Chapter 49: The First Step

There are places across Remnant that no soul should ever see. Places that drip with terror and fear, that echo with the roars of Grimm. Being there would break any normal person, that's if they weren't already dead. Emerald and Mercury are lucky that they aren't just normal. Still, the sight of Beowolves clawing their way out of black pools is something they never expected to see in their lives. Mercury, being more prideful than his partner, only shows disgust through subtle facial expressions. Emerald, on the otherhand, covers her mouth while her eyes widen with. They're just lucky to be in a building, high above and far away from the Grimm they're observing.

With a snap of her fingers, Cinder commands the two to stop gawking and return to her side. Cinder has drastically changed her appearance since Beacon. Her hair now short and completely covering her left eye, which, as one may notice from close inspection, is layered in black glass. Still beneath that is a sign of scars from her... unexpected battle. Her attire has also changed with much of her clothes covering her left side – specifically that arm which isn't visible – while her right is far more exposed with her arm being mostly bare, up to her elbow where she has a black glove, and her right leg being nearly completely exposed thanks to a slit in her dress. However, she wears black leggings that doesn't allow any skin to show.

Emerald and Mercury return to her side, Emerald scooting Mercury over so she can be directly beside her mistress. That gives them another look at the room – glass windows, purple crystals all around, the larger ones having candles sat stop them, a massive purple table in the center with a plethora of white chairs surrounding the table with only three being occupied.

"Yes, yes, please keep your..." The man adjust his tie while finding a less insulting word. "Posse in check."

Arthur Watts is different from everyone else in the room. An arrogant voice with clothes that suit someone who believes to be superior to others, even if he's the slimmest man in the room. He has short hair, greying somewhat on the sides, with a very thick moustache that moves when he speaks. His green eyes look to Mercury as the young man's fist clenches.

Mercury steps forward, grunting as if he's about to show his superiority... but Emerald stops him. That's enough to keep Mercury at bay.

"You hear that?" The same man speaks, looking to the others around him. "Silence. I have half a mind to thank (Y/N) Slater for his service."

To Cinder's left is Tyrian Callows, a man who's sitting differently from everyone else. His gold eyes are small yet sharp. He has a brown braided ponytail that travels down most of his back. His clothing is far more common, only being a sleeveless white jacket that's open, no shirt underneath so his chest, laced with scars, is visible. His arms are covered by purple bandages white leather vambraces protect his forearms. His pants are the same shade of white, tucked into a brown pair of leather boots with grey knee cap protectors.

"If I were you I'd hunt him down. Make him pay for everything he did to you. Like that eye," he gestures to his own before breaking out into hysterical laughter, not the amusement of Cinder.

Across the table from Tyrian, Hazel Rainart remains silent with his arms crossed. He hasn't once commented on anything that's been said, instead keeping to himself. He's far more muscular than anyone in the room, and he looks like someone to be avoided. Short brown hair with a beard and hazel eyes, a two tone olive green and grey coat that sits on a black sleeve shirt. Black pants with pouches strapped to each leg, sagging somewhat indicating that something is in there.

He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes once more. "Harrier still hasn't arrived."

"Of course he hasn't," Watts flicks his hand. "That bastard has absolutely no sense of decency."

Cinder attempts to add to the conversation, but it only comes off as pained breaths and moans. She closes her eyes in defeat before gesturing for Emerald to come closer.

"Pathetic. Why did you even-"

His words are cut short as the large wooden door creeks open. Everyone immediately stands at attention as a woman enters, slowly and regally. Her long black dress flows behind her, showing off the small tints of red design on it. She's mostly covered by her dress, save for her pale arms that have sharp black fingernails and the prominently visible veins. Her dress is also somewhat slit at the best, showing very minimal cleavage. That most noticeable part of her, of course, his her head. Ghostly white hair meticulously done up in one large back bun with six offshoots wrapped together. She has a black diamond between her eyebrows and terrifying eyes. Black sclerae and burning crimson iris', with veins from the side of her face slithering inward. Her very presence makes everyone's heart run a few beats faster.

