-How the HELL are you alive?!-yelled Nick
Will gave Van Thorne a very piercing look with a half smile. Then Nick noticed that the colors of his eyes…don't match:
-Thanks to a few improvements I became good as new-Vengh replied and laughed. Then he spread his arms and Nick came closer to him. They embraced each other. Nick was smiling the whole time
-I thought you were dead-said Nick
-I was-Will replied-but later about that. We should get going. I spotted those who really live here and I'd rather avoid these people. Hey, princess! You're untied, so you're gonna walk. Just follow us, okay?
-I am NOT going anywhere with you, traitors!-Weiss suddenly yelled and pouted
-What the hell is she talking about?
-Her father gave me a contract for a couple of Liens. I was sent here to scout for Atlas military. This chick keeps following me since I started to work for her daddy. Calls me traitor even though she has no proof-replied Will and shrugged
-I HAVE proof-yelled Weiss and jumped straight in front of Will and pointed her finger at his nose-I know you're taking bribes and that you're a spy working for Lavender's crew!
-Lavender?-Will was confused-who is that?
Weiss' teeth started to grind in anger. Vengh was starting to wind her up to the maximum. She just doesn't like him. She doesn't like the fact that he's not fully human, she hates his behavior and how he treats her dad. She promised herself she will keep on spying on him and maybe one day find out that he is not who he thinks he is. Of course Will doesn't take bribes because nobody tries to give him one and doesn't work for Lavender, but if he did…she just wanted to make sure if it could possibly be true. Now this Nick came along too and he at first looked like a nice guy, but when Weiss was looking at him, something bad came to her mind. „I bet he is a huge pervert. I can see where he's looking with those emerald eyes" she thought and turned back at Will:
-Weiss, I think you should first get evidence if you want to accuse anyone of something-Nick said, still with his eyes staring at Weiss' shapely legs, which totally took all his attention. Weiss looked at him with anger in her eyes. But then the look on her face changed a bit. She didn't look mad anymore
-Like what you see?-she said in a seductive tone and walked up closer to him. Nick quickly looked up to pretend like he didn't stare…but Weiss was faster. Next thing Nick felt was a very painful kick straight in the crotch. Weiss kicked him with such an impact, she made him kneel. Van Thorne started to hiss from pain-keep dreaming then! Because you're gonna be crushed in there if you keep staring at me like that you perv…-at that moment Weiss paused, because Will suddenly covered her nose and mouth with a tissue. Schnee started to kick in every direction in anger, but Will just ruthlessly held the tissue by her nose until she finally stopped and her body became limp. Vengh gently put her on the ground. Her eyes were closed and she wasn't moving:
-There. Much better without her yapping-he said
-What did you do to her?!-said Nick while he was getting up. He was scared because she was lying completely still. He still felt the pain in the crotch a little bit
-Just put her to sleep with chloroform. She'll be unconscious for a couple of hours. We should get out quickly before she wakes up
Vengh walked out of the room Nick found Weiss in. For a second Van Thorne was in shock. He couldn't process properly everything that happened. About 5 minutes later he heard Will on the corridor:
-Come on. The junkies who live here will come soon too
-No-Nick replied. His voice was very calm. He gave Will a very hard look-I'm not leaving this girl here. If Schnee finds out that his younger daughter is regularly raped and takes drugs in a routine cycle he's gonna come after you. I will not let that happen-after these words Van Thorne took Weiss in his hands. She was weirdly light. Right after that he walked out of the room. Vengh awaited him in the corridor. He clearly didn't like his friend's idea:
-You're different, Nickson-said Will, using the popular phrase they used as kids, while walking right behind him
-Indifferent as always, Willy-replied Nick, ending their phrase and half-smiled at him
Fortunately it was long past the student's bedtime in Haven. Nick and Will slowly snuck inside by using the keycard which allows only to enter Haven from Mistral, not enter Mistral from Haven. When they got inside, Nick saw a light in one of the rooms:
-Someone's awake?-asked Will
-It's probably Melanie and Miltia-replied Nick-let's go to my room. We'll take care of Weiss there and we're gonna discuss everything…
But it weren't the Malachite sisters who turned on the lights. No, they were professionals so they had flashlights in the room they were in. And this room, where the light was on, wasn't the place where the evidence was supposed to be found. It was the library. Inside there were no others but Yang, Ruby, Pyrrha, Nora and Blake.
They were reading some books. What was weird, they all had the same title-„The Secrets Of Gwynbleidd", written by some anonymous author. But, while they were all reading, Pyrrha suddenly closed the book and covered her face in her hands. She bursted out crying. Ruby and Blake, who were sitting next to her looked at her confused, but also quite sad. Belladonna closed her book too and moved closer to her. She embraced her and let her weep:
-Shhhhhh, everything is okay, Pyrrha. You have nothing to be scared of. We're here with you-said the brunette girl
-B…B…Blake…-mumbled Nikos, stuttering
-Shhhhhh, don't think about that now-Blake interrupted her
Pyrrha was weeping for about 8 more minutes. Blake, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind her clinging into her arm. Ruby and Nora were still looking confused and whenever they tried to say something Blake was giving them a look as if she wanted to say „shut up". Yang still had her nose in the book, not really interested in what was happening around her. She was reading a very interesting chapter when she suddenly heard Blake:
-Yang. Pyrrha has something to tell you-she said. She wasn't hugging Nikos anymore
-Hmmmmm?-The lilac eyes glanced from behind the book
-Yang…I need to tell you this, but…I am so scared of doing it…-said Pyrrha, still stuttering a bit and holding herself back from crying
Yang just raised her eyebrow. It looked as if she's not interested, but wants to hear her anyway
-Don't worry, Pyrrha-said Blake-I'm nearby
-Well…-Pyrrha was scared of the look Yang gave her. She still had doubts if she could confess that-Yang…you might not have known about this, but I broke up with Jaune…
-And?-Yang asked, interrupting her-cut to the chase
-That night…I met Nick on the corridor-Pyrrha said, slowly overcoming her fear of Yang's stare
Ruby and Nora got a little closer to hear what Pyrrha was about to say. Yang, when she heard her mentioning Nick immediately closed the book and put it on the table. She linked her hands together, and the uninterested look on her face changed into an intrigued expression:
-Go on-she said
-He was…so nice to me…he was sitting there with me…I couldn't stop myself, and…
-What she simply wants to say is that she and Nick kissed right after she broke up with Jaune-Blake interrupted her
Ruby and Nora were blown away by what they heard. They looked at each other and then kept staring at the love triangle right in front of them. Yang, on the other hand, was awkwardly silent when she heard it. For a moment Blake thought her eyes are red but with just a blink they were lilac again. She didn't seem angry, but not happy either. After a couple of minutes Yang opened her book again and got back to reading:
-Yang?-Pyrrha asked
-Shut up-she just sighed-I'm trying to read
-I…I…I'm sorry-Pyrrha said, stuttering
-Alright, stop-sighed Yang again-Let this just sink in my head, give me time…I'll think something up
At that moment Yang smiled to herself. Shivers went down Pyrrha's spine. The tense atmosphere seemed like it didn't wanna leave. But then suddenly Yang felt patting on her arm:
-Excuse me, can we sit with you?-It was Arslan and Reese. They had the same books in their hands as the rest
-Sure-Yang replied in her usual voice this time. Arslan sat down next to her, while Reese took a seat next to Nora. At this moment Pyrrha could feel that the atmosphere is now relaxed.
