章 18: Alex's System Bound Involuntary Hunter School Slice Of Life Is Tolerable, As Expected? Part 7
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction based on multiple existing anime/manga series. The characters and settings used in this story belong to their respective owners and creators, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story is purely for entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe upon any existing intellectual property. I do not own any of the original works that inspired this fanfiction, and I fully support the original creators and their works.
I'm also occasionally chilling in JaxWolf4's (Author of Nah, I'd Adapt and Zenin Days) Discord Server. It's a chaotic lobotomy mess. Not for the faint of heart.
Here's the link:
Disc: HrPrTeam
-Story Start-
-Third Person POV-
Outside of a branch of Vale's Police Department located in the Commercial District, there was a lot of racket and movement, with police cars moving in and out of the guarded gate.
For the busy policemen keeping the order of one the major settlements of mankind; there was always something to do, lest the Grimm be drawn to the disorder.
And of course, adding to the noise were nosy reporters from Vale News Network attempting to enter the large building at a chance of an interview of a bright new talent.
As luck would have it, our protagonist found himself passing through a backdoor, which led to a long alley, and into the main street, walking alongside his fellow blonde.
Taking a peek at the darkening sky, the blue canvas having turned a bleeding orange as the sun set prompted an annoyed grumble from Yang, "Really wasted our time there in the Police Department..."
Arching an eyebrow, Alex dryly mentioned with uncertainty, "Headmaster Ozpin had to come to cover for us... probably. What, did you want to get punished?"
Yang shrugged, her voice tinged with frustration, "Nah, this day's just been off."
"Story of my life." He nodded in agreement.
...
A man of few words, Alex didn't bother adding anything else.
Only, for a moment that is.
He turned to Yang, "You got a plan to get through to Blake?"
Surprised at his proactiveness, Yang collected herself and huffed out in annoyance, "Not a clue."
Her frustration grew as she explained, "Ever since I've partnered up with her, there's always been this sort of... distance. The more I got to know her, the more I realized that I knew nothing about her."
Giving Alex a sad smile, she pointed at him, "In fact, Rubes admitted to feeling the same about you."
Blinking, Alex pointed a finger at himself.
She nodded, "Though she's a degree less insufferable than you, I think I'll take my sweet sister's approach in this case."
"Which is?"
"Give her time, be there for her even if she doesn't want to tell me anything. That's my job as her partner."
...
'Too bad I don't have time.' Alex sighed internally.
Alex's eyes narrowed, "And what if what she's hiding or struggling with is dangerous? What if she does something stupid?"
Yang's fists clenched at that question, replying with noticeable hesitance, "That's exactly it... She hasn't been sleeping, those bags under her eyes... but I don't want to push her-" The sentence trailed off as they reached the end of the alley and stopped in front of a woman blocking their path.
The woman stood tall with a pen and paper in her hands and greeted the two perplexed blondes with a friendly smile and greeting, "Hello, Beacon Students, I believe you left the backdoor of the Police Department, correct?" It was more of a statement than a question.
Before any of them could respond, her gold-brownish eyes turned to her object of intrigue with a scrutinizing look, "Alex Andrite, I presume?"
Ignoring the reporter's probing smile, Alex simply nodded, "Yeah."
With an overly enthusiastic grin, she introduced herself. "I'm Lisa Lavender. Might I take a moment of your time to ask the Boy Wonder, who effortlessly defeated the Invincible Girl, a few questions?" She attempted to flatter him, though it quickly became clear she hadn't anticipated his indifference.
Blinking once more, Alex pointed at Yang, "She's Alex."
Lisa's smile faltered, her confusion visible, "Huh?"
Quickly catching on, Yang's face suddenly lost expressiveness and turned cold, stoic, and emotionless - attempting to mimic Alex's lack of expression, "I'm Alex."
...
"Not lacking in sense of humor, I see!" The reporter giggled in slight amusement as she complimented the two blondes.
Then, much to the surprise of both Yang and Lisa, Alex made complete use of his free will.
And just...
Walked past her without uttering another word.
Lisa's smile fell immediately as she ran towards the man and Yang joined him by his side with a gleeful cackle, "Wait! Wait!"
"No." Alex denied her immediately and continued walking.
Yang only continued laughing, "Sorry not sorry miss! HAHAHAHAHHA!"
Showcasing incredible calm, Alex strolled leisurely as poor Lisa persistently tried to cut him off for an interview, which he sidestepped with impressive agility given he hadn't drawn out Excalibur.
