I am pleased to announce that this will be the first fanfiction on fanfic . net on the anime/light novel/web novel/manga: [ Spirit Chronicles ], much less it being a crossover with RWBY.
[Now crossposted on Wattpad]
Please enjoy.
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"(G-Gasp…!) Gh…!?"
The room was dark, only the glow of the moon giving sight to those in it. There were three people, though that amount was ever so close to dwindling to two.
"Gh…! Gah…!"
Wretched sounds echoed through the otherwise quiet room. It was the sound of someone desperately struggling for air as their oxygen was being cut-off.
The five-year-old watched helplessly as his mother was strangled right in front of him. The boy's vision was woozy from the blow that he had received, and he wasn't even sure his ears were working properly, but—
"PuHaHa! HaHaHaHa! PuHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa! PuHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!"
That laughter… that damned despicable laughter that flooded his subconscious to the brim, it rocketed through his brain as he was forced to witness the gruesome sight. Even as young as he was, it sent him over the edge in despair.
Why was this happening?
Why was this happening to him?
What did he do?
What did he dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!?
On the cold floor of his home, the young boy could do nothing but watch as his mother flapped her arms wildly at the man lying over her. She gasped for air, but it wasn't allowed. Nothing but pain rested on what should have been a serene and beautiful face.
This scene was all he could see, as there was no looking away. From this tender age, it had been burned into his eyes, making sure he would never forget.
"Oh~! ThAT FaCe~! HeY BrAt, ArE YoU LoOkInG!? DoN't YoU DaRe LoOk AwAy AlRiGhT!"
The boy's soul was on fire, and it lit up the rest of his body as well.
I'll… kill you.
The boy glared hatefully at the man who was doing this, baring his canines in a feral manner, in a way that didn't suit someone is his age.
And yet...
"!?"
His expression suddenly faltered.
Craning her head, his mother turned to look at her son. And even amidst the man's grip slowly stealing her life away, she performed one simple action. In fact, it was so simple and casual that it looked unreal in this situation.
"AH~?" The man momentarily widened his eyes, but his mouth split into a massive grin.
"YoU'rE SmIlInG…!? YoU'rE AcTuAlLy SmIlInG EvEn As I'm MuRdErInG YoU, YoU BiTcH!? AmAzInG—! HaHaHaHaHaHaHa!"
As the last of the light started to fade out of her eyes, his mother smiled at him. Tears were trickling down her face, and it was distorted with agony as she was mercilessly choked, but even so… she tried her best to give that expression to him— as if to say everything was going to be okay. She did not beg for her life. She did not wail in fear. She didn't say a word, she couldn't, and yet…
And yet!
'I'll be going on ahead, Rio.'
—The light left her eyes in that moment and her head lulled lifelessly to the side.
The boy who was only five years old, Rio, just watched as his mother was irreparably taken from him. He sat there in a daze, tears streaming down his face with no sign of stopping. The silence was unbearable as the boy sat there, not moving a single muscle while staring at his mother's unresponsive face.
"..."
"Oh man~! I knew it, I knew sticking around and playing the reliable friend was the right call. That was totally worth the month of pretending. Haha~!"
That voice filled his ears, and Rio barely caught it, but once he did, the boy slowly turned his head to him. Red. Red eyes that were filled with nothing but carnal intent. Malicious, evil, disgusting eyes that looked sharper than a blade.
"Don't you think so too, Rio~!? Hahahaha~!"
It made Rio sick.
Those red eyes made him burn with a feeling unknown to him.
I'll surely… kill you.
"Ah…~! That face she made at the end there, that was beautiful. Aren't you glad brat~? Your dear mother made such a beautiful expression to see you off~! Ahahahahahahahaahaha~!"
That sickly and horrid voice, Rio felt pure unadulterated hatred, and nothing was to stop it from blossoming. From the bottom of his heart, he gave rise to a desire that was slowly creeping into his very subconscious, presenting itself as truth and fact. He had never felt this feeling that seemed to burn his heart into a frenzy with rage. It was unbearable, yet it was also just as unbearable to ignore it.
"I… I swear… I'll…. I'll…!"
Weak and feeble as he was, his voice hoarse from all the crying he did, Rio still roared what came next. He roared with all his might, even as it felt like he was tearing his throat apart.
"Y-You— Yo—u….I'll kill YouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"
…
…
…
"Ah…!"
Rio sprung awake.
His body bolted upright from his laying position and he quickly noticed the lack of breath he had. He panted in a daze, his mind drifting back to what he just witnessed…again. Rio covered his face with his hand, a dark expression clouding his features.
(Will I never be free of that dream…?)
But he already knew the answer to that. Of course he wouldn't. Until that day, that dream would be a constant reminder of what he had to do, what he failed to do, and his one goal in this life. And after that…?
He shook the thoughts away. "There's no use thinking about that… hm?"
The boy with the white hair and black cloak had noticed something odd. He could feel the morning breeze all too clearly. And more than that, he was currently laying on— the boy was not in a bed, he was outside, in a forest to be exact.
(What the… Where am I? How did I…?)
As Rio looked left and right, all he saw was a vast expanse of trees in every direction. He tried to recall what he had been doing previously, but even that escaped him. He was able to remember his past though; his life as a college student, his sudden death, and the many years he had spent in that new world meeting everyone. Professor Celia, Latifa, Ruri, Sayo, Aisha, Miharu…
(Wait…)
"Aisha... can you hear me...?" Rio's voice was barely above a whisper, as if he was scared of the answer. His fears continued to grow as nothing but silence awaited him. But—
'Uwaaaa… hm? Oh, yes. Good morning, Haruto.'
A beautiful voice sounded through his ears, filling him with nothing but relief. A massive smile stretched across Rio's face.
"Aisha, I'm so glad to hear your voice. I thought, I thought I was all alone…"
Aisha must have sensed his distress and how unlike him it was, because in that instant, a gorgeous girl with flowing pink hair in a white sundress materialized in front of him. Her graceful form slowly floated down, and her dainty feet found purchase on the autumn filled leaf sea that stretched all around them.
"Haruto… what's wrong…?" Now fully materialized, the girl spoke aloud instead of in his head.
Upon seeing the clear concern on the girl's face, it seemed to calm him down. He bore a thoughtful expression.
"Aisha, do you know where we are?"
"Hm… no, I can't say that I do." After looking around with earnest curiosity, Aisha's face turned a bit troubled as she admitted this. She then looked at Rio imploringly, probably wanting to voice the same question, however Rio answered by shaking his head.
"I don't know either, but I don't think we can be too far from the others. There has to be some landmark—"
Rio abruptly stopped speaking as he froze completely still.
"Haruto?" Aisha asked in confusion.
The boy was staring upward, and the expression on his face lacked all color. Aisha turned her gaze up as well.
"—!?"
And her breath too hitched in surprise.
The cause of their speechlessness was clear. It lay in what resided in the sky, or to be more accurate, what was peeking out due to the sun slowly going down. Yes, the sun was there and vibrant in all its glory.
But…
"How can… How can that be…?" Rio wondered with bated breath.
Up above, starting to become visible as the sky was slowly darkening, was a shattered moon, a sight so very different from the luminous orb Rio had come to know, in both worlds.
(Could… Could I have once again—?)
Basked in the peeking visage of that remnant, Rio came to a slow fleeting realization. He was in some incredibly far off place, and he had a feeling it would remain like that for the foreseeable future.
…
…
…
Rio was flying through the air at fast speeds, keeping a watchful eye over the land beneath him. The surrounding green that made the tops of the trees started to blur together as he sped by. It was just Rio, as the boy had asked Aisha to change back to her spirit form.
It was just his own paranoia, but Rio didn't want to show off Aisha so casually in a place he knew nothing about, thus, Rio soared through the air by his lonesome, trying to look for any sign of settlement.
(Yes, just find people, then information after that.)
After realizing that he wasn't anywhere close to his 'home', he didn't become torn with the despair. In fact, it was almost concerning how quick his mind started to adapt to his new situation. Nonetheless, he just had to take things one step at a time.
Wallow in his own regret? There was no time for that. He would see his important people again. He swore it.
While thinking this, Rio came to a complete stop as he saw something in the distance.
(That's…)
Still about a mile off, existed a grand spectacle of architecture. It was huge, encompassing several acres of land. But more than that, Rio found the layout way too familiar. He had seen a building like this before after all. It was a structure that greatly resembled Beltram's Noble Academy.
(A school…? All the way out here?)
Rio was a bit suspicious of the positioning, but quickly brushed such worries aside. A school was a place of learning. And it was likely to be occupied with actual people. Thus, Rio decided to get closer, however not without taking a few precautions.
'Aisha, can you cloak me?'
'Yup. Be careful, Haruto.'
With that exchange, a change occurred immediately. To the naked eye, Rio would have looked like he completely disappeared. However, by putting his hands in front of his face, Rio could still see the vestiges of his form.
Rio flew towards the school and started to make out several figures in the pavilion of the Academy. They were scarce, but Rio slowly approached four such figures, ones who were chatting casually. He eyed them from afar, and after a moment of hesitation, he made his decision.
"Aisha, I'm going to go say hello. Stay hidden."
…
…
…
Rio landed quietly behind four girls, not making a single sound while doing so.
He noticed that all four were very unique, each seeming to have some semblance of color belonging to their ensemble, whether that be their clothes or hair. There was a girl with short black hair with crimson red tints here and there. Next to her, was a somewhat of a beauty, sporting long unruly blonde locks. Then, one with long onyx hair, as well as a girl with contrasting white hair adorned in a ponytail right beside her.
From what Rio could see, it was clearly Red, Yellow, Black, and White.
Nonetheless, Rio cleared his throat. "Ah, excuse me?"
All four girls paused and turned around, their chatter ceasing. They were frozen at the sight of him, and Rio even saw Black lightly reach for the hilt of her sword in apprehension, the bow atop her head even twitching irregularly.
Rio briefly widened his eyes, however not at the show of hostility, but from the raven-haired girl herself.
"Wait, you're…"
Seeing the boy's expression, the grip in her hand faltered, as she couldn't help but give him a confused look in response. But then the boy shook his head and smiled, chiding himself for getting distracted.
With their attention, Rio raised his hand and politely greeted them. "Hello, my name is Rio. If it's not too much trouble, can I talk with you girls for a bit?"
He got a noticeable reaction from Red — the youngest one present he surmised — as she stiffened upon making eye contact and squeaked out a reply.
"A-Ah, hello Rio. My name is Ruby. It's nice to…..." While Rio was wondering if she was just shy by nature, the girl known as Ruby trailed off, looking back to where he approached them from, the green forest. This caused all four of them various degrees of surprise, eyes shooting up in interest.
The blonde one looked at Rio appraisingly from head to toe.
"Ehh? You came from the Emerald Forest? To come and go without your team, you must be one talented third year."
Rio blinked.
(She's… mistaking me for a student, and one in their third year at that…)
At this, Rio was perplexed. For one, he was kind of concerned that they assumed he was a part of this school so quickly, and what's more, she thought he was an upperclassman as well. Did he really look that much older than them? Rio was confused by this, but then he remembered how often he was told that he looked older than his age—being sixteen.
"I wouldn't praise my modest strength as that much, but I do appreciate the compliment, Miss."
For now, he would neither affirm nor deny her assumption.
"Hm… right. It's Yang by the way…" she said, a little taken aback by the respectful way he answered her, but she shrugged it off.
Her eyes then sparkled mischievously.
"But hey, with that white hair and dignified face, you're kinda handsome. Are you perhaps a Schnee? Weiss, why didn't you tell me you had someone like this in the family?" she asked jovially, elbowing the white-haired girl in the side.
"Ahaha— um, a Schnee?" Rio could only laugh sheepishly at the girl's brazenness; however, he was saved from replying by White, or rather Weiss, sputtering in embarrassment.
"W-We're… not related, at least… I don't think so…" She said while studying Rio closely.
But even though she said that, she sounded the tiniest bit doubtful, which probably explained why she was gazing at him with such intent. With this lull of conversation, Rio pondered quietly.
(Perhaps… white hair is synonymous with a specific bloodline?)
With this in mind, Rio spoke, looking at the girl called Weiss seriously.
"It was not my intention to offend you Lady Weiss. If my appearance is too unsightly for you, I do possess the means to… dye it." Then Rio bowed his head. "It wouldn't do for someone as elegant and lovely as yourself to have their esteemed family name sullied because of someone unimportant like me."
Rio thought that since Weiss was a part of a famous bloodline, it wouldn't do to treat her without the proper respect—that was what his experience with nobles taught him anyway. He knew just how unforgiving not showing proper manners could be in front of the wrong person.
At least, Rio assumed this was the issue.
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"Um, is something wrong...?"
But Rio started to doubt this as all four girls looked at him, utterly bewildered. Even the black haired one, who had resorted to quietly reading her book upon seeing Rio wasn't an immediate threat, looked up in surprise.
"Lady Weiss…? Elegant and lovely…?" The young girl with the red ensemble echoed in confusion. She looked to and from Rio and Weiss, as if processing what she had just heard. Then—
"Hehehe!"
"Pfttttt! Puhahahahahahaha!"
Both Ruby and Yang burst out laughing, the former of which having become overcome with giggles. Additionally, Black was also looking on with a wry smile, especially towards Weiss, whose face had been slowly dying itself absolutely crimson.
"Haha— Careful there Weiss, if you blush that hard it will be permanent~!"
"N-N-No it won't—! I mean I'm not! I'm not blushing! Argh! You always do this Yang!" Weiss yelled indignantly, glaring pointedly at the blonde haired woman.
The girl's banter was making Rio very much at a loss at what to do, as he started to sweat slightly, so he cleared his throat in a way to get their attention. The fact that they truly looked at him like they forgot he was there made his smile that much more cramped. But he struggled through it.
"While I admit I've lost track of the conversation, I hope I haven't made any of you uncomfortable…?"
They blinked in confusion for a second.
"Ha!" Yang laughed. "Uncomfortable?! Far from it, handsome. You just made my day. It's not often that our resident Ice Queen 'Lady Weiss' makes such a vulnerable expression, so I should be thanking you!"
