Converging Paths

by GateMasterGreen

As the battle against the Grimm in the streets of Vale as well as the apprehension of Roman Torchwick both draw to a close, Team RWBY seems set to ease back into the tournament, but new players are making themselves known and their many paths converge around one point. What is really happening and why does it seem that Ruby and her team are getting pulled in?

1. Chapter 1

Yo Peeps, GateMasterGreen here with a new work, though not one of my own design. This is a collaboration effort of several authors who all write fanfiction. The main brain behind this whole thing was PeoplexLikexGrapes, so feel free to check his page out as well as any of the authors involved, most of which will be listed in the credits at some point or another. Another thing, this fic will be playing host to some OCs that we authors created for it, so they will be related by color as often as possible. If ever you have any questions about the story, feel free to PM me about it and I will relay the questions to the other authors. With this story, my ANs are superfluous and will most likely lack my usual fun cheer as it will get in the way of the story. Most ANs will probably be used to relay new information or address any issues as they arise. Updates for the fic are not yet set in stone, but we have already started up on the next chapter and are hacking away at it. With all this hoo-blah-blah said and done, please enjoy Converging Paths.

Disclaimer: All authors currently involved lack any rights pertaining to RWBY, which belongs to Roosterteeth and Monty Oum.

Beacon Academy: Ozpin's Office

"Our kingdom is happy to lend as many troops as it takes to make sure that this event runs as smoothly, and safely, as possible."

"And we thank you, General," the councilor said in response.

"Will that be all?" Professor Ozpin questioned blandly.

"For now," the councilor warned, "But after this festival comes to a close, we're going to have a serious discussion regarding your position at Beacon Academy. General Ironwood's reports of the last few weeks have left us somewhat… concerned. I'm sure you understand." And on that note, the council disconnected from the call, leaving the Professor and the General to talk alone.

"This is the right move, Ozpin," General Ironwood reassured, "I promise. I will keep our people safe; you have to trust me." As the General left the call, Ozpin spun his chair around to face the window with a contemplative look noticeable on his countenance.

'This is troubling. I have trusted James for years now and I feel he will take security for the Vytal Festival very seriously, but... He can be rash at times and I fear that with the threat of the White Fang, this may force his hand too far. I feel that something else is afoot however, something that I cannot see yet...These are dark days indeed… and I don't see it getting better anytime soon.'

'Despite this, it seems that something must be done; if no one else will rise against this threat, then the duty will fall unto me once more. As per usual, I have made some prior preparations for investigating, and even combating any hidden evil that looms over the horizon. I have contacted an ex-student of mine with remarkable skill to train and oversee select teams of students. I have also made a private appeal to the Chief Constable of the Vale Police Department, and he has committed his finest detective for investigatory purposes. In addition, I have called in a favour with an old friend of mine; his military skills and assets will no doubt prove valuable. The three of them will likely to be complete strangers, so I have planned for us to all meet somewhere on neutral ground: a simple cafe in city, not too busy, but not too empty either.'

'Even with this, it does pain me to see my responsibilities stripped from me, I'll admit, but at least the Vytal Festival will be as safe as it can be. Something tells me that James will likely try to make his new position known to the public and I wouldn't be too surprised to see Atlesian Knights patrolling the streets within the next few days. Provided my students are safe, I suppose I can remain civil with this change of events, despite not liking it very much.'

'The festival itself will give the students time to unwind, which I'm sure they will all cherish in these current times. For many, the tournament will serve as test of arms as well. I am anxious to see the result of the months of training and preparation that they have conducted in, just to participate in the tournament. Some have trained their entire lives for events such as these.

Pyrrha Nikos was one such example. She was a world renowned competitor in many tournaments and has held the honor of being able to win the Mistral Regional Tournament, four years in a row at that. Glynda had told him that the teen once defeated Team CRDL singlehandedly, which was quite a feat in itself...

Suddenly, his thoughts, as deep as they were, came to a screeching halt as a knocking sound came from the other side of his office door. "Come in," he answered, turning his chair to face his visitor.

The door opened to reveal the blonde haired Professor Goodwitch, her riding crop tucked under her arm and her scroll in hand. "Good evening Ozpin," she greeted, her eyes glued to her scroll.

