RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts

Chapter 4: Duality of A Warrior And A Survivor

WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.

This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.

Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.

So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^

Night Rouge was called many times during its time in the place that was hell. A number. A good child. The best candidate for the Steam System. That's what Faust saw it as. The now teenagers of the ones it knew here called it in other words.

Traitor. Betrayer. Killer. Monster.

It didn't care anymore of whatever others saw him as. He lived. They didn't. Well… except him.

The experiment who fled years ago, now calling himself Cody instead of the Experiment Number assigned to them. He was weaker than it but Blood Stalk saw otherwise when he mentioned the Hazard Level. The higher the level, the stronger the subject is to obtain a better use of the other Nebula items.

It was irritating at first but Night Rogue didn't question it. As long as progress is made for their high leader.

The yellow lenses watched as various kids were being escorted through the metal gates, most crying as others were scared. They were either children orphaned from village attacks of Grimm… or taken by force by the Guardian Robots.

A scoffed seeped through the helmet as its fingers curled to the old memories. There was no such thing as heroes in this cruel world. Eat or be eaten. The survival of the fittest.

Blood Stalk had revealed to his followers of the secrets the world hid from them. Outlandish but things were put together regarding a few things. The snake was almost revered but also questioned at times due to his almost slack personality but cunning as a snake.

One thing was for sure when everyone believed what he spoke of. They rather take this world then let it be rotted out from this ancient force, and they'll make sure of it one way or another.

With Pandora's Box still missing a piece, it's only a matter of time before their leader can change the world.

After all…

The world will change by the payment of blood. For changes always come at a price.

A month… That was how long it passed for the escaped experiment since his bout against Night Rouge. While the boy worked as much as he could, fear still lingered in his heart from that incident. And even when there was barely any response or sightings of Faust, the young blonde knew this was just another tactic to wear him down. They knew where he was. They knew what he was now doing.

Sadly only this time, he was actually feeling it wear him down. He had hopes before, dreams and freedom. And when he got it, he felt finally like he could no longer be afraid of the past. But once that armored bat came in, he realized that they always had their eyes still on him, still in their grasp. Like a snake - slowly constricting the life out of him.

Just not willing to strike yet. And that fight showed him they were warning him. Warning that no matter what he did… he still belongs to them.

*CRASSSH~!*

Cody snapped back into reality, realizing he not only fell and caused all of the plates he was carrying to shatter, but the drinks and food were now on Junior's person, as the owner looked displeased yet wasn't willing to raise his anger at the sight of this employee for being off his game for once.

Junior sighed heavily as he was given a towel to wipe off the food, drink and grime on him as he looked to the young blonde.

"Take the rest of the day off, kid. I can't have you do your job if you're going to be this out of it." Junior said, giving the escapee a day off from work.

"B-But I-"

"I listen to him." The red-wearing twin started.

"Before any more messes are made." Her white-dressed sister finished.

Cody could only lower his head, standing up as he took off his jacket before tossing it to the ground in frustration as the young boy stormed off outside, leaving the others there with a heavy sigh of worry for the boy.

"Little brat… Geez…" Junior sighed out, picking up the jacket and placing it in the clothing tubs for them to wash later as he took up a cigar to light it and remove some stress in his head. "Been a month since whatever happened, and he's only getting worse. Normally, I'd just fire the brat but then I'd be doing a disservice if I also kept you two around as well."

"He wasn't like this until a few days ago."

"Curious yet leaves questions doesn't it?" Melanie pondered.

"That is does, sister."

"Think you two can work on your charms as usual to get him to open up? I don't have time to find some shrink for him." Junior requested the twins.

"If you say so Junior." The two shrugged and walked and once away from Junior's hearing distance, Militia brought up a question to her sister. "You know I've been wondering."

"What is it?"

"Why is it that our boss' name is Junior in the first place? Isn't he too old to be called that?"

"Come to think of if… I have to wonder the same thing."

All but a mystery to any who work for the boss.

XXX

Within Cody's room, the blonde laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling as Cross laid on his chest. The robot dragon attempting to cheer the boy up in some way.

His thoughts running rampant as he was unable to get out everything that was going on in his head at the time. Worries of Faust just breaking in one day to take him back, to Night Rogue just massacring the club and more. Too many worries of possibilities, and too little time to even think of a plan that 'could' work.

