Welcome to ch 15. Edited as always by JJD.
Ch 15
Two men stood in small, dim room. They were wearing long lab coats - one was pale green, the other white, and both covered in multiple, fresh stains. Neither of the men seemed to care though - both were fully focused on the table in front of them. There, on a specially prepared burner, stood three large beakers, each containing leaves and berries of various plants. Copper tubes connected every beaker to another, smaller one, which in turn was connected to various other beakers, flasks, distillation adapters, funnels, and other laboratory glassware.
At the end stood three round bottomed flasks, collecting the distilled form of whatever was boiling in three largest bakers. Each was filled with a differently colored, muddy liquid - green, red, and brown so dark it looked black.
Both men looked at each other, and nodded. The one with the pale green coat walked to the corner of the room, where simple shelves with held more laboratory glassware on them stood. He picked up one flask, and, after a moment of thought, two more.
The other man turned off the burners, waited a moment to let any remaining liquid drain out of the tubes, and then took all three flasks and moved to the other, smaller table. He accepted the flask from his collegue, filled it to about one fourth full with some transparent liquid, and then added green substance, filling flask to about halfway. Then, he closed it, and attached three tubes to the plug. One connected the flask to small distillation aperture. The other two were connected to the remaining flask.
Those were hung on metal support rack upside-down, allowing brown and red liquid to slowly drip down into the larger flask.
Satisfied with his work, he activated the burner and leaned on the wall, waiting.
After around twenty minutes, the distillation was complete. The beaker standing on the other end of the aperture was filled with a clear, dark-green liquid. Both men observed it for a moment, then looked at each other and nodded with a smile.
It looked like they had succeed. It's wasn't that it was a particularly hard procedure, but it was always nice to get it right on the first try. It wouldn't do to keep their companions waiting, would it?
The man in white coat carefully took a beaker out of aperture, and poured its content into two flasks. Then he turned to the only other occupants of the room.
The two young girls wore casual clothing, and were watching the two men's work with curiosity. They accepted the offered beakers, and after just a second of hesitation, took big gulps of whatever was inside.
Two startled gasps sounded in the room. Both girls looked at what they just drank with wide eyes.
"That…" One started.
"Is SO GOOD!" Nora shouted, jumping to her feet and squeezing Ren in a one-arm hug.
"Renny, we need to make more of this stuff! We can brand it, and sell it, and we will be rich, and then we could buy a big castle, fill it with sloths, and eat pancakes for the rest of our lives!" She exclaimed, finishing her drink, and throwing her glass away.
Pyrrha managed to catch it, and chuckled at her team's antics.
"I must agree with Nora. This is really good."
Jaune smiled, sitting next to his partner.
"Glad you liked it. So you on board with castle full of sloths too?"
She laughed.
"I think I'll pass on that one. How about you? Will you stay to serve our Pancake Queen as her knight?"
Jaune chuckled.
"Nah, I'm pretty sure she would prefer Ren for her personal knight. Besides, settling down like that is not for me. I'm more of a traveler type."
"Oh? But you can't travel all the time. You need to settle down eventually."
"Perhaps, one day. But it won't be anytime soon. It's bad enough I'll have to sit in one place for a whole four years."
After that exchange, they just sat in silence, observing as Nora spun around with Ren still held firmly in her hug, making bolder, and bolder plans for the future. They resident ninja took it all with his usual stoic expression.
"Hey, Jaune?"
"Yeah?"
Pyrrha raised her, now empty, flask.
"Why are we drinking from this? I'm pretty sure we have normal glasses somewhere."
Jaune hummed.
"It's cooler that way?"
Pyrrha chuckled and shook her head.
"By the way… this isn't anything alcoholic, right?"
The blond gasped in mock shock.
"Pyrrha! You think I would try to get two ladies drunk? How could you even suggest something like that!"
"I'm sorry! I will never doubt you like that again!" She mock-cried.
Jaune huffed.
"You better see to it that you don't. Otherwise I would need to take some disciplinary actions."
"Won't there be any disciplinary actions for you and Ren stealing school equipment?" She teased, gesturing at various laboratory equipment now stored in the room.
