This one took some time. I've been getting stuck into my new computer and Assassin's Creed IV.
Now, my laptop's okay, but my computer is going to be used for something my laptop cannot handle. And that is...
DUN DUN DUUUUUUNNNNN!
Animation.
Anyway, here is Chapter 14. The number's important, because that's how many rewrites this one went through.
Chapter 14: They Call Me MISTER CONWAY!
The Boarbatusk growled softly, glancing the room over, while Professor Port inched towards his desk, reaching for his weapon. As the monster laid its eyes on me, it let out a loud squeal, and barrelled forward, charging towards the desk Ruby, Blake, Yang and I were sitting at. Ruby squealed in terror at the approaching boar, while Yang grabbed Ruby, and jumped up to a higher desk. Blake meanwhile, had a shocked look on her face, but managed to get out quickly. I wasn't so lucky: because all of the girls had me outclassed in speed and agility several times over, I was still in the region of the desk when the wild monster hit its target, causing a portion of the desk to explode into splinters, forcing me on the floor and out of sight.
Ducking behind a still intact area of the desk, I could hear the monster snorting repeatedly, sounding like a machine gun as it tried to see where I had disappeared to. Reaching into my pack, trying to stay quiet, the first thing I grabbed was my scroll. I had no clue what it could be used for, when I saw a large splinter drop between my legs. Looking up, Yang was miming something holding her hand up to her ear, then making a W with her fingers. What did she mean?
At that moment, my cover disintegrated into splinters, and the Boarbatusk growled angrily. Reaching around, shoving my scroll into my pocket, I grabbed a pen, and held it up threateningly, as if to say 'You don't scare me.' Although the effect was lost when it grabbed the pen between it's teeth, bit it in half, and chomped on it's remains, the plastic crunching in its mouth. Getting to my feet, I leapt over the monster, using it's face as a springboard. Landing on the ground, and rolling into a crouch, I looked at the approaching monster, as it charged, it's feet clip-clopping on the tiled ground. As it pulled it's head back, ready to headbutt me away, that was when I struck.
I grabbed the creature's tusks, one in each hand, and tried to wrangle the beast. It snapped at my legs, almost making me lose my footing as I jumped back. Yelling in exertion, I swung it around, and flipped it on it's side, causing it to squeal in surprise. Before it could get back up on it's trotters, I dashed forwards, and pulled my scroll from my pocket. Diving behind another desk, I opened it up, and began to tap on the contacts, desperately searching for Weiss's name. Finally seeing it, I tapped, and a moving image of her looking back appeared on screen. I put the scroll to my ear, like a mobile phone.
"What is it, Conway?!"
She sounded irritated, no doubt, but I had to hurry: that Boarbatusk would soon find me.
"Weiss, could you do me a favour, and grab my weapons, too? Something's happened..." I explained sheepishly, trying to stay quiet as the monster began to sniffle. Weiss scoffed.
"And why should I? If you want to show off, then you can do it in your own time! I don't have—"
"Weiss, just get my weapons! I'll explain later!" I hissed, shutting off the scroll before she could respond. As if right on cue, the Boarbatusk charged through the desk, catching me in its tusks and sending me flying across the room. Landing on my back with a thud, I began to get up dazedly, when I heard a low growl. Looking at the source, the monster had jumped into the air, curling up into a ball, spinning like a wheel. After some seconds, it barreled forwards, its tusks tearing into the ground.
Use your Aura, Darrel. Focus on your heart, and end this now!
You think I haven't tried, Kimba?!
Do not get snippy with me! Just do as I say, and let your power loose!
Deciding not to argue any longer, as it would likely end with what was left of me buried in a sardine can, I raised my hands, and thought back to the initiation, where my aura had protected me from the Deathstalker. My hands tingled, and a glow emitted from my arms. Feeling the power coursing through my muscles, I immediately felt like I could stop a car with my bare hands. Looking up, the Boarbatusk lurched forwards, rolling like a wheel. I had three options: get hit, and hope that my aura would hold out, get out of the way, and leave myself open to another attack, or stop the approaching monstrosity with my bare hands, risking my life if I made the wrong move. The only issue was I had no idea how much aura I had. Either way, whether I liked it or not, now would be the time I found out.
Clenching my fist, I wound back an arm, and threw it forwards, slamming into the spinning black wheel. As my fist connected, a dazzling blue flash shone from my fist, and before I realised it, I lost all sense of sight and hearing, as if a flashbang grenade had detonated at my feet, which left the ground far behind. Flying through the air for what seemed like an eternity, I finally landed on my back, rolling ungainly on my stomach. Looking up, and pushing a lock of hair away from my eyes, I saw that the Boarbatusk had somehow been blasted through about four rooms before coming to rest in the fifth wall, trapped in a crater. It twitched softly, then moved no more.
