Operation Steel Arrow (4)

"Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live." – Norman Cousins

It took her a moment to scroll off the unease, but Winter was far from satisfied with her current pace.

"Can we spar?"

That request came to her mind first when she was discussing it with Emerald. Since Cinder was now in Atlas and being tended to for her injuries, she had the chance to dig some more on the matters that really interested her. To be more specific, the fact that John was actually capable of fighting. It was something that the green-haired girl brought up without making too much of a big deal… beyond the fact it was a big deal.

She knew of 'John Bukharin the Diplomat', not of 'John Bukharin the Fighter'. So it sounded quite odd that he was also able to keep up in a battle. Skepticism and curiosity tagged in what Winter could consider a moment of renewed deep interest towards the man. It wouldn't take long for her to find him and ask him for proof. She wanted to fight him. And she got a fight out of him after nagging him for long enough.

Once they were in the clear with the others, and getting Willow's permission before going, Winter felt happy as this was going to act as a 'compensation' for not being able to get in the tournament. As soon as the two were standing ready within the training area, they were quick to rush at each other when the match started. And it was there that Winter picked up a gap of abilities between the two. John used Tonfas, which required him to keep close and… actually keep her guard pretty active during his attacks.

Sure, the two foes were both specializing in close quarters, but Winter was effectively countered by two main strengths within John's own style: 1) His short weapons allowed him to put twice if not thrice the amount of pressure she could normally press on others in this situation; 2) He was reacting faster than she could deliver attacks, which lessened the capacity of actually pulling a stalemate out of this.

Overall, this was not the optimal situation to be fighting in, but definitely not as dreadful as facing her mother in combat. Despite how 'rusty' she defined herself, Willow Schnee knew how to 'kick ass' if she had a need to. Her skills with her rapier were way more flexible in handling many close skirmishes. In fact, Winter could imagine the Schnee matriarch having an actual easy time facing that kind of stress. Her quick-thinking brought her the simple solution to this struggle: 'pull away, get yourself in a medium-ranged situation and create the scene where you are in control so you can attack first'.

First two steps were quick to achieve. She backstepped fast until he was distant enough to create the 'situation', and she did so by using her Semblance and summoning two Boarbatusk. The two white Grimm started to roll fast, their order being to pincer John and force him to either back away or lose time confronting them. What she didn't expect him to do was timing a jump over both Grimm and then using those as trampolines to suddenly rush at her.

She barely brought up her guard with her rapier, but the momentum was enough for her to lose her footing and actually fall down on the ground. Her weapon was shoved away and she was effectively in a bad position. But before John could finish demanding her surrender, she quickly pushed him upward, getting herself out of his hold and summoned two Beowolfs to create a barrier between herself and John as she moved to retrieve her weapon. The sword was back in her hold and she steeled her resolve as she turned around to face her opponent.

John had dealt with the two fake Grimm with ease, and Winter knew that she had an opportunity, albeit a small opening. So, she used her Glyphs to try and stop her foe in his step. The man's assault ultimately stopped through that aspect of her Semblance, and his eyes were wide open as she prepared to savor true victory for once. He was good, she thought, but not good enough to beat her Semblance.

Sadly for Winter, that line of thought slowly faded away as she paused at an unusual feeling. It was connected to the Glyphs, the circling seals appearing over and under John suddenly losing their original color and turning… blue? A surprised look appeared on Winter's face as those instantly moved to 'catch' her and she was the one actually stopped in time as a smiling John stood in front of her.

"I think it's my win."

She huffed, but what really had her intrigued now was how did he manage to alter her Glyphs like that. She could easily remember when both her mother and her grandfather explicitly said that it wasn't possible as the Glyphs were inherently different from each Schnee and were thus impossible to 'manipulate with ease'. So, as the battle drew to a close, the girl asked about this and… she felt even more perplexed when he answered with a silly reply.

"John, I'm not stupid. 'Magic' doesn't count."

"Why not?" He argued. "What makes it 'uncountable'?"

"Well, it's fictional at best, stupid at worst. There is no such thing as that."

"Oh? And what are Semblances?"

