This is a little later than planned and I'm sorry, I just horrifically procrastinated with the drop of DLC 3 for Black Ops 3 (Zombies for life). Other personal reasons stopped me from writing yesterday but I'm not going to go into that. Also, I'm going to announce the poll results at the end and what the crossover will be, only fair since I took so long.
Reviews!
Noob6: Metal Gear Rising Revengeance. Loved that game and the whole MG franchise (MGS4 final boss and ending was perfect!). With Amber's surname, she has no official surname on the wiki so I picked Keziah.
amvmaster: Yup.
Dog: Cheers buddy :)
kyrogue23: I want Cole's combat style to develop, especially for the upcoming arc, spamming rockets doesn't really work anymore.
As always, enjoy!
Beacon – Ozpin's Office:
A Conduit's healing capabilities cannot be taken lightly, especially with a Conduit like Cole MacGrath. Said Conduit could heal deep wounds and organ ruptures in a matter of seconds, with enough electricity to drain of course. But no level of healing could remove the lingering pain on Cole's left cheek as he sat in front of Ozpin, tidied up and smartly dressed in his blue tinted work clothes. Propped against his leg was the Amp, battered and deteriorating. Ozpin, like always, sat casually in his chair with a large mug of coffee, his eyes scanning Cole from behind the beverage.
"So let me get this straight." Ozpin began, taking a sip. "You went off to train for two weeks."
"Yep." Cole replied, wanting to get this report to Ozpin over.
"You killed two Alpha Grimm and their respective packs." Ozpin continued.
"Dead." Answered Cole bluntly.
"Then Amber proceeded to slap you for wasting-"
"Wasting her time. Yes, it's like I just told you this." Cole said sarcastically.
Ozpin breathed in deeply through his nose, then closed his eyes and sighed loudly. "You really need to avoid going on surprise vacations, Mr MacGrath."
"And Amber needs to spend less time around Glynda." Cole retorted, rubbing his cheek subconsciously. Ozpin chuckled a little at Cole's misfortune, quite aware of Glynda's aggressive tendencies when irritated. Leaning back him his chair, Ozpin sipped at his coffee before continuing.
"Perhaps the best course of action would be to converse with Amber over your class. After all, you will be teaching again tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah." Responded Cole, standing up to leave, retrieving his weapon as he rose. He decided to take Ozpin's advice, heading for the adult accommodation.
"Cole." Ozpin called after him, stopping the Conduit halfway between his chair and the elevator. Cole turned to see a serious look on Ozpin's face.
"Yes?" Cole answered.
"Do not hesitate to ask for help. Any and all of us are here to aid you in finding your place in Remnant." Ozpin's voice was sincere, forcing Cole to smile slightly and nod his head. The Headmaster returned the gesture, allowing Cole to leave. Opening his Scroll, a message from Qrow sat waiting for Ozpin to read:
Queen's Pawns elusive, maintain caution.
Beacon Courtyard:
Fresh air was always welcome to Cole, it made a nice change to the overpowering stench of coffee that inhabited Ozpin's office. Aura must have some effect with limiting the negative results of drinking too much coffee, or Ozpin and Oobleck would have died already from coffee alone. Scanning the courtyard, Cole noticed it was practically empty, an unusual occurrence for a Sunday. Not that he minded the peace and quiet. Sitting down on one of the benches, Cole relaxed for the first time in weeks. Sure Forever Fall was tranquil, but with the ever-present threat of Grimm, Cole couldn't stop for long. Leaning back into the bench, Cole laid his weapon across his lap and shut his eyes. In retrospect, how long had it been since he had properly relaxed? Ever since the Blast, Cole always had some looming threat to deal with. It had been about two months since the Blast, relatively speaking, yet Cole felt like he'd been fighting all his life. Life never could be simple for the twenty-six year old Conduit.
With his eyes shut, Cole could feel a presence walking up to his bench, a small amount of weight creaking the opposite end to Cole. Normally the Conduit would have said something, but he couldn't bring himself to disturb the momentary tranquillity he had discovered. This left an awkward silence between Cole and his unknown neighbour, at least until a young voice piped up.
