Chapter 9: Preparations begin
A few days after their meeting with Ozpin team Crimson and Light met outside to begin training with Ryu for the upcoming fight. Ryu was standing by a large cart which was covered by a large cloth. Ryu looked around at everyone.
"Alright everyone from here on out training begins and doesn't stop until it our mission begins in six months time." Ryu ordered.
Everyone else had a confused look.
"How are we gonna not stop training?" Caesar asked.
"Through these," Ryu answered tearing off the large cloth revealing weighted clothing.
Each set of weighted clothing contained a t-shirt, a pair of long wristbands, a pair of boots, and a pair of socks.
"What are those?" Mana asked.
"Weighted clothing, we'll be training with these." Ryu stated.
"What we have to wear weighted clothing during training?!" Iris exclaimed.
"Not just during train. You are to wear these all the time the exceptions being sleeping and bathing." Ryu ordered.
"Why do we have to do this? Can't we just do like you know normal training." Iris pleaded.
"No! Our enemy is strong and with all the prep work we've got to do for this operation we don't have time to do 'normal training'. That's why the weight clothing is needed so even when we're doing other stuff we'll still be training." Ryu explained. "So don't complain. Alright now let's put this stuff on. We'll start with the t-shirts and add more as needed."
Ryu grabbed a hold of one of the t-shirts and put it on. He motioned everyone else to come and get one. They all hesitated at first. Caesar and Luz were the first ones to step forward. They approached the cart but still hesitated to pick up the weight clothing. Caesar finally took a hold of the t-shirts he lifted it off the cart but showed some signs of him struggling with the weight. He managed to put it on.
"How is it?" Luz asked.
"Heavy but not unbearable." Caesar answered.
Luz hesitantly took ahold of one of the t-shirt. She too showed some signs of struggle but managed to get it on.
"No kidding this things weighs a ton!" Luz explains.
"Wow you guys must actually be really strong if it weighs a ton." Holokai complimented.
"No you idiot if it actually weighed a ton Ryu, Caesar and Luz would be on the ground." Iris pointed out.
"Oh…" Holokai replied.
"The t-shirts actually weigh 250 pounds so it's one-eighth of a ton." Ryu pointed out. "When you where all the weighted clothing the total weight does come to a ton."
"This is insane." Iris stated.
"Got any better ideas to get stronger fast?" Ryu questioned as he put on the long wristbands.
Iris only pouted.
"Thought so, Alright quite dilly dalling get on the t-shirts on so we can begin." Ryu ordered.
One by one everyone else stepped forwards and picked up a shirt. Each, with the exception of Sun and Holokai who also put on the long wristbands, showing signs of struggle Sun being the first and Iris being the last one to get the t-shirts on. After everyone had their shirts on Ryu stood in front of them once again.
"Alright everyday the main training starts after class goes until dinner. Every day we'll start with 10 laps around the schools, then 100 push ups, then 100 sit ups, then 100 squats. After this we'll take a ten minute rest. Then we'll do sparring, and lastly we'll finish up the day with a light jog." Ryu explained.
Everyone stared at him in shock.
"Do you expect all of us do that with this clothing on?!" Iris exclaimed. "That's insane!"
"She's right we can't do that now!" Luz exclaimed.
"We can and we will." Ryu explained.
"NO WE won't!" Iris asked.
"Fine you'll get a 30 minute rest," Ryu answered.
Everyone sighed.
"Alright let's begin!" Ryu shouted.
"Fiiiiiiiiiine" Everyone groaned.
With this the most intense training any of them even had done, even Ryu, begun. As the days flew by Crimson and Light made slow progress in their preparation. While the training has been progressing along at a slow but steady pace finding any useful information on the Night Hunter was proving very difficult. Despite this no one lost hope and continued to actively search for any information. With little info to go off of Caesar and Luz were not able to begin formulating their plans. After a month had passed everyone had added on the long wristbands. Despite three months having past no new information had came out about the Night Hunter's plans. The group was beginning to lose hope that they might not figure out the plan in time.
It was about 10 o'clock at night and Ryu had gone out for a nightly training session while everyone else was asleep. He began to do one handed push ups. After he had done about twenty a gust of wind blew past him. He looked up and before him stood Luna, her hood down revealing her face in the moonlight. Ryu smiled and hopped back onto his feet.
