Adam glared silently at the bodies of his comrades as they are laid before him. Each one with a white cover laid over them, and almost as if he couldn't believe it, Adam approached one of the bodies and lifted the cover to reveal the face of Leo.
"We had managed to infiltrate the prison but we couldn't find them," Ash said with a sigh. "We were forced to escape without them but during our exfiltration, we came across their shallow graves."
"Mistral must pay for this!" Bane growled loudly. "We should divert all of our attention to taking them down, and bringing this, 'Lipesce' to justice!"
"They will pay for their crimes, Bane," Adam answered. "But not right now. If we bring this to light then they will deny it ever happened and an attack on them would be seen as unjustified."
"But we both know it would be just," Ash said with a grin. "However, I agree there is a time and place for everything."
"Indeed," Adam replied as he laid the cloth over Leo's head a final time. "Guards."
Two armed guards entered the tent and stood at attention.
"See to it that our fallen comrades get the burial they deserve," Adam said as he then gestured to Ash.
One by one, the bodies were moved on stretchers, the guards and volunteers being careful as they moved the bodies as onlooker watched with reverence as they were carted away.
"I thank you for your attempt to try to save them," Adam said as he took a seat at his desk.
"My pleasure," Ash said.
"Perhaps I was wrong about you," Adam said as he tapped on his desk while he pondered. "I assumed you were here just for the fun of it. I hadn't expected you to make a rescue attempt on our behalf."
"I thank you for your kind words, anything for the cause," Ash said with a bow but then raised his head up. "But I believe it is time to address the elephant in the room."
Adam kept quiet, as he knew what Ash was going to say. Instead, he gestured to Bane to leave and he stomped off with a loud grunt.
"You have seen the security footage of Leo's compound," Ash said as he approached Adam's desk.
"I have," Adam said. "I have seen that Mistral forces raided the compound along with a traitor and his friends."
"That traitor is a student from Beacon Academy," Ash said and Adam curiously looked up.
"How do you know that?" Adam asked.
"We have an informant that is posing as a student from Mistral who managed to infiltrate Beacon and has relayed this information to me," Ash continued.
"You and your group seem to be pretty efficient," Adam said. "You hide well among your enemies."
"Years of Huntsman work and knowledge of how people act has allowed us to come this far," Ash replied, grinning.
"I see," Adam said.
"Do you see what I am talking about, Adam?" Ash asked as he stepped closer, all while Adam glared, none-flinching.
"The Huntsman Academy is in league with the Councils who wish to keep you down. They are effectively one now and they no longer defend both Humans and the Faunus, instead, they murder you behind closed doors and use their authority to keep it quiet."
Adam kept silent.
"Even in the streets of Mistral, bigotry runs rampant. Ever since you took control, lynching and fire-bombings of Faunus-owned businesses have increased. This would be the time for the Huntsman to come and protect you and yet, they not only forsake you, they actively fight against you."
"The only way to destroy such a corrupt system is to tear it down and rebuild it from the bottom up."
"I am inclined to agree," Adam said. "However, I believe I know where you are getting at and my answer is still no."
Ash's grin quivered.
"As far as I know, with the help of Headmaster Ozpin, Vale is still very accommodating and fair to its Faunus population. Beacon did not come to Mistral of their own volition but it instead was requested of them. Perhaps since Ozpin is said to be the head of security for the Vytal Festival."
"Then may I ask why you center your forces in Mt. Glenn if you have no personal quarrel with Beacon?" Ash asked.
"While I have my praises for Ozpin, Vale was once my home and I have experienced injustices not only to myself but to other Faunus; some of which still occurs," Adam replied.
"To galvanize support, I plan to show my true intentions by liberating my brothers and sisters by freeing my own home. We will attack Vale's governing body, the Council, while avoiding needless bloodshed and make them listen to our demands and concerns, directly. They can no longer ignore us."
"Fair enough," Ash said. "I just hoped to aid you in your future plans, but in the meantime, I still offer my services."
"I thank you for your assistance this far, and for your help in bringing this atrocity to light," Adam said as he stood up and bowed. "You have my thanks."
"No thanks, necessary," Ash said as he likewise bowed. "Anything for the cause."
"If that is indeed the case, then I ask for your assistance in our plans in Mt. Glenn," Adam said.
"I will head my way there now," Ash replied.
"If you want, I can send an escort with you," Ash offered. "It is treacherous this far outside of the kingdoms."
"I prefer my long walks, thank you," Ash grinned.
"Of course," Adam replied.