"Good evening Glynda," he returned, pushing his ponderings to one side, "How may I help you?"

"I'm just checking in on you," she replied cryptically.

Ozpin narrowed his eyes a fraction, questioning her statement. "What ever would you be doing that for?"

She sighed, putting her scroll on his desk. "Rumours are starting to go around - about your leadership. The people are starting to question you after the events today, especially the students. No doubt the council will take an interest in this..."

"They have," Ozpin cut in, deciding to confide in her. "James is to oversee security for the Vytal Festival."

"Really?" She sighed again. "It'll be a mess down there. It won't be a festival, it will be a prison camp." Ozpin simply took a sip from his coffee, the bitter taste making him feel that little bit better. "Surely they said more," she continued, "they wouldn't have let you off so easily."

Now it was Ozpin's turn to sigh. He stood from his seat and out into the balcony, beckoning Professor Goodwitch to join him. He gazed briefly amongst the first stars to appear in the sky, silently embracing the cold evening breeze against his face. It was a few more moments before he spoke. "Nothing is certain yet," he said tactfully, "The council is to decide once the Vytal Festival has come to a close."

"I see," she said, closing the conversation.

In the silence that followed, Ozpin gazed out upon the setting sun as darkness began to fall upon his Academy, his own little Kingdom - perhaps even his legacy was drawing to a close. 'Only time will tell,' he thought to himself. The moon didn't help to ease his mind either, it's broken appearance taunting him like a cursed metaphor for his career that he couldn't avoid. He definitely felt a sense of foreboding in the air that night, but since when had that ever stopped him?

"I take it you have a plan?" Glynda asked, raising an eyebrow in assumption.

That made Ozpin grin as he turned to her; it was the first grin he'd had all day. "Making plans is what I do, Glynda."

She put on a half smile to her seemingly life long friend. "Of course, it would be foolish to think otherwise. And I suppose that you will decline to share this plan with me?" Ozpin replied by taking another sip of his much loved coffee. He maintained his grin, but said nothing. "As per usual then," Glynda concluded contently, "I will continue my duties and try to keep any prying eyes away." She left the Headmaster with himself for company and went for her scroll, which was still resting peacefully upon the masterful craftsmanship that was Ozpin's desk.

Ozpin, the gentleman that he was, followed Miss Goodwitch into the warm and moved to the door, ready to show her out. "Will that be all, Glynda?" he asked politely.

"Just one more thing," she began, as she returned to his side, "Team RWBY. They have been through a lot over the past few days and must be exhausted both physically and mentally. I don't think it would be wise to throw them back into their everyday duties."

"I couldn't agree more," he acknowledged, opening the door door for her, "They deserve a good period of rest. Give them a few days, they've earned it."

"That would be good, I'm glad that you agree."

'Indeed,' he thought, 'Something tells me that those girls are going to be looking for more trouble sooner or later. They're going to need the rest.'

"Good night Professor Ozpin," Goodwitch said before turning to leave.

"And good night to you, Professor Goodwitch," Ozpin replied as he softly closed the door behind her.

XXXCONVERGEXXX

Midday. The time when it seemed like the whole of Vale dropped whatever they were doing and came out for lunch, smoke brakes, and social calls. A time honored tradition that didn't miss a beat even with the events of the past week. The return to a familiar schedule probably helped people deal with what was probably the biggest shock of their lives

No one ever thought that the Grimm would ever breach through the perimeter around Vale, let alone pop up right in the middle of the city square first thing in the morning. There hadn't been any real property damage or loss of life and the news presses had already pushed the tale off the headlines in favor of speculation about the upcoming tournament.

Open air cafes always made excellent sales during this short time period, especially in these warmer spring months. The place Ozpin had chosen for this meeting wasn't the most crowded place in Vale, but that was a good thing in this case. There were enough customers to keep the few staff busy, and provide distraction if this meeting was being observed.

All of these thoughts about a return to normalcy were a brief pleasant distraction from all of the dark threads that had woven themselves into his mind frighteningly fast since his world had been shaken up by the council.

And the man he still considered one of his best friends.