He was… tired and sick of it. All he wanted was freedom but the bastards will continue to take it away just to satisfy their greed for whatever they have been doing with him and the other children.

"Was I always this weak?" The blonde asked the robot dragon, "Was everything that I did to get out of there… Just them pretending?"

The little machine couldn't say anything. Its digital mind trying to provide a proper answer. It could only give silence and lowered its head against him.

The two of them stayed like that with the question lingering around, only to hear the door click, as Cross flew into its small hideout while Cody noticed the twins walking in after.

"What are you two doing here? Am I about to get fired?" The blonde asked, already accepting such an outcome.

"No you're not."

"So-wait really?"

"This is your first mistake, and it was in the club. Not for the other jobs he gives you. Thus no need for such a punishment."

"Then… Why else are you two here?" He questioned them.

"Other than being asked to, it seems you could use an ear to listen."

"And we can be very good at listening." Miltia finished.

"Look I appreciate the help but-" The two cut him off and entered the room. "H-Hey! You can't just barge into my room!"

"We didn't care to ask."

"Plus its either we do this, or we get Junior involved…" Miltia noted as that made the boy flinch and agree to their invitation.

Cody fell onto the edge of the bed, "Fine…"

"Now… what is going on with you?" Melanie questioned as the twins took his nearby chairs to sit on.

"It's…" He wanted to just say, 'it was nothing' but their looks showed that wording wouldn't work as he sighed out, "It's complicated… it has to do with my past and someone who recently showed up, being connected to it…"

"It's not some ex, is it?" Melanie asked with a sly smirk.

"No.. its… much more dangerous than some past relationship…" He answered, trying to refrain from telling them about Faust and more.

"Like with that armor?" Militia questioned as the boy nodded back to her.

"Look, if you're thinking whatever you have hidden about yourself is going to change our minds. It's not." Melanie stated with crossed arms. "You're still a member of this club and an employee, but that's it. So don't think by saying anything about this is gonna change things, got it? So quit being scared and just let it out."

Cody's grip on his hands tightened and took a shuddering breath. "Do you two remember how our boss asked for my name?" The twins nodded. "My name is Cody but…" his gaze shifted. "There's an organization named Faust who called me by another name: Experiment 931."

"Faust, huh?" Melaine noted, "For some reason, I kinda had some suspicion… but I didn't think they were real."

"But Experiment 931? That name is only applied unless…" Miltia trailed off in realization.

"It also showed how many experiments they went through as well…." Cody said, as the two shivered. "931 was who they called me. There were plenty more after me… kids… preteens… all of us."

He remembered the days after he was brought into the facility. Kids or young teens constantly brought who were survivors from Grimm attacks, orphans, or from what he was hearing, kidnapping.

"I take it that the armor was the big result for all of these experiments?" Melaine questioned.

"Not just me."

"Huh?"

"When I mentioned I was late, it was due to someone from Faust… they attacked me just for some sick purpose whatever it is. The attacker…" His eyes hardened angrily. "Was like me… another Experiment but that bastard threw away everything."

"And?" Militia questioned, "I mean, you should've realized that some would stay. As sick and inhumane as Faust was, some could be there just to get power."

"Stay?!" He stood up furiously. "For what?!" The two flinched but swore his eyes gleamed red for a second. "To have us kids used like lab rats?! Ingesting whatever they have and every person becomes a monster or put in a box, dead like trash?!"

The twins tensed slightly. While their work does tend to cause some death, they have their morals as humans. Cody's explanation of each moment was nothing but pure hell. To be experimented on, constantly watched over 24/7, to be turned into something as each failure led to monsters or a dead body. The latter of which is just discarded as the organization had plenty more subjects. No one to properly raise them, only for the young ones to try and live, only to end up in the worst possible fates that was set for them.

"And you want to know what I had to do just to leave?! I had to use their own tools to hurt one of their scientists and run with the other kids who were in the same chamber!" He took a step forward, causing the twins to unconsciously take a step back as his eyes flashed red again to his rage.

"We ran and ran but just as we thought freedom was in our grasp, they began to close it! They chased us but…" His eyes burned in tears. "All I did was run ahead and never look back out of fear! Hearing kids who were like me, at a young age, calling for my name! Crying to help them!" The girls found themselves against the wall. "You tell me what you could have done if your fate was nothing but being caged to become what they want?! A monster? A weapon? A corpse?! Tell me what you could have done if you wanted freedom from the people who gave you nothing but agony and isolation!?"