Ash then turned and walked out of the tent, and with no one to watch, Adam slumped in his chair an removed his mask. He rubbed his eyes for a moment as he reflected on the day. His people would want justice and he would do anything to deliver it, however, now that he was alone with his thoughts, everything just seemed harder.
However, he was then reminded as to why he fights in the first place, and his feelings were then replaced with righteous indignation.
0-RWBY-0
Professor Goodwitch stood beside Ozpin as he waited in the school's foyer as she went down a list, detailing that day's agenda.
"Hmmm, so the dance is today," Ozpin hummed. "Unfortunately, I have not been able to check on her progress, but I am sure Ms. Schnee will not disappoint."
"It looks amazing so far, Headmaster," Professor Goodwitch commented. "You will be amazed."
Ozpin then chuckled.
"I trust your judgment, Glynda," Ozpin said as he waited, one of his appointments today was to meet up with Russel from CRDL. Students passed by him and he greeted them one by one, curious as to how their morning was going.
The students from Haven mingled with Beacon's and Shade's students, all while Atlas kept to themselves and their own work, as Ironwood had them performing their morning drills.
Then, in the distance, was Russel making his way through the swaths of students in the hallways.
"Sorry, I am late," Russel said, seemingly a bit nervous.
"I didn't mind the wait," Ozpin replied and urged Russel to follow beside him.
Professor Goodwitch took a step back and followed behind the two, allowing them their privacy.
"I am glad you wanted to talk, Russel. I would like a chance to speak to every one of my students," Ozpin said. "I hope you have been thinking over the assignment I had given you."
"That is actually why I wanted to talk to you," Russel said hesitantly.
"Oh really?" Ozpin said. "You found your reason to why you want to become a Huntsman?"
"Ummm," Russel thought and Ozpin could see that he was having trouble finding the right words.
"Take your time," Ozpin said. "You have my undivided attention."
"I guess the reason why I want to stay here is that I don't want to go home a failure," Russel said, finally.
"A failure?" Ozpin reiterated. "I apologize, but I do not follow."
"Well," Russel stammered as he thought once more. "My dad is a Huntsman."
"I see," Ozpin said with a nod.
"I always admired him," Russel continued. "Even after he lost his legs and got prosthetics. He has always had this drive that I always wanted to emulate."
"You fear that if for whatever reason you are sent home from my Academy, that he would be disappointed?" Ozpin asked.
Russel took a moment to think.
"No, I don't think so," Russel said with a shake of his head, and Ozpin tilted his head as he looked on, curiously. "I think he would praise me for trying but I think he would also be glad that I didn't become a Huntsman."
"I see," Ozpin said and smiled. "If you don't mind me saying but it is a common theme among a lot of my students that their reasons for coming here were because of their parents."
"Oh, so mine is not exactly original," Russel replied, a bit dejected.
"That is not something to be upset about," Ozpin chuckled. "We live with our parents for most of our lives. They are the people we know the most about and have seen every day. Its only natural to try and be like them."
Russel nodded.
"However, as to your father being glad," Ozpin continued. "I hope you don't mind me speaking out of turn, but think of it from his perspective: he has lived a life of endless battle in which there will never truly be a victory and as a Huntsman, he would know that best. Perhaps, he did not want that life for you."
"That's exactly what he told me," Russel replied. "Said he wanted me to start a small business, or to at least find an easy and safe job in the kingdoms."
"And yet you chose to become a Huntsman and that was what confused me initially when you said that you didn't want to go home a failure," Ozpin said.
"However, I do now see why would want to become a Huntsman, and why you would continue to walk that path."
"Yeah," Russel replied.
"Try not to push yourself, Russel," Ozpin said as he stopped in front of Beacon's dining hall. "Greatness comes to whomever within their own time. Continue your classes and work on bettering yourself so as to become a full-fledged Huntsman. A good one."
"Yes, Headmaster," Russel replied.
"Until then, I will do my best to help you along the way," Ozpin said finally, with a mirthful smile. "If you ever want to talk, you just have to ask."
Russel nodded and stepped through the doors leading into the dining hall, leaving Glynda and Ozpin behind.
"They may have some quirks to deal with," Glynda commented. "But they are not bad boys."
"Indeed," Ozpin said with a smile. "They may seem a bit rebellious and ignorant but, in the end, they are just children. While they may act out from time to time but deep inside, they have pure intentions. So that is three now? We have already spoken to Sky and Dove, correct?"
"That is correct, Headmaster," Glynda replied then went through her Scroll, going through a transcript off their previous conversations. "Dove comes from a resilient village on the outskirts of Vale's jurisdiction and wishes to be among its protectors, and Sky wants to do more besides be a blacksmith like his parents."