While this was happening, Nick and Will managed to sneak up to team ABRN's room. Nick quickly walked up to his „bed" and layed Weiss, whom he still had in his arms, under the blanket. Nadir and Bolin were sleeping and Shiko was even snoring. Nick then quickly took a random candle from a cupboard near Bolin's bed, lit it and put on the only table in the room. After that he and Will sat by the table. For a while they were staring at each other, not saying even one word. Finally, Nick sighed:
-How come? You were in the fireworks warehouse, I saw you enter it…
-This is…a long story-Will clearly didn't feel comfortable. At that moment Nick noticed some wires attached to his hands, that were coming through the gloves he had on. „What has he been through?" Van Thorne thought to himself
-Will-he said-we have all the time we need. But if you don't want to tell me then it's fine
-Then grab the popcorn and some soda because this is gonna be good-said Will
„Oh shit!"
Those were the last words William Vengh said as a full human. He saw the explosion for just a second. After that darkness overwhelmed him. Death was right there to grab him by the hand.
But then…he felt something. He felt he lives. Even though the red Dust fireworks blew up right in his face. But…why didn't this luck manifest itself with something different than unbearable pain, iron taste in mouth, utter blackness in one eye and the smell of burned Dust? Will could clearly feel it. He wanted to scream but the luck of being alive didn't let him. He was simply powerless. Nothing could have possibly lifted him up. He was stuck under the rubble, seeing nothing around except a small hole with light coming inside. He couldn't even get up, his limbs didn't let him move no matter how hard he tried to push. „Fuck you, luck" he thought to himself, breathing heavily and closed his eye. „You had to leave me alive and let me suffer more?"
But then Will heard voices coming from behind the rubble he was buried underneath. They were very loud, but just to make sure he focused his ears. „Two people. Men. They're coming in my direction". Indeed, a little later he heard them:
-Yo, bro, we haven't checked here yet, eh?
-Bitch the fuck you mean we didn't check here? Oh, right. I dunno, seems pretty shitty, if you ask me
-Ye forgot already that what looks like shit always has goods, ye fucking retard?-one of the voices replied and Will heard as he slaps the other one in the face
-Hehehe…hehehehehehehe-the slapped one laughed like an idiot-I get it, because this is shit, hehehe
-Ya really are the biggest retard-the other one replied and Will felt as the rubble is taken away slowly
-Motherfucker, don't just fucking stand there and give me a hand you piece of shit!-said the one closer to him
„Jesus, they are vulgar" Will thought
A little later the two guys uncovered Vengh lying barely alive:
-Kazik, look! A fucking corpse!-said the one whose voice Will recognized as the slapped one
-I see that, ye fucking idiot. Check his pockets already for fuck's sake
-No way, I ain't touching no corpse
-How come you are such a pussy?
„Looters. I should have seen that coming. They didn't come here to rescue survivors. They just look for garbage they can later sell and buy drugs or alcohol with. If only I could throw a punch right at those motherfuckers" Will thought. When he felt Kazik's hands rubbing his hips in search for pockets, he sighed. The looter immediately jumped back:
-God, shit, fuck, fuckedy fuck, fucking fuckery for the fucking fuck!
-What's up, bro?
-That kid…he is alive!
-Can't be. He has no legs, his eye is also out and I bet he can't walk because of that…eeeeeeeeee, how was it called, fuck….spine, yeah, spine being broken and shit
-What the fuck are we gonna do then?!
-What do you think? We put the whipster out of his fucking misery! Now you do it, 'cause I did last time
At that moment Vengh heard as one of the looters takes out a gun from the holster. At that moment he opened his eye. The one he assumed was named Kazik was standing above him with a purple revolver. Will desperately started moving his hand around the floor. When he suddenly felt a sharp shard of glass in his hand without hesitation he plunged it into the looter's leg not caring where exactly did he hit him. But he knew it must have been his weak spot because he screamed extremely loud and dropped his gun. Will picked it up and when Kazik fell on the ground Will leaned on him and aimed at the other looter. He was desperately trying to pull the gun out of his holster but Will was faster. The gun fired, the other looter dropped dead on the ground with a huge bleeding hole in his head. Kazik was still breathing, but his leg was shattered because of the glass shard. Then Will looked at him:
-A whipster, huh?-he said, breathing heavily
-P…Please…No…-the looter replied scared shitless
Will couldn't bear to look at him anymore after he was rubbing his hips trying to find his pockets. This man disgusted him in every way. So he quickly plunged his gun's barrel in his mouth, closed his eye, sighed…and pulled the trigger. Before he opened his eyes he could feel as the blood sprays on his face. After that he sighed again, dropped the gun on the ground, opened his eye and started to crawl. But no matter how much strength he found inside to kill those 2 vulgar looters, crawling out of the ruins of the fireworks warehouse turned out to be harder. Especially halfly blind, without legs and paralyzing pain in the back. Eventually William crawled out…but right after that he only managed to look at the sky once more before he passed away…
-So, you're not really alive? I'm talking to a zombie?-asked Nick
-I was dead, but I came back to life-replied Will with a half-smile
-So…you are a zombie?
-No-this time Will looked silghtly irritated
-Then what the fuck are you?
William sighed:
-I'm a cybernetic organism. Living tissue over metal endoskeleton-he said in a weird voice
-Oh…okay?-Nick was confused with what he said
-Just kidding. Endoskeletons are for weaklings. I have an exoskeleton-laughed Will and slightly took off his coat showing a huge compilation of metal wires on his back-Nick, meet Stanley
-You named…an exoskeleton? What the hell?
-Nevermind. Anything else you wanna know?
-Will…how did you survive this long?
