RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts
Chapter 14: A Plan in the Night
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^
James pinched the bridge of his nose as he walked to Ozpin's office. It has been a few days since he arrived with a portion of his military but the headaches don't come close to how he felt before coming here. To find infiltrators who were with Faust was not that simple.
From what Ozpin told him, the agents were practically groomed from birth or by fanatics for various occupations to ensure Evol had his eyes and ears everywhere. Anyone can be an agent. Man, woman, and child. It sickened him especially after discovering Faust had created highly reinforced drones that act on their accord via programming and airships that can travel in air and water with cloaking tech deeming their ships undetectable. It was by witness testimony from several of Ozpin's students that gave the proof Faust had been preparing themselves for the 'big show' as the snake would put it as.
This still proved his point to find that boy and reign him in. If they can just get a glimmer of how their tech works, they too can be on even footing and take care of them like every other militia.
Alas… Evol had made it clear what happens if you steal from him. What he did in Atlas proved it. The snake was the smartest in technology and military history. He was smart to outplay any fool and watch as they dance in the palm of his hands like a toy.
He didn't want it to come this way, but with the recent events and rumors spreading around regarding her? He had no choice but to request permission to have his forces over Vale. Of course, he still had to inform his friend of the decision first and in person.
When the elevator came to a half, the doors opened and saw his good friend Ozpin and ah yes, Glynda.
"Welcome back James," Ozpin greeted. "I didn't expect you to visit again after our previous chat a few days ago."
"Well, it seemed this was the best course of action. So instead of our usual chatters, I thought in person would be a better outcome." Ironwood stated to the two.
"And what is that?"
Ironwood set his scroll down, tapping it. "This came in from one of my ships when they flew over Forever Fall… before they were shot down."
The video placed what seems to be a AK's view noticed a dome of energy over a large sector of the forest. The feed zoomed closer and they saw various Guardians both normal and Heavy using excavation tools but closer inspection was Blood Stark and Night Rogue who were observing the digging.
That was until the feed trembled.
"Mayday! Mayday! This is Echo-6, one of our engines have just been shot down!" The feed spun around and around until it crashed close to the dome-shaped barrier.
The feed cut but for a moment when it revealed flames and Guardian machines scavenging the parts. Night Rogue coldly approached the pilot crawling out before executing him.
Suddenly the AK was lifted and given a full view of Blood Stark tapping the AK's face. "Man when will these things have the best upgrades like my Guardians?" Blood Stark quipped. "Ah well. Expand the hardlight an extra mile in diameter."
"Yes sir." Night Rogue nodded before he, or rather she was out of camera view.
"I know your people have been peeking, Jiminy Cricket. Be careful what you wish for… and stay out of the forest. It's my domain now as the spotlights are about to be set for my grand debut of my true form." Blood Stark warned.
The footage cracked before it went static. Ironwood turned off the recording.
"Since then, we couldn't even get a small data drone out there without it being destroyed…" Ironwood grimaced.
"What did he mean by… true form?" Goodwtich swallowed.
"I have conquered that what we're looking at is a 'seal'. Like a cocoon. That armor we keep seeing just keeps the snake constricted before he sheds his skin." Ironwood informed. "They are digging for something in Forever Fall. Whatever it is, by his words… there's no doubt something there is meant to shed his skin."
Ozpin pondered over this, as it was indeed a problem. But with what he knows? Faust isn't trying to get a relic as its not even in the right area for where he hidden the one he protects.
Come to think of it… not once Blood Stark ever mentioned taking a Relic when he confronted him. Not once he showed any interest in it. As if…
"He won't need what she seeks…"
"Ozpin?"
The headmaster's eyes turned grim and slowly slid a photo to them. "Qrow had told me a woman went in search of a fabled box. A box that is said to change the world. The woman… who is Cody's mother."
Ironwood's eyes widen as he turned to the headmaster, marching over before slamming his palms on the desk, cracking it from the weight and anger he now felt, "You mean to tell us, that you knew of him and didn't even think of revealing that to us?! He's now a dangerous weapon because of that!"
"He is still a child, James. Even I didn't expect this change to occur and while I regret not putting him in better care and safety, I cannot allow you to just march in and take him like he's a criminal at worst or a dangerous weapon about to explode." Ozpin frowned.
"And what of the proof we have agreed to when we realized what Evol did?! That child has inherited magic from the snake and you knew it!" He jabbed his finger to the photo of the woman. "A box that we now realize was Evols. If he already has the box, he just needs the key. That key being whatever is in Forever Fall!"
"This is not a debate James. The boy has changed from when you abducted him." Ozpin revealed, making Ironwood flinch from speaking about that so clearly. "He has changed and is now attempting to fight back. I will not let your fear drag us down again and take him away only to be attacked by Faust because of it. Just as it happened to your own military base weeks before. You take from the boogeyman, you pay the price. Evol is that very same boogeyman from the fairy tale. A shadow behind every single soul on this planet just waiting to take us if we ever make a choice we will regret."
