Episode 10: “Truths that leads to Sadness”

(The scene starts with blaze and his crew entering Raven’s campsite. As they head towards Raven’s tent, the bandits are looking at them with their weapons in hand; on edge of what they might do as they make their approach. Axel sees each of the bandits and starts to suspect things)

Axel: (to Blaze) Say… are you sure that things are going to be ok? I mean, it’s only the five of us and a whole camp filled with bandits. I get that we need to get some answers from here, but if things goes south—

Blaze: We were in tight situation before, Axel. It is not new to us that we can’t handle a camp filled to the brim with bandits. If you recall that we were in some similar situations in the past before; when we were part of the Top Hats.

Axel: I remember. But the mission of dealing a rival gang is not the same as—

(As he was about to go into deeper detail, they see ahead Raven and Frost waiting for them outside of her tent. As the group arrived, the bandits began to circle them; cutting them from escape. Sitar readies his rifle and Nox preparing for a fight, but Blaze signals them to hold position. Raven begins with her statement)

Raven: Huh… never knew that where having more guest this evening? Hmph seems that sending off does two wasn’t enough.

(Blaze notices this statement and begins to suspect that he wasn’t the first to arrive here, but doesn’t ask about it as he remains silent)

Raven: Soo… which one of you is the ring leader of this group?

(Axel tries to step forward, but Blaze stops him as he tells him not to with his head. Afterwards, Axel nods and steps back as Blaze steps forward. The bandits draw their weapons but Frost commands them to hold position. As Blaze looks into her eyes he says)

Blaze: My name… is Blaze and I’m the leader of this small group of men. I came here because you could help me with my problems. Well… can you?

(Raven looks at him while Jolt and Vernal looks from afar. After a while, Raven began to laugh as everyone, besides Frost, Jolt and Vernal, began to laugh as well)

Raven: Really? You… their leader? Don’t make me laugh. At first I though is going to be mister top hat over there, but aren’t you expecting of me to think that you’re the one in charged? You’re just a kid.

Blaze: (he dodges the question) I was told that you can help me with my problem—things that I want to know about me and my purpose. So… are you going to help me or not?

Raven: Hmm… you got attitude and guts for you to boast such a request. However, it’s been a long day for me and I have not time to babysit you. (to the bandits) Men, please show him the exit.

(As she turns away the bandits began to closing in on them. This cause the rest of the men to draw their weapons and prepare for a fight, but this is cut short when Blaze uses his magic and pushes them away with a pulse of fire that doesn’t harm them, but prevents their approach. This draws the attention back to Raven as she turns and looks at Blaze. Upon looking she sees his hands engulf in flames. As she looks closely, Blaze raises his head and shows his right eye is igniting a fiery orange glow; leaving Raven shocked and speechless)

Blaze: Now… do I have your attention?

(Vernal and Jolt look on in shock to see someone, besides them, of using magic. Raven began to question him)

Raven: How… how did you manage to get that?

Blaze: (raises his right hand) Oh this? I want to know that myself. (lowers his hand)

Raven: Don’t play dumb with me, boy. How did you get that, did she told you how to get it did Salem bestow you that?

(Since this is the second time he ever heard the name Salem, beside Ozpin telling him first, he plays as he never heard of that name)

Blaze: (tilt his head left) Who’s Salem? To be honest with you… I never heard of that name in my life.

(Axel was about to say that they heard of it, but Walter stops him from telling. Raven gets furious and cautions; thinking that he is an agent of Salem)

Raven: Oh you want to play dumb huh? Well your gladly—

(As she was about to draw her sword, Frost stops her and then confronts Blaze before telling Raven to not engage)

Frost: Hmm… it seems that you have some abilities, abilities that would decimate everyone here in this camp if threaten to, but I wish to not see it from happening. So, what’s your business here? You said that your seeking answers.

Blaze: Finally, someone more reasonable and not drawing their weapons first. (This upsets Raven and looks away) Like I said, I came here to seek answers—answers that can clear my mind from doubts and troublesome thoughts.

Frost: Like what?

Blaze: Like… who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why that I can’t die like everyone else? (This gets the attention of Raven) And most importantly… (raises his right hand and ignites it again) What is this “magic” that I’m able to wield? (lowers his hand)

Raven: Oh really? And who sent you then, was it Salem or—

Blaze: It was by the Headmaster of Haven Academy.

