A/N: Interesting Reviews, and I thank you all for the feedback provided. A few questions were asked or comments made that probably deserve answering for all to see:
1/ Will there be pairings? -DePlexx:
Yes I intend on there being pairings, however I' am not exactly experienced or confident in writing romantic or fluffy couple scenes (As you've probably realised from the story so far). That being said, I want to expand and improve my writing ability when it comes to fluff and romance in preparation for some other story ideas I have. So I'll be damn well trying to write them in Hunter... and if I suck at writing love and fluff... then feel free to shoot me down in flames and I'll go back to tragedy, angst and action :P
2/ "This kind of chapter gives me the feeling story isn't about RWBY and Beacon at all. Just in the same world"- AnonymousReading:
This is Simon's story first and foremost through which I am telling a story that on the whole works around and ties in with the storyline so far that follows Team RWBY (up to a point, I'll diverge and go my own way at a point). Ozpin said that whatever is at work may go beyond Vale, so I've decided to take that little snippet and make something that spans across not only Vale but also Vacuo and the other 2 Kingdoms as well. (which is why I've had most of the last chapter dedicated to Ty Kruger out in the Vacuo desert). I want to explore the rest of Remnant beyond Beacon, beyond Vale... that is where my fascination lies.
Team RWBY has their part to play: Weiss is Simon's closest friend and confidant. Blake and Simon's pasts are intertwined. And Team RWBY is involved with Roman: Someone that Simon really wants to find.
I do intend on writing a story based around Team RWBY and Team JNPR eventually... once I've finished up with Hunter. Though it may be a while until I complete this story and for me to be confident enough in my writing abilities not to mess up writing the main 2 Teams
Well without too much more rambling on my part... On to the story -CC
Chapter 26: Intertwined Pasts. Friday Week 4: Blake's PoV:
I had awoken this morning and took out the current book I was reading having decided to stop reading Ninjas of Love in the dorm after Ruby caught sight of one of the more explicit pictures in it. I shuddered at all the awkward questions I had to dodge that day from Ruby and the perverted looks and jokes from Yang about It: the worst being her asking me to read it to her as a bed time story, that woman had absolutely no shame with her perversions.
As I read my book, I looked up and I saw the calendar and I saw that It had been a month since I'd arrived here hiding in plain sight from my past and all those in it, looking back to when I had first arrived: I had been nervous, even slightly fearful at first of being around so many humans in an area I couldn't leave for the first 4 weeks of classes I was afraid of being caught out for what I was by other students... Only Ozpin knew me for my heritage, I had seen how Faunus were treated here by people like CRDL.
I had been lucky to end up with Team RWBY: Sure Ruby was immature at times and entirely too hyperactive... Though that may just be something to do with her semblance. Yang... heh Self proclaimed Queen of antics with Weiss Schnee forever in her sights, though she sure tests the sanity of everyone else around her, me especially, with her punthetic puns... DAMMIT YANG NOW I' AM MAKING THEM TO! As for Weiss: talk about bratty and self entitled. Don't get me wrong she is a capable fighter and a very studious person, but she is certainly doesn't really get along with people. No RWBY was a good team for me to be in, they had never been anything but nice to me and any other students, they could be infuriatingly annoying at times but I was coming to get slightly closer to them. They also were extremely nice to Velvet and the other Faunus in Beacon... even if Weiss was more indifferent to the Faunus at Beacon than be nice, though considering who her family was that was to be expected.
I heard Ruby stir from up upon her top bunk across the room, I sighed and covered my sensitive hidden ears with my pillow, one of Ruby's annoying habits was waking up Weiss with that damned whistle, it really hurt the first day when she surprised me with it. So now I made sure to wake up before the hyperactive reaper and protect my precious ears. I heard the muffled sound of that infernal whistle going off across the room, my cat ears hurt slightly beneath their bow and I groaned in frustrated pain. As the light ringing in my ears stopped I removed the pillow from my head to see the light blocked out from my bed by a curtain of flowing blonde hair "Up you get sleeping moody... Today we finally get out of this place and are able to venture out into Vale for the weekend." Came Yang's gleeful voice, I just knew the blonde would want to go off and find a party of some kind to dance her Friday night away. Ignoring her attempt at a pun I sat up in my bed and pushed her out of my way "As fun as it would be to inquire about your plans for the weekend Yang, but I honestly fear for the city of Vale with you on the loose." I retorted slyly before entering the bathroom to get changed into my uniform for the day not giving the cheeky blonde a chance to retort.
