A/N: This chapter changes the plotline significantly, hopefully you guys don't eat me for this. I don't taste nice ~(;-;)~.
I DO NOT OWN RWBY
Chapter 9: Unexpected
''Its very peaceful'' I commented as myself and my team walked through the streets of Vale towards the docks at Weiss's insistence. True enough to my statement it was peaceful for once, people from all of Remnant walking about, chatting idly. Leaves fell from the nearby trees, grass swayed idly in the breeze, birds squawked in the sky above and Ruby was next to me, skipping happily while whistling a tune. We just made it onto the street by the docks when a blonde Faunus guy sprinted past us, quickly followed by two cops.
''Well there's one of the contestants'' I commented dryly to Weiss.
''After him!'' Weiss cried as she immediately ran after him with surprising speed, considering her heels. After a moment of pause myself and the other three girls ran after her, hearing an 'Oomph' from Weiss and presuming she ran into someone. Sure enough when we turned the corner she and another girl were on the floor, dazed. It only lasted a few seconds before Weiss got up into a crawling position.
''No! He got away...'' Weiss whined, sighing as she got to her feet, completely missing the girl on the ground.
''Weiss?'' I called and she looked at me ''Floor''.
She blinked in confusion, slowly turning back to the person on the ground, then recoiled in surprise ''GAH!''.
''Salutations!'' The unnamed ginger girl said cheerfully, unfazed by Weiss's reaction.
''Um... hello'' Ruby said, giving the girl a slightly odd look.
''Are you okay?'' Yang asked.
''I'm wonderful!'' She replied happily ''Thank you for asking!''.
I shared a look with my team, and Yang spoke for us ''Do you... wanna get up?''.
The ginger girl seemed to ponder this before nodding resolutely, jumping up ''Yes!''.
''My name is Penny! Its a pleasure to meet you!'' Penny greeted cheerfully, despite the blank stare she had in her eyes.
''Hi Penny, I'm Ruby''.
''I'm Weiss''.
''Blake''.
''I'm Eien''.
''Are you sure you didn't hit your head?'' Yang asked before both me and Blake elbowed her in her sides ''Oh! I'm Yang!''.
''Its a pleasure to meet you!'' Penny smiled.
''You... already said that'' Weiss deadpanned.
''So I did!'' Penny realised, her blank stare unwavering. My scroll buzzed during the following silence, showing a request for video chat from Ozpin. In bold red letters it had 'IMPORTANT - PRIVATE', making me frown.
''I'll be back in a minute guys'' I nodded to my team and Penny, walking away from them and into an alley. After scoping the alley out and making sure nobody was present, and nobody on the street was listening, I tapped the 'enter call' button on the screen. Immediately the screen changed, showing a live feed of Ozpin, Qrow and Glynda.
''Good afternoon Eien, are you enjoying your time in Vale?'' Ozpin asked, taking a swig from his mug.
''Not bad'' I shrugged ''Afternoon to you too, Goodwitch, Branwen''.
''Hello'' Glynda nodded sternly, while Qrow gave a murmur of a greeting, too busy with his flask.
''So, what's the reason for this call?'' I asked, finishing the pleasantries and moving straight to business.
''Ah yes, straight to the point. The main reason for me calling you is that we may have a lead on Cinder'' He said and I stiffened, eyes flickering to purple momentarily before I reigned in my power.
''Where?'' I asked calmly.
''At the docks tonight, a Schnee Dust Company Freighter will be coming into port at ten o'clock'' Glynda said ''Ozpin I suggest we send the VPD to assist them-''.
''They are competent enough'' Ozpin retorted smoothly.
''I support that notion'' I added with a faint smirk.
''I vote yes!'' Qrow added.
Glynda pinched the bridge of her nose ''You don't know what you're even voting for, do you?''.
''Meh, knowledge is overrated''.
''I'll take my team and investigate, if needed I'll call in support'' I informed, eluding to my AAK-1's and Bullhead.
''Very well, one of the other things I wish to speak to you about is your previous mission to Mountain Glenn'' Ozpin said ''The Duststalker, as you have come to call it, has been popping up all over Remnant as of the past few weeks, most seem to be territorial, and more information is coming in about them - I will call a meeting with the others when it comes through''.
''Of course'' I nodded. It was weird being part of the 'Inner Circle' considering they were teachers, but I wasn't objecting.
''That is all, goodbye for now''.
''Bye'' I said as all three screens dropped, before I smirked darkly.
''Soon Cinder, I'll tear your soul to shreds... I promise''.
''So we're staking this place out?'' Yang asked as we snuck into the docks, no sign of Cinder or her minions in sight, only dozens upon dozens of crates. They'd spent the time up until now just hanging around the town, visiting a café for lunch and just relaxing for most of the day. They had run into the monkey Faunus at the Café on their way out, and after striking up a conversation with him he wanted to help out, though I think he may have just been bored. Penny had been with them for most of the day too, but then some soldiers from Atlas picked her up sadly.
''Yes'' I replied patiently. We only had to wait a little more than a minute before the thunderous roars of a Bullhead echoed overhead, followed by two more as three Bullhead's flew into an open area of the docks. Immediately the side doors and loading bay doors open and White Fang members flooded out of the three aircraft, moving to the crates and some cables.
''Looks like Professor Ozpin was right...'' I murmur to myself, but the others obviously heard.
''I wonder how he knew'' Blake mumbled with a frown.
''I'll have to ask him that'' I decided as we waited in the shadows, from the middle Bullhead Roman walked out, shouting at the Faunus terrorists. Blake growled quietly at the sight of the man, probably because of the not-so-subtle insult he threw at the Faunus. I closed my eyes and I felt my thoughts connect to the AAK-1's, seeing four screens in my head as they stomped towards the Bullhead, which was powering up at my mental command. Silently thanking the universe, I got the droids to board the aircraft before launching it towards us.
Out of the second Bullhead came Mercury and Emerald, and out of the final one came a man I didn't recognise, but he had a sword and White Fang mask on his face. A high-ranking member perhaps? I saw Blake widen her eyes to their limits, her jaw hanging low as she let out a strangled noise of surprised fear. I frowned down at her, worried that she had some sort of past with the individual.
''Yang'' I called and the brawler looked at me ''I want you to fight Mercury, and Blake I want you to fight Emerald''.
