HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLO EVERYONE!

Jeit27 is back with more RWBY: Grim Reaper.

Sorry for the delay. I've been kinda busy with my job, a new relationship and my wait until God of War be released (specially because I pre-ordered the LATAM version).

Until then, here's the update.

Enjoy!


Chapter 55: Unexpected surprises

-o-

The dark hallway. The same door.

I knew I had seen it before but didn't remember when or where.

The was no sign indicating what was hidden behind the mistreated dark brown wood and the dented handle. The frame had scratch marks that went from the hinges, which seemed like if they were about to bolt in any second. Silver chains crossed the door from an end to another, sealing it since it apparently only could swing into the hallway.

There was no way to open it, but something inside was calling me. I could feel it.

Right when I almost reached the doorknob, I woke up from the dream… only to deal with another crisis.

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Something was happening.

Did I do something wrong?

Something I said?

I didn't know, but certain thing was sure: Ruby was hiding something from me.

It started the week after we returned from Patch. The first incident was when her scroll rang and Ruby had left it in the room while she took Zwei to a quick walk. I answered the call. I didn't recognize the number and greeted the stranger, hoping to identify who was calling. They didn't say a word and hanged up the call. When I told my girl about it, she began berating about invading her privacy and snatching the device from my hand before walking away angered.

She then started receiving texts that sometimes made her smile, disappeared for hours before I saw her again in the dorm in the night, and stopped sneaking in my futon to sleep.

I questioned my friends about it, but they totally dismissed my concern advising me to give her time. Still, I was worried about her change of behaviour.

I tried to follower but somehow I was distracted by something (like Zwei and his chewing toy) or someone (like Taki asking me to check her scroll) and lost sight of her.

Two weeks later and I still had no clue of Ruby's activities.

After running another test in the Holosseum. Oren called requesting help at the restaurant, since some waiters were sick and the place was packed with a lot of people in a saturday night. After a quick training and a explanation of the dishes, I wore the uniform prior starting my turn. Luckily I didn't drop any plate and we could use our semblances so it was easy to carry the tray of food sprouting dark arms from my back while others could freeze the drinks or heat a cup of coffee with their hands. It was a way to make service much faster.

By the end of the shift, the customer flow started decreasing so I was good to go. After getting pay for the help and saying goodbye to the Sorei family, I headed to Beacon taking the usual transport.

I was about to unlock my room's door when it happened.

Before I could react, my vision was blinded by a cloth sack that wrapped my head. I could've defended myself if there weren't a stinky sock inside that stammered me and couldn't use my semblance because the awful smell; it was like if someone had ran across Vacuo's desert non-stop. In my moment of weakness, my assailant proceeded to tie my hands and legs. I felt several hands on me that lifted my body and I was carried to an unknown destination.

I struggled with my kidnappers, even managed to kick someone's head who let out a muffled cry that sounded like Jaune's, but no success on getting away.

Some minutes transcurred and I heard the sound of a door opening before the bag on my head was removed, with the sudden light and the fresh air in my lungs distracting me enough to be thrown into the room. My abductors shut the door without giving me the chance to identify them. Once having my mind clear and not smelling a sweaty sock, I summoned my semblance to break my ties and stand up.

I was in a conference room. The place was in almost darkness, barely lit by a computer screen displaying a message:

PLAY ME.

Praying I wouldn't see a puppet telling me to play a game, I sat on the seat in front of the computer and pressed on the message.

The first thing in appearing was team CMRA Productions logo, followed by Ozpin sitting behind his desk and view of Beacon on the window during a sunny day.

"Hello. I'm professor Ozpin, headmaster of Beacon academy," the old man greeted from his seat. "During all these years I've been in charge of this prestigious academy and witnessing the growth of many students as huntsmen, there have been several faces that had left a mark on this school. Today we'll be talking about one student in particular:," my face popped on the screen, "Kaiden Edward Noir."

Ozpin stood up from his seat

"I remember the first time we spoke. A former student, Qrow Branwen, send me a recording showing me a young man facing a fierce beringel and slaying it cleverly. Seeing his potential as candidat to huntsman despite his young age, I interviewed him and I had no doubt that he deserved a place in the academy. And I wasn't wrong."

Different windows appeared on screen. Each one screening my fights against grimm and during Combat Class. Even some when I faced the Soul Reaper from security cameras.

"Kaiden had proved being worthwhile of becoming a great defender. Not because his skills, but his willingness to help others, whether defending them from those who want to hurt or giving words of encouragement if one needs moral support. If you do not believe me, just listen to these testimonies."

