Huh, I'm kind of amazed at how popular this crossover is for only being two chapters so far. This was my first real attempt to mash two different series together in a way where one does not completely overshadow the other. My previous crossover attempt was more a light hearted attempt to have some fun. Based on the comments, a lot of people are looking to see this story continue, and I am more than happy to write it. I enjoy the direction this is heading and can't wait to see how far I can take it. Hoping everything blends together the way I envision it since there are so many different things going on with different groups of people. Now, I'm going to move to comments so we can get back to the story sooner.
SilentXD7: I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be able to if all the right conditions are met. Nothing so far has indicated something happened to his hand. Guess we will have to wait and see.
PocketDuelMonsters: While I do know who that is, I probably won't add people from a third series. First, it makes things more complicated. Second, there are already plenty of characters in the RWBY and TANMI universes.
YCG: Yes they are different. However, Touma's hand negates all supernatural things. Therefore, I can't see why both would not be negated the same way.
FireDusk: Aura is slightly different than magic. Magic in RWBY is when people use dust. Aura is their soul power. They are similar, but different basics.
Dead Salvation: Roman, evil? How could someone with the most adorable sidekick ever be evil? Roman is misunderstood and does what he has to in order to survive the harsh world of Remnant. I do wish Accelerator would be doing stuff earlier, but this chapter will explain why we have to wait a little bit.
shiroryuu01: That sounds pretty plausible. Maybe Roman could end up teaching in Beacon?
Panzer4life: Depends on how magic vectors in Remnant work. While the fight does sound fun, there were indications Accelerator has to make adjustments for magic. With powerful spells, like a maiden could use, there might be some weird calculations involved.
Guest: 1) I'm still updating it. Sometimes, I just want to write certain things over others. I write what I enjoy writing or else I start to dislike doing it. 2) While I like Star Wars, I'm not too interested in writing in the universe.
Guest: Othinus gave Touma mental fortitude. I don't think Touma is going to stop trusting and seeing the good in people. If/When Touma realizes Roman is manipulating him, he will most likely do what he can to fix his mistake and turn Roman and Neo good.
TheLastSterling: Thor and Nora team up? That would be great, but the world probably isn't ready for that. Hey, Touma's teacher taught him you can't judge age based on appearance.
ultron emperor: I had a couple people tell me that and I had the same response come to mind each time. Accelerator had a small handful of lines in the first chapter, and slaughtering Grimm? That was just an obvious outcome. I just write what I enjoy. If you hate what you write, you won't get anywhere.
The Rupture: Information for that question will be provided this chapter.
Kiri Kaitou Clover: There is no resistance to Kami-yan disease in this world.
Tsun: He fixes his mistakes eventually, but he still gets used way too much. Jaune might be able to stand against Touma's fist. He was probably decently strong before his Aura was unlocked. Anyone physically trained before they replied on Aura are probably in the same boat. The sudden decrease in power might disorient them though.
MarkJ: Your first question is answered in this chapter. For his clothes, people do have more than one outfit. I know in most anime/Manga they always were the same stuff except on special occasions. Pairings/romance might appear throughout, Kami-yan Disease you know, but nothing is really planned. I'll see what happens when everyone meets up. For your final question, the Grimm might eventually learn, or they won't. The things is, his hand has a lot more uses than just against them.
RPGPersona: Glad to see you returning in full force. Neo and Roman are together, but not together-together. Neo is older than Touma, skilled, and very intelligent. She was able to infer a lot of information based on a short encounter. Though, as you put it, she really was not ready for today. All strong psychopathic women like to turn Touma into a toy. Maybe I could introduce some of Jaune's sisters at some point. All seven would give me a headache haha. You aren't thinking like a criminal mastermind. You want to use Touma in the obvious way. The master has a much better plan.
Disclaimer: I do not own Toaru Majutsu no Index or RWBY.
"MISAKA is tired MISAKA complains as MISAKA collapses on a bench to indicate exhaustion."
"We have been walking around for a couple hours," Ruby said and sat down next to her. "I wouldn't mind a break either."
"That's actually pretty impressive for someone her age," Yang added. The girl reminded her of a young Ruby more and more. The girl was super hyper and wanted to see everything, even forgetting a couple times they were looking for her guardian.
"Weiss! MISAKA calls out! Sit next to MISAKA!" Last Order scooted over closer to Ruby so there was room on her other side. Weiss sighed, but still smiled and sat down her.
"It seems like she really has taken a liking to you, Weiss," Yang laughed. "There's a lot of attraction there."
"Ugh," Weiss groaned. "Still with the electricity puns?" Yang gave her a thumbs up. She's not wrong though, about Last Order liking me. She seems to always want to be near me. Of course, someone of her status would attract people to her, but Last Order was a little young to know what being a Schnee meant. This didn't stop her from grabbing onto Weiss's hand most of the time and tugging Weiss after her. Weiss couldn't say she didn't like it. It felt like she had a little sister and took her time to answer Last Order's questions. I bet this is what Winter felt like when we were kids. "Naturally, she was attracted to my inherent grace and presence."
"Or you look like her guardian," Yang snickered.
"Who's right?" Ruby asked Last Order. "Weiss is kind of hard to get along with at first…"
"Hey!"
"…You have to get used to her."
