In my time of being a teenager, I would never have thought to be stuck in an elevator with one of the prettiest and calm girls I have laid eyes upon. Blake Belladonna was a girl shrouded in mystery. She was a Faunus in disguise, and not many people knew about it. Her true nature... something I often wondered she was either disgusted or embarrassed about. I can imagine her embarrassment about her Faunus DNA, but... I thought she would have known not all humans are xenophobic bastards who only value themselves above all others. Faunus and humans weren't so different from one another from the inside. Unfortunately, the outside is what matters nowadays, and that's something not all Faunus can just accept. The White Fang wasn't making the situation any better for Faunus-kind, especially with their recent attacks. And let's not forget about the day I have dreaded ever since I arrived in this world. The destruction of Beacon was something not only Cinder was responsible for, but the White Fang too.
And then there's Blake. Former White Fang member and love interest of Adam Taurus. This girl has had it rough, and I'm guessing she's had her fair share of dark moments and hard decisions. The hardest probably being her leaving the White Fang behind. I don't know what to think of her as a person. I've only seen her character develop in the series, and she seemed to be doing fine until the fall of Beacon and the death of Pyrrha. The friends she had made seemed to be something she clearly held dear to her heart, and with a valid reason. Just think about it for a second and imagine yourself in her place. A girl who has lost everything and has been living a lie for the last couple of months, hiding her true identity and pretending to be someone she's not. She never had any close relationships, and the White Fang life-style must have been hard for her too. Poor girl must have felt like she was suffocating from the pure pressure of keeping her identity hidden from everyone, including her team.
But now that she was standing here, inside this elevator, I saw how angry she could be. This situation was about to get out of hand. I mean me, a guy who is literally one the biggest retards who has ever walked the Earth is now standing in front of a girl who kills Grimm for a living. This situation was about to get out of hand.
"Hello there," I said, giving the ninja themed girl a small wave and smile. "How are you doing this fine evening?" I asked, pressing a random floor below that of Ozpin's office. Hoping Blake would not notice the action, I fake-sneezed in my hand, exclaiming "I'm gay" while doing so.
Blake looked at me with a serious expression, crossing her arms before speaking up. "We need to talk."
"I love you too, babe." I replied, smirking. My smirk disappeared, however, when Blake simply glared at me with a stern look on her face. "Never mind. That look killed my soul right there."
Again my slick words seemed to have no effect. Dammit, this girl was being dead-serious. She really wanted to talk about something. I sighed, my shoulders slumping and my head lowered. I looked at Blake and crossed my arms, leaning against the closed elevator doors.
"What troubles you?" I asked.
"You," Blake replied, the glare on her face not leaving nor changing.
"Well that sucks," I replied, shrugging. "I mean I don't know why I am troubling you. If it's because of the way I talk, then I am sorry and I'll try to watch my tone around you. If it's because of the way I look…I sometimes wonder if my mom dropped me when I was just a fetus. I mean it would explain a lot of things about me, starting with the time I accidentally tripped and fell down a storm-drain. Those things are freaking scary from the inside, I'll tell you that." I wanted to continue my jabbering, but Blake subsequently cut me off by placing her hand on my mouth. "Mhmpf," I mumbled, trying to get words to leave my mouth without sounding like a complete idiot. And before you ask, I know that's a rarity.
"Shut up and let me do all the talking," Blake hissed. "I'm going to let go of you now. So be quiet and listen."
I nodded fast in agreement.
"Good." Blake said, taking her hand off my mouth. "Now let's begin. Who are you and why are you here?"
"Ramses, complete retard who has only two-brain cells left which are barely functioning. I am here because my mom and dad used to love each other very much and one day decided to get wasted and fuck until there was no tomorrow. Some say I'm an accident, others say I'm a gift. And then there are the ones who say I am gifted, if you know what I mean."
"I don't think I do-."
"It means they think I'm mentally retarded." I replied, cutting Blake of before she could finish her reply. "Didn't I already tell you all of this like two days ago or something? I clearly remember, and I kid you not, introducing myself and even calling you by your last name."
"And now we're at question number two." Blake replied, crossing her arms again. "Why did you call me by my last name? An even better question would be: how did you know my last name? How did you even know that Yang and Ruby were sisters? An outsider like yourself could have never figured that one out with at least the slightest of information. So tell me, who are you?"
