RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 5: Past Traits Of Instinct
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^
The main Faust Base had been almost audible in regards to the researchers. Reason being the Pandora's Box that was uncovered and brought from the tundra. While it was missing panels as Blood Stalk had mentioned, it didn't hamper the largest opportunity of studying the artifact that has a deep connection to their high leader.
In fact, with what they could learn from it, it gave all of their research and development a massive boon. So much so, plans on trying to make Smash Soldiers was now considered, but still needed enough testing to make sure they don't have more failures like before.
The red armored leader had stated regarding using a Faunus for the next delivery of another Smash beast.
Orders were orders after all.
Speaking of the boss himself, the otherworlder lifeform stared at the legendary box from the glass, his blue lenses admiring the box-shaped device.
"After centuries, I finally got it back." He looked up at the ceiling, "You see me now, Vernage? You may have trapped me, my blood still sings through the veins of one born on this land to this day."
Vernage was such a poor woman who had tried to place him in his precious box. To cast magic on him and forever put him in the blasted artifact, only for him to infuse with a human in ages past when they found his prison. Century by century, when his body dies, his genes ignite in another and allow him full control.
He still retains such gifts they granted them but like their mistakes, the gifts were long gone. All but himself, including the rumors of girls having such said gifts. Ah, but there is also his favorite subject. After all, whose to deny the blood flows through him?
Blood Stalk hummed, placing a hand on the glass. "Just you wait… this world will be changed forever. Oh Brothers, you only left me with such opportunities that you failed on these morsels. Your so-called experiments are now mine to play with."
He tapped the button on his right when it rang.
"Sir, we have sent out the Smash you requested."
"Oh! Right on time! Now do me a favor and inform me of progress. Oh and give me a cup of coffee while you are at it."
"Er, yes sir."
Now… What fun shall the boyo bring today?
A new day stirs awake the young boy. Stretching from his new bed as he was greeted by the gleams of the sun that beamed into his room. With a yawn and a quick crackle of his body he got dressed and went downstairs. Luckily, Tuskon had breakfast ready in the break room for him to have before working today. This new environment he was living in was a different change but even more welcomed than before as most worries faded from him.
The blonde boy was having his fill as he turned on the radio to hear anything new that was coming in store for him today. Cody was already groaning when he heard another dust store being robbed as he knew that either the White Fang was doing this or the infamous Roman Torchwick. As long as they don't bring trouble around him, he could care less about the robberies. Though who had the idea of stopping such a robbery and making a mess of it days ago?
"Hey kid! If you're ready, I got a delivery you need to make on the other side of town." Tuskon sounded off from the front, knowing that he was up and just taking some time to himself for a bit.
"Hai, hai." Cody responded with a soft sigh. He had to finish up his breakfast quickly for the day for work. At least this wasn't the worst job to have as he either only had to deliver, stock up or watch the store. Honestly it was the quietest job and one he was enjoying well enough.
XXX
As Cody made preparations for the delivery he had to make, he applied the last of the tape onto the box to ensure everything was set for the delivery. The last thing he wanted was to have the boxes spill when they have to be kept well. Otherwise he was going to be in trouble with Tukson. "Okay, all set. Now I can-" The jingle of the bell above the door frame echoed in the book store but what stopped him was the voice he knew.
"I thought I recognized you from the window!" A familiar voice rang off, making the blonde groan out as he turned his head to see yet again, the busty blonde huntress. But he also took notice of another girl next to her, the same one who bought the latest volume of Ninjas in Love from a few weeks back.
The male blonde grasped his face, putting his best effort to suppress the frustration and headache he felt. "Oh for… Please tell me you're not still trying to convince me to join that lousy academy again?" Cody groaned out.
"You weren't kidding. He really is a bundle of joy." The black haired girl noted.
"I know, right?" Yang chuckled softly as she returned her attention to the boy, "And I said I'm not giving up on you, and I meant it."
"Last I recall they don't do any more school admissions until next year. And secondly, have to have proof of prior academics to be in the stupid light."
Yang raised a finger before slowly lowering it. He brought up very valid points in regards to enrollment. The admissions to Beacon are done through papers, verification, vouch from a faculty member who is a Huntress or Huntsman, and academics.
"Seems he got you there, Yang." The black haired girl said with a chuckle.
"Oh come on, Blake!" Yang pouted as she crossed her arms, "Well I still think you should join. You could do so much with your skills."
"And my final answer is still no. You better accept the facts."
The student sighed. "I guess…"
"So, are you here to shop or not?"
"… Neither I guess." Yang rubbed her neck in unease. There was no point in asking him anymore. He really was immovable to his answer and no point in convincing him repeatedly.
"Where do you plan to take those stacks of books?" The girl named Blake asked him.
"Well to a place known as Saun Seller of Goods." He responded to her.
"Oh I know where it is. We can help you deliver them to the store." Blake offered.
