Chapter 15 The Battle of Haven Part 2

Zack's POV

Where… where am I?

Everything feels so… cold…

Ah. Right…

Cinder impaled me with her spear, and I passed out from blood loss and likely on death's door.

Hah… Ironic, isn't it? It feels like I'm repeating myself…

I couldn't open my eyes, they felt so heavy, and I could feel my very being drenched in the darkness of my eyes. I didn't know how long I was in this place, but I knew it changed when I felt the winds blowing past me as the ground beneath me felt grassy.

And the impalement wound on my chest. I don't feel the sharp, unbearable pain of it. It's no longer there anymore. Now just a pulsing pain in my chest.

"What's happening?" My thoughts wander momentarily as my eyes slowly drift open to see a familiar sight of the night sky with a mixture of violet and dark blue stars. Yet, they weren't alone. To my left and right were AWOR and that purple woman, watching over me with concern.

The same concerned look I remember seeing before I passed out.

Actually, I never got to know her name…

"Little fox, can you hear me?" AWOR called me out as air rushed into my lungs before I instinctively screamed and shot up with my hands at where Cinder impaled me from. I could feel cold sweat on my forehead as everything still appeared blurry before I noticed that I still had a spear-sized hole in my body! I could even see the insides of my right lung and parts of my ribcage that were supposed to be in the way!

Oh, God!! What the hell?! That's disgusting!

"Arakan! Please calm your soul. You are not dead yet…" AWOR spoke again as I closed my eyes for a moment to calm myself. And soon, my heart rate slowed, and my breathing stabilised before my last thoughts hit me.

"No… but I messed up… No one should have earned Cinder's ire and gotten impaled for their troubles. Everything was going as planned… I… I must have made a mistake somewhere… I thought… I thought…" I began to murmur before I was interrupted.

"Please spare us your infernal whining, champion." The woman with pink hair and purple-black skin spoke almost irritably as I turned my head towards her with shock. "All that matters right now is that you're not dead, and we took your soul here to recover. Your human friend, who we know as Jaune Arc, is healing your mortal wound through his Semblance as we speak."

Before I could even think or react to her words, AWOR spoke up. "Sister, there is no need to disregard the trauma our champion has recently gone through. With his soul residing here, you can do what needs to be done." Is that woman AWOR's sister? Still, I could only silently watch as that woman (I really need to know her name) rolled her eyes.

But her eyes…They… They are silver eyes with teal and purple rings on her silver cornea. And then there's her sclera, pure black. Just like Salem's… I could feel a shiver travelling my spine as her eyes gazed upon me. Compared to AWOR, who is like a smothering ember begging to be set ablaze again.

Her eyes bear more emotion. I could see the wrath in her eyes. There was constant hate and rage within to see those who wronged her suffer. And did she just call me her champion?

"Who… are you?" I softly as the pink-haired woman spoke.

"I am known by many names, but for the sake of current and all future interactions, you may call me Ishmael. And you met my sister, who insists on calling herself AWOR for the most woeful of reasons."

Ishmael, huh? Also, did you just insult your sister? I may not know why she does that, but that's rather rude.

"Sister…" I heard AWOR letting out an exhausted sigh, as if she'd dealt with that before. "I have my reason for calling myself that. Allow me to handle our little Fox and explain the situation to him while you do what needs to be done."

"What is even going on here anymore?" I could only silently wonder to myself as Ishmael snorted. For beings that are godlike in a way, they act like normal siblings… I… Perhaps I could get my answers here, and I have faith that my friends can get the job done, even after that fuck up of mine.

"Very well, then, it has been a while since I inhabit a host with a fragment of myself. No less one of the remnant descendants of the chosen." Ishmael hummed as she turned around before walking off. It took only seconds as she slowly faded away into purple particles, which were blown away by the winds of the afterlife, as I will call it.

Also, did she just say it has been a while since she inhabited a host? Wait.

Wait a minute. WAIT a fucking minute! She's going to control my body while I'm here?!

"Apologies," AWOR spoke up once her sister left, as her gentle voice snapped me out of my stunned state. "My sister can sometimes be… blunt and aggressive in her words." My eye then turned to face AWOR.

"Yea… I can tell." I dryly said as AWOR stood up and gazed at the vortex of souls far from where we were. And as I gently pushed myself back to my feet, I could see the impaled wound on my chest slowly healing up nicely. Except my shirt is still bloody, icky and smells coppery.

When I get my body back, I really need a show to get rid of the blood. Oh, and find a way to patch up my clothes. Especially the jacket. I'm sure the girls would lend a hand.

"Come… I know you have questions, and I will answer them as best I can, but please join me for a walk, Arakan. It should allow you to clear your mind." AWOR spoke again delicately, as I only nodded and silently followed her. Yea… I guess it should be fine, I suppose…

Though I wonder what Ishmael will do with my body with Ozpin in there…

As if she could read my mind, AWOR said loud enough for me to pick up and hear. "Exposure to our magic would put the old soul known as Ozma into a state of unconsciousness due to magical incompatibility, just as it had done when you touched my statue days back. He will not know what has transpired when my sister borrows your body."

I could only dumbly stare at AWOR as I thought through her words. It does make some sense now that I think about it. After touching that statue and finding myself back in our hotel, Ozpin only woke up during my spar against Qrow and had no recollection of what happened in between.

As we silently walked through the grassy plain in silence, various auras of the dead floated past us or paused midway to watch us pass by, as if curious about where we were going. And we soon found ourselves on a hillside. A thought hit me as we stared into the distant sky.

"Wait, if this is the land of the dead… does that mean… Pyrrha's soul is here?" I silently thought in my head.

"AWOR… If I may ask," I softly called her out as she turned and gave me her attention. "Is… Pyrrha Nikos here? In the afterlife, or did she choose to be born again?" I… Sure, it was her choice to become the next Fall Maiden, but… now that I think about it, I-Ozpin placed an even more significant burden on her soul.

And that cost her life in her attempts to fulfil her 'destiny'.

"Yes. Her soul rests here. Pyrrha has been watching over you and your friends ever since her passing."

"Can I see her?" I asked as AWOR stared into me as we continued walking. AWOR closed her eyes as she gave me an approving nod before holding up her palm.

"Very well then."

The very next second, a ball of red aura flew in and hovered over AWOR's palm. And witnessing her aura brought a sense of nostalgic feeling to me as I remembered a scene of Ozpin talking to Pyrrha. Then, without wasting time, I watched AWOR close her eyes before gently pushing them into the ground.

A flash of white suddenly erupted from the ground, and the sheer brightness of it made me bring my arms up to block it. And once the flash of light dissipated, and once I brought my arm down, I saw her. Pyrrha in the flesh. She looked exactly as she did before Beacon fell.

"Pyrrha…" I could only mutter in shock as Pyrrha's eyes opened before she offered me a sincere smile I recognised from Ozpin's memories.

"Ozpin…" Pyrrha spoke as I regained my composure. Hearing her voice again almost made me cry from the memory of her death. It was painful, but I held my tears tightly. I must not cry in front of her, and it would be too embarrassing for me to do so.

"I am his next incarnate, Pyrrha, my name is Zack Arakan, but I am not him. Yet." I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts. "But it is… good to see you again, and as Ozpin's next host and reincarnation, I'm so sorry for getting you killed." I offered a bow as Pyrrha brought her hands up.

"Oh! No, I should be the one apologising, Ozpin. Err, I mean Zack." I never realised that Pyrrha could be a dork at times. What do you know? "My time here made me realise that I was too selfless and failed to realise how my actions hurt the people I loved and cared for." Pyrrha looked downcast as she explained.

"I saw it all," Pyrrha said as she rested her hand on her chest. "I saw how my death affected everyone. Ren, Nora, Ruby, Weiss, Yang, Blake and… Jaune. I saw the journeys they went through. And I realise... I failed them as a friend and partner." Pyrrha looked even more depressed than she ever was as I remained still.

…

Silence overtook both of us for a moment before AWOR suddenly spoke up. "There is always a way to right the wrong. Or, at best, put it to rest and make it hurt less." Pyrrha and I could only turn to face AWOR as she extended her hand.

"Pyrrha Nikos, the Invincible Girl, the Pride of Mistral. And a friend to those who know her. I offer you a chance to help your friends in the world above in the battle for Haven. However, once it is over, you must return to the afterlife. The dead cannot remain in the world of the living forever." AWOR explained sternly.

"Will you take this chance?" AWOR then asked as I turned my head to Pyrrha.

Talk about convenience over here. "Pyrrha, I believe you should decide for yourself, just this once." I said as I watched Pyrrha look indecisive before a determined look grew on her face.

"I will take it." Pyrrha then took AWOR's hand, and she quickly became a ball of red aura that shot into the night sky above. Ah… This will be a heart-warming scene and probably a tear-jerker for everyone. Hopefully, talking to Pyrrha for the last time will allow Jaune to move on for the better.

"With one problem out of the way…" AWOR hums as she looks at me. "I believe you have many questions that beg for answers. Let us hear it." Right. What should I ask her next? My thoughts began sifting through the questions that bothered me before one specific one hit my mind.

