{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Well I fucking hate boats.
I hate it even more when it rocks side to side and I'm inside a container with no visibility whatsoever. Took a lot of willpower not to throw up inside there. But in any case we made it. Merlot's island away from the mainland. It's also infested with robots. We managed to sneak away from the docks and soon our feet touched sand.
Ruby tried to get a connection to Doctor Caffeine. "Hello? Professor?"
nothing but static was received from his end.
I sighed "Great, we can't get to anyone."
I heard Rose chuckle quietly to herself. I turned around and asked her "Hey what's so funny?"
She shrugged "Well I'm just glad we don't have to listen to that bastard who talks way too fast."
Ok that's it "Rose, he was our guide, he was helping us throughout our journey. What would you rather not have any help?"
Rose looked at me with disinterest "Yes, this whole mission is a waste of time." She said.
"The mission? Or me?" I asked.
"Ok that's it!" Aaron spoke up "Rose what the hell is wrong with you?!"
Rose shrugged "What do you mean Moon?"
"I MEAN; why the hell are you acting this way?" He asked as he got up into her face.
She chuckled then full on laughed "Oh did he not tell you?! Oh that is priceless!" She yelled before returning to staring at Aaron "We broke off our engagement, well more like I did, but this skinny ass white boy with no redeeming qualities whatsoever wants me back for some reason." She explained pointing at me.
I will admit, when she burns, she burns deep.
Aaron looked between me and her before coming up with something to say "Why?! You two have been together for 5 fucking years! Why the fuck would you break it off?!"
She shrugged "Because I only pitied him. He means nothing to me anymore."
I looked away and held my arm as my team gathered around me.
Weiss then scowled at Rose "You know, you're beginning to be a real pain in the butt." She said.
Aaron nodded "I agree, and it's funny you say that you only pitied him. Because it's very hypocritical. You want so much to be different than your mother. So you broke up with him because you pitied him. That's also funny, because in your words, The only reason you've had sex with him numerous times was because you pitied him, The only reason you gave him a smile was because you pitied him, The only reason you gave him a-" Aaron implied a blowjob with his hands. "In front of me... On call, was because you pitied him... You know, If that's the case. You really are your mother's daughter, actually you keep this up... You'll end up just. like. her." He said to get his point across.
Rose looked at him with anger in her eyes "You dare bring my mother into this? You don't know what I've been through." She started. "You don't know a single thing about mine and Achilles' relationship, you've hardly even known us. So why don't you do me a favor and mind your own business!" She yelled.
Aaron scowled at Rose "Fuck that noise. Rose, Achilles is my best friend, And you dare even think I don't know what you've been through. I'm pretty sure I had similar experiences Princess."
Rose crossed her arms "You don't know him as long as I've known him. Me and Achilles have been through so much more." Rose ranted "So I'll say this again, mind your own goddamn business!"
Aaron chuckled to himself. "So you become your mother to end it all, A selfish entitled bitch who only cares about herself."
"No... not exactly." She stated calmly.
Aaron kept his arms crossed with a look like he doesn't believe a word "Prove it then, How are you different from your mother who ignored you for an abusive asshole. Except this time, you're the abusive asshole because that man." He said pointing at me. "Did nothing but pour his heart and soul into his relationship with you. And you abandon it... Just like that." He snapped his fingers.
"You don't know about a single thing about my relationship with my mother. You don't even know a single thing about me either. So you know what? Stay out of my life." She says as her hand wrapped around the hilt of her weapon.
"Will do." Aaron said looking back at me.
Weiss then walked up to Rose.
Weiss looked like she was about to do something drastic.
"Weiss you don't have to-" I said before she started to yell at Rose
"So all of that before? When you told me I had no idea what you've been through. About your mother. And everything else in between. All of that was because you were afraid of being anything like your mother?" She said crossing her arms.
Rose then did something unexpected. She drew one of her weapons in blade form and pointed it at Weiss. "I told you once, I don't need relationship advice from a Schnee of all people."
Weiss then drew her Myrtenaster and pointed it at Rose "And I'm trying to tell YOU that you are throwing away something beautiful."
