Hey everyone, sorry for the late chapter but I'm traveling at the moment and I finally got some time in to post this. Again, thank you and enjoy the new chapter. Read and Review please.
I do not own RWBY it is the property of Mounty Oum and Rooster Teeth.
The King, The Rose and The AI
"The teams are looking promising this year." Ozpin commented to Professor Goodwitch as they walked towards the tower elevator. Goodwitch sighed in agitation,
"Yes. Though I don't care for that young man's theatrics. Honestly, his parents should have taught him restraint." Goodwitch pressed the elevator button, while they waited Ozpin thought over if he should tell Glynda about Ryder's past. As the elevator arrived he decided against it, not his secret to tell.
Ozpin entered first, as Goodwitch was about to enter Ozpin stopped her with an upraised hand.
"It is late Glynda. You should head home you will need your rest." Goodwitch didn't argue, wishing Ozpin a goodnight she left as the elevator doors closed.
"You know Ozzy," Summer called from above him, "I think you and Glyn should hurry up and get hitched. You've been together for years yet you still won't tell her how you feel."
Ozpin looked at summer, "I have responsibilities that I must tend to. Telling her would only make thing more difficult and put her in danger. That is not fair to her."
"Or you." Groaned Summer. The elevator reached the top floor that served as the headmaster's office. Upon entering the familiar sound of gears clicking greeted them.
"Professor Archimedes' office still looks the same as ever." Summer laughed at the memories of her team, Team STRQ's, many visits to this place.
"Yes, my uncle was always an interesting man and was quite the interior decorator."
"I'll say." A new voice called out to the two. Both looked towards the source of the speaker. Ryder sat behind Ozpin's desk looking quite relaxed, Hands behind his head and feet up on the edge of the desk. "What took you two so long?"
Ozpin chuckled at the young man, "Well I am the headmaster so I had to stay for the entirety of the ceremony. Though I am glad to see you have made yourself at home Mr. Fenix." Ryder rolled his eyes at Ozpin's sarcasm, taking the hint, he removed himself from behind the desk.
Summer floated over to Ryder giving him a big hug, "Oh! I'm so proud of you Ry! Operation Shock and Awe was a success!" Ryder tried to respond but Summer's bear hug was cutting off his air supply. For a dead woman, she sure was strong.
"Sum…Can't…Breathe…" Ryder muttered.
See her partner's face turn purple Summer released her death hug. As he caught his breath Ozpin motioned him over to a small table next to the window. On the table was a marble chess set with the pieces already set for a game.
"I know it's getting late but would you care for a game Mr. Fenix?" Ozpin said taking a seat at the table. Ryder took the seat across from the older man.
"Sure. But can you drop the whole 'Mr. Fenix' crap already? Just call me Ryder Professor." Ozpin smiled at the young man.
"Very well, Ryder. While we play might I ask a few questions?"
"Shoot." Ryder said with a shrug.
"Hey!" Summer yelled at the two, "What about me?!" Both ignored her as their game began. "You're both so mean!" Summer Pouted with fake tears in her eyes. The game started evenly but it was clear to Ryder he would have to be careful.
"So, that is quite the semblance you have. I do not think I have seen one with such versatility before. Bishop takes Rook."
Ryder scratched his chin at the older man's clever move. "I wouldn't say that. It just has specific uses. The versatility is all in the one using it. Knight Takes Pawn."
"Care to elaborate more Ryder. Queen takes Knight."
"Nice move. Well the way it works is my semblance allows me to infuse my flames into objects to amplify them. Bishop takes Knight."
"Clever. What other applications does it allow? Pawn takes Pawn."
"Well I can only infuse things I touch and only inanimate objects. However, I can also use it to give my punches and kicks a bit extra firepower. Pawn takes Knight."
"I see. With that in mind how are you able to teleport or open large portals? Queen takes Bishop. Check."
"Ooh, nice move, thought I had you there. To answer your question Professor the way I teleport is that I infuse my body with flames, break it down into ashes and those ashes infused with the flame can move around at will. That's why when I use it I leave a cloud of smoldering ashes. After that all I do is reassemble myself and poof. Rook takes Queen."
