White Noise over the Past's Shadows (3)

"I didn't do it for YOU or anything! " – Standard Tsundere Quote

~Sienna's POV~

A cold shower proved to be more than enough to get the uneasy stress gone from her tense mind.

Sienna was still unsure about what had just happened back in the bed, and how and when Raven had decided to infiltrate that 'high-security' room for the sake of… resting.

It was odd to imagine that the infamous rogue huntress would have truly needed to have some time off from her family considering how many years she had missed that kind of duties.

Then again, there was also the fact that it was a new experience altogether and… this very point sounded so infuriatingly true in her mind.

The Tiger Faunus was young, just a little bit older than the annoying human that had slept beside her, but still far too 'early' in understanding the complex nature of motherhood.

Her childhood was already blurry as it was during her first few years of live and the first image of 'mother' that she could found was… a blur.

Just like the rest of faces back in that tumultuous time.

It was a sad thought to have in her mind every time she ended up pondering over it, but one that didn't exactly put her in a state of true emotional distress.

It was static to her and… that wasn't important.

Instead she settled with some tidbits coming from John's lips over the predicament that had led the Branwen to seek some brief asylum from her family.

After sleeping for a mere two hours, the dark-haired woman was quick to take her leave through one of her portals.

Yet today wasn't going to be a peaceful one as Sienna had wanted it to be, at least to recover from her growing state of restless she was having during this stay here in Atlas.

Albeit there was no formal event that she was supposed to take part, the moment she stepped outside with a quiet John on tow, the Tiger Faunus was stopped by a young officer wearing helmet and military armor.

"Ms. Khan, General Ironwood requested your presence and wishes to speak with you about some situation about foreign relations," The man stated after a quick salute. "He sounded insistent about it."

The singular comment from the polite soldier wasn't missed by both individuals and the woman merely nodded back at the officer as she started to lead towards where Ironwood's officer was.

Despite her interest in not meddling too much with Atlas' inner politics, especially with how fragile things were after the pseudo-trial she had to go through with and… then there was the little ramifications caused by John's recent actions.

There had been just a few rumors of people taking a shine for the only human in the White Fang.

Not only it gave them a factual perception that that there were humans that were actually caring for their plight, but that John was genuinely the one sporting this much concern in front of the cameras.

A single young man, with little known background and an interest in true equality, had bested Jacques Schnee, a symbol of oppression to Faunus, in what was going to pass an historical event.

And Sienna couldn't deny that there was also a strong support coming from the local community to her excellent work and peaceful resolution.

It was odd that going for such a moderate, and seemingly-hollow, victory could gain so much positive feedback by the Faunus here in Atlas.

Maybe the situation was bad enough that anything at this point was considered a miracle.

The only miracle that she was aware of was that none of the repressed Faunus had decided to migrate away from the capital because of how Menagerie had dealt with this Schnee Blunder.

The real issue about that development would have been about space since the island wasn't ready to accommodate too many people at once, especially a large exodus from Atlas.

But that was a bad thought to deal with on a moment of peace as now… she had to deal with this new issue.

The moment she entered the office assigned to the General, her sight was captured by the scene stopping with her intrusion.

The high officer was staring coldly at the man leaning towards him by the desk, the slimmer figure holding a soft growl while glaring at Ironwood.

His name was 'Watts' something and, the moment she made way for her human colleague to enter inside the room and see for himself what was going on, the enraged man seemed to show surprise as… he simmered down his rage to interact with John.

"Mr. Bukharin, it's good to see that you have recovered," The mustached figure greeted with a friendly tone, to which the younger man smiled and nodded.

"Arthur, I see that you have yet to be detained," The fellow human mused with a fascinated voice. "I can see General Ironwood ready haul you to jail."

A snort left the doctor's lips. "Oh, but there is nothing wrong in making a legitimate request to leave Atlas!"

Watts stared again at the commander of the garrison with a heated stare, but the Tiger Faunus blinked at the comment.

Leaving Atlas? And to go where?

"You are still under investigation for the illegal experimentation you have been doing for-"

"There is no tangible proof of such a ludicrous statement, General, and until there has been a sudden change with the national laws, I'm still considered free to do-"

"Nothing until the investigations are properly completed," James interjected with a tired sigh. "There is a procedure, Dr. Watts."

