DISCLAIMER: I wrote this ages ago. I only recently noticed that I never published it here. It's also why this chapter is short. I know that a lot of those who followed me for my other content are probably confused as to where I've been, and the short answer to that is that I've been caught up in a lot of personal stuff these past few years. I'm trying to get back into writing like I used to, but I have no idea whether or not I'll ever truly write like I used to. I really wish I could say I am but I can't. At the very least, I'd like to update every once in a while. In other words, it might be a while before any of my stories are finished, this one in particular because it only has three chapters total right now. Also, I've dedicated this story to my dog Koda. He passed away on June 16th, 2021. He was 16 years old when he passed. He was the best dog I could've ever asked for.
I don't own RWBY. RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and was created by Monty Oum. I only own my OCs
Shouts and laughter could be heard from a nearby building. The streets were made of stone and the buildings reminiscent of Mistralian ones. The town's name was Argus. While it might not've been as big as Mistral or Atlas, the town was under the protection of both Mistral and Atlas, allowing it to be quite successful. It's one of the largest settlements outside of the kingdoms that's still standing.
The tavern was bustling with activity, particularly because of a tournament that was taking place. Thus, many people were knocking others around out of excitement, whether it was friendly and intentional, or not. Regardless, not many fights broke out, and when they did, it was ended pretty quick
In the corner, a cloaked man waited by his lonesome. His facial features were undistinguishable as his face was covered in a shadow. A bartender came to him and offered him a drink, which he kindly refused
"All I'm doing is waiting for someone." He said to the bartender, to which the bartender noded and got out of his face.
The man observed his surroundings, being cautious as he did so. To the men drinking happily from their glasses to the bartenders flirting with some of the patrons, the man observed them. His face was unreadable with the cloak covering his face
Suddenly, another man sat down at his table, grunting as he did so. He was wearing a grey dress shirt with a red cape which was torn and tattered at the end. He had black dress pants on and grey shoes. A sideways cross laid on a silver chain around his neck and he had black bracelets on his wrists. He had rings on his index and ring fingers on both hands. His eyes were red and his hair was black, as well as being swept back
"So, this is the spot you choose huh? I guess I have to say that you certainly know how to pick em." The man who'd just sat down said as he also looked around
"I know how you are, especially after Mom's death, Qrow." The cloaked man said, using the others name
The newly named Qrow sighed as the bartender came by. Qrow handed the bartender a paper with the specifics of the drink he'd wanted while he continued the conversation
"Listen, I know things haven't exactly been... what's the word? Okay, I guess? Since Summer's death, but can you blame me? Hell, it even took a toll on you, y'know." Qrow had said to the cloaked man
The cloaked man sighed
"I don't wanna talk about that, Qrow. What I do wanna talk about is that job you mentioned in your message." The cloaked man deflected, causing a look of concern to spread across Qrow's face
Qrow let out a deep breath as he leaned forward with his elbows on the small table
"Okay. Well, about a few weeks ago, Vale had a lot of it's dust stolen. As I'm sure your aware. Well, dust prices have skyrocketed as such, but that's not what's concerning the kingdom. What is concerning the kingdom is what might happen with that dust... or how it might be used." Qrow explained
"Didn't they ignore the lien too?" The cloaked man asked as he recalled hearing this from the news
"Yeah. That's what has the kingdom concerned more that it would be. In normal cases, a dust robbery occurs when people want more money. So they sell the dust for lien. Well, if this group doesn't take the lien in the store, then that means they aren't concerned about making money." Qrow said as the bartender came around with Qrow's drink
Qrow thanked the bartender before she left. She sent a wink Qrow's way, but Qrow masterfully ignored it and stayed focused on the conversation
"And that means an attack is being planned against Vale." The cloaked man finished
He looked to his left and scoffed. He stared off for a second before looking back to Qrow and leaning forward like he'd done. The man took off his hood, showing his black hair that faded into rose red tips. He looked up at Qrow. His eyes shone a brilliant silver as he stared into Qrow's red ones
"Whatever. Forget it. It's in Vale and we both know what's there and why I won't go back." The man said going to stand up, only for Qrow to grab his hand and keep him there
"Qrow, if you don't let go, I'll-" The man started
"Maroon." Only to be interrupted by Qrow using his name. "Your sisters have spent every day of the last 12 years believing that you were dead. Your dad too." Qrow finished
"He's not my-..." Maroon took a deep breath, face unchanging as he continued to stay still
Qrow sighed at him
"I caught you the day you left. I never had to deal with that pain. But I watched each and every single one of them cry their eyes out for you, Maroon. They cared. I know you blame yourself and I know you think they blame you for leaving them." Qrow said to him, hand still holding onto Maroon's
A single tear fell free from Maroon's eyes as his face continued being that of a statue's
"But they don't. If you just went back to them and explained everything, they'd accept you back. Maybe not right away, but they still would. You can't just avoid this problem, Maroon. I know you." Qrow said to Maroon
Maroon closed his eyes and a frown became etched onto his face. He took a breath in through his nose and out. He opened his eyes again and stared into Qrow's
"Okay. I'll take it." Maroon said quietly as he gently pulled his hand from Qrow's grip
Qrow gained a smile that was rare to see on his face. As Maroon grabbed a sword that was laying against the table next to him and slung it over his back. He flipped the hood back over his head and went to walk out of the bar
"I'll let Ozpin know, kid." Qrow called out as he started drinking from a second drink
"Thank you..." Maroon said, pausing for a second before walking out of the bar, leaving no other words to be said
Today was not a particularly good day for Ruby Rose
Today was the 12 year anniversary of both Ruby's mom, Summer, and Ruby's brother Maroon dying. And while it was 12 years ago... it still had an impact on her. Her cheery and upbeat mood offset by this, it left some concerned. Namely, everyone on Team JNPR and Yang
"You sure you're okay, Ruby?" Jaune asked as they walked through Vale, no destination set
"I'm fine, Jaune." Ruby reassured him
Yang leaned over to whisper into Ruby's ear. "Are you really? You're acting different today and we both know what today is."
