A.N. (8/17/20) - I know it's late by a whole day, but enjoy anyway.
Chapter 17 - Playing With Fire
-10 Months Before the Fall of Beacon-
Things weren't going so well.
Running up and informing Ozpin apparently wasn't an option. A quick reprimand from Glynda for running in the halls and a quick conversation with her told Rin that Ozpin was apparently out of town for the next few days. Something about a case in Mistral.
A coincidence? Or intentional on the enemy's part?
Either way, Rin couldn't count on Ozpin for backup. Glynda was technically in the know, but not to the extent of knowing Rin's relationship with the criminal part of Vale. While a noble and remarkable woman, Rin had to admit Glynda did have a few faults.
Like being a law-abiding person.
Rin wasn't sure if Glynda was willing to look away from Rin's relationship with the criminal side of Vale. And Rin didn't exactly want to lose her connection to the more unscrupulous options if she ever needed them. So she decided not to enlist her help for this case. Hopefully, that decision won't come back to bite her.
And that meant protecting the idiots that got themselves caught up in something bigger than themselves. Ugh, Roman better not be dead before she gets there.
Rin got on the next Bullhead to Vale and started to go over her options.
Obviously she was bringing Ana with her. The Servant was willing to fight on Rin's behalf. But Rin didn't want to bring Ana into this too early in the game. All Rin planned to do was scout the enemy without being noticed. In the worst-case scenario, Ana can help her either escape or fight the enemy.
But let's see what else she has first.
A modified coin dispenser belt attachment to allow the ejection of specified Dust crystals. Filled to the brim with charged spells unique to multiple scenarios.
And hopefully, Cinder won't notice the fact that Rin's using Magecraft. Nobody else has noticed so far. People seemed to believe that Rin was just an expert in Dust. While reasonable to assume, it wasn't exactly the truth. After all, if advanced enough technology can be passed off as magic, then magic can be passed off as sufficiently advanced technology. Or in this case, Magecraft can be passed off as fancy Dust manipulation.
What else did she have?
A small kit ready for a simple disguise to protect herself from being recognized later by Cinder or her goons. Could be useful.
And... Crocea Mors. A quick modification with Alteration Magecraft to change its shape and remove most of the gold highlights allowed it to become an entirely different sword. You never know when you'll need a good blade to cut someone with after all.
With everything she currently possesses, Rin started to formulate a plan at how she was gonna play this. An idea slowly came into play. Now all she needed was...
Sighing to herself, she started to rub the bridge of her nose. Why was she doing this? Wasn't she gonna leave this to Ozpin to handle? Wasn't that why she told Ozpin the future?
Except Ozpin isn't here now, for whatever reason. And Rin has no idea how to contact Qrow. And make no mistake, when Ozpin gets back Rin is definitely gonna get back at him for missing out.
"Warn me when we're almost there please."
"Alright," Ana's voice mentally replied back.
Opening the kit in her lap, Rin spent the rest of the ride preparing.
}-{
Ruby was currently reading one of Oobleck's assigned texts. Yang had left a while ago to meet with a couple of friends of hers, which meant that Ruby was currently the only one in their dorm room.
The sounds of footsteps told Ruby that someone was coming to their room. Either Team Avalon was going to their rooms or it was one of her teammates.
The door opened abruptly to allow an irritated Weiss into the room with a resigned Blake following behind her.
"Ugh, I cannot believe that man," Weiss grumbled. Blake shut the door gently behind her and sat down on her bed. Weiss was about to do the same before she realized that her bed was still a broken mess from earlier this morning. Ruby wordlessly got up from the chair she was sitting on and moved to sit on her bed instead. Weiss gave a short nod before taking the now-open seat.
Unfortunately, the moment she sat down she continued to complain. "Did you hear what he said. He just flat out refused us. Saying I have a horrible attitude and that I'm just a spoon-fed child."
Well, at least someone said it out loud.
"I'm pretty sure he didn't say those exact words," Blake interjected.
"Either way, it's obvious that his judgment is flawed. Tomorrow, we'll have to talk to either Ms. Goodwitch or Headmaster Ozpin. I'm sure either of them will be more willing to listen to reason."
Ruby saw Blake's face change as the black-haired girl's thoughts raced. The poor girl must be deciding whether it was worth the effort to do so. Finally, the girl seemed to resolve herself before she spoke.
