Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY. RWBY is owned by Roosterteeth and created by Monty Oum.

Notes: ● " = verbal communication
● ' = thought

● The time of the story starts at the same time as RWBY Vol. 1

●Please note this is a way of me dealing with the heart break I felt in Vol. 3 so I may not follow the plot exactly.

● As little to no information has been given on Shade Academy and its staff, some info is subject to change.

Team AATS (ARTS)

By: Davescifi

Act 6: The Venomous Past

Part 1: Underground Location: Two weeks after Act 5,

"Racists and Grimm, my two favorite things", Silvia joked as Team AATS had succeeded in finding one the underground Pure Human League hideouts and were engaging both PHL grunts as well as Grimm that had broken out of their cages and were attacking both their former captors and Team AATS. Seeing the team was outnumbered, Silvia used her Semblance to turn the shadows in the area into puppets that she attacked with.

"Why do people think they can control the Grimm", Alex questioned before throwing her fans at an Ursa before knocking the wind out of a PHL grunt that had thought she was an easy target by trapping the grunt into a light wave box and drop kicking him. Alex's fans returned and the Ursa disappeared.

"Because people rarely learn from history", Aki answered as she send out a shock wave that sent several PHL grunts into the walls before using her guns and blades to kill several Beowolfs.

"Amen to that", Talia responded as she fired as several PHL grunts, each one getting knocked out. However, several Boarbatusks surrounded and charged at her. Talia only smiled as she had seen the attack coming. The blue chambers on her revolvers began to glow before glyphs appeared and launched the Boarbatusks into the air, their undersides being exposed. The yellow chambers then glowed on her guns before glyphs appeared in the air and bolts of lightning destroyed the Boarbatusks. Soon Team AATS came out as the winners, leaving all of the PHL grunts on the ground knocked out but alive.

"Who's for putting them in their own containers", Aki questioned.

"Everyone but the leader. Tie her up", Alex responded as she kept an eye on the one who had been giving the orders. Talia and Silvia used their powers to quickly put the grunts in the containers that had been meant for more slaves while Aki and Alex tied the leader up. However as soon as the leader was tied up, the PHL member woke up to see what had happened.

"You brats", the woman screamed as she tried to get loose.

"You have the right to remain silent", Aki stated, "I'd advise you use it."

"Species traitor", the woman yelled, "You're all scum."

"No we're just not racists", Talia said, "Unlike you sick jerks we have no issues with faunus."

"Wait I know you", the woman started, "Talia Schnee. You speak of issues to me? Your family is the ones with the issues."

"My family has issues", Talia replied in a sarcastic tone of voice, "Please tell me something I don't know." Talia could tell the PHL leader was enraged, "Let's call for backup and get her to the station." Alex just shook her head and made the call. Soon the police transport was at the location and took the PHL members into custody.

Part 2: Vacuo Police Station Chief Stone's Office:

"As always excellent work", Stone said as he reviewed the bust with Shard and Team AATS, "And that woman you found is the highest ranking PHL member we've captured to date."

"Thank you sir", Team AATS replied before their scrolls vibrated at the same time. Stone just smiled before the four checked their scrolls and found they all had had money deposited into their accounts.

"Sir this is an Academy mission", Alex started, "We're not supposed to be paid for it."

"Forget that", Stone replied, "You four have worked yourselves to the bone between this mission and your classes. You deserve a reward."

"No point debating", Shard laughed, "Say thank you and take it." Team AATS did so before Stone continued with the debriefing.

"How about I let you four try your hands at interrogation", Stone questioned before the six walked into the interrogation area and found the woman they had captured handcuffed to the chair.

"She may be a racist but is cuffing her to a chair needed", Silvia asked.

"She's already tried to escape", Stone answered, "Be careful."

"We will", Talia replied before the four walked into the room.

"They sent you four to try to get information from me", the woman questioned, "How desperate they must be.

"Look", Aki started, "You don't like us and I for one sure do not like you. But right know you have a list of charges as long as this room."