"I-I see."
Rio really didn't know how to respond to that, but Weiss jumped back into the conversation, stomping her foot in indignation.
"Don't any of you dare spread that name around…! Ice Queen is bad enough as it is. I don't need any more people thinking I'm some sheltered princess more than they already do…"
"You say that, but you totally liked the 'lovely' comment, didn't you~?" Yang suddenly interjected.
"B-Be quiet...!" Seemingly exasperated by Yang's antics, Weiss sighed. However, she turned to look at Rio. "Moreover, back to the point, your appearance doesn't bother me at all, Rio. In fact, I think it might be better this way." She suddenly smiled gently while looking down, which seemed to greatly surprise her companions.
"Better? I'm sorry, I don't understand."
Rio didn't follow what she meant, but Weiss cast that same warm gaze on him and answered.
"Why wouldn't it be better? I truly wouldn't mind if a kind gentleman like you gets mistaken for a Schnee. Maybe then will we be seen as actual upstanding citizens… rather than cutthroat businessman who only know how to make money off of the misfortune of others…"
Her face turned somber, to which her friends took with expressions that Rio found a bit hard to gather, though he noticed the reserved black-haired girl giving her a smile that resembled pride. "Weiss…"
"So, it's something like that…" Rio softly muttered.
It was just as likely that even in this world, there were those who sought to take advantage of others for their own self-interests. It was clear just by looking at Weiss' face that much was true, and she had seen or even experienced some semblance of that.
And yet.
"W-What?"
Weiss suddenly felt self-conscious, as the boy's eyes softened as they looked at her. She was briefly taken aback, nervous even. And those feelings only tripled when the boy stepped forward and performed his next action.
"Eh?"
The three other girls and even Weiss didn't know how to react as Rio softly grabbed one hand and cupped it between his.
"Even though your heart knows hurt, you would still show such a lovely smile to a stranger like myself. Miss Weiss, you are truly kind." Rio said, tilting his head in a smile with his eyes half-lidded.
Weiss exploded in red as her hand was cradled in that gentle manner, as well as left at the mercy of the words spoken and smiling sight of the boy before her.
"Wha—I—um—that is— y-you….." She was left a stuttering mess, her eyes swirling in her own embarrassment of the situation.
"Miss Weiss, are you okay?" Rio asked such a question with genuine concern. And that concern is what left him confused as someone else suddenly punched his shoulder with a surprising amount of force. He looked at the aggressor with a wry smile.
"Um, Miss Yang, what did I do to deserve such hostility?"
It was indeed Yang who punched him, and more than that, he wanted to know why exactly everyone else was looking at him with wide eyes.
"If you don't know why that's fine, and it makes me feel kinda guilty if that's the case, but still…"
Yang eyed him closely, a hand on her chin. She gave him an impish smile.
"Your kinda dangerous, aren't you?"
Rio thought she was talking about the sword on his hip, but she never even looked at it. Instead, she was staring at his chest, forearms, and face. Though, Rio couldn't understand what she meant by that.
(What exactly does she mean by dangerous?)
Just as he was about to inquire though—
"Team RWBY, I'd advise you to step away from the intruder at once…!"
Suddenly, a commanding voice reached them, along with the repetitious sound of heels clicking upon the pavement. The singular boy turned and looked surprised at who he saw.
It was a woman, one far older than the teenage girls in the vicinity. She had short blonde hair that was crafted into a braid that was pleasant to the eyes. There were glasses adorned on her porcelain doll-like skin, skin that didn't look aged at all despite what her clothing suggested her profession was. She was wearing a white dress shirt that left much of her cleavage exposed, and the cape fastened around her shoulders was fluttering against the wind as she took measured steps towards them. She also wore a black skirt with brown stockings, showing off very voluptuous legs.
"M-Miss Glynda—er I mean, Goodwitch…!? Wait, intruder…?" Ruby asked this, casting Rio a serious glance for the first time, one that he was surprised to see, given her child like nature. The others looked suddenly cautious as well, even Weiss who had been having trouble meeting his eyes for some reason.
This "Glynda" or "Goodwitch" did not comment any further, instead choosing to pull out a peculiar object from—
Rio blinked.
—From between her breasts.
(A riding crop…?)
Sure enough, it was a riding crop, and it was being pointed threateningly in his direction.
If Rio was hurt by the sudden change of the situation, which was lighthearted until now, he didn't show it. After all, it was exactly like the woman said. He was an intruder. That much was true. So naturally, Rio put his hands up in the air.
"Well that's not very nice to hear. Are all newcomers treated like this?" Rio asked, still smiling slightly.
Her response was swift.
"Only the ones who are seen flying through the air with a sword on their person."
"Wha!? Flying!?"
"He what…!?"
"You flew here!? That's so fricking cool!"
Surprised voices were heard in stereo, though that last one that sounded genuinely excited from the girl wearing red wasn't what he expected.
"I'll admit that I did fly over here, but what's wrong with the sword? That young lady has one." Rio said, gesturing towards the girl with the bow atop her head.
"Miss Blake Belladona is a student of this Academy; therefore, she is permitted to carry a weapon. You, young man, are not."
"I see, so this is how it has to be." Rio said in a low tone, causing the older woman to tense slightly.
She looked ready to spring into action at any moment, and she even assumed the boy would draw his sword, in which she would send him spiraling off balance the moment he attempted to do so. But what happened next shattered her expectations.
"I surrender."
Rio suddenly held his wrists in front of him, looking at Glynda with a smile.
"Take me into custody ma'am. Unless you plan to execute me, then I'll have to politely refuse?"
"Huh?" Glynda let out, as any thought of formality and professionalism completely left her mind.
…
…
…
Before Ruby knew it, her and her teammates—Weiss, Yang, and Blake—had been directed into the one-way viewing area that Ozpin had told them to wait in.
Prior to this, they had shown up in the headmaster's office to which she began asking various vague things like "What are you going to do with him?" "Is he going to be okay?", and things like that. Fortunately, Ozpin didn't seem caught off guard or confused at all, saying not to worry about a thing. He explained that he caught the young man's arrival rather early, and it was him who sent Glynda to 'collect him'.
Thus, after hearing the words "I'll just be having a talk with our guest. Naturally you four can join in.", here they were.
The room they were in was a bit of a trip from the main campus, however it was quaint and well furnished, with chairs, tables, and couches. It wasn't at all uncomfortable or creepy like the outside renditions made it look. However, there was something curious about it, something that made it largely differ from what one might consider your typical waiting room. Attached to one wall was a large glass panel, and looking through the glass, they could already see the gray-haired professor waiting alone, sipping some coffee.
And they already had a feeling they knew who he was waiting for.
"Why do you think Ozpin wanted us to be a part of the conversation with the intruder?"
Weiss's question was something they had all been wondering but had been hesitant to voice out because of how serious it implied.
"Don't call him an intruder Weiss! You make it sound as if he's a criminal…" Ruby scolded with a slightly disheartened tone, to which Weiss rose her hands in the air marking her guilt.
"Right, my bad. But you have to admit it's a little weird— someone who lied about being a student appearing on campus."
"Technically he didn't lie, he just didn't correct Yang's assumption." Blake reminded them.
"Ahh! Who cares about any of that!?" Yang suddenly let out with an impatient noise, throwing her hands up in the air. It seemed that she didn't really care for the fact that the boy in question wasn't entirely honest with her. She had other things on her mind.
"Aren't you the least bit curious about Mr. Tall, White, and Handsome? I want to find out how he got all his skills! I mean, look at Weiss! Rio charmed her so easily!"
"Who charmed who now!? And that's what you're hung up on!? As if I would be inclined to feel enamored with someone who might have dubious intentions…!" Weiss shouted.
"You say that, but the blush on your face says otherwise."
"I-I'm not blushing!"
Yang's swift retort caused Weiss to lose any semblance of credibility, as it was exactly how the blonde girl had pointed out, she was in fact blushing.
Ruby and Blake shared a glance, before sighing. Then the raven-haired girl raised a hand to get the squabbling duo's attention.
"All that aside, I can't deny my curiosity. A strange albeit polite boy suddenly appears out of nowhere—"
"He flew~! SO COOL!"
Blake ignored Ruby's interruption and continued.
"—and sees no problem in surrendering himself completely and without complaint to one of the strongest Huntresses in Vale."
Yang blinked. "Well when you put it like that it is kinda suspicious, huh. Way to go Blake. Now you're making me think he intentionally caused Weiss to fall for him."
"NO ONE FELL FOR ANYBODY!" Weiss panted in exhaustion at her sudden shout and then wilted. If this continued, she would surely get a migraine. But before that could happen, movement on the other side of the glass panel caught her eye.
Through the glass, a door had suddenly been opened, revealing the existence of two people. It was a woman, Ms. Glynda Goodwitch, as serious and non-plussed as always, guiding around a boy by the shoulder, who was smiling gently, if a bit strained— perhaps by the seemingly excessive contact he was receiving. It was as if the professor thought he would run off without supervision.
"Oh, there he is…! Hi Rio!" Ruby had immediately bubbled up in excitement, and even began waving at the boy. However, Rio did not make any sign of noticing Ruby or her movements.
"Um…?"
"Ugh, you dolt." At Ruby's confused expression, Weiss could only sigh. However, Yang saved her from having to explain. "Um, pretty sure this is a one-way viewing thing Rubes. You know, like in those detective shows?"
As crude of an explanation as it was, Ruby's face brightened immediately, as it seemed like that was enough for her to understand completely.
"Ah I get it. This is so cool…!"
Blake's attention didn't wander off from the glass as well, staring at Rio with an inquisitive expression, although her reasons for doing so were a little bit different from their leader's. She was remembering something.
(When he saw me, he was startled, or even shocked…. Why was that?)
As she thought this, Blake subtly traced the outline of her bow.
(There's no way he noticed, right?)
Ozpin relieved her of her thoughts.
"Please take a seat if you don't mind." Speaking to Rio, the headmaster smiled, taking the initiative when the boy entered the room. He gestured to the chair across from him, and then as an afterthought, he added, "Oh, and if you don't mind, Glynda?"
The woman did not need to be told what to do, as she reached into her pocket and began working on releasing the boy from the restraints around his hands. Ozpin gestured to them. "I didn't mean to alarm you with the serious treatment; however, as the headmaster of this school, you must understand this is just a precautionary measure."
Rio met Ozpin's gaze and smiled. "Of course, I completely understand. You run a school, so the safety of your students should be your first priority. You can't afford to let an irregular such as myself go wandering around without taking the necessary steps."
Ozpin looked satisfied with that answer. "I'm glad you are so understanding."
Glynda had finished opening up the handcuffs, relinquishing Rio's wrists. While rubbing them unconsciously, he made eye contact with Glynda and smiled.
"Thank you Miss."
Glynda raised an eyebrow at him quizzically for a moment before nodding and then excusing herself.
"I'll leave it to you, Ozpin."
"Yes, thank you for your hard work." Ozpin replied ceremoniously.
With that, Glynda left the room.
Immediately however, where the girls were located, Yang could suddenly be heard muttering. "Woah, did you hear that? He called Professor Goodwitch Miss? What the heck's with that treatment? Isn't she like two times older than—"
"Surely you weren't thinking of finishing that sentence, Miss. Xiao. Long." A familiar sounding stern voice coming from behind Yang caused her to stiffen unnaturally.
"Yah! How did you get behind me so quickly!?" Yang yelped.
"…Through the door." The woman replied dryly, and just as she said, there was a slightly ajar door behind them. The woman sighed quietly, and wordlessly turned to the glass panel, where the two men were beginning their conversation, and this prompted Team RWBY to do the same.
With Rio, he was looking where Glynda had just left, deep in thought.
"Is there something wrong Mr. Rio? Did our resident Miss Goodwitch charm you?" Ozpin smiled jovially.
Immediately, all four girls noticed Glynda's brows twitch in annoyance.
"Charm?" Rio looked at Ozpin in surprise, before shaking his head with a laugh. "Ah-haha, while even I have to admit she's beautiful, that's not it. She just reminds me of someone I know," the boy said, smiling wistfully.
"I see~!, I see~!" Yang suddenly chirped in amusement, stroking her chin in an exaggerated manner. "Not even our teacher is off the table, hehe~. Man, Rio's on a whole other level. I might have to hide Ruby from him."
Yang gave Glynda a thumbs up to which the teacher rubbed at her temple in irritation. Though she didn't know who to get mad at.
Honestly, she hated men who were massive flirts, but that didn't seem to be what Rio was doing. Rather, it was just because she reminded him of someone else. Also, not only that, but she had to admit it was rather surprising to hear such bold words from someone so young. She could count the times something like that happened on one hand.
Looking at Rio, her brows furrowed slightly.
(And he's speaking as if I'm the same age as him...)
Though meanwhile, Ruby blinked in confusion. "Wait, why would you need to hide me?"
Yang just sighed with a wry smile. "Oh Ruby, you'll understand when you're older."
"B-But I'm old enough…! I drink milk…!"
"Oh? Someone you know is like Ms. Glynda? Color me curious, what's she like?" Ozpin asked, taking a sip from his mug.
Rio folded his arms and closed his eyes, seemingly deep in thought. "Hm… the woman I'm thinking of is very by the book, strict on herself and others..."
"Oh…!"
Team RWBY looked at Glynda with wide eyes, remarking at the similarity, one that Rio could have made up, but was true regardless.
"She was also very devoted to her position, and extremely reliable when dire straits occurred."
"Ohh!"
The exclamations grew louder, causing Glynda's mouth to twitch.
"But all that aside, she was very soft-hearted on the inside. Despite her tough exterior, she cared deeply for those she was tasked to protect."
Of course, Rio was thinking of a certain knight of the Beltram Kingdom, the same one who was tasked with Princess Flora's and Christina's protection ever since they were small—Vanessa Emral.
"Professor, are you sure you don't know him? Or maybe you have a twin sister somewhere…?" Blake brought up dryly, as that last one fit the teacher to a tee.
"I don't know him and I don't have a twin sister. Though, I have to admit that does sound a lot like me…" Glynda said, her expression shifting to both slight embarrassment on being read so well even if indirectly, as well as tired of this whole conversation.
