The day of the dance came for team CRLN and with night, brought two reactions among the members: anticipation and mild annoyance.
Lukas was at the head of the night having decided what each of his teammates would wear thanks to the syndicate's dime and to not embarrass him. He wore the most expensive brands in a three-piece suit. Slimmer, fitted to his figure and with his highlights of emerald green and family crest on his tie.
Niel required being looked after due to his unfamiliarity with refined wear and therefore was given a more casual blue jacket and slacks with an open-collared button-up. Raiden was gifted fitted blue slacks, a matching vest, and a white button-up with a blue tie. Caelum was the most difficult as expected.
It took arguing and the eventual blow to his pride before he conceded. "You can wear a school uniform but not a suit? Quit being a child!" After mulling over Lukas' chastisement, he finally agreed but wouldn't defer to his choice. The two finally agreed upon a dark gray suit of Atlesian design with white tie and black vest.
With a few nods of approval, Lukas was leading the four out into the venue with a satisfied smirk and confidence as he felt in his element. Behind him and past his tinted perception, his teammates felt far different. Niel began to feel a twinge of anxiety in the unfamiliar atmosphere and clothing he wore with the passing views of his eye-catching schoolmates all around. It was all too unknown to him.
Raiden looked sharp but had never worn a suit in his life either, the thoughts of socializing at such an event brought a sense of dread his usual self never felt. Caelum cast a handsome image and exuded confidence, yet the indifferent expression he held seemed to borderline a scowl that sent others away instinctually as he felt inconvenienced in having to attend and ensure that his still bruised arm was bandaged and hidden underneath a long sleeve shirt beneath his suit.
Entering the large dance hall, the four boys were met with a surprising sight. Yang Xiao-Long wearing a pure white dress that ended at her mid-thigh. However, what really drew their attention was the thin fabric scarf that was elegantly tied in a knot around her neck. It seemed the injury and recent troubles had left her little time to be creative in attire. She gave a radiant smile to the couple ahead of them as she silently waved them in and wrote down their names in the guestbook.
Other than a pointed glare and a gesture to the side, she gave no indication of further interaction with them. Once past the icy reception, Lukas let a small sigh out. "Wanted to say hi to the lasses in team RWBY but that ship seems to have sailed. They're not even all here. She didn't even compliment the suit" he tutted.
"You're aiming for Xiao-Long?" Asked Niel in surprise.
"No, but fishing for compliments ain't a sin is it?" he snickered. "Now, I'd love to split up as planned and see you all flounder about for a bit but" he then gestured to a nearby wall where a single arm waved at them. On it was team CFVY with a small crowd of students surrounding them, their popularity made manifest. "Seems we gotta pay respects first." Lukas sent a knowing look at Caelum. "You're not unfamiliar with such formalities are ya?"
With a frown, Caelum took a breath and nodded. "Let's give our greetings."
As they closed in, team CFVY politely shooed along their admirers to make room for their 'little protege's' as Coco would call them. The four of them set a stunning impression with their choice of attire. Yatsuhashi, with his large stature, wore traditional Eastern clothing from his home in hues of green and black. Fox seemed to accompany him in oriental style with browns and orange.
Where the boys had gone simplistic, Coco had ensured she and Velvet were eccentric, much to the latter's discomfort. High-legged dresses that hung on single straps and hugged their figures with ornate designs of gold on the coffee-colored and scarlet dresses respectively.
Lowering her trademark sunglasses, Coco let a whistle loose. "Well, well, you four can certainly clean up when you want." She gave another look up and down at their reactions. "Almost say I prefer this."
Lukas nudged Niel and turned to his teammates. "See? Now that's how you flatter someone."
Coco gave a sarcastic bow at the compliment as Raiden complimented the girls on their clothing and inquired as to the origin of the boys. Light conversation ensued between the eight with Velvet settling into a more comfortable atmosphere as her flushed cheeks dimmed and Caelum grew bored.
"Well, it seems we've taken enough of your time," said Caelum, seizing an opportunity as the conversation stalled. He turned his head to show that a small queue of other students were waiting awkwardly with drinks and snacks in hand to speak to the seniors they were monopolizing.
Before Coco could give the expected reply of preferring their company, Caelum left, dragging his team along by proxy. An awkward farewell from Raiden was all that was given as the other two nonchalantly followed and the waiting students immediately called upon team CFVY's attention.