Salem slowly makes her way around the table and stops at an altar near the back of the room.

"Watts," she slightly turns her head. The man is silent, but his attention remains focused on the woman. "Do you find such malignance necessary?" She turns around.

After a second, she gestures for everyone to sit. All but Watts follow her order whilst she approaches her throne at the head of the table.

"I apologize, ma'am. I'm not particularly fond of failure," he states before taking his seat.

"Then I see no reason for your cruelty towards young Cinder. She's become our Fall Maiden, destroyed Beacon tower, and most importantly... killed dear Ozpin. So I'm curious... to what failures are you referring?"

Before Watts can even respond, the door opens once again. Everyone turns to see Harrier Slater, glasses and cloak as usual, enter the room. To their surprise, he's followed by four younger fighters. They're surprisingly calm considering what they're seeing, but that's mostly due to a command given by Harrier to Osiris. His Semblance is keeping the four newcomers from being absolutely terrified at what they're seeing.

They all look relatively similar as they did when Harrier first collected them three months ago. The only difference is Vani, whose hair has grown long and messy, almost resembling Jaune's if it was a bit shorter and ginger. His outfit has undergone the most change, being a white coat that falls just past his buttocks, an undershirt that somewhat mimics his hair colour, and a darker white pair of pants. The sword he was given is strapped to his back, intentionally opposite to how you have yours strapped to the side. His colours, his way – a way superior to yours.

"Who are these people?" Watts demands.

Harrier gestures for the kids to find a seat, which they do. None get too close to Salem, though. Vani continues to stand by Harrier's side. "Salem... this is Vani-La Tawny," he says without addressing her with any respect. "Do you remember the Tawnys?"

"Your tone is unappreciated, Harrier. As is your tardiness," she says with a underlying hateful tone, her eyes squint and glow a bit.

Cinder has to look away from those nightmarish eyes. The cold black, the bloody red, and the ghastly veins... images of your twisted form flash in her mind.

"You didn't answer my question," Harrier bluntly states.

"Don't talk to our goddess like-"

Harrier stares down Tyrian without any fear. "Silence, pawn. You're unimportant right now. Salem," he returns his focus. "Do you remember them?"

Salem takes a small breath and adjusts in her seat. "I do. You're the son of their head?"

"I am the head now. (Y/N) Slater killed them all."

"What?" Watts raises a brow. "All of them?" He asks unconvinced.

"Yes," Vani nods at the man. "I'm the only one left. I've come here because I want to work alongside you. I was told you'd want to find Slater. I want to kill him."

Cinder clenches her fist. She's the one who's going to kill you. Not some pathetic child with a sob story.

"If I may," Hazel looks to Salem, to which she nods her head. "(Y/N) Slater was always a potential threat. Now that he's proven he can even beat a Maiden, we shouldn't ignore his presence any longer."

"I agree. Slaters are always trouble," Watts eyes the elder one, but no response is given.

Salem raises a hand to her chin and thinks. She then gazes at Vani. "Harrier... you trained this boy?"

"I did, and I assure you that all four of them can hold their own."

"Even against you?" She raises a brow.

"That's an unfair comparison," he immediately counters.

"But a relevant one, don't you think?"

"Would that not be comparing them to you, then?" Harrier raises a brow. "After all... even you can merely hold your own against me."

The Beowolves outside begin to snarl and howl so loud it can be faintly heard indoors. The loyalist of Salem react differently to this statement. Tyrian and Watts are frustrated with his demeanor towards her, along with the arrogance. Hazel remains passive, but he acknowledges the effect Harrier's having on everyone in the room. Salem merely chuckles at the emotionless man's statement.

"How I do enjoy our banter. Very well, sit down, the both of you. Dr. Watts," she looks to him. "You're to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral."

"Very good," he responds.

"Hazel, I'm sending you to the leader of the White Fang. Adam Taurus has arranged the meeting. The boy continues to prove loyal. Ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same."

"As you wish," he acknowledges.

"Now," she turns her head to the newcomers. "Please, tell me your names."

