<3rd POV>
[Thug 1] - "Are you sure this was a good idea boss? After all, what we did was a blatant attack against THE Beacon Academy!"
A loud smack against his head made the thug realize what he just said out loud, and frantically looking around while covering his mouth, he let out a sigh once he saw no one around.
[Thug 2] - "Whether it was a good idea or not, you can't just go saying these types of things out loud! That's how we get killed, or worse, exposed to the rest of the family…"
Letting their imaginations run wild, several punishments worse than death, honed over the family's existence, ran through their minds. Letting out a shiver of horror, they're brought back to the moment as a snarl is heard.
[Thug Boss] - "I couldn't give two shits about the authorities OR Xiong; with the amount of money we just got paid, the three of us can retire and live lavish lives for as long as we live!"
As the goons laugh along with their boss, quieting down as they approach the doors to a very active club, a crow can be seen flying away.
[Dawn] - "So did either of you figure it out yet?"
In the few months we've known each other, it was an often occurrence to see Argento fussing over papers, often blueprints. But after the recent trip to Forever Fall, whenever he would be stationary his aura would fluctuate, as if he's using it.
There was the thought that maybe he was constantly using it to make himself have both more and higher quality aura. The problem with that theory is that it's been debunked by dozens of different scientific groups, saying it made no progress compared to using it in training.
[Eugene] - "I wouldn't be relying on me anytime soon, since I was a nomad. There wasn't much science or thought behind how those capable used their aura, just to always be ready for a fight."
As I see them both look my way, there's a glint in Dawn's eyes that grows at the "mystery" that Argento often brings to our group. And though she tries to hide it, there are moments I catch that very same glint whenever Argento brushes my wings, or when I run my fingers through his hair.
When the warm memories surface, I involuntarily give a small smile as I glance back at our team leader. Seeing the concentration on his face, the only difference that separates this from his battle concentration is the smile that portrays different forms of joy depending on the scenario.
Hearing a quiet cough coming from Dawn, I move my gaze back to her. Seeing the smirk that settles, I can only sigh at her next words.
[Dawn] - "You know, with how much you end up staring at him I'm inclined to believe this charm he normally has over the females finally got through to you."
[Celestia] - "Whatever, but have either of you thought to simply ask him?"
[Dawn] - *Gasp* "And where would the fun in learning that way be, when it's a perfectly good mystery to solve?!"
Rolling my eyes, I decide to walk over and end this guessing game. Argento may mess around sometimes, but he is by far the most calculated person of our year; if it does help his aura as I believe it should, then I'd rather get in on it early.
When I get to him, hearing the hesitant, but deadly curious steps from my teammates behind me, it comes as no surprise that he doesn't register that I'm now nearly right next to him. Taking this moment to look over his, now confirmed to be, blueprints, it seems to be the early stages of wires connecting to his throwing knives.
[Celestia] - "So I know you're a mega-nerd, but you really do enjoy this blueprint-making, huh?"
With my words, he finally comes out of his concentration to look at me, and the brief thought of just how handsome he is flits through my brain. Thankfully it doesn't get the time to proliferate, as he smiles in response.
[Argento] - "Well of course I do. It not only satisfies my intellectual itch, but when I am creating upgrades to my gear I know that once I finish and master it, I can protect those I love better."
The genuine care he holds for those he cares about brings an even bigger smile to my face, and I sit down next to him as the other two sit across from us, almost in a small square.
[Celestia] - "So other than your usual nerd tendencies, we've noticed your aura is quite often fluctuating. But that doesn't make much sense because someone as smart as you should be aware of how futile that method is."
[Argento] - "Oh? 'As smart as me'? Don't tell me my charms are finally starting to get through your feathered shell?"
Responding with a smack to his shoulder, I can hear the other two laughing at our exchange.
[Celestia] - "You wish, but you didn't answer me."
[Argento] - "Well I'll have you know I am aware of those methods, but this isn't that. It's been tested, and was passed down among a line of people over the years that ensured it works."
[Dawn] - "If it's been passed down, then was the person who passed it down that grumpy old man you occasionally grumble about?"
At that question Argento paused, and the fluctuations in his aura stilled in the most chaotic way they could've. Though we could all see the hesitancy, before we could speak up he took a deep breath and continued.
