Ignited Ch6 Agendas
Silence. Absolute silence. It was once a thing that petrified Sienna. These days, she wishes it would happen more often. Instead her ears would constantly listen to the symphony of medical instruments keeping her father breathing. If only his eyes would open. If only he could save her from this dreadful audio like he saved her all those years ago. To think she’d still need help after all this time. She’d laugh if it wasn't so pathetic. Too bad she couldn’t cry either. All her tears had been used up hours ago while laying her head against his sheets. Now she simply ached from the inside out.
The door opened and a familiar face walked in. It was Neo. Her gaze locked onto the disheveled girl before looking at Adam.
“Any changes?”
“Nope.” Sienna’s voice cracked, dry from the lack of use. “Do you have an assignment for me? A bit odd that Ilia isn’t handling me.”
“No assignment. Not for you. I on the other hand, well that’s a different story. I’m going undercover indefinitely. Code Black.”
“What?” Her eyes widened. What the hell could be so pressing and looming that it’s Code Black? Not only that, but indefinite espionage!? Who’s the target?”
“Can’t really say, but it’s plausible they have ties to pretty spooky stuff. Salem didn’t go quietly. Left a lot of nasty surprises; you know that all too well. People who find them have to go.”
“That doesn’t explain you going alone.”
“Nobody infiltrates better than me. I had thought about a potential partner. However…” She looked Sienna up and down from messy hair to wrinkly pants she wore from yesterday. “My first pick needs time to heal.”
Sienna wasn’t blind or dumb. “I can go.”
“It’s not up to you. It’s my call and I say you’re not ready.”
“Then why even come here in the first place! Thought it would be funny to put more fear in my heart!? To make me wonder if I’m losing another pair of eyes in my life!?” She huffed, feeling her nails dig into her palm.
“Because not telling you would make you more upset and we know it. Look, you’re good but lately your head hasn’t been in this and it’s showing in your work. If I took you somewhere just to die, he and your mother would never forgive me.”
“Tsk, so you care about my mom now?”
“No, but I care about you.” Neo pulls out an envelope and hands it over. “We all do.”
“The hell is this? Hush money?”
“Haha, kinda. You asked why Ilia isn’t here? It’s so you can’t argue with the fact that as of now, you’re off duty until further notice.”
“Excuse me!?” She could feel her fur rise up. “So I’m just not a Shadow for the time being?”
“Pretty much. Be real with yourself. What ties you to us is currently in a coma. Nobody is doubting your loyalty, but you need space to see if you’re in the right spot to begin with.”
The girl couldn’t believe her ears. Years of training and now a forced leave of absence. “Unbelievable. Last time I checked, I have no other spot to be in. I’m a living ghost with no past or future.”
“Not exactly…” Neo pointed at the letter. “It’s in there. Your real name.”
Suddenly, the room felt silent, but cold as well. As if a ghost had entered it. She looked down at the letter.
“Feels heavier, doesn’t it? Name, family, identity; it took forever to find all the papers.”
“As if mom and dad didn’t have some of this already? Pfft, I’m not as naive as you think.” She waves the envelope, crushing the corner of it in frustration. “I could’ve known my name at any time. Some things are better left forgotten.”
“Nobody is making you learn your past, but it doesn’t change my position or speed up your reinstatement into our little den. At the end of the day, you have a life Sienna. Dye it the way you want, but at least keep in mind all the colors you have at your disposal. Personally, I don’t think remembering your past will change much about you.”
Neo walked over to the nightstand by Adam. A vase of old flowers was taken into her arms and over to a sink to dump the water. “However, it will silence a lot of bothersome thoughts in your head.”
“Or cause new ones.”
“Take it from me, there’s freedom in moving onto a new target instead of chasing the same one endlessly.” Neo tossed the flowers into the trash and began to make her way out of the room. “I’ll tell Ilia to bring new roses next time she visits.”
“I can pick some from my house.” Sienna huffed.
“Suit yourself. Oh, one more thing.” Neo turned around and looked at the girl. “I saw your sister before she left for Vale. She looked familiar.”
“To who?”
“Myself of course; a long time ago. You might not think much of how you want to move forward from here, but if you care about her, I recommend you show her first hand that the last thing she wants to do is go backwards.”
The expert assassin left without another word. Left with her thoughts, Sienna looked at the letter pensively. No matter how she looked at it, opening it could only lead to moving backwards. Repressed memories don’t happen for no reason, and they never stopped the restless nights or anxiety she felt when it came to anything restrictive. Even simple jewelry like bracelets was agitating and necklaces never felt quite right.
“Maybe I haven’t been moving for a while now?” She muttered, thinking about all the little flaws that made her uncomfortable. Her eyes looked at her father again, as if he had an answer. “Still nothing huh? Guess I really have to do this without you.”
Sienna put the envelope in her back pocket as she sighed. Nothing about this leave was going to be relaxing. If only she went to Beacon too. It could’ve distracted her mind. She could’ve seen her sister’s face. What was the face she was making before her departure?
“Jael, don’t do anything stupid out there.”
