I never like it when people stare, it makes me feel uncomfortable. I was the centre of attention at the moment, while the other two persons in the room looked at me with satisfaction. For some reason things had turned out better than I first anticipated.
"Your description was accurate. Although I'm not too sure about the nickname."
I puffed my chest, placing my hands to my sides. "Just happy to be of assistance, sir," I replied, a smug grin planted on my face while I looked at Ozpin. "And I think the nickname fits. I mean, who's going to know Ozzy Osbourne is actually you, Ozpin? He's a songwriter and artist form my world! They'll never figure it out."
"I might have to agree on that," Goodwitch chimed in, holding a scroll in her hand. "There is no video footage of the intruder. Ms. Rose didn't see anything either. Although she did mention a secret hideout, hence why our dear General," she looked like she was about to barf, "has sent enough of his men to the south." She looked at Ozpin. "Are you sure it is wise to keep this information to ourselves? Should we not tell the General about Ramses' knowledge?"
Ozpin took a sip from his mug, seemingly contemplating over Goodwitch's suggestion.
"I do not think that would be the wisest decision to make," he replied, setting his mug down on his desk. "General Ironwood might put too much pressure on Ramses. He is not the kind of man that likes to wait. I believe he made that very clear a few minutes ago."
"Let me guess," I said, holding up my finger. "He suggested using brute force? Eradicating every threat out there?" I looked at Goodwitch. "He treats every situation as a contest of measuring dicks, right?" I asked.
She looked away from me, blushing slightly.
"General Ironwood has a stick the size of my penis up his ass, so it's pretty far up there," I said, getting mixed reactions of the two teachers in the office. "But he does make a point. This threat should be dealt with, and I get his reaction. He just doesn't know where to look, and is trying to look intimidating because of his military might."
Goodwitch nodded. "A pretty solid summary." She looked down at her notepad. "Other than the information Ms. Rose has provided us with, we have no further lead on the suspect that infiltrated the CCT."
"Well, we do have one lead," Ozpin countered, his gaze shifting to me. "Before the dance you told us this was going to happen. We wanted to guard the CCT ourselves, but you suggested we did not since it would draw too much attention. Now that the event has transpired as it 'should' have, I think it is time you told us what happened in there." Ozpin rested his chin on the palm of his hands.
"A virus was planted in the CCT. A virus that will cause catastrophic damage to everything and will eventually lead to Beacon's downfall," I replied. I saw their eyes widening when I mentioned the "downfall" part. "The virus was planted there by someone who has not been mentioned at all, so I cannot tell you more about it." I replied.
"I see…" Ozpin trailed off. "Glynda, search the data banks for anyone that has ever worked on the CCT's creation or knows about its inner core."
Goodwitch bowed her head slightly. "Right away, professor." She walked out of the office, entering an elevator.
I heard the elevator go down. I decided to continue.
"Basically, the virus will start an uproar, and Ironwood's military will be turned against him. It will deal a crushing blow to his reputation as a General." I looked to my right, watching several bullheads and Atlesian military crafts fly by. "I often wondered what it'd be like, had the forces on Earth been in your place."
Ozpin nodded. "After hearing your stories, I did too. Your military sounds more advanced than ours," he replied. "Although there is one thing I have been dying to ask you. You have been avoiding the subject, but I wish to discuss it nonetheless." He looked me dead in the eye. "What is the Holocaust? And why are you so keen on keeping it a secret?"
I inhaled sharply, pursing my lips. "Because it is one of Earth's darkest moment. In five years, over six million innocent people, including woman and children were brutally slaughtered because of their belief and origin." I replied. I looked down at my feat. "My friend's grandfather was a survivor of the Holocaust. I've heard the stories from him… and let me tell you, it's frightening to hear it from someone who has experienced it."
"Please," Ozpin almost begged. "I need to know. It's been on my mind for such a long time. The Great War is one of Remnant's darkest moments, and I have told you about that during the conversations we had, did I not?"
"I already knew about it," I sarcastically replied.
"You're using your knowledge to your advantage and you know it." Ozpin argued.
