//------------------------------// // Chapter 9: A Reunion of Allies // Story: Sunset Huntress: A New Beginning // by Wind Typhoon //------------------------------// Chapter 9: A Reunion of Allies It has been a few days since the new semester for Beacon and SNST was slowly getting used to their new accommodations. At the moment, Sunset was just looking in the mirror and wondering about the uniform that they were given as she got ready for the school day. "Why do they make us wear a uniform again?" Sunset asked Nova as she looked at herself in the mirror. "You know how the academies are; they just do this because of regulations. I will admit though that I actually like this uniform as well." Nova told Sunset as he finished putting on his own uniform. "It's not that I don't like the uniform. I just wish I could do something about this skirt." Sunset said as she tugged at the back of her skirt. "What's wrong with it if you don't mind me asking?" Nova inquired. In response to that question, Sunset pointed at her tail which looked like it was being a bit restrained. "Oh right, I imagine that would be uncomfortable." Nova said. "It is uncomfortable; the only reason I'm not bothered by it when I'm sitting down is because I'm know what to do with it." Sunset explained as she adjusted the skirt. "Well, why don't you ask Ozpin about either modifying your current uniforms or getting some custom made ones?" Nova questioned. "I already did, but he hasn't said anything yet." Sunset told Nova as she turned to face him. After Sunset said that, there was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." they heard Tempest say as she came down the stairs. "I thought you left to eat breakfast with your team already Tempest." Sunset said when she saw her. "I was supposed to go, but I kind of overslept." Tempest said as she opened the door. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Ozpin on the other side. "Headmaster Ozpin, what are you doing here?" Tempest asked out of surprise as she let Ozpin into the room. "Hello, there Tempest. I just stopped by to see if I could talk to you about something." Ozpin said as he walked into the room. "Is it something that you would rather talk to me about alone?" Tempest questioned as she looked at Sunset and Nova. Sunset and Nova just nodded as they got their stuff and got ready to leave. "Actually, do you mind if I tell Sunset something first?" Ozpin responded. "I don't mind." Tempest said. Ozpin simply smiled before taking out a piece of paper and walking over to Sunset. "Sunset, I am happy to inform you that your new uniforms will be handled by one of the new part time workers." Ozpin told Sunset. "Really? I didn't think that someone would help me that fast. I only asked you about this yesterday." Sunset said. "Well, there is only one thing that they asked you to do and that would be to meet them on the place written on this piece of paper." Ozpin said before handing the paper to Ozpin. "Ok, I'll head over there after I eat breakfast."Sunset said as she put the piece of paper away. "Actually, I would advise you three head to the food court and get something to eat from there rather than go to the cafeteria." Ozpin commented. "Why?" Nova questioned in a confused tone. "To be honest, I think something is going to happen but I'm not sure what." Ozpin explained. The three students all just looked at each other before just shrugging it off and listening to what their headmaster said. As Sunset and Nova left the room to give Tempest her privacy, Sunset noticed two holes in the back of Tempest's uniform that a small part of her back. The holes didn't seem that odd to Sunset, but what bothered her was the spacing between the two holes. "Is something bothering you Sunset?" Nova asked as they walked through the hallway. "There is something bothering me, but it might just be nothing." Sunset assured Nova, hiding her thought. Nova stayed silent for a moment before smiling and thinking nothing more of it. "If only you knew what I was thinking Nova, then you would be surprised." Sunset thought as they continued walking down the hall. After getting some food at the food court and finding a table to sit down at, Sunset and Nova started to talk a little while waiting for the others. "So, where is the place you're going to go after we eat?" Nova asked Sunset. "Well, I'm going to the library to meet someone who will take me to the place I'm going to meet the person." Sunset said before taking a bite of her sandwich. Nova just nodded in response and proceeded to eat his food as some students started to come in. After about a minute, Storm and Nitro arrived with some food and sat down with Sunset and Nova. "Hey there you two, what took you both so long?" Nova asked the two. "Well, we kind of were the last in line at the cafeteria. Not only that, but they ran out of food