A/N: Hello again! It's been around three weeks since the first Night chapter and now I'm back!
...I'm honestly flattered by the number of positive reviews this fic gets. Seriously, at this rate I'm going to be overwhelmed, I can't respond to each and every review or else the A/N will be too long. But I'll try my best to summarize my response.
I can't answer most of your questions yet. Your questions are gonna be answered in the plot itself.
The ones I CAN answer are: Sharina, that's exactly how I planned Blake's outfits to be... nice guess. Also, about Leliel's past, no, it won't be explained soon. If I stick to my plan, there would be four to five more Night chapters before her past is fully revealed.
Important note: if you vote for a character (or characters) but then you say something along the lines of 'until Leliel gets a love interest of her own' or 'eventual love interest', try to avoid doing that. It is quite confusing.
So, for those kinds of votes, I will just take the 'eventual' love interest and ignore whoever else you mentioned. Sorry, but I don't really have a choice when you are not being clear on which one you support more.
If you support all characters you mention equally, state it loud and clear. I'll add +1 for every character you mention, then. And if you're unsure, state clearly as well- so that I won't add it as a vote.
Also, I want to apologize- I didn't quite explain the requirements for multiple pairings. If you want Leliel to have a three-way relationship or more, then there would have to be multiple characters winning the poll- all with equal amount of votes.
I know it sounds nigh-impossible to achieve, but hey, three-way relationships are also nigh-impossible in real life. While a realistic three-way dating is a great challenge to overcome, if I can't handle it well, it would limit the scope of the romance and character developments.
So I'm trying to reduce the possibility of three-some happening... without actually making it impossible, since I want it to be a fair game.
With that said, here's the current result:
Adam (?): 4
Mercury: 2
Neptune: 1
Ozpin: 1
Ren: 1
Blake (?): 5
Pyrrha: 1
OC (?): 3
Again, the question marks represent the pairings I do not exactly want to happen, but it's a poll, so I won't complain. (Ironically, the ones with question marks are the highest... lol). Btw, do not hesitate to mention anyone! And I mean anyone.
Even more important note: there are so many optimistic reviews... ugh, they kinda make me feel bad.
If you pay attention to my writing style, you'll know that I'm a jaded and realistic person, and you need to know that I do not believe in a world of happy endings. Much like real life, characters can -and will- suffer in this fic.
That being said, it doesn't mean I'll add needless angst, and it also doesn't mean that this story will necessarily have a downer, tragic ending. I'm not cynical enough to reject happy endings when it realistically should happen.
The thing I want to convey is, in my fics, when characters should realistically cause or suffer angst, misery, and pain, they will. And when they realistically must kill other people or die themselves, then they WILL.
So, take this is as a warning. This fic earned that 'T' rating, and it's not for nothing that this fic is titled 'Nightmare Angel'. Leliel will remind you time and time again of that fact.
Btw, one of you referred to me as an angel. Thank you! I wish I was one, but I'm human~
Sorry for the long notes, and I also apologize if this note make it sound like I'm being negative. On the contrary, I'm really happy for the amount of positive response this fic managed to get! I'm grateful I have readers like you! I just don't want any misunderstandings among us!
With that done, we can finally go for chapter 4, "Hunting Shadows"
"Enjoying the night?"
Leliel was about to sing another song in her private concert on Beacon's rooftop when a familiar voice stopped her cold.
"Ozpin?" Leliel immediately activated her Semblance, not turning from her position near the rooftop's edge.
And there he was. Ozpin walked into the rooftop calmly, with a mug of coffee in his left hand, and his walking cane on his right hand.
The Angel smiled at that. Although he still brought his weapon with him, now he was relaxed enough to bring along his mug. Meaning, he did not consider her an immediate threat anymore.
"I am enjoying myself. But what about you? Have you convinced Qrow Branwen and Glynda Goodwitch to let me here?"
Ozpin frowned, ever so slightly. "I have... but don't think that they have trusted you."
