Here we go folks, the wait is over. This a very special installment of Between Classes. I've had this chapter in mind for months and finally after all that planning and numerous re-writes it's finally ready for you. This is also the first chapter that takes place at a specific place in the Year of the RDCPs timeline and takes place between chapters 8 and 9. Why is it important that you know that you ask, because of foreshadowing and maybe more than a little bit of ship teasing. So with out any more of my babbling let's get this started.
Disclaimer: RWBY is owned by Monty Oum and Rooster Teeth Productions...if I owned it there would be many more dates like this happening.
Peizhi was having a good day. Everything was calm and quiet, most of the students were out in town enjoying their day off and preparing for the festival. So Peizhi took the time to enjoy the relative peace and quiet that had settled over the school. "Coby, Coby, Coby." Peizhi scowled as she recognized Djack's voice coming from around the corner, so much for a quiet peaceful day. She peeked around the corner to see Djack pacing back and forth in front of a smaller student she recognized as a second year she'd seen around school pinned to the wall by Djack's pet goon Vincent. Normally her first instinct would have been to jump in and break up this little shake down, but by now she knew better than to get needlessly involved with Djack and his schemes so she decided to sit back and at least see what was happening first. "You've disappointed me Coby." Djack continued his little speech. "You told me you needed a little time to get me my money, now you know I don't like giving extensions, but I thought to myself 'Coby's a good kid, I'm sure he'll get me my money' so I very generously gave you a week to come through for me." It was obvious Djack was enjoying toying with the boy at this point, Peizhi could even see his nasty little grin from down the hall. "But it's been a week and now you're telling you still don't have my money. That hurts me Coby. Do you know what they call that?"
"A betrayal of trust." Vincent answered for Colby in a deep growling voice as he flashed his sharp teeth at the second year.
"A betrayal of trust." Djack parroted for emphasis. "Now how do you think we should proceed from here?" He asked as Vincent began to chuckle.
"That's enough Djack!" Peizhi decided it was better to risk getting caught up in the mess than to have Djack let Vincent go to town on Coby.
Djack didn't seem too deterred by Peizhi's sudden entrance. "Hey, what's new Pussycat?" He asked glibly as she marched up to them. "I'm a little busy at the moment," He paused gesturing to Vincent and Coby. "Hammering out a few details in our little business transaction." Vincent chuckled again as kept Coby in place.
"I heard and I want you to let him go." Peizhi said, her eyes narrowing up at him.
"Ah, I see what you're trying to do here kitty cat and it sure is cute, but I can assure you I haven't done anything wrong." Djack said with a smirk.
"I don't believe you." Piezhi deadpanned making Djack laugh.
"Be that as it may, it doesn't change the fact Coby here stills owes me money." Djack pointed out.
Peizhi weighed her options, she realized that fighting them here wouldn't do much to solve the problem. "Then how about I pay you instead."
Djack burst out laughing at the idea making Peizhi begin to question her decision not to punch him in the face. "That's cute, but unless you've got 500 lien to cover all the high grade dust Coby ordered, then there isn't much you can do." Djack said as an idea began to form in his head. "Unless, you're willing to do me a little favor."
"My team has had enough of you and your little favors." Peizhi said crossing her arms.
"Easy, this won't be like the favors I asked from greeny and hathead, I just need a lovely lady like you to join me for a little family dinner tonight." Djack explained trying to be as smooth as possible.
"Why don't you just take Jackie?" Peizhi asked remembering what happened when Djack told the girl Peizhi had asked him out.
"I think we both know Jackie doesn't do so well at fine dining events." Djack chuckled. "So what's it gonna be kitten?"
Peizhi really didn't like the idea, but one pleading look from Coby told her she really didn't have a choice. "Fine." She sighed. "But no funny business."
Djack's grin grew scarily wide. "Of course not." He turned to Vincent and snapped his fingers and the large Faunus released Coby. "Oh, and I suggest you dress up. I'll meet you at the airship docks round six." He told her before turning back to Coby. "You've got three more days Coby, I suggest you thank the lady." Djack warned before he wandered off with Vincent close behind.
Once they were gone Coby came up and thanked Paizhi profusely for her help. "Yeah…don't mention it." Peizhi sighed.
