RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 10: Charging for Freedom!
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 Rogue paced back and forth with impatience. 'His' armored form full of frustration in regards to recent events. The fact their lord wanted to let 931 have a boost on a silver platter… What was he thinking?! Wasn't 931 supposed to be watched for Hazard progress and not that upgrade bullshit?!
"Something wrong, Night Rogue?"
The armored enemy tensed before kneeling to the presence of Blood Stark who was spinning a ring around his finger.
"Yes… Why is 931 being given that power? He's just a tool for us! Why should he get-"
The snake stopped spinning the ring as it landed back into his armored finger. "This is my start of phase 3, 932. Is that a problem?"
"P-Phase 3? My lord… you mean we are proceeding now?"
"Bingo!" Blood Stark patted his shoulder, the Bat Rider following after him. "I got the message from Pietro, the Seismic Scanner is done. With it I can find my precious toy which won't be easy given it's been ages since I had it. Secondly, I've already contacted all my agents to know of the start. It's only a matter of time until I get to make the grand opening for the world to see!" He spread his arms as the chamber doors opened.
"To… see, my lord?" Night Rogue questioned.
Light seeped through as it opened. A massive chamber as the rider saw what was below. Countless Guardians with their rifles, some having to be newest types. However with them were armored humans who removed gas mask helmets and saluted. Airships were activated, presenting the upgrades of the xeno technology he had acquired through hard work of his old habits.
"Once the last two Panels are found and the retrieval of my Driver, that is where the flare will be fired!" Blood Stark cheered, raising the encased glass box that held Pandora's box.
"And… of 931? Will he finally be paid for his sins?"
"It is my decision, Night Rogue." Stark informed.
"But…" 'he' gritted 'his' teeth under the helmet.
Blood Stark sighed, patting the fellow Rider's shoulder. "Tell you what, I need to do a few tests. So, I will give you some of the nifty stuff here to beat the crap out of him."
Night Rogue raised his head up. "You are allowing me, to fight him to my satisfaction?"
"Precisely. But don't break him too much. I still need him alive."
Night Rogue clicked 'his' teeth with annoyance, but obeyed. 'He' can at least put him to near death, to make him pay for everything he has done. All of his sins will be brought forthwith, and 'he'll' make him suffer forever for betraying 'him', leaving them to Faust when they wanted freedom..
"By your leave."
"Atta girl." The leader patted 'him'. "For everything is bound by blood!"
"BOUND BY BLOOD!" The machines and humans repeated, saluting to their High Leader.
XXX
Vale. The young rider didn't expect to be coming back to the city so soon. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he was looking out the window of the Vertibird ship with Pietro and Penny. Even though one of the items was finished, the extra belt still needed some tinkering to work, and they couldn't stall for time anymore.
His eyes glanced at the two then back at the glass.
"Everything okay?" He blinked and jumped to Penny suddenly sitting beside him. She's quick, he'll give her that.
"Y-Yeah… it's just, you know, it's been awhile since coming back here."
"Oh right. The Faust incidents with the people." Penny nodded, knowing it was an issue for him. "Well, I believe you'll be fine! After all, you said you'll try to trust in others, right? So this is a good start!"
"It's… not always that easy Penny…." Cody admitted, "I'm not even sure if they even will see eye to eye with me… As far as I'm concerned? They despise me… It was my business that nearly got them killed."
"Did they say they hate you?"
Cody opened his mouth before closing it. "They… never said anything after…"
"Then as I believe it to be with my database and knowledge. Then you have a chance to make amends!" Penny smiled, "After all, you are a good person, Cody. You just haven't had the mental happiness in so long, you only think of pushing others away. But like any wound, it can be treated and healed."
"…" To find happiness again. Each time he tried, it only crumbled because of Faust. Because of the bastard snake Blood Stark. The problem is, he can only get his freedom once he tests the buckle Pietro was making.
"Mr. Poledina, I don't want to be rude but… how much longer until the buckle is finished?"
Pietro coughed as he stopped the use of the tool that returned into the armrest. "Just nearly finished. It needs a few more parts-"
"I don't have time!" Cody held his tongue and sat down. "I-I'm sorry… I just…"
"You want the freedom you longed for." Pietro's eyes softened. He remembered the deal they made with Blood Stark. He can only earn his freedom if he uses the new buckle in a test run. Problem is, just how much longer for the buckle to be complete and what type of test run? Those were the only problems in the deal. "Cody, you must have faith in patience. Patiences leads you somewhere, lack of it does not."
"I know…. I'm… I'm just worried this'll be another lie… another way to bring me down until I just go back to them willingly…." Cody apologized, his head lowered more in shame. "After everything in that place… for almost 10 years… it took that long to escape… and three years all I've been doing was running from them. All I dreamt about… was real freedom." His fingers dug into his thighs.
"But what good is there freedom for me when they always keep their eyes on me… they keep taking it away from me by involving me in fights. Having me to their sick pleasure put down the Smash who were people I never knew… people who were possibly the other children who were with me when we escaped… people who I left behind just to save my own skin… " he nearly slammed his fists against his legs but Penny stopped him by the wrists.
Penny patted the boy's back, comforting him. "Dwelling on it will only make it worse, Cody. Remember to cope and think of what makes you happy." She said, as if being his therapist. "I know you dream of freedom… but if there is one thing? You fight for it."
"That's my girl!" Pietro praised his daughter's words, his arm raised before resuming his work.
Cody looked at Penny with her bright smile. "Thanks Penny… Hehe, maybe being a therapist would be another job for ya someday?" He joked, knowing that Penny wants to do more than that, by being a Huntress.
The orange-haired android giggled.
XXX
"So why are we roaming around the town instead of prepping for the festival?" Yang asked, as Team RWBY were roaming around the city due to Weiss suggesting it. Though on her head was the robot dragon, enjoying the view from her height.
A sign was being put up by the elderly Shopkeeper that reads in bright red letters 'WELCOME TO VALE!'
"The Vytal Festival! Oh this is absolutely wonderful!" Weiss smiled as she clasped her hands together.
"I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much Weiss. It's kinda weirding me out..." Ruby said as she had a worried expression on her face.
"How could you not smile? A festival dedicated to the cultures of the world! There will be dances, parades, and a tournament! Oh the amount of planning and organization that goes into this event is simply breathtaking." Weiss continued.
Yang sighed and replied, "You really know how to take a good thing and make it sound boring." Weiss looked over at her who was petting the dragon.
"Quiet you!"
"Remind me again why we are spending our Friday afternoon visiting the stupid docks?" Yang asked as we walked over to the railings of the docks.
"Ugh, they smell like fish." Ruby held her nose and said, probably regretting that she sniffed the ocean air.
"I've heard that students visiting from Vacuo will be arriving by ship today. And as a representative of Beacon, I feel as if it is my solemn duty to welcome them to this fine kingdom." Weiss said as we started to walk again.
"She wants to spy on them so she'll have the upperhand in the tournament." Blake nonchalantly said.
"That kinda sounds like she will be cheating then." Ruby added.
"Uh, you can't prove that." Weiss scoffed, crossing her arms in defense.
"Whatever you say." Yang shrugged as the dragon rolled its eyes.
Ruby looked over into the city. "Woah." She noticed there was a robbery that happened because of all the police tape. The girls walked up to the two police officers that were investigating. "What happened here?" Ruby asked them.