before we got here." Storm said, before she let out a sigh. "Thankfully, they told us that we could come here for food." Nitro said. "So, I guess that explains why Ozpin told us to come here." Sunset whispered to Nova. "Somehow I get the feeling that's not the only reason." Nova commented. "Anyway, how have both of your days been?" Storm asked as she ate something. "My morning has been going good so far and Sunset here is actually going to get her uniforms fixed." Nova said, earning a quick glare from Sunset. "Really? I imagine that you're getting them refitted for your tail?" Nitro asked. "That's correct actually." Sunset said. "I'm surprised that they didn't take care of that issue before you came in." Storm commented. "Well, they probably didn't have the time because I just got in before school started. I'm also pretty sure that they've never had to deal with a tailed Faunus before." Sunset said. "You know, that is probably true." Storm commented as she thought about things she asked some of the students. "So, what did you two do while you were waiting in line?" Nova asked. "Well, since we had a lot of time while we were waiting, we did learn a few things about Beacon. The one big thing that we kept hearing about are how good the team known as RWBY is." Nitro said. "I've heard a little about them, but exactly did they do that made them so famous?" Nova asked. "Apparently, they took down one of Roman Torchwick's operations last semester." Sunset said as she recalling hearing that story from Storm. "Wow, and they were a new team?" Nova questioned. "That would be correct." Storm said. Nova stayed silent after that as he let that information sink in. "As much as I would like to continue talking to you all, I have to get going." Sunset said as she got up from the table. "You're taking off already? What time did it say on the note that you would meet up?" Storm asked. "They said at about 8:00, but I have some things that I need to go check on right now." Sunset said. "Ok, have a good time Sunset." Nova said as Sunset walked away from the table. After Sunset walked out of the food hall, she got out the piece of paper and unfolded it. "Sorry about this everyone, but this is one secret that I can't let you three know just yet." Sunset thought as she looked at the black piece of paper. When she was alone, she held the paper up to the sun and read the message that now appeared on the paper. "If this is you Flare, then meet me in the second floor of the library after lunch. From E." "If that E is who I think it is, then I have some questions to ask." Sunset thought before she headed off to her morning classes. The rest of the morning had gone by uneventfully, with the classes and lunch going by smoothly .After Sunset arrived at the library; she was impressed by the look of it. The library was two floors, had several bookshelves with some on the walls, plenty of chairs, couches and tables to sit at, and several computers to use. "Ok, I got to hand it to Ozpin, he know how to make a library. I know where I might be during my free time." Sunset thought as she walked up the stairs to the second floor. When she got to the second floor, she looked around and saw a very familiar girl sitting at one of the tables. Sunset simply smiled and walked over to that table. When she got close enough, she coughed just loud enough for the girl to hear. The girl turned around and immediately smiled when she saw Sunset. "It really is you." the girl said before she got up from her seat. "Yes it is, it's good to see you again Emerald." Sunset said as she hugged her old friend. "I could say the same to you Sunset; it's been almost a year since we last spoke." Emerald commented happily as she accepted the hug. "Well, I kind of have been busy with that job of mine." Sunset said, making sure to enunciate on the word job. When Emerald heard that, she instantly nodded and understood what Sunset was talking about. "As much as I would love to talk here, how about we go somewhere a little more private to talk?" Emerald suggested as she stopped hugging Sunset. "Agreed." Sunset said. After they had that exchange, the two of them headed down to the first floor of the library. As they were walking down the stairs, Sunset felt her right arm sting a bit. Keeping quiet about it, the two exited the library and went out into the hall. "So, how have you been doing?" Emerald asked. "I've been doing very well. Other than a battle with a Rabid Ursa, everything went smoothly." Sunset told Emerald. "A Rabid Ursa? Where did you fight that?" Emerald asked. Sunset was about to respond, but stopped and quickly looked around. "Is something the matter?" Emerald asked when she saw what Sunset was doing. "It was at location V1CF3." Sunset told Emerald. To any normal person, that would sound like a random thing to say, but Emerald understood what it