Raven: Leonardo?! (looks away and curses Leonardo quietly) Lionheart you idiot.

Blaze: He told me that you could help me answer my question and I’m not leaving until you help me; otherwise… (he pretense to harms everyone with his magic) you what comes next.

(Frost thinks for a moment and processes everything he was told in his thoughts. He then approaches Raven and began to discuss with not letting Blaze or his men hear their conversation. They argue and disagree for a moment before looking towards Blaze and tell him)

Raven: All right. You looking for answers? I might have some answers to your question; however… this is not the time to do so.

Frost: It is very late and nightfall will come soon. So I suggest waiting till tomorrow and if you do that… then Raven will answer all of your question. Soo… what do you way?

(Blazes remain silent as he glares at them. Everyone looks on in suspense to what would be his decision. After a while, Blaze closes his eyes, his fiery glow and his flames dissipates before opening his eyes again)

Blaze: All right, I’ll accept your terms. We have set up a campsite prior of coming here. So I can wait till tomorrow to get my answers; but… I hope you keep your end of the bargain.

Frost: We will. Have faith in us.

(With this reassurance, Blaze bows in respect before signaling his men to leave the camp so they can return tomorrow. As they all walk away, Raven looks on—still conflicted to how Blaze is able to wield magic. The apparition of Tim appears beside Blaze and said)

Tim: You sure that she can help us with our questions?

Blaze: Hmph… she better.

(With that, Blaze walks offscreen with the scene leaving Raven and Frost looking on. It then cust to the homestead with Ruby and group are having a meal of what they have prepared for the guest that should have arrived. They eat, drink and having a conversation about their adventures leading up to them arriving to Mistral)

Yang: (laughs to Jaune) How do you lose your map at a time like that?

Jaune: Believe me, I've asked myself the same thing ever since.

Yang, Weiss, and Ruby laugh, while Jaune smiles and giggles sheepishly.

Nora: Hey, but you made up for it, Mister Muscles! You shoulda seen this guy take a giant Grimm head on!

Jaune: I couldn't have done it without Ruby wearing it down.

Ruby: Uh, me? Did you see Ren during that fight? He was out of control!

Ren: I'm sorry, I may have lost my temper momentarily.

Ruby: No, no! Out of control as in "awesome"!

Ren: Oooohhh. (smiles) Thank you.

(Everyone at the table bursts into laughter. As dinner continues, Edgar tells his story about some of his adventures as Lieutenant of Ironwoods military in rounding up what remains of the Black Claw)

Raiden: (surprised) Wow, really!?

Edgar: Yep. It took me a long time to find them all, but at least their behind bars.

Sebastian: (sets his cup down) Ahhh… Well spoken form the Lieutenant himself. You really did grow up since the last time we been together.

Edgar: (blush) Aww… thank you.

Sebastian: But you’re still the young member of the team.

Edgar: I am… (realizes what he is saying) Ack! (looks at Sebastian flustered) Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?

Miller: I don’t want to disagree but, you where the youngest member of Raiden’s team if I recall. Could it be symbolic?

(Edgar looks at him upset and summons a human size arma Gigas as he picks him up from his coat. As he raises him up, Miller began to squirm begging that he lets him go while the rest began to laugh with Edgar joining him. As dinner nearly finishes, Yang and Sebastian shows off their robotic prosthetic arms to the rest of the group. All of them react in awe)

Yang: It's not a replacement for the real thing, but I'll make sure to make good use of it.

Jaune: That's amazing.

Ren: Incredible.

(Raiden began to notice Doktor’s handiwork in looking into Sebastian’s cybernetic left arm)

Raiden: And I see that the good old Doktor bestow upon you a cybernetic arm.

Sebastian: (looks at his left arm) Yep. He even added a slot to insert my gauntlet. Technically I’m able to use my gear to its full potential.

Olinda: Seems so. I cannot forget the day you and Yang had an arm wrestling contest at almost sent the entire school into a panic.

Edgar: Man that was a long time ago. I even had to leave the dorms with my pajamas still on.

Yang: Wait… you left the dorms with your p.j.’s on?

(Everyone remain silent until Edgar realizes what he just said and gets embarrassed)

Edgar: Ahh! Oh on! (he covers his face with his hands) I can’t believe I said that!