Ozpin drummed his fingers on the table in thought, "That sounds like rather difficult a feat to pull off. Pawn takes rook."
"Oh, trust me it was. First time I tried it I nearly fell off a cliff. I got the hang of it though, particle physics can be tricky but it was easy. As for the portal, my teacher taught me that one. Though I can't tell you more than that. Pawn takes Knight. Check."
"Ahh, a fighter and scientist hmm? I believe you would enjoy conversing with Professor Oobleck…" Ozpin swore he heard someone yell 'DOCTOR!' "…On such subjects, as for your master I will not pry. So, what about the 'Dragon's breath' you demonstrated against Fenrir, the wolf creature you fought? Bishop takes pawn."
"Damn it!" Summer smacked him on the back of the head.
"Language young man!" she said with her mom glare activated.
"Sorry. Well, that's pretty much the opposite of me teleporting. Since fire needs oxygen to ignite I infused my lungs and focused on my throat then just breath out like normal. Queen takes Rook. Check. I got you now old man!"
"Oh really?" a dangerous gleam filled Ozpin's eyes, "Bishop takes Queen. Checkmate." Ryder looked at the board in confusion noticing his King pinned by Ozpin's remaining Rook and Bishops. The match went to the headmaster.
"Thought I had you there for a second!" Ryder groaned, Summer was laughing at his loss from nearby.
"It was a close match. Well played." Ozpin stood up and motion to the other two to follow him. "Now as it is getting late and I cannot allow students to walk the grounds after curfew I will escort you to your quarters." The three entered the elevator descending to the ground floor. When they left the building the stars and the shattered moon were glowing in the night sky.
"Hey Professor who was that wolf? I think you called him Fenrir?" Ryder asked, the subject had been nagging him since the forest battle with the creature. They walked a good distance past various buildings before he responded.
"His name is Draven Fenrir. Like you he has unusual abilities, which is the reason I had him test you." The new information didn't come as a total surprise, Ryder had felt that the wolf, Fenrir, was similar tom himself somewhat as they fought.
"Do not think too much on it Ryder. For now, let us continue to our destination." Ozpin place his hand on Ryder's shoulder as they stopped in front of a large hanger area. The building had flood lights spread throughout the area, various people in flight suits and engineer outfits could be seen moving about. The walked into one of the hanger bays, Ryder looked to see a few of the VTOL planes called Bullheads being worked on and refueled.
Ryder felt his inner gear-head wanting to go and see how the engines and thruster systems worked but restrained himself. As the group moved farther in a few engineers recognized the headmaster and called their greetings.
"Good evening headmaster."
"Hey sir, nice to see you."
"Thanks for that new coffee maker professor!"
Ozpin smiled as he greeted them all. A few even came up to shake his hand.
"Well! Ain't this a darn surprise!" A voice called from above them. The trio looked up to see a man close to Ozpin's age on the hanger cat walk. He jumped down landing without any issues, Ryder was impressed considering he'd been four stories above them.
"Ozzy!" the man said with a grin before hugging the professor, "How ya been partner?" Ozpin returned the hug.
"Hello Azure, I am doing well thank you." The man just laughed at Ozpin's formal tone. Azure, as Ozpin called him, looked to be in his early forties, his dirty blonde hair patched with dark gray. He wore a flight suit zipped down halfway with the sleeves hanging behind him. Underneath he wore a dark blue t-shirt, a pair of mechanic's gloves, military style boots and a set of pilot's goggles completed his attire.
"Quit gawkin' at me kid. It's unsettlin'."
Azure's gruff accent brought Ryder out of his analyze mode.
"Wha-Oh! I'm sorry sir."
"Ain't no need for sorries kid and I ain't no sir, I work for a livin'. Name's Azure Highwind, pilot and mechanic, most call me boss or Azure don't care which." The old pilot stuck his hand out to the youngman who did the same.
"I'm Ryder Fenix. For now, just call me Fenix around other students."
