RWBY: Grimm Reaper Chapter 80: A new journey begins, a rwby fanfic

Obsidian Prime: Actually, I was watching The Day the Earth Stood Still when I heard the phrase hehehehe

Cin Drallig: Wait for it ;)

Gizmo Gear: Sorry, but you'll have to wait a little longer after this chapter :,(

Guest DCDGojira: I don't know. Maybe both. You have to wait ;)

Chapter 80: A new journey begins

-o-

After what happened that night, my dad and I talked about many things in his office. He told me about his travels, his fights against the Grimm, and some anecdotes that made me spit my coffee many times. I told him about my time with mom, my training, and my misadventures in Beacon. Despite missing my old home, I felt like I took a weight off my shoulders when I told him everything that had happened in those years. I finally felt that I really knew him.

I don't know when I fell asleep, but I woke up in the middle of the morning covered by a blanket and a tray with breakfast on the tea table. I looked for my dad in the room until I saw him behind his desk with his eyes fixed on the holographic screen of his terminal.

"Good morning," I greeted him, rubbing my eyes to wake up.

"Did you sleep well?" He responded by looking up. "I asked for breakfast while you were sleeping. Coffee's ready if you like."

"Thank you." I got up and poured the hot liquid before putting a little cream and sugar. "You have a lot of work?"

"The usual. Review contracts and make sure the kingdom doesn't fall into anarchy," he said proudly before sipping from his cup. "Although I was also reviewing something. Come here."

The screen changed and now it showed a list that showed a series of letters, hours and dates.

"These are..."

"The next flights leaving Atlas to transport supplies to several bases in Anima," my dad explained displaying a map of Remnant and a point began to blink, pointing to Anima's left. "The first to leave is towards the west coast, at a settlement of Berut. It is very far from Mistral, but it is the closest to leave."

He typed once more, now with another point flickering northeast of the continent, closer to Mantle.

"Now we have the base of Argus. From there it is only a train trip to Mistral. The only point against it is that the next departure is up to 3 months, but I can prepare a ship to take you. The only thing that you would just have to endure is..." he sighed deeply, as if the next name forced him to swallow a stone, "Caroline Cordovin. "

"So bad is that person?"

"I wouldn't use the word bad, but her devotion to Atlas is something... exasperating."

A tough decision. The flight to Argus looked promising with the idea that then I just had to endure someone annoying and then take the train to get to Mistral. I could be meeting in Haven with Professor Lionheart in a matter of days. But, on the other side...

"I think the best option would be the flight to the west coast."

My dad looked at me raising an eyebrow, "Are you sure? That is a long way to get to Mistral. If it is for the time, I said I can arrange for a ship to take you."

"Yes, I know and thanks, but it's for another reason. According to Alice's diaries, Muramasa's forge is west of Mistral. If I follow the directions well, maybe I can find its forge and repair Requiem."

"But those diaries are over 10 years old. Many things must have changed since then."

"You never know. Besides, there is a town called Lotam-"

"Where Alice was from," my dad said suddenly. "I remember talking to me a lot about that place."

"I want to go to pay my respects to my grandfather."

"You have your planned route, it seems," the General observed. "At least I'll have you here a couple more weeks."

"Dad, I wouldn't leave if it wasn't necessary," I was ready to have the same discussion, but I got a different answer.

"I know. It's hard for me to admit it, but I can't keep you locked up without you trying another escape. That's why we'll take this time to get you ready."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Two weeks before I left and I felt that I had a lot to prepare. Provisions. Weapons. Ammunition. It would be the first time that I made a trip of such magnitude and wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. My mind wandered into a mental list of everything I had to have ready before that.

It was only when I left the shower that I realized something that I had completely forgotten: Weiss. By that time, she would have already heard my voicemail. I wouldn't know how she would be after that.

My fingers quickly typed on the scroll screen and hearing the dial tone gave me an anxiety that made me walk back and forth in the room while I only had a towel tied around my waist.

It was then that I heard how the call was picked up.

"Uhmm ... Weiss?"

"Kaiden, where are you? Are you alright? Are you already out of Atlas? Were communications re-established?"

"Weis, Weiss, everything is fine. I decided to stay for a while longer."

I could hear my friend's sigh of relief.

"But what happened? I thought you really wanted to go to Mistral."

"And I still want to, but there was a change plans and I will be for two more weeks."

"I see. There will be a dinner in a few days and I imagine the General will be invited. Maybe I can see you there and you can tell me everything then."

"Seem right."

