A Cosmic Journey
A/N: Happy Monday, All. Jokes on today's date aside, it seems likes things are heating up both in the writing as well as the real life shenanigans. As mentioned previously, I've got finals coming up in a couple weeks, so there will be no update on May 4th. Hopefully I've paced things properly to wrap up the volume by that point, so fingers crossed. On another note, being an SI story, most of the writing will be done from the OC's perspective. Sometimes though, there are a few too many pieces to properly showcase things from one point of view alone. These upcoming updates are one example of that.
Chapter 30: Once Bitten
Chapter Date: 04/20/2020
"What do you mean, we can't go?! He's our friend, our team leader!" Melanie looks about two seconds from introducing her bladed heels to Ozpin's face, or at least attempting to do so. And Ilia couldn't blame her in the slightest.
"As I have mentioned already, the abduction of your team leader is a serious and sensitive matter, one that should be handled by the proper individuals and with discretion." Headmaster Ozpin took a sip from his mug, and Ilia twitched at the nonchalant action.
"With all due respect Professor, aren't we as Kouzai's teammates also the most qualified to find him? And I'm sure that we all know how to act discreetly." Miltia eyed Melanie at the last part, but managed to keep a straight face.
"It's not that simple, kids." Ruby and Yang's uncle, Qrow Branwen, ruffled his feather-like hair as his other hand twitched towards the flask his waist, then stopped. His swift arrival and addition to the meeting was something that still needed to be answered. "Look, I know Kouzai, and fact is, if he got jumped and taken, then whoever's got him is beyond the three of you."
"In addition, Qrow is a master of stealth and subterfuge, with decades of experience. While the three of you no doubt have…connections to illicit matters, none of you have the requisite skill in the art of finding missing persons." Ozpin stared knowingly at each of the girls in turn, and Ilia turned a little whiter.
"You…you know-"
"As the headmaster of Beacon Academy, there is a great deal of information that I must make my business to know. However, what is relevant is more a matter of opinion, mine to be exact," Ozpin answered simply, before turning to Qrow. "Now, do you know what Mr. Higure intended in his instructions to Ms. Scarlatina?"
"Nothing concrete, but I've got a few ideas. After all, that kid's sense for devious plans is pretty in line with my own." Qrow rubbed his stubble and narrowed his eyes in thought. "He wanted my nieces in the know, which I'll smack him for later, but he wanted Zwei and I on the job, along with the Fox kid. Seems to me like he's looking for a group of trackers. I'm pretty good at finding people, and I'll admit that Zwei's got one hell of a nose, but Vale's pretty massive and populated for the pup. Not to mention, I've got no idea what the blind kid's got to add…"
"Mr. Alistair's semblance is Telepathy, Qrow. Evidently, Mr. Higure may believe that Mr. Alistair can detect him if they are in close enough proximity. And I wouldn't count out any canine with an unlocked Aura just yet." Ozpin ignored KMMI's stunned looks at the dog to focus on Qrow. "Do you understand why Mr. Higure was taken?"
"Yeah, and something tells me I'm gonna be spending more time reining them in than doing any tracking." Qrow glanced at the elevator as it dinged to notify an ascending occupant. "Tell me that's not her…"
Ozpin elected not to answer, instead turning back to the students. "Now, if that properly addresses your concerns, we must have a staff meeting her to discuss any upcoming action, so you may return to your room and bring Zwei along if you see fit. Rest assured that you will all be notified of whatever action is taken, but also know that you will not be a part of said action."
Ilia ignored the twins' protests, focusing on Ozpin and Qrow's attention on the elevator. "Come on you two, I don't think either of them will change their minds." Ilia slowly made her way over to the elevator, ignoring grumbled mutterings and soft panting in favor of listening to the approaching elevator. She swore she could hear the sounds of arguing growing louder and louder.
DING
"OZPIN!" Like a hurricane, Professor Autumn burst into the room, with Professor Goodwitch on her heels. "What the hell is this I hear about a kidnapping?"
