A/N: And my return continues to bear fruit! It's been too long since this story has been updated and I owe it to my partner macjack to get back on this particular horse. And with Volume 6 of RWBY drawing closer, it's not a moment too soon.
(I don't own RWBY or FEAR)
Not long after getting back to their dorm when they returned from the headmaster's office, RWBY-A got together and continued to talk about the subjects that came up. Most of which revolved around Adrian's supernatural, and dangerous, family.
Blake, Weiss and Yang revealed the visions they had received under Alma's influence and realized that they each only got a small fragment of the woman's past through their connection with her.
Ruby went into more detail about what she had experienced herself. Along with the words Alma had shared with her before she was brought back into the real world. All the while Adrian listened and wondered if something had changed with his mother since the Fairport incident.
From everything he remembered, Alma pretty much killed everything in her path. If she spared Ruby and the others, then maybe there was some truth to what Paxton had been saying.
In the days that followed, the team continued on with life as usual. Although Weiss constantly got on Adrian's case about checking and re-checking their room to be sure that his brother wasn't prowling in the shadows.
The former FEAR operative told her flat out that his wraith of a brother was the last person in any existence to be peeping on a room full of girls.
Blake had been a concern to all of them as of late as well. The faunus had been staying up later and later each night, constantly going off on her own to do research. Trying to find anything she could on the White Fang movements and if they somehow had a connection to Armacham's new occupation in Vale. The others had started to grow concerned for her health given how tired and lack-luster she had started becoming.
Currently, RWBY-A along with everyone else in their year were gathered in the arena. All of them watching as Pyrrha systematically dismantled another first year team all on her own. A flawless combination of her indomitable skill and her semblance over polarity making her damn near untouchable.
"It would seem her many titles have merit to them." Paxton commented as he appeared in an empty seat beside his brother. Being sure to only be seen by Adrian and no one else, although Blake glanced their way with tired eyes when she picked up his sudden appearance.
Adrian nodded silently as Paxton's assessment as the four on one battle took less than three minutes before the red-haired spartan stood victorious over her opponents.
"Well done, Miss. Nikos. You should have no trouble qualifying for the tournament." said Professor Goodwitch once the match was complete.
Pyrrha nodded, "Thank you, Professor."
"Now I know that's a tough act to follow, but we have enough time for one more sparring match. Any volunteers?" asked the huntress. A loud clapping answered her call and everyone looked up to see Adrian holding up his hand. "Alright, Mr. Wade. We haven't seen you spar for some time now. Anyone wish to be Mr. Wade's opponent?"
"I'll do it." All eyes trailed to the spot a couple rows behind RWBY-A where a male around Adrian's age held up his hand lazily. Feet resting up on the back of the empty seat infront of him."
"Mercury, is it?" the Professor asked the grey-haired student. "Very well, both of you present yourselves in the arena and prepare yourselves."
Adrian stood to collect his weapons when Paxton reached out and stopped him, "Be cautious, brother. I can almost smell the deceit around this one." The older brother nodded before heading to the locker room and arming up, heading down to the arena where Mercury was already waiting.
His opponent didn't seem to have a weapon on him, but the metallic sound coming from his boots every step he made gave him a clue as to what he used.
Drawing Shade and pulling the bolt-handle, Adrian waited for the match to start. Mercury sent a smirk his way as the buzzer sounded. The grey-haired teen sprinted forward, leaping into the air with a flip and bringing his right heel downward.
Adrian jumped back to avoid the kick, firing several rounds from Shade and forcing his opponent to jump and dodge around them. Mercury recovered and launched back at the former FEAR operative and delivered a series of kicks from different directions.
Blocking several of the strikes with his forearm and the stock of his weapon, Adrian switched Shade to its sword form and responded with an array of swings in return.
The students in attendance looked on unblinking as the two combatants fought, metal ringing throughout the arena when Adrian's blade met Mercery's boots. "Whoa, you're friend down there's doing pretty good." Yang said to Emerald who smirked back at her only to scowl when the blonde looked away.
A surprise roundhouse kick from Mercury sent Shade flying, Adrian narrowed his eyes and activated his reflexes. Dodging the next kick aimed for his chest and drawing one of his Straders in one hand and combat knife in the other.
Mercury had a moment to register his opponents supernatural speed before he had to jump away when the former FEAR operative opened fire. But Adrian didn't give him the chance to get too far away, remaining close so that Mercury couldn't bring his legs up enough to deliver any solid kicks.
The two males locked together, Mercury's forearm blocking Adrian's with the knife blade close to his face while his hand kept the dark haired teen's pistol aimed at the floor.
"Heh, you're good." the grey-haired teen commented.
Adrian grinned back before twisting to the side, sending a low kick to his opponent's stomach that was quickly blocked. His Strader snapped sideways and upward, the clip launching out of the handle and hitting Mercury in the face. The action stunning him enough for Adrian to jump and deliver a solid spin kick to the other male's chest and send him stumbling back.
