The stars falling (RWBY Male Reader X Winter Schnee)

Picking sides (pt.2)

James- Cole, stay quiet and composed.

Taiyang- Hey, James. Hey Oz. What'd you call me in for?

Using the new glasses, you send a message to James.

"He's playing dumb, sir."

Ozpin- I heard rumour that Cole was back in Vale, and wanted you to see your son.

You get a message back, and the words flash across your HUD in a subtle way.

"I know. This is a ploy by Ozpin to call him out. Albeit a crude and risky one. He's using you as bait."

You straighten your posture and adjust your glasses.

Taiyang- Of course. Ruby and Yang were really freaked out, but I knew he'd come back soon enough. We're family, after all.

You feel his hand grip your shoulder, and then James' on your other.

"This is uncomfortable."

Ozpin- Ah, good. Well, I suppose you wouldn't be opposed to hearing a little about Cole's efforts so far in Atlas', if James is alright with disclosing it?

James- But of course.

Taiyang- Sure. Sounds like he's been working hard. Go on then, Cole. Hit me with it.

You get a nod from James and turn to Taiyang.

Cole- I've been leading Atlas' astrophysics field. My primary focus has been gravity anomalies in the neighboring star systems and our galaxy as a whole.

Taiyang- And...?

Cole- We've found countless anomalies. Some identified, some not.

Ozpin- Anything we should worry about?

"Worry about?"

Cole- These are... celestial bodies. Worrying is pointless. The closest thing we need to "worry" about is hundreds of thousands of kilometers away.

James- But, despite that, I believe that Cole could help the astrophysics branch of Atlas' researchers progress tenfold.

He nods at you in approval, and you return it in thanks.

Ozpin- Noted. Well, are you willing to share any specific anomalies you've been focusing on?

A quick message shows up on the glasses.

"He cannot know about the black hole just yet."

Cole- None specifically. But once I do, I'll spend all my time investigating it, rather than being down here.

Taiyang- Don't you want to see your sisters? They've missed you, Cole.

Your father goes to rest a hand on your shoulder again, but James grabs his wrist.

James- He's getting uncomfortable with you around, Tai.

Taiyang- What? I'm his dad. I'm just happy to see my son.

Ozpin- James.

James- What? I played along with it at first, Ozpin, to avoid conflict. But I won't let him lay another hand on Cole.

Qrow- Tai, just let the damn kid go. He's not worth the trouble.

Taiyang- But!-

Qrow- He isn't worth it!

"I suppose this is better than a fight."

The man's cool and collected expression fades, showing a new scowl.

Taiyang- You damn brat. Why can't you just do as you're told.

James- See, he does. But he knows the right people to stand with. Atlas has given him a new home. I have given him a home you never could provide.

Ozpin- I'm sorry, Taiyang. But Cole follows the orders of James. And has found a place with Atlas. Your son isn't under your control anymore.

Taiyang- ... Look at me, Cole.

you turn to him and look him in the eye, being just taller than him.

Taiyang- You're the only son. You have an obligation to protect your sisters.

Cole- The day they chose to be huntresses they basically said they choose to lay down their lives. I won't stop that.

Taiyang- Are you proud? Do you feel enjoyment being untouchable? Away from us? Do you think you can just push us away and forget us?

Cole- No. I can't forget you. But I sure as hell won't abuse whoever needs me the most. And that makes me ten times the man you are.

James- We're going now, Cole.

Cole- Yes sir.

You walk past Taiyang, but he grabs your arm.

Taiyang- Don't hate your sisters. It was us who made them like that. Please don't turn your back on family.

James- Cole.

You look to James and pull your arm away from Tai.

Cole- Atlas is my family. Ruby and Yang don't mean anything to me.

With a deep breath, you step into the elevator beside James. As the doors close, he puts an arm around you and sighs.

James- That was brave of you, Cole. I'm proud of you for standing your ground and proving your loyalty to Atlas.

Cole- They don't deserve my focus. I've been with Atlas for such a short time and I've lived so much. Better than any family I've ever had.

James- I'm happy to hear you say that. Come, I want to give you a proposition.

Exiting the elevator, he leads you back to the docks. From there, the two of you return to the flagship.

James- You mentioned no ship could go that far that fast. I've had another project developed in secret. Have you ever heard of Gravity Leaping?

Cole- Gravity Leaping? I only know about it from Ruby. She uses gravity ammunition sometimes.

James- The application of gravity dust, where it's charged to an unstable level then crushed at high speed. Anything in proximity of the resulting explosion is catapulted, yet undamaged until it hits something.

Cole- Just like gravity ammo. Once the bullet is fired, it makes contact and sends the target stumbling. And it's pretty non-lethal. Right?

James- Correct. That's a very small and basic form of Gravity Leaping. The project I've had worked on is considerably larger. Large enough to launch a small ship.

You think about what he's saying, then it clicks.

Cole- You propose launching a drone closer to the black hole?

He nods.

Cole- Okay. So how big is the machine?

James- Nearly one hundred metres long. It takes a lot of dust, but hopefully it's able to get us closer.

Cole- So, where is it?

James- Well, Cole. You live on the same station as it.

Cole- It's on the Seventh Dawn? Must be in the restricted zones.

James- No longer restricted. You have nearly full access to the station now. Winter will show you the launcher. Now, time to wake up, Cole.