It was then I noticed a red robot about to attack Aaron from behind. "MOON!" I got out before I heard something stab it.
Aaron turned around confused.
It froze for a moment then fell revealing Neo tapping Hush against her shoulder, smiling… I wanna say seductively?
It seemed like that according to Aaron looking away in embarrassment.
And as I expected RWBY were ready for a fight, But I held my hands out "Everyone stay where you are! Chill the fuck out!"
Jaune looked at team RWBY confused then looked back at us.
Yang looked angrily at Neo ready for round two of their fight. "She's the enemy!" Yang yelled.
Ruby cocked her scythe and was about ready to charge in.
I held my arms out between them and at Neo like Chris Pratt and those dinosaurs in Jurassic World "Guys, she won't attack if we don't. Now just stay calm!" I said.
Yang was having none of it. "Achilles, if we let her go, she'll probably try to break her boss out or something!"
I crossed my arms at Yang "In case you didn't realize, our only way here isn't moving at the moment." I said pointing at the ship "So for now, I suppose we all have the same goal."
Neo signed something. I cannot understand sign language for the life of me. I looked at Aaron. "Translation?" I asked.
He then looked at Neo and asked her to repeat it.
As Neo signed he translated "I will ask you all this only once, Where is Roman?"
Jaune then spoke up "I'll do you one better, Who's Roman?"
I then said "I'll do you one better, Why's Roman?"
Aaron rolled his eyes as he both chuckled and mumbled something like "Fucking nerd." before returning his gaze to Neo. "Neo, he was arrested. I thought you already knew that?"
She nodded as if she knew that. Then signed something that Aaron translated "I am aware yes, I want to know which airship he's in, also what was that argument about between you and Queen Broken Hearts over there?"
Aaron looked back at Rose then back to her and he then explained "She has decided that that skinny white boy isn't worth it to her anymore."
Neo looked over at Rose.
She smirked at Neo.
Neo took exception to that and the blade of Hush popped out of the top as she pointed it at Rose, challenging her angrily.
She signed something with one hand which Aaron translated "So not only is she taking my job, she's also scouting you all out?"
I tilted my head and looked at Rose "Rose? Are you?"
She shrugged. "None of your businesses. Besides Neo, you should be back at base with... our boss."
She looked at Aaron as if she wanted him to say something.
He then spoke up "You mean that bitch? Yeah not the boss of her, or me anymore."
Neo then walked up to Rose.
Rose smirked "So the migit with an umbrella wants to fight?"
Neo signed as Aaron translated Careful who you underestimate
She then pointed one of Rose Thorns at Neo "I can take you!"
I was about to stop the fight but before I could even draw Porfyrós Drákos, Neo jumped at Rose.
Rose slashed at Neo but Neo managed to avoid it with her semblance, Overactive Imagination.
Neo then started to lay into Rose as Rose was trying her best to defend herself.
But Neo was displaying her clear advantage of more combat experience.
Rose then tried to grapple Neo only to have Neo avoid it and slam Hush against the back of her knees.
Just as she was about to get the finishing blow in, Aaron grabbed Neo by the waist and put him over his shoulder "She looks like she has had enough Neo."
Once Aaron turned around Neo stuck her tongue out at Rose as I tried to help her up.
Rose batted my hand away, got up, then transformed her blade into its compact form before clipping it back into her belt.
"Ok everyone." I stated "We're gonna need to make camp somewhere tonight. I suggest everyone find rations, firewood, and something to make makeshift shelters out of."
"Or we could use that cave." Jaune pointed out. Y'know, it's really convenient that there are caves nearby wherever we go. It's honestly starting to freak me out. "Yes… that too…" I deadpanned. "Just go find some firewood, Ren, Nora go with them and make sure they don't get distracted."
Ren looked at me and rolled his eyes "Achilles, we're in unfamiliar territory, if they wanna do that here they would have to be out of their minds."
I looked over at Jaune and Pyrrha who were looking away from each other and chuckling nervously. I then turned back to Ren "You have a point, but we still need firewood. I know Nora probably won't help but three and a half is better then two who might take up a lot of time."
