Leon Alexander Gates
-----
It may have been dumb on his part, but Alexander tried his luck once more in the dining hall and won the worst prize on the list again.
A bran muffin.
At this point, Alexander could hardly get upset. What did he expect, anyways?
He stuffed the muffin in his vest and got a move on, double checking his duffel bag while making way for the air docks.
Surprisingly, Teams RWBY, JNPR, and half of SSSN were also there, chatting with his teammates.
Nora threw her arms up. "Lexi's here!"
"Yes, Nora," Blake gestured to him, "we clearly couldn't see that."
"So," Jaune said, "where've you been? Sun and Neptune were debating about it."
Sun zipped to Alexander's side. "You were rescuing a damsel in distress, weren't you?"
"As if." Neptune blew his lips. "He was totally chilling somewhere quiet, to like, meditate and stuff. Yeah, meditate."
"You're both daft," Cooper said.
"Hey!" Sun and Neptune said at the same time, paused, and then looked at each other. "What does that mean?"
The archer whistled innocently at the sky.
"Well," Roderick said and adjusted his backpack, "now that we're all here, we just need to wait for our professor to get here and we're good to go."
"And in an hour from now, it's our turn to go search and destroy." Yang fist pumped. "We're gonna exterminate Grimm in Mountain Glenn and check out that White Fang operation we heard about."
The mention of Mountain Glenn earned Alexander's utmost attention.
"Sounds dangerous," Stiofan said, "yet I'm sure the four of you will be able to take care of yourselves."
Weiss smirked and rested her hand on the hilt of her rapier. "There's absolutely nothing to worry about. A mission of this caliber really shouldn't be difficult."
"And with a professional at our side," Ruby grinned and raised a finger, "nothing could go wrong."
Because of Coco, Alexander understood the dangers of Mountain Glenn, and Team CFVY only investigated the village near it. If the intel's good and there really was a White Fang operation going on in the southeast, then Team RWBY might have their hands full on this one.
"Rose," Alexander said.
She flinched and looked up at him like a deer in headlights.
"Schnee," he continued, "Belladonna, Xiao Long."
Everyone listened close.
"Be careful," he said.
They responded with blank stares, and simultaneously, they let out a series of chuckles and coos. Annoyingly enough for some reason, the girls, other than Weiss and Blake who were just amused, rambled on about how adorable he was for caring.
Alexander should've kept his mouth shut.
Woof!
Ruby went stiff, and every head snapped towards her.
"Um, Ruby," Pyrrha said, "was that you?"
"I-I, uh. . ." Sweat waterfalled from her face. "I think you're hearing things."
A dog poked out of her backpack, panting its tongue free.
Ruby forced a smile and slowly turned to it without breaking eye contact with them.
"Get back in the bag," she said through her teeth.
Roderick inspected it. "Is that Zwei?"
The dog licked his cheek.
"It is Zwei!" The metal armed leader pulled the small, wiener shaped pet free and ruffled its dark fur. "Hey, there, buddy. Did you miss me?!"
Zwei whined and bit his metal hand.
"Aw, he does!"
All the experience Alexander ever had with dogs were strays and the ones behind fences.
Bark-bark.
"Our dad told us he wouldn't be home for a few days, so he sent us Zwei in the mail," said Yang. She gave him a quick rub. "And yes, I did say mail."
Weiss beamed while Blake retreated behind the nearest lamppost.
Cooper snatched Zwei. "Is it alright taking this fella with you, love?"
"It's totally fine, Cooper." Ruby swatted the worry. "I mean, who else is gonna take care of him while we're gone?"
"I suppose as long as the administration is ignorant of Zwei's intrusion," Stiofan said, "all is well."
"Now, now. Settle down students. There's no need to get too excited over your upcoming missions."
Everyone paled, and Alexander groaned at the unmistakable voice, a sure sign of a disaster about to happen.
Coming down the avenue was Goodwitch tapping at her scroll. She had an overstuffed backpack, and instead of her usual business clothes, she wore black rugged pants, a purple hiking jacket, and boots.
Oh.
Cooper dropped Zwei. Alexander caught the dog in one hand and yanked Ruby's hood with the other.
"Ack!"
He flicked her bag open and shoved the dog inside.
"Roddy," Yang said, "don't tell me. . ."