"Weiss reminds MISAKA of her guardian MISAKA explains…"
"Hah!" Yang laughed triumphantly and Weiss scowled at her.
"But looks only apply to the hair MISAKA elaborates quickly as MISAKA waves her arms frantically." That gave Yang and Weiss a good laugh, because it reminded them of Ruby when she wanted to get their attention. "They have similar personalities."
"How so?" Ruby asked.
"Both of them act tough on the outside, but deep down only want to have friends MISAKA answers triumphantly. They probably won't admit it, but they need others to make the first move. Even if they are kind deep down, they are too shy to take initiative MISAKA finishes." The girls were quiet for a moment, and then Ruby and Yang burst out laughing.
"She has you pegged perfectly Weiss Queen!" Yang exclaimed through her laughs.
"Remember when she yelled at me several times on our very first day?" Ruby asked excitedly. "I thought she was just being mean, but she was only trying to be friends." She reached over Last Order and hugged Weiss. "We became best friends anyway, but I'm so happy to know you liked me from our first encounter!" Ruby hadn't liked Weiss at first, she seemed way too uptight. After getting to know her, Weiss was still uptight, but would constantly join in on the team's shenanigans. She had opened up eventually and was a valuable friend and partner, even if she kept making Ruby study.
"I yelled at you because you nearly blew us up," Weiss sighed and pushed Ruby off her. She wasn't entirely sure how she felt about Last Order's assessment of her. Weiss had to be tough, but that was because she was raised as the daughter of a business tycoon. Showing weakness would allow other people to take advantage of you. When she first arrived at Beacon, she had hoped to see other high class people who shared similar interests. Instead, she met Ruby and Yang. She had passed Ruby off as a kid, but found out she was quite skilled and rather clever, even if she could stand to mature a little bit. Weiss admitted she did cherish their friendship, along with Yang and her partner Blake. "I suppose friendship does arise in the most unlikely places."
"We love you too, Weiss Queen," Yang told her and hugged her too. Yang had to admit, having this new girl with them was making the day amazing for her. Not only did she appreciate puns, but Ruby and Weiss liked her. Of course, Ruby liked almost everyone if they weren't a bully or a villain, but Weiss was harder to please. She criticized people constantly and it was hard for her to make friends. It was actually because of Ruby's and Yang's antics that she befriended Team JNPR. Otherwise, Weiss might have only worked with Pyrrha. We really should take Last Order back with us. It shouldn't be too hard to convince Ruby, but Weiss is a stickler to the rules. I'm also interested in her Electricity Semblance. "So, Last Order, you never told us your guardian's name and I would like to know if he's a rule nut like Weiss here." She ignored Weiss's glare.
"His name is Accelerator MISAKA answers. As for rules…" she hesitated for a moment. "He doesn't purposely go out and break them, but the city is kind of lax about him doing pretty much whatever he wants to MISAKA tries to explain."
"Why?" Weiss asks.
"He's really strong MISAKA elaborates and then realizes what MISAKA could be implying. He's not a bad person, just had a rough childhood because of something he couldn't control. People keep trying to test their own strength against him. Our city respects stronger individuals MISAKA adds as MISAKA tries to explain without revealing certain secrets."
"I can kind of understand that," Weiss muttered. She didn't like the secrets part though. When she was a child, a lot of groups tried attacked her family to either prove a point or capture her for leverage. Fighting back was one of the few options available and that was probably why the city did not intervene.
"We all have secrets Last Order," Yang reassured her. "Especially from boys." She winked at her.
"Yang!" Ruby cried indignantly. "Quit trying to corrupt her with whatever you were implying!"
"Ignoring Yang's immaturity," Weiss continued. "I don't think we are going to have any luck blindly searching around and we haven't found anyone else looking for her. It's probably time we alerted security about her and have them…"
"NO!"
Last Order's outburst shocked the girls.
"What's wrong?" Ruby asked confused.
"MISAKA was told if she gets separated not go to security MISAKA explains quickly as MISAKA waves her arms frantically to display the importance of her words. MISAKA is supposed to find somewhere safe and wait for him!"
"That's the exact opposite of what you should be doing!" Weiss gasped in disbelief. "What has he been teaching you?!"
"Are you in trouble?" Ruby asked nervously. "If you are, we can get you someplace safe and get help."
"MISAKA is not in trouble MISAKA says quickly as MISAKA shakes her head. Once MISAKA finds her guardian, everything will be fine. It's MISAKA's job to watch over him MISAKA states proudly." Ruby and Weiss were confused, but Yang frowned.
"Can I talk to you two for a second?" Yang asked and pulled Ruby and Weiss away from Last Order. She turned and smiled at Last Order. "I have to ask them something personal, you don't mind?"
"Nope, MISAKA replies happily. MISAKA will wait right here for you to finish your conversation."
"Great." Yang pulled the other two out of earshot.
"What was that for, Yang?" Ruby asked slightly annoyed and rubbed her arm.
"I think you were on the right track Ruby, that girl is in trouble," Yang whispered. "And keep your voice down."
"And she's trying not to get us involved beyond being friends," Weiss added. "I bet she's afraid if we know too much, we will be targets."
"Could someone be targeting her?" Ruby guessed. "I wish Blake was here. She might have a better idea on why someone would be after a little girl."
"I have an idea," Yang said and held up a finger. "It has to do with her Aura."
