Stiofan Ua Binn
-----
5 months after the Fall of Beacon
The slums have changed.
For an entire month, Stiofan made his rounds in the tundra alongside Viola, who made for wonderful company, and their boons have been more than prosperous to say the least.
They switched up the menu as well, never sticking to the same game too often, and it made for an enjoyable challenge. Paired with the fact that the community center in the slums finished renovating and was fully operational for the denizens and volunteers to use as they please, many if not all, finally found a sliver of happiness welling deep within them.
Weiss, who's been living with them for the meanwhile, occasionally partook in their hunts, and she would've made for a fine hunter if not for her stubborn refusal to wear anything other than high heels and a dress.
Either way, she's been a great guest and was welcomed to stay however long she wished.
Leaning against the far corner wall inside the community center, Stiofan indulged in the glorious sight of the people prancing about in song and cheer at their tables, more than eager to expand their once shrivelled stomachs. What a far cry from the sorrowful days of being force fed a lacking and disheartening palate.
Stiofan raised his bowl of soup and savoured the taste.
Uniform and finely cut vegetables were vibrant and tender yet firm, and plentiful slices of meat, seared to a strikingly brown crisp, soaked in the deep golden spa of broth, nutrient rich with oils and gelatin twinkling brighter than the blinding lights above. The way those plumes of steam tickled his nose were intoxicating, and the meat melting in his mouth followed by that bold, hearty thickness of each slurp was royalty to his tongue and had him begging for more.
Delicious.
The only thing on par with this meal were the popular articles of specially made winter apparel.
Brushing his black padded leather vest zipped over a teal furred coat that came down to his thighs, Stiofan's pride swelled for having purchased it despite being offered to him without charge.
All that hunting amassed a wide variety of quality pelts and hides that were processed into wearable items. Not only did it make good on the market, the people of the slums were the first to receive a free share before the fine clothing went on sale to the public.
It's been warmer in more ways than one ever since.
With such a perfect outcome that settled many matters in a single move, the only thing left was to find what else could be implemented towards the betterment of Mantle.
"Stiofan!"
Someone approached from his blindside, so Stiofan twisted his body fully to be greeted by Fiona's all too familiar enthusiasm.
"Fiona." He raised his hand. "It's good to see you. How have you been this fine afternoon?"
"Better now that you're here." She gave a cheerful high-five. "It's always great to have you around."
Chuckling, Stiofan patted her head, and Fiona beamed, sheep ears waggling.
What an adorable little lady she was.
"Robyn's looking for you," she said. "It's important."
Before he could question her about the reason, she clasped his wrist and dragged him off.
"Hold a moment." Stiofan swiftly scarfed down the rest of his soup. "At least let me finish eating first!"
Making a short venture to the backrooms, they entered the meeting area, where Robyn watched the news.
"Perfect." Robyn motioned them to the table. "Take a seat."
They did so, and Stiofan's intrigue peaked.
"Alright, let's get this thing underway." Robyn directed them to data charts plastered on the white board. "From what I've been informed, everything is on the rise."
Arms triumphantly crossed, satisfaction spread across Robyn's face. Fiona shivered in excitement, and Stiofan couldn't help but let the sentiment reflect from his smile.
"According to our reports, with the amount of money we've saved on food and gained from selling merchandise," Robyn pointed at the ceiling, "our profits have reached a dramatic surplus, and it's still going up. Morale in the slums is also at an all time high."
"That of which the rest of Mantle and Atlas are paying notice." Robyn went to open the metal cabinet in the corner. "This publicity boost is exactly what we needed."
Beaming and bouncing in her seat, it was shocking Fiona hadn't already sprung out to the room.
"I've been saving this." Robyn withdrew a bottle of wine. "What the heck. Now's better than any."
"Yeah." Fiona pumped her fists. "I've been dying to know what that thing tastes like."
