Bloody Evolution (RWBY / LoR)
- Thread starter Naron
- Start date
- Crossover
Well, we want to see her face when she receive that instruction?
Though, for a more IC reasoning: This is a magic thingy, he is the local magic expert, why shouldn't we contact him about it?
- Location
- Earth
Not quite the point, but it does not really matter, either.
On another note: looking at it, I believe something people wanted is finally going to happen. This chapter is also going to get a mite longer than average. And no, I am not going to tell you what the thing is. Except that it is not the Saffron/Miltia smut nobody asked for but I know a lot of you'd want to see
Thebigpieman
I've got this, I think.
- Location
- United States
Ugh fine.Except that it is not the Saffron/Miltia smut nobody asked for but I know a lot of you'd want to see
Give us the smut boss, do it you won't.
Except that it is not the Saffron/Miltia smut nobody asked for but I know a lot of you'd want to see
Important question: is Melanie envious?
Edit:
Wait, why is the invisitext icon not appearing here?
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kaillll
Judgment Upon You
A threesome is not out of the question. A King will do as she please!
Although I hope she don't have a vore fetish
oh and I altered the color myself.
Although I hope she don't have a vore fetish
Theres a button for that？
oh and I altered the color myself.
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- Location
- Attached to a wall
- Pronouns
- She/Her
A trick that makes it stand out in sunlight mode.Wait, was is the invisitext icon not appearing here?
- Location
- Earth
Joke's on you, I use Light Mode
That is all I will say on the matter.
Courage is an adult woman. Weiss may not be yet, depending on Remnant's laws, but she absolutely reached age of consent.
That is all I will say on the matter.
Envious? Yes. She low-key wants a relationship like that. Jealous? No, she is not particularly interested in making it a triangle.Important question: is Melanie envious?
Well, the second part is obvious, it would already be the case if she wanted it, I don't think the king of greed would have problems with having more, and the twins are close enough in personalities that if one was ok with it, the other probably would too.
As for the Courage and Weiss thing:
Well, that's a(n) (stupid) idea on how to dodge the curse: make it so that Weiss is not a *friend* but a *girlfriend*, totally seems Legit.
- Location
- Earth
- Location
- Attached to a wall
- Pronouns
- She/Her
*Girlfriend* could still be thought of as a kind of *friend*. Courage should propose, because *Fiancé* or a *Wife*, couldn't possibly be mistaken for a friend
As a reminder, sisters are not friends
So you mean that we should arrange it so that Tai adopts Weiss, and then Weiss marry Courage, that way they can have two more sisters. Got it.
engiSonic
Yesterday's Minder
- Location
- Under Artificial Skies
- Pronouns
- He/They
Hang on, I need to make a chart or something.So you mean that we should arrange it so that Tai adopts Weiss, and then Weiss marry Courage, that way they can have two more sisters. Got it.
I forget, do all the Magical Girls consider themselves sisters, or just sisters-in-arms?
questioningmeme
Just be yourself
- Location
- River of Light
Why can't it be both?
25. Innocent Malice
- Location
- Earth
Release it, to rejoin the whole. But contact Ozpin first, to make sure you know where it's going
Binah looks at the cage for one long moment. Then she reaches out and opens the lid. Courage watches the imprisoned light flit away without comment; the faint softening of her expression can not be hidden, however.
Binah herself smiles for another reason and glances at you. What need is there to call on Ozpin when you already told her where the magic is headed?
The pair parts soon after, Binah to see about getting rid of that Dust and Courage to start scouting for test subjects. Thankfully, there is a Dust shop just down the street; the owner happily buys the entire load off her below normal rates. Binah cares little for money at this stage in the game. If she wished, she could simply make more Dust.
Then again, the most efficient creation process requires death. She almost laughs out loud at the implications, well aware how a Wing would handle such a matter. Then again, mass abductions are less feasible on Remnant, doubly so with Sable and the magical girls in close proximity.
While the bird remains absent, Love drops by mere hours later. Saffron, the twins, Anemone, Weiss, and Ruby all follow in her wake. "I want to show you something," Love says, expression severe. "And I need everyone there for it. Where is Courage?"
"Here," her sister announces as she walks out of the basement. "What do you need?"
Love manages a faint smile, but it soon dies. She glances to the women accompanying them, then sighs. "She wants out. And I'm going to let her." Purple sparks dance around her with the announcement, but an annoyed look snuffs them out. Her sisters have tensed up. "So we need to go far away and I want all of you there to make sure she behaves like she promised."
How intriguing. Binah studies Love more closely, but finds only resolve. There is some shuffling around the room, though all of her sisters focus intently on the four quite fragile human women among their group. Saffron frowns. "So that is why you wanted them to stay behind," she says. "I have to agree with you now."
Miltia arches a brow at her girlfriend while Melanie crosses her arms. "Yeah, fuck that." "We're already in too deep." They both glare back at Saffron's less than enthused expression.
"I can only agree with their assessment," Weiss adds. She calmly meets Courage's concealed eyes, though her gaze flicks to Anemone as well. "With the three of you present, I imagine we will be safe enough."
"Uhhh, what they said?" Ruby points at the older girls, then wilts away when three unimpressed looks go her way. "And, um, we can just run away if something goes wrong, right?"
"Yes," Melanie deadpans. "We can just run away from the teleporting laser snake."
"Enough," Binah cuts them off. Her grin remains unsettling for the younger women as she appreciates them all for a moment. "Your desires shall be met. Pray that you will not come to regret them." So saying, she turns to the magical girls; all four of them are in various states of disagreement, but none voices her thoughts. "Take us all to the plains."
As the sisters begin to prepare their spell, Binah's attention turns back to Ruby. "The other three I understand," she muses, "but how did you come to join our merry group?"
Ruby shrugs awkwardly. "A coincidence? I was hanging out with Love when she got all weird and ran off. So I kinda just followed her around."
Miltia laughs behind her back while Weiss offers Ruby an understanding nod. A moment later, they stand in the valean plains.
Several battles with the King of Greed have rearranged the landscape; sinkholes were opened and filled, forming a miniature ravine across the countryside. A small lake has filled from underground flows. Pillars of amber, silver, and gold sprout from a number of hills. A barren strip of land still speaks of the potent acid Courage once deployed.
The sun sits low on the horizon as they watch Love transform; Binah weathers the unsettling sight without so much as a twitch, though Miltia can only barely stop herself from losing her lunch. Weiss and Melanie keep their composure better, but the surprise there is Ruby. Much like she had little reaction to the corpses that day, she watches with something akin to awe.
Is that girl a born psychopath, or simply more resilient than one would expect?
Binah sadly can not investigate just yet. The Queen of Hatred towers over them all, a malevolent aura surrounding her. Empty eyeholes glare down at those gathered, but there is no sign of hostility. Barely any tension, even. The serpent's tongue flicks out, tasting the air. "Champions," she hisses with disdain. "Heroes. Fools. Sisters." Then her head tilts ever so faintly, attention squarely on Binah. "Arbiter."
