RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts

Chapter 3: Shadow of Doubt

WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.

This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.

Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.

So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^

Soichi whistled as he cleaned the counter of the cafe. With the recent events that occured, he knew progress was made thanks to the substance the blonde had but the poor boy wasn't aware of the obvious reason why he could. Seeing the reflection from the clean counter, he hummed in amusement before hearing the bell jingle.

Looking back, several guardian bots of Faust entered the interior of the cafe. He wasn't intimidated. Oh no, he knew they worked for him as another occupant entered as the bots secured the area as a defensive measure from anyone eavesdropping.

The armored being who was themed as a bat. Night Rogue.

"Ah, here for drinks?"

"No. I am here to inform you of our progress."

"Oh? And what would that be?"

Night Rogue moved aside as several other bots were pushing a cart that carried a sealed container. "We discovered this outside of Mantle's tundra region. While Atlas nearly got in the way, I believe this is what you wanted sir."

The bots removed the magnetic clasps to open it, revealing what was inside.

Inside was a black box that held a missing side but the object itself Soichi knew greatly.

"Ah, you finally found it! Good work." Soichi clapped. "I'm impressed but it looks like it is still missing a piece as much as I remember."

Night Rogue looked at the leader of Faust and asked, "You knew it was missing a panel?"

"Oh I am aware of it." Soichi gently picked up the box from the container to observe it. "All you have to do is find it."

"What of the escaped test subject? He was seen speaking to you."

"Bah, you have no worry about it. Besides, I want you guys to release another SMASH subject for another observation."

"Yes sir." The agent obeyed and proceeded to the door.

However the leader of Faust in hiding called out to the member of Faust. "I hope your past doesn't interfere with what we have to complete."

Night Rogue glanced at Soichi, reminded of the time in the base. "I'm not like the other children who were there. Not anymore. I already gave you my loyalty." The armored soldier exited the cafe while snatching a bag that was left on the table.

The Faust Guardians all exited the building one by one until the cafe was left empty again.

Soichi hummed and observed the fabled box once more. Not even the world's forgotten past knew of the box. An artifact that he used to change worlds before. Once the missing panel is found, the next stage can begin.

But first, he needed to increase the hazard.

(Insert Opening - Triumph - RWBY Vol 5)

[Back to the fairytale, Back to the show, Back to the wall, And there's nowhere to go]

A short guitar solo starts as it then shows Cody waking up, surrounded by a ruined city as the young teen stood up, confused and wondering where he was as he looks around. As he stayed there a faint whisper in his ear made him turn around, to not only see Kamen Rider Blood for a moment there but also the glare of Killbas from afar, forcing him awake from his dream to reveal the people of Beacom Academy, with Yang holding her hand out to him.

[Hopeless and desperate, All paths adverse, Things lookin' bleak, And they're bound to get worse.]

The teen smiles as he tries to reach out before the bright colored field cracks and shatters, revealing that of Salem and the rest of her pawns behind her as the shadows of the Smash followed by Blood and Mad Rogue along as it's dangerous shadow loomed over them. Cody, determined by his friends then holds up the Build Driver as Cross-Z Dragon flew in with the Dragon Full Bottle and the Muscle Galaxy Bottle, as they then charged into battle against the threat before cutting away to reveal the title card.

[Helpless and doomed, And there's no way to win, Goals unachievable, Faith running thin.]

After the title vanishes, it then looms over Cody, sitting in an alley as rain pour down on him hard. The young teen looking at the ground softly before he glances at his Full Bottles as he relaxes next to Cross-Z Dragon. The screen then pans away and towards Ruby as she sits there on top of the building, the young teen glancing down to where Yang stood there, the young teen sighing softly with a smile before she jumped off and landed near her sister while Weiss just sighs heavily in the background.

[Lost and forlorn, Impossible odds, That's when you'll learn, You've been messing with gods]

The screens then gains static as Blake stands there with Adam, growling in disgust of how the humans of this world are, causing him to turn to be greeted with Roman and the rest of the White Fang along with some tech before the group looked up to be greeted by several Smash and Guardians, only to be swiftly stopped by Grease.

[Send in your Grimm, Tear off my limb, Strike me with bolts of lightning, I won't die!]