"Those are different. They are manifestations of our Souls."

He slowly nodded, then he smiled. "I suppose you're thirsty. Water or energy drink?"

"Water is fine," Winter confirmed, expecting to see John walk up and go pick some but… he merely kept sitting and just 'materialized' two water battles from nothing. Her eyes turned at the two objects in his hand, specifically the one that he was offering her. She reached out, removed the lid and gave it a try. Was it an illusion? Nope, it was fresh water. She couldn't perceive anything wrong about it and...

"John?"

"Yes, Winter?" He asked back, faking a clueless expression for the occasion.

"Is that your Semblance?"

"I don't have a Semblance or even Aura."

Her mouth opened, mostly because he just used something only a high-tier Semblance

"You fought me without Aura?"

"Yep," He remarked curtly, putting an emphasis on the 'p' much to her chagrin as this was a habit that Whitley had gotten rid of from him. And the boy repeated that way more than it was healthy for himself and others around him.

"But… then how?"

He shrugged, drinking from his bottle for a moment before delivering the answer.

"Magic."

Winter couldn't help but feel quite aggravated by this choice of word, but the more she dug into it, the more she understood that John's response wasn't an ironic one. He meant it all, he had magic and…

That made her question many things about her Glyphs when he brought up he could try to do the same. Was there a limit to her own powers? She eagerly told her that a Semblance was constantly evolving and since what was known of the Schnee Semblance was tied to experiments made by her grandfather, why would it be impossible to even consider that potential had yet to be fully tapped into?

She was correct from her early interest in this spar. This definitely made up for what fun was lost from being disqualified from the tournaments.

Harriet could feel it on her skin. It was time to finally take the victory off the last contenders of this tournament.

Now the two-men teams section had concluded, it was time for some one-on-one matches to determine the ultimate winner for Vytal. Things were set to be quite exciting, especially since the girl was aware that a few students from Beacon hadn't been destroyed by Atlas' curb-stomping of the other schools. They had prepared a lot for this part of the year, having taken extra classes to be ready for the competition as they really wanted to secure a win after so many years had gone since the last one in Atla's name.

This time, the most technological kingdom had done it and secured itself a comfortable position during the last rounds but it wasn't an absolute conquest for them. No, this was going to be a difficult brawl no matter how many students of their academy had passed. In a way, Harriet looked at the ensuing matches in eagerness as this was where the heat was going to pick up and they were going to have a proper reason to 'worry' about their standing.

No arrogance, just direct humbleness. She wasn't going to be too formal, but she was planning to smack some people around to quickly win her matches. Plus, she felt oddly pumped-up after a rather recent event. As promised to John, she had decided to spar with his daughter and… Nora kicked asses. Despite the age gap, the little fiend knew how to make her opponents regret any mistakes made within her range of action. In fact, as she thought of this, the young woman rubbed her ribs on the left, feeling a tiny bit sore at that unforgiving kick she received the first time she assessed that.

There was no reason to lament a good battle, but she had also more reasons to feel happy to be part of that. She got to 'meet' Nora and see how she behaved and acted. Likewise, the girl saw how her pace worked, her strengths and her weaknesses. From an academic standpoint, Nora was roughly a year below her own grade of skills on a practical level.

Theoretical-wise? She couldn't tell without testing her on it and she wasn't that confident on asking theory-based queries due to her own lack of grasp of some of those, but since John didn't exactly focus only on her battle skills, there was no doubt that she received proper education when it comes to handle the Grimm. It had eventually concluded in a draw due to how intense both had been after a while, the pace picking up as fast as eagerness did. It still left her pumped-up and ready for a fight. Especially now that she had an extra reason to humiliate Beacon now that their headmaster had decided to visit.

Harriet wasn't sure why Ozpin had decided to come this late to watch the tournament, but she had a sneaky suspicion that it had been something that didn't sit well with Ironwood. Not when the General himself had taken steps to make sure the 'guest' didn't try anything dangerous during his visit. It was almost odd considering how both were known to be close friends, but she had a growing suspicion that the barely noticeable broken nose that the headmaster gained as of recent times might be a hint that something happened with them. Which was possibly related to John's own uneasy look as he watched the matches with some nervousness. Something had happened behind the scenes, and while Harriet was curious to know what got the young man to behave like this.

