Alright, alright, lemme see here…
?: Oi, doing any better?
As a matter of fact, I am. Way better. I am also in a great mood to write some Ashen.
?: Any chance I will come to be in this chapter?
As many as a certain Nerdy becoming my actual boss.
Nerdy: BITCH I AM YOUR BOSS.
In your WET dreams, fam. Now, Ghost, be ready! Our boy, Ash, is going to ask that kitty out.
?: Oh, this won't end well.
Nerdy: She's already got a thing for Yang lol.
It was the next day after the trip in Vale with the girls and Ash was...stressed, to say the least. He had to make sure Blake was not doing anything bad in Beacon. He knows from Roman that she deserted from the Fang, but who knows how unstable she might actually be. He cannot risk it.
Trust, as he could see all around himself, was running in short supply.
He had to confront Blake about it, but he had to be smart about it. He had managed to find a place that accepts Faunus, is usually crowded, and that leaves her little room to run freely. Unless she steps on the tables. Gods, he hoped she wouldn't because he might have to pay.
But that aside, he couldn't get over the nerve that he will be basically asking her out on some kind of date. It was going to be awkward, very much so.
But as his father once said, 'Son, sometimes you just gotta bite down on the bullet and hope for the best'. He still didn't know what he meant, exactly, but he had a good idea of it by now. Other than that, he was able to get himself some more, not-so-expensive, clothing. It looked nice, nothing too extravagant, but still good if he mixed the colors right.
He might be wearing sunglasses all the time, but he was not color blind. But now, he had to prepare, steel himself, and start the mission.
He went out through his door and looked down the hall at Team RWBY's door. He imagined the girls were doing homework. Or at least Weiss was whilst Yang and Ruby fooled around and Blake was reading some of her books. A seriously interesting match-up, something only Ozpin could've done.
He walked down the hall, slowly reaching for their door and knocked, waiting for any of them to reply and open the door. He heard a few footsteps and the word 'dolt' before the door did open to reveal the Team's little Ice Princess; Weiss. "What do you want?" She asked, clearly irritated and not happy to see him.
"Well hello to you too, Schnee," Ash replied back with equal enthusiasm. "Is Blake around? Been meaning to ask her something." Weiss hummed then turned around.
"Blake! It's for you!" Weiss said, then turned to Ash for one last time, sticking her nose up then walking back into the room as Blake took her place.
"Yes?" She asked looking at Ash, the boy tensing up a bit.
"It's now or never," Ash said in his mind. "Hey, Blake, I was wondering...Would you like to hang out?" Blake raised her eyebrow, and the rest of her team perked up. Yang was getting herself a grin as she began to listen in closely whilst Ruby was turning slightly red from the situation. Weiss simply ignored them. Typical.
"Why is it that you ask? We spent time together yesterday, did we not?" She replied, the wording making Yang crack a restrained laugh.
"Yeah, we did, but I was meaning just the 2 of us." He clarified. "There is this restaurant I found and I heard that they have good food, especially in their marine department." The attention of the girl at the mention of fish was hooked, and she hummed a bit, thinking.
"I don't know…" She said, and Ash knew he'd need to push it a little.
"It's on me"
"Deal." Blake replied. "When should we go?" Yang couldn't hold it in anymore, and she exploded behind them.
"Someone's getting a boyfriend-Ouch!" Luckily, she was shut up by Ruby who jumped her and covered her mouth.
"Ignore her!" Shouted the little red as she tried to keep her sister from starting a massacre with her puns. Ash and Blake were both thankful for this.
"Later, around 8. I will come by to pick you up then, sound good?" Ash asked.
"Sure. "And her reply was a relief. "Just be sure to be on time. It's not good to leave a girl waiting. " After that she turned and closed the door, leaving Ash to return to his own room. He did hear yelling afterward coming from their room, the squeaky sound only being possible by Ruby.
