Chapter 2: The White God in the White Fang

March 13th, 69 AGW (After the Great War)

Primus spent the next four years of his life reading and expanding his education. Knowledge was the ultimate power in the universe. The more he knew, the better he was prepared in fighting the creatures of Grimm. Books had provided him a great deal to learn with, and he had the time and patience to spend as an academic. Of course, reading about combat was no substitute for actually performing in live combat.

Which was why he had also requested to begin physical training to become a huntsman. That had been a year ago, and even though he hadn't done anything more than train and spar with his parents, he had grown considerably. According to his own observations, he stood a head taller than most boys within the village they lived in, a testament to his physical conditioning coupled with his ideal genetic makeup.

When he wasn't preparing himself as a warrior, he was actively taking part in his family life. He had discovered quickly that with age came the knowledge that family relationships and dynamics changed. His relationship with his mother and father had become more mature, more adult-oriented. His relationship with his sisters only grew. As the sole male child of the family, he was the subject of overprotection from the older and younger twins. While he did appreciate this familial protection, he did not require it. Even in the worse case scenario, that being that he died in this form, it would not be the end of him, but he would rather not traumatize his blood family, so he took their overprotectiveness with a smile. If it became too much later, he would find a way to convince them to lessen their attention.

Meanwhile, Vanola more or less clung to him, sometimes even more so than their parents. The deity was sure that she would believe anything that he said, even if it were false, so he took care to educate her in a way that would allow for immense growth. Yes, she did love her parents, but the bond between them was undeniably strong, and he believed that maybe she adored him the most out of everyone.

Balancing between warrior training, academic reading, and family time, his days were never stagnant. He always had something to do. He also had school to go to, where he had made a few friends. Most people knew he was a Faunus, but nobody yet had discriminated against him thankfully, but he would be a fool to think it didn't happen at all. He was blessed while other Faunus were not.

And speaking of the Faunus, he had gotten wind of some very interesting news. The most prominent pro-Faunus group was the White Fang, and they were very active right now. He didn't really know anything about them other than what he heard from travelers and a few rumors milling around town. From what he saw, people were skeptical and wary of the group. That told him a few things: either the White Fang was not effective in its goal of equality between Humans and Faunus, or Faunus prejudices were many and intense.

While it was none of his business to get involved with the pro-Faunus group, he would not be living up to his existence if he ignored something that could potentially upset the order of this world. Wars and conflict had defined much of recent history on Remnant, and if something was not changed, then conflict would continue to define this world. Time had only perpetuated violence to a new level. Advanced though the world of Remnant may be, its most important advancements were weapons and combat, serving only to further conflict.

It had to stop somewhere, but getting to that goal would be an uphill battle.

Primus had sworn to himself to never take the easy way out, and he did not intend to break his vow. Optimus Prime and the Autobots did not have the luxury of unlimited power, and they managed to accomplish much even as limited as they were, so he too would not use easy methods to achieve easy results. He would work within the confines of his body. Unlocking his latent Faunus traits was already pushing the boundaries, but ever since then, he had stuck to the rules of development as best he could.

Even with his enormous self-imposed tasks and duties, he could find no reason to complain about his life right now. For the first time in a long time, he felt calm, peaceful, serene, and happy. While he himself embodied concepts of good, happiness being one of those emotions tied to his existence, firsthand experience felt so much different. At first, he had no idea how to classify how he felt. All he knew that participating with the Arc family and continuous events to enhance his own skills gave him a warm feeling, one that he would eventually come to realize as happiness.

"This is one reason to live." Primus murmured to himself. "Among many others."

Personal happiness was one thing, but sharing in that happiness was a much more fulfilling desire. Yes, it was selfish, but in terms of mortality, selfishness was a necessary survival mechanism. In that sense, selfishness could not be considered evil because it related to the life of a person. There was a clear difference between that and selfishness that was done for greed and self-interest and a willingness to take from others without regard for others. That kind of mentality was one that Primus could never agree with.

