Yo, everybody...well, I can say that this week has been QUITE productive. I mean, I've got a bunch of story ideas ready to be posted, they just needed to be finished for the first chapter, and now I'm publishing this one! I mean, HOLY SHIT. I know, I know, its bad. I shouldn't be making new stories...but I can't help it. Some of these stories are like the annoying itch in the back of my mind. So...this came into mind. Yep, as you can see, it's Adam Taurus leaving the White Fang! However, I would like to make some things clear before we start!

First off, Adam's age. Its been confirmed that Adam is somewhere in his early twenties, best guess being 23 by one of the folks at the PAX events held by RoosterTeeth. For this fic, he will be the same age as Blake. Secondly, his relationship with Blake. According to official sources, his romance with Blake is confirmed to be abusive, which is something of a sore spot for me. For this story, he will have no romantic involvement with Blake, but rather he considers her to be like a sister to him. Enough said.

Oh, also...if any of you are even bothering reading this author's note, I have another RWBY fanfic, which is centered around Jaune. It is a crossover between RvB and RWBY, called "Metastability." I'd greatly appreciate it if you checked it out and tell me what you think. If you do like it, I have a poll on my page to determine who Jaune will be paired up with in the story. It's been up for a while, and already we have someone WAY ahead of the others. Before any of you ask, NO HAREM! I'm sticking to one girl for this one! Also, since it's Jaune...do I need to tell you who's in the lead?

Okay...that's about it. With that in mind, people...allow me to welcome you to Bloom, Wilt, and Scatter!

"Never let anyone tell you something is impossible."

RWBY Fanfiction Story

"Bloom, Wilt, and Scatter"

Volume 1, Chapter 1: Bulls Do Not Do Well In Crowds

The job was simple. At least, it was to me. A cargo train with products of the Schnee Dust Corporation would be passing by the outskirts of the Forever Fall forest. It was confirmed to have security detail; in other words, Altesian Knights that couldn't even fight the Grimm, so they shouldn't be too much trouble. Weapons, Dust, and other supplies were also on board. If we managed to recover it, they would have enough supplies to handle more serious operations. However, time was running short. Sienna Khan supposedly had something planned. Something big. Whatever he had in mind, we needed everything they could get their hands on. Since it was just Altesian Knights, it the job would be pretty easy. After all, what threat could they prove?

I walked through the small foliage of the Forever Fall forest. The area was clean of Grimm, as the Fang had dealt with them earlier on. Only a calm and peaceful silence remained. The place brought a mind at ease, with the crimson red leafs falling to the ground, covering the dirt in a sheet of orange and red. I had passed through a small path of trees before finding her in the middle of an open clearing, sitting atop a rock, staring up at the dull orange sky above them. Light olive complexion, long wavy black hair, and wonderful amber eyes, complemented by the light-purple eye shadow flaring backwards. Her eyes were slightly tilted upwards at the ends, not unlike the eyes of a cat, who's features she shared, minus the fur and tail. She had on a black ribbon tied in the form of a bow, and wore low-heeled boots and stockings that start off black at her hips, but gradually fade to purple as they neared her shoes. On the outside of her stockings, were white emblems that are most likely belladonna flowers. She wore black ribbons on both of her arms, with a black detached sleeve and a silver band on her left arm. She also wore a black buttoned vest with coattails, and a white sleeveless undershirt that exposes part of her midriff with white shorts connected to her shirt, although it was partly obscured by the vest. Her shorts had a zipper on the front of each leg. She also wore a detached scarf-like collar around her neck.

"...Blake," I called to her. "It's time."

She turned to me. Her face was expressionless, like a finely crafted mask with no emotion put into it. A mask she wore often these days. However, soon, a look of concern, anxiety, and perhaps sadness fell upon her face, as she gave a nod. "Okay..."

She jumped off the rock, and joined me. We soon walked out of the forest, heading towards our target. Once our paths became wider, we took off into a speedy run, dashing through the trees. The speed behind our movements caused the leaves to blow around us, fluttering in the air and kicking the thin sheets covering the dirt up off the ground. Eventually, we reached the edge, where the train tracks led further into the Forever Fall forest. The horn of the train blared, signaling its approach. I gave her a look, and she understood. We've worked together for so long, we knew our moves and plans just with simple gestures. As the train came to a bend, I leaped off the edge, landing on the slope and sliding down. Blake followed after me, leading for the two of us to come down at break-neck speeds. Once the train was directly below us, I bounced off the earth. Blake jumped afterwards. I unsheathed Wilt from its sheathe, using it to keep me planted to the roof of the train car when I landed, creating a deep gash in the roof. Blake, however, had embodied the statement of cat's landing on all fours and touched the roof without any problems, coming to a crouch.

She then moved to the hatch of the train car and opened it. Without another word, we both jumped in. Our feet tapped against the metal below us. It was dark inside, barely lit by a soft red light. I couldn't help but feel perhaps a bit annoyed when I looked up from my crouch. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way..."

Standing before the opposing walls, lined up like sentinels, were the Altesian Knights. When we entered, we had tripped one of the securities beams. As a result, the machines activated. Their bodies jerked forward, the face-plates slamming down to form what should have been a menacing metal form. They then began to move around us, trapping us in a circle. Blake rolled her eyes, clearly unconcerned. "Don't be so dramatic," she told me. I didn't think I was being dramatic. I was hoping this would be smoother Oh well...at least I get the opportunity to punch those Schnee bastards in the face by taking their precious cargo.

