Chapter Text
“So what are we doing guys!”
Zeta was very excited when it came to choosing a mission. The team would be able to shadow an actual huntsmen. There was a lot to choose from but you were more concerned about your other responsibility. Some of the missions were in the southeast, which was where the White Fang was currently. Taking a mission in the area would be very beneficial, but you were also worried about other huntsmen being around. There had been an increase in Grimm activity there, not really natural, but more like the security system you set in place.
Ultimately the team agreed on a mission in the area, and it was Village Security, you’d leave in a week. Once that was settled you headed out. All first years were taking on missions, some left right away, others didn’t, but the entire class was on a kinda break. You already knew what you were going to do with it, and had informed Xion of the reason why it was important to get a mission in the area. You could easily make it very easy, but your teammates were pretty excited to fight Grimm, so you couldn’t take that from them. At least that was a problem for later, and what you thought would be your only problem.
Being underground wasn’t ideal, but it was part of the plan and you weren’t in a position to ask questions. It was mostly peaceful, and you’d help load the train on occasion, but things were never simple. While you sat atop the caboose of the train you noticed to White Fang members dragging in a girl dressed in red, you immediately recognized her, Ruby Rose. Of course she’d be the one to wind up in trouble. You were thinking about interfering but it seemed that Roman had personal beef with her, and seemed capable of handling her without her weapon, although the fact they knew each other did raise questions.
“We’re not through here yet.”
An explosion pulled everyone’s attention, and of course Ruby wasn’t alone. She was on mission too, and had her team behind her. Shots were being fired, but you knew sticking around wasn’t a good idea, as did Roman. While the others were occupied you did your best to finish loading the train, but even you had your limits. As the train began to move you made your way to the front with Roman and Neo, collapsing from exhaustion. A faunus in the train car approached you but you assured them you were fine, you just needed a minute.
“Thought you were more capable.”
“Shut up. I was loading the train asshole. Should I throw you off?” Neo grabbed the hilt of her umbrella. “A joke. Now, are we moving?”
“Yes. Can’t you tell?”
“Boss.” A faunus called. “They made it on the train.”
“Then grab some cargo, and get them off the train!”
You nearly slapped Roman for his animal joke, but him flinching was enough for the time. It wasn’t long then before the train cars started detaching and exploding.
“Do you even have enough juice to bring the Grimm.”
“This plan was designed without the need for my talents. I can provide a boost, but that’s not my priority right now.”
“And what is?”
“Getting my people to safety. Or have you forgotten what it is I do here? Or the fact this train is going to crash?”
“Well then. I’ll go first.”
“Funny, but I thought the captain went down with the ship.”
Roman glared at you, but you merely stuck your tongue out at him. You were certainly pushing at your limits, but you had enough strength to start evacuations. It was annoying that things weren’t supposed to go this way. As you did your job and stuck to the shadows you could see team RWBY advancing towards the front of the train. You were busy, but you knew Roman wasn’t and portalled back to the front.
“You got incoming.”
“Persistent little things.”
“Yeah, so deal with them. I’m not done getting my people to safety.”
“And what about Blake? Isn’t she one of yours?”
“She turned her back on the White Fang, on the Highleader. She made her choice, and she is not my responsibility or under my care. Do as you please.”
Some of your faunus family was busy and couldn’t be evacuated, so you switched focus to see what resources you could save before the crash. You stumbled a bit in your steps, the anxiety of the situation, as well as using your semblance without proper rest. You were a bit worried about passing out, but you had to focus. Neo could get herself off the train, you knew that, and as you neared the end, you figured it was time to clear off the train, whether you were spotted or not. For a moment you contemplated taking Roman, but you figured he could use the rough wake up call. He would be fine.
♥♥♥♥♥
Before the train crashed, and once you had done your duty, you portaled back to the dorm, and collapsed into bed. You probably should have been a bit gentler, but now you just wanted to melt into the mattress. You knew you would be alone, but when you heard the door opening you scrambled up, knowing you needed to get rid of the cloak.
“There you are.”
It was a relief to see it was just Xion, so you threw yourself back in bed. Although getting some rest still wasn’t an option.
“What happened? Where have you been?”
“Busy. Can we just leave it at that.”
Before he could respond you heard an explosion, and then alarms blaring. It seems the train had reached its destination. Xion didn’t even need to know more before jumping to the conclusion that whatever the emergency was, you had something to do with it.
“Don’t give me that look.”
“Seriously, what happened?”
“It’s complicated and I don’t want to explain. Also you don’t need to know.”
“Okay, but you know what the alarm means, Grimm. We should go help. It’d be good practice for the team. I know fighting Grimm isn’t really your thing but-”
“Gotta keep up appearances. Where are the others?”
“On campus, I can get them to town asap.”
“Then go, I’ll meet you there.”
Xion teleported and you forced yourself out of bed. You couldn’t catch a break and this was all one girls fault. You got to town, up high somewhere, just so you could rest, watching the situation. There was certainly a lot of Grimm, more than team RWBY could handle, even if they had JNPR as backup. You were interrupted when the rest of your team showed up.
“Wow, that’s a lot of Grimm.” Ash stated. “Can we do this?”
“No one is gonna stop up.” Xion chuckled. “Right, y/n.”
