EARLY A/N: PLEASE! READ THE BOTTOM OF EVERY CHAP ON EVERY STORY I MAKE. I ANSWER QUESTIONS AND MORE DOWN THERE. SO PLEASE DON'T ASSUME I'M IGNORING YOU. THIS IS TO MAKE SURE YOU READ MY AUTHOR'S NOTES SO I DON'T NEED TO REPEAT MYSELF EVERY CHAP IN EVERY STORY.

RWBY: Bonds Between Hearts

Chapter 1: The Azure Dragon

WARNING: I own none of these characters sides from my OC(s). All rights go to their respective owners and properties.

This is nothing more than, well a fanfic, a story made up by a fan for entertainment and knowledge.

Everything in this fic is not canon and is only meant to give the audience a new idea of the works of each of the franchises in this story.

So please support me, my work and have some fun. Now enjoy the story. ^w^

10 years ago….

Deep within a large, ruined city, underneath the surface laid a large lab. One that could replace the fallen city uptop. It is unknown why, but from judging the secret lab, it's meant so nobody can find out about this place, especially due to the illegal and inhumane experiments from within.

Throughout the compound, several areas of the lab extended into different experiments and more. Some from genetic experiments, to mental ones. It was a extensive lab and one that while many people pretend doesn't exist, know all too well. This was the base of one of the most infamous and deadliest groups in the world, Faust.

And within a large room stood a table with several individuals each one having a Greek Symbol on their seat and person. This was The Council of Faust, the highest staff of the group and ones who make the rules and govern their controlled areas and underground attention.

"Yet another set of failures…" A voice rang out. Standing there was a middle aged man with what looked to be the symbol for Theta, sighing as he crossed off yet another list of names, as 'failure' was shown on the screen. "No matter how hard we try, we can't replicate Code: 931."

"It matters not for now." Another scientist said having the symbol for Phi, "931, is more than enough for us to turn into our perfect weapon."

"Even so, can he truly be the one to unlock what the gods left behind?" The person with Zeta on them.

"I do…" Said the person of Omega. "That boy has survived not only the Nebula Gas at such a high rate that would kill others or even turn them into Smash, he survived enough of it to keep his consciousness and will. He must be the one who can open that which has been sealed…"

The other members of the council looked at one another, nodding softly or pondering about this outcome and if Omega was right?

"But what of Salem?" One member with Ganma's symbol questioned. "We all know of her reach and power, we're lucky enough to be here that protects us from her dark grasp. Even she would know what would happen should we go after what she too wants."

"It's the reason why we too fight her. Even if it's just due to what we both want." Another member with the symbol of said. "Even if we didn't, we all know what those treasures and relics can do, and what happens when all are gathered. If we didn't cross her path before, she would still end us all. So it stands to be against her, unless we can make that pact."

The room grew silent from that statement, as everyone pondered. "Then, shall we proceed with Project: Ryu?" The member of Alpha requested.

One by one, each member lit up their Greek Symbol until all shined brightly. The request was certain and the procedure was initiated. From within the cells sat a young boy with short, dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. He was crasping what looked to be a toy t-rex tightly. He had scars, bruises and more on his person due to the experiments Faust placed upon him.

As he sat there, the window to his cell opened up, revealing the member of Delta as he knew and somewhat perceived as 'The Mother' by many other subjects and more, and one he hated the most as the young boy glared at her.

"Oh, don't be like that 931. I just came by to tell you the good news!" She giggled deviously, "Project Ryu is resuming operations." she said, as the boy flinched.

He knew of this 'project' as that was the cause of the shortage of test subjects for 4 years. And with it back and her telling this only meant one thing. He was next….

"I can't wait to see what your results will bring, 931! I just know you'll make Mother very proud…" she giggled as the smile on her face twisted and distorted into one of disgust psychotic before she closed it, leaving him there.

The young boy gripped his toy tighter, his eyes not showing sadness or fear anymore. No… those were long taken from him. They only showed anger and hatred. He knew what he will do, should he survive again, he'll take that power they forced upon him and use it for his own needs. He only wanted to do one thing that power, and that's to destroy this place, crumble it to the ground.