"INTRUDER," one of the Knights spoke in a mechanical voice, raising its weapons to me. "IDENTIFY YOURSELF."

My response was pulling Blush's trigger, launching Wilt straight at it. The hilt smacked against its head, staggering it and giving me the moment I needed. I rushed in, grabbing my katana before slicing it's head off, moving behind it as a result. I sheathed Wilt back into Blush. As I did, the Knight's upper torso fell, losing the left side of its body in the process as a result of my second cut.

Iado was truly a thing of beauty...one strike is fast and swift, but the next one is guaranteed to be impossible. Its why I favored such a way of fighting.

As a result of my actions, the other Altesian Knights released their blade restrictions, and then charged at Blake from behind. She looked over her shoulder, her grip on Gambal Shroud. Just before they reached her, her body shifted out of existence, a black blur dancing and weaving around them before the sound of something slicing through the air echoed, striking against metal. Blake emerged from behind them, and her would-be attackers cleaved in half.

I followed up and cleaved another down the middle before pointing Blush at another and pulling the trigger. Blake dashed past me, slicing down another useless hunk of metal. The two of us stuck close to each other, being surrounded by several of these things. True, they couldn't kill a Beowolf, but they certainly had numbers on their side. They could easily overwhelm us. However, these things were just machines. Walking pieces of metal that held nothing. No sense of camaraderie or companionship. No synergy between any of them. All they could do was just find a target, rush in, and try to kill it.

Blake and me, on the other hand...

I ducked underneath Blake's swing as she cut down three Knights before I whirled on the ball of my feet, aiming Blush on her shoulder. The gun recoiled after I pulled the trigger, shooting down of those useless machines in the head. I jumped over her when she marched into a dash, the both of us moving in to cut down more of these metal pests. I slid Wilt back into its sheathe, only to swiftly pull it out again. A red flash cut through four of the machines. I turned, and saw Blake dancing like a black mirage, her Semblance dancing and cutting down several of them before we returned to each others' side. I took a quick glance around them room. There weren't as many of them now. Good. We needed to finish this as quickly as possible, before the mission time runs out. When it does, the train will pass the rendezvous point.

The sound of a gun clicking caught my attention. I looked behind me, and saw Blake staring down the barrel of a Altesian Knight's gun. She quickly got out of the way when it began to open fire. Its attention then focused on me. I smirked, quickly unsheathing Wilt once more with my favored style of sword play. The bullets were fast, but not fast enough. I could see each and every one of them. Wilt danced before me, cutting down any bullet that came my way. Blake saw an opening in my defense, and she took it. She dashed forward, Gambol Shroud grinding against the floor before swinging her blade, cutting off its head. Her body soared through the air, shifting around in tandem with the motion of her weapon. It separated one machine from its torso, and when she landed on the ground, her feet spiraled, using the momentum from earlier, and left another without a head or an arm. However, another was right in front of her, ready to hack her in two.

Blake's eyes narrowed, and Gambol's form shifted. Now, in her hands, were two black blades. Her body shifted upward, hacking off its arms before using it as a springboard, knocking it to the floor, where its body proceeded to tumble and toss through the ground before smacking against a crate, sparking as a result of damage. Her eyes then settled on the remaining Knights. Her Semblance flared once more, and in the next second, she became a thing of beauty. A black shadow that sliced through metal, almost like a work of art, dancing around them and leaving only severed mechanical limbs and heads behind. In moments, only one was left, which was knocked into the air with a kick. I rushed up, and delivered a flying roundhouse straight to its chest, knocking it straight against the car door. The hinges couldn't withstand the force, and the door was sent flying, revealing one of the more revealing cars. They were back outside, and strapped down were several crates of Schnee Dust cargo.

And they were all guarded by more of these damned robots. Of course...

I looked at Blake. "Let's do this!"

My partner nodded as we rushed into the approaching mob of enemies.

I struck first, performing a quick slash at the first few. Blake moved in behind, knocking them into the air before slicing off their weapons, leaving me to finish them off. A quick flash of red, and they were severed, the pieces sent flying and knocking into the other incoming Knights. The pieces served to knock them down and slow them so as to not let them overwhelm us, and to knock them off the car. Blake moved in front of me, and switched Gambol into its gun form. Her band wrapped around it as she threw it. It missed as the Knight dodged, but it was never her intention to hit it. She was trying to gain momentum and power from it. She gave a tug, and the gun fired, shooting back towards her and slashing straight through the Knight that dodged it. Then it became a dance of red and black, a flurry of blades that cut down several of these metal men like butter.

Our goal was in sight now. The car up ahead was the last to contain the cargo. The cars after that would no doubt have the passengers would be up above. There was at least two dozen or so of those annoying machines in front of us. I slid Wilt back, but my hand never left the sheathe. I charged forward and let my body work.

My blade tore through the opposition like a knife through butter. And foes that approached from behind I shot with Blush without looking before spinning around and bisecting them. Blake dashed past me, going after the remains as well. She held her sword in a forward grip while she held her cleaver sheath in an underhanded grip. Both blades struck the neck of the Knight and decapitated it. She didn't stop there. She struck one of the androids three times, carving it up with each strike and leaving it a malfunctioning mess. Then she slashed another one in half. Meanwhile, I dealt with my own enemies. Not that they would do much. My blade sliced through them easily. Honestly, this was just pathetic. They would have done better at protecting their cargo by hiring a Huntsman to do their job.