"Robbery, second dust shop to be hit this week, this place is turning into a jungle..." The first officer said, walking to his partner.
"Ugh...that's terrible." Yang placed a hand on her hip. The dragon nodded in agreement from her hair.
"They left all the money again." The second officer told the first one.
"Ehh, just doesn't make a lick of sense. Who needs that much dust?" The first one looked over and asked the second one.
"I dunno, an army?" He replied.
"You thinkin' uh, White Fang?" The first one asked again.
The second one took off his sunglasses and replied, "Yeah, I'm thinkin' we don't get paid enough."
"Hm. The White Fang, what an awful bunch of degenerates." Weiss folded her arms and proclaimed.
Blake turned to her and asked, "What's your problem?"
"My problem? I simply don't care for the criminally insane." Weiss shrugged her shoulders.
"The White Fang is hardly a bunch of Psychopaths. They're a collection of misguided Faunus." Blake explained.
"Misguided? They want to wipe humanity off the face of the planet. They're just as bad as that snake guy and Faust!" Weiss argued.
"Then they're very misguided. Either way, it doesn't explain why they would rob a dust shop in the middle of downtown Vale."
"Blake's got a point. Besides, the police never caught that Torchwick guy I ran into a few months ago, maybe it was him?" Ruby said as they continued to watch the police work.
"That still doesn't change the fact that the White Fang are a bunch of scum. Those Faunus only know how to lie, cheat, and steal," Weiss said.
"Hey, stop that Faunus!" Someone yelled over by the boats. Wondering what is going on, the girls ran over to the railings to see what the commotion was about.
They saw a tan-skinned boy with short spiky light-blonde hair and dark-gray eyes. He wears two red wrist bracers and an open loose-collared white jacket with no shirt underneath, displaying his muscular physique. Talk about showing off.
He also wears blue cargo pants tied up with a white belt. He wears white bandages on his legs and has a chain hanging from the belt loop on the right side of his pants.
He sports black and yellow sneakers and wears a twisted golden necklace around his neck, with a round pendant bearing his monkey emblem. He also has a long prehensile monkey tail the same color as his hair. This shows he is a Faunus, a monkey Faunus to be exact due to the tail.
He was being chased on the deck of a boat until he hopped onto the railing. "Thanks for the ride guys, heh heh." He hopped down to the docks and continued running.
"You no good stow-away!" One of the guys on the ship yelled at the Faunus.
He was hanging on a lamp post by his tail, peeling a banana. "Hey, a no good stow-away would've been caught, I'm a great stow-away." The Faunus boy replied to the two that were on the ship. A rock came flying at him and he leaned to another direction to dodge it.
"Hey! Get down from there this instant." First cop that was investigating the dust robbery said. A banana peel was thrown at his face, and he growled.
The Faunus boy lifted himself up onto the rail of the post and laughed, then he jumped back down onto the docks and continued to run away from the cops. He turned up the stairs and sprinted in our direction. Once he got close, for a moment the ravenette swore the Faunus winked at her in the midst of running.
"Well Weiss, you wanted to see the competition, and there it goes." Yang said as she watched the police chase after the boy.
"Quick, we have to observe him!" Weiss proclaimed. The four plus the dragon started to run after the Faunus.
As they continue their chase, they rounded the corner but then Weiss bumped into someone and tripped. She looks up as we saw the Faunus guy disappear from our view, showing that he got away. "No, he got away!"
"Uhh… Weiss?" Yang pointed at the girl that Weiss bumped into.
Lying on the ground was a girl with short, curly orange hair with freckles on her face. Basically, a ginger. She was also wearing clothes that were part futuristic and part old-fashioned. She wore a blouse with feminine overalls, with a black collar and matching stockings, both decorated with green lines. She also wore a pink bow in her hair. On her back was a small backpack.
"Uh… Are you alright?" The female blonde inquired
"I'm fine," she said.
"Don't you want to get up?"
"Oh, alright." She got up on her own.
"Um...hi?"
"Salutations!"
"Are you sure you're okay?" Yang asked.
"I'm wonderful! Thank you for asking." She said with a smile. "My name is Penny, it's nice to meet you all!"
"Hi Penny, I'm Ruby."
"Weiss."
"Blake."
"Are you sure you didn't hit your head or something?" Yang asked her. Blake smacked Yang's head for asking that question. "Oh, I'm Yang."
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Penny repeated.
"You already said that."
"So I did." She said.
"Penny, you shouldn't have ran ahead! What will your dad say - WHAT ARE YOU FOUR DOING HERE?!"
Rushing up to Penny was none other than Cody who pointed at them. Yang and the others were shocked to see him, but the robot dragon gave a soft howl of delight flying to the boy and nuzzling him, making Cody flinch only to hug him.
"Cross… I thought I'd lost you to Faust…" Cody sighed with relief as he hugged his dragon friend. Even the robot was looking happier as it gave whimpers and chirps of joy to its master. "I'm right here buddy…"
"Ah, this was the dragon friend you made?" Penny asked. Cody nodded.
"If anything… he was my first friend…" The rider admitted to the android. The dragon looked up confused before it turned to Penny. It gave a few blinks before flying over, sniffing Penny only to chirp and land on her head, playfully. "Heh, and seems he's trusting you too."
"Sensational!" The girl clapped in joy, two friends in such a short span, made her so happy!
"Ahem." The two looked at Team RWBY, Weiss being the one to speak. "Good you found your dragon, now we can go before we get expelled for being around you."
Cody wanted to speak up, but he got a lump in his throat from wanting to tell them about his apology. He wanted to apologize to them, to make up for messing their lives, yet he was unable to. Who knew apologizing would be so hard this time?
"I…." he swallowed.
"Have a good day," Weiss waved off. Ruby and Blake followed but Yang have stayed before lowering her head slightly and followed after the others.
The male blonde tried to reach out but lowered his arm and his gaze shifted in discomfort.
Cody sighed as Penny patted his back, "You'll get it soon. Just keep having faith and try again."
"Why did I freeze up like that?" He groaned out.
"Maybe because you were nervous?"
"Nervous me? I'm…" He tried to argue but slumped. "Okay… maybe I am nervous."
"Do not worry, Cody. You'll get it next time, I believe in you!" Penny smiled.
"I guess…" He took a deep breath. "Come on, let's go back to your dad before he gets worried."
"Roger!" She saluted.
XXX
"Ugh, I can't believe we couldn't find that rapscallion Faunus!" The team were back in the dorm, the brief relief waning as Weiss was complaining about what happened. "Just as we nearly caught up, we had to run into some girl and Cody!"
"Um, Weiss?"
"What?"
"Isn't it weird that someone was hanging around him?" Ruby raised a hand.
"Ugh, as far as we know, he dragged her into another mess. I swear, he's just as bad as the White Fang!" Weiss rolled her eyes. "The Faunus of the White Fang are pure evil!"
"There's no such thing as pure evil! Why do you think they hate humanity so much? It's because of people like Cardin, people like you that force the White Fang to take such drastic measures."
"People like me?!"
"You're discriminatory!" Blake shouted at Weiss to her face.
