A Cosmic Journey

A/N: Hey hey hey, guess who lost power thanks to Isaias?...Yeah, getting things in order was not fun in the slightest, the least of which being that all the stores were stuffed to the gills with people on understandably short fuses. Whatever the case, we're here now, so I hope I haven't kept you all waiting. As a reminder, there won't be an update on 8/11 due to much finals, but more on that towards the bottom.

Chapter 44: Forewarned Is Forearmed

Chapter Date: 08/04/20

"Alright, before we get started, does anyone have questions pertaining to the mission?"

"This room is kinda cramped…"

'Any room with Yatsu in it tends to feel smaller than it actually is. At least everyone's got an excuse to squeeze together.'

"Eek!"

"Fox…"

"Where. Are. My. PANCAKES?!"

"You already ate them, Nora. More should be arriving soon, though I admit to being curious as to how a club can serve pancakes."

"Neptune, are things always like this?"

"Most of the people here are new to me, but for the ones I'm familiar with…yes."

"I don't know why I bothered…" I brought a hand up to my face and surveyed the scene that was sixteen huntsmen academy students in one room. Though a private, soundproofed club room it was, things were still a bit tighter than would've been comfortable had privacy not been a concern.

Sun, the eternal consummate wingman, was chatting up Fox while managing to passively box Miltia and Melanie closer to their respective crushes, to their mutual pleasure and embarrassment. Neptune, on the other hand, was being ruthlessly cut off from pursuing any attempts of flirting with Velvet by Coco, who also ignored him in favor of trading fashion trends with Scarlet. Close by them, Sage and Jaune appeared to be in a passionate discussion on the merits of classic versus mecha-shift weaponry. Lastly, Ren sat by me as he hovered by the door in case a speedy exit or replenishment of pancakes was needed for a feasting Nora.

"The things I sign myself up for…" I threw a look next to me at my partner, and Ilia responded with a wonderful deadpan as I cleared my throat. "Since no one's got questions before we start talking, let's get into it then." Mercifully, that got everyone's attention as the group quieted down and I fired up the room's wall display unit.

"From what information I've managed to acquire thus far, the White Fang will be having a recruitment rally this coming weekend to bolster their ranks. For what purpose is something I have yet to figure out, but an infiltration and subsequent reporting of should lead to the probable defeat and arrest of those soldiers already in attendance. However, that's not the priority here. This is." I shifted the screen over to a holo-image of the Paladin, and some of my friends' eyes widened in slight recognition.

"The White Fang getting its hands on new weapons is cause for alarm in of itself, but this is Atlas weaponry we're talking about here. Specifically, mechanized battlesuits Atlas plans to roll out called the Paladin. I'm sure some of you have seen Ironwood's exhibition announcements talking about this in Vale, which means you might know that this piece of tech was built in conjunction with the Atlas Military and the SDC. I don't need to tell anyone what the implication of that are."

"Uhh, not for nothing, but how did the White Fang get their hands on a huge robot belonging to Atlas and the SDC?" Sun was quite proactive with the questions now. "And more importantly, why haven't we heard anything about it?"

"If the White Fang's recent 'joint business ventures' are any indication, they have Vale's premier thief and smuggler in the form of Roman Torchwick at their service," Melanie answered with a snarl.

"On that second question, I'm sure almost everyone here knows that the good councilmen and military leaders of Atlas would sooner swallow a jar of acid before admit culpability on their individual part or the part of the kingdom." I added dryly as a few dark chuckles joined in. "Regardless, the point is that at least one of these will be present at the rally to be showcased, and in the event of an attack, someone will almost certainly hop right in and put those systems to use. I cannot stress this enough though; one of these has the capability to take on multiple groups of Grimm singlehandedly. That kind of firepower means that entire blocks of the city could crumble if things aren't taken very fucking carefully, got it?"

