"Disclaimer: I own nothing. Rooster Teeth has everything."
"REVIEWS!"
"anon44575173: Yup. A big beacon for Grimm. He is at the moment."
"Guest: Yup. Middle ground sounds good. The thing is find a way to take a redeemable aspect from mister "Let's Nuke the whole planet.""
"Guest:Aww geez. I don't think I'm doing that much..."
"Knight of the Thorn Crown: Before I address your review, I will quote Deadpool: "What the fuck? That's the coolest name ever!""
"Now for your review: Maybe they will, maybe not. It's going to be hard to find an AI powerful enough to run the suit on Remnant. Just look at what happened to Epsilon...
"As for the dock scene... I totally regret doing that. I should have left Felix go all out on them, Ruby or not. Would have painted him as a more grey character. Someone who's helping but in a brutal manner. Maybe I'll open a poll to see if you guys want that changed."
"ARKOS4LIFE! But I don't know if Pyrrha is going to like Felix in that way he's too much... him."
"Felix: Yeah! And being me is awesome!"
"Me: GET OUT!"
The light subdued, Felix continued scowling.
Here he was, back in Remnant, and not in the way he wanted. Instead of coming back to do what he does best, he is here as Locus' little bitch. And if he doesn't comply, then mister doom and gloom is going to put a bullet on the back of his head. Fucking bullshit.
"Walk. Our ship should still be here," His treacherous partner said from behind in the same monotonous tone.
"Whatever," He huffed, like he has another choice. Locus was always behind his back, he probably knows that if he turns his back on Felix then he is going to receive multiplayer shots and stab wounds. Smartass...
The corridor was pretty much the same, and a part of Felix wondered if this place used to be a temple of sorts before time took its toll and buried with nature. Did that meant Remnant had contact with aliens before? If so then why did the Covenant ignored them for so long?
'Grimm,' Was the only explanation he could come up with. 'They probably didn't wanted to deal with the Creatures of Grimm.'
And now he was here, dealing not only with them but with his goodie two shoes partner. Fucking yay.
As they got near the entrance of the cave, Felix stopped and looked to the bundle of cloths standing to the side.
Crocea Moirs laying beneath them.
"Why are you stopping?" Locus asked, fingering one of his guns in case he tried any sudden moves.
His words were drowned to Felix. He just stared at the cloth with a scowl unnoticed beneath his helmet. His hands gripped by the sides. A part of him wanted to grabbed it, but he didn't needed it... He already had a sword and a shield—Way better than what these antiques could dream to be!
Those were a dead man's weapon. Or well, dead kid's weapon.
He was shoved to the side, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Hey!"
Locus ignored him, instead crouching to pick up the cloth and revealing the weapon. "... These were yours?"
Felix scoffed and looked to the side. "What makes you said that?"
"From what we know the only native from this world that knows of this access to Chorus is you," Locus said. "And this weapon is obviously from this world, it reminds me of what the people on those docks were using."
"That weapons is Arc's," Felix said, his hand going to the hilt of the plasma sword he had on his hip. Locus tensed and reached for his magnum. Felix rolled his eyes and continued. "I have a much better blade," He said, taking his hand off the hilt.
Locus relaxed and looked at the weapon. "We're taking it."
"What?!"
"We'll need all the weaponry we can get," Locus said. "Even if it doesn't possess firepower, it can prove to be useful."
"What is so useful about a fucking sword and shield!" Felix growled, looking furiously at the reminder of the brat. "That the shield can turn into a scabbard?!"
Locus stayed silent and his gaze went to the shield. "It does, huh?"
Felix gaped. "For fuck's sake, Locus!"
"We are taking it," Locus said, glaring defiantly at him. "End of the discussion."
Felix breathed heavily. He wanted to reach for his sword and stab the bastard, but he knew Locus was expecting that. The moment he takes his hand to the hilt, he will turn invisible and will fill him with more holes than a cheese before he can flicker the sword on.
"Fine!" He spat. "Not like you have swordsman training or anything," With that, he walked out of the cave.
Locus look at the weapon over and flickered a switch. The shield compacting into a scabbard. "Hmmm..." He sheated the sword and holstered on his hip.
As they stepped out of the temple, Felix glared up at the broken moon. Never in any of the other planets he's been during the Great War has he seen any other planet with a broken moon. 'Another proof this place is a shithole.'
Was he biased? Yes. Was he on a sour mood? Also yes. Did he have murderous intentions? Fuck. Yes.
And guess what detected those feelings?
"Grrrrr..."
Felix clicked his teeth and his hand went to his hip, Locus tensing and doing the same. "Calm down, asshole. It's not for you... It's for them."
From behind the trees in front of them, three creatures resembling wolves came out, crawling and snarling. Beowolves, Grimm.
"So those are the creatures haunting this world," Locus mused, pulling out his rifle.
Felix scoffed. "Please. Compared to the Elites, these guys are puppies."
The Grimm from the front howled and charged forward, the other two following.
Felix charged ahead as well, while Locus stayed behind. The silent mercenary opened suppressive fire to the wolves. Some bullets bounced off their bone-like armor, while others imbedded on the unprotected parts, making them stall.
