Ch. 7
"And that's the situation so far," Yang said as she finished explaining what happened earlier to Ozpin.
Yang, Abaddon, Klyde, and Remora had left Junior's bar almost an hour ago. After Abaddon killed the White Fang Colonel, Junior ordered his men to clean up the bodies. He thanked Abaddon, and reluctantly Yang, for their help and in return Abaddon asked Junior to let him know of any information he happens to find on the streets.
As they headed to Beacon, Remora and Klyde told them more about their history with the White Fang. Three years ago, during the White Fang's change in leadership, they began recruiting even more faunus to the cause. Some joined voluntarily while others were forced due to their useful skills. Remora and Klyde were coming home from a date when they were kidnapped. They were threatened that if they didn't comply, then Remora's family in Vacuo would be 'educated,' specifically Velvet. With no choice left to them, the coupled reluctantly agreed to the terms, and so for those three years the two were assigned to whatever Sigmund told them to do. Remora tried to keep track of her family's whereabouts, but was hindered by Sigmund's cruel behavior as he strictly forbid it and would punish Klyde since he would protect Remora from their leader's wrath. Their lives were basically in turmoil, that is, until now.
When asked about his family, Klyde said that his original family had abandoned him a long time ago, so he was left on his own. He somehow managed to get a job for a few years at a dust shop and one day met Remora. After a while they started dating and later on Remora managed to convince her parents to allow Klyde to live with them. The Scarlatina's were like family to him, so Klyde was obligated to protect them when the White Fang threatened them.
Abaddon knew that the other White Fang members would be looking for them after what happened, and if they were in the city then it would be too dangerous to rent a hotel, so he came up with a solution: convince Ozpin to let them stay at Beacon. Klyde thought it would be risky while Yang thought it wouldn't hurt to try.
Now the four of them stood in Ozpin's office in Beacon tower, hoping he would agree to their suggestion.
"Hmmm," hummed Ozpin as he closed his eyes to think. "I'd rather not attract trouble to my school. The year has practically just begun."
"But if they stay in the city, there's a chance they'll be found and probably forced back in. They could escape, but there's nothing worse than constantly being on the run," Abaddon explained.
"Yeah, plus no one knows were here. The other members never really paid attention to our appearances or knew our names. And Abaddon already killed the squad we were with," Remora added.
Abaddon and Yang face palmed while Klyde gave Remora a concerned look.
"What? Was I not supposed to say that?" Remora asked.
Ozpin sighed. "Well as long as you two are willing to learn to become a huntsmen and huntress, and as long as your presence in this school doesn't bring danger to the student body, I will accept you offer. There should be a vacant guest dorm near the first year quarters. Here's the keycards for the door. Later on you'll be given your own scrolls and uniforms," he said smiling as he gave them two blue keycards.
"Thank you sir," Remora said.
Klyde hugged Remora, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Finally, we can sleep in peace for once."
"Thanks Professor," Yang said.
"No need to thank me," Ozpin replied as he took a sip from his coffee mug, which mysteriously appeared in his hand.
"Alright," Yang yawned, "I'm ready to turn in. Let's go see your new room guys!"
"Wait," Ozpin said as the four of them were headed towards the elevator. "Mr. Rizer, could you stay for a minute?"
"Sure," Abaddon said and turned towards Yang. "You go on ahead with Remora and Klyde. I'll see you tomorrow."
"No probs Fido," Yang said as she walked into the elevator. Remora and Klyde waved at him before the elevator's doors closed and it went down the building.
"Okay, is this about what Remora said? About me killing the other White Fang fighters that were with them?" Abaddon asked.
Ozpin took another sip from his mug. "Yes. Mr. Rizer, I have always believed that the students who walk through the halls of this school were capable of many things as they go on their paths to become protectors of the people, fighting against the Grimm to make the world a better place. You are no exception, but I didn't think you would be capable of something like this."
Abaddon shrugged. "It's just something I've grown accustomed to."
"That's what worries me, my young friend," Ozpin replied.
"Don't worry, it's not like I'm gonna kill a student here. Or some random citizen on the street. I've only killed Grimm and White Fang with delusional and idiotic ideals," Abaddon explained.
"What do you mean by delusional?" Ozpin asked.
