Chapter 8

All aboard the Coco express.

*Choo Choo*

Week 1: Day 4

(Velvet's POV)

I am glad Johnathan got out of the Emerald forest alive. Kind of impressed at how well he can handle Grimm so well. Maybe he has faces similar creatures in his travels. His friend Rhode Island seems pretty nice, then again she probably has known Johnathan a lot longer then I have. Stopped by my dorm earlier and changed into my combat attire. It was comfortable and I like it. Left Scarlet Fever back at the dorm. No need for it right now so I left it behind. Not like a Grimm will attack school grounds. They learned quick not to get too close unless they feel like being living target practice. A fifty foot cliff is pretty hard to scale when you got people shooting at you.

I was currently on my way to his dorm area. I was going to invite him to a walk around Vale. If he's going to be living at Beacon, best to show him best places to get supplies and relieve stress. I know my first year here was crazy. Coco and her famous shopping sprees, still got a cramp in my shoulder after the last one. Would help if I knew where his dorm was. Numbered dorms are mainly for the first years till they get a feel for where everything is at. What number did Ozpin say it was again? 30-34ish area?

"No put the weapon locker over there so we can get equip faster." A voice I pinged as Agent Rhode Island. He hasn't explained why he called himself 'Agent Ohio'. Maybe it is a code name? Didn't sound too far away, one of the few times my enhanced hearing comes in handy. I look toward the source of t he sound. Dorm 030, I was right.

"Would be a lot easier of I could see where 'over there' was. Ping it on the HUD." Johnathan complained. I knocked on the door a few times. "Come in. doors unlocked." He replied.

I opened the door to see Johnathan moving a weapons locker closer to the door. I don't remember my dorm having the lockers. Maybe Ozpin pulled a few strings to let them have it. Rhode Island was helping Johnathan move the locker by making sure his path was clear, currently with her back toward me as John moved forward.

"Oh, hi Velvet. Nice to see you again." He greeted as he put the locker down by one of the beds and took off his helmet.

"Elizabeth this is my friend Velvet. Velvet, Elizabeth." He introduced me to his friend. She wasn't too much shorter then me, Maybe by an inch if that. She turned around to see me and let out a and squealed.

"That is so cute." She squealed like a fan girl before taking me into a bone crushing hug. "I've never seen someone with real bunny ears poking out of their head and they're just so adorable. I just want to hold her, and hug her, and cuddle her, and pet her fluffy ears all day." she continued as she started petting my ears. Normally I wouldn't let anyone I don't know touch my rabbit ears, but in this case I can't do anything with this woman crushing my rib cage in a bear hug. At lest someone petting them is better then pulling on them. In which case, I rather take this any day of the week.

"Can't. Breathe. Need. Air." I managed to squeeze out between breaths. She either didn't hear me, didn't care, or liked petting my ears too much. I don't mind it when friends pet my ears occasionally (Like when I'm stressed), just when strangers pet them it becomes awkward. It's not like I don't enjoy it, just only when people I really know pet them. Hope that makes sense. Just hope she doesn't start scratching the base of my ears. I could swear I heard John say 'Looks like I was right' under his breathe.

"If you keep that up Rhody she won't be cute, cuddly, and fluffy for much longer." Johnathan said. She let me out of her iron bear hug. I gasped loudly as precious oxygen flowed into my lungs. Oh sweet, sweet oxygen.

"Sorry about that. I just love small animals and I kind of lost control when I saw the ears." She apologized. Well I can't say I blame her, she wouldn't be the first to lose control when someone saw my ears. Some of the kinder people compliment them while the not so kind ones at one point tried to cut them off. Safe to say they got really friendly with Coco's handbag and sang soprano before she had Fox escort me away while she had a 'civilized chat' with them (Few high level hunters had to immobilize Coco and drag her from the body before she could finish the job, no one messes with her teammates and lives), They are still in the hospital last I checked. That was over four weeks ago.