Coming out from the bathroom I saw Weiss berating Ruby for her continued use of that infernal whistle, guess the Heiress had finally had enough of the damned thing as she plucked it out of Ruby's hand and threw it out the window much to the brunettes distress. "WEISS! why you do that?" Ruby whined, targeting Weiss with one of her irresistible pouty looks... No one, not even me could withstand them. Weiss did her best to resist it but there was no avoiding those silver saucers that could bring world peace if the entire world saw them simultaneously. Weiss sighed and hung her head in defeat from the assault of adorableness from Ruby.
"If I get you some strawberries and a plate of cookies will all be forgiven?" Weiss asked, probably hoping Ruby didn't demand a new whistle as repayment. Ruby's eyes grew large, nearly as large as the smile she now wore before she glomped the Heiress in her arms "Oh thank-you Weiss... I accept your very generous offer, though I think a punnet of strawberries and a plate of cookies each day for a week will be more appropriate, I was rather fond of that whistle and I'd just love a new one." Ruby replied, obviously trying to extort more from the Heiress. Weiss groaned in frustration and Yang and I sniggered, knowing Weiss would give Ruby whatever she wanted just to avoid the hyperactive brunette getting a new whistle "Ok fine! Just let go of me you Dolt!" Ruby squealed in glee and squeezed Weiss tighter for a moment, causing the white haired girl to yelp, before Ruby finally released her grip and stepped away happily from the Heiress.
Yang chuckled loudly "Ruby, you let her off too easily... that was your favourite whistle, should have made her take us all out to dinner somewhere really nice." Yang said Weiss shot the busty blonde a death glare and stuck her nose up "Not happening Yang... I' am not taking you anywhere better than the local Dutchy's Bakehouse." Weiss replied irritably, referring to one of the better, if not best bakers in all of Vale. Yang smiled "Aww at least it isn't the local MacLennan's fast food good enough? Wow you really must like us." Yang retorted in a cheeky tone. Weiss however merely shrugged, still looking thoroughly tired and grumpy at being awoken before she was ready. "No... I' am the Schnee Heiress, I would not be caught dead in a cheap, unhealthy burger joint like MacLennan's! I have standards." Weiss retorted, grabbing up her shower stuff and her uniform before disappearing into the dorm's bathroom, shutting down Yang's antics for the 2nd time this morning.
Once we were all dressed and ready we made our way as a team to the cafeteria for breakfast, once their I grabbed a bowl of cereal and some toast, I tried to limit the amount of tuna I ate at breakfast, as much as I loved it I couldn't risk people growing suspicious if I appeared addicted to it for no reason. As usual we sat with Team JNPR who were planning on spending the weekend in their pairs away from the other half of the Team: apparently Nora had insisted upon that idea while Jaune had been hoping to convince Weiss to spend some time with him. Poor boy, he just couldn't see Weiss had no interest in him... Not that I hoped he would stop, it was amusing to see him hit on the uptight Heiress. "So Snow Angel you got any plans for the weekend? I heard there were some great new movies getting released this weekend." I heard Jaune ask Weiss, I hid a smirk as Weiss huffed and did her best to ignore the blond knight. Not giving up, Jaune continued to ask questions of Weiss who continued ignoring him and getting more annoyed by the minute. Just as Weiss was about to snap a tray of food banged down on the table next to Weiss, startling her slightly. The tray belonged to none other than what was in my opinion Weiss' personal attack dog: The scar faced, perpetually irate Simon Alexander, a former mercenary (or so he says) that has a penchant for violence. He also seemed to be overly suspicious of me as proven by the hostile way he speaks to me and his evasiveness when I returned his battle-worn helmet to him.