Nora then zipped up to me cartoonishly and said "Hey I heard that."
I shrugged and went to the cave as JNPR went out to collect firewood.
Leaving Me, Aaron, Keoth, Rose, Neo, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang.
Ruby looked like she was still ready to square up… or jealousy I can't tell.
Whatever it is, Neo noticed and her response to this? She proceeded to grab Aaron by his junk.
I then yelled "YO WHAT THE FUCK!" at the same time as Yang did.
Blake… Yeah I'm not going into detail about that, she's in Blake vision mode right now.
Weiss covered her eyes and Ruby took it harshly.
"Why are you grabbing him there?!" Ruby yelled.
Aaron grabbed Neo's wrist and pulled it away from his groin. He then signed something to Neo, I can only assume it was something lewd.
{Aaron/Moon's perspective}
Well that took me by surprise. Neo grabbing me by my balls was the last thing I ever fucking expected.
I mean the night in the emerald forest is one thing. But she followed me here? How did she make it pass the robot crew on board?
So yeah, I removed her hand away from my balls and signed 'There are children present.' I then pointed to Ruby to establish my point.
I then noticed Ruby then started saying "No. nononononononono" As she used her semblance to run around.
Justin grabbed her by the hood of her cloak and said "Ruby, you are 15, he is 10 years older than you are. She is closer to his age. Let it go."
Honestly I'm rather impressed that he was able to track her movements to grab her hood like that.
Neo looked at me and signed She's 15?
I signed back I know, and they want to preserve her innocence.
She then signed, 15 is too old to be innocent.
I then signed back, Try telling them that.
I then looked at Yang who had her arms crossed "At this point I'd almost rather you date my sister."
Hold on what?! "Wanna run that by me again?" I asked
Justin seemed just as surprised since he said, "Woah slow down there cowgirl!"
Yang looked at Justin "What?" She asked.
Justin held his arms out to the side "Did we not discuss their age gap not a day ago?"
She shrugged "things were different, I was young and naïve back then."
Justin held his arms out to her "You're fucking 17!"
Yang held one finger up "17 and 236 days. Besides, look who he's dating!" She said gesturing to me and Neo.
Justin then sighed heavily before saying "Regardless of the past, she's proven she's on our side for right now. And besides, like I just explained to Ruby." He said pointing to Ruby who was mumbling something while anime tears streamed down her face and rocking back and forth "She's a lot closer to his age."
Yang rolled her eyes "Alright whatever." She then looked at me "But I still want answers."
Neo then walked up to Justin as Yang and I watched.
It's kinda funny how short she is compared to Justin. He then said "Um… can I help you?"
He was then kneed in the balls to which Weiss and Yang immediately readied their weapons as Justin fell to the ground clenching his balls.
Just as Yang and Weiss were about to attack, Justin held his and up to his team "Don't… I deserved this… God the pain…"
Neo then showed him something on her phone. I can only assume that's payback.
Jocelyn was laughing hysterically at Justin's pain.
Which makes me question 1) how he put up with this for so long and 2) why she thinks her ex getting hurt is so goddamn funny.
I mean, I found it funny too so… Yeah I shouldn't be criticizing.
Besides, the bastard deserved it for telling Neo to get a strap-on. Yes I'm still salty about it. No, I'm not apologizing.
[2 Hours Later]
JNPR came back with firewood for our fire. We all ducked into a cave after Justin came down from the rock he was standing on. He told us there was a storm approaching from the south so we all ducked into the cave. He then moved a wooden box in front of the cave
"What's that for?" Yang asked.
He turned around after dusting his hands off "It acts like a door so that we can stay warm and the rain won't get in here."
Jaune then asked "What if the box blows away?"
He looked at Jaune confused "It won't? Besides the wind appearing to be blowing from the south, I barely felt it when I walked back down here so I don't think the wind is going to be able to scoop that up."
He does have a fair point, when he was looking out he told us there was a strong gust from the south so I didn't want to tempt fate there. And I don't want to go out there to test it. So I'll trust his judgement.