Tortuga mentioned how something big happened when someone was escorted to a safe place in the hospital. Someone that John really cared a lot for, and that had gained Ozpin's interest from the looks of it as his arrival coincided with this very event. It didn't take long for the two girls to realize it was someone from John's own family. There had been some attacks across Remnant, mostly at the White Fang bases. Since the one in Beacon received a bruising, it wasn't impossible for one Cinder Bukharin to have been taken back to her family to heal.

Atlas was the safest, and the one that didn't suffer any attacks from this new group acting as a radical opposition to both the Kingdoms and the White Fang itself. It just sounded silly to imagine why anyone would want to give it that much attention, and yet it was clear they were given support by someone capable of affording the equipment. Someone with money and enough clout to keep themselves hidden from anyone investigating this matter.

Someone from Atlas? There was a lot to consider, but Harriet was focused on this one thing that she had been waiting for a few days now. The last lap to success, winning the Vytal Tournament and getting herself a pretty medal to brag about as soon as this was all over. Setting herself ready for the first few matches as Tortuga was among the first fighters, Harriet prepped her mind and body for what was definitely going to be a tough but fun day.

Her partner was shredding through her opponent with ease, claiming her first victory in this last phase of the tournament. Two of their candidates faltered against a student from Beacon and one from Mistral. And that's where the pressure really picked up as she prepared herself for quite the tough but refreshing battles up ahead. As her name was finally brought up, the girl rushed to reach her preferred position within the battleground and eyed her opponent, a young man from Mistral, with a wild grin.

The spectators were cheering and roaring, most of them calling to her name. It felt nice, and it gave her the charge to imagine the sight of many others to see how a 'crying girl that would have never become a professional huntress' make it as the champion of Vytal. She saw a tedious war up ahead and one that she felt up and ready to fight all at once. People were going to be so loud once she was done with this first of few obstacles left in her way.

If only she knew how true she was and how it was also going to end with a bad surprise for everyone in the city.

Raven knew that this whole situation felt… wrong. And yet she decided to give the benefit of the doubt due to her brother's interesting thoughts about it.

It's been a few years now since she was back to handle his drunk nagging, so she felt more accustomed to his bad luck and antics more than she had been facing before leaving them. So, when he asked her to pick Ruby and give her a tour of Atlas' gunsmiths, she was slightly concerned how badly this could go. Little Ruby Rose was a precocious little thing when it comes to weapons. While this was mirrored by Summer, the red-caped little thing had a strong obsession compared to her mother's interest, which Raven was quick to justify as her having yet to have 'thoughts on boy'.

There was no filter in the love towards the making and the using of guns of various kinds, and the former Bandit leader had the opportunity to be subjected to this when the little girl had for many years pestered her to check her sword. Omen was no child's play, but she would be lying in saying that there was a fierce curiosity to see how Ruby would behave with a 'lady weapon'. She would definitely be giddy, but polite. But still giddy enough to make a mess one way or another.

So, as she took over the role of babysitter for the little cookie-lover, she was content to know that she wasn't about to be nagged about the latest fashion or any trendy element which might attract boys. Instead, much to her growing delight, Ruby was open to still think about her 'future arsenal'. It had been an idea that both Summer and Taiyang had discouraged her about, as it was tradition for Huntsmen to have two 'main' weapons at best and nothing more. There were situations where a single weapon could develop in two or more variants but still be tied to the same equipment, but never once did a huntsman actually get a full arsenal to use.

Sadly for the two 'responsible' parents, Raven knew that the whole concept was outright rubbish and stupid. It wasn't a common tradition because of the price of keeping up with all that equipment, but it wasn't like Ruby would end up having a warehouse filled with military-grade equipment by the time she turned up ready for the next step in becoming a huntress. The real hassle was actually… the fact she also had to be 'duller' than usual. She had to test out the whole being responsible again now that she was considering that big step. She discussed this with John, and the man was clear about it. It wasn't going to be a repeat like how it happened with Yang if it had to happen. If she made a decision, she had to live with it. So, she decided to make a test for herself, and finalize the idea that motherhood was far from the limitation that she feared it to be. Yang turned out nicely and she was already making her proud despite her preference to 'punch ugly mugs' rather than cutting them off.

