Chapter 3 - the Docks
As Jaune exited his team room, his shoulders slumped and his expression heavy with doubt, he found himself confronted by two familiar faces: Ruby Rose, her silver eyes full of concern, and Octavius von Steelheart, the imposing and resolute young commissar whose presence seemed to command the very air around him. Ruby was the first to speak, her voice soft yet firm.
"Jaune, I know things have been tough lately," Ruby began, her gaze meeting his with unwavering sincerity. "But I need you to understand something. You might have messed up before, and maybe you didn't feel like you belonged here when you first arrived at Beacon, but you're here now. You're a leader now. And you can't afford to be a failure anymore, not when you've got a team that relies on you."
Jaune looked away, his fists clenched at his sides. "But what if I'm not cut out for this? What if I'm just dragging them down? I overheard my teammates talking… I'm not sure they believe in me, and I don't know if I believe in myself."
Before Ruby could respond, Octavius stepped forward, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the hall. His steely gray eyes locked onto Jaune's, and in that moment, there was a fire within them—a fire that had seen countless battles, faced insurmountable odds, and yet remained unquenched.
"Jaune Arc," Octavius began, his voice carrying the weight of authority and experience far beyond his years, "I have stood on the frontlines of wars that would break the spirit of most men. I have led soldiers into the maw of death itself, with nothing but faith and courage to guide us. And do you know what I have learned in all those battles?"
Jaune looked up at him, caught off guard by the intensity of the commissar's words.
"It is not the strongest, the fastest, or the most skilled who emerge victorious," Octavius continued. "It is those who possess the will to persevere, the heart to stand firm in the face of fear, and the resolve to never give up, no matter how bleak the situation appears. A leader is not defined by the absence of doubt or fear; a leader is defined by their ability to rise above those doubts and fears, to inspire their comrades even when the darkness closes in."
Octavius took a step closer, his gaze never wavering. "You have been chosen to lead, Jaune, not because you are perfect, but because you have the potential to become something greater. Your team needs you—not as an infallible hero, but as someone who will fight for them, who will stand by them, and who will never let them down. The lives of your friends, your comrades, are in your hands. You must not allow self-doubt to chain you down."
Ruby nodded in agreement, her expression fierce. "He's right, Jaune. We all make mistakes, but that's how we grow. You're our leader, and we believe in you. You just need to believe in yourself."
Jaune felt the weight of their words pressing down on him, but instead of crushing him, it seemed to lift him up. The doubts that had plagued him began to recede, replaced by a newfound determination. He realized that he wasn't alone in this—he had a team, and they were counting on him. He couldn't let them down.
Taking a deep breath, Jaune straightened his posture, his blue eyes shining with a resolve that hadn't been there before. "You're right. I can't afford to fail. Not now, not ever. My team needs me, and I'm not going to let them down."
Octavius nodded approvingly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good. Remember, Jaune, true leadership isn't about being perfect—it's about striving to be better every day, for the sake of those who follow you. You have the heart of a warrior. Now, show your team what that means."
With those words, Jaune felt a sense of purpose settle within him. He wasn't perfect, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He had a team to lead, and with Ruby and Octavius by his side, he knew he could do it.
"Thank you," Jaune said, his voice stronger than before. "I won't let you down."
"You never will," Ruby replied with a confident smile.
As the three of them stood together, ready to face whatever Beacon had in store, Jaune knew that this was just the beginning of his journey—not just as a student, but as a leader. And with his friends by his side, he was determined to rise to the challenge.
then Ruby and Octavius both returned to their own room after telling Jaune goodnight
The following day, Glynda Goodwitch led a group of students, including Team RWBY, Team JNPR, Team CRDL, and Octavius von Steelheart, into the depths of Forever Fall Forest. The students marveled at the forest's vibrant red trees, the golden sunlight filtering through the canopy casting everything in a warm, autumnal glow. Glynda, however, was all business as she explained their task: collecting jars of Red Sap from the trees, a resource valuable for several uses in the academy.
As the students dispersed to gather the sap, Octavius observed the proceedings with a watchful eye. His military training made him ever-vigilant, even in such seemingly mundane tasks. He noticed how Cardin Winchester and his gang immediately singled out Jaune, ordering him to collect more jars of sap than anyone else. The others seemed unaware, or perhaps uninterested, in Cardin's obvious bullying, but Octavius noted it with a frown.
Jaune, burdened with several jars, struggled under the weight as he moved between trees. Octavius caught the brief exchange between Cardin and Jaune, where Cardin threatened Jaune with blackmail if he didn't follow through with his scheme to embarrass Pyrrha. The young commissar's frown deepened, but he chose to stay his hand, believing in Jaune's potential to resolve the situation himself.
When Jaune hesitated and then refused to carry out the scheme, Cardin's fury was immediate. The bully viciously beat Jaune, promising to break him down and send him home in pieces.