Alex Behavior Rule Code #2 - 'I don't know you, don't talk to me.'
Eventually, Alex and Yang found themselves at the side of a crowded main street in the commercial district, as conventional shops began to close and pubs, bars, and restaurants started opening for business.
A cool breeze passed him by as he noted the closing shops and well-clothed men and women walking around.
Without a chance to react, Alex was suddenly assaulted by a most powerful force - the intoxicating smell of food that permeated a street filled with restaurants at their peak times.
Answering to the calling of nature, he exclaimed with certainty, "I'm hungry."
Yang grinned, rubbing her stomach, "Great call! I'm starving! Haven't eaten since this morning. Mama needs her grub!" She snapped her fingers at Alex.
-----------------------------
Located in the interior of a building not out of place in its appearance as its neighbors, was a vibrant and warm restaurant.
Waiters glided with expertise on the wood floor, carrying dishes of varying cuisines; a mixture of Italian, English, and oddly enough 'Mistral' foods.
The melody of laughter and pleasant talks permeated the air alongside the smell of delightful food.
"I never took you for a guy who likes Shepherd's Pie enough to order it outside of Beacon," Yang admitted as she sat across and observed with scientific intrigue as Alex eagerly devoured his food.
"I like pie."
Note - this was his sixth pie.
She whistled, "Was your record back in Beacon like five pies? This alongside my steak is gonna cost you, you know~?" She teased.
Gulping his food and pointing at her with his fork, donning a deadpan expression he reminded, "This isn't a date. Don't worry about me, I'll pay my part." He reassured calmly.
Slicing her steak, still wearing her uniform she admitted with a smug grin, "Yeah, if it was, I'd have looked much hotter."
"Sure." He replied indifferently as he took another bite of his pie.
Yang's scroll rang a short moment later as they peacefully ate and she took it out, answering it with a sly grin.
Alex could see an inverse image of Ruby through the holographic screen the scroll projected, "Hey- woah! Where are you guys?" She asked.
"Oh, I'm just on a date with Alex."
"I see... WHAT?!" Ruby's aghast shout echoed across the restaurant, audible despite the racket and activity.
Yang smiled at the curious diners and waved, "Sorry about that!" She waved and quickly lowered the volume.
Returning to look at Ruby's awed silver eyes, Yang's lilac eyes glittered with amusement as she flipped the scroll, "Here, look!"
Alex's dead-rat expression hadn't changed as he bit his fork with a tiny smile.
Ruby arched an eyebrow, "Yang! He's just eating, this isn't a date!"
"A girl, a boy, alone in a restaurant..."
"Wouldn't Ren and Nora be dating then-"
"Okay, okay, I admit defeat." Yang wasn't keen on arguing the point.
Weiss suddenly appeared in the frame, a weary frown on her face, "You two are certainly enjoying yourselves. Eating dinner while we're still worried about what happened to you."
"Do you ever chill, Weissy?" Yang teased.
"Hmph, I do, in fact... 'chill', what an uncouth term." She expressed her disdain for the term with a shake of her head.
"When will you be back? We might also need help with setting up the TV..." Pyrrha got into the frame as well, gesturing at the boxed TV leaning on Alex's and Ruby's bunkbed in their dorm room.
'Straight to business.' Alex's appreciation for Pyrrha grew with every passing day... with the exception of her displaying combat enthusiasm.
Lifting his head from his food, Alex chimed in and pointed at Ruby on the screen, "She's the technician among us, isn't she?"
"She is?" Weiss inquired.
"I am?" Ruby mirrored Weiss's perplexion.
"Dad taught you to do the gruff workshop stuff you know?"
"He taught you as well, Yang!"
"Not my room, not my TV." She shrugged with a cheeky smile.
Clapping her hands loudly, Ruby pointed at Alex, "Anyway! When you are done dining, come back home! We're waiting and Weiss needs her... Snobby Princess Sleep?"
"Beauty sleep, Ruby." Pyrrha corrected with an amused smile as Weiss practiced mindfulness meditation to not throw something at her insolent Leader.
"Right, that!" Ruby snorted.
Alex had a most imperceptible tiny smile on his face as he nodded, "...Sure."
-----------------------------
The city of Vale had been covered in darkness, as the sun had set beyond the horizon and the shattered moon of Remnant loomed overhead.
In spite of the dark, the city of Vale shone brightly, technology has conquered the dark for more than a century as of this point.