-After I left the hospital where I got these implants I went for a little tour. I was either hunting monsters or being a journalist. They used to call me „Chopinhauer"
-YOU'RE CHOPINHAUER?!-Nick was surprised-You were writing articles about me on every front page!
-I'm sorry, but you were too big of a sensation…besides, I never knew it was you…until now of course-After that William yawned
-You must be exhausted
-Yeah. No worries, though. Wherever I will get to sleep it will be okay
At that moment the doors to the room opened slightly and Melanie and Miltiades snuck inside. Nick wasn't quick enough to notice them, because they quickly walked up to him and grabbed him by the waist, Melanie from behind, Miltia from the front:
-Girls!-Nick sounded irritated-You scared me
-Awwwww, you're so different when you're not drunk-said Melanie, hugging him tighter from behind
-I think it's time for you. You have what you want? Then please get out-Nick replied. He sounded very strict
-We'll see you later then?-Miltia asked when she let go of him. This time her smile wasn't seductive. It was more like a nice smile
-Ummmmmm…sure, just not today, okay?-Nick replied, confused about how Miltia acted. At that moment Melanie also let go of him
-Goodnight then, Nicky-giggled the more seductive Malachite sister and planted a kiss on his cheek. Right after her Miltia also kissed him on the cheek and after that both sisters left the room through the window. Nick and Will were alone again
-Ekhm…-Will grunted and grinned. His robotic eye flashed-I see you've…changed your surroundings a bit
-That's not funny-Nick blushed-all those girls…they are acting so weird. I don't understand what's so awesome about me
-Oh, I'm sure it's nothing-Will laughed-you just became better at making friends…unlike me
-You…you still remember it, don't you?
But Will didn't respond. Instead he got up from the table and blew out the candle:
-We should really go to sleep, Nick. Now that I found you, there will be trouble all over us, so we should sleep while we can-he said
-Where are you going to sleep?
-I'll sleep in the bathtub. It's the most comfortable spare place I can think of in this room. And you…well, you have a girl to take care of. You're gonna be good at that-replied Vengh, walked into the bathroom and closed the door
Nick blushed embarrassed but slowly walked up to Weiss' bed. He kneeled right before her. She was still unconscious, but she looked rather like she was sleeping.
But just when Nick was about to sneak into the bed, the door to the room opened again. Familliar to Nick figures walked in:
-I'm so worried. If he still isn't back from that mission…he might have perished-said the voice of Reese
-Calm down, Chloris-Arslan's strict voice replied-I'm sure he will handle himself just fine…wait a second
At that moment they noticed Nick by his bed. He only managed to stand up before they saw him. Reese closed the door slowly. Van Thorne suddenly then felt as he is tightly hugged by Arslan:
-Oh, you pervy little Hexman! Where have you been?-Arslan's voice wasn't strict anymore. In fact Nick had a feeling she is crying from happiness to see him
-My god, I was so worried!-Reese hugged Van Thorne from the other side. Nick couldn't feel any more awkward. He had a feeling like Will is watching him from the keyhole. After probably the longest minute ever both girls let go of him. At that moment Altan noticed Weiss in Nick's bed:
-Naughty naughty, are we?-she waved her finger and poked Nick in the nose-you're bringing girls from outside for fun and not even invite us to the party?
-Arslan, I don't think it's a common hooker-said Reese. She was examining their guest-Nick, where did you find her?
-She was…ugh I found her tied up so I took her with me. She fell asleep while we were going here
-Arslan, look! Don't you recognize her?-Reese said and Arslan ducked next to her
-Is that…the icy bitch from the tournament, Weiss Schnee?
-Yeah it really is. Looks like Nick saved a damsel in distress-said Reese and grinned with Arslan at the Hexman
-Ugh, I wouldn't quite put it that way, but it's true-said Nick and blushed embarassed
-Hey if you don't wanna claim your prize for saving the princess then why not sleep with us?-Reese suddenly said
-You realise this doesn't make any sense?-said Nick
-Besides can't you see how big of a pervert he is, Chloris?-asked Arslan
-Hey, you had a towel! I didn't see you showering-Nick almost cried
-Did I say I'm not okay with that?-Arslan said seductively
-Oh…uh…huh huh…well, it's up to you then-said Nick and blushed again
-Alright, we're sleeping in three then-laughed Reese-Nick in the middle, I will go to the right, Arslan to the left. We're gonna use my bed because it's the most comfortable one
And so it happened. The 3 of them somehow managed to get inside the bed, which was extremely tight. But Nick had other problems. First Arslan was pressing her chest against him, second Reese was pressing her butt against him, third (and that problem was troubling Nick mostly)…his underwear started to be too tight. But, as we all know, it wasn't because they didn't fit him, but simply because…something was rising in it. Nick was so embarrassed he was glad he couldn't sweat or have fart problems. At one point he even thought he can hear Will giggling in the toilet, still staring through the keyhole. „I will turn you into a pirate if you're looking through it" Van Thorne thought. Eventually, even though his one hand landed between Arslan's breasts and the other hand landed awkwardly underneath Reese's left buttock, he managed to force himself to fall asleep. At one point he even got comfortable with that.
Weiss was the first one to wake up. About 3 hours after Nick fell asleep she opened her eyes. She was desoriented, had no idea where she is. She wanted to find Will and this time kill him. She was desperately looking around the room, trying to find any source of light. Then she took out her rapier, Myrtenaster, and set it to yellow dust. After activating it, the blade gave her a small spark of light with which she managed to look around…and notice team ABRN, all sleeping. She recognized them easily. After all she was the one who froze Nadir's legs. That's how she recognized her surroundings. Then she saw Nick. At first she wanted to get up and started to jump on him, but later she realised something. „I'm completely fine. He must have brought me here. He didn't even try to undress me. Great, now he saved me 2 times. I guess I can be grateful…for now" and with that thought she switched Myrtenaster off, sheathed it, covered herself with the blanket and fell asleep again.
Will barely slept. He finally managed to fall asleep at 4 a.m and when he woke up it was 8 a.m. He slowly snuck out of the room and ran down the corridor. He couldn't suspect that he isn't the only one awake.
Suddenly he bumped into someone. He hit the ground painfully:
-Watch where the fuck you're going!-he yelled
-Whipster, don't try to jump at me, okay?-Qrow's voice could be heard. It was him who Will bumped into
-Did you just call me…-Vengh paused for a second-a whipster? Hehehehehe…you just sealed your doom!
