DiscordArc here and I'm back for another~ Mortis and Lunacy will be put out by tomorrow, so please wait for them until then ^^
Special thanks to Underived, Skaxis, NiL-III, and N7 Recruit for joining the new family! You guys rock :D
Disclaimers: I do not own RWBY. All I own is my OC.
Without further adieu, begin~
... ...
Beacon. Came back home alive. An usual day. Nothing special. It was pretty boring. Tiring. Not really. Maybe exciting? Nah. It was just a rowdy day. I think. Not sure. I let out some air. I believe it was called a sigh. Oh well.
I looked around. Everyone seems to be in high spirits. I mean, they're all sighing, and have droopy expressions. Except for Nora. The girl's full of life. Neverending hype. Does she have ADHD? Nah. Impossible... Maybe. Not sure.
"What a bunch of weaklings. They're too weak to be with you."
A voice. The same glitched one. Is it from the matrix? Not really. Still distorted.
"Oh shush," I scolded to no one in particular. People looked at me. Confused. Weirded out. Am I insane? Nah. Not really. I'm perfectly sane. Wait. Not sure. What?
"Uhh... Vani, you alright?" asked Yang. A low hum. Or was it a growl? Possibly a growl. Definitely a growl. Wait, I think groan is the right term.
"It's Vanitas. VA-NI-TAS." Said a low soft melodic voice. Why am I gratifying my own voice? Eh. Doesn't matter.
...
And there stood Vanitas, watching the teams being assembled together. The group of bullies are together. Great, how lovely. They were named as "Team CRDL". Then Jaune's group was grouped together, known as "Team JNPR". Surprisingly, it was to be led by Jaune Arc. Then came "Team RWBY" led by Ruby Rose. Vanitas raised an eyebrow at that. But after seeing how she commanded her teammates, all of his doubts were washed away; not everything though.
As Vanitas expected, he had no teammates. He simply shrugged and turned to leave the stadium.
"Vanitas Valentine. Sepia Monochroma, please come to the stage," called Ozpin. Vanitas turned around with a confused expression on his face. He was about to protest, until a girl came up the stage.
The girl had an obsidian black eye for her left, and a pale blue eye for her right. The color of her right eye was so pale, it led for Vanitas to assume that she was blind on that side. She had reddish-brownish hair, which curled inwards on the edges. She braided her hair on top which made it look like a headband, and her straight bangs swept to the side.
The more Vanitas inspected her, the more he noticed that she was nervous. Probably because her partner isn't up on the stage yet. With an exasperated sigh, he noisily walked towards and up the stage to stand next to the girl: Sepia.
"The two of you are extra students this year. As such, the two of you will be assigned together to form a special two-man team: Team VS," said Ozpin. Vanitas growled at that.
"Team VS? Why are you using a vase for our name?" asked Vanitas.
"Uhh... Are you sure you should talk to him like that?" Sepia squeaked. Ozpin chuckled.
"No worries, Sepia. He's an old friend, we tend to talk, ah, 'smack' as you young people would say. As such for that, I do believe your eyes, and hair color seem to be fitting to earn the name Team VS."
"I see," said Sepia. Once again, Vanitas sighed.
"Whatever glasses dude," teased Vanitas. Ozpin simply raised an eyebrow, before addressing the crowd.
...
Both Vanitas and Sepia were surprised to find out that a two-bed room actually existed in the Beacon dorm. Glynda chuckled at their surprise.
"I wouldn't blame you. However, the two of you weren't the first group to only have two members. Take care now, especially you, nephew. I'm keeping an eye on you," threatened Glynda before leaving. Vanitas simply shrugged, and opened the door. The place was pretty... empty. Except for two beds. It sorta reminded Vanitas of his old room.
"How are you able to talk to those two without being frightened? And did Ms. Glynda just call you... nephew?" asked Sepia with a timid voice. At this, Vanitas sighed.
"Long story short, Ozpin adopted me. Auntie calls me nephew, because she practically declared herself to be my aunt when Ozpin was teaching me how to put all of my work to her," answered Vanitas, clearly smiling of his fond memory. "Good times..."
Vanitas heard something drop, only to see Sepia who dropped her bag.
"Y-you're Ozpin's son?!" squeaked Sepia. At this, Vanitas panicked.