I received grim nods in response, as the sheer size and apparent lethality of the machine on display evinced a clear estimate of the potential number of casualties. 'I still can't believe Torchwick's ass wasn't on fire in the show for that highway chase in particular. The man sent about a dozen cars flying! No no, not the time for this…'

"The reason I asked for so much backup in regards to the Paladin wasn't because I didn't think teams here weren't capable of taking it down, but rather that we as students, on a vigilante mission, need to take every precaution so that others don't get caught in the crossfire. Not to mention, the Paladin won't be the only thing you have to deal with. Besides the White Fang members present, there will most definitely be some extra security present, courtesy of alliances with Torchwick and Cinder." The mention of Cinder definitely got to everyone in the room but SSSN, and even the all-male team tensed, feeling the ratcheting hostility at the name. "Assuming that this alliance works in pairs, like what happened to me, there's the strong likelihood that Cinder herself will make an appearance, along with one other person."

Sun's expression turned uneasy. "So everyone will have to deal with the White Fang, Cinder, one of her lackeys and a Paladin? That's…not quite what I had expected."

"Speak for yourself. This is just the opportunity we've been waiting for." Coco's shades glinted as her smile turned vicious. "My team has a score to settle with her in particular."

"And unless there are at least two teams fighting her, that score will have to wait." Coco and the rest of team CFVY looked incredulous at my rebuke.

'C'mon Kouzai, no need to get protective on us. My team and I had the edge over Cinder before-'

"Before she dropped half a building on you all. One that I happened to be in." I finished, and CFVY winced in unison. "Don't get me wrong, I have faith that the four of you might have what it takes to bring her down in the end. But with how dangerously she fights, and desperately she lashes out, what it'd cost is more than I'm willing to risk at this point in time. That's why even if everyone has the recommended numbers to fight her, I'm suggesting that someone contacts Beacon and warns Ozpin or Goodwitch…maybe just Ozpin."

"Uhh, Kouzai? Isn't the whole point of us holing up in this less-than-spacious room instead of Beacon so that we can run this mission without Beacon getting involved?"

"I'm not really sure how to say this, but you all will be fighting a drove of White Fang soldiers, a Paladin, and potentially two members of Cinder's group including Cinder herself. Trust me, Beacon will be getting involved one way or another." I smiled crookedly. "The point of us planning here is to make sure Beacon won't catch wind of what we're up to before we get the mission started. After though?...Well, it's better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission."

"Hear hear!" Nora cheered, before looking over at an exasperated Ren and I and shrugging.

"There's another thing with Cinder before we get to the Paladin specifically." I was slightly hesitant to drop this information to the assembled group, but if Cinder planned on pulling out the big guns anytime soon, it was necessary in order to save their collective asses. "I'm sure you've noticed or heard by now that one of Cinder's arms isn't exactly normal."

"If by 'isn't normal' you mean extremely durable, lacking joints, capable of extension, clawed, and overall Grimm appearance…" Velvet trailed off and blushed as I stared at her, along with the rest of the room.

"Thank you for that. Yes, Cinder's arm is most definitely not human and more than likely Grimm. What that means exactly, I'm not sure, but what I do know is that it has some other unpleasant powers that come with it." I swallowed, despite myself. "One of them, is that it gives her the ability to drain life like the Apathy. If you extrapolate that to a certain degree, that absorption might extend to things like Aura."

The room fell silent at that, but not before experiencing a collective shudder. Jaune was the first to stomach the implications of that, and come to the question that I'd hoped I wouldn't have to answer. "Kouzai…how exactly did you find out about this ability of Cinder's?"

"I…was informed about this particular skill by Cinder herself while captured. She had some questions that she wanted answered, and saw fit to explain that failing to answer them voluntarily would force her to use some more…painful methods. Luckily that didn't become necessary since you all rode in like the cavalry before…guys?" I paused as the room had become deathly still, and fifteen pairs of eyes were focused solely on me.

Then a wave of sheer rage and bloodlust poured out from my friends, so much so that I instinctively tensed and readied myself for a fight if they'd all gone insane.

"That…bitch…I'm going to render both her arms useless for even suggesting such a thing happen to you," Velvet seethed, her Faunus ears folding down and back.

"You can have her arms. I'm getting both her legs," Nora toned darkly, and it was telling that none of JNPR saw fit to rebuke her.

"No way my team and I let this slide now. We'll chase these scum to the ends of Remnant if we have to." Sun cracked his knuckles, each pop echoing impossibly loud in the room.