"Yeah! Let us help you! I still owe you from that odd monster attack." Yang smiled at him.
Cody's brow though, flinched from that as Blake turned to her friend, "Hm? What monster?"
"Uh…. Well I…."
"How many people have you told about that? That I asked you not to say a word?" Cody asked with a frown.
Yang rubbed the back of her head, "Um well… just a few friends?"
"Oh for the love of…." Cody gritted, now feeling his annoyance rise. Now he'll be having more eyes on him than before! "You really are an airhead, aren't ya? I want to have a peaceful life without any damn Hunters around me!"
He gripped the box of novels and marched out. "Do that again or I will put up some restraining order or something if you keep yapping like that, got it!?"
The bell ringed upon him, closing the door, leaving a tense silence in the air.
The now named ravenette placed a hand on her hip, glancing at Yang. "You really should stop with whatever it is, Yang. From the looks of it, you are only causing problems for him when he just said it."
"I'm… just wanting to reach out to him. He looks so lonely and afraid…."
"…Not everyone wishes to be helped. Sometimes they have to do it with their own hands. If they don't want any assistance, accept it." Her amber eyes drift to the side. "Otherwise you will only feel like a nuisance and they'll place you with hatred."
Yang sighed heavily, "I just want to show him that someone can be there for him."
"Yang."
"Okay! Okay!" The blonde gave in. "I just hope if we do meet him, I can apologize… That's the least I can do."
"That would be a good start." Blake smiled softly as she patted her partners shoulder, "Come on, let's go get something that'll take your mind off of this."
A thin curl of Yang's lips created a smile and followed the fellow team member. Yang will ease up on her advances but she will at least try to befriend him. Just bit by bit instead of her usual forward approach. But for now, she'll leave him be to relax.
As the two headed off, Blake softly turned back to the store. Yang wasn't wrong about one thing, he did look lonely and afraid. She knew how that felt alongside pushing others away out of fear. She can only hope he'll maybe reach out to someone someday too. But for now, leaving him alone is the best option.
XXX
The duo went to a simple cafe to relax and have a bite to eat as Yang decided to tell Blake what she knew of the boy and what her partner needed to know.
"So that's why Ruby was insisting on seeing him? Because of his armor and what you fought against?" Blake questioned as she was informed of what happened and his 'secret' since she was the only one who didn't know yet.
"Yeah. It's still shocking that he can simply summon some armor to fight. But the fact that he can be as strong as me when I'm enraged, is still shocking to me." Yang nodded as she leaned back in her chair.
"From a Semblance?"
"I thought of it being a possibility but…"
"But what?"
Yang chewed her lip, trying to put up the right answer. "It may sound hard to believe but from what I saw, and I am not joking at all, it was literal strength unlike anyone. It's like… like his whole body was completely altered."
"Altered?"
"I know it's crazy, but what else could it be?"
Blake hummed in thought, pondering at that idea. "It does sound unbelievable."
"See? You wouldn't believe it!"
The ravenette did honestly find it hard to believe. To alter the body into such capabilities was unheard of. It was practically impossible unless someone was an expert, which is one in a million. "It still doesn't explain you seeing robots that aren't from Atlas being around."
"I know what I saw Blake! I swear when I told others about the incident, all there was to the news was a fire from a Dust Store!"
Ever since Yang had been trying to tell others, they didn't believe her. The news about that incident never came up, only a fire and there was absolutely no evidence of the robots. The headmaster seemed to believe her but that was it!
Blake leaned against her seat. She opened her mouth but paused when her peripheral vision caught notice of a paper landing on the floor.
"Blake?"
The ravenette leaned down from her right and plucked the paper. Her eyes moved up to notice another paper of the same make. She followed where it came from and noticed a girl a year younger than her and Yang, showing she was 16 years of age. The young woman frantically picked up the papers that were scattered. She held traits that signify her status as a Faunus but the ears were of a bear.
"Hey, are these yours?" Blake asked as she kneeled down to the girl.
The young one looked up with worry as she nodded, "Y-Yes… I'm sorry miss… A gust of wind made me lose balance…" She said shyly. "I just wanted to see if anyone saw my dad? He's been missing for ten years but I know he's out there…."
"10 years?" Yang slinged an arm over the headrest of the chair she sat on. "Isn't that a bit long to… you know?"
"He went out on a job but he never arrived…. Everyone thinks he bailed town. But I know it's not true! Dad wouldn't leave me or mom…. He just couldn't…" The girl said with a sad look as her ears folded down with sadness. "I never stopped looking for him…"
Yang moved her arm slightly off the headrest. The girl never stopped searching for her father. It almost reminded her of her former search.
"… What if we help?" The Faunus raised her head to Yang.
"Y-You… would help?"
"Well we can try but hey at least it might make things easier right?"
The Bear Faunus felt a spark of hope upon the offer of assistance from the two. For 10 years most has given up on helping her but now there was a few who would help.
"Th-Thank you so much!"
