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Chapter 43: New Way of Thinking

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The kids left the campus and got on the bus. They made their way to the west district and entered one of the warehouses. Blake took off her ribbon, and the six of them verified their identities at the front door. They had just sat down when Alex took the stage.

“Brothers and sisters of the White Fang. I call you here today because some news have reached our ears. The head of the Schnee Dust Company, Kalte Schnee, has decided to go into business with Mr. Ugol. Mr. Ugol, if you are unaware, is a man who owns 25 percent of the mines that are in Vale. He is one of the men whose influence has set the bar of our working conditions, and he has come under suspicion multiple times for being related to illegal smuggling of Dust between kingdoms.

This same man is having a meeting with Mr. Schnee this week in order to discuss their deal to transfer ownership of some factories for mines. If they were to meet and come to a consensus, the effects on us would not be insignificant. Under Mr. Ugol, our pay will plummet, working conditions even worse than before, and some of us might even lose our jobs.

According to our sources, the meeting will be held at the Schnee mansion. Starting today, please spread the word about this to any you know. Ask them to come and join us to rally in front of the Schnee residence this week. We must protest this change with all our might. That man must not take control of the factories.”

The group decided to abstain from any missions for the rest of the week in order to participate in the protest. Raven had decided to stay that week as well, so Robin and her got some practice time together.

“Your acting is too forced.” Raven said.

“Be more casual.”

“Easy for you to say.” Robin responded. “I don't know how to act like a gigolo. Why do I have to know how anyway?”

Raven rolled her eyes. At that moment, the door opened, and one of the Student Council members walked in. It was President Diane.

“Hello. Pres.” Robin greeted. Raven followed his greeting with a nod. Diane returned the gesture.

“Hello, you two. What are you practicing at this time of day? Usually you first years would be outside at shopping malls or movie theaters.”

Diane was a rather social person. Robin found out that she liked to talk with the students. Whenever she walked by others, she would greet them whether they were faunus or human. An open-minded individual like her was rare. Sometimes she would even interrupt spars to hand out tips.

“Ah, I was practicing a skill with Raven here. It was --”

“I was teaching him about Detect. About how it can develop farther than just seeing hidden weapons.”

Robin was confused as to why Raven lied. Especially since they were talking to the Student Council President, who was known for her ruthlessness despite her friendly appearance. Raven gave him a look and turned to face Diane.

“Oh?” Diane smiled.

“That's pretty interesting. Detect certainly does give some nice benefits. Depending on the person as well as their knowledge, any skill can develop in new ways. That's certainly a reason why we give free days like today, so you guys can develop your own unique skills. Although, many seem to take advantage of this.”

A dangerous air floated around her smiling face. No doubt she was referring to the slackers that left campus to have fun in the mall and theaters. Just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished.

“Robin, you like books right? Try the library for some books. They might just help you progress the skill faster. Oh and please remember not to book any missions next month, you two. The Vytal Festival is that month, so we'll be pretty busy setting up the inter-school tournament.”

““Yes ma'am.””

After Diane finished gathering the papers she came to get and left, Robin turned to Raven.

“What was that?”

“Don't be stupid.” Raven replied.

“Disguise isn't taught to students for a reason. I only taught you because you asked me to. Even though it isn't illegal to know, if someone as strict as her caught wind about it, we wouldn't get off lightly.”

“Oh.”

= Duh. It's a skill criminals know about. What am I thinking? =

“But you decided to teach me just because I asked?” Robin smirked.

“Why is that?”

“Don't get any weird ideas.” Raven said.

“I did it because you are similar to me. Since you stood up for me back there when I was arguing with Amy, this was a way to thank you. Don't expect something after this.”

“Right, right.”

Robin looked at his watch and left for the locker room.

“Thanks for today.”

“Mm.” was the reply he got.

After changing, he left for the front of the school. After meeting up with the gang, they headed over to their destination: Schnee Residence. The mansion is said to have indoor swimming pools the size of a public pool with its own wave maker machine. They had huge 64' screen T.V.'s that are designed to float and follow them as they walked through the house. Just from standing outside the gates, the faunus could clearly see the luscious garden that was outside the front.

Why is such information known to the public? Because the man, Kalte Schnee, did an interview of his home. Many sat in awe when they watched the unveiling of the Schnee home. The title of the largest Dust producers and exporters in the world wasn't just for show. Unfortunately, staring at this extravagant home only served as fuel for the anger and resentment of the majority of faunus that gathered.

“Unbelievable.” Tukson said.

The bookstore owner that Robin frequently visited was astonished how someone so well off could be so cruel to those who were poor; Robin shared his sentiment.

“They could easily get by without cutting us off from our jobs, yet they continue to promote discrimination. Why?”

“Pride.” Robin murmured. Tukson looked at the teenage wolf faunus.

“They think they are so above us. Now that we're living openly in the same walls, they feel we are overstepping our bounds. It's pride that makes them thinks they're better; pride that makes them refuse to admit their mistakes.”

Blake frowned.

“Disgusting.” Adam commented.