"Villain," she greets the Queen in turn. Her grin grows a notch wider as a gargling growl is strangled in the serpent's throat. "Or do you prefer to be called monster, instead?"
Even still, there is no attack. She spits something corrosive in front of Binah's feet, the dissolving patch of grass ignored by both. "Spare me your ridiculous attempts," the Queen retorts. Then her scaled snout twitches into a grin of her own. "Who are you to call me a monster to begin with? Takes one to know one, no?"
"Do you expect me to deny my nature now?"
"Fair enough."
The Queen turns away, ignoring everyone else. She spreads her wings under the evening sun and flicks out her tongue a few more times. Just like the first time she emerged, she seems almost innocently curious. Binah watches her slither a few metres, though a spike of amber stops the serpent. Saffron appears above, arms folded.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Wherever I please. A failure like yourself ought to not stand in my way, lest she be crushed." The moment she finishes the sentence, a pink ooze flows from between the Queen's scales. She shudders and shakes herself, hissing. The excess dissipates the moment it leaves her body. "She may call you sister," the serpent says to Saffron, "but I will not allow you to ruin what few concession we could agree on."
She then proceeds to slither ahead, her weight alone crushing the pillar into fine powder. Saffron floats back to evade, dumbfounded; the Queen's first insult clearly hit her.
Everyone watches as the being who devastated Vale not too long ago crouches low to study flowers and lap up water. One of her colossal hands even reaches down to pluck one and bring it up for inspection.
"Just out of curiousity," Miltia starts slowly with a look going to the other magical girls and Binah, "but that's not normal, right?"
The sisters shake their heads, but Binah is too busy watching the serpent to respond. This is more than just intriguing. The Queen of Hatred acts with rational thought and even care; of course she still waltzes over flowerbeds once she is done appreciating them, but it is clear she became curious.
While Miltia and Anemone comfort Saffron, Courage floats up and follows the Queen next. "You spoke of concessions," she leads into her question. "What did you and Love agree on?" A flicker of audible curiousity and hope make it clear what she seeks to learn here.
In turn, the Queen studies Courage. "You are adequate," she reasons. Courage does not react to the indirect praise. "Our agreement is simple: she lets me do as I please, when I so desire. And in turn I only destroy what she wants destroyed."
"You let yourself be shackled like that?"
"I only wish to destroy, who or what does not matter. We have both changed, foolish guardian. An accord was formed, for neither of us can exist without the other. But you can not repeat the feat, now can you? I rule over hatred, for I am queen. You are but a mere servant to wrath."
Where Saffron was hurt by the Queen's idle musings, Courage remains undeterred. "You were a mere beast in the past as well," she reasons. "So if you can change, then so can she."
"Does she speak to you, then? My sister Wrath? Does she whisper encouragement to lay waste to your enemies? Does she comment on the words you speak and actions you take? Or is she merely screaming in incoherent rage?"
To this, Courage has no response. The Queen snorts and slithers into the nearby lake. Her scales soon glisten as she enjoys her bath.
While the thoughtful magical girl returns however, Miltia rolls her eyes. "Did we seriously come out here to watch that thing play around and insult us?" She glances around, but neither her sister nor Weiss have an answer. Ruby just shrugs awkwardly. Miltia sighs. "Figures. But you know what? No. Fuck this, and fuck her." So saying, she grabs Saffron's hand and drags her away.
"Bold," Anemone muses quietly. After the conversations her sisters each had with the Queen, she does not seem in any hurry to talk to her. Right now however, she manages a smile. "But I guess one needs to be bold to catch Saffron's interest like that."
It is certainly true that their relationship has lasted for longer than anyone anticipated. Miltia Malachite is a headstrong woman, having earned Binah's respect through tenacity and determination. She faced the King of Greed five times. But even then, a single misstep can make it all crumble. Binah smirks at the thought, well aware how easy such would be to engineer.
"Whether her choice was for the best is yet to be seen," she muses.
The lovebirds' impromptu date lasts till sunset, at which point the Queen reluctantly hands control back to Love. She behaved perfectly, content with exploring nature; she smelled flowers, dug in the dirt, splashed in the water. All things which a being born deep underground could never do before.
In the end, everyone returns to Vale after some relaxation. Love is positive she does not need as much supervision for the Queen, not even considering it may be a ploy to lower her guard. Then again, Binah doubts it is; the serpent can be conniving in battle, but she has yet to withhold her true opinion in conversation.
Monday passes peacefully, though she spots Penny in the crowd once; the artificial girl does not even notice Binah, clearly deep in thought. There is neither hide nor hair from Ozpin, which is telling.
Tuesday however, a shadow falls across Vale. Binah watches from the front of her tea house how airborne battleships float across the border and take formation above the city. Not just one or two escorts, but an entire fleet. People across town behold this spectacle and an air of upset spreads; with so many Grimm exterminated three months ago, the area surrounding Vale was rather quite safe of late. So much firepower can be a precaution, but it can also mean that a powerful enemy is expected.
Moreover, it is a display of power by a foreign nation. Regardless of any treaties and arrangements, James Ironwood is letting the people of Vale know that he does not believe them capable of defending themselves. Binah has yet to meet him, but she already knows a great deal of his opinions.
With the fleet comes a floating isle; completely mechanical, a colosseum in which the games shall take place. This certainly draws Binah's interest; the City is devoid of similar marvels, created in cooperation between the four original kingdoms. A sign of unity and peace, though yet ignorant of the fledgling that is Menagerie. The Vytal Festival is slated for every second year and rotates through the four. Another affront, if perhaps unintentional. Although there is a representative of the fifth kingdom present.
Binah has little time to muse on Remnant's political climate. About an hour after the atlesean fleet arrived and dropships swarmed across the perimeter, two soldiers enter the Nirvana without even an attempt to be inconspicuous. All eyes are on their combat armour and helmets, visors hiding all but their mouths from view.
Suffice it to say, Binah is unimpressed.
One man and one woman, neither quite comfortable with the fact they have to approach her. They hide it admirably and stop in front of Binah's table; one could hear a pin drop in the silence.
"Binah Gale?" the woman asks needlessly. She clearly has practice with situations like these.
Binah does not give her the chance to follow the script. She sips her tea without a care. "I see he is as straightforward in delivering invitations as he is baring his fangs at the world," she taunts the pair. "I received the message and will follow at my convenience."
They both shuffle a little awkwardly. The man speaks up next: "Ma'am, you're expected soon. Our orders are-" "Irrelevant."
Well aware of the surprised crowd watching them, Binah places the cup down. "I do not tend the whims of fools as if they owned me. General Ironwood will have his meeting if and when I decide he receives it. If that is not to his liking, he is welcome to approach me personally." Her smirk grows a fraction at the helpless indignation now welling in both soldiers. "After all," she finishes with a motion toward her business, "it would not do to up and leave when there are yet customers to be served."