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The time has finally arrived. After a short break, the third and final phase of Beacon’s entrance exam was underway. When Jael learned it would be a match, she had assumed one of the many sparring grounds inside the school would be her ring; a thought too sound apparently for a prestigious school. Her and many others walked into a facility akin to a giant warehouse on the outside. Inside however, now that was a real surprise.
Bleachers lined the walls all the way around while four paths on each side connected to a middle platform. Above the bleachers straight ahead had a space Jael remembered seeing at the few sports events she saw. Actually, the more she looked at this place, it looked oddly familiar to something once described to her.
“Was this used in the Vytal festival?” She said aloud to anyone with an answer.
“Close.” Lilith responded. “It’s modeled after the final stage of the tournament. Meaning no environmental hazards. Just you and your future opponent giving it everything you got.”
“Within reason.” Glynda added, walking towards the center as the examinees went both left and write to fill up some bleacher spots. “Don’t get too comfortable.
Lilith opened a portal in front of her precious headmaster that led straight to the middle of the ring. Next, she opened a second portal for the honor guests and herself that led to the skybox area. Where they overlooked everything. Lilith happily joined them, giving Glynda the thumbs up to continue.
Such an impulsive child at times; Glynda couldn’t help but shake her head as she smiled. “As I was saying, don’t get too comfortable. We’ve evaluated all your performances so far, both in the writing and obstacle test. Your efforts in both were considered and calculated for this moment; practical combat. More often than not, a Huntsman faces their fellow man. Fighting Grimm is one thing, people are another. Here we’ll see how well you can confront this reality.”
A massive screen lit up behind her with the names of all the participants. Each name had a line connected to the one across from it, as well as two green dots preceding the name.
“Everyone here will fight twice. One match is already decided by whoever your name is connected to. The additional match is based completely on your choice upon getting called onto the field. Now let me be absolutely transparent with you all. Losing your fights does not mean you’ll outright fall. The qualities of a Beacon student can’t merely be defined by wins and losses.”
A collective sigh of relief filled the room. Marcus was particularly pleased. “Thank goodness. It might mean their criteria might be a bit more specific but I’m okay with that. Never did well when put suddenly under pressure, but I guess that’s not how you roll, huh?”
He looked at Jael, his new friend, but received no response. Her eyes were glued to the screen as if it was a thriller film. Then, a smile creeped onto the corner of her lips. Marcus followed her line of sight until he found her name. For a moment he was petrified at the possibility her smile spelled his doom immediately. That wasn’t the case fortunately. Although, one that still wouldn’t have him grinning like that. “Yujin Xiao Long. Hmm, she seems pretty tough.”
“Well let’s see how tough.” Jael began raising her hand. “Mi-”
“Can I go first!?” Called out an energetic voice.
Everyone’s attention turned towards Tenzen, who waved casually at his instructor. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but if we get two fights, that means you’ll stagger them out. That way there’s recovery time.”
“Yes, that is the idea I was getting to.”
Glynda crossed her arms. “All of you are inexperienced after all. Fortunately we have a healer in the building as well. In case of recklessness.”
Jaune scrunched his face. “No wonder she’s been more accommodating than usual. Looks like I’m free labor today.”
“Wouldn’t you help regardless?” Lilith questioned.
“Yeah, but I’d still like to be asked!”
Tenzen stood up from his seat. “Then if it’s alright with you, I’d very much like to get my first match out of the way. Pretty please?” He put his hands together, earning a few chuckles from his peers.
Glynda could tell something was up. The child of Nora and Ren was no fool and used to regular combat. Impulsive as he could be, he wouldn’t rush into this out of a sense of anxiety or naïveté.
“Very well. Since you’re so eager, please pick between your required opponent, or personal choice.”
More murmurs flooded the rooms as people realized that choice was available, instead of chosen opponent being mandatory first. Not even Yujin expected it.
“Hmm, this adds an unexpected layer of complexity. If you don’t pick the opponent you already know first, then they get to watch you fight! Worst case scenario it’s your turn again before they have a single match!” Yujin looked at the board intensely.
“Who would’ve thought I’d be up against Jael. No way she’s a pushover. My best bet is probably to pick someone I can handle easily first. That way she can’t learn much, I look decent in front of Miss Goodwitch, and I can get warmed up!”
Yujin nodded to herself. Yes, it was a solid strategy. All she had to do was go after Tenzen to pull it off!
“I pick to fight Yujin Xiao Long.” Tenzen said without hesitation.
The room was dead silent. Yujin was still in the middle of smiling about her plan until the words spoken finally sunk in. Slowly, her head turned left and looked up at the boy standing right next to her. “Huh?” Was all she could utter.
Glynda made it official by typing it in on her scroll. “Very well, the both of you have five minutes to prepare. Stand in the arena when you’re ready.” She walked through another portal that led to the others.
“HUH!?” Yujin repeated. How did everything go so wrong so fast! “Tenzen, what the-”
“Don’t hold back on me.” He said dryly, leaping towards the arena already.
