Hello everyone! Glad you could make it. Silver here. This is me going to be writing my own story for the time being as everything else seems to be not too interesting. Thought to myself, why not write?
Nonetheless, here's the first chapter for you lot. Hope you enjoy it. Like I've said countless times, I appreciate criticism and critiques. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1; Vows
The snap of twigs and crunch of autumn leaves filled the underbrush of the northern foothills of the Emerald Forest.
A pair of individuals dashed past the towering pines and slid along the slopes of the hillside. Hardened combat boots dug into the soft and rain-soaked dirt, trudging a path to a stop at the hill's bottom. Of the two figures, a male and female could be made out. Their positions continuing to spear through the foliage till the landscape formed into that of a dense forest.
Their physiques now all but shadowy glimmers dancing past the maze-like forest, until the male figure seemed to burst through one of the towering timbers to roll against the underbrush. It's shredded bark clattering against its brothers and sisters as he continued on undeterred.
"We're almost at the landing point. Bring a helicarrier around if you would." From the tone, the male had spoken into an earpiece communicator. It was not he had spoken that their pursuer came into view; a gargantuan ursa sporting all sorts of battle-worn damage. This, from the destructive path it was leaving, was not seeming as a deterrence to the grimm.
"You just had to piss it off, didn't you Ebony?"
"Shu'dup! Just keep movin', Cole!"
The one now known as Ebony swiftly leaped over a nearby boulder that had appeared in her path from the pursuing ursa with Cole right on her tail. The grimm continued to barrel through the dense forestry without any sign of hindrance. A fairly large bow was strung from her backside, followed by a hail of dust-quenched arrows atop the grimm. A single arrowhead found truth in one of its eyes, but this only seemed to enrage the creature even more.
"Oh joy..."
"Shu'dup, I said!"
Planting his palms against an overturned tree trunk in his path, Cole propelled himself into the air as he used it as a springboard. Momentarily hovering upside down, the male fired a few pulses of kinetic energy from his palms.
The searing energy ripping through sinew and bone, but the ursa continued to pursue them at a renewed rate. Landing front-forward, Cole resumed his full force sprint alongside his partner. That same woman laughing to herself at her partner's distant, likely his failure to down the pursuing grimm.
As they finally neared the clearing Cole had spoken of earlier, they skidded to a halt against the dew-stained meadow. Switching to face the now arrived ursa, the creature having torn through the forestry in a painful sign of disregard. Ebony was the first to strike, dashing along the towering blades of grass within the meadow and letting arrows sing from her bow towards the beast.
Cole, as if no regard for his own safety, sprinted towards the ursine's front. Retrieving a revolver from his backside, bullets cracked into the grimm's underside at a breakneck speed. Sliding underneath between its hind legs, Cole brought his hand down upon the hammer. Each time piercing the ursa's most vulnerable hide.
As the male skid to a halt and rose to stand, he emptied the cylinder of excess shells to reload its chambers. Ebony stalked her way over to him, the both of them seeming to be taking the ursa's presence quite casually. As if they had been doing this daily.
"This is the fourth time this week, you know..."
Ebony frowned at her partner's words, offering a shrug of her shoulders. The teammates turned their attention back to the ursa with her wordless response. The very same finally rising to its hind legs; blackened blood spilling against the meadow's flora.
To the trio of figures' surprise, the beat of helicarrier wings sung in the air, now hovering over the scene. With a release of steam, one of the ship's sides swung open for a mysterious silver-haired man to step forth. Sporting a steaming mug of coffee in one hand while the other was settled upon a cane, he'd offer a cheerful smile down to the pair.
"Come now. I'd think you would have already handled this. Or are my two best getting slow..?"
That statement hit hard, Cole rolling his eyes as his partner followed. "Let's just get this done." The ursa had refocused on the duo once more, launched itself towards off the ground. Twenty feet. Ten feet. Five feet.
A metal hand found purchase at its jaw and swung the grimm overhead to the ground behind him with its own momentum. Almost as if the Grimm was weightless. It uttered a pained whine, before a revolver barrel pointed towards its skull. With a piercing shot, the beast was finally silenced.
"Much better." The duo switched their collective gazes back to the headmaster behind them, the very same having stepped from the recently landed helicarrier. He drew a sip from his mug in as he maneuvered towards them with.
His gaze fell upon the deceased grimm, while the creature's carcass began to smolder and decompose. It was a few moments of silence before his eyes left the ursine to return towards the helicarrier.
"The grimm populations and attacks are growing. And much deadlier. An Ursa Major. This is deeply troubling..."
The pair settled themselves to follow the headmaster into safety of the now airborne transport. Winds whipped by the team, tossing their locks of hair in differing directions. The towering forestry below looking more like shrubs at their height. Ebony was first to break the silence of the ride back to Beacon.