Felix flickered his sword on. He stomped down and swung upwards, the front Beowulf's head abandoned his body and flew through the skies.
The other two recovered from their wounds and turned to glare at the orange mercenary. Snarling one of them leaped to tear his flesh out, but with the flicker of wrist Felix's shield bounced it off. The shield vanished and Felix stabbed forward, his sword imbedding on the pup's stomach—Killing it.
The last one lunged as well, this time from behind. Again the shield came to life, bouncing the poor wolf. Felix flickered his sword off and grabbed his magnum instead. He pressed the trigger and three bullets filled the mutt's stomach.
With a pathetic wimper the beowulf vanished, like his brethren.
"Wimps," Felix chortled. Feeling slightly better now that he actually achieved a victory after a day of constant fuck-ups.
"So those are the creatures of the Grimm," Locus said, his voice causing Felix's good mood to vanish. "They don't leave a body behind. My bullets didn't seemed to be enough to kill them, how unfortunate."
"Weird way for you to say good fucking riddance. To kill this fuckers, you need either a great weapon like mine, or Dust. And lucky you, our future employer has that on spades," Felix rolled his eyes at having to explain everything here, and walked away. "C'mon the bullhead should be up ahead."
The two walked into the forest, and waiting for them was the same bullhead they hijacked a few weeks ago. Or was it a just a few hours ago, he'll have to check and see how long they've been out in this place's time.
"We'll need to get rid of these thing when we have the chance," Felix said as he entered the bullhead. "They'll notice the missing cargo at some point. And it might be traced back to this place."
Locus gave a grunt of acknowledge as he stepped into the bullhead. They reached the cockpit and Felix turned the ship on and lef the forest, and the connection to Chorus behind.
As they neared the same place where they met Cinder and her associates, Felix checked the computer to look for information on the docks incident; something so flashy couldn't go ignored just like that.
"Huh. Apparently it's been around a day here..." Felix told his partner. "Not that much time..."
"That woman will be suspicious we're back so soon," Locus said, checking his cartridges. "And I would prefer if she didn't learned about Chorus' portal."
"Yeah, I figured," Felix said, rolling his eyes. "I already thought of that, and it's not even a lie."
"I fear what might come out of your mouth," Locus snarked.
"Bite me. We're here," Felix said, his ship touching the floor.
There didn't seemed to be any movement as they landed. Not even a White Fang guard like before. Felix walked forward and knocked the door. "Pizza Delivery~" He sang on a deadpan voice.
Locus from behind his helmet gave an unimpressed look. "You cannot take anything seriously—"
"Oh sweet! Finally-" The door opened and a White Fang grunt that wore glasses over his mask appeared. "... Umm, boss? I think someone's here to see you!"
"You better have pretty good damn reason why you haven't killed that per-" Roman Torchwick appeared from behind him. His face immediately soured as he saw Felix's armored form. "Oh, it's you."
"Nice to see ya again, buddy," Felix snarked, crossing his arms. "Where's that smoking hot boss of yours?"
Roman glared at him and gripped his cane. Apparently he was still angry at the way Felix had busted his operation at the docks. He grunted and pointed inside. "Get in."
Both mercenaries entered the familiar warehouse, were many grunts of the White Fang glare at them. Either because they were human or because Felix killed two of their friends the other night. Who could know?"
From the catwalk, the tapping of heels could be heard, and the one and only Cinder Fall appeared. She gave the two armored men a seductive smile, almost pleased. "Locus, Felix. Nice to see you again."
"M'lady," Felix mock bowed, while Locus grunted and nodded in her direction..
Cinder made their way down and raised an eyebrow at the two. "I didn't expected you to be back so soon, that job of yours seemed important."
"Our employer backed off," Felix sneered. "To much of a coward to go through. So, we're at your service... For the accorded price that is."
"You'll have your money when you show your usefulness," Cinder remarked, crossing her arms.
"Fine, fine," Felix said, raising his arms. "Although, we might need another couple of additions."
Cinder didn't looked amused. "And what would it be?"
"Modifications," Locus cut in, taking out his SAW rifle and deposing it on a nearby table. "To make them able to use Dust," He made sure to say the name naturally, to not call any attention at his lack of knowledge on the element.
Cinder raised a fine eyebrow. "They aren't able to do so?" She had thought Felix had used Dust ammunition on his fight with Mercury.
"They were modified by our former employer," Felix said swiftly. "But with the firepower they have, it would be a waste to just replace them," He handed Cinder his Magnum while keeping his DMR with him.
Cinder observed the gun for a moment before handing it to a grunt of the White Fang. "We'll see what we can do," She put her hands on her hips and gave him another look. "You don't seem to posses any mecha-shift weapons.
"Don't need it," Felix said. "I have my knives, my guns," He patted his belt, where his knife and sword were holstered. "I'll be fine."
Cinder's eyes went to the belt. She looked at the hilt resting on his hip. "And that is?"
