A/N: Well here we are again. It's always such a pleasure. Uhhhhh, sorry for the lack of uploads, I've been dealing with my dog's sickness, finding a job, and personal life stuff.
RhoMarck: Eh... I guarantee that everyone will have their go.
konmek43: Her time will come. Thank you for your kind words.
Anyways, here's chapter 22, and a late Happy New Years.
Ruby and Yang strolled through Beacon Academy, their chatter echoing through the halls as they caught up on each other's adventures during the break. Laughter and excitement permeated the air as the two sisters relished the prospect of resuming their Beacon journey together.
"I can't believe we're back!" Ruby exclaimed, her silver eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Did you miss Beacon as much as I did?"
Yang chuckled, her golden locks cascading as she nodded. "Miss it? I practically counted the days until we could come back. There's nothing like the feeling of being a part of Beacon and the joy of teaming up with my favorite little sis."
Ruby grinned, her energy infectious. "And speaking of teams, did you hear about Weiss inviting Bemaia to go to Atlas?"
Yang's raised eyebrow betrayed her surprise. "Weiss and Bemaia? Now, that's an unexpected duo. What's the Ice Queen doing with our resident librarian?"
Ruby shrugged, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "I have no idea. Something about financial matters with Weiss's family in Atlas. Bemaia's all about those secrets, though. I can't imagine him doing something without an ulterior motive."
Yang crossed her arms, her skepticism evident. "Yeah, I don't trust him. He's always got some hidden agenda. And Weiss, she's so serious about everything. What could they possibly be up to?"
Ruby, ever the optimist, offered a different perspective. "Maybe there's a good reason? Bemaia might have convinced Weiss it's for the greater good or something. You know how persuasive he can be."
Yang rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Or maybe he's just using her. I've never liked that guy. He's got too many secrets, and none of them are good."
The sisters' lack of context for Weiss and Bemaia's trip to Atlas would have made their speculations almost risible to them, if not for the fact that they are currently in grave danger. If only the sisters knew what was transpiring in the middle of nowhere... Let's just say they would be jealous for not being invited.
If only they knew.
Their conversation meandered through the halls, the topic of Weiss and Bemaia lingering in the air like a question waiting to be answered. The sisters, each with their own reservations about the unexpected alliance, approached the armory with a mix of anticipation and skepticism.
As they reached the armory door, Ruby couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts about Weiss and Bemaia. "Do you really think they're up to something? Weiss and Bemaia, it's such an odd pairing."
Yang opened the door, the metallic creak resonating through the room. "Who knows? Bemaia's got more layers than an onion, and Weiss, well, she's Weiss. Let's just hope they're not causing more trouble than it's worth."
The duo opened the armory door, anticipation building as they prepared to retrieve their weapons. However, the sight that awaited them inside was far from what they expected.
Francisco stood in the middle of the armory, a string in his hand connected to a gun, pointed directly at himself. The sudden silence was shattered by the gunshot that followed.
"FUCK!" Was what followed the gunshot, alongside the flickering of his Aura, that seemed to absorb the blow.
Ruby's silver eyes widened, reflecting a mix of concern and curiosity. "What just happened!? Are you okay?" She exchanged a quick glance with Yang, both trying to make sense of the unconventional scene.
Ruby's silver eyes widened as she took in the sight of Francisco, seemingly unharmed despite the gunshot. Yang's cautionary instincts kicked in, and she eyed the strange suit Francisco wore with a mix of skepticism and interest.
As Francisco calmly explained his experiment. "I was tryin' to test my new Dust Suit, but it seems that I can't control my Aura to allow damage to come through..." He sighed in frustration.
The lingering thoughts about Weiss and Bemaia merged with the unfolding scene in the armory, creating a tapestry of curiosity, confusion, and amazement for the sheer tenacity, ingenuity, and idiocy of the Librarians, Francisco in particular.
"Experimenting with Dust, huh?" Yang remarked, her voice a blend of curiosity and wariness. She could safely bet that this man would accidentally lose another limb. "You sure know how to make an entrance."
Francisco, despite the unsettling EGO Gift on his cheek, gave a casual shrug. "Had to test its durability somehow. This suit's a prototype, made from the fabric I've been working on. It's got Gravity Dust woven in, reacts to physical trauma by pushing attacks away. Pretty neat, right?"
He wore both the suit and a smile on his face with pride. "At least, it would be pretty neat, if I could actually test it!"