"It's okay. I'm use to worse." I replied holding my rib cage, had to use a bit of Aura to numb the pain.

"So what brings you around here Velv?" Johnathan asked as he sat on, what I assume is, his bed.

"I was just going to offer you two a tour around Vale. Show you the points of interest, local shops, that sort of thing." I replied quickly. The two armored ones in the room looked at each other for a bit, each looking for a answer in the other.

"Sure. We can finish setting everything up later. We got time." Elizabeth agreed.

"Why not. Going to be stuck here, might as well know where to resupply." Johnathan agreed. Today is going to be a good day. I can feel it in my bones.


(Johnathan's POV)

The three of us were on a airship to some city near by called Vale, me and Rhody left our armor back at the room. Seems pointless to have it for a walk around town. Had to help Elizabeth out of hers, She wears her combat suit under her willow skin, her armor enhancement. Forces her to do actions way faster then normal, dare I say she can even match a Spartan II's reaction time for a short while. There was only enough material to make the one suit. Only activates when she tenses her body enough. Down side is that it slowly tears apart her mind with every use, one of the reasons why I don't like her using it. Her combat suit is much like mine only hers is lightish red, or using the real word for it, PINK!

The ride itself is pretty smooth, compared to the dozens of other air travel vehicles I been on. To be honest the only other time I rode in anything that flew this smoothly was on Coruscant toward the Jedi temple. That was a interesting universe. Yes I had a Padawan friend, Alcyone Starblast. She didn't survive my line of work for more then two universes. She was still learning how to use the Force when we traveled together. Didn't work out so well after a trip to the Skyrim sector. Let's just say that I was too weak to save her and she ended up getting her throat slit on top of other unmentionable things. I had a burning hatred for the Thalmor ever since that day. Didn't let a single one escape that fort alive during one of my 'episodes'. Small unforeseen side effect from my travels. They are pretty rare, only go into one when I am in great danger, or see someone I consider a friend in trouble. Reason why I chose to venture into the multiverse alone last time. Don't like the monster I become when I slip into the darkness within my mind. Before she passed, she gave me her double ended blue lightsaber. Combined some properties from her lightsaber into my energy swords. Like the lightsaber, they have a somewhat infinite charge, but only if i let them 'cool' down for a bit. Didn't want to do it, but I had no choice. Such a limited battery with my swords won't get me very far. Got the rest of her saber under lock and key back home, to keep her memory alive.

"Hey Johnathan, you okay?" Velvet asked. I shook my head and took in my surroundings. Few other people were on the ship as it descended, few of them were Faunus. Ship was big, open, and looked over all great. Elizabeth was too busy with her face against the glass looking out to see the clouds. Same old Rhody, childish at heart yet can be dead serious when she needs to be. Now that I really think about it, the Faunus here are rather amazing works of nature. Perhaps they are the next generation of human in terms of evolution. Would make since why there are so few and in vast varieties, natures is trying to find the best combination it can make. Or maybe the God of this place got bored/drunk and figured 'Oh what the hell, what is the worse that can happen mixing these two things together'. Both arguable theories, yet I'm leaning more toward evolution. Then again, i think the same thing with any human like being with animal features. Things kind of connect after a few worlds.

"Yeah I'm fine. Just thinking." I replied, why do I get the feeling something bad is going to happen?

"About what, sweet cheeks?" A female voice asked from out of nowhere and smacked my ass. I swear I jumped so high, my head hit the roof. I also swear that I do not scream like a little girl when surprised. I look behind me to find the culprit. It was Coco, designer glasses in all.

"Why the hell did you smack my ass?" I loudly replied keeping my posterior away from her.

"Because I can." She replied smirking. "So what are you guys doing on the transport to Vale?" She asked.

"Just going to show them around Vale so they won't get too lost." Velvet replied.

""I assume your also swinging by Grimm-dales for the sale. Sure they got something in his size somewhere." She said raising eyebrow.