Felix wanted to click his teeth. He wanted to keep some things close to his chest, and he doubts he can lie his way out. And from the corner of his eyes he noticed Locus staring at him. He tilted his head so Locus would know he is staring back. Eventually the green mercenary looked back at the grunts fiddling with the weapons. The floor was his then.
He took the hilt and flickered the sword open. He took satisfaction in all the stares he was getting. "Yes, yes. It is amazing. And its all mine."
Cinder stares wide-eyed at the sword. "Remarkable."
"You can see, but can't touch, sweetheart," Felix said, turning it off.
"With every thing you show you become more of an enigma," Cinder said, walking around him. "You're not from Atlas, and yet you have technology only they could create."
"Atlas dreams to have my sword," Felix said. "But I think that's enough about me. Time to talk business, babe."
Cinder stopped. "Very well, what do you need to know?"
"Our assignments," Locus said, walking forward. "What are our objectives."
Cinder gave them a pleasant smile. "Very good. I have two things I need from the two of you. One wilk stay here, with Roman and the White Fang to prepare for an operation you'll learn about... In time."
Felix looked at his partner. This operation was what Locus wanted to sabotage, so he was going to take on this 'operation' she has in mind. He glared at him for a moment for ruining what could have been a good deal just because he wanted to be a goodie two shoes, and then looked back at Cinder. "And what is the other."
Cinder took out her scroll. "The semester of Beacon Academy ends in a few days. When the second semester starts, students from other academies will arrive for the Vytal Festival. I will go as a student from Haven academy along with Emerald and Mercury."
"So you need a fourth member?" Felix asked. Going back to Beacon... Meh, at least as a fake Haven student he wouldn't be around his former team, or RWBY.
"Not quite," Cinder smirked. "We already have the fourth member. But a contact of mine told me about some interesting news from Beacon. Apparently one of the team's lost a member, expelled from forging his way in."
... No.
"To have more allies in Beacon, as a transfer from Haven, with a good word from Lionheart, I'm sure Ozpin will accept anyone."
Fuck! No way!
"What... Is the name of the team?" He asked. 'Say it's CRDL or some other bullshit like that!'
"Currently they are known as NPR, but formerly, when their teammate and leader was around, they were known as JNPR, or Juniper."
... Nu-uh, no way. He turned to Locus. "Well I guess-"
"-Felix will be up for the job," Locus said. "I'm afraid to say, I won't be able to bend as a student. And between the two of us, Felix is more capable of keeping a role. Don't worry for appearances, he can pass as a seventeen year old."
Felix's fists clenched at his sides. If he didn't wanted to kill Locus before then now he was going to make him suffer. Of all the teams! Of all the academies! Of all the planets that blasted beam had to sent them!
"Isn't there... Anything else I can do for you?" Years of experience as a masterful actor allowed him to keep emotions in check.
"Not that I can think of," Cinder said with a shrug. "I have almost everything covered with what I have. And what's that you said before? 'For the right price I say jump and you don't even ask how high?'"
Fuck!
She has him by the balls now. If he runs now, not only will she sent her crooks, and probably herself too, she looked had to be powerful Huntress to be able to control Torchwick and the fang, but will also send Locus—Who already made clear he would kill him if he stepped out of line, and will do so if it meant winning their trust.
What were his options even if he escaped? Go back to Chorus and call the attention of their army, as well as the UNSC?
Fuck it all to hell and back.
"..." Felix sighed and bottled any feelings of anger for later. Perks of Remnant? The Grimm make perfect stress relief. "Fine. But I will ask for two more things."
"Jeez, someone is needy," Roman snidely said from behind. "Yeah! I'm still here!"
"No one cares!" Felix snapped, but quickly reigned his temper in. "Look, just... I need hair dye, black, and color contact lenses, red."
"Why?" Cinder asked, putting a finger under his chin. "What's so wrong about what's below?" She cooed seductively.
"Many things," He said, putting her hand away. "Do that. Give me weapons, and I'll carry this forward. Ask me to jump, and I'll go to the fucking moon."
Cinder smiled pleasedly. "Good. I'll talk to Leonardo and have your transcripts ready. Roman, be a dear and get the man his tools."
"I'm the delivery boy now?" Roman asked under his breath. "Fine. Any mark robotron?"
"I don't know, you ask me. With all that mascara you must be familiar with beauty products," Felix fired back.
Roman sneered at him and walk forward. "Just because you beat one of her brats, doesn't mean you can beat me. I've been in this longer than them."
"And yet they still hold your leash, huh?" Felix walking forward to glare at him. "But if you want to test it out, then let's go old man."
Technically he was older. But hey! He recovered his youth, he had the right to call anyone and old man again.
He heard Locus cock his gun behind his back, and then he felt a cold tip on his neck. His eyes trailed to his left where... Oh lord...
A petite woman with multicolored hair and a white suit was staring at him. A cruel smirk on her face as she pressed her blade against his neck. But Felix just stared at her chest, even with the suit he could tell she has some big girls behind it.
"Neo! Glad you're back!" Torchwick extended his arms in a greeting. "Mett Cindy's new pets. Thing one and thing two."
Neo raised her hand and wiggled her fingers on a way of salute. Felix raised his hand and waved.