How Leo called me an Arakan and how we're supposed to be extinct. Whatever the hell that means. Since AWOR and Ishmael are god-like beings, that and Ishmael calling me their champion means much, perhaps she could shed some light on whatever he means. "Leonardo mentioned something about my surname upon seeing me. Do you know what he meant by that?" I asked as AWOR calmly nodded her head.

"Yes… but for that, we will have to start from the very beginning, rest, child. This will take a while." AWOR said as she gestured her hand as several plants suddenly erupted from the ground beneath us and from into chairs with us on them. And much to my surprise, they were relatively comfortable to sit on.

"Does time act differently here?" I then asked. "I don't want to keep my friends waiting for me in Haven and let Ishmael do the work for me up there." I wondered while AWOR nodded her head casually.

"It does. Time is almost non-existent in the afterlife. We have plenty of time to talk about your burning questions." Wow. Talk about time flux nonsense right there. I guess it could be nice to relax a bit after getting stabbed. Now that I think about it, I got cocky against Cinder and wouldn't stop being a pain to her.

Okay, let's see… send a fireball meant for Ruby back into her face, pretty much take her ambush as a joke, insult Cinder, and make her take Oathkeeper to the face. And also, I stubbornly refused to die. So, yeah, I guess I can see why Cinder wants me dead. I felt a shiver crawling down my back as I gazed at the hole in my shirt, which exposed part of my chest.

"Now, let us begin from the start, Arakan. But, first, tell me everything you know about Remnant…" AWOR asks as she relaxes on her chair as I speak.

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Back in Haven…

With that brat down with a mortal wound, Cinder turned to Emerald, who looked smug at the scene, a fitting revenge for hurting the woman who saved her. "Emerald, go and fetch Leon for me. I need him to open the Vault, so I may retrieve the relic." Cinder ordered Emerald, who nodded her head.

"Right. I'll get him." And with that, Emerald runs off while everyone is still recovering from the shock of what just happened.

"Zack!" Jaune called out as he rushed to his dying friend's side with tears about to leak from his eyes. How did this happen? Why did Cinder choose to impale him with her spear? What changed that Cinder decided to target Zack instead of Weiss? Those were the thoughts that ran through Jaune's mind as he knew what to do to save his friend's life.

Resting his palms on his friend's chest, Jaune began to use his semblance to accelerate his healing, and it worked! Jaune could see the fox Faunuses wound closing slowly as Ruby suddenly zipped by his side with her semblance, with tears pouring down her cheeks.

At the same time, the fight resumed after that period of shock and using the moment by Cinder's attack, Emerald managed to get relatively unnoticed with her semblance as she set Leon free from his bindings. Yet as she did, Leon's face was paler than before as he stared at fox Faunus's unmoving body, with Jaune and Ruby beside him.

"She killed him… to think Ozpin's new host could be the last of his bloodline…" Leon murmured while still in a stunned state before Emerald slapped him out of it.

Literally.

"I don't know what the hell you're babbling about, but Cinder needs you to open the vault! So get up and get moving!" Emerald yelled at the cowardly lion, who could only nod as he scrambled onto his feet and approached Cinder with Emerald behind him. Leon soon made his way towards Cinder as Emerald spoke proudly. "Cinder! I got Leo as you asked!"

Only for Cinder to ignore her completely as her eyes were on Leon, who muttered. "To think you killed Ozpin again… I do not know how to feel about this…" But Cinder couldn't give a damn about whatever Leon just said, as she snapped at him angrily while pointing at the statue.

"So what?! We got the upper hand right now! Open the path to the vault right now, Leo, or you will join him." Cinder commands, while Leo submissively nods as he approaches the statue of Jinn. And with his pocket watch in hand, he placed it on a small niche on the figure of Jinn, and soon, the statue began to lower into the ground.

Noticing the changing winds of the battle and the entry to the vault opening, Raven and Vernal immediately disengaged from their fight and regrouped with Cinder. And all three women stepped onto the platform. But before it goes down, Cinder turns to Leon. "Keep them distracted but make sure they leave Ruby alive. This won't take long."

"O-of course, Cinder." Leon stammered as the platform began taking Cinder, Raven and Vernal down.

While the fighting resumes from where it was left off before Zack gets impaled by a spear from Cinder, Ruby choked out as she stays by her unconscious friend's side while Jaune does his best to accelerate his recovery. "Zack... Please… get up. Why did it have to happen to you?" Ruby murmured before Jaune spoke up.

"Ruby… you need to help the others. I got this, and I can get him back up." Jaune spoke with his eyes still glued onto his hands. Realising that Jaune's right and that right now, she can't let her emotions blind her to the moment. Ruby stood back on her feet as she wiped the tears from her cheeks, and with a determined look on her face, she told her fellow leader.

"Got it. I'm mad now."

"I concur, Ruby!" Weiss agrees as she jumps next to her partner. "When that dolt wakes up, he'll be getting a mouthful from me for not watching over himself!" Weiss angrily says, as all three of them can hear Nora's roar as she had electricity course through her body after Zack's electric bolt hit her in the arm.

"RAAAH!" Nora roars with rage as she slams Magnhild directly into Hazel's face, sending him flying through a wall, her entire body still tensed from the mixture of anger and her active semblance. "That's for hurting Zacky!" Nora called out as Ren landed beside her.

"Nora! Don't over-exert yourself," Ren spoke to an incredibly pissed-off Nora. "Remember what Zack said about Hazel's semblance."

"I know! Hazel and his stupid no-pain feeling semblance! I don't need to hurt him. I just need to hit him hard enough to BREAK HIS LEGS!!" Nora yells again as Hazel can be seen walking through the wall Nora sends him through completely fine, as Weiss uses her Glyphs and summons a Lancer and sends it to help Yang.

During this time, Neo regained consciousness and began to shuffle towards where Jaune was while clutching onto Hush and her injured arm. Neo gritted her teeth with rage as she glanced at where Cinder could have gone but chose not to pursue her due to her injury. With no other choice, the mute used her semblance and retreated from the fight.

For now.

"Weiss, protect Jaune and Zack! I'll go help Yang out!" Ruby said as she used her semblance to rush to her sister's side.

"Understood!" Weiss yells out as Qrow can be seen alongside Ren and Nora as they engage the literal juggernaut, though no actual damage was seen on Hazel. At the same time, Jaune has successfully fully healed Zack's wound, yet, the fox Faunus isn't breathing at all.

"Something's wrong," Jaune mutters out, while Weiss looks at him confusedly. "His wounds are gone, but why isn't he walking up?" Jaune openly wondered as he continued to use his semblance on his Faunus friend, who remained motionless on his back with his eyes closed.

"Perhaps he needs more time?" Weiss suggests as she readies Myrtenaster before intercepting a projectile sent by Leon at Zack's head.

"I'll deal with Leon! I suggest you watch over him, I'm sure that Zack will wake up eventually!" Weiss says as she uses her glyphs to speed forwards towards Leon, who lets out a girlish shriek, while Jaune nods and continues watching over Zack as he pulls out Crocea Mors to protect his friend.

"GRRAHH!!! You don't understand what you're protecting!" Hazel roars with frustration at the fact that three people are stubborn enough to prevent him from reaching the currently unconscious host of Ozpin.

"We're protecting our friend. A man like you could never understand after all you have done." Ren snapped as he fired Storm Flower at Hazel, who blocked it with no issue, before Qrow took the opportunity to attack Hazel from behind and slashed his back. Unfortunately, that didn't do much, as Hazel grunts in response before performing a backswing at Qrow.

Thankfully, Qrow predicted that Hazel would do that as he transformed into his bird form and flew back towards Ren as he changed back with his weapons pointed at Hazel. "Oi kid, where's Pinky?" Qrow asks.

"Oh, Nora will be here." Ren spoke as Nora appeared out of nowhere with a yell.

"RAH!" Nora slams Magnhild into Hazel's back as the sheer force transferred into him launches Hazel out of the grand hall and outside, before Nora collapses onto her knees as Ren rushes to her side and helps her back onto her feet.

"We're not done yet, kiddos," Qrow muttered as Nora and Ren ready themselves. "That probably would keep him busy for a moment. Oi Blondie! How's the kiddo doing?" Qrow then called out to Jaune, kneeling with the fox unconscious fox Faunus before him.

"I'm not so sure, Mr Branwen," Jaune said while he checked his pulse. "Zack's stab wound on his chest healed, and he has a pulse. But he is not waking or breathing either." Jaune explained when he noticed the lines on Zack's jacket were white compared to the violet when Zack's in charge or green for Ozpin.

However, the next second, it began glowing in a shade of purple mixed with dark blue as Zack gasped for breath with his eyes close. "Zack!"

Jaune could only call out to his friend with hope and relief as he breathed slowly with his eyes closed, as did the others. Yet, it did not take long for everyone to notice that his eyes were still closed before Zack suddenly stood up and shuffled slowly towards the entrance into the Vale without Oathkeeper.

"Zack? Are you okay?" Jaune could only call out again and tried to reach for his friend's shoulder. However, Jaune's body froze when his friend turned and opened his eyes at him to reveal a pair of silver eyes with teal and purple rings on his cornea. Another thing that alerted Jaune that something wasn't right was that his sclera was pure black.

