F3: Welcome to chapter 16. We left off with Ruby and company leaving Kuroyuri making there way toward Mistral. Time to switch gears to another group. RWBY is property of Rooster Teeth. With that said Let's Dive In.
Volume 5-16: Wind Path.
After Weiss informed the commander of the military base that the situation was handle Cordovin was more than please but Weiss also informed that some of the tracks were damage due to an encounter with a grimm that destroyed most of the tracks. However Cordovin said that it wouldn't be an issue to fix the tracks on the train and make sure that everything would be operational come the next day.
So with nothing better to do Weiss met back up with everyone back at the hotel after a long day. She entered the room and saw everyone was waiting on her to return so they could discuss there next plan.
"Okay with the rails now being repaired by the military it shouldn't take them long to finish and with what Sienna told us we don't exactly have a lot of time until the White Fang attack Haven Academy." Weiss said addressing the currently situation.
"We stick to our course and head for Wind Path. However I know of a contact that could get us to the academy in no time. Though it's being able to contact him is the issue." Adam replied.
"How so? Does this contact have a scroll?" Oscar asked.
"He only uses it for emergencies incase he needs to get somewhere out of sight. So the only best method for us is to find him directly which means going to Wind Path and looking for him." Adam said.
"You sure that's the only way we could find him." Pepper said.
"Unfortuncantly yes. Wind Path is a city filled with other criminals that just want to get away from the authorities. We'll just to wait till the rails are fixed." Adam replied.
"So it's just a waiting game for now." Oscar said.
"Yeah. Let's get something to eat and then get some rest for in the morning." Weiss replied but just then her scroll rang. She opened it seeing that it was Winter calling her. Weiss picked it up almost immediately.
"Hello sis." Weiss answered.
"I hoped you haven't gone to bed yet. There is something that I want to discuss with you about. Is it possible fo us to meet up?" Winter asked.
"Of course. Where do you want to meet?" Weiss questioned.
"Head toward the park in front of the statue. I'll meet you there." Winter replied before the line went dead.
"So what does Winter want?" Pepper asked.
"She just wants to meet up with me that's all but I'm sure what for though. I'll be back soon." Weiss said before walking out of there hotel room. She went down to the main lobby before exiting the hotel. It wasn't dark yet but the sun was just starting to set as the sun gave off a color orange glow. She knew exactly where she was going and she didn't want to keep her sister waiting for her so she made sure to put a little more pep into her step.
Ten minutes later the park came into view and she saw Winter sitting on a bench with two hot drinks set to her side as they look like they were just made. Winter noticed her right away and waved her over to sit down next to her. Weiss did just that sitting down next to her sister while she offered her a drink in which she carefully took it in her prosthetic hand.
The two were silent for a few minutes before Winter looked up at that sky as she spoke up.
"Nice night. Isn't." Winter replied as Weiss looked up as well getting a look at the sky with the stars shining above them.
"Yeah... it most certainly is." Weiss replied before she stared at the memorial statue of Pyrrha standing their like a guardian watching over the city.
"She never made it out did she?" Winter asked which caught Weiss off guard by the sudden questioned.
"Huh?" Weiss said meeting her sisters gaze.
"Pyrrha... she never made it... did she." Winter repeated. Weiss stared back at the statue and shook her head.
"No. I've known her for a quite a while during my time at Beacon. At first when I saw her I thought she was some kind of celebrity with how popular she was. But after getting to know her... turns out she was just like everyone else... she was wanting to be a huntress. Someone that protects people no matter who they are." Weiss said.
"She knew the risks of what being a huntress was and it costed her life for it." Winter replied as they both took a sip of their drink.
"So Winter... I know we've talked back at Beacon but you haven't told me about what you do." Weiss replied.
"Well after I was discharged from the military I opened up a law office here in Argus with an old friend of mine. Solved several cases actually that we should be able to stay open for quite a while." Winter replied.
"That's great to hear." Weiss replied.
"Though I'm just happy that you are okay. You had me worried when your teammate brought you to be treated." Winter said with a happy smile.
"I guess I wasn't in the best shape. I was unconcious for a few days before I finally woke up. Though you'd be surprised who I encountered at Sumire." Weiss replied.
"Really and who would that be?" Winter asked.
"Oh just Whitely and Willow. They were the ones that actually helped me, Pepper, and Audra. It took a while for me to be used to having one arm but after a while I was outfited with this prosthetic." Weiss said rolling up her sleeve to show her the prothetic.