That is a bold-faced lie and everyone knows it. At the same time, nobody dares call her out on it. The soldiers cave and shuffle aside to radio in Binah's response. Excited chatter sadly prevents anyone from listening in. To add insult to injury while pretending to smooth over ruffled feathers, Binah offers the disgruntled pair a cup of tea before they can leave. To her own surprise, they accept after some hesitation.
Chances are they were ordered not to annoy Binah.
"Was it necessary to antagonise these people?" Courage asks of her a little later, once the soldiers have left.
"No," Binah returns primly. She takes a sip of her refilled cup and glances at the diminutive woman by her side. "But it will be entertaining."
Courage does not dignify that with a response and time passes; General Ironwood does not grace the Nirvana with his presence, not that she expected him to.
Binah sends a message to Ozpin around closing time to let him know she is ready to meet now. Once he responds in the affirmative, she heads out on her lonesome. As past situations revealed, these clandestine meetings are best had without tagalongs; the game is nowhere near as fun when her opposition can just get the answers from whoever stands behind Binah, after all.
After a pleasant stroll across Vale and the final Bullhead to Beacon, Binah is greeted by a gruff man in a prim suit. Piercing, red eyes meet hers in an attempt to stare Binah down; unsuccessfully, of course. His every breath carries the pungent smell of alcohol. More curiously, Sable is sat on his shoulder.
"So you're her," he drawls, slicking back his jet black hair. "The lady everyone's been talking about. Name's Qrow, I'm filling in until they found new combat instructors." He tries to sound gruff, but the faint hesitation between words and clear attempt to keep from wincing make it clear he mourns the losses.
"You already know I am known as Binah, then. What a peculiar bird you have accompanying you, though." She casts a glance to Sable, whose head tilts this way and that. Qrow peers aside and shrugs, making the bird flap his wings to stay balanced.
"That guy? Yeah, he just hangs out. I mean, I guess it's a he? I didn't check." His nonchalant comment still receives an affirmative chirp from Sable. "Guess I was right. Anyway, the big men wait for you. Jimmy's pretty pissed, let me tell ya." He motions to follow and almost breaks into laughter. A thumb points back at Binah. "Gotta hand it to ya, lady: you've got guts."
"Is it that, or am I simply riling up a man to see how he will react? I imagine you are familiar with this particular strategy, Qrow." Binah chuckles to herself, well aware he is attempting to do the same to her. "Unfortunately for you, it takes more than a few words to unsettle me. Although," she adds after a moment, "your bad breath may almost suffice toward such an endeavour."
"Heh, it's not that bad," he deflects. They both know it is. They pass a gaggle of students, one of which possesses prominent rabbit ears. The young woman shies away from Binah's gaze, prompting a chuckle from Qrow. "Geez, you could look at least a little nicer, y'know?"
"Alas, faux politeness is my only concession to society."
"Sure, you do you. By the by, with what I hear from Roman, you and I might just meet again sometime soon."
Now this is interesting. Binah has been wondering how an individual such as Qrow would enjoy enough trust to teach at Beacon of all schools. It seems the answer is that he belongs to Ozpin personally. An agent of some sort, adept at playing the drunk fool. Her amusement only grows. "I will receive you warmly when the time comes," Binah responds. "Although we do not serve any alcoholic beverages and I firmly disapprove of adding any to the tea."
"Heh, I'll live. Don't worry. Right through here now."
Though Qrow seems like a fool, he is surprisingly adept at hiding his actual feelings under a layer of jovial disinterest. Just like another once-empty man Binah knows. They are not exactly the same, though. This one bears not the same poison, just a creeping cold that affects no one but him.
As they step into an elevator, Binah begins to probe: "Do you have family, Qrow?"
He glances at her, a little wary but mostly nonchalant. "Yeah, kinda? Why do you ask?"
So no partner or children. Meaning a sibling, perhaps nieces or nephews. Roman could probably tell her this man's entire family tree if she asked, but doing it on her own is more interesting. "They must be quite precious to you."
He pauses at this and properly turns to look; his expression firmed up into something more serious and wary. "Okay, seriously, back the fuck off and stop saying ominous stuff like that."
"Like what exactly?" Ozpin interjects.
The door opened halfway through Qrow's rebuttal, revealing not just two headmasters, but a whole group of people. Love and Anemone stand along the wall with their teams while a woman clearly related to Weiss flanks Ironwood. The man himself glowers at Binah and Qrow as they enter, broad-shouldered and clearly one of the tallest men in the room.
While Qrow waves off the attempt at levity from his employer, Binah answers the question instead: "It is ever so curious to hear what binds great men and women to a realm or a person." She then strolls forward, well aware of how uncomfortable and worried the two teams of students appear. Her gaze rests on the man of the hour, though. "James Ironwood," Binah greets. "How kind of you to receive me."
Ozpin is amused, but also exasperated. Contrary to his relaxed posture, Ironwood almost but not quite gnashes his teeth; he rises to stand, easily a head taller than Binah. "You have quite the nerve to dictate terms and conditions," he begins curtly. "For the duration of the Vytal Festival, I am in charge of Vale's security. And there are several matters regarding you that need to be dealt with. Questions that need answering."
Love fidgets in the corner of Binah's eye, but she says nothing. The woman herself merely arches a brow. "And yet you had to comply with my whims," she returns idly. "From which I gather that you either lack the authority or the evidence required to force the issue. Or perhaps," she adds with a little smirk, "it is that you fear what I may do if pushed?"
Ironwood scowls. The older Schnee woman twitches. Neither loses their composure. Into the tense silence however, Yang's whisper is quite audible: "Is she seriously picking a fight with Ironwood?" She quickly realises that all eyes are on her and wilts bashfully.
Meanwhile, Love shrugs back at the other woman. "It's Binah, she pokes and prods at anyone she finds interesting." Either unaware or uncaring for the irritation among the visiting Atleseans, she continues: "It's how she has fun."
"Fun," Ironwood repeats. The distaste is clear in his voice. "Fun. More than a thousand dead, powerful and heretofore unseen creatures abound, but fun is the first thing that comes to mind?" His tone has Love slump even while he stares at Binah. She, in turn, smirks back and says nothing. The man leans in until their noses almost touch, brimming with anger. "I will have answers to my questions, or so help me I will see you in prison at the very least."
Binah remains firmly in place, neither advancing nor receding. "You can make the attempt," she taunts. "I wonder whom the people of Vale would side with? Although that may not matter in the end, what with that display of atlesean might in the sky. Will you ruin this flourishing city in pursuit of knowledge?"
"James."
A single word from Ozpin is all it takes for the general to regain his bearings. He retreats from Binah's personal space, expression back under control. There is no verbal rebuke for Binah, but Ozpin's unimpressed look makes it clear he will not have more games for now. "This is not an interrogation, Madame Gale," he assures kindly.
"Could've fooled me," Cardin mutters; his words carry just like Yang's did. So they were interrogated earlier.