"Drop the blade," Locus growled from behind. Gun aimed at the girl.
Neo turned to glare at him. Her eyes shifting among colors.
"Neo, as much as I'd like to see you gut this guy like a fish, Cinder wants them alive," Torchwick sighed. "Leave it for now, sweetie."
Neo pouted and lowered her blade and sheated into an umbrella. She took a step towards Felix and looked him up and down. Then she smiled like a cat who spotted a canary and walked away, swaying her hips.
"... What was that?" Felix asked.
Roman rolled his eyes. "Neo finds you interesting. Lucky you," He said with a deadpan, before walking after the girl. "It's probably the armor."
The two criminals walked to another room of the warehouse, leaving the mercenaries alone with the grunts of the White Fang.
Locus narrowed his eyes as he walked next to Felix. "So they have another ally. She appeared out of nowhere, must be her power."
"Semblance," Felix corrected, looking distracted.
"... What's gotten into you know?" The silent mercenary asked.
"Locus... I have now a personal objective," Felix smirked. "That Neo chick... Is going to be on my bed."
Locus deadpanned, hard. Felix was a womanizer—To the surprise of nobody who interacted with him. And in more than one occasion he has taken advantage on a mission to hit on women. The mission they did on the club to kidnap Lozano's son, and where he said he found the 'Unicorn' of bar chicks.
'Unfortunate,' He thought, walking away. "As long as it doesn't distract you from your task, it should be fine."
And like that, Felix's mood soured. Remembering just what he was supposed to do.
An apartment near to the warehouse were they were keeping all the dust was what Cinder gave them as a place to stay. It wasn't much, but she assured them it was temporal.
Temporal... Because he would be going back to Beacon. To Team JNPR, or NPR.
The products he asked for had arrived. He was on the bathroom of their place, while Locus was making sure the room wasn't bugged. He didn't wanted Cinder to discover his schemes.
He removed his helmet and looked at HIM on the mirror. Jaune Arc was scowling back at him.
Felix sneered. "You must be so fucking happy, huh asshole!" He growled. "You got your fucking wish to go back to school!"
Arc continued to scowl at him. Felix sneered and grabbed the bottle of hair dye. "Well you won't get to enjoy it. I will be better than you, I am better than you! And whatever that chick is planning will serve me to finally forget about that place once and for all."
He applied the dye across his golden locks and scrub it furiously so they would soon turn black. Even if the roots remained yellow. It didn't mattered to him.
He grabbed the lenses and put them on his eyes. He blinked a few times until the blue orbs turned a blood red.
When the dye finally dried and set in, he grabbed an electrician barber razor and started to shave the hair on his sides. Shaping his 'do into a mohawk like he used to have back on UNSC territory. "Good, good," He grinned. "Now I'm starting to look like myself..."
He grabbed one of his knives. "But now..." He took a deep breath and sighed. "The final touch."
Even with the change of hairstyle and color, or his lenses, his team could recognize him. Not to mention Ruby and her team. He needed something that would set him apart from the goof that was Jaune Arc.
He pressed the blade against his cheek and dragged it down across it. He took shuddering breaths as he felt his skin tear open like this. He dropped the knife into the sink and he panted, gripping his teeth as his new formed scar burned into his flesh. "Fuuuuck!" He hissed. "Okay aura, don't heal this."
The door opened, he turned around to see Locus without his helmet giving him his usual serious look. "The room is safe. No bugs."
"'Cept for cockroaches," Felix said, stamping one insect. "Is there anything to patch this thing the old, classical way?" He asked, pointing to his bleeding wound.
"There's a first aid kit on one of the drawers," Locus said, before giving Felix a strange look. "There's something I need you to do for me."
Felix glared at him. "What is it now?"
"This aura thing. I want you to unlock it in me," Locus said.
Felix looked at him in disbelief. He let out a mirthless laugh and stomped forward. "You have a lot of nerve asking me that!" He spat. "You drag me here, you throw me into going back to a place I rather never step foot again, and now you want me to unlock your fucking aura!?"
"Yes," He replied bluntly.
"Fuck you!" Felix shoved him forward. "What's stopping me from killing you now, Locus!?" He asked, taking out the hilt of his sword. "You are without weapons! We leave left them at Cinder's place so she could make them compatible with Dust!"
Locus took out a magnum hidden behind him. "Did you seriously thought I would keep myself defenseless against you?" He asked, aiming the gun at his head. "You need to get close to use that, while I have enough ammunition to shot you down. And if this aura protects you, it will give me time to escape and tell that woman you are not willing to go through the plan."
Felix scowled even further. Without his helmet, he couldn't activate his shield. Locus was near the door, he could do exactly as he said, shot him, causing him to be stunned and he would run and fed Cinder a lie. "You bastard..."
"It doesn't have to be this way, Felix," Locus said. "We can work together."
"Right, because I'm not being forced into anything!" Felix growled.
"Think about it," Locus said. "If we are able to stop this woman from whatever she's planning, then we can get on this place's authorities good grace. Giving us amnesty from working with her, and then we can go our separate ways."