Azure Released Ryder's hand, giving the kid a questioning look.
"Now why on Oum's sweet dirt would I do that?"
Ozpin also looked at him before he voiced his curiosity.
"Yes, why have you not allowed the other students to know your first name?"
"Oh! I know!" Summer yelled, a devious smirk on her face. "It's because he thinks it's a good way to-"
Ryder cut her off before she could finish.
"Honestly it's just for fun." This earned him a glare from summer, "The magic is in the mystery after all. I want to see what happens." The two older men looked at each and shrugged. Kids these days.
"That is acceptable." Ozpin said, "Back to the matter at hand. Azure if you would?" The older yelled to a few people around the area before walking towards the exit, gesturing them to follow. Azure led the two, plus one pouting spirit, down a few yards until they stopped near what looked like a building that had sunk into the ground.
It didn't look like much. Azure could see the unimpressed look on the young man's face, but that would change soon. He stepped over to the nearby wall and rapped his knuckles on the metal. The area where he'd touched rotated to reveal a scanner.
"Hello Mr. Highwind. Professor Ozpin." A robotic voice came through the scanner. "I see we have a guest. Should I add him to the database?"
Azure groaned shaking his head at the scanner, "Dee just open the darn door!"
"There is no need to yell, opening main door." The voice said before the hissing of a pressure seal being unlocked drew Ryder's attention. The wall opened to the right of the scanner, revealing a spiral staircase leading down. Azure nudged Ryder to go first, who only did so after a nod from Ozpin.
It was pitch black as Ryder descended the stairs, his eyes easily penetrating the darkness but he remained alert anyway. When they reached the bottom, Azure walked over to a nearby wall, hitting his foot on something and cursing loudly.
"Where's that damned switch?" The older man was moving his hands along the wall until he found what he was looking for. "Gotcha ya lil bastard!" Azure flipped the switch and a few lights came on around the area. Ryder took off his shades in surprise at the sight. The area was as big as a small hanger. The front area had various work benches, desks, furniture and other equipment. To the left near the back a row of beds were lined against the wall with lockers beside each, a few closets near them. A room was off to the side that looked like a bathroom and shower area.
Towards the right, Ryder spotted his Reaper motorcycle and the few bags of luggage he owned. Next to it was a large garage door, 'Wonder where that goes?' Ryder thought.
"So, kid, whatcha think about your new digs? The place is sound proof so no need to worry about noise. There's a fully stocked latrine. The fridge will be here by the time you get done with classes." Azure asked in anticipation, the look of pride on the man's face told Ryder he'd done it personally.
"It's great Azure, though I might have to add a few things to it." The older man laughed at the statement, giving Ryder a slap on the back.
"You're alright in my book kid. Let me know whatcha need and I'll make sure ya get it."
"I appreciate it." Ryder said thankful to them both, Ozpin gave a him a small smile as he walked over to the large door.
"Well, I am sure you are tired after your long day. Please let us know if you require anything." Ozpin pressed a button along the wall and the large door rose-up allowing a breeze of fresh air into the place.
'Huh, that could be useful.' Ryder thought.
"Have a goodnight Ryder and welcome to Beacon." The professor walked through the large door back towards the school.
"One last thing kid." Azure said standing next to him a navy-blue scroll tablet held out to the young man. "Need to register ya as the new owner, else Delta might try and kill ya." Before Ryder could ask him what he meant a small green robot hologram appeared on his left shoulder.
"I would only eliminate him if he posed a significant threat to this facility."
"Ahh!" Ryder jumped at the sight of the little green man on his shoulder, nearly tripping over a nearby table.
"Damnit Dee, ain't I told ya not to pop up outta thin air like that?"
"I do not 'pop' out of thin air. I manifest myself as a holographic image so those around can better interact with me." Azure sighed heavily.
"Ryder, I want you to meet Delta, an AI, that's artificial intelligence, that a friend of ours made to help out with a few things."
"A pleasure to meet you master Ryder." Delta said.
