RWBY: Chosen King and Queen

Chapter 14: Learning

Drayce was in the elevator on his way to see the headmaster of Beacon, Professor Ozpin, with a backpack, thinking on his next move while going up. For him it wasn't a matter of if he could get rid of specifically Cardin's father but it was about his other assignment which was troubling him. And that is why he needed to speak to Ozpin.

The ring sounded as it allowed Drayce to walk into Ozpin's office. "Drayce. Quite interesting to see you at this time. What is it that you need?"

"Well I am going to get straight to the point. I am going to have to take a leave of absence from school."

Ozpin folded his hands in front of his face, "And why is that?"

"As you may know, I was directed by my father to try and get the White Fang on our side in order to help our impending problem."

Ozpin nodded, "I see, they have asked you to do certain tasks in order to gain their allegiance. No doubt to help their agenda as well. This is why you need to take leave." Drayce nodded to the Headmaster, "However I know that is not the only thing that you need to ask me. Is it?"

Drayce took in a breath of air before he exhaled it, "What do you know about Azure Sky?"

Ozpin perked up slightly at this, "Why?"

Drayce also perked up at how serious Ozpin was. "They had asked me to take care of two people however I see fit, death or jail. The first is what I presume to be Cardin Winchester's father."

Ozpin nodded, "I can see why for him. He has said some rather problematic statements about the faunus. But why Azure Sky?"

Drayce took out a folder from his backpack and threw a file with multiple reports on Ozpin's desk. Who opened it and looked at them. "Sienna had gotten tipped off by someone anonymous about some of his dealings with interesting companies and people but not the full details. They also know that Kiwi Winchester is one of his biggest backers. So she sent multiple of her spy's to check it out."

Ozpin looked up from the papers, "The result?"

Drayce shrugged his shoulders, "None of them ever came back."

Ozpin hummed taking in all of the information, "Interesting…" Ozpin had a decision to make. Either forbid him from looking into Azure as it would no doubt be too dangerous for one person and if Drayce slipped up even once and was found out, Arlyn would be put in a peculiar situation. But if he didn't let Drayce go, the possibility of something happening that could potentially spiral out of control without his knowledge was equally scary for Vale and Remnant as a whole. And with that he made his decision.

Ozpin sighed, "Azure Sky was a former Huntsmen turned politician. On the battlefield he was very much one of the strongest in his prime. But after the death of his wife, Scarlet Sky, he transitioned over to being a politician shortly after fighting on the front of Huntsmen needing to be more prepared and trying to get them the backing that he feels they deserve."

Drayce crossed his arms in front of his chest, "On paper he seems as a stand up guy but the fact that faunus has gone missing over looking for information on him is disturbing."

Ozpin agreed with this sentiment, "Drayce, I am granting you temporary leave of absence and authorizing you to look into this issue."

Drayce nodded to this and started walking out, "Thanks Professor. I am going to go have a chat with Cardin then I'll be off."

Ozpin nodded to this as Drayce left. The Headmaster got up from his chair and looked out of his big window that overlooked both Vale and Beacon Academy. "This can be troubling."

At the cafeteria, all of team RWBY, JNPR, RRZA, Cardin, and Russel were sitting at one big table as they tried to strike up conversation with each other, but were broken from it by the intercoms of the school.

"Cardin Winchester, please report to the Faculty Office immediately!"

Everyone at the table was surprised, "What did you do this time?" Weiss asked.

Cardin had put up his hands in a surrender, "I swear I didn't do anything this time."

"Well it had to be for some reason, so you should probably get going," Blake said.

Cardin nodded and left. Ruby narrowed her eyes at Cardin. 'That was weird. Something isn't right?'

'You are correct, especially since Drayce is here.'

'What?!'

"RUBY!"

The aforementioned girl shot up and looked to her friends who were all looking at her, "Ruby are you okay?" Ren asked.

Ruby smiled, "Yeah I am fine just spaced out for a moment."

Mostly everyone took her word except for own team, they knew something was wrong.

Cardin entered the faculty office and was presented to Drayce standing and waiting for him. "Drayce your back. That was quick."

Drayce nodded and turned to the exit, "Cardin I need to talk to you. It's important so can we go somewhere private?"

Cardin was surprised but nodded and motioned Drayce to follow him. They maneuvered through the school until they got to Cardin and Russell's room as Cardin let him in and locked it behind him, "Russell shouldn't be here for another 40 minutes so what's up?"

"Well first off how's-"

"Cut the shit Regulus and get on with it. We both know that isn't what you wanted to ask. You would have just texted me about Ruby's condition."

"Damn you're getting good at that…"

"Well it's from hanging around you guys so much."

"Fair," Drayce sighed, "Alright I'll cut to the chase. It's about your father."

Cardin didn't know what he expected but it definitely wasn't that. "What about him?"

Drayce noticed Cardin's caution and didn't know if he should take that as a good thing or bad thing. "I have been tasked by the White Fang to deal with him. How I deal with him is up to me."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. The White Fang. THE White Fang that had that secret dealing with Torchwick back that night at the docks. Why are you helping them?!" Cardin was starting to get heated as he didn't understand why this was going on.

