After what could be described as an incredibly bizarre and embarrassing rant from Faelwyn that caused Zack to freeze stunned and Weiss to suffer the human's version of a Blue Screen of Death, the two made their way towards the Grand Artificer's bench with both he and AWOR, giving way to the both of them to see a newly forged blade of Oathkeeper that's lacking the cross guard downwards.
Unlike anything the two had ever seen before, it appears that Void Dust had been imbued from the tip of the blade, which gave it a royal purple colour that extends down around two thirds of the blade before it seems to meld into black metal that resembles more like black diamonds with it sparkling from the headlights above. It should also be noted that the entire blade resembles more like a Zweihänder that is much longer than expected, with an additional grip made from black leather just above where the cross guard should be, as well as jagged edges on the blade itself.
In addition to that, tiny purple-black partials were emitting slowly from the parts of the blade made from Void Dust that seemed to constantly swirl around the incomplete sword itself, and it wasn't long until Zack spoke up with soft awe in his words. "It looks… beautiful… But incomplete? Where's the cross guard and the other parts of it?" The fox Faunus could only ask, though it was clear through his Faunus features that despite his confusion, he was excited to see his sword remade.
"I concur. Did you spend all those hours simply working on the blade itself?" Weiss quizzes next, though her words bear no confusion. Only curiosity about why they called them to witness an incomplete Oathkeeper. In response to their queries, Faelwyn cracks his knuckles and, bringing both his hands up, the blade slowly begins to levitate off the ground.
"Because unlike everything I've made in my life, I intend Oathkeeper to be my mightiest work! And AWOR here has been instrumental in seeing it a reality. As for the rest of it, they're child's play." The Grand Artificer explains before many other pieces of Oathkeeper slowly begin floating off from all over his workshop towards the incomplete blade.
Simultaneously, AWOR takes over the conversation. "He is right, my child." The embodiment of Remnant itself nods her head. "Grand Artificer Faelwyn's works have been truly remarkable, and he requires my assistance in procuring the necessary materials for Oathkeeper on the spot and maintaining the weapon's stability while forging."
"I am actually at a loss for words. Fenrir certainly wasn't kidding that you are the best despite your… eccentricities…" Weiss mutters while her eyes are still glued onto Oathkeeper floating in the air while more pieces of gold metal slowly begin to gather and orbit it. "I've… never seen such a beautifully crafted blade like this before. I think Ruby would go crazy seeing this…"
"Yeah… I think she would, knowing how much of a weapon nerd she is…" Zack nods his head, all the while AWOR turns her attention back to Oathkeeper and brings her hands out to it, with particles of gold beginning to form and gather around her hands.
"Who's this Ruby you both are talking about? Sounds like a fellow teammate of yours?" Faelwyn curiously asks with his eyes still focusing on Oathkeeper. "And a fellow artisan, I assume?" The Grand Artificer asks before getting a shake from Weiss.
"Not exactly an Artisan, Grandmaster. But someone who clearly self-proclaimed herself as a weapon dork in her words."
Though, this just intrigues Faelwyn even more. "From the sounds of it, she must be quite the interesting person to have. It's a shame your friend isn't here with us, I would love to meet someone who clearly takes weapons as seriously. Perhaps in another time this desire of mine will be met." He hums as the pieces begin to assemble around Oathkeeper which includes the installation of the cross guard made from four main parts with a circular piece attached underneath it.
What came next was the grip, once again made from black leather held together by gold strands and tiny studs, before a black piece resembling a small shield merge itself with the cross guard of Oathkeeper. Then, finally, the final piece was added. The pummel of Oathkeeper which is size is notably slightly larger than a fist and made from gold and black metals with a Void Dust core, attaches itself to the grip before its heart lit up with life and began emitting purple particles.
But to Weiss and Zack's surprise, the completion of Oathkeeper wasn't done yet, gently sending her arms forwards, the uncountable golden particles gathering around AWOR's hands flowed forward like water and swirled around Oathkeeper before condensing into golden vines with leaves that wrap around it from the base to the tip.
"There." The goddess smiles as Oathkeeper begins to float down before it lands softly onto Faelwyn workshop table. "The final touches of your weapon, Zack. Come and claim it as your own. I think you will find its enhancements useful." She said as she stood aside while the Grand Artificer did the same, though the ecstatic smile on his face showed that the anticipation was suffocating within him.
"Yup! Did as you requested, kid. A sword that can change into a staff now try it out! I want to see what you think of it."
Nodding his head, Zack glances at his girlfriend, whose eyes were facing back in his. And with a smile, Weiss nods back, which was all the confidence the fox Faunus needs before he steps closer to his newly reforged sword before Ozma suddenly spoke in his mind.
