I don't own RWBY. RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and was created by Monty Oum. I only own my OCs
Adam was looking at Wilt with a grim look on his face. He was glad Cinder didn't order Emerald to distract someone in the past fight. They probably wouldn't have been able to resist as he had
Still, Adam couldn't help feeling anxious as he next match up was upcoming. Now, Adam didn't have a doubt that Silver was aligned with Cinder and the others
It seems team CMEA was a facade the whole time and was never real
Adam decided that his time in the changing room was up. He grabbed Blush off of the bench next to him and sheathed Wilt. He stood up and started to walk towards the exit
Even though Adam was anxious, he had to admit it. He was excited as well
As he opened the doors to the arena, letting the spotlights flood into the room and somewhat blinding him in the process, Adam could feel the dread set in his heart
'Calm down. If anything happens, you'll be there.' Adam told himself as he walked on to the platform with the other contestants
He didn't bother listening to Oobleck and Port ramble on. There was no need too. He was focused on the fight he may have in front of him more
However, Adam couldn't resist listening in when he saw his name appear along with Silver's on the screen
"Hoho! Seem our next match will be between Adam Capra of Beacon! And Silver Adrik of Haven!" Port's voice boomed as he stated what could clearly be seen
"This is bound to be an interesting match, Peter! Both fighters are extremely good at their respective styles. Adam's skill with the blade being compared to that of a huntsman's and Silver being one of, if not the best, hand-to-hand fighter competing in the festival!" Oobleck said over the stadium's speakers, telling everyone just how intense this fight may be
Adam rolled his shoulders and popped his neck before turning to Silver. He noticed Silver was in his stance already. It wasn't much different from Yang's. Only, his seemed more refined and seemed more guarded
Adam crouched down and laid a hand on Wilt, drawing it so that the red of the blade was visible. His eyes started to narrow as he focused
"Good luck." Adam called out. He figured he should at least show some sportsmanship
"Good luck to you too, Adam." Silver called back. He shifted lower to the ground. Adam tensed as the countdown begun
"3!" Port shouted out. Both fighters didn't move a muscle
"2!" Neither fighter made even the slightest change in their stance
"1!" This time, they shifted a bit, waiting for the other to charge headfirst as the match begun
"Begin!" Port shouted as both Silver and Adam stood still and silent for a few seconds
Adam stared into Silver's dark gray eyes. The same went for Silver. He stared into Adam deep blue eyes. Silver took a deep breath in
Adam deflected a punch and dodged a kick as Silver charged Adam. Adam rolled out of the way of a roundhouse kick and fired Wilt out of Blush. Silver put his hands in a guarding position before deflecting Wilt upward into the air
Adam pushed off the ground and fired a few bullets at Silver, who easily dodged them or blocked them. Adam jumped onto Silver's crossed arms and jumped up into the air. Adam grabbed Wilt in an abnormal grip and slammed into the ground, creating an energy wave that spread outward from Adam
Silver lost his balance and stumbled. That was all Adam needed to hit him off of the edge. However, Adam knew he was faking it. So, he'd use that to his advantage
Adam charged at Silver, fully expecting him to move out of the way, which he did. Silver went to seemingly kick Adam off of the edge, which Adam dodged and struck in retaliation. Silver slid across the hard, tiled, surface of the arena
Adam stood and sheathed Wilt and waited for Silver to make his move
'With all of that armor weighing him down, he shouldn't be able to move fast.' Adam thought as he watched Silver encircle Adam. It was one of the reasons Adam didn't wear armor. It restricted Adam's ability to fight with his style
Adam was thoroughly surprised when Silver was almost instantly on him. Silver drove his fist into Adam's gut. Adam gave a grunt before taking a knee to the face
Adam flipped with the momentum. He looked at Silver and got back into his stance. Adam wasn't expecting Silver to speed up as fast as he did
'Maybe he trained himself to be that fast with his armor on.' Adam thought as he watched Silver encircle him again
This time, Adam was ready for Silver's charge. Adam deflected Silver's fist off to the side before ducking underneath a kick and blocking another kick and pushed it backward. Silver spun before punching Adam in the face
Adam stumbled backward before firing Blush at Silver while advancing. Adam sheathed Wilt once he got close enough and dashed the rest of the way to Silver. Adam swung Wilt from out of Blush and followed up with two more strikes before using his shadow clones
Adam's clones all struck in quick succession and broke Silver's guard for Adam to charge and deliver one good strike with his clones. Silver was knocked backward before he flipped onto his feet and gave Adam an amused Glare
Adam slowly sheathed Wilt and stared back at Silver. He knew Silver could just rush him while he wasn't expecting it
Adam was the one charge this time. Adam swung horizontally and spun to avoid the kick sent towards his head. Adam heard a gunshot go off and immediately knew that Silver's gauntlets and greaves had guns built into them
Adam sliced bullets out if the air as they flew towards him, slowly building up energy for Moonslice. Adam used his clones to confused Silver as he sped around him. Adam delivered one good strike to Silver's back before Silver kicked Adam in the face
Adam stumbled back and was dazed. Adam felt the bullets hit his chest and raised Wilt before deflecting them out of the air. Adam was met with a palm to his face soon after. Adam flipped upside down and fired Wilt out of Blush, which hit Silver right in face. Silver wasn't expecting Adam to do that
Adam landed on his feet and slid across the ground before grabbing Wilt out of the air and rushing at Silver. Adam brought Wilt up and struck Silver four times in quick succession before using his clones again
As Adam delivered the last swing, he used that to create another group of clones. These clones struck Silver multiple times, whose guard was quickly slipping. Adam used the last strike of his clones onslaught to create another batch
Adam started to let the energy build up in his sword as the clones neared their end. Adam sheathed Wilt and joined up with all of the clones as all of the red began to glow and all other colour on Adam was blotted out. Silver's gray was brought out more
Adam released all of his stored up energy in one strike. Silver didn't have enough time to dodge and was caught in the giant energy wave. A giant cloud of dust surrounded Adam and Silver. Adam sheathed Wilt as the dust began to clear
The only thing Adam could see was red. Red was all over the floor and on Silver. Adam was shocked to see his arm gone. The crowd let out a collective gasp and stood up
"Cut the cameras!" Adam heard Port shout out, but Adam didn't care. He fell to his knees as he looked at Silver with wide eyes. He still felt the shock hitting him hard as he stared at the dark red blood
Adam heard Cinder drone on in the background. He didn't care though. Adam had only one thing on his mind
'I failed.' Adam told himself through thoughts as he stared at Silver's inactive body
The colosseum shook. Adam looked up to see a nevermore trying to break in from the top. Adam put his head down and waited for it to come down upon him. He felt the vibrations of the nevermore trying to break through the barrier at the top of the colosseum
Adam heard and felt the barrier break. He could hear the nevermore's flap as it grew closer. Adam didn't care. In his eyes, he deserved it