Stunned at what he'd witnessed, Jaune could only mutter softly. "Who... are you?" Yet, he got no reply as (Zack?) turned away and walked towards the vault entry without care. Qrow soon appeared beside Jaune and asked an important question as he noticed something was wrong.

"Kid, what happened?" Qrow asked as Jaune had a confused look.

"I don't know, but something is wrong with him. His eyes… They're some else." Jaune explained as Qrow's eyes widened when everyone in the Grand Hall could hear Hazel raging again.

"OZPIN!" Hazel roared at the top of his lungs with rage as he ran past Nora and Ren towards Zack, who appeared to be shuffling towards the Vault entry, unaware that Hazel was rapidly approaching at a train's pace. Yet none were close to stopping Hazel as he threw a haymaker straight for Zack's face as Weiss called out.

"Look out!"

However, to everyone's shock and surprise, Hazel's face didn't meet its target as (Zack?) seemingly grabbed Hazel's fist with his hand and threw him a distance away with ease, and then they spoke.

"Arrogant mortal. You think you can lay a hand on me and use my sister's blood against me?" A mixture of Zack's voice and, strangely enough, a woman's, echoed from his mouth as the fox Faunus extended their hand while everyone in the grand hall froze upon hearing Zack's echoed voice. And what happened next added more to the shock value, especially Hazel.

The fire Dust embedded in his arms began to lose their colour and become a shade of lifeless grey before they disintegrated into nothing. All while red particles flowed straight into Zack's hands and were absorbed with a clench of his fist.

As if things couldn't get any weirder, six butterfly-like wings appeared on Zack's back and wrapped around his body, two covering his face from the top down, two wrapping his body from the shoulder down, and the remaining two were free. Even more noticeable was that those 'wings' undersides were white, while the rest reminded everyone of the stars above.

"Let me clarify to everyone here, do not get in my way. Or face my wrath." (Zack?) spoke, turning his head towards Leon. "My host wants you alive. Traitor."

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Back in the afterlife…

I could only remain absolutely speechless after I told AWOR what I know of the history of Remnant as a whole. Or at least, that's what I thought the history of Remnant was. As it turns out, the story of Remnant I told wasn't exactly correct, but it isn't wrong either. It was just that the stories Ozma and I knew were only part of the entire story.

"The history of Remnant goes far beyond the brother's 'creation' of this world and of the first human or Faunus. The world you stand on existed before the Brother's Gods showed up, and with its existence, so do us both. My sister and I were the first Gods in this world that would eventually become and named Remnant." AWOR explained as I had a cup of tea in my hand. AWOR took the time to create a table with tea and biscuits.

"I embody the heart of Remnant itself, while my sister is the shattered moon above. We call ourselves the Sisters of Twilight." My mouth could only gap open at the revelation that AWOR is Remnant in physical form, while Ishmael is the shattered moon above! That explains so much about why the left portion of her body was shattered!

How did I not figure that out with such clear evidence?

"And she and I shepherd the world with life and harmony. And then they came…" AWOR's tone notably got more bitter by the second. "The Outsiders, or as you know them, the Brother Gods. They showed up within the void of space and offered a… deal to us, for they had never met others like them." AWOR explained as her hand tensed up to the point I thought she would break the teacup in her hand.

"With our magical powers and theirs, we could create something greater together, and we accepted it naivety. But little did my sister and I know, the deal comes at a price, and we only realised it too late." AWOR paused for a moment as I silently watched her.

"What we did not learn was that the Brothers were slowly assuming more and more control over our creations behind our backs, and by the time we noticed something was not right and confronted them about it, they refused to acknowledge their wrongs. As a result, a minor dispute over our creations escalated into catastrophe." AWOR mutters.

"A war of the Gods soon followed, and we eventually lost the war due to their power and magic being stronger than ours. We were young but foolish Gods at the time. Because of that and to ensure that we could never interfere ever again, the Brothers imprisoned us and stripped us of most of our magic, rendering us unable to have the power to influence what was rightfully ours. Only theirs remain, and we vowed to destroy everything that had their influence."

AWOR explained as she sipped, as this was too much for me. Do the Sisters intend to wipe out everything related to the Brother Gods?! But what changed? Because if they hated anything made in the Brother's image, why do we exist? We Faunus are almost no different from humanity, and why does humanity still exist as well?

But to think the Brother Gods would do this over a conflict of interests. This… This is too much for me. And they brought me into this world to fix their mess?! Placed Ozpin in me and dooming my soul to become nothing but memories?! The mess THEY created and REFUSED to take responsibility for?!

What lazy bastards they are!

My body could only tremble before a cough from AWOR snapped me out of the burning rage bubbling within me.

"And once we were locked away, the Brothers shaped this world as part of their experiments to create something new, and we were left out of it entirely. Forever imprisoned, never to learn the joys of creation. Nevertheless, the first humans were created and destroyed by the brothers. And my sister was unintentionally shattered by the God of Darkness smashing the moon as an example to Salem when they left."

I then spoke up with my rage, barely checked in. "Then you are responsible for my people's existence. Are you?" I asked in a dark tone as AWOR nodded her head, which confirmed my suspicions.

So, the reason we exist is because of the Sisters of Twilight. But for what purpose are we born for?

As if reading my thoughts, AWOR offered a smile as she continued as she rested her hands on her chest. "At the time of the creation of the first Faunus. Our children. The rage and hate we bear for the Brothers have simmered in the aeons we were left in our prisons, and we no longer wished to exterminate anything made in the brother's image. But to be better than them. Thus, with what little magical powers my sister and I had left, we came into the world as mortals and uplifted a portion of Humanity to become the first Faunus."

"And they were created with one single purpose." I unconsciously leaned in, as AWOR explained. "To help humanity survive and thrive in this shattered world after the brothers abandon it. And that's when your ancestors come in." AWOR points out as I nod my head. I guess it makes sense if you were to think about it.

But how does that explain our weird ass biology? Biological magic, I guess?

With a murmur, I spoke. "Leon did mention my surname after seeing my face. Do you know anything about that?" I murmured while rubbing my chin as AWOR had a nostalgic smile and spoke.

"Arakan… It is a name that can be translated from an ancient language long forgotten. It means Worthy one or Chosen. It also matters much because, in ancient Faunus culture, the Arakans were the only Faunus to possess pure white hair and were revered as demigods. After all, they are one of the few remaining people after the Brothers left that possess magic, excluding Salem and Ozma."

Excuse me, what???

"We could use magic? Their magic? I- what? This is so outlandish! What's next? The brother gods abandoned other worlds they had experimented on before? Actually… that sounds like something they will do." My thoughts ran like a turbine on jet fuel as I tried to figure things out. And I could tell that she was not telling the whole picture.

"Either because she's hiding something from me or to save time. I have to ask her at another time when there's a chance." I erased that suspicion from my head for now before I spoke again. "Then why does Ozma not seem to know about my forefathers and the creation of Faunuses? Or how could they use magic? It seems strange that Leon, of all people, seems to recognise me in a way." I then ask next as AWOR hums.

"There are ancient texts about the creation of the Faunus and your predecessors. However, most were lost to history due to the attrition of time, or their meaning changed as generations passed, with only a handful remaining in a single continent and are guarded heavily."

So AWOR explained as I guessed where is it from. "Menagerie. That's where the remaining texts are…"

"Indeed." AWOR smiled. "While it is never precisely mentioned in the texts recorded, the Arakans sparsely used their magic, and all the first generation of Faunus swore an oath never to say the existence of your predecessors to outsiders. And ever since then, few know of the Arakans. Leon, however, had spent his youth studying the texts of the past in Menagerie before moving to Mistral and becoming Headmaster. He was always fascinated by the past."

"But why?" I could only ask next. Why would my predecessor do that? It does seem contradictory to what AWOR and Ishmael desired us to do.

A second soon passed as AWOR sighed.

"The first Arakan tried to fulfil our wish but realised the futility that humanity was not ready for them to help, and so did us. Witnessing his fellow people being chased from their homes or even hunted down and enslaved, his faith in our desire to help humanity eroded, and thus, he chose the other option available to him at the time." AWOR explained as I figured out what she meant.

"He chose isolationism." I muttered.

"Correct. And much to our surprise, once he had ensured that much of his people were safe on Menagerie, he and several of his closest followers left to venture off, never to be seen again. However, some of your ancestor's siblings disagreed with him and remained on the continent. And after generation after generation, the ancestors that remained there were assimilated by the locals Faunus." AWOR explained

…Okay …one question addressed.

"What about them wielding magic part? What happened to it all?" I then moved on to the next topic as I watched AWOR refill her tea with a wave of her hand.

"Just as Ozma's magic dwindles after every reincarnation, so do your ancestors, with each subsequent generation welding less magic than the last until they no longer can wield at all. And once they lose all their magic, they revert to their incomplete forms." AWOR lets out a sigh, which I would hear from a disappointed mother.

Well, that sucks. I guess all that magical energies Ozma sensed on the tattoos on my arm mean that we're getting somewhere.