"If I didn't know what the Relic of Destruction looks like in all my years, I would have mistaken this for it. The magic I can feel radiating from it is intense yet… It feels different."
"Really? Different in what way?" Zack asks in his, with his eyes basking in Oathkeeper's new form that somehow merges sci-fi and mysticism together into one sword with the visible mechanical pieces that show that it can change its form. Yet, the golden vines all over it as well as the magic radiating gives the feeling of fantasy.
A mixture of the past and presence, if he were to put it in simpler words.
"It is difficult to describe it to you. But I suspect that Oathkeeper has been crafted specifically for you and may entirely be a Relic of its own. Go on Zack. Take it into your hands." Just like that, Zack reaches out and grabs Oathkeeper and feels it linking itself to him. Not in a bad way, but the feeling that Oathkeeper had become part of his soul, which was an uncanny feeling to feel.
Slowly bringing the sword off the workbench and holding it in his hands, the fox Faunus could only admit the craftsmanship went into such a weapon that now feels as if it is an extension of his soul, he mumbles softly to himself. "A mythical sword made for a mythical Faunus. Rather fitting, is it?" A smile breaks his lips while Weiss herself peers over and admires it.
"To be frank with you, Zack. A part of me feels that this weapon is too beautiful to be dirtied and dulled in combat. In fact, I'm confident many would prefer to see it on a display, but we both know why it was made for." Her eyes soon met her boyfriend's golden eyes. "It's made for you and only you." She smiles with her eyes seemingly twinkling just like Oathkeeper itself.
"That's one way to say it, Weiss. Feels as if this thing has bound itself to my soul." He mutters before a thought of how Oathkeeper would look like in its staff made it change in front of their very eyes. The once golden vines that wrap around Zack's sword began to shiver and shift around before the cross guards on it suddenly split into fours and began sliding on the circular pieces on it before the point down towards where the grip is facing, which rendered it inaccessible.
At the same time, the pummel crackles with life as the black and gold pieces suddenly split off and begin orbiting the Void dust in its core while it glows purple while the overall length of the blade sinks into itself and naturally shortens itself. "Oh…" Zack could only mutter before reaching out with his hand and taking the other grip into his hand and resting the sharp end of Oathkeeper on the floor to see that the grip of it goes up to his shoulders, while the whole staff is as tall as he is. "I think I can still fight with it in this mode…"
"Yes, you can kid." Faelwyn added in. "I had to get a bit creative with it, but you can still stash and stab with Oathkeeper in staff mode. Though, I suggest you spend some time getting used to it. Now, before I forget, there is no sheath for it."
"Wait what?" Zack's ears perk up with his tails twitching with surprise, only for the Grand Artificer to lean against his workbench with his arms folded before he sticks his thumb at AWOR standing patiently.
"Ask her. She mentioned something that it's part of you now."
"Care to clarify on that, AWOR?" Weiss asks out while the Goddess nods her head while Zack was too busy staring at Oathkeeper before looking at AWOR and back to Oathkeeper.
"Of course. Try dropping Oathkeeper and trust me on this." She said as she signalled her hand at the fox Faunus whose eyes narrowed down upon Oathkeeper in his hand. He swore he had an idea what one of the Sisters of Twilight was referring to and, in an action that surprised the Grand Artificer and his girlfriend, Zack took a step back before swinging his arm holding his sword away from him, and it dissolved into particles of purple.
"I knew it. It only makes sense for a magically enhanced sword to not have a sheath to disappear when not in use." The fox Faunus smirks again before flicking his outstretched arm horizontally in front of him, and instantly, Oathkeeper appears once more in its sword mode floating behind him with the blade itself taller than him. "God, this makes me feel like a chuuni. Perhaps I should dial it back on acting all dramatic or something…"
"I concur. I'm feeling second hand embarrassment from you right now, Arakan." Ozma chimes in. "Though, I cannot deny that this is quite fascinating to witness. Never in my years have I seen a weapon that can be summoned and controlled at will."
"Really?" Zack glances to the side. "I thought the people of the past could do something similar with their magic."
"To an extent, but not to the point that their weapon becomes part of their soul. Of course, the closest I can think of in the contemporary era will be the ability of Maidens to conjure their weapons from the elements." The old wizard explains before his host was snapped out of his mind when AWOR speaks.
"As Zack has so helpfully shown us in his own way, Oathkeeper is now bound to his soul and he can command it at will. Let it help you on your journeys and bring glory and victory." The goddess smiles as Oathkeeper vanishes away, which was followed by Faelwyn taking over the conversation with more vigour than ever.
