I do not own RWBY or any other references.
A/N: Hello, this is Brosanders. I've been busy for the past weeks. Bummer but can't do anything about it.
Can't believe my Mobile games farming kept me too busy. I can only write about less than 2 hours of my free time. Doing some work and chores around the House. Covid haven't got me yet but I still have to be careful.
Anyways, here is the interlude. Stay safe, guys. Follow Protocols.
Silence conquered the theater room once more as the Remnantians could not give Cass an answer to his question.
The young Hunters and Huntresses in-training thought to themselves if they have reached the limits of what they can do. Or have they not explored their full capabilities as they thought they were? The Assassin himself hasn't unlocked his Aura or Semblance yet he was able to achieved beyond what a Sniper is capable off.
The young ones thought about their own respective Semblances and reflecting how they were using until now.
Ruby thought if she can do more than super speed.
Weiss was thinking if there was more to their Family Semblance.
Blake recalled all of her training when she was still in White Fang if she was able to utilize it properly.
Yang may not admit it but she knew that her Semblance has its flaws.
Jaune was still building up his foundation as a Huntsmen. He still has no clue about his Semblance at the moment.
Pyrrha thought if she can still master her Semblance in the late game since she mostly fight with her fighting skills then her Semblance.
Nora, aside from smashing her opponents, hasn't figure out what else can she do with her Semblance.
Ren was also having a hard time utilizing his Semblance because he can only do it on one person at a time. He was thinking if he can "expand" its range.
And Penny wondered how she could improve herself even further.
As they all were in their deep thoughts, Ozpin was the one to break the ice.
"I must admit that I find him very formidable. Even without Aura or Semblance, he was able to bring out everything that the human body can offer. If he were a Huntsman, he could have been a great boon for mankind." Ozpin told his honest opinion of the man.
"But you are afraid that he might be hired to kill you and the General, right?" Cass guessed Ozpin's worries.
Ironwood did not make a comment on that one. He knew he was screwed the moment someone of that calibre of an Assassin is after him. With his skills, he couldn't predict where he might take the shot at. It could be somewhere unexpected that under normal circumstances that would be impossible for any Sniper but him alone.
"Don't worry about that, the current state of Remnant is not enough to produce such an individual as Golgo 13. Sure, some parts of Remnant can be awful like the Underground Society of Mistral but it is still not enough." Cass shakes his head in disagreement.
"Do you mean the threat of Grimm is not enough? Gylnda was shocked at such a thing.
"The reason why Golgo 13 is still alive until now is that, surprisingly, he is as cowardly as a rabbit." Cass revealed an unexpected revelation of the most deadly Sniper.
Everyone's mouth was hung opened of the unexpected facts of Golgo 13.
There was one man who would not take this fact."Hold up, hold up, hold up…You mean to say that underneath that cold exterior of a face is a "coward"?" Cass nods in return.
"There's no way a coward with sharp skills can earn 3 Million Lien a pop!" Qrow just could not believe what he was hearing.
"That's why he trained really hard to survive in the harsh World. He studied everything from all sort subjects he can get his hands on.
-His medical knowledge is on par with a license Doctor.
-Trained his body to peak human condition.
-Can speak Multiple Languages as he travels the World for his contracts.
-Studied also the other Countries tradition.
-Can calculate the distance with his eyes; no matter how small it is. Like a computer.
-Due to his skills, he has racked up backings and favors from various influential people in the World should he ever got caught by the Police or the sort.
-He also accepts a contract that challenges his Sniping skills like hitting a coin, a hair-clip, a wine bottle, heels, jewels and etc. The thinnest target he ever shot was a Violin string while performing on stage. Oh, and he still being paid for 3 Million for it. (Qrow threw a might fit on that one)
"Um, Sir Cass," Winter's voice echoed in the room. "I think you should stop there. Any more than this will make our heads hurt." Cass stopped counting with his fingers of Golgo's long list of accomplishments.
Everyone sighed in relief for the moment.
"I can't believe that being a 'coward' can get him this far to survive." Jaune expressed his feelings about Golgo.
"Why, of course, boy; being able to know fear is one of the most important things for living beings."
A soothing, bell-like voice rang through the air that had everyone surprised.
