RWBY: Shadow Company
Chapter 4
Qrow moves his hand from Jaune's shoulder and onto the owner's and pries his hand to let go of Jaune. Underneath his helmet, Qrow looks at him with a glare. The owner felt his gaze and backs away as far as he can. He points at the child.
"That dog stole from my shop, I told it not to, but it wouldn't listen."
Qrow looks at the kid at the corner, all dirtied and beaten up, "So beating him to death was your answer?" A strange voice emitted from Qrow's helmet. His voice was heavily distorted and barely recognizable. A voice changer, maybe?
"Hey buddy, there's no law that says I can't. I mean, there hasn't been much for the Faunus anyway, in case you've forgotten."
Qrow clenches his fist.
The owner notices and smirks, "What, you got a soft spot for these animals now? What are you going to do, shadow? Are you going to hit me? Isn't that what you shadows always do?"
But Qrow didn't. He would've wanted to, but that's not what he should do. When Shadow Company had begun its first few missions in Vale, everyone was terrified of them for some reason. But it wasn't their armor or their weapons that frightens them.
It was the fact that they were mercenaries that scares them. Mercenaries nowadays are seen just like bandits, only worst. There are many of them running around offering their skills to the highest bidder. There is no honor in keeping their contract. They would either break it or keep it when it's the most convenient to them.
But what made them dangerous is that they raid and plunder just like the bandits. And later, some people became paranoid of them and started spreading rumors and false allegations. And Shadow Company was unfortunately dragged into the fire, despite being a new company at the time.
There had been cases where civilians would witch-hunt any shadow they see. That is why Qrow is wearing a fully-concealed helmet with a voice changer. It was to conceal their identity. Mainly for their safety.
Qrow turns away and walks over to the little boy. The child backs away slowly, intimated by his size. He kneels in front of him.
"Here, take this. And run back to your home," Qrow said as he hands him some money. The boy's eyes widen. He quickly takes it from Qrow and runs away from the station. "That animal is a thief. I didn't know shadows support poor criminals now."
"That kid wasn't hurting anybody, so leave him alone," Qrow stands up and faces him. "And in case you've forgotten, we shadows don't waste our time picking fights with civilians, let alone defenseless children. So why don't you be a good little boy and go back to your shop, okay?" Qrow taunted.
The owner suddenly attacked, trying to lay a hit on Qrow, but he easily deflected his punch and grabbed his arms. He tried to break free, but Qrow had already brought his fist to punch him back in the chest, enough to send him landing on the floor, holding his chest in pain.
A shadow would shrug off that punch and keep fighting.
"You're a civilian, not a huntsman," Qrow said. He brushes his shoulder and removes his helmet, combing his hair with his hand, letting everyone in the station see his face.
He gasped and pointed at him, "You-you're,"
Qrow glares at him before he could finish it. His snare was frightening to look at, "I keep that mouth shut if I were you." He said.
He turns around and puts back on his helmet. He looks at Jaune, who's still standing there awkwardly in the open. "Go get your stuff. We're leaving." Qrow's voice changer emitted.
Jaune wasted no time grabbing his duffle bag before following Qrow out of the station. "Thanks for the help," Jaune said. But Qrow didn't reply.
"Um, I'll pay you back."
"Forget about it."
Good going, Jaune. Not even your first day, and you already making a mess.
Qrow sighs, "I'm not mad at you. Even if you didn't do anything, I would have still done it anyway." That made Jaune feel a bit better. At least Qrow had a proper sense of integrity.
"But, you went in without a plan. And that was dangerous. And if you have no plan, you end up with a suicide one."
Jaune winced, "Sorry."
He was right. Jaune went in without thinking it through. And if Qrow hadn't been there, then that poor child would have still be beaten to death.
"It's okay. What has happened can't be reversed. So wipe that frown off your face. You're going to be a shadow. So smile."
"R-right." Jaune was still in shock after that event. "Had to arrange a ride for us. I hope you like black."
Jaune gasps as he noticed that they were walking over to a heavily armored black vehicle fitted with a mounted minigun. He couldn't help but stare at it.