"And, Kaiden, about what you said on the recording. Do you really think that about me?"

"Each word."

"I see. Thank you," I didn't know if it was possible, but I knew that Weiss was smiling across the line. "Then I see you there."

The call ended and I collapsed in my bed with open arms. I felt much better having spoken with my father and more now with Weiss. After a long time, I felt optimistic about what happened from now on.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

We traveled the same route from the army headquarters to the Schnee mansion as the night fell on us. The car trip was the same as the other times, but now I didn't feel it like a prison car having improved my relationship with my father in recent days.

"General Ironwood, Mr. Noir. It's a pleasure to see you," Klein's plump figure met us at the entrance. "Please allow me your coats."

Once our clothes were stored, the butler escorted us to the ballroom where the event was held. My gaze scanned the place for Weiss, but it was hard to see with the amount of people gathered there.

I was about to ask my father for permission to look for my friend when a voice called him.

"General Ironwood, it's nice to see you," said a man of short stature and gray hair that barely covered the top of his head.

"Colonel Charles Henderson," my dad greeted the man shaking his hand. "I didn't know you would come."

"You know that Jacques Schnee would invite the entire Atlas army in order for everyone to support him. There is an open bar so I can't complain," explained the man waving a martini glass. It was then that the men's olive eyes fell on me, "I see you come with a companion."

"Nice to meet you. My name is Kaiden Noir."

"Kaiden is the young test subject that helped with the Holosseum," Dad declared posing a hand on my shoulder. "He's staying for a season in Atlas. Also, he was one of the many brave hunters who fought in Beacon."

"Beacon...," Colonel repeated the name, saddened as he stared at his glass. "So many lives that were lost. When I saw what happened in the transmissions, I sent a detachment of my men to help with the evacuation. I know it has to be hard for you."

"Yes, but one has to keep going."

'And kill Cinder,' I thought.

"That's how it is spoken," said the man raising his glass. "I guess you're interested in resuming your studies at Atlas."

"Actually, I was talking to Kaiden and he is interested in going to Haven," my dad replied. "What's more, he will take the transport that will arrive at your base in two weeks."

"Oh, it's a long way from there to Mistral," Henderson observed. "It will be very dangerous."

"If I can't take a trip like that, I'm not worthy of being a Huntsman," I responded with determination. "Also, what's fun in an adventure if there's no risk?"

"You're right!" the Colonel laughed loudly spilling some of his drink. "I like this guy, James. He reminds me when you used to be under my command. I still remember those times."

"He was my commanding officer in my first years in the army," Dad informed me.

"Who would say that boy, who was struggling to climb the wall, would become General? But that's history for another day. He looks a lot like you, James. Almost as if he is your son."

The colonel gave another laugh, spilling a little more of his drink, while my dad and I laughed nervously. We were still keeping our relationship as discreet as possible to avoid any scandal or for someone to decide to take advantage of it.

"So, Mr. Noir, I hope to see you at the base by then; a friend of Ironwood is friend of mine. In the meantime, I see that the cannolis are being served in the buffet. With your permission," the Colonel excused himself before walking at a rapid pace to where a waiter began to accommodate a dessert tray.

"That was a bit ... interesting," I tried to look for a word that was 'weird'. "Could it be that he suspects us?"

"Maybe, but the colonel is trustworthy. I know he will keep the secret until we decide to make it public."

"I hope so."

We met more people than my dad introduced me and I shook hands. Some were made with the Atlas government, others were businessmen, some were celebrities of the kingdom. As soon as my father described my participation in Beacon, I always received words of encouragement, condolences and good wishes that I studied at Atlas, but, having lived as the son of an Aztlan councilor, I could feel his words vanish only to be said to Give a good image. As soon as people withdrew, I noticed that they were looking at me sideways and, if that was the case, they were muttering to their companion.

I had just met a yacht entrepreneur when I got a glimpse of a white spot in the distance.

"Father, can I excuse myself for a while? I would like to speak with someone," I tried to sound as politely before those present.

"Go ahead," my father granted me my request, seriously before everyone else.

I moved among the large number of people until I saw her.

Weiss was wearing a long blue sky dress that reached the floor and her white hair arranged in her characteristic ponytail. Along with her were her dad, Jacques Schnee, and her brother, Whitley. I could see how his face lit up when he saw me, he gave his father a few words and he passed his gaze between his daughter and me before nodding. Weiss turned around and walked towards one of the balconies.

One would think that being on a balcony during a winter night in one of the coldest places in Remnant wouldn't be a good idea, but there were a stove that warmed those who wished to enjoy the view. When I arrived, Weiss was watching the dancing fire warming from its ivory bowl full of firewood.

