Chapter 10: Tension

Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, I only own my OCs.

Team RXDY

Rena leads her team along a dirt road in the border between Atlas and Vale after spending the night at Conquina Inn, senses on full alert. A week has passed since the incident with Azule her team mates have become curious about their enigmatic leader. They asked each other why Rena doesn't express emotion. For as long as they've known her they have never seen her smile and have trouble reading her since the faunus locks her emotions away. She was also distant, quiet about her past save for the encounter with Sienna Khan stating they were old acquaintances. That's it.

Suddenly Rena stops, turns around and walks past them eye moving between the cliffs.

She ordered, "I know you've been following us. Come out." After getting no response Rena warned, "Last chance. Come out." A familiar half dog faunus appears out of thin air.

Yumi gasped, "Alexia!"

The ninja waved at them, "Hello."

Rena on the other wasn't smiling, "Why are you following us? I doubt it's for civil chatter."

Alexia looked at her, "You four are hard to track. I heard on the Vale News Network that the wanted Black Star terrorist Azule was killed in combat, found sliced in half. The investigators also discovered charred bodies of humans beneath the remains of the base after calling for construction workers. It was reported to be something out of a slasher film."

Rena said, "Azule crossed a line he shouldn't have. Mess with my team, you pay the price. Now I will ask you again. Why are you following us, Alexia?"

Alexia replied, "I wanted to be sure if you four would pose a risk to the kingdoms."

Rena crossed her arms, "We'd gain nothing out of threatening them . We take missions for money. People should forge their own path not have it dictated for them." She turned to her team mates, "Continue on ahead, I'll catch up." Xavier, Draco and Yumi look at each other then move along.

Once they're out of hearing range the faunus stared at Alexia, "You're either brave or foolish to ask if my team or I pose a threat to the kingdoms. The council sits behind closed doors aruging instead of coming up with solutions that'd help close the gap between humans and faunus."

Alexia said, "Not all humans are bad. One needs to look."

Dry sarcasm entered Rena's voice, "Sure, let's hold hands and thank the gods everything is peachy."

The ninja calmly explained, "I won't deny there are some horrible people in the world."

The sacrasm left Rena's voice as quick as it came, "I know it was you who attacked my camp eight years ago, Alexia. And don't act dumb. That mask, fighting style and semblance, it's the same from back then."

Alexia commented, "Still as sharp as I remember from our first encounter. What about your team? There's hardly if any record of them."

Rena countered, "Does it matter? My team formed under circumtances. You shouldn't always believe what you're told."

Alexia titled her head, "What are you talking about?"

Rena said, "The headmaster of Beacon, Ozpin. You shouldn't trust him, Alexia. He isn't the honest man you think he is. He's pulling your strings like the pupper master he is, manipulating you in his plans."

Alexia asked, "You don't hold him in high regard. Have you met him in person?"

Rena answered, "More than one occasion. The fool tried persuading me to enlist into Beacon Academy, too bad I saw through him. Unlike some I believe a person should be judged by their character, not by race, color of their skin, gender or the way they look. And there was something about Ozpin that screamed don't trust. He lures unsuspecting people in with sweet words and promises but only a few can see he's nothing but a liar. I suggest you not get further tangled in his web of lies. Or continue. It will only result in bitter disappointment and betrayal." She turned around, "Go back to Beacon, I'm sure your team is worried about you espeically that girl Emmara. We'll meet again, I'm sure of it. I also recommend you not following us any further." The one-eyed faunus leaves the ninja to ponder on what she said.

Rena eventually catches up to her team.

Xavier asked, "So...what was that about?"

Rena replied, "Nothing to worry about it." They soon reached a town, "Let's take a break here." Entering the faunus team observes the citizens going about their lives here.

Draco and his two other team members lose sight of their leader so they head out to find her.

Yumi's ears twitch at the sound of laughter and leads Draco and Xavier toward that direction. Venturing to a resteraunt district they see Rena sitting at an outside table talking to a human, more importantly a man.

He stood around 6'5, recently turned 30 years of age, muscular build, tanned skin, short brown hair with matching brown eyes. He wore a black jacket, white T-shirt, charcoal gray jeans fastened by a belt and black boots. Resting at his feet was a blue and white backpack.

