A Conjuror's journey

[PieceThruWar]

Abandoning Blake to care for the little girl her former leader had become, you made your way back to Vale to tend to something that had been gnawing at you for a while now. Namely, the two magicka signatures that popped up in Vale with no warning.

Upon initial arrival to Remnant, you'd noticed only nine sources of magicka, four of which were non-living artifacts and one being Ozpin. Seeing Yang's sudden inexplicable ability as likely being the so called 'Maiden' power you've heard mention of, you can surmise that one of the other two Maidens is also in Vale. The other one however... you did not sense it until recently.

If it were a more meager spark or this world not so devoid of magicka, perhaps that could be written off as you not looking hard enough. Since neither of those is the case, you can only assume they were hiding themselves from you. Actually, it would make more sense that they were hiding from what limited sense for detecting magicka that Ozpin might have, given how they have stopped doing so now that he is no longer in Vale.

The concerning part is that the individual in question makes the combined Maidens and Ozpin seem minuscule in comparison. In fact, two out of three of the artifacts are actually larger in raw power than whoever this is. If that wasn't enough to be worth investigating, one of the weaker pair of magical objects has disappeared. Since it was in an obfuscated location in Beacon until earlier that day, you can assume the new arrival has it in their possession.

Arriving at the general location of the person in question only makes matters more concerning as, having emerged from the Vale portal near Kwama Korps, you notice that the two resonances are coming from inside your establishment.

When you make your way through the halls to the employee lounge on the second floor, you find the air so thick with excess magicka that it almost feels as if you are back on the surface of the moon, exposed to the raw power of the sun. Recall ready, Ebonyflesh cast, and wishing you could still use the Dragonskin ability of your old body, you push into the room. What you find is a Grimm-toned woman in elaborate dress and the two Dallon girls gathered on a couch.

"Come in, come in." The woman says, a note of interest in her voice as she takes off a black and gold crown to set it on the table. It seems to thrum with power. "I've heard a number of good things about you, Cynric Tyne. I do so hope you live up to expectations."

Doing as told, you mask your wariness and approach to sit opposite her. "That would make two of us, though I cannot say the same is true in reverse."

"No... I would be more surprised if you could. Ozma always did have it in his head that he knew what was best for everyone, even in regards to who deserved to know what. I can see you have questions, feel free to ask what you wish. We can get to the heart of matters in due time."

Status: Healthy, Ebonyflesh active.
Chakra: (1000/1000)

Spoiler: individual energies

Magicka: (870/970)
Physical energy: (1000/1000)

Choose:
[] Ask about the crown.

[] Ozma?

[] You're more interested in the woman herself than any topic she might illuminate. Who and what is she to be so obscenely powerful? Whatever it is, you desire it for yourself. Is it replicable?

[] Address what happened to Amy. How did she get the magic you can sense in her and is it related to Yang's newfound power?

[] Cast Silence on her, grab the crown, and Recall out.

[] Write in.

-------------------------------
A/N: FYI, if you guys had waited to unlock your Aura and had Salem do it, assuming you manage an alliance, it would have started out stronger thanks to her experience and power.

 

[PieceThruWar]

"No... I would be more surprised if you could. Ozma always did have it in his head that he knew what was best for everyone, even in regards to who deserved to know what. I can see you have questions, feel free to ask what you wish. We can get to the heart of matters in due time."


"Ozma? You mean Ozpin, right?" Victoria asks casually, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she is the weakest being in the room.

"Of course not, why would she be talking about the guy we already know stole from her and lied all the time?"

"There's no need to be mean to your sister, Annabelle." Salem tells the ex-healer mildly, not taking her eyes from you.

Smirking, Victoria teases, "Yeah, Annabelle!"

"Amy." The girl corrects them both in a tone that suggested this wasn't the first time the mistake had been made.

"Yes. My apologies again, dear."

Ignoring the girl's response, you ponder what exactly you wish to ask. While you know her name from that time Ozpin, or Ozma as it seems is his real name, mentioned an 'evil' counterpart, you don't know much else. That she controls the Grimm to some degree is clear from what you've been told and her appearance would suggest a relation to them by itself. The crown is clearly an object of immense power and unknown purpose, something you feel a powerful compulsion to take for yourself, but resist out of a desire not to be obliterated by the near-deific being you'd be stealing from.

Asking about Salem herself could backfire if worded wrong, but seems an otherwise safer course of action and might lead to hints on attaining such strength for your own means.

Feigning a relaxed attitude, you state, "To be honest, I find myself most enchanted with the prospect of learning about the mysterious beauty before me."

"Beauty?" She asks with raised brow, sounding rather amused at the intentionally blatant attempt at flattery. "I have been called a great many things over the years since taking this appearance and none of them resembling 'beautiful'; repulsive, dark, terrible, witch, monster? All are much more fitting with the thoughts of men who witness my existence."

Well, that's... vaguely threatening, isn't it.

"That's horrible!" Victoria gasps, a nod from Amy echoing the sentiment. "Don't listen to them, they're-"

"Correct, in their limited ways." Salem cuts her off, clearly caring less for such opinions than for the fact that they'd been stated.

Backing down is hardly an option now that she latched onto that part of your words, the only choice is to double down lest it come as an insult should you just give up. Insulting her does not seem a wise idea. "I would argue that you are exotic. Some cannot appreciate such qualities."

"Oh? By your words, I take it that you can, then?"

