March 21, 20XX, Day 207/365


It's been over two weeks since the first round of the tournament, and since then, Mercury has been a bite more open around me. He's more comfortable to hang out, and more open when we talk about personal stuff such as family, friends, and all that. He was very surprised when he found out I was also friends with Emerald and Neo

Speaking of, this will definitely makes things a lot easier when I try to bring him over to our side, so we can at least cross him off the list. Neo is already taken car of, as long as I can get Roman to switch sides as well. Now, all that's left is is have a personal connection with Emerald, so that it'll be easier to convince hero to switch sides.

But, bringing her to our side will be the hardest out of the three...er-four if we count Roman, considering she's the most loyal to Cinder


Grimm Studies

You all know the drill by now, let's focus on Grimm Studies

First, let's talk about a more unique species of Grimm, the Sulfur Fish, one of the more smaller kinds of Grimm in the entire world. But unlike most Grimm, they will flee from anything that's larger than them, including humans. In-fact, they tend to watch them from long distances.

But while they do lack in size, they make up for it in numbers. If a hunter finds themselves in a Sulfur Fish swarm, they are know to be quite vicious. Thye launch themselves onto their prey and then repeatedly stab them with their long, super-heated barbed tails that can cause some serious burns

However, in severe cases of these swarms, the Sulfur Fish tend to "clump" together and synchronize their moves in order to form larger bodies in order to overpower their prey...sounds like something from an old Japanese Show I watched. But it rally depends on how many Sulfur Fish are present

Next, we have Largartodiles, a species of Grimm that resembles a giant crocodile...CrocZilla. Anyways, they lurk in the dark and murky swamps of Anima. Like their counterparts, they're ambush hunters, meaning that they lie and wait for their would-be-prey to come near the water. They slowly swim up towards their prey and lunge out of the water, trapping whatever is in its jaws and dragging them underwater to drown them

The Lagartodiles are extremely agile in the water, capable of even outracing a speed boat, and are just as fast on land. But what makes them dangerous, is their jaws with can snap someone's bone in an instant.

Then, we have the Long Tongues, a giant frog Grimm. And just like the Largartodiles, they lurk in the swamps of Anima. Like their name suggests, they have long prehensile tongues with the front being covered in spikes, meant to snare prey. They also have spikes on the roofs of their mouths to stab their prey whenever their tongues pulls their prey in.

I'd also suggest not getting to close to it either, as it literally produces venom out of it's warts and tend to burst if they're ever ruptured.

And then finally, we have is the Berserker, a species of Grimm that is a distant cousin to the Ursa. However, they are far bulkier, stronger, and even has stronger armour. But what stand out the most, that it's able to produce purple crystals from its back. These crystals contain energy that the Berserker uses to attack

It was use slash-projectiles through its claws that is powerful enough to cut through stone with ease. Taking one down is already a challenge as it is. But in order to take one down, you need to destroy the crystals on its back, making is slow down enough to finish it off...that is, if you can even get close to it


History

And now, we're back to talking about Vacuo once more...'cause why not? Today, is something called the Sand Burial Incident. Now if you ask Vacuo's inhabitants, they will say that Vacuo is in-fact one of the most dangerous places to live in. It's not because of its structure or possible crime...its more about its wildlife

More prefrably, the Blind Worms, which we already covered a while back. But just in-case, here's a reminder:

They're a species of Grimm that burrows through the sands of Vacuo. They have a singular red eye and a giant fanged mouth. These Worms can range from six to one-hundred feet in height and despite their size, they can travel fast in the sands. It tends to use suprise and blindsiding tactics when attacking

Like King Taijitu's, they have a head on each body. They have armoured plating, acidic blood, and hook-like teeth which is also capable of spitting acid! But whenever you cut one in half, the two halves will eventually regrow to become their individual Blind Worms.

These worms were responsible for the constant burrow under Vacuo's sands, making the ground unstable, causing sinkholes and possible earthquakes if large enough

Now, let's talk about the actual incident, during the Great war. When its inhabitants first moved into Vacuo, when all they wanted to do is relax and have fun in the oasis they've dreamed of for so long. However, some of them had the right idea to start building shelter and civilization

So, they packed up their belongings and moved even further into the deserts of Sanus. After they had found a part of land that was close to a huge body of water, they decided that this would be the start of a possible new Kingdom for them. They eventually built the city and even new settlers coming from Vacuo began to settle in

However, one day, a huge group of Blind Worms began to appear right next to the city, being responsible for various structures to fall into sinkholes. The inhabitents tried to fight off the Grimm, but with no effect whatsoever. Most of the city had been dragged underground by the massive Grimm and everyone was just about to give up and run into the desert.