She snapped her head to me, the silent plea - oh so desperate plea - in her eyes, but I shook my head at her.
''Ruby, Weiss - I want both of you to take Roman'' I say and got two more nods ''Sun I need you to go up against the White Fang members, because judging from your weapon you'll be good at multiple enemies?''.
''Yeah'' He nodded, his cheeky personality replaced by a serious one.
''Good. I'll take the last guy with the sword, try and incapacitate your opponents if possible. I called in back-up, it should be here in a minute or two'' I say and got to my feet on the roof, ignoring Blake's tense form as she fought the urge to switch targets ''Lets go!''.
With my call we all jumped off, landing on the ground below quietly before taking off in sprints, bolting through the crates towards our targets. We separated into our respective groups as we neared our targets, with mine walking towards the unknown man. I drew Judgement and transformed it into its scythe form just as I broke into the open ground, swinging at the unknown Faunus. He reacted admirably, spinning and drawing his blade, making a loud clang as our blades met.
''Hello there'' I smiled politely, intent on gleaming some info, subtly ''How are you today?''.
The man didn't even pause ''Fine, until you showed up''.
''I'm hurt...'' I mocked as I pulled the trigger, sending a shot into his shoulder and using the recoil to flip backwards, landing my feet on the crate vertically before flipping to the ground again, finishing my taunt.
''...But so are you, as it seems''.
With all the stealth of a Bullhead Ruby clashed with Roman, who obviously saw her partners approach from a mile away. He grunted as they parted, with me running up behind the younger girl.
''Oh Red! How lovely to see you!'' He said with clenched teeth ''I must ask, do you get a buzz or something from interrupting my business? You and Black seem to do it often''.
'Black?' I thought, confused before it clicked 'Ah, he must mean Eien - black clothing'.
''And you've brought a new friend! White, lovely to meet you!'' He continued his mocking introduction with an over-the-top half-bow. I rolled my eyes and swapped the Dust in Myrtenaster to fire, whatever Eien had planned in his head would have to wait. He called in back-up, which I presume was those Adamantite Knights he made, that or JNPR, but likely the former.
''So, might I ask why you are here... again?'' Roman drawled, his amusement fading and replaced by obvious annoyance.
''Eien sent us to fight you'' I stated and blinked when he paled slightly, tensing up. After the fight against Eien he seemed more wary of the prodigy, and rightfully so given all the training he's put himself through the past few weeks.
''I see'' He said seriously, all traces of amusement now gone as he raised his cane ''Lets get this started then, shall we?''.
Without waiting for our answer he fired his cane, sending a purple-red flare at us. I formed a Glyph under my feet and dashed out of the way while Ruby used her Semblance to avoid the attack. Swiftly I slashed Myrtenaster at the air and sent out a small projectile of fire, exploding at his feet to upset his balance. Ruby easily took advantage of this as she made to slash at his back, but he easily danced out of its path, using his cane to whack away her second strike. I charged in and thrust the rapier forward, but he spun and redirected it with his cane, aiming at my feet and firing.
I grunted as the explosion sent me skidding back, my Aura protecting me from all damage except the blunt trauma. Ruby rushed in and engaged in a flurry of attacks with Roman while I slashed at the air, sending another missile of concentrated fire at Roman. It burned his side and he grunted, once again firing at his feet to clear some distance between us. Immediately he unleashed a hail of fire at us, only a second between each shot as I was forced to keep moving to avoid being hit. A series of bullets past my previous position, courtesy of a White Fang grunt until Sun slammed the shaft of his staff into him, knocking the grunt out and giving me a thumbs up before he proceeded with his job.
I was brought back to reality as I was forced to avoid another flare, using my Glyphs to propel myself towards him, snaking past any flares he fired at me. Ruby had a similar idea, coming from behind him with her Semblance and firing when she got close. He blocked the bullets with his cane, spinning and flipping his cane with extreme skill as he blocked the bullets. I lashed out with my own weapon but he blocked it, and I let out a low grunt when he kicked my stomach, sending me skidding back as I regained the oxygen I lost.
However I was taken by surprise when a flare crashed into me, making me reflexively let out a surprised gasp as I tumbled away. I got up and hissed when my side burned, the heat from the flare leaving minor burns on my side despite my Aura blocking the flare itself. Ruby was sent flying past me, a similar set of minor burns on her front as her back hit the container, groaning.
I hissed at the pain but I got up anyway, Ruby doing the same as we prepared to fight once more.
With the final punch of the combo I struck Mercury in the stomach, finishing with a roundhouse that sent him tumbling away. He regained his footing mid-flight and skid to a stop, running back at me. Emerald was sent flying past us as Blake continued on her, not letting her have even a second to set up her illusions. I ignored the duo in favour of meeting Mercury halfway, blocking his punch with one hand and striking him in the stomach with my Semblance-enhanced fist. He grunted and his knee came up, striking me in the jaw and making me wince, my pause long enough for him to head-butt me back.
Dazed, I didn't see his fist coming until it struck my jaw, sending me flying back into a crate. My back screamed in protest and my Aura was dwindling as it was, despite my Semblance increasing my attack power it didn't do shit for my defence. However from the looks of things Mercury wasn't doing much better, judging from his slight limp and heavy breathing. The thunderous roar of Bullheads above drew my attention, and I nearly groaned at the sight of four more Bullheads.
However I didn't need to have worried, as out of the clouds above a dozen rockets flew down, striking two of the Bullhead's. The Dust-infused explosives created splashes of acid or flames, burning and melting the metal. With a low groan the Bullhead's engine failed, one of them losing them entirely as they were sent crashing into the ocean. Out of the clouds came Eien's personal Bullhead in all its crimson glory, sticking out like a sore thumb in the night sky. A low whirl was heard before the gun on the front opened fire, unleashing a hail of bullets at the remaining two Bullhead's.
A small explosion erupted as one of the White Fang's Bullhead's engine was struck, followed by the sound of it failing as its balance was offset. Another four missiles were fired, striking the Bullhead and finally bringing it down. The last Bullhead had enough sense to begin pulling out, firing its gun haphazardly as it began to rise into the clouds. Eien's Bullhead fired a volley of rockets at it, striking it several times but not bringing it down as it left the area. The cargo bay hatch opened and from it four of Eien's Knights ran and jumped out.