[Argento] - "No, I… I learned of it from my dad."
[Eugene] - "Learned of it? You mean he only told you about it?"
[Argento] - "Yeah…"
[Dawn] - "So was it one of those situations where you had to learn to do it yourself?"
Taking a second to seemingly stay collected, his gaze shifted toward the lab wall to his left. Looking left as well, I could see he was once again looking toward the picture with emotions I couldn't quite place before.
Except now I could, because pieces fell in place. The emotions he showed when we first came into this room, when he realized the photo was the original, and that same absent stare he holds every time he looks at the photo.
He had been staring at it in melancholy, his mind wandering to memories of a time - of people, he can never get back.
[Argento] - "No, my parents were always strict with my training, but they never pushed me further than I was capable. They just never got the chance, that's all. By the time I had unlocked my aura, it was too late."
The pure sadness that laced his words made every theory undeniably the truth, and I won't even try to lie, it hurt. Of the many emotions he's shown since our team was formed, this level of emotional pain hasn't occurred since the windowsill incident.
Knowing from experience words can't do much, I decided to lay my hand over his balled-up fist that was on his knee. As Argento looks over at me, Eugene goes to his left and places a hand on his shoulder, as Dawn smiles sadly across from him.
Putting his head down, I am able to see a single tear fall into his lap as he lightly moves his right hand to hold the hand I had over it, and he moves his left up to grasp Eugene's hand upon his shoulder. Giving him a reassuring squeeze, words of personal experience leave me.
[Celestia] - "Time may heal many wounds, but some can only hope to scar. It is in the pain these cause that we often lose sight of the happiness that came before the scar.
Should you ever feel ready or willing, we will be here to listen. I for one would love to know what kind of people could raise you into the amazing person we know you as."
[Eugene] - "Aye, though I also feel bad for how much trouble you must've caused them when you were younger."
Getting a round of chuckles out of us all, including Argento, he raised his head with a slight sniffle.
[Argento] - "Oh you don't even know the half of it, but no matter how troublesome I was, their love was ever-present."
Taking a moment to fully compose himself, he seems to resolutely come to a decision.
[Argento] - "Because I am the final practitioner of this form of training, it's up to me to ensure it survives. That being said, would you guys like to learn how my family cracked the code on meditative aura training?"
With a resounding yes from us, I notice a slight hesitation when he lets go of my hand, though after the coaster of emotions he just had I don't blame him. He lined us up in a line, and for the next few hours, we listened to and practiced this simultaneously complex and simple, yet very effective, meditation.
By the time our meeting with the Headmaster rolled around, all three of us had a loose grasp of how to do it. It seems teaching us something thankfully brought him out of his mind.
Now standing in the Headmaster's office, seeing Professor Goodwitch there wasn't too much of a surprise, but the extra occupant was for sure. Being decently confident I've seen all the current professors, the fact he proceeded to take a big swig of his flask cemented the idea he wasn't part of Beacon faculty.
[Argento] - "I knew you would miss me old man, but a second visit already? Careful, or I might start to think you've gone soft."
After he said that, the strangest thing occurred; Ozpin chuckled, and Goodwitch snorted. THE Goodwitch, the strict and occasionally compassionate Professor that only seems to go soft around Argento, SNORTED.
[Qrow] - "As if I would miss you, golden boy. But call me soft again and I'll give you a spar so difficult you'll wish you were back in that forest."
[Argento] - "Now now, let's not get too hasty. I love a good fight like any other guy, but I don't have a death wish."
Argento saying he doesn't have a death wish felt like a blatant lie, so I couldn't hold back my very audible scoff. Though from the fact I heard it from almost everyone else in the room, it seems we all held the same opinion.
Holding his chest in mock pain, he crouches down and starts drawing circles on the ground, mumbling something about stupid family genes. As Dawn starts cracking up, I bend down slightly and smack the back of his head, bringing him out of his mood as he glares up at me.
As we are about to get into one of our playful arguments, Eugene puts a hand on both of our shoulders, catching our attention.
[Eugene] - "Maybe we should save the lovers' quarrel for after we are done with this meeting?"
[Celestia] - "Don't make me smack you too Eugene."
Taking a second to glare at Eugene, I look back to Argento to find him doing the same.