"It would be in your best interests to...", Silvia began to say before the woman spit on her. While Aki wanted to slap the woman, Silvia just took out a cloth and wiped the saliva off refusing to show anger, "And you call faunus savages."

"By the time we're done, you and every faunus and faunus loving human will be dead", the woman screamed.

"Who has filled your head and heart with such hate", Alex questioned.

"Stupid little girl. You are the one who has been filled, filled with lies", the woman commented before Talia took a seat in front of her.

"Look, we're trying to be nice", Talia said.

"You're the worst of your little group Talia Schnee", the woman replied causing Talia to raise an eye, "You're a disgrace to your family; especially your mother." Aki, Silvia, and Alex looked at Talia who didn't show any response, "Oh you three didn't know? This brat's mother was killed by a faunus and here she is protecting them. Talia said nothing as she leaned in to look the woman in the eyes; no one sure what to expect.

"Let me make a few things clear you witch", Talia started as her face went red, something the team, Shard, and Stone had not seen before, "First. it was a member of White Fang that killed my Mother and I do not blame all faunus for her death. Second, don't you ever use my Mother's memory like that again or you will be wishing you had not. Third, it was your precious Pure Human League that allowed the most violent faunus to turn the White Fang into what it is now. All in all I suggest you fix yourself before lecturing anyone and you can start by telling us who is having the PHL collect people for experiments." The rest of the team said nothing as even Aki was taking a step back not sure what Talia would do. Talia ran her fingers though her hair, "You know no one is going to come and save you right? To the higher ups of the PHL you're just another lost cause; doomed to spend the rest of her life in jail if not executed." Talia looked to Aki.

"I say let her think that over", Aki suggested as she saw what Talia was thinking.

"Agreed", Alex and Silvia replied before the four left the room and meet with Stone and Shard.

"Good choice of tactics", Stone commented.

"But we didn't get any information", Alex replied.

"We're not done yet Alex", Aki explained, "That was just to weaken her mental defenses."

"Talia are you going to be okay", Silvia asked as Talia got a cup of water.

"I refuse to let a coward rub me the wrong way", Talia answered before taking a drink, "But yes my Mother was killed by White Fang. Still we need to focus." Suddenly the six heard a scream in the room where the woman was being held, "What?"

"Blast", Shard said before the six entered the interrogation room and found that a small Taijtu had gotten into the room and had attacked the woman, the white head sinking its fangs into her neck, the woman screaming in pain as result. Shard drew her pistol and fired two shots, both hitting the heads of the Taijtu before it disappeared. The woman then fell to the floor and Stone tried to stop the bleeding with a thick cloth.

"I cannot stop the bleeding", Stone said as blood went right through the cloth.

"That snake", the woman let out, "That blasted Dr. Vipera Coral. She sent one of her pets but she should be at Station 45. Suddenly the woman died and Alex was taken back.

"First time seeing someone die", Aki asked. Alex just shook her head, "Breathe. It'll pass."

"Someone can control Taijtu", Talia questioned, "That's impossible."

"No it's not", Shard responded before the team looked to her, "The monster working on that mutagen is the same one controlling the Taijtu. I've dealt with her before. The PHL has no idea what witch they shook hands with."

"How do you...", Alex started to ask.

"Go", Stone said, "I'll clean up here." Stone gave Shard a look before the team and her left. Stone sighed, "Will you tell them the truth Shard?"

Part 3: Underground Station:

"She's here sir", a PHL ground informed his boss, a chubby man in his sixties with a bald head and wearing a red suit.

"Very good", the man replied, "Make sure security is air tight. We have lost enough ground thanks to the police and Shade Academy."

"Yes sir", the grunt replied before the man saw a woman in a dark cloak walk into the room, uncovering her head.

"Dr. Coral", the man said.

"Mr. Redeye", Coral responded, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You know why", Redeye said, "We need to know how the weapon is coming. We are losing too many soldiers as of late thanks to honoring your request to try and keep the slave rings open."