"I'm flattered, really." Stiofan searched for the most polite way to decline. "Although, wouldn't it be better to save that fine wine for your team and not a stranger like myself?"
"Don't tell me." Robyn set three glasses on the table and popped open the bottle. "You afraid of a little wine?"
"Hardly."
"Try not to sweat it." Fiona playfully punched his arm. "You more than earned a drink with us. Besides, May and Johanna are busy right now. I'm sure they won't mind if we have a few sips before they get here."
As much as he wanted to continue refusing, his persistence would be rather rude and would ruin the mood, and the last thing he wanted to be was a sour apple.
One drink wouldn't hurt, perhaps.
"Alright, fine." Stiofan relented. "Pour me a glass."
They couldn't have been happier to hear that.
Robyn filled their glasses and lifted her drink. "Here's to you, Eyepatch. We really couldn't have done this without you."
"Definitely." Fiona copied the gesture. "Welcome to the team. Let's keep up the good fight."
Hanging and shaking his head, Stiofan couldn't help but chuckle and join the toast.
These ladies certainly were a wonder.
They upturned their cups, swallowing the wine in a single gulp, and at once, their collective sighs of satisfaction was a crisp delight to the ears.
The wine itself. . . spectacular.
Hmm?
Along the surface of the glass was his own reflection.
The most peculiar yet amusing sight nudged him with the realization of something he hadn't felt in a while.
Stiofan rubbed the edges of his eyepatch.
How odd.
When did it stop hurting?
"Something wrong, Stiofan?" Fiona worriedly said. "Don't tell me you didn't like the wine."
"That can't be right." Robyn frowned and checked the bottle. "This is the best stuff money can buy, and I paid full price for this. You feeling okay?"
He had a laugh at their concern.
"As a matter of fact," Stiofan spoke from the heart, "I feel better than ever."
-----
Yang Xiao Long
-----
5 months after the Fall of Beacon
Alright, first thing's first.
According to the letter Ruby left behind, she was going to Haven Academy to find out more about Cinder, the person responsible for The Fall of Beacon, Pyrrha's death, and Roderick. . . That meant travelling to the city of Mistral all the way over on Anima.
Ruby assured them she wouldn't be going alone, taking Team JNPR along with her, and thanks to Qrow's recent letter, he's been keeping an eye on them, updating and reassuring them that Ruby was doing alright.
Gotta really thank the old geezer for that once Yang catches up.
That being said, it was time to go.
Packing her bags and throwing on a brand new pair of boots and a brown leather tailcoat with an orange lining and gold trim, Yang went to the balcony of her room and leaped over the rail, landing with a thump in the yard.
The front door creaked open.
"I don't remember saying you were ready."
Smirking at Dad coming out, Yang shrugged.
"You gonna try and stop me?" she said jokingly.
Dad waggled his spatula more dangerously than a gun.
"No. I think I'm still too sore after our last fight." He groaned and rolled his arm. "Nice paint job, by the way."
Yang gave herself a pat on the back for the new coat of yellow paint on her metal arm.
"So, you're just gonna go without saying goodbye to your old man?" He pretended to be sad enough to cry. "Don't think I can take another daughter leaving me."
Running her fingers through her hair, Yang admired how clean the yard was today.
Dad facepalmed. "Where are you going?"
Yang furrowed her brow. "To find Ruby, duh."
"No, I know." He tapped the side of his head. "But you ever thought about how?"
"Ruby should be in Mistral, and Uncle Qrow went after her." An inkling that this was going somewhere stirred. "I was planning on just looking for them there—maybe ask around. Why? You know a better way?"
A bad thought twisted his expression for the worst. "Unfortunately, I do."
Unfortunately?
"As much as I hate the idea, you should go find Raven first."
Yang flinched.
"Wait, what?" She did a double take. "I don't think I heard you right."
"Yeah, I don't think I heard myself right either."
Looking up at the sky for a last ditch excuse not to do this, he relented.