After Rio finished, Ozpin's eyes marveled.
"Well now, if I didn't know any better, I'd say Ms. Goodwitch was lying to me when she said she didn't have a sister." Ozpin had come to the same conclusion. "But, amusing as that was, let's proceed with what I brought you here for, Mr. Rio."
In that instant, his softened eyes disappeared, taking on a serious gleam, so much so that even Team RWBY grew nervous all of a sudden. Yet, for Rio… he took it extremely calmly, with no sign of distress whatsoever.
But that was to be expected. After all, Rio knew full well this wouldn't just be some casual conversation. Ozpin was trying to determine if he was a threat to his school.
(This shrewd side… considering what type of school this is, only men like him can manage it successfully.)
Rio was already expecting there to be more to the man named Ozpin then a kind and casual headmaster. His school wasn't a normal school, however one that taught combat. Why else would students be allowed to carry weapons, and why else would it be so far away from other settlements. In that way, it was similar to Beltram Academy.
However, what Rio did not yet know was what exactly they were fighting. Waking up a short time ago, he naturally barely had any idea as to the political situation of this world. But Rio wanted to make one certainty at the very least.
Was this man training his students to kill people, or something else?
Ozpin pulled out something from his breast pocket. It was a strap of some kind, one that illuminated a light blue in color. To Rio, it looked like some sort of device.
"What is that?" Weiss asked, having never saw something like this before.
"Looks like it's some kind of technology…" Yang muttered.
Glynda nodded. "That's right, Miss Xiao Long. It is a device that discerns truth from falsities."
Ruby's eyes suddenly sparkled in a tremendous amount of excitement. "A-Are you saying it's a lie detector!? Like in the movies!?"
Based on Glynda's face, she looked hesitant to answer, but, "That's righ—"
"SOOOOO COOOLLLLL!" Ruby yelled.
And that was why.
Anyway, Ozpin had finished explaining to Rio exactly the same thing.
"All I want you to do, is put this on your wrist and answer the bare minimum of questions. I simply wish to ensure someone of your ability is not someone we need to be hostile with," Ozpin said evenly.
"My ability?" Rio feigned confusion.
"I do not know what your semblance is Mr. Rio, however I have a feeling it is not just simple flight."
(Semblance… is that what they call any type of supernatural power here?)
So rather than the two classifications of mana disbursement—sorcery and spirit arts—there is only one classification here. Or maybe Rio was still missing information. After all, had he not met the Spirit Folk or even Aisha, he would have never realized the identity of his own power.
Also, Rio had no way of knowing Ozpin's basis was because of the premise that most skills and abilities that people possessed in this world were just through various applications of their base semblance. Like Glynda Goodwitch for example; her power allowed her to levitate herself if only slightly, yet her semblance was simple telekinesis.
That being said, as Ozpin didn't know the full extent of Rio's power, he wanted to make sure he exercised due caution.
"Although, you have the option to refuse, and I'll have you dropped off anywhere of your choosing. While it may be regrettable that I can't learn more of such an interesting character, if you're not willing, there is no point to any of this."
Of course, all this would be pointless if Rio didn't agree, or if he didn't trust Ozpin enough to agree. And, Ozpin was actually expecting Rio to turn him down, but—
"Very well, I will answer your questions to the best of my ability."
Rio's reply greatly shocked him.
"Are… Are you sure?" Ozpin asked, blinking multiple times at the quick reply.
"Of course." Rio smiled.
Yes. Rio was sure that this was the only way.
(In this world, I need to do things differently. I can't live casually, just protecting the people important to me. Those people are far away, and if I want to get back, I need resources, power, and influence. My spirit arts aren't enough to transport me to other worlds, however maybe this world's power has the answer...)
This is what Rio surmised.
(And in order to do that…)
His gaze did not stray away from Ozpin.
(A powerful benefactor wouldn't be unappreciated.)
"Alright, then I'll begin the questions. I warn you though, some of them might be very inconsiderate to your privacy," Ozpin cautioned.
"I expected as much, please begin."
'Haruto, I didn't say anything for a while but, are you sure?' somewhat surprising him, Aisha's voice echoed through his mind, announcing her concern.
'Yes, Aisha. If I want to see everyone again, I need more power.'
'Alright, just be careful. I'll be by your side either way, Haruto.'
Rio smiled. 'Thank you.'
"Ahem." Ozpin cleared his throat after Rio had finished fastening the device to his right wrist, the hand closer to the glass panel. "Then I'll begin by asking a question that I want you to purposely lie about so you know what happens, alright?"
"Alright." Rio agreed.
"What is your preferred type of woman?"
"Huh?"
Rio thought he misheard him. In fact, everyone else did too. Except for Glynda. She could be seen glaring at Ozpin through the glass, and Ozpin had a feeling that's what she was doing as well.
"Ozpin…!" she growled.
"E-Excuse me?" Rio asked.
"Simply put, I want you to lie about what type of woman you prefer."
After hearing the question again, Rio slowly nodded, however still deeply confused.
"O-Okay then."
Meanwhile…
"What type of calibration question is that!?" Weiss cried out indignantly.
"Shhh! We'll miss it if you keep talking Weiss!" Yang chided, seemingly all for it.
"Rio's… preferred girl?" Ruby echoed, looking confused as to why a question like that was chosen out of all the others.
"And that's the headmaster of our school…" Blake said with a sigh.
Anyway, Rio continued to lie about his answer. "Um, if it's a lie then… I like pushy and assertive girls with no regard for personal space and consideration."
ERRR!
Just then, a loud buzzer echoed, making it pretty obvious that what Rio had just said was a lie.
"W-Well, at least he knows what he wants." Yang chuckled, albeit a bit disheartened that her personality was somewhat disliked by the boy.
"Haha! Alright, then answer the question honestly so we can confirm the other side of it." Ozpin said with a laugh.
"R-Right. I um, prefer girls who are easygoing, someone who I don't have to force myself to chat with even if there's nothing to talk about." Rio said, rubbing the back of his head in an embarrassed manner, eyes closed.
And… there was no buzzer this time, which meant what he said was the truth. This caused Team RWBY to smile, even Yang.
Blake's lips curved up unconsciously.
(Hm. How innocent.)
"Alright, now that the fun part's out of the way, let's begin. First, what is your full name?"
Rio thought about it for a little while, then… "Rio, Rio Amakawa."
Given that Rio was the name of the person he was reincarnated as, and Amakawa was the last name of the student named Haruto Amakawa he died as, that wasn't a lie.
Ruby, found herself mouthing that name, Amakawa, testing it out.
"Alright, where were you born?"
"A rural place called Yagumo."
Rio once again lied with ease, or rather stated his half-truths. Rio really was born in a place called Yagumo. However, he was also born in Japan as Haruto.
"Hmm. I've never heard of it… must be a village that's far out…" Ozpin murmured.
After all, there were tons of villages in Remnant not recognized on official maps.
"Where are your parents?"
"Unfortunately, they are no longer alive sir." Rio said softly, which enveloped the surrounding observers into silence.
They could clearly see the boy's eyes darken considerably, especially with how bright they usually were.
"…I'm sorry to hear that. Do you have any relatives?"
"Yes. Grandparents who are very kind, and a cousin who I cannot be more grateful for."
"I see."
Ozpin's eyes looked glad that the boy wasn't all alone, and that he treasured the family he did have.
(Rio…)
However, Ruby still looked a little sad, and so did Yang.
They had lost both their moms, one missing and the other having passed away, but they still had their father and even an uncle, unqualified as he was sometimes. They felt sympathy for Rio's situation.
"You were flying through the Emerald Forest. What circumstances led you to be there?" Ozpin asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Rio met this question calmly. After all, for this, there was no need to lie. "I'm just as confused as you, Mr. Ozpin. I woke up in that forest having no idea how I arrived."
Ozpin frowned, especially since the buzzer did not go off during Rio's statement. The onlookers too looked shocked to hear this.
"He… woke up in the forest…?" Weiss asked, flummoxed.
Yang also looked unsure. "Well that's a little weird…"
"Do you know what you were doing before that?" Ozpin inquired.
"Sorry sir. I don't recall." Rio replied.
Again. There was no indication that he was lying.
"Hm. How curious. Do you have a case of amnesia then?"
"Ah, sorry for not clarifying. I can remember those who I have traveled with and the events of my life perfectly, but I don't remember anything that could have led to me waking up in that forest."
Ruby and the others looked lost. They were no doubt even more curious about Rio now that they knew his circumstances.
"I see…." Ozpin murmured, looking lost in thought.
It seemed he didn't know how to take Rio's story. But it wasn't just Ozpin. Rio too was more worried about it than he let on.
He knew he was probably with Celia, Miharu and the others, yet he couldn't remember what they were doing last. All he knew of were the recent events he had experienced. It wasn't so much long-term amnesia, but rather a circumstance where his memory failed him regarding how he was brought to this other world.
(Or perhaps... was I even conscious when it was happening…?)
It was entirely possible that Rio was sleeping during the "move".
'Aisha, what about you?'
'It's the same as Haruto, I too was asleep in my spirit form. Though, I should have detected if something as grand as wide-scale sorcery magic was used. …I'm sorry for not being of more help Haruto.'
The girl's solemn tone made Rio snap out of his musings.
'Please don't apologize Aisha. This just means we need to take our time figuring it out. And… I know it's shameful to say but…'
'…?'
He could somehow feel the girl tilt her head.
'Aisha being the one here with me calms me down immensely.'
'…'
The moment he said that, there was a brief silence, making him wonder if he said something bad. But then, a torrent of warmth enveloped his body— or rather, his soul. It was a gentle warmth, even as going so far as to make his heartbeat faster. It was like… Aisha had hugged him from behind, not actually of course, yet the feeling flowing tenderly inside of him made it seem like that.
'A-Aisha?'
'Me too— being here with Haruto calms me down as well.'
'O-Oh, I see.'
Rio was so surprised by the raw sincerity that his cheeks reddened slightly. Naturally, this only confused those in attendance.
"Mr. Rio, are you okay?" Ozpin asked, raising a brow in perplexity.
"I… I'm alright, sir. Think nothing of it." Rio replied, trying to calm his features.
Rio belatedly thought that if Ozpin asked if he was alone, then he wouldn't be able to get away with lying. Though, on a technicality, Aisha wasn't 'present' at all, but residing within in her spirit form.
"Alright. Then I apologize if this is tasteless, but have you ever committed any criminal offenses of any kind?" The man asked, putting that question forward with obvious wariness.
"…Yes." Rio replied slowly.
Ozpin nodded, as if expecting this to some degree, perhaps assuming it was minor. He asked his follow up.
"Have you stolen something—"
"Mr. Ozpin, these questions are all fine and good, but you don't have to beat around the bush. The truth is, you only want to know just one thing, right?" Rio suddenly interrupted him.
Ruby tilted her head at that.
(What does he mean?)
Ozpin stared at him for a while before sighing. "Right then. Rio Amakawa, have you killed a human being?"
"—!?"
The reactions brought about by such a question were instantaneous, the girls finding their expressions hardening. Most notably, Glynda clearly showed her displeasure.
(Ozpin, you…!?)
The woman felt like she had been slapped across the face. However, given that Rio was an unknown in every sense of the word, such a question wasn't exactly without need. A strange boy had walked into the school—flew in rather—and Ozpin wanted to make sure he didn't have any vile intentions. On another note, it looked like even Rio was aware of Ozpin's endgame long before she did.
As Glynda was thinking this, four young girls expressed their own reactions.
"Wha…!?" muttered Weiss, stiffening in shock.
"…"
Blake went completely silent, her eyes narrowing slightly. Probably out of all people, she understood the necessity to ask such a question. But, two of her teammates weren't so ready to accept it.
"H-Huh?" Ruby squeaked.
Yang sported a troubled frown. "H-Hey, don't you think that's a little—?"
"Yes, I've killed someone."
Rio's reply sequestered everyone into silence, leaving no room for anything other than the sharp intakes of breath each and every one of them took.
With a slight glower to his normally bright eyes, Rio had affirmed Ozpin's question, shocking all present, even the asker himself hadn't expected such a concise response. The man had even expected Rio to lie for the first time.
But…
The buzzer did not go off. Meaning what Rio had just said was without a doubt…
Eyes widened as far as they could go, looking at Rio with expressions that bordered on uncertainty. They wanted to trust the boy who had seemed so kind, humble, and gentle, but they also could not ignore what he just said.
Glynda's throat went dry, not only because of what Rio had said, but what kind of face he was making as he said it. It was a face that couldn't be described so easily, but Glynda only recognized it as 'pained'. It was as if the boy was halfway to a smile, but changed to looking cynical instead. It was like he was mocking himself.
(He's… killed someone!?) Weiss thought.
She was shocked, no doubt about it. All of a sudden, she felt a paralyzing fright, similar to that a prey feels when a predator locks eyes with it. This person— this was the same person who had shown her such respect, but that same person had murdered another. She couldn't stop the terror at the thought that such a boy had been so close to her.
Yang audibly swallowed, expressing her clear unease. Meanwhile, Ruby's mouth opened and closed in shock.
But Blake, she still remained quiet.
After all, something like murder? Did she of all people really have the right to condemn another person for taking a life? After what she's done, even indirectly? People have also been killed by her actions. Even if she wasn't the one to swing the blade or pull the trigger, it didn't change the fact that her inability to act caused death.
"…"
So Blake didn't say anything.
"Why?" Ozpin asked, an amount of calmness appearing that his students in the other room weren't expecting. But the one most surprised about the question was—
Rio looked up with wide eyes.
"You'd… You would ask me why?"
He could not prevent the disbelief from leaking from his voice.
He had assumed by admitting he killed someone, that would be the conclusion of this conversation. He hadn't at all been expecting Ozpin to ask for a justification to why he did what he did. But as Ozpin stared down at Rio, the older man's collected gray orbs showed no judgement nor displeasure, only honest curiosity. So met with Ozpin's unchanging expression, Rio began to continue.
"Because…"
"—."
Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Blake and even Glynda all held their breaths.