Whenever he tried to ask Daisy or Jasper about it, they could only respond saying that not all people were born to do good or follow the path. That was the whole point of freedom though, and that was what made Humans and Faunus all unique despite the very obvious similarities. It was these words that made the Cybertronian God reflect on some words of Optimus Prime.

Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.

RWBY - - - Transformers

It was a quiet evening when Preston had asked both Daisy and Jasper to talk to them in private in the study.

"Mother, father." Preston addressed his parents. "I have a request. I wish to become a part of the White Fang."

Both parents as well as the eldest twins turned their heads his way in response. At a tender age of six years old, Preston was quite the young boy. Well-mannered, brilliant, and physically imposing for his age, his parents couldn't be any more proud of their son, and because of that, they felt the need to protect him.

"...what?" Jasper did a double-take.

"I wish to become a part of the White Fang." Preston repeated his request with a calm tone.

"Absolutely not." Daisy rebuked almost instantly. "Whatever possessed you to come up with such an idea?"

"Mother, you have not even listened to what I have to say." Preston remained level-headed.

"Preston Luna Arc, this is not up for discussion" Daisy remained level too, yet also firm. "You're not going and that's final."

"They are my fellow Faunus." Preston voiced his first reason. "If I am able, I must help those who are in need. The Faunus are not equal with Humankind. Our town is an exception to this reality, but it is not so out there."

Both parents gave each other a look. Their son was growing up and maturing so fast that he was already thinking about such social and political events in the world most kids his didn't even have a concept of to begin with. While they could be proud of their son's willingness to get involved in the adult matters of the world, he was still a child, and no matter how hard a child tried, there were just some places that he couldn't go, but it seemed he either didn't understand this concept or chose to ignore it.

"You're too young to join the White Fang." Jasper tried to appeal. "Children shouldn't be thinking about this sort of thing."

"I am not most children." Preston's eyes gave away a very clear conviction. "If I can help others, then I should help others. There's no excuse not to."

"But how would you help?" Daisy sounded almost incredulous. "You're a child, Preston. No matter how intelligent and skilled you are, you'll never be taken seriously."

"Then I will work to change people's minds." Preston's words came naturally without even a moment's hesitation. "One cannot change the world by doing what the world wants, but I need to witness what the world wants and what the Faunus are doing."

"But why now?" His father asked. "Why not later?"

"Change takes time, and the sooner, the better." Preston remained stalwart in his resolve. "I will not needlessly put my life at risk. I simply ask for the chance to learn and understand."

Preston didn't ask for many things in life, but whenever he did request things, it was something that unusual or outlandish for a kid his age. He was far too young to be thinking about being a Faunus that needed to help other Faunus. His dragon features were hardly noticeable, and most humans wouldn't be able to tell he was a Faunus just by looking at him. It was fortunate enough that their village was very accepting of Faunus, and travelers passing by took him as Human. The last thing they both wanted was their son facing those hostile faces.

The youngster wasn't weak physically or mentally by any measure, but that didn't make their unease lessen. If anything, this newest request was asking for trouble. The White Fang wasn't a violent group, but the people who despised the pro-Faunus group as well as the Faunus in general didn't play nice. Violence didn't occur often during the protests and rallies, but they still did happen, and that chance wasn't something worth taking. Rallies like these always carried the risk.

"Being associated with the White Fang is dangerous." Daisy managed to speak somewhat calmly. "No matter their goals."

"There is danger in everything that we do." Primus didn't stop for a moment in his argument. "The very act of living is a danger, and in all honestly, I will never be ready for all the dangers of the world, but I will have to face them one day."

To hear their son so passionate about something was new to the Arc Patriarch and Matriarch, and no matter how strongly they felt about this want, the one thing that hurt them even more was denying Preston when he was this fired up.

"Father, mother, I ask this not because I wish to worry you both, but because I want to help those less fortunate than myself." Preston's tone began to drip with a hint of pleading. "I will not leave if I am not given permission, but please consider."

Jasper signed, coming to his own idea. "How about we have test trial?"

"Jasper?" Daisy looked at her husband. "What are you saying?"