Octavius, keeping a close watch, was about to intervene when something remarkable happened.
As Cardin's fists pounded into Jaune, a soft golden glow enveloped Jaune's form, healing his injuries and strengthening his resolve. It was his Semblance, activating under duress. Cardin cried out in pain as his punch was blocked by the now invincible Jaune, who stood there, stunned at his newfound power.
Cardin's reaction to the sudden reversal was interrupted by a more pressing concern—an Ursa Major, attracted by the sap spilled on Cardin's armor, emerged from the woods with a fearsome roar. The massive Grimm charged at Cardin, who, despite his bravado, was utterly terrified. The rest of Team CRDL fled the scene, leaving Cardin to face the Ursa alone.
Octavius remained hidden, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. He had no particular sympathy for Cardin, but abandoning anyone to the Grimm wasn't in his nature. However, he held his position, recognizing that Jaune needed this moment to prove himself.
Jaune debated whether to help Cardin or let the Grimm finish what it started. The sight of Cardin scrambling helplessly on the ground, however, stirred something within him. Determined not to abandon even those who had wronged him, Jaune picked up his shield and sword, charging at the Ursa.
The Ursa's first swipe knocked Jaune to the ground, but the young warrior quickly got back up, blocking the beast's next attack with his shield. He managed to land a few blows, but the Ursa was relentless. Each time Jaune fell, he rose again, more determined than ever. From the treeline, Octavius watched closely, his respect for Jaune growing with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Ruby, Pyrrha, and Weiss had been informed by a panicked Russel Thrush about the Ursa attack. Sending the rest of the team to fetch Glynda, the trio rushed to Jaune's aid. When they arrived, they saw Jaune locked in battle with the Ursa, holding his own despite his obvious exhaustion. Weiss and Ruby wanted to intervene, but Pyrrha held them back, her eyes full of pride for her teammate.
The Ursa made one final charge, its claws ready to strike Jaune down. In that moment, Pyrrha subtly used her Semblance, manipulating Jaune's shield to block the incoming attack. The block gave Jaune just enough time to regain his footing and deliver a powerful, decisive blow, beheading the Ursa and ending the battle.
As Jaune stood over the fallen Grimm, his chest heaving from exertion, Octavius emerged from the shadows. His expression was stern, but there was an unmistakable glint of approval in his eyes.
"You've proven yourself today, Jaune," Octavius said, his voice carrying the weight of his praise. "Not only did you stand your ground, but you did so with honor. Remember this feeling—this is what it means to be a true leader."
Jaune, still in shock from his victory and the discovery of his Semblance, nodded slowly. He then turned to Cardin, who was still on the ground, shaken by the close call. Jaune offered him a hand, helping him to his feet.
"Don't ever mess with my team or my friends again," Jaune said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Cardin, now visibly humbled and intimidated, nodded without a word.
Later, as they returned to Beacon Academy, Jaune found Pyrrha waiting for him. His heart heavy with guilt, he apologized for his recent behavior, especially for pushing her away when she had only been trying to help. Pyrrha smiled warmly and accepted his apology, reminding him that Team JNPR needed their leader.
Before they left, Jaune hesitated and then asked if Pyrrha would still be willing to train him. Pyrrha's smile widened, and she agreed without hesitation. With a swift movement, she knocked him to the ground, critiquing his stance with the patience of a seasoned warrior. Octavius watched from a distance, arms crossed, a satisfied smile on his face. The boy had potential, and with proper guidance, he would become a warrior worthy of any battlefield.
As the two began to train, hand in hand, Octavius turned and walked away, knowing that Jaune had taken the first steps on a long and difficult journey. The Lion of Cadia had seen something special in him, and he was confident that under Pyrrha's tutelage, Jaune would become a leader worthy of the title.
As Team RWBY and Octavius von Steelheart strolled through the bustling streets of Vale, the air buzzed with excitement and anticipation. The city was in the midst of preparing for the Vytal Festival, a grand event that brought together the kingdoms of Remnant in a celebration of culture, unity, and, of course, competition. Banners fluttered from every building, and the streets were lined with colorful stalls selling food, souvenirs, and trinkets from all over the world. Music and laughter filled the air, making the city feel alive with energy.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Octavius couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The towering skyscrapers, the bustling crowds, and the bright, almost carefree atmosphere of Vale were so different from the war-torn worlds he had known. Yet, his duty was clear: observe, learn, and adapt.
At Weiss Schnee's insistence, the group made their way towards the docks. "The students from Vacuo are arriving today," she announced with her usual air of authority. "As representatives of Beacon Academy, we should be there to welcome them."
Blake Belladonna raised an eyebrow, her skepticism apparent. "Or you just want to scope out the competition," she remarked dryly.
Weiss didn't dignify that with a response, merely huffing and continuing to lead the way.
