*Standing on a chair with the pipe in hand. Sees readers* Back again for more, huh? Can't say I ain't surprised. But in a pleasant way. I was even ready for you this time, so you didn't actually catch me eating and/or watching movies. That was a bit awkward, not gonna lie.
By the way, I believe you noticed how I changed things up a bit regarding the timeline. Normally, Weiss would've fought that Boarbatusk on the first day in Port's class, then snap at poor Little Red. Well, I decided to elongate this to let her boil a bit more, know what I mean? Her reaction might be more violent when she snaps due to this, but it will so much worthwhile.
On the other hand, the little element from the chibi series with Blake's books. Ash has a room all to himself, and beside him being Faunus, which was slightly hinted, sharing her secret should allow for more development between the 2.
What else do I explain...Oh, yeah! Cinder. She won't be that big of an issue to Ash as he will be to her. Roman is family to him, so she got on his blacklist fast. How will stuff go? Read and weep.
Without further adieu (Still not sure that's how ye supposed to spell it), let us begin.
It was night outside and Ash was laid down on the sole mattress in his room. Glasses off, allowing his eyes to take in the cold night air while he states up at the ceiling. He couldn't really sleep tonight, and that mainly because he kept feeling Weiss' anger and frustration as she slept.
Not in a creepy way, of course. He just had that ability since his young days. But he hated it, a lot. Yet it came in useful from time to time. He could tell the heiress was having an issue with her team, namely their leader, Ruby. While he didn't dislike any of them, more so, liked Little Red for the whooping she gave Roman and laugh he'll enjoy for months to come, he knew he cannot afford to get involved with anyone.
Getting warm with people and letting them into your life is a recipe for disaster. Especially for him if any of them get too sad, angry, depressed- you get the idea; negative. He lived in that forest to be away from it, and now he's inside a cocktail of it. Gods know how he didn't straight up maim Dove from team CRDL. But somehow, by sheer will, managed to keep his sanity in check. But that might've been just a fluke. One he cannot gamble to repeat.
Gambling on stuff was more Roman's thing honestly, and Neo's was stabbing people with a stiletto. Heh. He still remembers how crazy she is about the ice cream she's named after; freaking made him a cake once out of it. Although he couldn't understand a thing written on it back then. Not that he was too young, but Neo's writing was utterly terrible, albeit impossible to decipher.
Speaking of his favorite criminal duo, he wondered how they were doing. He saw some news about some robberies, most likely their work. But that was mainly Roman. No word from Neo since his first day. Well, not like she could talk to give a word.
But he was digressing. The main thing was that he had to be careful. During the usual classes in which people fight sleep from Port's stories, or get muscular fingers from trying to take notes in Oobleck's, he doesn't have to worry about any strong negativity. But during combat? Oh, now there's a real issue. Anger, resentment, frustration- a perfect place to get a negative shot.
That Cardin guy especially was quite spiteful of Yang after she kicked his ass across the room. Seriously, he flew like a bird. His teammates had a rough time collecting him and Goodwitch popped a vein having to fix the damage. But hey. That's why she is teaching that class.
But Ash still couldn't help but feel targeted by her. The fight with Dove was a close one, having to be restraint not to maim him.
But hey, they got him patched up nicely, and his aura did most of the job.
Yet, it still felt way too close.
Ash got up from his mattress, picking up and putting on his clothes before pulling some crystals from the stash Roman send him and storing in the pockets of his pants. He needed it to use his semblance after all. Walking to the door and ever so slightly cracking it open to check the hallway, Ash was relieved to see there were no early birds going around.
I mean, it was, like, 2:30 in the morning. Just how early can a bird be, exactly? Ash slowly closed the door behind him, locking it, and putting a little tape on the bottom corner. That way, if someone picks his lock again, he'll know they're inside. He slowly began walking through the hallways towards the stairs, then out of the dorm.
The cold night air filled his nostrils as he walked through Beacon, no glasses on. It was good to take them off from time to time, especially when it was hot outside because it made his eyes sweat and the lenses got blurry. With no one around he was free to walk like this for a bit. But only for a bit.
"Out for a little stroll, Mr. Auburn." The sound of that voice made Ash jump. "And without your glasses as well." Ash turned around, seeing Ozpin standing behind him with his mug and cane in his hands. Ok, there was one early bird around, and that was the Headmaster of Beacon himself.
"I just needed to take some fresh air," Ash said as Ozpin walked closer. Strange. From anyone around him, he could feel even faint traces of fear, anxiety, sadness-anything. But not from him. Ozpin was like a blank sheet of paper.
"Hmm. Or rather, a quick break from the negativity of others?" bastard…"I am well aware of your condition, Mr. Auburn. Something made obvious by your behavior yesterday in combat class."
"Look, the guy was cocky as hell. He was overly self-confident, and when I proved to be slightly difficult for him, he-"
"I know. " Ozpin cut him off, then took another sip from his mug. "Glynda noted that down as well; team CRDL is, in every way, mainly a gang of bullies" Woah. Hearing the Headmaster say that about a group of his students with such a straight without giving them any defense is something.
"That's harsh, especially coming from the Headmaster" Ash commented, but Ozpin merely chuckled.
"I've been around long enough to know how to separate real Huntsman from wannabes, Mr. Auburn, and Cardin's team is nowhere near where it should be unless they improve their behavior." He took another sip of his mug. "Hence why I allowed for such pairings during Miss Goodwitch's class."
"So...Dove got pounded because he needed a spanking?" That was something new entirely.
"Yes, and you gave him a good one." Ozpin chuckled again, even Ash snorted. "But team CRDL is not our main concern here. But your nature is." He narrowed his eyes at Ash, making direct eye contact with him.
But Ash still couldn't feel anything from him. "I know. I just got a bit frantic, that's all."