(Insert Opening - Triumph - RWBY Vol 5)

[Back to the fairytale, Back to the show, Back to the wall, And there's nowhere to go]

A short guitar solo starts as it then shows Cody waking up, surrounded by a ruined city as the young teen stood up, confused and wondering where he was as he looks around. As he stayed there a faint whisper in his ear made him turn around, to not only see Kamen Rider Blood for a moment there but also the glare of Killbas from afar, forcing him awake from his dream to reveal the people of Beacom Academy, with Yang holding her hand out to him.

[Hopeless and desperate, All paths adverse, Things lookin' bleak, And they're bound to get worse.]

The teen smiles as he tries to reach out before the bright colored field cracks and shatters, revealing that of Salem and the rest of her pawns behind her as the shadows of the Smash followed by Blood and Mad Rogue along as it's dangerous shadow loomed over them. Cody, determined by his friends then holds up the Build Driver as Cross-Z Dragon flew in with the Dragon Full Bottle and the Muscle Galaxy Bottle, as they then charged into battle against the threat before cutting away to reveal the title card.

[Helpless and doomed, And there's no way to win, Goals unachievable, Faith running thin.]

After the title vanishes, it then looms over Cody, sitting in an alley as rain pour down on him hard. The young teen looking at the ground softly before he glances at his Full Bottles as he relaxes next to Cross-Z Dragon. The screen then pans away and towards Ruby as she sits there on top of the building, the young teen glancing down to where Yang stood there, the young teen sighing softly with a smile before she jumped off and landed near her sister while Weiss just sighs heavily in the background.

[Lost and forlorn, Impossible odds, That's when you'll learn, You've been messing with gods]

The screens then gains static as Blake stands there with Adam, growling in disgust of how the humans of this world are, causing him to turn to be greeted with Roman and the rest of the White Fang along with some tech before the group looked up to be greeted by several Smash and Guardians, only to be swiftly stopped by Grease.

[Send in your Grimm, Tear off my limb, Strike me with bolts of lightning, I won't die!]

Back at Beacon, Cody begins to walk around before the same colorful field surrounds him, causing him to look around to see Team Rwby and JNPR among others walking around him before they vanish into darkness, leaving the teen there. As the color fades off and shatters once more, the young teen floats around in space, only seeing death and destruction caused by Blood and Killbus as the teens beings look down, only for Cody to see the Relics of the Gods for a moment.

[The battle seems unwinnable, But all we need's a miracle, We're going up, we'll never be denied!]

Cody called out to Yang as he rushed ahead, being bombarded by the energy and darkness that the being is emitting as it pushes him away. The young girl also notices as she reaches out for him as he does the same, trying to take their hands before they grasp and a bright light where Cross-Z Charge stands there tall. Only from afar sat Stark, chuckling softly before it morphed into Evol, only to fade away.

[Can't wish away the dismal days, Can't bring back what is gone.]

As Kamen Rider Cross-Z, he begins to battle against the Grimm along with the Smash, Blood and Killbus. The Rider fighting to save lives as Team RWBY and JNPR fight alongside him on the ground, dealing with the White Fang and Grimm as Cinder and Salem blast some darkness at the group.

[Won't waste more tears on yesteryears, Instead, we'll carry on!]

Great Cross-Z then changes into Cross-Z Charge, as well as a Hazard Cross-Z form, dealing with the Smash along with the teams as they continue to fight against the forces that are surrounding them. They soon fight as a silhouette of Cross-Z Magma stood behind him before a new form of Cross-Z, Cross-Z Evol, appears softly before fading away.

[We'll win, for sure, we will endure, And though our goal is far]

Cross-Z and RWBY then team up to deal with Salem and Blood as the two duke it out over one another, with Cross-Z started dealing with Blood that has erased countless areas only to be replaced by Killbus and his dangerous powers, while Ruby unlocked her hidden power as their next attack shatters reality.

[We'll be the ones to touch the sun, Triumph will be ours!]

Cody then opens his eyes, showing himself now on the campus grounds, with his bottles in hand and Yang nearby as he notices his friends now there, smiling at him. It brought a smile to the young teen's face as he looks back up to see a rainbow over them all before the title reveals one last time.

Blue eyes snapped open, his body sitting up before looking around. The teen experiment, 931, grasps his head, the silence in the poorly conditioned room being eerie, the water dripping echoed the place.

