RWBY: Chosen King and Queen
Chapter 15: The Winchester Family Plight Part 1
In a warehouse somewhere secluded in Vale, many men in a white attire with Grimm-like masks moved multiple things into Bullheads. These crates were full of weaponry, dust, armor, and many other mechanized tools that the organization could use at their disposal. The one overseeing this operation was a man well renowned or reveried. The man had his signature fedora styled black hat along with a white like suit and black slacks and shoes on. Another of his staples, a silver cane with a red tip was in his hands as he looked at his fellow 'colleagues' handle their work.
"Come on, pick up the slack, we need all this done by the end of the week," Torchwick said. Torchwick looked over to the entrance sensing someone arriving. "Oh look she sent the kids again. This is turning out just like the divorce."
In came two young individuals. One was a young man with gray hair, with a gray and black zip collar shirt, along with a gray scarf on his hip and black pants.
While the other was a young woman with green short length hair with two skinny strands going down to her back. Her eyes were red and she wore a white crop top style shirt with the sides crossing near the neck area making a high collar and hugging her breast that was concealed by an olive green bra. Lastly she had white jean shorts and black jean stockings which went just below her knees and was strapped to her belt.
Torchwick gave them an unceremonious hug as he pulled them both close to him, only for them to quickly get out, "Spare us the thought of you procreating," the women said in disgust.
"That was a joke," Torchwick began walking away. "And this," Torchwick took out a white card that he secretly stole from them, "Might tell me where you two have been all day." The woman looked around herself in confusion, "I'm a professional sweetheart, pay attention and you might learn something." The criminal mastermind looked at the paper to see a specific address, "Why do you have this address?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" She replied defiantly.
"Yes uh I would, now where have you been all day?"
"Cleaning up your problems, one of them at least." the young man finally spoke.
"I had that under control," Torchwick began to become increasingly strained, not pleased at all by this turn of events.
"Two packed bags and a ticket out of Vale said otherwise."
"Listen to me you little punk. If it were up to me I would take you and your little street rat friend and I would-"
"Do what?" They all turned to the newcomer which was a woman in a red dress with an orange design running down her arm who had black hair and amber eyes. The woman descended from the conveyor belt and approached the individuals.
"Hahaha," Torchwick laughed nervously, "I uh would not kill them?"
"Cinder!" The young woman called out, excited that the woman was here.
Cinder walked past her other young colleagues, "I thought I made it clear that you would eliminate the would be run away."
Totchwick sweats nervously, "I was going to-"
The young woman interjected, "He was going to escape to Vacuo. Mercury and I took it upon ourselves to kill the rat."
"I think he was some sort of cat actually," the young man now named Mercury said.
"What, like a puma?" She questioned.
"Yeah there you go."
"Quiet," Cinder commanded, "Did I not specifically instruct you two to keep your hands clean while in Vale? You are lucky that we will be going to Arlyn or this could have ended badly for us." All the while Torchwick taunted them from behind Cinder.
"I just thought," the young woman responded.
"Don't think. Obey." Cinder said as the young girl looked dejected but obeyed.
"Yes ma'am, it won't happen again."
"And you," Cinder turned around to face Torchwick who chuckled nervously. "Why wasn't this job done sooner?"
"Uh eh," Torchwick gestured to the crates to his right, "Eh," then to his left. "Eh!" Then to the whole warehouse, "Sorry if I've been a little busy stealing every spec of dust in the kingdom."
"You're an inspiration to every punk with a gun and a ski mask," Mercury responded sarcastically.
"Look around kid I was having this whole town running scared. People are camping around every corner, dust prices through the roof, and we're sitting pretty in an old warehouse with more dust crystals, vials, and rounds that we know what to do with, speaking of which," Torchwick turned to his employer. "If you guys wouldn't know if filling me in on your grandmaster plan, it might actually make my next string of robberies go a little smoother. I don't need Arlyn breathing down my neck with the prince in the mix."
"Oh Roman, have a little faith," Cinder started as she strolled to him as cupped his chin with her hands, "You'll know what you need when you need to know." Roman grunted obviously not pleased but said nothing, "Besides we are done with dust."
