EAGLE STORM!~ Yahooooo! I'm finally done with the Menagerie arc, and you all know what that means folks!
This is the first time that I'll be doing this, but the next arc will officially arrive on January 23, 2021. I really want to take my time researching the canon RWBY teams and their personalities. Now, truth be told, I never watched an RWBY episode before, and I don't really plan to tbh XD. I can't give any criticism on the franchise as I know little about it, but I also don't want the canon episodes to interfere with how I scope out the next coming arcs.
Hawkins will also be taking a backseat for Jaune and Emerald as Beacon is the place for them to grow and mature without the influence of their father. Don't worry though, I plan to reintroduce Hawkins in a big way after Jaune and Emerald finish their first semester of school.
The prologue to my new story, Final Fantasy 7 Mad Monk T-Rex edition, will also be making itself known on that day. And it will include the two supernovas Urouge and X Drake!
Also, if anyone has a better team name that includes the letters H, V, C, K. Please let me know! I'm not too good with names with odd letter combos!
With that, cheers everyone, and have a great day!
Morning finally came, and the Hawkins family were fully packed and ready to go home. The boat for Vale arrived in three hours, but a particular blonde magician was missing from the loving group.
For Hawkins, the stoic man had two tasks he needed to complete before he left the island. The first was to drop off a handwritten copy of his most recent novel series that Blake Belladonna was missing from her collection, the second was to bid his final farewell to Grudgedorf before he granted it a respectful parting to the afterlife.
None of the Faunus on the island gave him any trouble either. When he strolled down a road, the citizens stepped aside and allowed the man his space. When he entered a store, the staff put on a polite demeanor. Whether their acts were genuine remained to be seen. At the main doors of the Belladonna mansion, Hawkins lazily knocked on the door with a gloved fist.
"Yes, good morning... um, hello?" The one who opened the door was none other than Blake Belladonna, but to her surprise, no one was there. Only a large book with a pink hardcover and title written in bold gray letters which read: Sora the warrior, the poisoned butterfly.
Blake's eyes widened as she whipped her head around to check the surrounding premises. Who would leave such a precious piece of literature to sit in the sun? With a hesitant hand, the young Faunus picked up the book and flipped the cover. Blake clapped a hand over her mouth to stop a squeal. On the back of the front cover was an elegant signature written in golden ink: Basil. H.
She knew this signature was genuine right off the bat, as her father had brought home many pictures of the mysterious author's signature home. Courtesy of the man named Tukson who's bookstore was no mystery to Blake. Unfortunately, Ghira never brought home a signed novel, as Tukson claimed only one-hundred copies of each story were signed by Basil. H. and were already purchased before their release.
Turning to the first chapter, Blake's amber eyes almost jumped out of their sockets. The words weren't printed, instead, they were handwritten in the most eligible handwriting Blake had ever seen. Checking the page count, the Faunus' jaw hit the floor. Whopping six-hundred pages, all double-sided and sentences perfectly spaced for easy reading.
Jumping for joy, Blake closed the book as her lips stretched to her widest smile to date and her ears twitched a hundred miles a minute.
"Mom, look what I have!" Blake squealed in a joyous tone and ran into the house.
"Noooooo!" Kali wailed in absolute dread. Her poor voice cracking several notes in the process.
"Ah, there you are Hawkins. Are you ready to begin-rero?" Vito adjusted his glasses at the approaching magician.
Both Vito and Kuma had been waiting for Hawkins on the sandy shores where the dismantled remains of the Grudgedorf remained. Only the main hull seemed to be in shape, as the damage it sustained during the battle a few days ago had piqued the ship's endurance past its limits. Not to mention the boat was in poor condition from the get-go.
Hawkins decided to keep this farewell private, and only invited Vito and Kuma as he required their muscle to bring the supplies for Grudgedorf's burial. It pained the magician to commit such an act on his old friend, but from his previous tarot readings regarding his ship, it was clear that today was Grudgedorf's final hour.
"We've fixed up the bottom of the hull as best we could. Though we're no shipwrights by any means, our repairs should get your ship onto the ocean-rero." Vito said.
Hawkins nodded and moved past his cohorts to rest a hand on the ship that he sailed.