"With all due respect, Oz. We know the source of this. Why not track down and cut the head of the snake? Right? We're fightin' grimm more times each day."
The headmaster kept his ivy-colored orbs set upon the landscape, completely immobile in his stance and not at all seeming to be worried. If he was, he was excellent at hiding it. It was not long till those same eyes drifted away from the below scene to lock with the woman that had spoken.
"We shall deal with the grimm's source in time, Miss Lockeheart. For now, we work on guaranteeing the safety of those not yet knowledgeable in the facts we know of. Panic, is our greatest foe. As of today, we have the beginning of another semester and the Vytal Festival. Let them enjoy this time while they have it."
His tone was impossible to argue, causing the two of them to remain silent for the remainder of the trip. Ebony settling herself beside her partner's seated form before letting her head rest against his shoulder. The two watching the silhouette of their headmaster and in the morning sun.
The pathway leading to Beacon's massive front doors was littered with students new and old returning to the steps of the academy. The bustling sounds of the new semester and the start of the festival bringing a positivity to the air.
His teammate had left in the direction of the cafeteria, her hunger more in important than any other after their last mission.
Having finished changing from the combat gear he wore earlier that morning, Cole resided to leaning against the wall adjacent to one of the doors; occupied by the recent news listed on his scroll. 'White Fang Attack'. He let out what sounded similar to a grunt, pocketing the item to refocus upon the groups of students and festival goers.
Though, his brow curved at the sight he beheld now docked at farthest landing station extended from the pathway to Beacon. A certain ship. One that he knew too well.
Lightly pushing himself from the wall, Cole began his trek towards the ribbon-tailed ship. Loafers clicked against the stone pathway, while his vest coattails drifted in the late morning air. His sleeves remained rolled upwards, the robotic appendages that had replaced his arms on full display. The metallic digits settled in the pockets of his slacks, while the uncovered segments glinted in the sunlight, gently shoving students from his path.
His darkened locks drifted in the familiar breeze and hugged the faunus ears seated atop his head, strands hanging loosely over his forehead and dusted against his amber orbs. The golden hues now set upon the single individual that had emerged from the ship and the duo that awaited her.
Ruby and Weiss of the first-year team of RWBY. Possibly one of Ozpin's better name choices.
The pair patiently waited for an individual, and that individual had just now appeared as he had glanced up from his scroll. 'Oh, wonderful...' He thought to himself.
The much older woman dressed similar to Weiss, the latter being her younger sister. She looked less no less like an older version of Weiss, the former of course being dressed in Atlas Military garb.
What troubled him more was the group of Atlas prototype soldiers that followed the departing siblings so closely. They made quite the scene, the rest of the pathways occupants shifting out of the way of the, almost military, parade.
As he finally neared, he'd halt and wait patiently for them to meet him halfway. He'd subtlety positioned himself between her and the school, with locked eyes. Hers being glossy and emotionless as always. It was a moment of ear-splitting silence, the woman's sister looking quite curious as to why the two of them had stopped. Going back and forth between the two imposing figures.
"Winter Schnee. I am... ecstatic at your visiting." Cole was first to break the silence, earning him a explosive sigh from the woman to whom he'd spoke to. Their interactions remained the same. Right to the point as always.
"As am I, Cole Lupine. I come to observe the tournament. I propose the Headmaster is within his study?"
She received a slow but affirmative nod, deeming that enough of an answer before resuming her path towards Beacon. That would be, if not for a metal hand to grip her arm tightly and bring her to yet another halt. Her pointed gaze trailed to its source, the two locking eyes again. His grip was earnest, albeit unannounced.
"Is that anyway to greet an old friend?"
Weiss, shot him an incredulous look, disbelieving he and her sister had ever once met. Winter uttered another sigh, unable to quell the welling smile that crept up on her lips. "It is good to see you alive and well, Cole." The two of them, at the younger sibling's surprise, embraced. He offered her backside a few pats, finally separating. "You look good. Did you do something with your hair?"
The eldest Schnee daughter offered him a warm laugh, quiet but genuine, raising a hand to run a few gloved fingers through the bunch of silver locks. "Yes. I believed this venture to Beacon required a more sophisticated look." She received a careless roll of the eyes from her past companion, earning him a playful jab at his chest.
"I shall be heading off then. I believe the General has already arrived. It was nice to see you again. Perhaps we can catch up later, hm?" He nodded in agreement, settling his hands against his waist. "You as well, Winter. And smile more often! You look good while doing it!" Watching the group continue on, he shook his head at her retreating backside. 'What an odd woman.'
He and Winter had been close comrades during his time in Atlas, showing him a different side to the Schnee name than what he had previously heard of. It was heartwarming to see her doing so well.
