Extracurricular
Cora yawns as she stretches her arms, pushing of the chest she used as a pillow. Cora immediately freezes and heat rises to her cheeks as she realizes where she is.
"So the lovebird is awake." Iris states, exiting the bathroom and drying her hair.
"Not one word." Cora demands.
"So you have a thing for psychopaths, who cares, he's not my boyfriend." Iris teases as she drops the towel into a laundry basket.
Cora opens her mouth to retort, but Iris is hit in the face with a pillow.
"Let me sleep..." Cataline drawls.
"Sorry, Cat." Iris says as she returns the pillow.
Iris chuckles to herself as she turns to Cora, who is gently getting out of Ash's bed. She walks right up to Iris and glares at her.
"Ash is not a psychopath." Cora whispers, "He's just been through a lot."
"Yeah. Yeah." Iris comments, "Whatever. As long as none of you try to shoot me, we're fine."
Cora glances at Ash before sitting on her bed. She reaches into her pocket and takes out her scroll, seeing four notifications from Kismet.
"Call me when the others are awake." Cora requests as she heads to the dorm's exit.
"Where are you going?" Iris asks.
"I need to pick up a few things." Cora answers.
The members of Team SCCI are gathered inside the Assault Container.
"Something wrong?" Ash asks.
"Yes and no." Cora answers, "I'll start with the good news. Your helmet repairs and the analysis on those gems you sent in has been completed."
"Took 'em long enough." Ash comments, "You'd think it wouldn't take long to fix a crushed helmet."
"And the bad news?" Iris asks.
Cora presses a button on her scroll.
"Ruby..." Penny's voice plays, "I'm not a real girl."
Ash growls as he clenches his fists.
"When was this?" Ash asks.
"During our mission." Cora answers.
"And we're just now hearing about this?" Ash asks.
"Providence only learned about it recently." Cora states, "What Ruby did with Penny was irrelevant compared to the data recorded from her teammates."
"What has Providence done in response?" Ash asks.
"They've increased watch on her." Cora states, "She's been given too much freedom."
"We treat her like a slave." Cataline comments.
"No." Ash counters, "We treat her like a weapon. One that needs to be cared and accounted for at all times. Regardless of whether or not she has a soul, Penny is a machine. The first of her kind. We have to control the variables around her until testing is complete. If we let her roam free, we run the risk of her revealing classified information, like she's already done."
"But Ruby isn't a threat to us." Iris comments.
"Maybe not." Cora states, "But Penny's true nature is supposed to be a military secret. Ally or not, they aren't a part of the military."
"So what do we do?" Cataline asks.
"For the moment, nothing." Ash orders, "We don't even let Ruby know that we're aware of Penny's nature. If she starts telling people, then we step in."
Cora puts her scroll away and nods.
"What about the gems?" Ash asks.
"We don't know what they're made off but the green ones have a more stable atomic structure than the red ones." Cora explains, "They seem to generate power almost like that of an Aura, the red ones output was significantly higher than the green ones but the green seems to generate the power at a higher rate. I'll send over the report so you can look it over more thoroughly."
"Thank you." Ash responds, checking his scroll, "Let's go. We still have classes."
Team SCCI sits and watches as Pyrrha battles Team CRDL. Iris and Cora are observing Pyrrha's fighting style, Cataline does so as well but less intently. Ash is not with them.
"And that's the match." Professor Goodwitch declares after Pyrrha's win.
"Lucky shot." Cardin declares before collapsing.
"Well done, Miss Nikos." Professor Goodwitch congratulates, "You should have no problem qualifying for the tournament."
"Thank you, professor." Pyrrha responds.
"Alright, now I know that's a tough act to follow, but we have time for one more sparring match." Professor Goodwitch says as she taps her scroll.
She looks at the crowd.
"Any volunteers? Miss Belladonna?" Professor Goodwitch calls, "You've been rather docile for the past few classes. Why don't you-"
"I'll do it." Mercury declares, raising his hand.
"Mercury, is it?" Professor Goodwitch begins, "Very well, let's find you an opponent."
"Actually, I wanna fight... her." Mercury declares, pointing at Pyrrha.
"Me?" Pyrrha asks.
"I'm afraid Miss Nikos has just finished the match." Professor Goodwitch states, "I recommend you choose another partner."