"I owe you many debts Grudgedorf, and you have my utmost apology for failing you." Hawkins sighed.
"Don't say such things captain." A childish voice whispered.
Hawkins turned his gaze to the side to see a small glowing blue figure adorning its trademark hoodie and boots. A hammer in hand, the spirit of the Grudgedorf jumped and wrapped its arms around the magician's neck.
"Even if I can't be with you in the material world, I'll always have a place in your heart, right? And don't think of our memories together as bittersweet, but something to cherish as you move on with your life. After all, I think your son and daughter are really cute! Besides, a Klaubautterman can't go to heaven if its captain is still on board."
A wry smile gracing his lips, Hawkins patted the head of his ship's spirit until it fizzled away in a swirling mass of blue stars. But before it left, it gave Hawkin's pale cheek one more kiss of appreciation.
"Vito, Kuma, let's get this over with." The blonde man said curtly.
The gunslinger and warlord nodded, neither was eager to commence, but they knew what had to be done. Picking up the dry logs and sticks they had gathered, they threw them onto the main deck of the Grudgedorf and brought out two cans of oil.
"Straw Man..." Hawkins tried to force the same woman-like entity he created in his fight against Vergo and Monet, but what came out of him was Straw Man Branwen instead.
"Kyokyokyo!"
That's odd, even though Hawkins had the image of the womanly figure in his head, he couldn't morph his straw to replicate it no matter how many times he tried. Then again, the invisible emblem on his chest didn't burn or glow either. The magician sighed, this was yet another mystery he would have to add to his list when he got back to Vale.
Commanding the straw man, Hawkins ordered it to drag his ship from the sandy beach and onto the water. The ocean waves gently caressed and carried the vessel toward the horizon, and with a final salute, Hawkins gave Vito permission to ignite the flammable cargo on the main deck.
With a precise bullet, Vito ignited the oiled logs and twigs. The roaring fire produced reflected off Hawkins' crimson eyes. Soon enough, salty tears drenched the magician's cheeks as he watched the mainmast fall. Covering his face with a trembling hand, Hawkins couldn't stifle his sobs.
Vito and Kuma took off their hats and bowed in respect. Though they never sailed on the Grudgedorf, they understood the importance of a captain's respect towards his ship.
Unknown to the group, a particularly large Faunus watched from afar. His yellow pupils squinting at the pained expression of Hawkins. Ghira scratched his beard and shook his head. He was still injured from the strike Hawkins gave him with his club, but when he heard from Blake about the true nature of the blonde man... He knew he owed Hawkins more than a standard apology.
"Hawkins, it's time to go, our ship is due in an hour." Kuma rested a hand on the blonde's shoulder.
With a reluctant nod, Hawkins watched the final flame reach for the sky before pittering out into a black cloud of smoke. His ship submerged in the ocean depths, the magician had finally tied his last loose end on Menagerie.
"Thank you for everything captain... I hope to see you again." Called a kind voice. Without looking back, Hawkins nodded as his lips spread into a small smile.
"Hey, dad!" Jaune yelled and ran toward his father with Emerald in tow. The boat for Vale in view, the Hawkins family and friends waited patiently on the docks with their suitcases beside them.
"Are you alright dad? You don't look so good."
"I'm fine Jaune." Hawkins sighed.
Emerald nudged her brother in the ribs signaling that now was not the time to bother their dad. Excusing themselves to join Carla and Sam, Fiona took this opportunity to have a word with Hawkins.
"So, it's been quite a crazy vacation hasn't it?" Fiona said sheepishly.
"It's not something I'll forget," Hawkins grunted.
"W-Well, there were a few good things that came out of it right? We got closer as friends didn't we?"
"Yes, I suppose I can tolerate your clumsy antics a little more now." Hawkins huffed.
Fiona's smile dropped and her ears flapped in annoyance. Though when she glanced up at Hawkins' stoic visage, he was looking back down at her with a smirk.
"You're sense of humor infuriates me." The sheep Faunus pouted.
"E-Excuse me, Mr. Hawkins?" Called a childish voice.
"Hm, do I know you?" Hawkins grumbled.
The magician veered his attention to a small head of orange hair. The little girl wore a teal shirt and maroon shorts with red sneakers. She held out a mask made of straw, that oddly enough, looked like Hawkins' face when he was in his demon face form.
