Evolution

Chapter 25: Reunion

A few days have passed since the Forever Falls incident and Raiden's retrieval. With the professor's return, some new things are being investigated, starting with the last words Raiden heard from Dragonis just before passing out. The second event is the possibility of Mizu and Malevolent separating; such a feat is highly mysterious and as such, the professors' fathers handed in a sample of orichalcum for study. Raiden filled Ozpin and Goodwitch in on what he heard and what he assumed was fast approaching. The other two filled the other staff in, but made sure the students weren't aware of the information, yet.

Speaking of Raiden, he's still cooped up on the infirmary still healing. His vertebral column is still broken so he's still forced to stay on his back. He still cannot sit upwards nor use his left arm and leg still, but it didn't bother him. The intense fight he battled in plagued his mind and forced him to recall the overwhelming strength of the Omega Chimera Grimm. Its power was really something to admire, but he counted his lucky stars for having such a strong affinity with lightning. If not for that link, there's no telling how badly it could've been. Raiden pondered greatly how strong the Alpha must be compared to the Omega. He barely beat the Chimera, so then the Alpha must be at least ten times stronger.

During his recovery, more tests have been run to check his condition. Thanks to the orichalcum, his recovery progressed much faster than normal, another property being investigated. He was still in pain, but it wasn't as excruciating as before thankfully.

A couple of days though, Raiden and Mizu's mom arrived at Beacon just like they said and greeted their boys with a massive hug that nearly broke Mizu in half and made Raiden scream at the top of his lungs. Somehow though, Raiden's mom didn't prolong his stay in the infirmary. She stayed with him for a bit to talk, mostly getting the details between him and Yang, which in turn, always makes him blush. Speaking of Yang, she and her friends kept coming to visit Raiden, but it was when she was alone with him that he cuddled and kissed him. While it was blatantly known the two were dating, Yang wasn't comfortable showing affections in public just yet. She and Michele got to know each other much better as with Blake and Rachel. The mothers were happy their hardheaded sons got a girlfriend, but the main issue was the act of punishment. Yang and Blake let the mothers know of their plans, receiving a nod from them. Ruby was still hypnotized, but doesn't know she's hypnotized; and when a certain phrase is uttered, she'll follow Yang's plan for punishing her boyfriend.

The guys' father also worked on something in secrecy. They didn't tell anyone of their task, not even their wives. Both actually knew of the plan to punish their sons and worked even harder on the means to protect them. In Michael's mind, it was going to be a great show coming up, Demetri didn't have the same thoughts.

Now, Raiden and Mizu were in the middle of a conversation.

"So, how does it feel to be dating Yang finally?" Mizu questioned. Raiden laughed sheepishly and scratched his blushing right cheek.

"Aw man, I can't even describe it. I just wish I could move around more so I can hug her, but this is just as good."

"Well with the way I keep finding you and Yang lip locked, I can see why you say that," Mizu responded. Raiden flushed more fiercely.

"I…I can't really do anything with me in this condition."

"More like you don't want to," his partner corrected.

"Well what can I do in this condition? My arm is still broken and I can't sit straight without being in pain. All I can do is just lie here," the lightning user protested. A smirk soon appeared across his face. "Besides, why would I deny a kiss from my new girlfriend? You can't deny one from Blake I bet."

It was Mizu's turn to blush, which caused Raiden to smile wider.

"I…I can; it's just that…"

"Just what?" Raiden questioned all-knowingly. Mizu flushed deeper.

"Blake has this air about her where it's practically impossible to deny anything; and the face that she's a cat with feline attributes makes it even more difficult."

"See? And you patronize me," Raiden retorted. Mizu let out a sigh.

"Well anyway, we need to discuss something important."

"You mean the possible assault coming up," Raiden clarified. Mizu nodded back, as Raiden continued to speak. "I've been thinking about my fight against the Chimera. I was really lucky in that fight; if it wasn't for my affinity with the weather, I would've been dead right now. The storm helped me wonders, but it still wasn't enough. I had to catch it off guard and then strike; however, I did find out something interesting."

"And what was that?" Mizu asked curiously.