"You know I don't care about that." Leliel shrugged. "How much about me have you told them? Everything?"
"Everything that I know of." Ozpin confirmed.
"It's entirely up to them whether to trust me or not, then." She stood back up, and turned to him.
"By the way, have you decided which room I will occupy for the moment? I'm going to be a student, after all."
"Actually, that's why I'm here."
"Hmm?" The girl hummed questioningly. "You will take me to my room? Don't you have a teacher in charge for the dormitories?"
"You will not get any room there." The headmaster paused for a sip of his coffee.
"Because before the curriculum begins, you will live in my room."
There was silence for a moment.
"What?" Leliel uttered, taken aback. "I thought you said you don't want to sleep with-"
"I can't exactly let someone as dangerous as you around my students and teachers," Ozpin interjected calmly, "so you'll have to get used to my office, so I can watch you at all times."
Oh. Leliel deflated.
Regardless, the Angel was satisfied. This pretty much secured her position. "I'm fine with that, but isn't it suspicious for a student to live anywhere but in the dorms here?"
"The curriculum hasn't started yet, so no one shall notice if we are careful."
Leliel giggled. She knew what he actually meant. No soul shall know that I'm living in your office, right? Neither of them wanted needless attention from the students and teachers.
Although she knew Ozpin wasn't 'that' kind of person, it still sounded so wrong, though.
"Understood, Ozpin. Then I suppose I have to ask for your permission whenever I want to leave?"
"Yes. I believe you won't mind?"
"Not in the slightest." Leliel smiled. "It's just like the old days."
"Speaking of the old days," Ozpin's tone became serious, "we have a lot to talk about it."
"Hee hee, I know."
The Angel turned around once more, and gazed up to the broken Moon.
"Salem also wished for me to tell you about my life with her."
The city of Vale wasn't particularly known to be safe during the dark. Criminals lurking in the shadows left their comforting darkness and head out for various reasons.
Vale police department was also known to be incompetent. Large, underground criminal groups- such as those led by Roman Torchwick, established their base in the city, without much hardships. Thus, areas people would call 'the dark side' were not uncommon.
Therefore, it was correct to say that Vale was at its most dangerous during the night.
Thus, Blake and Adam decided to begin their search during the moon hours.
The two faunus had arrived in Vale almost an hour ago to their temporary safehouse in the Vale's slums. After finishing their preparations there, the two of them were ready to head out.
Blake was waiting outside the small house, reading a book and sitting on the sidecar of Blood Rush, Adam's personal motorbike with a black-and-red color scheme.
She had no idea that he owned a motorbike before- they had always traveled by foot on land, and with Bullhead through the air. In the few occasions they had to use a vehicle, it was usually stolen cars or Bullheads- she never saw Adam riding a motorcycle before.
"Are you done yet, Adam?" Blake shouted to her mentor, who was inside the house.
"Almost." Adam deadpanned.
The cat faunus rolled her eyes at that. It was quite unusual. Adam was quick in taking care of all things, be it cleaning himself or his tools, swapping clothes, and even fighting opponents. So for him to actually take a while was a bit annoying for Blake.
After a few moments, he spoke again.
"Done."
His voice was much closer now. He must have exited the house.
Turning around, Blake found herself surprised at her partner's appearance.
He was clad in a black, short-sleeved top with a combat vest, cargo pants, and a pair of combat boots. His mask was gone, replaced by a red-tinted sunglasses. His horns were also painted red.
In other words, he was wearing his old clothes, plus disguise- that explained him taking longer than usual.
"Haven't seen that in a while." Blake paused as she could feel heat on her cheeks. "...You are looking good, Adam."
She was not being sarcastic. Blake had never seen that appearance since he went to meet the new White Fang leader, and honestly, she liked him better with those clothes.
"I don't exactly like these, but if you say so, my love." He said softly.
Smiling, the cat girl gestured to the seat next to her. "Let's go."
"Before we do that," the bull crossed his arms. "I believe we have things to talk about."
