Chapter 34: Bullheaded: Alerting the Deal
From CirtusExtrordinare, Bullheaded is here. Shame the dude stopped updating it, one of the few time traveling fics not featuring someone from Beacon. A shame indeed. Enjoy.
"Okay everybody." Mayden says to his lovely audience. "As of now, we will be seeing a world involving, dun-dun-dun. Time travel!"
Now this was interesting. Everybody already knows of it thanks to the information they saw.
"Will it be that blonde kid? Jayne Ack or whatever." Raven asked not really caring she got the name wrong. Not like she knew the kid.
"Nope." Mayden says. "In fact, this world has another person doing the time travel business." A pretty rare thing too, as most time travel stories involve Jaune or Team RWBY. Everybody else is just being the butt of jokes as they face the time travelers. Especially the bad guys.
"Like who." Ironwood raises his brow. Curiose on who it could be if not Jaune.
"Is it perhaps our Goddess!?" Tyrian interrupted.
"I say maybe someone unknown. An OC Perhaps." Watts himself concluded. Already figuring out OC meant original character.
"Maybe someone to help me." Lionheart muttered, yet got the feeling that wouldn't be the case.
"Hopefully someone who will beat up Ozpin." Hazel growled. Oddly, in some worlds it does happen. Some of course.
As everyone talked, the new guy Jaune just looked around. Seeing all these faces that looked like the people of his world, yet didn't even acknowledge him. Is there something wrong with them? Jaune then saw Glynda, and grew red, wondering if she at least remembered him.
Maybe..it's one of those things we're everyone is cursed and only something special will make them remember. Like the stories he read. Getting the courage, Jaune got up and did what his Cider would be proud of, and what some of the girls of RWBY of his world would get mad at.
"Hm?" Glynda then saw her student near her, looking red for some reason. "Is there something wrong Mr. Arc?" The young man just gulped, and decided to do it. He then instantly knelt down and promptly did something that caught everybody off guard.
Smoo-ooch!
The mens mouths dropped, the woman shocked, and Mayden laughing with Tyrian.
Jaune kissed his ex-girlriend, having not much time with her since the craziness of Atlas events. Glynda beet red. Feeling Jaune's lips on her own.
CRACK!
Then instantly lifted her knee and slammed it so hard between Jaune's legs, a crack could be heard that made both men and woman flinch.
"...!" Jaune on the other hand, could only release a silent scream as he felt his ability to make children instantly vanish. At that moment, he realized that none of these people were from his world. How? Because Mayden at the moment he kissed Glynda gave him that information like an ass making Jaune realize the big mistake he made.
The price, he was on the ground touching his injured part while for some reason feeling something wet. Judging from the red liquid on his fingertips, it couldn't be good.
"Hahahahaha!" Tyrian laughed while Qrow gave a chuckle.
Raven just muttering how idiotic this version of Jaune is while Ozpin shoock his head. Glynda wasn't one to take harassment well. As all men learned the hard way that tried getting into her pants.
Some became woman after.
"Well then," Mayden giggled, liking this situation and deciding to take a picture to remember this moment. "As fun as that was, time for everyone to continue watching this world. Enjoy."
Soon the screen turned on and aside from Jaune who was in loads of pain while summoning ice packs, the people without pain watched what they were seeing.
Two combatants warily circled the other, one wearing naught but a scowl and the other a teasing smirk. A dance that had carried on for almost a good minute, neither desiring to strike first and potentially leave themselves open to a return blow.
For another tense few seconds it seemed that the waltz would continue-
-and Adam struck with Wilt in about the time it took one to blink, a lightning fast slice trained to near perfection through both practice and necessity.
The blade cut through his opponent's neck without so much as a hint of resistance-
-and Neo's countenance faded into panes of collapsing glass, the bull Faunus biting back a curse as he whirled around, barely managing to sheathe his sword and use the weapon's cover to block a strike from the tinier woman's umbrella, the two of them skipping away from the other, a motion that had become familiar over the past hour of, as the young woman had called it, 'playing'.
"Tch." Cinder clicked her tongue, realizing it was this man who was time traveling. "Great. Just great." She growls knowing full well Adam didn't like her, meaning she would face him as an obstacle.
"Oh come on." Ironwood wasn't any better, dissatisfied a terrorist was also a time travel. Many of the side of good feeling the same. Not liking their fate was in this man's hand. Life sucked all right.
Resuming their circling Adam had to wonder how he got drawn into this. It had started simply enough, meeting with the two Humans to further discuss their plan and go over any flaws that might be present.
And before he knew it…
[Hey, do you know how to actually use that sword or is it for show?]
Immediately feeling called out Adam turned to Neo, who had been tapping him on the shoulder for almost a minute straight, the Faunus no longer able to ignore her incessant distractions as she showed a line of text on her Scroll.
"Of course I know how to use it. Or did you forget how I almost had your boss's head rolling on the floor before either of you could react?"
Not even looking up from where he was poring over blueprints of the various shipping centers of Vale Roman boredly stated, "Technically I'm not her Boss. And I let you hold a sword to my throat."
"Ph." Qrow giggles. "This girls has guts."
"Not the way I saw it." Raven smirked, knowing she was stronger than both those two. Having scared the girl away without doing anything.
