RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 11: A New Day, A New Life
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^
932 slammed her fist repeatedly against a drone, various parts scattered all around the arena. She wasn't in her armor mind you. Unlike the outfit previously, she was currently wearing garbs for the training. A black top that hugged her agile form and leggings that displayed her nimble capabilities. Her hands were bleeding but that didn't bother her.
She bashed her fist into the drone, green oil and sparks spilling until it was nothing. Satisfied, she released it and panted. Her Aura slowly her knuckles and bones, sweat beading down her head.
It had been a few days since her recovery from her first loss against 931 who shouted his name as Cody. She gritted her teeth and slammed her foot through the destroyed drone's torso.
"Damn you… damn you 931…" She cursed under her breath. To feel such a loss shattered her pride yet Evolto was seemingly proud of her success in the test against 931. How can she herself feel proud when she actually lost? What kind of success is defeat?!
"Looks like you're still upset, 932…" A voice spoke up as walking into view were a pair of twins, each of them looking similar but different as one twin had white streaks in their hair and the other a darker green. Both had cloth around their foreheads that covered one eye. The one with white streak over the left eye while the other with darker green over the right eye.
"Shut up."
The one with dark green hair jumped onto a perch, observing the head of a destroyed drone. The twin whistled. "Considering you gave one hell of a beatdown to… how many again?"
"I believe it was 26?" The fellow twin recalled.
"Yeah that. Still sore over 931?"
932 angrily gripped the firearm from the drone beneath her and aimed but the familiar high leader called.
"Oi, oi, no need for a brawl between fellows eh?" Blood Stark mused. "Bat-chan, lower the gun on 898."
The bluenette gritted her teeth before she slowly lowered the weapon, dropping it from her grasp.
"Good girl. Now, I've seen you made some good progress on your practice. Quite a mess."
"And a temper."
"899. Mind saying that again?" The tone in Evol's voice was neutral but everyone who knew there laid a threat underneath it.
"Forgive my brother, Lord Stark…" 898 said, slapping his brother's head for his insolence.
"Bah, it's cool. Now, where was I? Ah right!" He tossed the device to the twins. "Since you badmouthed her you two get to use the Seismic Scanner and go all over Remnant find my precious little item."
"A-All over Remnant?!"
"Yup! Every tree, every dirt that was moved, every landmark, etc! Is that a problem? Do you want to see my grand opening or not?"
"S-Surely you jest, my lord… It would be nigh impossible with our lifespans to even think we could find it, compared to you…" 898 bowed his head.
"Aup. Aup. That device will find it rest assured. All you gotta do is point it in the right direction. I give it… meh, a month or so."
"Um… how-" The twin shut up 898 by placing a hand over his mouth.
"If… that is what you wish for, my lord…." 899 bowed once more.
"Good! And Bat-chan?"
"Yes…?"
"You and I are going on a little trip! To the Amphibious Ship we go!" The High Leader pointed.
"How can our lord be so enthusiastic with such a personality?" The twins watched their lord leave with 932 in tow.
"Who knows?" 899 shrugged.
XXX
Cody yawned tiredly, slowly moving himself up slightly to the alarm of the clock ringing from the nightstand. He mumbled and turned it off. "Have to get ready for work." It had been a few days since he had finally earned his freedom. Alas that didn't mean it was completely okay as he still had to deal with Faust and their dealings. Unlike before he no longer had to deal with their torment to him daily.
He was a free man and that feeling of jubilation was the best thing he felt. He had also made friends who forgave him. Although right now they were still finishing up their semester and once that semester is over they will have the relaxation to hang out longer unlike previous where it was short.
It still mostly felt like a dream, that he'd wake up either back in that cell in Atlas or in Faust. But with the soft breeze from the window came through, he knew it truly wasn't. He may not be fully out of the water, but he's at least finally able to have something of a normal life now.
"Alright Cross, let's get ready and then off to work we go!"
His trusty companion chirped in joy. It was glad to see its master in high spirits unlike before. And once it perched on his head and the boy dressed up, the young blonde made his way out and to his job at Tukson's Book Trade.
The streets were still setting preparations for the upcoming festival. He had never been to a festival before and this was going to be his first he was honestly looking forward to. Swerving around he slowed to a stop upon arriving at the bookstore and entered. "Mr. Tukson, I'm here!"
"Ah, Cody, good to see you." Tukson paused to notice the air around the blonde. "You seem… better?"
"Yeah… let's just say that, I think I can finally move on from my past and be better than I was before." Cody smiled at the Faunus, as it seemed it was a genuine, heartwarming smile for once instead of the reassuring or false smiles from before.
