It was the morning of the 2nd day of the break. The 1st day and night were quite eventful for a variety of reasons. Even the 2nd day and night would be different. Some were dealing with the aftermath of last night.
[Tai and Summer's Room]
They awoke at the same time and locked eyes. Both smiled, happy to have each other back in their life.
However, they couldn't spend all day in bed...No, this would be a busy day for them.
Tai went to go take a shower, while Summer stayed in bed. She was looking at a scrollpad, scrolling down the screen until she came across a very familiar name: Ruby Rose.
[Bjorn and Astrid]
Astrid and Bjorn were awake. As Bjorn got out of bed, the moment he stood up, he fell to the ground.
"Still haven't got the feeling back in your legs?" Astrid asked.
"Nope," Bjorn said.
"Want me to order in?"
"Yes."
"Waffles?"
"Yes. With strawberries, whipped cream, and melted fudge on the side."
[Li and An]
Both were still fast asleep, like a bunch of sloths.
[The Criminals' Rooms]
Each of them was getting ready for the day in their own way.
Emerald was taking a shower. She began to remember a part of last night.
"Will you really keep us safe from them?"
"You have my word."
A smile formed across her face. The viewings would soon become a reality for them.
Cinder was dressed, but she rubbed her right arm in worry after what Jaune said to her last night.
"Don't worry. It shouldn't be permanent."
"Fatal? Maybe."
"You said you can help me...Let's hope you're right," Cinder thought.
The Malachites were getting dressed in their usual attire. They were smiling at last night's events. With that one night, they got closer to Jaune than when they first met him.
Junior, still in his black was in the bathroom, styling his beard. He began to remember last night's conversation.
"It's a good deal, right?"
"Heh. He sure has changed," Junior said smiling.
Roman, clad in a white tank top and white boxer shorts with pumpkins on them was applying black eyeliner to his left eye. He began to remember the last night.
"It's in your best interest to protect them."
He put down the eyeliner and sighed.
"The things I do for survival," Roman said.
Neo was putting on the tophat that she got from the viewing, finishing her ensemble. As she looked in the mirror, she struck a series of poses, trying to find which one Jaune would like.
Roma, wearing a Contrast Lace Satin Cami Night Dress, was looking through the selection of lipsticks.
"Which one would he like?" She thought.
However, despite the criminals' usual routine, they still were processing their conversation with him. Those with crushes like Cinder, Emerald, Neo, Melanie, Militia, and Roma smiled at the benefits, including the opportunity to get closer to him. The latter, although happy, was further analyzing last night's events.
"He's more than meets the eye," Junior, Roman, Lil' Miss, and Roma thought.
They would all meet in Lil' Miss Malachite's room to discuss what happened.
[Sephiria's Room]
She was straightening her tie. She had a resolute look on her face, having been given an assignment by her grandparents.
"For Chronos...For the Arc Clan."
[Ozpin (Oz)'s Room]
He was lying on the ground, his body covered in glowing green marks that originated from his heart. Soon, the marks disappeared, and he woke up, fatigued. He held a hand to his head in relief.
"Good. That will keep them under control."
Ozpin (Ozma) looked at his hand, still a little trembling.
"But for how long?"
This was one of Ozpin (Oz)'s problems that had been temporarily resolved. Now, he had to get ready to meet with his inner circle to resolve another issue.
[Mercury's Room]
His widened as sprung up from bed, heavily breathing. As he calmed down, he looked down at his hands.
"Just a nightmare," Mercury said as the message box opened in front of him.
It was from Artemis, asking where he was. Mercury smiled at his sister caring about him. He types that he'd be at Leviathan's Banquet Hall in five minutes. The young man shook off his dream and got dressed.
[Students' Room]
All of them had bags under their eyes unable to sleep after what happened last night in the Nightmare Habitat. They were not expecting the creatures to be that strong. What made matters worse is that they lacked the power and weapons to handle such beasts. However, although they were frightened, they were not deterred and had a lot to process, trying to figure out how to get stronger. As a result, they didn't feel like meeting anyone outside the room and would rest some more before getting on with their day.
Despite all the inner and outer turmoil, one must start the day with breakfast.
The next thing was breakfast. One thing many discovered was that their rooms allowed for room service. Those who enjoyed their vigorous intimacy workouts notified their children that they would not be showing up for breakfast, but instead showing up for lunch and dinner.
This function would also be utilized by several guests, including the criminals who were still reeling from their conversation with Jaune last night, the White Fang, and most of the students who went into the Serenity Habitat at night.