(They giggled for a moment before they burst out laughing. Edgar in desperation tried to tell everyone to forget what he just said, but they continue laughing. After a while, Olinda ask Yang)

Olinda: Soo… Are you strong even with using that thing?

Yang: Hm, sure is.

Suddenly, they hear a bang on the table. Nora has her arm out ready to arm wrestle.

Nora: Wanna bet?

Weiss: Nora, please, now's not the time...

(Despite Weiss' protest, Yang and Nora arm wrestle. Jaune and Ren cheer on Nora while Ruby cheers on for her sister. Weiss looks on disdainfully. They cheer for Yang and Nora on to see which of them wins, but to the surprised of Nora a robotic sound is heard coming from Yang's arm, and suddenly Nora's is knocked back to the wall holding Yang's detached arm in her hand. Nora groans in pain while the others look on in concern, except for Yang, who has a smug grin on her face. In the end, Yang comes out as the winner, Nora gets spooked by holding Yang’s robotic arm and Yang laughs while she catches her arm)

(Later on, Jaune helps clean up the dishes with Yang calling him his nickname. Everyone then began to recall each other’s nicknames and the time they had remembering the days they had during Beacon Academy)

Raiden: *sigh* So many memories. To be honest with you all… I almost forgotten the good times we shared with each other.

Sebastian: Yeah. Sometimes I almost forgot about them to. With all the things that’s been happening… it could take away the good things we all had back then.

Ruby: We truly had good memories. Even if we forget, we always have each other to remember the good times.

Yang: You said it, sis.

Raiden: *giggle* Yeah. I really miss this.

(Miller sees this and feels happy; knowing of the mental and emotional struggles that Raiden is going through. In the background, Nora began to play “Shine”, Yang covering her ears and Ruby laughing)

Ursa: *sigh* I wish we can still be like this forever; to always be happy and to never fall apart.

Fukushima: (offscreen) That is the spirit of a young youth.

(Everyone looks to where the voice is and see Qrow, Fukushima and Oscar standing next to Jaune. Nora presses her scroll to stop the song. Oscar gives a small laugh.)

Fukushima: That very thing is the sole reason I continue fighting, to ensure a better future for everyone and to give them a better tomorrow. (Changes the subject) But with miss Schnee, Miss Xiao Long, mister Edzard and mister Damiano… I think it’s time to catch them up to speed.

(Yang, Weiss, Sebastian and Edgar look on puzzled. Everyone relocates to the second-floor living room, with Weiss, Yang, Edgar and Sebastian having finished being filled in on what everyone else knows so far)

Weiss: So, the Maidens. Magic. Salem. It's all true?

Qrow: Uh-huh.

Sebastian: And this thing with the Weapons, Umbra Beast and Arvaros. Is it all true?

Fukushima: Yep. Everything to the last detail, plus with Edgar’s father telling you about this “Dark Dust”, well it seems there’s a lot more that is going on.

Ozpin: Miss Xiao Long, is this more or less what your mother told you?

(Yang doesn't respond, still having her arms crossed. Weiss answers for her)

Weiss: For the most part.

Yang: You forgot something. You forgot to tell everyone what you did to Qrow and my mother. (Ruby gasps)

Jaune: What is she talking about?

Fukushima: Yeah. Now that you mention it (looks at Ozpin) I would like to know as well.

Qrow: Oh, great.

Ozpin: Hm, that's not a secret I thought she would give up so easily. Your mother must trust you a great deal.

(Yang scowls at him)

Ozpin: My ability to reincarnate, though a curse, isn't without a few key benefits. Much like the Maidens, I too possess a certain... "magical" power. (he stands up and walks next to Qrow) Using this power, I was able to gift the Branwen twins the ability to "see" more, to move freely and be unburdened by their natural bodies. I... well... gave them the ability to turn into birds. (chuckles) Rather ridiculous sounding out loud, isn't it?

Oscar: (mentally) Wait, what?

Ruby: Uncle?

Ren: You turned them... into birds.

Nora: Alright, now you're just messing with us.

Jaune: (angry) What else is new?

Weiss: He's telling the truth. We saw it. Yang's mom... changed, right in front of us.

