Chapter 5:
Beacon Academy, where generations of the Kingdom of Vale's noble huntsman and huntresses were forged. Here, they honed their combat skills to take on the Creatures of Grimm that prey upon the lands of Remnant and to preserve the peace that began many decades before. There was great promise in the academy's first-year class, but the two stars that shone brightest were Team RWBY and Team JNPR. At this time of day, both teams were in Glynda Goodwitch's combat class, participating in sparring and observing their brother's and sisters in arms. At the moment, the white-haired heiress of Team RWBY, Weiss Schnee, was in the middle of dispatching the bull-headed leader of Team CRDL, Cardin Winchester. Using her glyphs to speed around her opponent at a blinding pace, it was clear Cardin's brute force tactics were not working out for him, as he continued to be prodded and speared by Weiss' rapier. As Cardin's aura level declined at a steady pace, cheers could be heard from the stands, as her teammates, Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long, hooted and hollered as she pummeled the notorious bully. Her final teammate, Blake Belladonna, watched with interest as well but was more reserved than the two sisters. The members of Team JNPR also cheered on their friend, with Nora Valkyrie trying to be the loudest of all of them, nearly defining her team's lovable, but bumbling, leader, Jaune Arc. With a good-natured smile, Jaune cheered on his crush alongside his more combat experienced partner, Pyrrha Nikos. Finally, much like Blake, resident ninja of Team JNPR and Nora's best friend, Lie Ren, only smiled at the antics of his teammates as the battle concluded with Weiss complete victory over Cardin. Now that the fight was over, Goodwitch approached the two combatants to evaluate their performance and mark areas in need of improvement.
"Excellent job, Ms. Schnee," Glynda said, with an air of scrutiny in her voice. "You were able to recognize your opponents patterned fighting style and use that to your advantage. Commendable work, but don't let this stop you from further improving your form."
"Thank you, Professor Goodwitch," Weiss said with a smile, as she made her way back towards her teammates as Cardin was getting an earful from the professor.
"Great job, Weiss! You really showed him out there." Ruby cheerfully congratulated her partner and leader. While she initially had her doubts about someone so young and naive being made her leader, she soon saw the potential that Professor Ozpin saw in her, not that she ever say that to her face.
"Yeah, way to go out there!" said Yang as she flashed her signature smile, giving Weiss a big thumbs up. The exuberant firecracker of her team was always bursting with positive energy, but she could tell she was also eager to enter the ring and spar with whatever unfortunate soul would be chosen to oppose her.
"Nice job out there, Snow Angel," Jaune said in an attempt to flirt with her. Weiss just rolled her eyes. While the leader of Team JNPR did have some good traits, Weiss believed his time annoyingly flirting with her could rather be spent improving his combat skills. Not to say he hasn't improved since he arrived at Beacon, but he still had a long way to go.
As she sat down, Goodwitch called two other students down to the arena, neither of them being in her immediate friend group. While a dutiful student and huntress, Weiss decided to take this opportunity to quickly look at her scroll to see if she had received any messages or missed any news. As she opened the device, it showed her that she had missed an important news alert, one that was concerned with the Schnee Dust Company. Curious, she tapped on the icon, and the article popped up on the screen. As she began reading, her eyes slowly widened in shock at the news.
"Weiss, is something wrong?" Ruby said with mild concern. Weiss looked up from her scroll, to see that both Blake and Yang had also turned their attention towards her as well. Deep down she appreciated her teammate's worry, but that wasn't the primary concern right now.
"A Schnee dust mine just… collapsed." Weiss brought herself to say.
"WHAT?!" said her shocked teammates, as Weiss quickly shushed them as not to draw Glynda's attention. "What happened? Was anyone hurt?" Ruby said, extremely concerned now.
"No, the mine had actually been evacuated earlier that day," Weiss said. "The Schnee Dust Company released this statement a few hours ago. Apparently, there was some kind of accident involving some type equipment on one of the lower levels. After everyone was evacuated, military personnel were sent in to investigate later that day, but as soon as they arrived, the mine suffered an underground tremor and just caved-in." Taking in the news, the members of Team RWBY began to think it over in their heads. After a moment, Blake finally said what they were all thinking.
"Something doesn't feel right, there's something they aren't telling us," Blake said. While she had her own feelings about the Schnee Dust Company and its treatment toward the faunus people, she knew the companies particular brand of lies when she saw it. This was different because they usually covered their bases fairly well in their press releases.
"You think?" Yang said, "I mean, when was the last time you heard of earthquakes happening in Solitas. You don't because they don't happen that rarely ever happens. Even when they do, they're never this destructive." Weiss had to concede to Yang on that one, she had a good point.