William jumped from the ground and took out his staff. He then pressed a button on it and the orange gem left it, the eagle-like claws started to move and the entire structure became longer and more flexible. Will started to swing it around, laughing like a maniac:
-Jesus, what the hell is that?-Said Qrow disgusted when he was drawing his huge sword
-The latest trend in Atlesian weapon stores, at your service!-said Will-it's a whip, grappling hook and also a taser, all on a beautiful metal chain hidden in a staff
-Alright-Qrow seemed totally confused-I don't know why a kid wants to fight me but if you're looking for a practice before your combat classes then I'm all in!
Will jumped at Qrow, anger escalating inside him. Qrow's sword swung just above his head. It barely missed his hat. When Branwen thought that the duel is already over Vengh dashed towards him and kicked him straight in the face. He hit the nose, which seemed to anger Qrow very much:
-That…was pretty mean-he said and grinned at his opponent. After that Will started to swing his chain around, but Qrow was dodging it while being closer and closer to him. When he was right in front of Vengh he drew his sword and was about to slash William with it, then the cyborg got mad:
-Incinerate!-he screamed and a stream of blue light left his cybernetic eye. Qrow jumped to the side, barely dodging the laser
-What the hell are you doing? Launching a semblance from your eye? This can kill you!-Qrow yelled, confused
-This is no semblance-said William and poked his cybernetic eye. It let out a metallic sound-This is called high-tech
-What the hell? Who…What are you?!-Qrow was already sure that weird man wasn't a student of Haven
-Glad you corrected your mistake, mr…-Will said while his chain was turning back into a staff
-Qrow Branwen-he replied and hid his sword-and you are…
-William Vengh
-You…you're not from around here, are you?
-I'm from very far if that's what you're asking
-Really? Where from?
-The morgue
-Hahahahahahahah…you're a funny one, 'twas my mistake to attack you-said Qrow, but Will seemed serious. Branwen however didn't bother taking his reaction seriously-anyway…Will…Where are you going so early?
-I came here to visit a friend. Now I'm going to go back to business
-A friend, huh?-asked Qrow. His eyes cunningly glanced at the cyborg-could that friend be…Nicholas FUCKING VAN THORNE?!
-How…how do you know?-Will was in shock. His mask of a mysterious stranger wore off instantly
-I saw you yesterday. You and that bastard were talking in his room. I was watching from behind the window
-But…I didn't see anyone there
-Really? Not even a bird?
Will then realised he heard a bird cawing yesterday. His eyes went wide:
-You…
-Yes, this is me. Pretty good semblance to stalk people. Not that I'm a stalker myself. I'm just a bit…nosy
„Filthy spy" Will thought to himself:
-So…are you going to tell me what is Nick up to?
-I have no idea. We haven't seen each other for quite a while. Why are you asking?
-I wanna prove he is a seducer and that he treats girls like crap so that he breaks up with my niece
-Mr. Branwen, you have the worst possible impression on this-Will then walked up to Qrow, leaning a bit on his staff-I've known Nick since we were very little kids. We were like brothers. He never let me down. I remember, back at home, how his relationships with girls looked like. They were all jumping at him at the same time, always confident, always with flattering words and compliments. I know many guys might dream of it, but to Nick it was happening way too often. Everytime a girl was approaching him, he was getting nervous, blushing, stuttering, even sometimes crying a little bit. He never overcame his shyness…until now apparently. You're saying that he and your niece are a couple. I say let them be. Because if he treated friendship with me like the biggest treasure then I can't possibly imagine how he would cherish a relationship like the one he has with your niece
-Wow…I…I never imagined that something like that would happen to him…this would be awesome if I was him
-But you're not
-You're right…I guess I owe him an apology…I hope you're not bullshitting me
-Mr. Branwen I am a cyborg who despises some of human emotions, but I can tell the difference between them-Will then paused for a second and mumbled to himself-damn, all these girls lean on him and I don't even have enough Liens for a hooker
-Please call me Qrow. You know, Will? I think it's better if we discuss this further later. You're a fascinating kid. I'll spare you couch in my room and there we get to know each other better
-Eheheh…Qrow, but…I'm not into that kink, you know?
-What kink?-Qrow sounded confused. After a second he realised what Will meant and got red from anger-OH YOU FUCKING IDIOT! I wasn't talking about THAT! What do you think, I'm some kind of pedophile? Just go to my room and wait for me there. Don't ever bring that up again!
And then Qrow gave Will keys to his room and walked away, still red from anger.
Meanwhile, Nick managed to wake up. He opened his eyes. He still was in the middle of the bed, with Arslan and Reese clinging into him. But there was something far more weird happening right now:
-Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?!-Van Thorne heard a loud squeal in front of his bed. It was Nadir. He and Bolin were already awake, dressed in pajamas
-Hmpf…what time is it?-Nick asked still unable to get up
-You…you dare ask that?! Better look around you! What the hell are you doing in the same bed with our leader and her assistant?!
-9 o'clock-said Bolin calmly, ignoring Nadir's outburst
-Bolin! Why are you telling him?! Aren't you offended that there was probably a threesome right next to you and you couldn't sleep or be invited?!
-The only reason why I couldn't sleep was because you were snoring-Bolin replied-Those three were behaving themselves very well. And I wouldn't wanna be invited, it's just not for me
-I AM SNORING?!
-Could you shut up?-mumbled Nick-I had a rough night so I'd appreciate if you would get out
-Yeah we will, just one last question-said Bolin and pointed at Nick's bed-what is Weiss doing in your bed?
-What do you mean what? He probably first did her and now he switched to our girls-said Nadir and snickered-am I right, Nick?
-No-Van Thorne replied-now can you please get out?
-Nadir, let's not make him angry today, okay? Guy had a tough mission to do and I guess he needs to take some rest-said Bolin as he was dragging Nadir with him out of the room after they changed clothes
Nick then decided to take a little nap, but he couldn't fall asleep. Arslan and Reese started to wake up. He could feel as they crawl in the bed, stretching a bit before finally opening their eyes. Nick tried to take his hands away from Arslan's cleavage and Reese's butt but it was too late. When they opened their eyes, they were still clinging to Van Thorne:
-Awwwwww…you already woke up?-said Arslan
-Hey boss-giggled Reese-remember how you were whining why does no one appreciate your boobs? Well now you have a perfect example that someone does
Then Arslan looked down and saw Nick's hand on her breast. Her face turned red and at first she cracked a half-smile but after that she changed her expression to embarrassment:
-That's true, but…but…I never would expect that to be him-Arslan was obviously lying. That's exactly who she expected to be. After that the leader of team ABRN noticed Reese being in a simillar position she is-hey, no one appreciated that bum bum of yours for a long time too, Reese
-What? What are you…-Chloris then noticed what she meant-oh…so this is why I was so comfortable
-Ugh…fucken…shit-said Nick and forced his hands out of where they were-I'm done sleeping
Nick jumped out of the bed and walked up to the bathroom door:
-Will?-he said while knocking-You still there?
