RWBY belongs to Monty Oum
Anything related to call of duty zombies belongs to Treyarch
OC's belong to Datguy7788 and me

Chapter 8: Party Crashers

The town was in ruins as fires littered the buildings, cars had been blaring their alarms and the sky… the sky was raining blood. Thunder and lightning would appear giving the appearance of the God's wrath upon the world. Damnation, the whole place was empty. Where were the people that once lived in this place.

"Where am I?" I said as I held my AN-94000 up to bear as I awaited the demons that would appear. A faint whisper to my left as I looked to see nothing. "Show yourself!"

The laughter, I know that laughter anywhere. "I'm afraid that my voice vill do."

"You! What the hell do you want from me!?" I shouted as I tried looking for the German accented person.

"On the contrary, it's not what I want from you per-say…" The voice trailed off before continuing, "You may not know it, but there is something in your mind I want."

"Oh yeah? Well too bad this is my mind, meaning my rules!"

"Oh, you think this is a dream? No it is not. You are one of the very few that have ever crossed the Gateway." I thought what he was saying was insane until he told me this, "You are on the bridge between Life and Death, physically you are fine but your soul is something else entirely."

"My soul?" My confusing was slowly turning into anger. "What the hell are you talking about!?"

His laughter was the answer to my response, "Your soul is incomplete, half of it is grasping the Aether while the other half remains on the living you if only barely."

I didn't think on it too much; he could have been spouting out lies to get to me.

"Oh, I assure you I am not lying. You see the only reason you are alive and not the soulless machine that you truly are, is that you have your last life line. That life line is connected to your sister."

More lies.

"No, the cold truth, Mein friend. But that's beside the point, you see while your soul is still grasping on, something has been growing inside your mind."

A faint whisper to my right, I barely caught it 'don't listen'.

"Ah, so you hear the whispers then." It was more of a statement than a question, "That is just the beginning of what is happening. You see ever since they made that accursed neural link that connects to your mind, they tried creating something that could stop my reign. But it was in vain, they knew that I could not be stopped."

I barely caught the tone of his voice, he was distraught. I began taunting him, "You know for someone being all powerful it seemed they almost did find a way!"

"Yes, well, they failed in that attempt. However, when they failed the experiment, the patients that they used, died; although they accidentally opened a Gateway something escaped to the digital realm. Something worse than me came out and tried to take over my army!" he shouted that last sentence in venom.

"Oh and what? you want me to help you reclaim your dead army? Tough shit!" I shouted in the air, thinking I pissed him off but then I was surprised and dread to over when he laughed.

"Oh, you poor boy. No I am gonna send my army to kill you and anything that gets in my way! The only reason I can't do that to you now is that 'something' is protecting what little life force you have left. And the only thing that will break you is your little, soon to be dead sister."

"OVER MY DEAD BODY!" More laughter resumed.

"That was the plan, Bye Bye!" the world flashed in a bright light and everything went dark.

-Z-

Gasping for air as he scanned the room he was in, noting his team was sleeping. Sighing he got out of his bed and looked at the clock which had the time of '6:15 AM'. Deciding to get his mind of what happened in his apparent dream he dressed up and began to take a stroll around the campus.

The cool fresh air flowed through his short hair which was growing mildly fast considering how long ago since it was cut. Maybe when he goes to Vale next time, then he can get a proper shave. Though all the walking he has done he was blissfully unaware a certain Faunes watching from the roof. The trip back to his dorm was refreshing to say the least, all the while preparing for the day ahead.

-Z-

The two opponents were in a tense standoff, (albeit more one sided) but tense none the less as Jaune was catching his breath. Cardin on the other hadn't broken a sweat, apparently holding his weapon that now rested on his shoulder without a care in the world. Jaune noticed this and grunted, "Come on…"

He charged and held his blade high preparing to slash at his opponent whom dodged effortlessly, while Jaune got back his footing and charged again and aimed to bisect him (though not literally especially with their Aura). Cardin again effortlessly intercepted the attacked with his mace. Taking the advantage Cardin pushed Jaune's weapon as his strength overtook his.

"This is the part where you lose."

"Over my dead-" Anything Jaune was about say was quickly overwhelmed with pain as he was kneed to the gut. He fell over then looking up towards Cardin, he watched as his mace was about to strike him before the sound of buzzer rang in time to save the currently beaten Arc.

"Cardin, That's enough." The Professor, Glynda sternly said as she walked to the front of the class and began to address them, "Students, as you can see-" She turned her head towards Arc's direction, "Mr. Arc's aura has now dropped into the red. In a tournament-style duel, this would indicate that Jaune is no longer fit for battle and the official may call off the match."

The team looked at Jaune to at least reassure him that he did 'well' but wasn't enough as he looked down in shame somewhat. Without looking directly at the student that was barely getting up the Professor finally addressed him.

"Mr. Arc, it's been weeks now please try to refer to your scroll during combat." halfway through the sentence she watched Jaune getting up.

"Gauging your aura will help you decided when it appropriate to attack or when it is better to move to a more defensive strategy." Glynda said looking towards Jaune. "We wouldn't want you to be gobbled up by a Beowolf now would we?"

"Speak for yourself." Cardin said picking up his weapon and walking away.

Glynda turned back to the rest of her students, "Remember everyone, the Vytal Festival is only a few months away. It won't be long before students from the other kingdoms start arriving in Vale so keep practicing. Those who choose to compete in the combat tournament will be representing all of Vale." Glynda said as the bell rung excusing the class.

Jaune picked himself up and made his way to his team his head dropped, "Sorry guys." He said in a somber tone.

"Don't worry about it, next time you will totally kick that guy's butt." Nora said trying to cheer Jaune up.

"You can't let this defeat get to you." Pyrrha said putting a hand on Jaune's shoulder.

Chris scoffed, "Don't coddle him, he messed up he needs to accept that. You need to learn why you got beat and improve yourself." Chris said knocking on Jaune's head with his knuckles. "Got it?" He asked.