Yang glanced over at Justin and asked "So… are there still going to be any lookouts?"
Justin then crossed his arms. "No, why would anyone go on guard when we have a wooden box." He said sarcastically while pointing to the box behind him.
"Alright alright." Yang said with her hands up. "So then, who's first after dinner?
Justin and Keoth both raised their hands as Justin said "We'll do it." I'm pretty sure they have a lot to catch up on. I mean, I do as well, but I'll let Justin ask his questions first.
Besides, Neo is feeling my leg up and I'm not sure if there's anywhere private in this cave. Not to mention apparently Ruby now has a crush on me… Yang's murderous stare isn't doing me any favors right now.
"What do you want, blondie?" I asked.
She sighed and shook her head. "We'll talk about it later." She said before turning her head to look at Ruby, who was still sulking in the corner. I turned back to Yang "Don't worry, I'll talk to Ruby at some point, ok? But right now isn't the time nor the place since we're on an unknown island filled with killer robots, and god knows what else." I told her.
She then playfully jabbed my ribcage "You better Moon, or I will make sure you can't have children."
Neo signed Try it and see what happens, remember the train bombshell blonde bimbo.
Yang asked me "Can you translate?"
Knowing the wrath of Yang Xiao Long, and what Justin told me when she thought he and Ruby did it or something, I do not want to be on the receiving end of it. Besides that, I saw the yellow trailer. "No Yang, I will not, it isn't appropriate for Ruby over there."
Ruby was still rocking back and forth as Justin was trying to comfort her.
I then noticed that she then narrowed her eyes "Weren't you at Junior's bar with Roman a while back?"
I just gave her a blank stare as I said "Wait I was?"
She then nodded "Yeah, you were with him, black hood n' all."
I rubbed the back of my neck "Well I don't really remember all of that, like I have been saying, SOMEONE mordhau'd me twice in the head!" I said looking directly at Justin.
He crossed his arms "hey I thought I apologized!" He said defensively.
I pointed at him aggressively, "It doesn't matter if you apologized, I just want to know what your thought process was." I asked.
He simply shrugged and said "either hit you in the head hard or just have Weiss freeze you in a Moon-cicle."
I narrowed my eyes at him "Fuck you." I deadpanned.
He chuckled and shrugged with his stupid sly smile. Y'know he's really good at pissing people off. I wonder what he did while I was on the enemy team.
Regardless though, it seems like I was awake for longer than Justin and Jocelyn/Rose.
So that just begs the question, What the hell did I do?
Justin is giving me the 'I wanna talk to you later' stare out of my peripheral vision, which is always a good sign.
[Later]
{Justin/Achilles' perspective}
Well dinner is now done, which means Keoth and I gotta watch the makeshift door I made. Here's hoping those robots aren't able to detect heat through wood. So far I heard at least three mechanical stomps walk past us, which hasn't done much for my anxiety. Well at least I can now get some answers out of Keoth.
I fixed my gaze to him who had his weapon out. "So, what did you name your weapon?" I asked.
"Justice." He said as he was inspecting it, presumably making sure it won't break while in use.
I rolled my eyes "Of course you'd name it after your Helltaker Waifu."
I then noticed parts of his hair moved, I also noticed that his hair was now white compared to his brown hair from when I remember him, two things that I didn't have time to notice lately because of the amounts of bullshit we had to endure.
Keoth then retorted "Hey, she's hot, don't you try that, you liked Judgement."
I shrugged "Fair enough." I then unsheathed my sword and pulled a whet stone out to sharpen it.
"So what did you name yours?" He asked.
I didn't look up from what I was doing as I answered, "Porfyrós Drákos. And my guns are Kronos and Rhea."
"So… you named your sword something in Greek and your guns after the titans?" he asked.
I nodded "Yep, and yes I am aware I am a nerd."
We then looked at each other and after a brief moment of silence we shared a chuckle. After that I asked "So what happened to you man? I mean, Rose and I woke up in the forest, Moon woke up in a dumpster apparently long before us. What about you?"