A loud bang sounded out as the nevermore crashed into the ground. Adam looked up to see a locker jammed into the back of the nevermore. His eyes widened as he looked at it
"Adam! Snap out of it!" Adam heard Jaune shout in the background. Adam shook his head and stood up. He laid a hand on Wilt and went to send an energy wave at the nevermore, only for Adam to realize he didn't have enough energy to do so
Adam looked back at the group to see that they had their weapons. Adam looked at Ruby, who nodded back at Adam
Adam held Wilt out for Ruby to shoot. And Ruby did just that. Ruby unloaded a whole clip for Adam to absorb. Adam looked back at the nevermore and barely dodged a swipe from it's talons
As Adam rolled to his feet, he gathered what energy he gained from Ruby and used lightning dust to enhance it. Adam let off the giant energy wave to cut the nevermore in half and send wilting rose petals flying
Adam saw multiple lockers fall down besides him. A lot of people gathered their respective weapons. Adam looked around and noticed Aryl walking up to him with Flavus and Aurum
"This may not be our kingdom, Adam. But, we will die to defend it. You have our support." Aryl said once she got close enough. Adam nodded
"Well, in that case, we have to get down to the city. Thousands of people will die if the people down there don't get reinforcements." Adam told them. Everyone looked at Adam with worried glances
"Well, you heard him guys! Let's go help those people!" Adam heard Ruby yell out. Everyone dropped their looks, nodded, and started to run for the exit only for a griffon to get in their way
Adam was gonna slice it in half until a blast from a gun went off. The griffon fell to the ground before dissolving
"I believe it is best if you get out of here." Adam heard Port speak from behind him
"Sir, I-" Adam was cut off in the middle of his sentence
"Adam! This is an important day and it's sure to go down in history. I would like it if my students lived to tell the tale." Oobleck said after he cut Adam off. Adam said no words and nodded. He motioned for the others to follow
It was time to go down to the city
[Line Break]Adam sliced a Beowolf in half before shooting a Creep. Adam turned and used the energy from his sword to send a Boarbatusk into the air, allowing Adam to slice it in half
Adam spun around an Ursa and swung at it. It fell forwards with a cut in it's back. It dissolved soon after. Adam sheathed Wilt and looked around. Many students were now becoming fighters and getting a tase of what being a huntsman is like
It had been a minute or two since the whole thing began. Adam didn't really have anything interesting happen to him. Other than Ruby and Aryl going up to the airship Roman had taken control of earlier
"Adam, Look out!" Adam heard Cardin call out to him. Adam immediately ducked a swipe from a Beowolf that was behind him
Cardin ran up and swung his mace directly into it's face, causing it to go flying across the street. Adam looked at Cardin with a little surprise
"Thanks. I guess I owe you one. I have to say though, I thought you wouldn't do that since I'm a faunus. One that humiliated you as well." Adam said as he and Cardin got back to back as a defense against the Beowolves surrounding them
"What can I say? I've learned a few things." Cardin said in response as he kept an eye on the beowolves
"Well, let's hope you live to learn more." Adam replied before he charged at the Beowolves in front of him
Cardin gave a war cry before doing the exact same thing. Adam cut a Beowolf's arm off before shooting it in it's face. He turned and sliced another in half before sheathing Wilt
Cardin smacked one into the ground with his mace before sending another off the ground by bring his mace into it's jaw. Cardin spun and used the momentum to send another flying backward
Adam fired Wilt out of Blush and rolled over that Beowolf. Adam grabbed Wilt and brought it up to slice the beowolf's head off before cutting straight through one that was behind him. Adam used Moonslice to kill the rest of the Grimm
Cardin smacked his final Beowolf one last time into the ground. Adam could tell from looking at him that he was exhausted
"You know, there's a strategy called 'pacing yourself?' It might help you." Adam said as he lifted his arm
"I know and I've been trying. But, I never really got to much training with using a weapon. I only got the basics like stamina training and Aura manipulation. My dad always said that he never had the time." Cardin told Adam as he hefted his mace over his shoulder
"Hmm... would you be willing to continue?" Adam asked, intrigued to hear more
"Sure. I only had my dad growing up. He always told me that he was busy trying to make money so that I would have a home. I don't believe that now. Looking back on it, I don't think he ever wanted a kid." Cardin went on after answering Adam's question
Adam couldn't say that he could relate. But, he could feel his pain when it came to basically not having a father. Still, Adam couldn't imagine what it was like to be neglected. Adam had only fond memories with his father before he was ultimately taken away from him along with his mother
"Well, I can't imagine how that feels. But, I've had my fair share of pain." Adam told Cardin. He looked away from Cardin, expecting a response in the form of a question that Adam wouldn't answer
However, he was left throughly surprised
"I know. Before you ask, I overheard your conversation with Pyrrha. About your tragic past. You never clarified, but the tone of your voice made it very clear that it was a horrible one." Cardin told Adam, who looked at Cardin with a shocked expression
A scream rang out amidst their conversation. Both Adam and Cardin's head turned in that direction
"We should continue this talk another time." Adam told Cardin before rushing off towards the voice. Cardin followed soon after
Adam arrived at the scene to see three people. One human and two faunus. The human was backing away from a Beowolf. One of the faunus was taking cover behind a car so that an Atlesian Knight wouldn't kill them. The last one was hiding so that he may get away without dying
Cardin came up by Adam side as he rushed off to help the human. Cardin lifted his mace and charged at the Atlesian Knight
Adam cut straight through the Beowolf and help the human to his feet
"Thank you, sir! I don't know how I would've survived without you!" The man shouted as he started to basically praise Adam
"It's alright. Listen, can you three make it to the safe zone by yourselves?" Adam asked
"We should be able too, as long as we avoid any Grimm. But, I wouldn't worry about that." The man answered
"Good. Sorry of this comes off as a little rude, but you need to get going now. I have no idea when the bullhead's leaving and we have many more people to save until then." Adam told the man
"Of course. But, could you do me favor?" The man asked. Adam wanted to growl, but he wouldn't know what the man would ask nor would he know if it was actually something important
"Depends on the favor." Adam said in response
"Could you find my wife, Lily? We got separated sometime along the way. She also had my kids. Please? I don't know what I would do without them." The man asked Adam. Adam thought it over for a second or two
"We'll try our best. However, I cannot guarantee that I'll find them. Also, it would help if I knew your name." Adam prompted the man to give his name
"It's Jaymes. My name is Jaymes." The newly named Jaymes answered
"Ok, Jaymes. I'll try my damned hardest to find your wife." Adam told Jaymes, whose face lifted and brightened at hearing that piece of info
"Oh, thank you sir!" Jaymes shouted again
"No need to thank me. Now, get going!" Adam ordered, which the three people complied to. Adam heard Cardin walk up to himself
"That was a very nice thing to do." Cardin stated. Adam shifted around and shrugged his shoulders to pop them
"I know." Adam said
"So, why'd you do it?" Cardin asked
"I know how it feels to lose your family."