"Usually, all the White Fang say they fight for the justice of the faunus, to fight against the tyranny that is humanity. But all they want is that selfish desire to destroy the humans, make Remnant a paradise for faunus through extermination. 'The humans must pay!' 'We faunus are the victims!' 'Every human is our enemy!' That's all I hear them say. That's not a goal, that's a selfish, hate filled desire. So I killed them, so no more innocents could be hurt by their hands. Only on some occasions would I encounter a faunus or two who had a real purpose: to protect family, friends, loved ones. It's those individuals that I spare and try to convince them to find another path besides the one the White Fang has laid out for them." After having his say, Abaddon looked down. He was afraid he had said too much and hoped he didn't upset his headmaster.
Ozpin went up to him. "I see where you're coming from young man. It is a terrible path that the new White Fang has chosen, but when I said that it worries me, I meant about you. Having all this on your shoulders could hamper your ability to think and see clearly. After all, huntsmen are trained to kill Grimm, not people. And as for your friends, don't let this affect them the way it does you. I'm not sure they could handle having the blood of another on their hands as you have. You're not in trouble, but I do hope you take what I've said into thought," Ozpin told him.
"So you're not upset?" Abaddon asked.
"Not in the slightest. Just concerned for the wellbeing of my students," said Ozpin as he smiled. "Now go on to bed. I'm sure you're ready to retire like everyone else."
"Sure am," Abaddon yawned. "Thanks for the advice Professor Ozpin. I appreciate it."
"Your welcome. Goodnight Mr. Rizer," Ozpin replied.
Abaddon walked into the elevator, pressed a button, and the doors closed as the elevator traveled down to the bottom floor. And as he went down, Abaddon's thoughts shifted to his currently growling stomach. "Damn, I wish I had a bone with me right now."
XXXXXXX
"Sir, it's been three weeks and we still have yet to hear from Colonel Sigmund's squad. We've searched Vale several times over and there is absolutely no sign of them at all," said a fox eared White Fang fighter.
He was in a dark room that had a large metal square table in the middle with a detailed map of Remnant. The room had no lights, but the light coming from the three barely open windows that spanned three of the room's walls helped to see. In a gray chair next to the table sat the White Fang Lieutenant Corvus. He was a white tan skinned man with short black hair. He wore the usual White Fang garb, but with metal guards on his forearms and his unique top had propped collar. Unlike the others his mask covered his entire face while also having red eyes with thin red streaks streaming to the bottom of the mask. He also bore several tattoos on his left arm.
"I was hoping to get all our brethren back in one piece. They were a dispensable group, not really important to our operation. Although, no one gave a damn about Sigmund anyway. Fucking piece of shit," Corvus said.
Corvus stood up from his slouched position. "Well, we found what we we're looking for without any inside info, but the Commander is getting impatient. We need to dig up that Longinus piece before any huntsmen know were here, so tell the others to pick up the pace down there."
The White Fang fighter nodded before exiting the room and closing the door behind him. Corvus looked back at the map of Remnant. It was a detailed blue print of every continent, with black flags marking Vacuo, Vale, and Mistral.
"What the hell is so damn important about these fragments?"
XXXXXXX
It had been three weeks since Remora and Klyde moved in to Beacon Academy. Teams RWBY, JNPR, and KAJE helped them to get settled into the campus and attend their regular classes. They had also been given uniforms and money from the school to buy regular clothes. It was harder for Klyde to adjust as he had never been to a combat school for more than a few months, but thanks to his girlfriend's support he managed anyway. Although, Remora did have a problem of her own.
"What the hell do you mean you're afraid to go talk to her?" Jurano said.
Teams KAJE and RWBY were hanging out in the school's library. Since it was the weekend, everyone wore their usual attire. Remora had gone shopping with Klyde the other day. She wore a short sleeved cream colored mini dress with grey stockings and brown shoes while Klyde wore a dark green t shirt with dark brown cargos and brown shoes.
Everyone had a different activity to be occupied with: Abaddon was laying back in his chair with a book on his face to pretend that he was sleeping, Kathleen was laying on his shoulder actually asleep, Weiss was reading a rather large textbook, Blake was silently reading one of her usual novels, and Ruby was playing the Remnant board game with Yang and Emma. Jurano was talking to Remora about meeting Velvet, but for the last few weeks she didn't say a word to her younger sister. She even managed to somehow avoid her entirely.