Thinking on what to say in response, you evaluate her appearance. Beyond the veins, her skin is smooth and clear of other imperfections. Pale coloration is commonly held as a sign of wealth or good breeding in some parts of Tamriel, Cyrodillic and Highrock nobility seeing tanned skin as an indicator of needing to perform regular labor while High elves and the extinct Snow elves having regarded darker coloration as showing someone being of mixed blood. Salem's hair is also well kept and healthy in appearance, even if her method of styling it resembles a spider in a way that some fanatical Mephala cultists would applaud. Her general proportions are a bit on the slimmer side of what you've seen on Remnant, but her height is enough to lend a certain strength to her. Overall, she is objectively beautiful in the way of the Snow elves while possessing the less angular face of a Breton perhaps.

Voicing such observations serves to amuse her, as with a small laugh, she says, "That certainly raises other questions, but I suppose I can address your curiosity before my own."

"Long ago in the Western kingdom, a land that would eventually be split by a great earthquake, Regardless, I was born Salem Hamilton." Salem states after taking a few moments to collect her thoughts. "My father, King Argyle Hamilton, was... cautious. Overly so, especially with his only daughter. The days of my youth were spent gazing from a window atop a lonely tower, guarded by animated statues, ensnared beasts, and the most loyal of the kingdom's knights."

"So you're saying you're like a fairy tale princess?"

"Really, Amy?" Victoria asks with a shake of her head. "If what she's saying is true, no offense-"

"No, I understand. Continue." Salem waves her on with a knowing smile.

"Right. If she's telling the truth, then she's... I don't know, millions of years old. Like, I don't remember how long it takes for plate tectonics to work, but continents move really slowly."

"Five hundred and six million."

As the three of you stare at the ancient being's nonchalant answer, some more obviously than others, the blonde openly gaping at her response.

"Mind you, that is a best estimate based on my observations of how fast the lands shifted over time. At least two thirds of that time passed while I was cut off from the world, consumed by agonizing pain as I sank deeper and deeper in the god of Darkness' power. Almost half again as much was spent mindlessly killing said god's creations, what would become the Grimm in modern times. One could say I've only truly lived the sixteen thousand years added atop the first twenty-nine before falling into that abyss."

Well... that neatly answers the questions you hadn't even gotten to yet. How did she get her immense power? Apparently by being drowned in divine energy, presumably belonging to the same being whose theft of that energy has annoyed Hircine. Is it replicable? Yes... if you are willing to attempt to absorb insane amounts of power over the course of eons feeling nothing but agony, anger a being who holds dominion over sphere's such as killing and hunting for sport, as well as risk being overwhelmed by absorbing too much too fast to adapt and destroying yourself at a nymic level.

This in mind, you have to ask, "How did you not die from that?"

"Quite simple: I cannot."

Her words are spoken with either complete conviction or perfect acting, because there is not a trace of falsehood in them or her body language. Salem's entire countenance is calm and controlled, if somewhat amused. And why wouldn't she be amused? If what she is saying is true, which you have no choice but to believe that she at least believes them to be, then there is literally nothing you can do that is more than an inconvenience to her... if even that.

"You can't what? Die?" Victoria asks in clear disbelief as your silence stretches on.

"Precisely. I was rescued from my father's misguided protectiveness by a talented young Spellsword and the two of us went on to get married. When he fell ill and died one fateful day, I set out to bring back the only happiness I had ever known... only to be cursed by those two wretched beings who would call themselves gods. They who were all powerful, unchanging, and unwilling to see the world from the perspective of those they wished to lord over from on high; their cruelty was swift and merciless. In an instant, they both cursed me to an eternal life while wiping away every other human on Remnant, washing their hands of this little 'project' of theirs."

"Uh... Okay..." Amy starts, drawing everyone's attention her way. "So then why are there still people everywhere? N-not that I'm doubting you or anything-"

Laying one white hand on her shoulder, Salem encourages, "Doubt is fine, Ann- Amy. Any intelligent young woman would be right to doubt such a tale without proof and you are still too new to your Maidenhood to be able to feel the difference between our existences. Your curiosity is a good thing, one that reminds me of my own daughter, but to answer your question; mankind as the world knows it now came from Dust."

"Dust?"

"It makes sense." You tell her, putting the idea together immediately. "Dust is a crystallized form of magicka that is prevented from leaving the planet because of the barrier in place above the atmosphere. Given long enough to coalesce and condense, it crystallizes and shifts in nature. The link between souls and magicka would theoretically be enough that if a soul had no place to go, it could make its way back into the world if enough magicka was available to create a body from the spiritual template."

Much like what happened with Summer Rose in fact, only with enough to bring them fully back to life. That... could bear investigating should you find a way to anchor your soul in a way unlike what you use for body transfer and lichdom. One that doesn't require doing so during an intentional death while near or on the intended target body... or needing a body in the first place since that would kind of miss the point.

Unaware of your thoughts, or maybe not, Salem appears intrigued by your explanation. "Fascinating. I had heard that you fancied yourself a wizard, but remained unconvinced. Potions, portals, skyships... I've heard these claims plenty of times before and always they turned out to be some act of more mundane sciences or simply a Semblance that pops up every now and again. And yet... Here you are. A weak, but entirely foreign magic as evident within you as the sun in the window and spouting magical knowledge that even I was unaware of until recently as if it were natural."

Her words might have made you feel slighted were it not a simple statement of fact; compared to her, your power is like a candle compared to Magnus' light. It isn't the first time you've had the thought, but you really hate first encounters with immortals.

