A/N: I had written down the scene for Prof. Oobleck's class but it deleted itself when my laptop crashed, so I decided not to add it since nothing really changed anyway. From here on it will divert from Canon a bit and will effect the later arcs, and a few more OC's will be added, but they won't be main ones, but side characters (but important enough to not be classed as minor characters). Current Pairing Poll at the bottom of the screen.
Also, since I got a message asking for confirmation on it, Eien's name is pronounced ''I-E-N'' like the first part of Einstein (I didn't actually decide to call him Eien because of Einstein btw, I just only now realised that).
ONE MORE THING! Did any of you guys have FF dot net crash on you guys today? (04/03/16) I couldn't access the site at all!
I DO NOT OWN RWBY
Chapter 3: Investigation
Ozpin raised an eyebrow after I finished ''You wish to take your Team and Team JNPR to Mountain Glenn for survival training?''.
''Yes'' I nodded, face blank.
Ozpin was silent for several seconds before saying ''Very Well, but I will be sending you with an Atlas Special Forces Squad''.
I raised an eyebrow ''Is that really necessary?''.
''Atlas has requested my assistance in two student Teams to accompany them in an investigation of Mountain Glenn for three days'' He explained quietly after a pause ''You will lead both ERWBY and JNPR in this, and work alongside Atlas's Team in the investigation. I presume you are familiar with the area?''.
I nodded seriously ''I've got most of the town mentally mapped out, mainly major Grimm locations or nests, resource deposits and my own supply drops''.
He nodded in an approving manner, tapping into his scroll as mine beeped ''Good. You and your Team will leave in a weeks time and meet up with them at the north end of Mountain Glenn''.
''Transport?'' I questioned with a raised brow ''Or should I acquire our own transport?''.
''It is up to you'' He stated and I nodded, getting up from the chair opposite his desk.
''Thank you, Professor'' I nodded my thanks before turning and leaving. I needed to get my hands on a Bullhead, and I knew exactly how.
''So... there we were... in the middle of the night...!''.
''It was day''.
''We were surrounded by Ursai...''
''Beowolves''.
''DOZENS OF THEM!''.
''Two of them''.
''But they were no match, and in the end, Ren and I took them down and made a boatload of Lien selling Ursa skin rugs!''.
Ren sighed ''She's been having this reoccurring dream for nearly a month now''.
''Jaune, are you okay?'' Pyrrha asked with a frown.
''Oh yeah, why?'' Said boy responded.
''Well you just seem a little... not okay'' I smiled awkwardly ''Especially since your fight earlier''.
''Uh, guys, I'm fine! Seriously, look!'' He laughed nervously, giving a thumbs up that nobody believed.
Pyrrha gave a concerned look ''Jaune, Cardin has been picking on you since the first week of school''.
''Who? Cardin Winchester?'' Jaune said with faux confusion ''Nah... he just likes to mess around, you know? Practical jokes!''.
''He's a bully'' I stated bluntly.
''Oh please, tell me one time he's 'bullied' me'' Jaune rolled his eyes.
''The time he knocked your books out of yours hands'' Weiss stated.
''When he activated your shield when you passed through a doorway'' Pyrrha added.
''Or the time he stuffed you in a locker and launched you away'' Blake added too.
We all gave him an expectant look, to which he responded with ''I didn't land far from the school...''.
''Jaune you know if you ever need help you can just ask'' Pyrrha insisted.
''OOH!'' Nora grinned madly ''We'll break his legs!''.
''Guys, really, its fine'' Jaune said ''Besides, its not like he's only a jerk to me; he's a jerk to everyone''.
To signify this, a cry of 'OWW! That hurts!' called behind them. They turned, watching in disgust as Cardin mockingly pulled on a rabbit Faunus's ear. This continued for exactly for five more second until a hand slapped the back of Cardin's head, surprising the ginger teen and coincidentally making him let go of the Faunus's ear, allowing her to make a hasty and embarrassed retreat. Cardin turned to face the one who hit him, staring into the cool blue eyes of Eien.
''The hell was that for?'' Cardin growled at Eien.
''Stopping you from continuing to mock that Faunus girl'' Eien stated coolly, though I noticed it had a frosty edge to it. Eien said nothing more and made to walk past Cardin, but the ginger teen put his leg out in an obvious attempt to trip and embarrass Eien. Without even looking Eien stepped over the leg, not even acknowledging Cardin's presence - much to the larger teens obvious ire.
''Yeah, Yeah'' Cardin grumbled, glaring at Eien's back ''Go back to your team of whores''.
Eien paused, dare I say froze on the spot. His normally calm and friendly cerulean eyes narrowed dangerously as he turned around, making Cardin pause for the briefest of moments in what amounted to fear. Not that I could blame the jackass, if I didn't know Eien as well as I did I might of been scared by the dangerous aura around him, borderline killing intent.
''What did you call my team?'' Eien hissed in an unnatural show of anger.
Cardin, for all his cockiness, smirked smugly ''I called your team a bunch of whores, its true after all''.
Myself, Blake, Yang and Weiss all glared at Cardin, but even then it didn't even compare to the killing intent that Eien was now radiating as he calmly, almost too calmly, walked up to Cardin, looking up at the fairly taller teen.
''Training Hall. Ten minutes'' Eien said, voice as cold as steel in winter. Despite being spoken slightly quieter than his normal voice, it seemingly radiated throughout the silent dining hall, nearly everyone in the school present to hear it.
Cardin knew this, and smirked arrogantly, though even I could see the instinctual fear in his eyes ''Alright, prepare to go crying back to your team of whores''.
At that moment, only one thought ran through both my head, and everyone on my team and JNPR;
He is SO fucked.
Both combatants walked onto the stage, the barrier erected and all of the spectators seats filled. Whether its because they wanted to see Cardin the bully get shit on, or because they were interested to see how this would play out or even because they were curious about Eien's skill. Myself and the rest of my team and JNPR were sat in the front row, eagerly watching.
''You ready to get your ass kicked?'' Cardin smirked, hefting his mace up.
Eien said nothing for a moment, before suddenly reaching up and unzipping his trench coat for whatever reason. He chucked it off to the side, allowing the spectators to see the amount of ammo that he carries on him... and that's a lot of ammo... holy shit that's a lot of ammo. It also allowed to see what was underneath the trench coat, a pair of military style pants and a vest. You could also see his lean and toned- BAD THOUGHTS RUBY!
