The Phases of Remnant
ESKK: A new chapter has begun. Time to start reading and enjoying it. Enjoy it and leave a review before leaving.
(Begin)
-Insert Dot Hack ROOTS OST Silly Go Round by Fiction Junction Yuuka (TV SIZE)-
-Yume kara samete mo-
The song began with the images of Aura with Haseo and Ruby reaching for the Twilight Bracelet. Aura was holding the bracelet in what looked like a forest of fantasy.
-Kono te wo nobasu yo-
The next image showed two hands reaching out towards each other but without any distinguishable markings it was impossible to tell those to whom they belonged. In turn the music picked up to show the title of the story.
"Phases of Remnant."
The next image showed four balls of energy with the images of winter, fall, spring, and summer flying through with the Twilight Bracelet. The song then continued as the image changed once more.
-Onaji tsuyosa de yobi au-
The next image showed Haseo running across the screen but the image of Skeith the Terror of Death behind him taking up the background.
-Kokoro ni nareru no naraba-
The next image showed Atoli walking across the screen with the image of a broken sword and what appeared to be Balmung in the background.
-Nanninbun no kizu demo-
The next image showed Ruby walking down a path with a smile as behind her was the image of the Twilight Bracelet in the hands of the Silver Eyed Kite and Black Rose.
-Boku wa uketomerareru yo-
The following image showed Ozpin as he looked upon a mimic form of Ruby walking off with her own scythe dripping with fresh blood. Accompanying this was an endless void as this figure showed itself to be something beyond human.
-Mou sukoshi datte ki ga surunda-
The next images was a montage of Ruby with team RWBY, Haseo with Team HAKE, and Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora looking at a saddened Atoli as Jaune was found lying in a hospital bed with monitors all over him.
-Kono kabe ga kuzureru Reimei-
The images that showed next was that of the Beacon Clock Tower before four Azure Flames flew by and began to take shape. The shapes taken were Azure Kite, Azure, Balmung, Azure Orca, and finally what appeared to be an Azure form of Summer Rose. It then showed Haseo, Ruby, and their teams preparing for battle against these foes. It then switched with the riff of a guitar and the surge of Dust blowing through.
-Yume kara samete mo mada minai yume no hou made-
Next was shown a montage of images starting with Ovan in a Library reading a book with one hand. Following this was Ozpin as he stood inside the Beacon Tower with his cane in hand. Then showed Haseo and Ruby charging in with weapons drawn for battle. Their foe was the blue and white knock off of Ruby as Ruby attacked first with the image of her teammates showing. Haseo went next as his images showed his own teammates as well.
-Bokura wa hitori de hashiri tsudukeru shika nainda-
The following image showed Pi and Glynda hard at work as well as the images of Sakubo jumping into her mothers' arms before being replaced by Gorre and then back to Sakubo and Glynda. The next images showed Haseo and Ruby charging into battle before they ended up falling through the ground to reveal the forms of AIDA hovering about.
-Korogari mayotte tsukuridasu boku no inryoku ga Itsuka Kimi e-
The next images showed Ruby and Haseo falling into the abyss before tightening their grips on their weapons. What followed was Skeith appearing and the Twilight Bracelet shining to life before Skeith and Ruby proceeded to fire off a Data Drain at the images of AIDA, Salem, and the shadowy force behind the Ruby mimic.
-End OST-
(Start Morning Beacon Haseo)
Haseo was in the Beacon Workshop connected to the garage as he was doing some work on his bike. He was hoping to go for a ride today as he tinkered away with his mode of transportation. Wrench in hand and toolbox next to him Haseo performed the maintenance on his vehicle. It was a semi-regular one to boot mainly oil changes and the like.
In fact, Haseo was almost done as at the moment he was waxing and cleaning it up. Once he was done, he dusted off his hands and went for a rag to wash clean them up. It's been several days since the Jaune incident and so far, his team were getting along fine though without a fourth member they won't be able to take part in the Vytal Festival Tournament. The rules were pretty clear on that part to participate you need a team of Four, no exceptions on that front.
Atoli had been training with Pyrrha so master the sword and shield and it would take some time on that part. But despite that Atoli had already taken to carrying Crocea Mors around as Haseo swore that she was mimicking him with carrying multiple weapons at once. Jaune's family of course visited and were working with the courts and lawyer to have Jaune transferred somewhere closer to home. It was awkward for Atoli to say the least seeing as she played a role in Jaune's coma but only out of self-defense.
Apparently even his parents suspected foul play with how Jaune got into Beacon which upset Haseo for several reasons. They also suspected he wouldn't have lasted long in Beacon anyway and would have welcomed him home once it didn't work out. Even his own parents thought little of him and after what had happened it was justified. Now while Jaune may have been a friend Haseo wasn't sure if he would be entirely sane after he wakes up from his Coma. So, putting some distance between him and Vale would be a smart move so he wouldn't try anything should he wake up from his Coma.
"Hey bro." Yang was heard as she and Ruby walked in.
"Hey Yang, and midget." Haseo said the last part towards Ruby while he ruffled up her hair.
"Stop it." Ruby said slapping Haseo's hand away.
"So, what brings you two here?" Haseo asked as he put the rag down so he can talk to the girls.