"This was a quote from a certain 'Fairy Tail' mage." The Huntsmen and Huntresses could not figure out where the voice was coming from.
"Fear isn't 'evil'; it only allows us to learn our own weaknesses. When we learn our weakness, people can grow stronger and kinder."
A soft bell-like chuckle rang in the air. "This will also surprise to all you that Golgo 13 can display his own way of kindness, albeit rarely."
When they heard that fact, deep in their minds could not comprehend such a stone cold killer like him could exert kindness.
"At least he's not the kind of coward that flees and hides from danger like a certain black bird with red-eyes." Ozpin's inner circle and Taiyang winced at the mention of one person that fits the description in their minds.
Qrow's older twin sister and Yang's biological mother, Raven Branwen.
Solstice took notice of the person being mentioned by the voice. Yang also realized who the mysterious voice is referring to.
Suddenly, a strong gust of wind was blowing in the theater. Everyone covered their eyes until it died down. As the wind settled, they saw another figure standing next to Cass. Which all of them were greatly in awe of the sight in front of them.
It was a woman clad in white flowing dress that is even whiter than cold snow falling over the place. Her jade-like neck and shoulders are exposed for everyone to see. Impressive ample breast that made every women in the room feel jealous of it. The young men could only look away from it to avoid the wrath of their partners. But they did catch a glimpse of it. The adult men, including Ozpin, gawked at such otherworldly beauty before them. Her arms are covered with long white snow sleeves. She's wearing white shoes. Her long silky black hair tied in high ponytail fashion. And her face was covered by snow white veil.
"Though an Assassin, he faced and survived the danger. Just like a true Martial Hero should be." She finished as she appeared before them.
As everyone tried to regain their senses from seeing such a beautiful person, the woman in white dress greeted her Father with a fist salute.
"This Daughter greets Honorable Father." Cass gave a nod in return. She turned her sight to Solstice greeting her in the same manner. "This Daughter greets Honorable Mother as well." Solstice bowed in respect to her.
The woman in white exudes strength, beauty, and charisma that made everyone difficult to speak up. Lest they offend the woman in front of them. Ozpin in all of his lifetime never encountered such individual. He wouldn't know what kind of face she was making behind the veil.
Suddenly, the woman appeared in a flash in front of the young leader of Team RWBY, Ruby Rose. Ruby could only stay still and waiting for what the woman wanted from her.
"Little Rose, I suggest that you must know how to fight without your weapon. In case that you lose it or it was disarm. The battlefield is an unpredictable stage to stand in it. Improve your body and know the secret behind your eyes." She whispered that last advice that only Ruby can hear.
While Ruby was not able to cope up the sudden advice that she told, the woman switches next to Weiss Schnee.
"Little Snowflake, you really must put on some more meat on your muscles." She carefully inspects Weiss' fingers, hands, arms and shoulders. "Being delicate is fine and all, but you would not last long on the battlefield with such fragile frame. Even if you are powered by Aura, you can't rely on it for everything. Improve your swordsmanship and explore the possibilities of your Glyphs.
She goes to the next member, Blake Belladonna.
"Little Kitten, you have the advantage due to your trait but you did not use it fully well. The strength behind your sword is stiff and weak. Remember this, 'The Sword is the reflection of one's soul'. Clear the doubts of your heart, then the power you seek will open before you.
And also, if nobody cares to accept you and wants you in Remnant, accept yourself and you will see that you don't need them and their selfish ideas about the Faunus." She gently taps Blake's shoulder. Her advice lingered in her mind.
Last of the team, Yang Xiao-Long.
"Little Dragon, you have got to control that temper, child. You're doing nothing but wasting your energy. Thus, making you tired and vulnerable to counters. Improve you fighting skills, enhance your body's durability, and channel your anger into energy to your body. Don't let it cloud your actions.
She immediately went to the next Team JNPR. Starting from their leader, Jaune Arc.
"Boy," she grabbed the young boy's shoulders with both hands. "I will be blunt; you have a lot more work to do to compensate your inexperience. You better steel up your determination if you want to level the playing field with your fellow peers. And you're body is going to be sore really hard.
Next is the Invincible Girl, Pyrrha Nikos.