Like mini-rockets they impacted the ground, creating a small crater from their impact before they collectively split up. One of them sprinted for Mercury like a bullet, and the grey-haired teen responded by cocking a fist back and punching the droids face. He cursed as it didn't even dent the robot, but the robot responded by burying its fist in his stomach, making him double over before a chop to the neck knocked him out. I looked over and found that a similar situation had happened with Emerald, getting knocked out and picked up by the robots.
I grunted as I got up, stumbling over to Blake as she panted, taking less wounds than me but more than enough cuts. Despite that she only spared me a glance before beginning to move to where Eien and the unknown White Fang guy was, breaking out into a sprint as I followed at a limp, the robots moving at a more languid pace beside me.
I ducked under 'Adam's' strike, the blade passing over me with a whoosh of air accompanying it as I jabbed the blunt end of Judgement into his stomach, making him grunt and hunch slightly. I spun with the intent to slash at his stomach but he evaded backward, slashing with great precision at the bullet I fired. I aimed at my feet and fired, becoming airborne once again, catching a glimpse of my Bullhead firing its rockets at the airships above us, and fired below at Adam. He moved as fast as the incoming bullets, slashing it into two before it reached him.
I was trying to not use my Dunkelheit or Semblance since I was becoming overly reliant on them, but at this rate I would have to...
I grimaced from my wounds. Adam was above Roman's skill level by a mile, at least in that he was ruthless. Cuts and gashes of various sizes littered my body, and yet I was still waiting to witness his Semblance, something I had to be wary of if he hadn't displayed it yet. I fired behind me and rushed down to ground level, smashing Judgement's blunt end into the ground, creating a shockwave and making the ground around him unstable for a second, which was long enough. I twirled and moved with my momentum, twice, thrice and then threw Judgement like a shuriken towards Adam.
He raised his sword from his sheath, catching the blade of Judgement and letting the blunt end hit his back, but held enough kinetic force to make him grunt. I silently activated my Dunkelheit, my vision becoming sharper and senses becoming stronger overall. Before I could use my SchattenSchritt however Adam glowed as his Semblance activated, his mask also taking on a similar glow as he bent his back and put one leg behind the other, his weapon currently sheathed. I narrowed my eyes in suspicion, ready to dodge a ranged/lunge attack if required. It had a build-up; that meant it was unlikely it was going to do something simple like increase his combat strength or speed, it would have to be powerful to have a charge time.
And my theory was proven correct when he slashed his blade at the air, and my eyes widened when a nigh-invisible wave raced towards me. Out of reflex more than decision, I raised my arms and created a Sigil to take the blow, more specifically Insho: Chikara. However my eyes widened when the wave cut through my Sigil like it was air...
...and towards me.
Blake rounded the collections of crates to where Adam and Eien were fighting, but she immediately froze upon seeing Adam in an all-too-familiar stance, glowing with his Semblance. Eien was across from him, cautious but unsure of what was coming.
He didn't know...
I had to warn him, but my voice died as Adam moved, slashing his blade forward and sending the nigh-invisible wave of pure, wilting energy towards Eien. He raised his hands in a flash, summoning a Sigil in front of him.
He didn't know!
The beam cut through his Sigil, wilting the rest away as the beam didn't stop, cleaving through Eien's left arm by the shoulder. Eien had apparently began to use his speed technique 'SchattenSchritt' to move, but the second the bullet-fast beam struck, his momentum stopped immediately without any recoil. His face was frozen in an expression of shock, as if he - FOR ONCE - didn't expect that to happen. However I couldn't speak, surprise keeping me frozen. Not only because my friend had been mutilated, but because he wasn't wilting away. Adam's attack usually spread like a virus, turning everything to dust from the point of contact until nothing remained, that was why his sword was called Wilt.
So why wasn't Eien wilting away? She didn't want him to of course, but it was a shock that stunned me. Time resumed a moment later as Eien's arm hit the ground with a dull thud, and Eien's shock turned into a pained grimace, jaw tense to prevent any sounds coming out. His royal purple eyes flickered, before seemingly becoming brighter as he glared at Adam, his body glowing purple - which definitely wasn't 'Seele Ernten' or his normal Semblance, the colour was off.
''I think play time is over'' Eien grounded out, glare withstanding ''You're strong... but I'm stronger''.
Despite the slightly arrogant remark, it was proven true when a black Sigil appeared ten feet above the duo, nearly stretching the entire size of their battlefield. Gravity immediately crashed down on Adam much harder, making him hunch over as gravity worked against him. However a second gravity Sigil appeared above the first, increasing the gravity again as Adam fell to a crouch while Eien surprisingly remained standing - was he unaffected by the gravity? But wasn't he affected during his spar against Yang? At least to some degree?
Despite the logic displayed previously now out the window, Eien stalked towards Adam. The Bull Faunus could only glare and form a pained snarl at Eien, the gravity pressing on him too much for him to raised his weapon, let alone stand. Eien's form disappeared as he appeared behind Adam, knocking him out with a punch to the head. The second Adam's unconscious form hit the ground, the Sigils collapsed into dust as Eien fell to his knees, using his one remaining hand to hold himself up, reminding me of the critical injury he just suffered.
''Eien!'' I cried as I immediately ran over to him, the rest of my team just entering the open space as they also cried out in panic.
As I reached him he let out a strained smile ''T-Totally fine''.
''You're bleeding dude'' Sun grimaced, eyeing his decapitated and forgotten arm as a memory of the video from before entered my mind.
''Can you regenerate it?'' I asked desperately.
He shook his head slowly ''No... I haven't f-figured out... how to do that... yet''.
The Bullhead, which had previously been circling idly above us, landed not far from us. The Adamantite-Atlas-Knights-1's robotically walked towards it, carrying a criminal each, and entering it. The fourth droid walked past us and picked up Adam under his arms and dragged him towards the Bullhead, standing with its companions inside, motionless.
''Lets go...'' Eien grunted, leaning on Yang and Sun as they supported him, the sounds of Sirens in the distance as we all moved into the Bullhead. Without anyone even sitting in the drivers seat the aircraft took off, the door closing behind us. Eien tore off his coat arm and made a makeshift bandage around his shoulder, stopping the bleeding for the time being as we flew back to Beacon.