Ruby, ever the beacon of positivity, grinned. "That's incredible! But, um, don't you think there are less risky ways to test it?"
Her sister crossed her arms, her skepticism unwavering. "Like hitting a dummy or something. Why point a gun at yourself?"
The librarian chuckled, a hint of mischief in his mismatched eyes. "Where's the fun in that? Plus, I needed to know it could handle the real deal. Can't risk it falling apart when it matters."
Ruby tilted her head, a puzzled expression on her face. "Why would you need such a suit, though? Planning on taking some heavy hits?"
Francisco's eyes shifted, his gaze momentarily distant. "Life's unpredictable, you know? Better to be prepared for whatever it throws at you. Besides, I've seen enough danger to appreciate a good suit."
Ruby, always the beacon of positivity, perked up. "Danger? Like, with the White Fang or something?"
A shadow flickered across Francisco's expression, and for a moment, he hesitated. "Yeah, among other things. Anyway, speaking of danger, do you have any news about Bemaia and Weiss? You being part of Weiss' team, surely, you know something about them, right?"
Yang smirked, her gaze shifting from Francisco to Ruby. "Yeah, what's going on with those two? It's like a whole saga, the mysterious librarian and the heiress. Trust them?"
To him, it was clear that the duo didn't know any news. Curiosity bit the back of his head. He'd say he had a bad feeling about their trip, but he wasn't the superstitious type, and wouldn't blurt that out without any reason.
Ruby's curiosity sparked, and she looked at Francisco for answers. "Yeah, what's the deal with Bemaia and Weiss? Do you trust them?"
Francisco's eyes shifted, a flicker of uncertainty in his mismatched gaze. "As far as I know, Bemaia just wants money. However, if there are any ulterior motivations behind his actions... Eh, very unlikely."
Yang raised an eyebrow. "Unlikely? Do you know what it takes for Weiss Cream to get up on her high horse and invite a guy to meet her parents? I mean, I don't know about you, but I wouldn't take any guy to meet my dad..."
Francisco's gaze lingered on the unsettling EGO Gift on his cheek. He didn't exactly understand what Yang was talking about. What was so special about her parents meeting a friend? "What are you talking about? It's a business meeting. Although..."
The librarian knew the consequences of getting on Weiss' bad side, or worse, on her dad's bad side. The simple fact of their expansive money reserves was enough to send a chill down Francisco's spine. "If he angers Weiss' father... You know how rich folk are. I just hope they don't do anything reckless."
"Like you can tell anyone not to be reckless..." Ruby's optimism wavered for a moment, but she quickly regained her cheerful demeanor. "Well, as long as they're not causing trouble. Right, Yang?"
Yang nodded, her eyes still fixed on Francisco. "Yeah, trouble's the last thing we need. Speaking of which, Francisco, you're helping Jaune with his training, right?"
Francisco's eyes brightened, the shift in topic a welcome diversion. "Yeah, Jaune's got potential. Just needs a bit of polishing. I'm doing what I can to help him improve."
Ruby grinned, enthusiasm returning. "That's great! Team JNPR's lucky to have you around. And hey, maybe Weiss and Bemaia will be back before the Vytal Festival. We can all catch up then!"
Francisco smiled slightly. It wasn't every day he could enjoy himself like this. "Coincidentally, I was just finishing this last test before going to meet him in the gym. Wanna come see how far he's improved?"
The leader of team JNPR, Jaune Arc, stood still in the middle of the fighting ring, sword and shield at the ready.
The gym itself was somewhat full, with some students minding their own business with the gym's equipment, and the first few students from other academies were also there to get familiar with the place. However, the group that stood out amongst the rest was the three girls spectating the blond guy train. They stood out not because of their looks or their presence, but because of one individual among them—Pyrrha Nikos.
Indeed, Pyrrha Nikos was once again proven to be the star child, as some of the bystanders from outside of Beacon couldn't help but take a picture of the young huntress-in-training. Some of the bolder ones would walk up to her in an attempt to acquire a signature or perhaps even a photograph.
Usually, she'd just comply and put up a smile to please them, but not today.
Actually, not for the foreseeable future.
At the moment, Pyrrha's undivided attention belonged to none other than the goofy blond and the one-armed librarian.
She had been watching the two train for a few sessions now, and every time Jaune walked up to face Francisco, even in a spar, something inside of her stirred and scratched away at her chest. Though she couldn't put her finger on what was bothering her so, she knew very well the result of this. It was angst.