"Sooner or later, Preston is going to grow up, and walk his own path." The father gave his son a weak smile. "If he's so insistent on doing this, then it might as well be with some protection. I can act as a guardian."

"..."

"What does your silence mean?"

"...do I really have a choice in the matter?"

She said the words so quietly that it could be hardly heard. This display wasn't meant to change the minds of anyone assembled; it was as simple show of a mother stricken with concern for her child's safety. Prepared or not, it was just hard to accept.

Seeming to know this and recognize that it was because of him that Daisy was like this, Preston moved from his seat and hugged his mother in her chair. She immediately swept him up and held her close to herself.

"I love you, Preston." Daisy ran a hand through his hair. "I don't want to lose you."

"I promise to return home, mother." Preston made the promise, fully intending to not go back on it. "I swear upon the Gods of Remnant."

Transformers - - - RWBY

April 1st, 69 AGW (After the Great War)

Island Continent of Menagerie

Today was a very unusual day for Ghira Belladonna. He was having some special guests. Some two weeks ago, he had received a personal letter from a huntsman requesting that his son join the White Fang. While the request alone was surprising, what really made it surprising was that it was none other than Jasper Arc, one of the most well-regarded huntsman in all of Remnant now, and he was Human.

The details weren't clear, but one thing that was clear was that them man said his son was very passionate about helping his Faunus brothers and sisters, even if his relationship with them was non-existent. Honestly, the high leader of the White Fang wasn't sure what he should feel. On one hand, the fact that a child looked up to the White Fang and willing wished to participate was heartwarming. On the other hand, it was kind of scary. While his own daughter, Blake, was too part of the White Fang, he worried for her.

In any event, both father and son would be here any minute now. Menagerie saw people come and go quite often. Today, a ship would be docking at the port, and Ghira intended to go there and meet with them both in person. In fact, people were descending now from the ship. A picture had been enclosed with the message so that they could be identified easily. His eyes carefully watched as people came and went. Some people recognized him and bowed in respect. He smiled and bowed back in respect.

It was after a few minutes that he saw them both. The likeness between them was uncanny. Save for the father's blonde hair and the son's blue hair, there was no mistaking that they were related.

"Ghira Belladonna." Jasper Arc held a hand out. "I thank you for taking the time to meet us."

"The honor is mine, Jasper Arc." Ghira took the hand and shook it. "We can discuss the details in my home."

He looked down to see the young boy staring up at him. There was no trace of fear, merely a curious look as well as a polite one. He couldn't possibly be any older than Blake if he had to guess.

"And you must be Preston Arc." Ghira kneeled down. "Nice to meet you."

"It it very nice to meet you as well." The young boy Preston bowed politely, his tone even and calm. "I hope that we have a pleasant relationship."

Although such a gesture was fancy, perhaps too much so, it did make Ghira feel a little bit better. If this was the sort of behavior he was to expect from them both, things would go very well.

"I think we'll get along well." Ghira chuckled. "Come, we can talk more at my home."

As the three of them walked to the house, many eyes stared their way. For the leader of the White Fang, it was only an expected thing. Humans were seldom seen setting foot on the island, and the fact that it was a well-known huntsman as well didn't make it easy for them. Still, the fact that the high leader was walking with this human eased tensions somewhat. The sight of child with them both also helped. It wouldn't be long before they were out of the public eye.

Ghira ushered them into his house at the center of the village. Just as they began descending the steps, the massive doors opened and out stepped a woman with distinct cat ears on her head.

"Welcome back, dear." Kali greeted them all. "I see our guests have arrived."

"This is my wife, Kali Belladonna." Ghira introduced his love. "This is Jasper Arc and his son, Preston Arc."

"It's a pleasure, ma'am." The human huntsman smiled lightly.

"Please, formalities don't suit me." Kali shared his smile. "Just Kali is fine. Hello to you, little one.

The woman kneeled down to meet at eye level with Preston, just like Ghira had done before. The boy didn't smile like his father, but he was well-mannered and bowed his head.

