RWBY: Shadow Company
Chapter 2
Qrow looks at Jaune with a hint of confusion. "So, no combat school?" Qrow asked as he looked at the rest of his "legitimate" papers.
"Why so? There must be a reason for this." He said as he gazes back at Jaune questioningly.
Jaune hesitates for a moment before he nods, "I have a big family. And well, I was the only son. So they wouldn't want me to become a huntsman in fear of losing me. My parents homeschooled me. And for that reason, I don't have any knowledge of becoming a knight like my father. And his father before him and so on." He said.
He remembered his great grandfather telling him stories of the Arc Knights and The Shadow Legion when he was just a child. Their acts of righteousness and great sacrifice for the sake of everyone's safety from the real threat of the world. It was the age of heroes, as his great grandfather likes to describe it so favorably.
But recently, the Arc Knights have gone silent. Their presence has vanished, and not a single knight is seen anywhere in Remnant. They were the last banner to fade after the huntsmen had flourished.
The Arc Knights are not just mercenaries, but they are also a creed. And they fight for the same reason as the Legion. But these Knights are more zealous to keep the balance of light and dark in check. Bearing in white shining armor that could withstand even a nevermore's claws. They raised their banners with pride as they face the deadliest of Grimm.
And now they too have disappeared from Remnant.
Jaune wanted to be apart of them, but he could only listen to their songs and stories and stare down at the collection of armor worn by his father and his grandfathers before him.
Jaune didn't get to be a part of them. He never tried asking more about them. He couldn't get them anyway. Not even from his own family.
He did hold a small appreciation of the Old Legion. So he figured that maybe they would help him.
Jaune continues, "I've learned so much, and yet so little. I don't want to hold a book anymore. I want to fire a gun, swing a sword, and carry a shield. I want to be a hero, just like my father and his father before him."
"But do you even know how to shoot a gun, swing a sword, or even carried a shield?" Qrow countered. Jaune looks at Qrow to say something, but he slowly shook his head, "No."
He looks down.
Qrow sighs as he leans back on his chair, the kid is going to be a problem. What the hell is he even thinking? Applying for a job that he has had little to no experience in fighting.
But this wasn't new. Most civilians that wanted to join have failed to meet the minimum requirements. Most were just college dropouts and fools thinking they are some action hero.
Some have what it takes to be a shadow.
Qrow could have ended this interview right here, but Ozpin has told him that he is to be in the Shadows regardless of his current abilities. But Qrow wanted to see him for himself, and here he is, still talking to the kid who barely looks ready to be a soldier.
Qrow remembered the conversation about him just a few days ago before his interview with him.
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In the office on the top floor of Beacon Academy, Ozpin casually sips his coffee as Qrow looks at Jaune's profile before confronting him, "No fighting experience, he is not a veteran and not even joined the army yet. These don't fit our requirements. What the hell, Oz. This kid doesn't seem fit to be a Shadow, let alone a soldier." He said as he places the papers back down on the table.
Ozpin looks at the papers on his table before looking back at Qrow.
"Whether you disagree with me or not, Mr. Arc has the potential to be more than just a Huntsman."
"Fat chance Oz, surely you can't be serious about this." Qrow folded his arms as he leans against a wall.
"I am, Qrow. And you will be personally overseeing his progress." Said Ozpin. Qrow's eyes widen, "What!? You want me to babysit him now? I've got better things to do than this." He said.
"I'm sure you do, Mr. Branwen. But Mr. Arc will be joining the shadows, and you will be his overseer. I can't trust anyone else but you for this task, Qrow."
"Not even General Vitalius?" Qrow asked.
"I have my reasons Qrow."
Qrow sighs, "Okay, I won't like this idea but, if it's for the best." Ozpin lifts his brow as he stares at Qrow.
"What?"
"Qrow, when I first brought your name up to the council, they said the same things about you. They had severe doubts about you. But I saw the same thing in you as I did with Jaune. And that doesn't make you anymore different than he is."
Qrow winced at the mention, but it was true. The council was too paranoid about almost everything. Qrow was no exception, and he remembered their judgments about him when he first met them. He was standing in Ozpin's office for his interview, and Ozpin had both the General and Colonel there while the council attended by video call.
Ozpin was the first to speak. "Gentlemen, I am pleased to have you all attend this special interview regarding a student of mine, Mr. Qrow Branwen, who wishes to join the shadows."
Qrow could see the councilmen's glare through the screen as they judged him. It didn't take long for them to respond.
"Why is that bandit doing here? Shouldn't he be back with his tribe by now? He has already done his time here, and there is no reason for you to keep him any longer." One of the councilmen said.
