Mad Max: Road to Salvation
Episode 14: The Wizard, Witch, and Warriors
A/N: Sorry it took so long folks, hope the extra length makes up for it.
[SilentType1997: Well I do have a profile, but I'm no artist. But if I were I probably would who knows.]
[Mr. ReadMore: that would be telling man, but I can say that you're not wrong about that. Thanks for your support.]
[Clearwingyuta: It is nice and you can bet he'll take her down one way or another.]
[Guest 1: This chapter was difficult to write due to sveral problems on my end, so sorry for the delay.]
[Charles: well I'm not saying no to the evil within crossover, but it's not in my wheelhouse and I'm doing my best to update as fast as I can.]
Max had slept peacefully after he had gone back to sleep again after watching the whole little performance from Mari and Bruz. Everyone had gone to sleep in the vehicles and time passed quickly while they slept. With his mind truly at ease for the first time in a very long time, Max was actually happy. As the morning came and the brutal sun took its place in the sky, the people of the town of Ashford began their daily routines. Max was the first among his motley crew to awaken and stretched himself out. Soon enough everyone was waking up one by one and there was one thing on everyone's mind, food. Not a moment too soon, a certain dusty old Qrow happened to walk down the street towards them, with a white-haired stranger beside him who bore a black suit, green scarf, small black sunglasses, and a black cane. Trailing closely behind them was a blonde woman with her tied in a bun, she wore glasses, a black skirt, high heeled black boots, white blouse and her weapon was a riding crop.
Max eyed the strangers suspiciously, taking care to analyze every visible detail. The white-haired stranger took a sip from a coffee mug he held in his other hand and he returned Max's gaze with a very subtle look of curiosity. The blonde woman had a stoic look on her face as she followed along. The road warrior watched them all carefully as they approached the convoy. Mari spotted the white-haired man and her eyes widened in surprise at that particular stranger's presence. She knew exactly who he was, his identity was no secret after all. But then he rarely ever left Beacon academy for any reason. It did not necessarily mean that he never left at all, but it was quite surprising seeing him here of all places to say the least. Even the former white fang member Krel knew of this man and his reputation. Daniel and Anya were busying themselves playing with each other and not paying attention to Qrow and the two strangers. Dinki-di on the other hand was doing the same thing as his master, observing them out of instinct as if he were studying a group of possible foes. The three individuals finally stopped when Max had got out of the car and narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"I assume this is the man you told me about, Qrow. The road warrior?" Ozpin said after a brief moment of uncomfortable silence.
"That's him alright Oz. He's everything I told you he'd be. Hey Glynda, I think you might really hit it off with him, considering you're both hard cases." Qrow said as he took a swig from his flask. Glynda gave the drunken man a death glare and said nothing as she took her place beside Ozpin. The drunkard just nonchalantly ignored her death stare.
"I see that now, and perhaps even more." Ozpin said as he nonchalantly observed the rest of Max's associates. He then turned his attention to the road warrior himself. "I understand you've wanted to speak with me. You've certainly made quite a name for yourself in a very short time, Mr. Rockatansky."
"You have something I want." Max replied gruffly. Glynda got a good look at him and what she saw was unimpressive, to her he appeared to be another simple-minded thug.
"Yes, I understand that you desire your privacy if I am correct. Well I am sure that can be arranged in due time. But before we get ahead of ourselves, I am professor Ozpin." The wise headmaster offered to shake hands and Max reluctantly took it, only briefly taking his eyes off the man in front of him to glance at his assistant. She had a similar disposition at that moment when they locked eyes and quickly looked away. Max made a mental note of this and returned his steely gaze to the other stranger.
"So, I've heard, you run one of those huntsman academies." Max stated coolly. As he did so, Anya and Daniel had ceased their games and went to their respective parents. Anya stood next Max while silently staring at the strange man. Glynda looked down to see the little girl hiding behind the road warrior and her heart softened a bit to see the state she was in and clinging to the man so tightly. But nonetheless, in her opinion the man was recklessly putting the girl in danger if she was constantly going into battle with him. Bruz glared at the huntsmen and huntress with a vast amount of anger and disdain in his eyes.