"... What makes you think I want to go through that?" Felix asked, eyes narrowing. It sounded good actually, to settle down with the lien he could take from Cinder when she fell, but at the same time he just didn't wanted to play on Locus' tune.
"Nothing," Locus said. "But there's no guarantee she will keep her end of the deal either. It won't be the first time an employer has turned their back on us."
True... Before Malcolm Hargrove there were others. Greedy bastards who didn't wanted to gave them their payment. Of course the two of them hunt them down so they would know not to mess with them, but Cinder... Was different. She wasn't just an criminal mastermind, she was a Huntress. If she can have Roman, and her two brats under control she had to be. If she doesn't fulfill her part... There would be nothing Felix could do.
'Could really use the Meta's armor right now...' He thought with a deadpan. Maybe that beautiful piece of tech would've helped him. "Okay. Let's say I don't help you... Heck, let's say I go to Cinder and tell her what your plan is. What will you do about it? She doesn't seem to be one to left loose ends, she would hunt you down and kill you."
Locus grabbed his helmet and put it on his head. "She can try. But she'd fail," He activated his camo to make his point clear.
Right. If Locus wanted he could disappear, he doesn't exist here on Remnant. Would be hard to find him. Almost impossible.
But Locus could find him. "Stop with the dramatics," Felix growled. "You've made your point," He said bitterly.
Locus appeared again. "As I see, these are your choices: Betray me and help Cinder with her plan, until I found you. Or help me, stop this woman, and then we can go our separate ways."
Felix huffed. "What stops you from killing me afterwards."
"Nothing. But I won't," Locus said. "I will give you the chance to do as you please. You can continue on your ways if you like. As long as it doesn't involves me. If afterwards, we cross paths again, and you are still destroying the lives of others. I will stop you."
Felix scowled at him. He didn't liked these. Not one bit. He was being forced into this bullshit and he hates it. His only good option was to kill Locus while he was working with Cinder, but he was going to keep his guard up and the two were going to be on different places.
"I... Hate you so much right now," He growled. "I'll go along with this. But if it backfires, I won't be there to save your ass this time!"
"Fine," Locus grunted.
Felix flickered his sword off. "Now. I will unlock your aura," He walked forward. "I don't want to hear a blip from you while I do it!"
"What do you-"
"Apapa! Not a blip," Felix said. "Take off your helmet."
Locus did so slowly. His green eyes narrowing him with suspicion.
Felix walked forward and pressed his forehead against his. He felt Locus tense, he ignored. 'If this was an anime, someone would be doing some sick drawings of us...' He thought mirthlessly. 'Okay, brain. I know it was a long time ago, but try and remember what Pyrrha said.'
He thought back to the Emerald Forest. Him getting a cut on his cheek. Pyrrha doing the same thing he was doing right now. And the chant.
'For it is in passing that we achieve victory... And then... Er... Through this we become... Something, something of virtue... Fuck I don't know, this doesn't roll with me. Is that it or I can make my own?' He opens his eyes to see Locus looking at him expectantly. He sighed and spoke what came to mind. "For it is in passing that we achive victory. By taking our preferred way to become paragons of strength and power to stand above them all, infinite in ambition and unbound by death," His eyes closed as the words rolled out of his mouth, almost naturally. "I release your soul, and by my power I unleash thee."
Locus' eyes widened, while Felix took a step back. His body emanated a faint glow that covered even his armor. "It feels..."
"Badass?"
"That's a way of saying," He grunted, lowering his hands. "And about those powers..."
"Semblances?" Felix asked, walking towards the drawer with the kit. "I don't know man. I went through a fucking war and I haven't unlocked mine. Maybe it'll come to you, maybe it won't. Who knows."
Locus' eyes narrowed and he looked to the side. "That's unfortunate," He said.
"Well, not much you can do about it," He said. "Shit's freaking random. For now... We wait."
"And what should we do... With that?" Locus pointed to something on the corner of the room.
Felix frowned and looked at the object laying innocently against a wall. Crocea Moirs. He scoffed. "Keep it, sell it. It's up to you. His former owner is dead. Might want to give it a paint job though, the Arcs might recognize it."
Locus didn't answered. He just grunted and picked the weapon to settle it on a table.
He took out the bandages and applied on his self-made wound. From the corner of his eyes, he observed Locus merely sitting on a chair to sleep. Even then, he doubts he'll drop his guard around him. 'Can't believe this is what I'm doing now...' He thought with a sneer. 'Killing him wouldn't change the fact that I have to go to Beacon again either way," He finished patching his cheek and sighed. 'Worst day ever.'
Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon sipped from a delicious mug of cocoa as he reviewed the paperwork he had to get ready for the students coming from different Kingdoms for the Vytal Festival, when he received an incoming call from his computer.
He pressed a few keys and was greeted by the smiling image of his good friend Leonardo Lionheart. "Ozpin! Long time no see, how've you been?"Ozpin smiled. "Leonardo. To what do I own the pleasure?" He asked.
Leonardo chuckled. "Nothing seems to get by you, huh old friend?" The lion faunus leaned forward. "Listen, ever since you told me of the problem you had with one of your students... The one who was expelled," He cleared his throat nervously. "I've been looking for a way to help you out, since I know one of your teams is now currently lacking a member."