"Is that supposed to be me?" The magician sounded peeved. He didn't want to be mocked, especially after saving the racists of Menagerie from a sea king.
"Y-Yes! I was wondering if you'd sign it for me." She said meekly.
Hawkins curled a brow.
"You what?"
"M-My name is Deery, Mr. Hawkins, and I wanted to keep a memento of the kind and brave man who saved me..." The young Faunus shivered.
"Thump!~" His heart skipping a beat, Hawkins could sense and feel a numerous presence. Were these weird heart twitches a sign of haki? Hawkins would have to elaborate the matter when he got back to Vale.
Lifting his gaze from the Faunus girl, Hawkins was surprised to see an ensemble of all of Menagerie's citizens. Even Saber, Sienna, and the Belladonnas were present. In one loud shout, the crowds bowed their heads and declared their intentions.
"WE'RE SO SORRY HAWKIIIIINS!"
Hawkins stepped back. Well, this wasn't what he expected at all. A hand patting him on the back, the magician turned to see a chuckling Sam along with his family and friends all wearing thousand-watt smiles on their faces.
The horns of the incoming boat blaring over the crashing waves, Hawkins quickly pulled out a blue pen from his pant pocket and scribbled his initials: B.H. on the forehead of Deery's mask.
The little girl squealed in delight and slapped on the mask. Her brown eyes peeking through her prized possession, she ran back to her parents with a giddy jump in her step while waving her hands above her head.
As the magician's friends and family boarded the ship, the Faunus crowds behind them continued to shout.
"Please come back when you have the time!" Yelled a Faunus with long dog ears.
"I'll make sure your next ten meals are free if you visit my restaurant!" Hollered a familiar horse Faunus.
"Make sure to spend some alone time with your friend Sienna, Hawkins! She really wants to get to know you better! Maybe in a more personal way.~" Kali cooed.
"Ooooooh.~" The crowds laughed as the tiger Faunus' cheeks blushed a heavy shade of red.
"T-That's not what I meant when I told you that Kali and you know it!" Sienna yelped.
Hawkins didn't see it, but Fiona's eyes narrowed as the smile on her face disappeared for a brief second.
"Well, that's a nice way to say goodbye isn't it-rero?" Vito chortled as the engines of the boat came to life.
"SAFE TRAVELS HAWKIIIINS!" The Faunus group announced as the ship set into motion.
Little did the magician know, within the next few years the island of Menagerie would truly stick to and uphold its slogan of being a place for everyone, whether they be Faunus or human... and perhaps another species?
"Come on Trifa, I want to use the amazing viewing platform this ship has to offer before we dock at Vale!" Jaune grinned as he ran down the planks of the ship.
"H-Hold on Jaune, I can't run as fast as you!" Trifa cried.
Since the time after Funkfreed forced down that black devil fruit down his gullet, the blonde boy had more energy than ever. It was as if a weight had been removed from his shoulders and mind, and Jaune intended to enjoy this freedom to the fullest.
"Bump~"
Jaune winced as he collided against the leg of a tall and relatively slim person. When he shook his head and gathered his senses, Jaune shivered as the nonchalant gaze of the yellow suited man veered down at him.
Blinking behind his rectangular yellow glasses, the man scratched his black stubbled chin and short rounded hair. His face somewhat wrinkly, he checked his brass watch.
"Excuse me, but did you happen to see an old woman with white hair by any chance? She has floral styled pants along with a white coat and pink collared shirt. Oh, she also has a blue tie."
"Um, no sorry sir, I haven't seen anyone like that on this ship." Jaune and Trifa shook their heads.
"Perhaps you could tell me where this vessel is headed instead?"
"Oh, that's an easy one. This ship is on its way to Vale." Jaune grinned.
"Hm, I believe I was supposed to get on the ship for Mistral territory. Tsuru-san and Ironwood won't be happy that I missed the meeting with Ms. Carmel, but mistakes happen every now and then right?"
"Um, sure?" Jaune tilted his head as the man thanked the children for their assistance.
"Hey, Jaune, Trifa, papa and the others are waiting for you guys at the departure gates, so come on already!" Emerald shouted across the deck.