Roman was confused, "Okay then what now."
"We are moving to Arlyn."
Torchwick was really confused now, "Wait what?"
"Have the White Fang to clear out this place and take everything to these coordinates. There they will transfer all of the goods over to a secure location. While this is happening I need all of you to lay low. That means no robberies, no public appearance for your men, Roman or yourself." She began to walk away.
"Wait, what is going on?" He was a little worried about what she implied.
"We are moving to stage 2, so do as you were told."
Torchwick didn't like this but did as he was told. He didn't have any other choice.
After Cardin's resolve he asked what Drayce needed from him pertaining to his father. "Well first I just want to meet the man. I need to gather some information and what better way than to talk to the man himself."
Cardin nodded, "That makes sense. If that is the case then how about I schedule a meeting now. What time would you like this to be done?"
"The earliest the better."
Cardin acknowledged his request and began dialing the number of his father's office through his scroll.
"Hello this is the front desk of Kiwi Winchester. How may I help you today?"
"Hey Azalea, it's Cardin."
"Oh Mr. Winchester, it is great to hear your voice. It has been a while since Beacon?"
"I actually have been really well thank you for asking. Also again just call me Cardin." Drayce took notice of the voice being excited to hear Cardin and if Cardin's smile was anything to go by then it was safe to say they had a good friendship.
"Well that is good but I highly doubt that you called just to talk to me. Did you want me to patch you to your father?"
"Yes, if you could, that would be a big help. Tell him that this is important."
"Of course. I will let him know right now. Hold on for one moment."
They were then put on hold when Cardin turned to see a smiling Drayce. "So it is safe to assume not everyone that works under your father has a stick up their ass."
Cardin chuckled slightly, "Yeah you could definitely say that. After what happened to mother, Azalea has been the only one there to give me support and help me get to where I am now."
Drayce smiled, "Well I am glad you have a mother figure in your life to help you out."
Cardin nodded as he was then taken off hold, "Alright Cardin this better be good, I am missing an important meeting because of this so be quick."
Cardin clenched his fist but then unclenched it with a smirk, "Oh I promise you'll love this," Cardin said a little sarcastically.
"Well then speak up boy."
"I would assume that you know of the prince of Arlyn, father."
"Of course I do, what kind of idiotic question is that?"
"Well currently I am friends with him and he says that he would like to arrange a meeting between us. That is if you have time in your busy schedule. "
The line was silent for a second, no doubt from his surprise with this info. "Of course I can make time for such a meeting. When would he like it to start? We can't keep the prince waiting for a response."
"The earliest the better. He is quite interested in Vale's politics and seeing as you are one of the ones in the forefront. He wants to hear your perspective," Cardin said, playing into his father's ego.
"Very well then. Tonight at 7:00pm. That is the best I can do for tonight."
"That is perfect, we will see you then. Goodbye father." Cardin hung up the scroll and sighed, "God dealing with him is such a hassle."
Drayce chuckled for a moment, "I can tell. Also thank you Cardin you are a big help."
Cardin nodded, "No problem but what do you need me for now." Drayce stared at him incredulously. "What?"
Drayce blinked at him, then started speaking, "Um I am not going in there alone. I want you to attend as well. Your help has been very much appreciated. Why wouldn't I have you come with me?"
Cardin was shook by this, "You want me there?"
"Of course. It would be a great help."
Cardin slowly smirked, feeling a sense of pride, "Then consider me there. I got your back."
The prince smiled at his companion, "Thank you Cardin."
Cardin and Drayce arrived at the Winchester estate and it had two guards at the front gate that let them in without incident. When they both entered the house they were greeted by Mr. Winchester himself on top of some steps that curved upward with him standing with hands behind his back. "It is an honor to have you here at our esteemed home. Prince Drayce Regulus."
He was a man of around the same age as Drayce's father. He wore a black suit with a white buttoned shirt, black slacks, and a red tie. He had black hair with the tips of his hair being green. His hair was slick back with a single strand of hair draped over his face. He had facial hair from above his lips to his chin along with brown eyes.