Walking out of the restaurant with their bellies filled and with satisfied expressions - at least as much as Alex could muster, the two headed back to the Bullhead Airpot.
With the slightest disagreement between them, however:
"You want to go on foot?"
"Any distance is walking distance if you have time."
"And why not just take a bus ride and save like two hours?"
"I have time." Alex retorted simply.
...
Sighing audibly, Yang shrugged, "Well, suit yourself, I'm taking the bus, cya tomorrow. Thanks for the date!"
"Good luck with your Dad." Alex nodded.
She groaned as she walked away with a wave, "Don't remind me..."
His gaze followed her back as she crossed a street to a specific bus station, only for him to turn around with a decisive nod.
'A nice night walk in the city.' This latter part of the day has been going quite smoothly, if he may say so himself.
[It would be most gentlemanly of you to escort her in these dark, troubling times in a city riddled with criminal activi-]
'She'll be fine.' He dismissed the suggestion immediately and started his nightly journey from the western commercial district to the eastern part of it, where the airport was located.
-----------------------------
Taking a seat on the relatively empty bus, Yang Xiao Long immediately pulled out her scroll.
While Alex showcasing a surprising amount of concern and proactivity with the 'Blake Issue' was touching - it wasn't his business to take care of.
Yang is Blake's Partner.
Pulling out Blake's contact number, she attempted to call.
The phone rang for thirty seconds, and with an unsurprised expression, Yang persevered and attempted to call again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
...
"Where could she be? What is she doing...?" Yang clenched her fists in frustration.
Was she doing something wrong?
Why can't Blake just... trust her?
Rely on her?
Is she just... a bad partner?
"Damn it... fuck this day." She held herself back from causing any nearby property damage.
Shaking off the turmoil for now, she went to one of her other contacts, named - 'Dad'.
It rang for only a few seconds and she got an immediate answer.
Immediately, a troubled smile formed on Yang's face, one which her father recognized from a mile away.
"What did you do this time, Yang?" He asked with a knowing yet exhausted tone.
"Umm... can you keep an open mind for me, Dad?" She attempted to do a cutesy expression, only to fail when her Dad's expression hardened.
"That would have worked five years ago." He chastised.
"Pretty please?"
"O-Okay..."
-----------------------------
The Bullhead Airport wasn't a twenty-four-hour-a-day type of service.
Expensive, with obvious discounts to Beacon Staff/Students as well as cheaper pricing for direct Beacon transport given the short distance - it still only operated at set times of the day.
Alex's leisure walk got him just in time for the... last Bullhead of the day according to the timetable displayed on the screen of the station.
[That was really last second, did you really want to sleep on the cold ground?]
'Some variety can't hurt.' He didn't dismiss that option immediately.
Entering the disturbingly empty station given the time of day, the Vale News Network was shown:
"A new report just came in, yet another Dust Shop was robbed by vile criminals, the main suspect? Roman Torchwick. It seems they are growing in boldness, striking a prestigious shop in the Industrial District. Will they go for Military Grade Dust next? How will this affect the current economic climate of Vale? We'll review these matters in the morning economics show."
As the news played loudly in the empty port, Alex headed to sit on a bench, noticing a familiar figure.
The girl's eyes were exhausted and slightly bloodshot, yet she barely held back a growl from the disheartened look on her face as she glared at the news, unaware of her surroundings.
Holding onto a small notebook that seemed to have a map of the city with marked locations and X's, she lowered her head to draw on it.
The bow on her head twitched upon Alex approaching her, and her eyes widened in surprise at his presence.
In a rush, she closed the notebook and pocketed the pen.
Lifting her head to direct an irked look at Alex, she did little to mask her annoyance, "Just my luck." She muttered.
"You look like you had a long day," Alex noted casually.
"I did nothing." She replied shortly.
"Was that your business? I can respect that." Alex approved wholeheartedly.
Gritting her teeth, Blake bared her teeth, "Can you not talk to me? I believe I've made it abundantly clear I want nothing to do with you. So stop bothering me."
Lifting his arms in surrender and with no change in expression, Alex turned around and headed straight for the bullhead that had just parked, the last one heading into Beacon.
'The dust robberies are bothering her... is she related to that Torchwick guy?' Alex had his first clue.
Though, he really didn't like the whole sticking his nose in trying to figure out her problems.
He entered that bullhead with a bad taste in his mouth, and wishing he could do exactly what Blake asked of him - to leave her the hell alone.