As they approached the docks, Ruby Rose's sharp eyes caught sight of something unusual. A nearby Dust shop had been vandalized, its windows shattered and the interior ransacked. Concerned, she approached one of the detectives from the Vale Police Department who were already on the scene.
"Excuse me, what happened here?" Ruby asked, her voice tinged with concern.
The detective, a middle-aged man with a weary expression, looked up. "Second Dust shop hit this week," he explained. "Same as the last one—no Lien was taken, just the Dust. Someone's stockpiling it, and it's got us worried."
"The White Fang," Weiss interjected, her tone laced with contempt. "Those degenerates must be behind this."
Blake stiffened at the accusation, her cat-like ears twitching beneath her bow. "Weiss, you don't know that. The White Fang might be misguided, but this doesn't make sense for them."
Ruby nodded in agreement. "Yeah, when I stopped that Dust robbery before, it was Roman Torchwick behind it, not the White Fang."
Weiss crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "The White Fang are terrorists. They lie, cheat, and steal—it's what they do."
Blake's eyes flashed with anger. "That's not true, Weiss! They're fighting for their rights, for equality. They're just… lost."
Yang Xiao Long, sensing the rising tension, tried to intervene. "Look, we don't know who's behind this yet. Let's not jump to conclusions."
Octavius had been silently observing the exchange, his eyes narrowing at Weiss's harsh words. Back in the Imperium, he had fought alongside abhumans—those who were not quite human but had proven their loyalty time and again. While he understood the need for vigilance against potential threats, he find the faunus that could be great in the Astra Militarum especially for night battle with their night vision could be a great asset
Before the argument could escalate further, a commotion erupted at the docks. A Faunus with monkey-like features was being chased by the detectives, clearly caught stowing away on a ship. He darted through the crowd with incredible agility, his tail aiding his movements as he leaped onto the docks. As he passed by, he winked at Blake, who seemed taken aback by the gesture.
"Is he with the White Fang too?" Weiss muttered, her voice dripping with suspicion.
"He doesn't look like a terrorist to me," Yang quipped, watching as the Faunus continued to evade the police with a mix of parkour and sheer audacity.
Determined to catch up with the Faunus, Weiss charged ahead, her team following closely behind. As they rounded a corner, Weiss collided head-on with a strange girl wearing a green dress and orange hair tied up in twin tails. The girl smiled brightly, completely unfazed by the impact.
"Penny!" Ruby exclaimed, recognizing the girl from their previous encounter.
After a brief and awkward introduction between Penny and the rest of the group, Penny latched onto Ruby, her eyes wide with excitement. "Did you just call me… friend?" she asked, almost in disbelief.
Ruby blinked in surprise but nodded. "Uh, yeah. We're friends, right?"
Penny's face lit up with joy. "Yes! Friends!" she declared, almost bouncing with happiness.
Weiss, however, was too focused on her new quarry to pay much attention to Penny's outburst. "Come on, we're losing him!" she urged, already moving towards the alley where the Faunus had disappeared.
As they chased after Sun, Weiss's frustration began to boil over. "That Faunus... They're all the same. Stealing, stowing away... it's disgraceful!"
Blake's patience finally snapped. "Not all Faunus are criminals, Weiss! You can't judge an entire race by the actions of a few!"
The argument between the two continued as they pursued Sun through the streets of Vale. Octavius followed silently, his mind whirring with thoughts. The tensions here, the prejudices, the fears—these were things he had seen countless times across the stars. It was a reminder that, no matter the world, the struggle for understanding and unity was a battle that would always need to be fought.
As the day wore on, the argument between Blake and Weiss only intensified, even carrying on back to their dorm that night. Octavius, now more aware of the underlying tensions within the team, knew that this was another battle that would need to be won—not with weapons, but with words, patience, and understanding. And as always, he would be ready.
As the heated argument between Blake and Weiss continued to escalate within Team RWBY's dorm room, the atmosphere grew tense, suffused with emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long. Octavius von Steelheart stood off to the side, observing with a quiet intensity, sensing that this was a conflict far deeper than mere differences of opinion.
"Not all Faunus are criminals, Weiss! You can't just lump them all together like that!" Blake's voice trembled with frustration and hurt.
Weiss whirled around, her eyes flashing with anger. "And you think I don't know that?" she snapped, surprising everyone with the intensity of her response. "You think I don't know that there are good Faunus out there? But the White Fang—" She stopped herself, taking a deep breath before continuing, her voice cold and hard.
"The White Fang have been at war with the Schnee Dust Company for as long as I can remember.
They've stolen from us, sabotaged us, killed people I know—people I cared about."
Blake's anger faltered, replaced by a shocked silence. She hadn't expected this—hadn't considered the personal cost the White Fang's actions had taken on Weiss.