"Good for you." Ozpin smiles which only made Raven sneer at him.
Both Faunus and tiny Human didn't acknowledge his remark, Neo just tapping rapidly, not once breaking eye contact with Adam or losing her smirk.
[Any crook with a shank can move fast. But can you USE it?]
Doing his best to ignore the slight to his technique which he had spent years honing-he wasn't just fast, thank you very much-the bull Faunus dismissively replied, "Of course I can. Far better than you can swing that ridiculous umbrella of yours."
Roman glanced upwards only long enough to roll his eyes before returning to his work, Neo slowly and deliberately sitting herself in Adam's lap, Scroll raised directly in his field of view as the young man did his supreme best to hide both irritation and discomfort at having a Human in such intimate contact with him.
[OH RLY?]
"...Yes, really. Now get off of me."
Instead of doing so Neo merely raised a single leg high in the air-a show of flexibility that any professional dancer would have been proud of-and rotated her body so that she was fully straddling his lap, Scroll practically touching his nose as her expression grew frosty.
[Prove it.]
Taurus briefly considered beating her off of him with Wilt before deciding that she was a little too close for that too work, instead settling for pushing her Scroll away from his eyeballs and coolly replying, "Not interested."
[Oh? Hah! I knew it. Men with their fragile egos and steel 8==D]
...Adam tried very hard not to start stabbing.
[Know what I think?]
A single, dainty finger brushed the underside of the Faunus' chin.
[I think you're a BITCH]
"I like this one." Tyrian giggled madly.
"She's definitely interesting." Cinder wondered if she was still alive. Neo was strong, and would certainly enjoy having her under her command. Her illusions being very powerful.
"What a shame someone as strong as her joined a despicable man." Glynda shook her head. This Neo person was strong, very strong. Such a disappointment she joined with someone like Roman. She would have made a fine Huntress.
"Can't wait to arrest her." Ironwood didn't care for her power, but instead saw someone to put behind bars. He wouldn't allow such a dangerous assassin roam free.
Adam was on his feet before he even knew what he was doing, Neo lightly landing on her feet with a triumphant smirk on her mismatched features, skipping towards the center of the warehouse with a playful 'come hither' gesture.
"You know you're just-"
"Giving her what she wants? Yes. I just plan on giving her more than she's bargained for."
"Got you seeing red, does she?"
Adam had to count to ten before he slaughtered both of the irritating Humans on the spot, consequences or inconveniences be damned.
"What a brute." Watts snided.
"Something we agree on." Ironwood rolled his eyes.
Instead he lightly stroked his favored weapon's sheath, grin slowly warping his face as he squared off against the diminutive annoyance.
He was going to enjoy this.
"Wait for it." Qrow smirked.
He wasn't enjoying this, not any longer.
"Something I can agree with." Jaune murmured while still holding his sore spot. Recalling the times he battled Neo. They were nightmares. Made him a little happy seeing Adam on this end though.
Guy was causing him trouble in Atlas.
The first few bouts had been cathartic enough but the evasive and flighty style of the short Human had quickly tried his patience...that, and her mouthy companion hadn't stopped talking.
"Now you see, this here bit about hitting dust shipments and destroying the military escorts-automated or not-to further cripple Vale's ability to protect itself?"
Adam didn't dare take his eyes off Neo, instead distractedly replying, "What about it? It's worked in the past, in between Grim assaults and White Fang raids the majority of settlements don't have the luxury of perfectly defending against both at the same time."
"Oh no, it's a great plan and would absolutely work. Except it's terrible and is going to get us all killed and make this infinitely more difficult than it needs to be. Where did you come up with this scheme, back on the farm?"
Snarling to himself the bull Faunus turned to give Torchwick a piece of his mind-and maybe a few centimeters of Wilt-when he was almost sent stumbling as Neo's umbrella smashed into the back of his head, a disrespectful blow meant to show she could have hit him somewhere far more damaging if she'd so wished.
And just like that his temper snapped.
"This can't possibly end well." Hazel says knowing full well what anger can do to a person. And yes, he knew the hypocrisy of such a statement as he also fell into bouts of anger.
As for Salem herself, she was already finding interest in this theatre.
Spinning to face the silently giggling Neo she abruptly stopped as he braced his feet against the floor, knees bent slightly as he prepared to unleash his favored series of strikes, right hand lightly gripping Wilt's hilt.
And in the blink of an eye he moved.
Six swings of his sword from six differing angles in a third as many seconds converged on the Human, her umbrella a mad dance of parries as her feet frantically carried her out of range-
-and Adam's last slice, Wilt smoothly entering its sheath with a distinct clack, caused a wisp of brown hair to fall from the young woman's head as she ceased backpedalling, eyes and features no longer sparkling and playful as she glared coldly at the Faunus.
His teacher had told him to observe how the King Taijitu hunts, how the mismatched heads would strike from different angles with sharp, sure movements, completely in sync with the other and overwhelming prey with the dual assault.
He may not have had two heads...but his skill certainly gave the impression of possessing more than one sword.
"So."
Taurus held up Wilt directly in front of him, allowing a confidant smirk to grace his lips.
"Still a Bitch?"
Jaun gulped. He really really hoped the plan he and Blake made for Adam would work. Otherwise, he's a goner.