"Well, I'm truly glad to hear that." Tukson smiled back, as he gave the boy a welcoming pat on the back. "If that's the case, how about I give you a truly welcome home surprise?"
Cody pondered what it was, before he was given what appeared to be not only a Scroll, but also what looked to be a plaque that showed the words, 'Manager' on it with his name.
"Eh?"
"Figured now that you got yourself back in place, you can handle yourself more, no?" Tukson smiled.
Cody was surprised that Tukson trusted him this much. It was touching as the blonde gave a nod to the Faunus bookstore owner, "I-I'll do my best, thank you."
"Trust me you will do great." The blonde looked at the plaque, "R-Right!"
"Now, let's get the store open."
Cody bobbed his head as he began to assist the owner at the start of opening hour. He moved a few boxes to observe the books to place on the shelves. During the unpackaging, he winced upon his foot kicking the leg of the desk. Just as Cody planned to tend to the minor pain, he noticed a peculiar thing. Hidden by a few folders was a plane ticket. 'A plane ticket? Huh, guess Mr. Tukson plans a vacation.' He placed it back into the folder.
What matters so much right now was the enjoyment of work and leisure like any normal teenager.
XXX
In Beacon Academy, many students were ecstatic of the upcoming Vytal Festival as well as the eventual arrival of students from other academies. Alas not everyone was excited.
"Ugghhhh…. semester exams suck!" Yang complained. "Just when our excitement was up they had to knock it down by that announcement!"
"It can't be helped. After everything that happened, it makes sense that we're behind in many things." Blake reassured, knowing that it was difficult for them, but it had to be done.
"Which is why we are at the library." Weiss sniffed. "With the exams for everyone as this is the end of our first semester, it's only reasonable we study."
"Boring!" Ruby groaned as she laid out in boredom next to her sister, "Can't we just hold it off for the last day? At least then we can have some fun…"
"Don't be lazy. The quicker we get these done, the quicker we can enjoy ourselves." Weiss scolded her team leader. "Especially when you are two years behind the rest of us."
Ruby whined, planting her face on the table. She turned her head slightly, her mind recalling the incident at the docks. "Something still bothers me…"
"The incident at the docks?" The leader of Team RWBY raised her head to notice Blake peering from her notebook.
"Yeah…"
"You two did told us what happened," Yang leaned against the table. "Those Faust guys… having their own super advanced version of robots… airships that can actually move in water…"
"Especially their weaponry." Blake grimaced, recalling the spectacle of the energized weapons.
"Let's not forget what they said and gave to our little troublemaker, Cody." Weiss mentioned, "Not only they just willingly gave him freedom and a new power, but it's obvious they are wanting to do more tests for him… Question is, for what?"
It nagged her to no end after her near-death experience and the words Ruby and Blake told them. It was obvious Faust had been making preparations for something grim as said by Blood Stark. Alas it was mortifying that Cody and Night Rogue were not alone. There had been countless other children subjected to Faust experimentation. The two were just a small few out of the possible thousands. Those who probably have died… and those who survived and having to endure torment and further experimentation. It made her sick to her stomach but it brought into light such revelations.
The children, mainly orphans, were being made into super soldiers, the majority possibly becoming the so-called Smash. Names? They were replaced with numbers.
The new soldiers? Named after the alphabet as the soldiers were just crazed followers to Blood Stark.
However, out of possibly everyone in Faust, Cody and '932' were important, if not valuable to the Boogeyman. The two were his most prized toys. One who is now free from the snake's fangs while the other is still coiled by his grasp. It was almost… unfair. Two people, one their age and the other a year older having to be toys for Blood Stark for gods knows how long. Weiss did not want to think of other implications that the serpent had set for 932. She shuddered at the thought.
"Whatever it is, I rather not know…"
"Still… I'm very glad we were at least able to help Cody out." Yang spoke up, a smile on her face now. "Even if it'll still be awhile before we all can move on, at least he can finally have friends."
"We still can't get involved in Faust. Cody had a deal for his freedom, remember?" Blake reminded them. He may have his freedom, no one else still can't get involved. Otherwise Evol will repeat what he did to them before. Something she didn't want to relive.
"I know, but that doesn't mean we can't treat him to everything he's missed out over the years." Yang suggested. "I mean come on, 17 years without fun? Without the stuff we all have? Come on, don't you think he deserves positivity?"
"I mean… you're not wrong…" Ruby agreed, "But it's still worrisome that anything can change on a dime now… Who's to say we won't be the next 'toys'?" She grimaced.
Weiss, Yang, and Blake tensed. They had experienced a mere taste of being toys to Faust. The thought of the full plate sent dread down their spines.