"Great! Now with my masterpiece is presently with you, literally. Perhaps you can give it a spin and see how well you can wield it. I wouldn't want Oathkeeper to be more burdensome than helpful for Fenrir's nephew." The Grand Artificer then stands straight before stretching his back. "Alright. While you guys have fun, I got to work on the rest of your gear and outfits before tomorrow. Catch you youngsters later." And with that, he left the room at such a pace that it made both Weiss and Zack take a step back.
…
"Well… I guess we should get going now?" The fox Faunus mutters out before AWOR walks close.
"Before I forget, Zack. Fate and destiny may be cruel, such as learning that time is limited. But such paths are never meant to be walked alone. You may be me and my sister's champion and deemed the Blessed One by the people here, but it doesn't change the fact that the companions and lovers you have are meant to walk alongside you in the future. No war can be won alone." She explained, while the two blushed slightly when she mentioned lovers, before focusing again.
"By the way, congratulations on your relationship and may it never fade." And with a smile, AWOR vanishes and leaves the two alone in Faelwyn's workshop while they blush again from the goddess endorsing their relationship. Though, it wasn't long before Zack spoke again.
"Well… What now?" He asks his girlfriend as she hums and rests her hand on her chin.
"I suppose there is no harm in exploring Sanctuary more. Alternatively, can we return to our sleeping quarters and enjoy more time to ourselves? Nothing too intimate, I prefer." Hearing this, the fox Faunus could only smile at his girlfriend and slowly brings her to a hug, which she accepts.
"I like the way you think." Zack smiles, and it wasn't long before the lovers kissed again, only to be interrupted by Faelwyn's walking in on them.
"Oh, by the way-OH FOR FUCKS SAKES!"
==================================================================
Zack POV
"Do I want to know what happened back there?" My uncle asks with a stupid ass grin on his lips while I was busy rubbing my nose. Ugh… I swear to whatever nonsense out there, why is it that my alone time with Weiss keeps getting interrupted? Letting a sigh out, it has been several hours since that moment, and it is dark outside. The main reason why Faelwyn came to see us was to tell us that we were needed back at the uncle's throne room. Turns out the people in his court wish to meet me personally and other antics like that.
To say the least, it was exhausting because my uncle's court members were basically grilling me about my entire life. Something about understanding what my mother was doing when she left Sanctuary all those years ago since her self exile from this place before passing away. They were also using the opportunity to get to know me better, and it turns out that Faelwyn is one of my uncle's court members.
Each of these court members originates from a certain profession, they were from and serve as representatives of their work, they also act as voices to raise suggestions, ideas, or concerns to the Khan. Which also explains why some of them look much younger than the others, besides the whole beating your superior in Rites of Ascension to take their place, which Sanctuary's whole society revolves around.
But Faelwyn being who he is, is more interested in his craft than acting as an adviser, so he had a representative to serve in his place instead. The same can be said for other court members who were also representatives from their groups, like construction, farming, hunting, and many others. Only a few council members are leaders and the best of their works.
That includes the head priest of the Sister's faith. Oh, man was he a fanatic, and I would say even worse than how the local people would revere me as the Blessed one. Dude really hates anything related to the pretenders of the world we live in. AKA, anyone worshipping the Brother Gods. Which is a major problem seeing that all of Remnant except Sanctuary seem to have some faiths dedicated to them.
Then again, seeing what the Brother Gods truly are when they imprison Ishmael and AWOR before taking their power for themselves? And that timer they put on me because I am an Arakan? Yeah… that head priest guy does have a point, but I still disagree with his fanaticism. Alternatively, my uncle calls the head priest behind doors a weirdo that others keep a wide breath from due to his… devotion. So, my guess is that many are also uncomfortable around him.
Then there are others, like the Royal Guards to have their representative in the court, which is actually Nerium the whole time. Which I didn't expect since she's known as the Sword of the Khan and my uncle had her do all sorts of tasks, also including watching me while I was still with my friends back in Mistral. Then again, they didn't know who I was at the time.
Anyway, moving on from talking about Fenrir's court members, the main reason he called me back to his throne room was to announce that I was to be his heir and not in the position of Khan. I guess this is a compromise for me, instead of throwing me into the role I am not ready for. That is because he is sterile and cannot produce an Arakan heir. I swear, it's rather depressing knowing that Fenrir and I are the only Arakans alive in Remnant, and he's sterile, which leaves me the only viable successor since I can produce a kid.
Moving on from that, me being designated as heir to become Khan was met with both praises and suspicions, not because they don't see me as a worthy because they all witnessed my fight against him and the aftermath of the whole thing, in addition to showing them the newly reforged Oathkeeper that seems to boost my legitimacy.
But it is the company I kept at my side that causes those suspicions. Weiss's presence alone by my side has earned some ire from the Faunus among them, which forced me and my uncle to step in when things looked as if they were getting hot between her and one of the court members interrogating her.