Jaune turned to wave at his sister, as did Trifa, but when the duo turned back to say farewell to the odd gentleman, all that was left were a few sputtering sparks of yellow light.
"Huh, I wonder who that was." Jaune pondered as he and Trifa ran back to the center areas of the boat.
Docking in the territories of Vale, Hawkins and the others bid Fiona adieu, as the huntress needed to stay on the ship as its next destination was Mantle. Though the sheep Faunus snuck something in Hawkins' pocket before she left.
"So how are things nowadays Carmel? You've been awfully quiet for the past few months." Tsuru sipped her wine with a calm face as did Ironwood who sat beside her.
The three individuals were forced to sit at a marble table along a wide porch due to the fact that the dining room was in shambles after what Carmel explained as, a mere 'accident.'
"Yes, I have been haven't I?" Carmel sighed as a servant poured her another glass of wine.
"It's been hard without Harold around. Ever since he passed away I've been struggling to keep his properties under the Arc name. There were so many suitors who were eager to offer a shoulder for me to cry on, but as usual, they all wanted my inherited wealth as a source of compensation."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Should there be any troubles with your properties on Mantle and Atlas grounds, you have my word that the Atlas council will be there to lend a hand." Ironwood said with a genuine smile.
"I'm happy to hear that General, though your way of flirting with me is a bit militaristic." Carmel giggled.
"That was not my intention I assure you." Ironwood raised a hand as an uncomfortable expression wormed its way onto his visage.
"Well then, with the pleasantries out of the way, I'd like to talk about the investments you've made in Mistral. Specifically, the new airship lines and ocean vessels our Atlesian engineers have approved of." Tsuru cut in.
The old vice-admiral had met Carmel on several occasions, and she was quite fond of her former husband Harold as well. However, ever since Harold died, Tsuru couldn't get rid of this itch in the back of her mind that not all was what it appeared to be.
"Is everything alright Tsuru-san?" The holy mother asked.
"No need to worry about it. Anyway, we need to discuss the price of the vessels you want Atlas to build. It won't be a pretty penny that's for sure." Tsuru warned.
"I've calculated the numbers for you and the results I've gathered will not be to your liking, perhaps we can work on a more efficient way to go about this?" Ironwood suggested and pulled out a thick folder from his suit.
"Ah, no need to worry about prices Ironwood. I've already spoken with Jacques and he's more than willing to offer me reasonable prices for materials and dust."
Tsuru and Ironwood winced at the thought of the greedy Jacques profiting off such a large project, but business was business no matter what angle you looked at it.
"By the way, I've heard that a man named Crocodile has set up his own dust business in the outskirts of Vacuo." Carmel grinned as the calm eyes of Tsuru narrowed.
"Yes, it looks like the former warlord has decided to mend his ways and strive for honest success. Though I worry how long a man such as he will be able to hold up a fake smile."
"Nevertheless, Crocodile's ways of employment have been a good sign of improvement for the general populace. Especially for the Faunus community, it seems the golden-hooked man doesn't care much about appearances." Ironwood added.
"Yes, but he's been traveling quite a lot hasn't he? I do recall he purchased a ticket to ride one of my ships to Vale." Carmel tapped her chin with her index finger.
"Is that so?" Tsuru and Ironwood cupped their chins in thought.
"Ah, there's the man of the hour." Crocodile smirked as the blonde magician paled. There, casually smoking a thick cigar on the living room couch, was a man who used to hold the same title as Bartholomew Kuma. There was another man too, a scar on his flat visage, he wore a black suit and tie.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion but you took longer than I expected so the others decided to get comfortable. Don't worry though, we've left your personal rooms untouched. Right, Mr.1?"
Hawkins glanced to Kuma, and the bear Faunus understood what he needed to do immediately. He rushed the kids and seniors outside to safety, leaving Vito to assist Hawkins should any danger arise.
Hawkins pulled out his tarot cards and shuffled. Crocodile curled a brow but allowed the stoic man to finish.
"12% that Crocodile wants to fight." Huh, that's quite a change. Most gents from the one-piece world usually wanted to kill Hawkins on the spot.
"93% chance Crocodile wants to... talk?"