''Five rounds. That's all I intend to waste on someone like you'' Eien stated coldly as he hefted Judgement up onto his shoulder.
''Prick'' Cardin spat as he fell into stance, but Eien didn't even do that, only blankly glaring at Cardin. Either extreme confidence or cockiness. Likely the former.
''Kick his ass!'' Yang shouted encouragingly, grinning broadly.
''BREAK HIS LEGS!'' Nora grinned madly, grinning wider than Yang was.
''Go Eien!'' I cheered and he spared a look at me, flashing a smile that made my face heat up and my stomach knot up.
''You will start on the count of three'' Glynda stated, drinking some tea ''One, two, three!''.
Cardin moved quickly despite his armour, swinging his mace at Eien. The younger teen waited until the last moment until he flipped Judgement around, the blunt side slamming the morning star away from him, the blade cutting a thin line across Cardin's armour. With a sudden burst of ruthlessness he flipped the scythe around in rapid succession, proving his skill of the scythe as the blade flashed repeated, cuts dotting across Cardin's chest as the student body looked at the Aura levels.
Cardin: 82% / Eien: 100%
Without stopping Eien spun, slamming the blunt side of the scythe into Cardin's side and sending him tumbling away. Using only one hand Eien lifted the scythe and fired, the bullet striking Cardin in the chest but his Aura protecting him from harm. But his Aura?
65%
Eien shot a bullet behind him, accelerating him towards Cardin. The elder teen barely got to his feet before his mace was kicked from his hands, a palm thrust impacted his jaw, and a slash of Judgement sliced his armour in two.
45%
The teen was sent flying back as the shaft of Judgement poked him in the stomach with force, only for Eien to use the recoil to shoot past Cardin, driving his knee into the teen's back. He grabbed the back of the Cardin's collar and used surprising strength to fling the larger teen over his shoulder, almost a dozen feet into the air.
30%
Without the slightest sign of hesitation or remorse he pulled the trigger, firing another round at Cardin who could only take the round into his chest, drawing a tiny river of blood as it pierced his Semblance.
18%
He regained his footing before landing, only to be far too slow to dodge the knee that broke his nose.
11%
To seal the deal, Eien swung in a simple kick... at his crotch.
Every male in the room simultaneously winced and made an 'Ooh' noise as Cardin collapsed, clutching his crotch. Eien walked over to Cardin, standing over his with his Scythe on his shoulder like the literal embodiment of the reaper.
''If you ever insult or harm one of my teammates, you'll find yourself without arms, legs, and with an IV line permanently strapped to you for the rest of your life. Am I clear?'' He stated with brutal coldness, a resounding shiver passing through the crowd save for me, my team and JNPR.
Cardin glared, but flinched as the blade of Judgement crashed less than a centimetre from his head ''C-Crystal Clear''.
Eien silently removed the weapon, reforming it into its sniper/compact form. He began walking to the edge of the stage, picking up his coat in the process and putting it back on smoothly as the previous rage left his features, returning to calm and friendly. The student body, both who had seen Eien before and those who had not, could only look in awe at the Aura metres.
Cardin: 5% / Eien: 100%
Not only had Eien taken no damage, but he hadn't used any of his Aura on his attacks to increase their power, meaning that he had used no Aura during the entire fight and remained at 100%. Whispers and murmurs broke out quickly, but I, along with my team and JNPR, left the stands to meet our leader.
''Well... you showed him'' Yang grinned as she, the rest of my team, and Team JNPR, walked over to me.
''He deserved it'' I chuckled and smiled.
''Saved me the effort'' Yang snickered.
''Can I break his legs next?'' Nora asked her friend Ren, who gave her a flat 'no' in return.
Blake smirked ''You embarrassed him in front of the entire school. Its one thing to defeat him, another to defeat him with ease, and its a whole 'nother level to defeat him without even losing 1% of Aura''.
''Huh, would you look at that'' I blinked, looking up at the monitor before it clicked in my mind ''Oh yeah, I asked Ozpin about the mission''.
''And~?'' Ruby sang.
''Coincidentally Atlas is launching an investigation of the place and requested two student teams to accompany their Special Forces team'' I explained as I pulled out my scroll, tapping away and sending the mission briefing to their scrolls, making them ding ''I'm in the process of securing a Bullhead for us to take, we leave in a weeks time''.
''Special Forces?'' Weiss frowned ''Something must be going on there if they're involved''.
I nodded ''Possibly something to do with all the Dust that's been appearing''.
''Well we've got a week until then, so we still got to attend the trip to Forever Fall forest in a few days'' Blake added and I nodded.
''Yes, it would be best to keep up with our schoolwork so when we get back we won't have a workload to go through'' I said and got a few agreements, and groans.
Several days later...
''Thanks for your help Ruby, you've been a big help in making it'' I smiled at my teammate, who giggled in embarrassment at the praise.
''Hehe, its fine'' She said, a blush of embarrassment on her face ''I didn't do too much''.
''Don't sell yourself short Ruby'' I smiled, ruffling her hair playfully, increasing her blush of embarrassment. We were about to enter our room when I spotted Jaune near his dorm, sitting against the wall with a depressed look on his face.
''Is Jaune okay?'' Ruby asked, concerned.
''I'll go check on him'' I said and made my way over to him, Ruby reluctantly entering our room.
I stopped in front of the teen ''Why are you sitting outside your dorm?''.
He looked up at me and sighed, visibly debating before reluctantly saying ''I messed up''.
''I did something I shouldn't have and now Cardin's got me on a leash and Pyrrha won't even talk me'' He sighed ''I'm starting to think coming to this school was a bad idea... I'm a failure''.
I sighed ''If Cardin is picking on you then let us handle him. Nora, Pyrrha, hell all of us have more than a good reason to kick his ass, you just need to ask for help''.
An unnatural scowl came to his face ''That's the problem! I don't want to be helped, I came to Beacon to be a Hero, and if I can't do this on my own, what good am I?''.
I rolled my eyes ''From the way you're describing it, you're envisioning the Hero who aces all there classes, gets the girl, and defeats anything evil, am I right?''.
He nodded and I continued ''Well that's not a Hero, that's someone who doesn't exist''.