Once he arrived in his room he closed the door behind himself, locked it, and collapsed on his knees. "I can't believe I did that…" He muttered. He was feeling somewhat dirty to ask her out just because he wanted intel, but he had no choice. Now, though, he needed another kind of help; dating help. He knew only one person apart from Roman who could help him, and she has not picked up her scroll in a while from what Ash knew, so he had to call the thief.
He crawled on his bed and dialed him, waiting for a reply. And surprisingly, he didn't reply. The robot kicked in instead. Just his luck...Who else was there to teach him how to- wait...No. No, no, no, no, no. There was a certain pair in Beacon he assumed were together at some point, but if he wanted to ask them for advice he will need a bribe.
Pancakes.
3 hours until he had to go pick up Blake and he was currently inside his room with a certain duo, the hyper of the 2 going around doing her usual quirks.
"I cannot believe this is happening! Can you, Ren? Ash here is asking Blake out!" Nora said all excited and hyper as ever, the silent boy simply going along with her words.
"Actually, to be honest, I am somewhat surprised. Blake doesn't look like the type to be so easily swayed, nor does Ash look like he is the romantic type." Ren said in his usual calm voice, but Nora simply blew a raspberry at that comment.
"If so, then how come they are going on a date?" Nora asked in an argument. "Besides, he is paying!" She said, then she turned to Ash. "So, what did you need help with exactly?"
Ren sighed as her question. Ash had called them, requesting help, but didn't get to say much. Ren was the one to pick up, but when Ash said date and pancakes he woke up with Nora at his door. She nearly broke it down, which was something Ash would like to avoid since he got it fixed not long ago. She then devoured the pancakes like a starved Beowolf then began ranting about for a few minutes, apparently having entered some kind of sugar rush.
Ren came in a bit later, the boy closing the door behind him and taking a seat. That is how they got into this situation.
"I need help because I've never been on a date before, Valkyrie," Ash said, addressing Nora by her family name. "Look, I asked Blake out, that I did, but I have 0 clues on what to do."
"At least you got a yes from her," Ren replied, referring to the fruitless endeavor of his leader in pursue of a certain heiress. "She could've ignored you or refused you."
Which was not an option, ninja boy, thank you very much. Ash needs info, so him taking her out is the only option. Honestly, he wished there was another way to do this. He felt dirty. "I guess I got lucky…" Ash said.
"Well then, mister, you better be ready because luck ain't gonna cut it for the rest of the evening!"Nora exclaimed. "Time to teach you!"
"Gods have mercy on my soul…" Ash prayed.
"Likewise." And Ren added.
30 Minutes away from the date and Ash was relieved. Nora was throughout, no joke, and he could tell Ren and Nora had actual experience. From what he found out they did try dating before, but things were starting to go bad so they stopped and stayed friends.
Pretty sure the main issue was Ren not giving her proper attention.
Either way, it was his time to shine. He got himself ready, a few modifications were done to his usual attire so it counts as being fancier. He assumed Blake was going to do the same, and if not, well he screwed up on the first step.
He took some Lien, took his scroll, left weapons home, and went to her room. He knocked, looking at the clock. He was on time. He stood in front of the door and waited, then he heard the footsteps.
And luckily for him, Blake was not dressed fancier than him, which means he lucked out. He only spotted some more make up on her, which was not that big. She did, however, have Gambol Shroud on her, meaning Ash did make a mistake not getting his own weapons. Oh boy.
"I see you're on time," Blake noted. "Shall we?"
"Sure," Ash said, taking her out of the dorm.
But behind them, 3 heads popped from the room. One with black hair with red tips, one blonde mane, and one snow-white. Ruby, Yang, and Weiss. The 3 were curious about this date, and each had their own opinions on it.
Ruby thought it was nice and all, her innocence getting the better of her in this situation.
Her sister, Yang, was easier going with her answer, declaring that those 2 'lover birds' were going to make out by midnight.
Weiss, on the other hand, barely cared. She viewed Ash as a no-good beggar from the forest who is not in his place and didn't know what to make of Blake, the raven-haired girl had given her only bad vibes since day 1.
