I. HAVE. RETURNED!
THE WORLD SHALL TREMBLE ONCE MORE AS I! THE GREAT AND MIGHTY BACKWARDSAILE COME FORTH AND-
Let's stop that shall we. Kinda cringe, ngl.
How's it going everyone?
Merry belated Christmas!
Happy belated New Year!
虎年大吉! 虎虎生威! 龙腾虎跃!
In addition to all those, I have one more reason to celebrate. (Those who know will know)
ord
ORD
ORD O!
WADIO!
WADIIOOOOOOOOO!
O-R-D-FUCKING-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
*ahem*
Apologies for the outburst. I'm free now.
Hope you're all doing well. 2021 has come and gone and here we stand in 2022. I would like to take a moment to thank you all for staying with me despite this trash upload "schedule". I hope the year has treated you well and I hope that no matter who you are or where you are that you are feeling great. The world seems a little dark rn and I know that it cn be overwhelming. But please, now is the time to reach out and connect to family and friends. To build that support unit! If you need to see a therapist, GO SEE A THERAPIST. There is literally no reason to not go, no matter what others say.
However, please don't be dicks to one another! Even with Omicron spreading all over the place now, even if we do hit an endemic level some day, that is no excuse to flaunt safety rules and be selfish assholes. Please. Don't be that person that everyone will point and laugh at online. Just be a responsible person who takes their own measures to ensure that everyone around them is safe. We're all in this together and like a stack of cards, if one of us goes down, the rest of us may too.
But enough doom n gloom! This is a fanfic ffs! Here are the reviews I've gathered.
Guest (BOT): [Text says Caillou Montana] ...Bruh. Why? Just why? I shouldn't even be acknowledging you. Why are you spending time on review threads promoting your story when you could be working on it and let results speak for you?
For shame.
Now, I ain't telling you to boo this man.
But everyone? BOO THIS MAN
(please don't doxx/cyberbully him/her/them. for all intents and purposes this is a joke)
Now, before we get to the fic, one final word. Please fill up the current poll on my profile so I can have a clear winner! Feel free to review whatever you want however you want! Just be polite. Finally, it would be great help if you pointed out any flaws, grammatical errors or any other tips to improve my writing!
AGAIN, apologies for the late upload! (This was meant to come out on XMAS)
Without further ado, onto the fic!
Posted: 09/02/2022
Chapter 11
"COME ON, YOU BUMBLING BASTARD! IS THAT ALL YA GOT?! ME GRAN'S STRONGER THAN YOU AND SHE'S DEAD YOU CUNT!"
- Queen Merida Moc Britannia from History: Uncensored
-Isla de Alabastro, West of Vale-
"This place is awesome!"
A wide eyed Ruby took in the sights as the long golf buggy trundled through a tropical paradise, scroll out and at the ready. Exotic birds quietly trilled and chirped in the crowns of trees, oblivious to the skirmish that happened hours ago. The wind tousled her hair as the convoy of two travelled down little paved roads. Well, it was technically two vehicles. The two had joined together nose-to-tail by a pintle, like a pair of train cars.
All the ladies were in one buggy. The gentlemen were in the rear and Professor Port sat shotgun. "I'm glad you like it!" said Mr Fussar, who drove their vehicle. "I do apologise again for the last minute change of plans. Your rooms haven't been prepared yet. But we're currently in the process right now!"
"Ah, it's fine!" said Yang. She was very much like a dog at the moment, her head leaning out the side of the cart to feel the wind in her hair with a hand on the cart's rail. She had shed her jacket a while back, leaving her in a yellow tube top that had the boys gawking whenever they saw it. The curtain of blonde waved like a pennant, smacking an unfortunate Blake in the mouth. "We're getting a tour of the place! And what a place it is!"
"Yang, don't you live on an island?" asked Blake, spitting out a blonde strand. She pushed the hair out of the way, only for it to smack her again.
"Patch is temperate! This is a tropical getaway!" Yang swatted Blake's hand away and continued to lean out of the vehicle. If Fussar was concerned, he did not show it. "We've got white sandy beaches, great white cliffs, great sun and crystal clear waves! What's not to like?"
"The climate!" complained Weiss. Poor, poor Weiss Schnee. The ice cold girl who grew up in Atlas was in love with the idea of tropical getaways. The reality? Not so much. Once the dust had settled and the clouds had parted, she was given a very rude reminder.
One does not simply transition from the temperate to the tropical in the span of a few hours without some consequence. More so given her attire and home kingdom. Which was why she had foregone her bolero for the ride. A little glyph was projecting dust-cooled air onto the back of her neck so she had at least some level of comfort.
But still, she was sweating like a pig.
"You'll get used to it!" said Lelouch from the back. He sat with his jacket folded on his lap and Oath in its sheathe, in between his legs. "After all, I did," he muttered.
"I doubt it!" snapped Weiss.
"Poor Miss Schnee," snickered Gino. "Looks like the princess is about to become a lobster! Do they not have summer in Atlas?"
"Only in the tanning beds!" chipped in Emerald. The rest of the buggy laughed at the Schnee's expense.
"I can provide you with some sunscreen later on if you would like, Miss Schnee," said Fussar. Poor girl would look like a tomato if the weather persisted like this. "If it's any consolation, we're supposed to get some decent cloud cover the next few days!"
"As long as we're not rained out, that sounds great!" shouted Suzaku. The group muttered in agreement as the buggy passed by the smaller inland cabins with red clay tiles, emerging from the forested road. The crunch of gravel under tires transitioned to the knocking of wooden planks, the buggy moving onto a wide boardwalk built on the shallow part of the coast, stretching from one island to another.
"WOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHH!"
Woah indeed. The noonday sun blazed proudly over crystalline waves, the sky and the sea forming a great expanse dotted by other islands and boats in the distance. The sun baked boardwalk had huge great villas on either side, built on thick wooden posts, with pathways that branched from the boardwalk to wide front porches. It was the type of view one would see on a postcard.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you would look ahead, you will see our overwater bungalows. These villas provide a fantastic view of the sea and are used to house the larger groups of guests that would come here when we're in season. Today, you have the privilege of staying here! Courtesy of the resort!"
"Oooh~!" chorused the group. A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
"Fancy!" said Ruby, snapping some pictures with the others.
"We'll provide a tour of your accommodations later on once the rooms are ready," said Fussar. He tugged the steering heel as they navigated a gentle bend. "In the meantime, we are making our way towards the security centre, where you will be given a more in depth briefing of our situation and the parameters of your mission."
"Any tips you could give us before we start, Mr Security Director?" asked Lelouch from the back.