''Huh?'' He blinked in confusion.
''A Hero has a gradual growth curve. They start off weak and relatively substandard, and then become strong and confident when the time fully calls for it. That's a hero. Someone doesn't just become all-mighty from the beginning, otherwise what would be the point of coming to Beacon? People can be powerful, yes, but nobody is invincible''.
''What about you then?'' He murmured ''You took down Cardin without even using an ounce of Aura, I didn't even get him into the yellow''.
''To be fair, I was driven by my rage at that point'' I shook my head, my own self-disappointment evident ''It was only years of training that prevented me from killing him then and there, and I'm still tempted to... the bastard''.
I sighed ''Either way, Jaune, I have had access to my Aura, possibly even my Semblance, since I was six years old and have had time to understand it. I've hunted Grimm in the wilderness and have survival training since the age of ten, and I've seen my fair share of life-death situations, so don't fret about being on par with someone who's had instincts engraved into their very core''.
''The same goes for Pyrrha - she's had years of training in official tournaments and expert-level training tutors'' I added ''Just because someone is better than you, doesn't mean that you should be at their standard. If you're worse than them, that just means you have more room to grow''.
I sighed, again ''In fact, I should say I'm not surprised that your skill is below average; you refuse help. What do you think will happen if you accept Pyrrha's help? That everyone will laugh at you? Of course not, they would consider you lucky. Getting training and tips from an someone stronger than you means that it'll help you get better, so stop acting like you're the only one who can help you''.
He still looked reluctant, so I added ''So here's what you're going to do; you are going to go into your dorm, apologise to Pyrrha and ask for her help, and then you will mend the ties you've inadvertently damaged''.
''B-But... what if she doesn't want to 'mend the ties'?'' He asked, hesitant.
I sighed, AGAIN, and hauled him to his feet. Before he could even begin struggling in my grasp I pushed the unlocked door open, mentally thankful that nobody was in the process of getting changed or anything of the sort.
''I hope I'm not intruding'' I stated as I pushed Jaune in front of me ''But I think Jaune has something he wanted to say''.
Jaune hesitated for only a moment before, surprising even me, bowed ''I'm sorry for being a dumbass guys... and I'm sorry for how I acted to you Pyrrha''.
Pyrrha's face flushed in embarrassment but smiled ''I-Its fine''.
I coughed, looking at Jaune pointedly and he asked ''A-And if its no trouble... could y-you help me... become a better fighter?''.
Pyrrha smiled widely ''Of course''.
Smiling faintly, I sent a nod towards the reuniting team before closing the door quietly, heading back to my own dorm.
''Yes students, the forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful. But we are not here to sight-see, Professor Peaches asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep in the forest, and I'm here to make sure none of you die while doing so'' Glynda spoke as we walked ''Each of you is to gather one jar of red sap, however this forest is filled with the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates - we will rendezvous back here at 4 o'clock, have fun!''.
Each of the teams split up, and Cardin made to grab for Jaune, only for the weaker teen to bat away his hand and walk alongside Pyrrha, showing his decision. Cardin visibly grew angry at this, but stormed off with his Team as they went into the forest, all the while my gaze carefully trained on them. I had read many books on psychology and I knew, at least to a degree, that after what I did to Cardin he'd be after me, either to harm me, or just to embarrass me. So I'd have to keep my guard up for a while.
I stayed at the back of the group, eyes dancing around the forest around me. It was entirely likely that he would use red tree sap since it would lure Grimm to us, and if we were to die... I doubted he'd have trouble sleeping at night. Not that anything less than a horde of Nevermore could stop us, of course.
''Eien...'' Ruby's voice broke me from my thoughts ''...Why are you carrying that massive box?''.
''To carry extra jars of sap, I'm wanting to take some back with me and use them for a little experiment'' I smiled.
''You aint going all made scientist on us are you?'' Yang joked and I chuckled.
''No, just regular scientist'' I smiled, pulling out a dagger from my pant leg and sliced the bark of a tree, putting a jar under it as sap flowed into it. After it slowed down and congealed I moved onto another part of the tree, using another jar as sap ran into it like maroon liquid. Once it congealed again I put the jar into the box and collected a third jar, gathering more sap and repeating the process until I ended up with ten jars, including an extra one to hand in.
Suddenly my instincts screamed and without hesitation I pulled Judgement out and pulled the trigger, surprising my teammates as the bullet fired and impacted a jar that had been flying for Ruby's back, the sap falling onto the grass and missing all of us. I turned a blank gaze onto a ridge where Team CRDL was, paling upon me seeing them.
''Cardin'' I 'smiled' darkly ''What did I say would happen if you insulted or intended to harm my team?''.
He paled rapidly, not even justifying himself before bolting it away from the scene, his team following. I grinned as I began to walk after them, only for Ruby to grab my arm in a soft grip. I sighed as I looked down at her, sheathing Judgement over my back again in its sniper form. I returned and picked up my box of sap jars, walking alongside my team and JNPR as we began to walk away.
''What time is it?'' Jaune asked.
I looked at the sky ''Probably only around four, maybe?''.
''Quarter past Four'' Blake stated, looking up from her watch.
''Close enough'' I rolled my eyes ''Lets go''.
Everyone else just nodded, and we began walking back towards Glynda's location.
I checked my combat uniform one more time, ammo - check, Judgement and Punishment - check, Dust Crystals - check. After making sure everything was done I pulled out my scroll, noting it was '7:00' and putting my scroll away again. I moved over to Blake's bed, gently shaking her awake before moving onto Yang, then Weiss then Ruby. In half an hour sharp all had showered and gotten into their combat uniforms, and a quick knock at JNPR proved they had just finished too. With a simple gesture I led the eight students behind me as I walked.
''So how do we get to Mountain Glenn then?'' Yang sighed, running a hand through her hair again - apparently because she hated being woken up so early, but I didn't comprehend how that related to her hair. Must be a Yang thing.
''Easy, we'll take a Bullhead'' I said smoothly as we made it onto the outer helipads, where a Bullhead was waiting. I created it from a piece of my soul, obviously, but they didn't need to know that. Yet.
I walked up to the large aircraft and climbed through the side door, the two teams following me. At my request they sat down in the seats on both sides of the hull, facing each other with seat belts over them diagonally, except for Ren who sat in the co-pilot seat, which prompted Weiss to speak up.