"Even so." The Headmaster drew closer to Ash, looking at him straight in the eyes. He didn't show the same emotions he did the first he saw them, this time he was ready. "I don't want to harm you, or you to harm others, Mr. Auburn. So heed my words for now: Keep yourself in check, or else I'll personally strike you down"
A clear warning, despite Ozpin's calm tone of voice. "Are we clear, Mr. Auburn?"
With a cold sweat running down his face and a gulp, Ash answered. "Transparently." Ozpin, the man who sits atop Beacon, and the one recognized as possibly the strongest Huntsman in the entire world. This was a man you did not wish to face in battle, at least not without others behind you. But even then, it would barely matter…
The Headmaster sipped from his mug and his usual smirk returned to his face. "Glad we could come to an agreement. Now, I suggest you return to your dorm room. Also, take those" He handed Ash a pair of glasses, his glasses.
"How did you-"
"Oh please," Ozpin chuckled. "Do you think I wouldn't have the key? Clever thing with the tape though, I made sure to reset it after I left." Ash was at a complete loss of words before this man. "Now, I'll be seeing you in class" He walked away, came and mug in hand, acting as if everything was just dandy without a care in the world.
Oh, yeah. Ash's father was right about Ozpin. He cannot be trusted. But that aside, Ash slid his glasses back on, wondering what he meant by him returning to his dorm-
"Mr. Auburn!" Oh shit, that's what he meant. Holding a riding crop in hand and walking angrily towards him wearing heels-which meant her feet must be killing her, and didn't help his case-Glynda Goodwitch looked ready to snap him in half.
Ash remained silent, turning ever so slowly to her trying to keep up a nervous smirk. Ozpin, you gray-haired bastard, you could've warned Ash. "Do you know how late it is?" She asked while fixing her glasses.
"I actually believe it is early-"
"Early or not! 3 in the morning is way too early for anyone to be walking around campus!" Stern and clearly tired. Ash was working a small sweat being face to face with her. From Glynda, he could feel strong animosity, ever since day 1. Why? He'd pay to know. "You have 5 minutes to be back in your dorm room starting from this moment!"
"Wait, I-"
"The clock is not waiting for anyone."
Gods above, what's up with her! Ash thought as he made a dash for his room. The woman had a riding crop for crying out loud, and he was not about to find out how proficient she was with it. No, Sir! Roman told him some kinky stories himself.
But luckily for him, but not for a few unlucky others who woke up from him slamming the door closed, he got back in time. Thank the Gods for his Faunus heritage, for it came in handy. Really handy.
Having escaped a spanking from that woman, he looked at the time. It was nearly 4 in the morning and he hadn't closed an eye since yesterday. He could read some books -no. No, no, no. Those books, the pile in his room, belonged to Blake.
Gods know he likes his eyes where they are. Wait a minute? Wasn't there a bright red one on the top of the pile- Crap.
"Hmmm." Ash took a second to think about 2 possible outcomes: either Blake was here and took it, which is the preferred version. Or, since he was in the room, Ozpin got curious. "Well…" He slowly set himself on the mattress. "I hope they have a good read?"
Too bad that he forgot to check the tape in his quick entry. It would've provided some answers.
As Ozpin stood in his chair, holding a book in hand, his mug sitting in front of him, he couldn't help but find the book interesting, familiar even to an old story he knew...until he reached the more, interesting parts.
"Oh, dear Gods above…" He muttered as he kept reading, then put the book down on his desk, the bright red cover coming easy into view from the contrast of his office's color. "So this is…" He cleared his throat. "What youth nowadays enjoy…
Alright, new day, new challenges. The good news is that the missing book was back-weird-and that Ash was on time today for Port's class. The bad news was that he should've stayed in bed. Seriously, this professor won't stop running his mouth about his days of youth.
"And so, after a brutal fight with that Ursa Major, I was able to make my way back to the village to make sure everyone was safe and sound" Oh boy, here we go again. "Except for some wounded, everyone was fine, and they showered me with their praises and thanks. But that, class, is not what it means to be a Huntsman."
Wait, wait. Something is different. "Being a Huntsman means being there for the people and stand tall against the Grimm! It means honor, self-sacrifice, and courage. So…" He looked at the class, everyone already awake after hearing his change of scenery. "Which one of you thinks that they're the embodiment of those traits? Who here believes themselves a true Huntsman or Huntress?"
"I do!" Some eyes turned to see Weiss holding her arm up with an immediate response. The Professor nodded.
"Please go change into your battle attire and get your weapon, Miss Schnee." Per Port's word that's what she did. But Ash's attention shifted instantly when Weiss left the room. He looked at a cage that Port brought in; red eyes peering from within and violent growling came from within.
Ash, and everyone else, knew what was inside that cage. A Grimm. Not a big one, but a Grimm nonetheless. The hell are they thinking? They brought a Grimm inside those walls! I thought only Shade was into this sort of thing. Recalling Roman's stories about Shade, that was true.
It didn't take long for Weiss to return, fully geared in her usual attire and holding her rapier. Ash was uneasy all the way.
"GO WEISS!" But the shout of Ruby grabbed his attention. The heiress, although clearly irritated by her partner's useless cheering, ignored her. She may fool everyone else, but not Ash. She was upset about something.
"Begin!" Port let the door to the cage drop and outside came a Boarbatusk; boar-like Grimms. Small in size, but their bodies are well armored. The Grimm charged at Weiss as soon as it saw her, the heiress stepping to the side to dodge.
She then launched herself at it, a glyph behind her that boosted her towards the Grimm, hitting it in the forehead. But her weapon was unable to cut through its thick armor.
Seeing as her attempt had failed, Weiss jumped back, but the Boarbatusk was already pissed. The Grimm coiled and charged itself like a wheel let loose from a hill, but with more power behind it. Weiss barely dodged and the Grimm ended up hitting nothing. Jumping and turning, the Boarbatusk glared at her.