"You really are here," she gave me giving me a slight smile.

"Sorry for making you worry."

"But what happened? I thought you were with Winter in Mistral."

"It is a long story."

"Well, the night is long."

I told Weiss what happened to my father; from our little dispute to my plans for the next weeks. She listened to me carefully every word.

"Then you will stay a little longer."

"As the trip to the west coast Anima is prepared," I replied. "Hence a long journey awaits me."

"Are you sure you want to do it?"

"Weiss..."

"Ok, ok. I should know by now that when something gets in your head, you don't stop until you do it."

"Hey, that makes me sound like I'm stubborn."

"You searched in every street of Vale for a container of ice cream."

"Hey, that container was a limited edition of Infinity War worthy of every fan. You didn't complain when you enjoyed the ice cream."

"No one can resist a small dessert."

"Weiss, you fought Ruby for the chocolate syrup."

"It was her fault. She used too much that time."

I smiled at the memory. In order to not make matters worse, I had to ask Nora for her emergency ration. She got mad at me for not sharing the ice cream. At the end of the day, we were all in front of the television with a cup of cold dessert while watching a movie. Those were good times.

"Sometimes I dream of those days," Weiss's sudden statement startled me. "There are times I remember going to classes. Our combat classes. The long lessons of Oobleck. The stories of Port. Our walks around Vale. Sometimes I feel I can still hear the hustle and bustle of the cafeteria during lunch."

My mind went back to the last time I was in the academy. The abandoned buildings. The silence that remembered the defeat and the losses that we all still suffer. Remembering that made my heart feel the painful feeling of regret. If only I had been stronger, things would have been different.

"Sorry, I think I ruined the moment."

"No, it's fine. I've also felt the same way. I still hope to wake up again in the bedroom at Beacon and that everything has been a dream."

"That would be great."

We were both silent, contemplating the view from the balcony with the sound of the interior of the room keeping us tied to the present.

"I'll be back soon," said Weiss. "I'll go to the ladies' room for a moment."

"Don't be too harsh to the toilet," I replied with a mocking grin.

"You're disgusting," she reprimanded me with a slight blow to the ribs. "Don't move, I'll be back in a moment."

In the next few seconds that followed my friend's brief departure, I began to really think what was ahead of me. The trip to Mistral would be long and dangerous, so I would be afraid to be well prepared for any eventuality. Not only in terms of supplies, but my equipment. I would have to update several things and work on a small project that I had in mind. I also couldn't neglect my training. So many things to do in two weeks.

However, a voice took me out of the sea of my thoughts.

"Enjoying the night, Mr. Noir?" Jacques Schnee entered the balcony.

"Mr. Schnee, nice to see you."

"I see that you have been having a good time in the company of my daughter."

"With everything that has been going on in the world, it is good to have someone you trust."

"Trust you say," Lorax's mustache man watched me as an eagle does with his prey. "If you let me ask, what is the nature of your relationship with my daughter?"

That question that got me on my guard. Did he suppose there was something between Weiss and me?

"Just friends, sir. We both fought together against the Grimm during our time in Beacon. During that time we have forged a bond that assures us that we can trust each other's lives."

Jacques looked at me carefully, as if he were looking for any trace of lies in my words, but he would be disappointed since I had told the truth.

"You know, my daughter has on her shoulders the great duty of continuing the proud work that I have dedicated to the Schnee Dust Company. I have been in charge of giving her the best education to be the head of the company since my other daughter, Winter, despised the title of heiress.

"Since I recovered Weiss after what happened in Vale and put her safe in her home, she has been showing little enthusiasm in her preparation, at least until several weeks ago when you arrived at the mansion. For the first time since she arrived, she was more alive and I noticed a certain change in her attitude for the better. However, I still feel worried about her and her mental stability. "

"Is something wrong with Weiss?" I suddenly became alarmed. For some reason Jacques smiled slightly for this.

"The fall of Beacon affected all Remnant. Communications. Economy. Transport. Commerce. Everything was shaken on a large scale. But you also have to think about those who were present when the academy was razed by the Grimm.

"Like every father, I care for the well-being of my daughter after what she had to go through and that is why I can know who cares for her just as I do. Someone like you, Mr. Noir. I can see that you are very close and that is why I need someone to help me keep her under control."

"Sir, I don't understand," and I, what I could understand, didn't like at all.

