Well, it's time for the battle between the Champion and the Number One. Heh, seems like it was virtually unanimous about the outcome of the battle. Pyrrha wins in a surprising upset by using a special item. Nah, just kidding. Everyone said Accelerator needs to win, but Pyrrha can at least make it interesting. That was the consensus. It is a very likely scenario. The RWBY characters are trying to figure out exactly what Accelerator can do, so trial and error is certainly going to be a factor. Then we had people asking about Touma not getting a lot of love. That is true. He has been slacking off with a terrorist group, so he's going to get some love this chapter. Also there will be some information about another fight going on that has kind of been flicking in and out of the spotlight. Now, the important comment that only part of the readers will probably be interested in. Index III has been announced. It finally happened after so many years! Plus, RWBY season 5 is just around the corner. Hubb reviewed this for me again. If he does a bad job, he doesn't get to eat.
The Rupture: Cliffhangers make people want more chapters. Yeah, I'm making the assumption different types of dust are different calculations, so ice dust for example would be different than fire. Touma can attract more than just females. He gets along with most guys too. He could be a bridge between the White Fang and the rest of humanity. Jaune's ability could be working on any principle. Until it's shown in the show or written down, nothing is set.
Artyom-Dreizehn: Ozpin controls everything in his school. I made sure to mention Pyrrha's analyzing Accelerator and the lack of metal weapons. Kite shields really aren't meant to throw, but shield bash is a totally real thing with them. Jaune's reflection would be based on the ideology of protecting others. He intercepts the blows and reverses the force of the blow. It's why Cardin hurt his hand. Heh, maybe Jaune does need to protect someone.
shiroryuu012: Don't forget with Dark Matter, Accelerator took many blows before figuring it out. Dust only needs one or two to figure out, so there is a pretty big difference. Not sure the Almighty Thor would be able to work against Accelerator. As for Touma, everyone is going to meet very shortly.
Formboy1: No faith in Pyrrha. The Sister's went through this, so the characters from another world have to try eventually.
Lloyd RPGFan: Accelerator acts like a jerk to everyone. It's the small differences that say if he likes you or not. Last Order helps with the PR too. You can't stay mad when she talks to you.
Guest: No faith in the champion.
LL: You made me think about Emerald's ability. Would Accelerator be able to deflect it? We don't know exactly how it works, but making him accidently hurting people would be a way to sue him. Tiny Othi-chan talking to them would be funny. Accelerator's power is just plain cheating. Heh, if only Touma brought that outfit with him.
YeTianshi: Accelerator? Lose? That doesn't happen unless the person has plot armor.
Guest: Other people have been saying the same thing. It's true the healing may have weakened him slightly, but it's not like anyone else really got stronger.
G119: He's just having fun with the White Fang. You know, the usual, picnics, shooting practice, and Grimm slaying.
Prof. Pancakes: Technically, all the girls except Ruby are older than him. He's 16ish, the others are 17 and Ruby is 15. However, Accelerator's hormones are messed up because of his power. Now that he is healed, maybe he can change.
Accelerator7460: You know how hard it is to make an Accelerator fight long? Very.
Salishious: Not a bad name.
Memento Mori - The Truth: Yeah, she's about to find that her Semblance is not a good option against him.
Spartastic 4: Both pairings are possible, but nothing is set in stone. There's a lot more happening than just romance in this story. Romance is just a funny slice of life portion. Twins will be a little bit, but I plan to have them return once Touma meets with the others.
Adv: Thanks.
Jonathan Ngoh: It's kind of been split. Some people want a few more Index characters showing up, while others think there are plenty already. Magicians in RWBY would be interesting, but would their magic work in another world with different traditions and beliefs? Heh, Thor vs Nora would be hilarious because of who Nora is supposed to represent. Reason I chose both Accelerator and Touma to get sent to RWBY was because they were guys and RWBY is lacking a lot of important male main characters.
SpiderhunterXXX: Raven is very insistent on making the strong part of her tribe. It's the number one rule: survival of the fittest.
Wiliamsusanto: Nah, she would have shown up already.
Guest: Huh, I may have to fire my reviewer. He missed so much. 1) Touma would never believe a hot older woman would love him like that. 2) Only he and Accelerator know that and neither of them would tell her. 3) That… actually could happen. That's the main reason something like that would happen. As for Touma's ship names, it might be easier to come up with names. I think a lot of Accelerator's is really creative.
WiliamZ0: You are the only one who seems to want Pyrrha to stand against Accelerator. Everyone else knows she will lose. A magic side person would have to come with Mikoto, if they ever showed up. Othinus would be a prime choice, but Leivinia and Thor have been mentioned. Touma will get some screen time in this chapter. We have to know what the White Fang is doing up to this point.
ItzABlueWulf: Heh, Death Battle. No one is going to die this time.
Croniklerx: No, I refuse to even entertain the thought of Cardin being an M with Accelerator. I read enough Cardin X Velvet stuff where that is a thing. Touma is reappearing and will eventually meet the RWBY cast in a couple chapters. That is when the hilarity really begins, along with serious plot. I look for creative names that can't be applied to multiple pairs. Touma has a couple girls who might be open to a harem. Lessar for one. However, he definitely wants one, but there are reasons why he never believes a girl likes him. That is one thing I'm going to be looking forward to in season 5, Jaune's semblance. I hope it comes out before I need it. I stopped reading My Hero Academia, but I had gone pretty far. Cardin was made a leader for a reason. Most of the main cast are special, so it's hard to compare him to them. I like sneaking a little Kami-yan Disease in occasionally.
A certain guest: Using dust in weapons is a science. Since using dust by igniting it with Aura causes more interesting effects, I think of it as a pseudo magic. True magic is RWBY is held by a handful of people and certain relics. (Probably, the relics have not been shown yet.) Dust by itself will be pretty normal, but Accelerator will need to make slight adjustments to make it do what he wants. It might not normally reflect. It's not as complicated as Dark Matter though. I don't know what exact percentage is, but I mentioned his reflection is not automatic. He has to actively keep it up, so when he sleeps, it goes down. Heh, I get a lot of people saying they didn't realize I write other stuff. It's why some of these stories don't get updated quite as fast.
Disclaimer: I do not own Toaru Majutsu no Index or RWBY.
Is this right?
Pyrrha had finished changing from her school uniform into her red and gold armor. Miló and Akoúo̱ were strapped to her back, but she was gazing at a small vial in her hand. Weiss had given it to her last night in preparation for today's fight. The vial contained a mixture of blue ice and dark brown earth dust. Since Accelerator had mentioned he knew what fire dust was capable of with his reflection, Weiss decided to try a different type. The earth dust mixed in was to add a trick to the ice and hopefully cause some issues with Accelerator's power. Pyrrha was not used to using dust besides basic dust rounds while fighting, but she had used dust in class. It was going to be a new experience for her.
She still felt slightly dirty.
Accelerator was facing her with no weapons, except his own power, which admitting was ridiculous in its own right. She wasn't even sure if he knew about her Semblance. Last Order did, but there wasn't any indication she told him. Accelerator even might have been told and forgot. He didn't seem interested in things like that. The reason Pyrrha was feeling guilty was because she was going into battle with a huge advantage that was provided by someone else. It wasn't her usual style. When she faced an opponent, she would face them with honor and her own skill. If they happened to have a weapon made of a material capable of being magnetized, Pyrrha could pretty much control the entire flow of the fight.
