Sandman: A RWBY Fanfiction

Chapter 10

Warning: This Chapter contains scenes of Blood and Violence that may not be suitable for most readers. Reader discretion is advised.

The North-Western Desert, Vacuo, 4 Weeks Ago

Midnight had finally consumed the skies of Vacuo as the broken moon shined over the DUNE campsite and Kiwi's satchel. Various things were being packed inside by Kiwi as he prepared to make his way over to the Swordfish base for one final night of observation. Kiwi made the suggestion for this just a few minutes ago and didn't hesitate to grab his things. Oddly enough, despite the clear and present danger of the desert as well as his pacifism, Kiwi found exploration of the desert to be particularly entertaining. Such was why Kiwi was provided the opportunity to serve as DUNE's scout shortly after he had been rescued by Lian, however, that's a story for another day. For now, what matters most is Kiwi's vastly approaching departure from the campsite and the journey he will soon embark on.

"Alright, that should be everything," Kiwi noted as he finished packing his things. "I'll be heading out now, are you sure you two don't want to head to bed?"

"We'll take turns resting and keeping an ear on the radio," answered Maxillo with a yawn. "You go ahead and rest up, Lian, I'll take the first shift."

"Uh... no, you won't," Lian disagreed. "Knowing how laid back you are, you'd probably fall asleep and leave Kiwi to the Beowolves."

"Ah come on, Lian," Maxillo begged. "Why can't you just trust me on this?"

"There's a multitude of reasons why," Lian replied.

"Really? Name one," Maxillo pressed as he crossed his arms.

"Apochros," Lian stated sternly. "And if that's not enough you can, by all means, head back to Shade and try talking to the masked man that still hates us for what happened. If not, then-"

"Alright, I get it," Maxillo said in defeat. "I'll just... shut my mouth and head to bed."

As Maxillo sat in his hammock, a confused Kiwi asked, "What's Apochros exactly?"

Both Lian and Maxillo perked their heads up, with Lian apologizing, "Oh right... my bad Kiwi, forgot that you were still here."

"That happens," Kiwi reassured with a sigh. "But, genuinely, what is this Apochros thing you two keep bringing up? And what exactly does it have to do with Pierce?"

"It's... uh..." Maxillo fumbled to give a proper response.

"It's complicated," Lian answered. "And maybe one day we'll tell you about it. Until then, just stay focused on the mission at hand. I'll be sitting right by the radio as usual, so if you ever need backup don't hesitate to call."

"I won't," Kiwi reassured with a smile. "Sleep tight, Maxillo."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Maxillo replied as he laid down in the hammock.

"Remember to stay safe, Kiwi," Lian firmly stated. "Stay out of trouble."

"Hey, you know me, Lian," Kiwi said with a pause as he started walking into the darkness of the desert. "I'm a magnet for trouble, but I'll do my best. See you!"

Meanwhile...

Many miles away from the DUNE campsite resided a large, almost canyon-like, ditch in the desert that served as the secretive base for the Swordfish bandit clan. Within the ditch resided an abandoned town, filled with several buildings ranging from small to large, all of which have been long forgotten and left to rot. Not too far behind the ditch was the ever-empty sea, which sat in complete silence and only reflected the light of the broken moon. All in all, the town was forever trapped in a lifeless and dull state, a fate that had been caused by whatever unforeseen storm or catastrophe that may have occurred in the past. And now, seemingly decades later, the broken town was bustling with the lives of dozens of bandits, albeit not out and about.