With those words, Cody's chest heaved and he swallowed air while the crimson gaze faded. Unknowingly his anger had caused its brief spike in the Nebula chemical within his body, increasing the level albeit slightly but not enough.

The girls on the other hand were silent. Still on edge from his sudden spike of anger as they didn't know how to respond to such a question. If anything, he was more like a Faunus from his lifestyle to what came as a result, much like the said race.

But before they could even think or say anything, the door opened as Junior walked in, puffing a cloud of smoke from his cigar, before handing the blonde what looked to be an address. Cody took it as he looked confused for a bit, almost about to ask if this was his 'last job' only for the club owner to shake his head.

"It's an old friend of mine. One I think you could relate to on your predicament." Junior responded. "Go talk with him. But don't come back until you get this problem sorted out. Can't have you like this, causing problems for your job and making others uncomfortable."

"How did-"

"Kid, these walls aren't that thick to hear you yelling your damn voice that the DJ had to turn up the music just to mute it out."

Cody lowered his head, a blush of embarrassment on his face knowing that others heard his rant of anger. "S-Sorry boss… I'll… head out now." He said, knowing that Junior gave him this would be better to help him as he made his leave for now.

Junior rubbed his eyes with a sigh before glancing at the twins who were against the wall, the color on their pale skin much more pale. Hearing the tale really didn't feel right in his stomach. He understood kids end up as orphans during the grimm attacks but to be used as an experiment? Uncalled for. It was honestly sickening.

He may be a club owner and part of the underground crime syndicate, but even he had some limits. For now, they can only hope that this talk would solve things before they have to resort to firing the kid.

XXX

Cody looked at the paper in his hand, he followed it to what was written down but as he got to the location, he was only standing in front of the book store. He was a bit surprised as he figured it would be some mansion or high retained suite, or even just some disguised house for someone who was a friend of Junior, but not a bookstore. Looking at the sign above, it said 'Tukson's Book Trade.'

"Well… can't be worse than whatever else I've been doing today…." Cody sighed out as he looked to Cross before the two nodded and entered the store.

The jingle of the bell echoed through the store as he entered, seeing the array of books meant for every type of customer from all of Remnant, including comics, manga, light novels and everything in between.

While a bookstore it maybe, it felt like it was also a nice place to come, read a book and relax. It had a nice energy and vibe to it as he could smell small candle scents and flowers within as he walked further in.

"Um… Hello? Anyone here?" Cody called out, hoping the owner or however was on shift, wasn't on a lunch break or something.

"Be there a second!" He heard a male voice call out.

Cody observed his surroundings and approached one of the books on the shelves, tugging it slightly to notice it. "Huh… how many books does this place even have anyway?" He wondered.

"It's every book under the sun." The former experiment jumped with a yelp, fumbling the book left and right until he properly caught it and quickly placed it back into the shelf.

Soon standing nearby was an older man wearing short-sleeved quarter-zip burgundy and black shirt with a visible white undershirt. His hair was cleanly cut, and he had noticeable sideburns, along with hairy, muscular arms.

"Um… you're… Mr Tukson?" Cody questioned.

"That's me, kid. What can I do for you? Some kind of book you haven't been able to find?" Tukson asked, curious to know of the boy.

"Um…well… Junior-"

"What does he want?" For a second Cody swore the man growled which made him tense.

"N-Nothing bad sir! Just to have me under your wing for a bit in the store in the mornings, that's all!"

Tukson's growl soon faded as the blonde handed him the letter he was given, as the older man read it before sighing heavily, "That old bastard… Fine kid. Come on back and I'll show you the ropes." He sighed out, leading Cody into the back of the store, though as they did, Tukson leaned against the counter.

"So, what is this 'issue' about that he had to send you to me?" Tukson questioned.

Like Cody told the twins, minus the raising of his voice and anger, he told Tukson everything about his time in a secret organization who had been conducting experiments on children who were either human or faunus. He added on of his dangerous escape but having to leave behind the other kids who ran with him to prevent the small chance of freedom from being removed. There was also a supposed recent attack by an experiment who chose to remain and punish Cody by warning him he couldn't escape from their watch forever.