"I am the one, the one; I don't need a gun to get respect up on the streets!" I blurted out, clasping my hands over my mouth afterwards. 'Did… did I just use one of the most edgy and overrated memes to answer a question? God I must be getting very stupid… and desperate. But mostly stupid.' "Sorry," I apologized. "Force of habit. You know how that shit goes."
"Just stop averting the question and answer me!" Blake said, the frown on her face indicating that she was not at all happy with my actions so far.
And that's just what I'm planning on doing. I might not be strong, or muscular… or pretty… or even remotely close to the average human being, but I do know how to annoy people until they simply walk away in pure frustration. Those hours I spend in detention? Totally worth it. "Blake…" I trailed off, shaking my head. "There is nothing special about me. I'm just your average guy, trying to make a living. Right now I am living a life I could have never imagined myself living. I mean look at me. Who would have guessed a guy like me would become a bartender in one of the best Hunter Academy's in all of Remnant? I sure didn't."
"If that's so, then would you mind telling me where you're from?" Blake asked, raising an eyebrow in slight curiosity, but the glare on her face did not soften.
"I was born and raised in Mistral. My mother and father were both bartenders. We were a close family, and I helped wherever I could. It was a peaceful life, until I decided to head out for adventures and meet new people. You know, see the world? I know it sounds pretty cliché and overused, but that's the truth. I am just an ordinary guy. I got lucky by meeting Ozpin and getting to work in Beacon. That's all, really."
"Just an ordinary guy? Pretty fishy that you and your uncle were at the same place when you met Ozpin. Or is that not what happened? How did your uncle and you meet Ozpin? And why did he join you to go on this 'adventure' you speak of?" Blake asked.
"Going outside. Outside of boundaries. Not knowing what awaits you. It was something I dreamt of ever since I was a kid. I didn't want to be stuck inside the same city, see the same things every day without knowing what other cities might look like. Of course the Grimm were there to stop me from going any further, and I was still under-aged at the time." I looked at Blake with a serious expression, continuing when I noticed she was seemingly getting interested in my story—even though it was all total bullshit. "But after I turned eighteen I decided it was time to spread my wings and go on that adventure I always dreamt of. One year later and I end up here. Who could have known?"
"And what about you uncle?" Blake asked.
"Mind telling me why you're so suspicious? I'm not going to tell a total stranger my secrets, my life-story. I'm sure you have things you'd rather keep secret. And so do I." I let out a sigh before continuing. "So I will respectfully ask you to leave me alone. I'm not answering anything today, except for… more relative questions that don't involve my past and where I'm from."
"You do realize you just made yourself sound even more suspicious, right?" Blake asked.
"… Concluding this conversation with a word I like to use. I say zodoende and goodbye." I replied. "By the way, you wouldn't mind telling me which button I pressed, right? I kind of forgot and-."
I was abruptly cut off by the elevator doors opening, and because I was leaning on the doors, I subsequently fell on my back, hitting my head on the concrete floor and rolling over my back and flat on my stomach. I grunted in pain as I slowly pushed myself off the floor, before looking up at Blake, who looked at me with a monotone expression.
"That has got to be one of the stupidest things I've ever seen," she said.
"Thanks," I replied. I got off the floor and stood straight, brushing any dust that was on my clothing off.
"I still have my suspicions," Blake said.
"And I don't care," I replied, walking past her. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got things to talk about. Important things." I entered the elevator, before being stopped by Blake, who grabbed hold of my wrist before I could enter.
"What… what do you know of the White Fang?" she asked. "I don't know why… but you look familiar." She said.
"A cesspool of degenerates," I replied. "I've seen the news, heard the stories. They think they're doing the right thing, but they are not. White Fang sympathizers might think they're fighting for all Faunus, but little do they know they're supporting an organization that makes life for all Faunus as bad as it is right now." I looked at Blake, who still had her hand firmly clasped around my wrist. "I don't hate Faunus, not in the slightest. Every single Faunus I've met so far has been nothing but kind to me. The White Fang is just making things worse for all of them, by turning Faunus into a stereotypical figure that does nothing more than hurt, steal, and kill."
"So you think they're wrong, then?" Blake asked, letting go of my wrist. "You think they're in the wrong because they did what they saw as their last effort to get equality." She clenched her teeth shut tightly, looking down at the ground before speaking up. "The White Fang are desperate for equality. I know their ways are wrong, but they're doing it as a last resort."
"No matter what the last resort might be, taking one's life, stealing, making people's life miserable it's not the right way to handle things." I shook my head, entering the elevator. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you're with the White Fang."