Drayce played the part of a prince in this instance, "The pleasure is all mine, and might I say what a wonderful home you have here. I was told by Cardin himself that you are an esteemed individual with the backing of multiple people in Vale with even a council member being your biggest. That says a lot to how much respect you garder."
"Is that so?" Kiwi looked at his son with a skeptical look but nodded right after, "Well then I am glad that it was nothing but a positive review." He then motioned Drayce to walk with him, "Shall we start talking as to the reason for your visit in my office?"
Drayce nodded, "Of course."
Drayce and Cardin started walking up, until Kiwi addressed Cardin, "Cardin there is something in your room for you. I would love for you to take a look." Mr. Winchester was being passive aggressive essentially asking Cardin to get lost which slightly hurt said young adult as both his father and friend left. But when they were gone Cardin cracked a smirk.
'Father, your overlooking of me is going to be your downfall.' he thought.
Cardin jogged all the way to his father's room which was on the opposite end of the house from his office. He needed to get in, without his father noticing, and quickly get the contents he was looking for and get out. He knew that his father always kept a laptop in his room that was also logged into all of his stuff. The reason being to be able to access information quickly from his bedroom for emergencies. However the lock system was connected to his office room and vice versa. If the two were opened at the same time alarms would go off. Not only that a notification would be sent when either door was opened. That being said, there was a flaw, and that flaw was that the notification would only last for one full minute. That was the time frame he needed to get in.
He arrived at the door and took out a coder from Arlyn for lockpicking. It was straight from the RoyalGlaives, their second in command for this mission in particular. He held the phone-like item close to the lock which had numbers on it and he waited as the lockpick did its thing, 'Dammit hurry up.'
"So if you don't mind me asking why did you choose to have an audience with me instead of many others?" Kiwi asked with his eyes squinted, "This is quite out of the blue."
Drayce saw what he was insinuating but kept his cool and thought rationally. "Well I would like to deepen the relationship between both Arlyn and Vale. To do that I need to get accustomed to both the people of Vale and the ones who have an impactful say in their laws. As I said you are backed by one of the most influential on the council. Not only that but leads a very successful business in dust metal distribution around Remnant, thus being someone that I must meet in person."
Kiwi focused on Drayce for a moment before accepting his reason fully, "But of course. I am happy that you decided to come to me first."
Drayce knew he never said anything about him being the first he visited and made a note of that, 'This man is full of himself.'
With Cardin he waited until finally the door unlocked, 'Finally.' He opened the door quickly and closed it while going straight for his bed.
This part of the room just had his bed which was of course a king sized bed in the middle of the room against a wall. The bed was facing the large tv with drawers on both sides of the bed. Cardin immediately looked under the bed and went under it. Under the bed he was met face to face with the laptop which was concealed in a compartment stuck under the desk. He took it, logged in, and inserted his USB stick into the computer. "Father was never one for changing passwords. Never even knew I was able to get in it when I was 12." Cardin checked his watch under his clothes and saw that he had about 1 minute before the lock would reset and they would get another notification that someone was in his office at that time. Unfortunately the download was going slow. "Come on, come on…"
They had entered Mr. Winchester's office. Kiwi sat at a table not too far from his desk with a couch on each end. "So what kind of questions do you have for me?"
Drayce nodded, "Before I continue I want to be able to say that this, for me, is coming from a learning experience for me. So when answering, just speak honestly." Kiwi nodded in understanding. "What do you think of Vale now?"
Kiwi hummed lightly, "Honestly Vale is a great nation, with many opportunities for everyone," Drayce was surprised to hear that and hear how sincere he was about it, but his shock did not reach his face. "However, I also feel as though Vale is slowly becoming weaker."
This intrigued Drayce, "Weaker? Would you mind elaborating?"
"Weaker in a sense that we have grown used to peace."
Cardin was now starting to sweat as it was now 25 seconds left and the computer was at 80%. "Come on…"
"But isn't peace good?"
"Well of course, but one must understand that we are still fighting against the Grimm. While our society has undoubtedly been safe for years. History shows that it is only a matter of time before that crumbles and I believe we are not ready for that."