"I kind of like Sky's halberd," Ozpin remarked. "I see where he got the skill to make it. I like the added touch with the gun."
"Everything is a gun now, Headmaster," Glynda sighed. "No respect for the old-school."
Ozpin chuckled and looked down at his watch, it was time for the item on his list but then he noticed something peculiar as he saw a young, porcelain-skinned girl walking down the halls. She seemed a bit confused, almost as if her mind was on something but at the same time, it looked as though she was looking for something or someone.
"Can I help you?" Ozpin called out, which grabbed Glynda's attention.
"Yes, do you know where Headmaster Ozpin is?" The girl asked and upon closer inspection, he realized she was a Faunus with her orange and black striped ears and birthmarks resembling whiskers on her cheek.
"Are you sure I didn't have anyone else scheduled after Russel?" Ozpin asked Glynda, curious as to who would be visiting him but she replied only with a shrug, and so, he turned back to the girl and beamed brightly at her. "That would be me."
"Oh, thank goodness," she said with a sigh of relief. "I came all the way from Atlas to meet you."
"Oh?" Ozpin responded, quizzically. "So, you are not a student from Atlas then?"
"Formerly," she replied. "I had to come to you as quickly as I can."
"Formerly?" Ozpin asked inquisitively. "May I ask you your name, what happened and why it was so urgent to see me?"
"That is kind of hard to explain," she answered, hesitantly.
"Let's start from square one," Ozpin said with a smile.
0-RWBY-0
"And not a single casualty among the villagers?" Ren asked, sitting at the table beside Nora as she at her pancakes.
"From what I heard, they are all fine, they are just shaken from the experience," Cecilia replied as she finished her meal.
"That is impressive," Pyrrha said. "Congratulations on a mission well done."
"Eh, it was nothing," Zed replied.
"Don't be so modest, Zed," Vaughn chimed in. "It wasn't exactly an easy mission."
"Trust me, it was," Zed grinned, all while Haiiden sat quietly at the table, lost in thought. "My mate here did all the work in leading everyone to safety. The village leader seemed more occupied with his wealth than the well-being of his people."
"Yeah, I heard about that," Jaune said. "Sounds like he was a handful."
"Nothing we can't handle, right?" Zed said as he then nudged Haiiden on the shoulder who nearly jumped out of his seat.
"Wait, what?" Haiiden stammered. "I mean… yeah, yeah."
"Now, what has you so distracted?" Nora said with a mouthful of food.
"It's nothing," Haiiden replied and once again was lost in thought. Everyone turned to Zed, who was scratching his head but then leaned in and JNPR likewise huddled in to listen.
"Technically, we are not allowed to talk about it," Zed said in a hushed voice. No one outside of the group could hear them through the other conversations in the dining hall.
"But I assume you will tell us anyway," Ren replied.
"Turns out, we ended up saving a person that the Council did not want to be saved," Zed continued.
"That doesn't make any sense," Jaune said. "You said the Council requested that the village be evacuated, why would they not want someone to be saved?"
"It's a difficult situation to explain," Vaughn replied. "To summarize, one of the inhabitants of this village was someone the Council kicked out of Vale and was not supposed to come back."
"Oh! Wait!" Nora yelled out and stood up while she ignored Zed's hushing. "Is that why there were some men-in-black type guys who came to Beacon the other day?"
"Yes," Zed hissed. "Shut up!"
Ren quickly pulled Nora down and once everyone was no longer looking them, Zed turned back to JNPR.
"It is a rare punishment reserved for people who were…" Zed paused a moment. "For the lack of a better word, naughty."
"Or someone who has caused to much trouble," Vaughn said. "To keep them quiet."
"What can someone do to deserve that?" Jaune said as he looked over at Pyrrha and for a moment, they both thought about but then shrugged.
"They take your name and everything that makes you: you," Haiiden said and everyone turned their attention to him. "They leave you with nothing and except a metaphorical mark that says that no one is supposed to help you. It's effectively a death sentence, all without publicly saying that you are dead."
Everyone sat and stared at him silently.
"You want to know what someone can do to deserve that? The answer is: nothing. No one deserves that," Haiiden said as he looked down at his plate and began to pick at it. It had already gone cold.
"So, what happened to this person?" Ren asked.
"She disappeared shortly after the convoy made it inside Vale's walls," Vaughn replied. "Half of the villagers claim they don't know what the Council's representatives are talking about, the other half said they don't know what happened. That she just vanished."
"So, what does that mean for us? When we become Huntsmen?" Ren asked.