"I'm giving you the opportunity to take the last name Schnee, of course. To help me make this company bigger than it has ever been. I had my suspicions when I saw you with the General the first time, but, after a little bird confirmed it to me that you were James' son, I saw a golden opportunity to gain greater support between the Atlas army and the SDC. Think about it, young man. You can be among the most influential people if you accept this proposal. You can even use the Ironwood surname for a while for greater effect before you are both prepared to marry. "

My body shuddered as if I had been thrown into an Atlas lake, even colder than the current weather that night. This guy was offering Weiss as if it were some kind of barter. I was about to punch his face and tear off his mustache.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Schnee, but I can't do it. I love Weiss, but as a friend. We cry together. We laugh together. We even argue sometimes but in the end we reconcile. Just as I can love someone else, she can also find to someone who makes her happy."

The Schnee man looked at me severely with his blue eyes, as if with a single blink I could turn into an ice floe. His bushy mustache shook like Samantha's tick from the Bewitched series.

"I see. There is someone," he replied in disgust. "I will tell you something. When Nicholas Schnee offered me his daughter's hand, I saw the opportunity to achieve greatness and I expect the same from you being in the same situation. That person is worth nothing compared to this proposal."

Suddenly I took a step toward the man with my hands in fist, ready to beat him mercilessly. My teeth were clenched in anger with my agitated breathing. He not only treated Weiss as a exchange token, but also dared to despise Ruby, declaring her worthless. All I wanted was to erase that silly smile from his face.

"Ah ah ah," Jacques exclaimed, waving his finger and apparently guessing my intentions. "I wouldn't do that if it were you. What would happen if everyone saw you attacking me? How would the reputation of your father, who has been talking about you so highly, end up? Possibly that would greatly affect the support that the Atlas army has retained since Beacon."

My body suddenly stopped. My desire to strike still burned, but I understood that I had more to lose than the man in front of me. I can't let my dad get in trouble because of me.

"Good boy," Jacques congratulated me like I was a dog. "I will realize that this did not happen and let you think about what I said. Enjoy tonight. If you choose well, you can enjoy these more."

He just looked at me with a smile as if he had already won and returned to the interior of the room with the rest of the guests.

"You should listen to my father," another voice spoke. Whitley appeared behind the window frame leading to the balcony. "You're the son James Ironwood, so you have the potential to be a Schnee. Better forget whoever you have in your head and join us in greatness. I hope you consider it well, future big brother."

I really wanted to regret their word, but if something happened to Jacques, it'd be a mayhem, but, instead, if something happened to Whitley...

I waited for the cocky brat to be inside the building and still within reach. Whitley was strutting all over the place when I found the perfect opportunity to have some satisfaction.

I used my semblance to make a hand of darkness emerge from the shadow of one of the guests and grab his foot. He lost his balance and stumbled until he hit the dessert table. His face was smeared with chocolate fudge. I didn't expect him to also hit his father's cup and spill red wine in his white suit.

It's true what everyone says. Revenge is sweet.

A tremendous scandal arose while several waiters rushed to attend to the father and son and try to clean up the mess. Everyone present was surprised at what had happened and the room was full of whispers while Whitley was furious and Jacques called Klein for a suit to change. I covered my mouth as if I was also shocked by what happened, although underneath I was smiling. Still I felt bad for the butlers who had to attend to them.

Minutes later, Weiss returned.

"Uhm, do you know what happened?" she asked confused. "I just saw Whitley going furiously to his room with his chocolate-stained clothes."

"Let's say he had a little accident at the dessert table," I replied as honestly as possible.

I wasn't sure if I should tell Weiss about his father's proposal. I didn't know what his reaction would be to the idea of getting married for convenience.

There were plenty of reasons to stand against it. First, although I had no idea how my relationship with Ruby was after what I did when I left Patch, I would not marry our friend; That would be wrong on many levels. I also did not agree that Weiss was used as if it were an object for some type of transaction. She had gone through too much just to make her go through it.

No. I wouldn't say a word to her.

I would keep it to myself.

After all, I'm good at keeping secrets.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I said it before and I say it again: the Atlas Academy workshop was the best.

I used the laser welding machine to repair Requiem once more, hoping it would last a little longer until I managed to find Muramasa and make a more permanent arrangement. I wouldn't know how effective it would be now, but it was better to go as prepared as possible.

I made a major modification to Samaritan, changing its revolver design to one that allows me a higher rate of fire at the cost of firepower. At least I was no longer limited to only 12 bullets, and more if I used an expanded charger. What was the mechanism to turn it into a knife remained the same, so I took the opportunity to clean it to make sure everything was in order.

