I can say, writing Ozpin in the last chapter was fun it's always a blast to write him. This arc will revolve around the Faunus students for better or worse. These new threats have the same mindset as Adam to a degree but go about it in a different way.
I don't own RWBY!
Kuro's POV
It was the last day of our break which was granted to us, and to my dismay, I was stuck cleaning the floors in the cafeteria. It was my punishment, but that wasn't the best part; Kianna was stationed with me. Somehow fate bought us together and it was proving to be a hindrance. Maybe I should've let her die at initiation? We didn't know each other that well if at all, but slowly we were learning about each other. We both were from tribes, the only difference being she left with her own will? I never had that option.
I was young when I saw my home destroyed, it was a real bummer would I be in Beacon if it wasn't destroyed? Would my sister be alive having kids of her own? It hadn't hit me yet that I was the last remaining Violet in the world, not that I thought much about it; allowing such thoughts wouldn't be good for anyone. After sweeping up the discarded carton of strawberry milk, I looked at Kianna. She was in the midst of wiping down the table's the rag she used damp with water. I owed it to my team or everyone, if they didn't come I would've been gone along with everyone that was with me. That was the main reason I shared apart of my past, Raven sent me here on one task, but I was nowhere close to completing it; Leo knowing the crooks and secrets of this place helped me but not much if I couldn't get it out of him without blowing my cover.
I owed Raven a report in the following weeks and if I didn't have anything then that would be the end of me, she would blame me and tell me not to mingle with my team but I needed their trust. It was her fault; she said trust was a vital key in controlling someone and by any means necessary I should get someone's trust even if it hurt them. Her twisted views were forced onto me and I adopted them luckily.
My idea of friends came from her, and she didn't have any. She only had enemies and allies me being one of them. With a low sigh escaping my vocal cords, I was surprised to see two different color eyes staring at me.
"Why did you put yourself in danger to help them?" Kianna didn't break contact, yet she kept cleaning. Her wrist moved the cloth wiping the table clean.
Personal gains. "No reason, it was only the right thing to do even if one of them isn't good nature doesn't mean I need to stoop low." It sounded mature and fitting but she brushed it to the side.
"I'm going to visit Grady after this, he should be getting released today; those people are monsters and I heard they took one of his fangs, unlike Cardin he was in a worsen state people like that need to be corrected." Her ponytail swayed with her head as she shook, her eyes were fierce and indirectly she was asking me for help? Maybe, since we were partners she felt obligated to tell me something like this?
"If you want to question him about what happened with my help just say so." I didn't know why, but I wouldn't complain it would give me some sort of distraction from cleaning.
Kianna's shoulders shrugged before she went back to cleaning the tables, her almond-shaped eyes back on her duties.
Could this be the start of a blooming friendship? Not likely.
The elevator flashed with the current floor we were on, the number highlighting then dimming. Both of us were dressed in our Beacon uniforms for access to Grady; our weapons were back at school but it wasn't like we would attempt anything or at least I wouldn't Kianna was a loose cannon in my head, I couldn't predict her actions.
The ding registered and the doors slid open, the scent of medicine floated around the hallway, and she was the first one out. Her hips swaying with her movement it was oddly memorizing. Grady was put into room 401, and after a short walk we were here; in no time the doorknob was twisted and we entered Kianna going in first.
I didn't question why she would want to get involved in this, nor did I ask what was her plan after finding out. I figured she'd explain it to me on her own.
Grady was hooked up to multiple IVs and some tubes, just allowing some fluids into his body. Still, the sight wasn't spectacular the fact someone with aura could be in this state said wonders.
Heels tapped against the patterned marble floor, her tawny-skin hands pulled a chair up to his bed. It didn't seem like he was awake but after the noise of Kianna sitting his eyes opened and both Faunus stared at each other. One was perplexed while the other was curious.
"I guess you want to know what happened?" Her nod was enough of an answer, "Nothing major I was caught off guard and taken along with Cardin; though when they took one of my fangs they made me seether in the pain it amused them, Blake assumed they were in relation in the White Fang but why would the White Fang cause violence to their own kind?" Grady was calm and collected while the female could only raise a brow she wanted more answers.
"Blake came and asked about the White Fang?" Curiosity mixed into her soft tone, the ash-grey haired female stood eyeing Grady down. "So, you were attacked for no reason?"
"Yep." Grady turned his head to the side, the action doing nothing helpful.