"Weiss! It's tummy! Hit its tummy, it has no armor there!" Ruby shouted from the sidelines as Weiss fought the Grimm, but her advice, albeit true, was not welcomed by the heiress.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Weiss snapped at Ruby, allowing for an opening to appear that the Grimm took, charging at her again and hitting her full on.
Weiss was left on the ground, her weapon besides her, and the Grimm ready to strike yet again. Even Port was glancing over at his own weapon in case he'd need to intervene. The Boarbatusk charged again, ready to deliver the final strike; Weiss' stamina once again proving itself how scarce it was, she barely had time to get her weapon.
But if she was one thing, that was smart. Using her semblance she was able to make a bit of ice on which the Grimm tripped upon as it rolled and fell towards Weiss.
The heiress took her weapon, and using this opportunity, stabbed the Grimm in its stomach-like Ruby suggested. Everyone watched as the Grimm stopped moving and started to disappear into black ashes. A good fight with a good result is what most have seen. But Weiss' expression told Ash more than that...She was angry, upset, something was bugging her since the day teams were formed and Ash knew it. And now he knew what.
"A good fight, Miss Schnee," Port said walking back to the center of the room where Weiss stood. "I definitely saw some of the listed qualities. We are truly in the presence of a Huntress in training!"
"Unfortunately, I don't have anything else to teach you for today. Class Dismissed" Announced Port.
And so everyone walked out, Weiss followed shortly by the leader, Ruby Rose, approached her.
"That was great, Weiss! But why didn't you go for the tummy when I told you?" Ruby asked and at that moment Weiss snapped.
"Why? You want to know why? Because I don't recognize you as our leader, that's why!" She shouted at Ruby. "Most of us train for years, study, we work hard to get where we are. Yet, some kid just ends up getting put here by dumb luck!"
"Wiess, what's wrong with you? Why are you saying all this?" Another question from Little Red, and another snap from the Ice Queen.
"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? You're supposed to be a leader! Yet, all you've been up to this point is a nuisance!" Ash listened in on their quarrel as he drew closer, the negativity emanating was just...Gods.
"But I thought you believed in acting as a team."
"Not a team led by you," Weiss replied at Ruby. "I've studied, and trained, and quite frankly, I deserve better."
Her teammates remained silent, the Schnee giving them one last look before saying. "Ozpin made a mistake." And so she walked away
Ash walked over to Little Red, feeling her negative emotions swell. But yet, she asked. "Ash?"
He turned his head at her, looking at her through his glasses. "What is it?"
"Do you think I'm a bad leader? Or that I was a mistake?" Quite the questions she asks as well…
"That...I cannot answer." Ash said as he scratched his neck a bit.
"Why not?"
"Because I barely know you, Red." That nickname again. "I have yet to make a definite impression of you, but so does Weiss."
Ruby looked at him and realized what he was trying to say. "So you think it only takes time for her to get to know me?"
"Not just that." Ash added."But until now, yes, you were a bit of a nuisance in class. Even if you were trying to be helpful and offer her tips. But as a leader, you have yet to prove yourself, both in a positive manner and negative one."
"So I only have to make her like me more, is that it?" Ruby asked looking at him. "But how exactly do I prove myself to be a better leader?"
"I mean, you could to improve yourself? You might be a good huntress in skill, but I assume you are behind on the academic side of things. So maybe study a bit?"
Ruby gave it some thought. "I'll try...Yeah, I'll do just that. Thank you, Ash."
"Anytime, Red." Again with that nickname. Ruby couldn't help but get a weird familiar vibe when 2 people called her that. But she just ignored it as a coincidence. I mean, come on now, there was no way Ash was in cahoots with Roman Torchwick. Oh, how wrong she was.
After Oobleck's class was finished, albeit with people using their scrolls to record the teacher and then replay it at a slower pace. Ash could swear the guy either had a speed semblance or the coffee he keeps drinking is some devilish elixir. Both plausible things. But that was not important now.
Now he had a class with Glynda Goodwitch, Headmistress of Beacon, combat teacher, and Ash's worst nightmare. The woman just seems to have a personal grudge against him for some reason,
But he tried ignoring it and just watched the fight unfold. Jaune Arc, the guy who peeked his interests with his quick wit, was squaring off against Cardin Winchester, leader of Team CRDL. And Jaune was losing, badly.
"Alright, stop right there!" Announced Glynda as Jaune collapsed after blocking Cardin's mace with his shield. "Mr. Arc's aura is in the Red. Per tournament rules, this is a loss for him"
Both of them got up after, Glynda handing them each harsh criticism. Jaune especially. Heck, Cardin's aura was still nice and green, sitting at a nice 95%.
"It seems we still have time for one more brawl…" Miss Goodwitch was anything her name made her. Minus the good part. She eyed Ash in the crowd and remembered how he beat Dove, Cardin's teammate, the other day. This was bound to be fun for her. "Mr. Winchester? Are you up for one more fight?"
"I mean, sure" Cardin prepaid with arrogance in his voice. "Jauney boy was a good warmup, but I am ready for a good fight. So who's my next victim?" He looked around, then at Miss Goodwitch pointing to one particular seat. Cardin grinning with malice. "Oh yeah, I'll enjoy this."
"Mister Auburn, if you'd please come here" Glynda called Ash forward, passing by Jaune and giving a pad on the shoulder saying he'll avenge him, the blonde nodded in reply. But Ash was not carrying only his father's sword this time. Something that Ruby noticed.
"He's wearing my babies!" She shouted as she saw Ash wearing his new weapons; a pair of gauntlets with slight mechanical parts to them. Silver-grey in color with Ash's fingers exposed and a small muzzle on the top of the wrist. His knuckles armored and arm covered all the way to his biceps, it was obvious those bad boys were made this long with a purpose. They also held multiple small compartments along the length of the arms for some reason.
"Uh, Rubes? Why are his gauntlets that long?" Asked Yang looking at Ash's own gauntlets? Or rather said long, armored gloves.