"You noticed too?" Weiss asked and Yang nodded. Ruby looked confused and then irritated. She didn't like being kept in the dark. "We assumed her Semblance was electricity, but her Aura has not been unlocked," Yang explained to her.
"WHA-…!?" Ruby's voice was way too loud and the other two girls covered her mouth with their hands.
"Not so loud," Weiss snapped quietly. "You really need to pay more attention to these things."
"But how could she use a Semblance without Aura?" Ruby asked.
"That's the million dollar question," Yang said. "Any ideas, Weiss?"
"Only one and I don't like it," Weiss replied bitterly. "But it would explain why she was told not to contact security." She crossed her arms and frowned. "I know Atlas has been doing research on Aura, but we can't say other cities aren't doing it either. What if an organization was trying to find a way to forcefully unlock Semblances, even without Aura? If they are doing this under the table here, then they wouldn't want Vale security involved. Her guardian is probably the person who keeps track of her. Last Order is overly energetic like Ruby, so I bet she was bored, snuck out, and then got lost."
"Those…," Yang hissed in cold fury through gritted teeth, and then her eyes turned red. Heat started to form all around her. "Experimenting on a girl…"
"It's only a theory," Weiss reminded her quickly to avoid causing a scene. "I could be wrong and I hope I am, but we should proceed cautiously. The girl is innocent and really kind. I don't want anything to happen to her."
"I think you are mistaken," Ruby suddenly spouted out.
"Why?" the other two asked.
"She said this Accelerator guy was like Weiss," Ruby explained frantically. "I don't believe someone like Weiss could be a bad person. I bet there's a rational explanation for all of this. We should definitely watch over her though."
"Thanks Ruby," Weiss told her and smiled.
"You two are getting along so well," Yang cooed and wiped a fake tear out of her eye. "I still remember when Ruby told me on our first day she blew up after your argument." She grinned. "Literally, not figuratively."
"I'm surprised you know what figuratively means," Weiss muttered.
"So as our team leader," Ruby interrupted before the two could argue. "I say Team RWBY will help this girl out. Since Blake is still not answering her Scroll, we must each take up an extra shift. The first task is, where do we take her?" There was no way she would allow a younger girl, that was so much like her they could practically be sisters, be stuck out in the city alone if there was a chance someone was after her.
"Our dorm," Yang answered immediately.
"Why?" Weiss asked. I want to hear her reasoning, but I already knew she would want to bring the girl back with us.
"First," Yang said and raised a finger. "She would be safe there. Beacon is well protected from intruders and our teachers are all trained Hunters." She raised a second finger. "Two, we can talk to Professor Ozpin about her. I'm sure he would be interested in her power and might understand it." She raised a third finger. "Third, he could help us find her guardian if he is indeed an innocent person and not a criminal." Ruby's eyes widened at the well thought out reasoning from her sister.
"Who are you and what have you done with Yang?" Yang responded by flicking Ruby in the forehead.
"And fourth," Weiss continued with a slight smirk. "You would have someone who would laugh at your puns."
"That is just an added bonus."
"There's the Yang I know," Ruby sighed and then all three girls laughed.
"It's still good logic," Weiss admitted. "I didn't think you had it in you, Yang."
"You honor me with your praise, Princess," Yang said in an unnecessary exuberant manner and then she bowed slightly. "When you inherit your kingdom, do keep me in mind for your royal advisor."
"For the last time its heiress, not princess." Yang and Ruby laughed, but Weiss managed to stay calm, though she could not stop her lips from twitching at the thought of Yang advising anyone. "So how would we get Last Order into Beacon?" Weiss finally asked the all-important question. "Can you imagine what Professor Goodwitch would do if she caught us?" All three girls shivered.
"I'm sure if we explain the situation," Ruby suggested. "She will let us."
"We can't take that risk," Yang said with a huge grin. "She might want to contact Vale security. Let's sneak her in and talk to Ozpin. He's the only one who can override her."
"Then you better have a plan," Weiss told her. "Because I think she can detect when someone is breaking a rule. She shows up awfully fast."
"Leave that to me," Yang replied and pointed to herself with her thumb. "I have a perfect plan once we convince Last Order to come with us."
"Oh!" Ruby volunteered. "I can do it." Before either of them could reply, she bolted back over to the bench. "Hey Last Order, want to come visit our school? You could have a sleepover in our dorm room!"
"MISAKA would love to MISAKA exclaims excitedly as MISAKA can't keep from shaking in excitement! But," she suddenly looked sad. "MISAKA should be looking for her guardian, even though MISAKA has never had a sleepover with friends before."
"Walking around Vale blindly isn't working," Ruby explained. "This way, you can be someplace comfortable and safe while we find him. Our headmaster is really nice too. I'm sure he will be able to help find Accelerator. We can respect your wish for us not to contact Vale's security forces by doing this too."
"We also have cookies," Weiss added. Since Last Order resembled Ruby in so many ways, Weiss was sure she would enjoy the baked goods. "I'm sure my partner will share her stash."
"MISAKA loves cookies! Accelerator will probably be fine if MISAKA goes and hangs out with friends. That way, MISAKA will have found a safe location MISAKA reasons as MISAKA secretly plans out how to have fun without disobeying."
"I like her even more now," Yang whispered to Weiss.
"Yay!" Ruby cheered. "Sleepover with new people. We will have so much fun! We should invite Team JNPR to hang out too."