Status: Healthy, Ebonyflesh active.
Chakra: (1000/1000)

Spoiler: individual energies

Magicka: (870/970)
Physical energy: (1000/1000)

Choose:
[] Ask about the crown.

[] Address what happened to Amy. How did she get the magic you can sense in her and is it related to Yang's newfound power?

[] Why is she being so open? The way she is sharing what should be privileged information is setting off all kinds of warnings in your head.

[] While she didn't ask, there is clear questioning in her tone. Volunteer some answers as to her questions on your origin.

[] Write in.

 

[PieceThruWar]

"Estimations of strength aside," You begin neutrally. "I posses foreign magic because I come from a world known as Nirn; a place where magic is much more common."

"Another world? Surely you're not claiming to come from the lifeless rocks that hang in the ether above. I have seen what your ship did to that heretofore unknown barrier, but I have it on good authority you arrived long before then."

Seeing that you have her interest, you nod. "True, but I never said I arrived her via ship."

You gather magicka to your hand for a costly display. It is a risk, but now is not the time for meekness. Her power is great enough that should she desire you dead, there is not much you could do but flee the realm entirely. At the same time, if you were to get her on your side as an ally or even just keep her a non-hostile party, then the risk is worth it.

Giving her actual information about Nirn or the gods without a more solid idea of where you stand in her regard sounds like a much less worthwhile endeavor. Knowing such things would just allow her to be prepared should she turn against you. This, however, is something she could already discover to be within your capability if she cared to look hard enough and might be enough enticement to not turn hostile.

Energy twists and pulls until a oval hole forms between Remnant and the upper atmosphere of Earth Bet. A mere moment is enough to feel the difference in the ambient magicka, or lack thereof, compared to that of Vale and Salem's eyes widen in genuine shock. Far in the distance, you can see a large winged humanoid hanging in the blackness, its unmoving form reminiscent of the Ayleid nobility described in texts. A press of unwanted mental manipulation from Victoria springs forth in the second before the portal closes, but you ignore it.

"A number of those within my organization come from different realms, universes separated from one another like flotsam on the sea. I managed to evacuate those I could and went to the closest mage for assistance in powering the portal long enough to save the rest, but that turned out to be Ozpin, who was less than willing to help."

The quiet that follows your brief explanation is unsettling. The Dallon girls seem dazed by the momentary reconnect with their brain symbiotes while Salem is staring at you with a covetous look in her glowing red eyes. Every second that drags on makes it seem as though the shadows in the room are lengthening, the light being sucked into the folds of her dark dress as you find yourself unable to look away from her gaze.

When she finally speaks, it is to state with finality, "You will be teaching that spell to me."

That... Well, clearly there was in fact a way for that to backfire, but it isn't unmanageable.

"Of course." You reply, because you're not an imbecile. The oppressing feeling abates somewhat at your easy agreement. "It would be poor form to start our relationship by holding our respective advantages over one another, no? I am certain we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement."

You might just be being paranoid after the previous subconscious display of power, but it almost feels as if she is debating whether or not to try pulling the information from you in a less cooperative manner. In the end, you are rescued when Amy snaps out of her fugue.

"I'm sorry, what about you two starting a relationship?"

Already looking a little green in the face, Victoria wobbles in place and asks, "I don't care if Cynric's weirdly hunky now, can we not talk about old people dating?"

"My apologies, girls. Perhaps this would be a good moment for the two of you to step out." Salem says with some amusement, raising a pale brow as if to ask you what was going on with them. Instead of waiting for an answer as they unsteadily vacate the room, she asks, "I came here to offer you a place within my circle or remove you as a threat depending on how our conversation went, but I find myself intrigued. Tell me, what exactly are you hoping for our... 'relationship' to entail? An exchange of goods and information, mutual alliance against threats, a trade of services? Or is it something more... personal that you wish of me?"

Though her tone is suggestive, her smirk makes it clear she doesn't think the girls' romantic insinuations hold any merit. It is a jest and allusion to offering of power in some form or another. And yet... You would have to be blind not to notice her treatment of the Dallon girls, Amy in particular. She is not some unfeeling caricature in the shape of a person. Is there something that could be considered personal that would benefit you? The ex-healer's sudden gaining of magic and Salem's misidentification of her would suggest the answer is yes.

Choose:
[] Explain Cattleya's mission to kill the gods of Remnant and try to enlist her aid in exchange.

[] Spiteful by nature, how could you not take that opening? "The latter; every Queen needs a fitting King and vice versa, no?"

[] Write in.

------------------------------------------
A/N:

Spoiler

Wait a minute isn't Cattelyna's quest to find a brass-tower? That couldn't be walk-brass could it?

Click to shrink...

While your information on the Towers is correct, this is a normal tower made of brass. Well, as normal as one can be when it has lasted for millions of years with no damage beyond the superficial. It's the one Salem's father had built to keep her locked away and protected from the world, leaving her trapped inside when he died and took the only knowledge of how to easily bypass the defenses with him.

 

[PieceThruWar]

"I came here to offer you a place within my circle or remove you as a threat depending on how our conversation went, but I find myself intrigued. Tell me, what exactly are you hoping for our... 'relationship' to entail? An exchange of goods and information, mutual alliance against threats, a trade of services? Or is it something more... personal that you wish of me?"

"I suppose it could be considered a rather personal request." You state wryly. "You see, a student of mine, sister to my Apprentice, has been blessed and given a quest by her god, a circumstance no doubt unique to this world."