''Hold on, you are flying this?'' She said incredulously, to which I just chuckled at.
''I can assure you I know how to fly a Bullhead'' I said as Ren sat in the seat next to me ''There should be a manual in there Ren, just keep an eye-out for any Nevermore''.
''Sure'' The stoic teen nodded as he fished for the manual in the glove compartment, flipping through it. Meanwhile I shut and locked the side doors and the rear loading bay, pulling the stick back slightly as the aircraft became airborne. I chuckled at the others reactions; Weiss and Ruby were nervous, Blake was tense and gripping her seat, Yang was slightly tense but trying to not look worried, Ren was indifferent, Nora was excited, Pyrrha was unsure and Jaune was borderline terrified.
And a little queasy looking.
I gained a bit more altitude before aiming the stick forward, flicking the switch and changing the engine angle and gaining forward momentum gradually. After a few minutes of nothing happening, everyone relaxed slightly - Jaune looked a bit queasy, but without any windows he seemed to be handling it. We continued for a few minutes in silence before Ruby broke the tension.
''How long until we're there~?'' She whined.
I chuckled ''Without any interruptions, about ten to twenty minutes''.
''Where did you learn to fly anyway?'' Blake asked, pulling a book out from nowhere.
''I have my ways'' I eluded slyly, I'd rather them not know I had the memories of hundreds of people in my head. Would give the wrong impression.
We continued idle chatter until we neared the abandoned city of Mountain Glenn, flying near the meeting point where I noticed a group of people standing. I lowered the airship down onto the concrete roof, the legs of the ship extending at the flick of a switch. Once I was sure it was stable I opened the rear loading ramp and issued for the others to get off, before getting off myself. In front of us was a group of five soldiers in a V pattern, and I walked to the front of our group to greet them.
''I presume you're the Atlas Special Forces?'' I asked and the man at the front nodded. He had a bulky-ish piece of grey and orange armour, with large shoulder plates and an armoured chest-piece. He was slightly old, probably around fifty or so, and had short, slicked-back grey hair that went down and encircled into a goatee beard. His eyes were brown and he held a bulky looking assault rifle in his hands, adept for medium to long range but lacking slightly in close quarters, unless it had a secret that its appearance didn't show.
The older man plastered a friendly grin on his face ''Captain Sierra Kashia, you?''.
''Eien'' I nodded, pulling down my bandana to show my small smile, and at his slightly confused expression I reiterated ''Just Eien''.
He nodded, accepting that and not asking questions. I like him.
''Alright, we've set up a perimeter and no Grimm have come too close so far'' Sierra explained ''Our orders were to wait for you guys before setting up a base, you know any good places?''.
''I've got a small safe-house over in the apartment complex'' I say, nodding towards it ''Stocked with a fair bit of ammo, food and water. It overlooks the courtyard of Parasol Square and the Great Library, lots of open ground to overlook and tight corridors, lots of escape routes and Dust charges encase an explosive-retreat is needed''.
Sierra nodding, gesturing to the stairwell ''Well lets get going - quietly Tai''.
He directed the last part at one of the other members of his team, Tai. He was an averagely built man with brown hair and eyes, one side longer than the other. He wore an armoured suit similar to Sierra, but lacked the bulky shoulder plating and was smaller, since Sierra appeared to be quite a muscled man. In his hands was a sleek black SMG with a drum magazine, the body of the gun small but compact. Over his shoulder was a long shotgun, which I briefly recognised as the new 'SPAS-24' that Atlas had produced, firing incendiary-corrosion rounds.
''Hehe... I'll try'' He said, scratching the back of his head with a nervous, but joking laugh. One of the men beside him snorted, wearing an identical armoured suit but having a pair of large Magnum's at his waist, as well as a large Rocket Launcher slung over his back. His hair was a jet black and spiky, piercing blues eyes filled with mirth as he stared at his ally.
''You're about as quiet as a bloodthirsty Ursa running through a forest'' The man said dryly.
''Clam it, Altaria'' Tai grumbled, an embarrassed flush on his cheeks while Altaria snickered.
''I think its only polite to introduce yourself lads'' Sierra said, joining in on the banter.
Tai coughed, straightening up ''Warrant Officer Tai Landor''.
Altaria nodded to them ''Altaria Schwitz, Warrant Officer''.
A third man stepped forwards, short black hair and cold grey eyes. He wore a black bandana over the lower half of his face and had a pair of Cat-Faunus ears on his head, he wore a sleeker version of the outfit the two Warrant Officers were wearing, probably to allow better freedom of movement. In his hands was a high-calibre sniper rifle, sleek and elongated with an extra long barrel. At his waist was a curt SMG, likely a secondary.
He gave a curt nod ''First Lieutenant Akio Sanawai''.
The fourth man came forth, straight raven hair that was down to his chin on both sides and a pair of glasses over his green eyes. He wore the same, albeit differently shaped, armoured suit over him. He carried a simple looking, but intricate assault rifle in his hands. His green eyes were calculating, probably having analysed us with his eyes the moment we left the ship.
''Devin Korus, Second Lieutenant'' The man nodded, pushing his glasses up ''And also the scientist of our group''.
I nodded back to my team, Pyrrha being the first and smiling ''I'm Pyrrha Nikos''.
''Nora Valkyrie~'' Nora sang, hanging off Ren.
''Lie Ren, but just call me Ren'' He said plainly, trying weakly to pry Nora off.
''J-Jaune Arc'' Jaune stumbled over his words momentarily, still looking a bit queasy.
''Blake Belladonna'' Blake nodded.
Yang saluted ''Yang Xiao Long, at your service!~''.
Weiss sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose ''Weiss Schnee, its nice to meet you''.
''And I'm Ruby Rose!'' Ruby grinned, doing an over-the-top pose making everyone sweat-drop.
''Alright, now that introductions are out of the way, lets get going'' Sierra chuckled in amusement.
We all nodded as we moved to the stairwell, Sierra at the front and Tai at the back, none noticing how the Bullhead disintegrated. We quickly and quietly moved down the narrow hallway before descending the stairs, reaching the bottom floor and sprinting across the open ground while keeping our eyes out for Grimm. None had appeared yet, likely because the north end of Mountain Glenn was the least populated part of the Grimm, but also held the main source of the weird Dust crystals with Grimm guarding it which perhaps warded off lesser Grimm.