They put their reactions on hold, even for the tiniest bit. As scared as they were, as bothered as they were, as uneasy, concerned, worried, anxious as they were, they hung on to what the boy's reason would be.
But… what could Rio say that would validate him killing another human being? That doubt rose in the back of their minds.
Rio spoke, his voice losing all emotion, speaking in an eerily calm and blunt manner. "Because had I let them kill me, those children would have been used as playthings for the rest of their life."
Though as much as he tried to let no emotion pass through, a heavy inflection of hatred could be read through his tone.
Maybe he could have saved Miharu, Aki, and Masato without killing anyone. Maybe it wasn't necessary to shed blood. Maybe he could have showed mercy even though they planned to do awful things to those he cared about. Maybe he could have done a lot of things.
But.
Why did he need to?
Rio knew this was his rotten self-speaking, but even so, he honestly asked himself that question. Why did he need to bother showing mercy to people—no, scum like that? Did they show mercy or kindness to Miharu when they loaded her in that wagon, ready to be shipped off to whoever would pay the most money?
"…"
(That's the first time he's shown anger…) Ozpin noticed.
Gone was the kind and gentle aura of the boy, and in its place, was the stony face of a man who had seen turmoil and anguish.
And on the other side of that glass, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Blake, and Glynda had listened with apt attention. The buzzer hadn't gone off through that entire time, meaning what Rio had just said hadn't been a lie.
Killing was wrong and they knew that. However, how could they judge Rio given what they had just heard, given that he was just trying to protect people from suffering a fate no person should ever have to go through.
It did not need to be said just what he meant by children becoming 'playthings'. While Ruby thought perhaps that just meant slavery, Yang, Weiss, Blake, and Glynda had their own understanding of what Rio was talking about.
Weiss' face morphed into disgust at the thought, and she secretly found herself satisfied people like that had met their end. Although, she felt a tiny bit guilty for thinking such dark thoughts. Additionally, Blake and Yang noticed the boy was clenching his fist tightly in his lap, making it clear how much he was trying to control his own festering dissatisfaction over the memory.
But Ozpin suddenly clapped his hands.
"That's all the questions I wanted to ask of you. I hope you can forgive me for rudely inquiring into such personal topics." Upon saying this, he actually bowed his head towards Rio.
But Rio hurriedly shook his head in a fluster. "While I admit they weren't easy to talk about, I have no right to be dissatisfied, Mr. Ozpin, so please raise your head."
Rio pasted a strained smile on his face, his eyes taking a melancholy gleam.
"I'm… a rather rotten person deep down, I know that for a fact. But even if that's the case, I don't want to become someone who forgets how to be kind. I… owe that to my mother and father, and so many others who have chosen to be around me." Rio smiled, remembering something pleasant.
Weiss looked at the boy's expression without averting her eyes.
Even now, the buzzer had not gone off.
Throughout the entire conversation, Rio had not lied at all. For a while, it was touch and go whether or not she could trust this boy, but now, Weiss realized she's seen all that she's needed to. Rio had exposed his heart and told them of his sins, fully aware of just what kind of person that made him as a result.
But…
—Rio's pained smile flashed in her mind.
(Someone who has malicious intentions wouldn't make a face like that...)
If Weiss couldn't trust Rio after all that, then she was just as rotten as he thought he was.
Back with Ozpin and Rio…
Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "Rotten you say? I don't believe it. While we all do things we are not proud of when it comes to protecting those we love, that doesn't mean we are all inherently bad people. You only did what you did to prevent someone else from crying. There's no shame in that, taking action for the sake of others, even if some might judge you for it, that in no way makes you rotten."
Ozpin's words that didn't seem to condemn Rio at all, made the boy smile. "I absolutely agree with you, Ozpin."
Though even though Rio said that, his eyes were hollow.
What Ozpin just said, it was true that Rio believed it. However, understanding it as truth and thinking such sophistry applied to him was another thing entirely. After all, those who protected just for the sake of protecting deserved praise. But that was not Rio.
He only selfishly acted for his own sake, protecting only for satisfying his overflowing insidious character. While he did manage to save Miharu and the others, how could he label himself as good when he planned to kill someone for no one's sake but his own?
Justifying it and saying it was for his parent's sake was only to soothe his own conscience. He knew full well who he was doing it for. This ache inside him, this bloodcurdling rage that would not relax even in the most pleasant of moments, it all came from imagining that man's face as he stood over his mother, smiling with such a disgusting expression.
So, doing things we aren't proud of for the right reasons?
Even those types of people were a million times more reliable and safer to be around than Rio was. Without a doubt, he believed he was beyond redemption.
"And besides…" Ozpin continued, a hand to his chin, stroking it fondly. "Team RWBY said you were nothing but polite to them despite you being an 'intruder'. It's quite hard to believe, no?"
"Team… RWBY?" Rio cocked an eyebrow in confusion.
Ozpin nodded. "Yes. I believe you've already met them."
"Ah, those four…" Rio's eyes widened in realization. "Haha, I see. Miss Ruby, Yang, Blake, and Weiss, was it? Yes, they were quite kind for giving someone like me the time of day. I should find a way to pay them back, if I can."
Those four girls who were listening in silence felt their faces warm at the boy's clear sincerity.
"Though, that being said, I guess it's only natural they wouldn't be kept in the dark in this case." remarked Rio all of a sudden, causing Ozpin's expression to twitch slightly.
"Oh?"
Ozpin tabled his mug and clasped his hands on the flat surface.
"That's an interesting remark. 'Wouldn't be kept in the dark'? Do you mind sharing what you mean?"
"While it's a bit embarrassing to think about, those ladies in the other room have been listening this whole time, correct?" And while saying that, Rio looked wryly to the side, straight to where Ruby and the others were looking in from.
All four girls stiffened up as Rio had exposed them so suddenly. Even Glynda showed a surprised expression.
"E-Eh?" Yang let out.
"W-Wait, how did he know?! He can't see us, can he…?" Ruby cried, face flushing red all of a sudden.
"…No, he's… probably guessing." Weiss said, but looking a little unsure.
"…"
Blake remained silent, watching Rio closely.
A silence ensued; however, Ozpin broke it by laughing grandly.
"Haha! Very amusing! If I may ask, how could you tell?"
"It's nothing so special. I just assumed that this being an interrogation of sorts, that glass would have another purpose. Not to mention, at the very least, how would Miss Glynda subdue me in time if I, by some chance, overpowered you?" Rio replied with a stiff smile.
(Although I say all of that, it's only due to my memories of Amakawa Haruto— watching those types of movies with Miharu and Aki….)
Upon Rio's explanation, Ozpin's smile widened even further. "Marvelous. Even though you're so young, you are considerably sharp."
(Not only that, but he's also able to tell that I'm not just some old headmaster…)
Ozpin wondered how Rio was able to tell his strength wasn't what it seemed. Could the boy sense his aura, or maybe it was something else…
"Thank you for the kind words, but I think you are giving me too much credit," Rio said humbly.
"No, if anything, I'm not giving you enough." Ozpin shook his head. But then he posed an interesting question. "By the way, you might be correct that a third party is listening in, however how are you so sure that it's Team RWBY?"
As Ozpin proposed this, the girls listening in slowly snapped out of their tranced visages and donned curious expressions. After all, what their headmaster had just said was valid. Even if Rio assumed that there was someone on the other side of the glass, there was no way to tell who it was, right?
Yang showed this doubt on her face.
(I-I mean, it's not like he can see through walls, right?)
Yang had this misconception when it came to trying to decipher what Rio's semblance could be.
Meanwhile, Ozpin kept speaking.
"What makes you believe that they would be receiving some kind of special attention? There are hundreds of teams in this academy. Surely, the principal wouldn't be favoring some first-years."
"This doesn't have anything to do with deduction or the like. It's just, one of the girl's has a rather strong scent you could say, I wouldn't mistake it."
As Rio spoke, the surroundings went quiet. Ozpin, for one, had been effectively unable to respond. Though, the five women listening blinked multiple times. Then…
"He could smell… one of us…?" asked Ruby with a great amount of confusion.
The others and Glynda looked just as flabbergasted as her. That is until Ruby asked her next question.
"Yang, did you take a shower?"
"Okay! Rude! Of course I did! Is there a reason you're asking me something like that little sister!" shouted Yang as her face reddened, moving to trap Ruby in a headlock.
"A… smell." Repeated Ozpin, brows scrunching up in confusion. "Mr. Rio, it may not be my place to say this, but I believe it's a bit rude to even imply that a girl has a… strong body odor." Ozpin said delicately, as if not sure how to breach this sort of subject.
Now it was Rio's turn to blink in confusion.
"Body od— W-Wait a minute!" Rio shouted all of a sudden, his eyes growing wide.
His face reddened and his eyes darted to the glass with clear panic. His hands flew up in the air, growing more and more nervous by the second.
"T-That is not what I meant to imply. I meant nothing along the lines of some stench, but rather my senses allow me to differentiate humans from spirit f— er, people with animal traits, that's all…!"
As Ruby was getting punished by a slightly miffed Yang, those words made them both look up in surprise.
"Animal traits, then…" muttered Weiss as she looked at one person in particular.
Yang, Ruby, Weiss, and even Glynda cast their gazes to Blake as she stared at Rio with widened eyes, the same boy who was currently bowing his head in shame at his poor choice of words. The girl's breath hitched in surprise, looking absolutely bewildered.
(He… He knew I was a faunas…?!)
If that was the case, that look from before suddenly made a lot more sense. Blake was sure Rio had looked slightly startled at her, rather than any of her other teammates. Though, she couldn't get over the fact that she was seen through that quickly.
(I give off a different scent, huh…)
Blake's cheeks reddened as she couldn't help but feel a tiny bit self-conscious over how the boy noticed her. And unfortunately for the raven-haired girl, there was one person who was there to capitalize on that embarrassment.
"Well it's no wonder. He can obviously see those raging pheromones you give off, Blakey~!"
Blake fixed the girl with a glare. "There's…There's no way that's the case."
"Why the pause~?" chimed Yang with an amused expression.
"You're insufferable."
"I see…" Ozpin said, bringing the room's attention back on track.
"So you knew immediately that Miss Belladona was a faunas. So naturally, she wouldn't be the only one present, but the rest as well."
(So they are called Faunas…) Rio gathered.
He would file that away for later. Naturally he would be curious. After all, his spirit arts came from the animal-like spirit folk of his own world. While a bit of a stretch, he wondered if there were any mysteries this world's faunas had.
Ozpin laughed merrily. "Well, that will conclude our talk. Again, thank you for answering such difficult questions, Mr. Rio."
"There's no need for that. I came here and acted of my own volition after all," Rio said kindly.
"I'm glad you're so understanding."
"But, I do have one question, if it's allowed." Rio suddenly inquired.
"Of course, ask away. I'll do my best to accommodate you."
"Why would the headmaster of a school be the one interrogating me, instead of some other authority figure? And to that end, what are you seeking of me as a result?" Rio replied calmly.
Across the glass, Glynda shook.
(This boy…)
"Ahahaha…! Why am I surprised, of course you understood that. Well I'll be honest then."
Ozpin looked Rio square in the eye.
"Mr. Rio. I would like you to join this academy for the time being."
…
…
…
"This situation is a bit…"
Rio couldn't help but mutter such a comment, as he stood outside of a dorm room, waiting. He wasn't waiting for a key, or even for the room to be fully furnished for him. No, he was waiting for those inside to tell him it was okay to come in, as they were…
…As they were currently in the midst of changing.
Normally, Rio's behavior would be thought of as weird. After all, why would a guy need to give his fellow male roommates so much privacy? But that was already a misconception. He didn't have male roommates. Not a single one.
You see, Rio agreed to stay in this academy, and in doing so, he had to be put up with a room and naturally attend classes. However…
Rio's smile cramped just remembering what Ozpin told him.
…
…
…
"I'm glad to have you with us, Mr. Rio. I'll have Glynda tell you which dorm room is yours and she'll stop by later to give you all of your essentials. In the meantime, you can stay in…"
…
…
…
And with that, Rio was given the room number. However, he didn't see it fit to inform Rio of one crucial detail. And that led to him opening the door to his room immediately upon finding the correct one. Suffice it to say, it was occupied, and not in the way he was imagining.
"Ah, hello. I didn't… realize…"
Rio couldn't help but trail off.
Because as he opened the door, those inside froze at the sight of him, as did Rio in turn. But as soon as he saw them, understood the situation, he immediately performed his action with every last drop of his spiritually enhanced movements.
SLAM!
"Ahh!"
"Kyaaa!"
He had bolted out of the room and slammed the door, not before hearing the startled yelps of two of the occupants— his imagination overlapping those voices with their appearances, one's construed of bare skin, removed clothing, looking unbearably captivating to his male mind—
Rio shook his head violently.
"I am deeply sorry ladies! I know this is of no comfort to my grave transgression, but I was not informed by Ozpin that this room would be occupied, much less housing the ones who had shown me such kindness before," the boy apologized while shutting his eyes tight with a grimace, "—For someone as lowly as I to see the bare skin of such beautiful women, I… I will accept any punishment you see fit!"
Rio's rapid-fire words were well heard by those beyond the door, however unbeknownst to the boy, it was both Ruby and Weiss who flushed an incredible shade of scarlet.
"B-Beautiful?" He heard Ruby squeak out in surprise, not daring to allow his imagination to wander on how her voice was one of the yelp's that he heard.
As for the other…
"F-Flattery will get you nowhere mister— b-but… y-you sound sincere enough, s-so I guess I can let you off, just this once…!" Such sentences could be heard coming trickling out of Weiss' mouth.
"Y-Yeah, it's okay Rio. It was just an accident." Ruby said.
Rio noticed that both of them still sounded a little shaken up, and for a moment Rio marveled at the generosity of the two of them, however he shook his head in a serious manner.
"No, your forgiveness is wasted on someone like me. That is why you must not let me off so easily. If you ask anything of me, I'll see it done to the best of my ability."
Rio's words were not mere pleasantries or even as an obligation. He wanted to, as he had done something wrong towards the people who had been kind to him when he had woken up in an unknown place. That was why his sincerity must have leaked out.