This didn't scream for my help, but as Kianna turned to look at me; I could tell from her different colored eyes she was asking but what could I do? I had no power over him. Crossing my arms around my blazer I sauntered towards the bedridden teen. "Theoretically speaking, let's say you had some idea who these people were; that doesn't take into account why you'd be in a lesser-known part of Vale Sky told me everything so I suggest you start speaking." A threat was the best way to push forward, to Grady this held no issue.
The weaker male lifted his head upwards, his tongue wetting his lips as he stopped at Kuro's ears. "Sky also told me what you did and who you truly are, so if you want to keep this facade going on I 'suggest' you mosey out of my business." I didn't like his tone one bit, I should rid him? He was a threat.
Kianna couldn't hear but whatever was said, got a nice reaction she watched as I balled my hands up.
"The ride back to Beacon is rather long who knows what could happen between now and then." Pulling myself away from the male, I turned towards Kianna, and for a second I thought of leaving the female on her own, she was more than capable of finding something out.
Grady fell back onto the mattress and gave the two a smile, "Hope to see you guys in class."
Kianna exited the room and I followed only to stop as she turned around, "He's hiding something...he knows about them but our next source is Blake."
That was the least of my problems, he had leverage against me, and Kianna was in no state to trust me but I had to take a risk. "Don't believe what he says, for all we know it could've been a trap; sure he was in a bad condition but what if that was part of the plan? A perfect cover-up."
"What are you saying?" Her eyes and voice were clear as day, she wanted to know what I thought what I said next could either make or break my previous statement.
"It's possible Grady was helping them, allowing Sky to escape warn me knowing I'll go and making sure Verdant went; what if the main task was to capture a bunch of people? Sure, the motive is lacking but what he whispered to me makes me believe this is true."
She wasn't buying it, at least I think she wasn't.
"He told me good thing Sky told me when he did." I lied.
Leo's POV
I finished dusting off the last row of books that rested on the shelf in the library. I was tasked with cleaning and organizing the ample library, Yang was partnered with me surprisingly. "You finished?" A multitude of shushes forced me to cringe, a slip of the mind. Yang turned towards me for a moment and nodded before offering a bright grin, she was different by herself sure the number of horrible puns and dirty jokes was there but something else was there. I couldn't quite name it but something was different.
With our duties finished both of us made our way out of the library and down the hall with no set goal in mind.
"Crazy couple of days right? I mean we all got in trouble for helping someone...in a way." Yang's face scrunched up as she thought about what I said, and her reply was something I wasn't expecting.
"Are you and Nyx close?" So she ignores me but expects a response? The sheer ignorance. "Well, we are on friend terms nothing special." My hands went into my pockets, "Why do you ask?"
"No particular reason." Her expression betrayed her words, but I couldn't call her out on it knowing the stories about her temper it would be smart for me to shut up. So why didn't I?
"It's okay! You can tell me pretty much everything, I won't judge if you are having problems connecting with your teammate." It seems I said too much, for the brief moment she stopped I braced myself for any physical contact.
"Huh, I don't have any problems 'connecting' with her it's just we found no common ground and with news, she has taken a life before I can't help but want to be there...ya know?" Yang's mouth moved, and words spilled out. Calming myself I listened thinking of how to help.
"It takes time; it won't come overnight so ease up and relax alright? It isn't like she'd run away or something." The joke caused the female to glare daggers at me-with a gulp we passed by the empty cafeteria.
"If something like that happens trust me I'm coming for your head." Her joking threat sent a chill down my spine, these people were crazy.
"I'll take a no-" It was my fault for not paying attention but the same could be said for the teen lying on the ground.
"WATCH WHERE YOU ARE GOING, YOU DOLT!" Sirvard's voice spat venom as she helped herself off of the red carpet. Her dainty hands dusted her khakis off, before sending yet another glare towards me.
Weiss who was accompanying her gave me the same annoying look which forced me to whistle and turn to the side, seriously it wasn't my fault we both were in the wrong here.
"So, what are you guys doing?" Yang began to diffuse the situation in the best way she knew, her arms crossed over her 'assets' as she put most of her weight on her left leg.
"Conversing on the many topics of dust and our homework that is due." Yang and I both gave each other a worried glance before sighing at the same time, Sirvard wore a cheeky grin on her face as Weiss words deepened.
"W-well, obviously we finished it right big man." Yang punched the side of my arm lightly and although I kept my chin up it hurt.
"Mhm, sure. You two are just as work efficient as Binda and Jaune." That was an insult, anyone with common sense could guess.