Ozpin's expression immediately fell at the reminder. Young Jaune Arc. The boy in whom he could see so much potential to become a capable leader. Ozpin was no fool, he could see through his transcript the moment he received them, but with just passing the initiation and guiding his team, the boy probed he had the material to being a Huntsman.
Then the members of team CRDL, sans their leader, had come to Glynda to spill the beans. The woman had been furious, and the other professors thought it would be better for the boy to leave. Fearing that by the time the second semester's missions started he could be in more danger than his teammates.
The pressure from his peers, and the fact that said information became public to all of Beacon, left him with no choice but to expel the boy. Truly a shame.
He had brought it up upon the recent conference call with the Headmaster of other academies when talking about the tournament. Ironwood from Atlas approved of the action, saying that while the heart of the boy was on the right place he should've tried the next year by legitimate means. Theodore laughed saying the boy had guts and that he would have accept him if he knew how to use a weapon, typical Vacuan style. While Leonardo stayed neutral, saying Ozpin did what he had to do.
"Oz?" Leonardo's voice called him out of his reminiscing.
"Sorry Leo," Ozpin apologized. "Just brought a sour memory."
"I'm sorry for that, then," Leonardo said with a small bow. "But anyways, as I was telling you I might have a solution. One of my teams had an accident, except for one. They won't be able to compete on the tournament but I see it unfair for this last student to be left out. With how much dedication he put on preparing so... I thought I could both help him, and yourself."Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "You're offering one of your students to represent Vale for the tournament?" He chuckled. "Leonardo, you could be sabotaging yout chances at winning."
"Ho ho, please," Leonardo gave a belly laugh and waved his wand on a dismissive manner. "In a way of speaking he would be representing Mistral, and what better way to represent the spirit of the festival than by being a good sport and give you a helping hand? Plus, he'll be on a team with the Invincible Girl, Pyrrha Nikos, a Mistralian herself, so in a way it's a team that represents both Vale and Mistral!"Ozpin hummed in thought. He has been wondering on what to do with team NPR—Renaming in process. It would be an uproar if a known figure such as Miss Nikos didn't participate, but it would be unfair to have them go three on four during the first rounds.
They had taken the parting of their leader hard, constantly asking to contact him and trying to convince the staff to give him a second chance but... Given current circumstances that was impossible.
Leonardo was once again showing his goodwill by lending a student just like that. A part of him, one forged by many, many, years of bad experiences wanted to be suspicious about the selfless act. But his fellow Headmaster had never give him reasons to doubt his judgement.
"Very well," Ozpin said. "I'll speak it with Glynda, and inform team NPR. Thank you, Leonardo."
"It was nothing. I hope my boy can help out yout team. And might the best kingdom win," He said jovially. With that, the screen turned off.
Ozpin smiled at the aid he received from the lion faunus. He took a sip from his cup. Now he will inform Team NPR, and hope they take on having a new teammate as something good. Specially taking in consideration current circumstances.
Jaune Arc was declared missing days after he was sent home to Ansel. He didn't even arrived.
He was just waiting now. Waiting for when Nicholas Arc came here, undoubtedly furious, and hope he could calm his fury.
'Another mistake added to the long list,' He thought as he sipped his drink. 'Maybe I should have Qrow and even Taiyang ready for back-up...'
Leonardo sighed as he cut the transmission with Ozpin. Shame filling his body at having to lie. 'But I don't have a choice!' He despaired, trying to justified himself.
"Impressive, Leonardo," He looked at another screen to see Cinder Fall smiling. "Thank you for doing this favor for me. I'm sure she will be pleased." With that the screen flickered off.
He slouched down and gripped his hair. 'Forgive me Ozpin. But you can't fight her... You just can't!'
Two weeks. Two weeks sitting ducks as per Cinder's orders. But the day has finally arrived.
In that time, neither him or Locus had taken off their helmets. When Cinder asked them to he responded by saying. "When the mission start, honey. The wait will be worthy." She didn't pressed the issues since it wasn't that important, just her curiosity.
Their weapons received the appropriate modifications. Felix's DMR could now hold fire and lightning Dust, while his magnum could use fire dust and ice.
He also asked for more knives and a special place to keep them.
Locus SAW could use only fire dust, while his magnum could change between lightning and fire, and his shotgun could change between fire and ice dust.
Locus also had... One last thing. He realized from what he's seen in this world that melee weapons were as needed as long range ones. That's why the mecha-shift exists. So... Hanging from his hip was a scabbard painted with the same black and green colors of his armor, a hilt keeping this pattern resting in it.
Yup. Locus had decided to adopt Crocea Moirs. He didn't called it that though, and neither did he gave it a new name—For him it was a sword and a shield, nothing more that required a name.
Felix was okay with this. Locus wanted an old sword and shield? He could have them! He has his own sword, way better and capable of being used to activate alien temples!
He shook his head as stood on the bathroom of the warehouse. Dirty as all hell, and a place he is only using to get ready.