Simon quickly engaged in conversation with Weiss who seemed quite at ease with him. I noticed Simon send a sly wink Jaune's way, the latter of which huffed in defeat before turned his attention to Pyrrha his partner and not-so-secret admirer. I listened into the conversations, preferring to stick to the fringes and not draw attention to myself. I could hear Yang talking to Ruby about their plans for their first trip out of Beacon since arriving. Nora was regaling the rest of JNPR about her latest dream or scheme while having her mouth full of pancakes. Simon and Weiss seemed to making small talk about something happening up in Atlas, Simon kept shooting me glances, obviously trying to work me out... I had no idea what he was thinking and it somewhat scared me that he may suspect who I really was. I could sense an angry, yet also fearful aura around him... all of which seemed to be directed at me, I couldn't fathom why he would be fearful of me at all. I decided to test the waters, try to work out what his game was.
"So Simon, what brings you over to our teams? Don't you have one of your own?" I asked, keeping my voice level, focusing my senses of hearing and sight onto him to pick up any change in tone or facial expression that may hint to what he was truly thinking. The boy immediately stopped his conversation with the Heiress and turned to me, an eyebrow cocked above his head. "Felt like a change... Weiss is much more pleasant company than the walking sexual harassment case that is Nyanza Torres." The boy replied, making a not too kind sledge against his teammate and his admittedly perverse ways... Nyanza from what I had heard really was a male version of Yang, minus those voluptuous double D's.
I made no reply and Simon eyed me off, his deep blue-gray eyes staring right into my amber ones for a moment before he gave me a wry smirk "So Blake, what are you planning to do with your weekend off?" He asked, his tone friendly yet slightly arrogant as he knew he had caught me off guard with his choice of counter question. I ummed and ahhed for a moment, trying to think of something... anything. "Well I was thinking of hanging out with Yang where ever she planned on going." I answered quickly, instantly regretting my choice of answer as Yang picked up on my answer and faced me, a massive mischievous grin across her face "Oh Blakey, you and me are going to have so much fun with what I got planned." The Blonde whispered seductively into my ear. I merely groaned in defeat, hoping in vain Yang didn't have anything too over the top planned for me tonight. I looked up and saw Simon smirking, almost laughing at my predicament as was Weiss. Sighing I tuned out to the rest of the table's conversations and prepared for our classes today then whatever Yang was going to drag me off to tonight, though I could still feel Simon's gazes burning into my soul.
Simon's PoV: Combat Class.
It was my favourite class: Nothing but being able to beat the crap out of whichever poor bastard drew me as an opponent... unless it was Nora, then Dust help me 'cause she is just plain insane. I sat with my team, We had managed to work together fine on a team project for Professor Port that had been due earlier today, I had to admit I was kind of proud of my Team's ability to put aside our personal bullshit to get the job done . Having grown bored of Cardin whaling on some poor little Faunus girl... obviously the ass kicking Weiss and I had handed him hadn't taught him a lesson about humility. I turned to Sienna who was casually scratching behind her dog ears, also seeming quite bored of the match. "So you got planned for our free weekend?" I asked casually, weary that outside of work.. relations within my team were at breaking point.
Sienna snapped out of her boredom and looked over to me, seemingly surprised I was voluntarily communicating with her or anyone else in SNST. "Not sure really: I was kinda hoping to be able to spend time together as a team and try to sort our issues out as a team, SNST is in trouble... if we can't trust and communicate freely it WILL wind us up getting killed." She said, obviously making this an order of sorts rather than a suggestion. I internally groaned, having finally thought I'd managed to strike a balance between our need to work as a team and the sheer fact than Nyanza's, Teal's and My egos were far too large to be able to bond beyond what was absolutely needed.