"No Coco, I don't have the Lien to spare to go clothes shopping. Saving up to afford new components for my box. High quality Dust needed for it is hard to come by and not cheap." She replied. Okay not I am confused. What would she need dust for? Please tell me that it isn't some type of slang for explosive like gunpowder or C4.

"What's Dust? Is it the type of stuff I find in attics or spooky crypts?" Rhody asked with her face still glued to the window. Thank you for asking the million dollar question. I'll give her a cookie later. Assuming the little girl in red hasn't eaten them all yet.

"No what your thinking is dust, dirty stuff that clings to everything. We're talking about Dust, used as a explosive, propellant, power source, pretty much used for everything really." Coco explained.

"I don't follow. Simplify it farther please." I asked still confused.

"Ask Weiss, her dorm is next to yours. She will explain it a bit or give you a brochure about the basics. What was it called?" Coco mused trying to remember the name.

"Dust for Dummies?" Velvet replied as Coco snapped her fingers.

"That's it. Never talked to her personally, but she hands the brochures out to people. Like Ruby on her first day. Still got the clip resulting up to the explosion." Coco explained. Okay, check with Snow white when I get back, ask for the video after that. Be nice to know a bit more about this crazy-ass world.

"Thanks for the info. Oh, that cloud looks like a fluffy bunny." Rhody commented from the window. Velvet backed away from her slowly, more then likely to ensure she an breath in the near future. Smart woman. Rhody looked back for a second. "Oh hi, I'm Elizabeth Locke." She introduced herself.

"Coco Adel, nice to meet you." Coco greeted as she shook her hand. "So your one of Johnathan's friends?"

"Yep, I even helped train him for a year." She replied proudly. I still say that the time I spend with the Freelancers was a great experience and was kind of fun to a point. Regardless of the countless heart attacks I suffered (Tex), bullet wounds in the ass (South, not sure why she always aim for the ass?), Bets/Money lost (York/Delta), and pies thrown at my face (Rhode, always threw the pumpkin pies at me, a good laugh for everyone, why not cherry?), I still loved it there and miss almost everyone.

Wyoming was alright once you got to know him. Always liked North and York, they were fun guys. CT kept to herself so we rarely talked. As you can guess, I hate South with a burning passion. Maine kept to himself mostly but occasionally showed me how to fight in close quarters pretty well (He didn't go easy on me but was still a LOT more merciful then South or Tex). Carolina and Tex I am still scared shit-less of them for good reasons too. Kentucky was a hot-headed asshole enough said. Washington was alright, now that I think of it, Ozpin sounds a lot like him. Utah was trustworthy yet you can never know what is going on in his mind, never play poker with him, YOU WILL LOSE EVERYTHING! Rhody I like and will play any game she wants just to keep her smiling, mostly monopoly and twister, damn is she flexible. Still think she rigged the one twister game just to be closer with North. Oh that was a fun day when Carolina walked in when they were entangled. If looks could kill, Everyone on that ship would have been dead. Rhody and I don't have romantic feelings for each other. Did at one point but got over it when I realized that I never stood a chance against North. We decided to remain good friends after a bit of soul searching on my end. Plus I learned to not to get into romantic relationships on the job. Doesn't end well for anyone, always ends in heartbreak and death.

"Good to know." She replied. "Say do you two have Lien to spend? Going to need it if you want to buy anything." Elizabeth and I looked at her like deer in headlights. So this place used Lien as a form of currency. Well shit, I forgot my Lien filled wallet in my other pants, looks like Rhody did too. Guess we better head back home and...oh wait. I can't because my other pants is back at my home universe, and I can't go home. Got to love it when fate screws you over, makes life a lot more interesting. Oh crap I don't like the look at Coco's face.

"Velv, they're going with me. You can show them around later."

"Coco.."