"It's just that it's been three years. I don't know what to say to her. For all I know she could've assumed that we just ran off and resented us for it," Remora replied.
"What the fuck," said Abaddon as he sat up, dropping the book from off his face. "That makes no sense to me."
"I know right." Jurano sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Velvet talks about you too. She remembers how close you two were before you were kidnapped. For an entire year, before she went to bed she would look up at the stars and wish for your safe return."
"Wow," Remora replied. "I did the same thing for a year, hoping that she was safe and that I could return home soon."
"Why didn't you just quit the White Fang to begin with? I'm sure they were bluffing about hurting your family," Kathleen said as she woke up from the commotion. She scooted her chair closer to Abaddon and wrapped her arms around his left arm before falling asleep again.
"Because-," Klyde started.
"They weren't really bluffing," Abaddon interrupted. "When you quit or try to leave to another kingdom to get away, they send someone to kill you. I doubt they would've kept tabs on your family, but they wouldn't hesitate to take your lives if you two had tried to escape in the first place."
"Damn, that's hardcore," Yang chimed in.
While she wasn't looking, Emma moved one of the pieces on their game board. When Yang looked back, she noticed the piece and went wide eyed.
"We win!" Ruby cheered.
"In your face!" Emma added, then high fived Ruby.
"No fair, it was two against one!" Yang pointed, her eyes turning red.
"Then maybe you could ask Weiss or Blake to join you," said Ruby.
"Not interested," Weiss and Blake replied simultaneously.
Jurano went back to talking to Remora. "Well, if you don't muster the courage to talk to her now, you could end up regretting it in the future," Jurano told her.
"Hey, we can't rush this. But maybe she just needs a little push. Ya'know, a little support from friends," Klyde said. "Would you mind if we came with you?"
"No. I would actually prefer it," Remora said and kissed Klyde on the cheek.
"Well, shouldn't we go then? It's now or never," Blake added, looking up from her book.
"I'm surprised you were even listening," said Yang.
"I was, but I usually don't look like I am," said Blake to her partner.
"Come on, I'll lead the way," Jurano said.
As Jurano stood up and started walking, Remora, Klyde, Blake, Yang, and Emma followed suit. Ruby went over to Weiss, who had been preoccupied with her library book the entire time.
"Come on Weiss, we're leaving," Ruby said to her partner.
"Wait, I still need to study," Weiss whined.
Ruby began to pull on Weiss' arm until she managed to actually pull her out of her seat. Weiss tried to pry herself from Ruby's grip, but the little girl's sudden burst of strength kept the heiress from escaping.
"This is a sisterly crisis Weiss!" Ruby grunted.
"That's my textbook you dolt. I need it!" Weiss continued to whine.
Abaddon got up and closed the book. "Don't worry Weiss, I'll bring it to you."
"Thanks!" she said before Ruby pulled her out of sight.
Abaddon smiled, then turned towards Kathleen, who was slowly getting up from her seat. She wiped the grogginess from her eyes.
"Where'd everyone go?" She asked.
"They're going to team CFVY's dorm to help Remora talk to Velvet," Abaddon replied.
"Oh, that sounds great," Kathleen replied. She started walking out of the library, then noticed that Abaddon was still standing next to the table. "You coming?"
"I'll be there in a few. Got some things to take care of. You go on ahead," he told her.
"Alright, don't be too long," she said smiling before walking out of sight.
Abaddon was smiling until Kathleen left, then his expression turned serious. He leaned against the table, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes.
"You can come out now. I knew you were there," he called out.
From behind one of the stocked bookcases came the sound of clicking heels. The appeared a woman with fair skin, bright amber eyes, long black hair that was swept to the left and wearing an elegant red, off-the shoulder's minidress with yellow designs, black shorts, a black choker, an anklet on her right leg, and black glass heels. She walked over and sat on the table next to Abaddon.
"Well, you certainly haven't lost your touch," the woman said in a rather charming tone.
"Cinder. What are you doing here?" Abaddon asked in a serious tone.
"I'm just attending Beacon, same as you are sweetie," she said, but when she turned to look at him his mood didn't change. "Oh don't give me that look."