"Another nightmare…" He mumbled tiredly.

The subject lowers his arm, seeing the healed scars and was bitterly reminded on his time in that hellhole. Was he glad to be away? Yes. Was he glad to have this… power?

Absolutely not.

That power was just a poison to many others who couldn't withstand the gas. The vapor/fluid was labeled Nebula Gas. The ones who put him through that was aware but of the kingdoms? Zero awareness since the madmen and madwoman were the only ones who have it all.

Moving himself off the bed, the blonde approaches the sink and turns it on but no water came out. The blonde hissed and kicks the sink, finally allowing water to flow, again.

"No one ever said, brute force can't fix things." He chuckled to himself, as he cupped his hands together, filling it with water as he splashed himself, letting the cold water help him be more focus.

After one last push, he lifts his head to look at the shattered mirror. The place he lived in was a dump since it was in the slums of the city in Vale. The place crawling with criminals, syndicates, the likes. Yet, compared to what he had before? This was an upgrade.

The place he was in was the only place he can hide. While it was just a dump waiting to collapse, it was the only thing to hide under. The former experiment mumbled to himself bitterly, his hands shaking at the memories.

'I don't want to go back… I don't want to…' the words repeated like a mantra in his mind.

He flinched, as he felt something rubbing against him. He turned his head, to see the one thing that kept him sane and calm. It was a small, robotic dragon, showing a few small pipes, wiring and more. It was a bit bulky, as it had a long neck and tail, a small head with tiny wings that are able to keep it flying, and a small open spot in the center.

Upon receiving this thing, he dubbed it 'Cross' as it was one of the 'two' things that helped him escape that place for good. It was his only friend now, and it knew when he was upset as it did its best to help him calm down.

"Thanks, Cross…" He said, petting its tiny head in response. He kicks the sink, the faucet shutting off before walking across the creaky floors. He brushes aside from broken wood to see an ice box and flips it open to reveal food.

Throughout the years after he escaped, he had no choice but to improvise on survival. Stealing was the one thing he had to do. He had no job and barely able to make any Lien. Survival of the fittest as they say.

If he ever tried to do something that would make him stand out, they would find him again. So, being sneaky and doing it in the night was his only option left for him. He didn't like it at all but what choice does he have?

Reality is a cruel world…

Grabbing another frozen food, he opens the worn out box to reveal the microwave and plugs it. At least the slummed house has electricity which was a relief.

"Gotta grab something before fall hits." 931 muttered, realizing he needed thicker clothes this time as he looked to Cross, "Found any new places we could hit?" It shook its little head. "Great…"

As he waited for the food to be heated, he leaned against one of the walls, hitting his elbow against it. From contact, a radio drops onto his hand like usual due to it being placed back whenever he is done with it.

"Let's see if this thing has something useful." He said, tuning it to a station. Of course, he had to maneuver and place the radio to get the right signal as it was something he had to fix himself upon getting it.

"Come on… stupid radio." He walks further but the wood broke when he took a step, making his left leg fall into it. "Damn it!" He pulled his leg out and sits up, rubbing the sides of his pants.

"This is getting me nowhere." The metal dragon chirped. "I know… this cannot be forever but I can't let those creeps know where I am. I can't go back…"

931 took a deep shuddering breath before grabbing his now heated meal. His blue eyes look up at the old clock, seeing the current time of day. Just how long has it been since he escaped? Days? Months? Years? He wasn't sure since he lost count due to his time in that organization.

The dragon chirped and chittered, as he looked. He began to ponder that maybe taking a risk would do something than doing this everyday? Upon finishing his meal, he grabbed his clothes, revealing a fiery red t-shirt with a black and blue hoodie. Placing on some black pants and boots as he folded the hood up for now.

"Might as well try." He said to himself, as Cross nodded. But before he went out, he went to his bed, removing it from the side to pull out the two things he needs, just in case. One was a small, blue bottle of a dragon, and the other was some device with a crank. He only placed them within his hoodie's inner pockets before heading out. Hopefully, today could be different.

XXX

As the cool night air seeped through the city, Experiment 931 walked through, looking either for some store owner not paying attention or a store ready to close up, knowing at least that could be an easier route.