"Hello there." The child then held out a small hand.

Kali shook it gently, and was a little caught off-guard at the strength behind his hand. He must already be training to be a huntsman. For a kid about the same age as her daughter, he looked far stronger than kids his age.

"Aren't you a handsome boy?" Kali complimented. "Like father, like son."

"...thank you." Preston looked almost unsure about what he said.

"So adorable." Kali grinned. "This one is going to go far, I can see that."

"Kali, I think the boy's embarrassed enough." Ghira, as amused as he was, decided to save Preston. "

"Oh, well. It was fun." Kali stood up. "I'll go get some tea ready. Would that be alright?"

"It would be greatly appreciated." Jasper said with a nod. "Thank you."

It didn't take long for them all to assemble in the living room, and once a sip or two of tea was drunk by everyone, the real conversation began.

"I understand that your son wishes to join the White Fang, but what are his reasons?" Ghira asked the main question.

"It's not unusual for children to join the White Fang," Kali continued, "But when a famous huntsman requests that his son join? That's novel, and it was surprising to hear that you had a Faunus son."

"Both my wife and I have some Faunus genes in our blood." Jasper knew this subject would be coming up and had planned accordingly. "We didn't know it at the time, but apparently, it was enough that Preston was able to inherit these genes."

"Do you know what sort of Faunus he is?" Kali queried with interest.

"Based on what we know and what we've seen," Jasper explained, "Our best guess is that Preston has dragon features. Preston, do you mind?"

"Not at all, father."

The blue-haired child kid rose and opened his mouth wide. Both Belladonna's stared for a moment before seeing what was clearly rows of teeth, many that were razor-sharp, too many to be natural for a Human and many Faunus.

"We've also tested and proven he's got very durable skin." Jasper elaborated more. "Although it feels like normal skin, we've never had an instance of cuts or bruises or anything of that nature. Things like paper cuts, splinters from wood, bruises from falling down, that hasn't happened ever."

"I see." Ghira put a hand to his chin and stroked his beard. "Dragon features are extremely rare to come by. Some people even say that dragon features on Faunus are nothing more than rumors. Then again, we've haven't been given a good reason to believe that they don't exist either. They were said to exist thousands of years ago."

"Keep in mind that this is just what we believe." Jasper was quick to respond. "Based on the family history of myself and my life, that is the best conclusion that we've come to thus far."

"All the same, it's intriguing." Kali put down her teacup and adjusted herself. "In any event, we would gladly welcome your son."

"I am curious though." Ghira got right to the heart of the matter. "Why does he want to join the White Fang? I'm assuming that this was his decision."

"Go ahead, tell them." Jasper allowed his son to explain.

Both the Belladonnas watched as the young boy gathered his thoughts. He didn't appear nervous nor flustered about being the center of attention. It was almost like he was just trying to figure out what was important and what wasn't important.

"Faunus discrimination is still rampant in the world." Preston's words felt practiced, yet genuine all the same. "Our community is blessed to be open and accepting of many types, but the world at large is still divided. I believe that if I am capable of helping in some capacity, then I am obligated to help those that are less fortunate than myself. My relationship with the Faunus might be considered tenuous at best, but just the same, I must do my part."

Quiet permeated through the room. It was a simple and to-the-point answer, but it got the point across. Children didn't just go and make such a declaration with such conviction and with such verbiage. There could be no doubt that this all came from the soul and from the truest parts of his character.

"As you can see, my son is very dedicated to this." Jasper found it appropriate to interject. "My wife and I, on the other hand, are… worried. Let's just leave it at that."

"We understand." Ghira would be lying if he said he didn't understand what they felt. "But let me start off by saying that should Preston choose to remain, he will be taken care of."

"I believe you fully, high leader." Jasper acknowledged in a courteous manner. "That being said, I would request that I remain for a month to shadow Preston. This is just insurance for two parents who love their son."

"That's perfectly acceptable." Kali couldn't help but step in. "We have a daughter who's also very passionate about the White Fang. How old are you, by the way, Preston?"