"I'm sure they will come anyways," Weiss sighed. "As long as Arc doesn't try to confess to me again, I'll accept his presence. He does not seem to be able to take a hint."
"Did you not accept this Arc's confession because you are partnered with Ruby? MISAKA asks curiously. MISAKA did not know you two were in that kind of relationship, but MISAKA believes you two go together MISAKA adds as MISAKA tries to reassure their decision." There was silence as everyone looked at her.
"EHHHH!?" Weiss and Ruby cried out.
"AHAHAHA!" Yang burst out laughing and grabbed her side.
"There's no way I would be with someone as childish as her!" Weiss screeched.
"I'm not childish!" Ruby denied indignantly. "Just because you don't like cookies, doesn't mean they are only for kids."
Last Order is great, Yang thought, as she continued to laugh. I want to keep her. She's a riot.
"Cookies aren't the problem," Weiss snapped. "It's you eating them for every meal, making messes without cleaning them up, and constantly bothering other people when they are working. That's what makes you childish. I feel bad for whoever gets together you. They probably have to have the patience of Ren."
"Just so you know," Ruby replied and stuck her tongue out at Weiss. "The guy I like would treat me grea-…" She slammed her mouth shut, her face grew red, and then her eyes darted fearfully to Yang. She wasn't the only one. Weiss's expression turned from irritation to shock and then she too turned to look at Yang. Both of them knew how protective Yang was of her sister against boys and, judging by the fact she had stopped laughing, Yang began to process the new information.
"So," Yang said slowly. Her eyes flashed from lilac to bright red and heat began to emit from her body again. "My baby sis has a crush on someone? Why don't you tell your big sister who it is and what he did to flirt with you?"
"Nothing happened, Yang," Ruby answered, yet her face was still crimson. "And don't we have more important issues at hand anyways?"
"We still need to find a way to bring Last Order to Ozpin," Weiss added, as she tried to avoid a scene.
"If MISAKA said something wrong, MISAKA is sorry MISAKA apologizes as MISAKA attempts to defuse the situation." Yang blinked and smiled at her, her eyes turning back to their normal color.
"You didn't do anything," Yang reassured her. "It's just a little sisterly teasing."
"Ah! MISAKA knows all about that. MISAKA's sister teases relentlessly."
"That's what we do," Yang laughed and put her arm around Ruby. She leaned over and whispered into her little sister's ear. "This isn't over. Be prepared for interrogation tonight. There is no escape."
"Eeep," Ruby squeaked and covered her head with her red hood.
"Now," Yang said louder, so Weiss and Last Order could hear her. "For how to get our new friend into Beacon, I know the perfect person to help." She pulled out her Scroll and dialed a number. "Hey Coco, are you at Beacon today? Sweet, I need your help with something small…" She started walking, while dragging Ruby behind her, and chatting on the phone.
"I think I know what Yang is up to," Weiss sighed. "Well, her plan will probably work out. Somehow, they usually do. We might as well follow them." She looked over at Last Order, who got up off the bench and grabbed Weiss's hand. Weiss felt her face grow warm slightly, but she enjoyed the contact. Together, they followed the hyperactive sisters.
"Come in," Ozpin said from behind his desk when he heard a knock on the door.
The door opened and a woman entered. She was middle-aged, with very light-blonde hair tied back in a bun and a curl hanging down the right side of her face. Her eyes were bright green and she wore thin ovular glasses. Her ears had teal earrings that match the hanging pendant on her collar. The woman wore a white long-sleeved, pleated top with a wide keyhole neckline and gauntlet cuffs that flare in pleats at the wrist. A black high-waist pencil skirt with bronze buttons and black-brown stockings covered her lower body. Black boots with bronze heels and a cape, that was purple on the inside and black on the outside, completed her ensemble. The woman's name was Glynda Goodwitch and a staff member at Beacon Academy. She was known for being a stern disciplinarian, a contrast to the easy going headmaster.
"I have the report from our medical staff about our guest," Glynda announced and set down a small stack of papers in front of Ozpin.
"It was a good thing Team JNPR found him when they did," Ozpin said and his eyes started scanning the papers before him. "From their account, the boy was about to pass out in the middle of a pack of Grimm." His brow narrowed as he continued to read. "I'm surprised at this report. Very interesting."
"Interesting doesn't even begin to cover it, Ozpin," Glynda said testily. "For all purposes, that boy shouldn't have been able to move at all, let alone fight. Talking might even be impossible in his current condition. From what they found, the boy's brain seems to have suffered serious damage. It has to be an old wound because there's no damage to his head from an external blow."
"Yes," Ozpin agreed. He had read that on the report. "Yet, he was seen fighting by our students, who had no reason to lie." He flipped to the next page and continued to scan. "No signs of unlocked Aura either. The mystery deepens."
"This isn't a game, Ozpin," Glynda told him disapprovingly. "The boy should be crippled at best, yet our students saw him fight. Without his Aura being unlocked, he can't use a Semblance, which would be one of the few ways this could be explained. We did however recover his wallet." She passed over a piece of plastic with the boy's picture. "Besides some type of money I haven't seen before, there was only an ID. I was hoping the ID would provide some answers, but then it gets stranger. It's in another language, one I have yet to identify."