Though, as he does, he passes by one of the station buildings, as on display was a video screen. It was about Vale's Huntsmen Academy, Beacon and what it represented to Vale's kingdom.

'Huntesmen', a term for a warrior who fight Grimm and act as heroes. He frowned with annoyance at that thought. 'Heroes'. They don't exist in this world as everyone is selfish to a fault. He pondered where were they when he needed help? Where were they when he witnessed so many children and orphans perish at that place? They were nowhere.

"What a joke…" He spat out. "Huntsmen? Huntresses? Nothing but selfish people who can fight good."

When he was much younger, he always loved the small stories of Huntsmen and Huntresses. Loving the idea of such people fighting off the Grimm and helping others. But as the years passed, the cruel reality set in where he realized nobody would help him and the others. He soon gave up such a fantasy as he knew he could only count on himself and Cross.

As Experiment 931 walked through, now going passing by some backallies, he started to hear a commotion. As he got closer, he sees what looks to be a gang, as they wore a tuxedo with sunglasses and a bowler hat. Even more so, next to them seemed to be the boss as he too wore a very well made tuxedo. And who they were dealing with, was none other than someone from the White Fang.

Even though, he doesn't keep up that much with the world today. He does at least know of the White Fang and what they do. Seems to him, that it was a turf war between the two. Though, as he stands there, he notices that there are a few more White Fang members, holding still two young girls. One wearing a red dress, and the other wearing white. Everything else about them seemed identical.

'Seems more than just some turf war…' He said within his thoughts. His mind was screaming at him to not even get closer. To move along, and forget it…. But seeing this, made him want to stay, to make sure that the girls were alright.

'Ugh.. damn it.. Me and my tendencies…' He growled in his thoughts, as he decided to get closer, ready to pounce should he need to. As he does, he starts to hear about the conversation more.

"You tell your boss, that this wasn't the deal! I gave you your money, now let the two go damn it." The gang leader sneered in anger, almost ready to let fire rain down upon the White Fang.

"The plan has changed, pray he doesn't alter it any further." One White Fang Member said.

The gang leader growled, knowing that if he fired at them, they would either get away or end his two loyal fighters. He couldn't let that happen, but he can't just do this any longer.

Though, unbeknownst to them all, the young teen was slowly making his way to the White Fang members. Doing his best to be quiet as possible to get close enough to cause the distraction, using the rooftops of the buildings above to use.

Experiment 931 cursed, yelled, and screamed within his mind about this. Knowing this was his first stupid attempt in years. But he couldn't just walk away now. This reminded him too much and knew what it felt like when others couldn't help. This may backfire, but at least it would let him vent this frustration that's been building up.

His hand slipped against some of the concrete, causing some small pebbles to fall onto one of the metal trash cans. This caused some of the members of the White Fang to look up and saw the blonde teen whose face now grew pale.

'Oh no.'

"Hey!"

The teen quickly bolted out of fear. He knew this was a bad idea! And now he was spotted which was a big problem for him. Jumping down from the rooftop, he grunted after the big fall but kept moving. Once he gained a good distance from them, he took a moment to catch some air from the constant running.

"Damn it… I knew this was a bad idea…' He groaned himself, as he peeked out to make sure they didn't follow. Once he sees he was safe, he stood up as he started to make his way off, once again. "I am not like the Huntsmen or Huntresses… they never did anything to help me back then."

Even as he walked, he was surprised no gunshots or explosions were erupting from that confrontation. Even more so, with no one following him. He did ponder a bit, but decided to push it further away from his mind. If it was a bigger issue, something would happen at least.

"I guess I should just head back…" He mumbled. But before he could, he felt a snag on his sleeve, making him look as Cross was doing it. "What is it, buddy?" He questioned it.

It chirped and made a few whimpers at him, as he frowned, knowing what it was asking. "No, Cross. We can't go back there." He responded. "All it will do, is get us into a deeper hole. I am not like the 'heroic' Hunters."

The dragon, even though have very little facial expressions, still can give off a very well done, deadpanned look. And it was slowly creeping down the teen's spine. He tried to avoid contact of the dragon and walk, but it kept flying in front of him, staring down at his blue eyes.

"I said I am not getting myself involved Cross. That's final. I have done enough…"

…..

…..

…..

…..