'Well, this is spiraling horrifically fast…' I slapped my hand down on the table. "Don't forget what the priority here is; giant death robot and tons of White Fang first, Cinder later. And if Cinder pulls out any freaky Grimm abilities beyond being tough and stretching her arm out, you all retreat and contact Beacon and I. The industrial district of Vale is not the time or place to settle grudges. Are we clear on that?"

Everyone else gave various levels of grumbled assent, and I internally sighed in relief before looking over to Ilia. My partner rolled her eyes before we swapped positions. "Now that the broad strokes are out of the way, let's brief everyone on what to expect out of the Paladin."

The holo-image of the Paladin appeared and Ilia began pointing to various sections of the battlesuit. "The schematics for the Paladin show that it possesses triple-layered plating, laser sights, cutting-edge servos, rocket launchers and mounted guns capable of firing Dust ammunition of nearly every type." Ilia paused to let that list sink in. "This one machine on its own is capable of taking on multiple groups of Grimm. If left unchecked, it can easily level multiple city blocks. Official reports by the Atlesian military have it listed as an anti-personnel, anti-armor, anti-ship and anti-air unit."

"Just for reference, is there anything that this thing isn't equipped to handle?" Scarlet questioned.

"Space." I deadpanned. "And Pyrrha."

"Kouzai!"

Ilia nodded. "It's true that Pyrrha's Semblance would be the quickest way to bring the Paladin down, but we don't think Cinder will allow such an oversight after her performance at the docks. We should expect the Paladin on display at the rally to be modified for against Huntsmen, and likely Pyrrha in particular."

Jaune rubbed a pouting Pyrrha's shoulder. "Look at it this way; your opponents are so cautious of your abilities that they're making contingencies specifically around you. Isn't that a good thing?"

"We need to redefine what 'good' means for you, Jaune." Despite her remark, Pyrrha actually did look a little happier at the praise.

"So now that we've laid out what the general parameters of the Paladin are, does anyone have any glaring flaws or strategies they'd like to bring to the table? Literally." Ilia and I looked around, and it seemed like the leaders of the other teams were deep in thought. At the moment though, there wasn't-

"Yeah, I've got a couple ideas that might work." Sun, along with most of the room, whipped his head to the side as Neptune was squinting at the screen, until he caught onto the general silence. "W-what? I just have experience with energy-based weapons thanks to putting Tri-Hard together, so it wouldn't be too hard to-why's everyone laughing?"

'Please tell me that you didn't name your own weapon "Tri-Hard", or I might die of laughter.' Fox snickered, while Nora, Sage and Scarlet were laughing full-on in the face of a blushing Neptune.

"Damnit Sun, I knew I shouldn't have trusted you when you had a suggestion for the name!" Neptune hissed, and his leader finally couldn't contain his mirth any longer.

"Sorry Nep, but even you admitted that it fits. Maybe you-snrk-subconsciously agree with the assessment."

"Hate you…"

"Children. I work with children…" I parroted. "Alright, let's bring it back in. So Neptune's got some ideas, and our esteemed leaders seem to be working on the strategic side of things. Does anyone else have anything that pops out to them?"

"Depending on its reliance of Hard-Light Dust, there are a few weaknesses on that Dust type that could be taken advantage of," Velvet replied, and I nodded in deference to her expertise with Anisedora.

"Ooh ooh! If it uses Dust, we can kill it…" Nora added gleefully, and everyone but JNPR and I instinctively shuffled away out of self-preservation.

"Ok, it looks like we've got some things to work with. Who wants to go first?"

As the rest discussed amongst themselves for a moment, Ilia turned to me. "You know, I didn't think they'd be so satisfied with you not offering up your own ideas just yet."

"Why Ilia, are you implying that I was bluffing on having a plan? I'm hurt." I put a hand to my chest in mock outrage, though my partner wasn't having any of it and I dropped the act. "You could say that I'm applying the fine art of delegation, and giving the responsibility of planning to people smarter than me."

"That's not what delegation means, and you know it."

