Chapter 2: Dealing with Terrorists
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, I only my OCs.
Team RXDY
Rena and her team sit in the passenger compartment of a train transporting Dust from the Schnee Dust Company. Their client explained the train was subjected to frequent raids by the White Fang, Rena wasn't surprised. She believed it was in response to the incrimination faunus endure every day. She showed no reaction when the client next said some terrorist organization was also launching attacks against the transport trains in an attempt to instill fear.
Rena and her team are ordered to act as security for the train they're on until it reaches the station to offload its cargo.
Yumi reads a book she found on the library compartment which ironically is about the Grimm, their possible origins, the types normally encountered and some that theoretically exist. The book includes eye witness accounts of travelers supposedly encountering them. Any logical person knows unless there is evidence to support the claims, they're just rumors.
Looking out the window behind Yumi, Rena sees storm clouds moving in, lightning flashes inside accompanied by thunder.
The driver said over the PA, "Attention, passengers this is Jason Warner. We're about to encounter some nasty storm clouds so please take your seats and buckle up. This could get rough but I promise we'll get through this storm unharmed." A female deer faunus attendant walks through pushing a cart of food and drinks.
She said, "Anything off the trolley?"
Xavier raised his hand, "I'll take a bowl of fruit."
Yumi said, "I'll take a roast beef sandwich."
Draco nodded, "I'll have the same."
Rena ordered, "I'll take a turkey and bacon sandwich on whole wheat bread with an apple. All glasses of water as well, please." The attendant nods and gives them their food and drinks then Rena pays the toll. The deer faunus walks to the other passengers asking them if they want anything.
The faunus team eat their food in silence while listening to the rain hitting the train's outer hall and thunder clashing outside. Their meals are eaten completely and give the wrapping and plastic cups to the attendant when she returns to collect trash. A few hours tick by until Xavier stretches.
Draco chuckled, "Are you bored, Xavier? You look as if you're about to yawn."
Xavier shrugged, "Not gonna lie but this is boring, sitting here while the train ventures toward its destination without knowing if terrorists are going to attack us with little warning or just wait for us at the train station. Did the client give us the name of the terrorist organization?"
Rena shook her head, "No, he didn't. We'll interrogate one terrorist and find out." Yumi finishes her book and feels a nap is in order.
She leans her head against the seat locking her fingers together and closes her amber eyes. One lightning bolt flashes dangerously close to the train, thunder crackles seconds later rather loudly, shaking it. Some passengers are woken from their sleep by the sound.
The ride continues uneventful for who knows how long when Rena unbuckles, placing Scarlet on her seat and stands up to use the restroom. Stepping inside she locks the door and does her thing. Once that's done she washes her hands drying them and tossing the paper towel into the trash bin. Exiting the restroom the one-eyed faunus returns to her seat.
Jason said, "Good news, passengers we'll be arriving at our destination soon. Thank you for riding with us." Rena unbuckles and rises to her feet, a sense of foreboding washes over her.
Draco asked, "Something wrong, Rena?"
The one-eyed faunus told him, "This is too easy. The train has traveled this far without any attacks. Red flag right there. The terrorists could be waiting for us at the station." The thunderstorm breaks up showing a spectacular sunset. However, the sight is short-lived when black smoke appears.
As the train gets closer, the passengers take in the scenery. It was like hell descended on the town as the station was engulfed by flames. Suddenly a supply depot explodes sending debris and hot metal thousands of feet into the air. Jason presses the emergency break button. The wheel axles lock and the horrible sound of steel against steel can be heard. The train's speed slowly drops. Eventually it comes to a complete stop.
Team RXDY walk through the compartments until they reach the door and step off.
Rena ordered, "Draco, Xavier, stay with the train. Make sure the passengers are safe. Yumi, you're with me." The two venture into the burning station, they soon pick up the sound of a man pleading with someone.
Hiding behind a tall crate they poke their heads out to see one of the station personnel on his knees, bruised and bleeding from a wound on his head. In front of him stood one of the terrorists.
The train station personnel said, "Please, sir. We have nothing of value here! Just leave us. Please. I got a family to support!"
His assailent scoffed, "I don't care about your trivial problems. I received word that a train was carrying Dust mined by the Schnee Dust Company to this station. Where is it? Tell me and I may consider sparing your life." Rena looks at Yumi and signals her to take out the terrorists guarding her target.
The wolf faunus nods and uses her speed to get behind their blind spot. Quickly drawing Hermes she slits their throats before they knew what happened. A red line appears on the skin and blood pours out then the bodies collapse to the ground with a loud thud. The terrorist interrogating the station member turns around to see his two men on the ground in a pool of their own blood. He next feels an armored clad arm wrap around his throat, spinning him around and slam into a wall. He next finds himself pinned to it by a hand.
