~Red~

I collapsed on the wooden bench with a groan. After walking all night, fighting a giant robot, and running from the cops I would have thought getting off my feet would have felt good, but the bruised sternum was ruining that somewhat. That robot sure could hit hard, without my semblance it might have broken through my aura. Shifting in my seat with another groan, trying to ease the ache in my chest, I felt my scroll buzz in my pocket. Sliding it out from my pants pocket and seeing it unharmed, I was a little surprised at how tough these things were. Opening it up, I read the message from SQ. It simply stated, 'we need to talk, where are you.'

I typed out a reply with a small groan, telling her where I was, 'come to the airship docks that go to Beacon.' I had hoped to deal with this later after I could get some sleep and could breathe without pain. Though I suppose it would be best to get it over with before we are punished for fighting in the middle of the city.

While waiting, I made myself comfortable as I could on a hard bench at the air bus station. I didn't have to worry about being bothered by anyone else as there was no one around this late, or early I suppose. And less than an hour later, I could hear the clicking of heals, signaling the arrival of SQ. Sitting up with a groan, I looked over to the approaching woman. She was dressed as impeccable as usual. Wearing all black heels, crisp pencil skirt, and double breasted blazer. Highlighted by a red undershirt and stockings. Her two tone, brown hair, dark at the base and lighter at the tip, was up in a high ponytail but left her long, straight bangs down to frame her scowling face.

She stopped in front of me to loom over me with arms crossed and an accusatory glare. "Would you care to explain why you decided to put everything you have done thus far in jeopardy?" She growled at me through clenched teeth.

"You mean making an unscheduled meeting in a public place, making it obvious we know each other?" I said sarcastically to get under her skin.

I got the reaction I wanted when she snarled at me, drawing her crimson lips back to bare her, slightly sharper then normal, teeth. "I will not let you lecture me about making mistakes!" The finger jammed in front of my face was tipped with a manicured claw. "You have risked your cover on multiple occasions, failed your distribution task, and to top it off, you go and knock off one of our storage buildings!" Huffing as she finished her rant, she straightened herself out by smoothing her clothes and running her hand through her bangs.

"Now that that's out of your system, we can talk now," I said gesturing to the other half of the bench.

She scowled a bit but took the offered seat, then cleared her throat before starting again. "I received a message from Blight claiming that you helped destroy one of his 'projects' and, at the same time, lead the police to our distribution center. As you can tell, I am very upset by this, and Blight is not too happy either. So what I want to know is," she stated, purposely not looking at me until now, "what the hell were you thinking?!"

I gave a defeated sigh, knowing that I did mess up, "it started with one of my buyers going on a rampage and attacking my team leader. Then Rikku got this idea in her head that we needed to go and take out the source of the drug, and the other two agreed. So I didn't have much choice in the matter. Either let them do whatever or tag along to make sure that nothing would happen."

"I see that plan worked well," her reply dripping with sarcasm.

"That is because Ammy got herself caught," I defended. "Things were going well as I was handling all the talking. And at the garage, I was just going to walk around a bit then tip you off later, but I had to participate. As you said yourself, my main task is to blend in at Beacon."

She pinched the bridge of her nose and said, "your main task is to recruit the other Faunus at Beacon. Not to be fighting in the middle of the city." I opened my mouth to keep defending myself, but stopped when she raised her hand. "Though, I suppose I can admit, I understand your reasoning. Blight and I are not happy with the outcome of tonight, but I suppose you aren't either." There was a moment of silence between us while she took a few deep breaths. "What did happen to the other members that were there by the way, I only really know what happened to the machine."

I was relived that she was being reasonable about this situation. There are a few too many horror stories about what happens when people mess up the Spider Queen's precious plans. "The normal members ran as soon as the fight started. They were even too afraid to spare a moment to take the truck. As for the other two; I knocked Conway down, but I guess I should have knocked him out as he was the one to activate that robot then run off right after. As for the girl, Carrie I think it was, she got cut pretty bad by Ammy. She should be fine as they helped her out, but no doubt get locked up after the cops showed up."

I finished and she took on a contemplative look. "Going to have to make sure she doesn't say anything," she said to herself. Turning back to me with a renewed scowl, "you really should have tried harder to stop them, or at least sent one of us a message before you got all the way down to that garage."

"Like I said, I had things under control until Carrie snuck up on Ammy. And, it's not like I could send a message while everyone was right there watching me," I defended myself with a hint of annoyance.

She just sighed heavily, "this is why I make the plans, you are not cut out for stuff like that. If you had just contacted me, I could have easily helped get you out of that situation." I glared at her and her cockiness, which she just waved off and settled back into her seat. But, turned back to me a moment later, "that reminds me. What can you tell me about your team leader, Ammy Ankoku?"

I raised an eyebrow at this sudden change in topic, but answered regardless, "she hasn't said anything about her personal life, so nothing I can say there. As for what I've seen; she is smart and a capable fighter. Though she doesn't seem to want to be the leader and only puts in a minimal effort, even though she is a natural leader."

"You seem to be watching her very closely," she said with a teasing grin.

I just gave her a flat look in return, "you are the one asking about her," which she just chuckled a little. I shook my head and continued, "there is something strange about her though."

She gestured for me to continue, "oh, do tell."