Well, almost everyone. Suddenly, a lone stranger who was wondering the vast desert just so happened to arrive just in time and aided them in their fight

It went as well as you'd expect it, if it wasn't for the fact that the warrior was wielding a weapon that had the power to freeze anything. With the weapon, the warrior turned the Blind Worms into nothing but ice sculptors, then shattered them into tiny pieces. Most of the city was in ruins, but the remaining residents rebuilt what was left of the city. The city was named after the warrior who saved them all, the City of Lavinia. It was rumoured that the warrior was using Sheer Cold to kill the Blind Worms


History (Continued)

Now, this is something I found interesting. As mentioned, there have been multiple varieties of Sacred Array's in the past. Examples would include the more recent ones I found such as The Demon's Pendent and Goldbanes.

However, as I dove more into Remnant's history...I found something...slightly have been a number of instances throughout history where the users lost control of their Sacred Arrays

To simply put it...they "change". The Sacred Arrays took control of their minds and bodies, and with the power surging through them, they were transformed in colossal beasts. According to these texts, these beings were known as Strays, because they stray from the path of enlightenment.

These "Strays" would use the full extent of their power in the form of a dangerous ability known as the Jagannath, which literally means Dreadnaught. But with immense power, there comes a cost. The longer they stay in those forms, their life force is consumed in the process.

When the transformation was complete, they became determined to destroy everything around them, setting the entire face of Remnant in flames. No one knows how they were all defeated, about every book I checked provided no clear answer.

So, who knows what happened to them


City Of Vale, Shopping District (My POV)

Currently, I was standing outside a clothing store with Velvet, both of us waiting for Coco to arrive. But for some reason, she told us to bring our weapons. Now, some of you may remember...I may have caused an entire mountains worth of clothing to fall on-top of Coco...and I had to leave her behind. But I did say I would make it up to her...god, I hope this isn't going to be another shopping spree! I swear that wallet of hers must be bottomless or something!?

"So...do you have any idea why Coco wanted to meet us here again?" I asked

Velvet shrugged "I don't know, she just said that she needed us for something important"

Usually when Coco says it's "important", it usually means, clothes, clothes, and more clothes, with a side of shoe shopping...all in that order

"Hey!" A voice shouted. We turned around to see Coco walking towards us with a bag in her hands "Hey, thanks for coming guys, I really appreciate it"

"So, why are we here?" I asked

"You'll find out" Coco said as she began to walk into the store "Come on, there's someone I'd like for you to meet"

"Who, the receptionist?" I muttered, as Velvet and I walked into the store with her.

As we walked, we could see various aisles that are filled to the brim with clothing. Most of which were consisting of brown, black, red, blue, yellow, or any other primary colour. Well, colour is one of the many staples in the series so...

"Is this where you go your outfit?" Velvet asked

"Yep!" Coco said, as she walked up to the counter and began talking to the cashier. They talked for a few minutes until the cashier nodded and walked into a room behind the counter

I was right...she wanted us to talk to the cashier...the same one that we've seen for the past six months...probably just here for dry cleaning or something

"Wait, where's Yatsuhashi and Fox?" I asked

"Yatsu went to visit his family outside of Vale, and Fox is visiting his uncle" Velvet said

Wait, I thought that Fox's uncle was...oh

"Wait, then why aren't you visiting your family?" I asked

"My mother lives in Vale, I see her all the time" Velvet said "I'm planning on visiting my father in Atlas soon"

"Oh, okay" I said

But before any of us continued, Coco walked out of the backroom "Alright guys, come on in" She said as she walked back into the backroom

I looked at Velvet who shrugged in response. We eventually walked behind the counter, and into the backroom that Coco had just entered. As we entered, we got a clear view of the rooms surroundings. The room had a long bookshelf that was filled to the brim with various books on the right side of the room. In the centre, were four red sofa chairs and a dark oak wooden table. But at the end of the room, was a small post board with various pictures and being linked together by string

Wait...you only see something like this on a crime show...

"So, these are the 'extra arms' you were talking about" A voice said from behind the desk.

We all looked up to see a woman sitting behind the desk. The woman wore a dark brown vest with a black undershirt. she wore a pair of black sunglasses, similar to Coco's, along with fingerless gloves. But the most noticeable part was that she had brown hair that was tied in a pony-tail, with the tip of the pony-tail transitioning from dark brown, to a caramel colour

"Guys, I would like for you to meet my sister, Mocha Adel" Coco introduced

The newly named Mocha Adel got up from her desk and walked towards us "Hello, it's nice to meet you" She said, extending her hand outwards

"Yes, it's nice to meet you" Velvet said, as she shook Mocha's hand

.