Even still, that doesn't stop glee from forming in my chest. Heh, these bastards can't even realize it yet. I don't know what Sienna plans to do, but with this much supplies, it can be accomplished. I wonder what the look on that deplorable white-haired bastard will be like when he finds out we stole his cargo?

By the time I realize it, all opposition has been eliminated. All that's left of them are nothing but pieces of machinery. I turn to Blake, who nods back at me, and we quickly enter the next car. It was just like the one we entered, barely lit by red lights, while several crates of Schnee Dust Corporation cargo sat, safely strapped away for whoever needed them. This should be it, I think. I walk over to one of the crates, popping open the top. I smirked at what I found inside.

Sienna was definitely going to be happy. "Perfect," I said as I closed the crate. "Move up to the next car. I'll set the charges."

"What about the crew members?" Blake asked me. Her face was worried, as if concerned. Was she seriously worried about the people on board?

I shook my head. "What about them?"

I honestly couldn't care about those people. If there were Faunus, which was unlikely since this train had SDC cargo, then I would have shown concern...but there weren't any. I had no reason to be concerned. Hell, I'd be happy to cut them all down myself, if the mission didn't take priority. Even still, I looked at Blake with concern. Why was she being so gloomy lately? We're both in this together. We both decided to go along with Sienna's visions for the White Fang when her father stepped down. I still remember that day clearly. Even now, I could hardly believe what Blake called her father. Ghira Belladonna, the man we once respected with all of our hearts, was a man who was never to be trifled with. Though we were a peaceful organization he was fierce and fiery. He inspired us to follow him.

Part of me still respected him. He did a lot for me, after my father died. I wonder if Blake feels guilty about what she said...I know I would...wait, was this what this was all about? Was she actually starting to doubt what we were doing? Was that why she-

"Adam," her voice brings me out of her thoughts. I found myself staring back at her amber eyes. Eyes that I grew fond of, cherishing. Eyes that were staring at me with anxiety and somber sadness. "Do you...remember what we talked about before?"

Right...how could I forget?

(Flashback, A Few Days Ago)

Before that red-clothed woman arrived, the night was uneventful. One of the teams had returned from Mistral with supplies they acquired from the black market, though it wasn't much. I didn't blame them. We were strapped for funds, and it was steadily getting harder to obtain supplies. We had plenty of weapons, but it never hurt to have a few extra ammunition on hand. We were also getting low on Dust supplies to.

Damn...at this rate, we're gonna have to regroup at Menagerie, which I wasn't exactly looking forward to. Even though it was still my home, I still felt as if I had betrayed my father in some way. I don't regret following Sienna Khan, but I do feel as if I'm spitting on my father's memory. I swore that until I accomplished my goals, I wouldn't go back. That way, when I did return, I could look my father in the eye, and tell him I had gone my own path. Maybe it wasn't what he had planned for me...but I didn't care. We've been sitting around for so long, just preaching and whining about how unfair things were, hoping someone would actually listen to us. Now, though...people are listening, now that we're making them.

"Adam," I heard Blake call for me. I turned, and found her near a small stash of supply crates. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

I raised an eyebrow underneath my ask. She sounded serious. Did something happen? "...Sure. What is it?" I asked, walking over to her. Blake, for some reason, was fidgeting. Her hand was rubbing her arm in a nervous tick, and she was looking away. This was...weird. Something must have happened. "Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. "You look like hell...seriously, what's up?"

"Adam, I..." she started to say, but her throat wouldn't let her say anything more. It seemed like she was struggling to say something. Whatever it was, it seemed to be eating her up inside. I waited for her to calm down and speak what was on her mind. Eventually, she gave a sigh, a troubled one, and then looked at me. "I'm...thinking about leaving the White Fang."

The words came so suddenly that I couldn't stop myself. "What?!" I half-shouted. I realized how loud it was, and quickly looked around. Thankfully, nobody seemed to notice. I then turned back to Blake, unable to believe what I had just heard. "What do you mean your thinking about leaving?! Are you out of your mind?!"

What was she seriously thinking?! Leaving?! Now of all times?! They already had a chance to leave when Ghira stepped down, but they chose to stay and fight for their rights! She even called her own father a coward for walking out! So why now?!

"I-I just...this is wrong," she shook her head. "This violence...Adam, don't tell me you haven't seen it. Everyone is scared of us! Of Faunus in general! We're making things worse!"

"We're making things better!" I insisted. I felt my temper rising, but put a lid on it. Blake was the only person I would never allow my anger to lash out on. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "Look, Blake...I know, okay? I know how people look at us. Hell, everyone here knows it. But...we can't stop now. We've already gone past that point!" I looked at her in confusion. "Why are you thinking about this now, Blake? You could have left with Ghira, but you chose to stay. So why now?"

My friend but her lip before looking down at her feet. "...you've changed."

Her response was so quiet, I could barely hear her. I frowned. Changed? Changed how? I'm the same as I've always been. Regardless, she looked up at me, eyes brimming with concern. "Ever since Sienna took over dad's place as leader, you've changed, Adam. You're...colder."

