A/N: Welcome to Atlas everyone, one of the strangest places on Remnant in my personal opinion. Like, how can you live on a giant floating island and still have the mindset that a person with animal features is lesser than you. It makes no sense to me. With that being said, the next few chapters will have content very similar to the early chapters of the story, so be prepared for it. Thank you all for the continuous support, have a great rest of your day. Rhino out.
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Walking through Atlas Academy, Topaz suddenly feels someone yank him backwards by his shoulder. Turning to see who was so desperate for his attention, he sees someone he never thought he would see again.
Topaz: "You? What are you doing here?"
????: "I'm where I'm supposed to be, the big question is why an animal like you is here?"
Topaz: "Markus, still holding a grudge are we?"
Ariel: "Topaz, do you know him?"
Neo: "I don't know Ariel, they don't seem to be on good terms."
Markus: "Hello ladies, need some help putting this animal down?"
Topaz stands between Markus and the girls and shoves him back. The lecherous gaze he was giving the girls made Topaz angrier than he ever had been.
Markus: "You damned animal! How dare you lay a hand on me."
Topaz: "You'd best remember that I spared your life the last time we met, don't make me regret that decision."
Markus: "You just got lucky the last time. This time you won't get such luck."
Markus draws his sword from his back and draws his arms back to swing at Topaz. Watching the strike come, Topaz raises his arm and blocks the blade with his forearm. Before the fight could escalate any further, General Ironwood and Winter get between Topaz and Markus and separate them.
Ironwood: "What is the meaning of this?"
Markus: "General Ironwood, thank gods you are here. This animal just started attack me out of nowhere. Who knows what would have happened had you not gotten here in time."
Winter: "Topaz, is that true?"
Neo: "Of course it isn't true! Topaz didn't do anything. That guy suddenly grabbed Topaz and insulting him."
Ariel: "Yeah, it was all on him."
Markus: "I'm innocent! It was all this damn animals fault!"
Ironwood: "That is enough, Mr. Durahn."
Markus: "But-"
Ironwood: "I said that is enough! One more instance of you acting out against your faunus classmates and you will be expelled. Do I make myself clear."
Markus: "Yes sir."
Markus walks away sulking, stopping every once in a while, to turn and glare at Topaz.
Ironwood: "I'm sorry about that Topaz. Sadly, that is the mindset that some people have here in Atlas. What I am confused about is why he acted like he knew you?"
Topaz: *sigh* "I'll explain it to you and everyone else when we get to your office, along with everything else."
Ironwood: "Very well."
Continuing through the school, Topaz can feel the hateful glares on him. Ignoring them and focusing on Neo and Ariel in front of him, Topaz eventually finds himself in General Ironwood's office. When they enter, Ironwood presses a button and the windows are barricaded alongside the door.
Ironwood: "Alright, with that the room is secure. Topaz, let's start off by having you explain the encounter with Mr. Durahn."
Topaz: "When I was in Signal Academy, I was kidnapped by three armed thugs who came looking for me. They knocked me out and took me somewhere that I didn't recognize. When I woke up a note was left for me saying that from that day forward, I was nothing more than someone's property, my only way to survive was to fight for my life. Markus was one of the first opponents I fought against. I beat him and spared his life, even after his human superiority rant."
Ironwood: "Gods, Qrow told me about the kidnapping but never about the fights."
Topaz: "Qrow didn't even know. It's not something I was keen on telling others."
Ironwood: "I can understand that. Do you by chance know who claimed you as their property while there?"
Topaz: "Yeah, I know who it was."
Ironwood: "Who was it, they must be brought to justice for what they have done."
Topaz: "Trust me General, even if you know who it was it won't be easy to prosecute them."
Ironwood: "I find that highly unlikely."
Topaz: "Really? So you're saying that you can easily prosecute the Schnee name?"
Ironwood: "No, the Schnee name isn't an easy name to prosecute, why bring it up?"
Topaz: "My point exactly."
Ironwood: "I don't get what you are saying."
Weiss: *gasps*
Ironwood: "Miss Schnee? Anything you wish to add to this?"
Weiss: "Topaz, is that why you were so angry towards my sister and I when you first met us?"
Topaz: "…"
Ironwood: "What do you mean by that Miss Schnee?
Weiss: "When I first met Topaz, he was harsh, for lack of a better word. The moment he heard my last name was Schnee he acted as if I had done something cruel to him."
Topaz: "I'm sorry for how I acted when we first me Weiss. Same to you Winter. Yes, your father was the one who used me to fight."
Ironwood: "I hope you realize how dangerous that accusation is Topaz. This isn't some prank you can get out of if you are incorrect."
Topaz: "Sir, I have no reason to lie to you. Jacques Schnee used me to fight in an underground fighting ring for profit. I'm sorry Weiss, and Winter."
Winter: "There is no need for apologies Topaz. If anything, we owe you an apology for what that man did to you."
Ariel: "Topaz… you never told me that. You went through all of that alone."
Topaz: "It doesn't matter, it's all in the past. I've moved on from it and will do what I must to keep on living."
The rest of the afternoon was spent with Qrow and Ruby explaining to General Ironwood why they were in Atlas. General Ironwood plans on using teams RWBY an JNPR to help assist his ace squad in his plan to make Amity Arena into a floating CCT tower. With General Ironwood giving everyone something to do, he sends them out to get started.
Ironwood: "Topaz, I would like for you to stay back a moment. You and I need to discuss something. Neo, Ariel, would you two mind going and giving them some assistance, please?"
Topaz: "It's ok girls, go and help out the others. I'll see you when you guys get back."
Topaz and General Ironwood watch Ariel and Neo leave the room to go and catch up to the others. As soon as the door closes behind them, General Ironwood clears his throat and turns to Topaz.
Ironwood: "I am sure you are wondering why I asked you to stay back for this one."
Topaz: "Yep. The though did indeed cross my mind."
Ironwood: "I'm planning on giving Jacques Schnee a little visit to discuss some business matters he has been whining about and would like you to come and assist me."
Topaz: "I'm not sure if I should go near that bastard General. I can't promise I won't do anything."
Ironwood: "You will be fine. I promise you that. If Jacques tries anything, I can arrest him on charges of human trafficking, or more accurate faunus trafficking for your case. If it makes you more comfortable, I can allow you to wear a cloak to hide who you are."
Topaz: "Thank you sir, but I will face him head on. Me being a faunus is not something I need to hide, to him or anyone. I'm proud of my lineage."
Ironwood: "Well spoken Topaz, now come on, let's go see a nobleman."
Following General Ironwood out of the office and through the school, Topaz tries to mentally prepare himself for the upcoming interaction. Walking out of the school, General Ironwood walks towards a car and beckons for Topaz to enter with him. The car ride is quiet as neither Topaz nor General Ironwood wish to start a conversation. After a short ride, the car pulls up to a set of large, ornate gates, with the Schnee family symbol sitting towards the top. The gates open and the car drives up the extensive driveway. Leaving the car, Topaz follows General Ironwood up to the large front doors of the Schnee mansion. Knocking on the door, Topaz and General Ironwood are greeted by a small butler.
????: "Good evening gentlemen. How may I help you?"
Ironwood: "Ah, Klein. It's good to see you again. I'm here to speak to Jacques Schnee about some business matters. I brought alone Topaz here to be my assistant."
Klein: "Very well, a pleasure to meet you young Topaz. Please, follow me to the study."
…