No answer. Nick slowly opened the door. Of course the bathtub was empty. „So…he woke up earlier. Like he always does" Nick thought to himself while he was washing his face by the sink. After thinking for a little he decided to wash his hair too. He bent over the bathtub and quickly soaked his hair in water. Then he took the random shampoo there was nearby and rubbed his long, dark brown hair until the foam was thick enough. He then washed the shampoo off, took the nearby towel and washed his whole head with it. After that he left the bathroom:
-Okay, I'm done. You might wanna get up too-he said
-Awwwwwww-said Reese
-5 more minutes-said Arslan
-Fine, but I'll mark that you're not present on the next Grimmistics
-Oh no! They are today?! Reese come on get up
And both Altan and Chloris jumped out of the bed and ran to the bathroom. Meanwhile Nick dressed back up. He put his army pants on, adjusted the belt as he wanted, put the sweater and the coat back on, buttoned them up, put on the gloves, hid the bandana and the sunglasses in his pockets. He took the hat from the hook in the room and put it on too. When he did that, he heard movements behind him. Weiss woke up:
-Ummmmmmm…hey-he heard her mumbling
-Hey…
-W…Where am I?
-You're safe. I brought you to Haven, to team ABRN's room. Nothing happened to you. Will drugged you with chloroform, so you fell asleep
Nick turned around. Weiss was sitting on his bed, looking at him with sleepy eyes. She didn't seem like she was about to start a fight. Van Thorne sat near her:
-Nick, was it?-Weiss said-I…I think I owe you an apology
-You don't owe me anything-said Nick and smiled at her-you were protecting yourself. I can't blame you for being suspicious
Weiss blushed.
-You're…not as bad as I first thought you were-she said
-You don't know me that well yet. Are you…feeling alright?
-I'm fine…though these past 2 months spent on spying on Vengh without properly sleeping did their job
-Maybe you should rest here while you can. You don't need to attend classes yet
-What classes?
-I'm teaching those kids further about Grimm. Anatomy, how to kill easily, evolution, history
-Maybe you could lecture me about this too?
-What? Here? Don't you think you're a bit too tired to study?
-Hon, I am a Schnee, we've always been showing off our intelligence too much. Learning more won't hurt me
-Weiss…-Nick blushed-please, don't call me that, can you?
-I'm sorry
-WHAT THE FUCK?!-Suddenly Nick heard Arslan's angry yell from the bathroom. She kicked opened the door. Her hair was wet. She had a bottle of shampoo in her hands-Nick, were you using MY shampoo?!
-Ummmmmm…yeah? So what?
-YOU EMPTIED THE WHOLE BOTTLE!
-Oh…so that one was yours? Shit…
-I'm gonna use Reese's hair conditioner now but you will buy me next bottle!
-How much it costs?
-80 Liens-said Altan and then noticed Weiss-good morning, Schnee
-Altan-replied the other girl politely
After that Arslan closed the door to the bathroom. A little later Nick heard Reese giggling and Arslan mumbling in anger
-You know, if you emptied my bottle of hair conditioner which costed me 1000 Liens then I would probably kill you-said Weiss after a while
-You didn't try that yesterday?
-Maybe I did
At that moment Reese and Arslan left the room, fully dressed up. Nick said goodbye to Weiss and left the room with his two roommates. On the corridor he saw Qrow waiting for him:
-Maybe you wait for me in the classroom, okay?-he said to the two girls. They nodded and ran down the corridor. After they disappeared Nick slowly walked up to Qrow
-Don't be afraid-he said
-It's not fear, Branwen. I'm just curious what do you want
-Saw your little friend earlier this morning. He was…very helpful
-What did you do to him?!-Nick yelled in anger
-Hey hey hey. Relax-Qrow replied and raised his hands a little-I didn't do anything to him. Just…after what he told me…I wanna say I'm sorry. I was an asshole back then on the ship and…I understand if you're still salty about back then in your hometown
-Whoa…-Nick was blown away-The great Qrow Branwen actually apologizes for something?
-I'm just admitting I was wrong, there is nothing special in it
At that moment the bell rang. Nick started to walk away:
-I appreciate that, Qrow-he said before disappearing-I really do
After a while the next lesson about the Grimmistics started. Everyone was present. Nick was at first rolling his eyes around the classroom, trying to catch students' attention. After he made sure they are ready he just smiled and said:
-You didn't expect to see me again, did you? Well, your headmistress didn't fire me so I will still teach you. Anyway, people. Last time we talked about Grimm in general. Who, or rather what Grimm is, where do they come from and stuff like that. Today we are starting our first chapter of learning about Grimm species. Some of those may be a revision for you but I'm hoping you won't fall asleep. Anyway, our topic today are Creeps, the weakest Grimm possible. But, seeing as you all are pretty young and mostly unexperienced, I'm gonna need to tell you how to easily kill a Creep. You see, Creeps are…something like a dinosaur. A combination of a reptile and a bird…
Nick was lecturing until the bell rang. When most of the students left the classroom, he was approached by someone. It was Pyrrha:
-Hey, Nick…got a minute?-she asked
-Sure, what's up?
But Nikos didn't say anything. She only dragged Nick by the hand to the side of the corridor and placed his hands on her hips:
-Can we…repeat that thing from 2 days ago? I missed you
-I missed you too-said Nick and kissed Pyrrha. He couldn't have known, that they are being watched
A couple of steps farther Jonas Mikaelsen was spying on Nick. He was looking from behind a pillar, smiling to himself the whole time. „He doesn't know. He doesn't know" he was repeating in his thoughts. Suddenly Mikaelsen's Scroll started to vibrate. He quickly picked it up:
-Yes?-he asked
-Is the suspect still in motion?-slowly said a distorted voice from the Scroll
-Yes, but I think he won't be a problem for us
-Good, good…but I still want you to observe him-said the voice and hung up
Nick and Pyrrha were making out for a pretty long time. Later that day Nick had even more Grimmistics classes to teach. He taught the kids about Beowolves, Griffons and lots of other species. Around the evening he was by the gate to Mistral taking a walk when suddenly he heard someone whispering to him:
-Nick…Nick…Nick!
Van Thorne looked around. He couldn't see whose voice was:
-Over here!
Nick then looked up. Roman Torchwick was climbing down the ladder from the separating wall. When he got down, he quickly walked up to him:
-Are you stupid? If someone sees you here…
-Don't worry, Nick. I'll only take a minute. Melanie and Miltia insisted after they decoded the intel they gathered from here
-Well…what did they find?