Not wanting to be caught lingering, Ilia walked into the open elevator and pressed the button for the lobby, intently watching the scene before her as the doors closed.
"I can't believe you just gave up without a fuss like that," Melanie spat, glaring at the Faunus. "He's your partner, for-"
Ilia silenced the girl with a glare of her own, before sighing and relaxing her clenched fists. "Not here. Just wait."
… … …
"HUH?! What do you mean, we can't go?"
Ruby couldn't believe her eyes, or ears for that matter. Ilia and Miltia were shaking their heads, and Melanie was using her heels to stab the ground with increasing amounts of force.
Ilia sighed. "Ozpin and your uncle have said to leave things to them, and that Qrow, Zwei and Fox will be discreet."
"Like hell we're lending our teammate out if we can't even be allowed to help," Coco mused, reaching her hand out to mussle Fox's hair before the blind fighter grasped her wrist from behind him.
"That's right. Considering that I was one of the ones attacked, I believe that I have just as much right to be out searching!" Velvet wrung her hands, Kouzai's gauntlet still on one.
"YEAH, Kouzai's our friend! We'll just give the professors the slip and go sleuthing by ourselves!" Nora shouted, her grip on Magnhild looking a tad too tight.
The sixt-fifteen of them were crowded into Team CFVY's room, as the second-year rooms were sizeably roomier than theirs. Even so, the beds were already full and Jaune, Ren, Yatsuhashi, Fox and Pyrrha had elected to remain standing. Zwei was content with zipping around in the space available, taking in the appearance so many new people.
"Alright, between taking out a bunch of Grimm and stopping thieves, I'm sure you all think you're ready to apprehend whatever ne'er-do-wells are out there-"
"Uh, what now?"
"-but once again, let me be the voice of reason." Weiss stood up from her seat and looked around at the room. "We're students. We're not ready to handle this sort of situation."
"Oh, how wise the Schnee sisters are." Everyone turned as Qrow entered the room after Fox opened the door. The veteran huntsman looked a little ruffled than before, hair sticking in multiple directions like a gust had blown through, and one of his sleeves looked singed.
"You're just saying that since you and Weiss' sister are f-" Nora was cut as Pyrrha slapped a hand over her mouth nervously. Meanwhile, Qrow scratched his cheek.
"Well, that might be part of it. But she's still right. Leave this kind of stuff to the pros. Now c'mon, I need to pick up Zwei and this Fox kid and get going, we're on a bit of a clock here." Qrow began walking towards the corgi, but Ruby scooped the dog up in a flash before reappearing back in her spot. "Ruby, what are you doing?"
"Last time that I checked, Zwei is my dog, so I have a final say on what he can and can't do."
"Aroo?"
"So, I say that you can't take Zwei with you unless we're allowed to help!" Ruby finished by standing on the bed, which upon doing so looked a lot less cool while clutching a corgi. However, a dozen sets of eyes were now intently on Qrow.
"Ruby, this is serious-"
"And I'm being serious! Kouzai's our friend, and Team KMMI's leader. Why shouldn't we be allowed to help?"
"Because…rrrgh," Qrow growled, before turning to Fox. "Fine, if the pipsqueak won't let go of Zwei, I'll stick with-huh?"
"Sorry old man, but I can't be loaning out my partner willy-nilly without something in it for me," Coco stated, her armed wrapped around Fox. "After all, Fox here belongs to Team CFVY."
'I resent being referred to like property.' Still, the sightless student made no move to escape Coco, instead looking towards Qrow.
"Ruby, you should stop this foolishness now!" Weiss exclaimed, looking up towards her. "While I would normally be loath to let such a cute, adorable dog perform such a dangerous task, he will be protected by your uncle. Furthermore, I will not allow you to potentially risk your safety to search for that broody imbecile, no matter-"
SMACK
The room fell silent, and Weiss slowly turned her head back, her cheek barely tinted red.
"I promised myself that I wouldn't come to blows with you, regardless of your many flaws, over a personal grudge," Ilia seethed, hand still raised. "But I won't sit back and let you badmouth my partner and spout such hypocrisy."