Weiss continued, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and pain. "They hijacked an entire train full of Dust, Blake. Do you know what that did to my family? To the people who rely on us? The White Fang have made my life hell. They've hurt my family, killed my father's friends, and driven our company to the brink more times than I can count. My father... my childhood..." She trailed off, unable to articulate the full extent of the trauma and anger she harbored.
Her eyes narrowed, filled with years of suppressed rage. "So yes, I hate the White Fang. I despise them because they are liars, thieves, and murderers. And I can't forgive them for what they've done."
Blake's breath hitched, her mind racing as emotions and memories flooded her. Weiss's words struck a chord, but they also pushed her to the brink. "Maybe it's because we were tired of being pushed around, Weiss!" she shouted, her voice breaking. "We—" She froze, realizing too late what she had said, what she had just revealed.
The room fell into a stunned silence. All eyes were on Blake, her chest heaving as the weight of her words settled in. Panic flared in her amber eyes as she saw the shock, the confusion, and the dawning realization on her teammates' faces.
Without another word, Blake bolted from the room, moving with a speed that was almost inhuman. The door swung shut behind her, leaving the room in an awkward, heavy silence.
"Wait come back!" Ruby yelled
Weiss stood there, frozen, the full implications of Blake's outburst slowly sinking in. "Did she just—" she began, but the words caught in her throat.
Octavius stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "She did," he confirmed softly, his tone lacking judgment, but filled with the weight of someone who understood the complexities of such revelations. "And it seems there is more to this story than any of us knew."
Ruby looked around at her team, still trying to process what had just happened. "We need to find her," she said, her voice small but determined. "We need to talk to her."
But Blake was already gone, far beyond the reach of words for now.
The night passed in restless silence, and by the next morning, Blake still had not returned to Beacon. after endless searching during two days and worry from her teammates,
she was at a small café in downtown Vale, staring into a cup of coffee. Across from her sat Sun Wukong, the Faunus they had chased through the city just days before.
His usual carefree expression was tempered with concern as he leaned forward, trying to catch her attention.
Sun reached out, his voice soft but clear enough for them to hear. "So, you wanna talk about it?"
Blake sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "What's there to talk about?" she muttered, not meeting his gaze. "You already know, don't you?"
Sun smiled gently. "I had a feeling you were hiding something, yeah. But I'm not here to judge you, Blake. I'm here to listen. So, if you wanna talk, I'm all ears."
Blake hesitated, her fingers tightening around her coffee cup. "I used to be part of the White Fang," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I believed in what they stood for, in fighting for our rights. But then… they changed. They became something else, something I couldn't support anymore. So, I left. But it's not that simple, is it? You can't just walk away from your past."
Sun look at her right in the eye "Have you talk about your friends about this?"
Blake looked down at her hands, which were tightly gripping the edge of the table. She could feel the weight of Sun's gaze, but she couldn't bring herself to meet it. The memories of her past, of the White Fang and what they had become, were still raw and painful, and voicing them out loud made it feel all too real.
"No," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible over the ambient noise of the café. "I haven't told them. Not everything, at least."
Sun leaned back in his chair, processing what Blake had just revealed. The usually carefree expression on his face was replaced by a rare seriousness. "Why not?" he asked gently. "They're your friends, right? They'd understand."
Blake shook her head, finally looking up to meet his gaze. "It's not that simple, Sun. The White Fang… they're not just some random group. They're a symbol of everything wrong in this world, of everything that's twisted and corrupted. And I was part of that. How can they trust me if they know where I came from?"
Sun frowned, leaning forward again. "But you're not that person anymore, Blake. You left because you knew it was wrong, because you wanted to make a difference in a different way. That's what matters."
Blake sighed, rubbing her temples. "Maybe. But they see the White Fang as monsters, and I don't blame them. Weiss especially… her family has suffered because of them. How can I tell her that I used to be one of those monsters?"
Sun nodded slowly, understanding the dilemma Blake was facing. "I get it. But you can't keep this from them forever. It'll eat you up inside. They deserve to know the truth, and you deserve to have their trust. You've been running for too long, Blake. It's time to stop."
Blake's eyes softened, and she looked down again, conflicted. She knew Sun was right, but the fear of losing her friends, of being judged for her past, was overwhelming.
Just as Blake was about to respond, Octavius appeared, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the table. He had been quietly watching from a distance, his sharp eyes taking in every word of the conversation. His presence was both commanding and calming, like a warrior stepping onto the battlefield with a sense of purpose.
"Blake, there you are you have no Idea how much the other are worried about you." Octavius began, his deep voice cutting through the tension, "your past does not define you. What matters is what you do now, in the present. The Imperium, my home, is filled with those who have made mistakes, those who have been led astray. But they are given the chance to redeem themselves through their actions. You have that same chance." a big lie since those who are led astray are generaly heretics or traitors and deserve a shoot to the head but she can't know that and it's was for the greater good
Blake looked up at Octavius, her amber eyes meeting his stern yet understanding gaze. "But what if they don't see it that way? What if they can't forgive me?"