It wasn't clear if Jaune understood but he nodded regardless.

"Wait, who won?" Rod asked as the rest of team RWBY made there way to Jaune and his team.

"Cardin, he didn't receive any damage to his aura." Weiss said tired of explaining.

Rod scratched his head, "When did that happen? I was sleeping." Rod said.

Weiss shook her head, "You are such a disappointment." She said.

"Not the first time he's heard that." Chris said chuckling.

Rod shrugged his shoulders, "Happens, now why the hell did you lose to that bully? Aren't you training with Chris and the rest of your team?" Rod asked.

"It's more like Jaune runs around trying to keep while we do the work." Chris said.

Pyrrha shook her head, "But he has improved. That's what counts." She said.

"Well we can talk more about this later, let's get some grub." Chris said.

"Well now you're talking my language." Rod said.

Both team JN'R'PR and RWBY'C' made their way down the hallway towards the cafeteria. Ren and Nora were discussing some crazy dream, Weiss and Ruby were talking about the tournament, Pyrrha was trying her best to cheer Jaune up, Rod was talking to Yang about his favorite foods, and that left Blake and Chris in the back.

Chris couldn't shake his dream off, the walk helped but seeing Jaune fall reminded him of his own world. He watched countless other kids take arms only to fall. It was horrifying to watch.

"Something on your mind?" Blake asked Chris.

The question brought Chris back to reality, "Oh, yeah. Just thinking." He said.

"Would it have to do with last night's walk?" She asked bluntly.

"You saw that?" Chris almost shouted in surprise.

"I couldn't sleep either. That's when I saw you from the roof, were you thinking about them?" Chris made sure the group ahead of them didn't hear which was good consider they were distracted as Rod was slapped in the face by Weiss.

"Y-yeah you could say that." Though he blatantly lied which Blake caught.

"Doesn't seem that way, what were you really thinking about?" Whatever half-baked lie he was gonna say was stopped as she narrowed her eyes enough to at least get something out of him.

He released a sigh, "Alright, I've been thinking about mostly them." He gestured towards the group, he got a raised brow in response, "Let me put it in words that you might understand."

She nodded.

"If I learned anything through my 'Journey' it was difficult, losing the friends that you knew. And being pushed into another group just makes it worse. They are the kind of friends that even though I might try to not be their friends mentally, I've already given them the benefit of the doubt and began opening up-" She seemed to smile at that though turned into a frown when he continued. "Slowly; I mean like I just let them carry the conversations noting that relates to me."

"I've began to rethink things, now that I am in a team it will be that much harder to close off the feelings that if one of them were hurt. I would begin thinking on what I've could've done to prevent it, just some things to think on...and the what 'if's'. The what 'if's', they really drive me crazy. 'Was this my fault?' is always the easiest one to jump to; do you ever get that feeling?"

Blake had a response to that but before she could answer the Group had began waiting for them as Nora was yelling for them to hurry up. Quickly they walked faster and joined the group.

"What took you two so long?" Rod asked before hiding his mischievous grin that would have made a Cheshire cat's looked like litter.

"Nothing that concerns you." Chris said.

"Is that so? Well I don't want to assume but I heard some rumors that a special someone was getting close to the big, bad, Chris. I wonder who that could be." Rod said tapping his chin with his finger.

"Yeah it sounds like someone wants to get hit." Chris said ready to shove his fist in Rod's face.

"Come on, we saved you a seat." Ruby shouted interrupting Chris.

Chris sighed and walked over to the table and sat down next to Jaune. Rod sat down next to Yang as Nora hushed everyone.

"Alright you have to hear this." She started narrowing her eyes and standing up. "So, there we were in the middle of the night." Nora said.

"It was day." Ren corrected.

"We were surrounded by Ursi." Nora said the tension building catching the attention of Yang and Rod.

"They were beowolves." Ren corrected once again.

"There were dozens of them." Nora said standing up.

"Two of them." Ren corrected now seeming weary.

"But they were no match. In the end Ren and I took them down and made a boat load of lien selling ursa skin rugs." Nora said her story finished and sitting back down.

Ren let out a sigh, "She has been having this recurring dream for nearly a month now." Ren said

Everyone was slightly chuckling at the story save for Pyrrha and Jaune. "Jaune, are you okay?" Pyrrha asked her team leader.

"Huh?" Jaune said awakened from his state. "Oh yeah, why?" Jaune asked.

"It's just that you seem a little not okay." Ruby said.

"Look guys I'm fine. Seriously. Look." Jaune said giving a fake smile and a thumbs up.

"That is the worst fake smile I have ever seen in my entire life." Rod said.

"You sure you haven't looked in a mirror lately?" Chris asked.

"Every day like clockwork." Rod said.

Suddenly their attention turned behind them to the sound of laughter. Everyone turned to see Cardin and his teammates bullying another student.

Rod shook his head, "I can't believe they are at it again. You think they would have learned the first time." He said.

"People like him never learn the easy way." Chris said.

"Beating him up is the easy way?" Ruby asked.

Chris shook his head, "Not always, but for Cardin it seems the lesson didn't stick."

Rod stood up, "Well looks like it is time for a hero." He said about to make his way over before Yang grabbed him by the ear. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, please stop." Rod said.

"Not until you promise you won't go starting any fights." Yang said.

"Okay, okay I promise." Rod said quickly hoping the pain would go away.

Yang let go of his ear, "Yeah I think Rod is another one who doesn't learn easy." She said.

"I told you she should have learned to stand up for herself. Would have made things a lot easier." Chris said.

"After years of people treating her like this I don't think she has the energy to put a fight anymore." Blake said.

"We can't just stand here." Rod said rubbing his ear.

"But we can't go starting fights." Yang said.

Rod slammed his head on the table, "I hate being so worthless."

"Really, you haven't gotten used to it yet?" Chris asked.