Weiss surged up. "How dare you-"
"How dare I? Let me ask then, if Ruby were to be taken by criminals and put in danger, would you just contentedly remain in your room and let others do your work for you?" Pale blue eyes turned to a blood-red, glaring down as Weiss slowly sat down again. "No? Then don't ask it of Ruby, and don't ask it of my team or anyone else."
Ruby looked over the tops of other heads at her uncle, who gazed at the situation with a thoughtful eye.
"So, that's it then? You all are gonna withhold our best chances at finding Kouzai unless you get to come along?" Qrow glared at each student in turn, and most glared right back. After a minute of this, his eyes softened and a wry smile appeared on his face. "Pieces of work, the lot of you…looks like Tai owes me money after all. Alright then, get going."
"…HUH?!"
Qrow uncovered his ears and winced. "I said, get going. Like you said, you're gonna hold your dog and your teammate over me till one of us caves, and stubborn brats like you would sooner sit through a marathon of Port's lectures. So the bunch of you can take care of the search, and I'll be sitting pretty waiting for you all to do my work for me." Flat stares drilled through Qrow's bravado in a matter of seconds. "Fine fine, I actually had to stay back anyways, for security reasons."
Ruby's head hurt. "But uncle Qrow, if you're not there, who are we working with then?"
A knock came from CFVY's door, and Qrow smirked. "Ah, speak of my money and it shall appear. You lot are gonna be taking orders from…" Walking over to the door, Qrow swung it open as two figures stepped into the room. "Him. Also, you owe me twenty lien."
"Hah…yeah, I knew it was a fool's bet." Taiyang looked around the room, surveying the students, before turning to his companion. "Hmm, we just might be able to pull things off with this group. What do you think?"
Vernal smirked. "They're soft, but they'll do."
"HUUUUHHHHH?!"
… … …
"Alright, does everyone have their orders then? Spread out and search for clues. Ruby and Yang, you both are staying right next to me!"
"What? C'mon!"
"Daaaaaaad!"
Coco shook her head, glancing at her fellow team leader fondly. "Shockingly mature one minute, and a complete kid the next. That's some crazy contrast there…alright, time to work! Fox, what do you got for me?"
Her partner stepped around the lot, head slowly turning as Coco knew he was taking the scene in through his ears, nose and Aura. Circling the area for a moment, he paused and knelt down on the ground, picking something up and showing it to the general vicinity before speaking mentally. 'Tea leaves. The same kind Yatsu uses.'
"Right, but we already knew Velvet and Kouzai came through here, that's why we're here."
'Exactly. So where are the rest of them then?' Coco looked around at Fox's inquiry, before stopping when she realized the question was rhetorical. 'I've already checked around and there aren't any other stray leaves. So whoever took Kouzai…'
"Also took the Dust and leaves too," Coco breathed. "Fox, can you track the scent of the leaves?"
'By myself, maybe not. But with Ruby's dog Zwei, we can manage it. Seriously, that thing is some sort of superdog.' Fox's expression fell a bit. 'Coco, there's something else…around the lot, there's traces of sweat from battle, but also-'
"Splashes of blood. I know, we've seen them. Gods, when Nora mentioned how far Kouzai goes in fights, I thought that was just hyperbole. But he must've given his opponents one hell of a fight." Coco glanced over at a distraught Velvet. "Makes me glad that Kouzai sent Velves away to protect her, even if he did get the crap kicked out of him. Is that a terrible thing to say?"
"No more than it is for a parent to look after the wellbeing of their children first and foremost." Coco turned to see Taiyang approaching as he noted the leaf in Fox's hand. "You think you and Zwei can track that?"
'It depends on how far Kouzai might have been taken. With this amount of time, it's quite possible, but it's best to have a general idea of where to search first.'
"Isn't that the truth? Guess it's time to put some heads together. Everyone! If you could gather up." Taiyang waited until the four teams had returned. "Okay, Fox and Coco found a lead that we might be able to track, if we can figure out what general area Kouzai might have been taken to."