Back at Beacon, Cody begins to walk around before the same colorful field surrounds him, causing him to look around to see Team Rwby and JNPR among others walking around him before they vanish into darkness, leaving the teen there. As the color fades off and shatters once more, the young teen floats around in space, only seeing death and destruction caused by Blood and Killbas as the teens beings look down, only for Cody to see the Relics of the Gods for a moment.

[The battle seems unwinnable, But all we need's a miracle, We're going up, we'll never be denied!]

Cody called out to Yang as he rushed ahead, being bombarded by the energy and darkness that the being is emitting as it pushes him away. The young girl also notices as she reaches out for him as he does the same, trying to take their hands before they grasp and a bright light where Cross-Z Charge stands there tall. Only from afar sat Stark, chuckling softly before it morphed into Evol, only to fade away.

[Can't wish away the dismal days, Can't bring back what is gone.]

As Kamen Rider Cross-Z, he begins to battle against the Grimm along with the Smash, Blood and Killbas. The Rider fighting to save lives as Team RWBY and JNPR with Grease fight alongside them on the ground, dealing with the White Fang and Grimm as Cinder and Salem blast some darkness at the group.

[Won't waste more tears on yesteryears, Instead, we'll carry on!]

Great Cross-Z then changes into Cross-Z Charge, as well as a Hazard Cross-Z form, dealing with the Smash along with the teams as they continue to fight against the forces that are surrounding them. They soon fight as a silhouette of Cross-Z Magma stood behind him before a new form of Cross-Z, Cross-Z Evol, appears softly before fading away.

[We'll win, for sure, we will endure, And though our goal is far]

Cross-Z and RWBY then team up to deal with Salem and Blood as the two duke it out over one another, with Cross-Z started dealing with Blood that has erased countless areas only to be replaced by Killbas and his dangerous powers, while Ruby unlocked her hidden power as their next attack shatters reality.

[We'll be the ones to touch the sun, Triumph will be ours!]

Cody then opens his eyes, showing himself now on the campus grounds, with his bottles in hand and Yang nearby as he notices his friends now there, smiling at him. It brought a smile to the young teen's face as he looks back up to see a rainbow over them all before the title reveals one last time.

As another week went onward, Cody was now having a new challenge to deal with. Each day, or if he's lucky, each weekend, that same fighting blonde would approach him, once again asking him to reconsider and join Beacon. He would also respond with him declining her, and usually ends up with a fight between her and sometimes a bruised eye.

He just couldn't fathom why she would continue. He thought the first few times, it'd be the end, but she kept coming back.

He hated people like her - Being a Huntress or Hunter of any school aiming to the said occupation. He has no interest, not a sliver of it in him. Period. All he wanted was to lay low and remain in hiding while handling any problems around Junior's club. The work was usual as ever but at least he was not treated differently. Well somewhat anyway given how Junior's goons often screw up while he doesn't.

As for the twins… meh, he wasn't sure how they are at times. They're calm. Too calm he might add. Not to mention their way of speech at times being one starting a sentence and the other to finish it. Seriously it kinda creeps him out but he won't judge them given their fighting prowess.

And now, he was cleaning the bar counter after Junior told him to. If any glass broke including drinks, his payments would be cut by a certain amount. It was rough, but he easily was able to figure out how to handle the glasses and drinks, even Cross, helped by catching whatever he almost dropped.

Cody sighed as he saw a brief reflection in the glass. "At least this is better than being there."

"Where exactly?" Cody jumped, fumbling the shot glass left and right until he finally held it. He turned around to notice one of the twins in red.

"N-Nothing… just a place I hated during my time growing up." Hated wasn't the right word, he despised it. It was terrible in the conditions but the people there made sure the children stayed healthy or their projects would fail miserably.

"Tell me more." She requested.

"I rather not." He denied her request. "Look, I had a long day especially after dealing with that girl. Now I know why you all hate her."

Militia rolled her eyes and replied, "Welcome to our world. The boss however is grateful this place isn't trashed like the other times that girl showed up." She sat on the stool.

"But she won't leave us alone. Or me." The blonde Rider grumbled in irritation. "I have no interest in being in a combat school like them. It's pointless to some of us. I mean, if any with combat are interested then why don't they enroll? At least they are understandable enough for their opinions about it."

"Ain't that the truth." She huffed.

"Come to think of it, how come you and your sister don't go there?"

"Like you, we're not interested."

"At least we both agree on one thing, that those schools are pointless." Cody said, with a slight smirk of amusement.

"Here here."

