Chapter 16: Reunion of Sort
Disclaimer: RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum, I only own my OCs.
Team RXDY
The following morning Ashton wakes up at the feeling of the sun's rays poking through the curtains. He feels a weight on his body, looking down he sees Klawdia's head on his chest and arm wrapping around it.
'What the hell?' He thought in confusion.
Klawdia has a silly smile on her face as she sleeps. Whatever she's dreaming about it must be a pretty good one for her to have that smile. At least she isn't drooling on him. He feels the need to use the bathroom so he quietly removes Klawdia's arm from his torso and heads for the bathroom locking the door behind him. Once he's done relieving himself Ashton presses the flush handle down, next he splashes water on his face to aid in waking himself up. Completing that task he dries his face then exits the bathroom. He walks over to the bedside silently grabbing his boots. Slipping them on he exits the room, venturing down to the cafe down in the lobby, sorting through the available food. As he picks what to get Ashton reflects on what his new travel companion told him about the True Grimm.
According to Klawdia the True Grimm have been around far longer, way before the Grimm War happened and were caught in the crossfire reducing their population to what it is today. They also have a huge disdain for the Grimm Remnant faces labeling them abominations. The True Grimm have a queen of their own named Venus who's a T-Rex as well. In regards to the ability of shape shifting it was a necessity for the True Grimm to thrive in today's era.
He recalls seeing this ability first hand. Watching the dinosaur turn into a human. The athletic body, slender curves, alluring red-orange eyes, white skin, black hair, seductive waist, the swell of her breasts that…
'No, no, no, no, none of that. This is a dinosaur Grimm much bigger than me in her true form.' He chastised himself in his head.
Although she does have an innocence rarely seen.
Hearing his stomach growl brings Ashton out of his thoughts, remembering why he came down for. The last thing he wants is have Klawdia turn her hunger on someone else or worse him. Finding what he likes and he thinks Klawdia will like the young Fall returns to his shared room.
Klawdia laughs giddily in her sleep when a strong aroma fills the hallway outside of the room, causing her to sniff. The nice smell stirs Klawdia from her slumber. The lock to the door clicks and Ashton steps inside. She sits up and the covers fall off her torso as she stretches, groaning and rub the sleep out of her eyes.
Ashton asked, "Why are you topless?"
Klawdia blinked, "Eh?" Looking down she saw her breasts were exposed causing her to cover them with an embarrassed look, "Don't stare!"
A sweat drop appeared on the back of Ashton's head, "Kind of late for that, don't you think?" He wonders if her reaction is genuine or she's just toying with him.
The disguised theropod quickly puts her upper attire back on.
Ashton shook his head, "Anyway I bought some breakfast. Need to fuel up for your training." Pulling the food out of the bag, he reveals the food of choice.
For him, he settles with an egg sandwich topped with cheese and with a side of fruit. For Klawdia he purchased two sausage patties on bagels.
The young man places the food on the small table in the room and pulls up the two chairs. Klawdia sniffs her meal again, finding the aroma intoxicating.
She quickly unwraps one and prepares to devour the meal when she remembers the lecture Ashton gave her yesterday making her reign in the urge. Instead she savors every bite, Ashton feels approval hit him as he watches her eat like a human being.
'She's learning quick. That's good.' He thought with praise.
Ashton eats his own meal, finishing it just as Klawdia finishes her second sausage bagel.
She sighed, "Aaah, much better."
Ashton said, "Glad you liked it because you'll need it. Your training begins now." Putting their footwear and respective hooded robe and cloak on, they equip their weapons then exit the room. Ashton pays the toll at the reception desk before the duo leave heading for a shooting range to begin Klawdia's weapon training. After some extensive searching they find an outdoor shooting range complete with a bulls-eye. He borrowed some practice arrows not wanting to waste the Dust ones.
Klawdia switches her bow-sword she dubbed Rigel into its bow form, her instructor standing off to the side his mask attached to his belt.
