out of my hands. And performed basic first aid. We had to call the ER to save your life, since the bandages were ineffective. After that, they wanted you to rest for some time. Since you still got a concussion." Ruby continued to explain.
"I think I got a clear picture of the situation. Thank you, Ruby. We both saved each other's life." Twilight said happily, causing Ruby to blink is surprise as she took the situation at hand.
After she looked surprised for a moment, her facial expression softens, as a soft but slightly mature smile showed itself. Something that neither Twilight nor Qrow missed. Qrow looked proud at his cousin, while Twilight merely returned the smile.
"Anyways, do you mind if I ask you some questions?" Qrow asked, his voice turning more serious.
"Fine. But I want Ruby here to hear it. She has to right to listen in." Twilight replied, her voice also turning serious.
"Of course." Qrow said while nodding, "Now then, where did you come from?"
"Going right to the meat and bone, huh?" Twilight commented, "It's complicated."
"Why would ones location be complicated?" Ruby asked.
"There are many reasons." Qrow answered for Twilight, "So let me shrink my question into a more acceptable one."
"Why do you look like a martial artist?"
Twilight blinked as she looked down confused. Only to be more surprised when she realized that she no longer a pony but a humanoid. "Uh... I... don't know." she offered.
Qrow noticed Twilight's confusion. This only caused him to be more confused, "Okay, you are making it more and more difficult for me, you know that right?"
Twilight sighed, "I am aware. But keep in mind, my concussion might be hiding some memories as well."
This caused Qrow to blink, he had forgotten that mental state for a moment. "Huh." he lamely said.
It was then that Ruby chose that exact moment to ask a question Qrow didn't want to ask. "Do you believe in Fairy Tales?" she asked. Qrow's eyes widen in shock at the question. He was about to argue, but Twilight was faster.
"Sometimes. Most Fairy Tales exist to remind people about ancient tales and myths in a more believable setting. Sometimes they ARE real. Most of the time, they are merely myths." Twilight answered.
Twilight's mature answer threw Qrow for a loop. He expected Twilight to reply with a simple no, when that is not what he expected he decided to stay quiet a listen to the conversation.
"Which ones do you believe in?" Twilight added afterwards.
"The ones about magic! And flight." Ruby answered honestly. Twilight blinked at the mention of either and smiled.
"Well... hm. How do I say this. Magic is real." Twilight answered honestly as well. Causing a strange tension from Qrow. Twilight did not miss Qrow's sudden demeanor change, but she decided not to pleasure him.
"Really!? The wizard of Oz is real then?" Ruby asked hopeful.
Twilight shook her head, "I don't know about that. But I do know that magic is definitely real."
"How?" Ruby asked, Twilight noticed a glint in Ruby's eyes. She also noticed Qrow's oddly terrifying look that he was giving her.
Twilight smiled turns into a smirk. "Magic is everywhere. But its hidden. Perhaps this wizard did exist at one point or another. But not anymore. I wish I could say more, but... I am going to continue its legacy of being a Fairy Tale by saying nothing more. Perhaps another time."
Ruby's hope in magic did not vanish. Ruby might be naive, but she did not fail to notice Qrow's odd behavior. Suggesting that he might have been the reason why Twilight stopped talking. "But what about flight?"
Twilight smirk widens, "They are tied."
Ruby's eyes widen in shock. As she suddenly look at Qrow with an oddly determined yet annoyed stare. Almost as if she was trying to get him to leave. Twilight did not miss that, causing her smirk to change into a smile. Qrow in particular noticed Ruby's annoyed look. Causing him to actually look away in shame.
"Regardless, my truth is tied. I cannot tell you. Please I have my reasons. You might have saved my life, but I do not trust you enough to say more." Twilight finally admits.
Qrow nodded in understanding. "I understand. Now before I leave, will you go home soon?"
"I cannot. Its not that I won't. It's that I can't." Twilight admitted.
"Why?" Ruby asked.
"I used... something. To get here. That something I sadly left behind. Now I have no way of going home." Twilight offered.
Ruby bought it immediately. Qrow did not buy it at all. "Then its decided." she suddenly said.
"Hm?" Qrow asked, he had a sinking feeling.
"Lets adopted you! I always wanted another sister!" Ruby shouted.
Qrow's eyes widen, Twilight merely giggled at the excitement. "Lets not get ahead of ourself. We still need to meet your father. Since he will have to take care of another child. Which might be too much for him."
Ruby gasped, "Right. I forgot. I miss mom already." she suddenly said, her voice turning more depressed.
Twilight was about to comment on that, but Ruby's dad Taiyang suddenly entered the bedroom. His other daughter standing next to him. Twilight looks up giving a small bow politely.
"Nice to meet you, sir, miss. My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight offered.
Tai smiled at the politeness, "No need to be so polite. My name is Taiyang Xiao Long, and this is my other daughter, Yang Xiao Long. Nice to meet you." Tai offered Twilight a hand, something that Twilight took wholeheartedly.
"Nice to meet you." Yang, Ruby's sister said. She was looking at Ruby, Ruby was too busy staring annoyed at Qrow to notice.
"Why is my sister so annoyed towards Qrow?" Yang asked confused.
"I was talking to Ruby about Fairy Tales. And Qrow made me shut up due to sheer hostility. Something that Ruby didn't like." Twilight offered.
Tai blinked confused at Qrow for that. "Well Qrow. Please leave the room for a bit, to... think about your actions a bit more. I want to chat to Twilight here without you."
Qrow merely nodded defeated as her left the room saddened. Yang watched a defeated looking Uncle leave the room. Twilight noticed a empathetic nod that she gave him. Twilight would agree as well, if he wasn't so hostile.
"Now then. Another question I have is, why is my daughter looking so sad?" he asked.
"I brought her back to reality since she was about to something really important without your consent." Twilight explained.
"Which was?"
"Adoption."
"Excuse me... What?!" Tai shouted shocked, Yang's eyes also widen at that.
"Exactly." Twilight said as she giggled at their response.
"Well I wanted to bring her in the family since she can't go home due to circumstances. She is essentially stuck with me. I wanted to offer a reward in the form of a temporary adoption! Just so we don't have to dump her on the street!" Ruby shouted oddly mature. Causing both Yang and Tai to blink in surprise.
"Is that so?" Tai asked for confirmation.
"Yes. I came here using... a certain piece of equipment. Which I left behind as I was suddenly flung away from it. Into a Beowolf that was about to maul your daughter. Sadly without the equipment I won't be able to get back home, anytime soon." Twilight explained.
Tai seemed to accept the explanation. He was mostly confused at the situation. But realized that Twilight wasn't really lying. Sure he noticed that Twilight's wasn't speaking the full truth, but it was close enough. He nodded in understanding. "And you have no family anywhere on Patch?"
"Probably no family anywhere on Remnant." Twilight suddenly admitted. Causing him to look confused at Twilight.
"I see." Yang said, she also only partially bought it. But seeing Ruby's desire to adopted Twilight into the family and the fact that this might distract Ruby from becoming further depressed. She saw this as the next best thing. "I don't mind. But my dad isn't exactly father quality. He has been... a bit of dead weight lately." she admitted.
That stab of truth caused Tai to hang his head in shame. "I admit. I haven't been the most acceptable father."
"Perhaps I could help." Twilight offered, "I can listen, and people tell me that I am a smooth talker. Perhaps I can atleast improve your fatherly abilities."
Tai petted his beard a bit, until he nodded. "I see no reason why I cannot adopt you. But... it won't be for free. Is there anything you can offer my family?"
"Uh... I know some special martial arts. And... I am really smart. Is that enough reason?" Twilight suggested uncertain.
"Let me test your smarts. This is nothing too extreme. Consider this a test of honesty. Okay?"
"That seems acceptable. Well shoot. What is it?"
"In your humble opinion. At what age should anyone learn to fight?" Tai asked honest.
"Depends on the situation. But my parents always told me, that children's ability to learn is much greater than adults or young adults. So if you really need to learn how to fight. You should do so as child." Twilight offered that as answer.
"But that was an unfair answer." Yang argued.
"Why?"
"Because you answer the question using someone else's answer." Yang said. This caused Twilight to giggle.
"I can see why you would consider that cheating. But the truth is, you can only learn, what another teaches you. How did you learn martial arts? From your father. Because he taught you, this is how you initially learned things. As time passed on, you developed your own style, and in turn created your own knowledge. Something you could pass on, by teaching another." Twilight explained.
"That's..." Yang was unable to argue against that. Defeated she accepted whatever Twilight just said.
"Did that pass your test?" Twilight asked hopeful.
Taiyang's serious face quickly melted when he saw Yang's defeated face. He smiled, "I see no reason why I should refuse. Just one thing. What will you offer my daughters?"
"I cannot offer Yang anything but common sense. Your other daughter on the other hand." Twilight looks at Ruby and smiled, "I can teach her martial arts."
Tai looks at Ruby and smiled as he pets her head. "Welcome to the Xiao Long family."
Author's Note
I will be brutally honest. I have been wanting to make a RWBY crossover for a really long time. I just never found a good combination. Until now that is. A Ruby Rose and Twilight Sparkle crossover. Smart and aware Twilight, with a naive but strong Ruby Rose. Both children in atleast the initial Arc. Which will take place entirely in Patch. Giving Patch more than just another Island within the RWBY series.
Unlike most stories, this story will capitalize on the blank spots of the RWBY storyline that would have made for a better world building. That being said, a good portion will still take place in Vale as that is where this story will lead to.
If the world building and Character building is done well enough by me. Then I will also continue past that point. Just not so sure yet, I am sure that most will take place in Vale, even after a certain event that will happen to beacon. Since despite the show being... rather weird about it, it is still an excellent plot point.
Anyways, I decided to turn this Prologue into a two parts. Since this chapter is 4.2k words long and the second part is 7.2k long. Making the prologue already 11.4k words long. A bit too long for a Prologue I do think.
Its evening. After all the introduction yesterday. Twilight had fallen asleep. Her head still needed to recover after all. But its exactly because she fell asleep so early, she woke up in the late evening. Despite that, she still felt a bit sleepy anyways. But, she saw that someone was standing in the room with her. Her rather unknown surroundings prevented her from leaving her alert state. Causing her to look at who was in the room with her. It was Tai, Twilight future adoptive father.
"Tai..." Twilight softly said as she gave a few cute yawns his direction. She rubbed her eyes as she looks more comprehensive at him. Tai appear tired and stressed. She immediately realized why he came to her. He came for advice.
"Sorry, did I wake you up?" He said apologetic. He looks rather guilty at Twilight for it. Twilight gave him a soft smile then shook her head.
"No. I think I woke myself up." She joked. Attempting to lift the mood a little. She could tell that despite the darkness, he chuckled at it.
Tai smiled at the implication of that statement. "I see. Say, are you alright if we talk this soon? I really want to get this off my chest. You are the first person outside of Qrow to know atleast a little bit about my current situation."
Twilight smiled knowingly at him. "If you give me a moment. I need to drink some water. This headache is killing me." she said as she waited for Tai to respond.
Tai smiled and nodded, "Of course. You did hit your head pretty hard after all. Nearly giving me a heart attack when I saw Ruby carry an injured child in her soft dainty hands."
Tai looks at Twilight's bandages as he spoke towards her. Twilight knew why, causing her to simply nod. She then grabbed the glass of water that was sitting on the nightstand besides the bed and drank it empty. She was more thirsty then she expected. Tai merely smiled at the sight. It was a good sign.
"All good?" Tai asked as he awaited the sign from Twilight so he could begin. Twilight simply nodded as soon as she place the glass back on the nightstand. Causing Tai to nod in response.
"As you could probably tell from the way Ruby acted as soon as her mother was called forth. Her mother, Summer, is currently missing in action. They... believe she died. Since she... went offline. Our scroll can track her, but the scroll lost contact with her, a few months ago. The hunter school Signal here in Patch, searched for her. For months... But nothing. No head or hair from her. This caused critical mental stability damage to Ruby and me." Tai said. His eyes darken slightly, but it was too dark for Twilight to see.
Twilight offered Tai merely a hand on his shoulder. She had to exert herself to do so, since she was still injured. Tai noticed this and smiled. He then merely placed Twilight back in the bed. Placing the cover on her once more. Twilight looked worried at him, Tai looked sad in return. But he merely continued his explanation.
"Of course. The critical damage to my mental health was bad since it was already unstable. You see, before my wife Summer. I had another wife called Raven. She... was my wife that birthed Yang. But then she suddenly walked out on me. Giving me no signal, just left. This left me unstable. Forcing me to rely on Summer for more than just company. However now that she is gone..." Tai said as he softly began to cry, or atleast tears fell from his eyes. Since Twilight wasn't allowed to exert herself, she merely pulled Tai into a hug. Twilight, being young that she is, also cried alongside him. She didn't totally understand the mental troubles, but that didn't matter.
"It feels as if my world just... Collapses around me. First my wife walks out on me. Then the second just left through potentially death. I... I am lost Twilight. What do I do? Everyone I love simply goes away. Leaves me alone to care for their children. I... feel alone. I know I have Yang and Ruby. But then what? They are far too young to understand." He said in between of his sobs. Twilight closed her eyes as she envisioned Tai's current situation. It was bleak. But... he wasn't alone.
"They..." Twilight said as she spoke up for the first time after all that information being dumped on her, "They might not understand. I know you think you should be strong for them... But there is no weakness in pain. Your mind is called for help. Qrow clearly is unable to help. He is too busy with... his own life. But you, you can absolutely lean on your daughters."
"How could you say such a thing! They are far too young!" Tai denied. Though clearly he knew otherwise, since he looked away.
"And yet. You don't mind talking to me." Twilight said smiling, "For your information. I believe Ruby is six years old, yes?"
Tai simply nodded. He seemed confused at the meaning behind such a statement.
"Well. I am five years old. Yes I seem a lot older. But I am younger than Ruby. And an outsider no less." Twilight mentioned.
"I..." Tai said lost for words. His eyes went wide at the mention of Twilight's age. But he seemed more shocked at how easily he showed weakness to Twilight.
"The truth is far simpler. You were stubborn. You think you can handle the world alone. While knowing you can't. That alone isn't enough of course. You fear that your children will walk the same path as their mothers, right?" Twilight deduced.
Tai looks away, he seemed embarrassed that a child much younger than him was able to figure it out. With a slight blush on his face he nods. Causing Twilight's smile to widen.
"Well. Then you shouldn't accept the world as it currently is. But you should accept what your world could be. Stop thinking about the Ifs or whens. Look at yourself and ask. Is this what I should be doing? Is this who I want to be?" Twilight suggested.
"Of course this isn't who I want to be. But how am I supposed to act differently?" Tai continued to deny.
"Stop. Stop fighting. There is no reason to deny who you currently are. You must be able to accept yourself. Only then will you be able to move on. Because if you fail to move on. You will become the dead weight, Yang mentioned earlier. Something I know you want to avoid at all cost." Twilight advised.
"I... I should accept the darkness within me?"
"Yes. But don't let it control you. You should ask yourself, is this what I want? Before you act without reason. Everything must be done in moderation. The darkness will help guide you. The light will heal you if you go off the path you chose. But remember. The only one that can start the conversation. Is the one that needs to converse the most."
"Simply put. Accept yourself. Allow you to love yourself and those around you. Don't let the past control you, instead let it warn you not to make the same mistake twice. And lastly, you mentioned, missing in action right? Well, nobody said that she was dead. You should fight, struggle, to allow yourself some hope. It's better that way. Knowing that you atleast did everything could have done. As to not feel the guilty, for not even trying." Twilight finished advising.
Tai gasped at the mention, he really hadn't check if the missing in action is correct. Or if they merely gave up. He closed his eyes and asked himself. Is this enough? Or do I need to be greedy to find out the truth? He then mentally smiled.
Twilight could tell that he was in a much better state. But... she had yet to mention the elephant in the room. She could tell that there was something else also causing unnecessary darkness within his heart. She knew that if she didn't mention it now, there was no way she could help him ever again.
"But that isn't all. Is it?" Twilight suddenly asked, "There is something else that causes you an unnecessary burden. I can tell, your complexion is better. But the mention of your daughters caused some guilt to appear in your eyes. There is no need to leave those alone. You can tell me, I am merely a child. I could simply forget." she suddenly smiled as she hinted at the fact.
Tai sighed, he knew there was something else. He nodded, "I can't hide anything from you can I?" He said as he saw Twilight's sudden smile. "Its true. There is another thing. You see. I have sworn secrecy upon some information that could benefit my daughters greatly. But the one the made me do it, said it was for the best."
"Does this happen to involve Ruby's eyes?" Twilight wondered.
"Yes. Her silver eyes are the real deal." Tai confirmed.
"Then perhaps you need to ask yourself this. Are you sure you wish to let your daughters fight an invisible enemy? Or let them know atleast enough so they might be more ready? After all. Lies can only bring you so far." Twilight offered.
Tai sighed, "Perhaps I should tell you everything firstly. I have a feeling that you convince me to tell my daughters the full story anyways." A smile appeared on Tai's face. It was a knowing one. Twilight matched his as she also nodded.
Tai looks slightly annoyed before sighing again. "You see. The fight between Grimm and Humanity isn't an entire honest one. In fact, according to some ancient transcript. A few hundred thousand years ago, there didn't exist a single Grimm on this planet. That all changed when two individuals appeared. A wizard and a witch."
"The wizard was a mortal, but with the power of reincarnation. While the witch was simply immortal. At first these two simply lived in harmony. Atleast that was until the wizard began lying. Lying to the witch and himself. Until eventually they left each other. But not in the most pleasant way possible. The wizard gained the support of Humankind. While the witch was exiled. Unbeknownst to the wizard, the witch can summon things."
"Specifically she can summon Grimm. These Grimm beings began ruining the world they lived in peace in. It ruined it so much. That the wizard was forced to flee. It was then that he met the two gods that made this forsaken mess. The god of light gave him reincarnation powers. While the god of darkness gave the witch immortality. Forcing the two in a fight that would last centuries."
"But then something happened. At some point their fight location changed. It went from their world into our world. And the fight continued. It was then that something unexpected happened. The witch met some unexpected resistance from the silver eyed warrior clan. Their ability to erase Grimm on sight made them a threat. Which is also the witch killed them one by one, over centuries."
"Until only one is left. Ruby Rose. She has inherited Summer's silver eyes. Making her the last one remaining. That is if Summer is actually dead. In which case, it is two people remaining. Regardless, that brings us to the wizard. The one with Humankind on his back, made me swore secrecy. To protect Ruby's life from their forces." Tai frowned.
"Which is a lie. He wants to use Ruby for his own gain. He wants her eyes, for their power. So he can break the stalemate with the witch. Even if the world dies around him. He wants to win, no matter what. Even if those around him, dies for his cause." Tai finished.
Twilight blinks, "He basically represents the world. He wants the win over the battle, rather than the war. And even if he wins, the fallout on this world would destroy it. I see."
"Exactly. But I wasn't in the right mindset. I suppose I never looked at things outside of the box. But now that I swore secrecy. I could lose my life." Tai admitted.
"Are you a hunter?" Twilight suddenly asked.
"Yes. I was known as the dragon. Why?" Tai asked confused.
"Then be greedy as a dragon. You want your daughters, you want your wives. Go for it. Make sure that those dragon cubs don't turn into cannon fodder. You want to protect them no? Well the truth might hurt, but a lie that ruin their world, could be far worse. You must choose. Either listen to the lie, and turn them into cannon fodder. Or tell them the truth, and let them become battle hardened warriors. They will face whoever the wizard is facing. So you might as well." Twilight explained.
Tai was about to deny her, but Twilight serious face made him do a second take. "I am serious." Twilight said, her voice has no longer any cheer in them. "I know you want to let them live in their fairy tale. But I am afraid that I cannot simply let you ignore the truth. You know what its like to be in the dark, don't you?"
"Uh..." Tai said stunned.
"I mean Yang showed what she will do. No matter if she is a child. She will struggle, she will fight. No matter what you do. She has the mind of a fighter and she will continue to fight. No matter what barrier sits in the way. Even if she has to nearly kill herself in the process. Surely you don't want that to happen, right?" Twilight stated.
Tai blinked, but Twilight wasn't done. "And what about Ruby. If you tell her the truth, she might not blindly jump into danger. Tell her the truth. I promise its better than hurting yourself in the process. And besides, we need to train her into combat. Which is why I want to begin her training tomorrow. I know what you might think. But if we don't start now, do you really think she will be ready to face whatever will come her way when she is older?"
Tai sighed, "Fine. I will risk my neck for it. And you're right. She won't be ready if we train her any later." He rubs his neck slightly worried. But Twilight could tell, that that was mostly out of worry for his daughters, not himself.
"Good. Then let me return the gesture. You see. I also have a secret. The one related to Ruby's behavior this morning." Twilight admitted.
"The one about magic right?"
Twilight nodded, "You see. My secret would make me get hunted by both the wizard and the witch."
Tai's eyes widens, "That bad?"
"Simply put, the wizard isn't the only wizard around here." Twilight admitted, "Let me show you."
Twilight opened her hand carefully, she then said some magic power to her hand. As a magic circle materialized in her hand. Tai's eyes widen in shock. But only a few seconds later, she closed her hand and crushed the circle away. Her eyes hardened.
"Do you understand the importance of my secret?" Twilight asked.
"I do." Tai said still stunned.
"Then make sure it doesn't leave this room. Don't worry. I will show this to Ruby and Yang in due time. But not right now, alright?"
Tai nodded in understanding. He puts his hand on his forehead. Clearly he too, was now feeling a headache for the situation at hand.
"Welp. If you need any more guidance. After my adoption, I will be ready for you. Always." Twilight said smiling once more.
Tai nodded, "Thank you for the advise. It was worth while." he said giving Twilight a genuine smile. He then quietly grabbed Twilight's glass of water and refilled it. Twilight merely nodded at the gesture.
And that is how the evening ended. Twilight took another gulp of water, after which she closed her eyes. Falling back into deep sleep. Meanwhile Tai stood outside Twilight's room for a few minutes, before he went to sleep. Ruby and Yang were asleep for a long time by now. They were totally unaware on what just now transpired.
And as such. The following morning arrived. Twilight had enough strength to meet her new two sisters and father at the dinner table for breakfast. She still had a slight headache, but a lot more manageable than yesterday evening. However as soon as she took a seat, Tai immediately began explaining the truth to her two children. Twilight overheard everything, making sure he didn't miss anything important.
After Tai was done. Twilight looked at both Ruby and Yang's reaction. What it showed was surprising. Yang was sad but you could tell that Tai had lit a fire in her eyes. It was going to be clear, Yang and Tai will search for Summer. And Twilight will try to assist if at all possible. Meanwhile Ruby was still slightly depressed, but she wasn't as extreme as it could have been.
What she did notice, is that neither Ruby nor Yang failed to realize that they were about to fight against a being that literally immortal, and cannot die under most circumstances. Twilight noticed that neither showed symptoms of giving up however. This made her smile, since that meant that regardless of outcome. The world will move on.
"One last thing I nearly forgot to mention." Tai suddenly said before Yang or Ruby could take a break from the information. "Whatever you do. Do not tell Qrow. You see, I had sworn secrecy. And in accordance to that, if I reveal the truth. I could lose my life. With Qrow the most likeliest individual to hunt me down."
"Why? Why would uncle Qrow choose the wizard over family?" Ruby asked saddened and confused.
"He... is basically the wizard's right hand. Doing all types of jobs for the wizard in his orders. Mostly acting as pawns. Finding spies, killing them. Hunting specific Grimm, killing them. Moving around the world, as a pawn." Tai admitted.
"Which is why I believe everything said in this room. Will stay in this room. Okay? No leaking. Deny this conversation for the life of yours. Otherwise Tai will lose his life. Remember that." Twilight spoke up.
Everyone in the room nodded. Ruby was confused and sad. She suddenly didn't like Qrow as much. At the same time she was worried for her future. She hoped that mother was alive, but she didn't have much hope left. Meanwhile she now had to get ready for face death at every turn. It was then that Ruby put one and two together.
"Okay. But what about Twilight? Was she allowed to know?" Ruby suddenly asked worried.
Twilight shook her head. "No. I probably wasn't supposed to know. Regardless, as I said. Anything mentioned in this room didn't happen, alright?"
Ruby blinked as she smiled, "What were we talking about again?"
Everyone giggled at Ruby's statement. "Anyways I think I want to try and make some pancakes." Tai suddenly said as he heard Twilight's belly grumbling.
"Wait a moment. Do you even remember how? It has been months since that last time you tried." Yang asked incredulous at him by slowly turning her head into his direction.
"Well I could always use a Yang for help." Tai said the dad joke with a smirk. Yang caught on quickly causing her to shake her head, a genuine smile appears. Ruby watched wide eyed at the banter, surprised at Tai's sudden willingness to bake pancakes and help around the house.
Yang and Tai then left the dinning room to bake some pancakes in the kitchen. Twilight could hear the sounds of doors being opened as the two of them, were searching for the ingredients. However her attention had finally left Tai, instead she focused on watching Ruby.
While she watched Ruby, she drank some water. She was inspecting Ruby's body. Not just to make sure she wasn't injured. But also to check how well trained she was so far. Needless to say, Ruby was a child... Enough said. There were so signs of any combat training or awareness training. Heck, Ruby wasn't even aware she was being watched. And that didn't bode well. With what her future is like, if Ruby didn't train soon, she will not make it in time.
Of course that wasn't a problem. Plenty of time to still train. Atleast if she trains as soon as possible. Regardless, giggling from the kitchen distracted her. She could also smell a distinct smell of burned pancakes. It would seem that the two people in kitchen finally were able to make batter and began the baking process. Even if the first pancake probably was a failure.
Anyways, after a while. Tai and Yang reemerged from the kitchen. Both of them held a massive stack of pancakes. But Twilight also noticed specks of batter all over Tai and Yang. This caused Ruby to giggle at the silliness of the situation. Tai also had some burn marks on his face. But regardless, Yang shared her stack with Ruby. While Tai shared his with Twilight.
The stack was far too much for Twilight to ever eat. But at the same time, she felt bad for not atleast attempting to eat it all. However her headache told her to calm down. It was a stack of atleast thirty pancakes. Twilight placed a bit of butter on top and dripped some maple syrup all over it. She then attempted to eat it.
Tai noticed Twilight's hesitance in even attempting to eat it. He smiled as he shook his head. He then, much to Twilight gratefulness, removed a large slab of twenty pancakes from her plate and put it on his own. "Sorry. I know you are still sick. It was a miracle we even had enough ingredients to make one hundred and twenty pancakes. Since Yang bought most of the ingredients. Just eat what you can. And if you want a bit more, I will place some back. But for now, try to atleast eat ten, alright?"
Twilight nodded, she didn't speak up because her mouth was full of pancakes. And she was too busy to eat, then to talk.
Meanwhile Yang slightly pouted at the stab directed at her. But she sighed it off. Tai did not miss that.
"Well I can't really expect a child to know what a person's daily consumption should be like. But atleast she bought the essentials like milk and stuff. I suppose that is better than nothing. Anyways we will need to go do some shopping." Tai added. As he ruffles Yang's hair, much to her disliking. But she let him do it, since it had been a while.
"Can I ask you to buy some stuff then? I want to switch up Ruby's diet since we really need to start training her as soon as possible." Twilight commented. Ruby perked up from that. Something that nobody missed.
"Of course. What would you like us to atleast put on her diet?"
"Well. She will need meat which isn't totally unexpected. But she would also need a lot of vitamins, and while we can. We should also try to introduce some food that you only get in the wild. Since we won't always be near anything close to civilization. So having a more sturdy palate is handy." Twilight said as she thought out loud.
"I see. Do you think I should learn about that stuff along side her?" Yang asked.
"Well I assume its best for everyone to learn about stuff like that. Who knows what the world will throw at us. At the very least, I like to be prepared for worst case scenario." Twilight offered.
" But that isn't all. In that case it would also be smart to teach her about poison. To a degree atleast. So that she won't accidentally eats something poisonous out in the wild. And without Qrow in the know, we need someone else." Twilight added.
"Leave that to good ol' dad. I know my stuff around that." Tai stated. "I will be sure to tell you two as well about that."
"But there is a new issue. Won't Qrow notice the sudden shift in mood in this house, if everyone begins preparing for the worst?" Yang suddenly mentioned.
"You make a good point." Twilight admitted, "I suppose Tai and I can discuss that. But that is for later."
"And as last. We need to ensure that we choose products by their nutritional value. Since we shouldn't have to spend more, to gain the same amount. Since that would both be bad for our body and our pocket. A good start would be, changing the type of grain intake. Instead of relying on just grain and potato. We should try to diversify our eating habits. Like adding rice and other commodities to our eating habits." Twilight explained.
