Zack POV
I don't know how to feel about this…
Frankly, after what happened earlier, my thoughts are incredibly mixed about this place and on how I feel about its people. The Forgotten Ones, or I guess the Arakan Clan. Seeing how Humans and Faunus can live in harmony with no hatred or disdain for one another would be like the dream the original White Fang wished to happen. Something I'd love to see becoming a reality in the other Kingdoms as well.
But reality's disappointing at times.
I know that it would still take decades, perhaps centuries, before that dream becomes real. But seeing it realised here, then perhaps it is achievable within decades. Of course, I still have things that I disagree for sure. Mainly how fanatical they seem to act almost like a cult over the Sisters of Twilight while also calling me the Blessed one. A title that still makes me feel uncomfortable thinking about it.
Then we have the definitely not slavery labour system. While I can somewhat understand the practical views on using those who hurt others must pay back some way. The thing is, I get it. I was rendered an orphan because bandits raided the town I was from, and I was forced to flee for my life with nothing else besides what my mother and father had prepared for me. But as someone who lives in a world with slavery mostly gone and seen as ethically fucked in the contemporary era, I can't accept it, no matter how justified it is.
Then again, some fuckers on earth still practice it differently. We call that debt slavery.
Moving on, then we have their… way of getting promoted, IE beating your boss and taking their place. An almost Darwinistic system that is more fitting in Remnant with how life is tough outside the walls of the Kingdoms. It's strange, though. It both a sports event similar to the gladiatorial arenas in Roman times for entertainment and the only way, from what I can tell, to rise into a better position through rites of Ascension as they call it. The fact that it's treated almost like a religious event, as if this rite is sacred, is interesting and puzzling.
Way to show how martial the entire culture the clan seems to have.
But again, this is why I find the whole clan almost like a paradox, they are merciful and willing to help anyone, from what further talks with my uncle reveals. It's almost like a Benevolent Darwinistic society. They help others but are ruthless and martial, with much of its population expected to learn how to fight, even if it is just to reach a higher position. Yet, they don't scorn on those that would be considered passive and weak by such thinking.
Heck, from that I can see, everyone seems to be respected and not just those who become guards or soldiers. According to my uncle, our people are more community bounded and share the belief that all rows, no matter how insignificant they might be, will help the society as a whole. There was once even suggested the idea of organising a Communal Parenthood, which is basically something like a nursery for all the children to stay and learn while their parents focus on the betterment of their society with the perk that they can visit them.
To no one's surprise, my uncle vetoed the proposal because he didn't want to separate the children from their parents just to boost the clan's efficiency. In addition to the numerous complaints from concerned parents about the idea that the government gets to decide how they raise their kids.
Still, this place is confusing! Then there's the issue of my fight with my uncle a while back and me winning it at the same time. Not really because I didn't defeat him, but the rite was postponed due to my period of madness that puts everyone at risk. That and Fenrir admitting to me a while back of his intention to have me defeat him, so I would become Khan of the Arakan clan, all because he was sterile.
I get it, but I'm getting sick of having more roles and baggage tossed my way without my damn input! I'm already carrying Ozma's burden to stop Salem, then learning that the fucking Brother Gods just about sentenced me to death for my Arakan heritage and now pretty much a leader of an entire society! Ugh… I need to stop thinking about this, or I'm going to blow a whistle.
"You okay there, kiddo?" My ears twitched upon hearing my uncle calling me out, and I saw him glancing at me while we heard the sounds of combat and reverence cheering in the background. Among more people offering their praises and greetings to Fenrir and me while giving the silent treatment to Weiss.
"I'm fine. Just lost in my thoughts." I admit before, feeling Weiss brushing her hand against mine in assurance. I know it's close to half a day at this point, but I still find it surreal that Weiss is my girlfriend at this point. Not that I'm against it or anything, but now my thoughts would occasionally drift to her an any moment now, and it is… nice, you know? In fact, I think I'm starting to develop a craving for physical comfort, though we mutually agreed to keep our relationship private at her request.
But I still can't believe that my uncle was observant enough to have an idea what happened the night before when I was mentally breaking down, oh my god! It didn't help the fact that we were holding hands underneath the table and Fenrir knew it someone and justified that we're not as subtle as we thought we were while having breakfast earlier!
"Just lost in your thought, eh? Fair enough. Just wish to let you know that we're arriving at our destination soon." He mutters out with his eyes peering over the distance, and as Weiss and I did the same, we saw it. Just beyond us was what hints to be an industrial district in Sanctuary, if I were to judge by the building made out more of wood and stone then tents with everything else alongside chimneys expelling smoke and the distant sounds of hammering and other things you would hear from an industrious zone.
"Is this where your Grand Artificer resides in?" Weiss asks out, with Nerium nodding her hand and answering the question for her Khan.
"Yes, Miss Schnee. He resides deep in the industrial districts you see before you. Serving as the head of command and leading his artificers in crafting everyone everything our people needs. He is also responsible and skilled in his works to forge a par of prosthetic arms for our Khan in less than a day." Less than a day, huh?
That's very impressive. Though I suspect semblances must be involved somehow to pull that off. It's not possible to have all that made in a single day, with how advanced my uncle's prosthetic arms are. "I assume that with everything else here, artisans would challenge each other for higher positions through works of craftsmanship instead of fighting, I presume?"