The team rubs their eyes to make sure they aren't deceiving them. Instead of the stoic expression Rena has on 24/7, a smile took its place. A genuine smile and her posture is more relaxed.

He smiled, "It's been quite a while since I last you, Rena."

She said, "Indeed it has. Been busy. How are things back at Vale?"

Her father waved his hand, "Peaceful for the most part. Been getting customers almost non-stop, can barely keep up with the demands."

Rena grinned, "Knowing you, father, you handle it pretty well."

'Father?' The other three faunus thought.

The man laughed, "Can't outsmart you. Of course, I still have my limits. So I felt a vacation was in order. I decided to take the week off, closed up shop."

Rena commented, "I see your job's been keeping you in shape."

Rena's father commented back, "And you have been staying in shape yourself."

Rena said, "It's because of my activity level." Draco, Xavier and Yumi continue to watch their leader interact with her father until they hear the town's people screaming and Team RXDY and Rena's father run to the source. Approaching the destination they spot a bear faunus slightly taller than Rena donning White Fang attire terrorizing the people. Rena's facial expression returns to the normal stoic look.

Not tolerating this, she walks forward drawing Scarlet. The sound draws the bear faunus' attention.

He grinned, "Ah, the famous One-Eyed Devil. You are a walking legend. The White Fang members still talk about you." Bitterness fills his voice at the end.

Rena said, "Under Khan's leadership, faunus attack and raid Dust sites or stores fueling the racial devide between human and faunus. Our two races can live in harmony."

The White Fang member said, "At least Adam is doing something that you didn't have the guts to do."

Rena replied, "You a sympathizer? Adam is a pychopath. He kills humans for what he claims is retribution." She entered her battle stance, "I warned Khan about his violent streak. Adam Taurus wants open war against humans, something that won't do anyone good save to satisfy his hatred of humanity. Something that will get him killed one day." The bear faunus fires his assault rifle spraying Dust bullets at Rena the seasoned fighter deflects the shots.

'What's he talking about?' Xavier thought.

The White Fang member switches his assault rifle to a sword charging Rena. The one-eyed faunus effortlessly blocks his strikes.

Entering a blade lock he grinned at her, "Tell me, Rena. How do you sleep at night without the voices of the dead haunting you? Voices of those you've slain over the years?"

Rena answered without emotion, "I don't hear any of these voices you speak of."

The White Fang cackled, "No matter how hard you try, your past sins will stick to you until the day you die."

Rena said, "I did what I had to do in order to survive." Blocking a jab she continued, "The White Fang was created for faunus rights and wanting peace. As the previous leader desired and is still working to achieve despite stepping down. Sienna Khan threatens to destroy everything he's workd so hard for thus far." Her staunch defense holds up against the enemy's aggressive offense, conserving energy.

Her opponent taunted, "Come on, Rena. Let go of that stoic expression. Embrace your old self again, show me the faunus who struck fear into the hearts of her opponents." Rena resists his verbal jabbing.

She jumps up and drop kicks him in the masked face hard making the bear faunus stagger. Recovering he locks blades with her again fighting for dominance. He activates his semblance, replacing himself with Adam Taurus.

Rena said, "Cheap trick but you lack finesse when executing it." She lands a hard kick to his stomach knocking the air out.

The illusion breaks and Rena uppercuts with Scarlet launching her opponent, taking a chunk of his aura with it.

She told the bear faunus, "I have been around far longer than you." She advances disarming the bear faunus of his weapon using a single swipe of her blade, pointing it at the fool's face. A silent order to surrender.

Her opponent dared, "Come on, do it. Kill me."

Rena said, "I won't fall for that, cub. Leave."

The bear faunus replied, "Oh, that voice. Is that a death threat?"

Rena remained unfazed, "Don't push your luck. Now go. Out of my sight."

The bear faunus scoffed, "It seems you've grown soft. The Rena I encountered for the first time wouldn't spare her opponent." He stood up, grabbing his weapon, "To think you are so feared and respected by the White Fang. Good luck staying alive, traitor." She watches him leave the town before sheathing Scarlet.

Xavier walked up to his leader, "Rena? What's going on? Sienna Khan, the White Fang, Adam Taurus. Rena, who exactly are you?" Rena didn't answer prompting Xavier to spin her around, "Please, tell us." The faunus still doesn't answer, her remaining eye shadowed by her bangs.