"L-Let's not focus on that! What I wanna know is one thing…" Yang said, placing her hands on the table to earn their attention, "What are our plans for the dance later down the line?"
"What?"
"Isn't the school having a dance in the second semester as part of a prelude to the festival?" The blonde clarified. "Team CFVY still is on their latest mission. They may not make it back in time to plan!"
"That is if we decide to volun- You can't possibly think we should be the ones to volunteer once the second semester started." Weiss gawked.
"I may have suggested it to Glynda…." Yang whistled innocently.
The heiress pressed a few fingers against her forehead. "You of all people… I swear…."
"Come on, it'll be so much fun to plan it out! Why not make this festival even more awesome?" Yang beamed.
"Ugh… fine, whatever. Can't believe I am agreeing to this."
"Yes!" Yang cheered with victory.
"But if we are to make that happen then you better pass the exams."
Yang opens her mouth before groaning. Weiss had a point. If they were to volunteer in setting up the dance it meant they had to pass the exams.
XXX
Night Rogue fiddled with her voice modulator that was attached to the collar of her armor, keeping it operational. She made a few words before she tapped again, now finding it operational with its male voice once again. It was the only thing to keep her old self forgotten…
'Is it the right thing…?' A voice whispered in her ears.
The Bat Rider raised her head, seeing only the Heavy Guardians inactive. Then at her lord who was busy tapping the Scroll, hacking through the network to search for several people of interest.
Who said that to her?
"Here, Bat-chan." Night Rogue saw the wide tablet Blood Stark handed her.
Nodding, she accepted it and looked over the settings. Her brows furrowed under her mask. "My Lord, the Black… isn't it the son of that Marcus Black?"
"Assassin? Yup. The one and only. I want you to study their profiles during the ride until our arrival."
The Rider swiped the screen, seeing high profile threats. A White Fang leader of Vale. A thief but with a nasty Semblance to create illusions to fool any soul (minus her lord), and… "a former cleaning girl?" Eyes that gleam like that cat Faunus. Ashen black hair and beauty that Nighy Rogue herself would somewhat envy.
"It also seems to me, that this little one, is the trump card."
"Pardon?" Night Rogue watched as her lord raised his palm, displaying the blessed gift his followers praise him for.
"We got extra players in my domain. It is best to send a message by giving them a spoonful of what we Faust can do to 'bad' people who snoop in my domain, ne?"
Words that are true by the Boogeyman himself.
"Destination is approaching." Pilot Drone informed.
Blood Stark stood up with joy. He tapped his wrist, causing the Heavy Guardians to activate and stand up, their servos being pumped with energy.
"Remember everyone." The teal visor gleamed. "We are Bound by Blood."
With those words, the High Leader faded into teal smoke. The panels beneath them open, allowing the Guardians to drop. Their mighty forms cracked the ground beneath them as their hydraulics lessened the impact to their metal limbs.
Night Rogue leapt down, his body now smoke and slithered into the ventilation. "Bound by Blood."
In the warehouse, the White Fang continued to place the crates of Dust for the next step. That was until they heard the loud groaning of metal.
Every person paused and looked at the metal doors. Their ears twitched before what is to be plasma cutting from the bottom left, slowly arching over.
The Fang members immediately grabbed their weapons and aimed at the metal doors, watching the arch form from the plasma cutting until it stopped. Immediately they fired, riddling ammunition to make the door look like swiss cheese.
Silence… the wistful silence.
Until the arch was smashed open and drones began to swarm inside. Heavy Guardians providing protective yet offensive support for the standard Guardians that began to push inside, taking cover and firing back.
"A-AMBUSH!"
One fang grabbed his scroll but saw smoke surrounding him. He gasped in pain upon a sword impaling through his torso, his body rising. The others who were close fired but also pierced smoke and no corpse was seen.
The smoke solidified, allowing Night Rogue to execute the animals with precise shots. "Standard troops, take the Dust into the Amphibious. Heavy units… eliminate the opposition."
The machines obeyed before one drone heard a whistle to catch its attendant. It turned its head, only to see a boot directed at it and a shotgun blast blew its head off. Its form collapsed allowing its fellow units to aim.
"Now now, this is a party!" The human smirked.
Night Rogue stopped his gunfire to notice a gray-haired human in the jacket go against the standard drones who were firing at him. 'The son of the Assassin.'
The bait was working as planned for his Lord. "Heavy Units, proceed to part 2."
They obeyed as their servos whirred, allowing the Dust in their weapon systems to activate. One Heavy had fire Dust acting as a flamethrower, the second with air to provide powerful impact, and the third with ice to provide cold impacts.
One of the other standard drones was beheaded by a red blade, and saw the next high profile target - Taurus. Adam Taurus.