I weighed up the options, ending up choosing to make one final effort to try and build some team spirit and cooperation "Well I had intended on checking out a weapons shop... You guys are welcome to join and then we can grab a pizza or something, my shout." I said to Sienna, loud enough to get Teal and Nyanza's attention, both of which just shrugged "Sure I'm always up for someone else shouting me a feed." Nyanza added in a smartass way. I rolled my eyes and flipped him off jokingly while Teal had simply gone back to taking notes about the match to try and find weaknesses to exploit against opponents. The match had ended, predictably Cardin pummelling his opponent.
Professor Goodwitch strode into the centre of the arena and began the random matchmaker. "Ok Students, we have time for one more sparing match. The combatants shall be: Simon Alexander and Blake Belladonna."
When I heard that match up my eyes shot straight to the bow wearing ninja who was striding quietly yet confidently down to the arena. I grabbed up my weapon that sat beside me so I could sit down comfortably. As I stood Sienna gave me a small thumbs up, which I returned. Unlike Blake I walked down to the arena slightly shakily and incredibly nervous. However as soon as I took my position opposite her, something inside me just clicked.
No longer was I in an arena at Beacon: I was now on top of a half destroyed building in the Atlesian Alps.
No longer was I surrounded by the sounds of hushed conversations of students: It had been replaced by the sounds of distant battle, mortars, Warhead Gunships, guns and grenades all going off somewhere nearby.
No longer was I standing opposite Blake Belladonna, the girl I had Orphaned: In front of me stood Schwarzer Belladonna, the man who had helped orphan me
No longer was I a repentant, remorseful person just trying to rebuild my shattered life: I was once more a Black Fist soldier of humanity... fighting to destroy the Faunus threat without mercy and without restraint.
I extended my gun staff, my trusty Vindex Umbra into its gun mode and I unleashed a large burst of fire right at Schwarzer who disappeared, leaving a hollow clone of himself, looking above me I saw him coming down towards me, a new Katana and weaponised sheath aimed at my head. I commando rolled to my right and as he landed I let loose another volley, only to hit another one of the hollow clones. My opponent had cart wheeled to their left and had charged me, slashing with their weapons which I blocked with my staff.
As our weapons were locked I kicked my enemy away and sprung backwards to create distance between Schwarzer and I so I could extend my weapons blades and effectively engage in melee combat. As the blades extended I flourished my gun staff and charged in howling hatefully, using my semblance to distort time and momentarily slow down my enemy So I could position myself and my weapon in such a way as to allow myself to cut off Schwarzer's escape, I utilised my sudden and burning anger to fuel my strike, which sent my enemy flying across the building and smacking into one of the low walls that lined the roof. I advanced slowly, the tip of my weapon trailing behind me, scrapping and sparking along the ground. My enemy jumped up and fired off several rounds at me from a pistol embedded in the katana's hilt. I absorbed the hits with my Aura, not even bothering to try and dodge. Schwarzer began dodging around towards me, making one final leap and cut at me with the sheath while simultaneously stabbing with the katana.
I dodged the katana and blocked the sheath. Something in my mind told me this wasn't real... I wasn't really fighting Schwarzer because he was dead. But my mind shut it out as I fuelled my Aura more and more with my hate and anger. I once more broke contact and back flipped away from my enemy. Withdrawing a grenade from my pouch I tossed it towards my enemy, and I continued tossing several more grenades at my enemy, trying to prevent them from getting a rhythm in their movements. One grenade went off too close to Schwarzer and he was knocked over, letting out what I could only call a woman's scream but I didn't register that fact as being strange... the man was a coward.
I lunged forward with all the speed I could muster and launched a flurry of strikes against my enemy who managed to block some however about half struck their marks, wearing down my enemies Aura so I could land my signature kill strike and make sure this Faunus never got back up. However I was caught unawares as me enemy used her hollow clones to escape and I overbalanced and nearly lost my footing as I lunged straight through the clone.