"I'm a victim!" Weiss shouted back. The room got quiet. "You want to know why I despise the White Fang? Why I don't particularly trust the Faunus? It's because they've been at war with my family for years. War, as in actual bloodshed..." She continued. "My grandfather's company has had a target painted across its back for as long as I can remember. And ever since I was a child, I've watched family friends disappear; board members executed; an entire train car full of Dust, stolen. And every day, my father would come home, furious. And that made for a very difficult childhood." She bangs her fist on the bookshelf.
Ruby goes over to Weiss to comfort her. "Weiss, I…"
"No!" She turns away and walks back over to Blake. "You want to know why I despise the White Fang? It's because they're a bunch of liars, thieves, and murderers!"
"Well maybe we were just tired of being pushed around!" She screamed but left us surprised.
Silence drops down again. A surprised Weiss backs away slowly, and Blake realizes her mistake as she looks at each of them. "Blake, wait! Come back!" Ruby runs over to the door and calls to her down the hallway as Yang sits herself down and Weiss looks down.
"Weiss? I think we've all made critical errors today…." Yang spoke up as she stood up, making her way out once more. She knew what she was going to do.
"Yang where are you going?"
"To talk to Blake… and Cody."
"Sis, wait, remember what Professor Ozpin told us! We could be expelled!"
"I don't care!" Yang snapped, her fist trembling. "I want to make right to him… by being his friend as well."
"B-But… our place in Beacon…" the scythe wielder mumbled.
XXX
Faust HQ has been fairly mobile in regards to preparations for the start of Phase 3. With their high leader announcing it all across the network, they had already begun their tasks as told. Each of them gathering supplies, setting up data of the steps regarding phase 3. Much to do. Especially when the experiments young and old have to undergo the next stage as per phase 3's regulations.
Night Rogue however was watching as several drones were marching into the new vehicle and setting themselves into standby.
Blood Stark gave 'him' a limited amount of resources. Limited may have lessened the numbers but that didn't matter as it just may be enough to snap 931's bones. Break his mind and remind him through his skull what he did to 'him' and the other children for leaving them behind.
"Soldiers A and B are here." The new Armored Guardian Drone reported.
The Bat Rider peered over to notice two humans who were adorned in armored tactical gear. Small devices were on their wrists but upon closer inspection were needles attached on the wristlet and into their skin beneath the tactical gear. The helmets were akin to gas masks but instead of the two lenses it was one triangular lens on the helmets while the respirators were more slim compared to the average one.
"Good. We will be mobilizing to the location of Experiment 931." He began his report. "Blood Stark has granted me full authorization over this operation which means I am the one in charge here. I am the one who decides what we do. The drones of the squad are following my command. You two are to follow my orders, even if it means death, clear?"
"For Faust." The two saluted in unison.
Satisfied, Night Rogue moved two fingers, gesturing the remaining drones to follow him and two soldiers. The door of the ship began to close, slowly making the yellow visor glow.
"I'm coming for you, 931… for what you did to me and the others."
XXX
As the sun began to set the next day, Cody was roaming about as he was pondering in his mind. He wanted to find some way to meet with those girls and make amends. He has spent an entire day, thinking on what to say to them, how he can make amends and hope they can forgive him. Regardless if they see him as a friend or not, he wants to hope they'll forgive him at least, even if they no longer can be friends.
He stopped midway before noticing a bookstore, making him remind himself of leaving Tuskon to keep him safe.
'Tuskon… Heh… it's been awhile since I saw him too… Maybe he too can understand and forgive me?' Cody pondered in his thoughts. Thinking back on being unable to build the courage towards the girls, he recalled what Penny told him.
To have faith in himself. He swallowed and took a deep breath. Slowly, he moved his feet, his mind pushing him to make the start. When he reached the door he gripped the knob and slowly pushed it open.
"Welcome, we were just about to close." Tukson's back was turned.
"Does that mean I am out of the job?" The book in the owner's hand fell and looked back, allowing Cody to give a small wave. "H-Hey… Mr. Tukson…"
Tuskon soon smiled seeing the boy once more, "Heh, well. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, kid? Good to see you again." He greeted the blonde. "You still have it… as long as you talk to me next time, alright?"
"Y-Yes sir…" Cody nodded.
The Faunus patted the blonde's shoulder before he snapped his fingers. "Ah I almost forgot!" He dug into his back pocket. "Some girl your age wanted me to hand this to you a few weeks ago. Not sure what it was about but said she was a student from Beacon." He handed the boy the folded note.
"A student?" Cody blinked as he took the note as he opened it. His eyes slowly widened at who it was and noticed the name at the very bottom. "Yang…?" His eyes moved upward and began to read from the very beginning.
"Hey Cody. I know this is something you don't expect given your situation, huh? Heh, neither have I.
Well, I made this after thinking it through. And to be honest? While I'm still terrified of what happened to me and Blake. I don't blame you. I never blamed you for what happened.
You looked so alone. So scared that you were easily pushing others away. Acting cold and heartless. But that was far from the truth. You wanted to help me, you wanted to help us. You just were worried about that snake guy taking it away from you.
Yeah, you hate Huntsmen and Huntresses for not saving you from whatever happened to you. But, if you truly did hate them for what happened, I doubt you'd go so far with protecting us who are from Beacon. I mean, Weiss, while still scared, was grateful that you stuck with her when you both thought it was the end for her.
Even if you continue to push others away, scare them off, and say such things? I'd still believe in you because of your actions.
What, I'm trying to get is, I forgive you Cody.
There was silence but droplets of water fell onto the paper. Then, more and revealed Cody's eyes swelling with tears. Slowly he pressed a few fingers against the edge of his eyes and saw the tears.
He was crying. But not from sadness, not from pain or anguish. But one of overwhelming relief. Someone actually forgave him, something he never truly expected from dealing with Faust. He was never forgiven for what he did in the past. Yet, in writing, was forgiveness from someone who was caught in the crossfire with Faust.
Cody was always annoyed with the blonde brawler. How she kept coming back to back and all he did was throw hands, insult and push her away. Yet here it was… a letter from the said brawler, forgiving him for it all.
"Hey kid… you okay?" Tuskon asked, worried upon seeing the tears of the young boy in front of him.
"Yeah… just… something I've needed to hear for awhile now…" Cody responded as he rubbed his tears away. "I'll… be back another time. There's somebody I need to find now."
He immediately jogged out the door but in turn bumped into someone. "Oof!" He groaned, moving himself up but his eyes met familiar mint green eyes.
"Salutations, Cody!"
"Gah!" He jumped but paused. "Oh Penny. Don't do that… that almost gave me a heart attack."
"Noted." Penny smiled with a nod, "What are you doing all the way out here?"
"Same thing I should be asking you."
"Oh! I was with my new friend Ruby!" The android happily gestured to another familiar girl with silver eyes.
"The little scythe girl!/The criminal!" The two pointed at each other but paused to the responses they gave. "What did you call me?!"
"Do you two know each other?" Penny questioned.
"He kidnapped Weiss!"
"I didn't kidnap her damn it! Sheesh why does a little girl keep saying that to me when I am not!"
"I'm not little mind you! I drink-"
"Milk, yeah yeah you said it last time."
Penny just looked back and forth between the two, but still had a smile on her face, "This is sensational! Now my two best friends have met again!" She said with glee.
"Why should I-" Cody trailed off, recalling the note and the words that had been said to him the past few weeks. "Um… Ruby, right? Er… you know Yang right?"