The joke seemed to lighten up everyone's mood until the laughter got louder, "See I told you they were real." Cardin said now pulling harder on the girl's rabbit ears.

"Please stop, that hurts." She said in a meek tone.

"What a freak." One of Cardin's teammates said.

Cardin let go of the girl as she ran off tears in her eyes. "Atrocious. This is what I am talking about Jaune, he is bullying you." Pyrrha said.

"What? That was just Cardin playing around. He does it to everyone." Jaune said.

Blake shook her head, "You can't just let him do this Jaune. You have to stand up for yourself." She said as Cardin and his team made their way to Jaune.

"Well if it isn't my good buddy Jauney boy." Cardin said putting an arm around Jaune. "You don't mind if I have your dessert do you?" Cardin asked already eating the dessert.

Jaune let out a weak laugh, "Sure I don't mind." He said.

Cardin quickly consumed the dessert and let go of Jaune, "Well I would love to stay and chat but I have important stuff to…" Cardin was saying when he narrowed his eyes on Rod.

"I know you, your pajama boy." He said walking up to boy.

"I prefer to be called Rod." Rod said narrowing his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, just so you know I haven't forgotten what you did." Cardin said getting in Rod's face.

"Good, neither have I." Rod said ready to attack.

Yang put a hand on Rod's shoulder and shook her head. Rod backed down.

Cardin noticed and chuckled, "I didn't know you were whipped by the blonde bimbo." Cardin whispered.

"That's it, I'm gonna kill you!" Rod said standing up and reaching for his weapon. But before he could grab it Chris moved in.

"Stop it!" Chris said smacking Rod in the face. Rod rubbed his face as Chris turned back to Cardin, "We're trying to have a nice meal here. If you don't have anything productive to add I suggest you leave." Chris said his voice dripping with threats of pain.

Cardin rubbed his wrist, "Yeah, come one guys." Cardin said gesturing for his lackies to follow before heading out of the cafeteria.

Rod was rubbing his face when he turned to Yang who was glaring at him. "What did I say?" She asked.

"But... he-" Rod said unable to speak.

Yang shook her head and stood up, "Come on Blake." She said grabbing her tray and standing up. Blake did the same and the two made their way out of the cafeteria.

Rod slammed his head on the table. "Smooth." Ruby said patting Rod on the back.

Chris shook his head, "Let's just finish this meal before something else worse happens." He said knowing better than to tempt fate like that.

-Z-

"No." Chris said a frown on his face.

"Come one, it would be so much fun." Nora said.

"We are not breaking his legs." Chris said shaking his head.

"But imagine how cool it would be." Nora said.

Chris crossed his arms, "No, and that is the last time I am going to say it." He said as he opened the door to the house. "Kyara, I'm home." Chris shouted as the rest of his team followed him in.

Chris heard the sound of feet running down the stairs. "Welcome home!" Kyara said jumping on her brother and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I brought Nora with me." Chris said.

"Hello!" Nora said waving above him.

"Yeah! Come on Nora, I almost finished that thing we have been working on." Kyara said letting go of Chris and grabbing Nora by the hand and leading her away.

As much as he hated to leave Kyara alone Chris didn't mind leaving Kyara with Nora. Nora was energetic enough for her and strong enough to protect her in an emergency. The rest of the group sat down as Redfield thought of ways to help Jaune to improve in combat, already several things came to mind and began explaining to him.

"Jaune, today we are just going to go over what you need to do in order to become a better fighter. I think we all want to prevent you from getting your ass handed to you by others. Only thing is, are you willing to push your limits?"

"I-I guess." Jaune mumbled, but was startled when his teammate slammed his palm on the table.

"There is no guessing, this is an academy, you're here because you are tired of being pushed around." His leader almost shrugged. "Listen, as your friend I need you to step up your game. You can't be doubting every decision you make, especially when you're our team leader."

"Christian is right. Jaune, you are here to better yourself in combat but as well as being a leader." Ren had piped in. "We already believe that you can make it as one, you just need to believe yourself."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Pyrrha agreed, while Jaune perked up as his friends supported him.

"Excellent, this is the first step in becoming a leader. Knowing that we got each others backs improves teamwork. The next thing we could should work on is some extra training."

"What?" Jane gulped, they were already training he wasn't sure he could handle more.

"Listen, it's not just your skills but your physical appearance that are holding you back. Working on your strength, as well as endurance will fix that. That means we are going to start running after classes."

"What about the training we were already doing?" Jaune asked.

"It's still the same, we'll just make time for the extra workout."

Jaune was really hoping he could find a way out of this. "What about our homework?" He asked.

"Ah, you're not going to get out of this leader. Besides there will be plenty of time for homework assignments."

And the plans were set, and their time at Redfield's home was temporary due to the free period. Grabbing their bags team JNPR went back to class.

-Z-

"Come on Rod! Do it again." Weiss said.

Rod stood up and shook his head. Taking a stance, he charged forward at Weiss, galvaknuckles in both hands. Swings his fist down at Weiss's head caused her to dodge out of the way. Weiss responded by swinging her sword at Rod. Rod blocked the blade with his galvaknuckle and then swung his foot at Weiss's feet. Weiss jumped out of the way and kicked Rod in the face causing him to back up a bit. Rod charged again this time sliding in for a kick. Weiss jumped back avoiding the slide kick. Rod wasted no time and quickly followed up the kick with a blow to Weiss's stomach.

Weiss faltered for a moment but then quickly followed up the attacked by blasting Rod with a large ice blast. The cold winds blew Rod back having him slam to a wall behind him. Rod shook of the attack and began running forward at Weiss while being blasted with ice. Weiss keep up her attack while Rod charged neither one getting the upper hand. Finally, Rod rolled out of the way of the ice reaching for his Ray Gun and blasting several rounds at Weiss. Weiss called up a glyph to protect her from the attack. Using the brief moment Rod slammed down on Weiss's glyph with his fist hoping to shatter the glyph. Rod's galvaknuckle clashed with Weiss's glyph but in the end Rod was blown back his body slammed against the floor.