"The Chimera spoke to me," Raiden revealed. Mizu wasn't surprised by the fact since he's been talking to another shadow creature for a while now. He did wonder what kind of diabolical things Malevolent could be doing. What kind of trouble is Alpha committing? Mizu was dying to know, but knew he wouldn't find the answers like this.

"Well that's not surprising since Malevolent can talk as well."

"Yeah, but the Chimera had serious trouble trying to form words. I could tell it was its very first time talking," Raiden responded. He then let out a heavy breath and faced his partner. "So what's our plan of attack? I fear we don't have much time to waste."

"That's definitely an issue," Mizu agreed. "We'll have to prepare for combat; however."

"You're debating whether or not the students should partake of this," Raiden finished his sentence. Mizu nodded.

"I know they'll give me a hard time if I go that route, but I think it's for the best. I don't think they're ready to take on these shadow creatures, especially since Dragonis is nearing his return. Time is of the essence and we need to prepare fast. Training the students might take too long, something we can't afford to do."

"Hmm, I see your point. No doubt they'll beg to be trained; and we could use the assistance," Raiden responded. "There's not much I can do at the moment."

"I beg to differ," someone stated. Mizu stepped out of the way for Raiden to see who entered, only to see Yang, Blake, the rest of RWBY and the full team of JNPR.

"Why do you think we can't fight these beasts?" Yang questioned. "Don't you have faith in your own students?"

"I never said I didn't have faith in any of you. I'm just saying you're not ready to fight these creatures," Mizu clarified. "The Grimm we're facing aren't your average Grimm. They are more powerful and aggressive to the point where those in lower ranks can outmatch the regular counterpart of higher ranks."

"Which is exactly why you should help us," Ruby stated. "As our teachers, it's your duty to train us; and as future hunters and huntresses, it's our duty to protect this world."

"Professor Matsumura, you can side with us on this one right?" Pyrrha questioned. "You see that it's mandatory for us to fight this war."

Focus shifted to the hospitalized professor, who let out another sigh.

"I see why you're all so eager to train. Don't get me wrong here; I think you all should fight against the beasts alongside us. However, you won't know how strong these creatures are. Even if we train you, do think it would be enough? What if things go sour and you end up perishing? Are you willing to go through with even if it's not enough?"

They stared at the professor, letting his words sink in. The room remained quiet for a bit, until a certain blonde brawler broke the silence.

"Is it not a hunter's duty to protect the world from evil? As Ruby said, we're future hunters and huntress; we won't turn our back on this, not when so many people's lives are at stake. You can try to psyche us out, but it won't work; we'll fight until the bitter end. You can count on that."

Everyone except Raiden was surprised by Yang's declaration. Her words touched everyone's heart as she stared at the lightning user, waiting for his response. The rest waited as well; however, they were given a chuckle for a response. The chuckle soon turned into uncontrollable laughter, which made everyone, including Mizu, confused. Raiden used his good hand to cover his face as he tried to stop laughing.

"You know Yang; that's why I love you so much. You're incredible," he stated. The blonde brawler flushed brightly at his words, feeling her heart skip a beat. "Okay, I'm convinced."

Raiden took a deep breath and began to rise. Yang immediately rushed to his side.

"Raiden you can't…"

He grasped her hand and used it to lift himself up. A sharp pain surged through him, but he endured it and continued to rise. Sweat began to pour down his face as he grunted in pain. Yang tried to push him down to rest, but Raiden wasn't having it. Everyone could hear his grunts of pain, especially Yang. Raiden gripped her hand tighter and finally managed to sit up straight. He panted vigorously, as if the strength was sucked from his body. He waited for the pain to numb before pulling Yang closer for a tight hug, forcing her to flush even brighter than before.

Even though Raiden was still weak, his embrace was strong. Yang couldn't back away and just hugged him back.

"Ahem," someone said. "Well I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

The couple separated, only to spot Raiden's mom smiling widely at them. Raiden blushed fiercely at seeing his mom.

"M-Mom?! I didn't know you came in," he stated. Michele giggled and slyly approached his son.

"Well you were so distracted by hugging your girlfriend that I didn't want to disturb you just yet. I also see that you can sit up now; that's great. You won't be stuck in here much longer."

"I can't wait either," Raiden replied. "It's only been a week and I'm tired of being here."