Zed shrugged.
"If you have a moral bone in your body, which I don't doubt," Zed said with a wink. "You would still save everyone that you can."
Pyrrha looked over at Haiiden who was still somberly picking over the food on his plate.
"Is it alright if I make a comment, Haiiden?" Pyrrha said.
"Go ahead," Haiiden replied, not looking at her.
"I am glad you helped this person," Pyrrha said and for a moment, Haiiden paused. "When I heard you left Beacon, I was, to be honest, I was a bit angry as you had always talked about being a Huntsmen. I thought you had no sense of integrity or convictions but I guess I jumped to conclusions."
Haiiden sat silently but Pyrrha could tell he was listening.
"What I am saying is: thank you for proving me wrong," Pyrrha said with a smile.
Haiiden turned to look at her for a moment but then thought on her words.
"I always do my best," Haiiden replied. "I will admit, I did some stupid things but at the time I had my reasons. I don't see the point in regretting things but I will say that for every mistake I had made, I wish things had turned out differently. That I tried harder."
He made eye contact with Pyrrha once more.
"This is one of those times that I can say that I don't regret nor wish I had done things differently," Haiiden said, to which Pyrrha simply nodded in reply.
"By the way," Haiiden said. "Where is CFVY?"
"They have been gone a long time," Jaune said.
"They hit a snag on their mission," Vaughn replied. "The Headmaster was updated on their status recently and as far as we know, they are fine; however, they have stated that there is an unusually high amount of Grimm in Mt. Glenn and that is affecting their ability to come back."
"Unusually high?" Ren asked.
"They tend to congregate where people are sure to be," Vaughn said. "Last I checked, no one lives in Mt. Glenn anymore. However, there are theories that they will stick around especially after a disaster just like how the Grimm are attracted to negative emotions. This theory would state that, for all we know, they stay in Mt. Glenn due to some negative energy surrounding it."
"I hope they are okay," Pyrrha replied.
"They will be fine," Cecilia assured.
"Wasn't Coco the planner for the dance? What will this mean then?" Zed asked. "I promised Byeli a dance."
"Knowing you, Zed," Pyrrha quipped. "I am sure you would find a way to get her that dance."
"Perhaps," Zed replied with a grin.
"Besides," Nora said as she swallowed a mouthful of pancakes. "I think Weiss is in charge of the dance."
"The Schnee Heiress from Team RWBY?" Haiiden asked.
"The one and only, silly," Nora replied happily.
"Still haven't had the chance to meet them yet?" Jaune asked.
"Not yet," Haiiden replied. "You'd think we'd get the chance to during our classes but we have been too busy to meet with anyone else besides you and CFVY. You two have been taking up all of our time. What are they like?"
"It's hard to explain, but I think you will like them," Pyrrha said with a smile.
"I hope so," Haiiden replied.
"So, what is on the agenda?" Jaune said.
"Now? I assume you have finished all of your homework?" Vaughn asked.
"Yeah," Jaune groaned.
"Since we are at the midterms where students undertake their missions, all there is left to do is to train," Vaughn said and with that, Haiiden stood up.
"So, let's go train then," Haiiden said as he then turned to Jaune. "Come on, I want to see if me beating you was just a fluke"
JNPR and HAVC got up together and began to make their way towards the entrance to the dining hall to leave and as they drew closer, they noticed the Headmaster at the doorway.
Haiiden opened his mouth to say hello but then saw that he was already speaking to what he assumed was another student.
However, as they drew closer, they began to overhear their conversation.
"I am here to warn you of danger," she said, unaware of the eavesdroppers who stopped in their tracks to listen.
"Danger?" Said a likewise oblivious Ozpin, who was taken aback by her sudden comment. "What kind of danger?"
"That is the hard part to explain," the now nervous Faunus girl replied. "But if I knew there was someone who would listen to me, then it would be you."
"I will do my best to listen then, but first, I will need your name," Ozpin replied as he and Professor Goodwitch exchanged glances as she stepped beside the Faunus girl.
"My name is Samsara Ashram," the now named Faunus said. "It may be strange, but I have a Semblance and it allows me to detect danger nearby."
"Trust me, Samsara, that would not be the strangest Semblance I have ever heard of," Ozpin said with a chuckle to hide his concern.
"Something is about to happen in Vale, and we need to divert all of our resources to stop it," Samsara continued.
"If Vale is truly in danger, then I would agree," Ozpin said.
"You do?" Samsara replied, her orange and black striped ears perked up.
