Zack's POV
It did not take long before Penny physically dragged me to Atlas Academy's cafeteria and it's huge! And from what I can recall since the gang walked past it in the show, it even has the large glass windows pointed towards the city surrounding the Academy! I should also mention that there are students here since it was still the weekdays.
I wonder if team SSSN arrived here before we did or if we are the first. I did after all petition for them to come over to Atlas instead of heading to Shade Academy as they did in canon after Beacon fell, and they return to Haven minus Sun who followed Blake. And the whole Academy shutting down in canon thanks to Leo outliving his usefulness and dying.
I wonder how that cowardly lion's doing? He better be keeping things stable in Mistral or there's hell to pay for the shit he caused.
And speaking of students.
Many of them were giving looks my way with the occasional gossiping due to my… looks. Had I remained how I originally looked, IE, just a fox tail, I would have just looked like a Fox Faunus Huntsman in training. But now? With not only my additional features, tattoos, and esoteric Huntsman outfit? Like hell, I can blend in without any attention drawn on me, with Penny passionately dragging me through this place while happily chatting out and open.
Though I find myself not liking the Academy's overall look. The greyness of it all just sticks out more than I liked. Especially compared to Vale from Ozma's memories, or my time in Mistral or even Sanctuary which feels traditional and ancient, yet alive. But I can see why some might appreciate it unlike me. It just doesn't feel as inviting as I should appreciate. Which is strange when I consider where I was once from.
Or perhaps it is because Singapore put more effort in adding trees and nature instead of a concrete jungle I see in Atlas. Or my personal biases against Atlas are getting in the way and clouding my judgement.
Whatever how I feel about it, it does not remove the fact that this Kingdom has the best tech we need if we are to stand some semblance of a chance against Salem. Taking a short breath as Penny continuously drags me, I can feel the eyes on me while she takes to me everyone else and true enough, they were there in their group happily chatting with one another. Until Blake's ears perk up and turn towards us as the others soon enough did the same.
"Salutations everyone! I have successfully retrieved your friend!" Penny announces while I just gave them the peace sign.
"Yo."
"About time! What were you talking about with the general?" Yang asks first as I join the others with their almost empty plates as they begin stacking questions after questions on me. At that moment, I can feel my hunger intensifying. I've waited longer without a meal.
A few minutes won't kill me.
"Classified stuff. Can't say in the open here if you catch what I mean." I addressed before I heard Jaune snorting with a chuckle.
"More like adult talkings. Penny had decided to classify your talk with the general as adult talk."
Jaune continues as the others giggle along with him. All the while, I just roll my eyes with a smile while still feeling the stares down my neck. "The point has been made. Anyway, anything to ask before I go and grab some food? I ask before my first girlfriend smiles my way after taking a bite of salad on her plate.
"Nothing more than what we discussed earlier. But I assume you have some plans later?" She asks while I nod my head. Oz still has to tell his origin story to General Ironwood and sort out some further things. Such as meeting Pietro since Penny had helpfully told me that he's coming over here to meet with Miss Calavera for her eyes. Apparently, she directly contacted her father through his scroll.
Okay, back to telling everyone what next, I guess. "Well firstly it is for everyone to settle down since we just arrived here hours ago, then Oz and I need to talk to Ironwood about his origins. You know what I'm talking about." I said as I could see Qrow from the corner of my eye walking off to get lunch while Nerium was standing behind me. "And then-"
"Uh Zack?"
Ruby suddenly cut me off. "We kinda already have a plan in mind for the afternoon…" She awkwardly says while I glance with her. Is this the part where they get their new outfits or perhaps make some planning? "You see, I think our clothes need some changes. It's kind of cold here and Blake's going to freeze wearing that." My second point out as I turn to my fellow Faunus who glances at her clothes and nods her head.
"I can back up that, I'm not wearing much unlike you and this cold will make me fall sick at this rate." My fellow Faunus says as I nodded my head at her direction in understanding.
Yeah…
My outfit was already technically designed back in Sanctuary to handle the cold thanks to Mr Faelwyn when my uncle explained to him of my 'expeditions' to the northern tundra's of Solitas. His words not mine. I still hold some reservation when he chose to design my uniform to leave my right arm completely exposed to the elements. If only not to cover that tattoo marking on my arm that marks my standing as the Sister's champion.
Guess I could always use fire dust or something to warm my veins…
But Blake here only has a crop top and coat over her that had on since she was last in Mistral, so a change of attire is in order frankly. Giving a knowing smile at my friends, I spoke. "Then do what you all need to do, except Jaune. I need to talk to you about something."
"About what?" He asks me before I mutter and rub my forehead.
"Whatever you do buddy, from one guy to another, don't cut your hair. Just let them grow out, Jaune. I don't wish to see that yee yee ass haircut anytime soon."
"Yee Yee ass. Haha! What a phrase…" Yang chortled out as did the others while I can see Penny utterly baffled on what the hell I was referring to. While the others immediately understood beneath their laughter that I knew that they already planned to update their clothes to something more appropriate here.
It did not stop some of them from giggling at the absurdity of what I said.
Even my Ruby was cracking up at my choice of words while Weiss was giving me the 'what' look. "Besides, think of the practical reasons for keeping your hair long here. At least your head won't be cold in this tundra." I explain while I see Nora resumed slurping up her noodles after laughing earlier while Ren just remains who he is and quietly looks at his team leader's direction.
"So… you prefer I grow them longer? I would look better with longer hair?" Jaune asked me while looking somewhat and understandably confused why him cutting his hair was like he committed absolute sin against me. Then again, Celeste did tell me that Jaune looks quite the man with longer hair and something about him looking incredibly mature at the same time with a beard.
Her words not mine, and she did admit she was a bit smitten back on Earth about his Rusted Knight looks. "Yep, and last, I check, you're already wooing people with your looks, so why change it? Perhaps tying it up into a short wolf will help ya." I ask before I can see my fellow blond man stuttering in embarrassment with cheeks red as Nora laughs out as she whistles.
"Oh yeah! I agree with Zacky! I think Fearless Leader looks better with longer hair! Like Renny over here!" She announces as she pats her not boyfriend on the shoulder while Ren simply hums.
"I'll leave it to you to decide what you wish to do with your hair."
"Well, since it is clear that Zack already knows what we're doing, what about you? Will you be making any adjustments?" Me, Weiss? Well, not really. Maybe trimming up the hair a bit but apart from that, not much. I did after all get this one just days back. It makes no sense to adjust it. Unless Atlas complains about the claw blades on the boots or something.
…
Oh, yeah… I did have a thought related to Weiss.
"Not really but… I'd like your assistance in teaching me how to braid my hair, when the time is available to the two- err… three of us." I explain while glancing at Ruby. No doubt she would likely want to participate in this. If only to have an excuse to touch my unnaturally soft hair. Or fluffy tails.
Either one. Not complaining, though.
I watch as Weiss's eyes widen with surprise and a gentle smile. "I'm pleasantly surprised that you still intend to keep that agreement. I had long thought you'd forgotten about that after everything we experienced. Nerium waking you up an hour earlier surely did take that promise away alongside everything else that followed." She admits. Yeah… What you said. The inclusion into our relationship really mixes things up, doesn't it?
Still, I believe it is about time I fulfil that agreement.
"Yeah. All the partying and chaos in Argus and other things kinda pushed that to the back of my head… Sorry." I could only give a sheepish smile. All the While Ruby eyes were giddy from what I can guess."