''Uh... who's flying this thing?'' Sun asked hesitantly.
''Me'' Eien replied with a grunt, shifting his weight onto the hull instead of Yang ''Mental commands, I cant multitask to the level of where I can fight and control it simultaneously, but I can send it a destination or target and it will follow through, same goes for the droids except their AI can react and act against an opponent without explicit commands''.
''Oh'' Sun said, surprised ''Well, that's cool''.
''Thanks'' Eien smiled wryly then sighed, looking at his arm ''Well, that's annoying''.
''Annoying?!'' Weiss nearly shrieked ''You call losing an arm annoying?!''.
Eien blinked ''...Yes?''.
Weiss looked like she was about to slap him, but relented in exchange for pinching the bridge of her nose ''I swear to Oum...''.
''I'll have to find out how to regenerate my arm'' He mumbled before looking at Ruby, who looked between crying and shock ''Ruby?''.
She snapped out of her stunned state ''Y-Yeah?''.
He smiled softly, ruffling her hair affectionately ''Calm down, I'm not dying - and I'll get it back soon enough''.
''But still'' She mumbled, grey eyes concerned greatly.
''It'll be fine'' He smiled, looking at all of us as an assurance, but it did little to help when he lacked one arm. The rest of the trip was spent in silence, glances often thrown at the four criminals that were still unconscious and in the firm grip of the droids. My heart ached at the sight of Adam, someone she both missed and feared at this point. He was her partner, a friend - an overprotective one, but friend none the less. She was afraid of what would happen if they woke up - there wasn't exactly a whole lot of room to fight, and so the only option was to immediately knock them out again. The Bullhead lurched and the rear door opened to show a forest, instead of Beacon.
''Ruby'' Eien called to his partner ''I need you to return to Beacon and fetch my mothers journal, okay?''.
''Okay!'' She smiled, trusting him without even questioning. She ran out of the Bullhead and immediately disappeared with her Semblance. The Aircraft moved slightly forward before lowering down, the ramp only a metre away from the cliff face until we found ourselves once again at a very familiar cave, INSTEAD OF BEACON!
''Why are we here?'' I asked urgently. He may not be fatally wounded, but damn it a missing arm is not something you can shrug off!
The Bullhead landed, the engines whistling as they slowed but did not turn off. In unison the four droids carried the four criminals into the cave, standing at the far wall obediently. Eien walked out, his posture off-balanced with the lack of a limb but didn't respond to me, merely leading us out. I spared a glance at my friends, revealing they were just as hesitant as I, but after a moments delay we followed. Eien walked to the far wall and closed his eyes, motionless for a few seconds before the wall he was touching disintegrated to ash, sans a few pillars against the walls that presumably held up the roof.
''What are you doing?'' Weiss asked ''You've got a missing arm! Why are we not going to Beacon?!''.
''Because we've got four criminals in need to high-class detainment, the nearest being all the way over in Atlas'' He said in his casual smooth tone. In a flash the walls, roof and floor became that of Adamantite, with a barred front and barred door to enter and exit, a handprint-key beside it. A low hiss of pain came from Eien as his posture faltered slightly, but he straightened again as he unlocked and entered the cell with a mild stumble, ignoring our words as he pulled out bullets from his coat and, one by one, transformed them into a basic bed for each criminal before he exited the cell... and promptly collapsed, falling to his knees with a pained grimace.
''Eien!'' All of us called as we rushed to his side, an unsettling feeling of dread in my stomach. He was not going into a coma again, or so help me!
''I'm fine...'' He said, but I could pick up the slightest of slurs in his voice. Eien did not slur, so if he was, then his condition was bad. He faced the droids and waved a hand in an almost dismissive manner, but the droids responded by walked over to the open door and placing the four convicts on the beds, not exactly in the most comfortable positions but enough to not be on the ground.
''You are so not fine! We are taking you to Beacon right now!'' Weiss commanded, and Eien gave a slow nod. The four droids exited the cell and closed the gate before one of them placed their hands on the handprint key, making a beep before a locking noise was heard from the door. I bent down and hefted Eien up, mildly surprised by how light he was considering his heavy armaments, and with the help of Sun carried him back towards the Bullhead. Just as we began boarding Ruby came back with journal in hand, panting and worried.
''Here... you go'' She panted, passing Eien the journal and he took it.
''Thanks, Sweet Rose'' He smiled softly as we helped him sit down on the seats, the droids remaining in the cave. As the Bullhead took off at Eien's mental command I sat down, feeling that today had been more than they'd bargained for.
One visit to the infirmary and an overnight rest later, I was in better health. Mostly - I was still missing my arm after all. I shrugged it off, it was weird and slightly off-balancing but I pushed past it, putting on my trench coat once again I exited my bathroom, finding Ruby once again waiting for me. The rays of the early morning shone through, warming the room with natural light.
''Morning'' I greeted with a smile.
''Morning'' She returned the greeting, immediately hugging me ''Don't scare me like that, ever''.
I chuckled, hugging her back ''I'll try, but no promises''.
She pouted ''Well try harder''.
''I will'' I smiled, giving her a quick kiss before we broke from the embrace ''C'mon, lets go''.
''Mm'' She hummed, skipping next to me as I led the way out of the room. In short order we exited the hospital after signing out, moved across campus and receiving more than a few looks of mild surprise with my lack of arm - and some looks of sympathy, soon we made it to our dorm. It was a weekend thankfully, and with the holidays coming up soon the school had a relaxed air about it. Ruby retrieved her key from her pocket and unlocked the door, leading me in and drawing the attention of Blake - Weiss and Yang not present.
She smiled ''If you keep going into the infirmary then you may as well stay there''.
I placed a hand on my chest in mock-hurt ''I didn't know you disliked my presence Blake, I'm hurt''.
She laughed lightly ''Yang and Weiss are in the library studying, by the way''.
''Yang? Studying?'' I blinked.
''She does study'' Ruby commented, before dryly adding ''Sometimes''.
I chuckled and nodded, but moved over to my bed and fished out my duffel bag, grabbing my wallet and slipping it into my coat pocket despite me not needing to use it often. I also took my mothers journal, which had been put back last night by Ruby, and held onto it as I turned back to Ruby, who just sighed.