"Any idea what these things are, killing my men?" Adam hissed at the assassin.
"Beats me."
"Adam Taurus. Mercury Black." Night Rogue identified the duo. "Only two more to lure out."
"Well, it seems we have a friend." Mercury smirked. "Must be nice, eh?"
"Your benefactors have hired criminal Torckwick and the White Fang and acted in my Lord's domain. That is not allowed." The bat rider responded to Mercury.
"I could care less about your lord… If you're in my way? You're in the way of the White Fang…" Adam glared beneath his mask.
"Then in Lord Evol's name… you have signed your deaths." The rider initiated his gun into sword form, smoke blowing out of his armor. "Bound by Blood."
He dashed ahead, allowing Adam and Mercury to meet the armored being. He blocked Adam's ninjato but saw the kick. Clicking his tongue, his body evaporated in smoke before materializing behind them both and blocked two more strikes. Smoke exhaled into their faces, earning annoyance from them both but felt the powerful punches into their stomachs, sending them skidding on their feet.
"Gh! Looks like for once we have a strong opponent…" Mercury grunted from the blows. 'That punch would have crushed my damn ribs if it wasn't for my Aura.' Something was off about their opponent.
"Hmph… strong they may be… But it's just fuel for me…" Adam stated with a huff of annoyance.
"You can't escape the eyes of Faust for we are Bound by Blood. We know everything about you. Mercury Black, son of deceased Marcus Black. Adam Taurus, a leader of the splinter faction here in Vale. How is the burn on your face beneath that mask? Must have been painful for the SDC to brand you like a cow."
The assassin's brow twitched with annoyance from hearing that name again, now more angry than before. As for Adam, he said nothing but this feeling that was emitting from him was clearly one of death as he began to approach Night Rogue.
"As I said, no matter where you people are, we know where you will be. Faust is everywhere. Where are your followers? Less in numbers?"
Adam said nothing as he made a swipe at Night Rogue, causing the bat enemy to back up into smoke, but the moment they materialized, he was now face to face with the gleam of a red blade as in a second, they felt the blade not only pierce their armor but through their skin as well.
"How did…" The blade wasn't there before. He saw it- "An illusion!"
The thief was here. Night Rogue stepped back slightly, activating the suit system's regenerative power.
"I won't let you…" Adam declared rushing in.
"Sorry but Night Rogue brought three of the four I needed."
Adam felt a powerful kick into his ribs, sending him crashing into the crate. Blood Stark yawned as he popped a few joints. "Yo! Good to be in the party!"
"Who the hell are you?"
"Ah, you can call me by many names. Blood Stark, Evol, Boogeyman, yada yada." Blood Stark. "Oi, mind telling minty to put that illusion work elsewhere? It's so dumb and boring to my eyes." His thumb pointing to the railing above them.
'How the hell?!' Blood Stark saw through it?!
"Honestly this is just an eyesore." He snapped his fingers, allowing a snake to coil the girl and bring her down. "Nice Semblance you have minty. I remember you owed me 176 lien for the pickpocketing you did."
Emerald's eyes widened as she realized who he was. She remembered earlier when roaming around the city, she pickpocketed a cafe owner who sold them terrible coffee!
"You're that guy who sells that shit cof-" her mouth was shut by the snake's tail.
"Then you can take it to your grave!" Mercury growled, as he rushed in to deliver a few kicks to the snake enemy.
Alas his adversary was proven stronger, effortlessly blocking the strikes until Blood Stark caught the boot. "Ooh, nice prosthetics". And ripped it off him.
"GAAHH!" Mercury cried out, falling to the ground in pain.
"I had warned you all what happens when you step into my domain. The Boogeyman doesn't like naughty boys and girls who mess around in his home." He tossed the prosthetic at Adam who tried to strike him. The Faunus cut it down but saw the teal visor. Red met blue and his azure eyes widened to the eyes behind the blue lenses. They were gleaming red as blood. Blood that has swallowed lands near and far. Blood that would drown the world.
"You're not human…" Those were the words as Adam felt the punch to his face, the attack bursting with lightning by the High Leader's fist.
"Now… where is that former cleaning lady?" Blood Stark used his hands to observe the warehouse. "Miss! You can come out! I can tell you saw the whole show!"
Stark looked around with a smirk, yet he soon stopped as something felt different. He quickly turned to the minty thief as he marched over and kicked her, only for it to shatter like glass. He turned back to see the others now gone as well.
"… Ah right, the ice cream girl. Got so excited I forgot about her." Blood Stark rubbed his head. "Bat-chan you can pick up the mess."
"W-What about you?"