.

.

"You...have a sister?" I asked, earning light smack on my arm from Velvet "What? Oh, sorry, I meant nice to meet you" I said as I shook her hand

Coco did a facepalm, while Velvet shook her head

.

.

.

"So...why did you call us here?" I asked, breaking the silence in the room

"Well, I didn't call you here" Mocha said "Coco said that she knew some capable fighters, and that they would help with today's investigation"

"I guess that explains it" I said "But...what investigation?"

Mocha turned towards her sister "God damn it, Coco! You didn't tell them anything!?"

"I thought you would! I barely know what's going on myself!" Coco defended

Mocha sighed before walking towards her desk and grabbing one of the various documents "There have been multiple reports of kidnappings in every district of Vale Mocha explained "We've done our best to track down the culprits, but we've had no such luck...until recently"

"What changed?" I asked

"Most of the victims that have been kidnapped have been Dust scientists, various police officers, and other special operatives unit" Mocha explained "From what we've been able to pin together, who or whatever the culprits want, they need a lot of Dust and information"

"You think it might be Roma Torchwick? He as been robbing various Dust shops" I said

Mocha shook her head "No, Roman Torchwick's crimes have always been public and open, these crimes don't match his motto. But we've managed to narrow it down to one location, and that is why we need you three" She said as she handed us the document that she was holding

A the both of us looked down on the stacks of paper, both of our eyes widened "The White Fang!? Why them!?"

"That's what we intend to find out" Mocha said "We need you three to be there in case things goes south"

"But, this doesn't make sense. The White Fang never needed Dust before, why do they need it now?" Coco asked

I may have a good idea why

"Wait!" I spurted out

"Hm? What is it?" Mocha asked

"Back when I was on an expedition in Atlas, the White Fang attacked and tried to take a Dust mine for themselves" I said "But...I don't know the reason behind it. This isn't a coincidence"

Mocha nodded "If the White Fang is scheming in other kingdoms, it has to be something big! Meanwhile, we don't know what they're planning, we intend to find out And hopefully, some of the victims might still be alive"

"That scientists are the most likely to be alive...the soldiers on the other hand, bot no much" I said

"Oh? And what makes you think that?" Mocha asked, one of her eyebrows raised

"Well, they defiantly need the scientists to work on Dust and other weaponry. They only reason why they need your men is to get information out of them. After that, they have no reason to keep them alive" I said

I've seen a lot of heist movies...god do I need a new hobby!

"B-But may some of them are still alive!" Velvet reasoned

"That's true...but very unlikely" I said, causing Velvet's head to sink. I sighed before placing my hand on her shoulder "look, I'm not saying that ALL of them are dead, I'm just saying that most of them didn't make it. I didn't mean it that way"

"I know, It's just..." Velvet trailed off

"He's right" Mocha said "Most of them are probably dead by now. But you're also right Velvet, there's a slight possibility that some of them are still alive"

"Yeah. I guess we just have to hop for the best, but but expect the wore" I said, earning a look of confusion from all of them

...Does anyone even know what an idiom is!?

I sighed "What I mean is that we can hope for the best, but expect the worse" I explained, as they nodded their heads

"Yeah, I guess you have a point" Coco said

"Well, we should get going" Mocha aid :I can give you the specifics of the rest of the investigation in the car"

Coco turned towards us "Well then, let's move it, team!"

"Yes ma'am!" Velvet said jokingly as she did a little salute

"You're not even my leader" I said as I followed the two "That...and I'm not on a team..."

By the time I arrived just outside the parking lot to see two black vehicles...you know, the one they use for investigations and stuff. Mocha and Velvet were going into one, as Coco waved me down "Come on! Let's go!" Coco yelled

"I'm coming!" I shouted as I ran towards the car...only to realize that Coco was riding shotgun "Uh..."

"What do it look like?" Coco asked "You're driving this time!" She said, but I simply stood there, unsure what to do "Well? What are you waiting for?"

