The boys didn't have long to enjoy school and the monotony of training after they secured the merchandise for their proprietor. Before long, Lukas' father had passed a message along to the boys that their mutual 'friend' had asked for their presence once more. This time with the crew that had done him such a generous favor.
Raiden and Lukas had already met the infamous man before and had no such qualms even if Raiden was hesitant after the 'incident' last time. Niel took more convincing as he felt his image of what a huntsman should be would be sullied by meeting such a man. Lukas was quick to batter down that defense by stating he was already working with the man so there was no sense in being rude.
Unable to defy his partner's reasoning, Niel folded quickly with a begrudging nod. With all in agreement, Lukas and Caelum decided that they would do the talking. For now, they had to focus on class and surviving Professor Port's insistence on them being his class aids.
Aside from their already busy schedule and their professor's attention, the boys also had the pleasure of being in constant contact with team's CFVY, RWBY, and on occasion, JNPR. The latter two naturally had some team members with mixed emotions regarding them, namely their leader.
Aside from shared meals, sparse study sessions, and less intense brief spars. Caelum was quick to provide excuses and reasoning as to why he and his team were largely unavailable. He quickly gained attention as a slave driver while also unfriendly to teachers and peers alike. His team meanwhile, performed well, warranting his perceived rules yet also came to be seen as introverted.
Even Lukas' extroverted reputation and flirting had died down amidst such perceptions. Despite this, some of their more persistent acquaintances were bolstered in their attempts at fraternization. Namely Port, Coco, and most notable of all, Ruby.
The first two used pretenses of professionalism and school for conversation, training, and such. The young peer of theirs, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than friendship. And perhaps most surprising of all was that she was very vocal about it with the simple reason being that they "shared the same dreams."
It was difficult to disagree with the beaming smile of the young girl even for Caelum and Lukas who found themselves conceding more often than not at her advances. Team CRLN knew not everyone held the same aspirations yet without ratting on themselves played along and folded to maintain their secrecy. They each held varying dreams and hopes amongst themselves after all, let alone all of Beacon.
With varying levels of success, the team was able to free themselves from their insistent schoolmates for this important meeting.
Or at least they had assumed it was such.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the boys of the hour" called Roman with wide arms and a swing of his cane. Mind introducing the rest of your little team here Killer?"
Caelum's eyes narrowed as Roman puffed on his cigar with confidence, his nickname for the boy in grey not fondly received.
The four boys stood in a semi-circle. Caelum kept his eyes firmly on the man as his teammates eyed their surroundings. Foregoing their bright casual outfits under his order, the four were wearing the same clothing they had on their previous heist with their weapons hidden beneath their cloaks. Wishing to move on, Caelum obliged his benefactor's question.
"Lukas Coil. I'm sure you've met" answered Caelum gruffly as Lukas waved nonchalantly to Roman who gave a polite nod. "Niel Taklashin" finished Caelum as Niel politely bowed his head with a hand over his heart.
"Charming little group you got following you" replied Roman as Neo sauntered beside him. "I gotta say, you surprised Neo and me with your heist. Almost made us feel like we need to step up our game."
"Unfortunately, theatrics ain't our leader's preference" snickered Lukas. "He's as professional as you can get for an amateur in this line of work."
Roman's single visible eye lit up at the rare compliment from the usually boastful syndicate heir. "That so?" he asked curiously, dropping the expensive cigar butt on the concrete floor and extinguishing it with his cane.
"Apparently" answered Caelum slightly annoyed. "So do you care to explain why you've called us here for seemingly nothing?"
The anger was transparent in his tone as he raised his palms, gesturing to their surroundings. Again, Caelum and Raiden found themselves at the docks meeting the notorious criminal. Outside the concrete structure they stood in, the sounds of dozens perhaps over a hundred individuals could be heard coming and going as the sun lowered itself for the day.
Roman was undisturbed by the high amount of foot traffic and vehicles meaning it was either those who were in his pocket or the Fang. Ever suspicious, Caelum was armed and cautious of the situation. Something his teammates and Roman picked up on.
Throwing his cane up and catching it with the swing of an arm, Roman turned on his heel and began to walk towards a dimly lit exit. "Come now Killer, I'm not in the habit of making bad business. I called you here to give some updates and ask a few questions regarding your orders. Consider it a hospitality call."
"Then you didn't need all of us here did you?" asked Caelum defiantly staying in place.