"We're taking a trip down to Vale, Weiss insisted on it, so we thought to invite you and your team." Yang said before Ruby stepped in to speak as well.
"So wanna come?" Ruby asked offering Haseo and his team a chance to join them.
Haseo thought about it for a moment but seeing as he didn't have much going on he shrugged to this. "Sure, why not. I got nothing else going on." Haseo said agreeing to join RWBY. "Just let me call up my team and get cleaned up." Haseo said causing Ruby to smile in response to this.
(Scene Break that Afternoon Vale)
Teams HAKE and RWBY walked through the city, observing all the decorations that were being set up in preparation for the upcoming Vytal Festival. Signs were being put up welcoming students from other schools who have arrived to participate in the Vytal Festival Tournament which Vale was hosting this year. Team RWBY was of course exploring Vale as Weiss smiled. "Oh, the Vytal Festival this is absolutely wonderful." Weiss said as she smiled a big toothy smile.
"I don't think I ever seen you smile this much Weiss, it's kind of weird." Ruby said as Weiss smiled.
"How can you not smile? A Festival dedicate to the cultures of the world! There will be dances, parades; a tournament oh the planning and organization that goes into this event is simply breathe taking." Weiss said causing Yang to sigh in annoyance.
"You really know how to take a good thing and make it sound boring." Yang said as Weiss glared before Haseo gave his own two cents.
"Boooo!" Haseo called out giving a thumbs down to this information.
"Quiet you, two!" Weiss retorted as she glared at the pair just as they arrived at the docks.
"Anyway, can anyone remind me why we're spending our Friday Afternoon visiting the stupid docks?" Yang asked as Ruby pinched her nose at the smell of bad fish.
"Oh, they smell like fish." Ruby said as she hated the fish smell.
"I've heard students visiting from Vacuo will be arriving by ship, today." Weiss answered Yang's previous question. "And as a representative of Beacon, I feel that it is my solemn duty to welcome them to this fine kingdom." Weiss said with a tone befitting of a noble woman welcoming foreign dignitaries.
"She wants to spy on them, so she'll have the upper hand in the tournament." Blake translated Weiss words after creeping up behind her.
"You can't prove that!" Weiss retorted glaring at Blake for that one.
Just then Haseo noticed Ruby was staring at something and thus he began to wonder. "Hey Ruby, what are you staring at?" Haseo asked as he followed Ruby's line of sight before finding it was in fact a crime scene. "Wow." Haseo voiced and in turn got the two teams attention as well.
Upon seeing this Team RWBY and Team HAKE made their way closer to get a better looked. It appeared to be a shop of some sort with all its windows and doors broken in, police tape everywhere, even separating the crime scene from the public as a pair of detectives continued their investigation.
"Hey, what happened here?" Ruby asked one of the detectives closest to her.
"Robbery." He began to with a stern tone. "Second dust shop to be hit this week. This place is turning into a jungle." He answered with a tired tone as he went to talk with his partner.
Yang sighs sadly at the scene seeing how this could affect people. "That's terrible." Yang said as she saw the entire store was wrecked by the robbery. The group of eight soon overheard the detective talking to his partner on the scene.
"They left all the money." The second detective said as he saw what was going on.
"Eh, just doesn't make a lick of sense. Who needs that much Dust?" The first one said as it was a few theories seeing what the White Fang had been up to as of late.
His partner shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, an army?" He asked more then said as it wasn't adding up here.
"You, thinking; The White Fang?" The first one offered but it was clearly a dead end.
The Detective's partner removes his sunglasses. "Yeah, I'm thinking we don't get paid enough." He said as Weiss heard this before she scowled to this.
"Hmph! The White Fang." Weiss said with a scowl while crossing her arms and pointing her nose in the air with her eyes closed. "What an awful bunch of degenerates!" Weiss scoffed as this got Blake to glare at Weiss and Endrance to give a tired sigh at his sister being close minded.
Blake narrowed her golden eyes before she continued to speak. "What's your problem?" Blake asked as she glared at Weiss on her comment.
Weiss turns to her. "My problem? I simply don't care for the criminally insane." Weiss said as Endrance looked ready to step in before Weiss put her foot in her mouth.
Blake clicked her tongue at Weiss' statement. "The White Fang is hardly a bunch of psychopaths. They're a collection of misguided Faunus." Blake defended as Weiss had other thoughts.
"Misguided? They want to wipe Humanity off the face of the planet!" The Heiress said in disbelief.
"So, then they're very misguided. Either way, it doesn't explain why they would rob a Dust shop in the middle of downtown Vale!" The Black Cat Faunus retorted.
Ruby nodded to this as she saw where Blake was coming from. "Hmm... Blake's got a point. Besides, the police never caught that Torchwick guy Haseo and I ran into a few months ago... Maybe it was him." Ruby said taking Blake's side on this little discussion here.
"That doesn't change the fact that the White Fang are a bunch of scum, those Faunus know only how to lie, cheat, and steal." Weiss said as then Endrance stepped in before things could escalate.
"They were a peaceful protest group before." Endrance said with a calm tone in his wistful voice. "Seeking to enact change without resorting to violence." Endrance said as he preferred those days. "But now the White Fang have become no better than the oppressors they fought so hard to defeat." Endrance said recalling his few run ins with the White Fang after the change from peace to violence. "Truly they have become the monster they sought to defeat." Endrance said causing Blake to direct her attention on him.