"Duh! She's my big sister!"
For a second one would have heard the screech of a record player. The blonde took a moment to register the information. "Pardon me but did you say… Yang… is your older sister?" Ruby nodded. "… You two look nothing alike."
"Well, we're half sisters." She confessed to him, making his heart sink more.
'So not only was I being harsh at her but I was also being harsh on her little sister too?!' He really had a lot to say to Yang regarding his apology. Okay, panic later, focus now on apologizing to Yang when he finds her.
"We… can focus on that later… I need to find your sis- er… Yang. I need to find her. Do you know where she went?" Cody asked.
"Don't know. The two ditched out on us when Penny and I were looking for Blake!" Ruby pouted.
"What are you two talking about now?" Penny spoke up, startling the two once more as they somewhat forgot she was there for a bit.
"P-Penny…. What did I say about sneaking up on others?" Cody questioned.
"Sorry!"
The male blonde sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Anyways, Ruby. Why are you looking for Blake?"
"Because Weiss hates Faunus and it made Blake so mad, it made us realize she was a Faunus…"
Cody blinked as he began to look back a bit upon knowing Blake, soon realizing she was a Faunus in plain sight from hiding her ears with a bow.
"Is Weiss friends with Blake?" Penny asked.
That's kinda up in the air right now..." Ruby replied to Penny.
"But why?" Penny asked like an innocent girl.
"Blake might not be who we thought she was." Ruby added.
Penny gasped. "Is she a man? She asked, making Cody facepalm.
"No, no Penny she's n-..." She sighs before looking at Penny again. "I don't know what she is. She didn't exactly talk to us before she decided to run off." Ruby completed her statement with a mental sigh.
"I don't have a lot of friends...but like with Cody, I would want them to talk to me about things." Penny told Ruby.
Ruby blinked with surprise as she turned to him, "Yeah… She helped me through some issues…" He confessed
"Oh I almost forgot! Silly me!" Penny fumbled in her pockets. "No… not in this pocket. She patted the other and beamed. "Oh here it is! It's-"
The android was interrupted by an explosion that was heard in the distance and Ruby saw smoke coming from the docks. "Oh no." Ruby sighed before rushing ahead.
"Come on, Penny." Cody suggested.
"Roger!"
XXX
The trio made it to the docks with post haste, the smoke being more visible as they drew close. Upon arriving Cody saw various people who were garbed in white and black with masks. Unlike the Atlas soldiers, the people before them were Faunus. The White Fang. However there was also the girl Blake and a Monkey Faunus.
"Hey!"
Ruby walked forward and twirled Crescent Rose until it stabbed the roof, looking pretty serious. Penny and Cody followed up with her.
"Wait… isn't that Torchwick?" The blonde recalled seeing the man in Junior's bar a few times. Even had to clean up the cigars the punk left behind.
Torchwick say from below, "Oh hello red, isn't it past your bedtime?"
"Ruby, are these people your friends?" Penny asked from behind Ruby.
"Penny get back." Ruby warned her.
With her attention is diverted, Roman snarls and fires his cane at her, launching the young her back from the explosion's force and sending her scythe flying away. "AAAAAH!"
Roman gives off a professional-level evil laugh at his attack on the young girl. Penny turned her head toward the criminal and gives her first glare, walking forward while Ruby tries to get back up.
Penny looked after Ruby had been hit and she walked over to the edge of the roof. "Penny, wait stop!" Ruby tried to get her to stop, but it was too late.
"Don't worry Ruby, I'm combat ready!" Penny said as her backpack mechanically opens up, and from its dark depths comes a single sword that extends and multiples into several blades hovering over Penny's back.
Leaping from the rooftop with the weapons acting as wings, she sends three of her swords to knock two White Fang soldiers down before even landing on the ground, where she proceeds to fling the swords at one enemy, impale another to a wall, create a barrier of spinning steel against a running attack, leaping over a goon with her swords in tow, and finally making a wheel that she throws to knock multiple Faunus off their feet.
"Okay… that's a first." Cody blinked with surprise, but he turned to Ruby as he rushed over to help her up, "You okay?"
"Ugh… someone get the number of that jerk….?" Ruby groaned out.
"Does seeing him go to a bar I used to work at count?" He quipped.
"Yes!" Ruby said, snapping out of stupor, looking to him but groaned, "Ugh… that was a bad joke!"
"Meh, I tried." He looked at Penny but gawked at the serious firepower she was unleashing. Good god, he understood Pietro made her as an android for Atlas but holy moly he didn't expect this!
Ruby frowned a bit, "So why are you doing this? I thought you wanted everyone as far away as possible from him?" She asked.
Cody glanced at Ruby then at the ongoing fight. He took a deep inhale and then exhaled. "I… want to apologize… Not only for my behavior to you and your friends… but for dragging you into a terrible crossfire…." Cody confessed to her as he soon bowed to her with his head touching the roof, "I… know I've been a jerk and you may never trust me again… but… I plead to you… please… forgive me."
He stood up and procured his Build Driver, strapping it to his waist as his robot flies in.
"But right now, I think we should help our friend, Penny, with this problem. No?" He looked to her, seeing at least if they could fight together. He grabbed his partner and clicked in the Fullbottle.
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 back, first forming wings before they folded into shoulder pads and another faceplate.
GET CROSS-Z DRAGON! YEAH!
"Wooooaaaahhhhh…." Ruby uttered in awe.
He extended his right arm, allowing pipes to form and materialize the sword. With a twirl, he said, "Let's turn up the heat." He rushed forward. A few of the grunts who got themselves together saw the armored dragon.
"What the hell-?!" The first grunt was knocked off his feet by the armored teen before tossing the sword forward. The grunt ducked, narrowly evading the sword from impaling him. With relief he looked ahead but saw the fist slamming him into the crate, leaving a serious dent in the metal cargo.
The teen then hopped, using his own sword as a platform to get on top of the crate. Grabbing the blade in the process, he began to evade the occasional gunfire and jumped. His body completely fell through the wires from Penny that would have ensnared him but it didn't. Rolling across the pavement, he gave a one-two punch and sounded his heel with the blade stabbed into the ground to kick another into the water.
Tugging the sword, he spun it and readied himself and charged forward. Penny took heed of Cody's courageous response as he was fighting. Not for his own personal sake but to charge towards his freedom. 'Good for you, Cody!'
The armored dragon panted, unconscious grunts splayed all around him before his attention drew to Torchwick.
"Weren't you that blonde bouncer from the bar?"
"I should be asking you that Torchwick." Cross-Z retorted. "Why even help the White Fang in the first place? Last I recall you asked for my former boss' goons for whatever it was."
"Sorry, kiddo. But I'm not retelling the story again." Torchwick said, aiming his cane at the boy this time. "It's just business." The projectile was launched but to his surprise was the dragon moving aside and it instead hit a crate of Dust. For a second, he swore there was blood red color glowing behind the blue lenses.
"It wasn't a question, jackass."
Cross-Z was about to attack only for another airship to shoot between the duo, making Roman begin to run to his own to flee this now tainted area.
"Hey!" Cross-Z stopped as the gunfire repeated.
"Sorry but things are getting better! Catch ya-"
*RUMBLE!*
The water and ground stirred.
"Was that your stomach, Ruby?" Penny asked.