"These last few weeks have really made me understand it's your choice whether or not you want to find her." Dad rubbed the back of his head and kicked the ground. "So, there's something you should know. It will help you find your sister faster."
Yang resisted the fuzziness making her warm and giddy inside.
Wow, she seriously couldn't believe this was happening right now—treating her like an adult and sharing information he spent so long trying to keep away from her.
Talk about weird.
"Raven has a special Semblance." He stared at the trees as if he could see her now. "She can make portals to people she shares a close bond with. It lets her go straight to them. From anywhere. At any time."
Yang's gut clenched.
"Raven has one with me." He pointed at her. "One with you and one with your Uncle Qrow."
Oh.
"If you want to find her," he unfolded a map out of his pocket, "I'll tell you where she likes to hangout these days."
What a dork.
Yang barrelled into him, wrapping her arms tight around his waist.
"Thank you so much," she said as sincerely as she could. "I promise to find them."
"I know you will." Those rough old hands brushed aside her hair and gave her a clear view of the affection brimming from his eyes. "Be safe out there, and whatever you do, please come home in one piece this time."
Yang snorted and whacked his arm. "No promises."
After saying their goodbyes, Dad went inside to finish cooking breakfast, and Yang pulled her motorcycle out of the toolshed once she finished double checking her things.
A caw snagged her.
The bird landed between the handlebars, twitching and holding the motorcycle hostage.
"Aw." Yang poked the bird. "Don't be mad. I won't be gone too long."
It pecked her metal finger.
"Seriously, it's fine." Her chest tightened. "I'll be back soon, so try not to lose your beak. I might finally even have a name for you when I do."
Grumbling a series of clacks and clicks, it flapped its wings.
"How about C. Hic Kens?"
Squawk!
"Pen Gwen?"
Squawk!
"What about Posh Ridge?"
Squawk!
The bird jumped onto her shoulder.
"Sorry, but you can't come with me." She cradled the bird. "Do me a favour and watch over my Dad for me, will you? That guy could keel over any second these days."
The bird's belly throbbed.
It pecked her face.
"Hey." She leaned back and playfully swatted at it. "Talk about unfair. No cheap shots."
If someone told her a bird of all things would become her friend, stuck by her side every day of the week, and help her get through the most miserable days of her life, then she'd beat the idiot out of them.
Now, she couldn't imagine going through such an ordeal without it.
Yang tickled the bird, and it shuddered in satisfaction.
"I'll miss you." She cuddled it against her cheek and caressed that adorable feathery head. "Thanks for everything."
With that said, she tossed the bird up high, letting it circle around her one last time before taking off and vanishing in the bright blue sky.
Yang slid on her shades and started up her motorcycle.
"You're in so much trouble when I find you Ruby," she said to herself. "And you better have the greatest excuse to ever exist for disappearing off the face of Remnant, Roddy."
-----
Omniscient POV
-----
As soon as Yang raced off and shrunk further and further down the road, the black bird landed on the rooftop of the Xiao Long-Rose household. It suddenly changed into a fully grown, middle aged woman, casually sitting on the shingles with the most amused smirk on her face.
The pale woman had a short red-black robe with thigh-high boots and armour plating on her arms. Her long, bushy black mane was tied up in a messy ponytail by a bandana, and those dark red eyes were much sharper than the katana at her side.
Raven Branwen.
"Took you long enough to come visit me," she said. "And don't go giving your mom any weird names."
The spark of a smile on her lips fizzled out just as quick.
"Safe travels, Yang." She leaped off the house. "I'll be waiting."
Raven changed back into a bird and flew off, knowing full well she'd be seeing her again soon, and Yang would, too, whether she knew it or not.
-----
2 months after the Fall of Beacon
Leaving the ship was worse than running into a minefield.
The moment Team RRYLL and Sienna stepped off the docks and made their boot prints on Menagerie soil, every fiber in their bodies went on high alert, moving as if every Faunus in the vicinity was more than eager to chase them out.