Ironwood's eye twitched with anger and annoyance. He wanted to make this easier for them all, but now with the reveal that Ozpin knew about the boy all along, made this now easier to deal with.
"Then I best cut to the chase on my arrival… the council has decided to allow me and my army to overlook Vale and proceed with any dealings where Faust may appear." He revealed to the two, showing the documents from his scroll.
"What? James you can't be serious!" Goodwitch frowned.
"I didn't want it to come to this. Especially after you brought me into the greater danger that hides." He said to them, "But with now Faust becoming more active, more aware to the public. I will not let this slide as while Salem may be our most dangerous foe… Faust on the other hand, is a force that needs to be stopped now that we know where their main targets are at." Ironwood turned to them, "And I will not let the people draw in that fear and destroy themselves."
"You will be sending them and any person they know to their deaths if you believe attacking them in Forever Fall is the solution, James.."
"Which is why I already have another case working to detain and court martial that boy and have him fight for us. If we can just learn about how their tech works and recreate it, we can face Faust just like any other militia."
"…."
"What is it?" James asked. He noticed Ozpin's unsettled gaze in which James turned around with his firearm but all he heard was a small hiss of a serpent. The end of its tail retreating into the vents.
Evol has heard everything and will be ready for any counter.
"James… I believe you should leave my office… now." He did not want the snake here again as before.
"Don't think this is over…" He said to them, "I'll make sure the people are safe for the festival, and have our only lead be the key to our survival."
With Ironwood gone, Ozpin set his mug down. "The only thing you are doing James… is putting people to death for what you are about to do…"
He prayed to the ones who are brave enough to confront the snake and his underlings.
XXX
As the day was mostly finished for Beacon, Yang was making her way to the household of her friend, Cody. She figured he could help them out with their plan against learning whatever is the White Fang is doing since he worked for Junior and could have more info to take from.
Only problem is, if Faust is involved, only he can deal with it otherwise kiss his freedom goodbye. She took a deep breath, her lilac eyes seeing the occasional Atlas soldiers but briefly saw they had been on the march regarding something. She was still unsettled about yesterday. The fact that Soichi is Evol the boogeyman. She wanted to tell Cody but Weiss told her what would happen.
Who's to even say if Cody will take the news well? She didn't want him to get even more hurt than before, nor did she want to see him return to how he used to be. For now, she'll keep that information to herself and her team, and hopes that he will either never know or find out on his own.
Only she hoped that by then, he'd be strong enough and stay as he is now. Confident, strong, and unwilling to stand by at what Faust is doing. To be honest? She was inspired to see him be like that.
Her eyes lowered, her mind recalled his words about 932. How she used to care about him as both were cellmates in the same cell room for who knows how long.
It caused unease in her stomach. It was like she felt… jealous? 'N-Nah… can't be… right?'
Why would she of all people be jealous? Sure, she liked and enjoyed being around Cody, but its not like they were that close! Plus who's to even say he has a type? He could still be like Ruby and think girls are gross and such!
She patted her cheeks. She had to get her head together. Now wasn't the time to get distracted by emotions! She needed to talk to Cody!
Once the blonde brawler made it to the place, she took a few breaths and entered the complex. Unsure why she was being so nervous, but with a knock on the door that helped break the tension before she soon noticed the apartment number within the complex.
"139… yeah that is so obvious that the snake chose this apartment room for him." She deadpanned.
139. 931. Evol had his sick humor.
After hearing some footsteps and clicks, the door opened to a recently awoken Cody, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.
"Yang? What's up?" He asked her as it seemed he had a bit of a rough night sleeping.
"Uh… everything alright?"
"Yeah… just… some stuff with Faust is all."
"You know you can always tell me, Cody." Yang reassured him with a gentle smile, "We're friends after all. And I promised you I'd be by your side when you need it."
He yawned, "Yeah yeah…" he mumbled. "Still doesn't explain why you are here."
"Well to be honest? We could use your help." She confessed only to realize another problem, "Oh, and no it's not about Faust… It's about the White Fang and their unknown plans that were bothering all of us on our end. Blake won't stop talking about it and to be honest we kinda agree with her."
"Yang you know I still have to worry about Faust doing stuff. If I am with you girls, how am I going to deal with them if they are elsewhere?"
"Uh… your bike?" She earned a flat look. "Hey don't give me that! I was just suggesting!"
Cody sighed yet nodded, "I know… if it makes you feel any better, I can help but only on one small task in whatever big plan you girls have. That's alright with you?"
"Yeah I guess… where should we meet up at?"
"Since I'm not a student, we can meet at Cafe Nascita to talk about the plan you girls are taking about, Mr. Soichi owns?"
"A-Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Hm? I mean I can maybe also choose Junior's Bar, but why not the Cafe? Still disgusted over the coffee?" He questioned, confused as to why the cafe was not a good choice for her.