XXX
The Bat-themed Rider stared at the scenery of Vale, basking in its glory. Such architecture that mesmerizes any. The stores are full of various things. Everything was-! "So damn annoying."
It had been years since he was here and all he felt was a need to spit in disgust. He was ordered to stay back while the recently released Smash does its work. Once it starts he had to ward off the area while removing evidence upon its conclusion.
Yet the fact he was only given those orders made his blood boil. He was far stronger and more cunning than the fleeing experiment. Why wasn't He chosen to be part of this unknown plan?
What did Blood Stalk see in the other subject that he himself doesn't have?
"Smash heading to quadrant G8." The Guardian drone reported.
"Hrn." He tapped the Scroll, displaying the cameras of the streets. "Seal off areas G5 to G9."
The drone relayed its order through the network, sending the order.
"Now Cross-Z, show me what it is that Stark sees in you?"
XXX
Cody was ready to make his way home, finally done with the request alongside some minor things he needed to do. He can only hope that the next meal he was going to be given to by Tuskon would be better than the previous one. For now he just had to bring back the inquiries he received upon the deliveries and hand it to Tukon. After that he will have the time he needs and the rest he deserves.
He paused a step, seeing his little dragon flying around. "What? I am just about to finish up-"
An explosion erupted not too far, startling him. "Work…" his eyes noticed the blue energy slowly crawling upward several blocks away and into a dome. "Crap. Not again…"
With worry and dread filling his head once more, he raced towards the dome, hoping he had enough time to enter it before it was fully sealed off. One alley way showed the dome about to be finished forming as he used all of his strength to bolt towards it, sadly destroying the concrete road below him as he was flung into the dome just in time as it sealed off.
A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he looked to his dragon as it tossed him the Dragon Fullbottle, ready for him to fight should he need it.
"Let's get to work." He shook the bottle before twisting the cap.
XXX
On another side of the dome, Yang, Blake and the young faunus who gave her name to be Yuuka, were looking around in confusion. Blake and Yuuka were unable to figure out what this was, but Yang knew as she frowned.
"Okay, change of plans. We need to try and find other people in this dome and make sure they're safe." Yang said to the two as she took point for this.
"Yang? What's going on here?" Her partner asked.
"Remember that story I told earlier today? About this dome appearing? Yeah… that means the dragon boy isn't too far off as well…" Yang responded as her gauntlets activated and were primed. "Just try to find others and don't separate, otherwise who knows what you might encounter here-"
A second explosion occurred, the trio seeing flames burst from a window of a second floor building. They winced as their Auras protected them from the searing heat. The abnormal heat brought puzzlement until something dove out of the flames like a beast from hell. It landed on the ground with a low growl, raising its head to the sky.
Its body held three round objects. Two on the shoulders and one as its head. Its left arm was orange much like the majority of its upper body. However its right arm leaked flames that no doubt showed it was responsible for the recent explosion. The girls would have mistaken it as a robot due to its appearance but were it not for the dark gray muscle fibers underneath its metal body, displaying biomechanical origins.
"What is… that?" Blake uttered. She had seen and fought Grimm but not once in her life she had seen a biomechanical organism.
"That… was the odd creature I faced before… Or closely related to it…" Yang frowned as she got into a fighting stance.
The Burn Smash's head rotated making them cringe. The two weren't sure it was due to how its head was practically an orb or its many pitch black eyes that were akin to lenses.
"Don't know whether to be freaked out or grossed out by that."
"Either way, you should get someplace safe, Yuuka… This is going to be a rough fight." Yang warned the girl.
The Bear Faunus bit her lip before she frantically ran for cover, leaving the two students with the monster.
"Think we can take it Yang?" Blake asked only to receive silence from Yang. This was going to be a rough fight.
Its body rotated to match its directional point the head held and steam blew from its exhausts while the kindling of flames began to glimmer across the said pipes.
It roared with an organic voice before running towards them. Blake and Yang quickly evaded the charge before the buxom blonde lodged a fist against its metal body. It creaked but she yelped and avoided its left arm. Her lilac eyes took heed of the flamethrower in its other arm but it was with Blake's ribbon she avoided the flames.
"Thanks, Blake!" The ravenette nodded, "Let's focus. Seems it can rotate where it needs to shoot those flames. If we can catch it off-guard, we might be able to stop it from attacking further."
"Got it!" The two made their way, avoiding the flame shots it unleashed. It noticed Yang coming to its left and Blake running past her. Its body glimmered and witnessed both aiming to strike it from the front and back.
Its answer?
It aimed its right arm downward and released a blast of flames, sending it up in the air. Blake gasp when its claw aimed for her in which she casted a clone copy in its grasp while she landed, narrowly avoiding the close call from it and Yang's missed swing.
"I don't know about you but that was totally unfair!"
The beast roared at the two.
"Guess those black pits are its eyes." Blake grimaced. It must have been able to see her flank while focusing on Yang.