Alexander had the most trouble walking thanks to him carrying Teddy under his cloak, who was getting a lot heavier these days.
After going up the hill at the end of the docks, the entire town came into view, but since the sun already set, there wasn't much to see other than what the moonlight and the stretch of lanterns following the wide dirt roads could show.
The main road cut a straight line from the docks, and led all the way to the Chieftain's manor in the middle of town.
Past the manor, spotlights ran along the top of a tall wall going from coast to coast, forming a semi-circle of protection that separated the citizens from the wilds of Menagerie.
"Follow me." Sienna went ahead. "Keep your heads down and don't draw attention."
Everyone tightened their hoods and did as told.
Sienna led them through a maze of narrow alleyways between many wooden, brick, and stone structures.
The entire time they spent on the ship was enough for Sienna to finally gain the strength to properly walk on her own two feet. Although, judging by how quickly she lost breath and sluggish her movements were, her recovery was far from complete.
"Can we really trust these people?" Roxy said. "What if they try to kill us when they see we're human?"
"I know the daughter of the Chieftain," Alexander said to quell their worries. "She's also book buddies with my team leader."
A round of quiet chuckles lifted the heavy air.
Soon after, they entered the empty front yard of the manor, which also doubled as a public square where people could freely gather, and climbed the long set of stairs that brought them to the giant doors.
Sienna hesitantly reached for the door knocker. To her surprise, Reynold grasped one side of the knocker and offered a supportive nod. She returned the nod, drew a deep breath, and took the other side.
Together they pulled on the knocker and banged it against the door.
Inside of Ghira Belladonna's large study on the second floor, Blake, her parents, and Sun occupied the couches, eyes glued to the bright light of the scroll on the coffee table.
"This is bad," said Ghira. The large man in the purple coat that exposed his hairy chest paced the room in distress. "The scroll you retrieved from the spy contains documents confirming that Adam Taurus has successfully usurped Sienna Khan and taken over the White Fang."
Blake winced, and Sun shot out up to his feet.
"What—Ah!" Sun fell back and clutched the recently treated wound the spy inflicted on his left shoulder. "I can't believe it."
"That's not all." Ghira ran his hand through his slick black hair and stroked the wrinkles of stress. "Adam Taurus plans to coordinate an attack on Haven Academy in the near future. If that happens, then it'll be Beacon all over again."
The hope in the room flickered out like a dying candle.
"Not if we destroy the White Fang first." Sun smirked and side-eyed Blake. "Am I right?"
The bow Blake usually wore was gone. Her cat ears slowly sagged until they folded completely, the same way she kept her head down and hugged herself.
Kali Belladonna, a woman in a black sleeveless robe with short hair and cat ears of her own, was poked by worry.
"Honey?" She reached for her daughter. "Is something the matter?"
Before Blake could respond, the unmistakable thump of the knocker echoed throughout the entire household, and they all faced the direction of the entrance.
Kali's ears perked. "Who could that be at this hour?"
Blake dashed out of the room. "I'll get it!"
Despite his injuries, Sun cursed the pain and chased after her.
Blake pulled the front door open and peeked through the gap, where she was met by five hooded strangers in cloaks that screamed danger.
"Whoa!" Sun arrived and stopped behind Blake. "So, uh, you know these guys, Blake?"
Blake's gaze held them at gunpoint. "Who are you all?"
"Greetings, Blake. It's been a while." Sienna lowered her hood. "How have you been?"
Blake's soul left her body, causing her to stagger backwards, and if it weren't for Sun steadying her, she would've dropped right on her ass.
Sienna let herself inside.
"Blake!" Sun panicked and tried to snap her out of it. "What's wrong?!"
Blake gulped and pointed a shaky finger. "That's Sienna Khan."
Sun's eyes popped out.
"No need to be alarmed, sister." Sienna pressed her hands together and lowered her head. "I mean no harm. Where is your father? I need to speak with him."
