“...lacerations, I’m honestly quite surprised that they're alive.”
One of the doctors was briefing us on the condition of the injured freedom fighters we brought to Vale. And honestly, it’s about as good as it can get when normal people try to fight huntsmen, or at least from what I can gather. I am an outsider after all, not exactly sure what’s normal around here.
“Well, considering we were fighting a huntsman, I’d say we’d got off pretty lightly.” I joked, attempting to ease the tension.
Unfortunately, the doctor did not share my sense of humour, as her eyes widened. “A huntsman? What were you people doing fighting one?”
“Breaking out of cages and fighting for our freedom. Were you not briefed on this?” one of the medics with me asked, clearly disturbed that the doctor speaking with us was not aware of the full situation.
“Uh, no. I was called up immediately after dealing with other patients, I didn’t have time to be briefed about how all that happened.”
“Riiiiight…” The medic replied, giving the rest of us a look of ‘You believe this bitch?’
And I personally had some scepticism. I mean sure, the doctor probably didn’t have enough time to know everything about what happened, but surely the detail “huntsman attacked us” would have been given, right?
Eh, probably just some post event paranoia.
Before I could continue that line of thought, the doctor decided to continue. “In any case, the patients have been stabilised now. Most of them will have to live with permanent injuries, but the rest will eventually be fine.
“Oh, that's ok, I guess. Not ideal, but workable. Thank you.” I gave a nod of appreciation. The doctor then took it as her cue to leave.
Now alone with the 2 medics, I turned to them and gestured my head to the room where the injured freedom fighters were, asking something that just popped into my head. “What’s gonna happen to them after all this?”
Noticing their confusion, I quickly continued. “I’m not familiar with the processes of Vale’s medical system.
One of the medics piqued up. “Well, their missing persons declarations should be rescinded by now. All that's left is therapy and anything else these people might need to get back on their feet.”
“Or foot.” I interjected.
The 2 medics shot me a dirty look, clearly having different definitions of “funny”
I raised my hands in an appeasement stance. “Hey, whatever your opinions are, fine. But I am technically correct.”
The medic who was speaking gave me an even stinkier glare before continuing. “Continuing off, all that’s left to deal with is…” She made a somewhat pained look. “Payment.”
“I assume from the face you're making that it's bad.”
“It is. All the therapy and everything else they’re gonna need is gonna cost a lot.”
I sighed. Of course, even a world with supernatural people and advanced technology could not escape high medical costs, how naive of me. How do I deal with this though? I’m not sure if “appropriating” money from the prisoners we have is going to be enough. Besides, even if Vale law enforcement doesn’t do anything about it, that’s not saying that the prisoners are powerful people or have strong patrons who are now looking to give us a wedgie. Then again, we’re probably going to be targeted already, so might as we-he-wait a minute.
“Why are we fussing about this? Isn’t that under their families’ jurisdiction?”
“I wish it were the case.” The medic’s grimace didn’t get any better. “Unfortunately, by law, those who bring patients from outside of Vale to a hospital or any other medical institution within the city are by default considered the ones who will pay for the patient's medical expenses until their families can be contacted. It was created during Vale's early years as a way to prevent people from outside the city from overtaxing city resources. It should have been changed a long time ago but…”
“Let me guess, c, c and c got involved.”
“C, c and c?”
“Corruption, corporate lobbying and citizen/consumer inertia.”
“Yes, that sums it up very nicely. Although I’m so sure about the third one.” An old voice rang out from behind me. I swerved to see who it was, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting who it was.
After all, it's not like school headmasters, let alone a headmaster of a huntsman academy, would have the time to visit one of their students.
“Headmaster Ozpin. I must say, quite a surprise to see you here. Aren’t people like you really busy?”
“Well, one of my students is in that room right now. I think this warrants an exception.” The old wizard hummed. “Perhaps some introductions are in order? It's not everyday I mean someone who uses an AK 130 as a proxy.”
“And just what makes you think that?”