"And there is something like 'factual proof' that I've yet to see for warranting those 'investigations, General," Arthur retorted with a hum. "My lawyer has already dismissed the incredible claims made by some of those charlatans-"

"Charlatans that are esteemed members of the High Atlesian Science Council. Their words carry some weight and-"

"Wouldn't they still have to advance some serious proof about these life-changing claims?" John inquired quietly, blinking at Ironwood as the General looked to glance at him. "I mean, since their core role as scientists is to support thesis through facts, where is the evidence for Mr. Watts' misdeeds?"

"From my understanding, General," Sienna decided to join in the discussion, fascinated by the young man's sudden interest over the subject. "There isn't actually a reason to restrict this man from actually deciding to leave Atlas if he wishes so."

The military officer bit down a groan as Watts sported a gleeful and smug expression on his face, but he sighed.

"There are clauses from your contracts that-"

"Force me to not divulge none of the secrets I've learned about Atlas' projects," Arthur continued with a giddy voice. "Yet the problem with that troublesome detail is that my contract was nullified by the Council before being fired. As much as I'm concerned I'm free to do whatever I want."

James tensed up at this revelation, his eyes widening a fraction at that reply.

"Can this be proved?"

"Transcript 135843, comma D," The scientist answered with a nod. "It's part of the judgment passed after the final evaluation that saw me expelled from the council. The councilmen had carefully detailed the full extent of their actions and those aren't unchangeable."

…

Ironwood sighed at this and glanced at John with a drained look. "It would seem like there is no mean to hold Dr. Watts from pursuing a citizenship for Menagerie."

Sienna would have normally exclaimed loudly at that, but it was far too early in the morning for her mind to allow this.

Plus she was suspecting that this reaction was expected as the young man beside her turning to look at her with a sheepish look that was cut short with a glare.

"Explain now."

It wasn't a question, it was a demand. At this point, some pressure was more than needed to pull out some proper answers out of John.

He was compliant to her queries, but he was also quick to restrain himself from giving too much of everything.

It was as if he was afraid of giving up so much and… that was mostly-understandable considering his known-background.

"I might have suggested to Arthur that Menagerie wouldn't refuse to accept a scientist of his caliber."

Her frown darkened at that answer, but before she could press for more, the mustached man piped in.

"I will not request any absurd wage, I just wish to have some freedom and guarantees as a researcher."

"This kind of offer should be presented to the Chieftain, Doctor," The woman said with a sigh. "He is the one responsible for the internal affairs and I'm just a diplomat."

"A diplomat with the means to contact the Chieftain," The man shot back politely. "Thus I should first ask you for permission to seek an audience with the leader of Menagerie."

'He knows how to move with his words. Now I can see why John would be interesting in this… mad scientist.'

But would it be convenient to have someone else, especially if this was a normal human, to return to Menagerie without a proper check of his background?

While John proved to be a good individual, he was also quite unruly when he found someone that was worth to interact with one way or another.

He seemed so… careless, but in an incredibly resolute way that left her quite floored at his actions.

Not that she couldn't react to it, but rather the calculated reactions from hers were expected and somewhat countered by whatever he was thinking in that very moment.

Improvisation was something that John was unknowingly good at, despite how much he tried to appear more as a mastermind.

He was a good planner, but his true talent was his capacity of play the roles he is assigned in the best way possibly and… it somewhat frightened her.

Sienna had met people like John in the past, ready to serve their country to the very end and sometimes taking sacrifices upon themselves for the sake of a 'Greater Good'.

So instead of granting to the young man a complete victory, the Tiger Faunus decided it was high time to show some little restrictions now that she could.

Her closest hand reached for his left ear and, keeping a calm but incredibly annoyed composure, Sienna decided to pull it.

A yelp was drowned within his mouth, but the young man snapped in quick panic at that action.

With his eyes widening at the situation, John frowned at her, inquiring in quite the irritated way to let him go.

Sadly for him, this wasn't her plan.

"General Ironwood, I suppose this meeting is over," The woman mused quietly at the officer, James looking at the scene with a curious but partly-elated glint in his eyes.

