It was cool and quiet inside the Atlas Library where the ever-present glass and graceful steel beams did nothing to quell the growing unease in Crest's gut. Something wasn't right. He couldn't put his finger on it but the feeling of being carefully watched from the shadows wasn't going away. And many years of living in rough conditions and getting out of scrapes he learned the hard way not to dismiss his instincts.
He peered covertly at Weiss sitting at another terminal two spaces away, rapidly scanning the screen in front of her. Adrian sat at a computer a space further down, only he was facing the front of the large square three-story room.
Suppressing a frustrated sigh, he typed in 'White Fang, Schnee Dust, Roman Torchwick, into the search box and hit the ENTER key with a little more force than necessary. Within seconds everything the Fang had their teeth into popped up. But the urge to check every exit and corridor in the building washed over him, stronger this time.
What?! He mentally growled. I'm tryin' to WORK HERE.
Leave.
He frowned, not realizing a concerned pair of baby blues was watching his every move.
Huh? Whaddya mean leave? We just GOT here-
Grab the girl and get out. Ya don't terrible things are gonna happen. She's too high-profile and at the top of the Fang's kill list. As are you. Somebody's gonna get hurt-
"Crest?"
His back stiffened at the blatant worry in that single word. Dammit! Not now! I'm too close!
"It's okay," he said a bit more gruff than usual, turning in his seat to face the unconvinced girl. "I was just lost in thought." No talking, he mouthed. Everyone knows you here. I can't be connected to you just yet. She nodded lightly the worry lessening a bit in her gaze. Get back to work.
He returned his attention to the screen and began scanning headlines.
WHITE FANG VIOLENCE ON THE RISE: VYTAL POLICE ON HIGH ALERT.
Nope.
WHITE FANG CLAIMS CREDIT FOR A STRING OF DUST ROBBERIES. SDC REFUSES TO COMMENT.
Nothing new there. They've been doing this for like, what, 30 years now? And of course, they're not gonna admit their loss of control to the world. He snuck another peek at the young heiress downloading information to her scroll. I mean, look who's WITH ME for God's sake. She shouldn't be here but she insisted on coming along. Crest ran a hand over his face trying to dislodge the nagging thorn of unease pricking his stomach.
The next headline caught his full attention.
VYTAL POLICE STYMIED BY THE LATEST SURGE OF GRUESOME ATTACKS AGAINST THE TERRORIST ORGINAZATION WHITE FANG. 1000+ CONFIRMED CASUALTIES REPORTED INCLUDING CIVILIAN ACTIVISTS DURING A BRUTAL MASSACRE AT ONE OF THEIR ALLEGED HIDEOUTS.
Imperial purple irises widened. Crest hastily clicked on the link. Immediately color photographs of his berserk-fueled rampage flashed across his eyes. He felt like was back in that blood-soaked warehouse again. Bodies strewn everywhere. Embedded in the walls, ceiling, and floor. He saw the shattered stage and the body of the young Husky Faunus, he'd impaled with the microphone stand, skull completely crushed flat.
Crest sat there, unable to muster a single ounce of remorse. Your kind murdered my parents. My little brothers. My grandparents. The cops I gave your secrets to. Grimm overrunning my village. You took everything from me. Left me with nothing. So NONE of you deserve to exist. He quickly exed out of the page. He needed to find something of value or this whole trip was a bust.
I can't go home empty-handed!
His scroll buzzed. Still looking at the winking screen, he reached into his black jean's pocket and pulled it out.
IceQueenSchnee: Find anything? I'm kicking up dirt. And seriously Crest, are you SURE you're all right? We can call it a day. It's your call. You're the leader.
Smirking at her username his thumbs danced over the touch screen.
WildWarriorHawk: Naw. I'm gonna stay a few more minutes. You can go get somethin' to eat if ya want.
He hit SEND completely ignoring her query after his mental health, then set it on his thigh. Not two seconds later it buzzed with an incoming message. He peered down at it, barely resisting the urge to laugh at the indignant response.
IceQueenSchnee: WHAT?! Forget it! I can stick this out! A Schnee NEVER shirks on their duties!
WildWarriorHawk: Suit yerself Snow. ;)
...