"I am head of security for the Vytal Festival," Ozpin said. "It may not seem like it, but I do take my job very seriously. If there is something that I should know that can help with security for the Festival then its best I know."
"Great!" Samsara said happily.
"Now, this danger," Ozpin said, his thoughts on Umbra, as he glared at Samsara. "What can you tell me about it?"
The excitement quickly subsided and Samsara froze in place, speechless.
"I am sorry?" Samsara asked.
"I need details," Ozpin replied.
"I… I don't know what you want," Samsara said.
"A location, what kind of danger, that sort of thing," Ozpin continued.
"I honestly don't have that information," Samsara replied, her breath quickened. "I can only feel oncoming danger and the feeling gets severe the closer it gets."
"Then I am sorry, but I cannot act unless I know what it is I am acting against," Ozpin said as he frowned.
"Please, I came all this way from Atlas because I felt something big was going to happen in Vale, you have to believe me," Samsara pleaded.
Ozpin's expression softened as he looked at Samsara.
"This is just like my village," Samsara said, as she hung her head and stared at the floor. "No one believed something was going to happen either."
"Samsara, I am sorry but please, I also ask that you look at it from my position," Ozpin said and stood up and with a press of a button, the tinting on his windows changed and the light from the outside shone through. He then turned and beckoned for her to come.
"If I divert Vale's resources in an attempt to chase shadows, then people will ask questions," Ozpin continued. "Questions I cannot answer and the unknown will bring fear to the people of Vale. As you know, fear brings the Grimm."
Samsara didn't respond.
"I thank you for your time, Samsara," Ozpin said as he personally led her back to the elevator, with Glynda following behind. "Do not misunderstand my intentions, please. I do not deny the power of your Semblance but as I said, I cannot act against a threat I know nothing about."
Dejected, Samsara kept her head low as Glynda then stepped next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder as she directed her to the school's exit.
Ozpin let out a sigh as he watched them walk away.
"That was weird." He heard and he turned to see Nora staring at him, with the rest of JNPR and HAVC looking back at her and shaking their heads.
"Weird is subjective, Ms. Valkyrie," Ozpin said as he tried to play off what just happened. "Some say I am weird."
"Is everything alright, Headmaster?" Pyrrha asked.
"Should we be concerned?" Haiiden asked as he placed a hand on the handle of his sword. "She sounded like she knew something was coming."
"Now don't get me started on you as well," Ozpin chuckled. "It is nothing to worry about but rest assured that I will take measures to make sure everything will be fine."
"We do not doubt your abilities to keep Vale safe, Headmaster," Ren affirmed. "We are wondering if there is anything that we can do to help."
"I appreciate that you would take the initiative and put yourselves out there," Ozpin said as he looked to each of his students. "But for right now, focus on your studies; your time will come and if I will need your skills personally, I promise I will call on you."
0-RWBY-0
Zed sat alone at a café in Vale. Ornaments, streamers and other decorations were hung to celebrate the Festival however, at this time, business was a bit slow. He sipped on his tea as he then checked the clock that hung on the cafés wall. It was getting close to that time but then the bell chimed as someone walked through the door. He peeked from the corner of his eye, and it was just the person he was hoping for.
"Hey Blake," Zed said as she sat down in front of him. "Been a while."
"Yeah," Blake replied. "How was your mission?"
"It wasn't too bad," Zed replied, and as usual, with his grin. "We managed to evacuate a village from a wandering Horde. Everyone managed to make it to safety."
"I am glad," Blake said and smiled. However, it grew quieter and their smiles slowly faded.
"What did you learn?" Zed asked but was interrupted as a waiter brought a cup to a surprised Blake, who took it and looked towards Zed, who nodded. "I know what you like."
Blake likewise nodded her thanks and took a sip. As she thought, Zed noticed fatigue wear across her face but for now, he kept quiet.
"My team has helped me investigate what the White Fang has been planning," Blake replied. "Along with members from Team SSSN."
"Good guys," Zed replied. "Something seems off about Scarlet though…"
"Oh," Blake said, seemingly knowing what he was referring to but she simply waved her hand. "One of my teammates was looking for a partner to take to the dance and she asked him, but I guess he is not into girls."
"Oh! Wow," Zed stammered as he tried to play it off with a laugh but it only further showed his nervousness. "Teach me to think before I speak…"
"A lady's man like you, I am sure it would seem a bit strange at first to someone like you," Blake chuckled.
Zed then cleared his throat and flashed a smile.
"What did you find out?" Zed asked.
"We initially split up to find out anything that we can," Blake replied. "We did crash a recruitment party that Torchwick had hosted."