-Confirmation that the one Junior accused is guilty. The Malachite ladies insisted that I tell you who is that
-Finally. Who is that?-asked Nick and looked to the side for a second
-Well, the guy who is responsible for Junior's inconvenience is…
-Mikaelsen-Nick suddenly interrupted him
-What? How do you know?
-No, look! Mikaelsen! He's there, staring at us
-What?! Where?!
Roman and Nick looked at the same direction. The one they mentioned really was observing them from behind the pillar. They were staring at him for a while until Mikaelsen finally realised what happened and ran away. Torchwick and Van Thorne ran after him, but they only managed to get to the courtyard. Right after that an annoying sound could be heard in the whole Haven. The lights went out, corridors were brightened only by big red lights which were letting out this noise:
-Alert! Grimm outbreak in school. Alert! Grimm outbreak in school-a computer voice could be heard
-Oh, shit! He sounded the alarm-said Torchwick-I need to inform Junior. You try to find Mikaelsen
Nick and Roman split up. The Hexman was running down the corridor, coming through students who were in total panic. He suddenly heard someone calling him. It was Sun and his team. They were all standing by their room with their weapons drawn:
-What the hell is going on?!-yelled Neptune
-Mikaelsen sounded the alarm
-What?! But why?!-yelled Sun
-Long story-Nick replied-come on, we need to find the others
It didn't take long for Nick and team SSSN to get to ABRN's room. When Nick got inside, however, Weiss wasn't in bed and Nadir was about to leave:
-Shit, Nick! You scared me!
-Where's Weiss?!
-Well, she was weak so professor Mikaelsen took her to the hospital
Nick's blood started to boil form anger. He grabbed Nadir by the jacket:
-AND YOU DIDN'T STOP HIM?!
-Why would I?-Shiko completely didn't understand why Van Thorne was so angry
-Nevermind. Guys, we gotta go-he said, let go of Nadir and ran out of the room with team SSSN
-Hey, where are you going? Hey, wait for me!-screamed Shiko and ran after them with his gun in his hands
Eventually the team found the rest of ABRN. Arslan, Reese and Bolin were trying to get to one of the rooms:
-Nick! Professor Tromberg got locked up here! We gotta get her out-screamed Bolin
-This is pointless-said Qrow, who suddenly caught up with the rest-the doors are completely sealed. Whoever sounded the alarm he knew what he's doing. Helga is locked in the chemistry classroom. Very likely she will get poisoned from the stuff that comes from gas burners
-Mr. Branwen!-Arslan was surprised
-What do you mean the gas burners are on?-Nick asked
-Whenever the Grimm outbreak happens in Haven, the gas burners are automatically turned on so that if a Grimm happens to be in the chemistry classroom he dies from carbon monoxide poisoning
-Well…how do we open this door then?-asked Reese
-There's only one way. We need to get to the master control panel in Tromberg's office
-Help!-a scream could be heard from inside the classroom
-We're coming Helga! Just hold on there!-said Qrow-that bastard Mikaelsen is in her office. He holds one of ours hostage. We gotta hurry
Nadir felt very bad. He could feel as Nick's eyes pierce him with anger at that moment. But shortly after that he caught up with the rest on the corridor. Eventually Nick bumped into Yang:
-Oh my god, Nick!-she said and hugged him tightly. Tears were forming in her eyes
Ruby, Jaune, Pyrrha, Nora, Blake and Ren were with her. Nick suddenly felt better. Like he will succeed. After a while Yang let him go and the whole team ran down the corridor straight to the headmistress' office. When they finally got there, Roman was waiting by the door:
-Open the door, Mikaelsen! You're exposed, you will not escape anymore-he yelled
-Fuck you!-a voice from inside the office could be heard. For a second Nick thought it was someone else, but eventually he realised that it's just Mikaelsen without the mask of a calm assistant
-Ruby, are my eyes deceiving me or is that…-Blake whispered to the silver-eyed girl
-Torchwick!-Ruby yelled. She clearly was pissed off
Roman turned around, and when he saw Ruby he grinned widely:
-Well, Red, isn't it nice to see you again…
-You bastard still breathe?!-yelled Blake suddenly and jumped with Ruby straight at Roman. He tried to cover himself with his cane but suddenly Qrow stopped the two girls right before him
-You will deal your personal issues with him later. Right now it's Mikaelsen who is our top priority-said Ruby's uncle
-Thank you!-said Roman with a sarcasm from behind Branwen. When Ruby and Blake looked at him with anger, he sticked out his tongue at them
-Anyway, Torchwick-Nick bumped into the conversation-you found a way to get in?
-I barely started. All this time I was trying to call for back up-replied Roman
-Then stand back everyone-Nick added-it's gonna get messy
Yang and Pyrrha giggled a little, having dirty thoughts in their heads. Nick then snapped his fingers and his hand bursted in the flames of Igni. He pointed it forward at the door. Everyone was watching in shock, as one of Nick's semblances was melting the door like chocolate. After a while Van Thorne stopped:
-Now Roman, give me your cane
He took Roman's staff and aimed it at the melted door to Tromberg's office. It fired an exploding bullet right at it, blasting it to bits. The doors were destroyed. Nick was clear to enter:
-How did you…-Roman said
-Your cane wouldn't have its edge painted and thickened without purpose. I knew you use it as a weapon. Simply because you don't have anything else that could either hurt or shoot…well, maybe except the hat but who the fuck kills with a hat these days?
-Actually…-Ren tried to say something
-Shut up, Ren!-Nick immediately silenced him, not even looking at him while he was giving Roman back the cane-alright, I'm going in there
Nick slowly entered Tromberg's office through the hole he made with Roman's cane. Inside, everything was in order, nothing was destroyed. It looked like it's peaceful inside…until from behind the desk two figures walked out. Mikaelsen was holding Weiss by the neck and was aiming at her head with some gun Nick didn't recognize…at first. When he realized the fact, he quickly drew his golden gun and aimed it right at Mikaelsen:
-I would suggest you don't do anything unreasonable, Van Thorne. I will pull the trigger and blow her mind, if you know what I mean. I can do that in a heartbeat-said the headmistress' assistant
-Nice pun. You stole it from Yang?-Nick replied with a sarcasm
-Shut the fuck up!-Jonas yelled and pressed the gun's barrel harder at Weiss' temple-I know what you're thinking, but it wasn't me!
-Then why do you have the same gun?