"...Colder? What do you mean?"

"You've grown...callous. Even more so than before. It's like you don't show as much compassion as you used to."

"I haven't changed, Blake."

"Yes you have!" she half-yelled. Her face showed hurt. "You're becoming a monster! Just like THEM"

For a moment, I didn't realize what she was talking about. Then I did. When it registered in my head, suddenly, I felt like someone had dropped a bucket of ice cold water on me, and then threw me into a river. No...that was wrong. She was wrong. I wasn't...I wasn't becoming like them! "Y-you're wrong," My voice failed me. I stared at the ground, trying to prove myself wrong that I wasn't turning out like them. It wasn't the truth. She was wrong. I haven't changed. "I...I'm not..."

Suddenly she took a hold of my hands. My eyes turned to hers, and widened. The look on her face...I haven't seen that look since the day my father died. "Adam...please. Come with me."

(Present Day)

I avoided her gaze. So...she was still thinking about leaving? "Blake...I..."

Before I could even form a response, I heard the sound of something clicking against the metal. I turned my head, and scowled. Slowly descending from the ceiling was a gigantic machine, easily taller than me and Blake. It was the size of maybe the average house, standing on four legs shaped like curved fangs. It's upper torso was bulky, and two cannons sat over it's shoulders, aimed at the ceiling, but ready to move and be aimed at its target. Its arms, however, were canons. You have to be kidding...they had this on board?! Well, weren't they resourceful? "Adam!" Blake looked at me in worry. This thing was definitely way above those scrap heaps outside...but I wasn't about to let this thing interfere.

Talking with Blake would have to wait.

Before I could strike, the cannons on its shoulders descended, aligned with its arms. Then it opened fire.

"Shit!"

I crossed my arms and shielded my body, hoping I had enough Aura to take the brunt of the incoming blast. Burst of energy washed over me, leaving a searing pain across my flesh. The force of the blast rammed me through the metal door of the train car, taking me back outside. I let out a pained groan. Dammit...this thing hurt like a bitch. I shook off the dizziness, and looked up, only to pale in horror.

"Blake!"

She was charging straight at, taking to the air with Gambol Shroud at the ready. However, it knocked her down with its head, smacking against her torso and throwing her to the ground. I acted quickly. I got back to my feet, and ran as fast as I could. As it raised one of its legs to crush her, I jumped up and slashed away at it. To my irritation, only small gashes were made in its hulking form. I landed back on the ground, and was about to try and gain its attention, only for one of its legs to knock me back. It then opened fire on me once again.

This time, I wasn't about to let it hit me. I quickly dashed around, instead letting the blasts hit the crates and the interior of the car. When it was about to come down on Blake again, I moved quickly. I picked her up in my arms and then dashed away, just as it slammed its leg down. "We need to get out of here!" Blake told me. I didn't know if she was talking about the operation, or the car. I assumed it was the latter, and understood the sentiment. It was too small and narrow. We didn't stand a chance. I glanced back at the entrance the damn thing made. Outside, we just might have the advantage. I turned my attention back to the giant Spider Machine, and cursed.

"...son of a bitch."

It had combined both of its cannons, nearly doubling the size of its firearm. Blue energy gathered at its tip. I held onto Blake, and let my Aura flare at max. Then it released the energy, firing a beam straight at us. I closed my eyes as the attack forced us through the door of the car and back outside. Our bodies were sent flying before we slid to a stop. My body was hurting...dammit, where in the hell did they get this kind of weaponry. I crawled up to my feet, and saw the damn thing emerging outside. My mind went through various scenarios. How would we eliminate it...?

...yes, that's right. I had almost forgotten about my trump card. The only problem was the preparation. It would take too long. I needed time. I told Blake as much, telling her to buy me time. Even a few seconds would suffice. Blake nodded, and ran towards the thing with the intent of keeping its attention on her. She prepared her blade, ready to strike. Meanwhile, I calmed my breathing, and focused my Aura into a single point; Wilt. I needed to calm down. I could let out my rage when the time came.

Blake dodged its attacks using her Semblance. When she was within range, she struck. In the blink of an eye, she was right behind it, slashing away at it's torso and leaving behind a small gash. Gambol Shroud had turned into its gun form, latched deep into its side. With a tug, the weapon was released, and then as she came down, let it strike in a continuous wheel. When she landed, she reverted it back to its original, broader form, and then slashed away at its legs. It aimed its cannons at her, but couldn't hit her. When she was in between its legs, she jumped up, and stapped the blade into its head, firing off several rounds into what could be called its neck. She then removed her blade and dodged away, backflipping to avoid the gun blasts, and took refuge behind me.

I was ready now. All I needed...was the last piece. The machine set its sights on me, and once again combined its canons. Energy gathered at the muzzle and was set loose. I smirked, and unsheathed Wilt slightly from Blush, revealing only a portion of the blade, and held it before him. I braced myself, and kept my feet firm.

The blast of energy flew and struck the flat side of Wilt, and stopped right then. I could feel it. The sheer power being poured into my weapon by the machine of Death through that attack. After several seconds, the beam died and a re-sheathed my sword. It all came down to this. My trump card.

The machination rushed forward to flatten us before jumping. That's when I saw the prime moment. With a swift, fluid motion, I drew Wilt from Blush and tore through the machine.

Then the world changed around me.