"Correct." Fenrir nods his head at my question. "While the martial skills are encouraged to learn by everyone so they can at least defend themselves, we also cannot ignore that other sectors shouldn't have the same Rites of Ascension as the warriors and guards. Thus, a similar system is applied to all parts of our society."
"I suppose that the same for other works as well?" Weiss joins into the conversation again, while my uncle nods his head once more.
As for me, thinking about this makes me wonder one thing with my ears twitching, if they have this Rite of Ascension thing on just about anything here, does that mean that there are chefs challenging other chefs to make the tastiest food? That's a funny though to have, but does remind me of that Master Chef I watched back on Earth.
Except it's a reality here. Quite literally, in fact. Then what about cheaters? Because this level of meritocracy would definitely have people try to cheat or use nepotism to gain the advantage. Unless there are strict rules about it and any cheating would be heavily discouraged due to the punishments for it. Speaking of which, then what if a person wishes to change profession?
Does that mean that they would have to start from the bottom again?
Man, do I feel like a tourist here.
"That might be the case here, Zack, from what we have seen and heard so far." Ozma? What do you mean by that? And as if knowing that I want him to elaborate more on that, he continues in my head. "It is simply an observation about how different Sanctuary is compared to the other Kingdoms. I wonder if this is the case because of its isolation from the world at large?" He hums in my head while have to agree.
It makes sense… while there are indeed trade conveys that leave this place to trade with Mistral and the surrounding towns, I don't think any true visitor has been here before since those who seen it are part of its society. Including newcomers.
"In addition to that, related to your thoughts on concerns of corruption with such a meritocratic society, I never thought it was possible." Ozma continues with what I can feel was fascination coming from the old wizard within me. "I believe that if the cultural significance of their Rite of Ascension is that important that every bit of its society revolves around it for advancement, they must be heavily intolerance to such corruption of nepotism. It only makes the logical sense…"
"As for the topic of nepotism, I do not know much, but there is a possibility of its existence here. Though likely limited to perhaps the higher echelons or lower with how skill matters more than blood here. Additionally, it is possible that the Rites when it comes to Khan leadership are more flexible, seeing how such strictness would affect how successors are chosen if we were to base it on your dual with Fenrir." Ozma soon ended his talk and left me more to think.
"Zack? Are you alright? You have been starting at the door for some time now."
"Weiss, what do yo-? Hang on. Was I lost in my thoughts for that long?" While I was blinking my eyes and trying to bring myself back to reality, I realized that I was indeed staring at the door, which looked very fancy with its carvings and, I think, made from oak wood. Looking at the side, I can see Weiss and her beautiful eyes looking worried at me, with Fenrir and Nerium glancing at me behind my girlfriend confused as well.
"Did I walk here on autopilot while following you guys?" I asked while glancing around and yeah, we were not that far from here. Did serious loose myself to my conversation with Ozma and self-pondering?
"That would be the case, Zack." My uncle spoke up, "You were silent for the remaining time and didn't seem to respond at all. What was going on in your head to do that?" He asked while I adopted a thoughtful look with a hand under my chin.
"I… I was talking to the wizard… but how did I lose myself like that? Normally, I'm more aware and don't do that. Unless..." I muttered out only before the wizard spoke up.
"A symptom of our growing bond, Zack." Ozma suddenly threw his words in my head before I felt suddenly cold as if death were creeping up my spine. Just how intertwined are we getting for me to space out like that? How much time I have before we fully merge, and that contingency plan the Brother Gods made kicks in and kills me? "Alternatively, you are still mentally overwhelmed after yesterday's events." Ozma added in.
"I pray to god it better be the latter, Oz. Thinking about the merger's going to get me distracted and unfocused. Especially when there's more to be done." I mutter in my thoughts before feeling Weiss grabbing my hand and feeling her warmth. "Sorry about that, everyone, I think I'm still mentally exhausted and overwhelmed after yesterday." I uttered out before seeing my girlfriend glancing around as if checking is anyone's else besides my uncle and his second are looking at our way before leaning over and whispering in my ear.
"Remember what I said before, Zack. I'll stand with you, no matter what happens, so you won't have to carry your burdens by yourself. I'll be with you all. So, please. Tell me about what's going on in there later." And then to show her assurance to me, Weiss placed a small kiss on my cheek, which expectantly made our cheeks red but did sooth my mind and soul a bit.
"Yeah. I will later, is that alright with you?" I asked back and got a nod from her before she split off from me. Only to see my uncle covering his mouth while Nerium remain strict as always. I swear Fenrir's hiding a teasing grin behind his mouth. Whatever, the most important thing is that we're here and hope this Grand Artificer is the real deal if he indeed made my uncle's arms in less than a day.
I might need to see if he can fix up my gear while at it as well. They are in serious need of repairs after yesterday's fight.
Nodding at my uncle, he walks past me and Weiss, while I held her hand for a bit longer to hopefully rid the existential dread lingering in my mind. Even Ozma stopped speaking, probably for the sake of both of us since, that might cause me to freak out again or something. Whatever it may be, we watch as my uncle knocks on the door before it opens to show a well-shaved man with a buzz cut hairstyle.
"I request to you to tell the Grand Artificer Faelwyn Gearshade that his Khan calls for him this instant." Faelwyn Gearshade… that's an interesting name… I wonder what's the reference behind that name. "This is important, and I must speak to him personally." But to Fenrir's and everyone's surprise, the man shook his head before giving an apologetic bow.