"Hey! We didn't steal anything, we just borrowed it. And Beacon regulations clearly state that every student has the right to use all schools equipment for studying purposes. Well, me and Ren are studying herbalism, and we needed laboratory equipment. So we helped ourselves to some. It was mostly gathering dust anyway."
Pyrrha raised a single eyebrow.
"And does anyone from the staff know about this?"
"Peter." Was Jaune's instant reply.
Pyrrha chuckled.
"Yeah, I should have figured. What's happening with him anyway? I haven't seen him the whole week."
"He overworked himself. He should be back on his feet next week."
"I see."
Pyrrha let out a content sigh. It was a nice Friday afternoon. Classes end early, she got to thrash on Cardin's cronies in combat class, and her partner didn't look like he was about to run off to do some shady job.
Well, not so shady, I guess. She thought, recalling what happened earlier in the week.
Last Wednesday Jaune gathered both teams and explained what he was up to for last week. True to their suspicions, he was working with the police. He explained the reason Hunters were hired, was because there was a suspicion that killer was an Aura user. He couldn't tell if this was the same killer from Atlas - though if his expression when they asked was anything to go by, he hoped that was not the case.
There were no more murders - at least none that were reported, and judging by the fact Jaune stopped going out late at night, Pyrrha hoped that things would return to normal.
After Nora finally calmed down, they decided to go grab something to eat, and then do their homework. They were joined by team RWBY along the way, and as usual they sat together, chatting and joking.
Pyrrha tensed a little when she heard Jaune's scroll ringing, but had to stifle laughter at her partner's expression. He was staring at device like it suddenly turned into a Deathstalker. After a moment, he opened it up with heavy sigh - and then immediately smiled.
"Hey Tob, what's up?" He greeted.
Pyrrha smiled. From the few talks they had over the past three weeks, she knew this Tob was someone very important to Jaune - family, or maybe a close friend. She returned to her meal, half listening to the conversation at table. It was so peaceful, so… normal.
It all shattered with the sound of breaking glass.
Pyrrha turned to source of the sound - her partner, She took notice of his clenched fist, wet with water, and the pieces of glass he shattered lying everywhere. She looked up, mouth already open to ask what happened.
She paused when she saw his face.
Fury. That was only word that could describe his expression. There was hint of fear, and shock, for a fleeting moment, but it all gave way to pure, unadulterated fury.
"Jaune?" Nora reached to touch his arm, cleary worried.
They teamleader either didn't hear, or ignored her. He was sitting there, listening to his scroll, and shaking more and more with every passing moment.
"I'll be right there." He said after what felt like an eternity - but in fact were only a few seconds.
"Jaune, what…" Pyrrha started, but she too went ignored. Jaune got up, and without saying a word, turned around and stormed out of the cafeteria. After just a moment of hesitation, both teams followed him.
It's him. It's really him.
Was only thought running through Jaune head, as he sprinted towards bullhead docks. He was vaguely aware of both RWBY and his own team following him, but it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered to him was the photo he received on his scroll. It wasn't of good quality, and the face of man on it was partially covered by a hood, but it was enough for Jaune to recognize him.
It was the same man. The same person, no, monster, responsible for creating all the Harrowed back in Atlas. The same man that he spent the better part of the last two years chasing around. The same man responsible for murdering that girl in Heartshatter Ridge. And the same man that….
No. Stop.
He ordered himself. Recalling that event wouldn't help him any in this situation. He needed to focus.
He made it to the landing docks and started heading to the closest bullhead, fully intending to force the pilot to fly, or even steal the vehicle. Fortunately for both him and pilot, someone called out to him, from very close, and in voice so commanding, that he pause don pure instinct.
"Mr. Arc."
"Headmaster." He said, bowing his head slightly.
Ozpin wasn't smiling, didn't even have his signature coffee mug.
"I take it you were informed of the situation?"
"Yes. At least partially. I was on my way to the meeting point in Vale."
"Before you go, I have to ask. I was made aware that your condition was rather bad after last week. Are you…?"