"Lien for your thoughts, Professor?" Female, young, elegant. To most the voice would have simply been one of a young woman, but the kindness of the voice betrayed who it was.
"No need, Pyrrha." Cole said, identifying the girl without opening an eye. "Just enjoying the quiet for once."
Cole could feel Pyrrha shift in her seat, a sign of the girl changing her method of conversation. "Oh… well, you wouldn't mind if I joined you then?"
"Go ahead. If you answer a question for me first." Cole offered.
"I don't see why not." Pyrrha said happily. Professor and student sat beside each other in a brief silence, neither wanting to ruin the atmosphere, but Pyrrha's impatience got the better of her. "So… what did you want to ask me?"
Cole opened his eyes and tilted his head slightly to look at his student. "Hmm? Oh, right the question." Sighing loudly, Cole continued. "I've been away two whole weeks, I guess… I guess I want to know what you all think of me."
Pyrrha was taken aback by what Cole was asking, mulling it over for a few seconds before answering. "That's… quite a loaded question. I mean, I can't answer that on behalf the others but… I can say that I believe you to be stronger than all of us. Not in the physical and combative way, but the emotional and mental way. You've fought and lost so much in a short space of time, yet still haven't lost what makes you human."
"I certainly didn't feel like a human back in New Marais." Cole said sadly.
"That's what impresses me, and a few others will probably agree. You regained your humanity. We see you smile and laugh, and you saved Ruby despite the risks. You did what any of us would do for each other. I guess that scores you a few points in our books." Pyrrha concluded.
Cole moved back to his relaxed state, closing his eyes again. "Thank you, that means a lot." Feeling the friendly sentiment being sent back, Cole changed topics. "Enough about me, I would've thought you'd be enjoying the company of your team. Something wrong?"
"What?! N-no, just taking a breather… from Nora." Pyrrha blurted out, the last part obviously just made up.
Cole opened his right eye to see a rather red-faced Pyrrha. "Oh really? I have a sneaking suspicion that isn't the case. Guy trouble? Or do you swing the other way?"
Pyrrha went even redder, stammering multiple times before answering properly. "I'm not even sure how to explain this… to a teacher I mean."
"Pyrrha, I'm hardly older than you kids, it's not like your saying this to Ozpin." Cole said semi-seriously, finally opening both eyes and leaning forward.
The Spartan breathed deeply, speaking clearly. "I've been a form of celebrity since my training back in Mistral. Never once losing a fight. It brought me fans and fame, but also loneliness." Cole shifted, being the centre of attention was something he knew very well. "Most people regarded me as the Invincible Girl, and that was all I was. At least until I met Jaune."
Cole narrowed his eyes, silently processing this information while speaking. "Normally I'd say just tell him straight up you like him. I'm sensing a 'but' though."
Pyrrha nodded. "Jaune's only got eyes for another girl."
"And does she like him?" Cole asked.
Pyrrha actually laughed a little. "She'd never date him in a million years."
Cole smirked. "Then what's the problem? Just be patient and tell him when you're ready."
"Of course... I guess because this is all new to me I'm worrying too much. Thank you, Professor." Pyrrha smiled, getting up to rejoin her team.
"You're welcome." Cole said with a smile. "Oh and Nikos." Pyrrha turned her giving a small hum of acknowledgement. "If Jaune says yes, make the most of what you have. Being in love with Trish gave me some of the greatest moments of my life." The Spartan nodded with a smile, finally leaving Cole to himself. Leaning back into the bench, Cole once more soaked up the tranquillity of the courtyard. Soft, warm sunlight, accompanied by a light breeze. The air was clear and natural, completely different to the polluted stench of Empire City and New Marais. Aside from the criminals and the monsters of evil, this world was bliss to Cole, and in a way he was glad he ended up here.
"As much as I'm enjoying the ambience, don't you have someone you need to apologise to?" Interrupted John, his voice echoing in Cole's mind.