Accelerator was not a competitor.
He was an unknown entity.
She also had a competitive side.
I'll only use it as a last resort, Pyrrha thought and pocketed it. There are no rules against using dust and the point of combat class is to learn and grow stronger. She stood up and walked down the hallway to class. The door opened and she stepped into the ring. Accelerator was standing in the middle of the arena already. He did not change and his hands were in his pocket. A bored look etched on his face. There was no doubt in Pyrrha's mind that Accelerator did not want to be here and did not consider her a threat.
"Your Scrolls," Glynda said to them. They handed them to her and she connected them to the monitor. Because each Scroll was synced to their owner's Aura, everyone could see them now. Pyrrha's Aura level was normal, but Accelerator's bar did not move at all. He did not have an Aura, something Pyrrha, her friends, Glynda, and Ozpin all knew. Cardin and most of the class did not.
"What the hell?!" Cardin shouted and there was several other students murmuring in interest. "He doesn't have his Aura unlocked?!" This was more of a blow to his ego than the shock of seeing someone without an activated Aura, because he now believed he and his team had been beaten by a normal civilian.
"Watch your language, Mr. Winchester," Glynda informed him sternly. "Mr. Accelerator is a rather unique case and we know his Aura has not been unlocked." Ozpin nodded and sipped his coffee. Glynda did turn to Accelerator with a shadow of a frown on her face. "However, this brings up a good point. We stop matches when someone's Aura reaches the red. You do not have that luxury. Would you like me to call the fight if I believe you are in danger?"
"Me?" Accelerator asked incredulously. "In danger? Like that could happen. Tell you what, all she has to do is knock me down and it's her win." There was a lot of surprise muttering in the stands at his words. Pyrrha was the strongest in the year and undefeated in her matches.
"Someone's cocky!" Yang called out. Accelerator flicked her off.
"Break his legs!" Nora yelled.
"Good luck! MISAKA yells."
"Good luck!" Ruby cried.
"Do your best, Pyr!" Jaune encouraged and then gave Accelerator a thumbs up to encourage him. Weiss, Blake, and Ren didn't vocalize their support, but were watching closely, waiting for the fight to begin.
"Do you accept those terms?" Glynda asked Pyrrha and Ozpin.
"If that is what he wishes," Pyrrha said politely. "I am fine with it."
"It seems like he is putting himself at a disadvantage," Ozpin commented. "He must have faith in his abilities, so I see no problem with the set up."
"Very well," Glynda said and turned to the combatants. "Are both of you ready…? Okay, you may begin!"
Pyrrha reacted immediately and in a single fluid motion, Miló transformed from a sword into a rifle. She raised it and fired two rounds at Accelerator, who didn't even get a chance to react. Thanks to her reflexes, honed from years of combat, she automatically tilted her body to the right, as the two bullets flew right back at her. It was also thanks to her knowing what Accelerator could do, so she had already begun to move the second she fired. She had been hoping a quick shot might have been able to bypass his reflection and she even aimed at his shoulder to avoid anything vital. To her surprise, Accelerator didn't come after her.
He only yawned and never took his hands out of his pocket.
This was within expectations, Pyrrha told herself to steady her nerves. That attack was more of a test than anything. Accelerator was being rather rude to her, but at least he wasn't insulting her like some opponents she had faced. Direct attacks won't work, so let's see if he has any blind spots. She lowered her shield and charged forward. The only sign Accelerator took note was his eyes shifted to her ever so slightly. When she was only about five feet from him, Pyrrha tossed her shield at him to block his view. Accelerator still refused to even move and the shield made contact with his nose, but it reflected at full speed away from him. He did receive a surprise though. During the brief instant, Pyrrha disappeared.
Accelerator raised an eyebrow.
Got him, Pyrrha thought briefly. She had shifted around him the moment he couldn't see her. Normally, this would be difficult, as her opponents would constantly be moving too, but Accelerator was being overconfident and staying in one place. She was behind him and jabbed her sword into the back of Accelerator's shoulders. "Ah!" Pyrrha grunted, as her blade was bounced back and the sudden change in direction caused pain through her arm. Holding back the full force of her blow probably saved her, as the rebound wasn't as powerful, and her Aura blocked most of the force and pain. Accelerator turned and reached out a hand toward her. Fear flickered through Pyrrha and she treated his hand like a blade and moved to dodge.
Forcing Aura into her legs, she effortlessly leaped over him and landed by her shield.
He doesn't need to see it to block? Pyrrha thought. Maybe if I get him to focus on one attack and use simultaneous strikes? She threw her shield again, but this time, missed Accelerator's face by a fraction of an inch.
"I'm not even moving," Accelerator commented. His tone betrayed his boredom. "And you missed? Aren't you some kind of champ-…?" His words were cut off over the sound of gunfire. The bullets hit him in the chest and reflected back against Pyrrha, who shifted to the side and dodged. A second later, the shield she had tossed hit Accelerator in the back of the head. The plan was to bounce it off the wall behind him and then cause a distraction so the surprise attack would hit. It was a sound plan and flawlessly executed, but she underestimated Accelerator's reflection. The shield bounced straight back, hit the wall, and flew passed Accelerator to Pyrrha, who caught it with an outstretched hand. "Huh, not bad, but it's all pointless."
"It's not over until the buzzer," Pyrrha replied. This is the first time I'm actually worried I won't be able to win. I wish he was wearing something metal. She turned her gun back into a blade and raised her shield. She heard her friends shouting encouragements, but she remained focus on the fight.
"Tsk." Accelerator made an impatient noise with his tongue. "You seemed smarter than most, so I figured you would realize the difference in power." He took a single step forward and the ground around him began to break. "Are you going to make me show you?"
"Yes." Pyrrha smiled and charged forward. Accelerator sighed and tapped the sole of his foot. The broken ground beneath him shattered and battered Pyrrha with a barrage of stone shrapnel. Her shield blocked her face, but the rest of her exposed. She could feel her Aura depleting rapidly and then her danger sense went off. Trusting it, she jumped and rolled to the side and saw she avoided Accelerator's out stretched hand again. She witnessed firsthand what a single touch could do.
"Hold still," Accelerator said annoyed and the ground beneath him exploded as he rocketed toward Pyrrha. Aura, combined with skill and training, allowed Pyrrha to avoid the straightforward attack, but Accelerator only stepped on the ground and rocketed toward her again. His vector manipulation affected himself as easily as anything he touched. He had been content in letting Pyrrha attack him so he could end the fight without doing anything, but he noticed she was being cautious and testing out his defenses. They would be here all day if he didn't do something soon. They repeated these movements for a few minutes, before Pyrrha realized she was being pushed back against the edge of the ring. "Finally," Accelerator growled. "You're slipperier than an eel."
Looks like I don't have a choice, Pyrrha thought and pulled out the vial. Let's see if this works. She heard some whispering in the background, but it was to be expected. Most of the class knew she wasn't a dust user, so seeing her with a vial of dust was a surprise. Weiss would probably tell her friends about their plan, but everyone else could only guess. It was possible they would think she always had this as a last resort. Glynda and Ozpin shared a look, but neither said anything.