"No, it's fine!" Pyrrha claims, "I'd be happy to oblige."
"Move." Ash calls from behind Pyrrha.
She turns in surprise.
"I'll go." Ash declares.
"Mister Snow, I'm not sure who you think you are, but there's a more civilized method of volunteering." Professor Goodwitch says, "Starting with arriving on time."
Ash glances at the professor before turning back to Mercury.
"You know damn well who I am." Ash declares, "Or is Ozpin keeping secrets from you too?"
The Professor glares at Ash.
"We have unfinished business." Ash says.
"Very well." Professor Goodwitch agrees.
Mercury walks down to the arena, sizing up Ash who has Exousia and Dunamis drawn. He starts by firing a shot from his boot, Ash deflects the attack with the shield on Exousia while drawing the pistol attached to the shield. Ash takes aim and charges up a blast, but stops and releases the pistol, it retracting back into the shield. Mercury takes a few steps to the side then fires again. Ash blocks the strike with Dunamis, using his Semblance to absorb the shot. Mercury jumps into the air and closes the distance with a drop kick. Ash raises his shield to block, prepping Exousia's blade for a counter. When he connects, Mercury grabs the edge of the shield and pushes it down so he can get a free kick at Ash's head. The kick connects and Ash swings Exousia, clipping Mercury's side as he tries to back away. Ash's eyes narrow as he takes a step towards Mercury, who takes a step back.
Ash thrusts his arm forward using his gravity Dust to launch his shield like a projectile. Mercury jumps over Dunamis and Ash fires Exousia's pistol at Mercury. Mercury spins in the air to dodge the shots and Ash uses the gravity Dust on his gauntlet to maneuver Dunamis in a way such that the shots are deflected off of the shield and hit Mercury in the back. Ash pulls the shield back to him but raises an eyebrow.
Mercury gets back off and shrugs before charging at Ash. Mercury blast off of the ground using his boots and drops down on Ash, who blocks with his shield. Mercury blasts off of the shield and lands behind Ash who spins around to stab. Mercury drops down to his hands and spins around, kicking Ash in the torso with each leg. Mercury then pushes off of his hands and kicks Ash in the chest with both feet, firing to knock Ash backwards. Ash stabs Exousia's blade into the ground to slide to a halt.
Ruby turns to Emerald, who is sitting behind her.
"Hey, your friend's doing pretty good." Ruby compliments.
Emerald gives a fake smile and then rolls her eyes as Ruby turns her back.
Ash's eyes furrow as he charges at Mercury. Mercury ducks under a stab from Ash before kicking Exousia to the side. Mercury tries to follow up with another kick but is blocked by Dunamis. Ash tries to follow up with an upwards slash but Mercury dodges to the side only to be hit in the stomach by the bladed edge of Dunamis. Ash stabs at Mercury, who leans to the side then he rolls backwards to dodge Ash's follow up slash. Ash jumps into the air and tries to stab his blade down on Mercury who jumps back and kicks Ash in the face, sending him stumbling backwards.
"What is Ash doing?" Cataline asks, "Exousia is too large and clunky for an opponent like Mercury."
"Keeping his cards close to his chest." Cora answers.
"Meaning?" Iris asks.
"We know who they are." Cora answers, "They don't know who we are."
"We do?" Iris questions.
"Read the report Ash and I filed on the day you arrived at Beacon." Cora states, "The details aren't meant to be discussed in public like this."
"Even if everyone's attention is on the fight and not us?" Iris points out.
"We're being cautious." Cora declares, "You're going to have to get used to it."
Ash charges at Mercury again. Ash raises his shield to block and Mercury prepares to strike at Ash's open side. Ash thrusts his shield forward as a feint forcing Mercury to jump back. Ash then thrusts Exousia forward, stabbing Mercury in the chest. Ash quickly converts Exousia into its pistol mode and shoots Mercury with a blast. Ash then throws Dunamis at Mercury's legs, using his gravity Dust to make the shield spin. Mercury is tripped by the shield then hit by a wide swing from Exousia. Mercury lands behind Dunamis and quickly rises to his feet. Ash is already in the air and swings Exousia down on Mercury. Mercury leans back and Ash converts Exousia into it's pistol form also forcing Mercury to dodge the blade as it rotates in Ash's grip. Ash slams Exousia onto Dunamis and fires as he lands, creating a shockwave that sends both of them backwards.