"I see," Ozpin muttered and sipped his coffee. He looked down at the ID and nodded. "Anything else? This report is very detailed and will take time for me to read it thoroughly."
"I feel you just don't want to read it," Glynda sighed and rubbed her forehead. "There is one other mystery. There was a choker on his neck. It was not removed because it seemed to be fused into the boy's body, however one piece could be detached easily. A little research showed it is some kind of power source, but it does not run on dust. Further investigation indicates the choker is designed to receive a certain signal, but there doesn't seem to be any strong enough for it to pick up now." Ozpin stood up, sipped his coffee, and looked out the window.
"Will we be able to heal him?" Ozpin asked.
"They said they can use dust to accelerate the healing process and believe they can repair the damaged tissue," Glynda replied. "It will be complicated, but they are confident in their ability."
"Let them know they have my permission to do anything necessary to help him," Ozpin told her without turning around. "As Hunters, our job is to help the people of Remnant, and that is not limited to dealing with Grimm." He could feel Glynda staring at him intently.
"I understand," she finally said. "Though, I wonder why you personally requested all the information. I would have ordered our staff to help him anyway they could."
"It's a feeling I have," Ozpin replied and turned to face her. "Helping that boy is important. Something is going to happen soon and I want to be prepared."
"Do you have any ideas?"
"I have many, but without more evidence, each seems as unlikely as the next." He sipped his coffee.
"What would you like me to do about the missing girl?" Glynda asked. "Peter still has not returned."
"That will no longer be an issue," Ozpin reassured her.
"You can't be serious!" Glynda almost shouted. "A little girl lost in the woods near our school is a serious issue! Can you imagine what will happen if the news gets out?!"
"What I mean is," Ozpin correct himself. "She has been found."
"By who?"
"Three members of Team RWBY."
"I should have known," Glynda groaned and rubbed her head again. "They always find a way to get involved in everything, even if they shouldn't. Remember the incident at the docks?" She blinked. "Wait, how do you know they found her?"
"As soon as Team JNPR informed me she was lost," Ozpin explained calmly. "I sent word out to some of my friends in Vale, asking them to keep an eye out. With Peter covering the Emerald Forest, if she was not located there, the odds of her finding her way to Vale would be the next logical possibility we could realistically check. If she found her way to another kingdom, it would be difficult to reach her."
"You never believed she was actually with the boy," Glynda pointed out suspiciously.
"Since I was told there were no signs of her near the battle," Ozpin continued. "And I believe in our student's skills, it was likely she had never been there. I simply expanded the search area and kept an ear out for rumors. My decision was rewarded."
"You always had a knack for staying on top of things," Glynda agreed. "Well then, I should contact Team RWBY and let them know to head to my office to explain the situation."
"No, delay that." Glynda frowned and looked at him curiously.
"They should be notified the girl needs to be brought here or they might take her to Vale security."
"This is Team RWBY, remember?"
"What does that…?" Her eyes widened and she rubbed her temples. "They are planning to sneak her into Beacon for some reason, aren't they?"
"That is what my friend overheard," Ozpin confirmed. "Might as well let our students have some fun and think they have pulled the wool over our eyes."
"Ozpin," Glynda said irritably. Her glare became hawklike. "The rules for sneaking in someone are very clear. Such an action would result in a minimum of two weeks-…"
"The situation needs to be taken into account," Ozpin interrupted. "I rather have this be kept low-key for as long as possible, at least until the boy wakes up. You may notify Team JNPR she has been found. No doubt they are worried and kicking themselves for being unable to locate her. However, make sure they understand to keep quiet about the ordeal."
"Understood," Glynda relented and turned to leave.
"Oh, one more thing Glynda."
"Yes?"
"Also tell them to see Team RWBY as soon as they return. Make up a reason for why."
"I'm beginning to think you are using this opportunity to amuse yourself."
"I have no idea what you mean," Ozpin replied mildly and sipped his coffee. "People enjoy pleasant surprises." Glynda rolled her eyes and left his office. Ozpin sat down and picked up the ID Glynda left on his desk. He looked at it closely for a moment and set it back down. He then picked up the medical report and skimmed it once more. Beacon's staff was more than capable of using dust to heal wounds, but complicated brain injuries could be tricky. There were a lot of factors involved, but Ozpin believed the situation could be resolved in as little as a couple days. Instead, he was focused on something else. He stood up again and looked out the window, with his arms crossed behind his back.
So the boy is called Accelerator. Interesting name.
Contrary to what he let on, Ozpin actually recognized the strange language. Ten years had passed since he found the need to read it. He still remembered the day he met a person who could speak and write this language. That man claimed to be from a different world and was only passing through to look for something. Ozpin sensed something from that man, something almost unnatural, but after talking, they found out they had a bit in common. Both had been willing to learn from each other. Ozpin acquired a new language and he had educated the man in basic dust usage. One day the man didn't show up and Ozpin never heard from him again.
I wonder if this boy is related to him. They both had white hair.
"Your friend works at a nightclub?" Touma asked in shock.