"Oh? In that case, just make it even."
Rio blinked, as a new voice, one coming from Yang entered his ears.
"Yang, surely you don't mean…" Then, Blake spoke, sounding quite put off by the girl's comment.
Though, Rio couldn't suppress his confusion. "Miss Yang? Make it even? I'm sorry, but I don't understand."
"It's simple. Come inside. Ah, we're all decent now by the way."
"Al— …Alright then," replied Rio, sounding incredibly wary despite the girl's assurance. Thus, he waited a good five seconds before coming in.
"Excuse me."
Entering the room, he was met with the varied degrees of bashfulness from the four girls. Ruby was bright red avoiding his eyes, Weiss was sending him furtive glances with obvious embarrassment, and Blake was already reading her book in silence, however he noticed her cheeks were dyed slightly crimson.
This confirmed that beyond Ruby and Weiss, they had all been in various states of undress— not that Rio noticed beforehand, seeing as how quickly he dashed out of the room.
And then there was Yang.
Being the exception, she stared at him completely unabashed. Actually, her cheeks were red, however it didn't look to be from embarrassment or shame, especially with that wide smile of hers.
Regardless, before anyone got a chance to speak, Rio bowed and apologized profusely once more. "Allow me to apologize again. Name anything and I'll compensate in any way I can."
Even from his bowed posture, the girls could now see the grimace of self-derision on his face, so much so that Yang's mischievous smile faltered slightly.
"H-Hey Rio, don't worry about it. …Man, now I feel kind of guilty for what I was about to suggest…" Yang muttered quietly.
But Rio heard it and looked straight at Yang with earnest eyes. "Pay that feeling no heed Miss Yang. Please ask anything of me."
Rio's serious disposition must have caught Yang off guard as she stiffened up slightly, and her cheeks properly reddened this time.
"O-Oh, okay, then…"
She paused; however, spoke the words she had been holding back.
"Make it even and take off your shirt. It's only fair right?"
Silence permeated throughout the room after Yang's proposal.
.
. .
. . .
Take off… his shirt…? Rio slowly came to grasp what Yang was asking.
"Y-Yang, you can't ask something like that!" Weiss retorted with a red face, embarrassed beyond belief at the idea.
"Y-Yeah, after all, Rio only s-s-s-saw us on accident. It's not fair for—"
"Is that it?"
Upon the latter outcry from Ruby, Rio cut her off. Everyone turned towards him with various expressions of shock at his reply.
"Huh?! Really, you don't have a problem with it?!" Yang said with incredulity, and a tiny amount of eagerness that Rio didn't quite understand.
"Of course not. While it's not something I'm typically used to, if it's just this, I can do it. If anything, my punishment should be far greater. Are you… Are you sure this is sufficient?"
Rio's question lingered as he performed one simple action. He had reached for the hem of his black undershirt.
All four girl's faces turned bright red at his action, Yang being no exception. That one action sent a weird feeling that some of the girl's couldn't quite place, however, it was similar to a budding static of electricity. It was as if they had just now grasped the gravity of the situation.
"J-Just like chapter six…" Blake muttered something strange that Rio couldn't understand, and upon everyone looking at her, she turned away with a mortifying expression of embarrassment running through her.
"Anyway, I'll continue."
With that, Rio slightly pulled the hem of his black undershirt, beginning to raise it upwards, making Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang so red that steam began to burst through their ears. Rio had just began to expose his incredibly toned stomach, pulling his shirt even higher—
"Hk—!?"
The girl's froze. Ruby even let out a startled gasp.
Their embarrassment unanimously died down in an instant as they gazed at that small portion of Rio's unclothed body, however not with frantically beating hearts that told of excitement or arousal, but rippling heartbeats of horror instead.
Rio noticed the sudden change and stopped his action, looking at the girl's with confusion.
It was just the boy's abdominal muscles and surrounding waist, but even such a sparse view didn't hide what they saw. There was no mistaking it. They saw the large almost faded colorings running every which way on the boy's slightly exposed stomach. And there were not just one or two.
(T—Those are…)
Blake couldn't get the words out.
Even with such a small surface area, Rio's lower torso was covered, no… riddled with scars. Some small, some large. There were faded bruises too. However, there was one thing in common with all of them. …That they were all caused by weapons, incredibly fatal ones at that. And that only meant one thing.
This boy had been through countless battles, or rather, had been wounded a numerous amount of times without an aura.
"R-Rio you…" Yang trailed off, unable to properly voice her bewilderment.
But it was at that moment the door opened.
"Mr. Rio, I have secured your uniform, scroll, and…"
It was Ms. Glynda Goodwitch who had suddenly entered. However, it only took a moment before her eyes traveled to the outlier, that which being the boy holding his shirt up in a room full of girls, her expression unreadable. Though, that was until she saw Rio's scars, and even that woman's eyes couldn't help but widen a fraction. But she quickly got it together.
"…Mr. Rio. May I ask why you are engaging in such shameless behavior? Surely you don't want to be expelled on your first day."
"Oh no, Miss Glynda, this is my punishment."
"…Punishment." Glynda echoed Rio's serious reply, one without any shame. She then turned to the girls, who looked away with awkward expressions of guilt. More or less, Glynda understood the situation.
"I see what happened. I assume that you saw something you weren't supposed to and someone suggested something even more inappropriate?"
Glynda said this while looking at a blonde girl whistling innocently.
"No you are mistaken Miss. This is what I get for what I did. I was let off extremely lightly. Miss Yang was kind enough to allow me to pay recompense this way," Rio said with a grave honest to goodness, sincere expression.
"And you believe that this… punishment… is no big deal…?"
Glynda asked this solely for her own curiosity, however Rio made a confused face with a smile.
"Yes. Why would it be?"
Glynda sighed, however she still decided to speak her mind. Even if Rio was a guy and social customs did deem it differently, she couldn't allow Rio to keep this sort of mindset. "Did it not occur to you Mr. Rio, that a female would want to see your body for any other reason?"
"Huh?"
Without fail, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, and Blake looked down at such an embarrassing comment. No one met Rio's eyes, and he slowly began to understand.
"Oh, I see."
Glynda closed her eyes and sighed, as if glad she didn't have to explain any further than that. But Rio's next words stumped her.
"…But, I'm not that pleasant to look at though?"
Rio's comment erased any shyness Blake might have felt with her reclusive nature. Her mutter was heard by everyone. "H-How can you say that with such a handsome face and ripped body…?!"
…
…
…
After much of the earlier events, the hours of the day naturally dwindled, making the need for sleep something desirable for those who had experienced quite an interesting day.
Darkness had transcended over a certain dorm room of Beacon Academy and it was quiet. The only sound that could be heard in the room scant of artificial light were the rhythmic breathing of those who were lost in slumber. At least, that should have been the case.
A certain girl had found sleep too difficult to maintain and lay wide awake, unable to decipher if she had just woken up or had been staring blankly at the ceiling above her the entire time. Of course, the ceiling was all the closer considering she was residing on the top bunk, right above the blonde girl snoring softly below her.
Blake sighed as she checked her scroll for the time, surprised to find it was five in the morning.
(Three hours until I have to get up, might as well…)
With no sound at all, Blake lightly touched the floor and made her way to the bathroom, closing it gently. She brushed her teeth and splashed water on her face, trying to wash away the slight grogginess that still consumed her. It was on her way out of the bathroom and in the midst of opening the room's door to the hallway did she notice something odd, something she had just realized.
There were three people in beds and fast asleep, however that was already a contradiction as there should have been four— not counting herself. Along Ruby and Weiss' side of the room existed a bundle of bedding and sheets that was supposed to belong to their fifth roommate, however it was completely unoccupied.
That bed of course belonged to the sole male of the group.
Naturally, Blake had mixed feelings about sleeping in the same room as a guy, much less her being not the only girl. As a teenager, of course she would find the thought of four girls sleeping in proximity to a man a little weird.
She had nothing against Rio, and she even respected him for his kind nature and manners. He had told them he had killed someone, yes. But as much as that frightened Blake to death, she also knew why he had done it. Plus, it was not as if she had any right to judge Rio anyway, considering the group she used to be a part of. Not only that, but apparently, he had known Blake was a faunas from the very beginning, something that still mollified her. Yet even so, that did not hamper his gentle interactions with them in the slightest. She couldn't yet tell if Rio felt no resentment and discomfort towards faunas, however he had treated her like everyone else so far.
Wasn't that the equality they — the faunas — were searching for?
But all of that was beside the point. It was early in the morning and here was Rio, well, not here.
(Did he wake up early like me? He should know that he has a long day of classes.)
Blake had this thought as she exited the room, curiosity getting the better of her.
Rio was new here, so maybe he didn't quite understand some things yet. It wouldn't be too weird of Blake to seek him out and ask right? He might even be lost after taking a walk. With those reasons in mind, Blake set out to find their missing male teammate.
After a good twenty minutes of scouring the many rooms of the academy, Blake finally made her way outside, where the sun was rising, casting the outside pavilion in an orange reddish hue. She stopped to observe the beautiful sight before her, covering her eyes against the rays of the sun.
"Ah…"
In the distance she could see a lone figure, moving about.
It moved in quick successive movements, never staying in one place for long. Dancing, pivoting, dashing back and forth, as if guided by a never-ending spiral of energy. From where Blake was standing, she could hear something hitting the air and making the barely audible sound that came with it. As Blake approached, slightly captivated by the figure's elegant moves, she noticed two things that surprised her greatly.
One, the figure was a person, and they were swinging a blade that was a shimmering silver as it glinted off the morning sun. It was a little familiar, and that thought made sense when she realized the second thing. This person she had been gazing at had white hair.
Blake's eyes rose in surprise.
(Rio? Is he… practicing…?)
Blake found herself so stunned at the thought of him training so early in the morning as well as the captivating sight of his un-flawed motions, that she had been late to notice another crucial detail of Rio's appearance— that is, something a girl like her would definitely become distracted with.
"…!"
A blush spread across her face.
Rio was wearing a very loose-fitting black tank top, revealing the same toned muscles she had gotten a glimpse of the day before. His forearms were extremely well built for someone his age, yet not overly bulky either, and the solid collarbone visible from the piece of clothing's neckline was all too healthy and solid. Not only that, but the way Rio was moving sometimes made the bottom of the boy's shirt raise up, showcasing the clear six pack in all its glory. Muscles were contracting vibrantly as they worked to compensate the boy's sword dance. In addition, a thin veil of sweat was all too noticeable as it glistened in the morning air.
Blake did not know how long she was lost in trance until a voice snapped her out of it.
"Isn't it rather boring to watch, Miss Blake?"
To Blake's great surprise, Rio had turned around to face her. Even as far apart as they were, his voice carried through the atmosphere that was completely still of sound. In response, Blake's blush deepened as she went rigid in place and hurriedly averted her eyes from Rio's.
"Ah… um… I was just…"
Try as she might, Blake Belladonna could not form a single intelligible reason as to why she was staring at Rio's… strapping… form from afar like some sort of stalker— none that she could say aloud anyway. And because of this, her blush continued to spread.
(I was staring at him like a complete weirdo! He's going to think I'm some perverted girl…!)
Blake had that mortifying thought as she continued to look away, however she somehow managed to form something that passed as a sentence.
"S-S-Sorry. I didn't mean to d-disturb you while you were training."
"Please don't trouble yourself with that. I was just finishing up."
Rio sent a smile her way before turning around to snatch a white towel from the ground. Before Blake could even process what was about to unfold, Rio had already begun draping it all over his body in an attempt to clean up the sweat he had worked up. After realizing that she was staring, AGAIN, Blake shot her eyes downward.
(Why am I doing something like this? I've never expressed this kind of interest in boys before, even with…)
Blake trailed off and her blush began to die down, her expression growing somber. Bad memories clashed with the few remaining good ones, and her mood soured. She was thinking of her previous companion, her mentor, her…
Blake shook her head.
"Is something the matter?"
"Ah…!"
A voice startled her out of her thoughts, causing her to jump. Rio had managed to appear right in front of her without her realizing. She could see his defined muscles even closer now, and was wondering how Rio looked so slender while hiding a body like this—
"Miss Blake?"
"Oh, um, I'm fine. Do… Do you always train so early in the morning? I was surprised to find you not in the room." Fighting down her ever-skyrocketing heartbeat and blush creeping on her face, she asked Rio that.
"Yes, it's become something of a habit. I hope I didn't startle you ladies. I apologize for not informing you of my plans beforehand."
Rio even bowed to her slightly, causing Blake to raise her hands up.
"Hey, that's not necessary. You have the right to do whatever you want with your time, so don't worry… Rio."
"I see. Well nonetheless, thank you for coming to check up on me, Miss Blake."
Rio smiled at her, eyes closed, causing her to feel an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach. She looked down bashfully.
"O-Oh, don't worry about it."
As soon as those words left her mouth, she wanted to scream internally at the stutter that she couldn't suppress. She really wanted to know why she was acting this way towards Rio. She knew she wasn't the type of girl to be all doe eyed and submissive just because Rio had an (admittedly) extremely attractive face.
(Is it because he doesn't mind being this polite and considerate to a faunas like myself?)
"H-Hey, Rio…"
Blake decided to inquire about that very topic.
"Yes?"
"When we met, you immediately noticed I was a faunas, right?"
"That's correct." The boy nodded in assent.
"Can I ask you not to spread that around? I'm sorry if I'm being too pushy, but there would be various issues if people knew about my heritage and I'm really not ready—e-eh?"
Blake's nervous tangent was stopped as she found a finger approach her lips. She looked up to see Rio staring at her with a peculiar smile— almost as if amused. For some reason, it made her heart skip a beat.
"Miss Blake, can I share something with you?"
"Huh? Ah, y-yeah…"
Blake agreed shyly, still unsure what he intended to say.
"I have a little sister. She's not related to me by blood, or even half-related, but I consider her my precious little sister. She's gone through very trying experiences for something she couldn't do a thing about. Do you know why that is?"