"Well look at you two go, planning on a private time with foxy without us, eh?" Yang chuckles while Penny just looks at my second girlfriend in utter confusion.
"Friend Ruby. What does your sister mean by 'planning on a private time with foxy'?"
…
"I'll just go and grab my lunch, I'm starving! Besides, I trust you two can talk to Penny about this!" I announce before standing and leaving. A dick move perhaps on my part but this awkwardness on how to explain to Penny on how Ruby, Weiss and I are in a relationship is not in my speciality. Plus, her naivety and literal mindedness will prove… a problem. Of course, I'll do my best later once I get some food on the table.
"Seriously, Arakan?" I heard Weiss deadpanning while my other friends burst out laughing at what I've done. Even more so when I glance back to see Ruby's face all red and adorable. Don't worry, I'll come back and help you. But I trust you and I'm hungry. Thus, I walk off and join the queue for food. Huh… They get free lunch here. I guess that applies to Beacon and Haven from what I can recall from Oz's memories.
Still, I suppose it makes sense for the Kingdoms to invest a ton of Lien into the Academies. Waiting in line, I can feel the awkwardness and weariness as students seem to keep a breath from me and occasionally whisper to their friends or teammates about my presence. And it is just what I expected. Who am I, what am I? Some mutter curiosities about how I got my armour while others held slight disdain or disturbance over my looks.
I swear I saw someone pointing their scroll at me.
…
Shaking my head I eventually arrive at what is just about a buffet selection and I waste no time grabbing my meal. I must note the rather large selection of fruits and vegetables available for choosing as well as wheat or some sort of grain products I wonder…
Atlas must have imported or have some greenhouses around here. It's the only explanation why fresh products even appear in this cold continent. Then again… I think there are fields for food to be grown on Atlas and perhaps plant Dust was used to accelerate food production to keep Atlas relatively stable in terms of food security. How they keep those areas warm to allow food to grow, I am not sure. Perhaps internal heating within the city itself?
Hell, if I know.
Not so sure about Mantle below, though. The security down there must be worse thanks to how Atlas gets all the good stuff. Thus, grabbing some tasty meats, veg, and plenty of fruits onto my plate that I had to stack them and use my tails as additional stabilisers for my tray. I make my way back to where everyone's sitting to see my girlfriends doing their best to explain our relationship.
"Allow me to get this straight, friends," I heard Penny speaking. "Ruby and Weiss are in a romantic relationship with friend Zack?" She asks as Blake confirms for all.
"Yes, that is the case." Blake confirms with a simple nod while Penny tilts her head to the side, seemingly processing what she had just heard. All the while, I could see Ruby and Weiss looking increasingly uncomfortable with the attention they were getting from everyone else.
Heh…
Oh, this is going to be good to see how they handle this. For me, at least.
I just need to get back to my seat without getting dragged into whatever questions Penny will ask. Though knowing my luck, that's probably not going to happen. "I see!" Penny suddenly announces, raising a finger into the air dramatically. "Then, if I am understanding this correctly, both Friend Ruby and Friend Weiss are romantically involved with Friend Zack simultaneously!"
"Y-Yeah…" Ruby answers with a nervous chuckle while Weiss simply nods though I can tell that Weiss's silently cursing how Penny's saying this out loud. The only good thing is that everyone near us doesn't seem to care, apart from me walking past them.
"Fascinating! Then does this mean that Friend Ruby and Friend Weiss are also romantically involved with one another?"
What.
But before any of us could say anything, Penny noticed my presence. "Ah! Friend Zack has returned!" Penny announces, her eyes lighting up as she turns towards me. "How wonderful! We were discussing your romantic relationships!"
"Yeah, I could hear that from over there." I deadpanned before walking over and gently placing my tray onto the table, making sure the apples, sliced melons, berries and other stuff stacked on it wouldn't roll off. "Please tell me you haven't started asking them anything too embarrassing." Totally hear you asking them about whether they loved each other.
Them White Rose Shippers will go nuts over here…
"Nothing of that embarrassment, friend Zack. However, I am curious if friends Ruby and Weiss love you as they do you!" Please don't say all of that with a smile on your face Penny. And I am partially glad that there's space between our group and the rest of Atlas Academy's students. Though to my surprise none commented on Weiss being here.
"Well…"
I start off slowly. "It's a bit too early to tell, I would say." I admit as I can see Penny curiously awaiting my reply while I can see my friends and girlfriends watching me. "After all, we only officially started this relationship not too long ago. It will be difficult to tell what happens afterwards. Perhaps they might form it or not but remain close due to sharing with me." I shrug my shoulders as I can see Weiss giving me a thankful smile as did Ruby.
And why should I not say it?
Who knows how my love for Weiss and Ruby might change. Perhaps we stay together, or one of us leaves the relationship for whatever the reason may be. All that matters to me is that we at least give it a chance as I said to Ruby. I'm still ever thankful to Weiss for bringing me out of despair, and Ruby?
I guess I'm still working out that I accidentally made her fall for me and was too blind to notice her until Weiss pointed it out to me when we officially got together. "I see!" Penny hums with a smile before speaking again. "But if I may ask, why?" What do you mean by that?
"Why?" Ruby utters her confusion as our resident android continues.
"You are already aware that time is not on your side due to the Contingency plan the Brothers have on you. So logically, why put friends Ruby and Weiss into pain when your death will happen in approximately two years or less? Wouldn't this hurt them and force them to live when the man they loved died? No offence to your newly established relationship! I mean- I am happy for the three of you! But why choose this?" Penny asks softly as if trying to keep it concealed from any eavesdroppers.
A good question. Though… Love is not equally logical, is it?
"It is… not a straightforward answer Miss Polendina."
Weiss spoke first as I can see Qrow coming in and asking Nerium to go grab a bite, though my bodyguards stubbornly refused and remained silent. The same can be said for the rest of my friends, even Neo who had stopped playing with her cards in hand to watch what will happen. "Zack told me the same thing, but frankly. We're all fighting a war whether we wish to or not. And I'd prefer to spend my life happy with him, even if it is limited, rather than missing the chance to share that love with him because I fear the heartbreak will be worse."
"It is also the reason I allowed Ruby into our relationship a few days later. As her partner, even she deserves to be happy. We accepted that one day Zack may die. But that means we have to make the best while he still lives."
…
Wow…
One hell of a speech Weiss. Couldn't have said it better than myself. "Yeah, even if that's the case, I swear that we'll do everything I can so we can stop Salem and stop the Brother Gods from killing him! And even if I fail, at least I get to know that I tried, and our time together still means something. I'm still sick of losing people I care about, but I refuse to give up on Zack until the end."
Ruby…
I ended up giving a soft smile at her way before Blake butts in. "Don't forget about the rest of us. We'll be with him until the end wherever it may be." And just like that, every join in while I just smile. I don't know much, but Celeste mentioned that Ruby would 'Ascend' within the Ever After as herself.
Ever After…
Huh…
I need to think further about that place. Perhaps its lingering hope or desperation is influencing me now that I recall that Ruby ascended in that place that actually exists, but… Perhaps…
Just perhaps…
The Ever After might be my only chance to survive this damn curse. Perhaps a gamble but a gamble is better than uncertainty... "Thanks everyone. Just what I needed." I say pushing that thought aside. Though I know for sure that Oz will be curious why my thoughts suddenly drifted to the Ever After. Something that I'll address with him privately another time. "So, Penny, I hope this answers your questions?"