"No! It doesn't growl so loud… on occasions…"
The water of the docks began to splash violently, steam rising and almost boiling. "What was that?"
A barrier suddenly erupted, startling Cross-Z as it trapped him and the few wounded White Fang soldiers. A barrier the blonde knew what it meant. The girls tried to break the barrier to get to Cody but it was futile. Even they knew what it meant aside from Torchwick and the White Fang.
Then the Rider saw it. Water bubbled by the pier before it slowly revealed what he didn't think to see. It was a ship that was no doubt of Faust design to its sleek nature unlike the normal aircraft. It was dark gray, reflective light dancing across its surface to deactivate its panels that made it hidden during its travel across the water. Thus showing it was an amphibious vehicle.
The said ship being slightly larger than the one Torchiwick was on.
"Uh… tell me that is one of our own?" The man whispered, earning a quick shake of the head from the White Fang pilot.
The enclosed panel slid backward, revealing glass windows but what shocked the teen was who was piloting it. While there was a Guardian handling the controls, it was the person on the elevated seat behind it he knew.
"932…"
"931, like my lord's latest invention? Amphibious Assault Ships harboring capabilities that Atlas cannot rival." The distorted voice of his former cellmate echoed through the system's speakers.
"Then lets see how well I'll break them this time around." Cross-Z declared.
"No. You will be handling my squad."
"Eh?"
Below the new airship, panels opened before six Guardians dropped down but Cross-Z gasped upon seeing two heavily armored Guardians. Unlike the others who wore fatigues, the newest did not.
Torchwick fumbled for his Scroll, gawking at the value of the machines.
"First wave: break every bone in his body!"
The drones immediately aimed and fired while the two heavy units rushed forward.
"Shit!" Cross-Z conjured flames and threw it at the two heavies but something was wrong. They were not slowing down, they were still charging right at him!
He raised his arms and felt a powerful tackle, sending him crashing into a cargo crate.
"Soldiers A and B, descend."
Ropes rolled down and two people slid down to the docks. From behind the barrier, Ruby covered her mouth to the ongoing battle as Penny tried her best to break through but could not.
Inside, Cross-Z grunted, slowly moving himself forward but saw the armored individuals. The two were adorned in armored tactical gear. Small devices were on their wrists but upon closer inspection were needles attached on the wristlet and into their skin beneath the tactical gear. The helmets were akin to gas masks but instead of the two lenses it was one triangular lens on the helmets while the respirators were more slim compared to the average one.
"More Guardians…?"
"We are loyal soldiers…" the one on the left started.
"Of Blood Stark." The other finished.
"Che, so just another set of pawns?" Cross-Z spat out with disgust.
"He told us the truth of the world. People were lied to by its hidden history."
'Hidden history?'
"Through his ambitions…"
"The world will become what he seeks."
The two raised items that shocked Cross. In their hands were Fullbottles.
"Another set of Riders?" Cross-Z gritted his teeth.
"Nay, we are more than that. For we are bound-"
"By blood."
"For Faust." The two armored humans droned, twisting the unique Fullbottles and were inserted into the devices on their wrists. Green smoke was released both in and out of their bodies before the dubbed Faust soldiers became something that Cross-Z was shocked by. They became Smash. No, they were Smash who were in control of themselves!
Faust now had not just Guardians but human Faust soldiers.
"Show him no mercy! For we are bound by blood!" Night Rogue commanded.
"Bound by blood."
The drones and two now kaijins charged head on. Cross-Z staggered in horror before he gagged to the strong blow to his stomach by the Golem Smash. His comrade unleashed a barrage of strikes that looked like comics as each attack showed how much damage was being unleashed.
The azure rider raised his sword to stop the duo but his right leg buckled to a few shots from a normal drone. With the disbalance, the two grabbed him, ramming him through several wooden crates the trio pushed through.
"Cody!" Penny tried her best to break through. Her weapon systems couldn't get through at all and now they were going to watch the blonde become outnumbered and pummeled by the Faust agents.
Cross-Z cried out in pain as sparks flew off his armor. He tried to get up but a heavy Guardian Drone gripped Cody and shoved him into the now broken ground. Its servos allowed it to raise him up and down repeatedly, denting the ground more and more until water leaked from within the broken pavement.
Throwing him mid-air, the two Smashes delivered a double-team punch to his torso, creating a burst of green energy.
On the ground laid the rider, armor severely damaged as pieces were cracked, broken off or about to shatter. The rider truly could tell he was way out of their league. He wouldn't be able to just power through it like before.
"I have waited for so many years…. So many ideas I've thought about breaking you down…. To think it'd be this simple? I'm honestly disappointed at how weak you continue to be."
Cross-Z stood but was thrown again, crashing into another shipping crate that now leaked Dust.
"You left us… you left us to be punished by them! YOU RAN TO SAVE YOUR OWN SKIN! A SELFISH BASTARD!"
Cross-Z panted heavily, already feeling his Aura leave him.
"BREAK HIM INTO PIECES! BREAK HIM UNTIL HE CANNOT MOVE! MAKE HIM FEEL HOW THE EXPERIMENT GROUP 900 FELT!"
'Group 900…? Did that mean…' Blake overheard it all. The organization had been taking in thousands of children for years. Cody and Night Rogue were part of the 900 group: 931 and 932.
The enemies slowly drew close to him. This was his punishment for everything he did.
He won't be able to have his freedom…
"Cody!" Cross-Z looked at Penny who was behind the barrier. "Here!" She threw it. At first everyone thought it wouldn't go through the energized barrier but miraculously it did. It phased through like a knife through butter.
The world around the Rider muted, the only sounds being the echoing of the buckle bouncing across the pavement. It clinked and clanked until it spun and stopped before him.
"Don't listen to what that mean person says! You messed up, sure… But you can always improve and be better! Isn't that the kind of freedom you wanted? To show you're no longer a toy to them?" Penny shouted to the boy, letting her words sink in.
Cross-Z painfully looked at the buckle before he clenched. He slowly stood up and forcefully pried his original buckle off. Cody panted, his eyes gleaming red. "I will keep charging head on to what I want…" he slammed the new buckle onto his waist, dropping the other as a result.
SCLASH DRIVER!
His dragon detached and tried to go to Cody but he gently pushed him. "I will fight for my freedom! I am not 931… I am Cody!" He swiftly raised the Bottle Blood Stalk given him during the incident with Weiss. "And this time I will atone for it by earning my right!" He shouted out, twisting the cap of the new bottle and placing it into the driver.
DRAGON JELLY!
Cody held his arms together, before he glared at Night Rogue who watched from the ship.
"Henshin!" He shouted before slamming his hand onto the clamp as he pulled it down, causing the clamps to push and squeeze the bottle.
Bright blue sparks danced across his body, making Cody scream. He gnashed his teeth painfully and his eyes finally turned red. A few metal rings formed around Cody, capsuling him in a beaker as bright blue jelly-like liquid rose within, almost drowning him only for the beaker to twist and collapse into him as it formed some new armor.
TSUBURERU!
NAGARERU!
AFUREDERU!
Soon, the armor was much different. as it was now a silver bodysuit with some black and some blue accents on it. His armbands were similar to the dragon one he had, but sleeker and slim. His helmet looked like the cap of a bottle with orange eyes, only for the blue jelly liquid to spew from the top of the helmet.