"I'm Osiris Nucifera," he bows his head.

"Dolph Anaph," he nods and smiles.

"Chess Vamour," she follows Osiris' example by bowing her head.

"No, girl. Your real name."

"I..." Chess' eyes widen as she's taken back a moment. She has no idea how Salem even knew she was using an alias. How does she know? Has she been watching her? If it weren't for Osiris' passive effect, she may not have had the confidence to answer, let alone remain composed. "Lila Icair."

"Mm," Salem smiles. "Very well. VOID... I'd like you to track down (Y/N) Slater. But..." She raises her hand, focusing on the young Tawny. "Do not kill him," she says with a layer of authority. "I wish to bring him here. He... has something of mine. Tyrian," she looks to her servant. "Accompany them. See if they're worth working alongside us. After that, I'd like you to search for the Spring Maiden." Salem turns her gaze to the last person, the man standing at the other end of the table. "Harrier-"

"I'll do as I please."

"As it would seem," Salem nods. "And you, Cinder," she looks over at the increasingly frustrated girl. "You still need to recover... so you'll remain here, by my side. VOID," she turns to her new pawns. "Remain here a moment. I wish to speak with you privately. Wait for them outside, Tyrian. Remember, all of you... we're at a critical moment. Haven will fall next and you all have your parts to play. Go."

The three men bow their heads before heading for the door.

"Of course, my queen," Tyrian bows before slinking away, laughing while passing Cinder.

"When are you going to tell her that it was your creation that did this to her?" Harrier notes. He looks to Cinder, who's expression shifts. "Or... perhaps she already knows," the man snickers before leaving the building.

Cinder turns away from Salem, immediately feeling the burning intensity of the Queen's gaze.

"I like that Tyrian guy," Dolph whispers to his sister.

"Of course you do," she shakes her head.

"Quite relaxed, aren't you all," Salem notes. "Just look at young Cinder's allies," she gestures at Emerald and Mercury, who fidget on the spot.. "They do their best to hide it but I can feel their fear. You four... there's none of it. Why is that?"

"If I may," Osiris speaks up. "I... think you already know."

"Smart child," Salem nods. "I have a hunch, but I wish to confirm something. Positivity," she says it with a near disgusted tone. "Is that the only emotion you can cast on people?" She puts her hands together and smiles, eyes glowing fiercely.

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Off the coast of Sanus, a fairly large port is home to a hardy white ship. Dozens of Faunus board, be them couples returning home or stranded Faunus desperate to flee to safety. Not many board on their own, but those who do catch the captain's eye. A hooded man who's features are impossible to note and a girl blessed with amber eyes, black hair, and a long white coat. While the Captain greets them all, he notices one of his new crew members coming in front behind the crowd.

Dylan has an entire stack of supplies floating behind him on thin layers of water.

"I don't think I've seen you use your hands, Brine," the Captain chuckles.

"I save that for emergencies," the Faunus replies with a slight smile. "My... friend would think I no longer could fight. I haven't had to use anything but my Semblance in quite some time."

The Captain starts laughing from his belly. "You speak as if you're my age, son. Come on, lets get your young bones working."

Dylan sets the boxes beside the entry way and sighs. He stacks one atop the other and lifts them both.

"There ya go!" He laughs from his belly.

"Yeah," Dylan walks across the platform. "Here we go."

"You know, Brine, our next stop is Menagerie. You come from there?"

"You assume all Faunus come from there?" He sharply eyes the Captain.

"No, no, of course not. But I do hear it's a very important spot for all Faunus."

Dylan huffs. "I've been there, once or twice. I have no plans on staying there."

"I see... well, get this all below deck. We'll be departing soon."

"Right," Dylan turns back towards the cargo.

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Harrier watches from an incline whilst the newly named team VOID walks alongside Tyrian, who seems very interested in the group travelling with him. He's not one for group missions, but having heard of the Tawnys before, and learning that these kids were trained under the infamous Harrier Slater, his curiosity has been adequately peaked. However, his form of interaction is staying a short distance in front of the group while they talk.