Rena said, "Tell us what organization are you part of? The White Fang?"
The man scoffed again, "Please. I'd rather be drunk out of my mind than align myself with those animals. I'm part of the Black Star network."
Rena asked, "Where is your main base located?"
The terrorist gave her a toothy grin, "You'll have to find out for yourself."
The faunus narrowed her eye, "What's your purpose for being here?"
Her victim said, "I won't tell you." Rena punches him.
She told him, "What is your purpose here?" She didn't get an answer so she punched him again, "Tell me."
The terrorist mocked, "Is that all you got?"
Rena warned, "I can snap your bones as if they're twigs." The terrorist's response is spitting in Rena's face.
Wiping the gunk off the faunus gives him a look that would freeze hell. Rena knocks the man unconscious with a punch. Turning at the station member's direction she takes in his appearance.
He looked around 23 years old, short brown hair, green eyes, fair skin and had stubble growing along his jawline. His face had bruises indicating he was beaten up.
She asked, "What's your name?"
The man replied, "Michael Stillman. I work here as a supervisor. I just punched in before these guys launched their attack. They wanted Dust from the train scheduled to arrive."
Rena wondered, "The one my team was on, right?"
Michael nodded, "Yes, that one. Though for what reason, I do not know."
Yumi said, "Do you know how many of these Black Star terrorists are there? If you know, please tell us. It will help." The young man crossed his arms closing his eyes, trying to remember how many there are.
He opened them, "About twenty-three, twenty-four. Though I have no idea where they all are currently. You'll have to search the station. Sorry I can't be of any further help."
Rena told him, "It's fine. Is the control room nearby? If you can get there, you can guide us through the station."
Michael's shoulders slumped in regret, "It was destroyed in the attack. They did it so we can't call for help. Just a heads-up these guys are merciless, they won't show any mercy."
Rena stated, "Then we won't either. Head for the train and take shelter on it." After watching Michael leave she pulled out her scroll, "Draco, do you read me?" She hears gunfire and battle cries on the other end.
The dragon faunus answered, "We're a little busy right now. The enemy caught wind of the train and started attacking. Jason is considering leaving the station and head for the next one."
Rena said, "No! Tell him to stay put. We still need a way out of here after these terrorists have been dealt with." She ends the call, looking at the sky with her eye closed. Nothing goes easy for them.
Yumi asked her, "What do you want to do?"
The one-eyed faunus directed her gaze toward Yumi, "Ready your dagger, we're going hunting." Back at the docking station, Draco and Xavier fight against the Black Star terrorists attacking the train.
One terrorist no older than 20 swings his wrist blades at Xavier who blocks it with Gemini, sparks fly on contact. The terrorist swings his blades at a 45 degree angle the ox faunus brings his arms toward that direction. Blocking a downward thrust with one arm, Xavier counters with a punch from his free arm. The force behind the strike sends the opponent careening across the ground. He senses danger and turns his body to see another terrorist jumping towards him with his battle ax ready to cleave the faunus in half. He doesn't get the chance because the man's head gets blown off courtesy of an explosive shotgun shell. Turning the other way Xavier sees Draco pointing Judgment at his direction while holding his own challenger in the air by the throat, the gun barrel smoking. Draco cocks the shotgun, ejecting the empty shell out of the chamber then points Judgment at his opponent's chest and pulls the trigger. The next round of pellets rip a gaping hole in the enemy's chest staining Draco's clothes with gray matter and blood.
Returning his attention to his opponent, Xavier runs at the terrorist cocking his fist back in preparation to throw another punch. The terrorist gets up sidestepping the punch that leaves a small crater. A bead of sweat rolls down his face at the display of power. If that fist connected his bones would have shattered. Shaking off the fear he charges at Xavier thrusting his dual weapons in various arcs. The young ox faunus adjusts his parries each hit absorbed by Gemini. He catches one wrist blade, ignoring the pain of the razor-sharp blades cutting into his palm. With a quick jerk he breaks the metal followed by a kick to the chest. He tosses the blades aside then balls up his fists. The terrorist has a look of shock on his face.
'He snapped the blades off like they were nothing!' He mentally raged.