"Yes, and as a matter of fact I have something to discuss with you about that as well, perhaps over a meal. I can see that you and your associates are quite famished, I would like to offer to provide said meal as I have yet to enjoy some breakfast myself." Ozpin then eyed Anya who was still hiding behind Max's leg while her adoptive father placed his hand protectively in front of her. "Who might you be?"
"She's my… adopted daughter." Max growled protectively.
"So, it would seem." Ozpin said calmly with a small smile.
"You should take better care of her then." Glynda said in an annoyed tone.
"Hey ease up on the guy, he's had it pretty rough and does it look like he has any lien to get her new clothes?!" Qrow defended Max.
"That's exactly my point Qrow! He can't take care of her in the first place!" Glynda barked at the drunken man while gesturing to Anya and Max.
"So, what do you nominate yourself?!" Qrow snapped back.
"Oi, she's better off with us than on the streets you damn huntsman slagheads! The boss did little sis a favor by taking her in!" Bruz roared at the associates of the wise headmaster in defense of his surrogate family.
"D-daddy, I'm hungry." Anya said as she tugged on Max's pant leg.
"Not now little piston rod, Daddy's working." Max replied stoically.
"That's enough everyone, I believe it's time we had that discussion. If you would please follow me, I believe there is a diner around the corner where we can eat. I think your daughter will enjoy it as well." Ozpin said sternly, quieting the argument. He then signaled for Max and his compatriots to follow him. The entire group proceeded to the diner and as they did Bruz went next to Max and Anya.
"Oi Boss, are you sure we should trust this high and mighty slag head? That assistant of his really riles me up, she has no place in talking about what's best for little sis." Bruz spat as they walked.
"Whatever happens, happens. If they intend to double cross us…" Max trailed off. If anyone had intentions of taking away his little piston rod, they'd get a face full of fist or buckshot.
"We take care of business." Bruz finished with a grin. Max just grunted ambiguously. Anya stayed by Max's side but was only focused on staying close to him. Dink-di went next to Qrow and the stranger, growling when the huntsman tired to scratch him. Qrow took the hint and left the dog alone while they made their way to the restaurant. Glynda couldn't stop glancing at the man it was almost like a reflex for her, the whole time he'd barely said a word, and it made her very irritated. Mari was just amazed at the fact that the man himself was here in Vacuo. But she kept asking herself the all too important question, Why? Why was he here of all places? What would warrant his need to come here instead of them going to see him?
Krel was on edge due to his sordid past, and the fact that one of the most influential individuals in the huntsman community was here, did not ease his mind. They finally reached the diner and filed in to a large table, and all of them sat down accordingly. Max sat next to Ozpin, Glynda, and Qrow while Anya, Bruz, and Mari sat on the opposite side of Max. The waiter came and took everyone's orders and ignored the dog that sat near the table.
"Now Mister Rockatansky, it's time we continued our discussion." Ozpin said calmly after he took a sip from his mug.
"Fair enough." Max said stoically.
"As I understand it you wish to be left alone and while I would like to help in that regard-" Ozpin started to make his case but was rudely interrupted.
"Are you saying you can't?" Max cut him off.
"Not at all, but rather I may have a better solution." Ozpin replied.
"That being?" Max raised an eyebrow at the headmaster's suggestion.
"Perhaps you could stay at beacon." Ozpin offered.
"No way no how boss! I absolutely refuse to spend one flaming minute-" Bruz ranted as he rose up and planted his hands on the table indignantly.
"I would suggest that you show some respect!" Glynda slapped her riding crop and for the briefest moment she had put the fear of god into the young wasteland mechanic. Bruz shrank back into his seat but maintained his disapproval of the idea. "You can't be serious though Ozpin, this thug-"
"Has done far more good than harm. Back to the subject at hand, your young apprentice would have to be enrolled as a student. Although he would have to complete initiation and be assigned to a team as a late entry." Ozpin silenced Glynda and then went on about Bruz's possible enrollment at the academy.
"Why would I go to a school? Especially if I want to left alone." The Road warrior growled.