"My apologies, great Khan. Grand Artificer Gearshade is busy with a guest who visited him not too long ago. He requested that no visitors are to disrupt him until his talk was over."
"And who is this guest? What do they look like?" My uncle asks. Though his tone does suggest otherwise, that this is not something the guard could dance around. He wants answers, and I doubt he won't take no instead. Besides, I agree.
Who is this person talking to Mr Gearshade?
Taking a subtle gulp, though everyone could see that he's afraid, the guard spoke. "Some woman with-"
"That won't be necessary, I'll take it over from her and address our Khan. You can return to your duties." Another voice in the building suddenly objects, before I picked up the sound of footsteps of two people coming down the steps. I have to guess that man's voice must be the Grand Artificer Gearshade. "My apologies, great Khan, for my sudden refusal to accept any guests abruptly. Had I known it was you, I would have made time while sharing a conversation with her."
Turning around the corner, I see him walking towards the door with everyone else including I was watching patiently behind my uncle. And then we see him, wearing what is clearly a plain white t-shirt with a sleeveless leather suit over him, he also appears to be wearing black pants with a belt buckle holding various tools, including one that looks like a personal creation of since it sticks out like a sore thumb with its esoteric designs. It's difficult to explain the details because it looks mystical.
Straight out of a fantasy world. Then again, Remnant clearly meshes a post-apocalyptic world with sci-fi elements and fantasy, with the whole magic being a thing.
All I can observe that it looks like a personal tool that could work if his semblance. Continuing on with the man's looks, he also wears what are clearly a safety boots and what is clearly an emblem of a hand grasping onto a hammer with gears around it on an armband plate on his shoulders. Even more, his green hair was messy yet braided up, as was the beard he had. I should also mention that the dude's buffed with his age, I think in his mid-thirties.
But what was most surprising was that the woman who was following him had her hood down despite the cloak she's wearing is none other than AWOR herself! What is she doing here? I know she left with everyone yesterday when I was suffering from a mental breakdown, and she told Fenrir about the journey I took. But that still doesn't explain why she's here. Is it related to Grand Artificer Gearshade somehow? That might also explain why he requested that no visitors are to disturb him.
He doesn't wish for everyone to know that he is talking to one of the Sisters.
"AWOR?" My uncle uttered out with surprise to see our god here with his Grand Artificer. "What are you doing here, if I may ask?" He continued on after giving a short bow, with Nerium following him while Weiss and I watched on, still stunned to see her here.
"I am simply here to provide assistance with Grand Artificer Gearshade over Oathkeeper's need for reforging, and in addition to seeing his other gears repaired." AWOR explained with her usual motherly tone before Gearshade spoke up.
"Imagine my surprise learning that AWOR was one of our Gods, and she's paying me a visit hours ago. She wishes for my assistance in crafting a new Oathkeeper for your nephew, or I suppose the Blessed one." He muttered out the end softly while glancing at me before looking intently at my jacket with a thoughtful loo for some reason.
Please quit it with the Blessed one. Hang one, he sounds reluctant to say it. "Thought I suppose you know me well enough, Fenrir that I am not as religious as the others. I prefer results than faith. But I cannot deny the idea of forging something beyond what I am capable enough to be attractive..." Faelwyn continues on with sheer interest in his tone, while my ears and tails twitch.
Talk about being married to the craft…
"I see, give it to him." My uncle hums before stepping aside for Nerium to walk towards Faelwyn and passing him the bag which contains what's left of Oathkeeper. Soon, enough, he opens it before gasping in horror. Oh, dear…
"Goodness! What happened to her! Why is Oathkeeper utterly shattered?!" Faelwyn asks/demands before I raised my hands up guiltily.
"I uh… I broke it?"
"Broke?! Oathkeeper not just an IT! I forged it and Oathbreaker for your mother and uncle!" I found myself cringing at Faelwyn's ranting. I guess he's the type of craftsman that REALLY takes pride in their work. Alright, noted to be careful with my words around him. "They were my finest creation and I have never seen my work break this much! How the hell did you even do that?!"
Thankfully, before Faelwyn could rant on about my fuckup, Weiss jumps in. "Hang on, if you made it from Zack's mother and uncle, doesn't that mean that you forged it when you were in your teens?" Ask out and to my surprise from the whiplash, he smiles nostalgically.
"Yes. They were my finest creation when Fenrir's father requested for two swords to be made for his children. Under the assumption that you all are aware of our history, you can be for sure that every one of us wishes for our craft to be selected, and a whole rite began on forging the perfect weapon for the Khan's children."
Then before we moved on, I felt someone gently rubbing my head to see that my uncle was giving me a head pat with my ears twitching in response to his touch. "Sorry about that, kiddo, Faelwyn can be quite devoted to the art of craftsmanship. So, he can get a bit worked up if someone mistreats his work. I should have warned you about his eccentrics. Sorry." He sheepishly admits with his wolf ears twitching.
Then, to my surprise, Faelwyn points his finger at my uncle with a smile. "You're lucky that I see you as one of my closes friends and not just the leader of our people, Fenrir." He utters before wiping the smile off his face. "Now, with our chatter out of the way, come in, we got work to do." With that, the Grand Artificer did a whole one eighty and walked deeper into his workshop, leaving AWOR still smiling at us before kindly inviting us to come in with her hand.
Well, I guess we shall see what they can make.