"Weren't you supposed to be supportive of the Faunus desire for equality?" Blake asked her tone accusing to the Schnee.
"Yes, and I still do, but resorting to these acts of terrorism will only make humans buckle down and bring innocent Faunus in the crossfire." Endrance said making it clear to Blake that he supported what the White Fang use to be not what they are now.
"So, you're saying they should just roll over and let themselves be pushed around?" Blake accused but Endrance chuckled.
"No if humans acted with violence against the Faunus, then acting in self-defense is at times unavoidable but becoming the instigators against the humans throwing the first punch will only make humans see them as violent cretins." Endrance said pushing to respond with appropriate force instead of wholesale terrorism.
"So, you're on my side!" Weiss said more than she asked glad to have her brother take her side on this, but Endrance denied her.
"No, I'm with the Faunus but I do not support the White Fangs acts of terrorism." Endrance said acting as the neutral party in all of this. But then the groups attention were drawn to a commotion over at the Docks.
"Hey Stop that Faunus!" Came a man's voice as the two teams turned and saw a Monkey Faunus running atop a boat as he jumped to the docks as he smiled.
(Boat/Docks)
"Thanks for the ride!" The young man called as he had a white coat like shirt which was opened to reveal his torso, shorts, sneakers, blond hair, and blue eyes.
"You, no good stowaway!" A Sailor called as the Faunus glared as he hung upside down by his tail and was peeling a banana.
"Hey, a no-good stowaway would have been caught I'm a great stowaway." The young man said before a rock was thrown at him which luckily didn't hurt thanks to his Aura.
"Hey, get down from there this instant." The cop from before said only for a Banana peel to be thrown at his face. The Monkey Faunus then flipped over to his feet on top of the lamp post before jumping away and making a break for it. As he passed Team RWBY, he was passing Blake as he turned to her.
Things were going slow motion as he turned to Blake and winked at her before he continued to run. Yang looked before she smiled. "Well, you wanted to see the competition and there it goes." Yang said as they saw the Faunus boy run off before Weiss spoke.
"Quick after him we have to observe him." Weiss called as they ran off to catch the Monkey Faunus leaving Team HAKE behind.
"Should we go after them?" Kuhn asked as they saw the girls run off.
"Nah I think they can handle things." Haseo said letting the girls sort out their own problems for the time being.
But then two new arrivals made themselves known before speaking. "Haseo?" Came a voice Haseo recognized almost instantly as did his team. Looking to the source the group were met with the site of a young man in green with a sword strapped to his person. This young man was noted to be a brunette with green eyes. Next to the young was a slightly chubby Faunus based around a dog as he had blue eyes on his face and a fair complexion.
"Silabus?" Haseo asked shocked to see him.
"It is you!" Silabus greeted and thus he ran over to Haseo.
"HASEO!" The Faunus greeted and the two ended up hugging Haseo causing him to yelp in shock to this.
"Silabus is here?!" Atoli asked shocked to see their old friend from the Guild Canard.
"Who's the Faunus though?" Kuhn asked as Silabus, and his friend let go of Haseo.
"I know I look a little different, but it can't be by that much can it?" The Faunus said and Haseo took a moment to look at the Faunus.
It then hit him who this Faunus was. "Gaspard!" Haseo spoke and thus Gaspard nodded to Haseo.
"Yeap that's me." Gaspard said revealing he was reborn as well but as a Faunus.
"I can't believe it." Haseo said but they had more to say.
"Neither could we until we got to Shade Academy in Vacuo." Silabus said which got the groups attention.
"Yeah Taihaku, Antreas, and Sirius are all teachers at Shade." Gaspard said which meant these two were Huntsman in training.
"So, you enrolled in Shade Academy and are here for the Tournament?" Kuhn asked as he smiled a bit.
"Yeah, but it's mainly so Alkaid can show off." Silabus said which made Haseo widen his eyes while Atoli had a dry look on her face.
"Alkaid is here too?" Haseo asked remembering the former Emperor of the Demon Palace.
"Yeah, she went off exploring with Shini and." Silabus said which got Haseo to go wide eyed to this.
"Shino is here too?!" Haseo asked shocked to hear about this.
"Yeah, they should be nearby somewhere." Silabus said unsure of where their two teammates.
"Hey Haseo calm down." Kuhn said putting a hand on Haseo's shoulder. "We're bound to run into them at Beacon." Kuhn said and thus Haseo took a moment to calm his breathing.
"Your right." Haseo said before looking to his two friends. "But still, it's good to see you guys again." Haseo said remembering his old Guildmates.
"Same." Silabus said as Gaspard nodded in agreement.
(During this with Team RWBY)
It didn't take long for the rest of Team RWBY to catch up to Weiss. But as they rounded the corner, Weiss happened to bump into another girl, causing them both to fall to the ground. Weiss got up and looked to see her 'quarry' had vanished.
"No! He got away!" Weiss cried out in frustration as the Faunus made his escape.
"Uh Weiss." Yang spoke as she pointed to what or who Weiss bashed into. She looked in the direction to see she was on top of another girl, causing her to quickly pull herself up.