Blake sighed. Here we go again...
"Adam, we do not have time for this." Blake closed her book.
"Stop trying to avoid the subject, Blake." Adam said sharply, "you wanted to talk about something and clearly, it's troubling you."
She glared at her mentor. "It is troubling, which is why I want to complete this mission first."
"Well, what stops you from doing it now?" He countered.
Blake rolled her eyes. Seriously...
She was honestly tired of holding herself back. There was so much to tell him, she wanted to tell him everything- but she couldn't do it now.
Calm down, Blake... you can do this.
"Adam..." Blake said pleadingly, "I need time. I'm not even sure about what is troubling me, and I don't want to compromise us in the middle of an important mission."
Frowning, Adam gazed intently into her eyes. It sent chills down Blake's spine- even with the sunglasses, his gaze was still felt.
However, she had seen enough of that to be immune to it. After a moment of ineffectual glare, he finally gave in and sighed.
"Just what is wrong, Blake? You know you can tell me anything. There's no need to hide anything between us." Adam said reassuringly.
"I'll tell you once I'm sure, Adam." Blake said quickly. "Now please, let's go."
The bull let out another long, defeated sigh.
"Make sure of that, my love."
Blake let out a soft purr as the wind breezed her cheek and hair comfortably.
Sitting comfortably the sidecar of Adam's bike, the two of them remained silent during their journey out of Vale's slums and into the main city.
Considering their last conversation, she had to say she was lucky that Adam didn't press further. Honestly, Blake was anxious- she dodged the bullet this time, but there's no telling when he would pursue the matter again.
The cat faunus was being truthful when she said she needed time. As much as Blake wanted it, she couldn't express her feelings now- Adam wouldn't understand anything. Worse, he might actually treat her as a traitor, and kill her right then and there.
The way the current Adam was, Blake couldn't tell what he would do. It was too risky to bet on it.
What Blake needed now was a force- something that would leave Adam with no choice but to listen to her. She felt really bad for thinking this, but the girl on the train was her best shot.
She was the only one who managed to push them into a corner in her recent memory. If Blake could recreate the same situation in her favor, Adam would be forced to listen to her. And their burdens would be finally released then.
Blake knew the plans had so many flaws- so many things could go wrong. But really, it was her last hope. And she would not give up until the very end.
Deciding to break the silence between them, Blake decided to ask more about their destination.
"I don't doubt your intelligence gathering skill, Adam." She said, twiddling her hair. "But are you sure this guy could help us?"
"Of course." Adam answered. "For a human, you could say he is quite useful, both as an information dealer, and as a means to help us search for her."
Blake was honestly skeptical. "Will he even help us?"
"Humans are greedy, Blake. They will do anything for money." He said nonchalantly.
The cat girl frowned a bit at that. Yet another human comment... although she supposed he was right in this case. Blake had dealt with information dealers in the past, and they were not exactly generous.
"There it is." Adam noted.
Phew. Blake stretched her body as the ride finally came to a stop.
Turning her attention toward the building in front of them, it took Blake a few glances to actually identify what it was.
"...A club?"
"Indeed it is. The club owned by Hei Xiong, better known as Junior."
As the two of them entered the club, Blake found that the area was much more crowded than it looked like from the outside. There were at least fifty people dancing to the tune of a music Blake recognized as 'Red Like Roses' sung by an anonymous singer.
The people there were mostly civilians, but there were a few dozen people clad in black -she assumed them to be Junior's henchmen- who were armed. Mostly with guns and swords, that she noticed.
Scanning over the club, Blake found that three people stood out from the rest of the crowd- a huge man clad in black suit, and a pair of twins clad in white and red respectively, sitting on the bar's chairs.
Guessing the man was Junior, Blake spoke. "Is that Junior, Adam?"
"That is him. Let's go." Adam stepped forward.
As the two of them approached the bar owner, the man gestured for the twins to leave, as he himself approached Adam and Blake.
