Huh, just found a little handy dandy document about naming characters in RWBY... after colours. Quick an excuse! Since the boys and Abandoned come from another kingdom separate from the whole, they are exempt from the rule. Honestly I completely forgot about the rule, so I just started naming characters willie nillie. Anyway enough excuses, enjoy this chapter.
Team BRAS were in the showers, which were completely empty. Since they were the first team to come back, barely any first year students were around, only higher years. Bill walked into the locker room first and started to change back into his uniform, throwing his shirt on first to cover his gunshot wound. His thoughts drifted as he pulled on the rest of his uniform, mostly of the mission yesterday. He thought about what the Radioman had said, about if the White Fang attacked. Who was it he was referring to? Ghosts of the past could be anyone, or thing. His thoughts were interrupted by Raiko walking out of the showers, Bill glanced sideways at the boy. His eyes were drawn to the scars and burns that covered his upper body, especially around his ribs.
Bill sighed to himself and buttoned up his shirt before passing Raiko and walking out of the changing rooms, off to find something to do. Raiko didn't miss the look that Bill gave to his scars, but it didn't matter to him. They were reminders, if not rewards in some twisted way, of his power. Raiko got changed quickly and left the changing rooms, heading straight to the Music Hall. When he walked through the doors, he immediately hopped onto the piano stool and leaned his banner against the wall. He cracked his knuckles once before raising his hands above the keys.
He started slow then began to pick up pace as he played, repeating the change of pace many times. Raiko was once again enthralled by his music that he didn't hear the door open, or the person walk in. His body moved with the music, flowing back and forth in almost a trance. Finally he stopped playing and heard clapping, he turned and smiled widely.
"Velvet." He greeted and stood up, catching the girl as she jumped at him with the intent to hug. The faunus giggled with a blush when Raiko's eyes cleared to their intense purple colour.
"You're back early." She stated when they released each other, Raiko frowned then smiled.
"And you didn't stutter." The girl blushed and pouted, Raiko chuckled.
"S-shut up." She murmured and Raiko petted her head, once again her leg started thumping. Raiko smiled warmly as Velvet fought his hand away with a massive blush. "How did your mission go?"
"Surprisingly fast, though it was a pain. The person we were trying to rescue ran away from us, shot at us and yelled as us, wasn't exactly fun but thanks to Doctor Oobleck he came quietly." Raiko said and Velvet hummed, awkward silence reigned for a few seconds.
"So... um... I was wondering..." Velvet said shyly, Raiko simply smiled and waited patiently. "Why do you... have those scars on your throat?" Raiko's smile faded slightly, Velvet's ears drooped. "I'm sorry, I should never-"
"No, it's alright, Velvet." Raiko said gently, his hand landing on the smaller girl's shoulder. "My Semblance is very... unique, as most are. It is as much a curse as it is a blessing, giving pain for safety, it's a small price to pay." Raiko explained, gesturing to his scarred throat. "I got this... actually, now that I think about it I can't remember. Anyway, it was when I had to scare a horde of Grimm away from a village." Velvet looked confused.
"I thought Grimm don't fear anything?" Raiko hummed at her question.
"Even the soulless can be frightened, besides it even startled me a bit." Raiko chuckled. "Afterwards, a few villagers came to me to thank and give me gifts. When I spoke, or tried, it was a mere whisper of the wind, and blood." Raiko finished, than caught Velvet's forming question. "Aura helped the healing process, I just got into the habbit of staying quiet."
"Your Semblance sounds powerful." Velvet stated, Raiko shrugged then frowned.
"What about yours?" Raiko asked and Velvet blinked.
"Oh! I mimic other people's moves, not Semblances though." Velvet said and Raiko's eyebrows rose.
"You say mine's powerful, if you could copy one of my teammates' moves you'd smash us." Raiko said in slight awe, Velvet just blushed. Elsewhere in the school, Sam clashed against drones in a training room. The bots were humanoid in shape, with barely any features on them except for a few glowing red details.
"This is too easy." Sam said to himself as he twisted on his heel and smashed Blitz Fang against the head of a drone, sending it flying across the arena. The teen was in a tank top and his armoured leggings, exposing his arms to any attacks that wouldn't come. Sam slammed his halberd through another drone and lifted it up into the air, before spinning and launching it at another. Finally after only three minutes he stood up and lowered his halberd, ignoring the three drones charging at him. "Halt!" He barked and the drones froze in place, then flickered before vanishing.
Sam sighed and wandered over to the console that controlled the drones and their appearance and aggression, but he stopped when a shadow seemed to move. Sam turned and stared at the point, after a moment of silence he continued on his way.
"I suppose you want to use the training room?" Sam asked sarcastically, a grunt was his answer.
"Not many can see somebody in the shadows." A voice commented as the shadowy watcher moved into view, Sam chuckled as he fiddled with the console.
"It's easier when they move within them." Sam stated and looked over his shoulder at the boy, who appeared blind. Sam realised this was the guy that Raiko was talking about, the guy who knew about their home. "What's your name, mate?" Sam asked with a smile.