"Guess the jerk has some potential." Qrow says.
"He was wanted for a reason." Ironwood bregrudgitly full well Adam Taurus was a powerful force. He dealt with machines and troops with ease and could use his semblance in dangerous ways.
Salem could also see Taurus's strength, but felt no regret of his departure. That man was unstable if Hazel's reports were true. All that power, and wasted on one who couldn't control himself. She knows anger and rage can be powerful tools-if used properly. Adam on the other hand, delved too deep and became his own tool. Letting his dark emotions control him.
Pathetic.
He didn't allow the multicolored girl a chance to reply, instead turning to Roman-who was giving the two of them a calculating look-and sharply stated, "You said this plan was bad. Explain."
Shrugging to himself the thief tapped the table he'd been working over with his cane, languidly replying, "Your little strategy of spreading your target's forces thin might have worked in the countryside, Mr. Faunus, but this is the big city. More specifically, a city about to undergo one of the most popular and widely viewed festivals in all of the Kingdoms. You wouldn't be thinning the herd-"
Adam resisted the urge to stab Roman for what felt like the thousandth time in less than a day as the criminal smirked at his own joke.
"-by taking out escorts, you'd be both creating an excuse and encouraging the kingdoms to start increasing their military forces garrisoned in and about the city. Double if your White Fang puppies wear that logo like some kind of recruitment drive. Dangerous terrorist organization seeks to disrupt Vytal Festival, increased security to compensate. The justification practically writes itself!"
The fashionable man more energetically smacked the table.
"And let's not forget-provided your little birdies are accurate in their predictions-that Atlas will be bringing an entire damned battle group of soldiers, ships and mechanized forces. Just in case you forgot while you were out grazing or something, Atlas sort of hates your bunch of revolutionary mutts. They'll be happy to go all martial law in an attempt to crack down on you. And Vale might even let them."
...Adam was impressed enough by Roman's deductions that he decided to yet again ignore his condescending words, merely nodding before responding with, "You're absolutely correct, Roman. Junior wasn't exaggerating when he said you were the best."
If Roman was here, he'd be bragging.
Many were happy he wasn't here.
The thief threw his hands up in the air, loudly proclaiming, "Finally! Someone who isn't too damn arrogant and stubborn to admit that I know what I'm doing! You, Mr. Faunus, just became my new favorite customer-"
"Except all of what you described is what I want to happen."
Adam failed to hide his snort of amusement as Roman froze mid-gesticulation while Neo, who had perched herself on a nearby chair, snapped out of her pouting to dumbly blink at him.
He took out his scroll and snapped a photo before either of them regained their wits. No doubt it would keep him feeling warm and fuzzy on potentially cold nights.
Cinder smirked along with a few others. Now that was a picture worth taking. A few now wishing Roman was here to see this.
"Sorry, care to run that one by me one more time? Because I'm pretty sure I just heard you say you want the strongest and most disciplined military on the planet to come to Vale in force."
"Nothing wrong with your hearing, then."
[Did I hit you on the head too hard?]
"No, your strike was actually quite weak. I barely felt it."
Obviously more annoyed at his jab to her prowess than she was with his declaration of intent to incite a minor military occupation Neo swiftly began to tap out a retort-
"Are you crazy?! You didn't mention anything like this when you were going over this harebrained scheme the other night!"
"Because it doesn't actually change what I need you to do, gathering and hiding a variety of resources until the Vytal festival. Or is that too much for you?"
"Oh you do not get to call my competency into question because you neglected to mention incredibly important information!"
Adam merely arched an eyebrow, idly asking, "Oh? So you are saying that this is too much for you?"
"That's not-I don't-cram it, cattle bell! Yes, I can make this work but if there are any other such minor details of this little plan of yours I would very much like to be made aware of them now, thank you very much!"
Adam fought down the desire to smirk at the man's obvious unease and glibly replied, "Aren't I paying you to handle the minor details?"
[You're a dick.]
"What Neo said. What are you even hoping to gain out of this, Taurus? This whole thing with the Atlas military and Vytal festival is sounding less like a bit of a social statement and more a societal upheaval. Stuff like that is bad for business, so go ahead and convince me that I should keep doing this instead of putting down a certain mad cow for my own sake."
Adam lazily looked at the duo before him, amused at the thought that they believed they could kill him. He'd faced down trained huntsmen and huntresses and come out on top...while the two were certainly no pushovers their method of fighting relied on trickery and misdirection.
With his foreknowledge of what they were capable of, they didn't have a prayer...especially now that Carl's soul had bolstered his Aura reserves by a factor of two.
…
But he needed these Humans, if only because the next best choice of replacement after them was a very distant second.
"I'm doing what the White Fang was created to do. Earn fairness and equality for all Faunus, so that we don't have to suffer under the heel of a society that either ignores or outright despises us."
Roman rolled his eyes, annoyedly retorting, "News flash, rebel boy...a lot of people get fucked over by the big guy. Me and Neo were just lucky and resourceful enough to crawl our way out of the gutter life popped us out into. Just like you were, I imagine. So forgive me if I don't particularly give a rat's ass about what Faunus-loving tripe you were about to give me. What I want to know is your stake in this. What's your endgame?"