''Where are we going?''.
I smiled ''You don't have to come''.
She rolled her eyes ''Last time you lost an arm''.
I just chuckled as I stealthily sent a private message to Ozpin ''Fair point, I intend to head to Vale to buy some Dust to restore my arm''.
Ruby perked up ''Then lets get going!''.
I laughed and nodded, giving a passing goodbye to Blake who returned it.
The bell on the door dinged as I walked in with Ruby in tow, both of us dressed in our usual clothing - I had my bandana down, for obvious reasons. The old woman at the counter greeted us with a smile, but silently let us search on our own, but present if we needed assistance. I nodded my greeting and searched about, using my list as a way of knowing what to buy. Ruby hummed a song as she followed with a innocent skip in her step, willing to help despite my insistence I didn't need to force her into it.
I picked up one of the canisters from the shelf and moved to the liquid dust pipes, filling the 2000ml canister with liquid Earth Dust. I did same for liquid Water Dust, which looked like a dark blue water. Ruby meanwhile picked up some Earth Dust Crystals, a Fire Dust and an Ice Dust. We both put it on the counter and the woman smiled again, getting out the special cases for the Dust as to protect it (both to prevent injury to us, and injury to other civilians).
''That'll be 200 Lien please'' She smiled and I nodded, taking out the required money and handing it over ''Thank you, good day!''.
''Goodbye-'' I was in the process of saying, before an audible 'click' behind me of a gun made me pause. Judging by the woman's 'oh-no' look it was probably a gun of some calibre, so slowly I turned around, raising an eyebrow at the man in his early thirties with a .44 Dust-Action Revolver pointed at me. His raven hair was messy and his stubble unshaven slightly, giving him a ragged appearance in conjunction with his tight blue shirt and slightly torn cargo pants.
''Dust. Now'' He stated firmly, but I could easily pick up the undertone of hesitation.
''You aren't the only one with a gun'' I stated calmly, turning fully to show Punishment in a low grip, at this distance the shell would hit his chest and explode, but he didn't know the latter part ''My Aura will protect me from every bullet in that gun, but mine are special Aura-piercing ones, so you won't have the same luxury as me''.
A simple lie, but one that will increase his hesitation.
He shifted slightly, the hesitation replaced with desperation ''Please, I need it for my sister!''.
I frowned ''Why would your sister need Dust?''.
''F-For a school project!'' He blurted out, but evidently my expression gave away the fact I knew that was a lie.
''Lying won't get you anywhere'' I stated calmly ''Lower the gun, and I'll lower mine, and your sister won't have to lose a brother''.
He stiffened at my last comment, before his lips pressed into a thin line and he nodded, slowly lowering his gun to his sides. I did the same, but kept it on hand as we continued the conversation ''Now tell me why your sister so desperately needs Dust''.
''I cant'' He said, his response bland and simple, but the emotion behind it told of pain and suffering.
''I assure you, you can tell me without information being leaked'' I calmed him ''I'm Eien, and this is my friend Ruby''.
''Hi!'' Ruby beamed, playing along.
''I'm... Ramirez'' He said hesitantly.
''Well Ramirez, if you can tell me why your sister so desperately needs Dust, I'll be more than happy to purchase them'' I said smoothly ''After all, its likely she has some kind of condition, right?''.
He sighed, his eyes looking far older than they should be ''Yeah... Desmaddico''.
I mentally grimaced. Desmaddico was a fancy word for Dust Deprivation, a condition where a person has had extended contact with Dust for a majority of their life - mainly childhood - and has developed a sort of dependence on it. Some people drink a special solution made from a mix of Dust and various ingredients to hide the vile taste, and to prevent the person being sick. Some require just to be in the proximity of certain Dust types, while other have a terminal form of Desmaddico that will eventually result in death. Desmaddico in general was incurable as it was, the only way people survived was to continue contact with Dust, unless you have terminal Desmaddico.
''What type of Dust, and how much?'' I asked.
''Uncut Ice Crystals, ten of them'' He said quietly and I nodded, looking back at the woman and nodding again. She went under the counter and picked up ten uncut ice crystals before putting them in another box, quietly asking for 40 Lien. I nodded and handed the money across the table, taking the box (balancing it in one hand) and handing it to the man, who gratefully took it.
''I would like to see your sisters condition'' I stated and the man immediately tensed ''I have no intention of bringing harm to her, I am merely wanting to see her condition''.
He eyed us suspiciously, but nodded all the same. I took one of my boxes under my arm while Ruby took the other, taking the liquid Dust in a bag. Without another word Ramirez led us out of the shop like nothing happened, pocketing the revolver as we walked. The trip was mostly in silence, and he only spoke once we got off the main streets, nearing one of the poorer parts of Vale.
''So... what'd you buy?'' He asked, obviously trying to strike up a conversation.
''Just some Dust Crystals and Liquid Dust'' I shrugged nonchalantly ''Using it to repair my arm''.
At his questioning look, I shifted my trench coat so he could see the bandaged stump of where my shoulder was ''Oh...''.
''Mm'' I agreed with a nod, covering it up ''Shouldn't be too difficult, since its just a rudimentary cure''.
''Its not permanent?!'' Ruby demanded from beside me, pouting cutely.
''No, it is'' I lied flawlessly, chuckling ''Its just more complicated than regenerating it, so it'll take a bit of work''.
She sighed ''Don't scare me like that''.
I just chuckled ''I'll try, Sweet Rose''.
Ramirez's apartment was actually a small cottage not far from the hospital I grew up in, one of the poorer but not poorest parts of Vale. Unlike Atlas, Faunus discrimination wasn't as harsh as here as it was in the northern continent, but it was still cruel. The cottages around this area had large backgardens with high walls, and were considered the nicer parts of the slums, with the aforementioned slums down the road. Large industrial buildings were behind us, casting shadows on some of the cottages depending on where the sun was. Ramirez led us around the side of the cottage, through a grassy alley beside the house and into its backyard.
''Naomi!'' Ramirez called as we entered the backyard. It was just a square of grass, not to big, but a cluster of shrubbery at one end of the garden and a few bushes along the sides of the garden.