“Normal AK-130s are not capable of speaking outside of preprogrammed voice lines.”
Fair enough. “I’m Isskandyr, n-”
A nurse called out for Ozpin, interrupting me. “The patient’s awake.”
Ozpin gave a nod in reply and turned “I believe that is my cue. Perhaps we could continue this conversation after I am done speaking with Ms Evergreen.”
I gave a curt nod and stepped out of the way, allowing Ozpin to pass.
“So, About what we were talking about…” the medic continued.
“About that,” I headed her off. “I think a new solution just presented itself.”
I sincerely hope my profile of Ozpin in my head matches up with how he actually is. If not, I’m gonna have some big problems.
About Remnant's Illuminati(?) situation, getting involved is going to become inevitable eventually, with Salem declaring war on the whole world. As much as I would like to not get involved in any way, shape or form, I’m 90% sure ROB will manipulate events to force me into it somehow. Even if there’s no higher involvement, I’m a freaking AK 130. People are going to be treating me like one. With these conditions, it's much better for me to get into this now than later. Or at least, that's what I think now. No telling if I come up with a better option that I can’t use later, I have a history with that sort of thing.
Welp, I can worry about that later, I’ve got a wizard to negotiate with. So, how do I go about doing this…
----------------------------------------
Ok, I think I have my negotiation strategy laid out, just gotta hope it works. I have some other plans in case I can’t get Ozpin to foot the bill, but honestly? I’m not so optimistic about this. It’s not everyday someone is willing to help someone else cover a shit ton of medical expenses out of the kindness of their own heart, hence why I’m trying to negotiate. I heard a door slide open, and turned to look at the white haired wizard step out of the room walking towards me. I turned to the medics and instructed them to stay where they were unless the other freedom fighters woke up. I walked up to Ozpin, initiating contact.
“Headmaster, mind if we continue our talk?”
“Of course, a-”
“Not here. I’d like this to be in a more private location.” I turned around and checked my back. Both to make sure no one was listening and to convey to Ozpin that I was going to speak of things that were of a more secretive nature.
“And how private of a location should it be?” Ozpin probed.
“Let me put it this way for you.” Ok, the point of no return. Here we go. I moved closer to Ozpin and spoke a poem line I just bullshido’ed into existence.
“When the crow arrives, the amber hardens. The fall passes on as cinders brighten.”
I returned to my previous stance and observed Ozpin for any reaction. I had hoped to get at least a quirked eyebrow, but Ozpin did not give any reaction at all, his poker face not moving an inch. Then again, the guy’s hundreds of years old at this point. He’s probably learned how to control his expression very well by now. Ozpin turned to face me and gave his reply. “Perhaps we should continue this in my office.”
Wait, back up. His office? Damn, he’s going full force on this. It makes sense though, considering that those “in the know” might pick up on it, especially considering Salem has Watts on her side, so if the camera get hacked and he picks it up, she’ll know that I know. Welp, since he’s offering.
“Ok. You two, wait here and deal with whatever the hospital pulls on us until I get back,” The 2 medics nodded their heads. I left and joined Ozpin as we headed to Beacon.
----------------------------------------
*1 hour later, in Beacon Academy*
A ‘ding’ sound chimed as we stepped out of the elevator into Ozpin’s office (eugh, I can hear the tongue twister already). Walking out of the lift, I immediately noticed the half clock located behind Ozpin’s desk and gears hanging above. Honestly, those gears do not look safe. Like, shoot them once in the right spot and they all come crashing down levels of danger.
Hey, you think it’ll be funny if I shot at it? Make it come down and all…
No, no. Not now intrusive thoughts.
“Enjoying the view?” Ozpin called out to me.
“I’m more concerned by the potential safety violations of said view, but sure.”
Ozpin gestured to me to take a seat. I quickly obliged, wanting to get down to business as soon as possible.
“Now, Mr Isskandyr. Let’s skip the pleasantries. How do you know about the maidens’ existence?”