We entered the worn-down building, light shining in through cracks in the stone walls. Soft footfalls were all that was heard as we ascending three sets of stairs before walking down the hall, and at my directions took a sharp left into an abandoned room. I walked over to a corner of the room and pressed a rapid series of buttons, painted to match the texture and look of the wall. A small rectangle of the wall disintegrated, allowing everyone to pile into the relatively decent sized room. It was like the rest of the city; slightly damaged, although it looked better after repeated attempts at repairing it.
''I'm afraid I couldn't customize it very much, Grimm seem to notice when I paint the walls and add a nice carpet'' I said dryly ''Although there are beds and three rooms, so enough for a team each - two showers, both working''.
''Eh, better than most places we crash at'' Tai snickered as he went into one of the rooms, a loud thud coming out, followed by snoring.
''...he didn't get much sleep last night, did he?'' Sierra sighed and Altaria nodded ''How much beer?''.
''Twenty bottles, he's had a hangover all day''.
''Damn it''.
An hour passed quite quickly, the sun not having gotten anywhere near mid-day as we all ate from canned food. My team and JNPR were not overly keen on it at first (save Ren, who didn't really mind) but after realising that it didn't taste much different to normal food, they just dealt with it. I discussed a lot of things with Sierra and went over it with my team and JNPR, mainly about codenames and such encase the White Fang or Roman Torchwick was involved in this, and thus they could check our communications. I liked military terms.
I pulled out a large box, nearly three foot tall and six foot long in the shape of a rectangle.
''Ammo, though most of its .338 Lapua Magnum'' I stated to them ''Any of you use those?''.
''I can'' Ruby smiled.
''I can'' Akio nodded after a pause of silence, sat on the balcony with his sniper mounted, watching the large courtyard and idly noting the Grimm lurking around ''Are there any powerful Grimm in the area that you know of?''.
''I know that there are quite a few in the railway'' I informed and he nodded, taking in this information ''While I haven't seen one, there is likely to be a Deathstalker or two in the library given that it has a lot of large open spaces, possibly even a Goliath - but unlikely''.
He nodded, angling the sniper to look at the library ''I don't see anything, but its entirely possible that its deeper inside''.
''We could check it out'' Blake offered.
''I think it would be wise'' Devin nodded ''If there is a Deathstalker we can lead it outside, leaving lots of space for us to move around''.
''But also space for the Deathstalker to move around'' I countered.
He conceded with a nod ''True, but from what I've read on you and your Team's profiles you all have some speed-based ability, do you not?''.
I nodded ''True, but JNPR don't''.
''We can stay behind'' Ren suggested and Jaune nodded rapidly, likely not wanting to chance meeting a Deathstalker.
''I'll cover you'' Akio stated, loading another clip and cocking the bolt back ''You got quite a lot of Beowolves and a few Ursa down there''.
''I'm going too, I need the exercise'' Altaria added, cocking his weapons.
''Alright, if you guys are ready lets go'' I said, heading for the door ''Punch in the code 7851 to leave or enter''.
''Noted'' Sierra nodded ''Good luck guys''.
''And to you'' I nodded back before tapping the four-digit-code in and leading the way, stalking through the building since it was quieter, regardless of the fact it was far slower. We walked down the narrow halls and dimly lit rooms, jumping down through a hole in the floor and kicking up a bit of dust on our landing. We ignored it, treading onwards as we proceeded to the front gate of the room. I held up a hand as a militaristic sign to hold position, and my followers obeyed and paused, allowing us to remain in the shadows.
C-C-C
I narrowed my eyes, straining my ears.
Crrrr
My eyes widened faintly in realisation.
CRACK!
I held my breath and my teammates did the same as we all but imbedded ourselves in the wall, just in time as the floor at the front of the doorway abruptly collapsed in on itself, falling down into darkness. The railway.
I put a hand on my earpiece ''Colony, this is Variety. Some parts of ground level are unstable, nearly fell down to the railway''.
''I hear you'' Sierra responded ''Can you still proceed to Hardback?''.
Hardback being the temporary codename for the library, I responded ''It might take a few minutes, but we still can reach it''.
''Alright, stay safe''.
I let go of my earpiece just as Weiss summoned a Glyph over the hole, smugly walking over it with Altaria following her with a slightly impressed look on his face. With a gesture the rest of us followed over the Glyph, now out in the open and quickly drawing attention. Without a word we unleash our weapons, falling into ready stances. I could see the library on the other side of the large courtyard; a large concrete structure with pillars at the front and large glass windows, although a large part of the front of the building was missing, scattered debris showing its destruction.
''I'll clear out some of the Ursa while you fight, deal with the Beowolves'' Akio spoke into his headset and I replied with a grunt. I aimed Judgement and fired a round off, killing a Beowulf without hesitation. At the same time Akio fired, my shot muffling his and the Ursa that took the shot to the head went unnoticed.
''Molten(Yang) and Magnum(Altaria) you lead, Crescent(Ruby) and I will take your flanks. Black(Blake) and Snow(Weiss) you cover the rear, alright?'' I asked and got a quick confirmation ''Alright, lets go!''.
Immediately Altaria drew both magnums, pulling the trigger in rapid succession as a single bullet each tore through a single Grimm, decimating the line of Beowolves while Akio quietly picked off the tougher Grimm with ease. Yang fired off rounds from her gauntlets, taking several per Grimm but having a larger magazine belt than what Altaria had. I easy picked off other targets with Ruby, slashing apart any Grimm who got too close to us. Blake and Weiss easily picked off the Grimm who tried to attack from behind, Blake being especially useful in using her weapon like a flail to slice down the Grimm that Weiss slows with her Glyphs.
''You do realise that we're only attracting more Grimm, right?'' Weiss yelled as she cut down a Beowulf that got too close.
I ignored her remark ''On my signal get inside Hardback and hide as best you can without going too deep inside and stay quiet''.
Nobody disagreed, too busy focusing on mowing down the hordes of Grimm making their way to us. We were only twenty metres away from the library when I reached into my trench coat and pulled out a smoke bomb, one that Sierra had given to me. I pulled the pin and dropped it at my feet, immediately it shattered and smoke began pouring out of a small white dust crystal at its core.