Binah is tempted to keep prodding, but there is little gained of it now. She simply clasps her hands behind her back, the picture of nonchalance. "Very well. Ask your questions and I shall consider if they deserve an answer."
Qrow snorts in the background, leaning against a wall near the students. "Maybe you're just insane," he drawls. This earns him several shocked looks from the children, a scowl from the older Schnee woman, and absolutely nothing from either headmaster.
Ironwood starts pacing along the well-furnished office; Ozpin is the only one seated behind a vast desk. An elaborate setup of computer screens and terminals expands on the space taken up by stacks of papers. Meanwhile, several windows overlook Beacon, Vale, and the Emerald Forest. Clockwork ticks overhead. Hokma would adore this space.
"We have already questioned the students involved in your dealings," Ironwood finally starts with a nod toward the two teams. "You will answer these questions: who and what is the Queen of Hatred, where do Abnormalities come from, and why are they allowed to roam unsupervised?"
He has his back to Binah, but her smugness may just be palpable anyway. If it is answers he desires so much, then he shall have them.
"Abnormalities," Binah intones and knows all students perk up. Some of them were not even aware of the subject before tonight. "Are expressions of humankind's collective unconciousness. Fragments of stories and states of being, greater wills made manifest. Their powers are vast, as is the danger they represent if not handled with care. They are born in a river that flows beneath the world and continue to inflict their own views upon it.
"Such as the Queen of Hatred, the ultimate irony of all who seek to be heroes. For what is a hero but one who protects another? And where is there need for a hero unless another is in danger? This contradiction, the anguish of a fated hero who can never be, calls forth the Queen to become the very danger she once sought to battle."
Binah leaves a pregnant pause, well aware that Ironwood is not amused. Ozpin listened intently, having grasped a few more pertinent points than his counterpart. Love is not despondent in her spot, though; if anything, her grim expression has hardened in determination.
James Ironwood studies her with an inscrutable expression. When it becomes clear Binah has finished, he slowly reaches into his suit jacket. "Very well," he says, voice forcefully calm. "I figured you would continue to act like this. You said earlier I possess no proof of any wrongdoings, but that is quite wrong. After all," he finishes, and manages to surprise Binah for the first time since they met, "is this not an attempt on the SDC heiress's life? The Servant of Wrath?"
In a plastic bag dangles a pair of hairclips, oh so similar to antennae. Binah studies them for just a moment before her surprise fades. Her head turns fully to the students; had she done so earlier, she may have noticed Weiss's state before. The young woman is distraught and on the verge of tears. The magical girls by her side stand in wide-eyed shock, alternating between the stolen gift and its owner.
"Repeat your answer," Ironwood demands into the tense silence. "And this time speak in a concise manner."
He is not even aware the die is cast. A domino was tipped. Binah has half a mind to laugh at him. In the end, a single, soft chuckle looses from her throat.
"Is it I who attempted for her life, or is it you who endangers it needlessly?" Binah retorts. Winter Schnee draws a rapier in a single, fluid motion. Chances are it was her who confiscated the gift, and also that it is her presence that stops Weiss from protesting. Instead of acknowledging those two, she fully turns and focusses on the young heiress. "Have you given these up willingly?"
The present Gale sisters' gazes bore into Weiss, whose jaw works soundlessly. Her panicked gaze flickers to her sister and back to Binah, then she jerkily shakes her head.
"Poor child, to be forced in the middle of such a conflict against her will. I am starting to understand why it is you fled all the way to Vale."
"I do not know what you believe you are insinuating," Winter responds curtly, making herself heard for the first time, "but it will be better for you to stop doing so right this instant." She has taken a single step forward, but is blocked by Qrow.
Binah can only huff over the nonsense and studies the older Schnee sister now. "Your words speak of great wisdom, were you able to apply them to your own conduct, child." Shaking her head, Binah ignores the fuming woman and treads closer to Ironwood.
She knows exactly where to go from here.
"There was once a lush and beautiful forest," Binah starts. "Its inhabitants flourished and played, singing with joy that rang across the lands. A beautiful forest, home to three birds." Her recounting makes Sable twitch as she prowls across the room. None dare interrupt. "But one day, a traveler came. Wise yet unknown to the creatures of the forest. The birds found them suspicious and turned them away. Their response angered the traveler, who prophesized that tragedy would befall them. The lush forest would be steeped in sin, which would only cease when a terrible beast arrived; the sky would fall dark and the forest grow empty.
"This worried the birds, who always desired for their home to prosper. They vowed to themselves and each other to be the forest's guardians."
Though nobody interrupts, it is clear they are listening. Ozpin's brows are furrowed, the parable not lost on him. He already knows the way it will go.
"Big Bird, possessing countless eyes, began to watch the forest. For Big Bird's eyes could see far, and see things we can not see. But then someone asked Big Bird what would happen at night, when little light shone or the bird slept? So worried, Big Bird plucked off all his feathers and set them alight, creating an ever-burning lamp."
"Where is she going with this?" Cardin asks of his teammates. Most of them are equally lost, though Love listens with rapt attention. Binah favours the young man with a sharp smile that has him fall quiet.
"To keep the peace, Long Bird weighed the sins of those who entered the forest. But then someone asked what were to happen if the scale did not fall to either side one day." Binah's grin grows, revealing teeth. "So worried, Long Bird tilted his scale so that it would always fall to one side. Every judgement would yield a clear verdict."
Ironwood has since caught up as well. He bristles, but a motion from Ozpin prevents him from interrupting.
"Little Bird, then, decided to punish the creatures' wrongdoings with his beak." As she says it, Sable flutters over and settles on her shoulder. He seems oddly despondent, yet leans into her touch when she scratches his head. Binah nods to herself and lets the pause unfold its effect. "No question was asked of him, yet all agreed that no beast would find such a small beak hurtful. So Little Bird tore open his belly into a maw that could devour anything in a single bite."
A single finger taps Sable's belly, which parts reflexively. Only a hint of teeth is visible to the headmasters and their subordinates, but all four are taken aback.
"The forest grew cold," Binah decides to end. "No one could enter anymore, for Long Bird's scale always fell guilty. No one was at peace, for Big Bird always watched and Little Bird's maw scared them. The birds were angry about their efforts being seen in disdain and spoke among each other. Even now it did not seem enough, for no beast had been found. And so they agreed to join their powers. Big Bird's many eyes, Long Bird's scale, and Little Bird's mouth, all united to ward off calamity.
"And in the end, only a black forest was left. Devoid of life and light, patrolled by but a monster."
Recounting the story word for word would be dull, but this is also a kindness on Sable. He remains slumped, clearly unhappy about being present for this.
In the heavy silence, Binah has to decide on what to do with the situation at hand. Ironwood is not happy, but neither is Ozpin. Likely for a different reason. He understands how the wind is blowing; Binah doubts he sanctioned the removal of Courage's gift.