One with short, curly orange hair and a pink bow on the back of her head. She had bright green eyes, fair skin, and freckles; while also wearing a white-gray old-fashioned blouse and thing-length frilled dress with green lines on the sides, along with black thigh-high leg pieces attached to her black shoes.
"Salutations!" The girl greeted with a smile, despite still being on the ground.
"Um… hello…?" Ruby greeted back at the strange girl who was still on the ground for some reason.
"Are you ok?" Yang asked the girl with concern in her voice since she had yet to get off from the ground.
"I'm wonderful, thank you for asking." The girl said before the group looked to each other in confusion for a moment.
"Do you... want to get up?" Yang asked finding this girl to be a strange one.
The girl paused for a moment as if thinking it over. "Yes." Penny said before jumping back onto her feet. When she did team RWBY all took a step back from her concerned for themselves before this strange girl. "My name is Penny it's a pleasure to meet you." The girl now known as Penny introduced.
"Hi Penny, I'm Ruby." Ruby began with her introductions.
"I'm Weiss." Weiss followed elegantly.
"Blake." Blake said using one singular word with her arms crossed.
"Are you sure you didn't hit your head?" Yang asked only to be elbowed by Blake. "Oh uh, I'm Yang." Yand said fixing her introduction to Penny.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Penny said smiling to the group of girls.
"You already said that." Weiss said suspecting this girl may not be well in the head.
"So, I did." Penny said smiling to the group.
"Well sorry for running into you." Weiss said and thus the team began to leave.
"Take care friend." Ruby said waving Penny goodbye as she walked off with her friends. But as they left the girl lifted her head as the words Ruby spoke registered in her head.
(Over with RWBY)
"She was weird." Yang said as she found the girl to be an oddity.
"Now where did that Faunus riffraff go?" Weiss asked as she wanted to find the Monkey Faunus ASAP. But as they walked the group jumped a bit when they found Penny standing right in front of them.
"What did you call me?" Penny asked which got Yang to panic a bit.
"Oh, I'm really sorry I definitely didn't think you heard me." Yang said while Weiss was having a brain malfunction trying to figure out how Penny got in front of them so fast without any of them realizing it.
"No not you." Penny said to Yang before moving through the group to meet with Ruby. "You." Penny said much to Ruby's surprise as the girl leaned back with Penny looking on her.
"Me?" Ruby asked surprised that Penny came for her as she began to stutter incoherently.
"You called me friend!" Penny said much to Ruby's surprise. "Am I really your friend?" Penny asked and thus Ruby was at a lost.
"Um..." Ruby began as she then glanced to her teammates. They were all waving her to say no but somehow Ruby failed to get the message. "Yeah sure, why not." Ruby said with a shrug causing her teammates to faceplant with a gong sound.
"Sensational!" Penny cheered with a smile on her face. "We can paint our nails, try on cloths, and talk about cute boys!" Penny listed off with a smile on her face.
Meanwhile Weiss got back up and stood next to Ruby. "Is this what it was like when you met me?" Ruby asked feeling very uncomfortable around Penny.
"No... she seems far more coordinated." Weiss said confirming that Penny was a better meeting.
"Hey girls!" Haseo was heard as he and his team arrived with Gaspard and Silabus in tow.
"Hey bro!" Yang called out and thus saw the new faces. "So, who're the new guys?" Yang asked as Blake kept her distance from Gaspard.
"Oh, these are Gaspard and Silabus." Kuhn introduced the pair with a grin on his face.
"Hello there/nice to meet ya." Silabus and Gaspard greeted as Weiss gave Gaspard a small glare.
"They're here for the Vytal Festival Tournament." Haseo added as Penny smiled to this fact.
"Really, so am I." Penny said surprising RWBY.
"Wait your fighting in the tournament?" Weiss asked as she gave Penny a look of skepticism.
"I'm Combat Ready!" Penny announced with a salute to Weiss.
"Forgive me you hardly look the part." Weiss said as she found it hard to believe.
"Says the lady with a dress." Haseo said with a raise brow and crossed arms.
"Haseo!" Atoli scolded as she was wearing a dress herself.
"I'll have you know Mr. It's a combat Skirt." Weiss said crossing her arms.
"Yeah!" Ruby added after she and Atoli zoomed in and took a spot on either side of Weiss. They then gave Weiss a low five showing they were united in Combat Skirts.
"Well, this is a sight to see." Came another voice causing the group to look and making Haseo go wide eyed in shock.
"Wow Atoli you got a twin!" Yang gasped as standing there was someone who bore shocking resemblance to Atoli even in outfits. Except unlike Atoli's more colorful outfit this girl's own outfit was mostly black and instead of blond hair she had silver hair. Even her eyes was different to Atoli's. Next to her was a red hair girl with a grin on her face as Haseo saw the pair and took all his willpower not to voice it.
"Shino, Alkaid!" Silabus greeted the pair who had played a big role in Haseo's journey to stop AIDA and Cubia.
"Wait Alkaid!? As in Alkaid the Empress of the Vacuo Tournament?!" Yang asked as Ruby recognized Alkaid as well.