The faunus formed a blockade outside the gates. The guards of the Schnee property held their weapons at their sides and stood behind the gates keeping watch. The White Fang formed a mob and held their signs in protest.

Then, a limousine pulled up to the gates behind them. Guards formed lines and started to push the faunus out of the driveway in order to form a path for the vehicle to pass by. Many faunus started yelling at the vehicle. From inside, a young girl with snow white hair could hear the insults that flew her way.

“Aren't you ashamed of yourselves? Living inside that castle while some of us starve outside?”

“Who are you to call us animals, you monster!”

“Please. Give me my job back! Please!”

Weiss Schnee had returned from a recital. Inside, she sat next to her sister, Winter, who was busy doing her nails. Her mother and father sat across from them and were ignoring the ruckus outside.

“What a noisy bunch of animals.” Kalte said while operating his Scroll.

“Is the meeting going to be ok here?” her mother asked.

“Oh it'll be fine. Mr. Ugol has plenty of security to protect himself. Besides, they can be dealt with using a couple of armed men. See? Look at them backing off. We're fine.”

“Did you enjoy my performance, mother?” Weiss asked.

“Yes, it was lovely, honey. You hit the last note with such accuracy, it gave me shivers.”

The family busied themselves with small talk. Weiss occasionally looked at the mob outside with disdain, but returned back to her normal life as the gates shut itself behind them. The noise of the faunus died down as she entered her home.

Meanwhile, Robin and the others set up their tents. The White Fang had decided to do a continuous protest up until the day of the deal. Their actions gathered some reporters to come visit the scene as well. A human woman with white hair stood in front of the camera as the protest began day three.

“This Lisa Lavender from Vales News Network. Today I'm standing just outside the Schnee residence where the White Fang are gathered in protest in light of the recent announcement that Kalte Schnee, head of the Dust Company, is meeting with Mr. Ugol who is infamous for his treatment of faunus everywhere. Next to me is current head of the White Fang, Alex Fexlar. Hello Alex.”

“Hello Lisa.” Alex replied.

“So, Alex. Tell me what are you guys trying to accomplish today.”

“Well, Lisa, Mr. Ugol has a reputation for treating us faunus in terrible ways. His managers harass our women, do pay-cuts for absurd reasons, and give us little to no compensation for mistakes done by his company. If Mr. Schnee works together with Mr. Ugol, our situation would only get worse. We're hoping that if we stand here this week, they will open their eyes, and realize their mistake before they make it.”

“That's a very honorable goal, there Mr. Fexlar. But if you don't mind me asking, what will you do if this fails? According to you, having this happen to you is the last thing you guys want. Have you thought about what will happen if you don't succeed?”

“Honestly, I don't know. Many people here lost their jobs that was their means of survival. If this makes it through, I'm not sure if we can make it.”

The day past by just the same as the last two. They protested, yelled, marched up and down the streets. But change was not presenting itself. Every day, Mr. Ugol would come. Every day, the Schnee family would leave and enter their home. The faunus were getting desperate. They began to be firmer in their positions. They tried to refuse to move until they complied. This forced the guards to use force and move them.

Day five came and things were not looking good. Today was the last day, and if they failed, the deal was going through. Alex tried to calm them down and tell them to not resort to violence, but many were not listening. This was their lives on the line. If this deal goes through, who knows what would happen. Some began tossing rocks at the limousine when it came by.

Mr. Schnee in turn called for more guards to come out and protect them. As the guards began to make a path once again, a rabbit faunus broke through the line. She dashed toward the limousine and began smacking the window.

“Please! Please don't do this!” she pleaded.

“I need this job. We can barely support our family as it is. Please I beg of you.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Honey!” A man shouted from the crowd.

Two guards grabbed her and began to forcefully pull her back to the mob.

“No! No! Please! Please!!”

The woman struggled and eventually one of the guards snapped.

“Don't push your luck you animal!”

He smacked her with the butt of his rifle. After such a long week of guarding, the tension from the mob had spread to the guards. The man just wanted the day to end, and this faunus was making it more difficult. However, the buff man did not take into account how weak the woman was. The smack crushed her delicate jaw and she fell to the ground unconscious.

Her husband, whose vision was covered by the men in front of him, just saw his spouse fall to the ground, not moving with blood flowing out her mouth. In the noise of the crowd, the worst thing came to his mind.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

The man charged the guards and punched one man. In his fit of anger, the guards retaliated and in a panic, one guard fired his gun.

*Bang

The whole crowd went silent. The faunus man stood still before sinking to the ground.

“Kyaaaaaaa!”

Screams were heard. The mob burst into chaos. Some faunus began to attack the guards after seeing their closest friend fall. Robin sprang into action. He activated his aura and weaved through the crowd and got to the man. He ripped his shirt off without hesitation and kept pressure on the wound. He moved the body away from the mob while screaming.

“OPHELIA!”

“I'm here!”

The snake faunus appeared from the crowd. Behind her, Adam and Blake carried the bunny woman.

“What's the damage?” Ophelia asked.

Detect

“One shot threw the lungs. He's losing blood fast.”