"Oh don't be so difficult," Michele stated. "Your father knows his stuff."

"He had better seeing as he's the one who makes my medicine," he stated with a chuckle, but he hunched forward in intense pain, causing his mom to sigh and face palm.

"And that's why you shouldn't be pushing yourself," she said. "You're still in very bad shape."

She then whispered to herself, "Not as much as when Yang kicks your ass though."

Michele however, forgot about her nephew, whose Faunas sense of sound was able to pick up the whisper. He looked at Blake through his peripherals and saw a smug smile across her lips.

"We're gonna have to hold out on their training," Mizu told his partner. Raiden shook his head no.

"There's no need to do that," he pointed at the wolf. "You can start without me; at least until I'm able to walk."

"You know I'm not that good a teacher in this art. If it's just combat then I can do just fine," the wolf Faunas responded.

"Then why not get your father to do it; he can guide you through it," Michele suggested. Mizu scratched the back of his head.

"There's one problem. How are they going to tell who's who?"

"Oh yeah that's right; you and your father are identical in every way. Even I have trouble telling you two apart," Raiden's mother responded with a tilt of her head. "But I'm sure you'll do fine; and you're basically training them at the same time so it's not any different from what you've been doing."

"Even so, I'm not really an aura user and the type of training Raiden has in store involves this. The training I have no problems with, but I'll try my best."

After a while of more talking, the students, Mizu, and Raiden's mom decided to head out. Michele hugged her son and kissed his head before leaving. Mizu and the professor bumped knuckles, and Yang gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek, but he stopped her from tailing the rest. While the others exited the door, Raiden pulled his Sunbeam back for another hug. Yang gladly hugged him back and held his cheeks in her hands.

"You and Mizu are lady killers you know that?"

"Why do you say that?" Raiden asked back. Yang snaked her arms around his neck.

"You seriously don't see it? I've seen you and Mizu make plenty of girls' heart flutter. Even if you don't do it purposely, you two just know exactly what to say."

"Oh, you mean like when Mizu and Blake had their first date and Mizu complimented her entire appearance. That was a nice choice of words; I wasn't expecting Mizu to be so punctual."

Yang giggled in response.

"None of us were; but I better not hear or see you saying like that to another female. There will be consequences understand?"

Raiden captured her lips in a passionate kiss and dragged his fingers through her golden mane. Yang found comfort in feeling her lover stroke her hair and kiss her passionately. When they separated, the two shared another hug.

Mizu roamed through the hallways in deep thought. He tried to figure out was going to happen with Raiden and Yang, remembering what his auntie whispered. He also recalled the smile on his Kitty Cat's face when she said it too.

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

"Bad feeling about what?" he heard someone ask. Mizu looked up and saw his uncle approaching.

"Oh, hey uncle. I was referring to something Auntie Michele whispered. She said something about Yang kicking Raiden's butt."

"Huh? When was this mentioned?" Michael questioned.

"So you don't know what they're talking about?" Mizu asked back.

"Afraid not buddy, but I'm sure it can't be that bad," his uncle answered.

"Hopefully, but I'm still going to get to the bottom of this."

Michael chuckled and ruffled Mizu's head.

"You've come a long way Mizu. Both you and Raiden have made us all very proud."

He placed a hand on the Faunas's shoulder. "Your father and I have been talking about this. Ever since I've known you, you were always aloof and quiet. You rarely interacted with us, even when Raiden dragged you pretty much everywhere, but now you two are inseparable. You've come so far and have become even stronger. Now I ask you this; what do you plan to do? How are you going to fight this war?"

Mizu didn't respond at first. A series of flashbacks raced through his mind, showing him the events that his uncle described.

"I'm not going to fight this alone I can tell you that. Raiden and I will be training the students the same way you taught Raiden. If they're going to help us, we're gonna have to push them above and beyond their limits. These creatures won't go down easily and will take everything the students have to beat them."

Michael continued to smile and let out a chuckle.

"And who best to teach them than their princes?"

Mizu flushed deeply, making his uncle laugh at him.

"Your fan clubs have told us all some very interesting stories. My favorite happened to be when yours asked to be tutored and had you dress a certain way."