Before I could react, my back was pounded with several quick strikes from the Faunus I was fighting. I sprung forward into a series of front flips however my opponent moved quickly and landed a powerful kick to me as I was in midair. My insides were jolted in several directions as I landed against the wall of the building we stood atop. I was dazed and slightly disorientated from the sudden and painful change of direction and stop. I saw my enemy close in, their amber eyes burning with hatred. I dragged myself up and charged back in, our weapons meeting with such force the metallic screech it created was almost deafening. I moved deliberately and with immense power behind my strikes while me enemy moved quickly and deceptively, parrying and countering me. My enemy suddenly flipped away and detached the pistol from their katana and threw it at me, using the ribbon and the gun to bounce it around, peppering me at all angles with bullets from that infernal thing. I used my semblance once more to slow the enemies weapon down and positioned myself to grab it. Doing so I yanked on it, me enemy who was not ready for the move was caught off guard and was flung through the air right into a roundhouse kick from my steel capped boots into their face. My enemy went flying, landing unconscious after smacking their head against the wall of the roof, their Katana laying about half way between me and them.
I holstered my own weapon and picked up the katana trailing it behind me as I strode viciously towards my fallen opponent. My instincts telling me to end them, run them through with their own blade. Within moments I was standing over my enemy, poised to deliver a killing blow... but I couldn't, a small voice in my head wouldn't let me plunge that blade down into their heart of the one I'd sworn many times I'd kill. Tossing down the Katana, my instincts, my memories and their hold over me was broken and slowly I found myself back in the arena area, surrounded by dozens of shocked students as I stood menacingly over an unconscious Blake Belladonna... The girl I had Orphaned.
Once I realised I was in fact not fighting Schwarzer the horror of what I must have done I immediately knelt down beside Blake and checked her vitals forgetting all my suspicion on why she was here, after checking her over I concluded that she was fine... just going to have a serious headache when she awoke.
Miss Goodwitch, Team RWBY and Sienna were all down beside me in moments. I Could see Yang was absolutely distraught... more than I really thought normal for someone like school partners... even if it was a combat school. I stood up and let Miss Goodwitch take over in caring for Blake. I stepped back and quickly exited the arena, making my way into the locker rooms Where I sat in a dark secluded corner and banged my head against the wall until i felt the warmth of blood running down my neck.
"You know Simon, you'll give yourself brain damage if you keep knocking your head around like that." I heard Sienna's voice as she walked across the locker room with the rest of SNST.
"Yeah, Nah Sienna, I think I've damaged it and the rest of me enough for it not to really matter." I replied, continuing the skull bashing I was subjecting myself to.
I'd been careful to build a facade around SNST: Not to let my own weaknesses or insecurities show. Just like Kruger had... I knew that man worried a lot but he never showed it or any other weakness around us, it was important for a leader to at least look totally in control or how could soldiers (or in our case terrorists) follow a man who couldn't control himself. But right now, I honestly couldn't care... I didn't hate Blake: Yes I was suspicious of her being here... I didn't know if she wanted to hunt me as I had hunted her father. Even if she did I could understand her motives and I would defend myself without malice and without an intent to kill unless necessary ... not like the hate fuelled assault I'd just subjected her to.
"Simon!" I heard Teal yell a moment before she slapped me out of my self-loathing. I looked at my teammate, my face expressionless... not letting onto the storm of thoughts in my head. "What the hell happened there Simon! You seemed like a totally different person during that match. As your teammates we have a right to know what's going on inside that empty brick-like skull of yours!" Teal ordered... her face mere inches from mine.
I sighed, knowing I couldn't get out of this without answering. "I had a flashback... I was back in the Atlesian Highlands as a mercenary, Blake reminded me of someone that once tried to kill me... my mind made me think I was back there. What I saw and heard and felt was exactly the same as it was back then. My body may have been here, but my mind was In Atlas." I replied, not blinking, not even moving.. keeping myself fixated on Teal.