[Line Break]Adam was once again fighting Grimm. Adam had fought them so much, he lost count of how many he's killed. However, the Grimm started to get more and more powerful as Adam went on
At first, it started out as Creeps, a few Beowolves, and an Ursa or two. Now, Adam found himself faced with a pack or two of beowolves, a few Ursa minors, and one or two Ursa majors
Oh, and there were Atlesian Knights in the fray as well
Adam sliced a few bullets out if the air so he could absorb their energy before dodging a strike from an Ursa. Adam parried it's next swipe and cut straight up the middle of it's chest. The Ursa fell only for another to take it's place
Adam dodged it's strikes and rolled away to a safer spot so he could catch his breath for a second. Adam was starting to become overwhelmingly exhausted. He was still doing relatively good and could go for maybe another hour. Two, if he pushed his willpower to it's limits
However, an hour wasn't long when it came to constant combat. Adam rolled away from the Ursa again before using Moonslice to kill it. However, another Ursa soon took it's place
'They're so relentless. It's one after another. As soon as one dies, another takes it's place.' Adam thought as he dodged the Ursa and fired Blush at it's head, causing it to die immediately. This time, an Ursa major took it's place
Adam waited for it to draw close before jumping over it, causing the squad of Atlesian Knights behind him to miss and hit the Ursa instead
Adam struck the Ursa three times in a row, using Aura to make an energy wave, before sheathing. The Ursa fell forward in front of the knights and became super bloated. Adam quickly unsheathed Wilt and fired a bullet right at the Ursa
The bullet went through the Ursa, causing it to explode and send the spikes all over it's back to go flying in all different directions and destroying knights while also killing other Grimm
With the place cleared out, Adam stood there for a second before letting out a grunt and also letting his Aura dissipate so it would recharge. Adam fell to his knees
Cardin and some other student ran up to him
"Hey, you ok man?" Cardin asked Adam, putting a hand on his back
"I will be. I need a moment to rest though. It shouldn't take long for my Aura to regenerate. It always recharged super quick. Took an hour though. Always did." Adam said in barely formed sentences as he shifted around so he was sitting normally rather than on his knees. The exhaustion was evident in his voice
"We don't have an hour." Cardin told Adam, who smirked
"I know. That's why I made my Aura dissipate early. I still had at least 40% left, but I'm getting physically exhausted, meaning I'll probably make more mistakes. So, I'm gonna need as much Aura as I can get. 100% would be ideal, but I can understand if we have to leave early." Adam told Cardin, who looked amazed but also worried
"Well, how much Aura do you think you have now?" Cardin asked him
"I don't know, 55 or 65% maybe? It's hard to tell without looking at my scroll." Adam said
"Well, why didn't you check it?" Cardin asked. Adam glared at him before checking it. He was surprised to find that his Aura was actually at 80% rather than the 65% he said earlier
"Well, that's surprising." Adam said putting his scroll away and stood up. Cardin looked at Adam with a confused expression
"What's surprising?" Cardin asked, again
"My Aura's at 80%. It usually doesn't regenerate that fast. Well, I'm good to go now." Adam said. Soon after that phrase was spoken, another scream was heard
Adam was gonna rush towards the position until he heard gunshots. Adam looked at Cardin and nodded. Cardin nodded back, telling Adam that he also thought that it was Atlesian Knights
Adam came around the corner of the alleyway to see the rest of team CRDL protecting a woman and two kids from a mix of Grimm and Atlesian Knights
Adam rushed the closest enemy, which was a Boarbatusk. Adam flipped it over and stabbed it's belly before it had a chance to react. Adam saw a Beowolf rushing him out of the corner of his eye. Adam ducked under it's swing and cut it in half
Adam spun and dragged Wilt on the ground before using Moonslice to kill a King Taijitu. Adam spun around and cut bullets out of the air as if he saw where they were going
Adam saw the family in danger from a squad of Atlesian Knights. Adam jumped forward and unsheathed Wilt. Adam spun Wilt quickly to create a shield for the family
Cardin rushed past and slammed his mace into the ground. An explosion could be heard as the knights all went flying back
Adam sheathed Wilt and looked back at where the rest of the Grimm and knights were only to that they were gone. Adam knew that team CRDL must've taken care of them
He didn't care though. Right now, he had a sneaking suspicion that the family they rescued was Lily and the kids that Jaymes asked them to find. So, Adam walked over and lifted her up off of the ground
"Thank you. I don't think we would've survived without you huntsmen." The woman said
"You're welcome. Also, we're still just students miss..." Adam trailed off as he waited for the woman to confirm his suspicions without actually asking the question
"Oh! Celese. Lily Celese." Lily told Adam, who nodded
"You wouldn't happen to be the husband of someone named Jaymes, would you?" Adam asked to be sure
"Umm, actually, yeah. I am. My husband is named Jaymes." Lily answered
'Well, I can knock one thing off of my list.' Adam thought
"Your husband was looking for you. He's at the safe zone we established. He wanted me to find you and ensure you are safe. So, I'm sending this team with you." Adam said, gesturing to team CRDL
"Thanks. Also, before I go, I know you aren't a student combat wise. My father used to be a huntsman. I know when someone is still student level or huntsman level." Lily told Adam, who was a bit shocked but didn't care
"Still, that doesn't change the fact ghat you need to get out of here." Adam said gestured for team CRDL to start escorting them back to the safe zone
Adam was gonna walk away until someone grabbed his hand. Adam looked back to see that it was Cardin
"Adam, whatever happens, I wanted to say I'm sorry for all of the pain I caused the faunus. And it was an honor to fight alongside you." Cardin said while looking at Adam. His tone of voice told Adam that he was genuine
"Likewise. Just go out with a bang for me if you do think you're gonna die, ok?" Adam asked
"Sure. The same goes for you, you know." Cardin told Adam
"I know. I'll give em hell too. Till I see you again." Adam said to Cardin
"Yeah. Till I see you again." Cardin repeated