"Hehe, nice," Zed said, he would have liked to face him again but was glad someone was taking the fight to Torchwick.
"Strange though," Blake said as she pulled out her Scroll and showed a still image of a giant robot, which got Zed's attention. "They had managed to steal some new tech from Atlas. A giant mech called: a Paladin."
"Not that new," Zed revealed. "My team fought something like that back in Mistral. Perhaps it was just a prototype…"
"The White Fang seems to be getting bolder the more I look into them," Blake said, a bit worried. "Its one thing to steal from the Schnee Dust Company, but to steal directly from the Atlas Military?"
"Torchwick is really resourceful," Zed said, scowling as he uttered the name.
"I almost didn't want to believe it," Blake said. "I couldn't believe that the White Fang, Adam especially, would side with someone as scummy as Torchwick."
"He escaped, I assume?" Zed asked.
"He did," Blake replied. "He had help from a woman. One moment he was there, and suddenly he wasn't."
"The same thing happened to us," Zed said as he shook his head.
"We did find out more," Blake continued. "We compiled all of the information that we gathered, Junior, in Fairy Tail's and we even got some information from Weiss and her connections to the Schnee Dust Company."
"Even Weiss is helping you?" Zed asked, having heard before that she was in a team with the Schnee Heiress, but her willingness to help was a surprise.
"Yes," Blake replied. "It is a circle of hate between the Schnee's and the Faunus in the White Fang. They hate the Schnee's for their part in the prejudice they face, and unfair work conditions that they have placed upon them. As a result, she lost family because of the White Fang, she has reason to hate the White Fang and even me."
Zed kept quiet as Blake paused for a moment to think.
"However, I am glad that she is willing to see the individual," Blake continued. "Despite once being a member of the White Fang, she has managed to look past that and continue to be a friend to me. I am… for the lack of a better word, blessed to be in a team with such wonderful people who are willing to throw themselves into danger for me."
"I have teammates who are kind of like that," Zed said and smiled.
"Always nice to have friends," Blake replied. "Almost forgot how it felt to rely on someone else."
Zed didn't say anything again but then shook his head and took a deep breath.
"Okay, sorry about that, I keep interrupting," Zed said.
"It's alright," Blake replied. "We compiled all the information that we gathered and we think that the White Fang that Torchwick is in charge of, is operating somewhere in South-East Vale."
"May I see this information?" Zed asked, to which Blake reached for her Scroll and showed it to him. Using his finger, he swiped along the screen as he read the different reports and manifests from the SDC as well as any information that Junior added.
"Good job," Zed said, as he handed the Scroll back to her.
"We just need to find a time to go check it out," Blake replied. "What about you? Are going to do something about this?"
"No idea," Zed replied. "I don't want to get my team into more trouble again but right now, I don't want to think about it. The dance is coming up and I want to be my best for when I take Byeli."
"It shows," Blake replied. "You seem to be in a better mood since we last saw each other. I am glad."
"Hey thanks," Zed said as he looked towards the clock once more and realized he was there far longer than he should have been. He finished his tea and stood up. "Speaking of the dance, do you have anyone you are taking? Is it Sun?"
"No, Zed," Blake said but then scowled once she noticed that Zed was teasing her, evinced by his grin.
"Awww, shame," Zed said as he then stood up and looked at his Scroll. "Anyways, I will meet you back at Beacon."
0-RWBY-0
Ozpin stepped into the school's auditorium which, just for this day, will be converted for tonight's dance. Of course, the students would attend the Vytal Festival but when Coco suggested the idea, he loved it. It would allow the students from each Academy to break out of their comfort zone and mingle.
He looked down at his watch and saw that it was about time for the dance to being and behold, students from Haven arrived first, albeit a bit early. As he expected, they came in intricately designed dresses and tuxedos, beautifully made in Mistral fashion.
Next, as punctual as he expected from a school headed by Ironwood, came Atlas; however, unlike Haven, they came in their school uniforms.
Then, came Shade, coming from the impoverished kingdom of Vacuo and while some of the students came as well-dressed as they can, most just came in their normal attire. Ozpin, however, chuckled as he watched as it was the charm that Vacuo offered.
Finally, came Beacon with all of the students he has come to personally know. Each one conversing with one another as they took up a corner of the auditorium. Once everyone was inside, he took the stage right before the DJ was about to start.
"Welcome, students," Ozpin announced, and everyone went silent, he took a moment to examine the room and he noticed that the students stayed among their respective Academies. "As you all know, the Vytal Festival has already begun and I know that you would all love to participate."