Everything that was once a plethora of color became a world of blood red and shadow. Even the shattered moon above Remnant was visible. The Spider Droid was cut in half, and began to slowly fall apart. If one were to compare it, it would be the same as a rose. It was once in full bloom...but now wilts and falls apart. Its body broke down, disintegrating and dissolving into black petals, but even they fell apart.

I sheathed Wilt, and the world returned to normal. There was nothing left of the machine. Not even a spec of dust.

Good...now this operation can go smoothly.

I turn around, hoping to find Blake okay...instead, I'm greeted with a sight that makes my heart begin to beat in panic. She's already on the next car, right in front of the edge, where the cup-link connected the two. By the look on her face, I already knew what she was ready to do. I try to open my mouth to speak, to try and convince her to stay...but I knew it was useless. Her eyes told me everything.

She made her choice.

"...goodbye."

With a single swift cut, the cup-link was severed. Slowly, the two cars began to drift apart.

As it stood...I had one of two options. I can stay with the cargo and deliver it, or I can chase after Blake. The real question was...what would I do? If I try to take her by force, it'll just end with the two of us fighting. She knows I'll win, but she still wants to do this. Blake...you were serious all along, weren't you? You weren't thinking about leaving...you WERE leaving. Why? We've already made so much progress. Even if people fear us, at least they know where we stand.

There are so many things I could ask you about why you're leaving...but then our conversation comes back to mind. Have I...really changed? If I had, could you blame me? I hate humans...no, more than that. I wish they never existed. They abused, despised, and shackled us as if we truly were nothing but rabid animals. We try to make peace with them, but they slap our hands away, and call us freaks or abominations. They took away so much from us.

Friends.

Family.

Lovers.

You know me, Blake...if I have changed, then you know its justified. So...why? Is it because I'm like this that you're leaving?

'Adam...please. Look after her.'

The train was drifting further and further apart. I had to make my choice now. I glanced back at the cargo, staring at it before I sighed.

"...you owe me for this, Ghira." I muttered under my breath. I turned away from the cargo of Dust, backpedaled a few steps, then broke out into a run. When I reached the edge of the platform, I pushed myself off the metal floor and leaped toward the retreating car my friend was leaving on. I landed right next to Blake, causing her to stare at me wide-eyed. "Don't get me wrong," I told her as he stood up to full height. "I still hate humans...but I..." I could tell her the real reason, but Ghira made me promise not to tell her. I knew why. She may have had Kali's kind and endearing nature...but she also had his fiery temper. "...I'll guess I can give it a shot."

...okay, that was weak, even for me. My answer seemed to satisfy Blake, however, as she ran up and hugged me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

Thank you..." She murmured softly in gratitude. I just hope I'm not making a mistake in doing this. When she finally let go of me, I reached up to the Grimm mask on my face. Now that I made my choice, I have no use for it anymore.

It was strange, actually...I think I was starting to get attached to it. Regardless, I threw it off the train, letting it tumble and sit on the train tracks. Then I watched as the cars containing the precious cargo of the SDC slowly retreated back into the distance, Blake standing next to me.

I can only hope this decision doesn't come back to bite me in the ass.

(Several Months Later, 3rd Person POV)

It hadn't even been a full hour, and already, Adam Taurus wanted off of this damn airship. Just standing amid the crowd of mostly humans was enough to make him nervous. Every time someone came close to him, his hand twitched, ready to move for his sword.

The only reason why he hadn't already jumped off this human filled vehicle was right next to him, with her nose in her book.

He wasn't entirely sure what made this plan a good idea. Attending Beacon, at first, sounded like a feasible plan. It would be the same as hiding in plain sight. The White Fang wouldn't think about looking there. Of course, Adam had to cash in a few favors. Junior Xiong had provided the documents needed to get them into Beacon, as well as a few fake recommendations. It should be easy...then he had to get on this damned airship.

Had he known there would be so many damn humans, he would have just stuck to hiding in dingy alleyways or something. The months hadn't changed his opinions on humans in general, but he was more willing to tolerate them...but only because he had to. Though part of him liked the prospect of attending Beacon, mainly because he would be able to temper and find opponents to test his mettle, he just didn't like the idea of being in the middle of a crowd packed with humans. He barely spotted any Faunus at all here.

Then came the whispers. While his hearing may have not been as good as Blake's, he could still hear them well.

"Dude, what's up with the mask?"

"Dunno. He kind of looks creepy."

"He's got horns...is he a Faunus?"

"Ugh, great...as if it didn't stink in here enough."

After leaving the White Fang, Adam chose to wear a black jacket with short sleeves and a high-collar, along with a sleeveless black muscle shirt underneath that reached up to his neck. On the back of his jacket is his insignia, much like his old jacket. Since they were leaving for a place no one knew them, he figured he may as well go for a new style. He wore a gray holster which wraps around his waist and another strap that ran over his left shoulder, connecting to the pack behind him, which coincidentally had Wilt and Blush strapped to it. He had taken to wearing black gloves that coveedr up to his forearms. Around his waist was a black belt with a small pouch on the left side, which contained Dust ammunition. Below, he wore dark pants with white straps around his calves and thighs. The strap on his left leg also had pouches for ammunition and Dust. As for footwear, he wore combat boots with silver tops and soles.