"I've heard about you, you won the Vacuo Demon Tournament, the Holy Tournament, and the Saint Tournament back-to-back and won the Vacuo Regional Tournament four years in a row a new record." Weiss said before Ruby cut in.
"All the magazines said your attending Shade Academy where Headmaster Taihaku is." Ruby said with stars in her eyes.
"Taihaku?" Haseo asked both surprised to hear that name and wondering how Ruby knew this.
"Don't you pay attention Haseo!?" Ruby yelled at her big brother. "Taihaku is the biggest Weapons Collector in all of Remnant as well as one of the best Weapon forger and specialist in all of Remnant." Ruby said much to Haseo's surprise.
"Last I heard Alkaid is also the youngest winner of those three Tournaments they only accept the most exceptional of fighters most of them are seasoned Huntsman, Sirius, Antares also teach at Shade Academy as well." Blake said but had more to add. "They and Headmaster Taihaku are champions of the three Tournaments Antares in the Demon Tournament, Sirius in the Holy Tournament, and Taihaku of the Saint Tournament." Blake said as Weiss heard all of this as did Yang.
"Makes you wonder why Weiss cream went for Beacon and not Shade?" Yang said elbowing Weiss playfully.
"Yeah, I know I'm pretty great." Alkaid said boastfully while rubbing her nose a bit.
"Well then how about we all dine together it's been a long journey after all." Shino said and thus Weiss voiced a concern of hers.
"Should we bring... him along?" Weiss asked looking at Gaspard.
"Well, Gaspard is a part of Team SSAG (Sage)." Alkaid said as she got defensive about Gaspard. "If him being a Faunus is a problem." Alkaid said in a tone suggesting she did not like her friend being treated poorly.
"Now, now no need for unpleasantries." Endrance said clapping his hands together to get the groups attention. "We're all quite hungry at the moment so it's only fair we all dine." Endrance said and in turn took out his Credit Card. "Lunch will be on me." Endrance added and thus the group figured that they might as well.
(Later)
The group of twelve arrived at the restaurant to eat with Endrance approaching the Host station. Haseo was the first to notice how fancy it looked as he figured Endrance must be giving their visitors the best Vale had to offer. "Pardon me, do you by chance have a table for 12 available." Endrance asked as the group was gathered looking for a table.
The host eyes glared when they landed on Gaspard. "I'm sorry sir but me don't serve... his kind here." The man said which got Gaspard to look down and away. Blake got an angry look on her face and was about to say something before Endrance beat her to the punch only without anger.
"Please go get your manager sir." Endrance said calmly as the Epitaph Users felt a familiar pull of Endrance own Epitaph.
The man's frown deepened as it was clear he would not budge on the matter. "I don't believe I need to, now if you could please take your leave your bothering our other gue-" He began but suddenly stopped mid-sentence when he felt a chill go through the air that went around the Establishment.
"Please go get your manager." Endrance repeated still sounding just as calm as before however this time there was an underlining tone that couldn't be missed. It was clear that the Schnee Heir was not going to be denied this time and as a friend to Haseo Gaspard was under Endrance's protection as well.
The man ran into the back and the weight in the room dissipated causing everyone present to stop holding the breath they hadn't realized they had been holding. "What was that?" Blake asked quietly as everyone in the lobby seemed to find reasons to leave quickly.
"Endrance was using his Epitaph to intimidate the man." Weiss said as she would not have done such a thing.
The man walked up and held out his hand to shake which Sephiroth accepted. "Hi there, I'm Calvin Alka, what seems to be the problem Mr..." The man began and thus Endrance smiled.
"Endrance Schnee." Endrance introduced causing the managers eyes to widen in shock. "See my friends and I were attempting to dine in your establishment, but your employee refused to allow it simply because our friend here was a Faunus." Endrance said gesturing to Gaspard. "Now if him being a Faunus is really that large of an issue, I can easily take my business somewhere else, though without an apology to my friend I'm not sure I would feel comfortable dining here." Endrance said his voice suave in this situation. Endrance kept a knowing smile on his face. There were many disadvantages to coming from a rich and powerful family, but just as many advantages.
The man quickly bowed a few times when he realized who he was currently speaking too here. "Please Mr. Schnee that won't be necessary, your companion's race will be of no issue whatsoever. Jason, come here!" He shouted behind him as the man from before walked over. "Apologize to the young man for your insolence!"
The man looked surprised at this followed by anger before he looked at his boss's expression and saw how serious he was. He turned to Gaspard and bowed his head. "I am very sorry Sir; it won't happen again." His voice was full of disdain but that only made Blake smile.
"Thank you, so how long should the wait time be?" Endrance asked as he smiled to the pair.
"We'll have to combine a few tables into one so if you don't mind waiting." He began and thus Endrance waved him off.
"Nonsense we can wait if some of those tables are occupied." Endrance said and thus the man bowed to the Schnee and went to get the tables set up. Mia for her part came to Endrance's shoulder purring as she rubbed her head against his cheek.
"Thanks, Endrance." Gaspard said happy that Endrance came to his aid.
"Of course, any friend to Haseo is a friend to me." Endrance said as Haseo sighed and faced palmed while Shino giggled a bit.
"Not a word Xiao Long." Weiss said knowing Yang was about to make a crack at this. All Yang did was giggle like mad as she then looked to Haseo. "So Haseo it seems my twin brother is so good looking he can turn straight men gay." Yang said causing Haseo to groan in frustration.