"My fellow Warrior," She gives her a satisfying smile behind the veil. "I have nothing much to say to you aside from keep sharpening your skills. But you have to master your Semblance that you neglected. After all it is still part of you. It would be an insult for a Warrior for not giving everything he/she has to the opponent. A true Warrior must be prepared for everything.
It's Nora Valkyrie's turn this time.
"Young lighting, just like Yang, improve your Hammer skills, increase your durability, offensive & defensive options and be sure to 'smash' your opponents with everything you have.
Next stop is Lie Ren.
"Young Lotus, you also have to improve your fighting skills, endurance, and keeping your emotional outburst in check. Or else it will end you up badly.
The woman turned to the last Huntress in-training, Penny Polendina.
"Young girl," Penny was surprised that she was referred to as a 'girl'. "I know you are still afraid if other people won't accept you. You are more than oil and steel beneath your skin but here," she pokes her finger in the position of the heart. " is what makes you feel alive the most.
You have the heart of a human. Never forget that." She gave her reassuring hug to the Gynoid. After a while, she suddenly vanished and return to Cass' side.
"May we know who you are, Ms.?" Ozpin was the first one to ask. He still felt a strange feeling emitting from her. A dangerous one, that is.
"Apologies, Headmaster and everyone else. I am one of the many Martial Heroes of the Wuxia Universe. I had been given the title of 'Queen of Swords' for my Martial deeds. This one's name is Yun Shi Lei. I am the Eldest Daughter and one of the many adopted children of my Honorable Father. Greetings to you all, People of Remnant." She finished her introduction with a fist salute to them.
"Wuxia universe? Martial Heroes?" Blake said in a weak, confused voice.
"Adopted children?" Kali whispered and she gave a look to Cass.
Cass noticed her stare and said. "A story for another time, Mrs. Kali and Blake."
"Lei'er, I am surprised that you graced us with your presence. I thought you will be busy with your part-time job on Earth?" He asked his daughter.
"I have seen the lists, Father. You're giving them quite a roller coaster of a ride that questions many things they lack." Cass held his thick arms up acting innocently.
"Just like the one with Golgo 13, whose skills have been coveted by both sides; the Government and the Underworld. The man himself did not plan to teach nor pass down his skills to another person. That's why most of the time when he's not on the job, people of various powers used that chance to either invite Golgo or kill him because of how much of a threat he is."
"It is thanks to his skills, which he carefully sharpened throughout his life, kept him alive for this long."
The adults in the theater could do nothing but acknowledge that fact. Being surrounded by Grimm all their lives left them sparse of valuable talents, skills, lands, people and so much more. While the young ones internally swore to themselves to that they will do their best even further.
"Oh, and one more thing," Lei looked towards to Ironwood. "Does the name Arthur Watts sound familiar, General?" James' eyes widened in shock of the name of the dead scientist.
"What about him?" the General asked.
"I know that you recently brought your Army to Vale for the Vytal Festival, which majority of them are Machines, but there is a big problem with that."
"What do you mean by that!?" James' raised his voice.
"Your machines are already compromised by the hacker. It's just the matter of pressing the button and the best place to cause panic is in the middle of the Festival." Lei answered.
"That can't be! Atlas pride ourselves for our advance technology than any other Kingdoms! There's no way that a mere hacker can control our machines!" James' raised his voice even louder.
Lei was not affected by James' tantrum. "And what if I told you that 'mere hacker' is none other than your own Atlesian Scientist, Arthur Watts, himself."
Shocked once again. "That's impossible! He had been dead since the 'Paladin Incident'!" He could not believe that one of his people will cause chaos during the Festival. From a Political point of view, it is a declaration of War to Vale from Atlas.
Lei rolled her eyes behind the veil. "Did you forget what happened to Watts after his humiliation which you are the one responsible for." Everyone gasped at the revelation.
"James!" Ozpin hissed the name of his old friend. "Is this true?" he gripped his cane strongly.
"That man is using questionable methods in one of his experiments!" James defended himself. "Even the other scientists, including Dr. Pietro, voiced their opinions at the man's misdeeds."
"But never mind that! More importantly, where was he all this time?" James demanded an answer from the white-veiled woman.