"No buts, they need something else besides their uniforms and armor to wear. They can pay me back later when they get the cash." She demanded. I can't say what the little cricket in the back of my mind would be telling me right now, he left on vacation a two years ago and hasn't been back since. How the hell did he afford a first class ticket to New Mombasa in the first place? Didn't that place get...oh wait, that is why he never came back. I can tell this is going to end badly.


"Please tell me this is all just a nightmare and I am really back at base hopped up on loads of super Stimpacks again." I complained as Coco piles yet another box to Rhode's new wardrobe. This was the 8th outfit that had the 'Coco seal of approval', what ever the hell that means. Meanwhile I was the poor pack mule because I could carry more. Damn my SPARTAN like strength, one time you're a burden. We've been here for about a few hours now. Velvet was next to me with a few boxes for my wardrobe. Looking as bored as I was. She was offering, I will pay her back when I figure out where to find a job around here. The clothing store wasn't too bad. Reminds me of a designer clothes store from back home, like Bloomdales. Aisles of clothes for people of all types, even a few with holes in the back just for tails. I didn't dare look at the price tags for any of it. With no job for money, I can't afford to have a heart attack right now or even a freaking tee-shirt.

"No this is real, and she is just getting started." Velvet replied. This is just getting started! Sweet mother of Moses this is going to take a while. Rhody was currently in the dressing room trying on another outfit. Coco really looks to be in her element right now.

"What do you guys think? Do I look alright?" Rhode came out of the dressing room and all I heard was Coco's jaw drop. Rhode stood there now in a red button down blouse with orange buttons, khaki brown shorts, dazzling ruby earrings, a vicious old plasma burn pretty much engulfed her left calf as she tried to hide it with her other leg. Note from past self: slaughter all Covenant forces I come across till the day I die, leave NO survivors. Coco and Velvet had looks that were full of concern but Rhode's body language screamed 'Please don't look at my legs'. She lost her family while visiting Skopje when the Covenant found it in 2547. They were on a EVAC transport but got shot down. She was the only survivor when the ODST 'search and rescue' team found the wreckage. Apparently she was there for Collage to learn how to be a Historian. I know because she told me. A story for a story, She told me about her burn I told her about my arm. My first reaction then was to hold her close and let her cry into my arms. What are friends for if you can't rely on them to be a shoulder to cry on when you need it.

"My work here is done. Change back, put the shorts back, we're heading to check out." Coco ordered snapping me out of my train of thought. Rhode seemed very relieved and head back to the dressing room. Velvet and Coco looked at me for answers. I know how to handle this situation.

"It's her story, not my place to share something that personal to her. She'll share it with you guys when she is ready." I quickly replied to the silent questions they were asking.

"Okay but can you tell us why you two are called agents Ohio and Rhode Island?" Coco asked.

"Code names from our time in a secret project that technically never existed anywhere. That is all you need to know for now." I replied adjusting my grip on the boxes. Before they can ask anything else, Elizabeth came out of the dressing room in her regular combat suit. They shrugged it off as we headed to the counter.

"Ah Miss Adel, On another shopping spree again. I assume your buying some clothes for the orphanage down the street again." A female voice said, I couldn't see her over the leaning tower of clothes I had obstructing my vision.

"Just picking up a few things for new friends. Maybe next time Greta." Coco replied. Oh sure this is only a few things, like how only a few people like bacon, or how my boss only fucked up only a few times. Don't even get me started with him. I hate that man more the South and that alone saying something. At lest she didn't brush me off to the side like a liability when I had a complete mental breakdown, I'll give her credit for dragging me to the ship's doctor, probably didn't want to lose her favorite live target. Bastard treats me like I am a tool instead of a living being. When I get back, I'll kick his ass if he deduces this unscheduled trip from my already non-existent paycheck.

"Alright miss Adel, your total today is 75 lien. Would you like to donate a extra 5 lien to the local shelter?" The mystery woman asked. I snapped out of my train of thought. Didn't even notice her scan the boxes. Yet I was still holding them. 80 bucks for all this! Don't know the value of Lien so I can't say if this was either a bargain or huge dent in a wallet. I'll figure it all out as I go.

