CACE: A RWBY Story

Volume 0: Chapter 6

The beginning of the next day is not all to dissimilar to the night before. Only a few words are exchanged between members of CACE. In the morning, Ze and Cat are able to separate themselves from the group.

"I did some research last night." Cat informs Ze. "I think there are a few things you should know."

Ze silently nods, looking back and forth in the hallway they stopped in to have their brief discussion.

"Charley is the son of big business owner." She pauses, for effect. "He is Charles Sherwynd, as in Sherwynd Mechanics. The company known to supply the Schnee Dust Company and stock weapon stores."

"Whoa." Ze pauses, shocked. "Here I thought he was just some rich snob."

"I know, and surely his friend holds some sway." Despite Cat's comment, Ze shakes his head.

"No, she doesn't seem to be anything other than a school friend."

"What does that mean?" Cat asks.

"Look, I feel as new and judged here as you do." He pauses. "It seems odd to me, but he hasn't rubbed his wealth or human heritage in our faces. Perhaps we misjudged them."

Cat studies her new friend carefully.

"We can ask at breakfast." Ze suggests.

"Sure." Cat agrees.

The two meet back with their team and head to the cafeteria for breakfast. Everyone grabs food before sitting as a team, away from other groups. While seated and eating silently, Ze and Cat enact their plan.

"Charley." Ze tries to open the conversation. "That was a great fight you put up against that grim yesterday."

"Thanks." Charley replies, confused by the complement. Alex gives Ze and Cat an inquisitive look. "Looks like we will be a team during the next four years."

Charley adds a nervous laugh before returning to his food.

"Obviously you're from Vale, what's home life for you?" Cat asks. Alex watches her new teammates with a questioning look before her focus returns to Charley.

"Well, I grew up with an older brother, a younger brother and most recently, a younger sister." Charley looks between Ze and Cat before continuing. "My parents are nice, sometimes a bit strict."

"That wasn't the half of it!" Alex retorts, before adding. "They taught you proper things and how to get started in business."

"I prefer the simple." Stoping to glance at Alex, who nods affirmatively. "Getting away from that life, at least for the moment. I want the joy of exploring the world."

Ze looks impressed, glancing at Cat before speaking.

"Adventure, I like that." He looks to Cat for approval before turning back to Charley. "We found out who you really are, figured it out this morning."

"Naturally." Charley states simply. "My father would be very proud."

"So you're close?" Cat asks.

"Personally, yes. I have no desire to see what he does professionally. My brother, Kirk, would be the guy to ask." Looking between Cat and Ze, Charley forms his question. "Enough about me. Where do you guys come from?"

"A village not far from Vale, I've been there for part of my life." Ze answers. "We needed to live on the move for a long time."

"And your friend?" Charley asks.

"Just came to Vale, on the run as well."

"Is it the Grim?" Alex asks. Both Ze and Cat nod. "There was one that showed up near my parents house recently. They've become more aggressive lately."

"We've gone around the table Alex, you should share too." Charley suggests.

"Oh yeah." Alex thinks for a second. "My father is not a part of a village, we live alone in the woods outside of Vale. Part of that life is hunting and finding food."

"What do you hunt?" Ze asks, intrigued by her story.

"Mostly small game like rabbits and other critters. We sometimes find larger game like deer."

"And you have a farm?"

"A small plot of land for grown food, but most of it comes from the wild. Charley has seen it a few times."

"Yeah." Charley confirms. "Took me a few days to get used to it."

"You managed, city boy." Alex playfully punches Charley.

"So I noticed we have classes today." Charley changes the subject. "Looks like some fun, grim studies and history."

"Classes?" She looks to Charley and Alex. "What will they be like?"

"You should expect a Professor, a lecture, reading, homework and tests." Alex puts simply.

"Haven't you been to school?" Charley asks Cat.

Her cheeks flush. "No, never."

"And Ze?" Charley looks back at Ze.

"General elementary schooling, but no Signal Academy or anything."

"We're going to be in for an interesting semester." Alex comments, trying to keep it under her breath.

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