The screen changed, showing some familiar faces.


Oren: I'd like to say that I met Kaiden in good circumstances, but I'd be lying. Locked in a cell after a failed escape attempt, I was prisoner of a criminal gang and unsure where I'd end up before someone was tossed in with me. He comforted me help to forget about my grim situation for while. Then one of the goons tried to take me away but Kaiden used his semblance to break free and saved me before escaping. Since then, he's been like a big brother for me and sometimes he and his friends give me advices to become an huntsman.


Velvet: When I met Kaiden he defended me from some bullies. Since then we've been good friend since then, not caring about me being faunus. That's what I like about him.

Coco: *Cough cough*

Velvet: But not that way!


Coco: Kaiden's cool. I've seen him fighting and I gotta to say he has some nice moves. Besides he got a nice ass-

Velvet: COCO!


Nebula: I hadn't seen Kaiden for years since I moved to Vacuo, but I was really happy and surprised to find him here in Beacon. At last I was able to meet my little brother.


Toka: That guy is awesome! Using his darkness thingy is so *beep* cool!


Taki: In better words than my brother's, Kaiden has proved to be worthy of being a Special Unit of Beacon. The day when the guys and me witnessed his fight against Nikos, I could see his full potential despite his age. I looking forward how he develops in a future.


Ragna: Kaiden is a interesting guy. He's gone through a lot of stuff and still moves forwards without worries. I hope we can face each other in the tournament and found out who's so strong he is.


Neptune: Kaiden is almost so cool like me so he's fun to hang out with.


Sun: I hope to see Kaiden around at Mistral someday after the festival's over. He's a good friend I made during my time in Vale. [Whispers] Much better than Neptune.

Neptune: I heard you!


Nora: I like Kaiden. It's nice to plays games with him whenever we can.


Ren: Kaiden is really someone with great skills and good listener if someone needs to be heard.


Pyrrha: He's helped us many times as we have aided him in he needed some aid. Kaiden is one of my most trusted friends and consider him as my rival who I want to have my rematch with.


Jaune: Kaiden and me have had a long way since we met on our first day at Beacon. He's my best friend, my brother, and I'll always be there if he needs support. Be it moral as a companion in arms.


Yang: From the moment I met Kaiden, I thought he was just a grumpy guy with a stick shoved in his ass, but it changed while I knew him better. Now I think he's cool and consider him like a little brother… one who dates my sister… Alright, that came out wrong.


Blake: There was a time when I was distrustful of Kaiden. I knew that there was something off from him. It changed, though, when he began opening to us and I realized that I was like him: both had secrets and fears to face. Now he's my most trustful friend and a great reading partner.


Weiss: My first impression of Kaiden wasn't a good one. For me he was a know-it-all, haughty, presumptuous kid who I barely stand. And the fact we shared room didn't help at all. However, I was mistaken. He has become someone who I can talk about anything and he'd give me his advice. Yes, we still have our harsh times but nothing that an apologize from him can't fix.


Ruby: Kaiden... I… well… he… [deep breath]... Kaiden was the first friend I met during my first day at Beacon after an "incident" with Weiss. He defended me and we met Jaune after that. I don't if it's coincidence that our paths crossed during our Initiation, he protected me from that Deathstalker and willingly giving up the last chess piece even if it meant losing his place at the academy. He even decided to be the bait to lure a giant Nevermore and shoot it down. From that day he was like a another member of team RWBY.

During the first few weeks I knew him, I noticed that something odd happened to him. The sadness in his eyes. The look he always had like if he awaited for a sad fate. The times he used to spend alone. I didn't understand what was wrong and I had no idea of how to help. That made me feel… impotent.

It was during our week off after the semester when he told us his story. The mix of emotions I had made me shudder: sadness, concern, grief. Then I imagined how it'd be if I lose him… it made me feel worse. It told me something for certain: I loved Kaiden. I had another hard work to do: deal with those feelings and figure out what to do about it.

Then some stuff happened. A nightmarish fight against a grimm and a sacrifice was made. I had lost another loved one and my world was shattered again. That was until something unexpected took place and he returned to us… kinda. More stuff happened and Kaiden was back completely with us and we were finally together-together. Since then he has been my best friend, my confident, a great teammate, mischief partner and the person whom I want to have at my side all the time. I… I love him.


The screen changed from a happily smiling Ruby with thin tears descending on her blushed cheeks to Ozpin, who was still in his office.