He craned his neck to earn a few blissful cracks from the stiff joints, but the moment of peace was cut short.
He was suddenly shaken out of his calm as an arm slung over his shoulder. His natural inclination would be to apprehend whomever was at its source, but from its scent and whom exactly the appendage belonged to, he determined it not a threat. For now...
"Qrow..."
He was rewarded with a surly grin from the raven-haired man leaning atop him, and, per usual, smelling the toxic stench of alcohol stemming from his breath. A hand loosely tousled Cole's darkened locks, earning the Branwen a look that could kill. "How you been kiddo? How's the old bag?"
The question was rewarded with a disapproving sneer but answered nonetheless. "I've been fine, Qrow. And my Aunt has been as well. Why are you here?" The Branwen sported a look of mock-hurt, placing a hand to his chest and backing away. "I'm hurt, kid. You saying you didn't miss me?"
"I'm not saying that. I'm asking why are you here?"
The Faunus received another tousle of his hair, leaving strands to stick out in different directions. Qrow, having left him to do whatever he pleased, headed in the same direction as the group that paraded alongside the two Schnees. A direction no one ordinary would truly care about. But it was a direction Cole was definitely taking into consideration, having known the Branwen for some time. And his behavior.
"Qrow...?"
"Don't you worry your little head, Cole. Just gonna pay them an old visit..." Those words sparked even more unrest while the Faunus remarked just how Qrow and Winter's last encounter had gone. 'Never did apologize to James for that one...'
A hand reached into the back pocket of his slacks to retrieve his scroll with due haste. A simple set of taps were made before he brought the device to his ear and the familiar voice of Ozpin answered. "Cole. What can I hel-."
"Ozpin. Its Qrow. He's back. And so is Winter... I think you know how this is going end." There was a long pause in the other end of the line, before a long-exasperated sigh followed. "I'll be right down. Just make sure they don't kill each other."
"Right..."
Pocketing the device, Cole returned his gaze to where he had last seen the caped Branwen. The very same standing over a dismembered Atlas prototype soldier, while its pieces littered about the ground.
The Schnee sisters stood before the drunkard with obvious distaste, as Winter settled her hand against the pommel of her sheathed blade. Cole burst into a sprint, pushing past students unaware of the duo's bickering feud, and fully intent on halting any sort of conflict that could erupt.
Loafers clacked against the stone once again, causing some festival goers to turn about and stare at the Faunus in bewilderment. Winter was already temperamental around the man, and seeing how sober he was, or lack thereof, wasn't making Cole any more comfortable.
At last he could make out Winter's words now, the woman retrieving the rapier from its sheath to jab the end towards the source of her annoyance. "If you won't hold your tongue, I will gladly remove it for you!"
Spotting the Branwen slick back the loose strands of hair from his forehead, he'd offer a wink in the direction of the older Schnee sister. That finished it. The Atlas specialist practically teleporting towards the suspecting man before her and offering a few testing jabs in his directions.
Each one missing their mark as Qrow rhythmically danced his way past them. This only seemed to further infuriate the elder sister, until her dueling partner drew his own weapon in its dormant form to lock blades. It certainly appeared like he was enjoying himself, having been adorned with an entertained grin.
He was playing with her. Still, Cole wasn't about to let this go on any further in public and dashed towards the two.
Just as the duo's blades clashed again, Qrow would suddenly feel a breeze between his footing. Cole had resorted to sliding along the pavement to springboard from the between the duo.
Cole's grip felt purchase against both the Branwen's and Schnee's weaponry, as the metal screeched out a loud clang when he felt the impact. Sparks would fly in different directions as he stood in a stalemate with the guardian and Atlas Specialist. The pressure was indeed evident as the struggle of keeping them off of each other was taking a toll, his grip on them began to slacken.
'Does Qrow have to put so much strength behind his attack? And Winter definitely isn't helping.'
"Winter! Qrow! Enough!" With as much force as he could muster, Cole tossed them both in opposite directions for the duo to skid away. Winter, being much irater than Qrow, shot a questioning glare in the faunus's direction. Her rapier settled at the ready, as if preparing for him to come at her again.
"Cole! This drunken imbecile initiated a conflict. I was merely showing him discipline." The venom in her tone was evident but was ignored by the team leader as he rose to his feet and rolled the metallic joints free. Cole, in return, growled at her with equal if not more irritation.
"I'm trying to stop you and this ridiculous little tirade that you're having. You just broke into an all-out brawl in the middle of Beacon's front steps. Winter... you're supposed to be setting an example."
His words stung more than they should've, her form shrinking against the truthful remarks. He could see her attempt to find a reason, but instead resorted to hanging her head in shame. She had acted quite poorly. And for high-ranking Atlas military at the very least.