"This could help in another way." Ruby suddenly mentioned. "It could help us get used to other cultures right?"
Twilight nodded, "And in turn, it will help adapt to other foods. Just in case that is important."
"But what type of grain should we eat then? Whole Grain?" Yang asked.
Twilight was about to answer that, but Tai was faster. "Well sort of. The point is to diversify the location we get our carbs and protein from. Grain is one thing. But there is no harm in trying to diversify your feeding habits. Especially since it will make you more used to other carbs."
"I see." Yang said, "Which means... We will eat things from other cultures... Get used to their food and learn a bit of culture. Allow ourselves to adapt even better. And... get to taste weird and unique flavors right?"
"In that sense. You will also get bragging rights. For having tasted foods from all over the world." Twilight admitted.
"Awesome!" Yang said pleased.
"But am I going to do this alone?" Ruby asked.
Yang and Twilight shook her head. But Yang was faster. "Of course not sis! I also want to learn about other cultures and their foods. Besides we are stronger together, aren't we?"
Ruby's eyes widen as she smiled. "Of course... Well atleast as soon as I got any kind of training we will!"
"That's the spirit. Which is also why I wanted to mention something. I think that we should not only change our diet together. But change the way training has been done. Right now, Yang has a training schedule comparable to Tai's schedule. While Ruby isn't training at all. And I also haven't received any form of training yet." Twilight stated.
Tai realized what Twilight was suggested. "You suggest that we should do a group training in the morning in accordance to whatever Ruby wants to become. Then switch that off, by training your individual training throughout the day. Right?"
Twilight nodded, "I think we should add meditation and sparring to that list of things throughout the day. But yes."
"But how do we begin?" Ruby asked.
"Let me guide you with that. As soon as we are done with breakfast. I will begin shaking up your world view. We will talk about a little secret I want you to keep. And start talking about what kind of warrior you want to become." Twilight admitted.
"Meanwhile Yang and I. Will head to Vale for groceries. And to get Twilight's adoption papers sorted." Tai mentioned.
"Will the adoption be difficult?" Twilight asked. "I should literally not exist on any civilian list around the continent."
Tai shook his head. "Nah. With someone of my status. They will allow the adoption. Without any questions asked."
"I see. And how are you going to get to... Vale?" Twilight asked slightly uncertain.
Yang blinked. "Well there is many ways. By boat or by plane. It's likely we will get there by plane."
This caused Tai to suddenly look at the clock. It was eleven O' clock. Twilight also looked at the clock to verify it for herself.
"Well Yang. Get your hair back in order. We will depart for Vale in one hour." Tai stated.
Yang's eyes widen, especially after she looked in the mirror in shock. She then runs upstairs towards the first floor bathroom to redo her hair. And to make sure she looked alright.
Meanwhile Twilight listened as Ruby complained about wanting to go to Vale as well. Its then that Twilight makes a question that confused both Tai and Ruby. Tai looks incredulous at Twilight. But Ruby's nativity failed to see the problem.
"Uhm. Is Vale a city?" She asked slightly confused.
"Yes! It the capital city of this area. Patch is like a state owned by Vale. Vale is one of the biggest cities in Remnant. It also has a hunter academy inside the capital. Called Beacon. It was my dream to go there. But now I am not so sure anymore." Ruby answered truthfully.
"Why are you not so sure?" Twilight asked confused.
" Because the it's also the location where the wizard lives." Tai added.
"What is the wizard's name?" Twilight asked.
"Ozpin. He is the headmaster of Beacon." Tai admitted.
Twilight sighed, "Of course he is the headmaster."
"Is that problematic?" Ruby asked confused.
"Yup. Because if the wizard or Ozpin wants your eyes. He has entire Beacon and Vale behind him. The witch could hunt us as badly as the wizard can if we aren't careful." Twilight mentioned. Causing Ruby and Tai's eyes to widen.
"Lets hope it won't get to that." Tai admitted slightly sweating.
"Instead of hope. What if I became so powerful, that the wizard cannot contain me?" Ruby suggested.
Tai and Twilight blinked at that. "That is one way to be both hunted and feared I suppose." Twilight mentioned. She then changed her attention. As she looks upwards.
"Anyways..." Twilight looks at the clock, "Its been one hour and ten minutes."
Tai's eyes widen. "Yang we have to go! We will be late for our flight!" he shouted.
"I'm coming!" Yang shouted as you could hear bonking and pain groans coming from Yang's room. Until she eventual arrived. Tai then basically dragged Yang out of the house. As they rush towards the airport to make it in time for their flight.
Meanwhile Ruby and Twilight continue finishing their breakfast. After which they take a seat outside on the back porch. Ruby's attention was entirely on Twilight as Twilight got ready mentally.
"Alright. Let us talk about the world first. I am going to be very frank, so let me. What do you think the world is like?" Twilight asked.
"Uh... Well. You have Patch. They are reasonably well defended against Grimm. Then Vale has Beacon Academy. Which is a school for hunters and huntresses. They are basically a massive fortress against Grimm. You have Atlas. They are an city in the ice cold North. Their city is floating. And has the world's most powerful military. Grimm stand no chance there. There is also a desert filled with Faunus. They have decent protection against Grimm. There is another school, but I forgot where they are." Ruby admitted.
"Okay. So what threats does a hunter or huntress face?" Twilight said as she realized she has to take a step back.
"Mostly Grimm and not dying of starvation and dehydration." Ruby admitted honest.
"Well. It is true that monsters and survival itself is dangerous. It's the most dangerous thing to face out there." Twilight explained.
"It isn't?" Ruby asked confused.
"Nope. Its people. Not just Humans. But intelligent creatures in general." Twilight admitted, "The difference between a monster and people is that monsters are usually similar. They act and react the same. But intelligent creatures have the ability to adapt. If they can see a pattern in your combat ability, then they can also exploit it. Not just you."
Ruby's eyes widen.
"And worse even. There are intelligent beings that wish to bring Grimm into civilization. They kill those without directly dirtying their own hands. An attack from within and outside if you will. A hunter can easily be killed by stronger or smarter enemies. They can also become prey if they aren't careful. Especially if you piss off the wrong person."
"Like mom?" Ruby asked worried.
"Any hunter or huntress. Unless you are immortal. Everyone can be a threat. Even yourself." Twilight said as she added the last bit.
"Myself?" Ruby asked confused.
"Yes. Lets say you attack an enemy. But in the middle of the battle, you body gives out due to lack of training. Or you faint, due to lack of energy. Or you are so caught up by whatever you were doing before the fight, that you lose spatial awareness. These are all ways you could lose your life if you aren't careful."
"What would spatial awareness cause?"
"Well. Tunnel vision. You become so focused on your only enemy in sight. That you might forget the fact that there are more enemies around you that wants you dead. That is spatial awareness. Spatial for the space around yourself. The awareness to remember your surroundings. If both fail, you could be backstabbed." Twilight explains.
"Ah!" Ruby said stunned.
"Like this." Twilight said as she was suddenly behind Ruby without her knowledge. Stunning Ruby in the process.
Twilight then walks back to her seat, "If you have capable spatial awareness. Then you have practically eyes in the back. You know where someone is, without looking. This requires training your mind, your senses, your smell and your hearing."
"I... See..." Ruby said in thought. She was shocked at the sudden display, but in a good kind of way.
"A good practice is meditation. But instead of just focusing on your thoughts, you need to focus on your surroundings. Focus on the blowing of the wind, focus on the sudden movements. Those would usually tell you when someone is there. Or something, if its just a cute bunny." Twilight explained.
"And that would help me dodge a potentially fatal strike right?" Ruby deduced.
Twilight smiled, "Yes. Among other positives. But don't let that make you distrust everyone around you. Remember, trust and false trust is a delicate balance."
"Okay." Ruby said pleased.
"Good. I think that covers the absolute basics of the world. The best thing, is to simply experience the world. Experience people, we might go to Vale just to test you senses in determining whether or not, you can tell when someone is lying or not. But that is after we teach you the basics of combat and build up some stamina firstly." Twilight said pleased as well.
"Okay. So now what?" Ruby asked curious.
Twilight looks at the clock. That explanation took two hours. She then closed her eyes for a moment to check her surroundings. Noticing nobody, she reopened it. "Lets talk magic."
Ruby smiled, "Really? So what is your favorite fairy tale?"
"Mine? Well, the story of the twin sisters. But that is not why I wanted to talk magic to you." Twilight admitted.
"Aw. So what is it?" Ruby said slightly disappointed.
"Listen. What I show you, you must keep it a secret. I will be hunted for it like you. I don't want to be hunted. I need to use what I will show you, to assist and protect you. Can you keep it a secret? From everyone? From Qrow, from whoever that wizard is?" Twilight hoped as she looks directly in Ruby's eyes.
"Of course!" Ruby practically shouted.
Twilight was about to show her, but her senses told her that she wasn't alone. She quickly turned around and searched the forest line for hostiles. Ruby noticed the sudden shift in behavior as she got her scroll ready to call for help. She then also searched the tree line for anyone. When she noticed a Raven sitting on a branch.
"A bird?" Ruby asked.
Twilight blinked as she zeroed in on the bird. Her ability to detect magic told her, that either that was a familiar or someone disguised as a bird. Either way, this shut Twilight up. "I guess we aren't alone. I am sorry Ruby. With the bird nearby, I am unable to show you."
"Why?"
"That bird... isn't an ordinary bird. Either its someones pet... or a disguise. But whatever it is. I don't trust it. All my senses tells me that, that bird is dangerous." Twilight commented, her entire body rigid in fear.
Ruby noticed this, and decided to do the next best thing. She attempts to shoo it away. "Go away!" she shouts at the bird. She stomped the tree several time to get it to leave. The bird did everything in its power to stay seated as the unbalance of the shaking tree caused the bird to fall over several times. It "Caw-ed" several times, clearly annoyed.
Until the bird finally had enough and left. Back into the forest. However Twilight could still detect someone watching and in the forest. What Twilight nor the bird realized, is the Ruby also detected the bird's presence. And she did not like it. She then drew a toy sword out of nowhere. Much to the surprise of both of them.
"Where are you?! I can still sense you!" Ruby shouted angrily.
This caused the bird to "Caw" in surprise as Ruby nearly struck the bird with her toy sword. It didn't come very fast, but the surprise would have caused quite a bit of damage. Atleast the bird thought so. Seeing Ruby's angry look, combined with her determined eyes. And of course the sword still in hand. The bird finally decided to leave, for good this time.
"Did you always have that toy sword with you?" Twilight asked surprised.
"Yup. It was a gift from Yang. I wasn't about to lose it. So I keep it with me, at all times. Since despite it being a toy sword, it's sharp." Ruby said as she casually cut a solid branch, right off the tree.
Twilight looked rather impressed. "Well I suppose you could become a sword user. They are reliable, if broken can be easily replaced. And requires a much higher level of combat skill than most."
"What about the scythe like the one my uncle uses?" Ruby asked.
"Well a scythe is just a pole with a heavy metal stick attached to it. The switch from sword to scythe shouldn't be that difficult. Besides it should be important to train as much with and without a weapon. Just in case your weapon breaks or you got disarmed by an attack." Twilight commented.
"If you could be honest with me. What type of class of combat do you think is the most fitting for me?" Ruby asked.
"It's hard to say. But you do look rather cool with that sword. And seeing as you use it that defensively, would make me instantly think of a paladin. Which is perfect. Not only can they tank hits like nobody else, but also they are usually extremely strong and tough. They either range from traditional Paladin, sword and shield. Or to a more unorthodox style, known as the berserker Paladin. They are tough, strong, adaptive, flexible. They can use any weapon and shield. But can still use both, like a traditional Paladin." Twilight explained.
"Ooh. I think I like berserker Paladin. That both sounds cool and feels the most effective." Ruby commented.
"They are usually a master in none though. Jack of all trades but a master in none." Twilight added.
"Hm... What if you teach me a mastery of basic sword and shield. But gives me an none-mastery in everything else?" Ruby offered.
"Hm... That could work. It would allow for seemingly fluid switches to other weapons, while granting your main weapon the most strength... Yes! I like that. But I will only teach you, if you like it too. Keep in mind, I will have to teach you even more intense and extreme if you go for that." Twilight commented.
Ruby blinked, "How intense?" she asked worried.
"Well. Daily exercise I had planned would have been simple. Your daily exercise without the switch to Paladin would have been, 20 laps around the house. five of every exercise similar to push-up and the like. And an hour meditation." Twilight admitted.
"But now..." Twilight added, "I would change that to, one hour of running. One hour of hiking. One hour of walking. Then spend thirty minutes of stretching. Twenty of every exercise similar to Push-up and the like. Meditation whenever you have free time."
Ruby gulped, but Twilight wasn't done. "And that is besides, intense spars with Tai, Yang and me. Having to perform the mental homework of every combat style with the sword, plus the basic of each other weapon. And finally an even more intense diet. Are you still absolutely sure? If it is any save, I will have no choice but to join you for every exercise I just lined up for you."
Ruby looked everywhere but at Twilight. As she thought deeply about it. "How desperate are the enemy when their hunt begins?" Ruby asked.
"They will throw their elite to crush a child. That is how extreme they will go."
"To kill or to capture?"
"To murder and erase."
"I don't have a choice right? And running away isn't an option?"
"Well you could run. But you will abandon thousands that could use your help. Plenty without the power to fight back, they won't have a choice. You do. So, will you do it, or not?" Twilight said as she pushed her face in hers.
Ruby takes a deep breath as she sighed, "Yes. Please give me that training schedule."
Twilight smiled, "Don't worry. Dad and I are firstly going to review your schedule first. Since even with the extremity of your training. We mustn't overdo it. A balance of personal life and training must be created first. I will tell dad about it."
"Okay. Are we alone now? Can you show me the card of protection?" Ruby finally asked.
Twilight scanned the area again. This time she detected nobody. "Alright. But let me show you, pointing the other way. Towards the wall, in case they are looking from afar."
Ruby nodded as she saw Twilight open her hand. She then saw sparks until eventually she saw a magic circle appear in Twilight's hand. But as soon as it appears, Twilight crushed her own magic circle, causing it to disappear. Ruby finally realized why Twilight was being so secret about it.
"I see. Thanks sis." Ruby said as she gave Twilight a mature smile.
Twilight gave Ruby a pat on the back for that one. "Alright I can sense dad. Lets go back to the living room."
Ruby blinked, it made Ruby want to be able to do so as well. Twilight was intentionally saying stuff like that, to try and give her a sense of curiosity. In an attempt to encourage her indirectly. And from the way Ruby was looking at her, it seemed successful. It made Twilight smirk a little, something that wasn't missed by Twilight. If the pout was anything to come by.
"Hi dad. How was the paperwork?" Twilight asked as soon as Tai was through the door and without directly looking his way.
Tai sighed exhausted. "Well not that hard. Carrying this much for her strict diet on the other hand. Woof. I really need to train my strength once more."
"Well we need to talk about that. It seems that Ruby has gone and chose a rather difficult path for herself." Twilight explained.
"Huh? As in choice of combat style?" Tai asked.
Twilight smiled as she turned around. "I was going to offer her a rather lax diet and training. That was until she decided to try and become a paladin that is a master in the sword and shield. But flexible enough to use any weapon."
Tai and Yang's eyes widen, "And as such, she decided to take a the most extreme and difficult training plan possible. Of course I allow it. I know she has what it takes. All we need to do, is to create a training plan that properly balances intense training with plenty of breaks in between. A proper balance I mean. We can't let her burn out from it. Or myself for that matter." Twilight added quietly. Something that Tai didn't miss. But Yang and Ruby did.
"Are you absolutely certain?" Tai asked Ruby one last time.
"Yes. I want to protect myself and people. I want to be shining knight in silver armor for people that need my help. Besides, I don't want to get hunted, I want to be the hunter." Ruby said determined. Tai saw something, something amazing. She didn't see just Summer in Ruby, but also saw her other wife in her. Causing him to smile.
"Alright. Well in that case, I feel we all need to join your training schedule. It would do me, some good. It would improve Yang's truck like strength. It would allow Twilight to become a proper martial artist. I guess we need to do some thinking." Tai said to Twilight.
Twilight nodded, "Of course."
Tai and Twilight proceeded to use the rest of the day, planning and preparing for the coming months ahead. Something that would become their hardest months yet. Truly evil, even for themselves. Especially for untrained Twilight. But Twilight did like the diet that was set up for everyone. Even if the thought of training herself this extreme made her cringe.
But regardless, she knew. Failure wasn't an option. Though she could go home anytime. She knew she had to stay. Something told her that by leaving, something bad was going to happen. After all who says the Grimm won't spread to her world, right?
Author's Note
Okay. So I remade this chapter several times. But I am happy. This is the full prologue. Initially this was going to be a separate chapter. That was until I realized that this isn't how I want my book to officially start. The prologue is merely there to encourage readers to keep reading. Make it interesting enough to cause people to refuse to leave.
I think this Chapter has it all. Drama, action, a bit of adventure. Not bad if I say so myself.
The Nightmare of Beginning
And that all happened in a matter of days. Luckily for Twilight and Tai. Qrow was away on a long term mission. Meaning they never had to truly hide what they were doing from anyone. Allowing Ruby, Yang and Twilight to train in the most extreme way possible. Ruby wasn't feeling the effects like Twilight felt however. Ruby innate ability to turn into a warrior helped her greatly.
Twilight on the other hand was born to be a mage or wizard. She simply could not keep up at times. But that is where Twilight shone more than the stars around her. She simply did not give up. Even if her body did at times. It forced her to take more breaks than Yang or Ruby. But she would keep going until she succeeded her training.
At the early stages this meant that she would be training for the whole day. Whereas Ruby or Yang were done in less than five hours. And while that gave those two the chance to train their already well versed combat maneuvers and to spar. Tai simply joined Twilight, no questions asked. He was done also in five hours, but despite that, he continued to train alongside Twilight. He did that to both encourage Twilight and to keep an eye on her.
When Twilight wasn't training, she was eating her well kept diet. From nuts and fruit. To vegetables and oats. She maintained an healthy but very strict diet. And while she loved cookies as much as Ruby. She only gave herself one, when she succeeded in something. As a prize if you will. Regardless, she wasn't the only one. The whole household maintained this diet.
What is their train schedule you might ask? Well... Early in the morning at six O'clock in the morning everyone wakes up. Refreshed themselves then headed outside with a reasonably light clothing. They begin by walking towards an mountain for an hour. Then hike up the mountain for an hour. This involved up and down. And as soon as they are done, and also down the mountain. They would run back home for an hour by taking a massive detour. Since the actual distance of running from the mountain to home was only a minute minutes. And although at first Ruby was the fastest, due to Twilight sheer light weight, she would sometimes race Ruby back home. Coming in a close second several times. This was after Twilight got used to running that much.
After their run, they would stretch for a bit. Then begin the second set of the training. They would continue to perform push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts and whole other host of similar exercises. These were the hardest for both Ruby and Twilight. Although any exercise was hard for Twilight. For Ruby this was even harder, since she lacked the flexibility that Twilight had. Regardless at some point in the week. Everyone in the household did these exercises without complaining about it.
After that, if Twilight managed to complete her training in time, they would spar and train their bodies with whatever weapon they had chosen. Yang performed some incredibly powerful but surprisingly flexible attacks. Her attack pattern had evolved the moment Ruby could hit Yang consistently. Whereas Ruby trained the sword and shield dominantly. And would throw in some other weapons here and there. Her ability to switch was remarkable. To the point that she nearly overpowered Tai of all people.
Twilight's combat style was really unique and not unique at the same time. Her strength laid in her ability to analyze her enemy in the middle of heavy combat. Something she showed off by winning from Tai at full strength once. Something that caught everyone off guard. Especially Tai.
She was a true martial artist, whereas Tai and Yang dominantly used kickboxing. Twilight used a lot of eastern styles. A lot of ancient styles. And she would switch so fluidly, that unless you are as fast as Ruby or as experience as Tai, you will simply not catch it in time. She would sometimes switch combat styles in the middle of a punch.
Though her punches were weak, if you compared it to Tai or Yang. She made up for that. By using her knowledge of aura and the human body. If you hit a person at a specific location, most could faint right here and then. Add a little strength, and it appears as if she can hit a person as powerful as Yang OR Tai. Something that could catch most combat orientated enemies off guard.
That remained Tai. The dragon warrior. The strongest none silver eyed warrior in all of Patch and Vale combined. He was strong, like really strong. Yang could hit like a truck, Tai hits like a tank and a train were fused. And that was with each punch. He was fast and extremely strong. He truly earned the title dragon and hunter with honor. Something that was apparent several times. He could beat Ruby and Yang with ease. Though he always struggle with Twilight. Since Twilight cancels him perfectly. This created a perfect rivalry.
And as last, after everything is said and done. They would meditate. Every evening, all person of the household would meditate. Even if Twilight wasn't finished. She would meditate. It was a way for the body to learn all the moves they taught themselves during the day. This is what each day would look like. In fact that was how yesterday went, everyone was sleeping. A deep but alert sleep. Everyone could wake up as soon as they felt a threat. Atleast normally everyone could. Twilight wasn't just sleeping. She was dreaming. Dreaming up a vision. A horrible vision.
'In the dream world.
Twilight was casually walking to Patch capital city to grab some groceries. When out of nowhere, Twilight noticed a baby Nevermore flying over Patch. This was nothing special. Or would have been nothing special, if the sound of some kind of alarm didn't ring afterwards. She watched as people is fear who heard the alarm, run towards the nearest shelter. She was however too confused to follow.
That is when something awful happened. A massive hoard of Grimm blows up the wall on Patch. As thousands of Grimm flood the city. She ran up onto a rooftop to get a better view. And what she saw, looked like the end of the world. Beowolves of many sizes, Nevermores of many sizes. And thousands, millions of unknown Grimm flood Patch.
She watched as civilians, left and right. Get killed by Grimm. And there is nothing she can do. The military gets in mere seconds overwhelmed. Forcing thousands to flee. In the end. She could simply watch and do nothing. She then saw an massive Nevermore dive for her. It was about to pounce, when her dream ended. '
Twilight practically jumped out of her bed in fear. And it took her several moments to realize that it was merely a dream... Or a vision. She was unsure. Regardless, scared shitless, Twilight exited her room to grab a glass of milk downstairs. She was too afraid to go back to bed. She did this a quietly as possible. But Tai could still detect her walk downstairs.
He felt fear radiate from Twilight. Which woke him up proper. He looks at the staircase as he watched Twilight head into the kitchen for some milk. Usually Twilight kept close to her diet, unless she was spooked. In which case, she would drop her diet for a moment. Though drinking milk wasn't that bad, since it contained valuable calcium. Something Twilight could always use.
"Twilight." Tai said softly. Twilight turns around, showing that her eyes were filled with fear. She than runs up to hug Tai.
"Whats wrong?" He asked softly as he petted Twilight. Twilight was softly sobbing in his arms. She was too spooked to speak as she continued to sob in fear. Something that actually woke everyone else up in the house. Since Tai wasn't the only one feeling greedy. Ruby and Yang kept a close sense on each other. But also on Twilight. Just not as close. The fear wasn't detected, but her sadness was. However they detect Tai close-by. So they didn't act as well.
After a solid minute. Twilight grabbed a chair in the kitchen. Her tears finally dry as she drank her milk to replenish her dry throat. Tai merely let her, he watched and waited for Twilight to be ready to speak. After a while, he could tell that Twilight was ready to speak, so before he let her begin. He put his hand on Twilight's shoulder. Something that Twilight didn't mind at all.
"I..." Twilight said softly, "I had a... dream. Or a vision. I can't tell."
"What did you see?" Tai asked surprised. His voice went serious the moment he heard the word 'vision'.
"I was buying groceries in Patch. When suddenly out of nowhere. A massive flood of Grimm attacked Patch. Overwhelmed it, and killed everyone." Twilight softly said, tears reappeared as she said so.
"Which Grimm?" Tai asked.
"Atleast those bird ones and Beowolves. But also plenty of Grimm I have never seen before." Twilight admitted.
"From which direction?"
"North... I think."
"I see. I believe you. Dreams or visions like these must always be taken serious. Because one wrong move and, well, you will die." Tai admitted. He brushed his beard with his hands as he focuses at the situation.
"When?" he asked again.
Twilight shook her head. "I suppose anywhere between right now and the next time I have to go for groceries."
"Was there anything out of the ordinary in that dream?" Tai asked as he hoped for a more certain date.
Twilight thought about it for a moment. "I remember seeing a baby Nevermore a few moments before the invasion."
"Nevermore... I see. I think I am starting to get a bigger picture of what is going on here." Tai admitted. It appeared that he realized a potential date.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked confused.
"What did I teach to you about Nevermores?"
"Uh. They usually act only when aggravated. By themselves, they don't normally attack humans. Unlike most Grimm. Since they are rare and large, they are the most ineffective Grimm during an invasion." Twilight stated, she continued to think about it. "And... On Patch there is a single nest of them."
Tai nodded pleased, "Exactly. The only reason they would attack. Is if their hive has been destroyed."
"But... We have left them alone for centuries. Why would anyone suddenly strike them?"
Tai frowned, "I am unsure. Even the witch is unlikely to do this. She hates lies. So unless Patch somehow stepped on her toes. It's unlikely that she would act first."
"And honestly I don't see the wizard doing it either." Twilight offered. "Unless they did something to him. I doubt he would act."
Tai thought about it. Its then that he realized something. "Wait a moment. I remember seeing a bounty in Patch to clear out the hive of Nevermores." he suddenly mentioned. He searched his scroll for the bounty.
Twilight eyes widen as her state shifted from fear to worry. "Please tell me it hasn't been taken."
"Fuck!" Tai swore. His scroll showed that it had been taken. And that the group will depart tomorrow. Or well this morning at seven since the clock chimed that it was just passed twelve O'clock midnight.
"Who placed the bounty!" Twilight roared.
"Uhm..." Tai searched the bounty, his eyes then suddenly widen. "The Mayor of Patch! Under the advisor of Ozpin. Son of a bitch!"
"Ruby, Yang. Get down here!" Twilight shouted. She heard the two quietly arrive in front of them. Their battle gear ready.
"What is the matter?" Yang asked, she appeared worried.
"The fucking Mayor of Patch decided to clear out the Nevermore nest. And if Twilight's vision is anything to go by. This will result in an invasion." Tai explained. He appeared practically enraged.
"What do we do? We are just children." Ruby asked.
"We don't have a choice Ruby. Either we let them succeed and let them kill thousands of civilians in the process. Or stop them, pushing ourselves into danger. But potentially save thousands." Twilight admitted.
"Killing the nest will result in a devastating invasion of Grimm. They will attack Patch. Something Patch won't be ready for." Tai added for context. Ruby and Yang's eyes widen.
"Okay. Its clear we don't have a choice. What do we do?" Yang asked more serious.
"I want Twilight and Ruby block the entrance to the Nevermore Nest." Tai ordered. "Yang, you need to teach the group attacking the Grimm a lesson."
"Hell yeah! I will soften them up real good for you two!" Yang shouted slightly excited.
"Okay." Twilight said to Tai.
"Uhm. So how far do we need to block the entrance?" Ruby asked.
"As much as possible. If they won't leave kindly. Then force them out of commission. If that fails... Lethal force is permitted." Tai admitted slightly hesitant.
Twilight and Ruby gulped, "So no matter the cost. Right?" Twilight asked.
Tai nodded, "Meanwhile I am going to teach the Mayor a lesson. Not as lackey to Ozpin. But as the Dragon."
"Just don't kill him." Twilight joked. Causing Yang and Ruby to giggle. Tai sighed.
"I won't." Tai calmly confirmed.
"You are a lot stronger than before. Even if you aren't as strong as me. You might accidentally destroy his office if you aren't careful. Your control isn't as good as Yang." Twilight said in a slightly more serious tone. But she was smirking. Something that Tai didn't miss.
"I will get you back for that later. But don't worry. I will hold back... maybe."
Twilight, Ruby and Yang deadpanned at him, causing him to sweat a little. Before they all took turns shaking their heads.
"Ruby lead the way. I don't know the location of the entrance." Twilight asked as they began walking towards the entrance. Their walk quickly turned into running. As they rushed towards the entrance. Yang and Tai also rushed towards Patch. Yang diverted to search and hunt the group hunting the Nevermores. While Tai ran off towards the Mayor's office.
In a few moments, Twilight and Ruby arrived on scene. They find the entrance. It was blocked by a massive boulder. Which means, not only is nature itself blocking access, Twilight and Ruby are also now blocking access. Ruby decided to stay put and use her senses to the max. While Twilight searched the tree line for hidden enemies.