Adam stuck his hand out and Cardin wrapped his hand around Adam's thumb. Adam did the same, doing a warriors shake. Cardin let go and caught up with his team
Adam stared at them for a second before turning and running closer to Beacon's tower. Adam ran as fast as he could, but still didn't seem fast enough. He knew he had to get there fast, but Adam didn't know he would get there in time
Adam was tackled by a Beowolf that leaped out of the shadows. Adam used the momentum to roll on top of the Beowolf before flicking his wrist, revealing a hidden blade that Adam plunged into it's neck. The Beowolf started to dissolve
Adam gave a huge sigh before flicking his wrist again, making the blade on it retract back into his arm. Adam would have to be more mindful of a possible ambush like the one that had just occurred
Not long after though, Adam heard the sounds of metal clashing and voices coming from a certain direction. Adam turned his body in the direction and ran towards it. He didn't know if it was civilians that were making the noise with previously acquired weapons or some more students
Adam figured he'd find out soon enough as he rounded the corner and was met with an onslaught of bullets. Adam stumbled backward as he tried to limit the number of bullets that would hit his Aura. Adam also deflected some out of the air with Wilt
Adam's back hit the wall and Adam stood there, waiting for the knights to come around the corner. Adam heard the creaking of the metal and sped from behind the corner. Adam quickly attacked the knight before using his semblance to slice all of them in half
However, it wasn't quite over for Adam. Soon after he took out the Atlesian Knights, a boarbatusk started to roll at Adam. Adam was only barely able to dodge out of the way
As Adam rolled to his feet, he got into his stance and waited for the boarbatusk to roll at him again. The boarbatusk did just that. What the boarbatusk didn't realize was that it was dead the moment it made the decision
Adam unsheathed Wilt and swung directly at the boarbatusk, making an energy wave that knocked it over. The boarbatusk slid to Adam's feet, who immediately jammed Wilt through it's body before pulling out, flicking the blood off, and sheathing
"Adam!" A voice called out to Adam as he was going to start running again. Adam turned to see both Weiss and Blake
"Weiss! What happened? You just dropped out of contact from what I heard." Adam asked as he got closer. Weiss was a bit off put by his tone of voice, but didn't show it outwardly
"My scroll got destroyed by one of the knights. I had no way to contact anyone along with Blake, who left her scroll back at Beacon." Weiss clarified. Adam nodded in response
"We need to find more survivors. Without a huntsman, they won't last long." Blake told Adam, finally chipping in on the conversation
"I know, Blake. And don't get me wrong, I am worried about them. But, we also need to make our way back to Beacon." Adam pointed out. Blake looked down at the ground with mixed emotions
On one hand, Adam was right. The school was in a very bad position and could use some help. But on the other, hundreds of people would die if they went to Beacon. Adam laid a hand on Blake's shoulder, who looked up at Adam
"Blake, if your that worried, we can split up. I can go to Beacon with Weiss while you stay and help people down here. Unless Weiss wants to stay with you." Adam told Blake
"That sounds like a better plan then I could come up with." Blake agreed. At that moment, a few Beowolves came around the corner and started running at them
Adam crouched down and laid a hand on Wilt. Blake grabbed the handle of Gambol Shroud and pulled it off of her back before unsheathing the katana, leaving her with two bladed weapons. Weiss put her left foot forward and leveled Myrtenaster in front of her, tip pointed at the Beowolves
Adam dashed forward and cut one down before twirling underneath a strike and cutting another Beowolf in half. Adam spun Wilt into a reverse grip and stabbed a Beowolf behind him before shooting one that was in front of him. Adam flipped backward to avoid a strike and sheathed Wilt once he landed
He was about to kill the Beowolf when an Aura wave cut it in half for him. Adam looked at the direction it came from to see Blake smirking at him. Adam nodded in thanks before charging the next closest Beowolf
Adam struck a Beowolf in the neck before he shot another in the face. Adam dodged a strike and rolled to his feet before stabbing the Beowolf right in the chest. Adam spun and leveled the barrel of Blush right at the head of a Beowolf that also happened to be behind Blake
Adam pulled the trigger and a bullet soon killed the Beowolf. Blake turned around upon hearing the Beowolf hit the ground. She looked over in Adam's direction and nodded in thanks
Adam, without looking, shoved Wilt through the head of another Beowolf behind him. Adam took a breath and calmed down since the fight was over. He sheathed Wilt, doing a twirl with it as he did so
"I have a feeling we'll be seeing those a lot more of them as we continue." Weiss said, relaying her thoughts to the group
"Yeah, things are looking grim." Adam said. Blake and Weiss looked at him with unamused stares. Adam rubbed the back of his neck
"What?" Adam asked
"Grimm? Really?" Blake asked rhetorically. It was only then Adam caught onto his accidental pun
"Ok, in my defense, I didn't mean to make that pun." Adam said, lifted his arms in defense
"I'm sure you didn't." Weiss said sarcastically
A bullhead passed over them. Weiss was gonna wave at it before Adam quickly stopped her
"What was that for?" Weiss asked, a little angry at Adam
"That wasn't a friendly bullhead." Adam told Weiss. Blake gained a shocked look on her face
"Are they..." Blake didn't finish her question, but Adam knew what she was talking about
"Mhm. They are." Adam told Blake, who put a hand over her mouth in shock
"What are you talking about?" Weiss asked, completely lost on what was happening
"When I was in the White Fang, I made a strategy. It involved the Grimm to swarm an area while we used the distraction to do whatever we needed to." Adam told Weiss, who still looked confused
"And? What does that have to do with anything?" Weiss asked
"Weiss, that same strategy is being put into effect now. Here, in Vale. It's only being done on a much larger scale." Adam said. Weiss also gained a shocked expression upon discovering this
"How did you know?" Blake asked, now becoming skeptical of Adam
"Pardon?" Adam turned to look at Blake with a confused expression