Rod groaned as he gripped his shoulders. "Not bad, you almost had me." Weiss said.

Rod slowly stood up still gripping his shoulder, "Thanks, kinda sucks not having a semblance or aura but I seem to be doing just fine." He said.

Weiss sat down on a nearby chair, "I must admit. For all your flailing about you seem to hit your target. But there is something else I wish to talk to you about." She said.

"Am I in trouble?" Rod asked.

"That depends on your response." Weiss said.

"Then ask away." Rod said.

"How do you feel about Yang?" Weiss asked.

Rod's face turned a bright red. "Well, I like her."

"Come one Rod, give me the truth." Weiss said.

"I did, I like her." Rod said stuttering a bit.

Weiss shook her head, "Rod I have watched you flirt with almost every girl her for the last month. But when you're around Yang you don't flirt. You have said you like her but I need to hear how you truly feel." She said.

Rod went silent for a moment deep in contemplation. "The reason I still flirt around girls is because I'm not good enough. Yang makes me feel like every minute with her is the best minute of my life. I want to do the same for her and the only way I can do that is learn everything about myself." He said.

"'What do you mean', learn about yourself?'" Weiss asked.

"My dad told me that flirting is the best way to learn about yourself. When you flirt with someone you're putting yourself out there for better or worse. The more you do it the more you learn what attracts people and what makes people feel uncomfortable." Rod said.

For a brief moment Weiss smiled, "Alright, I was curious. I didn't want this to interfere with our teamwork. By the way, do you have any plans later tonight?" Weiss asked.

"Not really." Rod said shrugging his shoulders.

"Good, I have an idea and I need your help." She said a devious smile on her face.

-Z-

"Again!" Chris shouted.

Jaune lifted up his sword and charged at Chris. Chris easily sidestepped the attack and chopped Jaune on the back of his neck with his hand.

"What did you do wrong?" Chris asked.

Jaune tried to give a response but was too out of breath.

"I can't hear you!" Chris shouted.

"I said…. I think…. I was too…. open?" Jaune said in between breaths.

"Exactly, you need to concentrate on your movements. Despite your looks you can hold you down when using that shield. There is no need to charge head forward like that. Use your shield as a starting point for your attack." Chris said.

Jaune nodded but quickly collapsed on the floor exhausted.

Chris shook his head, "Alright, quick break." He said sitting down next to Jaune.

"How do you do it?" Jaune asked completely exhausted.

"Do what?" Chris responded confused by the question.

"How do you keep up? As far as I am concerned you don't use a semblance or aura but you're strong enough to keep up with the others and beat Cardin with ease. What kind of training did you go through?" Jaune clarified.

Chris wasn't sure how to answer. He gripped his arm tightly before letting out a loud sigh, "Where I come from kids my age had to train from a very young age. Through hard work I was able to meet every expectation in front of me. I also had some… help." He said.

"Sounds harsh." Jaune said.

"You have no idea." Chris responded. "Alright you ready to go again?" He asked.

-Z-

"Alright, you're learning, that's understable." Chris held an arm up to Jaune whom was on the floor, "But you at least need a better defense."

Jaune who finally caught his breath grabbed his partners arm was pulled up, "Well what should I do?"

"I'm sure you've heard the phrase, 'a good offense is a good defense'."

"Wait that doesn't even make any sense."

Chris just shrugged, "Well that's what I've been told during my training. Don't worry we have plenty of time to train you."

Chris stood up and cracked his knuckles, "Alright, you ready to go again?" He asked again.

Jaune gulped, "Well… Maybe we should wait a bit."

"There is no reason-" Is all Chris was able to say before his nearby bag began to vibrate. Chris walked over to his bag and pulled out his scroll. The screen showed that Rod was calling but he labeled 'idiot' in his scroll. Chris had told Rod not to call unless it was an emergency.

Chris answered his scroll ready to punch Rod the next time he saw him, "Chris I need your help. I need you to listen very carefully, my life depends on it." Rod said quietly through the other end of the scroll.

Chris could hear the panic in Rod's voice which meant this truly was an emergency, "Alright. I need details." Chris said.

"No time! I need you to do one thing for me. When Weiss calls you I need you to say no. No matter what she says or promises I need you to say no! Do you understand?" Rod asked.

Chris was a bit hesitant, "Alright, I promise." He said.

"Thank you! I swear-"

"Rod! Are you almost done in there?" Chris heard Weiss say through the scroll.

"Yeah, just finishing up. I will make this up to you, I swear." Rod said as he hung up.

Chris wasn't sure what the hell was going on. Where was Rod? Why did he sound so scared? Was it possible he was suffering from visions and dreams too?

"Hey, Remnant to Chris? You there?" Jaune said trying to snap Chris out of his daze.

"Huh? Oh yeah, what's up?" Chris said shaking his head and all the questions from his mind.

"Who was that?" Jaune asked.

Chris sighed, "Don't worry about it, now as I was saying we should-" Chris was saying before his scroll went off again. Now frustrated Chris grabbed the scroll and answered it immediately, "What do you want?" Chris shouted.

"Is that any way to talk to your boss?" Weiss asked through the other end and if her tone wasn't a dead giveaway, she could almost be livid.

Chris immediately changed his demeanor, "Oh sorry, is there something I can do for you?" He asked.

"I am so glad you asked, I am going out tonight and I might need my bodyguard. You haven't forgotten about that have you?" Weiss asked.

If Chris was being honest he had almost forgotten, "No… Alright what time are you leaving?" He asked.

"I am leaving now, meet me at the docks as soon as you can." Weiss said hanging up.

Chris shook his head, this way too much for already. He turned to Jaune, "I have to leave but you're not off the hook. I am going to call Nora on the way here and she will be training you." Chris said.