''GO!'' I barked and we all took off into the library through the large hole in the front. Myself and Ruby hugged the wall immediately after entering the building, allowing me to peek out without giving away my position because my hood camouflaged with the shadowed background. Blake and Weiss hid in the corner of the room across from us, while Yang and Altaria hid behind a bookshelf, everyone quietening their breathing. We waited as the smoke cleared, watching the Grimm look around in confusion as they sniffed the air, trying to figure out where we were.
The problem for them was that the smoke was an Anti-Grimm smoke bomb, dusting our bodies with Grimm Essence and making it smell like we were Grimm - didn't change our appearance though, meaning it only eliminated the problem of them smelling us.
Suddenly one of the Beowolves cocked their head in our direction, eyes locking with mine. I held no fear for the Grimm, which I had noted seemed abnormal but had dismissed it from an early age, but even if I held no fear for them they still had the instinct to kill me, although it seems like they can be dissuaded like that Ursa from when I was younger. Before it could do anything a bullet pierced its head, the gunshot ringing out throughout the courtyard as the Grimm immediately tried searching for the source, but Akio was smart enough to hide himself and his sniper between shots, meaning they couldn't see him and was too far away to be smelled.
I looked at Ruby and immediately realised why the Grimm noticed us, she had a slightly worried look on her face, nervous fear dancing in her eyes.
''Calm down'' I whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving her a smile, which succeeded in calming her down.
''Sorry'' She whispered back.
''Its fine'' I dismissed, putting a hand to my earpiece ''Vulture(Akio) are we clear?''.
''Yes, they've lost sight of you and are returning to roaming the courtyard, none approaching Hardback''.
''Roger, keep a lookout''.
''Got it''.
I let go of my earpiece and glance outside the window, the Grimm all spreading out and leaving again. I turned to my 'squad' and gestured for them to gather on me, huddling by Yang and Altaria. A few moments later Weiss and Blake joined us and we quietly sighed in relief, they weren't wounded and barely tired but it was still intense.
''Alright keep the teams we have right now. Black Snow (Blake and Weiss) you two check the dark end of the building, search for any out-of-the-normal things... and don't get too distracted Blake by the books'' I ordered and Blake blushed in embarrassment ''Molten Magnum (Yang and Altaria) you two check this area. Me and Crescent will check the back of the room for anything, any problems?''.
''Nah'' Yang answered for everyone and I nodded, getting up and leading Ruby towards the back of the building while the others went to work.
''Stay close'' I whispered to Ruby, who nodded and stayed within a few feet of me as we walked. The light from the windows didn't reach all the way to the back of the large open area, so when I kicked a plank of wood and heard it clatter I took pause, considering the possibility of it being a hole. I reached into my trench coat and ran my fingers over the different crystals at my waistband, getting a different feeling from each. When I got a gentle but warm feeling, I pulled it out, revealing a golden crystal that shined faintly.
I brought it to the floor and swiftly slashed it across the ground, making only a small scathing noise that went unnoticed. The gem however glowed as it lit up like a torch, giving enough light to see but not enough to warrant attention from the Grimm. True enough a small hole lay below us, leading a fair ways down and the glistening of metal showing the rail tracks that ran all over the city.
Suddenly a VERY loud 'CLICK-CLICK-CLICK' resounded and I slowly raised my gaze, meeting the gaze of a Deathstalker. Its body was hidden in the shadows, but I had no doubt its stinger was primed.
''Ruby... Back. Away. Slowly'' I ordered quietly and the girl obeyed, her eyes stuck on the Deathstalker as she took one step at a time behind her. Slowly, my eyes watching the Deathstalker, I pressed my finger against the earpiece.
''Vulture... I found a Deathstalker...'' I drawled, grim amusement in my tone as the Deathstalker clicked intimidatingly. Slowly I backed up, the Deathstalkers narrowed eyes following me as I moved back ''Everyone we're leaving''.
The Deathstalker abruptly screeched, a high-pitched noise that left my ears ringing temporarily. It lashed out with its stinger and I fired a round at it, bouncing off its hidden armour as I used the recoil to move backwards to the entrance where the others were waiting.
''Variety... something's going on'' Akio spoke, his voice something between suspicious and awed ''The Grimm in the area left after you provoked the Deathstalker''.
''It probably means that its very old'' Devin spoke up.
''Outside, now'' I said calmly as I fired a round, using the recoil once again to get out onto the open ground, the others followed quickly. We waited in tense silence for several seconds before the Deathstalker screeched again, bursting through bookshelves and entering the large courtyard, however its appearance made our eyes widen and speechless. Its stinger was a bright crimson with spiky teal bones around the bit where it connects to the tail. Its armour was spiked with crimson or teal at random and its eyes the generic crimson. Its claws had a yellow line trimming on it, its body almost fully armoured.
''The hell?'' Yang muttered ''That is not a normal Deathstalker''.
I pulled out my scroll in a flash, snapping a picture of it despite the incredulously looks my squad gave me. I pocketed the scroll just as the creature screeched again, and surprisingly its stinger glowed brightly.
''Careful, we're playing with an unknown now'' I stated as I aimed Judgement in its sniper form, unloading its AP rounds and reloading in a rail of AP Explosive Incendiary.
''Do you have any more of those super-big rounds you used before?'' Blake asked.
I nodded ''I do, but this is likely tied to our investigation, and it would be wise to study it instead of eliminating it... Four-eyes(Devin), you read?''.
''Loud and clear''.
''Use the scroll I gave you, when I give the signal pilot Orbitos'' I instruct ''Just encase, I don't want any losses''.
''Understood''.
''Alright, time to start this'' I stated and pulled the trigger, firing a round at the creatures face. It, to my obvious surprise, deflected off its armour, hitting a wall away from us and exploding into a firebomb ''That... is not supposed to happen''.
''What rounds were those?'' Weiss asked, now clearly cautious. I realised that the scene that just occurred probably implanted some fear in my teammates, since none of them had seen any Grimm deflect one of my bullets, especially not an incendiary one.
''Armour-piercing Explosive Incendiary'' I stated guardedly ''Only a Goliath has managed to not be pierced by my AP rounds, and even then it damaged it, not deflect it''.