"I'm fine. Could use week or two more rest, but right now I'm capable of combat, Not at one hundred percent, but I can still take out two or three without much risk."
"I see. Unfortunately Peter is not in any shape to help us, and the situation is serious enough that we need every Witcher we can get ahold of. Now, follow me." Ozpin turned around and started walking, without even looking back to see if Jaune followed him.
"Sir, If I may. The message I received was rather vague. Could you provide any additional details?"
"You will learn everything you need to know on the way. This bullhead." Ozpin said, pointing on the one machine that was already mostly full, and hovering slightly over the ground, ready to take off at any moment." will take you straight to your operating area. There are six Hunters and another Witcher that will act as team lead. All the Hunters on board have some experience in dealing with Harrowed, but lack the proper… equipment to deal with current situation."
"Speaking of equipment..."
"It's already on board."
"I see." They made it to the bullhead, and Jaune nodded to the headmaster. "Then I'll be on my way."
"Good luck. And Jaune?"
"Yes?"
"Be careful. And don't let your emotions get the better of you."
"I will be. And I won't."
After that, Jaune boarded the bullhead. The aircraft took off before he even had a chance to strap himself in properly.
"Have you seen him?" Asked Pyrrha, looking frantically around. They lost Jaune pretty quickly in the crowd, which wasn't surprising in itself - there were far more people running around, most of them looked like forth years. The red haired champion briefly wondered what this was about, but dropped such thoughts. That wasn't important right now. Finding Jaune was.
"No, but I'm fairly sure he went towards the bullhead docks." Answered Yang, working hard to push herself through the crowd.
"How can you know?"
"Well, considering the state he was in, I somehow doubt he went to the library to read something."
Damn, she is right. Pyrrha thought.
"I agree. Beside, this crowd seems to be going in that direction. That means there is some kind of trouble, and the dunce is almost certainly a part of it." Said Weiss. She looked worried, perhaps more than any of them. And this made the red haired champion even more uneasy.
The heiress knew her partner from before, and was with him when he was part of the investigation team of the murders in Atlas. And from what she said, and her reaction whenever they brought it up - something must have happened to Jaune back then.
Pyrrha recalled Jaune's reaction to the call he received and shivered. She'd never seen so much hatred on someone's face. Her partner looked like he was ready to murder someone right then and there.
"Damn, what's up with this crowd? Is there some concert in Vale that I don't know about?" Yang growled, when they reached Beacon main door. They were stuck in a glut of people.
She got her answer soon enough, when Glynda Goodwitch's voice flowed from the school's announcement system.
"Attention all students! We have an emergency situation. All first and second years are requested to remain in their rooms. Selected third-and fourth year teams are to report to the bullhead docks. I repeat, all first and second…"
Ruby looked over her friends, cleary worried.
"Emergency situation? What do they mean by emergency situation?"
"According to this site." Said Blake, showing the rest of them her scroll," there was a Grimm attack on a settlement not far from Vale."
"What?!" They all crowded the black haired girl, trying to see her scroll.
"How? When? Are there any casualties?" The questions flowed one after another.
"I don't know. There are a lot of conflicting messages. Some say it's a whole horde, others that only a few slipped through the wall. No one knows anything for sure."
"So that means attack had to happen recently." Said Ren.
Ruby looked around, cleary nervous.
"That makes sense, but how did Jaune learn about it first? He was talking with someone through scroll just before he ran off. You think it might have something to do with the murders?"
Weiss spared a single glance at crowd still blocking door and winced.
"Maybe?" She said, turning back to her partner." If a lot of people were killed in some small settlement, the negativity might have been enough to summon Grimm."
Nora gasped
"Wait, doesn't his family live in some village outside of Vale? You think it might be the same place?"
They looked at each other, expressions grim.
Ren placed hand on Nora's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.
"That is certainly possible, especially if we take into account his reaction. But let's not jump to conclusions. We should find him, and ask what happened before we decide what to do next."
"But where is he? I can't see him anywhere!" Whined Ruby.
"There!" Shouted Blake, pointing through a window.
Sure enough, they could spot familiar mop of blonde hair. Jaune seemed to push through the crowd, without even noticing the other people. But he suddenly stopped and turned when another figure approached him.