Yang chewed her lip. She wanted to tell him but she had the dreadful feeling hovering over her like a hawk. "A-Alright…" she swallowed up her hesitation and nodded. She paused when her Scroll rang. "Yellow? Oh Ruby how's- … What?" Her brow twitched. "WHO IS THE JACKASS THAT TRIED TO FLIRT WITH YOU?! Oh don't scold me for my language. Who is the guy that you mentioned?! … Wait… is he that guy who has that cute twin brother who acts like you at times with vegetables? Okay then… I'll be right there."
She ended the call but Cody tensed to the look in her eyes. She looked like she was out for blood.
"I have some personal matters to deal with, Cody. But oh don't worry we will arrive in time."
"R-Right." Cody squeaked. Whatever happened, he prayed for the unfortunate soul who is about to get a beating of a lifetime.
Just what was going on at Beacon to earn such a response from Yang?
XXX
"Are you sure it is a good idea to have those two things helping you Cinder?" Her subordinate inquired through the Scroll.
It was currently end of classes for the day and Cinder sat comfortably in her seat, staring at the so-called Hell Bros who were leisurely relaxing outside. By leisure, they were rather viciously brawling with each other like rapid animals that students avoided them like a plague. To others it was disturbing but to her, she saw results from the snake's grooming of the duo. They may act like idiots… but that was nothing but a facade. She had seen it in their eyes when they talk.
They were vicious. Sadistic. Mad devils who answer to their demon lord and attack without any care in the world or any care of people's opinions.
To be honest? She enjoyed it. This was an unknown power that was becoming more enticing to her. So much so, she is truly thinking about joining Faust as a double agent for them. But she will have to wait and see more from the duo alongside whatever secrets they decide to spill.
"Don't worry… they seem to be on a leash by their leader. The only problem I have… is when he decides to let their leashes slip from his fingers." There's no telling when Evol decides to let the Hell Bros show their true colors to everyone. Their facades only show when on a leash. Without it? Hell breaks loose.
"And… what of us? Of… me?" Emerald asked with worry.
"Don't fret, Emerald. You are still needed for when the finals commence… Even I can't let that slip us by for the grand finale." Cinder reassured as that part of the plan was still necessary.
"And the snake? If he decides it to go differently?"
"…." Cinder opened her mouth but paused to an Atlas airship. "Hold that thought."
Her eyes stared at the airship, using her Scroll to zoom in. There she noticed Specialist Schnee alongside that man, Clover, if she recalled who saluted to the General.
Something has happened to get the military's attention and her gut was telling her it has Faust written all over it.
"Actually Emerald? I could use you right now… Seems we have an unexpected change that we should learn about." Cinder requested, already sensing her pawn smile with delight through the Scroll.
"On my way!" Emerald said with delight as the call ended.
Ending the call, her smoldering amber eyes stared before looking at the Hell Bros who were close to breaking their limbs until Goodwitch had to stop it, the duo trying their best to hit the other to no avail.
"Seems you have set a lure for the military, you snake." Cinder mused. She was starting to enjoy this show the snake was putting on.
XXX
Cody stretched and yawned, relaxing against the chair of the cafe as he was drinking water. Not coffee. Soichi was elsewhere but gave him the keys to the place for one night when he mentioned to help his friends. The man really had a lot of trust in him like Mr. Tukson.
Just that thought of Tukson brought him back to a sour mood. Even after the investigation and notice of those assassins, still didn't bring him closure. He wanted to find them as well and stop them from killing anyone else he cares about.
Tukson wanted to move on, he wanted to be free of his past and have a better life. Even with him wanting to move to Vacuo, it seemed he was ready to give the store to Cody. But in the end he couldn't even say goodbye to the Faunus.
Though one thing came to mind. Who did they work for? It was certainly not Faust as they never acted so… boldly. Was there something going on he wasn't aware of?
Maybe whatever this plan was that Yang and her teammates were doing could also lead him to the answer as well? While it wasn't Faust, it also meant they wouldn't be put in danger either, meaning he could do more than before.
The bell jingled, allowing Cody to turn in his seat and noticed Team RWBY.
Ruby was wearing a long-sleeve, light gray shirt with black belted cuffs near the ends of the sleeves. Over top of the gray shirt is a black pinafore with two vertical lines of red stitching that resemble the lacing on a corset.
She also wears a red skirt with a large black-colored print of her rose emblem on the side of it, and the inside of her skirt is black. She still wears her black stockings and black-and-red boots. A few pieces of metal arranged in an abstract shape are attached to her sleeve on her left shoulder, likely as a form of armor such as a spaulder. As usual, she wears a red cape with her outfit. However, her cape is short like the one she wears with her uniform, but with a scarf as part of the hood.
Weiss was wearing a pure white dress with black edging and two columns of four black buttons on the abdomen. Much like on the bolero of her original outfit, there is a print of her snowflake emblem on her back, in pale blue this time, rather than white.