The hall erupted into cheers for a moment until Ozpin raised a hand and that was when the hall went silent once more.
"It is a time to celebrate peace among the citizens of the four kingdoms," Ozpin continued. "Even for future guardians in training, I hope you will take this moment's respite to truly appreciate the peace, as well as each other. We may come from different backgrounds and cultures but in the end, we are all on this ride together. Let the festivities begin."
The crowd began to murmur in agreement and only got louder as the students began to converse among themselves, and even more so when the DJ began to play his music. As Ozpin began to walk around, he noticed the students had not yet mustered the courage to leave within their groups. However, he then noticed as one of his own pupils, Nora, pulled her friend Ren into the dance floor and she began to dance along with the music.
One act of courage was enough for some, as others began to join in slowly and before long, the four Academies melded together. Even though tonight was a night to celebrate, Ozpin knows that his duties as Headmaster must go on and he continued to patrol around the auditorium when he noticed a little red-haired girl sitting by herself.
0-RWBY-0
Haiiden watched as the other students continued to dance, something inside him felt warm which caused him to close his eyes for a moment and to call on his Semblance.
"And what are you doing sitting here by yourself?"
His concentration was interrupted, as Haiiden then looked up and saw Ozpin sitting by himself.
"I was waiting on someone," Haiiden replied. "However, they I can't seem to find her. Maybe she is late."
"So then why don't you just join the others?" Ozpin asked as he motioned towards the other students. Haiiden watched as Byeli and Zed danced with one another while Vaughn was with Celise as they conversed with one another. Cecilia was talking with a group of students from Atlas while Rain and Nadira likewise joined in with students from Vacuo and Mistral.
"I don't know," Haiiden replied.
"I know you well enough to determine that isn't true," Ozpin said as he stood beside Haiiden and likewise watched the others.
"I just like to watch," Haiiden said. "Reminds me of what I am fighting for."
"A world where people can be care-free and dance the night away?" Ozpin chuckled.
"Something like that," Haiiden replied as he then likewise laughed but the moment was short-lived as he then withdrew back into thought.
"Is that the only reason why you won't allow yourself a night to relax?" Ozpin continued to ask.
"I don't feel like I deserve to, I think," Haiiden replied.
"Why not?" Ozpin asked. "You have been doing well in your studies and you have delivered on my expectations on your mission. If anyone deserves any of this, it's you."
"There was still someone I couldn't help," Haiiden replied, to which Ozpin nodded.
"Is it because of Clementine?" Ozpin asked, which caused Haiiden's to turn towards him.
"How did you know?" Haiiden asked.
"I knew that she was the one who presided over your mother's trial," Ozpin replied. "I also knew that she was in that village, however, what I did not expect is that the residents would have allowed her to stay."
"Sir, did you send us on that mission knowing that we would save her?" Haiiden asked.
"I honestly did, as I expected that they would have thrown her out," Ozpin replied, but then smiled. "It just goes to show you the hidden good inside of everyone. They knew the consequences of what would happen if they helped her, and yet, they chose to anyway."
"They made her live in a shed," Haiiden interjected.
"They let her stay," Ozpin countered. "We both know it was a better alternative to being sent out into the wild by yourself."
Haiiden thought for a moment, then nodded as he turned back to the party.
"Do you regret saving her?" Ozpin asked.
"Never!" Haiiden snapped but then recoiled once he realized who he shouted at.
"I am glad," Ozpin replied with a smile. "I am sure she told you who she was."
"She did," Haiiden said.
"May I ask why you chose to help her none the less?" Ozpin asked.
"When I chose to save her, I did so with the idea that I don't care who she is," Haiiden replied. "No one deserves to die, especially scared and alone like that. I thought it would be cruel to go through all that trouble, to give someone hope, but then to simply crush it."
"Despite the fact that your mother died as a result of her?" Ozpin continued to probe.
"I guess…" Haiiden said but then paused. "I guess I saw her intentions. While I disagree with what she has done, I understand she is human and makes mistakes but, in the end, her intentions were good. That she didn't do it out of malice."
"Reminds you of anyone?" Ozpin asked.
Haiiden stood silently.
"James told me of your interaction," Ozpin revealed. "I ask that you be careful. He is not only the Headmaster of Atlas, but he is the General of its military and he is also a member of its Council."
"I am sorry, sir," Haiiden said.
"I am not the one you should be sorry to," Ozpin said but then looked over at James, who was dancing with Professor Goodwitch. He looked over at Haiiden for a moment, knowing full well he noticed it by now too, and he saw a smile slowly appear on his face.
"However, it will be on your own time," Ozpin continued. "Humor me for one last question, please."