"How did you know that that's what they're doing? How did you know that they are releasing Grimm into the city?" Blake asked, shrinking away as she became more paranoid
"Blake, that was the 13th bullhead that's passed over my head that I've been able to identify as a foe. Why would the White Fang make so many trips back to whatever base they may have? It has to be that." Adam told her. Blake looked down and rubbed her arms
"Well, I..." Blake didn't finish again. Adam still caught what she meant though
"So, it's like that, huh? Even after all the good I've done for, not only faunus, but humans as well, you still think that I'm affiliated with the White Fang. Even after I showed you that I had realized my errors and supposedly made it up to you, you still think me apart of something I've left." Adam stated. Blake only looked further down upon hearing
Adam felt betrayal he hadn't felt since Blake tried to leave him on the train that day. Adam decided to walk off before his emotions got the better of him
"Where are you going?" Adam heard Weiss ask. He didn't answer though as he kept walking towards the school
He knew that he had to get there fast
Adam cut an Ursa in half before a boarbatusk caused him to roll to the side. A Nevermore launched it's feathers at Adam, causing him to take cover. Adam released an explosive sigh before chucking an entire red dust crystal from behind the corner at the hoard of Grimm
Adam came out from behind the corner and took aim at the dust piece. Adam pulled the trigger. The red dust exploded the second the bullet hit it, causing a massive shockwave that nearly sent Adam to his knees. He sheathed Wilt soon afyer
Adam looked at the now dissolving hoard and noticed the Nevermore wasn't with them. Adam laid a hand on Wilt and put the energy he had gained into the blade. Adam turned and created a massive energy wave that made the Nevermore disintegrate into wilting roses
Adam sheathed Wilt again and started to rush towards the school again. He had grown quite close now. Between the countless fights and skirmishes with the Grimm and the turned Atlesian Knights, Adam had made his way to the school
He had saved many people too. Adam was proud of that. At this point, almost everyone had been safely escorted to the safe zone they had managed to set up
Adam, however, was knocked out of his thoughts when he saw some White Fang grunts in front of him. They all had their weapons pointed at him
Adam unsheathed Wilt only to the point where the red of his blade was visible
"Traitor Adam Taurus. You are accused of treason under the order of Ace, the leader of the Vale cell. Surrender now and you won't die." The leader told Adam, who only tensed
"Look at yourselves. You're murdering innocent people. I won't do the same as you. And I don't wish to fight you, but I will if I must." Adam said to them. They looked at each other with uncertainty written in their faces
The leader scowled at Adam, very obviously not caring about his words
"So be it." The leader said before he opened fire on Adam, who deflected the bullets with ease
Adam fired Wilt out of Blush. Wilt's pommel hit the leader in the face and stayed suspended in the air. Adam ran up and grabbed Wilt before striking the leaders chin, sending him backward
The other grunts were in shock at what they saw. In less than ten seconds, Adam had easily dispatched of their leader. Adam stood up straight and sheathed Wilt
"Get out of here before the same happens to you." Adam said as the grunts looked onward at Adam with fear. They complied without a second thought
Adam glared at them. He was still standing for what the White Fang was doing after he left, even when Ace branded him a traitor. Now, though? Adam couldn't stand to look at the symbol without disgust
Adam continued into the school. Immediately, as he grew closer to the tower, the more Grimm, Grunts, and Knights he saw
If not for the students fighting there, Adam would've been overrun long ago. Still, Adam kept an open mind on this matter. He knew Vale was lost. He'd have to be pretty naive to think that they would still control Vale after this
But, he figured that this should be looked at as positively as one can
Adam was still fighting alongside students as he carved his way through Grimm and Knights alike. Any grunts he came across he either scared away or knocked out
Adam found himself beside a rabbit faunus. He recognized her as Velvet from team CFVY. Adam looked over to see the rest of that team before him
"So, you're Adam, correct?" Velvet asked him as she kicked a Creep backward
"That I am." Adam answered as he cut the head off an Atlesian Knight and shot Bloom at the other one behind it
"Nice to meet you! I'm Velvet." She said as she extended a hand towards Adam, who pushed the Creep off of him and shot it
"Nice to meet you." Adam said more calmly as he shook hands with her quickly, hoping a Grimm or something would attack them
"Hey, introductions are important and all, but we are in the middle of a fight to the death!" Adam heard Sun's voice from somewhere
"I know that, Sun!" Adam shouted back at him as he sliced a Beowolf in half
"Then why are you talking?!" Sun questioned. Adam grumbled before turning around
"I'm talking because you are, damnit!" Adam shouted before he got clawed on the left leg by a Beowolf, let out a yelp of pain, and fell forward
The pain felt excruciating. Adam's vision temporary blurred as he heard the sounds of fighting in the background. Adam tried to stand up only to fall once he tried to put weight on his left foot
"Ada... Adam, can you he... Adam, can you hear me?" Adam heard Sun's voice fade in and out
"I can hear you." Adam answered
"Are you alive?" Sun asked, which made Adam's anger come rushing back to him
"I'm fucking talking to you, you god damn donut! Of course I'm alive!" Adam shouted as he stood up, ignoring the pain in his leg
"Adam! Are you okay?" Yang asked once she saw the claw marks in his leg
"I should be fine as long as I have my Aura." Adam said to Yang, which made her gain a worried look on her face
Adam looked over to see the rest of the students struggling with the Atlesian Paladins. He gritted his teeth and looked at Sun and Yang
"We have to help them!" Adam shouted as he went to go do exactly as he said, but was left speechless when he saw Velvet
She was switching between several weapons. Between Yang's Ember Celica, Ruby's Crescent Rose, and Weiss' Myrtenaster, Adam was shocked at her ability to use them
Adam sat back and watched her fight the Paladins, which she destroyed with absolute ease
Adam shook himself out of it though when he saw Velvet get hit back by another Paladin. Adam ran up to her and cut through the Paladin's arm