The Atlesian man didn't reply vocally, but he gave her a nod as to gesture them that they were allowed to leave.

Watts followed silently, his stare fixed at the unique scene developing in front of him as soon as the now-trio left the room and proceeded to walk away from the annoyed military officer.

"Sienna, you can let go-"

"I can, but should I do this after the recent actions you just did, John?" The Tiger Faunus interceded with a bored look. "I think you've been left wandering around without my attention for far too long. Maybe it's time to restore some restrictions and rule from when we first met up."

The young man blinked at this. "What are you going to do? Put me on a leash?"

What an ironic thought, the tanned woman hummed mirthfully as she imagined the scene.

A human being leashed by a Faunus? For some reason she felt ready to burst a giggle or two at that mere thought.

But then again, her amused trail of thoughts perished in a horrible fire the moment she remembered some stories Kali had told her about her early romantic escapades with Ghira.

Okay, first we find a place where to get some proper tools to deal with John and then I find some bleach to clean up that whole mess of a thought.

~John's POV~

I was starting to get tired of being manhandled by Sienna.

Being dragged around the streets of Atlas for Gods knows why, I felt my ear starting to burn a little at the grasp exerted by the Faunus and I was twitching in brief irritation at the continued punishment I was suffering even now.

Seriously, I can understand that I might have been a little hasty in the last few days, that I might have left some strange impressions with how I dealt with some of my good deeds I've accomplished, but to be left to face this kind of pressure was just-

[Correct.]

Yes- Wait, no! What are you talking about?

[While I don't want to sound insensitive over your own feelings about the topic, I can see why she would want to keep a closer eye on you.]

Nonsense! I might have exceeded once or twice in the recent past but-

[Your actions have brought you self-harm and you have come close to lose a hand during that situation at the park.]

Indeed, John should be a little more mindful about-

[I remember a certain 'young man' that was keen to jump at every danger. In fact, I think his name was… Ozma?]

The only reason why I decided to pry in this conversation was because we can't have a reckless host!

[And I'm making sure that he doesn't end up to become as clueless and danger-prone as you were back before… you passed away.]

There were some motivations that led me to take blunter approaches compared to your careful efforts- And I refuse to even continue this conversation. It's the young man that is to be subjected to this.

Meh, I'm fine here. Please, Sallie, grill him a little more.

[Oh, but I will grill you first, John.]

I held back a groan at that rebuttal and I blinked around as I continued to be dragged around Atlas.

Can't I just try to make peace and-

[There is no war to make peace about. She isn't angry at you but, rather, I think she is trying to make sure you don't trip in more trouble without her knowledge.]

That sounds incredibly wrong from a moral standpoint.

Indeed.

...Aren't you the one that had- Actually, I think your 'past self' still has full control of Vale's security system.

That is inconsequential-

[Dear, I've to ask out of concern, but did you perhaps spy around on people that weren't your students?]

What? Why would I do that when-

Wait, so you mean you were truly clueless about what was supposed to happen at the docks when the White Fang and Torchwick were caught working together by RWBY?

There are instances where I stumble over some important crimes in the making, which would end up with me dispatching the proper force necessary to deal with those. But no, I wasn't aware of the alliance lurking during that occasion.

[But what about Ms. Fall? Wasn't Headmaster Lionheart supposed to have sent you a list of his students?]

I thought he did. A pity that someone had managed to hack into Haven's registry and send me a fake message.

...About that. You know that Lionheart was… Salem's spy, right?

That sounds- wait, is this about the knowledge you have about the world? You mean that you have proof that-

He caved in the moment she put pressure on him. When you planned to converge RWBY and what was left of JNPR to Haven with Qrow and your newest host, Leonardo had sent several huntsmen to die in planned Grimm ambushes while he tended a trap with Cinder and her goons.

That's impossible! I trust Lionheart to-

Salem also had Hazel Rainart sent to face you. You know, the guy you wronged by not making sure that his sister was ready for initiation-

There is a proper documentation required for every student to present before being selected. Ms. Rainart had not only given a prodigious file about her abilities, but I was also given a recommendation from the headmistress of the school she had studied by.

Wait, you mean that it wasn't really your fault?