"Weiss, I've been going along with you so far since I thought it would be a simple manner." Blake sighed again. "But it really seems like I'm stuck with being the leader of Team Bravery. Why don't we just give up and accept that this is the reality."
Somehow Ruby didn't see that happening. But who knows? Surely Weiss will be willing to at least consider it? Her hopes were dashed as Weiss gave her immediate reply.
"Unacceptable. A Schnee does not accept anything less than perfection."
"You really care for your reputation that much, don't you?"
"I care about the team's reputation. I just believe that it would be better with me at the forefront."
Blake held her face in her hands and groaned loudly, her hands muffling the sound. Uncovering her face, she looked to Weiss with a tired expression.
Ruby took pity on her partner and joined the conversation. "You know, I kinda agree with Blake here. Seems like a lot of effort for something as silly as this."
Weiss folded her arms. "Silly is not what I would call it."
Ugh, why is she being so difficult?
"Weiss, why does this matter so much to you. It's just a school-assigned position that has no real weight outside paperwork and bragging rights."
"It matters when we're trusting our lives to listen to a leader's orders."
"I'm pretty sure that's not the reason you want to be the team leader," Ruby said dryly while rolling her eyes. "But even if that were true, why does that matter now? We're students. They're not gonna throw us off the cliff and expect us to fight Nevermores solo with our bare hands."
Weiss looked like she was struggling to come up with an answer. Blake was keeping quiet, awkwardly looking around but content with letting Ruby control the flow of the conversation. In Ruby's opinion, this was honestly kinda reflecting badly on Blake's part. That might be why Weiss is complaining so much.
Eventually, Weiss finally came up with a reply. "I just believe that they should elect the most qualified individual to the task."
Ugh, this again? Okay, Ruby was starting to get annoyed with her elitist attitude.
...is that how you say it? No, don't lose focus Ruby. Trying to convince Weiss not to be stubborn here.
"Weiss, you may believe that you're the most qualified out of all of us. But honestly, you're as equally qualified as Yang is." Seeing her horrified expression, Ruby continued before Weiss could reply. "Did you know that I graduated the same year as Yang? I'm a fifteen-year-old Signal graduate, meaning that to others I'm seen as a sort of prodigy. That means that I'm one of the youngest students currently attending Beacon. Some would argue that I'm not qualified to be here because of my age."
The two girls were paying attention to Ruby, making Ruby slightly nervous with the attention.
"Even though I graduated two years early, I honestly think Yang is the prodigy. She was the valedictorian of her year when she graduated. She's loads better than me in a fight. And even you have to agree that she's probably the most extroverted person in the entire school. I bet that if you ask around who between the two of you would make a better leader, most would answer Yang."
Heh, heh. The look on Weiss's face is amazing. And why are you looking so incredulous Blake? Are you questioning Yang's academic ability or are you just surprised at how eloquent I can be.
I can be eloquent! I just suffer from a few social scenarios.
"Qualifications are nice and all, but it doesn't matter once we step into Beacon. Many Huntsman and Huntresses excel without having any prior achievements." Weiss still looked a bit unconvinced, so Ruby changed her approach. "Did you know that Ren and Nora never went to a proper Huntsman Training Academy? We talked about it in class today, and they told me that they were invited to Beacon by taking an early application test. The two of them were excused of a lot of the theoretical knowledge most students needed to test in. So some can argue that the two of them aren't qualified enough to be students either. However, despite their lack of academic background, I would choose either of them to be a leader over Pyrrha."
"What?! But Pyrrha graduated top of her class at Sanctum! She's won the Mistral Region Tournaments four years in a row!"
"And she's a total wallflower." The unexpected insult from Ruby threw Weiss off. She probably expected that to come from someone like Yang. "It's a bit harsh, but it's true. Pyrrha may be an awesome fighter, but I barely heard her speak to anyone since she came to Beacon. I dunno why, but she's super shy and meek around everyone."
"T-That..." Weiss was struggling to speak.
"Jaune was elected leader instead of the others on his team. And that was because he was the first one to take command when the four of them fought against the Death Stalker. I don't know why Blake was picked over the three of us, but Ozpin must've seen something in her that made him make that decision."