The former test subject chuckled. "So what are you planning to do anyway? Being around your sister again given you two are always seen together?"

"We're both having a small break. I may love my sister, but alone time is needed too." She responded. "And no, I have no intention of going on a date with you."

"Heh, I wasn't even gonna ask." He chuckled out.

"Good." She responded though with a slight smirk as well.

"Hey! Cody." Junior called to him, "Need you in my office for a moment."

"Seems like you're getting fired." She joked.

"In your dreams." Cody responded as he walked out of the bar as he made his way to Junior's office. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah. I need you to deliver some of these boxes of booze to one of the other chains that works for me. Don't worry, nothing shady here. Just usual business." Junior requested.

"Alright." It was a delivery request thus an easy job to finish. Quick and simple.

"In other words, don't let those break, got it?"

"Y-Yes sir." He quickly nodded, noticing the tone laced in the sentence. Cody took up the package and made his way out to the delivery, only hoping a certain blonde doesn't pop in to bother him about it. He peeked over to see one of the goons. "Is she here?"

"No. Thank Oum for that…"

A few grumbled in agreement in which the teen immediately took the chance and walked with the box in tow.

XXX

Cody whistled to himself as he walked on the sidewalk while a few cars drove by. While this part of Vale was nothing but for those like Junior and other questionable individuals, he had adapted to it when he grew up around the area. Not an idealistic choice but survival of the fittest in the cruel world they live in. Thankfully he had no encounters with that girl and he wanted no qualms with her.

After the constant pestering, he decided the next time she confronts him, he will outright deny anything from her and ignore her. He already asked Junior regarding those who go to Beacon and luckily it is a few days away! Which means… no problems with her.

He chuckled when the men cheered to not have to deal with the blonde brawler like usual. After all, she will be distracted with school. Him on the other hand? He already understood much due to the books he… took.

"Another package delivered." He sighed in relief. At least now he can return to the club and continue his work.

"Hey! There you are!" The familiar voice rang in his ears, much to his dismay.

"Oh for fu…" He groaned, noticing the blonde brawler. 'Just remember what I have to say - tell her to never talk to me and ignore her from here on.' He took a few deep breaths to suppress the frustration and was reminded of the good news that was given to him and the other people in Junior's employ. "What do you want? I'm in the middle of a job here."

"Sheesh, no hello?"

"Not from you." He frowned. "I rather not be late and head to work." He walked around her.

"H-Hey! Please, just hear me out! I promise for once, this isn't about Beacon!" The brawler stated, getting in front of him to stop his movements.

"Then what? I'll give you… hm… 30 seconds."

"Not even a minute to spare at least?"

"… Fine. One minute then." The former experiment crossed his arms. "Time is ticking so tell me."

"Better than nothing." She sighed out, "I actually… just want to talk and get to know you. It's obvious that there's more to you, especially since well… you don't seem to have many friends."

His fingers dug into his biceps. "It's called growing up and last I hear, you are going to that school. So why bother?"

"How did you know- ah right Junior." She figured the guy would have told his goons about anything that happens in Vale.

"Which means you would be more busy with school than leisure, right?"

"Uh yeah?"

"While I have to do work for Junior. It's better than lying in some crummy house." He scratched his head at the reminder of his lifestyle. Not a good decision but it was better than anything given what he had to do throughout the years. "And with you being involved in Beacon means myself wanting nothing to do with it." He made his arms as an X. "Good luck Huntress to be…" He scowled at just saying it.

"Why do you despise Beacon as well as Huntsmen/Huntresses? What did they do to you?" She questioned with her hands on her hips.

"They never saved any of us." He held his head to the memory of other children like him being held captive. Some are not coming back while others try to live but only despair befell them to the cruel reality. How many did he see come and go? How many vanished while more children came to be used like lab rats? No one saved them all. No one stopped Faust. No one did anything to save them.

"Us…? It's just you."

Cody huffed. "That's because you weren't there to understand why… and time's up.

"Aw, come on! Please! I actually want to help you!" Yang pleaded, as while she got some information, it still only brought up more questions.

"You can start by leaving me alone." He said, marching away from the brawler. "Do that since it's what you Huntresses and Hunters do."

Yang simply stood there as her mind processed the new info. One thing was very clear to her, other than him being alone. And it was the fact that something really painful and torturous happened to him. Only more of a reason for her to try and reach out to him. There were others like him. 'Us' meant there was bound to be people like him. Did that mean the only people he knew were those like him? It added more questions but sadly with her upcoming enrollment, it would lessen the time.