-They equip all of us with one of those. Now listen carefully and no one gets hurt. I'm gonna walk out of Haven, unharmed, and you're gonna help me. In exchange, I'll let you decide about this little birdie's fate
-I'm not dealing with you. You're one of them. I must put you down, Mikaelsen
-Oh, come on, Nicky. You know that deep down you want to put a bullet in a Schnee. I'm giving you this opportunity, because I believe we can…forget about the past. And also, you don't look as dumb as your so-called "brothers and sisters"
-No, we can't forget about the past. Not after what YOUR people did-Nick said and tightened the grip on his gun's handle-Jonas Mikaelsen, in the name of my father, me, my mother and the whole Brotherhood, by the principal of the fox's court I, Nicholas Van Thorne, sentence you to death
Mikaelsen sighed:
-You disappoint me, Nick. I thought we can find a compromise. But I see that none of you has even a small bit of brain!
Nick then saw movements behind the window in the office. He recognized the figures. It was Junior, Melanie and Miltia. Roman managed to call them here. But it seemed as Mikaelsen also noticed that Van Thorne's sight is focused on something else:
-Ha! You're now avoiding my sight, thinking I'll turn around and you'll put a bullet in me. Well guess what, Van Thorne? I'm too old and too smart to fall for that shit!
All that time Weiss was held by her neck. She could barely breathe, Mikaelsen's revolver started to hurt her. She completely didn't understand what is happening and was getting more and more scared because of that. Tears slowly started to form in her eyes:
-You're making a girl cry, Jonas-said Nick-at least let her go. I don't feel like hurting a girl today
-It's not funny!-Weiss cried
At that moment the glass window broke. Mikaelsen completely panicked. He let go of Weiss but pushed her while doing so. She hit the wall and then the ground. Nick immediately jumped to her:
-You're okay?-he asked
-I'll be fine, I just…need a minute
At that moment Nick looked back at Mikaelsen. Right in front of him stood Junior and the Malachite sisters. Miltia had long red and black double claws in her hands, Melanie's heels seemed longer and sharper and Junior held a big baseball bat in his hand. While Mikaelsen was slowly recovering from shock, Xiong brushed off the glass shards he still had on his vest:
-Well, well-said Mikaelsen when he finally calmed down-so this is why you're hunting me, Nick? You're working for him now? How many Liens did he offer you? 5000? 8000? I can do twice that amount, I have connections
-Connections? You stole all the money from Haven's safe when no one was looking and accused me! I had to hide for over 14 years, but the Grimm outbreak in Vale opened my eyes. Vengeance is gonna taste sweet
-None of you will take me alive!-Mikaelsen screamed and his aura suddenly started to glow green
-Shit! Nick, get down!-Junior screamed
Shards of broken glass started to lift up and point right at Junior. Jonas made one gesture and the shards shot straight at Xiong, ready to severely cut him. But then his baseball bat transformed into something else and suddenly he fired a few mini rockets from it, which completely deflected the glass shard making a little explosion. Then Militia and Melanie dashed forward and started to kick and punch Mikaelsen, while he was dodging and trying to throw something at the girls. While this was happening, Jonas started to lift up slowly from the floor and the Malachite sisters couldn't hit him after a while. Mikaelsen was too high in the air. Junior then fired more rockets at him. Mikaelsen just moved his hand a little and the rockets changed their direction and started to fly back at Xiong. Nick then made one big jump, snapped his fingers and surrounded himself and Junior with the force field. The rockets blew up, leaving both the Hexman and Hei unharmed:
-That was pretty brave, Nick. For a Hexman you're really impressive. I'm sorry I have to put you down-said Mikaelsen and smiled sneeringly to himself-but before I end you, let me take care of the one you thought you could protect!
Jonas then raised his hand, lifting Weiss in the air. She was extremely scared, Nick could clearly see that:
-Hahahahahaha! I'm gonna enjoy crushing her bones on the walls just by moving my hand a little! Mwahahahahahahahahaha!-Mikaelsen said and laughed maniacally
Nick's hate for Tromberg's assistant grew to the maximum. He drew one of his guns and immediately fired it right at Mikaelsen. Of course, he stopped the bullet right before him:
-Hahahahahahaha, you fool! You really thought you could harm me, the great Jonas Nils Mikaelsen, with such a peashooter? Pathetic!
-You can stop laughing now-said Nick and smiled at his enemy with a derisive look
-What?! You dare underestimate me?! Stupid! I could throw you through the window and I wouldn't even have to blink
-Oh? Did you just say you could do that?
-Nick, don't provoke him. He has gone mad now. If you keep doing that he will tear this room apart-Junior said
-Shut up! You're damn annoying!-yelled Nick at Xiong. It was so sudden he and Malachite sisters shivered for a second. But immediately after that he winked at them, confusing them a little bit
-Ah, so you are losing your temper?-said Mikaelsen and laughed
-Oh? Did you just say that?
-Yes, I did! Stop acting retarded, Nick, I'm not falling for that!
-Oh? So now you're the one losing your temper?
-Don't mock me, you ugly prick! I will kill you!
-Is that so? Fine, try it
-Eh? Didn't you just hear me?!
-Look beneath yourself-said Nick and pointed his finger on the ground
-Fool! You think I'll fall for that too?
-Fine then…
Mikaelsen was about to throw something at Van Thorne when he suddenly felt as his hand starts moving slower and slower…and finally stops. Same thing with his other hand. His legs stopped moving either. He was being pulled to the ground:
-Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!
-Hmpf…you didn't notice that, did you? I've put Yrden runes on the ground while I was about to cover Junior. You were focused too much on the Malachite girls and mocking how they couldn't catch you while you were in the air. While in one hand I prepared the force field Quen, the other one managed to synchronize with it and plant Yrden on the ground while I was dashing at Junior. You were already doomed and didn't know it
-I…I…Impossible!-yelled Mikaelsen, already on the ground. Yrden's symbols flashed around him
-Good grief, Mikaelsen. I've already dealt with psychic semblances before. This power mostly focuses on concentration, and telekinesis users such as you are very good at that. That kind of means you can't stop them from concentrating. However…-at that moment Van Thorne paused, corrected his hat a little bit and slowly walked up to unable to move Mikaelsen, who was grinding his teeth in anger-there is one way…for every psychic to lose concentration!