"Oh, you'll see~" sang Ruby excitedly to see her creation-alright, she just helped but did recommend the metallic parts on the biceps area for something.
Ash arrived in the center, putting his fist up ready to fight. "Ready?"
Cardin slammed his mace into the ground, taking a menacing stance. "Oh yeah. You're going to pay for what you did to Dove last time" Cardin growled the Dove part, making his reason obvious.
"Yeah, break his legs!" And there goes Dove himself.
"Begin!" And Glynda shouting.
Cardin charged in at once in Ash's direction, but he saw through his charge and managed to dodge as Cardin's mace came from his right towards him. Seeing the opening, Ash kicked Cardin's mace down, keeping pinned to the ground long enough for him to give the bully a solid punch then jump back.
Damn, his tough Thought Ash as he took stance once more. Cardin whipped his face where Ash had punched him and picked up his mace.
"Bad move, Ashie" And just like that he launched again. Ash managing to either dodge or block most strikes, which seemed to do something to Cardin as his strikes were becoming sloppier.
Ash eventually saw his mace coming and crossed his arms to guard, but Cardin activated the dust in his mace, making it explode on contact with Ash's gauntlets and send him flying back, almost out of bounds. But much to Glynda's dismay, he remained within bounds.
Ok, perhaps it was time to go on the offense. Cardin still had 70% to Ash's 59%. Took some aura to block his mace, but now came the downside of such a weapon. It was only good for strong, crushing attacks. Not really good at defense. Plus, Cardin was not built for speed.
Ash was the one to rush forth this time, much to Cardin's surprise. He swung his mace down on Ash, but he pulled off a spectacular stunt when he backed away just enough for him to miss then landed on his mace and punched him right in the jaw, making him lose the grip on his mace and stumble back.
Everyone was quite taken by this move as well, but it was merely a trick Neo taught him. Though, it was easier to pull off since she was shorter. But Cardin was not enjoying it, not in the least. Disarmed and losing edge, he made one more attempt; his semblance.
Cardin punched the ground below him, making a powerful quake take the area of the stage. This was his semblance: Quake. It allowed him to create small earthquake-like vibrations in a specific area at the cost of some aura.
Ash couldn't maintain his balance well, but then he saw Cardin charge without a problem towards him while grabbing his mace. He had trained himself against his own semblance? Smart move, but useless. As soon as he got too close, Ash clenched his fingers in an odd way, causing a bullet to fly out which Cardin blocked with his mace. Big mistake.
Cardin felt the weight of his mace change then saw it frozen over, forcing him to hold it with 2 hands instead of 1. Dust bullets? No. That was different.
Ruby Rose, you just climbed up my list of favorite people. Ash was still trying to maintain his balance as Cardin collected himself and tried to hit him again, only for Ash to drop on his back and offer the bully a double kick to the stomach.
Did it stop the mace? Yes. Did it stop the bully long? No. Did Ash had a plan? Yes, that he did. Cardin couldn't see it clearly due to the ice on his mace obstructing his vision, but Ash popped a small dust crystal from a compartment located on his biceps area and absorbed it.
His semblance kicked in and he shot at Cardin again, this time landing a direct hit with an electric round, stunning him. Safe to say the quake stopped and Ash jumped back on his feet.
Then charged at Cardin, delivering multiple punches to the bully and even a kick which knocked his weapon out of his hand. Ash kept going, dodging Cardin's occasional punches with superior agility and unleashing his own onto his face. Then, with one final spin, he kicked Cardin out of bounds, panting slightly from the exhaustion.
Glynda hated to admit it, but Ash won. Fair and Square. Cardin used Dust, semblance, and weapon. And while Ash had 2 instead of one, he did not draw his second, making the fight even. "Mr. Winchester landed out of bounds with 33% of his aura intact. Now, despite not being in the red, by tournament rules he had lost." Then she turned to Ash. "Mr. Auburn won with 29% of his aura left, barely winning before going in the red."
"Yeah! Show them!" Nora's cheer was shushed quickly by Goodwitch, which was already on edge.
"Now for corrections. Mister Winchester displayed impressive amounts of strength and vitality against Mr. Auburn's strikes, even towards the end. But during the fight, he lost his cool when Ash was able to block or dodge most of his strikes, then lost due to a small trick. Can anyone point to his mistake?"
Ruby, who knew Ash's weapon inside and out, put her hand up, and Glynda gave her the liberty to speak. "Ash has dust compartments at the biceps area on his gauntlets, allowing him to use his semblance easier. But he blocked Cardin's view as well while preparing it."
"Very well, Miss Rose." Replied Glynda. "Despite using his semblance to cripple his opponent's balance, Cardin was ultimately brought to his defeat by his arrogance" The mentioned bully began up grunting. "I recommend you work on your temper, Mr. Winchester. It also wouldn't hurt to learn some more basic hand-to-hand.'
Cardin muttered something under his breath before grabbing his mace and breaking off the ice before going back to his seat.
"And you, Mr. Auburn." Ash turned to her for his lecture. "You were on the defensive most of the fight, which cost you precious aura. Against someone with superior physical attributes, you could not afford a direct blow. Yet you used your own agility and speed, which proved superior, to make up for it in the end. *
Ash was feeling proud of himself right now. He was also taking back all the mean things he said to Neo while she was teaching him. That woman was the spawn of the devil. "But" then she said the hated word. "Despite all that, you could've gone on the offensive using the same advantage earlier. Mind telling why you didn't?"
She got him. True, with his speed and agility, albeit Faunus heritage gifts, he could've easily won faster. But he had a reason to wait, and it was worth it. "It was so I didn't leave a big opening." He replied, making Glynda ask him what he meant. "His semblance, Miss."
Glynda gave it some thought then looked at Cardin. True, his semblance crippled one's balance, which is vital for anyone. "That is true. Very well…" She sighed. "I do recommend working on your muscle mass, seeing as you relied mostly on your aura to take the hits"
"Understood" And so Ash went back to his seat, just in time for the bell. As he, and others, made their way out he couldn't help but feel Cardin's negativity spike as he looked at Ash. That boy ought to learn to control his temper.