…

Wait… Incomplete forms?

"Uhm… Forgive me, but what do you mean by incomplete forms? You're saying it like my ancestors looked much different from every other Faunus." I ask as I sip my tea while AWOR confirms my question.

"You are correct. Due to your bloodline's special connection to us, you are meant to possess more than one animal trait, but without any magic, you become no different from any other Faunus." AWOR continues explaining as my eyes shift onto my large fluffy tail.

Is… this the main reason my body has undergone physical changes because of magic exposure? That… explains so much. But how far will the changes go? I am already attracting unwanted attention due to my abnormally large and fluffy tail. I can't imagine if that catches Salem's attention.

"What would she do if she learned about my abnormality? What would she do to me?" I felt a shiver crawling down my spine and tail as my eyes turn back to AWOR.

"How much will I physically change?" I then ask.

"It depends on the amount of magic you've been exposed to or absorbed," AWOR explained as she glanced at my right arm where the tattoos were and my tail.

"From the looks of it, you are currently on the verge of reaching stage two. There are a total of five stages of change you will undergo. Once you reach stage five, and with your heritage coming from foxes, your classification will change to Kitsune Faunus. One of several unique species of Faunus only the Arakans can achieve." AWOR explained as my mind blanked out.

I'm close to stage two? What is that supposed to mean? And stage five makes me into Kitsune Faunus? As in the Japanese folk story of Kitsunes back on Earth? The ones with the multiple tails? Then again, large parts of Remnant have some sort of reference to something in my old world.

So why not throw in mythical Faunus species?

Ahh...

When did all of this get so complicated?

"I… see…" I murmured as AWOR hummed.

"Take your time, child. I know this can be overwhelming with all the information I'm passing you."

"Y-Yeah…

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Back in Haven. Again.

"My host wants you alive. Traitor."

Leon barely had enough time to react or speak when this thing possessed the Arakan suddenly appeared right in front and grabbed him by the throat before lifting him in the air, while Weiss, who was only meters away from him, gasped in shock at the speed she'd seen him (her?) move.

No! He can't die here! Leon could only helplessly struggle, while everyone else was too stunned to react.

"We know everything you've done, Leonardo Lionheart. And so do the countless souls you sent to die. All of them cry out for Justice. Even revenge. It would be so simple to send you into their arms, don't you think?" This thing spoke again as Leon's eyes shrank to the size of pinholes as he struggled from this iron grip on his throat.

"Who… are… you?" Leon managed to rasp out desperately. However, that just earned him a cruel giggle.

"You're not in a position to ask me anything. But I'll entertain you. I am Ishmael, one of the sisters of Twilight. One of the Gods who created your people," Ishmael introduced herself as Leon's face grew paler than before while Weiss gasped. "and you disappoint us." Ishmael growled as she threw Leonardo full force onto a wall, before purple energy suddenly appeared and encased his limbs and mouth.

Before they hardened into crystals and left him stuck on the wall.

And after throwing Leon onto a wall, the goddess paused when she heard her sister's voice in her head. "Hmm… very well sister…" Ishmael then hummed as a ball of red aura gathered on her arm as she lifted it. "Pyrrha Nikos. The Invincible Girl. The Pride of Mistral. Rise from the afterlife and aid your friends in this battle!" Ishmael chanted as she slammed her palm onto the floor as Mercury, Emerald, and Hazel tried to interrupt her chanting.

But they were too late.

A shockwave of red erupted from Ishmael's hand, sending those near her flying back, as poor Weiss tumbled to the ground like a tumbleweed in the wind. But, as soon as it came, the shockwave of red soon came back and reformed into someone many recognised.

Her red hair was in a ponytail swaying, alongside bronze armour and a copy of Miló and Akoúo̱ on her back.

"Pyrrha…" Jaune murmured with disbelief as tears started to pour from his eyes.

"Pyrrha?" Ruby was next, as did several others in sheer shock.

"No way!"

"Pyrrha!"

"How are you here?"

Pyrrha's eyes opened as she looked at her hands, which had a red mist all over her body. "I'm back…" Pyrrha tearfully says as Ishmael speaks before the ground below begins to shake violently.

"Make use of your time here well, Ms Nikos. And once the fight is over, you must return to the afterlife." Ishmael explained before she ran and jumped down the vault as Pyrrha drew her weapons on her back.

"I will… and I make the best of it." Pyrrha quickly adopted a determined look. "Weiss, shall we?" Pyrrha then asked as Weiss walked up to a friend once thought lost.

"Yeah…" Weiss said in disbelief at the sight of a dead friend. "It's good to see you again, Pyrrha."

"Likewise." And with a nod of their heads, both rushed off to aid their friends against Emerald, Mercury, and Hazel. Pyrrha changed Miló and began firing round after round at Hazel, who angrily roared as he landed a haymaker onto Weiss's Lancer summon, utterly obliterating it as Weiss swooped in with her speed glyphs and attempted to stab Emerald from behind.

But she had to perform a backflip to avoid Mercury's counter-attack with his prosthetic legs.

While all that was happening, Jaune ignored everything as he ran up to Pyrrha, who saw him with hope and joy on his face.

"Jaune!"

"Pyrrha!"

Both cried out as they pulled each other into a loving hug before kissing each other. And it took only seconds before they broke apart as tears of joy streamed down their faces. "Pyrrha, how are you here? Who is that person that possessed Zack?"

A flurry of questions came out of Jaune's mouth as Pyrrha glanced to the side. "Jaune… I came back because of you." Pyrrha said as she pulled Jaune's palm to her cheek. "But I can't stay here. People who died like me cannot stay here for too long." Pyrrha then looked to the side with shame.

"And… I want to apologise for everything. I messed up…" Pyrrha became downcast.

"I don't care…" Jaune muttered as he hugged and held her tightly. "I'm just happy to see you again."

"But I saw everything!" Pyrrha exclaimed as her voice cracked. "I saw everyone what everyone when through after I died! I… never notice how my actions might affect my friends. And how badly it affected you." More tears began to pour from Pyrrha's eyes before Jaune used his fingers to wipe the tears off her face gently.

"But you're here now, are you?" Jaune softly asked as Ren and Nora joined in since they were too exhausted from fighting constantly.

"PYRRHA!" Jaune and Pyrrha could hear a joyful scream before Nora came flying out of nowhere and slammed into her teammates before all three tumbled onto the floor as Ren staggeringly ran in.

"Nora! Must you do that?" Ren asked as he gasped for breath from all the fighting earlier, but he still had a smile on his face on seeing a familiar face he'd never thought he would see again.

"Oi kiddos!" Qrow could be heard shouting at JNPR as he parried Hazel's punch aimed at his face. "Hate to break up the reunion, but are we still fighting over here!" Qrow pointed out as team JNPR gave sheepish looks at each other before drawing their weapons.

While that was happening, Neo reappeared again, only to look baffled that the redhead she was pretty sure died in the Fall was somehow back, and the fox Faunus that made a bargain with her was nowhere to be seen.

The muted woman could only roll her eyes before rubbing the tip of her nose before brandishing Hush and joining Qrow to fight against Hazel.

She would probably get her answers about what is going on here later.

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In the Vault of the Spring Maiden, Ishmael used her powers as she floated down towards the Vault beneath Haven Academy, which holds the Relic of Knowledge. But she must move quickly, as the goddess cannot maintain control for too long, lest her overwhelming power hurts her champion's body. But it has been a long time since she steps onto the surface of Remnant.

It is nostalgic for her.

And as Ishmael continues travelling down the lift, the sounds of swords clashing in her ears as a small smile grows. Oh, how she yearns to taste battle again, compared to her more composed sister. Perhaps the power of two maidens should be sufficient to feed her desire for action for the time being. Yet, when Ishmael arrived at the vault beneath Haven, she could see the Spring and Fall maidens in a stand-off.

"Aura can't protect your arm, it's Grimm." Raven points out as Cinder pulls the shrapnel out of her arm and faces Raven before the Branwen tribe leader speaks again. "You turned yourself into a monster just for power."

Cinder conjures another weapon into her hand while glaring at Raven. "Look who's talking…"

"And perhaps you should pay attention when someone else could walk in here unnoticed." Ishmael called out as she brought both her palms out and let out a beam of purple and black at the two maidens. Cinder and Raven's eyes widen as they barely manage to dodge away from the lasers meant for them.

"What the?!"

"You dare?!"

Both maidens flew to the side as they faced the perpetrator, who attempted a sneak attack on both. But as they had a look at whoever tried to hit them, both maidens could only freeze at the sight of Ishmael's casually walking towards them as the butterfly-like wings covering her champion's face spread out to reveal her battle-hungry smile.

"You…" Cinder grits her teeth at the sight of the brat now completely back on his feet, yet Cinder can tell that this is not the same brat she had thought she killed earlier. The eyes were one clear example. Someone else is controlling his body like a toy or vessel.

"Who are you?" Raven asked as she formed an ice Otachi in her hands with her maiden powers. "You are not Ozpin's host, nor Ozpin himself." Raven narrows her eyes while Ishmael lets out a giggle that echoes in the caverns.

