Author's Note: alright so as part of my New Years resolution here is the first chapter towards completing Stardust at long last. This chapter isn't much but it keeps the story going. I could of taken this chapter a bit further but it didn't feel right to do so. I'm also a bit worried at how the ending of this chapter looks but I think it works. Also given recent revelations about Remnant I made some edits so Smoke just has wolf ears now. Not much else to say. For updates on how my stuff is coming along check my DeviantArt page or Tumblr. I do not own RWBY in any, way, shape, or form. My OC's are my own. Reviews welcome.
Stardust
Chapter 10
Handling
The next morning had team CCTS sitting in the dining hall. All four of them were in rather depressed moods as they picked at breakfast then a voice barked out suddenly "Seeress, Reaglia, NEBULA!"
Citrine, Titania, and Cerise all winced and all together CCTS watched as Professor Rust stomped down the aisle and all four just withstood the storm before them as he barked "you three got back too close to curfew last night! You need to be more punctual! I don't care about your reasons is that understood!?"
The trio chorused back "yes professor." They watched as he stomped down the aisle while Smoke looked on bewilderedly.
"You guys were out late last night?" He asked.
Citrine nodded, Cerise gave a single nod, and Titania said "yup, Citrine's parents were in town and gave us tickets to The Wondrous Gems last night!"
Smoke blinked taken aback before he mumbled "I've heard that show is really good…"
Titania looked at him and said "well you COULD have come too but"
"I was busy." Smoke cut her off while looking down.
Smoke didn't notice how Titania and Citrine traded looks and none of the three noticed Cerise looking at Smoke thoughtfully before looking around the hall and catching sight of four certain individuals.
Team APPL.
Cerise observed them from a distance in particular how the "Blanc Twins" talked and interacted with each other. Cerise also took note how the other two responded to their treatments, one being sheepish and the other stoic.
Cerise watched as the twins then left the table and took note how the brown haired boy reassured the blonde boy who seemed more relaxed now. Then the brown haired boy looked up suddenly as if picking up on Cerise's gaze but by then Cerise had turned his attentions to his food his mind now made up.
(CCTS)
Meanwhile Professor Rust was walking across the campus of Lighthouse. He seemed normal but there was a sort of stiffness in him that was tangible to those who knew him. A fact that became evident when a male voice spoke up.
"You need to let this go Rust."
The teacher stopped and looked behind him at the speaker.
It was Ao.
"Is that any way to talk to someone who was once your teacher?" He asked.
Ao replied "it is when they are A) my colleague and B) in the wrong." Rust made an exasperated noise and kept walking as Ao followed right behind.
"I'm serious Rust it's not fair for you to treat Cerise like this just because of Clare."
Rust huffed and stopped short as a female spoke ahead "don't bother Ao. I've already tried to convince him, twice."
Rust looked ahead at Headmistress Blank who stared at him with those sightless eyes.
Rust sighed and looked at Ao saying "do we have any data on the Crushed's recent activity?"
Ao and Blank traded looks this time and Ao said "I haven't had much luck though I did hear something odd about something one of their speakers said in town recently but haven't had a chance to confirm it myself."
Rust snorted and stomped off saying "I have papers to grade then. Call me when its serious."
The two of them traded looks as Ao said "so when are you going to bring the hammer down on the Blanc twins?"
Blank looked at him and said "soon. I've been in touch with Citadel. They've been aware of Lieutenant Blanc's corruption as well as several others but they have to handle it carefully otherwise it could blow up in their faces. As soon as they say so though I intend to reign them in. Maybe even rearrange APPL."
Ao looked thoughtful though as if he wanted to say more.
Meanwhile inside the cafeteria Smoke had left his teammates early.
Overserving the way Citrine and Titania were whispering Cerise sighed his mind now made up.
Ao then said "and you don't think Smoke's team might try and help him?"
Cerise stopped his teammates and said some words making their jaws drop.
Blank replied "I doubt it, ever since their formation CCTS has been slightly unsteady."
Titania meanwhile with an upset look on her face asked him a question to which he replied calmly taking Titania by surprise, Citrine too for that matter.
"I don't know Blank, if Cerise is anything like Clare he might do something."
Titania now calmer then asked Cerise something else to which he replied astonishing the two of them.
"You mean like that one prank your team pulled your freshmen year? I don't think they're the types to do something like that Ao."
The two of them walked away talking about some reports at that point while in the cafeteria Titania had a pleased look on her face, Cerise looked resolved, and Citrine looked nervous but willing to what was going to happen next…