I wasn't fond of the two females in front of me, both made some sort of displeasure towards the other race. Well, Sirvard did and Weiss was along the same lines she was subtle with her outlook though. "Jaune and Binda get work done...sometimes."
"Anyways, are you guys going to report to Ozpin regarding the task you finished?" Weiss wasn't taking any chances most of us got an earful from her when we got in trouble anymore I was sure she'd kill us all.
"No? Why would you bother to do that?" Yang's brow pushed up as she gave the snow haired female a questionable expression, it didn't sound like an oddity it honestly sounded like something someone would do if they wanted brownie points.
Weiss's pale hands planted on her sides the edges of her combat skirt shuffling with gravity, "I wouldn't expect you to even think of doing that Yang, although Leo I was sure you would try it."
I ignored the snow princess's statement and glanced at the quiet petite female, but it seemed my eyes got a reaction out of her.
"What?" Her tone alone made me want to back away, why did everyone have some sort of temper? Sirvard didn't break eye contact in the slightest, instead, it was like she was challenging me.
"B-by the way...have you guys seen the other members of my team?" Conversating with these people would bring nothing but stress, it would be beneficial to put my time into strengthening my friendship with my team.
"I saw Kuro and Kianna leave earlier, and Nyx is either cleaning or somewhere reading some novel-" Yang cut Weiss of like a bullet through the wind.
"Seeing Kianna and Kuro together without the rest of us present is something I thought I'd never hear; but with this information, I'd be wise to use it against her." I pitied my teammate, but Yang wasn't wrong it was odd hearing of them.
Kianna's POV
Traveling with Kuro wasn't something I thought I'd never attempt in this life, but here we were heading towards the airship docking port. After our conversation with Grady, we were left with nothing, even as Kuro told me what he said I felt my partner was lying.
I was merely allowing myself to be alone with him solely because of chance, it didn't have anything to do with our past being somewhat alike hell that was coincidence right? The wind blew past us, my hand keeping the hem of my skirt down; the air was fresh and vibrant it was something I liked. Our heels clicked against the concrete, I had to admit it wasn't bad having him around; maybe it was the curious part of me but I was content with him nearby without others.
Not letting those impractical thoughts plague my mind anymore, I focused on the vital point. Blake had the same idea, just different outlooks or questions. I knew the White Fang wouldn't cause pain onto their own kind on purpose, so what was Blake aiming at? My wings twitched as we stood waiting for the next ship, whatever those people were after I had a feeling that Grady knew more than he was letting on. I was too submerged in my head to notice the airship letting passengers off, so when Kuro's cold touch reached my wrist and pulled me to the side I was shocked.
He was no doubt taller than me, so it was annoying looking up at him. Maybe asking for his opinion on this would help? It seemed like something he'd be good at, snatching my wrist away from his grasp I waited for everyone to clear the area; and once clear we boarded. "Do you think the White Fang has enemies?"
Kuro closed his eyes for a brief moment, and as the sigh left his mouth I thought about hitting him. "Duh, why wouldn't they."
"D-Do you think...the people we went against are one of them?" My lips parted with every word.
"Can't say, but if you take in the facts it seems that way; still they captured both humans and Faunus I say we research before asking or doing anything." His opinion was something I didn't take into thought, what would we search though? "Whatever they were, they are out of our league as of now; even if we knew something we wouldn't do much if they mopped the floor with us imagine if some local authorities caught them?"
"I realize that already, and I know that we experienced that giant skill gap...it's just..." I couldn't put it into words, part of me didn't want to dig into this, but if the White Fang were involved, it would enter my mind until I knew why. In the silent seconds, I bought out my scroll and hovered above the chat icon within moments a chat bubble with Blake appeared. Kuro had the right state of mind when it came to researching but I wanted Blake to share even for a second.
Blake was by far the person I was closest to for reasons that should not be disclosed we clicked, and one could say Yang was next following her Nyx. Somehow I was the middle piece for the members of RWBY; well at least it seemed like it. Yang made attempts to speak to the dark-haired beauty of a partner, but Blake steered clear. I didn't dwell nor ask why she never asked directly about why I do certain things, so things were good.
'Care to meet up around the Libary?' Of course, I didn't expect a response from the getgo, but Blake exceeded my expectations. 'Already ahead of you.' My eyes read the message before I stashed my scroll in my blazer pocket. Blake and I usually hung out alone which meant I needed to send Kuro off. I'd let him know to part ways after we get back to the academy.