"What do you want, punks?" He scoffed.
Blake rolled her eyes at that. Is this one of those typical rude criminal guys?
Although, considering their weapons were very clearly displayed in the open, she supposed he had no reason to be polite.
Her mentor spoke. "We want to ask you a few things, Junior."
"So you do know who I am." He sighed. "Well then, I suppose this doesn't need to end the hard way. Do you have a name, redhead?"
Blake noticed that Adam's lips turned to form a smirk- he seemed to be waiting for the question.
"Ever heard the name 'Adam Taurus'?" He said in a low voice.
Alarmed, Junior immediately took a few steps away from them. After a few moments, he seemed to recognize her partner.
"What the hell!?" He said in disbelief. "You are-"
"You and I know better than to alert those humans, right?" Adam cut him off and pointed a thumb to the crowds of people behind him. "Like yourself, I do not want to cause a scene in your bar."
It didn't take a genius to figure out that Adam's words were meant to be a threat. Junior too realized this and threw a glare.
Blake sighed. Hopefully this guy would comply. She didn't exactly want to fight, not here, not now.
Thankfully, he seemed to be wise enough to listen. "...Huh. Even I would not even dream to mess with you."
"Preferably, neither would I." Adam smirked. "Now can we proceed to our questions?"
Junior raised a brow questioningly. "You only wanted information from me?"
"I am well-known for many things, Junior. Wasting my time is not included among them." Her mentor said monotonously.
The bar owner frowned. "...Go on, then."
"I'll skip to my point. Do you know about any black haired girl, roughly fourteen to fifteen years old, dresses in all black, wears a cape, and carries a lyre?" Blake asked.
Junior widened his eyes. "Huh? You are looking for her, too?"
That immediately received the attention of the two faunus. Too?
"Too?" Blake repeated. "What do you mean?"
Junior frowned hard, and glared daggers at both of them. Blake took notice of that- he seemed to know something about her. Then Adam was right, he could lead them.
"Well, some lovely lady has been asking me about the whereabouts of a girl whose exact description matched yours." He said, anger underlying.
Again, Blake wasn't expecting that. "What?"
"Someone other than us?" Adam uttered.
The teacher and student glanced at each other for a moment, mentally and mutually agreeing to investigate more.
"Describe them." Adam ordered.
Junior scoffed, probably annoyed being ordered around. "Well, she is a young huntress. Probably still in her twenties if you ask me, dresses in all white and seems to suffer albinism."
"Hmm?" Blake raised a brow.
"That sounds like Winter Schnee." Adam noted. "You are not making this up, aren't you?"
"Hell no." Junior denied. "Why would a specialist of Atlas even come here?"
Blake decided to cut in before the conversation could escalate. "Where can we find this woman?"
Junior scowled. "I'm not telling you."
"What?" Blake narrowed her eyes.
"You realize the consequences of not answering us." Adam said venomously, tightening his grip on Wilt and Blush. "Am I wrong to assume this?"
"Listen bullhead," Junior countered, "I haven't stooped low enough to betray her because of your petty threats. Also, I am not that much of an idiot to get to her bad side."
Blake's instincts were alarmed at the way he worded it. "Excuse me?"
"This woman is also a powerful figure in the underground, mind you," Junior spat, "and I honestly fear her more than you."
"Well," Adam gripped his Wilt's hilt, "you've made a serious mistake in your calculation, Junior."
"We'll see about that. Come on, what are you waiting for?" Junior widened his arms, daring them. "Do what you want. Let me warn you, if she knows that you are responsible for whatever you did to me, you'll wish you have listened to me."
Blake was surprised. She had never met an information dealer with that much stubbornness. When Adam threatened them, usually they would give in to their requests in an instant. They were usually pathetic cowards, treasuring their luxury to the very end.
She wasn't sure whether this Junior guy was loyal to this woman, or was afraid of her.
This woman in white had been looking for the same girl as Adam and Blake themselves had. That could only mean three things.