"Three reasons. A) Arlyn needs alies for what is to come, and I rather not be caught with my pants down and not have anything to help us. B) This was the only way to get them on our side. C) Which is the big thing. Sienna Khan has no eyes in Vale period."

"No eyes? But there is a whole White Fang group who is based here."

"Yes but for some reason they are not reporting to her. So I suspect that they have gone AWOL. Sienna does not want to start a war with humans but only wants change and while it is getting a lot better in every region. Vale seemed to be stagnant as of now. Which confuses her."

"So since she doesn't have eyes on here, she wants you to take care of it instead." Drayce nodded to this, with Cardin beginning to gain an understanding of the situation, "And my father hasn't been the pinnacle for Faunus rights, and while I can't say that I am not also to blame as I have also done that, I now know it is wrong."

"Are you willing to help me on this matter not just for Vale but for Arlyn as well?"

Cardin thought about it before he spoke, "I can't give a 100% answer yet so do you have a deadline?"

"It's two weeks. So before we leave for Arlyn."

Cardin nodded, "Then give me a day. As much as I want to help and repay you, this is my father who we are talking about. He raised me after my mother died so I just need time to think it over."

Drayce put his hand on his friend's shoulder, "I understand. I will still have to do what I have to do, but it will be easier if you were to help. Take your time, I'll call you tomorrow for your answer. Until then I'll see you later."

Cardin looked on as Drayce left and shut the door behind him leaving Cardin to his own thoughts. He sat down on his bed with his head in his hands, "Why now of all times?" He then looked up at the ceiling, "What should I do mom?"

Ruby just walked out of the practice room after training with Ren on aura manipulation, him saying that she was getting better and that soon she would be just as good as him soon. She walked the halls looking for someone in particular until she turned the corner and caught that same person in deep thought.

"Ah Cardin, just the person I wanted to see." Cardin, slightly alarmed, looked up at the young leader.

"Oh hey Red, what's up?"

"I need your help with something, can you follow me?"

Cardin perplexed, nodded and followed her upstairs to the room as she sat with her legs dangling off the edge.

"So what is it?"

There was a slight pause before she spoke, "So what did Drayce want?" Cardin was shocked that she knew about their meeting, were they too loud? "Crescent can sense his aura, and with you being summoned to the faculty office for something you seemingly didn't do, I put two and two together." Ruby sighed, "So what trouble is he in now?"

"Damn, you two are putting me in sucky situations. Talk about a rock in a hard place."

Cardin sat next to her and told her everything about the situation that he knew, "... And as of right now, I don't know what to do, I mean I know what he has probably done is wrong but he raised me."

Ruby sat there and just listened, but now she was ready to respond, "Cardin. You are a great person."

Cardin's eyes widened, "What?"

"You are a great person. Sure you did some horrible things in the past but you've changed. You have become a better person and an even better huntsman as well. I know it seems as if you betray your father then you spit in the face of what he had done for you, but ask this of yourself. How can you protect someone who has hindered you so much?"

"What do you mean?" Cardin asked, confused.

"Look at what you have now since you changed. You have friends that will help. You have gotten stronger, people who once didn't like you have accepted you for you. So why protect someone that wants the opposite of you."

'Failure. You will never be like me. You can't do anything right can you. You're an embarrassment for a son.'

Those were the same words his father once said to him but because of his new friends, because of their efforts, because of the second chance he was given, he knew he could become more.

'Strength is not the only way to make a difference. You were an embarrassment but you were right. You will never be an embarrassment ever again.'

Those were the same words that pushed him forward. That reminded him of the difference between him before and him in the present. Cardin smiled, "You know red, you are a lot like him."

Ruby looked at him with her own confusion, which made Cardin laugh slightly, "Drayce. You two are a lot alike." Ruby's eyes stared at Cardin in awe as she felt she wasn't anywhere near like Drayce but she wanted to be. Cardin stood up and started walking back to his dorm, "Well I gotta go talk to Russell. I don't know what you are planning but I believe in you. Also good luck with getting together with Drayce. I'll be waiting to see that happen." Cardin left with a teasing remark causing Ruby to blush and stutter out uncontrollably making Cardin chuckle.

Russell was just sitting on his bed playing with his scroll until the door opened to his teammate, "Cardin what's up, you've looked down all day since your talk in the faculty office. You okay man?"

Cardin stopped and looked out the window, "Russell do you think I've changed."

Russell put his scroll down and looked at his friend, "Honestly no." Cardin put his head down feeling defeated, "I would you are now more of your old self." Cardin looked at his best friend to explain who was happy to do so, "You back to being that guy, that could inspire people. To that kid who had all the confidence in the world about him doing the right thing. The kid who truly wanted to become a huntsman."

Cardin smiled, "Thanks man I needed that." The leader now took out his scroll and began typing to Drayce.

'I'll help you'

'Anyway I can, I got your back'

It took a while for Drayce to reply but he did very soon.

'Thank you Cardin. I am in your debt.'

'It is good to know I have a friend like you watching my back'

This statement hit Cardin hard in the heart. He finally had a place where he could belong. A place that saw his faults but still called him friend. And he wouldn't trade it for the world.