The inside of the skirt portion of the dress contains black frills. She also wears thigh-high, white high-heel boots with frilly black thigh-high stockings that come up slightly above the top of her boots.
Blake was wearing a white v-neck zip-up shirt that is black along the bottom and has mid-length sleeves. Her belladonna flower emblem is printed in off-white on the left side of the shirt. She wears black pants that have a vertical gray stripe on the outer side of each leg, and she wears a black belt with them.
Attached to the inner side of the belt is a black, somewhat curved, banner-like piece of fabric that hangs from the back and extends forward to her hips. On the underside of this is a thinner, longer, similarly-shaped purple piece of fabric. Her black high-heel boots come halfway up her calves and have a pair of belted straps across them. She still wears her black ribbons on her arms and her black bow over her cat ears.
Finally, for Yang, she was wearing a collared cream top over a black shirt, and over top of the former is a black article of clothing that consists of a raised collar, a strap across her collarbone, and mid-length sleeves that are gold at the end. Around her neck is a pendant that has a smooth, round, purple gem set in a round piece of metal that has a point coming off the left and right sides and a small oval shape coming from the bottom. She has a pair of crooked black belts with gold accents across her hips, and a purple piece of fabric with lilac lace around the edges hangs from her left hip.
She has a dark gray article of clothing coming down from under her cream top that is a mini-skirt or part of her black shirt. It has vertical belted straps going down into her thigh-high black stockings, which have her burning heart emblem printed in yellow on the outer side of each leg near the top and a row of four gold pyramid studs above each knee.
She also wears a pair of black boots with a series of belted straps across them. On the back of each boot at the top is a large white ribbon tied into a bow.
"Glad to see you all! Guess this is going to be the place to talk?" Cody smiled, seeing the group again as well as Yang looking a bit more relieved. Though he couldn't help but somewhat stare a bit in awe from Yang's new outfit.
"You could say that." She shrugged.
Cody blinked and leaned over to notice a familiar monkey Faunus and the other he was unfamiliar with. "Uuh… I thought you said your team was investigating? Not two others?"
"We were… but we had some complications…" Blake sighed, "This is Sun and his teammate Neptune. They overheard us and joined in…"
"Sup!/Heya!" The two gave their greetings.
While Cody shouldn't have been surprised that they were overheard since they were in a dorm, it still meant more problems could arise. But oddly enough, his brow twitched as Neptune was being much closer to Yang and even gave a certain look that irritated him.
He pinched his nose. "If that is the case… just don't let them butt into my business if that comes up."
"We already know that." The girls said in unison, earning confusion from the two males. "You don't want to know." Blake finished as the boys simply shrugged but nodded in agreement.
"So, does everyone know the plan?"
Yang looked at Weiss. "Hey, we've got a plan!" She pointed out. "That's… moderately serious."
"Right!" The scythe wielder agreed. "Everyone remember their roles?"
"You and I will head to the CCT and check the Schnee records for any Dust robberies or inconsistencies. Seeing as I'm in the family, it shouldn't be a problem." Weiss said.
"The White Fang has regular faction meetings to hand out orders and recruit new members. If I can get in, I can hopefully find out what their planning." Blake adds, explaining her part.
"There's an old friend on the shady side of town that typically knows everything going on in Vale." Yang smirks confidently. "I can talk to him."
"… Are you talking about Junior?" Cody deadpanned.
"Wait, someone's name is 'Junior'?" Neptune snickered.
"I wonder the same thing."
"Don't we all." Yang drawled. "If I can't convince him, maybe Cody can lessen the hostility."
"Yang you do realize the reasons they pointed guns at you last time was because the stories they told me of you crashing the bar."
"Hey, I just wanted some small information, they were the ones who got hostile." The blonde brawler shrugged innocently.
"And before? Oh, what about when you tried to get into the bar and I was the one who denied your entry, beating you in a fight."
"That time… I just wanted to have that drink!" She flinched, remembering their first meeting.
"And you didn't end up in the dumpster like the other sorry sods who tried."
"Maybe because you wanted to go easy on a cute girl like me?" She playfully winked.
"If I can hit 932 who is a girl, I can do the same to you." He deadpanned.
"Are they always like this?" Sun whispered to Blake. "Also… is he talking about that bat thing at the docks?"
"Bat thing? You mean the bat girl you mentioned?" Neptune recalled Sun describing the girl who had all the super gadgets. A rather hot yet cute girl to boot if Sun's description of her said anything about it..
"Dude, I said to keep that a secret!" Sun said, trying to hush his friend.
"You both are bad at it…" Cody deadpanned at the two. "Let's just start the plan before I decide to force you two to drink Mr. Soichi's coffee for the words you said about her."
"Please, I grew up in Vacuo. No coffee is bad to me!" Sun grinned for the challenge.
"…." Cody stood up from his chair and walked around to the already brewed coffee. He held his breath and nose, pouring it into the mug before setting it to the Faunus and stepped back. "Drink it. You say no coffee is bad for you? Then try that."
