Chereads / The Strength Needed: A RWBY Tale / Chapter 72 - Chapter 69:

Chapter 72 - Chapter 69:

Jumping in front of the three men that are making an attempt on a helpless woman. Topaz looks into the eyes of the men and shows them his disgust.

Thug 3: "Wow boys, it looks like we got us a hero."

Thug 2: "Yeah, a hero."

Thug 1: "Let's get him so I can get my panties!"

Topaz: "Come at me meatheads. If you dare."

The thugs rush at Topaz and Topaz just watches as they get within striking range. As the first thug got close enough Topaz punched him in the chin, sending him flying. The second thug takes a swing at Topaz, he ducks the punch and sends an elbow into the thugs ribs. Rolling back to avoid the third thug, Topaz gives him a cocky grin.

Thug 3: "You bastard!"

The thug takes a step towards Topaz before reaching into his coat and pulling out a gun. With a grin of his own, the thug aims the gun towards Topaz.

Thug 3: "Not so cocky now, are ya?"

Topaz takes a step towards the thug indifferent to the gun in his hand.

Thug 3: "Stop! I will shoot you!"

Topaz looks the thug in the eye, and flips the thug the bird. Before taking another step towards him.

Thug 3: "Fine then, die!"

*Bang*

Topaz stops for a moment before taking another step towards the thug.

*Bang*

Then another step.

*Bang*

Thug 3: "Just die already damn you."

Topaz begins to laugh and continue walking towards the thug. Getting closer and closer the thug continues to empty his magazine into Topaz.

*click, click, click*

Topaz: "Sounds like you are out of ammo buddy, what's wrong?"

Thug 3: "W-What are you, you monster?"

Topaz: "I'm just your friendly neighborhood guy, who really hates seeing thugs try to take advantage of innocent defenseless women."

Topaz walks up to the thug before punching him in the temple, knocking him unconscious instantly. Grabbing him and then his two buddies, Topaz drags them over to where Winter is checking on the woman. As he gets closer to them he recognizes the woman.

Topaz: "Kitsu? Is that you?"

Kitsu: "Do I know you sir?"

Topaz: "It's me Topaz. I'm on a mission right now with Winter here so I'm hiding my faunus characteristics."

Kitsu: "Topaz? Wow! It's really good to see you again. Thank you so much for saving me."

Topaz: "Don't worry about it. The situation reminded me too much of the time I first met my girlfriend Neo. It frustrated me and I wasn't going to take it."

Kitsu: "Thank you again."

Winter: "Topaz, I can take care of these three, you go ahead an escort her back home."

Topaz: "Sounds good. Be careful when taking care of them. I'll meet you at the airfield. Lead the way Kitsu."

Kitsu: "Very well, it's this way."

Following alongside Kitsu, Topaz walks quietly through the cool night. After a few moments of silence, Kitsu breaks the silence with a question.

Kitsu: "How are you able to hide your faunus characteristics?"

Topaz: "Ah, that. Well it's an aspect of my semblance that allows me to do it."

Kitsu: "Really? So you must have had a pretty easy time dealing with the people of Atlas then?"

Topaz: "Not at all. This is the first time I've really used this ability aside from the time I found I could do it."

Kitsu: "Really? But you could have things so easy with it. Everyone would think you were a human and not a faunus."

Topaz: "I understand that, but to me by doing that I would be admitting that I was ashamed to be a faunus. I am proud of who I am and feel like I don't have a reason to hide it. I've been through a lot because I was a faunus, yes, but at the same time those problems have made me who I am today."

Kitsu: "I didn't think of it like that. Did you go through a lot of issues when you were younger?"

Topaz: "Probably not as many as everyone from around here. I was born in Menagerie, but when I was five, I was forced to live in Patch due to some familial issues. There were the occasional people who feel faunus are below them there, but nothing too major. I was kidnapped by some mercenaries from this area around that time and forced into an underground fighting ring. A few months of that and I was able to escape back home. I've been through a lot, but I will not say that what I went through was any more difficult than anyone else."

Kitsu: "Gods Topaz. Are you ok being around here with those guys still on the loose?"

Topaz: "Actually, my sister and I brought the three men who did it into custody a couple days ago."

Kitsu: "That's good. I'm glad you were able to wrap up that portion of your past."

Topaz: "Not entirely sadly. I still need to obtain concrete evidence linking them to their employer. After he is behind bars, then I will rest. For the good of all faunus."

Kitsu: "Well I hope you are able to find what you are looking for. If I can help at all feel free to let me know."

Topaz: "Just stay safe and take care of your children. That will help more than you know."

Kitsu: "I can do that. It looks like we are here, thank you for escorting me home."

Topaz: "It was my pleasure Kitsu. Have a good rest of your night, and stay safe."

Kitsu: "Have a goodnight as well Topaz. I should be the one telling you to be safe, you're doing so much dangerous stuff."

Topaz: "Just another day for me, don't worry about me, I'll be ok."

Walking back towards the air pad where Winter is waiting, Topaz keeps an eye and ear out for anyone acting suspiciously. Seeing Winter with the three thugs still unconscious talking with an Atlas soldier, Topaz walks over and joins the conversation.

Topaz: "I'm back Winter, how are things going here?"

Winter: "Topaz, good timing. The airship just landed to pick up these three."

Topaz: "Cool, Kitsu is safe at home as well. I think it's time to wrap up and head back for some sleep."

Winter: "That sounds good to me. It has been a long day indeed."

Topaz: "When we get back you can use the bathroom first."

Winter: "Thank you."

Making their way into the room, Winter grabs a change of clothes and makes her way into the bathroom. Topaz takes a seat on the edge of the bed and thinks over the events of the day. After a while, Topaz hears the door to the bathroom open and Winter walks out. Going into the bathroom himself and preparing for bed, he leaves the room and sees Winter sitting on the edge of the bed.

Winter: "I stayed awake while you were in the bathroom so I would know you actually used the bed and not the floor."

Topaz: *sigh* "That wasn't my intention from letting you use the bathroom first. A good idea though, I'll keep it in mind for next time."

Winter: "Are you always this obstinate when it comes to this type of stuff with your girlfriends?"

Topaz: "Not at all. But I've been with them, and they with me for a while now. We are comfortable with each other and enjoy being close to each other. You and I have known each other for a while yes, but we haven't done anything to make us very close. I don't want to sound rude, but I don't think you have been in many relationships, if any at all, knowing your family."

Winter: "Hey!"

Topaz: "Again, not trying to be rude Winter. I'm just trying to say that I don't think you are comfortable being in close proximity of someone of the opposite gender."

Winter: "I guess you are right. But I trust you enough to not try anything, and if you do I will hurt you."

Topaz: "Understood, I have no intentions of ruining your trust in me."

Winter: "Good. Sleep well Topaz."

Topaz: "You too Winter, sleep well."

Climbing into the bed, Topaz lies toward the very edge of the bed, leaving Winter with the majority of the bed. Hearing her take a deep breathe before pulling the covers over herself, Topaz relaxes. Closing his eyes, he let's the events of the day once again play through his mind. After a while, he hears Winter's breathing signify that she has fallen asleep, so he allows himself to fall asleep as well. Sleeping through the night, Topaz wakes up early the next morning, with a strange weight on his chest…