"I am sure Mr. Branwen would be a fine addition if you would give him a chance."
"What good would a bandit do for this company?" They asked.
"Mr. Branwen has shown outstanding skills in combat and has proved to have good leadership whenever his team leader is unavailable at times," Ozpin said. "Anyone can have good leadership."
"Councilmen, if you would please listen-"
"No, you listen here, Headmaster Ozpin-"
This interview has gone to shit. And Qrow didn't get to say a word ever since he got here. The two shadows standing beside Ozpin probably think of him the same way.
Who was he kidding? Of course, everyone knows his name. His family was notorious for raiding and pillaging defenseless villages and leaving them to fend off the Grimm. They exploit the weak and kill the rich. It was their way of life, and he hated it. He wanted to bring honor in his name, that this Branwen was different from the others.
And now it looks like that's never happening.
The Colonel watches Qrow clenching his fists in anger as he listens to them bickering on about him, staring at the floor, refusing to look at them. He then walks over to Ozpin's desk and immediately mutes their call, grinning as he did it.
"The shadows have no room for degenerates like hi-"
Qrow looks up as he was shocked by the Colonel's actions, "I hate them. They do nothing but complain about this and that, never have I seen them do anything besides that." The Colonel sighs and rolls his eyes at the screen.
"They are just paranoid, Ares. You know how they are." The general finally spoke as he smirks, crossing his arms.
"I know, but it's annoying. Can you blame me?"
Qrow was confused by their behavior that was showing in front of him.
"Oh right. Sorry kid. The council was so far up their asses that they didn't even give you the chance to speak yet. So tell us, Branwen. Do you want to join us? Be a shadow? I guarantee you that it's going to be quite a journey."
/-/
Qrow's glare softens. He understood what the kid wanted, how people deny your desire to be something great.
To achieve what they want, but held back by others, forcing you to be someone else. Sometimes they do it to save you without you even knowing it. But for Jaune, he needed it badly.
But does he?
He has a loving family, a stable life. Why would trade it all away for this one?
He questions Jaune again, "So, despite your lack of experience, you want to join us regardless. And you want to become a hero, just like your ancestors?"
Jaune nods.
"Do you want to join us? I guarantee you that it won't be easy. I don't want to hear you questioning your decisions. I need either a yes or no. So, what's your answer?"
Jaune thought about for a moment before finally deciding, "Yes, I want to join the Shadow Company. I'll do my best and do my part in protecting Remnant."
Qrow looked at him before smirking.
He gets up from his desk and walks over to Jaune. Jaune watches Qrow walks closer to him, only to walk past him.
Jaune turns around and sees Qrow walking to the door. Qrow sighs,
"Alright then, report back here on Monday. Pack up some clothes and essentials. We'll handle the rest for you."
Jaune nods excitedly. "Thank you." He gets up and walks out of the room with a smile on his face.
Qrow sighs as he shakes his head before he closes the door, "Don't thank me yet, kid."
Qrow returns to his chair and slumps into it. His Scroll rang. He answers it, "Uncle Qrow!" Shouted an excited Ruby. "How was your day?" She asked. Qrow smiled, "It went alright, I guess. Hey, how are you doing, kiddo?"
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Up in Atlas, Weiss was accompanying her father to another business meeting. The ride to her father's workplace was the usual, seeing the residents walking around in suits and dresses. Nothing casual, clean, and proper, being so formal to each other.
The streets were clean.
So clean that you can see the sun reflecting off it. You'll hardly see any garbage around, unlike Mantle. Weiss sometimes compared living conditions between the two cities. She tried not to let it distract her.
She hasn't seen any White Fang around recently, that she was thankful. Of course, she will have to thank the shadows for their protection. But she knew that they were only doing it because it was their job.
General Ironwood has recently instructed his shadows to retaliate against the White Fang. The Atlas council has also agreed to it, surprisingly.
Word has gone around in Atlas about Ironwood's retaliation against the terrorist, and the people cheered them on, encouraging the idea of bringing the fight to them instead of here.
Weiss admittedly agrees with this notion, even if it seems cruel. Better be it them and not her. She was already tired of the bloodshed in her home as it is. It would have been worse, but she too wanted to relish in taking down the White Fang herself.
Distant families killed, constant slander against her family and even her specifically, just because she was the next heir. So many against her, she even thought that her protectors would kill her one day, out of the blue. But they didn't, maybe not yet, or never.
She never forgot about that mysterious shadow that saved her.
"Remember Weiss. Always maintain your appearance and image around others. It is bad enough that your injury is noticeable." Jacques said. Weiss gave a slight wince as she hears about it. Her injury was a scar that went across her left eye. It wasn't new, far from it.