Beacon - infirmary
Yang flopped into one of the plastic hardback chairs next to where Blake lay sleeping on one of the infirmary's small beds and groaned. Homework was piling up, and on top of that, the practice tournaments were growing more intense. She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ward off a stress headache. The Summer Dance had been a smashing success but without Weiss there, it felt as if they were waiting on someone. Heh. Rubes and her 'let's include everyone' attitude is starting to rub off on me. And why hasn't Adrian called? He coulda sent me a text or something.
She had to admit it was rather quiet without CBLT's weirdo loudmouth. Okay so he was slightly perverted but then again she reasoned, what teenage boy isn't? He'd be given the third degree by her father and Qrow if they decided to take their budding friendship to the next level, but the blonde bruiser was more than confident the rail gunner could handle the grilling. I mean, look who his PARTNER is for cryin' out loud!
"Yang?"
Blake's sleepy question cut through the fiery girl's musing.
"Hey girlie. Don't exert yourself 'kay?"
"Hmmm." Blake winced as she tried to push herself upright. Yang noticed and quickly helped her sit all the way up. "Where's Sun? Is he-"
Yang held a finger to her lips. She pointed to a bed at the end of the row where the Monkey Faunus lay cocooned in a swath of blankets fast asleep. Blake leaned over, drinking in his battered form and a shaky exhale left her mouth. He was alive. Safe. But the same couldn't be said of those 1000 plus who were ruthlessly slaughtered by a man she considered a friend.
Suddenly a rogue thought struck her without warning and she started blushing.
"Um...Yang?" Lilac eyes found hers with a question mark in them. "I was thinking about something...this might sound really stupid...but it's about Trace and Elise."
Yang quirked an eyebrow at her friend's pinking face.
"What about 'em?"
Just then the infirmary door creaked open and a hesitant Ruby poked her face in.
"Blake! You're up!" The smaller girl cheered. "I was soooo worried!"
"Hey sis," Yang patted the bed next to her a Cheshire grin forming on her face. "Perfect timing! Take a seat, Blake's got something really juicy she wants to tell us."
"Uh well..."
Silver eyes lit up like candles.
"Ooooooh! Really?!"
Blake reached for her ever-present book and hid her face behind it. But Yang plucked it right out of her fingers.
"Hey!"
Yang held the book out of reach, smirking. "Nah-uh. Not till ya tell us what's on your mind."
Seeing no way out of the mess, Blake sighed in surrender.
"Well, I've kinda been wondering about something for a while now. Trace spends a lot of time in his forge and Elise does too. And...well...it's possible she turns into a vampire bat at night."
Ruby's eyes widened. Yang leaned forward eagerly wanting more.
"Really?"
Blake shrugged.
"Um, she might be right Yang."
She squeaked as her sister rounded on her, a strange giddy expression she couldn't identify creeping over the blonde's face.
Blake quickly sought to redirect her friend's attention. "Well think about it. She spends a lot of time with him. Plus she's more active at night."
As soon as the words left her mouth the Cat Faunus instantly regretted saying them.
"Omigod. Omigod. Are you saying...what I think you're saying...?"
Ruby scrunched her face up, the picture of childish naievete. "What's she mean Yang?"
Blake swallowed. "I think...she might be...um..." Just say it Belladonna! "I think it's possible she's feeding off Trace's blood. And he might be letting her do it." And with that her face flushed a bright scarlet.
Ruby gawked. Images of Dracula popping out of an ancient coffin with Elise's head photoshopped over top ran through her mind and she started quivering. Yang's imagery on the other hand was quite HBO as was Blake's. Even though they didn't have a shred of evidence backing their ridiculous theory, it was too delicious to pass up.
"Rubes, ya know what this means, right?"
Her sister blinked dazedly.
"We're gonna get proof Elise is totally drinking Trace's blood." She pulled out her scroll and sent a quick text. "I'm letting Adrian in on the fun!"
"But, but you can't be serious sis!" Ruby's lips trembled. "It's-it's just a theory, isn't it?"
Blake sighed and leaned back against the pillow. No. It's just the product of my imagination. I could be wrong but I'll play along with it.
...
Atlas - Central Library
Crest leaned back in his chair, feeling his spine crack. Ahhh much better. An article regarding Roman Torchwick sat open on his computer screen. How the hell did that dick escape my blade? That shouldn't be humanly possible.