"I really can't believe I didn't freak out... that's where Grimm come from?" Chess shakes her head.

"It was hard for me to keep positive there," Osiris admits. "I have to keep the emotion going and... negativity was so heavy there. I almost messed up a few times," he ends with a chuckle.

"Never do it again," Dolph refuses to look at his ally. "I've never felt so peaceful in my life."

"That's a problem?"

Chess chuckles at those words.

"YES!" Dolph jumps ahead, turning back so he's facing the three. "The peacefulness... the clear vision," his clenched fists tremble. "It was maddening. I just want to watch the life drain from something's eyes now."

Osiris and Chess chuckle, but Vani remains silent. Osiris looks over to Vani, who's very much in his own world at the moment. Osiris can't blame him. He's still subtly using his Semblance to help his allies accept what they've seen. It's very possible that they could all break from such a realization. Osiris' goal is to keep everyone's minds off it so it'll be easier to process later. That doesn't seem to be working with Vani, however.

The Tawny thinks back on his meeting with Salem and...

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The four gather around a warm, crackling fire as the cold breeze whirls around them. It's not nearly as cold as their time in Atlas, but the temperature surprises them considering the desert area. Dolph lies on the ground, completely spent from the days training. Chess and Osiris are doing their best to remain sitting. Vani stays standing, staring into the fire while also having Harrier, remaining a decent distance away, in his sights. He's barely paying attention to the conversation at hand."

"-and I won't let you keep hitting me like that!" Dolph huffs.

"Two weapons helps," Osiris chuckles. "Though, that doesn't help much against him," he flicks his head towards Harrier, who, while hearing the comment, doesn't react to it.

"I like it all," Chess squirms in place, enjoying the fire. "We've never really trained like this before."

"Damn right we haven't!" Dolph raises his fist with pride. "All experience, baby!"

Chess shakes her head. "Right," the girl moves to her bedrolls, dusting it off. "I'm going to sleep. I'm pretty exhausted."

"Good night, sis," Dolph smiles at his sister.

"Night," Vani and Osiris wish, Vani being less than enthusiastic.

The three men stare into the fire for an unknown amount of time, completely encapsulated by the flames.

"Hey Dolph," Osiris starts. "I know plenty about Vani but not so much about you. If I may ask, have you and your sister always been in Mistral?"

"Hehe," Dolph's grin widens to a more. "Terrorizing would be a better word."

Vani can't help but snicker at that. "You're not wrong."

"Were your parents from Mistral?"

Dolph's grin quickly dissipates as he looks back into the fire. "My parents are scum. Hers too."

Osiris raises a brow.

"Different mothers," Vani clarifies. "You don't mind me saying that, do you?"

"No," Dolph shakes his head. "I never knew either of them... maybe I've killed them," he ends with a laugh that's a bit too happy.

Osiris stretches his back and exhales. "You know, I'm somewhat like Vani. My father was a writer," Osiris starts. "He liked to travel all around the world for inspiration for his books – see new towns, cities, people, plants, animals... and even Grimm," the last one makes the boy chuckle. "Got him in trouble a few times, apparently. But my father fell ill and passed away a few years ago. I guess his desire for adventuring rubbed off on me," he rubs his arm. "He used to take me on some of them... he's how I learned to fight, actually... plus a few Huntsmen I've met along the way. Anyway," he shakes his head. "I've seen a lot of people, some who've been all around the world and those who've only been in one place. I'm sorry if this is rude, but you two seem like those who've just... only been in one place."

Vani looks over at Dolph, wondering how he'll respond. Vani's well aware of what happened to the siblings and how each of them have coped with their childhood. He's never seen them make any friends, which means they've never really shared their experiences. Osiris is able to see the uncertainty in Dolph's face too.

"I'm sorry if that's a personal question. I just wish to know more about Vani's friends," he gestures to the boy. "And my teammates. You know some more about me now, so..."