Draco added, "Rena, you can trust us." Rena never wanted the others to find out about her past, the crimes she committed. She always had trouble opening up to others because she feels the emotions are a weakness or doesn't let them dictate her actions in battle knowing one slip up will cost her or her team mates their life. However, a few did manage to worm their way into the battle tested faunus' guarded heart.

Rena finally spoke up calmly, "Even if I did tell you, you wouldn't understand." She finds herself pulled into a hug by Xavier.

Draco joined him, placing a hand on Rena's shoulder, "We've known each other for three years, approaching four and you never once smiled. That is until we saw you doing it while talking to your father. What's his name?"

The man replied, "Smith Schwartz, mister..."

Draco introduced, "Draco Lance, the other two are Xavier Stone and Yumi Asuma."

Yumi said, "You helped us, Rena. So let us help you." The silence coming off of Rena scares them until the faunus breaks the hug without a word and walks past them gaining some distance. Reaching a grassy field she sits down, arms placed behind her to hold herself up. She stares off into the distance.

She suddenly ordered, "I know you're there, father." Smith appears with a smile on his face.

He joined her, "How did you know?"

Rena explained, "When you've been in so many battles, you develop a sixth sense."

Smith told her, "You don't need to be so guarded all the time, dear."

Rena admitted, "It's not as easy as you say. Some of the so-called friends I met played with my emotions. Once I found out about it, I ended that false friendship in the only way I can think of."

Smith said, "By crippling them?" He saw his daughter nod, unfazed by her actions, "Rena, I've seen my fair share of betrayals and I know what that pain does to you. It makes you not wanting to trust anyone, even those who mean no harm. So to prevent yourself from experiencing that again, you close off your heart to others. You need friends in your life, Rena. Do you want to live the rest of your life alone?"

Rena told him with an unreadible expression on her face, "I'm used to being alone, father."

Her father explained, "Listen, Rena. You're my daughter no matter what but you need to lower the stoic walls you built around your heart. If you don't the friends you do have may have second thoughts. What is there to fear?"

Rena said, "You are the only human I trust, father."

Smith walked around, kneeling in front of her, "Then have the same trust in yourself as well as your team mates. They want to help you. Let go of this hard exterior you constantly show around others. Lighten up." Rena digs her hand into the dirt slightly, crushing the desire to yell at her adopted father. She knows it won't serve any purpose.

The faunus replied, "The pain will always be there. Try imagining nobody wanting to befriend you because of the fearsome reputation you developed."

Smith said, "I always had a hard time reading you. Are you saying you've lost the ability to smile or have fought for so long you've forgotten what smiling is?"

Rena stated, "Life isn't sunshine and butterflies. It's about striving to find purpose. What kind of legacy you will leave behind."

Her adopted father told her, "I can relate to that. My father wasn't exactly a role model so I ran away from home, digging myself out of poverty to become one of the most successful men of my time. So I know hard work and motivation can make you realize your dreams. Your team mates can heal whatever pain you feel deep inside."

The faunus said, "My soul is tainted beyond comprehension." Sounds of blades clashing, a body part sliced and scream of pain resonate in Rena's mind.

Smith asked, "You're haunted by nightmares, aren't you?"

Rena replied, "That doesn't matter, father."

Smith grabbed his daughter's shoulders, "Rena, look at me." The faunus did what he asked, "I can't imagine the depth of your pain but locking it away will only hurt you in the long run."

Rena answered, voice neutral, "Did you suddenly become a therapist?"

Her father pulled the faunus into a hug, "Talking to your team mates will help you. Do it for your sake as well as your team. I'm confident it will strengthen your bonds with them." There's another reason why Rena keeps herself closed off. One she can't even bear to tell her adopted father.

Smith encouraged, "You are strong, noble and proud. I know it in my heart." Humans are an interesting race. They're the most destructive yet compassionate species. In her mind Rena knows humans fear what they don't understand. Instead of finding a way to understand, they let fear of the unknown sway their actions.

Withholding a sigh Rena stated, "Easier said than done, father."

Her adopted father told her, "You overcame your hesitation of opening up to me. Surely there are others you opened up to as well." He breaks the hug, giving his daughter some space.