But regarding what to do, they all agreed on one thing; follow them. Yang was the one to propose that, saying it is to make sure Blake will not get harmed in any way by Ash, seeing as some boys play nice but they are assholes.
Weiss actually backed up that plan, saying Ash might try to take advantage of her in some way. The girl had a problem with trust, and a serious one, but that was not important.
Ruby agreed because Yang was the one to propose it, so they all tailed the 2 Faunus once they were far enough not to get detected.
This was bound to be an interesting night, for sure.
Vale was a beautiful city in the evening. A clear sky, beautiful streets, and nice people going about. There were, of course, some nocturnal Faunus as well, but they simply ignored them since they were normal. Ash and Blake had a place to get to and Ash had an interrogation to do. He planned this out so please are around, meaning Blake cannot make a scene if anything, and she tries getting violent then the number of witnesses will lead the likes of Roman to her.
A good plan.
The couple walked through the city, barely a word was spoken. Gods, was this awkward. Eventually, fortunately, Ash broke the silence. "The night sky is truly beautiful, isn't it?" He asked, making Blake lookup.
"It is. It kinda reminds you how small you are, wouldn't you agree?" She said, then she took note of something. It was night, yet Ash was wearing his glasses still. "Hey, isn't it a bit hard to see with those on?" She asked, and Ash tensed.
True, at night it was difficult with them on, but it was not that big of an issue. "It is, but I got used to it." He replied.
"Hmm. Alright. I did mean to ask, why is it that you are wearing them all the time?" She asked, but her question was hiding suspicion. "Do you have something to hide?"
"More or less," Ash replied. "I am not comfortable talking about it." He hoped she was going to buy that, and judging from her hum she did. But he felt her trust in him dwindle more. He could not afford to get her spooked.
"Say, Ash, what do you think about the Faunus, our kind?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" Ash asked looking at her.
"Well, our kind has been oppressed for a long time, and, well, you know all the stuff with the White Fang, correct?" How could he not? The leader of the Vale branch was as close as they could get, literally one phone call away. "What do you think about the Faunus if people have to threat us equally because of fear?"
That was a heavy question, really heavy. Ash was not blind, he knew of the stuff Faunus go through every day, especially under the thumb of the Schnee. Roman had expressed his own share of racism, but even he criticized the SDC. Heck, he even had a picture of Jacques Schnee in his office to shoot with darts or Melodic Cudgel.
So, yeah, not a fan. Then there is the other people who downright believe humans are superior in every way possible, and worse, use their own species against them. It was shown with Cardin during lunch that day that if a Faunus fights back they get put on the hot chair.
That caused the White Fang to be born. What was first a peaceful organization striving for Faunus right turned into terrorists. Ash now knows why Blake ran and her secret, not to mention Adam. But he has to confront her about it.
But right now he had to answer her questions before he could ask his. "I think we are scared…" Ash replied, his answer referring to the Faunus not as a different race from his own. "We have been crushed for so long that we grew scared for own children and our brother and sisters. The fear turned to anger, leading to the Fang, and now? Most of us are thrown in the common ground with the guilty."
Blake listened to him and nodded gently. "I guess you are right. Fear does tend to be a strong thing, left unchecked." She said.
"Yes…" They walked a bit more. "Say, Blake, why is it you hide your ears?" The girl went stiff at his question. "I get that you are hiding, but from what?" He asked a sensible question, but it had to pay off somehow. He watched Blake think for a bit, then sigh.
"It is more of a personal thing, really. Like your glasses." She retorted.
"Oh, I see…" Ash said, not wanting to be hypocrite and press on when he didn't trust her with his secret. "Anyway, the place is nearby."
The 2 kept walking to the restaurant, behind them being the other 3 members of the team.
"What were they talking about? I couldn't hear them right." Weiss said as she hid behind Yang, the blonde's golden hair hiding her obvious white one.
"No idea, Ice Queen," Yang replied. "They were out of hearing range from it looks like."
"Wait, look!" Ruby said, pointing to the restaurant. "They went inside there. Maybe we can watch from across the street?" She suggested.