However, that didn't mean today would be relaxing.
Some like Cinder, Amber, Emerald, Neo, Bleiss, Raven, Vernal, and Nora received anonymous messages at 6:00 AM, telling them to meet in Heracles's Stomping Ground's Private Room No. 1 at 8:00 AM. Naturally, they felt hesitant to show up, but they were curious when the sender of the message said they would help them realize their full potential.
[Leviathan's Banquet Hall]
The Schnees, Klein, Cordovins, Belladonnas, Nikos, and Arcs were eating breakfast. Winter looked more happy than usual. When asked what happened, she merely stated she got a good night's rest. Although her family was happy, they wondered what put her in such a good mood.
The Ace-Ops were eating in the corner, trying to get an idea of why most of the guests acted the way they did yesterday.
Salem sat by herself, enjoying a cup of tea and buttered toast. As she was eating, Tock appeared in front of her.
Not a second later, Jack appeared, holding Zwei in his arms and petting him like a cat, much to the adorable corgi's joy. However, Zwei enjoyed the petting but had no idea he was being treated like a cat.
"Tock. Good to see you," Salem said.
"Sorry, but the feeling ain't mutual," Tock said.
"Oh? And what do you mean by that?"
"Well. I've decided to resign from this little faction."
This news surprised the others and made Salem raise a brow in curiosity.
"What was that?"
"What you got shit in your ears?"
Salem became slightly angry.
"You dare speak to me with such disrespect."
"Oh? And what are you gonna do about it?"
Tock quickly picked up a knife and held it to Salem's neck. Many were shocked at her provocation. Wanting to protect the little ones from a possible gruesome sight, Terra covered Adrian's eyes, Meryl covered Rem's eyes, and Ghira covered Percy's eyes.
"Not immortal or a god. Though come to think of it, you hardly were the latter...No...You're just a witch."
Salem looked uninterested and unafraid, just staring back at Tock, making her smirk.
"Acting tough, huh?" Tock asked.
She raised the knife and brought it down.
*STAB!*
She had placed the knife a few centimeters from Salem's finger. Salem took her cup of coffee and looked at it, seeing Tock's reflection. She grins and spits into her coffee, much to the disgust of the others.
"Go ahead. Splash that in my-"
*SLAM!*
Salem had kicked the table up, making it crash into Tock's chin and send her flying to the ground. As the table landed back to the floor with all the accessories and food scattered about, the next thing Tock felt was Salem's heel pressed against her neck, making her feel a sense of asphyxiation.
"Guess I forgot to mention that natural physical stats weren't ever going to be negated," Jack thought.
Tock struggled under Salem's heel, while the Grimm Queen merely looked at Tock as if she were an ant.
"Consider your resignation approved," Salem said as she lifted her heel and walked back to her table.
Tock got up, rubbing her throat in comfort, and took several breaths.
"S-Sure. Act all high and mighty...Y-You're just a lone Queen on the chessboard."
"Room!"
Tock disappeared, returning to her room. Once gone, Salem replaced all the items and food on the table with the same accessories and sustenance, minus the spit. Soon, she poured herself a new cup of coffee. Seeing no further danger, the parents uncovered their children's eyes, earning pouts from their little ones. The parents themselves were chuckling, while Ghira, Kali, and Blake took a picture of Percy's pout.
"No matter, it's not like she's my only subordinate," She thought as she sipped her tea.
Many of the guests smiled, loving that Salem lost another subordinate. Others were bothered by how Salem wasn't bothered.
After some time, breakfast time was over, and everyone went their separate ways as usual.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 2]
Ruby and Yang were standing there, holding with their weapons. Before Tai and Summer spent quality time together the night before, Summer had asked her daughters if she could train them the next day. Needless to say, Ruby and Yang jumped at the idea to train with their mother.
Soon, Summer arrived, much to the joy of her daughters. She was carrying a scrollpad.
"Are you girls ready to train?" Summer asked smiling.
"Yup!" Ruby said as she wielded Crescent Rose.
"Bring it!" Yang said cheerfully as she banged Ember Celica together.
"Oh no," Summer said as she waved her fingers.
"You won't be training with those."
Summer took out two weapons from her inventory. Soon, they floated in the air.
(A/N: I do not own this image or Soul Eater. The same weapon, but imagine no chain.)
(A/N: I do not own this image or Samurai Jack. Focus more on the kanbo design.)
"You'll be training with these."
She sends the sickles to Ruby and the kanbo to Yang.