"I am six years old." The boy said.

"Our daughter is your age." Ghira beamed. "Imagine that."

"So I take it that this is arrangement is acceptable?" Jasper tried to steer the conversation back on track.

"Of course, of course." Ghira refocused his attention. "We would be hypocrites for not allowing Preston to join us."

"I thank you both for your understanding." Preston got up and bowed in respect once again. "I hope to contribute as much as possible to the White Fang."

"Oh, I like this one." The woman laughed a bit. "Polite, determined, spirited, intelligent."

"You flatter me." Preston attempted to play it off.

"Mama, papa, what's going on?" A little voice entered into the conversation.

All heads turned to see a little girl with black hair, golden eyes, and cat ears atop her head as she hugged the wall near the entrance of the room.

"Blake, you don't need to be shy." Kali motioned for her daughter to step forward. "We have some guests, nothing to be scared of."

"Okay." The little girl came into view and joined her parents.

Both parents had an idea why the girl was scared. Between one guest that was Human and the other that looked Human, Blake was naturally cautious, but she was also curious. She probably had seen and had at least heard a bit of their conversation. If she saw a threat, it had been lowered in her mind.

"Forgive my daughter." Ghira gently sat Blake down. "She can be a bit shy."

"It's no trouble." Jasper regarded the Faunus girl. "Hello there, Blake was it? My name is Jasper. This is my son, Preston. He wants to join the White Fang."

"But he's human." Blake said without knowing the full details.

A soft chuckle escaped from the boy's mouth. "I do look Human, but I am not. Ah, I should apologize for not introducing myself. I am Preston Luna Arc. It is a pleasure to meet you, Blake Belladonna."

"Um, yes, it's a pleasure." Blake tried to meet the greeting.

The two children met eyes, and all the adults in the room felt something at play. It was like at this very moment, the two little ones were establishing a connection. If that was the correct reading, then that was good. Now all they needed was a slight push in the right direction. A friendship between them wouldn't hurt.

"Preston, would you mind if I have a moment with Ghira and Kali?" Jasper seized the moment.

"Of course, father." Preston, if he sensed what was going on, he didn't show it. "I will wait at the entrance."

"Actually, Blake, would you mind accompanying our guest?" Ghira requested to his daughter. "You can show him around."

"O-of course." Blake nodded her head quickly.

Preston stood up, then turned to Blake sitting next to him, offering a hand up. A moment passed, then she gently took his hand, standing up with him.

"Which way?" Preston was now asking her to lead.

"This way." Blake pointed. "Follow me."

The children left, and once they did, a collective smile broke out between the three that were assembled.

"This looks to be the beginning a beautiful friendship." Kali sang.

"Kali, let's not get ahead of ourselves." Ghira cautioned his wife.

"One step at a time." Jasper concurred with his fellow father.

RWBY - - - Transformers

Blake Belladonna wasn't sure what she was doing. She wasn't used to meeting new faces, and especially not from a kid that was her age, and a boy at that. The only thing she could think to do was show him around.

His shadow seemed to tower over her. He was actually pretty tall for a boy, at least a full head taller than she was. Plus, he looked strong, like he was training to be a huntsman or something like that.

"You seem tense." The boy, Preston spoke softly.

"N-no, I'm fine." Blake blurted out. "I'm okay."

"Don't feel the need to prove anything." He remained level-headed. "I'm a guest in your house."

"R-right." She bit her lip.

He was a Faunus, she reminded herself, but he looked Human. Maybe that's what was getting her worked up, and in her experience, Humans generally didn't view her kind as on the same footing as their kind. Even if this one wasn't Human, it was so hard not to view him as one. After all, his father was one.

"You're afraid of me." It was a statement from him.

"I-" She began to explain.

"I understand." Preston cut her off. "I look Human. You are wary of me, but you do not know me as a person. That is not fair, to render judgement so swiftly."

"What?" Blake didn't understand the verbiage.

"You think I'm one way, but I haven't talked about myself." He simplified his language. "I don't know you, so I can't just say whatever about you."