==================================================================
With one of the Sisters beckoning them to come with her, every one of them followed the goddess deeper into Faelwyn's workshop, which one of the rooms is extensive with how many sketches for not only weaponry but clothing designs were pinned to the wall. Further on to that, there were also incomplete works on the tables, with some being tended to by other artisans who paid their mind towards Fenrir's and Zack's presence.
Of course, since AWOR looks like an ordinary woman with a cloak over her head, most pay no mind to her since Faelwyn has instructed them to focus on their tasks. In fact, the only time they deviate is to give subtle glances at Weiss, as if wondering how a Schnee got here.
Whatever the case, sensing the distrust radiating from the various artisans at work, Zack, in a silent gesture of assurance, chose to quickly give Weiss's hand a squeeze before breaking away with the ex-heiress bearing a soft smile on her lips.
After a while, Nerium spoke up after walking through many busy workshops that were making different kinds of weapons and goods. "If I may ask, my goddess. I doubt your intervention in Grand Artificer Gearshade's matters isn't a sheer coincidence. Why truly did you seek to help your champion?"
In response to that and with Fenrir glancing curiously as well, AWOR answers softly. "The path Zack will walk with his companions will be trifled by those who seek to stop him. Either by worldly and unworldly factors. At my sister's behest, we concluded that we must take a much more interventionist stance. After all, the Brother Gods already made their move with their own chess piece on the board."
"You're saying as if they are sending something, or someone, after me." Zack muttered with his eyes narrowed down, his fox ears and tails began to twitch in agitation that there could be more threats to him and his friends. "Actually, why can't you tell us now?"
"Just as everyone holds secrets for the betterment, there is a time and place for it to be revealed." AWOR continues. "But just for you. An old adversary you met not too long ago will ambush you should you leave Sanctuary with your companion."
"Old adversary…: Salem? That seems to be the most likely case if she still thinks like her canon counterpart and desires my capture, since I'm Ozma's host. What other threats could it be, then? Hmm…" Zack being to think through his thoughts, while Fenrir is understandably displeased.
"I see." He growls softly. "Then if he needs to get to Argus, it is best that he has an escort then." Though before they could continue the conversation, all of them finally reached Faelwyn's personal workshop quarters, and he had already begun taking out the shatter remains of Oathkeeper and laying them on the table.
"So uh, Faelwyn. What is the first thing doing right now?" Zack asks before the Grand Artificer answers his question.
"Well, first of all, I need to see the extent of the damage, not just the visible but the invisible." He explains before observing the shattered blade. "Well from a quick glance I can see that this poor baby has been through tough times, have you been maintaining it? Not just cleaning it, I mean, but sharpening and checking for any micro-cracks within it."
"As much as I could, but the past few days have been rough, I won't lie."
Zack explains while Faelwyn's hums with interest before taking out that tool Zack saw earlier from his hip before it unfurls into something resembling a telescope though more portable. Then, adjusting it so it lines up on one of the shattered parts of Oathkeeper, he peers in. "Well damn… The damage is worse than I thought. Whatever you have done to poor Oathkeeper, you somehow made the alloys holding it together brittle. Did you happen to put it furnace or something for a long time?"
"No. Why would I do that?" The fox Faunus asks back.
"Because I'm seeing tiny cracks within them, definitely some sort of power or energy caused that." Faelwyn explained back while continuing his observations, and Zack would have answered back, if it weren't for AWOR walking in and knowing the cause.
"You must have unconsciously poured our magic into Oathkeeper while you lost control while fighting your uncle and companion yesterday. That's the only concussion I could come to." The goddess uttered out. "No ordinary weapon can withstand magic without cracking from its power for a long period of time. After all, magic is just another form of energy it can take."
"Huh… that actually explains why he seems to hit harder as soon as he loses control." Fenrir hums, almost fascinated by what he learned. "In short, it's like running a sword through a power socket for a long time, am I getting this correctly?"
"Something like that." Faelwyn shrugs his shoulders while continuing is investigation. "Got to be frank with everyone and as much as it pains me, much of Oathkeeper cannot be repurposed. The alloys used to make it have micro cracks within them, and reforging the blade would only make things worse eventually. Even then, I need to find a way to create some sort of conduit, so that magic won't directly affect it. Perhaps gold might work with its conductivity, but it is a soft metal, a terrible material for a sword…"
Zack began to ponder silently to himself after hearing what the Grand Artificer had said. "Perhaps this is why the maidens seem to create their own weapons out of their own magic instead of relying on their own weapons. Except for Winter at the end of Volume 8… Hang on a second. Didn't she wield her sword more like a wand as soon as she got the Winter Maiden's powers?" He pondered for a moment before it hit him. "If that's the case, having a sword that can act as a conduit for the sister's magic would increase its durability without compromising it. Perhaps also having the ability to become a staff to channel the sister's magic!"
"Then perhaps it's best a new Oathkeeper needs to be forged not out of the original but from something new." The fox Faunus soon utters which earns him everyone's attention, but most prominently AWOR herself who had a small knowing smile on her lips.
"Pardon?" Faelwyn mutters out as he pulls out and glances at Zack, who explains.
"Since you said that, Oathkeeper's kind of well… damaged beyond repair. Then my sword needs to be remade anew so it can withstand magic if that's the case." The fox Faunus then glances at AWOR. "Is it possible to forge a sword that could act like a casting staff? Perhaps that would allow me to channel it in a much more beneficial way that wouldn't break it in the process?"