(Later)
After getting some extra tables put together the group were eating at the same table with drinks and food already served. After that little bit of bad service earlier Endrance proved once more his position on Faunus rights.
During the meal Weiss was silent as everyone made small talk with each other. "So, what you, packing?" Ruby asked looking to Alkaid who smirked.
"Twin blades that vibrate at an ultrahigh frequency allowing them to cut through just about anything." Alkaid said showing off one of her weapons that looked similar to the one she had in The World. "Depending on what Dust is in the cartridge here." She began pulling out a cartridge that could be seen filled with Dust. "They allow for me to apply that Dust affects to the blade." Alkaid said boasting about her weapon causing stars to appear in Ruby's eyes.
"Forget that." Yang said cutting in on the two. "How about telling us how you won the Semi-Final Round in the Demon Tournament!" Yang called out wanting to hear how Alkaid pulled that off.
"Oh, you wanna hear that one." Alkaid said with a grin on her face and began to tell the tale.
"Well, you sisters seem amusing." Shino said with a smile on her face.
"Yeah, it kind of gave me an understanding of Ovan." Haseo said keeping his voice down a bit so no one would hear him. He had so many questions on how his friends from The World got here but he can ask later. Besides just knowing that Sirius, Antares, and Taihaku made it into this world was a huge weight off his shoulders.
"Hey, Shino what kind of weapon do you have?" Ruby asked curious as to what sort of weapon Shino and her teammates were packing.
"Not now Ruby." Weiss cutting in as she wanted her own questions answered first. "Now that we've all had time to eat, drink, and revel I think we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room." Weiss said making it clear she needed information on a certain stowaway. "If you guys are here for the Tournament does that mean you know that Monkey Tailed Rapscallion?" Weiss asked as Kuhn gave a confused look to that.
"Dude did she just say, that?" Kuhn asked as he didn't think anyone still said that these days. Meanwhile Blake glared at Weiss while Endrance gave an exasperated sigh at his sister's antics.
"The who?" Alkaid asked as she didn't recall any Monkey's on the boat they rode in on.
In response to Alkaid's question Weiss presented a crudely drawn picture of the monkey Faunus they saw recently. "The filthy Faunus from the boat!" Weiss snapped clarifying what she meant.
"Why do you keep saying that?!" Blake demanded, getting Weiss' attention as it seems Weiss forgot Gaspard was a Faunus as well. Weiss looked over to Blake with confusion before the quiet girl continued speaking. "Stop calling him a rapscallion! Stop calling him a degenerate! He's a person!" Blake exclaimed as clearly; she was upset about this.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Would you like me to stop referring to the trashcan as a trashcan?! Or the table as a table?!" Weiss argued as Endrance was doing his best to keep his composure.
"Stop it!" Blake shouted as even Haseo noted that Endrance was losing his temper.
"Stop what?! He clearly broke the law!" Weiss argued back and in turn Endrance slammed his hands onto the table.
"So, he broke the law once and now he's a White Fang is that it?" Endrance asked all pretense lost. "Him breaking the law should not and is not an excuse to demonize his race." Endrance scolded as he had just about enough of his sisters comments.
"I'm demonizing his race?!" Weiss exclaimed incredulously at her own brothers accusation against her. "I'm not going around on a xenophobic rampage, killing innocent people like the White Fang!" She defended and Endrance went on.
"The White Fang yes not the Faunus." Endrance said defending the Faunus not affiliated with the White Fang.
"He's right the White Fang are hardly terrorists." Blake spoke but Endrance begged to differ.
"No, the White Fang are most certainly terrorists." Endrance countered surprising Blake while Weiss looked smug which her brother noted. "Don't be so smug Weiss your equally in the wrong on this sensitive topic." Endrance said as he had to put his foot down. "So, if neither of you can have a reasonable conversation then its best to silence yourselves and keep your comments to yourselves." Endrance said making it clear that he was done being mediator before returning to his food.
"Endrance how can you be defending them?!" Weiss demanded as she glared at Endrance.
"I'm defending the Faunus NOT the White Fang." Endrance said as he glared at his sister.
"The White Fang are hardly terrorists." Blake said as Endrance got upset with this.
"So, setting fires to store, blowing up location that refuses to serve Fanus, and even times openly attacking people is not terroristic actions?" Endrance asked making it clear what he thought. "Actions that make life exceptionally harder for the Faunus not affiliated with the White Fang especially the ones studying at Beacon." Endrance added as it was clear Blake had no retort for that.
"This seems like it will take a while." Shino said with concern in her voice.
"No kidding." Haseo agreed as he felt this was only going to go from bad to worse.
(Scene Break that evening)
Shino was right in that regard because even after they had paid for the meal Endrance, Blake, and Weiss' three-way argument continued well into the night by the time RWBY got back to their shared dorm.
"There is no denying that the White Fang have done wrong, I admit that." Endrance began as he tried to play mediator still. "But not every single Faunus is a part of that organization. A few of your classmates are Faunus, working just as hard as you to try and become Huntsmen. Are you going to deny that?" Endrance asked trying to get his sister to stop being so close minded.
