Chapter 30
Minor Volume 4 Spoiler Alert - Read the Author's Note
Author's Note: Hello all, in honor of Volume 4, I've added a few additions to my story. Don't worry to those of you who haven't seen Volume 4, because there are NO PLOT SPOILERS in my story at all. I've simply added a new minor character from Volume 4 into my story, and I might do the same in the future. The characters I've added (or will add) will not have anything beyond their basic character traits and relationships to the main characters presented. I understand, however, that there are some people who do not wish to know even the slightest detail until they've had a chance to watch it for themselves...and I fully understand that so read at your own discretion. Other than that, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Hugs and kisses to all!
"Ozpin!" Yang yelled as she kicked his office elevator doors onto the floor.
"Yang, that's really unnecessary…" Weiss sighed.
"I wanted to make sure I got his attention." Yang stated.
"That is the single most moronic excuse I have ever heard." Weiss said.
"It's quite alright…the longer I waited, the more I expected a loud reaction." Ozpin stated as he sipped his coffee.
"How are you okay with that?" Weiss asked.
"When you've worked here as long as I have, you tend to get used to the way things operate." Ozpin chuckled. "Now, please, take a seat." Ozpin said as he pointed to the four chairs opposite from his desk.
"You normally only have two chairs here." Blake said.
"Very astute." Ozpin commented.
"What do the chair have to do with anything?" Yang asked.
"Since there's a place for each of us to sit, when there normally isn't, he's been expecting us." Blake explained.
"I honestly expected the four of you last night, but it seems ~something~ prevented you from inquiring sooner." Ozpin said mockingly to which Yang gave a nervous laughter.
"Yeah…those crazy kids sure were making a lot of noise. Then we had to wait until all of our classes were done today…" Yang stated while scratching her head.
"Smooth…" Blake stated.
"Indeed." Ozpin said before taking another sip of his coffee. "But, please, sit…we have to talk." Ozpin stated.
"Damn straight we do." Yang said as she plopped in the chair on the right, which from Ozpin's perspective would have her sitting on his left. Each of the ladies followed suit by sitting next to one another. From Ozpin's point-of-view, Yang was on the left, next was Blake, then Ruby, and finally Weiss was on Ozpin's right. There was a sudden clang of metal that came from behind Team RWBY. When they turned around, they saw the familiar sight of Glynda using her semblance, telekinesis, to pick up the door and fix it in a matter of seconds.
"That never stops being cool." Ruby stated in awe.
Ozpin cleared his throat in order to get the lady's attention. "First and foremost, I would like to apologize for not keeping you updated…but I have been left in the dark for the past few days as well. I wanted to wait for more instruction, or information, from Lionel before proceeding…but I have heard nothing." Ozpin explained.
"Nothing? Was he captured?" Yang asked in surprise.
"I find that highly unlikely. I believe he has simply gone lone wolf for whatever reason…he does that from time to time." Ozpin stated.
"He'll just stop all contact until he takes care of his business?" Blake asked.
"Basically, yes…it's quite annoying." Glynda said as she approached from behind with five mugs of coffee, a jar of cream, a jar of sugar, and a sixth mug containing six spoons being held by her semblance. She placed one of the mugs in front of each of the girls as well as the cream, sugar, and spoons in the middle of the desk.
"Thank you very much, Glynda." Ozpin stated as she took a seat next to Ozpin on what was, presumably, a stool since it was not seen be any of the ladies prior to her sitting down.
"Of course." Glynda stated as she placed a spoonful of sugar in her coffee and began to stir.
"When was the last time you heard from him?" Ruby asked as she began placing spoonful after spoonful of sugar in her coffee.
"Approximately three days ago. The last message I received was rather cryptic." Ozpin said as he pressed a button on his computer which activated a hologram in the center of his desk. The message popped up and read 'Everything is sorted out. I'll keep you updated.'
"How many messages have you gotten?" Weiss asked to which Ozpin pressed another button causing the full chat to be revealed.
"Only four." Ozpin said as he sipped his coffee. The first message stated 'I didn't meet up with Qrow because he found another base where similar events are occurring. Something seems off about this place now.' The second said 'I've made it inside to the cargo bay and everyone seems like they are in a daze. I don't think anyone here has control over their own minds anymore.' The third message seemed rushed and almost panicked as it stated 'We need to burn this place to the ground fast. I soon as I get the dust, the faunus will lead me to the goal. TELL TEAM RWBY TO STAY SAFE!'