"Hah, let a man have his fun…"

… … …

"My head…so much knowledge…"

"Behold, ladies and gentlemen, our illustrious leader…" Scarlet jabbed as Sage quietly guided a moaning Sun off the Bullhead. Nora pretty much picked up all of JNPR and zoomed off towards the cafeteria.

"I'll never get how that half-pint manages to be so strong…" Coco muttered as everyone else disembarked. I made a show of taking off my shades just to look at her until she noticed. "What?"

"Coco, you literally carry a massive gatling gun that somehow mecha-shifts into a handbag, that you swing like a handbag to bludgeon Grimm to death."

"I fail to see your point." Coco stuck to her guns and played dumb for a moment. "You know, I'm actually kind of glad that all of this is happening. Not the 'White Fang about to attack Vale with a military battlesuit' part, but rather the chance to help out."

"What do you mean?"

"Right, you wouldn't exactly be too cognizant of upcoming events. The short of it is that students beginning from second-year start going out on missions during the semester, and ours has one coming up pretty quickly. Helping out in this op will probably be one of the last things we get to before we ship out, so it's fortunate that we can do our part for our cute little first-years."

"I'm assuming that you're referring to one first-year in particular?" I asked dryly. 'I nearly forgot about CFVY's mission, and that it didn't exactly end well. I'll need to give them some advice before they head out.'

"Damn right. Speaking of upcoming events though, depending on how long we'll be gone, there's a chance we might not make it back for the Beacon Dance. Thankfully, Vel and I always knew that was a possibility so we made sure to plan things out with plenty of guidelines." Coco made a show of eyeing me up and down. "Sooo, if you don't have too much on your plate-"

"Coco, I'm not taking over planning for the Beacon Dance. What on Remnant would possess you to think that I'd be good at planning giant social gatherings?"

"Yeah, that's fair. Honestly, I was expecting to hand things over to team RWBY anyways."

"See, now that's something dictated by common sense. Gods knows Weiss has planned a number of these herself, and I'd eat Luna if Yang isn't capable of throwing a party. Plus, it should give them enough to do that they won't be enticed to do anything stupidly reckless."

"On that, we're in agreement. Though, this is all hypothetical, considering that the four of us will be hauling ass trying to make it back in time for the dance." I glanced at her quizzically, and Coco laughed. "C'mon, you think we'd miss out on something like this, even if we've been to one before? There's nothing that'll keep us from heading to the dance with our dates, and I'd like to see the Grimm that'll try. Not to mention, the pre-dance drama and awkwardness can't be beat."

"You know that very drama includes yourself as well, unless you've already gotten a confirmation from your intended date?"

"When Coco Adel sets her sights on someone, she'll get them. I'm sure the same will go for you, if you ever manage to get a handle of the who." Coco socked me in the shoulder, none too gently, before sauntering off with a wave. "Don't take too long on that, otherwise you might really end up dead."

"Does everyone always have to be so damn cryptic?" I rubbed my shoulder. "Then again, I'm very much at fault of doing the same, but still, it's part of my character! The same can't be said for them!"

"And how would you consider me, Mr. Higure?" I whirled around to see the Ozpin approaching, with both cane and mug in hand.

I recomposed myself and grinned. "Professor, it should go without saying that you're possibly the most enigmatic person I've ever met. For example, for what purpose would the headmaster be strolling around by the airfield around dinnertime?"

"Why Mr. Higure, I'd say you were insinuating that I was waiting for your arrival." Ozpin smiled, before taking a sip from his mug. "You are indeed correct, however. There was a matter that I wished to receive your insight on, and I found myself sorely lacking the requisite exercise to keep these old bones in shape, and so a decision was made to take a walk on Beacon's grounds."

"Why am I not surprised?" I muttered, drawing a laugh from Ozpin. "You have my attention Professor, though I hope you don't mind if we have this chat while making our way back, because at least one of us requires food."

"Very well." We both set off down Beacon's main walkway, and I resolved myself to let Ozpin speak first. I didn't have to wait long. "It has occurred to me that the spar between teams RWBY and KMMI was held for a reason other than natural curiosity. One might be forgiven for believing that the stakes were over things like individuals favors, but the discontent on some of their faces suggests otherwise."