Winter carefully examined the metal limb almost like she was looking at a foreign object.
"This is impressive craftmenship. Sturdier than even Atlas tech." Winter replied.
"He did an excellent job." Weiss added.
The two chatted a bit more until Weiss had to head back to the hotel before the others worried about her.
"Weiss before you go there is something I want to ask you?" Winter asked.
"Yes." Weiss replied. Winter stepped foward toward her sister almost with a quizzed look on her face.
"This Adam character... what's he like? When I met him he seemed like a nice person." Winter stated.
Weiss thought a moment of how to describe Adam "Well... he's rather straight forward, he can be a mystery but he's also rather kind, resourceful, and..." Weiss couldn't say as she could feel her face heat up as she was obviously blushing.
Winter only giggled at this "Does my little sister have a crush on Adam?" She teased making Weiss blush deeper.
"I-I do not have crush on him!" Weiss shouted.
Winter had to resist going into a full blown laughter "Denials the clincher. Your in love sister." She said to Weiss.
Weiss turned away from Winter "You have a goodnight sis. I don't want to stay out to late or Pepper will come looking for me." Weiss said as her sister only smiled watching her sister leave.
On Weiss's walk back toward the hotel she had thoughts running through her head more importantly her thoughts about Adam. Sure he was very helpful to her when they were in Sumire and helped trained her better in using her katana and in unarmed combat. Plus she had to admit that he was rather good looking and he was quite gentle with her after their training.
Weiss stopped a moment allowing her thoughts to catch up with her and that was when she realized that Winter might actually be right. She has a crush on Adam and she had it bad for him. After ten minutes Weiss returned to the hotel and immediately headed toward the bedroom. She opened it to see that the lights were turned off and that everyone was asleep as she saw Pepper decided to take the chair while Oscar took one of the beds while Adam took the other.
Weiss shook her head as she removed her cloak and placed on the rack. She took off her shoes before carefully laying down on the bed where Adam was sleeping on his back with his hands on the back of his head with his eyes closed. She smiled at him watching him sleep peacefully before she actually snuggled up close to him before she fell asleep herself.
Adam opened his good eye as he felt something snuggle close to him. He turned his head and notice that it was Weiss perfectly content with snuggling with him. He smiled a little taking in Weiss's form almost admiring her. He close his eye and fell back asleep.
=SPIR=
Pepper was the first to wake up as she got up from the chair as she stretched popping her limbs making sure that she was flexible which was soon followed by Oscar as he also got up out of bed.
"Morning Pepper." He said.
"Same to you Oscar." Pepper said before looking toward the bed Adam was sleeping on and noticed that Weiss was sleeping with him too as she had an arm on his chest with a content look on her face.
Pepper walked over to the two of them and shook Adams arm which in turn made him flinch and woke him up which in turn woke Weiss up as their eyes fluttered open.
"Wake up love birds." Pepper replied.
The two of them stared at each other as Adam spoke first "Morning." He greeted.
"Morning to you too." Weiss replied as they both got up and out of bed as they both stretched out any stiff limbs with Weiss having a blush on her face.
"You two sleep well?" Pepper asked almost teasing the two of them.
"Y-Yeah. It was comfortable." Adam said trying to hide his blush.
"Alright. So... should we get started on our plan?" Oscar asked ready to start the day.
"For now we should get some breakfast first before we get started then we'll check in with how the repairs are doing with a rails. If I know Cordovin, she's probably has then done by now." Weiss replied.
"Okay then, let's head out." Adam said as they geared up and headed out of the room toward the lobby to check out since they don't want to overstay their welcome.
After paying for the room the four of them walked out and noticed that it was rather cloudy with a slight chill in the air. Weiss noticed that small snowflakes hit her face but they were barely noticable.
"Is it snowing already?" Pepper said.
"Yeah but it's very light so we should be okay." Oscar replied as the four of them walked onward. They went by the train station and noticed soldiers going in and out with materials as Weiss noticed Cordovin was directing her soldiers.
Cordovin however noticed Weiss was nearby and walked toward her as Pepper and Adam decided to leave before she could see them.
"Ah a marvelous morning to you Ms. Schnee." Cordovin replied.
"Yes it is. So I take it that the rails are being repaired." Weiss said.