Jaune let out a breath of relief, "Thank goodness." He mumbled under his breath.

Chris chuckled, "If you think so." He said grabbing his bag and walking out of the training room. While making his way to the docks he quickly texted Nora to begin training Jaune. He didn't get a response but he assumed she was more than happy to help.

Chris finally arrived at the docks to see Weiss standing at a nearby Bullhead. "What's up?" Chris asked when he walked up to Weiss.

"There you are Chris! I have a dinner party to attend and I need some extra protection." Weiss said.

"Don't see why you need me." Chris said hoping he could convince Weiss to let him go.

"Well I thought it might be a good idea to bring Rod along-"

"Say no more." Chris said shaking his head.

Rod stepped out of the bullhead causing Chris to burst into laughter. Instead of his normal clothing he was wearing a bright white suit and red tie. His hair clearly had product in it and his nails were manicured.

"Don't say a word." Rod said clearly upset as his face was growing red.

"On second thought I really want to be here." Chris said wiping the tears from his eyes.

Rod put an arm around Chris, "Can I talk to you for a moment. Alone." Rod said.

"Oh please! Lead the way sir." Chris said giving a fake bow and laughing as Rod dragged him away.

"I told you not to come!" Rod shouted.

"Well what about doing my job? Besides not that I have seen this, I don't think I can walk away." Chris said.

"You just had to do one little thing for me!" Rod shouted

"Yeah not gonna happen." Chris pulled out his scroll and walked back over to Weiss. Chris handed his scroll to Weiss, while he put his arm around Rods shoulder holding him in place with his confusion. "Hurry, Weiss this is a moment to be remembered."

"No, don't!" Rod continued struggling as brief flashes from the scroll.

"I think you look rather nice all clean up." Weiss said.

"Ha ha, this will be forever remembered." Chris said as he let go of Rod as he almost fell over and grabbed his scroll and pocketed it.

"You better give me the scroll!" He shouted but was cut off by Weiss who pulled Rod into the Bullhead.

"No time for that, we have to go now or we are going to be late." She said.

Chris was the last to get onboard as the ramp closed.

-Z-

"Kill me."

"Why would I do that?"

"I will give you everything I own to kill me."

"But what about the party, sir?" Chris said trying his best to hold back from cracking up.

Rod slammed his head against car door. "I hate everything." He said.

Just at that moment Weiss stepped out of the car, "Come along Rod." Weiss said grabbing Rod's arm and dragging him up the stairs to the massive building.

Chris was about to have the best night of his life. Weiss was attending a dinner party for her family and apparently Weiss dragged Rod along. Rod had tried to escape but there was no running from the Ice Queen.

Chris opened the door to the building and instantly wanted to leave. The inside of the building was draped in the most pretentious colors. Everyone was wearing suits while the women were wearing insane outfits. There was a massive dance floor in the middle with small tables full of appetizers. Chris watched was as Rod was dragged by Weiss to different tables to greet the guests.

Chris didn't want to have anything to do with this world. These people were more concerned with themselves than anything else. Chris made his way to one of the tables near the back of the building where he could get the perfect view of everything. There were two guys already at the table having a conversation so when Chris sat down at the table surprising the two guys.

"Um... can we help you?" One of them asked.

Chris kicked his feet up on the table, "Can you get me something to eat?" He asked.

"I don't think so." The other said.

"Then no, you can't help me." Chris said.

The two guys got up from their seats and headed elsewhere leaving Chris alone. Chris was happy with that; he didn't want two privileged pricks getting in the way of his view. There were guards stationed at the doors but they were only carrying small fire arms. If someone came in with a plan they could easily take out the guards.

Chris began planning exit strategies in case of an emergency when Rod ran over. Rod slumped down in the seat across from Chris and slammed his head on the table. "I never thought I would miss the zombies." Rod said.

"Hey! Keep your voice down, you're going to draw attention." Chris said.

"This is terrible; Weiss is introducing me as her teammate at Beacon. They keep asking me 'how does it feel to be on a team with a Schnee?' or 'your language is so simple; you must be shocked by all this!'." Rod said in a mocking term.

"Seeing you fidget is providing me with endless enjoyment." Chris said chuckling a bit. "How did you escape?" He asked.

"I was told Weiss I was checking in with you. So what's my best escape route? I know you already got four in your head." Rod said leaning in.

Chris shook his head, "I have about twenty but I don't think I will be sharing them with you anytime soon." He said.

"Pretty please?" Rod asked.

"Nope."

"I… hate… you."

"Love you too." Chris said in a mocking tone.

Rod was about to stand up and attack Chris but Weiss walked over and grabbed him again. "Alright that's enough, we still have guests to greet."

"Save me!" Rod mouthed at Chris.

Chris leaned back even further in his chair watching the show unfold. Chris watched Rod continue to struggle and fidget, he chuckled at rod as the two began greeting some of the wealthiest people in Vale.

Chris was so distracted by the show he didn't notice a girl taking a seat next to him.

"Fun show right?" The girl said.

Chris looked over and almost fell out his chair. "Blake?! What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I got a tip about White Fang attack on this party. Thought it would be a good idea to step in and see what info I could get." She said.

"Oh boy, the party hasn't even started."

"Which is why We're gonna keep an eye out." She stated.

"Well, you know who their target is?"

"No, although since this a charity the most likely conclusion is that they will take hostages."

"Hm… well there is some time before the party begins, there is a snack table nearby?" I offered, with a tilt of his head.

"Never hurts to eat before a fight." She smiled as she held his arm as they walked to one of the nearby tables with snacks.

Chris immediately grabbed a bowl and filled it with pretzels and small chocolate candies. One of the guards walked up Chris, "Can I help you sir?" He asked.

Chris handed him the bowl. "Hold this for a second." He said grabbing another bowling and filling it up. Chris grabbed both bowls, "Thanks." He said handing the other bowl to Blake and leaving the guard confused.