Adam locked eyes with the duo, none of the trio so much as blinking, daring the other to show a sign of weakness.
...The Faunus slowly began to reach for his mask, mouth set in a grim line.
His mask was an important symbol, image and shield against his own past, a layer of protection and anonymity that he relied upon.
And what lied beneath it would no doubt convince the thieves that his reasons were similar to their own. That of emotional catharsis.
"You didn't let me finish. The practical-and more pertinent-answer is that you have a set of skills useful to Humans and Faunus alike, not to mention the White Fang will remember your services rendered and likely seek you out, providing ample compensation in the future. You won't be disposed of, if that's what you're worried about. As for my stake?"
The bull Faunus briefly hesitated, a lifetime of hidden fears and shame briefly staying his hand-
-before his mask was removed in its entirety, allowing Roman and Neo to see his features properly...as well as the SDC brand that disfigured the left side of his face.
"It's personal. No other Faunus should have to suffer what I did."
"Jaquess." Ironwood hissed. While he doubted the man actually allowed this, he had a feeling he knew of crap like this and just didn't bother dealing with it.
"Man. Atlas really sucks." Or the SDC under that bastards management. Qrow didn't like Atlas to much, but he felt the entire area was lowered because of people like Mr. Schnee. The SD C used to mean something, but now-
"Nothing more but a place that brings unease and anger." Salem smiles. She manipulated certain things to her advantage, but Jaquess did all this himself, creating the unease by his own choices. How sweet.
Adam wasn't sure what the two's reaction would be. He expected apathy or even a joke about cattle branding that he wasn't sure he could overlook...instead Roman merely frowned slightly, glancing briefly at Neo before his expression shifted into one of neutrality.
As for the smaller Human herself?
He almost dropped his mask at the blatant shock she was showing, a widening of eyes and parting of lips dominating her features for a good two seconds before she regained her composure, once more appearing unconcerned and relaxed.
Without further comment the Faunus attached his mask into its proper place, glad to once more have it covering his disfigurement.
Silence reigned for a few precious seconds.
"...Alright, fine, you've got me. I'll make sure whatever this mystery scheme of yours is goes off without a hitch, at least in regards to preparation and resource gathering."
Adam confined his reply to a simple nod.
"Good. So will-"
"Such a pleasant and heartwarming sight...Human and Faunus alike, gathered together in holy mischief and matrimony..."
Many on the side of good except Raven and Lionheart gave a small glare at Cinder. Already knowing it was her. The culprit herself just smiled at them warmly.
"I hope Adam kicks her ass. He's from the future, so he should be capable, right?" Qrow asks his pals.
"Maybe." Ironwood thinks about it. "But that all depends if Adam has seen all her moves."
"Not to mention Cinder was still powerful even with only half the Maiden powers." Glynda adds on.
Just because Adam is from the future, didn't mean he would instantly win. Even Mayden saw this from time to time in time travel stories. While having future knowledge is good, and the person is much stronger, doesn't mean they'll instantly win. Jaune from the good old Relic story proved that lots of times.
Still, that didn't make the fights any less epic.
Adam immediately tensed, Neo and Roman furrowing their brows as they glanced to the entrance of their hideout, three distinct set of steps approaching them...boots, the near indistinguishable hiss of servos...and what sounded like high heels.
"As if that voice wasn't distinctive enough on it's own..."
"What's the point in investing towards a door guard if he doesn't actually guard it?"
"Likely because he's dead."
Neo narrowed her eyes at Adam's cold proclamation, Roman immediately becoming all business.
"You know whoever this group is?"
"It's the woman I warned you about. Shut up and let me do the talking."
"I bet Cinder will just mess up." Watts snarked with Cinder giving hima dark look.
"She can still win this." Hazel supported. "Though it won't be easy. Taurus has some advantages. Mainly he isn't as angry as he used to be."
"So long as someone bleeds, I don't care who wins." Tyrian mingled his fingers together.
"Can't wait to prove them wrong." Cinder says, primarily to Watts. Never having a good relationship with him. Man was too full of himself after all.
Salem just sighed. While her group can work together, it wasn't always as nicely as she expected. Who knows, maybe seeing this might help with that.
Before either Roman or Neo could argue-type, whatever-otherwise he took a few steps forward, placing one hand on Wilt and allowing his anxious energy to fade away, instead replacing it with cold, calm lethality that could be unleashed at any moment.
Seconds passed, the steps growing ever louder and louder until it seemed they echoed throughout the entire building-
-and from behind a pile of scattered crates and tables walked Cinder Fall the bitch herself, Mercury and Emerald following in her footsteps like loyal dogs.
…
It was a strange thing, to know someone so well despite having never met them for more than a few minutes, a few minutes that had been more of a facade than it was anything else.
"You're a hard man to track down, Adam Taurus."
Despite the severity of the situation and its future implications, Adam couldn't resist pointedly glancing at Roman, remarking, "Evidently not hard enough. And you managed just fine the first time."
The thief merely scowled, retorting, "I pay to keep the cops off my back, not potential clients."
Adam ignored the man's indignant defense, instead turning to Cinder as she indulgently smiled, a false expression if ever he saw one.
"That merely speaks to your skill. How else would the White Fang have stayed such a noticeable threat to Remnant if they were not directed by skilled leaders?"