As much as I would like to drive...I'm technically an illegal citizen here...that...and I don't have a license

"The thing is..." I trailed off "I...don't have a license" I said

"You...don't have a license?" Coco asked

I nodded "That...and I'm wanted for murder"

"Anything else?" Coco asked sarcastically

"...I think I'm pregnant" I said

"Stop it!" Coco said


(Timeskip) The City of Vale, Downtown Vale, Warehouse (My POV)

Shortly after, Coco had to drive the both of us to a location that Mocha gave us, and from what Coco told me during the drive there, there are going to be other police officers waiting for us as well. The location was that a a fairly large building and was a few blocks from the warehouse where supposed culprits should be. As we arrived, Mocha parked her car on the left side of the building, so we parked on the right side of the warehouse, making sure that we weren't blocking Mocha and Velvet when things go south and vice versa

Still, I can't help but thinking about the current situation. Usually, the White Fang doesn't take any prisoners...unless Ruby counts by the end of Volume Two. The point is, the White Fang would normally kill someone that even smells like human, not kidnapp them. None of this happened in the show itself, so it has to be something new. Then again, I'm literally living BEFORE the events of the main timeline...so how should I know?

After a few seconds of walking/sneaking, we walked towards the front of the building. where Velvet and Coco was waiting for us

"Alright, let's go over this ONE more time" Mocha said "First off, I want you all to have your weapons next to you at all times!"

Thankfully, mine's fused to my arm and can summon it at will

"Secondly, I want you to be on the look-out for any victims, police officers, scientists or possible civilians" Mocha said "Lastly, if you happen to spot and engage the culprit, do your best to capture them. We need the culprit alive. Understand?" She asked, causing all of us to nod in agreement "Alright, we should be there shortly, so it'd be best if you got your weapons ready"

We all nodded as we proceeded to make our own preparations. Well...more like Coco and Velvet had to make their preparations. All I really need to do, was place my arm behind my back, and in a sudden flash, the gauntlet appeared on my arm. I can't really summon the thing in public without making it look suspicious.

As we arrived, we could see a swarm of polic cars and trucks waiting outside of the warehouse. The warehouse was failry large, enough to fit multiple shipments of Dust, or the Titanic if that becomes the case. Most of its windows were shattered and the wood was worn. But at the back of the warehouse, was a small forest that lead into Forever Fall, with the trees transitioning from green to red

"Ms. Adel!" One of the officers said

"Yes, what' the report on the situation?" Mocha asked

"We've yet to find any traces of the culprit, but we've heard noises coming from inside the warehouse" The officer said

"Then they might still be alive!" Mocha said "Alright team! I want you all to secure the perimeter! Make sure this bastard has no where to run!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Everyone shouted as they went to their respected posts, their guns drawn

"You three, you're with me!" Mocha said, as she pointed towards us

We nod and follow Mocha into the warehouse.

I turned towards Coco, who had a look of admiration on her face. I know that look any where "You really look up to her, don't you?"

"Yeah, besides Professor Ozpin and Goodwitch, it's only natural! I mean, look at her!" Coco said as she gestured towards her older sister "She's so determined, confident and has an amazing fashion sense! What's not to look up to?"

"Well, she is pretty cool" I complimented

"What about you? Have you found someone to look up to?" Coco asked

"Uh...no, not really" I said "Ozpin's still trying to kill me...and Goodwitch still scares me"

"I think she has that impression on a lot of people" Velvet admitted "But, she's that way because she wants us to succeed"

"Yeah, I know" I said

"Okay...but anyone else?" Coco asked

"Uh...no one really comes to mind" I admitted

"Anyways, we should go, Mocha's waiting for us" Coco said, as we walked into the warehouse

As we walked in, our eyes widend at how big the warehouse was on the inside. The warehouse was filled to the brim with crates varying from size and colour. There were multiple platforms that lead to even more crates, with noticeable skid marks on the ground. The walls were mostly covered in worn white paint that was peeling off the walls. Traces of rust could be found on the pillars and floors as rusted chains hung from the ceiling

"I feel like I'm in a horror movie" I said "Hello? Any fisherman with a grudge and a hook for a hand?"

"Hey, why don't you say it louder? They didn't hear you the first time" Velvet deadpanned

Like I said...Velvet is sassy around her teammates...but shy around new people

"We all have coping mechanisms, okay!?" I defended

"Okay...noting illegal in plain sight" Mocha said, as she looked around the warehouse

"Kind of anticlimactic, huh?" I asked

"At first glance" Mocha said "Let's look around, find anything out of the ordinary"

"Anything specific to look out for?" Velvet asked

"This warehouse has been here for a very long time. Bootleggers used to use it back in the day" Mocha said "There could be hidden rooms nearby. So look for a handle, a knob or something that's out of place"

We all nodded as we went our separate ways around the warehouse. We began to look around various crate, trying to find any sign of the hostages or at least where the culprits are going to strike next. Velvet and I took the top level, while Coco and Mocha took the bottom level.

The reason we were prioritizing hostages first is because they may have overheard the culprits next move, and why the White Fang needs so much Dust for an entire army. But the thing is, I know why they need it, but I can't just flat out tell them. Not only do I have no proof, they may think I'm secretly working for the White Fang.