"New weapons?" Ruby asked.
"Not training with our old weapons?" Yang asked.
Summer shook her head.
"We'll train with your old weapons later. For now, I want you to learn how to use a new weapon."
"Why's that?" Ruby asked.
"As you have seen with the viewings, the moment someone loses their main weapon, they become helpless."
Summer looked at her daughters with a serious expression, much to their surprise.
"And no daughters of mine will be helpless."
Summer opened her scrollpad, pulling up the stats and combat data on her daughters.
"With that in mind, I analyzed the fighting data I received from Jack and picked weapons I believe will help you greatly."
Ruby and Yang smiled at how much effort Summer was putting into their training.
Ruby started swinging around the sickles. While her movements were below basic, she found them lighter than Crescent Rose, seeing greater potential in her speed.
Yang started to swing the kanbo around and smiled, loving the idea of smashing something.
"Are you both ready?"
Ruby and Yang nodded, their souls burning with motivation. Summer smiled. Before teaching them, Summer used the room's function and deactivated their powers, only allowing for aura to be used. She wanted to teach her daughters the basics before they moved up to being creative.
"Let's begin."
...And they weren't the only ones learning something new.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 3]
Lie was crossing his fingers, creating a barrier in front of him. Earlier at Athena's Library, he had looked at the notes regarding the use of the devil fruit from its previous users: Kurozumi Semimaru and Bartolomeo.
He had been creating and undoing the barrier for over an hour now, wanting to get the basics done. He decided to stop and take a thirty-minute break.
[Congratulations, Lie Ren. You have utilized the power of a devil fruit in Heracles's Stomping Ground.]
[You are the first person to obtain this achievement.]
[You have unlocked the Achievement: One Who uses a Devil Fruit.]
[You are now able to challenge devil fruit users from the One Piece Universe.]
Lie smiled at the chance to fight stronger opponents.
[Congratulations, Lie Ren. You have used the Bari Bari no Mi in Heracles's Stomping Ground.]
[You have unlocked the Achievement: One Who Wields the Bari Bari no Mi.]
[You are the first person to obtain this achievement.]
Lie felt indifferent at the accomplishment, feeling it would happen anyway.
[You are able to converse with past users of the Bari Bari no Mi by looking through lesson options.]
"Open lesson options."
Soon, a screen formed in front of Lie, giving him a choice of teachers to learn from. He focused on two highlighted names that were familiar to him: Kurozumi Semimaru and Bartolomeo.
Lie decided to pick Bartolomeo first because he recalled the various ways Bartolomeo used the devil fruit.
[Summoning Bartolomeo.]
Soon, a familiar figure appeared for Lie.
(A/N: I do not own this image or One Piece.)
Lie smiled, having several questions for him.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 4]
Pyrrha was facing up against a rushing horde of beowulves. Using the fairy magic that she got from "Undead Jaune," she sends a razor wind, that cuts apart the beowulves with ease. In seconds, the Grimm are killed and evaporate into nothing.
[Congratulations, Pyrrha Nikos. You have utilized the power of fairy magic in Heracles's Stomping Ground.]
[You have unlocked the Achievement: One Who Wields the Power of Fairies.]
[You are the first person to obtain this achievement.]
[You are now able to challenge monsters from the Nanatsu no Taizai Universe.]
After "Undead Jaune," Pyrrha had an idea of the monsters from the Nanatsu no Taizai Universe. She'd wait before challenging them.
[You are able to converse with past users of fairy magic by using the lesson options.]
Pyrrha smiled at this. She wondered which user she would summon to teach her.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 5]
Weiss pointed her Myrtenaster at the ground as a glyph began to spin. Utilizing her sister's knowledge and Jaune's counterpart from Specialist Arc, she was trying to summon.
Weiss looked at the glyph with extreme focus, remembering what she learned.
"Think to your fallen foes," Winter's voice rang in her head.
The glyph was spinning slowly.
"What was the first Grimm you ever summoned?" Jaune's voice rang in her head.
It started to spin faster.
"Come on," Weiss said.
Soon, a beowulf appeared in front of Weiss as the glyph disappeared. It kneeled on one knee and bowed to her.
She looked at her summon in surprise and joy...She was able to summon.
However, as much as one could make progress, one will always be faced with an obstacle that impedes their growth.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 6]
Whitley is being trained on how to use his glyphs by Winter. Once that was done, Willow taught him the ways of the saber. After an hour of training, the boy looked exhausted. He never trained a day in his life, so this response was natural.
