Alright, guys!

Who's ready for more RWBY: Grimm Reaper?!

After working my ass off these weeks on a project, I finally free (well as free as possible I can) and more time to work on the story.

I want to thank to ReddLotus for still being my beta reader (obviously doing it to enjoy the updates before anyone else).

Now let's continue with Kaiden and his misadventures. Enjoy!

Chapter 36: Family

-o-

For the third time in the last 24 hours, I was retelling the whole story about what happened yesterday obviously not mentioning certain details like what team RWBY discussed and I heard in my hide, the reason why I was in Vale (just saying I was taking a walk at Vale), the woman in the alley, my talk with Monty and some hard stuff with Zaule.

Mom listened quietly without asking any question. I could see she knew I was omitting some parts, but she still didn't say anything so I could finish my story.

My dad was different. He looked like at me disgusted the whole time I was speaking, like if I were explaining how to kick a baby without hurting the feet. The moment Ruby saw him, her body stiffened and I discovered a face I thought I'd never see coming from her: hatred. She had my memories I guess she witnessed how my life with him was. Before anyone else saw her, I took her hand and squeezed it gently to calm her down.

Now we were in the dorm as I finished the summary of the events, with me sitting on Blake's bed with Ruby at my side as my parents were doing the same on Weiss' side. The rest of the girls were hanging out at JNPR's room leaving us space to catch up.

"So, all the arrests I saw in the news, taking place everywhere, are because you dismantled a criminal organization leaded by a veteran huntsman that kept you hostage and you fought?" Mom asked with a stern face when I concluded the story.

"I… yes… that's right…" I replied shyly preparing myself to be scolded.

"Wow," it was her only response.

"Just 'wow'?" I asked confused. "Aren't you mad at me for doing dangerous stuff?"

"Kaiden, I've seen you doing so stuff that made my heart skips a beat: your training session that lasted an entire weekend, that party at Aztlan months ago… damn, I almost had a heart attack when Yang called and told us you were in the hospital after fighting that grimm. I'm not even mad, son. That's amazing. You saved a group of faunus from a sad fate…"

Dad scoffed when mom mentioned the other race, causing all the eyes glared at him. He noticed this and faked a cough "Sorry, I had something in my throat."

We went back to the topic even if we didn't believe such a lame excuse.

"Yeah," I continued "I have the hope that everyone is at home with the people they love."

"Just like you," mom said pointing at Ruby and me, making our faces turned a light shade of red but still holding hands.

It could have been a nice moment if it weren't because some looked at us with displeasure rolling the eyes. I won't say who. Luckily, Ruby didn't notice this.

"Why don't we go out to grab a bite? My treat," I proposed. "Let's meet the others and let's find a nice place."

"That sounds great," Ruby agreed, standing up with a small jump.

"Good thing you say it," mom said getting up. "I only had a flavorless sandwich in the train."

"Oh! I know a good place where you can eat an excellent pasta at good price," Ruby said knowing from me that my mother loved that meal.

"You got me with 'pasta'," the pasta lover told my girlfriend as they headed to the door.

"I'll be with you in a moment," I informed them before I looked at my father. "Dad, could you help me with something?"

Both ladies looked at me, wondering what I was going to do, but they still left the room.

In the end, there was an awkward silence in the room with my father and me being alone.

"So," he was the first one speaking "are you going to pack your stuff or what?"

His words left me speechless.

"Excuse me?"

"You're going back to Aztlan."

"What?! No!" I protested. "I'm fine now. I have my memories back. I have everything I always wanted here. A place where I can be myself. Friends. I even have a girlfriend. I can't give it up now."

He frowned.

"That girl," he said with venom in his voice. "I don't know why you chose her and not the Schne. At least you could get some profit from her position as heiress."

I couldn't believe what he was saying.

"Everything is a business for you, huh?" I inquired. "Even paying someone to bully me and force me to leave Beacon." His eyes opened wide confirming my suspicion. "Yes, I know your little deal."