"Fox, Fox Alistair." Fox answered and stood a few feet away from Sam, crossing his tanned arms.
"Sam, nice to meet you." Sam said and turned around. "You want to use the room?" He asked again and Fox shook his head.
"I prefer a more... human opponent." Fox said with a smirk, Sam laughed.
"Finally, I was getting sick of mindless robots. We going next door?" Sam asked but Fox shook his head, it was then that Sam noticed two large claws on the other boy's arms that ran up them in two spiked points.
"Here will do." Fox said casually and raised his fists, Sam turned and pressed a button on the console. A holographic board appeared on the wall next to them, showing their Aura levels. Sam turned and swung Blitz Fang in front of him, bowing when the long shaft hit his back. Fox narrowed his clouded eyes then went to bow, suddenly Sam stepped forwards and twisted his body and halberd. Fox ducked under the bolt and stared at Sam with a raised eyebrow, the boy just shrugged.
"Winning by any means, mate." Sam laughed and Fox charged, his fists raised to block anymore bolts of lightning. Sam crouched then leapt forwards, thrusting his halberd at the blind boy's arms. Fox slid back by the force of the blow, but dodged the next thrust from Sam and dashed forwards. Fox's fists shot out at blinding speed, hitting Sam's ribs and chest. Sam grunted and reared back before kicking out, sending Fox stumbling. Sam swung Blitz Fang again but Fox once again dodged it, only to be shoulder barged and backhanded.
"Come on, you gotta try harder than that!" Sam sneered and marched towards Fox, who shook his head. Fox charged at Sam, ducking under a wide swing from Blitz Fang, then leaned around the sudden uppercut. Fox hit him twice in the gut, Sam grunted and hunched before lashing out with an open hand. Fox was grabbed by the face and pulled close to Sam, who smirked in the blind boy's face before lifting him up and slamming Fox down onto the floor. Sam stepped back and watched with a grin as Fox rose, acknowledging the low Aura bell.
"You fight well." Fox said and Sam snorted.
"That was just practice, no doubt for you as well." Sam said with a knowing grin, Fox merely raised an eyebrow. "You wanted to see my strength for the tournament, right?" Fox nodded and Sam laughed.
"I wanted to have a chat, but curiosity got the better of me." Fox admitted and grinned. "Anyway, how is Regnum Aes these days?" Sam shrugged.
"Pretty good. The districts are peaceful, the air is clear and there ain't a Grimm in sight." Sam answered casually, Fox nodded a few times.
"How are the people doing, back home?" Fox then asked with a slightly hopeful look and Sam gave him a smile, one not of humour or friendliness.
"Classified, mate. I should be going, see you around Fox." Sam said and wandered into the changing rooms, leaving the former resident of Regnum Aes alone. Elsewhere outside the school, Alex stood on the cliff of Beacon and stared out at the forest that lay far below him. His mind was at peace, more so than usual. Nearby, near the edge of the cliff, was a large boy in Beacon colours. He was sitting on his knees with a cup of tea, Alex merely ignored his presence and let his thoughts drift.
Alex sighed in relief as he stood by the cliff, the only quiet place to properly think. He sat down cross legged and decided to glance over to the other teen, locking eyes with the boy. Alex immediately noticed the narrow eyes and the calming Aura that this seemingly gentle giant gave off, he nodded and the other boy returned it with a friendly smile.
"Good day, isn't it?" The boy asked with a deep but gentle voice and Alex nodded.
"It is indeed, you come out here often?" Alex asked as he returned the smile.
"Yes, occasionally. My name is Yatsuhashi, but most people call me Yats." Yats said with a chuckle, Alex raised an eyebrow.
"Alex, good to meet another person who appreciates peace." Alex said. "I assume you meditate, Yatsuhashi?" Alex asked as he observed the tall boy's calm face and Aura.
"Yes I do, I have been doing so for a long time." Yats answered and took a gentle sip from his tea, then paused. "Would you like some tea, Alex?" Yats asked but Alex waved away the offer.
"No thanks, I've never liked the taste." Alex stated and Yatsuhashi frowned slightly.
"You seem to be troubled." Yats observed and Alex shrugged.
"Just a lot on my mind." Alex grunted and Yats hummed.
"Understandable, many things can cloud one's mind." Yats said sagely. "Meditation usually helps."
"Mmm, yes. Unfortunately I never have time to meditate, nor have I tried." Alex said and ran his hand through his hair. "Too busy these days." Yatsuhashi looked back out over the forest.
"Seems we'll all be more busy in the next week, preparation for the tournament is going to be on everyone's minds." Yats commented and Alex nodded.
"Though it'll be for nothing if you cannot be at peace with your mind." Sam stated and Yats raised an eyebrow.
"Very inspiring words, Alex." Yats said with a grin, Alex merely grunted.
"Just simple words from a simple man, you could say." Alex said with a chuckle, Yatsuhashi joined him with his own deep laughter.