"Thanks." Blake said snacking on the pretzels.

Chris nodded, "Not sure what you wanted but I haven't meet anyone who doesn't love pretzels." He said.

"What would you have done if I didn't?" She asked.

"More pretzels for me." Chris said causing the both of them to laugh.

"Can I ask you a question?" Blake asked.

Chris nodded. "Have you ever killed anyone?" She asked causing Chris to choke on his pretzels a bit.

"Where did this come from?" Chris asked.

"I dunno, I've just been thinking lately. What if one day all of this ended. Our friendships ended and the world changed. Survival would be our number one priority and I'm afraid that some of our friends wouldn't survive." She said.

"Okay, there is no possible way she knows..." Chris gave her a surprised look although when she looked deeper into his brown eyes, she saw the hidden truth that he had been in those situation. That he had made hard choices.

Blake instantly looked away, "I'm sorry for mentioning that." She said.

"No it's okay, just a question." Chris said leaving an awkward silence between the two.

Blake cleared her throat, "So how's your ar-" Is all she was able to say before Rod came running at the two.

"Blake!" Rod shouted. "I am so glad to so see you, you gotta-" Is all Rod was able to say before Weiss came running out of nowhere and delivered a devastating slap slamming Rod against a nearby wall.

"Rod! You can't just run off like that." Weiss said scolding Rod who became almost embedded in the wall.

"I think he might be out cold." Blake said.

"Blake? What are you doing here?" Weiss asked confused by her presence.

"I know someone here." Blake lied.

Weiss smiled, "Well I'm happy to see you. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask. I have to give a quick speech." Weiss said pulling Rod out of the wall. "Come on you." She said dragging Rod away.

Both Blake and Chris couldn't help themselves and bust out into laughter. "He is truly unlucky isn't he?" Blake said in between laughs.

"Unlucky would be an understatement." Chris said laughing.

Blake calmed down and put an arm on Chris's shoulder, "So as I was saying, how is your arm holding up?" She asked.

"When they told me they were going to going to outfit us with the best equipment I didn't think I would have to give up an arm." Chris said clenching his fist. "Also they didn't tell me how much it would squeak at night, sounds like a mouse is living in my arm." Chris said trying to end with a joke.

Blake nodded, "Well if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask." She said giving him a warm smile.

Chris couldn't help himself it was now or never, "Well… actually… I was thinking that… I mean…" Chris stammered before the sound of a microphone cut him off. Blake and Chris turned their attention to the center stage.

"I would like to thank everyone for attending the seventh annual Schnee charity event. This event was founded to help Faunus children work through school." Weiss said beginning out speech. "So please give generously!" She said.

Chris wasn't really paying attention to the stage where Rod and Weiss was standing. He was looking at the rafters. There was someone hiding in the shadows. Chris turned to Blake who instantly nodded and took out her weapon. Chris did the same and took out his sassafras as he walked to the stage. Sneaking up behind Rod he tapped him in the shoulder, "We need to go." He said.

"What? What are you talking about?" Rod asked confused.

"Grab Weiss and run." Chris said.

"You're making no-" Rod was saying before they were both blinded by the flash of a gun scope.

Rod moved first just as the gun fired he grabbed Weiss and pulled her away from the bullet. The party erupted into instant chaos. White Fang members dropped down from the ceiling and through the windows.

One large man dropped down from the rafters and held a sniper rifle in his hand. If Chris was assuming correctly he would be the leader; most of the guests had already ran out and the few that remained were cowering in place.

Chris helped Rod and Weiss up. Blake jumped up on the stage weapon at the ready. "Alright, here's the plan. Rod take Weiss and go back to Beacon. Me and Blake will hold these guys off until the police show up." Chris said.

"I will not run from these thugs." Weiss said a scowl on her face reaching for her weapon.

Chris placed a hand on Wiess hand, "No. Their objective is you. My job is to keep you safe and right now the safest place for you is Beacon. I know you want to fight and I wouldn't mind the extra gun but you are the target. Don't let your pride blind you." Chris said.

Weiss sighed and moved her hand away, "Fine. You kick their asses for me." She said.

Chris nodded, "You can count on me. Rod, get her out of here." He said.

Rod grabbed Weiss hand and began to run towards the back exit. "Already on it." He said.

Chris turned his attention to the white fang that were now circling the stage. "How many do you think you can take?" Chris asked Blake.

"More than you." She said in a joking tone.

Chris chuckled, "Good. Now this is a party, how about we cut loose?" He asked.

Blake smiled and the two went back to back just as the first White Fang member charged forward.

Blake instantly kicked the charging enemy in the stomach and then followed up with another kick to the face. The white fang member was instantly knocked out cold as two more members charged. Chris flipped his gun and used the but of his gun to hit one of the members on the back of the neck. The other member charged forward with a mace and tried to hit Chris easily dodged the attack. Blake followed up the doge by punching the member in the jaw. Chris then punched the member in the stomach sending him flying.

Chris looked around, there were at least four members counting the boss. Chris decided to take out the cannon fodder so he could focus on the boss. Chris charged forwards and tackled one of the members. Another White Fang member tried to attack Chris while he was on the ground with a baton but Chris used the tackled member's body as a shield. He then threw the unconscious member on his teammate knocking him out.

Blake used her bow to wrap up the last member as both Chris and Blake turned their attention to the boss.

"This doesn't have to end in violence." Blake said trying to pacific the boss.

The boss laughed, "I think you made your choice when you knocked out my boys. Now come on, I need a challenge." The boss said as his sniper rifle expanded and turned into a drill.

Chris went first firing several rounds at the boss. The boss dodged them and then swung his drill at Chris. Chris jumped away at the last second but the boss fired a smaller drill from his weapon hitting Chris's arm. The drill created a deep gash but Chris landed and continued to attack.

The boss was so distracted he didn't notice Blake who had thrown her weapon at him. The boss knocked the Blake's weapon away with his drill. "Nice try." He shouted.