Adam had to try very hard not to snort in amusement as, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Neo making a masturbatory motion to Roman, the taller thief smirking at his cohort's antics.
Judging by the way Cinder shot the duo a frosty glare, the interaction didn't go unnoticed.
Cinder was going to enjoy this.
"Spare me the flattery, Human. If you're here now you clearly have have a far better offer than you did the first time around. It had better be a good one, one that doesn't involve using my people and soldiers as convenient pawns in whatever game you wish to play."
Mercury and Emerald exchanged knowing smirks-no doubt anticipating the moment he would be cowed by their leader's usage of the Maiden's power-as Cinder peaceably smiled, asking, "Adam, how much do you know of Beacon's headmaster, Ozpin?"
The Faunus kept his face neutral even as he raised an internal eyebrow. This was a new angle she was playing, perhaps the time it had taken her to find him again had afforded her an opportunity to think of a new way to sway him without exposing her powers?
"I know he is the headmaster."
The Faunus took an inordinate amount of amusement in watching Cinder try to keep a straight face at his little comment, obviously annoyed at his flippant comment.
"What Ozpin actually is...well, it's far more than a mere schoolteacher. He has more skeletons in his closet than the local science fair, commands the personal loyalty of a great many active-duty Hunters and Huntresses and has had a personal hand in training several generations of powerful warriors."
"Part of his duty as a headmaster. You're point?"
Cinder merely smirked, explaining, "You don't find this odd? Or suspicious? Or need I point out that this very same man is the one responsible for instructing one of the most powerful deterrents against White Fang, against Faunus, supremacy?"
Bit different, but Cinder did say words similar to this when she talked to Adam. Striking his hatred to manipulate him all the more easier. He was but a beast trying to play man, and let his rage consume him.
Ozpin also realized this, though could only narrow his eyes. Windering to see what new choice will Adam make.
…
Adam reflected that, had he been his prior self, that speech would have certainly piqued his interest. Crippling, hindering or discrediting the nominal leader of the Vale branch of Hunters and Huntresses would be both a massive boost to the White Fang's ability to move around unhindered and a blow to Vale's confidence in one of their star institutions.
Now?
Well, now knowing that Cinder was an amoral opportunist and the conflict between Ozpin and Salem was, at its most basic, the result of a damned marital dispute turned century-perhaps millennia-long war to draw the attention of the Gods that abandoned Remnant in the first place...it certainly lent an extra helping of skepticism to his current mood.
"You make valid points. But none that explain why you are here, speaking to me instead of some other Human organization. The White Fang are for the Faunus and Faunus alone...not some Human scavenger, Cinder. My answer is the same as it was before."
"And here it comes..."
A greedy smirk pulled at the woman's lips, her tone coy as she stated, "Oh~? Is that so? Well then I suppose I-"
"For crying out loud, lady, take a hint, would you? Our client here said he doesn't want to talk, so he doesn't want to talk. And don't you know interrupting business meetings sends the wrong kinda impression?"
"This is going to be fun now." Raven knew that look. A look of someone who was spoiled and would attack for daring to be interrupted. Still, Cinder should bring some entertainment along with that world's Adam.
"Time for popcorn." Tyrian then began stuffing them into his mouth.
A pregnant silence follow Roman's dismissive tone, Adam resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. Not that it would have worked, what with his mask and all, but it was the gesture that counted.
With predatory grace Cinder's gaze fell onto the hat-wearing Human, flames dancing within her eyes as she purred, "Oh Roman...careful with all of that bluster, otherwise some people might think you're full of hot air..."
On cue and with a dull roar of ignited fire scorching flames formed a circle around the two thieves, their Auras lightly flaring as the heat was intense enough to otherwise burn them to a crisp, Roman and Neo both immediately displaying anxiety, eyes darting as they looked for a way out...but the only break in the encirclement was a small gap that afforded a clear view to Cinder's sadistic smile.
…
Adam had to resist a sigh, knowing just how much of an ironic and morbidly hilarious twist of fate this next action of his was going to be.
A few swift strides brought him through the fire, his strengthened Aura holding strong against the stolen Maiden's powers as he stood in front of the Humans...protecting them from other Humans.
If the situation didn't demand complete and total focus, he'd be slamming his head against a wall wondering where his life went wrong.
"These two are currently aiding me, Cinder. Attacking them is the same as attacking me."
All pretenses of amicability abandoned the Human woman gracefully chuckled, raising an immaculate eyebrow and stating, "That's quite convenient then, as you'll be working for me soon enough...provided you have no desire to be reduced to ashes."
"Don't you mean cinders?"
"...Dammit, Carl wasn't joking when he said I'd have a sense of humor. I just wish it wasn't a terrible one."
"Carl?" Lionheart went, recalling hearing that before.
"What's that about?" Jaune also agreed.
"Let's just say like the other time travelers, Adam also got himself a cool power-up." Mayden explains. "And now, you'll all see some action."
Said Human must have agreed with his analysis, her features scrunching in displeasure as she coldly announced, "Didn't anyone ever tell you not to play with fire?"
At her words the warehouse turned into nothing less than an inferno, fire licking at the walls and ceiling as Roman raised a hand to protect his face with a harsh curse, Neo unfurling her umbrella in a vain attempt to shield the both of them as even Adam began to lightly sweat.