"Huh?" Accelerator noticed the vial. "So you can use dust? At least I won't be bored. Show me what you got before I end this."
"If you insist," Pyrrha responded. She uncorked the vial of the mired dust and channeled her aura into it. The dust began to glow softly and shake gently. Accelerator started walking confidently toward her and she waved her hand out, with the open side facing him. A flash of blue light erupted from the vial and Accelerator's eyes widened slightly as he was engulfed. There was shouting from the stands, but Pyrrha was focused on what was happening. The light faded and her mouth fell open.
Accelerator was completely surrounded in ice that jettisoned in every direction to make it vaguely resemble a kind of flower that almost reached the ceiling. The ground and loose rubble was also completely frozen. Pyrrha was shocked at how potent that dust was. Usually a vial that size would only hold enough ice dust to freeze half that amount. Weiss must have mixed some very high quality dust. Pyrrha took a step forward and inhaled, before swapping her weapon into spear form. Please say I didn't freeze him solid. I didn't think it would be that powerful.
"Look out!" Jaune yelled out in warning. Pyrrha blinked and heard it.
Crack.
Then the ice prison exploded.
Pyrrha raised her shield to protect her face and felt chunks of ice collide with her. There was a slight drain on her Aura, but the force behind the ice wasn't designed to be an attack. She lowered her shield and her eyes widened. Standing within the remains of the ice prison, was Accelerator, completely unharmed. He had his finger in his ear like he was trying to get something out. However, the bored look in his eyes was gone, as he directed them toward her, and he smiled. An involuntary shiver ran down her back. That smile wasn't one of amusement, but rather of a predator who eyed some prey.
"So you can bite," Accelerator laughed. "That was interesting. I actually felt cold there for a moment. As thanks," he held out his hand, "I'll show you something interesting too, as a reward." The air in the room started to move. Pyrrha was only able to tell this at first because a few strands of her air rose and flickered toward Accelerator. Then, as dust and ice flakes began to rise into the air and spin, she realized what was happening.
A vortex of wind was forming around his hand.
"He can control wind too?!" Yang exclaimed. "That's it! I call hacks!"
"That is so cool!" Ruby added in complete contrast to her sister.
"Come on, Pyrrha!" Jaune called out. "You can do this." Even as he said it, things did not look good.
"She's cornered." Ren voiced Jaune's fear out loud.
"I wish I could make a tornado," Nora wished jealously.
"Don't hurt MISAKA's friend, MISAKA orders."
"That concentration of dust was certainly powerful," Blake whispered to Weiss. "Were you going for a sudden burst to bypass his defenses?"
"That was the initial design," Weiss confirmed, her eyes never leaving the fight. "But I wanted another layer. I mixed in some special earth dust that we were hoping would affect him. How much it actually does and how Pyrrha can use it will determine the outcome of this match."
Not good, Pyrrha thought in a slight panic. She had never been in such a one sided fight. Accelerator was in a league of his own. Not only did the high quality ice dust barely slow him down, but his power even worked on the very air itself. Weapons didn't work, brute strength didn't work, surprise attacks didn't work, dust didn't work, nothing seemed to break his defenses. She had one last option at her disposal.
Her Semblance.
Pyrrha welded the power of polarity, or magnetism. Against normal opponents, it was a huge advantage and would allow her to win matches with ease. Few people actually knew what it was, because she kept it on the down low. It was mainly used to alternate the trajectory of a blow now and then, slow down an attack, or speed up her own. This power was useless against Grimm, which is one reason she practiced so much, but it was also useless against opponents who didn't have anything capable of being magnetized, like Accelerator. However, this changed with her last dust attack. She could sense it.
Everything the ice touched could be magnetized.
Of course, this was only temporarily. The earth dust mixed in is what caused the affect and Weiss had explained it would only last a few minutes after being charged with Aura. Accelerator didn't have a way to tell what the dust did, so Pyrrha had the element of surprise. The ground around him could be manipulated, but that wasn't what she was going for. His reflection would just knock it away. Pyrrha was going for something closer to home.
Accelerator's shirt and pants were affected.
As Accelerator began to pull his hand back and the wind with it, Pyrrha concentrated her Semblance at his sleeve. She could feel her Semblance pushing on the cloth and his arm slowed. She blinked in surprise when the arm stopped moving and her power broke. What happened? She locked eyes with Accelerator and she instantly knew.
"You are the first one to try something like that," Accelerator explained to her. "If something is touching me, I have full control over it." He moved his hand forward and a cyclone of wind was fired too fast for Pyrrha to dodge. The air was moving easily 120 meters per second and crashed into her.
"Ah!" Pyrrha cried out involuntarily in pain. She was lifted into the air and thrown out of the ring, before crashing into the wall. It was not nearly the same amount of force Accelerator used on Team CRDL, but it still left her winded. She slid down the wall and hit the floor. She stood up a second later and tested her muscles to make sure she was okay. The silence in the room was palpable as everyone stared. Pyrrha, the person at the top of their combat class, was beaten handily by a scrawny, unknown kid without an Aura.
"Miss Nikos has been knocked out of the ring," Glynda declared. She and Ozpin at least appeared calm, which made sense. They had the most accurate picture of his power and their experience allowed them to picture what he truly would be capable of doing. Ozpin was interested in seeing how much Accelerator would hold back once he knew what Aura was capable of. Pyrrha's Aura was only at the halfway point and he ended the fight with a simple ring out.
Did he plan that after seeing the earlier fights or was it just luck?
Pyrrha dusted herself off and walked over to Accelerator. "Good match," she told him and held out a hand. Accelerator looked at her for a second.
"Hmph." He put his hands into his pocket and walked back up the stands, as the bell rang.
"Class dismissed," Glynda told everyone. Her hawklike eyes were on Accelerator for his rudeness.
"One moment," Ozpin announced, as everyone started packing. "Will Miss Rose and Mr. Arc join me in my office after your lunch period? I have a few things I wish to discuss with you."
Jaune and Ruby looked at each other with a mixture of confusion and worry.
"What do you think he wants?" Ruby asked Jaune nervously, as they stood outside his office.
"Maybe to congratulate us on our performance?" Jaune suggested lamely.
"If that was the case," Ruby protested and waved her arms. "He would have just told us in class!"
"I'm sure it's nothing bad," Jaune reassured her, but at the same time was trying to keep himself calm. This can't be about my transcripts. Ruby wouldn't be here. Yang suggested they might want our teams to do something, maybe volunteer work to make up for all the stuff she and Nora broke. That actually sounds plausible. He raised his hand and knocked because Ruby gave no indication she was going to.
"Come in." Ozpin's voice rang clearly through the door. Jaune gulped and opened it. They stepped into the office and the door closed behind them. Ozpin was sitting at his desk and Glynda was standing by it. She didn't look very happy, but Ozpin had a neutral expression. Jaune and Ruby automatically straightened up, something he must have noticed. "Relax, neither of you are in any sort of trouble. Please, have a seat." They obliged.
"What is this about, sir?" Ruby asked.