Jaune pointed a shaky finger at her. "Of all the professors. . ."
Ren bowed his respects. "You have my sympathies."
"Team RTLS, I hope you're prepared because we are leaving," the professor said. "Now, finish whatever you're doing and follow me."
As she passed them by, Goodwitch's eyes flickered up from her scroll to meet with Alexander's, and for a split second, her smug factor cranked all the way up to a hundred.
This was going to be a long ride.
-----
The last half hour was full of nothing except Goodwitch making it her life's purpose to drill intel deep into their skulls.
"We'll be reviewing more again shortly," she said, "and I expect you to use your best behaviour once we land."
Goodwitch connected her scroll to the monitor on the rear wall of the Bullhead.
"As you already know, this is a search and recover operation," she said. "An entire horse-drawn wagon went missing several days ago in the forests outside the Kingdom's boundaries." She went through a manifest of the cargo. "They usually contain items such as emergency field rations, medicines, and necessary resources you can't get from anywhere else other than the city."
"However, the fact that it went missing is not the main issue here." Goodwitch opened a couple more files that shared the same case. "This is the third time this month a wagon vanished while en route to its destination. You know as well as I do, little incidents such as these sow apprehension. We must reassure these people by not only recovering these necessities but by also investigating the cause of these incidents."
Cooper raised his hand.
"Yes, Mister Oakwood?"
"Why don't they just have the supplies shipped rather than pick it up themselves?" He shrugged. "A truck should do it."
"You're right. It certainly does seem much more practical." Goodwitch adjusted her glasses. "However, the size of these trucks alone hinder it in the rough and rugged terrain, not to mention the additional weight of the cargo itself and the narrow paths of the forests. There have been instances of trucks getting stuck and cargo being badly damaged from all the shaking."
"What about air?" Cooper said.
"Flight would be an effective means of shipping. However, they'll have to reduce their cargo load in order to meet the maximum weight limit, meaning they'll receive much less than what land transport would provide. That is to say they can find a safe location to even make the delivery."
Cooper whistled in understanding.
"In the end, it really just comes down to costs. The supplies are expensive enough as is. To add a shipping fee on top of that is astronomical. And last I checked, villages don't make a lot of income." Goodwitch adjusted her glasses. "Nothing beats the flexibility, sturdiness, and the loading space of a horse drawn wagon, especially when in the hands of apt riders who know the forest well. It's also all free of charge."
"Your explanation has been eye opening, professor." Stiofan held his chin. "But what exactly are the reasons for these unfortunate series of events?"
"Glad you asked, Mister Ua Binn." She pressed a button, and the screen switched to a blurry photograph capturing the faint figure of a massive, four legged Grimm. "Other than the average bear and common Grimm, save for the occasional King Taijitu and Beringel, the wilderness is relatively safe to travel as long as you stay on the main routes and remain vigilant. But according to the reports given by the villagers who searched for their missing wagons, the Creature of Grimm you see here has thwarted each of their attempts. Its identity is currently unknown, but from what I've read in the reports, it is enormous, intelligent, and highly aggressive."
"What do you think that is?" Cooper scooted to the edge of his seat. "An Ursa Major that ate a gym, I hope."
"No, check out the shape." Roderick approached the screen and traced its outline. "It's body's slim like a Beowolf's. Alphas are the biggest they can get, yet they don't get as big as Ursa Majors and that thing is way bigger than any Ursa Major I've ever seen." He directed them to a horn-like shape protruding from the body. "Your guess is as good as mine, whatever that is."
"I'm happy to know you pay attention in Professor Port's sessions, Mister Hill." Goodwitch nodded in approval. "As you may already know, Grimm grow larger, stronger, and more intelligent as they age." She showed them several reports on each unsuccessful attempt to recover their wagons. "This level of competence suggests it is rather ancient."
"Because it can't assault an entire village without sustaining heavy damage to itself," said Stiofan, "it sabotaged them, attacking the very lifeblood that gives their people strength."
Roderick dropped in his chair. "That thing knows if it can keep making them waste more supply runs or send people to their possible deaths, they'll get weaker and more fearful by the day. Only after they've reached their lowest point, it will invade, and you can bet more Grimm will follow."
"Playing the long game." Cooper scoffed and shook his head. "How naughty."