Later that evening in Team RDCP's room…
It was a typical night for Team RDCP. Eris lounged lazily on her bed flipping through a magazine, Dae sat playing a game occasionally cursing at the screen, and Robin was off showing Victor and his team around the school. The only thing odd was Peizhi had spent the last twenty minutes in the closet for some strange reason. "Hey whiskers, you okay in there?" Eris called curious about what her partner was up to. As if to answer her question Peizhi walked out of the closet in a surprising outfit. "Whoa there, what's with the dress?" Eris asked getting Dae's attention. Peizhi stood in front of the mirror checking her hair which she'd tied up in a pair of buns, she wore red and gold oriental style dress that showed off her legs which were covered in a pair of thigh high white stockings.
"Wow Peizhi...just….wow." Dae marveled ignoring his game. "What's with the get up?"
"Looks like someone's got a date." Eris sarcastically sang.
"Hardly, I'm just doing a favor for a friend." Peizhi said grabbing Qilin and attaching its sheath to her waist.
"Then why the fancy outfit, not that I complaining." Dae asked hurriedly adding the last part.
"It's formal dress. I'll be back later okay." She said before heading out the door.
Dae just sat there starring at the door for a moment before Eris spoke up. "Hey matchstick, pick your jaw off the ground before you start to drool." She chuckled.
"Shut up!" Dae snapped before turning back to his game.
Out at the airship docks….
There were a few students preparing to head into town, but Djack stood out as usual dressed in his best suit and watching the school waiting for his date. He didn't have to wait long before he spied Peizhi making her way towards him, scowling as she did so. "Well, well, well, aren't you just the cat's meow." Djack drawled making Peizhi roll her eyes at him.
"Cat puns, really?" She asked unimpressed by his banter.
"Oh c'mon, lighten up. And what's with the weapon?" He asked pointing to her sword.
"It's to make sure you don't try and get frisky." Peizhi explained as they headed for the ship that just docked.
"Cute, but in case no one told you, it's bad table manners to bring swords to the dinner table so you'll have to leave that in the car." Djack smirked as they boarded the ship and quickly found themselves some seats.
"Car? What's this about a car?" Peizhi asked only just realizing she never asked about the particulars of this so-called date.
"All in due time, just relax and enjoy the ride pussycat." Djack said folding his arms behind his head and leaning back in his seat.
The flight into Vale wasn't very long and once they'd disembarked Djack led them to where a car was waiting with an intimidating man in sunglasses waiting for them. Something about the man told Peizhi there was little point in telling him he didn't need the sunglasses seeing as the sun had already set. "Dino!" Djack called waving at the man. "Daddy didn't tell me they'd let you out."
The man flashed an almost imperceptibly small grin as they drew closer. "Good behavior." He said dryly.
"Well I hope Daddy set you up right." Djack went on before turning to Peizhi. "Where's my manners, Kitty cat this Dino DeNero, he's been working for my dad since he was a kid." Djack bragged patting Dino on the back.
"Nice to meet you." He greeted extending a hand.
"Yeah, I'm Peizhi." Peizhi greeted back noticing the man eyeing her weapon before turning to Djack.
"What's with the piece on her?" He asked as if she wasn't right in front of him.
"You know women, always looking for the perfect accessory." Djack grinned up at him.
"You should leave that in the care." Dino deadpanned before opening the door for them.
"Don't worry I told her." Djack pointed out before bowing to Peizhi. "Ladies first."
Peizhi sighed, this was going to be a long night.
One too long car ride later….
Dino pulled to a stop in front of a restaurant that seemed to be closing up early. The sign above read Scratch on the Wall, and Peizhi couldn't decide if that was funny or just sad. Dino got out and opened the door for them, Djack got out first and offered her his hand which Peizhi took despite herself. "Miss." Dino interrupted once more glaring at Qilin.
"Fine." Peizhi didn't like it, but she removed Qilin and placed it in the back seat.
"Thank you, I'll make sure nothing happens to it." Dino assured her before turning to Djack. "The Boss is inside waiting for you."
"Thanks Dino." Djack waved as Dino got back in the car and drove off. "Alright, let's head in." Djack said before moving towards the door.
The inside of the restaurant was surprisingly warm and inviting despite Peizhi's expectation given the owners. In the center of the room a few of the servers were arranging chairs and silverware around a big round table where a few men dressed in nice suits sat. At the head of the table a big grinning man sat talking with someone she thought looked strangely familiar. "Djacky! You made it." The big man yelled standing from his seat with open arms.
"Did you think I'd miss this?" Djack laughed before looking to the man sitting next to his father. "Roman, is that you?"
"Hey kid, it's been a while." The smart dressed man in the bowler hat greeted. That was when Peizhi recognized him as the one they'd delivered the package to the night they all snuck out and the same guy who'd sold out Eris to those goons the same night.
"You're looking good. Hey where's Junior?" Djack asked looking around the room.