[Argento] - "I think it would be very well-deserved."
As we both began nodding, a chortle that was attempted to be hidden came from this "old man", as Argento labeled him. Though putting together the nickname, and the fact even Argento would avoid fighting him, this must be his old fighting instructor.
Putting two and two together, I grabbed Dawn's shoulder as I slapped Eugene's chest.
[Celestia] - "Guys, it's the grumpy old man!"
Hearing my exclamation, and seeing me looking at the man in question, Goodwitch begins near-hysterically laughing while the Headmaster turns his head, but with his quivering shoulders, I can see he's probably trying to keep in his laughter.
To my sides, my friends tilt their heads, putting the pieces together, and then with faces of recognition, they bob their heads in agreement. Having choked on his flask's contents, he was unable to retort, and it was after Ozpin collected himself enough that he spoke.
[Oz] - "What's this about a grumpy old man?"
Clearly hearing the amusement in his voice, I began to explain how Argento constantly described him as such when Argento's hand flew over my mouth, stopping me from finishing.
[Argento] - "Wasn't there a reason this meeting was called?"
Seeing his nervous glance and single sweat drop, the Headmaster seems to put it fully together without me finishing as he chuckles.
[Oz] - "Yes, though there will be a little more than originally planned. Firstly, as you should all be aware, the Vytal Festival will be held in Vacuo here soon.
As the first year's strongest team, you are the first to get this offer; do you wish to take part in the Festival, and therefore the pseudo-exchange with Shade Academy?"
Before responding, as the true leader he is, Argento looks at each of us, and with a nod of our heads, no more needs to be said for our affirmative to be given. With a nod of his head, the Headmaster continues as Professor Goodwitch gives a few taps to her tablet before looking back up.
[Oz] - "I thought so, but one must always check. Within the next week, you and all the other teams going to Vacuo will meet and be briefed about what that all entails.
Now the unforeseen subject, once a year we let the first years shadow professional Huntsmen on lighter missions. This event is not scheduled until your second semester, but you will all be in Vacuo at that time for the Festival.
They will have this event there as well, and the opportunity to freely spend your time on anything you wish before the Festival begins. But how would you all feel about having an early mission while shadowing a Huntsman?"
Without him having to look back, Argento seemed to feel the excitement we were giving off. Or at least, what I was giving off since I was too excited to know if the others were feeling the same way.
[Argento] - "Absolutely, and since Qrow's here, do you already have the mission in mind?"
With a nod of his head, he motions toward Qrow, which is sadly faster to say than grumpy old man. Seeing this, and with a final sip from his flask, he begins the mission brief.
[Qrow] - "This mission won't be long, assuming you do it right, but seeing as you'll be going on another soon we thought it would be better if it gives something the other wouldn't. I'm sure you've all had questions about who put that machine in Forever Fall?"
His mentioning that caused us all to stiffen in attention, wanting to catch everything he had to say. Seeing our reactions, he nodded as he continued.
[Qrow] - "I found the people who put the machine there, and following them I gathered they, obviously, were paid to put it there, and where to find them. The mission is to get the information on who paid them, using whatever means necessary.
Any Questions?"
[Eugene] - "Did the machine not give any signs as to who could've made it?"
[Glynda] - "Unfortunately, there was a glaring lack of pieces or materials that could allow us to pinpoint a source."
[Dawn] - "So we needed these people, but why didn't you just do this yourself after following them?"
Once this is brought up, Qrow sighs as he leans back onto the Headmaster's desk.
[Qrow] - "I couldn't, because they belong to the Xiong family."
[Argento] - "Wait, the organization led by the kingpin Hei Xiong?"
[Oz] - "The very same."
[Dawn] - "But why would you let this organization stick around if you know who leads it and where to find them?"
[Eugene] - "Necessary evil maybe?"
[Glynda] - "Very astute observation, Eugene. He may be in charge of the biggest criminal organization in all of Vale, but with his lack of real harm and control over all crime in the city, he keeps the worst out of the game.
Without him, all types of the worst criminals would pop up all over such a large city."
[Qrow] - "That being said, he has an image to uphold. If any of his guys are touched, especially by us authority figures, he steps in. Even if said guys were in the wrong, he will hide it behind closed doors and carry out punishments himself."
