Sorry for my bad English.
-Look... -Ryan began. -... I know Cardin is hard to deal with but I think there are better ways to deal with him than... this. -He finished gesturing to Cardin, coughing and bleeding a bit.
-The traitor. -Solid began.
-Excuse me? -Ryan asked.
-The one who forsakes his origins. -Said Liquid.
-Uhh... what? -Ryan said in confusion.
-It will be a pleasure to use you as an example. -Said Gaseous.
-An example of what?
-This. -Said Solid, pointing to above.
Ryan then turns his attention to where he was pointing but saw nothing. He blinked three times in confusion before his good eye widened and something nearly hit him his good cheek.
-Woah! -Ryan exclaimed when he dodges the punch. -What was that about?!
He got his answer in the form of feet aiming to his back, only for Ryan to sidestep and one of the triplets stumble forward but they would not let this end like that. The last one leaped and aimed a reverse somersault kick right on the back of Ryan's head, but even like that he was able to dodge by rolling away.
-Do you guys heard what I said about not fighting outside the arena?! -Ryan asked.
-We would be lying if we say we are not impressed with that ability of yours. -Spoke one.
-The ability to feel the intentions sure is useful. -Said another.
-But it will be useless against us.
Ryan raised an eyebrow.
-How did you guys... Fée... -Ryan said her name like he wanted to puke.
-So you know. -Said Solid.
-It will not make difference. -Followed by Liquid.
-Because we know how to deal with this. -With Gaseous finishing.
The one in front of him, Solid, raised his fist aiming at his face, the speed he used in his attack was so slow that Ryan could easily see it coming. But when he raised his arm to block, he was kicked on the back of his right leg.
Liquid aimed another kick, this time on Ryan's face. Once again he prepared to block but was punched on the side of the stomach. Seeing his enemy was aiming another strike against his face, he decided to retreat a bit but notices one of them standing behind his back, preparing to once again shove the leg on his back.
Knowing how to block the movement he turns around and prepared himself, but was once again surprised by a punch on his left cheek. Seeing that the one in front of him was aiming to his chin, he retreated his head a bit to dodge, but the feet hit his stomach hard.
After the last attack, he was now laying on his back on the ground, holding his stomach and wondering what was happening.
-First, he aims a punch but then uses a kick? -Ryan thought. -No one changes his attack this fast but them was almost instantaneous.
-I know, normally we do not just attack someone randomly like that. -Said Solid.
-But you are a special case. -Followed by Liquid.
-The likes of you deserve after all. -Finished Gaseous.
-Deserve? -Ryan asked. -What are you all are talking about? What did I do?
-Tell us, Forest... the pain of ripping off your tail was worthy the acceptance? -Asked Solid.
-Tail? -Cardin asked.
-What are you talking about? -Ryan asked. -I didn't rip off my tail. I lost it.
-Lost it? -Cardin asked now sitting. -Wait... Forest is a faunus?
-What a surprise. -Said Liquid. -You even hide what you are from those around you.
-Hey! I didn't hide anything. -Ryan said. -I... just forget to mention.
-You... forget to mention you are a faunus? -Asked Gaseous.
-Yeah, so what? -Ryan asked, scratching the back of his head. -It is not like something I should remember. Or it is? Perhaps I should mention it often.
-Do you want us to believe you just forget that you are a faunus? -Asked Liquid, the tone of his voice showing he was having none of it.
-Hey, I didn't forget it... -Ryan answered then looks away. -I just forgot to mention.
And Solid answered again by sending his fist against Ryan's face. This time, the triplets were the ones surprised seeing Ryan not moving as he was not punched but kicked on the belly again.
Once he was back at his feet, he saw Solid once again aiming another punch to his nose, only to his cheek and he does not make a move to dodge or block.
Again, Solid attacked, this time on his left leg with a kick, only to receive a kick on the right side of his stomach. He saw coming another attack against his good cheek but the punch hit burned side of his face. Once again he was on the ground, confusing the triplets, especially Solid.
-Strange. -Thought Solid. -When someone falls, the first thing a person does is use his arms to hold himself before hitting the floor. Despite the chance of doing it, he hit the ground face first.