"That's my baby sister! Come on!" Yang sais as she made haste for the neighboring place, the other 2 following her from behind. Hopefully, Blake's face will be visible.
Inside the restaurant, Blake took in the decoration. It was a Faunus ran establishment with a decor that reminded her of home. Menagerie. She was a bit nervous, thinking that someone might recognize her, but so far no one was even looking at her.
"Hello there, Sir, Ma'am." A waiter came to them. "How may I help you?"
"Yeah, we'd like a table for 2, please," Ash asked, the waiter, nodding before leaving. He was quite surprised to see he was human. But anyway, he returned quickly and lead the 2 to their table, giving them some menus. Luckily, the restaurant didn't have a dress code, so they were good.
The weapon on Blake's back was even accepted, so Ash got curious and had to ask. "Excuse me? But how come weapons had been allowed in?"
"Oh, simple. This restaurant is for Huntsmans, a place for them. We only ask that they do not use the weapons." The waiter replied. Ash did not know that, so lucky him. "Anyway, might I have your orders?"
"Sure. What do you want Blake?" Ash asked to which the feline put her menu down.
"I will have the salmon salad, please."
"Wonderful choice, Ma'am." He turned to Ash. "And you, Sir?"
"I will have a beef, thank you," Ash replied and the waiter left to get their food.
In the meantime, across the street, the 3 were watching.
"Looks like all is well until now," Yang remarked as the 2 stood at a table next door, each having a drink. "But it is still early."
Back to Ash and Blake, their food arrived shortly and both enjoyed it, the two have enjoyed their respective means. Later, a waiter picked up their empty plates, leaving them alone.
"So, Blake, I've been meaning to ask you something." Ash was preparing to ask the one million dollar question, pressing his glasses against his eyes to better consolidate his main line of defense against this girl's claws. "Were you...with the Fang, once?"
Blake froze, then she looked at him, her eyes trembling. Ash could feel it, an intoxicating fear, all coming from her alone. She gulped, trying to regain her composure. "Excuse me?"She asked, her eyes looking into Ash's glasses which showed her reflection.
"Were you once a member of the White Fang?" Ash asked again. The girl's bow twitched, Ash took note of that. He felt her emotions swell, her fear being the most prominent of them all. "I won't judge you if you were, but I have to-"
"I was…" She whispered, confessing. "But now let me ask YOU something, Ash. If that is how you are even called." Her behavior changed. Ash still felt fear, but it was being replaced by aggressivity. She was cornered, and she knew it, leaving her only one option: the cornered rat will bite back the cat.
Ash's expression darkened, becoming more serious. "It is." He replied.
"How do you know that then?" She asked back, her eyes fixed on him. Ash knew she might react badly, but this was not within his predictions. He read her as being scared, but now she was getting aggressive. He was unarmed, she was not. He dug his own grave by the looks of things. "I don't think that information just happened to fall into your lap, nor were you just badly curious."
Ash tried to answer, but then she brought the finisher. "Also, don't think I didn't notice you taking a picture of me the other day." His eyes went wide behind his glasses as she brought up her point. He had no escape from this.
"So you know…" Ash muttered. "I admit, someone did give me that intel, but it was not who you think it was."
"That being?" Blake asked again. She expected Ash to be linked with someone shady, she did so since she revealed her Faunus traits. She also heard him talk over his scroll a couple of times about some questionable things. Mainly the semblances and fighting skills of people. She kept quiet, however, because the other people from team RWBY and JNPR seemed to like him and she did not have any proof.
"Adam Taurus," Ash said, making Blake dig her fingernails into the table. Of all names, she did not expect that one to be brought up tonight. "I do not answer to him, however, I do know some things. Listen Blake, I-"
"GET THE HELL AWAY!" She shouted, throwing the table upon Ash, the other teen putting his arms up to catch it but being unable to catch her as she darted out of the place. Ash cursed his luck and put the table back, leaving the money on it and started chasing her, but he found her easily.