Ashton pointed at the target, "Okay, Klawdia aim your bow and see if you can hit the bulls-eye." Klawdia follows his instruction, steadying her aim and looking down the sight. To help herself the theropod takes a breath, pulling the cable back in preparation to fire. She then lets go. The arrow screams through the air landing just outside the center. The second arrow lands closer to it. Third time's the charm as that one scores home.
Her instructor nodded, "Nice work. Now, see if you can rapid fire." Klawdia pulls the arrows out and returns to her position, placing each arrow in the quiver.
The dinosaur Grimm readies the first arrow and fires. She fires the next two in rapid succession. Once all three are fired Ashton evaluates, turns out Klawdia is better shooting one at a time. But that's fine, they'll work on it.
Just before they're about to commence with her sword training, Klawdia picks up a scent in the outside air. It's feminine and smells nice.
Ashton asked, "Something wrong?"
Klawdia confirmed, "Yeah, someone's coming." Ashton focuses his ears soon detecting the clinking of heels prompting him to put his mask on.
A female silhouette appears in the background as it comes closer the shape becomes visible taking on the form of Cinder Fall. Klawdia feels Ashton's mood change going from teacher to tense.
'How the fuck did she find us?' Ashton thought, not expecting her to be in Vale.
He watches the young woman come closer seeing her wearing the same red dress she had on the last time he saw her but one difference he noticed is Cinder grew her hair out, covering her left eye. While she's strikingly gorgeous Ashton knows Cinder is extremely dangerous, manipulative and an exceptionally skilled fighter.
Cinder greeted putting on a disarming smile, "Hello there. You must be Stephen Emerald informed me about."
Ashton replied, "That's me. I know who you are, Cinder. You are notorious in your own right. Bright amber eyes, fingernails painted dark red, black hair covering the left eye, red dress. To put it simply, you're a deadly beauty."
Cinder chuckled with her smooth, seductive voice, "Heh heh, they aren't wrong."
Ashton queried, "So what do we owe the pleasure to be graced by your presence? I doubt it's for idol chitchat."
Cinder said, "Straight to the point, I see. Very well. I come here to an extend an offer to you."
Ashton gestured with his hand, "Go on."
Cinder did so, "I'm glad to see you're willing to listen. Here's the offer. Judging by the aura you give off, Stephen you've experienced the cruel hardships Remnant throws at us. Your potential is being wasted wandering the lands. Why don't you put that to better use? Join me and you won't be lonely anymore. You won't starve." Ashton knows this trick.
He declined, "Your offer is tempting but I'm comfortable with what I am doing. You'll have to convince me more." He won't be swayed easily.
Cinder crossed her arms, staring at the ground for a moment then directed her gaze back at her point of interest, "What do you desire? I can aid you in that quest. What is it? Money? Glory? Fame? Maybe power?"
Ashton smirked under his mask, "Fame is overrated. Money can't buy you happiness. What good is wealth without purpose? Money is just material. Power is a double-edged sword. If you let it consume you, it leads to your downfall. How about this? Let's have a duel. If win, I can resume my thing."
Cinder asked, "And if I win?"
Ashton told her, "If you win, me and Klawdia will join your cause."
'He knows how negotiate. Very commendable.' Cinder thought approvingly.
Klawdia asked, "You sure this is wise? Cinder looks-" Ashton places a hand over her mouth, silencing her objection.
Cinder said, "Okay, you got yourself a deal."
Ashton told her, "Here are the rules for our little duel, Cinder. The first one to disarm the other wins. Lethal force is prohibited. Let's head somewhere else I don't want to wreck property." The trio move to an open field. Ashton and Cinder stand on opposing ends, Klawdia a good distance from the fight about to happen.
Cinder draws her weapon Midnight in its sword form and crossed while Ashton readies Wrath in its blade form, holding it out in front of him earning a look of intrigue from Cinder. Either he's confident or foolish to use a single blade.
The young woman stated, "Ready when you are."