Ryan rolled to his back, looking at the night sky for a moment before the move to a sitting position. The triplets surrounded him again but were surprised when he grabbed some dirt from the ground and threw it on the legs of the siblings who were by his sides.
They were confused by the sudden move but pushed the thought aside to continue with the beating.
He was at a disadvantage, so Ryan did the only thing he knew, act like a coward and knee down with his arms covering his head.
The three pigs watched with eyes wide open the gunslinger take such a position in that situation.
-You dare to insult us... -Spoke Solid.
-Adopting such tactic... -Followed by Liquid.
-Against our teamwork? -Finished by Gaseous.
This time they did not wait for an answer, surrounding the gunslinger and beating him up. His aura did well to hold the damage but they knew he was feeling each punch and kick they were delivering to him. This made them think that Fée was overestimating Ryan.
It was when the gunslinger grabbed the leg of the triplet in front of him. This made them stop, but Ryan did not react, surprising the triplets when he let go of the leg he was holding.
He was standing again and despite keeping with the dumb look he have on his face, the triplets all felt something different, but they could not tell what. However, they decide to put the worry aside, they needed to deal with Cardin after all.
Aiming a punch on Ryan's good cheek, they all were surprised when he blocked the kick aimed to his belly. They then were once again surprised when Ryan moved his head a few inches away, the tip of Solid's leg barely scratching the back of his head.
-How did he...? -Thought Liquid throwing a punch on his back.
The punch, however, was held when got closer to Ryan's chest.
What followed next was more of what already was happening. Ryan blocked and dodged all the attacks from the triplets, something that not only surprised them but Cardin as well. A second ago he was getting his butt kicked by the triplets and now was blocking and dodging their attacks.
Two fists and a leg attacked at the same time, the result was the two fists being held by the other two fists and the leg hitting air.
The triplets leaped away from the gunslinger who was still with the same dope face he always have.
-How did you do it? -Asked Gaseous.
-Did what? -Ryan asked.
-How are you dodging our attacks? -Asked Liquid.
-Shouldn't I? -Ryan asked.
-Are you an idiot or are you just pretending? -Asked Gaseous.
-You take that back! -Ryan complained.
-He's an idiot. -The three of them thought at the same time.
Seeing that punches and kicks were not going to work, they all brought their weapons.
-What's the matter? -Asked Solid.
-Aren't you going to get your revolvers? -Asked Liquid.
-Or do you think you can take us weaponless? -Asked Gaseous.
-You guys are giving me a headache talking like that. -Ryan complained.
Solid threw his kusarigama to Liquid, who grabbed the scythe and pulled his brother. In midair, Solid, now holding his escrimas, brought both weapons down but fast enough as Ryan grabbed both his wrist.
-Wait, if he is now holding escrimas, it means... -Ryan nearly did not dodge the scythe going to his head but ended up losing some of his hair. -C'mon! I don't have much hair, y'know?!
He threw Solid away only to see him again coming from his left.
-What?! -Cardin, still watching the fight, though. -But I know that Forest threw him right now!
Ryan spun and pushed Solid with his back, but saw him again coming from his right, the scythe came down but Ryan was able to roll away.
-Why aren't you attacking us? -Asked Solid.
-I think we are being underestimated. -Said Liquid.
-A grave mistake. -Stated Gaseous.
-Well, actually... -Ryan tried to explain, only to Gaseous jump after him with his escrima ready.
Before he could react, a chain wrapped around his heel. It did not matter since he knew how to block the escrimas, but felt his aura protecting his skin from a cut, seeing the triplet who attacked him now holding the scythe of the kusarigama.
The chain was pulled but it felt like was trying to pull a bolder for the triplet holding the chain. Seeing Ryan would not move, Liquid leaped after him with his nightsticks. Using a wrist to block the scythe, he used his other hand to hold at least one of the nightsticks, surprising Liquid when he used his free feet to hold the second nightstick. Seeing him struggling against his siblings, Gaseous moved further and wrapped the chain around Ryan's neck, turning the situation into a struggle for the burned gunslinger.
For a moment the triplets smiled, having the intruder on their hands, this until they notice the sparks on Ryan's body, followed by an electrical chain coursing through their bodies. They were forced to jump away, Gaseous letting goes off the chain, to not be affected by the chain.