Even after he left the White Fang, and with the new change of clothes, Adam felt naked, so he had taken to purchasing a new mask as well. It was the same design as his old one, only it was metal instead of porcelain.

He didn't mind the comments. He was used to them. Now, the comments about Blake, however...

"Dude, check her out."

"Who? The chick in black?"

"Yeah, her! The one with the bow! Man...she's fucking cute!"

"You wanna try talking to her?"

"Eh, maybe, if I play my cards right...wait, do you think she has a boyfriend?"

...okay, NOW he was tempted to draw Wilt and cut those bastards down. As if sensing his thoughts, Blake looked up from her book. "Adam." He grit his teeth, and tried to calm himself. He let out a sigh, and sheathed his sword before leaning back. Blake then went back to reading her book in silence.

"...I don't know how you can put up with lascivious comments like that." He grunted in annoyance.

She gave a shrug. "It's all about ignoring it," she replied simply. "Also, quit fidgeting. You're making me nervous."

"Hello kettle," Adam retorted. "My name's pot. Have we met?"

"Very funny." She dead panned at him.

He gave a shrug of his own, and went back to his brooding. Dammit, when would they reach Beacon? At this rate, he was considering swimming there instead of flying. Every human here was annoying him, either because of their presence or their damned banter.

"Oooh, I can't my baby sister is going to Beacon with me! This is the best day ever!"

...and here comes more of that banter. Out of idle curiosity, he turned his head to see what the person in question was cheering about. Not too far from where they were, Adam found two girls. One was blonde with long hair and lilac eyes. She looked to be the same age as them, wearing a brown leather jacket with a orange-red scarf, and a yellow tanktop underneath, which was partially showed off since he saw what he assumed was her emblem. The outfit exposed her midriff, however, and wore small black pants with extremely short black shorts, along with boots that came up to her knees. Around her wrists were yellow bands, though they appeared to be slightly larger than most.

The second female was...strange. She looked to be younger, maybe by a year or two, with black hair bearing a red tint, and wore a black corset with a red skirt and a hood, along with black leggings and dark boots. Her eyes, however, were what caught his interest the most.

Silver.

An eye color that was most definitely not common. In fact, he knew no one with such an eye color. For a moment, he felt his gaze linger, staring at her with curiosity and interest before shaking his head. Why was he so interested? So it was an eye color that wasn't common, what else was now? That said, he was confused. What was someone so young doing here? He thought the required age to attend Beacon was 17. He wasn't sure if it was some sort of enrollment error or the girl was good enough to skip ahead a couple grades.

Wait, why was he even thinking about something as stupid as that? She was a human. Same as the rest of them. He rubbed his temples, sighing. He hoped they would land soon, otherwise being in this crowd of humans WAS going to make him crazy. "I'll be right back," he told Blake, removing himself from the wall. "I need some fresh air."

"You do realize we're on an airship, right?" she asked rhetorically, causing him to roll his eyes. Not that she would see.

"I mean air that isn't suffocating with humans. If I stay here any longer, I'm going to go crazy." Before she could even reply, he had already walked away from her and the rest of the humans to the furthest corner of the airship.

The amber-eyed girl let out a sigh. "Well...I should have expected this." She knew Adam was still unable to tolerate humans. But at least he was trying.

She was happy that he came with her, though. When she had separated the cars, she thought his hate for humans would prevent him from coming with. Now, he was here with her...though she hoped nothing bad would happen. True, they were starting a new life here at Beacon Academy, but one could never know what lay beyond. Perhaps an agent of the White Fang had secretly infiltrated Beacon Academy in order to ascertain future threats. Perhaps the teachers had learned of their fake transcripts and would report them to the police. Perhaps that blonde boy who was barfing would discover they were Faunus and-wait, what was that last one?

She turned her head, following the acrid scent in the air, and found a teen with a messy mop of blonde hair currently vomiting off to the side away from the crowd, apparently unable to take the constant shifting and moving of the aircraft. She sighed, shaking her head. God, how paranoid was she? It had been a few months since they left. Given that Adam was a top-ranking official, and someone Sienna trusted, he wouldn't have just let him leave. They would have searched for them the moment they left...yet for some reason, everything was quiet. That part disturbed her. Maybe something had happened...or maybe they didn't care. Personally, she was hoping for the former. When she realized where her thoughts were heading, Blake shook her head. She wanted to start something meaningful here, not continue worrying about ghosts of her pasts.

She returned to her book, though she soon found it fruitless, as the blonde woman with the silver-eyed girl were panicking about vomit being on their shoe. She let out another sigh.

'Now I'M starting to wish I wasn't on this ship...maybe we should have swam to Beacon. Definitely would have been quieter.'

"Hmhmhmhm, step right up, ladies and gents! Step right up! You don't want to miss this! For today only, this show is free of charge! Come on folks, step right up and see one of the greatest performances Remnant will ever see!"

Adam scowled. There truly was no peace and quiet on this damn Bulkhead! Peace and quiet...was that seriously too much to ask?! Begrudgingly, he looked over to the source of the voice to find out what was the commotion.

At the center of a small crowd of people was a young man around his age with dark red hair that was slightly curly, and odd-colored eyes, one blue and one gold. He had a black choker around his neck, as well as a necklace resembling a lock for a pendant. He was garbed in a brown dress shirt with a light blue undershirt, and a baby blue jacket over the dress shirt. He also wore a pair of black dress slacks with dark brown polished leather shoes, as well as a black leather belt with a rose-designed buckle.