Ashton joked, "Are you comfortable fighting in those heels? They must cost a lot."
Cinder grinned, "They're sturdier than they look." A stare down ensues waiting to see who flinches.
'He's not stupid. Guess I'll make the first move.' The young woman thought.
She charges swinging Midnight at her challenger Ashton deflects the attack spinning Wrath in a circular fashion. Cinder launches her second only to have Ashton block it. Upping the aggression the young woman swings Midnight in a blur of obsidian her opponent moves his arms parrying the onslaught and kicks Cinder in the chest making her skid back. Lifting her gaze Cinder notices Ashton not moving from his spot.
'Playing mind games, eh? How amusing.' She thought.
Ashton watches her come at him bringing one arm up across her chest swinging it prompting him to bring Wrath up to catch it out of the corner of his eye he spots the other blade approaching his abdomen he catches the off-hand with his free one and throws her in the opposite direction. Cinder quickly straightens and shifts her weapon into its bow form, arrows form out of thin air and she fires them. They land at Ashton's feet, orange circles appear warning alarms blare in his head and leaps back just before the ground explodes Cinder rushes at him her weapon back in its sword form. Sparks fly as their blades clash and Cinder returns the favor kicking him the chest with her heel. Releasing a small grunt he retaliates with a head butt temporarily stunning her the young woman. She rubs the spot and a barely audible gasp escapes her as Ashton looms over her.
Klawdia stands on the sidelines watching her new friend battle Cinder. She wants to help but a quick glance from Ashton tells her to stay put as if sensing her intention.
The combatants lock blades.
Cinder commented, "You have no trouble wielding a single blade."
Ashton replied, "Dual blades, single blade, it doesn't matter. As long as you know how to use them, that's all that matters. But, I can see the options dual weapons provide." To emphasize he pulls out Vengeance and fires making Cinder break off the lock to deflect the bullets. Ashton shifts Wrath into its gun form joining the second weapon in releasing bullets at the target.
Cinder moves Midnight to protect herself expecting the challenger to run out of ammo but to her intrigue Ashton stops firing.
She complimented, "You are more skilled than originally thought. Yet something about you feels familiar." Ashton doesn't falter.
Instead he replied, "Meh, I get that a lot. I trained hard to be this good, Cinder." A smirk forms on her face. She likes this one.
Ashton twirls his gun-swords around to Cinder's amusement then places them in their holsters but keeping his hands above the handles just in case he needs to draw making like the sight resemble an Old West movie with the cowboys staring each other down. Even through the mask Cinder can feel Ashton's piercing gaze. They draw simultaneously and fire Ashton's bullets deflect Cinder's arrows. Midnight vanishes catching Ashton's interest.
Cinder smiled, "Okay, let's see how you handle this." She moves her hands through intricate waves fire appears out of thin air. She aims the fire at her opponent Ashton runs forward his dual gun-swords in blade form. Cinder waves her flame covered hands in the blades' path halting the attack. Her eyes widen when Ashton quickly gets behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and executes a German suplex. He feels heat forming and releases the hold.
As Klawdia watches the two fight she feels excitement within her instructor.
Ashton places his gun-swords in their holsters and rushes at Cinder. He dodges fire attacks throwing quick punches into her stomach until she unleashes a burst of fire knocking Ashton onto his back a few feet away. He kip-ups to see Cinder in his face, a ball of fire in her hand. No doubt planning to use it at point-blank range. Ashton catches her outstretched arm pulling her in for an uppercut. A smirk appears on Cinder's face she is enjoying this.
She commented, "You're an experienced fighter for someone so young."
Ashton said, "You as well. You've seen your share of battles." He catches Cinder's weapon hands but it's a ploy for her to connect a kick to the chin. Ashton recovers drawing his gun-swords in their blade form and charges.