"I was doing the best for you."

Bullshit.

"The best for me or for you?" I defied him. "You saw what I can do after what happened in that party. I can defend myself and fight to protect others..."

"Even if you died fighting that grimm only to wake up with no memories?" Dad interrupted me "Do you know all the pain your mother went through because of you?"

"I know," I clenched my fists "but I'd do it again if I had to only to protect those who I love. What do I need to convince you that I'm fine here? I doing great in my classes, I'm gonna be part of the Vytal Festival Tournament and today I almost defeated a Mistral Champion."

"A draw in a fight isn't a victory," he said crossing arms.

"Oh, right. The end justifies the means," I replied. "That's your motto for anything, even if it's about getting a place in the council."

His eyes narrowed glaring me.

"What are you talking about?"

I smiled mockingly as I walked around the room.

"Did you believe I wasn't aware of your little businesses these years? Threats. Extortions. Bribes. Those operations trying to snatch lands from some people to sell to the highest bidder... if it weren't because someone was there to thwart those plans and expose them."

"How do you know- You," he pointed at me with an accusing finger. "It was you all along."

Let's say that I had another way to train besides being in the cabin. Every time I had info about a dirty business close to take place, I'd sneak in and take evidence that I delivered to some reliable people. The next day everyone knew about it and some explanations had to be done before going to jail or having a good punishment. Sadly, sometimes nothing happened but still I kept going with my task of revealing that corruption in Aztlan government. Even some nights when I went back with RWBY during the semester break.

"Yes, and I know what you have been doing these years," I informed him.

"It doesn't matter what you known, it's useless without evidence."

"Uh uh uh," I hummed shaking my head. "That's where you're wrong. I have evidence. A lot of it. I had more recently." His face went from an angry red to a shocked white. "You see, I've been saving a lot of info in different cloud accounts just in case I find a good use for it. Pictures. Videos. Voice records. Emails. Everything involving you."

"How did you get them?" he roared.

"I have my methods." Actually, I just logged in his email. Who uses their whole name has password? "And I found out that you've dealt with Clayton Zaule before to threat blacksmith Steex and make him leave the city years ago."

Before I gave Zaule's scoll to Ironwood, I deleted the data involving my father and saved theoriginal one in mine. Obviously, he wasn't pleased with this galreing at me with a deadly stare and a vein beginning to pop in his forehead.

"I know what you're thinking. You'll try to force me to delete it or Alice's cabin will pay the price. But, don't worry, because I won't make it public if we make a deal: don't mess with me and I won't mess with you. I'll stay in Beacon."

He only looked at me furious before he finally spoke.

"This is how you pay me back after everything I've done for you?"

"Done for me? After I decided to become a Huntsman, you started to treat me like trash," I reclaimed slowly losing my temper. "As the years passed, you kept ignoring me as you only cared about my sisters giving all they wanted. If they asked for something they desired, you gladly gave them. If I did the same, you gave me an excuse as mom kindly helped me. She and Alice always were there for me."

"And that's why I'm glad she's dead," he stated grinning. "She only filled your head with absurd ideas and made you totally useless for me."

For a moment, my heart skipped a beat and something inside was burning in rage.

"Do… not… ever… say… THAT-" I roared before my face whipped aside.

In my anger I didn't notice Nathaniel raised his hand and slapped me with its back. It shouldn't have made much damage if I had my aura back, but it hadn't replenished after Ruby tackled me before in the arena. I felt my cheek burning before he hit me again, making me fall next to Blake's bed.

"Learn respect for your father, you little shit."

Then the door opened.

On the ground. A thread of blood coming down from my nose. Split lip. A purple bruise appearing on a cheek.

I didn't want her to see me like this. Ever.

Before I could react, Ruby was kneeled next to me with her hands on my face analyzing the condition in which I was, but I turned my face away. I couldn't stand the look she was giving me.