Blake's eyes narrowed when she recognized who it was.
"Is that.. Headmaster Ozpin?"
"Sure looks like it." Said Yang. "And it doesn't look like he is scolding him, or telling him to go back…" she trailed off.
True to her words, after a brief moment, Ozpin started walking towards the bullhead docks, Jaune in tow.
"What was that about? Didn't they say for all first years to stay in the dorms?"
She shook her head and turned towards Pyrrha.
"Hey P.."
Was all she managed to say before realizing that the red haired champion wasn't standing next to her anymore. Instead she opened the window, jumped out, and was now sprinting towards her partner.
Moments later she was joined by Nora, who dragged Ren behind her, and Ruby.
Yang looked over her reaming teammates. They shrugged, and all three girls followed the leader.
Ozpin sighed and steeled his resolve for what was about to happen. Seven students were running towards him at full speed. They stopped when the bullhead behind him took off. He knew full well why they came here, and what would happen in just a moment.
"Headmaster Ozpin? What is going on?" Asked Ruby Rose. Young, but skilled, and as passionate as her mother. He had no doubt she will become splendid Huntress in time. And that she would give him as much of a headache as her mother during her stay here at Beacon.
"Like I'm sure you've heard, there is a bit of an emergency. The situation is already mostly under control, so it's nothing you should concern yourselves with."
"With all due respect sir, I believe it IS our concern." Said Pyrrha Nikos, earning a few nods of approval from her friends. The usually polite girl hnd a very determined expression on her face.
"Oh? And why do you think so, miss Nikos?"
The red haired girl pointed at the now barely visible bullhead behind him.
"Because our team leader, and my partner is apparently involved in this."
I guess, she has a point...
"Mr. Arc, was included in this operation because he was not only previously involved in the investigation of the person we believe is responsible for the current situation, but also because of his particular set of skills. Like I said, it's not something you should get involved with."
And I immediately regret saying that. He thought
If he was right about the seven people in front of him - and after several centuries he'd gotten rather good at reading people - telling them to not get involved in something would only make them want to get involved even more.
"I understand sir." Lee Ren said, stepping forward. Ozpin smiled.
Ah, it's so nice to see a young, but reasonable man.
"But I must agree with Pyrrha. We are a team, and as such, we should stick together. If Jaune is out there, fighting, it's our duty to stand by his side."
Ozpin shook his head.
Well, at least he's making good point.
"I understand your concern, but I'm afraid you will not be able to assist mr. Arc with what he is doing."
"Sir.." Ruby began, but was instantly interrupted.
"That is enough" Ozpin said firmly. "I understand, and admire you willingness to stand by your friend's side, even in a dangerous situation. But I'll put it bluntly - if you go out there, you will be just a hindrance. None of you have the knowledge, experience, or equipment necessary to do what mr. Arc is doing. Had you gone with him, you would only be getting in his, and the other hired professionals', way."
Yang huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Sir, I don't think anyone here is less skilled that Jaune. Whatever he can handle, we can handle too."
"Perhaps but this is not a situation to test it. And this discussion so over. Return to your rooms. That is not a request." Ozpin said firmly, staring them down.
They looked like they wanted to argue, but eventually relented.
"They will try something, you know that right?" A new voice sounded behind him.
Ozpin smiled and turned to his old friend.
"I know."
"Wouldn't it be better to let them at least observe?"
"Maybe. But this situation is too much of a mess. Sending seven inexperienced, and hot headed students out there could easily lead to trouble."
"Yet you sent mr. Arc. You know this is personal for him."
Ozpin let out a tired sigh.
"I know. But he is also well trained, and…"
"Professional?"
"Yes. I believe he will be able to keep his emotions in check. If for no other reason than because it's his best bet to reach his goal."
There were a few moments of silence between the two men, each lost in his own thoughts.
Oobleck was the one who spoke first.
"But should we really allow him to do it? He is still a child."