At that moment Nick clenched his fist and threw a quick punch right at Jonas' cheek. The punch was so hard, some of Mikaelsen's teeth went flying and the brads on his glove made him bleed even more. At that moment the green glowing aura disappeared and Weiss landed back on the floor:
-Here you meet your end, Jonas Nils Mikaelsen-said Van Thorne and corrected his glove
-Please forgive me!-Tromberg's assistant cried
-Only Junior can. I have no intention of doing that in the first place. You are a scum I can't stand. We shall see if your former friend will let you pay your debt with money
Nick then walked away from Mikaelsen. He approached Junior slowly, taking his eyes off the opponent:
-What do you wanna do with him?-Nick asked
But then he heard clicking sound right behind him:
-Nick! Hahahahahaha! You thought I will give up so easily? Lahilla never admits defeat, neither will I!-said Mikaelsen. A smile came back on his face. He then pulled the trigger, but the gun didn't fire-Eh? What the hell?
-He should die-said Junior out of the blue
-AAAAAAAAAAGH!-Mikaelsen suddenly screamed and his shirt suddenly became red. A small blade was sticking out from where his lungs are. He dropped the gun and then the blade disappeared. Mikaelsen hit the ground. It was Weiss. She stabbed him from behind. After that Nick quickly ran up to the barely breathing Mikaelsen, stomped on his ribs, took out his gun and aimed it at his forehead:
-Here's your bill-he said and pulled the trigger. The gun fired, this time blasting Mikaelsen's head to smithereens. The blood sprayed a little bit on his coat.
Jonas Nils Mikaelsen, Lahilla's agent working undercover as headmistress' assistant in Haven, Mistral, responsible for big theft, false accusations, financing and profiting from his organisation's operations, destruction of school property, holding hostage and attempted murder of Weiss Schnee, attempted murder of Nicholas Van Thorne, Hei Xiong, Helga Tromberg and Melanie and Miltiades Malachite…perished!
Nick slowly walked up to Weiss. She was cleaning the blood off Myrtenaster with her hand. She really looked disgusted:
-Let me do that-he said and washed the blood off Weiss' rapier quickly with his coat. After that he gave it back-I could have done it myself, you know?
-Yeah, sure you could-said Weiss, sheathed her blade and smiled-but you were taking too long
At that moment all Nick's companions were walking into Tromberg's office. Junior quickly accessed the master controls panel and opened the door to the chemistry classroom. Qrow heard that and ran off to help the headmistress, while the rest were coming inside:
-Weiss?!-Ruby suddenly squeaked
-Ruby?!-Weiss squeaked too
In a blink of an eye the girl with silver eyes tackled the Schnee to the ground, squeezing her in a hug. In the meantime, the rest came inside:
-I thought I knew who he was. I thought we all did-said Sun, standing with his teammates and team ABRN near Mikaelsen's corpse
-Heeeey, Junior! It's been a while, wasn't it?-Yang suddenly said, seeing Xiong again
-Blondie?-Hei was confused. Melanie and Miltia standing behind him just sighed
-Good job, Nick. You really did what was right-said Ren and patted Van Thorne on the arm
-Why did you tell others about Tromberg's job?-Nick said. He was disappointed at the man he thought he can trust
-Jaune insisted. And when I told him, he spread the news everywhere. I…I hope one day you'll forgive me. I hope you understand. I just wanted him to fuck off-said Ren, clearly sad that he let down his friend
-Hey, Nick!-The Hexman suddenly saw another one of his friends, suddenly hanging from the ceiling right in front of him-I watched that duel with the bad guy, you were so awesome!
-Thanks, Nora-Nick replied and smiled awkwardly
Right after that Nora raised her finger and poked his nose:
-Boop-she said, smiled, jumped down and ran off to Ren, who was examining Mikaelsen's corpse
Jaune was walking around, not really doing anything, Pyrrha tried to place some decorations Mikaelsen fell over back where they belong and Blake was talking to Roman. Their conversation was clearly more peaceful now than when it was by the door.
After a little while Qrow came back. He had Tromberg in his hands. Someone else was with him. It was William. Nick immediately got angry, ran up to him and grabbed him by the coat:
-WHERE THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN?!-he yelled
-Nick, relax, one of his legs was malfunctioning. He was repairing it at my room-said Qrow
-I'm really sorry, Nick-said Will
Van Thorne let his friend go and apologized for bursting out with anger so much. Qrow then put Tromberg on the desk. She was barely conscious, but when she saw Junior right next to her, staring at her, she got a little bit more alive:
-What are you…-she tried to say
-Shhhhhhh, it's alright, boss. You're safe. By Maidens, you haven't aged at all
-Hei…I'm so sorry…for all the pain…I caused-said Tromberg, gasping. She still had to rebalance her breath
-Shhhhhhhhh, don't think about that now. Relax. Besides, it wasn't your fault-said Junior, caressed her on the head and turned back to Roman-you know what that means, right?
-Nope, I forgot-replied Torchwick with a sarcasm-Of course I do, dude. Don't worry, we should unlock the district gates in no time, just need to call the right person
And so, that's how the southern district of Mistral, where the riots divided citizens and turned everything into a civil war, started to shine back again. "Dante Will Cry" still works, still only at night, but also with other clubs. People walk outside again in southern Mistral. Henchmen, who were making them scared, now are extremely nice. But even though southern Mistral was happy again, the rest of the town still remained divided in riots. Western district still protests, eastern district held hostage entirely…and northern district, completely isolated.
All our heroes slept well for a couple of days. It seemed like life has returned to its routine circle. Nick was still teaching Grimmistics, maybe this time with a more expanded class. After classes he was always meeting up with his friends, hanging out and generally having good time. Ruby and Blake mended their ways with Torchwick, but Roman decided to not visit Haven too often now. Same thing went for Junior and Malachite sisters, who were all busy with the club. Will stayed at Qrow's room, while Branwen himself even started to come to Nick's lessons. Tromberg's office was rebuilt back to how it looked like before Mikaelsen sounded the alarm and she herself enjoyed her life as a headmistress, even though she now had more duties without her assistant. Everything was back to normal in Haven. Until one day when Tromberg was checking her e-mail box. Seeing a certain message made her spit her hot coffee everywhere. When she cleaned it up she immediately called Nick and Will into her room. When they arrived she covered her face in her hands:
-I don't even know how to put in words how bad news I've just received
-What's wrong, Helga?-asked Will. He already started to call her by the name after he got to know her better
-Someone…someone alerted Atlas! They are sending military to us for protection. You can probably guess who will lead them. This doesn't mean they will protect us, more like the opposite-said Tromberg
-Hm? Who is it?-Asked Nick, even though he was already getting an idea about who it might be
-Winter Schnee and her father, Harland
-WHAT?!-William's human eye almost popped out of the socket. Then both Van Thorne and Vengh realized who was that
-WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSS!-they both screamed as loud as they could in anger