"He and I parted ways. He's looking to get into the nightclub game." Roman said lighting up a cigar and pointing to Peizhi. "Who's your friend, I can't say I had you pegged as a furry." He said making Peizhi clench her fist.
"That's enough Roman." The bigger man said shooting him a look before walking up to them. "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Djack's dad. You can call me Djonas." He greeted warmly with the same crooked grin as Djack.
"Nice to meet you." Peizhi tried not to let her greeting sound too forced. "I'm Peizhi Bagheera."
"The pleasure is all mine." He said bowing a little so he could look her in the eyes. "I'm glad to see Djack decided to bring along one of prettiest girls at Beacon with him tonight." He added with a wink.
"You know me daddy, nothing but the best." Djack chuckled as he led Peizhi to their seats.
It wasn't long before the food was served and the meal itself was surprisingly good. Actually if she was being honest Peizhi would admit it was probably one of the best meals she'd ever had. In fact it so good she almost considered not hating Djack for tricking her into coming. Almost. Once the main course was through most of the guests began casually conversing, though Roman kept finding new ways to get on her nerves. "So Djonas, I hear you started doing business with those animals in the White Fang." He mentioned offhandedly while tracing the rim of his drink with a gloved finger.
"They're not animals Roman." Djonas tiredly corrected lighting up a cigar. "And as long as they have money they're no different than any other customer. In fact, it was my little Bambino's idea to start doing business with them and he was right on the money." Djonas boasted earning what Peizhi suspected might be the first genuine smile Djack had ever made.
"The writing was on the wall, the real trick was convincing them to actually do business." Djack explained.
Peizhi was about ask what exactly they were selling to the White Fang when her aura flared up. She turned to the front window in time to see a car come to a screeching halt in front of the restaurant and several men jump out with guns. She wasn't the only one to see this as Djonas leapt from his seat. "Everybody get down!" He screamed before flipping the table. Djack had already grabbed Peizhi and pulled her under the table of a nearby booth just as the men outside opened fire.
"What's going on!?" Djack shouted over the hail of gunfire tearing through the place.
"It's Crazy Ivan, he's been trying to move up in the world ever since his club got shut down and decided the best place to start was our turf!" Djonas shouted back. "I didn't think he had the balls to try something like this though!"
"Why is it every time I accept a dinner invitation from you Djonas I end up getting shot at!?" Roman piped up while trying to reach for his cane without getting shot in the process.
"Do all your dinners end like this?" Peizhi asked angrily punching Djack in the arm.
"Nah, sometimes we're the ones doing the shooting!" Laughed one of the other men from dinner who'd actually managed to save his plate in all the madness and was trying to finish as much as he could.
"Shut up Rojo!" Djonas shouted grabbing his own cane and Peizhi noticed in place of a regular handle there was a high powered handgun. "Djack you take the girl and get as far away as possible, I'll send Dino for you later!"
"No way! I'm not leaving you to these guys!" Djack screamed only to earn a furious look from Djonas.
"The last thing I need is you two getting caught up in this, now get moving!" Shouted just as the men outside began to reload.
"Fine." Djack snarled through gritted teeth before grabbing Peizhi again and making a break for the emergency exit on the far wall.
"You're dead Scratch!" One of the goons outside shouted as they slowly started closing in on the restaurant.
"You ready to show these guys what some real professionals can do Torchwick?" Djonas grinned once he saw Djack and Peizhi slip out.
"And I just finished getting square with Ivan." Roman sighed as he grabbed Melodic Cudgel before returning Djonas' grin and hopping up with him and the rest of the remaining members of the gang and firing at their attackers.
Out in the alley way…..
Djack and Peizhi burst through the door into the dark alleyway nearly toppling into each other in the process. Peizhi angrily pulled her hand out of Djacks before turning to her with a determined glare. "We need to go back in there and help them!"
"You think I don't want to do that too!?" Djack shouted back.
"Hey, looks like we have some runners." A voice from the mouth of the alley called. The two turned to see three goons all brandishing long red bladed knives stalking towards them. "Hey I think that's Scratch's kid."
"Yeah, looks like we can wipe out the whole family tree." Another chuckled scraping his knife against the wall menacingly as he approached them. Without warning the first of the goons leapt at them with his blade held high above his head. Peizhi reacted fast, pushing Djack behind her and lunging up at their attack with an aura enforced open palmed strike. The force of the strike sent the goon sailing back through the alley. The other goons were shocked by this as Peizhi settled into a defensive stance pulling one leg up, stretching one arm out and pulling the other back. She flashed a confident grin and motioned for the next goon to bring it on. One of them growled and reached down for his fallen friend's knife before charging her. Piezhi dodged under his first strike and knocked away his next strike before stepping in and sending an elbow to his sternum before swinging her leg up. The kick connected with the side of his head and sent the thug crashing into the alley wall hard.