Huffing loudly, Cole jabbed back at John. "Way to ruin the moment, John. Since when did you become my secretary?"
"The minute my existence became entwined with yours, Cole." John answered bluntly, obviously attempting to move Cole on rather than be side-tracked into a telepathic conversation.
"Seriously, you can be such a mood killer." Cole groaned as he forced himself up off the bench.
"Tough shit, MacGrath. You're stuck with me for life." John taunted, making Cole sigh in defeat.
"Let's just… go see Amber." Cole muttered, slinging the Amp onto the magnet holster laced into the back of his suit. Satisfied that the weapon was secure, Cole trudged off towards the faculty living quarters.
Amber's Room – Ten Minutes Later:
Loud knocking on her door disturbed Amber. Not that she was doing much, napping with her head resting on a pile of test papers. Between the work on Saturday and the late night retrieval of Cole, she was exhausted, even after a good night of sleep. Amber wore her casual clothes, the ones she had travelled around Remnant in, minus the golden armoured boots, bracer and pauldron. Giving out a tired groan, Amber pushed away from her desk, stretching out her limbs and yawning as she stood up. Walking slowly to the door, Amber unlocked it and opened it just enough to peer out. Outside waited Cole, leaning on the doorframe casually.
"Hey Amber. Mind if I come in?" Cole asked softly. Yawning once more, Amber disappeared behind the door and pulled it wide open. With a gesture, Amber let Cole in, the man slowly walking in. Once inside he turned to Amber. "Thanks."
"So, how can I help you, Cole?" The Maiden asked, slight impatience and lethargy in her voice.
"Uh… not really how you can help me, the other way round sounds about right." Cole corrected hesitantly. Amber blinked with tired eyes, slowly realising Cole had come to help.
"An apology would be a nice start." Amber snapped with the intent of intimidation, but the sleepiness in her voice just made Cole laugh. With the Conduit laughing at her, Amber took the first action that popped into her head, slapping Cole right across the cheek. Though not as rage fuelled as the slap in Forever Fall, Cole still felt it.
"ARGH! Jeez Amber, is this going to become a thing? If so you better carry ice packs." Instinctively, Cole walked to the nearest power socket, touching a hand to it and draining a little electricity. After a brief moment, the crackling of electricity stopped, Cole removing his hand from his slapped cheek. Swivelling to face Amber, he found her wrapping her arms around him, a face of apology having replaced the exhausted visage.
"I'm sorry, Cole, I shouldn't have hit you like that. I just… I'm tired from all this work and was worried." Amber's hug tightened a little.
Cole didn't understand Amber's sudden change in tone, not fully reciprocating the embrace. "Worried? What do you have to be worried about? You're completely safe here at Beacon."
Breaking away, Amber's caring expression flickered, half glaring at Cole. "Not for my own safety, you idiot. For yours."
Smirking, the Conduit tried to dismiss Amber's worries. "I'll be fine. You've seen what I've been through."
"That's exactly my point!" Snapped Amber, raising her voice a little. "You've fought constantly for too long, and now you're being reckless. Ever since we met, you've caused me more and more trouble."
Leaning with his back against a wall, Cole sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, alright? I'm trying to fix myself but I have scars that won't fade." Reaching to his back, Cole drew the Amp, running a hand along the weapon. Seeing this, Amber's expression softened.
"Then like I've told you before, let me help you. Ozpin may have hired you to be my unofficial bodyguard, but what I see is the first true friend I've had in years." Amber stepped closer, placing a hand on the Amp to gain Cole's full attention. "I don't want to lose you to any self-destructive tendencies."
"You know what? I could almost say the same." Cole gestured to the piles of paperwork on Amber's desk, smirking. He was expecting another glare or a slap, but Amber just laughed lightly. "What I can say, is that I share the idea of us being great friends. Besides John, I don't exactly have any other friends." Cole's gaze returned to the Amp. "Well… not since then."
Again Amber hugged Cole, the compassion that all Maiden's shared for others flowing from her actions. Her words were soft, caring, and calming. "You may not be able to go back and see him now, but Zeke will be proud of what you've become."