"Yes! I'm fine." Ruby insisted. "Now stop asking me."
She sighed as she looked into the sky. She was fine, yes. But, Ruby would be lying to herself if she said she didn't want another moment with both her brother or her mom
"Qrow just reported in. He's not coming himself." Glynda Goodwitch spoke to the headmaster of Beacon. "Not yet anyway."
Ozpin had his hands clasped together and stared at Glynda with curiosity. He leaned back in the chair he was sat in and grabbed the cup of... whatever it was on his deck and began to drink out of it. "And? I sense there's something else."
"He's sending someone else in his stead." Glynda stated, watching Ozpin's face for any change. "I believe you are familiar with said person."
"And just who would that be?" Oz intoned
"Maroon Rose."
Ozpin's face lifted as the corners of his mouth ascended into a smile with the warmth of that rivaling the sun. "That's great news."
"I'm not so sure." Glynda shot down immediately, Ozpin's smile to drop. "Sure, he trained with Qrow for nearly 7 years of his life and with you for about 4 months. But, even though I loathe saying it, Qrow might be better skilled for this."
"Please Glynda, it's been 5 years since we last saw him and 4 since he left Qrow's side."
Glynda rolled her eyes. "I still don't think it's a good ide-"
The elevator dinged, causing both Ozpin and Glynda to look at it. The doors slide open to reveal the very person they had just been talking about. Maroon Rose stared ahead for a few seconds before walking inside
Now that he was wearing a cloak, his outfit was entirely visible. He wore a black overcoat with feather details on the cuffs and shoulders that resembled a crows feathers. He also wore black jeans with boots. A red cape billowed behind him and the hilt of a long sword could be seen hanging above his right shoulder
"Is this a bad time, or..." Maroon trailed off as he walked into the center of the room
Ozpin smirked at Maroon's entrance. "Ah, Mr Rose. We were just speaking about you."
Maroon raised an eyebrow out of curiosity. He looked over to Glynda, who gave him a nod to confirm that statement. Maroon nodded back before regarding Ozpin again. "Looks like I have impeccable timing then." He stated, throwing his hands out as if he was gesturing to the room they were in
Ozpin chuckled at Maroon. "Indeed."
Maroon's face changed almost instantly after Ozpin said then. The mood of the room changed into that of a serious one. Even Glynda felt uneasy about the sudden tone shift in Maroon's attitude
"So I'll cut to the chase then. What are my orders?"
"Huntsmen aren't military." Ozpin was quick respond
"Simplest and fastest way of putting it. What are they?" Maroon asked again
Ozpin simply sighed. It was obvious that troubled, yet energetic little boy that Ozpin knew was gone. Maroon had changed within the five years he was gone
"You are to assist with the security of Vale. You have authority over the police and the huntsmen, so you can order them around how you see fit." Ozpin informed Maroon
Maroon nodded sharply at the received info, shoving it into the recesses of his mind in case he had need of it later
"You may also leave said police and huntsmen to do their own thing and go lone wolf. It's your choice. Your only objective is to apprehend whoever is behind all these robberies." Ozpin finished
"So I'll have to gather as much info as I can." Maroon mumbled to himself as he rubbed his slight stubble on his chin. "Can you send me an archive of all the information you've gathered? I'll comb through it tonight and get to work."
Ozpin nodded
"I will."
And that's the start of this story. I hope y'all enjoyed it. Chapters will be longer I swear, but as of right now, I feel this is a good stopping point for this intro chapter
Love y'all and see ya later