Blake looked confused, but then widened her eyes. "Wait, then your sister is—"
"Even if she has fox ears on her head, I still love her. She will always be my sister, even if we were to both part from this world. So naturally, I wouldn't dare speak of secrets that aren't mine to tell, especially if it's for a girl like you, Miss Blake."
"…"
Blake didn't say a word, her mouth opening and closing in an embarrassed panic. Her face felt as if it was on fire. This reaction left her so silent, that Rio started to get nervous that he had overstepped in some way in his words. However, just when he was about to apologize—
"S-So that's it…" Blake finally muttered, understanding where Rio was coming from.
His sister was a faunas.
While she thought that Rio wouldn't share in the bigoted views of some of her schoolmates, she was secretly worried about him — whether intentionally or not — revealing her identity. But that worry was completely baseless. He even went as far as to try to soothe her heart, as he likely caught a glimpse of her anxiety.
All because…
A giggle escaped her lips, smiling.
(He loves his little sister, huh?)
"Miss… Blake?"
"Ah, it's nothing. I believe you Rio, thank you. Oh, and for telling me about your sister. She sounds like a good girl," she said warmly, looking at Rio's side profile.
"Yes, she is. I'm sure you two would get along quite well."
A comfortable silence passed over them, which after a while caused Blake to flinch in panic. "That's right. I came to get you. We should probably head back before the others realize we're gone. We don't want Yang to start saying weird things."
Rio smiled at such a thought, and then gestured forward.
"Of course, after you."
The rising sun was in clear view, now casting a warm glow that Blake couldn't help but bask in. She sighed in content before her eyes traveled to the boy walking next to her, more specifically— the sword at his hip.
"Rio, who taught you how to use the sword…?"
Blake asked Rio a question she had been wondering. His graceful movements, one's that boasted confidence that she would expect to see in a veteran Huntsman, had left a deep impression on her. She wondered who the creator of such a beautiful fighting style was. But—
"I'm self-taught."
"Huh?!"
Blake looked flabbergasted, so much so that she had stopped walking and looked at Rio with an incredulous expression.
"S-Self-taught…?!"
Rio nodded. "There was a time when I needed to learn how to fight if I wanted to survive, and… and to accomplish my goal."
"…Your goal?" Some part of Rio seemed to harden as he mentioned such a thing, causing Blake to inquire about it. However, the boy's response came swiftly.
"My goal… it is to murder someone."
The words were spoken so casually, so devoid of any meaning that Blake had thought she misheard him. That is, until she got a good look of Rio's face. He was no longer smiling, instead, an expression that lacked the brightness she had come to know was awaiting her.
Blake didn't know what to say for a time, and her pulse even quickened. Rio's earlier confession of having killed someone already once again plagued her mind. Doubts began to rise in her mind, and she was wondering if she had made a mistake in beginning to trust someone again, just like last time.
Still, even so, she got the words out.
"…Why…?" Her throat felt dry. "Why do you want them dead…?"
At that question, Rio turned to face her properly, and the look she saw on his face dashed any fears she began to have. It was not a stone-cold expression of someone who had lost themselves in dealing cruelty to others.
Rio bore an incredibly sad smile. This was the expression of someone that knew that he was in the wrong. He knew he was broken and damaged.
So, with that expression that realized his own folly, Rio slowly uttered the words that had long since become his reason for existing. "… I know it's wrong, but even so, I want to kill the bastard who killed my mother and father. The thought of that guy still breathing fills me with more anger than I know what to do with…"
Rio's fists tightened and his voice contained such obvious rage. No, not only rage, but hatred too. So much hatred.
Blake's expression softened.
(So that's how…)
She had heard what Rio had said before, that his parents died, but this…?
(He just wants to avenge them, because that's all he can do…)
That was so incredibly sad and at the same time respectable.
It was wrong and it was evil, but Rio knew this. Even so, he still wanted to avenge those who had been unfairly taken from him. Yes, it wasn't justice, and anyone would agree that it was revenge that Rio sought, but it was his own parents he was talking about. Could Blake really say that she would be feeling any different in Rio's situation? But moreover…
Rio's revenge, it didn't seem to transcend what he wanted out of it. He wasn't using it as a crutch to distance himself and mistrust others, and he also wasn't using it as an excuse to be cruel to anyone he met.
Yes…
(It's not the same. Rio isn't the same as him.)
Blake had this thought and it relieved her from the bottom of her heart.
The road Adam had gone down was one filled with nothing but self-convenience and hatred for hatred's sake. The violence that Adam dealt… he was convinced that there were meaning and justification in it, and that he was doing the right thing, doing right by all faunas. But Rio…
"—!?"
Blake suddenly felt a deep feeling of shame wash over her.
(W-What am I doing…?)
Feeling this guilt that twisted her stomach, Blake chided herself. Comparing Rio to Adam of all people, that was the most offensive insult she could imply.
Rio must have saw this distress on her face, however, took it to mean something else.
"If I caused you trouble in saying so Miss Blake, I deeply apologize. Even if it's something I have no intention to hide from others, it's not something that needs to be shared in casual conversation. If you wouldn't like to see me anymore, I will ask Ozpin for new accommo—"
However Rio stopped talking as Blake put a finger to his lips, causing his eyebrows to shoot up quizzically. Their situations had been completely reversed, this time being Blake who cut him off.
"You really are…"
Blake was giving the boy a smile, and it was all she could to the express the feelings thrumming gently within her heart. It was an exasperated smile, a kind smile, and a sad smile all in one.
Even though his goal is to do an evil action, he won't justify it by any other means. Even though he has every reason to hate this world, he goes out of his way to be overly kind to those he comes across. A person like that…
"Miss Blake, is there something…?"
Prompted by Rio's obvious confusion at her actions, Blake responded.
"You don't need to bother with all that Rio. Your reason didn't bother me at all. In fact, I think it just made me respect you even more." She said while looking away.
"That's… I think Miss Blake has a much too high opinion of me. I'm not worthy of that praise."
"Hehehe. I knew you'd say that. Come on, everyone's probably waking up right about now. And please, from now on, call me Blake? Just Blake." With that, Blake grabbed Rio's hand and pulled him forward, dragging the perplexed boy along.
"R… Right. Then please lead the way, Blake," the boy said, after some hesitation.
But as Blake was leading him, Rio couldn't see the expression on the girl's face, one that she simply couldn't get rid of. Yes, as she was smiling, Blake thought…
(Rio, you are an incorrigibly good person, aren't you?)
…
…
…
"Blake you sly cat, having a secret rendezvous with Rio in the wee hours of the morning. Hoho~, I underestimated you."
A lilac eyed blonde girl's all too telling face was what they saw upon returning to the room. Yang was up and rearing to go it seemed. In fact, Ruby was also forcing herself out of bed, as difficult a time as she was having based on the extremely drowsy expression still on her face.
Regardless, Blake groaned. "Yes, because that's exactly what we were doing," clear sarcasm emanating from her voice.
Rio wryly chuckled before addressing Yang.
"Good morning Miss Yang, Ruby. I'm sorry if we caused you any concern. I hope you two slept well?"
Ruby made an unintelligible noise in response, but Yang answered in kind.
"Yep, I feel all rested. I was having the most wonderful dream though…"
"Oh, what about?"
Rio thought his question was innocent enough, but Yang made him eat his words. She smiled at him in a provocative manner. "Why, I didn't know you were so forward Rio. To ask a girl that out of the blue. What if you were in it? I can't share something like that."
That made Rio's casual smile falter considerably.
"R-Right. Sorry for being inconsiderate."
"Don't worry about it. I woke up just when it was getting good anyway."
Rio blinked.
(What?)
"Ahem, more importantly…" Blake suddenly interrupted with a cough. "Where's Weiss?"
Just as she said, Rio noticed that Weiss was not in her bed, but a noise to his right gave him a hint as to where she might be. Behind a closed door, water could be heard running, along with a light that signified it's use.
"Weiss is in the shower. I can get her if you want me to…?"
Ruby finally woke up properly and yawned, raising her hands up in the air in a deep stretch. Rio quickly averted his gaze as a part of Ruby's stomach was revealed in the action, something that the two other girls did not miss, judging by Yang's smirk and Blake's wry smile.
Nonetheless, upon answering Rio's inquiry, Ruby actually stood up from her bed and began heading towards the bathroom door, not even realizing the repercussions of what she was about to do. Thus, Rio hurriedly put a hand on Ruby's shoulder.
"T-That won't be necessary Miss Ruby. Let her take her time."
"Oh, okay. Hm?"
Ruby seemed content with the suggestion, however made a sound of confusion.
"Rio, why do you smell so good?"
"P…Pardon…?"
Rio did not know how to react to such a question as he just stood there shock-still. Actually, he wasn't the only one. But he was even more confused as to why Blake turned away and blushed. But before that, there was a more concerning reaction.
"Wha, he does!? Let me see!"
Yes, because Yang proceeded to latch onto to Rio's body and shamelessly take a whiff of the boy's aroma from behind.
"Woah, you do smell good! Is this your cologne Rio?"
"I-Is that so…? And no um, this is…"
Rio looked slightly flustered, not only at the line of questioning, but the two attractive girls in sleepwear closely smelling his fresh-out-of-exercise form. He didn't know why he turned to Blake for assistance, however she wouldn't meet his eyes for some reason. Though, he heard her mutter, "(E-Even though I was planning not to say anything...)"
Rio did not know what she meant by that, but either way, Rio was on his own. So because he didn't see any harm in it, Rio responded with the truth.
"That is, I was training so…" Rio trailed off.
He really hoped he didn't have to directly say that this was his sweat. He knew that much would be improper to tell someone of the opposite sex. However, his words seemed to have the intended effect as Ruby blinked at him and Yang gave him an indescribable expression.
(Why is Miss Yang looking at me with that face?)
"Wow Rio, that's kind of dangerous. You better be careful or you'll get snatched up quick…"
"Um…"
Faced with a slightly blushing Yang, Rio really didn't understand her meaning. However, he wasn't the only one.
"Snatched up?" Ruby looked confused, and Yang was all too kind to give her little sister sagely advice.
"Don't you know Ruby? Guys usually smell super ba—"
A door opening interrupted Yang's impending wisdom. And it was not the one leading into the hallway, much to Rio's great disappointment. Especially since—
"Ah~, that felt good. Alright the shower's read…y… for….."
A white-haired girl with wet hair trailed off, realizing the presence of someone who was not a fellow girl like her.
"…"
"…"
"…"
Surprised expressions formed all around as Weiss had opened the bathroom door wearing nothing but a towel concealing her modest figure. It was tightly wrapped around her form, however that just seemed to make the outline of her body all the more noticeable. Of course, that's as far as Rio mentally processed before he hastily spun around in a panic, blushing slightly.
Then he heard a startled scream and then the unceremonious slamming of a door.
"R-R-R-Rio, what are you doi—!? Ah, that's right I forgot…!"
Weiss seemed to realize something as she stuttered in embarrassment beyond the door.
"I-I didn't see you in here so it slipped my mind that you might— so I…. ahhhhhhh…!"
Weiss sounded absolutely mortified, so much so that Rio hurriedly spoke up, not daring to turn around despite there being nothing to see.
"Don't apologize Miss Weiss, it was my fault for disappearing, and then not even informing you when I came back. Any lack of foresight falls on me, so please do not blame yourself. You have nothing to be sorry for."
Rio wasn't sure if she heard his words because she was silent for a time. The boy got extreme deja-vu. But after a while…
"(You saw… again…)"
"M-Miss Weiss?" Rio questioned in confusion, not hearing her.
"N-Nothing. R-Rio, can you leave the room for a moment, my clothes…"
That was all he needed to hear as he made quick strides towards the door. "Of course, please take your time."
It was only after closing the door behind him did a tired sigh escape Rio's lips.
(I need to find a way to make it up to her…)
As Rio thought this, he heard the distinctive footfalls of heels echoing through the hallway. Rio looked up to see an older blonde woman with glasses making her way towards him. She stopped upon seeing him.
"…Mr. Rio? Why are you… oh. Again…?"
She must have seen the expression on Rio's face and found it familiar. Thus, she couldn't prevent the exasperation leaking out of her voice.
"Yes. Something occurred again unfortunately. Please be free to punish me Miss Glynda. Even though I still need to apologize properly, this is the least I can do."
Upon Rio's downcast expression, Glynda could only sigh. She was likely thinking that Rio's urge to seek out punishment was maybe even more tiring then dealing with the troublemakers.
"…Very well. Please come to my office before class tomorrow. But for now, make sure you and your team get to classes on time hm?"
"Yes, Miss Glynda, I'll be there without fail."
(Her office huh?)
For a moment, Rio was pleasantly reminded of the days in which he and Professor Celia would drink tea and chat in her cluttered study. A smile graced his lips, and he couldn't help but chuckle at just how odd it would be if it was Glynda instead.
Nonetheless, with a small trace of that nostalgic smile, the boy nodded deeply. He assumed that their conversation would stop there, however the woman was staring at him with an indescribable expression. It was like she was pondering something.
"Mr. Rio, there is one more matter."
"Ah, yes?"
"Is there a reason you see no problem in addressing your teacher, someone older than you, by their first name?"
At Glynda's expression that looked bemused rather than scolding, Rio could only blink. Moreover, it was that he didn't understand.
"Oh? I thought for sure Miss Glynda was in her twenties though. Forgive my disrespect, it won't happen again, Miss Goodwitch."
At such a casual reply from the sixteen year old boy, Glynda posture stiffened slightly.
(No, even if with that assumption, why would he still…..)
Glynda suddenly stopped thinking as she looked at Rio closely, something becoming increasingly apparent.
Rio was looking at her with a tranquil smile. It was an expression devoid of childish naivety. His posture was proper and refined. For some odd reason, Glynda did not think she was talking to an impressionable youngster still trying to find their path in life, but a full-fledged adult who has properly understood just everything life has to offer, both the good and the bad. So, that's what made her next question leave her mouth on impulse.
"Mr. Rio, just how long have you…"
—Lived in this life of yours...?
That's what she wanted to say but, she shook her head instead. Whether or not Rio was just like him…
"Miss Goodwitch?"
"No, please forget it. I'll leave you to be getting ready."