Reloading his sidearm, Adrian held up his knife in a reverse-grip and charged Mercury. Several strategies coming to mind on how to end the match quickly and-
"I forfeit." Mercury said loud and clear, the ex-FEAR agent stopped his charge immediately, raising an eyebrow at the sudden surrender while everyone else look confused as well.
Professor Goodwitch approached them, "If you're sure. Then Adrian Wade is the victor of the match. Next time you should consider your opponents more carefully." she reprimanded the Haven student.
Mercury gave a casual wave as he walked off. Adrian watching him with suspicion as the bell rang.
"That is all for today." Goodwitch announced, "Remember, the dance is this weekend, but you all have your first mission on Monday. I will not accept any excuses."
Everyone filed out of the arena and headed in their own directions. Emerald stood off to the side and waited until Mercury came out and grinned at her. "Learning is SO MUCH fun." he said sarcastically."
"Looks like those ATC guys were right to be worried," the green haired girl commented as she watched team RWBY-A walk around the corner, "That guy isn't a push over. Even I saw you struggle a bit."
Mercury scoffed, "Please. The guy's a genetic freak. Push comes to shove, he won't stand a chance."
The duo walked off to report to Cinder, neither of them aware as Paxton stepped out of the shadows and glared in their direction.
X
"You what?!" Blake shouted at her team later in the day. After combat class, Sun had approached the feline faunus with the intention of asking her to the up and coming dance. Only to be rejected in the end.
Yang, Weiss and Ruby were worried about her burning herself out from her constant investigations. So they decided to try and convince Blake to go to the dance and relax a bit before she collapses from exhaustion.
Adrian stood off to the side, arms crossed and leaning on a nearby desk while the girls had their chat. He had also been a little concerned for his monochrome themed team mate, but she was stubborn in her pursuit of the White Fang and their operations.
And with their first official mission not too far away, they all needed to be ready and at their best.
"We want you to go to the dance." Ruby clarified.
"That's ridiculous." Blake snapped back.
Yang sighed, "Blake, we're worried about you. This investigation is starting to mess with your head."
"You don't sleep, you hardly eat, and to be honest, your grades have been suffering." Weiss ticked off each point with her fingers.
"You think I care about grades? People's lives are at stake!" the faunus snapped.
"We know, and we're trying to figure out what Torchwick is up to." said Yang.
Ruby nodded, "Because of you and Sun, we know they're operating somewhere out of Southeast Vale. And thanks to Adrian's old friend, we know that Armacham might be helping out in some way."
"And the Schnee company records singled out Vale as the primary target for dust robberies over the last few months." added Weiss.
"But they're are still unanswered questions." Blake pressed, she looked over to her male team mate, "Adrian, you're in this too. Why aren't you more pressed about it? If the people that destroyed your family is out there..."
[When the time is right, I'll fight.] he signed, [I won't work myself into the ground and dull my senses and reflexes with dead ends. You're letting all of this get the better of you.]
"He's right." said Ruby, "You won't be able to find anything if you can't even keep your eyes open."
"All we're asking is that you take it easy for one day." added Yang.
"It'll be fun. Yang and I will make sure of it." Weiss threw in with enthusiasm.
"Yeah! We're planning the whole event!" the blonde brawler exclaimed.
Blake blinked, "Excuse me?"
"Team CFVY's away mission lasted longer than expected." explained the heiress.
"So Weiss and I were asked to pick up where they left off." said Yang, "And now we can make sure you have the perfect night."
"And once it's all over, we'll return to our search. Rested and ready." finished Weiss.
Ruby smiled, "So, what do you think."
Blake was silent before standing up, "I think this is a colossal waste of time. I'll be in the library." she stepped out the door and closed it behind her without another word.
"Great." Yang muttered with a sigh.
"She can't keep going on like this." said Weiss in exasperation. A knock at the door had their heads turning, Adrian leaned off the desk and opened the door to see who it was. Blinking owlishly at what he saw before looking toward the girls and motioned for the heiress that it was for her.
When she went to the door, she and the team was greeted to the sound of Jaune's attempt at serenade her with a guitar and singing so she would go to the dance with him. The performance being met with a door slammed in his face.
"...what?" Weiss asked from the looks she was being given from the other three.
"And that's why they call you 'Ice Queen'." said Yang with a knowing look.
The heiress sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "All my life boys have only cared about the perks of my last name. Besides, I already have a date in mind."
"Oh? Anyone we know?" asked Ruby, Adrian also looked curious.
Weiss blushed, but didn't say anything before their leader spoke again, "Either way, none of this matters if we can't get Blake to even go." she said dejectedly.
X
Despite the setback of Blake's refusal to join in, the rest of the team got together and prepared the ballroom for the coming dance.
Adrian even offering extra muscle to put things in place while Yang and Weiss debated back and forth about fog machines and doilies.
Shaking his head at the duo, the former FEAR operative too a seat beside Ruby at the table she was sulking at. [Still worried about Blake?] he signed.
"I just don't know what we can do. It won't be the same if she doesn't come too." the leader admitted. She looked up at her boyfriend and smiled, "Not that I don't wanna go, trust me."
Adrian smiled back at her just as the doors to the ballroom opened and Sun and Neptune came in. "Hey! You ladies ready for dress up?" asked the monkey faunus.