We take under consideration the safety of students despite how lenient the staff might sound to be and-

But what about Jaune?

What about Mr. Arc?

He had falsified documents!

But I was given certainty of his capacities by his father.

But- Wait, what?

I suppose you are unaware that the first thing I did when I first was presented with those documents was contact Mr. Arc's father about the matter and… much to my immense surprise, the man just give a recommendation for his son's abilities in studying at Beacon.

I was partially stunned by this revelation as… that would actually make some sense.

While I could see Ozpin being lax over some of the school's standards, there was no way for someone as methodical to just ignore the fact one of his students had managed to infiltrate Beacon without proper preparation.

But what if Jaune did have 'some' preparation? What if he had trained, at least a little bit, to get some basis done?

I mean, he did show to be capable of slaying Grimm pretty well despite the initial shock that might have come during the first engagement.

Maybe he did fight Grimm with his father, or maybe he had seen his parents fight.

So much was just ignored about the young man…

[While I would be interested in seeing where you two are trying to end up with this discussion… I think Sienna brought you somewhere.]

I blinked in surprise when I actually noticed that we were in fact entering what looked to be a shop.

Inside there were only two individuals talking to each other, both elders, a man and a woman, that were sharing some simple conversation.

Arthur took a brief lead as he glanced at the scene and smiled curtly. "If it isn't Dr. Polendina."

The hat-wearing tanned man turned to look at the mustached fellow, his eyes widening in surprise but a calm smile appearing on his face.

"Arthur Watts, my former student."

As the two approached each other, with the unknown individual moving through some complex wheelchair with… legs, I took notice of the elder's surname and blinked again.

So this is Penny's father?

Pietro Geppetto Polendina. He is one of the finest minds in Atlas.

Wait, you know him?

We have shared some conversations in the past, especially when Ms. Polendina was first received at Beacon Academy for the Vytal Festival.

And why a legchair?

What?

A wheelchair with legs. That's a legchair.

Some minor disability from an experiment gone wrong, nothing truly life-changing but he has a noticeable limp.

"And I see you've brought some people here," The older scientist commented with a bright smile. "Ms. Sienna Khan and Mr. John Bukharin."

The Tiger Faunus finally let go of my ear and I rushed to nurse it up.

"And you are Doctor Polendina," The young woman commented back. "Arthur explained to me that you are capable of creating tools that can be used by civilians in record time for the right price."

"Oh, it's nothing special," The balding man replied humbly while scratching his head. "But yes, I would be capable of doing something like that."

Sienna nodded, sporting a small smile as she prepared to make whatever request she planned to make-

"I would like to have something to keep track of him," She finally said with a resolute tone. "A device to keep constant sight over where he is going."

…

"I think that's quite and exaggeration-"

"I've been pondering about this for some time now, but while it sounds 'excessive' I took in consideration the fact that you tend to run straight into the danger," The Tiger Faunus explained, ignoring my comment. "If I know where you are, I can make sure that you receive support and don't do anything even so remotely stupid."

I frowned at that. "It's not like tha-"

"Ah, whipped."

…

[An unexpected comment, but a pleasant one for sure.]

My lips closed tightly as I glanced around to find whom had decided to deliver such a comment.

It was the old woman the scientist had been talking to, which was now staring at me.

Her skin was a tan lighter than Dr. Polendina, and her silver hair were wore in a single braid.

She was wearing a dark-blue dress with white details, and she had a staff lying on the table she had been sitting by.

She was also incredibly short, making her appear like the Remnant version of Yoda, and I felt like this comparison didn't stop just to that 'height' comment.

"Not truly, no," I replied mirthfully and… I stared at her 'eyes'. She was wearing what appeared to be some mechanical glasses which had some blue led that changed its intensity to simulate the appearance of… eyes.

"Forgive me if I ask, but isn't that young woman trying to get some mean to watch over what you are doing from now on?" The pint-sized lady pointed out quietly. "Isn't that a clear sign of a very complicated relationship for a couple?"

"W-We are not like that," Sienna muttered nervously and I gave a mere nod while I continued to stare at the midget with an irritated glint.

Seriously, what is this sassy individual?