Fukushima: Well now. And here I thought that the Highwind twins are the only known beings that I know that has the ability to turn into birds through their Semblance. Hmm… You learn something new every day.

Yang: (to Ozpin) Why would you do something like that? I mean, what is wrong with you?

Qrow: Yang, that's enough! We made a choice. We wanted this. (Yang relents)

Ozpin: (to Qrow) May I? (Qrow nods) Granting this power to them was no trivial task, and I can assure you it was not done frivolously. I required assistance in gathering information on Salem's plans, as well as searching for Maidens when their hosts became unclear.

Ruby: Okay, so, have you done this with others? Like General Ironwood? Or Professor Goodwitch?

Ozpin: As helpful as that might be, unfortunately, it is not that simple. My power is finite, and if I'm being honest, dwindling. The amount that I gifted to Qrow and Raven was, all things considered, rather miniscule. You see, centuries ago, I sacrificed a great deal of magic to four young women, who I hoped would use my gift for good. They were the first Maidens. (everyone is silent for a moment) Miss Xiao Long, it was never my intention to lie to you. To any of you. There are just some matters that I prefer to... "play close to the chest". (looking to Qrow) I believe that's how you phrased it?

Qrow: (chuckles) Yeah.

Ozpin: Everyone has a choice. The Branwens chose to accept their powers and the responsibilities that came with them. And later, one of them chose to abandon her duties in favor of her own self-interest. Now, all of you have a choice. If anyone wishes to leave, now is the time. There's no shame or disgrace in abstaining, only in retreat.

(Everyone is silent as they ponder Ozpin's words)

Ozpin: Very well, then.

(Yang suddenly stands up)

Ruby: Yang?

Yang: If Ruby sticks around, then I will too. If there's one thing I know about her, it's that she somehow always knows the right thing to do. (she smiles at Ruby after saying that) But, if we're going to help, if we're going to keep risking our lives, no more lies. No more half-truths.

(Everyone remains silent. Ozpin and Qrow exchange a brief look with each other. Ozpin ponders Yang's words for one last moment, before responding)

Ozpin: (smiling) Understood.

(Yang sits back down. Edgar ponders to himself for a moment and remembers the letter that he must give to Raiden)

Edgar: (suddenly stand up) Oh yeah. I almost forgot.

Ozpin: What is it?

(Edgar began to check himself to find where he put the letter. He still checks until he remembers where it is. He pulls the letter from within his coat and the approaches towards Raiden. He stands before him and presents to him the letter)

Raiden: (confused) What is it? (he takes the letter)

Edgar: It’s a letter for you. My dad told me to give it to you when I get the chance, but he never told me who it from.

(Raiden inspects the letter and sees that it has no name of the sender or an address. When he looks at the back he sees the wax seal stamp and upon close inspection he sees a symbol with the letter “M” on it in which he recognizes quickly and gets into a complete shock)

(Everyone looks at him with worriedness in their eyes as one of the ask)

Ruby: Raiden?

Edgar: (he looks at Ruby before looking back to Raiden) Umm… do you know from who—

Raiden: I know this symbol from anywhere. It’s a letter from my mother.

(Everyone gets surprised by this; causing Sebastian to stand up)

Sebastian: You’re serious!?

Raiden: Yep. There’s no mistaken it. Base on the envelop… it seems it’s quite old (to Edgar) and you said that your dad gave this to you?

Edgar: Yep. He never told me who it was, but said that all would be revealed in time once you receive it. I can’t imagine that it would be from your mother.

Raiden: *sigh* Yeah.

(Everyone remained silent until Jaune ask)

Jaune: Umm… aren’t you going to open it, see what’s inside?

Sebastian: (gets upset) Jaune, how can you say something like that! Who knows what’s inside that letter and—

Raiden: (calmly) Sebastian, please. (He sees his plea and calms down and apologies to Jaune) To tell you the truth… I’m a bit scared. If I open it, it could a letter that has her last words before her passing. I… I don’t think I’m ready for this. I’m… I’m scared.

(Fukushima stands up from the chair, approaches towards Raiden and takes a knee and says)

Fukushima: Raiden, I know your family for a long time and I respected your parents. Even I’m a little bit scared to what this envelop holds, but… if she left you and your father some worlds she couldn’t tell before her passing, then… you have the right to at least know what it says. No one is forcing you to open it now, but we are here for you. Remember that.