Octavius placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You cannot control how others will react, but you can control your own actions. You left the White Fang because you knew it was wrong. You chose to fight for what's right. That's something to be proud of, not ashamed of. Your friends, if they are truly your friends, will see that."
Sun nodded in agreement. "Yeah, what he said! You've got to give them a chance, Blake. They might surprise you."
Blake took a deep breath, feeling a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders. The fear was still there, but with Octavius and Sun's words echoing in her mind, she found a glimmer of hope.
"Maybe… maybe you're right," she said softly. "I'll tell them. I just hope they can understand."
Octavius gave her a small, approving nod. "That's all you can do, Blake. Take the first step."
Sun grinned, his usual cheerfulness returning. "And hey, if they don't understand, you've got me and him to back you up. We're in this together."
Blake smiled faintly, the first genuine smile she'd had in days. "Thanks, Sun. And thank you, Octavius. I needed to hear that."
Octavius look at Sun and present himself with a slight bow "I'm Octavius von Steelheart and you are?"
Sun looked up, a bit taken aback by the formality but nonetheless replied, "Sun, Sun Wukong."
"Nice to meet you, Sun," Octavius said with a warm smile, though the sight of a abhuman interacting with him in such a casual manner was somewhat disconcerting, even though he was far more tolerant than most Imperials.
Sun grinned, sensing Octavius's underlying discomfort but appreciating the effort to bridge the gap. "Likewise."
Turning back to Blake, Octavius continued, "Well, since you don't want to reunite with Team RWBY just yet, I offer my assistance in your plans."
Blake looked up at him, a mix of surprise and hope in her eyes. "Really? Even after I lied to you and the others?"
Octavius chuckled softly, his expression sincere. "Yes, besides, who am I to refuse to help a lady in need? Especially one as determined as you."
Blake's expression softened, and she found herself comforted by Octavius's genuine offer. "Thank you, Octavius. I really appreciate it."
Sun, always quick to lighten the mood, clapped Octavius on the back with a friendly grin. "Looks like we've got ourselves a new ally. What's the plan, Blake?"
Blake hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm not entirely sure yet. I still need to figure out how to approach the others, but I think it's best to start by focusing on what we can do in the meantime."
Octavius nodded thoughtfully.
As the night deepened, Blake, Octavius, and Sun found themselves perched on a rooftop overlooking the port. The air was thick with tension, the silence only broken by the distant hum of machinery and the occasional creak of the rooftop beneath them. Below, a massive shipment of Dust from the Schnee Dust Company was being prepared for transport, crates and containers stacked high, glowing faintly in the dim light. It was the perfect target for another robbery, and they all knew it.
Blake adjusted her position, her eyes scanning the docks with practiced precision. She had chosen this spot for their stakeout carefully, ensuring they had a clear view of the entire area while remaining hidden in the shadows. Despite the cold professionalism she tried to maintain, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She didn't want to believe that the White Fang was involved, but deep down, she feared the truth.
Sun, crouching beside her, tried to lighten the mood with a grin. "You know, stakeouts would be a lot more fun with some snacks. Maybe next time I can steal us a picnic or something."
Blake shot him a glare, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Sun, we're here to stop a robbery, not have a picnic. And stop stealing things, especially food."
Sun chuckled, leaning back slightly. "Hey, I only steal when necessary. Like when I'm hungry."
Octavius, standing nearby with his arms crossed, looked at the two of them with a mix of curiosity and mild disapproval. "Thievery, no matter the reason, is still dishonorable," he remarked in his deep, resonant voice. "Even if it's just food. A true warrior finds a way to provide without resorting to such measures."
Sun raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the imposing figure of Octavius. "Yeah, well, in my line of work, sometimes you have to bend the rules a bit. But I get it, you're all about honor and stuff."
Blake, trying to refocus on the task at hand, cut in. "Quiet, both of you. We need to stay alert. If the White Fang is really behind these robberies, we can't afford any distractions."
The conversation died down as they returned their attention to the docks. Minutes felt like hours as they waited in the cold night air. Then, the silence was broken by the distant sound of an approaching aircraft. Blake's eyes narrowed as a Bullhead descended from the sky, its engines whining as it came to a hover over the port. The side hatch opened, and several figures clad in White Fang uniforms began to rappel down to the ground.
Blake's heart sank as she watched them. There was no mistaking the grim reality. The White Fang was involved. She had feared this would be the case, but seeing it with her own eyes made it all too real.
"I didn't want to be right," she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else.
Sun placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure this out, Blake. We'll stop them."
But before Blake could respond, another figure emerged from the Bullhead, striding confidently down the ramp. His white suit and orange hair were unmistakable. Roman Torchwick. He barked orders at the White Fang members, treating them with casual disdain, referring to them as "animals" as he directed them to load the Dust onto the airship.