"Me? I'm going to see a girl missing her glass shoe before midnight hits." He faded via snakes, beginning the chase.
While his main plan was stopped, he can still have fun with them later and show who the real apex of this world is?
XXX
Emerald coughed, taking in air from her lungs while Mercury was set down rather like a sack of rice, clutching his missing left prosthetic. Adam was still unconscious.
"You know, while this has been such a fun event… You really should stay put…" Torchwick said, huffing a cigar. "Be glad I asked Neo to check up on that place, otherwise you all would've become snake food."
"Screw you."
"I did warn you of the freakazoids and their nifty super robots after that crazy show they did on the docks. But nooo, you guys and Cinder brushed it off like paper." The criminal took another drag of his cigar. "I bet all my lien he is already hot on your heels. Have fun."
"Where the hell are you going?"
"Doing what your lady told me. Neo will stick with ya, only for a bit though to protect your skin." The orange-haired criminal waved his hand, twirling his cane with it. "Tell Cinder when you see her that the Boogeyman is coming cuz I sure as hell ain't getting involved when he does his work right now."
"You jackass!" Emerald then glared at Neo who simply shrugged with a message from her Scroll saying, 'You guys did start it after all. Hope to Brothers that creepy snake doesn't maul you or swallow you like a snake. Hehe.'
The conscious member of the group gritted her teeth, slamming his fist against the pavement. She thought her Semblance would work but that guy saw through it! Hell that guy who kicked their ass was the same guy who sold them that nasty coffee! How can a cafe like that still run when the coffee sucks?!
"Cinder…" Emerald grimaced with worry. The one who saved her miserable life was now endanger of something horrific, and she couldn't be there for her. She only hoped with Cinder's might, it'll scare that snake guy away.
The only problem she was unaware of… how wrong she was.
XXX
The new day arrived for Cody as he whistled to himself. Cross was on his head as it was early morning. He would have grabbed breakfast but with his newfound leisure, he wanted to expand his options. Thus, a cafe was the idea that came to mind. To have hot brewed coffee, sweet donuts as he learned from Penny, oh and possible breakfast sandwiches! There were several places open at this hour in the morning so he had his options.
With a small grab of his Lien, he made his way out to figure out where to have his breakfast? As there were several places, stalls for the festival included, he was having too many options on where to choose from? So many places and delicacies, so little time!
He paused and raised his head to see one cafe. It was moderate in design but gave a homey feel. His eyes drift to the sign as it said Cafe Nascita.
"Hmm… maybe this place may work!"
Entering, he heard the bell jingle like any cafe before.
"Ah welcome!"
Wait… that voice. He knew that voice!
"M-Mr. Crimson?!" Cody gasped.
It was Soichi Crimson, the coffee maker he met back then! He also gave him terrible coffee too.
"Ah! If it isn't you, kiddo! Ha! You're a sight for sore eyes. For a moment, I thought you bailed out of Vale?" He chuckled.
"You mentioned running a cafe but… wow, you really weren't joking."
"Told ya, that was a mere stall. This! Is my pride and joy!" Soichi adjusted his glasses with pride. "Here for breakfast?"
"Yeah! What do you have?"
"Hmm…" Soichi pondered. "Tell you what, you can choose one in the house."
"Really?"
"You are here aren't ya kiddo? Seems fate had its work for us to meet again." The cafe owner chuckled. "Oh and can't be one of everything."
"Ehehehe… then I'll take the omelet and the roast coffee."
"Coming right up." Soichi started with the coffee first, humming to himself. "It really has been some time I last saw you. Hows life been treating ya?"
"… At first it was… troubling…" Cody mumbled. "B-But it got better for me. I don't have to worry about much problems like I used to."
"Heh, sounds like things really improved."
"Yeah… let's just say? I was dealing some very harsh and personal problems…" Cody lightly grimaced, "But… I'm doing better now. Even finally have some friends."
"That's good." Soichi handed the coffee to Cody and then went to make the omelet. When the blonde took a sip of the coffee, his eyes widened. For a moment it felt like his soul comically left him upon the taste of the coffee. Just like at the stall but worse.
"BLEH!" Cody spat out, coughing from the really weird and odd taste of the coffee, "Ugh… still also having troubles with getting your coffee right?"
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"I-I mean… um…" Cody forced a smile and drank the coffee again. "I-It tastes good!"
"Ah, thank you! Here is your omelet."
When Cody took a bite, he fully could tell the difference in quality and taste as this easily helped him wash down that coffee. 'Thank Brothers!' The coffee may be terrible, but the meal was delicious.
"Plan to check out the festival, kiddo?" Soichi asked him.