"Good to see you again Luna," Ryu greeted.
"Likewise Ryu," Luna replied. "Anyways I've got the info you asked about."
"Good thanks a bunch," Ryu replied.
"You're welcome," Luna returned. "Anyways I was able to find out that the train is coming in from Vacuo. The actually hijack is likely going to take place while the train is still inside of or near the Kingdom of Vacuo. What the actual reason for the hijack is something I still don't know yet, sorry."
"There's no need to be sorry the info you've provided is enough for us to finally formulate our plans." Ryu corrected. "Thanks a ton you've been a vital part of this."
"Oh ummm… thanks," Luna responded with blush. "Well… uh… if that's all you needed I'll go."
"Instead of that why don't we go for a walk it's a nice night." Ryu suggested.
"Uhmmm… uh… sure uh… I guess uhmm…" Luna stuttered.
"Good let's go then," Ryu stated.
"Oh… uh Right," Luna replied.
The two began their walk through the city. The city of Vale was alive with lights and noise as many other people were out tonight. Luna and Ryu strolled through the city neither of them talking much.
"So why did you ask me to walk with you?" Luna finally spoke up.
"No reason just figured it'd be nice we are friends now after all." Ryu replied.
Luna looked at Ryu with a surprise look.
"How can we be friends we barely know anything about each other." Luna responded.
"You don't need to know much about a person to be their friend." Ryu corrected. "But if that's the case why don't we get to know each other."
"Hm, I don't have to tell you anything." Luna declared.
"Then I'll go first, what would you like to know?" Ryu inquired.
"Oh… uhmmm… sooooooo… why did you join the war?" Luna asked.
Ryu looked down and away from Luna before looking forward again.
"There were many reasons. I did want to help the Faunus cause so I joined their side. The real reason however was fame and glory." Ryu answered.
"Fame in glory, really?" Luna questioned.
"Sounds weird but that's the truth, never said it was good reason. Unfortunately… I got everything asked for and then some." Ryu professed.
"Sounds rough I was in never in any actual battles of the war I couldn't imagine the things you've gone through." Luna admitted.
"Yeah but you one can't achieve your dreams without going through the ringer." Ryu expressed.
"And what is your dream?" Luna asked.
"To be the strongest there is in Remanent. I want the fame and glory of a hero, I wish etch my name in the history of Remanent. That is my dream." Ryu answered. "What dreams do you have."
Luna looked away and remained silent.
"Going with the 'I don't have to tell you anything' stick." Ryu remarked.
"No… just… promise you won't laugh." Luna insisted.
"Sure," Ryu replied.
"You promise?" Luna persisted.
"I promise," Ryu replied.
"Alright… my dream is simple," Luna stated. "I simply want a family. I want kids of my own in a nice house in the mountains with a loving husband. That's my dream."
Ryu stared at her in surprised. He smiled.
"That's a good dream to have. Don't ever lose sight of it." Ryu advised.
"Thank's I won't." Luna replied. "And thanks for not laughing."
"Hey a promise is a promise," Ryu pointed out. "Besides like I said it's a good dream it ain't one to laugh at.
"Hahahaha… good point," Luna remarked.
The two walked along for a little ways.
"So is there anything else you'd like to ask me?" Ryu inquired.
"Hmm… actually I'd like to know about your life before the war." Luna brought up.
"Oh… well there isn't much to talk about. I'm of the Shinku family so I traveled in a caravan during my youth. Let me tell you it's a fight for survival outside of the protection of places like this. I've basically grown up my whole life fighting. Naturally with grimm attacks I lost friends and family though this wasn't an everyday occurrence. Speaking of family my twin sister Youko and I were constantly competing against each other in virtually everything and we'd always tie." Ryu began.
"Really?" Luna interjected.
"Really I'm being serious we'd tie in everything no matter. Eating contests, pushing contests, sit-up contests, race, so on and so forth. Ahhhh… good times, good times."
"Hahaha… It seems like you had a lot of fun despite your circumstances." Luna pointed out.
"Yeah it was the life." Ryu stated. "You know I think back to those days at times I miss them but I can confidently say that I'd not change a thing. Not joining the war or leaving home after the war ended."