As we continued to look for any sign of the hostages, my shoe brushed up against a nearby bucket. But as my shoe made contact, the bucket immediately fell off of the edge and landed on top of one of the crate, making a loud thud that echoed throughout the warehouse

The sudden noise made everyone whip their heads towards the source of the noise. Coco and Velvet looked at me with a deadpanned expression. But Mocha on the other hand, had a look of confusion on her face as she walked towards the crate that the bucket fell on

As she approached it, she knocked on the crate a few times...and it sounded off. Almost as if there is nothing in those crates

"Does this sound hollow to you?" Mocha asked, as she brushed her hand across the crate "I got a hidden panel, like the one on the door. Can one of you help me pry it open?"

I nodded as I ran down the stairs towards the ground level of the warehouse. My blade popped out of my gauntlet and I drove it in between the cracks on the panel. Using the blade in my gauntlet, I pried the panel open. As the door opened, it revealed that the crate was filled with various empty shelves, a small safe in the corner

"And...we got a big fat nothing" I said

"Well, if there's one secret room, there could be more" Mocha said, as she then pointed to the floor "Notice anything about the floor?"

We all looked towards the rusted floor, at first glance, it's nothing out of the ordinary. That is, until we opened the secret room "Ah. They can hide the doors, but not the scrapes they leave behind"

"Exactly. Split up, and find more of these scrapes" Mocha said "Oh, and kid, thanks. There's no way we could've found this without any of you"

"Uh, your welcome?" I said as I walked to the other side of the warehouse with Coco and Velvet

As we made it to the other end, we found more scrape marks by the crates. As before, I drove my blade in between the cracks, and pried the panel open, revealing a room with various documents on Dust and Dust-related projects. As we searched through the various documents, there have been mostly experiments on Combustible Dust, mainly on bombs. Most likely going to be used for the Breach

Huh...I wonder how I'm going to prevent that?

However, before I continue my thoughts, I was brought out by the sound of Coco's voice "Hey"

"Yeah, what's up?" I asked

"What...was your family like?" Coco asked. Velvet turned her head towards the two of us with a concerned expression on her face

"I thought I said I didn't want want to talk about it" I said in a low tone

"I know, I'm just curious" Coco said

Ever since I mentioned that I didn't have a family anymore, Coco's been asking me non-stop about my family. I do know that she's curious but has she heard the phrase "curiosity killed the cat"? Well...its not gonna kill her but...you know what I mean! But, she's not going to stop asking until I answer her

.

.

On, what the hell! I have nothing else to lose anyways

I sighed "Alright" I said, grabbing both Coco's and Velvet's attention "My mom's name was Julia. She worked as a teacher in my village. She tuahgt little kids, mostly preschoolers about everything we need to know in our everyday lives. That's actually how I got my humour sarcastic and witty attitude from her, as well as my hair colour, eyes, and skin colour"

"What about your dad?" Velvet asked

"Never knew him. He left us just after I was born" I said

"Do you know where he is?" Coco asked

"No, and I don't care or do I want to know where he is" I said

Coco and Velvet were about to respond, but hesitated, deciding not to pursue the subject even further. "I know how you feel" Coco said, causing bothVelvet ans I towards Coco with confused looks on our faces "My dad walked out on us when I was a little kid, which left Mocha and my mom to take care of me. My mom was already...damaged because of Mountain Glenn, so it was up to Mocha to take care of me. What about you? Do you have any siblings?"

I shook my head "No, it's just me. My mom didn't really have the chance to have any more kids"

"What about friends?" Coco asked

"I did have one, his name was Carson" I said "In a way, he was like a brother to me...but he did have a lot of girl problems though"

"What, did he have trouble talking to them?" Velvet asked

"Not really, he was a bit...too forward with them, always wanting to get serious with the relationships only after ten days into it" I said, earning a chuckle from Coco as Velvet started to form a small blush on her face

"Wait...how many has he had?" Coco asked

"To be honest, I lost track after number fifteen" I said

Coco began to laugh even harding, holding her sides trying to contain her laughter. And the blush on Velvets face grew redder and deeper. Eventually, I joined in a well, and...it felt nice to laugh with someone again.

"Then, there's my grandma. She's most of the reason why I'm slightly tame with my attitude. She was always scolding, and threw her slipper...and her aim was really deadly" I said, earning a chuckle from Coco and Velvet "But despite all of that. she's the best Grandma I could have ever asked for" I said as I pulled my locket from my jacket pocket

"What's that?" Coco asked "And what's in it?"