Was it Jaune no longer training with her and choosing another? Was it Francisco stealing her precious time with Jaune? Was Jaune learning and taking in the words of (in Pyrrha's eyes) a mentally unstable person? She couldn't put the blame on one thing. Perhaps it was everything at once, or something else entirely.
She was one unsightly comment away from snapping at one of her fans, whom she wholeheartedly ignored, because her leader was standing there, in the ring, facing off against that man.
Every time she looked at Francisco, she remembered the bullet holes she put in his black suit on the first day. She remembered his blood dripping from her blade, a trail on the ground led to an open gash on his chest.
What's worse was the expression of sheer happiness on his face, his smile that started on one ear and ended on the other, his unrelenting charge towards her despite his grievous wounds. In an attempt to save him, she forfeited the match, which made him explode with anger.
She hadn't even processed the information back then; shock took control of her body for that brief period of time when she said, 'Unlock your aura, then I'll think about fighting you again.'
Her mind kept returning to when she said those words. 'What was I thinking?!' She kept asking herself. The idea of fighting him again… It sent shivers down her spine every time.
She knew she would most likely win should the inevitable come to happen, especially with his lack of an arm, but still… It was terrifying, unreasonably so. And now Jaune was facing him every day? She could feel her heart break every time their blades met.
To properly blame something, she pinned the most likely culprit. A feeling she hadn't felt since she was but a child, and in truth, a feeling she didn't have any proper reason to be feeling as of now.
It was sheer, unbridled, fear.
It was fear that Jaune might become like him one day. It was fear that she would come to face off against him one day, like she herself told him she would. It was fear that this... Alien, did something.
For her, he was an abnormality in all meanings of the word. Nothing about him was normal. Not his way of thinking, not his fighting style, not his mental faculties, not his manners, not his quasi-suicidal desire for fighting, and definitely not his existence in Remnant.
What finally brought Pyrrha back to herself was the voice of the devil himself.
"You ready?" Francisco said, with Downpour still sheathed. "Jaune?" He asked, alongside Mimicry. "JaUNE."
Though a shiver was sent down Jaune's spine, he did not waver. Clutching Crocea Mors tightly, he beamed, "Let's do this!" and unsheathed the blade, announcing his readiness with unrivaled certainty.
The gymnasium buzzed with anticipation as Jaune Arc and Francisco stood in the elevated ring. Ruby, Yang, and Pyrrha stood by the arena as the sparring match was about to begin.
Yang, taking on her best sportscaster voice, grinned, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the spectacular sparring match here at Beacon's gym! We've got Jaune Arc and Francisco in the ring, ready to show us some moves!"
Ruby chimed in, "That's right, Yang! And here's Jaune, our daring underdog, facing off against Francisco, the... Uh... Librarian? Former Librarian...? But whatever! Things are about to get intense!"
Pyrrha watched with a mix of concern and terror. Jaune, her former partner, was now knee-deep into a different training approach, one she didn't particularly agreed with.
Francisco, wearing the suit he made himself, held a Dust-less Downpour on his hand, the gleam of its blade catching the gym lights. Jaune, with his classic armor and Crocea Mors, took a deep breath, ready to prove himself.
Yang continued, "And they're off! Jaune makes the first move, swinging his sword—"
Ruby interrupted excitedly, "But Francisco effortlessly dodges, showcasing his agility. It's like he's dancing around Jaune's attacks!"
Indeed, Francisco moved with fluid grace, dodging Jaune's strikes with ease. He encouraged Jaune between dodges, "Remember, use your surroundings! Be unpredictable!"
Yang added, "Francisco's playing the mentor role here, folks. He's not just dodging; he's teaching Jaune the art of unpredictability!" She said, repeating what the librarian had just said.
Pyrrha, her gaze focused on Jaune, couldn't help but worry. Her natural instinct was to guide Jaune, help him with her semblance, but she held back, respecting his choice to learn from the librarian.
Ruby observed Jaune adapting, "Jaune's changing tactics! He's using the environment, leaping onto one of the ring's elastics to catapult himself and-"
Yang interjected, "And Francisco counters with a well-timed strike! He's not letting Jaune off the hook!"
Jaune was laying with his back on the floor, panting heavily. His vast Aura reserves held strong, but the frustration of defeat began showing it's ugly face.
Francisco, still holding back, emphasized, "Don't limit yourself, Jaune! Use your environment, but always be aware of your opponent!"
The blonde got up from the gorund, ready have another go with the Librarian.