Cinder gently rubbed his cheek with her hand. The sensation was soothing to Abaddon, but it would take more than that to lower his guard. He grabbed her hand and pulled it away from his face.
"The fact that you're here proves that you still haven't let go," he said to her. "I left for a reason, you know that."
"Hmph, well maybe I wasn't ready to say goodbye. And I've already been enrolled, so there's no going back now," Cinder replied.
Cinder positioned herself to face him, trying to lean against his body. Abaddon saw this coming and merely held her back by grabbing and holding both her wrists. Cinder looked up at him with a pouting face, but Abaddon still looked indifferent.
"Do you even have a team?" he asked her.
"Why yes I do." Cinder looked to the aisle on their right. "In fact, here come my teammates now."
Around the nearest bookshelf came two students: A boy with short grey hair, grey eyes, wearing a grey and black jacket, black fingerless gloves, black pants, and shoes. The other student was a dark skinned girl with dark red eyes, light mint-green short cut hair, wearing a white top, cropped green underskirt, white pants, brown chaps, and heels.
"Hey Cin, we got the book you needed-."
Both of them stopped when they saw the position Abaddon and Cinder were in.
"Uhh, are we interrupting anything?" the boy coughed with a smug smile on his face.
The girl next to him held a look of suspicion and distrust.
"What the hell is this?" Emerald asked.
"It's nothing, just catching up with an old acquaintance," Cinder replied.
Cinder then escaped Abaddon's grip, turned around, and leaned back against his torso. Abaddon blushed a little and growled at her, the edge of his left eye turning slightly black.
"Whatever, you know you like it when I'm close to you," she told him with a smile as Abaddon continued to glare down at the brunette laying against him, but soon gave up resisting and decided to just ignore it. He gazed at the two students who were staring at him.
"These are your teammates?" he asked.
"Yes. The girl's name is Emerald, and the boy's name is Mercury." Cinder stroked Abaddon's chin, which cause him to growl again. "Guys, this is Abaddon. The old 'friend' that I told you about a while ago."
"The White Fang killer?" Emerald plainly asked.
"You should have kept you lips shut Cinder," Abaddon angrily whispered in Cinder's ear.
"Well I had to tell them something sweetie. What are you gonna do? Sue me?" she whispered back.
"Psssh, I can do worse. By the way, there's only three of you. Where's the fourth?" Abaddon asked.
"Oh right, that's the special surprise I had for you," Cinder said as she stood up.
She casually walked over to Mercury and pulled someone from behind him. It was a rather short little girl with hair that was brown on the right and pink on the left, eyes that were the same colors but switched sides, wearing a white jacket, multiple necklaces, a black corset, brown pants, and gray high heeled boots. The little girl shyly waved at Abaddon.
"Neo!" Abaddon yelled.
He rushed over and picked up the little girl as if she was a toddler. Neo laughed as Abaddon pulled her into a tight hug, which she gladly returned.
"It's good to see you too Abby," she said.
"Are you still the quiet and shy one?" Abaddon asked.
"She's barely talked at all since we've been here. Makes it difficult as hell to communicate with her," said Mercury.
"Oh really?" said Abaddon.
He started tickling Neo, which caused her to laugh uncontrollably. She tried to pull his hands away, but she was too weak. After he managed to get her on the floor, he stopped and stood up.
"Well guys, I gotta go see to my friends. Mercury, Emerald, nice meeting you two," said Abaddon.
"Likewise dude," Mercury replied.
He and Abaddon shook hands, but when Abaddon tried to get a handshake from Emerald, she huffed and walked away. Abaddon looked towards Mercury with a worried expression.
"Don't worry, she does that to all the people she doesn't trust. She's actually pretty cool once you get to know her," Mercury said.
"Noted. Neo, we'll catch up later alright." Abaddon nodded towards the little girl, who did the same in response.
Then he went up to Cinder. "Look, we'll have to talk later, about 'this'," Abaddon pointed to her and him. "But for now, I just want you to know that I'm glad you and Neo are safe ok. I was upset back then, but also worried."
Cinder blushed. "Oh my, I was beginning to think you'd turned cold on me."
She tried to get close to him, but he grabbed her shoulders to keep her a good distance from him.
"I'll talk to you later Cinder," Abaddon said, then walked away from them and out of the library.