"Anything for you, sir," Haiiden replied.
"Do you dislike Clementine the same way you hate James?" Ozpin asked.
"That is something I have actually thought about," Haiiden replied, much to Ozpin surprise. "I have had years to let my dislike of Ironwood fester. It has kind of motivated me for a while, to show him that despite me having no name, I would make my name as a Huntsman."
"Of course, but that was something you slowly forget about with time," Ozpin replied.
"Yeah, there were more important things to strive for," Haiiden replied. "But with Clem… I don't know, I didn't have the same time to really think about it as I did with Ironwood."
"It just shows you have a good heart," Ozpin replied. "You realized the more important things and knew that it took priority over your own wellbeing. It is one of the reasons why I know you don't really hate James."
Haiiden took a moment to think about this.
"I just wish I did more for her," Haiiden said.
"Ah, there it is," Ozpin said under his breath. "She is safe, Haiiden."
Haiiden looked up, his eyes wide with intrigue.
"I have a friend in Vale who will take her in," Ozpin continued. "She will change her name but she will be a model citizen for Vale."
"I… I…" Haiiden stammered. "Thank you!"
Ozpin nodded and then turned back towards the dancers as he silently continued to watch.
Suddenly, the both noticed a peculiar sight as Jaune, wearing a dress, led Pyrrha out onto the dance floor.
Haiiden burst out laughing and pulled out his Scroll to take a picture all while Ozpin chuckled heartily. They bother continued to watch in silence but Ozpin began to think to himself.
"During my time as Headmaster, I have learned to notice the small details about my students," Ozpin said finally, not turning away from the dancers. "If you have the time, I would like you to meet someone as I believe you two have more in common than you would initially realize."
There was no answer, and curiously, Ozpin turned back to Haiiden only to notice he was no longer there. He then looked over at the corner of the auditorium and noticed that the object of his thoughts was also no longer there either.
"Hehe, in time," Ozpin said to himself and continued to patrol around the party.
0-RWBY-0
"Hey, hey, watch it," Haiiden said as Lady pulled him down the halls of Beacon towards its foyer and took him outside. "You are a lot stronger than you look."
She giggled and once there were at the bottom of the steps, she let go and turned back to him. Once he was able to stand still, he noticed that she was wearing the same summer dress that she wore back when they met each other in Mistral.
"I just couldn't stand how loud it was in there," Lady replied as she began to walk circles around Haiiden. "I wanted some peace and quiet and thought to kidnap you as well."
Haiiden nodded, as he then took a moment to admire the calm that the night offered.
"I love the outfit, Hero," Lady replied as she closely examined him.
"Thanks, Coco, from CFVY, helped me pick it out," Haiiden replied.
"She does have an eye for fashion, I can say that much," Lady continued as she reached for the cloth that covered his left arm, but Haiiden recoiled slightly.
"Oh, forgive me," Lady said as he reeled her hand back.
"No, its okay," Haiiden replied and hesitantly removed the cloth, which acted as a curtain and exposed his prosthetic arm; which wore a soft metal case instead of his usual gauntlet.
"I see you wear your scars outwardly, as well as inward, Hero," Lady said as she then reached for his hand and began to caress the top of it. "I haven't seen you since you came back from your mission. I hope I did not offend you in any way."
"I just had to deal with someone from my past is all," Haiiden said. "I had to be alone with my thoughts for a while."
"How does that make you feel?" Lady asked.
"It's hard to explain," Haiiden said with a laugh.
Lady carefully looked over his arm and then let it go and watched as Haiiden let it rest at his side.
"I went into town since you came back from your mission to speak with the villagers you saved," Lady said.
"Oh? And How was it?" Haiiden asked.
"Mhm, I wanted to ask them about the Hero who saved them," Lady asked. "Aside from the Huntsman you worked alongside with, none of the know your name, but they wished they learned it."
Haiiden nodded.
"I may have to break our deal," Lady said as she turned away and stepped towards the stone rails on the sides of the steps, leading into the school, she pulled out her Scroll and set it down on top of the stone.
"What do you mean?" Haiiden asked but then noticed as music began to play from her Scroll, the song that they danced to in Mistral.
"Lumina," she said, to Haiiden's confusion. "That is my name."
Haiiden stared at her for a moment but then blinked and once he realized what happened, he turned red.
"Haiiden," he said, to which she nodded.
"While they don't know who you are, and probably never will; know that I know your name, Haiiden," Lumina continued as she reached out to Haiiden, who slowly took her by the hand.
"Now, this time, I expect you to catch me."