The man runs at Xavier again with his remaining wrist blade and lifts it into the air, the reflected light displaying its sharpness. The ox faunus twirls behind him, wraps his arms around the enemy's waist and executes a German suplex. The terrorist returns to his feet dazed when Xavier appears in front of him, the dominant foot placed forward. Xavier thrusts his right fist forward. The impact generates a small shockwave before the terrorist is sent flying into a rocky hill. Running over to the man's location, Xavier sees the man unconscious but alive.
'We'll take him to the nearest hospital for treatment before turning him over to the police station.' He thought.
Draco spots a group of terrorists running toward him. He pulls the trigger on Judgment unleashing rounds on them.
'Oh, get out of here with that garbage.' Draco thought calmly.
One terrorist attempts to sneak up on the dragon faunus but Draco simply places his weapon on shoulder, pointing it to his target and fires. The terrorist's head gets blown off.
Yumi utilizes her speed and agility, slitting their throats before they knew what hit them. Seeing another enemy rapidly approaching she throws Hermes into the target's skull killing him instantly. Rushing over she pulls her weapon free before her ears stiffen. Twirling around she throws Hermes again, this time hitting another Black Star terrorist in the jugular. The fool chokes on his own blood then falls to the ground with a thud, his body twitching. She joins Rena to resume their quest to find the leader of the Black Star network.
Rena's scroll rung and she answered it, "Yes?"
Xavier said, "We may have a problem. I've spotted a contagion of bullheads a few miles from our location. It's the White Fang."
Rena stated, "They must be after the Dust as well. Let's wrap this up and leave. Ask Jason if there's another train station to offload the cargo."
The ox faunus replied, "Will do." Rena feels something cold and heavy wrap around her throat, pulling hard enough for her to lose her grip on Scarlet the claymore falls to the ground. Glancing downward the one-eyed faunus discovers what's wrapped around her throat is a metal chain.
She heard a human's voice command, "Heave ho! Heave ho!" The chain starts choking the air out of her as Rena's vision becomes blurry. However, what the terrorists don't know is that Rena possesses unbreakable will meaning no matter how many times she falls down she gets back up.
Finding the end of the chain with her hands, Rena starts unwrapping it. Once it's loose enough she yanks it forward sending her attackers overhead losing their grip on the chain. Rena falls to one knee coughing as she breathes in air. Recovering she eyes the chain laying at her feet, a plan formulating in the faunus' mind. Grabbing it she wraps half the chain length around her left gauntlet while picking up Scarlet with her dominant hand. With restrained fury, Rena walks forward. The two terrorists are unnerved by the dark look in her eye. It's like they were peering into the abyss. They turn around to flee but Rena won't allow that. Eyeing the man to the left she throws Scarlet piercing the man's left leg, earning her a cry of pain and him falling onto the rocky ground. Next turning to the fool's friend the faunus twirls her wrist to release more of the chain to the length she desire. Using her strength to propel it, the metal wraps around the terrorist's left foot.
Rena said, "Get over here!" She yanks on the chain, bringing the target to her.
The faunus opens her hand and when the human is close enough she drives her hand through his chest emerging from the other end with his heart in tow. The man lets out a gurgling scream before sliding off her hand. Looking to her left again Rena walks over to the man, violently pulls him up and cups his head in her hands, forcing him to look at her as she compresses it. Bones start cracking. The man's skull soon caves in.
She knows when one doesn't deserve mercy. These terrorists are no exception.
Picking up her weapon and the chain, Rena continues her quest to rid this station of the Black Star organization. She cuts down every terrorist in her way.
The faunus heard Yumi's voice call out, "Rena, over here!" Looking around until she locates the wolf faunus, Rena heads over. Gazing downward she stares at her team mate's objective.
She asked, "This him?" The man in question appeared 40 years old, stood 6'4" tall, dark skin, deep brown eyes, short black hair and wore some attire Rena hadn't seen in her life.
Yumi nodded with a smile, "Yep. Azule, he's leader of the Black Star network. Couldn't find any further information besides his name."
Rena praised, "Good work, Yumi. I'm very pleased."
Yumi's smile widened, "Thank you, Rena."
The one-eyed faunus crouched down to his level, "Do you know what you've done, human?"
Azule glared at her, spewing with venom, "So my target had faunus escorts. Never thought our kind would sink so low."
Rena said, "You made a big mistake attacking this station, Azule. Killing you here and now would be too easy. Instead, we're taking you to the Atlas Interrogation Squad. They certainly have ways of making their victim talk. I have something that will hold you." She wraps the chain around him and Yumi hands her a pad lock she found, securing the chain. Yumi keeps the key on her. Rena hoists the man up onto her shoulder.
Azule ordered, "Put me down, faunus filth!"