Glynda shook her head of such thoughts as she saw Rio's perplexed face. She began to walk away too, however she stopped abruptly, looking at Rio over her shoulder.
"Oh, and…"
She was smiling.
"Please feel free to keep calling me Miss Glynda it you prefer it. I'll let it slide since you thought I was in my twenties, Rio."
Saying his name with no honorific, the blonde buxom teacher walked off, leaving Rio with his mouth open slightly in surprise.
Then, the door beside him opened, and all four girls came out. They were all properly dressed much to Rio's relief. However?
"Ladies? What's wrong?"
They were all looking at him with surprised expressions, faces even a little flushed. He thought that this was about what happened with Weiss, but it wasn't just her who was staring at him like that. Yang opened her mouth and muttered something that Rio didn't quite understand.
"(Damn Rio. I can't let my guard down around you at all, huh?)"
"(To think she actually allowed him to call her that…)"
This time, it was from Blake, to which Rio's smile cramped. It seemed… it seemed the girls had overheard that entire conversation. Rio coughed lightly into his fist.
"Everyone's ready to go? My apologies, I'll just be a minute."
He addressed the girls as he shuffled past them, opening the door and heading to his bedding where his uniform was located. Rio noticed that it was simply a white vest, a black coat with the academy embroidery, and a similarly matching tie. There were no dress pants, but Rio assumed that the black ones he was currently wearing would suffice.
Without any shame whatsoever, Rio pulled his tight-fitting shirt over his head, letting it fall to the floor. The girls, who had been patiently waiting for him but not looking straight at him, caught this in their periphery and suddenly flinched in surprise as they looked through the wide open door, revealing Rio's broad back.
Even though they had all already seen a little of Rio already, this was different. Heat pooled in all their faces without fail, breaths hitching in surprise.
"For such a slender guy, he's certainly got it all there…"
That instantly escaped Yang's mouth and the girls blushed, especially Blake, as she had been considering the same thing not too long ago.
(I didn't know a boy's back was so large…) Weiss thought, with a blush of her own.
But more than that, there was something else that drew their attention, something that had already been brought to their awareness previously.
(There are scars there too…)
As she stared at Rio's back, Ruby couldn't help but notice this.
Rio had said that his parents had passed, and while Ruby assumed he certainly hadn't had it easy, this was not what she was expecting at all. It looked like Rio had lived a very difficult childhood, seeing as how most of those scars looked considerably old for someone who was supposed to be in the midst of their teens. Of course, there was another factor that led credibility to Ruby's assumption, and that was that the scars were there at all.
Meaning he would have had to endure each and every one of those strikes without an aura. But, to experience such suffering at a young age no doubt, how painful must that have been?
Before they knew it, Rio finished and was now dressed sharply in the Beacon Academy uniform and was now standing in front of them.
"Is something wrong?"
Rio was all smiles as usual, not bothered at all by the violence he wore underneath his clothes. The girls marveled at such a kind expression for a while, that is until they noticed Rio spoke.
"Ladies?"
"N-No! We're all good to go. Onward!"
Socially awkward as always, Ruby pointed down the hall and began walking, and the others had no choice but to follow after their leader. Yang matched Ruby's pace, which left Blake and Weiss walking on either side of Rio, the white-haired heiress on the left, and the black-haired faunas on the right. Rio made eye contact with the two of them.
"Please forgive me, But I'll be relying on you girls for a bit. I still do not know my way around. I hope it's not too much trouble."
Weiss cracked a wry smile at the formality.
"You make it sound like you're asking for something unreasonable. It will be no trouble at all."
"Yeah, don't mind it." Blake added from his right, her bow twitching in response. Rio saw this and a relaxed smile slipped on his face.
"I see, then I'm glad. Thank you for the help."
…
…
…
"My name is Rio Amakawa. It is my extreme pleasure to meet all of you." he said with a smile, one that fell on his face just as naturally as he moved.
"W-Woah."
"He's really handsome…"
"H-He looks just like a prince."
"That white hair, is he a Schnee?"
Rio's smile cramped at the sheer number of eyes gazing at him, whispers and mutterings breaking out left and right, all practically incomprehensible. He had been asked to introduce himself after arriving at his very first class of the day, one taught by a Professor Port.
"Aha! A splendidly polite introduction, young man. It seems Ozpin wasn't jesting when he said you had manners." The man's boisterous voice laughed grandly as he clapped.
"It is merely a long-ingrained habit of mine sir." Rio smiled, looking at the expanse of students giving him a variety of looks.
Many of the female students were still speaking in hushed tones with looks of awe that Rio couldn't quite place the reason for. On the other hand, the boys were looking at him with barely noticeable contempt.
(Well at least that hasn't changed.)
Rio lightly sighed.
He then looked at four girls in particular, the ones who he was already familiar with. Blake and Weiss were looking at the surrounding girls with looks of exasperation and dismay, while Ruby met his gaze with a thumbs up, as well as Yang with a coy smile.
The rest of the classes passed smoothly after that— each starting with similar introductions and subsequent reactions.
Of course, Rio was the only one who was paying the most attention during the actual lectures. Whether it could be called diligence or not, passing up on a free opportunity to gain more knowledge about the world he was in would be foolish indeed.
Basically, he managed to understand quite a few things; the roles faunas and humans played in society, the application of dust in modern technology, and last but not least, how children were taught in combat schools from an early age with the intentions of becoming this world's alternative to knights— Huntsmen.
Beacon Academy was one such school.
However, it wasn't only criminal injustice Huntsmen were needed for. It seemed this place too had a variety of monster— the Grimm. It wasn't too much of a surprise, but it seemed they were a huge threat in this world. From what Rio gathered, they were mindless killing machines bathed in darkness, governed not by intelligence but by instinct. He was especially interested to find out that they were drawn by negativity.
On another note, it was no wonder Team RWBY reacted the way that they did to Rio wielding a blade upon their first meeting, considering the forest he came from was supposed to be chalk full of Grimm. Rio was surprised he didn't run into a single one, not only that, but was perfectly safe despite being unconscious for an unknown amount of time.
But he could worry about those things later. Because as it so happened, Rio was being addressed at the moment.
"Miss Xiao-Long, if you don't mind, would you be so inclined to test out our new student's combat ability for us?" Glynda asked taciturnly, making those in class talk animatedly as a result.
They were no doubt excited to see the new student in action. At least, that's what Rio assumed to be the case, though it seemed to be rather skewed towards the female gender. Some of the boys just scoffed.
"Oh hell yeah! Come on Rio! I'll show you mine if you show me yours~!" Yang said unabashed, sending an excited grin Rio's way as she practically jumped out of her seat.
The boy nodded sincerely, giving a half-lidded smile. "I would be honored to spar with you Miss Yang."
For some reason, Yang's excitable state slowed somewhat as she stared at such an expression from the boy. "Y-Yeah…!"
Those in attendance watched in anticipation as Rio and Yang soon stood meters apart.
Gazing at the ornate fighting ring, Rio himself was busy appreciating how different it was from the practice fields of his childhood academy when Glynda suddenly started to explain the rules, directing Rio's attention to the monitors above which showed a bar full of blue next to Yang's name— it was her aura.
Rio had heard about this in class. Aura was something all living things had, humans manifesting it at a young age. It was a type of life essence not so different from sorcery or spirit arts, being used for strengthening the body and healing injuries. However, to Rio's great surprise, his bar was also shown full of blue.
He quickly looked at Glynda but she didn't seem to notice anything wrong.
(I don't know how they're measuring it, but do they recognize my spirit arts as my aura…?)
Rio decided to test something out, enhancing his body's defense. But once again, Glynda didn't seem to notice anything, nor did the bar change in any way. He thought it was peculiar, but he would have to investigate it later.
"When either of your aura's reach the red, the fight is over," Glynda announced.
Yes. Right now, Rio had to focus on the task in front of him.
"Rioooooo! Feel free to beat my sister uppppp!"
Rio smiled wryly as Ruby's shout came without pause, although he was surprised at what she just said.
(Sisters?)
This was the first he was hearing of it.
He looked at Yang, who was giving Ruby an unimpressed look. With that unruly blonde hair and gleaming lilac eyes, the family resemblance was very slim. Though, that still left the option of being half-related. Or maybe it was just like how Latifa was to him, something like a soul sibling.
Nonetheless, Rio smiled gently.
"I'll remember that next time you want cookies," Yang grumbled, but looked caught off guard as she stared at Rio. "W-Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Oh, don't mind me. I'm just remembering something pleasant."
"Right, well I won't be holding back, so you better prepare that pretty face of yours for a beating," Yang taunted, as she slammed her fists together, her bright yellow gauntlets clinking together.
They were allowed weapons during this mock battle. Yang had her augmented gauntlets — which she called Ember Celica — and of course, Rio had…
The boy pulled the gleaming silver blade from its sheath with a resounding SHING! He readied it in front of him with one hand, adopting a stance where his other hand floated seemingly in a defensive manner behind him.
—He could hear Ruby and some other students gushing in the background for some reason.
Rio took Yang's provocation head on. "Of course. Then I will also make sure to keep my eyes on your pretty face in return, Miss Yang."
Yang bristled at the comment, reddening slightly. "S-Such a smooth talker. I'm going to enjoy this…!"
"You may begin!"
Glynda's shout was all it took for Yang to come hurdling at him.
…
…
…
"Come on Rio! I know you're holding back!"
Between trading blows, Yang huffed irritably at Rio, as he was lightly dodging her blows and making half-efforted counterattacks. She had worked up a substantial sweat, however Rio didn't look tired in the least. Nonetheless, she was still giving the boy a look of fiery determination. Her lilac eyes were beginning to flicker red, and to Rio's surprise, her hair was starting to fizzle as well.
"Is that how it looks? Perhaps Miss Yang is just too formidable?"
"Liar… as if I would believe something like that. Don't you get angry Rio? Fight me as if your angry…!"
Yang proposed something like this as Rio evaded another one of the girl's right hooks.
"Like I'm angry? How do you mean?"
Yang seemed to be confused as how to reply to that as she backed off slightly, scratching her head. But her face lit up as an idea came to her.
"Ah…! Rio, do you hate anyone? Actually nevermind, it's you, so probably—"
"Yes…"
Rio's instantaneous reply shocked her, but more than that was how he said it— completely devoid of any emotion or expression.
"I-I see. Then… picture me as that person. Fight me like that."
Yang's suggestion made Rio falter, the grip on his blade trembling slightly. "Imagine Miss Yang as… that person?"
Hesitation was clear in his voice, something Yang couldn't have known the reason for. But that uncertainty lasted only but a moment, as something slowly began to take its place, something he tried desperately to stifle down through his memories of Haruto. Rio's eyes glossed, a darker, more sinister shade clashed with his usual vibrant amber. And those eyes only seem to notice one thing.
Red eyes.
Yang had red eyes.
…
…
…
"Ah…~! That face she made at the end there, that was beautiful. Aren't you glad brat~? Your dear mother made such a beautiful expression to see you off~! Ahahahahahahahaahaha~!"
…
…
…
Completely unaware of Rio's current plight, Yang nodded her head in a pleased manner. "Yeah, that's right. Imagine me as the person you hate mo—"
She did not get to finish. In fact, from the very beginning, she should have understood something was wrong. But it was too late now. Because in the next moment, a wave of a paralyzing feeling shot into the very fibers of her body. Yang all of a sudden felt cold and she went completely numb.
"Gh…!?"
Rio was the source.
He was glaring at her with hateful eyes, boring down her quivering form so intensely she wanted to fall over and cower. This was more than hatred; this was pure unadulterated killing intent.
(T-This feeling… why am I scared…? Why am I scared of Rio?!)
Yang had asked Rio to imagine her as the person he hated most, however it was clear just how Rio felt about that person he mentioned. Rio did not just hate this person, he absolutely loathed them. This massive bloodlust was not the result of some petty grudge or apparent dislike; this was the result of someone doing something so wrong and immoral that Rio saw only one path forward to reconcile their relationship.
Death.
Rio wanted…
(Rio wants to murder that person…)
Yang thought this as she stared at Rio's cold terrifying eyes.
Even if Rio knew his opponent was not that man, the rage would not disappear. He may have had several years to process this feeling, but that did not stop the overflowing bloodlust leaking out of Rio at this moment. After all, he knew better than anyone… until the day he died— no, even in the afterlife, he would never stop hating that man.
"Mr. Rio! The match is over. Stop! Rio!"
Glynda, who was also struck frozen at the killing-intent coming from the boy, somehow made a move to stop the match as something bad was about to happen. However, her words fell on deaf ears.
Rio lunged at Yang, sword in hand.
Before Yang even knew what was happening, Rio had swung his blade for her neck without any hesitation. Even with aura, such a blow would leave Yang incredibly, maybe even fatally injured. So with lightning fast reflexes, Yang whipped her head backwards so fast that her neck immediately felt a sharp tinge of pain.
But…
…Flutter…
Yang saw golden locks flying free through the air.
Rio had cut her front fringes off, and he was making no signs of stopping. In that moment, Yang momentarily forgot her fear of Rio's deadly onslaught and got mad herself.
"YOU BASTARD!"
But—
"Be quiet and die, human garbage."
Rio's unfeeling voice cut through Yang's rage like it was butter. Like it was a cold wind scattering the weak and puny rose petals that stood in opposition. But it wasn't just that voice that stopped Yang dead in her tracks; it was the pommel of the sword that buried itself deep in her gut.
"Gah!"
Despite her aura, Yang spat out saliva as her stomach was struck with an extremely painful blow. She unceremoniously flopped on her back but she willed herself to stand up regardless. But…
(I… I can't move.)
True as she thought, Yang's body wouldn't move, the commands the brain was sending were not being received by her nerves and tendons. At that moment, she had a thought. And Yang, had only had this thought once in her entire life. It was when her and Ruby had gotten stranded in the woods in Patch, surrounded by Grimm when they were children, completely weak and ready to be devoured.
She was going to—
(…die…)
And the moment she thought this, Rio had appeared over her in an instant, flipping his blade expertly in a reverse grip, holding it high above her head. The blade glinted ominously for just a moment, and then it came crashing down.