"That's kinda' creepy…" Yang commented as she began pouring cream into her coffee before taking a spoonful of sugar and stirring it in as well.
"Indeed. You've been with him the longest. In fact, you four are probably the people who have spent the most time with him since he became the Knight-General. He otherwise keeps to himself. So, what would you make of this?" Ozpin asked.
"If it were anyone else, I would assume they have been captured given the change in tone from the last two messages." Weiss stated as she poured only cream into her coffee and began to mix the liquid.
"I agree. So what should we make of this?" Blake asked as she poured the most cream into her coffee and only a half of a spoonful of sugar into it.
"I don't know…what would you think in this scenario?" Ruby asked toward Ozpin.
"I would do what I've always done with him. Keep trusting him and let him do his own thing. He always seems to make things work out in the end." Ozpin stated.
"Not very helpful." Yang stated.
"I know…unfortunately, you four have chosen an interesting path by being trained by him." Ozpin explained before taking another sip from his coffee.
"I have another question." Blake stated.
"Of course Miss Belladonna, what can I do?" Ozpin asked.
"I know that the Captain of the Submarine was Romanov Synther, and I'm fairly certain she isn't alive anymore. That said, do you believe we're in any danger of being attacked again?" Blake asked.
"No. Especially if Lionel is correct when he said that the White Fang are being controlled. If that turns out to be accurate, then we'll have to find some way to defeat this monster and release the faunus he has under his control." Ozpin explained.
"I would appreciate that." Blake replied.
"So, you four have no clue as to how we should proceed in regard to this message?" Ozpin asked.
"No, sir…I wish we could help more." Ruby said.
"It's quite alright Miss Rose, there is no need to apologize." Ozpin said as he finished his coffee. "Well, unless you have any other inquiries, I have a meeting with Beacon faculty soon…it's beginning to get dark outside anyway." He said.
"Yeah, we're good. If you get any other messages from him, let us know right away." Yang said before she finished she coffee along with the other members of her team.
"I will. Take care ladies." Ozpin said as Team RWBY stood up and made their way back to the elevator. The elevator doors closed and each of the ladies remained silent until the elevator started to move.
"Ready?" Yang asked as the elevator was half way to the bottom.
"The airship is already docked and they have our weapons and supplies on board." Weiss said.
"I'm glad you all saw it, too." Blake said as she eyed Yang.
"Hey! I'm not a nerd like the Ice Queen, but I know hunting!" Yang stated.
"We need to burn this place down fast…" Ruby said with a giggle. "I'm the 'fast' part." She stated.
"I'm the 'burn' part." Yang laughed.
"As soon as I get the dust, the faunus will lead me to the goal…" Weiss stated.
"I wonder who's the faunus and the dust?" Blake asked sarcastically as she and Weiss smiled.
"Shit's about to get real." Yang said before the doors opened. As soon as they could make it out, the girls quickly, but without making a scene, made their way to the airship that Weiss had called from home.
"Welcome aboard, Snowflake." Klein stated with a smile as each of the girls boarded the ship. The left side of the ship had a series of four booths, much like you would see at a restaurant. The right side consisted of two larger TVs; one was for calls and general communication and the second was for entertainment.
"Klein!" Weiss said as she embraced him in a hug from behind as he was piloting the ship. The doors to the airship closed and the engines began to rev up as they ascended into the air. "Very nice choice with the stealth ship." She said.
"Only the best for Miss Schnee's secret mission!" Klein stated as the ship began to cloak itself as it blended into the night sky.
"I was wondering why it said 'Sanford Meat Deliveries' on the side of the airship." Blake said.
"I have the ship repainted every month in the event Miss Schnee would want to sneak out like she does at home. That way, no one will suspect a thing." Klein explained.
"Klein is the best. And before I forget…Klein, this is Yang, Blake, and Ruby." Weiss said as she pointed to each of the ladies as she said their name. "Everyone, this is Klein; he's a butler a the Schnee manor." Weiss said as she introduced him to her team.
"A pleasure to meet you all." Klein said as he waved from his pilot's seat. "And you were right, Snowflake, she is a beautiful young woman just like you said in your messages." He said as he smiled toward Ruby.
"Klein!" Weiss pouted in embarrassment to which he began to laugh. When Weiss opened her eyes she saw that Ruby's face was just as red as her own probably was.
"You're a butler? You two seem closer than that." Blake stated.
"He's probably the only person who kept me sane throughout my life at my house." Weiss stated.