Ash pulls Dunamis towards him with his gravity Dust and uses the shield as a sled to slide across the ground as he lands. Mercury tumbles and bit before regaining his footing. Ash lets go of Exousia's pistol and it retracts back into the shield.
"I forfeit." Ash declares.
"What?" Mercury asks.
"You're holding back." Ash declares.
"Huh?" Mercury comments.
"You give it away when you dodge." Ash says, "There's a clear difference in the speed you use to dodge and the speed you use to attack. You're trying to save your energy and prolong the fight to see what I can do."
"What makes you suggest that?" Mercury asks.
"Because I'm doing the same thing." Ash smirks, "So this fight is meaningless. Neither of us will get the answers we're looking for."
Ash turns around and walks away as Mercury scowls due to Ash seeing through his act.
"Pyrrha Nikos." Emerald says as she looks at her scroll.
"Ah, the invincible girl." Cinder comments.
"She doesn't broadcast her Semblance, if she has one, so it puts her opponent at a disadvantage." Emerald states.
"We need to find out if she's fated for victory or if she's really taking fate into her own hands." Cinder orders.
"I would be able to tell you more but then that Ash guy got in the way." Mercury grumbles.
"Speaking of which..." Emerald comments, "Ash Snow, the Sacrifice."
"He seems to know me from somewhere, but I can't place him." Mercury comments.
"Does he know who you are?" Cinder asks.
"He shouldn't." Mercury quickly answers, "I made sure to cut all ties before joining up with you. And he isn't someone I met while with you."
"The rest of his team is just as mysterious." Emerald adds, "They haven't participated in any fights and seem to be incredibly anti-social. We don't even know what their weapons are."
"Whoever they are, you should be able to take them no problem." Mercury declares.
"It's not about overpowering the enemy." Cinder says, "It's about taking away what power they have."
"Precisely why I'm here." Ash interrupts.
The three jump to their feet as Ash enters the room.
"How'd you get in here?!" Emerald asks as she takes a ready stance.
"Calm down." Ash says, "I'm not here to fight. I'm here to talk."
"Then talk." Cinder orders.
"It's nice to finally put a face to the Aura." Ash declares, looking directly at Cinder.
"Meaning?" Cinder asks.
"You're special." Ash declares, "I knew someone like you once, though she was more complete."
Cinder's eyes narrow.
"What do you want?" Cinder asks.
"Just trying to put the pieces together." Ash declares, "You were the pilot at Torchwick's the first robbery in Vale. You're working with the White Fang and the Flames of Destruction, lead by Cole Carne. He's the one who killed Tukson when these two were distracted. You've also managed to get your hands on prototype Atlesian tech."
"Seems you know plenty." Cinder comments, "But why show your hand like this. We could silence you here and now."
"You could try." Ash shrugs, "But it should be obvious that I'm not working alone."
"So you're one of Ozpin's stooges?" Cinder asks.
Ash scoffs, "As if."
"If you're not with Ozpin, then why defend his school?" Cinder asks.
"I defend the people." Ash declares, "I couldn't give a damn about this school."
"I know about the Queen
"Who are you with then?" Cinder asks.
"Like I said," Ash crosses his arms, "I'm just trying to put the pieces together."
"And what have you learned?" Cinder asks.
"Well for one, I didn't know you were the pilot for sure until now." Ash comments, "We've never met face to face. But since the three of you are all on the same team, it's likely that the fourth member of your team is involved as well. She's rarely on campus; so I'd wager she handles your dirty work outside of the academy. Since you're officially from Haven, there's clearly a mole in Mistral."
Ash turns to the door.
"So... what happens now?" Cinder asks.
"Nothing." Ash declares before turning his head to look over his shoulder, "It's your move now."
"You're a fool for showing your hand like this." Cinder declares.
"I didn't show my hand." Ash shrugs, looking forward again, "I just told you which of the cards I know are in yours. Well some of them..."
Ash walks to the door and opens it.
"Tell Salem that I said hello." Ash says before walking through.
Cinder glares at the door flames burning around her eyes.