Should it be Courage to judge? Will she have the mental strength to overcome this additional strain? Is Love capable of arguing her sister's case instead? She and Anemone certainly begin to look indignant as their shock has worn off. Or perhaps it is Weiss who needs to stand up to her sister for what she believes in? She has calmed while the parable was told, yet seems undecided on what to do.
Either way, something will break tonight.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfTWgMgknpY
[] Right this yourself
[] Call Courage over
[] Let Love and Anemone speak
[] Advise Weiss to take action
Twelve-hour Moratorium! Do not vote for twelve hours!
Binah looks at the cage for one long moment. Then she reaches out and opens the lid. Courage watches the imprisoned light flit away without comment; the faint softening of her expression can not be hidden, however.
Binah herself smiles for another reason and glances at you. What need is there to call on Ozpin when you already told her where the magic is headed?
The pair parts soon after, Binah to see about getting rid of that Dust and Courage to start scouting for test subjects. Thankfully, there is a Dust shop just down the street; the owner happily buys the entire load off her below normal rates. Binah cares little for money at this stage in the game. If she wished, she could simply make more Dust.
Then again, the most efficient creation process requires death. She almost laughs out loud at the implications, well aware how a Wing would handle such a matter. Then again, mass abductions are less feasible on Remnant, doubly so with Sable and the magical girls in close proximity.
While the bird remains absent, Love drops by mere hours later. Saffron, the twins, Anemone, Weiss, and Ruby all follow in her wake. "I want to show you something," Love says, expression severe. "And I need everyone there for it. Where is Courage?"
"Here," her sister announces as she walks out of the basement. "What do you need?"
Love manages a faint smile, but it soon dies. She glances to the women accompanying them, then sighs. "She wants out. And I'm going to let her." Purple sparks dance around her with the announcement, but an annoyed look snuffs them out. Her sisters have tensed up. "So we need to go far away and I want all of you there to make sure she behaves like she promised."
How intriguing. Binah studies Love more closely, but finds only resolve. There is some shuffling around the room, though all of her sisters focus intently on the four quite fragile human women among their group. Saffron frowns. "So that is why you wanted them to stay behind," she says. "I have to agree with you now."
Miltia arches a brow at her girlfriend while Melanie crosses her arms. "Yeah, fuck that." "We're already in too deep." They both glare back at Saffron's less than enthused expression.
"I can only agree with their assessment," Weiss adds. She calmly meets Courage's concealed eyes, though her gaze flicks to Anemone as well. "With the three of you present, I imagine we will be safe enough."
"Uhhh, what they said?" Ruby points at the older girls, then wilts away when three unimpressed looks go her way. "And, um, we can just run away if something goes wrong, right?"
"Yes," Melanie deadpans. "We can just run away from the teleporting laser snake."
"Enough," Binah cuts them off. Her grin remains unsettling for the younger women as she appreciates them all for a moment. "Your desires shall be met. Pray that you will not come to regret them." So saying, she turns to the magical girls; all four of them are in various states of disagreement, but none voices her thoughts. "Take us all to the plains."
As the sisters begin to prepare their spell, Binah's attention turns back to Ruby. "The other three I understand," she muses, "but how did you come to join our merry group?"
Ruby shrugs awkwardly. "A coincidence? I was hanging out with Love when she got all weird and ran off. So I kinda just followed her around."
Miltia laughs behind her back while Weiss offers Ruby an understanding nod. A moment later, they stand in the valean plains.
Several battles with the King of Greed have rearranged the landscape; sinkholes were opened and filled, forming a miniature ravine across the countryside. A small lake has filled from underground flows. Pillars of amber, silver, and gold sprout from a number of hills. A barren strip of land still speaks of the potent acid Courage once deployed.
The sun sits low on the horizon as they watch Love transform; Binah weathers the unsettling sight without so much as a twitch, though Miltia can only barely stop herself from losing her lunch. Weiss and Melanie keep their composure better, but the surprise there is Ruby. Much like she had little reaction to the corpses that day, she watches with something akin to awe.
Is that girl a born psychopath, or simply more resilient than one would expect?
Binah sadly can not investigate just yet. The Queen of Hatred towers over them all, a malevolent aura surrounding her. Empty eyeholes glare down at those gathered, but there is no sign of hostility. Barely any tension, even. The serpent's tongue flicks out, tasting the air. "Champions," she hisses with disdain. "Heroes. Fools. Sisters." Then her head tilts ever so faintly, attention squarely on Binah. "Arbiter."
"Villain," she greets the Queen in turn. Her grin grows a notch wider as a gargling growl is strangled in the serpent's throat. "Or do you prefer to be called monster, instead?"
Even still, there is no attack. She spits something corrosive in front of Binah's feet, the dissolving patch of grass ignored by both. "Spare me your ridiculous attempts," the Queen retorts. Then her scaled snout twitches into a grin of her own. "Who are you to call me a monster to begin with? Takes one to know one, no?"
"Do you expect me to deny my nature now?"
"Fair enough."
The Queen turns away, ignoring everyone else. She spreads her wings under the evening sun and flicks out her tongue a few more times. Just like the first time she emerged, she seems almost innocently curious. Binah watches her slither a few metres, though a spike of amber stops the serpent. Saffron appears above, arms folded.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Wherever I please. A failure like yourself ought to not stand in my way, lest she be crushed." The moment she finishes the sentence, a pink ooze flows from between the Queen's scales. She shudders and shakes herself, hissing. The excess dissipates the moment it leaves her body. "She may call you sister," the serpent says to Saffron, "but I will not allow you to ruin what few concession we could agree on."
She then proceeds to slither ahead, her weight alone crushing the pillar into fine powder. Saffron floats back to evade, dumbfounded; the Queen's first insult clearly hit her.
Everyone watches as the being who devastated Vale not too long ago crouches low to study flowers and lap up water. One of her colossal hands even reaches down to pluck one and bring it up for inspection.
"Just out of curiousity," Miltia starts slowly with a look going to the other magical girls and Binah, "but that's not normal, right?"
The sisters shake their heads, but Binah is too busy watching the serpent to respond. This is more than just intriguing. The Queen of Hatred acts with rational thought and even care; of course she still waltzes over flowerbeds once she is done appreciating them, but it is clear she became curious.
While Miltia and Anemone comfort Saffron, Courage floats up and follows the Queen next. "You spoke of concessions," she leads into her question. "What did you and Love agree on?" A flicker of audible curiousity and hope make it clear what she seeks to learn here.
In turn, the Queen studies Courage. "You are adequate," she reasons. Courage does not react to the indirect praise. "Our agreement is simple: she lets me do as I please, when I so desire. And in turn I only destroy what she wants destroyed."
"You let yourself be shackled like that?"
"I only wish to destroy, who or what does not matter. We have both changed, foolish guardian. An accord was formed, for neither of us can exist without the other. But you can not repeat the feat, now can you? I rule over hatred, for I am queen. You are but a mere servant to wrath."
Where Saffron was hurt by the Queen's idle musings, Courage remains undeterred. "You were a mere beast in the past as well," she reasons. "So if you can change, then so can she."