"Her father, Jacques Schnee, might be an amazing business man and entrepreneur…but, not a very good person. I just want to see his children be as successful, but with a bit more compassion. Unfortunately, her brother and sister never quite took a liking to my message." Klein explained.
"That's impressive…" Yang said.
"I agree…who knows what her father would do if he found you 'corrupting' his children." Blake joked.
"Oh, I'm sure he would have my head…in the most literal sense…" Klein stated. "But! Enough of that…where are we headed to Snowflake?" he asked.
"Yang?" Weiss asked.
"Yeah, I got it." Yang stated as she made her way to Klein and plugged her scroll into the system.
"That's wonderful, you have the coordinates! We should be there within the hour. Snowflake, I'm well aware that this time is a bit different from your escapades back home…should I expect any resistance?" Klein asked.
"Most definitely. Keep us cloaked and get us as close as you safely can." Weiss stated.
"Safety?! Miss Schnee, surely you jest. I might be but an old butler, but in my youth, I piloted airships for the Atlesian Navy! I'll get you there, and if you need any undesirables taken care of, you just give me a call!" Klein stated with determination.
Weiss giggled, "Okay, thank you Klein!" she said.
"Aight. So, where's my boys at?" Yang said as she turned to Klein.
"Ah, your weapons and supplies are under the first booth." Klein said. Ruby looked under the table and saw four duffle bags as well as four medium sized pouches filled with food, water, communication tools and portable batteries for their scrolls, and a few other supplies. The duffle bags were filled with each of their weapons and any ammunition they could need.
"Wow! You brought a lot!" Ruby said as she pulled out Crescent Rose and saw all the ammo and cleaning supplies in the bag.
"Indeed. I apologize if I brought too much as I was unsure about the type of mission that the four of you would be partaking in. If I may ask…what will you be doing?" Klein asked.
"Firstly…what we're doing is not sanctioned. So we appreciate the all the supplies since a resupply from Beacon is probably out of the question. And, to answer your question, our team administrator requested our assistance at a White Fang outpost." Weiss stated.
"So, we're dealing with the White Fang then? I'd like to avoid as much death as possible in that case…" Klein stated in a sad tone.
"I'm liking him more and more by the minute." Blake said.
"The White Fang is like a dangerous drug. The people who own the whole thing hype it up, but, when you're hooked on it, they don't care if it kills you. I've lost many friends to the addictive melody of the White Fang, by means of both death or just being brainwashed into thinking I'm out to hurt them." Klein stated with regret in his voice.
"Unfortunately, there's a new threat your friends have to worry about." Ruby said.
"How do you mean?" Klein asked.
"I don't think Ozpin wants us telling people…but, put simply, they're being controlled." Weiss stated.
"Ugh. The brazen audacity of such a wretch to do something like that!" Klein yelled.
"Don't you worry, bro…we'll get this taken care of." Yang stated.
"Of that, I have no doubt. Weiss speaks quite highly of all of you. So I'm expecting everyone to be fine." Klein said with a smile on his face. "Now, by my calculations, we should be arriving at these coordinates in about thirty minutes." He said.
"Those coordinates are the very center of the compound, so you won't be able to get that close without being shot down." Yang said.
"I see. Then expect for me to drop you off in under thirty…I'll keep an eye out or any good location to sit her down once we start getting close to the area." Klein explained.
"I think we should take this time to get ourselves ready." Blake said as she pulled out her aptly-named 'Intruder' outfit and made her way to the closest bathroom.
"Ohhh…we get to use our hunting clothes!" Ruby said as she gathered the components of her 'Slayer' outfit and ran to the second bathroom. Since both of the bathrooms were occupied, Yang and Weiss pulled out their 'Hunter' and 'SnowPea' outfits respectively.
"Klein, how are things at home?" Weiss asked.
"Different…" Klein said after a few seconds of silent thinking. "Your father has been acting quite strange since he discovered some new secret." He explained.
"What secret?" Weiss asked.
"Don't tell anyone, but…" Klein said as he jokingly motioned as though he was looking around for eavesdroppers. "Your father, the important figure that he is, managed to persuade the Atlesian Government to let him listen in on meetings between the headmaster, leaders, and the Knight-General. I'm not sure what the purpose of the meetings were, however." He stated.
"We do. We've been a part of some of those meetings." Yang said.
"Truthfully?" Klein asked.
"Yes. We have." Weiss stated as Blake and Ruby returned from changing clothes.