"Indeed, friend Zack! There's so much I wish to ask you! However, such topics seem unsafe to speak of!" Ah she must be talking about the Sister's magic within me. Glad to see that she has some tack to know when something is not a good idea to share with the public. "
"Yup. But… As much as I'd love to keep talking, I need to eat my fill and return to the general later. He and the old wizard still need to finish their talk." I explain before taking a bite out of a melon on one of my plates. Mmm… This is sweet! And this steak is so juicy! Okay, Atlas culture may suck, but they do have higher quality foods I won't lie!
"Of course, friend! You and everyone must share your adventure on your journey to Atlas! I wish to know it all!" Penny chimes with excitement while I was now gobbling down food that even made Weiss huffs in my direction while the others chuckle. Some old habits like my quick eating never fade.
"Slow down over there, or you'll choke you, dolt."
"Amazing! I have never seen someone eat this fast!"
"Don't worry about that Penny! Zack's a fast eater!" Ruby chimes while laughing while I devour my meal without care.
Oh Penny, may you never change.
==================================================================
Sometime later, Zack, alongside Qrow and Nerium arrive back at Ironwood's office to continue what he left off while his friends and Neo were escorted by Penny who began showing them all the places on Atlas Academy. But the General's office was not as empty as last time. Winter was still present from last time and even the Ace Operatives were present there and that the fox Faunus and those with him had interrupted the General's mid-briefing on what happened in the morning.
The conversation was awkward because of the new faces and their reaction to his physical features, but even more so was Zack feeling partially afraid of Ace Operative Marrow, who was a dog Faunus with a dog tail. Turns out his fox instincts were acting out at a nearby 'predator' which came as a surprise to him. Which is strange since foxes are prey to wolves.
Not dogs as far as he is aware. Unless he got his fox facts wrong. Or perhaps it is because of his growing Kitsune instincts which may be responsible for causing him to be rattled by dogs?
Regardless, thanks to this, his ears and tails show his anxieties openly despite his best efforts to express nothing. Nevertheless, the Ace Operatives were friendly to Zack after some time getting used to his abnormal appearance with Ironwood assuring them. More so, Marrow is even willing to leave the office if his dog traits scare him much and even sympathies with trying to keep how they're feeling to themselves. Something the fox Faunus denies though appreciates the understanding.
Though the Operatives were understandably indignant at Nerium's insult at their General hours ago and reacted unpleasantly upon her hearing of this from their General himself. That did not stop Zack's bodyguard from stating non-verbally that she does not give a damn. For that reason, Elm followed by Harriet made a point that such insults will not go unpunished. And before it could escalate, Clover and Vine swiftly intervene, as did Ironwood and Winter that the problem has been addressed and given the General a bigger picture on the aftershocks of his plan.
Though Nerium did mutter that she would like a spar if they're willing… Something which Zack was not amused at all by her whispers and a single glance was enough to send a message.
It would be interesting to see how it goes, but not now.
With that awkward conversation out of the way, the three learned that Ironwood was in the midst of explaining to the Ace operatives some adjustments to his project just as was raised earlier in the day.
Nevertheless, Zack moves on from this and checks if Ironwood and Winter had something to eat after he left, and to somewhat of his relief, they did. Even if it was the usual-packed Atlas rations brought into his office because the General was scribbling down everything from earlier with Winter confirming it all.
And when Ironwood asks where the rest are, Qrow was quick to clarify that Penny's taking the others around the Academy as their tour guide. What follows is the continuation of Ironwood's briefing of the Ace Operatives on his talk in the morning with Zack and Qrow chiming in occasionally while Nerium chooses to remain silent.
After that is when the most important conversation happens between Ozma and Ironwood. About the hidden truths the old wizard kept from his lieutenants as far as they know. "Everything you've said Oz. It's the actual truth behind what you failed to tell all of us? You hid that Salem was presumed unstoppable until recently?" Ironwood asked while visibly tensed as were the others while Ozma explains to all with his cane out.
"Yes, James. I'm… I'm so sorry for hiding all of this from you. From those who followed me. But let me assure you that I have changed for the better. This is why I have changed my stance on many things."
"Can confirm."
Qrow mutters as he joins the conversation. "Oz told Little Ice Queen first, or I suppose Snow princess." The veteran Huntsman mutters while Winter gives him a deadpan look hiding curiosity. "Point is, kiddo's been getting the old man to open up on his past fuckup to everyone. Thus, Weiss is the first one he shared when Zack and her got separated, and eventually the rest of us learn the truth once we reunite and save Argus. Your pleasure by the way."
"I see…" Winter hums softly. Her posture softens while Ironwood rubs his forehead.
"And I assume all of you did not react favourably to the shocking discovery?" The General ask next only for Qrow to snort and even laugh a bit. Something that made everyone in the room look at him.
"Trust me, all of us are rather pissed he lied to us. Some more than others that he hid all that even after promising that he's told everyone everything back in Mistral. But… Had we not learned that Salem could be stopped and instead learned that she was supposedly unkillable from him? I think we'll be feeling a lot more anguish and betrayal where that comes from. Hell… I think I would have attacked him for that." He admits as a moment of silence passes before, he speaks again.
"Look. Even till now, I'm still rather bitter that Oz kept so much from everyone for so long, but kiddo's been changing him and I can tell you that he's improved for the better. At least now he'll be way more honest and open about things. Including admitting his fuckups."
"A rather crude way of saying it." Ozma deadpans while giving his friend the side eye.
"Trust me, it could get worse. You better be thankful that kiddo managed to gamble that Salem indeed can be stopped months ago. Speaking of which," The veteran Huntsman utters before bringing his attention to Ironwood. "Jimmy, have you let your fellas know how Salem can be stopped?"
"Show some respect, old man." Harriet utters while Qrow simply rolls his eyes in response.
"Whatever."
"Yes, Branwen. They have been briefed about this."
"Good." Ozma takes the conversation back. "Now that I have revealed the truth to you, I understand if you cannot trust me again for keeping you and everyone in the dark. But I mean well that I intend to change my ways if it means ending this war long overdue." The old wizard says while extending his hand out towards his friend while James silently stares and ponders.
Can his friend be trusted again for hiding so much from him? From everyone who put their faith and sacrifices to him? Honestly, he does not know. Just how long had Ozma been hiding the fact that Salem was invincible until recently? Years? Decades? Eons? Just how many people before him put their trust in a lie?
The fact that he only learned that Salem could be stopped permanently months ago because his host… Zack… had taken a gamble to find the truth from the Relic of Knowledge does not inspire confidence. Though it comes as a surprise that Ozma did not resist his incarnates attempt to question the Relic.
James could wonder what made his dear friend accept the gamble from what was shared. Or if his incarnate acted completely independent. Perhaps this is why the two seem to share a… what's an appropriate word for this?
Partnership?
From what he observed, the two clearly put their trust in one another.
Perhaps Ozma is genuine that he's changed. He knows his friend for his frustratingly enigmatic ways. Yet to see him this open and even admitting his failures? That deserves respect.
Ironwood wasn't the only one thinking through the silence. For a moment, doubt flowed into Ozma's mind to the point Zack could feel it as if sun rays were burning through his eyelids into his retinas. Wondering whether his friend would even take his hand or not.