DRAGON IN CROSS-Z CHARGE! BURAAA!
The jelly began to solidify as he gained shoulder pads resembling the bottle, with a jelly dragon head on his chest, and finally a jelly-like addition to his helmet, resembling his Cross-Z Dragon helmet from before.
Cody marveled at his new form, basking in the new power he earned. His fingers enclosed and focused on the two. "I will charge towards my freedom no matter what! I am… Cross-Z Charge!"
He can finally counter the enemy unlike before.
The Faust units charged, making Cross-Z slightly raise an arm, his fingers curling and met in the center. The armor began to repair his wounds, the system beginning to make sure he was fit for combat this time around.
He swung his arm, causing a drone's head to be smashed in and flip over. He spun on his heel, both arms swinging back to send two more into the ground. Each machine unit exploded, leaving no trace of their presence. He jumped and grabbed another's head, smashing it into the ground that cracked. He exerted more force, making it explode beneath his grasp.
The two heavy units charged, making the armored blonde's arms encase in flames. While the flames may have nothing against them, he was going to keep going. He ducked from the heavy swing and bashed his fist several times against its torso. He hooked one arm over its neck, repeatedly hitting its chest. The center was glowing orange hot from the rise of temperature.
"Error, central core being- "
He shut it up upon the ninth punch, finally impaling it, its metal core in his clutches like a heart. Cross-Z clenched it, making it scraps and green fluids and released the Heavy Unit to allow it to fall and explode.
Seeing the second Heavy, he ducked and punched it with a swing to the left. Then a swing to the right. "And here's the spin!" With serious force, he slammed its head to the left, causing its metalhead to fly off like a screw being undone. Its body toppled before collapsing, both fragments now ashes.
"Don't just stand there you two, attack!" Night Rogue's voice echoed from the ship.
The two Smash obeyed and went after Cross-Z. He ducked and avoided their grasp. "How can I get through those Smashes…" He pondered, only for the jelly substance to form around his arm until something new appeared.
TWIN BREAKER!
It was a handheld item with two barrels and a yellow tip, it had two slots for where FullBottles could be store as he looked at it with surprise before he gripped one of the barrels and pulled it back, causing the tip to now extend like a spike.
ATTACK MODE!
Looking at the first Smash, he thrust his arm, hitting the Smash with serious damage. Looking at the weapon, he looked at the fullbottle he had. "I wonder…" He placed it into the Twin Breaker.
SINGLE!
Blue energy charged up at the tip of the spike. Cross-Z reared his arm back upon the incoming Comic Smash.
SINGLE BREAK!
The strike was so powerful from the hit, it sent the Comic Smash flying into the barrier, bouncing off from the hit as it struggled to get up.
He turned his head to dodge the swipe of the Golem Smash as he placed the Jelly Bottle in it next, blocking a swipe as he kicked it back.
TWIN!
Blue fire began to build up into the tip as the rider reeled his fist back before letting loose the attack at the other smash.
TWIN BREAK!
The fireball shot out as it struck the Golem Smash, sending it landing by its fellow Smash comrade. "Alright buddy! Now I need you this time!" Cross-Z Charge called out to his dragon.
It roared with delight as it flew over to him, changing into its holder form, as he placed it into the Twin Breaker.
CROSS-Z DRAGON!
READY GO!
As his flames ignited, the power infused it as it formed into a fiery blue and orange energy dragon as it roared. The two Smash Soldiers weakly got up as they were attempting to fight back once more, but the rider gave them no chance to counter.
LET'S BREAK!
He soon lunged at the two Smash, connecting the weapon as the dragon followed suite, blasting them with fire before chomping down on them, causing an explosion from the energy that was unleashed by the rider.
Green smoke escape from the explosion, the two soldiers rolling before the Smash forms melted away. The two groaned before falling unconscious.
Night Rogue was now fuming, smoke blowing out of the armor and angrily looked at the machine piloting.
"Shoot him!" Night Rogue ordered the Pilot Guardian.
The drone obeyed and pressed a few panels, allowing the ship to activate its weapon systems. Energy projectiles was released, causing Cross-Z to take evasive action. He slid across the pavement, taking cover behind the cargo crates.
"T-They have energy weapons?!" Ruby gasped in amazement but shock.
The energy began to chip away the cover, making Cross-Z wince. Unlike normal ammunition, Faust was more superior in its technology due to Blood Stark's ingenuity and intellect. He grunted when a bolt of energy grazed his shoulder.
"I need something…" His yellow lenses took stock of several metal poles. He furrowed his brows underneath his helmet before his mind clicked with an idea - a crazy one but it just might work.
He hastily picked a metal pole up and stood. He raised it while extending the other arm, giving a thumb up as support for aim.
"Let's see you fly without a pilot!" He shouted as he launched the pole with all of his might.
The metal pole flew, making Night Rogue duck down. Looking at the machine, she saw the pilot's head sparking with electricity thus rendered useless. With it gone, the ship began to lose control. "Son of a bitch!" He tried to get it together but the flight was heading straight towards the dust cargo.
Night Rogue grunted and rushed to the panel, pried it open and leapt onto the docks with a roll. Looking back, the ship crashed and exploded upon hitting the cargo, creating a massive plume of green and black smoke with verdant flames.
Slowly standing, the bat rider focused on Cross-Z Charge. Rage built up in his chest, and shoved the gun into the dagger, converting the weapon into blade mode.
"DIE!" Night Rogue howled out in anger, no longer caring about Stark's plans or his orders. 931 will die by 'his' hands!
Cross-Z ducked before giving a jab to the armored ribs. The Bat Rider staggered before feeling another blow to the shoulder. Now furious, smoke exhaled through the armor, shrouding the whole area in such fumes. Cross-Z gasped, his eyes looking around.
"I will never forgive you! I won't give up for what you did to us!"
Cross-Z looked left and right. For a moment time slowed as a small set of fumes gathered to form Night Rogue, her arms raised for an overheard strike.
Intent…. Killing intent is what he felt, as he raised his arm, catching the enemy in their place, shocking Night Rogue from his reaction time.
"I know you won't ever forgive me…. I truly did mess up." He said, soon slamming her onto the ground, causing the smoke to dispel.
"Damn you…." Night Rogue paused upon the feminine voice being spoken and not the distorted male tone. She tapped the collar of her armor repeatedly but got nothing. It was damaged. "Wha… My Modulator!"
"Night Rogue was not a guy… but a girl?" Blake uttered. The voice modulator the suit had made a fool out of everyone to mistaken her as a man, especially with how the suit was designed.
"I did abandon you… I was a coward and ran… I know I'll never see your forgiveness… But I won't let that be the reason to hold me back any longer!" Cross-Z declared.
The dark rider angrily looked at Cross-Z Charge. She tried to strike him again and again but the teen hooked his arm over hers, punching him several times and sent her away.
"No matter what… I still think about you guys." Energy built up in his foot. "I still care and cherish you all… I just hope I can atone for my sins…." He said softly, his voice choked up before he looked at her, "But right now, I feel like I can't lose!"
With his war cry howl, he gripped the lever and slammed it down, causing the press to squeeze the jelly bottle once more as he felt a surge of power.
SCRAP BREAK!