"It's a family heirloom. As for what's in it, that's a story for another time" I said, as I placed the locket back into my pocket...huh...that rhymed "But, I did make a promise to her when she gave me the locket. She said that she wanted me to give this locket to whoever I want to spend the rest of my life with. Because, that's how my grandpa proposed to her"

"Awww, that's so sweet!" Velvet said

"Hey!" Mocha shouted in the distance "Everyone, get your asses over here now!"

We all hurried towards the other end of the warehouse, to see a man in a lab coat lying on the floor

"Oh my goodness!" Velvet said as we ran over to the man "There might be more!"

Mocha nodded "Christian, Velvet, guard the door! We don't know if the White Fang is hiding!" She said, as she look back towards the man "Hey" She said, as the man slowly started to stir and began to hyperventilate as he looked at his surroundings. "It's alright, we're not here to hurt you" She said as she took her badge out from her pocket "I'm with the police" She said, as the man began to calm down

"Hey" Velvet said, catching my attention

"What's up?" I asked

"Do you...hear something?" Velvet asked, noticing that one of her rabbit ears was twitching. I paused as I listend the the surroundings around me, trying to see if I could hear anything

"I don't hear anything...but if you say so" I said as I readied my gauntlet, the jewel glowing in the process

It's true that I don't hear anything, but I'll trust the girl with the oversized rabbit ears who without a doubt has better hearing than me

All of a sudden, I could hear the feint sound of footsteps. And at the pacing they were going, they were trying to be sneaky. We wouldn't have caught on if Velvet wasn't here

"Yeah, I can hear them too!" Mocha said, as she looked around the room, that is until she looked in the direction of the footsteps...which so happens to be right behind Coco

"COCO!" Mocha yelled, as she pushed her sister out of the way

But before the attacker could strike, I used the charge from my gauntlet on the Barrier Enchantment, protecting Mocha from the attacks blade. Using that opportunity, Coco turned her briefcase into her gatling gun at their attack, who dodged the bullets with ease as he ran back into the darkness

"S-Sis! Are you okay!?" Coco shouted as she ran towards he sister

"I-I'm fine!" Mocha said "But get him out of here!" Mocha shouted, gesturing to the scientist

"G-Get me out of here!" The scientist shouted, clearly shaken on what's happening

Coco and I nodded as we ran over to the scientists, each one of us picking him up by his arms and placing him on our shoulders

"P-Please hurry!" the scientist shouted

"Wow, you're the bossiest damsel in distress I've ever rescued!" I said as we dragged him outside of the warehouse "And also the ugliest, heaviest, and the first!"

"Not helping" Coco said, as we opened the doors to the warehouse, revealing a group of police officers with their guns out, ready to fire at almost anyone who exited the building

They immediately lowered there weapons as some of them rushed to us, and took the scientist from our arms

"Anyone else injured?" One of the officers asked

"No" I said "But the culprit is i-"

"AAAAAHHHHHHHH! I was immediately cut off by the sound of a blood curdling scream from inside the warehouse

Coco's eyes widened as she knew who is was "MOCHA!" Coco shouted as she ran back into the warehouse, causing all of us to run back in after her, along with a small group of police officers.

As we ran back in, we saw that Mocha was lying on the ground, he leather jacket was soaked in blood. Coco gritted her teeth as she revved her gatling gun once more. The jewel in my gauntlet glowed once more, as a small blue orb of energy appeared in my palm, preparing to use the Blast Enchantment to take him down

However, the figure simply picked up Mocha by her left arm and held her in front of her, using Mocha as a shield, preventing both of us from firing our weapons

"LET HER GO!" Coco shouted at the figure

The figure chuckled as...multiple arms began to appear from behind his back, shocking all of us. Using one of his arms, he pulled out a handgun from his side. But before any of us could react, the figure shot one of the police officers in the head!

"Y-you bastard!" Mocha yelled at the figure.

The figure then used one of it's other arm to pull out a white blade and severed the lower part of Mocha's right arm "AAAAAHHHHHH!" Mocha screamed in pain as her severed arm fell to the puddle of blood on the ground

"You...you..." Coco growled as she started to walk towards the figure

"N-No!" Mocha shouted "S-Stay back!" Mocha yelled, as the figure used it's fifth arm to impale Mocha through her stomach, causing her to scream in pain once more.

"MOCHA!" Coco yelled as she revved up her gatling gun

"D-Don't...come...*cough*...closer...*cough*...please" Mocha said, as she coughed up blood.