"It is…" AWOR smoothly confirms. "But it needs something that will serve as a conductor, something that you happen to already have one you." The goddess explains while Zack perks up.
"Hang on." The fox Faunus then brings his hand just behind his head and pulls the purple Dust hair bracelet away from his hand as it condensed into a crystal. Which also let his hair loose, except for the smaller ponytail on the upper back of his head. "Don't you mean this Dust crystal that Ishmael made a while back? I still don't know its properties nor what kind of Dust it is, except for the fact it's incredibly stable, and it can assimilate other Dusts into itself."
"Stable enough to use as a hair bracelet? I don't know if that's clever or utterly foolish to have it so close to your head at all times. Frankly, I intended to ask you about it, but I just never find an opportune time to do that." Fenrir added in, while Zack just shrugs his shoulders in addition to Weiss bearing more attention since Dust is her family's speciality, while Nerium watches on with interest.
"Yeah… I wanted a unique look and having it as a hair bracelet was at the time an idea that struck my mind. So far, I can say that it worked well enough without any problems or suddenly blowing up." The fox Faunus glances back at the goddess. "So, what kind of Dust is it actually? Weiss couldn't figure all its properties, even with her family's speciality in it."
"Void Dust." AWOR answers, while Zack and Weiss' eyes grew wider. "Just as most Dust is simply the essence of my blood, my sister has her own version, which you happen to possess and take with you on your journeys." Though, before the goddess could continue, Weiss joins in.
"AWOR, if I may ask, what are Void Dusts properties?" Weiss asks while glancing at her boyfriend. "I couldn't decipher what are its effects other than its apparent stability and ability to assimilate Dust. And what is so unique about it?" Despite this, AWOR smiles.
"You see Miss Schnee, Void Dust is unique because only Ishmael can create them and their ability is to absorb and store power before expelling them out at the user's choice. Void Dust, for instance, can be fed a fire Dust crystal and can then channel to split off water Dust instead."
"Hand on a second!" Faelwyn butts but sheer glee in his eyes. "You're saying that this is using the same laws of conservation, of which energy is neither created nor destroyed, but changes from one form of energy into another form?"
"Correct Grand Artificer." AWOR confirms. "Magic is simply another form of energy that exists here."
"This is a lot to take in. It redefines everything we know about Dust… I mean, learning that it is essentially your blood, is one thing. But learning that it is simply another form of energy that can be harnessed, and to think we still haven't understood its full potential." Weiss admits to the goddess, while Zack nods his head in agreement.
"Yeah, sure is Weiss. I don't know how our other friends would react to this." Zack mutters before the ex-heiress answers back.
"I suppose it will depend on who's reacting to this."
"Indeed, Zack." Ozma whispered in the Fox Faunus mind with fascination. I suppose there are always more things to discover in this world. Things that I never expected or encountered before." Soon after, Faelwyn grins like a child who has found something new and exciting to work on.
"You know, all this information has got me so excited to get working on it!" The Grand Artificer of Sanctuary utters out before pointing at Zack and utters bluntly. "But before we can get working on that, I need you to strip."
…
"WHAT!?" Weiss blurts out in a mix of scandalised embarrassment with her face turning a shade of red, while Zack was doing the same with his face turning red and mouth wide open. All the while, his ears and tails began twitching all over the place from the unexpected yet embarrassing request. Seeing what their reactions were with Fenrir's deadpanned look at him and Nerium's side glance, Faelwyn sighs with annoyance.
"Not that kind of stripping, you perverts! Now get your head out of the gutter!" He shot out while pinching his nose. "What I meant is have him take off his gear and jacket. Since we're here, I'll also work on improvements on his busted gear and uniform as well."
"Besides, I know Fenrir well enough that he will ask me to improve his gear." Faelwyn smiles at his Khan, who nods back with his arms folded while chuckling out.
"You always know my intentions the moment I step into your workshop. Never change Faelwyn. Never Change." Chuckling alongside his Khan, the Grand Artificer brings his attention back to Zack.
"Besides, I'm curious about his jacket. I have never seen one that interacts with Aura before like this…"
"You can tell that at first glance?" Zack asks out surprised.
"They don't call me THE Grand Artificer for nothing. Now take them out right now!"
"Okay, okay, okay! I'll do that. Jeez."
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Hours later…
Weiss POV
Wow… I must admit, I'm starting to understand why Mr Gearshade is known as the Grand Artificer here. It not because of his technical skills and understanding of anything that has to do with craftsmanship. But more than that, his semblance is clearly linked to why he is, and I quote from his words, 'the best of the best in Sanctuary.'
In fact, Mr Gearshade's semblance is called Transmute. Which, according to Ozma, who chimed in occasionally from Zack, explains that the people in the far past used to be able to do something like this with magic. Except, it is his semblance instead. Honestly, our time here has been eye-opening for both of us and a bit of a culture shock from how different this place is from the other kingdoms.
Not just government wise, but societal wise as well. All of it is so alien if I were to compare it to my place of origin, Altas. The place where pure talent and skill decides who leads through competition. Not just through strength, which I presumably assumed at the time with how their Rite works. But through occupational jobs. The whole idea that to rise to the top, you must beat your superior was a shock to me, honestly.
Still, it somehow works here with what Mr Arakan told us. Which artisan challenges artisans to create the best product, and the one who wins either ascends or retains their position. Of course, this still doesn't excuse the downsides of this place with their use of bandits as labourers, which no different from slaves. The whole practice reminds me too much of the sins my family's company has been doing to their employees.