I considered what I'd say carefully, knowing that Ozpin expected no less. "In so many words, the spar was held to prevent team RWBY from engaging in conduct that would be considered unsafe for huntresses-in-training."

"Hmm, it is true that Vale holds considerably more danger as of late than in the past. However, if memory serves, I recall certain incidents making their way to may desk wherein teenagers acted to protect others, even before becoming students. Tell me, what would you consider the difference between the two to be?" Ozpin's eyes twinkled in amusement behind his glasses.

Luckily, I already had an answer ready. "The differences lie in individual importance and promises made, I'd say. Two of team RWBY are relatives of important huntsmen and professors in Vale, along with one of your own aides. Those same two are also under the protection of a poor soul who made a promise to look after them. Another is the heiress to Remnant's most powerful corporation. And the last is by most political and legal definitions the princess for the unofficial kingdom of Faunus." Thank you RoosterTeeth, for following the cliché of making the main characters important.

"Somehow, it does not surprise me that you are aware of Ms. Belladonna's identity. Why is that?"

"Professor, when the individual in question retains the same surname, hair color, eye color, Faunus trait and general appearance of the ruling couple of Menagerie, that sort of thing tends to stand out. If there were more of an effort behind wrapping a bow around their head, perhaps all might be forgiven, but well…" I glanced sideways at Ozpin. "But this kind of motivation and information is easy to parse out for someone such as yourself. This wouldn't require my insight."

"Quite. I suppose you can think of it as the amusements of an old man such as myself. If you prefer, we can move on to more pertinent matters." Ozpin met my eyes, and the smile behind his morphed into curiosity. "Tell me, what do you think about redemption?"

I made no efforts to hide my confusion. "As in regards to a certain person, or on the concept as a whole?"

"Whichever you prefer."

I slowed down, really pouring my thoughts into the conversation. My opinions, Ozpin's opinions, Ozpin's intentions… "I guess my thoughts on the subject as a whole are that the opportunity should be available to everyone. I'm not certain of the religious connotations that come with the word, but I think that everyone should get a second chance."

"I see…and what would you think if you knew an individual who had received such an opportunity and squandered it, becoming wholly irredeemable in the process. Subsequently, another comes along exactly like the first, and now asks of you that opportunity. Would that hand be extended, knowing full well that the same sins might be committed once more, this time with your knowledge?"

"I…I believe that it's not really our place to judge one's actions based on how similar they are to another. Sure, there's the argument on having similar personalities and genetics and environment and such, but I don't think the door should ever be shut to people who seek it." I looked over at Ozpin, and blinked again at how old the Wizard seemed to look at my response.

"How succinct of you…Thank you for indulging me. I profess to personally being of the belief that those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it. However, perhaps that may be due not to my years of knowledge over that of the youth, but instead because I am a man burned too many times to look upon humanity with innocence."

"Respectfully, I don't think that's the case, sir." Ozpin's thousand-yard stare drew back to look over. I felt the full weight of centuries of judgement weighing down, but I pressed on. "More learned or not, more tormented or not, I think we're all people in the end, no more and no less. Those that think that they're above others should be taken down a peg, and by the same token, those that believe themselves lesser than the rest should be given the care to realize that they're not. It's like a quote that I heard from someone years back; 'the world is a fine place and worth fighting for.'"

Ozpin fell silent, and for a minute, the only sounds were of the trees nearby and Ozpin's cane tapping against the ground. Then, near-imperceptibly, there was less force in the taps, less pressure on the cane, less of a reliance as the immortal slowly took a sip of his cocoa. "Hauntingly wise words, Mr. Higure. I would do well to remember them for times when the outlook seems quite less than ideal."

"Well, I think you need to give yourself more credit, Professor. After all, I'm sure I'm just a few more lectures with Port or a few more spars with Vernal from switching my tune." I grinned cheekily at the headmaster, and though his mouth was partially obscured behind the mug, I could tell he smiled back.

All too soon though, that smile turned into a smirk. "I suppose I should inform General Ironwood and Ms. Polendina of the changes to the upcoming dance then."

I frowned. "Are there any changes that need to be made involving General Ironwood?"

"Not explicitly, but my long friendship with James has taught me that he will react quite defensively to my decision."