"Little sis. Yang found the enemies and is currently in combat." Ruby suddenly said as she sensed Yang in combat.
"Okay. Expect the worst. Prepare for the strongest hunters in the world to be our enemies." Twilight ordered.
"Yes." Ruby said as she calmed down. Her Paladin training was already working. She touched the hilt of her weapon several times, to place it in a ready position. Twilight meanwhile turned her senses up to eleven. As she prepared for the worst fight of her life.
It's then that Ruby's scroll went off. "Yes?" Ruby answered it. After a while of listening she hung up.
"It's a team send by beacon. They are students, but they have no teacher nearby. Yang was able to rough them up, but they were really strong. Even by her standards. After Yang's attack, they immediately departed."
"I understand." Twilight said, she started stretching her legs.
It was then that Twilight scroll went off. Twilight fumbled with it, until she picked it up. "Yes?"
"I see... Yes. We are in position. We are aware that its a team from beacon. Which team? Team toffee? First years... I see. Machine gun user, shield only user, mecha-weapon user... two of them. I see. Mayor also refused, but Beacon practically ordered it?!" Twilight said shocked. "I understand. Lethal force is fully permitted. Yes."
After that Twilight hung up since she detected the enemies on the horizon. "Enemies are nearby."
Twilight then stood besides Ruby as she waited for the enemies to arrive. "Lethal force permitted."
"Understood." A super calm version of Ruby stated. She calmly looked towards Twilight.
Then after what seemed to be several minutes. Team of Beacon of arrived. It appear that the machine gun user and shield only user appeared injured. The mecha-weapon users just appeared a bit tired. The team instantly took note of the two armed children in their way.
"Step aside! Hunter business!" The leader being the shield only user shouted.
Twilight shook her head, "We refuse. You are making a massive mistake by attacking this hive. We will not let you past."
As soon as Twilight was done saying exactly that. The mecha-weapon user charged at Twilight. Only for Ruby to punch the mecha user in the belly. Causing her to get flung backwards into some trees. Much to the shock of her fellow teammates. It was then that Twilight took advantage of the surprise and attacked the shield only user. The shield user blocked the strike, only to get pushed off his defensive position and back several feet.
One of the machine gun users reloaded his weapon, giving Twilight precious time to charge him. Before he finished reloading, Twilight German suplexed him into the ground. Giving him no time to react. He hit his face into the dirt with such force, that the ground cracked under the pressure. His aura broke instantly as he came to rest on the ground. Not moving, but alive.
His fellow teammates realized that they weren't just facing some children. They were facing warriors in training. And despite their weapons, they were out-matched. Numbers had no effect. With one teammate stuck in the trees, and another knocked out cold. This left one Mecha-weapon user and the shield user to defeat the duo. And they both noticed that Ruby had yet to even pull out her sword. While the martial artist demolished one of their teammate with a single action.
In a desperate attempt to win, the mecha user charged Ruby. Her weapon struck Ruby, but nothing happened. Ruby didn't move and her weapon is stuck. Ruby then grabbed the face of the mecha user and slammed it into the ground. Knocking her out cold instantly. She broke the weapon of the mecha user, before dropping it to the ground. This left the shield user alone.
He sighed, "I surrender."
Twilight smiled, "Okay." as she knocked him out cold with a simple chop to the back of the head. She made sure to do the same to the one stuck in the trees. "There, the opponent team is down."
Ruby sighed in relieve as her calm exterior melted to show a more friendly if sad smile. "I wish I didn't have to fight them."
"You barely did anything." Twilight slightly pouted. Ruby giggled as she ruffled Twilight's hair.
"I know. Let's call dad." Ruby said as she pulled out her scroll.
"Dad?" Ruby said through the scroll.
"How were they?" Dad asked through the scroll.
"Unprepared. But they are atleast alive. They might be fine, but considering what we did to two of them. They might need some hospital beds." Ruby calmly said.
"And the other two?"
"One was stuck in the sticky trees for the short duration of the fight. And the other surrendered."
Ruby heard Dad sigh in relieve on the other side of the scroll. "Good. Very good. I told the Mayor that I send my children to protect the hive. He wasn't very happy. But did understand the necessity of it. He is sending you an extraction VTOL for the beacon students. You two await them, help get them on board. Then meet me in Patch."
"I assume we need to walk, yes?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. The VTOL is for the beacon students only. Besides I am sure the quick run allows you two to empty your minds for a bit."
Ruby smiled, "That is true. Twilight is already moving every student into position for extraction."
"Good. Meet you at Patch." Tai said as he hung up.
Tai watched that Mayor approach him. The Mayor looked worried at Tai. "Tai... I am grateful for your assistance. But... Due to the nature of this interference Beacon has to send over a teacher." he warned.
Tai sighed, he knew that this would happen. "I see. That is fine. Who is it?"
That question made the Mayor look slightly optimistic. "It's professor Goodwitch. Miss Glynda with other words."
Tai's eyes widen slightly. "And did Beacon mention why they chose to send her in particular?"
"She offered to investigate. Or so Beacon said. The council of the school itself send her. Not sir Ozpin." The Mayor said, he appeared slightly pleased with that. He was somewhat aware of Tai's current situation. Twilight was a friendly girl. She told him under the guise that he kept it a secret. Something he would gladly do.
"I see... And how are you..." Tai was about to ask, but the Mayor pointed at a picture of Twilight. And it told him all he needed to know. He sighed in exasperation.
"Mister Taiyang. Please do not worry. I understand. Please, I understand your situation. And I am just glad that your two daughters were atleast alive. Twilight merely wanted to make a friend outside of her household. Somehow she knew that befriending me was the right thing to do." The Mayor admitted slightly worried at Tai's sigh.
Tai shook his head, "I know. Don't worry. It's just... I wish she told me about it."
The Mayor smiled as he patted his shoulder. "They are young. Give it time. Now then, I believe our guest has arrived." he said as he saw a VTOL with the Beacon logo on it, land onto the private helipad. The doors opened, revealing Miss Glynda arriving on scene. And just as she did so, the VTOL that extracted the students, flew over them and towards the hospital.
"Lady Goodwitch. It has been a while." The Mayor greeted with a soft smile.
Glynda looked up to see Tai standing next to the Mayor as she nodded, "That it has. I just wish it was under better circumstances."
The Mayor blinked, "Is that? What seems to be the problem than?"
"We lost contact with our first year group of student that were on a extermination mission." Glynda stated, she probed Tai for a response got nothing from it. Tai had a strong poker face. He revealed no emotions to Glynda.
"Ah! I understand." The Mayor suddenly chimed up, "We received an emergency beacon from the entrance leading to the nest. The student were wiped out, and the VTOL that flew past extracted them in time. Tai's children happen to wander in that area. They extracted them."
Glynda looked surprised at the Mayor. "Is that so? How were they?"
"My daughter Ruby explained that she saw some kind of ambush." Tai stated, "Two unknown individuals wiped the floor with them. Luckily Ruby and my new child Twilight, managed to scare the ambush off. Which left the hunters-in-training with minor injuries and knock out cold."
Glynda's expression softened, "You got a new child?"
"Adopted. Yes. She did something for me, I didn't want to send the child back to the streets. So we adopted her." Tai said, finally breaking his poker face with a smile.
Glynda nodded impressed. "I see. And where are your children?"
"They are on route. I asked them to keep a look out on more potential ambushes. But if all goes well, they will arrive in a minute or so."
The Mayor looked towards the entrance of Patch. "Speaking of the devil. There they are." he said as he points in the direction of Ruby and Twilight.
Ruby and Twilight noticed the Beacon professor and slowed down to appear to simply walk their direction. Ruby moved to hug Tai. Whereas Twilight took a stop in front of the Mayor.
"Are you alright sir?" Twilight politely asked the Mayor.
The Mayor and Glynda smiled at the polite question. "I am fine. Who were the ambushers?" he asked with a blink.
Twilight blinked for a moment, before regaining her composure. "Ah... We didn't get a good look of them. They were clothed with black colors and had a Grimm Mask on them."
"On their face?" Glynda asked, she hoped it wasn't, but you never know.
"No. They had a scarf on her face. It was on the side of their face." Ruby chimed in. As she was hugging Tai.
Glynda thought about it for a moment. She had an idea of who it might be, but without concrete evidence she left with basically nothing. "I see. Thank you for assisting the students. By the way, which hospital did they go?" she asked Ruby.
Twilight's eyes had a flash of worry. Something that the Mayor didn't miss. "Patch Hospital. But please give them a bit of time to recover. Surely they need some medical attention first. Why don't you visit Tai's home in the meantime? I will message you, when they are recovered enough to speak." The Mayor interfered.
Glynda noticed that oddity of that statement. They were just knock out cold, right? So why would they need to recover first? Tai also noticed the massive hole in that statement. But he said nothing. Instead he decided to encourage it.
"Well. It has been a while." Tai admitted, "And besides I finally managed to pull myself together. How about a lunch cooked by yours truly?"
Glynda looked surprised at Tai. "I... Sure." She said slightly hesitant. She appear to take a second to fully grasp what Tai just admitted, but as soon as she did. She decided that she wanted to see the new Tai. And also she hadn't had lunch yet.
"Yang!" Tai shouted, everyone saw Yang walk out of a ice cream shop. "We have to go."
"Okay." Yang said smiling.
"Did you grab ice cream?" Ruby asked incredulous.
"What? No! I have a strict diet! I can't just break that." Yang said shocked at the statement. "One of my friends of Signal works there. I was just chatting."
"That didn't stop them from nearly force feeding you ice cream though." Tai commented.
"I know. But I told them about my diet. And they understand."
Twilight nodded pleased. "Good. Otherwise you would have to go through the punishment again."
Yang, Tai and Ruby shuddered at the thought."Never again..." Ruby mumbled.
"How... strict is your diet now then?" Glynda wondered.
"Very strict." Tai admitted. "We eat a specific amount of meat, grains, fruit, vegetables each and every single day."
"Our 'candy' is comprised of dried vegetables or fruit. All of them are dried at home to ensure limited sugar intake." Ruby explained.
"At first it was hard." Yang admitted, Twilight nodded in agreement. "But we got used to it."
"Of course when we have a guest. We switch it up." Tai admitted, "But the kids and I will eat our special lunch. And I will bake you something special."
Glynda blinked, "Actually. I am curious. I want to taste and test your current diet."
"Are you sure? This lunch is specifically made for us. Because we have an extremely difficult training sessions each day." Yang questioned, "We need each part of the lunch to an exact. Otherwise we will have difficulty during the training session."
"How exact?"
"Into the grams." Ruby replied. "We have a specific diet each person. You can have this many then, this many then, etcetera. Since our combat styles are so different."
Glynda was surprised at this. Diets this strict usually meant that either someone was in serious need to lose weight. Or you were training so intensely, that missing even a gram of fruit could be catastrophic. Since a person could collapse when not enough resources are inside the body. "In that case. What do you want to become?"
"As a fighter?" Twilight asked. They saw her nod.
"Well I am training to become a berserker Paladin with a mastery for sword and shield." Ruby admitted.
Glynda gasped at that, "Really?! No wonder your diet is so extreme then."
"I am continuing my current combat style. A flexible kickboxing style. Speed with strength. And adding a bit of unorthodox style to catch my opponents off guard." Yang admitted.
Glynda hummed, "How is that different from normal?"
"Well. Before my combat style was very close range that can easily be countered. Now I can grapple, I can shift to mid-range combat for more precise strikes. Or long ranged, in case that is required. Though the latter one, is the one I am still trying to improve." Yang explained.
"Interesting." Glynda said impressed. She turned her attention to Twilight, "What about you?"
"My style is polar opposite to Tai. I use extremely rapid speed and precise strikes to my opponent. These attacks are weak by nature, but because I use my knowledge of the body of my opponent against them mid-battle, these can hurt as much as strong attacks. I can also switch styles mid-punch. Tai uses strong direct attacks, I use weak effective strikes as my main weapon." Twilight explained.
"And then lets move on to me. My dragon style hasn't changed much. Besides the fact that I too, have become more versatile and flexible. Twilight and I both spar a lot. And believe me when I say this. Unless its me, most people won't be able to defeat her. Even I am struggling against her." Tai admitted, much to Glynda's shock.
"In fact I am currently in the lead by one point." Twilight added in the background.
"Yang's combat style is actually mid-range somewhat offensive move set. Ruby is one hundred percent power moves, with an added flexibility from being able to use, any weapon available to her. Twilight is a super martial artist, she knows every combat move from any martial arts. Her insane knowledge of herself and the world makes her insanely dangerous. Her combat style is extremely offensive. And finally my combat style is close combat, and slightly defensive." Tai explained.
"Wow." Glynda said surprised. "That is... quite powerful indeed."
"Now then. Shall we get going? Our home really isn't that far from Patch." Ruby said innocently.
"Big sis. fifty kilometers is far for most people." Twilight deadpanned.
"Eh. It really isn't that far. We can run across the entirety of the Patch Island in less than five minutes. And that is about five thousand kilometers on each side." Ruby said nonchalantly.
"Yes. Run. We are going to take a VTOL I assume." Twilight said as she looks at Glynda's expression. Glynda grimaced at the distance alone.
Glynda nodded, "Yes." she gulped, "Lets take the VTOL."
"Aw. Can we not just run back?" Ruby pouted, "The VTOL is far too slow."
"No. And that is final." Tai said ending the discussion right there and then.
Author's Note
I like this chapter. I actually changed the encounter at the end, since I initially had Qrow return from his mission. When I realized that it made no sense for Qrow to be the one to be back home already. So I changed it from Qrow to Glynda Goodwitch.
Also this chapter was really fun to make. Now I am thinking about a good image to use as representative to this book. I have an idea, but I lack experience in digital art of any kind. So either I find what I want, or I try to craft the image myself.
Glynda, Tai and the children were now riding with the VTOL. Unlike normally, the doors were open since Glynda was using the sky to search for the ambushers. In the mean time, Yang and Ruby continue to chat about the kidnappers in an attempt to make it seem even more realistic. However Twilight knew that Glynda probably already figured out that, something just doesn't make sense.
For starters, Ruby and Twilight said that the students had light injuries and were knock out. Tai mentioned that they just happened to be in the area... which in itself is really suspicious. Like nobody would just randomly walk near a nest of Nevermores. You would be stupid to hang out there. Then the Mayor only made things worse, by telling an obvious lie.
If Glynda really worked with students, really was a professor. And a huntress no less. It was extremely unlikely, that she hadn't caught on. What didn't help, was the small glances she made towards herself and Ruby. She knew something was up. She didn't have all the pieces yet to combine it into a proper statement. But enough to atleast shroud herself in doubt.
Wanting to appear stupid, Twilight assisted Glynda in searching the sky for suspicious people. Of course there was no such thing around, well besides the Grimm, but that didn't stop her from continuing. As such, besides that chatter coming from Yang and Ruby. It was quiet. The sound of the engines were the only thing that continued until they made it back to their home.
As soon as the VTOL began landing. Everyone stepped out of the VTOL. Glynda looks at Twilight expectantly but Twilight simply shook her head, "I am afraid I didn't see anyone with the matching profile we gave before. During the flight back home."
Glynda nodded smiling, "I understand. Thank you for helping anyways."
"I'm happy to help. That being said... Is something the matter? You keep glancing at me and Ruby."
Glynda looked away for a moment. "I just wonder why you two were near that nest to begin with."
Twilight nodded, "That is a curious case indeed." Twilight held a poker face as she spoke about the suspicion.
Glynda probed her for a reaction. When she got nothing, she smiled. "I see. And perhaps you don't want to share it?"
Twilight gave Glynda a small smile, "Perhaps another time. But not right now."
Twilight and Glynda stare at each other for a moment. A tension was hanging low in the garden as Twilight maintained her poker face. Glynda finally looked away after a while, "Very well. I hope you have a good explanation."
Tai and the others looked at the exchange, slightly confused. "Uhm. Can we go lunch now? We will be late at this rate." Ruby whined.
Twilight nodded at their direction as Glynda and Twilight both walk into the house. And while Twilight casually walk up to the dinner table to take a seat. Glynda took a moment to look around. The house was much cleaner, but also has the distinct smell of being used... a lot. That said, she also saw no sign of Tai's usual liquor. Which was very good.
"For a moment there, I thought you were lying." Glynda admitted to Tai. She watched as Tai placed the special lunch on the dinner table as she herself also took a bite. It was far more healthy than she expected the lunch to be. Though nobody appeared to complain about it.
Tai sighed, "I understand. My buddies want me to go to the bar with them. But I always refuse, much to their annoyance." he said in between bites.
"They also believe...?"
Tai nodded, "I believe so. Regardless, ever since we adopted Twilight. It feels as if our world opened up with new potentials. Our training schedule, our diet, our progress. Its amazing." he admitted.
Glynda blinked, "Don't tell me, you got stronger?" she said worried.
"Don't worry, professor Goodwitch." Yang chimed in, "If any, Twilight is keeping him from become to overpowered."
Twilight shook her head, "That is false. I am actually making him stronger."
Ruby, Yang and Glynda looked surprised at that. "How?" Glynda asked before anyone else.
"Twilight is a obstacle for true power." Tai said suddenly, "She is capable in ways most aren't. She is not only incredibly smart, and young." He added, "But her ability to flex her speed and aggression is out of this world."
Glynda nearly mouth gaped at that, "Compared to some huntresses, how strong?"
"She is like those ancient martial artists you see in history books." Ruby admitted, "Her knowledge of martial arts. Combined with amazing speed and deadly accuracy, makes her a deadly weapon. And that is ignoring her special ability during combat."
"Am I allowed to know what that is?" Glynda hoped, Twilight saw a sparkle of excitement in Glynda's eyes. Causing her to smile.
"The ability to both analyze my enemy during combat no matter what they are doing. And the ability to swap martial arts and style mid-punch." Twilight admitted.
This time Glynda couldn't stop herself from mouth gaping. "I... What?!"
"Tell you what. Dad, do you mind if we take a break from our usual stamina training to show our guest my ability and your progress?" Twilight asked.
Tai smiled, "I was just thinking the same thing. Sure thing, but tomorrow you will have to do double."
"That is fine. I have been wanting to push my stamina training further anyways." Twilight admitted.
Ruby and Yang sweat dropped at that. Twilight was already struggling with, what she had on her plate. This wasn't helping. Even with atleast two weeks of training, Twilight was still struggling with stamina. Unlike Ruby who has so much stamina that it would never run out. But despite that, Twilight seemed to continue to push herself far beyond anyone should.
Tai smiled as he saw Twilight determination to push herself. "Alright. To make it fair, I will have to join you on the same amount of training. But enough of that, lets head to the sparring ring. Ruby and Yang, you aren't exempt from your training. Get going." he said as he saw Ruby and Yang complete their lunch. Twilight was finished a long time ago.
Ruby and Yang nodded as the walk off into the distance. Twilight meanwhile took a stand on one side of the ring, her fists in position as if she was about to start performing karate. On the other side, Tai stood with his usual aggressive stance. They stared each other down for a moment. "This match will end when either of us are out of the ring. Or we are knock out cold." Twilight announced.
Glynda raised her eyebrow, "Not if the aura is broken?" she asked.
"If we did that, then this match would be over in two seconds." Tai admitted. "With my aura breaking first."
Glynda blinked as she nodded in understanding, if a bit confused. Regardless she inspects both fighters. Tai was showing his usual stance, meaning Glynda was unsure about the changes to this combat style. On the other side stood Twilight, her stance was extremely offensive like Tai said earlier. But despite that, she saw no holes in her defenses. Which was odd, until Glynda realized, this was no karate stance. This was an ancient warrior stance know as, "Light Guard." An offensive, defensive combat style that is extremely intense. Glynda knew a little bit about it, as she trained it a bit herself.
Twilight's was obviously way more advanced however. So advanced in fact, that Glynda doubted whether or not Twilight really wasn't an huntress. Something that neither Tai or Twilight missed. But now their focus and concentration has shifted entirely on each other. As the match was about to begin.
"Begin!" Twilight announced. After that, deadly silence. Tai made no first move, neither did Twilight. Twilight could tell that Tai actually stopped himself from performing the first move, something that is far smarter than what it might have seem. Since Twilight's martial arts are self-defense first, direct combat second. Being the first to make a move is bad for Tai.
Glynda watched in surprise as Tai made no move to start. Instead she saw Twilight taking a low predatory stance, as she got ready to start giving Tai an overwhelmingly fast attack. But instead of letting Twilight continue that motion, Tai immediately jumped Twilight before she could finish. A small twinkle in Twilight's eye, suggested that she was awaiting it.
As Tai extended his arm to punch, Twilight got ready to throw it over her shoulder. Only to miss grabbing his arm, as he pulls it back at the last moment, to use his less dominant hand to punch Twilight had extremely close range. Something that struck Twilight, Twilight then used the momentum of the strike to roll over in the sky. She used some athletic landing motions to reduce the damage done to her body. Reducing the damage by fifty percent.
Twilight then gave Tai no chance to follow that move up, by instantly switching into a Cobra stance. As she appeared next to Tai in less than a second, and struck Tai's weak points in less than one second. Fifteen strikes in less than a second, hit Tai as he was pushed back by the sheer overwhelming forces of the barrage of punches. If Glynda wasn't a fully trained huntress, there would be no way for her to have seen them. But she did, and boy were these strikes accurate.
It was then that Tai showed his new and improved self to Glynda. Instead of firing up from it, he took the strikes like a tank. And proceeded to calmly appear next to Twilight instead. Catching her slightly off-guard. He then gave Twilight a simply punch to the belly, which alone held enough strength to push Twilight almost out of the ring and into the forest behind. Twilight managed to barely recover from it. But her stamina had taken a massive dip from that.
Twilight was now slightly tired, whereas Tai showed no sign of stamina drain. Twilight realized that Tai wasn't just sparring, he was trying to show everything he had. Since he sometimes tend to weaken his punching strength to match Twilight's punching strength. But now, Twilight was quickly being overwhelmed due to lack of stamina alone. Glynda and Tai didn't miss a small look of sadness coming through Twilight's eyes as the thought passed through her.
Regardless, Twilight recovered relatively quickly. Realizing that she now had limited stamina, she decided to give it her all, or lose the fight. Since she simply didn't have enough stamina to take another punch like that. She would lose if she took another hit. She closed her eyes as she focused all her attention on ensuring a win, over playing it like a spar. To her, this was no longer a spar, this was a proper fight. Because its likely that she would lose in a real fight if this continued to be a problem.
Twilight's stance went into a unique stance. One that only she held. She called this stance, "The Dragon stance." Or also known as "Overwhelming Might." One she only used if she felt cornered. It was her ultimate combat style. And Twilight got ready to everything she got. Instead of crouching down to appear weak, she did the opposite. She widened her combat stance and appeared intimidating. Her focus shifting entirely from the spar to a serious fight.
Tai meanwhile noticed the shift in combat style and appeared shocked. Twilight had never used this style before, let alone in a match. But that wasn't the entire reason why he was shocked. This combat style is passed down among generations within the Xiao Long family line. It's an ancient martial arts from which most of the combat styles had been lost to time. In fact, Tai couldn't even understand how Twilight knew this combat style.
Glynda on the other hand appeared more confused. She had never seen this combat styles before. Let alone one that had Tai on edge. Tai was so worried in fact, that Glynda could feel some fear coming from Tai. This was concerning since Tai is a fully grown hunter, whereas Twilight is a mere child, not even a student. Glynda than decided to study Twilight's stance to get to know it better.
Then, in an explosive action. Twilight jumped into the sky like Tai had done a moment ago. But instead of punching Tai, she used her legs and feet to strike at his face and shoulder respectively. Instead of the barrage of strikes, these were singular strikes with an incredible amount of power behind it. She power struck Tai twice, both strikes were powerful enough to push Tai almost out of the ring himself. And enough force that small shock waves appeared after each strike was successful. The sound that came from these strikes were loud enough that Glynda had to close her ears to protect them.
Tai finally realized why Twilight went into full combat mode. He had punched Twilight too hard, which resulted in making her lose too much stamina after the first few seconds in combat. He could tell, because despite Twilight hitting him, she was losing stamina rapidly. Almost as if, this stance is a last resort. In case failure is almost guaranteed, it would be her only way to try and turn the fight around. But Tai also knew that if this fight continued, Twilight would be in seem deep trouble.
Glynda realized the same thing. Twilight was using her ordinary stamina before. But now she was also depleting her reserves. And at the rate it was going, it became far too unhealthy. She glanced at Tai, while Tai glanced back. They nod at each other. Tai has to end this match right here and now, or face far worse scenarios.
Tai then dug into his memory for a perfect counter his mother taught him, before she left this planet. he found one, just as Twilight performed another strike. Tai cancelled the strike with perfect accuracy. Then struck Twilight with enough force to knock her out cold instantly. She had no time to react to cancel the strike. As she went down, losing the fight. When Twilight was knock out cold, her senses went dark. Which resulted in Ruby and Yang appearing out of the woods confused as to why she went dark.
They then probed the situation for a bit. Before deciding to go back to their training. Glynda looked confused at them as the left, but decided not to comment on it. Tai meanwhile decided to princess carry Twilight back inside the house and lay her down on the couch for now. Tai then turned to Glynda scratching the back of his head embarrassed.
"That... wasn't the best spar." Tai admitted, "We usually talk over each other as we spar. While also joke around. But this was a whole different experience. Something that I ruined myself."
"Ruined how?" Glynda asked slightly confused.
"Well. Despite Twilight best efforts. She isn't a combatant or warrior yet. Unlike Yang and Ruby, which are born in a warrior family, Twilight is an outsider. The pressure she feels to not fall behind is overwhelming." Tai explained.
"In order to stay next to Ruby, Twilight attempts to act like the mature one of the children. She is smart and very mature. But... that is also hurting her relationship with Yang and myself. She... actively push us away in an attempt to seem equal to us. She doesn't want to be seen as weak." Tai added.
"But she is. Right?" Glynda offered, Tai shook his head in response.
"In the combat sense, absolutely. But in the intelligent sense, she is the strongest. But the lack of accepting help is what actually makes her weaker. Both physically and mentally. She needs help, she knows this. We all know this. But she keeps pushing us away, which prevents us from helping her. She is strong, a really strong child. But that strength bring with it a weakness. Her own mind, is her own weakness." Tai explained.
"I see." Glynda looked away, she understood this feeling better than most. "The feeling to be strong like everyone else. Only to realize you are weaker than you think you are. I... understand Twilight's... feelings." she admitted hesitantly.
Tai smiled at Glynda. "I know. That is why I felt that it was fine to tell you this. Twilight... needs help. But we can't get close to her. She closed herself off from the world. Feeling as if she is alone. But she isn't. I just wish I could help her. But I can't. Truth is, its already really hard to maintain Yang and Ruby. Twilight isn't making it easy on us."
Glynda looked at Tai, but Tai continued without realizing it. "Yang's desire for vigilante behavior is making her... difficult sometimes. Ruby's overwhelming desire to get stronger, causes Ruby to burn herself out sometimes. Which results in mental breakdowns. And then you have Twilight. Twilight is the most difficult of the three. Her desire to stand next to Ruby and Yang as equal, causes her to fight the hardest and train the hardest. But..."
"As a result. Twilight wants to take the world on, alone. She closes herself off, but is allowing her emotions to bottle up." Glynda finished. "Which result in catastrophic consequences."
Tai nodded saddened, "It... already exploded twice. But instead of going into a fit of rage. She either falls over and is stuck in a coma like state or she falls sick. Both of which can happen at the worst possible time. This results in both my other children to be struck by it. Reinforcing their already bad behavior."
"And then there is Tai." Glynda said serious.
Tai nodded, "My mental stability is really good at the moment. I left alcoholic drinks behind entirely. But... when my children either falls sick, or does something stupid. My ability to help them is reduced. I am a solo father of three children. I can barely maintain them. Food is fine, exercise is fine, help with the mind isn't fine."
"You need help. But you are alone. With Raven taking care of her clan and Summer missing. You are stuck." Glynda confirmed. Tai nodded in agreement.
"Exactly."
Glynda sighed as she grabs her forehead in exhaustion. "I see. So although everything appears fine. It actually isn't fine. Is that so?"
Tai merely nodded, having said everything he wanted to say. Which had an unbeknownst side effect, Twilight was able to hear Tai speak, even while asleep. Her dream realm took every bit of information and transfer it all to her conscious state.