Ozpin sighed and place his coffee mug back on the metal table, intricately woven in patterns of vines and leaves like all of the other furniture in this place. Whatever appearances the facade of city life projected, Ozpin knew that things would probably never be the same again. If anything, it was only downhill from here. Perhaps Ironwood was right and he had become too cautious. keeping up with his old analogy, the scouts were back, but he couldn't commit everything he had just yet. This was a new kind of war. So he needed to adapt, to prepare both himself and his students for what was to come. But most importantly he needed to know more about the force really behind all of this.

Ozpin slowly tapped the fingers of his right hand on the hilt of his cane, while he looked through a few more files on his scroll. A habit picked up every since it became necessary for him to carry the walking stick. But he set both aside when a man in Vale's armed forces' dress uniform turned off the sidewalk, entered the cafe patio, and pulled out one of the other three chairs at the round table and sat down. He looked very different from when Ozpin last saw him.

Anyone looking at his straight featured face, hard brown eyes, and grey army buzz cut could probably guess what he did for a living despite his uniform, which was smooth and unwrinkled. It was colored rather bland in Ozpin's opinion, mostly grey with a few patches of black running down the sides. The shoulders held many symbols sewn onto them, which meant a variety of things, some indicating awards earned for various reasons. Others were regimental arms and deployment patches. All were rather plain next to the twin golden birds of prey on each side of his neck marking him as a full colonel. It all painted a picture that told Ozpin who this was.

"You're early." Ozpin said to the man while he reached for his coffee.

"I'm right on time with my schedule, and if I'm early and you were here before me what does that say?"

"Probably that you still can't tell time right, Darren."

Colonel Darren Bistre chuckled quietly and leaned back in the chair, folding his hands together on his lap and bringing his left foot up on to his other knee before he spoke, "Well, at least I'm here, and something tells me this isn't just for a chat over coffee. It wouldn't have anything to do with the occupying force, would it?"

"The Atlesians are just helping with security for the festival." Ozpin replied.

"Right, and robots roaming the streets like they're gonna stop and ask for papers helps with the security of an event still a ways off, how?"

A new voice spoke up, "It probably won't help at all, but Ozpin's hands are tied." Approaching the table was a man in his early twenties, dark hair framing his face and black shades blocking his eyes from view. His outfit was predominantly black and green; onyx black trench coat and matching slacks, with an emerald green shirt with a tie just a shade lighter. He took a seat and introduced himself to the colonel. "My name is Artemis Hunter." He held his hand out in greeting.

The colonel shook his hand. "Why'd Oz call you?"

Artemis adjusted his shades and gave the two a crooked smile. "I'm here to help Ozpin. As of the current moment, my job is to search into any suspicious characters I come across, as well as observing specific teams and students." He held his scroll up. "While I have the info elsewhere, I keep the bare essentials of my current files to keep tab on what needs to be taken into further consideration."

Ozpin appraised him at that. "What would happen were it to fall into hands that shouldn't have such information, as that is very sensitive data, if I might say."

Artemis shook his head. "I have it set to delete all stored information if the wrong magnetic field is in effect when it is accessed. The same field brought into effect by either of the electromagnetic fields on my person, which both also contain the key code to unlock. Both the codes and the magnetic field are required to access it. Without both, the whole set of data is wiped."

Darren frowned. "It's still nothing good, no matter what Ironwood promises."

"True," The agent replied. "But I will help where I can, though that is nowhere near foolproof. We need some kind of assurance that we can handle any threats that try their way with subterfuge and deception."

"Judging from that I take it I'm here about more direct actions…"

Ozpin brought his elbows up to the table and placed his palms together before speaking, "I may not be able to gather as many hunters as I need to, and the council is phasing me out of decision making for the moment. I need to know how prepared Vale is to fight."

"Oh, I'm sure those hunters will be around if theres any chance of getting caught on camera."

"Colonel, please…"

"You could of had any number of the top brass give you the rundown, why me?" Darren paused to give Ozpin a chance to elaborate.

"I trust your judgement."

"Well, you remember the last time you did that, don't you?"

Artemis spoke up. "Professor, what's he talking about?"

Colonel Bistre looked at the young huntsman. "The city industrial zone, seven years ago. Were you around then, kid?"

Artemis went back through years of information in his head, his face lost a little bit of color as he came to a conclusion. "No, I was working through combat school to apply to Beacon…" He looked at Ozpin. "What did you have to do with the massacre?"