"These are the thoughts of those who know Kaiden Noir," the old man spoke. "People who have been for him in good and bad. During those times of sadness and joy. Times of punches and hugs. Always together to face the difficulties of school life and the challenges to become a huntsmen."

The eyes of the headmaster stared directly at me.

"Kaiden, I want to end this speech with a simple message from everyone who cares about you: Happy birthday. Never stop moving forward."

The screen faded to black, swallowing me into the darkness in the room now that the video was over and there was no source of light.

During the last seconds my vision was blurred by watering eyes. Hearing the thoughts of my friends made me feel happiness and an indescriptible warmth inside me. I didn't knew if cry feeling touched by my friends' words or laugh because of the joy that it made me feel, so I did both.

I sobbed in the shadows before I dim light illuminated from behind and the sound of the door echoed in the room. I wiped my tears and turned around only to get another reason to cry.

A small cart was being pulled by Oren while a cake had several multi-colored candles lighted, being the only source of light besides the open door. Many shadows were behind him that I could recognize; especially the ones next to him and one with bright silver eyes.

"What is this?" I asked astonished.

"Your birthday, you silly," Ruby replied kindly. "We've been planning it for a while."

I gasped. I was such a fool. With all the classes, the Holosseum tests, Torchwick with the White Fang, and the Vytal Tournament coming, I had totally forgotten about my birthday.

I cupped her face between my hands and pressed my lips against hers in a soft kiss. Then I wrapped my arms around her and began sobbing helplessly again while she patted my back comforting me.

"Everyone helped to prepare it for you," she whispered on my ear. "Now blow the candles and make your wish."

I got closer to the cake, which had my emblem drawn with black lines on a white background and my name written on fondant with great resemblance to Requiem.

I looked at everyone present, the people who had been there for me always. The people who I had fought with. The people who gave me their support during my most sorrowful moments I went through. The people who I saw day to day in Beacon and who had become an important part of my life.

I closed my eyes thinking about my wish:

I wish I could spend more time with my growing family.

With that thought echoing in my mind, I leaned and blew the candles. The light went out and we immersed ourselves into the dark until someone turned on the lights. Many things happened afterwards. The first one was a bear hug from Yang. When the brawler finally released me, the others were kinder.

I was thanking talking with Oren when a piece of cake splattered on my face.

"Nora!" I heard Ren calling out the girl, who was chuckling like a child.

Wiping my face, I grabbed a handful of cake and threw it to my attacker, who evaded it and hit Weiss in the face. The Schnee glared at me and then she did the unexpected: she grabbed the piece she had on her plate and tossed it to me. With a quick move, I dodged it before she landed on Ruby, who saw this as a declaration of war and a all-out war took place with everyone splatting the dessert on the other. Then the battle took an interesting turn… when some of it hit on Glynda. A sepulchral silence filled the room awaiting for the rage of the deputy headmistress. With a swift move of her riding crop, the teacher levitated several plates with the already served slices and sent them all of them to us with malicious grin. Saying it was an overkill is a understatement.

After a quick trip to the restroom to clean myself, I returned to the room where the party was now calmed with everyone chatting and eating snacks or what was left of cake.

Nebula was telling an embarrassing story about me and an issue I had with a beetle I was keeping in my room when Weiss arrived and gave a small package in white wrapping with a blue ribbon.

"What is this?" I wondered weighing the square. It was light.

"What do you think? Your present," she scoffed. "Hurry up and open it. I did my best to wrap it."

I giggled at the tsundere's attitude and did as told. Instead tearing my friend's hard work and to please her, I carefully removed the scotch tape and unfolded wrapper, letting me see a black box inside. When I opened it, my surprise was great when I found a black wrist watch with silver details and the hands tickling at a synchronised pace.

"Wow, Weiss. I like it! Thank you."

"Just don't modify it into another laser guide for another missile locker," she conditioned with a serious stare.

"I'll try," I smirked while I adjusted my new watch.

"Dolt," she last said with a kind slap on my head.

It didn't take long before I got another present, this time from Jaune and Pyrrha. This one was much bigger and heavier in Pumpkin Pete's wrapping.

"We hope you like it," Pyrrha said.

"And don't worry about the wrapping," Jaune stated with a wink.

Freed from the Schnee's good behaviour in opening presents, I let my inner wilding tear the paper to find comics.

"The name's Markus Dark. It's a collection of comics I used to read. I thought you'd like it since the main character had powers like yours and it could help you to think about new moves," Jaune commented proudly.

"Thanks, Jaune."