Dolph looks down at his sleeping sister, watching the sleeping bag rhythmically rise and fall. "I never could leave when I was a child. Never wanted to leave now. It's always a haze, isn't it," he chuckles. "Our father was a bastard. Don't even know why he kept us in the house. He beat me a lot. Wouldn't let him touch my sister. Nobody is allowed to touch my sister. He tried once," Dolph grabs his bat beside him and caresses it. "He tried because Lila had a friend, an older man who was more of a father to her than ours was. Ji was the father she deserved," Dolph tightens his grip. "When our father found out, he dragged Lila to Ji's house and beat the man to death in front of her... then tried to attack her," Dolph's strained voice begins laughing. "So I killed him with this bat. My favourite bat. The bastard had it coming, and oh how I loved his screams! They were so pathetic!"

Osiris remains silent as he hears the tale. His eyes drift to Chess, giving her a silent prayer. He can understand why she doesn't use the name given by her father. Why she goes by Chess Vamour, and the significance behind that, is beyond his knowledge, but he'll respect it. Osiris may have grown up with a loving father in a healthy environment, but his travels taught him long ago that not many people have that luxury.

Dolph soon calms down. "My sister is everything to me. I'll do whatever I have to... to keep her safe. I'll kill anyone who touches her," he flashes his eyes to Osiris.

The man bows his head. "I understand. It appears... none of us have any family left," he shifts his focus between his three teammates. "But perhaps... this will fill that void, hm?"

"I suppose," Vani nods. "I do appreciate the three of you helping."

"Killing some idiot who crossed your path, it'll be my pleasure," Dolph nods.

"Pfft, your motivations are blinded," Harrier speaks up.

"What's that?" Vani focuses on the Slater.

"Do you even know why (Y/N) killed your family? Do you not remember him giving them a chance to walk away?"

"He did?" Osiris looks to Vani, to which the Tawny tenses.

"He... he killed them all because..."

"Foolish," Harrier turns around. "Soon you will be able to make that decision yourself, Vani. You'll see exactly who your family revered as a goddess and whether or not you wish to do the same. Salem, the one your family served, is the cause of Beacon's destruction. The cause of..." Harrier's past momentarily flashes in his mind. Jet, his wife, his daughter... "Many things. (Y/N)'s mother left your family because she learned who you were really working for. Who was the puppet master of your pathetic family."

Vani growls, standing and grabbing at his weapon.

"Don't bother, Vani. What you decide is of no concern to me. I only want you to know what you're fighting for. To truly understand and make your own decision."

"But why?" Osiris questions. "Why do you care? Are you not (Y/N)'s uncle? Are you not on his side? Do you really want us to kill him?"

"Hmph," Harrier shakes his head. "I chose my side long ago. In a sense, you could say this is a... compromise. You, all of you, are my compromise to someone else's ideals. I suppose that alone means I don't fully believe in my choice," Harrier turns away. "When I win, it will be because I was right. Because my path was true. But if I don't... then I'll know I was wrong. I'll accept that fact and the consequences of it," Harrier turns his head again, flashing a silver eye at Vani. "Ensure that you know what your right is, Vani, and not Salem's right."

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My family served her... the Queen of Grimm. Is that... the right path? Were they wrong? To help someone like that... but he still...

Vani's twisted view of that day overwhelms his mind. You apathetically cutting down his relatives, smiling while you did so, leaving him alone to torture him. His resolve fuels itself once more. He wants to see you beaten at his feet, bleeding, begging for your life before he cuts you down with this new blade. His hand reaches for his back where the blade sits. He purposefully put it on his back to counter how you have it at your hip.

"So how exactly are we going to find him?" Chess says with a louder voice, addressing Tyrian.

"Well," he turns around and rubs his hands. "I hear Slater makes a mark everywhere he goes. We ask around, say we're some friends and..." Tyrian starts laughing. "Get friendly with him."

"Basically, we have no plan," Osiris nods. "Well, we should find a town and ask around."

"Then let's speed this along," Vani's pace picks up, even passing by Tyrian.

Salem's minion smiles as the Tawny passes. "As you wish," he bows.

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You and Neo march into a new town, bright and vibrant, people walking through the man-made streets.