Roman gave a sarcastic sigh. "I like to see who I'm dealing with. Especially when they perform a good job for me. I'd never have expected ol' man Coil's kid and a northern continent native to be in your posse though. Guess you're full of surprises ain't ya? Though I won't stop you from leaving, it'll be your loss."
With a tap of his cane on the steel door Roman exited with Neo following and peeking back in to give a sultry wave back. Caelum looked to Raiden who seemed stiff at the circumstances. On his other side, Niel had his hands on his hips ready for a shootout as Lukas stepped in as the voice of reason.
"Don't let him get to ya. He goes at his own pace. Don't make the mistake of getting tripped up over it." he advised.
Caelum took a breath and nodded. The four then followed out the same door to see a wide grinning Roman and Neo standing expectantly in the dim light. "Always glad to see some smart kids in the world. Don't worry now, they're tamed."
The man's remark referenced the dozens of faunus in white masks, moving vehicles and crates of supplies along a reserved stretch of the docks. The scale and movement of traffic couldn't have gone unnoticed by Vale unless someone was turning a blind eye.
"Just as you're thinking kids, pay off the right people, and all of a sudden, everyone under the blanket of law is blind whether it's day or night. Our friends here even got permission to recruit more laborers for me thanks to the incompetence of Vale's finest and a bit of strict training. All leading to some very profitable business." As Roman recounted the successes, Neo's head slowly nodded with a proud smile. The two in sync even when boasting.
"Despite some initial hiccups, we've been able to secure most of what you've ordered and are shipping it to where you've requested." The group of six then passed by three familiar large crates being moved on the back of a large vehicle with an attached crane.
With a tap of his cane against the passing wooden crate, Roman glanced back at the boys. "Operations have been going so smoothly in fact, that even my supervisor has had some positive things to say." Roman suddenly stopped and took on a more serious tone as he stomped his cane onto the cement with a loud crack.
"And that, is one hell of a frightening thing."
Raiden and Niel exchanged a cursory glance at the insinuation. Unimpressed Lukas nodded towards Caelum who spoke. "Is that all you have for us? If so, then we have more important matters to attend to."
"Ah, homework and dates I'm sure" chuckled Roman as Neo joined in, mockingly kicking up her heel, giving an exaggerated twirl of her umbrella.
"Charming" grit Caelum. "You wanted to boast of your success and scale of operation but where does this concern us?"
Roman pulled another cigar out as Neo pulled a lighter and lit it for him. Taking a long drag, he exhaled upwards into the dimly lit sky. An eerie quiet had begun to take the dock as his 'employees' had begun moving their operations indoors. "Listen, Killer. In this business, believe it or not, relationships are everything. Trust can be discarded for benefit, loyalty for cash, and lives for convenience."
The words seemed to have the desired effect on Caelum's team. Even Lukas grew uncomfortable at the words of experience from a man not too far from their age. Yet as Caelum stared at him and Neo who even held a somber smile at distant memories, he could tell in the boy's eyes that words alone would not shake him.
With a bitter laugh, Roman extended his cigar out. As if rehearsed, Neo drew her blade and cut off the smoldering end. Placing it back in his cigar box, Roman walked past the boys and gestured for them to follow. "Glad to see you don't disappoint at even the grim prospects of working with me" he snickered.
"So long as we both benefit, neither of us has anything to fear" snipped back Caelum.
With a hearty laugh, Roman looked to Neo who silently joined him. "That's just what I like to hear. Come along and I'll show you some more of the 'finer' materials I managed to snag for you as thanks for that job. Take it as me scratching your back."
With a confident stride and Neo following, a small skip to her step, the boys watched as their business partner walked towards the large warehouse where the White Fang had begun congregating. Slamming the door wide open he walked in with a swagger that drew irksome glares from the faunus who slowly returned to their work of organizing their logistics. Aloud he announced an explanation for the four youths behind him.
"Worry not my dear street urchins, behind me are some of your more competent benefactors. Don't mind us as they've simply come to peruse our side of the operation. Let's not cause any scenes either less there be any discrepancies brought up with your management." The casual, taunting tone and thinly veiled threats did little to assuage the faunus who simply began avoiding Roman and his entourage before together leaving the area.
"Finally they get the hint" sneered Roman. "Can lead the unfortunate to water but can't make them think, I always say. Neo, be a dear and show our associates their reward." Roman took a seat atop a waist-high table and crossed his legs as Neo sashayed past the boys and stood before an empty wall with steel barriers in front of it.