Her gaze drifted away from his, a wave of shame and defeat washing over her. Just when she believed the shame was over, a gruff voice echoed across the pathway.
"Winter!"
Both Cole and the Schnee sister straitened at the very displeased tone of the General Ironwood. The very same stepping towards them with the grace and professional demeanor of someone of his standard.
Ironwood offered one his trademark disappointed stares towards the Schnee sister, before continuing on. If she could shrink down anymore, she probably would at this point. Ironwood's grip held merit upon his shoulder suddenly, the metal being given a few pats until the Atlas headmaster shifted to his old... and drunk comrade.
Cole shrugged off the general's 'praise' and shot a glance in Winter's direction only for his heart to sink. The pure look of shame and self-disapproval shone in the specialist's gaze, her shoulders hung low as she continued on towards the academy. He truly hadn't wished for her to be reprimanded; that being one reason he had attempt to halt her and Qrow's brawl. No doubt her father would be hearing about the little indecent. He reached out as if wishing to offer some sort of comfort to her, but...
"Cole!" Whirling about to face the general again, Cole swallowed the lump in throat from before he was brought into a bone-crushing embrace by the towering man.
Darkened locks shook about with the motion, before he was relinquished and offered a moment to recover, much to the General's amusement. He could feel that same hand from before latch upon his shoulder, Ironwood sporting a very uncharacteristic smile.
"How have you been? Has Beacon been treating you well enough? No one is starting any fights? Have they been working fine?"
"Doing well. Yes. No. And yes, James. They're fine. You know that a simple arm reattachment wasn't going to stop me. And they're still perfect. As usual."
The Atlas headmaster curved his lips again as he deemed Cole's answer two began on towards the academy with Qrow tailing them. The General and veteran huntsman settling themselves on either side of Cole as they strode past the front doors.
That was an awkward elevator ride.
The office of Beacon's headmaster seemed smaller now with quite the gathering now stationed within. Winter, Ironwood and Glynda settled upon Ozpin's left, while Qrow, Cole and the recently arrived Ebony on the other. The very same silver-haired man sat with his fingers interlaced at the desk and, finally, was the first to speak.
"Forgetting today's... incident, I'd like to continue where we left off. Qrow. James. Glynda. And the rest of you have been brought in to speak."
The unmentioned trio awaited the headmaster to end before they had soon acted upon their own accord.
Qrow of course reacted as he would usually and spat snark and sarcasm. Words dripping from his tongue lips like venom. Something around the fact of him unconvinced the Atlas denizens in the office were legitimate in their cause to assist Vale, and even had a reason to be present here.
James's words seemed noble, but he was too quick to act in this situation and having relied too much upon his military. Fear, was his ally, but it would not be enough.
Glynda provided a voice of reason between the two, often settling the disputes with logical recommendations.
Oxpin, however, sat with his head in his hands with the collective voices springing up all around him. It would seem as if their reason was soon leaving, as voices continued to raise and accusing fingers shot between Qrow and Ironwood, their old distaste of each other resurfacing.
Cole was the first to interject, placing a soft, yet stern grip between the two increasingly aggressive males. Brought out of their stupor, the collection of faces settled upon himself. Lowering his hands and allowing the two duo some room, Cole cleared his throat to speak.
"I understand this threat. But we are still so unfamiliar with it. To a point where we need more reconnaissance. I understand your wish to act, James, but in order for less casualties to occur. We need to be sure. Not guessing the enemies' forces. For all we know, they could have their own army. Qrow, you've been an irreplaceable source of information. But for the last time... stop... instigating high-stress situations. We all have our blood-stained ledgers. We'll fight with one another. And we'll die alongside each other against whatever we're facing. What we need is much more information. Then and only then can we make a decisive action. Then your armies alongside the trained huntsman and huntresses can tear through her ranks. But not now. Build up James... develop new and increasingly useful technology. From what I've seen... the White Fang have your tech. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to take it from under you completely."
Speaking of Atlas technology caused the faunus's grip to tighten and loosen with the easing breath he let out. James had noticed the action but remained as if he had not, continuing to allow Cole to speak.
The General brought a gloved hand to his chin in thought, mulling over the recommendations over the faunus had brought. Winter herself was even beginning to glance away at his words; her grip upon her blade tightening.
"Bolster your security. Increase stability in your ranks. The attack not to long ago on the clocktower was a sign. We need to better our senses of the environment before us. Only then can we march against them for war."
"We know our enemy will try to attack during the festival. It's too great an opportunity. From there we prepare. But we cannot instill panic. If panic rises in the cities across Remnant we will never be able to secure order back into line. We can all agree upon this, right?"