"M-Mister Conway! W-what in the world just happened?!" Professor Port, who had his blunderaxe in his hands, spluttered. Looking dazedly around the ruined room, I began to take in the destruction our fight had caused. Two of the three front row desks had been shredded to a mess of splinters and panels, the tiles had been cracked where the Boarbatusk had rolled over it, a massive scorch mark where my aura had once again blown up, and obviously, a hole in the wall that could fit Crescent Rose snugly.
"I... don't know, sir." I said, my bruised and battered body bordering on deliriant numbness. Just as I was about to collapse, Yang appeared out of nowhere, and wrapped her arm around my back, steadying me. Yang whispered something in my ear, but they were still ringing from the flash earlier.
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF DUST JUST HAPPENED HERE?!" A voice screeched in furious astonishment. Even with my ears still numb, the voice raked painfully on my eardrums like a cheese grater. Looking at the source, the one who had burst out was the last person I wanted to see.
Weiss Schnee, in her signature bolero jacket and combat skirt, with Myrtenaster strapped to her hip and my weapons at her feet.
"See previous answer, Snowflake." I snarked. Weiss just shot me a silent threat through her facial expression, though I had some trouble trying to decipher her promise: she either wanted to chain me to a rock and throw me in the sea or castrate me, hack my limbs off and throw me to a King Taijitu.
To be honest, I'd prefer the drowning.
"How dare you take on that vermin, when Professor Port very clearly stated that it was my opponent?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Next time, I'll just lie down and let it bite my head off, will I? It just went berserk when it saw me, and I don't know why! I'd prefer not to die, especially what happened at the cliffs!"
En route to our dorm, I began to get into a heated argument over the events that occurred during her time away from the classroom. She believed that I had overstepped my boundaries of being a good student, whilst I still insisted that the Boarbatusk had gone feral as soon as it locked eyes with me. Granted, the Grimm are always crazy, so it's hard to tell the difference on that matter, but unless there was a particular reason, Grimm did not single out a target from a crowd. As far as I knew: wild animals don't just go murderously for one person.
"So is that it?! You don't want to risk your life to protect others? Spoken like a true coward!" Weiss shot back. Her words cut deeply. I clenched a fist, fighting the urge to punch something. Fortunately, before I could succumb to the impulse, Yang spoke up.
"Hey, Darrel was only trying to protect himself. You can't fault him for that." She said. Weiss gave her a murderous leer, and she immediately backed down.
"She's right. That thing went for me and me alone. If it went for Ruby, Blake, Yang or anybody else, I would try to help them." I said, trying to end the argument. Weiss, however, showed no intention of doing so.
"I find that very unlikely, Conway. You're not cut out to be a Huntsman. And you will never be worthy enough to be a part of this team."
Before I could respond, she turned heel, and marched off down the hallway, out of sight. It wasn't like I could come up with a good response. Her harsh words cut deep, even deeper than any blade could hope to do so. I just stood there, mulling the words over.
'You're not cut out to be a Huntsman...'
The words repeated over and over in my brain, like a broken record. I was so engrossed in trying to tell myself that it wasn't true, that I didn't notice when Yang placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Forget about the Ice Queen. Weren't we going somewhere?" Yang asked soothingly, releasing me from my stupor. I nodded, and began to run down the hallway, before turning the corner and colliding with someone, landing on my butt. Softly massaging it to ease away the pain of landing hard on my coccyx, a familiar voice resounded from above.
"Careful there, Darrel, my boy! I don't want one of my favourite pupils hurt! Especially after what happened at the cliffs!"
Looking up, I saw that my obstacle happened to be Professor Kor, who was dusting himself off and looking down at me with bandaged eyes. I chuckled sheepishly.
"Yeah, sorry, Professor Kor. I guess you heard about what happened in Professor Port's class this morning?" I asked, being hoisted up by Ruby and Blake. He looked at me confusedly.
"No, I can't say I have, Darrel. What's happened?" He asked, his voice curious. Before I could respond, Ruby cut in.
"Yeah, a Boarbatusk broke loose, but Darrel fought it off! That Grimm was like..." She stopped to make some strangled squealing noises, before taking a breath.
"But Darrel was all like... HIYAAH, WATCHAOOOA, OOOUUUAAAHHH—" Ruby had begun to make various fighting gestures, swiping her hands at various imaginary targets, until Blake nudged her in the abdomen.
"Ruby. We get the point." Blake interrupted. Professor Kor laughed heartily.
"Incredible! And this was with your bare hands?! My boy, you are truly a wondrous warrior! I'm sure that the Creatures of Grimm would cower before you!" The professor cried out, slapping me on the back, and knocking me to the ground. Struggling to get my breath back, I got up on my hands and knees.
"I wouldn't go that far, sir. He did get tangled up in vines during initiation." Yang smiled, hoisting me onto her shoulder, supporting me. I grinned. That vine incident... It seemed so long ago, but now I could smile about it, now that my balls were no longer numb.
"Anyway, I must get back to it. I believe that the four of you and Ms. Schnee have weapons training and sparring tomorrow. I'll see you all there!" Professor Kor waved, then strode past us, as if late for something. We watched him go.