"Do you two know the process about receiving your first official mission in Beacon?" Ozpin asked. Ruby and Jaune looked at him blankly. Glynda sighed and rubbed her temple.
"As Hunters-in-Training," Glynda explained. "You will be required to periodically participate in missions for Vale, both in and outside the walls. The point of this is to use your skills to benefit the kingdom, while simultaneously giving you real world experience. First years are given their first assignment in the middle of the year after an assessment of their abilities has been made. You will then choose a mission from a list approved by the faculty of beacon and have a licensed Hunter accompany you."
"Oh," Jaune realized. "Ren mentioned this once. Don't we have like a month or so until then?"
"Normally, yes," Ozpin confirmed and set down his mug. "However, something critical has come up."
"So you need us to do something?" Ruby asked excitedly, her eyes sparkling. "What is it? Protecting a VIP? Saving a village from Grimm?"
"Not quite," Ozpin told them. "Do you know the history of Mt. Glenn?"
"Err…," Ruby mumbled, thinking hard.
"Wasn't that an expansion at one time?" Jaune asked.
"It's good to see Miss Nikos's teachings have been useful," Glynda said and Jaune eyed the floor in embarrassment.
"Now, Glynda," Ozpin stated calmly. "This is more recent history and Bart has most likely not covered it in class yet." He turned back to Jaune and Ruby. "Mt. Glenn was Vale's first serious attempt at expansion," he explained. "An elaborate underground metro system was established that allowed the settlers to commute between the main kingdom and the new territory, bypassing the Grimm."
"So we are going there to get our mission?" Jaune asked.
"No," Ozpin said sternly. "Mt. Glenn does not exist anymore except being a testimony of the ferocity of the forces that await us outside our walls." He was met by silence for a moment.
"…the Grimm overran it," Ruby whispered quietly.
"That is correct, Miss Rose. Mt. Glenn lacked the natural defenses Vale has, so an aggressive perimeter defense was created. This worked, for a time. The forces of Grimm kept battering against our defenses until they eventually overwhelmed the city defenses. In a last-ditch effort to save its residents, the citizens took refuge in the tunnels they had initially cleared for their subways, converting them into an underground settlement and cutting themselves off from the surface entirely. This safe haven worked until a tunnel collapsed and the Grimm swarmed in. Vale had no choice but to seal off the tunnels and abandon its plans for continued expansion." Ruby looked at the ground and Jaune didn't look much happier, but he had to ask something.
"Why were the Grimm so numerous?" Jaune asked. "I mean, they are attracted to negative emotions, but even Vale isn't sieged on a daily basis. I know people might have been nervous, but wouldn't they be excited knowing that our territory was expanding?" Ozpin looked over at Glynda, who nodded.
"There are several reasons," she stated. "But the main one was Merlot Industries."
"Merlot Industries?" Jaune and Ruby asked simultaneously.
"The corporation initially led research into artificial intelligence and genetics. However, they began experimenting on live Grimm, later going as far as attracting Grimm to the city in order to acquire additional specimens. You saw the results."
"How could they!?" Ruby demanded. "They sacrificed so many lives!"
"They believed the secret to defeating the Grimm," Ozpin explained. "Was to understand them completely. They went about it the wrong way, but their corporation could not recover from the loss they sustained and are no longer in operations."
"That's one piece of good news," Ruby muttered dryly. The conversation was not pleasant.
"If Vale abandoned the city," Jaune questioned. "Why would you need to send us there?"
"Because something strange is happening there," Ozpin continued. "Due to the catastrophe, Grimm have always congregated there and need clearing out periodically every few years. Right now, they are gathering much quicker. If we delay too long, we could have a large enough group that could actively threaten Vale."
"So you want us to go and clear them out?" Ruby asked. "Sounds simple. Are both our teams going because of the numbers?"
"Yes and no," Ozpin corrected her. "Team JNPR will be in charge of thinning out the Grimm population."
"Nora's going to love that," Jaune whispered to himself. He was nervous, but if the rest of his team was there, they would probably be okay. His skills weren't nearly as good as theirs, but he was confident in their teamwork.
"As for team RWBY," Ozpin continued, as if Jaune had not said anything. "There is a second objective." Ruby say at the edge of her seat excitedly. "I want your team to investigate why the Grimm are congregating faster than they have in recent years."
"Cool!" Ruby exclaimed. "A stealth operation. Yang might not be excited, but we will totally be spies."
"There are a couple things you need to know about this operation," Ozpin interrupted. "First, you will not be going alone. A licensed Hunter will accompany you. Second, you may not be familiar with group dynamics among two or more Hunter teams. While, as leaders, you have your assigned objectives, you may decide certain members of your team may be suited for a different objective. If you wish to trade team members for this assignment, the choice lies with you two."
"Huh," Jaune grunted in thought. "If that's the case, Yang might be a better choice for outside."
"Ren could join us," Ruby agreed. "He would be better suited for stealth and investigation."
"We can discuss it later," Jaune whispered, aware Glynda and Ozpin were watching them. "So, umm, when do we leave for Mt. Glenn?"
"Tomorrow morning," Glynda informed them.
"So soon?!" They asked in surprise. She nodded.
"Time is of the essence," Ozpin explained seriously. "Our forces are stretched thin at the border and we need to figure out what is going on before we can receive authorization to send in an extermination force. Because of the nature of this mission, and many uncertainties, if it is decided the risks are too high, you are to retreat immediately and report back with any findings. Do not sacrifice your lives needlessly."
"Sir?" Jaune asked. "Do you, personally, believe something more is happening?"
"I believe so," Ozpin confirmed. "After all, this did not occur until Mr. Accelerator and Miss Order arrived in our world."
"Maybe it's their friend, Touma," Ruby suggested. "We know he's out there and working for Torchwick… eep!" She covered her mouth. They had not told Glynda or Ozpin about that information.
"What was that?" Glynda asked and she raised an eyebrow.
"…nothing," Ruby muttered.
"As it so happens," Ozpin said, stepping in before anything could happen. "We know Mr. Kamijou has been seen in the presence of Roman Torchwick. We have heard rumors of his power, but perhaps you could give us any information you know and we could… overlook… forgetting to tell us about it."
"From what we know," Jaune said slowly, determined not to throw Blake under the bus. "His power is negation and can erase supernatural things. A single touch on a Grimm causes them to vanish." Glynda raised an eyebrow. "Grimm also seem to avoid approaching him for some reason. It might be fear, but we don't know. We also believe Torchwick is tricking him into helping him and the White Fang."
"Hang on," Ruby interrupted. "Grimm won't go near him, but they will approach him to a certain point. Maybe he is there and the Grimm are trying to get him, but can't." Her face fell. "If he is there, that means the White Fang is too."
"It is possible," Ozpin acknowledged. "And is what your team needs to find out. Are you both willing?"
"Yes!" Ruby agreed. "Team RWBY is in!"
"Same with Team JNPR," Jaune added. "But sir, what about Accelerator? Is he going to be coming with us…?"
"No," Glynda informed them instead of Ozpin. "While Mr. Accelerator has demonstrated his proficiency, there are still concerns about his ability to work with a team. Can you say that if he was given the order to retreat, that he would immediately without incident?"