It was then I noticed that his hair moved again, I feel like I've seen something similar whenever Blake expresses her emotions. Wait… "Keoth, are you a faunus?"
It was then his ears perked up. I don't really know what to think here "Keoth… How?"
He shrugged "When I woke up in a hospital in Atlas, I overheard some nurses talk about a 'cute faunus boy' and when I finally managed to get up and look in the mirror I was greeted by these things, since then I've tried my best to keep them hidden. Unfortunately my team knew what I was almost immediately."
I tilted my head "And who is your team anyway? Oz only told us you were joining us, not which team you're from."
It was then the sound of thunder rolled through the cave. Keoth then answered "I think that's best left for the VYTAL festival, isn't it?"
I sighed, he does have a point. I swear to whatever god brought me here, if he's on team FNKI… Well I don't know what I'd do. I guess fight? Whatever, I still have one more question since he brought up the fact that he was hospitalized… "Mind if I ask one more question?"
He shrugged. "Sure."
I stopped what I was doing and sheathed my sword as I asked "Why were you in the hospital?"
He looked at my makeshift door. He then told me "Apparently I was in the tundra when one of the AceOps found me."
I nodded. "Alright, that's all I need."
For the rest of the time we were guarding we were silent. Soon it was Pyrrha and Jaune's turn. I told them "No hanky panky you two."
Jaune rubbed the back of his neck and sarcastically said "We weren't planning on it dad."
I pointed at him and said "Don't use that tone with me young man." I then went to where the others were and laid on my side so that I didn't have to untie my weapons. I put my glasses in my pocket and closed my eyes. And I had another dream.
I was on a cliff with a white cloaked figure looking out over it. "Summer Rose?" I called out.
The figure turned to face me, She said something but I could only make out "Danger… Merlot… Death…"
I cupped my ear towards her "I'm sorry? I can't hear you!"
The figure didn't bother repeating herself.
I then heard a voice behind me say "She's been trying to communicate with you."
Which made me jump and reach for my sword which I then realized wasn't there.
I turned to where I heard the voice and saw a woman who looked in her mid twenties. Of course I don't know who this person is, definitely not one of the ones from this generation.
"Who are you?" I asked
She chuckled "I suppose that should be expected, you wouldn't know what I look like."
I looked back at where Summer was, and she's gone… great.
I turned back to the woman in front of me and asked "You didn't answer my question."
Suddenly the scenery shifted, and I was back in my room in my parents house, or what it looked like when I was younger.
A twin sized mattress on top of a box spring which was both placed on top of a bed frame with drawers and plenty of toy boxes all with different things in them, a green shelf on the back wall where I proudly display my lego builds, my posters of an astronaut's space suit, a plane breaking the sound barrier, a few cars and bikes and a map of the United States.
And looking out the window I saw the orchard that I used to play in, with the grass that grows in the winter making it feel more like spring. I saw the neighbor's gate with the lights that ran throughout the day and night. I looked to the left window to see the tree my sister and I used to swing on. Oh how I miss those days…
"I would think you would remember me after coming back here." She said with her footsteps approaching me.
I was too busy focusing on the distance. On a clear day you could see right to the ocean. The green hills that have always filled my head with curiosity as to who may live there.
"Remember those nights your door knob would make a loud bang?" She asked, which snapped me out of my trance to turn back to her.
"Grandma R?" I asked.
She nodded. "That is correct. It's good to finally meet you, my grandson." She said with a sweet smile.
Of course any normal person would be freaking out to see someone long dead in their dreams, but ever since starting this mission I've been having nightmare after nightmare. Including some with Summer in them so at this point I'm not too surprised. But I am still curious.
"But… How am I communicating with you?" I asked the apparition
She shrugged "God works in mysterious ways." She answered. "Or it has something to do with your death."
I looked away somberly "So… am I actually dead?" I asked.
She looked up at the ceiling before returning her gaze back to me and answered "You are, but you have a new world that needs you."
I gave a quick puff from my nose then said, "Yeah, right…"
She then put both of her hands on my face and forced me to look at her in the eyes "Listen to me, those people you found yourself in care deeply for you. I've seen it."