His armor and sword had been provided a suitcase that only Locus will keep around, to keep them safe. His new attire consists of a black, button up shirt, torn blue jeans. A belt kept his magnum in place, as well as cartridges of ammo. His other knives well pretty well hidden.
He stepped out of the bathroom, only to feel a cold tip against his neck. "Hmm... Deja vu," He looked to the side to see the same babe that worked for Roman. "Hi there, Neo was it?"
The girl raised an eyebrow. Looking at him in confusion.
"What? Don't recognize my sweet tones?" He asked with a sly grin.
"Neo," Roman called from behind. "Leave the brat alone. Is one of Cinder's tin cans."
Neo's mouth opened on an 'O' and she responded by getting the blade closer to his neck with a flutter of her eyelids.
"Neo," Roman stressed.
Neo pouted and sheated her blade, walking towards her boss and sitting down with arms-crossed. Roman patted her head and she beamed.
"What? Is she your daughter?" Felix asked, looking at Neo.
"My cute little assistant, more like," Roman answered. "She's a cute delicated flower," he wrapped his arms around her shouldered in a semi-hug, while resting his chin on her head. "And I look after her."
Neo gave him a bloodthirsty grin and slit a finger across her throat. Then she looked him up and down, brought the same finger up, made a circle with the other hand and started thrusting the finger in and out while wiggling her eyebrows.
Felix smirked and gave Roman an unimpressed smirk. "Yeah, she's fragile like crystal. Where's the boss lady?"
"Looking for her brats," Roman said, taking his arms off Neo—Who stopped obscene gestures and beamed like a little angel. "Do you have everything for school? Your juice? hanky? The money you're going to give to the bullies who'll pull from your underwear?"
"In fact, yes," He took out a bunch of money. "From your wallet."
Roman touched his back pocket and then patted the rest of his body. "Why you little rat-"
Neo giggled silently at his back.
"Bye dad~" Felix waved as he exited the warehouse. He was going one day before the semester officially starts, to meet up with his 'new team.'
As he stepped out, Locus made himself visible while leaning against a wall. "Keep an eye on them, or whatever they're going."
"Right back at ya," Felix grunted, taking out a pair of sunglasses. Because he can rock them better than anyone else. "And keep my armor safe," He said, gesturing to the briefcase Locus had attached to his back.
He walked away. Ready to go back to the place where it all ended and started.
Blake observed the drawings on her notebook. Her mind still full of the events that took place weeks ago at the docks. The White Fang, Torchwick, and those strange armored men. She made drawings of the old White Fang insignia, a sketch of her former partner, and drawings resembling the helmet of those men.
"What'cha doing partner?" Yang asked, sliding close to her.
Blake closed her notebook quickly. "Nothing, just reviewing notes from last semester."
"Lame~" She said, throwing a grape through the air and catching it with her mouth.
Weiss was just reading a book while their two teammate talk, sitting in front of them. From the corner of her eye she saw team NPR arriving with troubled expressions on their faces and she grimaced. Ever since... Arc was expelled, she might've dropped one or two comments about him that were less than flattering. Thus the relationship between the two teams has been... Strained.
'That crook had it coming. I always knew there was something wrong when someone so clumsy became a leader,' She recalls and holds back a sigh. She meant those words, but she could've kept them to herself. It took Blake running away to make her see how insensitive her comments can be. 'I want to apologize but... They'll probably see it as shallow on my part.'
Suddenly a binder slammed on the table. "Friend! Sister! Weiss!" Ruby declared as she appeared in front of her team.
"Hey!"
"Four scores and seven minutes ago, I had a dream!" She declared happily.
"This oughta be good," Yang whispered to her partner.
"A dream where the four of will come together as a team! And had the best day ever anyone has ever had... ever!" Ruby Rose was prodigy on many things... Eloquence wasn't one of them.
"Did you stole my binder?" Weiss accused, looking at the object on the table.
"I'm not a crook," Ruby said quickly.
"What are you talking about?" Blake asked, quirking an eyebrow at her leader.
"I'm talking about starting the semester with a bang!" Ruby exclaimed.
"Heh, I always start my semester with a 'Yang' eh? Am I right?" Yang joked.
Weiss lowered her book and gave her a thumbs down. "No. Stop trying."
Yang narrowed her eyes at her and threw her a grape. Weiss dodged it and gave her a smug grin.
The grape however hit someone else on the table from behind theirs.
"Look guys, this past two weeks have been good. But now with new students arriving and the upcoming tournament. Our second semester is going to be great! So I assembled a group of activities to go through it today so we can have the best day ever before classes start again!" Ruby explained with excitement.
"I don't know whether be proud or scared of what you have in store," Weiss said, dodging an apple from Yang. "Stop it."
"Nevah!" Yang grinned evily, even though someone yelled. 'Hey who threw that!?'
"I don't know, I think I might sit this one out," Blake said. She wanted to look for more information on what Torchwick was planning.
"Sit it out or not, whatever we do I suggest we do as a team," Weiss said. "I for one think we should-" She was interrupted as a cup full of soda impacted with her back. "Gah!"
"Stop throwing your shit at us!" Someone from the tables behind them yelled.