"Mmm~," mused Fussar, scratching his chin. "Pack plenty of insect repellent. Make sure your comms are well connected. Pack spare socks. Oh! And refrain from pyrotechnics! We do not need to deal with a forest fire on top of the Grimm!"
"I think he's talking about you, Cinder!"
The party, much like it did with Weiss, laughed at her expense. The girl in question hid her irritation behind a chuckle of her own, though those that sat next to her could feel intent rolling off her in waves. They wisely scooted away from her.
"Hahahaha!" cackled Ruby, even as the others stopped.
"Say, Ruby," Weiss said, looking out toward the distance.
"Yeah Weiss?"
"Didn't you almost burn down the school during chemistry?"
"YOU PROMISED YOU WEREN'T GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT!"
"Ruby's an arsonist?! This I gotta hear!"
"Well you see, it started with-"
"NOOOOOOO!"
Fussar shook his head as they drove toward the security centre. "Kids," he chuckled.
-Imperial Palace Grounds, Unity, Britannia-
"Pull!"
A muffled *shoonk* came from behind the trees as a pair of brown disks sailed through the sky. A gray eye tracked their flight path from some iron sights, focusing in on the objects.
Watch the birdie. Track its arc. Anticipate location. Steady hands.
And squeeze.
The shotgun fired with a loud *CRACK*, pellets spraying and reducing the clay pigeons to dust.
"Good shot, lad," came a voice from behind. The tall man lowered his gun and passed it to a nearby steward, who quietly took it with white gloved hands. The gunman looked behind him and beamed at the sight of his unexpected guest.
"Otets!" He laughed as he strode forth. The man crushed his father in a hug, one which was quickly returned. "Vot tak syurpriz!"
"Odd, my boy!" smiled The Emperor. He pat his eldest on his shoulders as they separated. "It's been too long! How have you been?"
"Good, father. In fact, I'm doing great!" he said. His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince Odysseus eu Britannia, neé Odissey Karlovich Sikorsky cut an intimidating figure. Towering at a very tall 2.10 metres (7'), he had stolen the title of biggest royal from his father some time back. The prince was also by far the strongest of his family, a broad shouldered, muscular brute of a man at 28 years old. Though his manner was anything but. "And how have you been, old man?"
"I could be better," said the monarch, stepping back and straightening out his suit. "The recent clash in Area 11 has kicked up a fuss in court. As always, your daddy dearest has to go direct the cleanup. And of course, the tensions in Area 12 are additional cause for concern."
"Sounds rough," remarked the prince. He peeled off his leather gloves and stuffed them into a pocket on his olive green shooting vest, revealing rough hands with faint, dark lines that branched across them. Underneath, he wore a blue shirt and brown trousers, with a flat cap on his head. "And Clovis still wants to be Viceroy there?"
"Your little brother is ambitious to say the least," sighed Charles. "I just hope by the time such a posting is available that he'll have the chops for it."
"And I believe he does. Or at least, he will." said Odysseus. He clicked his tongue as a particularly strong squall buffeted them, whipping off his cap. Miffed, he growled to himself as he picked it up from the grass, smacking it against his thigh to dust it off. "Ah, that feels better." said the prince as he scratched his bare head, standing up back to full height. "So, why the visit?"
The Emperor gave no reply as gaze drifted up to his eldest's dark blue eyes, past the short, light brown beard. Then they drifted up further. Past the small scar that bisected his right eyebrow and past his light brown hair.
The monarch's purple gaze landed on a pair of tall, brown-furred, triangular ears that sat atop the prince's head, having reared themselves up after his cap was blown away.
Both stood tall like monoliths, but if the left were a statue in its prime, the right was that same statue a millenia later. A great chunk had been torn off from the top of his right ear, leaving the surface marred with scar tissue and the appendage half the height of its twin.
Odysseus scowled at his father's gaze, seeing a tear begin to well up. "Grubo smotret'."
Charles blinked. "Pardon?"
"It's rude to stare," he clarified. "Besides, it's been eight years. I'm fine."
"Sorry," he said, gaze dropping down to meet his son's. "Does it hurt?"
Odysseus shook his head. "Same answer as the last hundred times you asked that." A hand reached up to scratch the scar tissue. "Does itch occasionally though."
The Emperor blinked away his tears. "I should've never let you go to the front. Should've pulled you out the first chance I had."
The crown prince clicked his tongue. Not this again. "You know damn well it was my choice to be inserted into Mistral. Even if you pulled me out, I would have found some way back,"
"And yet, what kind of father lets his son run off to war? And an Emperor to boot!"
Time to nip this in the bud.
"One who understands the meaning of duty. It was my choice and mine alone!" Odysseus took a step toward his father as he said his price with a forceful hiss. "I could not sit back as others my age gave themselves for their home. And before you start, I would not have accepted a desk job!"
"Be that as it may, you were not ready!"
"You were fighting a civil war when you were my age," Odysseus said as he crossed his arms.
"That was a different set of circumstances!"
"Father, please," Odd said with firmness, hands held in front of his father in a calming gesture. "We've had this conversation before. The circumstances for our involvement in our respective conflicts were extraordinary and we had no control over them, only our choices. Can't you acknowledge that I chose to heed the call and fight?"
The Emperor inhaled deeply, catching himself. "Fine. I apologise for restarting the argument. I know it means a lot to you."
"Of course it did," nodded Odd. "We already lost one family member. I did not want to lose another three."
-City of Vale-
A nondescript black minivan drove through Vale in the dead of night. Its engine hummed as it made its way through the commercial district, passing by hulking buildings that were lit brighter than bonfires a few hours ago. Inside sat 7 domestic terrorists, though what they wore at the moment made them look less like radical civil rights activists and more like a drunken group of friends.
Find a bar called Argey's. 0200 hours. Come in civilian clothing. Conceal traits. Don't be late.
Those were the instructions the passengers had received, brief as they were, along with a contingency. They were clear, concise and to the point with its objective with little room for doubt. Yet, Adam and his small entourage could not help but feel anxious and on alert.
Mainly because of where this supposed meeting place was located.
"I don't like this," muttered a White Fang grunt. The van took a right, driving down the boulevard and headed northward. With their destination in mind, Adam very much resonated with that notion. The minivan crested a bridge and the fairly uniform building scape transformed into bespoke, extravagant structures, each with its own personality.
The high class district. AKA The Golden Village. AKA Old Harbourfront. AKA Vale's gentrified asshole.
With the place practically a miniature city for the elite, along with a notably low Faunus population compared to the rest of the city, the majority of the White Fang's stance on the place was clear.
"Take a left at the next cross junction," Adam said, looking down at his scroll. The grunt at the wheel nodded and slowed down at the junction, making sure to drive cleaner than someone who just got their licence.