The thing is, I get it why they're upset about a Schnee being here, since the SDC was responsible for a lot of horrible shit done to my people, and they distrust her intentions, even if they are genuine when she mentioned that she's not her father and desires to change the Company's path. Still, this is something I will have to work on once I take over my uncle's place as Khan.
Assuming I don't run out of time and die from the Brother's contingency plan as soon as my soul merges with Ozma.
"No." I deadpanned at my uncle before looking at him again. We were now alone in his throne room and Weiss wished to go back to our sleeping quarters to check if the relic of Knowledge was still there since we locked it in a chest alongside Ozma's cane. Which allows me to ask a… private question after I deal with this. "It's just that your Grand Artificer walked in while I was being intimate with my love…"
I mutter out with my cheeks warm again to the sound of hearty laughter coming from my uncle. Yeah, laugh it up, asshole. You weren't the one who got embarrassed when he walked in on us and proceeded to give a full thirty-minute rant to our faces. "Ah… I needed that…" Fenrir chuckles for a bit longer before patting his chest as if trying to get all out of him. "Anyway, do you have anything else you wish to talk to me about? I still need to make final preparations for your trip to Argus, among other things."
"Other things?" I utter out with my ears twitching to get a sheepish look from my uncle.
"Well, you see, kiddo. I planned to give you a proper send off and, well, I suppose everyone wishes to do the same for you. So tomorrow we'll be having a breakfast feast and a goodbye celebration tomorrow before you leave with several escorts." Ah. I guess that only makes sense. But is that longing I see on his face? "I only wished that I had more time to know my blood more. But duty waits for no one… Speaking of which, why do you need to head to Argus besides regrouping with your comrades?" Ah, that huh?
"Well… just for you, I need to get from Argus to Atlas and meet with an old colleague of that wizard in my head." I nervously rub the back of my head while Fenrir's entire demeanour darkens.
"I suppose you have to get there to meet with the leaders of Atlas to coordinate a defence against the darkness and Salem in particular?" He guesses, and it's scary how he can predict what will happen. "Then there's the Relic you were carrying…"
"Yeah, I still have to gather all four of them from the kingdoms and perhaps use them to stop Salem for good." I continue on. "All the kingdoms have the relics within the Huntsman Academies. The Relic of Knowledge was the first I managed to get my hands on, then Creation in Atlas."
"But having two relics together, wouldn't that push the witch queen to act to secure two at the same time?" My uncle leans on his arm before pointing out. "You already have a target on your back with one from what the Sisters had told me. But two within arm's reach? That's begging for an invasion to happen and a personal intervention." An invasion I hope to stop and buy time to get to Vacuo. I get it. But at best, I- no. We can convince Ironwood to work with me and prepare evacuation plans.
As much as it pains me, there's still a chance that Atlas might fall. "The burden of leadership never falters when lives are on the line…" I lament in my thoughts before breathing out of my nose. Then I heard something from my uncle that surprised me.
"Speaking of which… though it may not be now the Arakan Clan reveals themselves, I will never abandon you." Fenrir utters before standing up. "From now on, we will watch and listen and when you call for aid. We will answer." Wait, hold up. He will answer the call for help? If I get the details correctly, no one came to Atlas defence when Ruby called and warned everyone of Salem…
But if they show up, we might stand a chance. But how are they going to reach us? "Then how are you going to get from here to Atlas? There's an ocean between Anima and Solitas?" I ask out, only for the grin on Fenrir's face to grow.
"Nerium told me that you and your friends came across one of the ancient Arakan underground cities, did you?" Oh, right! That place while we're helping the reformed White Fang under Ghira again catch the remaining radicals! Yet, how would that help us… unless…
"You're saying that all the cities are connected in some way?" I blurted out and got a proud smile on my uncle's face.
"Correct. Beneath Sanctuary is one of such cities. One that has our outposts within it. Through them, we can emerge under any continent as we wish. Though much of the passageways are in dire need of maintenance and repairs as well as purging of Grimm. It will still take us months, but if we work now and fast, including modernising its transportation systems, we can get it running soon enough." Hearing this significantly improved my mood, but I still have to bring up something.
"You're putting a lot of faith into this network to go according to plan, and this could put your people at harm if Grimm starts coming from beneath the ground."
"The legacy of the ancient Faunus since the first Arakan lives within us, kiddo. Just because the rest of the world has forgotten us, doesn't mean we are a shadow of our former selves. Many dreamed of the day to return to the world, and your presence here serves as a spark that will like the fires of renewal. Whether the rest of the Kingdoms will react to us stepping out of the shadows, we'll leave it up to them."
"You don't seem concerned about them doing something erratic to your people."