"We will resume in ten minutes," Winter said much to Whitley's despair.
"Someone help me," Whitley thought.
The young Schnee boy wasn't the only one suffering through training.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 7]
Sun was still standing, but hunched over and breathing heavily.
"Eh? Tired already?" An old man said.
He looked at the opponent that his pass from Scorch 1000 had summoned. He was getting ready for another attack.
(A/N: I do not own this image or The God of High School.)
"We haven't even tried the more dangerous moves."
Sun gulped in fear. He wanted to get stronger but felt that it would be a long time of getting his ass kicked before he'd even be able to beat Jin Taejin.
Jin Taejin jumped in the air, much to Sun's despair as he wondered what move the old man was going to use.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 8]
Mercury was lying on the ground, his aura shattered and his body broken in several places.
[Injured state detected. Begin healing.]
Mercury was glowing while small green pluses appeared near him.
"It's a start," A voice said.
Mercury turned to the one who put him in this state.
(A/N: I do not own this image or The God of High School.)
"Train more, and I won't have to hold back," Park Ilpyo said as he disappeared.
"He was holding back?" Mercury began to think, "I'm scared of what would happen if he was serious."
Mercury had used the pass to learn Ssam-Su Taekkyeon that he received from Scorch 1000. However, he didn't expect it to be so life-threatening. Soon, the healing stopped, and he stood back up.
[That ends the pass to learn Ssam-Su Taekkyeon. The pass will now disappear.]
"That figures."
[Congratulations, Mercury Black Cordovin. You have utilized Ssam-Su Taekkyeon.]
[You have unlocked the Achievement: One Who Likes Strong, Fast Kicks.]
[You are the first person to obtain this achievement.]
The achievements gave Mercury some comfort.
[You are now able to challenge enemies from the God of High School Universe.]
[You are able to converse with past users of Ssam-Su Taekkyeon using the lesson options.]
Mercury nodded to the second function. He knew that he was no match for Park Ilpyo, let alone anything stronger than him. As a result, he would extensively be training Ssam-Su Taekkyeon with Park Ilpyo before even thinking of challenging any opponent from that universe.
[Heracles's Stomping Ground: Private Room No. 1]
Those who were gifted with magic were in even worse conditions.
Cinder slumped on a wall and was unconscious. The wall behind her looked like it was slashed apart.
Nora was frozen, but able to breathe and chatter her teeth, overwhelmed by the cold.
Vernal was lying on top of Emerald. Both were unconscious but alive.
Raven was unconscious, her eyes white and mouth open. Her body was slightly burnt and smoking.
Neo was lying face down unconscious, her body was slightly burned and ashy as smoke fumes rose from her.
Amber was lying face-up and unconscious as she was covered with bits of ice.
Bleiss was kneeling, digging her katana into the ground, and using it as a cane. She looked around noticing the lava on the floor. She stared at Fria and Alsie who looked rested, almost like the battle before did not affect them.
[Flashback-Begin]
Nora had arrived in the private room, only to see a fight occurring.
Cinder was trying to scorch Neo, while Neo was trying to put Cinder on ice. Amber, noticing Cinder is preoccupied, attacks with a lighting shot, but Cinder blocks her attack with a rock shield.
Vernal sends a blast of ice at Emerald, who retaliates with a blast of fire. The two forces of nature clash, and whether the other would win was dependent on the user.
Bleiss was fighting Raven, their swords clashing with great force and speed. Raven still had anger toward Bleiss when they watched "When Light Joins the Dark Part 9."
"Still think I'm a hag?!" Raven shouted.
"Yup!" Bleiss shouted.
Nora looked at Cinder, getting angry as she remembered the possible futures where she killed Pyrrha.
Using the lightning from her Winter Maiden powers, she uses the electricity to activate her semblance that gives her the absurd strength she is known for. Not only that but by increasing the amount of lightning from her magic and absorbing it, she further increases her strength, reaching ridiculously strong levels.
With an explosively strengthened dash, Nora appears near Cinder. Before she can react, Nora swings Magnhild, hitting Cinder in the face and sending her flying into the wall.
"Cinder!" Emerald shouted.
Seeing her distracted, Vernal focused, making her blast of ice overwhelm Emerald, who became frozen in the process.
"Now, to help-"
However, Vernal was cut off from her thought upon seeing her leader knocked out as Bleiss stood over her.
"Raven!"
Bleiss vanished out of Vernal's sight, much to her surprise. She wondered where she went, only to get her answer as Bleiss appeared behind her with her katana sporting an icy haze. Before Vernal could react, Bleiss slashed her back, freezing her in a pillar of ice.