"Junior owns the nightclub," Roman laughed. After Roman had given Touma a basic understanding of Remnant, which admittedly took longer than it should have, Roman had not been impressed at the boy's intelligence. However, he had to keep the boy, and by extension Neo, happy. He still didn't know what she saw in him, besides the desire to torture him by pretending to be an obsessed girlfriend. It made the boy obviously uncomfortable. Night was beginning to fall, because they had to wait for the club to open before they could arrive. Well, that was what Roman told Touma, but the truth was Roman could hardly walk around in broad daylight. "He knows pretty much everyone and will be able to find your friends. While he's doing that, I'll take you to our shipment dock. Again, thanks for offering to help us."
"It was the least I could do," Touma replied. "After all the help you and Neo had given to me." Neo giggled and pretended to be embarrassed at the praise. Inside, she was planning how to embarrass him in the club. It wasn't like Junior or his men would stop her from having fun. They knew what would happen if they angered her.
"One more thing," Roman added as they stepped inside and the music started getting quite loud. "Try to avoid attracting attention to yourself. You don't want to accidently show off your unique ability. It could cause some problems if the wrong person finds out." He glared at Neo for a second. The sign was obvious. This means you too.
Neo waved her hand dismissively. Roman wasn't fooled. He knew she would do whatever she wanted to do. It was only because they had been working together for so long that she even obeyed most of his orders. Case in point, he had specifically asked her to keep the boy and herself out of trouble until they left for Junior's, so what did she do? She stabbed one of his men because they had commented that Neo found a lover. Of course, Touma had been in a different room and didn't know what happened, but Roman was down a man now.
"I'll just sit in the corner or something," Touma replied. "I don't want any trouble." He sighed. "Trouble usually finds me soon enough."
"Well, keep it to a minimum." Roman led them to the bar, rather than near the dancefloor. A person dressed up as a bear was the DJ and a lot of people were enjoying themselves. This was perfect for him. The more people attending, the easier it was to blend in. While Roman walked confidently and seemed not to have a care in the world, he was constantly scanning the room for anything suspicious. The only thing he saw were the men in suits and red sunglasses, but they were Junior's men. He sat down and motioned for Neo and Touma to sit down a little further away. He only had to wait for a few seconds when the bartender approached him.
"What will you have?"
"Information."
"One moment." He disappeared into the back and Roman grinned to himself. Everything was going perfectly. As long as someone didn't squeal, he would be in and out before anyone even knew he had been there. Junior was his primary source of information. What Roman had told Touma about Junior was true, he did know just about everyone. Roman's relationship with Junior had been strained recently, but as long as Roman didn't try to borrow more men, Junior would complain a bit and then give him the information he desired. Roman glanced over at Neo, who seemed to be ordering something to drink from another bartender and pressuring the boy to drink with her. As long as she didn't start wrecking the place, she could have her fun. Less than thirty seconds later, the bartender returned with another man behind him.
"Roman," Junior growled and leaned on the bar across from him. Junior was a big man and wore a black vest over a white dress shirt, a red tie, black gloves, and black dress pants. He had gray eyes, short black hair, along with a matching beard and mustache. Right now, those grey eyes were staring down at Roman with a mixture of suspicion and dislike. "You have some nerve. I thought I told you I didn't want you coming around here anymore. You are going to have security up my ass again."
"I'm here for information only," Roman said confidently. "But it's best we speak in private. A lot is going on right now." His eyes darted to Neo and Touma.
"I see," Junior muttered. His curiosity had been raised. "I suppose a talk won't hurt if your companion doesn't cause trouble."
"I told her to behave," Roman reassured him and they shared a look. They both knew what Neo was capable of. "Besides, she will be distracted for a bit and I doubt she will be in the mood to do anything."
"Who's the boy," Junior asked in an undertone. "Her new toy?"
"That's what I thought at first," Roman answered. "Let's just say that boy is dangerous, so do not talk about anything near him." Junior raised an eyebrow and stood up straight. He whispered something to the bartender, who then hastily scooted off.
"Fine," Junior relented. "We can chat in my office." Roman grinned and followed Junior to a back room. Junior sat down on the far side of his desk and Roman took the seat across from him. Junior frowned and reached into a drawer. He pulled out a couple glasses and a bottle of greenish alcohol. After pouring two glasses, he pushed one of them over and took a deep swig of his own.
"The good stuff?" Roman laughed and took it. "I knew you still liked my company."
"I'm hoping you will drink too much and die," Junior grumbled back. "So what makes the great Criminal Mastermind Roman Torchwick seek out my help?"
"I'm looking for some people," Roman replied and passed over a picture. "Here's a copy of the boy's friends. I need to know their whereabouts. He has no idea where they could be and there are a lot of reasons why he doesn't. I'm not going into details about that. Let's say he comes from very far away. If they are anywhere in Vale, I need to know."
"Should be easy enough to find the boy," Junior muttered, as Roman sipped his drink. "White hair stands out for kids. Can't make any promises on the girl." He leaned back in his chair. "I expect the normal fee for locating them."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Roman replied. "See, working with me has its benefits. Nice easy job for you."
"What's your interest with these two?" Junior asked. "Are you trying to blackmail the boy by taking the girl?"
"Nope," Roman answered smugly and leaned back in his seat to imitate Junior. He then sipped his drink before answering. "I'm doing this purely out of the goodness of my heart to help Neo's new friend."
"Bullshit," Junior told him slowly and deliberately. "You and I both know your heart is a shriveled husk of greed and ass."
"Hah! Can't argue with that." Roman paused. "But it is really for him. He came to me and asked for help."