meant. "Does she know about it yet?" Sunset asked seriously. "No, and this is the first time I've heard about this as well." Emerald said, a tone of shock in her voice. "Shall we go tell her if she's here?" Sunset asked. Emerald quickly nodded in response and she started to head to the dorms with Sunset following her. After walking back to the dorms, Emerald lead Sunset to the room 'F- 106'. "This is the room you're staying in?" Sunset asked Emerald. "It is, so I want to let Cinder and Mercury know that you're here." Emerald said as she knocked on the door. Sunset simply nodded and leaned against the wall. After a few seconds, the door opened and Mercury poked his head out. "Oh, it's just you Emerald. What are you doing back so soon?" Mercury asked curiously. Emerald simply moved her head towards the direction that Sunset was in. When Mercury looked at Sunset, who just waved at him, Mercury nodded. "Yeah, that's pretty important." Mercury said. "What is it Mercury?" Cinder asked from in the room. "Well, someone is here to see you Cinder." Mercury said as Emerald walked into the room. "Who would that be?" Cinder questioned in an annoyed tone. In response for that, Sunset walked into the doorway and turned to Cinder. "Hey Cinder." Sunset said simply. When Cinder saw Sunset, she smiled and got up off the bed. "Hello Sunset, it's nice to see you again." Cinder said as she walked over to her. The two stayed silent for a moment before Mercury coughed. "Well, Emerald and I are going to leave you two alone." Mercury said before he left the room. Emerald did the same and followed him, closing the door as she left. "They never change do they?" Sunset asked when they left the room. "Nope." Cinder said before she hugged Sunset. Sunset simply returned Cinder's hug and smiled as she did. "You know, you could have sent me something or called." Cinder said in a playful tone. "Hey, I'm busy being a leader of an army and working 24/7." Sunset responded. "You didn't see me complain when I was training you." Cinder retorted. Sunset then laughed at that comment and just looked down. "That's so true as well. It's good to see you again mom." Sunset said happily. "Same here, daughter of mine." Cinder said happily. Before either of them could say something, Sunset felt her right arm have a sudden flare of pain. "Is it acting up again?" Cinder asked Sunset. "It is and I don't really have the medicine on me." Sunset said as she held her gauntlet. Cinder went quiet for a moment as she thought of what to do. "Take off the gauntlet. I want to try something." Cinder said calmly. When she heard what her mother told her to do, Sunset instantly started to panic. "If I take it off, you know what would happen." Sunset said in a slightly panicked voice. "It won't happen; I will not let it happen again. Besides, I know that you can hold it back." Cinder told Sunset. Sunset remained motionless for a moment before she used her left hand to press a button on her gauntlet. When she did that, there was a small click that signified that the gauntlet was no longer locked. "I hope you know what you're doing mom." Sunset said. Cinder simply nodded in response as Sunset took off the gauntlet. When the gauntlet came off her arm, there was a very large spike in pain for Sunset. Her forearm was completely black in color compared to her skin's normal tone with bright red arms going up it. Cinder quickly reached out to Sunset's arm and took hold of it. "I knew that it was hurting you, but I didn't think it would be this bad." Cinder said as she started to chant words under her breath. After a few seconds of chanting, the black and red part of Sunset's arm started to recede towards her hand and the pain went away. In place of the black arm, where was a red circle on the back of Sunset's hand. "Do you feel better?" Cinder asked kindly. "I feel much better. What did you do to it?" Sunset asked as she rubbed her arm. "I simply suppressed its power to the point where you'll be able to control fairly well." Cinder told her daughter. "That's amazing, but I imagine that I won't have complete control." Sunset commented. "Well, that a bit complicated. The best way to think of your current control is via your pain." Cinder said. At that point, Sunset looked a bit confused. "To better explain, that circle does allow you to control the power inside of you. It isn't perfect because when there is too much power built up, it will begin to leak out." Cinder started to explain. "And when there is excess power, my arm will start going back to the way it was before and I'll feel pain?" Sunset questioned. "That's right. There isn't much I can do about the excess power, but what I can recommend is to go somewhere remote and go wild until the power is drained." Cinder told Sunset. "Not the best solution, but it'll work for now." Sunset said as she put the gauntlet