"Your soldiers as you call them should be able to handle four girls and one huntswoman as well as the police", Coral commented, "However, the weapon will be ready soon. We are weeks away from stabilizing the toxin so we can give you the multi-faunus strand you asked for." Coral could see the frustration on the man's face. "However, I feel you can call off protecting the slave rings. I should have enough subjects."

"Finally a bit of good news to give the Captain", Redeye said, "Still you need to be faster."

'Foolish human', Coral thought, 'They want to turn humans that don't agree with them into monsters and blame the faunus for it.' Suddenly a grunt came in.

"What is it", Redeye asked.

"Sir I have bad news", the grunt started. "The group leader that was captured by Team AATS died in the police station. Word is she was killed by a small Taijtu that got into the station."

"Coral did you…", Redeye began to ask.

"I cleaned up your mess", Coral interrupted, "That woman knew too much. I told you she should not have been privy to what the PHL leaders have planned." Suddenly an alarm went off, "I wonder who that could be." Just then the radio went off.

"This is outpost 45", a panicked voice stated, "We're under attack." Gunfire went off, "There's only five of them. Take them down."

"Shard and her annoying Team AATS", Coral laughed as she covered her head again.

"I have to escape", Redeye stuttered before the door to the chamber was blown open and Shard and Team AATS walked into the room with weapons drawn.

"Too late for that", Talia commented.

"You", Alex said as she recognized the cloak, "You were at the station." Shard then pointed her gun at the figure.

"Take off the hood Coral", Shard ordered before Coral did so, a grin across the woman's face.

"Pearl Shard", Coral started, "It's been what, three years. I see you've completely recovered." Shard's eyes narrowed in anger, "Oh please don't tell me you're still mad. Aren't you even going to introduce me? I'm guessing Aki Muse here tried to access my file and could not."

"How did you know", Aki questioned as she had tried and was blocked, "And how do you...?"

"Know about you", Coral finished, "I've more or less kept an eye on you since you fought that slaver I used as a test subject." Coral could see she had their attention, "Team AATS, I have to admit your one of the more interesting teams I've seen despite being a pain in my neck. I've had the most difficult time getting more subjects to experiment on thanks to your efforts."

"What in the world is wrong with you", Alex questioned.

"Humans and faunus are not tools to be used", Silvia growled.

"Clearly Shard's kept you in the dark", Coral said, "Not that you would understand my goals."

"Are you still trying to be like your mother", Shard shouted, "And why work with the PHL?"

"Money my dear", Coral answered, "About all they are good for."

"You idiot…", Redeye replied as he tried to back away while looking at Shard, "What is she talking about?"

"You've been working with a snake faunus", Shard said stunning everyone.

"What", Redeye screamed.

"Surprise", Coral laughed as a set of snake fangs appeared. Coral then looked at Shard, "I would love to continue this talk but I have science to work on. However, before anyone could react, Coral threw one of her spikes at a container.

"You witch that was holding…", Redeye started to scream before the container was opened and another one of Coral's experiments busted out; the creature having so many claws, wings, and tails that it was impossible to tell what DNA had been used.

"The experiment I had in stasis", Coral said as she grabbed Redeye and ran, "Have fun."

"Coral", Shard screamed, running at Coral before she saw the creature had launched itself at her. Fortunately Alex shielded Shard with a light barrier. Shard wanted to kick herself for being so stupid but opened fire on the creature with Dr. Stitch's tranquilizer rounds, "That should…" Shard was able to instantly tell the rounds were not working, "Shoot, we have to take it down." Team AATS did not like the ideas but followed orders, surrounding the creature and hitting it hard to take it down quickly. While the five fought the creature, Coral and Redeye escaped to a dark tunnel. Redeye ran out of breath.

"This should be far enough", Coral commented.

"You abomination", Redeye screamed, "Why would you help us you faunus trash."

"Because there is always a use for idiots", Coral laughed.