Mizu covered his face in embarrassment but couldn't hide the bright red blush.

"I did tutor them and they passed their next test with flying colors. As for the dressing part, they wanted me to be one of those senseis they see in anime. At the time, I couldn't necessarily so no."

"They could barely focus you distracted them so much. But back to business; I wish you luck on the training. While you're doing that, Demetri and I will finish up your weapons. We're putting the finishing touches on them right now but they'll be ready in just a few more days."

"Really? That's great," Mizu stated enthusiastically. "My claws can't take much more abuse."

"Demetri was pretty adamant about not using a weapon other than his talons," Michael told him. "It made him feel stronger, but it made him a force to be reckoned with."

"Yeah he told me about that. I guess it rubbed off on me too because I find myself using them more than Astral Star."

"Hmm, have you had any dreams or such about Malevolence?" Michael questioned. Mizu shook his head.

"Not lately; but I have a bad feeling about him. Who knows what he's doing out there or how close he is to reviving his master."

Michael rubbed his chin.

"About that, I've been theorizing something. You told us Malevolence was a part of you until you and Demetri retrieved Raiden. You also said that you were the key to reviving Dragons."

"Where are you going with this?" Mizu asked.

"Maybe, just maybe, Dragons still can't be revived. Hear me out; if you yourself is the key, wouldn't that mean you're broken without the other piece. Since Malevolence was still a part of you till now, the key has now split in two. If that's the case, you're incomplete now because of it. Which means Malevolence can't revive Mizu without being whole again. However, this is merely a theory. I can't say for sure if I'm right or not."

"Hmmm, it sounds logical to me. Your guess is better than mine, but I'm hoping you're correct. That gives us more time then since he'll need to come after me."

"We won't let that happen, but in the meantime, you should rest up to. Tomorrow is going to be a long day with the beginning of training," Michael reminded him. Mizu nodded and bid his uncle farewell; however, his uncle watched the broad shoulders of his nephew. Another image of Mizu appeared beside the original, but this one was a younger version. Michael could instantly tell the difference between the two. While the original was standing tall and confident, the other moved a little slower and kept his head down. The father of Raiden couldn't help but smile again.

"You really have a come long way Mizu; don't forget what you've learned. Isn't that right guys?"

Michele, Demetri, and Rachel walked up behind him.

"My son has some really great friends," Rachel giggled. "I wouldn't expect something like this to arise."

"You're going to help them right honey?" Michele asked her husband.

"You two are stronger; that's all the help they really need," he responded with Demetri nodding in agreement.

"So says the two who won every match they had against us," Rachel retorted with her hands landing on her hips.

"Why not Demetri? It'll just be like old times," Michael draped an arm around the Faunas's neck. "We were great partners. I don't want to sound like an old man, but how about we show this generation the strength of the previous one."

"Hm, sounds good; it's been a while since I've had a good fight," Demetri smiled.

"Then let's go; I have a certain weapon to retrieve," Michael responded. The wives watched their husband leave and giggled at their antics.

"A war huh? Shall we partake as well?" Michele asked.

"Of course, no sense of letting our husbands have all the fun," Rachel responded. The wives followed after their husbands, unaware of the presence watching. Rachel turned around, feeling a gaze spying on her, but didn't find anyone.

"Rachel? You alright?" Michele asked. Rachel didn't respond and walked forward. Michele called out to her, but she didn't listen. Rachel felt something, something forgotten, yet not lost. She turned a corner and saw someone running away. Without haste, she ran after the person, leaving Michele in the dust.

He had to get away. He could feel her approaching and had to escape. The thought of her catching him was likely, but he didn't want to chance it. He didn't want to remember it, he didn't want her to remember it. He knew he would have to come clean if she caught him so he ran like his life depended on it. He took shortcuts, expertly maneuvering through the halls, and refusing to look back. He finally made it out and to the area where he first told his brother the news about his past. He placed his hand on the warrior statue and worked on regaining oxygen. He didn't expect this to happen. All he wanted was to see how she was doing, but her curiosity got the better of her.

"No matter how fast you are, you shouldn't have been able to keep up with me," Izumi said.