"Are you done? Good, so to get pleasantries out of the way." Without warning, the daunting man lunged from his seat, his golden hook aimed for Hawkins' neck. Mr. 1 also took action but was cut off by Vito who had both his revolvers drawn.
The magician retaliated and activated his devil fruit to produce two lanky arms with iron nails. He covered them with haki for good measure and clashed against Crocodile's advance. Sparks flying between them, the whole house rumbled as Hawkins' obsidian coated limb ground against Crocodile's yellow alloy.
Mr. 1 also had his devil fruit activated. His bladed fingers mere inches from Vito's neck while the gunslinger had his weapons closely aimed at the assassin's eyes.
"Hm, so you possess haki, that's good. I don't want any weak links on my new team."
The magician tilted his head from his cards to the now standing warlord. Crocodile stood about a full head taller than Hawkins being 8'3 1/2"
The detail you could say that was shared between the blonde and black-haired man, however, was their stoic expressions. Though Crocodile's was a tad more cynical. Extending his hand for a shake, Hawkins accepted it hesitantly but stood his ground.
"You're a sharp sort, that's good. Now onto business. I'd like to invite you, Vito, and Kuma to form a hunter team with me as the leader." Crocodile separated his hook from Hawkin's iron nails and laughed at the blonde's bewildered face.
Mr. 1 and Vito also parted, each man returning to the side of their respective boss.
"My offer is more beneficial to you than it is to me, I can assure you of that Hawkins. Tell me, do you know how many individuals in power that you managed to piss off?"
The magician's mind stalled as he looked to Vito. The gunslinger could only shrug as he too had no idea who Crocodile spoke of.
"First, Charlotte Custard, a mercenary who worked under Carmel as a positive representative of the holy mother's influence. After that fiasco in Vacuo, it took a while for Carmel to get her business relationships back in the positive. You also snagged her biggest slave, Kuma, from her control."
Crocodile took another drag from his cigar.
"Then there's Vergo and Monet. They work under Doflamingo, who I'm sure you know is a man with quite a violent reputation."
A bead of sweat trickled down Hawkins' chin. All these big names and he unknowingly made himself a wanted target for all of them.
"Don't look too worried Hawkins. After all, I've come here to lend you a hand with your problems. If you accept my proposition, none of the people I've mentioned will dare to touch you. And I'm sure you can take care of yourself if necessary right?"
Rasing his hook and bare hand lazily, Crocodile proposed the terms and conditions of their arrangement.
"I need to establish some strong publicity for my new dust business RDI, which stands for Reptile Dust Industries. The best and most efficient way to do this would be to enlist myself as one of those petty hunters the general populace drools over. Not to forget hunters are granted a higher level of authority over other policing factions. Heck, I might even be invited to Atlas and avoid all the trouble from the old geezers up there if I gain enough prestige."
Crocodile tilted veered his sights to Mr. 1.
"Usually I'd take Mr. 1. as one of my candidates, but he'll be busy with other jobs over the next few years. You know, typical business and all that."
Heaving a sigh, Hawkins crossed his arms and stared Crocodile straight in the eye.
"So your only aim is to establish a blooming and upright business? Am I supposed to take that as a joke?"
The warlord chuckled.
"I'm 100% serious Hawkins, I don't really care about what the old pale hag has in store for this world we call Remnant, I only attend her meetings so I can stay two steps ahead of her plans. Go ahead, check those strange cards of yours and see if I'm lying."
"78% chance Crocodile is telling the truth."
His crimson eyes widening, Hawkins felt a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't think we're in any position to decline him, Hawkins. You, me, and Kuma are still recovering from our injuries in Menagerie. It's not a good idea to get into a brawl with someone as strong as Crocodile and let's not forget his intimidating right hand-rero."
It pained Hawkins to admit it, but Vito was right. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Hawkins slowly succumbed to the idea of being a 'hunter.'
"I accept your terms Crocodile," Hawkins grunted. The warlord smirked.
"However," Crocodile narrowed his eyes but gestured for the magician to continue.
"You will not lay a hand on my son and daughters, and those affiliated with me in a positive light. Am I clear?"
"Is that all you want? And here I was expecting you to demand half the profits of my company or something." Crocodile laughed.