Someone who had been threatened by the little demon before, just like themselves;
Less likely, the little demon's ally who had lost track of her;
And, least likely, an unrelated party who was seeking the demon for her own reason.
The first reason seem more likely... Blake noted. But they really had to be careful, if the second possibility was true... then the woman in white likely had similar powers as their target. If that's the case, they were more or less screwed the moment they decided to mess with her.
Glancing at each other once more, Blake was sure that her mentor was thinking the exact same thing as she was.
She was right. Adam returned to his normal stance. "You are lucky that we are keeping a low profile now, Junior."
"That's my line, bullhead." He replied. "Now if your business is done, get out of my bar."
Feeling that he wouldn't continue, Blake decided to give it a rest. "Come on, Adam. Let's go."
"Tch," Adam scoffed. "Okay."
Turning to the entrance, the two partners whispered to each other as they walked, discussing their interrogation.
"What do you think, Adam?"
"Someone other than us is looking for that girl... I'm not sure whether that is a good or bad news."
"What should we do then?" Blake glanced at the bar behind them.
"Whoever this woman is, it's a good idea to find her first." Adam concluded. "Regardless of her allegiance, we have a better chance in finding our target if we have more clues."
"Then, I suppose we'll watch this club for a while?" Blake asked. "That guy said this woman in white has been asking him. There is some possibility of her visiting this club."
"Indeed." Adam nodded. "Let's wait outside. We are not welcome here, anyway."
As the automatic door opened for them to leave, however, what awaited beyond the door was someone they didn't expect.
It was a tall man clad in white suit and black trousers. He wore various accessories that would give the impression of a gentleman, most noticeably his bowler hat and a lit cigar in his mouth. Compounding that, he was also carrying a fancy-looking walking cane.
Blake's eyes widened as she recognized the man. It was the infamous thief who were all over Vale news- Roman Torchwick.
"Hello there. Leaving the night this early?" The thief asked cheekily.
"You... Roman Torchwick?" Blake uttered, unable to contain her surprise.
"One and only." He said sarcastically, as he put a hand on his chest and bowed mockingly.
While they were recovering from the unexpected encounter, the faux gentleman took his time to evaluate the two people in front of them.
Recognizing something, he narrowed his visible eye. "Hmm... I've never seen you before. Care to introduce yourselves?"
"Sorry," Adam replied tersely, "we are in a hurry. Please excuse us."
Blake could tell her mentor was in panic. That was the appropriate response, though- being recognized by a major crimelord like him was not keeping a low profile, at all.
We have to get out of here... Blake thought frantically.
"Wait, wait... " Roman stepped to the side, blocking their way. Blake mentally cursed at that.
"I don't think we have met before. But you," he pointed his cane toward Adam, "kind of remind me of a certain animal rights activist."
Blake twitched. Not only he was suspicious of them, but he was already testing their heritage by trying to provoke them.
No... Adam, please don't... ignore him!
However, it was at that moment.
The ground under them exploded.
Caught off-guard, the two faunus were thrown back into the club by the sudden explosion.
What the...!?
Recovering quickly, Adam stood up back to his feet in half a second and prepared bis Wilt and Blush, glaring at the thief.
His cane was pointed to the floor they were on- its base was uncovered, revealing a muzzle.
Shit... Adam cursed. He let his guard down- again.
Glancing at Blake as she stood back up, the mentor became concerned. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." She answered.
Adam smiled in relief at that, before frowning as he refocused his attention toward the enemy in front of him. "Why do you attack us?" He spat.
"Don't be so sensitive, Adam Taurus." Roman chuckled, twirling his cane. "It's nothing personal on my part."
"Someone who hired me wants to hire you- that's all."
Adam instantly connected the dots. Someone who wanted to hire him- Cinder Fall.
Damn! So after failing to recruit the White Fang, she turned to this guy?
Then coming to this city was a mistake- Roman Torchwick had his nose nearly anywhere in the town, the only reason why Adam didn't come to him for information was because he was a massive racist.