"Wanna bet?" she asked. Izumi gasped as his eyes opened all the way. He looked up and saw Rachel standing before him with her arms crossed. To make matters worse, she completely blocked off his escape. "You were spying on me. Why is that?"

Izumi didn't know what to do. He was trapped with no way out and felt beads of sweat roll down his face. He avoided Rachel's gaze and looked away.

"How did you keep up with me? I made sure to take routes that would distance us immediately."

"I know the layout of this building now like the back of my head. The shortcuts you took also had routes I could cut you off at and I wasn't trying to stop you, I was just trying to get a good luck at your face, but you wouldn't look at me so I had to keep chasing you," she explained. "Now I believe you owe me answers. What were you doing? You wouldn't be spying on me if you didn't have a reason."

"How do you know it was pointed towards you?" Izumi asked back.

"Why would you run when I got closer is a better question," Rachel pointed out. She tilted her head on her palm. "Let's see if my husband and son's skills rubbed off on me. You spied specifically on me and ran when I presumably approached you. You also won't look me in the eye, which is very rude by the way. Didn't your mother teach you to look at people when they're speaking to you?"

Izumi bit his lip.

"She did, but…"

"But nothing," Rachel interrupted. She then put her hands on her hips. "An adult is speaking to you and you will pay attention, understood?"

Izumi couldn't talk back and listened to Rachel. He showed her his face, but she wasn't satisfied.

"Stand up straight," she demanded. Izumi did as so and saw Rachel observe him again.

"Is that all Miss?"

"Hmm, I don't know why, but I get the strangest feeling that I've seen you already," she replied. "Why do you I feel as though there's a connection between us? Maybe I'm just crazy?"

She shook her head. "No that's not it; we're definitely connected in a way."

"Please let me go; I'm not the person you're looking for," Izumi told her. Rachel crossed her arms.

"Sorry buddy, but you're not going anywhere until I uncover the truth, understand?"

"Yes ma'am," Izumi sighted.

What am I going to do? Izumi pondered. I can't leave and she won't let up.

"What's your name?" Rachel inquired. "Maybe things will become clear then."

Izumi hesitated, pondering how was he going to get out of this mess.

"Izumi, my name is Izumi."

Rachel rubbed her chin.

"Izumi, Izumi, Izumi; I swear I've heard that name somewhere before, but where."

She got another good luck at his face and tried to remember; however, a serious headache pounded her mind instead. She gripped her head tight as Izumi started to worry. He rushed to her side and reached out to her, but Rachel grasped his wrist and looked up.

"You're face; I've seen it many times before. Why though? Why am I having such a difficult time remembering? Please, tell me."

Izumi was conflicted. Should he tell her, or should he keep it hidden again? He hated seeing her in pain though; and the look on her face made it hard to resist. He had no choice, but what would the results be?

"You've seen my face, because I was with you a lot when you did," he responded.

"What?" Rachel asked, the pain starting to numb. Izumi nodded.

"Yes, I was around you all the time; that's why my face is familiar."

He bit his lip again.

"I'm your son. Your firstborn son to be exact."

The pain from Rachel's head subsided and a loud gasp filled the air. Rachel was shocked, no, flabbergasted. She stared at Izumi with wide eyes while the latter looked away again. He started backing up and tried to run, but Rachel grabbed his arm again and pulled him back.

"Wait, is it really true? Are you really my son?"

Izumi didn't say anything and just nodded, but Rachel stepped in front of him and held his cheeks to look closer. A blush crept onto his cheeks, as his mother turned his head to see any resemblance.

"Yes, yes I can see it. You resemble me alright, but I can also see someone else. Izumi; I need the truth. What's going on? I thought Mizu was my only son."

He hesitated again, but knew he couldn't escape again.

"Mizu is your son that much is certain. I am also your son; however, of another father. I'm your biological son, but when I was born, you were married to another man. A man named Roman Torchwick."

A/N: That will do it for another chapter. I'm really sorry about the late update, but after hearing the terrible news, I was trying to bring myself to write. I'm not going to say much in this end slate, except leave a review or pm please and I will see you all later. Thanks for reading, keep your hearts strong, and take care. To Monty Oum, thank you, for everything you've done. Your legacy will live on within all of us.