"Hmph. Waste of my time," Bleiss said.
Back with the 3 versus 1 fight, Nora, Amber, and Neo looked at where Cinder crashed, the dust and smoke clouding the area. As the dust and smoke clear, Cinder is shown to still be standing, but her aura was shattered. On top of that, she looked very furious.
"All-out attack!" Neo shouted.
The three rushed Cinder, but she unleashes a burst of fire from her palms at Neo and Amber and a flame breath at Nora. In reaction, all three forms an ice barrier to withstand Cinder's attacks.
"You think you three can-"
*TAP!*
*TAP!*
*TAP!*
The loud tapping had gotten the maidens' attention, stopping their battle. They turn to the source of the noise, seeing Alsie Arc tapping the floor with the sheath of her katana. What was most surprising was Fria Valkyrie next to her.
"Granny?" Nora asked, wondering what her grandma was doing here.
Soon, Jack appeared with Zwei in his arms. Alsie stared at him with anger, but calmed herself, knowing what had to be done.
"What a development," Jack said as he snapped his fingers.
Soon, Vernal and Emererald were unfrozen, and Cinder and Raven were awakened. Jack snapped his fingers again, causing everyone to glow with their respective aura colors.
"Aura at 100% (And other powers except for magic) are sealed. Have fun," Jack said as he disappeared with the corgi.
"What's going on?" Emerald asked.
"Quiet! Did we give you permission to speak?!" Alsie shouted, silencing the others.
Truth be told, Most had a fear of Alsie after learning about her semblance and her skills.
"Look at you. A bunch of weak elemental maidens," Alsie said with scorn.
"Alsie, be kind. They are inexperienced, but that's why we are to train them," Fria said.
Most were in disbelief. Nora, on the other hand, was happy that her grandma was going to teach her.
"What could we learn from you?" Raven asked, her question directed at Fria.
"You don't even have your maiden powers," Cinder said.
Before an answer was given, Cinder and Raven were frozen in pillars of ice with their faces being the only thing unfrozen. The rest looked at the sight in awe.
"How?" Nora asked.
"Mr. Morningstar gave me my Winter Maiden Powers back temporarily whenever I am in his domain," Fria responded as she undid her ice magic, freeing them.
"How did you freeze them so fast?" Amber asked.
Raven and Cinder stared at Fria in anger for her stunt. Noticing her grandma in danger, Nora tried to run, only for her feet to be frozen to the ground, much to her surprise.
"Did we say for any of you to move, let alone fight?" Alsie said as she brandished her sheathed katana.
"Now, Alsie. Now is not the time for violence," Fria said as she unthawed her granddaughter's legs.
Alsie nodded.
"Fine. For now, all of you to line up," She said.
The elemental maidens were still standing, not out of defiance, but confusion.
"Did I stutter?! Get your asses in line!" Alsie shouted, causing the others to line up in a row: Bleiss, Amber, Nora, Neo, Raven, Vernal, Emerald, and Cinder.
Alsie walks over to the row. Starting from Bleiss, she passes each one, scanning each of the maidens. The moment her gaze meets each of theirs, they feel intense fear and are close to panicking. Once Alsie stops at Cinder, she returns back to Fria.
"What do you think, Alsie?" Fria asked.
"Hmph. I think the maiden powers should be transferred," Alsie said, surprising the others.
"What did you just say?" Raven asked a little angry.
Alsie glared at the bandit queen, making her shrink in fear.
"You heard me. All of you were given the power to manipulate elements, yet you've squandered it. Frankly, since there's a way to transfer the magic, I say we get it over with."
"Although she could have worded it better, she is not wrong," Fria said as she formed ice shards that floated near each of the maidens. They looked at Fria, not noticing a fiery gaze in her eyes.
"You haven't scratched the surface of your powers."
Soon, the ice shards disappeared.
"But that's why we're here to train you all," Fria said, further surprising the others.
After seeing Fria's mastery, some like Bleiss, Nora, and Amber were smiling at the opportunity. Nora was the happiest as she got to train with her grandma.
Alsie unsheathed her katana and vanished, much to the surprise of the others.
*CLANG!*
Bleiss had blocked Alsie's strike, their blades locked with one another.
"Impressive. Let's see how strong is my grandson's girlfriend," Alsie said, causing Bleiss to blush and grin, believing she received Alsie's approval.
The others who had feelings for the blonde angry.