She's seen it? "You've been watching me?"
She nodded "Always, my grandson." She answered.
"What about my brothers?" I asked
She let my face go and walked to the door that was shut. "one's hurting, he misses you. He's been praying to God to make sure you're safe up there. The other doesn't quite understand yet."
I tilted my head. But I then understood what she was saying and nodded. "Is there any way you can tell him I'm safe?"
She chuckled "Even after death you choose to care for those around you rather than yourself."
"What does that mean?" I asked.
She didn't answer, rather she put her hand on the door knob. "Our time grows short. I must go soon, I will part with this. You carry your mother's heart and your dad's spirit. And blood does not mean family." She then opened the door and I woke up gasping for air.
Weiss was sitting next to me checking my pulse. I sat up and held my head. "What happened while I was out?"
She kept one hand on my upper back to support me I suppose as she kept eye contact with me "You were pale, and mumbling a lot. Jaune kept his semblance active all night to make sure you were alright."
I then looked around to see everyone in various faces of worry.
Ruby with her fists clenched together close to her chest.
Bake staring at me.
Yang cupping her hands over her mouth.
Pyrrha pretty much doing the same.
Ren's fists were clenched and Nora's face was full of worry.
Minus Neo, she looked neutral. But I suppose that since I'm his friend she feels like she has to somewhat care for me.
I looked behind me, I saw that Joce was having me use her lap as a pillow. She looked worried too, so good to know she still cares.
"Dude, you had us all worried sick." I heard Aaron say off to my right.
I looked over to see Keoth and Aaron crossing their arms.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks guys, but I'm fine now-" As I tried to stand up my legs gave out under me making me fall back on my but as Rose and Weiss caught me.
"You're not going anywhere in your condition." Rose said, laying my head back on her lap.
It's weird to be doing this since we're broken up, but at this rate I'll take any comfort.
Sure I can sleep just about anywhere, but it doesn't mean I prefer it over a nice soft warm bed with her by my side.
Weiss nodded "For once I agree with Rose, You're not going to be of any use if you can't even get on your feet."
I held my hand up in protest "Guys I can walk it off, I just had… a dream of sorts." I then drew my sword using it as support and got up. I'll admit my legs are shaking like a chihuahua with a jackhammer, but I won't let that stop me.
Weiss put one of my arms around her shoulder as Rose did the same with my opposite. "I suggest you rest, you don't know if you're ok to fight." Weiss said all motherly-like.
I looked at Rose, her face was still full of worry, her almond eyes widened with her mouth partly agape.
I sighed defeatedly "There's no way to convince you guys otherwise is there?"
"Nope." Weiss said as they set me on a rock to sit on.
"Well if we're going to be here a while, might as well tell stories." I then fixed my gaze to my friend to Keoth. "So care to tell the class a story?"
He rolled his eyes. His fox ears then perked up. "Well, you took a really long time to figure out I'm a fanus so…"
Blake then spoke up "I knew it." She said with her amber eyes focusing on Keoth.
He looked at her confused "You knew it?" he asked.
She nodded "A faunus has keen senses, but you would already know that. I suppose it was only natural that you avoided me for a time." She then turned back to me and Aaron. "But he said you took a long time to figure it out. Why is that?"
I shot Aaron a pleading glance. He seemed to have understood what I was asking silently. He then said "Well we just don't really care if someone is a faunus or not. We just appreciate him as a person."
Keoth then cleared his throat. "If I may, I have a story to tell about my time in Atlas."
I stabbed my sword into the ground, put my hands on the pommel, and rested my chin on the back of my hands as I said "Please, I'd love to hear your adventures in 'Royal Pain In the Ass' country."
Keoth and Weiss rolled their eyes as Keoth started to tell his story "Well, it all started when I woke up in a hospital apparently frostbitten to all hell…"
Author's note
Another cliffhanger, ain't I a stinker? Well I got nothing to add here other than the obligatory "thank you for reading, I own none of the characters except for the four I made" disclaimer. Hope y'all will look forward to Keoth's backstory!