"Seems like a pleasant place," you note, to which Neo nods. "Sun's going down soon. Might want to stay here for the night... train outside the town?" Neo looks up at you, changes her eye colour, and smiles. "Sounds like a yes," you nudge her. "Come on, let's-"

"Are you a Huntsman?" A man asks.

You look over to him, a darker skinned Faunus with bullhorns and yellow eyes. He has piercings on his ears, a well cut beard, and a leather apron around him. You spot the store he's standing by, a blacksmith, and put it all together.

"I am, yeah," you nod.

"Hope you didn't come for the bounty," he brushes off his gloves. "Another group just cleaned up the Geist a few hours ago."

"Mm, four, huh?" You chuckle. "Well, I wasn't here for it so I can't be disappointed."

"Well that's good. I gotta say," he looks at both of your weaponry. "I don't know about the umbrella, but can I see your sword?"

You shrug, pulling your sheath to your hand and pulling out the blade. It's black material shimmering in the setting sun.

"Whoa," the blacksmith approaches and looks at him. "Can I hold it?"

You hold it before you with one hand, giving him a brief nod to signal it's okay. The blacksmith takes the blade carefully and examines it closely, peering at the steel, the handle, every aspect of it.

"This... is amazing," he holds the blade with two hands before him. "I've only heard of blades like this. A Muramasa blade... never would've thought... Where'd you get it?"

"Uh... it was my dad's," you cross your arms. "I don't know where he got it."

"I do," the blacksmith nods. "You should be honoured to have a blade like this," he hands it back.

"Hmph," you take it back and stare at the metal, seeing your own reflection. "Yeah... honoured. So, where's the nearest inn?" You ask while sheathing the blade and allowing it to fall back to your hip.

"That'a way," he points towards a larger building. "Pretty nice place, if I do say so myself."

"Thanks," you start walking towards it, Neo cheerily following you.

"No problem! And, hey, take care of that sword! It's one in a million!" He shouts before going back to his shop.

You look down at the blade and chuckle. "You could say that."

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Aza steps out of her room as her new self. Her hair remains the same base – bangs that part from the center and go behind her ears while the rest falls on her shoulders. She has a very flexible red suit that spans her whole body, able to be separated at the waste. There are a few openings around her arms, like stripes. She above the thin material is durable silver armour with flaming swirls engraved along it. The armour covers the majority of her body – chest, forearms, legs – leaving her joints open for maximum mobility. Her kunai are wrapped along her thighs, along with them hidden on other parts of her body. She rolls her shoulders and huffs. "I suppose this is sufficient. Strange not being in normal clothes." Aza swings her arms around and spins.

"Having fun?" Sienna asks, leaning against the corner wall.

"Oh! Sienna," Aza becomes red. "Sorry. Was just seeing how flexible I was in this. Thank you for getting them to make this."

"As a personal guard of mine, you have to be the best equipped," Sienna gestures Aza to follow her down the nearby hall. "You should know that Adam will be coming to plead his case soon. He's practically gotten that entire section to follow him without question."

"He has that effect," Aza nods. "It's almost dangerous."

"But it is also difficult to punish him. Many would rally behind him and claim me to be in the wrong," Sienna opens the door and the two women walk into the main room. The White Fang leader approaches her chair and takes a seat. "I need people around me I can trust, especially now that the world's eyes are on us."

"I'm here, Sienna," Aza takes her place beside the chair and stands at attention. "No matter what happens."

"Thank you," the leader smiles. "I was worried you may be an enemy in the future. In these strange times," Sienna's eyes drift. "It's hard to know who to trust."

"Well," Aza stands properly now, watching towards the door. "We'll make sure we steer the White Fang back in the right direction."

"Together," Sienna offers her hand.

"Together," Aza nods.

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The crackling of lightning echoes within the training space. To people walking by, it's just sounds like an average forest. To you, the deafening strikes fill your ears. You spiral through the air, passing by streaks of blue lightning. As soon as you land on the ground, you jump to the side and dodge another bolt. Your eyes dart side to side, watching out for any movement coming towards you. The sound of lightning sparks from behind, prompting you to turn around and cut the bolt down in a flash. The lightning starts raining down from above, forcing you to jump in different places, your eyes registering every point where the lightning will crash down.