"GAH! Damn you and your stare!" He cried out with annoyance. He soon reached into his pocket as he took out the dragon bottle, bolting back to the alley. The robotic dragon made a snicker as it flew off after the teen, knowing that always works.

XXX

"Where did that kid go?!"

"How should I know? I thought you checked the roof to prevent prying eyes." The fellow White Fang member replied.

"It doesn't matter." The one who looked to be guiding this small group said. "Cause of this, we have to move. Get the two girls and lets go before they show up again, or the local police catch wind of us."

The others wanted to argue, but agreed this wasn't the time. Two of them walked over to two, grasping their arms as they forced them to walk. They follow the instruction, knowing any attempt could cause more harm to them both as they started to head to the parked vehicles.

"Hey!" The White Fang immediately noticed the blonde form before.

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear." The leader said, "Take care of him. This time, no witnesses." He ordered the rest that weren't attending to the captured ones. They either brandished weapons or drew out their guns, as the firearms went off, while the rest charged ahead.

The blonde had to swiftly take cover, knowing with that much fire power, his own Aura would be gone in no time. Once he did, he swiftly lunged to the next spot and did it once more, gaining him a closer advantage.

Experiment 931 took a few quick breaths before he reaches in his jacket to pull out the unique buckle. "Okay…" he reached in the other and found the small bottle. "I just have to twist-" he squeaked when a bullet grazed his cover. He fumbled the bottle but fell out of his palm and rolling across the line of fire. "Oh come on!"

"We got you now you br-"

"What the hell is that?!"

The teen blinked at what he heard. Gunshots echoed but it sounded like it was hitting something very durable. Slowly, he looked and saw a golem-like monster with heavy armor on its body. Its eyes being three black holes in the center of its round body.

His eyes shrank like pins, his face grew paler as his hands trembled with fear as sweat started to bead down his neck. He knew what this thing was. He's seen it before, hell, he's fought them before. The monster was the one people become upon injection of Nebula Gas.

"Smash…" He muttered, gulping down his fear.

The Golem Smash grunted, ripping the tire off a vehicle before throwing it. The tire itself sent a few grunts flying in the air and on the ground, groaning. It roared before a few shackles made it squirm.

Experiment 931 then noticed a few dark gray machines garbed in gray jumpsuits, one using a baton to keep the monster in place.

"Experiment 834 captured." The robotic voice of one of the 'soldiers' stated to no one.

"Returning to HQ." Another said robotically.

"Eliminate witnesses."

The drones raised their guns, making the teen realize what they are about to do. No, no he can't let them kill people!

"STOP!"

The drones stopped and noticed the blonde witness. The drone stared as its systems began a scan of the outline of the teen. Then the servers of its system display 931.

"Missing Experiment 931 Located. Activating Retrieval."

The blonde gulped heavily, knowing that his information was revealed. But as of now, he could only just stand there, ready to deal with the robots. He had to deal with them, otherwise these people.

Regardless of who they were, would be killed just so that Faust wouldn't get discovered again. He needed to fight them, and this time, he'll make sure to stop them this once. Seeing the bottle, he quickly plucks it from the ground before looking at the machines who released the restraint, forcing the beast to charge forward like an attack dog.

"I am not going back!" He shouted, as Cross flew in. He gripped it as he folded the head and tail upward as he immediately inserts the Fullbottle into the mechanical dragon.

WAKE UP!

He puts the device on the belt, the said item lighting up.

CROSS-Z DRAGON!

Spinning the handle, metal tubes begins to appear around her until it was filled with color forming armor. The robots tried to fire upon the teen, but the tubings, metal pipes and armor part blocked every bullet from them, keeping the teen safe. He soon clasped his fist into his open hand before striking a pose.

ARE YOU READY?!

"Henshin!"

WAKE UP BURNING!

In seconds, the two trays of armor collapsed inward, attaching to the teen. In moments, another set of armor attached to the bac, first forming wings before they folded into shoulder pads and another faceplate.

GET CROSS-Z DRAGON! YEAH!

The armor, was complete. It was a navy blue set of armor, with spikes on the forearms, and an orange flame on the left forearm. Even the legs had a fiery orange flame to them, as the chest showed the wings, now as shoulder and chest pieces of armor, showing off the flames. The head had two navy dragon faces, looking at one another as a golden dragon symbol as in the center. This was the armor he stole from Faust, one that gave him his escape. With this, he called himself, Kamen Rider Cross-Z.