"Of course. It'll take about an hour more to finish and then inform the people and employees of the completion." Cordovin stated.
"Thank you. I'm sure that some of the citizens will be glad to get around." Weiss replied as she walk on already knowing that Pepper and Adam had left so that they weren't spotted.
They weren't too far as she and Oscar found them nearby a coffee shop but also seeing Sienna and her son were there too sitting outside. Though sitting next to her is a small briefcase.
"Good morning Miss Khan." Weiss greeted getting her attention.
"Ah Weiss. Good morning to you. Please have a seat." Sienna said as she and Oscar sat down at the table.
"So I take it you all have a plan now for what you'll be doing." Sienna mentioned.
Adam nodded "Yes. With the grimm that was holed up in the train had been taken care of. After that we're heading to Wind Path." Adam stated in which Sienna gave them a small look.
"Are you sure? That's place is filled with theifs and other criminals." Sienna said with worry before looking over to Weiss.
"Not to mention she'll have a target on her back if she's discovered who she is." She added.
"I know... but we have to take the risk. Wind Path can lead us straight to Mistral and Haven Academy. Besides I'm sure with enough lien the people there won't ask questions." Weiss replied.
"Yes but also having that much lien will get you targeted by other criminals." Sienna added which only added into her worry.
"Ms. Khan. I've only been traveling with them for a while but believe me when I say that they can handle themselves. I'm sure we'll be okay." Oscar said trying to calm her worries. Sienna took a breath giving them a smile.
"Well... just as long as you all look out for each other than it shouldn't be an issue." She said but then she brought out the briefcase.
"But there is something I want to show Weiss that I think she'll want to see." Sienna replied as Weiss saw the briefcase.
"What is it?" Weiss questioned curiously.
"This belonged to my husband Lucious who was a private investigater and he was investigating a certain someone along with gathering evidence against him." Sienna replied as she brought out a picture of a person that Weiss all too familiar with.
A picture of her father Jacque Schnee. White hair and all. Just looking at him made an anger rise from her chest as she could feel the scars on her back burn.
"So... what was he investigating him for?" Weiss asked.
"From what all this said... there's a lot here that I think you should read." Sienna said wanting Weiss to take a look at them.
She noticed a notebook. Weiss took it in her hands and started to read from it to herself. It was a list of charges that would be placed on Jacque if he was ever prosecuted.
One particular charge was child abuse in which Weiss can atest to that with the scars on her back. Force faunus labor was something she couldn't ignore either as she glanced over to Pepper more importantly at her neck where she had been branded that was still hidden underneath her scarf and Adam brand on his eye.
The other charges were something she wasn't expecting which was sexual assault to rape. Every second she stared at the page their was a rage inside Weiss that wanted to come out and unleash all over Jacques face.
"So this was what he was investigating." Weiss said.
"Yes. Though he never got the chance to pursue the charges. From what the reports say that his transport was attacked by grimm." Sienna replied.
"And who told you that it was grimm?" Weiss asked already knowing that she had been lied too.
"I believe it was Atlas officials that told me. Why?" Sienna questioned.
"I'm afraid that you were lied to Sienna. I was on a small leave from Beacon with Iona, and Blake and we were on our way to Menagerie but we stopped to take a break and I noticed a bullhead that was riddled with bullets. That transport wasn't attacked by grimm but someone shot it down. Iona and Blake can confirm this with me." Weiss replied.
Sienna took in what Weiss told her almost not sure what to even say about this whole thing.
"So... are you certain that it was shot down." Sienna replied.
"Positive." Weiss said firmly.
Sienna's grip seemed to have tighten around her cup as a crack appeared on the cup.
"All this time... without even knowing what truly happened to him... and they lied to me about his death." Sienna said a rumble in her throat that she wasn't happy.
Weiss placed a hand on Sienna's in which to calm her.
"I know you're not happy about what you heard but knowing what really happened is better than being told a lie." Weiss replied.
Sienna let out sigh before staring back at Weiss "I suppose you are right. I suppose that's a charge that Jacque will have on him." Sienna stated.
Everyone else remained silent while Adam was contemplating on what was said. But for some reason he could feel an anger down in his core that it was the very same man that was Weiss's father that did all of this to his own daughter but also to the faunus that were still suffering under him.
"I thank you for telling me this Weiss." Sienna thanked her.
"You're welcome Sienna." Weiss replied as they continued there morning.