-The semblance. -Began Solid.
-She mentioned it. -Followed by Liquid.
-The power to absorb energy. -Finished Gaseous.
-It seems that Fée spoke about me. Why did she do that if you guys are after Cardin?
-It is not obvious? -Asked Solid.
-She mentioned that you may come to protect him. -Followed by Liquid.
-So she warned us in advance. -Finished Gaseous.
-How could she know I was going to be there at the exact same time they were attacking Cardin? -Ryan thought. -Unless she knew I would-WAIT A SECOND!
*Early in the afternoon*
-What a mess. -Commented Oobleck seeing the floor covered with water.
-I'm surprised. -Commented Port. -I heard those pipes would last for at least ten more years.
-I will just call a plumber. -Spoke Glynda.
-Mon Dieu. What happened here? -Asked Fée, approaching the scene.
-It seems that a pipe burst Ms. Argent. -Glynda answered.
-If you are going to call a plumber, I may know someone who can do the job for free. -Fée spoke getting the attention of the professors. Who would not want to save money? -I once heard from Monsieur Forest he used to work on the pipes of his father's ranch.
-Ryan, you said. -Glynda said and looked at her co-workers, seeing the two of them having the same idea. -Thank you for the information, Ms. Argent.
-Je vous en prie. -Said Fée.
-We believe all you need is in this box tools. -Glynda said, handing Ryan the box.
-How did this happen? -Ryan asked looking at the burst wall and the pipes releasing water.
-Do not worry about it, Mr. Forest. Just focus on finishing your job.
-How long do I have to work on those pipes? -Ryan asked.
-Until all is fixed, Mr. Forest. -Glynda answered turning away from him.
-But it will take the whole day!
-So it is better to get started, huh? -Glynda could not help but smirk hearing Ryan groaning from behind her.
-How did she even know I know how to fix pipes? -Ryan asked.
*Early in that night*
-He must be leaving the detention at this hour. -Fée spoke to the triplets. -He always takes the lone road back to his quarters so it is the best time to attack.
-We heard you, Ms. Argent. -Spoke Solid.
-After that night... -Followed by Liquid.
-... no Faunus will suffer in his hands. -Finished Gaseous.
-Excellent. Oh, and one more thing. -Fée began placing a picture of Ryan on the table. -This is Ryan Forest. He is a faunus but may appear to protect him.
-Why would he do that? -Asked Solid.
-He ripped off his tail. -Fée answered causing the triplets to widen their eyes in surprise. -It seems that he wanted to be seen as a human, he still wants. So he looks after those who mistreat faunus to gain their approval.
-We see. -Solid spoke, sounding very angry.
-Those who choose to betrayal our kind... -Followed by Liquid.
-... will have the same fate as those who mistreat us. -Finished by Gaseous.
-It is not even a month and she is already trying to give me a headache. -Ryan complained in his head.
They notice Ryan was in some thoughts and took the opportunity to strike. Solid used threw his kusarigama against his head, only to Ryan notice and move his head away but this time Solid was prepared. The moment the scythe went past his head, he pulled the chain, making the scythe come to the back of Ryan's head, or so he thought.
Ryan grabbed the chain and pulled Solid to him, only to see him holding two nightsticks. He threw him away and saw another triplet coming from behind, holding two nightsticks again. He dodges the attack and grabs Liquid by the shoulders to throw him down, but something broke the fall. Looking at his hands, he notices he was now holding two escrima.
The scythe of the kusarigama was once again coming to his face and when Ryan dodges the flying scythe. The scythe ended in the hands of another triplet but Ryan rolled away when the triplet he was holding down was now with the scythe in his hand.
-How the hell they are doing that? -Cardin asked loud enough for Ryan to hear. -How they are just changing their weapons.
-They have a Shared Semblance. -Ryan answered while getting up.
-A Shared Semblance? -Cardin asked.
-So you notice. -Gaseous stated.
We interrupt the story for a short explanation
-Hello, my name is Dr. Oobleck. -Chibi Oobleck began. -And I'm here to explain what is a Shared Semblance. -He then turns to the chalkboard behind him. -You see, it is said that siblings who share the physical appearance or in fewer words, twins, share a deeper connection with their souls. -Chibi Ruby raised her hand. -Yes, Ms. Rose?