Goodwitch frowned and whatever lighthearted spirits she had were wiped clean. "This sort of Grimm is, no doubt, troublesome. If any of you encounter it by no means will any of you engage the creature alone, am I clear?"
Alexander snorted.
The tip of a knife sharp glare pressed against the middle of his forehead. "Am I clear, Mister Gates?"
They all said it themselves, yet none of them got it. Guess he'll have to break the news.
"Ignoring it won't solve the problem, Goodwitch," Alexander said. "Sure. Finding the supplies and giving it back is easy enough, but what about the next time?"
A punch of frustration nearly knocked the professor off her feet. "Mister Gates. Don't you even star—"
"That village wants their stuff back, and they probably want that Grimm dealt with as well." He watched the greenery pass by outside the window. "That means they're going to have to hire a Huntsman, a team of them at least, to deal with it, and that's gonna cost a fortune."
The riding crop trembled in Goodwitch's hand.
"And it's like you said," Alexander side-eyed her, "villages don't make a lot of income."
"Alex," said Roderick. He gulped and tried to slide further away from the red hot professor. "What are you trying to say?"
"Desperate times, desperate measures." Alexander shrugged. "Someone has to do it. What better than four students in training and a pro for the price of nothing?"
Goodwitch snapped.
"Mister Gates, that is out of the question. The perils of this journey are extremely dangerous. Neither you or your team are prepared to combat such a threat. I'll be damned to guide you four to. . ."
Alexander tuned her out, taking a little pleasure in how she boiled from her own body heat.
"Mister Hill," Goodwitch said. "As the leader, what do you have to say?"
Roderick did his best not to squirm. "Honestly, professor, I think it's pretty crazy, but I trust him. Whatever game he plays, you can bet I'll be there to join. Isn't that right guys?"
That was unexpected. Alexander didn't actually think that anyone inside this Bullhead would take his side.
"Couldn't have said it any better, mate." Cooper tipped his hat. "As much as I think this is a bad idea, add me in, anyways."
"Professor, you haven't forgotten what we are, I hope." Stiofan smirked. "This is a team, you see. Even if it's full of risks and perils, what one does, we do as one. Together to the end."
A furnace of appreciation and respect ignited within Alexander.
Goodwitch gritted her teeth and finger daggered each of their chests.
"Nobody diverges from the objective, and you are all to stay within my sights. Absolutely none of you are to engage that Grimm." She highlighted a section of forestry on the map. "This is the approximate area of where the wagons went missing; study it."
Roderick saluted. "Yes, ma'am!"
"And when I say we're done, we're done." Goodwitch glared down at Alexander like an insect. "Got it?"
As much as he wanted to resist, picking a fight with the professor would only make things worse.
Alexander had no choice but to go along with her terms. . . For now.
-----
The Bullhead aimed for a wide plateau that resembled a gigantic stake hammered into the ground. To make things worse, there was no other means of getting down from there other than the rocky trail gradually winding away from the top of the plateau, probably as wide as two narrow street lanes.
Alexander could already feel his ankles throbbing.
"We've arrived at the LZ, ma'am!" said the pilot from the cockpit. "This is the closest I can get you without getting tangled in the trees. Gonna have to hike it from here, and one more thing." He passed the professor a small gadget. "Take that homing device. Whenever you're ready, push the button, and I'll come running as quickly as I can. So, in any case, good hunting!"
Goodwitch thanked the man and opened the hatch, flooding the aircraft with high winds and the deafening roar of the jet engines.
The walk went on forever.
Alexander hacked apart his dozenth Grimm and kicked it over the edge of the trail, swallowed by the gaping maw of trees below.
"Good news, students." Goodwitch examined the map on her scroll. "We made it to the halfway mark. At this pace, we'll get down from here before sunset. That being said, we should hurry. The forecast estimates a rainstorm will be approaching a few hours from now."
Tired and wet. Great.
"Also, remember to tread carefully." She pointed ahead. "See those pockets along the walls. They're perfect places for ambushing unsuspecting prey."
"Are we actually gonna take a gander at every nook and cranny of this place?" Cooper used Merry Outlaw as a walking stick. "A hint would be nice."
Stiofan chuckled. "I suppose you missed it in the briefing files, Cooper."