"Mhm!" Cody nodded before swallowing the meal, "I never been to one before, so this'll be a new experience."
"I've seen plenty of festivals in my younger days and let me tell you, the Vytal Festival is worth being in."
"Heh, well can't wait to experience it alongside seeing it with Yang and my new friends." He smiled.
"Yang?" Soichi repeated. "Oh? Do I sense love in the air?"
"Love? What do you mean by that?"
"… You're kidding right?"
"No, seriously, what do you mean by love in the air?"
"Oh dear…"
Cody blinked with confusion from what Soichi was saying. Yang was a good friend and never gave up on him. To the young rider, he owes many things to the fellow blonde, so why wouldn't he consider her first over the others?
The cafe owner sighed, patting Cody's shoulder. "Give it time. You will realize it by then."
"Realize what? Come on, what is it?"
"Ah, don't worry about it. For now, enjoy your breakfast, kiddo!" Soichi grinned with delight. The device mounted on the suddenly rank, causing the owner to walk over and pick it up. "This is Cafe Nascita. How can I help you on this fabulous day?"
Cody ate with bliss, whereas Soichi nodded a few times before humming. "I see. Thank you for letting me know. Okay, have a good day." The man ended the call. "Ah well, it seems I may have to close up in a few hours."
"So early?"
"Don't worry kiddo. It's just for today. I have some business to take care of regarding the cafe." Soichi placed a cap over his head while wearing the brown jacket. "Don't worry about the door. It will lock itself once you're out. It's how I make sure no one robs my cafe."
"Um, okay. You have a good day Mr. Crimson!"
Soichi closed the door and when he was out of sight, the man grinned. "Oh I will boyo." He looked at his hand as power coursed in his palm. "After all, once I attend to my chase, the phase will continue for we are forever bound by blood."
XXX
Ozpin took a sip of his mug, taking in the sound of the gears turning in his office. The headmaster could not help but think back over the interesting events that had transpired when his new students joined Beacon. Each student has their struggles, some more so than others.
But the transpiring events from Faust have put some at risk. Enough where he had to put his foot down and be harsh. Could've there been an easier way? Maybe. But was it wrong? No. He had to do it to protect his students, and now they're starting to move on and heal. He can only hope this would be the last time Faust causes problems here, but he fully knows not to let his guard down.
The snake had been idle in his doings in the shadows. Lazy? Perhaps. But the entity hides his maliciousness, his sadistic attitude, and high intelligence that can outsmart any individual in the world.
Evol the Devourer was not one to underestimate. Ozpin had seen the way the snake speaks with such ambitions. With such pride in his goals.
But underneath those ambitions was one who keeps his friends close and his enemies closer. Evol saw Cody was valuable yet the high leader just simply freed Cody like it was nothing.
From what Evol has stated about his interest in the boy? Just letting him go free other than any incident the snake causes can only be stopped by him, was surprising. From how the snake spoke of the boy, he was not only his favorite toy, but something more than it seems.
Then there was how Ruby Rose and Blake Belladonna witnessed the glum look in the Night Rogue's eyes. Night Rogue who was not a male but a young girl no younger than a second year student.
The hand gestures and to make the girl remain close to the snake. That too shows he saw her as valuable as Cody.
931. 932. Two teenagers amongst the 900 Group. The duo also seen as Evol's precious toys. The grim revelations of children being used for experiments sent a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Orphans were not that uncommon in Remnant given the outposts outside the walls.
But to take who knows how many over the eons and turn them into whatever the snake wanted? It was unfathomable. He grooms them for various fields, implanting them to create his network of spies, forever infiltrating into places. Who knows who works for Faust's payroll.
Police? The Council? Huntsmen? Teachers? Military officials? Anyone can be an agent for Faust. Young and old. Maybe even his own inner circle could be compromised…. But for now, he had to just play the fool and hope that whatever the boy can do, can put an end to Faust before things get worse.
Faust has shown a sliver of their capabilities. There's no telling of when they provide the full dish of their militaristic power that surpasses Atlas.
His Scroll gained a notification, allowing him to check the device.
It was from Qrow. He managed to send a message to him.
He had initially sent a message to him regarding 932 and Cody's backgrounds for anything. Given what the snake is, he had to request Qrow to investigate. It wasn't easy to blatantly send a message regarding Evol given how easily it seems Evol can just track them but he needed some more info, not to harm but to see what he can learn from the snake's toys.
Opening the message, he saw information he hoped to learn.
"There was an archaeologist with familial features to the kid you mentioned. Woman had a knack for ancient relics. Least, not as bad as Oobleck. Last voyage led her to find some ancient box but next thing you know woman had a kid but odd thing? Woman never married nor had relationships with anyone in her career. And the cherry on top? She was infertile due to a genetic disorder."