I was growing more anxious by the second. "And that is…?"

"I will be making accommodations so that Mercury Black may attend the Beacon Dance."

"…what."

"Ms. Polendina made the request to bring him along, and I have accepted. Oh, supervising him will also be partially your responsibility."

"WHAT?!"

… … …

… … …

Raven could not fathom why her daughter would ever voluntarily frequent this excess of booze and raging hormones. If it weren't for the fact that this club acted as a laundering front for a much more profitable enterprise, never in her natural life would she step foot within its premises. However, needs must in this case.

Within a minute of her entering the modified warehouse and finding the stained countertop, the individual that she sought was striding out from a back office somewhere.

"Junior Xiong. I am here to answer your message. I also have need of your services." No point in pleasantries or acting dumb as to each others' identities. The naked apprehension in the lumbering boss' eyes told her enough.

"Raven Branwen. Can't say I ever expected someone like yourself to stroll into my place. Then again, your brother used to make this counter his third or fourth bed in Vale, so I suppose things change. I'm assuming you're not here for my famous Strawberry Sunrise?"

"I would be shocked if anyone truly enjoyed that toxic synthetic combination you call a cocktail."

"Tell that to your daughter…" Junior muttered, before balking as Raven's crimson eyes narrowed. "Er-I mean, I'm always happy to provide my expertise as an information dealer to esteemed individuals."

"First, give me the message you claimed you had. And if I determine that it was made threateningly with your knowledge…" Omen clicked open softly.

"Right right…" Junior tugged at his collar slightly, before sliding a folded slip of paper across the countertop. Raven pressed her fingers down in such a way that both paper and Junior's hand were trapped underneath.

"Wonderful. Now, the information I seek from you is the sender. Don't worry, I'll pay you appropriately. If the contents of the message are subpar though, well…"

"T-The sender is…uhh…well…"

"Hei."

Junior took a deep breath and looked her in the eye. "The Specter sent it."

Raven froze for a split second, before her hand wrenched Junior's off the paper and unfolded it for her disbelieving eyes to read.

Raven Branwen

I know your secret

Here, a week from now

It's time that we meet

A/N: And here's the tee up for what should be a very interesting series of encounters. The anticipation almost makes me want to get writing right away, but alas, I've got a slew of finals to brave. Reminder that there won't be an update on 8/11, but I'll aim to crank out a chonker of a chapter for 8/18 or 8/25. Now for reviews.

Fuyuki365: Prim is always a fun character to write for, as envisioning the characteristics of such an entity is an exercise in philosophy and psychology. Gods knows that Prim gets some modicum of enjoyment out of screwing with Kouzai, but he's not quite on the level of a universal misery magnet, otherwise Qrow would become obsolete, haha.

AlexFalTon: At this point, the importance of events are in the midst of exponentially increasing, to the point where Kouzai isn't going to be taking much for granted when it comes to his plans. Sun and CFVY are good friends, but he acknowledges that they have their own principles at times that may set them apart from RWBY or JNPR. JNPR are most definitely thick as thieves, but even having watched them grow and become stronger, Kouzai forgets the impact that being in someone's life can have on a person's observations of them.

Gizmo Gear: Given the nature of his placement on Remnant, and the vagueness of a certain deity, Kouzai isn't exactly sure what age he started out as, and there aren't any birth certificates around on that front. Going off a rough estimate based on his theory of the space/time travel, he'd be roughly in his low to mid 20's. However, when considering his physical age, mental age, spiritual age and everything else, it's quite the clusterfuck to sort through.

Zeromk7: Well, thanks for compliment, and I'm always glad that there are those that gave this story a chance, and second chance in your case. As always, I welcome any comments or questions others have and attempt to take things into account. As for Kouzai and any potential crushes, rest assured that the romance aspect will be given its due time, and the foundation of which has been laid.

Blueassassin996: The Relics most assuredly have not been forgotten by Kouzai, but it's no stretch of the imagination to say that he'd either need to in possession of one of Remnant's most elite forces, or be one of Remnant's best bullshitters to get the necessary access, force or window to claim a Relic and live to tell about it.

-SE

Next Chapter Date: 08/18/20