"You're done", Redeye threatened, "When the Captain finds out what you are."

"Foolish human", Coral laughed before her mouth opened far wider than any human could, allowing Redeye a full look at the inside of her mouth, including her fangs. Before Redeye could scream, Coral sank her fangs into his neck, injecting her venom into his body. Coral then jumped away and watched Redeye began to slowly die from her venom going through his body, "Be glad I used my natural venom. Had I used my aura venom, you would die a slow and painful death. A moment later, Redeye was dead and Coral took his scroll, "This will be useful." Coral then commanded several Taijtu to come to her before pointing to Redeye's body, "Feast my pets." As the Taijtu ate, Coral could hear that the creature was dead, "Next time I will have something special planned. Coral proceeded to leave as she heard police sirens.

Part 4: Vacuo Police Station,

"Let's hope that is the last of those creatures we have to fight", Talia commented as the team rested in one of the break rooms.

"Agreed", Alex commented as she looked at Aki, "Looks like you were right about Professor Shard hiding something."

"I was hoping to be proven wrong on that", Aki replied, "Based on how she acted, I want to hope Professor Shard had a good reason for hiding the truth."

"That's not the only problem though", Silvia started, "That Coral's been watching us and we do not know how much she knows. If we have to engage her, she will have the advantage unless Shard can tell useanything."

"Give her time. After all we've all kept stuff to ourselves, Talia said as the team looked at her, "I should know."

"Talia you don't have to talk about it", Silvia commented, "That woman had no right to use that information."

"No Siliva it's okay", Talia sighed, "My mother was killed by a member of White Fang when I was a child. Doctors did all they could but death won out." Talia wiped her eyes of the tears forming,

"That's not all is it", Alex asked.

"Correct", Talia replied, "Before her death, she was getting my father to see the wrong in how my family looked and treated faunus. Had she had more time, she may have found a way to break the cycle But as soon as she died from one, just one White Fang member, the rest of my family brought my father into the racism again. I think the only reason my father did not lose the will to live was me but I still felt like a lost him. That was until he respected my decision to go to Shade."

"So that's why you decided to become a huntress", Aki responded.

"As I said, to break the cycle", Talia said with her eyes watery, "I know it's strange to see me like this when I'm a joker but I promised my mother before she died I would never let her death steal my joy and happiness. After all, that too is a way to fight against evil." Suddenly Professor Shard and Professor Specter entered the room. Team AATS could tell that both were deep in thought, "Sir, ma'am?"

"As I'm sure you four have guessed, we have been hiding information from you", Specter started as Shard took a seat, "Please understand that we wanted to be sure it was Vipera Coral before telling you anything."

"So who are we dealing with", Alex asked.

"Basically a 43 year old snake faunus who is a genius in genetics", Shard answered, "And a liar and murderer."

"And a former member of the team that Shard and I were on", Specter added causing Team AATS to looked in shock.

"But how", Silvia questioned, "She would have been too old to enter Shade Academy at the same time as you two. I mean both of you are in your 20s."

"She faked her age", Aki answered before Specter shook his head, "Figured with how she does not look to be her 40s right now."

"She played us", Shard commented, "Got into Shade Academy, found herself on our team with Specter, myself, and our deceased teammate Tailand Navi who Coral murdered in cold blood." Shard took a moment to collect herself, "I found that Coral wanted access to Shade's resources."

"For what", Talia questioned.

"To become like her mother", Specter answered, "Coral's mother was a snake faunus with Multi-trait Syndrome."

"So she had multiple snake traits like I have multiple cat traits", Silvia commented.

"Correct", Shard said, "However Coral's father was human and when Coral was born the only faunus trait she had was her fangs venom included. Coral hated that she was nothing like her mother. Coral's goal was to turn herself into her mother; to have all the traits of a snake faunus."

"Looks like she hasn't given up", Aki commented before something occurred to her, "Professor Shard, was Coral the reason..." Shard broke out in tears stopping Aki from finishing her question.