Especially Faunus employees.
And then we have the uncanny fanaticism everyone shows for the Sisters of Twilight here, except for a few like Mr Gearshade who appears more practical than religious. Including Zack by calling him the Blessed One, all because many saw him changed into a giant nine tailed Kitsune. I think that's what a nine-tailed fox would be called…
Still, I can tell how much those words make him feel uncomfortable and if my speculation is correct, last night's events still haunt him. No doubt that is the case. I need to keep him here and prevent another mental breakdown. We can't afford it. I can't afford it.
And then when we finally regroup with everyone, I need to do something about Ruby's… fondness for my boyfriend. I haven't forgotten the talk we had in the morning, and the thing is, what can I do? Though I will NEVER admit to anyone, but I did peer into those filth books Blake had back when we were still in Beacon when no one was looking out of curiosity and nothing else.
And a chapter in it mentioned something about a love triangle. Which is very accurate now that I process it through.
I still can't believe how that dolt managed to make not only me but my partner fall for him without even realising until I talked about Ruby's infatuation with him to his face! At least until I reveal it to him in the morning! Seriously, for someone who has memories from not only his original world but also Ozma's, Zack certainly can be blind to what's in front of him.
Then again, I have a feeling that the wizard did not tell him about us because it is not his part to intervene in his host's love life. Whatever the case, we need to confront my partner as soon as we get back and see if this is just Ruby crushing over Zack, or did she actually fall for him?
Perhaps when I find the time, I should ask Ozma himself for his input on this with Zack, since this affects the three of us.
Speaking of the moment and away from my thoughts, Zack and I were waiting patiently by the chair among the hammering going on near us in the recreation room, courteously of Mr Gearshade. Because he had his gear and clothing taken away to be repaired and perhaps upgraded, my boyfriend's now wearing some sort of robes that has white, royal purple and sliver on it, something which my boyfriend immediately identifies as a Hanfu.
A garment which his ancestors in a place called China used to wear back on Earth, and which Mistral has cultural share from. I'm not so sure myself, but I think it fits him well, in addition to his hair now loose instead of tied up.
I wonder if Zack would allow me to braid his hair…
I think he would look cute with it.
Feeling that warm feeling I always seem to receive whenever I think of him, I glanced up to see my boyfriend glancing at me before he gently took my hand in his with a smile. "Busy in your mind?" He asked while I felt my cheeks warmed up. Fenrir and Nerium departed a while back since they needed to prepare to send us off tomorrow, but I am simply happy to be with Zack alone, despite knowing that it's fleeting.
"Nothing too major, except I've been thinking about Ruby." I admit before I got respond from my infatuate who adopted a contemplative look.
"Ruby, huh? I've been thinking about it as well. I mean, what should we do with her? Furthermore, I don't want to do anything that will emotionally hurt her or make things awkward. She's been through a lot and not to say that you didn't go through much or the others as well, but ever since I am here with you guys, I promised myself one thing." An oath to yourself, I see...
What is it, then?
Though he took seconds before answering, I can see that this had been on his mind for some time. "I swear that I would ensure that her mental state remains well, and she wouldn't suffer a mental breakdown later, from what I know." Suffer a mental breakdown… Does that mean something horrible happens later on that breaks Ruby?
A wave of alarm washed over me before I spoke up. "Did something happen later on?" I asked out only to get a confirmation back.
"Yeah, you can say it like that." Zack confirmed before worry grew on his face. "I'll just say that Salem said something that really affected Ruby hard, along with other things happening around the same time, made her snap. And that's the ones I saw. I don't know what happened next, but I have a terrible feeling that her mental state got even worse in the aftermath."
Hearing everything Zack just admitted rendered me silent and afraid, I won't lie. What happened in the future that made Ruby snap out of anyone else? And yet, I can see why Zack swear an oath to do that. I would also be concerned about my partners' well-being and do my best to see her well, but for him? With his limited knowledge of a future, he knows to an extent what will happen.
The silence that soon followed between the two of us was both comforting and hallowing, but I am still happy to see my boyfriend willing to trust me with this information. No matter how alarming it is. Still, that still leaves us with one question. What do we do? Though, while pondering on that, I heard Zack letting out a depreciating chuckle. What are you thinking to make you laugh like that?
"Heh… Funny now that I think about, I was the one that mentally broke after yesterday's events."
*SMACK!*
"Ow! Weiss, what was that for?" My boyfriend winced in pain as he began rubbing his head after I smacked him there for thinking like that. In response to that, I just folded my arms and glared at him.
"Don't go down that path. Dolt. I won't let you."
"Note taken, Tsun-Weiss." You-! Ugh, of course you would use that nickname the moment I go soft on you. "But I appreciate the effort to keep me afloat, Weiss. I meant it." Mmm... Stupid sweet talker… I don't understand how you managed to get me all flustered up with your words.
In the end, I ended up glancing away with my cheeks red while grumbling before picking up my boyfriend, softly giggling to himself at my reaction. I will allow it only because we're alone.
==================================================================
Zack POV
"Heh… so adorable Weiss can be when getting teased." I chuckled silently while Weiss was looking away from me. I wonder if she's pouting away from me? It would be so funny to see her actually did that, all because I called her Tsun-Weiss. Now that I think about it, I think the quiet times like this are the only times I get to be alone with her, among other stuff. As soon as we leave and head back to Argus, it's all back to focusing on the future to stop Salem before my clock is up. And the lack of privacy, knowing how the others will react to us returning.