The thing is, Ozma understands if James were to reject his hand. After all, they knew each other for decades, and he hid a lot from his friend and most importantly the truth that he originally had no plan on how to stop Salem. The same goes for his other lieutenants. He has so much to pay for the lies he spread to maintain hope in everyone.
Through glancing at Zack's Earth memories, he saw how team RWBY, JNR and Qrow reacted to his lies in the show. How it utterly demolishes what semblance of confidence and hope they all had. How his friend Qrow actually attacked his supposed host and even Mr Arc lashed out upon learning the truth.
How Miss Nikos was…
Sacrificed for nothing.
If only he had not encouraged her into the Fall Maiden's role. Perhaps Mr Arc would have been less cynical and trapped in grief for a time. Several more seconds pass by and even the likes of Winter and the Ace Operatives show their feelings about the truth. Some more than others.
Specialist Schnee displays her disappointment through her features. Somehow that's an even worse feeling to receive than he wished. Specialist Ebi is clearly guarded about the revelation and silent. Specialist Bree wore her feelings as obvious as day. Utter distrust and Ozma could only suspect that even if they were to work together for everyone's survival, she will never trust him for lying to everyone.
Specialist Ederne is just like Specialist Schnee. Disappointed at the lies, yet, her rage in her eyes was not as harsh as Specialist Bree. Specialist Zeki is obviously calculating everything shared behind an empty face. Perhaps he would be more willing to reason just like Ebi?
And lastly Specialist Amin. The dog Faunus shows how disturbed he felt through his tail. Yet, Ozma can read that he's sympathetic to his plight and guilt to an extent. Additionally, curiosity? He must express interest in Zack, and understand as much as he can.
As the utterly uncomfortable silence rang on, Qrow chose to cut the silence. "Look, Jimmy. Nobody's asking you to pretend Oz didn't screw up. Hell, I haven't forgotten it myself. But the old bastard's actually trying to fix things, and that's more than I expected a few months ago."
Harriet would have lashed out at Qrow for his disrespect again if it wasn't for James audibly sighing before walking and kneeling so he and Ozma are equal in height. "I cannot pretend that this changes nothing, Oz. You kept the truth from people who trusted you. People who gave their lives because they believed in what we were fighting for."
Ironwood states as he takes another breath. "But if there truly is a way to end this war, then I intend to see it through. And if you genuinely mean to change, I will give you the opportunity to prove it." He then takes Ozma's hand into his, though wary of the claws potentially scratching him. As unlikely as that would be. "Just understand that things cannot continue as they did before."
The General states his word as fact before his eyes look down tattoo markings all over Ozma's incarnate's right hand up to his shoulder. How strange such markings show up. And from what Pietro's daughter had said earlier, a higher concentration of 'magic' was detected in that arm. Then again, it might be a way of showing that he is the Champion of the 'True Gods' of Remnant.
That is going to take some time to get used to. After all, he knew magic was real thanks to the Winter Maiden in his care and what Ozma shared about them in the past. But... It's different nor did he expect it to be detectable unlike the magic the Maidens have. Which brings more questions about its nature.
No matter, there's plenty of time to come back to this topic.
"Thank you, James." Ozma thanked his friend with a relieved smile. "I understand that words alone will not be enough to right my wrongs. And I would not insult your intelligence by pretending otherwise."
"Good." Ironwood answered quietly. His grip tightened slightly to make a point go through. "Because I intend to hold you to that promise, Oz."
"As you should." For a moment, the two simply regarded one another before the General stood up and walked back to his desk before pressing on a button on the table. "Penny, can you have your friends come up to my office again once your tour of Atlas Academy is done? I have something to share with everyone."
"I can do that, General! In fact, we're on our way there right now as we speak! We've just picked up my father, and he's keen to meet Mr Arakan in person and sort out some questions he has!" Penny's voice can be heard within the computer as Ozma raises a curious eyebrow while Ironwood simply nods his head.
'Good. See you soon."
"See you soon, General!"
With that, Penny cuts the signal and Qrow asks a question after Ironwood sighs and sits on his chair. "What was that all about?"
"Nothing to major. With my plans to launch Amity Tower under adjustment, I want all our allies and assets to be in our standards, which means I intend for your weapons to receive some upgrades and refinement." The General explains while Ozma nods his head.
"This is appreciated, James. However, I doubt Zack gear needs any changes." Ozma explains while receiving a look of interest from almost everyone in the room except for Harriet and Elm who were still bare suspicion of the old wizard. While Qrow and Nerium already knew what he was referring to.
"Indeed?"
Winter raises an eyebrow. Though before Oz could respond, Harriet interrupts tersely. "General, permission to speak freely?" Ironwood turned toward her. Curious about what one of his Ace Operatives have to say, he gives the permission.
"Permission Granted."
Harriet glanced between her general and Ozma. "With all due respect, sir, are we seriously going to accept his word after everything we've just learned?" The question brought the room back to focus. "I understand that we're all supposed to be working toward the same goal, and I understand that there's apparently a way to eliminate Salem. But we're talking about someone who's been hiding information from his people for who knows how long. Even from you."
She rightfully points out with her expression tightening. "What's stopping him from doing it again?" Knowing that he should not say anything, Ozma chose not to offer an answer immediately and instead, Ironwood spoke.
"Nothing."
Harriet blinked as did the other Ace Operators.
"Sir?"
"You're right. Nothing is stopping him from making the same mistakes again, Specialist Bree. Just as nothing guarantees that I won't make mistakes in the future." Ironwood's choice of words earned a surprised look from several people. Even Winter glanced toward her superior though decided to say nothing while her superior continued.
"That's why I must emphasise that my trust is conditional. Ozma will have to demonstrate that he's changed. And I expect all of you to evaluate the information we're given, regardless of its source. Things change and I expect my request be followed"
"Understood, sir."
Harriet acknowledges. Though distrust is still in her eyes. Bringing his eyes back to Ozma, the General continues where he left off. "Oz, what's this about Mr Arakan needing no upgrades?"
He questions before Zack takes back control of his body before speaking. "Well, General, I used to have a different outfit and gear before having this after I left Sanctuary. After all, I was separated from my friends when I was dragged off the Argus Express thanks to a Manticore taking me off the train when it was attacked… And Weiss chose to jump after me." The fox Faunus admits.
"Excuse me?" Winter would have sputtered her shock out if it weren't for her discipline kicking in. "What do you mean that Weiss jumped after you?" Seeing Winter like this made the Ace Ops glance a look while Ironwood chose to remain silent. Thankfully, Qrow decided to help him out.
"You heard it correctly. Kiddo here got knocked out of the train and your little sis jumped after him. Franky that move was risky as hell, but they survived. That's what matters. Besides, if that didn't happen, he wouldn't have encountered the place his mother once came from."
"I see…"
Ironwood murmurs as the fox Faunus brings his left arm up, so everyone can have a look at the white with the occasional gold and purple exoskeleton arm attachment. "The guy who made my clothes and this exo-arm armour thingy is known as Grand Artificer Faelwyn Gearshade. He built this with other Artificers under him in a day, and it comes with some handy modules installed."
Zack said as Vine Zeki raises a question beneath his curiosity. "And these modules are?" He asks before receiving a silent smile as an answer before the fox Faunus flicks his wrist upwards. And the armour plating on his under-forearm shifts before a grapnel emerges out of it and unfolds.
