Chapter 10: Everlasting

"Ah ha! Finally found you." Dusk exclaimed, having lifted the pillow resting on Sylvia's bed to reveal his missing cap. His violet beret didn't appear to have any extra creases despite its hiding place for the past twenty four hours. Giving it a reassuring pat, he scowled at the culprit. "I don't want to find this anywhere but the location I leave it in. Is that clear?"

Sylvia continued fiddling with large wires, on her hands and knees as she stuck her head inside of the wide nightstand. Dusk thought she almost didn't hear him until she muttered "Yeah, yeah, do me a favor and hand me that knife." The Faunus nodded, searching for the requested item.

"What do you need a knife for?" Ash asked from his bed. He had been watching the two girls toy with the table and devices, though Dusk wasn't sure if he was overseeing their work or just waiting to watch an inevitable disaster. He sat cross legged, face unreadable as ever. "Don't you already have a sharp tool?"

The sound of her head banging off the inside of the nightstand was followed by her exclaiming "That's right! Hand me my battle axe!"

"No no-no-no-no!" Dusk interrupted, pulling the massive weapon out of Monica's grip. "What are you doing that requires a knife?"

"I'm trying to get this bad boy set up." Was her response, patting the holoscreen base and game console. "But there's too many damn cords, so I'm gonna cut a hole in the-"

"Please just leave it to me." Dusk brought his palm over his face, something he was sure would start to leave a mark. He turned to his team leader with disappointment. "And you allowed this."

"It's gonna be fun when it's ready!"

"That's not important right now."

"Are you implying fun isn't important?" Monica replied.

"Are you implying we'll have time between classes and studying to play it?"

"It was the last thing to unpack, anyways."

"Or at least," Sylvia added, still sprawled on the floor. "It would be the last thing to unpack if you let us help with your stuff."

"Really? Ash is done already?" He cast a glance at the other male teammate, his portion of the room almost barren outside of his pack, bed and dresser. Even the dresser he presumed held no more than three changes of clothing. Ash shrugged as a response.

"I was trained to pack lightly. Very lightly."

Shaking his head, and forcing Sylvia away from the nightstand with a stern expression, Dusk examined the inside of the TV stand. "All right, it looks like this shouldn't be too difficult to wire up. You don't need a hole to begin with." After cycling the bundle of cords around the bottom of the table, it was pretty much done. They just needed to place the console and the screen itself.

The two girls were overjoyed when the screen came to life, and the words 'Remnant Racer III' appeared with a brief but epic musical number. Rushing past him, they pulled out their Scrolls, ready to begin until Dusk cleared his throat. "I hope you don't plan on playing anytime soon. We still have to get breakfast."

"Oh yeah." Monica added with realization. "While we're at it, could you set up the microwave?"

"Why do we have a microwave?"

Almost as if not understanding the question, Monica tilted her head while saying "To cook stuff?"

Dusk groaned as he crossed his arms. He didn't know if he wanted an answer to this, but he still needed to ask. "Is there anything else I'm going to want to know about?"

(-)

Prof. Teikoss' stomach rumbled, the only other sound alongside his heavy footsteps in the empty hallway. He hardly took notice, brow furrowed as he studied his Scroll. Despite his technological deficiencies, after several minutes of trying, he had found the data he was looking for. Viridian Dren; a promising individual with exceptional strength, despite an unfriendly demeanor. The titan couldn't hold back a quiet growl as he read on the other information. He took a long sip from the mug of coffee, his skeptical thoughts on the student filling his mind.

"Whatcha lookin at?" An eager voice erupted from beside him. He didn't need to look over to tell who it was, and his own groan notified the speaker that he knew. Prof. Vidal peeked over his shoulder anyway, invasive as usual. "Hey, I think I know that kid."

"What do you want, Zafiro?" Tyrian grumbled. He had hoped the artist would detect the lack of amusement in his tone, though he knew it was useless.

"Oh, c'mon..." He emphasized the 'c'mon' for a second too long. "I've known you for a whole nine years. You and me, we're jolly buds, aren't we?" He began chuckling, dragging that out longer than normal as well. It didn't take long for Tyrian to guess what he was failing to hide, a smile forcing it's way on his face.

"It's Lily again, isn't it."

"So what do you think she'll like this time? I've tried the usual; flowers, chocolates, promises I don't intend to keep..." The gleeful teacher began counting his methods off his fingers. "Maybe you'll have a good suggestion for me."

"In all the time she's worked here with you hounding her for a date, I think the one thing she wants from you is space."

"But then how will she thank me from twenty yards away? There's gotta be something I can... Are those skid marks?"

Tyrian pulled away from his Scroll, following Zafiro's line of sight. On the floor, just beyond the exit of the kitchen, were indents as though something was dragged. Something heavy. The marks seem to hiccup down the hall, shifting between normal and scratched steel tiles. They repeated up until a certain point a fair distance away, where there was no sight of them continuing.

The two teachers heard murmuring behind the door to their side. No doubt, there was some investigation of sorts under way. Returning to his serious, professional front, Prof. Teikoss stepped over the grooves in the flooring, saying "You said you recognized this one?" He showed the artist his Scroll.