Ozpin's eyes widened. A woman being infertile, while not that uncommon, but to somehow have a child out of nowhere, spite every single fact, logic and science saying it shouldn't be possible…. Something still happened. And it happened after her quest to an ancient box.
Ozpin was pondering but it quickly donned on him like a flash of light. The reason why Evol was so fixated on the boy… Why does he give him such treatment and practically give him so many things…
"Evol… is the father…." Ozpin muttered out as his blood ran cold.
If Evol is a holder of magic…
The mug slowly slipped from his hand, the dish shattering while spilling its contents. "By Brothers…" He shot up from his desk and typed his message to Qrow. 'Qrow, dig into information about the girl based on a sketch your niece and another student described.' With the message sent.
Evol took pride in his favorite toys. If Cody was one such, there is something to 932.
And he worries it could be much worse for that girl, given what he knows now alongside his own experiences. He just prayed that not only the worry he has in his heart isn't true… but that Salem doesn't even think about taking the boy either. He fully can feel the dread should she ever think about that.
The Boogeyman… has a spawn and he will groom him into a worthy being fitting to inherit what he has.
Evol was right… everything is bound by blood.
XXX
The night waned, the shattered moon illuminating the streets of Vale. The waters swayed in silence with the tide but it wasn't all that calm. Reason? The smoldering amber eyes staring at her two subordinates who held their heads down in shame over the events a few nights ago. Mercury's prosthetic was already given a new type given one of their companions was generous to help forge.
"You two had allowed two mere individuals and a few scraps of machines to take copious amounts of Dust. Then you chose to flee."
"We… did our best Cinder… But we were facing something… I don't think we can even compete against…" Emerald stated, sad that they were being scolded for the incident.
"Do tell. What made you feel defeat?"
"The Bat guy was just a lure… that snake Roman mentioned showed up and…" Mercury looked at his leg that held the new prosthetic replacement. "Bastard saw through Emerald's Semblance. He fed the bat everything about us."
"Though… it doesn't explain why that guy said 'former cleaning lady." Emerald mumbled.
"What did you say?" Cinder narrowed her eyes.
Emerald flinched, "T-They… said something about wanting to lure a former cleaning lady..?" she answered.
The two froze to the brief rupture of fire in Cinder's hand. To Cinder she was gritting her teeth underneath her concealed lips.
Somebody knows about her past. They found what she hated and are using it to lure her out. As much as she wanted to go after and burn them to ashes, she took a deep breath to slowly calm herself down. Reminding herself that she has a job to do, and can take revenge after it.
"Just focus on recovering. I can't let you two be like this due to our mission. That is our main objective." Cinder stated to the two.
"S-Shouldn't it be delayed?" The thief stuttered.
"As long as we avoid them until the mission is complete? We'll be fine. We just need to focus on that and our goal… Otherwise, we might as well be dead from her." Cinder stated to them.
"Or me."
Everyone looked at the entrance, the shadows shrouding the figure.
"Oh shit." Mercury swore under his breath.
The steps echoed and under the bad lighting was Soichi who hummed. "Yo."
Cinder stayed stoic, knowing any attempt she would make, could be the end for them. So instead she waited and planned.
"I take it you're the legendary 'Boogeyman'?" Cinder pointed out.
"Me? It depends what year it is." He shrugged. "I take it you must be the former cleaning lady from that place in Mistral?"
Cinder's eye twitched as she was angry about him saying such things casually, but she could tell this was a way to provoke her as with another breather she looked back to him.
"Depends from a different lifetime ago…" Cinder answered, "May I ask why you chose to appear before us again? To slaughter or warn us?"
"Well~!" The lights flickered and Soichi wasn't there. "It depends." Cinder quickly turned around to notice him looking over a wall that was from Emerald's pocket. "You entered my territory. The Boogeyman doesn't like bad boys and girls who do things in my place."
"We are only here to topple Beacon and to take a certain prize that we desire. We have no reason to fight, or even get in your way." Cinder said to the snake. "… Mayhap. You may be interested? We do share commonalities."
Her voice was alluring that would make any man swoon.
Soichi stared before he laughed, the somewhat old man rolling across the ground in his fit of laughter. "M-Me? H-Help you? Ahahahahahaha!"
"Why are you laughing at her?!" Emerald snapped.
The man wiped away a tear from his eye underneath his glasses. "Lady, what I see is just child's play in my book. Topple Beacon? Pl-ease! I can do it with my eyes closed and a snap of my finger."
"That… I have no reason to doubt." Cinder nodded, "But, there is more to it than just toppling them."