"Ugh, where's Weiss when you need her icy personality?" Yang groaned out.
The Smash's arm ignited before it aimed. The fireball grew and grew until it was the size of its own body. With a grunt, the fireball was launched.
"Shit!" Yang raised her arms defensively. She winced at the searing burns to her Aura. Originally she thought her Aura would break but she and her partner noticed the ball of flames slowly shrunk and turned blue before being directed back at the Smash. "What the?"
"Man… A fire Smash? Now ain't that lucky for me?" A new voice called out as Yang and Blake turned to see who it was.
"It's dragonboy!" Yang pointed.
"I have a name you know?!" Cross-Z barked.
"Right, right… uh… Bar Mook?" Yang pointed out with a snicker.
"…" silence was the only thing that even the Smash looked at her with deadpanned eyes.
"Yang… don't play jokes with the one who's actually helping us!" Blake groaned out, pinching her nose.
"What? I couldn't help myself."
"Regardless, how is it that another Smash appears, you are the one I always see fighting them?" Cross-Z questioned the blonde brawler.
"Trouble finds me?"
"More like you are an annoyance." Cross-Z brandished his sword and focused on the Smash. "Just sit back and let me finish it off, hopefully it won't die on me…"
Going for a lunge, the blue Rider ducked from the flames that he redirected and struck the kaijin's metal hide several times. The Smash staggered as sparks blast off its hide. It fired several flame bullets at it but Cody's Semblance enabled him to keep its line of fire (no pun intended) away from him and the other three.
HIPPARE! HIPPARE!
With two pulls of the hammer he rushed in with a few slashes before he jumped back to pull the trigger, letting loose the energy that was built up into the blade.
MILLION HIT!
The Smash bellowed in agony and rolled across the ground. It staggered at first before the flames on its body danced across its wounds. The humans winced to the sickening sounds as if the flames were readjusting its internal structure before it ended. The beast slowly got back up and snarled albeit in pain from the finisher.
"That's… not good." Cody felt air leave his lungs when he felt the strong blow to his midsection, launching him to a car the Faunus hid behind. She squeaked and held her head, causing papers to scatter and a few to fly away.
"Crap! You okay?" Yang gasped running to his side.
"Ugh… I'm fine… Just didn't expect it to be like that…" He groaned out.
The Smash stalked towards them, making them wary. Each step was slowly before its metal foot crushed something paper-like. It looked down to notice the Missing Person paper, displaying the picture of a male Bear Faunus.
Its loud growl lowered in tone.
"What is it doing?" Blake whispered.
The left limb slowly gripped the paper and stared but not before it grunted and grasped its head in agony. It began to hear a buzzing sound as if a dog was hearing its whistle.
"What's wrong with it?!"
"How should I know?!"
"You're the expert in Smash stuff!"
"This is a first case for me to see alright blondie?!"
Electrical energy slammed against its arms, restraining it startling them. They noticed several machines in fatigues hurriedly rushing and began to secure the Smash.
"Che, you should've just stayed as you are… Guess I'll need to take you back to reeducate you…"
"You…" Cross-Z growled.
It was the bat-themed Rider who watched the Guardians ensnare the Smash that squirmed.
"What do you plan to do with it…?" Blake questioned the enemy.
"My lord wanted to let this one loose as a test. 'Progress is lacking' in his words. Readjustments are needed for it."
"Readjustments? What are you even talking about? Aren't these things just man-made machines or monsters?" Yang questioned Night Rogue.
"Hmph." Night Rogue scoffed. "That remains between us… and to the coward who ran from us."
"I escaped that hell hole for a real life… Not to continue to be experimented on like an animal!" Cross-Z hissed in anger.
'Escaped? Experimented?' The girls repeated.
"I don't know what he sees in you that is of worth. If anything you are a defect in his experiments."
"Heh, jealous much? Seems I have a more favorable eye than a lapdog like you…" Cross-Z smirked, knowing the enemy is giving him more information.
"Least I have grown in strength and you did not." He tapped his gauntlet, the dome receding but not before glancing at the group.
"Y-Yuuka…." The Smash soon groaned out, looking to the young girl that was hiding from afar.
The Bead Faunus slowly and shakingly looked at the restrained monster. "P-Papa…?"
"Papa?" Yang and Blake repeated before their eyes bulged and looked at the monster in horror.
Cross-Z looked to the girl then back at the Smash, his own realization coming forth.
"There are to be no evidence of us." Night Rogue informed. "Drones 9 and 10, detonate."
Cross-Z soon rushed at Night Rogue, trying to get to the bastard but was stopped by the bat rider's hand that caught the sword.
"I get it now…. Smash aren't just these monsters or man-made things you throw at me…" He said with anger in his voice, "They're the missing people that you capture from these domes…. Right?"
"… Just as we were to them, coward. Orphans who wouldn't miss us. To know we don't exist and to be forgotten."