Sometimes you win those, sometimes you don't.

Ruby was a child she didn't interact much with, so she sounded as the best subject to unleash potential motherly affection. And in a way, it was already working as the girl's first interest were blades. She scurried over the sections where swords, katanas, lances, halberds, maces and so on were being put on display. She looked around, quietly humming while Raven trailed behind as she browsed too. It's been a while since she checked for new modifications, and she knew that Omen would enjoy some improvement with whatever was available for them to actually pick up. But while the woman was finding some interesting picks to bring back home, Ruby had trouble finding what she was after, and it wasn't missed by Raven.

"Do you have any particular references?"

The girl paused and gave her a nervous smile. "I was… actually looking at options, Auntie. Nothing to buy at the moment."

So, she wasn't planning to make any immediate action? No buying new things to play with later in a safe environment to test them out? Very odd… but awfully mature from Ruby.

"Oh? Is this about the sniper you built?"

Her smile twitched with more life. "Yeah. I was trying to find a weapon that fit with its size and composition. Nothing to weaken its power, speed and… well, the other stats."

"You wish to turn it into one of those 'two-in-one' weapons?" Raven pressed for more, seeing that there was something interesting within that plan. "I suppose a sword and anything of that size are out of the question."

"Yeah, it's not like I didn't want to have a super-katana like yours, Auntie, but it would be so unbalanced and force me to downgrade the gun itself."

Which wasn't something that the girl was planning to do from how much she was sticking by this notion. A bit of a loss, but not one without some reason and… a fun idea to ponder about.

"Still, you could try with Whitley. He said that he wanted to try having a sword too and… he kind of wanted to ask you if you could teach him something," Ruby added with a bit of embarrassment. "Nothing major, he knows that you're super-busy, but he really likes your style and blade. And I really would be happy if my favorite Auntie helped him with that."

...Oh? Wasn't that an actual surprise. Raven knew that most of the Schnees, excluding Nicholas, had been known to use 'elegant' blades as rapiers, but it made sense in a strong way how little Whitley had wanted to take a slightly different part from the rest. Maybe he just didn't like being considered a 'copycat' of what his mother and his sisters were already using and specializing in at this point. Still, Raven found another reason to explore the matter as it was clear that the 'friendship' Ruby had with the boy was slowly developing. Not fast enough to really be worried about, but definitely getting to a point that was quite… adorable. Both had been knowing each other for years now, and both were quite taken to one another. It wouldn't have surprised Raven if they ended up butting heads once they got to the age where hormones were high and they were quick to anger bursts, only for them both to apologize profusely to one another.

Ah yes, a new young love to enjoy some popcorn for.

"I will consider. But first, let's try to find something that could fit with your requirements."

Ruby's smile widened as they both went back to browsing. Eventually the best picks that could be selected were long-ranged blades and that they could expand about once they were back at the hotel. Before that, Raven decided to 'reward' Ruby for keeping a good behavior through the entire visit, so they went to get some ice cream. Just as the woman finished paying for the girl's cone, she felt that...

Something is… wrong.

Raven blinked as she stopped at the strange voice she heard inside her head. This was new and particularly… unpleasant. What was it all about? Just as she started to question this, almost forgetting the fact that Ruby was getting herself a chocolate ice cream from the vendor, she heard it. A loud noise, it was a deafening explosion that unfolded at… Atlas Academy? She was quite sure that's where the building was, and Raven didn't hesitate to pick up a surprised Ruby in her arms and get through her portal back to where she knew Taiyang and Summer were supposed to be. Instead, she found a grumbling Qrow that was definitely trying to endure and survive a hangover-induced migraine.

"Qrow!" Raven snapped, and her brother properly shrugged off most of his drowsy self awake.