"You mean your Mistress Salem?"
This made the trio flinch with surprise.
"Haven't seen her since she fooled those saps to their deaths against the Brothers." Soichi looked at his fingers. "Man those were the days… it was fun."
"Then you understand what we're truly after? So why not just have some fun with us and topple it to the ground?"
"Nah." Soichi disappeared again and suddenly appeared beside Cinder, resting an arm on her shoulder.
"Then let us have a different deal." Cinder offered, "Let us do what we came here to do, and we will avoid any and all problems that occur from my group interfering with yours. Alongside avoiding you as well."
"Actually." Cinder tensed when she saw his hand raise and flames erupted in his palm. "You three need to realize just who exactly you are talking to."
'I-Is… that magic…?' Cinder gawked in her thoughts.
He had the power just like her! She quickly raised her arm but he caught it. "Nuh uh, I can sense works of magic in the glove in your pocket. My guess? Stealing magic."
"And..? You should know it can do the same to you if you even attack me…." Cinder glared.
"Haa… don't say I warned ya." He raised the pistol in his other hand. "Joketsu."
Firing, his body was shrouded in the armor of Blood Stark.
COBRA!
C-C-COBRA!
FIRE!
"You are going to see what I, the Boogeyman, can do." Cinder quickly conjured Dust blades at him but Blood Stark countered with his shots of his gun, unleashing energized projectiles that shattered them with ease. Blood Stark wagged his finger, scolding her. "You do better cleaning than this, you know girly."
Cinder hissed with rage, "I've wanted to avoid this, but I guess I have no choice… I'll make you burn for bringing up such things…." she declared as fire marks glowed beneath Stark.
"Oh."
Flames burst like a pillar, lighting the warehouse. Emerald and Mercury shielded themselves while Cinder lowered her hand. The flames flickered before Cinder gasped to the blast of lightning slamming into her stomach. She crashed into her two companions.
The flames swirled before going into Blood Stark's hand. "Neat magic you did… too bad you are too young to outplay me." He taunted, crushing his grip to quench the flames.
Cinder gritted her teeth from the attack, quickly able to tell she truly was out of her league.
"Like I told you, you are in my territory now. I have done things that make Salem's work look like a toy. And I play with them until they are done." He twirled a finger and swiftly moved the limb, shrouding the three in violet aura, raising them up from the ground. "You come into my place. Do things without my permission? I say, bad boys and girls get punished."
Yet before he could do anything, a chilling feeling was felt in the room as from the shadows was a simple Seer Grimm.
"I believe that is far enough…." A chilling voice came from the Grimm.
"M-My… Queen…" Cinder knew the voice.
"… Ah, Salem! It has been eons since I saw you!"
"Hmph… Likewise for you too… Evol the Devourer."
"D-Devourer…?"
"He is an alien lifeform, coming from planet to planet, consuming it for power and evolving himself." Salem informed.
"Finally! Someone knows what I can do unlike the Brothers!" Blood Stark raised his arms.
"Indeed… As well as what you desire too." Salem spoke up, "I wish to simply talk to you, no tricks or schemes."
"If it's about finding them Maidens and relics, I got better fish to catch."
"No. I mean… 'This'." Salem said as from the Seer's orb appeared a familiar Black Panel.
Suddenly, the lifeform gripped the Grimm, hefting it up to glare at it. "You little bitch. You have what belongs to me."
"Now that I have your attention. Please, join me for a simple chat. Afterwards, it will be yours."
Blood Stark stared. He had most of the panels but required two more. He could simply fool her and take the panel. Compared to Salem? He was stronger than her. Sure she could kill his mortal body, he will simply awaken in another body. Hmm… maybe he can take it behind her back. After all, he knew Salem better than anyone due to the past. Talk with Salem, steal the Panel behind her back to initiate the other half of Phase 3, and then have a nice cup of coffee in his cafe. That will work well for him.
He dropped the panel and plopped himself onto the crate, staring at her. "Wait one second." He tapped his arm, pressing a few keys. "Okay, my schedule has me available for a small chat."
The three humans were baffled.
"Good." Salem responded as a portal opened up next to the snake. "Come then Evol. We do have much to talk about."
'And you will see I will simply take it behind your back. Hehe. Just you wait boyo, you and this Salem will see what I can do and show the world who I truly am.' Evol sneered in his mind.
A simple chat to take what is his. After all…
No one steals from the Boogeyman and gets away with it.
XXX
A/N: Phew, well wasn't this a shocking turn of events? Salem seems to somewhat know about Evol's desire to grab the Pandora Box pieces, but not that much. Wonder what'll happen from this? Well either way, hope you all liked the chap!
Until then, later minna!