Cole awaited the collective nods received from not only those he expected, but Winter as well. A small tinge to the end of his lips made him shake his head at the thought. And Ebony thought he was a poor conversationalist. Oxpin took a long swig from his, seemingly bottomless, mug of coffee before responding.
"Thank you, Cole. Your words reached not only myself. But everyone here. We will instill such an act with Atlas's assistance. The Vytal Festival shall continue on as planned and we shall work to ensure it does. Right, James?"
All eyes settled upon the general, the very same growing very uneasy as his hand ran along the growing sign of five-o'clock shadow. The room was met with an uncomfortable silence. The only noise from the gears shifting about within the clock tower. Finally, they were met with a confirming rise and fall of his head.
"Atlas will do what it can to ensure Remnants security. And if you, Cole, are sure. I shall make it so."
He offered a final nod to Cole, the faunus stiffening under his pensive gaze. "Subtlety is what you called it. Correct, Cole?"
He'd receive an agreeing nod of the head. Cole did not truly understand the General's point, but that would not stop him to agree in a less martial approach. "Yes, that's right."
"Then I shall do whatever I can to ensure that happens."
Loafers clicked against the training room of Beacon academy, followed by the clattered of heeled boots. The passage of students almost worming their way around the duo as if avoiding contact.
Not that Cole wasn't the intimidating fellow. The artificial arms were no help to that.
The two members of Team CELL continued on undeterred after their meeting within the headmaster's office, while the other members lingered to continue speaking. Cole, even with his skill of convincing those around him, was not a man of words.
Preferring more the thrill of combat and clash of steel than that of a desk job. Still, Ozpin enjoyed the faunus's just opinions. He found them enlightening and comforting in such a time of conflict. Ozpin would not have been surprised if he had chosen a more political position.
Back within the real world, Cole stood at one side of the chamber with Ebony on the other; the two squaring off. The tech in Cole's limbs chirped awake, with the segments clicking against each other as if warming up. His opponent stood her ground against the much taller faunus, twirling her bow in its dormant form to act as a shield on her left side. He'd always give her props for initiating these spars.
"You ready there, Cole?"
"That depends on you..."
He received a grumbled 'smart ass', the woman launching herself towards him at breakneck speeds. Still, he caught her mid motion with a solid slug against her shield.
The two stood at a statement for a moment, before the team leader tossed away her shield arm and boot kicked her backwards. Rolling with the attack to a crouch, Cole brought his palm forward to face her. Before she knew it, Ebony was on the defensive. She did her best deflecting bolts of kinetic energy that he directed towards her. Blocking yet another pulse of energy, she spun her lower body to force his arm away with a spinning heel kick.
Shaking off the brunt force, Cole tossed a few testing blows her way. Each of them either dodged elegantly or diverted away with the assistance of her shield. She just barely shifted her weight to evade another incoming strike, the metal fist striking the ground enough to send a few resounding quakes through the chamber.
"Trying to kill me there?!"
That earned her a grin, the faunus tossing a hook that met its mark against her side while she questioned him. Wrong move on her part. His teammate skidded backwards, cradling the injured area with barred teeth. We aura had weakened the blow, but that did not make it hurt any less. While her leader proudly clenched the metal appendage into a fist.
"Not entirely..."
She rushed him on that note, lurching her shield arm into him only for to be caught by her opponent with ease. With his attention upon the weapon before him, he would not catch the oncoming jab into his solar plexus, another against his lower-left ribs.
Still, he bit through the ringing pain and brought another hand about the shield before him. In short, Ebony found herself spun in mid-air away for her to lose grip upon her armament.
Cole wasn't finished yet, extending a palm towards her and firing off a bolt of kinetic energy to propel her a short distance away. Taking the shield in one hand, he'd fling it like a frisbee towards her. She'd have just enough time to duck and the weapon bit into the wall just above her.
Abandoning her weapon, she lunged towards him at to begin a series of blindly fast strikes upon him. Curling and uncurling his digits, Cole extended to parry and counter each and every one of his teammates attacks. Spotting him toss a brutal haymaker in her distraction, while using their height difference, Ebony ducked underneath with little effort.
Feeling the impact of her fist against his jaw, Cole shook his mess of hair from the strike only to be knocked away by her heel colliding with his shoulder. He met the wall beside her shield head-on, uttering a few pained groans.
He'd be sorely interrupted, sensing his oncoming teammate and her knee impacting against his chest. Knocking him back against the surface behind him and momentarily forcing the wind from his lungs.
What surprised him next, was her sudden grip upon the metal of his limbs and the rushing feeling of air for a few moments. That was until he was met with the hard surface of the chamber's floor against his spine.
Lurching himself to rise, he'd catch the unsuspecting woman by the neck in a momentary choke hold, before tossing her to the wall in kind. Lucky for her, she was able to maneuver about quick enough to evade his advancing fist as it collided with her previous location.