A moment after Ramirez called a head popped out of the shrubbery at the other end of the garden. The girl wore what looked like similar to Ruby's hooded cloak, except that it was raven black with a silver lining, the hood coming to a pointed tip. It covered her eyes, barely showing her nose. Her features were young like Ruby, but because of the shrubbery covering her body I couldn't tell the rest of her features. Upon seeing us she tensed, frozen on the stop as her hidden eyes undoubtedly were wide in fear.
''Hello'' I waved, smiling.
''Naomi, this is Eien and Ruby'' Ramirez said slowly as he walked over to the shrubbery, placing down the box of Dust Crystals and opening it, showing the ten ice crystals inside. Naomi gingerly reached out and picked up a crystal before she disappeared into the shrubbery, peeking out again a minute later. She didn't say anything, but just stared at us from behind her hood. Slowly, she walked out of the bushes, showing that she wore a full cloak that was tied by a silver pin just below her chin, making it so when she stood still she looked like a statue but when she moved you caught a glimpse at what as underneath. She walked up to us, stopping a few feet away and spoke, her voice nearly impossible to hear because of its insanely quiet volume.
''Thank you'' She said quietly before the air around her shifted, almost blurring, before she was suddenly back in the bushes, like she had never moved. I blinked in surprise, I had felt a small pulse of Aura from it, so it might be her Semblance... no harm in asking I guess.
''Was that your Semblance?'' I asked, but upon realising she wasn't going to speak again I turned to Ramirez, questioning silently with my eyes.
''Yeah'' He smiled fondly, looking at Naomi who shrank away slightly from the attention ''She never told me what it does, just that she uses it to play''.
''Play?'' I questioned thoughtfully ''Teleportation?''.
He shrugged ''I don't know, you can try asking her, but she's pretty hush-hush about it''.
''If she doesn't want to tell, then its fine'' I smiled before looking at the sun's position, a bit before lunch ''We better get going Ruby, we've got stuff to do''.
''Mm'' She nodded before smiling at Naomi, waving ''Bye Naomi!~''.
A pale, lithe hand came out of the bushes, slowly waving as she mouthed the words 'Goodbye' back. I smiled and waved before politely excusing ourselves from the siblings, with Ramirez giving me his number and me giving mine. We left the duo and made our way back towards the town, it wouldn't hurt to stop for lunch after all.
Neither of us noticed how the house behind us flickered and glitch, a pair of heterochromic eyes watching us from the house.
''So, how are you going to get your arm back?'' Ruby asked as we walked through the forest, ending in a clearing that was adequate distance from the academy.
''It was in my mothers journal, it seems like she anticipated me losing a limb'' I say dryly ''Either way, it also said it was fairly painful, so I ask that you probably look away and cover your ears''.
''Um... okay'' She nodded, doing exactly as I requested. I sighed at the apparent intense pain that was to come as I unloaded the contents of the bag, and following the instructions I memorised from the journal. I undid the bandages around my stub of an arm and dug the pointed part of the crystal into the tender flesh, hissing as I drew blood, which interestingly was now a burgundy colour. It ran over the crystal and I was surprised when my Dunkelheit activated on its own, without even feeling hate, and the brown crystal became tainted with burgundy, becoming a bruised brown.
Abruptly pain shot up my arm and I clenched my jaw shut to prevent myself from making a sound beyond a pained growl. However I was fascinated by how the burgundy crystal morphed on its own without the need of my Semblance, transforming into ivory bone. The pain left, and I could move the bony stub a bit but I couldn't feel it, probably because there was no nerves. I then repeated the process, using the blood running down the bone and letting it touch the next earth crystal, extending the bone until it reached where my elbow used to be. I grabbed two of the crystals and held them together, letting my blood mould it into the joint.
I must've accidently bought three times as much Dust than I needed, as I had only needed ten crystals for the painful process. Still I moved on, grabbing the Liquid Dust and sighing, this was apparently the most painful part. I had one empty vial left, and I poured half of the Earth Dust and half of the Water Dust. They conflicted at first, refusing to meet, but I just closed the lid and shook it, hearing the soft earthy jingles as it was forcibly mixed by law of momentum. Once I assured it was mixed I bit my lip and clenched my jaw, before pouring the liquid over my blood-covered bone arm.
It was strange, as there was no nerves on the bone, only for my blood to somehow create them when coming into contact with the Liquid Dust. But oh Oum did it hurt, so much that I nearly broke the canister in my hand from clenching too hard, and my other hand was occupied as I had to keep it still while I poured the liquid on it. It felt like my arm was on fire, hell Cinder's attacks were nothing like this!
Still it worked, creating bright, fresh, red skin. The pain was still very evident, but I ignored it in favour of snatching the Ice crystal off the ground and holding it to my blazing skin, sighing as the pain dissolved to nothing more than a strange tingly sensation. Eventually I dropped it, moving onto one of the final steps. I grabbed the fire crystal and gripped it, letting it crack and ignite with heat, and held it to my skin. I hissed at the painful heat, but it did the job of finally setting the skin into its natural radiance and removing the icy sheen it had gained. Once that was done I dropped the now-expired Dust to the ground, sighing.
I flexed my arm, thankful it was working and also curious as to my blood's new colour and apparent properties. Was it because of my Dunkelheit? It must be, but then again I had gained 'Death's' powers that I had yet to even access yet. I'd have to experiment later, but for now, I had to deal with some criminals. I packed away the remaining Dust and slung the carrier bag over my shoulder, walked up to Ruby and tapped her shoulder. She spun around, mouth moving to talk, when I pressed my lips against hers. She let out a cute, surprised squeak before she - very nearly - melted, arms wrapping around my neck to support herself.
We parted, with me bearing a small smirk and her with an embarrassed flush on her cheeks as I spoke ''I got my arm back''.
''Mm'' She hummed, leaning on my shoulder with a wide smile on her face. We stood there in silence, silently enjoying the others presence until I realised we had been here for nearly ten minutes, too busy lost in thought. I sighed and parted from the embrace.
''I need to go see the troublemakers'' I joked lightly ''You go back to Beacon''.
''But...'' She tried to protest, but I silenced her with a finger.
''Shh, its alright, I'll be fine'' I assured, cupping her cheek with my newly regenerated hand ''The winter break might be coming up soon, but we've still got a few more tests to go, and you need to make sure Yang is not just sleeping in the library''.