"Who am I?" Ishmael began to speak as the butterfly-like wings that wrapped around her champion's torso opened up, revealing a hole in Zack's shirt where Cinder had impaled him from and scar tissues within. There was also the fact that at the ends of the longer 'wings' had rainbow-coloured eyes that stared at both Maidens.

"I am Ishmael, one of the ancient Gods of this world and your opponent." Ishmael gave a formal bow before she floated into the air with her palms open. "And please, do try your best not to disappoint me, I yearned for a true fight for aeons."

That was all Ishmael said before she launched balls of purple energy out of the eyes on her wings directly at the maidens, who dodged as the balls impacted onto the ground, but what they did not expect was for the impact to cause a massive purple eye to appear from beneath their feet.

And the next second, the terrain the eyes were on exploded, sending Cinder and Raven flying to either side of the cavern. Ishmael could only giggle as Cinder got up, prepped and threw her spear at her while Raven launched several ice projectiles. Unfortunately for Cinder and Raven, the goddess saw it coming and blinked right in front of Cinder, much to her surprise, before grabbing by the shirt and throwing the Fall maiden full force at Raven.

The Branwen leader barely had any time to react before Cinder unwillingly slammed, and both crumpled, while Ishmael let out a disappointed sneer. "Are the modern maidens this weak? Stop acting like you're trying to hit and hit me!" Ishmael demanded as she raised her hand as an ethereal sword materialised over Cinder and Raven. And with enough time, both maidens managed to get back onto their feet and dodge when the sword came down in unleashed a shockwave of power.

"Tch, as much as it pains me, we must work together to survive." Raven points out as Cinder could silently curse at how the situation went out of control when this Ishmael showed up. Quickly conjuring another sword, Cinder agrees reluctantly.

"I suppose if you want to win... or survive in this case, we must put our differences behind us, for now. I'll deal with you later."

"Wonderful! Now raise your blades and fight!" Ishmael could only smile with glee as she twirled further into the air before coming down like a missile onto the Maidens.

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Back in the afterlife… Again.

"Curious about the nature of Dust, are we?" AWOR hummed as I nodded my head. I was always curious about the true nature of Dust as a whole, and I decided to take the opportunity to get my answers. Back on Earth, the RWBY fandom had many theories about what Dust is.

Some speculate that they are the literal dust of magic, while others claim that they are the residual energy of the first humanity. And others are straight-up wack, as if they were high on something.

"Dust… Such a highly utilised energy source in today's society, but its origins are rarely understood." AWOR as a fire Dust crystal appeared in her hand. "If you want the short answer, they are my essence. My blood in a crystallised form."

All those Dust… they're her blood in crystal form? That could explain why the location AWOR's fox took us was rich in untapped Dust. But wait, if Dust is her blood, are we leeching off AWOR just to survive against the Grimm? Then what about Vacuo, which had its Dust deposits exhausted by Schnee Dust Company and Mistral Trading Company? Or is that why Dust does not function outside Remnant's atmosphere?

"My child, I can tell you're overthinking." I then heard AWOR calling me out, and I could only ask.

"How could I not? Are we not parasites leeching on you just to survive in this world? From the history records, two trading companies exploited Vacuo in the past until it was nothing but a wasteland. And they are not renewable, last I read." I pointed out as AWOR gave a nod at my point.

"That is true, and it doesn't bother me in the slightest for centuries in the future. Dust will regenerate with time, the wastelands will heal, and life will flourish again. Even more so when you secure the relics." AWOR points out, as I could only tilt my head, confused.

How do the relics matter to the sisters?

Understanding my confusion about her words, AWOR explained. "Due to your special bond with us, we can take what's rightfully ours by tapping into the Relics for their magic. The more Relics you claim, the more powerful you, Ishmael and I will become, allowing us to exert our influence again and heal this ruined world the Brothers left behind."

"And Salem? Can you remove her immortality and allow us to defeat her permanently?" I then asked as I watched AWOR bring her finger to her lips before the goddess let out a mischievous giggle.

"Why should I tell you now when you will ask it the Relic of Knowledge for the answers later?" AWOR rhetorically pointed out, as I could only shrug.

"...I was just curious and hoping you could provide something instead of wasting a wish for knowledge…" I dryly admitted while AWOR sipped on her tea again. While this talk has been highly informative, I should get back and stop having people use my body like a puppet on strings.

The next moment, we heard Ishmael speaking again. "Arakan, the battle is over. Miss Xiao Long's talking to her mother. You may have your body back." The sister of AWOR spoke up, as black hands I had seen before when I was here appeared from the ground before grabbing me and pulling me into the ground simultaneously.

Oh, fucks sake! Could they send me back to my body instead of this bloody way?! This shit is terrifying!

I let a surprised yelp as AWOR absent-mindedly watched as I got dragged away, "Again, seriously!?" I yelled out as the darkness overtook me.

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Ishmael could only smile as she parried a blow from Raven before sending a quick roundabout kick that launched the Branwen tribe leader with her aura shimmering. That was all the goddess needed to know: Raven's aura was near depletion. But they had been fighting for some time, and she should relinquish control of her champion's body soon as possible.

She had enough fun for now.

Now satisfied with some action she'd received, Ishmael used her powers and appeared before the fall Maiden and grabbed her, palm first in the face. Then, with enough force to send anyone flying into space, Ishmael threw Cinder into the air before teleporting ahead of where Cinder would be as she reappeared and slammed the Fall maiden down with her heel on her torso full force into the ground.

Shattering what's left of her aura upon impact with the ground.

Landing before Cinder, Ishmael simply grabbed the Fall maiden by the throat as she had before to Zack with a grin. "I could simply kill you right now, but even discarded pawns have their uses. We will no doubt see each other again. Pray the fall doesn't kill you." And with a simple toss, Ishmael threw the Fall maiden into the dark depths of the abyss.

Raven wasn't that far behind, but her aura was on the verge of breaking, and her body was too exhausted to move or even lift her sword. Nevertheless, through sheer will not to collapse, Raven pushed herself back to her feet as she glared at this… goddess that possessed that Faunus boy with an abnormally large fox tail.

Yet, without looking at Raven, Ishmael walked towards the deceased body of Vernal as she rested her dead body on her arms. Brushing her fingers over Vernal's cold dead lips, Raven's eyes widened as she saw teal aura slowly pour out of her lips and gather into a ball of aura on Ishmael's hand as she turned to face the Spring Maiden.

"I see… Vernal truly is loyal to you. I see it in her memories. But even she fears death and hoped you would keep her by your side. Commendable. For a bandit. No matter. May she rest well in the afterlife and be reborn anew." Ishmael mutters, and with a clench of her hand, Vernal's soul dissipates and vanishes as the goddess stood up.

"Do you truly think that you could run off with both the powers of the Spring Maiden and the Relic of Knowledge in hand? Because magic attracts Grimm, keeping them by your side would only bring more to come for you. And bring the eyes of the witch upon you." Ishmael let out a chuckle as she slowly walked towards Raven.

"Why should I believe you?" Raven asked, as Ishmael picked up that there was doubt in her voice.

"It is simple, really. I have no reason to lie to you." She states her words as fact. "Have you ever wondered why the moon's shattered? Why does Grimm exist? Or the eternal conflict between Ozpin and Salem happens in the first place? Hmm?" Ishmael let a second pass as she smirked.

"The brother gods were behind it all… Every. Single. One. Of. Them. They are not the merciful Gods you think they are in books and texts." Ishmael began walking around Raven as the goddess continued. "They are Outsiders. Traitors. Thieves. Parasites…"

"They crave power to perform their crude experiments, you know? And unlike you, they fought us instead of running when caught. Compared to the cowardly rat I see in front of me." Ishmael mocked as Raven grits her teeth.

"I am no coward…"

"Is that so? Or is that what you say to convince yourself that you are brave? You act strong but feed on the weak and let the survivors die from the Grimm. Do you know how many souls cry out for the Branwen Tribe's end?" Ishmael smirked as she stared into Raven's red eyes. "Hundreds… Thousands… I will be your judge when you die eventually… from natural or unnatural causes. You can't run from death, little mortal."

Ishmael giggled in the Spring maiden's face before returning and turning her head. "I'm done monologuing to you. Besides, we have someone else here who I'm sure wishes to talk to you." Ishmael says as Raven finally notices that her daughter has arrived relatively unharmed.

"She's all yours." That was all Ishmael casually said while Yang could only nervously watch as this Ishmael possessing her friend walked past her. Nevertheless, Yang immediately brought her focus back to her mother.

"Raven…"

"Yang…"

Knowing that Miss Xiao Long could handle the rest, Ishmael smiled as she sent a mental message to the afterlife. She had spent long enough in this body. "Arakan, the battle is over. Miss Xiao Long's talking to her mother. You may have your body back." And so, Ishmael returned to the afterlife before Zack's eyes flashed purple as he gasped and collapsed, his hands and knees on the ground while Yang and Raven argued behind him.