"Oi mate," Adrian called, ignoring the glares from several patrons. "We should call it a day. Ah need to shut my belly up."
Crest snorted good-naturedly making no attempt to move. There was one more article to read before he considered his day done.
"Try yer mouth for a change idiot."
His best friend placed a hand over his chest in mock hurt. "When tha bloody hell did Track get in 'ere?"
"Indoor voice Bruni," Weiss scolded primly as she went about gathering her things. The more she hung around the crude Australian the more he resembled Ruby in her inability to shut up and pressing hot buttons. But his, ahem, understanding of the world was far more mature than her teammate's. And the reason she wouldn't trust herself alone with him. He was a tad more perverted than she was comfortable with. Now Yang she could see enjoying his company. Which suited the heiress just fine. She can have him.
Adrian threw her a mock salute and a cheeky grin.
"As ya wish Ice Queen."
"Shut up pervert."
Crest cleared his throat. "Not here you two. I'm just about finished. Meet me in the lobby in 15 minutes then we'll order pizza for dinner."
"Aye mate."
Weiss gave him a crisp nod of acknowledgement. "Okay. But please," she pinned him with the schoolmarm look she usually gave Ruby, "-try not to dilly-dally."
He caught the undertones of concern, and...dare he think it...love in her voice? Naw. Must be my ears, playin' tricks on me.
"Yeah, I won't be long. Besides. Track's gonna check in soon." If he ain't got himself into trouble. Dude's abilities don't let him blend in. And that damned inner voice kept nagging. Danger. Danger. What? Where's the danger? But since it was more a vague sensation his instincts couldn't give him a clear answer.
He nodded to the silver-chrome accented double automatic doors. Trying to hurry them out.
"Go."
Weiss looked hesitant but Adrian sidled over and in a rare display of chivalry, offered her his arm. "C'mon sheila, let's git. He'll be out in no time."
As soon as the doors slid closed with the softest shush behind his friends, the berserker turned his attention back to the headline on his screen.
GENERAL JAMES IRONWOOD OF ATLAS UNVEILS LATEST TECHNOLOGICAL MARVEL
He clicked on the link, curious.
-On behalf of the Atlesian Military we are pleased to announce General Ironwood's latest marvel of technology. Not 6 months ago, the General unveiled his gift to the world: Atlesian Knights to enforce public safety. Test runs have been successful and General Ironwood is confident these mechanized enforcers will eventually replace the need for human cops within 10 years.
-Similar advancements have taken place in regards to cybernetic humanoids who can generate their own aura, and advanced weaponry, thus making them tactically superior to human Hunters who are subjected to injury, disease and death. A specific time frame has not been given as of this writing but engineers are confident-as is our beloved General-that human Huntresses and Huntsmen will become obsolete thus saving lives from needless butchery and death.
Frowning Crest downloaded the article onto his scroll. I don't like the sound of this. I knew I didn't like this dick, but now I know why. He's tryin' ta phase Hunters out of the field. Get rid of the human factor-
His scroll buzzed just as the link finished downloading. Slinging his bag over his shoulder he answered it on the way out. Jeez, about TIME ya checked in Track.
"Yeah?"
All he heard was the sound of running footsteps.
Lots of them.
Over the dull thumps of heavy soles he picked out the sharp clacks of his dark mage's dress steel-toed boots on some echoing surface.
Concrete?
Steel?
Wood?
Whatever it was he must've turned on his scroll as a last resort.
Faintly he heard rough male voices poking through his speaker.
"Alright buddy. Hands in the air where we can see 'em."
Crest hurried through the double doors holding his own device right in front of his body, passing a confused Weiss and Adrian as he race-walked down the corridor toward the front door of the library.
"Crest what's going-?"
A series of thundering booms exploded through his scroll's speaker. Horrified, Weiss clapped both hands over her mouth to suppress a scream.
A/N: Wow. FINALLY. Long chapter is done. Hugs to everyone who's waited patiently for this to come out! And of course, much love to those faithfully following/favoriting and reviewing! Your support means a lot. :) Also fyi, I'm going to use this humorous subplot involving Trace, Elise and the rest of team RWBY as a way to bring Helix and Chase back into the picture and flesh them out. I've been having a bear trying to do that and I think I've finally got a better handle on their characters, and provide some comic relief cause things will take a dark turn, so hang on to your hats!
See ya next time!