Blake's eyes widened in shock. The White Fang had always prided themselves on being a Faunus-only organization, fighting against human oppression. The idea that they would work with a human, especially someone like Torchwick, was unthinkable.
"Roman Torchwick?" Sun muttered, disbelief evident in his voice. "What's he doing here? And with the White Fang? This doesn't make any sense."
Blake felt a deep sense of betrayal, her emotions a storm inside her. The White Fang she had once known, the group she had believed in, was gone, replaced by something twisted and unrecognizable. She had to act, but rushing in without a plan could be disastrous.
"Octavius," she began, trying to keep her voice steady, "we need to stop them, but we can't do it alone. We need to gather evidence, show the others what's happening. This has to end."
Octavius nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll gather what we need, then we'll act. The truth must be exposed."
Sun, already pulling out his weapon, looked ready to jump into action. "So, what's the plan? We going in now, or are we waiting?"
Blake hesitated, torn between the urge to confront the White Fang immediately and the need to be strategic. But before she could decide, the situation on the ground escalated. One of the White Fang members, apparently dissatisfied with Torchwick's orders, began to argue with him. The tension was palpable, and it was clear that things were about to get out of control.
Blake tightened her grip on her weapon, her mind racing. "We wait for an opening," she said finally. "When they're distracted, we move in and take them by surprise. We'll need to take down Torchwick and whoever's leading the White Fang here. Then, we'll deal with the rest."
Octavius readied himself, his posture tense and focused. "Stay sharp. We don't know what else they have planned."
As they prepared to make their move, Blake couldn't shake the feeling of dread in her heart. The White Fang's fall from grace, their partnership with a criminal like Torchwick—it was all too much to bear. But she knew she couldn't afford to falter now.
As the tension at the docks reached a boiling point, Blake decided it was time to act. She crept silently down from the rooftop, her heart pounding in her chest, Gambol Shroud ready in her hands. With precise, cat-like movements, she approached Roman Torchwick from behind, the shadows of the night aiding her stealth. In one fluid motion, she placed the sharp edge of her weapon against Roman's neck, her other hand aiming its pistol form at the White Fang members surrounding him.
"Why are you working for him?" Blake demanded, her voice laced with both anger and disbelief. The betrayal she felt was palpable.
Roman, unfazed by the blade at his , smirked with that signature arrogance. "It's all just part of a business venture, my dear," he replied smoothly. His calm demeanor only served to infuriate Blake further.
Before she could press him for more information, the hum of approaching aircraft filled the air. More Bullheads appeared on the horizon, their spotlights cutting through the darkness. The distraction was enough for Roman to make his move. He swiftly fired a shot from his Melodic Cudgel at the ground near Blake's feet, forcing her to jump back. With her momentary hesitation, Roman twisted out of her grasp and began firing more shots in her direction.
Blake's reflexes kicked in as she gymnastic dodged each blast, flipping and rolling to avoid the deadly projectiles. She retreated to a safer distance, assessing the situation. Roman wasn't giving her a chance to catch her breath, relentlessly pursuing her. But just as Roman was about to close in, Sun and Octavius burst onto the scene, Sun gun-chucks spinning in a flurry of attacks. He managed to take out several White Fang members with quick, precise strikes, drawing Roman's attention away from Blake while Octavius charge into the fray with his chainsword taking out the one who were moving to help Torchwick.
Roman scowled as he redirected his focus to Octavius, attempting to engage him in combat. Octavius expertly blocked the first strike, but before the fight could escalate, Blake intervened. She leaped between them, her voice firm. "This fight is mine," she declared, her resolve unshakable.
Blake moved with lightning speed, using her Semblance to create afterimages, confusing Roman as she darted around him. Gambol Shroud danced in her hands as she dual-wielded it with deadly precision, each strike aimed to overwhelm her opponent. But Roman, skilled and experienced, managed to keep up with her, parrying her attacks with surprising ease. With a sudden, powerful blow, he knocked Blake to the ground.
Sun was quick to react, jumping in to protect Blake. He unleashed a flurry of attacks with his gun-chucks, but Roman, still smirking, deflected every strike. Just when it seemed like Roman had the upper hand, Blake recovered and launched a surprise attack, catching Roman off guard and knocking him down.
Frustrated, Roman shot down a nearby hanging shipping container, which crashed to the ground between Blake and Sun. They dove out of the way just in time, but the container created a massive barrier, separating them. Roman used the chaos to his advantage, cornering Sun and aiming his cane directly at him.
But before he could pull the trigger, a thunderous roar echoed across the docks. Octavius, having observed the battle with growing disgust, finally made his move. With the speed and precision of a seasoned warrior, he charged toward the White Fang members, his bolter raised. His expression was one of pure hatred as he opened fire, the heavy rounds from his bolter ripping through the air with deafening intensity.