Yet, he also felt Goodwitch being rather displeased with the results of the fight. That woman has something with him alright. But he decided to ignore it for now. He had other things he wanted to do-
"Ash!" Yet, he had heard the yelling of Ruby who ran up to him and began to look all over the weapons she helped make. "OhmygodsohmygodsOHMYGODS! They were so good during the fight!" Safe to say her weapon enthusiasm was at its highest level at the moment.
"Uh...thank?"
"What did you name them? I hope its something cool like my Crescent Rose!" She stared at him with her big, silver, puppy eyes, waiting for his reply. Ash, to his dismay, remained silent at the question, which made Ruby come to a certain realization. "YOU DIDN'T NAME THEM YET?!"
She yelled, making Ash cover his ears. "By the Gods, Red, can you not shout, please? I am still a bit tired from my fight with Cardin and I'd like to go back to my dorm and rest-"
"Oh, no, no, no, no, NO!" She popped the O with her lips. "You, mister, aren't going anywhere near a bed until you name my babies-your new weapons!" Gods, how much Ash wanted to just make a run for it. But Ruby's semblance was speed-related, so that was a bad choice.
Now ain't this a hard spot? This little girl was denying him the right to a nice rest! Gods, he wanted to just trick her but thought twice upon remembering that she forced Roman Torchwick to retreat. Little Red was annoying him with those big silver eyes of hers- wait. Wait, wait, wait. Silver? Of course. The answer was so, so simple and literally in front of him. His father's weapon is named Somnium Cavas which means Hollow Dream, so since he made this weapon with Miss Silver-Eyes here…"How about Asimenio Oneiro?"
"Asimenio Oneiro?" Ruby echoed then gave it some thought. The name did sound nice, but she had no idea what it meant. For her scythe, it was easy to figure out the meaning; Crescent blade edge, and her emblem was a rose. Simple as that."Care to tell me what that means?"
"Well-" Just as he was about to explain, his scroll starting to buzz, granting him late salvation. "Who is calling me-" When Ash picked up his scroll he made sure to hold it a bit higher, out of Ruby's sight. It was Roman. "I have to take this one, Red, hope you're alright with it"
"Oh, it's no problem. I'll leave you to it then." As so the Red Ripper turned the corner and left, leaving Ash with his buzzing scroll in hand. A buzz that he could allow to leak, so he dashed through the hall until he found the janitor's closet and went in.
Roman sure chose one hell of a time. "Ash! How are you doing, my young friend? Making any friends? Maybe getting yourself a girlfriend?" And sure enough, he was acting all smug and what not when Ash answered.
"Roman, please, try to be serious, can you?" Ash whispered as he talked into his scroll. Despite being in the closet he knew some Faunus, most notably and as an example, Velvet from team CFVY, who is a rabbit Faunus with big ears that hear.
"Sheesh, way to be a spoilsport, Ash." Roman sighed on the other end, then turned serious as Ash asked. But something was off. "Look, remember the Lien and Dust I gave you?"
"Yeah, I do. Actually used some today in combat class against some Cardin Winchester." Ash replied.
"Winchester? I once knew someone with that name myself. Big asshole and an even bigger racist, more so than me. Must be his brat." Roman said remembering his younger days. "Did you beat him?"
"Yes, but barely."
"Good. At least I can enjoy some form of good news today." Roman said before groaning and inhaling deeply. "Listen, Ash, can you make it to the hideout today?"
"The hideout?" Now, this was new. Roman usually only invites people over for business. Maybe he has that job for allowing Ash enough to buy furniture. But if so then he wouldn't be sounding so...stressed? He just sounded off, way too non-Roman like. "What for? And what has it to do with the supplies you gave me?"
"What did I teach you about asking questions over the scroll, kid?"
"There is always a third set of ears possibly listening. " Ash said like a lesson hard thaught in school.
"Exactly. What I have to tell you is something we can't risk. And, well, there is someone here who might be interested in making acquaintance."
Ash nodded, sensing the nervousness in Roman's voice. It was like he was being watched or something and he was trying not to spill his entire gut over the floor.
Ash knew something was not right, not in the slightest. He has known Roman and Neo for a very long time; they taught him many things, including fighting. He felt the burn of Melodic Cudgel and the stabby end of Hush multiple times before, but so did they feel the edge of Somnium Cavas during their training sessions.
And in those sessions, Ash understood 3 things. 1. Neo is fast as hell and more agile than a cat Faunus, not to mention her semblance turning her into an invisible stabbing machine. 2. Roman held dearly to his style, especially his hat. Thank the Gods for Aura, for Ash was not left with any permanent scars after accidentally cutting off the feather during a session.
And 3 and most importantly: They had, without a doubt, balls of steel. Well, not literally, since Neo was a woman, but you get the idea. Nothing could shake them that easily, and Roman was acting as if he'd been neutered.
"Roman?" Ash asked, catching the thief extraordinaire's attention. "Be honest. Is someone holding your leash?"
The silence was his only reply, but then one single word had his confirmation. "I can barely breath, Ash."
"..." Now, this did it. Ash might be who he is, but no one messes with those whom he holds dear. Roman and Neo had both earned that right years ago, so whoever is pinning them down right now, no matter whom, just made an enemy outta him. And the blackish smoke which came from under his glasses was the proof of his current anger. "Roman...I just finished classes, so I will be riding the first Bullhead to Vale, then straight at the hideout. "
"You do that, kid. I have to go make sure those animals do not blow up the place-WHO TOLD YOU TO PUT THAT CRATE THERE?!" And just like that Roman hunged up, leaving Ash to fume inside the closet.