The figure than rose his gun up towards the ceiling, firing it at the window, breaking it into tiny shards as jumped out of the warehouse

"MOCHA!" Coco yelled, as she tried to follow the figure

Velvet broke out of her daze as she jumped off the wall and onto the ceiling "Here, grab my hand! I'll pull both of you up!" Velvet shouted

I nodded as I grabbed Velvet's hand as she pulled me up.

"Alright, come on Coco!" Velvet yelled, as Coco grabbed onto her hands and pulled Coco up. As we made it towards the top of the warehouse, I began to look around, trying to find the figure that killed the police officer.

"Damn it! Where the hell did he go!?" I yelled, as I jumped down from the warehouse, and onto the ground. I looked towards a small trail of blood, only to see that it led to a small forest, just at the back of the warehouse

Damn it...he must've gone through the trees

I couldn't see the figure's face...but I saw his grin...what he was doing to Mocha...he was enjoying it...like a fucking devil. And...he had multiple arms...however that guy was, he definitely wasn't human...more like a monster...

I turned behind me to see Velvet and Coco who had just caught up, noticing the small blood trail

"Hey, did you see what that guy looked like?" I asked

"N-No, but we have a good idea on what kind of Faunus he i-!" Coco stopped, as she looked behind me.

"Coco?...Is...something wrong?" I asked

Coco didn't respond, all she did was stare at the trees behind me. But just as I was about to respond, I felt something wet fall on my cheek

"Huh...didn't know it was going to be r-" I stopped myself mid-sentence as I wiped what I was expecting to be a drop of rain...only to see that it was a drop of blood

My eyes widened, as Velvet and I slowly looked up at the trees...only to see the mutilated body of Mocha, one of its branches impailing her through the hole in her stomach that the culprit made

"Oh my god" Velvet muttered, as she covered her mouth with her hands, trying her best from throwing up or screaming. Coco on the other hand...had tears flowing down her cheeks...she could even usher a sound, not even a scream. Coco fell to her knees as he glasses fell off of her face, shattering it as it struck the pavement

"Coco!" Velvet yelled, just before Coco passed out.

I quickly ran over towards the front of the warehouse where the police officers were "HEY! GET YOUR ASSES OVER HERE NOW! WE NEED YOUR HELP!" I yelled

Half of the police ran out of the warehouse, as I led them over towards Coco and Velvet, and the body that was hanging in the tree

"O-Officer...down..." One of the police officer said, trying not to break "I repeat...officer...down"


(Timeskip) City Of Vale, Downtown Vale (My POV)

Shortly after the..."incident", the remaining police force or who was available did a full sweep of the warehouse and managed to find more of the scientists in a sound-proof crate. They began to question me, Velvet and even the scientists to see if any of us learned anything about the culprits, their next move, or possible suspects...but nothing came up

The only thing that we were able to make out of him was that he had multiple human arms! I've never seen a Faunus in the show that has something like that, and I HIGHLY doubt a spider Faunus would have extra-human-arms. Maybe it's some sort of stolen tech?

As for Coco, she finally regained conscious after a few hours. But the thing isn't...she exactly wasn't herself. She didn't want to talk with anyone, not even Velvet or I. She just...shut down, even her eyes were void of any life. Then again I can't blame her, she just watched her sister die in a very gruesome way right in-front of her very eyes.

After questioning, we were immediately taken back to Beacon, and professor Ozpin was informed of what occurred at the warehouse. He understood the situation, and gave Coco the week off from classes to recuperate. As for what me and Velvet did, we called both Fox and Yatsuhashi and filled them in what happened

They understood and came back to Beacon as quickly as they could. We tried our hardest to at least to get Coco to talk, but she wouldn't budge. So, I thought the best thing to do was what I sometimes dread the most, waiting. Coco needs time to herself, to properly process what happened and hopefully, put it behind her

But then again, getting closure isn't an easy task. It takes months, years, sometimes people don't recover at all! It's basically like a mental shutdown

Currently, I was walking through the streets of Vale, looking for another place to eat, while also trying to forget what happened today...which is highly unlikely

"I wonder how she's doing right now" I muttered to myself. Suddenly, I felt my scroll rumble in my pocket. I took my scroll out to see that Velvet had sent me a message "Speaking of..." I muttered as I turned my scroll on

"Coco's gone!" Velvet texted frantically

"Wait, what do you mean she's gone!?" I texted back

"I mean she isn't at Beacon!" Velvet texted "Yatsu, Fox and I having been looking for her all over campus! She might be in Vale, would you mind looking for her while you're there?"