Suddenly, she stood up and faced my father.

"I don't know what you were talking about, I don't care what has been said. But never EVER a parent should raise a hand against their child only to hurt."

In her face, there was a fury I never believed I could see on her.

"Get out of my way, girl," he demanded with authority standing straight to impose his height over hers. "This isn't of your business."

"Yes, it is!" she roared. "You don't know me but I know who you are and the things you've done."

Dad looked at her furiously but there was something in his looks that frightened me. Rage. Blind Rage.

"Looks like you need to know your place too," he said raising again his hand.

The sudden reaction shocked Ruby, who was still in her place seeing the raised hand falling towards her.

He really was going to do it. He wasn't thinking, just letting his rage take the control of his actions. He didn't care she was about to hit a girl he barely knew.

He could hit me, insult me and even spit on me, but I wouldn't let him lay a hand on the people I love. Especially Ruby.

I didn't think about I had to do. I just did it.

My legs were first to react as I jumped on my feet. With a fast stride I grabbed Ruby's arm, pulling her behind me, and did something that I knew was wrong but I didn't give a fuck about it. I didn't use the sword that was leaning on the bed, but I wrapped my arm in darkness and grabbed the arm of the threatening hand tightly.

"Don't touch her!"

Obviously, Nathaniel didn't like this and let out a cry mixed with pain and fear before I tossed him away from us. He fell on his back and stood up clumsily holding his arm as he glared me.

"I was right about," he groaned. "Once a monster, always a monster."

Another door opened, this time my mom coming out from JNPR's room, concerned about what was happening.

"What's going on here?" she asked looking first at his stumbling husband, then at Ruby and me. Her face was filled with horror when she saw the wounds I had "Oh my god! Kaiden!"

She started to run in my direction before an arm kept her from reaching me.

"Mary, we're leaving," my father ordered grabbing her arm and guiding her to the hallway as the stares from the room across witnessing the scene.

"But Kaiden-"

"Who?" Her husband interrupted her.

"Who? Your son!"

He looked emotionlessly at me from the door frame.

"I just see a kid who casually has the same last name as ours. The same who should know that I won't do a thing to his little shed in the woods, but is not welcome at our home. Ever."

Mom gasped looking at me with tears coming out of her eyes as she was escorted out of the room and I went after them.

They had walked some meters before Nathaniel Azabache stopped, looked at me with het in his eyes and said the words that would be burned in my soul…

"You should have died."

Without anything else to say, they just kept walking until they turned in a corner and lost sight of them, but I could hear something I never wanted to hear again. The sound of my mom crying.

I just stayed there processing those words when someone called me.

"Kaiden…" Ruby placed a hand on my shoulder, but I shoved it off before I ran in the opposite direction.

It was my fault. I didn't measure the risks. I went full overconfident of myself revealing all about my research and didn't think what could happen.

Now I had no home.

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It took a while until I stopped running and got to a balcony with the sunset sun fading behind the horizon. My breath was agitated while my heart was beating hard with sad rhythm and my hands clutched the railing as the grounds of the academy unfolded beneath me.

I screwed it all.

I knew the consequences of my actions but I let all my repressed anger after all years and overconfidence I got those days take control of me.

Now I was scared of what happen from now.

I didn't know if Nathaniel would agree on my deal and I would use my info. What if he doesn't? He could destroy the cabin with everything inside, try to take over my bank account to leave me without a single lien or use any method to make regret that day, and then I'd be forced to make public my data to Ironwood. But, what could be the consequences if my father is arrested? I'd be still in Beacon while my mom and sisters would be labeled for his actions and at mercy of the people who wants revenge of the things he did. The only thought made me shiver.

It'd be because of me.

A black glow surrounded me as I felt my aura healing my recent wounds.

"Oh, now you're back until now?" I groaned irritated.

I don't how long I stayed there. Minutes. Hours. I only stayed there gazing the falling sun.