Twilight was sad, very sad at her own blind mistakes. But she too, was stuck. She couldn't imagine a world where she didn't stand next to Ruby. But at same time, she shouldn't be pushing others away that are just trying to help. It actually made her cry in her dreamworld. Lost and sad. She could see bubbles of her own memories, the good and bad ones. Every time a bubble appear that showed her pushing those around her away. The more she felt guilty, the more she felt alone and sad.
These aren't thoughts of a four year old, but due to Twilight's sheer intelligent nature. Her age matters little. Her understanding of the world and those around her, hurt her as much as it helps her. She is simply too smart. She has acted far too mature in last few week. She was unsure if those around her would even let her in, after she pushed them away. She... was alone. She saw both worlds, a world where she was alone and one where she has Ruby, Yang, Tai, her own family as well. As her mind started waver, she was starting to drain herself of good feelings, her ability to proactively interact with it, was losing the fight too.
After the conversation and adding one night to the time she was asleep. Twilight woke up, but she wasn't herself. She felt lost. Her eyes were grayish purple, as she was in some sort of trance. Her ability to communicate had been reduced, her senses dulled. She was now in a state called "Lost" which resulted in her doing everything on automatic pilot. This was akin to depression, an early stage of it.
Ruby, Yang and Tai instantly noticed Twilight's state. Yang has seen that state before, she had felt it as well at one point. Ruby too, has felt it once upon a time. Tai had seen both Yang, Ruby and Summer in that state before. It suggested that something has caused serious harm to once's mental state. To be at borderline depression. Yang and Tai were stumped at what they need to do, to fix this. But Ruby immediately felt like she needed to hug Twilight. Something she did without thinking.
Twilight then weakly attempted to push Ruby off her. Something she had never done to a hug, but Ruby wouldn't let go. It was then that Yang decided to follow Ruby's advice and hugged both of them. Again Twilight began struggling a little, they noticed small tears appear besides Twilight's eyes. It was then, that Tai finally put one and two together.
'She must have overheard my conversation with Glynda! ' He thought with widen eyes. Tai then looked hesitant at the group hug. He realize that there was nothing but a good hug could improve the situation. He joined the hug as well. Twilight's eyes looked at her family. Glancing over Ruby, Tai, Yang. She finally stopped struggling. Instead she devolved into small sobs as her bottle finally broke, causing her to lose control over herself.
She proceeds to bear hug each member of Xiao Long family, including Ruby. Her sobs loud and tears flowing madly. Ruby and Yang joined the cry party. Whereas Tai merely patted everyone. Tai had small tears in his eyes, but kept himself from crying. He saw Glynda enter the room, stare at Twilight. Then leaving the room. Seemingly uninterested in talking.
After what seemed like hours, Twilight's finally woke up from her trance. She was fully aware of what is going on, but was unable to fully control herself. Instead she saw the scene before her as a movie, but a massive part of the weight had been shared with her adoptive family. Now that she had control once more, she realized that with the current state of the family, further training was impossible. Yang needs to learn when to help the cops, and when she did, with permission. Ruby needs to learn some self-control. Tai needs to learn to be a bit more honest. And Twilight needs to learn to accept help.
Twilight took a deep breath, her eyes purple once more. She looks at the current mental state of everyone. Tai looks fine, Ruby also looks fine, if a bit sad still. Yang still had some tears, but appear to properly recover. And Glynda, who she sensed, outside the room appeared to be in a less fine state. She was still crying. Twilight's desire for physical contact, must have woken up some old memory inside of Glynda. She was out of the count for now. Which is good, it will allow her some privacy.
"I... think we need to talk." Twilight finally admitted.
"Yes." Tai admitted, he felt Twilight's staring daggers into him. "I suppose I promised to be honest, right?"
Twilight nodded, "But lets skip that for now. Simply put, we need to change the way we do things."
Ruby and Yang nodded slightly confused. "So you see. I happen to have overheard Tai speak some truth into himself using Glynda. But to put things simple. Ruby you need to learn self-control. Yang, please try to help the police instead of going around Patch as a vigilante. Tai... just be more honest. And..." she added.
"You need to start accepting our help." Tai finished for Twilight.
"Yes. But I think the best way to help me and Ruby. Is by changing the way we train." Twilight admitted. "Instead of building our training session in general terms. I think we should change the way we do things, by following the slowest or weakest within the family. Instead of following time, we follow effort."
Tai's eyes widen, "I see. This will force some self-control onto Ruby. And force you to ask for help when things get tough. But how will we force you to ask for help?" he wondered.
"We need to give each other advice." Yang offered, "Test our knowledge of both physical matters and mental matters during motion. Books is good and all, but they offer little in the way of real life experience. Something that will be far more useful in the world, than plain old knowledge."
"And it forces me to slow down. Meeting your speed, and finishing our training together. Correct?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. The closer we are during training, the less likely I have problems somewhere down the line. You can only learn so much alone." Twilight admitted.
"What about sparring?" Yang asked.
"We could just do it like this. one vs one. Switch out the loser. By spectating the match, we could learn things we might not have, if we both spar at the same time. Again this forces me to ask for help if I fail to understand the importance of an action." Twilight offered.
Ruby, Yang and Tai widen their eyes, "I think that is perfect. It will help us get used to people spectating our match." Tai admitted. Ruby and Yang nodded in agreement. Suddenly Yang jumps up.
"I totally forgot to show you guys this. I saw that a tournament in Mistral is searching for random people to join their tournament as wild cards. They feel that their line up is getting boring, and want to offer some variety. I thought that we might be able to join such an event. It could be great practice." Yang suddenly admitted. As she showed everyone the flyer.
Ruby smiled at the suggestion. "It could be good. Another way to get used to fighting other people."
Tai and Twilight looked over the flyer. "A minimum of two fighters each entry. Both fighters will fight in solo match up at each end of the bracket. And also later on as duos." Tai said out loud.
Twilight looked at the small letters below the flyer, "Hunters aren't allowed. Hunters in training across small time schools aren't allowed. Hunters that are part of big academies aren't allowed. Ordinary folk without aura is allowed. Everyone that joins regardless if they win or not, will receive five thousand Lien. Wild cards will receive five thousand Lien if they join and continue passed preliminary." She said out loud.
"Aw!" Yang said disappointed.
"Well I suppose Ruby and I could join." Twilight offered.
"Did it have an age restriction?" Tai asked as he looks over the flyer again.
"Must be older than three years of age. Says the flyer." Twilight added.
"Did they get anyone at the age of Twilight?" Ruby questioned.
"Yes." Glynda said as she suddenly walked in. "Miss Pyrrha was four years old when she joined. She is considered the best tournament fighter in all of Mistral. But she has yet to be crowned champion."
"Hmm. When is it?" Ruby asked.
"If my calculations are in check." Twilight said, she looked at Tai for help, "In fifty days?"
Tai nodded in confirmation. "Fifty and one actually. But fifty is more reasonable."
"Do you... think my stamina is able to maintain myself in tournament?" Twilight questioned herself.
"As you are now?" Glynda asked.
Twilight nodded, as she glanced over everyone.
"No." Tai, Glynda, Ruby and Yang said at the same time.
This caused Twilight to droop ashamed of herself. "I see..." she said unsure. "Then I don't know if we are able to perform at the tournament."
Yang gave Twilight another quick hug, stunning Twilight in the process. "Don't worry little sis. I am sure that with some good stamina training, we could get you ready in time."
Glynda nodded, "Yes. If you could tell me the truth behind the incident at the entrance the Nevermore hive. Then I will use my expertise as teacher to assist you in stamina training."
Twilight sighed, "Well, guess. Clearly Ruby and I were nearby. The student were returned to the hospital knock out cold. Guess what happened."
Glynda's eyes widen, "Uh..." She said as it clicked in her brain.
"Yeah. We wiped the floor with them." Ruby admitted.
"I... See..." Glynda sighed as her headache was returning. "I guess they weren't ready. Thank you for stopping them from going to their deaths."
"That wasn't the real reason we stopped them." Ruby added.
Glynda blinked, "It wasn't?"
"Twilight had a vision." Tai chimed in, "That the destruction of the Nevermore Nest would lead to the destruction of Patch."
Glynda's eyes widen, "Really?!" she said shocked. She looked at Twilight, Twilight merely nodded in response. Causing her to sigh, "I see. Well thank you for also stopping an impending invasion at the same time then."
"You believe it just like that?" Twilight asked surprised at Glynda's willingness.
"Sir Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon. Always said, "Those with a vision are usually far closer to the truth. Rather then to expect nothing to happen at all." His many visions proved that fact." Glynda admitted, "I doubt that your vision was fake. I rather doubt it if nothing happened at all."
Twilight smiled, "I see. That makes sense. You should believe that every action holds a reaction. Instead of expecting nothing to happen at all."
Glynda nodded, "Exactly. Now... I need to question whether or not. Ozpin needs to hear of this."
"May I give you my honest opinion?" Twilight asked.
"Go ahead."
"Tell him that they need to test their skills deeper. That a test to check their readiness might be in order. And tell him about the disaster that had awaited them." Twilight offered.
Glynda put her hand on her chin as she thought about it. "No mention who did them in?"
"Instead of punishing them over it. Use it as a tool to improve themselves. Tell them and the class about the mistakes of looking at person without seeing what is below their cover. They are lucky, we weren't ready to kill. Even though we had permission to use lethal force. They got lucky, but if you need to rely on luck. Then you have already lost the fight." Twilight explained.
Glynda's eyes widen, "That is an excellent suggestion. I can see why Tai called you incredibly smart. Even if that can also cause problems."
Twilight sighed as she got stabbed by Glynda's statement. "Yeah." She weakly admitted.
"Alright. After breakfast. Let me show you what real spartan stamina training is like." Glynda stated with an evil smile. Causing everyone to gulp. As everyone has to participate. Much to their worry.
Author's Note
Man. This chapter just writes itself. That is the third chapter with over five thousand words. And I even left the chapter with an "unintentional" cliffhanger. I am a bit sad that this book isn't getting the same amount of views as my Fairy Tail story, but that is fine. I got plenty of other stories people might enjoy. That said, I am still procrastinating on working on "The Chef's cafe" because I am enjoying writing this book more. That said, I will working on that one... I promise...
After yesterday ended by Glynda and Tai planning out the stamina training for Twilight. Ruby, Yang and Twilight sat together in Yang's room to discuss further plans. Specifically related to Signal and Beacon. Though Ruby knew that Ozpin merely wanted the power of the eyes, that didn't stop her from wanting to go to beacon. However after today, her... world was slightly shaken. She wasn't so sure anymore. Yang seemed to be in the same boat.
"So... That fight with the first years were that disappointing, huh?" Yang admitted disappointed. Ruby and Twilight had been explaining how the fight went between them and the students. And also how easy it was to shut them down.
"Yeah. Though I did most of the heavy lifting. Not that they were hard or anything." Twilight said with a slight pout. Causing Yang to giggle as she petted Twilight's hair. Twilight's pout turns into a smile at the petting.
"Mhm." Ruby admitted, "Then again, they were first year." Ruby watched at the antics of Yang and Twilight also smiling.
"That shouldn't be an excuse." Twilight denied. "Regardless of their age, if they have the balls to perform missions. They should have been ready." she stated as her smile turns into a sigh in disappointment.
"But they weren't. And that would have potentially led to deathly consequences." Yang stated in an agreeing tone. Though her face was grim in the prospect of students dying that young.
"Hm. I see. So now what? I doubt we can blame the wizard on the incompetence of his students. They are still young after all." Ruby admitted.
"Perhaps we need to make an impact somewhere else. That tournament could be a good place to start. I am going to suggest an awful idea." Twilight admitted, she had an apologetic smile.
"Let me guess. You want us to lose the individual fights. But dominate the team fights, correct?" Ruby correctly guessed.
Twilight's eyes widen as she nodded, "Yeah. But make it spectacular and as quick as possible. Make people root for us. But not at us. But the mask we will wear for the event."
"Why a mask?" Ruby asked.
"To generate interest at the masks we represent in the spotlight. Whereas when out of the spotlight, we can act more freely. We need to generate a title. "The Silver Paladin" and "The Dragon Arts" alongside the mask we wear." Twilight offered.
"I like that title." Ruby said smiling.
"What title should be mine?" Yang asked Twilight. Twilight laid down for a moment trying to think of an good title. When a good idea appeared.
"The Golden Lion." Twilight offered.
Yang blinked for a moment, "I don't know. That seems rather bland."
"The Golden Meteorite?" Ruby offered instead. Causing Yang to smile.
"Yes. I like that one more."
"Regardless of your title when joining." Glynda said as she suddenly walked in on them, "We firstly need to ensure you have the stamina to even perform." Everyone turned to look at Glynda. Tai stood alongside her.
"Yeah." Tai agreed, "Title and performance is a part of the job. But before we begin, we need to both sign up and start stamina training."
"I will leave the signing up process to you." Twilight offered. "Glynda will be teach us... or specifically me, about stamina."
Glynda nodded, "Nothing information related. Just physical activity. A LOT of physical activity."
Twilight sighed, "I have already done a lot in the regards. How will this be any different?"
"Well..." Tai said as he got closer to Twilight, "The stamina training before were very basic. Good, but only to a certain level. You have past that point a long time ago. Now we are going to give you a more intense and specific source of training."
"The previous training session is good. But only to get your stamina ready for the second step." Glynda explained, "The training you performed was made for sport, not combat. Combat is far more flexible and requires the usage of every muscle in your body. Something that sport doesn't account for. Sport usually requires the usage of specific muscles. Whereas in combat, its a life or death situation. You train enough for general usage, but not for combat usage. That changes today."
"So what will we do? A similar training setup as Signal?" Yang asked curious.
Tai surprisingly shook his head. "No. Training in Signal is for students at an early stage of combat training. You three are already nearly at huntress level. The training in Signal is prep training, whereas we are training you with everything you have already trained and learned."
Ruby blinked at the statement, "We are already nearly huntresses without actual huntress training?"
Glynda nodded, "Yes. You three has trained with the intention to punish both beast and people. As Twilight probably already explained. For hunter and huntresses, people are usually the biggest threat. They are smart and flexible, whereas monsters are not."
"You use the wrong word." Twilight replied, "It should be, intelligent beings. Since some beasts can be very smart too."
Glynda's eyes widen, "You make a good point." Glynda admitted, "Anyways, Tai will explain what he will do. And I will tell you, what I will train you."
Tai nodded, "Yes. Using my training I received when I was young and at my time in Beacon. I will train you in the art of parkour and flexible training sessions. Like training you in the art of sleep combat. And things like that. More advanced stuff, I assure you."
"Whereas I shall train you in stamina training in general. I will push you to your limits and beyond." Glynda explained, "An example of stamina training is, dodge training. I will attack from all directions, and you merely dodge it without counter. You do this, constantly. Without break, without a chance to get your breath. Constantly."
"At night. In pitch darkness. Without warning. Without bloodlust. You need to dodge on instinct alone, senses alone. Things like that." Tai added for context.
"Which is very, very difficult even for a seasoned hunter. This is a training level, much higher than I would normally give a child. But... something tells me, that this training for you. Is going to be worth it. Somehow, you will help the people. And if that is the case, you will need this training more than you think." Glynda explained.
"Speaking from experience?" Yang asked smiling.
"Sadly. Yes." Glynda admitted, "My past is... troublesome. But its a part of me now. So all I can do, is to train others to avoid them from making the same mistake twice."
"To not be too unprepared to face anything, yes?" Ruby asked.
Glynda nodded, "Exactly. But that is enough about me. Eat lunch, then we are going to start with Tai's training of parkour."
After a nice well kept lunch, something that Glynda also participated with. The group made their way outside, as they did so, the group appeared before a set of parkour related objects. Ruby and Yang carefully inspected each, just to be sure that, they weren't booby trapped. This would again surprise Glynda, since according to Tai, they had not received any sort of training regarding to it. Twilight didn't seem very amused at it, but said nothing.
"Alright. Get ready. I am going to time you three and create training schedules based on performance. Faster is not better. Keep that in mind." Glynda said as she grabbed a timer from her pocket.
Twilight, Ruby and Yang both got ready on the start line. Twilight noted that the first few obstacles were more based on speed than anything else. But the further you got, the more flexibility and skill would be required. Mentally she smiled at this. Instead of putting them through hell and back immediately. It had a more curve to the skill floor. Allowing most to be cleared with those that have even the most basic of training.
"Get ready. Start!" Tai shouted over Glynda's shoulder.
And off they were. As Glynda watched them traverse each obstacle, a few things became abundantly clear. Speed was Ruby's specialty, but she lacked the flexibility for some tricks. Skill was Yang's specialty, but she lacked speed. And Twilight had both speed and skill, but her lack of stamina reared it's ugly head immediately. Twilight was more advanced then everyone else, but her stamina held her back too much. Though she did finish first.
Ruby was second, which is mostly in thanks to her speed. Yang was last, as she struggled with some of the later obstacles. Regardless, they all out-skilled and out-sped most children their age. They got through the entire parkour course, without falling once. One thing became abundantly clear to Tai and Glynda, is that their skill in adapting to any situation was their main selling point. When Ruby made a mistake, she switched gears and tried something else. This happened in the span of less than a second. Something that most wouldn't notice.
But again, this only confirmed Glynda's suspicion. Ruby needs more flexibility, Yang needs more innate knowledge of traversal, and Twilight, she needed far more conditioning and stamina training than she expected at first. Tai came to the same conclusion for Twilight, but felt that Ruby needed more skill and Yang more speed. Regardless, this parkour course was a test, and a good one at that.
"Good. I got an understanding of your skill level Twilight. You are the most speedy and skilled from the group. But your lack of stamina requires some serious conditioning and training. It's quite literally holding you back." Glynda stated.
"Really?" Twilight said with a slight surprise in her voice. "I thought I did pretty good. Atleast I didn't need any breaks in-between."
"It is better Twilight." Tai confirmed, "But this test was testing you on total performance. Not improvements in total performance."
"I see. I will admit, I have been doing some secret stamina training during times when I really shouldn't. But I became so frustrated at my lack of stamina that I did so anyways." Twilight admitted.
Tai bonked Twilight at that, "Ow."
"That probably only set you back." Tai commented, "Like Glynda mentioned. Conditioning AND Training."
"In order to get better, you need to let your muscles rest to take in the stress of the training itself." Glynda explained. "I will give you both extreme torture hell, and incredibly calming meditation next to a waterfall."
"Whereas, my training's are more spectacle training and testing you on your performances." Tai added for further context.
"What about us?" Ruby asked.
"You two will receive both skill and knowledge that you need. Besides that, it is self-training for you two." Tai stated, "Flexibility and skill for Ruby. Knowledge and movement speed for Yang."
"Mhm. And Tai will be you two's teacher. I will keep myself busy with Twilight." Glynda added.
"Is it that bad?" Ruby asked slightly worried.
"If Twilight really want to do what I think she wants to do. Then yes. Definitely." Glynda confirmed.
Twilight gulped at that, "Alright. Let's do this."
After Twilight's statement. Glynda explained to Twilight what she would be doing for the next few weeks or so. It mostly involved a training so extreme, Twilight was worried she was going to die during the training itself. But her desire to help and protect Ruby and her sister, kept herself from showing fear. So she did what had to be done.
Twilight schedule went something like this, Wake up, eat a specific diet only for her, go to hell, then meditate at heaven, eat special dinner, sleep. And this hellish training continued until the a few days before the tournament. At this point, Twilight's stamina was magnitudes better. And certainly good enough for the tournament. Glynda was pleased with Twilight's progress. Sadly she isn't here right now to see it. Her duties at Beacon called her back.
It was three nights away from the day of the tournament. When Twilight's powerful innate ability to sense danger activated. Twilight was still awake and so was her sisters, when this happened.
"Something is wrong." Twilight suddenly admitted.
Yang and Ruby noticed Twilight's sudden alert state and readied their masks. "What is going on?"
"My senses are going off, due north east of Beacon. I feel that something damning is about to happen. We need to go there now!" Twilight shouted as she readied her mask.
"Alright. Let's go then." Ruby calmly announced.
The group proceeded to put their gear on. After the last fight with Beacon's student, the group decided to improve their looks based on the titles they should wear. Ruby was The Silver Paladin, Twilight was The Dragon Arts and Yang was The Golden Meteorite. Their gear reflected as such.
Ruby's gear went from rather bland and simple. To a full blown suit of silver armor. It wasn't actually silver though, it was made of an extremely durable version of nylon, with a gloss of silver over it. Making it light, strong and fitting. The light weight allowed for rapid speeds, while also able to take quite some impacts. She also got a proper sword made of Titanium and a shield made of Titanium and Dust. But the dust wasn't really part of the shield, it was on the tip of shield itself.
Yang's gear was still rather unique. Having Mecha shotguns as primary weapon. Her skills as intimidation was great. Her outfit did lack somewhat of defense, but it made way for other specialties. As her ability to use none-lethal increased, her skill set revolved around it. Taunting and hit and run had become her specialty.
Twilight's gear had already been tuned towards her title. So not much changed. She used no Dust, she used no weapon. Her body is her weapon and so is her secret weapon, magic. Her clothing has been enhanced using magic. To make it indestructible from dust and magic attacks. Weapons can still cut it, but with decent difficulty. And ammo from guns could poke holes, but again with difficulty. Only added bonus to her, is a dragon mask made of dragon leather.
Just like Ruby got a stone golem mask and Yang a serpent mask. Each mask represented their owners abilities in times of need. Twilight was an aggressive attacker, thus a dragon has great speed and strength. Ruby is more stone faced in combat. She is stable and strong. Just like a Stone golem. Yang is more of master of act, but can have some feisty strikes if necessary. She is an serpent in intimidation and conversation, her ability to steer a conversation her way. Could generate some good intelligence. The Dragon, The Golem and The Serpent. Three powerhouses in their own right.
As Twilight and her group exited the house, Tai watched from the background. He knew that they were in good hands. So he didn't intervene. But he was a bit worried. So far, none of Twilight's feelings and visions have been wrong. Which could be problematic in the long run. However though, most of Twilight's visions were in the moment which was a good thing. Until she had a different kind of vision. The vision that would shake Tai to his core. It was one, one vision Twilight only dared to tell Tai and nobody else.
---------------------------------✴---------------------------------
A few days ago,
---------------------------------✴---------------------------------
It was night time, Tai was still awake drinking some water. He would usually drink alcohol during this time, but Twilight had out-law'd it. Resulting in him drinking water instead. But he scrambled for a moment when Twilight suddenly entered the kitchen as well. She looked pale...
"Twilight what are you doing up so late?" Tai asked, he looked worried at Twilight.
"I... I had a vision. But... I don't think Ruby is ready yet to hear it. So I want you to know it." Twilight said as she too grabbed glass of water.
"Oh? Is it... bad?" Tai asked worried as both of them took a seat at the dinner table, with glass in hand.
"Mhm."
The lack of response worried Tai. Usually she would over the moon, because it meant that they could do some vigilant work. But seeing a more depressed side of Twilight suggested that either there is nothing she can do or it hasn't happened yet.
"So... Where is it going to take whatever place?"
"Entire Remnant will be in danger as soon as Ruby is of the age to go and join Beacon."
Tai's eyes widen, "Is it the witch?"
"And more, Beacon will fall that year. Atlas will fall that year. Her move will be perfect, Remnant will fall." Twilight ominously stated. "Checkmate."
Tai's eyes widen further. "Is it going to be that bad?"
"Mhm. Unless something gets done, this is now set in stone. The course of time that is unavoidable. The wizard's past is catching up faster then he could run away from it." Twilight continued to explain ominously.
"Is there anything I can do?"
Twilight smiled, "Yes. That is why I came to you."
"Oh?"
"This a fight between adults. We children can only do so much. You should visit your old projects. Check if they have been properly dismantled. Check for survivors. And..." Twilight eyes turn dark for a moment, "Check Vacuo. They might have insight on the whereabouts of Summer. Their archives hold information on... The Darkening. Investigate that, it will be of great use and important information on Mount Glenn."
Tai staggered for a moment. He had heard that name before, 'The Darkening ' was an affliction of sorts. But why is it important? He didn't know.
"That dragon is artificial. Another mistake in the wizard's past. Heal it. Otherwise it will aid the downfall of Vale and Beacon."
"What will you do?" Tai asked curiously.
"I am a weapon against the witch. I have a secret weapon that could permanently kill her. So for now, I will follow Ruby and the gang. Whatever may happen, happens. Remember, I am an outsider." Twilight then fell asleep on the table, having said all she wanted to.
"An outsider?" Tai copied, but Twilight was already asleep. Tai looked confused at Twilight for a moment as his memory went back to that fateful day that Twilight saved Ruby. It always did seem a bit odd to him, how a young child could come out nowhere and save his youngest child. But regardless, this warning wasn't an unwelcoming one. He might dislike Oz, but he doesn't dislike Vale. And if Oz's mistakes will cause Vale to fall. Then he needs to know the incoming danger.
So he decided to atleast give Oz an heads up. But first he needed to move Twilight into her room once more. After he had done so, he walked back downstairs and towards the kitchen once more. There he accessed a secret phone out of the wall. This phone only connected to a single place, the office of the wizard. The headmaster of Beacon. Ozpin himself. After a moment he picked the phone up and let the beeping sound cycle until it would connect.
"Taiyang Xiao Long... It has been, too long. Hasn't it?" Oz's voice could be heard on the other side.
"That it has." Tai replied.
"So, what do I owe this phone call? There isn't another council in a few months. So unless you are here for small talk, do tell." Oz asked somewhat pleasantly surprised.
"I... need to talk. One of my... children. Had a vision about Vale and Beacon." Tai said somewhat hesitant.
"A good one I hope?"
Tai sighed, "I am afraid you might want to sit down for this one. It's... worrying."
"Hm... I heard rumors from Glynda that you adopted another child right? Is this child filled with visions?"
"That comes true, yes. In a sense, just like you."
Tai heard Oz taking a seat in the background, "Alright. Please do tell. What was the vision?"
"She... didn't speak totally clearly about the details. Just fleeting notions. But... if they are true..."
"Go on..."
"When Ruby joins Beacon, or is going to anyways. That same year, Beacon and Vale will fall." Tai stated.
"..." Tai heard no response, but could feel that Oz was thinking.
"She also mentioned that Atlas will also fall. That a certain someone will perform a checkmate on Remnant as a whole." Tai continued.
"She called that certain someone. The witch." Tai added.
"Interesting. So Vale and Atlas will fall. How?"
"I don't know. But the dragon of mount Glenn is involved." Tai said, he heard Oz nearly drop his mug.
"What?!" Oz said, his voice slightly raised from before.
"Something about the mistakes of your past catching up, faster than you can run away from it. "
"But... I suppose it wasn't all bad news. She did reveal something... interesting." Tai said.
"One moment Taiyang. I need to collect some of my thoughts." Oz said, his voice shaking a little.
"Of course." Tai said as he waited with the phone in his hands. After a solid ten minutes, he heard Oz finally take a sip of coffee.
"Alright. Do go on.. You said interesting. In a bad way?" Oz said, he sounded slightly recovered.
"Two things actually. In a potentially good way. And two in a terrible way."
"Give me the potentially good news first." Oz asked.
"Summer's potential whereabouts could be found inside the archives inside Vacuo. And..."
"Wait. You said Vacuo hold information that might give insight to her last scene whereabouts?"
"Yes."
"Interesting. That is quite far away. Alright. What about the other one?"
"The dragon that will get involved can be stopped. By healing it. Something about The Darkening." Tai said, the moment he mentioned The Darkening, he heard Oz's mug fall on the ground.
"No..." Oz said that weakly. "Don't tell me... Summer tried... oh no..."
"What?"
"The dragon on Mount Glenn once was a human. But was horribly mutilated by a Grimm Pool. I just don't quite understand the correlation." Oz admitted.
"I see. Perhaps Grimm Pools corrupt the user, but The Darkening can have an opposite effect. Maybe?" Tai suggested.
"... You know what. That could actually work. Though I think more information is necessary."
"Do you know who can grant more information?"
"Only the winter maiden does. I will request her presence. It's likely she will arrive North East of Beacon in Two days from now. " Oz explained.
"Alright. I will contact you afterwards."
"Good. And Tai? If you can get me more information. That would be greatly appreciated."
"Alright. No promises."
---------------------------------✴---------------------------------
In the present.
---------------------------------✴---------------------------------
Twilight and her group was en route towards the location of the disturbance, due north east of Beacon and north east east of Vale itself. Far before the group arrived however, Twilight felt her magical disturbance in the air. Something harmed a being that contained magic at the location of the area. And whatever that magic was, its signature alone was as cold as ice.
"I am detecting irregular energy in the air." Twilight shouted over the air pressure of their sprint.