"Watch out!" Djack shouted grabbing Peizhi and pulling her back as he stepped forward swinging a trashcan lid up to block the blow of the remaining goon as he lunged at them. Peizhi spun around Djack and sent a hard low kick into the back of the thug's leg followed by a rising punch to his Jaw which sent him crumbling to the ground. The two scanned the alley making sure they weren't in anymore danger. Djack looked at Peizhi expectantly. "What? No thank you?"
"Considering I already saved you from two of them let's call it even." Piezhi said coldly.
"What's going on here!?" An angry voice called from the mouth of the alley. "Why haven't you all broken in yet…YOU!" The two of them turned in the direction of the voice to see a lone goon standing at the mouth of the alley. This goon was better dressed than the rest with a better suit with a rose in the lapel, a thin mustache, and Peizhi went pale as she recognized the eye-patch. "This must be my lucky day." He chuckled darkly as he reached into his coat for his knife.
"This is bad." Djack muttered under his breath. "You think you can take him?"
"Not without Qilin." Peizhi said sinking into a more guarded stance as the goon slowly stalked closer to them.
"The car should be around back, go get your sword, I'll hold him off." Djack said tightening his grip on the trash can lid.
"Can you really?" Peizhi asked surprised she was actually worrying about Djack of all people.
Djack flashed her a smirk. "C'mon, would I lie?"
Peizhi wanted to say something but elected to take Djack's advice and make a break for the other end of the alley. "You're not getting away!" The goon shouted charging her with his blade only to have Djack block his path. "Djack." He growled as Djack grinned up at him.
"Carlo, long time no see. How've you been?" Djack asked coyly.
"Is that girl a friend of yours?" Carlo asked focusing his attention on the cocky teen.
"Well you see it's complicated." Djack shrugged.
"I'll keep that in mind when I cut off her cat ears and mount them on my wall." Carlo snarled taking a swing at Djack which he only narrowly dodged.
"Still as cheerful as ever." Djack taunted kicking up one of the other goons discarded knives and snatching it out of the air. "How are you still single?" Carlo lunged at him bringing his blade down as Djack tried to block with the lid only to watch a good chunk of it get slashed off. Carlo kept up his assault hammering down blows at Djack, which he narrowly managed to dodge or block with his impromptu shield which grew smaller with each attack it defended. Djack was beginning to think things were becoming a little hopeless, even using his semblance he was finding there was little he could do with only his knife. That was when Carlo sent a heavy kick at his stomach which Djack wasn't able to avoid and was knocked back off his feet.
"I hope you know this isn't personal son." Carlo said looming over Djack as he hefted his blade. "But don't worry, I'll be sending your girlfriend along to keep you company real soon." He grinned swinging his blade down.
"I'm not his girlfriend!" Peizhi cried swinging her blade between them and blocking the blow at the last second.
"You actually came back." Djack sighed in relief.
"Of course I came back!" Peizh shouted at him while holding firm against Carlo's attack as he tried to push her back.
"Aw, you do care." Djack teased.
"Just shut up!" Peizhi cried knocking Carlo's blade back making him jump away and prepare for another assault. He came back at her with a heavy horizontal swing which she ducked under before swinging around and sending a strike to his shoulder. Carlo growled through the pain of the blow and switch his weapon into his offhand bringing it back around for another swing forcing Peizhi to block. As the blow connected he shifted his weight and checked her with his good shoulder knocking her back. Peizhi was quick to recover swinging Qilin up at him staggering him back. Peizhi pressed on seizing the opening to launch a series of high speed swings which Carlo was forced to parry and block. He switched his knife back to his strong hand but the second he blocked the next of Peizhi's strikes a surge of pain shot through his arm and up to his shoulder. Peizhi had been waiting for this and with one swift blow she knocked the knife out of his hand disarming him. Carlo scowled down at her for a moment, perhaps pondering if he should attempt to fight her hand to hand, but before he could finish that thought Djack stepped in slipping a heavy metal trashcan over his head.
"I think this a good look on you Carlo." Djack taunted loudly slapping the side of the can making Carlo's ears ring. "Care to do the honors dear?" He asked Peizhi with a knowing smile.
"Of course." Peizhi leapt into the air and executed a perfect spinning kick into the side of the can sending Carlo careening into the wall with a hard metal clang. "And I'm not your dear!" Peizhi added angrily.