He soon leaped into the air, as the fiery dragon appeared behind him, letting loose a blue and orange flame as he came crashing down into a rider kick, striking Night Rogue in the chest and sent her flying, only for the energy build up to erupt into a powerful explosion.
Cross-Z Charge panted, his eyes focused on the defeated Night Rogue whose armor vanished via smoke upon the excessive damage it suffered.
Weakly standing before him was a young woman who looked to be a year or two older than the girls. Her skin being a fair color that held her undamaged beauty. She was wearing a sleeveless gray dress shirt that left her shoulders and a small portion of her back exposed. The hooded coat over her was a black and green color but it looked too large for her, leaving it to slip off her shoulders. The tail flaps of the said coat reached down to the back of her knees, fluttering against the ocean wind. A violet skirt wrapped around her waist, revealing the dark leg wear underneath it for modesty and a set of urban boots that reached up halfway to the lower half of her legs.
While he saw the familiar lilac eyes upon their previous fight, her blue hair was styled in a wild ponytail. Several locks framing her face.
"Damn you… 931…." She gritted. "Why… just why does he see you as special?!"
"Whatever it is, I don't care." Cross-Z lowered his arms. "I may hate everyone of Faust… but I can't… I can't ever hate you or the others who are trapped in that hellhole we were raised in. Not a single day goes by that I regret what I did, 932… I was scared. Scared of being back in a cage. Back in those damn capsules to ingest Brothers knows what…" His fingers clenched. "But I will keep on fighting for my freedom, 932. That is what I will do no matter what. I hope… you do the same."
For a moment, 932's eyes widened slightly but just as she would react further, she froze to the echoes of clapping.
Light glimmered across the air above, revealing not one but three more black airships. What shocked them was how they were in hiding the whole time which meant Faust had cloaking technology that no one else had. Each one aimed their weapons at the group to prevent any interference.
Cross-Z Charge grunted and managed to ready himself. "Who's next?" He almost joked but wasn't.
One of the black airships lowered itself down, allowing the side panel to open and reveal Blood Stark and a few Guardian Drones.
"Blood Stark…" Cross-Z Charge growled.
"You showed such excellent work on the test run, boyo!" The leader of Faust praised. "Already I've got excellent results from it!"
"So this fight… was just a test run?!"
"Part of it is. What Bat-chan does was her suggestion." The snake shrugged. "Ah, I almost forgot!"
He snapped his fingers, allowing a Guardian drone to step forward and handed the rider a briefcase. The blonde opened it and his eyes widened. Inside it were papers which were no doubt forged involving his name, photo of himself, lien, keys, and a sealed envelope.
"Your Freedom Package. Weapons sold separately. Hehe." The snake chuckled. "But do remember the deal, boyo. Only you can butt in my activities. That means those girls or anyone else cannot, do you understand? Do remember what happened last time to them."
Cross-Z Charge gritted his teeth and closed the case. "Yeah… I get it… bastard."
"Good!" The red rider looked at Experiment 932. "Time to head on home, Bat-chan to celebrate your success!"
The rider hissed in anger, as he wanted to go in and fight the leader snake, he still felt like he wasn't strong enough yet to truly do some lasting damage. So for now, he'll hold this desire to punch him into slush later, for when he finally does get that power to end Stark? He'll use it fully.
"Yes sir…"
"932, wait!" Cross-Z Charge tried to reach out to her but Blood Stark patted the girl's shoulder.
"Sorry boyo, she did her job of the test run! Duty calls for us. Ciao." Blood Stark waved goodbye. Just as he took a step inside, he stopped.
"Oh and the carrot top in that little thing to call a ship." Torchwick tensed. "Do remember who you are spying on." The snake tapped a key on his wrist, causing the handheld devices every one had minus Faust to burst into pieces. "Send your benefactors my regards cuz I'm coming for them."
The barrier began to vanish, the unconscious soldiers being picked up by several drones into the said black ships. The dragon rider sighed heavily, his yellow lenses staring at his former cellmate.
"932…" Cross-Z Charge called.
The bluenette could only lower her gaze to not look at him upon Blood Stark resting a hand on her shoulder. It was the last thing to see as the doors closed.
The four Faust airships flew off into the night, the technology cloaking them and once again hiding themselves back into the shadows, evidence of their presence erased.
With a sigh of relief, the armor of the rider vanished, causing Cody to almost lose his balance for a bit before collecting himself.
The look in 932's eyes… there was the brief sense of envy and grief to him. Maybe there could still be some hope left to save her? He can only try if they meet once again. He just hoped that there was still some time left to save her.
He forgives her, more than anything.
XXX
The police quickly arrived not very long after, taking in the remaining White Fang that remained alive, while those that didn't were transported off alongside the many MANY damages to the area.
Cody was sitting nearby as he looked at Ruby and Blake who were sitting there, most likely waiting for their teammates, and sure enough the familiar heiress and brawler soon came into view as they walked up to their friends first.
"LookWeissit'snotwhatyouthinksheexplainedthewholethingyouseeshedoesn'tactuallywearabowshehaskittyearsandthey'reactuallykindacute." Ruby quickly said as Weiss walked past Ruby, ignoring her entire rant of explanation. She approached Blake and stood there for a moment.
"Weiss, I want you to know that I'm no longer associated with the White Fang, back what I was with-" Blake tried to explain.
"Stop. Do you have any idea how long we've been searching for you? Twelve hours. That means I've had twelve hours to think about this, and in those twelve hours, I've decided..." Everyone looked at each other for a few seconds.
"I don't care." Weiss finished.
"You don't care?" Blake asked, confused.
"You said you're not one of them anymore, right?"
"No, I-I haven't been since I was younger-" Blake was cut off quickly.
"Ahpupupup, I don't wanna hear it. All I want to know is that the next time something this big comes up, you'll come to your teammates, and not some...someone else." She said, looking to the Monkey Faunus with distrust.
She then turned to the rider as she marched over to him, "And you." She pointed to him, "Just like with my teammate, I gave it some thought about you as well."
"Still hate me?" Cody quipped.
"Oh like you wouldn't believe." Weiss frowned but sighed, "But… given everything as well, and what I'm sure Ruby and Blake will tell us later… I can't blame you for what happened. So for now… I'll try to listen to you too. But I truly dislike you."
Cody chuckled softly with a nod, "Well, better than a slap to the face." He said, before turning to Yang who slowly approached him. "I… got your letter…." He said to her.
"Letter?" Her teammates repeated.
"And…" He swallowed. "I'm sorry… for the rude things I've said to you all. I know an apology from me isn't much but… it's all I am able to say…."
He was expecting some kind of wordy response or scolding. But instead what he got made his eyes widen with surprise. Yang simply hugged the boy, holding him gently in her arms as like Penny, he just began to melt his worries away as once again tears roll down his face.
"Like I said… I forgive you, Cody…. Right now, I'll be here when you need it. So stop being the tough guy and let it out, alright?" Yang smiled sweetly to him, as the boy nodded.
"U-Um… thanks.."
"So? What are you doing now?"
Cody opened his mouth but closed his eyes. "I still have a deal to follow… Blood Stark said only I can get involved in his matters he causes. Otherwise he will repeat what he did to you all." Just as they were saddened Cody smiled. "But! If I ever have spare time as you all do, maybe we can hang out… you know… as friends?"