"With this power…." He said, slamming his fist into his forearm, "I feel like nothing can stop me!" He announced to the robots and Smash.

As the robots fired, Cross-Z charged ahead, holding his arms up to block any bullets from hitting his visor. He dodged the oncoming swipe of the Smash, as dealing with the robots seemed more important. Especially since he knew how Faust worked.

With his armor now active, he summoned his sword that came with the armor. Once in hand, he readied his stance. With the Smash drawing near, he horizontally strikes the monster, sparks casting off its body.

"You may be a real pain, but I won't let you continue to suffer like this!" Cross-Z said, determined to save whoever is within the Smash.

As he blocked the next strike, he lunged towards the robots, slashing one in half, before gripping the second one, and smashing it into the ground below, breaking it apart before he turned for another slash at the Smash.

Cross-Z grunted in pain when he felt the electric baton against his armor. Looking at the Faust drone, he felt the shocking pain again to the back of his leg, forcing him to kneel.

"Guh… d-damn you! Knock it… OFF!" He shouted, unleashing his Semblance as he was soon covered in blue and silver fire. He struck the first one as it was set ablaze, only to turn and swing his sword, sending the rest of the fire at the drone, slicing it into two.

Feeling the bulky arms around him, Cross-Z slammed his elbow into the Smash's abdomen a few times. He spins around, twirling the arms and smashes his knee against its face.

The kaijin stumbled in agonizing pain. He delivered a swift right hook, forcing it across the ground.

"Don't worry. It'll be over soon." Cross-Z said, as he gripped the crank and started to spin it. Once done, a fiery, navy blue dragon flew out of the bottle and surrounded the armored rider.

READY GO!

DRACONIC FINISH!

The dragon soon spewed its flames onto the rider, sending him flying towards the Smash, as he delivered a fiery flying side kick into it. Once struck, he powered through it, causing an eruption of green fire and energy to explode from the Smash. It soon laid there, unable to move from its defeat.

Looking back, he approached the Smash and shook it a bit, hoping for a response or a demutation. "Come on, please."

Weakly, the Smash looked at him. A low growl heard but then, "I'm… sorry…" It managed to say before its body disintegrated into ashes. Cross-Z stood there, his head lowered as his fist trembled. Once more, he was unable to save another victim of Faust. He could only kneel on one knee, as he clasped his hands together for a short prayer.

Beeping suddenly caught his attention. Looking at a drone, he noticed its armored head opened up, revealing a digital number ... counting down. Each one began the same process.

"Shit! They're planning to blow it up!" He cried out.

He quickly dragged the unconscious White Fang alongside the two unconscious girls as fast as possible into the van before he jumps into the seat. "Oh man… oh man." He checked the ignition and saw it was still in. He just needed distance.

Hitting his foot on the pedal, the van moved in a straight line before the slums of the alley erupted in an explosion, a large blaze in the night as it removed any evidence of Faust activity.

Cross-Z stopped the van and took a moment to breath. He managed to get them away from the explosion. Though, it also wasn't long before the airships of the local police started to fly in.

Exiting the vehicle, the armored experiment johs into hiding, looking around but saw the large garbage can. "Ugh… I am so going to hate this." He opens it and jumps inside. He was glad the armor was shielding him from the stench and grime. He peeked, seeing the authorities approaching the blast sight while some opened the van to see the White Fang, no doubt preparing for arrests.

At least there was some things he did good for...

XXX

Within Faust's HQ, The Council of Faust looked through the footage that was sent to them by the drones before their self destruction. Everyone was of course, very surprised that Experiment 931 was found once again, but a few of them were angered as well, seeing that their first weapon that he stole was working fine for him.

"We should end Experiment 931! He knows too much!" Sigma announced, more annoyed that the boy could still fight against them.

"I agree! He stole what was supposed to be made for the final stage!"

Everyone began their arguments or counters until a snap of a finger and a whistle made them all look at the main seat that rests on a higher elevation.

"Don't be so down. This is just a minor hiccup." The being in the shadows said, a minor glow that showed a snake seen.