"Hang on...I may have a good idea where she is" I texted

"Really!? Where!?" Velvet texted frantically

"At the clothing store we went to this morning" I texted

"Alright, I'll go grab Yatsu and Fox and we'll head over there" Velvet texted back, as I put my scroll back into my pocket and walked to the clothing store we went to this morning

I mean like I said, I MAY have an idea where she is. There is a slight chance that she wouldn't be there. The main reason I suggested that location is because that was the last location where she saw Mocha before the investigation. I mean, that is what I would do after losing someone and I highly doubt she wanted to go back to that warehouse

As I arrived a the shopping district, I could see Coco sitting on a beach across the street from the store. As I got closer, I could tell that Coco was surrounded by her own thoughts, seeing as she didn't respond as I was standing right in-front of her.

"Hey" I said as I lightly shook her

Coco slowly looked up, her cheeks were visably wet as a slight smile formed on her face "H-Hey"

"Do you mind if I sit down?" I asked, guesting to the open seat right beside her

"Yeah...go for it" Coco said, as I sat down

.

.

.

We sat there in silence for a few seconds before I decided to speak "So...how are you doing?" I asked, causing Coco to look at me with a semi-blank expression "Right...dumb question. Sorry, I'm just trying to help"

"It's...fine" Coco said "You know...I didn't tell you the whole story why Mocha was so important to me. I do have a few memories of my dad...but none of them were exactly pleasant"

"How so?" I asked

"My...dad if you can call him that was an alcoholic, so that made for a difficult childhood" Coco said "My mom was always the one who had to support us, considering Mocha and I were too young to work, and my dad was well...dad. But then...my mom was injured after the collapse of Mountain Glenn...the doctors said that she could never walk anymore. And...a few months later, my dad left...and I've never heard from him ever since"

Wow...she's like me

"I was way too young to work or cook, so Mocha had to do everything around the house" Coco said "Mocha...was my first role model, the woman I strived to be! It's the main reason why I wanted to be a Huntress, to become just like ...with her gone...I don't know what to do! She's gone, and she's never coming back!" Coco said, her voice breaking as she tried to hold back tears "And...it scares me...knowing that she isn't around anymore to help"

In a way, I was kind of shocked at what she told me. I can relate to her in a way, abandoned by their own dad, and having someone you care about ripped away from you. So, I did the only thing I could do at the moment, I slowly wrapped my arms around her, and pulled her into a small embrace

"I'm not going to say that it'll get better over time, especially being scared, knowing that she's gone" I said "I may not show it, but when I saw what happened to my home...I felt...scared...alone...especially if you're the one who witnessed it. I guess the only way I could hide the fear is with a joke or a witty remark. But no matter what I do...it always leaves a gaping hole in my chest and it will feel like it will heal. But take this from me...you can't let this bring you down, Coco. Because if you're brought down, then you brig everyone else down. Velvet, Fox, and even Yatsuhashi will be brought down. You need to stay strong, not for the sae of honouring your sisters memory and legacy, but for the sake of your team. Believe me, you need them more as just as they need you"

"He's right, you know" A voice said

Coco and I turned around towards the source of the voice, seeing Velvet, Fox, and Yatshashi standing right behind the bench

"Well...you three have convenient timing" I said

"Sorry, we had some trouble looking for you" Velvet said

"Actually, she wanted to see where your conversation was going" Fox corrected

"Fox!" Velvet shouted

"Though, he's right Coco, we're all here for you, whether you like it or not" Yatsuhashi said, as he walked up to Coco and placed one of his hands on her shoulder. Fox and Velvet did the same as Coco wiped a few tears away from her eyes, glad to have her friends and teammates support her

"Yeah, thanks guys. Though I think it'll be a while before I get closure" Coco said

"Take as much time as you need" Yatsuhashi said

"Well then, I'm starving. Who wants something to eat?" Coco asked

"Now that you mention it...I could go for something right now" I said

Coco shot me a mischievous look "Why Christian, thank you so much for offering to pay"

"Wait...what?" I asked

"Thanks Christian!" Velvet said, smiling all-too-cheefully

"Now, hold on a damn sec-" I tired to say

"Thanks, man" Fox said

"It is appreciated" Yatsuhashi said, putting his palms together

"Alright, let's go, I know this great restaurant we can all go to" Coco said, as she got off of the bench

"I offer emotional support...opened up a little...and all I got was money getting taken from my wallet?" I asked

"Nope, this is!" She said as she enveloped me in a large hug that could easily put a bear hug to shame. After a few seconds she let go and continued to walk

I guess I was able to help in some way...but I highly doubt that this is the last we'll see of the culprits


Well, that's about it.

If you liked what you read and want to see more, then leave a follow, fav, or a review.

I'll see you all in the next chapter.

Have a good one!