Right as he said that, the elevator dinged and the doors opened, revealing the vice-headmistress of Beacon, Glynda Goodwitch. I quickly noted her weapon was in a holster, ready to be drawn at a moment’s notice.
“And do not think that you are safe behind your Avatar. Your location is currently being traced as we speak.” The disciplinarian (the person, not the weapon) continued.
Turning back to Ozpin, I quickly realised that he was holding his cane so that it aligned with his body’s plane of symmetry. There was also a distance between himself and his desk, enough for him to use as cover, factoring in his superhuman reflexes as a huntsman. Looks like they're doing a good cop, bad cop routine, albeit skewed a bit more bad cop. I took a mental breath in and out, trying to kludge together something in my head that could pass off as something believable.
Roll for persuasion…
“I was created by one Arthur Watts, who works for Salem, to serve as an artificial intelligence assistant for him and his group. He gave me a… starter package. It includes specific knowledge of the Maidens, you and even the witch. When I realised what they were doing, I didn’t agree with it, so I grabbed this AK-130 and fled.” Ozpin remained as stoic as ever. Glynda however, narrowed her eyes in hostility.
“Mr Isskandyr, I suggest you be very careful in explaining why we should deactivate you here. What you say here will determine what happens to you.”
“You wouldn’t want to do that. I do have some important information you would miss out on by killing me. Besides, if you guys thought that I was faking, then why did Ozpin bring me here?”
Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.
Ozpin hummed in response. After a long pause, he spoke. “Fair point. You seem to know much, but I cannot just take your story at face value. How do we know you are not going to turn around and attack when we are not looking?”
“If I wanted to do that, I would have hidden a bomb in this unit and detonated it already, with an extraction team ready to pick you up. The explosive wouldn’t be enough to kill you, don’t want you reincarnating and losing track of you as a result.”
Ozpin seriously considered my response. After a while, he replied. “All right, I’ve heard enough to decide that you are genuine.”
Roll Success! Play successjingle.mp3
“But that begs the question. Why reveal this to me? What are your intentions?”
My Bunka-what?
Ozpin clarified, sensing my confusion. “You could have just kept this information to yourself and built up your own power. Yet you chose to tell us.” Ah, that’s what he meant. I thought there was gonna be some kind of hidden meaning or “fine print” between the words. As for how to respond, I have a response prepared that sounds like something straight out of a movie. I leaned forwards towards Ozpin and spoke, taking extra effort to make my words as clear as possible.
“I have seen why Salem is doing what she’s doing, and I intend to ensure the survival of the human race, whatever the cost.”
“Interesting, and what of the faunus?”
“As far as I am concerned, they are a human subspecies and thus fall under the umbrella of ‘human’.”
Ozpin seemed to mull over my words, deciding if I was genuine or not. I really don’t enjoy these kinds of waits, lots of anxiety from everyone, mostly (read: only) me. Ozpin let out an exhale and finally gave his reply. “Very well. Since you have made all this effort to meet me about this, I have an offer for you. How would you like to join us to protect Remnant?”
Aaand, I now have to deal with another problem. I’m aiming to be an under the table partner of Ozpin, not a member of his group. Doing so would alert Headmaster Lionheart (note to self: check Ray for any connection between them and act accordingly) and, more importantly, Salem. Joining them right now would be like entering the lair of a bear. But by being a partner, then at least the bear in question would be blind.
“As much as I would like to, headmaster. I cannot do so for security reasons.”
“Security reasons?” Ozpin questioned.
“Mutual security reasons.” I took a quick pause to flesh out how to tell Ozpin about his mole. “From what I’ve heard from members of Salem’s ‘inner circle’ as she calls it, we have a mole within your organisation. Someone with a lot of influence. They’re from a huntsman academy if I remember correctly.
Ozpin’s gaze seemingly hardened. “I assume this information is backed up by evidence? We do not take such wild accusations of such nature lightly.”