When Adam landed, he charged Moonslice and released an energy wave that cut the Paladin in half. Adam dragged the blade of Wilt along Blush before sheathing. Adam heard the click of a camera
However, the shaking ground was a good indication that he had no time to care about that. Adam looked in the direction it was coming from. Another Paladin came around the corner
"I'm glad I used only used the bare minimum to destroy that other Paladin." Adam muttered as he jumped in front of his path and channeled Moonslice
As the Paladin grew close, Adam started to glow more and more red with energy, causing arcs of lightning to go across his body. Adam was nearly knocked off of his feet when the Paladin fell
Yang ran over to Adam. She had a look on her face that gave Adam the feeling of anxiousness
"Adam! I'm gonna split up from the group to chase a pack of Ursa going around the school." Yang told Adam, who gained a concerned look
"Yang, I have to come with you." Adam said as he was gonna begin walking
"You can't. There was an alpha spotted heading that way. Someone needs to go hunt it. It might as well be you." Yang told Adam as he looked back with a worried glance
"Hey, I'll be okay. You just make sure that you'll come out in one piece, goat boy." Yang said as she smirked
"Just promise me that you'll be careful? Ace is around here somewhere. He has to be." Adam told Yang, who nodded
"I will." Yang answered as she started to run off
Adam sighed and went down the path he was on. As Adam came around a corner, a Creep leapt at him. Adam quickly grabbed the hilt of Wilt and sliced it out of the air. Adam sheathed Wilt and looked around for any sign whatsoever of the alpha Grimm he was looking for
Adam heard a grunt. He quickly looked over at the area where it came from. Adam's eyes widened in shock. There, standing in the cafeteria, was Ace and someone else
Ace looked over his way and smirked
"Hello Adam. Doing great, I hope?" Ace asked sarcastically. Adam's foot shifted backward. Ace saw that as a sign of weakness
"So, that's it, huh? You're just gonna run away again without even saying hello back?" Ace taunted. Adam only laid a hand on Wilt as he kept an eye on the person beside him
"Shame. I really thought you would come back to the good side. But, if that's the case, them I guess I must show you what your abandonment means." Ace said as he allowed his claw gauntlets to form. Ace readied his fist to punch someone below him, thus also impaling him
He was interrupted by Wilt, however, as Adam charged him before he had the chance. As their blades clashed, Adam quickly realized that he would be overpowered by Ace. So, Adam kicked Ace, causing Ace to go flying back a few feet and land on his back
"I won't run from my destiny... or from you." Adam told Ace, his voice becoming almost that of a growl as he said the last part of the sentence
Ace shakily started to get back up ad the person beside him helped him up. Only now did Adam recognize who that was
"Maron." Adam said in shock
"Adam." Maron growled back
"Heh. I figured you two had history. You have similar fighting styles after all." Ace taunted from behind his mask
"Maron, don't listen to what Ace says." Adam ignored Ace and spoke to Maron
"Rude." Ace muttered underneath his breath
"And do what? Align myself with the very evil you are with? No, I'd rather follow Ace." Maron told Adam
"Maron, please." Adam pleaded
"No! I trusted you, Adam! You gave me my place in the White Fang and you trained me! Besides Edward, I was your right hand man! Then you run away from the us and claim that you are still fighting for the betterment of faunus when you align yourself with the same force that oppresses them!" Maron yelled at Adam
"What has Cinder been telling you?" Adam asked under his breath
"She's told us enough." Ace chipped in before chuckling
"But, I must say something before we fight Adam." Ace said. Adam's scowl grew bigger
"Thank you." Ace said, making Adam recoil with shock and confusion
"What do you mean 'thank you?'" Adam asked
"I mean thank you because, without you, I would've never found out my true power. I would've never found who I really was." Ace told Adam, who only shook his head and couched down with a hand on Wilt
Maron did the same. Ace put his fists out in front of him with the claw gauntlets extended
Adam's eyes narrowed as he focused on them. Maron started to walk towards one side of Adam while Ace did the same
Adam looked at them both and waited. Sure enough, Ace and Maron charged Adam. Adam flipped away from them and quickly brought up Wilt and Blush to block a strike from Maron
Adam repelled Maron's sword and unsheathed Wilt. Adam quickly started firing at Ace, who sliced them all. Adam spun and swung at Maron. Maron narrowly avoided Wilt by hand springing backward. Maron responded by doing the exact same thing with his sheathe
Adam cut the bullets out of the air before turning and flipped sideways to avoid Ace's strike. Adam went to strike Ace, but Maron landed on him from the air. Adam kicked Maron off of him
'I forgot he could fly with his raven wings.' Adam thought as he stood up. Adam only barely dodge the blade coming at his neck
Adam deflected a strike from Ace and rolled out of the way as Maron went to strike his back. Adam rolled to his feet and struck Ace three times in a row before sheathing again
Adam parried a swing from Maron, who was behind him, and slammed the pommel of Wilt in his face. Maron was sent sent rolling across the ground
Adam looked back in Ace's direction only to get a fistful of dirt in his eye. Adam quickly started to use Aura pulsing to see the world around him. Adam saw Ace about to hit him with his claws
Adam rolled out the way and parried the blow that followed next before kicking Ace backward
"How?!" Ace yelled
"You may be talented in combat, but I've been training far longer than you ever could have. You may have the skill needed to match me, but I have the experience to counter you." Adam told Ace as he continued to use Aura pulsing. Ace growled and slammed his fist into the ground, causing it to crack
"Adam!" Adam heard his name get called out by a familiar voice. Adam felt Yang's Aura signature shortly after
"Yang! Run away!" Adam yelled back
"What?! Why?!" Yang asked. Adam was about to answer when he felt Ace rush him. Adam quickly deflected Ace's swing
Adam ducked underneath Maron's blade parried the strike that followed. In quick succession, Adam and Maron went back and forth, striking and defending. Adam deflected a strike downward before swinging at Maron's left side, which was parried