Cole smiled, returning the hug willingly. "I know. I can't believe I'm offering but… need any help with that paperwork?"
Amber chuckled. "Thanks for offering, but do you really think you can mark tests on my side of the Aura course?"
"Ah. No, I don't think I could, but uh… maybe I can stay for moral support?" Cole said, releasing Amber. The Maiden smiled, pondered the idea, and then agreed.
"Fine. But any sarcastic remarks and I'm kicking your ass out."
Cole grinned, resting the Amp against a wall and grabbing a chair to sit next to Amber's. Satisfied, Cole spoke to Amber jokingly. "Deal, Boss Lady."
Aura Manipulation and Control Class (AMC) – Monday:
With any form of educational establishment, rumours spread like contagious diseases, latching onto host after host. These rumours can be dangerous, like a flu. Or they can be harmless and more of an annoyance, like the Common Cold. While not dangerous, the rumour bouncing around AMC was that Professor Kessler had returned. While most had no concrete evidence, only supposed sightings, JNPR and RWBY knew better. Naturally, the staff had asked for privacy in regards to Cole's return, not that it stopped the news spreading. The two teams were a mixed bag of views on the return, mostly positive opinions. Nora, on the other hand, was sulking. All bar Ren were a little worried with Nora's reserved attitude, but Ren knew that Nora would cheer up very soon. The reason behind Nora's behaviour was that she had slept all the way through Cole's destruction of a Grimm horde. Any normal person would've been glad to sleep through the carnage, but not Nora.
Arms crossed over her desk and her head resting on top, Nora huffed as she watched the clock. "Ren. I'm booooored."
Ren simply patted Nora on the head. "Soon, Nora, soon." Nora grumbled, muttering gibberish with the odd 'pancake' audible. Next to JNPR, RWBY were in discussion.
"I'm glad I don't have to be taught by Professor Keziah anymore." Commented Yang. "Don't get me wrong, she's a great teacher, I simply prefer Kessler's methods better."
"The class is divided to suit skill type rather than skill level. It is most beneficial to our studies." Stated Weiss, quite openly fond of Professor Keziah's teaching style over Kessler's.
Ruby then chose to chip in on the conversation. "No matter who teaches you, we'll still be awesome after four years of their teaching!"
"That's something we can all agree on, Ruby." Commented Blake from behind her latest novel.
Every girl (minus Blake) nodded with approval, just for the classroom door to creak open. In stepped Professor Keziah, carrying a massive binder which held everything she had planned and had done for her class throughout the year. Most students assumed that because her uniform was her formal teaching outfit that the lesson was going to be a slow, theory-based lesson. Adding to this idea was the lack of any appearance by Professor Kessler.
Amber addressed her class with her usual warm manner. "Good morning class. I'll be brief not to waste any time. Could all those taking the Combat Aura training head to arena five." Looks were shared between the students, those who took Combat Aura training pushing up out of their seats. "Please grab your weaponry quickly from your lockers on the way. A teacher will be waiting for you."
"Well, catch ya later Weiss!" Ruby said, Weiss giving a dismissive wave as she was left behind by her team. With new spaces available, Pyrrha and Ren shuffled up next to Weiss, at least once Ren had managed to make Nora leave with the offer of pancakes.
"Are you sure Nora's alright?" Pyrrha asked Ren, who sighed.
"Of course, she's always been like this when she misses out. Odds are she'll cheer up by the end of this class, if the teacher is who we think it is."
Arena Five – At the same time:
Cramming notes into your head never works just before a lesson, being either teacher or student. Cole was far from the exception, having to catch up on two weeks' worth of teaching while having spent most of Sunday helping Amber. Thankfully he had managed to squeeze a small table off in the dark corner of the arena, decorated messily with the files and grades of his students. At times like these, Cole wished that small electric devices didn't explode in his hands. Fed up with forcing knowledge into his mind, Cole decided to limber up before the students arrived. Beginning with a few stretches, Cole made his way to the centre of the arena. Drawing the Amp, slow, deliberate swings were made to warm up. Content with his strikes, Cole began to move faster, opting for flashier, acrobatic attacks. Leaping up high, Cole twisted his body to be near horizontal, spinning so that his one-handed grip struck downwards. This was followed up by a pivot on his landing foot, sweeping low and wide. Making the circular sweep, Cole then rose up with a two-handed uppercut. Jumping to meet the invisible foe he'd uppercut, the Conduit struck downwards again, but finished with an execution spearing with the prongs of the Amp into the ground.