I point out next before he counters. "The world's changed after the events that led to the Fall of Beacon, if the Kingdoms' are unwilling to adapt and change in the new era, then they will become nothing but shadows that linger in the new world that will come after this war. Either in victory, or the end of all life."
"Then I guess I'm counting on you. Uncle." I couldn't help but smile at him. Despite everything, this slither of hope is enough to lift my spirits a bit. Perhaps there's a chance that Atlas may not need to fall. But do I want to keep the Kingdom that is just about responsible for its discrimination on Faunuses around? Alternatively, our aid should make them look at us in a much better light, just as the White Fang under Ghira did for Mistral when it came under attack.
The thing is, I-no… I'm not him, Zack… Ozma lifted Atlas off the ground to serve as a new beacon of hope after the end of the first Great War, but now? It just became an example of elitism where the upper classes stayed and untouched by the lower classes who now resided in Mantle.
"Lost in your thoughts again?"
I heard my uncle calling me out, while I blinked and nodded my head. "Just lost in my thoughts again. But before I forgot, I quickly refocused before my cheeks blushed again with my ears and tails twitching in agitation. Can't believe I'm about to ask him this question. "Earlier, Faelwyn said something about Fertility booster and… Libido boosting drugs in the midst of his rant? Where did those come from?" I asked softly, as for a second, I felt Ozma facepalming in my mind for this question. As for my uncle, he just blinks silently at me.
"Oh… that… How do I explain this?" He mutters under his breath, but still, I can hear him clearly embarrassed.
"Let's just say that I tried to have some of my guys try to create a way to solve my sterile problems years back. To keep that short, it did not work whatsoever, to my disappointment. On the plus side, we ended up creating three birth related drugs. The first one is the Fertility boosters that prove to increase the chance of women producing twins or even triplets, while boosting overall virility in men. As for the Libido boosting drugs… It does exactly as it says in the name. Then there is the birth control that seems to mirror what is present in the Kingdoms."
An awkward silence swiftly fell between the two of us while my uncle calmly sat back down on his throne as if expecting me to say something to break the silence. "If you were wondering, no. People can't just buy it off the stalls, they need approval first before they are prescribed to them." He added in. Well, at least I won't have the horrible sight of people going at it in public…
"Please stop thinking about this." Ozma groaned in my mind. Right… I keep forgetting that you're a third wheel in this conversation…
"Sorry… I'll cut this out…" I gave a sheepish smile while looking away at Fenrir and then back to him. "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll go and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a big day, huh?"
"Yes indeed Zack. Go and get some rest. I still have work to do."
And with that, I left the throne room and back to my sleeping quarters to see that Weiss wasn't there at all. In fact, I think she might have gone to the balcony, since the door there was wide open. But just as I was about to give her a call, my ears twitched upon hearing faint singing, and it didn't have any lyrics but felt enchanting…
In fact, I found myself slowly shuffling to avoid making any noise and when I got close to where her singing came from, I saw Weiss. Her eyes closed with a hand over her heart and the other extending right in front of her while singing. Throughout this time, the moonlight illuminated her stunning visage, despite the scar that adorned it.
Stars twinkle above like innumerable jewels when I raise my gaze to the heavens, with the shattered moon in the centre of it and little lights of fireflies dancing in the soothing night near her, all that just adds to the ethereal beauty of it all.
Just silently listening to my girlfriend singing made my chest feel tight, and not in a bad way. Despite the lack of lyrics as she sings, I know this isn't Mirror mirror. It's another one. One, that doesn't carry any sombreness beneath the tone, but sings of softness and as almost as if saying goodbye? Is this like a farewell song?
But as much as I would love to remain silent and just listen to my girlfriend's singing in peace, this just serves as a reminder of the life I yearn to hold in my hands forever. One that is only temporary, and thus every moment of it is precious to me. Perhaps our story will end in tragedy, but until that day comes, I, and I am sure Weiss, will cherish these moments together.
Soon my girlfriend's singing stopped, and she turned to me with the moonlight still shining on her face. "You were there the whole time, were you, Zack?" She asks me rhetorically, while I simply responded by walking up to her and gently raising my hand up to her cheek to not accidentally scratch her face with my claws.
"I arrived while you were singing, and I would rather not interrupt it." I whispered before Weiss did something that surprised me but made me feel incredibly warm inside. She gently brought one of her hands up and held my hand in place before leaning into it with her eyes closed. "What is it, and if I may ask, why were you singing it?" I ask next before my girlfriend opens her light blue eyes with a hint of worry.
"I've simply been thinking about tomorrow. About what, AWOR warned that an old adversary would make their return. I first suspected it could be Salem, but the more I think about it, the more I believe it is that monster we fought a day ago who will come for us." Upon hearing her words, my ears perked up in alarm, and a chill of alarm spread up my spine as I bit my lip.