"Right at the next turn." As the van turned from the main road, Adam shifted in his seat, uncomfortable without his weapon by his side, out of uniform and in a vehicle which reeked of alcohol. His current outfit was a far cry from what he usually wore. A ratty, grey hoodie that was a size too big, running shoes, jeans and a white undershirt. A cap sat loosely on his head, doing its best to hide his iconic red hair and black horns. He slumped in his seat, the peak of the cap set low to cover his eyes. Even if he wasn't recognised, a one eyed man with an SDC brand on his face would've been impossible to miss.
He felt naked without his eye mask and it took him some time to nut up and not wear the most obvious piece of the uniform. Yet. There was no way he would be walking into a meeting without it. Especially with the entourage. No one under his wing had seen his face and he did not intend to change that.
"Shit. Cops!" One of the members pointed out. Coming toward them on the other side of the road was a VPD cruiser, patrolling the neighbourhood at a crawl. Any random chatter shared between the passengers was replaced by tense silence, praying to their gods to keep them from looking suspicious. The driver, a dog faunus who passed for human when he tucked his tail away, looked dead ahead, hands strangling the steering wheel.
Adam, to do what little he could, slouched in his seat, sliding down and away from view. He pulled his cap lower, closed his eyes and turned on his side, doing his best to look like a passed out drunk. He watched the police pass them by out of the corner of his eye, silently willing the driver and the rest of his entourage to not mess up.
One second passed. Two seconds passed. Three. Four. Five.
The passengers heaved a collective sigh of relief once the vehicle had passed. "That was a close one," said the driver, relaxing in his seat.
BOO-WOOP!
"Oh for fu-!"
-One Moment Later-
"Blow into this please." The driver craned his head out the window and closed his mouth around the breathalyser, cheeks puffing up. The police officer's nose crinkled at the smell of alcohol and puke from the car. "Must've been some party, huh?"
"Mhm!" hummed the driver. The device beeped and the officer brought it up to his eye level. After a moment's scrutiny, he gave the driver a grin as he stowed it in his belt. "Well, sir, it's good to see you're clean. You may go. Get those folks home safe and get that tail light checked."
With a tip of his hat, the policeman walked back to his vehicle, leaving the very nervous group to continue their journey. The driver slumped in his seat and breathed raggedly, the tension leaving his body.
Close. Too close!
His anxiety was broken by a pat on his shoulder. Adam looked at him and gave a reassuring rub, a lone blue eye barely visible from the cap. "Well done. Let's get going."
With a nod and the chiming in of the other passengers, the driver resumed their drive, making a turn down a side road. The buildings along the street were a bit older compared to the rest of the district, lustrous blue spires of steel replaced by short, stout, blocks of red brick, concrete and plaster.
"What are we looking for again?" asked the driver, slowing down the vehicle.
"Argey's. Bar on this street. Red brick building. Two stories," said one of the passengers, checking a picture on their scroll.
"I see it. There any parking?"
"Not that I see," said Adam, sitting up. "Park across the street. We'll make our way in."
Soon after, the seven alighted from the vehicle. Adam rummaged through his jacket pocket and pulled out his mask. He put it on, feeling the familiar contours fit over his eyes like a glove.
"Adam!"
His hand shot out to catch Blush. He nodded in thanks to his subordinate and turned to address the lot, who were throwing up their hoods or putting on hats. "Remember, heads down. Let's go."
Look for the bartender. Ask for a lost scroll. If he asks, says it's red.
They crossed the quiet street, coming up to the bar. Like the rest of the buildings in the area, it was made of bricks, with black metal window frames. It's name, Argey's, was mounted on top of the entrance in a warm yellow light. The seven could see some wooden chairs put up on the tables inside, a few drunk stragglers who were no doubt waiting for a cab to bring them home and a bartender who was cleaning his glasses. The double doors of the entrance were shut, with a sign reading "We're Closed" hanging on one of the handles.
Adam took a breath to steel himself. He reached out, pulled down the handle and pushed. He stepped over the threshold and strode to the bar, the rest following closely.
"We're closed," drawled the middle-aged bartender, not bothering to look up.
"I'm not here for a drink," began Adam, recalling the phrase he was instructed to say. "My friend lost his scroll and we're looking for it. Have you seen one?"
"A few," answered the bartender. "Any features?"
"A red casing."
The bartender stopped wiping and put down the glass. He leaned forward as he put his arms down. "I think I've seen it. It should be in the back in Lost and Found. Follow me." He left the bar and pushed open a door leading to the rear, the group trailing behind him. He walked briskly down a dimly lit hallway, pushing open a door on his left without slowing down. The group of eight stepped into a storage room, its walls lined with shelves and a service elevator opposite them.
"Is this some sort of joke?"demanded one of the members.
"Do you want to meet the man or not?!" snapped the bartender. The only answer he got was silence.
"Fuckin' kids," he muttered under his breath.
"Tch! Shitty old man," muttered the white fang member. The elevator arrived and rumbled open, letting the eight in. The panel had only two buttons, G and B. He pressed the latter and held it as the lift rumbled as it made its way down.
The elevator chimed upon arrival. Yet, the doors did not open.
"Is the lift broken?" asked Adam.
"Give it a moment."
The wall behind them slid itself open, eliciting a cry of surprise from the member who was leaning against it as they fell. It revealed a hallway with a metal door at the end with a fluorescent tube of eye-stinging light bathed the area in a mint green glow and a dormant camera nestled up in the corner. The bartender squeezed himself through the surprised radicals and walked up to the door. He rapped on the metal and looked up at the camera, which came to life and whipped towards them.
"Our friends are here. Let us in," he said curtly. An electronic buzzer droned out and the bartender pushed open the door. The seven followed and took in the sight.
It was a grand load of… nothing. The space was expansive, sure, but in the way a carpark was at midnight. It looked like an underground storage facility, like the type that would hold servers or vaults, with a few rooms for offices or something to the side. But all that occupied the main space at the moment was a small table and a pair of foldable chairs, the further one occupied by a relaxed figure in a trench coat.
And the dozen armed personnel that stood behind him.
Zero. The man himself.
Adam and his group stopped in front of the table, the bartender fixing his posture to speak to the masked man.
"Sir, our guests have arrived."
"Thank you. You may take your leave."
"Very good sir." The bartender spared the group one last glance as he walked back the way he came, moving to the door at brisk pace. Footsteps echoed through the room as the two sides regarded each other. Adam's posse could hardly contain their nerves behind their eye masks looking at the Midnight Fang. The guards were dressed in all black, befitting their organisation's name. Black trousers. Black, hooded leather jackets with silver lining. Black, full faced masks with crystal finish. Just like the one they sent him. In their arms were rifles not dissimilar to the ones they used. Old Atlesian stock that managed to find its way onto the black market.