Then a mischievous thought hit me and a sly grin grew on my lips. In an action that caught my girlfriend off guard, I leaned forward a bit and had my fluffy tails wrap around her thighs, hips and under the shoulder before dragging her close to me. As expected, Weiss squeaked out as she was pulled into me. "Zack?! What are you doing?" Her cheeks were even darker than ever before, and I failed to stifle my giggle.
"Just enjoy the warmth, Weiss. It's not everyday someone gets to be all wrapped up in fluff." I chimed before earning a reluctant smile coming from her lips as I continued. "After all, you were hugging all of them and me together in the morning, remember?" I softly mutter before I see her slowly melting in the warmth and fluff.
"Mmm…" That was all I head from Weiss before I adjusted our positions a bit so we can hug each other while my tails repositioned to wrap around the both of us. Honestly, I think anyone would kill to be wrapped in fluffy tails with how comforting it feels to be in. Of course, it still didn't wipe away the heat on my cheeks and the redness on Weiss's face, and I can't help but wonder.
Am I rushing this? I'm not sure, to be honest.
And now with her hugging me and resting her chin on my shoulder, I immediately pick up that familiar scent of vanilla Weiss always had on her and there's this urge within me. Not anything sexual, but this urge to nuzzle her face with mine. I wonder if this is Faunus instinct or something more because I am slowly becoming a Kitsune Faunus? Whatever the case, it was really temping with how close she is with me.
But just with everything else, such moments don't last forever before we heard Faelwyn calling out. "Alright Zack! You can come in now!"
Immediately, Weiss and I broke our temporary bond, and I can tell that she was rather displeased about the sudden interruption in our quiet time. "So much for having some time to ourselves." She sighed as I nodded my head in agreement. There is a part of me peeved that our moment had to be cut shot. But I suppose it's time to see how Oathkeeper is now.
"I wouldn't put much thought into that, Weiss. I'm sure we'll find more time for ourselves later on." I suggested as we stand back up before she spoke again
"We shall see. Though… I never knew such moments can feel so comforting." Yeah. I agree, and I just feel that I- no. We need it. I suppose even Weiss would wish for some physical contact. I wonder if this is because she matured as a person, or just the fact that she was lonely in her early years thanks to her bastard of a father. Then again, I've seen her grow since the earlier volumes to trust her team and be happy with them.
The feeling of physical comfort must be new to her. As it was for me. "Yeah. I wouldn't mind doing this again with you. There's just something special about being in the other's arms." I agreed while patting my Hanfu to make it straight again and then looking at my girlfriend to see her cheeks slightly red while picking up her whispering softy.
"It sure is." Though, the softness she showed eventually vanished before becoming focused again. "Though in the future, please let me know if you're going to do that."
She requested, while I agreed. "Understood. It was uncalled-for for me to do that to you, even if I did it because it was funny to see how you would respond." Ah… There's the Weiss everyone knows. Though I suppose I can consider myself unique since I get to see the softer side of her.
"I see you understand me. Good." My girlfriend smiles with satisfaction before doing something that catches me off guard. She suddenly leans in close and kisses me on the lips before breaking away seconds later. Even more was what, I think, was womanly pride emitting from her teasing smile before she turns around. "Well, we should get going now."
…
Did… Did she just do what I did to her back to me? It did not help that I can feel my heart beating much faster than it should, in addition to my ears twitching while I froze in place. I… uh… Should… Should do something right now?
"Zack, are you coming, or are you going to remain there in a blushing mess?" Weiss utter out while next to the door into Faelwyn's workshop while still bearing a victorious look on her face.
"R-Right! Coming!"
"I guess both of us would be wearing the pants in this relationship occasionally." I thought to myself, only to feel a sharp pain in my head. OW! Fuck! Right! Ozma's still here, and I don't think he appreciated that kind of thought I was having with her while he's still here! God-damn it! Way to ruin the mood here, old man!
"I am simply preventing you from thinking of any inappropriate thoughts, Zack. I have no desire to see your lewd mental images of Miss Schnee before they happen. Because you were about to think about it." Ozma explained, while I sighed at his reply. I have to admit, he did have a point. I was about to have some… interesting thoughts in my head…
"Thanks for that, Oz." I couldn't help but snark back at him while approaching Weiss. "Do I even want to know how you deal with your other incarnates when they have these kinds of moments?" I asked as Ozma gave a deadpan answer.
"You do not want to know, Arakan. It is quite the embarrassing place to be in."
Ah… Right… Moving on from that. Still, I may have shown how awkward my conversation with Ozma was on my face because Weiss can tell right away that I'm not secured all of a sudden. "Zack, did something happen just now?" She asked before I responded back by tapping my temple and sighing out.
"Nothing too major, Weiss. Just had an incredibly awkward conversation with Ozma." I said, while she just blinked at me.
"Oh… Right. Must be about us, isn't it?" Oh, God. You don't want what's going on in my head. Then again, puberty is a bitch and that other time I may or may not have been ogling team RWBY in my mind when Ozma first told me about them. Seriously. Going through it again is a pain in the ass, and I can't imagine how it must be for the wizard going through countless hosts that also may be going through puberty.