Cinder is driven to defense when Ashton swings Wrath and Vengeance at her. She ducks to evade a chopping move although strands of her hair get cut off. Locking blades with Midnight Ashton shoves Cinder back the weapons clash sparks fly while the clanging of metal rings through the air. Halting a surprise attack he wrestles Midnight to the left then pushes Cinder onto her back pointing Vengeance at her.
He told her, "You are beaten. It is useless to resist." Cinder switches her weapon into its bow form taking aim at her challenger. Ashton dodges the arrow, this allows Cinder to get up and shift Midnight into blade form again. With a yell Ashton bashes into her defense catching Cinder off-guard, Ashton uses the momentum to push her back. He swings both of his weapons to the right ripping one of Cinder's blades out of her hand and swings his gun-swords right then left, each one staggering Cinder. He scores a hit on Cinder's waist, hits an X strike and finishes with an uppercut. Cinder lands on her back she's grateful her aura protected her from that last attack sequence. The cocking of a gun draws her attention, looking up she sees Wrath pointed at her.
Ashton ordered, "Acknowledge your defeat."
Cinder closed her eyes, "A loss is a loss. You win. As part of the agreement, you may continue doing your thing. The offer remains open if you change your mind, though." Ashton backs up allowing Cinder to stand.
She turned to leave when Ashton warned, "The path you're going down leads to only one outcome, Cinder. Those who desire power above everything else loses that he or she once cherished and makes enemies of those who won't hesitate to use the same power against you. For your own sake, it's best you turn away from this path."
The young woman looked over her shoulder, "Have you experienced it yourself?"
Ashton told her, voice stern, "No but I've seen what it does to people."
Cinder directed her gaze to the front, "That won't happen to me."
Ashton said, "Be careful not to choke on your arrogance, Cinder. It won't end well for you." The young woman doesn't respond to that. Instead she departs not seeing Ashton remove his mask. He sees the marking on the mid part of her upper back in the form of high heels touching each other.
Once she is gone Klawdia asked, "Who was that?"
Ashton whipped around to her clapping, "Don't worry about it. Let's resume your training, shall we? Next we commence with sword training."
Klawdia queried with concern, "Are you sure? You just got done fighting her."
Ashton barked, "Less talk more listening." The lesson continues until dusk, Ashton wanting to see how long his travel partner can last until she passed out from exhaustion. To his surprise, Klawdia can last a long time. They eat a nice dinner courtesy of him.
Later that night, while Klawdia sleeps, he stands on the balcony to the room he purchased for the night. Throughout their duel Ashton felt Cinder was holding back with him, she wasn't going all-out even though he forbid lethal force. Regardless he wonders what Cinder's doing here in Vale City.
Looking at the night sky he sees a meteor shower. He feels it's an omen for something big happening soon. Something terrible and he feels Cinder plays a major role in it. He walks into the room and removes his travel attire before joining Klawdia in the bed, closing his eyes to sleep.
Cinder sits on the bed after returning to the guest dorm at Beacon Academy.
Emerald asked her, "How did it go?"
The young woman replied, "I failed to persuade him. A shame. He's exceptionally skilled, could've made a powerful ally. He'll come around in due time."
Emerald queried, "Do you think he could become a threat?"
Cinder said, "Remains to be seen. Although he did seem familiar. Is it possible that…" She shook her head, "No, it's impossible. That person died. There's no way he can be alive. Get some sleep, you two. We got a month to finish preparations before the Vytal Tournament begins."
Mercury smirked, "As long as I get some action, I'm fine with it."
Cinder smiled, a cold one, "You will have fun, Mercury." The trio sleep with Cinder wondering if Stephen shares a connection to someone she knew during her earlier days.
A/N: Chapter 16 done.
Here we see Ashton commence with Klawdia's if she wants to travel with him. During such he has an encounter with Cinder Fall, seeing if she can recruit him to her cause. After a duel, she lost the bet and as promised will leave Ashton to what he's doing but leaves the offer to him if he changes his mind. Hmm, does he remind her of someone?
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Stay tuned for chapter 17.
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