''So its tougher than a Goliath'' Altaria stated with a grim smile.
''Joy'' I joked lightly, still waiting for the Deathstalker to make a move. We had a very brief stare-off before the Deathstalkers still-glowing tail lurched, and I was momentarily taken aback as a fireball shot at me. Only because of instinct did I managed to fire at the ground, propelling above the resulting explosion and landing beside my teammates, my eyes wide in surprise.
''That...'' I muttered.
''...was Red-Fire Dust'' Blake finished, eyes wide with fear in her eyes.
I immediately stepped forward, intent on removing that fear - fear only feeds the Grimm, for all intents and purposes. I transformed Judgement into sniper form, putting my hand to my earpiece to relay orders, since some Grimm seemed to have a degree of understanding of human language - at least I presumed so.
''Alright get it together people. Black you fall back and strike from the shadows. Snow you support and hit it when its guard is open. Molten you give supressing fire on it, rain hell on it. Crescent you and I will be hitting, aim for the sides and legs. Magnum you use your 'secondary' for heavy blows and damage its armour and join Molten with your guns'' I ordered authoritatively, speaking confidently ''Vulture I need you to target its stinger, Four-eyes you're on standby with Orbitos. Clear?''.
''Clear!'' Everyone responded in unison and I smiled faintly, dangerously.
''Then lets go!'' I barked as I shot, taking off to its right side while Ruby took the left. Before the Deathstalker could even begin to turn Altaria fired a large rocket from the launcher, exploding onto the Deathstalkers face but only burning it slightly. Immediately this was followed with both him and Yang unloading at its face, making it screech as its attention was drawn to them. A shot rang out as a .338 impacted the stinger, making it bleed but not explode, again making the Deathstalker screech. The screech made everyone wince, but that was enough time to the Deathstalker to strike Yang with its claw, sending her tumbling away with Blunt Trauma.
I slashed at the Deathstalkers legs, my blade grating off against its armoured plating but cutting it thinly, drawing a small amount of blood. I glanced and saw Altaria jump back to avoid another fireball that the stinger fired, before said stinger abruptly faded to a teal colour that made me suspicious. The teal markings on its body glowed faintly as I felt the temperature decrease.
''Back up!'' I barked and was pleased when everyone did so, barely escaping when the Deathstalker suddenly glowed as a rapid-moving ring of ice surrounded and pulsed outwards from it. It only travelled a few feet before the ice fell to the ground, shattering. The Deathstalker continued to glare at us as its stinger turned red, undoubtedly charging up another fireball.
''Ice and Fire Dust-types'' I commented as I took aim and fired, my bullet bouncing off its armour as I took a swipe at its leg, leaving a meagre cut along the armour that drew only a paper-cut of blood. I used the recoil of my gun to avoid the sudden fireball it threw at me, flames erupting at the spot I was stood in an ember picturesque manner. Yang got past its claws and unleashed a rapid hail of punches against its face while firing, but it only slightly damaged it like everything else. Blake came from the shadows and landed a series of minor wounds along its tail and back before leaving again, a shadow clone taking the damage for it.
I reached into my jacket, going around and feeling onto my back where I found my dust-infused daggers, and pulled out an explosive fire one. I reloaded Judgement at the same time, going for AP Corrosion rounds this time instead and tossing a mag to Ruby, who called a thanks and swapped some of her bullets with the ones in the rail, giving her five shots of AP Corrosion in her Crescent Rose. I shot behind me and landed on the Deathstalker, stabbing the red-glowing dagger in a nigh unnoticeable crack in the armour, using another shot to wound it and escape.
A few seconds later the dagger cracked before it exploded into a pillar of flames, almost drowning out the screeches of the Deathstalker - almost. It came charging out of the pillar of flames at Ruby, who fired several times but was ultimately struck with a claw, knocking her off her feet. I shot myself above it and aimed at the stinger, firing just as Akio did. Both rounds drew blood from the sac but didn't explode it, so I fired at the part joining the stinger to the tail, using the recoil to clear some distance and reload. The bullet, as grimly expected, just bounced off the armour still - said armour now having been burned from my attempt though.
Blake appeared again and slashed repeatedly at the stinger, only to disappear without doing much damage. It had several puncture wounds and would likely become unusable soon, but for now it was still in action. Weiss jabbed her rapier out and got it in one of the eyes, making it screech and momentarily flail in a mini-panic. I took full use of that panic, landing on its spiky back and pushing Punishment to its face, pulling the trigger once, twice, thrice, before using Judgement to clear some ground, though I did stab another dagger into its face. This was prove correct when a small expulsion of acidic green liquid exploded out of the remains of the dagger, coating the Grimm and hissing as it melted its armour.
The Grimm, predictably, screeched in furious pain as it swung its claws wildly as its eyes were now rendered null and void, greatly increasing our chances. I took the time it was distracted to repeatedly slash at its tail, along with Ruby, until the stinger was severed and fell off, before exploding like a normal dust crystal. It screeched again, and was finally silenced as Weiss pierced its skull, making her signature 'Hmph' and pulling the blade out, wiping it on the corpse.
''That was unexpected'' I said dryly ''Alright lets go back, we cant fight another one of those so soon''.
I got a collection of agreements as we head back to the base, completely unaware of crimson eyes watching from the shadows.
''Grimm using Dust? That's new'' Ozpin commented idly from the other side of the scroll. Myself, Sierra and Devin were sat at a table, which had officially been dubbed 'the planning table'.
''Could it be possible that is the reason for the massive increase in Dust in the area? Because of the Grimm interfering in some way?'' Sierra asked both the resident scientist and headmaster.
''Perhaps'' Devin replied thoughtfully ''Though it may be possible that someone else has interfered, implanting Dust inside the Grimm''.
''This cant be good'' Sierra shook his head ''That Deathstalker was powerful, equal if not stronger than a Goliath''.
I nodded ''Hopefully they're rare and in open spaces, because if we find one in a tight spot where we cant use our speed to its full extent then we'll have some problems''.
''Yeah, problem with that is that I suspect the railways may hold some clues to this mystery'' Sierra sighed ''Meaning at some point we'll have to go underground''.
''Joy'' I joked dryly.
''I'll contact General Ironwood on this matter, get his opinion on this'' Ozpin stated ''Do come back in one piece''.