"The Wendigo Grimm?" I spoke, only to get a concerned nod from her.
"Correct. You remember how it says that its fight with us isn't over? I believe that it might have developed a grudge against you and will seek us out as revenge. Which by itself is a terrifying thought of a Grimm bearing grudges."
She continues on as the fear in my heart grows. But I am stronger now, and we are not alone when we leave Sanctuary. Further on to that, Oathkeeper has been reforged into a weapon beyond conventional strength and thus, I say let it come. We may feel terror from encountering it a day ago, but now?
If it decides to come for us and me in particular again, then I'll give it everything I have and end its threat once and for all! Ozma may have lost one of his lives in the past to it, and I only managed to chase it away by cutting its arm off a day ago. The next fight will end with it dead. I swear it.
Brushing the fear within me aside, I reassured my girlfriend with confidence. "Yeah… if it chooses to come back and face us. Then let it come. I have no intention to let it chase me to the ends of the world nor take my life. The next time we clash, I'll kill that thing and, as a bonus, avenge one of Ozma's lives." Weiss noticeably brightens at my words before she speaks, and takes my hand and gently lowers it off her face.
"As much as I appreciate the confidence, Arakan. I prefer we remain cautious and not do anything reckless. And should you go up against it, I'll fight with you."
"And I'll accept your assistance. And thank you for being there for me. I could have fallen off the Argus Express alone, but you decided to risk your life and follow me to ensure I live. In addition to pulling me out from my despair. I owe you everything, and give me the will to live and to fight for someone."
And for a moment, neither of us said anything while we gazed into the other's eyes. There's just something about what we're doing that puts me at ease, and I know in my heart and from everything, we know that tomorrow things will get hectic again. But until the day I die, I will cherish these moments. Then out of the blue, Weiss was the first to break eye contact and glanced away with her cheeks red again.
"While this may seem abrupt currently, would you-do you mind if I braid your hair tomorrow morning?" And yet, despite how sudden this is, I couldn't help but smile at the thought.
"Sure, I wouldn't mind if you do that, and perhaps while we're at it, would you like to help me groom my tails as well? Having two was a pain, but I don't think I can handle a third by myself." I explained while my girlfriend's eyes lit up like a child finally getting a candy treat to snack upon.
Though uncertainty was laced in her words, "You-are you sure? Would you allow me to touch them?" I guess she's unsure how to react to my approval and, more accurately, how to connect with a Faunus and the rules for them.
"Out of everyone so far? Yeah, you are my girlfriend Weiss, I'm pretty sure that gives you all the rights to touch my Faunus features, just as long as you are gentle with them and not like Yang when she grabbed my tail all of a sudden back in Mistral without my approval. Even if she didn't understand the significance of her actions and did it without any bad intentions." I grumbled at the end. I still haven't forgotten that time she grabbed my tail without my consent and made me crash my knees on the table!
"Oh, right that." She blinked before her eyes slowly went up to my ears. "Can… Can I touch them? I never know what these ears feel like." God, she can be so adorable, like a schoolgirl who had no idea what to do in a relationship! Though I guess I too am not so sure and just going with the flow. In fact, that just made me giggle fondly.
"All you got to do is ask me." And just like that, I bowed my head to her. It didn't take long before I felt her hand gently brushing on my ears as they flickered in response.
The feeling is rather ticklish and comforting, I cannot deny. I wouldn't mind if Weiss continues to give me head pats. "Soft…" I hear her mutter softly. "And how is your hair so smooth? I use hair conditioners to get my hair the way it is, but I don't think you used any, do you?" To be honest, I have no idea why my hair's so smooth.
Perhaps it's a Faunus thing.
"Nope, didn't use any conditioners. All natural over here."
"Absolute nonsense, I tell you." She audibly grumbles. "I spend much of my Lien budget on them to get my hair to look satisfactory, and yours is perfect without it!" Despite the bitterness from her, I can tell Weiss didn't mean it, but just that, a banter between lovers.
Though such an intimate moment did not last long, we began to feel fatigued since it was midnight, and we needed to sleep for tomorrow. Still, both of us did our wash-up, and it did not take long before we were sharing the bed again and while we held on to each other, we let the night take us. Letting our shared warmth keep us heated from the coolness of the night.
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Back in Argus…
With the stars sparkling in the sky close to midnight with the shattered moon above, it was just another day to most. That includes Celeste's daily night training with her personal caretaker Katharine. But this midnight will be much different than the norm the both of them planned. Firstly, the Heiress has one more performance left in two days, and then she has to return to Atlas; however, she has been very bothered by the past few days.