Blake! Don't try to hide in the corner now, you're making yourself look bad. Even Weiss was looking at Blake questioningly.
Ugh, Ruby didn't know what else to say. If Weiss wasn't convinced by now, then it's hopeless. "Why not give her a chance. It's literally the first week of school. Let Blake have a chance to prove herself first before you complain again."
Weiss was silent as she looked at Blake. She looked like she was about to say something before she sighed and instead decided to make peace with Blake.
"Fine. I guess it was stupid to complain when we haven't seen you at least attempt yet. It's fine if you're the team leader instead. I'll... try not to argue too much from now on."
"I-It's fine. Thanks."
Yes, the ancient and most venerable art of friendship bringing has succeeded yet again. Now all Blake has to do is make sure she does her best from now on to Weiss's approval.
"Don't worry, Blake. It sounds like you're not certain that you're fit for the job. So I have an idea!"
"Huh?"
"We'll help you become the bestest leader ever. As your partner, we'll make sure to give you tips and advice whenever we can."
Weiss smiled. "Hmph, that sounds reasonable. I would gladly sacrifice my time to aide you in improving yourself."
Blake's face started to pale for some reason. "W-Wait..."
"Oh! Think we can get Yang to help us too?"
"But of course. This is a team matter, thus the entire team will be there to help Blake improve as not just a leader, but also as a Huntress."
Blake was waving her hands for some reason. "N-No. You really don't h-have to..."
"Ooh! Think we can get Team Avalon to join us?"
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask. We can ask Pyrrha to have some training sessions with Blake. As the leader of Team Bravery, it should be expected that Blake should meet a certain standard in combat skill."
"While Pyrrha can help her with fighting, I can help her with her studies. I think you mentioned it once that you also tested in instead of going to a Huntsman school, right Blake?"
"N-No, but... yes, I said that. But..." Blake kept stuttering for some reason.
"Cool! We can have study sessions together and help you catch up on parts of the curriculum that you don't know."
"Hmph. I believe that I can at least help in this manner at the very least."
"Maybe we can help her together!"
"I don't see why not."
"Awesome! You hear that, Blake? Weiss and I will help you lots with all the training and studying we're gonna plan together. The two of us will do our best to help you become the best! Aren't you excited?!"
Blake? Why do you have that look of resignation to you?
Blake?
Blake!?
}-{
The room was tense with both sides ready to duke it out at any moment. The entire bar was empty of its usual customers and was instead filled with a different kind of company tonight.
Masked White Fang grunts littered the premises. No one has yet to draw a weapon, but Neo wasn't the only one who looked like they were ready to stab someone.
Roman watched as Junior growled at one particular White Fang grunt who accidentally bumped into a glass cup, shattering it onto the floor. The grunt sneered but didn't seem to be the first one to escalate things. Wisely, the grunt moved back and out of sight from Junior.
And throughout all of this, the young woman dressed in red sitting across from him sipped her tea.
"This is quite nice. I'm quite surprised that the infamous Roman Torchwick is skilled at brewing a good cup of tea."
"Eh, you meet with a few people with their quirks. You learn a few tricks to handle them."
Roman had fond memories of Rin asking him to brew a cup of tea while she realigned dislocated shoulders and healed large gashes of the men he borrowed from Junior. Neo always found it amusing how Rin could drink amongst blood-soaked bandages and injured men without batting an eye.
But back to facing the scary fire lady that his Doctor's been warning him about.
"So, what can we do for you Ms. Fall?"
"Inpatient, are we?" The woman smirked and took another sip of her tea, to Roman's annoyance. Taking her time, she set the cup onto the table before she spoke. "But I suppose we should get to the matter at hand."
She gestured to the grunts around her. "I represent a... large company that is willing to enter a working relationship with you and your men."
"Ah," and it was obvious who she was referring to. "And they wouldn't happen to mind my... lack of certain traits?"
"They are willing to overlook them for the upcoming job." She chuckled while placing a hand on her chest. "After all, it would be a bit weird for them to mind if they're willing to work with someone like me."
So she's human after all. Roman did wonder a while ago if she was just a Faunus with less obvious traits. But if the White Fang are willing to work with humans...
"What exactly is this job?" he asked. "I'm guessing it's something related to my unique skill set if you're here of all places."