The weapon then turned in midair hitting the boss in the back of the head as Blake came forward and landed two attacks on the boss with her blade.

With the boss stunted Chris went in and delivered a devastating blow with his robotic limb. The boss crashed against a nearby wall almost destroying it.

Then Chris heard a faint whisper.

'Kill him'

Chris suddenly felt himself loose control of his arm as he reached forward and grabbed the neck of the boss.

'Destroy him'

The voice whispered again as he began to crush the Boss neck. Chris could hear the Boss struggle for air as he tried to escape from the death grip.

'Win'

The voice said again as Chris tried to pull his arm away to no avail. Chris began to panic as he tried in vain to let go. He didn't want to kill the boss but his hand was moving on its own!

Just when it seems the boss would die Blake kicked Chris's arm away. "What are you doing?!" Blake shouted as the White Fan boss gasped for air.

Chris looked down at his arm, "I… I don't know. This has never happened before." He said panicking a bit. "I didn't mean to... I really didn't." He mumbled to himself.

Blake began to tie up all the white fang members as Chris sat against the wall and contemplated what just happened.

-Z-

"Come on, this way." Rod said dragging Weiss down the alley.

The two ran as they heard the gunfire coming from the building they were just in. Weiss stopped and shook Rod off, "We have to go back." She said.

Rod shook his head, "You heard Chris, you're the target. Your safety is our top priority. Besides Blake and Chris can handle themselves." Rod said placing a hand on Weiss shoulder.

Weiss spun around and was about to say something when five white fang members came from around the corner.

"It seems the plan worked. Now come with us or I might just have to hurt somebody." One of the white fang members said flashing a sword.

Rod sighed, "Can you excuse us, we're having a conversation here." He said.

"What… Don't you back talk me!" The white fang members snarled rushing forward.

Weiss moved first and quickly knocked out the white fang member with her weapon. "Who's next?" Weiss asked.

Rod shook his head, "Fine enjoy yourself. I'll be over here." He said leaning against a nearby wall.

Weiss smiled and walked forward towards the goons, "My name is Weiss Schnee, heir to the Schnee company and you have made a grievous mistake." She said unleashing a flurry of blows against the white fang members.

Rod watched as Weiss easily dispatched the white fang members. Rod had a feeling she was enjoying herself much more outside than inside. Rod was watching when he noticed one of the member who had seemed unconscious slowly stand up. The White Fang member pulled out a small sword and slowly began to stagger towards Weiss. Weiss didn't see the member get up and he could attack from her blindside.

Rod ran forward and put on his galvaknuckles. "Hey! Where are you going?" Rod shouted delivering a devastating right hook.

The White Fang Member flew towards a nearby trash bin slamming against it. Weiss finished cleaning up the last member and turned to Rod. "Thanks." She said before gasping.

"What? Do I have something in my teeth?" Rod asked rubbing his teeth.

Weiss pointed to Rod's side and Rod looked to his side to find a sword stabbing him. "Well, I got stabbed. How about that." Rod said touching the wound.

"Aren't you going to do anything?" Weiss asked hysterically.

Rod shrugged his shoulder, "Well if we can get back to the car I can use my med kit." Rod said.

"Stay right here, I'll be back." Weiss said sprinting off to the car.

"Aww, she cares." Rod said just as she disappeared around the corner. Then he collapsed on the floor, "Shit, this really fucking hurts." Rod mumbled under his breath.

I can help you.

A familiar German voice said. "Oh, can you now?" Rod asked.

I can save you, all you need to do is accept me.

"I rather not have another man inside me." Rod joked.

You will die.

"From this? Not likely." Rod responded.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

The German voice said as Weiss came back holding a white box.

"Okay I got your box." Weiss said handing the box to Rod.

Rod took the box from Weiss. "Thanks, now where are you?" Rod ask digging through the box and pulling out a small flask.

"You had me get you booze?" Weiss asked bewildered.

"Well yeah, I need this." Rod said taking a sip and then pouring some of the contents of the drink on his wound causing him to cringe a bit.

Weiss was completely confused. "Why did you do that?"

Rod pulled out a needle and thread form the box, "That my dear Weiss, was pure vodka. Never leave home without it. Helps clean the wound and dulls the pain, now I'm going to need you to pull out this sword." Rod said.

"What? Why me? Aren't you the doctor her?" Weiss asked.

Rod shook his head, "Once you pull the sword out I'll start bleeding out. I need to move quick and I can't hesitate pulling out the sword. You can do it in one quick pull." Rod said and then placed a hand on Weiss head. "I need you to listen to this next part very carefully. Once you pull it out, I need you to answer all my questions. Your voice will keep me lucid enough to close up the wound. Do you understand?" Rod asked.

Weiss nodded, "I think so." She said.

"Good, now I'm going to need you to pull out." Rod said with a smirk.

"Really? Jokes now?" Weiss shouted.

Rod put his hands up, "Okay, okay. Now for real. Pull the sword out." Rod said placing the needle and thread right next to the wound.

Weiss gulped and grabbed the shaft of the sword. She wasn't sure if she could do this but she had a feeling this was hurting Rod a lot more than he was letting on. There was no telling how long until the police came and Rod may bleed out before that. Weiss closed her eyes and with one quick movement pulled out the sword.

"MOTHER FUCKER!" Rod shouted at the tops of his lung when Weiss pulled out the sword.

Rod's wound began to bleed profusely and Rod hesitated for a moment but then went to work. Rod stabbed his wound with the needle and began to stitch the wound. "Weiss… I have a question." Rod said his breath ragged and his words slow.

"Anything." Weiss said feeling bad for Rod for the first time on her life. Unlike his cheery normal self Rod face was wreathed with pain. He was sweating profusely and Weiss watching Rod stitch his wound.

"Why… Why… did you bring me… here?" Rod asked in between stitches and breath.

"Hun?" Weiss responded.