"He spent four years in the Wilds. He is child no more my friend. And besides, we have little choice in the matter. We have the means to control his friends. But Jaune? If we try to stop him, I fear he might go as far as leaving Beacon. The Company will offer him all the support he needs to chase this man down. There is a standing bounty on his head after all."
"So the best thing we can do is keep an eye on him, so he won't get into more trouble than necessary?"
"I'm afraid so."
"So, you are the second Witcher, huh?" Jaune looked at the older man who spoke. He recognized him - he and Leon often worked with him when they visited Atlas.
"Wait, aren't you that kid that hangs around with Leon?"
"The same. But I'm on my own now. Been for over six months."
"Ha, I knew I recognized you from somewhere. Anyway, since I was made leader of you youngsters, I guess I should do some debriefing, or something." He huffed, cleary annoyed, and pulled out out his scroll, checking something for a few moments.
"Ok, listen carefully you newbees. We will be touching down in some shithole not far from Vale."
"Does it have a name?" Asked one of Hunters, a black haired man in his early thirties.
"It has, but no one gives a fuck. It's not important. What is important, is that there is a Harrowed infestation there, one big enough to be a threat to Vale itself." He tapped a few buttons, and his scroll projected a holographic image of their target. It was a rather large village, more of small city.
"We will be touching down near the north gate. There are three other teams, already on the ground, who will start from the other gates. Our mission is to clear all the Harrowed from the city. Not single one of those fuckers can leave and get even close to Vale."
"What are we looking at in terms of threats?"
"At least ten Wraiths, possibly one Aberration. And shitload of Ghouls. According to the latest reports, at least sixty, to seventy percent of the population were turned. No one has any idea how, but it doesn't matter right now. It's not our job to figure it out, but to clean this mess up before it gets any bigger."
"Are there any Grimm in the area?" Asked a very young looking girl, with short, brown hair.
"Not a word about it the in reports, but you can be sure they will appear sooner or later."
He looked over the people gathered in bullhead, then focused on Jaune.
"You kid, I heard you were dealing with Sleepers for the whole week. I assume that means you can see them when they sleep?"
"Yeah."
"Good. So here is how we play this. There are two confirmed Wraiths near our LZ, here and here." He said, pointing to two small houses near the walls. "Once we land and clear any immediate threats, you are to go straight for them.."
Jaune nodded.
"Understood."
The man smiled and nodded back to him. Then he looked over the other people sitting in the bullhead, and sighed.
"Ok, as for you lot - I was told you are not new to this shit, but I'll just say it so we are on the same page. You might be experienced Hunters, but Harrowed are different from Grimm. Do not engage Wraiths on your own, those things are tricky as hell to deal with, and you do not have the equipment to deal with them properly. When fighting Ghouls, focus on crippling them, and let me or this youngster finish the job. Kill them only if you have to, and for the love of everything that you believe in, do not destroy the body. They will just turn into a Wraith, and we will be in even deeper shit. That means no explosives - I am clear?"
"Yes, sir."
He scoffed.
"Yeah sure. One more thing - I know you might be tempted to go and look for survivors. But don't bother. Most people gathered in mayor's house when the outbreak started. Stick together, don't wander off, especially if you hear some strange noises, like crying, or singing. No one could survive on the streets, especially little kids. If you see one - better shoot first, then shoot again, and then call for me or the youngster to make sure it's really dead. If you feel soft, you can make a warning shot, but I wouldn't advise it. Now, get your gear ready, we are touching down in five. " He turned to Jaune, and pulled long, metal container from behind his seat.
"Kid, I believe this is yours."
Jaune took offered case, deactivated the lock, and pulled Eclipse from inside.
"Get ready, we are almost there." Shouted the pilot. Jaune looked through one of the windows and winced. They were flying over the city, and at low altitude at that. He could clearly see multiple dark shapes running through the streets.
And bodies. Lots and lots of bodies.
His fist tightened.
Is this his doing? This is on a much bigger scale than anything he's done before. Or maybe we just never found out.
He shook his head. It was no time to overthink things.
T bullhead slowed down, and stopped, around three meters above ground. They all jumped out without hesitation, weapons ready.
Severals Ghouls were already rushing towards them.