“Just the ‘starter package’ unfortunately. Although, considering what I’ve told you so far, I ask that you consider my claims at least a little more seriously than you would normally.” I can tell Ozpin was not happy about the conundrum I’ve put him in, and Glynda was not faring any better. Still, I’m grateful that they haven’t scraped me yet. “Even if that weren’t the case, I would still like to retain my own autonomy. I am willing to work with you, but not for you.”
“And yet you claim to fight for the survival of humanity.” Ok, that wasn’t a question, that was a jab.
“Our enemy is nearing the final stages of preparation for their plan. Joining now would alert them to my betrayal and willingness to aid you against them. That would paint a much bigger target on my back, which I cannot afford right now. I may join at a later date, but for now I think it's best we keep some distance.” A soft, almost inaudible sigh left Ozpin’s mouth.
“Very well. Perhaps there is something else we can discuss then?” Finally, we can progress on to other things.
“Alright then. First of all…”
----------------------------------------
Ozpin and I did a lot of talking, enough so that Glynda had to leave halfway through. It was a school day after all, and she still had classes to teach. By the end of it though, we ended up with a good deal. He agreed to cover the medical expenses of the injured freedom fighters, help them get back into their lives and allowed me a 1 time request for a huntsman team. In exchange, I would give him whatever info I knew about Salem’s inner circle. We both also agreed to work together to deal with the slavers and salem if either of us encountered the other. The talks mostly went smoothly, although when I got to the part about the Fall Maiden getting killed by Cinder, he pressed me on how accurate I was before asking me to vacate the room (I’m betting it's to call Qrow). After a while, he let me back in. Everything else went uninterrupted from there, and soon enough, Ozpin now had whatever relevant metaknowledge I had on the RWBYverse about Salem and her inner circle. After all that, we finished up our talks, and I prepared to leave.
“Well, it was nice talking to you, Headmaster Ozpin. I hope that our collaboration will remain under the table?”
“Of course. Now that we have all this information, we can begin to plan around this new information and save lives.”
“Good. Actually, before I go. I do have one last request, headmaster.” Ho boy, this is it. Time to see if I get a “main character gets in universe power up” trope. I hope I do, if not I’d get curb stomped everytime I fight a named character.
“What is it?”
“I’d like you to see if you can unlock my aura.”
Ozpin froze, seemingly unable to compute what I just said.
“Uh, Ozpin? Are you there?”
Ozpin.exe has stopped responding. Please contact your local me-oh wait nevermind, he just blinked.
“Ah, apologies, your request caught me off guard.”
“Of course. But is it doable?”
Ozpin looked at me slightly more incredulously. “You do realise that aura can only be brought out to living beings with souls?”
“I am aware. I also believe that I have given you quite a good deal already. Would it be too much to ask to humour me? Besides, if you think that robots can’t have an aura, then just ask Ironwood about Project Penny, or its chief scientist, Pietro Polendina. From what I know, they’re making good progress, and it should be completed at least some time before the 40th Vytal festival.”
After a bit of internal hmm’s and ha’s from Ozpin (or so I imagine), he acquiesced to my request. He walked up to me,and outstretched his hand. Then he began chanting a ritualistic sounding thing of some kind. I don’t know what it's called.
“For it is in passing that we achieve immortality. Through this, we become a paragon of virtue and glory to rise above all, infinite in distance and unbound by death. I release your soul, and by my shoulder protect thee... I used my Aura to unlock yours, but the energy that protects you now is your own.”
----------------------------------------
Professor Peach was moving from the toilet, having regretted her decision of having an authentic Vacuon spicy meal for lunch. Her stomach did not like her for it, but at least most of the pain was over now. She thought her body was exaggerating anyways, and even if there was bodily damage, her aura could handle it.
Walking through one of the open areas of Beacon academy, Professor Peach brisked back to her classroom before lunch break was over, when she spotted her colleague, Professor Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck.
“Ahprofessorpeachgoodtoseeyouhowareyouthisfineday?”