"Does she speak to you, then? My sister Wrath? Does she whisper encouragement to lay waste to your enemies? Does she comment on the words you speak and actions you take? Or is she merely screaming in incoherent rage?"
To this, Courage has no response. The Queen snorts and slithers into the nearby lake. Her scales soon glisten as she enjoys her bath.
While the thoughtful magical girl returns however, Miltia rolls her eyes. "Did we seriously come out here to watch that thing play around and insult us?" She glances around, but neither her sister nor Weiss have an answer. Ruby just shrugs awkwardly. Miltia sighs. "Figures. But you know what? No. Fuck this, and fuck her." So saying, she grabs Saffron's hand and drags her away.
"Bold," Anemone muses quietly. After the conversations her sisters each had with the Queen, she does not seem in any hurry to talk to her. Right now however, she manages a smile. "But I guess one needs to be bold to catch Saffron's interest like that."
It is certainly true that their relationship has lasted for longer than anyone anticipated. Miltia Malachite is a headstrong woman, having earned Binah's respect through tenacity and determination. She faced the King of Greed five times. But even then, a single misstep can make it all crumble. Binah smirks at the thought, well aware how easy such would be to engineer.
"Whether her choice was for the best is yet to be seen," she muses.
The lovebirds' impromptu date lasts till sunset, at which point the Queen reluctantly hands control back to Love. She behaved perfectly, content with exploring nature; she smelled flowers, dug in the dirt, splashed in the water. All things which a being born deep underground could never do before.
In the end, everyone returns to Vale after some relaxation. Love is positive she does not need as much supervision for the Queen, not even considering it may be a ploy to lower her guard. Then again, Binah doubts it is; the serpent can be conniving in battle, but she has yet to withhold her true opinion in conversation.
Monday passes peacefully, though she spots Penny in the crowd once; the artificial girl does not even notice Binah, clearly deep in thought. There is neither hide nor hair from Ozpin, which is telling.
Tuesday however, a shadow falls across Vale. Binah watches from the front of her tea house how airborne battleships float across the border and take formation above the city. Not just one or two escorts, but an entire fleet. People across town behold this spectacle and an air of upset spreads; with so many Grimm exterminated three months ago, the area surrounding Vale was rather quite safe of late. So much firepower can be a precaution, but it can also mean that a powerful enemy is expected.
Moreover, it is a display of power by a foreign nation. Regardless of any treaties and arrangements, James Ironwood is letting the people of Vale know that he does not believe them capable of defending themselves. Binah has yet to meet him, but she already knows a great deal of his opinions.
With the fleet comes a floating isle; completely mechanical, a colosseum in which the games shall take place. This certainly draws Binah's interest; the City is devoid of similar marvels, created in cooperation between the four original kingdoms. A sign of unity and peace, though yet ignorant of the fledgling that is Menagerie. The Vytal Festival is slated for every second year and rotates through the four. Another affront, if perhaps unintentional. Although there is a representative of the fifth kingdom present.
Binah has little time to muse on Remnant's political climate. About an hour after the atlesean fleet arrived and dropships swarmed across the perimeter, two soldiers enter the Nirvana without even an attempt to be inconspicuous. All eyes are on their combat armour and helmets, visors hiding all but their mouths from view.
Suffice it to say, Binah is unimpressed.
One man and one woman, neither quite comfortable with the fact they have to approach her. They hide it admirably and stop in front of Binah's table; one could hear a pin drop in the silence.
"Binah Gale?" the woman asks needlessly. She clearly has practice with situations like these.
Binah does not give her the chance to follow the script. She sips her tea without a care. "I see he is as straightforward in delivering invitations as he is baring his fangs at the world," she taunts the pair. "I received the message and will follow at my convenience."
They both shuffle a little awkwardly. The man speaks up next: "Ma'am, you're expected soon. Our orders are-" "Irrelevant."
Well aware of the surprised crowd watching them, Binah places the cup down. "I do not tend the whims of fools as if they owned me. General Ironwood will have his meeting if and when I decide he receives it. If that is not to his liking, he is welcome to approach me personally." Her smirk grows a fraction at the helpless indignation now welling in both soldiers. "After all," she finishes with a motion toward her business, "it would not do to up and leave when there are yet customers to be served."
That is a bold-faced lie and everyone knows it. At the same time, nobody dares call her out on it. The soldiers cave and shuffle aside to radio in Binah's response. Excited chatter sadly prevents anyone from listening in. To add insult to injury while pretending to smooth over ruffled feathers, Binah offers the disgruntled pair a cup of tea before they can leave. To her own surprise, they accept after some hesitation.
Chances are they were ordered not to annoy Binah.
"Was it necessary to antagonise these people?" Courage asks of her a little later, once the soldiers have left.
"No," Binah returns primly. She takes a sip of her refilled cup and glances at the diminutive woman by her side. "But it will be entertaining."
Courage does not dignify that with a response and time passes; General Ironwood does not grace the Nirvana with his presence, not that she expected him to.
Binah sends a message to Ozpin around closing time to let him know she is ready to meet now. Once he responds in the affirmative, she heads out on her lonesome. As past situations revealed, these clandestine meetings are best had without tagalongs; the game is nowhere near as fun when her opposition can just get the answers from whoever stands behind Binah, after all.
After a pleasant stroll across Vale and the final Bullhead to Beacon, Binah is greeted by a gruff man in a prim suit. Piercing, red eyes meet hers in an attempt to stare Binah down; unsuccessfully, of course. His every breath carries the pungent smell of alcohol. More curiously, Sable is sat on his shoulder.
"So you're her," he drawls, slicking back his jet black hair. "The lady everyone's been talking about. Name's Qrow, I'm filling in until they found new combat instructors." He tries to sound gruff, but the faint hesitation between words and clear attempt to keep from wincing make it clear he mourns the losses.
"You already know I am known as Binah, then. What a peculiar bird you have accompanying you, though." She casts a glance to Sable, whose head tilts this way and that. Qrow peers aside and shrugs, making the bird flap his wings to stay balanced.
"That guy? Yeah, he just hangs out. I mean, I guess it's a he? I didn't check." His nonchalant comment still receives an affirmative chirp from Sable. "Guess I was right. Anyway, the big men wait for you. Jimmy's pretty pissed, let me tell ya." He motions to follow and almost breaks into laughter. A thumb points back at Binah. "Gotta hand it to ya, lady: you've got guts."
"Is it that, or am I simply riling up a man to see how he will react? I imagine you are familiar with this particular strategy, Qrow." Binah chuckles to herself, well aware he is attempting to do the same to her. "Unfortunately for you, it takes more than a few words to unsettle me. Although," she adds after a moment, "your bad breath may almost suffice toward such an endeavour."
"Heh, it's not that bad," he deflects. They both know it is. They pass a gaggle of students, one of which possesses prominent rabbit ears. The young woman shies away from Binah's gaze, prompting a chuckle from Qrow. "Geez, you could look at least a little nicer, y'know?"