"Pfft." Sun used his tail to pick it up and took a sip. The second it touched his taste buds, he froze like a rock.
"Uh… Sun? You okay?" Neptune blinked with surprise, poking his friend to get him to respond.
Sun slowly fell onto his back, still frozen as the girls swore his soul left him.
"And point proven." Cody smirked. He clapped his hands together. "Okay! Let's get going!"
"Uh… what about Sun?"
"It will take a few hours. Won't be long."
"Ugh… luckily for my mission, it'll be done at night which is a few hours away." Blake sighed, rubbing her temples, "We'll do our best and hopefully he'll be ready by then."
"Fine by me!"
XXX
The two came to a stop on their respective motorcycles as Yang took off the helmet as she gestured with her thumb to the music playing nearby. "Come on, my friend's right in here!"
Yang got off the bike to reveal Neptune sitting right behind her, hair and goggles messed up with a petrified expression of terror on his face. "Cool…" Neptune responded, dizzy. He shakes his head, somehow perfectly fixing his appearance, and gets off the cycle, looking around worriedly. "And where exactly is... here?"
The trio made their way to the club before Cody noticed some men in suits noticing them with a panicked expression on their faces and ran into the club, slamming the doors closed.
The blonde brawler walked ahead as her Ember Celica unfolded before she punched the doors wide open and Cody stayed behind, waiting by the entrance. When they entered Yang announced her appearance, "Guess who's back!" She announced.
Next thing they knew, 8 guns were pointed at Yang with her smile still etched on her lips. Cody had to admit, she is a tough one to not be fazed by the number of guns that are pointed at her. Though this doesn't faze her, she stops and glares at the recording studio where the track is messing up until the frightened bear-headed DJ takes the needle off the record and retreats back under the table.
"Stop, stop! Nobody shoot," a man cuts his way through the crowd of goons, straightening his tie. "Blondie, you're here! Why-" Junior's eyes saw Cody who waved sheepishly.
"Hey Junior… been a while."
"Kid. Hehe, didn't expect you to return here like this." He noted with a light smile.
"She dragged me into this so don't blame me."
"No shit." Junior sent a quick glare at Yang who playfully stick her tongue out. "Well come on… Let me hear what you need this time, blondie." He sighed, gesturing them to follow him.
"And don't forget my drink!"
"I was answering to the kid." Junior's answer made Yang pout.
Cody chuckled from that, as the two blonde followed Junior as Neptune stood there with shock and awe.
"If it isn't Cody." A familiar female voice rang out.
"Oh goodie…" Yang groaned. "The other twins."
"Says you blondie."
"Whoever you are referring to doesn't know manners." Militia shrugged.
Cody smiled at the twins "It's good to see you two as well. Hope things haven't been too tough?" He called them.
"Honestly its been peacefully quiet without both of you. But I'll admit, I did miss our chatters somewhat." Melanie said with a slight shrug.
Neptune gawked. "Okay Cody how do you know two beautiful girls?" He sent a brief wink at the twins. The girls stared and harrumphed with a turn of their heads.
"Whatever…" The twins said in unison as they walked off.
Cody rolled his eyes as well, "This was my first job upon entering Vale." He confessed to the bluenette.
"And you didn't even make a move on them?!"
"Move on them? What do you mean by that?"
"You know, make a move! Flirt with them! The whole dating ritual thing!" Neptune gawked.
"… First Soichi, now you, what does it even mean?!"
"You're joking right?" Yang leaned over to Neptune and replied, "He missed about a decade of stuff so yeah, you won't get through that thick head of his until it knocks clear as day."
"Says the one who wouldn't stop coming back to fight." Cody chimed in with a sly smirk.
"… Are you three done?" Junior asked irritably. "Or are you here to listen to what I have to say?"
"Sorry Junior." Cody apologized as they reached his bar, "Yang needs some answers about some certain people you lended your men to. We have reason that they could be planning something very dangerous for everyone in Vale." He said, earning the mob boss's attention.
"Lending my men? … ah crap. You mean Torchwick?" Junior grunted. "He took my men, left for some robbery, they came back, beat up. He wasn't happy so he took some new ones and they never came back…" Junior explained, taking another shot.
"Really?"
"They. Never. Came. Back." The syndicate boss clarified.
"So, if they weren't here, where did they go?" Neptune asked, joining in the conversation.
"What kind of stupid question is that?" Junior asked. "They never came back!" He then looked at Cody, point at Neptune. "Who's that guy anyways?"
Yang pushed Neptune away, "Worry about us two firstly. So are you sure that's everything?"
"I already told you everything! Torchwick hired my boys, and I guess he wasn't happy with them, which is something I can relate to!" He shouted this at his own men who grumble in response.
"Ugh… guess we're leaving then." complained Yang. "Let's go." The trio moved off from the bar stools and was about to walk until Junior stopped the male blonde, "Kid, wait. There's something you need to hear and only you. Not the two you were with."