Now there was something else that got my full attention.

I had consulted with Turing and he told me that it was feasible if everything could be accommodated without it becoming excessive.

The 3D printer allowed me to produce the surface where I would be installing the components that would support the functions that I had in mind.

I spent several days working to capture my idea in that piece of carbon fiber, from the installation of the visors to the air filter. As much as I wanted to put various functions, for reasons of time I had to work with the basics that could be useful to me.

"Working hard?"

My father's voice startled me. Good thing he had nothing sharp in hand or there would have been an accident.

"Dad, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I was snooping around the security cameras to see what my son was doing and I was surprised that you had been here for almost 4 hours."

"4 hours?" I saw my watch and it had really been that time since lunch. I didn't think I'd spent so much time working. "Time does fly by."

"Is that what you've been working on so much?" Dad pointed to the object on the table.

"Yes, it is an addition I am making to my equipment. Take a look," I explained, giving him the object.

"A mask?"

"Not just a mask. Put it on and press the switch on the bottom."

My father seemed to hesitate in my request, but he did it anyway. With a small click the mask was fixed on my father's face with a small vacuum suction by the air filter.

"Interesting," my father exclaimed in an electronic voice.

"It comes integrated with an air filter that allows me to breathe if I am surrounded by some kind of toxic smoke.

"On your right temple there is a touchpad. If you tap it, you will activate night vision. Squint your eyes and the lenses will zoom.

"At the top of your field of vision is the level of your aura and on the right is your ammo in your weapon; in this case Samaritan. What number appears?"

"For now zero."

"Because my gun is not loaded," I explained showing that my weapon had no ammunition. I took one cartridge that was on the table and introduced it. "Now?"

"For now zero."

"Because my gun is not loaded," I explained showing that my gun had no magazine. I took one that was on the table and introduced it. "Now?"

"twenty-one."

I cocked the gun and a bullet came out.

"Now 20. Is it the same with all weapons?"

"Only with those configured with a sensor. "

"Really amazing, Kaiden," Dad congratulated me taking off his mask. "Did you really do it yourself?"

"I had advice from Professor Truing for some technical aspects and even shared the schematics in case he wanted to do something similar."

"And the skull design is for you to give your nickname Grimm Reaper a reputation?"

"In part, but it is also because of the stories Qrow was telling me about a huntsman who had that title before me. Besides that it is something more symbolic: if the White Fang wears Grimm masks to give the same fear that those monsters give , I will do the same with something that everyone fears, even my enemies. "

"Death," my father pronounced. "Do you fear him too?"

"Yes and no," I replied ambiguously. "After being on the other side, I no longer feel fear about it. I think what worries me the most is what I would lose if I fail with my mission. Friends, family, and unfinished business; especially those who lurk to attack once more."

When I said the latter, something in my father's gaze caught his attention. He looked at me with concern.

"Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"It's not that. It's that for a second you sounded like Ozpin and I thought maybe he-"

"He had reincarnated in me? Well, I haven't felt different from normal, but I have no idea exactly how that works."

When I said the latter, something in my father's gaze caught his attention. He looked at me with concern.

"Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"It's not that. It's that for a second you sounded like Ozpin and I thought maybe he-"

"He had reincarnated in me? Well, I haven't felt different than usual, but I have no idea exactly how that works and I wouldn't know."

Dad slapped me on the back, "Don't worry. Ozpin will appear sooner or later. Whether it's with you or not, you'll always be my son."

When I said the latter, something in my father's gaze caught his attention. He looked at me with concern.

"Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

"It's not that. It's that for a second you sounded like Ozpin and I thought maybe he-"

"He had reincarnated in me? Well, I haven't felt different than usual, but I have no idea exactly how that works and I wouldn't know."

Dad slapped me on the back, "Don't worry. Ozpin will appear sooner or later. Whether it's with you or not, you'll always be my son."

"Thanks Dad."

I felt uneasy inside. I did not know when or where the teacher would appear again or what form he would have now, but I just hoped that, when he returned, he could guide us in our next step to recover Beacon and end Salem.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The days passed and the day of my departure was getting closer and closer.

I spent a day in the Atlas shopping district, getting supplies and other things for my trip. First I got a waterproof backpack that could withstand my journey and had space for my belongings but without being excessively large and heavy if I met Grimm on the road. I also had to change several things of my clothes, like my combat boots that were already very worn, and my bags that went for my ammunition, dust and snacks. I also got a notebook to make my own travel diary in which I could update the information in my mother's, which I would use as a reference.