"Fine." I replied. "If you really want to know, then I'll tell you. The man who started World War 2 had a diastase for Jews, a huge group of people with different beliefs than his. He thought they were a pest that needed to be dealt with, so when he took over Europe and came to power, he exterminated 6 million of them. Put them into labor camps which he nicknamed 'concentration camps'. The people there were given no respect, had to give up all their belongings. Those deemed unfit to work were executed on the spot. Others had to work day in and day out, sleeping in cramped places with hundreds of others. There was no hygiene, almost no food, and people became anorexic because of the lack of food intake." I walked towards his desk, placing my hands on it and looking him in the eyes. "Children were ripped from their home and were sent to these labor camps. And it wasn't just the Jews he had a distance for. They were just his number one target. The disabled, the gipsy's, the weak. Hitler wanted to create the perfect race, a pure race."
Ozpin looked down at his mug. He took it in his hand and took a large amount of coffee in. He set it down, and motioned me to continue.
"His generals, they were even worse. Heinrich Himmler, or "the Beast" as he was nickname by his prisoners. He would dig holes, put wood in them and light them on fire, then trucks filled with disabled children. Little children… they were dumped into the fire and were burned alive. And those who tried to climb out, they… they were pushed back in by the German soldiers. You don't hurt kids, man. You just don't. They did horrific experiments on people. A scientist once had two twins on an operation table and started cutting into them, without the use of anesthetics to see if one twin could feel the other's pain and-."
"Stop." Ozpin held up his hand. "I think I know why you were so dead-set on keeping this to yourself." Ozpin stood up from his chair and walked towards the many glass windows that gave clear view of Beacon Academy and the areas surrounding it. "It appears Earth's history is darker than I had first anticipated. Six million dead, children burned and massacred. What human being can be so cruel as to allow this kind of penalty of innocent people?"
"The crazy kind," I replied. I took my hand of his desk and walked towards him. I stood beside Ozpin, hands behind my back. "I know that bad things are going to happen soon. But I promise you that I will do everything in my power to stop these horrific events from happening."
Ozpin placed his hand on my shoulder. "You have a great responsibility in the palm of your hands. Many lives depend on it. There will be times where you might want to give up. Your uncle experienced that first hand when he saw team RWBY fight against that criminal, Torchwick."
I nodded. "We have no way of getting home. At least not yet. Until we figure out how to get home, we're stuck here. When everything goes to shit, we'll be right in the middle of it. I don't want things to end the way they're supposed to. Too much depends on it." I clenched my fist. "That's why I'm not going to give up. I have my job to do here, as a bartender. But I also have a duty to uphold to the people of Remnant. To the friends I have made. I may have been born in a different world, a different home. But at this moment, this place is my home. And I will protect it no matter what."
Ozpin smiled, shaking me slightly while still keeping a firm hand on my shoulder. "You sound like a true Huntsman. Ready to risk everything for the greater good. I am proud of you."
My face got red for a moment. "S-stop it. You're making me blush, and that's kind of gay."
Ozpin chuckled slightly. "I suggest you take a day off tomorrow. Go into the city and experience it a little. Get your mind of things."
"But sir, I—what if something happens and you need my help?" I asked.
Ozpin took out his scroll, waving it in front of me. "I have this, do I not? If anything happens I will simply contact you. No need to worry." He placed the scroll back in his pocket. "Now, I have a speech to give to the students. They'll all be going on their field-trips today. Would you like to join them, perhaps?"
I crossed my arms. "Yeah, and what am I supposed to do when I encounter a Grimm? Punch it to death with a cocktail shaker?" I asked, sarcasm dripping from my tone.
"I was only joking." Ozpin laughed softly. "Now, go on and get some rest. You have earned it."
"Not yet," I replied. "There is one thing I should mention about the events that will transpire. Or more specifically, when they will transpire."
Ruby Rose could not be happier than she was right now. Not only had she just received a package from her father, but she was reunited with her favorite four-legger as well! She couldn't wait to introduce Zwei to the rest of her friends!
Ruby smiled as Zwei licked the palm of her hand, barking happily when she petted his head. She was surprised to see that Weiss—the one person she thought would not like it having a pet around—was so delighted that Zwei was going to stay with them. Yang seemed pleased too, although she hid her excitement. Blake was… well, being Blake. Maybe she just didn't like dogs or something.