Nabbing her discarded weapon with due haste, she barely managed to block another strike from his end. Spotting his leg beginning to rise in formation of a kick, she brought the shield to deflect the oncoming roundhouse.
In the moment of his hesitancy, she took it upon herself to bring the bridge of her shield against his elbow and keeping him still for the moment. That moment told the difference in strength between the two as Cole reached to grip the woman's neck and fling her into the wall again. She weightlessly flew against the surface as she cradled her bruised sides; shield clattering the floor.
The point of her attention, however, was the extended palm of her leader pointed at her face. A confident smirk was painted across his lips, the same hand switching to that of a gesture of helping her to her feet. One that she gratefully took and hobbled to her full height.
"That makes the score, my forty-five to your forty-two."
She huffed under her breath, obviously displeased in losing twice in a row in their daily spars. The pain he'd shed from her strikes from before soon returned and he flinched rushing feeling.
"I got in some good ones in."
"You did. You're getting better at countering these."
Gesturing to his arms, as they continued to comment on each other's combative performance, erupting in laughs and jokingly jabbing at one another. All the while, making their way back to their dorm and much awaiting the sweet relief of rest. As they met the entrance to their dorm and practically kicked open the door, Ebony's curiosity had gotten the better of her.
Cole..." She began. The faunus had already begun unstrapping his combat boots before his attention was brought unto her. "Hmm?"
"Have you been... doin' alright?" Cole furrowed his gaze, turning upon the bedspread towards his teammate. "I've been hearin' ya toss and turn at some nights. Somethin's giving you a bother, isn't it?"
He shied away from her gaze, not at all denying her concern. She had in fact been correct in her assumptions. "I'm... fine. Just the usual night terrors..." he grumbled as he waved a dismissive hand at Ebony's worrying expression.
"It isn't your fault, Cole. They wouldn't want you to be like this, Y'know?" She slumped against her own mattress, tucking her hands behind her head to lounge.
"I know..." his tone was obviously pained, and the reluctant answer did nothing to prove his point. "...it's a bit difficult. Being their team leader and all. Leona and Leopold were our friends, Ebony."
She wrinkled her brow, shutting her hazel orbs from view as she turned from him. "Leona was a pain. Her brother was an ass. Nothin' more."
Cole could not mistake her amused tone, reaching to grip one of his pillows in his hands before he promptly vaulted it into her face. The soft surface impacted her nose and caused a pained cry from the girl, while her team leader only chuckled softly. "Oh. Y'think that's funny, huh?"
He sat rigid at the newfound severity in her tone, watching her rise from the comfort of her mattress. "N-Now... Ebony. You know I was only kidding around, rig-?" He was cut short, as a familiar soft surface cracked against his forehead. Knocked backwards into his sheets by the sheer force, his teammate cheered triumphantly. "Strike!"
The two of them couldn't help but burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Cole slunk a hand through his sable locks and brought them from his forehead to stare out at the setting sun through the dorm window.
"Suppose we should visit the Vytal festival tomorrow..."
The curt bunch of grumbling from his teammate brought his attention from the orange glow of the outside world. Ebony collapsed against her mattress once more and promptly turned over. He couldn't help the smile at his lips when hearing the muffled 'maybe' from her through her pillow.
The first few days into the Vytal Festival. The celebration already hosting a menagerie of skilled fighters so far and entertainment below the stadium. Stands filled with all sorts of festivities and foodstuffs. An aura of positivity filled the air.
Team CELL, however, did not share that same luxury. The faint rays of sunshine peeked from the shut curtains against the sleeping faunus. He exhaled an irate groan through his lips, while cracks and pops filled the room.
The faint clicks and chirps of his ligaments activating would regrettably awaken his slumbering teammate. A morning routine for the system to 'power up' similar to that of a computer software.
"Mm... Cole just go without me..."
Spotting Ebony's nothing less than glorious sleeping patterns of her splayed out locks of hair and blankets tossed about her side of the room, Cole hummed a confirming answer to her request. She wasn't going anywhere like usual and would probably rise around late morning.
He swung his legs out to make contact with the carpets comforting embrace, reaching across his form for his morning stretches.
Metallic digits trailed along the countless scarring over his backside, dwelling over his past and how he'd earned such. As was part of his everyday morning. He wrinkled his nose at the sudden scent wafting from his unbathed skin, before finally making his way into the bathroom.
With the turn of the shower handle, searing hot water cascaded upon the male's worn shoulders, while his skin soon took a pinkish tint. His digits glided through his darkened locks of hair, undoing the matted segments bunched together and yesterday's grime from it. For a moment, he held his metallic limbs out in front of him to settle his gaze upon them.