(Raiden ponders for a bit as Fukushima stands up and steps away. Everyone remained quiet in waiting for his decision. After a while, he made his choice as he nods and request for a letter opener. Edgar passes his to him and proceeds to open the envelope. Inside a sheet of paper is contained within and Raiden pulls it out. As he proceeds to read it a voice over of her mother’s is heard and the scene slowly transition to her writing the letter)

To my husband Lucas and to my son Raiden

If you’re reading this then I have passed away. I hope you made the necessary preparation for my funeral as instructed in the traditional customs of my people.

I wanted spend more time with you and to be there a lot longer, but my time was running short. I wanted to see our son grow up, to see him off to a school, to see him making friends and to be there by his side, my love. But due to this virus—no, this parasite that’s been draining my life force… I couldn’t live a longer life with you. But there’s a good reason for this to happen to me.

In one of my missions as a huntress, I went to a village to do some recon involving what could have been White Fang oppressors. However, when I got there I encountered three unknown targets that I have never seen before. They have white skin with black veins all over their bodies, they have Red Irises with Black Sclera’s, the have white hair and their outfits seems out of place; like their attire seems it from the medieval age. One of them is tall and wears some type of knight armor; the second is of regular high and seems to wear a jumpsuit with a red cape and the other wears minimum clothing, looks famished and looks insane.

They were executing some people who had discovered their existence and they silence them to prevent anyone from telling. I knew that I had to report this, but one of them was aware of my presents and they chased me down. I tried to escape but I was caught and captured. I thought that on that day I would have died, but one of them by the name of “Discord” had other intentions. He implanted me some type of parasite into my body and told me that it would drain my life force slowly as time moves on; cutting my lifetime extensively. If I would ever tell anyone about this, then the parasite would kill me instantly. After that… they left me alone and they fled into hiding.

So now you understand the reason I was getting sick and slowly dying. My fate was sealed the moment they plagued me with this and couldn’t live long enough to see you both grow and be happy. Lucas, my love… I’m so so sorry that I had to lie to you all this time. About my condition not being a virus or some type of cancer, but a parasite that would eventually drain my life completely. I hope you can forgive me and don’t let this ever change you.

And to my son, Raiden… I wish I could have stayed longer to see you grow to become a handsome man like your father. You always wanted to become a hero, to become something else, to become so much more. Maybe one day you end up in Beacon Academy and become a Huntsman and lived to the title you always dreamt to be.

Even if I passed away I will always watch over you both in the afterlife and that you may become great people who everyone would look up to. I will always love you both…

With love,
Maria Helen Nineheart

(Her tears drop into the letter and notice that she was crying. She wipes the tears of her face and pus the pen down. She reviews her work and the scene slowly transitions back to the present; in which Raiden is still holding the letter and the tear stain is still visible on the letter. Raiden remains speechless as everyone looks on. Sebastian is the first to ask him)

Sebastian: Umm… Raiden, are you ok?

Raiden: Huh? (Sees Sebastian worried) Oh yeah. I’m ok.

Edgar: Are you sure? You seem troubled.

Raiden: No no I’m fine, just… speechless that’s all.

Sebastian: Are you sure about that?

Raiden: Definitly. It’s just… it’s just (Stand up) I… I need a moment to myself.

(Raiden begins to walks away and Ruby, worried about him tries to grabs his arm, but Fukushima stops him. Everyone looks on as Raiden walks up the stairs and Ruby ask)

Ruby: Raiden, is theory something wrong?

Raiden: (to Ruby) Oh no. There’s nothing wrong. I just… I just want to be left alone, ok?

(He walks offscreen as everyone stared to worry for him, with Ruby sitting down and looking down worried. The scene cuts to Raiden in his bedroom as he closes the door and clocking himself in. He turns and afar w while he began to cry. He leans back against the door and slowly slides down as he sits on the floor and griefs because of the truth on what happen to his mother. He held the letter tight as river of tears began to flow down his face. He continues crying until the scene cuts to black)

(The scene later changes back to Blaze and his group as they return the next day to meet back with Raven. They return back to her camp and arrived to her tent, in which she was there greeting them alongside Frost)

Raven: (arm cross) Welll well well it seems that you decided to show up today. Hmph! And here I though you would have chicken out.