Snorting in a most uncharacteristic way, from her presentation so far at least, Salem disagrees, "Not so unique as you might assume. Continue."

"Hircine, Lord of the Hunt, has taken many forms and aspects across the eras. One of these was cast off, useless or unwanted until found by others who would steal it. The decaying power within was not even a drop in the ocean of the strength of his Spheres, but it was enough to elevate the scavengers far above the power any normal mortal could hope to achieve. Being the Prince of Struggle, Sport, and other such concepts, Hircine has more of a sense of fairness than most deities and finds this effortless elevation over their peers through leeching from his refuse to be an insult. Cattleya being one of his followers willingly blessed with his gifts, was tasked with punishing them."

Pausing a beat, not to be dramatic, but to give her time to fully process that, you finish by saying, "I would ask your assistance in killing the gods of this world."

"Yes, I thought you might." Salem nods, completely unruffled by the declaration. Giving a small laugh, she explains, "I have a means of knowing when I will be presented with a significant choice, though not the knowledge of what that choice entails or the outcomes of what path is chosen. I wondered at the magnitude of impact our meeting was to have, but this is one of the few outcomes I could foresee as warranting such importance."

You struggle to resist showing your displeasure at being preempted by Mysticism. Clearly you will need to devise some way of occluding such methods being used against you, as this could very easily have been a trap. It still could be, though not necessarily one of fatal consequence or even negative ones, but acting on that even if it is true is just blind paranoia without Mysticism of your own to guide you through it.

Salem at least doesn't appear to be too inclined to care about your irritation and asks, "Cattleya... She is the damaged child sleeping aboard your ship, yes? Tyrian mentioned that was the name of the one I'd sent him here to investigate, though not the only one he'd discovered. You keep interesting company, Cynric."

"The company one keeps colors the perceptions of those around them, no?" You jest, though it has no effect on her.

"I suppose I can lend you aid, our plans do align after all, if in result rather than goal." Salem eventually tells you before asking, "Do you know yet how to find them?"

"Unfortunately not, our investigation was stymied when Cattleya was injured before we could make more than an attempt at scouting the glass wastes of menagerie."

Raising a brow, she hums, "Oh? I first discovered the girl when she killed one of my larger Grimm in that area, but why make the venture at all? Not much is out there, you know."

"I am unsure, to be honest." You tell her. "All I know on the matter is that the god of secrets told her she would find information on her targets if she found a brass tower located there."

A moment passes where the pale woman just stares blankly at you. It is a little unnerving, but not nearly as much as when a low chuckle escapes her lips and elevates into outright cackling. As her fit of mania reaches it's peak, she seems to remember herself.

Calming near immediately, which only serves to make the scene more unsettling with the sudden shift, she returns to her previous regality. "To think that not only are there more gods out there, but that they despise the Two Brothers enough that a god of secrets would go against his nature to spite them."

You're fairly certain that that isn't exactly true. Cattleya did mention a trade of information after all, so it was hardly a one sided exchange of secrets. Of course, knowing Hermaeus Mora's skewed values, she could have simply given him an old family recipe or the name of who she secretly lusted after during her years of confinement. None of this is something you intend to share, however, as robbing the immortal of her good humor sounds like a good way to ruin this otherwise positive first impression.

"Regardless, you need not continue that investigation." Salem states plainly. "That tower is the one my father made to keep me safe, having endured the test of time far better than anything else due to his over-protectiveness. Well, anything besides myself of course, something I'm sure he would be overjoyed to learn were he still alive."

Laughing along with her as is clearly expected, you agree with her first sentiment, "Test of time indeed; I would say you look not a day older than one thousand years, two at most."

Giving you an inquisitive glance, she doesn't laugh, but at least doesn't appear offended. "Hmm... Not even Watts would make such a joke and he is the least reverential of my current subordinates."

Refusing to flinch or freeze, you simply shrug. "You may be more powerful and immortal, but you are still human. Far moreso than the last immortal woman I met, so I trust you not to take offense to innocent humor."

"I would be interested in learning of this other woman you speak of, but that can wait for another time." She says, falling for your bluff. Taking the crown from the table, she stands and crosses the room on strides so smooth as to appear to hover with the movements hidden beneath her flowing dress. "I have matters to attend to, as I'm sure you do as well. We will meet again in two days time for another exchange of information and spellcraft."

Not a moment later, Salem doesn't seem to even care that you're still there, dismissing your presence as she peers out the window to look at the city of Vale. "What will you do once your gods are gone? Will you still place faith in your 'simpler' soul?"

Ignoring the way she is talking to herself as just the standard behavior of a seasoned mage, you exit the room as quietly as possible. It isn't as if she wasn't giving off an impression of the minor eccentric madness to be expected from any former mortal after countless eons throughout the entire meeting, a state you yourself will doubtlessly reach one day if things go your way.

Choose:
[] Get your new armor fitted and go speak with Louise on how to inform your local allies of the new situation involving Salem.

[] Two days of training-

-[] on and off physical training and hand seals.​

-[] Strictly hand seals, the fast you can manage them, the sooner you can work with the more esoteric ninja abilities that would be too magicka intensive to do otherwise.​

[] Simply prepare for the next meeting with Salem. This is important and you need to be focused. (Time skip)

[] Write in.


-----------------------
A/N: Congratulations, you didn't do anything to make her kill you or steal Cattleya or worse yet!