"Me and my big mouth…" She grumbled.

From the rooftop, a pair of metal binoculars studied the interaction before lowering it and raised two fingers. The machine beside it raised a scanner towards the male blonde who left and showed it to them.

"Slight increase… but not enough." The armored person grunted. The anger the experiment expressed was enough to know emotions often affected the hazard level. The boss told them to watch for any increase and so far, barely any progress.

"Hmm, perhaps it might be your time to shine, Night Rogue. Go ahead and fight the boya." Stark's voice rang in the coms of the armored person. "Oh and do remember not to make a mess. Can't have anyone know of us."

Night Rogue stood up from their position. "If that is your order." If evidence of their presence is known, they would have to erase anything.

"Good! Have fun!"

The comms ended, allowing Night Rogue to pop their neck. "Time to let loose." With smoke shrouding its body, the bat-themed combatant immediately traveled towards the escaped experiment while the Guardian Bots initiated their orders of securing the area.

By the order of Faust, Hazard Combat has been initiated.

XXX

Yang sighed as she began to head off, the brawler annoyed by his stubbornness, but she's the same with her own, so she fully knew how it goes. Yet the blonde still wanted to reach out, as she knows what it's like to be alone and abandoned due to her… well, her birth mother doing the same to her and her father. She just hoped this wouldn't result in any more trouble.

"Just what happened?" She pondered. She would have scratched her head but she would rather not ruin her hair. She raised her head but paused. She took a few steps back and leaned over to notice odd gray robots in gray jumpsuits placing small devices, planting them onto the walls. At first she thought they were bombs but she jumped and saw another group placing two more in another alley.

Then with a loud hum, energy erupted and formed a dome. "Okay… what… what just happened?" The White Fang couldn't have done this and they never used robots last she recalled in the news. Hell, the technology in it was different!

"Witness detected." Immediately all the robots noticed her.

"Uh oh."

"Eliminate potential witnesses." The five drones immediately formed positions and aimed.

"You guys aren't from Atlas are you?" She quickly took cover when they began to fire. "I take that as a big no!" Why would they encase a few blocks of the streets? Looking back at the said barrier, it looked like it was meant to contain something for a purpose. What was inside the barrier that they didn't want her to see?

'Guess I have to beat up the machines and find out.'

Yang got into her stance as her Ember Celicas formed out, ready to fight as the blonde brawler rushed forward and punched one of the drone's heads off easily before she started to fire at the ones who were farther away. They moved like any human due to their movements but not quick enough for her!

She slid across the ground, knocking one off its feet before giving an uppercut. The blonde ducked before her Aura felt a jolt and quickly punched the drone behind her. The one she destroyed carried a stun baton.

"Alright you scraps, who's next?"

The humanoid machines stared before they moved closer to each other. The next thing however was unexpected. They began to latch onto one another, the jumpsuits tearing apart upon each attachment. She slowly raised her head and nearly took a step back in shock. They combined into a giant machine.

"C-Crap…" This wasn't good at all.

The giant machine took a step forward before the turret it had begun to spin before it soon began to fire and let loose a rain of bullets at the blonde brawler. Yang's Aura was depleting rapidly but the one thing special about her…

… was her Semblance.

While it would take a bit, she knew that with each bullet that hit her, her Semblance would build up more and more until she was ready to strike it all back at them. She just needed some more time.

She gritted her teeth as the machine wasn't letting up on its attacks. Her Aura began to spark which caused horror to bubble inside her. 'Just a little more!'

Yang began to worry, but soon she felt the surge in power as she grinned before she ignited herself in her power. She then launched out like a rocket, as she struck the legs causing it to kneel down close enough for her to pull back her fist and thrust forward, sending all of the power to it, as it struck through and broke the mechs main body as it began to collapse and topple to the ground.

"Take… that…" She panted, as she soon kneeled onto the ground, Aura now depleted due to her Semblance. Yang didn't know what this was about, but at least it was over….. "H-Huh?" She got out, noticing the odd field was still up. It didn't go away after the mech? Then what caused it in the first place?

XXX

Minutes earlier…

"She better leave me alone…" Cody grumbled. He was glad he got away from her. Why can't she understand that he wasn't in the mood to have a full conversation? No one understood how he felt after leaving that place. He scratched his head in irritation and exclaimed, "Why does things have to be so complicated?!"