"Woah, woah, not so loud! No one in Beacon knows that, except for you," shushed Vanitas. Sepia visibly reddened and mumbled an apology. Vanitas sighed, and patted her head.
"It's fine, just don't do it again," said Vanitas with a much kinder voice. He picked up her bag, and handed it to Sepia. The latter took it gratefully, and looked around the room.
"Not much room, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Wanna fill it up?" asked Sepia. Vanitas raised an eyebrow.
"Did you really just say 'wanna'?"
This time, Sepia visibly smirked.
"Maybe."
Vanitas could literally feel the chills running down his back.
"Hey, you think you can help me in this?" asked Sepia who seemed to be struggling on carrying her own bag. Vanitas raised an eyebrow at this, but merely shoved his doubts away. The girl seems to be in pain after all.
"Ah, sure," Vanitas answered back.
...
It took the whole night for Vanitas to figure out that Sepia was literally using him for every handiwork there was. How did she do it? Vanitas had no idea. But one thing's for sure:
"That woman is a sly fox," thought Vanitas. It was the truth. At first, he simply saw her as a timid, and clumsy girl. She would trip over stuff, and try to lift things she can't carry. In the end, Vanitas was forced to help her out of sheer pity. Little did he know that he was doing exactly what the girl was expecting him to do.
"I swear you've tricked me into doing this," groaned Vanitas who was currently building a study table for the girl.
"I don't know what you mean~" answered Sepia in a playful and innocent tone. Unfortunately, that only annoyed Vanitas more.
"I swear, you're being really cocky right now," muttered Vanitas after hammering in the last nail on the table.
"There, done. Can I sleep now?" asked Vanitas who slowly walked towards the bed.
"Not really. We only have an hour left til class," said Sepia, who was visibly smirking. She already had her Beacon clothes on, causing Vanitas' eyes to widen.
"How long was I doing your chores?" asked Vanitas. Sepia tapped her right cheek with a finger.
"Hmm... Not sure. The whole night I think. I slept," said Sepia who stuck a tongue out at Vanitas. A visibly angry Vanitas shouted bloody hell, before going to the bathroom to take a shower.
...
"Monsters! Deeeemons... Prowlers of the night! Yes, the creatures of Grimm have many names,"
"Yada, yada, I'm tired of hearing this again and again. It's like listening to a broken record," groaned Vanitas. At this, Sepia looked at him with confusion.
"I've been in Uncle Port's class a lot of times. Just watch, and he'll bring out a grimm for, ah, 'to see if there is a hunter/huntress in this class'," said Vanitas, air quoting his words.
"Huh. You're pretty knowledgeable. I prolly should lead you on more often," muttered Sepia.
"What was that?" asked Vanitas.
"Nothing!" said Sepia, who refocused her attention back to Port.
"Huntresses!" said Port. He clicked his tongue at Yang, who chuckled in return; albeit, FORCED.
"I swear, he's trying his best to get laid," groaned Vanitas.
"What do you mean?" asked Sepia again.
"He's still a virgin," Vanitas cracked a grin.
"Oh," said Sepia, who had a grin of her own.
"Huh. Perhaps I'll get along with her," thought Vanitas. Then, he looked at her notebook and saw a sentence scribbled on it:
"Black mail material."
Vanitas would've never thought he could feel fear. Well, now he is.
"If you try to tell the teacher, I'll tell you on as well," smirked Sepia. Vanitas groaned.
"No one likes a tattletale."
Vanitas resumed his attention back to Port, only to find out he was blabbering about his past. Again. Once again, Vanitas groaned.
...
"A true huntsman must be honourable. A true huntsman must be dependable. A true huntsman must be strategic, well-educated, and wise. So, who among you believes themselves to be the embodiment of these traits?" asked Port.
"I do, sir!" shouted Weiss with her arm up.
"Well then... Let's find out. Step forward, and face your opponent," said Port, motioning towards a cage that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"Told ya," Vanitas said to Sepia. Sepia simply rolled her eyes, and went back to scribbling stuff on her notes.
For both Sepia and Vanitas, the fight before them was... lacking. Yeah, sure, Weiss was doing her best, but it still felt... lacking.
"She hesitates too much. Is she afraid of Grimm or something?" commented Sepia. Vanitas could only sigh, and watch the fight before him. Actually, for that matter, does Weiss ALWAYS carry her clothes around? 5 minutes before the fight, she excused herself to change. I mean, I know it's hard to fight in this stiff clothing, but did she really have to?