"Actually, thank Pyrrha," he objected. "She's the one who found and ordered it online."

"But it was your idea to look for it."

"Well, thank you, Jaune and Pyrrha," I thanked my friends.

"The things you do together," I added with a wink.

Their faces blushed madly.

"I-I hope you l-like it," the redhead's calmed demeanor barely could stand the teasing as she glanced her secret boyfriend.

"Y-yeah," Jaune seemed to control himself kinda better. "Read it and we chat about about it later."

Turning around on their wheels, the secret couple walked away in strides and avoiding eye contact with the other. Meanwhile, I was having the time of my life seeing their faces.

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I was surprised by the amount presents I was receiving. I was used to get a shirt or a book if I was lucky enough. I'm not complaining, but this time I was receiving a lot of stuff than usual from my friends.

A compass from Ren.

A Dragon Age Inquisition t-shirt from Nora.

Googles from Neptune (just to look"cool" like him).

A scarf from Velvet.

Supply pouches from Nebula.

A collection of movies that team CMRA had made.

A sword cleaning kit from Blake.

A satchel from Glynda.

A black leather jacket with my emblem on the backside from Yang.

And many more from everyone. They were useful for my training, class or just for fun.

Ozpin gave me a thermo with Beacon's emblem when Ruby called me.

"What is it?"

"A surprise," she answered with a smile from ear to ear.

"Another one?"

"Just sit and close your eyes," she commanded me pointing at the chair next to her. "No peeking."

Even if I wanted, I was blindfolded waiting for this surprise. I was curious about it. What was so special so I needed a cloth covering my eyes? Was it a lap dance?

"Now give your hands."

"If this end up with me touching something gross, there will be blood."

However, I felt something else: another pair of hands.

"Hey there, little fox," a very familiar voice greets me.

Taking off the cloth, my mother's face was there with a broad smile. Without wasting time, I lunged at her wrapping my arms in a hug.

"You're here," I said. Despite seeing her few weeks ago, it was nice having there that night.

"My boy is 17 now," she said. "Ruby called and told me she was preparing a surprise party, so here we are."

"Wait… 'we'?"

"Yes. WE, duh," another voice joined the conversation.

"Laz?"

"In the flesh," the blue-haired girl smiled at me. "Someone else came with us."

She walked to the door, peeked out and spoke to someone before turning around. Following her was coming a persona I didn't expect to see that night or again in my life.

"Jade…" I mutter surprised.

"Hi, Kaiden," she greeted shyly. "Happy birthday."

Seeing the green haired girl there reminded me the last time we spoke each other. Many hurtful words were said. Many insults. The anger spilled like venom. Days after after our quarrel, I desired to never see her again in my life. But as the time passed, I began feeling regret and tried to call her to fix the things, but I could grab my scroll and do it.

New she was there in front of me.

"I-I'm sorry," Jade suddenly apologized with her eyes looking down. "I trusted blindly what dad told me. I wasn't listening any other explanation until some days ago when Lazulli almost tied me to a chair and mom told me everything. I don't if you'll ever forgive me, but at least I want to make it clear."

Her eyes were at edge of the tears when I strode yo her and wrapped my arms around her.

"There's nothing to forgive," I told her. "I've missed you so much."

Jade and me have had a long history of fights, dispute and some rude nicknames whenever one of us exasperated the other. Damn, I've even pulled her hair when she grabbed my savings from my room. But during the time since I came back to life and regained my memories, I learned that nothing good come from clinging to the past.

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In comparison with the emotive reunion, the rest of the party transcurred without incidents and soon everyone was helping to clean up the place.

Despite assuring them that we could handle it, mom still stayed to help (with my sisters who didn't dare to refuse). I had planned to go out with them the next morning with Ruby. Oren was also invited since my sisters were captivated by the kid's tanuki ears. Poor guy, he didn't knew what he got into with dealing that pair.

Once the room was clean with the trash bag ready to be recollected the next morning and my mom and sisters gone to their hotel room in Vale, RWBY and me head to our room after I thanked everyone for the surprise.

Weiss, Blake and Yang were walking ahead of Ruby and me while I carried a bag with several of my presents while she had some not so heavy.

"Ruby, thanks for the party. I really enjoyed it."

"You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't give you a present," she apologized. "The order of material for what I was making had a delay due a problem with the delivery service."

"Are you kidding? It's the first time I had surprise party. I can't ask for anything better."

"I'm glad you like it. We had a hard time to plan with you watching over me all the time."