"Well, maybe they're the exceptions…" Weiss said.
"Exceptions?!" Blake shouted, standing straight up. "You think the majority of the Faunus are evil by nature?! That they're like the Grimm?!" Blake yelled clearly this argument was causing Tempers to flare and everyone was ready to jump in incase blows were shared.
"They wear Grimm masks, don't they?" Weiss pointed out which Endrance found that hardly even an argument.
"The White Fang! Not the Faunus as a whole! They're not the same thing!" Blake countered as Endrance saw no point to step in yet. "Why do you think the White Fang hate humanity so much! It's because of people like Cardin and people like you that force the White Fang to take such drastic measures!" Blake yelled and thus that was where Endrance disagreed.
"So, your saying being the victims gives them the exception to being the instigators?" Endrance asked as Weiss smiled to this only to have her brother glare at her.
"N... no but." Blake began finding herself on the spot now.
"But what, you're saying its ok to cave in Dust Mines even when there are still Faunus inside, forcing others to starve because one grocery store won't serve them, or how about killing other Faunus for standing against them or voicing their disapproval against them?" Endrance asked as it was clear that he was now hitting where it hurts. "Tell me in what way is it justified to make others suffer with you?" Endrance asked as Blake had no response to this.
"Endrance seriously whose side are you on?!" Weiss demanded as she looked to Endrance. "We're victims you know! The White Fang has been at war with our family for years!" Weiss yelled as she glared at Endrance. "Grandfather's company has had a target painted across its back for as long as we've been alive!" She added as Endrance stood his ground despite it. "We've had to watch friends of the family disappear… board members executed… an entire train car full of Dust… stolen. And every day, father came home furious making our childhood difficult!" Weiss yelled and thus Endrance stood there with a stern look.
"Father brought it down upon himself." Endrance said not even hesitating to say that. "But even then... it gave the White Fang no right to act as judge jury and executioners." Endrance said and thus Blake had enough of it.
"How can you say that when you're the only Schnee who stands up for us!" Blake suddenly snapped causing all eyes to look to her with shock. That caused all tension in the room to suddenly turn into shock as all eyes went wide and set on Blake. It was then that she realized what she just said. "I… I…" She then quickly left a shadow clone of herself as she ran out of the dorm as fast as she could.
"Wait! Blake! Come back!" Ruby tried to get her, but she had already vanished completely.
"I shall follow her." Endrance said as he stood back up.
"What Endrance." Weiss began but Endrance was already gone. As he left Yang and Atoli looked over to Weiss, who had an unsure expression on her face.
(Later in the Courtyard)
Blake had already made her way to the academy's courtyard, coming to a stop just at the main statue. She took a moment to look at it, the statue of a Huntsman and Huntress standing proudly over a defeated Grimm. She had always admired the Huntsmen and what they stood for, or rather what they're supposed to stand for: justice. It was one of the reasons she wanted to become one. Why she left home, the White Fang, and even her parents. But now? All she could feel was shame. She slowly reached up toward her bow and soon enough pulled it off.
When she did Blake wiped away a tear after dropping the bow sash revealing her own cat ears. As she stood there a new voice cut in on the scene. "Just as I suspected." Endrance was heard causing Blake to gasp in shock. But before anything could be done Endrance raised his hands to show he came in peace. "Stay calm, I come in peace." Endrance said as he kept his distance but moved closer to Yang.
"If you knew…, why didn't you say anything…?" She asked meekly, trying to avoid his gaze.
"Simply put, you would hardly be the first Faunus I met who tried to hide what they are." Endrance said calmly to the cat girl. "But I didn't know you were part of the White Fang." He admitted making it clear that Endrance had never met Blake at any rallies.
"I'm not anymore…" Blake said which Endrance nodded and moved closer.
"Which is why I wish to talk but only on your terms." Endrance said and then Blake jumped as something rubbed up her legs. Looking down she saw Mia purring as she rubbed her body against Blakes legs affectionately.
"Why do you want to listen?" Blake asked as she was skeptical while picking up Mia.
"Because... you remind me of an old friend from so long ago." Endrance said which made Blake understand what Endrance meant. "I could not help her when she needed me so I shall help you when you do." Endrance said which Blake understood as much.
This seemed enough for Blake to lower her guard slightly. Still keeping her back toward him, she untied her bow from her head, holding the ribbon in her hand as she turned to face him, tears in her eyes, and her cat-ears completely visible to him. He had a serious yet understanding expression on his face.
"Not here…" She spoke.
"Wherever you like." He nodded in understanding.
"Mind if I tag along too?" A third voice spoke up, catching their attention.
(Scene Break Monday)
Monday rolled in as Ruby woke up with a sad expression on her face. Looking around she saw that Blake was still missing. She got up and was ready to wake up the others when a knock came to the door. Ruby looking to this walked over and opened it to find Haseo there.
"Still no word from Blake?" Haseo asked which Ruby responded by turning her head.
"No... I'm worried for her." Ruby said which Haseo nodded to.
"Yeah, we know Endrance is with her but that's it." Haseo said and thus this meant that both Blake and Endrance were missing. "Me and my team are heading into town to go look for them, Atoli and Kuhn went on ahead, so I'll see you out there." Haseo said which Ruby nodded.