Adam blocked Maron's followup swing and went to strike his legs, which was knocked down into the ground. Adam brought Wilt up to make Maron's blade go up into the air. Adam forced Wilt down with as much force as he could, only for Maron to block it
Their blades locked, causing a constant spark in the middle where they were locked. Adam pushed against Maron, who was quickly becoming overwhelmed by Adam's strength
Maron knew this and pushed Wilt off to the side and launching another assault against Adam, who dodged all of the strikes he threw Adam's way. Adam went to strike Maron, only for him to fade away
"Oh... shit." Adam said as he recognized Maron's semblance
Adam was struck from behind and fell forward into the ground. Adam pushed himself up. Adam felt that his Aura was about to dissipate
"Get away from him!" Adam heard Yang's voice yell out
"Yang, no." Adam said weakly
"AAAAAAA!" Yang screamed as she lit on fire. She charged at Maron, hoping to knock him out
As she grew closer, Maron's smile grew bigger. Adam looked on horror after he wiped the dirt from his eyes. Yang was only a few feet away now. She reared back her fist and Maron laid a hand on his blade. In one swift motion, Maron cut off Yang's arm as Adam watched
Adam's eyes widened as he looked at the scene before him
"You know, for claiming to be good, you seem to only cause bad, Adam." Ace taunted as Maron flicked the blood off of his blade and walked closer to Yang
"No." Adam said sternly as he looked down. Maron and Ace looked back his way
"What was that?" Ace asked, getting a little angry
"No." Adam repeated, more loudly this time
"What do you mean no?" Ace asked
"NO!" Adam yelled as he looked up at them. What would be deep blue eyes were now red. Every shred of red on his body started glowing with such an intensity that it almost looked white
Adam laid a hand on Wilt... and proceeded to release the biggest energy wave he ever has. Almost immediately after, a white light started shining from Beacon's tower and stood out over the red the world had bled into
Adam panted as he looked at the area around him. It was completely devastated. Nothing was left standing. Adam looked at his hand that was holding Wilt as he couldn't feel it. The clothes on that arm were steaming along with Wilt
Adam chuckled before his Aura gave out and he fell down in exhaustion
[Line Break]Adam awoke with a sharp breath in as his deep blue eyes looked around his environment. Adam noted that he was in a house of some sort
Adam went to sit up, only to wince and lay back down as a pain in his chest suddenly flared up
"I would take it easy for a second or two, kid." Adam heard Qrow's voice, making him nearly jump out of the bed
"Qrow. Where... where am I?" Adam hesitated, still surprised that he was even alive. Adam was sure that the amount of energy he output would've killed him
"You're in my friend's house. He also happens to be the dad to your teammates." Qrow answered, turning to look at Adam
"How did I survive?" Adam asked without no hesitation
"I'm sorry, kid? How did you survive?" Qrow repeated to make sure he was hearing correctly
"My semblance, Moonslice, allows me to absorb energy and store it so I can release it back at someone. But, there's a downside. If too much energy is stored up or released, it could damage my body. At Beacon, I released the biggest energy wave I've ever seen. I shouldn't be here right now. I should've been wilting rose petals." Adam told Qrow, who nodded
"Well, in that case kid, I don't know. You didn't show any signs of become wilting rose petals. When I found you, you were just lying on the ground with steaming and smoking clothes." Qrow answered his previous question
Adam decided to try to sit back up again. This time, the pain in his chest wasn't as bad as last time. So, he was able to sit up. Adam noticed he had a red shirt on with black sweatpants
"By the way, kid. I saw it." Qrow said, confusing Adam
"Saw what?" Adam asked
"Your brand. I don't even know how you can stand being near a Schnee with that. You have my respect, Adam Taurus." Qrow told Adam
"Heh. Thanks. And you have mine Qrow..." Adam trailed off, hoping to get Qrow's last name
"Branwen." Qrow said
"Qrow Branwen." Adam finished his sentence. Qrow sighed and stopped leaning off of the wall
"Well, might as well make yourself comfortable, kid. We're gonna be staying here a while." Qrow told Adam before he walked out of the room
Adam looked over to the window and saw lush green trees. Something caught Adam's eye. It was his duffel bag from Beacon. Adam flipped the blanket off of him and swung his legs off of the bed. Adam stood up on his feet and felt a pang of pain in his left foot
Adam looked down at it to see a bandage around it. He then remembered that that's where he was clawed by a Beowolf
Adam didn't give it any attention though as he continued walking over to his duffel bag. Adam zipped open the bag to see his old outfit in it along with his weapon and some souvenirs from his time in the White Fang and at Beacon. Adam, however, was more interested in something else
Adam reached further down and pulled out a necklace with a small version of his wilting rose on it. Adam stared at for a few seconds as the memory of how he obtained flowed into his head
[Flashback start]
"Adam!" Ruby called out Adam's name in the middle of Beacon's hallways. Adam turned around and looked at Ruby
"What is it?" Adam asked
"Here! I made you something!" Ruby shouted out as she held out a silver object. Adam leaned in closer to see that it was a necklace and immediately lost interest
That was, until Ruby let the necklace dangle off of her fingers. Then, Adam saw his emblem on it and immediately became shocked
Adam grabbed it from her hands and inspected it closer. He was amazed by the craftsmanship on it
"... Thanks." Adam said after a short pause. Adam found himself encompassed by a hug soon after
"You're welcome! I'm glad you like it!" Ruby said as she hugged Adam
[Flashback end]
Adam looked at it a second longer before he put it on. Adam looked at himself in the mirror and liked how he looked with the necklace on
Adam looked down at his old clothes. He turned away though. He decided that this wasn't the time
Adam grabbed the door handle and took a deep breath in and out before opening it. Adam came out in a hallway. Adam looked around before walking towards an area that had stairs going down
Adam walked down the steps and into the living room. He noticed a TV and some comics along with some board games
Adam heard sizzling coming from the kitchen and a wonderful smell. Adam, naturally, walked towards it and noticed a blond man cooking