"Yeah, yeah get mad later." Djack said grabbing her hand and rushing for the other end of the alley hoping to finally escape the craziness. They ran for several blocks before Djack stopped in the middle of a deserted patch of sidewalk to catch his breath. Peizhi took this moment to once more wrest her hand from his. "Alright I think we're far enough away." Djack managed between gasps as he pulled out his Scroll and started typing something.
"Okay, I want some answers." Peizhi demanded. "What was that all about?"
"That?" Djack sighed straightening himself up. "That wasn't anything too big." He tried to brush off not looking up from his Scroll.
"Nothing big? They shot up that entire restaurant!"
"Yeah and they didn't use any bombs. What's your point?" Djack deadpanned making Peizhi almost scream.
"That's it, I'm done. I want to go back to Beacon. Now!" She said stomping her foot.
"Easy, our ride should be here any minute." Djack said checking his Scroll.
As if on cue a car came screeching around the corner at near breakneck speed. It pulled up next to them and Dino jumped out running to Djack. "Djack! Are you hurt!?" He cried looking over the boy frantically.
"Calm down Dino we're fine. Ran into a little trouble, but thanks to Peizhi we came out okay." Djack insisted tiredly putting the bigger man at ease.
"Good, we've got to get you out of here, get in the car." Dino ordered opening the door for them. It didn't take long for Dino to get them to the airship station. "Okay, hurry up and get your tickets and get on the ship, once you're gone I'm heading back to check on the Boss."
"No you're not." Djack said sternly locking eyes with Dino as he stepped out of the car. "Listen I want you to head back to your place and lay low for a while, you understand?"
"Djack you know I can't…"
"That's a damn order Dino! Daddy's got Rojo and the boys with him and by now the place will be swarming with cops. The last thing you need is to be heading back to the scene of a crime fresh out of lock up you hear me." Djack said harshly. "This isn't up for debate, I'll let Daddy know what's going on and that you got us here safe, now do you understand me?"
Dino rubbed the bridge of his nose before sinking back into the driver's seat. "Yeah, I understand Djack." He sighed.
"Good, I'll be right back." Djack said before heading to the ticket booth.
Peizhi stood there outside the car contemplating the crazy notion that somewhere deep down Djack had a sense of compassion when Dino grabbed her attention. "Hey, listen." He said tilting his glasses down to look Peizhi in the eye. "Thank you for looking after Djack tonight, I know he doesn't show it, but he needs people like you looking out for him."
Peizhi glanced over at him as he paid for the tickets and checked the arrival time of the next ship. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
It wasn't long before they boarded the ship and spent a tensely quiet ride back to Beacon. Once they arrived and disembarked from the ship Djack decided to break the silence. "Alright, well that's over." He sighed massaging the bridge of his nose.
"Do all your dates go like this?" Peizhi asked sarcastically hoping to get a rise out of him, anything had to be better than an uncomfortably quiet Djack.
"Ha! Can you imagine?" He laughed mirthlessly. "Anyhow you're off the hook."
"Good, let's not do this again some time." Peizhi said ready to head back to her room and let the night be over with.
"Wait." Djack hurriedly called to her before she could get too far ahead of him. He seemed to be mulling something over and Peizhi marveled at yet another odd sight of the night, Djack was speechless. "Listen, you saved my neck out there. That means something in our family, so I owe you one. If you ever need something, you come to me and I'll get it done. No questions asked."
"Djack I don't need your favors." Peizhi stated flatly.
"Doesn't matter, a Scratch never forgets a debt." Djack insisted looking her right in the eyes.
"Fine if it makes you feel better about dragging me into whatever kind of mess that was I'll take your IOU." She sighed before turning back towards the dorms.
Djack watched as she left and called after her. "For what it's worth I had a lovely time!" He shouted glibly. Peizhi didn't even look back at him as she flashed a crude gesture and continued on her way. Djack grinned as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit up a smoke. "Kitty still has claws." He chuckled before strolling back towards the school himself.
So I bet you didn't see that coming now did ya. in case you haven't figured it out I've been sitting on this idea since waaaaaaay back in chapter 6 when I first played around with Djack and Peizhi teaming up. But what could happen next, only I know and I don't feel like telling just yet.
I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter up, I kept getting sidetracked(it isn't my fault they released the new Borderlands Pre-Sequel character already) and was working on my latest story Coco and Honey.
What's that you ask, well if you like Jaune Arc, Coco, and Pyrrha, then why don't you check it out and see for yourself what lies in store.
Please review and vote in the character poll.
Til next time.