As the match progressed, Jaune absorbed Francisco's teachings, incorporating elements of his own style. The gym echoed with the clang of swords, Jaune's armor offering protection against Francisco's precise strikes.
Ruby, caught up in the action, narrated, "Jaune's aura is holding strong, but Francisco's giving him quite the workout. Oh, and a beautiful parry from Jaune there!"
Yang chuckled, "Ruby, you're getting into this narration thing! And here comes a counter from Francisco—"
Francisco, intentionally increasing the pressure, pushed Jaune back. He urged, "Stay focused! Your movements are improving, but don't get cocky Jaune!"
Pyrrha, watching Jaune's progress, felt a mix of pride and betrayal. The dynamic in this match was unlike any she'd seen before.
Ruby piped in with excitement, "They're both relentless! Jaune's sword clashes with Francisco's, creating sparks. And now, Francisco's going for a sweeping move—"
Yang cut in, "But Jaune anticipates! He ducks and delivers a counter of his own! Now, that's some growth we're witnessing!"
Pyrrha, silently cheering Jaune on, noted the changes in his fighting style. She couldn't help but wonder how this new approach would serve him in the future, but most of all, she couldn't help but to feel as though she was betrayed by Jaune.
The sparring match reached its peak, Jaune showcasing newfound skills while Francisco continued to guide him. Ruby couldn't resist adding detailed commentary, "Jaune's sword technique is evolving! He's adding spins and flourishes, like a dance of blades!"
Yang chuckled, "And Francisco, the dance instructor, keeps the pressure on. Look at that footwork! Jaune's learning to be nimble on his feet!"
The match concluded with Jaune's improved maneuverability, dodging and parrying with newfound confidence, however, just as a smile crept in Jaune's complexity, Francisco easily dodged a sword swipe, and promptly landed two piercing blows that evaded Jaune's shield.
One went to the left of his shield, striking against his un-armored section between the shoulder and the chest, whilst the other blow flew above his shield, hitting him square in the left cheek. Both blows were absorbed by his Aura, but the strength behind them threw Jaune to the ground once again, and also made his Aura hit the red.
Ruby laughed, "What a show! Jaune's like a whole new fighter, and Francisco deserves a round of applause for this unconventional training."
Yang joined in, "Absolutely! It's not every day you see someone get a sparring match and a lesson in swordsmanship at the same time."
Pyrrha, though concerned, couldn't deny the positive change in Jaune. The unconventional training might just be what he needed to discover his own strengths.
The trio exited the gym, leaving Jaune to catch his breath. Pyrrha approached, unable to hide her curiosity, "Jaune, that was quite a different approach to training. How do you feel?"
Jaune, a mix of exhaustion and enthusiasm in his eyes, grinned, "Tired, but I've never felt more in control. Thanks." For once in his life, he lost the fight but didn't feel like shit in turn.
Francisco nodded, "You're doing great, Jaune. Remember, your style is unique to yourself. Embrace it."
Once again, he found himself there.
In a dark maze of screams and hopelessness.
His mind was a mess, but the sharp pain in his chest brought him to consciousness.
This location confirmed he was in a dream, considering the impossibility of awakening in the Black Forest.
The eerie feeling brought a strange sense of comfort.
A time to straighten his thoughts.
They were attacked, by the White Fang.
He fought them off, but not all of them.
Their captain was... strong.
Stronger than anything he had encountered in Remnant.
He emerged victorious against the two of them.
Adam was his name.
He didn't have much confidence in himself should a future encounter occur.
But he knew it was bound to happen.
Blake Belladonna.
She knows him.
He knows her.
And just like him,
He had a few things to say to her.
Bemaia slowly opened his eyes, his back aching like never before. The unfamiliar white ceiling and beeping noises were enough to paint the full picture in his head.
He was undoubtedly lying on a hospital bed, for the third time this month, as a matter of fact.
His chest had already healed up, a boon that came alongside his Aura. Though a scar did remain, a grim reminder of what might happen in a future encounter should he not be well prepared.
Despite all of it, a singular thought permeated Bemaia's head. One he could not help but vocalize.
"What the fuck, Blake?"
It wasn't her fault, that's for sure, but how the heck does she keep being a nuisance to him, even in another kingdom?
Wait, another kingdom? His wing shivered at the mere thought.
Bemaia effortlessly rose from the bed and walked towards a nearby window. His clothes were neatly folded on a nearby table; unfortunately, it didn't seem as though his weapons were there.
A problem for another time.