"Traitors!" Octavius bellowed, his voice filled with righteous fury. "You have betrayed your own kind and humanity! You deserve nothing but death!"
The White Fang members barely had time to react as Octavius' bolter rounds tore through their ranks, dropping several of them instantly. He advanced relentlessly, his intent clear: to end every last one of them.
Blake, witnessing the carnage, was horrified. She had known Octavius to be a fierce and uncompromising warrior, but this was different. The sheer brutality, the complete lack of mercy—this wasn't just battle; it was an execution.
"Octavius, stop!" Blake shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. She ran toward him, desperation in her eyes. "This isn't right! They're not all guilty! We need to stop Roman, not slaughter them!"
Octavius halted, his bolter still smoking, but his gaze was locked onto the remaining White Fang members with unbridled contempt. "These terrorists have forsaken their humanity, Blake. They are beyond redemption. They must be purged."
Blake stepped in front of him, her hands up in a placating gesture. "No, Octavius, they're misguided, not irredeemable. If we kill them all, we're no better than the people who turned them into this. We need to stop this cycle of hatred."
For a moment, it seemed as if Octavius would ignore her plea, his finger twitching on the trigger. But then, something in Blake's words reached him. Slowly, the fire in his eyes began to fade, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve.
"You are naive, Blake," Octavius growled, lowering his bolter, "but I will spare them. For now. But if they stand in my way again, I will not hesitate."
Blake nodded, relieved but still shaken. "Thank you, Octavius. Now let's focus on stopping Roman before it's too late."
Then a loud explosion echoed across the docks. Ruby Rose appeared on a nearby rooftop, her arrival marked by the distinctive sound of her sniper-scythe, Crescent Rose. She had been drawn by the sound of the explosion that had knocked Blake away earlier and was determined to help.
Roman's eyes widened as he recognized Ruby. "You again?" he sneered, recalling their previous encounter.
Before Ruby could respond, Penny appeared beside her, her excitement palpable. "Ruby!" she called out, momentarily distracting Ruby from the fight. Roman seized the opportunity, firing at Ruby and knocking her to the ground. Her weapon was flung from her hands, leaving her defenseless.
Seeing this, Penny's demeanor shifted instantly from joyful to fierce. "No one hurts my friend!" she declared, her voice cold with determination. She unleashed Floating Array, her unique weapon system, from her back. The swords hovered around her like a deadly halo, and with a swift motion, she sent them hurtling toward the White Fang members. The swords cut through the air with laser precision, taking out a large squad of the enemies in seconds.
Penny then turned her attention to the Bullheads providing air support. With a graceful wave of her hand, she directed the lasers from her weapons to slice through two of the Bullheads, sending them crashing to the ground in flames. The third Bullhead was ensnared by the wires attached to her swords, and with a powerful pull, Penny dragged it out of the sky, slamming it into the ground, where it exploded in a shower of sparks.
Amidst the chaos, Roman took advantage of the distraction. He scrambled to his feet and dashed toward the remaining Bullhead. Before anyone could stop him, he leaped onto the aircraft as it began to ascend, escaping into the night.
As the dust settled, Weiss and Yang arrived, having finally caught up with the group. The air was thick with tension, but also relief. Ruby, brushing herself off after being knocked down, turned to Weiss and Blake, determined to resolve the conflict between them.
"Weiss, Blake—this needs to stop. We're a team. We have to stick together," Ruby urged, her voice earnest.
Weiss, who had been silent during the fight, finally spoke up. "Ruby… during the twelve hours I spent looking for Blake, I had a lot of time to think." She paused, looking directly at Blake. "And I've decided that I don't care about your past. What matters is that you're part of this team. But next time, when something like this happens, you have to talk to us. We're your teammates, Blake. Relying on strangers isn't the answer."
Blake, moved by Weiss's words, felt a tear slip down her cheek. "I'm sorry, Weiss. I'll do better. I'll trust you all more."
Weiss nodded, accepting her apology. She then turned to Sun, her expression still serious. "And as for you… I'm still not sure how I feel about you. But you did help Blake, so… thank you."
Sun grinned, taking it as a victory. "Hey, I'll take what I can get."
As the tension finally began to dissipate, Ruby looked around the group, a smile spreading across her face. The team was back together, stronger than ever. But then, she noticed something. "Wait… where's Penny?"
Everyone looked around, realizing that Penny was nowhere to be seen. Octavius, who had been watching the entire scene unfold with a careful eye, spoke up. "She may have slipped away in the confusion. We should find her. She was a key player in this fight, and we owe her our thanks."
After the intense showdown at the docks, the scene transitions to a quiet, dimly lit street in Vale. A sleek, black car is parked on the side of the road, its engine idling softly. Inside, Penny Polendina is seated in the back, her bright eyes fixed on the distant figures of Team RWBY as they move away from the docks, searching for her. Her expression is a mix of curiosity and longing as she watches her new friends from afar.