"What's with all the commotion?!" Junior yelled.
At that, Junior, the twins, and all of guards there quickly gathered behind Adam and Blake, drawing their weapons.
"Whoa, whoa, Junior. I'm not at fault. They started it." Roman lied, smirking.
"Roman Torchwick?" Junior asked questioningly. "Why are you here?"
Bastard. Adam scoffed. So the two knew each other- if that was the case, then Junior would most likely side with Torchwick.
"Well you see," Roman shrugged, "I came here because I want to hire some of your boys, but turns out two members of the White Fang foolishly attacked me and damaged your club like the mindless beasts that they are."
The civilians inside the bar gasped in unison. The bull gritted his teeth- so much for trying to lay low.
"Huh." Junior scowled. "I'm not surprised."
Adam didn't even bother to glance at his partner at this point- he knew what she was thinking. They had no choice.
Except to fight.
Roman was amused.
It had been a while since he had this much enjoyment since his employment under the fire bitch.
She had been fairly attractive and charming at first, so he decided to accept her offer- but that was a mistake on his part. Cinder Fall was one of the most annoying lady he had ever known.
It was clear that Roman wouldn't be able to turn his back on her, no matter what he did. Since then, Roman had to admit he became grumpier- even Neo pointed it out. And for all her psychotic urges, the girl had the patience of a saint, at least for him.
And so, here he was- obeying Cinder's orders.
Cinder had texted him just a few hours ago to hire as many goons as he could, and if possible, find the White Fang troops for that purpose. She subsequently sent him the information regarding their members, including their appearance, weapons, and other insignificant details to help him search for them.
Roman thought it was going to be difficult to find even one. As it turned out, he didn't even need to stretch his muscles- he accidentally discovered the commander himself.
He stifled his laugh. Man, these animals sure have it rough.
Roman heard from the grumblings of Cinder's two kids about how they lost the White Fang. Meaning, they actually did try to hire them, but failed for some reason. That meant this Adam Taurus was lucky to escape her clutches.
But then, he was unlucky enough to run into me. Someone who was hired in place of him. Oh, the irony.
Roman had no personal grudges for the White Fang. Heck, even his racism tendencies were just him messing with them- their reactions were amusing. But well, orders were orders. If he missed this chance, then third-degree burns from his employers were the least of his worries.
No hard feelings, bullhead.
As the two animals were busy fighting Junior and his goons, Roman only supported them from afar by shooting his Melodic Cudgel repeatedly with his right hand- while drawing out his scroll with his left.
He clicked his tongue as he called his employer. After a few moments, her hologram was displayed on his scroll.
"Yes, Roman?"
"I am having an encounter with Adam Taurus." Roman chuckled as the bitch widened her eyes, before continuing. "But you know, he is an absolute monster. I don't think I can handle him for long."
"Very well. What's your position?"
"In Junior's club, northern part of Vale, near the Fallen Highway."
"I see. I'll be arriving in five minutes."
"See ya soon, Cinder."
As the call ended, Roman widened his eyes as one of Junior's goons was thrown at him, forcing him to step to the side to dodge.
Turning around, he saw the girl who seemed to be Adam's partner glaring at him, pointing her sword-gun at him.
"Bastard." She cursed.
"Well," Roman prepared his Melodic Cudgel, "thanks for telling me that these guys aren't worth my cents."
And there you go! I'm sorry for the three weeks delay, but chapter 4 is finally here! What do you think?
Sorry about the almost complete lack of Leliel scene in this chapter- but that was intentional. Her backstory is a long, massive, thorny journey, it can even become a story of its own, hence I'm dropping as many hints as I can with the Night chapters.
I might be able to upload the next chapter sooner, but I'm not promising anything- since my non-RWBY fic also needs love. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thank you for following the developments of 'Nightmare Angel' so far!
P.S.: Songs used, 'Red Like Roses' by Jeff Williams.