"After I found Navi's body I found Coral and engaged her, admittedly in blind rage", Shard started, "It was then I discovered she could control the Taijtu. While I was fighting the Grimm, Coral pulled out her trump card, her Aura venom. Before I knew it, Coral's fangs were in my arm, injecting her Aura venom into my body. At the same time I used my Semblance to cause pearl to form in her body. I thought I had cut her ability to control the Taijtu, causing them to turn on her. I barely got out; Coral's Aura venom breaking my body down. If Specter had not found me I would be dead. Still it took all of Dr. Stitch's medical skill and three years of rehab to save me." Shard then looked at Team AATS before closing her eyes and bowing her head, "I have no right to ask this of you four but please forgive me for keeping this from you." Suddenly Shard felt arms around her. Opening her eyes, Shard found all of Team AATS hugging her.

"I can sense your pain", Silvia stated.

"And we've kept our secrets", Aki and Talia added.

"You've done so much for us", Alex said as she looked Shard in the eyes, "Please don't bare this alone. We'll stop Coral together."

"Alex, Aki, Talia, Silvia", Shard sniffled before drying her eyes, "Bless you four." As Shard looked to Specter who just smiled. While the moment lasted, in the back of their minds, they had to wonder what Coral was going to do next.

Part 5: Unknown Lab,

"So Redeye is missing", Coral questioned as she talked over the scroll. Coral listened to the person on the other end, her mouth in a twisted grin, "Hopefully he will be found soon." Coral listened to the reply, "Yes, we will be ready to move to the next phase very soon." Coral heard a laugh on the other end, "Very good than Captain. I will be in touch soon." The call ended and Coral sat in her chair and laughed, "What an idiot."

"Dr. Coral", the assistant called out from the door.

"Enter", Coral replied. The assistant entered and handed Coral a scroll with the data.

"That change you made to compound worked", the assistant said with a smile, "The tests show that the compound will now break down into harmless chemicals once the mutilation is complete."

"Not mutation child", Coral laughed, "Mutation is what the PHL wants. What this is, is the key to metamorphous if not evolution."

"Turning humans into faunus", the assistant said with his own smile, being a hamster-type faunus.

"Correct", Coral replied before she sat back, "Tell me why do humans fear faunus? Not some textbook answer but your own."

"From my own experience, I would say it's because no one knows where faunus came from", the assistant answered, "Humans, and sadly faunus as well, fear the unknown."

"An acceptable answer", Coral replied, "And I reluctantly have to agree that humans and faunus share not only genes but personality flaws as well. Something I learned the hard way."

"You refer to your fight with Pearl Shard three years ago", the assistant asked.

"Yes", Coral sighed as she closed her eyes, "After I killed Navi, Shard was drunk with rage and I was drunk with overconfidence. I was so close to my goal and Navi died so easily that I thought I could take anyone. Shard proved me wrong, When I sank my fangs into her and injected my Aura venom, Shard countered attacked, using my fangs to get her Aura into me and form pearl in my body. Thankfully she thought she cut my control of the Taijtu and I was able to use them to escape. Still it took two years to remove all of the pearl from my body."

"But how did Pearl Shard recover", the assistant questioned.

"Dr. Stitch", Coral answered, "That old bear is the only one besides you and me how could have neutralized my Aura venom."

"Could he not be a threat to our plan", the assistant asked, "His medical skill is for lack of a better word legendary."

"Not yet", Coral answered, "We'll keep an eye on that bear but for now we prepare for live subject tests again but now we go a little slower."

"And Shard and her team", the assistant asked.

"Next time, I will deal with them personally', Coral answered, "I'll crush AATS and then Shard when she is weak from losing people she cares about." The two then proceeded to the lab and got to work, knowing. their goal was in reach.

End of Act 6

I hope that those who read this enjoy the seventh part of the first fan fiction that I have created in years and my first RWBY story. Please feel free to leave any comments and suggestions as I admit I am a bit rusty on writing. Thank you in advance.

Davescifi