"Yeah, sorry about it. With the calls and the texts you wanted to hide, I thought you…" I trailed off not wanting to say the word 'cheat'.

"Wait," Ruby stopped in her tracks. "You thought I was cheating on you?"

Well, she said it.

"I know it was rude. Let's forget it," I proposed walking away, but she grabbed me by the wrist.

"Kaiden, I wouldn't do such thing to you," Ruby declared with her silver eyes fixed on mine. "I love you and nothing will change that."

"I know," I kissed her tenderly.

"But it was tough to prepare the surprise and keeping an eye on you."

"About it, did you really plan everything by yourself?"

"Kinda, until Weiss insisted on helping after the surprise we gave to Port and he almost died by heart attack."

Thankfully Neptune was around and resuscitated the old professor with a shock from his trident.

"And don't forget when you scared Yang with her life-size beowulf cake and it was splattered all over the room when she punched it."

I liked that cake.

"And we had to clean up when Goodwitch found out," she giggled. "I just wanted to make it special for you because…"

"Ruby?" I squeezed her hand.

"When we shared memories, I could see your previous birthdays. The first ones were happy with Alice, but then they turned lonely after she passed away."

That's true. Nathaniel took mom to some events that coincided curiously with my birthday and my sister were out with their friends or school activities, so I was by myself. It was a reason I considered that day as a big deal.

"But not anymore," she assured me with a smile. "This is the first of many more you won't be alone."

I held her free hand tight, with our fingers intertwining.

"Only it's with you."

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When we got into our room, our new guest, Zwei, greeted us and gave me his present when I lifted him, which consisted in kind licks on my face. I loved that corgi.

"Hey, what's that?" Blake wondered pointing at my futon.

Approaching to my bed, I realized that someone had left a metallic briefcase on top. It looked like those that are used in the spy movies carrying a supercomputer controlling missiles or the one with incorporated shield and machine gun as seen in Kingsman 2.

"That's strange. I hadn't seen it before," I said carefully touching the cold surface like it were about to explode in any second. "Isn't yours, Weiss? Isn't it where you keep your dust?"

"I don't think so," the white haired girl answered after a quick inspection of the object. "Mine has the Schnee emblem at both sides of the handle."

"Could it be a… bomb?" Ruby said stepping back in fear. "Someone claiming for a vendetta?"

"I can't be," Yang objected. "Zwei wouldn't let anyone with bad intentions to break in and leave a bomb without making a ruckus."

"But also we're talking about the dog who can be bribed with belly rubs," her sister cleared out.

We glanced at the corgi, who being scratched on his belly by Weiss.

"Point taken," Yang agreed.

"So, what do we do if it's actually a bomb or anything dangerous?"

We thought about it until Blake spoke:

"I have an idea."


5 minutes later...


Blake's idea wasn't bad at all.

Using my semblance, I carried the suspicious package extending my arms with darkness to an open space at the courtyard far away from any structure that could be damage in case of explosion. I placed the briefcase on the grass.

Receiving the approval of the girls to proceed, I used my extended arms to unlock the briefcase locks. It was a little complicated because I barely could see from the distance and I had to feel for all the briefcase with the reduced sense of touch from my hands made of darkness.

Blake's ribbon twitched slightly before she let us know that it was open.

Carefully I opened the package waiting from the worst, something that didn't happen.

Slowly approaching to the briefcase in case that something dangerous jumped out, we finally could see what was inside.

Definitely it wasn't a bomb.

"Well, I'll be damned," Yang exclaimed.


Let's play a little game:

What's inside the briefcase?

There are no wrong answers! The funnier, the better.

Send your ideas in private or in the comments and I'll answer them the next chapter.

Well, any thought about the update?

Let's check the reviews:

Alphazero524: Solo espera. El gran momento de la revelación está cerca muahahahha

Gizmo Gear: Let's say this version of overdrive will have a great development in a future. That's all I can say about the subject.

dandyrr0403: Thanks for your words and I'm glad you like the skits.

The Mercenary Prime: Maybe I had thought about it at some point and maybe it happen ;)

runelt99: Just wait for it. The fight against Cinder is gonna reach an epic level of edgyness.

By the way, Runescape… that's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

Thekahlibear: If anyone know someone who works at RT, make them read them. I don't care if you have to tie them on a chair to do it (just kidding, kidnapping is wrong).

Doble Jota: Que bueno que tu larga espera acaba de terminar. Tienes que ver el especial de Scoobynatural. Es demasiado épico como para no verlo.

Don't forget to leave your reviews and comments about the story so far and see you later.

Bye!