"When I get my chance, he'll start calling me mommy!" Bleiss shouted further making them angry.
"If you are anyone can beat me, and I'll tell you everything I know about him!"
Bleiss smiled as did the other maidens with a crush on the blonde.
"Challenge accepted!"
Bleiss pushed forward breaking the lock. She gathered wind around her katana before swinging her blade and sending a solid air slash attack at Alsie. The old lady simply dodged the attack.
"Let's kick it up a notch," Alsie said as she appeared before Bleiss.
She began striking at Bleiss with great speed, causing the girl to step back and block the attacks. While the other maidens were fixated on the fight, Fria took the opportunity to conjure two twisters, sending them to Cinder and Raven. While Cinder was slammed into the wall, Raven shielded herself with a wind barrier that stopped the attack.
"Did you forget Alsie wasn't the only one you weren't fighting?" Fria asked.
"Cinder!" Emerald shouted for her friend.
"Raven!" Vernal shouted in worry for her leader.
While Emerald sent stone shards at Fria, Vernal sent a boulder. However, as they hit Fria, they simply orbited around her, much to the surprise of the two. Fria, not looking the least bit fatigued, formed two stone golems that had fiery, glowing veins on them. Soon, they turned their attention to Emerald and Vernal, spewing a gush of lava at them. Before getting burned by the lava, they used wind magic to propel them in the air. Seeing them in the air, the golems spit magma spheres, causing them to fly around, trying to avoid the attacks.
Nora was in awe at her grandma's skill before her memory declined, and she gave the Winter Maiden power to Nora. Now that Fria had her memory, youth, and temporary power, Nora was seeing just how powerful she really was. Fria looked at Nora.
"Nora. Aren't you going to join in?" Fria asked.
Nora looked hesitant to beat down on her grandma. Fria, noticing Nora's reluctance, spoke up.
"Don't worry, Nora. Heracles's Stomping Ground prevents anyone from dying," Fria began, "Just fight me with all you got."
Nora nodded. Using the wind magic, she flew into the air and tried to strike Fria with Magnhild. However, Fria formed an ice shield that blocked the attack. What surprised Nora was how her hammer didn't even crack the ice. Before she could change direction, Fria flash froze Nora, who fell to the ground. Most of her body was a giant icicle except for her face. Currently, she was shaking like a leaf from the cold.
"Nice try, dearie. Maybe next time."
Back with Bleiss and Alsie, they were still clashing blades. Soon, they locked blades. Bleiss looked full of fatigue, while Alsie looked invigorated.
"Not bad," Alsie said.
Neo, seeing an opportunity, fired an ice shard at Alsie. However, Alsie swung her sheath, destroying the ice shard with ease. From her eye peripheral perspective, she looked at Neo, who gulped in fear.
"Sneak attack. Nice," Alsie said as Neo suddenly was trapped in a wind sphere and Bleiss's legs were frozen. Soon, Neo is sent hurtling into Bleiss, breaking the lock of blades and sending both to the ground.
Alsie sends a water blast at the two, soaking them. Soon, her katana surges with lightning.
"But you both are a thousand years too early to beat me!"
She strikes the ground, sending the lightning to the drenched maidens.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" They screamed in pain.
After their auras have shattered, Asie stops her attack. While Neo lies face first unconscious and smoking like she was barbecued, Bleiss is still conscious. She had stabbed her katana into the ground, resting her arms on the pommel. Although she hadn't lost consciousness, she couldn't fight anymore. Seeing this, Alsie sheathed her katana.
"Next time. Do better," She said earning a nod from Bleiss, who was not mad but humbled and grateful.
Back with Fria, she stopped attacking Cinder once her aura was shattered. Raven, on the other hand, was still struggling against the twister. Fria stopped the twister attack. However, the wind surrounding Raven began to leave her and circle around Fria as a ring.
Raven stopped her wind barrier, realizing she was just creating wind for Fria to take. Suddenly she was struck by lightning from above, making her scream in pain. After the attack was over, Raven stood there unconscious and smoking. Fria pursed her lips together and sent a small gust of wind, that made Raven fall over.
Seeing her leader fall made Vernal shocked.
"Raven!" She shouted distracted.
One of the golems spat a magma sphere at Emerald, who flew away to dodge it, only for her to knock into Vernal. Seeing them distracted, Fria uses the light element to form a light pillar. Before they can react, she fires it, and it hits the two, driving them into a wall and squashing them like bugs. Soon, Fria undoes the light, causing Emerald and Vernal to fall on top of each other to the ground.