The library was something I hardly visited or spent my time in. The shelves were stacked with different sets of literature, some more mature than others. I followed the red rug that split off into different ways, I didn't need to be smart to know where Blake would be.
The small tap on her shoulder caused the female to turn, her skin glistening with the vibrant lighting above. "So, why did you want to meet?"
"I heard you asked Grady about the attack, I was wondering if you would tell me what he said or what you think." Forget being subtle, it wouldn't help me now. Pulling up a chair I sat next to the female my eyes never leaving her.
"Oh? Well...although I didn't believe it; I heard some rumors floating around that the White Fang made a serious enemy and I figured the attack on Grady and his team was the work of them." Perhaps, Blake had everything figured out? "Little is to be said about the attack or who attacked them, I looked up everything and nothing is connecting."
If Blake has done her homework then maybe, I was doing this digging for nothing? Crossing my arms, I took a final glance at Blake she had no reason to lie, did she? Obviously, the White Fang was something she was interested in like me; but we possibly had different reasons. "I guess...this marks the end of this little page."
"I believe so." Blake closed her eyes before turning back to her book, she didn't want to involve anyone in what she found; she wasn't apart of the organization anymore but she didn't want anything to happen to them; they were misguided and tired of being pushed around.
I had no choice to believe her, so I dropped this for now.
Hours passed by and night drew upon Vale, most people were inside the streets clear apparently word spreads fast about an attack. Ruby eyes watched the dimly illuminated neon lights flash, the club was under construction. Broken glass laid across the ground outside, the hooded teen stood straight his hands in his pocket. Even if the sign read close, he walked through the broken entrance. He got word that this was the place to find out certain things.
Combat boots hit the marble floor, and the teen took a seat at the empty bar; the bartender coming out to give the hooded figure an annoyed glare. "We're closed buddy, can't ya read?"
The teen meekly rolled his eyes before turning towards the older man, "I need information...on Beacon."
"Things like that ain't cheap nor accessible, don't stick yer nose in that Academy; nothing good can come from it." Junior threw the hammer on the counter before, moving towards the figure.
"I can pay."
"Oi, hard of hearing? I said don't get involved with it." Junior let out a few unpleasant noises as his feet moved him around, whoever this was needed to get lost. As Junior passed by the teen, he heard the masculine voice counting down. In a swift movement, the older man was pinned against the wall where his liquor laid a knife pressing against his chest.
"I'll rephrase that, I need the information or you won't see tomorrow." Junior gulped, sweat dripping from the side of his face. Who did this bastard think they were? The older man debated on giving some half-ass answer, but luckily the attacker jumped backward a knife flying past their face before sticking to the wall.
"You're a dead man!" Junior exclaimed, his veins popping as a result. It was in the heat of the moment, but as he caught a glimpse of their eyes he could tell there was no other option no room for negotiation.
Melanie Malachite emerged from the shadows her mascara matching the color of her dress, "Dear God, not this again." Her bangs blew with the gust of wind that made it inside, her green eyes focused on the hooded man.
"J-just get him!" Junior pointed as Melanie's twin came from behind throwing a high arched kick.
The teen narrowly managed to move out of the way, but from the corner of his eye he saw Melanie coming up; she followed up with a straight kick in which missed the male. Yet, before he could get his bearings a shotgun bullet smashed right next to him blowing a small hole in the wall; flakes of debris falling onto the floor and his shoulder.
Junior's fingers outlined the trigger, his arm outwards the butt of the weapon pointed towards the male. "Leave." Both Twins awaited for the attacker to make a move each ready for what's to come.
Kuro slid the hood off, his white hair in its normal position; his bangs covering his eyes minorly. No one moved, and as the clock ticked everyone grew tenser; a couple of seconds later Kuro charged forward Melanie cutting him off her body twisted as she threw a downwards kick, Kuro blocked the strike with his forearm; sadly he was outnumbered and he didn't have his weapon in hand. So when Miltia came from the side he could hardly do much; his aura flashed for a moment as his jacket was cut, the attack causing him to flinch and Melanie to break his guard and kick him in the chest; Junior tried to finish it off with his gun but Kuro was gone.
"He'll be back later, let's just hope he doesn't underestimate us like this time." Junior offered his girls some words but none responded.
"He was kinda cute." Miltia and Junior could only sigh at Melanie's words.
The calm before the storm, this chapter was a little slow but it was nice. People grew closer, and some things have been said. Prepare yourself, cause after this chapter and the next things will happen.