Tuskon heard his tale, listening to the young boy and especially his voice. Even though he was doing his best to remain calm, the older man quickly took notice of the anger, the hate, and the sadness within the tale as he was reminded heavily on so many others who had similar experiences. Especially his most recent who is now in Beacon.

"Ah… Now I see why he sent you to me." Tuskon sighed, "I'm not some shrink… but… I also can't just ignore it either… you remind me of a lot of kids I met back then… ones who I myself couldn't save."

"How… so?"

Tuskon looked over to the staircase that lead upstairs to his room. He walked over but went behind the staircase as he moved a few boxes and more, before a crash was heard as the older man had broken through some wood and more to reach for a box hidden within before he pulled the said item out.

"Because I was part of an organization as well… One that I first thought would do some good, but only to realize later on that they only cared about killing innocent lives as well as proving to be 'superior'..." Tuskon said as he laid the box next to the blonde, only for him to open up and see what was inside.

Inside the box was a white, grimm-like mask, a small black flag with a red bear on it with a three-clawed slash on top. This was the symbol of the White Fang, but more importantly the current White Fang.

"Y-You're a member of the White Fang?!" During his time growing up in the streets after his escape, he had learned of the organization. Originally it was a pacifist group until the change of leadership eventually led to the White Fang to resort to violent methods to gain the equality they have been seeking.

"I was part of the White Fang. Of course, it wasn't always like this as at first it was a simple peace movement group. Only wanting Faunus voices to be heard. But as time went on, it changed into the White Fang you all know now. And at first… It was succeeding. It was showing we weren't the animals they made us out as….. But it then grew darker as one day I was tasked to 'send a message'..." Tuskon said, grimacing at the memory.

But Tuskon knew this had to be told for the young boy to understand as well as he continued the story.

"We were tasked to send a message by setting certain places on fire. Ones that abused and hurted many Faunus children. But I found out that the buildings weren't empty and many people were within. We were lied to by one of our higher ups and killed so many lives, including many children who didn't deserve such a fate." Tuskon said, gripping the box tightly.

"When I realized that our mission was to send a message by killing innocent lives? I knew I made a mistake by continuing to be with them…. I left my group and I took responsibility for those arson attacks…. And I served my time." Tuskon lowered his head in shame, "I still cannot forgive myself for doing such a deed, and to be frank? I don't ask for forgiveness…. I can only work for a new life and hope that those who hated me can move on. Hate is a virus, young one. And if you latch onto that hate, you will be consumed by it until you die…." He tapped Cody's head. "From your words, what I see is the hatred you hide but also the fear of your captives. If I were you, you would find your purpose."

"My… purpose?"

The man's hand moved from the forehead to the heart. "Something that can drive you onto the right path. Maybe someday, you may find that path to walk on."

Cody looked down softly, as those words struck to him. He really didn't have a path or purpose. Only a sense to survive and live without Faust holding him down. Maybe he was right and hopefully by working here in a more relaxing environment, could give him that.

"Thanks Mr Tuskon…. I'll do my best here." Cody thanked as he gave a gentle bow of respect and honor to the older Faunus.

"Anytime kid." The man patted the blonde's back. "Now, for starters, I just need you to take over the register for a bit as I repair the… well mess I just made. The system will help handle anything you need."

"Yes sir!" He saluted but more positively.

XXX

Blood Stalk hummed an odd tune 'For He's a Jolly Good Fellow' he once heard during his days walking across this planet. He was in the midst of watching through a set of highly magnified optics the Guardian bot held over his teal lenses.

"I swear, these humans and faunus make such an entertaining set of lives I've ever come across." Stark hummed out with interest and delight. "Coming here was a very good idea after the last few dull planets I've come across before."

Conflict was always inevitable no matter where he went. Planet by planet. Land by land. Nation by nation. Kingdom by kingdom. City by city. All of it just had a small seed waiting to bloom into conflict. Conflict that can lead to inevitable war.

He moved the robot's hand away and leaned his head against the palm of his hand. "Such history this planet has. So many secrets that I know about." He rotated his other hand and hummed the tune again as power erupted within his palm. Ahh, he remembered the fun times he had before the world changed, leaving such poor consequences especially to the moon above.

"Sir…" Night Rogue walked in as he gave a soft bow, "The boy has changed spots. Shall I send another reminder of any futile change?"

"… Nah."

"… Pardon?" He was greeted with a tablet from another Guardian bot. "His Hazard Levels spiked recently?"