Ophelia held her hands over the man's wound.

Heal

A white glow emanated from her hand and covered the man's body. Robin had pushed an elixir down the man's throat earlier, but Ophelia's skill, Heal, was more effective. It wouldn't be an understatement to say anyone with a similar skill was highly requested in medical fields. The man's wound closed and the other woman was force-fed an elixir to heal her jaw.

Blake, Adam, and Conner returned from the crowd with more injured people. They worked as best as they could to get the injured out of the way. Robin and Adam tried their best to separate the faunus and the guards to prevent anymore tragedies. As they were trying their best to stop the fight, they heard the sirens coming.

= Thank god. = Robin thought to himself.

At the same time, he could not help but feel contempt not only for the police who showed up late to the event, but also the guard who fired off his weapon. The police men came out of their vehicles and raised their guns into the air.

*Bang

“Stop! Drop your weapons and stand down! We will not hesitate to shoot! Stand down!”

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In all the chaos, one guard had snuck away from the mess. The man threw his uniform into the trashcan and pulled out his phone.

“Charlie to H. Come in.”

*This is H. Give me your status report.

“H. The mission was a success. The Weiss family has been given the blame for attacking the faunus.”

*Excellent. Now the faunus will have no choice but to revert to more violent means. Their increased bloodshed with the Schnee family will be useful. Begin part two of your mission. Report the activities of the White Fang at a later date.

“Yes ma'am.”

The man hung up the phone and was about to throw it away when he saw a silhouette in front of him. With a thud, he was smacked against the wall in the alley, a black glove held a cloth with chloroform. He tried to struggled, but could not budge the hand at all. He could only stare into the deep red eyes of the Grimm Reaper in front of him.

“Shh...” she whispered.

“It will hurt less if you don't struggle.”

The man struggled, but gradually went limp. Raven threw the man into a portal and picked up his phone.

= “H”... He called her “H”... I'm one step closer. Please wait, Summer. I'll get revenge for you soon...”

Raven stepped into the portal, as she did, it closed and with it left no evidence of the man or her being there except for the jacket sitting in the trash.

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Robin sat with his head on his palms. They were gathered in a warehouse the morning after the incident. The police deemed they were acting in self-defense. All faunuses left free and without a record....those who survived that is.

“Ten people.” Jason murmured.

“TEN FUCKING PEOPLE WERE KILLED!”

He kicked the chair he was sitting on. The amount of force crushed it before it even smacked the walls.

Alex sat there silent and stared at the ground. Ophelia was crying while Blake and Amy were consoling her. Conner and Adam sat there with solemn looks on their faces.

“How much longer are you going to sit there and do nothing? Huh? Because you failed to act, people got killed!!”

“Now you wait a minute.” Alex spoke up.

“Don't you dare connect this as a reason for you to use violence.”

“Violence!! They retaliated against us who did nothing! NOTHING, Alex! If we had been more forceful, things would have been settled long ago without this whole mess!”

“This situation is because of violence in the first place. Also, it was thanks to Team COBRA's dilegence that so many were saved. Not the violence.”

“Yeah? Did you see the morning news? Alex. Schnee has been ridiculed. That guard was apparently one of Mr. Ugol's men, and the deal has been cut off. Reparations are being repaid to the families. All of this was possible because unlike before, we took a stand. But not like you did. Alex. No,no. Your peaceful protest didn't do shit except get our people murdered!” he exclaimed.

“It's time for a change of leadership.”

“What?”

“Step down. Alex. You've done a good job so far, but enough is enough. We need a new leader, with a new way of thinking.”

“You're insane.”

“No! You are!” he retorted.

“I've spoken with most of the White Fang members. They've agreed. Just do this peacefully, Alex. I don't want to use force on a friend.”

Alex sat there with his mouth hanging. Amy stood up and spoke in his steed.

“You want us to commit crimes to express our desire for freedom?”

“Yes” Adam stood up in turn. “Because now it's necessary for change. And change is what we need.”

“You're just going to be murderers!”

“It's for the greater good!”

“No murder,” Robin stated. “But violence.”

He stood up from his seat and walked over to the banner of the white wolf that hung whenever they had a meeting. He took Pantomath and sliced it. Appearing on the wolf's head were three marks that resembled a claw swiping at it.

“Peaceful protest aren't good enough anymore. Passive acts like this will get us nowhere. Instead, we need to show some backbone. Shops that don't help us, will suffer for it. Managers that take advantage of us will be targets for us to hit.”

“So we need to become criminals? Murderers?” Blake asked.

“No murder. Acts of violence only.” Robin clarified.

“And just how are we gonna get away with it?” Conner asked.

“We can't exactly hide our names from Identify.”

“Oh yes we can.” Robin stated. An idea formed in his mind thanks to the recent events.

“Identify doesn't work so long as they can't recognize us or our faces, so the answer is simple: wear a uniform that hides our faces and figures."

After seeing people die before his eyes and the hideous acts of slavery hidden from the world, Robin's anger was at an all time high.

“They wanna look at us like monsters, so lets put on the faces of monsters then shall we?”