Fate's of the Trade

Chapter 7, Episode 9.5: A True Bond

Red distortion effects appear as the Phantom Thieves are seen in front of Jaques Castle.

Akechi: We don't have much time, Weiss and Joker are likely interlocked in combat with Jaques.

Haru: Right. Plus, we don't know how strong Jaques is in the Metaverse.

Futaba: Joker and Weiss are near the bottom floors. They're in the arena that we fought Watts and Zerneas.

Yuskue: Let us make haste. Our friends need us.

Phantom Thieves: Right!

The Phantom Thieves rush into the castle, but none of them realize that Rinoa entered the metaverse, as she is seen holding something in her hand.

Rinoa: I will do...what I must....to save our family legacy...

The scene returns to Weiss and Shadow fighting back against shadows and Grimm. Shadow's whip-blade cuts through a group of them before blue flames surround him.

Shadow: Chaos! Thunder Reign!

Chaos appears behind Shadow and moves it's hand to strike down a big Grimm, before Jacques leaps through the ash of the defeated Grimm and gut punches Shadow, sending him flying across the arena. Shadow throws his drill blade behind him, which he lands on the sword with a little bit of blood coming out of his mouth.

Shadow Jaques: This is what the legacy of Strife has come to? Ha! You are but a mere disappointment.

Shadow: At least my family didn't build their kingdom on lies and misery.

Shadow Jaques grits his teeth as Shadow rushes in and attacks Jaques with his drill blades, who dodges them easily before he grabs them and snaps the blade, then kicking away Shadow, as he realizes Weiss is attacking from behind him, to which he dodges the slashes before he knocks down Weiss and picks her up by the throat.

Shadow Jaques: You only had to stay in line. But you just had to rebel against me! Just like your pathetic sister!

Weiss: You never deserved to be a Schnee!

Shadow Jaques: I worked for this! *throws Weiss into Shadow as the two tumble on the ground* I drove my blood and sweat to gain my dream! My dream for domination!

Shadow: Then what would you do with that after you gained what you wanted?!

Shadow Jaques: *evilly chuckles* Simple, deliver the relics to Queen Salem, and allow her infinite power, that not even gods could rival her! And I would rule all I want, for eternity!

Shadow grunts as he stands and tosses aside his broken drill blades. Shadow Jaques cracks his knuckles as Weiss weakly picks herself up to her knees.

Shadow: You know, I've been through a lot in my years on Remnant, and let me tell you, I've meet some awful people.

Shadow closes his eyes as he remembers Cinder, Mercury, Grimmora and their actions. The Phantom Thieves are seen running up to the elevator as the all crowd in and press a button it the bottom floor.

Shadow: I'll be honest, They had the chance of redemption, and I could've given it to them. But you...I mean this when I say this, you never deserved mercy.

Shadow Jaques: I don't need mercy, all I care for is-

Shadow: Your own personal gains. I already know, considering what I learned from your past and how our lives interacted in the past.

Shadow sighs as Weiss walks up to Shadow and stands next to him.

Weiss: We made an oath to protect others...