back on and locked it in place. "It's the best I could do at the moment." Cinder said. "I appreciate it as well. Where did you learn to do that by the way?" Sunset asked curiously. Cinder stayed quiet as she thought about what to say. "Well, I did some teaching under… her." Cinder told Sunset, making sure to emphasize the last part of the sentence. Sunset went wide eyed when she heard that sentence and stood up. "You actually took her up on that offer?" Sunset asked. "I did, but only because she promised to teach me things that could help you." Cinder told Sunset. Sunset stayed silent for a moment as she let that sink in. "I don't want to hurt anyone else." Sunset said as she started to cry. "I know you don't after what happened back then." Cinder said. Sunset then sat down as she thought of that day "I don't want to become a monster again." Sunset said as she remembered that day. Before she could remember much, Cinder gave Sunset a hug. "Listen to me Sunset, no matter what happens, just remember that you'll always have your friends and family by your side." Cinder told Sunset. Sunset responded by hugging her mother and kept on crying. "Thank you mom, I really appreciate it." Sunset said in an appreciative tone. Cinder simply smiled as her daughter continued to cry. After a few minutes, Sunset calmed down and stopped crying. "Now, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Cinder asked. "I don't mind." Sunset said hoarsely. "When did you take last take a dose of medicine?" Cinder questioned. "I took it a little over two weeks ago. Why do you ask?" Sunset responded. "It's because that medicine should be good for about two months. The only ways that time could have lessened is via a draining fight or being around one of the marked ones." Cinder explained. Sunset thought about what Cinder said and remembered something. "Before I forget, I should tell you about an incident that happened at V1CF3." Sunset said a hint of nervousness in her voice. "An incident you say?" Cinder said curiously. Sunset then proceeded to tell Cinder about what had happened at the location and the debriefing they had after. After finishing her story, Cider was quiet as she thought about what happened. "I was wondering what was going on, but I didn't know that had happened." Cinder said in an annoyed tone. "Did you know about what had happened?" Sunset asked. "I didn't know what had happened myself, but I could hazard a few guesses. To think that the facility was destroyed by a Rabid Ursa that they managed to capture." Cinder said. "Do you have any clue as to what Adam meant when he wanted to use the Rabid Grimm's Aura for the White Fang's gain?" Sunset questioned. "I don't know what he meant by that, but I could see why they would be so keen on researching the Aura." Cinder told Sunset. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you talking about?" Sunset asked. "Well, as you know, the Rabid Grimm are very powerful versions of Grimm. The Aura they have is one of the things that makes them so tough. My guess is that the White Fang would want to figure out how their Aura works and make better armor and weapons that utilize something similar to it." Cinder told Sunset. Sunset stayed silent for a moment as she thought about that. "Speaking of the White Fang, what happened to you?" Cinder asked. "What do you mean?" Sunset asked. "You should know exactly what I mean; you've been gone for about three weeks and not said anything to the High Council." Cinder said. Sunset went quiet as she thought about what to say. "Well, I was actually trying to figure out who stole the weapon from one of our bases in Mistral." Sunset told Cinder. "You mean that weapon?" Cinder asked. "Yes, I mean that weapon. I wouldn't worry too much about it though; I chased him here to Vale and got it back from him." Sunset told Cinder. "That's good, but why didn't you contact me or any of the other High Council members?" Cinder asked. "Would you believe me if I said that I wanted to infiltrate the school to see if I could contact you?" Sunset said. Cinder stayed silent for a moment before she realized something. "That's right; I did tell you about this plan." Cinder said when she realized what Sunset meant. "I also wanted to be careful because of what happened to Roman a few months ago." Sunset told Cinder. "That makes a bit more sense and I honestly don't blame you, but could have at least sent me a message to make sure you were ok." Cinder said, punching Sunset's arm lightly. Sunset simply smiled in understanding before nodding. "Now, I take it that you haven't blown your cover correct?" Cinder asked. Sunset was about to say something, but quickly stopped when she remembered something. "Um… there might be a bit of an issue there." Sunset said awkwardly as she thought about how to explain that. "What happened?" Cinder sighed. "You