If anything became worse upon doing this job? It was that blonde brawler. She is just always on his nerves and doesn't seem like she'll leave him alone no matter what. As much as he hated her, one thing was the fact he couldn't ask Junior for…. 'A favor'. Even that would leave a sour taste in his mouth. For now, he could only do his best to avoid her.

He felt a quick and frantic nudge. "What is it, Cross? I'm not in the mood for-" The little machine forced him to look up and Cody's eyes widened to an energy dome melding to the top. "What the…?" He ran but when he reached the second block of the street, he was pushed back. "Ow…" Using his arms as support to sit up, he saw the barrier wasn't letting him leave.

Cody slammed his fist against the shield but it couldn't break. "Why! Won't! It! Break!"

"You should have known by now, Experiment 931." A distorted voice informed.

A cold shiver went down Cody's spine as he knew that label. No one except Faust knew of his digits. Slowly and fearfully looking back, he was taken by surprise to the 'guest'. It was no Guardian or a Smash but an unidentifiable armored being with the theme of a bat. "W-What the…" It reminded him of his armor but it looked more dark.

"I am here to finish my mission for Faust. And you will listen. One way..." the unknown fighter brandished a weapon. "Or another."

"If you think I'm going back, I rather be dead than back into that damn place…." Cody hissed, glaring at the armored fighter.

"Very well then. Experiment 931, let's begin the phase."

Cody dodged the weapon and brought up the buckle to place onto his waist. With a swift catch of the dragon and shaking the FullBottle, he slammed it into Cross.

WAKE UP!

CROSS-Z DRAGON!

Spinning the handle, metal tubes begins to appear around her until it was filled with color forming armor. The robots tried to fire upon the teen, but the tubings, metal pipes and armor part blocked every bullet from them, keeping the teen safe. He soon clasped his fist into his open hand before striking a pose.

ARE YOU READY?!

"Henshin!"

WAKE UP BURNING!

In seconds, the two trays of armor collapsed inward, attaching to the teen. In moments, another set of armor attached to the bac, first forming wings before they folded into shoulder pads and another faceplate.

GET CROSS-Z DRAGON! YEAH!

Now in his armor, he charged towards the unknown fighter. The bat armored enemy scoffed and stopped Cross-Z's fist. The blonde gasped under his helmet as he tried to exert more pressure but to no avail. The only way for someone to be equal is… is…

"Y-You…. You're like me." The bat glanced at him before slamming their leg against his torso, sending the teen across the street.

"If I am?" The enemy fighter retorted with a huff.

"T-Then… why… stay with… Faust?" He grunted out, "They caused… so much death and pain for us!"

Night Rogue's body was shrouded in smoke, startling the Dragon Rider before manifesting in front of him, slapping him across the helmet. "At least I stayed while you ran like a coward."

"I ran to live! I at least chose my true life, rather than be a weapon… a puppet." He gritted. "That's what they tried to do to us! Don't you get it?!"

"I only see it as more power."

"Then, you're nothing but a tool for them…" Cross-Z frowned. He brought out his sword and attempted another assault but all he could hit was smoke.

"Unlike you, I've learned more than you ever could." Night Rogue fired a few rounds into the blonde's armor, earning pain from the teen. "What's the matter? Scared? Afraid? Did being there take it all away to show we are what we become with these… gifts? "

"Shut… up…"

"Or did you try to play hero when you ran with several other kids, only to abandon them when the Guardians found you all?" Night Rogue continued.

"Or was it their cries that made you not see and just ran for the coward you are?"

"SHUT UP!" Cross-Z's body was shrouded in crimson energy for a moment before punching Night Rogue straight in the face. The punch pushed the bastard back several feet while leaving the punk taking a moment to resist the pain from the harsh blow. "DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU BETRAYED EVERYONE WHO WAS THERE! WE WERE ALL KIDS AND THOSE BASTARDS SAW US AS TOOLS! AS DAMN WEAPONS! I AM NEVER GOING BACK YOU HEAR ME YOU TRAITOR!"

Night Rogue briefly glanced at the rooftop and saw the Guardian give a thumb up. Progress has been achieved. "Me? A traitor? The only traitor…" Night Rogue connected the gun to the sword it came with.

RIFLE MODE!