When he came out he wasted no time and headed straight to his dorm room, not even paying attention to Yang when he walked past her in the hallway. Once he arrived in his room he made sure to check his equipment: His weapons, checked. Dust, checked. Depleted Dust crystals as grenades, checked. But only 2 at number, and small.
It was not that Ash was out to kill someone, but whoever is putting Roman into a tough spot is not someone to mess with or take lightly.
He stormed out of his dorm through the window, grabbing on to the tree just outside his window and climbing down until the was down on the ground. He made his way to the bullheads and took one down to Vale. Just hold on tight Roman.
Safe to say, Roman was not having the best of days. He had to lie to Ash a bit on the call, not telling him that they were already being listened to, but he did manage to stop him from saying anything bad. Bad for them both, that is.
He was supposed to, unknown to Ash, bleed Vale dry for all its Dust. Yet he sends him, a Huntsman in training, a box full of it. Now Cinder is hot on his tail and needs to defuse the bomb before it explodes. Or else he might just kiss his ass goodbye. And all things considered, he likes it where it was.
But to add to the pile of shit going south, he was forced to work with the White Fang out of all groups out there. Seriously, those guys make Junior's grunts seem like good henchman material, which, by finding out the hard way, he knew they were not. Meaning that those grunts were even more worthless.
And they just kept getting on his nerves. "How many times to have to tell you not to handle raw dust without a mask on?! Especially Combustion Dust! do you want to blow us all sky high?!" He yelled at the Faunus which were, to his defense, mishandling dangerous Dust types. The pair immediately put the Dust back into its compartment.
"Good Brothers, those animals…" Roman sighed as he collapsed on his chair and pulled a cigar. It had to be the 5th one today, but he didn't care much. Hell, he'd actually be thankful if those kill him first rather than Cinder.
And what is worse? Neo was still away at Mt. Glenn, preparing Miss Stab-You-With-Glass plans. That meant he had no trustworthy allies around him at the moment. Well, let them try and fight him. He is not as pathetic as they might take him as just because he is human.
Hypocrite bunch, are they not? But whatever, he had bigger things to worry about. Cinder was just above them, watching from the second floor of the warehouse they were all in. If anyone tried anything, then it was nice knowing them.
But as things now stand...He had gambled things wrong. Cinder's plan is ambitious and could make Roman the biggest criminal ever to live in the whole history of Remnant, but it was also possible, and that just fed the fire.
But as stated before, this is a full-fledged terrorist action. Something he swore to himself to never do. Yet, here he was, being forced to do it. He was a thief, criminal, murderer, liar, and all of the above, but never a terrorist. Never.
But as he stood there, overlooking the entire operation, he felt the hair on his back stand and knew why was that.
Cinder decided to have a chit chat, and Roman couldn't wait to be done with it. "So," she came walking down the stairs as if she owned the place, that cocky lady. "Did you call your 'nephew'?" Nephew? Well, they were close like family in away.
"Gave him a call the minute classes should've been over, so if my memory serves me right regarding his speed and whatnot, then he should be here before you know," Roman replied keeping his cane in hand and cigar locked between his teeth. Gods, he hated this bitch.
"Good. I'll also like to congratulate him on the victory in combat class, and I think some Faunus around would like so too." She was eavesdropping on their scroll call, again. "The Winchesters are nearly just as bad as the Schnee when it comes to their racism."
"Oh, believe me, I know. I was classmates with one back at Shade." Roman replied, but this time with venom in his voice for simply talking to Cinder. He knew she was trying to mock them. But he had to ignore her, so he just puffed his cigar once again and spoke. "But care to tell me why the interest in the kid? I just send him some Dust, that's all. A small debt repaid so I can focus on my business."
"Oh, Roman." Cinder chuckled hearing him. "I apologize for that, but you are oh so predictable when it comes to someone you actually care about"
"Lose that dress and let's make haste for my room and I'll show just how predictable I can be" Cinder raised an eyebrow at his reply, knowing it was a threat in disguise. Poor Roman.
Cinder simply laughed it off. "Nice try, Roman, but you know I am way out of your league."
Roman shrugged. "Worth a shot, I guess." He took another smoke from his cigar then his scroll buzzed, a message from Ash on his scroll letting him know he was out of the bullhead and in Vale. But of course, he took note of Cinder's growing smirk. "So…" He pulled the cigar out of his mouth, letting the smoke out into a cloud of grey. "Care to tell me where the kids are?"
"Oh, you needn't worry yourself with that." Cinder brought her own scroll up, Emerald on speed dial. "They are at one call away, after all."
"So, I take it you are without defense right now-" Roman stopped himself as he felt the cigar in his mouth heat up. He was pressing it. He needed to maintain his calm. Play it cool until she lets her guard down, then put the barrel of Melodic Cudgel down her throat. "Good thing I, and the White Fang, are here then." Gods, how he hated to be this...obedient.
"Yes. For as long as we are in Vale, our deal stands." Cinder went to his table and sat down, putting her elbow on the table and resting her chin on the back of her palm, looking at Roman with a seductive look on her mug. "I am sure nothing can change it, right?"
"The entire Dust in Vale in exchange for a place in your so-called New World? Kinda hard to resist." Bullshit. She had been threatening both him and Neo since day 1. She made it clear she could kill them with ease but didn't because she needs them. And once she no longer has a use for them…
"I'm glad you are a smart one and accepted." The raven-haired woman put her legs one on top of the other and leaned back on the chair, looking up through the windows of the whare house. "But...I can't feel but ask."
"Ask what?"
"Pluto Auburn…" Roman tensed up at the mention of his late associate. "His semblance, if I recall correctly, allowed him to either pull or launch objects from himself like some sort of gravitational field, correct?"
Roman narrowed his eyes at her, but now he had to calm down. "Something like that. He could anything from small rocks to pretty girls from the street. My, the boys night we had once in a while sure was something." One nostalgic sigh later. "But how come you know about his semblance?"