"A pity, you both look to fit well together," The old woman replied with a sigh before tilting her head to the side and nodding. "Yes, I can see it working well for the two of you."

[I like her.]

Of course you would.

[She is not wrong.]

She is surely senile.

"Who are you?" I asked with incredible annoyance in my voice.

She shrugged. "Someone."

"I can see that, yes," I pressed on. "But what is your name?"

The old woman smiled a little and sighed. "I guess you are trying your best to appear the most polite possible."

I snorted at her comment, but she wasn't done yet.

"Yo soy la Parca, joven," She muttered quietly, causing me to stare at her with wide eyes as I recognized what she was saying.

Yet she didn't waste time in waiting for me to reply, as she glanced back at the shop-owner while standing up from her seat.

"I think I will be going for now, Pietro. I've things to do and the walk back home will be a long one for me."

The scientist nodded slowly at her and sighed. "Make sure to not break the device again, Maria."

'Maria' merely snorted at the comment while continuing with her walk, but just as she prepared to leave, I finally reacted.

"Es un placer conocerte, Maria."

The short woman tensed up, surprise shaking her a little as she glanced back and give me a long 'wide-eyed' stare.

Then she blinked and eased a little bit before finally leaving.

"What an interesting youngster," She half-whispered before closing the door behind herself once she was out of the shop, leaving me to face what was going to be quite the annoying debacle to-

Click.

Uh?

I felt something heavy on my left hand and I turned to stare what had just been put by my wrist.

It looked like a watch. A very heavy, tightly-latched watch that was now on my wrist and… Sienna was looking at me with a devious smile while holding what looked to be a transparent device.

It would seem like the old lady was correct, John.

[If only we had something like this back in our Era, Ozma.]

...

"The little tool that Mr. Bukharin is now wearing is a special object that will keep track of his movements in the digital map you are currently holding Ms. Khan," Dr. Polendina started to explain. "The map itself contains a highly-detailed planimetry of Atlas and Mantle, and its main purpose is to perfectly keep signaling the presence of Mr. Bukharin in its radius."

…

"You know, when I meant you getting me a leash, I wasn't being serious," I pointed out dryly. "That's called sarcasm."

"You know, when you end up getting in so many troublesome moments so frequently, it's not you being chased by trouble itself," The woman retorted with the same dry tone. "It's you trying to make the worst decision possible after finding yourself chased by trouble itself."

I frowned at that, but held back from rebutting that jab.

I felt that something was off about her current reaction, it was way beyond the stuff I was usually accustomed to.

I've spent time trying to understand her, trying to keep myself in her good sides… but now Sienna sounded like she had purposely changed tactics around me.

It was like she was-

[Throwing a hint at you? Slapping you for attention? Maybe even trying to make a point?]

The more I listen to this, the more I feel like this isn't it.

Indeed. It's possible that Ms. Khan is just showing some friendly concerns over John's wellbeing. Which is good considering how many horrible things happened to him until now.

… I don't know if I should be feeling worried or not that Ozpin is supporting me about this.

"It will be just for the time we will spend here in Atlas," Sienna resumed with a calmer voice. "I wouldn't put it beyond Jacques that he might try to do something about the loss you have given him."

I blinked at that and gave her a nod. "I almost forgot that-"

"He is a scumbag that will resort to kill his opponents?" She pressed on with a sigh. "I thought that you would have know because-"

"I think I will sleep in the couch today," I interjected calmly, glancing at Watts as he was the one that was actually paying for the transaction.

Wait, did Sienna just accept that as a bribe?

[What is a bribe to a maiden's attempt at being recognized?]

Nothing. And that is why it's worrying.

[Oh, shut up!]

I could see the Tiger Faunus tensing up a little at my comment from the edge of my sight, her jaws dropping briefly before she looked a little… irritated by my words.

"Okay."

Just that. 'Okay'. No efforts to oppose my decision or-

"Sadly, you are still recovering from the yesterday's situation," She promptly continued with a serious voice. "So I will have to keep a close eye on you for the time being."

…

What?

[Do you need more proof about this?]

Y-You heard her. It's just to check up and make sure I didn't hurt myself anymore.

…

Yet, I couldn't help but feel like things were more than they looked to be. But why?