Then my scroll started ringing.

Jade.

I just answered the call when a yell come out almost damaging the device.

"YOU INGRATEFUL PIECE OF SHIT!"

"What the fuck!" I swore holding my scroll away from my ear.

"Dad told me everything," she said. "First you have your memories back and then disrespect dad. What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Do you have any idea of what really happened?" I inquired knowing that my sister uses to have rash thoughts about something without caring if it's true or not.

"I know everything from him."

"Jade, I love you but you need to stop believing each word he says."

"Well, I trust him more than I do with you," she replied irritated. "How could you do it after he payed your tuition and your medical care when you were in coma?"

I closed my eyes. It wasn't surprise he had say that, getting the image of ever loving and caring dad.

"That's a lie," I said. "He hasn't given me a single lien in almost 10 years."

"Well, that's your word against his and I think he's more reliable than you."

Maybe both of us didn't have a nice relationship but still those words hurt me.

"I'm sorry you think that, sister," I said with grief.

"I'm not your sister," she declared coldly "you're not my brother and stay away from my mother. You've made enough harm."

Then she hung up.

The silence after that call was short before another one came in.

Lazulli.

I picked up ready for anything she had to say.

"Go ahead," I said getting ready for the rebuke.

"What?" she asked confused.

"Say what you need to say."

She stayed silent until she spoke.

"Are you alright?"

That question got me off-guard.

"I'm asking if you're alright," she repeated calmly. "Mom said dad hit you."

"Did she tell you?"

"Actually, we just texted. Well, are you fine?"

"I… uh… yeah. I'm fine," I answered. "My aura was off then, but it got back and healed my wounds."

"That's good," she said with a small sigh. "Now tell what happened."

I couldn't help but smile remembering the always joyful and caring elder sister who always separated Jade and me when we were fighting and who always listened me every time I wanted to talk someone.

I told her almost everything that transpired the last two days and the incident in the room, just omitting details like my information about the shady businesses that I found. Like mom, she listened just making a question once a while though she freaked out when I told about me and Ruby. When I was done talking, she kept silence for few seconds.

"I see," she says. "After that occurred, Dad called us ordering us to stay away from you just because you were out of control and too dangerous to be around us. Jade obeyed without asking but I decided to get more information about it so I texted mom before calling you. To be honest, I'm not surprised of what he's done. Dad always has been hard on you since I remember."

"Yeah, ever since I began with my training."

"So, what are you gonna do now?"

I took a deep breath and sighed deeply.

"I think it's the best if I stay away for a while," I suggested. "At least until all the tension is gone, but still I can't go home anymore. So, if I go to Aztlan, I'll be in the cabin."

"I think that's good," Laz agreed optimistic. "By the way, don't listen Jade. You always will be my little brother."

Hearing those words coming from here made me difficult to hold my tears but I barely did it.

"Thanks. I'm really happy to hear that," I replied ding my best to not cry. "I love you, sis."

"I love you too, Kaiden," Laz said with grief in her voice. "We'll be cheering you during the tournament."

This time I was the one who hung up.

I stayed still before I leaned on the balcony railing with my hands griping the grapping the metal to thigh so my knuckles paled as I breathed deeply trying to calm down. It was hard to clear my mind but made it slowly. I stood up and sat dawn on the ground leaning my back against the wall, closing my eyes.

But this time the silence was too painful for me.

"Kaiden," a voice spoke at my side. At opening my eyes, I saw Ruby standing next to me with concern in her silver eyes. "Are you ok?"

I didn't talk and nodded, not wanting that any word I say could reveal the mess I was feeling inside.

"Do you want to be alone?"

Time ago I could have said yes and enjoyed that time for myself. But not now so I shook my head.

She sat on the empty space at my side and both stared the sun almost gone in the horizon without saying a word.