"And what could a boy offer you in exchange for your assistance?" Junior had to ask suspiciously.
"You wound me," Roman said dramatically and placed his hand over his heart. "A boy was in need and I provided support freely." Junior stared at him, until Roman dropped the act and grew serious. "The boy is powerful, but doesn't know how to optimize that power. I plan to make full use of it, to more than make up for your small finder's fee."
"He doesn't look powerful. In fact, he looks pretty normal. Couldn't detect anything special about him at all."
"Nothing at all?" Roman asked this time, a smug smile plastered on his face. Junior frowned.
"He didn't have his Aura unlocked," Junior mumbled. "That's not unusual…" His eyes widened. "That boy didn't have an Aura at all. I was too focused on you and Neo to process that information."
"Bingo!"
"What the hell have you been toying with Roman!?" Junior demanded and stood up. He slammed his hands on the table. "The only things without Aura are Grimm and the nonliving! What is that boy?!"
"Calm down and have a drink," Roman responded and gestured to Junior's glass. Junior glared at him and downed the rest of his drink. "Good man. You have to think about your blood pressure." Roman imitated Junior's action and downed the rest of his own. "That boy has a power I have never seen before and it is because of this power he doesn't have an Aura." Junior frowned and Roman leaned forward. "Neo found him outside Vale surrounded by a swarm of Grimm."
"So he's strong?" Junior shrugged. "That doesn't explain anything. Many experience Hunters can kill large groups of Grimm."
"He never fought any of them," Roman explained.
"What?"
"The Grimm, they ran away from him in fear."
"Impossible. They are incapable of feeling fear."
"He has the power to erase them with merely a touch," Roman continued, enjoying the shocked expression. "Neo witnessed a King Taijitu try to flee him and then disappear."
"That doesn't explain-…"
"Tell me," Roman interrupted. "What makes Hunter's such a pain in the ass to deal with? I'm sure you know since you have the same power."
"Our Auras," Junior responded. "It gives us strength, speed, defense, and Semblances. Quit playing me for a fool."
"And if you fought a Hunter," Roman continued. "What would happen if they lost their Aura in midfight?" There was silence as this sunk in.
"It can't… That boy can erase Auras?" Junior understood what it meant if someone's Aura faded away completely. They would die. He didn't know about the specifics of Touma's power and that information conveniently slipped from Roman's mind. He didn't bother to mention it.
"Now you know why he is so dangerous," Roman continued. "With his power to repel Grimm, as long as he keeps control of his negativity, and crush Hunters, I can deliver my shipment of dust outside of Vale with relative ease and deal with any Hunters who happen to discover us." He grimaced. "Those teenage brats are interfering way too often."
"He didn't seem like the kind of kid to get involved in your kind of activities," Junior finally replied after a short silence. He poured himself another drink. "How did you convince him to help?"
"Oh that was much easier than even I could have hoped for." Roman leaned back in his chair. "Remember when I said he came from far away?"
"Yeah?"
"He doesn't know anything about Vale, Hunters, or the White Fang."
"Okay?"
"So I had to fill him in on those details," Roman continued and then laughed. Junior's eyes widened, when he understood, and a smile began to form on his face.
"You devious bastard," Junior said. He couldn't help admire Roman's skill. "What did you tell him."
"Never get tired of hearing how great I am." Roman laughed and then moved back onto topic. "Naturally, I started off with the totalitarian government of Vale. How they keep all the dust, our very lifeline, to themselves. They starve the nearby towns, keep the poor from having enough to do little more than live, and discriminate against the Faunus. Anyone who disagrees with them gets assaulted by their merciless enforcers known as Hunters. I even recounted my own adventure against the Red Reaper of Death. Seriously, what kind of city would let someone run around with a giant scythe and attack people?" He laughed again. "I didn't tell him we steal dust, but that we smuggle it to the poor and to smaller towns, so they can protect themselves from Grimm attacks. He seemed to be okay with that."
"So you lied about the government, which is actually made up of elected officials, and turned the Hunters, our protectors against Grimm, into villains. Let me guess, these towns are full of Faunus?"
"Of course they are," Roman confirmed in a voice full of mirth. "The White Fang is a freedom group after all. They want to make sure everyone can live, even as they are being oppressed, beaten, and being smeared by Vale. He seemed to understand the pain the group is facing. Something must have happened back home with him. As long as they don't resort to violence, he doesn't have any problem with them protesting for equal treatment. Kid's a little more mature than I gave him credit for, but he's still pretty naïve. He at least understands self-defense when a Hunter attacks." He shook his head in amusement. "Seriously, I think I had too much fun storytelling." He went into a few more details while Junior listened.
"Great," Junior muttered. "A boy with virtually a godlike power has fallen to your lies. Never imagined a human could think the White Fang are peaceful. I'm expecting you to run Vale in a couple years with that tongue of yours. You never cared about anyone before. To think someone believed you are a champion for the downtrodden is laughable."
"I always look out for the most important people."
"And they are?"
"Me, myself, and I."
"Of course," Junior sighed. "Well, don't get me involved in that shit and I'll track these two down for you. Should I go through you or send the information to him directly?"
"Send it to me," Roman answered. "I promised him I would look for them and then let him know if I find something. I never said when I would notify him after I found them, only that it could take a long time."
"Smooth." Junior put the picture away. "Anything else before I kick you out?"