The door behind them slammed shut, leaving Adam to truly take in the atmosphere. Eight against twelve. Pistols and a huntsman's weapon against a dozen rifles, probably armed and ready. Not to mention what the unknown in front of him may have.
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. He took a step toward the table but was shortly halted by one of the guards. "Weapons please," he said plainly, producing a blue plastic tray.
Biting back an indignant retort, Adam unclasped Blush from his belt loop and placed it in the tray, stone faced all the while. He took a step forward but was stopped again.
"All of them," said the guard. Further ahead, Adam could see the other guards tightening their grip on their rifles, their gazes now directed at him. With a huff, he reached into his hoodie pouch and surrendered an icepick.
"Your companions?" said the guard, nodding at the rest behind. Adam was able to pass unimpeded this time, hearing the soft clatter of pistols being placed into the tray behind him. He stopped in front of the empty chair, staring down at the man before him. In most scenarios, now would be the moment where he gauged whoever he was meeting. Maybe even cow them. That was not so here. Staring at the man whose face was basically a mirror, combined with its unnerving fisheye effect, Adam found it hard to channel his intimidating stature to its fullest.
It was hard to hate oneself, after all.
"So," said Zero, breaking the pause. He stood up to meet Adam at his eye level. "You must be the infamous Adam Taurus. Your reputation precedes you."
A hand stuck itself out. An unsaid test. Adam took a second to gauge Zero. Adam stood above him but that he was by no means short. Zero was tall. Adam was taller. Not many in the organisation held the same stature as him. That was a very useful boon when trying to command others.
'I'll take the risk.'
Adam accepted the hand with his own. The two leaders shook as a sign of respect. "Please, sit. And please, take off your hoods and hats. You are among friends, no?"
"That remains to be seen," Adam whipped off his cap, placing it on the table while quietly appreciating the air on his horns.
"Indeed," chuckled Zero. "Would you like a drink?"
"You can't poison me," scowled Adam.
"Oh, not that kind!" Zero said defensively. "Something lighter. To refresh us so late at night. Tea perhaps?"
"I suppose we could."
"Very good." Zero snapped his fingers and a tray carrying a teapot, a pair of cups and accompanying additives was placed between them in a moment. "Help yourself."
"You first."
"Cautious. That's good," noted Zero, pouring a cup for himself. He tapped the back of his jaw, making the lower portion of the mask slide back to expose lips just long enough to take a swig. "See?" he asked as the mask slid back.
"Doesn't prove anything," grumbled Adam. "You could've taken an antidote beforehand."
"I could have," conceded Zero, stirring in sugar and cream. Six cubes? That's a lot. "But that would be counterproductive towards my client's goals."
"You're still not convincing me," siad Adam, arms crossed. "If that's what you're trying to do, you're terrible at it."
"I'm getting there," said Zero, finishing his cup. "Sugar? Cream?"
"Cream only," replied Adam.
"Anyway, where was I? Ah, yes. Why you should trust me." He finished preparing the cup and slid it over to the Vale Branch Elder. "In terms of concrete evidence, I have little. Nor do we have prior rapport with you."
"You're not getting any closer," said Adam, "I'm beginning to doubt the use of this meeting."
"Yet, you deigned us worthy of your time. Why is that? What does the proud and mighty Adam Taurus want with a two-bit, no name private army?"
"You tell me. You sent the invite."
"You could have ignored us. Thumbed your nose at the tribute. And you chose to come anyway."
"At the behest of my superiors."
"At the recommendation of your superiors," countered Zero, sipping his tea. "Those are two very different words. One has you a slave, the other a man. Are you a slave, Master Taurus? Like the SDC would have our race be?"
"I am no slave," growled Adam.
"So you are a man," reasoned Zero. "Capable of independent thought, choice and will. Therefore, you chose to come to us, despite the veritable stockpile of ordnance now in your possession. So admit it, you came not merely because your superiors suggested you do, but more so because we caught your attention. You saw an opportunity!"
"That is an eloquent sales pitch," Adam said. "But what is your point?"
"That despite the external support for this meeting, the foundation of said choice is one that came from within. You chose to come because you have some semblance of faith."
"I never said I trusted you."
"Trust needs a foundation. Faith can be baseless," calmly argued Zero. "Tell me, do you trust in the White Fang's mission?"
"Of course!"
"Wrong. You don't. You do not so much trust the vision of Faunus Supremacy so much as you have faith in it."
"You dare?!"
"Let me finish," said Zero. His voice had some sort of gravity that Adam couldn't help but heed. That and the guards had trained their guns on him at that moment. "Statistically, the Faunus race is a minority demographic among the people of Remnant. Even if we did establish total political supremacy, that rule is tenuous at best. The human masses would rise against us, as you rise against them now. You are not breaking the cycle! You perpetuate it! Faunus are oppressed, so you rise up. You rise up, so humanity treats you better out of fear. Humanity fears you, so that fear bubbles over and manifests as discrimination. Discrimination leads to unfair treatment, making the Faunus oppressed.
And yet, you put your faith in the methods of the White Fang! Why? Because you hope that the changes made are here to last! Any trust in the methods had fizzled out with the change from Belladonna to Khan leadership, either willingly or by force. Thus leaving only zealous, fanatical faith.
So I say to you, Adam Taurus, to place just the tiniest bit of faith in us and we will show you the world. Do. You. Have. Faith?"
Adam took a moment to take it all in and collect himself. What changes did the Fang influence that could truly stand the test of time? What effects were temporary? Which ones were here to stay? Did he join because he trusted in the mission? Because he saw the ground it made?
No. He joined on not much more than a dream and a promise. It was a leap of faith.
'A leap of faith, eh?' His gaze lowered to the tea cup in front of him, the wisp of steam beckoning to him like a mistress.
Zero smirked behind his mask as he watched Taurus snatch up the porcelain cup and gulp down the drink, heedless of the temperature.
"Your faith is greatly appreciated," Zero said as he sat down. Adam, now calmer, sat down too. "Now, Mr Taurus. Do you have any questions for me before we enter our discussions?"
"Yes, I do."
"Then, by all means, ask away," Zero said, refilling Adam's cup.
"So, Zero," he began, scooting closer. "What business do you have in Vale?"
"It's a simple job," said Zero, steepling his hands. "The consolidation, enforcement, protection and expansion of our client's assets."
"You work for Torchwick?"
"He is the organisation's employer, yes," droned the metal baritone. "Surely you heard of the warehouse burning a few days ago?"
"I am aware."
"Ah, good. That was our debut!"
"Well, if that is the case," Adam said as he leaned his arms on the table. "Why have I never heard of The Midnight Fang?"