Above all was her trusted caretaker and friend watching over team R_BY, JNR, Qrow, and surprisingly, Neopolitan if her looks and features are accurate. Though her friend prefers to call her a stowaway back on Argus Limited and overall distrusting her, all from her gut instinct. The other major fact is that it appears that Weiss Schnee and, shocking of all, her old friend Zack Arakan fell off the train days back.
There are so many questions that need answering, but she can't do that without looking suspicious to them. But the fact that it wasn't the farm boy Oscar that was supposed to be there, but instead her old friend, was quite the shocking revelation to her. Then there is the revelation days later that her old friend might be like her from what Katherine had discovered… But she requires more evidence to come to a conclusion.
"Mistress, you're not focusing." Katherine calls her out, with Galatea already in its scythe mode, while Celeste snaps out of her thoughts. "You have been in a daze lately. Is there something wrong?" Her caretaker could only ask with concern underneath her unemotional looks, while the heiress could only cough into her arms sheepishly.
"My apology for that, Katherine." Celeste utters as she brushes her hair on her face to the side. "I'm still absorbing all the information I requested from you." She still couldn't believe it… Zack… How long since she saw him? And when did he change so much? Faunuses only have one animal trait, but from what her caretaker told her, he had gained more than one. Ever since that day, she had long suspected that things might go in unintended ways unlike what she can predict.
Her old friend apparently joining them and his unique looks for a Faunus is one such example. "I'm surprised they bother you this much. From what I can tell and what you told me, most of them are survivors of the Fall of Beacon. A terrible thing to happen indeed." Katherine says with her eyes closed in respect to the fallen. "If this truly bothers you, a reminder that you can tell me everything. I have already sworn loyalty to you and only you through your parents' wishes."
"And I will never forget that, Katherine. It is just that I don't know how to say it."
Celeste admits as she changes Sarastro from its rapier form back into a flute and keeps it. But before the two could continue talking, one of Celeste's head maids walked in to address her. "Mistress, some Huntsman came across us at Argus gates and wishes to see you. What are your orders?" She utters out with a respectful bow, while the Schmitt heiress could only wonder to herself internally.
"Huh? I don't remember anyone scheduling an appointment or seeking me out… Guess things are going to get more complicated than I thought." Giving a simple nod, she spoke out to her head maid. "Understood, you may bring them here. Katherine, please come to my side so we may entertain our guests?"
"Understood."
Both of them acknowledge at the same time before moving out, with Celeste's caretaker moving briskly to her side while the head maid makes her way back to inform these guests that they may come in. It was also during this time that the Heiress takes a second to ensure she looks presentable enough. "I wasn't expecting anyone to come to talk to me at this time… It's almost midnight and seems suspicious, don't you think so?"
"Indeed. But I have a feeling I know who in particular is seeking you out." Katherine murmurs loud enough so only her mistress can hear her. "But whatever the reason, it must be crucial if they are willing to seek us out. My main concern is how they know of our nightly training sessions." The caretaker's eyes narrowed down protectively at the thought of someone trying to attack her charge.
True enough, in a couple of minutes, Celeste sees them, and it floors her on the inside! That's Ruby leading them, with the rest of the gang with team JNR, and Qrow following her from behind!
"Wait. Hang on a sec, why does THE Ruby Rose seek me out? How did she find us somehow? Now wait. I must be on either team JNR or Neo. Either of them must have told them about us, I think. But wow… this is the first time I've seen them in person…" She thought to herself while her arms tensed up for a second. "And when did she get a necklace from anyway? I don't remember her having one, from what I know…" Knowing that she would have to introduce herself, Celeste coughs her throat.
"Greeting to you all, while it is strange that all of you seek me out at such timings, I am Celeste Schmitt. Heiress of the Schmitt Global Exchange Company." She gave a formal bow before gently bringing her hand up towards team JNR, with Nora enthusiastically waving at her. "While I am familiar with those three, hello again, Jaune, Ren and Nora. I am unfamiliar with the rest of you. May I know your names and why you wish to see me personally instead of alternative ways?"
Hearing Celeste's request, Ruby stepped forward and introduced herself. "Um… I'm Ruby," she says before pointing at Yang, then Blake, then Qrow. "She's Yang, my older sister, Blake, and Qrow my uncle. We found you through a friend of ours, but need your help."
"Help?" Celeste blurts out surprise on the inside. This is new. "Help in what way, if I may ask?" The Heiress asks next while remaining suspicious. But to her surprise, Jaune suddenly walks forward.
"Well, Celeste, hi again." He gave an awkward wave before continuing. "We need your help rescuing our friends, and also, we heard that you are heading back to Atlas after your last performance. So, we wondered if you could help us get to Atlas. We really need to get there, but we can't say why."