I took the opportunity to send a letter to my mother, since I had not written anything to her since I was in Patch after learning about my biological parents. At that time I reassured her by assuring her that I didn't feel any resentment towards her for not telling me and that she would always be her son. This time I told him a little about what I did at Atlas (obviously omitting the little altercation I had with the General) and about the long trip I would be about to do. More than anything, I asked her not to tell Ruby where I had gone if she ever asked her.

Between my training, maintenance of my equipment and the time I spent with my father, time passed in the blink of an eye. Everything was ready for the journey.

I felt many things that contradicted each other. Emotion for the adventures that I had in Anima. Fear of what I might find while being on my own. Anxiety for the impending departure. I could barely put all that in line occupying my mind in other things.

It was already customary for Dad to go to the Schnee mansion and I would accompany him to catch up with Weiss and talk. My last visit kept my guard up while we crossed the front door.

Jacques Schnee received us as usual, but this time I could see that his eyes were fixed on me. That only made me want more and more to be able to punch him in each one while I remembered his words that night. Even when I walked away with Weiss to our spot at the library as usual while they discussed their affairs, I could feel the look of the man on my back.

I could not concentrate at all on what she was telling me. My mind was analyzing that little chance of marrying Weiss.

Maybe before I couldn't stand being in the same room with her while she continued with her dream of being perfect, but, as I got to know her, I discovered that she was just a girl looking for a place to belong and feel at ease. Yes, there are still times when I almost smelled crazy about her stubbornness, but still she was also one you could trust and gave you words of encouragement. Weiss Schnee gradually became a part of my life which I now consider her as my older sister. My shrewish older sister. And that made the idea of marrying her worse.

"Everything is fine?" Weiss's voice took me out of my thoughts.

"Oh yes. I'm listening to you," I tried to behave as naturally as possible.

"Oh yes? What was I talking about?"

My mind sped up trying to remember the last thing I heard her speak. Pastry? No that was before. Clothing? Maybe. The look that Weiss was giving me didn't help at all and I felt the pressure on me grow.

"About a dress?"

Weiss looked at me suspiciously. Her blue eyes like ice were completely fixed on me. It was like little by little she was uncovering me layer by layer as if I were an onion.

"Kaiden, is something wrong?"

"No, everything's fine."

"I just feel that something happened during the other night that made you tense. I wanted to know what happened but I didn't want to bother you."

In his voice I heard real concern, and that made me feel worse. Weiss had spent weeks worrying about me and the others since Beacon fell and she was forced to Atlas before we saw each other again. Now I was making him repeat the same with my silence. I didn't want to cause her more worries, but she also had to know about her father's words, since it also affected her.

"It's fine, but I want you to listen to me first before saying anything."

"Okay," she accepted seriously.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before speaking. It was going to be an awkward explanation; even more since Blake and I explained to Pyrrha what the Yuri genre was in the manga after reading an article online.

"When you went to the bathroom, your father ambushed me on the balcony. He made a proposal."

"Which was ..."

"I don't know how it happened but somebody found out that Ironwood is my father and-"

"And he blackmailed you with that."

"I don't know if it was blackmail, but he said that it was beneficial to improve the relations of the army with the company. Well if you and I..." I left the words suspended in the air, but Weiss clearly had an idea of what followed by the expression on his face.

"...get married?" she said dumbfounded, looking at me as if I was joking. However, I painfully nodded my head. Weiss collapsed in her chair, letting out a grunt of anger and closing her eyes tightly. "It must be a joke. And what did you say?"

"I flatly refused, but he still told me he would give me time to reconsider. I'm sorry, Weiss. I didn't want to worry you."

"It's alright. At least I understand my father's attitude lately. I didn't like the way he looked at you, as if he were a Nevermore finding his new prey."

"Still, I don't understand how he found out who my father is."

"My biggest suspicion may be Whitley," Weiss said. "When we met, he was somehow close. I thought it was a coincidence until I saw him leaving the library after we left once."

I cursed myself. I should have kept my guard up, even in that mansion.

"And he is here?" I asked, ready to love the little shit and give him a demonstration of what my semblance could do.

"He has etiquette lessons on the other side of the mansion, so today we are safe."

I sighed.

"I should have thrown him on the fondue," I murmured, not realizing that Weiss heard me.

"Then it was you who made him fall on the cake."

"Yes. If I had gone for your father, I feel that things would have gone a little out of control."

"What you don't know is that my father sent him to etiquette classes to 'learn to walk correctly', so you did well."