"We're a clandestine operation. Our objectives did not align with whatever agreement you had going on so Mr Torchwick saw no reason to inform you."
"Then why didn't he use you for his operations prior to his capture?"
"Again, our mission parameters did not involve us participating in such actions. Besides, we are more of a contingency force. Until he's set free."
"Very well." The explanations made sense, if only marginally. Time to press them. "Have you any connections with the White Fang?"
The name of the organisation alone, Midnight Fang, already raised some eyebrows throughout the ranks. Was Zero a former member? A mercenary company bearing such a name would definitely besmirch the White Fang's good name and its noble cause, coincidence or no.
"Why, of course!" Zero said nonchalantly. "I was there back when Ghira was the High Leader."
"Really?" asked Adam calmly. "Then why don't I remember you?" The revelation was making the Taurus rack his brains for anyone of the old guard. Any veterans that left who held charisma, who could command enough attention to start a warband.
He came up with nothing.
"I wasn't exactly the most outstanding member back then. I'd be more surprised if you did," shrugged Zero.
"Well, looking at our modus operandi now, why didn't you just stay?"
"I did not agree with Khan becoming head of the organisation," Zero replied. "I also didn't take to the new doctrine that came with the change in regime. If you didn't notice, I want equality, not supremacy. Guns from all walks of life are welcome, regardless of race."
"This coming from the man who orchestrated arson and homicide?"
"Ah, but there is a difference here."
"Pray tell, how does torching a warehouse differ from torching a factory?"
"Hooliganism and general felony is not my style," said Zero, leaning back and crossing his legs. "You see, we differ in our targets."
"You don't say."
"Allow me to elaborate. Your attacks on the SDC and other public entities and figures that exploit faunus labour is all fine and dandy. But their public profile and public relations are too good, too shiny in the eyes of their supporters for any damage they can't recover from. It's two steps forward, one step back for you. That and their vital roles in society are a protection by themselves."
"So who do you hit then?"
"Those who exploit our brothers so terribly, so despicably that there would be no recovery. Those who, should their activities come to light, would wish they were dead. The scum of the earth."
"The underworld? Traffickers? The gangs?"
"Exactly. And if we're seen as the champions who snuff out these parasites and their lackeys and bring justice, all the better for us. We do our work and the people turn a blind eye. Gods know how inept the law enforcement is right now, to say nothing of the corruption."
"So the fertiliser warehouse…?"
"A front by the Alpinista family to distribute their Snow throughout Remnant. Mostly in Mistral, with our race's standing there compared to the rest of the world."
"What did you do with the snow?"
"We requisition most of it," replied Zero, taking a sip. "We intend to sell it at a jacked up price."
"How's that any different than the Alpinistas?"
"Well, firstly," said Zero, holding up a finger. "We're moving the distribution away from the Faunus-dense areas in Remnant. So a pack is more likely to end up feeding an Atlesian trophy wife's habit rather than putting a labourer in debt. Secondly, they've been diluted down to a point where they're better off as actual fertiliser than anything. The packs we're selling are 99% flour, with enough white pepper in it to give it a kick."
"Won't the retailers notice something's up?"
"One in ten packs are untouched," Zero said, completely relaxed. "And if a retailer does happen to notice and complains… Well let's say not many people would miss them."
For the first time since he met the man, Adam allowed himself a tiny grin. "I'm beginning to like your style."
"Happy to hear that!" Zero said with a clap. "Now to the meat of the discussion."
"I will provide you with quality firearms, tactical gear and training. You will not be a mere paramilitary. You will have a veritable army," Zero said.
"And how will you go about it?" asked Adam, cautious of what would come next.
"Don't worry, I will not interfere with your operations," said Zero. "I was thinking of sending a small group of liaison officers who would oversee the training and transfer of equipment."
"I see. You will be sending only Faunus officers, I trust?"
"But of course!" Zero replied. "I understand the climate within the White Fang now. I wouldn't jeopardise your hide that way."
"Much appreciated," nodded Adam. "Now, what would you like in return?"
"Access to your distribution networks, as well as any members that may wish to join my organisation, as well as a few members per my choice, pending unanimous agreement from all parties involved."
"That is a hefty request," Adam said. "The networks I can understand. But why the defectors?"
"Think of it as a way of taking loose lips off your hands," Zero said cryptically. "Besides, I may have use of their skills. That and I dislike seeing our brothers and sisters shunned or much worse, perish unnecessarily."
"Didn't take you for a bleeding heart."
"Compassion, my boy. Compassion is the capacity for mercy and helping one another, as well as being understanding. A bleeding heart is one who cannot discard feelings of pity or sympathy to save themselves," Zero said. "So, I trust you don't have a problem with our terms?"
"I would like to see a live demonstration of your competency," Adam said, popping a kink in his neck.
"Really? Well, I promise you will get a front row seat," Zero said. "Do we have a deal?" HIs hand extended once more.
Adam said nothing as he clasped it with his own.
"Deal," Adam said. "I'm putting my faith in you."
"You honour me by accepting!" Zero and Adam shook on it and retracted. "I would bring out champagne, but something tells me you don't want any."
"Very observant," Adam nodded.
"Very well then!" Zero stood and stretched. "Would you and companions follow me?"
"Where are we going?" asked Adam, standing from his chair. One of the guards approached him with the weapons tray and he accepted Wilt and Blush with a nod of thanks.
"You put your faith in me, Mr Taurus," said Zero. "I'm about to turn that faith into rock hard trust. I'm a man of my word after all!"
"Wait, we're going now?"
"Indeed we are, Adam!" Zero began walking off with his detail, Adam and his group following suit. "Now come! Time's a wastin'! Allons-y!"
"...What?"
-Kuo Kuana, Menagerie-
Kali Belladonna walked down the streets of Kuo Kuana, the light of the late afternoon sun beating down on the capital of Menagerie. She hummed a little ditty to herself, waving at her fellow Faunus who paid homage to the chieftain's wife. The path she walked was one she knew well, yet one she had not taken for some time.
She took a turn once she reached the coast, the waters glittering in the light. She kept on walking till she reached a complex whose buildings were painted a bright blue, surrounded by a low, white fence. It stood larger than the average houses in Menagerie and consisted of three structures. An open air shed with long tables, a long, single-storeyed hut with a chimney and a two-storey main building with windows, double doors and a wooden tripod on the ground just before its porch, from which hung a shining bronze bell. Over the doorway was a dark brown sign made from a piece of driftwood. The name of the place was carved into the material and highlighted with white paint.
Menagerie Elementary. A bastion of innocence and youth in this unfair, cynical world of theirs. It was little more than five years ago that she used to pick up her little girl from here every afternoon, the days filled with tinkling laughter and the unique joy of a child as she spent the days learning with her peers. Before she ran off with the dream of the noble fight. Before the rebellious teen spirit was misguided into what was tantamount to terrorism.