"Depends. Interested in helping me out by solidifying my story?"
"What would that entail?" Junior asked and crossed his arm.
"Nothing big," Roman replied innocently. "When we go back out there, I'll introduce you two. He will probably thank you for your help, a kid with manners, it still shocks me. If you wanted to, let's say… tell him a time or two the Hunters have assaulted you or people you know unprovoked? Feel free to embellish as much as you want. Who knows, he may even be willing to work with you at some point in the future. I have to assume he will grow up at some point and leave my employment."
"This goes against my better judgement," Junior said and rubbed his chin. "But I could do that easily enough. Shoot, I could tell him the truth. You know when my bar was destroyed a while back?" Roman nodded. "A blonde girl came in and threw a temper tantrum because I didn't know where some woman was. Turns out she joined Beacon as a Hunter. It may cause her trouble down the road, so I could embellish a few details, like saying she was a Hunter when she attacked. It wasn't like I could report her to Vale security. We aren't exactly clean here."
"A few stories of the Hunter tyranny will make sure that boy believes every word I say, even if he meets one." Roman stood up. "I will have to tell my subordinates not to say or do certain things around him, but Neo is sure to keep them in line. When she's around, they work quietly and efficiently or they die." Junior stood up at his words.
"I haven't received a call saying she started a fight," he said. "But I have a feeling something is wrong."
"If she wanted to," Roman mentioned offhandedly. "Your entire club would be a sea of blood without any alarm being raised."
"You sure are good at putting my worries to rest," Junior growled sarcastically. "Get out. I need to see how much damage control will have to be done. I'm seriously debating if I want to keep doing business with you."
"You and I both know our relationship won't change," Roman replied. "I will come to you for information and you will accept my Lien. It's how this works."
"I hate to admit it, but you're right," Junior said and shook his head.
"I'm pretty sure this was obvious," Roman added as an afterthought. "You are good at keeping secrets, but if you should leak anything about our meeting today, Neo will be dropping by for a surprise visit. There will be no place you can hide."
"I know," Junior said and tried to sound casual, but he started sweating. Neo was a very real threat. "Part of the job as an information broker is confidentiality. People don't come back if you can't be quiet and a dagger in my back is not what I would like to happen."
"Good man," Roman laughed. "Now, let's see what my associates have been up to in my absence. They greatly admire me you know."
"Sure they do." Junior replied dryly. "Like a rash." They left his office and walked back to the main floor. The club was getting busier, as more customers made their way in. Junior may have been an informant and his club a hangout for some of the shadier groups in Vale, but it was still a real business, a very popular one. Even if he didn't work with criminals, he probably would still have a decent living off the proceeds, but greed can be a powerful motivator. They headed toward the bar and then they both stopped. "Where did the boy go?"
"No idea," Roman said. "But Neo looks unhappy."
That would have been the understatement of the century. Neo was still sitting at the bar and her eyes staring off toward the dance floor. A dark aura surrounded her and kept all other customers and employees away. Several shattered glasses littered the bar table in front of her, but the bartender was standing on the far side, deliberately avoiding eye contact. He refused to be anywhere near Neo for his own safety. That was a smart idea, because the expression on her face indicated she would kill anyone who even remotely annoyed her. Roman sighed and walked up to her, but made sure he approached from the side, rather than sneaking up on her from behind. Junior followed.
"Where's the kid?"
Neo's scowl grew as her eyes darted toward him and Junior. She sighed and pointed to a table on the edge of the dance floor and they turned. Junior's mouth fell open and Roman rubbed his forehead.
"I told him to avoid attracting attention," Roman said irritably. "And he does something like this." Neo nodded, her expression unchanged. The boy was sitting on a table, a tall drink placed in front of him, but looked untouched. Flanked on either side of him were two very attractive girls.
The girl to his right was wearing a white, strapless dress with cyan lining. Her accessories included a large white flower hairpin above her left ear, a white feather scarf, a silver pad with cyan and red feathers on her left shoulder, white gloves, a bow in the center of the top-most part of her bodice, a silver chained belt, cyan wings on the lower back, and long white boots with blades at the heels. The other girl was wearing a red strapless dress with black lining. Her accessories included large red and white feathers above her left ear, black fur hanging off her shoulders and held at the front by a dark gray chain, red gloves, a black bow tied around her waist, and long red boots with very high stiletto heels.
The two girls were also twins, even if their hair styles and clothes were different. The one in white had long black hair and pale green eyes, highlighted by heavy cyan makeup. The girl in red had short black hair and pale green eyes, highlighted by heavy red makeup. Both seemed to be laughing and trying to draw the boy's attention.
"I asked for the twins to keep an eye on him because you said he was trouble," Junior told Roman. "If I knew this would happen…" he grew quiet when Neo turned to him, her eyes flashing dangerously.
"Okay Neo," Roman sighed in frustration. "Tell me what happened." Neo immediately started recounting the story with her sign language.
Feel free to leave a review, comment, suggestions, or ideas, I love reading them. If you have a question you wish I ask and would like a quick answer, feel free to message me directly. I try to respond to those within a day or two. Comments, I tend to respond to in the next chapter.
Everything is coming together nicely. We still never found out what happened to the man in the first chapter, but I'm sure he will show up at some point. I also had a few people comment on Blake being missing, and she should be making her first appearance next chapter.