Rena warned, "Resist and I'll break your legs." Returning to the docking station they see their fellow male faunus team mates resting. Around them lied corpses of the Black Star. Azule is stunned, these were some of his finest men.
Yumi asked, "How are you and Draco holding up, Xavier?"
The ox faunus shrugged his broad shoulders, "They put up a tough fight but we triumphed. I was able to keep one of them alive for questioning."
Rena asked, "Where's Jason?"
Draco pointed behind him, "In the locomotive unit." The leader advances to the unit and sees Jason cowering in a corner.
She said, "You can stop now. We've dealt with the problem. Do you know if there's another station to offload the Dust?"
Jason scratched the back of his head before answering, "There is one train station about 10 miles ahead of us, just outside the border of Atlas. We have enough fuel to take us there."
Rena nodded, "Then start the engine. I suggest we leave unless you want the White Fang raiding you next."
Jason automatically shook his head, "Heavens, no! Please get on!" Team RXDY hops onto the train with their prisoners.
She heard a White Fang member shout, "They're getting away! Shoot the driver!"
Rena said, "Draco, lay cover fire! Jason get this thing moving immediately!" Jason pulls the lever forward, the train's wheels slowly start moving picking up speed as the engine turns on.
Jason exclaimed, "Come on, pick up speed faster!" Draco shoots fire Dust rounds at the pursuing White Fang until he feels the train moving faster, ejecting the empty shell and closes the door.
The White Fang watches their target escape.
The one in charge groaned, "Damn it, got away! Boss isn't gonna be happy." Team RXDY leads their captives to their seats and sit across, keeping an eye on them.
Draco pulls out the box of fire Dust shotgun shells out of his jacket pocket and loads fresh shells into Judgment. Rena lays her hands on the pummel of her blade, her left eye piercing their souls.
In spite of this Azule stared back, "You won't get away with this, faunus. You four are wanted yourselves, some are offering substantial rewards to bringing your heads to whoever the client is."
Rena's expression didn't change, "I'd welcome them to try. You humans think you're at the top of the food chain. That we faunus should be kept in cages or put into Dust mines."
Azule grinned, "As it should. We humans are the dominant species."
Draco joined in, "Is that so? Didn't you see your men back there? They stood no chance against us."
The terrorist next to Azule stood up, "You filthy..." Draco cocks Judgment while giving the man a calm but challenging look.
Swallowing his pride, he sits back down.
Xavier said, "If we wanted, we could have killed you back at the train station but chose otherwise."
Azule spoke with spite, "You must be part of the White Fang. Those animals want to enslave humanity."
Xavier told him, "We are not part of that group. We don't kill out of some grudge. Perhaps we'll be doing that group a favor by keeping you two behind bars." Azule promises the faunus team many painful ways to die. Team RXDY brushes off the empty threats.
The travel to the train station is tense with the faunus remaining on alert. The train begins slowing down, showing they have arrived. Inside the locomotive unit Jason leans over the control console, burying his face in his arms. The young man releases a big sigh of relief. They made it.
He steps out of the unit only to meet one of the Atlas soldiers.
The soldier asked, "What's your purpose for being here?"
Jason showed the man his ID on the scroll, "I'm Jason Warner, I run this Dust transportation train. The original station came under heavy attack so I came here to offload the Dust. This station is a backup." Grabbing the scroll, the Atlas soldier looks it over then nods.
He handed the device back to Jason, "Very well, my men will oversee the offload." They overhear Rena telling Azule and his goon to get off the train.
Jason explained, "Those three men are the reason why I'm here. Apparently the man with the blonde hair is Azule, leader of the Black Star terrorist network."
The Atlas soldier's eyes widened behind his visor, "Stories about him were mentioned but I never thought they were actually true. He's wanted in all four kingdoms with Atlas being his favorite target. Which makes sense given that Atlas is the only kingdom with a military. Thank you for apprehending this man. You have potentially saved many innocent lives. The General will be a happy man."
Yumi tilted her head in confusion, "He's a General?"
The Atlas soldier explained to the wolf faunus, "His name is James Ironwood. He's the headmaster of Atlas Academy, a General in Atlesian military and holds two seats on the Atlesian Council. We just call him General."
Yumi commented, "That's pretty impressive. Holding all three positions at once." As if responding a bullhead carrying the General lands.
Stepping off the airship the man walks over allowing RXDY to take in his appearance.
Ironwood stood 6'6" tall, looked to possibly be in his early 40s, well-dressed and clean, blue eyes, short black hair with the sides turning gray and white complexion to his skin. His outfit was composed of a white overcoat, gray undercoat, black sweater, red necktie and white glove on his right hand. His suit pants share the same color as his overcoat and were tucked into silver boots accented in gray.