Together with her team.
"Ash...Care to explain why Blake is acting as if you just gave her death threats?" Yang asked, her eyes shifting to red to indicate her anger. Beside her Weiss and Ruby were taking care of Blake, the girl showing fear looking at Ash.
The heiress was giving him the stink eye while Ruby looked confused by the whole thing. This was a disaster and it could get really out of hand if Ash didn't do anything.
"Look, Yang, I did not do anything but talk to her," Ash said calmly while trying not to set up any more alarms. Blake had reacted as if he mentioned death's name, and that alone gave Ash a basic idea of how bad Adam is. "You have to believe me, she was the one to overreact."
He couldn't tell them about what he said to Blake, both for his sake and hers. "Lier!" Weiss shouted. "Blake was scared out of her mind! She is NOT like this! Overreacting is the last thing we'd expect from her!"
Damn it, she had a point! Blake was never the emotional type, so Ash's words did not hold water. He saw Yang prepare her fist, cracking her knuckles. Shit. This was bad. He was unarmed with no way of defending himself. He couldn't explain things either. He did not expect Blake's team to follow.
Seriously, what are they? Her sisters?
The only option he had was to prepare to take the punishment. He could not tell them about Roman and the White Fang because that would lead to Blake's secret as well. A secret that was not his to tell.
He took a stance, but one made to throw dust in Yang's eyes while he made a dash for it. But that was not an option. If they reported his suspicious behavior, then Ozpin would have his hide as well and he would become unable to set foot into Beacon again
"Look, I cannot explain this because…" He tried to find his words, but for naught.
"Ash?" Ruby called out to him, the older teen clenching his teeth in frustration. He needed a distraction or something so he could talk it out with Blake in private, but what could do such a miracle on the spot-
BOOOOOMMMMM*
Well, that works.
Across the street from them was a Dust explosion, the surrounding buildings getting themselves covered in the fire and smoke. The girls might have not noticed it, but Ash did. Neo. This was her hand. Ash assumed she must've been following him, the sneaky midget always 2 steps away from someone's jugular.
But that was the distraction he needed. He dashed forth, past Yang, and grabbed Blake, grabbing her weapon and using it to get the high ground on a nearby roof. "Let me go!" Blake shouted, trying to struggle out of Ash's grip, but he held more strength than her.
"Damn it!" Yang swore and began chasing after them, but as soon as she got to the rooftops they were gone. "Where the fuck?!"
While Ruby, Yang, and Weiss searched for them outside, Ash dashed down with Blake in the alley in between and vanished in the sewers, Ash having tied Gambol Shroud around Blake. This was a disaster already.
It didn't help that something poked him in the ass in the next second, making him turn around to see Neo looking at him with an angry frow in her face. "I know…" Ash said as he looked at Neo.
"Who...What is going on?!" Blake shouted, fruitlessly struggling to get herself free. "Who is she? Actually, isn't she the girl from that picture?"
"She is…" Ash groaned. "DAMN IT, BELLADONNA!" He shouted. "I just wanted to know some basic things."
"Whatever you wanted to know, forget it!" Blake snarled at him. "Now untie me!"
"No!" Ash replied. "Look, can you calm down? I won't take you to Adam, Brothers forbid!"At those words, she seemed to just narrow her eyes at him, but she also calmed down a bit.
"How do you know about Adam? About me? What is going on, Ash?" Blake said, making Neo roll her eyes unimpressed.
"Look, first off, introductions. " Ash said. 'Blake, Neo. Neo, Blake. Now, how about you calm down before I pop a vein?!" Blake looked away with a scoff, making him thank the heavens. "Thank you. Now, for beginnings, the reason I know about Adam is because my...uncle, is working with him at the moment...here in Vale."
"What?!" Blake snapped slightly, but the point of Neo's parasol made it clear for her to wait for him to finish.
"He and Roman Torchwick, who is my uncle-in-title, are working for a third party," Ash said. "I cannot say who that someone is for reasons, but I had to know if you are someone sent by them as well to spy on the people inside Beacon."