-What do you mean by connection?
-Ah yes. -Oobleck said and zoomed to the other side of the room. -It is said that twins are connected by their very souls and as we know, the power of our auras comes from our souls. This connection makes it possible for identical siblings, being twin or more, to have a special type of semblance, one the specialist calls a Shared Semblance. -Yang raised her arm. -Yes, Ms. Xiao Long?
-How a shared semblance works?
-It is like the siblings have the exact same semblance, hence the name Shared Semblance. Sometimes they have the exact same power or a power that can only be used if a twin is among his sibling or siblings. The most known is one where twin sisters once claimed they felt what the other felt. -Weiss raised her hand. -Yes, Ms. Schnee?
-But this is not common among those who are twins?
-Precisely but in the case of the sisters, they could feel what the other feels on a deeper level. When one was hearing something, the other could also hear despite not being in the same room. One could even see through her sister's eyes. Putting simply, their shared semblance allowed them to share all their feeling and four senses. They could see, smell, feel and hear what each other was feeling. -Blake raised her hand. -Yes, Ms. Belladona?
-It is possible to normal siblings to have a Shared Semblance?
-No! As mentioned before, only twins or more have a shared semblance due to the connection they have on their very souls. Any more questions?
-No sir. -Chibi Team RWBY answered.
-Then my job here is over! -With his explanation over, Chibi Oobleck took his mug and put it between his legs like a witch with a broom. -And that... -Chibi Oobleck began to fly away. -... IS GOOD TO KNOOOooowww...!
-Now back to the original story! -Chibi Ruby stated.
-To put it simply, they are not changing their weapons but themselves. -Ryan said.
-What? -Cardin asked.
-Their semblance allows them to trade places with the others and since they are triplets, it gives an illusion that it is the weapons that are changing.
Solid
/ \
Gaseous - Liquid
Gaseous
/ \
Liquid - Solid
Liquid
/ \
Solid - Gaseous
-But they do not share the same features. -Cardin said. -Anyone can notice that.
-Not necessarily. -Ryan explained. -While in a fight, most of the focus is in the eyes or weapons of your opponent, you focused on the same not even noticing when the pig ears suddenly disappear and are replaced with a pig nose, even if is below their eyes. Remove their faunus traits and their faces will be the exact same. Your eyes were focusing more on the fact they are triplets than faunus and this is the feature you paid most attention to.
-And how did you know is this what is happening?
-The dirty on one of them's pants. -Ryan pointed making the triplets focus on the dirty. -I notice the dirty I threw suddenly disappearing. Then I notice it was suddenly covering the pants of another triplet.
-This is how he suddenly moved to the front to behind me! -Cardin thought. -He changed places with one of his brothers without me noticing.
-And since they are triplets, it is almost impossible to notice when they changing places. -Ryan thought. -They are so similar that is hard for someone to pay attention to their unique traits before they make their move.
-Impressive. -Commented Liquid.
-You notice our secret after just a couple of minutes of fighting. -Followed by Liquid.
-We are truly impressed. -Finished Gaseous.
-Enough to forget about me? -Ryan asked.
He got his answer with Solid aiming his kusarigama to the side of his head, aiming the blade against his neck. Ryan doubled back his body and moved to the side right in time before Liquid hit the back of his head with one of his nightsticks. He expected Gaseous to strike him next but had to dodge the hit from a nightstick aimed at the burned side of his face.
Knowing their trick, it was easier for Ryan to dodge and block his attacks, yet sometimes their weapons brushed on his skin or gave a small cut on his clothes. Seeing their so-called perfect teamwork was working anymore, Solid thought in something else, and his siblings were on the same page.
They ceased their attack and walked in circles, slowly moving around Ryan who for some reason, did not feel anymore any intent to hurt him, but it was clear they were planning something. It was when he remembers their original goal.
A little too late when Solid threw his kusarigama against Ryan, with Cardin standing a few meters behind him. He dodge the kusarigama but then, to the triplets' surprise, he grabbed the chain and pulled Solid in his direction. The triplet suddenly had in his hands a pair of escrima. Ryan held both Gaseous' arms by his wrists and threw him against the ground.