Blaze: (arm cross) That would have been the case, but I said that I want some answers and I’m not planning to leave till I get what I want.

Raven: Sure sure. Whatever you say, fire boy.

Blaze: The names Blaze and don’t you forget it. (looks at his crew) All right boys, let’s go.

Raven: Hold it! (hey stop their movement) Only the boy may enter the tent. The rest must remain outside.

Sitar: You’re serious? He is our boss and what he says goes.

Nox: Where not going to leave him alone with you without supervision.

Walter: Miss Branwen, if you see the bigger picture here I believe it’s wise to—

Raven: I meant what I said, only he goes in or you all leave at once.

Sitar: You got to be serious!? You got some nerves to say—

(Seeing that this would escalate, Blaze act quickly and said)

Blaze: The let Axel to accompany me.

Sitar: (surprised) What?

Blaze: Only me and Axel will go with you into the tent and no one else. Take it or leave it.

(Raven having enough of this decide to tell them to leave, but as she was about to say it Frost intervenes her and says)

Frost: We accept your terms.

Raven: (looks at Frost) What?

Frost: Only you and Axel can enter, but the rest must remain outside, understood?

Blaze: (he stares at him for a moment) Understood.

Raven: (to Frost) Hye, who gave you the permission to—

Frost: Don’t argue with me, Raven. He has the right to know this and you of all people know that he won’t leave us alone until we give him what he wants. So please do me a favor and get into the tent.

(Raven gets upset by this and she grunts away into her tent. Frost tell the group that he will await him inside and felt them to chat for a bit)

Walter Soo… what do you think of this?

Blaze: It seems that he has more authority around here and it seems that she was about to kick us out.

Sitar: (doubt) But do you really think that this is worth the risk? I don’t want to doubt you for a second but—

Blaze: (to Sitar) I appreciate the concern, but this is important to me. The sooner I learn who I am, the better we can start planning our next move. So for now remain on standby until further orders.

Nox: Understood.

Walter: We will await for your orders.

(Blaze looks at Sitar as he waits for his response, but he simply sighs and walks away and wait for his commands. Axel reassures him that Sitar will comply with this as they head inside of Raven’s tent. After that, the scene cuts to them sitting as the commence with their conversation)

Frost: I’m sorry for the behavior that Raven was about to display. All she wants is the safety of her people and your presence is making things difficult.

Blaze: I can understand, but I want answers and I hope you have kept your end of the deal.

Frost: Oh we would hold back on our end. We will answer your questions with detail.

Raven: And that depends on what you’re asking. What would you gain from this?

Blaze: Simple, to better understand myself and my purpose in this world. Which reminds me… (he ignites his hand again with his magic) yesterday you seem to react to “this”. My guess is that you have seen this before, and I surmise that you are aware of this things existence, right?

Raven: *sigh* Yes.

Blaze: (his fiery hand dissipates) Then at least that’s one of my questions answered. I could ask you a lot of things, even trying to know myself, but it seems that asking you that would lead me nowhere. I would try to answer that as we move on with the others.

Raven: Hmm… smart. Trying not to waste on stupid questions that aren’t relevant.

Blaze: But it is to me, but now right now. Soo… let’s start with an important question.

(The scene shows Raven’s face before showing Blaze’s face as he leans forward and asks)

Blaze: Tell me about the Maidens.

(At the Branwen Tribe camp's entrance, Shay D. Mann and two other bandits stand guard, conversing with each other. Suddenly, a voice calls out from the forest)

Mercury: Hey ugly!

(With Shay and the bandits' attention drawn, Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai walk out from the forest toward the camp's entrance)

Emerald: Is Raven Branwen home?

Shay: (sighs) Ya know, I've had a real bad week. So I think I'm gonna take it out on you--

(Shay stops mid-sentence when he notices Cinder Fall and Arthur Watts walk out of the forest and joins the two of them)

Mercury: Hmph, doesn't look like he wants to cooperate, Boss.

Cinder: (chuckles) Then make him.

Mercury: I was hoping you'd say that.

(Emerald proceeds forward. Shay and the other bandits hold their ground while Emerald unsheathes Thief's Respite, twirling them before they transform into their sickle forms before the scene cuts to black)