"Then point in my favor. But I'm still worried about your father."

"I know. Me too. Honestly, I thought it would be Ruby who you would marry."

Listening to that name was like a stab in my heart. Even after those months, I still wondered how she would be or what she would be doing at that moment. If she had already forgotten me or was still waiting for me to return. Even knowing that it would hurt me, I couldn't help doing it.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have said it."

"No, it's fine," I assured him, although it was partly for me. "The truth is that we do think it sometimes as if it were a game, but the idea was there. Spending the 4 years at Beacon, working together on the missions and maybe later marrying. But now it will not be possible after what I did. "

"Kaiden, we talked about that," Weiss comforted me by extending his hand to take mine. "What you are doing is noble. You will go out into the world to save those who ask for help. I will do my part here and try to help as heiress of the company. It is not much, but it is honest work."

"I know you will do a good job, Weiss," I felt a little better at seeing my friend's resolution. "I will be waiting to see how you have grown the next time I see you."

"I hope it's as soon as possible. You're leaving in a few days right?"

"Two in reality. I will arrive at an Atlas base in Anima and from there I will travel on foot to glaze the town of my Alice and then find Muramasa to see if he can completely repair Requiem. From there it will be straight to Mistral. "

"I see. Just be careful. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"Don't worry. I know how to take care of myself ... and don't say a word," I warned the girl seeing that she already opened her mouth to refute.

"Excuse me, Miss Schnee," Klein arrived. "Your father asked me to let you know that the meeting is over and Mr. Noir is leaving."

"Thank you, Klein," Weiss replied kindly. "I'll take care of escorting him to the lobby."

"Understood," Klein said goodbye before heading to the door and leaving us alone for the last time.

"Well, it's time," Weiss said sadly as he stood up. "I believe after today, we won't see each other for a while."

"I know and it's what I don't like."

"Hey, everything will be fine," Weiss assured me with a warm smile.

I didn't think about it anymore and spread my arms before hugging her, something she answered in the same way.

"I'm going to miss you, Weiss," I whispered with a lump in my throat.

"Me too," she replied in a broken voice. "Be careful out there and have a good trip."

"Thanks, I will do it."

Weiss stared at me for a second before approaching the side of my face and kissing me on both cheeks.

"A good luck charm," she said before hugging me again.

Knowing that I would be leaving Weiss behind with his father caused me great regret inside me. She had already spent a lot of time alone and now I would be forcing her to go through the same thing. However, we are talking about Weiss Schnee, a proud Beacon hunter. Despite appearing fragile, she was undoubtedly someone strong, both body and mind. If something were put in front of her, no doubt she would find a way forward. That was the Weiss that I know.

I didn't care how long that hug lasted, but I wanted to feel a little more from the warmth from Weiss's touch, since I wouldn't know when it would be the next time I could see my dear ice cube.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The day arrived It was time to finally leave Atlas.

I was afraid of what might happen from now on, but at the same time that was contradicted by an emotion that grew within me; All accompanied by a pinch of anxiety to season.

Although my arrival was something I did not expect - with that of being locked in the academy and with a tracker - I felt that I was going to miss that place. The day before I had said goodbye to the boys in the Research and Development department, especially Professor Turing. However, I still felt somewhat disappointed that I couldn't meet Dr. Polendina, the man who created Penny. I would have liked to tell her how good a friend she had been; regardless of whether she was a machine or a person.

I made sure several times that my backpack had everything I was going to carry and everything was ready, with the leftovers - like my suit and other changes of clothes - still in the closet and then stored in case of my return.

Everything was ready and there were still two hours left for the departure, so I lay on my bed one last time since from now on I could only rest on a mattress if I arrived in a village with an inn.

I took a deep breath and stood up. It was about doing something that I had been avoiding all that time. I took out the package that I had retrieved from Ruby's bed in Beacon. I opened an outside of the wrap and put my hand in to feel something soft along with a sheet of paper. First I took this last one to find a letter with her writing.

To: Kaiden

I hope you enjoy your late birthday gift.

With love,

Ruby.

PS: The hoods are cool.

It really was his handwriting. The same as in all the notes she left me or the ones that passed me under the table during classes. When I read it, for a second I thought I heard his voice.

I took out the content that was inside the package and returned to me that feeling that has been harassing me since I left Patch: regret.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I like the cape," my father said when I arrived at the hangar.

That was what was inside the package. A black hooded cape with silver brooches that joined at the height of my chest. It was so light that I almost prized it as if I didn't have it except for the warm feeling that protected me from Atlas's morning cold.