"You know it." said Yang slyly. "I'll be turning heads tomorrow night."
"So what are you two wearing?" asked Weiss to the two members of team SSSN.
Sun motioned to his current outfit, "Uh, this."
"Ignore him, for he knows not what he says." Neptune stated with an eyeroll.
"Hey! I may have moved to Mistral, but I grew up in Vacuo. It's not exactly a shirt-and-tie kinda place." stated the faunus.
"We noticed." said Yang sarcastically.
"So, uh..." Sun began, scratching the back of his head. "What does Blake think of all this? She still being all, ya know...Blake-y?"
"Obviously." Weiss sighed.
"I still can't think of a way to change her mind." said Ruby.
"Guys." Yang said getting them to focus on her, "Trust me. Blake will be at the dance tomorrow." with that she left the ballroom, her own plans formulating.
Adrian watched her leave before looking to Weiss and tapping her shoulder. When the heiress looked his way he made a couple handsigns to which she nodded in response. "I have to gather a few more things, Adrian, think you can lend me a hand?"
The ex-FEAR operative nodded, giving Ruby a kiss on the forehead before heading out with Weiss. When they were far enough from the ballroom, the two team mates slipped into an empty classroom.
"Alright, I believe we left off at the waltz." Weiss said as she set up her scroll on the desk that started playing classical music. Adrian rolled his shoulders before taking the proper position while the heiress led him through the steps.
He was glad that Paxton wasn't around, he was sure that he wouldn't hear the end of it.
X
The following night, the dance had finally come. All of the students and faculty gathered at the ballroom where everything was ready for the festivities.
In RWBY-A's dorm, Ruby had finished getting ready. Wearing a red and black dress that hugged her form comfortably while at the same time keeping to her usual sense of style. Slipping on the heeled shoes Weiss helped her pick out to match the dress, she stood up on shaking legs, using a desk for support.
"How the hell does Weiss fight in these things?" she muttered as a knock came from the door. Shuffling over to open it, her silver eyes widened and a blush covered her cheeks when she saw her date for the evening.
Adrian stood at the threshold with a white long-sleeved dress shirt under a crimson colored vest with matching tie. A pair of black slacks and dress shoes bringing the whole outfit together. He also had his almost chin-length black hair tied back away from his face allowing the light dusting of dark-facial hair he was growing along his jaw standout.
[You look beautiful.] he signed to her, snapping her out of her stupor.
"Th-Thanks, so do you...I mean you look handsome! That's what I meant!" Ruby exclaimed embarrassed at her slip up.
Adrian just smiled, holding out his arm for her to take that she accepted happily before they made their way toward the ballroom. The young leader was so far on cloud nine that she didn't care for the occasional stumble from her 'lady-stilts'.
When the couple walked through the doors where everyone was already in the process of having a good time, they were greeted by Yang who had taken the part of hostess who beamed at their entrance.
"Ohhhhh! You two look so cute!" the buxom blonde exclaimed, coming out from behind the podium to show her wearing a strap-less yellow dress that accented her figure and taking out her scroll and held it up. "I gotta get a pic of this."
Ruby rolled her eyes before resting her head on Adrian's shoulder and smiled as her sister took a picture. "So, where's your date Yang?" she asked.
"They aren't here yet, but trust me, you can't miss 'em." Yang replied with a knowing smirk while returning to her post.
Adrian led them out onto the dance floor, several of the other couples making room for them as they took a position. The former FEAR operative putting a hand on Ruby's hip and taking her hand in the other while her hand came up to his shoulder.
"Adrian, I've, uh, never danced before." she admitted with a blush before stumbling once again. "And these stupid lady-stilts aren't good to move in either."
Her answer was a calming smile, their relationship having reached a point where she could read most of her boyfriend's thoughts and intentions through facial expressions alone. Ruby 'eep'ed' when she was picked up out of her shoes, her bare-feet sitting ontop Adrian's shoes with their bodies now pressed together.
From there Adrian moved his hand on her hip to around her small waist as he danced them both around their space in a modified version of the waltz.
It was unconventional, but Ruby wasn't complaining in the slightest as she laid her head on Adrian's chest smiling as he led them. To her, everything felt perfect.
On the other side of the dance floor, Yang looked on as her sister and the soldier wrapped themselves up in their own little bubble. "I see our lessons paid off after all." The blonde looked over her shoulder to see Weiss come up beside her in a snow-white dress that matched just about everything about her.
"I take it you gave soldier-boy out there some pointers?" asked the blonde.
"He came to me asking for help. He hardly ever does that." replied the heiress. "He was a very quick study, and Ruby's happiness for all of this is worth it."
Yang smiled, her hand reaching down and taking Weiss'. "We can't let them have all the fun, Snow Angel."
Weiss blushed and sent the other girl a glare, "Stupid, loveable oaf." she muttered as they entered the dance floor as well.
A/N: A small update, but one that was needed. And the team should embrace the moment while it lasts, because it won't be peaceful for much longer.
Drop your reviews in the box and I'll have the next update up as quickly as I can.