"Magic?" Ruby asked calmly.
"I am unsure. Whatever it is, its as cold as ice."
"A maiden?" Yang asked again.
"Maybe. But it's harmed. We got to hurry. I am hearing sounds of combat."
"Alright. Speed up." Ruby ordered, causing the group to begin rushing even faster towards the disturbance.
After a solid moment later, the group quietly entered some trees to watch whatever fight was on-going at the scene. And what they found was less than pleasing. A maiden, which was injured, but not badly yet. A scorpion, which carried the witch's signature, he got the upper hand. And some severely injured guards, their carried the Beacon signature.
"A maiden." Twilight whispered, confirming Yang's previous suggestion.
"Shit. Is he part of her 's group?" Yang asked quietly.
"Yes. I think so." Ruby quietly answered for Twilight.
"What do we do?" Yang asked.
"I suggest we wait a bit longer and listen instead of jumping into action immediately." Twilight suggested.
"Alright. They appear to be talking anyways." Ruby agreed.
The maiden, which held magic as cold as ice, stood there. Her left arm carried her right. She was injured but not yet badly. Though her ability to move her right hand seemed to have been disabled. Her weapon also appeared out of reach. The guards around her, either sat injured on the ground or were closely guarding her.
"Surrender. It will save you a lot of pain." The scorpion, one of the witch's entourage hissed.
"No. I will show you the might of the winter maiden. Until the last breath I sigh." The maiden refused.
"Wrong move, little girl." The scorpion stated as he launched forward, his stinger practically next to his body.
The maiden used what little magic she had left to encase his stinger and slam him back using her legs. He slammed into a tree, but appeared unharmed. "Your strength is weakening." He said with a giggle. Much to the maiden's chagrin, he wasn't wrong. With little to no magic left, she had no choice but to try and grab her weapon again.
What happened next however, happened so fast. The scorpion rushed into her face, stinger at the ready. When out of nowhere, a girl wearing martial artist gear appearing besides him. She then slammed the scorpion into the trees besides herself. Surprising the scorpion and his allies. But also herself, and her guards. This happened in less than three microseconds.
"Who?" She weakly asked.
"It matters not." The stone golem responded besides her. Surprising the maiden once more.
"There are more opponents." The serpent added as she appeared behind the stone golem.
"I know." The girl that helped her said, as she turned around, it revealed a dragon mask.
Then the allies of the scorpion suddenly appeared, it didn't surprise the trio that appeared before the maiden. Which both shocked her and slightly spooked her.
"Do not worry maiden." The dragon suddenly spoke up, "Your secret is safe with me."
The enemies then launched forward. A tall slightly tan colored man appeared to try and snatch the dragon. But the dragon's sheer agile movement quickly dodged him. Instead the stone golem grabbed him into the air, slammed him down into the ground and threw him into the distance. Showing that the mask isn't just that. They really are as powerful as a stone golem.
The serpent meanwhile resorted to hit and run tactics. She hit one man into the stomach causing him to fly into a tree, after which they quickly move onto the next and the next. Their quick powerful jabs reminded the maiden of a fight with a real serpent ages ago.
And finally the dragon. Carrying a red dragon mask, suggested a quick and aggressive dragon. Which they showed off, both quickly and effectively. The dragon was practically playing with the scorpion at this point. The scorpion stood no chance as he too, eventually, was knock out cold. The trio played their masks perfectly.
Which only brought more and more horror to both her and the guards. Until eventually the battlefield turns quiet. The enemies either fled or was knock out cold on the ground. But then it was their turn, they feared. They did not realize that they were a friend, not a foe. Twilight's ability to sense emotion told her as such.
"Do not fear maiden. We are a friend. We felt a disturbance in the area, and decided to interfere." The dragon stated.
"Who are you?" The maiden asked once more.
"Our real names shall not be known." The stone golem warned, "But you may know our nickname."
"The Golden Meteorite." The serpent said proudly.
"The Silver Paladin." The stone golem calmly stated.
"The Dragon Arts." The dragon also calmly stated.
"But enough of that, get going. We do not know whether or not this was a set up by someone. Because I think it is." The Silver Paladin warned.
"I sense potential hostiles up ahead." The Golden Meteorite warned.
"No. They aren't hostiles. But they are confused that their trap failed. One moment, let me call for backup." The Dragon Arts stated as they grab their phone and say something to someone on the other side.
"My pilot friend is unable to send you to Vale due to restrictions. But they are able to send you to Patch Capital Hospital instead. Will that help?" The Dragon Arts asked.
"Its better than out here." The Maiden sighed, slightly in relieve and hope.
The Dragon Arts nodded, they then proceed to guard them until a Patch military FTOL arrives to pick the maiden up. They watch the FTOL leave for a moment before making their way home. Unbeknownst to The Golden Meteorite, her real mother saw her fight. And was left in the dust as they ran back at hyper speeds.
The rest of Twilight's evening proceeded uneventful after that. But the same cannot be said about the maiden.
---------------------------------✴---------------------------------
Inside of Patch Capital Hospital.
---------------------------------✴---------------------------------
The doctors finally left her alone as they used whatever healing dust they had on hand on her. Though less effective because of her magic, the doctors asked no questions. Whoever those trio were, the doctors trusted them. That said everything she needed to know.
"Wait, Doc?" The maiden asked.
"Yes?"
"I was en route to Beacon. I need to contact headmaster of Beacon, Ozpin. Do you guys have some sort of communication array to them?"
"We do. Don't worry. They already prepared the communications array for you. They will be here in a moment."
"How?" The maiden was slightly confused.
"The girl that called it in, has a lot of visions that will happen or can happen in the future. She saved Patch, so she is a hero in our books." The doctor praised.
The maiden's eyes widen, "I see. Did she?"
"Unlikely. But she is aware of you through the wizard, which is their words, not mine. She states that she both distrusts the wizard and slightly trusts him. She said that he has made too many "Mistakes"" He said as he made that symbol with his fingers.
The maiden's eyes widen even further, "Like?"
"He has made the downfall of Vale inevitable. That unless something drastic happens, Vale will fall and so will Atlas. She warned us to refuse to assist Ozpin, lest we want to be caught in the crossfire. And so we will follow her for now. Even if the world may burn, we shall not fall ."
Author's Note
Excuses for the lack of chapters. I got slightly addiction to a few games.
I hope this five thousand worded chapter will do for now.
Also... if the title has R and L, why does the characters hold different nicknames? Well... you will find out eventually.
A Wizard, the Maiden and the unknown
Inside the Patch hospital, the doctor gave the maiden a special phone. This phone has the capacity to direct any communication to a high ranking person or a VIP using highly encrypted lines. The maiden was slightly surprised to see it in the hands of a civilian. Which made her forget that the doctor is also part of the military.
"Ozpin." The maiden said using a said telephone that directly connects to his office.
"Fria." Ozpin simply said on the other side of the phone call. Ozpin sounded calm on the other side of the call. Which slightly surprised her. It's almost as if, he knew she was alright.
"Well. I wish I called under better circumstances. But atleast I am safe." Fria admitted slightly shook at what happened, now that she has insight about the situation.
"I... am glad to hear you alive atleast. I actually send my ace in your direction. Did he?" Ozpin calmly asked while sipping his coffee.
"You mean Qrow?" Fria asked.
"Mhm."
"No. He didn't arrive. Or atleast not in time."
"Is that so?" Ozpin said, his voice sounded slightly surprised.
"Yeah. Nor did I feel his aura nearby." Fria admitted.
"Well in that case. How did you make your way to Patch Hospital?"
"A group of warriors found me. And saved me."
"Any names?"
"They went by the nicknames, The Silver Paladin, The Golden Meteorite and The Dragon Arts. I have never seen them before this." Fria explained.
"Anything unique about them?"
"Each had special masks on. The Stone Golem, The Serpent and The Red Dragon. In that order."
"I... see. Let me guess, each mask represented their combat style?" Ozpin asked after a moment.
"Yes. But one thing each had in common. They were all fast and powerful. Especially the stone golem and the red dragon."
"What about the serpent?"
"Fast, agile but they used hit and run tactics. Just like their real counterpart." Fria explained.
"I see."
"They are also decreed as heroes by the Patch Military. So much so, that they follow them instead of you." Fria added.
Ozpin was taken aback by that. He knew that Tai's children have been training and according to Glynda stopped some of his hunters in training from running to their deaths. But not to this degree. How did he know it was them? Simply connecting the dots was easy. But convincing himself to this fact was a whole different story.
"Anything else?"
"Yes. One of three, my guess is the red dragon, has the ability of foresight. Visions that actually would have come true. She is probably the one that detected me from afar." Fria finished explaining.
"Alright. I was going to send you back to Vale for an investigation. But..."
"You want me to check those three out for you?"
"Yes. I initially wanted you to investigate more about the Darkening. But, this has a slightly higher priority now." Ozpin admitted.
"I see. You want me to meet my heroes in the flesh first before moving on."
"Yes-" Ozpin was about to explain why, when someone knocked on Fria's door.
"It's me. Qrow Branwen. Here to assist you back to Beacon?" Qrow said on the other side of the door.
"Do come in Qrow. I was just talking to Ozpin through a phone." Fria calmly said.
Qrow opened the door. Revealing a calm Fria with a phone in her hand. She was laying down in a hospital bed.
"Qrow." Ozpin said through the phone.
"Yes?"
"Sorry for wasting your time. But Fria is going to stay in Patch a moment longer. I need her to investigate Tai's children." Ozpin explained.
"Is there even anything to investigate?" Qrow asked skeptical.
"You might not be aware. But Tai's children have undergone a transformation. They are walking talking warriors now. Under Taiyang and Glynda's guidance, they are training themselves in the art of a capable huntress." Ozpin explained.
"Really?!" Qrow admits surprised.
"They saved my life Qrow." Fria calmly admitted. Causing Qrow's eyes to widen.
"How good?"
"As if they have been huntresses all their lives. They were powerful, capable, smart. They took on human enemies as if they have since birth." Fria explained.
As Qrow's eyes widen, he searched the room for a chair. After finding one, he took a seat and a sip of his alcohol. "That's... incredible. I... don't know what to say. It means they went from normal children two months ago, into full blown warriors the next."
"You mentioned Glynda... What did she train them?" Fria asked.
Ozpin sighed, much to the surprise of Qrow and Fria. "That is just it. She is keeping her mouth shut. She keeps dodging the questions and talks work, instead of revealing anything."
"Let me guess, Tai isn't anything better." Qrow offered.
"Yeah. His phone calls no longer happens as often. He does sound a lot more stable, calm. So my guess is that he no longer drinks alcohol." Ozpin revealed.
"Well that is good atleast. Especially since he cares for three children now, instead of just two."
"That reminds me... The red dragon... Which must be his newest child, said something really... odd." Fria said.
"What did she say?" Qrow asked.
"That my secret is safe with them. Whatever that means."
"Is she referring to your magic? And maiden status?" Qrow asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No. All three knew of my maiden status. Only one of them said that." Fria dismissed.
"You think she is aware of your magic powers?!" Qrow shouted.
"It must be." Ozpin chimed in, "It would be the only secret worth keeping."
"If so... Shit. I knew that girl was bad news. What should we do?" Qrow said slightly disturbed.
"You will do nothing." Ozpin said, "I want you to gather information on their actions while you have been away. Fria will check those girls out."
"But..." Qrow said hesitantly.
"Qrow... Please remember this. They saved my life. Please don't harm any of them."
Qrow looked at Fria hesitantly, until eventually sighing under the pressure. "Fine. I will back off, for now."
Fria smiled, "Thank you."
Qrow looked away slightly embarrassed. Meanwhile Ozpin suddenly spoke up, "I agree with Fria. Please back off for now. If I think she is bad news, then I will give the order. That is all. You are dismissed. And Fria, please stay in contact."
"Will do." Fria said as she hung up.
------------------------✴------------------------
Meanwhile back home at Tai's place.
------------------------✴------------------------
Meanwhile back at Tai's home. Though Tai lacked foresight, he felt something was coming. Or someone.
"Hm..."
"What is it dad?" Twilight casually asked. She was standing next to Tai, while having a small break from stamina training.
"I think Uncle Qrow has returned early. Probably ordered by the wizard to save a certain maiden."
"Probably to escort her to Beacon." Yang chimed in. From the living room.
"What is Ruby doing?" Tai asked.
"She... I don't know. Something about discovering something interesting about her semblance. Something about it being not just speed." Yang explained skeptically.
"I see." Twilight said, a small smile formed on her face. "Let it be. I know that her semblance isn't only speed indeed. And I probably also know what it is. But lets leave her to discover it herself."
Tai and Yang raised their eyebrow at that. "Anyways, I don't think he will come here."
"Yeah." Twilight suddenly said, her senses alert. "The maiden is coming instead."
"Is it the cold one?" Yang asked.
"Yes."
"Her name is Fria. I met her through the wizard. She is nice and kind. She poses no threat." Tai explained.
"Interesting..." Twilight said as she scratched her forehead, "Her energy is lacking... Someone might have stolen a piece of her ability."
"What?!" Tai said shocked.
"Yeah. If she has magic and winter magic no less. Then this must not be all of it. I fear that the witch already has a piece of it." Twilight warned.
"How do you-?" Yang was about to ask, but simply saw Twilight shook her head.
"Perhaps I will explain it a bit later. For now, know that I can sense it. That's all."
"Fine. But you better explain it to me too." Tai requested.
"Only if you no longer follow the wizard will I tell you. But Yang I will explain it later to, guaranteed. You on the other hand. Maybe, maybe not." Twilight admitted.
"I suppose that is fair." Tai said sighing.
"Regardless, she is here."
Twilight, Yang and Tai all heard knocking on the door. "Come in! The door is open." Tai shouted. As the group took a seat in the living room.
Fria then opens the door. Revealing the group sitting on a couch in the center of the living room. She smiled as she too takes a seat. Her smile seemed mostly directed at Tai.
"Taiyang Xiao Long. It is good to see you. And in a much better mood too. Then last time." Fria said.
"Fria. I am happy that you look fine despite yourself." Tai made a soft smile towards her.
"So you are the winter maiden, Fria." Yang brashly stated, her skill as serpent flowed through her voice. Everyone in the room felt it.
"Calm yourself Yang. Your mask is showing." Twilight reprimanded. Causing Yang to droop.
"Sorry. New habits die hard." Yang joked. Causing Twilight to giggle.
"Anyhow, nice to meet you Fria. My name is Twilight Rose Xiao Long. And this is my older sister, Yang Xiao Long." Twilight introduced.
"My other sister is currently training her semblance. So she isn't here right now. Her name is Ruby Rose." Yang added to Twilight's introduction.
"So you are the heroes that saved my life." Fria mentioned.
"Ah. The wizard connected the dots... Then again who else could it be." Twilight said with an innocent smile towards Fria.
Fria didn't miss the undertone of hostility at his mention. Twilight disliked Ozpin. That much was clear from a single sentence. But for her to openly broadcast it, was slightly surprising.
"Bonk." Tai bonked Twilight for that.
"Owie." Twilight complained, but showed no signs of annoyance, instead her smile turns a bit brighter.
"Excuse my daughter's hostility. Her ability of foresight can both look in the future and past. She must have seen something... bad. When the wizard's name is mentioned. Regardless, let me guess. Ozpin is dissatisfied with the lack of reports. Correct?"
"Yes. Though he is pleased that you no longer consume alcohol." Fria mentioned.
"This home allows no alcohol anymore!" Twilight said as she snatches Fria's alcohol flask from her hip. She then placed it into a safe and hid it using a fake wall.
"That was Qrow's..." Fria halfheartedly stated.
"Hmpf." But Twilight took no "No." for an answer.
Fria drooped slightly at the implications of the event that will follow. Before returning a smile, "Very well. I will deal with the ramifications. Now then. Small warriors. Care to explain why you are training so hard?"
"I want to be a huntress." Yang replied.
"I want to beat Pyrrha at the Tournament." Twilight replied as well.
"And I want to protect my sisters." Ruby replied as she suddenly made an appearance. Though Fria flinched slightly, nobody else flinched at all. Which made Fria aware that she was the only one unaware. Each had their guard up. Even in a safe environment.
"Interesting. Do you plan on joining Beacon?" Fria asked again.
"Yes." Both Yang and Ruby replied.
"I will follow my sisters everywhere. So yes." Twilight replied slightly hidden.
"Do you dislike Ozpin? Headmaster of Beacon?"
"Yes." All three children said at the same time.
"I see. Why?" Fria asked.
Ruby and Yang were about to answer only for Twilight to shake her head. "I am afraid that is answer you will not receive. We have our reasons." Twilight denied.
"I see. That means you are the reason?"
"No. That would be me." Tai replied instead. "I told them everything. Everything I know about Ozpin, why he wants Ruby, everything."
Fria's eyes widen, "What." She said shocked.
"I decided that by hiding the truth, I would only fall deeper into the darkness. Not wanting that, I chose to reveal everything. Now then... that has created an interesting situation. You could unbind me now, but that could only go worse for Ozpin. Or you can let it go, which will once again be terrible for Ozpin. Which is it?" Tai asked.
"You moron." Qrow said as he suddenly entered the room.
All three children jump up, weapons is hand in case of a conflict. Ruby and Yang weren't afraid to sick their weapons into Uncle Qrow. Twilight was slightly hesitant though.
Qrow slightly jumped at the automatic reaction the trio had on his presence. Mostly because he didn't expect them to reach for their weapons. Twilight sensed Glynda's presence, causing her to using her advanced speed to dash out of the room. If Qrow, Fria and the others weren't alert, they would not have seen her leave. A single blink and she was gone. Much to everyone's surprise.
"Wow. Little sis is fast!" Ruby said in awe.
"What just happened? It's like she teleported." Yang admitted, equally in awe.
"She did not teleport. I sensed no aura or magic from her. That was pure skill and speed. Incredible." Fria also in awe.
Qrow noticed Tai's proud smile, causing him to sigh. "I apologize. I just didn't quite trust Twilight." He said as he calmly sat down.
Ruby and Yang slowly lowered their weapons. But not their guard. That was still very much up. Qrow then held his hand up at Fria. Ruby realized what he was about to find out. Causing her to giggle. That wasn't missed by Qrow and Fria.
"I do apologize. Apparently carrying alcohol in this house is banned. So they took away your flask to an unknown location." Fria admitted embarrassed. Causing Qrow's eyes to widen, before sighing in disappointment.
"Don't worry. I know where Twilight hid your flask." Yang mentioned. "You will get it back after this."
"Alright. That rule is there, just for you. Isn't it, Tai?" Qrow said.
"Yes. Though it has been a while since I last tasted alcohol. I am far too busy teaching the kids about parkour and testing their abilities." Tai admitted.
"What about Glynda? What did she teach?" Qrow asked.
"I taught Twilight stamina." Glynda said as she appear through the doorway, but only her head. Twilight was in her tow.
"Right... I remember. She is obligated to ambush you when you are in her sensing field." Ruby mentioned.
"Yes. My senses were so busy sensing Fria and Qrow, that I totally missed Twilight sneaking up on me. She got me." Glynda said as the door opens wider, showing a Glynda with tomato ketchup all over her. Ruby and Yang didn't even attempt to hide their laughter. Qrow was more stunned, Fria was trying to stifle her laughter and so was Tai.
"Well. It was either her or me. Though unless she thinks about taking a douche here at our home. She has a lot to explain to Ozpin if she went back, looking like this." Twilight said proudly.
"Yeah. A douche would be nice." Glynda said, blushing out of embarrassment.
"Very well. Let me show you our douche for guests." Twilight said as she guided Glynda off.
Ruby and Yang were still too busy laughing at the scene before them. That their guard had slightly lowered. But they were still alert despite it. Fria meanwhile openly giggled now too. Tai managed to keep it in. And Qrow was still somewhat stunned. And after a few minutes, they could hear a shower turning on in the house.
"There we go. I put her clothing in the washing machine. And turned it on." Twilight said as she once again returned to the living room. Ruby and Yang were done laughing at this point and so was Fria.
"If you are wondering what Glynda taught me. Well, besides our stamina training, I need to learn how keep my breath steady when approaching an enemy. So we basically ambush each other, whenever we get the chance to. And not just during the day. We do this in pitch darkness too." Twilight explained.
"I love training with Glynda. She is so much fun. But also so damn strong." Twilight said with a slight growl.
"Anyhow. Sorry about that. Regardless if we have guests over. My training continues even when I am asleep." Twilight added.
"Huh." Fria simply said slightly surprised, after which she gave a soft smile. "So she has regained some of her confidence, huh?"
"Sorry?" Twilight asked confused.
Fria giggled, "It's nothing dear. It's just, ever since she has been employed to work at Beacon, she began to feel more distant as each passing day. I thought it was just stress. But now I see. It's exactly the opposite."
"She lacked something exciting in life, right?" Twilight said, her mouth also forming a small smile as well.
Fria nodded, "Yes. Not only that, but also the reason to keep training. After... a mistake the wizard made, Glynda's interest in training began to dwindle. I suppose it turned into a sort of depression. Whatever he had done, made Glynda... the way she is now. Until now."
"Until we suddenly appeared in her life huh." Twilight said as she pointed at herself and most of Tai's family.
Fria nodded again. "Yes. She never did tell me what happened. But I assumed it was bad, since even the wizard kept quiet. And whenever I asked, he talked around the question, but not without a slight shake in his step. Almost as if he too, was hit hard by whatever mistake he made."
"I see. I suppose in all his wisdom, even he is still somewhat human. Not entirely, but somewhat." Ruby commented.
"I..." Glynda said as she returned from the shower and walked in on the conversation.
"Ah! Don't force yourself." Yang quickly said, "I understand that trauma doesn't disappear in a single night. All we can do is move on and accept the mistake. Or else you will be stuck in the past. Which will only cause more suffering. Believe me, I know."
Ruby, Fria and Twilight smiled at Yang's statement. It was true, nobody should force themselves to face their past. You should always take your time. And when you are ready, I am sure everyone will calmly listen to your plea. But in Glynda's case, her plea was far more desperate.
It was then that Tai walked in an gave Glynda a tap on her shoulder. He shook his head, trying to convince Glynda to let it go. But Glynda simply looked at him, her eyes sad and depressed. Almost as if, it's because of Tai, that she fears the truth.
Glynda took a deep breath, several in fact, as she looked slightly determined at the group. "No... I think you deserve to know now. It's... about Summer. We... kinda already knew what her plan was. But we didn't know whether or not she was actually going to go for it. We hoped she did it with help... Instead... she did not."
"We... I... told her about the Darkening. The story about how someone got corrupted using the Darkening. We explained its effects to her. The look she made as I continued to explain it..." Glynda shuddered at the thought, "Her eyes... turned dark red as we continued to explain. Almost as if she knew something we did not."
As Glynda's eyes turned desperate she looked at Twilight. Only to slightly jump, Twilight gave her a knowing sad smile. "And then she simply thanked us." She continued, "And then she disappeared the following night."
"I see now." Twilight spoke up, "The dragon, Summer's disappearance, the witch's sudden action. It lines up. I see now..."
"What do you-?" Glynda asked stunned, her eyes moved across the group. Tai and Qrow sat there silent, watching and listening, but giving little to no response. Ruby and Yang appeared to merely listen. Though they flinched several times at the name of their mother. And Fria looked with honest curiosity at Twilight.
"The Darkening caused the human to turn into a dragon. But who was this human? Well... It probably was..." Twilight calmly said, her eyes turn towards Tai and Glynda, "Her mother."
The group flinched, but Tai and Glynda was frozen solid at the new possibly information. Qrow gave the group a sad smile, suggesting he had a feeling. But he was unsure, though Twilight confirmation only compounded on his understanding. Summer left, to save her mom, from herself.
"Now I understand why my vision told me to investigate the darkening. It's possible that in an attempt to save her mother, she only fell into the same trap as her. Why would the witch make a move? Well, she believed it to be the wizard's fault. Because only the wizard knew what happened to Summer's mother."
"And also because only Summer could keep the witch at bay." Qrow added saddened. "She was special like that."
"Twilight." Ruby asked, "Do you think we could save her?"
"You?" Twilight looked at Ruby, Ruby nodded at that, "Normally no. But with me, maybe. I am also kinda special after all. I know how to tame the darkness and make it work along side me. In a sense, just like the witch."
That caused Qrow to draw his weapon, only for Fria to freeze his weapon to the ground. Much to his surprise.
"Is it because you have... something special?" Fria asked while watching Qrow closely.
Twilight giggled at Fria. "Surely you felt it no?"
Fria looked at Twilight a bit closely, after which she gasped in surprise. Causing her to let go of Qrow's weapon. "You..."
Twilight smiled as she shook her head, "Do leave it at that, yes? We would want the wrong people, the wizard and the witch, to find out do we?"
"Only if you answer me this. Could you undo the damage on Summer and her mother?"
"I would need to see them first to be certain. But... probably." Twilight replied, "But having Ruby and Yang's help will make it easier. Definitely."
"Why them?"
"Because I am a silver warrior." Ruby answered.
"And I am a born warrior." Yang added.
"While I am... a special kind of warrior." Twilight smiling.
Fria's eyes widen, "Did fate grant us another chance?" She asked as she looked up, "Or is it the god of mischievous?"
"No. I can assure you. It's both the god of Lunarspace and god of the Celestium. That allowed this rare fate to combine." Twilight smiled.
This caused Fria's mouth to hit the floor in the most cartoony kinda way. As she realized the implication of Twilight's statement. "Are you from....? But how? How? I... can't believe this." She mumbled.
"Let's just say, I read something I shouldn't have." Twilight admitted.
Fria mumbled on and on for another solid minute. Only to come to a final conclusion. "We have a chance to end this nightmare." She admitted, "It's only possible because this gal, happened to be in this dimension. Thank the gods for this."
"You mean she is the key?" Tai asked.
"Sort of." Fria admitted, "Because in that case, she would be cheated in key. Officially, it's Summer. She is the key. But she is gone, possibly missing."
"Regardless, instead of seeing me as a key, see me as another opportunity for a proper reset. I could do a lot. But only with your guidance." Twilight said as she looks at Tai, Glynda and Fria. "And help. I cannot do this alone. That is why I call myself, an outsider. Once I did my part. My job is done."
"What is your job?" Tai asked.
"Only time will tell." Twilight said, "But the winds of hope is blowing. A future previously set in stone is changing, I can tell. I can also tell, that I will not be here forever. Once I grant a better future for everyone, my job is done."
"Everyone?" Yang asked for confirmation.
"Everyone. Even the witch and wizard. Because all of this started, due to their lame fight." Twilight lamented.
Fria giggled knowingly. "I see now. What do you want me to do?"
"Fria. You are a foreseer, you know what needs to be done. I want you to act in Vale, act as an intermediate. I need you for actions only you can perform. Leading a group of believers for a better future. That is your job." Twilight said vaguely.
Fria nodded, "Alright. I will make it happen."
"Glynda, your job is simple and hard at the same time. I want you to far more strict with the newest generation of warriors than ever before. Their lives will determine the fate of Beacon and Vale. If you want, teach them the ways you taught me. Even if that will make you a demon teacher, do so with their future in mind." Twilight instructed.
"I see. So if the wizard's jobs don't fail. It would give us more time. I understand." Glynda admitted.
"Tai. I want you to go to Vacuo and investigate the darkening. That is the only hope I will have to figure an antidote for Summer's possible new affliction. And her mother for that matter. While also using it as a cover. I believe you might be able to investigate the current on-goings with their people. Something bad is happening there, but I cannot be there for them." Twilight instructed as well.
"Bad like what?"
"I can only give you two words, Blake and Atlas. I am sorry. My vision showed no more." Twilight apologized.
"I see. Atlas and Vacuo never worked well together. And that is the name of the children from... I see. I will intervene." Tai said hopeful.
"Ruby and I will participate in the tournament and hopefully change someone's terrible future." Twilight ominously said.
"Okay. We trained for it, so we might as well." Ruby said with muted excitement.
"Yang. You have now learned in the art of conversations, intel gathering, and overall information related skills. I need you to investigate a name for me. But do so quietly. I will tell you their name, and I want you to investigate those related to him. Not him personally. Keep in mind, this is nearly impossible to get information. You might have to actually pay them for it." Twilight instructed.
"Understood. Any place to start?" Yang asked.
"Two places actually. Though I hope you get all the information from the first. Since the second one will be a bitch to say the least." Twilight admitted. "Firstly their name."
"Adam Taurus." Twilight whispered very quietly in her ear.
"Alright. And those places?"