"Like it? I'm sure you've seen plenty of these in Atlas."
"I have, but they don't allow civilians near it. Or even let their soldiers modify their stuff.
Qrow smirks, "That's just one of many benefits in the shadows. We're not so strict like most militaries."
"So cool."
There was another shadow waiting outside of the humvee. He was wearing a red cape as well. It is perfectly intact compared to Qrow's.
"What happened inside? I heard a loud noise in there." He asked as he crosses his arms. Qrow removes his helmet.
"It's nothing, just another scuffle, I've dealt with it already, and I call shotgun," Said Qrow as he climbs in the humvee.
Jaune climbs in the back without hesitation, feeling nervous yet so excited as he closes the door. "Alright, just strap in and enjoy the ride, and don't touch the minigun, please." Said the shadow as he starts up the humvee.
Jaune was too busy staring in awe, looking all around inside the jeep.
"Take us back to base."
The engine roars, "Will do, boss. Enjoy the ride, kid." The jeep starts to move, leaving the station behind.
"So Jaune, you might be wondering what Shadow Company is all about. I talked with your father a few nights ago regarding your request. I'm sure he told you something about us, didn't he? You've caused quite a stir with him."
Jaune looks down and rubs the back of his head. He remembered what his father told him, "Well, yeah, I kinda did."
"Well, no point sulking about it. You're with us now, Jaune. That's all it matters now."
Jaune nods, "Speaking about Shadow Company, I mean. From all the stuff that's been going around. I think there's something more to it than I already know."
"I bet you've heard of all the rumors about us too, a bunch of sellouts who would do anything for the highest bidder, all that other shit." He sighs.
"I guess it's that bad, huh?" Jaune asked.
"Exactly, because up till now. All these rumors that they've been giving us are getting even more ridiculous. But that's nothing to worry about them. Besides, they don't have any evidence to back it up anyway. Bunch of idiots if you ask me, and those who believed them are even dumber than them."
The driver smirks, "Ain't that the truth."
"Well, that explains the lack of Faunus around here. They don't like you either way, with or without the truth."
"Yes, sadly. And the fact that we are a private military doesn't exactly make it better for us."
"Hey boss, I almost forgot. Did you hear about the news on Atlas recently? What the fuck is Ironwood doing with his shadows? He's cooking something up with them. They've been popping up on the news like crazy."
"Thanks for the reminder. By the way, Jaune, this is Lieutenant Bell, my second in command. He and I are buddies back in our training days." Qrow said.
"It's nice to meet you, Jaune."
"Anyway, about Atlas. You must have heard about it. Ironwood is conducting an operation on cleansing the city of terrorists, notably the White Fang, of course. It's a pursuit for any White Fangs that still lingers inside the capital, an excuse to test out his new weapons probably," Qrow crosses his arms.
"So, who is actually in charge of Shadow Company?" Jaune asked.
"Technically, it's General Vitalius since he handles everyone except for Atlas. But we are not an independent company. Its ownership was shared with both the council of Atlas and Vale, Ozpin, Ironwood, and fucking Jacques Schnee, the SDC." Qrow grunts at the mention.
"Weiss's father?" Jaune said, "No wonder there were lots of shadows patrolling her place, though he just paid their services."
"Wait, you're friends with that prick's daughter?"
"Well, yeah. Dad does business with him since I was a kid, and he would bring me over and play with Weiss."
Qrow sighs, "Yes, your friend's father also owns us, and he was the one who funded us. At least, I'm not working for Ironwood. If I did, I'd shoot myself." He laughs and opens his flask, and taking a swig.
The jeep went silent.
"Wait, would you?" Jaune asked.
Qrow stops drinking, and Bell laughed but quickly stopped himself as Qrow glares at him, "I was joking, kid. He may be annoying to work with most of the time, but he's fine. Don't take everything I say so seriously."
"But what you mostly say is true," Jaune said.
Everyone shared a laugh.
"He got you there, boss." Said Bell.