"Alas, faux politeness is my only concession to society."
"Sure, you do you. By the by, with what I hear from Roman, you and I might just meet again sometime soon."
Now this is interesting. Binah has been wondering how an individual such as Qrow would enjoy enough trust to teach at Beacon of all schools. It seems the answer is that he belongs to Ozpin personally. An agent of some sort, adept at playing the drunk fool. Her amusement only grows. "I will receive you warmly when the time comes," Binah responds. "Although we do not serve any alcoholic beverages and I firmly disapprove of adding any to the tea."
"Heh, I'll live. Don't worry. Right through here now."
Though Qrow seems like a fool, he is surprisingly adept at hiding his actual feelings under a layer of jovial disinterest. Just like another once-empty man Binah knows. They are not exactly the same, though. This one bears not the same poison, just a creeping cold that affects no one but him.
As they step into an elevator, Binah begins to probe: "Do you have family, Qrow?"
He glances at her, a little wary but mostly nonchalant. "Yeah, kinda? Why do you ask?"
So no partner or children. Meaning a sibling, perhaps nieces or nephews. Roman could probably tell her this man's entire family tree if she asked, but doing it on her own is more interesting. "They must be quite precious to you."
He pauses at this and properly turns to look; his expression firmed up into something more serious and wary. "Okay, seriously, back the fuck off and stop saying ominous stuff like that."
"Like what exactly?" Ozpin interjects.
The door opened halfway through Qrow's rebuttal, revealing not just two headmasters, but a whole group of people. Love and Anemone stand along the wall with their teams while a woman clearly related to Weiss flanks Ironwood. The man himself glowers at Binah and Qrow as they enter, broad-shouldered and clearly one of the tallest men in the room.
While Qrow waves off the attempt at levity from his employer, Binah answers the question instead: "It is ever so curious to hear what binds great men and women to a realm or a person." She then strolls forward, well aware of how uncomfortable and worried the two teams of students appear. Her gaze rests on the man of the hour, though. "James Ironwood," Binah greets. "How kind of you to receive me."
Ozpin is amused, but also exasperated. Contrary to his relaxed posture, Ironwood almost but not quite gnashes his teeth; he rises to stand, easily a head taller than Binah. "You have quite the nerve to dictate terms and conditions," he begins curtly. "For the duration of the Vytal Festival, I am in charge of Vale's security. And there are several matters regarding you that need to be dealt with. Questions that need answering."
Love fidgets in the corner of Binah's eye, but she says nothing. The woman herself merely arches a brow. "And yet you had to comply with my whims," she returns idly. "From which I gather that you either lack the authority or the evidence required to force the issue. Or perhaps," she adds with a little smirk, "it is that you fear what I may do if pushed?"
Ironwood scowls. The older Schnee woman twitches. Neither loses their composure. Into the tense silence however, Yang's whisper is quite audible: "Is she seriously picking a fight with Ironwood?" She quickly realises that all eyes are on her and wilts bashfully.
Meanwhile, Love shrugs back at the other woman. "It's Binah, she pokes and prods at anyone she finds interesting." Either unaware or uncaring for the irritation among the visiting Atleseans, she continues: "It's how she has fun."
"Fun," Ironwood repeats. The distaste is clear in his voice. "Fun. More than a thousand dead, powerful and heretofore unseen creatures abound, but fun is the first thing that comes to mind?" His tone has Love slump even while he stares at Binah. She, in turn, smirks back and says nothing. The man leans in until their noses almost touch, brimming with anger. "I will have answers to my questions, or so help me I will see you in prison at the very least."
Binah remains firmly in place, neither advancing nor receding. "You can make the attempt," she taunts. "I wonder whom the people of Vale would side with? Although that may not matter in the end, what with that display of atlesean might in the sky. Will you ruin this flourishing city in pursuit of knowledge?"
"James."
A single word from Ozpin is all it takes for the general to regain his bearings. He retreats from Binah's personal space, expression back under control. There is no verbal rebuke for Binah, but Ozpin's unimpressed look makes it clear he will not have more games for now. "This is not an interrogation, Madame Gale," he assures kindly.
"Could've fooled me," Cardin mutters; his words carry just like Yang's did. So they were interrogated earlier.
Binah is tempted to keep prodding, but there is little gained of it now. She simply clasps her hands behind her back, the picture of nonchalance. "Very well. Ask your questions and I shall consider if they deserve an answer."
Qrow snorts in the background, leaning against a wall near the students. "Maybe you're just insane," he drawls. This earns him several shocked looks from the children, a scowl from the older Schnee woman, and absolutely nothing from either headmaster.
Ironwood starts pacing along the well-furnished office; Ozpin is the only one seated behind a vast desk. An elaborate setup of computer screens and terminals expands on the space taken up by stacks of papers. Meanwhile, several windows overlook Beacon, Vale, and the Emerald Forest. Clockwork ticks overhead. Hokma would adore this space.
"We have already questioned the students involved in your dealings," Ironwood finally starts with a nod toward the two teams. "You will answer these questions: who and what is the Queen of Hatred, where do Abnormalities come from, and why are they allowed to roam unsupervised?"
He has his back to Binah, but her smugness may just be palpable anyway. If it is answers he desires so much, then he shall have them.
"Abnormalities," Binah intones and knows all students perk up. Some of them were not even aware of the subject before tonight. "Are expressions of humankind's collective unconciousness. Fragments of stories and states of being, greater wills made manifest. Their powers are vast, as is the danger they represent if not handled with care. They are born in a river that flows beneath the world and continue to inflict their own views upon it.
"Such as the Queen of Hatred, the ultimate irony of all who seek to be heroes. For what is a hero but one who protects another? And where is there need for a hero unless another is in danger? This contradiction, the anguish of a fated hero who can never be, calls forth the Queen to become the very danger she once sought to battle."
Binah leaves a pregnant pause, well aware that Ironwood is not amused. Ozpin listened intently, having grasped a few more pertinent points than his counterpart. Love is not despondent in her spot, though; if anything, her grim expression has hardened in determination.
James Ironwood studies her with an inscrutable expression. When it becomes clear Binah has finished, he slowly reaches into his suit jacket. "Very well," he says, voice forcefully calm. "I figured you would continue to act like this. You said earlier I possess no proof of any wrongdoings, but that is quite wrong. After all," he finishes, and manages to surprise Binah for the first time since they met, "is this not an attempt on the SDC heiress's life? The Servant of Wrath?"
In a plastic bag dangles a pair of hairclips, oh so similar to antennae. Binah studies them for just a moment before her surprise fades. Her head turns fully to the students; had she done so earlier, she may have noticed Weiss's state before. The young woman is distraught and on the verge of tears. The magical girls by her side stand in wide-eyed shock, alternating between the stolen gift and its owner.
"Repeat your answer," Ironwood demands into the tense silence. "And this time speak in a concise manner."