Curling them into fists and releasing them, he'd offer a exasperated sigh before switching the shower off. It was still so unfamiliar with the artificial limbs, even with how many years had passed.
Useful and all and forever grateful to the General for his support, Cole could still feel the lingering phantom pain of his original set.
He believed he'd never truly grow accustomed to these... fakes.
But that was a thought for another day, as bare feet padded against the tile flooring and shifted to face the mirror. His fingers traced lines across his chin to inspect any changes to his face and the growing amount of stubble along his jawline.
He was beginning to look much unrulier the more he procrastinated shaving. As the wild-like appearance being more than likely from his father's faunus side. Catching the faint sounds of students bustling outside the dorm, Cole shook his head of any lingering thoughts and wrapped a towel about his waist.
Having settled himself at the festival grounds, Cole sat lounging at one of the tables nearest the fair booths. Students dashed about with cheery attitudes and the air felt warm with such. It was peaceful.
A mug of coffee lingered at the table beside him, the faunus being occupied with a newspaper, whilst a single metallic digit gently traced the rim of the beverage. The paper practically blocked all visible view of him besides his lower half. His loafers were comfortably situated atop the table by his side.
He quite enjoying his position. Even with how improper it looked. Difficult to believe from someone who had born and raised in Atlas.
He'd lavish in these times where business was silent, and he could enjoy the little things. Feeling the comforting warmth of the autumn sun suddenly blocked out, he'd lower the paper to spot the perpetrator in action.
And quite the perpetrator she was. If the wolf faunus had a tail, it would be wagging.
He always took quite the liking in the woman's choice of attire, while his faunus ears perked up. Though he would never admit it of course, he continued his inspection. Yang Xiao-Long stood before him, in all her glory, with her arms situated under her chest. Her own stare glossed down upon him, while blonde curls drifting almost hypnotically in the light afternoon breeze. "Can I... help you?"
"Well, I saw your fight with your teammate. Yesterday in the Training room. Got me all excited watching it go on."
Cole's brow furrowed at the statement, folding the newspaper to settle it by his beverage at the table. So she had spied on their sparring match. Not entirely unexpected as the two made quite the racket. He'd play along. Amused by her curiosity, he nudged a seat forward and ushered her to take it. She happily obliged and plopped down beside him.
"It comes with experience and of amount of years I have on others, Miss Xiao-Long."
"Y'know I prefer, Yang."
"I suppose it's been a while since we actually had a formal conversation, Yang."
She offered a toothy grin, situating herself against the table to glance over the faunus's form. Having already relaxed in the same vicinity of her friend. Cole, not at all minding the woman inspect him, would clear his throat to continue. "So... how has life had you? Teammates doing alright?
"Team's been fine! RWBY's the best there is for first years. And we're just gonna keep getting better, Wolfy. They're actually right over there."
He blinked, following her directed hand to the point of her attention; three multicolored women seated at the booth. They all, though, were currently keeping their collective gaze upon his interaction with their teammate. He recognized the trio quite well as their taste of fashion was a stark difference than the colors of the fair grounds.
A single awkward movement of his arm was all he'd offer the trio, being rewarded with a collection of waves and hollers.
Shaking his head of any lingering thoughts, Cole returned his amber-colored haze to the blonde bombshell before him. He'd gift the softest smile he could muster, while under the scrutinous gaze of their onlookers. "Charming as ever."
"Oh yeah! They're great. Just gotta get over their weirdness. Ruby's been doing fine if you were wondering. Weiss is..."
"Weiss?"
She giggled at his remark and offered a nod in agreement. A lovely noise to behold. "Yeah that. Blake's sorta the same. Everything's been awesome! How's Ebony?"
He perked a single eyebrow of her summary of her teammates, reaching to drain the rest of his beverage. "Ahh. Where to start... she's continuing with her studies. We've both been busy with, the Headmaster."
"You two doing super-secret missions again?"
Cole internally cursed as she began to rapid fire questions at him, wondering why he or Ebony had ever mentioned what they do behind school. "Yes. Yes. 'Super-secret.'" He chuckled behind his raised hand.
She seemed pleased with that answer, leaning against the table as they spoke. He and Yang sort of held a small, yet odd connection. While he bonded with Ruby much before due to the pair being team leaders and offering her advice, her sister was a special case. They were never too close, rather Yang would offer flirts and short puns in his direction. The like of which he typically ignored or found quite amusing. It seemed he was the only one in the school to appreciate terrible comedy.
From what he had heard, Ozpin took a particular liking into this team. Cole, similarly, had done the same. Their friendship and teamwork were quite considerable being first years. Still, he had remained in the fairgrounds long enough, and even while enjoying Yang's company so.