"Beacon is outfitted with dormitories for the students and private ones for staff alike, if you were to make beacon your place of residence, it would be much easier to assist you in that desire for privacy you mentioned." Ozpin said coolly.
"That doesn't answer my question Ozpin." Max narrowed his eyes impatiently.
"Patience is a virtue mister Rockatansky, while I may understand your lack thereof simply hear me out." Ozpin reasoned with the disgruntled ex-cop.
"Fine." Max said as he crossed his arms and made himself comfortable.
"Thank you, now as I was saying, after the young mister Bruz is enrolled, you and several of your other associates would be free to come and go as you please. If you were to stay at beacon I would able to provide you with shelter in the few unused staff dorms as well as invaluable resources, your car for example." Ozpin continued his explanation.
"What about it?" Max asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Surely it must need repairs and parts? While I am sure you have ample supply already, I am also sure you have only but a finite amount of said parts. Not to mention fuel for your vehicle, even the large tanks onboard are filled with a limited amount. In short, I have things you need. Qrow also mentioned your intentions for a crusade against the white fang, while commendable they are fruitless without necessary information." Ozpin listed the ways he could help Max.
"I have my ways." Max shrugged. Glynda narrowed her eyes at his response.
"I'm sure you do, but my assistance would make that process much easier. I suppose it's your choice though, I understand if you have any reluctance, but I assure you I have no ill intentions. If you need more reassurance, I have a certain mutual acquaintance we both share, a shaman by the name of Griffa." Ozpin informed Max of the need for information and a shared acquaintance.
"How do you know him?" Max said with a serious look on his face.
"He and I have known each other for some time, and last night he and I had an enlightening discussion pertaining to you. That's why I came here to speak with you directly." Ozpin told the truth.
"Fine." Max said after a moment of consideration.
"So, you accept the terms of the arrangement?" Ozpin locked his fingers together as he put his elbows on the table.
"Our agreement is that I help you and you help me in return. First though, I still have business to take care of. That is absolutely non-negotiable." Max set his side of deal's terms.
"Mutually beneficial for both of us then, all you will have to do is contact me when you are ready, and I will have a bullhead sent to bring you and your associates to beacon. It will also provide me time to prepare your quarters as well as several other. Besides, there are still several other things we will have to discuss upon your arrival including Bruz's enrollment."
"You can't be serious boss?! I have to go to school with huntsman slag-heads?!" Bruz shouted indignantly. This little outburst irritated Glynda immensely as she gave an unforgiving look of disapproval to the young dingo faunus who was angry enough to just shrug it off.
"Deal with it Bruz." Max put his foot down.
"Grrr why can't we just keep going as we have?! We'd be better off without a leash to roam free! If I'm there who will fix the car?!" Bruz tried to reason with Max but his mind was made up.
"Explain to me then young man, why do you bear such a grudge against huntsman and huntresses?" Ozpin asked calmly.
"What's it to ya slaghead?!" Bruz snarled spitefully.
"Oh, that is it, you will show the professor some respect, now young man!" Glynda was furious at Bruz's deplorable behavior.
"For once I agree with you Glynda, either this kid shuts his damn mouth or I'll pulverize the little shit!" Qrow for once was on Glynda's side.
"Ya want to know why I don't like huntsmen or huntresses? Cause it turns out, they aren't the "glorious heroes" that they pretend to be. Nah. All of them, they're just glorified celebrities, so high on their horses, they don't even acknowledge what guys like myself go through. I mean, where were they when the slavers took me away as a little kid? Where were those "heroes" when I had to be put so much unbelievable pain, it became a part of me?! Where were the so-called "defenders" ... WHEN THIS FUCKING HAPPENED TO ME?!" Bruz pulled down his face wrap and revealed his facial scaring to everyone at the table. Glynda and Qrow cringed slightly at the sight while Ozpin was remarkably stone-faced. Mari and Amy gasped at the sight of his horrible scars. Krel knew all too well what happens in the criminal underworld thanks to his time in the white fang and wasn't surprised at Bruz's scars.
"I was taken from my home on menagerie by slavers when I was just a nipper, and no one was there to save me! I endured years of misery in that pit of hell and survived. The only reason I'm here is because I managed to get lucky and swiped a 'nade that was my ticket to freedom! The bastards stuck me on a boat, and I got free when I blew the grenade while it was moored in vale. I killed them all and made my way out here! That's why I hate you self-righteous bastards!"