=SPIR=
Two hours past as the repairs had been completed as there was already some people going toward the station. The four of them headed toward the train station as they now have a destination in mind. It was finally time for them to go to Wind Path and then they'll simply walk toward Mistral and hopefully they weren't too late getting to Haven Academy.
Weiss decided to go and get them all tickets while everyone else waited for her. However while they were waiting Oscar was suddenly being drawn toward somewhere within the station. He walked past the registration booth and toward a small locker.
"What am I doing? What's in here?" Oscar asked.
"Something that I did before Beacon fell. I figured that we'd be coming here so I had it shipped here." Ozpin replied.
Oscar punched in the combination for the locker as it turned bright green meaning it was clear to open. He opened it as it revealed something that only Ozpin knows what it is.
It was Ozpins cane currently in standby mode. Oscar grabbed hold of it and he felt a rush suddenly enter him almost like he held that very same cane over and over again.
"This feels... oddly familiar." Oscar replied.
"Yes. This is more than just a weapon. This was made by the Linwood family a long time ago during one of my other lifes that I lived." Ozpin said.
"Just how many lifes did you live?" Oscar asked.
"More than I would like to recall. Come we better return to Mrs Schnee. Wouldn't want to keep her and the others waiting." Ozpin added.
Oscar stored the cane in his bag as he walked back to where the others were waiting for him.
He noticed Weiss and the others waiting for him as she had four tickets in hand.
"Where'd you go? You disappeared on us." Weiss replied.
"Sorry. There was something I needed to grab." Oscar apologized.
"Well... we're all here now. The train will be boarding soon so we better get on it or it'll leave without us." Weiss stated. She handed them each a ticket to get on the train. They were lucky that no one didn't give them any problem as they were able to board the train without much issue.
They decide to find a seat near one of the entrances more like Pepper made them find a spot closer to the exit so that she so that she doesn't feel claustrophobic as Weiss was sitting next to her to calm her nerves. Though Weiss couldn't ignore the stares from the other passengers but they were mainly staring at Pepper for... obvious reasons.
"Attention Passengers. The train will be departing shortly." The attendant stated.
The doors closed as the train started to leave the station as it slowly to gain speed.
Once it left the station the train went full speed. Pepper let out a slow breath as her left leg bounced nervously.
"Hey... you going to be okay?" Weiss asked.
"Yeah... just going to take a few minutes to adjust." Pepper said her voice a little shakey.
Oscar looked over at the wolf faunus with some concern.
"Her first time on the train." Oscar said.
Weiss shook her head "Not really. She's just claustrophobic and trying to keep her from having a panic attack." Weiss replied as she had a hand on Pepper's knee.
"I hope that we get there soon." Pepper said almost pleading.
The train ride was almost uneventful as everyone was either heading toward Mistral or where they were heading. A lady came through with a cart full of snack for the passengers as Weiss figured a small snack would be nice for them to keep their strength up as she grabbed a few apples and some waters for all of them for the trip ahead of them plus it would help keep Pepper calm until they get to Wind Path.
=SPIR=
It was about two hours later until they arrive at Wind Path station. The train came to a full stop as the PDA came to life.
"Now arriving... Wind Path. Please mind you step." The PDA sounded as some passengers but not all got up from their seat and was heading toward the exit as the doors opened. Weiss and the others stepped off the train and immediately noticed a big difference between the station back in Argus.
The station looked rather old fashioned with wooden floors and walls with booths that sell tickets.
"Weiss. Hood up. Don't want anyone to figure out who you are." Adam said as Weiss did just that covering up her white hair.
"Alright so what now?" Pepper asked.
"Stay close and watch your wallets. This place is full of pick pockets, theifs, and murderers. Also watch what you say." Adam ordered as the three of them stayed close to Adam as he must of had experiance in this kind of field. Plus they have to find this contact of his so that they could get information about what is happening with the White Fang.
The four walked out of the station and noticed just how busy the main road is as people were going to and from places. Stone and wood house make up most of the main street along with a few stalls that have people selling their wares. However the four of them just ignored them as they followed Adam as he knew where to go.
They turned onto an alley as they walked down it while the three faunus amoung the group listen intensely for anything. As they came out of the alley a pair of heavy footsteps came toward them from the side.
"Well what do we have here." A gruff sounding voice said.