Then showing to everyone before having it fold away, Zack brings his arm in front of him before the armour pieces on his upper forearm begin shifting to resemble an oval shield. This shield is small enough not to obstruct movement but large enough to block attacks and still retains the colours of the exo-arm attachment.
Lastly Zack folds up the shield and then points his arm at a nearby wall with his fist closed shut as the last module shows itself.
The very same upper forearm armour shifts and unfolds before a barrel stick out of it. Then with a slight jerk of his arm, the back portion of the newly revealed gun opens up to show several vials of Dust within it before folding the barrel away.
"As you all can see, I'm equipped with a grappling hook launcher, a shield and lastly, a Dust launcher that can fire any type of Dust I placed inside it. Said Dust can also be used to enhance my shield or grappling hook and give it different Dust properties. So, as I had done this before, I combined electric Dust with my hook to create a long-range electric attack as Nerium can attest."
"What do you mean she can attest?" Clover asks while resting a hand on his hips. "From the way you're saying it, it sounds like you and your bodyguard got into a fight."
…
"Yeah… There was some scuffling between the two of us." Zack murmurs while Nerium remained absolutely motionless with her mask still on. "It's awkward when the person who's tasked to protect me due to my unique circumstances is the same one who put me through a stupid trail for someone who I will eventually learn was my uncle…"
…
The Ace Ops could only glance at one another, unsure about what is supposed to happen next while Ironwood has the 'are you joking me' face and Winter's was showing disbelief. Eventually, Zack got annoyed by the silent stare everyone was giving at him and his bodyguard. "If nothing else, I'll be departing to handle some personal or something before the others arrive…"
The fox Faunus says out and was about to walk away when Winter spoke. "General, permission to make a personal request."
"Granted."
That was all Ironwood said offhandedly, not realising that he'd had just put Zack on the chopping block. Something the fox Faunus will remember in the coming weeks. "I like to request a formal spar between myself and Zack Arakan." At that moment, he froze and slowly pivot towards her while everyone else were surprised by this changed of events
"Uhhh? Why?" The fox Faunus could only ask.
"I have questions." Winter bluntly states. "And I wish to see if you truly are what you said you are."
…
"Something tells me that this is about Weiss." Zack mutters.
"This has nothing to do with her." Winter quickly shot back. But it was clear to all, even the fox Faunus that this has everything to do with Weiss. And Qrow was sniggering in the corner at this change of pace. Nerium on the other hand visibly tensed but chose to simply look at her charge instead.
"You know what? I permit this spar. It is not every day one receives a request for a spar form a Specialist of Atlas…" The fox Faunus stretches his tails and arms. "Besides, I figured this was bound to happen the moment she and I became a thing."
"Does that include Pipsqueak?"
"You will remain silent on that here, or I'll shut those lips of yours Qrow." While it did come out harsher than expected, Zack was in no mood to explain to Winter how Ruby was also a thing with him. Yet, it did not do much for the utterly gleeful look the veteran Huntsman was giving him.
"You can try kiddo. Ain't gonna work and good luck!" Just like that, Qrow walked off, leaving Zack to grumble in mandarin. Something the others pick up but fail to grasp on what he's speaking in while looking at his scroll at how long he's been here. Eh, it has been hours at this point so it should be safe.
"Let's get this done with. Oh, and Specialist Schnee?" The fox Faunus looks up at Weiss's older sister who acknowledges with a slow nod. "When we do have our spar, don't hold back. Because I won't and don't expect you to do so."
==================================================================
If this was the worst opportune time for this to happen, this was it for Weiss. What was supposed to be a meet up with the others in General Ironwood's office had taken a dramatic turn when Penny suddenly informed them that they're heading for the Training Room instead. And when her partner questions why they're heading there, Penny could only explain that Specialist Schnee had formally requested a spar against Zack.
And that stupid dolt accepted it!
That was all Weiss needed to know that she's worried it will happen so soon. Thus, all of them, with Pietro following alongside, broke into breakneck speeds through the halls of Atlas Academy. The only somewhat positive thing was that the General had the Ace Ops block off a part of the training room, so the two can have their spar without unwelcome eyewitnesses.
Not like that makes a difference to her.
By the time they reached the outskirts of the training room a handful of Atlas Academy's students could be seen trying to get in. From the sounds of their complaints, it sounds like they booked that specific training room, but it has now been uprooted from them and thus, understandably upset. However, two people she recognised as the Ace Ops were there preventing their entry. It was only until one of them who Weiss can identify as a dog Faunus spots them and waves awkwardly while his teammate was arguing with another student.
"Oh! Hey! You must be the people who met the General earlier! He has requested your presence, so please come in!" Marrow says before Harriet makes her point clear.
"Students, please move out of the way so those with clearance may enter. Or have you all forgotten how to be patient and adapt to sudden changes?" She snarls as the sea of students split into two as team RWBY, JNR, Neo and Pietro walk in much to the outrage of the other students. "They have special clearance to enter by the General himself, why the hell are you people so uppity about it? You can always come later or tomorrow!"
"Geez, it must be big if we got angry students here…" Nora whispers to Ren as he nods his head. Before long, all of them move closer in before the team's resident hammer user as a question. "By the way, who were those guys?" She asks before Weiss answers the question.
"Those two are part of the Ace Operatives. They are a military unit of Huntsman and Huntresses recruited to serve as Elite Special Operatives for Atlas." The ex-heiress explains. As they make it through the training room to hear weapons clashing. "To see them here, I think Zack as well as the others had met them earlier while Penny was touring us around the Academy."
"That seems to be the case, Miss Schnee." Pietro hums. "Though I certainly did not expect such urgency from you. Is this friend of yours important to you?" While innocent in nature, his question made Weiss's ears slightly red and made the others start smiling knowingly at her.
"Saying that Zack is just an important friend to her is an understatement sir." Jaune sniggers while Weiss could only roll her eyes with light-hearted irritation. "They're close, really close."
"Mr Arc, please keep your mouth closed, or I might be inclined to freeze you to the spot." Weiss couldn't help herself, but hissed out like a cat which made the blond boy raise his hand in surrender.
"Ohh…~ Looks like Ice Queen's back guys!" Yang chortles even louder than before while Weiss grumbles openly while Ruby sympathetically pats her partner/teammate/someone she shares Zack with on the shoulder.
Something Weiss appreciates with a nod. Eventually, they arrive to see more of the Ace Operatives, alongside Qrow, Nerium and most importantly of all, General Ironwood himself looking through the mirror with Zack and Winter clashing below. "Jimmy, hate to burst your bubble of confidence, but kiddo hasn't shown all his tricks yet."
"Really now?" The General asks as he turns his head towards the veteran Huntsman sipping his canteen. "He seems undisciplined from what I can see."
"Eh, might be. But he's got Oz's instincts in him and also hasn't even brought his bullshit Semblance to the fight yet. I think he and Ice Queens are still studying each other before going all in."
"Bullshit Semblance? Ignoring the crude phrasing, can you clarify what do you mean by that Mr Branwen?" Clover asks. Though that was quickly interrupted when Ruby used her Semblance to close the distance.
"UNCLE QROOWWW!" She explodes before slamming into his arms with a bright smile.
"Oh, there you are Kiddo. Was wondering where you and the others will show up." Qrow chuckles before messing with his niece's hair. "Still on time fellas, their spar just started a minute ago."