"But really, Jaune. Joining us will be good for you, trust me. I'm sure you won't regret it."
/-/
At the HQ of Shadow Company, in one of its many rooms inside the facility. A shadow walks out of his shower, drying his hair as the TV goes on in the back.
"With a final hit, and that's it, ladies and gentlemen! That is another win for the "Invincible Girl" of Mistral, Pyrrha Nikos! I'm telling you, there is nothing that can stop her now, and she makes us all proud!"
He smirks.
But his attention to the TV stops as his scroll began to ring.
"Who could that be?"
He walks over to the table and picks up his scroll. He smiles and accepts the call, "Hey you." He said.
"Hello to you too. Did you see the latest match today?"
"I'm watching it right now." He turns to face the television, watching Pyrrha winning another mini-competition. The camera pans on Pyrrha's smile as she waves back to the crowd as they cheered loudly for her victory.
He sighs, "Another victory, and her fans can't get enough of her. Surely all this attention has got to lose its glow at some point."
"You know she's not a glory seeker. She hates the attention, yet she still has to take it."
"You know she's curious about you. Ever since I accidentally told her, she's been training non-stop."
The TV shows Pyrrha shaking hands with her competitor.
"I hope she's not working herself to death. She may be strong, but she's still young."
"At least she is giving her all just for you."
"I know, and that old sash speaks for itself." He puts his scroll on a speaker as he changes into his uniform.
"She idolizes you, and it reminds her of you. Besides, you used to wear that old thing all the time when you were still in the military."
"I know, you made that sash for me, and when she first started fighting these tournaments. I noticed she has been wearing it, and I thought it was already gone."
"She cherishes you. She never hated you."
He laughs, "If only she knows where I am now. She'd probably be here in seconds."
The announcer comes up to her, trying to get past the paparazzi surrounding her, "Miss Nikos, congratulations on your latest victory. Is there anything you would like to say?" The announcer hands her the mic.
She giggles and pushes her hair to the side.
"Well, there is my family that I would like to thank, and my fans, of course." Her other hand caresses her sash. "And I will continue to do my best to make them proud."
Everyone applauds at her response. The announcer takes back his mic, "And there you have it, folks. Give it up for the Invincible Girl, Pyrrha Ni-" The television switched off abruptly. "You know, I hate that announcer. He's always there whenever Pyrrha shows up."
She laughs, "She can take care of herself. You weren't the only one in the military."
"How could I forget. You were the most beautiful woman in the office department."
"Oh, stop it. But one day, we'll tell her, right? The truth?"
"Yeah, one day. Though honestly, she's going to be pissed when she does. Pretty sure she'll kill me first and then hug me." He chuckles. "Still, I hope that she doesn't get too disappointed in me. I didn't ask to hide away from her."
"Sigh, you need to stop being so scared sometimes. Our daughter could care less about what they still think of you."
"I know."
"And thank the gods, If Jon didn't come and save your ass. I would have been a widow."
He clenches his fist. He hated the thought of that. Those bastards who were responsible will pay. He didn't want to go through that again.
A knock came from his door.
"Sorry honey, I'll have to call you back. Someone's knocking." He lowers his scroll as he opens his door. "Yes, Sergeant?"
The shadow salutes, "Sir, Headmaster Ozpin is requesting for your presence in his office immediately." Huh, what did that man want this time?
Is it urgent?" He asked.
"Afraid so, sir."
"Alright. Thanks, Sergeant. You may proceed." The shadow salutes again and leaves him be. He closes his door and brings up his scroll again, "You still there?"
"Yup, I'm still here. Wanna continue this conversation later when you get back?"
"I love to, see you soon." He said. "You too." He hangs up the call and gathers the rest of his equipment before leaving the room. He locks his door behind him and walks down to the main lobby. He sees his other fellow shadows minding their own business and saluting him along the way. The way to Ozpin's office was long, but he finally made it to the elevator. He presses the button and rides it to the top of the tower. When the bells ring, the door opens.
"Ah, there you are."
End of chapter 4