With his comment said, the scroll flickered off as Ozpin disconnected the call.
''Devin?'' I said, drawing the scientists attention ''I've got some weapon designs I want to run by you, see if I can get your opinion on them''.
''Of course'' Devin smiled.
Four hours were spent on going over the designs and suggesting different ways or combat styles with the weapons, and after an hour in Devin pulled up his scroll so he could show me some of his own designs and, with Sierra's permission, showed some classified weapon designs to get my opinion on them. At the three hour mark Ruby joined us, and Sierra at some point left after he got so confused with our discussions. Devin said he could try and get me, and at my request Ruby too, into Atlas's main facility so I can discuss things with General Ironwood to set up a deal where I help make weapons for them, and they allow me access to rare materials.
Eventually we left the room, I immediately check up with Akio, the self-assigned look-out ''Anything out of the ordinary?''.
''Nothing, no Grimm at all'' He stated, his frown visible even with his bandana ''They've stayed clear of the place ever since you guys killed the Duststalker''.
''Duststalker?'' I raised an eyebrow at the name.
He shrugged slightly ''Death-Stalker with dust, so Dust-Stalker''.
I shrugged ''Fair enough''.
Yang groaned, lying on her back ''I'm bored!~''.
''Well it aint going to get any more exciting than this'' Altaria chuckled ''What do we do next, Sir?''.
I turned to Sierra too with a questioning look ''I agree, I have only been given limited information, and you are more used to this type of scenario compared to my standard snipe-the-Grimm-until-they-find-you strategy''.
The elder man nodded seriously ''I've gotten in further contact with Ozpin and General Ironwood, and they've found no records of Grimm utilizing Dust, and any experiments only result in the death of the Grimm. I suggest you investigate the library again while the Grimm are currently away, then tomorrow we check the underground railway for any clues''.
Jaune stiffened ''Y-You mean we're going underground? Where nests could be?''.
''Yep'' Sierra chuckled ''Don't worry son, all of us will be present so anything short of another Duststalker will be as easy as pie''.
This calmed Jaune down slightly and I went over to my ammo box, handing out the required ammo and thankfully having enough of the various types for the others to use, though Weiss didn't use a gun so the unique ammo her sword used went un-replenished. Once we were loaded up and rested we moved out, Akio once again playing over-watch while I lead my Team and Altaria down again. We took the same route down, only taking a detour through a shattered window since the entryway had crumbled in on itself.
Like Aiko said, the entire courtyard was empty - and the courtyard was several hundred metres squared, so it was very open. We didn't bother using our speed techniques, rather instead just running across the empty space, reaching the library in less than a minute.
I put a hand to my earpiece ''Vulture we're entering Hardback, keep a lookout''.
''Roger''.
Nodding to my team I entered the darkened building, pulling out another Light Crystal and lighting it, giving me and Ruby as small amount of light as we went off into the same pairs we had before, and I returned with Ruby to where we met the Deathstalker. With the Grimm gone I had a better chance to see the area around me, showing broken debris and a large diagonally downward tunnel that presumably led to the railway. Where the Deathstalker probably came from. I put my hand to my earpiece, pushing the button in.
''I found the location of where the Duststalker came from, a tunnel leading to the railway''.
''Its always the railway'' Tai joked with a slight slur, still not fully over his hangover.
I smirked ''You're lucky you weren't down here when the Duststalker was screeching, or that hangover would be a hundred times worse''.
''I'd believe it'' He groaned and I chuckled quietly.
I shined the Light Crystal around while Ruby stayed behind me, watching my back encase we were snuck up upon. The tunnel downwards had small crystalline chunks of Dust growing, which could be considered rare since Dust, well, didn't grow like a plant. I approached the small crystals, which were no bigger than my thumb, and carefully touched one I believed to be Ice, which I was assured by the cold feeling it emanated. I gave it a tug and it came free from the compact dirt easily enough, allowing me to see the pointed end where it was embedded.
''Interesting...'' I mumbled, turning the crystal over and narrowing my eyes at the side of the crystal, which was slightly darker coloured. I almost jumped when a red eye morphed out of the side of it, eying me in instinctive anger. I shoved it back into the hole and waited, but it didn't move... perhaps they couldn't move, but holding a Dust Crystal that was also alive didn't sound overly appealing. I gaze back at the hundreds, if not thousands of miniature Grimm-Crystals and narrowed my eyes in thought. It would be possible to kill them without sustaining any damage from the miniature explosions, but there was entirely the possibility that it could bring other, larger Grimm to their position.
''Black Snow, you guys find anything?'' I asked into the headset as quietly as possible, dragging Ruby back (who had been frozen since she saw the Crystals).
''Nothing too interesting'' Blake answered in a bored tone.
I smiled mirthfully, even if they wouldn't see it ''Not talking about books, Black''.
She made an indignant noise ''I LIKE books, I am not OBSESSED with books!''.
''Snow?''.
''...she's looking at a book''.
''Traitor!''.
I chuckled quietly before dropping back into a serious demeanour ''Molten Magnum?''.
''Nothin' at all'' Yang sighed irritably ''You guys find anything?''.
''Yeah, some Dust Crystals that might be actual living Grimm'' I said quietly, getting several surprised noises ''Yeah, I think we should wait until tomorrow before we continue, its probably not the best-''.
''Eien'' Ruby whispered, her voice the epitome of terrified. I immediately turned my gaze on my female companion, noting her dilated eyes and trembling hands as her white knuckles gripped Crescent Rose. I followed her gaze skyward and resisted the urge to gawk at it.
A Giant Grimm Spider, known as an Arachne, was on the ceiling, eyes burning into ours.
...
...
...
''Well'' I drawled after a long pause ''I don't suppose you'll let us go, will you?''.
Current Votes for Pairing with Eien(from Team RWBY):
Ruby: 4 Votes
Weiss: 2 Votes
Blake: 1 Vote
Yang: 0 Votes
Next chapter I intend to put in a bit of an innocent fluffy scene with Blakey about her Faunus nature. Eien will only be dating one of them, I can assure you, but I will have some innocent fluff here and there. (Reason why I don't wanna do a poll is I'll forget to remove it once I've decided!).
I have also decided that I will update this stories on a weekly basis, hopefully every Friday from today but I might forget~