"Bingo." Blood Stalk dismissed the gift of the past from his hand, allowing only specks of snow, pebbles, and ember to fall. "With it means progress. With progress comes interesting development."

"And what progress is that?" Night Rogue questioned. "What's so special about this boy?"

Blood Stalk chuckled, staring at the tablet he carried, rewinding the footage taken from a camera that was detailing a discovery in the tundra. It was dated years back. A woman who had been the first to find it and touched the sacred Pandora's Box. She was more of an archaeologist due to her introduction. Her hair was dark blonde but her eyes eerily looked similar to Experiment 931's. As if he inherited them.

Pausing the image, he saw the crimson glow that passed from it to her before she fell unconscious. He repeated the clip several times.

Blood Stalk almost laughed darkly "Everything is bound by blood."

So many secrets. So much interesting information ready to spill like a broken damn.

"I don't understand…"

"The boy is way more special than any of you understand. Only I know of his truth and I shall make sure his growth continues." He raised his palm again as power erupted, power that had only existed in a past time.

XXX

As each new morning came and went, Cody would be working at Tukson's Book Trade store until the sun began to set, where he would then return to the club for the night shift. He had enough time to rest and take breaks before that shift started and enough sleep to be ready for the next day.

It honestly has given him a better improvement for his mental state as Tukson also was giving him advice to quell his boiling anger. The older Faunus was a lot more understanding as it led to many talks for the two to vent past mistakes and issues to grow and improve. Enough for the young blonde to accept him like a friend.

The anger may be suppressed but it still didn't quell what he endured years ago. The existence of heroes being a wife's tale still ringing in his ears. He heard the door open to the shop, knowing a customer entered as he walked to the front desk to greet the customer.

"Hello! Welcome to Tukson's Book Trade, what can I do for you?" Cody smiled softly to the customer. The customer in question who entered the store was another girl around his age, with long black hair with a bow tie up top, wearing a black and white outfit.

"Hmm, I was wondering if you have any new volumes of Ninja In Love?" The girl questioned.

"Hm? Hold on a moment, miss." Cody responded as he went to the computer to check on the logs of the books in stock. After a bit more he soon smiled to her, "Yes we do. Please give me a moment to go get a copy."

The girl nodded as the blonde went into the back to grab one of the copies. As he found the unopened box, he cut it open as he scanned it into the system before coming back out to hand it to her.

"That'll be 32 Lien." He said as she handed him the money before he placed it in the register, "Thanks for your patronage, hope to have you return miss."

Taking the bagged product from the blonde, the girl stared.

"Er… is something wrong?" Cody asked.

"Just surprised that the owner hired someone." She responded.

"He has never hired anyone before?" The girl shook her head.

"You're the first. Is he doing alright?" She asked, showing some worry.

"Oh, yeah. He's perfectly fine. He um.. Kinda hired me cause I needed some guidance…" Cody answered, as it wasn't too far off from the truth.

"Well… at least that's good to hear." The girl sighed as she made her way out.

With the girl outside, she took a few steps but paused and swiveled her head to the edge of the rooftop across from her.

Her amber eyes stared intensely, clutching the bag tightly. Within the few minutes, she jumped when Cody peeked from the entrance.

"Everything alright? Tukson noticed you were staring at something."

"… It's nothing." Her pace increased, leaving Cody confused.

"Huh… weird." He shrugged before returning into the store.

Back on the edge, the air glimmered before fading as Blood Stalk hummed. "Sharp eyes. Their kind was so interesting. Hmm…" Recalling the many capabilities a Faunus has, an idea came to mind regarding the boyo's hazard level. He reached for the special Scroll from the side of his belt. "Oi, do we have any subjects that are Faunus?"

"Several, why?"

"Increase the dosage on them. There's a test I need to see in the field."

"Of course Master Blood Stalk. I'll happily inform my fellow researchers." The call ended, letting Blood Stalk to hum.

"Well kiddo, looks like you are about to get into your second test. Let's see if you can pass this challenge?"

He chuckled and faded as a spectral cobra shrouded him and vanished like the wind. Leaving no trace or image of his presence.

Conflicts… are inevitable.

A/N: Hello minna! Striberx back here with this fic! Man, its been a hot minute huh? Well, as you can see, I'm doing my best to work on the stories that needed updated. More chaps for most of the stories will come as fast as I can write. Until then, be well everyone. Later minna!