Suddenly, a memory popped into Blake's head as she quickly asked Weiss, "Which mine was it?" Confused, Weiss looked over the article for the name of the mine. After a second she, she looked up from her scroll and said, "Mine 1-04, why?" Blake's eyes widened at this news, confirming her suspicions. "There was a news segment about that mine a week ago, the Atlas army was sending military personnel over there."
"What? What for?" said Ruby, now suspicious as well.
"The official release statement said it was for crowd control since some faunus activist planned to stage a protest outside the mine. Now the mine suddenly collapses for no reason?"
"You think they were sent there with some kind of hidden agenda in mind?" asked Weiss her interest now piqued.
"Probably," as Blake said this, the buzzer sounded, indicating that the match going on had ended. As Goodwitch sent them back to their seats, she called out, "Alright, we have time for one more match today. Will Yang Xiao Long…" At this Yang pumped her fist in the air, with an assertive "Yeah!"
"… and Jaune Arc please enter the ring." Jaune's face paled a bit, but he put on a brave facade as he began to descend the stairs towards the ring. Yang turned toward her teammates and said, "We'll pick this up later." Her serious expression changed to her regular joyful expression as she activated her shotgun gauntlets, Ember Celica, as she readied herself for what was probably going to be a one-sided match. However, all four members of Team RWBY were still wondering, what really happened at that mine.
—
Back in The Hall, Bane and Ebenezer looked out over their new allies, as they began to approach them. The man of the group was Caucasian, about 5'10, adequately built, with cropped black hair and dark brown eyes. His face and body language gave off a weasely vibe as if one should always make sure to have their hand on their wallet when they were even remotely around him. The woman walking next to him had long dark hair, which complemented her brown skin. She stood at 5'11 and had a defined muscle structure, with striking ocean blue eyes. As she walked forward, she gave off the attitude of a warrior, but with the dominance and intelligence only seen in those of royal blood. The last woman, standing around 5'11 also, strode towards Bane and Ebenezer with a small confident smile on her face. She had black, bob cut hair and a thin face, but had clearly defined muscles under her suit. A unique feature her were her dull, grey eyes, that actively analyzed everything around her. While appearing normal, Bane could sense that this was one person that should never be underestimated. As they reached the pedestals, Bane and Ebenezer walked over to meet them halfway.
"Hey Bane, my man," said the man, "thanks for breaking us out of those popsicles. The mindscape is nice an all, but you get pretty bored robbing the same heavily guarded buildings over and over again." he said with cocky mirth. The ocean-eyed woman scoffed at her compatriot, thinking that his accomplishment was actually impressive.
"It's good to hear you spent your time improving your craft, Mickey," Bane responded. He then turned his attention to the two women beside Mickey. He saw that the ocean-eyed woman was sizing him up, while the other simple stared at him with a small smile. "Levia, Augustina, I have also seen your efforts while in the mindscape. They were very impressive."
"I do appreciate the compliment, Bane." Levia said, "but don't address me so formally next time. As far as any of you surface dwellers know, it is Queen Levia."
"Holding onto a title to a kingdom that assuredly does not exist anymore?" coyly questioned Augustina, "Attaching so much meaning to a mere name can be unhealthy behavior, your highness."
Levia turned toward Augustina with pure venom in her eyes, "Laurentia may be gone, but as long as I have royal blood running through my veins, I will continue to carry the legacy my parents left me." As Levia clenched her fists, Augustina stood unfazed by her decree and continued to egg Levia on.
"I may not be able to break through your Atlantean skin, but I've learned that there is more than one way to take down pompous brats such as yourself." Levia then lunged at Augustina, prepared to knock that smug look off of her pretentious face. Before they collided, a barrier of light appeared between them, causing Levia to slam into it. While unharmed, she was still seething with anger.
Augustina turned her attention towards the drone hovering over Bane's right shoulder, having an idea who put up the barrier, "Oh Computo, I was just teasing her." She said mocking innocence.
"As much as I'd like to see you two tear each other apart, you are both required for the task ahead. So please try to tolerate each other's continued existence," Computo replied. The AI then lowered the shield as Levia lifted herself off the ground, deciding she would settle the matter with Augustina at a later date.
"Yes, now that we have gotten the introductions out of the way," said Ebenezer, as he gestured toward the pedestals "we should get down to brass tacks." Soon, everyone made their way to their individual seats, with Bane sitting in the middle to negotiate the meeting. All eyes were soon on him, as the newcomers awaited him to speak.
"Well Bane," began Augustina, "you went to the trouble of waking us up, so I must assume you did this for a reason." Bane knew she knew why he brought them here but could tell she was eager to hear the specific events that led up to this.