Still, hearing what I said made my girlfriend raise an eyebrow at me. "I see… I hope it is not anything scandalous." Uhh… maybe? This is incredibly awkward to admit to her that I ogled her and her team. Nor do I intend to find out how she would react. You know what, I'll move on and hope we can leave this behind. I REALLY don't want to address it!
"Nothing like that. Let's go and see Oathkeeper already." I reply before getting an agreeable nod from Weiss. Then stepping aside, Weiss gave way to the door for me to open it and we walked in. But like feeling the cold breeze in the morning washing over us, I felt something magical doing just that full force on to me. I didn't react to it, but I can say precisely that whatever Oathkeeper is now, it is not a normal weapon any more.
"There you are!" Faelwyn utters with more joy in his tone before he turns towards us while wiping the sweat off his forehead. Even more was AWOR not too far from him, looking down at probably Oathkeeper on the crafting bench with a fuck ton of tools all over the damn place! "I was wondering where you two were doing in there. Hopefully, nothing too concerning, I hope."
"Nothing at all, Mr Gearshade, we were simply making ourselves look presentable." Weiss spoke before I can. Giving a simple nod, the Grand Artificer nods his head with a hum.
"Good, I was worried that you two were doing something indecent in my workshop's recreation rooms." What? "I swear, you can't leave young couples alone nowadays before they start making out in the corners, and that other time there were a couple doing their business in my workshops. Can you believe that?" HUH?
You… You're more concerned about people doing that in your workshops instead of, you know, doing that? Do I even want to know why they were doing that in public spaces? Better question, why the fuck are you getting distracted from why we're here and talking about this instead?
Glancing at my girlfriend, I can see that even she's utterly stumped and mortified by whatever we're hearing, with her cheeks turning dark again. I don't blame her. "The point is, my workshops are places of craftsmanship! Not such funny businesses. I had to give those two a timeout for doing that in here." He continues. Even AWOR was giving what I can tell is the 'what the fuck are you talking about' look from behind.
"Then again, one or both of them must have taken one of those fertility booster or libidos boosting drugs a while back. And instead of doing it after work at home, they chose in the workshops." What?
?
For a moment, a certain meme from my world would be rather appropriate right about now.
'Jessie, what the fuck are you talking about?'
Fertility booster? Libido boosting drugs? Too much information! Seriously! "R-Right… Can we get back onto the main point?" I blurt out in hope to spare everyone from whatever the hell Faelwyn talking about. Thankfully, that worked, as the Grand Artificer acknowledged me.
"Right, my apologies for getting distracted already." Clearly… You were ranting about that. "Meanwhile, can you snap your companion out of her stupor?" Faelwyn asked me before I turned to see Weiss still rooted in place with her face still as red as Ruby's cape. For all the intimacy we had, whatever the fuck we went through must have been too much for her, and I agree.
I guess can say precisely that Weiss . EXE has stopped working.
Seriously, though, I wasn't aware that Sanctuary has fucking Fertility boosters and whatever the hell libido boosting drugs are. Actually, you know what? I should focus on snapping Weiss out than of this… filth topic.
"I concur…" Ozma must have read what was going through my mind before agreeing. "I wasn't expecting such… an eccentric rant, nor the idea of those drugs."
"They don't have those in the other kingdoms?" I asked him before I gently held Weiss by the shoulder and began shaking her.
"No. Last I remember. No such… drugs existed, even though my headmaster years." Ozma confirmed. "Yet I can understand how this would help boost population growth since the Remnant only has millions of lives on it, all mostly centralised around the four Kingdoms. Even then, it is known that are usually plenty of deaths from all manner of ways here." He continues, while Weiss still remained unresponsive to my touch. Did Faelwyn seriously made Weiss mentally crashed that hard?
"That still doesn't explain why or how they made it? Perhaps natural remedies or synthetic in nature? As unlikely, the latter may be based on the overall technological level." Oz ponders on. "Or how they are made and rather are they distributed publicly or commercially. Speaking of which, I'm intrigued this did not leak outside of Sanctuary…"
"It could be only recently made, for all we know, Oz. I don't remember seeing anyone selling it. Or… using it. Perhaps more answers my uncle can answer. If I'm brave enough to do that." I shivered at the thought of witnessing a couple going at it at one other in public before focusing on the main issue. Before, I gently poked my girlfriend in the cheek, which did get a response from my her. Wow. Are Weiss's cheeks always this squishy?
Whatever it may by, it worked before I got a response from her. "Zack?" I heard her mutter out before blinking at the feeling she felt on her cheek after I poked her there. "Did you just poke my face?" She asked, while I brought my hand down and nodded.
"Yeah. You were having a blue screen of death moment and I couldn't really reach to you. Even when I had your hand in mind." I explained while the redness on her face slowly faded away and then getting a quick reply soon after.
"Blue screen of what? Never mind, I'll assume that is something from your world, and my apology for that. All that information was… highly inappropriate for me and too much to process…" Weiss admits, with the red glow on her cheeks returning slightly.
"It's okay, it's just that you took it much worse than I did. I was just utterly baffled by the whole thing." I explain while a small smile grew on her face despite the whole baffling and embarrassing thing that just happened.
"Well, I supposed we can move on from this and see to it to Oathkeeper? I would like to leave that thought behind us."
"Fair enough." I agreed before we faced the Grand Artificer talking to AWOR before the goddess smiles at us.
"Now come, Zack, it's about time you see how Oathkeeper has changed and how it has changed."