"…No," Jaune admitted. "I can see him believing running away is for cowards."
"I don't think he understands subtly either," Ruby added and then couldn't suppress a giggle. "I can see him collapsing Mt. Glenn." Jaune snickered too but quickly calmed downed under Glynda's glare.
"I'm glad you agree with our decision." Ozpin took a sip from his coffee. "One final thing. I cannot stress how dangerous this mission could be and it is possible you may be forced to retreat. The Hunter assigned to watch over you is in charge. If he rules that the situation is too dangerous and to fall back, you will do so." Ruby and Jaune nodded seriously. "Also, because there are two groups, a chain of command needs to be established, in the instance the lead Hunter is no longer able to continue, one of you two will be in charge."
"By, able to continue," Ruby asked quietly. "You mean?"
"We have a dangerous job." Ozpin's words were clear. "Now, I have decided on who will take over incase this situation occurs. It will be…"
Deep in the underbelly of Mt. Glenn, Touma was walking around with Perry and Rita.
There wasn't much for him to do. The dust had been loaded into the trains, waiting for dispatch orders, and now everyone else was mostly performing routine patrols. Roman had told Touma as long as he stayed close by and was escorted so he didn't get lost, he could look around. Most of the time was either spent with Neo or, when she wasn't available, Perry and Rita. It wasn't like he purposely sought them out, it was just everyone else was either busy, there was a larger age gap, or they didn't know how that well. Perry and Rita began to treat him more like one of the group, while the others kept their distance.
And then there was Neo.
If Neo wasn't doing something for Roman, she preferred to be near him. Touma didn't necessarily dislike hanging around her, but he did wish she wouldn't embarrass him at every opportunity. In her defense, nothing she ever did to him was dangerous. When meals were passed out, she would insist on feeding him like a kid, but only for a couple bites and then let him eat normally. When he was somewhere with a group of White Fang nearby, she would pop out of nowhere, grab his arm, and insist on walking around with him. He had asked Roman about it and he only laughed at him. He said she was just showing her affection, let her have some fun, and he should be proud to attract her attention. Touma didn't believe this was true and she was only teasing. Besides that, she proved to be a very intelligent individual. Touma learned a lot about the history, Grimm, the kingdoms, and religious beliefs.
"Patrol duty is so boring," Rita complained. She and Perry were holding dust rifles, but Touma remained unharmed. The quartermaster had actually asked if he wanted one, but Touma never liked holding a gun.
"It certainly has quieted down since someone arrived," Perry agreed and motioned to Touma. "Can't complain, though. You never stop having nightmares when a Beowolf pops up right in front of you."
"Glad I could help," Touma replied. He kept his voice mild, but kept glancing around the tunnels, like he was expecting them to be ambushed. "But if my hand is keeping the Grimm back, why are we still patrolling?"
"Just in case," Rita explained. She had really opened up to Touma recently. "We do see most of the Grimm stay away, but there may be a unique Grimm that actually wants to seek you out. We can't risk one getting in close, causing havoc, and then emboldening the others. Periodic patrols are still required."
"Though the number drastically reduced," Perry added. "We are also worried about possible scouts from private organizations that hate Faunus. It wouldn't be the first time the Schnee had sent a mercenary force to wipe out protestors."
Schnee.
It wasn't the first time Touma heard about that family. The Schnee family was largest provider of dust to the four kingdoms and they were stationed in Atlas. Because dust was so valuable and a major part of Atlas's economy, the Schnee could get away with murder. Faunus were discriminated against and had limited job opportunities in many areas, so the Schnee took advantage of that. Their company paid Faunus less than human and separated them into the dangerous mines. The conditions were subpar and accidents were commonplace, along with fatalities. Many of the White Fang lost family and friends to them. Touma wanted to believe there was a logical explanation for it, but a small part of him admitted large corporations were known to cut costs whenever they could to maximize profits. Neo elaborated a bit when he asked her why the Schnee could get away with it and he was told it came down to two things: money and necessity. The Schnee could pay people off and keeping costs low kept dust prices low, which the rest of Remnant needed.
It was a bad situation made worse.
Two sides to every story. "No one knows you guys are here," Touma pointed out. "So it should just be Grimm." He frowned. "Unless people come out here to explore or something."
"Nah," Perry answered and waved his hand. "Vale likes to pretend this didn't happen, so I doubt they would send out exploratory forces. They already did that years ago."
"Hold on." Rita cut them off and pointed down a side passage. "Hear something?" Touma strained his ears, but all was silent.
"Sounds like trouble," Perry agreed and gripped his rifle tightly. "Move slowly, stick together. Pretty sure it's a Grimm."
"I don't hear anything," Touma whispered as they headed in the direction.
"Faunus hearing," his companions answered. Touma followed them quietly. He had very limited experience with Grimm. "If it's leaving the tunnels toward outside," Rita whispered. "We can leave it alone. Otherwise, we are going to blast it and you shield us with your power."
"Got it," Touma replied immediately. "But why let it leave? Won't it join the other Grimm? Where did it even come from?"
"There are subterranean Grimm," Rita explained. "As for why we don't just blast them, think about it. Why waste ammo when dust is so precious. Plus, the sound could attract more. Curiosity could override their desire to stay away."
"Makes sense," Touma muttered. They turned another corner and quickly came to a halt. The thing in front of them was definitely a Grimm. Touma recognized the black fur and white mask and armor pieces, but he had not seen that type before. It reminded him of a two legged lizard. There were no forelimbs, only hind limbs. The hind limbs were dual-clawed, and inverted at the knee joints, heavily akin to an ostrich. They also possessed tails, which seemed to allow it control its balance. The Grimm must have heard their footsteps, because it turned around to glare at them. The mask on its face was stubbier than a Beowolf's.
"It's heading toward our base," Perry said. "Exterminate it."
"Got it." Rita and Perry began to fire and the Grimm quickly fell to their bullets. The body began to dissolve into smoke, as the two of them holstered their weapons.
"What type of Grimm was that?" Touma asked.
"Just a Creep," Perry informed him. "Fast, but virtually no armor. Likes dark places. They usually ambush with numbers." He frowned. "It's unusual to see them alone like that."
"They usually try to swarm," Rita spat out. "Annoying little buggers."
"Should we report this? Let them know there could be more Creeps?" Touma had no idea what the proper procedures were, but he didn't want the White Fang to suffer a surprise attack. He had gotten to know quite a few of them, with Rita and Perry actually being friends.
"I suppose we should," Perry relented and pulled out his radio. Before he could say anything, a voice came through.
"All patrols report back immediately! A cave in as stirred up a group of Grimm near the trains! I repeat, all patrols report back immediately!"
"That answers that question," Rita commented, before beginning to sprint down the corridor they had just come from. "Hurry up, blackheads!"
"Quit your nagging!" Perry yelled back, as he and Touma raced after her. Touma still couldn't shake the feeling the two of them were together.
The three of them arrived shortly after the flood of Creeps emerged from a tunnel.