"Why not, 5 lien wouldn't break the bank." Coco replied as she pulled out her wallet and paid the lady. Funny, Lien looks almost like credit cards. I won't judge, at lest they would be water proof.

"Thank you and come again." the woman replied cheerfully. Well, wardrobe isn't a problem anymore. I'll pay her pack as soon as I find the money. Maybe I could bake her a pie or kick someone's ass for her? Well I'm off to a good start in this world, that is all I can ask for.


(Serena's POV)

MERC research center.

Peeling white walls surrounded me, one I am facing was lined with computer screens, cables and towers. Round gate like thing on the far wall, deactivated to save power. Pile of books and papers of various types littered the floor. Small futon on the east wall. I was at my desk on my 18th cup of coffee today. I've been up for the past four days trying to find the right route to Johnathan. I can't just leave him in some god forsaken place again. Not after Isla Nubar, or Tamriel. Can't afford to have him come back in less pieces. Researching every possible thing i can about the world he's in. What he is up against, what he has to deal with, what key events he will most likely have to tackle though. Every little nook and cranny i can pull up about the RWBY system from every inch of the internet. Got to have a good base line on what to expect.

"Auntie Serena, when is daddy going to come home?" A young cat like voice asked. I look behind me to see Elaia standing there rubbing her amber cat-like eyes, her ears were perked back as she yawned a bit. Must of just got up from her nap. She looks a bit like a bipedal panther. She was in her custom made Spongebob pajamas and slippers. Girl loves her cartoons, had to hack a few systems to get decent television shows here. Joys of being the brains. Especially when I need to hack school systems to gradate Johnathan early. Technically not guilty of a illegal activity if they have no proof.

I still couldn't believe Johnathan brought her back with him. Goes against protocol but wouldn't be the first time he threw up a middle finger to the boss. Was a huge surprise when he dropped this bombshell on me. I personally like Elaia, she's like a niece to me. From what Johnathan told me, her parents died during a dragon attack in Solitude, they were part of a trade caravan. Johnathan took care of her for over three weeks in the wilds of Skyrim before coming back. He kind of grew attached to her and treats her like a daughter. He even brings her sweets and souvenirs when he comes back. Take her out to Denny's occasionally, some times to MERC's super store close by when we need supplies. Who knew he would be such a good father. I certainly didn't. Don't let her cuteness fool you. When she goes into a temper tantrum, it is utter chaos. Especially when she knows the 'Storm call' shout. Well only the first word but it is still destructive. Only shout from her world she knows . . . . that i am aware of.

And of course like the good aunt I am, I spoil her a bit, check under her bed for monsters when Johnathan isn't here, even take her out to ice cream every now and again. Sure some people look at her weird and call her names, but a swift ass kicking, I mean reasonable talk, straightens those morons out good. They are lucky I am the merciful one, Johnathan breaks their legs when he catches them doing any of that. John is pretty protective over anyone he cares about.

"Soon sweetie, he'll be home soon" I lied. I didn't have the heard to tell her that her adopted father is missing. Yes I may have the cords to the universe he is in, but with no immediate connection, it is like finding a needle in the worlds largest haystack. I'll find him so that I can kill him myself for making Elaia and me worry so much.

"Agent Ohio is currently a little lost. Don't worry Elaia, he will be back sooner or later. I recommend heading back to bed. Adorable kids like you need their sleep." Mu explained as she appeared into view. Another person Johnathan brought back. From what I can gather, Mu is Alpha's mercy and humanity. Her avatar looked a bit like a pink Greek goddess. Not sure of who but if I were to guess, Hestia. She was only a few inches tall yet had the biggest heart out of everyone in this god damn compound.