With doubtful gazes, the boys watched as the heterochromatic girl snapped her fingers and the sound of breaking glass resounded in the building. Behind her, a large stack of crates and steel pallets appeared from an illusionary concealment. With a prideful grin, she walked past the boys again and dragged her umbrella against Caelum's chest.
The casual show of her semblance left him unimpressed even as he interpreted it as the threat she intended. If they were to fight again, she could be anywhere and he wouldn't be so lucky. As his team inspected the so-called reward. The nonchalant demeanor of his associates left him feeling unreasonably tense. Not only was the short girl a lethal threat to him and his team but the simple fact that Roman and his team were at the same location was problematic. It would only take one slip, one rat, to leak the location and have them all ruined.
There was certainly more for Caelum to lose here, even more than his teammates whom he implicated. Torchwick and his assistant could simply flee whereas they could not. The Fang? He didn't give a single care as to their fate. Voices of amazement called his attention away from the pessimistic thoughts as Raiden excitedly called Caelum over.
"You have to see this! It's not everything but this is some of the rarer material you listed! With this you can speed up your schedule and even have room for testing!" called his excited partner rummaging through the crates of tech and highly refined metals.
Caelum looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow at the smirking duo. Roman shrugged. "What can I say? I appropriated it from a certain kingdom that wasn't using it." A toothy smile from Neo revealed that it wasn't as clean an ordeal as Roman made it sound.
"I suppose a thanks is in order," said Caelum looking over the material. "I'll have my accountant send you a written version," he said sarcastically, eyeing a small spherical ball bearing.
"Charming Killer, just charming. I didn't do it for thanks. It's just business and seeing how we're in business, maybe you could answer some questions for me."
With a cautious gaze, Caelum closed the crate and replied. "Depends on the question. Wouldn't want to sour relations after all. Right?"
Roman let a short laugh out as he nodded his head. "Course, course. Nothing too nosy. But me and Neo here are just dying to know. What do you need all of this for?"
Caelum let a condescending smirk slip. "That's unfortunately need to know and you don't need to."
Roman drummed his fingers against his cane patiently thinking of a follow-up. "Hmm, it won't cause a clash of interests later down the line with me and my employer will it?"
Caelum's eyes narrowed as he observed Roman and Neo. The two's gazes turned sharp as they watched his team behind him, steadily tensing. Turning to his team he extended a flat palm and spoke to Roman. "If I'm to answer that truthfully, I'll need to know what your employer is planning."
Roman let a scoff loose. "Sharp-witted and sharp-tongued. Gotta say you're killing me here, Killer. You know I can't tell you that."
"The fact that even your mouth can't speak of it is telling enough."
Roman sent a sharp glare from under the brim of his hat. "Watch it, Kid. You struggled against Neo and I got a warehouse full of feral faunus just past that door."
"I don't think either of us are willing to risk death here just yet" replied Caelum. But I can tell you this, My quarrel isn't within Vale."
Roman seemed to ease at the statement. The man's sole visible eye shifted to Neo who released her grip on her umbrella and sat next to him. "Hear that Neo? No fun fight for you tonight" he snickered. "Gotta say, that is a relief. I suppose we can leave the probing there."
Suddenly Raiden spoke up, excitement brimming in his voice. "When the time comes I can assure you it'll be beautiful! A true work of art, I promise!"
Roman was surprised at the innocent declaration. A small fit of chuckling emerged as Neo silently mimed him. "That so? Well, I'll look forward to your grand arts and craft project."
Caelum sent a reprimanding look at Raiden who shrugged it off, too busy imagining modifications to the historic ship in dock. It felt almost deceitful that his partner was too caught up in the history of the vessel to see what they were doing. With a sigh, Caelum asked a favor of Roman. "Mind if we borrow some employees?"
"Are they gonna return alive this time?" asked Roman as Neo continued quietly laughing behind a hand.
Despite the curious glares of Lukas and Niel, Caelum assured him. "So long as they don't damage our equipment. We arrived on a bullhead so we just need to load this gift of yours.
"Grab whomever you want. We got a little party going on next door, an open invitation for new members you could say" explained Roman. "I'll send for some help your way, but I simply must go. I've been given the honors of an introductory speech you see. Your little gift to me will surely help me spread my message."
Lukas let a laugh out. "Always a man of words aren't ya Torchwick?"