"I didn't think there would be any violence, and I trusted you not to act so rash," Ozpin looked at the colonel.

The colonel leaned towards Ozpin, arms on the table poised threateningly on the edge of his seat. Memories of the past began to shift his serene expression into a darker tone. "I acted accordingly." he replied

Before a full blown argument could erupt Ozpin held up both his hands in a gesture of peace. "I know you were forced to defend yourselves…"

"You could have brought that up at my court martial."

"We both know the collateral damage wasn't why that happened. The army was keeping the repercussions quiet, but I helped as much as I could. So please… don't be childish."

Darren sighed, then called a waitress over and ordered a drink. After waiting silently for a few moments, he spoke once more.

"I have a full infantry regiment, an armored auxiliary, and a mobile artillery auxiliary, all with air transport, bells and whistles, escorts to be deployed to clear the old Mountain Glenn tunnels and protect the sappers while they seal them off."

Ozpin set his hands down on his lap. "Theoretically, how quickly could you deploy into the city in case of an emergency?"

"How theoretical?"

Ozpin tilted his head forward, silently answering the man.

"...An hour maybe more, maybe less." Bistre said, "It depends what I'm doing and what you want done. Other reserves could take as long as two or three depending on the decision making curve and the situation. There's only like, three or four infantry companies right in the city, but they'll be thrown in defensive positions around government buildings, plus the police forces, but they're almost useless. I think you'd know more about what the hunters would do… in this hypothetical situation." Both Ozpin and the colonel turned to Artemis who had kept obviously silent through this exchange. Darren spoke up. "Spit it out before you choke kid."

"I'm sorry?" Artemis asked him, unsure of what he wanted.

"Questions, now, before I get bored and leave."

The agent sighed before composing himself. "I really have no major questions about this. The only thing I'm concerned about is how we would handle civilian evacuation should the streets become the battlegrounds of this hypothetical scenario."

"And I take it you have an idea?" Prodded Ozpin.

Artemis nodded. "While they are versed in combat, I doubt that many of the teams will be ready to face a true combat situation where civilians could be caught in the crossfire. That being said, those teams that are still in training are the best we can use to escort them out. They won't have to directly combat the enemy, but at the same time should be sufficient in warding any unwanted company away." He turned to Darren. "Your opinion on this, Colonel?"

He brought his left hand up to his chin stroking his light facial hair while thinking for a moment, "I'm not sure, would we be expecting a repeat of what happened last week."

Ozpin looked at Artemis for a moment, the hunter silently shrugged his shoulders and raised his hands up.

The colonel continued, "We don't have the logistics to completely evacuate the city. Worst case scenario people will keep their heads down indoors and stay off the streets. I don't think any Beacon trainees should be deployed, I don't care how skilled they think they are. I suspect that if any are caught in the city if something goes down, they'll disrupt whatever until the-" He hooked his left thumb back indicating himself, -professionals arrive."

He took a sip from his newly arrived iced tea, and leaned back into his chair. "But really none of you have any idea if anything is even going to happen."

"I have a feeling," Ozpin replied

"Do you have proof?"

"I have another investigator coming in, and other hunters out looking for answers elsewhere."

"So…. No then."

Artemis spoke up, "It doesn't matter, we know enough."

Darren shook his head at him, "That's not good enough, so do yourself a favor kid. Get out before this turns into a real conspiracy. It's no fun being in the council's shit pit, which is where I see this road going." He rubbed both of his hands together and shifted in his seat preparing to stand, "Anyway, is that all?"

"Please stay," Ozpin asked of him, "There should be another person coming that I would like you both to meet."

The three of them settled back down in silence. After a moment, Artemis posed a question to the colonel. "Why are you guys closing the tunnels?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"No, I mean why the army?" He looked over at Ozpin "Couldn't professor Goodwitch help, or someone else with a similar semblance."

"That is a tall order," Ozpin replied "It would probably take more energy than any one person could muster to close those gaps."

Colonel Bistre looked at Artemis for a moment. "What exactly do you do?"

Artemis replied, "I'm a freelance agent, although I do get to pick and choose what jobs I take."

"Do you get much into politics?" Darren asked.