"Right." Ruby said and thus she closed the door and got to waking everyone up. Taking out her whistle Ruby sighed sadly for using it again before blowing into it and the results were as expected. Weiss fell off her bed and Yang jumped in shock to this.
"Really again Ruby?!" Weiss demanded as she glared at Ruby for doing that.
"No time to talk get dress we're going to meet up with Haseo and his team to look for Blake and Endrance." Ruby said which got Weiss's attention. If her brother was still missing, then... Ruby made the right call waking her up like that.
(Later)
The girls were soon in the halls making their way to the city. "Haseo's probably already in Vale looking for Endrance and Blake so they have a head start but we have a lot of ground to cover." Ruby said as she lead her remaining Teammates. "So, I think we should." Ruby began only for a new voice to stop them.
"Hold it!" Came the voice and thus they looked and saw a familiar little girl standing there all haughty.
"Uh hi there, you lost kid?" Yang asked as she looked to the kid.
"Master En is missing, isn't he?" The girl asked which got the groups attention.
"Master En?" Weiss asked and then thought it. "Wait you mean Endrance?!" Weiss asked wondering how this little girl knows Endrance.
"Wait... aren't you Ms. Goodwitches daughter?" Ruby asked recognizing the girl from around school.
"Yeah, I'm Saku, sorry but it's my turn to be up and about." Saku said as she looked to the group.
"Sakubo Goodwitch." Yang said realizing this was Glynda's daughter.
"Yeah, mama won't let us leave alone so you're going to take us with you so we can help find Master End." Saku said showing her hat that had the sun part up.
"Sorry kiddo but your too young for this." Yang said which the others agreed.
"Sorry if something happened to you, Ms. Goodwitch won't be too happy." Ruby said as that was an understatement.
Pouting Saku decided to bust out the big guns even if Bo did not approve. "You're going to take us with you or else." Saku said glaring at the girls.
"Or else what?" Weiss asked calling the child's bluff.
"Or else I tell everyone that you Moderate a Ninja's of Love fan server on the Beacon Wi-Fi, you cut a hole in the wall to stash away sweets, and you have been peeping on the boys locker room with a hidden camera and organized a fight club!" Saku yelled causing the girls eyes to widen in horror.
Y... you can't prove that!" Weiss stuttered fearing for her secret.
"SexyWhite2117, think I'm bluffing?" Saku asked causing Weiss eyes to widen in horror.
"Whoever snitched broke rule number 1." Yang growled trying to figure out who broke the first rule of fight club.
"How did you even find out about the wall?!" Ruby asked thinking she was sneaky when she did it.
"Take me along or I tell!" Saku called and thus Yang glared at her.
"You can't prove fight club!" Yang countered but then Saku revealed pictures of Yang visiting said dirty club.
"Yang!" Ruby snapped looking at her sister in shock.
"Shut up just be glad Haseo isn't in those videos!" Yang yelled and thus it was clear Saku had the cards.
(Later in Vale)
"I can't believe we're being blackmailed by a 9-year-old." Weiss growled as they made their way through the streets.
"I'm trying to figure out how she caught me." Yang said as she thought she was careful.
"Blake!" Ruby called out for her teammate as she, Yang, Saku, and Weiss searched the City of Vale. "Where are you?!" Ruby called out trying to find their missing teammate.
"I'm sure she's fine. She's a big girl and she has my brother with her." Weiss said as she wanted to find them also to make sure Blake didn't kidnap Endrance for a bargaining chip.
"Come on Weiss, you can at least act like you're concerned." Saku said as she wanted to find Endrance first and foremost. "You're not even trying to help find Master En." Saku added causing Weiss to glare at the little girl.
"Hey, you know who could really help? The police." Weiss said, causing everyone else to glare at her. "What? It was just an idea." Weiss said not bothered by what she said.
"It was a bad one and you know it." Ruby said before a new voice cut in.
"Hey guys!" Kuhn was heard and soon he and Atoli were seen approaching the pair.
"Any luck?" Atoli asked with concern in her voice.
"No." Ruby said as she was worried for those two.
"Damn." Kuhn cursed worried for the Faunus.
"Look you all heard clearly that Blake is a part of the White Fang!?" Weiss began getting the groups attention. "How are you not suspicious of her for that?!" Weiss asked trying to make sense of this.
"We don't know the whole story." Kuhn said making it clear that they needed to hear Blake's side of the story first.
"Rather than jumping to conclusions, we should hear her out." Atoli said wanting to see the best in people first.
"Exactly." Yang said as she agreed with Atoli on this. "She's been a part of our team for months. At the very least, we should give her the benefit of the doubt." Yang said and thus Ruby sighed sadly.
"I just hope they're both ok." Ruby said as she was worried for both Blake and Endrance.
(Meanwhile at a Cafe)
Blake and Endrance were at an upscale cafe with cups of tea in hand. As they sat there for a bit Blake sighed as she looked at her cup for a moment. Across from her was the Monkey Faunus from the boats as he sat there holding his cup with his tail. "So." Blake began as she put her cup down. "You want to know more about me." Blake said as she looked to the pair before her. Trio if you count Mia who drank from a water dish set up for her.
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter has been finished. Be sure to leave a review before leaving and as I always say ja-ne.