The four soon happened upon team JNPR, although without their leader, and engaged in a short conversation. Pyhrra seemed melancholic and at the 'subtle' insistence of her two team members, were able to draw compliments on her beauty from the four, even Caelum who begrudgingly complied when Nora stared holes into him.
Their words held little result as she politely gave a hollow smile and thanks before excusing herself and taking her teammates in tow. A few words of the awkwardness of their situation and what may have been the cause were exchanged before an exuberant voice bellowed out to them and wrapped two burly arms around Lukas and Raiden's necks, the shortest of the teammates and yanking them down to his face level.
Port gave a short huzzah as he began rejoicing at finding his 'golden eggs' and insisting that they follow him. His insistence drew the boys who felt a debt into a gathering of the school's more prominent staff. The boys suffered at being bragged about by their boisterous teacher to Professor Oobleck, Goodwitch, and even the headmaster who had just finished speaking to Ruby before coming over at the call of Port.
The short teacher thumped his chest as he took a swig of punch and raised his glass in celebration of his students. He recounted their successes, trials, grades, and results as well as newfound free time and courageously the doubts of his colleagues before he undertook the task of seeing to their training.
Oobleck could only cheer on his colleague, as Goodwitch huffed and adjusted her glasses. Ozpin chuckled unto himself as he couldn't help but agree. "Why you are quite right, I'm ashamed to admit that as a fellow educator, I had not seen the potential you did and therefore am even more delighted to have you as my associate. Perhaps I'll keep my eyes on them from here on out."
Despite the initial paranoia those words sent through the team, Caelum kept his composure and humbly thanked the headmaster for his kind words. They knew that Caelum loathed even the suggestion yet his act of humility seemed to impress the teachers as they continued a conversation over the student body's overall improvement.
The mood was surprisingly mellow and relaxed until a voice called out and Caelum's eyes narrowed. "Ozpin, Glynda, You have yet to introduce me to your colleagues-"
The voice approached from behind and arrived at Caelum's side. Looking up to his right, General Ironwood stood and looked down at him. The moment the two made eye contact it was as if liquid nitrogen had been poured on the group. The gentle chatter was snuffed as the two stared icily.
Stiffly, Ironwood greeted the young boy. "Hyalus."
All eyes shifted to Caelum. He kept a straight face with half-lidded eyes and curtly responded "Cloud Chaser." As Ironwood's eyes narrowed, Caelum took his leave. His team quietly escaped the other direction before rejoining him on the other side of the ballroom. The teachers watched Ironwood with curiosity and disapproval.
Ozpin shook his head. "James…"
Recognizing their headmaster's tone, the three teachers took the opportunity of Port clearing his throat and ushering them to join him in policing the students. "We must ensure the students remain couth and mindful of the rules!" he laughed as he hurriedly left with Oobleck and Goodwitch. Ironwood furrowed his brow and massaged the bridge of his nose as Ozpin called his attention. Having missed his chance to ask Glynda for a dance, he now had to have another conversation over 'principle' with his contemporary.
The four teammates of CRLN found themselves absconding to the second floor of the dance hall, looking down on the other students and dancers. Silence was shared as well as drinks brought by the generosity of Niel. Even Lukas had kept from speaking out over wasted time that could have been spent with women while the three teammates wondered how to address Caelum's soured attitude.
Raiden was the bravest to step up. "You okay?"
"Just dandy" grit Caelum. He wasn't foolish nor unaware enough to not realize his attitude was dowering his teammates. With a glance at their uncomfortable expressions, he sighed. "I'll be fine. Don't concern yourselves with me. Besides, it seems I'm not the only one in an unpleasant mood."
He gestured with a finger from an outstretched hand holding his drink as his teammates leaned against the same railing and looked down. Surprisingly, Blake Belladonna stood against a wall in a sparkling black and purple dress. She cast a fetching figure even with the prevalent bags under her eyes and beneath the makeup.
Despite the boys trying to keep their distance from team RWBY due to the dock incident, even they knew that an appearance by the girl in her recently disheveled state was unexpected. They watched a moment longer as a monkey faunus approached and presumably attempted to ask her for a dance. With cross arms, a frown, and a shake of her head, the disheartened boy retreated to another male with bright blue hair and strangely, goggles on his head in addition to his suit.