"Then this might make more sense to you than me. Apparently, before yourself and Miss Rose entered the submarine, the Knight-General managed to gather a significant portion of information from the White Fang and sent it to everyone in the meeting as well as the Knights of the world. When Knight-General Lionel announced his use of the Rite of Conscription, your father had to know what he had found that frightened him so. Jacques obtained a copy of the information and has remained in his office for the past week." Klein explained.
"Has he left for food? Or to use the bathroom, even?" Yang asked.
"He has a private washroom in his office and we've only seen his face when he requests food from us." Klein explained. "And…he reeks of alcohol." He finished.
"He's drinking?" Weiss asked in shock.
"Don't most dads do that? My dad and uncle do it A LOT." Yang said putting emphasis on the final words.
"My father is a wine enthusiast at best; he much prefers 'juice cleansing' as he calls it. But for him to literally smell of alcohol, he has to be drinking quite a bit and that is completely unlike him." Weiss stated.
"Would you happen to know what, specifically, has him so down? What did he read that put him in this state?" Blake asked.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that. He took the papers into his office with him." Klein said.
"It's cool, Klein. We're going to make sure we fix everything. We'll have your boss back to nagging and neglecting his employees in no time!" Yang joked as she gathered her clothes and walked to the bathroom.
"That is, unfortunately, something I can't argue with." Weiss stated as she picked her folded clothes up and turned to the bathroom as well.
"I'm so proud of you, Snowflake." Klein said.
"Excuse me?" Weiss asked.
"I was worried you'd have trouble making friends at Beacon, but I see that even I have begun to underestimate your prowess. You truly are remarkable. The day you take over the Schnee Dust Company will be the day the world finally begins to change for the better." Klein said with a smile.
"I owe all of it to you, Klein." Weiss said in an embarrassed tone.
"Nonsense! I helped, but you achieved!" Klein stated.
"Thank you." Weiss said as she made her way to the bathroom.
"About how much longer do you think?" Blake asked as she began to place her ammo and medical kit in her outfit's pouches before placing the supplies kit on her belt. She loaded Gambol and placed it back in Shroud before sheathing the whole weapon on her back.
"Well, we hit a wind draft flowing in the same direction that we're going, plus the distance we've already covered…maybe about fifteen more minutes until we hit close to the coordinates. I'd say be ready in ten." Klein said.
"Roger that!" Ruby said with a salute. She also began readying her supplies and ammo in various locations on her outfit and loading Crescent Rose.
Weiss returned from the bathroom to which Ruby handed her Myrtenaster. "Thank you, Ruby." Weiss stated as she picked up her dust canisters and began loading them into the revolving chamber of her rapier. Following suit, she began to load her supplies onto her outfit as she went through a mental checklist of everything she needs.
"You little girls ready to whoop some ass!?" Yang said as she exited the bathroom.
"I feel like you're going to take on that responsibility well enough for all four of us." Weiss stated jokingly.
"Someone's got to do it. And if you princesses don't wanna break a nail, then there's only one person for the job." Yang said as she placed her gauntlets on her wrists and loaded them. "Fire in the left, Pulse in the right!" she said.
"Wow…I can already see the watch towers in the distance. This is a much larger outpost than I anticipated…get ready, I'm going to stop and begin looking for a place to land." Klein said.
"I'm almost good to go." Yang said as she gathered all of the supplies she needed and placed them in various locations on her outfit.
"I see a good landing spot over there." Blake said as she pointed to a clearing close to the cliff.
"I see it. You'll have a good hike before you get to the first watch tower." Klein said.
"Don't you worry about us…" Yang said.
"Okay then, get ready to jump out. I'll take us close to the ground, but I'll remain hovering so the engines won't cause to much wind." Klein said as he opened the door to the airship. "And don't worry, they won't be able to see you until you're at least five feet away from the airship…that's when the cloaking no longer affects you." He finished.
Team RWBY gathered around the door and checked all of their equipment one final time. "Is everyone ready?" Weiss asked.
"Damn straight." Yang said as she punched her right fist into her left hand.
"For this, always." Blake said.
Yang and Blake were both crouched down in front of Weiss and Ruby, to which the young leader took advantage of. She quickly placed a kiss on her girlfriend's cheek and shooting her a smile. "So long as you're there, I can do anything." She whispered.
Weiss smiled until she heard Klein give the signal from behind them. "Remember, I'll be around if you need me. Jump!" he yelled.
"Let's go!" Ruby yelled as each of them jumped out.