-----------------------------
Given the Bullhead Airport was empty, one would presume there would be a lot of free seating in the last one heading to Beacon.
That expectation would be...
Correct.
'Isn't sitting like ten rows behind me a little extreme?'
[She's making sure you can't sneak up on her like you did prior.]
'I was just minding my own business... sort of. She's incredibly jumpy and paranoid, like a cat or something. Though her instincts are kind of spot-on this time.'
[You have no bad intentions.]
'But I do have intentions, that's enough for her.'
[Agreed. Do better.]
'Shut the fuck up.'
Alex might have said that with whole his heart, he did agree that he might have to try and do better - his way, of course.
The past three days passed in a flash...
-----------------------------
The sun was peeking over the horizon of early morning, and much to his dismay Alex had yet to shake off the horrible habit of waking up this early.
Laying like a rock in his upper bunk bed, sounds he mostly ignored rang from the TV he had helped hang in their dorm room.
Ruby's head suddenly peaked over his bunk
"Psst Alex." She whispered, thinking he was asleep.
"Alex, I know you're not asleep."
'Curses.' He reluctantly turned around to see Ruby beaming at him and pointing at the TV.
"Look! They're talking about you on TV!" Ruby exclaimed excitedly.
"We are pleased to report that yesterday's troublesome accident clogging up the main street was caused by none other than two beacon students one of which was the very same rumored Wonder Boy who beat Argus's prized Pyrrha Nikos the Invincible Girl!" A reporter grinned with a look of intrigue.
He gestured to the familiar figure of Lisa Lavender who stood stoically beside him, "Our Lisa managed to make contact with the boy! What do you have to say?"
She nodded, "I cannot divulge much, given the boy is still a minor and hadn't given his consent on an interview - but this much I can say, he's quite... difficult."
"Difficult? So unlike the lovable Miss Nikos?"
Hiding her face in her palms, still wearing her pajamas, Pyrrha sincerely apologized, "Sorry, Alex..."
"I don't mind. Next time she should pay up." He shamelessly admitted.
Weiss raised an eyebrow, "You got approached by an interviewer? Well, that makes sense given what you'd displayed. Be prepared for a lot more eyes on you, Alex." She genuinely advised.
"I have experience with attention, so if this bother-" Seeing his deadpan expression, she shook her head with a knowing smile, "Nevermind."
Lisa continued, "Indeed, but Beacon Academy is tightly holding onto the boy's cards. We have been given permission to report on the entire truth of the matter following the coming Vytal Festival."
"You mean to say the Rookie Hunter is more impressive than expected?"
"Much more."
-----------------------------
On the next day of absolutely no progress and a calm yet simultaneously anxious Yang not doing anything, Alex took matters into his own hands, surprisingly:
"Color me surprised, Mister Andrite. The first favor other than our agreed-upon deal and you ask of me to check on a fellow student not from your team?" Ozpin hummed on a pleased note while sipping his coffee.
Mirroring his gesture, Alex sipped his coffee as well, "Blake's been worrying both my team and especially the rest of YRBN - Yang, most notably."
"And you want me to resolve this issue?"
"Yeah." He nodded with a hint of shame.
"I'm afraid that isn't a matter a Professor, let alone the Headmaster of Beacon should resolve." He lectured wisely.
"She has her team and her friends. I can offer guidance and counsel. Not solutions, Mister Andrite."
'I'd appreciate a solution." Alex deadpanned.
Smiling knowingly, Ozpin stated goodnaturedly, "Such are the woes of the youth. Although it might appear troublesome and bleak now, you will look back on these days with a fond smile."
"Sure... do you possibly know what's troubling her, though?" He went with Ozpin's words and sought 'counsel'.
He added, "If it helps, she's been fixated on the recent dust robberies. My theory is she has a personal history with that Roman guy."
Humming, Ozpin noted with a more stern expression, "To be frank, they are quite alarming even for us." He gestured at himself and consequently the Council of Vale.
"But, it is not a conflict students of Beacon should involve themselves in, much less as 1st years. It is the role of Professional Huntsmen and the Police." He asserted.
For an instant, he eyed Alex as he said those words, a note of greed passing by so quickly that the unaware Alex missed it completely.
With a sigh, Ozpin agreed, "I won't pressure young miss Belladonna, but I will offer a stern warning to not endanger herself."