Ange began to swell in his head, blue fire softly erupting from his armor as he glared at Night Rogue. He howled out in anger as he raised his fist and threw it at the masked bat, connecting it and sending him skidding across.
"You… Every single one of you in Faust…. Are nothing but monsters…" Cross-Z hissed in anger, flames ignite out of his armor before a soft eruption of flames boiled out.
Smoke enveloped the Rider and his comrades. "Until we meet again."
"Stop!" Cody tried to attack again but only cut through smoke as nothing was behind it. The four heard small explosions, no doubt the drones that were ordered had erased all evidence of Faust's presence. "DAMN IT!"
XXX
Cody gritted his teeth as he waited in silence on the curb, finishing up an interview with an officer while the fires were being doused.
As footsteps approached, he turned his head to Yang and Blake who were looking at him with concern.
"What do you two want?" He frowned.
"We just wanted to see if you were okay?" Yang asked him calmly.
"I'm here aren't I? Does that give enough answers for you?"
"Yet it's obvious there's more to it." Blake spoke up, "From what I can guess from what just happened…. You found some way to escape these monsters and they're after you, correct?"
"So?" His voice was low but it was treading on thin ice to his current emotions.
"I'm just speculating and trying to figure all of this out. Its obvious you don't trust anybody as they could either be an agent or betray you. Its why from what Yang as said, you can't trust Huntsmen."
Cody furiously stood up and glared at the two. "Then you know that our conversation between us ends." He turned around.
"So you're just going to run away?" Yang spoke up, stepping in to stop him from leaving.
"No, I am doing what I've done with other Smash. To save them…"
"Then let us help you."
Cody looked at them with a stupefied look. "You… help me?" Yang nodded. The former experiment stared.
"Yeah. Those bastards just took a girl's father and turned him into that. I won't be able to rest easy knowing they have him and making him act like a monster. I won't let them continue to do that to others, so we want to help."
The stare didn't end until he burst out in laughter.
"What the hell is so funny?!"
"You helping me? I told you, I don't trust either of you and I would rather have a 9 foot pole to give me the right distance to avoid people like you."
"What is that supposed to mean bub?!" Yang growled.
"You don't know me. You don't know what I've been through to get this far in my damn life." He hissed.
"Neither do you to us." Blake spoke up, "We also have our struggles and problems. You don't know what it's like for what we've been through."
"But not mine nor countless others for years."
Yang and Blake were immediately silenced. Night Rogue's words of being orphans stung their hearts. No doubt the ominous group had taken in children who were lost or forgotten from various causes and end up as lab rats. Experiences they don't know as they were never there to see it. Never there to understand how each and every single one of them felt. Their childhood ripped, their innocence torn, their happiness… gone.
"I am only saying this once and last. I will always hate Huntsmen for they are a joke and are not heroes… so get out of my way and leave me alone." Blue flames seeped in his fingers upon Cody's anger.
Yang slowly moved in which Cody proceeded but also shoving her shoulder in the process. Her eyes turned red for a moment as she wanted nothing more than to punch them regardless of the officers who would have arrested her for assault. Blake rested a hand on her partner's shoulder, shaking her head. "We can't cause a scene more than we already are." The ravenette placated.
Yang closed her eyes, calming down before she stepped back as the angered boy walked past them. A frown on her face as she just couldn't let this slide now knowing what they learned. But more importantly just leaving this be as she didn't want Yuuka to feel sad and alone anymore.
She reached for her Scroll but paused. She reached for her other pocket and felt nothing. "Blake do you have your Scroll?"
Blake checked but her hands quickly moved and felt none. "Mine is missing."
"How did we-!" Yang stopped.
'There are to be no evidence of us'
Evidence. It meant all forms of surveillance are dismantled, including Scrolls.
"Blake… don't our given Scrolls have our student information…?"
Faust will know when they try to investigate them. If they were able to make the area seem like a mere fire, it meant they had connections to the media. Connections that can make any person they knew vanish without a trace. The bitter reality was that the two now have a noose to their necks, taunting them of saying any word or trying anything to expose them. Their lives would become forfeit the moment they try.
It sent a chill down Yang's spine. The thought of Ruby being kidnapped and turned… gods what did she get herself and her partner into?
"They do… And I already see what you're thinking. Are you sure you still want to go after them?"
"I…" Yang chewed her lips and glanced at Yuuka who was curled against the wall, staring at the paper. Her eyes are still full of fear and despair.
"Papa…." She muttered to herself softly only to clench the paper as tears rolled down her face. Her father was there, but a monster, under the control of Faust. It felt fruitless for her as any hope she has had before was swiftly erased, causing her to rip the paper frantically into shreds, making her weep in despair.
Yang saw this as what would've happened if the same thing happened to her father too. Searching endlessly only to find it to be hopeless from the truth. Nobody deserves that. With her fist clenched tightly and her eyes red again she turned to Blake.