"Uh, okay?" Cody was puzzled but complied nonetheless. He did tell Yang he was only assisting in one small task so he did what he was supposed to do. "Did I do something wrong?
"No, but what I want to say is something that you might want to hear."
"And that is?"
"There's been a lot of eerie stuff going on in Forever Fall. From what I heard, people and robots decked out in gray and black have set up an excavation site."
Cody's form tensed. 'Faust…'
"Here's what's happening, the Atlas operatives are about to make a move in an attempt to bring down that dome of light people have been seeing too in that area."
"Ugh… they're here?" Cody groaned out with annoyance, remembering that little fight.
"You make it sound like you had a run in with Atlas guys."
"… I did, they practically kidnapped me…"
"…." Junior looked at his glass for a moment then at him. Before he could ask, Cody raised his hand, "Long story but just stupid stuff."
"O-kay? Hope this comes as helpful to you."
"Yeah, it does. Thanks Junior and… I want to say that I am sorry for the mess I caused that led me to be fired by you. I know it's not much to say but I hope it just brings some shed of light?"
"Eh, what's life without a bit of chaos? Just don't come crawling back with more problems than you got, okay, kid?"
"Yes boss." Cody saluted but almost lazily. He briefly heard the twins giggle. "See you." He waved goodbye and left the club.
It was a brief moment of silence as the music resumed but for Junior it wasn't much. With Cody out, Junior exhaled bitterly. "He's gone now. I told him what you wanted me to say."
Materializing through the smoke by the bar was Night Rogue. The Bat Rider set a stack of Lien onto the counter and made her way to the exit. She reached for her brace. "Send Soldier B2 for the Lost Smash task. I will be joining the fight as ordered. We are on a deadline for Lord Evol."
"Confirm."
'Just you wait 931… you are going to see the risks in the fight of a Lost Smash…'
XXX
"So what did Junior want? Money from ya?" Yang teased.
"Nah, he said he'll cover that with you not getting your Sunrise." Cody teased back.
"Ha, ha – Wait, what?!" Cody laughed at her reaction.
"Hate to be a bother but.. We still got nothing for the White Fang." Neptune pointed out.
Suddenly, Yang's Scroll rang and she answered, "Blake, what is it?'"
Blake started, "We need-"
"HEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPP!" Sun screamed. "Robot! Big Robot! Big Killer Robot Chasing Us!"
Neptune blinked from what he meant by that. "What did he mean by that?"
Their questions were answered when Sun and Blake were being chased by an Atlesian Paladin.
"That." Cody pointed.
"Let's get going then!" Yang said, revering her bike up.
"I-" Cody's Scroll blimped, making him reach for it and saw the Nebula Alert of a Smash and its location. "C-Crap. I have to go."
Yang turned as she was a bit upset that thing had to happen, but she nodded softly. They couldn't get in Cldy's way against Faust. "Just… come back in one piece, okay?" She pleaded to him.
"I'll try." He gave a thin smile before hopping onto his bike and drove the opposite direction. Cody grimaced. He knew Blood Stark told him anyone else cannot interfere or his freedom goes away. He didn't like it but he wanted the freedom without having to look over his shoulder every day and night. Seeing the gps, he looked ahead and gasped to a black blocky yet armored hand knocking him off the bike, the vehicle rolling until it crashed through a worn building.
Cody groaned, clutching his stomach. His vision adjusted and saw the Hammer Smash. It was similar to the one he fought the first time weeks back however its body was discolored and shared a similar color scheme to the Owl Smash.
It was the Hammer Lost Smash.
"Another Lost Smash…?" He grunted. "That means-!" He rolled to the right, avoiding the blade that is Night Rogue. "932!"
"Ready to lose again like you nearly did before?" Night Rogue's distorted voice sneered.
"Could say the same about you…" The rider frowned, "What even happened last time? Is… everything okay?" He asked her with worry.
"Shut up!" She kicked his torso, sending him into a box. "Like you ever cared what happens to me, you traitor!"
"How many times do I need to repeat myself? I do care about you! You were my only friend back in Faust! You helped keep me sane!" He stated to her, dodging another swipe as he changed into Cross-Z Charge so he could be on even footing.
The Lost Smash met Cross-Z's burning fist. The blonde grunted slightly to the slight higher strength the Lost Smash had unlike Owl. Owl Lost Smash was more agile while this one was about strength. The teen ducked when he saw Night Rogue's blade. He stepped back, looking between the two, occasionally changing his stance with wariness.
"Care? You care?! Don't make me laugh! It's obvious you abandoned us, abandoned ME all for those 'huntsmen' you're now hanging around with!" Night Rogue hissed in rage. She and her comrade rushed at him, forcing the former Experiment to dodge and weave. He gave a two-point strike against Night Rogue before using her as a shield to stop the Smash's fist.