"Not all that much," He answered "Occasionally, if a job requires it, but I don't think I'm going to be running for the council anytime soon. Why?"

Darren laughed briefly and took a sip from his drink before answering, "The government's just one big chess game, all the service branches and politicians are pieces. But the pieces have attitudes about their roles. If one gets more time in focus then another, stuff like this happens. Just idiots with too much metal on their chests reaching for rulers to make themselves feel better."

Artemis sighed and leaned back in his seat. "I must say, Colonel, that you seem to be very opinionated, given the fact that you've seemed to form conclusions without all of the facts, concerning me or the students of Beacon."

"Opinions and conclusions based on the observed and experience are what most people have, and if I offended you somehow, sorry. I don't care" he replied.

Ozpin frowned at the agent, a bit unsure why the man would say such things. "It's prudent to remember that we are all entitled to our opinions, Artemis."

"Yes, but opinions without a basis or reason may very well lead to mistakes, any number of which could be costly." Artemis fixed his shades and spoke. "Unless he has actual records on others, he shouldn't disregard them. Some might just surprise."

Darren scowled. " And you don't have opinions?"

Artemis shook his head. "You misunderstand. I merely say that opinions shouldn't affect choice, logic and rationale should. Even to that, there are exemptions, but it is a good guideline." He removed his glasses, green eyes blinking in the sunlight before adjusting. He turned his gaze to Darren. "I was not stating my opinion of you when I spoke of your opinionatedness, merely stating what I've observed. Whether it is true or not is all based upon you yourself."

"Are you sure you're not a lawyer?" Darren asked with a small grin before taking another drink.

Artemis turned his attention to Ozpin. "Branching away from that, who else are you expecting?"

"Ah, it appears that you are refering to me." came a new voice. The three men turned to the speaker. He was adorned in a pale green long coat, with dark grey suit trousers covering his legs. On his head was a classic elementary style hat, signifying his position as a veteran detective. A gold chain could be seen clearly from his left coat pocket, linking to the masterfully crafted timepiece that he held in his left hand. Within his right was a simple smoking pipe of heavily varnished dark wood and beautifully polished silver.

Before he seated himself, he replaced his pocket watch and addressed the group. "Greetings, gentlemen. This is the company of the esteemed Professor Ozpin, I presume?"

"Ah yes, our third member," Ozpin began, "Take a seat, Detective."

The detective did just that, bowing his head ever so slightly before taking the fourth and final place at the table. He took some time to make himself comfortable. "Please excuse my tardiness, chaps; Navigating the city is not one of my finest traits." He then turned his attention to the pipe in his hand, then stopped to confer with the group. "You kind fellows don't mind if I smoke, do you?"

"Of course not, Detective." Ozpin answered calmly.

"Jolly good!" the Detective exclaimed merrily as he pulled out a box of matches from his right coat pocket. Like a well oiled machine, he lit the match and ignited the herbs within his pipe in one smooth motion. Then, after placing the pipe in his mouth, he inhaled deeply and exhaled in a similar fashion, a small ring of thin smoke forming over the centre of the table. Satisfied with his display, he grunted happily and returned his gaze upon the group of men in front of him. They had not taken their eyes off of him ever since he had appeared, expecting a proper introduction. Finally, he took the hint and presented himself. "Ah yes, of course! My name is Detective Bill Topaz and I am humbly at your service."

"And the services you offer are?" The colonel asked.

Topaz seemed a little flustered at the comment. "Well, I thought it was rather obvious… Colonel, is it?" He said as he pointing with his pipe towards the rank patches on Bistre's collar. "I am a detective after all."

"There are quite a few types of detectives you know. What do you do?"

It was Ozpin that spoke for him. "The Chief Constable of the Vale Police Department spoke…" He hesitated searching his head for the right word: "...highly of him. He was rather vague about the Detective's skills and accomplishments however. Would you like to elaborate, Detective Topaz?"

"Of course professor," Topaz said, straightening his cap a fraction, "Now, my great great great great great grandfather was the noble Sir Archimedes Topaz. No doubt you have heard of him?"

Artemis shrugged. "No idea." He jerked his thumb towards the other two at the table. "I think they do."

"Sounds vaguely familiar…" Bistre said.

"Of course." Ozpin replied.