"I do. I can't sit by and let them get away with this. I'll become their target if I do this, but as long as my family and friends are safe, then I'll be fine."
"… If they can't?" Blake didn't like to brush up with goodness knowing they are going against an organization who will silence them.
"Then I won't stop until they pay for it all… I swear they'll regret making me their enemy."
Blake held her arm, rubbing it in discomfort. "Not sure if this is a good idea Yang. This is a dangerous risk and we will be looking over our shoulders every day at school… let alone who to trust. Any one could be with the organization… anyone…"
"We… just have to do what we can, right?" Yang gave a wry smile. "Let's get Yuuka."
"Okay… I trust you." Blake nodded softly.
XXX
Cody was looking around the industry district of Vale, believing this to be their perfect hideout and hopefully the one where they're keeping that Smash. If not, he'll just wreak havoc until either he finds what he needs or that damn bat will give him the info.
As he marched his way through the area he stopped at what looked to be a simple refinery. A smirk on his face as he marched towards it before he kicked down the metal door into the building, startling the workers there.
Cody marched his way into it as he went to where the operation was held. Staring at the wall, he reeled his fist back and slammed it against the wall, shattering it to reveal a hidden passageway.
"There we go…" He said with a smirk.
He hopped inside, nearly losing balance. He raised his palm to procure the azure flames and made it hover over him to provide light. The water echoed within the tunnel and kept his hand on the wall to prevent any loss of direction. His eyes narrowed and gently pushed another ball of fire, lighting the path ahead. At first it was nothing until he saw a glimmer of metal.
He pursed his lip and repeated the process but larger. He thought it was the steel door to the base… only to see the flame cast its light on the Burn Smash who growled.
"Oh shit." When his light died out, the darkness of the tunnel became flashes of fire. The echoes of the Smash roaring in defiance while the sound of Cody's Build Driver rang in the midst of it.
WAKE UP! CROSS-Z DRAGON! ARE YOU READY?!
"Henshin!"
WAKE UP BURNING!
In seconds, the two trays of armor collapsed inward, attaching to the teen. In moments, another set of armor attached to the bac, first forming wings before they folded into shoulder pads and another faceplate.
GET CROSS-Z DRAGON! YEAH!
The flashes of fire continued like a light show until Cody felt the burning punch, more powerful than last time, sling him out of the hole he made earlier and into the construction area. The workers immediately dispersed in fear upon the monster's presence when it walked out of the hole.
"Grh… guess Faust thought ahead…" The blonde grunted, standing on one knee.
The Burn Smash bellowed in rage, its flames being poured through its right arm and exhaust pipes. The heat caused metal around them to turn red. Cody was safe due to his Semblance but it meant he had to solely focus on shielding himself from the flames instead of deflecting it.
"Whoever you were, you need to remember who you are!" Cross-Z shouted. "You were a Bear Faunus right?!"
He ducked when the Smash released a fireball.
"Your daughter misses you dearly! I know you can fight their mind games off, you're stronger than that!" He yelled but grunted when the experiment rammed him through several steel pipes. The heat grew more intense as the metal slowly began to melt.
It growled and raised its claw but a steaming black ribbon wrapped around its arm. Burn Smash looked at its limb but felt its arm yanked to hit itself in the face and automatic rounds pelting its back.
It darted to the source and Cody felt astonished to see Blake. "You?!" Sweat was falling from her skin and her Aura was protecting her from the burns that were searing her gear and weapon. "I thought I told you and blondie to beat it and leave me be!"
"And we told you, were not going to let them get away with this!" Yang shouted out, lunging forward and punching the Smash into the ground hard. She panted as she used her forearm to wipe away sweat as the heat lingered around them. "They really adjusted to him big time."
"Just tell us, can you reverse what happened to him?" Blake asked.
"I…" Cross-Z held his tongue.
"Now is the good time to answer!"
"I can't alright?!" He snapped. "When I battle Smash's… they don't leave a body when they're defeated… They become practically ash…"
"What…?" Yang uttered before she was punched into a heated steel beam. She gagged and fell, grimacing in pain. She held her collar, her heart racing and her blood was pumping adrenaline. "I-If this keeps on going we are going to have heat strokes…"
"That's why I told you to stay out of this, I can handle this kind of heat!" Cross-Z growled in frustration before he gripped the Smash before slamming it into the ground, "You're such a nosey brat!"
His opponent wrapped its legs around his stomach before throwing him over. Cody winced to a few joints in his neck pop but not before being raised in the air and into the sand. It repeated the process to Cody several times, the two students watching in shock upon the power difference between the adjusted Burn Smash and Cross-Z.
Cody groaned when he was slammed into the sand one last time and felt the monster's metal foot press against his torso. Its arm ignited in flames before it aimed.
"PAPA!"
The beast froze and slowly rotated its head to Yuuka who stood on the hillside of the sand. Her clothes were steaming from her sweat as she panted.