Spoiler

As an aside, I thought I'd note that the meta reason for Cynric's suddenly stumbling into misunderstandings with romantic situations is due to having some of Louise's DNA in his new body and her universe functions off of harem-anime tropes... though not as bad as the likes of Highschool DxD since it actually has more focus on plot with harem shenanigans thrown in and the whole 'did Louise win over the others in the end due to brainwashing' thing. It actually rubbed off on him a little bit even before the body swap, as there was clear hinting at the possibility all the way back in Dark Souls with Quelana.

Spoiler

You can fully expect a role reversal if he somehow switches gender like with the Dark Souls 2 coffin or pulling a DBZ style fusion with someone, clothing damage and perfectly inappropriate landings when bumping into people included.

 

[PieceThruWar]

Feeling the last plates being tightened on by the multi-armed machine that functioned as a sort of automated squire, you move through a series of basic movements to test the range of motion.

It isn't quite a second skin, but on the whole, your new armor is a comfortable fit and responsive enough that you only notice the slight delay in movements due to your enhanced perception. Certainly it is slimmer and less bulky than the armor it was based off of, let alone far smooth of movement in a way that seems a little gratuitous. No ordinary human or faunus would have been able to tell that it wasn't perfectly in sync. The fact that it is barely a fraction of a second slower than your absolute fastest possible actions is a sign of Raymond's skill, but definitely excessive if he intends to put the feature into any suits meant for baseline humans.

What this means for you though is that the suit will only support your movements up to a certain speed before functioning as a form of restraint. To counteract this, you do have the option to simply turn off the power assisted mode as you improve, but then the full weight of the armor is reliant on your body to move... which isn't so bad for short term situations, so not really a hindrance so much as an inconvenience.

You still intend to improve this in future models.

"This whole setup is supposed to be just for initial fittings." Raymond states, entering a command on his datapad. "Once you finish growing into your new body, we can get a final adjustment and you should be able to put it on and take it off in segments."

The reservoirs meant to house Gravity Dust instead of air are empty at the moment, but you can feel the thrumming power of the eezo core nestled between them on your back. Kinetic barriers snap into place and fade into invisibility as your Muffled steps carry you off the platform. Your white plates gleam in the fluorescent light, daedric clusters glowing a dim purple from the initial charge put into them. They'll need a filled soul gem to truly anchor their enchantments in the coming days, but a manual charge from the Void Voyager's magicka supply should be enough to hold for a few hours without dissipating.

Stepping in front of a turret that was set up in the armory for just this occasion, you nod. "You realize that we might be onto the second or third iteration by that point, yes?"

"Of course, but we'll still be working off of the same base until enough additions are made to require an entirely new model. Brace."

No sooner than he said that, the turret opens up with a stream of bullets. The projectiles come to a complete halt as they impact your barrier, falling to pile on the floor at your feet. This continues for several seconds before your helmet is filled with a shrill beeping and you can see the small blue meter at the bottom of your vision is at twenty-five percent. The moment it hits empty, the barrier pops and you rock back on your heels as bullets slam into your suit.

Now, the weapon fitted onto the turret is a mass effect powered anti-personnel rifle, but you still would have seen more damage to your armor under normal circumstances. The alloy plates are much stronger than the ceramic of the original design though, preventing any penetration whatsoever. More of the force is imparted into your body due to this, but it is spread out and you are much more durable than before, so it is no worse than a child's ineffectual slaps would be to a bull.

The turret on the other hand is quickly becoming dangerously unstable as the magically reflected damage chips away at its mountings.

An excellent demonstration.

As the turret's emergency shutoff engages, you grab the armored face-plate by the horns and deactivate the helmet, letting the hybridized mechashift technology fold the majority away while you clip the mask onto your hip.

----------------------------

You arrive at the Schnee manor in Atlas not two hours later.

Rather than take the Voyager and invite investigation, you simply slipped through the portal in Atlas while under Invisibility before Levitating the rest of the way. While the manor has a level of sophistication to its marble pillars and many windows overlooking the courtyard below, it pales in comparison to many you've seen. Whereas the Colovian highlands are home to sprawling compounds filled with lavish gardens and similarly constructed buildings, the Schnee's residence looks more akin to a government building or even a hotel than a wealthy individual's home. Not to be misunderstood, Atlas' floating landmass is impressive, but you've seen a flying continent and even the magically and technologically regressed Vallière's possessed a better estate before your intervention.

Strange snowflake-on-plinth statues take center stage along the approach to the front door and you pass by an elongated automobile featuring a slender reptile similar in general body plan to a clannfear on the way. You catch a flash of movement in one of the upstairs windows while inspecting the small ornament and hurry on your way just in time to step up to the door as a balding butler opens it.

"Evenin' Gov, 'sa right chilly night t'be out for a stroll innit?" The man asks, his gruff speech at odds with his well groomed appearance and elegant surroundings.

Ignoring that as a likely ploy to catch visitors off guard, you note that the interior is naught but pale blues and greys to accentuate the primarily white architecture. Unsurprisingly, another large snowflake dominates the entry hall.

Observations made and no sign of traps or hidden attackers, you reply, "It would seem so, but luckily I am quite accustomed to such weather. Tell me, is the young lady of the house in?"

"Miss Weiss?" He blinks in surprise, his eyes changing alongside his dialect and tone. "I do believe she's in the study with a friend. Would you like me to let her know of your arrival?"

At your nod, he gestures you into a side room to wait. Inside, you find yourself at a long dining table staring up at a rather large portrait of a crimson-caped knight in gleaming armor as white as his hair.

"My great grandfather."

Turning, you raise a brow. "That was far faster than anticipated."