"Oh, Roman. You hurt me with those questions." Cinder replied with a fake tone of hurt as she looked at him, a shit-eating grin on her face. "do you believe you were only one in Vale I set my eyes on?"
His eye's widened in shock at her words. But Cinder kept going. "We had our eyes on Pluto as well, but he died before we could contact him. A shame, really. They said that his swordsmanship was quite hard to predict and dangerous, almost like a King Taijitu. When you think you got one head, the other jumps at you from behind and swallows you whole."
"Yet, he is nothing but a corpse now." She sighed. "Such a waste, truly. It could've been a chance for you 2 to work together once again."
Roman snorted at her comment, making her look his way with a bit of confusion. "What is so funny?"
"Sorry to burst your bubble, gorgeous, but old Auburn, even if he was alive today, wouldn't work for you." She eyed Roman, who seemed to take a rare joy in her words.
"Explain." She demanded, her palm heating the table they were at.
"You see, Pluto Auburn had retired because he got love-smacked. Fell in love with this pretty Faunus girl-"
"Faunus?" Cinder echoed, cutting him off. "So his son is a hybrid."
"Well, aren't you just a bright little sunshine." He commented then continued. "But yeah, you get the idea. They met, they banged, they got wed, then banged some more, and outcomes, Ash, from within his mother."
"I see…" Cinder said with a scowl, her frown clear as day. But then she smiled. And Roman hated it that smile. "Well, I guess he is better off dead, then."
Roman's grip got tighter. The nerve on that broad is unbelievable! If not for her keeping such a tight leash on him. But for now, he has to play the part. For now. "Yet, we got his son."
"Which I am very eager to meet." She emphasized the very, telling Roman just how much she wants to meet the kid. It was a miracle she did not ask about his semblance. Or about his mother. Something was up. "Speaking of him, when is he going to arrive?"
Roman looked at the time and noted that Ash was actually late by at least 20 minutes. Now, this was not like him at all, unless...Damn that kid is sneaky. Roman looked up at the ceiling and noticed an open window on the roof and a slight shadow running on the steel bars above. The sound of his movement was masked by that of the many grunts inside the warehouse at the current time, making this a good sneak tactic. The thief couldn't help but be proud of him and smirk.
"What are you smiling at, Roman?" Cinder asked glaring at him, then she followed his gaze. But was met with nothing.
"Oh, if only Neo was around to see this." Roman chimed as Ash moved above them, then he dropped on the crates placed on the upper shelves. Only a small sound coming from the crate as the wood creaked.
Cinder redirected her attention at the sound and tried getting her weapon out, shaping the dust using her stolen power and creating a black glass bow, but she was met only with a powerful blow that shattered the weapon and stopped right at her neck. Auburn showed himself, Somnium Cavas drawn.
"Oh my." Cinder put her hands up, smirking as she saw him. He was his father's son, and the fact that he was able to hide that long was impressive. But the fact that he stopped as his blade would've slashed at her shoulder was...disappointing.
"Alright, alright" Roman stepped in to defuse the situation, tapping the katana in Ash's hands which made him sheat it back into its scabbard. "Ash, I want to introduce you to my associate, Cinder Fall."
Ash looked at Cinder through his glasses, checking her out up and down, his body sensing a strange familiarity to hers. She had something that put him and her in a similar category, yet different. But for now, it was to be ignored. "Ash Auburn." Ash put his hand up, covered in Asimenio Oneiro around his arms entirely.
Cinder, however, felt that there was something amiss and narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. A familiar sensation she would often feel when near her. But weaker. "A pleasure to meet you." She shook his hand, shaking it. He was tense, and she could swear he was giving her the stink eye.
Ash took his hand back and turned to Roman. "So, what is it you wished to talk about?"
"Oh, just a storytime," Roman said, making Cinder turn her head at him in confusion. "You know how it is, Ash! I enjoy telling stories from my younger years, and having someone willing to listen is always a pleasure!" He swung his cane around before waling and putting an arm around Ash's shoulder, making sure to face Cinder.
"So you called me here, all the way from Beacon, on a whim for a story?" Of course not. Roman was smart, and Ash knew that. This was a mere way to distract Cinder and to allow them time to talk between themselves. Without a 3rd party listening in. "Why not." He shrugged.
Cinder watched in disbelief as Roman took Ash away towards another part of the warehouse, constantly yapping his mouth as if he was Peter Port himself. To his credit, he was just as monotone to listen to as well. She wouldn't have guessed that he would like them…
She inhaled deeply before turning and returning to her work, she had spent enough time chatting with Roman. She knew he wouldn't dare betray them, because if he did, then that would be a contract for a death sentence. Yet, she still wanted to talk to them about the Dust.
She'll have to wait now…
Roman had lead Ash in the back, just outside the warehouse, where he immediately began letting loose. "Are you out of your mind?" and scolded Ash. "Attacking her out of the blue like that was a bold move, Ash, but a foolish one nonetheless. The White Fang is everywhere, and I doubt your blade would've gone all the way through her Aura and do enough damage to even incapacitate her!"
"I know, but I had to try." He retorted then Roman sighed, the stress getting to him. "But care to tell me what in tarnation is exactly going on here? Why are you working with the Fang? What is with all the Dust? And most importantly, who is Cinder Fall?"
"Look, I cannot say much for now, so just know this: Cinder found out about the Dust I send you and I think she might be trying to blackmail you or bribe you into aiding us."
"Helping you?" Ash scoffed. "Roman, you know that I am one call and bargain away from that already-"
"It is not the usual, Ash, nor would it ever be the usual again if she gets her way" Roman cut him off, puffing his cigar once more. "This woman has a big plan, kid. Very big. Heck, we're talking about a terrorist act here."
Now those words send alarms into Ash's head. "Terrorist? So that's why you are working with the Fang?"
"Oh, please. Those grunts are mere cannon fodder- manpower provided in order to carry out my part of the deal." Roman said. "But yeah. We are all in cahoots, and I cannot get out."