A mass of electrical signals eased their way into Cole's mind, meaning that his class was close to arriving. Standing up straight, he brushed down and smoothed out his suit, taking off the jacket and laying it across the desk in the corner. Chatting students began to flow into the arena, taking seats in the stands that overlooked the arena. Most gave confused looks, scanning the arena for their teacher and finding nothing. The Faunus among the students could see clearly, pointing at Cole, who grinned in the corner. Tapping the Amp on the arena floor loudly, all eyes concentrated on the arena corner. With all attention on him, Cole strode out with the Amp resting on his right shoulder.
"All right kids, sit down, we've got a lot to catch up on." Apart from the members of JNPR and RWBY, everyone was stunned. None of the other students had seen Cole's neutral look. Small chatter echoed in the stands, all questioning Professor Kessler's appearance. "Now, it is best we start with basic projection of Aura as a weapon. Simplest way, use your own weapon as a conduit for your Aura." As a demonstration, Cole raised the Amp, pointing it at a wall and letting a short burst of electricity surge out from the prongs. "Although mine is permanently mixed with lightning Dust," a necessary lie. "The idea is the same." Returning briefly to his notes in the corner, a candidate was picked to demonstrate.
"Jaune Arc, hop on down here. You're high reserve of Aura should make this child's play." From the stands Jaune gulped, walking down the steps nervously and onto the arena. "Good. Now, draw only your sword and focus your Aura into it. I'm well aware that Professor Keziah taught you this." Eyes tracked Jaune as he drew Crocea Mors, holding it out in front of himself two-handed. A slight pause happened, followed by a soft white glow. "Alright, now hold that for a bit." Cole paced round Jaune, watching him maintain the glow. Content with the boy's progress, the Conduit enlarged the distance between them, stood with his hands in his pockets a few metres away.
"What is Professor Kessler doing?" Asked Ruby quietly, intently watching Jaune's sword.
Blake answered before Yang, both were going to say the same thing anyway. "Being the punching bag."
"Good job, Jaune. Now I want you to swing your sword downwards in my direction, and let go of the Aura held in it." Jaune almost lost concentration, staring with disbelief at the Professor.
"You want me to… hit you?" Jaune asked incredulously.
"Bingo." Quipped Cole, crossing his arms waiting. Noticing the hesitation, Cole reassured Jaune. "I'll be fine. I'm a professional." Jaune nodded, steadying his stance and raising and slashing down with his sword. A cry of effort accompanied his movement. To everyone's surprise, the technique worked perfectly, a white crescent of Aura tearing through the air at Cole. Without blinking, the Professor raised an arm. In a split second the Aura Slash was destroyed, shattered by Cole swiping his right arm through it with force. Normally people would gawk at the display of strength from Cole, but this time the fact that Jaune pulled off the technique first time shocked people more, especially Team CRDL.
Slowly Cole's arm lowered, moving back into a clapping motion with his other arm. "I believe Port would say 'bravo'." The lesson was then opened up to those seated. "That was a simple use of Aura offensively that isn't Dust or Semblance. Through practice and in certain cases, emotion, Huntsmen can alter the shape, speed or power. But the real fine tuning is preventing Aura depletion, what Professor Keziah teaches. General practice will help reduce the cost of using Aura, but only her class will make it like you've never even used any. Oh… and I forgot to mention that weapons play a huge factor in the shape of the Aura attacks.