"Yes, well... We happened to see you coming." Weiss says with hands folded in front of her as the door swings closed.

"We?" You ask, because Louise certainly isn't with her.

Instead of answering, the heiress simply raises a hand to her head. Lifting her bangs out of the way, you're given an unobscured view of the familiar style of runes glowing on her forehead.

"She didn't..." You don't continue that thought.

Why would you when the truth is staring you in the face? Your apprentice, for whatever reason, has chosen to bind her friend in the same manner that she bound Tsun. In a sense, you're somewhat proud of the ruthlessness and practicality of doing so since that means the SDC is practically hers once the Schnee Patriarch eventually passes. At the same time, that ruthlessness is something of a cause for worry.

After all, if she is no longer holding herself back from inflicting such treatment upon those she considers friends, what are the odds of her turning those same methods upon you?

"I'll have you know, it isn't as bad as whatever you're thinking." Weiss rolls her eyes. "Not being able to stay upset with someone is far from the worst thing in the world and besides, it's not like she's controlling me. I'm still my own person."

That is exactly what a mind-controlled slave would say.

Instead of voicing that opinion, you ask, "If you insist. Will Louise be joining us? I have an important topic to discuss and I hoped to hear from both of you on what needed to be done about it."

Nodding, Weiss puts one hand on her hip and snaps with the other, an almost two foot wide portal opening in response. Once the webbing stabilizes and the skein spiders cease their posturing, Louise dives through and rolls to her feet.

Dusting herself off, the pinkette greets you with a smile. "Master Cynric, what are you doing here? N-not that you're unwelcome. I just didn't expect... You've been busy lately, so I just thought... Your armor looks nice?"

"Thank you." You reply with a smirk. "Though I could ask you the same thing, what with the way you branded your friend here."

Embarrassed, the pinkette looks away. "I-I didn't want to, it just sort of happened that way."

At your skeptical expression, Weiss steps in to explain, "There wasn't much she could do after binding my father in a much more extreme way. I wasn't just going to ignore that even if her was a terrible person and she couldn't let me go. This way what's left of my father can slowly transfer everything to me and retreat from the public eye due to 'health reasons' while I take over."

"And you are fine with this?" You ask for lack of any better response to the fact that your apprentice had gone farther than you'd imagined.

Binding Weiss and waiting for a natural progression of events was one thing, but this? She was practically stealing a page out of the books of historical figures such as Jagar Tharn or the Wolf Queen. This would invite scrutiny, as a major economic and political figure like Jacques Schnee was the type of person who people always watched for their next move. Surely this would complicate matters with Ironwood even if he doesn't learn of the real cause for the exchange of power, but if she successfully pulls it off?

Well, the potential rewards are plentiful and the odds in her favor.

Shrugging, the bound heiress replies, "It might not be how I wanted it to happen, but I was going to take over some day anyway. At least this way I can help my friends and make some much needed changes sooner than I'd ever thought possible."

"Since you brought them up, my reason for visiting has to do with those same friends." You tell them, leaning back in your seat. "Do you two remember the significance of the name Salem?"

"The intelligence behind the Grimm?" Weiss asks when Louise simply nods firmly.

"I was approached by her at Kwama Korp headquarters yesterd-"

"What?!" Louise demands, at your side with Aura enhanced speed. Irides glowing scarlet against the flat black nothingness of her sclera, she growls, "If she hurt you or the others, I'll kill her!"

Chuckling, you shake your head. "She claims to be completely immortal and I would rather not test that theory since we have struck a tentative alliance."

Eyes widening, Louise goes silent while Weiss staggers back as if slapped. "You made an alliance?"

"Yes."

"With Salem?"

"Correct."

"To be clear, this is the same Salem who controls the Grimm?"

"Indeed, she even shares a bit of a resemblance to them. At least in coloration."

"The Grimm that have been trying to wipe out humanity for all of history?"

Leaning forward, you respond, "It almost sounds as if you disapprove, Miss Schnee."

"Really? I wonder why." Her acerbic tone does her no favors. Relenting, she sits back down with a heavy sigh. "Immortal... That's... It's no wonder this has gone on for so long."

Well, she isn't wrong. From Salem's story, you have a vague idea of how things got to how they are now. She wasn't always against humanity, but that had been many ages ago. As far as the people of Remnant knew anymore, they had been at war with her, or at leas the Grimm, since the dawn of time.

"For what it is worth, she appears to be a perfectly reasonable woman." Your words draw a scoff from the heiress, earning a reproachful look from Louise. "Regardless of your opinion, what is done, is done. Now we need to focus on how to move forward and I would rather not have your group of friends kill yourselves by attacking her."

To say nothing of the trouble that could cause you in trying to maintain a positive relationship with the supremely dangerous woman.

"I'm not sure there's anything we can do to help." Louise admits quietly.

Nodding, the white haired girl agrees, "You can't exactly make this sort of thing sound better. We should just get everyone together and tell them what you just told us."

"I could do it if you want." Louise offers. Turning to Weiss, she asks, "We could bring them here to do it, right?"

Looking away with flushed cheeks, the Schnee fidgets with the hem of her skirt. "I... suppose."

Choose:
[] Make it an official meeting of your allied groups and gather everyone from Remnant who matters to the Schnee manor; the Dallons, Blake as Louise's friend and to represent the Belladonnas, RHPL, DASY, and Sienna.

-[] Ironwood as well.​

-[] No Ironwood, let it be a surprise.​

[] Just bring Louise's friends and inform them of what happened.