"Elegant words, mind you" corrected Roman as he hopped off his seat and snatched his cane. "Now gentleman, it has been a pleasure but I simply must go and recite my lines. Very important business I can assure you."
"Just make sure you send the help. Come by for a drink sometime. I'm sure my old man will welcome ya so long as you leave trouble at the door" offered Lukas.
"A tempting offer that I'll think over dear Lil' Coil" answered Roman with a wave. "Hopefully you're company will be in better spirits next time."
Lukas laughed as he looked at Caelum, the clear subject of the remark. His leader glowered after Roman and Neo who strut past him giving a playful smile and wave before departing behind a door.
"I don't think I'll ever understand those types of people" declared Niel.
"You'll never have to worry about 'em so long as I and our dear guard dog of a leader here are on watch" stated Lukas confidently.
"And what do you mean by that?" hissed Caelum.
"Nothing but exactly that" snickered Lukas.
"I think he means you could be more amiable Caelum" answered Raiden. "Perhaps ease up? Smile maybe?"
Caelum looked at Raiden then turned away outright ignoring the suggestion. "Get the bullhead so we can start loading this up" he ordered.
Soon after a dozen faunus in masks appeared and with mild disgruntlement, began assisting in the loading of the prized material. With Caelum watching over to ensure there were no "mix-ups" it was clear he trusted the faunus as much as they trusted the mysteriously clothed boys. Especially as they were all human. Even Niels' overt friendliness and gestures were coldly snubbed as the faunus set to complete their task.
In the next room over, excited murmurs began as accusatory voices arose. Then silence came as Roman began speaking aloud. It seemed his oratory skills weren't overstated as the crowd began to resonate with him. Even the faunus with them began nodding and murmuring in agreement.
The boys worked silently as the words of the speech meant nothing to them, all but Caelum who seemed disgusted with the words he heard.
"You and I all~ have a common enemy. The ones in control. The people pulling the strings. The dirty rotten humans that run our kingdoms. Government, military, even the schools. They're all to blame for your lot in life!"
Caelum's team was unsure which part aggravated their leader but all four could agree that Roman had certainly mastered manipulation to one step below Lukas' semblance. The loading began to wrap up as Roman called forth the new initiates. Suddenly a gunshot rang out and the building's power cut. A backup generator kicked on instantly lighting up the loading bay the team was in when the sound of a shattering window was followed by the thundering of the building's exterior wall being smashed.
"What the hell?!" called Lukas as the building shook and the Faunus scrambled for their arms. A small figure emerged from the other room in the dim light and sprinted for a nearby dormant bullhead. It was Neo.
Caelum intercepted her and demanded to know what was going on. "What happened?!"
The girl had no time for him to distract her, silently sending a fiery glare at him as he deciphered what she meant. Under his breath, he sighed. "Can't that man stay out of trouble for five minutes when we're around?" Turning to his team, Caelum gave new orders.
"Niel!, Lukas!, load the last of the cargo up and ensure it gets delivered! That's our priority!"
Lukas shooed Niel away to rally the faunus and complete the task as he questioned Caelum. "What about you?"
"Raiden with me!" shouted Caelum. "We're going to bail out our investor, so long as we have a ride." Looking down at Neo, Caelum awaited as the petite girl stared up at him. She eyed the younger boy suspiciously before ushering him to follow with her umbrella in hand.
Making a temporary detour, Caelum stopped by a pile of arms and supplies. Rifling through the boxes, he pulled a few handfuls of materials before boarding the Bullhead that quickly departed under the urgency of Neo's handling.
"What did you grab? Asked Raiden.
"This, put it on and take this" declared Caelum as he handed over a white fang mask and a cheap DMR with an optic and some magazines.
"What?!" asked Raiden.
"I'm not willing to have my face plastered across Vale for helping in this nor the VPD searching for evidence of my weapon. That said, we need him. Put it on and load those mags" he demanded tossing a bandolier of ammo.
The two boys began loading the few magazines they had and prepared for an engagement as explosions could be heard from the city streets below. A cursory glance out the porthole showed a mech pursuing two small figures lithely jumping across vehicles.
It was almost laughable how both Roman and the two figures he chased showed no regard for being clandestine or for the lives they were extinguishing. Neo circled from above, watching the situation unfold as Caelum looked over to Raiden who already adorned the bone-white mask of a terrorist organization.
With a heavy sigh, Caelum leered at the same mask in his hands. "Trash" he muttered before placing the cover on his face and approaching Neo at the controls.
-Chapter End-