She giggled slightly ''Okay... be safe, okay?''.
''I will'' I gave her a quick kiss before we fully parted, with me going towards the direction of the rope and her back to Beacon. She disappeared in a burst of rose petals, leaving me alone in the clearing. Or so it seemed.
''Hello Professor'' I greeted, not turning around as Ozpin came out of the shrubbery, signature mug and cane/sword in hand.
''Hello, I believe we have some prisoners to greet, no?'' He said as he discreetly handed me some folders of students' information.
I chuckled ''Yes, yes we do''.
One does not question Ozpin, for he was as mysterious as a person could be.
Not even five steps inside the cave before a call reached my ears ''Black! How wonderful to see you, don't suppose you could let me stretch my legs?''.
''You'd fall off the cliff, and a damp cave isn't the most interesting environment'' I humoured his taunt.
''Annoying little...'' He grumbled lowly, sitting at the back of the wall. Adam was immediately at the bars, gripping them as he poked his head out between the bars.
''You!'' He snarled and I walked to the bars, just out of his arms reach while Ozpin had stealthily made his way behind a pillar of stone, listening keenly.
''Hello Adam'' I greeted politely ''I would have come earlier, but I've been repairing my arm, so apologies for that''.
''Bastard...'' Adam just growled, not amused in the slightest.
I sighed ''Why are you angry?''.
''Because you caged him like an animal!'' Roman called from the back of the cell, getting a scathing glare from Adam.
''You're in there because you're a criminal Adam, the fact the other three humans are in there with you is proof of that'' I explained patiently ''I have nothing against Faunus, hell I have a Faunus on my team and I'm on good terms with her''.
He, surprisingly, relaxed at that ''I see''.
''Regardless, I wish to speak to you, Adam'' I said calmly, a small smile on my face ''I wish to talk''.
He eyed me suspiciously ''Uh-huh...''.
I walked over to the keypad, activating my Dunkelheit and looking at Emerald ''Don't even think of creating an illusion, I'm more than capable of seeing through them, and you currently are unarmed, and I'm good at hand-to-hand''.
Emerald, from her position on her bed, just sighed and nodded.
I unlocked the door, letting the barred door open and letting the suspicious Adam to walk out before I locked it again. I silently led the older man down to the second floor, where we would have privacy, with Ozpin following from the shadows. I led him down the stone stairs and we sat down at a crimson table, one that I had made only a few days ago.
''So'' I started calmly ''Why do you work for Cinder?''.
''You want information on Cinder'' Adam stated evenly.
''Not my main focus, but a bonus'' I replied calmly ''So...?''.
Adam scrutinized me, before replying slowly ''It was mutual benefit; she supplied the weapons, we supplied the men''.
''But you clearly didn't like the deal'' I stated and he grunted an affirmative ''And why is that?''.
''She's human'' He said rather bluntly, if a tad flatly.
''I'm human'' I raised an eyebrow.
''And I hate you'' He responded, again with a flat undertone.
''But you haven't tried to kill me yet'' I smiled, not mocking but making it seem if I was happy, regardless of the gears in my head turning.
''You have a large advantage of having your weapon'' He stated, flat tone very evident.
''Progress'' I smiled cheerfully, making him twitch mildly in annoyance ''But anyway, one thing I'm wanting to ask...''.
I placed a picture of Blake out in front of him, one that I got from her folder ''... it seems like you two have some history''.
''How do you know about Blake?'' He demanded immediately, looking two seconds from clawing my throat out, his attitude doing a whole one-eighty.
''At ease'' I said, both with authority and gentleness, aiming to mimic how Ozpin handles thing ''She's my teammate, and a really good one''.
''You lay one hand on her...'' He threatened lowly.
''I'm already seeing someone, if that's what you are implying'' I say and he paused, as if not anticipating that ''Either way, she's treated well I assure you, even Weiss Schnee - who is on our team - is on good terms with her, and we are all aware of her Faunus nature''.
''Where is she?'' He demanded again, even if it was obvious demanding didn't really change anything.
''At Beacon'' I said dryly before reverting back to a serious demeanour ''What was your relationship with her anyway?''.
''We were partners'' He answered simply, but there was obviously more to it than that ''Friends, even, before she turned traitor''.
''With all due respect, I believe that a member of the White Fang should be allowed to quit at any time, considering it is a revolutionary group rather than a governing body'' I said smoothly ''Regardless, I believe she left because she only wanted peace, unlike other members who wanted to start a genocide''.
''We tried to gain equality through peace, but that didn't work, now did it?'' He growled, mildly offended it seems.
''How old were you when the new leader stepped up, five years ago?'' I asked innocently, playing the sly card.
''Sixteen'' He stated, unknowingly eluding to the fact he was now twenty-one/twenty-two.
''I believe that you were influenced by the White Fang, as one might be'' I eluded with my statement, entwining my fingers and hiding my smile ''You were at an influential age then, as children and teenagers are the most easy to manipulate. All it takes is a single person to support the leaders decision and others will follow, and soon those who remain will succumb to peer pressure and also join''.
''I don't know why you joined the White Fang, nor do I know your reasons to why you continue to support meaningless violence, but we all choose different things in life, most of which are out of our control'' I said philosophically ''Why do you persist in the violence? I want to know''.
''Its the only way to get equality'' He answered matter-of-factly.
''Well so far its not working, considering since the White Fang went hostile five years ago and since then discrimination against Faunus has become more physical than verbal'' I sighed, making him frown slightly, as if contemplating if I was telling the truth ''Only a year ago I saw kids, kids only at the age of four to six, kicking a downed Faunus and insulting them - they didn't even know why, only that their parents did it''.
Adam growled, no longer looking like he was attack me, but rather attack someone else. Potentially one of those kids.
''Your efforts, while misguided, have been for nought even after many years... can you continue to serve an organisation which is only breeding violence, and only worsening the relations between races? Or do you wish to be like Blake, start a new life and try to make a difference without senseless bloodshed?'' I said as I put the final act of my plan into action. I slid out an entry form for Beacon Academy in front of him, pen attached at the corner, and stood up from the chair while Adam looked at the paper in shock.