"...I suppose there's no time like the present. Let's alter the terms of this deal."
Adam hadn't liked how his 'past' deal with Cinder had occurred, with the lives of his soldiers used as a bargaining chip and having no choice but to either acquiesce or die. More than that, it hurt his pride, his confidence in being a Faunus, to have to bow to an obviously more powerful Human.
This time he wished to change the nature of their relationship, into one of equals so that he could better dictate their actions instead of playing along to the woman's tune.
And he had a plan to do just that.
Faster than the eye could blink his arm blurred in a wide arc, three streaks of darkened metal flashing into the flames-
-and with a noise halfway between a scream and a bang the warehouse turned from a hellish red and orange to a cloying white and gray, clouds of superheated steam rapidly filling the enclosed space with scalding billows and masking the individuals within, startled shouts ringing out.
Just as Adam had hoped.
Relying both on muscle memory and instinct he leaped through the roiling atmosphere, finding it near impossible to breathe as if he had been dunked into a pot of boiling water, Wilt leaving its sheathe with a practiced swing-
-and within moments the blinding clouds began to dissipate, Neo twirling her umbrella like a giant fan while Mercury spun on his hands while rotating his legs, the buildings ventilation systems working well enough to provide a semblance of visibility.
A few tense seconds passed as both parties tried to regain their bearings, the air still hot and heavy...before four pairs of eyes widened at the sight of two figures, no more than a step away from the other.
More specifically, of how Adam's sword was lightly brushing against the bottom of Cinder's left eye, the blade's sheathe lying on the ground as his free hand was firmly latched onto the woman's arm, an expression of utter shock on her features as she unblinkingly gazed at the Faunus.
Cinder gripped her arm seat.
Watts smirked.
Glynda smiled.
Jaune wasn't sure if he should feel happy or sad for this Cinder. The relationship he had with his was very...weird.
No one was under the impression that Cinder's odd fire powers would be able to kill Adam faster than he could simply pull her onto his blade and finish the job.
Pitching his voice low and calm Taurus lightly asked, "I work for you, is that it?"
More silence occurred, neither side willing to break the standoff.
Adam was just surprised at how well that had ended up working and privately hoped that it would keep working.
Maintaining physical contact with a combatant who could freely control flames was a blatantly poor idea...but he needed a way to ensure that it really was Cinder he was holding, what with Emerald's ability to mess with his head.
More to the point, this little demonstration was a gamble, but one he felt needed to be taken. Cinder was very much a person used to being in charge, of only telling as much as she needed to and leaving it at that. In order for him to properly carry out his plan with its altered parameters, he needed to know some of the finer details of Cinder's plot. Hence, the show of dominance.
For an infinite moment they glared at each other, daring for the slightest show of weakness or submission to be displayed...and, just as Adam hoped, it was Cinder who gave way, obviously rattled by his sudden attack.
"You're certainly everything we were looking for, I'll admit that much."
Raven just threw a glance at Cinder smirking at her. The smirk saying just how weak Cinder was. Cinder just glared.
"And just what are you looking for, Cinder? You seek my help, for the White Fang to lay down their lives for a cause not our own. Explain to us what it is, and maybe we'll deign to work with you. Never for you."
Eyes narrowing in displeasure the woman nonetheless explained, "As I stated earlier, Ozpin has many skeletons in his closet. What I didn't say was that some of those are of a more...esoteric nature."
"You yourself being one of those esoteric beings, but as if you'd tell me that."
"I've been tasked by an interested party who wishes to remain anonymous in exposing these very skeletons to the world at large, thereby discrediting him and shaking the people of Vale's confidence and feeling of security."
Adam didn't so much as blink, asking, "And you expect me to take this on faith? That this man has some kind of magic and mysterious secret in his basement?"
"Actually not far from the truth, really…"
Ozpin was already regretting the 'basement' he had. If anything, he really should have put more security around it. Though then again, he still didn't know how Cinder even found it.
"You're closer to the reality of the situation than you know. Ozpin has dabbled in Human experimentation for many years, attempting to grant people incredibly powerful Semblances and Auras artificially. Although..."
Cinder gained an ugly smile.
"As I'm sure you're familiar with, the phrase 'Human experimentation' more often than not means it's a Faunus that is the test subject...merely to scout for any unforeseen 'side effects'. Ozpin's charade of accepting any and all applicants to Beacon-regardless of race-provides quite the excellent cover story, wouldn't you agree?"
Ozpin and Glynda both looked at Cinder with some anger. To think she may have used this to fool their Adam into aiding her with more hatred on him.
'I may not know where the faunus came from, but I would never do such a thing.' Yes he found the faunus and their appearance upon his rebirth to be strange. Yet to experiment on them was something he would never do.
Salem on her side didn't show much care. Though she wouldn't lie when saying she may have done some experiments herself on the faunus. After all, when one lives as long as she is with a black heart like hers, she needs something to keep her attention on.
If it helps, faunus weren't the only ones she experimented with.
"No. No I would not. But I imagine the old me would have immediately demanded to know more, being led on a winding trail of half-truths and misinformation until it was too late to go back."