"Papa! Stop! Just… stop! Please!" She scurried down, nearly tripping but managed to confront the Smash who was her father. "Don't hurt more people like the White Fang does, papa!"
The Smash roared, making Yuuka hold her ears as her hair swayed slightly from its sound waves.
"I-I know you are still there papa!" She dug into her pocket and raised a family photo. "Don't you remember this! T-Ten years ago! It was the last one we took before the festival! Before you vanished!"
She whimpered as the beast snapped. It backhanded her, its metal feet crunching against the sand while singing the picture.
"P-Papa.. please…"
The monster raised its arm, more fire being prepared. Its arm was raised but… it was trembling. Its aim was horrible as the beast gritted in pain. It grabbed its flame arm before pointing it at itself, creating a cast of sparks. The action shocked the four.
The second attempt was made but again it only shot itself with its own flames. The temperature in the premises began to lower as if the beast was causing it.
"Put me… to rest!" The monster yelled. "Please 931!"
Cross-Z looked up with shock from hearing this request. Normally he'd have to be the one to do it without consent, but this one knew what it was becoming. This Faunus knew it couldn't be saved or stopped, he had to put this poor person to rest, even if he is to be hated afterwards.
The beast repeatedly shot itself, his instincts as a father becoming stronger in order to protect her daughter. "I don't want this pain… to be held anymore!"
The dragon rider lowered his head as he slowly stood up, gripping the lever he began to crank it and build power as the fire he was storing up erupted into the blue, fiery dragon behind him. Silence rang out as he stopped cranking before he looked up.
"I'm sorry…" He apologized softly before he leaped into the air.
DRAGONIC FINISH!
As the fiery blue dragon spewed its flame an enveloped the rider, he came flying down into a kick, striking the Burn Smash before the power and fire he was building up rushed into the Smash's body, causing a green explosion from the impact.
The girls covered their faces from it before the heat finally began to dissipate, only for them to see the Smash's body fading away as standing there was the Bear Faunus that Yuuka was trying to see once more.
"P-Papa!" Yuuka crawled to her father as golden specks shrouded the man.
"My darling Yuuka…. I'm sorry to have made you and your mother worry…. And I'm more sorry that I have to go now ..." He said softly to her with a gentle smile.
Yuuka's eyes burned with tears, her lips quivering. "Don't go papa! Please don't go!"
Her father weakly rested a hand on top of her head, bringing an old memory. "Be strong… my little cub. I'll at least be with you in your heart…. So be strong, okay? I know you can be…"
The young Faunus buried her face against him, the patting no longer felt on her head when he was gone from her arms. Yuuka cried in anguish, covering her face with her hands.
Blake could only walk over and gently hug the young girl, comforting her in her grief. Yang was rubbing her own eyes from the tears racing down her face. As painful as this was, at least Faust won't use him against his will again.
Cross-Z lowered his head in regret and shame. The two emotions he had constantly felt upon each Smash he defeated. He wished he could've saved them, he wished his power would heal them, but in the end he could only give them rest.
"Damn you Faust… damn you bastard to hell." He hissed under his breath.
"Hmph, even this one was a failure." Night Rogue scoffed as he appeared, disappointed that the test was nothing but futile.
"You!"
"Mind your words in his presence."
"Whose presence do you mean you prick!?"
"Oh that will be me." Everyone looked up to see a red armored Rider who was perched on the rail of the building frame. "Yo."
As they saw him, he looked not much different from Night Rogue, but in a crimson red armor with a teal green cobra on his chest and visor.
"A second guy like Night Rogue…?" Cody uttered.
The new person chuckled with a wave of his finger. "No, more like…"
"The guy…" He said, now standing right next to the azure rider, shocking the group at his speed. Cody felt an extremely powerful strike, sending him crashing into the sand hill.
"I must admit, what a tearful, sad departure. Boohoo." The cobra rider brushed his fist against his visor, mimicking a fake cry of sadness. "It brings such tears to my eyes."
"You turned this girl's father into a monster! Have you no shame or humanity in you?!" Blake hissed at the new enemy.
"Wow, that kitty sure has feisty claws."
Blake couldn't even flinched before the new enemy was next to her, kicking her in the stomach and sending her into the beam above her.
"Too bad the cat was out of the bag."
"Blake!" Yang gasped only to growl as her eyes turned red as she ignited with a bang and lunged at the cobra, beginning to swing punch after punch to hit the enemy yet to no avail as he easily was dodging her fists.
The supposed leader yawned in boredom. When the fist was swung, he caught it and then the other. "You sure bring a lot of fire into the pot." With a grunt, the cobra swung Yang up to the beam above. She crashed before falling, allowing the red rider to spin his arm and punch Yang in the stomach.
"Man, that was fun! Remind me to make a schedule for it, Night Rogue."
"… Duly noted, sir."
Cody crawled out of the sand, glaring painfully at the Faust Leader.
"Who… are you…?" Blake wheezed.