"So, we're just on time?" Nora asks while Qrow grins at them all.
"Yup! And they haven't even gotten serious yet!" He points at the screen as Winter and Zack can be seen clashing before jumping back for a quick breather. Even more than that, the fox Faunus hasn't pulled out his weapon yet and was instead using Ozma's cane so far.
"And you did not make them stop?!"
Weiss protests while Qrow just raises his hands while Ruby is still clinging onto him. "What am I supposed to do? Your sister's gunning for him for some time now and finds that right now was the most appropriate time to confront him. That and I wanted to see kiddo have a go at her."
"You allowed that to happen?" Penny concludes before Ironwood joins the conversation.
"I must admit that I wish to see how skilled and effective Ozma's incarnate, or I suppose, Zack is." He muses out loud. "And… I wish to gather some data on this sister's magic Miss Polendina managed to detect a while back and what potential abilities he apparently can bring into an engagement according to Mr Branwen. Speaking of which, hello Pietro, it is good to see you again." Ironwood greets his friend as Pietro did the same back.
"Likewise James. I must admit, after what my dear told me about our recent guest and his additions, I just have to come see him myself. She brought up something about magic and his additional Faunus features? A phenomenon that hasn't been heard of in our books." The scientist says before Penny tugs his shirt.
"There he is! Father, look down there!" Penny cheers as Winter and Zack appear to be talking about something below. All the while Weiss looked incredibly nervous. Not just for her boyfriend but for her sister. If the two haven't taken it seriously, she couldn't help but worry if either of them gets seriously hurt.
She's seen how powerful her boyfriend could get if he loses control. And that's something she does not wish to happen. She got lucky that Zack was somewhat in control back in Argus when he lost control a second time.
Down below, Zack below leans on Long memory while still fresh and the same can be said for his opponent who was still in her stand and on guard. "Well, I know you're not going all in on me yet. And I can say the same for myself." He hums out before Winter agrees and questions him.
"Indeed. However, I've seen that magical staff earlier, why use Headmaster Ozp-... Ozma's cane?"
She asks as she corrects herself while Zack twirls the wizard's cane. "Well, I'm conducting some intel gathering on you as you did on me. Getting a feel on how you fight while still holding the cards. Something I know you're doing since you've not used your glyphs so far in our fight."
"I can say the same about you as well. Unless you don't have one." Winter could only guess. But that comment made Zack's ears twitch while a grin grew on his lips. Oh, how broken he is. He hasn't even tapped into his Semblance or even the Sister's magic at all. Presently, it was just skill and whatever Oz's muscle memory was bleeding into him that allowed him to stand and fight.
"I do have one. Hereditary too like yours. But I think you got the picture, we both hold cards we haven't played yet. And we have guests as well." The fox Faunus says as he looks up to see his friends and waves at them. Only to visibly wince and shrink at his first girlfriend's gaze at him with her arms folded, while his second girlfriend just smiles and waves back at him.
And amusing enough, Winter actually audibly snorts. "I still question what she sees in you. However, I reckon you comprehend what my Semblance is?" She retorts before the fox Faunus then brings himself back into focus and keeps Ozma's staff and nodding.
"Well, plenty of spars and observations of your sister is all I need to say. And since I already knew much of your family's semblance, it is only fair you learn of mine." Zack says as he pulls a vial of wind Dust and pulls the powder out of the vial to the surprise of those seeing it for the first time. "My Hereditary Semblance is known as Dust Manipulation. With it, I can control, absorb their properties and feel where, and what they are in proximity to me. Right now, I can detect that within your sword, you have an Ice and Fire Dust. As well as others you're carrying right now."
A smirk was all Zack gave as he noticed Winter's composure wavered for half a second. "And linked to my tails, I can absorb and store their elemental properties for use. Either by expelling said properties or enhancement. And as a side effect, they affect the physical appearance of one of my tails as you can see." And true to what he said, one of Zack's tails was engulfed immediately by a mini purple whirlwind before Zack threw his hand to the side and summoned Oathkeeper in all its beautiful glory.
Then pointing the tip of his Zweihänder at his opponent, the fox Faunus announces. "Specialist Schnee, ready yourself! We talked enough for now! Let this match continue!" With that, he rushes forward in a gust of wind, weapon drawn and already swinging.
==================================================================
A grin on his lips was all Zack showed on his face as he swung his weapon full force at Winter. While he shouldn't be feeling some enthusiasm getting into a fight, it has been some time since the fox Faunus last had a spar unlike the crisis that happened in Argus. He could only guess that what he needed was a fight without any proper consequences or stakes. Still, Winter's quick reaction is what spared her from a full horizontal hit from Oathkeeper as a glyph suddenly appears underneath her and launches her far back while Zack's swing hits nothing but air.
Then while in the air, another glyph stops her momentum as she jumps for her opponent since Zack was in the middle of Oathkeeper's wind down. Too bad the fox Faunus predicted something like this was coming as a gust of wind blew him back just in time for his opponent to land where he was. It does not take long before the two thrust their blades at each other again and again as they clash with a deafening clang, then Winter pushes down Oathkeeper with an open palm and shoves it to the ground!
With Zack's guard wide open, Winter thrusts her sword into his chest. However, the fox Faunus had guessed that Winter's experience would give her the understanding on how to deal with such an opponent with a large sword. IE Qrow. Still, Zack's left arm shot between his chest and Winter's blade and let it slide off and away from his body. And in the same motion, the fox Faunus lets go of his weapon before grabbing his Schnee opponent by her holding hand and yanks her close into an elbow strike to the cheek.
The mild throbbing pain of her cheek and the flaring of her aura made Winter grunts in pain before responding in kind with a knee to Zack's gut. And while the fox Faunus was recovering from her blow, the specialist jumps back to gain some space already planning her next action.
However, the Fox Faunus has no intention to give her space as he swiftly recovers from that hit and chases her as she lands on an elevated position of Hard-Light blocks and sends a volley of fire Dust his way. Knowing that some of Winter's projectiles are based on prediction on where he would dodge, the fox Faunus chose to do something different. In a flash of light, he turns himself back into my fox form to reduce his size and, at the same time, use the Wind Dust still active on one of his tails to send him flying.
As far as flying in the air and occasionally using more wind Dust in the air to adjust his flight, Zack ensured that he flew straight at Winter. Once again, he changes back into his Faunus form and fires a single shot of rock Dust out of his launcher. However, Winter had already created a plan in mind to counter her opponent's attack.
Jumping out of the way to reposition herself once again, the Specialist swings her sword like a wand before a summoned arm of an Arma Gigas comes into view and swings its sword straight for the fox Faunus! His eyes widen in surprise before he brings Oathkeeper in front of him to tank the hit. And tank it did as Arma Gigas's blade slams into the fox Faunus and the sheer force sends him flying back!
Right into another attack from behind!
Because Winter had just used this opportunity to slip out of sight and undercover, with the help of her Glyphs, she sped herself into position. Then got the jump on her target from behind with a slash at his tails, and that made Zack grunts out in pain as his aura flared brightly.
"This is how you want to play huh?" Zack thought to himself before doing something that caught Winter off guard as they fell back to the ground. His tails lash out and grab the Schnee Specialist by her arm. Then twisting his entire body in a circular motion, the fox Faunus throws his opponent aside as the two land on the ground and clash once again.