He reached for the string that controlled the blinders and pulled it.
"Hah..." He didn't know what he expected when he read about Atlas online, but he definitely didn't expect it to be this pretty.
From the outside window, Bemaia saw the entire floating landmass that is Atlas. A beautiful city of tall buildings and colorful billboards. It seemed as though the hospital he currently stayed in was on top of everything else in the kingdom, like a spire.
The horizon was nothing but unique. Atlesian ships, as few as there are, were stationary at eye level, above was a clear blue sky, one he could never hope to watch in his restaurant in the Backstreets, and of course, the white and grey clouds, beneath the massive super-structure that was Atlas, were barely visible in the far reaches of his vision.
"This means that help did arrive..." Good news for once.
Bemaia quickly changed into his suit and exited the room.
The hallway was eerily quiet as Bemaia navigated his way through the hospital. He couldn't help but feel a sense of disorientation, being in a place so different from his usual surroundings in Vale.
As he walked, he contemplated the events that led him to Atlas. The attack by the White Fang, the encounter with Adam, and now waking up in a high-tech Atlas hospital.
Passing by a reception desk, he decided to inquire about his situation. The receptionist, a well-dressed Atlesian with a tablet in hand, looked up as Bemaia approached.
"Excuse me," Bemaia began, "can you tell me what happened? How did I end up here?"
The receptionist adjusted her glasses, her eyes focused on the tablet in her hands. "Ah, Mr. Bemaia, you're awake. You were brought in after an Atlesean scout found you near a train wreckage. It seems like there was quite a skirmish."
Bemaia crossed his arms, an air of annoyance evident beneath his wing's gaze. "Skirmish? That's one way to put it. Where are my weapons?"
"Your weapons are being held by the Atlesian military for the time being. Standard procedure, you understand," the receptionist explained, her tone professional.
"I need them back," Bemaia insisted.
"Of course, Mr. Bemaia. They'll arrange for your belongings to be returned to you once their investigation is complete. Your cooperation is appreciated."
He grunted in response, not entirely satisfied with the bureaucratic process. "Fine. Any idea how long I'll be stuck in this floating paradise?"
The receptionist consulted her tablet again. "It seems you've suffered a minor concussion and some bruises, but you should be well enough to leave soon since your Aura did most of the healing. We'll just need to run a few more tests to ensure there are no underlying issues."
Bemaia sighed. "Tests. Great."
As the receptionist continued explaining the medical procedures, Bemaia's mind wandered. He couldn't shake the feeling that his presence in Atlas was too much of a coincidence. The train stopped whilst still within Vale's borders, so why did they bring him over to Atlas? It didn't make much sense, especially when he remembered very well calling Ozpin for help.
His mind replayed the events. The mysterious power of his wing that nullified Adam's Semblance, the unexpected journey to Atlas, and the looming questions about the reason for his coming to Atlas. Did Ozpin send him straight to Atlas? Was it Weiss that sent him there?
Questions, questions, questions.
'The receptionist lady did say a scout found us… Probably from the smoke of the wagon I set on fire…' Still, that didn't explain where was Weiss.
After a brief conversation with the receptionist, Bemaia followed the signs to the examination rooms. A doctor, clad in a white coat, awaited him.
Bemaia entered the examination room, eyeing the doctor warily. The sterile environment and the clinical gaze of the medical professional made him uneasy. The doctor, a middle-aged man with neatly combed silver hair, glanced up from his clipboard and fixed his gaze on Bemaia.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" the doctor remarked, his tone condescending. "Another one of you Faunus causing trouble in our peaceful kingdom."
Bemaia frowned but chose not to engage in the doctor's provocative statement. "I'm not a Faunus. Just had a little accident, and I ended up here. Can we get on with the tests, or do you plan on giving me a lecture too?"
The doctor smirked, seemingly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. "Very well, Mr. Bemaia. Let's start with a basic physical examination. We'll check your vitals and make sure everything's functioning as it should be."
As the doctor proceeded with the physical examination, Bemaia felt a very clear hostility in the air. He couldn't help but wonder if the doctor's attitude was fueled by some inherent bias against the Faunus, even though Bemaia himself was fully human.
"Your heart rate seems a bit elevated," the doctor noted, his tone implying it was something more than a mere observation. "Is it the stress of being in a civilized place, or is there something else bothering you?"
Bemaia clenched his jaw, realizing that his stay in Atlas might be more complicated than he initially thought. "Just get on with it. I'm not here for small talk."