"Atlas and... well... Go to a place that you take by train. It's not an ordinary train, so appear fragile and poor, or they won't let you on otherwise. Wearing something animal related might help. When you get there, it will be hell in back. So destroy everything there, as soon as you are done. Make sure to distract the people there to help those children. Or you might have to resort to murder itself." Twilight explained slightly carefully.
The group blinked at oddly menacing aura coming from Twilight. Whatever was there, pissed her off badly. "To put it bluntly, what is it?" Glynda asked.
"Based off of Twilight's explanation..." Yang said with a grimace, "A slave camp of sorts. And since it's a train based from Atlas, I assume a slave mine owned by the Schnee Dust company."
"Will you destroy the camp like Twilight asked?" Glynda asked.
Yang gave a determined if grim smile, "Definitely. Whether or not it's legal to do it. If I murder everyone, I can also get away with it. Without breaking their own law. Even if this wasn't what I wanted my afternoon to be."
"Will you give me any instructions?" Qrow asked curious.
"No. You are fully under the wizard's control. I cannot instruct any orders to you at all." Twilight said, "That said, though the only request I have, is that you keep everything you just heard under wraps. I cannot trust you that you will listen, but I can atleast try to hope that you will not speak up." Twilight admitted.
"I will not hide everything. But... somethings I can hide." Qrow admitted.
"Than that is enough for me."
"Alright. Well, the tournament you mentioned is tomorrow is Mantle, shouldn't we... you know, get going there?" Qrow asked.
"Alright. There is no need for you flash your badge Qrow." Twilight said, "I called them in a moment ago."
A few minutes later, the sound of a VTOL arrived at their home. As it landed, Twilight and Ruby climbed on board.
"Where to?" The pilot asked.
"Mantle. We are participating in the tournament." Ruby said.
"Really? Our boss is also going to watch the tournament. I will convey the message to him as soon as we got there." The pilot mentioned.
"Thank you." Ruby said with a smile.
"Well Qrow. I think this is where our paths will split for now." Twilight said as the VTOL began to lift off.
"We will meet again in Vale." Twilight shouted over the roaring sound of the engines.
Qrow merely nodded as he watched the duo leave Patch for Mantle by VTOL. He watched as Ruby waved at him for a moment, right before the hatch door closed. He watched as the engines change from hovering mode to flying mode, causing the VTOL to blast off towards Mantle.
He then turns around to see Fria ready to move towards Patch's airport. He nodded as he also noticed a much happier looking Glynda walk alongside Fria also towards the airport. He glanced at Tai's home as he closed the door and locked it. Tai nodded at Qrow as he too walked with the group towards the airport.
"I guess this is where my path will also split." Yang said as she sat on her motorcycle.
"Yeah. Please don't kill too many." Tai asked hoping.
"Nah. I cannot promise that. Those scumbags of the Schnee company deserve it. I will wear my serpent mask during this whole situation. So hopefully I stay unrecognized." Yang denied his hopes.
"Then take this." Fria gave Yang some sort of tail, "This is the real tail of a serpent. You will be able to get through their customs better."
"Thank you. I wish you the best of luck getting together a freedom force. You too, dad with saving lives hopefully." Yang said as she waved goodbye, she then started her engine and drove off into the distance.
"Welp. Although it's early, let's begin to prevent the future Twilight fears for Vale." Glynda admitted.
"Yep. Good luck switching everyone's training from basic to hellish." Tai said, he then waved at Glynda as he took a different plane to go to Vacuo.
"I just realized that Twilight's request is not only hellish for the student, but also for me. UGH! The paperwork is going to enormous." Glynda groaned at the realization.
"But hopefully it's worth it. Atleast you have something to work with. I am going to get a group together from the ground up." Fria said with an optimistic smile.
"I don't want to be that guy, but I am still going to ask. Are you sure this is going to work?" Qrow asked skeptical.
"If it doesn't, we are doomed."
Author's Note
And that ends this chapter. Gosh these chapters are so much fun. Knowing the future of this series and making my own story mingle with it is so much fun. Don't worry though, if you don't know what I am on about. Everything will be explained in due time.
But right now, we still working in the past. Before the events of the show. And before the point of no return.
The Tournament of the Ominous Part 1
While Twilight and Ruby was en route to Mantle. Yang actually arrived at Atlas sooner due to the way she traveled. She wanted nothing to do with Twilight's request. But she knew she had to. Since lives were on the line. Donning her mask, and serpent tail. She parked her bike somewhere and started to roam the streets.
Just as Twilight instructed, she appeared weak and fragile. Her previous bright yellow clothing all but forgotten and instead she looked like a homeless girl. As she wandered the streets she knew her disguise was working when people look down on her. Specifically those richer looking folk. Eventually she entered a slums through an alleyway.
As she walked around, she felt pity stares and empathetic stares on her. Again another confirmation that her disguise worked perfectly. Until eventually a small little Faunus girl approached her. She was carrying alcohol and bread, both of which she appears far too poor for. And yet she had it.
"Bingo. " Yang thought.
"Miss? My boss wants to talk to you." The girl asked, pushing her luck by using puppy eyes.
Yang rolled her eyes mentally, puppy eyes no longer worked on her due all the training. But she decided to act as if she has been taken by those eyes. "Of course dear. I will follow you." Yang said using a poor girl's voice.
The girl then grabbed Yang's hand as they walked among the slum dwellings. Until they eventually reached a house that looked much better than any other house near that area. Yang noticed an emblem on the house.
"Schnee... What the fuck. Why do they have a base in the middle of the slums? These fucking sick basterds. " Yang thought but said nothing as the girl pushed her to enter the house.
"Alright dear. In I go." Yang was about to enter when a young girl blocked her path. Yang blinked as she took a closer look at the girl, the girl appeared different from the others somehow.
Yang awaited an answer, but noticed that either girl refused to talk or couldn't. So she took the lead instead. "What is it dear?"
Then using sign language she said the following, "Please don't enter. This house is bad. Please madam. Don't enter."
Yang was slightly taken aback by her statement as she took a closer look at the girl. The girl had two different eye colors and was generally really odd looking. Two different looking hair colors. Pink and brown. Just like a Neopolitan ice cream. But the girl looked like a fighter. Strong limb and arms, like an hidden warrior. Yang then visibly smiled at the girl.
"What is your name, dear?" Yang asked smiling.
"Neopolitan." The girl signed with her hands.
Yang gave a soft giggle, "How appropriate. Well then Neopolitan. Why is this place bad?"
Neopolitan was slightly surprised at Yang's ability to understand her, she gave a shy smile at her. "It belongs to the Schnee. They enslave people here. Poor people here." She signed.
That's when the door opened and punched her to the side. "Madam do come in. That girl is a nobody." The well dressed noble stated.
But instead of following the noble, Yang approached Neopolitan instead. "Do they have any family belonging to you?" She whispered.
Neopolitan was surprised at the question, she merely nodded.
"Then do not worry my child. I am a serpent in disguise. Here to teach these scumbags a lesson. Where?"
Neopolitan pointed north east. "Thank you miss." She signed.
Yang nodded, before turning her back on Neopolitan. "Do excuse my kindness sir. I am fond of children. Now, you wanted to see me?"
The noble scoffed at Yang, before returning with a smile. "Yes. Do come in first though."
Yang nodded, "Very well." Yang then decided to troll the noble by walking extra slowly inside. Intentionally walking slowly to piss him off, which seemed to work.
Yang eventually took a seat. "You wish to speak with me?" she slowly said.
The noble scoffed a few more times, "Yes. In exchange that you will give more bread to the community of the slums. I will let you work that off for a measly ten days. No strings attached." he said.
Yang knew that was false. The man would give fake promises to force people to work for the Schnee dust company. Like selling your soul to the devil. "Can I atleast choose where to work it off?" Yang asked.
"Of course madam. Where would you like to work?"
"Is there any place to the North East of here?"
"Oh yes. One of finest mines. They give people the best treatment of all locations."
Yang shuddered at that. It meant they give people the worst treatment possible there. But she managed to hide it. "Then... Sure. I will work such charity off." She said with a fake honest to goodness smile. The noble fell for it like there is no tomorrow.
"But... actually now that I think about it. I was asked an interesting question by someone. Who is mister Taurus?" Yang asked.
"Ah. One of the overseer of the Schnee mines. He is a noble man." The noble said in awe.
"Interesting. " Yang thought.
"Then. When can I begin?"
"Immediately. There is a train station to the north of here. Climb on board that wagon and off you go." The noble instructed.
"Alright." Yang said as she once again slowly walked to the train. Only to get stopped by Neopolitan for a second time.
"What is it dear? You don't want me to go?"
Neo shook her head, "That train will enslave you. Please madam. Don't go." she signed.
Yang gave the girl an honest smile. "What does your people look like?"
Neo's eyes widen, "Brown ice cream and vanilla ice cream." She signed.
"Alright dear. Come a bit closer." Yang requested.
Neo got closer, and looked expectantly.
"Look what is on my arm." Neo looked down and saw Yang's shotgun bracelet. It made her realize what is about to happen.
"Those fuckers won't know what had hit them. Just don't follow my actions yes? I don't want anyone to be forced to do what I am about to do." Yang whispered in Neo's ear.
"Death?" Neo signed.
Yang nodded, "To the guards and their shit."
Neo made a wicked smile, "Go get them big sister." She signed as she gave quiet cheers to Yang.
Yang climbed on board and departed immediately. Giving soft waves to Neo as she departed.
---------------✴---------------
Back on board the VTOL to Mantle.
---------------✴---------------
"Interesting." Twilight said out of nowhere.
"Hm?" Ruby asked as she watched outside.
"Yang just changed the ominous future of one of our potentially antagonists. I say potentially, since she might have changed her future forever."
"For the better I hope?"
"Only time will tell."
"Only Yang will tell?" Ruby joked.
Twilight then bonked Ruby on the head as they watch the scenery slowly change from forests to plains with farm houses.
"We can see the tournament stadium from here." The pilot said as he opened one of the hatches.
Despite their still reasonably far distance. The overall scale of the arena is enormous. It was almost as big as entire Patch itself. It was massive.
"Where will we land?" Twilight asked.
"You see those landing pads in front of the arena? That is the place we need to land. But we first have to get there. The skies above the arena has been pre-routed. So we can only get close after firstly reaching Mantle and then the arena itself." The pilot explained.
"I see. And are we still on time?" Ruby asked.
"Barely. But yes." The pilot answered.
Twilight continued to look outside. Until eventually they see the ancient city of Mantle for the first time. It was an amazingly pretty city. Truly a tourist city as they said themselves. But the arena is clearly a highlight. Twilight could tell the the arena is older than the city itself. Building with even older building blocks than those found in the city itself.
"Nearly there." The pilot said anxiously.
Then thirty minutes before Twilight's first tournament fight, the VTOL successfully landed at the Mantle stadium.
"Alright now what?" Ruby asked.
"Go to the left. You will find the backstage there. Tell them that you are an participant of the tournament. Give them your number and ID. Then they will say the rest." The pilot instructed.
"Alright see you on the return route." Twilight said as the duo hurry to the left. Eventually reaching the entrance of the backstage.
"Halt. This is an entrance for participants only." The guard warned.
"But we are participants. Here our ID and participation number." Ruby asked as she gives the guard the information.
After a moment of looking over the paperwork, the guard nodded. "Alright. Who is Twilight?"
"That would be me." Twilight said.
"Alright. Your first match is in fifteen minutes. Your placement is on the left bracket. You will go against the champion of the previous tournament in your bracket. Your place is on the left of here. Number thirteen." The guard explained.
"Then you must be Ruby. Your placement is on the right bracket. You will go against the young skilled master of the previous tournament in your bracket, seeded two. Your place is on the right of here. Number Thirteen." The guard explained.
"Immediately?" Ruby asked for clarification.
"No. That will only happen if both of you reach the semi-finals." The guard added.
"What is our current match?" Twilight asked.
"Ruby goes against seeded number thirteen. The runner-up from the previous tournament. Twilight goes against a nobody. That is all. Get going!" The guard explained for the final time.
Twilight and Ruby split sides as they enter the room that was allocated to them. Twilight had to admit, these rooms were comfy. You'd think that they would give people poor mans rooms. But no, they felt so premium. It was actually kinda surprising. In a good way. As Twilight watched the on-going match, which was an exhibition match. She saw the current champion destroy a fighter like it was nothing.
"Bong!" The bell rang as the judges had enough.
"That was the match!" The judge shouted.
"If you could call it that!" The second judge said disappointed.
"That was definitely a slaughter~!" The third and final judge said excited.
"The next match is against two nobodies. The Red Dragon from Patch against The Macho from Vale. This match is due to happen in ten minutes. Fighters get in your positions!" The first judge shouted.
Twilight left the booth, Red dragon mask on her face. As she entered the ready position opposite to the other side.
"It would seem that both fighters are in position." The second judge stated.
"Macho seems a bit scared over there." The third judge announced.
"And the dragon?" The second asked.
"She seems calm. Though due to her mask, it's hard to tell." The third judge announced.
"Who do you think will win?" The first judge asked.
"I vote Macho." The third judge stated.
"I vote Dragon." The second judge stated.
"How indecisive." The first judge admitted. "I honestly don't know. In terms of age, the dragon is the same age as our unbeatable newcomer. But that might also be an disadvantage."
"Hm. I think I want to cast my vote to the Dragon." The first judge finally decided.
"2 vs 1. It seems the dragon has outvoted Macho. I suppose only their fight can decide the outcome." The third judge said disappointed.
"Alright. With that out of the way. Fighters enter the arena!" The first judge shouted.
The Macho enters with a bang, theatricals over any thing else. The crowd loves it. Meanwhile the red dragon appeared on the location of starting so fast, most eyes couldn't follow it. Much to the pleasant surprise of the ones wanting to see a strong opponent.
"Interesting. While Macho is definitely a show off. The Dragon is definitely strong. Like really strong. I think this is an uphill fight for Macho." The third judge commented.
"Agreed. My eyes could barely follow that fighter. My vote was the right call I feel." The second Judge admitted.
"I agree with you partner." The first judge said in agreeable tone.
"Alright. Both fighters get ready." The first judge shouted.
"Get Ready!" The second judge copied.
"Set!" The third judge shouted.
"Begin!" All three judge shouted at the same time.
The macho immediately start by throwing some heavy throws at Twilight. Twilight meanwhile simply dodge them without a care in the world. Twilight was calm, and hadn't thrown a single punch yet. The macho continued to throw all kinds of punches at Twilight, who dodged all of it, without hesitation.
"Wow. The dragon isn't even fazed by Macho. She is dodging the opponent's attacks left and right." The second judge commented.
"Yeah. Macho appears to hate it. Keep calm my friend. The more you get angry, the more likely the opponent can defeat you." The third judge warned.
The Macho then attempt to grapple Twilight. Twilight simply dodged his attempt. As she proceed to dodge his attacks in mid-air. Which is normally impossible. This continues to solidify the gap in skill between the Macho and the Dragon.
"Air dodges. Without much care. Wow. She is one scary opponent." The first judge commented.
"Hit me!" The macho taunted.
The dragon blinked, "If you say so." she said as she dished out an over the shoulder punch, hitting the Macho square on the chest, sending him flying backwards into the wall. And ending the match just like that. This caused the crowd to go wild.
"And that is the match. A single punch knocked the opponent out cold. The dragon is one scary mother fucker." The third judge said amazed.
"Game set! The Red Dragon is victorious!" The first judge shouted.
'I thought we were going to... Oh fuck it. ' Ruby thought as a toothy smile appeared on her face.
"Dragon how do you feel about your match?" The third judge shouted.
But Twilight did not respond. She merely stared at her direction, before simply walking back to her booth.
"Alright. She gave me no chance." The third judge said slightly disappointed.
"Isn't that because you voted Macho, not Dragon?" The second Judge said with a raised eyebrow.
"Surely she isn't that petty?" The third judge denied. "Right?" she added in the hopes of a response from Twilight. But none were given.
"Let me try." The first judge said, "How was your first match, Red Dragon."
"Boring." The dragon responded with a yawn. As she left the stage.
The second and first judge smirked at the third judge. "You cannot be serious. Fuck you two." she said angrily.
The crowd laughed at her misfortune. Twilight quietly giggled as well.
"Anyways that was an... admittingly boring match as well. Perhaps the match up, Stone Golem vs Seeded number 13, the flying chicken. Is going to be more interesting." The first judge suggested.
"Huh. First the red dragon, now the stone golem? You think those two are together?" The second judge asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised. They are both the same rough age, though the stone golem is slightly older. Both female, both entered the tournament at the same time. An too interesting coincidence don't you think?" The first judge suggested.
"Anyhow. Both fighters get in your position booth." The first judge said as he switched gears.
"Wow. Both fighter are already in position. Man, that stone golem mask is so detailed. To the point its almost scary looking." The third judge commented.
"Yeah. My favorite fighter is look snazzy today as well. I hope he wins. But if the stone golem is anything like the red dragon... I think he might have an uphill fight right here." The second judge warned.
"Both fighters enter the arena!" The first judge shouted.
The flying chicken entered the arena with little theatrics, something the stone golem followed him in.
"Wow. The stone golem feels strong. I give them my vote." The first judge commented.
"I am obviously going for my favorite fighter, the flying chicken." The second judge commented.
"I think the underdog will win this as well. Stone Golem you have my vote." The third judge commented.
"Wow. Favorites or no, I think this will be an exciting match. Get Ready!" The second Judge shouted.
"Set!" The third Judge shouted.
"Begin!" The first judge finished.
The flying chicken instantly hit Ruby several times. And while Twilight has the tendency to dodge, she has the tendency to take the hits instead. Her aura was offline though while getting hit. Just like Twilight lacked Aura. She kept her aura offline most of the times. It was her way of respecting Twilight's way of combat. Regardless, Ruby tanked those strikes with ease.
"Oh my. The flying chicken has struck the stone golem several times!" The second judge commented excited.
"Hm. I see no flinching. The flying chicken's strikes aren't very strong it seems." The first judge noticed.
"Yeah. As the name states, the stone golem is known as a tank. They can take hits like no other can. In fact, they are known to take hits." The second judge explained.
The second judge glanced at his aura detector. But it stayed off. "Interesting. My aura detector isn't detecting any aura on the stone golem." he points his detector at the chicken, which did cause it to go off. "Whereas the flying chicken does have aura." he noted.
As Ruby tanked the next bunch of hits, she smiled. Causing the flying chicken to back off. "Oh I do have aura. But that is reserved for real threats." she casually mentioned. Her body then shifted into a offensive state, causing the flying chicken to tense.
"Is that so?" The second judge said with a raised eyebrow, "Then why aren't you using it?"
Ruby gave a soft smile as she lunged forward faster than the flying chicken can react. She extended her fist with such power and strength, that on sheer impact with the flying chicken's body, his body contorted as it flew back into the wall, no, through the wall and out the other side. Until eventually flying out of the arena into a random building. As he came to a rest.
"Because I would have killed him had I used aura." Ruby calmly finished.
The stadium was quiet. The judges had wide eyes from the event that happened before them. A twelve seeded got instantly done in by a child. And with enough force to break the surrounding barrier and out the other side. Whoever this child is, is a monster. And the crowd LOVED it. As they went wild in excitement.
"The stone golem wins!" The first and third judge said at the same time.
"Holy shit. She destroyed my favorite fighter." The second commented shocked.
"And the arena! We got to clean that up before we can do anything else!" The third judge commented slightly annoyed.
"This confirms it, the stone golem and the red dragon are definitely together. They will probably go duo on this as well. Watch out Champions! We got two monsters here to make your life hard." The first judge shouted in a challenging tone.
---------------✴---------------
Somewhere on the upper VIP rooms of the stadium.
---------------✴---------------
Pyrrha's mother stood on the balcony of the arena that was overlooking Ruby's fight a moment ago. She clearly heard the warning from the first judge as she frowns. This tournament was supposed to be an easy one. And yet, two powerful individuals suddenly appear to make that merely a dream. Pyrrha who was sitting in the background, also heard the warning.
"Mother." Pyrrha said as she looks up for moment, "How serious is that threat?"
"My dear..." Pyrrha's mother slowly turns to look into Pyrrha's direction. "They are both quite strong. Strong enough to put your championship in contention."
"I see. How young?"
"The stone golem looked like a seven year old, the red dragon appeared to be six years of age."
Pyrrha's eyes widen a bit, "Is that so?"
"The red dragon hopes to eventually challenge you. I don't know why she chose you over the actual champion, but that is what she choose."
"Mh. And do you think that wish will come true?"
"Only if the red dragon firstly beats the champion of this tournament. Then maybe." Pyrrha's mother said as turns around to look at the next match.
"How strong is the red dragon?" Pyrrha asked.
"I don't know. This is their debut. They were pretty strong during their first match. Oddly enough, I detected no aura from that girl. Nor did she carry any weapons. A true martial artist. I suppose just like the last. Only much younger."
"So the girl will go against someone of equal combat type? How interesting. I kind of want to watch it." Pyrrha said surprisingly curious.
"Understood."
As Pyrrha's conversation comes to an end, and the tournament goes back to commenting about each and every match. Ruby, Twilight and Pyrrha had to wait as dozens of boring matches went past. Including their own matches which were rather boring. Ruby took some hits, dealt some instant knock outs. Twilight couldn't get hit as she used the opponent bodies against them. And Pyrrha made short work of whoever stood in her way.
That all changed as soon as Twilight had reached the semi-finals. As her next opponent was going to be so difficult, she was unsure whether or not she actually stood a chance. The current champion is a martial artist, but not just any. One of the few hunters that carried a hunter license and had no aura. An insanely strong opponent and a friend to the wizard.
"And now ladies and gentleman. The fight you have all been waiting for! In one corner we got the monster, the wild card, the underdog. We have got the Red Dragon!" The first judge shouted super excited.
"In the other corner, the mighty, the hunter, the martial artist. The current champion, The Demon Commander!" the second judge shouted equally excited.
"Both are martial artists. Both have no aura. Both have destroyed the competition. One is young, the other older. This is going to be the fight of the century! I can see miss Pyrrha from here, she is also curious. I can also see the general of Patch from here, they are also excited. This is going to be one of the greatest fights we are ever going to see!" The third judge finished commenting.
"Both fighters, make your way to your position in the arena!" The first judge shouted.
The champion made a few excited pumps into the air as the crowd roared in his wake. The Red Dragon did not show any theatrics as her mere presence made people excited. They both took their position as they awaited further instruction.
"As this is the semi-finals, we, the three judge, will ask a question to each contestant. They need to answer them. When we are done, we will announce who we vote for. Then the match will begin soon after." The first judge explained.
"Firstly to the commander." The first judge said, "I assume you have been watching your competition. Do you think you will win?"
"It will be an uphill fight. But I am more experienced, so I think I will." The commander said humble.
"I also have a question for the commander." The second judge asked, "If Pyrrha lost against the stone golem, do you think you will win against them?"
The commander shook his head, "Unlikely. The stone golem is simply too strong."
"Final question to the commander." The third judge asked, "Are you really going to retire if you gain champion again?"
The commander nodded, "I sadly will. Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon has a task for me. That will take absolute priority."
"I know I am not allowed to ask questions. But what sort of task if I am allowed to know?" Twilight interfered.
The commander looks at Twilight for a moment before smiling, "I need to protect a girl from a fairy tale."
Twilight eyes widen, "Ah. I see. Now I see why he is in such a sudden hurry." her smile turns intentionally wicked for a second. As she probes for a reaction out of the commander.
The commander blinked surprised and confused for a moment. But before he could question it, the judges decide to ask Twilight a question.
"Red Dragon do you think you will win?" The first judge asked.
"It will definitely be an uphill fight for me. So I don't know. But I will definitely try to go for an upset win." Twilight said optimistically.
"Interesting answer, What is your opinion on Pyrrha?" The second judge asked.
"My sister, the stone golem will definitely lose. She is strong, but Pyrrha is experienced against similar opponents, so I don't expect much from my sister. That said, I think Pyrrha will have a hard time against me. Since I am a user of irregular attacks. I don't fight by the book, which could throw her off. I hope I get to fight her." Twilight answered honestly.
"What is your opinion on the headmaster of Beacon, Ozpin?" The third judge asked.
Twilight smile turns slightly evil on purpose, her eyes glanced over Ruby for a second. "Overrated. For a headmaster, he makes an awful amount of mistakes. And that while he carries Beacon and Vale. His stance is far to relaxed, I expect not much from him in the future."
"WHAT?!" The commander shouted enraged.
"I mean, he nearly killed a bunch of his students. All because they were overconfident. And he trusted too much. Geez, I wonder what his future will bring." Twilight added flames to the fire.
"How the fuck do you know that?!" The commander shouted shocked.
"Mister Commander. I am from Patch. How do you think I know about that?" Twilight simply replied.
"That's still classified information!" The commander shouted annoyed.
"Oh well. I suppose the whole arena now knows." Twilight said with an innocent smile.
"Son of a bitch. I will kill you!" The commander shouted enraged as he activates his aura.
"Let's see you try."
The commander roared enraged as he looks at the now stunned judges. "Well, what the fuck are you three waiting for? Begin the fucking match!"
"Ah. Ready, Set, Begin!" The first judge quickly stated.
The commander then launched forwards used his hands into the crab pose. Twilight rapidly dodged his first grapple, by moving backwards. Twilight then wasted no time as she used her knee to slam it into the bottom of his face, turning it into a uppercut using her knee. This caused the commander to stumble backwards. But regains it fast enough that Twilight can't strike him again.
The commander then launches forwards several times in an attempt to grapple Twilight. Causing him to miss every time, and allowing Twilight to punch him several times. These punches had no real weight in it yet. As the commander had yet to throw deadly punches yet. Causing Twilight to hold herself back several times.
"Tell me! How the fuck do you know?!" He shouted as he switched from attempted grapples to super fast and super powerful jabs. Twilight was still somehow faster as she dodged the jabs all the same. Twilight didn't respond and instead threw a few powerful jabs herself. Most didn't hit, but some did.
As she finally took a hit, she smiled, "Simple. Me and my sister stopped them from going to their deaths." She said as she got pushed back. Twilight then switched gears into a more suppressive type combat style, she then attempted to strike several fatal points on his body. Most failed to hit the intended target but still hit his body. All but one failed. The one that hit, struck his spinal cord. Causing him to stumble for a moment.
"Somehow I don't believe you." The commander shouted angrily. He was still stunned as Twilight proceeded to strike his knees several times, causing him to weaken somewhat. But despite getting weaker and thus slower. He continued to throw powerful jabs into Twilight's direction. Until eventually Twilight misjudged the angle of his attack, causing Twilight to get struck into the belly and slammed into the protective ring around the arena grounds.
"Argh!" Twilight shouted in pain. The commander stood there angrily. "Now DIE!" he shouted as he switched gears into a more deadly strike. Twilight then managed to avoid his deadly punches thankfully. Until Twilight had no choices left, she had to both go serious and deadly herself. Something she wished she didn't have to do.
"I am sorry dad." Twilight said quietly. Her stance turns deadly as she turns into the dragon combat style. Using a style taught by Tai, Twilight used the famed, 'Flaming Dragon Punch,' on The commander. She did it, so fast. That Twilight broke the Commander's aura, upper and bottom leg bones at the same time. Until she eventually back down.
The commander was knock out cold as the sheer pain of breaking ones aura and his legs had taken its toll on him. He was knock out cold for a while. And Twilight saw the handy work of her actions. The commander was going to be paralyzed thanks to her. Thankfully for the commander, Twilight wasn't going to let that stay that way. But he was going to be like that for the rest of the tournament.
"The winner is The Red Dragon!" The three judges shout at the same time. Causing the crowd to go wild. But both Ruby and Pyrrha didn't feel like celebrating. They saw the look on Twilight's face, it was a sad one. She had to go and do something, something awful.
"How do you feel about your win, red dragon?" The first judge asked excited for a moment, but the look on her face made him drop his excitement.
"I... I had to break someone's legs to win... I... feel like crying." Twilight admitted saddened.
"Cry-" The second judge was about to ask about the good or the bad kind. But the first judge shut his mouth.
"The bad kind." Twilight replied nonetheless. "Nobody should have to become paralyzed for something like that."
"He tried to kill you. I think what you did is still somewhat tame." The third judge commented.
"He could have saved lives. Now he is paralyzed over a stupid fight." Twilight rejected his comment.
"That's... true. Shit." The third judge admitted as he admitted fault for the stupid comment.