"A minor hiccup? He stole-"

"Stole yeah but the little boyo is now a case of interest." The figure announced casually.

"How so?" Delta questioned.

"Oh you'll see. It's all about the exposure and the Hazard count." The figure hopped off his seat, landing in the center of the room for the sub-leaders to look down. "This is exactly what we needed and soon enough." He clapped his hands. "The process to find the special box you all have been craving for. How about it?"

They all look at each other before having to acknowledge the founder of Faust. They couldn't disregard his words since he introduced the gas and experimentation.

"Good! Now, I got some work to do. Ciao." The armored being waved and exits the meeting room.

Once gone, he reappears outside of the Faust Council room, taking his strive only to stop himself. "And how long have you been listening in, Night Rogue?" The armored being said, turning to see another one, but this seemed more bat themed.

"Long enough, sir." The voice was deep and distorted. "You think they will even accept your explanation?"

"Don't worry about it." The leader patted Night Rogue's shoulder. "Besides, gotta raise the level sooner or later and ol' boyo is the right one I have been looking for."

"Then, what do you need me to do? Or should I send the 'Brothers' instead?" He questioned.

"Nope." The founder wagged his finger. "For now, keep an eye on any interesting developments. I gotta set up our next step."

"Yes sir."

XXX

As the next day drew by, Experiment 931 was out for some groceries, as lucky enough he found at least a few things to pawn off for some Lien thanks to that dumpster along with what he found in the van before the authorities took everything else. He was more lucky that his clothes didn't stink, due to his armor. As of now, he was trying to figure out what to get with the amount he had?

And upon passing by one of the stores, he notices that the local news was reporting about the incident last night, causing him to stop and listen to what they have to say, and even more so about seeing any other signs of Faust.

"No one knows the cause of the explosion as authorities are still investigating the cause." The news reporter announced in the broadcast. "However they assume it was due to the work by the White Fang after discovering them in an unmarked van. What they knew is the possible work of a Huntsman stopping them."

The blonde's hand curled slightly. He wasn't a Huntsman. He was not like them. He was trapped for years in that place and they never rescued him. Where were they when he and others were experimented on? Where were they when Faust constantly let their mutated Smash run amok across Vale to make test results? Ah right, nothing.

"Nothing but false fighters…" He muttered to himself as he made his way, not wanting to hear about it anymore.

He continued on his way, as he made a few stops for certain things, and almost ready to head back. But upon turning one corner, he notices a few of those gang members walking around. They soon spot the teen as they walked up to him.

"Our boss wants a word with ya, kid." One member said.

"H-Huh?" Experiment 931 mentally swallowed. They must have remembered to make sure to find him after the little stunt he pulled.

"He just wants a chat. No need to be chicken." Another one added, as they walked. He was a bit surprised he wasn't being forced into some car or anything. So, this time he decided to follow, wondering what it was about.

He followed the goons to what looked to be a very popular bar. He remembers seeing it a few times on his walks, but never went in. Upon entering, he started to hear the beats and tunes of the music as lights went on, people dance or were having a chat or drink.

The goons lead him to the back part of the bar, as they stood by a door. Knowing this to be where the boss was, he walked over as he opened the door and went inside. Standing there, of course, was the gang leader he saw last night. But also, the twins as well, as they all looked to him.

"So, this is the one, eh?" He questioned the girls, as they nodded. He soon stood up as he walked over to the teen, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. But instead of some strongarming or a grip to the shoulder. He simply got a pat on the head, "Thanks for saving my girls." And this made the twins roll their eyes but kept it to themselves.

"E-Eh? Pardon?" Experiment 931 got out, confused.

"They told me about your well… 'armor' and how you helped them before they passed out. If you didn't step in at the first time, I wouldn't be able to save my girls from those bastards." The leader said.

"I… was just… not wanting more issues for me." He said, looking away as he was unsure about this. "Was just thanking me all you really wanted?"

"No, I was hoping you work here."

"... Say what?" The young blonde blinked. "Did you say.. me… working here?"

"I did. I need that kind of strength here. Plus, I've seen that look before. You don't have a real place, do ya kid?" He said to the teen.

"Er…"

"In places like this, I am sure you have done some things we have done."