The doctor proceeded with a series of tests, checking Bemaia's reflexes and asking about any lingering pain or discomfort. The entire time, the undercurrent of prejudice was evident in the doctor's demeanor.
Once the physical examination concluded, the doctor moved on to questioning. "Now, Mr. Bemaia, can you tell me exactly what happened during this 'skirmish' near the train wreckage? Were you part of some criminal activity?"
Bemaia sighed, growing increasingly frustrated with the doctor's insinuations. "I was attacked by the White Fang. I defended myself. That's the story. Now, can we move forward without the unnecessary judgments?"
The doctor jotted down some notes, his eyes narrowing. "White Fang, you say? They're a notorious group. What's your connection with them? Are you a sympathizer?"
Bemaia shook his head, resisting the urge to snap back. "How can I be one if I was attacked? A senior moment perhaps. Now, if we're done with the accusations, can you tell me when I can go?"
Dr. Alaric handed the Librarian a prescription for pain medication, snarling as he did. "These should help with any lingering discomfort. If you experience any unusual symptoms or if there's a change in your condition, Atlesian law dictates me to tell you to return."
It felt as though the doctor wanted to say something else, but decided against it. The silence between the two was unsettling.
Bemaia pocketed the medication without a word of gratitude.
Leaving the hospital, Bemaia stepped out the front door and sat on the stairs. The futuristic architecture and advanced technology were a testament to the kingdom's prosperity. His seemingly Faunus heritage was giving him no favors, making him stand out like a sore thumb among the dominant human populace.
His next destination was clear—retrieve his weapons and find Weiss. The scar on his chest served as a constant reminder of his failure. He reached for his scroll to call her.
Before reaching for his scroll, Bemaia hesitated for a moment. The distrustful glances from those passing by weighed on him. The prejudice against Faunus was apparent, even in a kingdom like Atlas. As he contemplated whether to make the call in public, a familiar voice cut through his thoughts.
"Bemaia!"
Turning around, Bemaia spotted Weiss Schnee approaching, her white hair cascading elegantly down her back. She wore her signature dress, only, cleaner than the last time he had seen it. Despite the controlled demeanor, there was a flicker of concern in her icy-blue eyes.
"Bemaia, I heard you were awake. How are you feeling?" Weiss inquired her tone a mix of formality and genuine worry.
Bemaia managed a half-smile. "Alive and kicking, thanks to the wonders of Aura. But, where were you during all this mess? And my weapons, where are they?"
Weiss sighed, her expression softening. "I was attending a family matter at the Schnee Manor. The news of your situation reached me late. I apologize for not being there when you needed assistance."
He waved off her apology. "No big deal. I've handled worse on my own. What's with this place, though? Do the people here take me for a fucking furry?."
Weiss's gaze flickered around, uncomfortable with the sudden slur Bemaia blurted out. "Atlas has its issues. The Schnee family, too, is entangled in complex matters. The Faunus discrimination is a stain on this kingdom, and I'm working on what I can to change that."
She explained, but it didn't help him at all. On his back was an EGO Gift, Through the Dark Twilight, and it was a testament to his sheer tenacity and strength, being one of the few survivors who fought against the Apocalypse Bird, not just a wing. And now, these rich nobodies thought him a Faunus?
He could take shit from a medic, but the random Joe? If push comes to shove, he swore to himself to not let anyone leave unscathed.
Pushing all that aside though, Bemaia raised an eyebrow and chose to lighten the mood. "You're working? That's a surprise."
Weiss crossed her arms, pouting at the rude comment. "Well, when the difference finally comes around, you better come and kiss my feet as you ask for forgiveness! Now, about your weapons, I'm afraid it might take some time to get them back. The Atlas security is thorough in their investigations."
He sighed, a mix of frustration and impatience. "Fine. But I need them soon. I can't afford to be weaponless." He low-key felt naked without them in an unknown environment.
Weiss nodded in understanding. "I'll pull some strings to expedite the process. In the meantime, I suggest you stay close to me as I take you to my father. Atlas is not as welcoming to outsiders, especially Faunus, as you've noticed."
Bemaia chuckled. "If someone tries anything funny, I'll show them why I was favored by the Thumb." Which meant he was fully prepared to deck someone for looking at him the wrong way.
Though he chuckled, his casual expression fell flat as he stared Weiss directly in the eyes. The heiress didn't know a lot about this 'Thumb', but she knew enough to understand their criminal origins.
"Let's just... Get you to the Manor, okay?"