"That's strange, weren't their original plans to get there by stealing an Atlesian Bullhead? I'm surprised they sought me out, hoping that I would smuggle them in…"
Celeste thought silently in her mind while glancing at her friend, remaining impassive about it. Though even she seems surprised that they need to get to Atlas through her. "Then again, with the Atlas embargoing all Dust exports and refusing all transport into the Kingdom, smuggling is the only way to get people in or goods out. Something which my company's good at through legal means. Or perhaps they already met Cordovin already and learnt that she won't listen."
"I understand if this seems out of the blue to ask you, but we'll owe you one." Jaune adds in before the heiress raises her hand up, which shuts him up.
"I'll help you all get to Atlas, I don't see a problem with that, since I'm going back soon."
"Really? That's great-"
"But!" Celeste interrupts Ruby and continues talking. "I'll help you after you tell me more about Zack in particular." And instantly everyone gets a bit defensive, but the most was the little rose herself.
"Why? Why does he matter so much to you?" Ruby bluntly says with a hint of anger while clutching onto her necklace. In fact, her sudden actions caught everyone, including the Heiress herself, off guard by her outburst. Though, Celeste quickly recovers from Ruby's confrontation, though unnerved about how Ruby acts a bit too defensive.
"Zack Arakan is a childhood friend of mine, and I haven't heard from him in a long time. So, you can understand my concern when I learned that he was one of the passengers who fell off the train." She stated bluntly before clapping her hand with a gentle smile. "Now, as much as I'd love to talk about my childhood friend, it's late at night and I just finished my training before you all came in."
"Wait, you're a Huntress?" Yang asks as she and everyone walk closer to Celeste, who awkwardly scratches her head while glancing at her left prosthetic hand and Yang's. "You don't dress like one."
"Yeah, you dressed more like a performer." Blake joined in before the Heiress explained.
"Well… soon to be Huntress in training more accurately… It was only two days ago that I made my intentions to become a Huntress known to the public." Celeste admits before nodding at Katherine to gather the maids up for departure. And soon, Ruby joins in again and loses her defensiveness.
"Oh! Then what kind of weapon do you have?"
"Well, come over to my hotel, and find out, Ruby and friends." Celeste says with a sly smile before taking out a contact card and passing it over to her. "This has my caretaker's scroll number, so do use this and call her in the morning, she will handle the rest. Alternatively, you can have Katherine come over to wherever you are staying at and pick you up. It's up to you to be honest."
The Heiress then dusts her dress to make herself look a bit more presentable. "For why not now? It's getting late and I need to sleep. I think the same can be said for the rest of you. But still, it's a pleasure to talk to all of you, and we can resume in the morning. Is it alright with you?"
"Aww… but I'd like to know about you more!" Nora blurts out in the back before Celeste lets out a soft chuckle.
"I would too, but it's too late for us to talk, so atlas, I should make my departure now." Or at least, that was her plan if Qrow suddenly joins in.
"Before you go, Schmitt, why now do you seem to wish to become a Huntress? Most start their training early in their years. Yet, you're here training around midnight. What's with that anyway?" He asks out, which makes her pause for a second. Then Katherine, who had been watching silently the whole time, spoke up after looking at her charge and getting an approved nod to speak.
"Mr Branwen, my mistress always wished to become a Huntress, ever since her youth. However, her parents disagreed with her and only accepted personal training in combat from me when a horrible accident happened not too long ago which made her lose an arm." The caretaker spoke, though it was clear that this incident clearly eats her from the inside, from how she sounded despondent.
"Yes…" Celeste took over while everyone looked stunned or horrified about the reason she has a prosthetic arm. "My mum and dad didn't want me to become one because it is too dangerous, but I guess fate has a horrible way of showing that I need to learn how to defend myself."
"I'm so sorry about what happened to you." Yang then spoke up. "I know what it's like to lose an arm. The phantom pain doesn't leave, huh?"
"I have grown accustomed to it." Celeste admits while glancing at her arm. "Besides, the replacements my parents got for me are costly, despite my protests that I only need one that does its job. Heck, I had to do a stupid medical operation to directly attract the damn thing to my body and connect my nerves to it. You have no idea how much pain I was in for the first few days after that operation had I not had painkillers injected into me."
"Ouch…" Jaune winces at the thought before one of Celeste's maids interrupts the conversation.
"My apology mistress, but we should get going now, it is close to one in the morning and everyone still has work to be done around five." She says with her head bowed at Celeste, who blinks and takes out her scroll.
"Right… I should get going now. Farewell and I will see you all in the morning." With that, the Heiress of the Schmitt company began to make her departure with goodbyes, and the other soon after did the same for the night.
Little did it hit everyone that the next day will be chaotic and battle will descend on the walls of Argus…