"It's settled then!" Crocodile stretched out a hand once more for Hawkins to take. Their fingers clasping together in mutual respect, Crocodile declared their official joint partnership.
"From this day forward, team HAVELOCK is officially a team."
"Hey pops, we ran out of pie." A young boy with orange hair peeked his head out from the kitchen along with his little ice-cream themed sister. The two followed their father's order to join him in the living room and positioned themselves next to Mr. 1.
"Ah, perfect timing Roman. Meet your dad's new business partner. He might be a bit rude from time to time, but he's not so bad once you get to know him."
Roman observed the magician with a skeptical eye. Once his green eyes met the stoic and unmoving ones of Hawkins, he could actually see his own adoptive father's cynical gaze in those red pupils.
"This is awesome! So we get another cool uncle and a pair of cousins to boot?!" The front door of the house opened and two kids rushed in.
All eyes turned to the disturbance. A head of yellow hair ran up to Hawkins and stood himself between Hawkins and Vito. His sister on the other hand stayed by the living room entrance.
"Nice to meetcha uncle Crocodile, my name's Jaune F. Hawkins, and that's my sister Minty over there." Jaune pointed to a pouting girl with green locks.
"Er, my bad Minty. This is Emerald S. Hawkins, everyone." Jaune rubbed his neck sheepishly.
"Jaune... were you listening in the whole time?" Hawkins groaned.
"I-It's not my fault, uncle Kuma and the others were also curious! See they're staring at us through the window!"
Carla and Sam turned away whistling an innocent tune, but Kuma remained firm and waited patiently to see how things would develop.
"Hm, so we've both got a pair of brats eh, Hawkins?" Crocodile grinned.
"I can tell these coming years of comradery are bound to be fun."
"Hiya, my name's Jaune F. Hawkins!" The blonde boy rushed to the other side of the room and extended a hand for Roman to take.
"The name's Roman punk, and this is Neo." The orange-haired kid replied with an awkward smile.
Coincidentally, another strong individual was about to make his name known. Though the way he planned to do so was through the means of honest teaching.
Within the headmaster's office of Beacon Academy, both Ozpin and Glynda curled a brow at the strange man who dropped in for a teaching position. Dressed in a beetle-stylized armor that looked like a hero costume with a mask that covered his face, a mantle, and a purple cape. He had a round-shaped body with thin arms and legs.
"So, what do you plan to contribute to our academy if we accept you as a fellow professor, Mr...?" Glynda stalled at the odd name written on the paper she held.
"My name is Heracles'n! And my area of expertise is botany-un! In fact, I've developed many pop greens that fend off and devour nasty Grimm-un!" The warrior declared as he twisted his hips and raised his arms for a heroic pose.
"I see..." Glynda gave Ozpin a skeptical glare, silently screaming that they shouldn't accept this weird man into the school's hierarchy. However, as fate would have it, Mr. Heracles came prepared for his interview. "I also aspire to teach students moral lessons like those of Sora the warrior of the sea-un!"
As if on cue, the elevators of the office dinged open and professors Port and Oobleck burst into the room wearing Sora the warrior baseball caps and large flags of their favorite hero.
"Aha! Another brother to join our growing fan club!" Port exclaimed.
Glynda's face paling several shades, she frantically shook her head and turned to her ever reasonable and calm minded headmaster... Who was already wearing his own Sora hat as well as a wide smirk.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Heracles. Ms. Goodwitch will take care of the paperwork for your enrollment as a teacher of Beacon Academy. Won't you Glynda?"
"What is your name fellow brother?!" Oobleck roared.
"I am a champion of the forest, and my name is HERACLES'N!"
"Very well, my name is Port-un!"
"Oobleck-un!"
"Ozpin-un!"
The four jolly men jumped around the room, doing somersaults and several twirls before striking a proud pose on top of Ozpin's desk. By some act devoid of logic, a dazzling explosion of fireworks ended off the celebration as the flags held by Port and Oobleck flapped in the gallant winds.
As for the only woman in the room, Glynda clenched her teeth and did her best to bite back a snarl. Though her face bore a look of thunder.
"The next coming years are going to be so much... fun... yes, fun..." The huntress said as a tear strolled down her cheek.
*Menagerie Arc Ends*