"The Hall was breached yesterday by soldiers." Bane simply stated, immediately catching everyone's attention. "Computo awakened me to handle them. The soldiers had advanced technology, which used an unknown power source. I took care of the individual soldiers easily enough, and eventually fought with their commanding officer. This man displayed pyrokinetic abilities and some type of naturally generated force field. After dealing with him, I awakened Ebenezer, and we transported the Hall to a new location, as we were at a strategic disadvantage."
"Ok, that's great and all, big guy," said Mickey as he asked, "but what we here to do?"
Bane turned toward Mickey to give his comrade a proper reply, "To start anew." Mickey became shocked at this statement, his eyes as wide as dinner plates. On the other side of the meeting table, Levia's sour demeanor was replaced with an eager and knowing grin, and Augustina shared the same reaction. Mickey, trying to save some face, said, "Well, obviously." Bane did a little eye roll at Mickey's antics but nevertheless continued. "Each of you has been selected for your particular skills and abilities that will be an asset in establishing The Society's foundations. There is a new world out there to conquer, and it is a sworn duty to prepare it so that we could restore our organization to its past glory."
"Speaking of the world," said Ebenezer, "I believe Computo has been compiling some information he obtained from the satellite. Would you mind sharing what you have discovered thus far?"
"Certainly," said Computo, as he activated the computer pedestal in the middle of the room, which began projecting various news broadcasts and images captured by the satellite."Hacking into their computers was elementary, by my standards anyway." The way he said it, it sounded like it was no big deal. "However, before I divulge this information too you all, I would like our last guest to arrive so we are all on the same page." The three newcomers looked confused and curious at this statement, thinking that another pod was still on its way.
"Shouldn't she have been brought to this room as quickly as the others," asked Bane. At this Computo, let out what sounded like a robotic chuckle. "Actually, she was so excited about meeting you all she decided to run up here." At that moment, the main doors flung open, as our group's heads turned to see who was making their entrance. As soon as they laid eyes on her, bewilderment and absolute confusion became the dominant features on their faces, with the exception of Ebenezer, who wore a mischievous, yet knowing smirk. Standing in the doorway was a bright blue-eyed, blonde-haired, teenage girl, looking like she just came off the set of a 50s sitcom. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail with a bright green bow, which matched the color of the scarf she was wearing around her neck. She wore a black short-sleeved, button-down shirt with green collar and cuffs. The shirt was tucked into a green skirt which ended just above the ankles, with a black radiation symbol on the side of it, and had on black slippers to complete her look. Flashing her pearly whites with a smile, she cheerfully greeted her teammates and waved.
"GOOD MORNING GLORIES!" She then sped over to the meeting area, as everyone continued to gawk at her. She quickly made her way to the unoccupied seat next to Levia, and quickly sat down, to which Levia tried to move away from her. The girl then turned her attention towards Computo, a happy but also apologetic look on her face.
"Sorry I was so late everybody, I hope I didn't miss anything important. Did I, Uncle Computo?" If you listened closely, you could hear Bane snicker under his breath at the nickname, but Computo did not seem to mind.
"No, my dear, nothing I already told you about when you were brought online. In fact, we were just getting to the good part. However, don't you think it would be polite if you were to introduce yourself to your new teammates." The girl put her hand over her mouth in surprise, "I am sorry everybody, it slipped my mind I was so excited to meet you all!" she said in a perky voice that made Levia want to gag. "Hello everybody! You all can call me Sis, I am so happy to meet you all." Still stunned, Bane composed himself to giver their new arrival a proper welcome.
"Thank you, Sis, it is good to have you onboard." Slowly, everyone attention turned their attention back toward Computo, setting aside time for later to process what just happened.
"Now that we are all present," Computo began, "I have discovered some rudimentary information about this world. The planet we knew as Earth is now known by the population as Remnant. Oh, irony, thou art a cruel mistress." Computo said as Micky began to chuckle. "Anyway, Remnant is divided into four separate ruling entities, or Kingdoms, containing Atlas, Vacuo, Vale, and Mistral." As Computo said this, a virtual map was projected in the center of the room, highlighting the locations the AI mentioned. "There is also the small island nation of Menagerie, which is located in the south-eastern hemisphere, and is home exclusively to faunus, a subspecies of human that posses animal traits." Computo then projected some pictures of faunus to serve as an example to everyone in the room. While there were Superheroes and villains who had particular animal traits or related powers, our villains were still interested in this new discovery.
Levia then decided to ask a question, "Where exactly are the borders to these Kingdoms?"