"Women and their fashion sense," groaned Vanitas. At this, Sepia's mouth twitched. She was about to retort when Weiss suddenly shouted that caused her to shut up. "I'll thank her later," Vanitas thought while chuckling dryly.
"I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today," said Port. Vanitas looked at Weiss, who also looked at him. For some reason, Weiss began to blush, but embarrassment was clearly shown on her eyes. She quickly turned away before adapting her cold mannerism. She stomped away from the room, being followed by Ruby.
"So, what now?" asked Vanitas who leaned back on his chair.
"Sorta busy here," Sepia bit back. Vanitas raised his hands in defeat.
"I'll go outside." Sepia simply nodded her head, while Vanitas turned to leave the room.
...
Vanitas unconsciously followed Ruby down the hallway, and he simply raised an eyebrow at Ruby and Weiss' bickering. He looked to the side and saw his father coming towards Ruby. Vanitas simply rolled his eyes and turned around.
"No point in joining this matter. Not really in the mood in joining the circus," mumbled Vanitas before turning to leave.
Along his way on the hallway, he came across Yang and Blake. The two were visibly worried for their two teammates, and Vanitas simply turned around again. Needless to say, he found himself cornered.
"Just my luck," groaned Vanitas.
"Hey, have you seen my sister?" asked Yang. Vanitas turned around to meet the crazy blonde and the rather quiet type Faunus. How did he know she was a Faunus? Twitching ribbon. Period. He decided to keep silent about it though. No need to create any further strife in their team.
"Would be funny on how they would react though," thought Vanitas who chuckled to himself.
"Uhh... okaaaay? Yang to Vanitas, you there?" asked Yang. Vanitas shrugged.
"Yeah, she's right down the hallway. Weiss scolded Ruby or something. Now Ruby's being talked to by Ozpin. Don't disturb 'em. Just go to your rooms, Oz will do fine," answered Vanitas who smoothly waltzed his way out of trouble.
He reached his room to find Sepia to be already fast asleep. She was mumbling something about Vanitas being a nuisance. Vanitas looked to the study table to find both Sepia's homework, and his homework on top of it. He approached the table and a note clearly stated:
"Kindly do my assignment with yours. Oh, don't worry. Your secret is safe with me ;) ~Sepia"
Vanitas groaned again. Looks like his carefree life was over.
...
After finishing the assignments, Vanitas leaned back to his chair while stretching his arms. He looked to the window and saw that it was already night time.
"Huh. I guess I'll go take a walk," said Vanitas to no one in particular. He got up from his chair, and silently left the room in order not to disturb Sepia from sleeping. As much as he hates the little fox, he'll still have to act nicely. She's a girl after all.
On his way down the corridor, he felt at peace. The area was silent, everyone was asleep. For most people, people would find empty and dark corridors to be scary. For Vanitas, he found it quite peaceful. Something about the darkness that allows him to think peacefully.
As he roamed around, he found a walking white figure. At first, he thought it was a ghost. Then he remembered that there was an actual student here who loves the color white and is even clothed in it: Weiss. His thoughts began to trail off.
Weiss. The name brings Vanitas a nostalgic feeling and a headache for some reason. It was like he was supposed to know this person. He racked his brain to try and remember, only to get an overwhelming feeling of vertigo. His body felt heavy, and the surroundings began to twist and turn; his world was turning upside down in a very bad way.
"Fuck, it's happening," growled Vanitas. Here was the backlash of his true Aura; he gets really sick at night. Without a proper source of lighting, his aura runs wild to light up the surroundings. It was as if Vanitas' aura doesn't like being in the dark. "I thought I was able to control you already?!"
"Vani!" shouted a girl whose voice began to echo in his head. The shout wasn't too loud to wake the others, but definitely loud enough for Vanitas to hear. He fell to the floor, only to be met with a pair of fragile arms. There, he lost consciousness.
...
When Vanitas came to, he was immediately engulfed in a hug by his aunt. Hugs are good and all, but Glynda's hug can rival a bear.
"Ah, Auntie, you're crushing me," Vanitas managed to mumble out. Glynda quickly let go, before letting a slap hit his face.