"You seem to be full of surprises. At first I thought you to be a stoic, showing little emotion and saying next to nothing. But you seem a bit like me." Yats commented and Alex shrugged.
"Maybe I'm just putting up a facade to blend in?" He asked and Yats chuckled again, shaking his head.
"Maybe, maybe." Yatsuhasi murmured, starting another conversation with Alex. But elsewhere, in a darkened room, the leader of BRAS slammed his hand against a table. His chat not so calm as Alex's.
"The hell do you want, Cinder?" Bill snapped at the smirking witch.
"Oh Bill, can't a gal just-"
"Enough, witch! Explain now!" Bill barked and Cinder glared at the boy, her eyes igniting like fire.
"You dare speak against me?" She asked and Bill snorted as he crossed his arms.
"We both rank the same on the council, Cinder, your threats mean nothing." Bill stated and Cinder walked up to him, scowling.
"Oh but that's where you're wrong, Bill. We are much further apart than you realise." Cinder hissed and Bill grunted in response. "I called you here to talk about your little army, or should I say Raiko's?" Cinder asked slyly and Bill snarled in anger, but said nothing. "They are amassing in bulk, so far we have little reason to trust that they'll follow the plan. First the attack on the Dust train, then the attack only a few nights ago, our Mistress is growing displeased."
"It's out of my control to order the entire force, I only have command of my platoon and nothing more." Bill interrupted and Cinder laughed coldly, placing her hand on Bill's shoulder and resting her chin next to his ear.
"I don't think our Mistress wants excuses, does she Bill?" Cinder asked and Bill jerked away, his green eyes locked on her flaming ones.
"I still have no control over the Abandoned, that isn't an excuse that's a fact." Bill said and Cinder sighed.
"Bill, listen, I know you want to help your home, but the only way to do that is to help us." Cinder said in a kinder voice, catching Bill off guard. "You said, "Please, give me the power to make the world remember us," remember?" Cinder asked and Bill looked away.
"I just don't know how..." Bill trailed off, then clenched his fists. "I can promise you that the Abandoned will do their duty, I know they will. I am willing to bet my life on it." Cinder raised an eyebrow at this statement.
"So much trust in your little army, Bill? After all they've done?" Cinder asked with actual surprise, Bill merely nodded.
"Even after all that, I know many of the Captains and Commanders want revenge after the treachery." Bill answered and Cinder smiled at him, though once again is was false.
"Good, I will tell our Mistress. Though you should check your attitude when you speak to me, Bill" Cinder said sweetly and Bill scoffed.
"Go fuck yourself." He stated with a massive grin, Cinder wasn't amused. "I've got some training to do, if you'll excuse me." Bill turned and walked away, opening the dorm room door and shutting it as he left. Leaving a smirking Cinder, whose eyes once again burned with glee.
Ozpin sat in his office, the masterpiece of cogs, gears and clockwork. His mug was full, like always, and his attention was on the report from the previously missing soldier. The man was still in the infirmary, getting his burns and injuries treated, though he did have the time to write said report on Ozpin's desk. His eyes scanned over the paper and his emotions churned. After Professor Oobleck gave his own report, Ozpin knew that team BRAS were to be watched, but now?
"It's becoming a hassle." Ozpin answered himself, taking a break to both take a sip of coffee and think over this new information. So far these soldiers, who wear brass armour and wield brass weapons, have shown to be extremely aggressive. Although by Oobleck's full story, he ignored the warnings that they gave, stubbornly following Ozpin's orders. He sighed and thought about how many people have been hurt or worse, by following his orders.
Ozpin looked over the picture of the White Fang lookalike, but mostly at the soldier's mask. The memories of ancient conflicts and clashes filled his mind, causing him to close his eyes and sigh again. Then he sat up and checked his camera system, which only observed the halls, certain rooms and the gardens and cafeteria. Ozpin shivered at the last time Glynda found one a bit too close to a dorm, he could still feel the sting.
"Well hello." Ozpin said with a raised eyebrow, his eyes on a camera in the Music Room. Standing quite close to one another, was Velvet Scarlatina and Raiko, whose eyes were no longer cloudy. The amethyst like colour baffled the Headmaster for a moment, then frightened him. "The Link." He whispered, remembering both the tales and reports of the head of the Banished.
From memory, the Link was said to be a person from a strict bloodline that held the entire might of the Banished in their hands. They lead their armies with a fury that could not be stopped, although from the looks of things this Link wasn't on a warpath. What Ozpin feared the most from the Links was their power to-
"Ozpin, General Ironwood is here to collect Corporal Walker." Glynda's voice from the receiver on his desk startled him, he regained his composure before Glynda spoke again. "He has also requested to see you, sir."
"Very well, send him up." Ozpin said in response and sat back, taking a large sip of his coffee. Now he had something else to distract him.
Once again it takes half a year to get a chapter out, I ain't proud of that or the fact that this chapter is shorter than the rest. But honestly I'm stumped for anything else to add, so I'm flipping over to a pair of eccentrics and I'm sure it'll be better. Now I'm self conscious about how many times I've apologied, bugger.