"I understand the reason for your anger, but you have to understand that -"Ozpin started to say.
"What? That I just fell through the cracks? Or the fact that all of you huntsman aren't doing your damn jobs?!" Bruz interrupted.
"That no one is perfect, there is no reason for you to take your anger out on me or any other huntsman or huntress. If you learn to become a huntsman you can prevent that from happening to someone else." Ozpin finished.
"Piss off old man, all I need to do is keep surviving like the boss here." Bruz grunted spitefully.
"What does that accomplish then? How does that change anything? Isn't that what you want, change?" Ozpin turned bruz's ideals against him.
"I…grr…*sigh*." Bruz had nothing left to say.
"I thought so. I know you've suffered but that can change if you try. If you want to inspire change then attending beacon would be a step in the right direction." Ozpin finished his speech and Bruz remained silent. After sometime passed and everyone had finished their meal Ozpin and Glynda took their leave. But that was after Mari spoke to them about what she and Amy would do if and when they went to the academy. Glynda briefly argued with Max about Anya and she nearly caused a scuffle until Ozpin had her calm down. Max was angered slightly by her attempt but both sides agreed to a ceasefire until further notice. Later on, Max's crew went back to the vehicles and Qrow decided to stick around for a bit. Bruz was still sore about being shanghaied into attending Beacon but Max was firm about it. The manic mechanic took some solace in the fact that at least Max was going to hold off on going until the time seemed right. Bruz then had an idea, if he was going to do this then he decided to pitch an idea to Max that would get them some big lien. Max was busy thinking to himself while Anya sat on his knee and feel asleep hugging him. Bruz walked over to Max being careful not to wake the cute little nipper.
"Oi, boss." Bruz whispered quietly.
"What?" Max replied as Anya snuggled him in her sleep.
"I have a bit of proposition for ya." Bruz leaned against the interceptor.
"not interested Bruz." Max said stoically.
"C'mon boss, we need some lien and I'm itching to bust some heads. Besides what else are we going to do in the meantime until you decide we go to the bloody academy?" Bruz made his case.
"Fine, what?" Max agreed to listen.
"Thanks boss! Oops, sorry almost woke little sister there." Bruz almost shouted as Anya stirred slightly before falling back asleep.
"The idea, Bruz." Max growled.
"Righto boss sorry, well I figured we could enter me in the mistral tournament. I know it's a continent over but-" Bruz whispered.
"Actually, that's not a half bad idea." Qrow interrupted.
"How long have you been listening Qrow?" Max growled.
"Long enough and well after I was done here, I figured I'd head to mistral myself to get started on another job Oz had for me. We're going the same way so…" Qrow trailed off.
"Remind me boss why you let that bird brain stick around?" Bruz shook his head.
"Hey I'm helping your case here!" Qrow whispered indignantly.
"What's going on boys?" Mari said as she walked over to them.
"Shush!" The three of them silenced her.
"Sorry, oh she's just the freaking cutest when she's asleep. Anyway, what are you three knuckleheads up to?" Mari smiled at Anya and then turned her attention to the guys.
"Just discussing a trip to mistral, for me it's business, them some fun at this year's tournament." Qrow said quietly.
"That's right it's going commence pretty soon and I like watching the reigning champ, she reminds me of myself when I was her age. Look at me talking like a mom, then again, I kind of am." Mari said happily and remembered her joint care for Daniel with Amy.
"Hey if you're looking to be all the way…" Qrow trailed off.
"Don't even think about it buster." Mari scowled.
"Sheesh, what's wrong with some flirting?" Qrow shrugged.
"You answered your own question." Mari deadpanned.
"So are we going to mistral boss?" Bruz asked humbly.
"Fine." Max sighed.
"That's bloody rippa it is boss!" Bruz whispered and did a small victory dance.
-END CHAPTER-
A/N: I know the relationship between Max and Glynda is off to a rocky start but all it takes is time. Besides there is still that idea I had if it doesn't end up working out.