"What do-" Emerald stops when Cinder turns her gaze towards her, "What do we do?"
"Continue as planned." Cinder orders, "If he's not with Ozpin, he has no real authority. We can use that to our advantage."
Ash enters his dorm, his team is currently listening listen in to Team RWBY's conversation through their tapped scrolls.
"We want you to go to the dance." Ruby states.
"That's ridiculous." Blake argues.
"Blake, we're worried about you." Yang states, "This investigation is starting to mess with your head."
"You can't sleep, you hardly eat, and to be honest, your grades have been suffering." Weiss lists.
"You think I care about grades?" Blake asks, "People's lives are at stake!"
"We know, and we're all still trying to figure out what Torchwick is up to." Yang responds.
"Thanks to you and Sun, we know they're operating somewhere outside of southeast Vale." Ruby states.
"And, the Schnee company records singled out Vale as the primary target for Dust robberies over the last few months." Weiss continues.
"Don't forget about their missing military tech too." Yang adds.
"But there's still unanswered questions!" Blake counters.
"Blake, you won't be able to find anything if you can't even keep your eyes open!" Ruby argues, "And besides, that PMC is also investigating."
"All we're asking is that you take it easy for one day." Yang states.
"It will be fun!" Weiss claims, "Yang and I will make sure of it."
"Yeah!" Yang argees, "We're planning the whole event!"
"Excuse me?" Blake asks.
"Team CFVY's away mission lasted longer than expected." Weiss informs.
"So, Weiss and I were asked to pick up where they left off." Yang explains, "And now we can make sure you have the perfect night."
"And once it's all over, we'll return for our search, rested and ready." Weiss states.
"So what do ya think?" Ruby asks.
"I think this is a colossal waste of time." Blake answers.
They listen to the sound of Blake leaving before they turn to Ash.
"I've made contact with Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury." Ash declares.
"And?" Cataline asks.
"Cinder is my target." Ash states.
"Meaning?" Cora asks.
"She was the pilot during Torchwick's first robbery." Ash explains, "The one with the Aura like Ivory."
"Tell me again how you can see Aura." Iris requests.
"Silver eyes." Ash declares, "If I concentrate, I can see Aura or destroy Grimm. There may be more to it but that's all I know of so far."
"So why aren't you our Grimm Slayer?" Iris asks before turning to Cataline, "No offense."
"They take a lot of stamina to use." Ash states, "I'm better suited to close quarters fighting or even marksmanship. My silver eyes supposedly give me superior vision. It's not like I can switch to non-silver eyes to compare."
"You reveal anything?" Cora asks.
"Didn't outright tell them anything beside what I know from any meeting I've had with them." Ash states, "They know that I know about Cole so if they talk to him they'll likely figure out which Kavacha is mine. They obviously won't know what that means or what it's capable of though. I didn't tell them what I heard in the rally either."
"Speaking of which." Cataline comments, "How are we on our search for their base?"
"Still searching." Cora declares, "Kismet has narrowed it down to about 30 potential strongholds among a few dozens more."
"Indigo will search the strongholds and when Carl wakes up, he'll join her." Ash states.
"Carl's okay?" Cataline asks.
"Based on our analysis of the gems that Ash recovered during the operation, Carl will wake up shortly." Cora explains.
"And when they find the stronghold?" Iris asks.
"The six of us storm it and dismantle their operation." Ash declares.
Ash sits on his bed, looking at the map of possible enemy strongholds. He pauses when he sees a specific landmark, Mountain Glenn. Ash thinks back to his time with the Flames of Destruction. They had a stronghold near Mountain Glenn.
'Could that be their hideout?' Ash asks, 'What should I do? Should I report this? Or should I just...'
"There's only one thing you can do." Lancel interrupts, "Even if it reveals your past ties to the higher ups at Providence, if that's where Salem's people have set up shop, we have to tell them and speed up the search."
'Forget it.' Ash declares, 'I don't have to reveal my past, Providence will find it anyway. It's yet to be searched by our Agents, so it's not like they've missed it.'
"If you say so..." Lancel reluctantly agrees, "But this problem is beyond you, don't let them have a free pass because of it."
Next chapter will be entirely unique - not from the show or the discontinued RWBY: Alternative.