"They are fairly small. There is more unoccupied land then occupied, not from lack of trying. Many groups attempt settlement outside of the Kingdom's borders, but none of them last very long before they are overtaken."
At this, everyone gained a look of confusion on their face. If there was so much land up for grabs, what was stopping the kingdoms from expanding their territory?
"Why is that?" asked Ebenezer.
In response, Computo projected several images, showcasing strange beasts. While they ranged in size and shape, they all shared three common traits. Their skin or fur was solid black, they all had some form of chalk white bone armor, and had blood red eyes. "These are The Creatures of Grimm, a major source of concern at the moment. While there are theories and legends, no one is sure where these creatures came from, but they possess a major threat to this world's population. They are apparently attracted to negative emotions, such as panic, fear, and anger. These settlements only as last as long as they can stave off the Grimm, which is usually not long."
"Then how have the Kingdom's lasted so long?" Bane asked.
"Besides having the security of a wall and a border patrol, they have specially trained individuals to combat the Grimm known as huntsman and huntresses. To better equip these individuals, several academies have been established in all four kingdoms, to prepare them to fight the Grimm and preserve the peace between the four kingdoms. Huntsman and Huntresses also can utilize aura, a manifestation of their souls, for offensive, defensive, and healing purposes. Most also possess individual semblances, which we could liken to a metagene. Explains why that captain almost turned you into barbecue, huh Bane?" Computo teased.
Bane let out a small guttural growl but remained focused on the information that was just given. The presence of the Grimm and Huntsman would make things difficult in establishing a foundation for the Society. 'Then again,' Bane thought, 'when are things ever been easy for people like us.'
"We can bring this back up later," said Augustina, breaking the silence, "I believe we should focus on what criminal or underground enterprises are present, and discuss what the best course of action in becoming involved."
"Excellent thought, Ms. Strange," Computo said as he began searching for and processing new information regarding the criminal element of Remnant. After a minute, Computo spoke once more. "Bandit tribes, several criminal syndicates, assassins, rouge huntsman and other people society considers unsavory can be found throughout the Kingdoms. However, there is a large concentration of them in Mistral. In fact, the Kingdom of Mistral is home to the largest black market on the planet."
"Well shoot, sounds like we'd fit in like peas in a pod there, don't you think guys," Sis said cheerfully.
"Indeed," said Bane, "but before we ally ourselves with these people, we will need to establish our presence on Remnant as a viable force." Everyone agreed with this because no one was going to respect them if they just showed up and asked for it. To gain respect, one had to speak with their actions and prove that they were worth other's time. They could always just charge guns blazing and subjugate them, but that usually led to more backstabbing later down the line. The Society needed to find its way in this world, and these people would be crucial assets to their expansion.
"Wonderful speech Bane, but how do you propose we do that?" asked Levia. Bane was about to reply but stopped when he saw the smug look on Mickey's face. Bane then said, "I think Mr. Barnabas may have a suggestion." To that, everyone turned their attention over to Mickey, whose smirk only widened. Levia was extremely skeptical that the land rat had a good idea, but she decided to humor herself and watch him fail.
"Oh come on, guys, I can't be the only one who sees how simple this ought to be," He said, feigning disbelief. "Well, I may not be able to lift trucks over my head, or shoot lasers out of my butt, but do you know what I am?"
"Incredibly annoying," Levia said, taking a jab at Mickey.
"Funny." Mickey said with an irritated expression, "I'm a thief, and that's the most common kind of criminal there is. We want a way into the in the crowd, we get what any common crook is after. Money." While crude, it was the simplest way to achieve their goals.
A smile soon spread across Banes's face, as well as most of the others, while Levia continued to scowl. "So Mickey, I assume you are suggesting…"
"A good ol' fashioned heist," said Mickey with exuberance. Bane looked around the room and took count of the positive reactions to the thief's suggestion, save for one.
"It appears that we are all in agreement," Bane said cooly, "Now all we need to do is find a target."
"Alright, that's my man!" said Mickey, rubbing his hands in anticipation, " Computo, what big fat cat bank is just asking to be relieved of its riches?"
"I will begin searching," Computo began, "but I think it is about time you all changed into more appropriate attire."
At Computo's statement, everyone with the exception of Sis took notice of their identical black uniforms. To truly mark their resurgence, they would need to take on the identities they were born to uphold.
"My friends," Bane stated, standing up from his seat, "It is time to suit up."
"Your individual costumes are being brought up as we speak, into changing rooms located right across from the meeting hall," Computo said. With this new information, Bane, Levia, Mickey, Ebenezer, and Augustina made their way to the door.