As of now, the man was shuffling a deck of playing cards with fluid, well-practiced motions, as if he had done this a million times.

A cheshire-like grin was plastered across his face, taking a quick look around the crowd. "Hoho, what a decently sized audience! Just the right size! Now then, before I begin, I require three volunteers! Which among you is brave enough for this? Come on now, don't be shy!"

Great...it was a magician street performer. How original. He's seen them all before, trying to mystify the crowd with their 'magic' while it was all just a sleight of hand. This was a waste of his time. However, the crowd seemed to be eating him up. A few hands went up. The red-haired teen picked three, as he stated, and walked up to them. Adam sighed. What the hell was he even doing here? It was just going to be illusions, nothing more. Hell, anyone would see through his tricks once he started, so what was the point?

"Alright then!" the red-haired teen smiled, clapping his hands. "Now, before I begin, let me tell you something. A certain philosophy of mine. You see, magic is just a construct that two-bit street performers use to trick people out of their money. Me? I practice the genuine article. Because, you see, magic isn't some tool to rob people blind. Oh no, far from it. Magic...is an art form. Now, watch closely. Don't blink, don't look away, not even for a second! Because, if you do...you just might miss the greatest performance you'll ever see."

Greatest performance? Who was he kidding. It was probably just some fancy words to woo the crowd before he does his tricks. What a faker.

Regardless, he may as well stick around. Who knows? Maybe he could get some satisfaction by revealing this trickster. The teen then smiled back at the crowd. "Alright, with that of the way...it's SHOWTIME!"

With that, he took his deck, and tossed it into the air. The result was the cards spilling outward, falling and scattering and raining down. At first, it seemed like the opening act leading into the performance, like a grandstand or something...but something about the look in his eyes caused Adam to frown. The gleam in his eyes was one of excitement and anticipation. He brought up his hand, and then snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, the cards stopped in mid-air. Everyone stared in shock, staring at the sight with wide eyes before claps started to spread. Adam was still unimpressed, though he was now somewhat interested. From the look of it, he saw no wires or any sort of obstacle to keep the cards hanging there...it could have been his Semblance, though what sort of abilities it had were up for debate. Either way, this was actually good intel to have. It never heard to understand the abilities future opponents and allies may have.

The magician's trick was not done yet, however, as he spun his finger in a circle. The cards then began to swirl around him, forming into a circle. They lined up, forming into a perfect line, though the cards were all backwards, preventing anyone from seeing the card. "Now, for my act," the red-haired teen began with a grin still on his face. "Will my three volunteers please pick one card from the circle? Once you've picked the card, show it to the audience so that they know what you picked!"

The three aforementioned teenagers did as instructed and plucked a card out of the floating line. Afterward, they turned to the audience and showed them their cards. Adam saw what was on each one. An Ace of Spades, a King of Hearts, and a Queen of Diamonds.

"Wonderful, now hold the card above your heads!" the teen asked of them before taking a card for himself. Once he did the cards around him slid into a single position, reforming into a deck. The volunteers did as they were asked, and held it above them. The teen did as well, and then tapped his card. "A one, a two, and a THREE~!"

Then, to the astonishment of everyone, including Adam, the cards grew larger, reaching the size of an average man. Then they fell upon the four of them. For a moment, Adam wondered if they were squished, but then the cards stood up, revealing rather than the typical card figures, the volunteers and magician were inside. The Bull Faunus stared in shock. What in the...was this seriously a Semblance? Or was this just a trick? No, it had to be. This must have been some kind of trick...but the more he watched the trick progress, the more he was astounded. What in the world...was this?

"Now, as you can see," the teen said, completely nonchalant while the volunteers were in a cross between being amazed and being terrified of being inside a card. "The four of us are inside our chosen cards! And thus begins our performance!" With another swirl of the finger, the cards spun around, and huddled close together, enclosing each other and hiding the faces from view. "You have to figure out which one of us is in which card! If you guess correctly, then the volunteer and/or myself is freed from the card! Fail, and nothing happens...except maybe stuck in a card! Don't fret! This show goes on for as long as two cards stand! Now then~"

Then the cards spun around rapidly. They were going so fast that it would have been easy to lose track of them. Eventually, they slowed to a stop.

"Who is in what card?"

The audience looked at one another perplexed. How were they supposed to guess? The cards were moving too quickly for the eye to see. Adam, on the other hand, had been able to keep track. The cards then came to a stop. The volunteers were two males and one female. One male had black hair, another with brown, and the female had red hair. From Adam's view, the card to the left had the magician, and to the right, the black haired male. The card to the left in the back had the female, and the card to the right in the back had the brown-haired male.

When people guessed, only the female was released. The card seemed to fall apart into smaller cards, revealing her form intact. She looked around, confused, but was still amazed by what had happened. She stepped away as the remaining cards closed in on each other, thus preventing anyone from seeing who was on what. Then they spun around again at high speed. Once more, the audience became lost as to which card houses who. But to Adam, it was still as plain as day. Once more, the cards slowed to a stop, and Adam saw that the magician was in the center card, the black haired male on the left, and the brown haired male on the right. The crowd guessed again. The black haired male was correctly chosen, and like before, the card fell apart into smaller ones, letting him free.