But regardless of his personal thoughts on the matter, Cinder's words provided a convenient excuse to end this conversation and pursue it at a later date...all while still maintaining the idea of an equal partnership. He had other things to do at the moment.
With a smooth motion he kicked up Wilt's sheathe, slamming his favored blade home and taking a step back.
"We'll speak of this later. And hopefully you'll come with some proof of this claim. If true, the White Fang will consider aiding you in your mission."
Offering a playful and seductive smirk-as if she was the one doing him a favor-Cinder motioned to her two subordinates, stating, "Very well, Adam-"
"Do not refer to me by my first name. You haven't earned that level of familiarity or respect yet."
He took great pleasure in watching her bite back on an obviously sharp retort, even if he couldn't let it show.
Cinder was slowly feeling anger, but mainly at her cohorts. Particularly Watts and Tyrian, the latter looking smugly at her with the other just wishing for blood. Blood from her. Times like this she really missed having her powers.
To burn them away.
"...Very well, Mr. Taurus. Shall we meet again in four days? I think I'll have something that may be able to convince you..."
"No doubt fabricated, but that's of no concern."
"Fine. Now leave."
Pausing only long enough to give a condescending bow of her head-if only because he knew it was entirely false-the Human strolled out as if she had not a care in the world, followed dutifully by her two lackeys, Emerald shooting wary glances over her shoulder as she did so.
...A few seconds of tentative silence passed, the heavy and moist air creating a level of dampness within the warehouse that would quickly become uncomfortable within a few short minutes.
"Well then...I think you vastly understated just how much trouble that polite lady with no ill intent whatsoever was actually going to be."
Scowling fiercely Roman pulled a cigar from his pocket, lighting it against a smoldering edge of the table they had been working on just a few minutes ago.
...They'd have to get another batch of maps soon. One more inconvenience to add to the pile.
[What did you do to the fire? You totally threw something.]
Walking to the newest-and unexpected-addition to his arsenal the Faunus yanked one of his three throwing knifes out of the ground, a piece of gray metal shaped like an angled spade with an odd groove running down its center, a small tube on the handle currently open and empty.
"These. Dust-infusion blades."
Similar to the mining equipment he had occasionally used while under the heel of SDC, DI blades and knives were essentially normal tools that, through either manual activation or some kind of pressure threshold, ignited a source of Dust located within their handles and ejected the contents into whatever elemental or physical effect said Dust induced.
"I believe some of your students have such weapons." Ironwood then remembered, seeing battles like the Vytal Festival.
"Oh yeah. I remember Russel having them." Jaune himself recalled when he was leading Beacon into a new age...Who knew becoming a teacher would be so bad.
"Yes I do." Ozpin nodded. Then frowned. "But, I don't think I actually recall seeing him use them."
Glynda turned a soft red. She never actually saw Russel use such weapons, only Weiss ever did. Thinking on it, she never did allow Russel to use his Dust yet Weiss did so anyway. Thinking back, just how many students did she not allow their full potential? For some reason her mind told her only Team RWBY, JNPR, and maybe CFVY and a few others did so but nobody else.
He himself had never been particularly skilled with throwing weapons, Blush handling ranged combat perfectly fine, but to his infinite surprise it had been Carl who had been the wielder of that particular skill, passed onto him through memories.
At first Adam had been elated, eager to point out that the self-proclaimed saver of lives had used a lethal skill in some no doubt shady business...and had been left speechless as his memory of the Human revealed it wasn't some learned art of death dealing...it had just been an odd, natural affinity the man had used as a recreational outlet.
As a party trick.
Adam had left more than a few training dummies cut to shreds after that infuriating realization.
"This Carl person sounds interesting enough." Qrow takes a sip. "Maybe he'll show up."
"Doubtful." Raven at long last replies to her brother. Still keeping an eye out on Salem and her circle. "We hear mention of him, yet not one has been given an explanation. Who they are, what happened? This Carl was probably told but we missed it."
How right they are. To truly understand, they would have to see the first chapter. Something that won't happen anytime soon.
But his pride could only extend so far and he had grudgingly admitted that having a means of adding Dust to his arsenal would be useful, never mind that his style of rapid swings of his sword and quickdraws meshed well with throwing knives. A few days of practice and he could use the DI blades as if he'd been born with them. There was only one slight problem…
"Packed with ice Dust? Smart thinking, sonny boy. Quench the fire and-"
"If Cinder walked back through the door at this very moment, we'd be dead."
That admission stopped Roman cold, Neo glaring at where the other Woman had strolled not a minute ago.
"The ice Dust was effective, yes...but it was the highest quality Dust that money could buy or skill could steal, refined almost to the point of instability. And that was all I had. Mundane Dust won't cut it against her."
Adam cast a meaningful glance at the thief.
"Unless you just so happen to have some?"
Cinder was now feeling happy again. Looks like the only reason Adam had her there was because of what he knew of the future. Even then it wasn't enough, and that was with only half her Maiden power. He shivered how she could crush Adam with her full power.
The Faunus fully expected the man to turn his request down, not wishing to part with any resource whatsoever-
-and both men were left surprised as Neo skipped over to a pile of smoldering ashes, kicking aside the ashen wreckage and revealing a locked strongbox, bringing it over to Roman with an expectant look.
"...Seriously? You know how much that stuff earns on the market, right?"