"Once we get to the drop-off, stay close me to, sir. The same goes to you, Mistress Schnee." Said the shadow, sitting in front of the car. His gun ready, surveying the area. There were two other cars with them, one in front and one in the back.
Both filled with armed shadows.
Of course, that was also another normal thing for Weiss. The shadows never left her sight. Anyone would be cautious whenever they see them. But to Weiss, she would do anything she wants, and they won't do anything about it.
But these shadows wear white instead of the original black. Ironwood thought they should dress the part of Atlas.
Jacques speaks to the driver, "Captain, please do hurry it up. My daughter and I still have an important meeting to attend to." Jacques said. "Yes, sir, I'll make sure you both will arrive on time." Said the Captain.
The radio in the car began to broadcast the news, a cheerful women's voice began to speak, "Good Morning Atlas, it is your daily news broadcast. In today's news. The White Fang activity has been decreasing rapidly in our beautiful city. General Ironwood of the Atlas Military has approved our top security branch, The Shadow Company, to go after the terrorist organization that still hides in our very city. Ever since those boys in white have stepped in, the White Fang presence has almost ceased to exist. We can finally sleep soundly at night, knowing that the shadows are watching over us. In other news, the Invincible Girl Pyrrha Nikos has just won her third Mistral Regional Tournament, as expected. Sadly, she has stated that the next would be her final tournament. Fans all over the globe have cried out for her departure. But wishes her the best in her future."
"Captain turned that radio off, would you please," Jacques said. The captain nods and switches off the radio, and silence returned once more. Weiss sighs as she watches the day-to-day streets of Atlas outside her window.
"My daughter, do not worry. These animals have no place here in Atlas. You're safe now." Jacques said.
"Yes, father."
Wiess felt empty, lonely. She wondered about that girl on the radio, Pyrrha Nikos. Maybe having a life like her's wouldn't be so bad. To be adored and loved by many. If only-
"Ah, we are here. Time to go, Weiss." Jacques said. Weiss snaps out from her thoughts and proceeds to get out of the car. "As always, stay close to us." Weiss nods and follows them in, with a fake smile on her face to start the day.
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"Are you sure about this, Blake?"
Adam said as he watches her pack her things. Blake stops and turns to Adam, "I'm sure, I can't take this any longer, Adam, I've tried my best to fight against them, but every time we do something different, it's like they know what we were doing." Said Blake as she trembles in fear.
"I have to go back to Menagerie," Said Blake. "I've done all I can. But after that train. I just couldn't. It was a death trap Adam, and I am scared of my life. Please, Adam." She pleaded.
Adam looks down at his feet, he thought for a moment. And made his decision, "If that is what you wish, then I will allow it, go back to your family, Blake." Adam said as he turned his back to her.
Blake remained silent, "I am still needed here. I'll continue my operations here, in Vale." Said Adam, "But know this, you're family to me too, Blake. Even I couldn't allow myself to let you get hurt anymore." He turns back to Blake and hugs her tightly.
Blake returns the hug.
"I'll leave you be to continue packing," Adam said as he leaves the tent, he sees his lieutenant standing outside, "What's the plan boss," he asked. "We'll continue our operations, as usual. We cannot allow the shadows to have a foothold in our operations." Said Adam.
"Yes, boss." His lieutenant leaves him to be alone.
He removed his mask, rubbing his eyes in frustration. Everything has gone downhill. The shadows had left a massive hole in their operations, leaving little options to find an offensive.
Sienna had been breathing down his neck after failing another mission. There has to be a way to overcome this.
Blake steps out of their tent with her bag over her shoulder. Tears have been running down her cheeks, Adam noticed, and fixes his mask back on. He walks over to Blake, giving her a supporting smile.
"I'll be fine, Blake. You don't have to worry about me. I can take it from here." He said as he wipes her tears. Blake places her hand to let him hold her cheek.
"Don't cry anymore, Blake. I know you're brave. You're my favorite partner." Adam said. "I love you, Adam," Blake said, "I love you too, Blake. Now go. I'll see you soon if I can." Blake hugs Adam one more time before boarding an airship. Adam watches her leave, waving goodbye as the door closes.
As Adam watches the airship carrying Blake flies away, he felt rage. Rage because those bastard shadows have ruined everything, they killed his people, made them fear them, and left Blake tormented. The humans will suffer, they will all suffer, and he will make sure of it. For the Faunus and the revolution, "The shadow will know defeat, make no mistake, We. Will. Win."
End of Chapter 2