My entire did a double take and looked inquisitively at me, Sienna I could see looked visibly worried. Even Teal looked slightly guilty for her sudden interrogation. I stood up and made my way to get a towel to dab the blood off my head. "Hey Simon, I know you'll probably not want to talk about what just happened. "If you guys still want to... my offer for some pizza after we get to Vale still stands, if you can deal with hanging out with a psycho." I said as I ran my head under a tap, the water hitting the ground red. "Once I've cleaned up, we'll go see Blake... make sure she is ok." I said as I washed the blood off my head. The team nodded in agreement... about the first time I'd asked them to do something and not had any bitching. "We'll also get the nurse to check your head out Simon." Sienna half ordered. I rolled my eyes and nodded in acceptance... knowing it wasn't worth spoiling this moment of tranquillity our team was experiencing.
Blake Belladonna's PoV:
I woke up feeling very woozy and slightly disorientated... the last thing I remembered was stepping into the arena for a match against Simon. 'THE MATCH!' My mind screamed and I sat up... only to find myself in the infirmary surrounded by my team, JNPR and SNST... of course minus Simon, I knew he didn't exactly like me. "Aww Blakey you're alive!" Yang shouted in exaggerated despair 'Of course she would act in such a way... I admit I do feel a lot better with her around.' I thought appreciatively of Yang's concern. "Of course she is alive you big blonde brute." Weiss retorted, probably having spent the most part of my time knocked out stopping Yang from trying to murder Simon in revenge.
"So how's your head Blake? The nurse said you'll have to stay overnight as a precaution." Ruby said, slightly upset. I rubbed my head and blew a sigh of relief when I found my bow still in place, unmoved from where I did it up this morning, I guess I had Ozpin to thank for that. "I' am fine Ruby... Guess It is too bad... I was SO VERY looking forward to going out with Yang tonight." I replied, my voice dripping with Sarcasm. Yang looked crestfallen but smiled anyway "Don't worry Blake... next weekend I'll take you out." She said with a playful wink which caused me to groan in frustration at the incorrigible blonde.
"Hey Blake... We just popped in to make sure you were ok, Nora even went and picked a random bunch of flowers from the academy gardens on our way over." Jaune said a bit humouredly as he pointed to the vase containing a random assortment of both grass and flowers which had a beaming Nora next to it. "If you want me to break Simon's skull like he did yours just ask." She said with mock menace.
"Nora... you've already broken me once this semester... please no more coming at me with that infernal hammer." I heard the familiarly irate voice of Simon. Turning I saw him on another bed with a nurse behind him, stitching up his head not even flinching when the needle threaded through his head. "Ugh did you do that Nora?" I asked, kinda worried about Nora's threats. That worry was alleviated once Simon shook his head.
Everyone stayed and talked with me for about half an hour, then everyone had to leave for their next class, all except Simon who had to stay in for observation as well, though only for the rest of classes, not 24 hours like me. Simon strangely seemed very much at ease around me now... none of the previous suspicion or hostility, he still avoided talking or looking at me but I could tell it was out of shame not hate. I wouldn't have complained about the silence except for the fact that no one had brought me a book to read... I'd even read Ninjas of Love right in here in public just to pass the time. Eventually growing tired of the awkward silence I turned to face the chocolate haired staff wielder "So Simon, what exactly happened? No one would really tell me of the match." I asked in genuine curiosity. Simon was genuinely shocked that I had talked to him. He hung his head and explained to me about the trick his mind and memories had played on him.
Though he refused to give too many details, I had a sneaking suspicion he may have had a run in with my father, I'd never met any White Fang member's that remotely resembled me or my father. I also highly doubted the Black Fisted had member's looking similar to me in their ranks. I decided to get him alone sometime and get the whole truth out of him... at weapon point if need be. Simon remained quiet mostly, except the odd question and to make sure I was ok as well as to apologise... Maybe I had been wrong in my original judgement of Simon. Eventually Simon was released to go about his weekend once classes had finished, he farewelled me sincerely enough and wished me well. I sighed and tried to get some sleep, seeing as that is all I really could do until I got released sometime tomorrow.