“Doctor Oobleck, please slow down. I couldn’t catch what you were saying.”
The caffeine fueled doctor cleared his throat and repeated himself. “Good to see you, Professor Peach. How are you today?”
“Well, I could be better. Whoever decided authentic Vacuon meals should be full of spices was clearly trying to compensate for something.”
“Yes, speaking of well-being, I believe I might need to schedule another appointment with my ophthalmologist.” While Oobleck was saying that, he wasn’t looking at her. Notably, he was looking upwards and a little to the left.
“Again? Didn’t you go last week?” Peach asked.
“Well last I checked, the Headmaster’s office does not glow.”
Peach turned to look at the office and sure enough, a bright light was emanating from it.
“It’s not just you, Doctor.”
----------------------------------------
*SI POV*
Ok, last I checked, aura unlocking rituals were not supposed to be this explosive. Sure, I only have Jaune’s unlocking as a reference, but I’m pretty sure this case is an exception.
In any case, the process left Ozpin’s office looking like a little warzone. Heck, even the ceiling gears dropped. I got up, and strangely enough, I’m not getting any damage reports. Maybe the ritual thing worked?
“Headmaster Ozpin,” I called out. “Are you ok?”
“I’m alright.” Good, don't want anything bad to happen to him. It would create so many problems. I walked up to Ozpin as he picked himself up. “Sorry about the damage. I didn’t know this would happen.”
“That makes two of us. I’ve never heard of an aura unlocking ritual that ended in an explosion.” Great, not something I’d like to win a world’s first record for. I heard a ding, and the elevator (which somehow survived the explosion) opened its doors. Whoa, what the heck?
I jumped back and a dark red (think evil sci fi empire red) colour flared up around my body. At the same time, a blue that I thought was headed for me went towards Ozpin.“Headmasterozpinareyouok?”
“I’m alright, Doctor Oobleck. Thank you.”
“What happened here? We saw a bright light and then heard an explosion. Now your office looks like a warzone.” Hey, that’s what I thought. That aside, I think that’s Professor peach. I don’t think she’s ever made an official appearance but I recognise her character design from Sonata Of Fire.
“Not to worry. I was trying to unlock my guest’s aura. And as we have just seen, it’s a success.” Hang on, my aura?
I looked down at my hands and tried to focus. The ominous dark red colour returned, covering my lower arms. At the corner of my vision, Oobleck became a blur again, rushing to my face.
“Incrediblethisisthefirsttimeanonlivingthinghaseverbeenabletohaveaura.Doesithaveasoulsomethingtosubstitu-”
“Whoa whoa, back up.” I Cried out. Oobleck retreated slightly, realising my discomfort. “Apologies. I’m Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck, History teacher for Beacon Academy. I must say, you’re the first non-living thing in history to have an aura. I would like to ask some questions if you don’t mind.”
“Not today. I’ll approach you on my own time.” I replied, not wanting to deal with the hyperactive professor.
“Please, this is a major historical-”
“Doctor Oobleck, this is my guest. Please stop pestering him.”
“In any case. I think we’re done talking, Headmaster. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be headed on my way.”
“Do you remember the way back to the bullhead landing pads?”
“Worst case scenario, I’ll just ask for directions.”
“Very well. Have a safe trip, Isskandyr.”
I gave a simple nod and pressed the elevator button. The doors closed and I mentally sighed. Huh, I’ve been doing that a lot more these days. But now that I have some alone time, I can think about what to do next. Truth be told, I’ve just been running on “autopilot” up until now. Going from 1 thing to the next without much foresight or planning. Hell, this whole “leading a slave liberation” is really unlike my normally lazy self. So why am I doing all this?
The lift dinged and its doors opened, revealing the ground floor of Beacon. I walked out and rounded the corner, face first into someone. We collided, sending the person’s stuff flying. Now, as an AK-130, you’d think that I would be able to stay on my feet, but the person who I walked into had a lot of force behind their step. I picked myself up for the second time in this school and took a look at… is that Guinaifen?