"Why he was recruited by a certain 'woman' that your little circle should know off."She gave the answer as if it was not her problem.
The entire said member of the 'Inner circle" of Ozpin paled in response of the grave revelation that has presented.
While the other Remnantians in the room were still confused of the sudden information.
"It's not only the General who slipped up but also you, the 'youngest' Headmaster, Ozpin."
Ozpin was surprised that his name was called out as well. "What do you mean by that, Ms. Lei?"
She hummed. "I mean that one of your Transfer students was too old for the age requirements yet nobody finds it strange." She shook her head in disappointment. "Guess the standards of Beacon got lowered all these years."
Glynda was shocked that someone actually passed their strict inspections. "But that should be impossible! All of the Academy Headmasters gave their approval and marked their transcripts!"
"Ms. Goodwitch, just because the transcripts have been approved by the Headmasters doesn't mean all the information in there can be true. It's just a paper and words can be weaved easily by anyone who is literate or good enough to fool them."
She pointed her finger at Jaune. "You did found out that the little Knight's transcript is fake on the get go because it was poorly forged. Yet you still accept him because you believed in him that he will get through it." Jaune could only scratch his head in embarrassment.
"But…"The air suddenly got tensed. "Under normal circumstances, you should have been dead, Young Knight." Jaune was surprised by the sudden change. His Team mates were also having surprised expressions as well.
"If it weren't for your partner over there, you would have crashed on the ground; like a broken toy." The horror of the sight filled Jaune's mind of the fate that was originally meant for him. Pyrrha immediately hugged Jaune to calm him down.
Followed by Nora and Ren to give him assurance that they are there for him.
"That's why you owe your life to her, Young Knight. Be sure to reward her handsomely in return for saving you." She looked over to Ozpin with incredulous eyes.
"That's pretty awful of you, Headmaster. Gambling on the life of a future student and a civilian, with no prior knowledge of Huntsmen training, to boot?" Lei held her face behind the veil.
"Not even thanking Young Pyrrha for saving him. Or even offering a private apology to the boy for letting him experienced such treatment." The students who were listening at the logic of the woman, strangely, make sense.
Qrow was looking at the scene with worried look. He whispered to Taiyang at his side. "Damn, the woman is roasting Oz, of all people, about facts and morals at his face."
Taiyang nodded in return. "I did not think too much about it back then, but there were a lot of our would-be classmates died at our initiation."
But the next question asked by the transcendental woman was…quite a leap.
"Are you, by any chance, getting off by the deaths of your future Huntsmen & Huntresses during the initiation, Headmaster Ozpin?" A collective gasps was spreading in the room.
"No, I do not, Ms. Lei!" Ozpin answered firmly while strongly gripping his cane. "I do care for the young generation who wanted to be in this line of work where we want to survive and defend against the Grimm. And I am not such a deviant." He added more force in his words.
Lei was not fazed by his tone. "I can hardly buy that sorry excuse, Headmaster."
"What I did to Mr. Arc is to test and challenge his resolve to enter the life of a Huntsman."
"But you will still be blamed for letting the boy killed in the initiation and caused the Arc Family to lose their one and only male heir. Hence, ending their bloodline. I believe you are close to the said Family, aren't you, Headmaster?" She asked with a brow raised behind the veil.
People are getting uncomfortable at the current deadlock of questions and answers.
"Yes, I am." Ozpin took a deep breath. "I will say this again, I was testing his resolve if he were to commit to the life of a Huntsman."
Though Ozpin couldn't really tell if she was looking at him behind her veil. Making it difficult to see her reaction.
She let out a small giggle, which Ozpin was not amused by it. "Since you are trying hard to mask it that way, I guess I can accept that answer. For now,"
"Thank you very much and thank you again for enlightening us with this revelation. We will immediately perform an emergency inspection once we return." Glynda eyes were widened at the quick decision that Ozpin has made.
She quickly whispered to the Headmaster. "But Ozpin, those transcripts are official!"
"Because it is official, which the infiltrators have managed to bypassed our security. It means one thing and it saddens me even more." He whispered in return with hint sadness in it.