That did make sense to her. It actually sounded like something her father would say. He might be big and strong, but he didn't want to use violence. He saw fighting as something that would only make things worse between people. The whole point of the White Fang was to have Humans and Faunus be equal, nothing more and nothing less. This group existed in order bridge the gap.

There was the logical thing to say, and then there was the emotional thing to say. The cat faunus couldn't help but lean towards the latter.

Something entered her vision, and she processed that it was a hand, his hand. She looked up in confusion.

"Take my hand." He requested of her.

"Why?" She backed away a few steps.

"So that I can show you that I want to be your friend." He looked her in the eye. "That I mean you no harm."

Blake looked at the outstretched hand, but didn't make a move. What would happen if she took the hand? Would it crush her hand? Would it lure her into a trap? Would it do something else to her? She looked at Preston, and he continued to wait for her, and he still waited for her. No trace of impatience, no sign of frustration. It was so alien to her how he was able to do this and not feel anything. Even more frightening was that he could sense her fear.

Seeing that his wasn't going to get anything from her, he lowered turned his head away, closed his eyes.

… was he bending to her?

He didn't move a muscle, didn't make a noise, only breathed in and out calmly. Neither his face nor his body changed.

Did she dare?

Transformers - - - RWBY

Primus wanted to approach Blake, but she wasn't letting him get close, and it was clear as day why that was. She was scared of Humans or anyone that looked like a Human, which he did. He wasn't hurt by her judgement nor was he offended by it. Her reaction were a product of the influences and experiences that her life and been exposed to.

His next approach was to appear to be weaker than herself by essentially leaving himself at her mercy. His own gesture of submission was a bit much, but it would likely be more successful than continually trying to convince her through words. Blake seemed like the type of girl who appreciated actions over words.

While he couldn't see her, he could sense her. His own Faunus senses could sense her heartbeat, her breathing, her body movements. Her trepidation lingered, but it was lessening so as she calmed down. However long it took her, he would wait for her. In reality, he had all the time in the universe to wait. Billions of years had shaped his patience to be as lasting as the stars themselves. A few minutes would hardly do any damage.

Then he felt it, a small but warm hand touching his own. He didn't move, didn't even so much as acknowledge that he felt her hand. He just let her do what she felt was comfortable. One of the first things he had learned when communicating with mortals was to appeal to their most basic nature. By doing that, he could create a connection between himself and another person. It was harder with adults than it was with children, but the same principle worked with everyone all the time.

"Your hand is warm." Blake finally spoke.

"So is yours." Primus replied in turn.

Carefully, he raised his head and looked her in the eye. This was different than the first time she had taken his hand. The first time, they were being witnessed by their parents. There was a sort of unspoken pressure for the two of them to get along, even if they weren't necessarily against the idea.

There was no such feeling now, and it was for the better. Both of them graced each other with small smiles. The atmosphere began to thaw and become more vibrant.

"Do you… want to be friends?" He posed his question.

"I would. Yes." She said.

Primus was glad that he had a chance to make another friend, and if he played his cards right, he could make a lasting friendship.

If I'm looking at my own work carefully, I can see that this is going to be a long story. Oh yeah, we're talking about Primus going through the life of a badass here. That means good and bad things for him. Life is all about the good and the bad, and no matter how much one tries to do good in the world, it won't always lead to good results.

While I do wish to keep Primus as a force of good, it will soon be apparent that as perfect as he is, his own perfections can also be seen as cracks in the armor to others. Really, this entire story could be seen as a matter of perspective.

I went back and made some edits to the last chapter. For clarification sake, let me make sure I haven't confused anyone. Primus, in his Faunus form, is named Preston Luna Arc. Essentially, he replaced Jaune as the sole male child in the Arc family. I goofed up a few times in the previous chapter and wrote 'Jaune.' Also his father is Jasper, not Lucas. I fixed that too.

So what did you guys think of this chapter? Awesome? Terrible? Meh whatever? The feedback and thoughts from the last chapter were appreciated greatly.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter.

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."

Thomas Jefferson