Author's Note
Just because Twilight and Ruby is able to go deadly. Doesn't mean they are always mentally prepared to go deadly. No child should ever need to do, what Twilight just did. And that is to break someone's legs in order to survive. That said, like is mentioned before, that isn't the end for his career just yet. Thank god he faced against a being of magic and not a barbarian. There is still hope for him yet, something you will find out in the next chapter. Sorry for the short chapter, but other wise this chapter would be ten thousand words at the minimum. That and sorry for the lack of chapters. I fell ill and got Covid-19. Even right now as I type, I still got it. But I will soon get back to it. I am mostly healed from being ill, but it's not entirely gone yet.
The Tournament of the Ominous part 2
After Twilight's ominous battle with the previous champion. It was Ruby's turn to fight Pyrrha, someone that she wasn't prepared to beat. In fact, as Twilight had said earlier, it was likely she wouldn't win. Her move set was far too simple and just because she can tank hits, doesn't mean she is able to take attacks from an experienced fighter like Pyrrha.
Pyrrha has years of combat on her belt at this point in time. Whereas Ruby is more of an wild fighter. Capable against people but more suited against Grimm. That said, Ruby was a different beast from Twilight. She is calmer of a fighter, a more calculated fighter. But weaker than her younger sister, Twilight.
"The next fight is the fight I have been waiting for! Our unbeatable newcomer against the stone golem!" The first judge shouted.
"Both fighters please make your way to the start position. Anyhow, I am expecting an interesting fight. But my vote still goes to Pyrrha, since we know her for a while now." The second judge commented.
"Agreed. I just don't believe in our underdog this round. I think Pyrrha is going to make short work of the stone golem." The third judge agreed.
"Nah. The stone golem is my favorite this round. I hope she will win." The first judge disagreed.
"Both fighters! Make your way onto your starting position in the arena itself!" The second judge ordered.
Both Pyrrha and Ruby entered the field. Neither showed any theatrics as their mere presence caused the crowd to go wild. Surprisingly Pyrrha had her weapons already out. She didn't do this normally.
"Oh my. Pyrrha seems to be more than ready. She already got her weapons at the ready!" The third judge noted.
"Is she nervous?" The first judge asked, "Because I sure would be. This monster ate the competition for breakfast so far!"
"Perhaps she is excited. I mean, normally her fights are rather boring. But now, she is facing against an proper opponent. Someone that is just as capable to her, to a degree anyways." The second judge commented.
"Have a good fight." Pyrrha casually said to Ruby.
Ruby gave a soft smile, "Yes."
"Oh? Pyrrha wished the opponent a good fight. That means she is really excited." The third judge noted.
"Alright then. Get Ready!" The first judge shouted.
"Set!" The second judge shouted.
Both Pyrrha and Ruby jumped back several meters at the same time.
"Begin!" The third judge hurriedly shouted.
Ruby then drew her weapon and charged her body with aura. Something that didn't go unnoticed. The three judge that were watching gasped as they saw Ruby's body shine with a black like aura. Pyrrha's eyes also widen at that, she clenched her weapons.
"Holy shit! Her aura is colored black! That means she has a lot of aura! And powerful aura at that!" The first judge gasped.
"For those in the unaware. Aura takes on several colors. With white the weakest and black the strongest. Black means that the opponents aura is both strong, dense and that there is a lot of it. Pyrrha is in trouble." The second judge explained.
Pyrrha made her aura also shine for a moment. Her aura is colored red. Which is one level weaker than black. "Oh my. She is showing off now!" The third judge shouted, "Red is slightly weaker than black!"
Then with a single draw, Ruby swung her sword fast and powerful enough that her sword left a light mark in the air. Pyrrha managed to barely block it using her shield but she did fling backwards from it. She then extended her spear as she aimed at Ruby, Ruby didn't flinch, instead she waited on Pyrrha to throw her spear at her.
"Interesting." Ruby said. Causing Pyrrha to stall her throw for a moment. Ruby's own shield, which she pulled out to block Pyrrha's attack, made an irregular motion as she lower her shield. Ruby didn't do that.
As Pyrrha was about to throw her spear, Ruby charged at Pyrrha with her shield instead of merely blocking the attack. Instead of drawing her sword as Pyrrha anticipated, she shield bashed Pyrrha instead. Causing her to drop her spear as she was pushed backwards. Pyrrha then quickly maneuvered around Ruby to obtain her spear.
Ruby could have stopped Pyrrha, but didn't. "Interesting. Ruby let Pyrrha pick up her spear." The first judge noted.
Pyrrha blinked for a moment in confusion. "Why? Why am I interesting?"
Ruby smiled, "Now I see why my little sister wants to battle you. Your... semblance... doesn't work on her. She has nothing metallic on her."
Pyrrha's eyes widen in shock. "What?"
"Your semblance is, Polarity isn't it?" Ruby whispered.
Pyrrha's mouth gaped in shock. "How did you find out?"
"Pyrrha. I am an huntress in training. One that already carries the title huntress by unofficial status. The red dragon and I saved the lives of a bunch of students that nearly attacked and destroyed a Grimm nest. Which would have killed them. We are trained to fight people like you." Ruby explained.
"Then why does your sister want to fight me?" Pyrrha asked confused.
"To warn you. She has foresight. And sees a very ominous future for you. You are important somehow. My sister wants to protect you from yourself. Whatever that means." Ruby explained.
Pyrrha's eyes widen, "Is that so?"
"Yes. Judges? I will surrender." Ruby said to the judges.
"Are you sure?" The first judge asked.
"Yes. My job here is done. I never wanted to be champion anyways. I came here to do my job. And that job is complete." Ruby said.
"Alright! Pyrrha wins by default! The stone golem has surrendered!" The first judge shouted. This caused the crowd to boo at Ruby.
"Well then. Good luck against my sister. She genuinely wants to beat you. But she is also going to reveal something important. So listen carefully." Ruby said as she left the arena.
After leaving the arena, she approached by one of the arena hosts. "Miss, with that exit. You cannot join Duo anymore."
Ruby smiled at the host, "We don't want to anyways. I got what I wanted. There is no need for a second attempt."
"A shame. Thank you for participating. Here is your money." The host said disappointed.
"Thank you. Can I still watch in the tribune?" Ruby asked.
"Of course. You want to watch your sister right?" The host asked.
"Yes."
"She will watch with me then." The general of the Patch Military said as he appeared out of nowhere.
"Are you sure, sir?" The host asked shocked.
"She is a VIP to my military. Of course I am sure." The general confirmed.
"Alright. Please follow me back to your VIP room." The host said as she allowed Ruby and the general to follow her.
"Sorry about that loss." Ruby apologized.
"No need to worry about that. You came here to warn some individuals. That makes your one time entry quite special. Twilight explained the situation to me. Don't worry. I didn't expect much anyways." The general explained.
"I see. Yes. Twilight wants Pyrrha to win no matter what. Her future depends on it."
"So she will throw the match?" The host asked.
"Yup." The general confirmed.
"I see. Such a shame. But alright." The host said slightly disappointed.
"You bet on her?" Ruby asked with a toothy smile.
"I did. Which is why it sucks." The host said now properly disappointed.
"Sorry. But for Pyrrha this is life or death. If Twilight, my sister, is unable to help Pyrrha. She will die in the future." Ruby warned.
"Really!?" The host asked shocked.
"Yes. The way she dies is... known... But that is only if nothing is changed in time." Ruby warned.
"But we mustn't mess with time too much to cause new problems." The general explained.
"Yes. If the same timeline will still occur. We will know what the future will bring. If we change it too much, the future will be much more uncertain." Ruby added.
"I see. So she must become champion no matter what. But that doesn't mean, we can't add a few seeds of doubt. Right?" The host concluded.
"Exactly." Ruby confirmed.
"Alright. We have arrived at the VIP room. The next match will begin in two minutes. It's the final match. The Red Dragon vs The Unbeatable Newcomer." The host said, "Would you like anything to drink?"
Both Ruby and the general shook their heads. "No thank you."
"Alright. Have a nice day." The host said as she left.
"So how is Twilight doing after her last match?" The general asked.
"A part of me believes that she did that on purpose. Especially after her lack of response once she got back in the box. In fact I hope she isn't going to do what I think she is going to do." Ruby said worried.
"What?"
"You know of her... special ability?" Ruby asked for confirmation.
"You mean... besides her foresight? Yeah she told me about it. I don't quite believe her though. Magic right?"
"Yeah. Don't tell me she is going to heal him... Oh fuck she definitely will."
"It does feel like something she would do."
"Son of a bitch." Ruby swore.
-------------------------------✴-------------------------------
Meanwhile back down inside of Twilight's box.
-------------------------------✴-------------------------------
Twilight was preparing to go head on against Pyrrha. But her mind sometimes went back to the hunter who she paralyzed for now. She was analyzing on ways to do it quietly and sneakily. While also not making the hunter even more angry. While she planned, someone knocked on her door.
"Go ahead. The door is open."
"Red dragon." The mother of Pyrrha said as she entered Twilight's box.
"Ah. You must be Pyrrha's mother. How can I help you?"
"I had a simple question. I heard you have foresight..."
"Yes?"
"Which school should I send my daughter to?" She asked surprisingly.
Twilight raised her eyebrow, "Why are you asking me?"
"I... I have a friend that also has foresight. He told me that my daughter has a glorious future ahead of her. Is that true?" The mother asked cautiously.
"Depends on the definition of "Glorious" but in that case, why not simply believe it?" Twilight asked confused.
"I... I had a nightmare." The mother said as she turn around. Regardless, Twilight could feel fear and confusion from the mother.
"What type of nightmare?" Twilight asked worried.
"I believe it might have been a vision."
"Go on."
"My daughter will die. Killed by... someone. Using an arrow as tool." The mother explained carefully.
Twilight's eyes widen, "Is that so?"
"Now my question is, will sending her to a specific school matter?" The mother asked hopeful.
"Yes. I... know the future you just mentioned. It's the future I hope to avoid. But. If we change it too much, we might not be able to anticipate the future." Twilight explained.
"So... We should both encourage that future and prevent the worst case scenario from happening?"
"Certain things in time, will occur. Some are unavoidable. But... I sincerely hope this isn't one of them." Twilight hoped.
"I see. So which school is the problem child?"
"Every school is the problem. Though a few schools I hope to avoid at all cost. Not because it doesn't save her life. But rather, she will be poorly set up for the future to come in the wrong one."
"I see. This vision..."
"Beacon. That will happen in Beacon. But if we don't choose Beacon, she won't gain the right allies in time. So either we run with a chance of death, and a chance at a bright future. Or we chose a different school, but potentially face an unpredictable future." Twilight explained.
"So regardless, she will die if we choose wrong." The mother concluded.
"Yes. No matter what we choose. The wrong choice will kill her. However the school I can highly not recommend is Atlas. Their future is going to be dark no matter which future we choose."
"Hm..." The mother was in deep thought.
"If. If you choose Beacon. Then she will meet my sisters in a positive light. The stone golem and the serpent are both going to join Beacon. I will simply follow them both. So although I cannot be certain that it's the right choice. Beacon is more of my recommendation. Because that is the starting point." Twilight admitted ominously.
"Starting point for what?"
"A future we cannot avoid." Twilight finished.
"I see. Thank you. I will talk with my daughter about this later. Good luck with the fight." Pyrrha's mother said as she left Twilight.
"That was interesting. Then again, our mere presence is already slightly changing the future. My presence especially." Twilight said curiously.
"Red Dragon and the unbeatable newcomer! Please make your way onto the tournament floor!" The first judge boomed.
Twilight rushed out of the room and onto the ready box, after which also proceeding onto the tournament floor as ordered. Pyrrha did the same on the other side. The crowd was quiet. A fight of titans was about to take place. And everyone wanted to learn as much as they can about it. So no cheering could be heard.
"Ladies and Gentleman! The match you have all been waiting for finally is here! The final match for the champion title! The unbeatable Newcomer also known as Pyrrha. And our mysterious Red dragon from Patch. The multi champion vs the underdog!" The second judge boomed across the arena.
"The crowd has gone silent! The people are now entirely focused on this match up. I can't wait for the underdog to win!" The third judge voted.
"My vote goes to our unbeatable newcomer!" The first judge commented.
"I want the one that defeated the previous champion to win. You got my vote Red dragon!" The second judge also voted.
"Regardless of our votes. Only time will tell who shall win this match." The first judge dismissed.
"Get ready!" The first judge boomed.
"Set!" The second judge boomed as well.
"Fight!" The third judge finished.
And then total silence happened. Neither Twilight nor Pyrrha moved an inch. Pyrrha stared at Twilight. But Twilight had closed her eyes. Then Twilight made a move so fast, Pyrrha could only barely dodge the attack. It was an over the shoulder punch. But with a speed Twilight had never shown before. Not even to Ruby who was gasping at the speed as her eyes could only barely see it as well. Twilight missed as her punch hit the outer wall of the arena. Crushing it in the process.
"So fast!" The second judge commented. "I could only barely see it."
Pyrrha was slightly stunned at the surprisingly powerful and fast punch as her combat senses went up a few notches as she realized that The stone golem was correct. The Red Dragon really didn't have any metal on her. This made her semblance useless against this opponent. And the sheer fact that she was nearly overwhelmed in a single strike spooked her a bit.
However she recovered quickly as her mind changed gears. She drew her spear and begun shooting at Twilight. Instead of dodging like she did for most of the tournament. Twilight simply took the hits. But since she had no aura, these shots actually did damage. Much to Pyrrha's and Ruby's horror. Twilight was now bleeding a bit from Pyrrha's attack.
"Oh dear. The red dragon is Auraless. She cannot block those gun shots!" The first judge shouted in horror as well.
Pyrrha instantly stopped shooting as she dropped her aura. To match the red dragon's combat prowess. However now the Pyrrha was out of her comfort zone. She was fighting against an seemingly stronger overall opponent, that had no aura. Since she didn't want to use aura against an auraless opponent, she was now in a confusing situation.
Twilight smiled softly, as she suddenly dropped down low. Her stance went from neutral to aggressive offensive. Pyrrha realized the unusual circumstance she was in. She just now dropped her aura against an auraless opponent with the power to crush sandstone on mere impact. That opponent also didn't back down, but only went more aggressive instead.
Twilight then rushed Pyrrha as she dished out thousands of quick but powerful jabs. Forcing Pyrrha to go defensive as one wrong move could absolutely destroy her body. Had she maintained her aura, she could have avoided this exact thing from happening. But she was too nice.
Ruby giggled, "Twilight is playing Pyrrha. She is teaching her that getting into a false sense of security could lead to death."
"Twilight wanted Pyrrha to keep maintaining her aura?" The general asked confused.
Ruby nodded, "Twilight is an exception. She needs no special powers. All of her combat is based on old-school combat. Thus deadly combat. Pyrrha needs to stop being nice when she fights. Because it could lead to her death."
"Especially on an opponent without any weapons. Or anything metallic to influence. Her semblance is powerless against this opponent. So she put herself in an unnecessary disadvantage. Which could kill her. No, will kill her." Ruby said as she back tracked.
"You mean... against an maiden?" The general realized.
Ruby merely nodded as she watched Pyrrha getting overwhelmed by Twilight. The general had a lot to think about. After all this talk of the future there was one thing he noticed. In none of them, he played a role.
"Hey Ruby. I had a question..."
"Go on."
"What is my place in that future?" The general asked.
Ruby giggled, she realized why he thought this. "A key. Your place in this future was none. But, Twilight changed that. She chose to include you. Which means you will play your part. How exactly I don't know yet. But I guess you are the second abnormality in this timeline."
"Who is the first?"
"Why my little sister is. She is not from this world after all."
"What?" The general said shocked.
"Oh she didn't tell you? Well by this moment. She is not from this world. She wasn't from the start. Because, no normal 5 year old could fight that well."
"Says the 6 year old."
"Yeah. But atleast I was born in a family of warriors. Twilight is not."
"Then how is she, a 5 year old, fighting with that much strength and power at such a young age?" The general wondered.
"I... I wish I knew. Twilight herself seems strict on not telling anyone. Including me. But perhaps she will reveal it soon." Ruby admitted.
The general then stroked his beard as he thought about it. When suddenly a thought came up. "What if she is using her magic to boost her strength? Or more specific, is it possible that her magic warped her strengths and weaknesses?"
Ruby's eyes widen, she then thought it through a bit more. "She did say she came here accidentally. So... a wrong warp? Caused her to come here. In ways not intended?"
"If that is the case, then does that mean she is ill? I would assume she would be. Her magic is acting in ways unintended, her body and mind might be having difficulty adapting to this new world." The general assumed.
"So... the reason she is so strong is because...?"
"Something must have warped her age. That is all I can think of."
"You think she is older?" Ruby asked shocked at the revelation.
The general shook his head, "I sincerely hope I'm wrong. But I think she was originally younger. At an age in which she was just starting to become acquainted with society. She might have been just above an certain age that allowed her access to magic. And at the same time, just shy of becoming a proper child."
Ruby's eyes widen as the ominous truth came to light, "How..." She said with a shaky voice, "How old, would she have to be?"
"If the world in hers is similar to ours. Then..." The general gulped as he did the math, "Three years old?"
"You are telling me... that an child. The age of 3, has to suddenly adapt as an 5 year old. And has been given an task on their shoulders that no child should have that age..."
"Protect her world from this one. Or face the consequences. Is the burden on her shoulders. A burden no child should ever have." The general said as he was sweating at the mere thought.
"My god. And her prediction skills only makes it worse. Not to mention her magic. She is a mage. In a world were mages are seen as enemies. And has the foresight ability. In a world where that will make or break this world. Oh my god." Ruby said as she drooped in her chair. She was only 6 years old. And yet a child younger than her, suddenly had the world on her shoulders.
"I never thought I would ask a 6 year old. But please, please, please protect that child. She has enough burdens as it were. She needs no more. I will assist to the best of my ability. But I can only do so much." The general begged.
"Of course. This only makes my skills as a paladin and protector more and more important. I will train to protect her from our enemies. Till my dying breath." Ruby said suddenly highly motivated to protect Twilight.
"Of course. Patch military will help you two to the best of our abilities. Mark my word, Twilight will now be seen as more than just and hero. She is our MVP. And we will protect her, to our dying breath as well." The general agreed.
"But that does make me wonder...?"
"Mh?"
"What did happen to her parents? Because I assume they are still in her world."
"If its anything like how I feel about my child when she went missing all those years ago. Then... Worried at the very least. Mentally harmed at worst. They will feel responsible. Because for them, Twilight didn't just go missing... She ran away from home. And won't be back for several generations to come." The general admitted.
"I see. I hope their are alright."
Author's Note
Okay. I will admit, I was stumped about what to say in continuation past that point. Until the comment section started to discuss Twilight's age. So I put that into the story instead. Next chapter will go a bit more in-dept on Twilight's situation and her age included.
The World of Parents Part 1
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Somewhere in the unknown.
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A being sat in the center of a slime filled room. The walls and ceiling was black with slime as there was no seemingly way to either enter or exit the room. No windows, just slime. In the center of the room sat a single being. Chained up and imprisoned. A red satanic ring surrounded the being as a seal. Preventing the being from escaping.
But, this was no satanic being. It was a human. A human of red and white. Their weapon laid on the ground nearby, just out of reach. The being had been asleep. Signs of abuse could be noted on their features. They were alive in a living hell. And yet they were still going strong. Luckily for her, divine intervention had occurred. A being, not from this world, had entered the world. And granted her a second chance.
As the being opened their eyes, they realized they were still imprisoned. Imprisoned in a world without escape. And yet, a breeze of hope had filled the room. They realized. There was hope from this nightmare.
"👎︎☼︎☜︎✌︎💣︎💧︎📪︎ ☟︎⚐︎🏱︎☜︎💧︎📪︎ ❄︎☼︎🕆︎❄︎☟︎💧︎📬︎ ✌︎ 👎︎☼︎✌︎☝︎⚐︎☠︎ ⚐︎☠︎ ❄︎☟︎☜︎ ☹︎⚐︎⚐︎💧︎☜︎📪︎ ❄︎☟︎☜︎✡︎ ✌︎☼︎☜︎ ⚐︎🕆︎☼︎ 💧︎❄︎☼︎☜︎☠︎☝︎❄︎☟︎💧︎📬︎ 🕈︎✋︎❄︎☟︎⚐︎🕆︎❄︎ ❄︎☟︎☜︎ 👎︎☼︎✌︎☝︎⚐︎☠︎📪︎ ✋︎ ✌︎💣︎ ☞︎☼︎☜︎☜︎📬︎ ✌︎☠︎👎︎ ❄︎☟︎☜︎ 🕈︎✋︎❄︎👍︎☟︎ 🕈︎✋︎☹︎☹︎ ☞︎✌︎☹︎☹︎📬︎ ☼︎🕆︎👌︎✡︎📬︎📬︎📬︎ ✋︎ 💣︎✋︎💧︎💧︎ ✡︎⚐︎🕆︎📬︎" The being stated in sheer hope.
They then sank back into the world of unconscious, waiting for their brave hero to come to their aid. Without knowing if they are friend or foe. Lucky for them it was the initial one. She is waiting for you, Twilight Sparkle.
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Somewhere else in existence.
------------------✴------------------
In the other world, a child has been reported missing. After it never returned from a vacation. The parents searched and searched the world over and over. But despite it, their young three year old child has been removed from the face of the planet. Realizing they could no longer find her alone, they turned to their monarch. Princess Celestia.
It was raining. Twilight's father Night Light, calmly walked through the rain, his magic all forgotten as his hope was getting squashed by the rain. It has been six months since they last saw the youngest child. A bright, book-loving, socially awkward child. Has suddenly and without warning gone totally missing.
"And?" The mother of Twilight, Velvet Sparkle asked.
Night shook his head. "I am afraid I have searched this area six times already. I have no area left to cover. I even, with permission, got the chance to search inside the houses. But nothing."
Velvet's head sank to the ground as her finally hopes started to become strained. "I guess I will have to resort to the final chance. If that fails... then..."
"I know. Let's get back home first. We mustn't fall ill from the rain."
Velvet nodded, her hope in the world was already low. She really didn't want to resort to begging for help. But if she fails, all hope is lost. And she will have to prepare for calling her 'missing in action' and 'presumed dead'. She had already been preparing a spot in the graveyard. Just not for their youngest daughter.
As Night and Velvet quickly went home to dry themselves out from the rain. They looked upon their cold empty home. Twilight's brother was not made aware of this, this was done to preserve his mental sanity. He wanted to become a royal guard. If Twilight's circumstance got in the way of it, he would grieve for the rest of his life. His future all forgotten.
This was the decision made by Night, even if it made him feel guilty.
"If we fail." Velvet said, "He deserves to know."
"I know. He deserved to know from the beginning. It's just..."
"He has the right to look brightly on his future. I know. I feel a bit guilty too."
"Well if the princess knows. She is likely going to bring him into the know." Velvet mentioned.
"Which he has every right to." Night admitted.
Velvet nodded, the two then ate dinner and went to bed. Even if the two of them only got nightmares for every night since then. They will sleep, but they are stuck with nightmares for the rests of their lives. Their nightmares range from seeing Twilight die before them, to simply the feeling guilt weighting them down until they could no longer move.
After the usual barrage of nightmares. The two wake up, not feeling refreshed, as their head the bathroom to get ready for their conversation with the monarch. They also eat a small breakfast, as they dress up for their last chance. They then open the door and leave the house. Potentially for good as they are planning on moving away and back to their parent's house. In an attempt to restore their sanity.
After an uneventful trip to the castle, they finally arrive at their last hope. Black walls below their eyes shows their restlessness. Something that the guards in the waiting room took note of. Whatever the reason for their visit. It was incredibly important.
------------------✴------------------
Meanwhile in the throne room.
------------------✴------------------
"Thank you your highness." Shining Armor now captain Armor said. He got promoted only a few minutes ago to the captain of the guard. Not yet royal guard, as he wasn't quite ready yet.
"You are dismissed. I need to begin the day court." Princess Celestia ordered, Captain Armor saluted as he walked out of the room.
Before the princess is able to call it open, a guard from the waiting room entered.
"What is it?" The princess asked confused.
"Captain Armor's parents are in the waiting room. The look poorly." The guard mentioned.
"Poorly how?" The princess asked worried.
"Like depressed or lost. Whatever ails them, it feels as if you are their last hope. The mood in the room is grim." The guard explained.
The princess blinked, "All guards, prevent other ponies from entering. They deserve to be given an special court time."
"Understood." Every guard in the room said as they leave the room.
"Let them in."
"Yes, your highness." The guard saluted as he quickly let them in.
The parents slowly make their way inside. Their look depressed and sad. They give the princess a deep bow as a nobility. Which is odd.
"Do rise. I am the bringer of some good news." Celestia said in an attempt to raise the mood, "Your son, Shining Armor, has been given an promotion to captain of the guard."
Velvet gave the princess a careful smile, "That's good news..." she said, but the mood didn't increase.
"What is the matter, miss Sparkle?" Celestia asked straight up.
"Our youngest child, Twilight Sparkle has gone missing. We have searched everywhere to no avail." Velvet answered.
"It's been six months your highness." Night added.
Celestia's eyes widen, "Is that so. Where have you searched so far?"
"Entire Canterlot, including the forbidden areas. Entire Ponyville, entire Manehattan. We are losing hope, your highness. Your help is our last resort. And we are already this close to simply calling her 'presumed dead', your highness." Velvet explained. Her depressed mood bringing down the room.
Celestia was stunned, this is first time any parents would call their own daughter presumed dead before. "At what age?"
"Three."
This shocked Celestia into silence. "What was her last known location?" she quietly asked.
"Canterlot forest. Near the lake we found a small paper with her hoof print and weird symbols on it." Night explained, "We tried to make sense of the symbols. But nothing came from it."
"Do you have it on you?"
"Yes. Alongside a dried, previously wet, book. We found that in the lake itself. Again, the book has a weird language on it. We have never seen it." Night said as he physically gave the paper and book to Celestia.
"Why aren't you using your magic?" Celestia asked as she inspects the book.
"It reminds us... of her." Night said as the mere though made him nearly cry. This wasn't missed by Celestia. However Celestia was rather focused on the book that was given to her. So she didn't say anything about it. Instead she realized the type of language used in it.
"This is... Human language." Celestia said as she looked at the book. "An ancient language no longer used anywhere."
"Hm? Isn't the human race from outside our solar system?" Velvet smartly asked.
Celestia smiled at the question, "That is correct. But on this planet there isn't a single one. So, how this book came to be, is beyond me. Where did she get this?"
"Uh..." Night gulped, "Remember how I also searched the forbidden area's in Canterlot? Well..."
"Are you telling me, that she sometimes explored forbidden area's within Canterlot?"
"Libraries to be exact. She has read every book from every library in Canterlot at the age of 3. So she probably got bored... and chose to search the forbidden libraries instead." Velvet explained.
Celestia made a deep sign. "I see. In that case, she probably searched my... sister's library?"
"Princess Cadence?"
"No, no. The one that is supposedly a fairy tale. Princess Luna."
"Ah. So that is what Twilight was talking about. She felt sad that she was stuck on a single planet all by herself. Anyhow, that is where that book probably came from." Night mentioned.
Celestia's brow twitched at the mention, but then furrowed it. "What did you mean previously wet?"
"We found it in the lake itself. That's why we believe she might be dead. The lake's center is hollow and goes out of Canterlot. If she was sucked through that, she could be dead." Velvet explained.
"That could in theory, indeed, kill her. But, I sincerely doubt it. Was only the outside wet, or also the inside?" Celestia asked.
"Why?"
"The book's inside can't be wet, unless it was opened before it hit the water. Meaning that she was using the book, before it got wet. It's spell protected against water. But only when it's closed."
"The inside was wet."
"I see. Then I will send my best professors on the case to investigate any foul play on the book." Celestia said, she then turned her attention to the piece of paper with weird scribbles on it.
"These scribbles aren't just peculiar. They are magic circles." Velvet offered, "But when we tried casting them, they fizzled out. As if they are one time use only."
"Yes. They can only be casted by your daughter. Its... reverse summoning magic. She summoned herself into another world. The way it's been created suggest that she was trying to create teleportation magic. The two are very close after all. But instead of it working... I think it malfunctioned." Celestia explained.
"So it wrong warped her?" Night asked.
"Yes."
"Is she still alive?" Velvet asked slightly hopeful.
"Yes. But... I cannot undo it. This magic isn't simply undone. A wrong warp is quite literally a mistake. Undoing a mistake of this scale... Impossible. Even with my magic. I cannot do it. She is stuck until she find a way back herself." Celestia mumbled.
"Not to mention, it's possible that the wrong warp, not only warped her time and space. But also herself. In more ways than one." Night added.
"Thus?"