see, one of the people that I was with on that mission knows that I'm on the High Council." Sunset said. "They know what?!" Cinder exclaimed. "As for who that person is, it's the leader of the other team I was with." Sunset continued. "Her name was Tempest correct?" Cinder asked calmly. Sunset nodded in response to that question, unsure how to answer. "Well, have you told her to keep quiet?" Cinder questioned. "She promised to keep it quiet, but that's not the part that has me worried." Sunset said. "What do you mean by that?" Cinder asked. Before Sunset could give an answer, she heard her Scroll ring. She grabbed it and saw that Tempest was calling her. Sunset simply showed the Scroll to Cinder and waited for a response. "Answer it." Cinder said simply. Sunset nodded and answered the call. "Hello?" Sunset asked, unsure if she was doing the right thing. "Hey Sunset, how are you?" Tempest asked joyfully. "I'm doing well, how about you?" Sunset responded. "I'm fine, just finishing up a little talk with someone." Tempest said. Sunset simply nodded and decided to say something. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Sunset asked, wanting to get straight to the point. "Well, I wanted to talk about that matter I brought up a few days ago." Tempest said. Sunset took a quick look at Cinder to see if she was listening and saw that she was sitting right next to her. "Ok, but do we have to talk about this now?" Sunset questioned. "No, but that's why I was going to ask if we could meet up in two days." Tempest offered. Sunset was about to say something but was quickly stopped when she felt Cinder touch her shoulder. When she turned, she saw Cinder just nodding and understood what she meant. "I don't mind, but if it's alright with you, I want a friend of mine to tag along." Sunset said. "That is perfectly fine with me. I'll see you and your friend in two days." Tempest responded. "Ok, where do you want to meet up?" Sunset questioned. "Just in front of the school." Tempest responded. "Got it, see you then." Sunset said before she hung up. After she hang up, Sunset just look at Cinder with a face of confusion. "Why did you want me to accept the offer?" Sunset asked. "Well, I want to see what kind of person this Tempest is for myself." Cinder told Sunset, a small smile appearing on her face. "If you're completely sure, but I would recommend that you are cautious. She knows who I am and is more than likely to know who you are." Sunset told Cinder. "My biggest question will be if she is going to be an ally or an enemy." Cinder commented. "She will be an ally; I'm going to make sure of it." Sunset said a s she got up off the bed. "Just one last thing I wanted to ask." Cinder said as Sunset got up. "What would that be?" Sunset inquired. "You said that there was something about Tempest that had you worried; what would that be?" Cinder asked. Sunset stayed silent for a moment as she thought of what to say. "If you don't want to tell me, you don't have to." Cinder said. "It's dine, I feel like you should know anyway." Sunset said. Cinder simply nodded and waited for Sunset to tell her what she wanted to. "The day of that mission debriefing when I called to make sure Tempest was ready, something weird happened." Sunset began. "Weird in what way?" Cinder questioned. "Well, the best way to explain it would be like a split personality. It was almost like a hostile voice on the other end, completely different from her usual cherry tone." Sunset said. Cinder stayed quiet as she thought about that for a moment. "Have you ever taken the possibility that it might be something else?" Cinder asked. "Well, what else could it be other than a split personality?" Sunset said in a huff. Cinder stayed quiet as she thought about various possibilities. "You make a fair point." Cinder said eventually. "Ok, so as a precaution, just make sure to be ready for anything." Sunset told Cinder. Cinder simply nodded in response to that. "You've become a good leader." Cinder said kindly, a smile forming on her lips. Sunset simply blushed at that and hugged Cinder. "Love you mom." Sunset said. "I love you too Sunny." Cinder said as Sunset got out of the hug and walked towards the door. "I'll see you later, maybe over lunch tomorrow?" Sunset asked. "That would be a good idea." Cinder said. "Ok, I'll see you tomorrow then." Sunset said as she left the room. After Sunset left the room, Cinder was left to her own thoughts. "If what Sunset said is true, then I should be ready for anything." Cinder said to herself as she sat on the bed. As she did that, she closed her eyes and sighed. When she opened them again, instead of their usual amber color, they were a deep red color instead. "After all, I can sense the coming of a big reunion." Cinder said in a menacing tone before thinking about what she is going to do when they meet up.