His blue eyes gave a bitter look. 'Like I had any choice…' yes it was a crime for what he did growing up. How else was he supposed to get by and away from Faust? He was practically a criminal the moment he began stealing.

"I… guess you have a point." Experiment 931 rubbed his arm.

"Besides that, I won't ask you to do much. Just being a bouncer seems enough. I won't let ya get involved with any of my 'personal' business. Just make sure to also turn a blind eye should you see it. Rather not put a hit on a kid." He said, setting down the now clean glass.

"A-Alright."

"Good. Your room is on the 3rd floor here. Go grab whatever you need and be back here. Your shift will start at sundown."

"Y-Yes.. uh… what's your name?"

"The name's Junior."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "No offense but aren't you a bit old to be called Junior?"

"Got a problem with that, kid?" The man sent a small glare at the blonde.

"U-Uh… no sir!" He shook his head, rather not get kicked out for getting this deal.

"Good, now get going." Junior said, "Oh, right. Gotta know your name so I can tell the others. Rather not have my men mistake you for some spy."

"It's 93-" He stopped, shaking his head. The constant name he was called by when he already has a name. The real name he was born with. He hated being called 931.

"It's Cody. Cody Aldrich."

A/N: Hello minna! Hope you enjoyed this new Rwby story! Of course I had to do not only a build story, but one with Cross-Z. He just fits too well within Remnant imho. Now, before I start on my explanation/story rant. It's time to finally give some well.. explanations. Mainly, why I've been gone for so long and why there have been little to no updates?

Well, just in case some of you haven't read the notes on my reboot for Familiar of Zero. Basically, Winter 2017, to Spring 2018... I recently had a severe anxiety and panic attack that caused me to basically shut myself down. As in, I wouldn't even get out of my room/budge an inch from whereever I was. It was really bad for me as I was able to diagnoise myself with having some kind of anxiety. I did go to my doctor and informed them, and after a few tests and even some therapy, they did conclude that as well.

I know some of you are unsure to trust me in this, or even believe me. But I assure you. I do have clinical anxiety now. Asides from new medication to keep me in check as well as some therpay to help me recover, move on and such. I have been trying my best to work things out and get myself back to normal.

Also, some stories will be going on for now while others may not. Some have had a better chance than others, like this, while others still need time to be worked on.

So, some of the stories will still be on hold while others will be updated soon or new ones coming out. I do apologize for making everyone wait so long for stuff like this. But I promise, asides from this new story, there will be a huge update dump on most of the stories that many of you are waiting on to see. I am very sorry still and hope this will suffice?

Anywho, now for the explanation for "This" story. :P

Now first off, thank you once more ShadowBladeKnight for helping figure a lot of this stuff out and at least getting this first chap rolling. Saved me a lot of time and headaches now.

Second, this is just a start for now, but I'll try my best to get things better and rolling. I did think about having Grease or Rogue as the secondary rider in this. But decided to leave them out. This is more about Cross-Z and such, than a Build story. Only reason why I have the Gear/Hell Bros in this, is cause asides from Night Rogue, who will become Mad Rogue later on, I wanted another pair of enemies for this story. I know I have Blood and Killbus in this, but they're more later on type of deal. The Bros are more frequent and will serve somewhat as foils during the time within the Academy.

As for Stark? Yes, the origin with Banjou will somewhat remain. Though, a few changes have happened. I don't have plans for Evol Rabbit or even Black Hole to appear. Still deciding on Evol Dragon, but for now? Just regular Evol will be in this. I have plans for him more, and he will serve as a netural party as we all know him to be and such.

And yes, while this is another Yang ship, I still wanna do my best to focus more on the realtionship and let it grow. Hence why I had him meet Junior and will meet with Yang in the next chap. Just something to get them going and such. :P

I also plan to let him use LockDragon form, maybe even Hazard LockDragon. But unsure yet, since I have already hinted to Hazard Cross-Z. I'm also debating if he should use other bottles, but only with Dragon? I know thats a Build thing, but I like the idea of seeing Cross-Z use other forms with Dragon to see what goofy power and abilities that'll come with? If anything, it most likely will only be used with the Twin Breaker if I can't figure it out.

Anywho, thats what I have so far. Will edit or add anything I may have missed to mention.

So until next time, later minna.