Kali smiled nostalgically, wondering what her dear daughter was doing now. Was she safe? Did she make any friends at Beacon? She had left the Vale branch, she knew that much, but news was slow to reach the little island. She worried for Blake's safety, especially with Adam at the forefront. The boy, once upon a time, was the sweetest little thing. Fiercely protective, loyal and idealistic.
Alas, those traits were twisted to an obsessive extreme, catalysed by the tragic passing of dear Ariadne. She could only pray that he saw the error of his ways before it was too late.
"Lady Belladonna," greeted an old voice. She brought her gaze back down and came face to face with the principal.
"Elder Wugui," she bowed. Chieftain's wife she may be but her status paled in comparison to the man before her. The elderly, long necked Faunus walked up to her with a slight hunch, a tall, black lacquered wooden staff used as a walking stick. The instrument stood taller than either of them, with an intricate, golden disk roughly 7 eighths of the way up its length, a similarly coloured cap found at the base of the staff. He wore a thin, dark blue robe tied with an amber sash and his was in his usual spiky ponytail. His feet wore spartan, straw sandals and the arm that held his staff was bare, along with that side of his torso, the material of the robe pooling over his hip.
"I take it you're here for young Auryn?"
"Wise as ever, Elder," giggled Kali.
"Please, Kali, what have I told you before? Call me Genbu."
"Very well then, Genbu." She nodded in thanks as he undid the latch and opened the gate for her. As they walked up the stone pathway, they continued to speak.
"Has he been behaving today?" asked Kali. They rounded the main building and headed toward the small field in the back.
"Hrm, for the most part," said Genbu. "Anxious ball of energy as always, he is. Much like Blake was."
"Yes, she was very hyperactive back then," laughed Kali.
"Unfortunately, he got into a spat with a classmate today. Thankfully, Mrs Cuda could separate them before blows were exchanged. The proper punishment has already been dealt."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Kali said in surprise. "Any idea what was said?"
Genbu leaned in, whispering to the Belladonna. "I was not around to hear it but it had to do with his parentage. Do you mind speaking to him about it?"
"I will," said Kali. "What about his combat training?"
"He's doing well," Genbu said proudly. "Still too impulsive and arrogant, however. I do not recommend dedicated weapon's training until he can cool his head. The best he can do right now are the basics."
"I see," said Kali pensively. "Will he be ready for aura soon?"
"He is nearly there. He just needs the right temperament." They arrived at the backyard as he finished his short evaluation. "Auryn? It's time to go home!"
No response came to them.
"How odd. He was here when I last saw him," said Genbu as he scanned the vicinity. "Maybe he went inside. Would you mind waiting here, Kali?"
"It's no problem, Genbu," she said, waving dismissively.
"I'll be back in a moment." Genbu climbed the steps up to the porch and entered the school.
As the door closed, a rustling caught her attention. Her ears pricked up as she turned towards the tree at the far end of the backyard. The old rain tree stood tall, with a simple swing, suspended from its bough by a length of rope. A glint of light caught her eye and she looked at the base of the tree as she approached it. She crouched and picked up the item, a flip-flop with a little silver trinket attached to the thong. She looked up and caught a sliver of movement in the branches, hearing a gasp squeak out from above.
'Of course,' she smiled.
"You know," she loudly began, "it's not good to leave shoes lying around. The only ones who don't keep their footwear are naughty children."
Silence.
"I also heard that they're scrawny."
Still more silence. Damn it, why else?
"And that they can only eat vegetables!"
"Only vegetables?! Gross!"
Aha.
"Well then, would the owner of this sandal kindly come down and say hello to his auntie?"
A little giggle sounded out among the rustling of leaves. She watched the branches as they shook under the weight. A little boy, around eleven years old, came to a skittering stop above her, barely holding his giggles.
"Coming down!"
That was the only warning she got as he jumped off the branch. Dropping his sandal, Kali Belladonna expertly caught the boy in her arms, using her knees to cushion the impact.
"Oof!"
The ball of energy uncurled itself into a giggling boy, one who she and Ghira had been raising the past few years.
"Hello Auryn," laughed Kali as she set him down.
"Hi Auntie Kali!" Auryn was a jaguar faunus with olive skin and bright eyes of gold. He was average height for his age, had a shock of red hair on his head, a plaster on the bridge of his nose and an extra pair of round ears that poked through his mop. He wore a yellow singlet with white stripes and baggy, red sarong-style pants that reached his ankles. Around his waist was a golden sash mottled with black dots of dirt. One foot was bare. The other wore a brown sandal with a little silver charm.
"Ready to go home?"
"Mm!"
"Ah, I see you've found him," said Genbu as he approached them. "Climbing as always I see."
"Sorry, Mr Wugui," Auryn said sheepishly.
"I didn't say I was angry, young one," replied Genbu. "I merely want you to be safe."
"So just be careful," assured Kali, scratching his head.
"Okay," Auryn responded.
"If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave for today, Genbu," said Kali as they walked to the front.
"By all means, Kali. Have a good day," the Elder said as they approached the gate. "I will see you tomorrow Auryn."
"Bye bye Mr Wugui!" waved Auryn. The tortoise waved back before he latched the gate. His hand grasped onto Kali's and together they made their way back to the Belladonna residence.
"How was your day Auryn?" asked Kali.
"It was great! I got 48 out of 50 for the math test!" he said excitedly.
"Really? That's wonderful!" she praised. "Your mother would be proud!"
"Do you know when mom's coming back?" asked Auryn. "I miss her."
"Oh Auryn," sighed Kali as she rubbed his head. "You know that her work is too dangerous to bring you along."
"I know.." he said dejectedly.
"But, I hear that she'll be coming by for a week in a few months' time."
"Really?!" His mood perked up considerably at the prospect.
"Really!" she nodded. "So you best behave yourself and do your best so she'll be happy when she does!"
"I will! I will!" he happily replied, bouncing in his step. "Do you think we can go swimming later?!"
"Of course." Kali was more than happy to oblige his request.
"Yay!"
"But, while we're on the topic, what's this I hear about you getting into a fight?"
"... Oh crap baskets."
"Language."
-High Class District, City of Vale-
"What exactly are we doing here?" asked Adam as he emerged from a stairwell.
The early morning wind blew on the Fang members. From the roof where they stood, they could see the newer sectors of the High Class District towering over the older parts. They were on top of a five storey building that once belonged to a shipping company. Having been recently closed, the structure stood for sale on the market and was hence currently abandoned.
So a perfect place to see what would happen next.