"H-hey there." Ryder replied after regaining his balance. Azure turned towards him with the scroll tablet and instructed him to place his hand on the scanner. A few seconds later the scan was complete.
"Alright this place is all yours kid. Delta ain't all bad just needs some gettin' used to. Whelp night kid!" Azure hit the doors closing button as he walked out. Ryder walked over to the couch, tossing his weapons, jacket, mask and shades onto the nearby coffee table before he fell fully into it. He was exhausted.
"You okay Ry?" Summer said, no longer giving him the silent treatment for cutting her off.
"Yeah, I'm just beat. That fight took a lot out of me." Summer stroked his hair affectionately from where she stood.
"Well it has been a while since you've 'gone ghost' like that. I was lucky our link works over long distances or else that guy would've been deep fried."
Ryder chuckled slightly, but it had no amusement in it. "Thanks Sum."
"Might I make an enquiry master Ryder?" Ryder turned his head to the side to see Delta's holo-form in front of his face.
"What's up Dee?" Ryder huffed.
"Who is this strange woman and why does she show no vital life functions? Is she perhaps another AI?" Ryder and Summer were stunned. First Ozpin and now this?! "What is with this school?' Ryder thought.
"Well,' Summer sighed, "I'm a spirit. Me and Ryder have been linked for a long time. I can't really explain more because we honestly don't know." After she finished Delta took a thinking pose and started pacing in the air. The movement and the silence started to get on Ryder's nerves. Finally, Delta halted his pacing and looked at Summer.
"Acceptable. I have no need to distrust you or my new master."
Summer raised an eyebrow, "Just like that?"
"Yes. I detect no deceptions from either of you. Although I believe we may have lost master Ryder." Summer looked confused until the sound of steady breathing could be heard from beside her. She looked down at her partner with a loving smile.
"He must've been more tired than I thought. Hey Dee, got any blankets?" Delta guided her over to a nearby closet with several blankets, sheets and cleaning supplies. Summer grabbed a blanket, floating back over to lay it across Ryder.
"Goodnight partner, sweet dreams." Summer leaned down and kissed the top of his head like she'd done when he was little.
"Madam Sum? Will you be needing anything further?" Delta asked from beside her.
"Huh? Oh, no Dee I'm fine. By the way it's Summer, only Ryder calls me Sum. Got it?"
"Acknowledged. Filing new data. Is there anything you require Summer?"
Summer Tapped her chin in thought before a devious smile crossed her face.
"You have any video games Dee?"
Ryder awoke to the sight of a rundown shack. He didn't know where he was or what had happened to him. Trying to sit up, Ryder's body screamed in pain as he fell back onto the bed. He began to cry, calling for his parents and sister. Then the memories came flooding back. His home, his family were all gone. Ryder sobbed uncontrollably.
"Hey are you alright?" a woman's voice called to him. Ryder rubbed his eyes to wipe away the tears.
"Who-hic, who's there?" Ryder said barely above a whisper. When his vision cleared he could see a woman in a white cloak with dark red hair. Ryder was scared at first but the look in her eyes, a beautiful silver, conveyed warmth and concern.
"It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. My name's Summer Rose. What's yours?"
Ryder Sniffled, "M-my n-name's Richard Brandon Fenix. B-but everyone c-calls me Ryder." Summer smiled at him, she wiped the few tears still on his face and rubbed his head affectionately like a mother would. Like his mother had. Ryder's body began to shake and was about to burst into tears when he felt a pair of arms wrap around him.
Instead of pain he felt his body relax as the woman known as Summer hugged him close to her chest.
"It's okay. You've been through a lot. Let it all out Ryder." She held him close as he let go and cried. Letting out all his sorrow, anger and pain. "Don't worry. I'm right here. My brave little boy."
I know it's a slightly shorter chapter than most of you are used to. However, the next one will be longer and with a lot more surprises. Bonus: a brief glimpse at how Ryder met Summer, more to come. On another note can anyone guess the 'Highwind' or going ghost references are from? Anyway, thanks for reading next chapter will be out by Sunday. Tune in then for the next chapter of The Demon of Remnant.