The blond man seemed to notice that someone was watching him as he looked back at Adam. They stood there in an awkward silence for a second
"... hello?" Adam greeted, but also questioned
"Hey." The blond man greeted back and went back to cooking
"... So, you are?" Adam asked after a short pause, curious as of to who he was
"I'm surprised my daughters haven't told you who I was. I'm Taiyang Xiao Long, but call me Tai. Take a seat. Breakfast should be done in a minute." Tai told Adam, who did exactly that. Although, Adam was a bit hesitant
Adam watched as Tai made breakfast for the only three awake at this point. Consistent with what Tai said, breakfast wasn't done to long after
[Line Break]It was a bit later. Adam was sitting in the room he was provided with, but still had Beacon on his mind. He couldn't believe that he didn't see it coming all this time. It was so obvious now that he looked at it
The White Fang gathering tons of dust, the train that was rigged to let Grimm into the city, and the fact that it was all done right before the Vytal Festival
'How could I have missed it? It was so obvious.' Adam thought before sighing and facepalming
"I should've told Ozpin about Cinder." Adam muttered under his breath
"Yeah, you should've." Adam jumped when he heard Tai's voice from the door. Adam took a deep breath to calm down and they sat in silence
"... I'm-" Adam didn't have the chance to say anything as Tai cut him off
"Don't apologize. You probably should've done a lot of things that would've prevented this, but it's done. There's nothing you can do about it now, so don't apologize for this. It wasn't your fault." Tai told Adam, who nodded. Adam suddenly remembered he forgot to introduce himself
"Since I forgot, my name's Adam." Adam did just that
"I know. I know your Adam Taurus." Tai said, surprising Adam a little. However, Adam quickly recovered
"Yeah..." Adam said before falling into silence
"... So, why'd you do it?" Tai asked, making Adam confused
"Do what?" Adam asked, hoping he'd elaborate
"Why'd you hurt and kill so many humans... and what made you change?" Tai asked again. Adam sighed before standing up
"This is why." Adam said, lifting up his shirt and showing Tai his brand. Tai's eyes widened at seeing the brand
"Oh... I'm sorry." Tai said grimly
"Don't be. You couldn't control what happened to me." Adam told Tai. The old him would snapped at him, telling him he should be sorry
"Well, the best I could do is give you a place to stay whenever you need it. So, if you ever need a home, you're welcome here, Adam." Tai said before leaving the room
Adam looked around at the room and it's decorations
'It's gonna be a long month or two.'
[Timeskip, a month later...]
Adam dodged a swing from Tai by ducking underneath it before twirling to the side to dodge a kick
Adam quickly struck Tai in the chest with Wilt, causing him to stumble backward. Adam rushed him and struck his guard
Ruby watched with wide silver eyes in the background. Yang also watched with a sad expression
Adam struck his guard from out of Blush before he swung Wilt the opposite way. Adam finally brought Wilt across his guard before using his shadow clones
Tai was quickly overwhelmed by them and was knocked to the ground. However, Tai wasn't out of the fight yet. He rolled to his feet and kicked Adam
Adam stumbled back, but recovered fast enough to block the next blows Tai swung. Adam pumped Wilt full of the stored up energy and slammed it into the ground, causing a shock wave that knocked Tai onto the ground again
Adam put Wilt's point against Tai's throat
"I... win." Adam stated, panting in between the words. Tai, who had his hands held up, chuckled
"Yes, you do." Tai agreed. Adam sheathed Wilt, allowing Tai to get up. Adam walked over to the towels Tai had brought out so they could wipe the sweat off and grabbed one before wiping his face off with it
"I have to say, ever since last week, you've improved majorly. In fact, I'd say you're probably able to against Qrow and stand a good chance. Hell, maybe even win." Tai told Adam, who chuckled
"My first master always told me that I was always a quick learner. And, to be honest, I see that now. Whenever she showed me a technique or move, I learned it immediately or in a few days depending on it's difficulty." Adam said, reminiscing on old days
"Well, I'm going to make some food. You just go ahead and rest." Tai said, leaving soon after
Adam looked over at Ruby and nodded. She nodded back and left to her room. Yang looked at Adam, who walked up to her
"Yang... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what happened at Beacon. I'm sorry I'm leaving with Ruby. But, I'll make sure she'll be okay for you." Adam told Yang, who only looked away
Adam looked at Yang for a few seconds before hugging her
"I love you." Adam said before he stopped and started to walk to his room
Yang only sat there, wide-eyed
[Timeskip, another month later...]
Adam was in his old clothes, before he left the White Fang. He was also wearing a back. He looked at Ruby. They had decided to wait another month before leaving. She closed the door behind her
Adam turned around to see Jaune, along with Nora and Ren, standing there
"Hey." Jaune greeted
"Hello." Adam greeted back
"Hey Jaune. Haven's a long way to go." Ruby said
"Maybe, but it's only way we've got. For now." Adam said
"Are you sure you wanna come along?" Ruby asked them
"The journey will be long and perilous. And whether we'll find answers at the end is entirely uncertain." Ren said
"But, we wouldn't be here if we weren't up for it!" Nora exclaimed quietly
"Then let's get going." Adam told them before walking onward
[Line Break]Adam watched as Ruby was standing in front of her mother's grave. He knew that it must hurt. And that's because it hurt him when he visited his mother's grave
Ruby began walking towards the group. Adam walked with them. When he looked back on his life, he had to admit, he never expected to be here. Along side some very memorable friends
Adam smiled as they walked. This time, he wasn't alone. This time, he had people he could count on. This time, Adam would make sure they would always feel safe
This time, he finally had something he never had before
A family
AAAAAAA! That's the end of this book! It feels so surreal. I really hope y'all enjoyed. I never thought I'd make it this far in my life and, to be honest, I still can't believe it
So, Thanks to all of you that have read this story and even just gave me a chance to do anything with writing
I love y'all and see ya later!