In the front seat, a stern-looking man with graying hair and a sharp, military demeanor is watching Penny through the rearview mirror. "Penny," he says in a tone that is both firm and caring, "you know you shouldn't be running around the city by yourself. It's dangerous out there, especially with everything that's going on."
Penny turns her gaze away from the window and looks at the man, her expression softening. "I know," she replies, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But… I just wanted to help. They're my friends."
the man, sighs deeply. "Your time will come, Penny. You'll have plenty of chances to help them in the future. But for now, you need to stay out of sight. We have to be careful."
With that, the man shifts the car into gear and begins to drive away, leaving the scene at the docks behind. Penny takes one last look at the distant figures of her friends, a determined glint in her eyes. "Yes, sir," she says quietly, though her thoughts remain with Ruby and the others as they disappear from view.
Meanwhile, in the highest tower of Beacon Academy, Ozpin stands in his office, a Scroll in hand. On the screen, live footage of the docks plays out, showing Ruby and her team regrouping after the battle. His expression is unreadable, his mind clearly processing the events as they unfold. Suddenly, a notification pings on his Scroll, and Ozpin opens the message.
It's from Qrow Branwen, and the message is brief but ominous: "The Queen has pawns."
Ozpin's eyes narrow slightly as he reads the words. He puts down the Scroll and walks over to the large window overlooking the academy grounds, his mind now racing with the implications of Qrow's message. The pieces on the chessboard are moving, and the stakes are higher than ever. He knows that the coming days will be crucial, not just for Beacon, but for the entire world.
Then inside a dimly lit warehouse, hidden deep within the industrial district of Vale. Roman Torchwick is pacing back and forth, his usual smug confidence replaced with frustration. "Stupid mutts from the White Fang," he mutters angrily, kicking a crate across the floor. "This was supposed to be an easy job, and they messed it all up!"
From the shadows, three figures emerge: Cinder Fall, with her piercing amber eyes and a commanding presence; Emerald Sustrai, her gaze sharp and calculating; and Mercury Black, leaning casually against a wall with an air of nonchalance.
Cinder steps forward, her voice calm yet filled with an underlying menace. "The White Fang are necessary, Roman. They may be unpredictable, but they serve their purpose."
Roman turns to face her, his frustration still evident. "Necessary? They're a liability! I had everything under control until they got involved."
Cinder's expression remains unchanged as she fixes Roman with a cold stare. "You will continue to work with them, Roman. We have big plans, and you are a part of them. The White Fang are merely a means to an end."
Roman opens his mouth to argue, but something in Cinder's gaze makes him think twice. Instead, he nods reluctantly, the fight drained out of him. "Fine," he mutters. "But when this all goes south, don't say I didn't warn you."
Cinder smiles slightly, a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Just do your job, Roman. Everything else will fall into place."
As Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury fade back into the shadows, Roman is left alone in the warehouse, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. The camera lingers on his face for a moment, capturing the conflict within him, before the scene cuts to black, leaving a sense of impending danger hanging in the air.
Ok that done now let's talk about he review
normally I did a poll on my main account if you want romance or not and if so with who you want Octavius to be with
- Guest
P.s a 17 year old lord commissar is is like saying a newborn can be turned into an astartes in a day, utterly retarded.
Well I wanted a lord commissar for the story so I did that as to why he's 17 year it's more because if the people choose a romance it would be extremly weird if he were 200 years old would you not agree?
- Guest 2
Another self insert power fantasy by a writer who just screams edgy teenager.
Ok... first off it's not a self insert I try to put myself in my character boots when I write him now I wanted a heroic and virtous character because that what I was most confortable to write with, and if I'm a edgy teenager here what I say bite me!
- James5436
This is an interesting concept. However, few issues that im having trouble with. One the tolerance of the commissar arent they supposed enforce emperors will his tolerance of abhumans is werid with that especially since in 40k they are treated as second-class at best and at worst undesirables. Though i could be wrong im not personally well versed in 40k lore. And Two the whole RWBY team and ozpin just believing in the spacefaring civilization with no proof, is kind of weird as well. And this is just me pointing out some critiques and potential plot holes, but the story hasn't been terrible so far and pretty enjoyable to read. Keep up the good work!
good review, and your completely right I was torn apart to do exactly that but I decide not to since it would complicate the relationship between him and Team RWBY well I tried to adress this issue in this chapter but it's only a few lines, and the fact he help Velvet is more out a desire to upheld the law of the school more than anything else if the rule especially say that it's okay to bully faunus he would have not act out, and to how accepting their are of the calim of Octavius I will one day adress the issue and rewrite chapter 1 if you have any other concern don't hesitate to tell them I will try to fix them and don't worry I haven't forgot he came form the Imperium after all