Fria looked around, seeing Amber who gulped in fear. Soon, a looming shadow hovered over Amber. In time, the shadow got bigger. She looked up, only to be surprised by a chunk of ice the size of a one-story house falling closer to her. Using her wind magic, she tried to push the ice off of her. She grunted and strained to try to stop the attack, but eventually, she gave up and the ice crushed her.
Alsie walked over to Fria. She dispersed the elements around her and undid her golems, reducing them back to fire and rock. Afterward, she snapped her fingers, causing the ice on Amber to disperse. Amber had multiple broken bones, and blood spilled all over. Soon, her wounds began to heal, courtesy of the Heracles's Stomping Ground.
[Flashback-End]
...Which brings us to now.
Fria snapped her fingers, and the ice around Nora was instantly broken. Still, she was a shivering mess. Bleiss looked more at Alsie and Fria, smiling at this development. Not only did she get a chance to learn more about her love, but she was also given the opportunity to hone her sword skills and magic power.
[Hephaestus's Workshop: Public Area]
Yatsuhashi and Fox were upgrading their weapons, thanks to the blueprints from OnyxGabriel. After their encounter with Gyarados, they wanted to be ready to get back the treasure chest they lost.
The same could be said with Teams ABRN, FNKI, and NDGO who were more rested and were using the blueprints from JavenGabrielArbolea to upgrade their current weapons. Last night in the Nightmare Habitat made they put some fear in them. However, they wouldn't let that stop them from exploring the Serenity Habitat and finding the treasure.
...And they weren't the only ones upgrading and inventing.
[Hephaestus's Workshop: Reserved Room No. 1]
Will, Pietro, and Poledina were working on the Advent Mecs, but had some drawbacks. In Hephaestus's Workshop, all kinds of crafting tools are at your disposal. However, materials were another story as you were unable to use materials found in other universes. There were exceptions. If you were able to obtain a chunk, even a gram, of the material from a different universe, you would be able to use it indefinitely.
Despite this setback, they were trying to create Advent Mecs using steel, in the hopes of creating a prototype. Still, they had some hope as they could ask Ironwood for the adamantium he received.
...And they weren't the only ones tinkering with mechanical machinations.
[Hephaestus's Workshop: Reserved Room No. 2]
Watts was looking at a completed CyberGrimm, consisting of a Beowulf, which took him a day to make.
"I made it using material from Remnant...Still...I wanted to make it with something other than steel."
Watts then remembered the Serenity Habitat.
"Maybe."
*PING!*
A message from Salem showed up in front of Watts.
"Hmph. Orders from our "Queen."
He merely pressed the small box with an "X" in it, closing the message.
"I don't have time for your prattle."
Watts looked at the blueprint designs of the Advent Mecs from the XCOM Universe that he received from HelixOrion.
"I have research to do."
Watts put the blueprints in his inventory. He felt fortunate as the reserved room had no time limit or rent price on use. He felt happier knowing that he had exclusive use to the room, so no one could steal his data and inventions. Basically, he had his own lab.
"Athena's Library."
Soon, he was transported to the area of knowledge. He was hoping to find a way to get better materials.
[Hephaestus's Workshop: Reserved Room No. 3]
Caroline Cordovin was working on a mech suit to use in combat. Helping her construct it was Klein Sieben, who was hoping to get a mech suit of his own. As Caroline was on a step ladder, working on the top of the mech suit, Klein was bringing her box of parts. Suddenly, Caroline lost her balance, causing her to fall over. Klein dropped the boxes and sprinted over, catching her in the nick of time.
"You alright, Miss Cordovin?" Klein asked.
Caroline blushed.
"Um yeah," She said as Klein put her down.
She put back the step ladder and began working again as her heart beat faster.
Yes, everyone was trying to get stronger in their own ways as well as developing their own friendships and relationships. However, despite the progress many were making, some were filled with worry and doubt.
[Ozpin's Inner Circle]
Ozpin's inner circle sat in a private meeting room provided by Jack. Those attending were the following: Ozpin (Ozma), Glynda Goodwitch, Peter Port, Bartholomew Oobleck, Thumbelina Peach, Theodore Gale, James Ironwood, Clover Ebi, Vine Zeki, Elm Ederne, Harriet Bree, and Marrow Amin.
Ozpin sighed, realizing the missing people: Summer, Tai, Qrow, Robyn, and Maria. He would bring them up later.
"Originally, I wanted to first discuss a replacement for Leonardo Lionheart, but I believe there are more pressing matters to discuss," Ozpin said.