"Huh? The war ended a little over a year ago. You're saying you've been traveling by yourself for a year?" Luna questioned.
"Yeah is that really that surprising I may not be at your level but I'm pretty strong you know." Ryu pointed out.
"But why what's the point?" Luna asked.
"Hmmm… well my family has a secret power but it's taboo to seek it heck I'm already breaking family rules just mentioning that it exists." Ryu explained.
"What kind of power is this?" Luna inquired.
"Now that's a personal secret." Ryu stated. "To give you an idea… hmm… let's see… do you know about the four maidens or the silvered eyed warriors?"
"I know of them." Luna answered. "Are you imply you have a power equal to or greater than the four maidens or the silvered eyed warriors?"
"As far as I know yes I just need to unlock it." Ryu answered.
"Hmmmmm… I'll believe it when I see." Luna stated.
"Give it time," Ryu remarked.
"Yeah yeah," Luna replied.
The two continued to walk and talk for a few hours. Afterwards Luna left and Ryu returned to his training. He trained throughout the night until the sun began to rise at which time he returned to his room. Everyone was still asleep. He sat atop bed, closed his eyes and began to meditate. Later on in the morning, before the start of class, he let Caesar know the new information he had gathered. After classes and training Caesar and Luz decided to meet up in Caesar's room to work out their plan. The two were alone in the room.
"Alright let's get to work." Caesar stated.
"Right," Luz replied. "So first off what's the new info Ryu got."
"Ryu was able to find out that the Night Hunters will hijack a train coming from Vacuo likely before it enters into the kingdom's borders. This means that the train will likely come from the south west." Caesar explained.
"I see so if we look at the map we just need to find the tracks coming from there." Luz stated while taking out her scroll along with a device to project the hologram of the image. "Let's see hmm… here I found four tracks that come from that direction."
"I see two more making a total of six." Caesar pointed out. "We'll have to set look out at those six spots a several miles outside the city."
"Right we can't be too close to city we have to have time to investigate and then stop whatever is going on." Luz affirmed. "Now who do we place where?"
"I don't know we'll have to be smart with this we can't just do it on a whim." Caesar pointed out. "Hmm… I think we should put Ryu the furthest out from the city on the route coming right from the city of Vacuo. If he does find it and hop on board he can hold his own against these guys the best."
"Good pointed." Luz remarked. "I say Mana should be the second furthest out from the city on the other route coming from vacuo. She's stealthy and can easily sneak aboard undetected."
"Next should be Sun and Iris together I feel they would work well." Caesar stated.
Luz looked at Caesar skeptically.
"Hear me out Sun ain't the brightest but there's no denying he's a tough guy. Iris isn't as tough but what she lacks in strength she makes up for in wits. There's also the fact that Sun can more easily keep enemies off Iris in a more enclosed space like a train. We both know she works best at a distance." Caesar explained.
"I guess you got a point I just don't see those two getting along." Luz expressed.
"Anyways they'll be on the route coming from the southernmost area of Vacuo the third furthest." Caesar declared.
"Alright then well I think we should put Tala and Holokai together." Luz stated. "They get along well and work well together."
"Then they'll cover the route coming from the central region and be the second closest to the city." Caesar decided. "You and I will cover the third route coming in from the city of Vacuo and the closest of us to the city."
"Got it." Luz replied. "Well I say we got this figured out."
"I hope so," Caesar stated anxiously.
"Come on we've got a great plan what could go wrong?" Luz questioned.
"Do you want the long or short list?" Caesar replied.
"Come on lighten up worrying isn't going to solve anything." Luz pointed out.
"Lighten up? Our enemy is planning something big and we haven't got a clue what it is for all we know they know we're coming and have planned for it!" Caesar shouted.
"Okay Caesar calm down," Luz implored.
"Calm Down?! We are facing an enemy who will show us no mercy and we still don't know anything about them!" Caesar exploded.
"Caesar you're scaring me." Luz stated as she began cry.
Caesar breathed heavy as he calmed down.
"Luz I… I… I'm sorry I'm just worried, I don't want to lose anyone again." He stated.
"A*sniff* again?" Luz questioned.
Caesar looked down.