"Grimm, forest, five o'clock." Someone shouted.
Jaune spared a quick glance behind him. Sure enough - a pack of around eight Beowolves were walking out of the forest. They were not attacking, but that was bound to change soon.
Their leader spat to the side, pulled a revolver and shot six times, taking down Grimm with every bullet.
"Push to the gate, we will defend there. Clay, Ori, go with youngster, cover him when he's dealing with the Sleepers."
One of the Hunters pulled his own gun, and killed the two remaining Beowolves. Then they ran towards the incoming Ghouls.
It was time to begin the hunt.
Well, this is it. Not much to say here, just that things are getting messy. Jaune obviously has some personal grudge towards our mysterious killer, and his friends still haven't to figure out what he is doing.
By the way, I'm honestly surprised by how most people are reacting to this situation. Saying that Team RWBY and NPR are too nosey, I can still understand (although I don't agree, at least in the case of NPR). But asking for something horrible to happen to them is a bit too much, imo.
Anyway, it was brought to my attention that there is not enough Sam in this story, so I'll try to fix it a bit with this week's omake (Like most Sam omakes, written by JJD). Enjoy:
Open for Business
Sam sighed as she looked over the dilapidated entrance to the studio.
Well, this is disappointing.
'Pierre's Studio of Dance and the Arts' was supposed to THE premier studio in Vale. The teacher was rumored to be…eccentric, but incredibly talented, a true master of the art.
She shrugged.
Might as well try it to go in I guess.
She jiggled the handle on the flimsy wood and glass door and found it locked. She looked up to the 'We're Open for Business' sign on hanging on the other side on the glass.
Well, in for a penny…
A rough shove of her shoulder forced the cheap door open.
The first thing to assault her was the high-pitched whine of the alarm going off in response to her…improvised entrance.
The second thing was the smell. A rank combination of dirty laundry and stale booze.
What the hell is wrong with this guy?
The sound of shifting bottles and stumbling feet reached her ears.
"Wha 'da 'ell?" She heard a voice groan, as it stumbled its way towards the main entrance.
Ok girl, this is it, you're about to meet him!
The man that hobbled into her field of vision was nothing like what she imagined THE Pierre was supposed to be. Pierre was graceful, elegant, and refined.
This man was balding, overweight, and stunk to high heaven.
"Who the hell are you?" She asked.
He blinked in surprise.
"Eye believe dat iz my question."
"This is supposed to be Pierre's dance studio." She pressed.
"Eye know! It's my studio! Ew broke in!" He shot back angrily.
"Sign said you were open." She deadpanned.
He scoffed. "Do ew know 'ow early it iz? No one iz open!"
"It's two in the afternoon."
"So 'at gives ew da right to bust in?"
She placed a hand on her hip and smirked at him. "Yeah, sign said you were open."
He shook his head. "Ew crazie girlie. Wha' do ew want?"
She threw her head back condescendingly. "I WANT you to take a shower, then clean up this pigsty. We've got work to do."
"An wha' gives ew da right to demand anything?"
"I'm your client, your ONLY client, and you're going to teach me to dance."
He shook his head. "Eye don' do 'at anymore. I'll give ew a reference."
She scoffed. "I'm not looking for a reference, I'm looking for THE Pierre. He's supposed to be the best, seen him around?"
He gestured to himself. "Do eye look like da bes?"
She raised an eyebrow. "You look like a bum, but as a certain blond has taught me, looks can be deceiving."
He sighed. "Wha' de 'ell do ew want from me? I'm all washed up."
"Pierre the dancer might be, but not Pierre the instructor." She corrected. "I'm going to be a dancer, and you ARE going to help me."
"Who de 'ell are ew?" He asked incredulously.
She placed a hand on her chest. "I am Samantha Birger." She stated proudly.
She walked over to him and poked a finger in his chest, causing him to stumble back.
"You are Pierre Fleur, my dance instructor."
She motioned to the rundown studio.
"This is our dance academy."
She grabbed his collar and pulled him forward.
"And class starts today."
He swallowed. "An wha' makes ew think dat?"
She leaned forward and smirked. "The sign said you were open."