"Didn't know any better? You barely know me," Blake remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"Bye, Blake!" I quickly blurted out before closing the elevator doors. Hoping Blake wouldn't open them again, I let out a sigh of relief when the doors remained closed for two floors. Thank god that was over. I couldn't have imagined avoiding every single one of her questions without making my answers sound vague. I lied, yes. I didn't hint at me knowing her Faunus identity, nor did I accidentally told her about the White Fang too much. In all honesty I didn't like the White Fang. Not one bit. Their ways were brutal, and they are making Faunus kinds look like monsters.
Could her reaction have been a result of the incident at the docks? Ever since that day she's been getting no rest at all. She might begin to get delusional, thinking and seeing things that aren't there or never existed in the first place. It was a sad thought, really, and this not a good situation to be in. Blake suspicions of me were justified in a way, but I couldn't reveal my true identity to her. It would ruin everything, and potentially put me and my uncle in danger. Not that Blake was dangerous, but you never know who else walks these halls at this time a night. I wonder if Ozpin knows about Blake's true identity. I mean he must, right? He's rumored to be a time-lord or some shit like that, so he must know Blake is a Faunus, right? I think I'll bring that up after we talk a bit more. Yeah, I'll do that.
But still… Blake's suspicions were something I'd have to be cautious of. Remember kids, as a great man once said; "Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted." Although I don't really know how that would work in this context. Ah well, I'll figure it out one day. I'm sure of it.
An audible "ding" shook me out of my thoughts. Looks like I reached the office once more. Waiting for the doors to open, I looked down at my scroll. 12.30am already? These meetings were getting far too late. I need to have a serious talk with Ozpin about his planning, because this was getting seriously out of hand. I mean these meetings usually take up and hour and a half, two hours tops. That meant going to bed late and rising… late? Nope. Early my friends. This guy is an early bird, and I do not care for sleep. Sleep is for the weak.
Considering the fact I was a little bitch when it came to having zero sleep, weaknesses were sure to follow. I never got sleep-deprived or anything like that, I just yawned a little too often in class which resulted in my parents being called. Nothing out of the ordinary here. Nope, not at all.
"Yo, big Oz," I said, waving casually at him before entering his office. "So how are you doing this fine evening?"
"Faring well, I suppose," Ozpin replied, taking a sip from his cup, which was presumably filled with coffee. "How about you? How is the great bartender of Beacon doing today? Had any good customers?"
"Ruby, Yang, Nora, and some others. It was a pretty good day, if I say so myself," I replied, walking towards his desk. "So if you wouldn't mind me asking, but is it okay if I asked some questions this night? I feel we need to get to know each other better if we want this relationship to work out."
Ozpin's eyes widened a bit.
"Fuck! No not like that!" I blurted out, turning my head to Professor Goodwitch, who was once again present in the office. The small tug of her lips indicated that she found my current situation quite humorous. Her turning her head away and coughing meant that she was very close to laughing, or perhaps a small chuckle. Ah well, who knows, perhaps she is not as cold-hearted as I intentionally thought.
"You were saying something about questions?" Ozpin asked.
"Yes." I replied, looking at him. "I wanted to ask some things that have been bugging me, so if you'd kindly answer those questions I think we'll get this meeting going." Ozpin nodded and motioned for me to continue. And so I did. "Okay, first question: When will I have my gun back?"
Ozpin deadpanned. "Tonight." He said, shaking his head and pinching the bridge on his nose. "Anything else?"
"Yes." I replied. "Why is it that you have an academy full of Huntsmen and Huntresses, trained to combat evil forces that threaten humanity, but you don't have them take care of the White Fang in Vale? I mean they'd do one hell of a job, even the police wouldn't be able to stand up to them. You'd be able to take care of one of the problems forcing the people of Vale to fear. And last time I check fear is one of Grimm's favorite smells." I walked towards him and continued. "Look at it from my perspective. I'm a guy who comes from a world were terrorist are not uncommon. However, there we have special units trained to combat those terrorists, whether that be on our own territory or abroad. Those people have taken out a lot of terrorists, and still are from this very day. So why not have a special branch of Huntsman and Huntresses that combat crime and terrorism?"