"So, you guys had fun at the dance tonight?" Yang asked out of nowhere, getting everyone's attention.
"I had a pleasant time with Neptune," Weiss replied, glaring angrily at Ruby when she started making kissing sounds.
"It was fun while it lasted," Blake replied, still keeping a watchful eye on their newest roommate.
"I danced a bit, so I had fun," Ruby replied, still petting Zwei.
Yang looked at her sister, a grin creeping onto her face. "Yeah, you and Ramses sure got along well!" she teased, making Ruby blush slightly. "I mean you were pretty much drooling all over him!" she continued.
"Yang!" Ruby shouted in embarrassment. "Ramses is just a friend, nothing more. He's been nice to me ever since we met. Heck, he's been nice to everyone he has met so far." She looked at Weiss. "I still don't understand why you had to swap that bug off his face for him. I'm sure he could have done it himself."
Weiss shrugged. "I got caught up in the moment, I guess." She replied, winking at Yang who gave her a thumbs up. "But you are right. He has been very nice to us. He's very outgoing. Although he talks a lot, he's fun to be around."
Blake nodded. "I was a little unsure of what to think of him. I haven't really been able to talk with him all that much. Our last meeting didn't really go smoothly, although we did make up for it at the dance. We talked for a bit, but he was busy working."
"Speaking of work," Ruby said, placing Zwei on her bed. "The only two bartenders at the bar are Ramses and Freddy. They work almost seven days a week. One always starts early, the other always starts late. They switch it up from time to time. But do they ever get breaks?" she looked at her friends, who all shrugged simultaneously.
"I honestly don't know. Maybe we should ask them?" Weiss suggested.
"I'm sure they're fine, though. I mean just look at the two of them! Do they ever seem tired when you enter their bar?"
"Not really," Ruby replied, looking out of her window in thought. "I just wish we could do something for them in return. I've had some really good talks with both of them."
Blake looked at Yang, while Yang looked at Weiss. They all nodded in agreement.
"They're good talkers, and listeners. They're not afraid to give their opinion either." Yang replied, chuckling a bit to herself. "I remember listening to one of their arguments. I think they were talking about some kind of actor—I've forgotten the name. They argued that his abs were fake and edited on. Freddy insisted they were not, while Ramses stuck to his own opinion that they were fake. The argument went on for some time until Freddy eventually slapped Ramses' butt and ended the argument right there. It was fun to watch these two interact. It can get weird sometimes. But who doesn't like a bit of weird stuff every now and then?"
"I remember Ramses calling Cardin a fat cunt," Ruby piped in, while Yang rushed to her to cover her mouth.
Blake rolled her eyes. "He called Sun 'Monkey Boy' for some reason. I was kind of shocked when he said that, but Sun didn't really catch on. I think he was enjoying the dance too much for that."
"I think we can all agree," Weiss began, getting everyone's attention, "that we need to do something nice for them. I suggest taking them into the city and showing them around. I believe team JNPR is also acquainted with the both of them."
"Jaune and Pyrrha seem to be getting along with Ramses pretty good," Ruby replied.
"Nora was there one evening when Ramses and Freddy had another argument. She seemed to enjoy their company. Ren wasn't around, though," Yang added.
"It is agreed, then!" Ruby exclaimed. "We'll take them into the city after our field trip!"
They all raised their arms up in agreement. And shouted "Yeah" simultaneously.
I straightened my work uniform, and tied up my tie before exiting the elevator on the main grounds of Beacon. I took out my scroll and checked the time. Four pm. Looks like I still have some time left to explore Beacon a bit more. I walked out of the elevator and looked around, hoping to find anyone worth talking to.
I sighed and dialed my uncle. He picked up almost instantly.
"How can I help you?" he asked.
"Just wondering how the bar's doing," I replied, shrugging. "The conversation with Ozpin went good. Everything went according to plan and…"
I froze mid-sentence, eyes widening when I noticed two figures walking through the main hall. I turned my head away from them, walking the opposite direction. I did not want to be around those two.
"Everything alright there, champ?" Freddy asked.