"I'm back…" Zack could only mutter when he realised that he was in Haven's Vault for some reason. And that means that at the moment, Yang and Raven are arguing in the background. "And I'm here… Kinda wished Ishmael had told me what the hell happened while she was in my body…" Again, Zack could only mutter to himself when he noticed something.

One. His white shirt was bloodied and had a hole which exposed scar tissue where Cinder had impaled him with a spear. Right… that happened.

And two. Oathkeeper is not with him at all! Did Ishmael seriously just leave his Father's precious sword back up at the Grand Hall? Shaking his head, the fox Faunusstood back up and turned his attention to the mother and daughter, still arguing.

"Because you're afraid of Salem!!! And if you thought having Maiden powers put a target on your back, imagine what she'll do when she finds out you have a Relic. She'll come after you with everything she has. Or she can come after me. And I'll be standing there, waiting for her." Yang definitely said.

"That's… what she said…" Raven muttered as her eyes turned to Zack, who looked around before pointing at himself. Yet, Raven ignores the Fox Faunus as she continues. Though more sombre than before. "You don't want to do this, Yang."

"Nope. But I'm gonna do it anyway." Yang shook her head as Zack walked up.

"I do not know what Ishmael said to you, but if you were to ask me, it is better to fight Salem than lie down and wait for death to take us. If you want not to get involved, go ahead, leave while you can." Yang could only nod at her friend's comment, but she could tell that Zack looked shaken.

Closing her eyes briefly, Yang walks forward and bumps her mother out of the way as she passes by her, before Zack did the same. Yet as they walked past the Branwen tribe leader, Raven could only look down before turning to see her daughter and Ozpin's host approach the Relic chamber as a tear dripped from her eye.

"I... I'm sorry…"

"You're way too late for that, Raven… Even if you do care for your daughter…" Zack thought bitterly momentarily as he turned and saw tears welling in Yang's eyes.

"Yeah... Me too." Taking a deep breath, Zack turned his eyes towards the doorway and the vast desert with the Relic of Knowledge floating there. And then, Yang and Zack heard the sounds of portals and wings flapping. One moment, Raven was there.

The next, she's gone.

Only a single black feather remained for both to see. Zack could only suck air into his lungs as he rested his hand on Yang's shoulder. "You good there?" The fox Faunus could only ask as Yang wiped a tear from her eyes. "If you wish to cry, I wouldn't recommend you hold it back."

Yang could only tearfully break down as she fell to her knees before Zack joined in and gently pulled her into a hug, which Yang accepted and reciprocated as the fox Faunus could only stay by his friend's side while her body trembled with every sob and whimper. Usually, he would feel embarrassed about having such an intimate moment with such a beautiful woman hugging him.

But right now, his friend needs help to get her emotions in control, and he will provide it.

It took only moments, but eventually, Yang managed to recompose herself as Zack gently broke the hug, and with a gentle smile on his face, he asked for her assurance. "Much better now?" The fox Faunus could only ask as Yang smiled back.

"Yeah. Thanks for that… I… really need it." Yang murmured as the Fox Faunus's cheek blushed for a second before he stood up with his hand out.

"Come, we still have the relic to collect." Zack's eyes turned towards the Relic of Knowledge through the doorway before returning to Yang's violet eyes. "Would you like the honours, Yang?" Zack asked as Yang shook her head.

"Well. I didn't really do much. It seemed that it was all you… uh, Ishmael, that did the work. Right?" Yang could only ask as Zack shrugged.

"I wasn't conscious at the time, well… more like stuck in the afterlife while she uses my body." Zack sheepishly admits as Yang chuckles as she takes his hand.

"She brought Pyrrha back. Do you know that?" Yang softly asked as Zack slowly pulled her off the ground as nodded his head to confirm.

"It was her idea to come back to help us." Zack softly spoke. "Pyrrha was always there watching our journey ever since the fall. But with her purpose here finished, the Sisters of Twilight will likely want her back in the afterlife."

"…Sisters of Twilight?" Yang froze in confusion as the fox Faunus waved his hand.

"I will explain later in the morning. But are you sure you don't wish to take it? I still need time to process some stuff, and you managed to talk Raven out of it. In my eyes, you deserve the first touch." Zack smiled before he began rubbing his chin, his mind left to wonder as Yang rolled her eyes with a smile.

"What's on your mind that you need to think through? Is it because you hugged a beautiful girl like me who needs comfort for the first time?" Yang teasingly poked, and that caused Zack's eyes to shoot open before he began sputtering, followed by a punch coming from him on the shoulder.

"Nothing like that, Yang! Just go get the Relic, please!" Zack points at the Relic of Knowledge as his cheeks turn red like Ruby's cape. Yang could only giggle at Zack's reaction as she walked in to retrieve the Relic. He is far too easy to tease. And as she could hear Zack speaking in another language, and his tone made it sound like he was cursing out loud.

Though… Yang really wants to know what Zack's saying. It sounded similar to her name in a way. Perhaps when she gets the chance, she could ask him about it

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Zack's POV

After angrily cursing out in Mandarin over Yang's teasing and calming down, I silently watched as Yang entered through the doorway to retrieve the Relic of Knowledge, and I was in awe. To see such a Relic with my own eyes and not from the web show is different. As crazy as it sounds, I could feel the magical energies from here, and the tattoos on my arm, I could feel it tingling.

Wanting… needing.

Glancing at the back of my hand, I could see the eyes on the fox tattoos shimmering with purple light. I'm thankful for AWOR's assistance, but I need time to think about my talk with her. And share it with my friends, and they need- no. They deserve to know it as well.

"Zack?" I heard Yang call out to me. I could see her holding the Relic of Knowledge as she looked at me worriedly. "You, okay?"

I shook my head. I needed to be honest with them. All of them. I'm… not doing too hot after my screw-up earlier. "We'll…" My eyes hardened once I looked into Yang's violet eyes. "Let us go back up. It's time to end the battle for Haven."

"And then what?" Yang then asked as she handed the Relic over to me as I took it from her. And as soon I grabbed the Relic, I could feel the magic slowly seeping into my arm.

"We'll go through a debriefing and preparations for our next plan. I don't want to decide without everyone's thoughts on the matter." I bluntly said as I turned and approached the platform to take us back up. But I was unaware of the concerned look Yang gave me before she followed after me.

Without looking at Yang as the platform took us back up, a sigh left my mouth as I felt both physically and mentally exhausted from everything. Then, bringing my hand up, I pulled my hood up before Yang spoke again.

"Is Ozpin awake?" I could only silently shake my head.

"No, he is not there. Most likely in a sleep-like state, if that makes any sense." I mumbled before the platform finally reached the Grand Hall. And once Yang and I were almost at the top, I could hear Emerald speaking, hoping Cinder would emerge from the Vault.

"It's not over! Cinder will come back, she'll have the Relic, and she'll stop all of you! She won't let us down."

Yet to her shock, Cinder did not show up. Only Yang and I were the only ones on the platform as they all stared at both of us with the Relic of Knowledge in my hand. And it was almost like the web show in detail.

Emerald, Mercury, and Hazel were on my left. And the rest of everyone else on my right. Well, with the addition of Pyrrha and Neo. And then there was Blake there as well. I had to shuffle a chuckle that Salem's side was outnumbered as hell, but it was still impressive they still managed to cling on for this long.

A shame for them that it doesn't go as planned.

"Yang…" Ruby smiled at her sister before turning her head towards me with the same smile. "Zack…" I could tell that she was delighted I was alright after I got stabbed and after Ishmaels's possession.

Cinder's side, however, did not react well. Emerald soon collapsed and began sobbing while Mercury and Hazel slowly backed away. I should have ordered everyone to try to stop them from escaping, but, honestly, perhaps it's a dumb idea, but I want them to leave to keep the timeline as close and accurate as possible.

Nevertheless, it happened, with Mercury calling Emerald to snap out of it before she let out a scream and unleashed her semblance. And… Gods… Seeing how Emerald perceived Salem for the first time back on Earth was terrifying. But now? I can see why everyone was spooked by that after seeing it personally. I was too.

Sucking in my breath to recompose myself, I stood up again as Blake shakily asked. "Wha-- what was that?" Blake asked as I walked to the edge of the walkway fence and leaned on it, then I spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"That is an illusion of Salem, everyone. A close on, but not too far from the actual one." I said as I slowly pushed myself off the fence, walked down the stairs with the Relic in hand, and approached team JNPR talking to each other now that the battle was over.

"I'm so sorry, but I can't stay here, Jaune." Pyrrha tearfully says as all of JNR hug her tightly until they see me closing in. But my lips were shut as a sincere smile grew at the scene before me. Team JNPR reunited but for a moment. It may be bittersweet that Pyrrha is still technically dead, but perhaps…

This is what team JNPR needs to move on, knowing that Pyrrha's always watching them in the afterlife. And upon all of them seeing me watching them, team JNPR broke off as Pyrrha turned her head to team RW_Y gathered together while Blake checked on her parents, who ran in.

"Can I… talk to them first?" Pyrrha asked as I offered a shrug while I stuck my thumb at team RW_Y behind me.

"Go ahead. I'm sure the sisters will understand."