"Obviously we don't know about her past, which is strange. But, the really strange part is with her... naivete I guess. There are times when I think she doesn't know what is going on in the world," I tried to explain, but not really able to put it into words.

"So what, she doesn't watch the news or something?" Waving her hand dismissively.

I rolled my eyes at her, "no, as in I don't think she even really knows how Faunus are treated. Even though she has had it happen to her first hand, I don't think she understands how bad it is." Which she just looked at me like I was crazy. "I said it was strange," I finished with a shrug.

She returned to her contemplative look, then said, "whenever I see her or hear her name, it feels like I am missing something." Which was surprising to hear from someone who deals in information. "Hm," she continued, "what do you think if we offered for her to join?"

This idea had crossed my mind before, "she is a decent fighter an' all, but I can't see her doing what we do. I am sure she could be an average fang member, but I don't think that is what you're asking."

She nodded in agreement, "either way it won't hurt for you to keep an eye on her. Well, I believe that is everything we needed to discuss," she began concluding our unscheduled meeting. "After tonight you will need to lie low for a few weeks, if you are not expelled that is. So just focus on your primary mission and I will contact you when we have need of you."

"Understood Spider Queen," was my simple reply.

She nodded and stood up, brushing her skirt off again. But before she left, she turned to say, "one more thing. Do not mess anything else up," she commanded with the most intimidating glare she could manage, then turned on her heel and walked away.

If I didn't know her as well as I do, I probably would have been found her a bit intimidating. But, I knew it was just one of her ways to help ensure that things would go as planned, being the control freak that she was. Once the clacking of heels died off in the distance, I settled back into a more comfortable position since the first ship still wouldn't be here for a bit. I groaned as tried to find a position that would ease my aching chest, definitely looking forward to my comfy bed.


But apparently, that whole sleep plan will have to wait. Finally arriving back at Beacon, I was greeted by another scowling woman. This one in the form of professor Goodwitch. Right after getting off the ship, she strode over to cut me off and say, "Mr. Red, I need you to accompany me to the headmaster's office." I just sighed through my nose and followed along. I was a little surprised that news of our night out would travel this fast, but then again you don't become a prestigious academy by losing track of your students.

Goodwitch led the way to the lobby just outside Ozpin's office and told me to wait. I complied and took a seat without asking any questions as I knew why I was there, and I doubt she would be very helpful anyway. I ended up having to sit and wait in the lobby for about another hour before anything happened, at least the chair was better than a wooden bench. The wait ended when Goodwitch returned with the rest of the team in tow. Now that there was some light to see clearly, it was obvious how tired they all looked, and I could sympathize.

They were clearly surprised to see me here, and a little relived maybe? "Red?!" Rikku exclaimed as she stepped forward, having some energy left somehow. "What the heck are you doing here?"

"Ms. Margrace," professor Goodwitch scolded, "we will discuss everything in a moment. So if you all would step inside," opening the door into Ozpin's office.

We all shuffled inside to stand before the headmaster's desk, and were greeted with a much more serious looking Ozpin than last time we were here. "Good morning students," he greeted, though the stern look and monotone voice made it seem anything but good.

His greeting was returned with Ammy's overly polite 'good morning professor,' Rikku's casual 'morning,' my nod, and Shiva probably doing the same.

"I am sure there is no question as to why you are here," I could see Ammy ears fold back, and Rikku looking of to the side. "We have also received the police report regarding the situation. However, I wish to hear the story from you four as well."

"Yes sir," Ammy said while not meeting his eyes. She started from when they came up with the idea in the room, to after the fighting and the cops showed up and took the three of them into custody. Rikku had to pitch in of course, retelling the fight with the robot blow by blow. "The only thing I am not aware of is what happened to Red just before the police arrived," Ammy finished.

Everyone turned to me expectantly, non-verbally telling me I had to answer. "As soon as I heard the sirens, I got out of there. I wasn't just going to stand there and wait to get arrested," which was true.

Ammy gave me a confused look and asked, "why would you run from the police?"

"Yeah, why did you just ditch us?" Rikku immediately added.

"I didn't think you guys would wait for them either, I thought I just got a head start," this was half true.

"Either way, Mr. Red will face the same punishment as the rest of you," Goodwitch cut in, still scowling.

"What?" Rikku whined, "but we stopped a bunch of criminals who were selling drugs." My ear twitched in annoyance at her accusation that all the Faunus there were criminals.

"Which you did without any kind of permission Ms. Margrace. Beacon will not tolerate any vigilantism by its students." Ozpin said, cutting off any more complaints Rikku could have. "Which is why team Amaranth will be placed on our academic probation and not allowed to leave campus without express permission by one of Beacon's staff for the next month. In other words; if you break more of Beacon's rules and regulations, you will be expelled. If you leave campus without permission, you will be expelled. Do I make myself clear?" Ozpin asked with a stern glare.

He received responses similar to earlier with a, "Yes sir," and, "yeah," from Ammy and Rikku, with nods from Shiva and I.

"Good, you are dismissed, but I would like to have a word with Ms. Ankoku." I might have been curious about that, but curiosity can wait. The three of us went straight back to our room, where I immediately collapsed onto my bed. Which I instantly regretted because of the renewed pain from my chest. But, neither that or the short argument over the shower from the other side of the room and Rikku's complaining could stop me from finally getting some rest.