"Well, Vale's commercial district is bordered by nearly every other district, except the agricultural district," Jaune recalled. "There's the upper-class district, the residential district, the industrial, and Forever Fall."
"Unless some rich whack-job wanted a Beacon student as some sort of involuntary bodyguard, the upper-class district seems like a long shot." Yang looked around. "What? I didn't even insult Kouzai this time!"
"Same reasoning goes for the residential district, which is also much closer to Beacon," Miltia pointed out.
"So that leaves either Forever Fall, or the industrial district. Both are possible places for a hideout, but the forest has the drawback of Grimm. Then again, with Velvet's description…" Taiyang trailed off, before looking at Blake. "What do you think, Blake? Where could this gray-haired kicker or tri-colored parasol fighter have gone off to?"
Coco could easily tell that the B of Team RWBY was shaken for some reason, and had been since Velvet gave her description of the two attackers. It only got worse after Taiyang had entered their room and taken lead of the mission.
"I…"
"Just a second! Velvet, you mentioned that one of the fighters was dressed similarly to that thief Torchwick?" Weiss questioned, as Velvet nodded.
"Yeah, she sounds like the person who was accompanying Torchwick at that Dust robbery that Kouzai and I stopped!" Ruby added as Yang gritted her teeth.
"Hmm, if these people targeted Kouzai for that reason, they'd certainly have a motive," Taiyang mused. "Though, if they're keeping Kouzai the same place that they're taking all this Dust, Forever Fall's probably out then; protecting Dust from Grimm is hazardous at the best of times."
"So the industrial district? Great, let's get this show on the road then!" Nora was already waving Magnhild around, but Ren held her back with a pointed glance towards Weiss, who was deep in thought.
"There…might be a connection between these events," Weiss commented, as everyone leaned in. "There happens to be a shipment of Dust from the SDC arriving into Vale's warehouse district this evening, and I'm told that the amount is sizeable enough to require a freighter."
Everyone except Taiyang blanched. "Whatever Torchwick wants with the Dust that he's stealing, if he gets his hands on a whole ship full of Dust, that doesn't end well. And what better way to ensure your success than to catch the guy who stopped one of his robberies before? Then it's easy to keep an eye on him while your heist goes off…alright then! We're headed towards the industrial district! Zwei, Fox, get ready to do some tracking. Everyone else, keep an eye out as we go."
"Looks like I'll get to see how soft Vale's criminals are as well," Vernal chuckled.
"Call me curious, but why are you here, exactly?" Coco asked as they began moving.
"I've been sticking with Tai recently. Boss lady's orders. But if I've got a chance to knock some heads together, I won't be turning that down. Plus, after we save Kouzai's bacon, he'll owe me one, and I can't wait to watch him squirm until and when I cash it in." Vernal grinned and shot ahead of Coco towards where Taiyang was.
"Lovely girl, that one is," Ilia commented, sliding up next to Coco. Glancing at the shades-wearing girl, Ilia seemed satisfied with whatever she saw. "So you're aware that there's something else going on here."
"Oh, most definitely," Coco replied. "In all that talk, Taiyang failed to mention that Ruby also helped stop that robbery. But she's right here with us."
"So Kouzai was taken for a different reason than that," Ilia finished. "Glad to know that there's someone here that see's the bigger picture as well."
"Trust me, despite the shades, I see a lot of things. But for now, the priority is on getting Kouzai back, and then I'll decide whether to tackle him for keeping Velvet out of danger or tackle him for being the reason she was in danger."
"That ends with being tackled either way…"
"I know, isn't it great?"
… … …
"Wow, that…is a lot of criminals."
Jaune stood on the warehouse roof, overlooking the mass of White Fang soldiers at work loading Dust into their bullheads. Hard at work directing them was Roman Torchwick himself, along with his second-in-command. Even more surprising, the leader of Vale's White Fang, Adam Taurus, was also present. With the man on guard, Team JNPR, along with everyone else present, had to watch on from a fair distance.
"Alright, is everyone clear on their roles?" Taiyang's voice came through Jaune's scroll as Pyrrha, Nora and Ren gathered around.