"Me? The guy. The head. Big boss. Any of that slang words. But! You can call me by one name: Blood Stark."
"Then…. All I need to do… I kill you…" Cody grunted as he slowly got to his feet, "Then… this will finally end…"
"Easy there. Can't fight in that way now." Blood Stark raised his hands. "I give it one minute before the numbness knocks you out. I could have easily crushed your ribs, splintering it into your organs."
"As if… you even care…. You're the source… of everything.." Cody hissed in anger, his blue flames erupting from his body once more.
"Did your mother ever teach you about respect?" Cody tensed slightly at the mention of her. "Then again." Fire briefly erupted in Blood Stark's hand. "You are special." With the sword he had, the fire channeled and struck Cody with a burning slash, forcing him out of the armor.
Blood spilled from the wound and cauterized by the flames as he collapsed, only to howl in pain from it as Stark walked over, knelt to his eye level, and wagging his finger. "I will make sure you remain alive for being special. What I want to see from you is a good show and a lot of effort in your 'heroism'."
"Get… away from him…" Yang grunted out as she too attempted to stand and fight. Seems she and the boyo were a pair of stubborn blondes.
Blood Stark sighed and stood up. He merely flicked his hand, Yang being flung back up as if the air itself was shoved into her and to the beam.
With her incapacitated, Night Rogue handed his lord a Scroll that activated. "Let's see… ah here. Yang Xaio Long. 17 years old in Beacon Academy. Oh? A sister? Ah yes, Ruby Rose." Yang froze in terror. "Blake Belladonna. Also 17 years old. Enrolled in Beacon by the Headmaster himself under certain circumstances. How is your mother and father in Menagerie?"
Blake too reacted with terror.
"You see ladies, I want to keep things peaceful between us. Do mind my words… for I can be quite scary if you cross my line. So don't wander in my territory that is my fun. Capische?"
"What… do you even want… from me…?" Cody hissed out in pain.
"Didn't you hear me? You are special. Thus you are better alive than dead. Survive. Live. Just as you have done so before the world around you burns. By then you will grow more." He slid a uniquely made first aid beside Cody's head and patted his cheek. "Be a good boy and have fun. Ciao."
Twin snakes appeared around Blood Stark and Night Rogue, vanishing as evidence of their presence was once again erased.
This was something nobody expected, or felt. What Blood Stark could do and his power, he easily could've killed them without much effort or even support. This enemy was not something to be trifled with, and from how it seems he has his eyes on them all no matter where they're at.
This wasn't just some random terrorist group from the shadows… But a predator who would do nothing more than see the world burn.
XXX
After awhile of recovery from those injuries and then applyment of the odd first aid, Blake and Yang were leaving with Yuuka. Cody asked them to leave and at first Yang was going to decline and let him join them on the trip back, his silence gave her the response she needed as they left him be for now.
Blood Stark's words still haunt their minds.
He had threatened the lives of their families. Threatened to burn it all and have them feel despair if they ever cross his line.
The worst part was for Cody, he realized quickly that while he did escape the Faust HQ, he never truly escaped their grasp. It was obvious that Stark let him continue on and continues to let him live outside. He was just being toyed with on the idea of true freedom once more.
It felt like he was slowly being constricted like a snake would do to its prey.
But the nerve Stark did. The damn nerve to bring up the mention of his mother. He barely remembers her, yet he still does remember the warmth she gave him. It meant Stark had her in Faust as well and most likely discarded her after of her use.
Rage was now there. Stark took not just his childhood but his family as well. Faust… Stark… They will all pay! With a bellow of anger and rage as the blue fiery flames erupted out of him, he slammed his fist into the ground over and over again.
He won't become Stark's toy! He won't let them continue like this! If he's weak, then he'll just need to get stronger, strong enough to where Stark will fear him.
He'll show him.
He'll show them all!
His eyes gained its red hue upon his anger.
He swears he'll make Stark pay and he'll make him bleed. If he wants to try and control him, he'll have another thing coming.
XXX
A/N: Hello minna! Phew, finally another chap on this. Sorry for the long wait on this, other than trying to get into the mood to continue this, I was also just dealing with personal stuff from doing my own things, the usual anime/game binge and what not. But with Vol 9 now out, it did spark my old passion for Rwby again and so here we are!
Anywho, new stuff here. So yeah, some more insight for Cody alongside Yang and now Blake learning more about Faust alongside Stark's threat. Felt like him popping up just to flex on them would be interesting as it would push Cody to continue to survive but get stronger to deal with the head honcho himself.
As for Yuuka and her father, I thought it'd be interesting to go that route here with that. I know I didn't give the father a name, but it doesn't matter, I think the emotion and message this brought serves a better purpose. Now cause of this, will the Rwby girls and friends continue to help Cody? Well of course they will! Gotta stick together with Stark and Faust now, huh?
Anywho there's also something special coming too but you'll have to wait and see what this special thing is.
Until then, later minna!