With a clap on the back by Cole, Jaune was sent back to his seat, high-fived and applauded by his friends. Now the class was underway for real, students stepping up in pairs to produce consistent Aura attacks. Ruby struggled due to Crescent Rose's shape, someone Cole would have to help more than others. Yang eventually figured she could mimic a sword edge by making her hand into a karate chop shape. Blake was by far the best, effortlessly creating slash after slash using Cole's directions. Nora's heart wasn't in it at first, but soon she created a larger shockwave of Aura than anyone else, which instantly catapulted her mood from sulking to glee. Cole smiled at their progress all the way until the bell rang for the end. Teaching a topic that technically he couldn't do himself was quite fun to the Conduit, providing a challenge he got paid for.
"Maybe I'll get Amber something nice as thanks on payday." Thought Cole as he reviewed the notes Amber had given him. Gathering up the notes tidily, Cole made a few edits about the progress of each student. "If they keep up like this, I'll have to ask about allowing spars."
Vale Docks – Evening:
Finding a man who not only didn't exist, document wise at least, and had not been seen in public at all, was the most tedious task Roman Torchwick had ever been set. Methodically searching Vale top to bottom without alerting the authorities was the first idea. Second was the customary trip to Vale's top info broker, Junior. Naturally the man knew nothing about Cole MacGrath, but said he'd keep his ears and eyes open for anyone matching his description. Now the crime lord resided in a dingy warehouse, accompanied only by Neo, some lowly thugs, and the White Fang. Sat in a worn leather armchair, in a poor excuse of an office, Roman weighed his options Aggravated and burning through resources, Roman decided calling his 'employer' was the best course of action.
As soon as the call connected, Cinder spoke with her sultry tone. "Ah, Roman. Do you bring me good news?"
Roman snorted with displeasure. "You wish. Your Electric Man is a ghost, zero evidence that the man exists apart from your word."
A soft sigh of disappointment escaped Cinder's mouth. "That is truly disappointing, Roman. Tell me, have you considered Beacon at all in your search?"
"Why would I? None of us could ever infiltrate Beacon, Ozpin does his checks very thoroughly." Roman had tried to get men on the inside of Beacon, working as janitors or security guards, but every single one had been arrested within a week of applying.
"Then we wait, keep our greeting for him well prepared. By the time I arrive, he may show himself." Cinder's tone was getting gradually more serious, but still retained the seductive hints.
"And what if our greeting goes south?" Roman asked.
"Don't worry your head about that, Roman. I have an associate who is more than willing to help us deal with Cole, if we have to resort to killing him." The Crime Boss had a feeling he knew exactly who Cinder meant, and if it was, then Roman was going to avoid being anywhere near when shit hit the fan.
"Killing him would be the easiest way to deal with him." Roman stated, wanting to avoid unnecessary complications.
Again Cinder sighed with disappointment, lecturing the criminal. "This is why I'm in charge, Roman. Cole MacGrath possesses power that even my benefactor has not seen. And I want it, whether he joins me or not."
Not one to argue with a woman who could incinerate you, Roman conceded. "Fine, I'll have the usual route kept clear for you."
"Excellent. Do try to cheer up, Roman. The fun will begin once Cole has been dealt with."
"Got it." Roman muttered, ending the call and dropping his Scroll into his lap. Fed up with the past few weeks, Roman pushed himself out the chair, speaking to himself. "I need a drink."
A little bit of plot and a little romance, but now we move into the Cole vs Cinder Arc.
Now, the poll result. With 60% of the votes, I will be writing another game crossover. 'But what game?' I hear you ask. Well, I like to write about things close to my heart, and it would be a sin for me not to use a childhood classic. So I will be crossing over Jak & Daxter with RWBY! Title is still in the works and the general plot will need planning, but I should be able to crank out an pilot chapter within a few weeks.
Please give feedback by reviews or PMs, I love answering. And I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.
One last note, anyone who got the reference at the start of the chapter can have one of Nora's pancakes.
*Sounds of the 4th Wall being knocked down*
Nora: Who's offering away my pancakes?! I'll break his legs!
Ren & Wardtortle: Nora, no!
Nora: *brandishes Magnhild* NORA, YES!
*static*