Rena gestured with a hand, "Very few. They earned it." Sitting straight the faunus drew Scarlet tilting it to show her reflection, "The majority of society see things in black and white, father. Only a few see the shades of gray in-between, see or experience things a lot of people don't and grow stronger from it. They understand guidance is an essential early on but realize one must carve out their own path in life not have it decided by some higher power or entity. Learn how to stand on your own two feet and be independant."

Smith said, "You haven't been around positive people or role model, have you?"

Rena shrugged, "They're hard to find. Although my mentor taught me how to survive in the wild and keep an open mind."

Her parent chuckled, "Well, whoever that person was, he or she sounded like a seasoned fighter. I still remember the time we first met. It was stormy and found you at my doorstep after hearing a loud thud. You were badly injured and seemed to haven't eaten in days. Cliche, I know." Rena places a hand over her left eye feeling phantom pains hit. She fights off the memory of what caused her to lose it.

Smith continued, "I tried looking up info about you, seeing who your parents were but couldn't find any. So I took you in." He smiles at the images of them eating together, walking through Vale City, treating her like the daughter he never had.

The phantom pain vanished allowing Rena to ask, "Would they still accept me if I told them?"

Smith nodded, "I'm certain they will, Rena. Who knows, you'll might feel better getting it off your chest."

Rena said, "We shall see."

Smith stood up offering his hand, "Come on, let's head back to the others." Rena takes his hand letting Smith pull her up, the faunus sheathing Scarlet.

They venture back to Rena's team mates.

Smith said, "It was nice meeting your team, Rena. I'm heading back to Vale tommorow. Come visit me sometime."

Rena nodded, "If we have time."

Smith told her, "I'll be waiting. Follow me, there's a nice hotel I'm staying at. You should book yourselves a room." The faunus team follows Smith to the hotel he mentioned and Rena books them rooms.

Dusk arrives, turning the sky a vivid mix of red, orange and purple.

Rena spends more time with her adopted father before he heads back to Vale. While she does everything she can to help her team, Rena has very little time to relax. So spending time with her adopted father allows the one-eyed faunus to unwind. They stare out the window in the lobby watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon as the shattered moon takes its place.

Smith commented, "There's very few sights like this, allowing one to forget the problems our world faces. Even if it's for a few minutes."

Rena nodded, "Indeed." She looked at her father, "My team and I will pay you a visit sometime. I can't say when but it'll happen, I promise."

Her parents wrapped an arm around her, "I know you will. Well, I'm heading up to my room to read a book I recently purchased for a while. Good night, Rena. I love you."

Rena pulled him into a hug, "I love you as well, father. It was nice seeing you." She breaks it allowing Smith to head up while she stays behind.

Later that night, when everyone is asleep, Rena sits on a chair outside waiting for someone. Her ears pick up the sound of footsteps and spots a shadowy figure coming closer. Once the person is close enough, Rena stands as the person lowers the hood revealing their face.

It was a man in his early 20s, stood around Rena's height, short black hair, pale skin, bright amber eyes and had a lean build with noticable muscle.

He wore a gray robe with black outlines. Beneath it he wore a dark red shirt, a white tank top under it, charcoal gray leather pants, brown combat boots, black fingerless gloves, a thick leather belt with twin holsters containing dual pistols that morph into blades and ammo holsters for Dust ammunition.

Rena greeted, "Ashton Fall."

The man nodded, "Rena Schwartz."

A/N: Chapter 10 done.

Sorry for the delay, have been coping with the loss of my father. Died in a motorcycle accident on April 25, 2019. As such I took some time off writing to get better emotionally. The good news I'm getting there. Having back to back family losses only 1-3 years apart isn't easy to overcome. First it was my older brother dying from a heroin overdose in May 2016, my grandfather passing away from stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2018 but there was nothing the doctors could do and now my father this year.

Anyway, not much action in this chapter just my attempt of adding tension. We get a glimpse of Rena's personality and views, encounter with Alexia warning her of Ozpin and her team wanting to know who she is.

I also introduced two new characters. One being her adopted father Smith Schwartz, allowing us to see under Rena's stoic, cold exterior. The second character is Ashton Fall. What can his relationship be with Rena?

Read and review.

Stay tuned for chapter 11.

Vader 23A