"Okay, thanks Mu. Thanks Aunt Serena." She thanked as she walked back toward her bedroom. I quickly looked at the clock to see it was only half past midnight. I need another cup of coffee. Just when She was out of earshot, Mu spoke again.

"You know you should get some rest yourself. At the rate your going, you'll burn out from exhaustion long before you find him." Mu warned.

"I'm fine, just need more coffee." I replied getting up and heading to the coffee pot on the west wall. Mu shook her head and followed me from my shoulder.

"No you need a solid 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I get your worried about him but he is highly trained and refuses to die easy. Just get some rest, continue this search when your thinking clearly." Mu explained with a worried look.

"I am thinking straight. I need to find him before something else does." I replied pouring my 19th cup of coffee.

"He can take care of himself. Carolina and the other Freelancers wouldn't have spent all that time training him for nothing. Trust him and get some rest. You'll drive yourself straight into the ground at your current pace." She countered. I do trust he can take care of himself, just don't want him to come back with less limbs. I lost it when Dad found him with a bloody stump where his arm use to be. It was from that day on that I knew I started losing my brother. He changed in more ways then one that day. I'll be damned if I let him lose more of himself. Hes' all I have left in this world.

"I'll sleep when I find him." I countered about to take a sip of coffee.

"Serena how long have you known me?" She asked stopping me.

"About two years. You already know this, why ask me?"

"Have I ever once, in those two years, been wrong or misguided you in any way?"

"No, none that I can think of."

"Then trust me and go get some sleep. I'll keep nagging you till you do, You know I will." Mu threatened.

"Alright fine." I gave in putting the coffee down. "I'll get some sleep but I'll go right back to searching when I get up."

"I can live with that, now get your butt to bed Missy." She commanded. Well I had no choice but to agree with the AI fragment. I sighed as I fixed the futon back to a mattress, Elaia's room was in the spare room of mine and Johnathan's work space. Need to make the most out of the tiny amount of space we're given. I laid down and set my head on the pillow. I'll just close my eyes for a few minutes and then back to work, long enough to fool Mu. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was out like a light. Fast asleep aboard the dreamland express.


Another chapter done. Introduced three new characters, all important to Johnathan's past and his future. Getting a look at what is going on at the 'search and rescue' side of the story. Let me know what you thought of it. Always happy to receive constructive criticism. I did do my research and will do more to be sure I show any more symptoms (Chapter 4 has one I unknowingly added). Not making fun of the people who do suffer from PTSD, It is in the story because it would make sense for Johnathan to have at lest a mild case. Hope I get it right without offending anyone. Now to answer to a few reviews.

Marronmario- I now noticed the missing quotation marks, I'll fix them Asap. The superman Vs Goku thing was my character's own opinion on it. I know which one will win but I will not say because of the war in their Deathbattle comment section. I never saw La noire lip so I can't respond to that properly.

Ww1990ww- I thought about that for a fairly decent amount of time. I might include one or two as a cameo but the 'create and destroy multiverses' kind of throws off the delicate balance I am trying to set so I might nerf them to only temporarily sever the links to them instead.

WetworkzNinja- Nice roleplay there, don't worry. Cole will make a physical appearance some time soon as per the other OC's you all generously provided. I tried to make Tex sound as intimidating as she appears in the series. She is one of the few people Johnathan is scared of. And for good reason.

Well that is all I got today. Remember to follow the story if you want to see more. Followers are the life force of this story. It grows with every new follower. Hungry for more and needs a healthy supply of reviews to keep it strong as well. See you all in Chapter 9 where classes begin and We see more of RWBY and the other teams. And a little surprise for Beacon's local douche bags at the time. Haven't heard much about them since them. Other then Pyrrha freaking slaughtered them. Changed Agent Rhode Island's back story a little to fit the timeline for the RVB universe i am setting for the future. Editing it all as I go. Fixing the small mistakes and errors as I am finding them. Plus adding more references to other universes to fit the Multiverse theme.

~Dgreen20