Night Rogue laughed darkly and aimed at Cross-Z. "Is you."

STEAM SHOT!

The Bat-Themed Rider pulled the trigger and unleashed a powerful round into Cross-Z's armor, causing the blonde to scream in pain before an explosion ensued. Cody gasped for air and fell to his knees and collapsed in pain.

"Grh…" The former experiment's fingers dragged across the pavement in pain and looked up at the monster. "Who… who are you?"

"Call me… Night Rogue. Remember that Experiment 931." The now identified enemy answered and turned around.

"That's… not my name…" He growled, angered by that as he slowly stood up.

"I've done my task. Consider this fight… as a warning. You can run… but you can't hide forever."

"H-Heh… I did once before, and I can do the same again… You useless tool…"

"That was before. This is the present. Time to wake up to reality. Faust will change this world and reveal its dirty secrets. With or without you." Night Rogue's body slowly shrouded themselves in smoke before vanishing. "For this is our beginning."

With Night Rogue gone, the barrier vanished as did whatever evidence of them left behind being erased.

Cody growled, slamming his fist into the ground as it made a powerful crater from it. Anger, fear and more filled his mind and heart. They found him again and now, he has a bigger target than before on his back.

"W-Why…? Why me? DAMN IT!" He shouted, slamming his fist into the crater again.

XXX

"Boss, the kid's back."

"Good send hi- what the hell happened to you?!" Junior nearly dropped the shot glass when they all saw the bruises Cody had. "Did that blondie do this?!"

"No… just…" Cody took a shuddering breath. "J-Just getting jumped by some jerks is all… but I made the delivery…"

"Just some jerks? Now kid, I've seen you take a beating before, but this was more like an assault." Junior said, showing actual worry for once. "Tell me, just what happened?"

"It's nothing, boss…" Cody's fingers curled. "I just… I just want to rest."

The boss of the club crossed his arms before he sighed. "Fine then. But you will handle a double shift the next day, got it?"

"Roger…" Cody nodded and walked past the bar and into the room they gave him. It was total silence for him but the moment he closed the door…

He fell to his knees and grasped his face to the bitter yet sorrowful memories.

"D-Damn it…. Just… Gruh!" Cody could only whimper and grunt out in frustration and sorrow. While being beaten wasn't the thing that finally got to him. It was the fact that his past is coming back and planning what they have wanted again.

He couldn't understand why his fate was tied like this? Why him and why couldn't he either pass on from the gas or never be chosen? Why… couldn't this pain just end for him?

Why does this world have to be so cruel to him…

XXX

You know the feeling how karma tends to bite back for doing something dumb? Well… Yang had that exact moment. After dealing with those odd machines, she had to call the police regarding it and just as they showed up, the explosion ensued after that. It led to her being brought to the station as the area where it happened was now under investigation.

Sure she felt some pride for beating up a robot that was created from other robots but it was a mess right after.

Yang Xaio Long tapped her finger on the table and waited. She sighed in boredom. "And this had to happen two days before my enrollment." She grumbled. She heard the door open and saw something she didn't expect. It was the most well known professor of Beacon.

"Miss, Xiao Long. My name is Professor Ozpin, of Beacon." Ozpin greeted, as the more matured man sat down, sipping some coffee as he pulled up a screen. Even though it was a bit corrupted and full of static, is still showed her fight enough for him to be here. "So, Miss Xiao Long. Do you know how this happened?"

"Well, uh, I had to beat up some robots that tried to kill me and they set up some forcefield or whatever it was!" She explained.

"Are you sure of this?"

"Yeah, I am! Why? I told the police about it!"

The headmaster of Beacon took a sip from his mug. "You see Miss Xiao Long." He rotated the Scroll, displaying no image. It rewinded to the empty area before it went static. "The cameras couldn't capture anything nor there is evidence of such an incident."

"W-What?! That's a load of crap! I pummeled a few!"

"I am sorry, but the police couldn't discover anything regarding armored machines or technology of a barrier."

The blonde grasped her head. She was sure it happened! She saw them put the barrier up!

… did that mean the machines were gone the moment the situation was resolved?

"But, I do believe you." Her lilac eyes raised up slightly to see him smile.

"You… do?"

"I am the Headmaster of Beacon Academy after all." Her tone and the look in her eyes gave it all away. While the police didn't believe her, he believed her.