[Argento] - "Which is bad because that can cause problems for the investigation?"
[Qrow] - "Precisely, so that's why this upcoming negotiation needs to be successful. That being said, I'll only be there for backup, in case you four screw up badly enough."
[Dawn] - "What?! But if this is so important, why would you leave it up to us?"
[Oz] - "A few problems can be overcome for the sake of your development as future Huntsmen. Besides, I am confident in your capabilities."
When finishing his sentence, the Headmaster gave Argento a look that meant something, I'm sure of it. What it meant though, I have no clue, but after a second or two of confusion, Argento's face lit up in recognition.
[Oz] - "Your mission starts now, so follow Qrow out. And just remember, no matter if you succeed or fail, it only matters if you learn something from this."
As we say our farewells and make our way out, I look over to see a contemplative Argento. This wouldn't normally be strange, but given the look Ozpin gave him and his near-total silence since has me slightly concerned.
What could Argento know that makes Ozpin so sure we'll succeed?
As we stood outside an oddly familiar building, I finally snapped out of my musing once I realized this was the club from the Yellow trailer. Taking a second to think about it, the boss was shown, but it wasn't Hei Xiong, it was Junior.
His full name was never given, so he may be related.
[Argento] - "Hey Qrow, does Hei have any children?"
[Qrow] - "Yeah, a brat named Junior I believe. He's set to inherit Hei's position someday, though not for a while. Why?"
[Argento] - "No particular reason. The more I know of this guy the easier it might be to use words that could sway him, that's all."
Though it didn't seem to fully convince Qrow, seeing me back to my fully resolute self he just shrugs it off. While he shoos us to the door, I see my team is on edge and nervous.
[Argento] - "Relax guys, there's nothing to worry about."
[Eugene] - "Dude, you heard them. If we mess this up we could set back the investigation. Whoever has the balls to attack Beacon once will most definitely be willing to do it again."
[Argento] - "I think you might've missed the part about it being more about us learning from this. I think what they meant was that this is a major lead, but should it fall through it won't be the end of the world."
Before anyone else could respond, I boldly pushed open the doors, making the sound of loud music begin filling the immediate area outside the door. Leading straight down was a short and widening set of stairs, making this club a literal underground one.
With a short trip down the stairs, two large steel walls were seen open, allowing us a full view of the majority of the main area. Set primarily in the colors of pure black and white, with shades of red, there were several balconies around the massive open area that held at least a few people relaxing.
On the ground floor was a massive dance floor, and despite the big crowd of people on it there were visible ripples every time someone's foot hit the floor. Across from the entrance was a massive bar, manned by a few bartenders, one of whom was a slightly younger-looking Junior.
With almost no one reacting to our presence, other than a few suited goons, we began marching to the bar. Careful to not cause a scene, as it would definitely create some problems with negotiations, we made it to the bar where a few groups were scattered across its impressive length.
Other than one man, who seemed to be casually drinking his whiskey. At a simple glance, he would just seem like a senior member of the Xiong family, but upon closer inspection, there was a resemblance to the young Junior behind the bar, who was now stepping closer.
[Junior] - "I'll need to see some ID before I take your orders."
[Argento] - "No need, we aren't here for pleasure. We're here for business."
Among the mission briefing we were given, there was the etiquette that the Xiong family requires anyone outside the family to follow when they need something. Upon hearing the phrase, Junior motions to one of the bartenders, probably to give him time to deal with us.
[Junior] - "I understand, what can the Xiong family do for you, fine Huntsmen?"
[Argento] - "Just some problems caused by some of your boys, the implications they hold are very serious though."
With a raised brow, Junior gazes at the man next to us, and what normally would've been passable as a motion to give us some space, was obviously code as the older man taps his glass on the counter and stands up.
[Hei] - "Follow me, this is no place for business talk."
Once again giving the bartender a signal, Junior follows behind us as we go through a door to the side of the bar, leading to a hallway with a few doors branched off at considerable spaces. Leading us to the very back one, upon entering we see a lavish, yet tastefully decorated, office.
Now away from the more dramatic coloring of the club, there was a color theme that was centrally based on mahogany, and the shades that matched it. An ornate desk sat in front of a wall-to-wall bookshelf, with tables, mirrors, alcohol, and trinkets lining both walls to our sides.