"The villagers left notes," Roderick said. "Several of them claimed to have spotted a wagon near a cave to the east. None of them, though, were able to confirm it without getting chased off by Grimm."
Cooper rolled his eyes. "You certainly know how to cheer a fella up, huh, Radek."
Movement approached them ahead, forcing them to stop.
A Creep, shaped like a wingless, two-legged bird covered in reptilian scales with a thick tail and stubby neck, wandered out of a hole in the wall.
It checked them out, brandishing its alligator teeth and the hook-shaped talons on each of its toes.
"Leave it to me." Cooper hopped on top of outcropping near the edge of the trail and shot an arrow through the Creep's mask. "See that? That's how you do it."
Shadows leaked from a pocket in the wall next to him, and Alexander's adrenaline kicked him into full gear.
He dropped his duffel bag and bolted while the others yelled.
A Beowolf lunged. Cooper whirled, gasping and freezing in place. Alexander slid between them and opened Tereo. The Beowolf collided against him before he could get set. Alexander lost his footing and crashed into Cooper. His stomach dropped, the wind sliced past his ears, branches beat their leafy knuckles all over, and everything went black the moment he went splat.
-----
Leon didn't expect to wake up in a cozy bed next to some pretty blue flowers.
"I'm glad to see you're finally up."
Across the small room, tending to more flowers by the vanity, a woman in a knitted honey poncho over a mauve dress glowed with delight.
The simple motions of sitting prick pain into his muscles.
"You've been asleep for awhile, child." She approached the foot of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
He pulled the bed sheets higher and became very aware he was only in a pair of boxers and a loose tank top, and when he tried to talk, his mouth suddenly filled with sand.
After swallowing several times and getting a cup of water from the woman, he managed to find his voice.
"I-I'm okay, miss," Leon said. "Um, where am I?"
Sadness tugged her lips. "You fell unconscious outside my home. I nearly had a heart attack because of it. Don't you remember? You're badly hurt."
"Hurt?" He checked himself and winced at the stings pulsing under pieces of gauze taped to his right shoulder. "Oh."
The woman moved to the bedside table and touched his hand. She paused, olive eyes asking for permission to continue. He nodded and she sat next to him, the tips of her lavender locks tickled his skin.
"Before I ask you some questions, I'll ask my daughter to bring us more drinks. We may be here for a while," she said and touched her chest. "I'm Aurora Violette. May I know the name of this sweet boy who decided to visit my home?"
"Leon." He took a deep breath and gazed out the window. "But you can call me Alexander."
-----
The memory suddenly burned, engulfed by fire.
Alexander jolted and rolled to his stomach, vacuuming bagfuls of air that blasted flocks of dead leaves out of his face. Tereo was squished into the dirt under him. Simple movements left his body grieving, but compared to the smoky and half disintegrated Beowolf, there was no room for complaint.
Rays of light squeezed through the gaps in the canopy of branches and leaves, allowing rivers of sunlight to pour down the big ass hole directly above him.
'That was a long drop,' he thought. 'Better check my Aura.'
Alexander sat up and groaned at the bar blinking a bad case of orange on his scroll.
A twig snapped.
Alexander searched for where it came from, scanning for anything dwelling behind the maze of wood until a ball of fur hobbled out from behind a tree.
A bear cub.
If he had to guess, it was about the same size or maybe slightly bigger than Yang and Ruby's dog, and oddly enough, it had brown fur so light, it almost could be mistaken as white.
The bear tilted its head, smacking its lips as if deciding whether he'd make a good meal or not.
A series of coughs alerted Alexander of a more important issue, and he resisted the urge to punch himself for almost forgetting that he wasn't the only one who fell.
"Oakwood," he examined his partner, "you okay?"
Other than the rising and falling of his chest, no response.
"Hey." He shook him. "Wake up."
Still nothing.
Alexander checked Cooper's Aura and growled at the rush of dread injecting into him.
Staring back was a solid black bar.
A low chorus of guttural rumbles rustled in the foliage, and the army of shadows surrounding them sparked panic in his chest.
Now wasn't the time to be a little bitch and waste time crying over what to do, so before things could grow out of control, he gritted his teeth and got his ass moving.
"Looks like I'll be babysitting for a bit." Alexander wedged Merry Outlaw under his partner's backpack and slung Cooper across his shoulders. "Hang tight."