''I'll leave you to decide; Solve the worlds problems, or bathe in meaningless bloodshed'' I stated as I walked back towards the stairs, patting his shoulder as I went ''I'll be upstairs''.
I walked passed the stunned Faunus teen, walking up the stone stairs as I went. I paused on the artificial landing, looking to the shadows where Ozpin walked out, mug and all with a small smile on his face, hidden behind his mug.
''You handled that quite well'' He commented idly, sipping his mug.
''The same way you would'' I shrugged, making the man chuckle ''Hopefully he'll accept''.
''And if he doesn't?''.
I looked at him with a deadpan look ''...I have no idea''.
Ozpin just chuckled, amused.
''By the way, I've been meaning to ask...'' I started, quietly ''Is there anything unique about my blood, or a Dunkelheit' users blood in general?''.
''Hm, not that I am aware of, but there may be some information in your mothers journal that I have forgotten'' He stated wisely and I nodded. We idly chatted for a few minutes before Adam came up the stairs, looking mildly surprised to see Ozpin there, and handed the sheet to the headmaster at my gesture. The man scanned over the document calmly before nodding, smiling at the uncertain Adam.
''Welcome to Beacon, Mr. Taurus''.
After Adam and Ozpin left on my private Bullhead from the bottom floor I headed up the stairs to the cell again, which was near the corner of the room I now realised. Smiling my usual smile I approached the bars, peering inside the naturally-lit cage. Emerald was sprawled over her bed while Mercury was sitting against the wall, Roman nearest the bars and twirling his bowler hat in boredom.
''Roman'' I called and the man looked up at me part-bored, part-curious ''You're next''.
I unlocked the door and the man walked out, scowling and grumbling a curse or two under his breath. After I locked it I was pleased to see that he followed me without trying to escape, though the two online droids may have guaranteed his compliance. We descended the dark stairway and to made our way to the small, but pristine crimson table and sat down in silence, before I spoke that was.
''Why do you work for Cinder?'' I asked right off the bat.
''She paid well at first, but then it was more of a... forced operation'' He answered smoothly and with surprising honesty.
''I see, and what prevents you from just leaving?''.
He gave me an annoyed look, but it was clearly not directed at me ''Uh, hello? She'll put the torch in Torchwick, if you get my drift''.
''Ah'' I nodded in understanding ''So, I want to make a deal with you; I let you go and return to Cinder, and you send me information on all of Cinder's activities, including associates, targets, anything and everything. In exchange when I bring Cinder down I'll pay you monthly, call it an early retirement''.
''I'm barely in my late twenties'' He said dryly ''Retirement is a little early, don't you think?''.
''Fair enough; I'll bust you out of jail when you rob places, and pay you for information at my request'' I shrugged easily ''Or if you're for it, clearing your past crimes and starting a fresh life''.
''Nah, that'd be boring'' He smirked.
''So, what do you say? I'll pay you for information on Cinder, and when she's dealt with you're free to continue your normal business ventures, whilst providing information to me on the side for extra pay'' I smiled. Unlike Adam, who was ultimately a misguided and (Secretly)emotional person, Roman was much more of a businessman than anything else - like Neo in a sense, they both liked money. Speaking of Neo I should probably start manifesting her more oftebn, since I've only did it once or twice recently, she's probably getting annoyed...
''Eh, sure'' He shrugged and we shook hands on it. I gave him my number for my scroll and my secondary email, before the crimson Bullhead from before came and landed back in.
''Get in, it'll take you to downtown Vale and drop you off'' I explained and he sighed, nodding. Before he left I had a droid bring me his cane and gave it back to him, to which he nodded at, and then got in the Bullhead. At my mental command the Bullhead took off, flying towards Vale. I sighed and rubbed my eyes; Emerald and Mercury were next, and they'd be a nightmare to convince, as - if I was correct in my assumption - they were extremely loyal to Cinder. I brought my scroll to bear, sending a quick message to Ozpin requesting his assistance, before lowering it. I had so much to do, it was almost suffocating. I had to build connections, I had to gather information, I had to become stronger, I had so fucking much to do. It was almost too much, thinking that if he failed, then he'd bring everyone down with him.
...but what if he let it happen? What if he just ended it, let humanity end? It would certainly end the suffering, since they were no longer alive... but what lay beyond death? Were we merely reincarnated, or even eternal suffering in death? Too many questions, too few answers.
However a sudden thought came to me, and I smirked, opening up my contacts tab on my scroll and finding a certain someone's name. It ringed almost ten times before he picked up, and when he did he looked mildly surprised to see me.
''Ah Eien! Good to see you in good health, especially after what happened in the tunnels'' Devin greeted with a smile, adjusting his glasses to make them glint ''So, is there a particular reason for you calling, or are you merely wanting to chat?''.
''A question actually...'' I smiled widely, possibly wider than I had ever smiled, borderline crazy.
''Do you know how to create life?''.
A/N: And that's a wrap. A chicken one with sauce... I'm really hungry now.
But anyway that's episode 15-16 of season one done and dusted. Now the next chapter, and possibly the one after it, will not be part of canon (season 2) as we'll have a little break. I PRESUME in canon during the semester break they had (possibly around 2-4 weeks) it was summer, but in this fic it'll be winter. Why? BECAUSE I LIKE THE SNOW!~ That and it'll be more interesting, since most of the stuff people do in summer can be done on a normal day in Remnant.
Next chapter we'll also see how Adam deals with Beacon, and it will be told from the moment he lands. Things aren't looking too hot for Eien, getting a little depressed and pressured because of the amount of things he has to learn and allies he has to gain so he can match Cinder, plus losing AND recovering an arm. I apologise for delaying the 'Dust-Grimm' thing for a bit, but I can assure you I'm building that up, and I will spoil that it will contribute a fair bit to the story.
Anyone guess what part Naomi will play into this? I can guess several of you already have... actually probably not, I'll give you the first letter; R.
I want to know, have any of you guessed what her Semblance is? I gave an incredibly vague and nearly impossible hint, so its more of a guessing game than anything. PM/Review your answer, I do want to see if you guys guess correctly, and I feed upon your reviews~ I'm pleased that so many of you have enjoyed the story so far, and its a pleasure to write it for such a wonderful audience... there I go on an articulated speech again, apologies.
Till next time.