"Now…. I am curious to know if there's been any other situations like this? If there is something that you know of that seems different, please tell me." Ozpin requested.

"None that I recall…" She crossed her arms. "But yeah, I can do that."

"Good. Then I believe you can go, Miss Xiao Long. I expect to see great things from you, when you attend Beacon." Ozpin said and stood up.

"Oh… and a word of warning." He said before turning to her, "If you ever see a man in red, with a snake on his chest? Do not pursue." The headmaster informed her before leaving the blonde, for now. "And also, I should let you know your sister is here as well regarding an incident of a Dust Robbery." When he closed the door, he heard the blonde yell so loud it escaped through the door.

"What?! Oh Ruby, what did you do?!" Yang said with worry, as she bolted out of the room to find her sister.

Stifling a brief sense of amusement to the predicament, he continued to walk, he looked at his scroll for a moment, 'Stark… whoever you are… Just what are you planning in this city, this time?' He said in his thoughts.

The image paused to a grainy image. It was all he managed to muster given the snake must have serious connections. Within the city… and council itself. He wasn't a fool to learn of 'accidents' with brief explosions as well as missing individuals in said places being the work in the shadows. At first, he assumed it was her work but the incidents became more frequent within the past decade. That wasn't her doing whatsoever but Stark.

Ozpin had… some interactions with the being. Not enough to know who he is or what he truly wants. Only that he knew a threat when he saw it. But worrying too much about Stark now wasn't going to help. He still has his main goal to work with, only hoping Stark doesn't get too involved.

What was he doing? Hearing the soon to be student of his academy, it seemed like the machines in Xiao Long's witness statement were preventing her from nearing it… protecting whatever was in there.

Footage would have no doubt been erased so there was no chance to find out. All he had to do was sadly wait until another incident occurred. He didn't like it but it was the only chance to find out whatever Stark was hiding.

XXX

Night Rogue entered Faust chambers as a few Guardians escorted the soldier. A few machines moved aside and remained guarded upon his presence. The bat-armored Faust member slowed their steps until their feet were in the center of an open area. Raising the helmet up high, Night Rogue was greeted with their high leader who was idly reading a magazine with their feet over the counter. The other members tapped their fingers on the counters in silence but slight irritation to their high leader's casual posture. While it was baffling, Blood Stalk was highly dangerous and the reason Faust existed thus they don't question it.

"Subject showed increase of Hazard Level." Night Rogue informed. The information made a familiar female scientist hum.

"So 931 is still under the process. Is he a threat?"

Night Rogue scoffed. "Not worth our time. If anything he might as well be killed and forgotten."

"Bad idea." Everyone looked at Blood Stalk who flipped a page but hummed in curiosity.

"How is it a bad idea? Experiment 9-"

"Night Rogue." The armored bat quickly interrupted but darkly. The Bat Rider no longer went by that name.

"As I was saying, how is it a bad idea?"

Blood Stalk read the last few lines before tossing the magazine aside, causing one of the bots to pick it up for him. He leaned forward and placed one arm over the knee. "Because unlike you people, I know the risks when I see it. The boya is definitely a threat, but what Night Rogue here has stated, it is evident Cross-boya will get stronger soon. So! Which means no killing him but to continue increasing his Hazard Level."

The fellow council members looked at him, dumbfounded by the order. "You can't be serious!?"

"Oh I am. After all , I know more about the Nebula gas than all of you fanatics of mine combined." Amongst other things they weren't aware of the connection regarding the blonde experiment.

"Then what is our next step?"

"We wait and continue to let out more Smash." Their leader stated. "The world doesn't know of us yet. We plant the seeds and soon, everything will come to place. For everything is bound by blood." Blood Stalk chuckled darkly.

Forever bound by blood.

XXX

A/N: Heya minna! striberx finally back. Very sorry once more on every wait. But I am now working harder to get these things out now, that certain... changes have been given enough to me, to where I'm a much more happier and freed person. Anywho, yes, this is the first to be update as many more will come. Yes it is short, but I still wanted to give something out there to everyone, even if its this short.

I am trying to focus on the development and relation this story is going before I get to my usual business on how I do these stories. Hence why 1: its short, and 2: it only has a few character moments and pieces. Still trying to get better at this stuff, so please bear in mind when more of these will come to my other stories as well.

Anywho, hope you all can enjoy this as more will be out soon enough.

Until then, later minna!