Smiling reassuringly, Ozpin mentioned, "If I do discover something, I will tell you."
Taking a sip of his coffee, Alex nodded, "Okay."
[That's one way of getting her to hate you more. A warning won't stop anyone committed.]
'It was not my intention to snitch on her.'
-----------------------------
The next early morning - Alex's rendevous with Yang was a considerable effort from him considering he snuck out of his bed after TWO hours of just laying there instead of the usual THREE.
"Did you squeeze out any juicy info from Ozy?" Yang inquired with little patience outside of Beacon Tower.
"Negative. But I did accidentally snitch on her curiosity regarding the Dust Robberies."
Yang blinked for a moment, "T-That's what's bothering her? When'd you learn that?!"
"Two days ago when you almost broke my neck-"
"I said I'm sorry!"
"Anyway, I accidentally crossed paths with her at the Bullhead Airport, she had a notebook with the city sketched and she was growling at the report of dust robberies."
Yang's eye twitched, "And you thought it prudent to mention that just now?"
"I forgot to tell you."
"...You're hopeless." She shook her head, but swiftly lost her rage as understanding crossed her features.
An excited smirk formed on her face, "But it all makes sense now..."
"The sleepless nights... the outings for 'business'..."
"I got it."
"You do?" Alex inquired.
"Yup. I doubt we can sneak up on her, trust me I tried, but if we try and look for the next Dust Robbery and wait for a strike she'll be there! I'd bet-"
"Don't you think my one piece of questionable evidence isn't worth camping out in a potentially hazardous location?"
"Nope!" She grinned like a loon.
Pumping her fists, she added, "If there's trouble, we'll take care of it, piece of cake."
...
The thought of chilling outside at night did sound enticing.
Waiting... and doing absolutely nothing.
Might as well be Heaven.
"Good plan." He agreed.
[A single day left or it is Purgatory, Alexander.] The System reminded emotionlessly.
'I know.' He rolled his eyes, yet he couldn't shake off a feeling of unease.
The way the system described it - he couldn't help but feel a tightness in his chest.
A System that completely enslaved him and gave him world-altering power.
It could easily do as it promised, can't it?
But even so...
He didn't want to be someone he wasn't - he was willing to risk Purgatory for it.
In a way, this was make or break for Alex.
'If this doesn't work, I'll have to pull out the troublesome plan B.' He frowned internally.
Truly, a vexing situation.
-----------------------------
'It can't be them. They would never stoop so low...'
Every day.
'It just can't be.'
She was reminded.
'I'll prove it.'
At first, it was a few rudimentary claims.
'Not until I see it with my own eyes.'
Then a few eyewitnesses.
'My brothers and sisters, misguided as they've become they... they'd never.' Doubt crept in, only accelerating the anxiety.
Then there were countless claims.
Racists?
Liars?
Speakers of the cold-hard yet cruel truth?
She needed... to know.
'I'll prove their innocence. We're only taking steps back in our struggle and this... isn't helping.' Blake's fists clenched as she took the bullhead from Beacon to the city of Vale.
Looking out of the window at the setting sun looming over the city, she nodded, 'The White Fang would never.' She reminded herself resolutely once more, as he had been doing for over a week.
Yet to catch them in the act, the anxiety was a price she was willing to pay - as with every passing day she failed her search.
The more hopeful she became that the organization she had Deserted hadn't been tainted so...
To Be Continued!
-Author Note Start-
DOMAIN EXPANSION - DAILY UPLOADS.
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN KOKUSEN!
WILL ALEX SUCCEED?!
WILL HE HAVE TO RESORT TO DESPERATE PLAN B?!
WILL HE HAVE TO FORGO HIMSELF TO COMPLETE THE QUEST?!
GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.
Ahem on a more serious note:
I'd like to say that we're reaching a critical overload, a boiling point if I may.
I'd also like to point out that Alex's development is going to be a rollercoaster.
He'll still stay my MOSTLY nonchalant 'King' tho - don't worry you ain't getting MC-kun no matter what happens.
I will be providing a quote that will fit the next chapter and the following Arc to come.
Anywho! Whether it'll go as [System] intends remains to be seen.
Cya!
If ya'll feeling frisky and rich you can donate to my P. A .T R 3 0 N to show some nice and kind support - This is purely support no benefits except early chapters (That I do not do yet properly lmao) which will eventually be available for everyone... like a twitch donation typa thing.
Here's the link:
patre0n.com/BurgerNoTomatoes
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