R_BY shivered as they saw the W of their team name start to tremble in place while sitting up. Weiss turned and glared at the other people of the cafeteria with eyes that promised pain.
"Welp..." Yang said. "Get your skirts ladies, we're going to war."
"Children, please!" Glynda Goodwitch growled as she waved her crop to fix the disaster her students have caused. "Do not play with your food!"
Team RWBY and NPR were the only ones remaining on the cafeteria. All the other teams having ran away the moment they saw the two strongest teams of first year fighting... Quite viciously.
When the fight started, the students all saw Pyrrha Nikos and Nora Valkyrie aiming their attacks particularly at Weiss Schnee. But once she was out of the count, and with even numbers, the battle went on her team's favor. Yang took out Ren, then Nora took out Yang, Blake in turn took out Nora, and Pyrrha knocked out Blake. Ruby was the one to end the fight by making a tornado with her Semblance that sent the three member team flying against a wall.
Nora Valkyrie burped as she stood up and Yang Xiao Long fell from the rooftop.
"Let it go," Ozpin appeared behind the deputy headmistress with a small smile.
"They're supposed to be the defenders of the world!" Glynda hissed, fixing her glasses on her face.
"But for now, they're just children. Let them play the part..." The man smiled grimly as he watched the teams fix reincorporate themselves. "They won't be able to do so forever..."
Glynda sighed. He was right. But they could at the least toned it down and not force her to use her Semblance to fix their messes.
From behind she saw two students from Haven, Neptune Vasilias and Sun Wukong if she isn't wrong, leaving the room. The former looking annoyed at all the food that fell on him, while the latter tried to convince him to stay for a while.
Ozpin walked forward. "While I don't doubt that you're all tires from this impressive display," He said with a chuckle. "I need Team NPR to come with me."
The three team members stiffened. "Sorry, Headmaster, but... What for?"
"The guest we've been expecting is here," He said. "So I'd like if you come to meet him."
"Excuse me?" A voice called from the entrance of the cafeteria.
Almost everyone stiffened at the voice. It was so familiar to them, it was a voice that for most has been missing for weeks now, a voice that they could only picture with a goofy blonde face.
Team NPR and Ruby Rose dared to hope.
That hope was crushed when from the door a different person from the one they were expecting came in. Black hair with a scar across his cheek, a black button up shirt with light, blue torn jeans, and a pair of sunglasses entered. "They told me here I could find Headmaster Ozpin?"
Ozpin turned and regarded the young man with a smile. "Ah, you must be the student Leonard sent. I am Headmaster Ozpin."
The young man walked forward and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, sir."
"Likewise young man," Ozpin said, accepting the handshake.
"Umm... Professor," Pyrrha called timidly. "Is that...?"
"Hum, yes," Ozpin walked forward. "Since team RWBY is here too, I think they require a bit of context. Due to team JNPR leader's expulsion, there had been discussions about whether or not let—The temporary named—Team NPR participate on the Vytal Festival. Luckily, Headmaster Leonardo Lionheart from Mistral had a solution from us. Lend them one of his students who's team is sadly bedridden and unable to particular. Please, young man, introduce yourself."
"Sure," The boy said with a smirk. Taking out his lenses and revealing red eyes that regarded them with a friendly look. "My name is Felix Naran. Please just call me Felix. Nice to meet you all."
Team RWBY exchanged looks, Ruby was looking to the ground a bit disappointed, while Blake's eyes narrowed and her bow twitched.
Pyrrha shook her head and walked forward to greet him. "Hello, I am-"
"Oh my gosh! Pyrrha Nikos!" Felix gasped. "It's- W-wow! It is you!"
"Umm..." Pyrrha recoiled in shock, while inwardly sighing. Someone who knew of her fame, to be expected seeing he is from Mistral.
"I umm... Wow, I just didn't expected to be on a team with you," He said, fumbling on his words. "It's such an honor!"
"I'm sure it is..." She said politely. Then she cringed by how arrogant that sounded from her.
Ren and Nora exchanged looks behind her. Worried that this might affect their friend negatively.
Glynda looked at Ozpin, who shrugged in a 'what can you do matter.' He wasn't the first student to be in awe at seeing miss Nikos, and he doubts it'll be the last. "I hope that you show him the ropes and work together as a Team. It might be temporal, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get to know each other."
Felix composed himself and turned around. "Oh. Don't worry professor," His smirk widened. "I think we're all going to get along nicely.
"Donezo. Maybe updating once a month will become a thing."
"I've never played Halo Games before, and I only know a bit of the lore. The forerunner, the objective of the covenant, things like that. So I have to ask, do Locus and Felix have neural implants? Because the Reds and Blues of all people seem to have it. I always thought it was something only for high rankings officers, but I don't know if that applies for the Red vs Blue series."
"Now tell me: Like it? Hate it? What part did the characters OOC? Did I get them right?"
"I want anyone who read this to leave a Review. That always helps me improve."
"If you liked these, I'd like if you check my other stories. Mainly my two Digimon and Hunter X Hunter crossover series. But only if you like."
"See ya soon!"