For the most part, the White Fang had dug in and was holding the line. The Creeps were indeed not very strong and fell to a couple well placed bullets, but there were many of them and they were fast. With sheer numbers, they began to close the gap. Rita, Perry, and Touma had come out of a tunnel about one story up and overlooking the fight. It gave them a well place vantage point to start shooting, which Rita and Perry did. Touma took off down the stairs to the ground floor so he could join the main battle. If my hand keeps them away, the Creeps won't want to close in and we can wipe them out without a loss of life. He had almost reached them, when he heard a loud bellow.
Something else emerged from the tunnel.
Due to the black skin, white mask with red markings, and bonelike plating acting like makeshift armor, it was obviously a Grimm, but it was much larger than a Creep, virtually twice as tall as a normal human. Touma was reminded of a large gorilla. Muscles seemed to bulge from its arms and legs each time it stepped forward. The Creeps parted around it, but they kept coming. Sensing the threat, several White Fang members focused fire on the new Grimm. Each bullet just bounced off its armor and hide without any noticeable damage. Though, it appeared to make it angry, really angry. Its mouth opened and it roared. The sound echoed all around then tunnels.
"Beringel!" someone yelled to the new members arriving at the scene.
"Keep the Creeps back!" the Lieutenant ordered, as he revved up his chainsaw. "I'll handle it when the time comes."
"Now this is a pleasant experience to walk into," a voice next to Touma commented, which caused Touma to jump slightly in surprise. "Easy boy, no need to be so squeamish. These mutts know what they signed up for." Touma turned to see Roman standing next to him, leaning on his cane.
"What should I do?" Touma asked immediately. "And what is that thing?"
"A Beringel," Roman replied, as the two of them walked toward the front line. "Fast, strong, and armored. Regular dust bullets won't do anything against it, except make it angry. Got a couple people pulling out some better weaponry to use against it and Neo is preparing to strike. It's not going anywhere. As for what you are doing," Roman grinned. "Moving to the front lines to keep the enemy back with your hand, an intelligent decision. Look, it's already having an effect." Touma noticed that now he and Roman where only a row behind the White Fang shooting over a makeshift barricade, the Creeps would not get near, which caused them to fall to the dust bullets.
The Beringel did not appear to appreciate cowardice.
It grabbed one of the retreating Creeps and picked it up, with a single arm. Touma's eyes widened and he knew what it was going to do. "What out!" he yelled, but no one had time to prepare. The Beringel threw the creep like a baseball and it crashed into the barricades, knocked a couple of the White Fang down. The Creep sprang back up to its feet and tried to grab the nearest person with its teeth. The man screamed and Touma had only managed to take a single step when Neo appeared suddenly on top of the Creep. She brought the sword normally hidden in her parasol down into the back of the Creep's neck. A loud screech of pain was heard and the Creep fell.
"Perfect work," Roman praised her. "As usual." Neo curtsied cutely and then winked at Touma, who blushed. "Think you could do that to the Beringel?" Neo frowned, held a finger to her cheek, and shook her head. She made a few gestures with her hand, while the sound of gunfire echoed around them.
"Armor's too thick for conventional weapons," Roman muttered. "Figures. Looks like we have to use the dust cannon." Neo grinned excitedly. "No, you don't get to fire it." Her smile crashed to the floor and she began to pout.
"What if I can touch it?" Touma asked Roman. "It would save dust that's needed elsewhere." At least I can do something to help. Sitting around while others fight is not my style.
"Think you can erase it before it squashes you?" Roman asked, slightly amused. "They have been known to knock down buildings with ease."
"I should be able to," Touma said, but he hesitated slightly. "Most of the Creeps are gone, but some cover fire won't hurt."
"Easy enough," Roman declared and turned to the White Fang. "Alright, focus fire on the Beringel to keep it occupied! Our friend is going to take care of it, but he needs to get close!" The firing paused for a moment, as everyone aimed, and then it sound like a machine gun started running. Everyone was blasting the Beringel and it was forced to cover its face to avoid the bullets. Touma jumped over the barricades and made his way forward, praying the gunners wouldn't hit him. "Be prepared to rescue him if it goes south," Roman told Neo, who nodded.
I got this, Touma thought as he neared. With the Beringel covering its face, it couldn't see him approaching, but it must have sensed him. Touma was only ten feet away when it looked under its arm to make eye contact. It roared at him menacingly, but then it tried to back up. Touma could tell his power was scaring it. However, due to its size, it couldn't back up quickly and Touma closed in. The Beringel raised its arm and brought it down toward Touma's head. The blow was far too quick for a normal person to dodge, or at least someone without experience. Touma was used to the people around him being far stronger, faster, and smarter than him. Because of that, he developed a sort of precognition. It wasn't really a power. It was more along his battle instincts had been heightened to the extreme.
Touma ducked under the hand that would have knocked down a wall, while simultaneously reaching up and lightly tapping the black hair. The sound of breaking glass was heard and the Beringel disappeared. There was no explosion, no energy, nothing except that it ceased to exist. The remaining Creeps noticed their commander failed and began to flee into the tunnels. There was only a few shots being fired, but most of the gunfire had stopped. Touma sighed in relief and felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Neo giving him a thumbs up. He smiled at her and turned to the rest of the White Fang, who began to cheer.
"Not bad, kid." Roman walked up to Touma and Neo. "Thanks to your actions, we don't have to waste all the dust for a couple heavy weapons. Though, I'm sure Neo could have taken care of things without them." Neo had a smug look on her face.
"What happens now?" Touma asked. "It seems like we are just waiting around. Wouldn't these attacks continue to happen the longer we are here?"
"Until this area is discovered," Roman explained. "The White Fang is planning to use it as their main base of operations for the area. It takes time to fortify against every possible Grimm." He looked over his shoulder and saw the White Fang beginning to celebrate. "You might as well go with them. I can hardly justify keeping the hero from a party." Touma looked like he was going to argue, but Neo pushed him towards the others, after making a very suggestive gesture with her hand and mouth. Touma blink and scooted off, completely embarrassed. "I can never tell if you're serious with him," Roman calmly stated to Neo. "I expect a booty call once in a while, but I rarely see you act like a lovestruck teenager unless you are manipulating someone.
Neo held her hand out and rotated it in the air back and forth.
"As long as I don't have to hear it," Roman sighed and Neo grinned. "Come with me. I received a message from our good friend, Junior." She nodded and trotted after him, with only a single glance over her shoulder. Most Faunus had heightened senses, which included hearing, so Roman and Neo had to make sure they were far away from anyone to avoid being overheard. One White Fang grunt thought he would be clever to spy on them and Neo dispatched him. His body was eventually found torn apart by Grimm. They entered one of the underground buildings and ascended to one of the top floors, so they could watch over everyone. "Seems like the boy's friends have been found." Neo frowned and began to gesture.
'Where are they?'
"Annoyingly," Roman said. "With some of Ozpin's Hunters, including Red and that little Kitty."
'Are you going to tell him?'
"Sure." Neo raised an eyebrow and Roman grinned. "Eventually. Maybe after a couple years or so, when he's no longer useful, and you don't want him as your boy toy." Neo snickered. "I don't recall ever saying when I would tell him once I found out, only that I would."
'You're such an ass.'
"Thank you, doll."
'So when can we leave this dump?'