The person I bumped into got up and grabbed her nose. “Ow, where’d the bot come from.” Right on cue, two others showed up. One of them, a human, was mostly a light blue on his clothing while the other, a faunus, was more purple, like TFP soundwave purple or something. I don’t know, I’m not good with colours. “Hey Phoebe, you alright?” The purple one called out
“Yeah. I’m ok. Just bumped into this tin can here.” Oh right, we bumped into each other. Time to start making conversation I guess.
“What was that? I just rounded a corner and suddenly I got hit with something.” I shook my head, as if I was trying to get rid of dizziness (not that I had any).
“Huh? Since when could Atlesian Knights talk like that?” The Guinaifen lookalike asked.
“The name’s Isskandyr. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but it’s common courtesy to apologise to someone when you bump into them.”
“Oh, uh… Sorry?” The knockoff Honkai Character spoke.
“Ok, that has to be the most insincere apology I’ve ever heard.” The Purple one quipped.
“Have you ever had to apologise to a robot?” “Little Gui” retorted back. The purple one grunted in agreement.
“That aside, this thing’s gotta have some seriously good programming. Being able to talk the way it does takes some serious coding.”
“Guess I’m just that special…” I think I used too much sarcasm with that one. “Anyways, mind telling me who you are? I told you my name already so I think it's fair.”
The blue guy replied on the beat. “Right. I’m Aiden, Orange Girl’s Phoebe and the Purple guy’s Hudson. We’re Team SAPH.”
Team SAPH huh, well there’s 3 of them, so where’s the… hold up, wait a minute, something ain’t right.
“Where’s the fourth?” I asked. I mean, there's no way…
Instantly, the 3 Beacon students became a lot more uncomfortable. Phoebe’s eyes refused to meet mine, Hudson turned away and Aiden’s face looked 100 times more despondent than before. “Well, she's… not here with us.”
“Got a name for her?” I swear if they’re actually her team, I’m gonna laugh.
“Uh, Sylvia.”
“Sylvia. As in, Sylvia Evergreen?”
Immediately, team SAPH, or team APH right now I guess, perked up and their demeanours did a full 180 turn. “You know her?” Aiden asked with hope clearly in his voice. “Is she safe? Is she alright?”
It seems… In your anger, yo- god damn, intrusive thoughts. You’re on a rampage today huh? But still, ROB, I thank thee for thy blessing of meeting these people, and giving me the opportunity to mess with them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to take it. I’m not that insensitive to make fun of someone’s grief when they’re still very clearly hung up about it. It’s when I’m not sure that the jokes start coming out.
“She’s fine.” I replied. “Banged up, but she’ll live. She’s in Vale National Hospital right now. Block 8. Just ask the receptionist where she is. I’m not sure if she’s gonna get moved or something.”
Relief flooded their faces. Phoebe and Hudson were letting out some comically large breaths, and Aiden mouthed a prayer (I think).
“Thank you. That means a real lot to us. If there’s anything we can do to return the favour, just let us know” Aiden thanked.
“Yeah, I can see that. But now that you mentioned it…”
----------------------------------------
I walked up to the airship, getting ready to leave Beacon and return to the hospital and collect my people. I turned around and gave my thanks to team SAPH. “Thanks for helping out here. This campus is way too big for first timers without a guide.”
“No problem. Just gotta hope Professor Goodwitch understands why we’re late though.” Hudson called out.
“Don’t worry. Just say you’re helping a guest of Ozpin’s, she’ll understand.”
“Really? Thanks.”Aiden replied, clearly relieved at not having to go through whatever Glynda does.
“You're welcome. Oh and Pheobe?” The orange haired huntress in training gave me a “go on'' look.
I smirked internally and flashed my middle finger at her. “This is for calling me a tin can.”
“Whu- hey! I apologised.” Peobe had a look of wronged accusation on her face.