Swinging their weapons, they clash again and again and at one point, Winter had Zack on the ropes and closed in for a perfect strike had it not been for the fox Faunus brandishing his claws and swiping them at her. Which thankfully for him, forces her to do an emergency pull back to not get clawed in the face. As the fight between the two continued, it did not take long for Winter to change her tactics in this spar. Splitting her swords into pairs and embracing a more aggressive fighting style, she forces Zack on the defence and even makes progress as a few of her attacks were cutting through his defence attempts.
Knowing that Winter will win through attrition if this continues, Zack changes plans.
Jumping back and using whatever last Wind Dust he had, the fox Faunus launches himself up and away from winter while also blowing her back for some space. Just in time for his claws on my left arm and feet claws on his boots to impale onto the nearby Hard-Light block Column. Admitting, this wasn't a well thought of plan because he had nailed himself to the blocks and rendered him stuck.
Perhaps he shouldn't have positioned himself in a way which he can get stuck in and left exposed.
Oh well, time to improvise as he always does, and he's got a REALLY GOOD IDEA in mind to try!
After all, Hard-Light Dust is artificially made from what Zack knew, and it is time to see if his Semblance can work on them. Alternatively, he could always absorb them with the Void Dust within Oathkeeper. Hiding a grin from his lips, the fox Faunus lets his Semblance do its work just like that, every block on the column begins flickering like dying light bulbs while he's actively draining them.
And that moment, Winter visibly hesitates at the sight before snapping back into focus as a Nevermore came out at her Glyph on top of her and flew right at her target beak wide open! Normally Zack should be freaking out just about now, but he can feel it.
He can feel the Dust within the block and that means he can control and manipulate them to his will!
Throwing his other arm forward, several hard-light blocks from the column snapped off and sent flying towards Winter with a few knocking the Nevermore off course. But that wasn't the only thing that happened during this time. Unlike the burning feeling of absorbing fire Dust, or the chillness within his bones with ice Dust, Hard-Light Dust feels like the mixture of all its components.
And yes, that means the fox Faunus feels a bit shocked in his nerves from the lightning Dust coursing through his body, but thankfully it isn't as intense compared to just absorbing the lightning Dust by itself. Another thing was that one of his tails instantly begins shimmering purple before it slowly looks as if one of his tails is now made from Hard-Light. Admitting it looks rather awkward but then again, when using fire Dust, one of his tails will spontaneously combust without hurting him.
What he did certainly made those from Atlas above gawk at his way.
Qrow was also there and from what the fox Faunus can see, he's laughing his ass off at their reactions. With a bit of yanking and a kick, Zack managed to free himself from his predicament and landed safely on my feet. Even if he never voices it out loud, he is so glad this worked out, and he can see Winter moving in with her birdy of death also coming in.
"Let's see what this baby's got!" He chuckles.
Thrusting his hands wide open to his sides, a crackle of popping and snapping noises rang throughout the training room as every Hard-Light Dust block within a certain radius of him began flickering at an alarming rate. The Dust within them were forcefully taken as they flew into his arms and knowing that something bad was going to happen, doubles on the move but by then, she's a bit late.
Because suddenly, the Hard-Light Dust blocks near her suddenly rose and blocked her path, something that forces her to jump only to see what looks like a Hard-Light Dust bubble around Zack. Who then jumps and mounts onto her Nevermore summon before stabbing it through the skull with what looks like Hard-Light blades around half a meter long.
"Now this is what I'm talking about!" Zack could not help himself but cackle like a fox as another strike though the head was all he needed to do to eliminate Winter's summon. Before the fox Faunus jumps onto the same column he was stuck on and had it rise higher with more blocks converging and building a high tower with Zack at the top.
At the same time, the fox Faunus pulls out several vials of Dust and conjures several Dust bullets made from various Dusts while also creating a sniper rifle out of Hard-Light Dust. Then without delay, Zack points the sniper at Winter and fires a shot with a deafening crack!
Seeing this, Winter dodges to the side as the ground where she was exploded with a mixture of plant, rock, and wind Dust. What she certainly did not expect was for vines to start sprouting from the impact crater and grow towards her direction. Still, she was forced to take cover on the move while Zack remained still at the top of his tower, surveying for any movement.
Ears twitching for sound and tails supporting said rifle in hand as he loads another round in and surveys everywhere.
Then, in a second, he snaps towards the barrier where Winter's hiding and to her shock, her cover splits open into two and leaves her completely exposed for Zack who did not hesitate to fire another shot at her. The only reason it did not land was because of Winter's quick decision to raise a Glyph to take the shot as she sprints off and summons a Manticore as she hopes on and takes her into the air.
She has to change tactics now that her opponent can control the terrain.
"He doesn't fight equally, does he?" Clover murmurs out for all to hear as they see Zack taking shot after shot while Winter is still on her Manticore trying to come up with a solution. The only advantage she had was that Zack's a terrible shot since he doesn't have much practice with any sort of firearm. And even then, he still needs to learn how to lead a target. Something Winter's making it difficult with her erratic flying through on further observation, each shot is seemingly curving towards their target and they're getting closer by the shot.
All the while, cheers coming from Team RWBY and JNR about the whole thing. Except Weiss who was understandably unsure whom to support. Or yell at later. Still while they knew this was going to happen, never did they expect their friend to start going toe to toe with Winter.
Nor did they expect him to turn the entire training Grounds into his domain.
"Well, he can be clever and adaptable if he likes. With that Semblance of his? I reckon the only limitations is his mind and Dust he can use." Qrow observes as Winter had her Manticore fire a fireball at Zack, however his Hard-Light shielding just tanks the shot, though the impact did stagger him for a bit."
"I can see that…" Ironwood murmurs while watching as Pietro was by his side as were the others present.
"I must say, I am deeply curious about what we just saw. Draining Dust and obtaining their properties is surprising, completely controlling them is unheard of beyond what I know the Schnees can do." He hums out. "And from what my dear had said, he had some sort of unidentified energies within him?" Pietro continues, curiosity leaking through his every word as Ren answers him.
"He has it. But without context it sounds fantastical."
"It sure does!" Penny happily joins in. "I must wonder how and what changes when friend Zack transitions into his fox form! What must it be like for him and how do these energies do that!"
"Or his apparent traits. I've never seen any Faunus in my entire life who looks like him. What caused him to become that?" The scientist raises another burning question before the General intercepts.
"I believe it's best we have a talk about this. You have speculation, and we have some answers to Mr Arakan's unique physical appearances. Nevertheless, he does strangely resemble Mistral's belief in multi-tailed fox spirits." He muses. I am not familiar with their traditions, but I'm sure that there are stories of animal spirits wandering or guiding villages. And across all Kingdoms of how the Grimm are demons."
A loud crash rang throughout the training arena as all brought their eyes to the sight of a Megoliath created by Winter ramming head first into the base of the tower Zack was on. In fact, the Specialist was still in the air the whole time aboard her Manticore. So, as it appears that Winter had summoned another Grimm while Zack was distracted trying to shoot her down. However, just had Winter resorted to unconventional tactics, her opponent does the same.
Out of the blue, the fox Faunus threw Oathkeeper like a javelin and homes straight for Winter. Something which caught the specialist off guard since she did not expect such a large sword to fly that fast for her. Even when she tries to dodge it, Oathkeeper just adjusts its aim like a homing missile!