"That would be the lack of trust and amount of malice in the students and our own faction members."
The rest of the inner circle looked down in dejection, knowing what Ozpin (Ozma) meant. After the Shadow Arc viewing...No possibly even before that...Many of the students have changed their attitudes toward those in the inner circle. Many, like the students, have started to distance themselves from the inner circle, especially the headmasters and professors.
"I don't understand why they are like this," Marrow said.
"I do. I believe it's because I withheld the truth about the Shadow War," Ozpin (Ozma) said knowing the students' feelings all too well.
"But the war is as good as over," Elm said, earning nods from her teammates.
"She's right. Tock, one of Salem's members, resigned in Leviathan's Banquet Hall," Vine said, much to the surprise of the other members.
"Hmmm. So, just like before," Port said, referring to Intermission 3.
"What about Tyrian? He's pretty devout," Clover said.
"Even if there are some left, we can take care of them," Glynda said, earning a nod from Clover and a few others.
"Not only that, the general received a list of Salem's minions," Marrow said, referring to SAS1C38.
"Right. Not to mention, Opzin (Ozma) and Salem are no longer cursed. Once Salem is killed and her faction captured, we win," Harriet said.
"No, it's not that simple," Bartholomew said.
"What do you mean?" Harriet asked.
Bart sighed.
"Even though Salem's forces have been revealed, that doesn't mean we can just arrest them when we get back to Remnant. What do we charge them with?"
"Treason and seditious conspiracy," Theodore said with no hesitation.
"Where's the evidence?" Bart asked.
"Like Marrow said, we have the list of her allies," Harriet said.
"Materialized from a white sphere of energy that was obtained from some multiversal deity. Do you think that will hold up in court?" Oobleck asked.
The room fell silent. They were already in disbelief from the viewings and Jack's Domain. If they told people about it in Remnant, they would chalk it up to fairy tales or delusions, the latter resulting in them getting a psych eval, which may restrict them.
"Then, that's it. The students must be mad because we haven't revealed the truth about the shadow war and the relics," Theodore said a little despondent at the idea of his students hating and being angry at him.
"Maybe we should reveal the truth," Clover said.
"No. It's too dangerous. If other rogue factions find out, we may lose the relics," James said, earning nods from several of the members.
That was one of James's reasons for not revealing the relics' existence. The second was that he had not forgotten how he was going to bring Atlas back to the ground and use the Relic of Creation to help all of Solitas (SAS1C11).
Ozpin (Ozma) sighed in sorrow.
"And that's not the worst of it," He replied, earning a nod from Port.
"You're worried about others joining Salem once they learn of her," Peter said, earning a nod from Ozpin (Ozma).
No one denied it. Although Salem lost her curse, she was able to control the Grimm, something that could entice others to join her. They worried even more if the Cult of Grimm ever learned of her or if they were under her employ. The latter fear made them need to find out if that organization was on the list James received.
Opzin (Ozma) sighed.
"For now, we should try reaching out to the students and talk to them. I'm sure we can resolve this in some way."
Those like the professors wanted to try to talk this out with the students, hoping to change their minds.
Some like Harriet believed the students should get with the program.
With that done, they would discuss other matters, namely their missing members and the Arcs.
The rest of the day and night would be uneventful. Still, many developments are on the horizon as new factions are created. Only time will tell if the factions will cooperate or destroy each other.
(A/N(1): Shout out to the other authors/readers for their gifts during Happy Holidays!):
(A/N(2): In the show, I always thought that relying on only one weapon was kind of dumb because they could lose it and become defenseless. As a result, I was hoping they would learn to use a secondary weapon in the show. To be honest, I was disappointed when they gave Emerald sickles instead of Ruby.)
(A/N (3): I have plans for secondary weapons for some characters, a few even being a reflection of their personality. Emerald's main weapons will be different in the story.)
(A/N(4): Weiss can summon now! I've had this planned since Specialist Arc Part 4.)
(A/N(5): I will try to find a way for all the gifts from "Happy Holidays!" will find a way into the story.)
(A/N(6): Foreshadowed Alsie and Fria working together in Intermission 5 Part 3. I always felt that the seasonal maidens could be so much more than how the show portrays them.)
(A/N(7): The change in name from Serenity Habitat to Nightmare Habitat is a theme. By day, it is the Serenity Habitat, and by night, it is the Nightmare Habitat.)
(A/N(8): How will Ozpin and the inner circle regain the trust of their students and comrades? Or are they too late?)