"Code-yellow, Freddy. Code yellow," I replied, quickening my pace. I was now outside and started to make my way over to the statue that stood proudly outside of the academy. I hoped with all my heart the two of them had not followed me, or noticed my sudden reaction.
"Mind telling me what that meant again?" Freddy asked, sounding confused. "I seemed to have forgotten."
I grunted slightly. "It means I just got myself into a slightly troublesome situation. I was wondering when I'd lay eyes on those two." I finally reached the statue and hid behind it, hoping no one had noticed me. "Two of Cinder's goons are inside the school. Students from all around Remnant, from every academy are here because of the Vytal Festival that's happening soon. They're posing as student's themselves." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I was really hoping to avoid those two."
"Just keep calm," Freddy insisted. "As long as you don't do anything stupid they won't notice you. Listen, I've got to hang up. There's a new guest coming in and—oh, hey! Hello there! Nice to see you. It's been a while since our last encounter, hasn't it?"
"Freddy, wait!"
Damnit. God fucking damnit! He had hung up. Fuck. Not good. What the hell was I supposed to do now? They probably saw me run head first into the exit when I laid eye on them. They're probably followed me here.
I took a nervous glance, breaking my cover behind the statue. There were some students outside, happily talking to one another. They didn't seem to be around…
"Hey there, buddy."
Fuck.
This had GOT to be the most CLICHÉ thing that has ever happened to me.
I turned around, placing my scroll in my pocket. Clearing my throat, I replied. "What's good, my dude?" I smiled slightly—which had to look fucking horrible because it was a forced smile.
"We noticed you in the hall. We were actually searching for you," the guy replied, running his hand through his silver hair. "We'd heard the stories but never believed they were true." He scanned over me, not seeming impressed. "I have to say… I expected someone older."
I crossed my arms. "If you're just going to stand there and insult me, then I suggest you try harder. I've been called worse in my days." I scanned over him as well. "And to be honest… you don't look so good either. I mean silver hair? What're you? Fucking faggot?"
He seemed not too pleased with that comment because he took a step forward, only to be stopped by his accomplice.
"Mercury, please don't start trouble," she said.
"Come on, Emerald, he asked for it," Mercury replied, crossing his arms.
I pointed my finger at him. "You started it, sugar tits. Had you not made that sassy remark I would have kept my mouth shut. Now is there anything I can help the two of you with?" I tapped my foot impatiently on the ground, hoping my attitude would shake off their interest.
"Actually," Emerald started. "There is something you can do for us. We were wondering if your bar can be rented for special occasions. We have this club, you see. And, well, we were wondering if we could use your bar in the morning hours to get over some club meetings. Not every day, of course. Just some days." She looked at Mercury, who just shrugged. "We'll pay if we have to."
'Fucking run for it!'
Is what a sane person would have done. However, I see the benefit in every opportunity. My nervousness seemed to have subdued the moment I realized they were not out to kill me… yet. I took their offer into consideration, and—after a minute of out loud thinking, which made the two of them look at me as if I were crazy—I came to a decision.
"Okay, you can do your little club activities… on one condition. You see, my colleague and I need some days off as well, so we would appreciate some extra hands in our bar." I looked at Mercury, but he motioned towards Emerald (who had not noticed him doing so). "So you," I pointed my finger at Emerald, "will help us out. Three times a week. On the weekends you'll be our waitress. Don't worry; you'll get some payment for your hard work. We'll teach you the ins and outs of the bartending business." I smiled. "So, deal or no deal?"
Before Emerald could reply, Mercury cut her off.
"Deal," he said, smugly looking at Emerald. "She's been talking non-stop about your bar."
He was lying. God, he is such a bad liar. What a fucking daft cunt.
Emerald glared daggers at her "friend". She looked at me. "Yes," she said through gritted teeth. "I would love to work as a waitress at your bar. It seems like so much fun."
"Excellent." I patted her shoulder. "Meet me in two days. Eight AM. Don't be late."
Emerald nodded. "No problem, boss."
"Actually, that's maitré for you," I corrected.
She did not like that, but I sure as hell did! Looks like I just got us a tactical advantage over the enemy. I am so going to rub this into Ozpin's face.