"Spy on them? Is that what you were doing with that scroll?" Blake asked.
"Yes, but I promise to you I only gave them false information. Neo and Roman do not like working for her in the least, but they are cornered." Ash said, then Neo pulled out her scroll, typing on it and giving to Ash to read.
"She is quite jumpy, don't you think? I mean, she flipped a table! Can you be sure she is going to keep her mouth shut?" Neo asked, making Ash look at Blake. The girl seemed to be thinking.
"Wait...If what you say is true, then that would imply that the White Fang is working with Roman Torchwick, a human." She said, making Ash raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"I never took you for a racist, Blake." Ash replied.
"I am not!" She snapped at him. "But this seems highly unlikely. The White Fang would NEVER associate themselves with a human. Especially one such as Roman Torchwick-" Blake didn't get to finish as Neo pushed her parasol into her neck.
"Easy there, Blake. For me and Neo, Roman is like family and when you talk shit about the family you never get out clean." Ash said, slightly threatening her. "But yeah, you have to believe me and Neo on this one. What they are doing is big. We do not know what, but from the words of Roman it sounds bad."
"I guess it makes sense considering it is Adam…" Blake muttered. 'He is...he is not right. For him, it is not enough for Human and Faunus to be equal. He would have the entire human race either enslaved or erased if he could."
"And I think someone offered him that chance…" Ash muttered. "Look, I am not your enemy, neither are Roman and Neo. They are being FORCED to work on this."
"Look, I'm not scared of Adam in case that's what you're implying. And honestly, I don't know if I can trust anything you say at this point. How about telling me where the Fang members are?" Blake tried her best to put on a good front.
Ash could feel her fear, however. He knew she was lying through her teeth. But he decided to play it cool. 'That I cannot do. Even if Roman and Neo are on our side behind the curtains, the rest of the Fang there are not. And the who has them by the leash has their own minions as well, so we are at disadvantage." Ash stated, making her curse. "Look, if you need something to make you trust me, then don't bother. There is nothing I can give you...Actually, scratch that, there is." Ash said before undoing the knot on Gambol Shroud, the girl looking confused before grabbing her weapon and pinning Ash to the wall, blade at his neck.
Neo nearly jumped in to help him, but he raised his hand, telling Neo to stand down. "Is this good enough for you? I let you go, so now you could either kill me to keep the silence, snitch on me, or run and never return." Ash said, laying down her options.
Blake looked at his glasses, her reflection visible in them. She took a deep breath and pulled her blade away, putting it back where it belonged. "Very well...I guess I can trust you...a bit. "
"That is good enough for me," Ash said, relieved that he didn't get his head cut. Neo also grinned, then Ash gave her a nod, the woman vanishing with the power of her semblance. "Now, how about we get out of here and face your team? You need to calm them down a bit."
"Yeah...I guess that is true." Blake said and the 2 went outside.
Unfortunately, once there, Ash was struck by a red daze and knocked on his back on the hard stone ground. Looking up he saw Weiss, Ruby, and Yang, all pointing their weapons at him. Blake intervened quickly, dismissing the situation and telling them it was her who overreacted.
This took them by surprise.
"Oh shit, sorry Ashie." Yang said as she helped him up, the boy slowly feeling his senses coming back. That strike stunned him a little.
"It's ok...You 3 were only looking out for your teammate." He said.
"Sorry for hitting you with the speed of my semblance," Ruby said, apologizing. "We just saw you 2 come out of the sewers and I rushed in."
"I can't believe that, out of all places, you hid in the sewer," Weiss said disgustedly. "Do you have any idea how many diseases are there? Ugh. Neither of you is touching me until you shower, period!"
"Awww. What is it, Ice Queen? Afraid of a little shit stain?" Yang said teasing Weiss.
"Let's just go…"
The group eventually returned to Beacon, Ash going to his room at once and collapsing on his bed. He imagined things to be more...smooth, but at least he got what he was after.