"Thank you. Is everything ready?"

"Engine tests are being done. After that they should leave."

Seeing the ship with its ton of metal ready to fly made me feel nervous, as if a swarm of lancers had rioted in my stomach.

"It's normal to feel nervous, Kaiden," Dad told me with a pat on the back. "We all feel this way before our first solo mission. You wonder if you are really prepared to face what is out there or if you can survive out there. Let me tell you this, son: you are more than ready. I have seen you face threats that I would only have seen when I finished my studies at the academy. I have faith in you. "

"Thanks." I exhaled deeply, "Still, it will be a long journey to Atlas."

"If you fight as well as you did with me and Winter, you'll be fine. Before I forget, have this," he gave me an envelope with the name Leonardo Lionheart written by hand. "Give this letter to Professor Lionheart and he will support you in whatever you need in your research."

"I just hope to find out something useful. Something that can balance our opportunities in our favor."

"Me too. Whether you find something or not, do not hesitate to return if something happens. You can use your Atlas ID at any military base to request your return transport. Just be careful."

"I'll have it, Dad. After all, I'm your son," I assured him, giving him a confident smile.

"Also you're Alice Noir's son," he agreed.

The interior of the hangar resonated with a loudspeaker announcement, calling the ship's passengers to Anima.

"Well, that's my signal."

"Do you have everything ready? Provisions? Weapons? The letter?"

"Everything is ready, sir," I responded by giving him a military salute, which he responded in the same way.

He then put his hands on my shoulders and looked at me proudly.

"I feel proud of you, son. Atlas will always be your home every time you come and I will be here to welcome you with open arms."

"Thank you, dad. I will try to return as soon as I can."

The loudspeakers resonated, calling again to the crew of the ship that was about to leave.

"Now go, Grimm Reaper. Remnant awaits a new legend."

A lump formed in my throat. I felt that if I opened my mouth, my voice would come out crying. I took a deep breath to control my emotions.

"See you soon," was the last thing I said to my father with a smile before turning around and heading for the ship with the cape waving in my wake.

The ship was the same in which I had arrived months ago, although those memories already seemed distant to me. I felt that I was leaving the kingdom being a different person than I was when I first arrived. Partly because I had believed 3 centimeters since then, but also because of what I learned and reflected through the internal and external struggle I went through.

"Hi, Kaiden," a familiar face greeted me as the ship started its engines.

"Hello, Caboose," I greeted my travel companion.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The trip took several hours before landing at the base on the west coast of Anima. The colonel was very hospitable when he received me and allowed me to stay until the next morning. During that time, he told me some stories of my father in his training time in the army that were really interesting.

It took me a long time to fall asleep on that night with the excitement of being in a new continent, but, when I closed my eyes, I woke up when the morning was beginning. After a few words of thanks to the officer in charge of the settlement, I crossed the doors that led to the wildness of Anima.

And well, that has been my story so far. How I started as someone who had resigned himself to carrying a curse on someone who had a mission ahead of him. How I died and revived a new life. How I started my steps as a huntsman.

Standing on this deserted road, with the trees and the sound of wildlife as my only company, I make the list of my goals again:

1.- Get to Lotam and visit my grandfather's grave.

2.- Find Muramasa and repair Requiem.

3.- Reach Mistra, meet Professor Lionheart and find a trail that will take me to Cinder and / or Ragna.

4.- Kill Cinder and Ragna to avenge Beacon.

A hard task to accomplish alone, but there is no other way. Someone has to prevent the events of that night be repeated again in another kingdom.

I don't know what awaits me at the end of the path and beyond, but there was no turning back. All that remains is to keep moving forward.

"Let's go, Ruby," I whispered, caressing my cloak and taking the first step toward Mistral while the winter was fading away and spring was coming closer.

My name is Kaiden Noir and my journey has just begun.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

END OF VOLUME 1

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hello everyone!

Thanks for joining me for the last chapter of RWBY: Grimm Reaper Vol 1.

We've come a long road for this moment and I hope you all enjoy it.

It's been almost 3 years exactly since I first posted my fic after watching (and being scarred) by vol 3 finale. The first chapters were short and with some grammar errors, but I kept improving to give you the best story I could for you, my followers.

Don't forget to follow me to read my next project, which is obviously the second volume of this story and another one I have in mind.

This is not a goodbye, but a 'see you later'. Maybe once Volume 7 is over, I'll work again on the next arc ;)

For now, I'll say thanks for these three amazing years and I hope to see you again in a future.

Love, jeit93.