"Hm? You're getting a front row seat, like I said," replied Zero. He walked over to a trio of crates and took the rightmost one, the middle one holding a pair of binoculars, a file and a radio communicator. "Please," he said, gesturing to the empty one.
"To what?"
"Oh nothing major. Just the untimely passing of a pillar in the community."
"I take it this pillar is an enemy to our race?" said Adam as he took a seat.
"Indeed," said Zero, handing him the binoculars. "What do you see?"
"Castles built on our people's backs," said Adam, looking through them. He always wanted to say that.
"Mmm, poetic! But not what I was looking for," said Zero.
"What are you looking for then?"
"I spy with my little eye a great red cross," Zero said simply. Only one building in the vicinity matched the description. Vale General Hospital. Despite its name, the establishment had become quite the forefront in terms of quality medical care in the city of Vale, thanks in no small part to the donations its wealthy patrons so often made to it. Needless to say, some of that money had more blood on them than the hospital itself.
"Vale General?"
"Where our prey is sheltered," nodded Zero, handing Adam the file. Adam opened the folder and saw the picture of a man in his late fifties, fat like a prize pig with thinning hair and smiling with a cigar in the corner of his mouth. Next to it was a column of print, though Zero's narration proved more than sufficient.
"Giuseppe Niccolo Bassanio Antonio Arditi di Montagna, known better as Don Monty. Philanthropist, real estate titan, Vale's largest producer and retailer of botanical goods, racketeer, slaver, trafficker. Head of the Alpinista Organisation and, most importantly, tonight's target."
"Wasn't he hospitalised recently?" chimed in one of Adam's group.
"He was," Zero replied, holding up his index. "Most people think he fell sick as a result of his indulgent lifestyle. Others think that one of his competitors, or even his family, may have slipped him a little something to put him in his current state. No one knows for sure currently."
Adam eyed him sceptically. "Something tells me it's known of the above."
Zero audibly smacked his lips. "Theta-B1 is a nasty little thing," he began, putting down his hand. "Deadlier than ricin, it kills in one to two days and requires just two milligrams to do so. Enters the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Though it also has very limited bioavailability through skin contact. Victims will first begin exhibiting signs 8 to 12 hours after ingestion, starting with coughing, development of a fever and loss of sensation in extremities. Next, tightness in the chest and general respiratory distress. If it develops further, the victim will experience lethargy, nausea and pulmonary haemorrhage. After that… I think you know where this leads to."
"So you poisoned the Don?"
"Precisely, Mr Taurus!" said Zero. "Alas, he was supposed to perish quietly at home. But he got lucky. Despite the amount we gave him, he pulled through just long enough for medical aid to be rendered in a timely fashion. He now recovers in VGH alongside his bodyguard."
"And you want to finish what you started."
"Bingo," said Zero. "Flip over to the next page will you?"
Adam complied and saw a picture of the Don, now in a hospital bed with a respirator mask over his face as Zero spoke. "Poor man had his heart stressed out by the attack. So not only are his lungs being monitored, but his heart is also of interest as well. It would be a damn shame if his habits caught up to him now."
"Ruthless," commented Adam.
"Why thank you."
"So, when will the show begin?"
"At my say so." His scroll chimed and Zero checked it. He hummed in what sounded like satisfaction and took the radio, pressing the button to speak. "K1 to B1. K1 to B1"
The radio crackled to life. "B1 to K1. Send."
"B1, are the preparations made? Over."
"All preparations are done, K1. Awaiting instruction."
Zero passed the radio over to Adam. "Here, I want you to do it."
"Why?" asked Adam. "Why me?"
"A symbol of our newfound alliance," Zero answered plainly.
Adam took the radio and eyed it in his hand. "What do I even say?"
"Commence operation. Simple as that."
Adam raised the device to his mouth. He depressed the button and spoke.
-Vale General Hospital, Electrical Substation-
"B1, commence operation," crackled the Taurus over the line.
"Roger that," said the operative curtly. He clipped his communicator to his belt and did the final checks on the charge, making sure it was properly attached to the switchboard. With a nod, he flicked a switch which activated the tiny crystal electric dust hooked up to it. He locked the switchboard's door,picked up his duffle bag and scurried away from the electronics. Once he was a good distance away, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a clicker. With his free hand, he picked up his radio.
"K1, be advised. Lights out in three. Two. One.."
*click*
-Vale General Hospital, a few minutes prior-
The blue-green boots of scrubs strode quietly down the hallway. The purple haired lady greeted her colleagues passively, giving little nods or waves as they passed her by. She had been embedded here for the past few days, laying in wait for the time to strike.
Tonight was said time.
'1308. 1309. 1310,' she counted, passing each room of the highrise hospital. 'Ah. 1311.'
She knocked gently on the door and pushed it open, pressing a flat silver button on her collar. Like any other private room, it was plainly decorated, with one or two vases for well-wishing bouquets. Which this patient had an abundance of. An EKG beeped and a ventilator hissed in the background, giving precious support to the life of one who ruined so many.
She pulled out a black little block from her scrubs and attached it to the rear of the EKG, its magnetic face helping it stick on to the surface. One press of a button later and a green dot glowed, scrambling the device to loop the "all readings normal" output.
Next, she retrieved a syringe she had liberated from the supply and uncapped it. She walked over to his IV, full of saline solution, and coldly jabbed the needle into the injection port. Its contents were potent, but diluted just enough for her to get out of dodge before the effects took hold.
As she exited the room, she tapped a quick message to her superior and sent it off. Heading straight for the elevator, she strode in just as a doctor left it. She calmly pressed the button for the ground floor and allowed herself a small smile as the doors closed.
'Sweet dreams, Mr Montagna.'
-High Class District, City of Vale-
The watchers on the roof let out a collective gasp as the lights of the hospital were all snuffed out at once, plunging the space on the horizon it occupied into darkness.
"Impressive," Adam said with a nod. "But all this for one target?"
"We don't exactly want full focus on us just yet," explained Zero, crossing his arms. "If we claim credit for it straight away, we'd have the whole of Vale's underworld bearing down on us. Instead, let him die of 'natural causes' and sow seeds of doubt among the factions."
"Let them fight, weaken each other and swoop in when the time is right," finished Adam.
"Spot on!"
"Will it work? Are you sure the factions won't unite against you?"
"There is a chance, yes," admitted Zero. "But our presence here is minimal, mostly whispers and rumours outside of the Alpinistas. Even then, they know too little about us to act effectively. And if all else fails? There's always the explosive option."
"I thought you were against aimless violence," snorted Adam.
"I dislike it. But I'm not against using it," clarified Zero. "Of course, it's more of a last resort option."
"I see," nodded Adam. "So, what now?"