"Weapons training? Why would we need to do that?" Yang asked.
"Well, if you lose yours, do you expect to just punch the Grimm to death?" I joked. Blake shot me a smile.
"Look who's talking." She smirked. Ruby giggled.
As we continued to walk, we came across a balcony. Looking out, the sun was beginning to set, judging by the orange sky. Almost as orange as it was in my nightmare, the one in which Kimba told me about the Reckoning. The only difference was there were no clouds of smoke, no screaming, no death. But when would it come to that? And would I be ready for it?
"Hey, isn't that Weiss talking to Professor Port?" Yang whispered, pointing to two people standing on the edge of the balcony. Looking out, I did see the white-haired petite figure of Weiss Schnee talking to Prof. Port. I turned to the trio.
"You guys go on. I'll see you in the dorm." I waved. Blake nodded, Ruby gave me a thumbs up, and Yang gave a soft "Uh-huh", before they disappeared down the hallway. Leaning against the doorframe and craning my neck, I tried to listen to what was being said. I knew it wasn't my business, and eavesdropping isn't usually my style, but I was indeed curious.
"So you just blindly assume that Conway belongs on my team because Ozpin has said so?! What about our feelings?!"
"Professor Ozpin's decisions have never once led me astray, Ms. Schnee. I do not doubt that Mr. Conway's addition to Team RWBY is a most unusual case, but if Professor Ozpin believes that this action is a just decision, then it is my duty, as a Huntsman, to assume he means well."
"But why would he not consult us, get our opinions on whether we want him on our team?"
"In all of my time on this planet, there is one thing I have deemed a certainty. That is the opinions of others, no matter their alignment, can have the power to sway a decision, particularly one that has a large impact."
"But he's just such a... a... a irresponsible, immature, irritating, insufferable ignoramus!
"While I must admit he is somewhat rebelliously unorthodox, Mr. Conway is a good-natured man. Do not treat him with hostility, as all it will gain you is a mutual disdain for the pair of you. Rather, accept him as a brother in arms, an ally, and most importantly, a close friend. For that, he might extend you the same courtesy, Ms. Schnee. Isn't that right, Mr. Conway?"
It took a while to register that Professor Port had noticed me, but I trudged out, a guilty look on my face. Weiss turned to me, her blank expression impossible to guess. Professor Port gave me a small frown.
"While I do not appreciate your spying on our conversation, I can forgive you, but only on the condition that you and Ms. Schnee agree to restart your first interactions." He gestured to the space between us, as if hinting to shake hands. I stepped forward, shuffling from foot to foot and trying to hide the guilty look on my face.
"So... Weiss. I just want to apologize. For our first meeting in the courtyard, and for the way I've treated you since then. I don't want you as my enemy, especially not for the next four years. Can we start again?" I asked, holding out a hand. Weiss looked at it, and glanced up to me.
"Con... Darrel, I apologize as well. I did overreact when you lectured me on Dust management, and I've been a little out of line when I talked to you since then." She said, grabbing my hand and shaking it firmly. I winced softly; I was half expecting her to try and break my fingers. She flashed a small smile.
"As long as you do your part for the team, I'll do mine. Is that fair?" She asked. I flashed a small wink.
"Plenty fair." I grinned. Letting go of her hand, I walked to the edge of the balcony, leaning on the rail and looking at the sunset. Professor Port smiled, and let out a hearty laugh.
"Well, that's that! All's well that ends well, eh?" He chuckled, heading back inside. We watched him go with a grin on my face, and a smile on Weiss's.
"Yeah, I guess so." I agreed. Weiss nodded. But before she left, she spoke one last time.
"By the way, Darrel... What you did in class today was amazing." She smiled, then turned swiftly on her heel, and followed Professor Port inside. I smiled: at least now, Weiss didn't want to tear my face off. A small victory, but a major victory, nonetheless. I turned back to the sunset, whiling away some spare time looking at the beautiful orange sky.
"He fought and killed a Grimm barehanded?"
"Correct. You were right: he is the warrior we seek."
"Good. Ensure that he is kept safe. If he dies, we will lose our chance."
"I'm aware of the dangers. No harm will come to him, I assure you."
"See to it. Your negligence nearly cost us our prize last time."
"Circumstances changed. You have to understand."
"I understand. Just ensure he remains alive and unaware of his true purpose."
"Of course. May our Founders safeguard us on the path to enlightenment.
"May our Founders safeguard us on the path to enlightenment."
Yeah, the reason Weiss is blowing up at Darrel is because , in canon, Weiss manage to kill the Grimm while being distracted by Ruby. Here, Darrel literally wrecked half the room trying to survive the fight. She just thinks Darrel is a pretentious showoff, which, to be honest, he kind of is.
Anyway, about my computer...
Seeing the panel that Monty and Jordan hosted in ACMI, about their parts in RoosterTeeth inspired me to do something similar. That's just the long and the short of it really.
But I do have an idea for a spinoff...