"Not particularly," and the woman smiled dangerously. "It is always possible for us to hire someone else more willing to cooperate."
Junior shuffled in place a bit, and his men behind him nervously looked at the White Fang grunts across from them. Ugh, Roman hated these little power plays. What happened to men threatening each other outright while making outrageous demands that nobody listens too? Hidden wordplay and subtle meanings aren't really his cup of tea, even if he did have to get used to them in his career.
But at least he's working with something familiar. Death threats are a dime in a dozen.
"Then why aren't you talking to them instead of my handsome old self?"
The woman continued to smile. "Why, Roman. It's because I see value in your talents that I wish to come to you first with our proposition. After all, this not needs to be just a simple contract. Work with us for a while and it might become a business relationship."
"Oh? How so?" Of course, Roman wasn't really interested. The Unwritten Rules of the underworld were something that most people understood in Vale. Don't escalate by involving your activities with the civilians. Keep it contained and out of sight, and you can get away with most of anything.
Terrorists were bad news for everyone, even the criminals. And make no mistake, the White Fang are terrorists even if they've been pretty tame in Vale lately. Either they succeeded in whatever plan they have and fuck everyone over, or they mess up and get everyone involved with them caught by the authorities. And the authorities won't be holding back if they're involved with terrorists.
After all, it was in the name itself. Terrorists spread fear, and fear draws in Grimm. That, and politicians. The authorities will clamp down hard on anyone that can risk bringing in Grimm to the city, and that makes them willing to overlook those who aren't as bad.
That's why Roman got away with most of everything he did. That's how he was able to work with his flamboyant flair without getting caught by the pigs or Huntsmen. In the eye of the public, he's just a simple, if slightly show-off, thief. Not someone who warrants a full Huntsmen team after him like other murderers or criminals.
Cinder hummed. "Well, if you're intere—"
The sound of gunfire cut off her words, alarming everyone into a frenzy as they wondered what was going on. Everyone started to brandish their weapons at each other before Cinder spoke in a commanding voice.
"Stop!" Gesturing to one of her men, she questioned him when he got close. "Our men outside, see what's causing them to make a fuss."
"Yes, Ma'am." Nodding to a few people near him, the White Fang grunts moved out. Junior spoke to his own men to move out, but Roman knew that they weren't gonna be harmed. Either this was an unexpected raid by the police, or this was Rin doing something.
"Looks like some of your companions drew someone's attention."
"Unfortunate," Cinder rose from her seat and began to make her way out. "It seems that we'll have to be moving this meeting to another time."
"Yeah, sounds rough. But I have a better idea." Raising his cane, he pointed the barrel at the end towards Cinder's direction.
Her eyes narrowed.
"So this is something to do with you, Torchwick." Her arms began to glow in strange patterns. "Then I believe that we have nothing else to speak of."
Heh, no more first name basis huh?
"Why not? There are tons of things we can talk about. After all, I do make for a wonderful distraction."
Cinder's eyes widened, but it was too late.
She never saw the blow coming.
So Saturday night, I was working on the chapter when this awesome thunderstorm suddenly started. This was the first time I've seen so many flashes of lightning or thunder or whatever it's called. There was this one particularly bright flash of thunder that caused a blackout to the whole house, which made me lose access to the internet except for my phone (which was only at 7%).
So, with an unfinished chapter and wifi being down for most of the day, I'm posting this on Monday instead. And since I missed my promised deadline, I'll make up for it by posting another chapter on Wednesday. I might even make this a reoccurring deal. Every time I miss a chapter, I make up for it in the next few days.
The argument about Weiss being a leader was something that played out differently in several RWBY fanfics I read. Some argued that she didn't have the right personality. Others argued that leadership positions were given to inexperienced people to let them grow into the role. I always liked how different writers took it differently depending on the flow of the story. It was kinda weird trying to depict Ruby as the person who knocked sense into other people. The line between childish and wise was hard to balance with.
And finally, Cinder is here negotiating with the Vale criminal underworld. And Roman is not willing to just roll over and show his belly. So revolt! Down with the oppressor, and fight back at those who wish to take away your freedom!
The next chapter will be a battle with Rin showing off a few of her skills. My experience with writing fight scenes is questionable at best, so wish me luck.