The mischief in his tone had vanished and left Yujin more than a little confused. What was with the sudden intensity. That wasn’t like him at all. He was cracking jokes the entire day.
Yujin wasn’t the only one confused. Jael hadn’t expected anyone to beat her to the punch. Now she’d have to wait, and it was all thanks to him! As she watched him move, a faint chill went up her spine as Tenzen’s gaze seemed to look in her direction for only a moment before focusing ahead. Even behind the mask, she could tell he was watching her. If it was anyone else she’d think nothing of it, but him of all people… now that couldn’t be a coincidence.
Jael’s eyes narrowed as she placed her hands in her lap. “ Perhaps I looked too eager. Did he know I wanted to go?” Regardless of the answer, her moment would come, but now she had to think ahead and play this challenge’s mental game.
Up above, Yang watches with anticipation but notices her daughter’s hesitance. “Wasn’t expecting things to move this fast. From the looks of it, neither was my little girl. At least it’s a fight with a friend.” She looks over at Her family to see very different reactions.
Both her parents as well as Jaune stand with their lips tucked in and squinted eyes in a way that inspires no confidence.
Yang’s shoulders slouched. “Uh oh, what? Don’t tell me she can’t fight her crush?”
Raven shook her head. “Oh no, she can fight Tenzen any day of the week. It’s just that…”
“She’s never beaten him once.” Jaune finished.
Everyone else’s eyes widened as they looked back at the girl sitting stiff. “Ooooh. Yikes…”
Nora nudged Ren and shrugged. “I guess we’re the cooler parents.” She watched him slowly cover his mouth to keep composure while Jaune and Yang looked right at her.
Before they could say anything, a familiar voice from behind the door chimed in.
“Ahaha! Never change, Nora.”
The door opened and everyone gasped as cat ears came into view. Yang’s smile doubled in size seeing Blake before her jaw immediately fell open at the sight of her stomach looking a little rounder than last time they met.
Blake smiled and waved. “Hey everyone! Sorry I’m late. You all look well.”
“You look pregnant!” They all said in unison, aside from Jacquelyn.
“It has been a year. You should be more surprised I’m not walking in here with a kid on my hip.” She joked. Her eyes were drawn towards Jackie. “I was a little busy helping with other kids.”
Canary looked at the two curiously, still sensing something was amiss alongside the other instructors. “Would you mind elaborating. I’ve been remarkably patient by my standards, but I’ve grown rather annoyed over the years with people playing secret chess games. What’s so special about your daughter, and why is it putting people on edge?”
“Canary, show a little tact.” Glynda sighed. “I assumed you were in the loop; though I suppose Winter wouldn’t have any reason to tell you. You’re aware you were watched over by a group in secret when growing up, correct?”
Canary nodded and looked at Blake. “Yes, founded by her and run publicly by Sun Wukong until her return.Although the covert side is well, covert. All to keep my uncle, mom, Yunjin’s family, and Tenzen’s safe from those damned cultists.”
“Well, The Shadows were up and running long before that, and they never took direct orders from me. They got them from the group I left in charge. You may know these names. Ilia, Mercury, Emerald, Neo, and…”
“Adam Taurus.” Lilith uttered, staring at Jael through the glass. She turned back around to see the shock on several faces. The girl shrugged and said, “It was adding up as you spoke. And here I thought her style was simply a choice.”
Canary looked at a room full of acceptance, where there should’ve been defiance. Lilith had hit the nail on the head. A thousand new questions bubbled up in her brain like hot water, but none of them seemed to matter in the face of the reality that the daughter of Adam Taurus was chosen to fight Yang’s daughter, and many people in the room were clearly concerned about it! Words fail to describe how concerned Canary immediately became.
Glynda rested a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Relax. It’s a lot to sort through. Frankly my doubts about matching the two together haven’t gone away, but I never expected Tenzen to act this way either. I’m unsure of what he’s picked up on, but I believe he has his own reasons for throwing Yujin in the ring so suddenly. What they are, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Down below, a buzzer signals the end of preparations and with it, Tenzen’s carefree nature as Yujin walks into the ring. Time to get serious for once. “Hey, Yujin?” He slowly removed his mask, not caring about the reveal to the audience.
Cold, calculating eyes made contact in a way Yujin never felt before. A thousand times they’ve fought, and a thousand times she gave it her all without regret. However, as she clenched her blade tightly in front of her and stared at her longtime friend and rival once again, he seemed… unrecognizable to her. This was not just a fight.
Tenzen smirked at Yujin’s silence, her body tensing and poised despite the uncertainty. He pulled out his tonfas.
Glynda turned on her microphone. “Begin.”
It happened in a blink of an eye. Yujin didn’t know why she did it, but her arms swung forward as quickly as possible. The thunderous sound of electric metal collided with her blade as she grit her teeth in front of Tenzen, who closed the gap immediately.
“Ngh!” Yujin couldn’t believe it. “Full speed right off the bat!?”
Tenzen whistled in amazement. “Phewe~ nice. Don’t disappoint me now.”