I didn't know what to say. 'I'm sorry that my father wanted to hurt you'? 'I'm sorry that I can't avoid troubles more than 24 hours'? 'It's a shame that my life is an endless drama'? No, there're no words I could say to make up for all the stuff happening the last days and I've been making her go through.

My train of thoughts was interrupted when I heard some click coming from my side before I felt something covering me. A red cloak. A pair of arms wrapped me under that rose smelling force field.

"I could see what he's done to you when we shared memories," Ruby whispered with her voice cracking "and there's something that it's true: you're not a monster."

"Ruby..." I placed my hands on hers.

"Even if we only met few months ago, I've learned so much about. You love books, anime and videogames. You hate bullies and homework. There are times you're too quiet and shy, but you also help who needs a hand and you're good listener if someone needs to be heard. These are ones of the many things I love about you."

She hugged me tightly, burying her face in my chest.

"I want you to remember this: We are here for you. I'm here for you."

There's something singular about this girl besides her eyes. Her sweet voice, the way she touches me with her hands, the smile she gives me. Everything she does knocks down any attempt to hide what I'm feeling and make it come out.

My shoulder started trembling.

My breath became agitated again.

I looked up closing my eyes, doing my best to control myself. But I failed when thin stream of something warm started coming from them.

"I love you, Kaiden, and you are not alone."

Those words were enough to give up to my feelings. First with silent sobs that then became a sad weeping, as some arms hugged me and the smell of roses giving me comfort.

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The walk back to the room was totally silent. It took a while for me to calm down but Ruby never left side, just being there as I let go all my inner pain.

We kept holding our hands while each step got us closer to our destination, just making a quick stop at the bathrooms so I could clean and refresh my face from the dry blood from my nose.

I wasn't sure how I could explain to everyone what happened. Everyone was there the moment I became disinherited, so they'd be wondering what was the reason. I didn't want to tell them, but I had to. No more secrets for them.

We finally stood before our door and I placed my hand on the knob, but I hesistated to twist it to open. Another hand appeared on mine.

"Together," Ruby indicated giving me a soft kiss on the cheek.

Maybe I was strong when it's about fighting, but she was strong cheering people and make everyone feel better. I was lucky to have her by my side.

The door opens with a long squeak.

As both of us got in, all the eyes were lookin who arrived to the room. JNPR and the rest of RWBY were gathered sitting in different places like the beds or the chairs in front of the desks. Everyone stood up, but, just like me, didn't know how to break the awkwardness.

Then, something unexpected took place.

Nora walked towards me with long strides and embraced in a tight hug. Not like the ones she always made that could break your back, but one telling me that she could feel my pain. Ren followed her doing the same, surprising me even more.

Then Ruby.

Jaune.

Pyrrha.

Blake.

Weiss.

I was wondering where Yang was until I felt being lifted along with everyone in the group hug before, seeing lilac eyes looking at me with a playfull look. The sad silence was replaced by giggles as the brawler began to shake us before she lost her balance and all of us fell to the ground, in a mixture of laughs and groans of pain.

I just laughed tangled in that mess of arms and legs, sprawled on the ground with my friends...

No.

My family.

Yeah, I know. I'm a total dick.

Before you show up in front of my house as an angry mob, let's check the reviews.

RedHood1999: Actually, I have plans for it in the future so be patient ;)

Gizmo Gear: Oh, sorry, pal. :P

Cco16: In the coming chapters Kaiden will be giving some comments about his smeblance besides another use I got for it. By the way, his semblance is darkness so you can remember it.

EWR115: Way ahead of you! *grabs emergency supplies, fake IDs and keys before going to the secret bunker*

Guest (chapter 35. may 22): Yep, he's back to kick asses.

Welp, that's it for now.

Don't forget to leave your reviews telling me what you think about the story so far and anything else you want to tell me.

See you later... if I survive to the mob of angry fans.

*runs to the hills*

ReddLotus - "Don't worry I got life insurance! And I might ask Monty if he can bring you back.
Anyway see the you next time!"