The armored female grunted as sparks bled before she was spun away, allowing Cross-Z to use the wrist weapon to strike the Smash several times. The Rider heard the yell and quickly blocked as his weapon met Night Rogue's.
"Just stop, 932! You are only hurting yourself more as I have!"
"I won't stop! I won't EVER stop until you are swallowed by Faust like we were! You are a traitor, a bastard, nothing but a mistake! And I won't stop until you are dead by my heel!" She howled out with utter malice and pain. She gripped the voice modulator and ripped it off the collar of her armor. The male voice was static before returning to normal. "FOR YOU RAN FROM EVERYTHING I GAVE YOU!" For a moment Cody swore her lenses glimmered as if her Hazard was increasing.
The Lost Smash grabbed Cross-Z in a bear hug, allowing Night Rogue to repeatedly and brutally punch his bright azure armor. Sparks and grunts of pain echoed out from each hit, as the dragon rider took it all as the enraged woman continued to lash out at him.
"932… I am truly sorry I left you… I should've turned back and helped you… But I was scared that I-"
"SHUT UP! SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!"
'Stop… please.'
Night Rogue bellowed, ignoring the voice in her head and punched her opponent one last time, sending him flying whereas the Lost Smash watched. She grasped her head before looking at her comrade, "Kill him, NOW!"
The Smash obeyed, turning its head to where 931 was flung as it went after him, obeying the commands it was given to, yet leaving Night Rogue alone. The armored woman panted heavily as she dropped to her knees, smoke appearing around her before leaving her body along with the armor.
932, the abandoned experiment just howled out with grief and pain. Her mind was cracked and unwell as she didn't know who she even was anymore. Was she just another tool for Faust? Was she Night Rogue? Or was she simple just another doll to be made of in a new image?
The bluenette didn't know as she just hugged herself and weeped, only her cries could be heard to her as she sat there with nobody there to help her.
XXX
Cross-Z grunted, rolling onto his back while shoving away the wood fragments that fell on him. Standing up, he rubbed the armor as the system was revitalizing his body from the barrage of punches Night Rogue gave him.
The rider though sat there in his thoughts, contemplating over 932's words and her cries. He still won't give up on her and will try to keep reaching out, just like the others have done for him. But he also wonders if it would even be right to do so given how much pain she is in.
For all he could tell, him being around her was doing more harm than good, and he didn't know how to deal with it or find a solution to help.
The roar of the Smash brought him back to reality and saw it charging at him like a bull. He rolled to avoid the hammerfist and sent a swift jab to its rib area. The beast grunted before Cross-Z gave his own mixture of punches, pushing it back step by step, fist after fist for what Faust had done to 932's now fragile mentality.
Sparks continued to scatter with each impact until the Smash stopped it. Cross-Z brought his boot onto its foot before wrapping his arms around it amidst the tackle.
He picked up the Smash with all of his might, lifting it in the air before slamming it into the ground below, causing everything to crack and crumble below the monster from the impact.
The rider panted as he gripped the lever of the driver and slammed down on it, letting the power course through him and into his fist as it ignited in flames.
SCRAP FINISH!
He soon raised his fist and slammed it into the Hammer Smash with all of his might, causing a powerful explosion from the impact, enough for those within the town to even see it.
The result was as before but to his confusion was the Bottle clattering and rolled to 932's knees. She slowly picked it up. "One… of ten filled…" she realized. The first Lost Bottle has been successfully processed.
"932… Please stop this…" Cody pleaded, out of his armor as he approached her with worry and sadness on his face. "I don't want to see my friend-"
Suddenly he felt his neck being tightly gripped, 932's body slowly moving as she was lifting him without effort. "You completed the first step for us…"
"9…32…. P-Please…" He coughed out, struggling against her now.
"You have to kill more of us to finish our plan… otherwise we will create havoc." She droned. Realizing the success she laughed… in disturbing delight, "Lord Evol needs nine more! Which means you have to kill nine more of us!"
Cody's blood ran cold as he was looking her in the eyes. She was broken… Completely snapped and out of reason. Whatever was happening to her succeeded and the girl that he once knew was gone… Standing before him was just a mad dog…. Was this… was this the result of Evol's experimentation?
"932… please… you… got to get it… together…"
The bluenette threw Cody to the wall. She marched up to him as digital data formed to make a pale sword. She raised it high with mad delight.
'LILY!' The voice from before yelled in her mind.
The sword was brought down but it didn't touch Cody but the wall instead. Cody slowly opened his eyes to see her twisted smile but her eyes swelled with tears.
"My name… is Lily… And I hate you with all of my being…. 'Cody'... And I won't rest until you die by my hands for erasing my heart…"
She slowly stepped back albeit slighty.
"Cody!" The battered teen quickly looked to his right to see Team RWBY. They stopped when they saw the now named Lily who turned her head with her cold yet dead eyes.