"Your daughter is definitely alive. But! She won't come home for quite a bit of time. If at all. The wrong warp could be too severe. Even your daughter's memories could be warped from it. I sincerely hope that isn't the case, but it's definitely possible." Celestia warned, "Anyhow, I will try to free your daughter. It might, no will, take many years to come."
"That is the best I could have heard all year. I thank you, your highness." Night said pleased, a smile finally making his way back onto his face.
"No matter what form, memory or size of my daughter. I will accept it all. Do not worry about that. Thank you, Princess Celestia." Velvet said as she finally smiled.
"One last thing before I get going." Night said, "Please inform Shining Armor about all of it. We chose not to tell him out of fear of his mental health. But now that the future might look bright. Please inform him. We are both going back to our parent family homes to recover our sanity."
"Very well. I guess I need to close court early. As this takes priority." Celestia mentioned.
"Thank you, your highness." Night said as they finally left.
Celestia looked high and mighty a moment ago. Only to slouch in her chair after hearing that. A child, at the age of three no less, wrong warped into the unknown. Not to mention, this child somehow gained unauthorized access to her sister's forbidden and private library. After a moment of silence, she sat straight once more. As she rang her bell.
This caused Shining Armor, now in head of the guard gear, to enter the hall. He bowed then saluted, "You called your highness?"
"Captain Armor... I had a talk with your parents just now."
"Really? Were they proud of my achievement?"
"Yes. But that is not what this was about. It's about... your younger sister. Twilight Sparkle." Celestia said, she probed Shining Armor for an reaction. But all he reacted with, was confusion. This suggested that the parents kept him in the dark intentionally.
"She... is gone missing."
"What?! Where was her last known location?" Shining Armor shouted shocked.
"For the last six months..."
Shining Armor's face turned white at that. "What." He said a lot more quietly.
"I now know that there is no way to simply find her... As she wrong warped herself. But the same couldn't been said for your parents. They searched for six long months. To no avail." Celestia said saddened.
"Where did that wrong warp go?"
"I am going to have to investigate that myself. Twilight stole a book, belonging to my sister Luna. The book is entirely written in human language. I will have to translate it first." Celestia said.
"Or... Just show me. I can read human language after Twilight forced me to learn it." Shining Armor said determined.
Celestia blinked, "Well that is convenient." she said as she showed the wet book to Shining Armor.
"The book about Grimm." He immediately translated as soon as he saw the title.
Celestia immediately pulled the book away from Shining Armor, as soon as she heard that. She instantly knew what this was about.
"What?" Shining Armor said confused.
"That's... a ultra, highly, classified and dangerous book. How the hell did she get her hooves on this?!"
"I heard rumors that she was working on an unsealing spell and was bribing the guards to the library. Why?"
This caused Celestia's mouth to hit the floor as she gaped at the implications. "Captain Armor leave finding Twilight to me. I want you to shut down and erase those libraries from ponies minds!"
"About that... Twilight did the latter one already. She just didn't do it on me."
"Erase minds?!"
"Yup. Though I wonder if she casted those... with the right spells. But if it works... why fix it?"
"Did you make sure?" Celestia asked skeptical.
"Jones! Come here!" Shining Armor called one of his guards into the room.
"Yes, captain. What is the matter?" Jones, one of male guards asked.
"You do a lot of guarding right?"
"Yes, captain."
"Any libraries?"
"Yes, yesterday I had library guard duty. Why?"
"Have you... lets say..."
"..."
"Forbidden libraries?" Shining Armor asked.
"Forbi-" Jones was about to say, only for his mind to be instantly reset about that as his eyes turn gray for a moment.
"You called captain?" Jones said as though no previous conversation had taken place.
"Nevermind. You may go."
"Yes, captain." he said as he left the room once more.
"There. Does that answer your question?" Shining Armor said slightly proud.
"Huh." Celestia said impressed. "That was the correct spell. And a powerful one at that. No wonder everyone seems to avoid the forbidden library like the plague. They are forced to."
"Also about that unseal spell. I believe Twilight was unsealing the seal you place on her library. And I clearly remember how that unseal spell looks like. I could summon it into this room right here if you want me to."
"Please do."
Shining Armor took a step back as he points his horn at the ground. "𝔄𝔯𝔠𝔞𝔫𝔢𝔰, 𝔏𝔲𝔫𝔞𝔯𝔢𝔰, 𝔊𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔨𝔢𝔰, 𝔘𝔫𝔰𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰, 𝔄𝔯𝔠𝔞𝔡𝔢𝔰." He mumbled. "𝔖𝔥𝔬𝔴 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔢 𝔰𝔢𝔩𝔣 𝔱𝔬 𝔪𝔢." he finished as a magic circle with a half moon in the center appeared.
"Is this it?" Celestia said surprised.
"Actually... There is one more part. But... then it will be cast and fizzle out right after. This is the only way I can show it."
"Then cast it in full, I want to see how it looks like."
"Alright." Shining Armor said. He point his horn to the spell. "𝔉𝔬𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔢 𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔡𝔰. 𝔄𝔯𝔠𝔞𝔡𝔦𝔲𝔰, 𝔤𝔬𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱. 𝔅𝔢𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔢 𝔰𝔢𝔩𝔣 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔰𝔥𝔬𝔴 𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔰𝔢𝔩𝔣 𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥. 𝔘𝔑𝔖𝔈𝔄𝔏! "
The spell then flares up as six smaller rings appear around it. A second circle over it and a third one below it. They spin for a while, only slowing down as they light up. It then empowered a powerful symbol of a sparkle. Twilight's signature. It shone incredibly bright as it unwittingly broke a seal in the room.
Shining Armor and Celestia watch as Celestia's ultra powerful seal spell on the floor gets broken on the spot. The spell then fizzled out leaving behind the now broken seal that leads to Celestia's secret underground safety facility. Shining Armor felt slightly drained from it, But not by much.
"That's... wow." Celestia said in awe.
"That was one of Twilight's unique spells. You can tell, because Twilight uses a sparkle as signature. This is her magic, one of a kind magic. Or Twilight Magic as she calls it. Now I can see why Twilight said this. quote "My magic, Twilight Magic, is magic meant for the weak. But can be strong under the right circumstances. Just like this seal spell, it will only properly activate if there is a breakable seal in the area. Otherwise it won't work." end quote." Shining Armor explained.
"Interesting." Celestia said, "Please teach me that one later, I want experiment with it."
"Absolutely." Shining Armor said not minding at all. "Celestia? That piece of paper is lighting up."
"What." Celestia said as she looked at the piece of paper left behind by Twilight
The light quickly turned into a spell. A unknown type spell with some rings floating around it. It then hovered into the center where the seal spell had been cast.
"Wait! That's!" Shining Armor said, he approached the spell and fed it some of his magic.
"What are you doing?"
"That's... An message pre-recorded into the paper. The unseal spell broke the seal on it too." Shining Armor explained.
"Is it activating?" Celestia looked curious at it.
"Is this thing on? Did my spell succeed?" Twilight voice came from the paper.
"Wow. Twilight actually succeeded in making an unique spell besides the unseal spell. How amazing." Shining Armor said, only for Celestia to shush him.
"If this spell worked. And if exactly six months have passed. Then you should be hearing this message. My name is Twilight Sparkle and I am currently trying to release Princess Luna from the moon early by using a reverse teleportation spell in the summoning form. However even I am not unaware. It's definitely possible this will go wrong." Twilight explained.
"Luckily for me, I have a few worlds panned out, in case of tragedy. In case I fail, this summoning spell will summon me to a random world. In the form of a wrong warp. In that case, I prepared two other worlds to head towards. A world named Earth and a world named after an incident, Remnant. In case I head to Earth, I should be easily recoverable. But in case of the latter... There is a way to reverse summon me back. But not just anyone can do it."
"In case of the latter, the following conditions must be met. The spell has to be casted onto the lake of Canterlot Forest. The spell caster must be a alicorn. The spell caster must be Princess Luna and finally, atleast ten years must have been passed." Twilight said, "The reason for the ten year delay is because of how dimensional travel works. Unless you want to kill me during travel, you must let my body get used to the new world. Lest I get ripped apart by dimensional winds. And the reason why it must be Princess Luna, is because my spell is derived of her original reverse summoning spell, from book twelve of Lunarium paradise series. Which according to her, only Princess Luna knows how to reverse it."
"Either wait ten years. Or earlier if I find a way home first. Though that might be unlikely. In both worlds, magic is rare at best, forgotten at worst. Which is not a good sign. Anyways, I will now stop recording. My spell is ready. Wish me luck. I will need it." Twilight said as the pre-recorded communication ends with that.
"Do you...?" Shining Armor wondered.
"Sadly Twilight is correct. Only my sister Luna knows how to reverse that spell. But I am already impressed she managed to cast a alicorn level spell. Let alone wrong warp herself into a predetermined location. That must have taken so much prep work, it's crazy." Celestia praised in awe.
"What do you mean?"
"I am fairly, no one hundred percent certain that she made it to the world of Remnant. Since I cannot sense her on Earth. Which means, we either wait ten years or wait for Luna to be freed from her curse." Celestia explained.
"What about that bearers thing? Twilight once told me she was destined to become something she didn't want to be destined to. Something about the elements of harmony and element of magic, which is something she called, element of friendship or whatever?" Shining Armor asked.
"Yes without Twilight. We have nopony in that position." Celestia said.
"I know I just became captain of the guard... But... if you need a new pupil. I could become that pony." Shining Armor offered.
"That is a good offer actually. While I have plenty of Captain of the Guard candidates. I have no candidates for Twilight's old position of my personal pupil. If you don't mind, you can switch still." Celestia said surprised at the offer.
"Then I will switch. I want to help Twilight go home. What better way than to become your student."
"Well then. Hand in your badge and helmet plus armor to your the ex-captain of the guard. Tell him that you will step down due to circumstances." Celestia instructed, "Meanwhile I will test you on your knowledge and magic power."
"I will also tell my girlfriend, Cadence about this change. She might not like it." Shining Armor said as he ran off to return the gear.
"Now then Twilight. You messed with this world quite a bit. Let's see what the future will hold now." Celestia mysteriously said to nobody in particular, "Or rather, Let's hope we rescue you first, before you disappear on us first."
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Meanwhile, somewhere in Remnant.
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Taiyang has finally arrived in Vacuo. And it became immediately clear that something was terribly wrong. The whole continent was in uproar due to something. That something became abundantly clear. Tai saw Blake, the child to the head of the faunus on a screen. It was a news station. But then...
"Bang!" A shot was released inside the crowd on the TV.
Taiyang saw as the crowd began running in all directions, spooked by the sudden sound of a gun. Much to Tai's horror. Blake had been shot. And she was in Vacuo capital city. The Atlas guard was also there. They were guarding an Atlas owned facility. Blake was being left alone by their people in kind. As she was shot, she became the catalyst for the panic.
Blake, still a child, could simply shout for help and pain, as tears rolling over her cheeks. Tai somehow saw Ruby in Blake. He then rushed in a sheer panic towards the scene in the hopes of finding Blake before it was too late. He had trained alongside Ruby, Yang and Twilight. So he was in top performance. Like a dragon of wind, he rushed at the speed of Ruby's semblance towards the scene.
And because of that, he made it in time. The TV was still rolling, as the news anchors saw Taiyang grab Blake off the streets. Badly injured as she was, she was too weak to struggle. In a rush of acknowledgement of the situation. He rushed back toward a village in which Blake's parents lived. Only they, could heal Blake in time.
Again at the near speed of sound, Taiyang made it in time. He knocked on the door, then broke said door in order to get in. Though the owners of the house, Blake's parents, were pissed at the door being broken. One look at the situation, switched their mood. From anger to shock. Taiyang gave Blake to her parents. Causing them to rush her into their medical bay.
This all happened really fast. Mostly because Blake's life was on the line. Thanks to Twilight's warning, nobody had to die today. In a single day, Taiyang entered Vacuo, saved a child's life and rushed across Vacuo in order to do it. He was slightly tired. But nothing compared to the hell Twilight had gone through.
"Taiyang Xiao Long. Fancy seeing you here." Blake's mother Kali Belladonna said slightly surprised.
"Sorry about the door. Someone's life was on the line there." Tai said slightly sheepish.
"I know. I will forgive you. Just this once. Thank the gods you were here on time... Or else."
"Thanks to a vision of one of my children. Your daughter is safe for now."
"Oh? One of you're new children perhaps?" Kali said smiling.
"So the news has already reached this far huh?" Taiyang said slightly concerned.
"Don't worry. I merely heard it through the grapevine. That information is not yet fully public."
"That is good atleast." Taiyang said slightly relieved.
"So, besides saving my child. Why are you really here?"
"Summer. Summer related business. And that is no joke. Apparently this continent holds a valuable piece of information on Summer's whereabouts." Taiyang said somewhat more serious.
Kali smiled, "So she predicted that too, huh? Anything more specific?"
"Apparently the dragon on Mount Glenn is alive and awake. Saving that dragon from itself will save Summer somehow." Taiyang explained, "Something about it being corrupted by the Grimm pools, and that undoing the curse will help the future."
Kali blinked surprised. "That's... Yes. We got information on that dragon alright. Even Ozpin is aware of that one."
"Yes. And apparently he is the reason why the dragon is like it is today. If we undid that mistake. We could help both Summer and Ruby's future." Taiyang grumbled.
"Interesting. Very interesting. In that case, come. I have much to show you."
Kali then turns around and flick a random book from a bookshelf backwards. Like a switch, the bookshelf opens up. Revealing an hidden library. There, in the center of the room, sat a replica look of the dragon, or Wyvren as the nameplate stated.
"Before I show you any further. Why would the dragon hamper with Ruby's future?" Kali asked.
"I am not entirely sure. But I assume the witch will make use of them against us." Taiyang said impressed as he looks at the replica.
"I see. So we are taking some preventive action against it." Kali concluded.
"That, and the dragon might know where Summer has run off to. Who knows, perhaps she is a lot closer to us. Then we thought."
Author's Note
Yes, Shining Armor is together together with Cadence earlier in this universe.
Ending with a cliffhanger. Don't worry. We will get a part 2 on this chapter. Though this is what you will know about the dragon for now. More will be revealed in the future.
The World of Parents Part 2
Serious announcement. I changed some text from the previous chapter. There is some more stuff to read in it. I greatly suggest reading it, or you might miss some information. Sorry for the inconvenience. I accidentally submitted it too early.
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Somewhere in the unknown.
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The walls were still made of slime and yet, the being in the center felt it. Her husband was onto something. Something great, something... damning. She... had a name. She had been stuck here for so long. And yet she remembers only a single thing that would help her remember her name.
"Mommy? Why does your name relate to the heat? Your semblance is nothing like that of sis? " ??? Asked her. It was a familiar voice. Her mind believed that might have been her daughter.
"..." She tried to talk. Her voice is croaky for the lack of usage. The lack of needing. And yet, somehow, she is able to pass it regardless. She wants to talk. She Needs to talk. "My name..."
"Is..." She tried her hardest. Sadly it wasn't enough. The spell that sealed her into this room, shuts her mouth shut and forced her to fall asleep. Unluckily for the spell, she wasn't willing to let that happen. Or atleast to totally stop her from speaking her name. Just not right now, her world turns dark once more.
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Back in Vacuo.
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Blake had finally awoken. It had been three days since her near fatal situation. She had stuck in a coma ever since. Until now that is. She slowly opened her eyes, causing her to see a familiar ceiling. Her own room's ceiling to be precise. She looks left then right and saw her father holding her hand and sleeping. Clear signs of crying on his face.
She then glanced at her body. Her whole body was bandaged up. It was then that she remembered a kind human, picking her up and moving her home. Before she lost full consciousness. It made her want to cry once more, her own kind. Abandoned her, once she got injured. So much for faunus family hood. It caused her loyalty to the White fang to drop, by quite a bit actually.
"Dad?" Blake carefully said. Her voice croaky and rough from the long sleep.
It instantly woke her dad up. He looks on high alert towards the source of the sound. After a few second of staring at his now awake daughter, he carefully hugged Blake. He spoke no words, right now, his crying restarted as the mere sight of his awake and alive daughter was all he needed.
"Dad. It hurts." Blake said more clearly this time.
"Sorry." Ghira said sheepish as he let go of Blake. Meet Ghira Belladonna. He is Blake's father and the current head of the faunus. He is a lax leader, but a strong man.
"What... happened?"
"Do you want... the unofficial and more legitimate happenings. From yours truly? Or Atlas's story?" Ghira offered.
Blake rolled his eyes. "Sorry dad. I was just feeling a bit... imprisoned. Is that the right word?"
Ghira nodded, "I understand the feeling. I don't like my title either. But someone had to do it."
"I know. Give me... their story." Blake said, her face crunching up from both anger and annoyance.
"The soldiers didn't receive any orders to not shoot into the crowd. Instead it was caused by a miss fire. Apparently they meant to fire into the sky. But instead a soldier accidentally bumped their trigger, causing it to hit you instead." Ghira explained.
"Is there any truth to that or...?"
Ghira sighed, "Thankfully for once, there is. You could say I was about to storm Atlas with my people for that. Only for them to admit their fault. And no, it was not a corporate coverup. Believe me, I was about to force their asses out of Vacuo for that. They showed bodycams and communications between the higher ups and the soldiers. They needed to scare off the crowd by shooting up. It seems someone didn't get the memo."
"What happened next?"
"I told them, that regardless of the reason. They hurt the daughter of the leader of the faunus. If they don't get their asses out of this city. I will make sure of it myself." Ghira said, "They left the city, yes. Just not the continent. I considered that good enough."
"Thanks dad. I suppose that despite putting my life on the line. We succeeded with our protest." Blake said, only to get bonked on the head by her dad.
"No. I won't let you do that again."
"Dad. If you give me house arrest. You will only make me more anxious." Blake warned.
"I know that much. So... I have decided something."
"What is that?"
"I want you to become a huntress. You will go to Beacon. In exchange, be a good girl and accept your house arrest. During your house arrest, I will teach you all the theory you will need to make it successfully into Beacon." Ghira offered, "How about it?"
Blake's mouth hit the floor at that deal. It was almost to good to be true. "What is the catch?"
Ghira smiled, "According to people in the grapevine, someone important created a organization called, "Freedom Fighters" After joining Beacon, please join them. They are like the White Fang, only better."
"Better how?"
"The leader is someone I personally trust. The leader had been appointed by a girl about your age. She indirectly saved your life as well. She has visions. And directed your savior toward Vacuo. Thanks to that girl, you are alive. Besides that, the leader is anti-white fang. Neutral with Beacon. And Pro-Patch military. Believe me, having a military on your side is a powerful friend to have." Ghira explained.
"That girl...?"
"Is my daughter." Blake's savior said as he entered the room. He then crouched forward to sit at eye level with Blake.
"Nice to meet you Blake. My name is Taiyang Xiao Long. Just call me Tai." Tai introduced.
"Hello. As you know, My name is Blake Belladonna. I am now Anti-White Fang as well. Thank you for saving my life." Blake said as introduction. Much to Ghira's surprise.
Tai and Blake shook hands. Tai then took a seat near the bed as well. "Surely you have some questions right?" Tai asked Blake.
"Whoa, whoa. Before that. Since when did you become anti-white fang?" Ghira asked shocked.
Blake bit her lip in rage. "They left me to die by those soldiers! Can you really expect me to still be loyal to them after that?!" she said angrily.
Tai nodded, "I understand that. So much for family. They aren't family when it counted the most. Whereas a complete stranger is willing to save you, when they in their infinite wisdom didn't."
Blake nodded in agreement but didn't elaborated further.
Ghira sighed, "Ah."
"About those questions?" Tai asked again.
"Ah yes. Why did you come to Vacuo, sir?"
"Just call me Tai. No need to formalities. I was in search for some information in regards to my missing wife. Thankfully your mother gave me what I needed." Tai explained.
"Where are you from? Tai?"
"Patch. Alongside my daughters, Yang, Ruby, Twilight. And my now missing wife, Summer." Tai said, the name Summer caused a weird echo. Tai, Ghira and Blake noticed it. But didn't think much of it.
"My final question is, who directed you to this place?"
"Twilight did. She has the powerful ability of foresight and visions. She told me two words, Blake and Atlas. That was all."
Ghira smirked, "And you knew those two don't mix. Right?"
"Exactly-" Tai was about to make a comeback from that jab, when a loud horn from a boat nearby interrupted him.
Ghira and Tai, alongside Kali, run outside only to see a rather massive metal boat with lots of faunus arrive on it. It also had a torn Atlas mine corporation flag on it. It also showed intense signs of heat damage. Nonetheless, the faunus on board appeared either fine or injured. But now that they are in Vacuo waters, most importantly safe.
Kali was the first to approach the ship after it properly docked and thousands of faunus rush off the boat. The captain, a familiar faunus to Kali, approach Kali in return. He tips his head onto his chest, again showing clear signs of injury.
"What happened, Kanali?" Kali asked the captain.
"Well, there was a faunus uprising at one of the many mines belonging to the Atlas Mining Corporation. Lead by a serpent Faunus." The captain noticed a human in the background cringe at that, "She was powerful, but strictly anti-White Fang. And since she saved us from the evil humans, we followed her for a while. She found this boat, removed the crew, put us on board, and told us to go to Vacuo. We asked her to follow but..."
"But?"
"She was ambushed by Atlas Corporation Securitron bots from behind. She turn around and removed us from the harbor by using a single punch to push is away from the port, while shouting at us to run. While we quickly moved out of the port, we watch her absolutely destroy a port owned by Atlas. Even from far away we saw the whole port on fire. The serpent then looked at us as she calmly walked back into the forest, a soft smile on her face." The Captain explained, "I have never seen a more amazing hero in my life. She told us many times that she followed the Freedom Fighters movement in Vale. So I have decided to dedicate my life to them as well."
Kanali the captain then slowly walked away towards the clinic, a smile on his face and determination in his eyes. The serpent had woken up dormant feelings from the captain. Feeling he wasn't even aware he had. Kali was stunned, no, everyone listening to his tale was stunned.
"Welp… I guess Twilight's actions appear to quickly take effect. It seems the future might be brighter than we thought." Tai said as he looked into the distance.
"Why are you saying her name now?" Ghira asked.
"Twilight established the Freedom Fighters movement with a maiden at the helm. She befriended the military and gave it their support. She saved a bunch of Beacon students from Grimm. Is taking actions to save a tournament child from death. She... is slowly creating an army against the present. She has plans that even goes beyond me." Tai explained.
"And still has time to search from Summer..." Kali added. "Amazing. I totally understand her. She realized that our world as we knew it was heading to the worst possible outcome. With the White Fang's support draining. It's only a matter of time until a more hostile leader takes their place. And with a lot of Anti-White Fang support and plenty of pro-Freedom Fighters support. I... have an idea what the future might hold."
"Lots of...?"
"Bloodshed. That is why she is taking action now. While the future still has a chance. Not giving it another chance."
"Before I go to the secret library here in Vacuo. There was one more thing that she told me." Tai said as he turned determined towards Kali.
"What was that?"
"Though Ruby Rose might have been seen as the Main Character of this world. The one to save us all. The truth is far more harsher. The one that could save us, is Summer. She is the key to saving the world. If she is truly dead. Then we will be doomed. Twilight is another key, but she won't reveal the keyhole to me. She won't reveal what purpose she holds. All that she has something that will change course of this world also."
"How interesting. So about that library..." Kali said as Tai followed her towards the hidden location.
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Meanwhile in the forest near Vale and bordering Patch.
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Sat a small little encampment, this camp was filled with lots of powerful warriors. These warriors were all part of a clan. The Branwen Tribe to be precise. At the center of the clan was a bit tent, this tent was from the leader of the clan, Raven Branwen. And she... well she was rather confused.
You see, a few days ago, she was supposed to take out a maiden under the request of the witch. Something that didn't quite went to plan. You see, she meant to ambush them at a patch of land that was known for their safety. The reason for the initial failure was to be expect. The second reason however was not.
Their ambush failed because the witch became impatient and send her forces to the maiden to take them out. This almost worked if it wasn't for two familiar faces and one unfamiliar face. They were obliterated by two, no three children. Ruby Rose, and her daughter, Yang Xiao Long. But also another girl. A girl in dragon martial arts clothing and with purple hair.
And when she said, obliterated, she meant both their awareness and pride. The three did put up such a strong fight that only one, of the two agents lost their life. With the other running away, while carrying the dead body of his partner. Not only that, but they had also detected them. And yet paid them no mind. Even Yang, ignored her. Much to her confusion.
"Still confused, boss?" Vernal asked as she entered the tent.
"I had somewhat hoped that she was still going after me. But... this was totally unexpected." Raven admitted oddly sad.
"I suppose there might have been a reason she grew up too fast."
Raven sighed, "Any more communications with her?"
"No. The connection has gone dead. Not even a whisper. Even the Grapevine has seen or heard nothing. It's odd. But perhaps not totally unexpected." Vernal stated.
"Why?"
"They just lost an agent to some total strangers and out of nowhere. A powerful and capable one at that. They might be busy searching for new allies." Vernal offered.
"That... is possible actually." Raven realized.
"What about us, are we moving up?"
"No... Actually lets move to Patch. I have a sneaking suspicion that... we are more useful there." Raven stated.
"Uh... I don't know."
"Now what?"
"Apparently, the military of Patch has been busy clearing out dangerous Grimm from Patch and protecting others from harm. The military has been so active in fact, they constructed an anti-Grimm barrier surrounding Patch from both underwater, flying and surfing Grimm types." Vernal explained, "In fact, the witch took notice when it was revealed they are both Anti-witch and Anti-Ozpin. Apparently there is a new player in the game. One with the Patch military on their side."
This news shocked Raven greatly, "Who?"
"Remember that girl with the dragon martial arts clothing? Her. Apparently she has foresight and visions. I heard rumors from the Grapevine that she strongly believes that Summer is still in fact alive." Vernal said, "Something about proof in Vacuo. Related with the dragon on Mount Glenn. Or something like that."
"Really?!" Raven suddenly shouted.
Vernal jumped, "Yes." She said taken aback by Raven's sudden shout.
"Okay. Lets change directions. Lets move into the mining facility in Mount Glenn. It's a safe place and it might hold some valuable clues themself." Raven ordered.
"Understood! Time to move out!" Vernal shouted.
"Summer. I am coming for you!" Raven stated with a beaming smile.
Raven and her tribe then quickly packed up and rush to move towards mount Glenn. Unknowingly doing something that will change the course of the future forever. And for the better at that. Maybe not for the witch, but certainly for Summer. And her team.
Of course this move didn't go unnoticed. Qrow, was watching them from the bushes as he too heard what Vernal told Raven. This shocked Qrow greatly. So greatly in fact that he stopped watching them to make a quick but important detour with Beacon. Ozpin deserves to know in his eyes.
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Somewhere in the Somewhere in the Somewhere...
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As she finally woke up, she felt it far more profound this time around. The wind of change and hope was blowing ever so powerfully. So powerful in fact, that her weapon was blown to her side. Something that she didn't expect. Then something else happened. She felt this powerful force within her. Determination as her mind supplemented.
She looked at herself, her clothing in tatters. But her will, ever so strong. So strong in fact, that the seal holder her was weakening. She smiled. "Summer."
"My name is..." The seal attempted to stop her to no avail, "Summer."
"I am Summer." Summer said, her voice slowly trembling with more force.
She then looked to the seal, she raised her weapon. Then struck it with everything she got. "And I am going home to my daughter. No seal will stop me, no witch or wizard will. I am Summer and now I will be free."
She made an almighty scream as she used everything she got to smash the seal. One strike, two strike, third strike. *Crack* the seal was cracking under the pressure. "Freedom of this damned timeline will be in my pockets."
She then raised her weapon one final time. "FREEDOM !!!" She shouted under extreme pressure and weight.
She lowered her weapon with everything she got, and struck the seal a final time.
It then made an cracking sound until it eventually broke into a thousand pieces. The weird hallucination world started to collapse. She was slowing losing strength once more.
"Raven.... Qrow.... Oz.... I am free. Please, find me. I have no strength to find myself anymore. Please help me." Summer said as she collapsed on the ground. Inside one of the many hidden chambers behind a live statue of a dragon. The dragon felt the change, noticed one of his most treasured people waking up. It smiled.
"You woke up, my treasure." It said, "I am glad. This world has hope once more."
It looked into the sky, pleased. "You were wrong witch. You will not win this time. We will be victorious this time."
It then slowly turned it's head towards a tournament, "Twilight Sparkle... Thank you. It was worth summoning you into this world. I await your appearance before me..."
Author's Note
Oh my. So much juice lore. It would seem a certain 'Serpent' had a lot of fun. And it also would appear that Twilight's summoning into this world wasn't a simple accident... How curious...