-[] Have Weiss invite Penny too.​

[] You know what? You'd rather just invite Ruby to Salem's visit tomorrow so she, Louise, Weiss, and Amy can do the explaining to the others.

[] Write in.

Optional:
[] Get a tour of the manor and take a look at Louise's two newly bound Schnee servants.

[] Just move on.

-------------------------------
A/N: Omake series/spinoff idea up for grabs: Eve Taurus gets dropped off in an ordinary slice of life/shoujo anime world, forced to go to school in hopes to resocialize and rehabilitate her/him. Blake could be the Onee-san figure and the rest of the cast who could pop in from their multiversal travels at times.

Much welcomed fanart by Aleadrex

 

[PieceThruWar]

Of all the strange events that transpired recently, Sienna had to admit that sitting opposite Jacques Schnee in a less than hostile meeting still felt the most surreal.

A parasite? Grimm were always horrifying, this was just another form of the same. An attempted coup? Expected to happen to any leader eventually, even if she hadn't thought it would be Adam of all people... Gods, when had they gone so wrong?

The intent behind the meeting wasn't as surprising as the event itself. Oh, the Grimm have a leader who wants an alliance? All this meant was that that insane serial killer, Callows, hadn't been quite as insane as she'd assumed. It wasn't as if it was hard to believe that there was an intelligence guiding the creatures of Grimm, even coming from an endless source, their numbers were routinely beaten down. On their own, civilization wouldn't be relegated to less than two dozen cities and a fluctuating number of smaller settlements.

No, having the enemy of her people pouring her drink with out a flicker of recognition in his empty eyes was much less believable. More so than if he hadn't been affected by... whatever had evidently happened, but still hard to accept as real.

Of course, the rest of the gathered people weren't necessarily of the same opinion.

"Salem controls those Grimm things?" The blonde human, Victoria something-or-other, sounded like she'd been punched in the gut. "But she seemed so nice!"

"So does Cynric most of the time, but the guy's a literal necromancer straight out of a fantasy book." The other blonde, who happened to look exactly like a larger version of the first if you ignored the giant burning spider that replaced her legs.

If Sienna remembered their introductions correctly, the girl, also Victoria, had somehow passed herself off as a spider-faunus. How anyone fell for that, she had no idea. No faunus had traits that unbalanced toward the animal side. The most Sienna herself had ever seen were fish-faunus who had their legs replaced with fins, not an entire monstrous spider! It was unthinkable and clearly showed how ignorant the humans were that they actually believed the girl's blatant lie.

Maybe it wasn't just the humans, since Blake had apparently fallen for it too. Shifting her eyes to Belladonna, she sighed. "Ridiculous."

"You got something to say, Kitty?" Amy, the brunette sister asked defensively, misunderstanding her statement.

Rolling her eyes, Sienna ignored the misled hostility as the Schnee girl asked, "Straight to racism? Very mature, it's a shame you and father can't discuss ideologies."

"I'm not-"

Interrupting her sister's denials, the human Victoria asked, "Can we talk about that? I mean, I can't be the only one concerned by him doing his best Tsun impression, right?"

"That's a bit rude to Tsun, don't you think?" The lone boy spoke, needing no introduction for Sienna to recognize him as the Arc scion. The hair and emblem made it rather obvious.

"Yeah, he's a bit... reserved, but not a brain-dead zombie like this dude." The other blonde, Yang, said and Blake nodded in agreement. "No offense, Weiss-cream."

Something about what the girl said made Tyne, his apprentice, the Dallons, and Schnee's daughter display various degrees of amusement and disgust. Hinata, the white pupilless-eyed child who radiated danger just smiled nervously.

"The nauseating infatuation you two have with my servant aside, I... might have put too much magic into binding Weiss' father." The pink haired girl admitted, sounding more like a child who knocked over a vase than someone who destroyed a man's mind. "I didn't mean to, but he brought it on himself for threatening Cattleya."

Jaques Schnee threatening the shapeshifting Ursa Major that could create giant golems? That made her snort in amusement. And here she'd thought the man intelligent despite their enmity... clearly he had just been extraordinarily lucky until now.

For whatever reason, Tyne seemed to have surrounded himself with children. Why, Sienna could only guess, probably because they were powerful in some way while still being easier to influence than adults. It hardly mattered to her. She couldn't care less if he liked listening to their squabbling, it was a waste of her valuable time to sit and hear them drag the conversation through tangents.

---------------------------​

"Kill him, torture his family, or enslave him like he's so fond of doing to my people, I don't care. We're not here for any of that!" Sienna's growl cut through the conversation with ease.

You'd wondered how long she would last. A people person, Sienna is not.

"Sienna..." Blake warned too quietly for most in the room to hear, but by Sienna's ear's twitching and Hinata's flickering gaze, you weren't the only one to catch it.

Having caught everyone's attention, the tigress ignored her. "I want to know what this 'Salem' intends."

"She's kind of, y'know, the queen of all the monsters that have been at war with humanity since forever." Yang made sure to point out. "I'm pretty sure we know what she wants."

Shaking your head, you tell them, "Salem claims to only control what Grimm are near her. Anything beyond roughly fifty miles either follows general orders if given previously or acts on their own."

"And we're supposed to take her at her word? I've fought coordinated hordes across Remnant and I highly doubt she was there for every one of those battles."

Trying to mollify Sienna, who was losing her composure, you reply, "Having left what could reasonably be assumed her maximum range, I am inclined to believe her. The Grimm outside of Remnant's atmosphere all acted like mindless beasts and she has given me no reason to doubt her sincerity."