This made the others look at him with surprise. He just called them his friends. They all looked at one another, only to start a light laugh. Seems the boy that was so distant and cold, was starting to finally warm up to them.
"Alright then, we understand the circumstances. Just don't back out, you hear?"
"Loud and clear." He chuckled.
"Hm?" Ruby soon looked around, "Wait, where's Penny?" She asked.
"Most likely back with her father." Cody spoke up, "Don't worry, she's fine." He reassured the scythe wielder.
"Well… okay then." Ruby nodded gently, knowing at least she wasn't captured by Faust. "Oh gosh! I almost forgot! Goodwitch will scold us if we don't get back!"
"Then you girls better get going." The Rider mused.
"Right! See you later Cody!"
"Take care!"
"Also, you owe me a strawberry sunrise!" Yang playfully winked.
"Pfft, yeah right. I'm already out of the job at that bar. Bookstore is better."
"Boring." Yang yawned in boredom before following her team.
Cody chuckled as for an instant, he soon started to feel a lot of the weight on his heart and mind, just fade away like a cloud. Maybe he truly can move on and have a better life.
XXX
"Okay here it is." His eyes saw the number of the apartment. His brow twitched slightly to the numbers. 139. In reverse it would be 931. "Damn prick…"
Even with his freedom the snake was messing with him. At least not as bad as before. Entering the place that is his home, he made absolutely sure there was nothing Faust left behind. Every nook and cranny checked and surprisingly there was nothing they left behind. Just the furniture and his necessities.
"Well, for once. I can say I feel safe." He sighed with relief before he quickly plopped onto the bed, sighing in relief from the feeling of a good bed again.
The briefcase truly had given him everything for his freedom. He finally had an identity and a place to come home to. He has the freedom he longed for… but Faust was just getting started. They were making stronger drones. Soldiers who are in control of themselves as they become Smash. Ships with serious technology and weapons. They were preparing to make themselves known to the world.
And if that was the case? So would he. He knew it'll be a difficult task, but in order to not only prepare himself for whatever Faust and Stark has, but give some glimpse to the world about the shadow organization. He reached his arm up and sighed. Lowering the arm he looked at the last thing he never checked in the case. The envelope. He thought it would hold extra lien but it was far too light.
Sitting up on the edge of the bed, he plucked it out and opened the tab of it. He pulled the contents with curiosity but his entire mind screeched to a halt.
Cody dropped the envelope in shock upon pulling the contents inside. "Wha-What…."
The contents were two photos. One had the photo of the woman from his memory adorned in an outfit meant for archaeologists while the second was the same exact woman with blonde hair cradling a baby boy. Shakingly, he turned the photo of the woman and the baby and his eyes trembled.
—Myself and my newborn son, Cody
Blood Stark knows something about him on a very personal level. A connection that revolved around the woman in the pictures.
Just what even is Blood Stark? How does he even know his mother? He doubts him being the father due to him seeing others as tools or toys.
Whatever Stark was, he needed answers to this. Then, he'll make sure that he pays for everything and tear Faust to the ground.
XXX
Ozpin set his Scroll down after receiving the message from Qrow about the Queen having pawns. It was obvious she had moved her pieces on the board. Alas he wasn't focused on that matter. It was the disturbing facts from the 'enlightening' words Team RWBY told him.
Faust had created super soldiers. War machines. Superior aircraft that can traverse in the ocean. The two soldiers had repeated 'bound by blood' like it was a cult. Furthermore… Ruby Rose overheard the two soldiers robotically mention the hidden history of the world as the duo fought Cody. Normally he would have expelled the girls but the words and grim revelations made it brush aside.
Blood Stark had told his agents of the truth behind Remnant's forgotten history. Seems it truly was as he feared, this entity was there eons ago when magic still existed. It made him ponder on how he was truly able to live this long, even bounded by blood as Stark put it, it seemed many things were lost to him to this day.
Why all of this to train one simple boy who has unknown potential? Why put him through all of this torture only to just let him go and have a life now? Too many questions where there, and it only made his gut churn.
The lingering yet dreadful feeling about Cody was still there.
James had mentioned the boy once expelled a small fraction.
He prayed it wasn't that case. But there was one thing for certain, and that Faust was also preparing for war to make the snake open the eyes of the world.
XXX
"By Brothers I thought he was going to shoot me down…" Torchwick was reeling from the incident. The armored personnel were clearly not Atlas and were certainly not so high-tech that makes Atlas look bad!
"I did not sign up to be attacked by even more freaks!" Torchwick growled in annoyance.
"Sign up for what, Roman?"
Ah crap. It was her.
Walking into the dim lights was a young woman with flowing black hair, burning orange eyes and a red dress. Alongside her were two other people, one man and another girl.
"Cinder…. What bring you out here?" Torchwick questioned, as he was expecting her to be here much later on in the upcoming weeks.
"Let's just say… things have progressed enough for us to move onto Phase 2." Cinder noted as she slowly walked up to him, "But, given what I just heard. I would like to know what just happened?"
"You wanna know what happened..? Let me tell you, something that gives me total creeps!" He slammed a paper onto the table. He was glad his trusty friend was not there but managed to take a photograph of the machines in black, humans becoming monsters, including the bat and snake. "You never said anything about these freakazoids!"
Cinder looked at the photos, seeing them carefully before she sighed a bit. "Because, they were never an important obstacles." She informed him.
"Important obstacles, my ass. They are decker out in black, having complete control of the area and that guy in red just took everything like it was his toys!"
"They have never been an obstacle for us, as they never gave such quarls with the grand plan." Cinder informed, "And as long as they keep out of our way? We will stay out of there's."
"For how long? I swear I got eyes on me already by that guy who called me a freaking carrot top." The young man in gray snorted to suppress the laugh.
"Until Beacon falls." Cinder informed, "By then, we will have what we need to crush them ourselves. But until then, just play your part and be a good boy. Understood?"
He swallowed. He clicked his tongue and marched out the warehouse.
"You think he's serious about it?" The girl with mint hair inquired.
"It doesn't matter as long as the plan continues. If they don't step in our fight, we won't step in theirs."
The girl furrowed her brows until their male companion moved slightly, his eyes darted to the lingering air.
"What?"
"He said he was being watched right?"
"Yeah and? Not like he was…"
"Followed."
For a moment there was silence but then Cinder saw it. Coiled by the broken window far above. It's tongue flickered before fading away into mist, dark laughter echoing.
"Shit."
"Hmph… well. At least the message is there clear as day." Cinder said as she began to walk off, "Come, we have plans to make."
If Faust wants them to play in their game, then they'll take part in it.
A/N: Forgot to add this in, so here you all go. XD But at last, Cross-Z Charge debuts! While technically its his "Super Form", it did needed to be done early, not only to show his growth but as well as for whats to come later. Of course Great Cross-Z will later replace the main Cross-Z form, since well, technically thats how it goes.
But the bigger surprise was that Night Rogue aka Experiment 932 was a girl. Now won't that complicate things later? XD Now as for Evol just letting his favorite toy go, remember. He practically has his eyes all over him and will always make sure that he gets to play. He won't just let him go. But with everything proceeding much quicker than before, he figured it'll be fine to let Cody have something he's desired for so long. But even as a "Free man" he'll still be under Evol's palms and strings.
But that'll be it for now, as many things need to be shown later on. Until then, later minna.