He is not even aware the die is cast. A domino was tipped. Binah has half a mind to laugh at him. In the end, a single, soft chuckle looses from her throat.
"Is it I who attempted for her life, or is it you who endangers it needlessly?" Binah retorts. Winter Schnee draws a rapier in a single, fluid motion. Chances are it was her who confiscated the gift, and also that it is her presence that stops Weiss from protesting. Instead of acknowledging those two, she fully turns and focusses on the young heiress. "Have you given these up willingly?"
The present Gale sisters' gazes bore into Weiss, whose jaw works soundlessly. Her panicked gaze flickers to her sister and back to Binah, then she jerkily shakes her head.
"Poor child, to be forced in the middle of such a conflict against her will. I am starting to understand why it is you fled all the way to Vale."
"I do not know what you believe you are insinuating," Winter responds curtly, making herself heard for the first time, "but it will be better for you to stop doing so right this instant." She has taken a single step forward, but is blocked by Qrow.
Binah can only huff over the nonsense and studies the older Schnee sister now. "Your words speak of great wisdom, were you able to apply them to your own conduct, child." Shaking her head, Binah ignores the fuming woman and treads closer to Ironwood.
She knows exactly where to go from here.
"There was once a lush and beautiful forest," Binah starts. "Its inhabitants flourished and played, singing with joy that rang across the lands. A beautiful forest, home to three birds." Her recounting makes Sable twitch as she prowls across the room. None dare interrupt. "But one day, a traveler came. Wise yet unknown to the creatures of the forest. The birds found them suspicious and turned them away. Their response angered the traveler, who prophesized that tragedy would befall them. The lush forest would be steeped in sin, which would only cease when a terrible beast arrived; the sky would fall dark and the forest grow empty.
"This worried the birds, who always desired for their home to prosper. They vowed to themselves and each other to be the forest's guardians."
Though nobody interrupts, it is clear they are listening. Ozpin's brows are furrowed, the parable not lost on him. He already knows the way it will go.
"Big Bird, possessing countless eyes, began to watch the forest. For Big Bird's eyes could see far, and see things we can not see. But then someone asked Big Bird what would happen at night, when little light shone or the bird slept? So worried, Big Bird plucked off all his feathers and set them alight, creating an ever-burning lamp."
"Where is she going with this?" Cardin asks of his teammates. Most of them are equally lost, though Love listens with rapt attention. Binah favours the young man with a sharp smile that has him fall quiet.
"To keep the peace, Long Bird weighed the sins of those who entered the forest. But then someone asked what were to happen if the scale did not fall to either side one day." Binah's grin grows, revealing teeth. "So worried, Long Bird tilted his scale so that it would always fall to one side. Every judgement would yield a clear verdict."
Ironwood has since caught up as well. He bristles, but a motion from Ozpin prevents him from interrupting.
"Little Bird, then, decided to punish the creatures' wrongdoings with his beak." As she says it, Sable flutters over and settles on her shoulder. He seems oddly despondent, yet leans into her touch when she scratches his head. Binah nods to herself and lets the pause unfold its effect. "No question was asked of him, yet all agreed that no beast would find such a small beak hurtful. So Little Bird tore open his belly into a maw that could devour anything in a single bite."
A single finger taps Sable's belly, which parts reflexively. Only a hint of teeth is visible to the headmasters and their subordinates, but all four are taken aback.
"The forest grew cold," Binah decides to end. "No one could enter anymore, for Long Bird's scale always fell guilty. No one was at peace, for Big Bird always watched and Little Bird's maw scared them. The birds were angry about their efforts being seen in disdain and spoke among each other. Even now it did not seem enough, for no beast had been found. And so they agreed to join their powers. Big Bird's many eyes, Long Bird's scale, and Little Bird's mouth, all united to ward off calamity.
"And in the end, only a black forest was left. Devoid of life and light, patrolled by but a monster."
Recounting the story word for word would be dull, but this is also a kindness on Sable. He remains slumped, clearly unhappy about being present for this.
In the heavy silence, Binah has to decide on what to do with the situation at hand. Ironwood is not happy, but neither is Ozpin. Likely for a different reason. He understands how the wind is blowing; Binah doubts he sanctioned the removal of Courage's gift.
Should it be Courage to judge? Will she have the mental strength to overcome this additional strain? Is Love capable of arguing her sister's case instead? She and Anemone certainly begin to look indignant as their shock has worn off. Or perhaps it is Weiss who needs to stand up to her sister for what she believes in? She has calmed while the parable was told, yet seems undecided on what to do.
Either way, something will break tonight.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfTWgMgknpY
[] Right this yourself
[] Call Courage over
[] Let Love and Anemone speak
[] Advise Weiss to take action
Twelve-hour Moratorium! Do not vote for twelve hours!
WilyMachineKing1
Executive Manager of Limbus Company
- Location
- Reno Nevada
.......Is Binah.... is Binah foreshadowing the others birds coming or is she being.... Binah?Because it is probably both. For me at least.
Anyways, this is going to be good, I am stick between having Weiss stand up for herself, Courage to come here, or have her sisters speak for her.
Anyways, this is going to be good, I am stick between having Weiss stand up for herself, Courage to come here, or have her sisters speak for her.
Lurker183839
Question Machine Gun
Naron, is there a write-in option here?
- Location
- Location?
- Pronouns
- LazyToSay
Damn that's long
I am not sure of what to vote here once it is up. I guess write-in isn't allowed right? If so I'll sustain from it for now. Since I don't have a exact reason to vote any of the 4 options.
who knows, truly.
also let's try not to get weiss killed pls
WilyMachineKing1
Executive Manager of Limbus Company
- Location
- Reno Nevada
Nobody can make no promises due to how this a Project Moon crossover.
- Location
- Earth
Lurker183839
Question Machine Gun
The update reads like Ironwood, and to a lesser extent Winter, came here wanting a fight, and will probably get exactly what they came for in most ways this will go
Instead:
[] Ask Ozpin to explain and handle it
Ozpin has better Wis stat than the two, and they will have to at least nominally pay attention to his words
E:
[] Ask Sable to roast them and point out their failures in imagination
Maybe this will be enough of a shock to get them to reconsider their approach?
E2: I'm genuinely wondering if Binah will decide to zone out and let them do whatever they want, then let them complain about the results (and then inform them that they were the ones who disrupted a stable situation)
No idea what this will entail
Quantum 50/50 if Weiss dies and then Binah says "I told you so" tbh
Will they even listen to miss "Queen Of Hatred to come"?
They'll probably view this as being for her own good and ignore it
Instead:
[] Ask Ozpin to explain and handle it
Ozpin has better Wis stat than the two, and they will have to at least nominally pay attention to his words
E:
[] Ask Sable to roast them and point out their failures in imagination
Maybe this will be enough of a shock to get them to reconsider their approach?
E2: I'm genuinely wondering if Binah will decide to zone out and let them do whatever they want, then let them complain about the results (and then inform them that they were the ones who disrupted a stable situation)
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