Caelum took a sip from his drink and cleared his throat. "She's not the only one. Xiao-Long's wearing scarves again along with that pissed-off expression." His teammates shifted their glances to the front door where Yang was receiving guests. She was staring back at them with a glare. The three boys quickly found somewhere else to look as Caelum snickered.
"Is she staring at you?" whispered Niel as he looked away at the other side of the dance hall.
Caelum nodded. "I can feel the daggers from her eyes. I don't think she's pieced together my involvement with the 'incident' but I'm sure being beaten by some strange man in a mask in the same manner has her hating me by proxy."
Lukas chuckled to himself as he leaned his back against the railing. "Bah, I'm sure having a bruised throat ain't an unfamiliar feeling to her."
"Is that why you turned your back so she can't read your lips?" wondered Caelum sarcastically.
"She's still staring?" asked Lukas with a hint of worry.
The boys shared a chuckle as Niel continued the conversation. "I'm sure Weiss is overwhelmed as well. She is directing the majority of this event due to her team's indisposition. Although, I do see her glancing over at the blue-haired boy with goggles.
"Even she can have a crush, huh?" asked Raiden astounded.
"Jealous?" asked Lukas with a shit-eating grin."
Wisely, Raiden remained silent knowing he couldn't win a battle of words even if it meant Lukas would only dig at him more. Caelum looked out the dance hall's windows listlessly as he recounted a few details he'd been told. "Ruby had mentioned to me during a training session that her team was suffering some discourse. Apparently, Belladonna is a little obsessed over the Paladin incident. She left it at that and resumed training."
Lukas shrugged. Well, not as if we don't know what happened that night anywho. How's that going anyway? Never expected little miss prodigy to come to you of all people for training."
"Me either," responded Caelum. Glancing at his concealed arm. The bruise underneath no longer held any pain but he was always mindful of it in their training sessions. "She said what I told her struck a cord and that she wanted to improve fast. Told her that fast results are make-believe and she pressed even harder. Almost demanding I teach her anything to help her survive."
Lukas gave a knowing grin. "That's where she hooked ya huh?"
Caelum didn't affirm but continued explaining. She asked for advice on my prior critiques and some hand-to-hand training. I can say one thing for certain. She takes it all in quickly. Quicker than some." Caelum gave a condescending look at his teammates who all but Lukas averted their eyes.
"We'll choose to ignore you said that," remarked Lukas raising his glass for a drink.
Raiden spoke up. "Shouldn't we feel at least a little bad? I mean we did cause their teams trouble and worry."
"We have more important things to fret over" answered Caelum. "Besides, at least Rose is improving over it."
"But doesn't she seem a little despondent? Like her heads somewhere else?"
"I don't pay attention to her outside of training and when necessary. She at least pays rapt attention there."
Lukas hummed at Caelum's dismissal. "It's been twice now they've run into our 'operations.' May be prudent to start paying a little more attention. Especially as she's your new protege."
Caelum hesitated in responding to the reasonable claim. "I'll think on it."
A sudden buzz took the dance floor, disrupting their conversation. A quick look showed a surprising sight. Team JNPR took all eyes as they began dancing wildly enrapturing their audience.
Team CRLN watched with surprise, unwilling to be swept up in the fervor below.
"Don't want to snag the center of attention from them?" asked Niel.
Lukas gave an awkward laugh. "Not my cup of tea down there. Besides, I can't pull off a dress, not that Arc can either." Lukas gave a fake gag at the sight as Niel chuckled.
"Well" announced Caelum, placing his empty glass on a vacant table. "Now's as good a time to divide and conquer as any. Didn't you two have plans with some unfortunate women?"
Realization dawned on Lukas and Niel as they glanced at each other and back. Caelum pointed down at the stairs where two girls in short dresses were ascending. "They were looking at you for a bit before deciding to come up. Better make up an excuse or they might drag Raiden off instead."
"Well, it's been fun but gotta make waves and all that! We'll resume another time!" said Lukas as he dragged Niel along. The taller boy stumbled as he checked his outfit for any corrections.
Caelum snickered with Raiden who watched the two give a hasty excuse to the girls. The women feigned annoyance before forgiving their temporary dates and directing them to the dance floor.
Feeling cheerful at his friend's antics, Raiden was surprised to see Caelum tapping his shoulder with a serious expression. "Come with me. We need to have a talk."
Raiden didn't follow with any questions, sensing the severity in his leader's voice. The two exited the main hall through a pair of doors. Then ascended a staircase. Down a hall and past a couple who found their privacy disrupted and sent glares their way. A sneer from Caelum quickly sent the boy and girl retreating to the main hall muttering about 'damn prefects.'