Blake was not a mole, meaning he was the only one. He can message Roman to tell him that, making the thief sleep a bit easier at night now knowing Cinder doesn't have more pawns in Beacon. But then there was the other issue.
Ash thinks he did make a mistake by telling her about the Fang being into Vale, the girl expressing interest in their location. What was that she wanted to do with that sort of information? Go to the authorities? Not an option, all things considered, for she would be questioned how she got such intel and that would lead to her past and himself.
He'd have to strike her down if that was the case.
Go in solo? Yeah, like she was that reckless. The place is full of White Fang, Adam, and Roman. She would stand 0 chances in that skirmish.
At least he could hope Roman would either go easy on her or have Neo get her away from there. But if the rumors regarding Adam were true, the bull knew how to hold on to a grudge. Overall, things were bad on so many levels it was not even funny.
Heck, even Neo had to save his ass today, and he could only assume she was not doing anything legal.
What the hell, she blew up an entire street...Of course, she did something illegal, like the making of a bomb. He only wished she didn't set it in some family home.
Could he live with that thought? No.
But at least things are stable. He knows Blake is not a threat, just a wild card. His relations with both Team RWBY and JNPR are solid, Jaune, and Pyrrha even being aware of his secret. But Ozpin still bugs him a little.
Oh well. Not like he is going to stop him.
But then there is Cinder...Ash knows he can not bullshit her forever. One of those days she will figure out he was lying like an unfaithful wife to her. When that happens he didn't want to be on the receiving end of her wrath seeing as she put Roman on the leash.
No, he had to plan things out. He was no mastermind like Roman, but he could still text the thief and discuss a plan.
That could work, but it had to be good. Adam Taurus is not one to trifle with and with him here things are bound to go to hell sooner or later.
He only hoped he wouldn't be around to see it unfold.
"So let me see if I understand. You lost an entire crate of Dust?" Adam asked with fury some of his men, the 2 Faunus shaking in their boots.
Some time ago they had noticed a crate was missing, but only now did they report it after there was an entire explosion in Vale. Adam had clear indications not to do anything like this, express orders from Cinder herself.
Yet, his own do.
"I see you have trouble keeping the leash tight," Roman said coming from behind the bull Faunus, his cigar letting out smoke and puffing a cloud out. "You know, that is why I always thought the water spray to be the best solution for unruly pets."
Adam growled at Roman's remarks but made no violent move towards the man. He was needed. If need be, he will wait until he longer was, then strike him down where he stood, displaying his head for all humans to see how the lowest of the scum were being dealt with.
But alas, he had to bide his time. For now. "That Dust was vital for war, Roman," Adam said, making the thief snort.
"War? My, oh my, you are taking things a bit far. And here I thought your people were exaggerating" The thief commented. "Look, Bull Boy, there is not going to be war. If anything, it will be only a battle that we will win swiftly."
"Maybe here in Vale, but as long as the other Kingdoms are ruled by humans then I am still not going to stop until they all fall." Adam declared. "Especially Atlas."
"Yeah, I can see why." Roman was half-joking, being aware of the Fanus situation in Atlas. With a douche, such as Jacques Schnee things were bound to get that bad. "Still, try to relax. One crate is nothing compared to the amount we got here."
"How can you be calm about everything, Roman?" Adam asked.
"Calm? Oh, you are mistaken. I am not calm in the least, just confident." The thief replied. "I promise you, Vale will fall and Faununs will rule supreme. That is if Cinder doesn't have something to say…"
"What do you mean by that? She was the one to promise me this!" Adam retorted, slightly infuriated at Roan's words. "Are you implying treason, thief?"
"Treason?! Oh no, no, no, no...NO!" Roman replied. 'I am simply being real. Us humans are not that trusty, you know, so how do you know she is not using you as she is using me?"
"Hmm. You do make a fair point...But do not expect me to get swayed by your words."
"Oh, Adam, my boy, I would never." Roman said with a grin on his face. "Just you wait until I get my plan together, you animal, I will be hanging those horns over my wall as a trophy soon enough."