“No one is stopping RWBY or JNPR, it’s good practice, so have at it, before teachers show up and tell us to back up.”
“Yes!”
Zeta was the first off the roof, and it wasn’t long before you could hear his screams. Ash followed soon after, as did Xion, but you stayed put. You didn’t have the energy to fight, nor did you ever enjoy killing Grimm. To the rest of Remnant they were monsters, the enemy, to you they were the opposite. They were just living creatures, docile things that meant no harm. It’s the negative emotions that disturb them, they hate it so much they seek to destroy what causes it, just so they may live in peace.
You couldn’t watch, and as you looked away you saw Cinder with her minions. Of course she wants to paint herself in a good light. Although the fight didn’t go on much longer before reinforcements showed up, the Atlas Military. It was fun to see team CFVY in action, you wondered for a moment if you’d face them in the Vytal Festival. Once the big guns stepped in, things quiet down quick, even Glynda fixed things up.
Since the fight was over you made your way down, joining your team. They may not have seen you fight, but you looked pretty exhausted, so it was easy to buy. When you saw Roman arrested you realized you had completely forgotten about him, but given who was handing him over, you figured this would work out in Cinder’s favor. Everyone present gave a statement, of course team RWBY had more to explain, but you could finally rest. At least you wanted to but the day wasn’t over just yet.
When you had a moment alone on campus you were cornered by Neo. Seeing her startled you for a moment but you were quick to portal with them to somewhere else. It wasn’t surprising she was mad at you over Roman being arrested, and you had to explain it was part of Cinder’s plan. She didn’t like to share, so you’d both have to wait and see what would become of Roman. Either way, you assured Neo, that if it came to it, you could get Roman back with ease.
That conversation made you realize just how little you knew about Cinder’s plan, how the White Fang was just doing grunt work. If this partnership was going to continue things needed to change. You took a breath and portaled to Adam. As expected he was in his planning tent, you wondered if he ever took a break but before you could speak and you collapsed onto the table. He was quickly by your side.
“Y/n!”
“I’m fine… just… busy day…”
“Is everything alright.”
“Our people are… but…”
“But what?”
“We need to talk about Cinder.”
“It’s what she hasn’t done… yet…”
♥♥♥♥♥
“All in all, I’d call today a success.”
“Those stupid kids really made a mess of things.”
“Yeah. A lot of faunus wouldn’t have made it out of those tunnels if not for their guardian angel. You still think the White Fang is gonna listen to us?”
“No, but they’ll listen to me.”
A quick chat with Adam and he was quickly on the same page as you. It was clear what he wanted, needed to do next, so you took him to Cinder. She was never hard to find, and you kept your place, behind Adam and hidden under your hood.
“Adam, how nice of you to join us. Seeing that you have your usual shadow, I suppose they’ve informed you of the days events.”
“Yes.”
“Then you know it all went well.”
“Did it? Things seemed to move ahead of schedule and endanger my people.”
“Have you come to renegotiate our partnership?” Cinder’s eye burst into flames. “Because I don’t think that’s in your best interest.”
You growled, anger already boiling up inside you. She had to be too cocky for her own good to make those kinds of treats, especially when you were around. Adam placed his arm in front of you, knowing very well you were ready to pounce. He stood his ground, he wasn’t one to cower in fear from humans, and you liked to think you gave him some strength too.
“This isn’t about my best interest, but the faunus’ so I recommend you put away your night light before my shadow acts on its own.”
“Hm.” Cinder glanced at you and the flames went out. “Then to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“If you want the White Fang, you go through me first. No more taking my people and leading them around blind. I lead my people, so what you need, you tell me. Consider it an upgrade to our partnership.”
“So we are renegotiating.”
“This is not up for discussion.”
“Didn’t think so. Glad we’ve come to this conclusion. Things are just about to get more interesting.”
“I guess we’ll be seeing each other more often.”
“Indeed we will.”
♥♥♥♥♥
The moonlight shined down on a small clearing, you rested in Adam’s arms, finally getting the break you needed. You fell asleep for a while, but he didn’t seem to mind.
“That went well.”
“Awake already?”
“Somewhat…”
“It went as well as it could have. The Vytal Festival is upon us, and that’s what her plan revolves around. At least we know what to expect now.”
“We still don’t know what it is she is going to do.”
“In time we will. Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, I was just pushing myself today.”
“Or were you holding back.”
“Maybe… I never should have agreed to the Vytal Festival. What if something happens in the arena… all of Remnant will be watching.”
“What can happen that scares you?”
“I don’t know… anything…”
“Well I don’t think you’re going to summon Grimm.”
“No but… even I don’t know what I’m capable of yet. Something can go wrong that I don’t even think is possible right now.”
“Easy, you’re worrying about something that may never come to pass. You’re strong, and you do well to stay in control.”
“Says the guy who’s had to stop me from losing it.”
“Yes but those are different circumstances, when you’re protecting me or our people. This is just friendly competition. Just focus on the fight and winning. Wouldn’t it be great to have a faunus win the Vytal Festival?”
“That would be great…”
“Then win for us, for me, but still have fun or try too.”
“Will you watch?”
“The fights you’re in.”
“Good.” You leaned up to kiss him. “I’ll put on a good show.”