Though dubious, Prof. Vidal followed suit, studying the image and notations on the device. "Yeah, that one. Vermillion, isn't it?"

"Viridian."

"Are you sure?"

Annoyance surfaced on his face. "It's written right there."

"What about him? He seems all right to me. Just a little... pouty."

"Just a gut feeling." Prof. Teikoss supposed. He hid the Scroll, pushing his thoughts on the individual to the back of his mind.

(-)

"You stole an entire refrigerator?!"

Everyone in team Canvas snapped awake at the sound of someone roaring that sentence at the top of their lungs. The shouting came from the room opposite theirs, and Viridian was the first to slump back in his bed, grumbling away. Although the notion of falling back to sleep was tempting, Coal urged his faltering limbs to action. The aching of his body had eased, but the strain on his mind from his agonizing time spent alone with Sera just wouldn't leave.

The woman in mention seemed almost as irritated as Viridian had, yet straightened up in concentration. Poor Azure he didn't bother checking, making his way to the bathroom. Once inside, he splashed water on his face at the sink, the chilled water both soothing and jolting his drowsiness away. Coal gazed into his reflection, stone grey eyes staring back, riddled with a hidden exhaustion. He looked like... Well, like manure, to put it bluntly. A soft moaning and he began getting ready for his second day of torture.

Clothed and more awake, he emerged to find Seraphina fully dressed and prepared, cosmetics and all. She was sitting on the chair next to her bed, eyes closed once again. "What's she doing?" He blurted, before being shushed by her.

"Checking for orders from him." Viridian replied as he lurched by Coal, pushing past and entering the bathroom. Seraphina hissed another request for silence. He heard the door creak closed behind him, still left with questions. And then he noticed Azure. Or rather, he noticed Azure's empty bed with the girl nowhere to be found. Her combat gear was gone, though other possessions remained. It still set Coal uneasy.

The clicking of nails tapping a hardened surface caught his attention. While Coal was working up a silent panic, Seraphina was still sitting, still waiting. She tapped her finger against the arm of the chair in a constant beat. It seemed like it was getting more and more aggressive over time. The tapping stopped, and a grin spread on her lips. She ascended, a hand flowing through her hair.

"Azure went to visit her parents."

Coal felt relieved, but afterwards a tinge of annoyance as he rolled his eyes. What, is Team Leader just a meaningless title here? His thoughts interrupted by a door slamming open. Viridian emerged from the bathroom clothed and refreshed. Or as refreshed he can look while frowning. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

Well? Do we have any orders? He demanded.

We do. Sera nodded. He wants you get your act together. Viridian rolled his eyes in response.

Was this how every morning was going to start, forever? These two, annoying each other to no end?

Sera relaxed her posture, eyes narrowing. Lord Sorrell wishes to speak with us. This evening. Viridian returned her darkened expression, before tension relieving from his body.

"Finally." He began stretching, bones and joints cracking. If Coal didn't know better, he would've mistaken it for excitement. "Any details?"

"None. But," The psychic smiled. "Jacques Schnee is leaving tomorrow, according to the media. It isn't difficult to put two and two together."

"SDC, huh..."

Just like when they first met, Coal felt out of the loop. But, as Sera said, it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out what that has do with them. Just as he was starting to concentrate, Azure arrived, the opening door drawing their attention. Her helmet was shielding her face, but the girl still felt the need to shrink back the tiniest bit. Awkward silence permeated around them.

"G-... Good morning..." Azure mumbled. Her greeting brought a smile to Coal's face, realizing this was the first time anyone here had actually said anything like it in this room. What little fatigue still lingered was flushed out with his surprise.

"Good morning, Azure." He replied warmly, still smiling. "Listen, we've got a mission from him."

(-)

"I am pleased to see you acquired my message." Sorrell announced to his small audience. The four had survived another day of school, and wasted no time in coming to Sorrell's beck and call. They emerged through the gaping doors leading to his gaudy chamber, where he sat like a ruler, bored with his surroundings as he cast curious and excited eyes between the four.

"Lord Sorrell." Seraphina said, kneeling before him. Azure followed suit, and despite the helmet still concealing her expression, Coal didn't have to guess that the stern gaze of the woman in black at Sorrell's side was the source of her disciplined and respectful actions.

Coal realized he was next in line, bowing in an awkward manner, offering a hesitant "H-Hiya..." The aristocrat seemed to sneer in return, most amused indeed. And then his eyes fell upon the last of the four; Viridian. The gladiator scowled at him. Coal noticed a peculiar burning in his eyes. Although Viridian's eyes always held a sense of mild irritation and anger, something that had become the norm, those seemed casual in comparison to the fury in his eyes now, as if his gaze alone could bore a hole through the classy gentleman.

"So what do you want?" He barked, earning him a snicker from his target. Midna, the mystery woman Coal was still unacquainted with, stirred from her passive stance. Her hands trembled as the blades along her wrists extended forth. She was gritting her teeth, stepping forth. But the woman only got one footstep before a hand stopped her.