—
After waiting for 30 minutes, they reentered the room. In addition to his mask, Bane now wore a similar, full body black suit that covered his neck. His upper arms were uncovered, while his forearms were covered with a pair of armored gauntlets. The armor was a dull gray, while the gloves underneath them were the same color black as the suit. Around his waist was a grey metal belt with a circular buckle with a red circle in the center. To finish the look, he wore a pair of black combat boots with a grey outsole.
Behind him was Ebenezer, who now wore a white lab coat, with a black turtleneck underneath, grey pants, and brown dockers on his feet. On the right lapel of his coat, there was a symbol of a blue atom, with an "S" adorning the nucleus.
Next was Augustina, whose new costume resembled one of the Society's greatest foes. The black cowl she wore covered most of her face, leaving an opening for her mouth and nose. A large purple "W" was in the middle of the cowl, centered over her nose, going across her cheek, and going up past her ears, forming two horns on the top of her head. She also wore a long black cape that went down to her ankles, with a dark purple interior. Her suit had black body armor around on her chest and arms, with jagged spikes placed on her gloves. In the center of her breastplate, a similar purple "W" was placed in the center. A dull yellow utility belt adorned her waist, holding a multitude of gadgets, weapons, and other law fighting paraphernalia. Her most prominent weapon on her belt was the specially modified handgun she kept holstered on her right hip. Finally, she wore black boots on her feet, with a purple stripe around the top of the boots, and purple soles on the bottom.
Mickey strode in behind Augustina, in possibly the silliest costume out of them all. The bodysuit he wore was brown and grey, with a mask that covered the upper half of his face, but left an opening for his mouth. On the sides of his head, were two technological saucers that resembled mouse ears. There were goggles with red lenses over his eyes, which appeared to house tech with a similar purpose to the ears. Like Augustina, Mickey wore a utility belt, which held items specially designed for his field of profession.
Lastly, Levia entered, now wearing regal combat armor. The helmet she wore was similar to her ancestors, with a black helm and a gold faceplate and gold comb on the top of her head. Going off of the faceplate, the sides were designed to look similar to the fins of a fish. Attached to her golden breastplate, she wore a black collared cape that reached down to her ankles, adding to her royal presence. A stylized symbol of a red manta ray adorned the center of her breastplate, the same symbol used by her ancestors so many centuries ago. Under the breastplate, she wore purple mail resembling fish scales. A gold belt with an Atlantean symbol in the center adorned her waist, while she wore similar gold armbands on her forearms. Below her belt, she wore black pants that covered her feet, similar to a diver's suit, and had fins protruding from the calves. In her right hand, Levia proudly held a golden trident, with an ocean blue gem in the head, which gave off an eerie glow.
"Well golly, don't you all look professional now," said Sis with delight, as she went to greet her new friends.
"Indeed," said Augustina with a smile, which came off as more unsettling than pleasant in her costume, "and I am certainly anxious to field test this new suit. Lord knows, how much time I spent designing it all."
"Well scary sister, you gonna have to wait, "said Mickey with a cocky grin and flexing his muscles, "because it's gonna be my time to shine very soon."
"HA," mocked Levia, "and I thought you were a land rat before. Now, I see you truly live up to the name." Instead of bursting into a rage, Mickey felt it appropriate to return the teasing.
"Oh yeah, fish face, I'd like to see you sneak into anyplace in your rainbow trout outfit." He said thinking he was being clever, but everyone just groaned at his attempt at humor. Even Levia had to admit she brought this on herself. Everyone soon made their way back to their seats and sat down. However, Bane kept standing, preparing to say something to his comrades.
"Now that everyone is back, I would like to commemorate the start of this new era." Bane paused for a moment, for dramatic effect. "When we were children, we watched as our parents battle for the glory of The Society. Despite facing unimaginably powerful foes who opposed their greatness, they persevered against a world that hated and feared them. The Earth they knew is gone, claimed by The Deicide. Now, we will carry on our glorious legacy into Remnant, and conquer what is rightfully ours and bring the Society back to its former glory!" Bane then raised his fist in the air and proclaimed, "No force on this planet will be able to stop us, and we will carve out our future and destroy any who get in our way!" A shout of approval roared throughout the meeting hall, as they all raised their fists triumphantly.
Computo observed from above, looking at the event with great pleasure. This was a comeback millions of years in the making, and despite some doubts, he believed this ragtag group might be able to beat the odds. To further commemorate the occasion, Computo began a new entry in The Hall's data logs "Founders of the 8th age of the Secret Society of Super-Villains: Bane, Dr. Ebenezer Sivana, Wrath, Mouse Man, Ocean Master, and Sis of the Nuclear Family. Oderint dum Metuant- Let them hate as long as they fear!"