A small chandelier gave a warm, natural-feeling light to the room, and a single chair sat on either side of the desk, with the one between the desk and bookshelf being the main one, and therefore the more comfortable one.
Hei Xiong, the kingpin of Vale's underworld, sat in his chair, and Junior stood behind him to his left. As the team leader, I chose to take the heavy fire as I sat in the other chair, with Eugene and Dawn standing slightly back on either side of me, and Celestia standing close behind me.
[Hei] - "Now, I've been in this business a long time, so I've come to know Beacon's figureheads. Depending on who they send, I know how serious the issue is.
One of my boys spotted Qrow outside, and normally this means it's a very serious issue, but sending four unknown faces in makes me confused. So I must ask why you four?"
[Argento] - "I can assure you the issue itself is serious, but we were sent in because Ozpin sees something in our team that he wishes to build upon."
[Hei] - "Ah, nurturing the next generation. That probably means that while serious, it's not life or death?"
[Argento] - "Only because we were able to stop it in time."
Hearing this, Hei frowns. From what I can tell based on previous info he hates dealing with Beacon, so hearing people from his family are involved in something like this is most likely unpleasant for him.
[Hei] - "Would you be able to elaborate, or is this classified information?"
[Argento] - "A machine was found in Forever Fall Forest. This machine attracted a horde of Grimm, the size of which was only culled after several third-year teams, a Professor, and the Deputy Headmistress herself arrived."
The frown on Hei's face deepens, and while I keep my outward composure I am internally very glad it's all moving as smoothly as it has been.
[Hei] - "That is serious indeed. Rest assured that if you give evidence, with names or images, we will deal with them accordingly, as per the agreement."
[Argento] - "While we can give you the evidence, we must first have a word with these people. It has been confirmed they were paid a handsome amount to do this, and we must get to the bottom of it."
The room falls silent for a few moments, a small staredown between myself and Hei as he drums his fingers on his desk. Finally, he stops his fingers and sighs.
[Hei] - "Though I see your point, I must deny your compromise."
[Argento] - "And why is that?"
[Hei] - "Because if I just handed away my guys any time they did something wrong, it could compromise my position. Even if it is a minor amount, many people would be willing to do anything to see me out of power."
[Argento] - "You could simply tell anyone with concerns that they overstepped their bounds."
[Hei] - "But then my authority and power would be in question, if I couldn't deny you access to men I would already punish myself."
Finally getting slightly fed up with this, Dawn couldn't keep quiet.
[Dawn] - "Many students almost died because of them, and had they done that even a few days later potentially a large portion of the first years would've been the victims! How can you stand by while your men almost made a full enemy of Beacon?!"
At her small outburst, Junior took a step forward. But before he could do anything, Hei stuck his hand out, halting Junior's movements.
Sharply looking at Dawn, it seemed the Huntsman occupation held her steady, while she glared back in passionate defiance.
[Hei] - "I take no pleasure knowing the outcome that could've been, but because it didn't happen you simply only have what-ifs. Who is to say anyone would have died in the first place, because surely that many Beacon students, even first years, could hold out long enough to live."
Taking a breath, he leaned back in his chair as he took us all in.
[Hei] - "My refusal stands. Had someone, anyone died, maybe you would've gotten your way. But now it's either you give me the evidence, or my guys go unknown and unpunished."
A few tense seconds pass before I sigh in acceptance. I didn't want to resort to this so soon, because who knows if I could've needed it before RWBY began, but it seems I needed to reap what my parents sowed.
As the staring from Hei continued, my team began shuffling their feet to leave, but my next words confused all but Hei himself.
[Argento] - "Vita Debitum."
It was a few heartbeats, one which everyone saw the face of Hei slowly morph into one of fear and apprehension. Seeing his father like this after just two words, Junior thought it was some unique threat and he began pulling out his weapon.
Before my team could pull theirs out in response, a loud bang from Hei's chair hitting the bookshelf stopped them all in their tracks and his eyes didn't leave me for a second, as if I was a time bomb.
[Hei] - "What is your name, boy?"
[Argento] - "Chrono. Argento, Chrono."
While my inner nerd squealed at the chance to use a James Bond reference correctly, an audible gulp came from the experienced, powerful man across from me.