The little ladies fingers were a blur before she held up her scroll, eyebrow arched.
[As much as our lives? The horny guy over there knows how to put the hot bitch in her place. If he's alive and armed, that means we are too. Win-win.]
…
Adam made a not to ask her where she learned to type that fast with zero mistakes. Even being a mute didn't seem proper enough an explanation.
"...Ugh, fine. What a waste of perfectly good Lien..."
Fishing a key out of his coat Roman unlocked the box, revealing a potent glow that Adam knew denoted high-quality Dust before tossing a pale-blue vial to him.
"Here. Consider it a friendly gesture from my most magnanimous self."
The bull Faunus carefully eyed the material, instantly recognizing it as Dust that was just as good as his old supply...before carefully refilling his three knives from the ejection port and tossing the vial back to the shocked duo with a superior smirk.
"I'm not a thief."
The two rolled their eyes as Roman scathingly remarked, "Oh, how noble and saintly of you. Don't go complaining to me if the lack of material ends up with you dead on the ground. On a side note...why not just kill that crazy piece of work while you had the chance?"
Adam idly examined the three knives, checking them for imperfections or damage and nodding in satisfaction as he found none.
Indeed. Why not kill Cinder?
Not only had he wasted a perfect, safe opportunity to do so he had also revealed weapons she hadn't previously known him able to use. She would be prepared and ready the next time they inevitably clashed.
…
It was a concession he was willing to make. If he could leverage his newfound wariness from the scheming Human to make her change certain events more to his liking, so that when the time came there would be less uncertainty he had to deal with...it was a decent trade, as far as he was concerned.
Besides, he had an alternate plan to deal with Cinder in the making.
...Not that he could tell any of that to Roman or Neo.
"I was originally going to do so...but her mention of a mystery benefactor that has eyes on Vale and Beacon piqued my interest. Better to gain a more complete understanding of this unknown factor and then kill her."
Good explanation. Ozpin was well aware that this Adam was much more different, and much more dangerous. Now that he's more calm, he's far more capable. Capable of doing things without letting anger get in his way.
'Such a shame he won't join my group' Even Salem can see this Adam was superior to his future self. One who was consumed by hate and revenge, and while still a threat, more unhinged and easily unbalanced. This version though, he could have been a great asset.
Raven herself said nothing, but even she looked interested in Adam. Still, if he ever came to that world's version of her, she'd either accept...or kill him. She's good with either.
"...Ok, fair enough. Don't suppose I could bully you into letting me be there when you do the deed?"
"With you taking every opportunity to poke fun at my race? You'll have to settle for second-hand viewing."
"Sourpuss."
Adam sheathed his weapons and cast one look around the warehouse before remarking, "I think we're done for now. It seems you have quite a bit of cleanup to do."
Roman scowled, glaring at the remains of his hideout before growling, "So it would seem. Guess we'll be using the backup place for now."
"I'll contact you later."
With that he began to leave the building-
-and felt a small finger begin incessantly tapping his shoulder with aggravating familiarity.
"...What do you want?"
Neo innocently smiled, displaying her Scroll for him to read.
[That was pretty 'hot' how you walked through the fire for us~]
"Worse than Yang." Qrow mutters.
The Faunus felt his mouth curve downwards in distaste.
"I see you share your companion's unfortunate sense of humor. And don't read much into my actions. I only did that since you're currently useful."
The colorfully mismatched woman just smirked.
[Whatever you say.]
With that she skipped back to the clearly irate Roman, who was in the process of deciding what was salvageable and what was toast.
…
He put the two out of mind for the moment, instead continuing on his way.
He had a flight to a certain home in Patch to board…
"That little-!" If that bastard did anything, Qrow was going to kill him.
"Now, now Qrow." James told the angry uncle. "I doubt this Adam would do anything unpleasant. Besides, I bet your family would have a good guard against him."
"Exactly." Glynda tried to reassure Qrow. "Taiyang is there, someone Adam doesn't know. Plus the teachers of Signal. Adam is powerful, more so with his knowledge, but not invincible."
True that. Mayden saw the few battles of this Adam before his world died from cancellation, and while he was a hell lot tougher, he wasn't invincible. Still, he would put up a good fight he imagined against Taiyang.
"On the bright side, at least this Adam was better than mine." Jaune says knowing how he was starting a war and he'll likely die against him. The dude was tough, but he hoped he could stall him long enough for the hostages to be saved. 'Then afterwards I'll have to deal with whatever crazy aftermath there is.'
Like the people who cared about Blake when he spoke the 'plan' in dealing with Adam. He wasn't looking forward to that.
"I hope you all liked this world, because now it's time for the next one." Mayden then told the cast as the screen lit up, ready to show a new world.
"Will we see one with blood!?" Tyrian laughed.
"I prefer one with technology." Watts suggests. Rather than barbarians fighting, why not see sophisticated technology.
"Maybe show a villainy world." Cinder smirked.
"One where I rule sounds nice." Raven was getting in on it already.
"I prefer one where cowards get their due." Qrow gives a glare at Lionheart who yelps.
"I'm sure we'll see such things eventually." Mayden chuckles. "For now, let us watch."
So ends that. A true shame the author stopped that story. In any case, we move on until next month. Until next time.