"Because that's something we do not have the time for," Ozpin replied. "In case you haven't noticed, Grimm like meat. That included Faunus meat. Do you honestly think Grimm care if a person or Faunus standing in front of them is a criminal or not? They would kill them, they would kill anyone, because that is why they live. They live to kill, and to destroy humanity and Faunus alike. The police are there to combat criminals, and Huntsmen and Huntresses there to fight against Grimm's, because that is what they are trained for. The police is there to fight human criminals, not to fight Grimm." Ozpin's tone suddenly became a bit harsher. "Unlike Earth, we do not have the privilege of not having to care about dark forces threating our existence."
"And unlike Remnant we do not have something in common. A common enemy. We all fight for what we think is right—no, for what our government thinks is right. You need to understand that Earth is as dangerous as Remnant—and in some aspects even more dangerous." I retorted.
"Nuclear weapons, right?" Ozpin's gaze softened. "I apologize for my previous statement. Please, go on."
I nodded. "Okay, question number three: What… what do you think I'm supposed to do, if I ever encounter a Grimm?" I asked.
Ozpin pinched the bridge of his nose and adjusted his glasses, before speaking up and providing me with an answer I wasn't really expecting. "If you were to encounter Grimm, whether that be a Beowolf, Ursa, or anything else, you run and you hide. You do not fight, you do not try to be a hero and save the day. You run and hide. Simple as that," Ozpin replied. "You are a valuable asset to our cause, Ramses. With your help we might be able to put an end to all of the suffering that has plaque this world for so many centuries." Ozpin reached for a drawer in his desk and pulled out what seemed to be a weapon. "This is your weapon. You may have it back now." He walked over to me and handed me the weapon. "However, I do not think that these bullets will have any effect, so I will provide you with an Atlesian standard-issue side-arm. The AT-SR handgun if you're curious about its design."
Taking the weapon and making sure the safety was still on, I placed it in the back of my jeans and bowed my head to him respectfully. "Thank you, sir. I will not forget the things you have done for me and my uncle. And I will make sure to repay some day."
"No need to repay me for anything," Ozpin replied. "You have been extremely cooperative and helpful, telling me so much about Earth. However, I do think we will have to get into some more 'serious' matters concerning your safety and health—beginning with an unusual reaction to aura. Specifically Jaune's aura." He looked at me before taking a sip from his cup again. "Mind telling me what happened?"
"I completely forgot about that," I replied, shrugging afterwards. "I have absolutely no idea what happened. I'm guessing something had to happen, but it didn't. Jaune ended up hurting me—but do keep in mind it was not that painful. It was just like someone was placing a hot needle on your hand, and it really pinched and burned. Hold on… that actually sound pretty painful. Sorry, my bad." I rubbed the back of my head before continuing. "I don't know why it happened, but I am curious to find out."
"And that's why I am here," Goodwitch replied. She held out her hand and snapped her fingers, closing her eyes and seemingly concentrating on doing something crazy. I looked at her quazilly, not knowing what she was about to do. It was, however, when twenty seconds had passed I spoke up.
"You trying to hold in a fart or… are you just resisting the urge to squirt because of how handsome I look?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
Goodwitch let out a long sigh before opening her eyes again. She looked at Ozpin, shaking her head. "I don't know what happened there, but… I couldn't even sense him. It was like something was blocking my aura from entering his body—or even make contact with it. It felt like I was trying to lift a Bullhead with one finger. I just… I couldn't do it. Couldn't lift him."
Ozpin rubbed his chin in thought before speaking up. "Interesting. So it would seem that simply using one's aura on you does not have any effect—or perhaps it only triggers the reaction you had with Jaune when you are being touched. Perhaps body contact is necessary." Ozpin held out his hand. "Come, touch my hand."
I reluctantly held out my fingers and touched his hand. Ozpin suddenly lit up a bit, but I couldn't really see what color his aura was. Perhaps it was the lighting in the office? I don't know. But I'll tell you what I think about hot needles and the feeling of them being placed of your skin.
It's very fucking gay. Oh, and it hurts like hell too. Almost forgot to add that part.
"Yep," I replied, taking my fingers away from his hand and placing them in my mouth, sucking on them to relieve some of the pain. "That really hurt Charley," I fake-whined.
"Very interesting," Ozpin mused. "So would you mind if I did some more test?" he asked.
"As long as you answer one more question for me," I replied.
"Shoot," Ozpin said.
I inhaled a deep breath before speaking up, asking the question that had been bothering me ever since the day I started watching RWBY.
"What happened to Summer Rose?"
A/N
Thanks to everyone who has been sticking with me for this long. Also, thanks to my beta XII Hearts for editing this story! And before I forget, thanks to BuffaloSoldia115 for the amzng cover-art!