"Uh- What?"

"Where are Summer and Taiyang?"

Qrow stood up from the bed, shaking his head and offering the quick question as much info he was aware of at the moment.

"The arena. The tournament has yet to conclude and- what is going on?"

"Will tell you later. Just keep an eye on Ruby while I'm gone."

This is really bad. She had to get to where they were and pull them back to this safe place until they could plan out a proper departure with the rest. Something big was happening and it wasn't just an attack at the academy. As she thought of this, she paused as Ruby spoke up with a shocked tone.

"Auntie, look!" The girl was aiming a finger at the TV she had turned on and they all could clearly see on the screen through the News how bad the situation really was.

Mantle's wall had been breached. And there were masked figures using Grimm to secure the entire city. Some attackers had been intercepted within the Academy after the explosion and… Nevermores were storming into Atlas, trying to claw their way through the defense fleet mobilized on the occasion. A true clusterfuck, but not as big as the one that had Raven and Qrow lose color on their faces.

A gargantuan and monstrous flying whale that was approaching and didn't stop its advance towards Atlas despite how many ships were attacking it. It was clear, Salem was there.

"I'm pleased. You did your job well- as expected," Salem's voice purred the compliment as she stood before the one that she had to really thank for this situation.

The figure was average height, their whole body coated in corruption-born armor which was reinforced by Salem's own magic. Magic for protection, but also magic as a failsafe in case the knight forgot their place. Red eyes burned fiercely behind the full-masked helmet, a dreadfully dull expression matched with the paradoxically intensity of the gaze the figure owned.

Initially, the Queen's newest knight was rather reluctant to take part in her plans, but she ended up changing their mind with enough persuasion and commitment to her plans. They made a formidable defense but… they fell regardless of their best effort. Salem was the Queen of Grimm, unbeatable and yet so easy to convince they were broken. It was a risk, a big one they took for the sake of winning by the end of this. It was all a long-term gamble, one that saw them do horrible things in the immediate, but all for the sake of bringing up the greatest of all evil. Their behavior might appear cool and loyal, but deep within there was an anger, a stubbornness that couldn't be tamed regardless of the pain used against them. They would have broken… if not for a good reason. Family-

He is here. They thought tiredly and yet so joyously. He is there and… alive. And well. And with family. Our big family.

"Still, might I paint myself a bit surprised you decided to spare her? I thought it would have been easier to deal with her rather than just let her be."

They had thought about it, but there were some actions they just couldn't allow to commit. Not when those allowed them to be more prepared for what endgame they were planning and for what the knight knew would constitute as Salem's own undoing. It was a massive gamble, one that relied on their life- and the hope that a silver-eyed warrior would be enough to kill the Queen of Grimm. A Ruby Rose from a bad future? It was as shocking as incredibly good of an opportunity to outright ignore. Fighting her proved to be an incredible challenge, but also a grim reminder that their biology had been enchanted by the pool of corruption. It was a miracle their soul was still… mostly intact. Which is why they pushed for a very simple reason for her survival. Ruby has to live. She had a worth in their plan.

They need to live for the best ending to come. They had to.

"Hostages."

"And do you believe it will work? That he will be swayed to submission with hostages?" Salem pushed, her smooth voice now by their left ear. "I would remind you that it's been a while since I looked into you. That I saw the scars I left you. Maybe add new ones-"

"He will."

Instead of being upset by the interjection, Salem smirked. She behaved like a 'schoolgirl' on these rare occasions. A twisted and demented schoolgirl that sought to inflict pain to even her closest minion. A nod, she walked away.

"Apologies then, my dear Knight. I didn't mean to diminish your impressive might in taking down Atlas' finest group. Still, remember that you serve under me. Unless you wish to come to my bedchambers again. You fragile little lamb."

Tears? No, no more. There was no tears to come out of their eyes. No more. They were devoid of fear, of dread- if not for those that they still cared about. They had to fight. At least this once. They had to help him. He was family, their only truest family right now.

John, I know you will understand once you see. Once you see what I am now. Forgive me. And… save yourself.