"And you…." The bluenette said, slowly pointing to them all, but especially Yang, "And you too will pay for everything… This I swear…" she raised her head slightly and her smile grew. "Because I will make the order to destroy everything you all have… just as it was done to me. And you can blame the deaths of your loved ones. All. On. Cody."
She giggled and laughed, her lilac eyes turning a darker shade of violet.
"They don't… have anything to do with this…" Cody gritted his teeth, attempting to shield them from her wrath. "If you just want me? Then fine, I'll be there to face you.. But leave them out of this…"
932 viciously looked at him and slammed her boot into his stomach. She leaned forward. "Didn't Evol say they can't butt in Faust business? And they are here, in our business."
"They're just watching… They're not in the way…" He growled, attempting to push her away from the others.
"They're just itching to use their weapons."
"Our deal… is still in place!" He argued with her.
He received a haymaker then a blow to his stomach again. She gripped his collar. "And they can't do anything about it to stop me from killing you!"
Cody could only keep his eyes on Yang, a pleading look on his face, "P-Please… run…." He pleaded to the girls as they were watching with horror.
"Go on, try and hurt me and Faust will do everything just as they tried on you three!"
The madness-loss woman cackled, dropping Cody as she raised her blade, ready to impale the boy who had taken everything she gave him and threw it away. She was ready to kill him and finally be free!
'Lily stop…'
The sword was still but the hand trembled.
'Please stop doing this… Evol is hurting you just by this.'
Lily's hand continued to tremble before she let go of the sword, letting it dissolve into the digital data from which it formed. She grunted out as she grasped her head in pain. That voice… That familiar voice! They need to stop returning!
'Evol is hurting you… hurting us like he did before.'
"Evol made me strong!"
'He is driving you to insanity.'
"I am doing what Cody deserves!" She yelled.
'Do you truly believe that? Or are you just scared to admit that you both were afraid on that day to do anything?'
"Shut! Shut up!" Her name was being repeated over and over, the girl's dark violet eyes trembling before a flicker of ember shadowed them. "SHUT! UUUUPPP!" She yelled. Everyone was blown away by the burst of violet flames, the windows shattering.
XXX
Ozpin took a sip but tensed to the sudden eruption of magic. The grip on his drink loosened and shattered onto the floor.
He could feel it… This surge of magic, while different from his own or even from Evol. Was indeed something familiar…. This magic was building up for so long that it finally released, and most likely… also just gave Evol another chance to continue whatever plan he has.
Ozpin could only turn his head to where he felt the surge, praying that the young boy could changes things before it was too late for everyone in Remnant.
XXX
Lily panted, toppling before she found herself supported. "Lord… Evol?" She exhaustingly recognized.
"Good work Bat-chan. Seems I was right indeed of you." He plucked the Lost Bottle from her hand.
"St…ark…" Cody gritted as he glared at the snake with rage yet was weakened due to him not fighting back Lily's assault.
"Yikes. She sure put you through the wringer. Meh, not my problem." Blood Stark shrugged.
"L-Leave.. Her alone…." Cody gritted his teeth, struggling to crawl to Stark to stop him from taking her again.
"Nope! She is needed as she is going to be rewarded with an upgrade like you did!" He boasted. "That dear magic lassy sure is in her to make poor Bat-chan release such magic."
"Ma… gic?" Weiss gritted. "Magic is… only fairy tales!"
"Oops, perhaps I said too much at the moment. Hehe." Stark snickered.
"I… won't let you…" Cody slowly got up, only for Stark to appear and punch the boy in the stomach, causing him to gasp before dropping to the ground unconscious from the vicious blow.
"Consider that public punishment for making poor Bat-chan cry." Stark chuckled. "Now! I got business in my FOB in Forever Fall! Ciao~!"
And with a burst of red smoke, the snake and bat had fled the scene, leaving everyone to their thoughts. Though with the blonde brawler, she slowly got up as she made her way to the unconscious rider, attempting to pick him up but she stumbled due to her own vertigo being unstable.
'That bastard…. Playing with them like toys…' Yang gritted her teeth as she slowly got back up to pick up the other blonde, 'I won't let them suffer like that…'
Her eyes drift to where Lily vanished. Her heart shivering with pain and sadness over seeing what had happened. This girl she watched become nigh insane from the experimentations, torture and more was so unbearable for Yang to see. She could see why her new friend wanted to save her too.
They can't do anything which makes things so frustrating to her. Yang didn't like sitting back and simply watching something like this continue, yet she couldn't do a thing. Her fist clenched to filter her anger at this as all she could do was take back her friends, patch things up and hope for the best for the next day.
Because right now, they can only watch. Watch and hope that whatever this plan is, that their dragon user here, will get strong enough to stop them. But for now they needed rest. Rest and hope for a better day.
A/N: Well, seems like things are getting heated, huh? I know so many were eager for the mech fight against rwby with this story here. But sadly, it didn't work out in the end. But there is still much more to reveal. Until then, be well everyone.