I must have been sleeping a while, at least until I felt something or someone shake my shoulder, I awoke with a start to find none other than Yang sitting by my bedside with her scroll and a pizza box. "Yang, Wh-What are you even doing here? I thought you'd be out partying the night away." I asked, very surprised to see the blonde. Yang chuckled and battered her eye lashes "Well you did say you wanted to spend this free weekend with me, who am I to deny you your wish? Want some pizza?" The buxom blonde asked. I smiled at her, thankful for the thought she'd just shown for me 'This ought to be an interesting night.' I thought happily.
Simon's PoV:
I walked through Vale with SNST towards the business district, I really wanted to check out a weapons store. As we walked I finally had enough of the awkward silence that had surrounded my team ever since I'd left the infirmary. "Ok spit it out guys, I know you all got something to say." I said commandingly, slowing my stride down slightly. My team matched my step "Well Simon, we're all kinda worried about you... We know you haven't had it easy in life, but we feel that you aren't dealing with it well... or at all apart from trying to bash your own skull in every time something breaks your guards down." Sienna said caringly, as if she had extensive experience in dealing with this sort of thing, I made a mental note to pull her aside sometime and ask about it. I sighed "Well truth be told it has either been that or ignoring it as best I can." I replied as if my reaction was completely normal for someone in my situation. I could hear Sienna huff, but Teal spoke up first "Simon... you say we gotta trust you as captain, but it is hard to do that if you're self-loathing, self-harming and obviously suffering some form of PTSD, so it is better for all of us if you just open up a slight bit." I sighed, as much as I wanted to rip into Teal for once more questioning my suitability as leader... I knew she was right.
"I'll endeavour to be more open with my thoughts and feelings... but can the D&M wait for dinner, we've got a weapons store to check out." I replied as I came to the entrance of a large shop. I got an eager grin and walked inside hoping they'd have what I wanted. While Sienna, Teal and Nyanza all went to check out accessories orientated towards huntsmen and huntresses I made my way to another section dedicated to firearms. Getting the attendants attention she came over to me, a warm smile upon her face "Well it isn't every day we get a Hunter looking at firearms." She said, finding the fact I was in this part of the shop somewhat amusing. "Well I enjoy long range sniping as a hobby and a useful skill, and I was hoping to procure some gear to help: Do you by any chance stock any .338 sniper rifles... preferably the Atlesian Arms MX-20 if possible." I replied, hoping that this placed stocked the weapon I wanted.
The attendant smiled and out the back behind her desk, returning a few moments later with a large carry case "One MX-20, Normally there is extensive background checks and waiting times... but Huntsmen are exempt from them. Any particular scopes or other accessories you wanted?" The attendant said. I gave it a few moments of thought. "Yes there is: Advanced Nighthawk Thermal sight, with the x25 digitally enhanced zoom, modified for a left handed shooter. The rest you'll find on this list." I replied handing over a list of the specs I wanted for my new toy 'Kale and Shauno are going to flip out when I outshoot them with this big mofo.' I thought cheerfully... fully intending on beginning my search for the pair this weekend once I ditched my team after dinner. The attendant looked through the list and nodded in approval "Well you certainly know exactly what you want... we don't have any MX-20's that have been built for lefties at the current time, but if you leave your contact details it should all be ready in a couple weeks." The attendant said opening up a book "Just fill in your name and scroll frequency and I'll get back to you when your order arrives." I nodded and did as directed, opting to pay upon receiving my order... no way I was handing over nearly 10,000 Lien if not more for this sniper system before I even got it.
Bidding the attendant farewell I made my way into another part of the shop to track my team down. I found Nyanza stocking up on the blades that his Taunting Gambits used while the girls were still nowhere to be found. "Hey Simmo, I just realised, this is the first time I've actually seen you out of either a Beacon uniform or your old merc uniform... should do it more often, might make you more popular with the ladies." he said sending me a knowing smirk and a wink. I had chosen one of the few casual outfits that I had that still fit me: A black T-shirt with a skull printed on the front and jeans with joggers, I even had a black bandana and sunglasses on.