"What did you think you were doing last night? You know full well that can't in the dark, you would've burned to death!" scolded Glynda. Vanitas rubbed his now swollen cheek, and mumbled a soft apology. Glynda immediately softened at this, before turning to Ozpin.
"Let me take a guess. Ever since you've learned to control your aura, you've foolishly decided to walk in a hallway with no lights on?" said Ozpin with his calm demeanor. Vanitas sighed exasperatedly.
"Alright, fine! It was my fault, I'm sorry," answered Vanitas before lying against the bed again.
"Vani-"
"It's alright, Glynda. The young man has learned his lesson. Let's go, we still have students to entertain," said Ozpin who led Glynda to the door. "Oh, and Vani? Go thank Weiss and Sepia. The two carried you here in the infirmary," said Ozpin before the two left.
...
It has been weeks already since Vanitas' incident. When he thanked Weiss, the latter kept stuttering and was downright flustered. For Sepia, well, let's just say that Vanitas hates being indebt with someone.
Currently, the two were eating at the cafeteria, exchanging with each other's notes. Recently, the two have come into friendly terms which often caused misunderstandings among the students about the two being a "couple". Vanitas cleared the rumours up with a harsh glare, while Sepia supported him with her signature pranks.
"Hey, do you have any notes for Glynda's class?" asked Sepia. Vanitas nodded his head, before passing his notes to her. Vanitas looked around, and saw team RWBY and team JNPR eating with each other. Jaune performed a very embarrassing performance earlier which caused many people to give Pyrrha and his talented teammates the pitiful stare. This infuriated Vanitas. He turned to the leader of team CRNL and saw him bullying a Faunus girl with bunny ears. While it was true that he hates meddling with other's business and that he always wants to stay out of trouble, he can't let people bullying on people weaker than themselves pass.
"Don't mind them, Vani. I'm pretty pissed off myself, but we still have a reputation to maintain," said Sepia while biting her lower lip. For once, Sepia agreed with Vanitas. She, too, hates stronger people bullying on the weaker ones.
"Ow that hurts!" said the girl with a British accent. Both Sepia and Vanitas turned to the girl whose ears were being pulled by the leader.
"That's it," Vanitas and Sepia growled simultaneously, standing up from their seat. They completely left their meal and notes behind while cracking their knuckles.
"Please stop," said the Faunus.
"I told you it was real!"
"Stop it," growled Vanitas, gripping the wrist of the leader. The CRDL leader just looked at him flabbergasted.
"What did you say?" asked the man. Vanitas growled again, before hardening his grip. The leader wailed in pain, quickly letting the girl go. Vanitas, then, pulled the leader forwards, and viciously slamming him against the table behind him. Luckily, there were no one on that table. All eyes turned to them, while the leader's teammates stared at Vanitas in shock.
"I said, stop," said Vanitas with venom dripping in his voice.
"Hey, let him go!" one of the teammates managed to recover.
"No, you go!" shouted Sepia, who roundhouse kicked the person in the jaw, sending him flying. This time, everything was at a standstill. The leader tried to squirm out of his way from Vanitas' grip, but to no avail. Vanitas pushed the leader against the floor, the latter's front pressed against the floor. His arm was twisted to the back. Vanitas leaned closer to the leader's ear.
"Apologize," said Vanitas with a raspy, terrifying voice that caused the leader to quickly yell: "I'm sorry!"
"That's it?!" Vanitas shouted. His voice instantly sent shivers down everyone's spine. "No, no, no, no. You go to your knees, press your head against the floor and apologize to everyone you've bullied. If not, I'll make sure to kill all of you in your team one. By. One. This I vow," said Vanitas. At this, a spoon can be heard clattering against the floor. Everyone at Beacon has never seen Vanitas being this angry. Sure, he was picked on, and everything by team CRDL as well, but he just didn't mind them and picked on them back with a playful manner. For Vanitas to actually threaten to kill team CRDL, then that means that the situation was way out of hand.
"That's enough!" shouted a woman's voice.
"Tsk. You're lucky this time," growled Vanitas, letting his grip go. He turned to face Glynda who was looking at him with mock disappointment. Why? Her eyes were glimmering with pride.
"The two of you, and team CRDL, go to the office. Now. I wish to speak with the 6 of you with your behaviour during break time," ordered Glynda. Vanitas rolled his eyes, and motioned Sepia to follow.