The soles of his dress shoes crunched the soil beneath him as he rose to his full stature; now glancing down at the student that had greeted him. The brawler, having to raise her head to look at him, was reminded once more the difference in height between the two. Strangely, she did not seem to mind.
"I saw your earlier match, Yang. Perhaps you and I can have a friendly spar sometime. I've seen you in action, but never up close. Hard to believe, we have never fought before. Perhaps you could show me what you have to offer?"
The words dripped from his lips before he could stop them, inwardly chastising himself for such an act. That was a first. He typically paid her flirting no mind. Perhaps it was the exhaustion settling in. She, however, seemed to hold no offense to his unintentional flirtatious gesture as she took a challenging step towards him. She slowly traced a finger along his chest from top to bottom. Those amber discs flickered from her finger to the lavender color.
"Maybe you will. See if you like any of them, Cole. How does today sound? I don't mind missing seeing a match."
"I'd rather much enjoy that. How about in an hour we meet at the arena?"
He'd receive a rather forward wink from the blonde bombshell, her interest peaked. "I'd love that. I'll be seeing you, Cole."
And with that, she took her leave from the table towards her team and leaving the faunus to his musings. Her long golden locks continued to dance in the sunlight as it practically radiated off her. The very same teammates now repeatedly barking out questions in her direction as she met up with them. He spotted them beginning to make their way to the stadium.
Cole, on the other hand, continued to stand with his arms crossed and watched the team retreat from the fairgrounds. All the while, a faint but noticeable smirk creased his lips. This might be more entertaining than he thought.
"Guess you and my niece are pretty friendly, huh...?"
And just like that, it was gone.
Cole's cheerful demeanor retreated and now shrouded with his more commonly seen emotionless facade. The faunus shifted to the older man as he lounged in one of the seats Cole had used previously. The signature silver flask glinted in the afternoon light as the avian huntsman took a swig from the container.
"Yes. I know of her relation to you, Qrow. What of it?"
Qrow offered an uncaring shrug of his shoulders, taking another drink. There wasn't any source of malice in his tone, but then again, he was never good at reading the drunkard. God only knew what was in that flask. "Just sayin' kiddo. She's Raven's kid. And she doesn't have the nickname 'Firecracker' for no reason. Be mindful there."
Cole's brow furrowed at the mention of the more reclusive of the Branwen siblings, with his amber orbs lowering to the countless swaying blades of grass.
He never did enjoy that woman, even with the few times they had interacted. Her nature irked him, even more now that she was a mother. What Taiyang had saw in that woman, Cole could not bring himself to understand. A long sigh exhaled from the faunus, all the while turning on his heel to take the seat across from the veteran huntsman.
"I think I can manage. How are things with Winter?"
The drunken guardian stiffened at Cole's words, lowering the flask from his lips as he offered a few bursts of uneasy chuckling. His fingers shakily screwed the top back to its home before pocketing the trademark item. Even the Atlas Specialist's name sewed fear in the old crow.
"She's... doing alright. Ironwood must've chewed her a new one. She's all bent outta shape about it. But I'm sure she'll be fine. She's a tough one that gal."
Cole offered a nod, having understood the General's demeanor in most situations. Their scuffle in front of Beacon probably wasn't helping their case in defending themselves. Winter, being herself, wasn't exactly the type to even condone what she did back there, but with Qrow it was different. He had a certain charm to him that wooed her whenever he was within her vicinity. Yet, he pressed further.
"I didn't just mean about your little escapade in the courtyard... I meant in general. Are you two still...?"
Qrow's expression took a turn as he glanced away in personal solace; a shake of his head was all the answer Cole needed. He had begun to finally understand the subtle hints of the venerable man before him.
"She's... her. And I'm me. You can see the issues there, kiddo."
He took another drink, Cole nodding his head ever so slightly. The way of the huntsman was a dangerous one. One that risked the person's life day in and day out. Let along the two would ever had any time alone with the distance between them. He sympathized with the old drunkard, the very same holding the Schnee sister rather closely. Though, he'd never admit it of course. He would watch as Qrow finally pushed himself to stand, stretching out his arms with a pleasant sigh.
"We'll see, Qrow. I'm not about to go sweeping your niece off her feet." The weary huntsman snorted a chuckle, peering down at him.
Cole looked quite amused with his handiwork, even if he didn't understand the reason for why he was going on with this little flirtatious gesture. Qrow's insightful gaze trailed over him in an effort of catching any hesitancy within the other huntsman.
"Good to know... But I think you've got a spar to go to. Try not to let her kick your ass too much now."
"I hadn't planned on it."
Well, hope that was somewhere to your liking. I'll figure out a chapter release date. Somewhere around every week to keep things interesting.
Maybe...
Anyway, until next time!