Liquid sneaks behind him and tried to hit his head, only for Ryan to duck and sweep kick Liquid's legs, making him lose the ground beneath him and fly high in the air by a kick on his back. Solid was able to hold his sibling before Gaseous hit the ground and Gaseous rolled away from Ryan.
The triplets were in a line. Solid gave to one of his siblings the end of the chain of the kusarigama before giving a huge jump while spinning the other side of the chain, the one with the scyth.
-He is finally fighting back. -Solid thought in midair.
He threw his kusarigama and Ryan was about to dodge when he felt something wrap around his ankle. The triplets already have an idea of what was going to happen next.
Ryan was about to pull one of his revolvers and if he did not have his weapon with him, he could just shoot electricity with his semblance. When this happens, Gaseous will throw one of his escrima against Ryan's arm, redirecting whatever he was going to shoot, allowing the kusarigama his him on his good eye. Of course, he could make the electricity run through the chain but Gaseous and Solid could let go of the chain in time, and this would leave him open still for the escrima to hit him on the same target, his eye. And if he tried to dodge, a small push from the chain around his ankle would make him lose his balance and end with an escrima in his eye.
Whoever the triplet he decides to attack, he would still be open for the other two to strike.
Ryan went for the third option, about to dodge the coming scythe when Liquid pulled the chain and make him lose his balance, Gaseous did not waste time and threw his escrima. They all smiled seeing the escrima about to his Ryan's good eye.
They were surprised when Ryan was able to bend his body and let the escrima fly past him, not too far when he was able to grab the escrima and threw against Solid who still was in midair to dodge. The escrima hit him straight on the stomach, making him spit some saliva and lose his balance. Gaseous was about to help him when Solid was pulled by the chain he was holding. The next thing he saw was the feet of two sandals coming to his face, kicking him against Gaseous before he could help Solid as the older of the triplets fell hard against the ground. This however did not stop him as he rolled in Ryan's direction ready to give a strike with the small scythe.
Ryan sidestepped and gave Solid a small push on his back. Behind him, Liquid and Gaseous jump in the air aiming a strike against Ryan, Solid also recovered and went after the one-eyed gunslinger.
Ryan notices their weapons changing at a real fast pace to the point of nearly getting transparent.
Ryan blocked a strike from Solid but when he was about to counter-attack, his fist was blocked by an escrima while the other hit him on his good cheek. His knee blocked the attack from Liquid's nightstick and aimed a kick to his opponent's head. But a small scythe held his leg by the ankle, Solid was once on his left and now was behind him. Liquid, once in front of him now on his left, strike on the back of Ryan's head. He tried to hit Liquid but got an escrima shoved on his stomach, then another strike from the nightstick on the back of his head.
At this point, Ryan knew that they would eventually do too much harm to him before he thinks of a way to counter-attack, so he did the only thing he could.
Once again he got on his knees and covered his head, angering the triplets who answered by attacking at the same time.
To their surprise, Ryan covered himself with the same rock armor from his fight on the Challenge, blocking the strike from all the weapons. But instead of keeping it, he released in tiny pieces, hitting the triples with the rock pieces, knocking both behind him and the one in front of him.
Things were going different from the beginning. Before Ryan was only blocking or dodging, refusing to fight back. Now, he was actually harming the triplets. What caused this change?
The way his face is now also is different. Before, he looked good and like someone who wanted to hide in a hole. Now, he actually looked fierce.
What could possibly cause this change?
Solid had little time to think when suddenly, Ryan was right in front of him, his hand aiming to hold Solid's face, sparks of electricity coming from it. Liquid changed places with him to hold the electric palm with his nightsticks when suddenly, he felt a blinding pain in his stomach. He was kicked in the belly.
Solid and Gaseous immediately went to Liquid's aid when Ryan, now having wind running around his arm, shoved his palm down, cracking the ground like a spiral around him and making the triplets lose their balance and fall.
-What was that?! -Thought Solid.
-She did not mention something like this! -Liquid thought, still holding his belly.
Before Gaseous could think of something as well, he notices Liquid coming in his and Solid's direction in midair, he was thrown. Both siblings stood side by side to hold their brother and put him down gently.