"Next step, the exposé. We release every single piece of evidence on the Don online, let the populous whip up the frenzy for us. We continue to work in the shadows and sow more and more chaos, leading to the collapse of the underworld of Vale as we know it."
"That's very ambitious," said Adam, getting up to stretch.
"Well, my client has never been one to settle," said Zero. He stood and opened the crate he sat on, pulling out a bottle of whiskey. "Now, I know you previously expressed no desire to drink. But perhaps you may partake in one, to mark the occasion."
"Are we going to be drinking any other time tonight?" asked Adam with mirth.
"No, I promise this is the last drink I'm offering you."
"Well," said Adam, taking the bottle for himself. Atlesian Reserve. Twelve years' old. Unopened. "It better not be poison."
"Oh please," scoffed Zero, producing a pair of crystal glasses. "With all the effort I put in just now? Don't be absurd."
"You can never be too careful," said Adam, handing back the bottle.
"Hmph! Wise words." Zero twisted the bottle open with a crack, the screwtop seal breaking. He uncapped the bottle and filled the glasses with the brown liquid before setting it down, picking up the pair and handing one to the White Fang Commander. "What shall we toast to, Mr Taurus?"
"Hm~," ruminated Adam. He smirked as a thought came to his mind. He raised his glass toward Zero.
"To the glory of our people," he toasted.
"And to the fall of tyrants," answered Zero.
*clink*
-Isla de Alabastro-
"Team One to Nest, Team One to Nest. Do you read me?"
"Reading you loud and clear, Team One. What's your status?" chirped the radio.
"We have reached communications relay seven," replied Lelouch, crouched next to the device. The tower was surrounded by a chain link fence and had vines creeping up its concrete base. "All readings are normal but something seems to have busted a hole through the fences."
"Really?" asked the voice. "Okay, we'll make a note of that. Thanks for letting me know. Anything else to report? Any nearby Grimm sightings?"
"Nothing more to report, Nest. Grimm sightings minimal. Since last contact, neutralised one pair of Beowolves at 0957." Lelouch adjusted his rolled up sleeve and wiped some sweat from his brow.
"So that makes five Beowolves and two Ursai, correct?"
"Affirmative."
"Right. Keep up the good work! We'll see you back for lunch! Nest out." The radio chirped one final time before going silent. Lelouch stowed the handset back onto the porter drone that accompanied him and his patrolmates. It was a six legged thing colour in an olive drab. It had a set of cameras on all sides of its body for situational awareness, all terrain features like clawed feet and a flotation system as well as a flat back with a rubberized and magnetic surface for ease of transportation, whatever the cargo was.
Currently, it was a boxy radio set and a rucksack full of essentials provided by the resort's security staff. The two items were secured to the automaton by thick bungee cords, wound tight around the chassis.
"So, where to next Lelouch?" asked Cinder, drinking from a canteen that hung from her waist.
"Well, according to the map," he said, pulling out his scroll. "We have three more checkpoints to cover. One observation post and two relays."
"How much longer till we're done?!" whined the last of the trio. Ruby, like any girl her age, liked to sleep in. So being part of the so called "sunrise patrol" was the worst outcome for her (despite the fact that they started at 0800).
"We're halfway there," said Lelouch sympathetically. He rubbed her head as he began walking, leading the way for the other two. "Come on! It's just these three and then we can go back!"
"But that's so far!"
"It comes with the job," siad Cinder, rubbing Ruby's head as well. The youngest of the three pouted at the treatment.
"Stupid shortness," she muttered. "Stupid job. Why couldn't we just ride ATVs there?!"
"Because some of our destinations are too offroad for them," answered Lelouch. Crap, he heard that?!
"Faunus hearing," he replied. Double Crap!
"I don't think there's such a thing as 'double crap'," said Cinder, chuckling. Triple-! Never mind!
"UGH!" grunted Ruby, trudging along with the other two. "Let's get this over with."
"That's the spirit! Now come! Adventure awaits!"
Student Profile:
Name: Gino Fergus Weinberg
School: Monastery College
-Ashford Academy (Britannian-Nihon Branch)
-La Citadelle Harakoni (Elysia/Main Branch)
Aliases:
-Blonde Bastard
-Big Blonde Bastard
-Big Stupid Blonde
-Bouncing Baby Bubble Boy
-Loudest [CENSORED] to ever enlist
-Playboy
-Tenor
-Human Volume Warning
-[CENSORED] Game Champion (unofficial)
expand list...
Height: 1.93m
Weight: 80kg
Species: Human
Status:
-Trainee Paladin (Squire, 1st Year)
-Captain (Upon Graduation)
-The Honourable Gino Weinberg, Heir to House Dunbroch
Semblance:
Thunderdrum
Weapons:
Eisenbrecher
- Jet Warhammer. Hammerhead equipped with headspike and gas aperture similar to jet nozzle, able to concentrate or dissipate pneumatic bursts to similar effect of shape charges.
Dust loadout: Wind, Gravity
Length: 0.90 m
Donnersang
-Dust-infused voice grille. Used to further weaponise semblance, provide facial protection and limited filtration.
Dust loadout: Fire, Ice, Wind, Lightning
Seiclon
-Buckler/SMG. Used for protection. Steel boss and rail system equipped to deploy shield from mid-forearm "rest" position to "combat" position on backfist. Capable of expanding to size of a targe for further protection. Dual barrelled SMG as secondary function.
Dust Loadout: Ice, Earth
Calibre: 5.56mm
Certifications:
-High School Diploma
-Officer's Commission
-Droptrooper Wings
-Squire's Bond
-Knight's Vow
-Class 3 Driving
-Class 2 Driving
-Grade 7 Classical Singing
-Fitness Gold
expand list...
Psychoanalysis:
Gino is the most outspoken of Team LRGS. Always the first to rush headlong into conflicts and defend his friends, he has a head as hard as his heart is large. He knows who he is and while not shying away from his status, he possesses the humility to not let it dominate his identity, unlike a few others in the school. He is also the most playful and outgoing of the group, going out of his way to talk to anybody he may come across. This has lead to more than one incident where he was accused of talking up girls already in relationships, inevitably leading to fights that would land him in detention. Then there was the time he won the school wide [CENSORED] game. The glass took a fortnight to clean up and he was barred from raising his voice for the next month. Despite all these shortcomings, Gino is loyal to a fault and is quick to jump to the defence of those he holds close. Some might see it as detrimental. But I little qualities better in a paladin aspirant.
Evaluated by
Ruben K Ashford
So, a shorter chapter than usual. Once again, do rmb to vote on the poll currently in my profile if you haven't already. Feel free to review however you want and please don't shy from criticism!
As always, Backwardsaile signing out!