"Spiffing! Now, thanks to him, my family has bred many top notch detectives into the Vale Police Department, one of which being my humble self. Long have his descendants aspired to achieve the traits that he did, and I..."

Bistre interrupted him "Yes, I'm sure that's all fascinating, but he isn't here, and so far only one of his descendants is here, you…..so" He outstretched his right hand indicating Topaz should get to the point

Topaz sagged his shoulders slightly. "Oh, well, if you insist… I have often been celebrated for my skill at picking out the tiniest of details from which have turned the tables when solving a case."

"Skills don't necessarily translate from one type of work to another. If observation is your thing, did any of us miss anything walking in here? "

"Well then, where to start… the waitress? That chap in the corner over there? Or perhaps we could go with the handgun that you are currently concealing?"

"Let's start with that, assuming I do have one, what makes you think I'm armed?"

"You see, your body language as I initially approached the table suggested the firearm's general location. Upon further inspection, I noticed the small protrusion from your jacket, reinforcing my theory that you have a handgun in an upper body holster on the left side of your lower chest. And come to think of it good sir, the general bulk of your torso would suggest that you are very heavily muscled in that area, or that you are also hiding some sort of ballistic armour under there. I believe that the latter is most likely."

Bistre grinned a little and held open his jacket for them to see his concealed plating and massive handgun that was certainly not standard issue,

Artemis eyed the weapon with a skeptical gaze. "Why do you have that here of all places?"

Bistre tilted his head back at the agent, "I wouldn't be so outraged boy, I see you hunters wandering around town with a whole lot more cutlery and blatant firepower than me on a daily basis."

Topaz leaned back in his seat and blew out another smoke ring. "I must say that the colonel makes a good point, Master…?"

"Artemis. Call me Artemis." he said, filling in the gap.

"Master Artemis, yes. A pleasure."

Artemis sighed. "I'd prefer you to use my name and only that. I am not too much for the matter of titles. I am no master in any way and such titles don't suit me."

Topaz removed his pipe and raised his other hand in an apologetic motion. "Forgive me. I meant no disrespect, my boy; I have a habit of getting ahead of myself, you see…"

Silence settled over their table, Ozpin took this opportunity to finally get to the point of their presence. He took his cane and stood it upright between his feet to lean on it while he talked. "Gentlemen, I hope you realize how serious things are at the moment. I would not have brought you in, if circumstances were different. We may not have much time left to act, as it stands. I still have duties at Beacon to attend to so I am going to be relying heavily on all your abilities. Are we clear?

He received nods of agreement from all three of them sitting at the table

Ozpin stood, pocketing his scroll and holding his cane under his right arm.

Artemis came to his feet as well, placing his shades on once more. He turned his head to address the colonel and detective. "I think it would be an advisable course to head over and check out the tunnels. We might be able to dig up some information that the initial sweep didn't muster."

"Aside from the pile of scrap metal that nobody had any use for at all?" Bistre asked ire in his voice.

Topaz chuckled lightly, "I am certainly more qualified to catalogue those tunnels then anyone else. Come now, let us be off Colonel."

Bistre sighed, tugging his dress coat back into place. He gulped down the last of his drink and threw a few lien cards onto the table to cover a tip and their bill. When he stood he looked professor Ozpin square in the eye and asked him. "And if you're wrong about things taking a turn for the worse?"

"Then I will happily be wrong Darren. Now, get moving."

He tapped two fingers of his left hand to his forehead in a mock salute, "Aye, sir."

End of Chapter 1…

Ozpin, Detective Bill Topaz, and first section before break: De4thstopper

Second Section, Colonel Bistre: Darkerpaths

Small edits, Artemis Jade Hunter: GateMasterGreen

Story Founder: PeoplexLikexGrapes

Hope you all liked it. The small credits above will be in most chapters to relay who did what, so everyone gets credit for their work. Feel free to check out everyone's pages, which leads me to include another name; ShadowCinder333. As of my own personal opinion, I feel you should also check out the page of one of the original peeps who intended to help (seeing as we don't know if they are still working with us or not), so go and take a look at Arieko's page. I've read some of their works and they're pretty good. That's all for now. Remember that I will respond to most any PMs you guys send, whether to ask questions or just chat. Adieu for now!