"R—Rio…?"
"Rio! Stop!"
At the same time of Yang's timid mutter, Glynda's voice echoed, raising her riding crop, trying to distort Rio's blade when—
Crush…!
Rio's blade had loudly stabbed into the floor of the arena, right beside Yang's frightened eyes. Everyone just stood shock still, as a seemingly never-ending silence ensued. Yang's mouth was opening and closing; however, she was unable to mutter a single word to the Rio who was now staring at her with an expression completely different from the frightening malice he had shown. Yes, in its place revealed a distraught expression of someone absolutely disgusted with themselves.
Rio's face twisted in regret.
"…I'm sorry."
Yang flinched when she heard Rio's voice, and she couldn't help the tingle of fear that was sent through her body. Upon seeing this, Rio's face soured even further, turning to a look of pure anguish. After all, hadn't he seen this expression before, on those he cared about?
It was…
It was when Ruri and Sayo had nearly been assaulted, and he almost beat that man to death right in front of them. Those terrified eyes were staring up at him in the exact same way.
"…I'm sorry. I'll leave and never talk to you again."
Rio's clouded eyes sought escape from the situation as he made to get up. He made a mistake and ruined his relationship with his new friends, kind people who had been nothing but warm and forthcoming to him ever since he got here. Rio cursed himself. How many times would he let this dark feeling inside of him take over?
Rio was going to disappear, and he probably won't find his way back home. But maybe that was fine. Maybe that's what he deserves for being this type of rotten person…
Thus, Rio made to stand up—
"I…"
—But a pretty feminine hand grabbed at his sleeve.
"I-I'm sorry…"
A voice was heard, saying the exact same thing Rio had muttered. So, Rio couldn't help but gape in surprise as he saw Yang moving her trembling lips. Rio barely got his words out in response.
"W-…Why are you apologizing…?"
Of course Rio was asking something like that. Or… maybe she was so scared that she was begging for her life. Like… Like he was some sort of monster. At that thought, a cynical smile played over Rio's lips.
(Of course. What else would she—)
But Yang spoke again.
"I'm sorry Rio. This… was my fault. I caused you to have such a painful expression on your face."
Rio was dumbstruck.
"Painful…? No, that was pure hatred. I was trying to kill you. How can you say that? How can you apologize to a monster? I'm…" Rio's voice cracked as the next words came flowing out much to the agony of his soul. "I'm no better than… him…"
"That's not true."
Yang shook her head, denying his words.
She didn't know who hurt Rio like this in the past, she couldn't know. But she didn't have to know how the boy had been hurt to be able to see the pain in his eyes right now. She knew Rio had lost his mother and father, and while she couldn't say she knew that exact heartache, she did know what it was like to lose a family member. And maybe perhaps because of this understanding was why she was able to say what she said next. Because in that moment, there was something only she could see.
"Rio, if you're not in pain…. why are you crying…?"
Ah…?
The moment she said that, clear liquid could be felt sliding down Rio's cheeks, and then dropping to the ground below them. He was… crying…? Rio made a swipe at his eyes, confirming what Yang said to be true, that he really was actually crying.
"Rio… I…"
Yang didn't know what to say, but she found herself extending a single hand to Rio's face, as if trying to comfort him even the tiniest bit. But Rio caught her hand before it reached him; the boy looked away with a bitter expression.
"You don't need to do that. Moreover, aren't you scared?"
Yang let out a shaky breath, giving Rio a wry smile. "Yeah, I haven't been that scared in a while ahaha."
The blonde girl laughed sheepishly.
"But you aren't. Rio isn't a scary person. You only did it because of me after all. …I'm sorry I made you relive bad memories…"
"…"
Yang's apology was without a reply for the longest time. Rio was just staring at Yang with his eyes widened just a fraction. But then, Rio smiled. It was a smile Yang had seen a lot of, and she found herself enjoying it every time it appeared on his face. It was with this expression did he speak to her.
"No, Miss Yang is the one who deserves an apology. I'm deeply sorry for not controlling myself."
"How about we both forgive each other for being stupid and call it even?"
"Haha, yes. That sounds good."
A comfortable silence enveloped as they just stared at each other. …That is until someone cleared their throat in an obvious manner.
"…While I'm glad that Mr. Rio's actions haven't left any lasting physical or mental damage, I would kindly ask the two of you to flirt somewhere other than the class arena…"
"—!?"
Yes. Glynda's dry voice broke the boy and girl out of their deadlock, in which a boy was laying over a girl on the ground. Rio's face colored slightly as he stiffened.
"Of—Of course Miss Glynda. My apologies for causing such a scene."
Rio spoke such words to Glynda as he got up and bowed towards her.
"It's fine. Just don't let it happen again."
And then she added—
"It is good that you snapped out of it yourself, however you should learn to control those particular impulses, in class at the very least."
"Yes, it is as you say."
Rio nodded succinctly, still bowing. He then turned to Yang, who was still on her back.
"Miss Yang, shall we?"
Rio extended a hand to the fallen girl, causing her to look surprised for a second before smiling gratefully. However, right when Rio was pulling her up, Yang's legs wobbled, and she slumped to the ground with a startled expression.
"—Ah."
Rio quickly knelt down next to her and gazed at her with a worried expression.
"Miss Yang, are you okay?"
His earnest concern must had made her embarrassed because she looked away from him and laughed sheepishly.
"D-Don't worry, my legs are just a little out of it at the moment. I'll… I'll probably have to ask for one of the stretchers…"
Though even in the dismissive way Yang was speaking, she was biting her lip in frustration. She was beyond mortified at her predicament, so much so that her face glowed with shame. How could she call herself a huntress in training if she couldn't even get up after a measly school issued mock battle? Right before she was going to ask Ms. Goodwitch for her to assist her with her plight, Rio spoke.
"…I see. Then I guess… it can't be helped. Please excuse me."
"Huh? Rio what are you—kyah?!"
Yang suddenly let out an extremely feminine noise as her sense of gravity shifted, as Rio had promptly picked her up, holding her against his chest. It was a bridal carry.
Yang's eyes went as wide as saucers and heat spread throughout her entire body.
"W-W-Wait a second Rio. You don't have to do this— I mean I'm kinda excited because no one had ever done this to me before besides my parents, Ah! Wait no, this is bad. Rio, I'm really heavy, aren't I? You can put me down. Yeah, I can manage somehow on my own."
Yang wasn't sure Rio was able to understand a word she was saying as she was speaking rapid fire. Additionally, the massive blush on her face probably didn't help things either. But Rio threw all of Yang's worries by the wayside.
"Heavy? No, Miss Yang is very pleasant to carry. Very light."
Yang's blush grew darker, and she began to stutter. "Y-You're just saying that. I-I know I'm a heavy girl."
"As I told you, there are no problems. I'm more worried about your comfort Miss Yang. I hope I'm not touching anywhere uncomfortable?"
It took a while for Yang to process what that meant. Anywhere uncomfortable? Yes, Rio would naturally be worried about something like that as a guy. And while Yang was extremely embarrassed to be handled so gently and expertly by a boy one year younger than her, she decided to engage in some lighthearted teasing.
"Ahaha— c-could you perhaps be nervous around me Rio? Is my cute little self that charming?"
The grinning Yang tried to stifle down the urge to stutter and look away as she looked at Rio's slightly startled expression. She thought she saw him blush at the insinuation which meant it was her victory, but the boy's next words came, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"It's only natural for me to be nervous, no? Miss Yang is quite the beautiful girl."
Yang's mouth dropped as she was left completely speechless at the complete turnabout.
(B-Beautiful…?!)
But before she even could think of a reply to such flattering words, Rio had suddenly started walking forward, causing her to instinctively grab one of his arms in support.
"I'll be taking Miss Yang to the infirmary just in case, Miss Glynda."
At Rio's declaration, Glynda only sighed and nodded.
"That's fine. It's your last class anyway. …However, I feel I should remind you not to fool around in the nurse's room."
Rio cocked his head in confusion. "Fool arou—?"
"Ah! R-Rio, let's get going, we shouldn't hold up the class anymore, right?"
Yang's voice echoed frantically, making Rio even more confused, but he nodded nonetheless and carried Yang off, completely oblivious to the lilac-eyed, blonde-haired girl's deafening heartbeat and glowing face.
Not only that but…
(T-This is kinda nice…)
One could not ignore the absolutely glowing smile that appeared on her face.
…
…
…
"Uwaa! I'm beat!"
Yang collapsed onto her bed, earning many looks in response.
"Should someone who spent a few hours resting in the nurse's room really be that tired?" Blake asked wryly.
"Hey I fought, didn't I? I'm tired."
The entire room winced at that. They had all seen Yang's 'fight', not that it could be even classified at that. Of course, the reason for that lay in— they all stared at Rio.
"About that, I'm—"
"No no no, I don't think so sir!"
Rio was about to go into his usual apologetic brood, but Yang bolted upwards and placed a finger to his lips, effectively quieting him. That made the second time today one of the girls had done this. Though, in fairness, he had done it to Blake first.
"Sorry?"
Rio looked confused at the action.
"I don't want to hear anymore apologies out of you for what happened. Anymore, and I'll have you carry me everywhere for the next week."
The girls deadpanned at Yang's shameful request.
"Don't you feel any shame at all saying that...?" Weiss asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Nope~!"
Rio's eyes softened in amusement at the scene.
These girls really were too kind.
He had made a mistake that should have reduced whatever relationship they had to zero, no— to nothing. But they were chatting amicably without a care. Was that naivety? No, Yang acknowledged she was scared of Rio's actions, but not Rio himself.
Could he really believe that?
Could he really choose to believe that this part of himself could be accepted?
Either way, he had to show his gratitude.
"Thank you all for your consideration. I'll be sure to uphold that promise, Miss Yang."
However, as he said that, Yang's smile stiffened slightly. "Right, that's another thing."
She seemed to gaze at Blake, Weiss, and Ruby in turn, all of them nodding as if they collectively understood what was being thought of with just their eyes alone. Was this a woman's intuition?
Ruby spoke up. "Um, Rio? I think we'd all appreciate it if you called us by our names. Ah, just our names. No need to add the 'miss' every time. It uh…."
She spoke awkwardly, reddening slightly.
"It makes me feel like you're purposely distancing yourself from us…"
Ah…
Rio widened his eyes, looking at each of them in turn. They were all sporting a similar expression, proving Ruby's comment to be on the mark.
"I'm—" Rio's first instinct was to apologize, however he caught Yang's tentative stare and caught himself. "…It seems in my attempt to show the four of you respect, I've made you uncomfortable instead. Alright then, I will do as you say. Please… Please continue to look after me, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang."
They each smiled at that, and he noticed Weiss looked especially satisfied for some reason, but he shook it off, choosing to make a comment about something else.
"I really should have realized sooner, since even Blake had asked me to do so beforehand."
Ruby, Yang, and Weiss blinked.
"Do what?" Weiss asked.
"W-Wait—" A girl frantically tried to stop what was coming.
"Hm? Address her casually by name of course."
Blake suddenly looked embarrassed, but Rio still answered without picking up on it at all. The three girls sent her looks that seemed mildly impressed. Yang cupped her chin, giving the girl a grin.
"It's always the quiet ones."
"S…Stop misunderstanding. I only asked for the same reason you all did," Blake muttered while looking away.
"Hm. A likely story." Yang did not look convinced.
Rio coughed into his fist, drawing everyone's attention away from the raven-haired faunas, making her sigh in relief.
"Shouldn't we get ready for bed?"
That's right, classes were over, and Rio and the others had returned to their dorm, of course not before eating dinner in the mess hall.
That was a very interesting experience to say the least. Many female students had asked him to sit with them, but he turned each of them down as gently as possible, saying he would try to do so next time. He was curious as to why they seemed so happy about that, but it seemed to satisfy them so he saw no problem with it.
It wasn't like this popularity would last forever anyway. People tended to forget the new student after a while. Blake told him that wasn't the reason why he was being sought after, but she didn't say anything more than that.
Nonetheless, it was finally time to rest. Even Rio couldn't suppress the exhaustion he was feeling.
So regarding Rio's suggestion, Ruby brought a fist down on her palm. "That's right…! We all need our sleep."
So with that, everyone took care of their nightly rituals and all laid themselves down to rest. However, not before one comment came with a certain amount of cheek.
"Feel free to join me if you get lonely Rio~…!" Yang said, no doubt grinning widely amidst the darkness.
Rio had no way of knowing who exactly sputtered in surprise, but he was sure it was more than one.
"I…I think I'll be fine, Yang," Rio said with a dry voice after much hesitation, but not because he was considering it.
And with that, seconds turned into minutes, and minutes to hours, and soon, they all sequestered themselves into slumber. With a mind hazy filled with exhaustion, Rio finally closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
He wasn't sure if being at this school was the right choice, and he wasn't sure what lie ahead in his future, but he did know that he would not stop trying to find his way back to everyone.
Not even death would keep him from that goal.
.
. .
. . .
'Sleep well Haruto…'
With no witnesses, a certain pink-haired spirit materialized in the room, cuddling up to Rio's sleeping form. The next morning would be hectic to say the least.
Thoughts?
I hope you enjoyed. This has been something I've been tinkering around with for quite a while, but never published because of constant changes and revisions. But here was the finished product. This was a test more than anything, seeing as how I've never done a crossover before. There are a metric ton of plot points that haven't been cleared up in this story, mainly the timelines (of both universes), but I just wanted to publish this first chapter to see how people react to it.
I feel just as strongly with [ Spirit Chronicles ] as, if not more than, [ Toaru ].
Rio may be your average good-looking protagonist who gets girls simply by breathing, and he might be a little overpowered, but his backstory is interesting. Him getting isekai'ed into the body of a seven-year-old with his twenty-year-old memories intact? That's something you'd only see in Chinese and Korean Webtoons.
If Re: Zero sets the bar for #1 in creative plots in the isekai genre, Spirit Chronicles might be fourth or third place for me.
Now, is it realistic for me to make as much of the RWBY female population fall for him?
No.
Am I going to try to do so regardless?
Yessir.
Anyway, please tell me what you thought.
-EPSILON