Sienna in Mistral was sitting on her throne and looking at many reports but once again Vale was not among them. This was beginning to bug her. Especially with the impending news that she had received from Prince Arlyn. She was starting to become troubled, 'Adam refuses to give me updates. I gave him command of the whole Vale branch but to not update me in the least for a while two months is a bit much. Something is wrong and I know it.'

"Jade!" She called out to one of her guards, who came kneeled before her. "Bring me Myrle and Saffron for me if you could."

"Of course."

He left the chamber to allow Sienna to think, 'I have to prepare for the worst. I don't want to think about it but if Adam is planning to take over the White Fang from me. I have to be able to protect myself. In a fight, we should be about the same with him taking an edge over me. I need to secure the White Fang's survival for the betterment of all Faunus.'

Just then the doors opened and two faunus came in. A girl red-winged blackbird faunus was amongst the other, as her outfit consisted of a black tube top with a short sleeved crop top hoodie that was black and showed some of her cleavage. Lastly she wore black jean shorts with black and white boots that went to her calf. Her features were black hair with black eyes with bird faunus wings that were black with the tips being red.

The other was a blonde lion faunus who wore a black jack with the hood part of the jacket being made of white fur. He also wore a white plain shirt and some black slacks, with black and white boots. A gold necklace rested on his neck as he looked at his leader with his piercing gold eyes behind black glasses while his tail swooshed side to side.

"You called Sienna," the lion asked.

"Yes I did Saffron. I have reason to believe that the white fang is in serious danger."

"DANGER!? BY WHAT! BY WHO?! BY-"

"Patience Myrle," she cut her off, and by who… it is none other than ourselves."

They became confused, which prompted Saffron to speak, "How could that be? The faunus in the Fang all have one goal. True equality so how could that be, that it would be ourselves that destroys us."

Sienna waved her hand, "Everyone. Leave us."

Her guards, slightly confused by the order, obey it anyways leaving the three alone. "Now then to begin-"

"One moment High Leader," without a moment's notice Saffron blitzed past Sienna and slammed something into the wall behind her. In his hand was the throat of a White Fang Guard. Not one of her personal guards, but a guard nonetheless. "I'm pretty sure our high Leader gave you a direct order. So why have you not carried it out yet?" His piercing gold eyes looked on in hunger as he was ready to devour him.

"What should we do with him? Should we kill him?" Myrle asked.

Sienna shook her head, "Jade!" Not a second after Jade had entered the room.

"Yes High Leader," he bowed.

"I want you to take this person to the cells. I would like to have a talk with him once I am done here."

"Of course High Leader." Jade then took the prisoner and left the room, shutting the door behind him.

Sienna sighed, "That's why I said what I said. It seems that the White Fang is in a tug-of-war when it comes to who should lead."

"How were you made aware of this?" Saffron asked, pushing up his glasses.

Sienna sat down on her chair while Saffron stood by Myrle, "Recently I received a visit from the Prince of Arlyn, Drayce Regulus."

Shock coursed through both of her faunus subordinates, "But why? I know we are on pretty good terms with Arlyn due to their laws and their opinion on faunus, but what would they want with us? Myrle asked.

"They have asked for our help, and in return they would help us with faunus equality to the other kingdoms more politically."

"What kind of help are we providing?" Saffron asked.

"They think that a big battle or war is going to break out. Why that will be is beyond me but they feel that they have concrete proof of this. I assume they will tell us in due time, but the point is that they want our help in protecting Arlyn. They also warned or eluded that the White Fang Branch in Vale is up to something and does not have the White Fang as whole interests in mind. With the recent nonexistent reports I am inclined to slightly believe him."

Myrle sighed, "Adam was always problematic but now of times?"

"Did you want us to take care of him?" Saffron asked.

"No, Adam's time will come and as of right now, I was able to have our Prince Drayce to oversee some things in Vale for me as compensation. I'm pretty sure at least one of his tasks he will complete which is why I called you both here." Sienna Khan stood up, "I know that you both were about to leave to your respective regions but I have a favor before hand."

The faunus' under her command looked at each other then nodded to her, "When there is news about that, Winchester swine and Azure Sky, I want you both to join me at Arlyn immediately in order to greet King Regulus. Do I make myself clear, Saffron King, leader of the Vacuo branch and you Myrle Shadow, leader of the Atlus branch."

"Your wish is our command." They both said which made Sienna smile.

At a warehouse in Vale there was a singular black and red haired faunus with a white grim like mask in his hands, who was staring up at the sky, and down to the people he commanded who were moving boxes into ships ready for transport to an undisclosed location that he was not told of yet. His black vest-like long sleeve shirt was billowing in the wind with his weapon and a chokuto in its scabbard was by his side clipped to his belt which was on his black pants. He looked at his scroll and saw a call from his leader Sienna Khan, but decided to let it ring until it stopped. "This is for the good of the faunus. You will understand soon my friend or at least I hope." He put his mask back to his face, "All I do is for the Faunus. I swear on it for I am Adam Taurus, leader of the Vale Branch. The Faunus will know freedom."