"Why… did you bring me to his party?" Rod said almost passing out near the end of his sentence.

"Hey! Hey!" Weiss said snapping her finger and bringing Rod back. "I brought you here because…" Weiss said hesitating for a moment. "I didn't want go alone." She said.

Rod let out a weak laugh, "No shit? Really?" He asked his face lighting up for a moment.

"I hate these events! Everyone is so stuffy and full of themselves. I hate dealing with them." Weiss said.

"And you brought me along?" Rod asked.

Weiss sighed, "I didn't want to deal with it alone. I knew you wouldn't say no if I asked. I'm sorry." Weiss said.

Rod laughed, "Am I that predictable? Maybe I should be a bit more of an asshole." Rod said.

"No! I know you don't get a lot of thanks but, if you survive this I promise I will be a lot nice to you." Weiss said almost pleading with him.

Rod fingers stopped moving for a moment and his head dropped. "Rod? Rod!?" Weiss shouted shaking him.

"I'm awake!" Rod shouted. "Oh yeah, this. Almost done." Rod said.

Rod was almost finishing the stitches when he spoke up, "So, what are my chances?" Rod asked.

"Excuse me?" Weiss asked.

"What are my chances with Yang? Be honest." Rod asked.

Weiss was about to laugh. "Your thinking about that now?" She said happy to see her friend was still lucid.

"That's what I am always thinking about." Rod said finishing the stitches. "Alright, all done. Now I'm gonna… take… a nap." Rod said passing out on Weiss lap.

Weiss let out a sigh of relief and brushed Rod's hair, "Our little idiot." She said to herself.

-Z-

"But what if he doesn't make it?" Ruby asked.

Chris sighed, "If it was that easy to kill him I would have gotten rid of him sooner." Chris joked causing Blake to glare at him. "Sorry. He'll be fine." He said patting Ruby on the head.

After the fight Chris and Blake found Rod passed out with Weiss. The police arrived soon after and took him to the hospital. Blake called the rest of team RWBY and they all made their way to the hospital Rod was staying at. At the moment team RWBY and Chris were waiting for news from the doctor about his status. Ruby was crying on the way over and it took a lot to calm her down.

Ruby slumped down on a nearby chair, "I'm the worst leader ever. This is all my fault. If I had been there none of this would have happened." Ruby said.

Weiss placed a hand on Ruby's shoulder, "No Ruby, it's mine. If I hadn't taken him to the party with me none of this would have happened." She said trying to calm Ruby down.

"If you ask me this is his own damned fault." Yang said crossing her arms.

Chris nodded in agreement. "He should have been more careful. Hopefully this will serve as a lesson. No one here is at fault." He said.

Ruby nodded and crossed her arms in deep thought. Chris made his way over to Yang, "How are you holding up?" He asked.

"Last time we talked I was mad at him. If he dies that will be the last thing her remembers about me." Yang said.

"I'm sure that-"

"I'm not done. If he dies he will die remembering my rage and when we see each other in the afterlife, I'll kick his ass." Yang said with a laugh.

"Glad to see you're okay." Chris said.

Yang stopped laughing, "I'm not going to lie. I kinda grown on this idiot and my life would be a lot less interesting without his daily attempts to hit on me. Also Ruby would be devastated to lose one of her teammates. So, what do you think his chances are?" She asked.

Worst case scenario Chris could always use the Quick Revive serum, but they only had a few and he didn't want to waste something so precious so early. Who knew what else they could encounter. "Rod's tough, he'll pull through. I promise." Chris said.

A wave of relief washed over Yang, "Thanks Chris, I really needed to hear that." She said.

"Can we talk for a moment? Alone?" Blake asked Chris.

"Sure." Chris said following Blake around the corner. He already knew what she wanted to talk about.

"What happened in there?" Blake asked.

Chris ran his hand through his hair, "I don't know. Nothing like that has ever happened before." He said.

"You almost killed that Guy." Blake said.

"I know. Listen I didn't mean for that to happen, I swear. Something just took control." Chris said.

Blake crossed her arms, "Listen Chris, I used to know someone who would act irrational and aggressively on a whim. I know this wasn't your fault but I need to know that this won't ever happen again." She said.

Chris nodded, "I swear, it won't ever happen again." He said.

Blake was silent for a moment. "Alright then. I trust you." She said.

Just at that moment the doctor came around the corner. "Team RWBY?" He asked looking at Ruby.

"Yes! That's us. Is he going to be okay?" Ruby asked afraid of the answer.

"He won't shut up actually. The stitch work, he did on himself was impressive, we barely had to do anything. He lost some blood but nothing a transfusion won't fix. He should be back at school by tomorrow morning." The doctor said.

Ruby let out a cheer and hugged Weiss. "Can we see him?" She asked.

"Sure, just don't try to shake him up too much." The doctor said "He in the first room on your left." He said walking away.

Ruby was the first one gone disappearing in a puff of smoke. "We should follow her." Blake said leading the rest of team RWBY and Chris, down the hall and towards the sound of Ruby's voice.

When they opened the door they found Ruby smothering Rod in a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay." Ruby said.

"Can't… breath…" Rod tried to say.

"What was that?" Ruby asked not aware she was choking Rod.

"He can't breathe." Weiss said.

Ruby let go of her hug, "I'm so sorry!" She said.

"It fine." Rod said catching his breath.

"The idiot returns from the grave." Chris said in joking tone.

Rod gave him a glare, "Not funny." He said.

Chris put his hands up, "Couldn't help myself." He said.

Suddenly Rod's face turned bright red and he began to fidget. "Um.. Well… I know this isn't the best time but I better ask before your mad at me again." Rod said.

Yang put her hand up, "Before you ask my answer is yes, but I decided where we are going." She said with a smile.

Rod looked at Yang and then to Ruby who gave a thumbs up. He looked around the room for a moment and then passed out.

"Are you sure?" Chris asked.