"One of her creatures invaded my body!"

Right, that. Well, Sienna might have good reason for her reservations... though she perhaps hadn't thought through her declaration. Now the gathered teens were staring at her.

Coughing into her fist with a blush, Weiss speaks up, "M-my condolences, that must have been unpleasant. Regardless, we have an opportunity to bring about the first real peace in recorded history. I think a little... forgiveness might be warranted."

"Um..." A voice starts, drawing all eyes to Pyrrha. The redhead's apparent ostracization over the Arc boy's near murder meant she rarely spoke up the few times you've seen her. "I understand my input might not be welcome..."

Whatever their differences, perhaps they'd been working on resolving them, because Jaune exchanged looks with Yang before telling her, "We're all friends here, Pyrrha. Go on."

"Yeah..." She doesn't sound convinced, looking down at the table. "I- I was just going to say... maybe we shouldn't team up with the Queen of the Grimm? We're Huntsmen and Huntresses. We should be working to defeat the Grimm, not-"

A giggle broke out to her left.

Grinning, Ruby chirps, "Yeah, you're right! We just need to beat them, why didn't I think of that?!"

Your eyes meet Louise's and she gives a helpless shrug as you both know what's happening. By the expression on Yang's face, she does too.

"Oh, right." She continues, slapping a hand to her forehead. "Because that's impossible!"

"Ruby, calm down." Her sister tries, visibly regretting the table between them, but is brushed off.

'Telling people to calm down always works. Good idea, child.' You think, marveling at the girl's idiocy.

"Why? Because I'm supposed to cheer up and go back to normal? So we can throw our lives away fighting a pointless war for no reason?"

Arc apparently cannot help himself, asking, "Isn't protecting people a good enough reason?"

"Oh, grow up, Jaune." Ruby scoffs, causing him to recoil. This... is not the same bright and cheerful girl you recall meeting a while back, so you can only imagine how her peers must feel. "We could kill thousands of Grimm and rescue a hundred villages and it wouldn't matter. The longer we fight, the more people die because we can't actually protect them all. We can't be everywhere, we can't kill all the Grimm, and even if Salem's lying about being immortal, killing her just means we lose any chance at ever stopping the Grimm. In case you didn't hear, the Grimm are on other planets too."

Nikos stepped in to argue for the blonde boy, "Yes, b-"

A wasted effort.

"Giant ones. Like, 'could bite an Atlas cruiser in half' giant and that's just what we saw from the moon!" Pushing herself away from the table, the girl threw her hood over her head and made for the door, pausing long enough to add, "We either take her offer and make peace, or every death from here on out is on our hands. I know what side I'm on."

As the doors swung back and forth on their hinges, Weiss gracefully stood to speak. "Well, if we're all agreed?"

Yang's burning fist met the table, scattering pieces everywhere.


------------------------------
A/N:

Spoiler: This Quest's Future

So, I realize that it's been a long while... almost five months really, but I got sick and some free time to do some review of the story and type, so I thought I should at least let you guys see the results of the last vote. Now we come to a dilemma; do we continue on from this point in spite of the slower update rate or do we let it die? As I've said, this is much harder to do a quick update for than my other stories due to just how much has happened in the 3 years it's been running (did a double-take at that) and needs to be accounted for.

I enjoy the shenanigans, don't get me wrong, but the chaos really hasn't made it easier to track and I lost some of my notes to corrupted files. I figure we can continue from this chapter and I can put in a vote option, we can leave it as is, or we can do something... different.

You see, I had several outcomes pre-planned for the eventual confrontation with the Two Brothers at the end of this Arc... assuming you guys didn't go off and do some random shit to destroy any semblance of order that was building up. Again.

Anyway, if agreed upon, we could go for Outcome 3 of 5: Goodish Bad, But Not Completely Terrible And Actually Kind Of Useful. This one was honestly the most likely to happen so long as you were moderately prepared for the confrontation (meaning at least having all of the relics) and was specifically going to change things up quite a bit in regards to how much I would need to manage. The Note Corruption hit me like a sack of bricks and had me scheming against it for a bit. I think you guys would enjoy it and I would make a new thread to clear things up.

 

[PieceThruWar]

Reposting this because I realized that the last one wasn't threadmarked, so no notification was sent out to inform those who aren't aware of what is going on.

Alright, so I've read through the discussion and I've decided to go ahead and make a new thread. Here's the link, stop on by for the first chapter.

Void Voyaging

A sea of stars stretched into infinity.

Corpses floated by the external camera's, installed when non-visual means of sensing failed to accurately track the beasts made of decaying Divinity. Dozens, hundred, thousands even; the twisted, mindless creatures had come from every nook, crevice, crater, and debris field they could hide in. Try as they might, the nightmare reflections of animals proved unable to cause significant damage to the ship.

A Staff that harnessed a source of power so vast as to be incomprehensible fueling the ship's shields; no claw or tooth or battering might could leave so much as a scratch. A Crown providing foresight as to the importance held by the wearer's decisions; the combined wisdom, experience, and skills of the crew could better contemplate the best actions to take. A Sword forged of Darkness with a single purpose; no defense would be enough. An expended Lamp, questioned one last time and drained of power; their goal was within reach, all four Relics united for a single cause.

The Void Voyager set out to slay the gods.
​

---

This is probably going to be my last post in this thread. Please take any new comments, questions, or concerns to the new thread.