"Nice nice~!" the magician praised from inside the card. "Looks like it's me and the last man standing! Hmhmhm, how exciting~ Alright then, once more from the top! Who's in what card?!"

The cards closed in, the faces staring back at each other close. It was impossible to see them, and then the cards began to dance. Adam was still able to tell which cards were what, though he was still confused. How in the hell was he pulling this off? This should be impossible. There was no way his Semblance could do this, and it sure as hell wasn't magic. It had to be something else...but what was it? He remained quiet, hoping to find the answer in the trick while the cards continued to spin. The audience and the two volunteers prepared themselves for this final part of the act. All they had to do was guess one more card.

Adam focused on the cards. He hoped he could see what trick this magician was using. Finally, the cards slowed to a stop once more. "Now..." The magician announced. "Which card houses who?" The crowd tensed, unsure how to answer. Adam, however, decided to speak up and actually participate, even it was just a waste of time.

"The card on the left has the last of the volunteer, and the card on the right is the magician."

The members of the crowd were surprised by the announcement and turned to face Adam, who ignored them as his attention was focused on the massive cards.

"That is correct~" The Magician announced from his position. Simultaneously, both cards crumbled into a mass of normal sized playing cards. In the red haired teenager's right hand were three cards. "And now, my friendly spectators, I ask you all this..." He then showed the faces of the cards to the audience. One was an Ace of Spades, another a King of Hearts, the last a Queen of Diamonds. "...Are these the cards you have all seen?"

In response, a resounding applause ripped through the crowd, followed by cheers. The volunteers also clapped, clearly amazed. Even Adam was surprised by what he had just seen. Even after watching closely, he still had no clue as to what just happened.

Meanwhile, the teen simply bowed his head in gratitude for the applause. "Thank you, one and all, for attending my show~!"

A pleased grin was on his face as the cards that were scattered on the ground flew into his hand before vanishing into his palm. With that, the show was over. Everyone had given him compliments and praises, but Adam still remained yet skeptical. As the crowd dispersed, his eyes remained yet focused on the red-haired performer. By the time everyone had gone back to the main area, it was simply only the Faunus and the human. The latter slipped his hand into his pocket, still smiling while Adam glared at him in scrutiny. "...gotta say, I'm impressed," he said, his tone sincere. "I've never seen anyone keep up with my trick. You've got a good eye on ya."

"...what was that?" Adam asked, point blank.

The human chuckled. "My magic trick, of course," he answered. "Though that depends on your definition of 'magic trick.' Personally, sleight of hand and con artists are just two-bit performers who swindle people out of their money. Me on the other hand? I use my talents to impress and make 'em smile. Plus, everyone's so freaking worried about what's gonna happen when they reach Beacon. Figured I let a load off of their stress, ya know?" He then smiled. "Shame it didn't work on you, though. You STILL look like you're ready to kill someone."

Even with his mask on, the magician was still able to read his current mood. Well who could blame him for being tense? He just witnessed the impossible.

"Also, to answer your question," the human continued. "Who were you directing it at? Me? Or him?"

Then, before Adam's eyes, another individual appeared, draping their arm over the magician's. However, what shocked and disturbed Adam...was that it was the magician, or rather someone who looked exactly like him, right down to the last detail. But...how could this be? What was this? Another trick of the eye? There was no way this could be...

Then it struck him. "Illusions," he realized, narrowing his eyes. "You were casting a giant illusion."

Instantly, in response to his words, the phantom image of the magician dispersed, leaving only the human who grinned. "Hey hey! Congrats! You're the first guy who's been able to guess in one go! Nice work, pal!" He then walked up, and offered his hand. "The name's Leonidas, but my friends call me 'Card'! Nice to meet ya!"

Whether it was out of suspicion, or simply because he was too used to humans coming up to him simply to attack, Adam stepped back, and his hand moved to the hilt of the weapon on his back.

"Easy there, pal..." Leonidas immediately backed off with his hands raised in a placating gesture. "I mean you no harm. Seriously. Just wanted your name is all."

Adam only now realized his actions, and cursed. Dammit...he really was high strung. "...Adam," he answered, lowering his arm. "Adam Taurus."

"Well, it's nice to meet ya, Adam." Leonidas slowly extended a hand in greeting.

Adam stared at it and looked at his own hand. Was this...supposed to be a handshake? With a human? ...well, he suppose it could have been worse. He slowly placed his hand with the magician's. As he did, the young man grinned widely. Adam was beginning to think the guy didn't know anything other than smiling. "Let's hope our time at Beacon is gonna be an awesome show!"

"...yeah."

Somehow, he doubted that.

TO BE CONTINUED

Preview for the Next Episode:

After leaving the White Fang, Adam and Blake take refuge at Beacon Academy, under the guise of new students. While there, Adam meets Leonidas, a young magician. Though apprehensive of humans, Adam tries his best to acclimate, only to find fury when faced with the daughter of the company that has caused the Faunus much grief. Meanwhile, two others arrive at Beacon Academy, hoping to find a new path in their life.

Next Episode: Street Magicians and Ice Queens

A/N: Well, that's it everybody. The end of chapter 1! For anyone who's read this I hoped you enjoyed it! Later losers! See ya next chapter!

P.S: Review this chapter with the utmost honesty, I shall sic a sugar-high rabid Nora on your ass.