Blake dragged Sun as far away as they could and unsheathed Gambol Shroud, transforming the sword into a gun.
"Are you kidding me?" She aimed. "After what the White Fang pulled at Beacon, I'm not letting you anywhere near my family."
"Yeah!" Sun whipped out his collapsible staff. "What she said!"
"I understand that White Fang hasn't always been the most. . . civil of people, but I can assure you that I wasn't even aware of what happened at Beacon until it was too late." Sienna showed nothing except peace and honesty. "But we can discuss more about that later. I need to see your father. It's of the utmost importance."
Blake bared her fangs. "Why should I trust you?"
Sienna turned to her companions.
"If you don't trust her," Alexander stepped up and lowered his hood, "then you can trust me."
Gambol Shroud slipped out of Blake's hands, and Sun fell to his knees.
"Sorry for the late and sudden visit, but we're here on an important mission." Reynold lowered his hood and entered the house. "And as doubtful as it may seem, we truly are here to help. You can trust us."
Sun yanked his hair out, choking on his garbled words, and Blake paled at the insanity casually happening inside her house.
Ghira and Kali soon arrived, and they were punched by the same shock the moment they witnessed who was standing at their threshold.
"Ghira. It's good to see you again." Sienna offered a genuine smile. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Sienna, I. . ." Ghira blinked several times. "I thought you were dead."
"About that." She laughed a little under her breath. "There's a lot of catching up we need to do."
-----
Weeks after the Fall of Beacon
Within the realm of lands unknown where the sky bled thunderous clouds of fire and brimstone, walling off the sunlight, a towering castle ruled the desolate plains of rock and ash like a mountain.
Only Grimm roamed these parts, emerging from the limitless black pools slicker than oil sowed farther than the eye could see.
Inside the castle, there was a conference room fashioned from black crystal and glass.
The walls were made entirely of windows, allowing the red light night to blanket the entire room under its bloody gaze, and dripping candles sitting on glowing crystal chandeliers and pedestals fended off the lingering shadows away.
At the center of the room, a crystal table was occupied by several individuals, the most notable being Cinder Fall.
She donned a crimson-gold dress similar to the previous one she wore at Beacon, except it went past her knees and only a single sleeve completely covered her entire left arm while the other was left bare.
Stroking the grey tips of her long, luscious dark hair, Cinder sighed and sunk into the cushions of her chair, staring impassively at the table.
The other occupants at the table took note of Cinder's strange demeanour.
"That's the hundredth time you sighed since you arrived," said a man in a grey jacket over a yellow and red suit with an accent similar to Cooper's. His thick mustache shifted as he pursed his lips. "What on Remnant is the matter with you?"
Cinder rolled her golden eyes and played with the collection of violet-blue feathers hooked to her hip.
"Did you finish making what I asked you for, Arthur?" she said without sparing him a glance.
Arthur hit the table. "The nerve!"
Beside Cinder, a man in a white vest with a long, braided ponytail was crouched up on his chair, donning a maniacal grin and wild yellow eyes.
"It appears our dear Cinder believes she's in charge now." He laughed and pressed his fingers together. "What could be more important than being summoned by Her Grace that you dare to think of anything else other than her?" His laughter grew more sinister. "Or do you want to lose another arm?"
Cinder paid him no heed.
"Tyrian, Arthur, that's enough." Hazel, the giant man in the green coat who was with Adam during his coup of the White Fang, spoke from his seat. "It's time."
As soon as he uttered those words, the large double doors opened, and everyone stood at attention.
A chalk-white woman glided into the room, her bleached hair tied into a large bun while a few braids branched off like spikes, and the sclera of her eyes were darker than ink and irises red as rubies.
This was Salem.
Her pitch black robes dragged along the floor as she smoothly crossed the floor without even lifting a foot, and once she reached the crystal desk at the end of the room, her unsettling gaze shifted towards the others.