The triplets glared at the one-eyed gunslinger, weapons in hand and ready for another combo. But before they could try, a fireball hit the ground before them. The three were taken by surprise upon noticing the new arrivals.
Port and Oobleck, with weapons in hands, glared back at the triplets.
-What do we have here? -Port asked. -It seems we need to take care of some intruders.
-Surrender immediately. -Oobleck spoke as fast as usual. -Do not force us to use force!
The triplets look at each other, knowing very well they could stand little chance against two professional hunstmen, so they did the only thing they could.
Solid took a small tube from his back and threw it on the floor, covering the area with a smokescreen like the one Koro uses.
-They are trying to flee! -Declared Port.
Oobleck immediately zoomed to where they were but found nothing, no signal of the triplets.
-They are fast, I give them that. -Oobleck said. Then his focus was on Cardin and was surprised to see Ryan by his side.
-Good work, Mr. Forest. -Port declared as he approached the young gunslinger. -Always keep an eye on those who are wounded.
-Mr. Forest. -Oobleck called and zoomed to the huntsman-in-training. -Care to explain what this was all about?
-And that is what happened. -Ryan said.
-I see. -Ozpin spoke.
They were currently in the infirmary with nurse Yukino taking care of Cardin's wounds.
-I still don't get it. -Cardin began. -How many of you knew about what was happening?
-Mr. Forest send a message to our scrolls moments after he found you in this predicament. -Ozpin answered. -It seems he was planning to hold them back until the arrival of the reinforcements but it seems they forced his hand.
Ryan, who was sitting on a nearby desk, said nothing. Too much focused on finishing his card castle.
-But why attack Mr. Forest? -Glynda asked. -The moment he arrived they would have finished with Mr. Winchester. Why engage against him in battle?
-Do you have any theory, Mr. Forest? -Ozpin asked.
-They were those extremists types. -Ryan answered.
-Extremists? -Ozpin asked.
-They may think I decide to forsake my heritage when they heard about my tail.
Oh yeah, Cardin forgot about that part, or it was his pride that not allowed him to believe he was saved by a faunus.
-I see. -Ozpin said before continuing. -You are to return to your dorm Mr. Forest while the staff will look for signs of those triplets on the grounds of the academy. And you Mr. Winchester, you will stay in the infirmary with Mr. Minuano standing guard on the outside.
-You will leave a blind man on the guard duty? -Cardin asked.
-Allow me to answer your question with another question. How many times does he notice you sneak out of his class?
Every. Single. Time.
After receiving his orders, Ryan left accompanied by Oobleck to his dorm. He wonders how Jaune will react to his small bruises.
Cardin meanwhile, was more wounded than their eyes could see. A faunus saved him, sure. But he has to be saved from faunus. Not only that but he was able to do zero damage against his aggressors. He was made a fool, humiliated, made to kiss the ground, you get it, right?
Then how come he was not able to overcome his foes?
But what hurt his pride more than anything is not the fact that the one who held his own against the triplets is a faunus. Ryan of all the people was the one to do it.
The same guy he laughed at for tripping on his feet...
The one who got scared and jumped so high he held himself on the roof of the cafeteria...
The one who runs away from Grimms while screaming like a child...
The coward... proved to be his superior.
There was one question on his mind now, why he was training so hard for?
End of the chapter.
It is the first part of the story where Jaune does not appear. I think I should have him make a small appearance like I did to Ryan on the couseling chapter. I think I should make a chapter for him as well to balance.
One of the things that made this chapter bigger was the section with the chibi counterparts but it was something I wanted to do a long time ago, among some other things. I just needed a chance to use and the chance came.
I once heard that twins or more equalli similar siblings have are conected to their very soul so I thought, what would happen if twins, or in this case triplets, have a semblance? I mean, we never saw if Melanie and Miltia have a semblance, or so far I know.
Yeah, I took the idea from the Trio of Dangers from Dragon Ball Super. I think they are interesting character but used in the wrong way. I think they seems like the type of enemy who is always loses but always comes back for revenge.
And finally, the triplets will be part of the group of foes of the duo, which means they will appear again in future chapter.
That's all folks. See you next time!