They turned to see who it was and saw that it was a rather tall man with dark skin along with short messy black hair. He has sky gry eyes with a vertical scar on his left eye. He is wearig a torn white plain button shirt with a dark gray coat, bright red gloves, light brown belt, and black pants. On his forehead is a red bandana.
"You got some nerve coming here Taurus." The man said crossing his arms.
"Hanlon Fifestone. Figured you'd be here." Adam replied.
The man stared at the other three that were behind him but more importantly the one that had their eyes covered by the hoodie.
"And who are they?" Hanlon asked.
"They're with me. However I need something from you Han." Adam said.
The man sighed almost well knowing what he was talking about "Let me guess. So information about the White Fangs activities." Hanlon stated.
"Yes. You got anything?" Adam asked. Hanlon looked left and then right making sure there weren't anyone that would easedrop on them but he wanted to make sure.
"Not here. Follow me." Hanlon stated before he turned to walk away. Adam and the others followed closely behind.
After about ten minutes the five of them came to a small house that appeared to be Hanlons as he took a set of keys out of his pocket as he then unlocked his house and opened the door for the others to enter right behind him.
It wasn't much as it had a kitchen, and a small living room and some other essentials.
Hanlon went to the table and sat down while Adam sat acrossed from him as the others stood behind him.
"So. What is that you want to know?" Hanlon asked.
"Information about the White Fangs movements. What kind of plans they have?" Adam asked.
Hanlon hummed cupping his chin in his hand "That's going to cost you some lien you know. That info doesn't come cheap." He replied. Though it seemed Adam was prepared for this as he brought out a stack of red colored lien on the table.
"Now what do you know?" Adam asked as Hanlon took the lien and started counting it making sure he got a right amount before stashing it away.
"From what my spies tell me they have teamed up with some people that promised them man power to attack Haven and from the sounds of it they've got enough to overrun Haven Academy and more." Hanlon replied.
"Do you know who they teamed up with?" Adam asked.
"Not sure. I heard this name Coco being thrown around. Not sure if she's the leader or not." Hanlon replied.
This time it was Weiss that spoke up "Coco Adel. So it was her that caused the attack on Beacon." Weiss said.
Hanlon looked toward the hooded girl a moment examining her carefully.
"What's with the hood? You trying to hide from someone?" He asked her.
"Let's just say I rather not having people finding out who I am." Weiss replied.
Adam however made him refocus on the task "Anything else I need to know." He said to Hanlon.
"Well... there is something. I was given a message from Menagerie that a ferry is picking up some of the residents their. Though they were loaded with spears and shields." Hanlon stated.
"Any idea who is leading them?" Adam asked.
"Yeah. Someone of the surname of Belladonna." Hanlon answered which made them all wide eyed at that.
"Blake." Adam muttered the name of his ex.
"Yeah I think that was her name. Have a lot of faunus on that island that apparently are coming here. Bet yah they are heading to Haven too." Hanlon said.
"That would make since." Adam said as he got up from his seat.
"Thanks for the info Hanlon. I'll keep in touch." Adam replied as the four turned to leave.
"Hold on Adam. Their's another thing you might want to know. It's about the White Fang leader." He said making Adam stop a moment as he turned to face him.
"Be very careful when you fight her. She's more dangerous than ever now. She is hell bent on destroying Haven. I've known her ever since the mines collasped in Atlas... just don't kill her." Hanlon replied almost like it was a request from him.
"I'll try my best. I'm not going to promise anything but if I can I'll try and subdue her." Adam replied.
"Thank you Adam." Hanlon replied as the four of them exit his house.
"So we have an objective now?" Pepper asked.
"Yes. Now we head south toward Mistral. Hopefully get their before anyone else does." Adam answered.
"We're running a little low on provisions. I saw a small shop on the way here so we'll stop their before we leave." Weiss replied taking her suggestion.
Taking Weiss's suggestion they decided to reload on provision cause of how far they are from Mistral it would take a few days to get to Mistral and the provision will be helpful. However Weiss could only imagine what Blake was going through and at the same time she was glad to hear that she was okay though it was still unknown about Yang and her leader Ruby.
She could only silently pray that they too were okay and were out of trouble.
F3: That is chapter 16. Weiss and company arrive in Wind Path and they'll soon be leaving said place and got information from Hanlon about the White Fangs schemes. Let me know in the comments about this story and don't forget to favorite and/or follow. With that said this is Fireuser3 and I'm Out.