Raiden chuckled awkwardly at the misconception. The majority of rooms were obviously locked, but they weren't on patrol for public indecency. The short interaction was forgotten as they ascended another stairwell tucked in the middle of the building. On the fourth floor, they approached a large set of old wooden doors with a chain draped across.
"Figures" groaned Caelum walking to a nearby window. He observed the adjacent frame and noticed a small lock preventing it from opening. It would be less noticeable than a snapped chain. With a bit of aura in his fist, Caelum snapped the small locking mechanism and opened the window. Checking their surroundings, he removed his jacket and pointed up. "Follow me."
In a feat of acrobatics, Caelum maneuvered himself outside and climbed upwards, placing himself onto the roof a good eight feet further up. Hesitantly, Raiden followed. Cautiously ensuring his footing was stable as he followed. Once on the roof, Caelum swung a foot back and closed the window behind.
Rejoining Raiden, Caelum pointed at the small bell tower sticking out of the center of the building. Offering a hand, he boosted Raiden up the brickwork and followed him in. Raiden admired the sight of Beacon at night from this height. He could see the moonlit dorms, training grounds, and the prominent green glow of the CCTV tower.
Caelum cleared his throat, grabbing his attention. "Have you followed up with your parents? About what Lukas' father said?"
The same nervous laugh escaped Raiden as he leaned against the brick ledge. With a sigh, he drooped his head. "Yeah. They caved and told me everything. Contacts, tech, and even areas they manufacture. They were so shocked about me finding out they didn't even ask how I did. Instead, they immediately jumped to trying to explain why they omitted ever telling me."
Raiden ran a hand through his silver hair in thought. "I almost feel guilty putting them in that spot you know? They didn't say I don't need to know or it's none of my business. Didn't even get mad. They instantly opened up. My father even said maybe it was time for me to be brought into the fold." With a heavier sigh, he continued. "They even gave me administrative access to a large portion of the work and tech designs to prove themselves." he let out a light chuckle. "Doting as always."
Distracted by his familial dilemma, Raiden was unaware of the glimmer in Caelum's eyes as he approached. Leaning against the same ledge, Caelum nudged his partner. His face was absent of any emotion other than empathy, or compassion. Were it not for the situation, Raiden would have found it strange. He would have realized his partner's instinctive manipulation.
"Family's hardly what we expect at times. They can be stubborn. Dogmatic. Difficult to trust and hard to forgive. Too often it's harder to forgive yourself when it comes to them, however. So long as you and they breathe, there is time to reconcile and understand. Don't grieve over awkwardness while you can be thankful for their presence."
"Awfully philosophical of you, isn't it?"
Caelum shrugged. I have a large family and I clash with them all more than you can count, and daily at that. At least when I saw them daily…" As his words drifted off, the two fell into silence as they looked out over the school grounds.
"Raiden. Can I make an earnest request of you?"
Raiden glanced over to see Caelum staring at him, a calm expression on his face. The usual stern demeanor was absent as if saying he would accept any answer. "I-If I can be of help."
Caelum stood straight and looked at his partner. "Can you lead the retrofitting of the Nyx?"
Raiden was dumbfounded. A silent gasp of air escaped his lips at the suggestion. Caelum pressed on regardless. "The ship is entering its second phase of repairs now that the engines and other essentials are completed. Weapons, armor, enhancements, anything you can think of and fit, anything you can make to work."
"Why me?" he asked astounded.
"Because I know you can design me a ship that will rival an entire fleet."
The immediate answer stunned Raiden into silence. His cobalt blue eyes stared down at his feet as his thoughts of iniquity ran about. His palms tightened into fists as he found a shred of conviction. Suddenly looking up, his eyes met with Caelum's dark brown irises. He couldn't read others like Lukas but he failed to find deceit in his partner's words.
A shaky smile formed on his face as he asked a solemn question of Caelum. "How much of that ship are you willing to cut out?"
"You already have ideas?" asked Caelum surprised.
"A semblance" grinned Raiden as the two began to discuss the finer points of their deal.
Once satisfied with their arrangements, they enjoyed the brisk night air before slinking back into the fourth-floor window and closing it. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of fiery eyes watched from a distant rooftop and finally made their move toward the large blinking tower in the distance.
-Chapter End-