"I was the heir to the Lumen Dust Company in Mistral one of the major rivals to the Schnee Dust company. I had a good childhood a kind father, loving mother, and great little sister until that day ten years ago. I was only seven when my father us to one of the major production facilities. On that day it was attacked by a Faunus terrorist group known as the Shadow Wolves. My family was killed in front of me my sister ripped away from me as I tried to hold on to her. That's why I lost my left arm. The facility was destroyed. I saw a group of them carrying my sister away. Before I lost consciousness I saw someone with blond hair step in my field of view next thing I knew I awoke in a hospital. After this the Lumen Dust Company was bought out by the Schnee Dust Company. I was helped out by family friends. If not for them I'd not have a new arm or a chance at becoming a huntsmen." Caesar explained.
He began to cry.
"I'm happy to find my sister still alive. I had thought her for dead." Caesar expressed. "I still wish I could meet that person who saved me that day. I'd like to…"
Suddenly Luz embraced Caesar in a hug.
"Luz?" Caesar exclaimed.
"I had no idea." Luz expressed. "Don't worry we won't die none of us will. Not as long we're strong enough."
Caesar stared at Luz in surprised. After getting over his surprise he embraced her in a hug.
"Hey you know that person with blond hair who saved you?" Luz asked.
"Yeah what about it?" Caesar questioned.
"Would you'd believe it if I said that was me?" Luz inquired.
Caesar's eyes went wide.
"It was you who saved me all those years ago?" Caesar exclaimed.
"Yes I was exploring the forest nearby the woods with my older brother who was a huntsmen. When I saw explosions in the direction of the facility I rushed towards there to help with my brother following behind. I saw you lying on the ground and rush to save you. My brother and I defeated the terrorists and rushed you to the hospital." Luz explained.
Caesar held her tightly. More tears began to streak down his face.
"Thank you for saving me that day." Caesar expressed.
"Your welcome," Luz replied.
Ryu was outside the door listening in to what was going on.
"Best let them have their moment." Ryu stated.
He smiled and went away. He ran into Mana who was her way to the room. He placed his hand on her shoulder stopping her.
"Best not go in there the two lovebirds are having a moment." Ryu explained.
"I thought they were supposed to plan out our attack on the Night Hunter's little operation." Mana brought up.
"We'll let's hope they got that done before there little moment." Ryu stated.
"We'll if there busy then I'll walk with you." Mana stated.
"Fine by me," Ryu replied.
Two began to make their way outside the building.
"So how are we progressing in training?" Mana asked.
"Slower than I was hoping that goes for everyone including me." Ryu answered.
"Think we'll be ready?" Mana inquired.
"Only time will tell," Ryu answered. "We best hope so."
"Yeah… oh… By the way I heard Ozpin saying a teacher will be assigned to help us out." Mana brought up. "Something about the missions in the next semester."
"Really who?" Ryu asked.
"Not sure yet." Mana answered.
"We'll all the teachers here are trained huntsmen right? So that'll be good." Ryu pointed out.
"Yeah in fact that was why I was on my way to our room to let Caesar know." Mana explained.
"I see well we'll find out who it is soon enough." Ryu pointed out.
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Meanwhile in Ozpin's office.
"So you understand the importance of this mission?" Ozpin asked a man in his office.
"Of course sir you can count on me," the Man answered.
"Remember Port these may be students but both you and I know they are a cut above what we've normally seen." Ozpin pointed out.
"I know sir I've seen them in class, in sparring matches as well as their personal training." Port remarked. "Their growth is accelerating at an astonishing rate even if they don't know it."
"In deed which is why I've decided to make an exception and am counting this as their mission for next semester." Ozpin explained.
"I see," Port replied.
"Remember Port they are in your hands be sure they all return safely" Ozpin implored.
"With Ryu that's easier said than done he'll go charging in headlong without think." Port pointed out. "I may be a man of action but that is just reckless."
"Yes Ryu is incredibly skilled in battle." Ozpin admitted. "Even if the odds are stacked against him always manages to get out by the skin of his teeth. And I doubt it's luck. From what I've gathered he's had too many close calls for it to be all luck."
"We'll see what this mission turns up." Port stated.
"Indeed, you may go now Port I'll let the students know myself." Ozpin explained.
"Very well sir," Port stated.
He left Ozpin's office. Ozpin stood up and turned to look outside.
"We'll see where this go, could she be the one behind it all?" Ozpin pondered.