And I got a smile from Pyrrha as she thanked me. "Thank you, Zack." And then Pyrrha ran off as Jaune was next holding Oathkeeper in his hand.

"Jaune, thanks for saving my life back there. I owe you one." I expressed my gratitude to Jaune, who smiled and waved it off, while at the same time, he passed Oathkeeper back to me, which I accepted and placed back in its sheath.

"No, Zack, thank you for bringing Pyrrha back to us, even if it is temporary." Jaune wiped a tear as I smiled and closed my eyes. Then Nora appeared at my side before she gave me a bear hug.

"Yes! Thank you!" Nora giggled as I winced slightly but rolled my eyes at her shenanigans. Ren then butt in with an important question that made Nora drop me.

"Zack, who was that in control of your body?" I could only rub my chin and sigh.

"That was AWOR's sister, Ishmael. She borrowed my body to help everyone while I remained in the afterlife for some time. We have many things to discuss later, but where is Leon?" I then changed the topic as Nora pointed at a wall, and a confused look quickly appeared on my face.

Uhm… Why is Leon pinned to the wall by crystals on his limbs and mouth?

Ignoring everyone else, I ran towards Leon, still stuck on the wall, and pulled my hood down.Yet, the Headmaster of Haven still looked terrified as he tiredly struggled to get out of his bindings. "How the hell did this happen?" I wondered internally before AWOR suddenly whispered in my head.

"All Arakans have a hereditary Semblance. Like the Schnee family with their Glyphs, my sister has taken the time to forcefully unlocked yours. Use it to free Lionheart from the wall."

I have a semblance now?! Yes! Finally! I have something to call my own and… Uh… Wait, how am I supposed to use it?

While wondering how I was supposed to use my semblance, Neo walked into my view as she began using Hush to poke Leon in the chest while silently giggling to herself at his misfortune. I only rolled my eye as I had an idea and got into my stance with my arm out.

And what next caught me off guard.

Those crystals covering Leon's mouth and limbs began dissipating into particles as the cowardly Headmaster fell to the floor, gasping for breath. At the same time, Neo expressed her curiosity about what I just did but shrugged before she resumed poking him.

Those same particles soon gathered in my hand as they condensed before crystallising into a purple crystal. "The Arakan's semblance is an advanced form of Dust manipulation. Feel free to experiment with it, and may this ability serve you well in your quest, little fox." Ishmael spoke in my head as Dust crystal floated above my hand.

This looks a lot like Gravity Dust, but… it's different. I can feel it. It feels more… more condensed. Powerful.

I could pass it to Weiss for her to figure out its properties later.

Glancing at Neo, I watched as she gave me a finger salute and vanished with her semblance. I guess it makes sense for her to take her leave right now with the police here. Perhaps I'll contact her tomorrow.

I turned my eyes back on Leon while he slowly got up from the ground. "Leonardo Lionheart. You and I need to talk. Personally," I spoke as Qrow walked beside me as I passed him the Relic of Knowledge. "Qrow, take the Relic and check on everyone. Leave Leon to me."

I glared at the traitorous Headmaster as the Dust crystal in my hand became particles again before it flowed into his arms and became crystal handcuffs. Much to Qrow's surprise that I developed a semblance.

"Kid, you have a Semblance now?" Qrow could only ask as I nodded my head.

"Yeah, AWOR's sister forcefully unlocked it, and it's called Dust Manipulation. Now, besides that, tell every to go home and get some rest. Tomorrow morning we'll do a debrief about what happened this day, our next actions, and what I learned during my time in the afterlife." I explained before I grabbed Leon by the shoulder and dragged him away, and as I did, I watched as team RWBY were in their group hug, as were JNPR again.

Also, the Belladonnas were not that far away with Sun by their side from Blake, not wishing to interfere with her reunion with her team.

And now that I think about it, I could have asked AWOR if Summer's in the afterlife.

Dang it! Oh well… there's next time.

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While team RWBY were still hugging out upon their reunion, Ruby could only display a concerned look when she noticed her fox friend walking off with Leon to somewhere, while Qrow slowly approached with what she could tell was the Relic in hand. Ruby soon broke a hug when her sister noticed her expression.

"Rubes, is something wrong?" Yang asked while Ruby silently stared at the doorway, which Zack walked through with Leon handcuffed.

"Where did Zack go off to?" Ruby could only ask when her uncle provided the answer.

"Kiddo went off to settle some stuff with Leon. He asks me to tell ya to go back and get some rest first, and then we'll do a debrief session in the morning." Qrow answered as Weiss had her eyes on the Relic of Knowledge in Qrow's hand.

"Mr Branwen, I assume the lantern in your hand is the Relic?" Weiss asked as the veteran Huntsman nodded, though Blake, who didn't know what was happening, could only mutter.

"I know we just got together again. But, can someone tell me what's going on?" Blake could only ask. "And who is that? And why is his tail abnormally large?"

"Oh, that's Zack Arakan! He is a friend of ours!" Ruby smiled as Yang chimed in.

"And also, our headmaster Ozpin."

"Pardon?" Blake uttered in bafflement, "Did you just say that his name was Zack Arakan?" The cat Faunus then asked as the rest of team RWBY were now at a loss about Blake's sudden reaction to their friend.

"Uh yeah, why? Is there something special about his name?" Ruby could only ask, while Blake adopted a thoughtful look.

"There were tales back where I was from that the Arakans were the first Faunus to walk on Remnant. But unfortunately, there isn't much information about who they were since they have disappeared for centuries. But if I get the chance, can I see him? He could know our people's history."

Blake then made a request as team RW_Y then glanced at each other, and with a nod, the ex-heiress spoke. "I don't see a problem with that, Blake," Weiss hums, "He will still be going to get a mouthful from me for not watching himself over."

"You sure that's the reason, Weiss? I think something is going on the inside." Yang cheekily smiled, while the Schnee glared at her friend.

"What are you implying, Miss Xiao Long?" Weiss could only ask while Yang, for some reason beyond her, had a smug smile.

"Oh, nothing much," Yang proceeded to wave her hands. "I feel you care about our foxy friend more than you realise…" Yang began to titter, and before Weiss could deny and verbally retaliate back, team JNPR walked in while Qrow drank his canteen and walked off with a gentle smile.

"Guys… Pyrrha's going to leave now." Jaune sombrely spoke up, but he still had a bittersweet smile. "She had stayed here for too long."

"I'm sorry!" Pyrrha apologised. "But I have to go now. I can't stay here longer than I hoped."

Ruby zipped over and hugged her red-headed friend for, perhaps, the final time. "I know… but I'm glad to see you again, Pyrrha… I'm sorry I couldn't save you that day." Tears begin to drip down Ruby's cheeks, while Invincible Girl reciprocates back.

"Don't blame yourself, Ruby." Pyrrha did her best to comfort her friend as her body shimmered slightly. "I'm proud to see how far you have gone. And don't worry about me. I'll always be by your side. The same goes for all of you." Pyrrha smiled.

Soon both Team RWBY and JNPR had one final group hug, with poor Ruby and Pyrrha somewhat crushed in the middle. And once they all broke apart. Pyrrha could only wipe the tear from her eyes as her body began to glow in the colour of her aura as everyone stepped back.

"Thank you. All of you for everything. Coming to Beacon was the best decision of my life. If it wasn't for that, I never have gotten the chance to meet all of you." Pyrrha gave one more thankful smile as her emerald eyes landed on the boy she loved.

"Farewell, everyone. May we see each other again in the next life." And with that, Pyrrha dissolved into red particles that travelled through the winds and returned to the afterlife. Always there to watch her friends from the world beyond Remnant. Tears began streaming down most of team RWBY and JNR's faces as they waved a final goodbye to their friend.

"Oh my… That happened." Another voice joined in the form of Blake's mother, Kali. As she, her husband and Sun walked in. "I don't wish to intrude about what happened, but Blake, care to introduce your friends to us?" Kali asked as Blake wiped her tears with a nod.

"I can."

"Uh, what's going on here?" Sun could only ask as he scratched his head with his monkey tail. "Did I just see Pyrrha again?"

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Zack's POV

"How are you alive?" I heard Leon asking me as I dragged him by the shoulder as we walked back to his office through the hallways of Haven. "You died. And yet, you here again… Where's Ozpin?"

I rolled my eyes and turned towards Leon, still looking cowardly as he was earlier. "Having an ally that can amplify aura to speed up healing will do that, and for your other question. Oz's resting now."

"Oh…" Leon's eyes soon fell to the floor as he asked again. "Why am I alive still? I shouldn't be alive! Not after what I did. I've crossed a line... I've done things that Ozpin will never forgive."

"You're right," I confirmed his fears but did not look at him as I could hear him holding his breath. "You cannot be forgiven for selling out Huntsman to keep yourself alive, nor will we forget it. Have you ever heard the proverb, keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer?" I vaguely asked as Leon shook his head before I grunted.

"Hump. Expected. You can still be of use to us. While you did betray our trust, you did it because you let fear overtake and cloud your judgement. And tomorrow, I intend to use the Relic to find a Permanent way to stop Salem." I explained.

Sure, telling him what I'm about to do next to a traitor, but I just want to rub it into his face. "But Salem can't be stopped." Leon weakly commented as I nodded my head.