"Arthur." Her voice was calm and more gentle than the soothing whispers of a mother's lullaby, yet it possessed a spine chilling terror beneath serene waters that could emerge and strike without warning. "Tell me: what is the current situation at Haven Academy?"
Other than Arthur who remained standing, everyone sat back down.
"Yes, Your Grace." Arthur fixed his posture. "The Headmaster, Leonardo Lionheart, is willing to fully cooperate with us. He has also disclosed the information regarding the Spring Maiden's current whereabouts."
She shared a small smile and took her seat on the throne at the head of the table.
"And how is our progress with Atlas?" Salem said.
"General Ironwood has called for an embargo that's sealing every exit and entrance in Atlas." He scoffed. "It appears James is leaning towards rather desperate measures to protect the kingdom."
The giddy Tyrian bounced in his seat. "The poor General doesn't even realize that we have him wrapped around our itty-bitty fingers."
"For now, we will leave Atlas until the time is ripe. Keep me updated on its status. I want to know what else our dear General has left to offer us." Salem's tone resounded firm and strong. "Hazel, contact the White Fang and relay our plans for Haven to Adam Taurus. Cinder, you and your associates will capture the Spring Maiden and retrieve the relic. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Your Grace," they all said and bowed their heads in sync.
"One more thing, Arthur." She raised her hand and examined the dark veins protruding from her flesh. "Did you finish making what Cinder requested of you?"
Arthur did his best not to show his agitation. "Yes, Your Grace."
"Good." Salem acknowledged Cinder like a proud mother. "Not only did Cinder destroy Beacon and kill Ozpin, she recovered the Fall Maiden's powers. She is to be rewarded. Deliver the item to her before you depart."
Sitting back and giving Arthur a smug grin, Cinder clapped.
"Chop, chop," she said.
Arthur fumed, Tyrian fell into a fit of laughter, and Hazel couldn't be bothered.
Several minutes later, after the meeting was adjourned, Cinder strolled the dimly lit corridors with a newly gifted briefcase from Arthur in hand, smirking all the way to her airship out on the landing pads.
Emerald and Mercury were already there, waiting for her.
"Cinder!" Emerald rushed to her in relief. "How'd the meeting go?"
"Fine as usual," she said and brushed past her.
"Oh, well, okay." Her flash of happiness evaporated. "So, what now?"
"Mistral."
"Finally." Mercury spat at the landscape in the distance. "This place was really killing my vibe. That dump they call civilization is way better than whatever the heck this place is. At least I can at least get picture books from there."
"Mercury," Emerald scowled, "we're not here to mess around."
"Actually, I'll be taking care of some personal business on my own." Cinder entered the airship. "In the meantime, go to the city without me and do whatever you wish until I arrive."
Emerald and Mercury were taken aback, but before they could question her, Cinder closed the door and flew off.
-----
Later that day, Cinder ventured into the more remote regions of Anima.
She landed on a grassy field, close to the lively treeline playing with animals of all kinds scurrying within the canopy of wood and leaves. However, the most curious thing that was impossible to miss had to be the handsomely built cabin relaxing by the sandy shoreline of Anima's Great Lake.
The rather dull and disinterested expression Cinder wore suddenly flipped.
Cinder moved with purpose towards the cabin. Nothing except unfiltered excitement and anticipation jumped off her face. She followed the dirt path, passing a small, thriving garden and a sturdy tool shed until she reached the front door with a very playful knock.
"Open up," Cinder said. "Guess who's back?"
A moment later, the door opened.
Cinder smiled ear to ear, pure joy sparkling from her eyes.
Standing at the doorway was a man in crimson robes with golden accents and a violet cape draping over his left arm, emblazoned by markings resembling an eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath.
The wind swept the grey tips of his short dark hair, and the bright light of the sun glinted from his golden eyes.
"Hey, sis." Roderick smiled lovingly. "Welcome home."