"The bitch doesn't want us to move until the festival. Something about causing the greatest impact with the most amount of people. Don't really care, myself. Once fortifications are prepared, we don't have to be back for a couple of weeks. I figure some R and R, a little robbery, and some delicious food is in order. The rations out here are worse than prison slop in Vacuo."
'We taking him with us?'
'Of course," Roman confirmed. "I have some ideas on how to benefit from his power against professional Hunters. He also seems to have away with people. Have you noticed?" Neo nodded. "Figured he must have something for animals, otherwise he would be putty in your hands." She giggled and then made a weird gesture. "Recruit his friends? If we found them before Ozpin's lackeys did, maybe. Now, they probably know enough about how things really operate and will convince our young companion we might not be completely honest in our means."
'Us? Dishonest? How rude!' Roman laughed.
"At the very least," Roman continued. "We can go back to our usual city comfort."
"…Arc!?" Weiss cried out after Ruby briefed her in their room. "He's been appointed second in command?!"
"Yep!" Ruby explained. "But that's only in case the Hunter in charge gets."
"Heh," Yang laughed from her bed. "How did Vomit Boy take it?"
"He… looked like he was going to vomit again, actually." Ruby relived that moment in her mind.
"Me?" Jaune asked and he looked like a deer in headlights.
"I was observing your matches for the specific reason of seeing if your teams were capable," Ozpin explained. "What I saw confirmed my choice in determining the chain of command."
"But…me?" Jaune repeated. "Everyone else performed leagues better than me. Ruby was the reason we won the fight."
"A leader must possess more than just combat prowess," Ozpin explained. "You made the decision that achieved victory, even at the cost of yourself. Not everyone can do such a thing."
"He's right, Jaune," Ruby added, as she tried to encourage her close friend. "I wouldn't have noticed Weiss being open if you hadn't shouted. You are a great leader, just have a little more confidence in yourself."
"This is one decision he made I actually agree with," Glynda added, which caused Ruby and Jaune to look up in surprise. "Don't misunderstand me, your combat abilities are below what I would like," Jaune flinched, "But you are one of the top performers in Ozpin's strategic leadership classes. I believe you can make decisions that will not endanger your teammates' lives needlessly." Her eyes darted over to Ruby, who blushed.
"But even Goodwitch agreed," Ruby continued.
"That's rare," Yang muttered and looked down at Blake below her. "What do you think, Kitty Cat?"
"I think I want you to stop calling me that," Blake mumbled back angrily. She lowered her book slightly.
"I mean about Jaune being second in command over Ruby."
"I trust our professors," Blake responded neutrally.
"Come on!" Weiss said impatiently. "It's…Arc! He's at the bottom of our combat class. The reason his team performs so well, is that the others members are all really strong."
"Weiss," Yang warned. "That's uncalled for."
"Jaune's a great person!" Ruby protested, slightly angrily.
"I'm not saying he's a bad person," Weiss clarified. "He may have qualities I dislike, but he is not nearly as bad as people I have met back home. I am simply pointing out his lack of skill is going to risk all of our lives." She turned to Blake, who had shifted her gaze to look at her. "You understand where I'm going with this, right?" Blake sighed and put her book down. She actually was okay with Jaune, but they had never spent a lot of time together except with their teams. He was actually for equality and was willing to protect Faunus, so that was a huge thing in her book. However, Blake figured out what was really bothering Weiss.
"I believe you are upset because Jaune is better at something than you," Blake stated and sat up. The room grew quiet. "While it is true his combat skills are lower than ours, he is working with Pyrrha constantly to improve. Now, Ozpin has located his strong point and wants to use it. You have always seen him below us and now that he has been appointed above you, you feel threaten."
"T-that's p-preposterous," Weiss stuttered. "I would never be so shallow!" Yang and Blake raised an eyebrow. "I am simply worried about our teams in case things go wrong. You know they usually do when we get involved." None of them could argue that. "But… if our professors believe he is capable, I will believe in them."
"Aww!" Ruby cooed and sped forward to hug her partner. "I knew you would come around. I promise Jaune will show you his good points!"
"Fine, just get off." Weiss started prying Ruby off her.
"Have you been bottling that in for a while about Weiss Cream?" Yang whispered to Blake. "Seems like it was well thought out."
"You know she has to be brought down a peg from time to time," Blake whispered back.
"True, that."
"Oh, Yang!" Ruby called out, after Weiss finally separated her. "Because our team is assigned for information gathering on this mission and Team JNPR is assigned with Grimm extermination, Jaune and I thought we might have to trade some of our teammates to optimize."
"So you want me to work with them?" Yang asked to clarify and Ruby nodded. "Sure. Punching things is more my style than rooting around looking for clues."
"Who are you planning to replace her?" Blake asked.
"Ren," Ruby answered immediately. "He's smart, has experience investigating, and can be stealthy if it turns out we are spying."
"That's… actually very smart," Weiss said, sounding impressed.
"Yay! Weiss complimented me!"
"Now, I regret it."
"I'm going to miss you," Yang told Blake. "Try not to fall for Ren and forget your favorite blonde."
"Who are you?" Blake asked with a smirk and Yang laughed. Blake turned her gaze back to her book and a thought passed through her mind. I can understand Jaune and Ruby being paired up if Ozpin wanted to test their leadership skills, but what about the other fights. If we go with Jaune's and Ruby's plan, then Ren and I will be partners, while Yang and Nora will be partners. It's just like our fight. Could Ozpin have planned this? But this was Ruby's decision, not his. I bet it's just coincidence. She stopped worrying about it and focused on finishing her book. It was hard though, because she was worried about if the White Fang was actually there or not.
"I don't want to lose Ren!" Nora cried, as she held him in a bone crushing hug.
"It's only temporary," Jaune reassured her. He was having a little less luck telling his team what had transpired. Pyrrha and Ren agreed, but Nora didn't want to be separated from her partner. Accelerator was trying to ignore them and play video games with Last Order, but she kept being distracted by the conversation. "We figured you would want to stay and pulverize Grimm with us, while Ren takes over the investigation."
"But I like to spy too!" Nora protested.
"Nora," Pyrrha said calmly. "You should let Ren go. He needs to breath." Nora gasped and loosened her hold, which allowed Ren to fall onto the bed, panting slightly.
"Thanks." Ren sat up and regained his composure. "Nora, you are much better at fighting Grimm than sneaking around. Besides, you have more fun doing it. Being part of Team RWBY for one mission doesn't mean we will be separated for long. We will simply be doing two different things simultaneously."
"Like multitasking?" Nora asked.
"Yes, like multitasking."
"Oh, I guess that's okay." Nora nodded and grabbed her remote to play the next round with Last Order and Accelerator.
"So," Pyrrha said to Jaune. "Congratulations on being second in command."
"What was Ozpin thinking?" Jaune moaned and fell onto his bed.
"You are all going to die," Accelerator said and Last Order slapped his arm.
"Be nice, MISAKA demands. MISAKA believes you will be a fine leader MISAKA says as MISAKA tries to cheer you up. MISAKA heard how you found Accelerator." Accelerator made a noise with his tongue.
"She's right, Fearless Leader," Nora added. "You have proven your determination and strategic planning. We are all proud to follow you to the gates of hell."
"Which hopefully will not be required," Ren added.