Drayce thought about it and then replied, "I could see where you're coming from and honestly I can somewhat agree with the need to be strong."
100% completed.
Cardin then yanked the USB out and shut down the computer with the button. He put it under the bed and ran out of the room with just 1 second to spare before he heard an audible locking sound. "Whew, now to my room." Cardin began to walk there, as he walked he sent a message to Drayce.
'Mission Complete.'
"But at the same time that is what huntsmen are here for is it not?"
Kiwi nodded, "Which is why I sometimes question the teaching methods of Beacon and Ozpin. While I admit he has achieved much in his time as a headmaster and some of his students have been famous all across. For example the likes of team STRQ or Glynda Goodwitch herself. These people are some of the best huntsmen ever. However it has been proven that they are not enough."
Drayce's watch buzzed silently, he checked it to see Cardin sent him a mission accomplished on his watch. "Is it time for you to go? You must have a busy schedule?"
"No, not at all. Just my team sending me a picture of something at the store that piqued my interest."
Cardin walked into his room to see a box on his bed. There was no note with it nor was there writing on it. Cardin opened the box not expecting much but when he did he noticed a wrist bracelet with a note under it. Cardin was amazed by it and now was starting to question certain things about his father.
The bracelet was one metal piece with a glow of cyan down the middle. Cardin took it a placed it one seeing it starting to glow brighter. He looked at it before it activated through a hand motion and morphed into a shield. It was a hard light shield. 'But why? Why would he give this to me now?' He then picked up the note, and began to read it and one thing he immediately noticed about the note was that it was from his mother's handwriting.
'Mom?!'
Dear Cardin
If you are reading this then I unfortunately did not make it. For whatever reason that may be, I wanted to make sure that I leave a part of me with you so that I can always watch over you. If you have this then that means you had gotten into a Huntsmen Academy. For that congratulations! I am so proud of you and knew you could do it. I had no doubt in my mind. I know your dream was to be a Huntsmen and I know that you will be one of the best to ever be a Huntsmen and that no matter what, I will always be proud of you.
I hope that you have made great friends and you better be taking your studies serious. I love you my son and I will always be watching over you.
Love Mom
Cardin looked at the note with shaky hands as tears slowly fell onto the letter. 'I love you too, mom.' With the note his resolve strengthened, 'Father you have to be stopped.'
After the meeting Cardin was at the front door with his new silver bracelet. As both his father and Drayce walked to him, they both took notice of the new piece of metal. "I see you have found the gift your mother has left you. Hm."
Drayce looked at it in depth, "Wow this is finely crafted with dust embedded into it. Hmm I wonder what it can do."
Cardin smirked, "I'll show you when we next spar deal?"
Drayce smirked, "Deal." The prince turned and addressed Kiwi and bowed slightly, "Thank you for your hospitality and thank you for agreeing to this interview that I wanted to conduct. Your views appear to be very insightful."
Kiwi slightly bowed at the crowned Prince, "And thank you for taking your time out to come see me. It was truly an honor."
Drayce nodded and started walking out with Cardin and when they were sure that they were away from prying eyes and ears, Drayce immediately slumped. "God, your father is very narcissistic, it can sometimes be unbearable. He hides it well enough though."
Cardin nodded, "When it comes to dealing with the media, it tends to teach you how to hide certain things from the public eye as to the narcissist issue… He wasn't always like this…"
"I could tell," Drayce affirmed, "There are a few times in our interview I found myself agreeing with him on some points. At the end of the day, his heart is at the right place but his mind is where it is not and probably his methods."
"With that said," Cardin then pulled out the USB drive, "I want to continue working with you on this case. I may not know why you are looking into my father, but I am smart enough to understand that he has done a lot of shady things and if this is all for who I think it is. I… I want to help as best as I can."
Drayce looked at Cardin, a little surprised at how insistent he was on helping, but nonetheless Drayce took it. "Awesome," Drayce looked at his scroll to check the time to see it read 16:00. "Cool it's only 4. Let's get some coffee then we can go through this stuff."
Cardin nodded and they decided to hit the nearest cafe before hitting the hotel that Drayce was currently staying at for the time being.