“You apologised for bumping into me, not calling me a tin can.” I retorted.
Phoebe gave a look that clearly indicated that she was unimpressed. “You just wanted an excuse to do that. Didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
Phoebe groaned and turned to Aiden. “You call this the future of A.I.?”
“Well humour is something only beings with higher brain function have…” If fairly certain Mr Blue boy didn’t mean any hidden jab, but Phoebe took it differently.
“Hey, what's that supposed to mean you little-”
“Ow, hey stop!”
All I could do was watch and laugh at them as I took my seat in the airship back to Vale. Now, I have to plan for what to do after.
----------------------------------------
*A few hours later, captured slaver base*
“Destination reached. Entering standby mode.” The bullhead’s computer chimed. I felt the thud as the bullhead touched down back at the base we had taken. I stepped out with the Medics and freedom fighters I brought with me. Ray walked up and was the first to greet me. “Hey boss. You’re back. How’d it go?”
I got out of the bullhead and "Productive, the injured freedom fighters should be stablised by now. I even got to talk with the headmaster of Beacon Academy and get us to help us out.”
“The headmaster? How the heck’d you accomplish that?”
“Turns out, he’s pretty grateful we got his student back.”
“Oh. That’s good. So, what’s next?”
“Gather everyone except our guards. I want to speak with them. Those on guard duty can watch using one of the scrolls we have on video call.”
“Ok. We’ll have everyone ready in 20 minutes.”
----------------------------------------
*20 minutes later, former auction room*
I walked into the room, my mind finalising the words I was going to use for my speech. The former slaves had gathered in the audience area, whispering amongst themselves. The noise was too soft and muffled for me to be able to pick out what they were saying, but it didn’t matter. I stepped to the “stage” and they all stopped talking to look at me.
“Everyone.” I started off.
“It’s been quite a few days for you all. Breaking out of your cages, overthrowing your captors. And here you are. I know you had a rough time here, not sure if you could make it out. Let me make it clear. You were not alone in that situation.” I paused here, making sure I had everyone’s attention. The attendees perked up, realising the implication.
“According to some information I have, this location is only one of many, controlled by figures in the criminal underworld. Even without that information, those of you who have seen the prisoners we have, the quality of their equipment and vehicles, should be able to tell that they have a lot of power. More than common thugs.That means there are more people out there, stuck in cages just as you were.” Thank you Ozpin for the info.
“I don’t know about you, but I intend on making sure this,” Point at ground. “doesn’t happen again. And that’s where you come in.” Point at audience. “I’m looking for people who will join me in this fight. In ensuring that others don’t have to suffer the same pain as you did here.”
“Make no mistake. I will continue this war. Even if I must do it myself.” I clenched my fist and made the B2 Super Battle Droid ready pose. At the same time, I channelled my focus into my forearm. Gasps and other reactions of surprise rang out around the room at my new ability.
“Is that aura?”
“How is a robot able to do that? Does it have a soul?”
I managed to pick out Azure and Ray from the crowd. Azure was outright gaping at me while the old faunus had more control over his emotions, but his eyes had a look of “we’re gonna talk about this later.”. After a short 2-3 second pause, I stopped the aura buildup and let it disperse. It was then I noticed that my aura faded slowly, not quickly dissipating like what I expected. Mentally filling that away under “To ask Ozpin later”, I continued with my lines. “I understand if you don’t want to join me and return to your old lives. To force you into service would defeat the purpose of breaking you out in the first place. I will warn you however. The prisoners we have seem to have quite a bit of clout, and whoever we pissed off with our actions here will most likely come to us for revenge, or at the very least to silence us. If you choose to leave, I may not be able to help you again. Now, I don’t want you making any uninformed decisions, so I’m going to let you ask some questions first. Once I’m done, those who don’t want to join, please leave the room. Those who stay, I will consider you as fully willing to join me and my cause.”
I took one last sweep of the room, making sure to turn my head to let the others know. “Now, any questions?”