"We believe in you," Pyrrha said and sat down on the bed next to Jaune. "Just believe in yourself and you can find the leader you were meant to be."
"I'll try," Jaune mumbled into his pillow. "I want everyone to get back in one piece at least."
'Do they expect me to come and babysit you?" Accelerator asked.
"No," Jaune replied. "You are free to stay back because you are not technically a student of Beacon. This is an official mission for us." Jaune made up the reason on the spot. He figured Accelerator would not be pleased about the real reason.
"Good." He turned his attention back to the video game and systematically crushed Nora, while letting Last Order win.
"I actually kind of want him to come," Pyrrha whispered to Jaune and Ren. "Think of how much he could accomplish with his skill."
"Maybe once he opens up a little bit," Ren muttered back. "I know people like him. Something happened to cause him to remain guarded. It takes time."
"I bet if we get into trouble and call him," Jaune said amused. "He would come and help, but complain about it the entire time." Pyrrha and Ren could not resist smiling.
"Why have you two been slaying my minions?!" Wellen demanded. He had been navigating the area, slaying the weak monsters he encountered while enslaving the larger, stronger ones. He had around thirty monsters under his control, when a man and a woman showed up, demanding answers he was not willing to give. The man was tall, raggedy, and smelled like a drunk. The woman presented herself better with her clean red clothes, but the mask resembling the monsters he was claiming made him feel uneasy. It wasn't uncommon for people to worship darkness.
"You wouldn't serve me," the woman answered. "After I asked so nicely." She sliced another one of his creatures with a long thin blade growing blood red. It passed right through its neck without any resistance.
"You are going to have to excuse her," the man said. He wielded an enormous grey scythe that transformed from a sword. Two of Wellen's remaining creatures were cut down instantly. "She has trouble making friends. Must be because of having such a cool brother outshine her."
"Go to hell, Qrow," the woman snapped.
"I'm always in hell when I'm around you, Raven," Qrow teased.
"You two need to stop shoving your noses into my business," Wellen told them. "I have much bigger plans that keep getting interrupted by people like you." He was down to four monsters that resembled humanoid wolves. Water began to rise from a nearby lake and flow around him to act as a shield.
"What might those be?" Raven asked. "Do tell."
"But you made one mistake," Qrow added and held his scythe out in front of him. "As soon as you started controlling the Grimm, you became a threat. Come with me willingly and we can sort this out. Otherwise, a lot more people are going to come after you." He paused. "And they won't be nearly as nice as us. Then there are some you don't want to attract their attention. Controlling the Grimm is going to piss her off."
"Ignore him," Raven interrupted. "Join my tribe and your abilities won't be wasted in something as absurd as being an experiment. We are made of the strong and you definitely qualify."
"Heh," Wellen laughed. "I'm tired of being a pawn of someone else. What I have planned is far greater than this world could imagine." He held out his hand to the remaining Grimm. "On my signal!" he ordered. Whips of water flew from him at the pair, but they dodged with inhuman speed. "Minions, char-…" He stopped, along with Raven and Qrow.
A dark presence fell over the area.
"What is this feeling!?" Wellen demanded. The pressure began to cause his heart to beat rapidly and he felt a burning in his eye. He raised his hand and moved a smooth surface of water over it to create a mirror. His eyes widened. His right eye had turned red and black lines began to spread outwards toward his skin. He turned his gaze to the two people in front of him, but they seemed to be looking around for whatever was causing the dark presence. Something else happened that only Wellen could feel too. His hold on his Grimm began to weaken, but he managed to clamp it down before they broke free.
"She can't be here," Raven growled and kept glancing around. "We are too far away."
"Must be one of her entourage," Qrow growled.
"Interesting." The cold female voice caused everyone to freeze. Wellen turned around to see another Grimm floating behind him, which resembled a jellyfish. It had a small, spherical bodies covered with bone-like plates, red tentacles and a single glowing eye. The female voice was coming from it. "So, you are the man who has been controlling my children. What is your name?"
"Wellen Fischer. And what do you mean by children?"
"Don't listen to her!" Qrow yelled at him. "She will only corrupt you."
"Damn it!" Raven growled. "We are surrounded." Grimm began to emerge from the woods around them, while several large birds and Grimm resembling griffins flew above them.
"The Grimm you so thoughtlessly enslaved," the female voice told Wellen. "Whatever you did to them, is slowly affecting you. I can feel their power seeping into your body. Admittingly, I was planning to kill you, but my curiosity got the better of me. Would you care to talk? If not, we will leave and you will be at the mercy of those two. Answer yes, and you will be safe." Wellen looked around at the number of Grimm converging on them.
"You fool!" the woman yelled at him. "If you agree to her terms, your humanity is forfeit!"
"Salem only lies!" Qrow shouted. "Whatever you are searching for, this is not the right choice!"
"What if I'm searching for a way to give up my humanity," Wellen told them. Ignoring the man's darkened face, he turned to the jellyfish Grimm. "Salem, is it? Fine, I accept. I'll meet with you."
"Excellent."
The ground around them began to crack. A second later, a dozen King Taijitu emerged.
"Well, fuck!" Qrow was not amused.
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.
Current Ship Names:
Yang and Touma: Fistbump / Punchline/ Imagine Dragon/ Love at First Punch
Weiss and Touma: Cool to the Touch / Princess and the Pauper / Shattered Mirror
Ruby and Touma: Blossoming / Thorny Rose / Speedy Rescue
Blake and Touma: Nine Lives / Bad Luck / Kami-Nyaan
Velvet and Touma: Bunny Couple / Rabbit's Foot
Penny and Touma: Android's Dream / Faulty Electronics
Ren and Touma: Lotus Fist
Jaune and Touma: Better Luck Next Time
Nora and Touma: Glutton for Punishment / Divine Sparks
Pyrrha and Touma: Babe Magnet
Coco and Touma: Black Coffee
Glynda and Touma: Teacher's Pet / Promise Lands
Adam and Touma: Chronic Crusaders
Emerald and Touma: Shattered Illusions / Illusion Breaker / Portmanteau Poverty
Twins and Touma: Triple Threat / Cerberus
Cinder and Touma: Through the Fire and Flame / Fire Demons / Sinner and Savior
Neo and Touma: Uncertain Flavor / Breaking Reality
Salem and Touma: Burning Witch / Light and Shadow / Shattering Darkness
Accelerator and Weiss: Cold and Calculating / Ice Vector / A Frosty Reception
Accelerator and Yang: Road Rage / Short Fuse / Way of the Dragon
Accelerator and Ruby: One-Way Rose / No Brakes / Rose Manipulation
Accelerator and Blake: Twilight Arrow / Chain and Sickly / Chasing Shadows
Accelerator and Nora: Shattered Bones / Broken Dreams / Nerve Impulse
Accelerator and Velvet: White Flash / Hopping Mad
Accelerator and Glynda: Fix and Destroy
Accelerator and Penny: String Theory/ Broken Toys
Accelerator and Sun: Sunny and Sullen
Accelerator and Adam: Charging Bull
Accelerator and Mercury: Killer Moves
Accelerator and Coco: Fashionable Disaster
Accelerator and Pyrrha: Opposites Attract
Accelerator and Raven: Yang's Nightmare