"We get Torchwick. We'll have that idiot spitting up answers by the time we're through with him," Melanie answered.
"JNPR will handle the White Fang soldiers robbing the Dust," Jaune continued, wincing as Nora hefted Magnhild gleefully.
"Team RWBY will handle the midget next to Torchwick. If what Velvet says is true, she's pretty dangerous in her own right," Yang added.
"She is," Taiyang replied. "And I'll be up against Adam Taurus. Again, if he approaches any of you, do not hesitate to run. That man is lethal. Now, what about everyone else?"
"The CFVY brats, Zwei and I followed the trail to another warehouse a ways into the industrial district. We'll find Kouzai and get him out." Vernal's disappointment at not participating in the impending melee came clear through.
"We're only a few years younger than you, you know."
"Still brats."
"Girls," Taiyang warned, as everyone snapped back to attention. "Anyways, just be careful while in there. If you come across anyone exceedingly dangerous, prioritize finding Kouzai. We're here to rescue a student, not fight criminals."
"Aye aye."
"Fine."
"Good. Wait for my signal then." Taiyang ended the call, and Jaune turned to his teammates.
"Alright, when we need to get in there, here's the plan. We split into two pairs, with Pyrrha and Ren in one, and Nora and I in the other. Approach from both sides of the docks, and flank them. Pyrrha and I will shield from the front, while Nora and Ren come in and cut into the enemy line. If anyone's Aura gets low, regroup and I'll use my semblance, got it?" Jaune received nods from all three, as Pyrrha entered her mindset of intense battle focus. Meanwhile, Ren appeared as stoic as ever, and Nora…
"Oh, this'll be so fun! Think of all the legs I'll get to break!" Nora twirled in place, and Jaune paled a little at the sight of the menacing grin on her face. "Oh yes, kidnapping a friend is an 'all the broken legs' offense, after all…"
"Nora, maybe keep the number of broken limbs down a little. We're going to have to explain this all to the police and Professor Goodwitch when we get back after all…" Nora appeared to finally sweat at the mention of Goodwitch, and Jaune also had to wipe the sweat off his face. Wait…"Why's it so hot all of a sudden?"
Turning around, Jaune looked towards the docks, where the White Fang were glancing around confusedly from the rising temperature. Out of the corner of his eye, Jaune saw a yellow blur rise, and then fall towards the ground
BOOOOOM
White Fang soldiers went flying from the impact, and as the cloud of dust began to disperse, Jaune caught sight of Taiyang in the middle of the open area, right between Torchwick, Adam Taurus and Torchwick's enforcer. Waves of heat rolled off the softly glowing fighter.
"Adam Taurus." Taiyang addressed the White Fang commander. "My wife says hello."
CRACK
Adam Taurus was knocked back by a fist faster than Jaune could see, landing back on two feet and drawing his red blade in deadly seriousness.
"TORCHWICK!" Ilia shouted, dashing towards the thief with Miltia and Melanie beside her. Neo made to intercept them, but was forced aside after flipping over a swing from Crescent Rose as Team RWBY took to the field.
"…I guess that was the signal…JNPR! Let's get to work!"
… … …
"You know, if you're looking for someone to repair those legs of yours, I know a guy." I glanced over at Mercury, who was busy trying to repair the damage done to Talaris. Trying being the operative word, as I was throwing not-so-thinly-veiled jabs at him every time he was making progress.
"Listen, you little shit. If it weren't for the fact that Cinder still has questions for you, you'd be nothing more than a smear on the pavement right now," Mercury seethed, before turning to a chuckling Emerald. "And what're you laughing about?"
"Nothing at all…it's just…you and the midget both fought him, and he still damaged your legs! Not to mention, he's got so many insults for you!" Emerald slowly regained her breath. "You know, I might ask Cinder to extend another offer for you to join us, just to hear you roast Mercury."
"Great to hear, I live to please," I replied.