Gynda was shocked at what Ozpin had implied. In her mind, "It can't be…one of the Headmasters betrayed us. James is here along with us, so that only leaves us with Leonardo and Theodore. This is awful at the worst timing." She massaged her temples.
"Is there anything else, ?" He asked if there are other pressing matters to reveal.
She shook her head. "No, that will be all at the moment. I am here for the viewing after all. The next one will be interesting."
Cass claps his thick hands to gain the attention of the people. "For now, put those revelations aside as we go back to view another reality." He looked at James as he was still reeling of what he had learned. "Ms. Winter." The older Schnee was surprised that her name came up.
"Do you think that the General would hire dangerous criminals as one of humanities vanguard, alongside with Huntsmen and Specialists, to protect the Remnant from Grimm?"
Winter was shocked at such a strange and absurd question that she has ever heard in her entire life. Not just her but everyone else thought the same thing.
"Over my dead body!" James exclaimed in great anger; both fists clenched hardly. "I would rather die than entrusting my life to a criminal!" His face morphed into anger.
"Strange that Blake is considered a 'criminal' in the eyes of the law due to being an ex-terrorist." Cass thought internally.
"With all due respect, Sir Cass, but the General would never, ever resort to it. Even I don't trust those criminals to withhold their promises even if they were given a chance." Winter frowned at such a scene of working together with them.
Cass looked over at the Headmaster of Beacon with a raised brow. "What about you, Ozpin? Would you resort to it if Beacon is understaffed or in any similar occasions?"
Ozpin gave it some thought before answering. "Unless they are reasonable, of course." Glynda was skeptical of it as well.
"But even I would not dare to push my luck if I can't monitor them properly. I would only bring harm to my own students and staff at such a decision."
The students of Beacon were glad at the response Ozpin. Qrow & Taiyang were proud of their former Teacher. Solstice refrained from giving any reaction. The Belladonnas were also happy at the response.
"Wonderful answers but I will still show you a world where the Government decided to enlist a criminal as a 'National Executioner'." They all gasped at such a horrendous decision.
Both of the Headmasters frowned at it as well.
"It is where the Police will act as the handler while the criminal will be their 'attack dog' against cases that are too much for the Police to handle."
"To think the cops would lower themselves to ask 'help' from criminals." Qrow taking a sip from his flask at the notion of such decision.
"Even the Council are not that bold to come up with such dangerous proposition." Ozpin could only offer his sympathy for the Police for taking such a drastic decision that would question their reasons for becoming an Officer of the Law. "But orders from the top are absolute to them."
"Now then, let's get back to our seats. Lei'er, you can sit beside me." Cass offered her a set next to him.
"Why thank you, Father. I am looking forward to this one." She replied excitedly. Both of them vanished and take their seats from the 4th row.
"Solstice" She looked behind her seat. "Yes, Cass?" "I want you to be Young Rose's emotional support on this one. The next one is going to be quite dark, violent and full of gore." He said with narrowed eyes. Solstice nodded in return as she accepted her task.
Both Headmasters wore a look of unease on their faces. They have seen Grimm mauled humans to death. It would not be strange that they have seen dead bodies littered everywhere in the aftermath of Grimm invasion. Glynda and Winter haven't yet to see nor experienced carnage in the hands of humans. The Belladonnas have only seen the tip of the iceberg of how dark can Humans be.
"Gore?" Taiyang's eyes were shocked. "You want to show these kids that kind of thing!" He objected this idea much to his dismay.
"Huntsmen & Huntresses in-training, ." Lei corrected him.
"It seems that life as a Signal Teacher had made you forgot the true threat in life." She rested her right hand to her face beneath the veil. "The Academies may have taught them how to fight Grimm but they do not know how to handle 'killing intent' from Humans. Hence, they cannot move. Like a frog frozen in fear by the glare of the snake."
Taiyang could not complain in return by the cold hard facts. Qrow patted his back.
"That is why, as the Host, I am responsible for your mental state. But this is something that all of you young Huntsmen & Huntresses must face in life. If you cannot handle it, then your life is forfeit in battle." He stared at them with serious eyes behind his sunglasses.
"All I ask you of is to prepare yourselves for the ride of your lives. Cause it's going to be a bloody one."
Next: The National Executioner I