"Midna." Sorrell chided, tone like ice. "I never gave the order, did I? Would you kindly lower your weapons?"

Midna's expression lightened, retracting to passivity along with her standing. "Of course, sir. My apologies."

"I still want an answer." Viridian demanded. He had crossed his arms now, and Coal wished to be anywhere but between these clashing auras. Having satiated his amusement, Sorrell relaxed in his seat, yet still looked composed as an artwork.

"How goes school? I trust you're all learning much, about each other as you are your other friends and comrades." Coal might have imagined him chuckling with simple delight had the speaker been anyone else. The aristocrat's tone grew heavy. "While you have no technical deadline for your reports of the school grounds and attendees, I still request haste with your work. The sooner I know what's going on in that playground of Ironwood's, the better.

"In the meantime, I'm sure you've heard the news. Jacques Schnee, owner and president of the SDC, will be departing from Atlas tomorrow. There is already word of it in the news and media. What he didn't tell others is that it is actually tonight he will be leaving. With the growing boldness of the White Fang, however foolhardy it may be, he can never take enough countermeasures to ensure his own safety.

"Which is precisely why I'll have you four infiltrate the legendary Schnee Mansion." Coal's blood froze as he met Sorrell's gaze with uncertainty. "Oh, I am quite serious. Jacques is an interesting, avaricious fool, and quite useful, too. He's battling his own arrogance and paranoia. He can't seem to decide if his impenetrable fortress is secure enough. I think it would be a good idea to settle these worries of his. While I will be meeting with him for his departure, you will access his computer and bring back to me anything useful."

He interrupted his own rambling with chuckles, saying "Oh, why not? Bring me back everything." Sorrell checked his Scroll, smile spreading. "It's almost time. Come, children. There is work to be done." Coal waited for the others to rise first, still hesitant. Even when the others followed, his own body disobeyed him, frozen and rooted. Until he felt someone bump into him, rather with the force behind it, he was the only one pushed back. Midna glared back as she passed.

Coal gulped. So this was what I had pledged allegiance to. His eyes met those of Sorrell, shining and curious, almost coercing. Coal rose without another thought, following quickly. "So to summarize, these are you orders. And I expect them to be followed thoroughly; intrude upon the mansion and do not be seen. Does that answer all your questions, Viridian?"

Viridian said nothing. Coal wasn't certain if he was still glaring at Sorrell, who had halted, pausing their walk. "That reminds me. Viridian, destroy every android you can find inside."

(-)

The limousine came to a gradual stop, Sorrell ignorant of the slight jerking of the vehicle as he closed his eyes and waited. His faint smile never faltered as the door swayed open, left ajar above the roof. He did, however, hold back a sneer as the limousine shifted with the entry of an individual. What did surprise him was more teetering. His expression shifting into a frown, Sorrell opened his eyes and discovered not one, but two visitors to his vehicle.

Jacques Schnee made himself at home immediately, one leg crossed over the other as he leaned his arm on the back of the seat. The stranger was a young boy, hair just as white, with proper, expensive clothing and an eager look. His posture was impressive, though the bobbing of one leg showed giddiness. Jacques' son, Whitley Schnee, stared at Sorrell with fascination.

"Welcome, Mr. Schnee." He blinked with annoyance after a glance at the child. "Forgive me, I was not prepared to meet your son so soon, I would have brought nonalcoholic refreshments."

Jacques waved it off, saying "It's quite all right, Mr. Alaric. May I present to you my prodigious son, Whitley."

The boy wasted no time in extending a hand towards the disinterested adult. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. You cannot fathom how overjoyed this meeting is for me."

"Likewise." Sorrell answered, tone betraying his words. Jacques half scoffed, half laughed.

"Is something wrong, Mr. Alaric? Surely, you have heirs of your own?"

"I haven't the delight to say I do, no. Tell me, Whitley, has your father informed you of our business trades? Seeing as you are a potential candidate for inheritance, it would be fitting for our introductions to include promise of good business."

"No, but I am excited to hear the good word of future partnership." The boy replied with enthusiastic energy, something that bothered him even further.

"Then consider me your newest friend." Sorrell forced a warm smile, before turning to Mr. Schnee. "We are heading to your private hanger, correct?" After receiving a nod, the aristocrat tapped the glass separating passengers and driver. The door closed and the limousine was mobile once again. "Are you certain you should be leaving your home so vulnerable?"

Jacques fidgeted, his eyes narrowed. "The family household is well protected. I had ordered the latest Atlesian Knights from Ironwood himself to watch over it. Nothing can go wrong."

Sorrell eyed the lone drop of sweat running down Jacques' throat, grin spreading. "Isn't such a declaration just asking for something to go wrong? The White Fang have become rather...vibrant of late. And you know you're a prime target." He chuckled. "But I suppose it would be nothing, I'm sure. After all, if the White Fang were to attack your home and succeed, then it would help add to your innocence as a supporter of Faunus rights. As another victim of mindless terrorism. We all must help to put an end to this everlasting strife"

He relished the glare he was receiving, coupled with the increased perspiration Mr. Schnee was failing to withhold. T'will be a long, lovely ride.