The man halted his advance, "Who among you is the leader?"
Rena stepped forward, "I am, sir."
Ironwood extended his hand, "I'm James Ironwood, General of the Atlesian military."
The one-eyed faunus gripped the human's hand firmly, "Rena Schwartz, leader of Team RXDY."
Ironwood felt the strength of her grip, "Quite a hand shake."
Releasing Ironwood's hand Rena said, "The three men beside me are part of the Black Star network. Like Jason said, they're the reason he had to come here since the original destination suffered a terrorist attack. I'm sure the Atlas Interrogation Unit will want to question them about what they're planning."
Ironwood hummed, "I'm sure they will. Thank you, Rena. I'll make sure to pay you handsomely." He pulled out his scroll and typed a few buttons then put it in his pocket, "I transferred your reward money to your account. If you need anything, call me. Atlas is working to ensure the people of Remnant are safe from any threat." Nodding the faunus turns around, signaling her team to do the same.
Draco asked his leader, "Can he be trusted? He is a member of the Atlesian Council, after all. We all know how much our kind's looked down at."
Rena answered, "I have a feeling Ironwood is one of the select few we can come to trust, Draco. For now we'll stay on the line of caution. Trust is easy to destroy but takes time to build."
Xavier nodded sympathetically, "I know, Rena. But come on, not all humans despise our kind." Rena turns to him, her face stoic.
She informed, "Yes, there are a few humans who understand our plight of wanting equality and respect between humans and faunus. That's like only one percent of mankind. The remaining ninety-nine percent don't. Overcoming this kind of discriminatory isn't easy. Of course, I'm willing to help our race stand on equal footing with mankind. Sadly there will always be rotten apples in society."
Yumi hugged her, "That future is still possible, Rena. You should never give up."
Xavier pumped his chest, "And we'll follow you all the way." Looking at Draco she sees the dragon faunus giving her the thumps-up and down to see Yumi giving her a thousand-watt smile.
Draco asked them, "Do you think the Whiter Fang is furious that its subordinates didn't obtain the Dust?"
Rena said, "I'm pretty sure the group is." They watch Ironwood's bullhead lifting off with its passengers on board.
Draco stated, "I hope Ironwood can get some useful information out of those men."
Xavier replied, "I'm sure there are ways the Atlas Interrogation Unit will get them to talk. What should we do with our earned money?" Yumi sorts through a map of downtown Atlas on her scroll.
She said, "I haven't been in Atlas before. Why don't we explore downtown?"
Xavier nodded, "I'm down with that." Taking a bullhead to downtown Atlas, the faunus team explores the city. They see the first batch of the Atlesian Knight-200 otherwise known as the AK-200 and successor to the AK-130 being displayed in front of a gathered crowd.
The new android foot soldiers possessed a more slender, humanoid appearance than their predecessors, clad in white armor with their black robotic workings visible underneath. Their armor's thin at the mid-section, neck and joints but the legs and chest appeared well-protected. The helmets had black visors.
To the faunus team's amusement the AK-200s perform the military salute.
In the Atlas Prison, Ironwood reaches the cell block holding the latest prisoners.
He asked the guard, "Any luck?"
The guard shook his head, "I'm afraid not, General. The Interrogation Unit tried every method imaginable but those two won't crack. If anything, they keep giving us a mocking glare like they're asking us if that's the best we got."
Ironwood briefly looked at the locked cell door then back to the guard, "Even the toughest crack eventually. Be patient. It's imperative we keep them off the street."
The guard saluted, "As you wish, General."
Ironwood nodded, "Remember. Patience is a virtue." Inside his cell, Azule sits in the corner overhearing the entire conversation.
'They'll have to do better than that.' He mentally scoffed.
His mind next flashes back to the one responsible for his predicament.
He said to himself, "That damn faunus filth thinks these walls can hold me? Bah! Your kind deserves to live in Dust mines. Equality between humans and faunus isn't possible." An evil grin formed, "You ain't seen the last of me, One-Eyed Devil." Psychotic laughter fills the air.
A/N: Chapter 2 done.
Rena and her team's escort mission took a bad turn when the Black Star terrorist network attacked the train station they Dust transportation train was originally assigned to dock at. The group was also led by a man wanted in all four of the kingdoms. Team RXDY won in the end and captured the terrorist leader.
I added the Black Star terrorist network because there are practically no antagonist groups besides the White Fang now ran by Adam and Salem's group led by her in RWBY.
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Stay tuned for chapter 2.
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