Ash remained silent for a moment, allowing Roman to continue talking. "My scroll has been compromised, kid, that is how they know about it. So we cannot talk over the scroll anymore."
"Shit…" Ash let out a swear.
"Shit indeed. And I want out." Roman looked behind himself, then above them, making sure they were in the clear. "Look, I have yet to fully plan this, but I might be able to get out of her grasp. All I need you to do is keep her misinformed."
"So you think she might ask me about the students at Beacon? Who's the strongest, weakest, semblances, and all that sort of things?" Ash asked, to which Roman gave a smirk and a nod.
"Make sure to really screw her over with it, kid." Now here it is, the classic Torchwick look."But for now, let us go back and play our parts, shall we, Ash?" Roman stretched out his arm.
"We shall, Roman." He shook Torchwick's hands, then the thief pulled him in and put his arm around Ash's neck, leading him back inside while yapping a story to make it convincing. "And that is why, Ash, you never, and I say NEVER, should get caught spying on the girls while in the changing room. Of course, it is bad only if you get caught."
Now, after an hour of stories from Roman which may or may have not been true, Cinder returned to them, looking at Ash as he was polishing his blade a bit with a piece of cloth.
"So, Ash, I understand Roman here gave you some of our Dust" Cinder said looking at him.
"That he did."And he admitted, not hiding anything. "I tend to burn through my reserves a lot, and Dust, as you might know, is not so cheap. Especially lately, and I expect that the prices will continue to rise."
"Smart thinking, Ash. You'd be correct." Cinder said turning to the dust in the warehouse. "This is only one of the many storage warehouses all across Vale, where the Dust is stored before being shipped to the continent of Anima, where the White Fang takes it"
"So you are arming the fang…" he muttered as he stared at from behind his glasses. Cinder slowly turned around, looking at him with a poisonous smirk.
"In a way, yes. But that is beside the point." She walked up to him, putting little distance between themselves. Ash was tall, but Cinder managed to reach to his chin while wearing heels. he felt the air around them grow in heat as she slowly traced her hand to try and touch his cheek, only to be blocked by Ash and forced her to let her hand down.
Cinder scoffed seeing him put some actual defense. Instinct? Maybe. "You see, we cannot have Dust freely go a person in Vale without questions being asked by the Fang." She stared into the reflection of his glasses. "So you will have to work for it, or else it might make more questions pop up, followed by the Fang possibly try and eliminate you thinking you were 'stealing from the Faunus as the dirty human you were' "
Ash rolled his eyes over his head and put Somnium Cavas back into its scabbard as he finished cleaning it. "I am not exactly human, for your information."
'Oh, I am aware." Cinder replied. "You are a hybrid; offspring of a human and Faunus." Some White Fang grunts stopped upon hearing those words and looked at Ash standing there, making them clench their fist.
In the eye of the Fang, hybrids weer worse than humans, and at the same time they were also hated by them for being Faunus in the first place. What should've been a symbol of unity, a bridge, between the 2 species was seen with spite by them instead. But Ash cared not. His Faunus traits were barely visible anyway, and he could take a couple of Faunus from the Fang.
"Your point?" Ash asked, making Cinder let out a small chuckle.
"I see you are not a man of many words, Auburn." Cinder sighed. "And here I thought Roman would have a more talkative associate. But you are right, we are trailing off from the main objective of our talk; your end of the deal."
"I also requested Lien from Roman to furnish my room at Beacon. I suspect that won't be such an issue like the Dust, is it?" Ash asked, making her smirk even more.
"All I care about is the Dust, noting more. I will look at the Lien as a bonus."
Ash thought about it for a second, then looked at her. All was going per Roman's prediction up to this point, but he knew he could not rush it. "So what do you need?"
"Information, Ash. The strongest weapon of them all." Roman, you fantastic son of a gun. "I want as much information about the students at Beacon as possible, and if you can, even blackmail material." She got a scroll out and passed it to Ash. "this is a special scroll designed to only transmit information to my own scroll only. No other contacts, no other functions, just text, and call. "
Ash looked at it and examined the scroll, taking a good look at it before putting it away into his pocket. "Alright, I'll do that. Anything else?"
"If so, I will call you. I expect you to answer, Ash"
"As long as you are not calling mid-class or something. I will send you my schedule, to begin with, giving you an idea of when I am not in class. Call then, messages in rest." He explained, and Cinder nodded in agreement.
"Good. In that case, we are done here." Cinder walked off, allowing Ash to do the same.
Roman was smoking yet another cigar outside as Ash passed by him and showed the thief the scroll Cinder gave him. Roman was going to get rid of this hacked one and get himself a new one behind her back, or just find someone smart enough to secure it better. Either way, their plan was ongoing.
Ash will be feeding Cinder false information while Roman works out a plan to escape her clutches. But he somehow had to get this information to MT. Glenn, where Neo was overlooking multiple White Fang members while they readied the train. It was a lot of dark he was hiding from Ash, but a necessary evil for now.
He just hopes it doesn't come back to bite him later in the ass.
JEEZUS CRUD! This took a while to write. As you saw, Ash had the balls to jump at Cinder and shattered her weapons, which, in all honesty, is not that hard considering they are glass. And she gave him work. Too bad he is going to screw her over big time.
Roman in this fic will most likely betray Cinder when she expects the least, allowing him and Neo to run away from her reach.
This might mean no Fall of Beacon.
?: Not if I got anything to say.
Crud. Yeah, ignore that, guys.
But as you noticed, Ash considers Roman and Neo as a family and they do too. So if Cinder tries anything on ROman she'd be dealing with an angry Ash.
But to make things clear, Ash, currently, cannot defeat Cinder. He is stronger in physical strength than her, but her raw skills give her a huge edge over him. So even if he went all the way with that attack, it might've just bounced on her Aura and she would've earned a clear window to stab him with a glass dagger.
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Bloodfiend out.