"That may be the case, but I believe that nothing is impossible. And I intend to rectify Oz's mistake."

"Then… why… am I alive, then?" Leon asked again.

"A traitor like you need to repent for what you did. For the lives you sent to die." I explained further as I remembered that we were close to his office from Ozpin's memories. It is… nostalgic to be walking through these hallways again. "And what better way than to leave you alive? If Salem can be permanently defeated, you will have to live the rest of your life that you sentence several lives to their deaths for no reason." I admitted with a cruel grin as we reached the door that led to Leon's office.

And with a flick of my hand and a command in my head, the crystal handcuffs on Leonardo's hand dissolved into particles and gathered in my hand. "You are going in there and luring out Salem's seer. So, it may trouble you no longer." I explained as I pointed at Leon's office door.

"Get moving and act like the coward you are." I dryly said, as Leon could only nervously nod as he pretended to rush into his office in a panic before running behind his desk while frantically opening his drawers, faking that he was trying to look for something. At the same time, I lie my back against the wall.

Waiting for Salem to come. And it came in the form of ominous clicking noises, which I picked up and heard Salem herself.

"And where might you be going?" Salem curiously asked, as her voice was familiar to my mind. The memories of whenever she and Ozma talked. A frown soon crawled on my face as I slowly unsheathed Oathkeeper not to alert the Seer.

"Uh, your grace!" I picked up Leon, stammering his words as he then nervously chuckled as he continued. "I was just looking for something." He spoke again as I rolled my eyes. Does he really think that would make Salem spare him by trying to lie to her face?

"Leonardo, do you have something you wish to tell me?" Salem asked as I took a deep breath before I dashed in from behind.

"Yeah! Got six words for you!" I yelled out as the Seer, and in a way, Salem barely had enough time to react when I came in with Oathkeeper and sliced off the tentacles of the Seer and sent a powerful kick to the crystal ball.

"He has nothing to tell you!" I finished off as the Seer crashed into one of Leon's bookshelves. With Oathkeeper still drawn and in my stance, I slowly approached the Seer as I could see Salem's calm yet, furious reaction to my interception. The crystal ball on the Seer was also cracked from my kick and impact against Leon's bookshelves.

As I raised my guard, I heard Leon scrambling to the other side of his office and away from the Seer. Is he serious?

Whatever.

"I see… you're the mysterious Faunus with an abnormal-sized tail… how strange…" Salem observed as her red eyes stared into my yellow-golden eyes, as I could feel my fear crawling down my back. Salem's eyes then shifted to my belt with Ozpin's cane.

In hindsight, I should have shifted it to my back pocket, but it was Ozpin's fault. That's why it was on my side! I swear! "I see… you're Ozma's new host. This explains so much." Salem let out a menacing giggle as the Seer slowly floated back, only for me to put my foot and force it back on the ground.

"Not yet, Salem," I growled as I held Oathkeeper up while putting more pressure on the Seer below me. "I am still me right now. And I will never stop until you're stopped for good." Again, I growled as Salem laughed at my attempt at bravado.

"Yes, but for how long do you think you have? How long before he takes over, little boy? You're over your head if you think you can stop me." Salem questioned, as I felt my body tense momentarily when she smiled. "But what if I offer a way to free yourself from my dear Ozma?"

For a second, my thoughts wanted to accept that perhaps… there was a chance to free myself from this burden with Salem's help. But… That's selfish, and I would betray what I'm fighting for! I would never be able to forgive myself if I were to agree to her proposal and play into her manipulations! Rage filled my mind over everything that had transpired and Salem's attempt to manipulate me being the last straw before I let out a scream full of fury with gritted teeth before plunging Oathkeeper into the crystal ball.

"NEVER!" The Seer lets out a dying screech as it slowly dissolves into nothing. However, Salem did not react, but instead watched me with disappointment.

"A shame… it would have been much simpler if you had taken my offer…" The witch muttered as the crystal ball began disintegrating before I fell to my knees while panting. To think she has the balls to try and temp me to give in like this! And her offer is straight-up insulting!

Does she think me a fool?!

Catching my breath, I pushed myself back to my feet as I turned towards Leon in the corner with his weapon out, aiming at me. I have no time for this nonsense, and I'm exhausted. Rolling my eyes, I walked past Leonardo, and before I left his office, I turned my head. "You are to meet us at we're staying. I will have Qrow send you the location."

I sheathed Oathkeeper back onto my back as I continued talking. "If you fail to turn up, I will find you before dragging your ass to our place. And I won't hesitate to kill you if you try to run again. Have a lovely day, Headmaster."

I muttered and gave Leon a bow before leaving him behind in his partially ruined office and back into the hallways. Okay, time to make my way back to the gang if they're still there. If now, back to my room to sleep in. After changing.

Stifling a yawn from escaping from my lips with my hand, I was reminded of another quirk. I get incredibly cranky and pissed if I don't get my sleep. Doesn't help that I could feel my eyes slowly drooping, and I could barely keep awake as I pushed myself onwards. I don't want to explain why I suddenly passed out in the hallway…

With the battle of Haven done and in a somewhat better situation with Leon back on our side, the main question is how we will get to Argus, and I want everyone's thoughts on the matter.

And we need to get to Atlas… Ironwood. I pray I can stop your fear and paranoia before it gets to the point you become a dictator and ruin every chance we have to stop Salem, old friend…

Wait. Did I just…?

"Eh, I'm too tired to worry about that…" I talked under my breath as I glanced at the grappling hook on my gauntlet. Yeah, I will need to install a new hook since my previous one is stuck on the ceiling since Cinder burned its cords.

And it wasn't long until I arrived at the Grand Hall with a purple crystal floating in my hand that was clearly not Gravity Dust but something else entirely.

And Team RWBY, JNR, Qrow, Kali, Ghira and Sun were still interrogated by the local Mistral police. Huh, Pyrrha's not there anymore... I guess she returned to the afterlife. As I slowly shuffled in, Ruby was the first to see me walking towards everyone.

"Zack!" Ruby cried out with joy as I had only a second to brace before Ruby rushed her semblance and crashed into me, and both she and I tumbled on the ground while every one of my friends ran after Ruby.

"Yes, I'm okay, Ruby! Can you perhaps stop hugging me in front of everyone here? It's embarrassing." I could only ask as my cheeks grew slightly red from my self-conscious while Ruby quickly broke off from me as a sheepish giggle came out of her mouth.

"I'm just glad you're okay. We're all worried about you!" She said as I got up and nodded at her before my eyes went over every one of my friends, and all were delighted to see me back, except for Weiss. I didn't even want to know what was happening to her, but I caught her eyes going from me to her partner and back to me.

And then Weiss stomped towards me and began jabbing her finger onto my chest, making me winch from how much strength she was putting into it. "You got a lot of nerve for acting like nothing was wrong after Cinder impaled you in the chest, Arakan!" Weiss began to rant as everyone was rendered silent. "Seriously! You told all of us to watch out for her, and yet you didn't do the same, you stupid dolt!"

"Is Weiss, ok?" I heard Blake whispering to Yang, who giggled.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that."

"Are you sure?"

"Yup."

"Are you trying to give us a heart attack or something? What do you have to say for yourself?!" Weiss pretty much interrogated me as my hands were raised. I get it, Weiss. I fucked up. Can you take a chill pill or something?

"Weiss! Can we let Zack explain himself?" Ruby stepped in before Weiss let out an angry huff but complied and stepped back to calm herself down. As for me, my cheeks blushed in embarrassment before I realised that Weiss made me drop my purple Dust crystal of something. Can I also mention that my friends were either smiling or giggling at my expense?

Anyway, with a flick of my hand, those crystals reassembled themselves back in my hand, much to everyone's surprise. "Yea… I'll admit, I got too cocky and pissed Cinder off too much," I admitted before grabbing the reformed dust crystal. "And because of that, she decided to impale me for my troubles. I promise I won't let my confidence get the best of me next time, Weiss. I swear." I continued before handing the Dust crystal to Weiss.

"Before anyone says it, yes. I also unlocked my Semblance in a way." I couldn't help myself as I smirked at their stunned looks. "From what I can tell, it is a form of Dust manipulation, but I need more time to experiment with it, and this is for you, Weiss."

"I'm not sure what kind of Dust Ishmael made, but I figured you could hopefully find its properties," I explained as Weiss gingerly took the purple Dust from me before I yawned. "All right… we can talk more tomorrow, guys. I'm exhausted." I mumbled as everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

And even more so, I could see Blake watching me curiously behind everyone else. "Blake Belladonna, don't ask how I know your name yet, I can tell you have questions, but I'll address them the next day. You can stay where we're staying at." I explained to our newcomer as she glanced at her friends, who nodded their heads back.

Blake eventually offered me a soft shrug. "Yeah, I can do that."

And thus, Volume Five is done. Team RWBY is united, Leon's alive, and the Relic is ours. Now, hopefully, things will go smoothly the next few days before we try and make our way to Atlas and shit will probably hit the fan again. Knowing our track record.

Hahh… I'm tired…