I rolled my eyes at the statement about my popularity with the opposite sex... sure I noticed how beautiful the women around me were... especially Velvet and Weiss, but I honestly had little interest in anything romantic. Nor did I care much how they perceived me, I doubted any of them would have much interest in me either. regardless of what I wore.
I rolled my eyes at my teammate "Oh yeah, and what makes you such a love guru" I taunted. Nyanza shook his head and laughed before he made his way to the counter to pay for his supplies while I went off to find the girls. I knew that Nyanza was still pretty pissed about the beating I'd handed him earlier in the semester but I knew also he was putting in the effort to try and patch things up, I guess I could indulge him in his antics a bit in return. I found the girls up in of course the clothing isle, Sienna was trying on a combat skirt. Leaning against a shelf I cleared my throat "Will you ladies be done by next week?" I said sarcastically. Teal shot me a glare "Oh now don't you start with those jokes... I heard enough of them from Nyanza." I simply shrugged "Well Nyanza and I are ready to leave... so hop to it ladies." I said as a half order. Upon leaving the weapon's shop I looked around the street, looking for any unusual activity... I found none, but I just had the tingly feeling in my spine that I was being watched and that made me uneasy.
Unknown's PoV:
I looked at my target leave the weapon's shop, accompanied by 2 females and 1 male companion.. his teammates according my the dossier on my target. I watched them walk down the street... I had to get Simon alone and it had to be after dark, that way no one would witness what transpired When we did come face to face. I followed them, keeping a good distance and keeping myself amongst the crowds, not bringing too much attention. For 3 blocks I followed them, until they entered a pizzeria. I entered a pub across the street and watched, and waited for the right time to strike.
Simon's PoV:
I lead the team to find a pizza joint... finding one about 3 blocks away. Taking up a booth and having the table filled with 4 pizza's (1 Ham and Pineapple, Meatlovers, Prawn and Pepperoni) We sat down to eat, me eagerly waiting to see what Nyanza came up with... I knew he was in over his head, I could almost feel that 50 Lien entering my wallet. We made small talk for most of the evening: I learned more about Signal from Nyanza and I learned more than I ever really wanted to know about Teal's family. Though once more Sienna was quiet, she didn't open up to me or Teal and Nyanza about her life... and that had me worried, if even I could open up slightly (the fact what I said was slightly altered from the truth aside) I didn't want to even hazard a guess about what Sienna was hiding, lest it prejudice me against her, I reaffirmed my mental note to get Sienna alone and to talk to her... she seemed too shy to do it in public
I was quite impressed and very surprised when Nyanza even managed to get Teal to giggle like a school girl when he told us of his first attempt at swinging from trees using his gauntlet's tethers which ended in him hanging 100m off the ground... stuck. All in all it was a very good evening spent with my team, but it had to end unfortunately, about 7pm I escorted my team back to the landing pads for the hop across to Beacon. I was staying behind to begin my search for Kale and Shauno, I still had that nagging feeling that I was being watched, but I put it down to paranoia resurfacing after my mind went haywire in combat class.
After farewelling my team I began to explore the more unsavoury parts of Vale, just exploring and getting a feel for the place before I began any specific investigations. It was about 10pm and I'd been walking for 3 hours straight around a red light district, I decided to head to find some food to keep me going for the night. Heading up a dark alleyway I got that nagging feeling again, only this time it was joined by an urgency that suggested immediate danger. It was too late, I heard someone jump off a roof and land behind me "Hello Simon, I've been looking for you." I heard a menacing voice behind me. Turning around slowly and nervously I saw the figure step out into the light supplied by a lamp post, I instantly recognised the face and my blood ran cold "You!"
A/N: DUN DUN DUN! Have a Cliff hanger
I'd like to thank AnonymousReading for the idea about Blake fighting Simon... I altered the idea slightly to fit the story but a big thanks for the prompt! -CC Signing off