"Don't humor the idiot, Em. We both know that Cinder will get rid of him once we have what we need." Mercury had given up on maintenance for the time being, and was leaning back in his chair while tossing Luna up and down, before glancing at me. "Speaking of, what's with the knife anyways? You were supposed to have a big-ass sword and gun as your weapons."
"Yes, because I totally want to keep my means of self-defense at Beacon," I replied. "You both seem like the type of people to know what a mistake that'd be."
"Hmm." Mercury continued flipping Luna while Emerald gazed off in thought for a moment.
BOOOOOM
Luna clattered to the ground as Emerald and Mercury jerked upright. "What the hell was that? Em, you think…"
"Could just be a coincidence, but probably not," Emerald replied, pulling out her scroll. "Either way, we should check in with Cinder."
Dialing, Emerald waited for a moment before the call picked up, and the clear sounds of gunfire came on over the scroll. "Cinder! What…huntsmen…the docks…Beacon!...ok, we'll watch him." Emerald hung up and eyed me before turning to Mercury. "Cinder's gotten waylaid by a team of Beacon students, but she says we should keep an eye on him, and move him if necessary."
'Here's to hoping…this is gonna hurt…' I began channeling my Aura, waiting for the right moment. "Oh, we're moving? Allow me."
With a five-fold factor of Burst, I ripped the handcuffs and cord, and tossed the chair I was in at Emerald. As the illusionist was occupied for a split second, I rocketed forward and kicked Mercury in the side, sending him skidding as I retrieved Luna and ran for the door. Before I could rush through though, Mercury came flipping in front, blocking the exit. Watching him smirk, I heard the soft clink of chains and ducked as Thief's Respite came swinging over my head, before returning to its natural state.
"Does he have eyes in the back of his head or something?" Emerald questioned casually, stepping past tables and chairs and she began walking over.
"Dunno, but I think he's smart enough to count at least." Mercury eyed me hatefully. "We've done this song and dance already. There's two of us, and we're both better than you in every way."
I closed my eyes for a moment, taking in the surroundings before me. Opening them, I smiled. "But I've got something you don't."
"And what's that?"
"Backup." I ducked out of the way as bullets hit Mercury's back, sending him flying forward into the ground as Vernal rushed into the room, followed by Zwei.
"Well, if it isn't the princess herself in need of rescue," Vernal joked, tossing me a scroll as I put in some numbers.
"Haha, very funny. I never thought the day would come where I'd be fighting alongside you."
"Eh, so long as you're willing to pay the price for it."
"HEY!" Mercury had recovered to his feet, looking none the worse for wear but far angrier than before.
"Who's this girl? Looks a little trashy to be a Beacon student." Emerald came to stand next to Mercury as she turned Thief's Respite into kusarigama again.
"Oh, I'm gonna have fun grinding my boot into your face," Vernal growled, gripping her chakrams. Before anyone could move, a black mass crashed through the roof and hit the floor, a door hissing open as it did. Walking forward, I reached into my locker and pulled out Mirror's Edge and Corona.
"Now…" I said, holding my weapons as I eyed Emerald and Mercury. "Let's try that again, shall we?"
A/N: Trust me, this? This is gonna be fun…just maybe not for everyone. So we've got the stage set, and things are about to explode, literally in some cases. As mentioned above, there won't be an update on May 4th, so hopefully I manage to get everything wrapped up for this volume next week. If not? Well, we'll see. Now for reviews.
Oblivious IJ: Ah, if that's your reaction now, looking forward to what you've got for this week's chapter.
AlexFalTon: Thanks for the well wishes, and the compliment as well. As mentioned before, we'll see how Kouzai's actions affect the ensuing melee that's to come.
Raidentensho: You were close with the tealeaves, but they weren't for himself, as Kouzai would be hard-pressed to track someone by scent alone. Fox and Zwei though?
The Keeper of Worlds: A fair fight is rarely had, but with friends like these who needs fair, haha. And though Kouzai has the tools to "counter" Neo, I'd say there's still a mismatch in combat power before getting to that level.
Gizmo Gear: Not quite nine ways, but definitely a lot of different moving parts to write.
-SE
Next Chapter Date: 04/27/2020