I can see it so easily now... it's spread, it's focus... funny how different it is now.

You jump towards the lightning and slice right through it, spinning around with a victorious smile. Several bolts then fire from below.

"Too slow!" You shout, cutting them apart without dropping a sweat. You land on the ground before thrusting your sword up, splitting the lightning in half so it crashes on either side of you.

"Alright, keep'em coming!" You spin your sword around. "Command – focus fire!"

"Focusing lightning strikes," an automated voice.

The pylons generating lightning all start sparking before firing off dozens of bolt. You take a deep breath before letting your body and blade move as one. Neo finds it hard to focus with the blinding flashes of both the lightning and your blade. You keep yourself moving, your sword moving as if it was a feather, cutting through the natural attacks like they're nothing. You even begin twirling around and becoming more flashy with your attacks, showing how much faster you are than the projectiles. The bolts all focus from one area, prompting you to stop it. You lunge forward, dashing from side to side while easily cutting through any that may have hit you. You jump in the air, spin around twice to dodge other bolts, and then cut the conductor in half.

"Training halted. Equipment failure."

You stand up straight and finally exhale. "Hehe, oops. Did I go overboard?" You look to Neo.

She holds up a sign, "10/10" written on it.

"Where did you even get that?" You chuckle. "Whatever," you click a button on your wrist that lets your weighted suit become visible. "I think I'm done with this," you click another button that retracts the suit into a watch. "I won't need this anymore," you roll your shoulders and hop in place, noting you're jumping higher than normal. "This will take some time," you click the watch again. "I can dodge lightning... I'll keep practicing with this until my body gets used to it. Plus, you need more practice," you wink.

Neo pouts, getting on her feet and standing by you.

"That's better," you nod. "Restart program. Two users."

"Restarting. Locking on..."

You and Neo hop apart. "Let's do this."

Bolts begin firing at both of you. Neo dodges and weaves, blocking some of them with her umbrella. You're overshooting your jumps and slashes, messing with your entire flow. You get hit in the back which knocks you forward. You grab the ground and push yourself into the air, twirling and slashing at the incoming lightning.

At this rate... I won't lose.

You land on the ground and casually dodge a few bolts.

If my blood can work against Harrier, somehow, and with my speed...

You spin your blade to the flat end and deflect it towards Neo, who knocks it away with her umbrella before squinting at you, making you chuckle.

I don't care what Salem has in store. I won't lose again. Nobody will lose again.

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You stare out the window at the shining broken moon. Neo is sleeping on the bed, her chest gently rising and falling with her breath. You smirk at the sight, remembering another girl you used to see calmly sleep in your bed. Which, of course, leads to thinking of everyone at Beacon. Despite this entire endeavour being for them, so they won't be in danger again. You and Pyrrha were some of the best, but both of you were beaten. There's no way RWBY, JNPR, any of them could match up to what you'll have to face. That's why you'll do it alone and everyone can celebrate... unless they can't.

There was one time you tried to do things yourself – a small child with his father's sword, running onto the battlefield only to get in the way and ruin everything. You fist tightens before exploding in a cloud of shadow.

That anger, the frustration now forms in front... Ruby's house. When you felt the cold wash around your arms, since you don't have your coat on, you thought you'd be at your parents grave. Yet you teleported yourself here – to Ruby's house, for a reason you can't even comprehend. Like you subconsciously wanted to come here so you can...

"Beg for forgiveness?" You chuckle. "I'm probably beyond that."

"Depends who you're asking," a voice says from the side.

You slowly turn to face Tai, your droopy movement and melancholy face immediately showing him what mood you're in. "My daughter? No. Me?" Tai bobs his head side to side. "Yet to be decided."

"Tai... I..."

"You missed her birthday," he crosses his arms, stopping a few feet away from you. "Couldn't even visit her?" He raises his brow.