"What the hell?" Clover couldn't help but blurt out as all watch as Oathkeeper decapitates Winter's Manticore as it vanishes while she falls. The same could be said for Zack as he also loses his footing from his collapsing tower and, too, falls to the ground below. "What was that?" The leader of the Ace Ops asked before the ex-heiress gave an answer.
"I was wondering when Zack was going to use that." Weiss mutters as those hearing this for the first time turn their heads in her direction. "Zack's Zweihänder, Oathkeeper, is soul bound to him. Only he can summon and control it at will, as I am sure the General can confirm to witness him summon it earlier this morning?"
"Yes…" Ironwood softly agrees. "However, I wasn't aware his sword could float or even attack at will."
"I wouldn't say that it can attack at will, from what I observed back in Argus admits his… situation, he needs to directly control it. I believe." Weiss admits as Penny perks up.
"But you never really delved much into it, friend Weiss?"
"We… um." The ex-heiress hesitates for a second to come up with a proper answer. "At the time we were more interested in our reunion after resolving the Battle for Argus. And Zack hasn't been training or had a spar in some time."
"I see… I wonder how he controls it then." Pietro says while rubbing his beard with interest as Zack catches himself with his grappling hook springing into action and hooking onto a nearby column. Which made the fox Faunus swing off and away from the ground while Winter swiftly caught herself with her glyph while her other summon charges for the fox Faunus.
Something Zack saw and had a mild panic as he turned into his fox form and scampers off with the sound of what they could guess was panicked fox whimpering. All the while, an angry mammoth Grimm chases after him to the utter bafflement of all witnessing, even Winter as she moves after her target.
==================================================================
Zack's POV
"Come on, come on, come on! Just a bit further!" I thought loudly in my mind while running as fast as I could to the shaking of the ground behind me. Let Winter think she has me on the ropes while I run for my life in a panic. Well, to be fair to myself and everyone else, I was spooked seeing a bloody Megoliath this close! Like, where and when did she manage to kill one of these monstrosities?! How it came to be, I'll find out later or something but for now…
And….
*CRUNCH! *
There we go! Just as I planned to deal with that thing! Because no way in hell am I dealing with that thing alone with Winter still after me. Turning around I can see the Megoliath roaring at me while crushed between two towers of Hard-Light Dust I prepared quietly while I let out a fox-like laugh before ordering my Semblance even harder than before. And before long, two towers of Hard-Light Dust fully smash and remove Winter's summon from the fight. Honestly, she caught me off guard earlier.
Using herself as bait while quietly summoning another Grimm to smash the tower I was on. Not bad, Schnee. Certainly, did not expect you to do that. Still with the main threat out of the way, I swiftly turn back to my Faunus form and summon Oathkeeper into my hands again. My guess that she's burning out as I am from our Semblance usage.
Summoning that mammoth would no doubt take a considerable chunk out of her reserves and doing so alongside her other summons would perhaps put her maybe forty percent of her aura levels or below? Hard to tell how she never shows it yet. Though I suppose I can say the same for myself.
I'm getting tired.
Not exhausted but getting there.
And that's not good for me. Still, I can count myself lucky that I made it this far against Winter since we keep adapting against each other, but she's way more experienced against me. It's a miracle I lasted this long against her. "Now where is she?" I thought to myself before taking a step and…
Holy shit! That's a big ass ice spike Winter just launched at me! And I barely managed to duck as it went over my ears! Just an inch lower and my poor ears will be feeling it for the rest of the night. More than that! Winter's blitzing over to me with glyphs boosting her with every step!
Crap! Taking a step back, I was able to bring Oathkeeper up to parry Winter's attack and deflect it away! But she's not letting up as she immediately winds up another attack while I was recovering from the first! All in less than a second! I guess it's time to do something that would likely exhaust me but I have no choice!
Just as Winter's attack was about to hit my chest, another copy of Oathkeeper made from Hard-Light Dust appeared between the two of us and tanked her attack. The look I saw on her face was worth it for a second before I had that copy swing at her. As expected, Winter immediately backflips away from me as the copy I created floats next to me. Then I made another two more and the result is three copies of my sword orbiting around me with their tips pointing above.
While it was hard to see at first glance, I can see her confidence wavering before I flick a finger in her direction, then just like that, all copies flew at Winter and began swinging at her like a Beyblade of death with each Oathkeeper attacking her from different sides and angles. Still, she did not let up as she was parrying and dodging them while I remained still and focused.
Can't lie, I have to control each of those copies at the same time. It is rather a bizarre feeling and the experience is rather straining on the mind. Guess I can't keep this up forever. I can even feel Ozma's discomfort through our connection. "Give it up Specialist, I've won this spar!" I yelled out and caught Winter glancing my way for a quarter of a second before parrying another sword coming her way.
And I would have preferred had she retorted something but she said nothing instead. Then out of the blue, she zipped straight for me under one of my attacks and would have reached me had I not raised a pillar of Hard-Light Dust between the two of us. A rather painful thunk was heard. "Oh…" I wince, and I was sure everyone else was doing the same.
That sounded painful.
It wasn't the end of it because Winter sliced through the Hard-Light blocks with her swords and looked not the worst to wear after kissing a brick wall! Which was terrifying to see happening and as I tried to take a step back, Winter used her glyph to lock me into place as she charged and swung for my neck before I had time to react!
"Yield." She asked no… She ordered with the edge of her sword up against my neck. Yet, it did not wipe the grin off my face.
"Well, I would. But… you should look behind." Heh, the look I got from her was worth it because as Winter turns her head, she can see the three copies of Oathkeeper already right behind her with their edges pressing against her.
One at the back of her neck
Another touches her back where her heart will be.
And the last is at her lower spine.
"Checkmate. It's a draw for the both of us." I quipped as Winter returned her eyes to me. You know, if Weiss ever grows up to look somewhat like her elder sister, I can imagine her turning heads. Then again, I'm not sure if her sister even has a relationship, or she's married to her job. Just as I was back on Earth…
Hmm…
"Indeed, it seems." She finally says with her eyes closed as she withdraws her sword from my neck and removes the glyph beneath me. As for me, I did the same and had those copies of Oathkeeper vanish while I dust myself a bit. "It seems I've underestimated you, Arakan."
"And you lived up to your reputation, Specialist." I say back as a sense of mutual respect fills the training room. "Well, I hope that this spar fulfils your intentions with me. Because I know that Weiss will not be pleased with this." I mutter before looking up to see everyone either cheering, observing or for my first girlfriend, some serious judgment.
"That remains to be seen. However, I can see that at least, you can at least protect her if it comes to it. But let me make this clear to you." I felt Winter's stern gaze on me and I no like it. "I still don't understand the full picture on why she chose this, or why she is willing to accept the possibility that your time here is limited or bound to Ozma."
"Well… there's always a time and place for this… Perhaps if you carry doubts, it would be wise to talk to her? She has changed, and I believe she can explain to you why she chose this road to hell for me." I explain as I can see her stare lessen on me. "Now, I think we stand here for too long, let us go back to the others, shall we?"
I offer her a smile and an open hand for her to take. Thankfully and to my joy, she did take my hand, while I reform what's left of Light-Hard Dust I had left in my system into a crystal in my free hand. With that, we shook hands before we departed to rejoin everyone above.
What a busy day…
Hopefully, the next few days will be less… rushed.
I can use that for sure.