[Hei] - "State your wish."
[Argento] - "Compliance. These men of yours, I do not care what happens to them after everything is done, but you will assist in gathering whatever information they have on who hired them.
If we come to you again regarding this specific problem, you will help us in whatever way we ask, given you are capable and it does not impede your work too much. Should we find out you have not done what I have asked, your debt will be doubled.
Am I clear?"
[Hei] - "Crystal. Give me the evidence and I'll ensure the information goes straight to Ozpin himself."
Taking out a hard drive that Qrow had given me, I place it on his desk as I stand and begin walking to the door. Before I leave, with my hand on the handle, I turn back, which makes Hei flinch ever-so-slightly.
[Argento] - "Vita Debitum Solvit. If everything goes well, we may never have to see each other again. That being said, take care Xiong."
And with that I leave, my team following close behind as we hear a sigh and presumably Hei flopping into his chair. I ignore the inquiring looks from my team as I swiftly lead us out of the club.
As soon as we hit the fresh air, with the club music now fully gone, Qrow walks up to us.
[Qrow] - "So from the looks of it, things didn't go well?"
[Argento] - "... We made a deal, so there's no need to worry."
With that said, I began walking off, my team giving worried glances at me as they followed. Before I got too far, I gave him the rest of my report without looking back or stopping.
[Argento] - "When you give the report to Ozpin, tell him the debt was used, and he should expect a visit soon enough. I'm going to bed."
Having said my piece, I continued to march forward, with a slightly tense silence hanging around my team, who seemed unsure of how to deal with this. This lasted until we finally got to our dorm a decent time later, and I collapsed on the couch with a loud sigh.
[Argento] - "I can't believe I had to use it."
[Dawn] - "Use what? What the hell happened back there? And how could you make the kingpin of the underworld of Vale act like that with two words and your name?"
Giving another hefty sigh, putting my arm over my face, I try to put together what I should tell them. Not wanting to place everything on them this early, but still trusting them with it otherwise is a hard balance.
Eventually, I find the right words as I remove my arm from my eyes, and stare at the ceiling as I speak.
[Argento] - "Do you guys remember when I mentioned I could bend the teams using nepotism?"
[Eugene] - "What about it?"
[Argento] - "Well that's because my parents were close friends of Ozpin, so close they were basically siblings. So it should come as no surprise that both of my parents were high-level Huntsmen.
I don't know how old they were when they had me, but among the many things they did for this world, they once helped out a young Hei Xiong. From what I can tell, this was when his influence was weak, but his ambitions were among the best options for the kingpin position of Vale.
So they helped him. In many ways, there would be no Xiong family without my parents, so he owed my family a debt, one large enough that I could've asked for his death and he would have no choice but to give in."
[Eugene] - "That seems a bit far-fetched. I mean, why would he comply with taking his own life?"
[Argento] - "Because he knew my parents were too strong. If they wanted it, they could have ruined everything he's worked toward, and easily killed him in the process.
To save his family, both by blood and by choice, he would rather give his life than try to fight it. Not that my parents would've ever done so, they could be quite intimidating but they only ever wanted the best for the world."
All of the talk of my parents began bringing memories back again, but before I could get lost in them I felt Celestia sit next to my head as she began running her fingers through my hair. Leaning into her hand, I let myself instead get lost in the warmth that came from the act as she spoke.
[Celestia] - "The details don't matter as much as the fact that you used it for the very thing your parents wanted. If all they wanted was the best for the world, then doing whatever it takes to find whoever would attack one of the academies would be something they wholeheartedly approve of."
Letting myself drift, I hummed in both happiness and gratitude. Hearing the other two leave to do whatever, I let my mind wonder about what's to come. If RWBY is to be believed, Hei won't be alive, because it seems far too early for Junior to take over.
Knowing how Junior is, and the situation that the Xiong family seems to be in at the time of canon, I had no real reservations about using it, since there would be no use for it by then. It's just the baggage anything Chrono-related, especially involving my parents, brings up that makes it feel like too much.
With the search for who could be behind the forest incident, and the question of how long the search would take, I suddenly remember the fact I won't be here for the whole of the second semester.
[Argento] - 'The Vytal Festival, huh? I wonder if that'll change much from RWBY.'