"I..." You shift your gaze away, unable to maintain eye contact. "I know... it's not why I'm here, but... heh," you look towards the house. "I don't even think I could face her."

Those words indicate to Tai that you don't know where Ruby is either. His bluff worked out on that account. But there's no reason to show his hand just yet.

"Why'd you leave, (Y/N)?" He questions, both for his daughter and for himself. "Beacon fell, you turned into... whatever it was."

Your body tenses just thinking about the monstrosity Cinder turned you into.

"And then you disappeared. Qrow, me, Glynda... Ruby... everyone was looking for you. Not even a word? A 'thank you for saving me'?"

"I..." You grind your teeth. "You weren't there, Tai."

"No... I wasn't. Regretfully, I wasn't. But you haven't been here either, so I suppose we've both missed out." There's a minute of silence after those words. Tai, harshly staring at you while you're completely on the back foot. You have no ground to stand on against this man, and you know it. "Why did you leave?" Tai asks again.

"It doesn't matter," you shake your head. "When I end all of this... then I'll come back. Ruby's safe here, so I don't have to worry."

"End all this?" Tai doubtfully chuckles. "You know, I always used to think you were like your father. A lot of people did. But the way you sound now," he shakes his head. "You sound more like Harrier."

Your eye sharpens as you glare at him. "What?"

"Your father wasn't afraid to ask for help. Sure, he made the heroic sacrifice play before but even then he wasn't alone. You, (Y/N) are trying to take on an enemy that Ozpin's been gathering allies and trying to stop for years. You think you can just outdo everyone on your own? What, get a little stronger, get a new outfit and suddenly you're unstoppable? Yeah... that's what Harrier did too."

"Tsk," you growl.

"What're you going to do? Attack me?" Tai opens his arms. "Come on, then. Hard to tell who's side you're even on anymore."

"Why would I ever go against Ozpin? Against any of you?"

"We thought the same about Harrier..." Tai says with a mysterious tone that shakes you. "Listen to me, (Y/N), this path you're going down is dangerous."

"I'm trying to help everyone!" You burst. "I'm not doing this for no reason!"

"Harrier did too. Wanted to help Ozpin... wanted to help the world. Now..."

"What're you trying to accomplish here, Tai?" you slide your leg forward and throw your hand to the side. "What's this antagonizing supposed to do?"

"If you're really taking my words as antagonizing then you're not open to learning anymore. Despite you being important to my daughter, you're the son of a close friend and... important to a lot of people. I can't just sit by while you ruin yourself."

You calm down at those words. You think back to your meeting with Glynda, and even to the ruined state of Beacon. The people, the places you fight for. At one point, even Harrier had fought for them.

"I don't know if you think you're saving people by going alone or think it's cool or whatever justification you've come up with," Tai waves his hands before him. "But maybe you need to stop charging forward without thinking and take a moment to breathe. To act without reflection is misguided, (Y/N). Did you not learn anything at Beacon? Ozpin..." He approaches and places a hand on your shoulder. "If you want to honour him and everything he built, you can't forget his teachings or his methods."

You huff, looking down. Without giving Tai a response, you disappear into shadow. Tai watches as the little bits dissipate into nothingness.

"I thought he couldn't teleport alone," Tai notes. He clenches his fist and looks to the sky. "I hope you make the right decision, (Y/N). Ruby... maybe if you two meet, you can bring him back. I wish," Tai's eyes drift to Yang's window. "I wish I could come for you both."

And that's 49! We've officially entered Volume 4 stuff. Like... the episodes and stuff. Stuff will come together... soon... you know, the good stuff. We'll obviously get into more recognizable scenes and... it's coming! Just wait and see! Considering how back to back the next few Volumes are we're basically going to be doing "canon" stuff for a while. So I guess that's... cool. Hope you enjoyed! 50 will be coming soon! I'll be switching over to Limitless after 51 so we at least have two more chapters on the way until another short break. But, trust me, it'll be worth it. Considering how short V4 is going to be here you can assume things are kinda gonna happen fast. Sorta shows off how weirdly paced it is if you look at the adventures individually. Well, no matter. See you next time!

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